Pavement and road work, workers compensation, and the Salina Animal Shelter crematorium are among the items on the Salina City Commission agenda for today.

The commission meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. in room 107 of the City-County Building. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, city commission meetings will take place via telephone conference until further notice. The meeting can be seen on Salina Media Connection, either via Cox Cable Channel 20 or online at <a href="http://www.salinatv.org">www.salinatv.org</a> or at the City of Salina YouTube channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.

Persons wishing to participate in the meeting will need to dial (785) 621-0800 and enter participant code 782956 followed by #. 

Persons wishing 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 two items for the animal shelter: a request to repair the shelter's crematorium and a request to change fees related to the crematorium. Requested fee changes include an $8 drop off fee for crematorium services and $17 per animal for cremation services, according to information in the commission meeting packet.

Other items on the city commission agenda for Monday include the following.

•Consider adopting  Resolution  No.  20-7828  authorizing  the  city  manager  to  renew  an  agreement  with  CCMSI,  Inc.  to  provide  Workers  Compensation  Third  Party  Administrator (TPA) Services. 

•Consider awarding a contract  for  2020  Minor  Concrete  –  Pavement  Repair,  Project  No.  20018B,  with  a  revised  completion  date  of  July  1,  2020,  to  Davis  Concrete  Construction,   in   the   amount   of   $29,206.85   with   a   $3,000   construction   contingency for a total project authorization of $32,206.85.

•Consider a contract to chip seal Salina Municipal Solid Waste Landfill roads and authorize use of the Salina Municipal Solid Waste Landfill fund balance for un-budgeted road repairs at the landfill. 

To see the entire Salina City Commission meeting packet (62 pages, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=443234&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584487791224.jpeg" alt="The City-County Building. Salina Post file photo" />
 <figcaption>The City-County Building. Salina Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Pavement and road work, workers compensation, and the Salina Animal Shelter crematorium are among the items on the Salina City Commission agenda for today.The commission meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. in room 107 of the City-County Building. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, city commission meetings will take place via telephone conference until further notice. The meeting can be seen on Salina Media Connection, either via Cox Cable Channel 20 or online at <a href="http://www.salinatv.org">www.salinatv.org</a> or at the City of Salina YouTube channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.Persons wishing to participate in the meeting will need to dial (785) 621-0800 and enter participant code 782956 followed by #. Persons wishing 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 two items for the animal shelter: a request to repair the shelter's crematorium and a request to change fees related to the crematorium. Requested fee changes include an $8 drop off fee for crematorium services and $17 per animal for cremation services, according to information in the commission meeting packet.Other items on the city commission agenda for Monday include the following.•Consider adopting Resolution No. 20-7828 authorizing the city manager to renew an agreement with CCMSI, Inc. to provide Workers Compensation Third Party Administrator (TPA) Services. •Consider awarding a contract for 2020 Minor Concrete – Pavement Repair, Project No. 20018B, with a revised completion date of July 1, 2020, to Davis Concrete Construction, in the amount of $29,206.85 with a $3,000 construction contingency for a total project authorization of $32,206.85.•Consider a contract to chip seal Salina Municipal Solid Waste Landfill roads and authorize use of the Salina Municipal Solid Waste Landfill fund balance for un-budgeted road repairs at the landfill. To see the entire Salina City Commission meeting packet (62 pages, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=443234&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

Roadwork, animal shelter crematorium on city agenda

A vehicle stolen in Salina Saturday morning was involved in a two-vehicle accident early Sunday morning in Topeka.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning that a 43-year-old Salina female told officers that she had gotten into an argument with a male subject she had picked up in Manhattan who had been staying with her since April 13. According to the woman, the subject left, taking the woman's 2008 Dodge Caliber, valued at $5,000, Forrester explained.

The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) reported that at 8:46 a.m. Sunday, a 2008 Dodge Caliber driven by a 40-year-old male -- Brooke Aaron McLaughlin -- was involved in a two-vehicle accident in Topeka during a pursuit by law enforcement. According to the KHP, McLaughlin was fleeing from law enforcement southbound on Southeast Adams Street when he ran a red light at Southeast 37th Street and was struck on the driver's side by a 2002 Toyota Camry Solara that was westbound on Southeast 37th Street.

According to the KHP report, McLaughlin complained of pain and was transported to the University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus in Topeka. He was not properly restrained, the KHP report stated.

The driver of the Camry Solara, a 59-year-old female from Topeka, complained of pain and was transported to Stormont Vail Hospital, the KHP reported. She was properly restrained, the KHP report stated.

According to Shawnee County Department of Corrections booking information, McLaughlin was arrested on suspicion of the following.

Registered offender obstructing apprehension of prosecution

Fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer

Additionally, McLaughlin is being held for the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation, the booking information noted.

A vehicle stolen in Salina Saturday morning was involved in a two-vehicle accident early Sunday morning in Topeka.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning that a 43-year-old Salina female told officers that she had gotten into an argument with a male subject she had picked up in Manhattan who had been staying with her since April 13. According to the woman, the subject left, taking the woman's 2008 Dodge Caliber, valued at $5,000, Forrester explained.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587399195298.jpeg" alt="Brooke Aaron McLaughlin. Photo courtesy Shawnee County Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Brooke Aaron McLaughlin. Photo courtesy Shawnee County Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) reported that at 8:46 a.m. Sunday, a 2008 Dodge Caliber driven by a 40-year-old male -- Brooke Aaron McLaughlin -- was involved in a two-vehicle accident in Topeka during a pursuit by law enforcement. According to the KHP, McLaughlin was fleeing from law enforcement southbound on Southeast Adams Street when he ran a red light at Southeast 37th Street and was struck on the driver's side by a 2002 Toyota Camry Solara that was westbound on Southeast 37th Street.According to the KHP report, McLaughlin complained of pain and was transported to the University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus in Topeka. He was not properly restrained, the KHP report stated.The driver of the Camry Solara, a 59-year-old female from Topeka, complained of pain and was transported to Stormont Vail Hospital, the KHP reported. She was properly restrained, the KHP report stated.According to Shawnee County Department of Corrections booking information, McLaughlin was arrested on suspicion of the following.Aggravated batteryFelony possession of stolen propertyFelony criminal damage to propertyRegistered offender obstructing apprehension of prosecutionFleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officerReckless drivingFailure to yield at a stop or yield signVehicle displaying plate not assignedDriving while suspendedViolation of the governor's proclamationAdditionally, McLaughlin is being held for the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation, the booking information noted.

Car stolen in Salina involved in 2-vehicle wreck during pursuit

We are expected to have seasonable temperatures and the chance for showers and thunderstorms over the next few days.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, seasonable temperatures are expected over the next several days. Partly cloudy skies will dominate today and Tuesday. 

Tuesday night and into Wednesday, the next weather system will push into the region and bring showers and thunderstorms, NWS noted. An isolated severe storm can't be ruled out Wednesday, NWS added.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587395564826.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>We are expected to have seasonable temperatures and the chance for showers and thunderstorms over the next few days.According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, seasonable temperatures are expected over the next several days. Partly cloudy skies will dominate today and Tuesday. Tuesday night and into Wednesday, the next weather system will push into the region and bring showers and thunderstorms, NWS noted. An isolated severe storm can't be ruled out Wednesday, NWS added.

NWS: Seasonal temperatures, rain next few days

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>.

City encourages citizens to complete census

The Saline County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol and Rescue Squad has a reputation for helping out in a crisis. Now they're helping out in a pandemic. 

Starting immediately, the Mounted Patrol and Rescue Squad will begin offering assistance to citizens in the higher risk category for COVID-19, primarily, those with contributing conditions such as compromised immune systems or our more senior citizens, the organization noted in a news release. The service is possible, in part, thanks to a $2,000 grant from the Salina Area United Way's&nbsp;COVID-19 Relief Fund.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e9cbb2eeb7f17053602ea5d">SAUW receives donation from KS Gas, awards more grants</a>

According to information from the Mounted Patrol and Rescue Squad, members will pick up essential items for these persons and deliver those to their locations in Saline County. Items such as groceries, prescriptions and other essential items can be ordered through the source of choice with arrangements for the Mounted Patrol and Rescue Squad to pick these items up and deliver them.

