Over the weekend, Salina Police responded to nine reports of damage to property, and thanks to information provided by a witness, have arrested two teenage boys.

Total damage in the incidents that involved five vehicles and four residences was estimated at more than $7,500, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. The incidents occurred in south-central and southeast Salina and involved rocks being thrown at vehicles and residences, he said. 

A witness who observed one of the incidents was able to provide to police information about the vehicle the alleged suspects were driving, Forrester said. That led police to arrest the two teens -- a 15-year-old Assaria boy and a 16-year-old Salina boy -- on suspicion of damage to property, he said.

Forrester said police could find no connection between the boys and the recent rash of BB gun damage to property incidents, which at last count was up to 52.

Over the weekend, Salina Police responded to nine reports of damage to property, and thanks to information provided by a witness, have arrested two teenage boys.Total damage in the incidents that involved five vehicles and four residences was estimated at more than $7,500, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. The incidents occurred in south-central and southeast Salina and involved rocks being thrown at vehicles and residences, he said. A witness who observed one of the incidents was able to provide to police information about the vehicle the alleged suspects were driving, Forrester said. That led police to arrest the two teens -- a 15-year-old Assaria boy and a 16-year-old Salina boy -- on suspicion of damage to property, he said.Forrester said police could find no connection between the boys and the recent rash of BB gun damage to property incidents, which at last count was up to 52.

Salina police arrest two teens in connection to weekend damage to property cases

An SUV belonging to the University of Kansas Athletics that was reported stolen in Lawrence was recovered after a late Friday night incident in Salina.

Officers were dispatched at 11:45 p.m. Friday to the Best Western Plus, 745 West Schilling Road for the report of damage to property, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. An employee there observed two people -- a man and a woman -- removing a screen from room 107, he said. The two people also left the motel without paying the $24 outstanding balance on their room bill, Forrester said. They were seen leaving in a black 2019 Ford Expedition, a vehicle belonging to KU Athletics that had been reported stolen in Lawrence and was valued at $65,000, he added. 

While officers were working the case, another officer observed the SUV turn into the parking lot of Comfort Inn, 715 West Schilling Road, Forrester said. When the officer attempted to make a traffic stop, the SUV drove around the patrol vehicle and headed east on West Schilling Road at a high rate of speed, he said. The SUV traveled in excess of 75 mph, according to Forrester.

The SUV failed to stop at the stop sign at the East Schilling Road-South Ohio Street intersection and attempted to turn north, but because of the speed hit the South Ohio Street curbing and came to a stop, he said.

Forrester said the driver, Sarah Howe, 42, of Oregon, smelled strongly of an alcoholic drink and was found to be in possession of narcotics. She was arrested on suspicion of the following.

Flee and elude resulting in a motor vehicle accident

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Forrester said the male observed removing the screen at Best Western Plus has not been located.

The SUV had to be towed from the scene, he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578233307090.jpeg" alt="Sarah Howe. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Sarah Howe. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>An SUV belonging to the University of Kansas Athletics that was reported stolen in Lawrence was recovered after a late Friday night incident in Salina.Officers were dispatched at 11:45 p.m. Friday to the Best Western Plus, 745 West Schilling Road for the report of damage to property, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. An employee there observed two people -- a man and a woman -- removing a screen from room 107, he said. The two people also left the motel without paying the $24 outstanding balance on their room bill, Forrester said. They were seen leaving in a black 2019 Ford Expedition, a vehicle belonging to KU Athletics that had been reported stolen in Lawrence and was valued at $65,000, he added. While officers were working the case, another officer observed the SUV turn into the parking lot of Comfort Inn, 715 West Schilling Road, Forrester said. When the officer attempted to make a traffic stop, the SUV drove around the patrol vehicle and headed east on West Schilling Road at a high rate of speed, he said. The SUV traveled in excess of 75 mph, according to Forrester.The SUV failed to stop at the stop sign at the East Schilling Road-South Ohio Street intersection and attempted to turn north, but because of the speed hit the South Ohio Street curbing and came to a stop, he said.Forrester said the driver, Sarah Howe, 42, of Oregon, smelled strongly of an alcoholic drink and was found to be in possession of narcotics. She was arrested on suspicion of the following.Flee and elude resulting in a motor vehicle accidentPossession of stolen propertyPossession of opiatesNo drug tax stampPossession of drug paraphernaliaDriving under the influence of alcohol or drugsReckless drivingSpeedingTransporting an open containerStopsign violationMisdemeanor theftDamage to propertyForrester said the male observed removing the screen at Best Western Plus has not been located.The SUV had to be towed from the scene, he said.

Stolen KU Athletics SUV recovered after late Friday night incident in Salina

A tip about a Crimestoppers story posted Friday helped the Saline County Sheriff's Office recover a stolen UTV and make an arrest in the case.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that after investigating a tip received Friday, deputies arrested Sean Schuff, 33, of Salina, on suspicion of the following.

The black 2015 Kawasaki Mule Pro-DX that belonged to Saline County was stolen from one of the expo center buildings near the Greeley Avenue Bridge sometime between 3 p.m. on Dec. 23 and 11 a.m. on Dec. 24. It had a new water sprayer on the back bed of the vehicle. The whole unit was valued at $18,900, Soldan said.

Although Schuff had allegedly already sold the UTV, deputies were able to recover the vehicle and sprayer in Salina, Soldan said. The UTV and sprayer were undamaged, he added.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578148242090.jpeg" alt="Sean Schuff. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Sean Schuff. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>A tip about a Crimestoppers story posted Friday helped the Saline County Sheriff's Office recover a stolen UTV and make an arrest in the case.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that after investigating a tip received Friday, deputies arrested Sean Schuff, 33, of Salina, on suspicion of the following.BurglaryTheftCriminal damage to property<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578005580024.jpeg" alt="The UTV that was stolen." />
 <figcaption>The UTV that was stolen.</figcaption>
 </figure>The black 2015 Kawasaki Mule Pro-DX that belonged to Saline County was stolen from one of the expo center buildings near the Greeley Avenue Bridge sometime between 3 p.m. on Dec. 23 and 11 a.m. on Dec. 24. It had a new water sprayer on the back bed of the vehicle. The whole unit was valued at $18,900, Soldan said.Although Schuff had allegedly already sold the UTV, deputies were able to recover the vehicle and sprayer in Salina, Soldan said. The UTV and sprayer were undamaged, he added.

Sheriff's Office makes arrest in case featured Friday in Crimestoppers



Current unrest in Afghanistan, Iraq and Lebanon contradicts the American expectation that bringing a democratic governmental system to a country will convert the population to democracy. Now there is research that shows a&nbsp; population must itself grow from it its own history to develop its own form of more democratic system. Any attempts to impose democracy from outside are likely to fail.

This conclusion comes from a major study just published December 2 in the science journal&nbsp;Nature Human Behavior: “The cultural foundations of modern democracies.”&nbsp; The analysis was conducted by Damian J. Ruck and his team from the University of Tennessee.

They base their analysis on the fact that each person’s cultural values develop during their first decades of life and do not change thereafter. They therefore conducted surveys, using the responses of younger and older citizens to assess cultural values over several generations.

Ruck’s team used surveys of a person’s values to determine the extent they respected individual rights or had confidence in governing institutions. They analyzed responses from over 475,000 adults in over 100 countries gathered over 25 years. Aligning the range of ages surveyed, they determined cultural values back to the early 1900s. They then compared any changes in collective values to their country’s changing status between democracy to autocracy.

They found that any assumption that we can impose democracy on a country is wrong, and will usually fail unless citizens had already adopted democratic values. In other words, we cannot simply export our democracy to other countries. It may take up to 30 years for a population to become more open to diversity, become comfortable with others from different ethnic groups, or accept others with differing beliefs. But forcing a country to first form a democracy did not generate these democratic values.

Researchers also discovered that a lack of confidence in government institutions often led to a change in government. And democracies could just as readily change into autocracies.

Although not mentioned in this study, these findings become worrisome for other countries, such as India, where the world’s supposed largest democracy is suffering massive protests and a drift toward theocracy. They do point out that their data explain the back-and-forth political shifts in countries such as Brazil, Venezuela and Argentina.

Lessons from this extensive study may not change American policy, where the United States has a long history of not only interfering in other countries’ affairs militarily, but also ties diplomatic aid to a country conforming to our Western values. With a few exceptions, the U.S. has treated most of Africa and Central Asia as beyond help. But China provides aid without demanding change.

From its inception, China has forbidden itself from interfering with the internal politics of other countries. Their “Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence” basically states that China will work with other countries economically but without any coercion to change their political system. There is the belief that as a country rises out of poverty and achieves a higher level of education for its populace, that country will itself evolve from its historical base to develop a better governmental system.

In 2014, President Xi Jinping spoke at the commemoration marking the 60th anniversary of China's proposition of the “Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence” and explained the current attitude of the Chinese government toward their Five Principles today:&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

“In the new era today, the spirit of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, instead of being outdated, remains as relevant as ever; its significance, rather than diminishing, remains as important as ever; and its role, rather than being weakened, has continued to grow.”

This recent research showing that a country must evolve its own cultural values and move toward its own version of better government based on its own unique history confirms the Chinese policy of helping other countries economically and not interfering otherwise. This new research does not support the American policy of trying to impose democracy by military might.



