After a year of helping others, Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank personnel are taking time to be with family. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafoodbank/">Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank</a> Facebook page:

After a year of helping others, Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank personnel are taking time to be with family. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafoodbank/">Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsalinafoodbank%2Fposts%2F3595741693776937&width=500" width="500" height="595" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Food bank closed Tuesday and Wednesday

Maybe because it’s Christmas week, when the kids come home for the presents and holiday gatherings, Senate President Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, has decided to keep one of those presents that she really didn’t want.

That present? It’s the portion of former Democrat President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act (ACA) that Wagle and a shrinking number of Republicans oppose that hands them and most Americans the popular provision that almost all health insurance must provide coverage for preexisting conditions.

Now, if you’re a health insurance company, that preexisting condition language that remains in federal law prohibits those insurers from refusing to cover health-care costs that can be linked to a preexisting condition. Had a heart attack or some other serious illness before you change insurers? Well, that preexisting condition provision prohibits insurers from refusing to sell you a policy or charge you a higher premium because of the possibility that a preexisting condition will drive up their costs.

Oh, that ACA also provides relatively low cost coverage to folks who might not be able to afford their health care out of pocket, and reduces the number of folks with illnesses that could be transferred to you and your friends and relatives, but link it to a former Democrat president and call it “Obamacare” and some conservative Republicans oppose it.

But…it’s Christmastime, and while you’re at the dinner table talking about health insurance and looking across the table at your kids who are covered under your health insurance policy, there’s that other provision that Wagle wants put into state law if Obamacare goes away due to federal court rulings.

It’s the issue of keeping your children covered under your policy until they are 26—another Obamacare provision—that means you don’t have to worry about your children’s health until they are...grown-ups?

Now, the Kansas Legislature is picky about what portions of federal law it likes and doesn’t like, but in recent years, insurance has been an area that Kansas lawmakers have been choosy about. Take last year, when it decided that the Farm Bureau can offer policies without preexisting condition coverage, or even how long children can be covered, as long as it doesn’t call its plan “insurance.”

But for most Kansans, basic coverages are important, Obamacare or not…

So, are we waiting to see just how much horsepower the president of the Senate can muster for her plan, or are we seeing the Senate President testing how much support she can muster for a new state law that is going to be popular, and possibly helpful in a GOP primary race for the U.S. Senate?

Now, it might mean that health insurers, whose rising rates and soaring deductibles have been blasted by nearly everyone with a policy, are going to have to explain that Wagle’s bill isn’t needed now and won’t be unless the ACA is declared unconstitutional. So, insurers are likely to testify this winter that the bill is a waste of time.

But if you don’t care for federally regulated Obamacare, you are still going to want those two provisions. It’s almost insurance-on-insurance that may make the Wagle bill seem, well, like insurance that you don’t need until you need it…

And, let’s not forget that the upcoming session comes in the year that all members of the Legislature stand for re-election, and those who want to be able to talk against Obamacare can still put on their campaign literature that they support key pieces of the federal law without referring to it by name.

Doesn’t get much better than that, if you’re a conservative seeking reelection.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141234707.png" alt="Martin Hawver" />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARTIN HAWVERMaybe because it’s Christmas week, when the kids come home for the presents and holiday gatherings, Senate President Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, has decided to keep one of those presents that she really didn’t want.That present? It’s the portion of former Democrat President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act (ACA) that Wagle and a shrinking number of Republicans oppose that hands them and most Americans the popular provision that almost all health insurance must provide coverage for preexisting conditions.Now, if you’re a health insurance company, that preexisting condition language that remains in federal law prohibits those insurers from refusing to cover health-care costs that can be linked to a preexisting condition. Had a heart attack or some other serious illness before you change insurers? Well, that preexisting condition provision prohibits insurers from refusing to sell you a policy or charge you a higher premium because of the possibility that a preexisting condition will drive up their costs.Oh, that ACA also provides relatively low cost coverage to folks who might not be able to afford their health care out of pocket, and reduces the number of folks with illnesses that could be transferred to you and your friends and relatives, but link it to a former Democrat president and call it “Obamacare” and some conservative Republicans oppose it.But…it’s Christmastime, and while you’re at the dinner table talking about health insurance and looking across the table at your kids who are covered under your health insurance policy, there’s that other provision that Wagle wants put into state law if Obamacare goes away due to federal court rulings.It’s the issue of keeping your children covered under your policy until they are 26—another Obamacare provision—that means you don’t have to worry about your children’s health until they are...grown-ups?Now, the Kansas Legislature is picky about what portions of federal law it likes and doesn’t like, but in recent years, insurance has been an area that Kansas lawmakers have been choosy about. Take last year, when it decided that the Farm Bureau can offer policies without preexisting condition coverage, or even how long children can be covered, as long as it doesn’t call its plan “insurance.”But for most Kansans, basic coverages are important, Obamacare or not…So, are we waiting to see just how much horsepower the president of the Senate can muster for her plan, or are we seeing the Senate President testing how much support she can muster for a new state law that is going to be popular, and possibly helpful in a GOP primary race for the U.S. Senate?Now, it might mean that health insurers, whose rising rates and soaring deductibles have been blasted by nearly everyone with a policy, are going to have to explain that Wagle’s bill isn’t needed now and won’t be unless the ACA is declared unconstitutional. So, insurers are likely to testify this winter that the bill is a waste of time.But if you don’t care for federally regulated Obamacare, you are still going to want those two provisions. It’s almost insurance-on-insurance that may make the Wagle bill seem, well, like insurance that you don’t need until you need it…And, let’s not forget that the upcoming session comes in the year that all members of the Legislature stand for re-election, and those who want to be able to talk against Obamacare can still put on their campaign literature that they support key pieces of the federal law without referring to it by name.Doesn’t get much better than that, if you’re a conservative seeking reelection.Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/" target="_blank">www.hawvernews.com</a>

At the Rail: Political posturing?

CONCORDIA -- Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) has selected Cloud County Community College’s Dr. Mitch Stimers as one if its 30 chapter advisors and alumni to serve as faculty scholars and lead discussion groups during the organization’s 2020 summer conference.

Faculty Scholars are key figures at&nbsp;<a href="https://portal.ptk.org/Events/HonorsInstitute.aspx" target="_blank">Honors Institute</a>, PTK’s annual weeklong honors conference, as they lead small groups of the attendees in discussions about presentations by keynote speakers. Each speaker is an expert on an idea related to PTK’s Honors Study Topic, the focus of the organization’s honors program.

“Honors Institute sets the stage for many of our chapters to begin their honors projects, which is where some of the deepest benefits of PTK membership come into play,” said Dr. Blake Ellis, PTK’s Vice President of Student Engagement. “The guidance Faculty Scholars give can be the first step in igniting a student’s passion, getting them involved, and setting them on a course to gain leadership experience and develop soft skills.”

Stimers is the chapter advisor of Beta Eta Xi, Cloud County’s Geary County Campus PTK chapter. He is also the chief information officer for Cloud County.

Phi Theta Kappa’s honors program guides chapters in a research-based, action-oriented project on their campuses and in their communities. The timely, interdisciplinary topic is developed biannually by a group of volunteer chapter advisors known as the Honors Program Council.

Stimers is one of eight Honors Program Council members who also serve as Faculty Scholars.

“The training that Faculty Scholars receive is a professional development experience like no other,” said Susan Edwards, PTK’s Associate Vice President of Honors Programming and Undergraduate Research. “Faculty Scholars come away with new skills and a completely new way to engage with and learn from a diverse group of individuals.”

