Saline County has announced that G&amp;W Railroad plans to replace crossings on its line beginning Thursday.

According to information from the Saline County Road and Bridge Department, G&amp;W Railroad owns the railroad track that ties into the Union Pacific Railroad west of Solomon and runs northwest to Bennington and eventually to Beloit.

On Thursday, G&amp;W Railroad will begin a project to replace all road crossings beginning at Amos Road, north of Old Hwy 40, the information from the Road and Bridge Department noted. Crossing replacements will proceed north. It is anticipated that each crossing will be closed for one day only.

Detour routes will not be signed for any Saline County projects.

As of today, the two crossings on Old Hwy 40 are not scheduled to be replaced, however, they may be added at a later date.  

Please contact the G&amp;W Railroad (785-302-8185) for any issues that you may have with the project.

Saline County has announced that G&amp;W Railroad plans to replace crossings on its line beginning Thursday.According to information from the Saline County Road and Bridge Department, G&amp;W Railroad owns the railroad track that ties into the Union Pacific Railroad west of Solomon and runs northwest to Bennington and eventually to Beloit.On Thursday, G&amp;W Railroad will begin a project to replace all road crossings beginning at Amos Road, north of Old Hwy 40, the information from the Road and Bridge Department noted. Crossing replacements will proceed north. It is anticipated that each crossing will be closed for one day only.Detour routes will not be signed for any Saline County projects.As of today, the two crossings on Old Hwy 40 are not scheduled to be replaced, however, they may be added at a later date. Please contact the G&amp;W Railroad (785-302-8185) for any issues that you may have with the project.

G&W Railroad replacing crossings in area

Well, the Kansas Supreme Court has held that Gov. Laura Kelly has authority – or more accurately that the Kansas Legislature didn’t use properly the authority it handed its leadership committee – to prohibit church gatherings of more than 10 constituents, er, congregants.

Practically, it didn’t have much effect, that high court ruling. Most of the state is staying at home as the governor wants and only a handful of churches, waving the banner of freedom of religious exercise, drew bigger crowds of congregants to Easter services which in past years have been among the largest events held by churches.

But…that Supreme Court ruling was almost a distraction to the business of state government in the coming weeks and months.

Yes, the high court, in a decision released too late for headlines in the Easter Sunday newspapers, made a decision that while technically and legally correct probably is going to force the Kansas Legislature into not only reconvening this spring but also having to deal with the real political issues that most aren’t very interested in during this election year.

First…lawmakers and the governor don’t know how much money they are going to have in order to meet the needs, some new needs that weren’t even considered before the coronavirus/Spring Break.

Oh, there’s going to be that Consensus Revenue Estimate (CRE) that will be released April 20 that is the official verdict on just how much money the state is going to receive from taxpayers for the remainder of this fiscal year (ends June 30) and for the coming fiscal year.

Already, the big dogs in the Statehouse are wondering just how big the asterisk on that final estimate is going to be. The entire Kansas economy has been redrawn due to the coronavirus which has closed thousands of businesses, led to tens of thousands of job losses and reduced the money Kansans will have to buy food and make rent and mortgage and car payments. And for those Kansans still working, there aren’t many places besides grocery stores, liquor stores and gun stores to spend that money to generate sales tax revenues.

That’s less money for the state and less money for local units of government that receive large portions of their revenues from sales taxes.&nbsp; Oh, and removing that revenue source from sales taxes means that the only other substantial revenue source for local units of government is property taxes. Raise those taxes to keep the water plant and the police and fire departments running?

That’ll make the protests of the church congregation limits wane.

And this stay-home issue that led Gov. Laura Kelly to close schools? Well, besides kids studying at home over their computers, it also is going to focus attention to just what that shut down of schools cost and weighing those home-school kids’ educational progress. And, don’t forget to consider what happens to the social skills that kids learn at school. There’s a value there, just no pricetag…

Will the children who are on-line during the school day show that they’ve actually learned? Will there be testing to find out whether that remote study is effective? And if the kids do well in intellectual progress, will some lawmakers – and property taxpayers – consider that on-line teaching is cheaper than the usual schoolhouse teaching? Gotta wonder which way that spending issues goes, don’t we…?

And there are going to be legislators who wonder just what isn’t getting done with the dispersion from state office buildings to kitchen tables thousands of state and local government workers.

The entire issue of what government does for us who pay for it looms.

Yes, the effect on government is bigger than just reducing crowds in church pews.

Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/" target="_blank">www.hawvernews.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141234707.png" alt="Martin Hawver" />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARTIN HAWVERWell, the Kansas Supreme Court has held that Gov. Laura Kelly has authority – or more accurately that the Kansas Legislature didn’t use properly the authority it handed its leadership committee – to prohibit church gatherings of more than 10 constituents, er, congregants.Practically, it didn’t have much effect, that high court ruling. Most of the state is staying at home as the governor wants and only a handful of churches, waving the banner of freedom of religious exercise, drew bigger crowds of congregants to Easter services which in past years have been among the largest events held by churches.But…that Supreme Court ruling was almost a distraction to the business of state government in the coming weeks and months.Yes, the high court, in a decision released too late for headlines in the Easter Sunday newspapers, made a decision that while technically and legally correct probably is going to force the Kansas Legislature into not only reconvening this spring but also having to deal with the real political issues that most aren’t very interested in during this election year.First…lawmakers and the governor don’t know how much money they are going to have in order to meet the needs, some new needs that weren’t even considered before the coronavirus/Spring Break.Oh, there’s going to be that Consensus Revenue Estimate (CRE) that will be released April 20 that is the official verdict on just how much money the state is going to receive from taxpayers for the remainder of this fiscal year (ends June 30) and for the coming fiscal year.Already, the big dogs in the Statehouse are wondering just how big the asterisk on that final estimate is going to be. The entire Kansas economy has been redrawn due to the coronavirus which has closed thousands of businesses, led to tens of thousands of job losses and reduced the money Kansans will have to buy food and make rent and mortgage and car payments. And for those Kansans still working, there aren’t many places besides grocery stores, liquor stores and gun stores to spend that money to generate sales tax revenues.That’s less money for the state and less money for local units of government that receive large portions of their revenues from sales taxes.&nbsp; Oh, and removing that revenue source from sales taxes means that the only other substantial revenue source for local units of government is property taxes. Raise those taxes to keep the water plant and the police and fire departments running?That’ll make the protests of the church congregation limits wane.And this stay-home issue that led Gov. Laura Kelly to close schools? Well, besides kids studying at home over their computers, it also is going to focus attention to just what that shut down of schools cost and weighing those home-school kids’ educational progress. And, don’t forget to consider what happens to the social skills that kids learn at school. There’s a value there, just no pricetag…Will the children who are on-line during the school day show that they’ve actually learned? Will there be testing to find out whether that remote study is effective? And if the kids do well in intellectual progress, will some lawmakers – and property taxpayers – consider that on-line teaching is cheaper than the usual schoolhouse teaching? Gotta wonder which way that spending issues goes, don’t we…?And there are going to be legislators who wonder just what isn’t getting done with the dispersion from state office buildings to kitchen tables thousands of state and local government workers.The entire issue of what government does for us who pay for it looms.Yes, the effect on government is bigger than just reducing crowds in church pews.Who knows where this is going?Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/" target="_blank">www.hawvernews.com</a>.

At the Rail: What government does for us looms

Today is Tuesday, April 14, the 105th day of 2020. There are 261 days left in the year.

On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was shot and mortally wounded by John Wilkes Booth during a performance of "Our American Cousin" at Ford's Theater in Washington.

In 1759, German-born English composer George Frideric Handel died in London at age 74.

In 1902, James Cash Penney opened his first store, The Golden Rule, in Kemmerer, Wyo.

In 1912, the British liner RMS Titanic collided with an iceberg in the North Atlantic at 11:40 p.m. ship's time and began sinking. (The ship went under two hours and 40 minutes later with the loss of 1,514 lives.)

In 1935, the "Black Sunday" dust storm descended upon the central Plains, turning a sunny afternoon into total darkness.

In 1939, the John Steinbeck novel "The Grapes of Wrath" was first published by Viking Press.

In 1956, Ampex Corp. demonstrated the first practical videotape recorder at the National Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters Convention in Chicago.

In 1965, the state of Kansas hanged Richard Hickock and Perry Smith for the 1959 "In Cold Blood" murders of Herbert Clutter, his wife, Bonnie, and two of their children, Nancy and Kenyon.

In 1970, President Richard Nixon nominated Harry Blackmun to the U.S. Supreme Court. (The choice of Blackmun, who was unanimously confirmed by the Senate a month later, followed the failed nominations of Clement Haynsworth and G. Harrold Carswell.)

In 1981, the first test flight of America's first operational space shuttle, the Columbia, ended successfully with a landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

In 1994, two U.S. Air Force F-15 warplanes mistakenly shot down two U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters over northern Iraq, killing 26 people, including 15 Americans. Turner Classic Movies made its cable debut; the first film it aired was Ted Turner's personal favorite, "Gone with the Wind."

In 1999, NATO mistakenly bombed a convoy of ethnic Albanian refugees; Yugoslav officials said 75 people were killed.

In 2004, in a historic policy shift, President George W. Bush endorsed Israel's plan to hold on to part of the West Bank in any final peace settlement with the Palestinians; he also ruled out Palestinian refugees returning to Israel, bringing strong criticism from the Palestinians.

Ten years ago: A magnitude-7 earthquake in a remote Tibetan region of China killed some 2,700 people and injured more than 10,000. The Eyjafjallajokul volcano in Iceland erupted, sending out an ash plume that led most northern European countries to close their airspace between April 15 and 20, grounding about 10 million travelers worldwide.

