Boundary guideline changes and the addition of girls' wrestling are among the agenda items on the Salina USD 305 Board of Education agenda for Tuesday.

The meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday. Due to the current events regarding COVID-19, the meeting will be an online, virtual meeting.

To access the meeting, enter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd305.com/about_us/board_of_education/livestream" target="_blank">https://www.usd305.com/about_us/board_of_education/livestream</a>&nbsp;into your Internet browser.

As per board policy BCBI – Public Participation, the board may allow public comments. During the board's virtual meetings, the board will not open the meetings for comments; however, patrons are encouraged to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd305.com/about_us/board_of_education" target="_blank">email the board with comments.</a>

The board is being asked to consider adjusting the boundaries for Oakdale Elementary School and Meadowlark Elementary School. According to information in the <a href="https://www.usd305.com/about_us/board_of_education/meeting_agenda">meeting packet</a>, USD 305 district office staff have been reviewing enrollment trends in relationship to school boundaries and have determined that the boundaries for Oakdale and Meadowlark should be changed.

In explaining the boundary change recommendation, staff wrote, "While Oakdale’s enrollment has declined the last three years, Meadowlark’s enrollment has increased. Based on the enrollment trends in the two buildings, it does not appear the balance in enrollment will improve without boundary adjustments. In fact, the imbalance will likely increase."

The board also is scheduled to consider a recommendation from the USD 305 Athletic Board to officially add girls' wrestling to high school athletics in the district.

Information provided in the meeting packet noted that in April 2019, the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) Board of Directors voted to offer girls’ wrestling as a sanctioned sport beginning in the 2019-2020 school year. 

"Prior to the 2019-2020 school year, USD 305 opened our Boys’ Wrestling program to both boys and girls. Historically we have some girls choose to compete with the boys. However, with the addition of Girls’ Wrestling through KSHSAA, including meets and their own state competition; we expect that number to rise. For the 2019-2020 season, Central High had six female athletes wrestle with one going to state competition. South High had two female athletes begin the season, but both athletes chose not to continue," district staff noted in the meeting packet information.

To see the entire USD 305 board meeting packet for Tuesday, <a href="https://www.usd305.com/about_us/board_of_education/meeting_agenda">click here</a>.

Boundary guideline changes and the addition of girls' wrestling are among the agenda items on the Salina USD 305 Board of Education agenda for Tuesday.The meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday. Due to the current events regarding COVID-19, the meeting will be an online, virtual meeting.To access the meeting, enter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd305.com/about_us/board_of_education/livestream" target="_blank">https://www.usd305.com/about_us/board_of_education/livestream</a>&nbsp;into your Internet browser.As per board policy BCBI – Public Participation, the board may allow public comments. During the board's virtual meetings, the board will not open the meetings for comments; however, patrons are encouraged to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd305.com/about_us/board_of_education" target="_blank">email the board with comments.</a>The board is being asked to consider adjusting the boundaries for Oakdale Elementary School and Meadowlark Elementary School. According to information in the <a href="https://www.usd305.com/about_us/board_of_education/meeting_agenda">meeting packet</a>, USD 305 district office staff have been reviewing enrollment trends in relationship to school boundaries and have determined that the boundaries for Oakdale and Meadowlark should be changed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587951343721.jpeg" alt="Headcount enrollment trends courtesy USD 305" />
 <figcaption>Headcount enrollment trends courtesy USD 305</figcaption>
 </figure>In explaining the boundary change recommendation, staff wrote, "While Oakdale’s enrollment has declined the last three years, Meadowlark’s enrollment has increased. Based on the enrollment trends in the two buildings, it does not appear the balance in enrollment will improve without boundary adjustments. In fact, the imbalance will likely increase."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586908241934.jpeg" alt="The current boundaries. School boundary maps courtesy USD 305" />
 <figcaption>The current boundaries. School boundary maps courtesy USD 305</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586908094835.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The board also is scheduled to consider a recommendation from the USD 305 Athletic Board to officially add girls' wrestling to high school athletics in the district.Information provided in the meeting packet noted that in April 2019, the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) Board of Directors voted to offer girls’ wrestling as a sanctioned sport beginning in the 2019-2020 school year. "Prior to the 2019-2020 school year, USD 305 opened our Boys’ Wrestling program to both boys and girls. Historically we have some girls choose to compete with the boys. However, with the addition of Girls’ Wrestling through KSHSAA, including meets and their own state competition; we expect that number to rise. For the 2019-2020 season, Central High had six female athletes wrestle with one going to state competition. South High had two female athletes begin the season, but both athletes chose not to continue," district staff noted in the meeting packet information.To see the entire USD 305 board meeting packet for Tuesday, <a href="https://www.usd305.com/about_us/board_of_education/meeting_agenda">click here</a>.

Girls' wrestling, boundaries on USD 305 agenda



Where did the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 come from? Several research biochemists conducted analyses trying to relate the gene sequences of this virus with the vast number of host genetic sequences that have been posted in online databanks.

But it was a surprise when, on Jan. 22, barely three weeks after China had reported the unusual pneumonia-like new infection to the WHO, and only 10 days after the genome of the virus had been released by China researchers, five co-authors published their analysis stating that the new virus had transferred from bats to humans through an intermediate animal: snakes! Their paper “Cross-species transmission of the newly identified coronavirus 2019-nCoV” was published in the&nbsp;Journal of Medical Virology. They based their conclusion on the coronavirus genetic information having the “most similar codon usage bias with snakes.”&nbsp; This conclusion was soon dismissed by the wider science community. These researchers may have been good at biochemistry but apparently knew little about snakes. &nbsp;

On April 14, in the journal&nbsp;Molecular Biology and Evolution, a researcher from the University of Ottawa in Canada published his own investigation and claimed dogs were the intermediate host.&nbsp; He had scanned the genetic code of SARS-CoV-2 for the number of times cytosine is followed by guanine and deduced that it contains fewer such sites, ultimately pointing towards dogs having been the likely intermediate animal that would place evolutionary pressure on the virus to shed these sites. However, only a few cases of this disease have appeared in dogs and they do not appear to be contagious to humans. Simply, the biology does not back up the molecular mathematics. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, a so-called “documentary” published by the&nbsp;Epoch Times&nbsp;(a paper that articulates Falun Gong views, used published papers on coronavirus genomes to locate one similarity related to SARS and used this to charge that the Wuhan Institute of Virology was a biowarfare facility. But one molecular similarity proves nothing, you don’t publish bioweaponry in international journals open to all to read, and Western virology researchers were continually visiting and working in that lab. This was nonsense.

But the first two cases reveal today’s science problem of both overspecialization and problems in journal peer review.

As a new professor long ago, I sat among faculty at our regular seminars where guest scientists presented new research. This speaker elaborated a newfound metabolic pathway for a process in the liver. During the question session, I asked “What animal was this liver from?”

“I don’t know. Some sort of bird, maybe,” he replied.

I glanced at my faculty colleagues who likewise were raising their eyebrows. They also knew that it can make a big difference which critter you are working with. Livers and their pathways may differ for a human, a bird, a snake or a dog. He was a “biochemist” but there was not much biology in his chemistry. He should have either been trained broader, or partnered with a biologist. And this is the problem with the snake and dog papers above that made claims beyond their evidence. Because such work can cause unnecessary worry among pet communities and also fuel conspiracy theories, China is imposing more review of such origin-of-virus research. Although the West characterizes it as censorship, it is really a matter of better peer review.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Did those first two papers undergo adequate peer review? How were they able to make their assertions about snakes or dogs being intermediate hosts of this new virus when they lacked actual direct support by research in those animals? There are “predatory journals” where peer review does not exist, or journals that accept the suggestions of the author(s) for peer reviewers. But these are legitimate journals. Were their biochemist reviewers all-chemistry-and-no-biology?

I recently read an article on monarch butterflies in the respected journal&nbsp;Science&nbsp;that had absolutely no data to support its speculations. Where was the adequate peer review.