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 250,000 active members in the nation’s colleges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577113275160.jpeg" alt="Dr. Mitch Stimers. Photo courtesy CCCC" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Mitch Stimers. Photo courtesy CCCC</figcaption>
 </figure>CONCORDIA -- Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) has selected Cloud County Community College’s Dr. Mitch Stimers as one if its 30 chapter advisors and alumni to serve as faculty scholars and lead discussion groups during the organization’s 2020 summer conference.Faculty Scholars are key figures at&nbsp;<a href="https://portal.ptk.org/Events/HonorsInstitute.aspx" target="_blank">Honors Institute</a>, PTK’s annual weeklong honors conference, as they lead small groups of the attendees in discussions about presentations by keynote speakers. Each speaker is an expert on an idea related to PTK’s Honors Study Topic, the focus of the organization’s honors program.“Honors Institute sets the stage for many of our chapters to begin their honors projects, which is where some of the deepest benefits of PTK membership come into play,” said Dr. Blake Ellis, PTK’s Vice President of Student Engagement. “The guidance Faculty Scholars give can be the first step in igniting a student’s passion, getting them involved, and setting them on a course to gain leadership experience and develop soft skills.”Stimers is the chapter advisor of Beta Eta Xi, Cloud County’s Geary County Campus PTK chapter. He is also the chief information officer for Cloud County.Phi Theta Kappa’s honors program guides chapters in a research-based, action-oriented project on their campuses and in their communities. The timely, interdisciplinary topic is developed biannually by a group of volunteer chapter advisors known as the Honors Program Council.Stimers is one of eight Honors Program Council members who also serve as Faculty Scholars.“The training that Faculty Scholars receive is a professional development experience like no other,” said Susan Edwards, PTK’s Associate Vice President of Honors Programming and Undergraduate Research. “Faculty Scholars come away with new skills and a completely new way to engage with and learn from a diverse group of individuals.”Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 250,000 active members in the nation’s colleges.

CCCC: Stimers named Phi Theta Kappa Faculty Scholar

MANHATTAN — The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cancer.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Johnson Cancer Research Center</a>&nbsp;at Kansas State University has selected&nbsp;42&nbsp;students to participate in its undergraduate research mentoring and award program.

The center's Cancer Research Award program promotes student participation in laboratory research. It encourages undergraduate students to consider careers in cancer research and medicine early on while they are still deciding what academic and professional paths to take.

"This opportunity gets students more engaged in their education, a critical factor in their success," said Stephen K. Chapes, the center's interim director and a professor of biology. "Many of these future cancer researchers and medical workers will undoubtedly go on to be some of the top professionals in their fields."

The award program, which is open to Kansas State University undergraduate students interested in doing cancer-relevant research, provides $1,500 awards to at least 35 students a year, and $1,000 per student for research expenses.

Students applied for the awards by co-writing research proposals with faculty mentors affiliated with the center. The awardees conduct their research in the mentors' laboratories during the spring semester.

"These are some of the university's — and the state's — most outstanding science students, working closely with excellent faculty on real research projects," Chapes said.

The students will be recognized in the spring at a banquet attended by their families and faculty mentors, cancer research center supporters and university administrators.

The Johnson Cancer Research Center supports the research and training of affiliated faculty, undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. All programs are funded through private gifts.

The following students received Cancer Research Awards; included is each student's faculty mentor:

Abigail Parker, sophomore in biochemistry and microbiology,&nbsp;Berryton, mentored by Ruth Welti, university distinguished professor of biology; Mayme Loyd, senior in biochemistry, pre-medicine and modern languages,&nbsp;Bucyrus, mentored by Masaaki Tamura, professor of anatomy and physiology; Joseph Hammer, senior in chemistry,&nbsp;Cherryvale, mentored by Stefan Bossmann, university distinguished professor of chemistry; Lake Winter, sophomore in microbiology,&nbsp;Concordia, mentored by Zhilong Yang, assistant professor of biology; Megan Goeckel, senior in microbiology and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Council Grove, mentored by Greg Finnigan, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics; Carmen Del Real, senior in life sciences and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Dodge City, mentored by Jocelyn McDonald, associate professor of biology; Amanda Currie, junior in chemistry,&nbsp;Garden City, mentored by Ping Li, associate professor of chemistry.

From&nbsp;Greater Kansas City: Carolina Bueno, senior in microbiology,&nbsp;Kansas City, mentored by Revathi Govind, associate professor of biology; Ariana Cecil, senior in biology and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Leawood, mentored by Katsura Asano, professor of biology; Joshua Spradlin, sophomore in kinesiology,&nbsp;Lenexa, mentored by Zhilong Yang, assistant professor of biology; Adeline Chang, senior in microbiology,&nbsp;Olathe, mentored by Govind Vediyappan, assistant professor of biology; Jacob Cindrich, senior in food science and industry, biochemistry, and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Overland Park, mentored by John Tomich, professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics; Paige Cote, senior in animal sciences and industry,&nbsp;Overland Park, mentored by Masaaki Tamura, professor of anatomy and physiology; Brittany Funk, senior in chemical engineering,&nbsp;Shawnee, mentored by Ryan Rafferty, assistant professor of chemistry; Caroline Gambill, sophomore in life sciences and pre-physician assistant,&nbsp;Shawnee, mentored by Richard Rosenkranz, professor of food, nutrition, dietetics and health; Samantha Goetting, senior in biochemistry,&nbsp;Shawnee, mentored by Erika Geisbrecht, professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics; Courtney Johnson, senior in biochemistry and chemistry,&nbsp;Shawnee, mentored by Christopher Culbertson, professor of chemistry; and Marta Stetsiv, senior in biochemistry and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Shawnee, mentored by Erika Geisbrecht, professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics.

Seth Peery, senior in biochemistry and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Goddard, mentored by Kathrin Schrick, associate professor of biology; Benjamin Epp, sophomore in nutritional sciences and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Hutchinson, mentored by Richard Rosenkranz, professor of food, nutrition, dietetics and health; Ethan Kallenberger, senior in chemistry, biochemistry and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Lawrence, mentored by Brian Geisbrecht, professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics; Diana Najera, senior in biochemistry,&nbsp;Liberal, mentored by Maureen Gorman, research associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics.

From&nbsp;Manhattan: Roger Abernathy, senior in biology, animal sciences and industry, and technology management, mentored by Kristopher Silver, research assistant professor of entomology; Baltazar Claro-Martinez, senior in biochemistry, mentored by John Tomich, professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics; Michelle Coca, senior in biochemistry and pre-medicine, mentored by Maureen Gorman, research associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics; Abdulrahman Naeem, sophomore in biology, mentored by Ruth Welti, university distinguished professor of biology; Elizabeth Riforgiate, junior in biology and pre-medicine, mentored by Nick Wallace, assistant professor of biology; and Kyle Thompson, senior in nutritional sciences and pre-medicine, mentored by Kathrin Schrick, associate professor of biology.

Gage Wright, junior in chemistry,&nbsp;Rose Hill, mentored by Jun Li, professor of chemistry; Tanji Lewis, senior in chemistry,&nbsp;Salina, mentored by Stefan Bossmann, university distinguished professor of chemistry; Joshua Lingo, senior in microbiology and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Tonganoxie, mentored by Sherry Fleming, professor of biology.

From&nbsp;Topeka: Ashley Bartels, junior in chemical engineering, mentored by Ryan Rafferty, assistant professor of chemistry; Emma Francis, junior in biology, pre-medicine and pre-law, mentored by Rollie Clem, professor of biology; and Molly Leyda, senior in microbiology, pre-medicine and anthropology, mentored by Sherry Fleming, professor of biology.

From&nbsp;Wichita: Hannah Coggeshall, senior in biology and pre-medicine, mentored by Jocelyn McDonald, associate professor of biology; Madelyn Hilgers, junior in biochemistry and pre-pharmacy, mentored by&nbsp;Chingakham Ranjit Singh, research assistant professor of biology; Johnathon Moses, sophomore in biomedical engineering, mentored by Punit Prakash, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering; Whitney Pepper, junior in biology and pre-medicine, mentored by Katsura Asano, professor of biology; and Lydia Waner, sophomore in fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology, modern languages and pre-medicine, mentored by Thomas Mueller, research assistant professor of biology.