Five years ago: The White House announced that President Barack Obama would remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, a key step in his bid to normalize relations between the two countries. Percy Sledge, 74, who soared from part-time singer and hospital orderly to lasting fame with his aching, forlorn performance on the classic "When a Man Loves a Woman," died in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

One year ago: Pete Buttigieg, the little-known mayor of South Bend, Indiana, made his official entrance into the 2020 Democratic presidential race. Rep. Ilhan Omar said she had faced increased death threats since President Donald Trump spread around a video that purported to show her being dismissive of the 2001 terrorist attacks; House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she had taken steps to ensure the safety of the Democratic Muslim lawmaker from Minnesota. After going nearly 11 years since he won his last major tournament, Tiger Woods rallied to win the Masters for the fifth time, closing with a 2-under-par 70 for a one-shot victory.

Today's Birthdays: Country singer Loretta Lynn is 88. Actress Julie Christie is 80. Retired MLB All-Star Pete Rose is 79. Rock musician Ritchie Blackmore is 75. Actor John Shea is 72. Actor Peter Capaldi is 62. Actor-turned-race car driver Brian Forster is 60. Actor Brad Garrett is 60. Actor Robert Carlyle is 59. Rock singer-musician John Bell (Widespread Panic) is 58. Actor Robert Clendenin is 56. Actress Catherine Dent is 55. Actor Lloyd Owen is 54. Baseball Hall of Famer Greg Maddux is 54. Rock musician Barrett Martin is 53. Actor Anthony Michael Hall is 52. Actor Adrien Brody is 47. Classical singer David Miller (Il Divo) is 47. Rapper DaBrat is 46. Actor Antwon Tanner is 45. Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar is 43. Actor-producer Rob McElhenney is 43. Roots singer JD McPherson is 43. Rock singer Win Butler (Arcade Fire) is 40. Actress Claire Coffee is 40. Actor Christian Alexander is 30. Actor Nick Krause is 28. Actress Vivien Cardone is 27. Actor Graham Phillips is 27. Actress Skyler Samuels is 26. Actress Abigail Breslin is 24.

Thought for Today: "I am a man of fixed and unbending principles, the first of which is to be flexible at all times." — Everett Dirksen, American politician (1896-1969).

<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 Tuesday, April 14, the 105th day of 2020. There are 261 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was shot and mortally wounded by John Wilkes Booth during a performance of "Our American Cousin" at Ford's Theater in Washington.On this date:In 1759, German-born English composer George Frideric Handel died in London at age 74.In 1902, James Cash Penney opened his first store, The Golden Rule, in Kemmerer, Wyo.In 1912, the British liner RMS Titanic collided with an iceberg in the North Atlantic at 11:40 p.m. ship's time and began sinking. (The ship went under two hours and 40 minutes later with the loss of 1,514 lives.)In 1935, the "Black Sunday" dust storm descended upon the central Plains, turning a sunny afternoon into total darkness.In 1939, the John Steinbeck novel "The Grapes of Wrath" was first published by Viking Press.In 1956, Ampex Corp. demonstrated the first practical videotape recorder at the National Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters Convention in Chicago.In 1965, the state of Kansas hanged Richard Hickock and Perry Smith for the 1959 "In Cold Blood" murders of Herbert Clutter, his wife, Bonnie, and two of their children, Nancy and Kenyon.In 1970, President Richard Nixon nominated Harry Blackmun to the U.S. Supreme Court. (The choice of Blackmun, who was unanimously confirmed by the Senate a month later, followed the failed nominations of Clement Haynsworth and G. Harrold Carswell.)In 1981, the first test flight of America's first operational space shuttle, the Columbia, ended successfully with a landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California.In 1994, two U.S. Air Force F-15 warplanes mistakenly shot down two U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters over northern Iraq, killing 26 people, including 15 Americans. Turner Classic Movies made its cable debut; the first film it aired was Ted Turner's personal favorite, "Gone with the Wind."In 1999, NATO mistakenly bombed a convoy of ethnic Albanian refugees; Yugoslav officials said 75 people were killed.In 2004, in a historic policy shift, President George W. Bush endorsed Israel's plan to hold on to part of the West Bank in any final peace settlement with the Palestinians; he also ruled out Palestinian refugees returning to Israel, bringing strong criticism from the Palestinians.Ten years ago: A magnitude-7 earthquake in a remote Tibetan region of China killed some 2,700 people and injured more than 10,000. The Eyjafjallajokul volcano in Iceland erupted, sending out an ash plume that led most northern European countries to close their airspace between April 15 and 20, grounding about 10 million travelers worldwide.Five years ago: The White House announced that President Barack Obama would remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, a key step in his bid to normalize relations between the two countries. Percy Sledge, 74, who soared from part-time singer and hospital orderly to lasting fame with his aching, forlorn performance on the classic "When a Man Loves a Woman," died in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.One year ago: Pete Buttigieg, the little-known mayor of South Bend, Indiana, made his official entrance into the 2020 Democratic presidential race. Rep. Ilhan Omar said she had faced increased death threats since President Donald Trump spread around a video that purported to show her being dismissive of the 2001 terrorist attacks; House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she had taken steps to ensure the safety of the Democratic Muslim lawmaker from Minnesota. After going nearly 11 years since he won his last major tournament, Tiger Woods rallied to win the Masters for the fifth time, closing with a 2-under-par 70 for a one-shot victory.Today's Birthdays: Country singer Loretta Lynn is 88. Actress Julie Christie is 80. Retired MLB All-Star Pete Rose is 79. Rock musician Ritchie Blackmore is 75. Actor John Shea is 72. Actor Peter Capaldi is 62. Actor-turned-race car driver Brian Forster is 60. Actor Brad Garrett is 60. Actor Robert Carlyle is 59. Rock singer-musician John Bell (Widespread Panic) is 58. Actor Robert Clendenin is 56. Actress Catherine Dent is 55. Actor Lloyd Owen is 54. Baseball Hall of Famer Greg Maddux is 54. Rock musician Barrett Martin is 53. Actor Anthony Michael Hall is 52. Actor Adrien Brody is 47. Classical singer David Miller (Il Divo) is 47. Rapper DaBrat is 46. Actor Antwon Tanner is 45. Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar is 43. Actor-producer Rob McElhenney is 43. Roots singer JD McPherson is 43. Rock singer Win Butler (Arcade Fire) is 40. Actress Claire Coffee is 40. Actor Christian Alexander is 30. Actor Nick Krause is 28. Actress Vivien Cardone is 27. Actor Graham Phillips is 27. Actress Skyler Samuels is 26. Actress Abigail Breslin is 24.Thought for Today: "I am a man of fixed and unbending principles, the first of which is to be flexible at all times." — Everett Dirksen, American politician (1896-1969).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- April 14

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported a 14th confirmed case of COVID-19 as well as a number of people in the county who have recovered.

"The latest identified positive case is a female in her 20s who is recovering well at home. This case has known exposure at the facility cluster," the health department noted in a news release.

Additionally, eight persons in McPherson County who were confirmed to have COVID-19 have met recovery guidelines, according to the health department.

Two other McPherson County residents who are confirmed to have COVID-19 are hospitalized, the health department noted.

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported a 14th confirmed case of COVID-19 as well as a number of people in the county who have recovered."The latest identified positive case is a female in her 20s who is recovering well at home. This case has known exposure at the facility cluster," the health department noted in a news release.Additionally, eight persons in McPherson County who were confirmed to have COVID-19 have met recovery guidelines, according to the health department.Two other McPherson County residents who are confirmed to have COVID-19 are hospitalized, the health department noted.

McPherson County reports 14th C-19 case, 8 recoveries

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

The Saline County Health Department has been notified of one additional positive case of COVID-19:

• A female in her 60’s associated with a known close contact who is isolated at home.

We were also notified that one of our previously identified positive cases has passed away. We are saddened by this news and extend our condolences to the family and friends for their loss.

The Saline County Health Department is working closely with KDHE after a facility in Salina was recognized by KDHE for having an outbreak of COVID-19 cases. At this time, information about this facility will not be released to the public. The Health Department has already contacted all employees at this facility that were at risk for exposure.

At 11 am, KDHE reported a total of 1376 confirmed cases in Kansas and 62 deaths. Saline County has a total of 10 positive cases, with two of those resulting in death.

Governor Kelly’s Statewide Stay-at-Home order is still in effect. Social distancing is imperative. It cannot be stressed enough the importance of staying home and only going out for essential tasks. 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 the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday:The Saline County Health Department has been notified of one additional positive case of COVID-19:• A female in her 60’s associated with a known close contact who is isolated at home.We were also notified that one of our previously identified positive cases has passed away. We are saddened by this news and extend our condolences to the family and friends for their loss.The Saline County Health Department is working closely with KDHE after a facility in Salina was recognized by KDHE for having an outbreak of COVID-19 cases. At this time, information about this facility will not be released to the public. The Health Department has already contacted all employees at this facility that were at risk for exposure.At 11 am, KDHE reported a total of 1376 confirmed cases in Kansas and 62 deaths. Saline County has a total of 10 positive cases, with two of those resulting in death.Governor Kelly’s Statewide Stay-at-Home order is still in effect. Social distancing is imperative. It cannot be stressed enough the importance of staying home and only going out for essential tasks. 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: 1 new COVID-19 case, another death

Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas announces food and hygiene item distribution for Wednesday. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/catholiccharitiesofnorthernks/">Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas</a> Facebook page:

Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas announces food and hygiene item distribution for Wednesday. 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%2F2747019155393917&width=500" width="500" height="693" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Catholic Charities next distribution Wednesday

The COVID-19 pandemic is not only impacting the daily operations of nonprofit organizations, but also their long-term viability. 

