

April 8 was the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the surrender of Germany in World War II. Celebration was muffled by the need to avoid large crowds due to COVID-19. But along with that 1945 end of the European theater of war came the revelations of terrible atrocities. The Holocaust, the extermination of six million Jews, was one example. But our history books often leave out Aktion T4.

Aktion T4 was an involuntary euthanasia program. Hitler signed a “euthanasia note” that authorized German physicians to begin a program of so-called “mercy-killing” of patients “deemed incurably sick, after most critical medical examination.” From September 1939 until the war ended in 1945, approximately 300,000 people were killed under the Aktion T4 program.

This was to some extent the next “logical” step of&nbsp; the “Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring” enacted in 1933. That law had required forced sterilization of 360,000 persons with supposedly hereditary conditions that included: epilepsy, schizophrenia, Huntington's chorea, “imbecility” and other forms of “social deviance.” Now they could be killed.

A poster of the time announced: “60,000 Reichsmark is what this person suffering from a hereditary illness costs the People's community during his lifetime. Fellow citizen, that is your money too.” &nbsp;

Special “Hereditary Health Courts” made cursory review of persons in asylums, special schools, nursing homes, homes for the elderly, prisons, and hospitals where some babies were born with birth defects. The policy officially resulted in 93,521 “beds emptied” by the end of 1941. While many Germans did not know of the extent of these killings, some felt that schooling was becoming better because funding could now be shifted to better schools for better students.

The discussion then moved to the elderly who no longer could contribute to society and were likewise a drag on resources. An announcement by the Catholic Holy See at the end of 1940 found that this policy was contrary to Divine law: “the direct killing of an innocent person because of mental or physical defects is not allowed.” The German Bishop of Münster, Clemens von Galen led opposition in 1941, considered the most widespread protest against any policy of the Third Reich. His speech is preserved among the great speeches of mankind:

“If you establish and apply the principle that you can kill 'unproductive' fellow human beings then woe betide us all when we become old and frail! If one is allowed to kill the unproductive people then woe betide the invalids who have used up, sacrificed and lost their health and strength in the productive process. If one is allowed forcibly to remove one's unproductive fellow human beings then woe betide loyal soldiers who return to the homeland seriously disabled, as cripples, as invalids. If it is once accepted that people have the right to kill 'unproductive' fellow humans--and even if initially it only affects the poor defenseless mentally ill–then as a matter of principle murder is permitted for all unproductive people....”

Today, we would like to say that such ideas—that some human life is less valuable than others—are history. Yet, Nazis and fascists demonstrated in Charlottesville, Virginia in August, 2017. And we now hear arguments that pit economics against the lives of others.

Western cultures arrange political-economic philosophies along a Left-to-Right spectrum dating from the seating at the National Assembly of the French Revolution. But another spectrum that is probably more accurate here would be one of collectivist-to-individualistic communities. Collectivists emphasize the needs of the group rather than the needs of individuals. Individualists focus on themselves and care less for those outside their own family and group. Aktion T4 was individualist.

Despite a variety of governmental systems, the Asian countries of South Korea, Taiwan, China and Hong Kong are collectivist—willing to personally sacrifice to save others. You see few demands to open up prematurely. But in the individualistic countries, we hear a willingness to sacrifice our at-risk elderly (“their time is about up anyway”) and our health workers (“they chose a dangerous field”).

This is not the legalization of killing that existed with Aktion T4. But it helps us understand that this frame of mind did not end in 1945.



John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573490075841.jpeg" alt="John Richard Schrock" />
 <figcaption>John Richard Schrock</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN RICHARD SCHROCK

April 8 was the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the surrender of Germany in World War II. Celebration was muffled by the need to avoid large crowds due to COVID-19. But along with that 1945 end of the European theater of war came the revelations of terrible atrocities. The Holocaust, the extermination of six million Jews, was one example. But our history books often leave out Aktion T4.Aktion T4 was an involuntary euthanasia program. Hitler signed a “euthanasia note” that authorized German physicians to begin a program of so-called “mercy-killing” of patients “deemed incurably sick, after most critical medical examination.” From September 1939 until the war ended in 1945, approximately 300,000 people were killed under the Aktion T4 program.This was to some extent the next “logical” step of&nbsp; the “Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring” enacted in 1933. That law had required forced sterilization of 360,000 persons with supposedly hereditary conditions that included: epilepsy, schizophrenia, Huntington's chorea, “imbecility” and other forms of “social deviance.” Now they could be killed.A poster of the time announced: “60,000 Reichsmark is what this person suffering from a hereditary illness costs the People's community during his lifetime. Fellow citizen, that is your money too.” &nbsp;Special “Hereditary Health Courts” made cursory review of persons in asylums, special schools, nursing homes, homes for the elderly, prisons, and hospitals where some babies were born with birth defects. The policy officially resulted in 93,521 “beds emptied” by the end of 1941. While many Germans did not know of the extent of these killings, some felt that schooling was becoming better because funding could now be shifted to better schools for better students.The discussion then moved to the elderly who no longer could contribute to society and were likewise a drag on resources. An announcement by the Catholic Holy See at the end of 1940 found that this policy was contrary to Divine law: “the direct killing of an innocent person because of mental or physical defects is not allowed.” The German Bishop of Münster, Clemens von Galen led opposition in 1941, considered the most widespread protest against any policy of the Third Reich. His speech is preserved among the great speeches of mankind:“If you establish and apply the principle that you can kill 'unproductive' fellow human beings then woe betide us all when we become old and frail! If one is allowed to kill the unproductive people then woe betide the invalids who have used up, sacrificed and lost their health and strength in the productive process. If one is allowed forcibly to remove one's unproductive fellow human beings then woe betide loyal soldiers who return to the homeland seriously disabled, as cripples, as invalids. If it is once accepted that people have the right to kill 'unproductive' fellow humans--and even if initially it only affects the poor defenseless mentally ill–then as a matter of principle murder is permitted for all unproductive people....”Today, we would like to say that such ideas—that some human life is less valuable than others—are history. Yet, Nazis and fascists demonstrated in Charlottesville, Virginia in August, 2017. And we now hear arguments that pit economics against the lives of others.Western cultures arrange political-economic philosophies along a Left-to-Right spectrum dating from the seating at the National Assembly of the French Revolution. But another spectrum that is probably more accurate here would be one of collectivist-to-individualistic communities. Collectivists emphasize the needs of the group rather than the needs of individuals. Individualists focus on themselves and care less for those outside their own family and group. Aktion T4 was individualist.Despite a variety of governmental systems, the Asian countries of South Korea, Taiwan, China and Hong Kong are collectivist—willing to personally sacrifice to save others. You see few demands to open up prematurely. But in the individualistic countries, we hear a willingness to sacrifice our at-risk elderly (“their time is about up anyway”) and our health workers (“they chose a dangerous field”).This is not the legalization of killing that existed with Aktion T4. But it helps us understand that this frame of mind did not end in 1945.