From out of state: Jared Newell, junior in biology,&nbsp;Lee's Summit, Mo., mentored by Thomas Mueller, research assistant professor of biology; Emma Hawkins, senior in animal sciences and industry,&nbsp;Omaha, Neb., mentored by Annelise Nguyen, associate professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology; Megan Campbell, junior in microbiology and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Luther, Okla., mentored by Lorena Passarelli, professor of biology.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577113836179.jpeg" alt="The 2019-2020 recipients of Cancer Research Awards from the Johnson Cancer Research Center at Kansas State University. These students are working with faculty mentors to conduct cancer research.&nbsp; Photo courtesy KSU" />
 <figcaption>The 2019-2020 recipients of Cancer Research Awards from the Johnson Cancer Research Center at Kansas State University. These students are working with faculty mentors to conduct cancer research.&nbsp; Photo courtesy KSU</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN — The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cancer.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Johnson Cancer Research Center</a>&nbsp;at Kansas State University has selected&nbsp;42&nbsp;students to participate in its undergraduate research mentoring and award program.The center's Cancer Research Award program promotes student participation in laboratory research. It encourages undergraduate students to consider careers in cancer research and medicine early on while they are still deciding what academic and professional paths to take."This opportunity gets students more engaged in their education, a critical factor in their success," said Stephen K. Chapes, the center's interim director and a professor of biology. "Many of these future cancer researchers and medical workers will undoubtedly go on to be some of the top professionals in their fields."The award program, which is open to Kansas State University undergraduate students interested in doing cancer-relevant research, provides $1,500 awards to at least 35 students a year, and $1,000 per student for research expenses.Students applied for the awards by co-writing research proposals with faculty mentors affiliated with the center. The awardees conduct their research in the mentors' laboratories during the spring semester."These are some of the university's — and the state's — most outstanding science students, working closely with excellent faculty on real research projects," Chapes said.The students will be recognized in the spring at a banquet attended by their families and faculty mentors, cancer research center supporters and university administrators.The Johnson Cancer Research Center supports the research and training of affiliated faculty, undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. All programs are funded through private gifts.The following students received Cancer Research Awards; included is each student's faculty mentor:Abigail Parker, sophomore in biochemistry and microbiology,&nbsp;Berryton, mentored by Ruth Welti, university distinguished professor of biology; Mayme Loyd, senior in biochemistry, pre-medicine and modern languages,&nbsp;Bucyrus, mentored by Masaaki Tamura, professor of anatomy and physiology; Joseph Hammer, senior in chemistry,&nbsp;Cherryvale, mentored by Stefan Bossmann, university distinguished professor of chemistry; Lake Winter, sophomore in microbiology,&nbsp;Concordia, mentored by Zhilong Yang, assistant professor of biology; Megan Goeckel, senior in microbiology and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Council Grove, mentored by Greg Finnigan, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics; Carmen Del Real, senior in life sciences and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Dodge City, mentored by Jocelyn McDonald, associate professor of biology; Amanda Currie, junior in chemistry,&nbsp;Garden City, mentored by Ping Li, associate professor of chemistry.From&nbsp;Greater Kansas City: Carolina Bueno, senior in microbiology,&nbsp;Kansas City, mentored by Revathi Govind, associate professor of biology; Ariana Cecil, senior in biology and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Leawood, mentored by Katsura Asano, professor of biology; Joshua Spradlin, sophomore in kinesiology,&nbsp;Lenexa, mentored by Zhilong Yang, assistant professor of biology; Adeline Chang, senior in microbiology,&nbsp;Olathe, mentored by Govind Vediyappan, assistant professor of biology; Jacob Cindrich, senior in food science and industry, biochemistry, and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Overland Park, mentored by John Tomich, professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics; Paige Cote, senior in animal sciences and industry,&nbsp;Overland Park, mentored by Masaaki Tamura, professor of anatomy and physiology; Brittany Funk, senior in chemical engineering,&nbsp;Shawnee, mentored by Ryan Rafferty, assistant professor of chemistry; Caroline Gambill, sophomore in life sciences and pre-physician assistant,&nbsp;Shawnee, mentored by Richard Rosenkranz, professor of food, nutrition, dietetics and health; Samantha Goetting, senior in biochemistry,&nbsp;Shawnee, mentored by Erika Geisbrecht, professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics; Courtney Johnson, senior in biochemistry and chemistry,&nbsp;Shawnee, mentored by Christopher Culbertson, professor of chemistry; and Marta Stetsiv, senior in biochemistry and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Shawnee, mentored by Erika Geisbrecht, professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics.Seth Peery, senior in biochemistry and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Goddard, mentored by Kathrin Schrick, associate professor of biology; Benjamin Epp, sophomore in nutritional sciences and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Hutchinson, mentored by Richard Rosenkranz, professor of food, nutrition, dietetics and health; Ethan Kallenberger, senior in chemistry, biochemistry and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Lawrence, mentored by Brian Geisbrecht, professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics; Diana Najera, senior in biochemistry,&nbsp;Liberal, mentored by Maureen Gorman, research associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics.From&nbsp;Manhattan: Roger Abernathy, senior in biology, animal sciences and industry, and technology management, mentored by Kristopher Silver, research assistant professor of entomology; Baltazar Claro-Martinez, senior in biochemistry, mentored by John Tomich, professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics; Michelle Coca, senior in biochemistry and pre-medicine, mentored by Maureen Gorman, research associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics; Abdulrahman Naeem, sophomore in biology, mentored by Ruth Welti, university distinguished professor of biology; Elizabeth Riforgiate, junior in biology and pre-medicine, mentored by Nick Wallace, assistant professor of biology; and Kyle Thompson, senior in nutritional sciences and pre-medicine, mentored by Kathrin Schrick, associate professor of biology.Gage Wright, junior in chemistry,&nbsp;Rose Hill, mentored by Jun Li, professor of chemistry; Tanji Lewis, senior in chemistry,&nbsp;Salina, mentored by Stefan Bossmann, university distinguished professor of chemistry; Joshua Lingo, senior in microbiology and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Tonganoxie, mentored by Sherry Fleming, professor of biology.From&nbsp;Topeka: Ashley Bartels, junior in chemical engineering, mentored by Ryan Rafferty, assistant professor of chemistry; Emma Francis, junior in biology, pre-medicine and pre-law, mentored by Rollie Clem, professor of biology; and Molly Leyda, senior in microbiology, pre-medicine and anthropology, mentored by Sherry Fleming, professor of biology.From&nbsp;Wichita: Hannah Coggeshall, senior in biology and pre-medicine, mentored by Jocelyn McDonald, associate professor of biology; Madelyn Hilgers, junior in biochemistry and pre-pharmacy, mentored by&nbsp;Chingakham Ranjit Singh, research assistant professor of biology; Johnathon Moses, sophomore in biomedical engineering, mentored by Punit Prakash, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering; Whitney Pepper, junior in biology and pre-medicine, mentored by Katsura Asano, professor of biology; and Lydia Waner, sophomore in fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology, modern languages and pre-medicine, mentored by Thomas Mueller, research assistant professor of biology.From out of state: Jared Newell, junior in biology,&nbsp;Lee's Summit, Mo., mentored by Thomas Mueller, research assistant professor of biology; Emma Hawkins, senior in animal sciences and industry,&nbsp;Omaha, Neb., mentored by Annelise Nguyen, associate professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology; Megan Campbell, junior in microbiology and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Luther, Okla., mentored by Lorena Passarelli, professor of biology.

Local, area students to join KSU cancer research teams

Today is Tuesday, Dec. 24, the 358th day of 2019. There are seven days left in the year. This is Christmas Eve.

On Dec. 24, 1968, the Apollo 8 astronauts, orbiting the moon, read passages from the Old Testament Book of Genesis during a Christmas Eve telecast.

In 1809, legendary American frontiersman Christopher "Kit" Carson was born in Madison County, Kentucky.

In 1814, the United States and Britain signed the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812 following ratification by both the British Parliament and the U.S. Senate.

In 1865, several veterans of the Confederate Army formed a private social club in Pulaski, Tennessee, that was the original version of the Ku Klux Klan.

In 1913, 73 people, most of them children, died in a crush of panic after a false cry of "Fire!" during a Christmas party for striking miners and their families at the Italian Hall in Calumet, Michigan.

In 1914, during World War I, impromptu Christmas truces began to take hold along parts of the Western Front between British and German soldiers.

In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower supreme commander of Allied forces in Europe as part of Operation Overlord.

In 1980, Americans remembered the U.S. hostages in Iran by burning candles or shining lights for 417 seconds — one second for each day of captivity.

In 1984, actor Peter Lawford, 61, died in Los Angeles.

In 1990, actor Tom Cruise married his "Days of Thunder" co-star, Nicole Kidman, during a private ceremony at a Colorado ski resort (the marriage ended in 2001).

In 1992, President Bush pardoned former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger and five others in the Iran-Contra scandal.

In 1993, the Rev. Norman Vincent Peale, who blended Christian and psychiatric principles into a message of "positive thinking," died in Pawling, New York, at age 95.

In 1994, militants hijacked an Air France Airbus A-300 at the Algiers airport; three passengers were slain during the siege before all four hijackers were killed by French commandos in Marseille two days later.