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

Current unrest in Afghanistan, Iraq and Lebanon contradicts the American expectation that bringing a democratic governmental system to a country will convert the population to democracy. Now there is research that shows a&nbsp; population must itself grow from it its own history to develop its own form of more democratic system. Any attempts to impose democracy from outside are likely to fail.This conclusion comes from a major study just published December 2 in the science journal&nbsp;Nature Human Behavior: “The cultural foundations of modern democracies.”&nbsp; The analysis was conducted by Damian J. Ruck and his team from the University of Tennessee.They base their analysis on the fact that each person’s cultural values develop during their first decades of life and do not change thereafter. They therefore conducted surveys, using the responses of younger and older citizens to assess cultural values over several generations.Ruck’s team used surveys of a person’s values to determine the extent they respected individual rights or had confidence in governing institutions. They analyzed responses from over 475,000 adults in over 100 countries gathered over 25 years. Aligning the range of ages surveyed, they determined cultural values back to the early 1900s. They then compared any changes in collective values to their country’s changing status between democracy to autocracy.They found that any assumption that we can impose democracy on a country is wrong, and will usually fail unless citizens had already adopted democratic values. In other words, we cannot simply export our democracy to other countries. It may take up to 30 years for a population to become more open to diversity, become comfortable with others from different ethnic groups, or accept others with differing beliefs. But forcing a country to first form a democracy did not generate these democratic values.Researchers also discovered that a lack of confidence in government institutions often led to a change in government. And democracies could just as readily change into autocracies.Although not mentioned in this study, these findings become worrisome for other countries, such as India, where the world’s supposed largest democracy is suffering massive protests and a drift toward theocracy. They do point out that their data explain the back-and-forth political shifts in countries such as Brazil, Venezuela and Argentina.Lessons from this extensive study may not change American policy, where the United States has a long history of not only interfering in other countries’ affairs militarily, but also ties diplomatic aid to a country conforming to our Western values. With a few exceptions, the U.S. has treated most of Africa and Central Asia as beyond help. But China provides aid without demanding change.From its inception, China has forbidden itself from interfering with the internal politics of other countries. Their “Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence” basically states that China will work with other countries economically but without any coercion to change their political system. There is the belief that as a country rises out of poverty and achieves a higher level of education for its populace, that country will itself evolve from its historical base to develop a better governmental system.In 2014, President Xi Jinping spoke at the commemoration marking the 60th anniversary of China's proposition of the “Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence” and explained the current attitude of the Chinese government toward their Five Principles today:&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;“In the new era today, the spirit of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, instead of being outdated, remains as relevant as ever; its significance, rather than diminishing, remains as important as ever; and its role, rather than being weakened, has continued to grow.”This recent research showing that a country must evolve its own cultural values and move toward its own version of better government based on its own unique history confirms the Chinese policy of helping other countries economically and not interfering otherwise. This new research does not support the American policy of trying to impose democracy by military might.

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: Democracy not universally accepted

Today is Monday, Jan. 6, the sixth day of 2020. There are 360 days left in the year.

On Jan. 6, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in his State of the Union address, outlined a goal of "Four Freedoms": Freedom of speech and expression; the freedom of people to worship God in their own way; freedom from want; freedom from fear.

In 1412, tradition holds that Joan of Arc was born this day in Domremy.

In 1759, George Washington and Martha Dandridge Custis were married in New Kent County, Virginia.

In 1912, New Mexico became the 47th state.

In 1919, the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, died in Oyster Bay, New York, at age 60.

In 1945, George Herbert Walker Bush married Barbara Pierce at the First Presbyterian Church in Rye, New York.

In 1968, a surgical team at Stanford University School of Medicine in Palo Alto, California, led by Dr. Norman Shumway, performed the first U.S. adult heart transplant, placing the heart of a 43-year-old man in a 54-year-old patient (the recipient died 15 days later).

In 1975, the original version of "Wheel of Fortune," hosted by Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford, premiered on NBC-TV.

In 1994, figure skater Nancy Kerrigan was clubbed on the leg by an assailant at Detroit's Cobo Arena; four men, including the ex-husband of Kerrigan's rival, Tonya Harding, went to prison for their roles in the attack. (Harding pleaded guilty to conspiracy to hinder prosecution, but denied any advance knowledge about the assault.)

In 1998, In a new bid to expand health insurance, President Clinton unveiled a proposal to offer Medicare coverage to hundreds of thousands of uninsured Americans from ages 55 to 64.

In 2001, with Vice President Al Gore presiding in his capacity as president of the Senate, Congress formally certified George W. Bush the winner of the bitterly contested 2000 presidential election.

In 2003, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein accused U.N. inspectors of engaging in "intelligence work" instead of searching for suspected nuclear, chemical and biological weapons in his country.

In 2005, former Ku Klux Klan leader Edgar Ray Killen was arrested on murder charges 41 years after three civil rights workers were slain in Mississippi. (Killen was later convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 60 years in prison.)

Ten years ago: James von Brunn, a 89-year-old white supremacist charged in a deadly shooting at Washington's Holocaust museum, died in North Carolina, where he was being held while awaiting trial. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown fended off a challenge to his leadership from within his own ruling Labour Party just months before general elections.

Five years ago: In a blend of pageantry and politics, Republicans took complete control of Congress for the first time in eight years, then ran straight into a White House veto threat against their top-priority legislation to build the Keystone XL oil pipeline. President Barack Obama pledged to stand with Mexico against "the scourge of violence and the drug cartels" as he met at the White House with President Enrique Pena Nieto. Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz, a trio of star pitchers who dominated in an era of offense, were elected to baseball's Hall of Fame along with Craig Biggio.

One year ago: The Freddie Mercury biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody" was named the best drama picture at the Golden Globes, defeating another movie about musicians, the more heavily favored "A Star is Born." U.S. national security adviser John Bolton said there was now no timetable for U.S. troops to leave northeastern Syria, saying they wouldn't leave until Islamic State militants were defeated and Kurdish fighters were protected. Another round of talks failed to break an impasse over funding for a border wall, as a government shutdown remained in effect.

Today's Birthdays: Country musician Joey, the CowPolka King (Riders in the Sky) is 71. Former FBI director Louis Freeh is 70. Rock singer-musician Kim Wilson (The Fabulous Thunderbirds) is 69. Singer Jett Williams is 67. Actor-comedian Rowan Atkinson is 65. World Golf Hall of Famer Nancy Lopez is 63. Actor Scott Bryce is 62. Rhythm-and-blues singer Kathy Sledge is 61. TV chef Nigella Lawson is 60. Rhythm-and-blues singer Eric Williams (BLACKstreet) is 60. Actor Aron Eisenberg is 51. Actor Norman Reedus is 51. TV personality Julie Chen is 50. Actor Danny Pintauro (TV: "Who's the Boss?") is 44. Actress Cristela Alonzo is 41. Actress Rinko Kikuchi is 39. Actor Eddie Redmayne is 38. Retired NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas is 38. Actress-comedian Kate McKinnon is 36. Actress Diona Reasonover is 36. Rock singer Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys) is 34.

Thought for Today: "A little learning is not a dangerous thing to one who does not mistake it for a great deal." — William Allen White, American newspaper editor (1868-1944).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Monday, Jan. 6, the sixth day of 2020. There are 360 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Jan. 6, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in his State of the Union address, outlined a goal of "Four Freedoms": Freedom of speech and expression; the freedom of people to worship God in their own way; freedom from want; freedom from fear.On this date:In 1412, tradition holds that Joan of Arc was born this day in Domremy.In 1759, George Washington and Martha Dandridge Custis were married in New Kent County, Virginia.In 1912, New Mexico became the 47th state.In 1919, the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, died in Oyster Bay, New York, at age 60.In 1945, George Herbert Walker Bush married Barbara Pierce at the First Presbyterian Church in Rye, New York.In 1968, a surgical team at Stanford University School of Medicine in Palo Alto, California, led by Dr. Norman Shumway, performed the first U.S. adult heart transplant, placing the heart of a 43-year-old man in a 54-year-old patient (the recipient died 15 days later).In 1975, the original version of "Wheel of Fortune," hosted by Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford, premiered on NBC-TV.In 1994, figure skater Nancy Kerrigan was clubbed on the leg by an assailant at Detroit's Cobo Arena; four men, including the ex-husband of Kerrigan's rival, Tonya Harding, went to prison for their roles in the attack. (Harding pleaded guilty to conspiracy to hinder prosecution, but denied any advance knowledge about the assault.)In 1998, In a new bid to expand health insurance, President Clinton unveiled a proposal to offer Medicare coverage to hundreds of thousands of uninsured Americans from ages 55 to 64.In 2001, with Vice President Al Gore presiding in his capacity as president of the Senate, Congress formally certified George W. Bush the winner of the bitterly contested 2000 presidential election.In 2003, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein accused U.N. inspectors of engaging in "intelligence work" instead of searching for suspected nuclear, chemical and biological weapons in his country.In 2005, former Ku Klux Klan leader Edgar Ray Killen was arrested on murder charges 41 years after three civil rights workers were slain in Mississippi. (Killen was later convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 60 years in prison.)Ten years ago: James von Brunn, a 89-year-old white supremacist charged in a deadly shooting at Washington's Holocaust museum, died in North Carolina, where he was being held while awaiting trial. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown fended off a challenge to his leadership from within his own ruling Labour Party just months before general elections.Five years ago: In a blend of pageantry and politics, Republicans took complete control of Congress for the first time in eight years, then ran straight into a White House veto threat against their top-priority legislation to build the Keystone XL oil pipeline. President Barack Obama pledged to stand with Mexico against "the scourge of violence and the drug cartels" as he met at the White House with President Enrique Pena Nieto. Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz, a trio of star pitchers who dominated in an era of offense, were elected to baseball's Hall of Fame along with Craig Biggio.One year ago: The Freddie Mercury biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody" was named the best drama picture at the Golden Globes, defeating another movie about musicians, the more heavily favored "A Star is Born." U.S. national security adviser John Bolton said there was now no timetable for U.S. troops to leave northeastern Syria, saying they wouldn't leave until Islamic State militants were defeated and Kurdish fighters were protected. Another round of talks failed to break an impasse over funding for a border wall, as a government shutdown remained in effect.Today's Birthdays: Country musician Joey, the CowPolka King (Riders in the Sky) is 71. Former FBI director Louis Freeh is 70. Rock singer-musician Kim Wilson (The Fabulous Thunderbirds) is 69. Singer Jett Williams is 67. Actor-comedian Rowan Atkinson is 65. World Golf Hall of Famer Nancy Lopez is 63. Actor Scott Bryce is 62. Rhythm-and-blues singer Kathy Sledge is 61. TV chef Nigella Lawson is 60. Rhythm-and-blues singer Eric Williams (BLACKstreet) is 60. Actor Aron Eisenberg is 51. Actor Norman Reedus is 51. TV personality Julie Chen is 50. Actor Danny Pintauro (TV: "Who's the Boss?") is 44. Actress Cristela Alonzo is 41. Actress Rinko Kikuchi is 39. Actor Eddie Redmayne is 38. Retired NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas is 38. Actress-comedian Kate McKinnon is 36. Actress Diona Reasonover is 36. Rock singer Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys) is 34.Thought for Today: "A little learning is not a dangerous thing to one who does not mistake it for a great deal." — William Allen White, American newspaper editor (1868-1944).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- Jan. 6

ABILENE -- Memorial Hospital in Abilene recently celebrated the first birth at its facility in 2020.