Unfortunately, across the Western world, some “biology” departments lack zoologists, botanists and other organismic biologists; their faculty are mostly chemists. Maybe getting butterfly biology wrong is no big deal. But getting the intermediate host of this coronavirus wrong—is a big deal. &nbsp;



<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

Where did the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 come from? Several research biochemists conducted analyses trying to relate the gene sequences of this virus with the vast number of host genetic sequences that have been posted in online databanks.But it was a surprise when, on Jan. 22, barely three weeks after China had reported the unusual pneumonia-like new infection to the WHO, and only 10 days after the genome of the virus had been released by China researchers, five co-authors published their analysis stating that the new virus had transferred from bats to humans through an intermediate animal: snakes! Their paper “Cross-species transmission of the newly identified coronavirus 2019-nCoV” was published in the&nbsp;Journal of Medical Virology. They based their conclusion on the coronavirus genetic information having the “most similar codon usage bias with snakes.”&nbsp; This conclusion was soon dismissed by the wider science community. These researchers may have been good at biochemistry but apparently knew little about snakes. &nbsp;On April 14, in the journal&nbsp;Molecular Biology and Evolution, a researcher from the University of Ottawa in Canada published his own investigation and claimed dogs were the intermediate host.&nbsp; He had scanned the genetic code of SARS-CoV-2 for the number of times cytosine is followed by guanine and deduced that it contains fewer such sites, ultimately pointing towards dogs having been the likely intermediate animal that would place evolutionary pressure on the virus to shed these sites. However, only a few cases of this disease have appeared in dogs and they do not appear to be contagious to humans. Simply, the biology does not back up the molecular mathematics. &nbsp;Meanwhile, a so-called “documentary” published by the&nbsp;Epoch Times&nbsp;(a paper that articulates Falun Gong views, used published papers on coronavirus genomes to locate one similarity related to SARS and used this to charge that the Wuhan Institute of Virology was a biowarfare facility. But one molecular similarity proves nothing, you don’t publish bioweaponry in international journals open to all to read, and Western virology researchers were continually visiting and working in that lab. This was nonsense.But the first two cases reveal today’s science problem of both overspecialization and problems in journal peer review.As a new professor long ago, I sat among faculty at our regular seminars where guest scientists presented new research. This speaker elaborated a newfound metabolic pathway for a process in the liver. During the question session, I asked “What animal was this liver from?”“I don’t know. Some sort of bird, maybe,” he replied.I glanced at my faculty colleagues who likewise were raising their eyebrows. They also knew that it can make a big difference which critter you are working with. Livers and their pathways may differ for a human, a bird, a snake or a dog. He was a “biochemist” but there was not much biology in his chemistry. He should have either been trained broader, or partnered with a biologist. And this is the problem with the snake and dog papers above that made claims beyond their evidence. Because such work can cause unnecessary worry among pet communities and also fuel conspiracy theories, China is imposing more review of such origin-of-virus research. Although the West characterizes it as censorship, it is really a matter of better peer review.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Did those first two papers undergo adequate peer review? How were they able to make their assertions about snakes or dogs being intermediate hosts of this new virus when they lacked actual direct support by research in those animals? There are “predatory journals” where peer review does not exist, or journals that accept the suggestions of the author(s) for peer reviewers. But these are legitimate journals. Were their biochemist reviewers all-chemistry-and-no-biology?I recently read an article on monarch butterflies in the respected journal&nbsp;Science&nbsp;that had absolutely no data to support its speculations. Where was the adequate peer review.Unfortunately, across the Western world, some “biology” departments lack zoologists, botanists and other organismic biologists; their faculty are mostly chemists. Maybe getting butterfly biology wrong is no big deal. But getting the intermediate host of this coronavirus wrong—is a big deal. &nbsp;

Education Frontlines: When scientists step out of their field

Today is Monday, April 27, the 118th day of 2020. There are 248 days left in the year.

On April 27, 2011, powerful tornadoes raked the South and Midwest; according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, more than 120 twisters resulted in 316 deaths.

In 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was killed by natives in the Philippines.

In 1791, the inventor of the telegraph, Samuel Morse, was born in Charlestown, Massachusetts.

In 1810, Ludwig van Beethoven wrote one of his most famous piano compositions, the Bagatelle in A-minor.

In 1865, the steamer Sultana, carrying freed Union prisoners of war, exploded on the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tennessee; death toll estimates vary from 1,500 to 2,000.

In 1950, Britain formally recognized the state of Israel.

In 1965, broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow died in Pawling, New York, two days after turning 57.

In 1978, 51 construction workers plunged to their deaths when a scaffold inside a cooling tower at the Pleasants Power Station site in West Virginia fell 168 feet to the ground.

In 1982, the trial of John W. Hinckley Jr., who shot four people, including President Ronald Reagan, began in Washington. (The trial ended with Hinckley's acquittal by reason of insanity.)

In 1992, the new Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was proclaimed in Belgrade by the republic of Serbia and its lone ally, Montenegro. Russia and 12 other former Soviet republics won entry into the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Betty Boothroyd became the first female Speaker of Britain's House of Commons.

In 1994, former President Richard M. Nixon was remembered at an outdoor funeral service attended by all five of his successors at the Nixon presidential library in Yorba Linda, California.

In 2002, South African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth arrived at the international space station for an eight-day, seven-night cruise that had cost him $20 million.

In 2009, a 23-month-old Mexico City toddler died at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, becoming the first swine-flu death on U.S. soil.

Ten years ago: Defending his company against blistering criticism, the chief executive of Goldman Sachs, Lloyd Blankfein, told a Senate hearing that clients who'd bought subprime mortgage securities from the Wall Street powerhouse in 2006 and 2007 came looking for risk "and that's what they got." Former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega was extradited from the United States to France, where he was later convicted of laundering drug money and received a seven-year sentence. Thomas Hagan, the only man to admit shooting Malcolm X, was freed on parole. University of Washington president Mark Emmert was selected as president of the NCAA.

Five years ago: Rioters plunged part of Baltimore into chaos, torching a pharmacy, setting police cars ablaze and throwing bricks at officers hours after thousands attended a funeral for Freddie Gray, who died from a severe spinal injury he'd suffered in police custody; the Baltimore Orioles' home game against the Chicago White Sox was postponed because of safety concerns. Opening statements took place in Centennial, Colorado, at the trial of movie theater shooter James Holmes. Loretta Lynch was sworn in as the 83rd U.S. attorney general, the first African-American woman to serve as the nation's top law enforcement official.

One year ago: A gunman opened fire inside a synagogue near San Diego as worshippers celebrated the last day of Passover, killing a woman and wounding the rabbi and two others. (John Earnest is awaiting trial on charges including hate-crime-related murder and attempted murder; he is also facing charges in a mosque fire that happened weeks earlier.) A construction crane collapsed at the new Google Seattle campus, pinning six cars underneath; two ironworkers and two people in the cars were killed. Oliver North announced that he would not serve a second term as National Rifle Associate president; he made it clear that he'd been forced out after his own failed attempt to remove the group's longtime CEO, Wayne LaPierre.

Today's Birthdays: Actress Anouk Aimee is 88. Rock musician Jim Keltner is 78. Rock singer Kate Pierson (The B-52's) is 72. Rhythm-and-blues singer Herbie Murrell (The Stylistics) is 71. Actor Douglas Sheehan is 71. Rock musician Ace Frehley is 69. West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice is 69. Pop singer Sheena Easton is 61. Actor James Le Gros is 58. Rock musician Rob Squires (Big Head Todd and the Monsters) is 55. Singer Mica Paris is 51. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., is 51. Actor David Lascher is 48. Actress Maura West is 48. Actress Sally Hawkins is 44. Rock singer Jim James (My Morning Jacket) is 42. Rock musician Patrick Hallahan (My Morning Jacket) is 42. Rock singer-musician Travis Meeks (Days of the New) is 41. Neo-soul musician Joseph Pope III (Nathaniel Rateliff &amp; the Night Sweats) is 41. Country musician John Osborne (Brothers Osborne) is 38. Actor Francis Capra is 37. Actress Ari Graynor is 37. Rock singer-musician Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy) is 36. Actress Sheila Vand is 35. Actress Jenna Coleman is 34. Pop singer Nick Noonan (Karmin) is 34. Actor William Moseley is 33. Actress Emily Rios is 31. Singer Allison Iraheta is 28.

Thought for Today: "Fear not those who argue but those who dodge." — Dale Carnegie, American writer-lecturer (1888-1955).