Ten years ago: The Senate passed health care legislation, 60-39, in the chamber's first Christmas Eve vote since 1895. Sean Goldman, a 9-year-old boy at the center of a five-year custody battle on two continents, was finally turned over to his American father, David Goldman, in Brazil. A woman jumped barriers in St. Peter's Basilica and knocked down Pope Benedict XVI as he was walking down the main aisle to begin Christmas Eve Mass; the pope was unhurt.

Five years ago: Sony Pictures broadly released "The Interview" online — an unprecedented counterstroke against the hackers who'd spoiled the Christmas opening of the comedy depicting the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. A Jordanian pilot, Lt. Mu'ath al-Kaseasbeh, was captured by the Islamic State group after his warplane crashed in Syria; he was later killed. TCU's Gary Patterson was named The Associated Press college football coach of the year. Western Kentucky held on to defeat Central Michigan 49-48 in a wild inaugural Bahamas Bowl.

One year ago: An 8-year-old boy from Guatemala died while in the custody of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; he was the second immigrant child to die in December while in the agency's care. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump took Christmas Eve calls from children anxious to find out where Santa was on his gift-giving journey; Trump asked one 7-year-old girl if she still believed in Santa and added, "Because at 7, it's marginal, right?" An hours-long coordinated attack on a public welfare building in the Afghan capital of Kabul left at least 40 people dead, as gunmen held out for eight hours against security forces. A federal judge ordered North Korea to pay more than $500 million in a wrongful death suit filed by the parents of Otto Warmbier, an American college student who died shortly after being released from that country.

Today's Birthdays: Author Mary Higgins Clark is 92. Federal health official Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., is 79. Recording company executive Mike Curb is 75. Actress Sharon Farrell is 73. Former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is 73. Actor Grand L. Bush is 64. Actor Clarence Gilyard is 64. Actress Stephanie Hodge is 63. The former president of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, is 62. Rock musician Ian Burden (The Human League) is 62. Actor Anil Kapoor is 60. Actress Eva Tamargo is 59. Actor Wade Williams is 58. Rock singer Mary Ramsey (10,000 Maniacs) is 56. Actor Mark Valley is 55. Actor Diedrich Bader is 53. Actor Amaury Nolasco is 49. Singer Ricky Martin is 48. Author Stephenie Meyer is 46. TV personality Ryan Seacrest (TV: "Live With Kelly &amp; Ryan") is 45. Actor Michael Raymond-James is 42. Actor Austin Stowell is 35. Actress Sofia Black-D'Elia is 28. Rock singer Louis Tomlinson (One Direction) is 28.

Thought for Today: "Christmas comes, but once a year is enough." — American proverb.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Tuesday, Dec. 24, the 358th day of 2019. There are seven days left in the year. This is Christmas Eve.Today's Highlight in History:On Dec. 24, 1968, the Apollo 8 astronauts, orbiting the moon, read passages from the Old Testament Book of Genesis during a Christmas Eve telecast.On this date:In 1809, legendary American frontiersman Christopher "Kit" Carson was born in Madison County, Kentucky.In 1814, the United States and Britain signed the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812 following ratification by both the British Parliament and the U.S. Senate.In 1865, several veterans of the Confederate Army formed a private social club in Pulaski, Tennessee, that was the original version of the Ku Klux Klan.In 1913, 73 people, most of them children, died in a crush of panic after a false cry of "Fire!" during a Christmas party for striking miners and their families at the Italian Hall in Calumet, Michigan.In 1914, during World War I, impromptu Christmas truces began to take hold along parts of the Western Front between British and German soldiers.In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower supreme commander of Allied forces in Europe as part of Operation Overlord.In 1980, Americans remembered the U.S. hostages in Iran by burning candles or shining lights for 417 seconds — one second for each day of captivity.In 1984, actor Peter Lawford, 61, died in Los Angeles.In 1990, actor Tom Cruise married his "Days of Thunder" co-star, Nicole Kidman, during a private ceremony at a Colorado ski resort (the marriage ended in 2001).In 1992, President Bush pardoned former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger and five others in the Iran-Contra scandal.In 1993, the Rev. Norman Vincent Peale, who blended Christian and psychiatric principles into a message of "positive thinking," died in Pawling, New York, at age 95.In 1994, militants hijacked an Air France Airbus A-300 at the Algiers airport; three passengers were slain during the siege before all four hijackers were killed by French commandos in Marseille two days later.Ten years ago: The Senate passed health care legislation, 60-39, in the chamber's first Christmas Eve vote since 1895. Sean Goldman, a 9-year-old boy at the center of a five-year custody battle on two continents, was finally turned over to his American father, David Goldman, in Brazil. A woman jumped barriers in St. Peter's Basilica and knocked down Pope Benedict XVI as he was walking down the main aisle to begin Christmas Eve Mass; the pope was unhurt.Five years ago: Sony Pictures broadly released "The Interview" online — an unprecedented counterstroke against the hackers who'd spoiled the Christmas opening of the comedy depicting the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. A Jordanian pilot, Lt. Mu'ath al-Kaseasbeh, was captured by the Islamic State group after his warplane crashed in Syria; he was later killed. TCU's Gary Patterson was named The Associated Press college football coach of the year. Western Kentucky held on to defeat Central Michigan 49-48 in a wild inaugural Bahamas Bowl.One year ago: An 8-year-old boy from Guatemala died while in the custody of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; he was the second immigrant child to die in December while in the agency's care. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump took Christmas Eve calls from children anxious to find out where Santa was on his gift-giving journey; Trump asked one 7-year-old girl if she still believed in Santa and added, "Because at 7, it's marginal, right?" An hours-long coordinated attack on a public welfare building in the Afghan capital of Kabul left at least 40 people dead, as gunmen held out for eight hours against security forces. A federal judge ordered North Korea to pay more than $500 million in a wrongful death suit filed by the parents of Otto Warmbier, an American college student who died shortly after being released from that country.Today's Birthdays: Author Mary Higgins Clark is 92. Federal health official Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., is 79. Recording company executive Mike Curb is 75. Actress Sharon Farrell is 73. Former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is 73. Actor Grand L. Bush is 64. Actor Clarence Gilyard is 64. Actress Stephanie Hodge is 63. The former president of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, is 62. Rock musician Ian Burden (The Human League) is 62. Actor Anil Kapoor is 60. Actress Eva Tamargo is 59. Actor Wade Williams is 58. Rock singer Mary Ramsey (10,000 Maniacs) is 56. Actor Mark Valley is 55. Actor Diedrich Bader is 53. Actor Amaury Nolasco is 49. Singer Ricky Martin is 48. Author Stephenie Meyer is 46. TV personality Ryan Seacrest (TV: "Live With Kelly &amp; Ryan") is 45. Actor Michael Raymond-James is 42. Actor Austin Stowell is 35. Actress Sofia Black-D'Elia is 28. Rock singer Louis Tomlinson (One Direction) is 28.Thought for Today: "Christmas comes, but once a year is enough." — American proverb.Copyright 2019, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- Dec. 24

Because of a water line break, the Salina Public Library closed at noon today, according to an email from Melanie Hedgespeth, library director.

The library, already was scheduled to be closed Tuesday and Wednesday in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Because of a water line break, the Salina Public Library closed at noon today, according to an email from Melanie Hedgespeth, library director.The library, already was scheduled to be closed Tuesday and Wednesday in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Water line break closes Salina Public Library

ABILENE -- The Memorial Health System Volunteer Corps (MHSVC) Craft Committee recently donated 55 handmade cot sheets to Learn and Grow Depot/Abilene Childcare Learing Center in Abilene. 

Joan Marshall and Nola Mae Jaderborg, of the MHSVC, created the cot sheets made of a cotton material with elastic corners and ties in the center. The MHSVC supplies all of the materials for the project.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577112251273.jpeg" alt="With cot sheets are, from left,&nbsp;&nbsp;Robin Hansen, Abilene Childcare Learning Center Administrator; Marshall, Jaderborg; Jenny Stuck, Learn and Grow Depot Director; and Michelle McClanahan, Memorial Health System Director of Volunteer Services. Photo courtesy MHS" />
 <figcaption>With cot sheets are, from left,&nbsp;&nbsp;Robin Hansen, Abilene Childcare Learning Center Administrator; Marshall, Jaderborg; Jenny Stuck, Learn and Grow Depot Director; and Michelle McClanahan, Memorial Health System Director of Volunteer Services. Photo courtesy MHS</figcaption>
 </figure>ABILENE -- The Memorial Health System Volunteer Corps (MHSVC) Craft Committee recently donated 55 handmade cot sheets to Learn and Grow Depot/Abilene Childcare Learing Center in Abilene. Joan Marshall and Nola Mae Jaderborg, of the MHSVC, created the cot sheets made of a cotton material with elastic corners and ties in the center. The MHSVC supplies all of the materials for the project.