"Congratulations to Allison Kohls and Matthew Ebright who delivered the first baby in 2020 at Memorial Hospital in Abilene," a news release from Memorial Health System noted. 

Evelyn Renae Ebright was born on Thursday at 11:14 a.m. in the Birthing Center at Memorial Hospital. She weighed 7 pounds 2 ounces and was 20 inches long.

The family received a newborn gift basket, from the Memorial Health System Volunteer Corps (MHSVC, including a hand-made quilt, burp cloth, a home-made receiving blanket, teddy bear, and an assortment of other items.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578271356592.jpeg" alt="Sitting, from left, Matthew Ebright, Allison Kohls, and Evelyn Ebright. Standing, from left, Wendy Klosterman, MHSVC President-elect, and Michelle McClanahan, MHS Director of Volunteer Services. Photo courtesy MHS" />
 <figcaption>Sitting, from left, Matthew Ebright, Allison Kohls, and Evelyn Ebright. Standing, from left, Wendy Klosterman, MHSVC President-elect, and Michelle McClanahan, MHS Director of Volunteer Services. Photo courtesy MHS</figcaption>
 </figure>ABILENE -- Memorial Hospital in Abilene recently celebrated the first birth at its facility in 2020."Congratulations to Allison Kohls and Matthew Ebright who delivered the first baby in 2020 at Memorial Hospital in Abilene," a news release from Memorial Health System noted. Evelyn Renae Ebright was born on Thursday at 11:14 a.m. in the Birthing Center at Memorial Hospital. She weighed 7 pounds 2 ounces and was 20 inches long.The family received a newborn gift basket, from the Memorial Health System Volunteer Corps (MHSVC, including a hand-made quilt, burp cloth, a home-made receiving blanket, teddy bear, and an assortment of other items.

Abilene hospital celebrates first birth of 2020 in its facility

How many of these did you feel? From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasGeologicalSurvey/">Kansas Geological Survey</a> Facebook page:

How many of these did you feel? From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasGeologicalSurvey/">Kansas Geological Survey</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKansasGeologicalSurvey%2Fposts%2F2608240242563359&width=500" width="500" height="443" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Jewell County comes in 2nd for earthquakes in 2019

A variety of items are on the agenda for the Salina City Commission's first meeting of 2020, including an executive session to discuss negotiations with Saline County concerning the expo center lease agreement.

According to Monday's agenda, commissioners are scheduled to meet in a study session at 3:45 p.m. in room 107B of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street. The only item on the study session agenda is a time for public comment at 3:45 p.m.

The commission's regular meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. in room 107 of the City-County Building. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.

During the meeting, commissioners are scheduled to consider appointing persons to various boards, committees, commissions, etc. Appointments to be considered by the city commissioners include the following.

Kimberly Vega to fill the unexpired term of Rod Franz until Aug. 31, 2020

Tiana Marion, youth member, until Aug. 31, 2020

Community Art &amp; Design Advisory Committee

Hillary Richards to fill the unexpired term of Ashley Bower until Aug. 31, 2021

Peter Maskovich to fill the unexpired term of Jerry Jones until Aug. 31, 2021

Convention &amp; Tourism Committee

Shelley Donaldson to fill the unexpired term of Mike Harmon until Aug. 31, 2020

Peggy DeBey to fill the unexpired term of Lori Trow until Aug. 31, 2021

Daniel Eckhoff to fill the unexpired term of Aaron Thaete until Aug. 31, 2020

Dea Oellien to fill the unexpired term of Steve Rivers until Aug. 31, 2022

Tyler Campbell, youth member, until Aug. 31, 2020

Salina Community Economic Development Organization

Paula Fried reappointed until Jan. 31, 2023

Pete Brungardt appointed until Jan. 31, 2023

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

Consider Resolution  No.  20-7789  authorizing  the  mayor  to  execute  an  agreement  with  Titan  Audio  Visual,  LLC  to  provide  sound  services  for  the  2020  Smoky  Hill  River Festival.

Consider Resolution   No.   20-7787   authorizing   the   mayor   to   execute   an   agreement   between the City of Salina and Gordon CPA, LLC, Certified Public Accountant for an audit of City records for the years ending December 31, 2019, 2020, 2021, with two (2) one (1) year extensions.

Consider authorizing repairs to Landfill Bulldozer, Unit #1851.

Consider Resolution  No.  20-7791  accepting  a  NG911  Grant  for  Kansas  Public  Safety  Answering  Points  (PSAP,  authorizing  the  use  of  911  funds  to  assist  in  the  funding for any remaining costs associated with the upgrade, and approving an amendment to the City’s current agreement with Tyler Technologies. Inc.

Cosider Resolution  No.  20-7792  authorizing  the  mayor  to  execute  an  amended  and  restated  Improvement  District  Development  Agreement  between  the  City  of  Salina  and  Stone  Lake  Development,  LLC  related  to  the  financial  guarantee,  performance bond, and ratifying the adoption of Resolution No. 19-7751.  

Consider acceptance of the offered right-of-way easement and restricted access dedication  from  Wheatland  Valley  Development  Co.  to  serve  the  proposed  Wheatland  Valley  Addition,  a  78  lot  subdivision  of  a  31.63  acre  tract  of  land  located on the east side of Markley Road between Magnolia Hill Estates and the East Crawford Recreation Area.

Hear the second  reading  of Ordinance  No.  17-10901  rezoning  a  31.63  acre  tract  of  land  located  on  the  east  side  of  Markley  Road  between  East  Crawford  Recreation  Area  and  the  Magnolia  Hills  Estates  Addition  from  A-1  (Agricultural)  to  R-1  (Single Family Residential).

Consider  a  recommendation  from  the  Salina  City  Planning  Commission  to  establish a moratorium on future building permits once building permits have been   issued   for   30   homes   in   the   Grand   Prairie   Addition   and   that   the   moratorium shall remain in place until a code compliant plan for an emergency access  road  connecting  Markley  Road  and  Bentgrass  Drive  that  meets  the  requirements of the Salina Fire Department is in place, pending legal review by the City’s legal counsel prior to consideration by the City Commission.

Consider a request for executive session (legal) to  discuss  the  subject  of  negotiations  with  Saline  County  relating  to  the  expo  center   lease   agreement   with   legal   counsel.

Consider a request for executive session (personnel) to  discuss  the  city  manager’s  performance  evaluation.

To see the entire Salina City Commission meeting packet as of Jan. 5 (515 pages, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?startid=177362&amp;&amp;dbid=0&amp;cr=1">click here</a>.

A variety of items are on the agenda for the Salina City Commission's first meeting of 2020, including an executive session to discuss negotiations with Saline County concerning the expo center lease agreement.According to Monday's agenda, commissioners are scheduled to meet in a study session at 3:45 p.m. in room 107B of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street. The only item on the study session agenda is a time for public comment at 3:45 p.m.The commission's regular meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. in room 107 of the City-County Building. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.During the meeting, commissioners are scheduled to consider appointing persons to various boards, committees, commissions, etc. Appointments to be considered by the city commissioners include the following.Arts &amp; Humanities CommissionKimberly Vega to fill the unexpired term of Rod Franz until Aug. 31, 2020Building Advisory BoardTiana Marion, youth member, until Aug. 31, 2020Community Art &amp; Design Advisory CommitteeHillary Richards to fill the unexpired term of Ashley Bower until Aug. 31, 2021Peter Maskovich to fill the unexpired term of Jerry Jones until Aug. 31, 2021Convention &amp; Tourism CommitteeShelley Donaldson to fill the unexpired term of Mike Harmon until Aug. 31, 2020Peggy DeBey to fill the unexpired term of Lori Trow until Aug. 31, 2021Disciplinary Advisory BoardDaniel Eckhoff to fill the unexpired term of Aaron Thaete until Aug. 31, 2020Housing AuthorityTaylor DeHerrera, until Aug. 31, 2024Human Relations CommissionDea Oellien to fill the unexpired term of Steve Rivers until Aug. 31, 2022Planning CommissionTyler Campbell, youth member, until Aug. 31, 2020Salina Community Economic Development OrganizationPaula Fried reappointed until Jan. 31, 2023Pete Brungardt appointed until Jan. 31, 2023Solid Waste Management CommitteeTom Bell appointed until Aug. 31, 2023Other items on the city commission agenda for Monday include the following.Consider Resolution No. 20-7789 authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement with Titan Audio Visual, LLC to provide sound services for the 2020 Smoky Hill River Festival.Consider Resolution No. 20-7787 authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salina and Gordon CPA, LLC, Certified Public Accountant for an audit of City records for the years ending December 31, 2019, 2020, 2021, with two (2) one (1) year extensions.Consider authorizing repairs to Landfill Bulldozer, Unit #1851.Consider Resolution No. 20-7791 accepting a NG911 Grant for Kansas Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP, authorizing the use of 911 funds to assist in the funding for any remaining costs associated with the upgrade, and approving an amendment to the City’s current agreement with Tyler Technologies. Inc.Cosider Resolution No. 20-7792 authorizing the mayor to execute an amended and restated Improvement District Development Agreement between the City of Salina and Stone Lake Development, LLC related to the financial guarantee, performance bond, and ratifying the adoption of Resolution No. 19-7751. Consider acceptance of the offered right-of-way easement and restricted access dedication from Wheatland Valley Development Co. to serve the proposed Wheatland Valley Addition, a 78 lot subdivision of a 31.63 acre tract of land located on the east side of Markley Road between Magnolia Hill Estates and the East Crawford Recreation Area.Hear the second reading of Ordinance No. 17-10901 rezoning a 31.63 acre tract of land located on the east side of Markley Road between East Crawford Recreation Area and the Magnolia Hills Estates Addition from A-1 (Agricultural) to R-1 (Single Family Residential).Consider a recommendation from the Salina City Planning Commission to establish a moratorium on future building permits once building permits have been issued for 30 homes in the Grand Prairie Addition and that the moratorium shall remain in place until a code compliant plan for an emergency access road connecting Markley Road and Bentgrass Drive that meets the requirements of the Salina Fire Department is in place, pending legal review by the City’s legal counsel prior to consideration by the City Commission.Consider a request for executive session (legal) to discuss the subject of negotiations with Saline County relating to the expo center lease agreement with legal counsel.Consider a request for executive session (personnel) to discuss the city manager’s performance evaluation.To see the entire Salina City Commission meeting packet as of Jan. 5 (515 pages, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?startid=177362&amp;&amp;dbid=0&amp;cr=1">click here</a>.