<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, April 27, the 118th day of 2020. There are 248 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On April 27, 2011, powerful tornadoes raked the South and Midwest; according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, more than 120 twisters resulted in 316 deaths.On this date:In 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was killed by natives in the Philippines.In 1791, the inventor of the telegraph, Samuel Morse, was born in Charlestown, Massachusetts.In 1810, Ludwig van Beethoven wrote one of his most famous piano compositions, the Bagatelle in A-minor.In 1865, the steamer Sultana, carrying freed Union prisoners of war, exploded on the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tennessee; death toll estimates vary from 1,500 to 2,000.In 1950, Britain formally recognized the state of Israel.In 1965, broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow died in Pawling, New York, two days after turning 57.In 1978, 51 construction workers plunged to their deaths when a scaffold inside a cooling tower at the Pleasants Power Station site in West Virginia fell 168 feet to the ground.In 1982, the trial of John W. Hinckley Jr., who shot four people, including President Ronald Reagan, began in Washington. (The trial ended with Hinckley's acquittal by reason of insanity.)In 1992, the new Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was proclaimed in Belgrade by the republic of Serbia and its lone ally, Montenegro. Russia and 12 other former Soviet republics won entry into the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Betty Boothroyd became the first female Speaker of Britain's House of Commons.In 1994, former President Richard M. Nixon was remembered at an outdoor funeral service attended by all five of his successors at the Nixon presidential library in Yorba Linda, California.In 2002, South African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth arrived at the international space station for an eight-day, seven-night cruise that had cost him $20 million.In 2009, a 23-month-old Mexico City toddler died at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, becoming the first swine-flu death on U.S. soil.Ten years ago: Defending his company against blistering criticism, the chief executive of Goldman Sachs, Lloyd Blankfein, told a Senate hearing that clients who'd bought subprime mortgage securities from the Wall Street powerhouse in 2006 and 2007 came looking for risk "and that's what they got." Former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega was extradited from the United States to France, where he was later convicted of laundering drug money and received a seven-year sentence. Thomas Hagan, the only man to admit shooting Malcolm X, was freed on parole. University of Washington president Mark Emmert was selected as president of the NCAA.Five years ago: Rioters plunged part of Baltimore into chaos, torching a pharmacy, setting police cars ablaze and throwing bricks at officers hours after thousands attended a funeral for Freddie Gray, who died from a severe spinal injury he'd suffered in police custody; the Baltimore Orioles' home game against the Chicago White Sox was postponed because of safety concerns. Opening statements took place in Centennial, Colorado, at the trial of movie theater shooter James Holmes. Loretta Lynch was sworn in as the 83rd U.S. attorney general, the first African-American woman to serve as the nation's top law enforcement official.One year ago: A gunman opened fire inside a synagogue near San Diego as worshippers celebrated the last day of Passover, killing a woman and wounding the rabbi and two others. (John Earnest is awaiting trial on charges including hate-crime-related murder and attempted murder; he is also facing charges in a mosque fire that happened weeks earlier.) A construction crane collapsed at the new Google Seattle campus, pinning six cars underneath; two ironworkers and two people in the cars were killed. Oliver North announced that he would not serve a second term as National Rifle Associate president; he made it clear that he'd been forced out after his own failed attempt to remove the group's longtime CEO, Wayne LaPierre.Today's Birthdays: Actress Anouk Aimee is 88. Rock musician Jim Keltner is 78. Rock singer Kate Pierson (The B-52's) is 72. Rhythm-and-blues singer Herbie Murrell (The Stylistics) is 71. Actor Douglas Sheehan is 71. Rock musician Ace Frehley is 69. West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice is 69. Pop singer Sheena Easton is 61. Actor James Le Gros is 58. Rock musician Rob Squires (Big Head Todd and the Monsters) is 55. Singer Mica Paris is 51. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., is 51. Actor David Lascher is 48. Actress Maura West is 48. Actress Sally Hawkins is 44. Rock singer Jim James (My Morning Jacket) is 42. Rock musician Patrick Hallahan (My Morning Jacket) is 42. Rock singer-musician Travis Meeks (Days of the New) is 41. Neo-soul musician Joseph Pope III (Nathaniel Rateliff &amp; the Night Sweats) is 41. Country musician John Osborne (Brothers Osborne) is 38. Actor Francis Capra is 37. Actress Ari Graynor is 37. Rock singer-musician Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy) is 36. Actress Sheila Vand is 35. Actress Jenna Coleman is 34. Pop singer Nick Noonan (Karmin) is 34. Actor William Moseley is 33. Actress Emily Rios is 31. Singer Allison Iraheta is 28.Thought for Today: "Fear not those who argue but those who dodge." — Dale Carnegie, American writer-lecturer (1888-1955).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- April 27

'Time Marches On' artist steps in for legend Joe Diffie, who was slated to perform Sept. 15 with Mize

HUTCHINSON – Tracy Lawrence, a leading voice in country music for more than 20 years, will replace Joe Diffie at this year’s Kansas State Fair.

Country legend Diffie died March 29 due to complications from COVID-19.&nbsp;

Lawrence, a multiple Academy of Country Music award winner, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand with rising country star Logan Mize.&nbsp;

Tickets are already on sale for this concert and are available online at&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010tKV19KQJQeW6tH0QsbxiyUoitypAnqhQkLn_4UsA83bR2jfvpWh-7fAWev6k4jFcFGMeDeRXY53FDJdwDpVfUDTrbiR-m531b0eO4jUL7l2QOQ1IAWeru8YEIgkkEcoBFgFlW7PPpUiOlqitCBikw==&amp;c=tWLLCVcp2m-ijbsvTe5NO9CPZlIyOjjFp-pWxe8VwhvwvV9iKlgVqw==&amp;ch=hCrNWbW1GR2Eb_ptTjqR3JgM6FkMT8icDadPlSrr2VaPyWMn1klH1g==" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/KSFLawrence</a>.&nbsp;Ticket prices are all general admission – $20 in the grandstand seating area and $45 in the Bud Light Party Pit. The Bud Light Party Pit is a standing-room-only experience that is up close, next to the stage.

All tickets include the fair’s $7 gate admission if purchased through Aug. 15. General Manager Robin Jennison said the concert is an inexpensive way to enjoy two great performers and spend a day at the fair.

“We wanted to stay in that ’90s era of great country music,” said Jennison. “While a lot of fans were excited about Joe coming to Kansas, Tracy has a tremendous following&nbsp;and is a great fit to perform with our native Kansas son Logan Mize.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

One of country music’s truest traditionalists, Tracy Lawrence has sold more than 13 million albums and has charted 18 No. 1 songs. His singles that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 include "Sticks and Stones," "Alibis," "Can't Break It to My Heart," "If the Good Die Young," "Texas Tornado” and "Time Marches On." The most recent No. 1 was in 2007 with "Find Out Who Your Friends Are,” featuring Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw.&nbsp;

According to Billboard, Lawrence has 22 Top 10 hits, including “Better Man, Better Off,” “If the World Had A Front Porch,” “As Any Fool Can See,” and "Paint Me a Birmingham."

In August, Lawrence released his first original album in six years. “Made in America” is a collection of songs that lean on Lawrence’s signature country, rock and blues style and pays homage to the hardworking men and women who make up the fabric of this country.

Besides singing, Lawrence currently hosts the syndicated radio show “Honky Talkin’ with Tracy Lawrence” for which he has received two ACM nominations for National On-Air Personality of the Year. He also has been honored for his philanthropic efforts to raise money for the homeless and hungry.

The Clearwater native was 16 years old when he saw Kenny Chesney perform in Wichita and realized his dream to be a musician. His musical journey hasn’t been easy, however, which is represented in his latest record, “Come Back Road.”

Now Mize is selling out venues and seeing success with his songs. The “Come Back Road” album has more than 150 million streams across all platforms and debuted at No. 2 on the Country iTunes chart. His single, “It Ain’t Always Pretty,” catapulted to No. 2 on the iTunes chart and has been streamed 38 million times on Spotify. Other singles include "Can't Get Away from a Good Time” and "Better Off Gone.” Mize released “I Ain’t Gotta Grow Up” in October. He’s currently working on new material for his next album.

Be cautious when purchasing tickets. Etix is the only authorized seller for Fair tickets. Tickets can be purchased through Etix by visiting the Kansas State Fair’s website —<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010tKV19KQJQeW6tH0QsbxiyUoitypAnqhQkLn_4UsA83bR2jfvpWh--SR0g2068yoNsJdFfX-xHdP1EQeW412xxIa5_V_5Iwnnz8VTce4fkoVCrD7Ir4W6P-wxYXYYNhnmlSdZDZG_LzZhH2uRm3SkOV-uzclmCDo&amp;c=tWLLCVcp2m-ijbsvTe5NO9CPZlIyOjjFp-pWxe8VwhvwvV9iKlgVqw==&amp;ch=hCrNWbW1GR2Eb_ptTjqR3JgM6FkMT8icDadPlSrr2VaPyWMn1klH1g==" target="_blank">&nbsp;kansasstatefair.com</a>.&nbsp;The 2020 Kansas State Fair is Sept. 11-20. Fair officials are still finalizing the remaining Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand entertainment series.