MHSVC: The spirit of volunteer giving

A stolen&nbsp; motorcycle&nbsp; was involved in a crash around 12:15 p.m. Sunday afternoon at Broadway and Crawford.

Police Captain Paul Forrester said a 2001 Honda CBR 600 was eastbound on Crawford when the rider lost control of the cycle and laid it down&nbsp; on the street hitting a&nbsp; northbound car and SUV sitting at the intersection of Broadway and Crawford.

The rider of the motorcycle described as a white male in his 20s, ran from the scene.&nbsp;

Police said the ignition had been punched to get the motorcycle to start. The owner a 42-Salina man who is in the Saline County Jail after being arrested last week, said no one had permission to use the motorcycle.

The was some damage to the front of both the car and SUV. No one was hurt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574453792382.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A stolen&nbsp; motorcycle&nbsp; was involved in a crash around 12:15 p.m. Sunday afternoon at Broadway and Crawford.Police Captain Paul Forrester said a 2001 Honda CBR 600 was eastbound on Crawford when the rider lost control of the cycle and laid it down&nbsp; on the street hitting a&nbsp; northbound car and SUV sitting at the intersection of Broadway and Crawford.The rider of the motorcycle described as a white male in his 20s, ran from the scene.&nbsp;Police said the ignition had been punched to get the motorcycle to start. The owner a 42-Salina man who is in the Saline County Jail after being arrested last week, said no one had permission to use the motorcycle.The was some damage to the front of both the car and SUV. No one was hurt.

Stolen motorcycle involved in crash Sunday afternoon

What was once more than a dozen reports of vandalism with b-b guns, Salina Police have now taken nearly 50 reports of vandalism damage caused by b-b guns and in some cases eggs.

Captain Paul Forrester said between Friday and early Monday 47 cases of damage caused by b-b guns&nbsp; to businesses, homes , and vehicles had been taken by officers.

Most of the damage reported was east of Ohio, in the area of Indian Rock Park. In about a dozen cases eggs were also used to cause damage.

Damage estimates top $13,000.&nbsp; If you have any information concerning the vandalism call Salina Police at 826-7210, or call or text Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS&nbsp;&nbsp; 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%3DIwAR3dsQyXfyMcyw-lgDYxCNZlCeQDIVSqJn0t76XWkOnFjbhAS8KIV9hL8EQ&amp;h=AT3yVPyHME8yrCdyEZxp_54JBqyu3XnodC_HsQ9g9LTB5ApGD7IP4L-stZhcX8Fsudz1mcA4KGhXB8yw0ksbyGaVe-v4uYsyaW9M_nrLqoJb_M0EUBmDOz2U0tZYdqDUhorjHPd6gFEEg0QaLXqcpKDXqFfMYVUuEhTeTGW5qXa5IiiwAYN1eql-F4HU2u-EbbZ_AQTduD4ThkGxxgEUX-JkvgJTVV0ZZG9HPtuErZtVPWD2U6N0Am5Ok1Utnna-PdhySpsbnfQY_SRsIX2aw5DQUWtY6XOhTCAL8cKl_jSVkuRdZMosqN3e7Oy5Lqy0kxHl3JDtSQXIt-Nx2xVpUORZdRMxdjTSfSn2NilO0o-wKEQdRnmc21N_zXGQVo5OHrLN_vSiJr1lEvX6XnFsEatfQpnJ73A5MfmGfTwYWqSt3Pc7N9Eotss-4kgJfxD09rAyHFiP1wfZ7gYabhTaOMsdPEDl065TSL6qW9M-vodTh8jC23IUPaGHqtCNMZStak_qIZ9IKz5K01ouKz0vGzrjGWbF8s1QJlcxNeiOV5Nj8LyGpUhj31DExynApg6XX1iQq0HyhKm6T3Rh1JtJhu61N-0FXZb4ASfo05GSHBMbrz2T9djVOd3g_IYj9YP3GVw" target="_blank">www.pd.salina.org</a>&nbsp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1562670466849.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>What was once more than a dozen reports of vandalism with b-b guns, Salina Police have now taken nearly 50 reports of vandalism damage caused by b-b guns and in some cases eggs.Captain Paul Forrester said between Friday and early Monday 47 cases of damage caused by b-b guns&nbsp; to businesses, homes , and vehicles had been taken by officers.Most of the damage reported was east of Ohio, in the area of Indian Rock Park. In about a dozen cases eggs were also used to cause damage.Damage estimates top $13,000.&nbsp; If you have any information concerning the vandalism call Salina Police at 826-7210, or call or text Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS&nbsp;&nbsp; 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%3DIwAR3dsQyXfyMcyw-lgDYxCNZlCeQDIVSqJn0t76XWkOnFjbhAS8KIV9hL8EQ&amp;h=AT3yVPyHME8yrCdyEZxp_54JBqyu3XnodC_HsQ9g9LTB5ApGD7IP4L-stZhcX8Fsudz1mcA4KGhXB8yw0ksbyGaVe-v4uYsyaW9M_nrLqoJb_M0EUBmDOz2U0tZYdqDUhorjHPd6gFEEg0QaLXqcpKDXqFfMYVUuEhTeTGW5qXa5IiiwAYN1eql-F4HU2u-EbbZ_AQTduD4ThkGxxgEUX-JkvgJTVV0ZZG9HPtuErZtVPWD2U6N0Am5Ok1Utnna-PdhySpsbnfQY_SRsIX2aw5DQUWtY6XOhTCAL8cKl_jSVkuRdZMosqN3e7Oy5Lqy0kxHl3JDtSQXIt-Nx2xVpUORZdRMxdjTSfSn2NilO0o-wKEQdRnmc21N_zXGQVo5OHrLN_vSiJr1lEvX6XnFsEatfQpnJ73A5MfmGfTwYWqSt3Pc7N9Eotss-4kgJfxD09rAyHFiP1wfZ7gYabhTaOMsdPEDl065TSL6qW9M-vodTh8jC23IUPaGHqtCNMZStak_qIZ9IKz5K01ouKz0vGzrjGWbF8s1QJlcxNeiOV5Nj8LyGpUhj31DExynApg6XX1iQq0HyhKm6T3Rh1JtJhu61N-0FXZb4ASfo05GSHBMbrz2T9djVOd3g_IYj9YP3GVw" target="_blank">www.pd.salina.org</a>&nbsp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police take nearly 50 reports of b-b gun vandalism

Four park locations in Salina will accept and recycle Christmas trees into mulch through Jan. 31, 2020. 

The mulch will be used around newly planted trees and to surface nature trails. Christmas trees must be free of ornaments, stands, netting and plastic bags. Yard waste will not be accepted.

Drop-off locations include the following.

For more information about Christmas tree recycling visit <a href="http://salina-ks.gov">salina-ks.gov</a> or call (785) 309-5745.

Four park locations in Salina will accept and recycle Christmas trees into mulch through Jan. 31, 2020. The mulch will be used around newly planted trees and to surface nature trails. Christmas trees must be free of ornaments, stands, netting and plastic bags. Yard waste will not be accepted.Drop-off locations include the following.Lakewood Park, 1323 E. Iron AvenueJerry Ivey Park, 2465 Edward StreetCentennial Park, 764 Commanche AvenueThomas Park, 1525 N. 9th StreetFor more information about Christmas tree recycling visit <a href="http://salina-ks.gov">salina-ks.gov</a> or call (785) 309-5745.

City Christmas tree recycling program

OCCK, Inc. Transportation, including Salina CityGo, 81 Connection, Regional Paratransit and City of Abilene public transportation, will be closed on Wednesday for Christmas, and on Jan. 1, 2020, for New Year’s Day.&nbsp;

On Tuesday and Dec. 31, both CityGo and paratransit services will stop running at 4 p.m.&nbsp;

City of Abilene public transportation will be closed on both Tuesday and Dec. 31.