John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

Ed. Frontlines: Aktion T4 and the individualistic community 

ABILENE – Memorial Health System’s Senior Life Solutions, an intensive outpatient group therapy program for seniors in Abilene, successfully made the transition to providing services remotely due to COVID-19 safety precautions.&nbsp; 

Senior Life Solutions began offering teletherapy to its patients on April 1 allowing them to receive the care they need while remaining safe and secure at home.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Teletherapy services are provided via telephone or computer by a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker. After an initial assessment, Senior Life Solutions individualizes a care plan for each patient where they meet up to three times per week in an encouraging, supportive setting.&nbsp; All Senior Life Solutions services are confidential and HIPAA compliant.&nbsp;

Jandi Wells, LPN, Program Director of Senior Life Solutions, said “Our new teletherapy services allow our patients to continue to reap the benefits of group and individual therapy but from the safety of their homes.&nbsp; During a group session, we all dial in on the phone or log in from a computer at the same time, and each patient has the opportunity to form a bond and sometimes even friendship with other members in the group who are experiencing similar life changes.”

The program is managed by a national behavioral healthcare management company, Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC, and was able to move so quickly to a remote environment as a result of PMC’s previous investment in telehealth services.&nbsp; Senior Life Solutions has incorporated telehealth into its care model for more than a decade.&nbsp;

Other Senior Life Solutions staff includes a board-certified psychiatrist, licensed social workers, and a registered nurse, dedicated to the emotional well-being of the seniors in the community. Individuals may benefit from the program if they are experiencing symptoms of age-related depression or anxiety, dealing with difficult life transitions, a recent health diagnosis, or the loss of a loved one.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wells added, “It is wonderful being part of a program that improves the quality of life for such a vulnerable population in our community, and emotional health services are needed more than ever during these difficult times.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Referrals to the program can be made by anyone, including a patient’s physician, family member, self-referral, or another healthcare professional.&nbsp; For more information, call 785-263-6805.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589766313776.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ABILENE – Memorial Health System’s Senior Life Solutions, an intensive outpatient group therapy program for seniors in Abilene, successfully made the transition to providing services remotely due to COVID-19 safety precautions.&nbsp; Senior Life Solutions began offering teletherapy to its patients on April 1 allowing them to receive the care they need while remaining safe and secure at home.&nbsp;&nbsp;Teletherapy services are provided via telephone or computer by a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker. After an initial assessment, Senior Life Solutions individualizes a care plan for each patient where they meet up to three times per week in an encouraging, supportive setting.&nbsp; All Senior Life Solutions services are confidential and HIPAA compliant.&nbsp;Jandi Wells, LPN, Program Director of Senior Life Solutions, said “Our new teletherapy services allow our patients to continue to reap the benefits of group and individual therapy but from the safety of their homes.&nbsp; During a group session, we all dial in on the phone or log in from a computer at the same time, and each patient has the opportunity to form a bond and sometimes even friendship with other members in the group who are experiencing similar life changes.”The program is managed by a national behavioral healthcare management company, Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC, and was able to move so quickly to a remote environment as a result of PMC’s previous investment in telehealth services.&nbsp; Senior Life Solutions has incorporated telehealth into its care model for more than a decade.&nbsp;Other Senior Life Solutions staff includes a board-certified psychiatrist, licensed social workers, and a registered nurse, dedicated to the emotional well-being of the seniors in the community. Individuals may benefit from the program if they are experiencing symptoms of age-related depression or anxiety, dealing with difficult life transitions, a recent health diagnosis, or the loss of a loved one.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wells added, “It is wonderful being part of a program that improves the quality of life for such a vulnerable population in our community, and emotional health services are needed more than ever during these difficult times.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Referrals to the program can be made by anyone, including a patient’s physician, family member, self-referral, or another healthcare professional.&nbsp; For more information, call 785-263-6805.

Senior Life Solutions offering teletherapy

Today is Monday, May 18, the 139th day of 2020. There are 227 days left in the year.

On May 18, 1980, the Mount St. Helens volcano in Washington state exploded, leaving 57 people dead or missing.

In 1863, the Siege of Vicksburg began during the Civil War, ending July 4 with a Union victory.

In 1896, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Plessy v. Ferguson, endorsed "separate but equal" racial segregation, a concept renounced 58 years later by Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka.

In 1910, Halley's Comet passed by earth, brushing it with its tail.

In 1911, composer-conductor Gustav Mahler died in Vienna, Austria, at age 50.

In 1920, Pope John Paul II was born Karol Wojtyla in Wadowice, Poland.

In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a measure creating the Tennessee Valley Authority.

In 1934, Congress approved, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed, the so-called "Lindbergh Act," providing for the death penalty in cases of interstate kidnapping.

In 1944, during World War II, Allied forces occupied Monte Cassino in Italy after a four-month struggle with Axis troops.

In 1953, Jacqueline Cochran, 47, became the first woman to break the sound barrier as she piloted a Canadair F-86 Sabre jet over Rogers Dry Lake, California.

In 1967, Tennessee Gov. Buford Ellington signed a measure repealing the law against teaching evolution that was used to prosecute John T. Scopes in 1925.

In 1973, Harvard law professor Archibald Cox was appointed Watergate special prosecutor by U.S. Attorney General Elliot Richardson.

In 1981, the New York Native, a gay newspaper, carried a story concerning rumors of "an exotic new disease" among homosexuals; it was the first published report about what came to be known as AIDS.

Ten years ago: Grilled by skeptical lawmakers, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar acknowledged his agency had been lax in overseeing offshore drilling activities, and that might have contributed to the disastrous oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. A suicide bomber detonated his vehicle near a U.S. convoy in Afghanistan, killing 18 people, including six troops — five from the U.S., one from Canada. Following a 2009 party switch, Sen. Arlen Specter was defeated in Pennsylvania's Democratic primary, ending his re-election bid.

Five years ago: President Barack Obama ended long-running federal transfers of some combat-style gear to local law enforcement in an attempt to ease tensions between police and minority communities, saying equipment made for the battlefield should not be a tool of American criminal justice. An 11-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco said a three-member panel of the same court should not have forced YouTube to take down an anti-Muslim film that sparked violence in the Middle East and death threats to actors.

One year ago: American diplomats warned that commercial airliners flying over the Persian Gulf risked being targeted by "miscalculation or misidentification" from the Iranian military amid heightened tensions between the Islamic Republic and the U.S. (A Ukrainian jetliner would be accidentally shot down by Iran's Revolutionary Guard eight months later, killing 176 people) After being bumped and interfered with in the Kentucky Derby, which led to the disqualification of first-place Derby finisher Maximum Security, War of Will bounced back to win the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore.