<h2>'Time Marches On' artist steps in for legend Joe Diffie, who was slated to perform Sept. 15 with Mize</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587953410374.jpeg" alt="Logan Mize , left, and Tracy Lawrence. Photo courtesy Kansas State Fair" />
 <figcaption>Logan Mize , left, and Tracy Lawrence. Photo courtesy Kansas State Fair</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON – Tracy Lawrence, a leading voice in country music for more than 20 years, will replace Joe Diffie at this year’s Kansas State Fair.Country legend Diffie died March 29 due to complications from COVID-19.&nbsp;Lawrence, a multiple Academy of Country Music award winner, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand with rising country star Logan Mize.&nbsp;Tickets are already on sale for this concert and are available online at&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010tKV19KQJQeW6tH0QsbxiyUoitypAnqhQkLn_4UsA83bR2jfvpWh-7fAWev6k4jFcFGMeDeRXY53FDJdwDpVfUDTrbiR-m531b0eO4jUL7l2QOQ1IAWeru8YEIgkkEcoBFgFlW7PPpUiOlqitCBikw==&amp;c=tWLLCVcp2m-ijbsvTe5NO9CPZlIyOjjFp-pWxe8VwhvwvV9iKlgVqw==&amp;ch=hCrNWbW1GR2Eb_ptTjqR3JgM6FkMT8icDadPlSrr2VaPyWMn1klH1g==" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/KSFLawrence</a>.&nbsp;Ticket prices are all general admission – $20 in the grandstand seating area and $45 in the Bud Light Party Pit. The Bud Light Party Pit is a standing-room-only experience that is up close, next to the stage.All tickets include the fair’s $7 gate admission if purchased through Aug. 15. General Manager Robin Jennison said the concert is an inexpensive way to enjoy two great performers and spend a day at the fair.“We wanted to stay in that ’90s era of great country music,” said Jennison. “While a lot of fans were excited about Joe coming to Kansas, Tracy has a tremendous following&nbsp;and is a great fit to perform with our native Kansas son Logan Mize.”&nbsp;&nbsp;About Tracy LawrenceOne of country music’s truest traditionalists, Tracy Lawrence has sold more than 13 million albums and has charted 18 No. 1 songs. His singles that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 include "Sticks and Stones," "Alibis," "Can't Break It to My Heart," "If the Good Die Young," "Texas Tornado” and "Time Marches On." The most recent No. 1 was in 2007 with "Find Out Who Your Friends Are,” featuring Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw.&nbsp;According to Billboard, Lawrence has 22 Top 10 hits, including “Better Man, Better Off,” “If the World Had A Front Porch,” “As Any Fool Can See,” and "Paint Me a Birmingham."In August, Lawrence released his first original album in six years. “Made in America” is a collection of songs that lean on Lawrence’s signature country, rock and blues style and pays homage to the hardworking men and women who make up the fabric of this country.Besides singing, Lawrence currently hosts the syndicated radio show “Honky Talkin’ with Tracy Lawrence” for which he has received two ACM nominations for National On-Air Personality of the Year. He also has been honored for his philanthropic efforts to raise money for the homeless and hungry.About Logan MizeThe Clearwater native was 16 years old when he saw Kenny Chesney perform in Wichita and realized his dream to be a musician. His musical journey hasn’t been easy, however, which is represented in his latest record, “Come Back Road.”Now Mize is selling out venues and seeing success with his songs. The “Come Back Road” album has more than 150 million streams across all platforms and debuted at No. 2 on the Country iTunes chart. His single, “It Ain’t Always Pretty,” catapulted to No. 2 on the iTunes chart and has been streamed 38 million times on Spotify. Other singles include "Can't Get Away from a Good Time” and "Better Off Gone.” Mize released “I Ain’t Gotta Grow Up” in October. He’s currently working on new material for his next album.When Purchasing TicketsBe cautious when purchasing tickets. Etix is the only authorized seller for Fair tickets. Tickets can be purchased through Etix by visiting the Kansas State Fair’s website —<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010tKV19KQJQeW6tH0QsbxiyUoitypAnqhQkLn_4UsA83bR2jfvpWh--SR0g2068yoNsJdFfX-xHdP1EQeW412xxIa5_V_5Iwnnz8VTce4fkoVCrD7Ir4W6P-wxYXYYNhnmlSdZDZG_LzZhH2uRm3SkOV-uzclmCDo&amp;c=tWLLCVcp2m-ijbsvTe5NO9CPZlIyOjjFp-pWxe8VwhvwvV9iKlgVqw==&amp;ch=hCrNWbW1GR2Eb_ptTjqR3JgM6FkMT8icDadPlSrr2VaPyWMn1klH1g==" target="_blank">&nbsp;kansasstatefair.com</a>.&nbsp;The 2020 Kansas State Fair is Sept. 11-20. Fair officials are still finalizing the remaining Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand entertainment series.

Tracy Lawrence to perform with Logan Mize at state fair

The Salina City Commission has a short agenda for Monday's meeting.

Commissioners are scheduled to meet at 4 p.m. Monday in room 107 of the City-County Building. 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 <a href="http://www.salinatv.org">www.salinatv.org</a> or at the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">City of Salina YouTube channel</a>.

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 are scheduled to consider proclaiming April 2020 as “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” in the city of Salina. Sheila Beeson, DVACK Sexual Assault Advocate, is scheduled to read the proclamation.

Additionally, commissioners are scheduled to consider authorizing the Salina Fire Department to award a bid for a backup generator at station No. 3, 2633 Belmont Boulevard. According to commission meeting packet information, station No. 3 is equipped with a backup generator to provide electricity for the station and the backup 911 communications center located there should the main power be out.

"A diesel generator was installed when the station was built in 1984 as part of the original construction of the station. This backup generator is at the end of its useful life and is in need of being replaced," the background information in the meeting packet noted.

According to the meeting packet information, the Salina Fire Department is recommending the bid from Foley Equipment of Salina, the lowest of the local bids. About the bid recommendation, the department noted that:

•Foley Equipment has local service technicians for maintenance and service if needed.

•Its other backup generators at the other three fire stations are all Caterpillar generators and are serviced by Foley Equipment.

•It has had a proven reliability and performance history with the Caterpillar brand of generators.

To see the full meeting packet, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=443378&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

The Salina City Commission has a short agenda for Monday's meeting.Commissioners are scheduled to meet at 4 p.m. Monday in room 107 of the City-County Building. 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 <a href="http://www.salinatv.org">www.salinatv.org</a> or at the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">City of Salina YouTube channel</a>. 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 are scheduled to consider proclaiming April 2020 as “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” in the city of Salina. Sheila Beeson, DVACK Sexual Assault Advocate, is scheduled to read the proclamation.Additionally, commissioners are scheduled to consider authorizing the Salina Fire Department to award a bid for a backup generator at station No. 3, 2633 Belmont Boulevard. According to commission meeting packet information, station No. 3 is equipped with a backup generator to provide electricity for the station and the backup 911 communications center located there should the main power be out."A diesel generator was installed when the station was built in 1984 as part of the original construction of the station. This backup generator is at the end of its useful life and is in need of being replaced," the background information in the meeting packet noted.The generator bids are as follows.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587939777075.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>According to the meeting packet information, the Salina Fire Department is recommending the bid from Foley Equipment of Salina, the lowest of the local bids. About the bid recommendation, the department noted that:•Foley Equipment has local service technicians for maintenance and service if needed.•Its other backup generators at the other three fire stations are all Caterpillar generators and are serviced by Foley Equipment.•It has had a proven reliability and performance history with the Caterpillar brand of generators.To see the full meeting packet, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=443378&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

Proclamation, generator bid on city agenda for Monday

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

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

Symptoms for COVID-19 appear 2-14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other rarer symptoms that may develop include malaise, sore throat, and diarrhea. If you develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 between 2 and 14 days later, please call your medical provider.

At 11 am, KDHE reported the following in their daily release:

• A total of 3,174 positive cases and 118 deaths. That is an increase of 118 positive cases from yesterday’s release.

• There have been 474 of 2,292 cases that have been hospitalized.

• 23,053 negative tests have been received through the KDHE and private labs.

• The age range is 0 years to 99 years (median 47 years of age).

Saline County residents are encouraged to help the community and our health care system flatten the curve and slow the spread of coronavirus. You can do this by:

• Following the Statewide Stay-at-Home Order which remains in effect until May 3rd.

• Covering all coughs and sneezes.

• Washing your hands for 20 second with soap and water.

• Wearing cloth face coverings or homemade masks when in public.

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, Stay Healthy and Stay at Home.

Here's the COVID-19 update for Sunday from Saline County:The Saline County Health Department does not have any additional cases of COVID-19 to report today.Symptoms for COVID-19 appear 2-14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other rarer symptoms that may develop include malaise, sore throat, and diarrhea. If you develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 between 2 and 14 days later, please call your medical provider.At 11 am, KDHE reported the following in their daily release:• A total of 3,174 positive cases and 118 deaths. That is an increase of 118 positive cases from yesterday’s release.• There have been 474 of 2,292 cases that have been hospitalized.• 23,053 negative tests have been received through the KDHE and private labs.• The age range is 0 years to 99 years (median 47 years of age).Saline County residents are encouraged to help the community and our health care system flatten the curve and slow the spread of coronavirus. You can do this by:• Following the Statewide Stay-at-Home Order which remains in effect until May 3rd.• Covering all coughs and sneezes.• Washing your hands for 20 second with soap and water.• Wearing cloth face coverings or homemade masks when in public.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, Stay Healthy and Stay at Home.