In response to the challenges facing local nonprofits, the Greater Salina Community Foundation has created the COVID-19 Nonprofit Support Grant Program.

These grants will help Saline County nonprofits continue their missions by:

•Supporting unanticipated needs to continue critical service delivery directly related to COVID-19.

•Helping nonprofits analyze or reimagine their operational effectiveness for the emerging future.

More than $50,000 is available for this program, and grants will be awarded through a competitive application process. Applications will be accepted online only from April 15 until May 1. Decisions will be announced and funds will be distributed by mid-May. Applications are not a guarantee of funding.

Nonprofit Support Grants will be funded through the community foundation's Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund and the L.P. "Pat" Mullen Fund.

To apply, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gscf.org/nonprofitsupportgrant" target="_blank">www.gscf.org/nonprofitsupportgrant</a>. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586804160631.png" alt="Image courtesy GSCF" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy GSCF</figcaption>
 </figure>The COVID-19 pandemic is not only impacting the daily operations of nonprofit organizations, but also their long-term viability. In response to the challenges facing local nonprofits, the Greater Salina Community Foundation has created the COVID-19 Nonprofit Support Grant Program.These grants will help Saline County nonprofits continue their missions by:•Supporting unanticipated needs to continue critical service delivery directly related to COVID-19.•Helping nonprofits analyze or reimagine their operational effectiveness for the emerging future.More than $50,000 is available for this program, and grants will be awarded through a competitive application process. Applications will be accepted online only from April 15 until May 1. Decisions will be announced and funds will be distributed by mid-May. Applications are not a guarantee of funding.Nonprofit Support Grants will be funded through the community foundation's Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund and the L.P. "Pat" Mullen Fund.To apply, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gscf.org/nonprofitsupportgrant" target="_blank">www.gscf.org/nonprofitsupportgrant</a>. &nbsp;

GSCF to offer nonprofit support grants

Due to the declared COVID-19 national emergency the Wednesday 8 a.m. regular meeting of the Salina Airport Authority board of directors will be held via a GoToMeeting video and audio links. 

Public access to the Salina Airport Authority’s administrative offices is restricted during the COVID-19 national emergency. Restricted public access to the SAA’s administrative offices is the reason that the meeting will be held solely by means of interactive communications. All board meeting documents (agenda, agenda memo, financial statements, etc.) and written information to be discussed at the meeting can be viewed at the following board meeting packet link:

<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mKKcqQdwBJS3o7G5d5woSs7MyqaBl6Hel5gB460ZPRZdMiobw_NzozqFfmjIAecwf8ZFHJFgiCh9plPdz7L0SPS9uOSTvkX77XXv9xNvWPhmh_TnQcZ49iknvG-Ux0LM-k3Xnmnvsui5M4oKq7GWZrY7bRPBxD0ehfocf_iKK6NOHLfTsh_A3RSHS8rVMUNc8wU-2w-Vela7Ua7ghK0N6H0w3h9I9EwD&amp;c=BiOo4LjCKT2_Kw-FEeBKvxN4df39Dv64U9qhwU5uufXVQE6LggUCCg==&amp;ch=nM0s5q_8c6KsOTSXSabs5L1l1MGR96NAf8PeD588Z1QDmGokiVACIw==" target="_blank">https://www.salinaairport.com/public-information/board-meeting-documents.aspx</a>

To aid in transparency, the Airport Authority will take the following steps:

Members of the public may login to the meeting to listen, observe and/or participate in the board meeting. The login can be accomplished by telephone, smartphone, tablet or computer. Meeting login instructions are:

Join meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mKKcqQdwBJS3o7G5d5woSs7MyqaBl6Hel5gB460ZPRZdMiobw_NzozqFfmjIAecwY0oDN5sOcJqRMLkj3-oSIxFHafAlwkvLnHdgjzv7aDgmeLthV67cnPgreVe2MHqrYUHucR065SRaoMObhEG4D1WdEc4eVwB7zQ66tvaDQzszw3o0iSDM1g==&amp;c=BiOo4LjCKT2_Kw-FEeBKvxN4df39Dv64U9qhwU5uufXVQE6LggUCCg==&amp;ch=nM0s5q_8c6KsOTSXSabs5L1l1MGR96NAf8PeD588Z1QDmGokiVACIw==" target="_blank">https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/631928973</a>&nbsp;

You can also dial in using your phone.(For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.)

United States: +1 (646) 749-3112- One-touch:tel:+16467493112,,631928973#﻿

Due to the declared COVID-19 national emergency the Wednesday 8 a.m. regular meeting of the Salina Airport Authority board of directors will be held via a GoToMeeting video and audio links. Public access to the Salina Airport Authority’s administrative offices is restricted during the COVID-19 national emergency. Restricted public access to the SAA’s administrative offices is the reason that the meeting will be held solely by means of interactive communications. All board meeting documents (agenda, agenda memo, financial statements, etc.) and written information to be discussed at the meeting can be viewed at the following board meeting packet link:<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mKKcqQdwBJS3o7G5d5woSs7MyqaBl6Hel5gB460ZPRZdMiobw_NzozqFfmjIAecwf8ZFHJFgiCh9plPdz7L0SPS9uOSTvkX77XXv9xNvWPhmh_TnQcZ49iknvG-Ux0LM-k3Xnmnvsui5M4oKq7GWZrY7bRPBxD0ehfocf_iKK6NOHLfTsh_A3RSHS8rVMUNc8wU-2w-Vela7Ua7ghK0N6H0w3h9I9EwD&amp;c=BiOo4LjCKT2_Kw-FEeBKvxN4df39Dv64U9qhwU5uufXVQE6LggUCCg==&amp;ch=nM0s5q_8c6KsOTSXSabs5L1l1MGR96NAf8PeD588Z1QDmGokiVACIw==" target="_blank">https://www.salinaairport.com/public-information/board-meeting-documents.aspx</a>To aid in transparency, the Airport Authority will take the following steps:<ol>
 <li>The meeting’s video and audio will be recorded and be posted on the Airport Authority’s website,&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mKKcqQdwBJS3o7G5d5woSs7MyqaBl6Hel5gB460ZPRZdMiobw_NzozqFfmjIAecwf8ZFHJFgiCh9plPdz7L0SPS9uOSTvkX77XXv9xNvWPhmh_TnQcZ49iknvG-Ux0LM-k3Xnmnvsui5M4oKq7GWZrY7bRPBxD0ehfocf_iKK6NOHLfTsh_A3RSHS8rVMUNc8wU-2w-Vela7Ua7ghK0N6H0w3h9I9EwD&amp;c=BiOo4LjCKT2_Kw-FEeBKvxN4df39Dv64U9qhwU5uufXVQE6LggUCCg==&amp;ch=nM0s5q_8c6KsOTSXSabs5L1l1MGR96NAf8PeD588Z1QDmGokiVACIw==" target="_blank">www.salinaairport.com</a></li><li>&nbsp;Post the Airport Authority’s meeting notice, agenda, agenda packet and other meeting documents on the Airport Authority’s website,&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mKKcqQdwBJS3o7G5d5woSs7MyqaBl6Hel5gB460ZPRZdMiobw_NzozqFfmjIAecwf8ZFHJFgiCh9plPdz7L0SPS9uOSTvkX77XXv9xNvWPhmh_TnQcZ49iknvG-Ux0LM-k3Xnmnvsui5M4oKq7GWZrY7bRPBxD0ehfocf_iKK6NOHLfTsh_A3RSHS8rVMUNc8wU-2w-Vela7Ua7ghK0N6H0w3h9I9EwD&amp;c=BiOo4LjCKT2_Kw-FEeBKvxN4df39Dv64U9qhwU5uufXVQE6LggUCCg==&amp;ch=nM0s5q_8c6KsOTSXSabs5L1l1MGR96NAf8PeD588Z1QDmGokiVACIw==" target="_blank">www.salinaairport.com</a></li><li>Post the April 15, 2020 meeting minutes to the Airport Authority’s website,&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mKKcqQdwBJS3o7G5d5woSs7MyqaBl6Hel5gB460ZPRZdMiobw_NzozqFfmjIAecwf8ZFHJFgiCh9plPdz7L0SPS9uOSTvkX77XXv9xNvWPhmh_TnQcZ49iknvG-Ux0LM-k3Xnmnvsui5M4oKq7GWZrY7bRPBxD0ehfocf_iKK6NOHLfTsh_A3RSHS8rVMUNc8wU-2w-Vela7Ua7ghK0N6H0w3h9I9EwD&amp;c=BiOo4LjCKT2_Kw-FEeBKvxN4df39Dv64U9qhwU5uufXVQE6LggUCCg==&amp;ch=nM0s5q_8c6KsOTSXSabs5L1l1MGR96NAf8PeD588Z1QDmGokiVACIw==" target="_blank">www.salinaairport.com</a>&nbsp;as soon as possible after the meeting.</li>
 </ol>Members of the public may login to the meeting to listen, observe and/or participate in the board meeting. The login can be accomplished by telephone, smartphone, tablet or computer. Meeting login instructions are:Join meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mKKcqQdwBJS3o7G5d5woSs7MyqaBl6Hel5gB460ZPRZdMiobw_NzozqFfmjIAecwY0oDN5sOcJqRMLkj3-oSIxFHafAlwkvLnHdgjzv7aDgmeLthV67cnPgreVe2MHqrYUHucR065SRaoMObhEG4D1WdEc4eVwB7zQ66tvaDQzszw3o0iSDM1g==&amp;c=BiOo4LjCKT2_Kw-FEeBKvxN4df39Dv64U9qhwU5uufXVQE6LggUCCg==&amp;ch=nM0s5q_8c6KsOTSXSabs5L1l1MGR96NAf8PeD588Z1QDmGokiVACIw==" target="_blank">https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/631928973</a>&nbsp;You can also dial in using your phone.(For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.)United States: +1 (646) 749-3112- One-touch:tel:+16467493112,,631928973#﻿Access Code: 631-928-973

Salina Airport Authority to meet via video, audio links

Following the CDC's guidance and the governor's statewide 30 day “stay at home” order, the Project Salina board will not hold its annual Project Salina kickoff lunch that was scheduled for Thursday.