Today's Birthdays: Actress Priscilla Pointer is 96. Actor Robert Morse is 89. Actor Dwayne Hickman is 86. Baseball Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson is 82. Actress Candice Azzara is 79. Bluegrass singer-musician Rodney Dillard (The Dillards) is 78. Baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson is 74. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., is 72. Country singer Joe Bonsall (The Oak Ridge Boys) is 72. Rock musician Rick Wakeman (Yes) is 71. Rock singer Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo) is 70. Actor James Stephens is 69. Country singer George Strait is 68. Actor Chow Yun-Fat is 65. International Tennis Hall of Famer Yannick Noah is 60. Rock singer-musician Page Hamilton is 60. Contemporary Christian musician Barry Graul (MercyMe) is 59. Contemporary Christian singer Michael Tait is 54. Singer-actress Martika is 51. Comedian-writer Tina Fey is 50. Rock singer Jack Johnson is 45. Country singer David Nail is 41. Rhythm-and-blues singer Darryl Allen (Mista) is 40. Actor Matt Long is 40. Actor Allen Leech is 39. Christian-rock musician Kevin Huguley (Rush of Fools) is 38. Christian singer Francesca Battistelli is 35. Actor Spencer Breslin is 28. Actress Violett Beane is 24. Actress Hala Finley is 11.

Thought for Today: "Never do anything you wouldn't want to explain to the paramedics." — Author unknown.

<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 Monday, May 18, the 139th day of 2020. There are 227 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On May 18, 1980, the Mount St. Helens volcano in Washington state exploded, leaving 57 people dead or missing.On this date:In 1863, the Siege of Vicksburg began during the Civil War, ending July 4 with a Union victory.In 1896, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Plessy v. Ferguson, endorsed "separate but equal" racial segregation, a concept renounced 58 years later by Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka.In 1910, Halley's Comet passed by earth, brushing it with its tail.In 1911, composer-conductor Gustav Mahler died in Vienna, Austria, at age 50.In 1920, Pope John Paul II was born Karol Wojtyla in Wadowice, Poland.In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a measure creating the Tennessee Valley Authority.In 1934, Congress approved, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed, the so-called "Lindbergh Act," providing for the death penalty in cases of interstate kidnapping.In 1944, during World War II, Allied forces occupied Monte Cassino in Italy after a four-month struggle with Axis troops.In 1953, Jacqueline Cochran, 47, became the first woman to break the sound barrier as she piloted a Canadair F-86 Sabre jet over Rogers Dry Lake, California.In 1967, Tennessee Gov. Buford Ellington signed a measure repealing the law against teaching evolution that was used to prosecute John T. Scopes in 1925.In 1973, Harvard law professor Archibald Cox was appointed Watergate special prosecutor by U.S. Attorney General Elliot Richardson.In 1981, the New York Native, a gay newspaper, carried a story concerning rumors of "an exotic new disease" among homosexuals; it was the first published report about what came to be known as AIDS.Ten years ago: Grilled by skeptical lawmakers, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar acknowledged his agency had been lax in overseeing offshore drilling activities, and that might have contributed to the disastrous oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. A suicide bomber detonated his vehicle near a U.S. convoy in Afghanistan, killing 18 people, including six troops — five from the U.S., one from Canada. Following a 2009 party switch, Sen. Arlen Specter was defeated in Pennsylvania's Democratic primary, ending his re-election bid.Five years ago: President Barack Obama ended long-running federal transfers of some combat-style gear to local law enforcement in an attempt to ease tensions between police and minority communities, saying equipment made for the battlefield should not be a tool of American criminal justice. An 11-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco said a three-member panel of the same court should not have forced YouTube to take down an anti-Muslim film that sparked violence in the Middle East and death threats to actors.One year ago: American diplomats warned that commercial airliners flying over the Persian Gulf risked being targeted by "miscalculation or misidentification" from the Iranian military amid heightened tensions between the Islamic Republic and the U.S. (A Ukrainian jetliner would be accidentally shot down by Iran's Revolutionary Guard eight months later, killing 176 people) After being bumped and interfered with in the Kentucky Derby, which led to the disqualification of first-place Derby finisher Maximum Security, War of Will bounced back to win the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore.Today's Birthdays: Actress Priscilla Pointer is 96. Actor Robert Morse is 89. Actor Dwayne Hickman is 86. Baseball Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson is 82. Actress Candice Azzara is 79. Bluegrass singer-musician Rodney Dillard (The Dillards) is 78. Baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson is 74. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., is 72. Country singer Joe Bonsall (The Oak Ridge Boys) is 72. Rock musician Rick Wakeman (Yes) is 71. Rock singer Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo) is 70. Actor James Stephens is 69. Country singer George Strait is 68. Actor Chow Yun-Fat is 65. International Tennis Hall of Famer Yannick Noah is 60. Rock singer-musician Page Hamilton is 60. Contemporary Christian musician Barry Graul (MercyMe) is 59. Contemporary Christian singer Michael Tait is 54. Singer-actress Martika is 51. Comedian-writer Tina Fey is 50. Rock singer Jack Johnson is 45. Country singer David Nail is 41. Rhythm-and-blues singer Darryl Allen (Mista) is 40. Actor Matt Long is 40. Actor Allen Leech is 39. Christian-rock musician Kevin Huguley (Rush of Fools) is 38. Christian singer Francesca Battistelli is 35. Actor Spencer Breslin is 28. Actress Violett Beane is 24. Actress Hala Finley is 11.Thought for Today: "Never do anything you wouldn't want to explain to the paramedics." — Author unknown.Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- May 18

The Kansas Health Foundation, Wichita, announced recently that Saint Francis Ministries is one of the recipients of its annual Impact and Capacity Grant Initiative. 

This year, the Wichita-based organization is funding nonprofits across Kansas that work daily to improve health in the state as they respond to emergent needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are grateful that the Kansas Health Foundation saw the benefit of supporting expansion of Saint Francis’ tele-video capabilities to meet needs in Kansas,” said The Very Rev. Robert N. Smith, dean, president and CEO. “In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saint Francis has continued to provide essential care to more than 7,000 children in the state. Our work with children and families ensures the safety and wellbeing of those in our care and cannot stop for even one day without putting lives at risk.”

The $25,000 grant awarded to Saint Francis Ministries will be used to make sure that face-to-face counseling, therapy and treatment can be done through teleconferencing, which minimizes the risk of exposure to illness.

“It is imperative we continue building this telehealth and telecommunications infrastructure now in order to continue to provide effective services that will keep clients and employees safe,” said

Tom Blythe, president and COO. “We anticipate that COVID-19 distancing measures will be utilized far into the future. It’s important to prevent treatment and progress disruptions while maintaining safety and stability in the home.”

The KHF funds will be used to purchase HIPAA-compliant software and equipment. This allows Saint Francis Ministries to continue to provide critical services, including substance abuse treatment, therapy, counseling and anger management support, through the Saint Francis Ministries’ Outpatient Behavioral Health program. That program is open not just to the clients and families Saint Francis Ministries serves through foster care, family preservation, reintegration and adoption, but to anyone in Kansas.

“The KHF board embraced the opportunity to repurpose these funds to quickly react to the impact COVID-19 is having on our state,” said Matt Allen, chair of the KHF Board of Directors, in the organization’s press release. “These funds will assist organizations as they respond to Kansans in need and provide core operations support to sustain their organizations during these uniquely difficult financial times.”

“The Kansas Health Foundation is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the health of all Kansans. For more information about KHF, visit <a href="http://www.kansashealth.org">www.kansashealth.org</a>.”