To get assistance simply call Mounted Patrol and Rescue Squad Commander Bill Cooke at 620-200-2931 or Deputy Cain Humphrey at 785-826-6393. Assistance will be given in the order that requests are received.

"We thank the community and our supporters. Specifically, thank you to the Salina Area United Way for helping to provide PPE so that we may provide this service to our community. Our thoughts are with all of those people local and around the world affected in any way by COVID-19," the Mounted Patrol and Rescue Squad noted in the release.

The Saline County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol and Rescue Squad has a reputation for helping out in a crisis. Now they're helping out in a pandemic. Starting immediately, the Mounted Patrol and Rescue Squad will begin offering assistance to citizens in the higher risk category for COVID-19, primarily, those with contributing conditions such as compromised immune systems or our more senior citizens, the organization noted in a news release. The service is possible, in part, thanks to a $2,000 grant from the Salina Area United Way's&nbsp;COVID-19 Relief Fund.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e9cbb2eeb7f17053602ea5d">SAUW receives donation from KS Gas, awards more grants</a>According to information from the Mounted Patrol and Rescue Squad, members will pick up essential items for these persons and deliver those to their locations in Saline County. Items such as groceries, prescriptions and other essential items can be ordered through the source of choice with arrangements for the Mounted Patrol and Rescue Squad to pick these items up and deliver them.To get assistance simply call Mounted Patrol and Rescue Squad Commander Bill Cooke at 620-200-2931 or Deputy Cain Humphrey at 785-826-6393. Assistance will be given in the order that requests are received."We thank the community and our supporters. Specifically, thank you to the Salina Area United Way for helping to provide PPE so that we may provide this service to our community. Our thoughts are with all of those people local and around the world affected in any way by COVID-19," the Mounted Patrol and Rescue Squad noted in the release.

Mounted Patrol and Rescue Squad to assist higher risk persons



There was the Greatest Generation born before 1946, the baby-boomers of the post-War years, and then a series of generations X, Y and Z that also included millennials and xennials. Now what will we call this generation of youngsters growing up now?

“Generation Alpha” was proposed for the cohort of persons born after 2010. This seemed like an appropriate jump-off after exhausting the alphabet—just begin down the Greek alphabet. &nbsp;

Then Ed Yong, writing in&nbsp;The Atlantic, proposed that babies born in the post-coronavirus era should be called “Generation C.” And with many citizens staying at home, this time of felt vulnerability will certainly change the zeitgeist or “spirit of the time” going forward. There is a sober recognition that the continual rush of social progress has slowed. Assumptions of ever-more-prosperity that began with the baby boom generation are now obviously seen as false assumptions, although in reality, most children have not surpassed their parents for the last 30 years. But now, developed societies can only hope to hold the line and not fall backward for the next few years. That will definitely provide our new generation with a different perspective on life.

But it will not just affect the attitudes of babies born from 2010 onward, but also for current K–12 kids, college students and young adults who find themselves in a troubled labor market, perhaps laid off or unable to find a job. This “Generation C” is therefore not defined by time of birth, but by living through this unusual time of uncertainty.

Not since 1918 has the United States seen such a life-threatening health challenge. That influenza was by far the most devastating disease of modern times, taking an estimated 675,000 American lives from the very young, the middle-aged adults and the elderly. There were far more American deaths from the Flu of 1918 than there were American casualties from the World War I at the time.&nbsp; Thirty percent of our medical personnel were occupied supporting the military in World War I. The first clearly reported cases were from Kansas and our transportation of troops was a major factor in spreading the pandemic worldwide.

Aside from treating the symptoms, there was no cure or vaccine.&nbsp; Most extended families had members who died. The average life expectancy of Americans plummeted by 12 years. Communities were left with local actions to mitigate the spread of the flu. Some closed schools. Others used limited quarantines. Face masks were widespread.

The great Flu of 1918 had a much higher number of deaths than the current pandemic with over 40 million Americans infected. So did it produce a unique “generation”?&nbsp; That is difficult to determine. There was the post-war euphoria and the Roaring Twenties. And then a Great Depression. History is extremely complicated. The future of our “Generation C” will just have to “play out.”

On the education side, some of us were looking forward to Generation Alpha. They are the first&nbsp; generation to have parents who are computer savvy, having grown up in the Internet age. Prior students had pre-Internet parents who were easily impressed by school administrators who spent huge sums of money to put their students in front of computers—of course, that had to be superior education. But it was inferior education. Performance on genuine assessments have continued to decline and the parents of Generation Alpha should be less gullible. Having experienced the shortcomings of digital media, the parents of Generation Alpha would value the genuine face-to-face teaching and superiority of printed reading materials for their children.&nbsp; &nbsp;

However, this once-a-century pandemic disaster may change this scenario. Perhaps a multi-age “Generation C” will settle for ineffective modes of delivery, virtual impersonal lectures, fake labs, hands-off abstractions, and a simulated life.&nbsp; We already see split messages, with the Ed-Tech Industrial Complex proclaiming the superiority of their digital media, while the veteran teachers are calculating the COVID-slide, a likely loss twice the normal summer-slide in skills and abilities.

Except for sports. We will definitely want to return to real ball games with real spectators.



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

There was the Greatest Generation born before 1946, the baby-boomers of the post-War years, and then a series of generations X, Y and Z that also included millennials and xennials. Now what will we call this generation of youngsters growing up now?“Generation Alpha” was proposed for the cohort of persons born after 2010. This seemed like an appropriate jump-off after exhausting the alphabet—just begin down the Greek alphabet. &nbsp;Then Ed Yong, writing in&nbsp;The Atlantic, proposed that babies born in the post-coronavirus era should be called “Generation C.” And with many citizens staying at home, this time of felt vulnerability will certainly change the zeitgeist or “spirit of the time” going forward. There is a sober recognition that the continual rush of social progress has slowed. Assumptions of ever-more-prosperity that began with the baby boom generation are now obviously seen as false assumptions, although in reality, most children have not surpassed their parents for the last 30 years. But now, developed societies can only hope to hold the line and not fall backward for the next few years. That will definitely provide our new generation with a different perspective on life.But it will not just affect the attitudes of babies born from 2010 onward, but also for current K–12 kids, college students and young adults who find themselves in a troubled labor market, perhaps laid off or unable to find a job. This “Generation C” is therefore not defined by time of birth, but by living through this unusual time of uncertainty.Not since 1918 has the United States seen such a life-threatening health challenge. That influenza was by far the most devastating disease of modern times, taking an estimated 675,000 American lives from the very young, the middle-aged adults and the elderly. There were far more American deaths from the Flu of 1918 than there were American casualties from the World War I at the time.&nbsp; Thirty percent of our medical personnel were occupied supporting the military in World War I. The first clearly reported cases were from Kansas and our transportation of troops was a major factor in spreading the pandemic worldwide.Aside from treating the symptoms, there was no cure or vaccine.&nbsp; Most extended families had members who died. The average life expectancy of Americans plummeted by 12 years. Communities were left with local actions to mitigate the spread of the flu. Some closed schools. Others used limited quarantines. Face masks were widespread.The great Flu of 1918 had a much higher number of deaths than the current pandemic with over 40 million Americans infected. So did it produce a unique “generation”?&nbsp; That is difficult to determine. There was the post-war euphoria and the Roaring Twenties. And then a Great Depression. History is extremely complicated. The future of our “Generation C” will just have to “play out.”On the education side, some of us were looking forward to Generation Alpha. They are the first&nbsp; generation to have parents who are computer savvy, having grown up in the Internet age. Prior students had pre-Internet parents who were easily impressed by school administrators who spent huge sums of money to put their students in front of computers—of course, that had to be superior education. But it was inferior education. Performance on genuine assessments have continued to decline and the parents of Generation Alpha should be less gullible. Having experienced the shortcomings of digital media, the parents of Generation Alpha would value the genuine face-to-face teaching and superiority of printed reading materials for their children.&nbsp; &nbsp;However, this once-a-century pandemic disaster may change this scenario. Perhaps a multi-age “Generation C” will settle for ineffective modes of delivery, virtual impersonal lectures, fake labs, hands-off abstractions, and a simulated life.&nbsp; We already see split messages, with the Ed-Tech Industrial Complex proclaiming the superiority of their digital media, while the veteran teachers are calculating the COVID-slide, a likely loss twice the normal summer-slide in skills and abilities.Except for sports. We will definitely want to return to real ball games with real spectators.

