TOPEKA -- Governor Kelly on Friday announced the Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance grant awards. 

These funds are generated by federal fines, penalty assessments, forfeited appearances and bail bonds. No taxpayer money is deposited into the Federal Crime Victims’ Fund.&nbsp;

“Grants for programs that assist victims and survivors of crime are so critical to Kansans,” Kelly said. “No one should have to go through this process alone. These grants will help fund the programs that victims and survivors can access during tragic situations.”

The VOCA grant program awards funds to eligible crime victim assistance programs. The programs provide services to victims and survivors of crime responding to the emotional, psychological or physical needs of crime victims. The grant helps victims of crime to stabilize their lives after a victimization; helps survivors to understand and participate in the criminal justice system; and restores a measure of security and safety for victims and survivors.&nbsp;

Specifically, programs provide crisis intervention, legal support, criminal justice assistance, safety planning, mental health, helpline counseling, and transitional housing, among other services.

A total of&nbsp;$20,520,561&nbsp;was awarded to 65 organizations.

Local and area programs receiving funding include the following.

Child Advocacy &amp; Parenting Services, $140,482

Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas, $859,704

Saint Francis Community and Residential Services, $80,689

TOPEKA -- Governor Kelly on Friday announced the Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance grant awards. These funds are generated by federal fines, penalty assessments, forfeited appearances and bail bonds. No taxpayer money is deposited into the Federal Crime Victims’ Fund.&nbsp;“Grants for programs that assist victims and survivors of crime are so critical to Kansans,” Kelly said. “No one should have to go through this process alone. These grants will help fund the programs that victims and survivors can access during tragic situations.”The VOCA grant program awards funds to eligible crime victim assistance programs. The programs provide services to victims and survivors of crime responding to the emotional, psychological or physical needs of crime victims. The grant helps victims of crime to stabilize their lives after a victimization; helps survivors to understand and participate in the criminal justice system; and restores a measure of security and safety for victims and survivors.&nbsp;Specifically, programs provide crisis intervention, legal support, criminal justice assistance, safety planning, mental health, helpline counseling, and transitional housing, among other services.A total of&nbsp;$20,520,561&nbsp;was awarded to 65 organizations.Local and area programs receiving funding include the following.Cloud CountyNorth Central Kansas CASA, $57,403Saline CountyChild Advocacy &amp; Parenting Services, $140,482Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas, $859,704Saint Francis Community and Residential Services, $80,689

Local, area crime victim assistance programs receive grant funding

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

Drop seed. That’s what I do to plant my garden, right? When we put those words together, that is also the name of a beautiful grassy plant called prairie dropseed. Now it is the name of an innovative Kansas business. Today we’ll learn about a Kansas technology company which is designing software to help organizations work more effectively.

During the last two weeks we’ve learned about two entrepreneurial brothers, Joel and Aaron Gaeddert. There is one more brother – the youngest brother, Dave. This is the third and final profile in our series about the Gaeddert family.

Like his brothers, Dave came to Bethel College in North Newton. He worked part-time with his older brothers at Flint Hills Design while in college. After graduation, he joined the business full-time and now works as lead developer for websites and apps.

Dave was always interested in computers. He built computers of his own in middle school. By the time he got to Flint Hills Design, Dave was crafting the code which kept that company’s websites and apps operating effectively.

Dave started building internal software systems for managing multiple projects. He recognized that many of these products could have benefit for others, so he ultimately started his own side business to market these innovations.

The business is named Dropseed. The term dropseed comes from the grassy plants of the Flint Hills prairie, but could also refer to the virtual seeds of technological innovation which the company is spreading.&nbsp;

“Dropseed products solve problems that either I or someone close to me deals with on a daily basis,” Dave said. One of these is called PullApprove.

In information technology, a pull request is a unit of change in software development.&nbsp;&nbsp;The PullApprove product is used in a case where multiple software specialists are working on a single project. Dave had been working on IT projects where multiple software specialists were involved, so he designed a system to help them work together better. Essentially, his product is a way of automating code review workflows.

His PullApprove system got great traction in the marketplace. According to the website, PullApprove has been used by some 500 organizations for more than a quarter-million pull requests.

Another of Dropseed’s products is called Dependencies.io. A dependency is an engineering term that refers to a situation where one piece of software relies on another one. In this case, when a project uses elements of software from multiple people, it works fine until one of those people updates his or her software. At that point, the other people need to go in and do the update also. Dave’s system automates that process, which represents a significant time saving.

A third core product of Dropseed is BoardBinder. This is a document management system, targeted to non-profit organizations. “I developed this while working with a church board,” Dave said. Over time, board members and staff would develop files and send documents back and forth to each other multiple times. BoardBinder is a software system that enables participants to share documents and schedules easily with each other.

“For smaller non-profit organizations, this is an easy and affordable way to share files and documents and saves emailing a bunch of stuff back and forth,” Dave said. The BoardBinder software allows those on a board, for example, to organize and manage documents and share schedules, including automatic reminders of upcoming meetings.&nbsp;&nbsp;As board member terms expire, BoardBinder also makes it easy to update access and welcome new members on board.

As a software expert, Dave also does a lot of open source work. This refers to software code which is shared freely, without charge.

Dropseed is based in Dave’s home at the rural community of North Newton, population 1,759 people. Now, that’s rural.

For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dropseed.io/" target="_blank">www.dropseed.io</a>.

Dropseed. It’s not just what I do to plant my garden, it’s the name of a prairie plant as well as the name of an innovative software company. We salute Dave Gaeddert for making a difference with technology and innovation. I hope these seeds of technology continue to grow.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577558762482.jpeg" alt="Dave Gaeddert. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Dave Gaeddert. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Kansas State UniversityDrop seed. That’s what I do to plant my garden, right? When we put those words together, that is also the name of a beautiful grassy plant called prairie dropseed. Now it is the name of an innovative Kansas business. Today we’ll learn about a Kansas technology company which is designing software to help organizations work more effectively.During the last two weeks we’ve learned about two entrepreneurial brothers, Joel and Aaron Gaeddert. There is one more brother – the youngest brother, Dave. This is the third and final profile in our series about the Gaeddert family.Like his brothers, Dave came to Bethel College in North Newton. He worked part-time with his older brothers at Flint Hills Design while in college. After graduation, he joined the business full-time and now works as lead developer for websites and apps.Dave was always interested in computers. He built computers of his own in middle school. By the time he got to Flint Hills Design, Dave was crafting the code which kept that company’s websites and apps operating effectively.Dave started building internal software systems for managing multiple projects. He recognized that many of these products could have benefit for others, so he ultimately started his own side business to market these innovations.The business is named Dropseed. The term dropseed comes from the grassy plants of the Flint Hills prairie, but could also refer to the virtual seeds of technological innovation which the company is spreading.&nbsp;“Dropseed products solve problems that either I or someone close to me deals with on a daily basis,” Dave said. One of these is called PullApprove.In information technology, a pull request is a unit of change in software development.&nbsp;&nbsp;The PullApprove product is used in a case where multiple software specialists are working on a single project. Dave had been working on IT projects where multiple software specialists were involved, so he designed a system to help them work together better. Essentially, his product is a way of automating code review workflows.His PullApprove system got great traction in the marketplace. According to the website, PullApprove has been used by some 500 organizations for more than a quarter-million pull requests.Another of Dropseed’s products is called Dependencies.io. A dependency is an engineering term that refers to a situation where one piece of software relies on another one. In this case, when a project uses elements of software from multiple people, it works fine until one of those people updates his or her software. At that point, the other people need to go in and do the update also. Dave’s system automates that process, which represents a significant time saving.A third core product of Dropseed is BoardBinder. This is a document management system, targeted to non-profit organizations. “I developed this while working with a church board,” Dave said. Over time, board members and staff would develop files and send documents back and forth to each other multiple times. BoardBinder is a software system that enables participants to share documents and schedules easily with each other.“For smaller non-profit organizations, this is an easy and affordable way to share files and documents and saves emailing a bunch of stuff back and forth,” Dave said. The BoardBinder software allows those on a board, for example, to organize and manage documents and share schedules, including automatic reminders of upcoming meetings.&nbsp;&nbsp;As board member terms expire, BoardBinder also makes it easy to update access and welcome new members on board.As a software expert, Dave also does a lot of open source work. This refers to software code which is shared freely, without charge.Dropseed is based in Dave’s home at the rural community of North Newton, population 1,759 people. Now, that’s rural.For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dropseed.io/" target="_blank">www.dropseed.io</a>.Dropseed. It’s not just what I do to plant my garden, it’s the name of a prairie plant as well as the name of an innovative software company. We salute Dave Gaeddert for making a difference with technology and innovation. I hope these seeds of technology continue to grow.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Audio and text files of Kansas Profiles are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasprofile.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kansasprofile.com</a>. For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

Kansas Profile – Now That’s Rural: Dave Gaeddert, Dropseed

TOPEKA -- In 2020, get set to “play ball” when Wichita’s new $75 million baseball stadium and its upstart Wind Surge team celebrate opening day on April 14. 

All year long, Kansas’ all-star lineup of attractions and events score big with stylish new downtown developments in Salina and Topeka, an out-of-this-world Apollo 13 50th anniversary gala at Hutchinson’s Cosmosphere, the opening of the expanded Boot Hill Museum in Dodge City, and a full roster of other highlights.