The Kansas Health Foundation, Wichita, announced recently that Saint Francis Ministries is one of the recipients of its annual Impact and Capacity Grant Initiative. This year, the Wichita-based organization is funding nonprofits across Kansas that work daily to improve health in the state as they respond to emergent needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.“We are grateful that the Kansas Health Foundation saw the benefit of supporting expansion of Saint Francis’ tele-video capabilities to meet needs in Kansas,” said The Very Rev. Robert N. Smith, dean, president and CEO. “In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saint Francis has continued to provide essential care to more than 7,000 children in the state. Our work with children and families ensures the safety and wellbeing of those in our care and cannot stop for even one day without putting lives at risk.”The $25,000 grant awarded to Saint Francis Ministries will be used to make sure that face-to-face counseling, therapy and treatment can be done through teleconferencing, which minimizes the risk of exposure to illness.“It is imperative we continue building this telehealth and telecommunications infrastructure now in order to continue to provide effective services that will keep clients and employees safe,” saidTom Blythe, president and COO. “We anticipate that COVID-19 distancing measures will be utilized far into the future. It’s important to prevent treatment and progress disruptions while maintaining safety and stability in the home.”The KHF funds will be used to purchase HIPAA-compliant software and equipment. This allows Saint Francis Ministries to continue to provide critical services, including substance abuse treatment, therapy, counseling and anger management support, through the Saint Francis Ministries’ Outpatient Behavioral Health program. That program is open not just to the clients and families Saint Francis Ministries serves through foster care, family preservation, reintegration and adoption, but to anyone in Kansas.“The KHF board embraced the opportunity to repurpose these funds to quickly react to the impact COVID-19 is having on our state,” said Matt Allen, chair of the KHF Board of Directors, in the organization’s press release. “These funds will assist organizations as they respond to Kansans in need and provide core operations support to sustain their organizations during these uniquely difficult financial times.”“The Kansas Health Foundation is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the health of all Kansans. For more information about KHF, visit <a href="http://www.kansashealth.org">www.kansashealth.org</a>.”

KHF awards $25,000 grant to Saint Francis

If you missed today's graduation ceremonies for the classes of 2020 from Salina Central and Salina South, we've got you covered!

Earlier today, Shane McClintock and 99KG hosted on-air versions of the 2020 graduation ceremonies for Salina Central and Salina South. You can listen to them here:

<a href="https://s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com/digitalads/SalinaPost/Central2020Grad.mp3">Salina Central 2020 Graduation on 99KG</a>

<a href="https://s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com/digitalads/SalinaPost/South2020Grad.mp3">Salina South 2020 Graduation on 99KG</a>

If you missed today's graduation ceremonies for the classes of 2020 from Salina Central and Salina South, we've got you covered!Earlier today, Shane McClintock and 99KG hosted on-air versions of the 2020 graduation ceremonies for Salina Central and Salina South. You can listen to them here:<a href="https://s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com/digitalads/SalinaPost/Central2020Grad.mp3">Salina Central 2020 Graduation on 99KG</a><a href="https://s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com/digitalads/SalinaPost/South2020Grad.mp3">Salina South 2020 Graduation on 99KG</a>

Listen to Salina Central and Salina South graduation ceremonies here

Here is Sunday's COVID-19 update from Saline County:

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

Saline County has had 28 cases. Out of the total number of cases, four 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.

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, that goes into effect on May 18th, 2020, continues reopening efforts while still preserving some restrictions. The updated plan and frequently asked questions have been updated on our website <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>.

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:&nbsp;<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 is Sunday's COVID-19 update from Saline County:The Saline County Health Department does not have any additional cases of COVID-19 to report today.Saline County has had 28 cases. Out of the total number of cases, four 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.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, that goes into effect on May 18th, 2020, continues reopening efforts while still preserving some restrictions. The updated plan and frequently asked questions have been updated on our website <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>.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:&nbsp;<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: No new COVID-19 cases to report

The Salina City Commission is scheduled to consider an ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on future building permits in the Grand Prairie Addition during its meeting Monday.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Monday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street.&nbsp;Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will take place via telephone conference. Interested persons can watch the meeting via Salina Media Connection, either on Cox Cable channel 20 or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salinatv.org/">www.salinatv.org</a>&nbsp;or at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">City of Salina YouTube channel</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Persons wishing to participate in the meeting will need to dial (785) 621-0800 and enter participant code 782956 followed by #. Persons who wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, must dial *9 on their phones. This will alert the moderator, who will open the line.

Commissioners on Jan. 27 established a 60-day temporary moratorium on future building permits in excess of 35 total building permits in the first and second phases of the Grand Prairie Addition. When that moratorium expired on March 30, the commission established a second 60-day moratorium, which is scheduled to expire on June 2.

At issue is whether the Grand Prairie Addition as platted has appropriate emergency apparatus access as provided for in the city's fire code.

"Due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 directives from the Saline County Health Department and the Governor of Kansas, many public meetings were cancelled with very short notice. Of those meetings cancelled was the March 17, 2020 Planning Commission where the Grand Prairie replat was to be next acted upon. On March 25, 2020 the City Commission passed Resolution No. 20-7824 cancelling meetings of certain City of Salina boards, commissions, and committees in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency and the Governor's Executive Order No. 20-14," city commission meeting packet information noted.

City staff "is prepared to bring forward the Grand Prairie replat on June 2nd in a revised meeting format identical to that of the City Commission. June 2nd is the soonest this item can be brought forward in order to allow for proper meeting notification," the city commission background information noted.

Staff is proposing a 45-day moratorium that would begin June 3. The moratorium would allow time for the replat to be presented to the planning commission and to the city commission should the matter be forwarded.

Other items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday include the following.

•Consider a request to proclaim May 17-23, 2020, as National Public Works Week in the City of Salina. Jim Kowach, director of public works, is scheduled to read the proclamation.

•Consider a resolution resuming and rescheduling meeting of specific City of Salina subordinate boards and commissions administered by the Community and Development Services Department.

•A fieldhouse and camp Salina discussion.

To see the entire Salina City Commission agenda packet (53 pages) <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=445689&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

The Salina City Commission is scheduled to consider an ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on future building permits in the Grand Prairie Addition during its meeting Monday.The meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Monday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street.&nbsp;Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will take place via telephone conference. Interested persons can watch the meeting via Salina Media Connection, either on Cox Cable channel 20 or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salinatv.org/">www.salinatv.org</a>&nbsp;or at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">City of Salina YouTube channel</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Persons wishing to participate in the meeting will need to dial (785) 621-0800 and enter participant code 782956 followed by #. Persons who wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, must dial *9 on their phones. This will alert the moderator, who will open the line.Commissioners on Jan. 27 established a 60-day temporary moratorium on future building permits in excess of 35 total building permits in the first and second phases of the Grand Prairie Addition. When that moratorium expired on March 30, the commission established a second 60-day moratorium, which is scheduled to expire on June 2.At issue is whether the Grand Prairie Addition as platted has appropriate emergency apparatus access as provided for in the city's fire code."Due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 directives from the Saline County Health Department and the Governor of Kansas, many public meetings were cancelled with very short notice. Of those meetings cancelled was the March 17, 2020 Planning Commission where the Grand Prairie replat was to be next acted upon. On March 25, 2020 the City Commission passed Resolution No. 20-7824 cancelling meetings of certain City of Salina boards, commissions, and committees in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency and the Governor's Executive Order No. 20-14," city commission meeting packet information noted.City staff "is prepared to bring forward the Grand Prairie replat on June 2nd in a revised meeting format identical to that of the City Commission. June 2nd is the soonest this item can be brought forward in order to allow for proper meeting notification," the city commission background information noted.Staff is proposing a 45-day moratorium that would begin June 3. The moratorium would allow time for the replat to be presented to the planning commission and to the city commission should the matter be forwarded.Other items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday include the following.•Consider a request to proclaim May 17-23, 2020, as National Public Works Week in the City of Salina. Jim Kowach, director of public works, is scheduled to read the proclamation.•Consider a resolution resuming and rescheduling meeting of specific City of Salina subordinate boards and commissions administered by the Community and Development Services Department.•A fieldhouse and camp Salina discussion.To see the entire Salina City Commission agenda packet (53 pages) <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=445689&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