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.

Education Frontlines: Generation Alpha or Generation C?

K-State’s Blakeslee lauds grocery stores for staying open during tough times

MANHATTAN – In light of the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus, food safety specialist Karen Blakeslee says grocery stores are doing hero’s work.

“We have to give grocery stores a lot of credit for going above and beyond to keep their doors open these days,” said Blakeslee in her monthly newsletter,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/newsletter/index.html" target="_blank">You Asked It!,</a>&nbsp;published by the Rapid Response Center at Kansas State University.

“So, while they do their part to keep food safe, we must do the same.”

Consumers have received various pieces of advice, from wiping down all groceries before bringing them into their homes, to letting the groceries sit in the garage for a few days before bringing them inside.

But, leaving them sitting outside, “can have some serious food safety implications for perishable foods such as milk and meat,” Blakeslee said. “There is some indication that COVID-19 can inactivate at room temperature (such as while sitting in a garage, but all groceries would have to be contaminated” for this to be a recommended safety measure.

Instead of leaving groceries in a garage or other outside location, Blakeslee suggests simply washing your hands, putting groceries away safely, then washing your hands again.

“Cleaning food packages or washing fresh produce with soap is not recommended,” she said. “Fresh produce can be safely washed and scrubbed in plain water. After handling packages, simply wash your hands again before food preparation.”

Blakeslee said reusable bags should be washed often to keep them clean (some grocery stores may not allow customers to use reusable bags). She also suggested throwing away plastic bags.

For more home food safety tips, visit the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety" target="_blank">K-State Research and Extension Food Safety</a>&nbsp;website.

<h2>K-State’s Blakeslee lauds grocery stores for staying open during tough times</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587348963152.jpeg" alt="Grocery story image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/igorovsyannykov-6222956/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;amp;utm_content=3105629">Igor Ovsyannykov</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;amp;utm_content=3105629">Pixabay</a>" />
 <figcaption>Grocery story image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/igorovsyannykov-6222956/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;amp;utm_content=3105629">Igor Ovsyannykov</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;amp;utm_content=3105629">Pixabay</a></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN – In light of the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus, food safety specialist Karen Blakeslee says grocery stores are doing hero’s work.“We have to give grocery stores a lot of credit for going above and beyond to keep their doors open these days,” said Blakeslee in her monthly newsletter,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/newsletter/index.html" target="_blank">You Asked It!,</a>&nbsp;published by the Rapid Response Center at Kansas State University.“So, while they do their part to keep food safe, we must do the same.”Consumers have received various pieces of advice, from wiping down all groceries before bringing them into their homes, to letting the groceries sit in the garage for a few days before bringing them inside.But, leaving them sitting outside, “can have some serious food safety implications for perishable foods such as milk and meat,” Blakeslee said. “There is some indication that COVID-19 can inactivate at room temperature (such as while sitting in a garage, but all groceries would have to be contaminated” for this to be a recommended safety measure.Instead of leaving groceries in a garage or other outside location, Blakeslee suggests simply washing your hands, putting groceries away safely, then washing your hands again.“Cleaning food packages or washing fresh produce with soap is not recommended,” she said. “Fresh produce can be safely washed and scrubbed in plain water. After handling packages, simply wash your hands again before food preparation.”Blakeslee said reusable bags should be washed often to keep them clean (some grocery stores may not allow customers to use reusable bags). She also suggested throwing away plastic bags.For more home food safety tips, visit the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety" target="_blank">K-State Research and Extension Food Safety</a>&nbsp;website.

Are groceries safe to bring home? Food safety expert weighs in

Today is Monday, April 20, the 111th day of 2020. There are 255 days left in the year.

On April 20, 1971, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the use of busing to achieve racial desegregation in schools.

In 1836, Congress voted to establish the Wisconsin Territory.

In 1912, Boston's Fenway Park hosted its first professional baseball game while Navin Field (Tiger Stadium) opened in Detroit. (The Red Sox defeated the New York Highlanders 7-6 in 11 innings; the Tigers beat the Cleveland Naps 6-5 in 11 innings.)

In 1914, the Ludlow Massacre took place when the Colorado National Guard opened fire on a tent colony of striking miners; about 20 (accounts vary) strikers, women and children died.

In 1938, "Olympia," Leni Riefenstahl's documentary about the 1936 Berlin Olympic games, was first shown in Nazi Germany.

In 1972, Apollo 16's lunar module, carrying astronauts John W. Young and Charles M. Duke Jr., landed on the moon.

In 1977, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Wooley v. Maynard, ruled 6-3 that car owners could refuse to display state mottoes on license plates, such as New Hampshire's "Live Free or Die."

In 1986, following an absence of six decades, Russian-born pianist Vladimir Horowitz performed in the Soviet Union to a packed audience at the Grand Hall of the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow.

In 1988, gunmen who had hijacked a Kuwait Airways jumbo jet were allowed safe passage out of Algeria under an agreement that freed the remaining 31 hostages and ended a 15-day siege in which two passengers were slain.

In 1999, the Columbine High School massacre took place in Colorado as two students shot and killed 12 classmates and one teacher before taking their own lives.

In 2003, U.S. Army forces took control of Baghdad from the Marines in a changing of the guard that thinned the military presence in the capital.

In 2005, President George W. Bush signed a bill making it harder for debt-ridden people to wipe clean their financial slates by declaring bankruptcy. In his first Mass as pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI pledged to work for unity among Christians and to seek "an open and sincere dialogue" with other faiths. Ecuador's Congress voted to remove embattled President Lucio Gutierrez from office and swear in Vice President Alfredo Palacio to replace him.

In 2010, an explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil platform, leased by BP, killed 11 workers and caused a blow-out that began spewing an estimated 200 million gallons of crude into the Gulf of Mexico. (The well was finally capped nearly three months later.)

Ten years ago: ago: Airliners began taking to the skies of Europe again after five days of being grounded by a drifting volcanic ash. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on videos that showed graphic violence against animals. Civil rights activist Dorothy Height died in Washington D.C. at age 98. Keli McGregor, 48, president of baseball's Colorado Rockies, was found dead in a hotel room of natural causes.

Five years ago: The Post and Courier of Charleston, South Carolina, won the Pulitzer Prize for public service for an examination of the deadly toll of domestic violence, while The New York Times collected three awards and the Los Angeles Times two. Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia won the 119th Boston Marathon, finishing in 2:09:17; Caroline Rotich of Kenya won the women's race in 2:24:55.

One year ago: SpaceX's new capsule for astronauts was destroyed in an explosion during a ground test at Cape Canaveral in Florida; the accident, later blamed on a leaky valve, marked a serious setback in the company's effort to launch NASA astronauts into orbit later in the year. Community members in suburban Denver marked the 20th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting with a remembrance ceremony and volunteer projects.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Leslie Phillips is 96. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., is 84. Actor George Takei is 83. Singer Johnny Tillotson is 82. Actor Ryan O'Neal is 79. Bluegrass singer-musician Doyle Lawson (Quicksilver) is 76. Actress Judith O'Dea is 75. Rock musician Craig Frost (Grand Funk; Bob Seger's Silver Bullet Band) is 72. Actor Gregory Itzin is 72. Actress Jessica Lange is 71. Actress Veronica Cartwright is 71. Actor Clint Howard is 61. Actor Crispin Glover is 56. Actor Andy Serkis is 56. Olympic silver medal figure skater Rosalynn Sumners is 56. Actor William deVry is 52. Country singer Wade Hayes is 51. Actor Shemar Moore is 50. Actress Carmen Electra is 48. Reggae singer Stephen Marley is 48. Rock musician Marty Crandall is 45. Actor Joey Lawrence is 44. Country musician Clay Cook (Zac Brown Band) is 42. Actor Clayne Crawford is 42. Actor Tim Jo is 36. Actor Carlos Valdes (TV: "The Flash") is 31.