The COVID 19 virus has affected everything around us, including the increased need for food, the Project Salina board noted.&nbsp; With so many people out of jobs, the need for food has increased in the last month and will continue to do so until this crisis is over.

Project Salina will use social media, email and the internet to let people know about the needs of Project Salina.&nbsp; Participating businesses will be hearing from the board shortly via email or phone in the coming weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp; They will be posting throughout the next two months, so make sure to like Project Salina on Facebook and Twitter.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Every year during the month of May, Project Salina collects food for distribution to five agencies that help needy families in Salina.&nbsp; Each participating Salina business collects one of the designated food items. The food is then distributed through these Salina agencies:

•Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas

There are plenty of donations around the holidays- but by May, the shelves start to get bare. Project Salina was created in 1990 to keep the shelves full through the summer until the holidays can again stock the shelves. Collecting and distributing food items in May provides much needed assistance to these agencies that help so many.

If you participate in Dillon’s Community Rewards Program, you can support Project Salina by selecting Project Salina on your Dillons account.&nbsp;

PayPal donations are accepted on the website: <a href="http://www.projectsalina.com/" target="_blank">www.projectsalina.com</a>.&nbsp; We highly encourage participants to contribute monetary donations for three simple, yet very important reasons:

1. Project Salina can purchase in bulk and is tax exempt, making your dollar go even further. 

2. Monetary donations allow us the opportunity to purchase food throughout the year reducing the amount of storage space required.

3. By purchasing throughout the year, we can be conscientious of expiration dates, ensuring all food gets used.

If you have any questions, please send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:projectsalina@gmail.com">projectsalina@gmail.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586799398563.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following the CDC's guidance and the governor's statewide 30 day “stay at home” order, the Project Salina board will not hold its annual Project Salina kickoff lunch that was scheduled for Thursday.The COVID 19 virus has affected everything around us, including the increased need for food, the Project Salina board noted.&nbsp; With so many people out of jobs, the need for food has increased in the last month and will continue to do so until this crisis is over.Project Salina will use social media, email and the internet to let people know about the needs of Project Salina.&nbsp; Participating businesses will be hearing from the board shortly via email or phone in the coming weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp; They will be posting throughout the next two months, so make sure to like Project Salina on Facebook and Twitter.&nbsp; &nbsp;Every year during the month of May, Project Salina collects food for distribution to five agencies that help needy families in Salina.&nbsp; Each participating Salina business collects one of the designated food items. The food is then distributed through these Salina agencies:•Ashby House•Salvation Army•Emergency Aid/Food Bank•Salina Rescue Mission•Domestic Violence Association of Central KansasThere are plenty of donations around the holidays- but by May, the shelves start to get bare. Project Salina was created in 1990 to keep the shelves full through the summer until the holidays can again stock the shelves. Collecting and distributing food items in May provides much needed assistance to these agencies that help so many.If you participate in Dillon’s Community Rewards Program, you can support Project Salina by selecting Project Salina on your Dillons account.&nbsp;PayPal donations are accepted on the website: <a href="http://www.projectsalina.com/" target="_blank">www.projectsalina.com</a>.&nbsp; We highly encourage participants to contribute monetary donations for three simple, yet very important reasons:1. Project Salina can purchase in bulk and is tax exempt, making your dollar go even further. 2. Monetary donations allow us the opportunity to purchase food throughout the year reducing the amount of storage space required.3. By purchasing throughout the year, we can be conscientious of expiration dates, ensuring all food gets used.If you have any questions, please send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:projectsalina@gmail.com">projectsalina@gmail.com</a>.

Project Salina cancels kickoff lunch; collection to continue

UPDATE: This story has been updated to correct the name of the storage facility per new information from the Salina Police Department.

Police are investigating the theft of a vehicle and other items from a southwest Salina storage facility.

Sometime between April 1 and Saturday, someone broke into a storage unit at Salina Mini Storage, 2727 Centennial, and stole a 2007 silver Ford Mustang with Kansas license plate 626 DDC and two hammocks, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. Total loss was estimated at $2,600, he noted.

Three other units appeared to have possibly been broken into, Forrester added.

UPDATE: This story has been updated to correct the name of the storage facility per new information from the Salina Police Department.Police are investigating the theft of a vehicle and other items from a southwest Salina storage facility.Sometime between April 1 and Saturday, someone broke into a storage unit at Salina Mini Storage, 2727 Centennial, and stole a 2007 silver Ford Mustang with Kansas license plate 626 DDC and two hammocks, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. Total loss was estimated at $2,600, he noted.Three other units appeared to have possibly been broken into, Forrester added.

UPDATE: Police investigating theft at storage facility

We're in for another round of freeze warnings Tuesday morning.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a freeze warning in effect from 1-10 a.m. Tuesday for the following counties in our area.

Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 28 are expected. Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

NWS in Topeka has issued a freeze warning in effect from 11 p.m. Monday to 10 a.m. Tuesday for the following counties in our area.

Sub-freezing temperatures will range from 25 to 32 degrees. Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586788264674.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>We're in for another round of freeze warnings Tuesday morning.The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a freeze warning in effect from 1-10 a.m. Tuesday for the following counties in our area.Ellsworth CountyLincoln CountyMarion CountyMcPherson CountySaline CountySub-freezing temperatures as low as 28 are expected. Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.NWS in Topeka has issued a freeze warning in effect from 11 p.m. Monday to 10 a.m. Tuesday for the following counties in our area.Clay CountyCloud CountyDickinson CountyOttawa CountyRepublic CountySub-freezing temperatures will range from 25 to 32 degrees. Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

NWS: Freeze warnings issued for Tuesday

For the health and safety of
patrons, musicians and staff, the decision has been made to extend the postponement
of the Salina Symphony Rodgers &amp; Hammerstein concert to Oct. 4. 

Ticket
holders will receive detailed information regarding tickets via letter or email.
Patrons
are welcome to call the Symphony Office at 785-823-8309 with questions. 

In addition to the May concert postponement,
the Symphony at Sunset D-Day Commemoration Concert scheduled for June 6 at the
Eisenhower Presidential Library has been cancelled. 

"We hope you will make plans
to join us June 5, 2021, for the 10th Annual Symphony at Sunset," the symphony noted.

Until we can
until we can share music together again, patrons and community members are invited to follow the Salina Symphony
Facebook&nbsp;page for day-brightening musical offerings from orchestra
members. We also plan to re-broadcast the February Symphony concert May 3 at 4
p.m. – the timeframe for our original season finale – on Radio Kansas. You are
invited to tune in.

For the health and safety of
patrons, musicians and staff, the decision has been made to extend the postponement
of the Salina Symphony Rodgers &amp; Hammerstein concert to Oct. 4. Ticket
holders will receive detailed information regarding tickets via letter or email.
Patrons
are welcome to call the Symphony Office at 785-823-8309 with questions. In addition to the May concert postponement,
the Symphony at Sunset D-Day Commemoration Concert scheduled for June 6 at the
Eisenhower Presidential Library has been cancelled. "We hope you will make plans
to join us June 5, 2021, for the 10th Annual Symphony at Sunset," the symphony noted.Until we can
until we can share music together again, patrons and community members are invited to follow the Salina Symphony
Facebook&nbsp;page for day-brightening musical offerings from orchestra
members. We also plan to re-broadcast the February Symphony concert May 3 at 4
p.m. – the timeframe for our original season finale – on Radio Kansas. You are
invited to tune in.

Salina Symphony postpones one concert, cancels another

LINDSBORG -- Bethany College officials have announced that they will eliminate the requirement for an ACT and/or SAT score
for first-time freshman applying for the fall 2020 academic year. &nbsp;

Referred to as the test-optional approach,
this aligns with the mission of the admissions department, who has always taken
a holistic approach in review of the applications. Extending this approach to
students without an ACT or SAT test score is timelier than ever in light of the
ACT &amp; SAT test cancellations, and additional complications created by the unforeseen
COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Bethany College Board of Directors, cabinet members, and
faculty hope the test-optional approach will remove a barrier that might
otherwise prevent a student from pursuing a degree in higher education.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

“It
was important for us, as a college community, to adapt to the situation to
reassure students that gaining access to a life-changing college experience
that Bethany offers is still possible. Removing the barrier of the ACT/SAT
score will help alleviate some of the uncertainties and anxieties that high
school seniors are facing,” said Matthew Pfannenstiel, vice president of
enrollment management. &nbsp;

Acceptance through the test-optional
pathway may include an interview with an admissions representative, as well as
a writing sample. Students can submit their application through <a href="http://www.bethanylb.edu/apply">www.bethanylb.edu/apply</a>.