Expo center lease, committee appointments on city agenda

Kansas Department of Revenue and AAA Kansas suggest ways to prepare for the changes Kansas travelers will face next year

TOPEKA – REAL ID has arrived in Kansas, and the Kansas Department of Revenue and AAA Kansas advise that travelers consider their options now ahead of this year’s nationwide enforcement of the federal program. 

Beginning October 2020, all U.S. residents will need a compliant license/ID or an acceptable form of ID to board a domestic flight, access&nbsp;a Federal facility, or enter a nuclear power plant. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) considers a current passport or military ID acceptable identification for boarding an aircraft.

“The requirement for REAL ID to fly will be here before we know it,” says Shawn Steward, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Kansas. “To avoid being caught off-guard, now is the time for Kansans to decide whether they’ll upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license or whether they’ll use a passport instead.”

Since 2007, the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Division of Vehicles has been preparing for implementation of Real ID. In 2017, the Division began issuing driver’s licenses and identification cards with the Real ID symbol at the top of license or identification cards.

If you provided the needed documentation since 2007, you may already be ready for Real ID. To see if you are already in the system, simply go to <a href="https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/DLStatus/login.aspx">https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/DLStatus/login.aspx</a> to get a driver’s license status check. If you don’t have the Real ID logo on your credential but it has a “yes” next to Real ID on the status check website, you are compliant and ready to obtain your new indicator. Take your unexpired license or identification card, two proofs of address, and if you have it your renewal card to a driver’s license office to get the Real ID.

If it has a “no” next to Real ID, present the documents listed below to receive Real ID.

Kansans have a choice as to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, or a standard driver’s license or identification card. For anyone who decides to upgrade to a REAL ID, outside of their renewal period, they’ll pay a one-time fee of $8.  Kansans have the ability to renew a license or identification card a year in advance of its expiration date.

Visit any Kansas Driver’s License Office to have documents verified and imaged. Then, the REAL ID will be received in the mail within 45 business days.

Federal regulations require that the Division of Vehicles must verify the following documents for a customer before issuing a REAL ID-compliant product:

Proof of identity (Original or certified copy of a birth certificate with a raised seal or valid U.S. Passport).

Proof of Social Security number (Card must be original and the name on the S.S. card must match the identity document).

Proof of all legal name changes (Marriage certificate or court order issued by your county’s family court).

Two proofs of current, physical Kansas address (examples include a current, unexpired Kansas driver’s license or ID and a no more than 90-day-old bank statement or utility bill).

While AAA Kansas retail branch offices are not REAL ID centers, AAA travel agents are on hand to discuss any questions that AAA members or the general public may have about the program. AAA Kansas retail travel offices have REAL ID information cards available for travelers. Additionally, travelers can consult the Kansas Department of Revenue’s REAL ID web page for additional information.

--<a href="http://aaa.com">aaa.com</a>--

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578238589532.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Kansas Department of Revenue and AAA Kansas suggest ways to prepare for the changes Kansas travelers will face next year</h2>TOPEKA – REAL ID has arrived in Kansas, and the Kansas Department of Revenue and AAA Kansas advise that travelers consider their options now ahead of this year’s nationwide enforcement of the federal program. Beginning October 2020, all U.S. residents will need a compliant license/ID or an acceptable form of ID to board a domestic flight, access&nbsp;a Federal facility, or enter a nuclear power plant. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) considers a current passport or military ID acceptable identification for boarding an aircraft.“The requirement for REAL ID to fly will be here before we know it,” says Shawn Steward, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Kansas. “To avoid being caught off-guard, now is the time for Kansans to decide whether they’ll upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license or whether they’ll use a passport instead.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578238669739.png" alt="Sample of a Kansas driver's license with REAL ID." />
 <figcaption>Sample of a Kansas driver's license with REAL ID.</figcaption>
 </figure>Since 2007, the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Division of Vehicles has been preparing for implementation of Real ID. In 2017, the Division began issuing driver’s licenses and identification cards with the Real ID symbol at the top of license or identification cards.If you provided the needed documentation since 2007, you may already be ready for Real ID. To see if you are already in the system, simply go to <a href="https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/DLStatus/login.aspx">https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/DLStatus/login.aspx</a> to get a driver’s license status check. If you don’t have the Real ID logo on your credential but it has a “yes” next to Real ID on the status check website, you are compliant and ready to obtain your new indicator. Take your unexpired license or identification card, two proofs of address, and if you have it your renewal card to a driver’s license office to get the Real ID.If it has a “no” next to Real ID, present the documents listed below to receive Real ID.Kansans have a choice as to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, or a standard driver’s license or identification card. For anyone who decides to upgrade to a REAL ID, outside of their renewal period, they’ll pay a one-time fee of $8. Kansans have the ability to renew a license or identification card a year in advance of its expiration date.To obtain a REAL IDVisit any Kansas Driver’s License Office to have documents verified and imaged. Then, the REAL ID will be received in the mail within 45 business days.Federal regulations require that the Division of Vehicles must verify the following documents for a customer before issuing a REAL ID-compliant product:Proof of identity (Original or certified copy of a birth certificate with a raised seal or valid U.S. Passport).Proof of Social Security number (Card must be original and the name on the S.S. card must match the identity document).Proof of all legal name changes (Marriage certificate or court order issued by your county’s family court).Two proofs of current, physical Kansas address (examples include a current, unexpired Kansas driver’s license or ID and a no more than 90-day-old bank statement or utility bill).While AAA Kansas retail branch offices are not REAL ID centers, AAA travel agents are on hand to discuss any questions that AAA members or the general public may have about the program. AAA Kansas retail travel offices have REAL ID information cards available for travelers. Additionally, travelers can consult the Kansas Department of Revenue’s REAL ID web page for additional information.--<a href="http://aaa.com">aaa.com</a>--

AAA: Time for air travelers to get real

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota --&nbsp;Raelyn Reese&nbsp;of&nbsp;McPherson&nbsp;was named to the University of Sioux Falls' fall 2019&nbsp;Dean's List.&nbsp;Reese is majoring in nursing.

Reese was among more than 550&nbsp;students named to the fall 2019&nbsp;Dean's List.&nbsp;To qualify, students must earn a GPA of 3.5&nbsp;or&nbsp;greater on a 4.0 scale.

About the University of Sioux Falls

Founded over 136 years ago, the University of Sioux Falls is a transformative Christian liberal arts university serving approximately 1,500 students through traditional undergraduate programs as well as graduate and evening and online degree programs. USF is committed to academic excellence and the development of mature Christian persons for service to God and humankind in the world through its more than 90 programs in business, education, nursing and much more including the Center for Professional Development.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578240873011.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota --&nbsp;Raelyn Reese&nbsp;of&nbsp;McPherson&nbsp;was named to the University of Sioux Falls' fall 2019&nbsp;Dean's List.&nbsp;Reese is majoring in nursing.Reese was among more than 550&nbsp;students named to the fall 2019&nbsp;Dean's List.&nbsp;To qualify, students must earn a GPA of 3.5&nbsp;or&nbsp;greater on a 4.0 scale.About the University of Sioux FallsFounded over 136 years ago, the University of Sioux Falls is a transformative Christian liberal arts university serving approximately 1,500 students through traditional undergraduate programs as well as graduate and evening and online degree programs. USF is committed to academic excellence and the development of mature Christian persons for service to God and humankind in the world through its more than 90 programs in business, education, nursing and much more including the Center for Professional Development.

McPherson's Reese named to USF fall 2019 Dean's List

Over the next few days, generally quiet weather conditions are expected with above normal temperatures and breezy conditions, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita.

NWS notes that through Tuesday in the region, we will have mostly sunny conditions with afternoon highs expected to be in the 40s and 50s and overnight lows in the 20s and 30s.

Wednesday and Thursday look to be mostly sunny and warmer with highs in the 50s up to near 60. According to NWS, Wednesday is expected to be windy with gusts of 40-50 mph possible.

A few showers are possible Thursday, with a rain/snow mix possible Friday, NWS noted. It will be noticeably cooler Friday, with highs near 40.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578235118253.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Over the next few days, generally quiet weather conditions are expected with above normal temperatures and breezy conditions, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita.NWS notes that through Tuesday in the region, we will have mostly sunny conditions with afternoon highs expected to be in the 40s and 50s and overnight lows in the 20s and 30s.Wednesday and Thursday look to be mostly sunny and warmer with highs in the 50s up to near 60. According to NWS, Wednesday is expected to be windy with gusts of 40-50 mph possible.A few showers are possible Thursday, with a rain/snow mix possible Friday, NWS noted. It will be noticeably cooler Friday, with highs near 40.