Thought for Today: "Excellence is not a skill, it is an attitude." — Ralph Marston, American football player (1907-1967).

<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 20, the 111th day of 2020. There are 255 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On April 20, 1971, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the use of busing to achieve racial desegregation in schools.On this date:In 1836, Congress voted to establish the Wisconsin Territory.In 1912, Boston's Fenway Park hosted its first professional baseball game while Navin Field (Tiger Stadium) opened in Detroit. (The Red Sox defeated the New York Highlanders 7-6 in 11 innings; the Tigers beat the Cleveland Naps 6-5 in 11 innings.)In 1914, the Ludlow Massacre took place when the Colorado National Guard opened fire on a tent colony of striking miners; about 20 (accounts vary) strikers, women and children died.In 1938, "Olympia," Leni Riefenstahl's documentary about the 1936 Berlin Olympic games, was first shown in Nazi Germany.In 1972, Apollo 16's lunar module, carrying astronauts John W. Young and Charles M. Duke Jr., landed on the moon.In 1977, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Wooley v. Maynard, ruled 6-3 that car owners could refuse to display state mottoes on license plates, such as New Hampshire's "Live Free or Die."In 1986, following an absence of six decades, Russian-born pianist Vladimir Horowitz performed in the Soviet Union to a packed audience at the Grand Hall of the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow.In 1988, gunmen who had hijacked a Kuwait Airways jumbo jet were allowed safe passage out of Algeria under an agreement that freed the remaining 31 hostages and ended a 15-day siege in which two passengers were slain.In 1999, the Columbine High School massacre took place in Colorado as two students shot and killed 12 classmates and one teacher before taking their own lives.In 2003, U.S. Army forces took control of Baghdad from the Marines in a changing of the guard that thinned the military presence in the capital.In 2005, President George W. Bush signed a bill making it harder for debt-ridden people to wipe clean their financial slates by declaring bankruptcy. In his first Mass as pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI pledged to work for unity among Christians and to seek "an open and sincere dialogue" with other faiths. Ecuador's Congress voted to remove embattled President Lucio Gutierrez from office and swear in Vice President Alfredo Palacio to replace him.In 2010, an explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil platform, leased by BP, killed 11 workers and caused a blow-out that began spewing an estimated 200 million gallons of crude into the Gulf of Mexico. (The well was finally capped nearly three months later.)Ten years ago: ago: Airliners began taking to the skies of Europe again after five days of being grounded by a drifting volcanic ash. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on videos that showed graphic violence against animals. Civil rights activist Dorothy Height died in Washington D.C. at age 98. Keli McGregor, 48, president of baseball's Colorado Rockies, was found dead in a hotel room of natural causes.Five years ago: The Post and Courier of Charleston, South Carolina, won the Pulitzer Prize for public service for an examination of the deadly toll of domestic violence, while The New York Times collected three awards and the Los Angeles Times two. Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia won the 119th Boston Marathon, finishing in 2:09:17; Caroline Rotich of Kenya won the women's race in 2:24:55.One year ago: SpaceX's new capsule for astronauts was destroyed in an explosion during a ground test at Cape Canaveral in Florida; the accident, later blamed on a leaky valve, marked a serious setback in the company's effort to launch NASA astronauts into orbit later in the year. Community members in suburban Denver marked the 20th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting with a remembrance ceremony and volunteer projects.Today's Birthdays: Actor Leslie Phillips is 96. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., is 84. Actor George Takei is 83. Singer Johnny Tillotson is 82. Actor Ryan O'Neal is 79. Bluegrass singer-musician Doyle Lawson (Quicksilver) is 76. Actress Judith O'Dea is 75. Rock musician Craig Frost (Grand Funk; Bob Seger's Silver Bullet Band) is 72. Actor Gregory Itzin is 72. Actress Jessica Lange is 71. Actress Veronica Cartwright is 71. Actor Clint Howard is 61. Actor Crispin Glover is 56. Actor Andy Serkis is 56. Olympic silver medal figure skater Rosalynn Sumners is 56. Actor William deVry is 52. Country singer Wade Hayes is 51. Actor Shemar Moore is 50. Actress Carmen Electra is 48. Reggae singer Stephen Marley is 48. Rock musician Marty Crandall is 45. Actor Joey Lawrence is 44. Country musician Clay Cook (Zac Brown Band) is 42. Actor Clayne Crawford is 42. Actor Tim Jo is 36. Actor Carlos Valdes (TV: "The Flash") is 31.Thought for Today: "Excellence is not a skill, it is an attitude." — Ralph Marston, American football player (1907-1967).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- April 20

Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas changes its meal distribution. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/catholiccharitiesofnorthernks/">Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas </a>Facebook page:

Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas changes its meal distribution. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/catholiccharitiesofnorthernks/">Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas </a>Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcatholiccharitiesofnorthernks%2Fposts%2F2755931337836032&width=500" width="500" height="680" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Catholic Charities adjusts meal distribution

CLAY CENTER -- Clay County Health Department is reporting an additional case of COVID-19 in the county.

"The case involves a patient that is hospitalized in Manhattan. The Clay County Health Department is working to identify all close contacts of this individual and those who were exposed are being contacted. We will provide quarantine instruction to these case contacts to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, to include fever and respiratory symptoms," the Clay County Health Department noted in a news release.

This is Clay County’s third positive case of COVID-19. The first case is fully recovered from the disease and was released from isolation restrictions on March 29, the release noted. All of that individual’s close contacts completed the required quarantine, none developed symptoms of the disease. The second positive case in Clay County was hospitalized and that person's contacts remain in quarantine, according to the release.



CLAY CENTER -- Clay County Health Department is reporting an additional case of COVID-19 in the county."The case involves a patient that is hospitalized in Manhattan. The Clay County Health Department is working to identify all close contacts of this individual and those who were exposed are being contacted. We will provide quarantine instruction to these case contacts to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, to include fever and respiratory symptoms," the Clay County Health Department noted in a news release.This is Clay County’s third positive case of COVID-19. The first case is fully recovered from the disease and was released from isolation restrictions on March 29, the release noted. All of that individual’s close contacts completed the required quarantine, none developed symptoms of the disease. The second positive case in Clay County was hospitalized and that person's contacts remain in quarantine, according to the release.

Clay County reports third confirmed case of COVID-19

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

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

At 11 am, KDHE reported a total of 1,849 positive cases and 92 deaths.

• There have been 390 of 1,531 cases that have been hospitalized.

• There have been 16,280 negative tests conducted at KDHE and private labs.

• Age range is 0 years to 99 years (median 51 years of age).

See more information, demographics and charts at <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID19-in-Kansas">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID19-in-Kansas</a>.

It cannot be stressed enough the importance of staying home and only going out for essential tasks. You can reduce your risks of exposure by:

• Staying home and only leaving to perform essential tasks.

• Maintain social distancing when out in public – 6 feet or more.

• Covering your face when social distancing is not able to be maintained in public places.

• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or more.

• Using hand sanitizer if washing your hands is not readily available.

• Contact your medical provider if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

Saline County continues to receive reports of alleged non-compliance with the Statewide Stay-at-Home order. Alleged violations can be reported through our online submission form at <a href="http://www.saline.org">www.saline.org</a>. If you have a question about a business being essential or not, please visit the Governor’s website at <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/keff">https://governor.kansas.gov/keff</a> to see the order, list of essential functions, and frequently asked questions.

Help our community in stopping 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, Stay Healthy and Stay at Home.