Saline County reports no new COVID-19 cases on Sunday

MANHATTAN – If you’ve received – or will be receiving – a stimulus check from the federal government, it’s a good idea to have a plan for what you will do with that money.

What you should not do, say a trio of K-State experts, is go out and spend it on things you may not need right now.

“I think you should save every penny you can,” said Susie Latta, a family and consumer sciences agent with the K-State Research and Extension office in Marshall County. “Don't buy things you don't really need or purchase subscriptions that aren't really necessary like Netflix, Hulu, iRacing and so on. Only buy such things as food and supplies that you will use.”

The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act – better known as CARES – provides a one-time payment to tax-paying Americans based on the adjusted gross income in their 2018 or 2019 taxes. Depending on income levels and whether the taxpayer is married and has children, the payment could be $3,000 or more.

“The best use of that money if you’re currently unemployed is to pay your bills, including house payments, utilities and food,” said Gary Fike, director of the K-State Research and Extension office in Riley County.

“But if you’re still working and you still have income, the best use of that money is toward reducing debt. Eighty percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck and it’s because for the most part, we are up to our eyeballs in debt. So take that $3,000 and pay down some existing debt, whether it be a car loan, student loan, hospital bills or consumer credit.”

Debra Wood, a family resources management agent in the Central Kansas Extension District, said that for some people, medicine is a critical expense. And, if you’re working from home, maintaining Internet service is another necessity.

“It is important to list all bills and prioritize,” Wood said. “If you have never used a budget,&nbsp;now is a good time to start. We can’t really get a handle on our finances until we know what resources we have and where the money is going.

“Ask yourself: ‘What will happen if I don’t pay this bill?’ What are those expenses needed to stay in your house and keep the utilities connected? What things do you need to keep or get a job? What insurance do you need to pay – car insurance, health insurance, home or renters‘ insurance? Some companies have special programs to help people right now, so if there are bills that can’t be paid reach out to those businesses or creditors to see if you can put some of them on hold temporarily.”

Fike added that if you are in the enviable position of not having debt, put the money into an interest-bearing savings account or CD to use in emergency.

“If we all lost our jobs tomorrow, there would be a lot of people who would have a difficult time keeping up payments on a house or a car,” Fike said. “When we live paycheck to paycheck, it becomes critical that we don’t go into default on a loan or have some of those difficulties staring us in the face.”

There is a lot of uncertainty right now,” Wood added. “We don’t know how long this is going to last, and those who still have a job will be better prepared for the future in the event of a job loss if they can cut out unnecessary spending now and save that money.”

Latta added that other ways to save money including mowing your own lawn instead of hiring it done; sell stuff you don’t want or need anymore; plant a garden; and use things you have versus buying something new.

“If you’ve lost your job, I encourage people to&nbsp;[bit.ly/covidsnapks]apply for SNAP benefits,” she said, referring to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “That program is increasing benefits and has waived requirements due to the pandemic. In the past, some single households may have received a very small benefit of $12 but with the pandemic, benefits may have increased to as much as $194 for April and May.”

The IRS and the Kansas Department of Revenue recently pushed back the filing deadline for 2019 taxes to July 15. “Those who have not yet filed and are expecting a refund should file as soon as possible,” Wood said. “That refund can help to cover the shortfall from a job loss.”

“Recently I got a little bit of a chastising from somebody who said they’re supposed to go out and spend this money to stimulate the economy,” Fike said. “If you’ve got everything else paid up, sure, go out and spend that money.”

“But when you’re talking about survivability, and you’re talking about making all your bills so that what you do have isn’t taken away, your first responsibility should be toward paying that debt down and forgetting about everything else. It doesn’t stimulate the economy, but it makes us more financially able to weather storms when they come, like this one.”

More financial resources for individuals and families are available online from K-State Research and Extension’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/family-finances/" target="_blank">Family Finances</a>&nbsp;program. More general information about working and living through &nbsp;the COVID-19 pandemic is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/about-us/covid-19-extension.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Extension Resources</a>. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587909134166.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; Image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/Brett_Hondow-49958/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=426023">Brett Hondow</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=426023">Pixabay</a>" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; Image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/Brett_Hondow-49958/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=426023">Brett Hondow</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=426023">Pixabay</a></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN – If you’ve received – or will be receiving – a stimulus check from the federal government, it’s a good idea to have a plan for what you will do with that money.What you should not do, say a trio of K-State experts, is go out and spend it on things you may not need right now.“I think you should save every penny you can,” said Susie Latta, a family and consumer sciences agent with the K-State Research and Extension office in Marshall County. “Don't buy things you don't really need or purchase subscriptions that aren't really necessary like Netflix, Hulu, iRacing and so on. Only buy such things as food and supplies that you will use.”The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act – better known as CARES – provides a one-time payment to tax-paying Americans based on the adjusted gross income in their 2018 or 2019 taxes. Depending on income levels and whether the taxpayer is married and has children, the payment could be $3,000 or more.“The best use of that money if you’re currently unemployed is to pay your bills, including house payments, utilities and food,” said Gary Fike, director of the K-State Research and Extension office in Riley County.“But if you’re still working and you still have income, the best use of that money is toward reducing debt. Eighty percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck and it’s because for the most part, we are up to our eyeballs in debt. So take that $3,000 and pay down some existing debt, whether it be a car loan, student loan, hospital bills or consumer credit.”Debra Wood, a family resources management agent in the Central Kansas Extension District, said that for some people, medicine is a critical expense. And, if you’re working from home, maintaining Internet service is another necessity.“It is important to list all bills and prioritize,” Wood said. “If you have never used a budget,&nbsp;now is a good time to start. We can’t really get a handle on our finances until we know what resources we have and where the money is going.“Ask yourself: ‘What will happen if I don’t pay this bill?’ What are those expenses needed to stay in your house and keep the utilities connected? What things do you need to keep or get a job? What insurance do you need to pay – car insurance, health insurance, home or renters‘ insurance? Some companies have special programs to help people right now, so if there are bills that can’t be paid reach out to those businesses or creditors to see if you can put some of them on hold temporarily.”Fike added that if you are in the enviable position of not having debt, put the money into an interest-bearing savings account or CD to use in emergency.“If we all lost our jobs tomorrow, there would be a lot of people who would have a difficult time keeping up payments on a house or a car,” Fike said. “When we live paycheck to paycheck, it becomes critical that we don’t go into default on a loan or have some of those difficulties staring us in the face.”There is a lot of uncertainty right now,” Wood added. “We don’t know how long this is going to last, and those who still have a job will be better prepared for the future in the event of a job loss if they can cut out unnecessary spending now and save that money.”Latta added that other ways to save money including mowing your own lawn instead of hiring it done; sell stuff you don’t want or need anymore; plant a garden; and use things you have versus buying something new.“If you’ve lost your job, I encourage people to&nbsp;[bit.ly/covidsnapks]apply for SNAP benefits,” she said, referring to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “That program is increasing benefits and has waived requirements due to the pandemic. In the past, some single households may have received a very small benefit of $12 but with the pandemic, benefits may have increased to as much as $194 for April and May.”The IRS and the Kansas Department of Revenue recently pushed back the filing deadline for 2019 taxes to July 15. “Those who have not yet filed and are expecting a refund should file as soon as possible,” Wood said. “That refund can help to cover the shortfall from a job loss.”“Recently I got a little bit of a chastising from somebody who said they’re supposed to go out and spend this money to stimulate the economy,” Fike said. “If you’ve got everything else paid up, sure, go out and spend that money.”“But when you’re talking about survivability, and you’re talking about making all your bills so that what you do have isn’t taken away, your first responsibility should be toward paying that debt down and forgetting about everything else. It doesn’t stimulate the economy, but it makes us more financially able to weather storms when they come, like this one.”More financial resources for individuals and families are available online from K-State Research and Extension’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/family-finances/" target="_blank">Family Finances</a>&nbsp;program. More general information about working and living through &nbsp;the COVID-19 pandemic is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/about-us/covid-19-extension.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Extension Resources</a>. &nbsp;

Once bills are paid, put rest of stimulus money into savings

MANHATTAN – A group of Kansas 4-H'ers and volunteers are taking the organization’s motto to ‘Make the Best Better’ pretty seriously with an ambitious online program that debuts to the public on Monday.

They will be producing a weekly series dubbed ‘Mindful Monday Mornings’ in which they will help people of all ages find creative ways to deal with stress during the current pandemic.

The pre-recorded series will appear each Monday at 10 a.m. on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KStateRE" target="_blank">K-State Research and Extension Facebook page</a>.

“We’re really trying to find practical ways to reduce stress during the day so that people can make sure that they are communicating effectively and actually feeling healthy during a challenging and stressful time,” said Aliah Mestrovich Seay, a Kansas 4-H youth development specialist for culture and communication skills development.