City to consider 3rd Grand Prairie moratorium

Weather History for Sunday, May 17, 2020, from the National Weather Service:

In 1896, an F5 tornado roared across 4 counties of extreme Northeast Kansas. 

The massive vortex ran a 100-mile marathon that averaged around three fourths of a mile wide. The tornado began in extreme south-central Washington County and tore northeast through Marshall, Nemaha, and Brown counties. 

When it barreled through Brown County, the monstrous vortex reached almost TWO AND A HALF MILES WIDE, and was visible for about half an hour as it passed 1 mile south of Frankfort in central Marshall County. 

It no doubt caused incredible devastation in Nemaha County, where Seneca and Sabetha took direct hits. In Seneca, the courthouse and a new school were totally destroyed and the opera house was leveled and swept from its foundation. Many farms vanished. 

In Northeast Kansas, 21 were killed and 200 were injured. The twister finally lifted near Falls City, Neb., where four more were killed. This brought the final death toll to 25 people.



Weather History for Sunday, May 17, 2020, from the National Weather Service:In 1896, an F5 tornado roared across 4 counties of extreme Northeast Kansas. The massive vortex ran a 100-mile marathon that averaged around three fourths of a mile wide. The tornado began in extreme south-central Washington County and tore northeast through Marshall, Nemaha, and Brown counties. When it barreled through Brown County, the monstrous vortex reached almost TWO AND A HALF MILES WIDE, and was visible for about half an hour as it passed 1 mile south of Frankfort in central Marshall County. It no doubt caused incredible devastation in Nemaha County, where Seneca and Sabetha took direct hits. In Seneca, the courthouse and a new school were totally destroyed and the opera house was leveled and swept from its foundation. Many farms vanished. In Northeast Kansas, 21 were killed and 200 were injured. The twister finally lifted near Falls City, Neb., where four more were killed. This brought the final death toll to 25 people.

This Day in Weather History: Massive F5 tornado in 1896

Salina Area Technical College has inducted 13 students into its chapter of the National Technical Honor Society.

To qualify for membership in the National Technical Honor Society, students must have at least a 3.5 GPA, be nominated by a faculty member and submit an essay about their community service activities and why they should be inducted.

• Ross Gasper, of Salina, Electrical Technology

• Grace Pfannenstiel, of Salina, Computer Aided Drafting

• Christopher Leger, of Salina, Computer Aided Drafting

• Peyton Harp, of Salina, Business Administrative Technology

• Fei Chen, of Salina, Business Administrative Technology

• Jessica Perez, of Salina, Business Administrative Technology

• Ryley Burkhart, of Salina, Welding Technology

• Zachery Ferris, of Chapman, Construction Technology

• Wesley Apostoloff, of Solomon, Construction Technology

• Sarah Sexton, of Salina, Medical Assistant

• Chantel Schuster, of Salina, Dental Assistant

• Shelby Horner, of Wichita, Dental Assistant

• Stephen Hughes, of Vilseck, Germany, Technical Studies

“Reading the nominations from the faculty, and the application essays from the students was especially inspiring this year,” said Jennifer Callis, vice president of student services. “These students were leaders in their classes, but when we had to close the campus, many took on additional responsibilities, such as regularly calling their fellow students to make sure they were doing OK.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589741911386.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Area Technical College has inducted 13 students into its chapter of the National Technical Honor Society.To qualify for membership in the National Technical Honor Society, students must have at least a 3.5 GPA, be nominated by a faculty member and submit an essay about their community service activities and why they should be inducted.The students inducted are:• Ross Gasper, of Salina, Electrical Technology• Grace Pfannenstiel, of Salina, Computer Aided Drafting• Christopher Leger, of Salina, Computer Aided Drafting• Peyton Harp, of Salina, Business Administrative Technology• Fei Chen, of Salina, Business Administrative Technology• Jessica Perez, of Salina, Business Administrative Technology• Ryley Burkhart, of Salina, Welding Technology• Zachery Ferris, of Chapman, Construction Technology• Wesley Apostoloff, of Solomon, Construction Technology• Sarah Sexton, of Salina, Medical Assistant• Chantel Schuster, of Salina, Dental Assistant• Shelby Horner, of Wichita, Dental Assistant• Stephen Hughes, of Vilseck, Germany, Technical Studies“Reading the nominations from the faculty, and the application essays from the students was especially inspiring this year,” said Jennifer Callis, vice president of student services. “These students were leaders in their classes, but when we had to close the campus, many took on additional responsibilities, such as regularly calling their fellow students to make sure they were doing OK.”

Salina Tech inducts 13 into National Technical Honor Society

These positions are full time with benefits. The positions available are:

Check out these jobs! To apply for these positions, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.russellstover.com/careers">www.russellstover.com/careers</a>.

Russell Stover Chocolates factory and store is located right of I-70 at exit 270 on the west side of Abilene, Kansas, and has been in business nationally since 1923.

Russell Stover Chocolates is an equal opportunity employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588967511121.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>These positions are full time with benefits. The positions available are:· 1st Shift Candy Makers· 2nd Shift Candy Makers· 1st Shift Kitchen Lead· 2nd Shift Service· 2nd Shift Packers· 2nd Shift Wrapping Lead· 2nd Shift Machine OperatorsCheck out these jobs! To apply for these positions, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.russellstover.com/careers">www.russellstover.com/careers</a>.Russell Stover Chocolates factory and store is located right of I-70 at exit 270 on the west side of Abilene, Kansas, and has been in business nationally since 1923.Russell Stover Chocolates is an equal opportunity employer.

Now That’s Rural: Lea Ann Seiler, Hodgeman County makerspace

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Lindsey Wood of Salina was among 3,417 graduates who received degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln during a virtual graduation celebration May 9.

Wood earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and Human Sciences with distinction from the College of Education and Human Sciences.

The May graduates are from 54 countries, 45 states and Puerto Rico, and 250 Nebraska communities.