Here's Sunday's COVID-19 update from Saline County:The Saline County Health Department does not have any additional positive cases of COVID-19 to report today.At 11 am, KDHE reported a total of 1,849 positive cases and 92 deaths.• There have been 390 of 1,531 cases that have been hospitalized.• There have been 16,280 negative tests conducted at KDHE and private labs.• Age range is 0 years to 99 years (median 51 years of age).See more information, demographics and charts at <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID19-in-Kansas">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID19-in-Kansas</a>.It cannot be stressed enough the importance of staying home and only going out for essential tasks. You can reduce your risks of exposure by:• Staying home and only leaving to perform essential tasks.• Maintain social distancing when out in public – 6 feet or more.• Covering your face when social distancing is not able to be maintained in public places.• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or more.• Using hand sanitizer if washing your hands is not readily available.• Stay home if you are sick.• Contact your medical provider if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.Saline County continues to receive reports of alleged non-compliance with the Statewide Stay-at-Home order. Alleged violations can be reported through our online submission form at <a href="http://www.saline.org">www.saline.org</a>. If you have a question about a business being essential or not, please visit the Governor’s website at <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/keff">https://governor.kansas.gov/keff</a> to see the order, list of essential functions, and frequently asked questions.Help our community in stopping 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, Stay Healthy and Stay at Home.

Saline County: Still no new confirmed cases of COVID-19

By <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/author/bforlaw/">BLAIR FORLAW</a>

When public health disasters strike and times get tough, neighbors pull together to help neighbors. We deliver groceries, pick up prescriptions, sew masks and blankets, cook meals, provide transportation, assemble care packages, serenade, write cards and letters, check on vulnerable residents, donate resources and more. We reassure one another that our communities can and will come back even stronger than before.

Why do people give of themselves so freely when trouble comes around? When asked, they often say, “This is just what our community does” or “Helping one another is the American way.”

It&nbsp;is&nbsp;the American way, but in more respects than we might fully realize. Among the many helpers and hometown heroes are people who are putting their religious faith into action. The freedom to do so is assured us in the First Amendment.

Take a close look at the volunteer landscape and see literally hundreds of faith traditions that make America the most religiously pluralistic country on earth. Those faith traditions are represented by diverse people who step forward to do good things for others. Among the helpers also are individuals — now nearly one-quarter of all Americans — who ascribe to no organized denomination at all, but whose actions are guided by deep humanistic concerns. The religious and the humanist share not only a right, but a value.

Faith-in-action in times of trouble is nothing new in America. It is at least as old as the First Amendment that supports it. Consider these few examples, taken from our country’s history with public health epidemics.

•In 1794, Protestant reverends&nbsp;Richard Allen&nbsp;and&nbsp;Absalom Jones&nbsp;came to the defense of black Philadelphians who had put their health and safety at risk while removing and burying the bodies of people who lost their lives in the yellow fever epidemic. The ministers countered racist accusations of wrongdoing that were being leveled publicly against the workers. Jones’s and Allen’s pamphlet, “A Narrative of the Proceedings of the Black People, During the Late Awful Calamity in Philadelphia, in the Year 1793 and a Refutation of Some Censures Thrown Upon Them in Some Late Publications,” was widely read and debated.

•In 1864, Quakers from Indiana sent missionaries to Arkansas to establish an orphanage for children who had lost their parents to the ravages of smallpox during the Civil War. Most of these children were African Americans whose parents had escaped from slave plantations of the South and run to the relative safety of Union troop encampments, where they were protected as “contraband of war.” Smallpox, diarrhea and other communicable diseases felled many soldiers, civilians and families during the war.

•During the influenza pandemic of 1918,&nbsp;Rabbi Samuel Thurman&nbsp;of St. Louis spoke out forcefully in defense of the quarantine imposed on residents by city officials. Speaking of city leaders, including the chief of the local health board, who experienced resistance from many residents, the rabbi wrote: “Due to his determined action, St. Louis has been spared the terrible fate of other cities of its size and larger… The price we are paying now is commensurately small compared with the gain and good we shall obtain in the end.” He was right. Because of early and decisive action on the part of city leaders, St. Louis had one of the lowest excess death rates in the nation.

•In Worchester, Mass., members of the Catholic Women’s Club delivered clothing, food and comfort to influenza patients in 1918. On one day alone, they distributed large quantities of applesauce, pears, peaches, squash, lamb stew, meat pies, chicken soup, cornmeal muffins, johnny cakes, tapioca pudding and cocoa — prepared by volunteers and transported in their own vehicles to homes of those in need. Because most of the club members were schoolteachers, their volunteer work stopped when the epidemic had subsided enough to reopen schools.

•When influenza struck again in pandemic proportions in 2009, the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) provided free H1N1 vaccinations to low-income residents of the Southside of Chicago. The IMAN community clinic was established in the late 1970s to support health, wellness and healing among community residents, “beyond the barriers of religion, ethnicity and nationality.” In 2020, the clinic supports residents facing illness, economic insecurity, stress and isolation because of COVID-19.

Opportunities abound to put faith into action to support our neighbors during the COVID-19 pandemic today. Information about ways to help is readily available through churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, other houses of worship and faith-based community organizations. We can connect on social media, through virtual meet-up groups, online community bulletin boards and social media channels. Also, many Americans are acting alone on their own individual sense of faithfulness in their own neighborhoods.

After weeks of stay-at-home social distancing, we are looking forward to the day when we can resume life as we knew only a few months ago. Some commentators suggest that things will not be the same when we come out of the present difficulty: The old normal has been so shaken that a new normal will necessarily take its place.

Let’s hope that we move into that new normal stronger than we were before. And let’s hold fast to our First Amendment right to put faith into action to lift one another up in any troubled times that may lie ahead.