Catch a big-time game throughout the inaugural season when Wichita’s Triple-A farm team, affiliated with the Miami Marlins, plays 70 home games in its brand-new park. Fireworks, bands and kids’ play and splash areas add to the game-day fun.

While in the city, visitors can take a nostalgic spin on Botanica Wichita’s renovated, antique 36-horse carousel that used to delight Wichitans at Joyland Amusement Park. Work begins soon on a new garden, outdoor patio, bistro and children’s play area surrounding the carousel. Also just opened in Wichita, the new downtown Hilton Garden Inn with its unique rooftop glass-bottomed pool that juts out over Douglas Avenue.

Topeka plans to unveil its new downtown hub, Evergy Plaza, in March. The gathering space features a performance stage, digital screen, splash park, fountains and ice-skating in winter. A new multi-million-dollar Japanese garden is coming to the Topeka Zoo next summer. Seasonal flowers, koi fish, a flowing stream, bridges and experiential trails will accent the spacious 2.5 acres.

Salina is putting finishing touches on its $160-million revitalization of downtown, giving it a modern, open-space, art deco-inspired streetscape. The Alley bowling and family fun center and the Salina Fieldhouse indoor sports facility are among attractions already open. Downtown additions in 2020 include Homewood Suites, the American Classics Car Museum and additional restaurants.

The home of the original Apollo 13 command module, Hutchinson’s Cosmosphere, marks the 50th anniversary of the historic mission with an April 4 gala, starring Apollo 13 astronauts and many of the mission control team. Also in spring, the Cosmosphere gets more kid-friendly with the completion of its first dedicated children’s section, the CosmoKids interactive science education center.

At Dodge City’s Boot Hill Museum, feel the thunder as the floor shakes during an immersive buffalo stampede video at the new exhibit hall, set for a May 23 grand opening. Nine new permanent exhibits, a gift shop and traveling exhibit hall fill the 13,000-square-foot addition.

On May 1-3, geocachers from around the world will converge on Colby to commemorate the 20th anniversary of geocaching and the oldest active geocache in the world – planted off Interstate 70 in nearby Mingo in May 2000. Enthusiasts can cache in on a GPS adventure maze, a mega geocaching event, educational sessions and a ceremony commemorating Mingo’s geocache.

Abilene pays tribute to its hometown hero with a week-long Eisenhower Legacy Trip to Washington, D.C., May 4-9, for the unveiling of the Dwight D. Eisenhower National Memorial. Open to the public, the trip is a joint effort by Abilene, Denison, Texas, and Gettysburg, Penn., to honor their common former resident and explore “Ike” sites throughout D.C. and Gettysburg. Highlighted by the May 8 dedication of the Eisenhower Memorial near the U.S. Capitol, the trip also includes a tour, led by Ike’s granddaughter, Mary, of the Eisenhowers’ Gettysburg farm.

The Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition, “Crossroads: Change in Rural America,” comes to six Kansas communities in 2020 and 2021. “Crossroads” is designed to spark conversations about the future and sustainability of rural communities. In addition, host sites plan complementary exhibitions and public programs that explore local stories. Stops in 2020 include Iola, Aug. 29-Oct. 11; Greensburg, Oct. 17-Nov. 29; and North Newton, Dec. 5-Jan. 17, 2021. In 2021, stops include Independence, Jan. 23-March 7; Alma, March 13-April 25; and Norton, May 1-June 13.

Across the state, join the festive fun at celebrations and milestone events. For starters, Ottawa’s new Legacy Square – a downtown event space at the intersection of the Flint Hills Trail and Prairie Spirit Trail State Parks – is base for the city’s newest festival, Rhythm &amp; Ride, April 25-26. Explore the trails on bike tours and enjoy music along the way, then gather at Legacy Square for a concert and Outdoor Adventure Expo.

Back again after a successful first year, Hays’ Tour Die Kapellen (Tour of Chapels) on May 30 offers a two-wheeled way to experience western Kansas’ Volga-German history and its historic small-town German churches. Choose from 30- to 100-mile routes that lead to churches tucked in rural areas and tiny towns, including the “Cathedral of the Plains” in Victoria. At each, a guide tells the history and classical music groups perform. Everyone pedals back to downtown Hays for a hearty German meal.

Volleyball takes center court June 9-11 when Wichita hosts the U.S. Women’s National Team, along with Japan, Turkey, and Belgium, in a Volleyball Nations League Tournament. Fans get a rare opportunity to cheer on the U.S. Olympic representatives before the team heads to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

High-performance Boss Mustangs wheel into Marysville Aug. 28-30, for the Boss Nationals gathering of Boss cars and enthusiasts from around the country. Cruise around town to the car show, swap meet, live music and beer garden.

It’s a milestone year for communities turning 150 years old in 2020. Waterville marks its birthday during its annual Nickel Day festival May 22-24 and with fireworks on July 3. Seneca’s 150th party, June 12-14, gets nostalgic with a street dance, historic tours, games and turn-of-the-century demonstrations. Lincoln County reminisces all year long with gallery displays, historical museum exhibits and programs, living history and other monthly events. Wichita’s sesquicentennial year features live music and a variety of celebratory events, such as “150 for 150” on Aug. 15 that brings together 150 of the city’s top high school athletes, including keynote speakers Lynette Woodard, Jim Ryun and Barry Sanders.

Among attractions and festivals celebrating anniversaries:

Wichita’s Exploration Place observes its 20th year with a Birthday Bash April 4-5, and 20th Anniversary Gala October 10. 

15th Annual Dirty Kanza, May 28-31, in Emporia. More than 3,000 riders tackle gravel-grinding rides through the Flint Hills.

60th Dodge City Days, July 23-Aug. 2, in Dodge City. Kansas’ second largest festival carries on with a pro rodeo, barbecue contest, western parade, longhorn cattle drive and more.

75th Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo, July 29-Aug. 1, in Abilene. Saddle up for bulls, broncs and barrels, along with a western parade, carnival and demolition derby.

25th Annual Elk Falls Outhouse Festival, Nov. 20-21, in Elk Falls. Tour the town’s decorated outhouses and vote on a favorite, then check out the crafts, food and music.

70th Annual Christmas City of the High Plains, Nov. 28-Jan. 1, in WaKeeney. A 35-foot tree handmade with fresh pine is the centerpiece of the downtown draped in greenery, lights and wreaths

Construction begins next summer on the American Royal’s new agriculture complex near Village West in Kansas City, Kan. Plans call for more than 800,000 square feet of indoor event space, including barn and expo areas, three performance arenas, more than 50,000 square feet of exhibit space, plus 2,400 parking spots and outdoor areas to host festivals and events. Significant progress should be completed by December 2021.

Fort Riley’s U.S. Cavalry and 1st Infantry Division museums – closed through 2020 for renovations – are expected to re-open summer of 2021. In the meantime, a temporary museum features the "Duty First: 100 years of the Big Red One" exhibit.