Go Big Grad: A Husker Graduation Celebration featured a "Dream Big" address from John Cook, head coach of Nebraska volleyball, and appearances by special guests. At the end of the event, Chancellor Ronnie Green officially conferred degrees to students. The celebration can be viewed at&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/EAE/cXo/t.31o/E2ulk5DLQJiccliRk0P7jw/h0/aRUadLHLET-2FT6xeqh3DL6K7SQYRgpN4EqLI9me7jZGA-3D/mBSA" target="_blank">https://commencement.unl.edu</a>.

Diplomas will be mailed to graduates. New this year, May 2020 graduates will be able to download and share their digital diploma. Details will be available soon at&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/EAE/cXo/t.31o/E2ulk5DLQJiccliRk0P7jw/h1/uBY5PAXi0-2FQdUuDPHiQJgZ8ZSAabrYLz4ZZu8OziU9Hrulxuv10bPkH7pPiEUt49/O0nn" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/digitaldiploma</a>.

All May 2020 graduates are invited to participate in a future commencement ceremony, and those plans are in the works.

For a complete list of graduates, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/EAE/cXo/t.31o/E2ulk5DLQJiccliRk0P7jw/h2/uBY5PAXi0-2FQdUuDPHiQJgZ8ZSAabrYLz4ZZu8OziU9Hrulxuv10bPkH7pPiEUt49/xgmG" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/grads-may20</a>.

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Lindsey Wood of Salina was among 3,417 graduates who received degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln during a virtual graduation celebration May 9.Wood earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and Human Sciences with distinction from the College of Education and Human Sciences.The May graduates are from 54 countries, 45 states and Puerto Rico, and 250 Nebraska communities.Go Big Grad: A Husker Graduation Celebration featured a "Dream Big" address from John Cook, head coach of Nebraska volleyball, and appearances by special guests. At the end of the event, Chancellor Ronnie Green officially conferred degrees to students. The celebration can be viewed at&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/EAE/cXo/t.31o/E2ulk5DLQJiccliRk0P7jw/h0/aRUadLHLET-2FT6xeqh3DL6K7SQYRgpN4EqLI9me7jZGA-3D/mBSA" target="_blank">https://commencement.unl.edu</a>.Diplomas will be mailed to graduates. New this year, May 2020 graduates will be able to download and share their digital diploma. Details will be available soon at&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/EAE/cXo/t.31o/E2ulk5DLQJiccliRk0P7jw/h1/uBY5PAXi0-2FQdUuDPHiQJgZ8ZSAabrYLz4ZZu8OziU9Hrulxuv10bPkH7pPiEUt49/O0nn" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/digitaldiploma</a>.All May 2020 graduates are invited to participate in a future commencement ceremony, and those plans are in the works.For a complete list of graduates, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/EAE/cXo/t.31o/E2ulk5DLQJiccliRk0P7jw/h2/uBY5PAXi0-2FQdUuDPHiQJgZ8ZSAabrYLz4ZZu8OziU9Hrulxuv10bPkH7pPiEUt49/xgmG" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/grads-may20</a>.

Salina's Wood graduates from University of Nebraska-Lincoln

WICHITA – When Rebecca McMahon saw a newspaper article in March indicating that garden stores in Wichita were already selling out of supplies, she had an idea what was going on.

The state’s stay-at-home order as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic was inspiring many homeowners to plant their own garden, she thought.

So McMahon, the horticultural food crops agent for K-State Research and Extension’s Sedgwick County office, quickly made plans to help out. In April, she launched an eight-week online gardening course, titled Victory Garden 101, to set up aspiring gardeners for success.

“The topics are geared toward first-time gardeners, or those who have dabbled in the past without a whole of success, and at the time were taking advantage of the stay-at-home order to jump back into vegetable gardening,” McMahon said. “But anyone who gardens knows that there is always something more to learn.”

The live class is being held on Tuesday evenings through the end of May, but all of the lessons are available for free, seven days a week on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sedgwick.k-state.edu/gardening-lawn-care/fruits-vegetables-nuts/victorygarden101.html" target="_blank">Sedgwick County extension office’s website</a>.

As of early May, people from across the United States were still signing up for the course, using the online videos to catch up to current course content. McMahon said there were 820 participants in the class as of May 5.

“Everyone can access the materials on the website, but they need to register if they want email updates and the chance to join the live class,” McMahon said.

The concept of a Victory Garden dates back to World War II when Americans were encouraged to plant a home garden to provide a certain amount of their food during a time when many of the country’s agricultural products were being used to support the military.

“I saw a statistic that indicated about 40 percent of fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans at that time were provided by Victory Gardens during World War II,” McMahon said. “That’s a huge number.”

Similarly, the basis for McMahon’s class is to encourage consumers to grow some of their own food, adding to their community’s food security, while also saving a little money on their grocery bill.

“Gardening is a great thing anytime, pandemic or not,” McMahon said. “I encourage folks to pick up vegetable gardening as a great opportunity for learning for their kids, activity for themselves and a great way to add vegetables and healthy foods to your diet.”

McMahon noted that it doesn’t take a lot of room to grow a few vegetables or other garden crop. People who live in apartments can grow vegetables or other crops in small containers on a balcony or patio, for example.

“Even in a small yard, you can grow a few things,” she said. “You don’t have to till up a rectangular section of your yard in order to have a garden.”

McMahon added that the weekly lessons provide a nifty template for getting started. Starting with week one, Victory Garden 101 is leading gardeners through preparing a site, planning the garden, growing your own salad, tips for great tomatoes, using vertical space, watering, and dealing with insect of disease problems.

It’s also not too late to get some of Kansans’ favorites into the ground.

“Right now is a great time to plant tomatoes and green beans,” McMahon said. “And over the next couple weeks, other warm season vegetables like cucumbers, squash, melons, peppers and eggplant can be planted.”

For ideas on what can be planted in Kansas – and the best time to do so – interested persons should read the&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/mf315.pdf" target="_blank">Vegetable Garden Planting Guide</a>, published through K-State Research and Extension. McMahon notes that the third page of that guide has a planting calendar that serves as an easy-to-use reference for planting fruits and vegetables.

“I really encourage people to start with some leafy greens because they grow to maturity a lot faster than other crops,” McMahon said. “Plus, they’re a short project. If you grow some lettuce and after harvesting it in 50 to 60 days you decide this gardening thing is not for you, then you haven’t invested too much time and you still got something out of it.

“Tomatoes, potatoes and squash…they’re flashy vegetables, but they are an investment of time, and you have a lot of gardening work to do to get to your harvest endpoint.”