Blair Forlaw is developing a workshop program, “Leadership in a Multi-Faith Democracy,” for the Freedom Forum’s Religious Freedom Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587068805383.jpeg" alt="Blair Forlaw. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum" />
 <figcaption>Blair Forlaw. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>By <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/author/bforlaw/">BLAIR FORLAW</a>When public health disasters strike and times get tough, neighbors pull together to help neighbors. We deliver groceries, pick up prescriptions, sew masks and blankets, cook meals, provide transportation, assemble care packages, serenade, write cards and letters, check on vulnerable residents, donate resources and more. We reassure one another that our communities can and will come back even stronger than before.Why do people give of themselves so freely when trouble comes around? When asked, they often say, “This is just what our community does” or “Helping one another is the American way.”It&nbsp;is&nbsp;the American way, but in more respects than we might fully realize. Among the many helpers and hometown heroes are people who are putting their religious faith into action. The freedom to do so is assured us in the First Amendment.Take a close look at the volunteer landscape and see literally hundreds of faith traditions that make America the most religiously pluralistic country on earth. Those faith traditions are represented by diverse people who step forward to do good things for others. Among the helpers also are individuals — now nearly one-quarter of all Americans — who ascribe to no organized denomination at all, but whose actions are guided by deep humanistic concerns. The religious and the humanist share not only a right, but a value.Faith-in-action in times of trouble is nothing new in America. It is at least as old as the First Amendment that supports it. Consider these few examples, taken from our country’s history with public health epidemics.•In 1794, Protestant reverends&nbsp;Richard Allen&nbsp;and&nbsp;Absalom Jones&nbsp;came to the defense of black Philadelphians who had put their health and safety at risk while removing and burying the bodies of people who lost their lives in the yellow fever epidemic. The ministers countered racist accusations of wrongdoing that were being leveled publicly against the workers. Jones’s and Allen’s pamphlet, “A Narrative of the Proceedings of the Black People, During the Late Awful Calamity in Philadelphia, in the Year 1793 and a Refutation of Some Censures Thrown Upon Them in Some Late Publications,” was widely read and debated.•In 1864, Quakers from Indiana sent missionaries to Arkansas to establish an orphanage for children who had lost their parents to the ravages of smallpox during the Civil War. Most of these children were African Americans whose parents had escaped from slave plantations of the South and run to the relative safety of Union troop encampments, where they were protected as “contraband of war.” Smallpox, diarrhea and other communicable diseases felled many soldiers, civilians and families during the war.•During the influenza pandemic of 1918,&nbsp;Rabbi Samuel Thurman&nbsp;of St. Louis spoke out forcefully in defense of the quarantine imposed on residents by city officials. Speaking of city leaders, including the chief of the local health board, who experienced resistance from many residents, the rabbi wrote: “Due to his determined action, St. Louis has been spared the terrible fate of other cities of its size and larger… The price we are paying now is commensurately small compared with the gain and good we shall obtain in the end.” He was right. Because of early and decisive action on the part of city leaders, St. Louis had one of the lowest excess death rates in the nation.•In Worchester, Mass., members of the Catholic Women’s Club delivered clothing, food and comfort to influenza patients in 1918. On one day alone, they distributed large quantities of applesauce, pears, peaches, squash, lamb stew, meat pies, chicken soup, cornmeal muffins, johnny cakes, tapioca pudding and cocoa — prepared by volunteers and transported in their own vehicles to homes of those in need. Because most of the club members were schoolteachers, their volunteer work stopped when the epidemic had subsided enough to reopen schools.•When influenza struck again in pandemic proportions in 2009, the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) provided free H1N1 vaccinations to low-income residents of the Southside of Chicago. The IMAN community clinic was established in the late 1970s to support health, wellness and healing among community residents, “beyond the barriers of religion, ethnicity and nationality.” In 2020, the clinic supports residents facing illness, economic insecurity, stress and isolation because of COVID-19.Opportunities abound to put faith into action to support our neighbors during the COVID-19 pandemic today. Information about ways to help is readily available through churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, other houses of worship and faith-based community organizations. We can connect on social media, through virtual meet-up groups, online community bulletin boards and social media channels. Also, many Americans are acting alone on their own individual sense of faithfulness in their own neighborhoods.After weeks of stay-at-home social distancing, we are looking forward to the day when we can resume life as we knew only a few months ago. Some commentators suggest that things will not be the same when we come out of the present difficulty: The old normal has been so shaken that a new normal will necessarily take its place.Let’s hope that we move into that new normal stronger than we were before. And let’s hold fast to our First Amendment right to put faith into action to lift one another up in any troubled times that may lie ahead.Blair Forlaw is developing a workshop program, “Leadership in a Multi-Faith Democracy,” for the Freedom Forum’s Religious Freedom Center.

First Five: Faith, freedom in action in troubled times -- like now

The Salina Area United Way (SAUW) has received a matching donation commitment from Kansas Gas Service for its COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Kansas Gas Service will be matching dollar for dollar any funds raised for the SAUW COVID-19 Relief Fund up to $5,000. 

"Kansas Gas Service is committed to making our communities better places to live," said Kara Titus, community relations manager for Kansas Gas Service. “We’re grateful for the work of Salina Area United Way, and we're proud to play a role in helping our neighbors who are facing unprecedented challenges associated with this pandemic. We hope our match will encourage others to give as they can."

The SAUW at this time has awarded all funds raised through the SAUW COVID-19 Relief Fund, however it is still accepting applications for funds and will review on a first-come first-served basis to award any additional funds raised.  

Additionally, SAUW is still accepting donations for the SAUW COVID-19 Relief Fund to continue to support the needs in the community.

"The Salina community has shown its support during this difficult and uncertain time. Without their support we would not have already raised almost $70,000 for our 501(c)(3) non-profits," said Claire Mullen, SAUW executive director.  "We will continue to raise funds through the month of April with the hopes to award additional funds to organizations continuing to help those in need in our community affected by COVID-19."

The Salina Area United Way has awarded the following grants through the SAUW COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Salina Health Education Foundation -- $3,000 to assist patients with emergency food vouchers and medications.

First United Methodist Church (Salina) -- $1,500 to assist individuals with rent, utilities, gasoline vouchers and CityGo passes.

St Francis Ministries (Salina) -- $1,000 to provide food to children whose foster/kinship parents are working full-time providing essential services and not able to transport to schools, not able to walk to schools, or who are self-quarantined and cannot risk exposing others to receive free meals already provided by schools.

Saline County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol and Rescue Squad (Salina) -- $2,000 to purchase PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) so that services such as picking up prescriptions and groceries for individuals can be provided to our community.

The Salvation Army (Salina) -- $5,000 to provide individuals assistance with food, rent, utilities, hygiene, cleaning products, etc.

Salina Child Care Association -- $2,500 to provide food to children at their facility that cannot be reimbursed through the food program.

Ashby House (Salina) -- $5,000 to provide food, essential items, and medication/co-pay assistance to individuals and families participating in their transitional housing program and are not able to work due to the stay-at-home order.

CKF (Salina) -- $3,500 to purchase equipment to provide patients with telehealth services.

Central Kansas Mental Health (Salina) -- $3,500 to purchase equipment to provide patients with telehealth services.

Donations can still be made to the SAUW COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund in three easy ways:

Online at <a href="http://www.unitedwaysalina.org/sauw-covid-19">www.unitedwaysalina.org/sauw-covid-19</a>

Mail a check to Salina Area United Way, 210 E Walnut #100, Salina, KS 67401. Please include “Relief Fund” in the memo.

To download a grant application, visit the SAUW website at <a href="https://www.unitedwaysalina.org/covid-19">https://www.unitedwaysalina.org/covid-19</a>, include a copy of your non-profit status, and return a copy to <a href="mailto:info@unitedwaysalina.org">info@unitedwaysalina.org</a>. Your application will be reviewed within two business days. The maximum grant awarded to applicants will not exceed $5,000.

The Salina Area United Way (SAUW) has received a matching donation commitment from Kansas Gas Service for its COVID-19 Relief Fund.Kansas Gas Service will be matching dollar for dollar any funds raised for the SAUW COVID-19 Relief Fund up to $5,000. "Kansas Gas Service is committed to making our communities better places to live," said Kara Titus, community relations manager for Kansas Gas Service. “We’re grateful for the work of Salina Area United Way, and we're proud to play a role in helping our neighbors who are facing unprecedented challenges associated with this pandemic. We hope our match will encourage others to give as they can."The SAUW at this time has awarded all funds raised through the SAUW COVID-19 Relief Fund, however it is still accepting applications for funds and will review on a first-come first-served basis to award any additional funds raised. Additionally, SAUW is still accepting donations for the SAUW COVID-19 Relief Fund to continue to support the needs in the community."The Salina community has shown its support during this difficult and uncertain time. Without their support we would not have already raised almost $70,000 for our 501(c)(3) non-profits," said Claire Mullen, SAUW executive director. "We will continue to raise funds through the month of April with the hopes to award additional funds to organizations continuing to help those in need in our community affected by COVID-19."The Salina Area United Way has awarded the following grants through the SAUW COVID-19 Relief Fund.Salina Health Education Foundation -- $3,000 to assist patients with emergency food vouchers and medications.First United Methodist Church (Salina) -- $1,500 to assist individuals with rent, utilities, gasoline vouchers and CityGo passes.St Francis Ministries (Salina) -- $1,000 to provide food to children whose foster/kinship parents are working full-time providing essential services and not able to transport to schools, not able to walk to schools, or who are self-quarantined and cannot risk exposing others to receive free meals already provided by schools.Saline County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol and Rescue Squad (Salina) -- $2,000 to purchase PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) so that services such as picking up prescriptions and groceries for individuals can be provided to our community.The Salvation Army (Salina) -- $5,000 to provide individuals assistance with food, rent, utilities, hygiene, cleaning products, etc.Salina Child Care Association -- $2,500 to provide food to children at their facility that cannot be reimbursed through the food program.Ashby House (Salina) -- $5,000 to provide food, essential items, and medication/co-pay assistance to individuals and families participating in their transitional housing program and are not able to work due to the stay-at-home order. CKF (Salina) -- $3,500 to purchase equipment to provide patients with telehealth services. Central Kansas Mental Health (Salina) -- $3,500 to purchase equipment to provide patients with telehealth services.Donations can still be made to the SAUW COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund in three easy ways:Online at <a href="http://www.unitedwaysalina.org/sauw-covid-19">www.unitedwaysalina.org/sauw-covid-19</a>Text “TOGETHERUNITED” at 41444Mail a check to Salina Area United Way, 210 E Walnut #100, Salina, KS 67401. Please include “Relief Fund” in the memo.To download a grant application, visit the SAUW website at <a href="https://www.unitedwaysalina.org/covid-19">https://www.unitedwaysalina.org/covid-19</a>, include a copy of your non-profit status, and return a copy to <a href="mailto:info@unitedwaysalina.org">info@unitedwaysalina.org</a>. Your application will be reviewed within two business days. The maximum grant awarded to applicants will not exceed $5,000.