Work continues on new exhibits and renovations at Kaw Mission State Historic Site in Council Grove. Closed for 2020, the museum is tentatively set to open Kansas Day weekend in late January 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577568684323.jpeg" alt="The site of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Saturday via a <a href="https://app.oxblue.com/open/clarkconstruction/eisenhowermemorial">live construction camera</a>. A trip to the opening of the memorial in May 2020 is one of the many events scheduled for the new year. Photo courtesy the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial <a href="https://eisenhowermemorial.gov/#">website</a>" />
 <figcaption>The site of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Saturday via a <a href="https://app.oxblue.com/open/clarkconstruction/eisenhowermemorial">live construction camera</a>. A trip to the opening of the memorial in May 2020 is one of the many events scheduled for the new year. Photo courtesy the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial <a href="https://eisenhowermemorial.gov/#">website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA -- In 2020, get set to “play ball” when Wichita’s new $75 million baseball stadium and its upstart Wind Surge team celebrate opening day on April 14. All year long, Kansas’ all-star lineup of attractions and events score big with stylish new downtown developments in Salina and Topeka, an out-of-this-world Apollo 13 50th anniversary gala at Hutchinson’s Cosmosphere, the opening of the expanded Boot Hill Museum in Dodge City, and a full roster of other highlights.Catch a big-time game throughout the inaugural season when Wichita’s Triple-A farm team, affiliated with the Miami Marlins, plays 70 home games in its brand-new park. Fireworks, bands and kids’ play and splash areas add to the game-day fun.While in the city, visitors can take a nostalgic spin on Botanica Wichita’s renovated, antique 36-horse carousel that used to delight Wichitans at Joyland Amusement Park. Work begins soon on a new garden, outdoor patio, bistro and children’s play area surrounding the carousel. Also just opened in Wichita, the new downtown Hilton Garden Inn with its unique rooftop glass-bottomed pool that juts out over Douglas Avenue.Topeka plans to unveil its new downtown hub, Evergy Plaza, in March. The gathering space features a performance stage, digital screen, splash park, fountains and ice-skating in winter. A new multi-million-dollar Japanese garden is coming to the Topeka Zoo next summer. Seasonal flowers, koi fish, a flowing stream, bridges and experiential trails will accent the spacious 2.5 acres.Salina is putting finishing touches on its $160-million revitalization of downtown, giving it a modern, open-space, art deco-inspired streetscape. The Alley bowling and family fun center and the Salina Fieldhouse indoor sports facility are among attractions already open. Downtown additions in 2020 include Homewood Suites, the American Classics Car Museum and additional restaurants.The home of the original Apollo 13 command module, Hutchinson’s Cosmosphere, marks the 50th anniversary of the historic mission with an April 4 gala, starring Apollo 13 astronauts and many of the mission control team. Also in spring, the Cosmosphere gets more kid-friendly with the completion of its first dedicated children’s section, the CosmoKids interactive science education center.At Dodge City’s Boot Hill Museum, feel the thunder as the floor shakes during an immersive buffalo stampede video at the new exhibit hall, set for a May 23 grand opening. Nine new permanent exhibits, a gift shop and traveling exhibit hall fill the 13,000-square-foot addition.On May 1-3, geocachers from around the world will converge on Colby to commemorate the 20th anniversary of geocaching and the oldest active geocache in the world – planted off Interstate 70 in nearby Mingo in May 2000. Enthusiasts can cache in on a GPS adventure maze, a mega geocaching event, educational sessions and a ceremony commemorating Mingo’s geocache.Abilene pays tribute to its hometown hero with a week-long Eisenhower Legacy Trip to Washington, D.C., May 4-9, for the unveiling of the Dwight D. Eisenhower National Memorial. Open to the public, the trip is a joint effort by Abilene, Denison, Texas, and Gettysburg, Penn., to honor their common former resident and explore “Ike” sites throughout D.C. and Gettysburg. Highlighted by the May 8 dedication of the Eisenhower Memorial near the U.S. Capitol, the trip also includes a tour, led by Ike’s granddaughter, Mary, of the Eisenhowers’ Gettysburg farm.The Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition, “Crossroads: Change in Rural America,” comes to six Kansas communities in 2020 and 2021. “Crossroads” is designed to spark conversations about the future and sustainability of rural communities. In addition, host sites plan complementary exhibitions and public programs that explore local stories. Stops in 2020 include Iola, Aug. 29-Oct. 11; Greensburg, Oct. 17-Nov. 29; and North Newton, Dec. 5-Jan. 17, 2021. In 2021, stops include Independence, Jan. 23-March 7; Alma, March 13-April 25; and Norton, May 1-June 13.Across the state, join the festive fun at celebrations and milestone events. For starters, Ottawa’s new Legacy Square – a downtown event space at the intersection of the Flint Hills Trail and Prairie Spirit Trail State Parks – is base for the city’s newest festival, Rhythm &amp; Ride, April 25-26. Explore the trails on bike tours and enjoy music along the way, then gather at Legacy Square for a concert and Outdoor Adventure Expo.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577567094123.jpeg" alt="St. Catherine Catholic Church in Catharine. Photo courtesy&nbsp; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SalinaDiocese/">Salina Diocese </a>Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>St. Catherine Catholic Church in Catharine. Photo courtesy&nbsp; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SalinaDiocese/">Salina Diocese </a>Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure>Back again after a successful first year, Hays’ Tour Die Kapellen (Tour of Chapels) on May 30 offers a two-wheeled way to experience western Kansas’ Volga-German history and its historic small-town German churches. Choose from 30- to 100-mile routes that lead to churches tucked in rural areas and tiny towns, including the “Cathedral of the Plains” in Victoria. At each, a guide tells the history and classical music groups perform. Everyone pedals back to downtown Hays for a hearty German meal.Volleyball takes center court June 9-11 when Wichita hosts the U.S. Women’s National Team, along with Japan, Turkey, and Belgium, in a Volleyball Nations League Tournament. Fans get a rare opportunity to cheer on the U.S. Olympic representatives before the team heads to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.High-performance Boss Mustangs wheel into Marysville Aug. 28-30, for the Boss Nationals gathering of Boss cars and enthusiasts from around the country. Cruise around town to the car show, swap meet, live music and beer garden.It’s a milestone year for communities turning 150 years old in 2020. Waterville marks its birthday during its annual Nickel Day festival May 22-24 and with fireworks on July 3. Seneca’s 150th party, June 12-14, gets nostalgic with a street dance, historic tours, games and turn-of-the-century demonstrations. Lincoln County reminisces all year long with gallery displays, historical museum exhibits and programs, living history and other monthly events. Wichita’s sesquicentennial year features live music and a variety of celebratory events, such as “150 for 150” on Aug. 15 that brings together 150 of the city’s top high school athletes, including keynote speakers Lynette Woodard, Jim Ryun and Barry Sanders.Among attractions and festivals celebrating anniversaries:Wichita’s Exploration Place observes its 20th year with a Birthday Bash April 4-5, and 20th Anniversary Gala October 10. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577569012241.jpeg" alt="Riders participating in the 2018 Dirty Kanza. Photo by&nbsp; Linda Guerrett courtesy <a href="https://dirtykanza.com/">Dirty Kanza</a>" />
 <figcaption>Riders participating in the 2018 Dirty Kanza. Photo by&nbsp; Linda Guerrett courtesy <a href="https://dirtykanza.com/">Dirty Kanza</a></figcaption>
 </figure>15th Annual Dirty Kanza, May 28-31, in Emporia. More than 3,000 riders tackle gravel-grinding rides through the Flint Hills.60th Dodge City Days, July 23-Aug. 2, in Dodge City. Kansas’ second largest festival carries on with a pro rodeo, barbecue contest, western parade, longhorn cattle drive and more.75th Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo, July 29-Aug. 1, in Abilene. Saddle up for bulls, broncs and barrels, along with a western parade, carnival and demolition derby.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577567412530.jpeg" alt="One of the decorated outhouses from Elk Falls' 2019 Outhouse Festival. Photo courtesy&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Get-Elk-Falls-138738001036/">Get Elk Falls </a>Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>One of the decorated outhouses from Elk Falls' 2019 Outhouse Festival. Photo courtesy&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Get-Elk-Falls-138738001036/">Get Elk Falls </a>Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure>25th Annual Elk Falls Outhouse Festival, Nov. 20-21, in Elk Falls. Tour the town’s decorated outhouses and vote on a favorite, then check out the crafts, food and music.70th Annual Christmas City of the High Plains, Nov. 28-Jan. 1, in WaKeeney. A 35-foot tree handmade with fresh pine is the centerpiece of the downtown draped in greenery, lights and wreathsAlso on the horizon: Construction begins next summer on the American Royal’s new agriculture complex near Village West in Kansas City, Kan. Plans call for more than 800,000 square feet of indoor event space, including barn and expo areas, three performance arenas, more than 50,000 square feet of exhibit space, plus 2,400 parking spots and outdoor areas to host festivals and events. Significant progress should be completed by December 2021.Fort Riley’s U.S. Cavalry and 1st Infantry Division museums – closed through 2020 for renovations – are expected to re-open summer of 2021. In the meantime, a temporary museum features the "Duty First: 100 years of the Big Red One" exhibit.Work continues on new exhibits and renovations at Kaw Mission State Historic Site in Council Grove. Closed for 2020, the museum is tentatively set to open Kansas Day weekend in late January 2021.

KDWPT: New attractions and many activities in 2020

Today is Sunday, Dec. 29, the 363rd day of 2019. There are two days left in the year.

On Dec. 29, 1845, Texas was admitted as the 28th state.

In 1170, Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was slain in Canterbury Cathedral by knights loyal to King Henry II.

In 1812, during the War of 1812, the American frigate USS Constitution engaged and severely damaged the British frigate HMS Java off Brazil.

In 1890, the Wounded Knee massacre took place in South Dakota as an estimated 300 Sioux Indians were killed by U.S. troops sent to disarm them.

In 1939, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," starring Charles Laughton and Maureen O'Hara, was released by RKO Radio Pictures.

In 1940, during World War II, Germany dropped incendiary bombs on London, setting off what came to be known as "The Second Great Fire of London."

In 1972, Eastern Air Lines Flight 401, a Lockheed L-1011 Tristar, crashed into the Florida Everglades near Miami International Airport, killing 101 of the 176 people aboard.

In 1975, a bomb exploded in the main terminal of New York's LaGuardia Airport, killing 11 people (it's never been determined who was responsible).

In 1978, during the Gator Bowl, Ohio State University coach Woody Hayes punched Clemson player Charlie Bauman, who'd intercepted an Ohio State pass. (Hayes was fired by Ohio State the next day.)

In 1986, former British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan died in Sussex, England, at age 92.

In 1989, dissident and playwright Vaclav Havel assumed the presidency of Czechoslovakia.

In 1992, the United States and Russia announced agreement on a nuclear arms reduction treaty.

In 2006, word reached the United States of the execution of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein (because of the time difference, it was the morning of Dec. 30 in Iraq when the hanging took place). In a statement, President George W. Bush called Saddam's execution an important milestone on Iraq's road to democracy.

Ten years ago: Brushing aside international appeals, China executed British drug smuggler Akmal Shaikh, who relatives said was mentally unstable and unwittingly lured into crime; it was China's first execution of a European citizen in nearly 60 years. Mexico City enacted Latin America's first law recognizing gay marriage and said it hoped to attract same-sex couples from around the world.

Five years ago: President Barack Obama, in an NPR interview, issued a warning to congressional Republicans set to take control of both houses of Congress, saying he had a veto pen, and would not be afraid to use it. A man with a lengthy criminal record killed six adults and two young children before taking his own life in Edmonton, Alberta.

One year ago: President Donald Trump said the two Guatemalan children who had died in U.S. custody had been "very sick" when they arrived; immigration authorities had said both children passed initial health checks. Top-ranked Alabama beat No. 4 Oklahoma 45-34 at the Orange Bowl in Florida, reaching the national championship game against Clemson, which beat Notre Dame 30-3 in the Cotton Bowl.