81 Connection will run regular routes both days.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575941207680.jpeg" alt="A CityGo bus in downtown Salina. Salina Post file photo" />
 <figcaption>A CityGo bus in downtown Salina. Salina Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>OCCK, Inc. Transportation, including Salina CityGo, 81 Connection, Regional Paratransit and City of Abilene public transportation, will be closed on Wednesday for Christmas, and on Jan. 1, 2020, for New Year’s Day.&nbsp;On Tuesday and Dec. 31, both CityGo and paratransit services will stop running at 4 p.m.&nbsp;City of Abilene public transportation will be closed on both Tuesday and Dec. 31.81 Connection will run regular routes both days.

OCCK Transportation announces holiday closings

Follow Santa around the world with NORAD's Santa Tracker - Share this page on Facebook for all your friends!&nbsp;

Follow Santa around the world with NORAD's Santa Tracker - Share this page on Facebook for all your friends!&nbsp;<div><div class="iframely-embed"><div class="iframely-responsive" style="height: 140px; padding-bottom: 0;"><a href="https://www.noradsanta.org/?visit=footerPressroom" data-iframely-url="//cdn.iframe.ly/WUOCL2O"></a></div></div><script async src="//cdn.iframe.ly/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

NORAD Santa Tracker

This is the year that e-cigarette and vape pen use exploded into a major middle and high school crisis. Well before the CDC’s attention was called to fatal cases related to vaping using THC and related additives, school teachers and administrators witnessed a massive spread of vaping on their campuses, often feeling helpless. While the industry hides behind the “it’s an alternative to tobacco” argument, many states are taking action to curtail or outlaw vaping at schools and school-related events in accord with their state legal framework. However, lurking behind the scenes is the ever-expanding legalization of marijuana and its implications for both teacher performance and student discipline.

Across the country, teachers breathed with some relief as the penalties on schools and pressure on teachers from No Child Left Behind were partially lifted under ESSA. More states ditched common core and other standardized one-size-fits-all mandated curricula, although there is a long way to go to restore full teacher professional judgement allowing teachers to treat unique students in unique ways. Education publications and websites finally spoke openly of the harm done by standardized external assessments.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Mayor Bill de Blasio faced a backlash to his plan to “integrate” the highly selective and specialized New York high schools by curtailing the admissions exam that determined who was admitted. The mayor blamed the “tabloid media” for the successful opposition. Had his plan been approved, the number of Asian-American students would have been cut in half. Despite being a small minority in New York, their study ethic results in the majority of students in these elite schools being Asian-American.

In an action likely to spread to other states, California prohibited schools from suspending K–8 students. Senate Bill 419 made it illegal for both public and charter schools to suspend students for "willful defiance," defined as “disrupting school activities or otherwise refusing to follow the valid authority of school personnel.” The rationale is that suspension ends the student’s learning and contributes to the school-to-prison pipeline. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, and not unrelated, teacher shortages continued to grow, even in Oklahoma where a massive increase was made to teacher salaries. Discussions nationwide mostly failed to realize that the removal of professional decision-making from classroom teachers and their treatment as test-prep assembly line workers is a major deterrent to the next generation becoming teachers; they witnessed this de-professionalization as K–12 students. Combined with increasing discipline problems, as noted with the suspension policies above, it is less likely that competent college students will pursue teaching.&nbsp; Salaries are a factor, but they come in third. &nbsp;

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) again showed stagnant or declining scores. Negative results from “The Nation’s Report Card” were used to fit various interpretations. Secretary DeVos incorrectly claimed that NAEP showed two thirds of students were not reading at grade level and used that to promote her school choice agenda. The National Council on Teacher Quality pointed to static scores as indicating poor teacher education programs, which is probably partially correct. While scores did go down for most minorities, the scores went up significantly for Asian-American students---again.

High school graduation rates continue to rise despite valid assessments showing a decrease in student performance. A wide variety of creative school administrative actions have forced widespread grade inflation and contribute in part to some teachers with integrity leaving the classroom. The real victims are the good students who cross the stage to receive a diploma they earned only to be followed by classmates who also receive that diploma for sub-minimal academic performance.

Teacher strikes are back. Despite the U.S. Supreme Court's June 2018 ruling on&nbsp;Janus v. American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees&nbsp;finding that requiring non-union members to pay agency fees is unconstitutional, teacher unions have not lost power.&nbsp; In January 2019, Los Angeles teachers went on strike, then Chicago and Indiana teachers did likewise in the fall. Smaller classes, counselors for troubled students and other school quality issues were as important as wages.

Economically poor students and communities are now the supposed cause of underperformance, with critics blaming poverty for any and all achievement gaps. Condemning any "innate ability" as reflecting teachers’ “fixed mindset,” advanced courses formed by ability grouping are condemned on the premise anyone can learn to do anything if the teacher only has a “growth mindset.”

Finally, ed-tech companies are ramping up their propaganda promoting conversion from print to digital media despite evidence showing costly electronic media are less effective and contribute to falling scores. Broadband has now become nearly universal, but is not delivering the digital miracles promised. The prior parent generation who themselves did not have a computerized childhood easily succumbed to this digital hype. This new generation of parents who grew up with technology and the Internet are considerably more skeptical of the techno-hype and are more supportive of a growing number of schools that are taking away student cell phones and considering a return to printed media.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;



<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573490075841.jpeg" alt="John Richard Schrock" />
 <figcaption>John Richard Schrock</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN RICHARD SCHROCKThis is the year that e-cigarette and vape pen use exploded into a major middle and high school crisis. Well before the CDC’s attention was called to fatal cases related to vaping using THC and related additives, school teachers and administrators witnessed a massive spread of vaping on their campuses, often feeling helpless. While the industry hides behind the “it’s an alternative to tobacco” argument, many states are taking action to curtail or outlaw vaping at schools and school-related events in accord with their state legal framework. However, lurking behind the scenes is the ever-expanding legalization of marijuana and its implications for both teacher performance and student discipline.Across the country, teachers breathed with some relief as the penalties on schools and pressure on teachers from No Child Left Behind were partially lifted under ESSA. More states ditched common core and other standardized one-size-fits-all mandated curricula, although there is a long way to go to restore full teacher professional judgement allowing teachers to treat unique students in unique ways. Education publications and websites finally spoke openly of the harm done by standardized external assessments.&nbsp; &nbsp;Mayor Bill de Blasio faced a backlash to his plan to “integrate” the highly selective and specialized New York high schools by curtailing the admissions exam that determined who was admitted. The mayor blamed the “tabloid media” for the successful opposition. Had his plan been approved, the number of Asian-American students would have been cut in half. Despite being a small minority in New York, their study ethic results in the majority of students in these elite schools being Asian-American.In an action likely to spread to other states, California prohibited schools from suspending K–8 students. Senate Bill 419 made it illegal for both public and charter schools to suspend students for "willful defiance," defined as “disrupting school activities or otherwise refusing to follow the valid authority of school personnel.” The rationale is that suspension ends the student’s learning and contributes to the school-to-prison pipeline. &nbsp;Meanwhile, and not unrelated, teacher shortages continued to grow, even in Oklahoma where a massive increase was made to teacher salaries. Discussions nationwide mostly failed to realize that the removal of professional decision-making from classroom teachers and their treatment as test-prep assembly line workers is a major deterrent to the next generation becoming teachers; they witnessed this de-professionalization as K–12 students. Combined with increasing discipline problems, as noted with the suspension policies above, it is less likely that competent college students will pursue teaching.&nbsp; Salaries are a factor, but they come in third. &nbsp;The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) again showed stagnant or declining scores. Negative results from “The Nation’s Report Card” were used to fit various interpretations. Secretary DeVos incorrectly claimed that NAEP showed two thirds of students were not reading at grade level and used that to promote her school choice agenda. The National Council on Teacher Quality pointed to static scores as indicating poor teacher education programs, which is probably partially correct. While scores did go down for most minorities, the scores went up significantly for Asian-American students---again.High school graduation rates continue to rise despite valid assessments showing a decrease in student performance. A wide variety of creative school administrative actions have forced widespread grade inflation and contribute in part to some teachers with integrity leaving the classroom. The real victims are the good students who cross the stage to receive a diploma they earned only to be followed by classmates who also receive that diploma for sub-minimal academic performance.Teacher strikes are back. Despite the U.S. Supreme Court's June 2018 ruling on&nbsp;Janus v. American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees&nbsp;finding that requiring non-union members to pay agency fees is unconstitutional, teacher unions have not lost power.&nbsp; In January 2019, Los Angeles teachers went on strike, then Chicago and Indiana teachers did likewise in the fall. Smaller classes, counselors for troubled students and other school quality issues were as important as wages.Economically poor students and communities are now the supposed cause of underperformance, with critics blaming poverty for any and all achievement gaps. Condemning any "innate ability" as reflecting teachers’ “fixed mindset,” advanced courses formed by ability grouping are condemned on the premise anyone can learn to do anything if the teacher only has a “growth mindset.”Finally, ed-tech companies are ramping up their propaganda promoting conversion from print to digital media despite evidence showing costly electronic media are less effective and contribute to falling scores. Broadband has now become nearly universal, but is not delivering the digital miracles promised. The prior parent generation who themselves did not have a computerized childhood easily succumbed to this digital hype. This new generation of parents who grew up with technology and the Internet are considerably more skeptical of the techno-hype and are more supportive of a growing number of schools that are taking away student cell phones and considering a return to printed media.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Education Frontlines: 2019 --the year in K–12 education