NWS: Mild temperatures, possible snow by Friday

Today is Sunday, Jan. 5, the fifth day of 2020. There are 361 days left in the year.

On Jan. 5, 1781, a British naval expedition led by Benedict Arnold burned Richmond, Virginia.

In 1589, Catherine de Medici of France died at age 69.

In 1895, French Capt. Alfred Dreyfus, convicted of treason, was publicly stripped of his rank. (He was ultimately vindicated.)

In 1896, an Austrian newspaper, Wiener Presse, reported the discovery by German physicist Wilhelm Roentgen of a type of radiation that came to be known as X-rays.

In 1914, auto industrialist Henry Ford announced he was going to pay workers $5 for an 8-hour day, as opposed to $2.34 for a 9-hour day. (Employees still worked six days a week; the 5-day work week was instituted in 1926.)

In 1925, Democrat Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming took office as America's first female governor, succeeding her late husband, William, following a special election.

In 1933, the 30th president of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, died in Northampton, Massachusetts, at age 60. Construction began on the Golden Gate Bridge. (Work was completed four years later.)

In 1943, educator and scientist George Washington Carver, who was born into slavery, died in Tuskegee, Alabama, at about age 80.

In 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proposed assistance to countries to help them resist Communist aggression in what became known as the Eisenhower Doctrine.

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan announced he was nominating Elizabeth Dole to succeed Drew Lewis as secretary of transportation; Dole became the first woman to head a Cabinet department in Reagan's administration, and the first to head the DOT.

In 1994, Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill, former speaker of the House of Representatives, died in Boston at age 81.

In 1998, Sonny Bono, the 1960s pop star-turned-politician, was killed when he struck a tree while skiing at the Heavenly Ski Resort on the Nevada-California state line; he was 62.

In 2004, foreigners arriving at U.S. airports were photographed and had their fingerprints scanned in the start of a government effort to keep terrorists out of the country.

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama scolded 20 of his highest-level officials over the thwarted Christmas Day terror attack on an airliner bound for Detroit, taking them jointly to task for "a screw-up that could have been disastrous" and should have been avoided. The U.S. and British embassies in Yemen reopened their doors after a two-day closure prompted by security concerns.

Five years ago: The price of oil plunged again, falling below $50 a barrel for the first time since April 2009. Jury selection began in the trial of accused Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. (Tsarnaev would be convicted of all 30 charges against him and sentenced to death.) Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Sarah Zabel presided over Florida's first legally recognized same-sex marriages hours before the ban on such unions formally expired.

One year ago: Talks between White House officials and congressional aides failed to bring a breakthrough to end a two-week government shutdown. Mourners gathered in California for the funeral of police officer Ronil Singh, an immigrant from Fiji who had been shot to death on the morning after Christmas after pulling over a suspected drunk driver. (A two-day manhunt led to the arrest of a man who authorities said was in the country illegally and was preparing to flee to Mexico.)

Today's Birthdays: Former Vice President Walter F. Mondale is 92. Actor Robert Duvall is 89. Juan Carlos, former King of Spain, is 82. Singer-musician Athol Guy (The Seekers) is 80. Former talk show host Charlie Rose is 78. Actress-director Diane Keaton is 74. Actor Ted Lange is 72. Rhythm-and-blues musician George "Funky" Brown (Kool and the Gang) is 71. Rock musician Chris Stein (Blondie) is 70. Former CIA Director George Tenet is 67. Actress Pamela Sue Martin is 67. Actor Clancy Brown is 61. Singer Iris Dement is 59. Actress Suzy Amis is 58. Actor Ricky Paull Goldin is 55. Actor Vinnie Jones is 55. Rock musician Kate Schellenbach (Luscious Jackson) is 54. Actor Joe Flanigan is 53. Talk show host/dancer-choreographer Carrie Ann Inaba is 52. Rock musician Troy Van Leeuwen (Queens of the Stone Age) is 52. Actress Heather Paige Kent is 51. Rock singer Marilyn Manson is 51. Actor Shea Whigham is 51. Actor Derek Cecil is 47. Actress-comedian Jessica Chaffin is 46. Actor Bradley Cooper is 45. Actress January Jones is 42. Actress Brooklyn Sudano is 39. Actor Franz Drameh is 27.

Thought for Today: "It is easy to be tolerant of the principles of other people if you have none of your own." — Herbert Samuel, English political leader (1870-1963).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Sunday, Jan. 5, the fifth day of 2020. There are 361 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Jan. 5, 1781, a British naval expedition led by Benedict Arnold burned Richmond, Virginia.On this date:In 1589, Catherine de Medici of France died at age 69.In 1895, French Capt. Alfred Dreyfus, convicted of treason, was publicly stripped of his rank. (He was ultimately vindicated.)In 1896, an Austrian newspaper, Wiener Presse, reported the discovery by German physicist Wilhelm Roentgen of a type of radiation that came to be known as X-rays.In 1914, auto industrialist Henry Ford announced he was going to pay workers $5 for an 8-hour day, as opposed to $2.34 for a 9-hour day. (Employees still worked six days a week; the 5-day work week was instituted in 1926.)In 1925, Democrat Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming took office as America's first female governor, succeeding her late husband, William, following a special election.In 1933, the 30th president of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, died in Northampton, Massachusetts, at age 60. Construction began on the Golden Gate Bridge. (Work was completed four years later.)In 1943, educator and scientist George Washington Carver, who was born into slavery, died in Tuskegee, Alabama, at about age 80.In 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proposed assistance to countries to help them resist Communist aggression in what became known as the Eisenhower Doctrine.In 1983, President Ronald Reagan announced he was nominating Elizabeth Dole to succeed Drew Lewis as secretary of transportation; Dole became the first woman to head a Cabinet department in Reagan's administration, and the first to head the DOT.In 1994, Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill, former speaker of the House of Representatives, died in Boston at age 81.In 1998, Sonny Bono, the 1960s pop star-turned-politician, was killed when he struck a tree while skiing at the Heavenly Ski Resort on the Nevada-California state line; he was 62.In 2004, foreigners arriving at U.S. airports were photographed and had their fingerprints scanned in the start of a government effort to keep terrorists out of the country.Ten years ago: President Barack Obama scolded 20 of his highest-level officials over the thwarted Christmas Day terror attack on an airliner bound for Detroit, taking them jointly to task for "a screw-up that could have been disastrous" and should have been avoided. The U.S. and British embassies in Yemen reopened their doors after a two-day closure prompted by security concerns.Five years ago: The price of oil plunged again, falling below $50 a barrel for the first time since April 2009. Jury selection began in the trial of accused Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. (Tsarnaev would be convicted of all 30 charges against him and sentenced to death.) Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Sarah Zabel presided over Florida's first legally recognized same-sex marriages hours before the ban on such unions formally expired.One year ago: Talks between White House officials and congressional aides failed to bring a breakthrough to end a two-week government shutdown. Mourners gathered in California for the funeral of police officer Ronil Singh, an immigrant from Fiji who had been shot to death on the morning after Christmas after pulling over a suspected drunk driver. (A two-day manhunt led to the arrest of a man who authorities said was in the country illegally and was preparing to flee to Mexico.)Today's Birthdays: Former Vice President Walter F. Mondale is 92. Actor Robert Duvall is 89. Juan Carlos, former King of Spain, is 82. Singer-musician Athol Guy (The Seekers) is 80. Former talk show host Charlie Rose is 78. Actress-director Diane Keaton is 74. Actor Ted Lange is 72. Rhythm-and-blues musician George "Funky" Brown (Kool and the Gang) is 71. Rock musician Chris Stein (Blondie) is 70. Former CIA Director George Tenet is 67. Actress Pamela Sue Martin is 67. Actor Clancy Brown is 61. Singer Iris Dement is 59. Actress Suzy Amis is 58. Actor Ricky Paull Goldin is 55. Actor Vinnie Jones is 55. Rock musician Kate Schellenbach (Luscious Jackson) is 54. Actor Joe Flanigan is 53. Talk show host/dancer-choreographer Carrie Ann Inaba is 52. Rock musician Troy Van Leeuwen (Queens of the Stone Age) is 52. Actress Heather Paige Kent is 51. Rock singer Marilyn Manson is 51. Actor Shea Whigham is 51. Actor Derek Cecil is 47. Actress-comedian Jessica Chaffin is 46. Actor Bradley Cooper is 45. Actress January Jones is 42. Actress Brooklyn Sudano is 39. Actor Franz Drameh is 27.Thought for Today: "It is easy to be tolerant of the principles of other people if you have none of your own." — Herbert Samuel, English political leader (1870-1963).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- Jan. 5

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Talin Goebel from McPherson qualified for the Fall 2019 Dean's List at Belmont University. 

Eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C.

Approximately 38 percent of Belmont's 8,481 students qualified for the Fall 2019 Dean's List. 

Belmont Provost Dr. Thomas Burns said, "This achievement for the fall semester indicates that these students have placed a high priority on their work at Belmont and have invested time and energy in their studies. It is our strong belief that consistent application in this manner will reap great benefits, which will equip them for a lifetime of learning and growing."

Belmont University -- home of the Oct. 22, 2020 Presidential Debate, the third and final in the election season -- is made up of nearly 8,500 students who come from every state and more than 36 countries. With more than 95 areas of undergraduate study, more than 25 master's programs and five doctoral degrees, there is no limit to the ways Belmont University can expand an individual's horizon.