Today's Birthdays: Country singer Rose Lee Maphis is 97. Actress Inga Swenson is 87. ABC newscaster Tom Jarriel is 85. Actress Barbara Steele is 82. Actor Jon Voight is 81. Country singer Ed Bruce is 80. Singer Marianne Faithfull is 73. Hall of Fame Jockey Laffit Pincay Jr. is 73. Actor Ted Danson is 72. Singer-actress Yvonne Elliman is 68. The president of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, is 66. Actress Patricia Clarkson is 60. Comedian Paula Poundstone is 60. Rock singer-musician Jim Reid (The Jesus and Mary Chain) is 58. Actor Michael Cudlitz is 55. Rock singer Dexter Holland (The Offspring) is 54. Actor-comedian Mystro Clark is 53. Actor Jason Gould is 53. News anchor Ashleigh Banfield is 52. Movie director Lilly Wachowski is 52. Actress Jennifer Ehle is 50. Actor Patrick Fischler is 50. Rock singer-musician Glen Phillips is 49. Actor Kevin Weisman is 49. Actor Jude Law is 47. Actress Maria Dizzia is 45. Actor Mekhi Phifer is 45. Actor Shawn Hatosy is 44. Actress Katherine Moennig is 42. Actor Diego Luna is 40. Actress Alison Brie is 37. Country singer Jessica Andrews is 36. Actor Iain de Caestecker is 32. Actress Jane Levy is 30. Singer-actor-dancer Ross Lynch is 24. Rock musician Danny Wagner is 21.

Thought for Today: "Sin cannot be undone, only forgiven." — Igor Stravinsky, Russian-born composer (1882-1971).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Sunday, Dec. 29, the 363rd day of 2019. There are two days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Dec. 29, 1845, Texas was admitted as the 28th state.On this date:In 1170, Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was slain in Canterbury Cathedral by knights loyal to King Henry II.In 1812, during the War of 1812, the American frigate USS Constitution engaged and severely damaged the British frigate HMS Java off Brazil.In 1890, the Wounded Knee massacre took place in South Dakota as an estimated 300 Sioux Indians were killed by U.S. troops sent to disarm them.In 1939, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," starring Charles Laughton and Maureen O'Hara, was released by RKO Radio Pictures.In 1940, during World War II, Germany dropped incendiary bombs on London, setting off what came to be known as "The Second Great Fire of London."In 1972, Eastern Air Lines Flight 401, a Lockheed L-1011 Tristar, crashed into the Florida Everglades near Miami International Airport, killing 101 of the 176 people aboard.In 1975, a bomb exploded in the main terminal of New York's LaGuardia Airport, killing 11 people (it's never been determined who was responsible).In 1978, during the Gator Bowl, Ohio State University coach Woody Hayes punched Clemson player Charlie Bauman, who'd intercepted an Ohio State pass. (Hayes was fired by Ohio State the next day.)In 1986, former British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan died in Sussex, England, at age 92.In 1989, dissident and playwright Vaclav Havel assumed the presidency of Czechoslovakia.In 1992, the United States and Russia announced agreement on a nuclear arms reduction treaty.In 2006, word reached the United States of the execution of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein (because of the time difference, it was the morning of Dec. 30 in Iraq when the hanging took place). In a statement, President George W. Bush called Saddam's execution an important milestone on Iraq's road to democracy.Ten years ago: Brushing aside international appeals, China executed British drug smuggler Akmal Shaikh, who relatives said was mentally unstable and unwittingly lured into crime; it was China's first execution of a European citizen in nearly 60 years. Mexico City enacted Latin America's first law recognizing gay marriage and said it hoped to attract same-sex couples from around the world.Five years ago: President Barack Obama, in an NPR interview, issued a warning to congressional Republicans set to take control of both houses of Congress, saying he had a veto pen, and would not be afraid to use it. A man with a lengthy criminal record killed six adults and two young children before taking his own life in Edmonton, Alberta.One year ago: President Donald Trump said the two Guatemalan children who had died in U.S. custody had been "very sick" when they arrived; immigration authorities had said both children passed initial health checks. Top-ranked Alabama beat No. 4 Oklahoma 45-34 at the Orange Bowl in Florida, reaching the national championship game against Clemson, which beat Notre Dame 30-3 in the Cotton Bowl.Today's Birthdays: Country singer Rose Lee Maphis is 97. Actress Inga Swenson is 87. ABC newscaster Tom Jarriel is 85. Actress Barbara Steele is 82. Actor Jon Voight is 81. Country singer Ed Bruce is 80. Singer Marianne Faithfull is 73. Hall of Fame Jockey Laffit Pincay Jr. is 73. Actor Ted Danson is 72. Singer-actress Yvonne Elliman is 68. The president of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, is 66. Actress Patricia Clarkson is 60. Comedian Paula Poundstone is 60. Rock singer-musician Jim Reid (The Jesus and Mary Chain) is 58. Actor Michael Cudlitz is 55. Rock singer Dexter Holland (The Offspring) is 54. Actor-comedian Mystro Clark is 53. Actor Jason Gould is 53. News anchor Ashleigh Banfield is 52. Movie director Lilly Wachowski is 52. Actress Jennifer Ehle is 50. Actor Patrick Fischler is 50. Rock singer-musician Glen Phillips is 49. Actor Kevin Weisman is 49. Actor Jude Law is 47. Actress Maria Dizzia is 45. Actor Mekhi Phifer is 45. Actor Shawn Hatosy is 44. Actress Katherine Moennig is 42. Actor Diego Luna is 40. Actress Alison Brie is 37. Country singer Jessica Andrews is 36. Actor Iain de Caestecker is 32. Actress Jane Levy is 30. Singer-actor-dancer Ross Lynch is 24. Rock musician Danny Wagner is 21.Thought for Today: "Sin cannot be undone, only forgiven." — Igor Stravinsky, Russian-born composer (1882-1971).Copyright 2019, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- Dec. 29

UPDATE: According to kandrive.org, westbound Interstate 70 is no longer closed at Salina.

We don't have snow, but Interstate 70 is closed at Salina. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KHPTroopC/">Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C</a> Facebook page:

UPDATE: According to kandrive.org, westbound Interstate 70 is no longer closed at Salina.-------------------------------------We don't have snow, but Interstate 70 is closed at Salina. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KHPTroopC/">Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKHPTroopC%2Fposts%2F2495782767403585&width=500" width="500" height="486" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

UPDATE: Westbound I-70 reopened at Salina

Happy trails, Lawton Nuss! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChiefJusticeNuss/">Chief Justice Lawton Nuss</a> Facebook page:

Happy trails, Lawton Nuss! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChiefJusticeNuss/">Chief Justice Lawton Nuss</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FChiefJusticeNuss%2Fposts%2F1174504016084762&width=500" width="500" height="681" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Former Chief Justice Nuss hits the trail

At year’s end, First Amendment issues are as controversial and multi-faceted as anything in our fractured, divided society.

The least-recognized of the amendment’s five freedoms — assembly and petition — are facing perhaps the most-immediate challenges,&nbsp;though freedoms of press, speech and religion don’t escape unscathed.

Most immediately, a Black Lives Matter activist faces a lawsuit from a Baton Rouge, La., police officer who blamed the activist for injuries he suffered at a 2016 protest over the police killing of a black man. The suit doesn’t claim the activist threw or even encouraged the throwing of a rock; rather, it seeks damages because the man led others to block a highway where the violent incident occurred.

A recent&nbsp;Washington Post&nbsp;story notes that Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) plans to introduce legislation to “hold protesters arrested during unpermitted demonstrations liable ‘for police overtime and other fees’” around such demonstrations.

In more than a dozen states in recent years, from Oregon to Florida, lawmakers have faced proposals to increase penalties for obstructing streets and highways and to limit the financial liability of drivers whose cars injure protesters. In Arizona, a failed 2017 proposal rooted in that state’s racketeering laws would have permitted the arrest and seizure of homes and other assets of those whom simply plan a protest in which some act of violence occurs.

In a similar “financial penalty” vein, several major news operations face defamation lawsuits seeking massive damages over their coverage of news events — claims certain to roil public debate once again about the role, credibility and performance of the nation’s free press. Critics also say such lawsuits — even if unlikely to succeed — are effectively attempts to chill reporting and intimidate corporate owners.

Prominent among those filing the lawsuits is Rep. Devin Nunes, (R-Calif., who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2019/12/03/devin-nunes-sues-cnn-million-alleging-it-published-false-hit-piece/" target="_blank">wants $435 million dollars from CNN</a>&nbsp;for a report he says falsely linked him to events in the ongoing Ukraine-Biden investigation controversy. He also is seeking $150 million from&nbsp;The&nbsp;Fresno Bee&nbsp;over a report involving a workplace scandal at a winery in which Nunes&nbsp;has a stake, $75 million from Hearst over an&nbsp;Esquire&nbsp;article regarding a family farm in Iowa, with the claim the magazine has an “axe to grind against him” and a $250 million lawsuit against Twitter for what he says is its intentional effort to downplay conservative content as well as two parody accounts that mock him.

In the introduction to the most recent lawsuit, Nunes says “CNN is the mother of fake news. It is the least trusted name. CNN is eroding the fabric of America, proselytizing, sowing distrust and disharmony. It must be held accountable.”