Roger Stumpf, Southeast of Saline USD 306 superintendent, recently completed participation in the
Leadership for Tomorrow Class of 2019, sponsored by the Kansas Association of
School Boards.

Stumpf was one of 26 board
of education members and school superintendents/administrators recognized on Dec.
7, 2019.

KASB’s
Leadership for Tomorrow program identifies exemplary board of education
members, school superintendents and administrators from across Kansas for the
year-long leadership program. Those selected for the program participate in
five two-day sessions centering on student achievement, key education issues
and leadership skills. The sessions included visits and school district
presentations on the following dates.

March 2019: Session I included visits to Beloit and
 North Ottawa County Minneapolis school districts. The group discussed
 personal leadership and what it means to lead change at the local level.

May 2019: Session II was held in Southeast Kansas,
 visiting Coffeyville and Neodesha school districts. The group spent time
 exploring leadership change theories and how they translate to today’s
 education environment.

July 2019: Session III was held in Manhattan. As part of this session the class observed an active
 violence drill involving USD 383 staff, state and local law enforcement
 and emergency management personnel. The
 group also participated in crisis communication training led by KASB
 staff.

September 2019: Session IV was held in Southwest Kansas
 with visits to Lakin and Garden City school districts. Class discussions
 included group processes for identifying competing values and working
 through change.

December 5-8, 2019: Session V was held in conjunction
 with the KASB Annual Conference in Wichita. The group met for a half-day,
 first completing a Trust Edge self-assessment, then reviewing notes from
 each site visit and setting priorities for leading local school
 improvement efforts. Class members then joined KASB Annual Conference
 early bird sessions on Friday. Class members were honored during a
 luncheon and graduation on Saturday, and recognized during the second
 general assembly on that day.

This is the 15th KASB Leadership for
Tomorrow Graduating Class. To date the program has had 275 graduates, of which
134 were Board of Education Members, 137 were District Administrators and four
were KASB Staff Members. 

KASB, headquartered in Topeka, serves governing
boards and administrators of unified school district boards, community college
boards of trustees, area vocational-technical college boards and boards of
cooperatives, interlocals and regional service centers. Currently the
association represents 285 school districts and 42 interlocals, cooperatives,
service centers, community colleges and technical colleges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577111328754.jpeg" alt="Shannon Kimball, KASB President, Lawrence USD 497 Board of Education; Roger Stumpf, Southeast of Saline USD 306 superintendent of schools; and Dr. John Heim, KASB Executive Director. Photo courtesy KASB" />
 <figcaption>Shannon Kimball, KASB President, Lawrence USD 497 Board of Education; Roger Stumpf, Southeast of Saline USD 306 superintendent of schools; and Dr. John Heim, KASB Executive Director. Photo courtesy KASB</figcaption>
 </figure>Roger Stumpf, Southeast of Saline USD 306 superintendent, recently completed participation in the
Leadership for Tomorrow Class of 2019, sponsored by the Kansas Association of
School Boards. Stumpf was one of 26 board
of education members and school superintendents/administrators recognized on Dec.
7, 2019.KASB’s
Leadership for Tomorrow program identifies exemplary board of education
members, school superintendents and administrators from across Kansas for the
year-long leadership program. Those selected for the program participate in
five two-day sessions centering on student achievement, key education issues
and leadership skills. The sessions included visits and school district
presentations on the following dates.March 2019: Session I included visits to Beloit and
 North Ottawa County Minneapolis school districts. The group discussed
 personal leadership and what it means to lead change at the local level.May 2019: Session II was held in Southeast Kansas,
 visiting Coffeyville and Neodesha school districts. The group spent time
 exploring leadership change theories and how they translate to today’s
 education environment.July 2019: Session III was held in Manhattan. As part of this session the class observed an active
 violence drill involving USD 383 staff, state and local law enforcement
 and emergency management personnel. The
 group also participated in crisis communication training led by KASB
 staff.September 2019: Session IV was held in Southwest Kansas
 with visits to Lakin and Garden City school districts. Class discussions
 included group processes for identifying competing values and working
 through change.December 5-8, 2019: Session V was held in conjunction
 with the KASB Annual Conference in Wichita. The group met for a half-day,
 first completing a Trust Edge self-assessment, then reviewing notes from
 each site visit and setting priorities for leading local school
 improvement efforts. Class members then joined KASB Annual Conference
 early bird sessions on Friday. Class members were honored during a
 luncheon and graduation on Saturday, and recognized during the second
 general assembly on that day.This is the 15th KASB Leadership for
Tomorrow Graduating Class. To date the program has had 275 graduates, of which
134 were Board of Education Members, 137 were District Administrators and four
were KASB Staff Members. KASB, headquartered in Topeka, serves governing
boards and administrators of unified school district boards, community college
boards of trustees, area vocational-technical college boards and boards of
cooperatives, interlocals and regional service centers. Currently the
association represents 285 school districts and 42 interlocals, cooperatives,
service centers, community colleges and technical colleges.

SES's Stumpf completes KASB leadership program 

By ANDREW MARTIN WSU marketing intern

Katlyn, a student at USD 259’s Levy Special Education Center, has cerebral palsy and is nonverbal. It’s ordinarily very difficult for her to communicate.

But three Wichita State engineering students – aerospace engineering seniors Meghana “Meg” Ravi and Brendan Lajza, and electrical engineering senior Jacob Lewis – have made communication a lot easier for her as a project for ENGR 202 “Service Learning in Engineering” this semester.

Katlyn uses an iPad equipped with an app called Proloquo2Go. The app is meant to aid people with limited speech and motion to communicate through an array of buttons connected to programmed sentences.

The app and the stylus Katlyn originally used were not optimized well for her, and she struggled to use them.

“The problem was that the Proloquo was very hard for her to use because her range of motion was very limited, and also we noticed that the tool she was using to touch the iPad was not responsive at all,” Jacob said.

The group came up with two potential solutions to her struggles.

“We thought, ‘Let’s make some changes to the software to give it more flow and give her a more responsive tool with a high-sensitivity stylus that would be custom for her,” Jacob said.

Over the course of the semester, the students tested several initial styli and software changes and gathered feedback.

“We took measurements and we came up with the ideal solution that we thought would theoretically be the best way to do it, and it turned out that she didn’t like it at all,” Brendan said, “but thankfully we gave ourselves enough time in the project to correct those mistakes, redesign it and reprint it.”

The three consulted Levy’s speech and occupational therapists for guidance on Katlyn’s needs, and worked with her teachers and family on using the adjusted stylus and software.

After communicating with Levy staff, conducting more research and redesigning the product, they had Katlyn test the new stylus.

“It turns out that it worked out pretty well for her,” Brendan said.

After their final project presentation to the class, the group returned to Levy to visit Katlyn.

“When we showed up, she picked up her stylus, pressed the iPad and it said, ‘Thank you very much for helping me.’ It was so sweet,” Jacob said. “That right there was really great. We really appreciated being able to help her, even in a small way.”

The students have also provided Levy and Katlyn’s family with the information needed to continue producing the stylus and operating the software.