SAUW receives donation from KS Gas, awards more grants

The National Weather Service (NWS) is calling for seasonal temperatures today and Monday.

According to NWS, highs today and Monday will generally be in the upper 60s to around 70 degrees. 

A few showers and storms will be possible this afternoon with severe storms not expected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587308802036.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service (NWS) is calling for seasonal temperatures today and Monday.According to NWS, highs today and Monday will generally be in the upper 60s to around 70 degrees. A few showers and storms will be possible this afternoon with severe storms not expected.

NWS: Seasonal temperatures today, Monday

BATON ROUGE, La. -- The following people recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

Gretchen Heidebrecht of McPherson, at Kansas State University

Geronimo Rivera of Salina, at Kansas State University

They are among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 300 campuses in the United States and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

BATON ROUGE, La. -- The following people recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.Gretchen Heidebrecht of McPherson, at Kansas State UniversityGeronimo Rivera of Salina, at Kansas State UniversityThey are among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 300 campuses in the United States and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

Local, area students initiated into Phi Kappa Phi

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

“If life gives you lemons, then make lemonade. If life gives you coronavirus, then make hand cleanser.”

Of those two statements, you may have heard the first, but you probably have not heard the second. But that is a way of describing the strategic change that has been made by an entrepreneurial company in rural Kansas, in response to the current coronavirus pandemic.

Hayes Kelman is the founder and CEO of this company which is now producing hand cleanser for free distribution to the public. The company is Boot Hill Distillery in Dodge City.

Hayes is a fifth-generation farmer in western Kansas. According to the distillery website, he “has always looked for … new uses for the grain he grows.” Hayes was seeking innovative alternative uses for his corn, other than cattle feeding or ethanol fuel. His solution might be considered coming full circle, given Dodge City’s history as a Wild West town with saloons dispensing whiskey.

In 2014, Hayes and his father Roger Kelman opened Boot Hill Distillery to convert their corn into liquid spirits. It is described as a craft distillery. The Kelmans grow 100% of the grain which is used in their spirits. All of the product is milled, mashed, fermented, distilled and bottled on-site at Boot Hill Distillery.

The distillery is located in a building which connects to Dodge City’s history as well. It is located atop the site of the original, infamous Boot Hill cemetery where cowboys were unceremoniously buried with their boots on. In 1878, the bodies were moved to the municipal cemetery, and Dodge City’s first multi-room schoolhouse was erected at that site. It served as a schoolhouse until 1927 when it was razed to make room for a new municipal building. That building hosted various offices through the years and now is the home of Boot Hill Distillery.

As the business grew, its products earned various awards in events such as the Washington Cup Spirits Competition, Bartenders Spirit Awards, American Craft Spirits, and Heartland Spirits Fest. Instead of “farm to fork,” this was described as “soil to sip.”

Then the coronavirus pandemic hit in early 2020. Large gatherings of people were banned, and social distancing was put in place. The sudden change devastated the hospitality industry across the nation. Public consumption of all kinds of products took a hit, but the Kelmans recognized that their company’s alcohol could also serve as an element of hand cleansers.

The idea went from concept to reality in four days. Research found that the World Health Organization recommended a hand-rub formula with 80% ethanol, glycerol, hydrogen peroxide, and sterile water. The Kelmans decided to shift their production and staff time to producing hand cleanser, provided free to the public in the form of four-ounce bottles. Businesses and organizations in the region stepped up to sponsor this initiative. A GoFundMe campaign was also established to support the effort.

Certain organizations received the product in bulk. Priority was given to first responders, the medical community, nursing homes, elderly care, transportation workers, and those interacting with others who do not have access to handwashing stations.

In late March 2020, distribution sites were established where people could drive up and receive the individual hand cleanser bottles. As of this writing, the company has bottled and given out more than 60,000 bottles and 500 gallons of hand cleanser. The first distribution sites were in Dodge City. The company expressed thanks to the Ford County Sheriff’s Department and the Gunsmoke Law Dogs Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club for helping manage traffic and assisting with the distributions.

Thanks to a sponsorship by Victory Electric Cooperative, distributions were also held in rural communities served by this electric co-op. Those included rural communities such as Cimarron, Montezuma, Jetmore, Bucklin, Spearville, Copeland and Ingalls, population 306 people. Now, that’s rural.

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

We commend Hayes and Roger Kelman for making a difference by initiating this community service, helping Kansans to stay healthy and clean.

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/2020/4/1587264967039.jpeg" alt="Boot Hill Distillery's hand cleanser. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Boot Hill Distillery's hand cleanser. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Kansas State University“If life gives you lemons, then make lemonade. If life gives you coronavirus, then make hand cleanser.”Of those two statements, you may have heard the first, but you probably have not heard the second. But that is a way of describing the strategic change that has been made by an entrepreneurial company in rural Kansas, in response to the current coronavirus pandemic.Hayes Kelman is the founder and CEO of this company which is now producing hand cleanser for free distribution to the public. The company is Boot Hill Distillery in Dodge City.Hayes is a fifth-generation farmer in western Kansas. According to the distillery website, he “has always looked for … new uses for the grain he grows.” Hayes was seeking innovative alternative uses for his corn, other than cattle feeding or ethanol fuel. His solution might be considered coming full circle, given Dodge City’s history as a Wild West town with saloons dispensing whiskey.In 2014, Hayes and his father Roger Kelman opened Boot Hill Distillery to convert their corn into liquid spirits. It is described as a craft distillery. The Kelmans grow 100% of the grain which is used in their spirits. All of the product is milled, mashed, fermented, distilled and bottled on-site at Boot Hill Distillery.The distillery is located in a building which connects to Dodge City’s history as well. It is located atop the site of the original, infamous Boot Hill cemetery where cowboys were unceremoniously buried with their boots on. In 1878, the bodies were moved to the municipal cemetery, and Dodge City’s first multi-room schoolhouse was erected at that site. It served as a schoolhouse until 1927 when it was razed to make room for a new municipal building. That building hosted various offices through the years and now is the home of Boot Hill Distillery.As the business grew, its products earned various awards in events such as the Washington Cup Spirits Competition, Bartenders Spirit Awards, American Craft Spirits, and Heartland Spirits Fest. Instead of “farm to fork,” this was described as “soil to sip.”Then the coronavirus pandemic hit in early 2020. Large gatherings of people were banned, and social distancing was put in place. The sudden change devastated the hospitality industry across the nation. Public consumption of all kinds of products took a hit, but the Kelmans recognized that their company’s alcohol could also serve as an element of hand cleansers.The idea went from concept to reality in four days. Research found that the World Health Organization recommended a hand-rub formula with 80% ethanol, glycerol, hydrogen peroxide, and sterile water. The Kelmans decided to shift their production and staff time to producing hand cleanser, provided free to the public in the form of four-ounce bottles. Businesses and organizations in the region stepped up to sponsor this initiative. A GoFundMe campaign was also established to support the effort.Certain organizations received the product in bulk. Priority was given to first responders, the medical community, nursing homes, elderly care, transportation workers, and those interacting with others who do not have access to handwashing stations.In late March 2020, distribution sites were established where people could drive up and receive the individual hand cleanser bottles. As of this writing, the company has bottled and given out more than 60,000 bottles and 500 gallons of hand cleanser. The first distribution sites were in Dodge City. The company expressed thanks to the Ford County Sheriff’s Department and the Gunsmoke Law Dogs Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club for helping manage traffic and assisting with the distributions.Thanks to a sponsorship by Victory Electric Cooperative, distributions were also held in rural communities served by this electric co-op. Those included rural communities such as Cimarron, Montezuma, Jetmore, Bucklin, Spearville, Copeland and Ingalls, population 306 people. Now, that’s rural.For more information or to donate, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.boothilldistillery.com/" target="_blank">www.boothilldistillery.com</a>.We commend Hayes and Roger Kelman for making a difference by initiating this community service, helping Kansans to stay healthy and clean.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: Hayes Kelman, Boot Hill Distillery

Homeowners interested in attracting butterflies to their yard should plan to provide the food, shelter and liquids that they need to survive.