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/2gA/cXo/t.2y2/bwhQwyxIROmgfzF_SoSGRQ/h1/qtk9mDZxiK64ajuS6Ssh-2F2Ke3Uzjv2osWFVeMH3G4FQ-3D/1dBD" target="_blank">www.belmont.edu</a>.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Talin Goebel from McPherson qualified for the Fall 2019 Dean's List at Belmont University. Eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C.Approximately 38 percent of Belmont's 8,481 students qualified for the Fall 2019 Dean's List. Belmont Provost Dr. Thomas Burns said, "This achievement for the fall semester indicates that these students have placed a high priority on their work at Belmont and have invested time and energy in their studies. It is our strong belief that consistent application in this manner will reap great benefits, which will equip them for a lifetime of learning and growing."About Belmont UniversityBelmont University -- home of the Oct. 22, 2020 Presidential Debate, the third and final in the election season -- is made up of nearly 8,500 students who come from every state and more than 36 countries. With more than 95 areas of undergraduate study, more than 25 master's programs and five doctoral degrees, there is no limit to the ways Belmont University can expand an individual's horizon.For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/2gA/cXo/t.2y2/bwhQwyxIROmgfzF_SoSGRQ/h1/qtk9mDZxiK64ajuS6Ssh-2F2Ke3Uzjv2osWFVeMH3G4FQ-3D/1dBD" target="_blank">www.belmont.edu</a>.

Goebel named to Dean's List at Belmont University

OCCK seeks a bookkeeper/payroll specialist in Salina. This is a full-time position.

Perform duties under the direct supervision of the Vice President/Chief Financial Officer and responsible for payroll and financial procedures.

Must have at least 2 years bookkeeper experience. Must have strong oral and written communication skills. 

Must have an understanding of basic bookkeeping principles. 

Must have strong working knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office products including Word, Access and Excel. 

Must have the ability to prioritize multiple tasks. 

Must have the ability to work with a diverse group of people in a team setting. 

Must meet the eligibility requirements of the auto insurance company providing coverage for OCCK vehicles or have access to transportation.

BS degree preferred but not required.&nbsp;

Apply online at <a href="http://jobs.occk.com/careers/Careers">http://jobs.occk.com/careers/Careers</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576544829259.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OCCK seeks a bookkeeper/payroll specialist in Salina. This is a full-time position.<h2>Job responsibilities</h2>Perform duties under the direct supervision of the Vice President/Chief Financial Officer and responsible for payroll and financial procedures.<h2>Job qualifications</h2>Must have at least 2 years bookkeeper experience. Must have strong oral and written communication skills. Must have a proven work history. Must have an understanding of basic bookkeeping principles. Must have strong working knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office products including Word, Access and Excel. Must have the ability to prioritize multiple tasks. Must have proven organizational skills. Must have the ability to work with a diverse group of people in a team setting. Must meet the eligibility requirements of the auto insurance company providing coverage for OCCK vehicles or have access to transportation.BS degree preferred but not required.&nbsp;Apply online at <a href="http://jobs.occk.com/careers/Careers">http://jobs.occk.com/careers/Careers</a>.

OCCK seeks bookkeeper/payroll specialist in Salina -- full-time position 

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

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

Recent obituaries

LAWRENCE — Sixteen University of Kansas School of Pharmacy students will take a three-day trip across Kansas next week to visit 13 independent community pharmacies, including one in Salina.

Dean Ronald Ragan and Senior Associate Dean Gene Hotchkiss will accompany the students on the annual trip, sponsored by the KU Chapter of the National Community Pharmacists Association (KU–NCPA). NCPA is a professional pharmacy student organization that promotes independent pharmacy as a career option.

Hotchkiss, who serves as adviser to the group, said the visitation program allows students the opportunity to learn firsthand the details of owning and running an independent pharmacy. Students spend close to an hour at each location and speak with the owners on topics such as business management, customer relations, community service, quality of life as an independent practitioner and more.

Hotchkiss said the annual trip also strengthens relationships between pharmacy students and pharmacy owners in Kansas. The hope is that the connections made will lead to transitions of ownership and a continuation of vital pharmacy care services to Kansans.

“Independent community pharmacies are critical health care resources for rural communities,” Hotchkiss said. “In addition to traditional prescription services, they provide a broad scope of patient-centered pharmacy care services, including medication therapy management, medical supplies, durable medical equipment, oxygen and respiratory equipment.”

1:30 a.m. Scott City Pharmacy, Scott City

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578163317695.jpeg" alt="Salina's B&amp;K Prescription Shop is one of the stops. Photo courtesy the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BKPrescriptionShop/">B&amp;K Prescription Shop</a> Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>Salina's B&amp;K Prescription Shop is one of the stops. Photo courtesy the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BKPrescriptionShop/">B&amp;K Prescription Shop</a> Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE — Sixteen University of Kansas School of Pharmacy students will take a three-day trip across Kansas next week to visit 13 independent community pharmacies, including one in Salina.Dean Ronald Ragan and Senior Associate Dean Gene Hotchkiss will accompany the students on the annual trip, sponsored by the KU Chapter of the National Community Pharmacists Association (KU–NCPA). NCPA is a professional pharmacy student organization that promotes independent pharmacy as a career option.Hotchkiss, who serves as adviser to the group, said the visitation program allows students the opportunity to learn firsthand the details of owning and running an independent pharmacy. Students spend close to an hour at each location and speak with the owners on topics such as business management, customer relations, community service, quality of life as an independent practitioner and more.Hotchkiss said the annual trip also strengthens relationships between pharmacy students and pharmacy owners in Kansas. The hope is that the connections made will lead to transitions of ownership and a continuation of vital pharmacy care services to Kansans.“Independent community pharmacies are critical health care resources for rural communities,” Hotchkiss said. “In addition to traditional prescription services, they provide a broad scope of patient-centered pharmacy care services, including medication therapy management, medical supplies, durable medical equipment, oxygen and respiratory equipment.”This year’s schedule:Tuesday8:15 a.m. Gibson Pharmacy, Osage City10 a.m. Haag Pharmacy, Emporia1:30 p.m. Hesston Pharmacy, Hesston4:30 p.m. Kiowa Pharmacy, GreensburgWednesday8:45 a.m. Grant County Drug, Ulysses9:45 a.m. Plaza Pharmacy, Garden City1:30 a.m. Scott City Pharmacy, Scott City3:30 p.m. G&amp;L Pharmacy, Ness CityThursday8 a.m.&nbsp; Gibson Pharmacy, Dodge City9:30 a.m. Kinsley Drug, Kinsley11:15 a.m. Reed Pharmacy, Larned1:30 p.m. Cardinal Drug, Hoisington3:30 p.m. B&amp;K Pharmacy, Salina

KU students visiting independent pharmacies

With no fatality crashes to work, New Year's was a happy one for the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP).

The KHP recently released its New Year’s Day Holiday Activity Report.&nbsp;The reporting period for the holiday ran from 6 p.m. on Tuesday through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday.

Information in the table is compared to data from 2018 and 2019.

According to the KHP, the reporting period for 2018 ran from 6 p.m. Dec. 29, 2017, to 11:59 p.m.&nbsp; Jan. 1, 2018, while the reporting period for 2019 ran from 6 p.m. Dec. 28, 2018, to 11:59 p.m. Jan. 1, 2019.

With no fatality crashes to work, New Year's was a happy one for the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP).The KHP recently released its New Year’s Day Holiday Activity Report.&nbsp;The reporting period for the holiday ran from 6 p.m. on Tuesday through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday.Information in the table is compared to data from 2018 and 2019.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578161815891.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>According to the KHP, the reporting period for 2018 ran from 6 p.m. Dec. 29, 2017, to 11:59 p.m.&nbsp; Jan. 1, 2018, while the reporting period for 2019 ran from 6 p.m. Dec. 28, 2018, to 11:59 p.m. Jan. 1, 2019.

KHP releases New Year's Holiday Activity Report

LINDSBORG -- Continuing its tradition of hosting high-caliber operatic
performers, the Bethany Oratorio Society is pleased to announce tickets are now
on sale for the&nbsp; Messiah Festival of the
Arts, 2020: Celebrating Women in the Arts.

The Bethany Oratorio Society will perform its historic and rich
performances of J.S. Bach’s “Passion According to St. Matthew”&nbsp;on
Good Friday, April 10, and G. F. Handel’s&nbsp;“Messiah”&nbsp;on Easter
Sunday, April 12.

Tickets are on sale now at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.messiahfestival.org/">www.messiahfestival.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling the festival office at (785) 227-3380, ext. 8219, or for purchase in Presser Hall on Bethany College campus, office located in Presser Hall, room 116B. Ticket sales will be Monday-Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in January and February and 8-9:30 a.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m. in March and April (including Good Friday and April 11).&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Bethany Oratorio Society has been performing
Handel’s&nbsp;“Messiah”&nbsp;since 1882, and Bach’s&nbsp;“Passion…”&nbsp;since
1929.&nbsp; During Holy Week each year in Lindsborg, the more than 300-member
community chorus and orchestra are joined by five professional operatic guest
soloists.&nbsp; Guest soloists for this year’s concerts include: James Reese, tenor,
Elisa Sutherland, mezzo-soprano, Anna Christofaro, soprano and Brian Mextorf
bass. Brad Vogel will be the guest conductor for the Bach performance. Stephen
Klaassen will also have solos for the Bach performance.

James Reese is a frequently sought soloist and collaborative
musician whose singing has been praised for its “intensity and
sensitivity...spirituality and eloquence." His 2019-20 season includes
return appearances with Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Lyric Fest, and TENET
Vocal Artists, as well as his debuts with the American Bach Soloists, the
Harrisburg Symphony, Tempesta di Mare, and the Gamut Bach Ensemble. Recent
performances include Bourbon Baroque Orchestra and the Calgary Philharmonic
Orchestra, about which the&nbsp;Calgary Heraldwrote, "tenor James
Reese was the newcomer, and without doubt he will be remembered and welcomed
back in the future. He sang with remarkable clarity of diction and vocal
focus….a very strong impression.” A frequent interpreter of Bach, James made
his Carnegie Hall solo debut in 2018 with the New York Choral Society in
the&nbsp;B Minor Mass.&nbsp;The&nbsp;New York Classical Review&nbsp;wrote
of that performance, "the high, easy tenor of James Reese...floated
beautifully on its own over the long, gentle lines of the Benedictus."
James is an advocate for new music, and is a founding member of Philadelphia
vocal sextet Variant 6. He has premiered works by&nbsp;Caroline Shaw, Ted
Hearne, John Luther Adams, Joanne Metcalf, Reena Esmail, and others.&nbsp;He
has performed with leading ensembles, including The Crossing and Seraphic Fire,
in addition to guest appearances with Gallicantus and Calmus. He is the winner
of the Margot Fassler Award for the Performance of Music, and is the 2019
recipient of the Career Advancement Grant from the Musical Fund Society of
Philadelphia.&nbsp; James is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Bienen
School of Music, and holds a master’s degree from the Yale School of Music,
where he studied with James Taylor as part of the Yale Voxtet. He lives in
Philadelphia.