Mestrovich Seay has developed curriculum she calls Mindful Moments that will drive the series, which is hosted by Kansas 4-H members, volunteers, K-State alumni and community partners across the state.

The Monday show will feature a three minute video introducing ideas that people of all ages can use to relieve stress. In coming weeks, ‘Mindful Monday Mornings’ shifts to focusing on different stages of human development, including stress relief for pre-schoolers (ages 2-5, youth up to age 18, then adults and the entire family.

The fourth week will feature an interview with an expert talking about mindfulness, or intentionally making time to relieve daily stress.

Currently, the series is scheduled to run for three months, through the end of July, with sessions for pre-schoolers, youth, and adults each month.

“One theme that I am hearing from experts and I am witnessing as I have the privilege of coordinating this program, is being intentional about lowering our expectations,” Mestrovich Seay said. “What we are used to doing is not what we are able to do right now. We have to transform and reframe the way we are doing life and doing work in order to be healthy.”

As an example, Mestrovich Seay said the videos for pre-schoolers “focus on parents or professionals that are home with their children right now, and resources that may be around the house to model what is important at this time, build a sense of togetherness and help children learn how to deal with stress and talk about their feelings.”

“We will offer a variety of research-based curricula,” she said. “We also have a lot of different curricula that can be found online, related to mindfulness and reducing anxiety and stress that are easily accessible.”

Mestrovich Seay said several groups are helping to produce the videos, including extension agents, youth, volunteers and citizens. She added that the program&nbsp;is receiving guidance from the K-State Research and Extension rural stress team, one of three issue-based groups formed in late 2019 to address concerns important in Kansas communities.

The K-State Research and Extension communications team is assisting with production using such distance technology as teleconferencing, home videos and – in some cases – cell phones.

“With the introduction of COVID-19, we recognized the need for people to feel connected with each other and find ways to deal with tough moments,” said Taylor Kennedy, the digital media specialist for K-State Research and Extension. “When we heard about Aliah’s program, we thought it is one way to serve those needs.”

She adds: “This is one of the first extended social media campaigns and curriculum we have worked on with our extension professionals and look forward to additional opportunities to bring digital extension into the hands of Kansans.”

Mestrovich Seay said the program came together very quickly and she is impressed by the responsiveness of the university’s communications team as well as 4-H'ers, volunteers and community members.

“It really has been fun working with youth and volunteers on this project,” Mestrovich Seay said. “Youth are so coachable. It’s really been an inspiration to be able to work with them.

“We’re hoping to develop a sense of community through this as people try it. We want to see what works, see what they like and what they want more of.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587866924046.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN – A group of Kansas 4-H'ers and volunteers are taking the organization’s motto to ‘Make the Best Better’ pretty seriously with an ambitious online program that debuts to the public on Monday.They will be producing a weekly series dubbed ‘Mindful Monday Mornings’ in which they will help people of all ages find creative ways to deal with stress during the current pandemic.The pre-recorded series will appear each Monday at 10 a.m. on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KStateRE" target="_blank">K-State Research and Extension Facebook page</a>.“We’re really trying to find practical ways to reduce stress during the day so that people can make sure that they are communicating effectively and actually feeling healthy during a challenging and stressful time,” said Aliah Mestrovich Seay, a Kansas 4-H youth development specialist for culture and communication skills development.Mestrovich Seay has developed curriculum she calls Mindful Moments that will drive the series, which is hosted by Kansas 4-H members, volunteers, K-State alumni and community partners across the state.The Monday show will feature a three minute video introducing ideas that people of all ages can use to relieve stress. In coming weeks, ‘Mindful Monday Mornings’ shifts to focusing on different stages of human development, including stress relief for pre-schoolers (ages 2-5, youth up to age 18, then adults and the entire family.The fourth week will feature an interview with an expert talking about mindfulness, or intentionally making time to relieve daily stress.Currently, the series is scheduled to run for three months, through the end of July, with sessions for pre-schoolers, youth, and adults each month.“One theme that I am hearing from experts and I am witnessing as I have the privilege of coordinating this program, is being intentional about lowering our expectations,” Mestrovich Seay said. “What we are used to doing is not what we are able to do right now. We have to transform and reframe the way we are doing life and doing work in order to be healthy.”As an example, Mestrovich Seay said the videos for pre-schoolers “focus on parents or professionals that are home with their children right now, and resources that may be around the house to model what is important at this time, build a sense of togetherness and help children learn how to deal with stress and talk about their feelings.”“We will offer a variety of research-based curricula,” she said. “We also have a lot of different curricula that can be found online, related to mindfulness and reducing anxiety and stress that are easily accessible.”Mestrovich Seay said several groups are helping to produce the videos, including extension agents, youth, volunteers and citizens. She added that the program&nbsp;is receiving guidance from the K-State Research and Extension rural stress team, one of three issue-based groups formed in late 2019 to address concerns important in Kansas communities.The K-State Research and Extension communications team is assisting with production using such distance technology as teleconferencing, home videos and – in some cases – cell phones.“With the introduction of COVID-19, we recognized the need for people to feel connected with each other and find ways to deal with tough moments,” said Taylor Kennedy, the digital media specialist for K-State Research and Extension. “When we heard about Aliah’s program, we thought it is one way to serve those needs.”She adds: “This is one of the first extended social media campaigns and curriculum we have worked on with our extension professionals and look forward to additional opportunities to bring digital extension into the hands of Kansans.”Mestrovich Seay said the program came together very quickly and she is impressed by the responsiveness of the university’s communications team as well as 4-H'ers, volunteers and community members.“It really has been fun working with youth and volunteers on this project,” Mestrovich Seay said. “Youth are so coachable. It’s really been an inspiration to be able to work with them.“We’re hoping to develop a sense of community through this as people try it. We want to see what works, see what they like and what they want more of.”

Kansas 4-Hers, volunteers debut stress relief online series

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

Let’s go to a beach in Florida. A wedding is taking place on this beachfront location, complete with beautiful floral arrangements. And where do you suppose these flowers came from? They came from halfway across the continent in rural Kansas.

Phyllis Cheney is the owner of Phyllis’ Flowers &amp; More in Chapman. Hers is the flower shop which supplied this wedding. As of this writing, her shop is closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but Phyllis plans to reopen after the pandemic is over.

Phyllis grew up at Atwood. She met and married her husband Greg and studied floriculture and horticulture at Kansas State University before going to Scott City where they farmed for many years. They had a daughter named Vickie who especially enjoyed dance as a child. Vickie grew up and moved to eastern Kansas. She met and married Jeremiah Woods, who lived near Chapman. Eventually Vickie’s parents – Phyllis and Greg – decided to move to Chapman as well.

One day, Phyllis and daughter Vickie were looking at houses in Chapman when they noticed an open building downtown. Vicki had been working as a dance instructor at Fort Riley but was thinking of opening her own dance studio.&nbsp;

“This is perfect,” Vickie told her mother. “It’s going to need some remodeling, but we can do it.”

Vickie and Jeremiah bought the building and remodeled it. The back side of the building became the site of Vickie’s dance studio, called Downtown Dance and Tumbling. Phyllis opened a flower and gift shop in the front side of the building. She called her shop Phyllis’ Flowers &amp; More.

Phyllis had previously worked part-time in a flower shop and always had an interest in floral design. Phyllis’ Flowers &amp; More is a floral, gift and boutique shop. Her business offers Kansas products such as gift baskets, blown glasswork, Tonja’s Toffee, wooden puzzles, handmade soaps and other handcrafted items.

When it comes to floral arrangements, personal service is an emphasis for Phyllis. This is especially evident when it comes to funerals.

“I like to do something that tells the story of the person’s life, not just simply flowers,” Phyllis said. When her own father died, she helped design a personalized floral arrangement.

“Dad was an avid fisherman, and he always helped out during wheat harvest,” she said. “I knew our local florist really well, so she let me do the design.” It included a cane pole and a bobber on a spray of wheat, with a sign that said, “Gone Fishin.’”

“When I do a funeral spray, I try to learn as much about the person as I can before the family comes in,” Phyllis said. “If they are former military or have a special hobby, I try to bring in something that depicts that person’s life.” She has designed a funeral floral display with toy John Deere equipment for a retired farmer and used quilt squares for a former quilter, for example.

Phyllis especially enjoyed doing her granddaughter’s wedding flowers. Phyllis also recalled a local girl who was planning a beachfront wedding in Florida and ordered flowers online, but found the flowers were not at all what she expected. She asked Phyllis to put together silk flower arrangements on short notice, and Phyllis was able to get it done.

It’s a long way from Chapman to the Florida beach, but Phyllis Cheney’s arrangements made the wedding special. That’s impressive for a floral shop located in a rural community like Chapman, population 1,393 people. Now, that’s rural.

For more information, go to Facebook and search for Phyllis’ Flowers &amp; More.