“Different species of butterflies prefer different plants,” said Ward Upham, a horticulture specialist for K-State Research and Extension. “Using a variety of plants that vary in blooming times of day and year will help attract a diverse group of visitors.”

Upham suggests planting perennials and shrubs that bloom early, mid- and late-summer, including:

Early season – allium, chives, forget-me-not, lilac

Mid-season – Bee balm, butterfly bush, black-eyed Susan, buttonbush, butterfly weed, daisy, daylily, gaillardia, lavender, lily, mint, phlox, privet, sunflower, veronica

Late-season – Aster, glossy abelia, sedum.

Butterflies are cold-blooded and like open areas where they can sun themselves on cool days, and shade themselves on hot days.

They also need water. Upham said a simple way to make a butterfly pool is to take a bucket filled with gravel and bury it to them rim. Then, add water, sugar water or sweet drinks so that butterflies can land on the gravel but still reach the liquid.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587265398600.jpeg" alt="Butterfly photo courtesy&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/12019-12019/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=1990204">David Mark</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=1990204">Pixabay</a>" />
 <figcaption>Butterfly photo courtesy&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/12019-12019/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=1990204">David Mark</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=1990204">Pixabay</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Homeowners interested in attracting butterflies to their yard should plan to provide the food, shelter and liquids that they need to survive.“Different species of butterflies prefer different plants,” said Ward Upham, a horticulture specialist for K-State Research and Extension. “Using a variety of plants that vary in blooming times of day and year will help attract a diverse group of visitors.”Upham suggests planting perennials and shrubs that bloom early, mid- and late-summer, including:Early season – allium, chives, forget-me-not, lilacMid-season – Bee balm, butterfly bush, black-eyed Susan, buttonbush, butterfly weed, daisy, daylily, gaillardia, lavender, lily, mint, phlox, privet, sunflower, veronicaLate-season – Aster, glossy abelia, sedum.Butterflies are cold-blooded and like open areas where they can sun themselves on cool days, and shade themselves on hot days.They also need water. Upham said a simple way to make a butterfly pool is to take a bucket filled with gravel and bury it to them rim. Then, add water, sugar water or sweet drinks so that butterflies can land on the gravel but still reach the liquid.

How to attract butterflies to your yard

Today is Sunday, April 19, the 110th day of 2020. There are 256 days left in the year.

On April 19, 1993, the 51-day siege at the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas, ended as fire destroyed the structure after federal agents began smashing their way in; about 80 people, including two dozen children and sect leader David Koresh, were killed.

In 1775, the American Revolutionary War began with the battles of Lexington and Concord.

In 1912, a special subcommittee of the Senate Commerce Committee opened hearings in New York into the Titanic disaster.

<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 19, the 110th day of 2020. There are 256 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On April 19, 1993, the 51-day siege at the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas, ended as fire destroyed the structure after federal agents began smashing their way in; about 80 people, including two dozen children and sect leader David Koresh, were killed.On this date:In 1775, the American Revolutionary War began with the battles of Lexington and Concord.In 1912, a special subcommittee of the Senate Commerce Committee opened hearings in New York into the Titanic disaster.In 1933, the United States went off the gold standard.In 1943, during World War II, tens of thousands of Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto began a valiant but ultimately futile battle against Nazi forces.In 1945, the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "Carousel" opened on Broadway.In 1951, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, relieved of his Far East command by President Harry S. Truman, bade farewell in an address to Congress in which he quoted a line from a ballad: "Old soldiers never die; they just fade away."In 1977, the Supreme Court, in Ingraham v. Wright, ruled 5-4 that even severe spanking of schoolchildren by faculty members did not violate the Eighth Amendment ban against cruel and unusual punishment.In 1989, 47 sailors were killed when a gun turret exploded aboard the USS Iowa in the Caribbean. (The Navy initially suspected that a dead crew member had deliberately sparked the blast, but later said there was no proof of that.)In 1994, a Los Angeles jury awarded $3.8 million to beaten motorist Rodney King.In 1995, a truck bomb destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people. (Bomber Timothy McVeigh, who prosecutors said had planned the attack as revenge for the Waco siege of two years earlier, was convicted of federal murder charges and executed in 2001.)In 2005, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany was elected pope in the first conclave of the new millennium; he took the name Benedict XVI.In 2013, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, a 19-year-old college student wanted in the Boston Marathon bombings, was taken into custody after a manhunt that had left the city virtually paralyzed; his older brother and alleged accomplice, 26-year-old Tamerlan, was killed earlier in a furious attempt to escape police.Ten years ago: The U.S. and Iraq claimed a major victory against al-Qaida, saying their forces had killed the terror group's two top figures in an air and ground assault on their safe house near former President Saddam Hussein's hometown. Kenya's Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot won the Boston Marathon and broke the course record with a time of 2:05:52; Ethiopia's Teyba Erkesso won the women's race in a time of 2:26:11.Five years ago: Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old black man, died a week after suffering a spinal cord injury in the back of a Baltimore police van while he was handcuffed and shackled. (Six police officers were charged; three were acquitted and the city's top prosecutor eventually dropped the three remaining cases.) At the Academy of Country Music Awards, Miranda Lambert won four awards, including album and song of the year, but lost the night's top prize, Entertainer of the Year, to Luke Bryan.One year ago: The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Democrat Jerrold Nadler of New York, issued a subpoena for the full report from special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe and the underlying materials. President Donald Trump rejected claims from former administration officials cited in the Mueller report that he had tried numerous times to stop or influence the probe. A fire service official in Paris said architects and construction workers had stabilized the damaged structure of Notre Dame cathedral, four days after a fire ravaged the iconic building. A Southern California couple who had pleaded guilty to locking up and abusing 12 of their 13 children for years were sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.Today's Birthdays: Actress Elinor Donahue is 83. Rock musician Alan Price (The Animals) is 78. Actor Tim Curry is 74. Pop singer Mark "Flo" Volman (The Turtles; Flo and Eddie) is 73. Actor Tony Plana is 68. Former tennis player Sue Barker is 64. Motorsports Hall of Famer Al Unser Jr. is 58. Actor Tom Wood is 57. Recording executive Suge Knight is 55. Singer-songwriter Dar Williams is 53. Actress Kim Hawthorne (TV: "Greenleaf") is 52. Actress Ashley Judd is 52. Singer Bekka Bramlett is 52. Latin pop singer Luis Miguel is 50. Actress Jennifer Esposito is 48. Actress Jennifer Taylor is 48. Jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux is 46. Actor James Franco is 42. Actress Kate Hudson is 41. Actor Hayden Christensen is 39. Actress Catalina Sandino Moreno is 39. Actress-comedian Ali Wong is 38. Actress Victoria Yeates is 37. Actress Kelen Coleman is 36. Actor Zack Conroy is 35. Roots rock musician Steve Johnson (Alabama Shakes) is 35. Actor Courtland Mead is 33. Tennis player Maria Sharapova is 33. NHL forward Patrik Laine is 32.Thought for Today: "The crisis you have to worry about most is the one you don't see coming." — Mike Mansfield, American statesman (1903-2001).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.