Elisa Sutherland is a mezzo-soprano known for her detailed,
stylistic interpretations of both early and new music. This upcoming season,
she will perform with Philadelphia's The Crossing, New York ensembles Ekmeles,
TENET Vocal Artists, Clarion Choir and New Chamber Ballet, Roomful of Teeth,
Cleveland's Apollo's Fire, Miami’s Seraphic Fire, and her own early and new
music sextet, Variant 6.&nbsp;

Elisa has performed as a soloist with TENET
Vocal Artists, Apollo’s Fire, American Bach Soloists, Apollo Chorus of Chicago,
and Quicksilver Baroque, singing Bach's Mass in b minor, Handel's Messiah, and
Buxtehude's Membra Jesu Nostri. In the realm of contemporary music, she has
premiered works for voice and chamber orchestra for university and professional
ensembles. Elisa has a special love for art song, and has sung with LyricFest,
Philadelphia's premiere art song concert series, and the Brooklyn Art Song
Society.&nbsp;

In addition to winning the Philadelphia District
of the Metropolitan Opera Auditions in 2015, Elisa is the 2014 winner of the
Lynne Harvey Cooper Award, and was the first-place winner of the inaugural
Handel Aria Competition at the Madison Early Music Festival in 2013. Recent
opera roles include Hera in Chris Cerrone’s All Wounds Bleed, Ensemble in
Michael Gordon’s Acquanetta with the Prototype Festival, Dido in Dido and
Aeneas, Dorabella in Cosi fan tutte, Meg in Little Women, Ottavia in
L'incoronazione di Poppea, and Nancy in Albert Herring. Elisa is also
remembered for her Blazing Saddles - Madeline Kahn impression in a production
of Die Fledermaus.

Elisa graduated from Northwestern University
with a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing, a Bachelor of Music in Vocal
Performance, and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance. She lives in
Brooklyn.&nbsp;

Praised
for her vocal agility and clear tone,&nbsp;Minneapolis based soprano, Anna
Christofaro, is&nbsp;gaining recognition as an interpreter of a wide range of
repertoire from early&nbsp;to contemporary&nbsp;music. &nbsp;She
performed&nbsp;on the 2018 Grammy nominated&nbsp;album, Tyberg Masses, with the
South Dakota Chorale. &nbsp;Other highlights include&nbsp;performing at the
Olavsfestagene Festival in Trondheim, Norway, with the Grammy award-winning&nbsp;ensemble, Conspirare, and performed on their national tour
of Considering Matthew Shepard by
Craig Hella Johnson.&nbsp; She’s also performed&nbsp;under the baton of
Bach-scholars, Helmuth Rilling and Hans-Christoph Rademann,&nbsp;at the Weimar
Bach Academy and the Internationale Bachakademie Stuttgart in Germany.

Anna has made her soloist debuts of Bach's
St. Johns Passion with the Minnesota Bach
Ensemble,&nbsp;Fauré's&nbsp;Requiem&nbsp;and Handel’s Messiah with the
Minnesota Chorale, Mozart's Great Mass in C Minor with the Grinnell Oratorio
Society, Vivaldi's&nbsp;Gloria with Consortium Carissimi, and Monteverdi's Vespers
of&nbsp;1610 and Benjamin Britten's Rejoice in&nbsp;the Lamb with the
University of North Texas. &nbsp;She's also been featured on
numerous&nbsp;Artist Series Recitals of music by local composers,&nbsp;Steve
Heitzeg, Libby Larsen, Abbie Betinis and&nbsp;Jocelyn Hagen.&nbsp; Other solo appearances
include Handel's&nbsp;Ulrecht Te Deum, and&nbsp;Mozart's&nbsp;Regina Coeli, as
well as Bach's B Minor Mass and numerous Bach cantatas with the Bach Roots
Festival.

A
versatile performer,&nbsp;Anna has performed the role of First Lady in
Mozart's&nbsp;Die Zauberflöte&nbsp;at the Amalfi Coast Music and Arts
Festival in Italy. &nbsp;Other opera credits include the role of Maguellone in
Viardot's&nbsp;Cendrillon,&nbsp;Serpina in Pergolesi's&nbsp;La Serva
Perdona, Zerlina in&nbsp;Don Giovanni&nbsp;and&nbsp;Gianetta
in&nbsp;The Gondoliers.&nbsp;&nbsp;


Anna holds a Master of Music degree from the University of North
Texas and a Bachelor of Music degree from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn.
&nbsp;

Baritone&nbsp;Brian Mextorf’s 2018/19 season
included a role debut singing Raphael in&nbsp;Creation, a recital with
the Brooklyn Art Song Society singing Barber’s&nbsp;Despite and Still,
op. 41, four iterations of the bass solos in Mozart’s&nbsp;Requiem&nbsp;including
a performance at Alice Tully Hall, a return to Carnegie Hall as bass soloist in
Haydn's&nbsp;Missa in Tempore Belli,&nbsp;and additional performances with
the New York Philharmonic, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony,
The Choir of Trinity Wall Street, Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Sacred Music in a
Sacred Space, and Musica&nbsp;Viva NY. His 2017/18 season&nbsp;featured solo
debuts at Carnegie Hall (Schubert’s Mass No. 2, Lincoln Center (La traviata)
and National Sawdust (AIDS Quilt Songbook). Additional 2017/18 engagements
included baritone soloist in Brahms’&nbsp;Ein Deutsches Requiem,
recitals with pianists Seymour Bernstein and Brent Funderburk, and performances
with the Brooklyn Art Song Society, New York Philharmonic, Choir of Trinity
Wall Street, and New York City Ballet.&nbsp;

Brian
has performed operatic roles such as&nbsp;Aeneas in Opera Saratoga’s innovative
outdoor production of&nbsp;Dido and Aeneas, Marcello in a Virginia
Opera’s production of&nbsp;La bohème&nbsp;performed in various
non-traditional venues, and the title role in a staged production of
Handel’s&nbsp;Saul&nbsp;in Russell, Kansas. Other recent highlights
include Giorgio Germont in&nbsp;La traviata,&nbsp;a concert with the
Richmond Symphony,&nbsp;and first prize in the Metropolitan Opera National
Council Auditions North Carolina District and second prize in the Southeast
Region. As a member of the Opera Theatre of St. Louis and Virginia Opera young
artist programs, Brian has sung performances of Captain Corcoran and Bill
Bobstay in HMS Pinafore, Anthony Hope (cover) in&nbsp;Sweeney Todd,
Paris in&nbsp;Roméo et Juliette, and three roles in the North American
Premiere of Unsuk Chin’s&nbsp;Alice in Wonderland.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578149164925.jpeg" alt="Some of the many performers in the 2019 Messiah performance. Photo by Jim Turner courtesy Bethany College" />
 <figcaption>Some of the many performers in the 2019 Messiah performance. Photo by Jim Turner courtesy Bethany College</figcaption>
 </figure>LINDSBORG -- Continuing its tradition of hosting high-caliber operatic
performers, the Bethany Oratorio Society is pleased to announce tickets are now
on sale for the&nbsp; Messiah Festival of the
Arts, 2020: Celebrating Women in the Arts. The Bethany Oratorio Society will perform its historic and rich
performances of J.S. Bach’s “Passion According to St. Matthew”&nbsp;on
Good Friday, April 10, and G. F. Handel’s&nbsp;“Messiah”&nbsp;on Easter
Sunday, April 12.Tickets are on sale now at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.messiahfestival.org/">www.messiahfestival.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling the festival office at (785) 227-3380, ext. 8219, or for purchase in Presser Hall on Bethany College campus, office located in Presser Hall, room 116B. Ticket sales will be Monday-Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in January and February and 8-9:30 a.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m. in March and April (including Good Friday and April 11).&nbsp;&nbsp;The Bethany Oratorio Society has been performing
Handel’s&nbsp;“Messiah”&nbsp;since 1882, and Bach’s&nbsp;“Passion…”&nbsp;since
1929.&nbsp; During Holy Week each year in Lindsborg, the more than 300-member
community chorus and orchestra are joined by five professional operatic guest
soloists.&nbsp; Guest soloists for this year’s concerts include: James Reese, tenor,
Elisa Sutherland, mezzo-soprano, Anna Christofaro, soprano and Brian Mextorf
bass. Brad Vogel will be the guest conductor for the Bach performance. Stephen
Klaassen will also have solos for the Bach performance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578149299937.jpeg" alt="James Reese" />
 <figcaption>James Reese</figcaption>
 </figure>James Reese is a frequently sought soloist and collaborative
musician whose singing has been praised for its “intensity and
sensitivity...spirituality and eloquence." His 2019-20 season includes
return appearances with Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Lyric Fest, and TENET
Vocal Artists, as well as his debuts with the American Bach Soloists, the
Harrisburg Symphony, Tempesta di Mare, and the Gamut Bach Ensemble. Recent
performances include Bourbon Baroque Orchestra and the Calgary Philharmonic
Orchestra, about which the&nbsp;Calgary Heraldwrote, "tenor James
Reese was the newcomer, and without doubt he will be remembered and welcomed
back in the future. He sang with remarkable clarity of diction and vocal
focus….a very strong impression.” A frequent interpreter of Bach, James made
his Carnegie Hall solo debut in 2018 with the New York Choral Society in
the&nbsp;B Minor Mass.&nbsp;The&nbsp;New York Classical Review&nbsp;wrote
of that performance, "the high, easy tenor of James Reese...floated
beautifully on its own over the long, gentle lines of the Benedictus."
James is an advocate for new music, and is a founding member of Philadelphia
vocal sextet Variant 6. He has premiered works by&nbsp;Caroline Shaw, Ted
Hearne, John Luther Adams, Joanne Metcalf, Reena Esmail, and others.&nbsp;He
has performed with leading ensembles, including The Crossing and Seraphic Fire,
in addition to guest appearances with Gallicantus and Calmus. He is the winner
of the Margot Fassler Award for the Performance of Music, and is the 2019
recipient of the Career Advancement Grant from the Musical Fund Society of
Philadelphia.&nbsp; James is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Bienen
School of Music, and holds a master’s degree from the Yale School of Music,
where he studied with James Taylor as part of the Yale Voxtet. He lives in
Philadelphia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578149416514.jpeg" alt="Elisa Sutherland" />
 <figcaption>Elisa Sutherland</figcaption>
 </figure>Elisa Sutherland is a mezzo-soprano known for her detailed,
stylistic interpretations of both early and new music. This upcoming season,
she will perform with Philadelphia's The Crossing, New York ensembles Ekmeles,
TENET Vocal Artists, Clarion Choir and New Chamber Ballet, Roomful of Teeth,
Cleveland's Apollo's Fire, Miami’s Seraphic Fire, and her own early and new
music sextet, Variant 6.&nbsp;