It’s time to leave the beachfront in Florida where Phyllis’s flowers helped decorate this wedding site. We commend Phyllis Cheney and her daughter, Vickie Woods of Downtown Dance and Tumbling, for making a difference by bringing their talents and entrepreneurship to rural America. I hope their businesses will grow and flower.

And there’s more. Tonja’s Toffee was one of the products featured in Phyllis’ shop, and it is part of a special legacy. We’ll learn about that next week.

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587864722326.jpeg" alt="Phyllis' Flowers &amp; More in Chapman. Photos courtesy the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Phyllis-Flowers-More-173104056835437/">Phyllis' Flowers &amp; More </a>Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>Phyllis' Flowers &amp; More in Chapman. Photos courtesy the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Phyllis-Flowers-More-173104056835437/">Phyllis' Flowers &amp; More </a>Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Kansas State UniversityLet’s go to a beach in Florida. A wedding is taking place on this beachfront location, complete with beautiful floral arrangements. And where do you suppose these flowers came from? They came from halfway across the continent in rural Kansas.Phyllis Cheney is the owner of Phyllis’ Flowers &amp; More in Chapman. Hers is the flower shop which supplied this wedding. As of this writing, her shop is closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but Phyllis plans to reopen after the pandemic is over.Phyllis grew up at Atwood. She met and married her husband Greg and studied floriculture and horticulture at Kansas State University before going to Scott City where they farmed for many years. They had a daughter named Vickie who especially enjoyed dance as a child. Vickie grew up and moved to eastern Kansas. She met and married Jeremiah Woods, who lived near Chapman. Eventually Vickie’s parents – Phyllis and Greg – decided to move to Chapman as well.One day, Phyllis and daughter Vickie were looking at houses in Chapman when they noticed an open building downtown. Vicki had been working as a dance instructor at Fort Riley but was thinking of opening her own dance studio.&nbsp;“This is perfect,” Vickie told her mother. “It’s going to need some remodeling, but we can do it.”Vickie and Jeremiah bought the building and remodeled it. The back side of the building became the site of Vickie’s dance studio, called Downtown Dance and Tumbling. Phyllis opened a flower and gift shop in the front side of the building. She called her shop Phyllis’ Flowers &amp; More.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587865125567.jpeg" alt="Phyllis Cheney" />
 <figcaption>Phyllis Cheney</figcaption>
 </figure>Phyllis had previously worked part-time in a flower shop and always had an interest in floral design. Phyllis’ Flowers &amp; More is a floral, gift and boutique shop. Her business offers Kansas products such as gift baskets, blown glasswork, Tonja’s Toffee, wooden puzzles, handmade soaps and other handcrafted items.When it comes to floral arrangements, personal service is an emphasis for Phyllis. This is especially evident when it comes to funerals.“I like to do something that tells the story of the person’s life, not just simply flowers,” Phyllis said. When her own father died, she helped design a personalized floral arrangement.“Dad was an avid fisherman, and he always helped out during wheat harvest,” she said. “I knew our local florist really well, so she let me do the design.” It included a cane pole and a bobber on a spray of wheat, with a sign that said, “Gone Fishin.’”“When I do a funeral spray, I try to learn as much about the person as I can before the family comes in,” Phyllis said. “If they are former military or have a special hobby, I try to bring in something that depicts that person’s life.” She has designed a funeral floral display with toy John Deere equipment for a retired farmer and used quilt squares for a former quilter, for example.Phyllis especially enjoyed doing her granddaughter’s wedding flowers. Phyllis also recalled a local girl who was planning a beachfront wedding in Florida and ordered flowers online, but found the flowers were not at all what she expected. She asked Phyllis to put together silk flower arrangements on short notice, and Phyllis was able to get it done.It’s a long way from Chapman to the Florida beach, but Phyllis Cheney’s arrangements made the wedding special. That’s impressive for a floral shop located in a rural community like Chapman, population 1,393 people. Now, that’s rural.For more information, go to Facebook and search for Phyllis’ Flowers &amp; More.It’s time to leave the beachfront in Florida where Phyllis’s flowers helped decorate this wedding site. We commend Phyllis Cheney and her daughter, Vickie Woods of Downtown Dance and Tumbling, for making a difference by bringing their talents and entrepreneurship to rural America. I hope their businesses will grow and flower.And there’s more. Tonja’s Toffee was one of the products featured in Phyllis’ shop, and it is part of a special legacy. We’ll learn about that next week.Audio and text files of Kansas Profiles are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasprofile.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kansasprofile.com</a>. For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

Now That’s Rural: Phyllis Cheney, Phyllis’ Flowers & More

Today is Sunday, April 26, the 117th day of 2020. There are 249 days left in the year.

On April 26, 1994, voting began in South Africa's first all-race elections, resulting in victory for the African National Congress and the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as president.

In 1607, English colonists went ashore at present-day Cape Henry, Virginia, on an expedition to establish the first permanent English settlement in the Western Hemisphere.

In 1785, American naturalist, hunter and artist John James Audubon was born in present-day Haiti.

In 1865, John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln, was surrounded by federal troops near Port Royal, Virginia, and killed.

In 1933, Nazi Germany's infamous secret police, the Gestapo, was created.

In 1945, Marshal Henri Philippe Petain, the head of France's Vichy government during World War II, was arrested.

In 1961, Roger Maris of the New York Yankees hit the first of his 61 home runs during a 162-game season (compared to Babe Ruth's 60 home runs during a 154-game season) as he hit a roundtripper off Paul Foytack at Tiger Stadium.

In 1968, the United States exploded beneath the Nevada desert a 1.3 megaton nuclear device called "Boxcar."

In 1986, an explosion and fire at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine caused radioactive fallout to begin spewing into the atmosphere. (Dozens of people were killed in the immediate aftermath of the disaster while the long-term death toll from radiation poisoning is believed to number in the thousands.)

In 1989, actress-comedian Lucille Ball died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles at age 77.

In 1994, China Airlines Flight 140, a Taiwanese Airbus A-300, crashed while landing in Nagoya, Japan, killing 264 people; there were seven survivors.

In 2009, the United States declared a public health emergency as more possible cases of swine flu surfaced from Canada to New Zealand; officials in Mexico City closed everything from concerts to sports matches to churches in an effort to stem the spread of the virus.

In 2018, Bill Cosby was convicted of drugging and molesting Temple University employee Andrea Constand at his suburban Philadelphia mansion in 2004; it was the first big celebrity trial of the #MeToo era and completed the spectacular downfall of a comedian who broke racial barriers on his way to TV superstardom. (Cosby was later sentenced to three to 10 years in prison.)

Ten years ago: A Haitian judge dismissed kidnapping and criminal association charges against 10 American missionaries who'd been detained for trying to take a busload of children out of the country after the January 2010 earthquake, but said that Laura Silsby, the last of the 10 still in jail, would face a lesser charge. (Silsby was freed in May 2010 after being convicted of arranging illegal travel and sentenced to time served.)

Five years ago: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in Boston for a stop at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and a dinner hosted by Secretary of State John Kerry as he began a weeklong U.S. visit. "General Hospital" and "The Young and the Restless" were the top winners of the Daytime Emmys with three trophies each, while the latter shared the best drama series award with "Days of Our Lives." Actress and TV personality Jayne Meadows, who'd often teamed with her husband Steve Allen, died in Los Angeles at age 95.

One year ago: A federal judge in Washington sentenced a Russian woman, Maria Butina, to 18 months in prison for being a secret agent for the Russian government, covertly gathering intelligence on the National Rifle Association and other groups. (Butina was deported to Russia six months later.) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un headed home from Russia after his first summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin; Kim accused the U.S. of negotiating in "bad faith" when he had met two months earlier with President Donald Trump in Hanoi. Catholic churches in Sri Lanka canceled all Sunday Masses until further notice over concerns that they remained a target of extremists linked to the Islamic State group; the move came even as authorities said a suspected local leader blew himself up in the Easter suicide bombings that killed more than 250 people.