For convenience, you can visit Bethany's website --&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bethanylb.edu">www.bethanylb.edu</a>&nbsp;-- for additional
information and virtual options. Bethany leadership will continue to work on
additional ways to remove barriers in its efforts to support prospective and
current students as they move forward from COVID-19.

LINDSBORG -- Bethany College officials have announced that they will eliminate the requirement for an ACT and/or SAT score
for first-time freshman applying for the fall 2020 academic year. &nbsp;Referred to as the test-optional approach,
this aligns with the mission of the admissions department, who has always taken
a holistic approach in review of the applications. Extending this approach to
students without an ACT or SAT test score is timelier than ever in light of the
ACT &amp; SAT test cancellations, and additional complications created by the unforeseen
COVID-19 pandemic. The Bethany College Board of Directors, cabinet members, and
faculty hope the test-optional approach will remove a barrier that might
otherwise prevent a student from pursuing a degree in higher education.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“It
was important for us, as a college community, to adapt to the situation to
reassure students that gaining access to a life-changing college experience
that Bethany offers is still possible. Removing the barrier of the ACT/SAT
score will help alleviate some of the uncertainties and anxieties that high
school seniors are facing,” said Matthew Pfannenstiel, vice president of
enrollment management. &nbsp;Acceptance through the test-optional
pathway may include an interview with an admissions representative, as well as
a writing sample. Students can submit their application through <a href="http://www.bethanylb.edu/apply">www.bethanylb.edu/apply</a>. For convenience, you can visit Bethany's website --&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bethanylb.edu">www.bethanylb.edu</a>&nbsp;-- for additional
information and virtual options. Bethany leadership will continue to work on
additional ways to remove barriers in its efforts to support prospective and
current students as they move forward from COVID-19.

Bethany eliminating ACT-SAT score requirement



Team spectator sports—basketball, baseball, football, etc.—are shut down. There was an initial proposal to broadcast the competitions in empty stadiums and ball parks, but that idea died before it was implemented. —And for good reason.&nbsp; Can you image a basketball court with teams (dribble, dribble, dribble, basket) and no audience cheering?

Many do watch such games on television and it is somewhat entertaining. But the reaction of the crowd at the event provides the sound track of real excitement. Put yourself alone on the front row of bleachers of a game being played to an otherwise empty room and the silence overwhelms. It takes the “fun” away. You want to be one among hundreds of spectators caught up in the excitement of “face-to-face” games with others present.

There is an interesting phenomenon we are just learning from brain imaging studies. When a audience member is listening to a piece of music, their brain pattern “syncs” with the musician playing the music. They are mentally “together.” Consider being streetside as a marching band passes by. —Or sitting in the bleachers, joining the crowd cheering your team as they surge down the field to make a basket. That is the power of being together. It is no mystery that the bands that marched through our streets playing patriotic marches saw bystanders hug their loved ones goodbye and join in the parade that led to the military recruitment to join World War II.&nbsp; &nbsp;

There is also power in a group of students coming to class everyday to learn together under the leadership of a good teacher. That is also the reason that “personalized learning,” where each student in the classroom is isolated in front of a laptop to supposedly learn at their own speed, divorced from their classmates sitting around them, is lousy teaching. They no longer have the support of their classmates learning together. Everyone is “out of sync” and the “teacher” is a mere tech solver.

When students have a bad day and come to school unmotivated, the class around them helps them rise up and carry on. When a student is having a good day, their enthusiasm and success helps their classmates around them. My student teachers learned how this was a case of everyone “being in the moment” but it is also what is occurring with considerably more noise at a ball game. I am cautious when applying basic neurological research to applied teaching. Education schools have a long history of distorting such research to advance an education fad. But good teachers know when their class is “with them” and this recent research into brain synchrony appears to be solid science.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

My student teachers also learned that “to teach is to learn twice” because they will have to take what they have learned in depth in college study and translate it into language that relates to a new generation of students’ experiences. &nbsp;

But to teach is to learn dozens of times over.&nbsp; In a mid-size to large school district, a biology teacher will likely teach freshman biology classes all day long. They will come to rely on some brief video examples to illustrate time-lapse plant growth or unique animal behavior. Since they will show this over again in each class throughout the day (and if they have good classroom discipline, why can’t they just turn on the video and leave the room?

My teachers-to-be knew this problem because this happened when they were students. That is not good, they will tell me. When I ask why, they reflect on how a teacher needs to stay in class with students. The teacher is in a learning journey with them, and stepping outside the class abandons them.

Before we had extensive media, we did have correspondence courses that let students work with a book and worksheets away from any class, sending in their lessons by mail. Tests were then taken under the supervision of a local school administrator. We knew back then that only one-out-of-ten correspondence students had the discipline and self-motivation to complete the course on their own. Nine-out-of-ten needed to learn together with the support of classmates and the teacher in the room.

For the vast majority of our K-12 and undergraduate students, learning alone doesn’t work. &nbsp;&nbsp;



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

Team spectator sports—basketball, baseball, football, etc.—are shut down. There was an initial proposal to broadcast the competitions in empty stadiums and ball parks, but that idea died before it was implemented. —And for good reason.&nbsp; Can you image a basketball court with teams (dribble, dribble, dribble, basket) and no audience cheering?Many do watch such games on television and it is somewhat entertaining. But the reaction of the crowd at the event provides the sound track of real excitement. Put yourself alone on the front row of bleachers of a game being played to an otherwise empty room and the silence overwhelms. It takes the “fun” away. You want to be one among hundreds of spectators caught up in the excitement of “face-to-face” games with others present.There is an interesting phenomenon we are just learning from brain imaging studies. When a audience member is listening to a piece of music, their brain pattern “syncs” with the musician playing the music. They are mentally “together.” Consider being streetside as a marching band passes by. —Or sitting in the bleachers, joining the crowd cheering your team as they surge down the field to make a basket. That is the power of being together. It is no mystery that the bands that marched through our streets playing patriotic marches saw bystanders hug their loved ones goodbye and join in the parade that led to the military recruitment to join World War II.&nbsp; &nbsp;There is also power in a group of students coming to class everyday to learn together under the leadership of a good teacher. That is also the reason that “personalized learning,” where each student in the classroom is isolated in front of a laptop to supposedly learn at their own speed, divorced from their classmates sitting around them, is lousy teaching. They no longer have the support of their classmates learning together. Everyone is “out of sync” and the “teacher” is a mere tech solver.When students have a bad day and come to school unmotivated, the class around them helps them rise up and carry on. When a student is having a good day, their enthusiasm and success helps their classmates around them. My student teachers learned how this was a case of everyone “being in the moment” but it is also what is occurring with considerably more noise at a ball game. I am cautious when applying basic neurological research to applied teaching. Education schools have a long history of distorting such research to advance an education fad. But good teachers know when their class is “with them” and this recent research into brain synchrony appears to be solid science.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;My student teachers also learned that “to teach is to learn twice” because they will have to take what they have learned in depth in college study and translate it into language that relates to a new generation of students’ experiences. &nbsp;But to teach is to learn dozens of times over.&nbsp; In a mid-size to large school district, a biology teacher will likely teach freshman biology classes all day long. They will come to rely on some brief video examples to illustrate time-lapse plant growth or unique animal behavior. Since they will show this over again in each class throughout the day (and if they have good classroom discipline, why can’t they just turn on the video and leave the room?My teachers-to-be knew this problem because this happened when they were students. That is not good, they will tell me. When I ask why, they reflect on how a teacher needs to stay in class with students. The teacher is in a learning journey with them, and stepping outside the class abandons them.Before we had extensive media, we did have correspondence courses that let students work with a book and worksheets away from any class, sending in their lessons by mail. Tests were then taken under the supervision of a local school administrator. We knew back then that only one-out-of-ten correspondence students had the discipline and self-motivation to complete the course on their own. Nine-out-of-ten needed to learn together with the support of classmates and the teacher in the room.For the vast majority of our K-12 and undergraduate students, learning alone doesn’t work. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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: Learning together

Kansas Wesleyan University’s Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of&nbsp;The Honorable William P. (Bill) Graves, ’76, former governor of Kansas, to the position of Trustee Emeritus, effective fall 2020.

“Kansas Wesleyan and its Board of Trustees are very fortunate that Governor Graves has agreed to serve once again, this time as Trustee Emeritus,” said Jeff Bieber ’71, board president. “Governor Graves has previously dedicated fifteen years of board service to KWU, and we are honored to welcome him back. His litany of experiences will, no doubt, assist in the counsel and guidance for KWU. Personally, I feel that each and every trustee will benefit and grow from Gov. Graves’s willingness and passion to assist in the leadership of his alma mater. His commitment to our university, its students and its mission will stimulate Coyote Pride.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Graves has a long association with KWU, which goes considerably beyond that of most graduates. His great-grandfather, Henry M. Mayo, was the very first graduate of KWU in 1887. His sister, Martha, graduated in 1974 and his father, also named William Graves, spent time on the KWU Board of Trustees. The younger Graves played football for legendary coach Gene Bissell and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.&nbsp;

He joined the KWU Board of Trustees in 1982, became Kansas’ secretary of state in 1991 and was elected governor in 1995.&nbsp;Graves completed his last term on the university’s board in 2000, and served two full terms as governor of Kansas, leaving office on Jan. 13, 2003. He still stands as the longest-serving Republican governor in state history. Graves went on to help fuel the construction of KWU’s sports complex by serving as national co-chair of the capital campaign, and the complex bears his family’s name. Graves currently serves on the board of directors of the International Speedway Corporation, one of the driving forces behind American auto racing.&nbsp;