Elisa has performed as a soloist with TENET
Vocal Artists, Apollo’s Fire, American Bach Soloists, Apollo Chorus of Chicago,
and Quicksilver Baroque, singing Bach's Mass in b minor, Handel's Messiah, and
Buxtehude's Membra Jesu Nostri. In the realm of contemporary music, she has
premiered works for voice and chamber orchestra for university and professional
ensembles. Elisa has a special love for art song, and has sung with LyricFest,
Philadelphia's premiere art song concert series, and the Brooklyn Art Song
Society.&nbsp;

In addition to winning the Philadelphia District
of the Metropolitan Opera Auditions in 2015, Elisa is the 2014 winner of the
Lynne Harvey Cooper Award, and was the first-place winner of the inaugural
Handel Aria Competition at the Madison Early Music Festival in 2013. Recent
opera roles include Hera in Chris Cerrone’s All Wounds Bleed, Ensemble in
Michael Gordon’s Acquanetta with the Prototype Festival, Dido in Dido and
Aeneas, Dorabella in Cosi fan tutte, Meg in Little Women, Ottavia in
L'incoronazione di Poppea, and Nancy in Albert Herring. Elisa is also
remembered for her Blazing Saddles - Madeline Kahn impression in a production
of Die Fledermaus.

Elisa graduated from Northwestern University
with a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing, a Bachelor of Music in Vocal
Performance, and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance. She lives in
Brooklyn.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578149489272.jpeg" alt="Anna Christofaro" />
 <figcaption>Anna Christofaro</figcaption>
 </figure>Praised
for her vocal agility and clear tone,&nbsp;Minneapolis based soprano, Anna
Christofaro, is&nbsp;gaining recognition as an interpreter of a wide range of
repertoire from early&nbsp;to contemporary&nbsp;music. &nbsp;She
performed&nbsp;on the 2018 Grammy nominated&nbsp;album, Tyberg Masses, with the
South Dakota Chorale. &nbsp;Other highlights include&nbsp;performing at the
Olavsfestagene Festival in Trondheim, Norway, with the Grammy award-winning&nbsp;ensemble, Conspirare, and performed on their national tour
of Considering Matthew Shepard by
Craig Hella Johnson.&nbsp; She’s also performed&nbsp;under the baton of
Bach-scholars, Helmuth Rilling and Hans-Christoph Rademann,&nbsp;at the Weimar
Bach Academy and the Internationale Bachakademie Stuttgart in Germany.Anna has made her soloist debuts of Bach's
St. Johns Passion with the Minnesota Bach
Ensemble,&nbsp;Fauré's&nbsp;Requiem&nbsp;and Handel’s Messiah with the
Minnesota Chorale, Mozart's Great Mass in C Minor with the Grinnell Oratorio
Society, Vivaldi's&nbsp;Gloria with Consortium Carissimi, and Monteverdi's Vespers
of&nbsp;1610 and Benjamin Britten's Rejoice in&nbsp;the Lamb with the
University of North Texas. &nbsp;She's also been featured on
numerous&nbsp;Artist Series Recitals of music by local composers,&nbsp;Steve
Heitzeg, Libby Larsen, Abbie Betinis and&nbsp;Jocelyn Hagen.&nbsp; Other solo appearances
include Handel's&nbsp;Ulrecht Te Deum, and&nbsp;Mozart's&nbsp;Regina Coeli, as
well as Bach's B Minor Mass and numerous Bach cantatas with the Bach Roots
Festival.A
versatile performer,&nbsp;Anna has performed the role of First Lady in
Mozart's&nbsp;Die Zauberflöte&nbsp;at the Amalfi Coast Music and Arts
Festival in Italy. &nbsp;Other opera credits include the role of Maguellone in
Viardot's&nbsp;Cendrillon,&nbsp;Serpina in Pergolesi's&nbsp;La Serva
Perdona, Zerlina in&nbsp;Don Giovanni&nbsp;and&nbsp;Gianetta
in&nbsp;The Gondoliers.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Anna holds a Master of Music degree from the University of North
Texas and a Bachelor of Music degree from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn.
&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578149577427.jpeg" alt="Brian Mextorf" />
 <figcaption>Brian Mextorf</figcaption>
 </figure>Baritone&nbsp;Brian Mextorf’s 2018/19 season
included a role debut singing Raphael in&nbsp;Creation, a recital with
the Brooklyn Art Song Society singing Barber’s&nbsp;Despite and Still,
op. 41, four iterations of the bass solos in Mozart’s&nbsp;Requiem&nbsp;including
a performance at Alice Tully Hall, a return to Carnegie Hall as bass soloist in
Haydn's&nbsp;Missa in Tempore Belli,&nbsp;and additional performances with
the New York Philharmonic, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony,
The Choir of Trinity Wall Street, Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Sacred Music in a
Sacred Space, and Musica&nbsp;Viva NY. His 2017/18 season&nbsp;featured solo
debuts at Carnegie Hall (Schubert’s Mass No. 2, Lincoln Center (La traviata)
and National Sawdust (AIDS Quilt Songbook). Additional 2017/18 engagements
included baritone soloist in Brahms’&nbsp;Ein Deutsches Requiem,
recitals with pianists Seymour Bernstein and Brent Funderburk, and performances
with the Brooklyn Art Song Society, New York Philharmonic, Choir of Trinity
Wall Street, and New York City Ballet.&nbsp;Brian
has performed operatic roles such as&nbsp;Aeneas in Opera Saratoga’s innovative
outdoor production of&nbsp;Dido and Aeneas, Marcello in a Virginia
Opera’s production of&nbsp;La bohème&nbsp;performed in various
non-traditional venues, and the title role in a staged production of
Handel’s&nbsp;Saul&nbsp;in Russell, Kansas. Other recent highlights
include Giorgio Germont in&nbsp;La traviata,&nbsp;a concert with the
Richmond Symphony,&nbsp;and first prize in the Metropolitan Opera National
Council Auditions North Carolina District and second prize in the Southeast
Region. As a member of the Opera Theatre of St. Louis and Virginia Opera young
artist programs, Brian has sung performances of Captain Corcoran and Bill
Bobstay in HMS Pinafore, Anthony Hope (cover) in&nbsp;Sweeney Todd,
Paris in&nbsp;Roméo et Juliette, and three roles in the North American
Premiere of Unsuk Chin’s&nbsp;Alice in Wonderland.A
native of Williamsport, Penn., Brian is an alumnus of The Oberlin
Conservatory of Music and Westminster Choir College.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578149650507.jpeg" alt="Dr. Bradley Vogel" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Bradley Vogel</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Bradley Vogel has enjoyed more than 35 years
conducting both choral and instrumental ensembles. After a dozen years in
public school education and church music ministry, he embarked on a 22-year
career as Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Tabor
College. Recipient of the Clarence R. Hiebert Excellence in Teaching Award, Vogel served as chair of the Department of Music as well as the Division of Performing
and Visual Arts. During his tenure at Tabor College he conducted the Concert
Choir, Oratorio Chorus and Chamber Voices, including the annual Christmas Messiah
performance, and served as music director for music theater productions. Under
his leadership, the Concert Choir was selected to perform at the Kansas Music
Educators Association State Convention six times (2000, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2013,
2015). An active adjudicator and clinician, he has conducted over 30 choral
festivals in Kansas, New York, and South Carolina, and annually adjudicates
state festivals in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Additionally, Vogel has
a growing composition career, with works published by MusicSpoke and Imagine
Music Publishing. In 2018 he was awarded the Harry Robert Wilson Award by the
Kansas chapter of the American Choral Directors Association in recognition of
lifetime contributions to choral music in Kansas, and in 2019 he enjoyed his
Carnegie Hall debut, conducting Ola Gjeilo’s Sunrise Mass with three
combined choirs and the New England Symphonic Ensemble.Vogel graduated from Tabor College in 1985
with the Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. He received the Master of Music degree in Conducting from the
University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colo., and the DMA in Conducting
from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He has been married to Beverly
(Just) for 34 years, and they have two married sons—David, married to Hanna,
and Nathan, married to Mallea. Brad and Bev are extremely proud grandparents of
four darling grandchildren, ages three years to three weeks!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578149736307.jpeg" alt="Stephen Klaassen. Photo by Jim Turner" />
 <figcaption>Stephen Klaassen. Photo by Jim Turner</figcaption>
 </figure>Stephen Klaassen, a
tenor from Marquette, Kan., graduated from
Bethany College in 2019 with a degree in biology and pre-medicine.--------------------------------------Performer photos provided by Bethany College.

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