Moving to another area of contention, campus free speech issues continue to vex collegiate communities, from complaints that conservative speech and views of faculty and staff are stifled, to a move by President Trump that he says will fight against anti-Semitism but that critics say is really intended to punish student or faculty advocacy for the BDS Movement — “boycotts, divestiture or sanctions” — aimed at ending international support for Israel.

Much like the campus controversies, interpretations of religious liberty regarding public policy continued to swirl through the year. As the Supreme Court’s 2019-20 term began in October, at least eight cases touching on faith issues — the most in recent years — were scheduled to be heard. A number involved LGBTQ rights regarding employment or health benefits. While some cases do not directly involve religious organizations, the court’s decisions would affect arguments over whether religious beliefs can negate claims of discrimination on the basis of sexual preference.

An expansion of First Amendment protection for commercial speech (which at one time did not exist in law) continues, as courts at least give serious consideration to a variety of business arguments. In several instances, corporate lawyers are arguing that to force companies to make certain disclosures about product content or sources is an unacceptable requirement that violates the First Amendment by forcing companies to “speak.”

Other cases involve claims of free speech protection for hospitals facing a Trump administration rule requiring disclosure of secret rates. Industry groups filed a lawsuit earlier this month, also claiming it is “compelled speech” in violation of the First Amendment.

New technology continues inexorably to challenge long-standing law. In a mix of free speech and public safety concerns, a Texas man was sentenced in February to eight years in prison for using a 3-D printer to construct a plastic handgun and ammunition in violation of a prior court order against owning of a firearm. Advocates for the so-called “3-D gun” argue the computer instructions in such 3-D printing projects are “speech” and not subject to federal or state firearms regulations. Government officials say existing criminal law on issues such as possession and manufacturing should allow them to regulate — or ban — making or owning such weapons.

Government officials and social media critics continue to hammer operations such as Facebook and Twitter — which are not government entities, but private concerns not governed by the First Amendment — with regulatory threats over political advertising, hate speech and evidence of foreign election interference.

Threatened action ranges from using anti-trust legislation to break up the largest social media companies, to removal of what is known as “Section 230” protection for companies (from the Communications Decency Act of 1996) that now permits them to avoid legal responsibility for content they simply carry, rather than material they create or significantly edit.

Opponents of watering down or removing “Section 230” protection say either action would, in effect, end the web as we know it by shutting down the flow of information to the mere trickle of items or articles that could be independently verified by internet providers, or to bland factual accounts devoid of opinion or interpretation.

The year 2019 may well go down in First Amendment history as a turning point, in which those working to limit or control information avoided direct confrontations over First Amendment rights and turned to tactics designed to make it much more difficult, much too costly or even financially ruinous to exercise those rights.

Gene Policinski is president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. He can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573872297806.png" alt="Gene Policinski" />
 <figcaption>Gene Policinski</figcaption>
 </figure>By GENE POLICINSKI At year’s end, First Amendment issues are as controversial and multi-faceted as anything in our fractured, divided society.The least-recognized of the amendment’s five freedoms — assembly and petition — are facing perhaps the most-immediate challenges,&nbsp;though freedoms of press, speech and religion don’t escape unscathed.Most immediately, a Black Lives Matter activist faces a lawsuit from a Baton Rouge, La., police officer who blamed the activist for injuries he suffered at a 2016 protest over the police killing of a black man. The suit doesn’t claim the activist threw or even encouraged the throwing of a rock; rather, it seeks damages because the man led others to block a highway where the violent incident occurred.A recent&nbsp;Washington Post&nbsp;story notes that Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) plans to introduce legislation to “hold protesters arrested during unpermitted demonstrations liable ‘for police overtime and other fees’” around such demonstrations.In more than a dozen states in recent years, from Oregon to Florida, lawmakers have faced proposals to increase penalties for obstructing streets and highways and to limit the financial liability of drivers whose cars injure protesters. In Arizona, a failed 2017 proposal rooted in that state’s racketeering laws would have permitted the arrest and seizure of homes and other assets of those whom simply plan a protest in which some act of violence occurs.In a similar “financial penalty” vein, several major news operations face defamation lawsuits seeking massive damages over their coverage of news events — claims certain to roil public debate once again about the role, credibility and performance of the nation’s free press. Critics also say such lawsuits — even if unlikely to succeed — are effectively attempts to chill reporting and intimidate corporate owners.Prominent among those filing the lawsuits is Rep. Devin Nunes, (R-Calif., who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2019/12/03/devin-nunes-sues-cnn-million-alleging-it-published-false-hit-piece/" target="_blank">wants $435 million dollars from CNN</a>&nbsp;for a report he says falsely linked him to events in the ongoing Ukraine-Biden investigation controversy. He also is seeking $150 million from&nbsp;The&nbsp;Fresno Bee&nbsp;over a report involving a workplace scandal at a winery in which Nunes&nbsp;has a stake, $75 million from Hearst over an&nbsp;Esquire&nbsp;article regarding a family farm in Iowa, with the claim the magazine has an “axe to grind against him” and a $250 million lawsuit against Twitter for what he says is its intentional effort to downplay conservative content as well as two parody accounts that mock him.In the introduction to the most recent lawsuit, Nunes says “CNN is the mother of fake news. It is the least trusted name. CNN is eroding the fabric of America, proselytizing, sowing distrust and disharmony. It must be held accountable.”Moving to another area of contention, campus free speech issues continue to vex collegiate communities, from complaints that conservative speech and views of faculty and staff are stifled, to a move by President Trump that he says will fight against anti-Semitism but that critics say is really intended to punish student or faculty advocacy for the BDS Movement — “boycotts, divestiture or sanctions” — aimed at ending international support for Israel.Much like the campus controversies, interpretations of religious liberty regarding public policy continued to swirl through the year. As the Supreme Court’s 2019-20 term began in October, at least eight cases touching on faith issues — the most in recent years — were scheduled to be heard. A number involved LGBTQ rights regarding employment or health benefits. While some cases do not directly involve religious organizations, the court’s decisions would affect arguments over whether religious beliefs can negate claims of discrimination on the basis of sexual preference.An expansion of First Amendment protection for commercial speech (which at one time did not exist in law) continues, as courts at least give serious consideration to a variety of business arguments. In several instances, corporate lawyers are arguing that to force companies to make certain disclosures about product content or sources is an unacceptable requirement that violates the First Amendment by forcing companies to “speak.”Other cases involve claims of free speech protection for hospitals facing a Trump administration rule requiring disclosure of secret rates. Industry groups filed a lawsuit earlier this month, also claiming it is “compelled speech” in violation of the First Amendment.New technology continues inexorably to challenge long-standing law. In a mix of free speech and public safety concerns, a Texas man was sentenced in February to eight years in prison for using a 3-D printer to construct a plastic handgun and ammunition in violation of a prior court order against owning of a firearm. Advocates for the so-called “3-D gun” argue the computer instructions in such 3-D printing projects are “speech” and not subject to federal or state firearms regulations. Government officials say existing criminal law on issues such as possession and manufacturing should allow them to regulate — or ban — making or owning such weapons.Government officials and social media critics continue to hammer operations such as Facebook and Twitter — which are not government entities, but private concerns not governed by the First Amendment — with regulatory threats over political advertising, hate speech and evidence of foreign election interference.Threatened action ranges from using anti-trust legislation to break up the largest social media companies, to removal of what is known as “Section 230” protection for companies (from the Communications Decency Act of 1996) that now permits them to avoid legal responsibility for content they simply carry, rather than material they create or significantly edit.Opponents of watering down or removing “Section 230” protection say either action would, in effect, end the web as we know it by shutting down the flow of information to the mere trickle of items or articles that could be independently verified by internet providers, or to bland factual accounts devoid of opinion or interpretation.The year 2019 may well go down in First Amendment history as a turning point, in which those working to limit or control information avoided direct confrontations over First Amendment rights and turned to tactics designed to make it much more difficult, much too costly or even financially ruinous to exercise those rights.Gene Policinski is president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. He can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

First Five: We're divided in new ways over 1st Amendment 

TOPEKA -- The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is alerting consumers that a voluntary recall will be issued on Monday by Clay Center Locker Plant for any ready-to-eat product including smoked pork loins, ham hocks, and smoked ham from the Clay Center Locker Plant produced on Nov. 21, 2019, because of potential contamination with&nbsp;Listeria monocytogenes. 

KDHE urges the public not to consume any product that will be part of this recall. This includes products purchased at the retail counter in the plant and the hams that were delivered to the Future Farmers of America Clay Center and Chapman chapters.

This recall was initiated after&nbsp;Listeria monocytogenes&nbsp;was found in a food sample tested as part of a routine sampling program by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. All known affected distributors and retail and food service customers are being notified. Some of the products were sold through FFA chapters in Chapman and Clay Center. To date, no illnesses have been linked with this recall.

Listeria monocytogenes&nbsp;is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in pregnant women, newborns, elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals rarely become ill, older persons and those with weakened immune systems may suffer high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeriosis can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Symptoms begin from three to 70 days after consuming the bacteria. Listeria cannot be spread from person to person.

Anyone who believes they may have become ill with listeriosis should contact their health care provider. For questions related to the recalled products, consumers can contact Clay Center Locker Plant at 785-632-5550. For questions about listeriosis, please visit the CDC website at&nbsp;<a href="http://list.da.ks.gov/t/360298/2878014/106/2/" target="_blank">www.cdc.gov/listeria</a>&nbsp;or call the KDHE epidemiology hotline at 877-427-7317.