For more information regarding gardening, interested persons are also encouraged to join the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/victorygarden101/" target="_blank">Victory Garden 101 Facebook page</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589680350296.jpeg" alt="A screen shot of one of the free Victory Garden 101 online classes. Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>A screen shot of one of the free Victory Garden 101 online classes. Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA – When Rebecca McMahon saw a newspaper article in March indicating that garden stores in Wichita were already selling out of supplies, she had an idea what was going on.The state’s stay-at-home order as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic was inspiring many homeowners to plant their own garden, she thought.So McMahon, the horticultural food crops agent for K-State Research and Extension’s Sedgwick County office, quickly made plans to help out. In April, she launched an eight-week online gardening course, titled Victory Garden 101, to set up aspiring gardeners for success.“The topics are geared toward first-time gardeners, or those who have dabbled in the past without a whole of success, and at the time were taking advantage of the stay-at-home order to jump back into vegetable gardening,” McMahon said. “But anyone who gardens knows that there is always something more to learn.”The live class is being held on Tuesday evenings through the end of May, but all of the lessons are available for free, seven days a week on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sedgwick.k-state.edu/gardening-lawn-care/fruits-vegetables-nuts/victorygarden101.html" target="_blank">Sedgwick County extension office’s website</a>.As of early May, people from across the United States were still signing up for the course, using the online videos to catch up to current course content. McMahon said there were 820 participants in the class as of May 5.“Everyone can access the materials on the website, but they need to register if they want email updates and the chance to join the live class,” McMahon said.The concept of a Victory Garden dates back to World War II when Americans were encouraged to plant a home garden to provide a certain amount of their food during a time when many of the country’s agricultural products were being used to support the military.“I saw a statistic that indicated about 40 percent of fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans at that time were provided by Victory Gardens during World War II,” McMahon said. “That’s a huge number.”Similarly, the basis for McMahon’s class is to encourage consumers to grow some of their own food, adding to their community’s food security, while also saving a little money on their grocery bill.“Gardening is a great thing anytime, pandemic or not,” McMahon said. “I encourage folks to pick up vegetable gardening as a great opportunity for learning for their kids, activity for themselves and a great way to add vegetables and healthy foods to your diet.”McMahon noted that it doesn’t take a lot of room to grow a few vegetables or other garden crop. People who live in apartments can grow vegetables or other crops in small containers on a balcony or patio, for example.“Even in a small yard, you can grow a few things,” she said. “You don’t have to till up a rectangular section of your yard in order to have a garden.”McMahon added that the weekly lessons provide a nifty template for getting started. Starting with week one, Victory Garden 101 is leading gardeners through preparing a site, planning the garden, growing your own salad, tips for great tomatoes, using vertical space, watering, and dealing with insect of disease problems.It’s also not too late to get some of Kansans’ favorites into the ground.“Right now is a great time to plant tomatoes and green beans,” McMahon said. “And over the next couple weeks, other warm season vegetables like cucumbers, squash, melons, peppers and eggplant can be planted.”For ideas on what can be planted in Kansas – and the best time to do so – interested persons should read the&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/mf315.pdf" target="_blank">Vegetable Garden Planting Guide</a>, published through K-State Research and Extension. McMahon notes that the third page of that guide has a planting calendar that serves as an easy-to-use reference for planting fruits and vegetables.“I really encourage people to start with some leafy greens because they grow to maturity a lot faster than other crops,” McMahon said. “Plus, they’re a short project. If you grow some lettuce and after harvesting it in 50 to 60 days you decide this gardening thing is not for you, then you haven’t invested too much time and you still got something out of it.“Tomatoes, potatoes and squash…they’re flashy vegetables, but they are an investment of time, and you have a lot of gardening work to do to get to your harvest endpoint.”For more information regarding gardening, interested persons are also encouraged to join the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/victorygarden101/" target="_blank">Victory Garden 101 Facebook page</a>.

Free online Victory Garden 101 course popular

Today is Sunday, May 17, the 138th day of 2020. There are 228 days left in the year.

On May 17, 1792, the New York Stock Exchange had its beginnings as a group of brokers met under a tree on Wall Street and signed the Buttonwood Agreement.

In 1510, early Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli died in Florence, Italy; he was probably in his mid 60s.

In 1536, Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer declared the marriage of England's King Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn invalid after she failed to produce a male heir; Boleyn, already condemned for high treason, was executed two days later.

In 1946, President Harry S. Truman seized control of the nation's railroads, delaying — but not preventing — a threatened strike by engineers and trainmen.

In 1954, a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court handed down its Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka decision which held that racially segregated public schools were inherently unequal, and therefore unconstitutional.

In 1973, a special committee convened by the U.S. Senate began its televised hearings into the Watergate scandal.

In 1980, rioting that claimed 18 lives erupted in Miami's Liberty City after an all-white jury in Tampa acquitted four former Miami police officers of fatally beating black insurance executive Arthur McDuffie.

In 1987, 37 American sailors were killed when an Iraqi warplane attacked the U.S. Navy frigate Stark in the Persian Gulf. (Iraq apologized for the attack, calling it a mistake, and paid more than $27 million in compensation.)

In 1992, orchestra leader Lawrence Welk died in Santa Monica, Calif., at age 89.

In 1995, Jacques Chirac was sworn in as president of France, ending the 14-year tenure of Socialist Francois Mitterrand .

In 1996, President Bill Clinton signed a measure requiring neighborhood notification when sex offenders move in. ("Megan's Law," as it's known, was named for Megan Kanka, a 7-year-old New Jersey girl who was raped and murdered in 1994.)

In 2002, former President Jimmy Carter ended a historic visit to Cuba sharply at odds with the Bush administration over how to deal with Fidel Castro, saying limits on tourism and trade often hurt Americans more than Cubans.

In 2004, Massachusetts became the first state to allow same-sex marriages.

Ten years ago: The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that young people serving life prison terms should have "a meaningful opportunity to obtain release" provided they didn't kill their victims. Laura Silsby, the last of 10 Americans detained while trying to take 33 children out of Haiti after the Jan. 2010 earthquake, was freed after a judge sentenced her to time already served.

Five years ago: A shootout erupted between bikers and police outside a restaurant in Waco, Texas, leaving nine of the bikers dead and 20 people injured. The contested city of Ramadi, capital of Iraq's largest province, fell to the Islamic State group in a major loss despite intensified U.S.-led airstrikes. Pope Francis canonized Sisters Mariam Bawardy and Marie Alphonsine Ghattas, two nuns from what was 19th-century Palestine, in hopes of encouraging Christians across the Middle East who were facing a wave of persecution from Islamic extremists.

One year ago: Herman Wouk, the Pulitzer Prize winning author of "The Caine Mutiny" and "The Winds of War," died at his California home; he was 103. With a score of 128 after the second round of the PGA Championship, Brooks Koepka achieved the lowest 36-hole score in major championship history, and the largest lead (seven shots) of anyone at the halfway point of a Grand Slam event in 85 years. (Koepka would win the event for a second straight year.) Taiwan's legislature voted to legalize same-sex marriage, making Taiwan the first place in Asia with a law that allowed and spelled out the terms of same-sex marriage. The owners of the pet known as Grumpy Cat, an internet sensation because of her sourpuss expression, announced on social media that the feline had died at her Arizona home at the age of seven.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Peter Gerety is 80. Singer Taj Mahal is 78. Rock musician Bill Bruford is 71. Singer-musician George Johnson (The Brothers Johnson) is 67. TV personality Kathleen Sullivan is 67. Boxing Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard is 64. Actor-comedian Bob Saget is 64. Sports announcer Jim Nantz is 61. Producer Simon Fuller (TV: "American Idol") is 60. Singer Enya is 59. Actor-comedian Craig Ferguson is 58. Rock singer-musician Page McConnell is 57. Actor David Eigenberg is 56. Singer-musician Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) is 55. Actress Paige Turco is 55. Rhythm-and-blues musician O'Dell (Mint Condition) is 55. Actor Hill Harper is 54. TV personality/interior designer Thom Filicia is 51. Singer Jordan Knight is 50. Rhythm-and-blues singer Darnell Van Rensalier (Shai) is 50. Actress Sasha Alexander is 47. Rock singer-musician Josh Homme is 47. Rock singer Andrea Corr (The Corrs) is 46. Actor Sendhil Ramamurthy is 46. Actress Rochelle Aytes is 44. Singer Kandi Burruss is 44. Actress Kat Foster is 42. Actress Ayda Field is 41. Actress Ginger Gonzaga is 37. Folk-rock singer/songwriter Passenger is 36. Dancer-choreographer Derek Hough is 35. Actor Tahj Mowry is 34. Actress Nikki Reed is 32. Singer Kree Harrison (TV: "American Idol") is 30. Actress Leven Rambin is 30. Actress Samantha Browne-Walters is 29. Actor Justin Martin is 26.