﻿“I’m very pleased to support Kansas Wesleyan as a Trustee Emeritus,” Graves said. “While almost 50 years have passed since my sister Martha&nbsp;Graves&nbsp;Reese and I graduated, Kansas Wesleyan continues to hold special meaning for the&nbsp;Graves&nbsp;family. Our father, William H.&nbsp;Graves, Martha and I have all served as Kansas Wesleyan Trustees. We believe in the mission of Kansas Wesleyan and want to see all students benefit from the same academic, athletic, artistic and social opportunities that helped shape our lives. Kansas Wesleyan provides a complete college experience and I’m proud to offer my support to the Kansas Wesleyan Board of Trustees.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

KWU President Matt Thompson shared his appreciation for Gov. Graves’ commitment to Kansas Wesleyan, saying, “Gov. Graves was one of the first to call when I was appointed president seven years ago. He has been a sounding board for ideas and one of the university’s greatest champions. We are pleased that he will be serving again in a more formal role. The Graves family holds an important spot in the university’s pantheon.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586738567192.jpeg" alt="Former Kansas Gov. Bill Graves. Photo courtesy KWU" />
 <figcaption>Former Kansas Gov. Bill Graves. Photo courtesy KWU</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Wesleyan University’s Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of&nbsp;The Honorable William P. (Bill) Graves, ’76, former governor of Kansas, to the position of Trustee Emeritus, effective fall 2020.“Kansas Wesleyan and its Board of Trustees are very fortunate that Governor Graves has agreed to serve once again, this time as Trustee Emeritus,” said Jeff Bieber ’71, board president. “Governor Graves has previously dedicated fifteen years of board service to KWU, and we are honored to welcome him back. His litany of experiences will, no doubt, assist in the counsel and guidance for KWU. Personally, I feel that each and every trustee will benefit and grow from Gov. Graves’s willingness and passion to assist in the leadership of his alma mater. His commitment to our university, its students and its mission will stimulate Coyote Pride.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Graves has a long association with KWU, which goes considerably beyond that of most graduates. His great-grandfather, Henry M. Mayo, was the very first graduate of KWU in 1887. His sister, Martha, graduated in 1974 and his father, also named William Graves, spent time on the KWU Board of Trustees. The younger Graves played football for legendary coach Gene Bissell and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.&nbsp;He joined the KWU Board of Trustees in 1982, became Kansas’ secretary of state in 1991 and was elected governor in 1995.&nbsp;Graves completed his last term on the university’s board in 2000, and served two full terms as governor of Kansas, leaving office on Jan. 13, 2003. He still stands as the longest-serving Republican governor in state history. Graves went on to help fuel the construction of KWU’s sports complex by serving as national co-chair of the capital campaign, and the complex bears his family’s name. Graves currently serves on the board of directors of the International Speedway Corporation, one of the driving forces behind American auto racing.&nbsp;﻿“I’m very pleased to support Kansas Wesleyan as a Trustee Emeritus,” Graves said. “While almost 50 years have passed since my sister Martha&nbsp;Graves&nbsp;Reese and I graduated, Kansas Wesleyan continues to hold special meaning for the&nbsp;Graves&nbsp;family. Our father, William H.&nbsp;Graves, Martha and I have all served as Kansas Wesleyan Trustees. We believe in the mission of Kansas Wesleyan and want to see all students benefit from the same academic, athletic, artistic and social opportunities that helped shape our lives. Kansas Wesleyan provides a complete college experience and I’m proud to offer my support to the Kansas Wesleyan Board of Trustees.”&nbsp;&nbsp;KWU President Matt Thompson shared his appreciation for Gov. Graves’ commitment to Kansas Wesleyan, saying, “Gov. Graves was one of the first to call when I was appointed president seven years ago. He has been a sounding board for ideas and one of the university’s greatest champions. We are pleased that he will be serving again in a more formal role. The Graves family holds an important spot in the university’s pantheon.”

Graves named KWU Trustee Emeritus

Newsboys, one of the most influential bands in Christian music history, will deliver their biggest hits from their three-decade career at this year’s Kansas State Fair.

The Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling group will perform Sept. 16 at the Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand. Opening for Newsboys is former Audio Adrenaline and Stellar Kart frontman Adam Agee, a Christian singer/songwriter.

Tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. Friday. Fans can snag tickets two days early, on Wednesday, by signing up for the fair’s email list at <a href="https://bit.ly/KSFNewsboys">https://bit.ly/KSFNewsboys</a>.

All tickets will be sold online at this time. Ticket prices are $20 to $50, which includes gate admission to the Fair if purchased by Aug. 15. The $50 tickets are in the Fair’s party pit, which for this concert is a seated area in front of the stage.

The band hails from Australia and has defined Christian music since winning their first Dove award in 1995. Along the way, they’ve sold more than 10 million units and amassed eight gold certifications, 33 No. 1 radio hits, four Grammy nominations, two American Music Award nominations and have taken home multiple Dove Awards.

The Newsboys has an extensive catalog of hits — everything from “Shine,” “It is You” and “He Reigns,” from its earlier years to more recent singles like “Born Again,” “Miracles” and “We Believe.” Their platinum-certified mega-hit, “God’s Not Dead,” inspired one of the most popular Christian film franchises of all time, “God’s Not Dead” and “God’s Not Dead 2.”

The group’s latest album, “United,” debuted on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart at No. 1 following its May release. New songs from the album include “Love One Another” and “Greatness of Our God.”

Agee was a founding member and lead vocalist for pop/punk band Stellar Kart before joining Christian rock band Audio Adrenaline in 2015. Agee released his debut solo effort, a five-track EP “Paper Planes,” in 2017.

Fair officials advise fairgoers to 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://kansasstatefair.com">kansasstatefair.com</a>.

The 2020 Kansas State Fair is Sept. 11-20. Fair officials are still finalizing the remaining Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand entertainment series. Here are the acts announced so far.

Logan Mize and TBA — 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15. Mize is an up-and-coming country star from Clearwater. His “Come Back Road” album has more than 150 million streams across all platforms and debuted at No. 2 on the Country iTunes chart. Other singles include “It Ain’t Always Pretty, "Can't Get Away from a Good Time,” "Better Off Gone” and “I Ain’t Gotta Grow Up.”

The Fair will be announcing another act to perform with Mize in coming weeks. Tickets are all general admission — $20 in the grandstand seating area and $45 in the Bud Light party Pit.

38 Special — 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17. Spanning five decades, 38 Special helped write the classic rock soundtrack of the 1970s and 1980s with hits like “Hold on Loosely” and “Caught Up in You.” Ticket prices are all general admission – $20 in the grandstand seating area and $45 in the Bud Light Party Pit.

Chris Janson – 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18. Janson put himself on the country music map with his single “Buy Me a Boat,” in 2015. The chart-topping, double-platinum single received the iHeartRadio Music Awards Country Song of the Year in 2016 has had more than 82 million streams on Spotify. Other hits include “Drunk Girl,” “Fix a Drink,” “Power of Positive Drinkin’” and “Done.” “Good Vibes” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in October.

Nelly with Willie Jones — 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19. Nelly, a diamond-selling, multi-platinum artist, has sold more than 22 million albums, ranking him as one of the best-selling rappers in America. His songs include “Ride Wit Me,” “Hot in Herre,” “Air Force Ones” and “Country Grammar,” which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in June. Rising star Jones blends his country roots with R&amp;B and hip-hop influences. Recent singles include Whole Lotta Love,” “Bachelorettes on Broadway” and “Down For it.” Tickets are still available at $25 and $35.

Darci Lynne Farmer — 3 p.m. Sept. 20. Teen ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer hit stardom in 2017 after becoming one of the youngest contestants to ever win NBC’s America’s Got Talent.” Darci Lynne will be accompanied by her puppet friends: divaesque rabbit Petunia, shy and soulful mouse Oscar and a sarcastic old woman named Edna. Ticket prices start at $20.