TOPEKA -- The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is alerting consumers that a voluntary recall will be issued on Monday by Clay Center Locker Plant for any ready-to-eat product including smoked pork loins, ham hocks, and smoked ham from the Clay Center Locker Plant produced on Nov. 21, 2019, because of potential contamination with&nbsp;Listeria monocytogenes. KDHE urges the public not to consume any product that will be part of this recall. This includes products purchased at the retail counter in the plant and the hams that were delivered to the Future Farmers of America Clay Center and Chapman chapters.This recall was initiated after&nbsp;Listeria monocytogenes&nbsp;was found in a food sample tested as part of a routine sampling program by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. All known affected distributors and retail and food service customers are being notified. Some of the products were sold through FFA chapters in Chapman and Clay Center. To date, no illnesses have been linked with this recall.Listeria monocytogenes&nbsp;is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in pregnant women, newborns, elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals rarely become ill, older persons and those with weakened immune systems may suffer high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeriosis can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Symptoms begin from three to 70 days after consuming the bacteria. Listeria cannot be spread from person to person.Anyone who believes they may have become ill with listeriosis should contact their health care provider. For questions related to the recalled products, consumers can contact Clay Center Locker Plant at 785-632-5550. For questions about listeriosis, please visit the CDC website at&nbsp;<a href="http://list.da.ks.gov/t/360298/2878014/106/2/" target="_blank">www.cdc.gov/listeria</a>&nbsp;or call the KDHE epidemiology hotline at 877-427-7317.

KDHE: Recall alert for Clay Center Locker Plant products

The Greater Salina Community Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2020-2021 school year.

This year more than $80,000 will be distributed to area students through the foundation’s 31 scholarship funds. Eligible scholarship applicants include graduating high school seniors, current college students and non-traditional students.

Each scholarship has a unique set of criteria established by donors to the foundation. Depending on the scholarship, awards range from $250 to $10,000, and some are renewable for up to four years. Scholarships are not necessarily based on financial need.

All scholarship applications must be submitted through the community foundation’s online scholarship portal by February 15, 2020. Scholarships will be awarded by mid-April. The application portal and individual scholarship guidelines can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gscf.org/scholarships" target="_blank">www.gscf.org/scholarships</a>.

Last year, the foundation awarded over $60,000 to 48 students in north central Kansas.

For more information, please call Jessica Fuller, grants and scholarships coordinator, at 785-823-1800.

The Greater Salina Community Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2020-2021 school year.This year more than $80,000 will be distributed to area students through the foundation’s 31 scholarship funds. Eligible scholarship applicants include graduating high school seniors, current college students and non-traditional students.Each scholarship has a unique set of criteria established by donors to the foundation. Depending on the scholarship, awards range from $250 to $10,000, and some are renewable for up to four years. Scholarships are not necessarily based on financial need.All scholarship applications must be submitted through the community foundation’s online scholarship portal by February 15, 2020. Scholarships will be awarded by mid-April. The application portal and individual scholarship guidelines can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gscf.org/scholarships" target="_blank">www.gscf.org/scholarships</a>.Last year, the foundation awarded over $60,000 to 48 students in north central Kansas.For more information, please call Jessica Fuller, grants and scholarships coordinator, at 785-823-1800.

More than $80,000 in scholarships available

SCANDIA -- The moose spotted a week ago in Jewell County has moved into Republic County. From the Kansas Wildlife, Parks &amp; Tourism - Game Wardens Facebook page:

SCANDIA -- The moose spotted a week ago in Jewell County has moved into Republic County. From the Kansas Wildlife, Parks &amp; Tourism - Game Wardens Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkdwptgamewardens%2Fposts%2F2563961977222890&width=500" width="500" height="613" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Moose on the move

When KDOT crews treat highways for ice, especially when it is the coldest, motorists might notice darker trails on the pavement instead of the usual white trails left by brine.

It’s beet juice. It tends to leave a brownish or grayish residue.

Here’s why KDOT sometimes mixes beet juice with brine (saltwater) that it applies to roadways to melt ice or to slow its formation.

The properties of beet juice, when mixed with brine, allow the melting agent to be effective at lower temperatures. Based on the level of concentration, beet juice mixed with brine can help control ice when it is as cold as around 0 degrees.

Beet juice also allows brine and salt to adhere to pavement longer.

On bridges, which tend to get icy, beet juice bonds to the salt crystals in brine and helps the brine stick to a bridge deck longer, says Jim Frye, Field Maintenance Manager/Emergency Coordinator with KDOT.

Another beet-juice benefit, says District Five District Engineer Brent Terstriep, is that when beet juice is added to brine, the combination makes ice-fighting more efficient because crews don’t have to drive out as often to apply brine.

Frye gave this additional explanation of how beet juice works and how it has been used:

As moisture on pavement starts to freeze, the juice slows the process so that the liquid remains slushy longer. That gives crews more time to clear highways before the liquid turns to solid ice.

One problem with spreading salt or spraying salt brine on a highway is that it will bounce away or scatter with traffic or the wind. “When the beet juice is added to the salt or salt brine, with its sticky texture, it will hold the salt or salt crystals on the highway longer, allowing it to work in our favor,” Frye said.

KDOT began experimenting with the beet juice it uses now during the winter of 2015 in northwestern Kansas. Since then, KDOT has made beet juice available at more than 20 locations across Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577508842298.jpeg" alt="A KDOT truck sprays a brine/beet mix on Thursday on U.S.&nbsp; Highway 56 between Larned and Pawnee Rock. Crews in that area were spraying bridges and other areas vulnerable to freezing in anticipation of possible ice and snow Friday morning. Beet juice helps brine stick to pavement. Photo courtesy KDOT" />
 <figcaption>A KDOT truck sprays a brine/beet mix on Thursday on U.S.&nbsp; Highway 56 between Larned and Pawnee Rock. Crews in that area were spraying bridges and other areas vulnerable to freezing in anticipation of possible ice and snow Friday morning. Beet juice helps brine stick to pavement. Photo courtesy KDOT</figcaption>
 </figure>When KDOT crews treat highways for ice, especially when it is the coldest, motorists might notice darker trails on the pavement instead of the usual white trails left by brine.It’s beet juice. It tends to leave a brownish or grayish residue.Here’s why KDOT sometimes mixes beet juice with brine (saltwater) that it applies to roadways to melt ice or to slow its formation.The properties of beet juice, when mixed with brine, allow the melting agent to be effective at lower temperatures. Based on the level of concentration, beet juice mixed with brine can help control ice when it is as cold as around 0 degrees.Beet juice also allows brine and salt to adhere to pavement longer.On bridges, which tend to get icy, beet juice bonds to the salt crystals in brine and helps the brine stick to a bridge deck longer, says Jim Frye, Field Maintenance Manager/Emergency Coordinator with KDOT.Another beet-juice benefit, says District Five District Engineer Brent Terstriep, is that when beet juice is added to brine, the combination makes ice-fighting more efficient because crews don’t have to drive out as often to apply brine.Frye gave this additional explanation of how beet juice works and how it has been used:As moisture on pavement starts to freeze, the juice slows the process so that the liquid remains slushy longer. That gives crews more time to clear highways before the liquid turns to solid ice.One problem with spreading salt or spraying salt brine on a highway is that it will bounce away or scatter with traffic or the wind. “When the beet juice is added to the salt or salt brine, with its sticky texture, it will hold the salt or salt crystals on the highway longer, allowing it to work in our favor,” Frye said.KDOT began experimenting with the beet juice it uses now during the winter of 2015 in northwestern Kansas. Since then, KDOT has made beet juice available at more than 20 locations across Kansas.

Why KDOT uses beet juice to treat roadways in winter

Today is Saturday, Dec. 28, the 362nd day of 2019. There are three days left in the year.

On Dec. 28, 1945, Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance.

In 1612, Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei observed the planet Neptune, but mistook it for a star. (Neptune wasn't officially discovered until 1846 by Johann Gottfried Galle.)

In 1832, John C. Calhoun became the first vice president of the United States to resign, stepping down because of differences with President Andrew Jackson.

In 1846, Iowa became the 29th state to be admitted to the Union.

In 1879, a section of the Tay Bridge in Dundee, Scotland, collapsed as a train was traveling over it, sending an estimated 75 people to their deaths in the river below.

In 1895, the Lumiere brothers, Auguste and Louis, held the first public showing of their movies in Paris.

In 1908, a major earthquake followed by a tsunami devastated the Italian city of Messina, killing at least 70,000 people.

In 1961, the Tennessee Williams play "Night of the Iguana" opened on Broadway. Former first lady Edith Bolling Galt Wilson, the second wife of President Woodrow Wilson, died in Washington at age 89.

In 1972, Kim Il Sung, the premier of North Korea, was named the country's president under a new constitution.

In 1981, Elizabeth Jordan Carr, the first American "test-tube" baby, was born in Norfolk, Virginia.

In 1987, the bodies of 14 relatives of Ronald Gene Simmons were found at his home near Dover, Arkansas, after Simmons shot and killed two other people in Russellville. (Simmons, who never explained his motives, was executed in 1990.)

In 2001, the National Guard was called out to help Buffalo, New York, dig out from a paralyzing, 5-day storm that had unloaded nearly 7 feet of snow.

In 2007, Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was laid to rest as the country's army tried to quell a frenzy of rioting in the wake of her assassination.

Ten years ago: Al-Qaida in Yemen claimed responsibility for a Christmas Day attempt to blow up a U.S.-bound airliner. A bomb blast killed at least 44 people in a Shiite procession in the southern Pakistan city of Karachi. In Argentina, two men turned away from Buenos Aires were wed in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, in Latin America's first same-sex marriage.