Thought for Today: "If an article is attractive, or useful, or inexpensive, they'll stop making it tomorrow; if it's all three, they stopped making it yesterday." — Mignon McLaughlin, American journalist (1913-1983).

<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 Sunday, May 17, the 138th day of 2020. There are 228 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On May 17, 1792, the New York Stock Exchange had its beginnings as a group of brokers met under a tree on Wall Street and signed the Buttonwood Agreement.On this date:In 1510, early Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli died in Florence, Italy; he was probably in his mid 60s.In 1536, Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer declared the marriage of England's King Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn invalid after she failed to produce a male heir; Boleyn, already condemned for high treason, was executed two days later.In 1946, President Harry S. Truman seized control of the nation's railroads, delaying — but not preventing — a threatened strike by engineers and trainmen.In 1954, a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court handed down its Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka decision which held that racially segregated public schools were inherently unequal, and therefore unconstitutional.In 1973, a special committee convened by the U.S. Senate began its televised hearings into the Watergate scandal.In 1980, rioting that claimed 18 lives erupted in Miami's Liberty City after an all-white jury in Tampa acquitted four former Miami police officers of fatally beating black insurance executive Arthur McDuffie.In 1987, 37 American sailors were killed when an Iraqi warplane attacked the U.S. Navy frigate Stark in the Persian Gulf. (Iraq apologized for the attack, calling it a mistake, and paid more than $27 million in compensation.)In 1992, orchestra leader Lawrence Welk died in Santa Monica, Calif., at age 89.In 1995, Jacques Chirac was sworn in as president of France, ending the 14-year tenure of Socialist Francois Mitterrand .In 1996, President Bill Clinton signed a measure requiring neighborhood notification when sex offenders move in. ("Megan's Law," as it's known, was named for Megan Kanka, a 7-year-old New Jersey girl who was raped and murdered in 1994.)In 2002, former President Jimmy Carter ended a historic visit to Cuba sharply at odds with the Bush administration over how to deal with Fidel Castro, saying limits on tourism and trade often hurt Americans more than Cubans.In 2004, Massachusetts became the first state to allow same-sex marriages.Ten years ago: The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that young people serving life prison terms should have "a meaningful opportunity to obtain release" provided they didn't kill their victims. Laura Silsby, the last of 10 Americans detained while trying to take 33 children out of Haiti after the Jan. 2010 earthquake, was freed after a judge sentenced her to time already served.Five years ago: A shootout erupted between bikers and police outside a restaurant in Waco, Texas, leaving nine of the bikers dead and 20 people injured. The contested city of Ramadi, capital of Iraq's largest province, fell to the Islamic State group in a major loss despite intensified U.S.-led airstrikes. Pope Francis canonized Sisters Mariam Bawardy and Marie Alphonsine Ghattas, two nuns from what was 19th-century Palestine, in hopes of encouraging Christians across the Middle East who were facing a wave of persecution from Islamic extremists.One year ago: Herman Wouk, the Pulitzer Prize winning author of "The Caine Mutiny" and "The Winds of War," died at his California home; he was 103. With a score of 128 after the second round of the PGA Championship, Brooks Koepka achieved the lowest 36-hole score in major championship history, and the largest lead (seven shots) of anyone at the halfway point of a Grand Slam event in 85 years. (Koepka would win the event for a second straight year.) Taiwan's legislature voted to legalize same-sex marriage, making Taiwan the first place in Asia with a law that allowed and spelled out the terms of same-sex marriage. The owners of the pet known as Grumpy Cat, an internet sensation because of her sourpuss expression, announced on social media that the feline had died at her Arizona home at the age of seven.Today's Birthdays: Actor Peter Gerety is 80. Singer Taj Mahal is 78. Rock musician Bill Bruford is 71. Singer-musician George Johnson (The Brothers Johnson) is 67. TV personality Kathleen Sullivan is 67. Boxing Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard is 64. Actor-comedian Bob Saget is 64. Sports announcer Jim Nantz is 61. Producer Simon Fuller (TV: "American Idol") is 60. Singer Enya is 59. Actor-comedian Craig Ferguson is 58. Rock singer-musician Page McConnell is 57. Actor David Eigenberg is 56. Singer-musician Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) is 55. Actress Paige Turco is 55. Rhythm-and-blues musician O'Dell (Mint Condition) is 55. Actor Hill Harper is 54. TV personality/interior designer Thom Filicia is 51. Singer Jordan Knight is 50. Rhythm-and-blues singer Darnell Van Rensalier (Shai) is 50. Actress Sasha Alexander is 47. Rock singer-musician Josh Homme is 47. Rock singer Andrea Corr (The Corrs) is 46. Actor Sendhil Ramamurthy is 46. Actress Rochelle Aytes is 44. Singer Kandi Burruss is 44. Actress Kat Foster is 42. Actress Ayda Field is 41. Actress Ginger Gonzaga is 37. Folk-rock singer/songwriter Passenger is 36. Dancer-choreographer Derek Hough is 35. Actor Tahj Mowry is 34. Actress Nikki Reed is 32. Singer Kree Harrison (TV: "American Idol") is 30. Actress Leven Rambin is 30. Actress Samantha Browne-Walters is 29. Actor Justin Martin is 26.Thought for Today: "If an article is attractive, or useful, or inexpensive, they'll stop making it tomorrow; if it's all three, they stopped making it yesterday." — Mignon McLaughlin, American journalist (1913-1983).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- May 17

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

We recognize that graduation ceremonies were planned to occur today for many of our High Schools. While in-person ceremonies have been postponed, we want to extend our congratulatory wishes to all graduates.

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. The updated plan and frequently asked questions have been updated on our website <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>.

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 Saturday's COVID-19 update from Saline County:The Saline County Health Department does not have any additional cases of COVID-19 to report today.Saline County has had 28 cases. Out of the total number of cases, four 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.We recognize that graduation ceremonies were planned to occur today for many of our High Schools. While in-person ceremonies have been postponed, we want to extend our congratulatory wishes to all graduates.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. The updated plan and frequently asked questions have been updated on our website <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>.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.

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