--<a href="http://kansasstatefair.com">Kansas State Fair</a>--

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586737626440.jpeg" alt="Newsboys. Photo courtesy Kansas State Fair" />
 <figcaption>Newsboys. Photo courtesy Kansas State Fair</figcaption>
 </figure>Newsboys, one of the most influential bands in Christian music history, will deliver their biggest hits from their three-decade career at this year’s Kansas State Fair.The Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling group will perform Sept. 16 at the Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand. Opening for Newsboys is former Audio Adrenaline and Stellar Kart frontman Adam Agee, a Christian singer/songwriter.Tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. Friday. Fans can snag tickets two days early, on Wednesday, by signing up for the fair’s email list at <a href="https://bit.ly/KSFNewsboys">https://bit.ly/KSFNewsboys</a>.All tickets will be sold online at this time. Ticket prices are $20 to $50, which includes gate admission to the Fair if purchased by Aug. 15. The $50 tickets are in the Fair’s party pit, which for this concert is a seated area in front of the stage.About the NewsboysThe band hails from Australia and has defined Christian music since winning their first Dove award in 1995. Along the way, they’ve sold more than 10 million units and amassed eight gold certifications, 33 No. 1 radio hits, four Grammy nominations, two American Music Award nominations and have taken home multiple Dove Awards.The Newsboys has an extensive catalog of hits — everything from “Shine,” “It is You” and “He Reigns,” from its earlier years to more recent singles like “Born Again,” “Miracles” and “We Believe.” Their platinum-certified mega-hit, “God’s Not Dead,” inspired one of the most popular Christian film franchises of all time, “God’s Not Dead” and “God’s Not Dead 2.”The group’s latest album, “United,” debuted on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart at No. 1 following its May release. New songs from the album include “Love One Another” and “Greatness of Our God.”About AgeeAgee was a founding member and lead vocalist for pop/punk band Stellar Kart before joining Christian rock band Audio Adrenaline in 2015. Agee released his debut solo effort, a five-track EP “Paper Planes,” in 2017.When Purchasing TicketsFair officials advise fairgoers to 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://kansasstatefair.com">kansasstatefair.com</a>.The 2020 Kansas State Fair is Sept. 11-20. Fair officials are still finalizing the remaining Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand entertainment series. Here are the acts announced so far.Logan Mize and TBA — 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15. Mize is an up-and-coming country star from Clearwater. His “Come Back Road” album has more than 150 million streams across all platforms and debuted at No. 2 on the Country iTunes chart. Other singles include “It Ain’t Always Pretty, "Can't Get Away from a Good Time,” "Better Off Gone” and “I Ain’t Gotta Grow Up.”The Fair will be announcing another act to perform with Mize in coming weeks. Tickets are all general admission — $20 in the grandstand seating area and $45 in the Bud Light party Pit.38 Special — 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17. Spanning five decades, 38 Special helped write the classic rock soundtrack of the 1970s and 1980s with hits like “Hold on Loosely” and “Caught Up in You.” Ticket prices are all general admission – $20 in the grandstand seating area and $45 in the Bud Light Party Pit.Chris Janson – 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18. Janson put himself on the country music map with his single “Buy Me a Boat,” in 2015. The chart-topping, double-platinum single received the iHeartRadio Music Awards Country Song of the Year in 2016 has had more than 82 million streams on Spotify. Other hits include “Drunk Girl,” “Fix a Drink,” “Power of Positive Drinkin’” and “Done.” “Good Vibes” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in October.Nelly with Willie Jones — 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19. Nelly, a diamond-selling, multi-platinum artist, has sold more than 22 million albums, ranking him as one of the best-selling rappers in America. His songs include “Ride Wit Me,” “Hot in Herre,” “Air Force Ones” and “Country Grammar,” which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in June. Rising star Jones blends his country roots with R&amp;B and hip-hop influences. Recent singles include Whole Lotta Love,” “Bachelorettes on Broadway” and “Down For it.” Tickets are still available at $25 and $35.Darci Lynne Farmer — 3 p.m. Sept. 20. Teen ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer hit stardom in 2017 after becoming one of the youngest contestants to ever win NBC’s America’s Got Talent.” Darci Lynne will be accompanied by her puppet friends: divaesque rabbit Petunia, shy and soulful mouse Oscar and a sarcastic old woman named Edna. Ticket prices start at $20.--<a href="http://kansasstatefair.com">Kansas State Fair</a>--

Newsboys to bring Christian rock to Kansas State Fair

Today is Monday, April 13, the 104th day of 2020. There are 262 days left in the year.

On April 13, 1964, Sidney Poitier became the first black performer in a leading role to win an Academy Award for his performance in "Lilies of the Field."

In 1743, the third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, was born in Shadwell in the Virginia Colony.

In 1860, the Pony Express completed its inaugural run from St. Joseph, Mo. to Sacramento, Calif. in 10 days.

In 1861, at the start of the Civil War, Fort Sumter in South Carolina fell to Confederate forces.

In 1909, author Eudora Welty was born in Jackson, Miss.

In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. on the 200th anniversary of the third American president's birth.

In 1970, Apollo 13, four-fifths of the way to the moon, was crippled when a tank containing liquid oxygen burst. (The astronauts managed to return safely.)

In 1986, Pope John Paul II visited the Great Synagogue of Rome in the first recorded papal visit of its kind to a Jewish house of worship.

In 1992, the Great Chicago Flood took place as the city's century-old tunnel system and adjacent basements filled with water from the Chicago River. "The Bridges of Madison County," a romance novel by Robert James Waller, was published by Warner Books.

In 1997, Tiger Woods became the youngest person to win the Masters Tournament and the first player of partly African heritage to claim a major golf title.

In 1999, right-to-die advocate Dr. Jack Kevorkian was sentenced in Pontiac, Michigan, to 10 to 25 years in prison for second-degree murder in the lethal injection of a Lou Gehrig's disease patient. (Kevorkian ended up serving eight years.)

In 2005, a defiant Eric Rudolph pleaded guilty to carrying out the deadly bombing at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and three other attacks in back-to-back court appearances in Birmingham, Alabama, and Atlanta.

In 2006, confessed al-Qaida conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui expressed no remorse for his role in the 9/11 attacks as he took the stand for the second time in his death-penalty trial in Alexandria, Virginia.

Ten years ago: World leaders concluded a 47-nation nuclear security conference in Washington, endorsing President Barack Obama's call for securing all of the globe's vulnerable nuclear materials within four years, but offering few specifics for achieving that goal. First lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden paid a surprise visit to Haiti, the scene of a devastating earthquake three months earlier.

Five years ago: Republican Sen. Marco Rubio entered the 2016 presidential race with a rally in Miami. A federal judge in Washington sentenced former Blackwater security guard Nicholas Slatten to life in prison and three others to 30-year terms for their roles in a 2007 shooting in Baghdad's Nisoor Square that killed 14 Iraqi civilians and wounded 17 others.

One year ago: Leaders of Morehouse College in Atlanta, the country's only all-male historically black college, said the school would begin admitting transgender men under a policy change approved by the board of trustees.

Today's Birthdays: Former Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, R-Colo., is 87. Actor Edward Fox is 83. Actor Paul Sorvino is 81. Rhythm-and-blues singer Lester Chambers is 80. Movie-TV composer Bill Conti is 78. Rock musician Jack Casady is 76. Actor Tony Dow is 75. Singer Al Green is 74. Actor Ron Perlman is 70. Actor William Sadler is 70. Singer Peabo Bryson is 69. Bandleader/rock musician Max Weinberg is 69. Bluegrass singer-musician Sam Bush is 68. Rock musician Jimmy Destri is 66. Comedian Gary Kroeger is 63. Actress Saundra Santiago is 63. Sen. Bob Casey Jr., D-Pa., is 60. Rock musician Joey Mazzola (formerly w/Sponge) is 59. Chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov is 57. Actress Page Hannah is 56. Actress-comedian Caroline Rhea is 56. Rock musician Lisa Umbarger is 55. Rock musician Marc Ford is 54. Reggae singer Capleton is 53. Actor Ricky Schroder is 50. Rock singer Aaron Lewis (Staind) is 48. Actor Bokeem Woodbine is 47. Singer Lou Bega is 45. Actor-producer Glenn Howerton is 44. Actor Kyle Howard is 42. Actress Kelli Giddish is 40. Actress Courtney Peldon is 39. Pop singer Nellie McKay is 38. Rapper/singer Ty Dolla $ign is 38. Baseball outfielder Hunter Pence is 37. Actress Allison Williams is 32. Actress Hannah Marks is 27.

Thought for Today: "In the landscape of extinction, precision is next to godliness." — Samuel Beckett, Irish poet and playwright (born this date in 1906, died 1989).

<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 13, the 104th day of 2020. There are 262 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On April 13, 1964, Sidney Poitier became the first black performer in a leading role to win an Academy Award for his performance in "Lilies of the Field."On this date:In 1743, the third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, was born in Shadwell in the Virginia Colony.In 1860, the Pony Express completed its inaugural run from St. Joseph, Mo. to Sacramento, Calif. in 10 days.In 1861, at the start of the Civil War, Fort Sumter in South Carolina fell to Confederate forces.In 1909, author Eudora Welty was born in Jackson, Miss.In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. on the 200th anniversary of the third American president's birth.In 1970, Apollo 13, four-fifths of the way to the moon, was crippled when a tank containing liquid oxygen burst. (The astronauts managed to return safely.)In 1986, Pope John Paul II visited the Great Synagogue of Rome in the first recorded papal visit of its kind to a Jewish house of worship.In 1992, the Great Chicago Flood took place as the city's century-old tunnel system and adjacent basements filled with water from the Chicago River. "The Bridges of Madison County," a romance novel by Robert James Waller, was published by Warner Books.In 1997, Tiger Woods became the youngest person to win the Masters Tournament and the first player of partly African heritage to claim a major golf title.In 1999, right-to-die advocate Dr. Jack Kevorkian was sentenced in Pontiac, Michigan, to 10 to 25 years in prison for second-degree murder in the lethal injection of a Lou Gehrig's disease patient. (Kevorkian ended up serving eight years.)In 2005, a defiant Eric Rudolph pleaded guilty to carrying out the deadly bombing at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and three other attacks in back-to-back court appearances in Birmingham, Alabama, and Atlanta.In 2006, confessed al-Qaida conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui expressed no remorse for his role in the 9/11 attacks as he took the stand for the second time in his death-penalty trial in Alexandria, Virginia.Ten years ago: World leaders concluded a 47-nation nuclear security conference in Washington, endorsing President Barack Obama's call for securing all of the globe's vulnerable nuclear materials within four years, but offering few specifics for achieving that goal. First lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden paid a surprise visit to Haiti, the scene of a devastating earthquake three months earlier.Five years ago: Republican Sen. Marco Rubio entered the 2016 presidential race with a rally in Miami. A federal judge in Washington sentenced former Blackwater security guard Nicholas Slatten to life in prison and three others to 30-year terms for their roles in a 2007 shooting in Baghdad's Nisoor Square that killed 14 Iraqi civilians and wounded 17 others.One year ago: Leaders of Morehouse College in Atlanta, the country's only all-male historically black college, said the school would begin admitting transgender men under a policy change approved by the board of trustees.Today's Birthdays: Former Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, R-Colo., is 87. Actor Edward Fox is 83. Actor Paul Sorvino is 81. Rhythm-and-blues singer Lester Chambers is 80. Movie-TV composer Bill Conti is 78. Rock musician Jack Casady is 76. Actor Tony Dow is 75. Singer Al Green is 74. Actor Ron Perlman is 70. Actor William Sadler is 70. Singer Peabo Bryson is 69. Bandleader/rock musician Max Weinberg is 69. Bluegrass singer-musician Sam Bush is 68. Rock musician Jimmy Destri is 66. Comedian Gary Kroeger is 63. Actress Saundra Santiago is 63. Sen. Bob Casey Jr., D-Pa., is 60. Rock musician Joey Mazzola (formerly w/Sponge) is 59. Chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov is 57. Actress Page Hannah is 56. Actress-comedian Caroline Rhea is 56. Rock musician Lisa Umbarger is 55. Rock musician Marc Ford is 54. Reggae singer Capleton is 53. Actor Ricky Schroder is 50. Rock singer Aaron Lewis (Staind) is 48. Actor Bokeem Woodbine is 47. Singer Lou Bega is 45. Actor-producer Glenn Howerton is 44. Actor Kyle Howard is 42. Actress Kelli Giddish is 40. Actress Courtney Peldon is 39. Pop singer Nellie McKay is 38. Rapper/singer Ty Dolla $ign is 38. Baseball outfielder Hunter Pence is 37. Actress Allison Williams is 32. Actress Hannah Marks is 27.Thought for Today: "In the landscape of extinction, precision is next to godliness." — Samuel Beckett, Irish poet and playwright (born this date in 1906, died 1989).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- April 13