Five years ago: AirAsia Flight 8501, an Airbus A-320, crashed during a flight from Indonesia to Singapore, killing all 162 people on board. The war in Afghanistan, fought for 13 bloody years and still raging, came to a formal end with a quiet flag-lowering ceremony in Kabul that marked the transition of the fighting from U.S.-led combat troops to the country's own security forces.

One year ago: President Donald Trump canceled New Year's plans, deciding not to travel to Florida amid a partial government shutdown that was expected to continue into the new year. The Environmental Protection Agency became the latest government agency to furlough employees during the partial government shutdown, but said it would keep disaster-response teams and other essential workers on the job. After a two-day manhunt, authorities arrested a suspected drunken driver accused of killing a California police officer who had pulled him over; they said the man later identified as Paulo Virgen Mendoza was trying to flee back to Mexico, where he lived before illegally crossing into the U.S. (Virgen Mendoza has pleaded not guilty to murder in the shooting death of Cpl. Ronil Singh).

Today's Birthdays: Former United Auto Workers union president Owen Bieber is 90. Actress Nichelle Nichols is 87. Actress Dame Maggie Smith is 85. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., is 75. Former Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., is 73. Rock singer-musician Edgar Winter is 73. Funk musician Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste (The Meters) is 71. Actor Denzel Washington is 65. TV personality Gayle King is 65. Country singer Joe Diffie is 61. Country musician Mike McGuire (Shenandoah) is 61. Actor Chad McQueen is 59. Country singer-musician Marty Roe (Diamond Rio) is 59. Actor Malcolm Gets is 56. Actor Mauricio Mendoza is 50. Actress Elaine Hendrix is 49. Political commentator Ana Navarro is 48. Talk show host Seth Meyers is 46. Actor Brendan Hines is 43. Actor Joe Manganiello is 43. Actress Vanessa Ferlito is 42. Rhythm-and-blues singer John Legend is 41. Rapper-musician-producer Terrace Martin is 41. Actor Andre Holland is 40. Actress Sienna Miller is 38. Actress Beau Garrett (TV: "The Good Doctor") is 37. Pop singer Kasey Sheridan (Dream) is 33. Actor Thomas Dekker is 32. Actress Mackenzie Rosman is 30. Pop singer David Archuleta is 29. Actress Mary-Charles Jones (TV: "Kevin Can Wait") is 18. Actor Miles Brown is 15.

Thought for Today: "There is no luck except where there is discipline." — Irish proverb.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Saturday, Dec. 28, the 362nd day of 2019. There are three days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Dec. 28, 1945, Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance.On this date:In 1612, Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei observed the planet Neptune, but mistook it for a star. (Neptune wasn't officially discovered until 1846 by Johann Gottfried Galle.)In 1832, John C. Calhoun became the first vice president of the United States to resign, stepping down because of differences with President Andrew Jackson.In 1846, Iowa became the 29th state to be admitted to the Union.In 1879, a section of the Tay Bridge in Dundee, Scotland, collapsed as a train was traveling over it, sending an estimated 75 people to their deaths in the river below.In 1895, the Lumiere brothers, Auguste and Louis, held the first public showing of their movies in Paris.In 1908, a major earthquake followed by a tsunami devastated the Italian city of Messina, killing at least 70,000 people.In 1961, the Tennessee Williams play "Night of the Iguana" opened on Broadway. Former first lady Edith Bolling Galt Wilson, the second wife of President Woodrow Wilson, died in Washington at age 89.In 1972, Kim Il Sung, the premier of North Korea, was named the country's president under a new constitution.In 1981, Elizabeth Jordan Carr, the first American "test-tube" baby, was born in Norfolk, Virginia.In 1987, the bodies of 14 relatives of Ronald Gene Simmons were found at his home near Dover, Arkansas, after Simmons shot and killed two other people in Russellville. (Simmons, who never explained his motives, was executed in 1990.)In 2001, the National Guard was called out to help Buffalo, New York, dig out from a paralyzing, 5-day storm that had unloaded nearly 7 feet of snow.In 2007, Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was laid to rest as the country's army tried to quell a frenzy of rioting in the wake of her assassination.Ten years ago: Al-Qaida in Yemen claimed responsibility for a Christmas Day attempt to blow up a U.S.-bound airliner. A bomb blast killed at least 44 people in a Shiite procession in the southern Pakistan city of Karachi. In Argentina, two men turned away from Buenos Aires were wed in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, in Latin America's first same-sex marriage.Five years ago: AirAsia Flight 8501, an Airbus A-320, crashed during a flight from Indonesia to Singapore, killing all 162 people on board. The war in Afghanistan, fought for 13 bloody years and still raging, came to a formal end with a quiet flag-lowering ceremony in Kabul that marked the transition of the fighting from U.S.-led combat troops to the country's own security forces.One year ago: President Donald Trump canceled New Year's plans, deciding not to travel to Florida amid a partial government shutdown that was expected to continue into the new year. The Environmental Protection Agency became the latest government agency to furlough employees during the partial government shutdown, but said it would keep disaster-response teams and other essential workers on the job. After a two-day manhunt, authorities arrested a suspected drunken driver accused of killing a California police officer who had pulled him over; they said the man later identified as Paulo Virgen Mendoza was trying to flee back to Mexico, where he lived before illegally crossing into the U.S. (Virgen Mendoza has pleaded not guilty to murder in the shooting death of Cpl. Ronil Singh).Today's Birthdays: Former United Auto Workers union president Owen Bieber is 90. Actress Nichelle Nichols is 87. Actress Dame Maggie Smith is 85. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., is 75. Former Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., is 73. Rock singer-musician Edgar Winter is 73. Funk musician Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste (The Meters) is 71. Actor Denzel Washington is 65. TV personality Gayle King is 65. Country singer Joe Diffie is 61. Country musician Mike McGuire (Shenandoah) is 61. Actor Chad McQueen is 59. Country singer-musician Marty Roe (Diamond Rio) is 59. Actor Malcolm Gets is 56. Actor Mauricio Mendoza is 50. Actress Elaine Hendrix is 49. Political commentator Ana Navarro is 48. Talk show host Seth Meyers is 46. Actor Brendan Hines is 43. Actor Joe Manganiello is 43. Actress Vanessa Ferlito is 42. Rhythm-and-blues singer John Legend is 41. Rapper-musician-producer Terrace Martin is 41. Actor Andre Holland is 40. Actress Sienna Miller is 38. Actress Beau Garrett (TV: "The Good Doctor") is 37. Pop singer Kasey Sheridan (Dream) is 33. Actor Thomas Dekker is 32. Actress Mackenzie Rosman is 30. Pop singer David Archuleta is 29. Actress Mary-Charles Jones (TV: "Kevin Can Wait") is 18. Actor Miles Brown is 15.Thought for Today: "There is no luck except where there is discipline." — Irish proverb.Copyright 2019, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- Dec. 28

During the period Dec. 19, 2019, through Dec. 26, 2019, Salina Police officers took 49 reports of damage to property, totaling more than $15,000 dollars of damage. 

In these events, 54 items of property were damaged. These items included 49 motor vehicles, two businesses, and three family homes, damaged by apparent BB gun strikes. Several vehicles in the south end of the city also were egged, in addition to the BB strikes. The majority of events occurred on Dec. 19 late night through Dec. 20 early morning.

Incident locations are identified by the 100 block, and include the following.

Salina Police detectives are seeking information as to the identity of the person(s) responsible. Especially helpful would be home surveillance videos of the suspects and their vehicles.

If you have any information concerning these events, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637, or visit <a href="http://www.pd.salina.org">www.pd.salina.org</a> and follow the Crimestoppers link to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000 and you are not required to give your name.

During the period Dec. 19, 2019, through Dec. 26, 2019, Salina Police officers took 49 reports of damage to property, totaling more than $15,000 dollars of damage. In these events, 54 items of property were damaged. These items included 49 motor vehicles, two businesses, and three family homes, damaged by apparent BB gun strikes. Several vehicles in the south end of the city also were egged, in addition to the BB strikes. The majority of events occurred on Dec. 19 late night through Dec. 20 early morning.Incident locations are identified by the 100 block, and include the following.100 North Front Street100-300 North Kansas Avenue100 North Santa Fe Avenue100 North Columbia Avenue100 North Penn Avenue200 Des Moines Avenue300 Missouri Avenue400 and 600 South Delaware Avenue500 Berkshire Drive1200 Arlington Drive200 and 600 Oakdale600 and 800 Johnstown Avenue1400 Stack Avenue500 Fairview Street1500 East Minneapolis Avenue2500 and 2700 Argonne Drive200 Seitz Drive800 Highland Avenue100 West Wayne Avenue1900 Roach Street2000 Norton Street200 La Shelle Lane1800 Highland Avenue600-700 Ralph Avenue2300 Wesley Street600-700 Carl Avenue2500-2600 Robin Road2000 Quincy Street900 Somerset1000 Merrily Drive 570 YMCA DriveSalina Police detectives are seeking information as to the identity of the person(s) responsible. Especially helpful would be home surveillance videos of the suspects and their vehicles.If you have any information concerning these events, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637, or visit <a href="http://www.pd.salina.org">www.pd.salina.org</a> and follow the Crimestoppers link to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000 and you are not required to give your name.