Today's Birthdays: Actress-comedian Carol Burnett is 87. Rhythm-and-blues singer Maurice Williams is 82. Songwriter-musician Duane Eddy is 82. Singer Bobby Rydell is 78. Rock musician Gary Wright is 77. Actress Nancy Lenehan is 67. Actor Giancarlo Esposito is 62. Rock musician Roger Taylor (Duran Duran) is 60. Actress Joan Chen is 59. Rock musician Chris Mars is 59. Actor-singer Michael Damian is 58. Actor Jet Li (lee) is 57. Rock musician Jimmy Stafford (formerly w/Train) is 56. Actor-comedian Kevin James is 55. Record company executive Jeff Huskins is 54. Former U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey is 54. Actress Marianne Jean-Baptiste is 53. Country musician Joe Caverlee (Yankee Grey) is 52. Rapper T-Boz (TLC) is 50. First lady Melania Trump is 50. Actress Shondrella Avery is 49. Actress Simbi Kali is 49. Country musician Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts) is 49. Country musician Michael Jeffers (Pinmonkey) is 48. Rock musician Jose Pasillas (Incubus) is 44. Actor Jason Earles is 43. Actor Leonard Earl Howze is 43. Actor Amin Joseph is 43. Actor Tom Welling is 43. Actor Pablo Schreiber is 42. Actor Nyambi Nyambi is 41. Actress Jordana Brewster is 40. Actress Stana Katic is 40. Actress Marnette Patterson is 40. Actor Channing Tatum is 40. Americana/roots singer-songwriter Lilly Hiatt is 36. Actress Emily Wickersham is 36. Actor Aaron Weeks is 34. Electro pop musician James Sunderland (Frenship) is 33. New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge is 28.

Thought for Today: "A good scapegoat is nearly as welcome as a solution to the problem." — 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 Sunday, April 26, the 117th day of 2020. There are 249 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On April 26, 1994, voting began in South Africa's first all-race elections, resulting in victory for the African National Congress and the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as president.On this date:In 1607, English colonists went ashore at present-day Cape Henry, Virginia, on an expedition to establish the first permanent English settlement in the Western Hemisphere.In 1785, American naturalist, hunter and artist John James Audubon was born in present-day Haiti.In 1865, John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln, was surrounded by federal troops near Port Royal, Virginia, and killed.In 1933, Nazi Germany's infamous secret police, the Gestapo, was created.In 1945, Marshal Henri Philippe Petain, the head of France's Vichy government during World War II, was arrested.In 1961, Roger Maris of the New York Yankees hit the first of his 61 home runs during a 162-game season (compared to Babe Ruth's 60 home runs during a 154-game season) as he hit a roundtripper off Paul Foytack at Tiger Stadium.In 1968, the United States exploded beneath the Nevada desert a 1.3 megaton nuclear device called "Boxcar."In 1986, an explosion and fire at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine caused radioactive fallout to begin spewing into the atmosphere. (Dozens of people were killed in the immediate aftermath of the disaster while the long-term death toll from radiation poisoning is believed to number in the thousands.)In 1989, actress-comedian Lucille Ball died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles at age 77.In 1994, China Airlines Flight 140, a Taiwanese Airbus A-300, crashed while landing in Nagoya, Japan, killing 264 people; there were seven survivors.In 2009, the United States declared a public health emergency as more possible cases of swine flu surfaced from Canada to New Zealand; officials in Mexico City closed everything from concerts to sports matches to churches in an effort to stem the spread of the virus.In 2018, Bill Cosby was convicted of drugging and molesting Temple University employee Andrea Constand at his suburban Philadelphia mansion in 2004; it was the first big celebrity trial of the #MeToo era and completed the spectacular downfall of a comedian who broke racial barriers on his way to TV superstardom. (Cosby was later sentenced to three to 10 years in prison.)Ten years ago: A Haitian judge dismissed kidnapping and criminal association charges against 10 American missionaries who'd been detained for trying to take a busload of children out of the country after the January 2010 earthquake, but said that Laura Silsby, the last of the 10 still in jail, would face a lesser charge. (Silsby was freed in May 2010 after being convicted of arranging illegal travel and sentenced to time served.)Five years ago: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in Boston for a stop at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and a dinner hosted by Secretary of State John Kerry as he began a weeklong U.S. visit. "General Hospital" and "The Young and the Restless" were the top winners of the Daytime Emmys with three trophies each, while the latter shared the best drama series award with "Days of Our Lives." Actress and TV personality Jayne Meadows, who'd often teamed with her husband Steve Allen, died in Los Angeles at age 95.One year ago: A federal judge in Washington sentenced a Russian woman, Maria Butina, to 18 months in prison for being a secret agent for the Russian government, covertly gathering intelligence on the National Rifle Association and other groups. (Butina was deported to Russia six months later.) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un headed home from Russia after his first summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin; Kim accused the U.S. of negotiating in "bad faith" when he had met two months earlier with President Donald Trump in Hanoi. Catholic churches in Sri Lanka canceled all Sunday Masses until further notice over concerns that they remained a target of extremists linked to the Islamic State group; the move came even as authorities said a suspected local leader blew himself up in the Easter suicide bombings that killed more than 250 people.Today's Birthdays: Actress-comedian Carol Burnett is 87. Rhythm-and-blues singer Maurice Williams is 82. Songwriter-musician Duane Eddy is 82. Singer Bobby Rydell is 78. Rock musician Gary Wright is 77. Actress Nancy Lenehan is 67. Actor Giancarlo Esposito is 62. Rock musician Roger Taylor (Duran Duran) is 60. Actress Joan Chen is 59. Rock musician Chris Mars is 59. Actor-singer Michael Damian is 58. Actor Jet Li (lee) is 57. Rock musician Jimmy Stafford (formerly w/Train) is 56. Actor-comedian Kevin James is 55. Record company executive Jeff Huskins is 54. Former U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey is 54. Actress Marianne Jean-Baptiste is 53. Country musician Joe Caverlee (Yankee Grey) is 52. Rapper T-Boz (TLC) is 50. First lady Melania Trump is 50. Actress Shondrella Avery is 49. Actress Simbi Kali is 49. Country musician Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts) is 49. Country musician Michael Jeffers (Pinmonkey) is 48. Rock musician Jose Pasillas (Incubus) is 44. Actor Jason Earles is 43. Actor Leonard Earl Howze is 43. Actor Amin Joseph is 43. Actor Tom Welling is 43. Actor Pablo Schreiber is 42. Actor Nyambi Nyambi is 41. Actress Jordana Brewster is 40. Actress Stana Katic is 40. Actress Marnette Patterson is 40. Actor Channing Tatum is 40. Americana/roots singer-songwriter Lilly Hiatt is 36. Actress Emily Wickersham is 36. Actor Aaron Weeks is 34. Electro pop musician James Sunderland (Frenship) is 33. New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge is 28.Thought for Today: "A good scapegoat is nearly as welcome as a solution to the problem." — Author unknown.Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- April 26

Salina Fire Department personnel trained while taking advantage of a beautiful day. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafire/">Salina Fire</a> Facebook page:

Salina Fire Department personnel trained while taking advantage of a beautiful day. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafire/">Salina Fire</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsalinafire%2Fposts%2F2717604211670421&width=500" width="500" height="687" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

SFD: Outdoor training on a beautiful day

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

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

Recent obituaries

Lott Implement, an AGCO dealer in Minneapolis, Kansas is looking for a service technician. The duties include repairing combines, tractors, and hay equipment.

Lott Implement is looking for someone dependable and motivated, who has their own tools, an is able to get along well with others.

Immediate opening with pay based on experience. Contact Jeff at 785-392-3110 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jlott2522@att.net">jlott2522@att.net</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587062240402.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lott Implement, an AGCO dealer in Minneapolis, Kansas is looking for a service technician. The duties include repairing combines, tractors, and hay equipment.Lott Implement is looking for someone dependable and motivated, who has their own tools, an is able to get along well with others.Immediate opening with pay based on experience. Contact Jeff at 785-392-3110 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jlott2522@att.net">jlott2522@att.net</a>.

Saline County reports 1 more COVID-19 case

Hey, Fort Hays State University alums and friends: Need a coloring diversion for yourselves or you children? Check out these coloring options from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FHSUFoundation/">Fort Hays State University Foundation</a> Facebook page:

Hey, Fort Hays State University alums and friends: Need a coloring diversion for yourselves or you children? Check out these coloring options from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FHSUFoundation/">Fort Hays State University Foundation</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FFHSUFoundation%2Fposts%2F10158153879123718&width=500" width="500" height="712" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

FHSU Foundation offers pages for coloring

LINDSBORG -- Bethany College announces two celebrations for the class of 2020. 

Bethany will confer degrees to graduating seniors on May 16 at 2 p.m. as scheduled, but in a virtual format, accessible from the university's website <a href="http://www.bethanylb.edu">homepage</a>. Conferring degrees on May 16, although virtual, means students will have graduated for purposes of transcript notation, entry into graduate programs, etc.

LINDSBORG -- Bethany College announces two celebrations for the class of 2020. Bethany will confer degrees to graduating seniors on May 16 at 2 p.m. as scheduled, but in a virtual format, accessible from the university's website <a href="http://www.bethanylb.edu">homepage</a>. Conferring degrees on May 16, although virtual, means students will have graduated for purposes of transcript notation, entry into graduate programs, etc. Although the class of 2020 didn’t finish their last semester of college in a traditional way, Bethany wants to ensure that graduates experience the tradition of crossing the Presser stage in front of classmates, the college community, friends and family. More details of the in-person October commencement festivities will be shared soon.&nbsp;

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