By DANIEL CAUDILL <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-college-students-face-uncertainty-world-changed-coronavirus#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>

A few weeks ago, University of Kansas senior Fatimah Alsinan was in a
 workshop finishing the last design and construction projects for her 
architecture degree.

Now, she’s meeting with classmates online, 
reviewing premade blueprints and building projects with K’Nex and Legos 
at her apartment.

“We don’t really have a clear idea of what (we are) doing in the future at all,” Alsinan said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

College
 students across Kansas and the rest of the nation are in a similar 
boat, trying to stay on track with classes while the COVID-19 outbreak 
brings everything to a halt.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-governor-issues-statewide-stay-home-order-which-starts-monday#stream/0" target="_blank">Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly issued a statewide stay-at-home order at the end of March</a>,
 coordinating social distancing efforts across each of the state’s 105 
counties. She also ordered K-12 schools closed until at least next 
school year.&nbsp;

Kansas’ universities moved classes mostly online for the rest of the 
school year, and pushed graduation ceremonies, a celebratory cap on 
years of hard work, to the Internet or postponed them.&nbsp;

But 
attending a later graduation ceremony is simply not an option for many 
international students like Alsinan, who’s originally from Saudi 
Arabia.&nbsp;

“Maybe it makes sense for so many people because they 
live in the next state, or two states away. But I’m not gonna come from 
the other side of the world with my family to attend graduation for 
three days,” she said. “I’ll need to make a whole new visa to actually 
come.”&nbsp;

Students who’ll be at out-of-state grad schools by then, 
like Fort Hays State senior Kaytee Wisley, likely won’t get to walk 
across the stage for their big moment, either.&nbsp;

“I didn’t realize
 how much that that had meant to me until we got the email that it was 
going to be postponed or canceled,” Wisley said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586555483480.jpeg" alt=" The bike racks outside of a building on the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence were empty in early April, as everything had been moved online. Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> The bike racks outside of a building on the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence were empty in early April, as everything had been moved online. Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By DANIEL CAUDILL <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-college-students-face-uncertainty-world-changed-coronavirus#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>A few weeks ago, University of Kansas senior Fatimah Alsinan was in a
 workshop finishing the last design and construction projects for her 
architecture degree.Now, she’s meeting with classmates online, 
reviewing premade blueprints and building projects with K’Nex and Legos 
at her apartment.“We don’t really have a clear idea of what (we are) doing in the future at all,” Alsinan said.&nbsp;&nbsp;College
 students across Kansas and the rest of the nation are in a similar 
boat, trying to stay on track with classes while the COVID-19 outbreak 
brings everything to a halt.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-governor-issues-statewide-stay-home-order-which-starts-monday#stream/0" target="_blank">Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly issued a statewide stay-at-home order at the end of March</a>,
 coordinating social distancing efforts across each of the state’s 105 
counties. She also ordered K-12 schools closed until at least next 
school year.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586555526300.jpeg" alt=" Fatimah Alsinan is on a visa to study at the University of Kansas. Credit Courtesy of Fatimah Alsinan" />
 <figcaption> Fatimah Alsinan is on a visa to study at the University of Kansas. Credit Courtesy of Fatimah Alsinan</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas’ universities moved classes mostly online for the rest of the 
school year, and pushed graduation ceremonies, a celebratory cap on 
years of hard work, to the Internet or postponed them.&nbsp;But 
attending a later graduation ceremony is simply not an option for many 
international students like Alsinan, who’s originally from Saudi 
Arabia.&nbsp;“Maybe it makes sense for so many people because they 
live in the next state, or two states away. But I’m not gonna come from 
the other side of the world with my family to attend graduation for 
three days,” she said. “I’ll need to make a whole new visa to actually 
come.”&nbsp;Students who’ll be at out-of-state grad schools by then, 
like Fort Hays State senior Kaytee Wisley, likely won’t get to walk 
across the stage for their big moment, either.&nbsp;“I didn’t realize
 how much that that had meant to me until we got the email that it was 
going to be postponed or canceled,” Wisley said.&nbsp;Wisley’s 
internship with the League of Women Voters of Kansas was cut short 
because of coronavirus shutdowns. She said the internship was integral 
to her plans after grad school, when she hopes to work for a nonprofit 
to advocate for voting rights.&nbsp; &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586555566271.jpeg" alt=" Kaytee Wisley's internship was cut short due to COVID-19 precautions. She'll be part of Fort Hays State's Class of 2020. Credit Courtesy of Kaytee Wisley" />
 <figcaption> Kaytee Wisley's internship was cut short due to COVID-19 precautions. She'll be part of Fort Hays State's Class of 2020. Credit Courtesy of Kaytee Wisley</figcaption>
 </figure>Keeping the communityMany students, 
especially those from another country, are still separated from their 
family. Alsinan, who hasn’t been back to Saudi Arabia in nearly three 
years, has gotten used to not seeing them.&nbsp;“The one thing that would make me miss my family more is that I can’t even see my friends,” she said.&nbsp;It’s
 why some university officials are doing their part to make students 
feel supported and connected at a distance. Alicia Sanchez, director of 
Wichita State’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, said she has always 
aimed to make her office a “home away from home” for students. And even 
if COVID-19 is keeping students locked in their real homes, Sanchez said
 that effort has not stopped — only changed.&nbsp;The office has 
taken to hosting video “webinars,” including one for Transgender Day of 
Visibility in March. It also plans to set up virtual office hours.&nbsp;“One
 of the things in our physical space that we pride ourselves on is being
 able to provide connections,” Sanchez said. “We feel like this is 
really important right now, especially for students who might feel 
isolated or need an opportunity to connect and just step away from, ya 
know, their academics for a little bit and be able to engage with their 
peers.”&nbsp;And business must go on, as Wisley learned. As a member 
of her school’s student government, the group had to have an emergency 
meeting to allocate 2020-21 student fees for campus organizations.&nbsp;“We absolutely had to get those passed before we left or else — we didn’t know how to do that via Zoom,” she said.&nbsp;<h2>‘Overcoming adversity’</h2>Navigating
 video-conferencing software like Zoom is a major challenge in online 
learning, especially for students who don’t have high-speed internet at 
home. Universities are trying to help bridge that gap by providing them 
mobile hotspots.&nbsp;Josh Wolf isn’t a professional educator just 
yet. The K-State senior is a student-teacher who’s been helping to 
create online coursework for a seventh grade social studies class at 
Eisenhower Middle School in Manhattan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586555607570.jpeg" alt=" Josh Wolf, who played trombone in K-State's marching band, will be trying to find a teaching job at the end of the semester. Credit Courtesy of Josh Wolf" />
 <figcaption> Josh Wolf, who played trombone in K-State's marching band, will be trying to find a teaching job at the end of the semester. Credit Courtesy of Josh Wolf</figcaption>
 </figure>Needless to say, he’s had an unusual first teaching experience. But 
he said he thinks it’ll ultimately make him a better teacher.&nbsp;“I
 don’t know necessarily if I’m ever gonna have to teach an online class 
again,” he said, “but I think the lessons to be learned about overcoming
 adversity in an education setting definitely is something valuable to 
me.”As someone who’s preparing to enter the workforce, he said 
he has some anxiety. In March alone, nearly 10 million Americans filed 
for unemployment; <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-sees-1000-surge-jobless-claims-covid-19-derails-economy#stream/0" target="_blank">Kansas reported a 1,000% increase in claims just in the third week of March.&nbsp;</a>But Wolf’s keeping a positive mindset, for himself and for his students.&nbsp;“You
 know, even if it takes a little bit, even if it is a rough and a little
 bit of a scary period,” he said, “I know and I believe that ultimately 
we will overcome all of this.”Daniel Caudill is a Statehouse intern for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/bydanielcaudill" target="_blank"> @byDanielCaudill</a>.
 The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public 
Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on the health and 
well-being of Kansans, their communities and civic life.&nbsp;

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