Crimestoppers seeks tips about multiple damage to property cases

Check out this great deal from Eagle Radio's Christmas Cyber Sale:

This certificate entitles the winning bidder to a four hour event space rental at Sand Springs Venue in Abilene, a $600 retail value.

Meetings, family reunions, retirement parties, birthdays -- and any other special occasion -- Sand Springs Venue provides the perfect setting indoors or out. Tables, chairs and many other amenities provided.&nbsp;See Sand Springs Venue on Facebook.

Eagle Radio's Christmas Cyber Sale has items to bid on and items that you can buy immediately. All items are from local and area businesses, so when you bid or buy, you’re helping the local and area economy.&nbsp;

So how do you bid or buy? Just&nbsp;<a href="https://cyberxmas19.givesmart.com/" target="_blank">click here</a>&nbsp;to get started.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Christmas Cyber Sale ends at midnight on Monday, so get to biding and buying today!

Christmas image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.canstockphoto.com/" target="_blank">© Can Stock Photo / Irisangel</a>

Check out this great deal from Eagle Radio's Christmas Cyber Sale:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576675318652.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This certificate entitles the winning bidder to a four hour event space rental at Sand Springs Venue in Abilene, a $600 retail value.Meetings, family reunions, retirement parties, birthdays -- and any other special occasion -- Sand Springs Venue provides the perfect setting indoors or out. Tables, chairs and many other amenities provided.&nbsp;See Sand Springs Venue on Facebook.Eagle Radio's Christmas Cyber Sale has items to bid on and items that you can buy immediately. All items are from local and area businesses, so when you bid or buy, you’re helping the local and area economy.&nbsp;So how do you bid or buy? Just&nbsp;<a href="https://cyberxmas19.givesmart.com/" target="_blank">click here</a>&nbsp;to get started.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Christmas Cyber Sale ends at midnight on Monday, so get to biding and buying today!Christmas image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.canstockphoto.com/" target="_blank">© Can Stock Photo / Irisangel</a>

Christmas Cyber Sale: Sand Springs half day venue rental

OCCK, Inc. is currently seeking a dedicated, compassionate, conscientious, self-motivated individual to work with adults who have disabilities. Direct Support Professional support customers in home environments and the community to establish positive routines, and for the enhancement of daily living skills. This educator/instructor will provide support and guidance in a mentor-style relationship for the achievement of individual goals. On the job training and certifications are provided.

Apply online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.occk.com/" target="_blank">www.occk.com</a>&nbsp;and learn more about our mission and great benefits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576544829259.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OCCK, Inc. is currently seeking a dedicated, compassionate, conscientious, self-motivated individual to work with adults who have disabilities. Direct Support Professional support customers in home environments and the community to establish positive routines, and for the enhancement of daily living skills. This educator/instructor will provide support and guidance in a mentor-style relationship for the achievement of individual goals. On the job training and certifications are provided.Apply online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.occk.com/" target="_blank">www.occk.com</a>&nbsp;and learn more about our mission and great benefits.EOEDrug testing required.

Bank helps alert a man from becoming a  victim of scam

A 49-year-old Salina man has reported the theft of vintage 1930's dinnerware from a storage unit at City Wide Storage, 540 N 9th between November 8th and Thursday.

The man learned of the theft when someone called him to say private papers that had been store in the unit were found on the interstate near Chapman.

Entry was gained when a padlock was damaged. In addition to the dinnerware, a Maytag washer and dryer were taken along with an entertainment center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575567156259.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A 49-year-old Salina man has reported the theft of vintage 1930's dinnerware from a storage unit at City Wide Storage, 540 N 9th between November 8th and Thursday.The man learned of the theft when someone called him to say private papers that had been store in the unit were found on the interstate near Chapman.Entry was gained when a padlock was damaged. In addition to the dinnerware, a Maytag washer and dryer were taken along with an entertainment center.Loss and damage was placed at $22,000.

Vintage dinnerware taken in storage unit burglary

Salina Police are following leads in the armed robbery of the Kwik Shop at Ohio and Albert at 3:45 a.m. early Christmas morning.

Sgt.&nbsp;David Villanueva said a clerk at the store was sweeping in the parking lot when she was approached by a medium size male wearing a red hoodie and black mask. The male appeared to have a hand gun and told the woman to go inside.

Once inside, the suspect had the woman remove an undisclosed amount of money from the cash register.&nbsp; The suspect then left the store on foot in a northeast direction.


If you have any information concerning this event, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637, or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pd.salina.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2aDsFvPpjS6umzCedKcufMPsZDAYFT1FY-hxyjjoE-5dQ93s2-lpNZLAE&amp;h=AT0RkNTOXm_pIxHnMpxX9twwwC1E7tmRFwMvHXzP59GGey3Il5h7XBTx2UjJypDlBXkLxEkDuYeWMKYnD0b9uBtWhKb2zfeNLcvFsHM83W1f1THSdIu2bz9R6DR0eqr6HffrPfUnf43Ae6_BcWeOPVKyuaTLFueB6C6vhban5xQXFuOyhqYHULd5PLS1Zzk3Cs8qiapgIqJdKaTtyzLo6qhQd4GB6xGLFx22vQuqvJ8BR3yZZRFHi5ruf7ol7Uuanw38UBWjO0eAALFfzFonedjWDI_W0kFZYH93JAG0HB2bIuQS_ZBpac9AVayG0zNNZQxr_yH5EcY7U56A4otA1lz3by4TTmLl480rdU_VkGBvW6kYOp6kVxpSO1jEJQjDYafLGowDzAd9PirNQ4HJ4LgURH3JBgP7vwn3W0ye9s1Ep5xtOpydPMx9ToVJAsYDZn3ZsAp_FgUOxXxdgqwszmrl-tBbQ7l-lVuztr_wGyYz7H7NCvEFTRdF3glDdUAmmGWbTZNRA458ofO59oxm2KGRx5kDthOaTL21Vr3Hn6xatCz84e9vXnE2AKI_YigQzYNvV3oV5zgsBxxDDQ0PePDYXDXI6yoQiQik5O8bd0CzxLegiZimNWZadL_zBQ" target="_blank">www.pd.salina.org</a>&nbsp;and follow the Crimestoppers link to submit a web tip.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1560127290802.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Police are following leads in the armed robbery of the Kwik Shop at Ohio and Albert at 3:45 a.m. early Christmas morning.Sgt.&nbsp;David Villanueva said a clerk at the store was sweeping in the parking lot when she was approached by a medium size male wearing a red hoodie and black mask. The male appeared to have a hand gun and told the woman to go inside.Once inside, the suspect had the woman remove an undisclosed amount of money from the cash register.&nbsp; The suspect then left the store on foot in a northeast direction.

If you have any information concerning this event, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637, or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pd.salina.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2aDsFvPpjS6umzCedKcufMPsZDAYFT1FY-hxyjjoE-5dQ93s2-lpNZLAE&amp;h=AT0RkNTOXm_pIxHnMpxX9twwwC1E7tmRFwMvHXzP59GGey3Il5h7XBTx2UjJypDlBXkLxEkDuYeWMKYnD0b9uBtWhKb2zfeNLcvFsHM83W1f1THSdIu2bz9R6DR0eqr6HffrPfUnf43Ae6_BcWeOPVKyuaTLFueB6C6vhban5xQXFuOyhqYHULd5PLS1Zzk3Cs8qiapgIqJdKaTtyzLo6qhQd4GB6xGLFx22vQuqvJ8BR3yZZRFHi5ruf7ol7Uuanw38UBWjO0eAALFfzFonedjWDI_W0kFZYH93JAG0HB2bIuQS_ZBpac9AVayG0zNNZQxr_yH5EcY7U56A4otA1lz3by4TTmLl480rdU_VkGBvW6kYOp6kVxpSO1jEJQjDYafLGowDzAd9PirNQ4HJ4LgURH3JBgP7vwn3W0ye9s1Ep5xtOpydPMx9ToVJAsYDZn3ZsAp_FgUOxXxdgqwszmrl-tBbQ7l-lVuztr_wGyYz7H7NCvEFTRdF3glDdUAmmGWbTZNRA458ofO59oxm2KGRx5kDthOaTL21Vr3Hn6xatCz84e9vXnE2AKI_YigQzYNvV3oV5zgsBxxDDQ0PePDYXDXI6yoQiQik5O8bd0CzxLegiZimNWZadL_zBQ" target="_blank">www.pd.salina.org</a>&nbsp;and follow the Crimestoppers link to submit a web tip.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police following leads in Christmas morning armed robbery

Two Salina appliance businesses report to police that catalytic converters were stolen from delivery vehicles between Monday night and Tuesday morning.

Suburban Appliance at 1900 S 9th report that in addition to the theft of the catalytic converter , a gas tank was punctured on a 1990 F-250 pickup.&nbsp; Loss and damage placed at $4,000.

The Appliance Center at 213 S. Broadway reports the catalytic converter on a 2004 Ford Econoline van was stolen. Loss and damage was placed at $600.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1562670466849.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Two Salina appliance businesses report to police that catalytic converters were stolen from delivery vehicles between Monday night and Tuesday morning.Suburban Appliance at 1900 S 9th report that in addition to the theft of the catalytic converter , a gas tank was punctured on a 1990 F-250 pickup.&nbsp; Loss and damage placed at $4,000.The Appliance Center at 213 S. Broadway reports the catalytic converter on a 2004 Ford Econoline van was stolen. Loss and damage was placed at $600.