“We’re making an Instructable, which is part of our submission for the class,” Meg said. “It has every setting for the iPad, which they can mess around with in the future. It’s also going to have models of the design for the stylus itself, so if they want to reprint or make a little change, they can 3D print it.”

This was the first time WSU engineering students had collaborated with Levy, and there are plans for future assistive technology work with the school.

Samantha Corcoran, ENGR 202 instructor, will initiate ENGR 302 “Accessible Design” in the spring 2020 semester.

The course will focus on similar projects focused solely on assistive technology. It’s also part of the new Assistive Technology and Accessible Design undergraduate certificate program.

ENGR 202 and 302 are not lecture-based, and classes meet once a week to discuss each group’s progress. This group was one of several in the class, and each group assisted a different organization.

“We normally have a lot more structure. Here we had to do everything on our own and figure it out. This is how we would expect work life to be after we get out of college,” Meg said.

ENGR 302 has also received a Tilford Incentive Grant for its promotion of diversity. The mission of the Tilford grant is to promote the infusion of diversity in the WSU curriculum by developing new diversity-related courses or in modifying existing courses to enhance their diversity content.

Katlyn is a part of the Levy Transition Program for students with disabilities from ages 18 to 21. The program prepares them to be successful in&nbsp;their identified adult environments&nbsp;by immersing them in group settings with other students, beyond traditional, one-on-one interactions with instructors.

Levy Special Education Center is a facility located in west Wichita that provides a safe and stimulating learning environment where students’ needs are purposefully and meaningfully met by a team of skilled, caring professionals.

Special thanks to Connie Foster, Levy teacher, for allowing WSU Strategic Communications to enter her classroom for photos and questions on a busy day of class.

--<a href="http://wsu.edu">wsu.edu</a>--

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576852718957.jpeg" alt="From left to right, WSU Engineering students Jacob Lewis, Brendan Lajza and Meghana Ravi assist Katlyn with the use of her new stylus and optimized Proloquo2Go software. Photos courtesy WSU" />
 <figcaption>From left to right, WSU Engineering students Jacob Lewis, Brendan Lajza and Meghana Ravi assist Katlyn with the use of her new stylus and optimized Proloquo2Go software. Photos courtesy WSU</figcaption>
 </figure>By ANDREW MARTIN WSU marketing internKatlyn, a student at USD 259’s Levy Special Education Center, has cerebral palsy and is nonverbal. It’s ordinarily very difficult for her to communicate.But three Wichita State engineering students – aerospace engineering seniors Meghana “Meg” Ravi and Brendan Lajza, and electrical engineering senior Jacob Lewis – have made communication a lot easier for her as a project for ENGR 202 “Service Learning in Engineering” this semester.Katlyn uses an iPad equipped with an app called Proloquo2Go. The app is meant to aid people with limited speech and motion to communicate through an array of buttons connected to programmed sentences.The app and the stylus Katlyn originally used were not optimized well for her, and she struggled to use them.“The problem was that the Proloquo was very hard for her to use because her range of motion was very limited, and also we noticed that the tool she was using to touch the iPad was not responsive at all,” Jacob said.The group came up with two potential solutions to her struggles.“We thought, ‘Let’s make some changes to the software to give it more flow and give her a more responsive tool with a high-sensitivity stylus that would be custom for her,” Jacob said.Over the course of the semester, the students tested several initial styli and software changes and gathered feedback.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576852838120.jpeg" alt="Using a Dremel DigiLab 3D printing tool, the students designed and constructed a device for Katlyn with two styli, each connected to one end of a central ball. They quickly found out that Katlyn didn't like it." />
 <figcaption>Using a Dremel DigiLab 3D printing tool, the students designed and constructed a device for Katlyn with two styli, each connected to one end of a central ball. They quickly found out that Katlyn didn't like it.</figcaption>
 </figure>“We took measurements and we came up with the ideal solution that we thought would theoretically be the best way to do it, and it turned out that she didn’t like it at all,” Brendan said, “but thankfully we gave ourselves enough time in the project to correct those mistakes, redesign it and reprint it.”The three consulted Levy’s speech and occupational therapists for guidance on Katlyn’s needs, and worked with her teachers and family on using the adjusted stylus and software.After communicating with Levy staff, conducting more research and redesigning the product, they had Katlyn test the new stylus.“It turns out that it worked out pretty well for her,” Brendan said.After their final project presentation to the class, the group returned to Levy to visit Katlyn.“When we showed up, she picked up her stylus, pressed the iPad and it said, ‘Thank you very much for helping me.’ It was so sweet,” Jacob said. “That right there was really great. We really appreciated being able to help her, even in a small way.”The students have also provided Levy and Katlyn’s family with the information needed to continue producing the stylus and operating the software.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576853069654.jpeg" alt="Using feedback gathered from Levy staff, the students prepared a second design for Katlyn's stylus using the DigiLab. The second design is simpler, more closely resembles Katlyn's original tool and works a lot better for her." />
 <figcaption>Using feedback gathered from Levy staff, the students prepared a second design for Katlyn's stylus using the DigiLab. The second design is simpler, more closely resembles Katlyn's original tool and works a lot better for her.</figcaption>
 </figure>“We’re making an Instructable, which is part of our submission for the class,” Meg said. “It has every setting for the iPad, which they can mess around with in the future. It’s also going to have models of the design for the stylus itself, so if they want to reprint or make a little change, they can 3D print it.”This was the first time WSU engineering students had collaborated with Levy, and there are plans for future assistive technology work with the school.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576853266166.jpeg" alt="Katlyn selects programmed speech options on her iPad. Brendan, Jacob and Meg changed the user interface of the iPad software to make it easier for her to use." />
 <figcaption>Katlyn selects programmed speech options on her iPad. Brendan, Jacob and Meg changed the user interface of the iPad software to make it easier for her to use.</figcaption>
 </figure>Samantha Corcoran, ENGR 202 instructor, will initiate ENGR 302 “Accessible Design” in the spring 2020 semester.The course will focus on similar projects focused solely on assistive technology. It’s also part of the new Assistive Technology and Accessible Design undergraduate certificate program.ENGR 202 and 302 are not lecture-based, and classes meet once a week to discuss each group’s progress. This group was one of several in the class, and each group assisted a different organization.“We normally have a lot more structure. Here we had to do everything on our own and figure it out. This is how we would expect work life to be after we get out of college,” Meg said.ENGR 302 has also received a Tilford Incentive Grant for its promotion of diversity. The mission of the Tilford grant is to promote the infusion of diversity in the WSU curriculum by developing new diversity-related courses or in modifying existing courses to enhance their diversity content.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576853416226.jpeg" alt="Meg assists Katlyn with selecting speech options." />
 <figcaption>Meg assists Katlyn with selecting speech options.</figcaption>
 </figure>Katlyn is a part of the Levy Transition Program for students with disabilities from ages 18 to 21. The program prepares them to be successful in&nbsp;their identified adult environments&nbsp;by immersing them in group settings with other students, beyond traditional, one-on-one interactions with instructors.Levy Special Education Center is a facility located in west Wichita that provides a safe and stimulating learning environment where students’ needs are purposefully and meaningfully met by a team of skilled, caring professionals.Special thanks to Connie Foster, Levy teacher, for allowing WSU Strategic Communications to enter her classroom for photos and questions on a busy day of class.--<a href="http://wsu.edu">wsu.edu</a>--

WSU students create technology to aid nonverbal individual

Today is Monday, Dec. 23, the 357th day of 2019. There are eight days left in the year.

On Dec. 23, 1968, 82 crew members of the U.S. intelligence ship Pueblo were released by North Korea, 11 months after they had been captured.

In 1783, George Washington resigned as commander in chief of the Continental Army and retired to his home at Mount Vernon, Virginia.

In 1805, Joseph Smith Jr., principal founder of the Mormon religious movement, was born in Sharon, Vermont.

In 1913, the Federal Reserve System was created as President Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Reserve Act.

In 1941, during World War II, American forces on Wake Island surrendered to the Japanese.

In 1948, former Japanese premier Hideki Tojo and six other Japanese war leaders were executed in Tokyo.

In 1954, the first successful human kidney transplant took place at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston as a surgical team removed a kidney from 23-year-old Ronald Herrick and implanted it in Herrick's twin brother, Richard.

In 1972, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Nicaragua; the disaster claimed some 5,000 lives.

In 1975, Richard S. Welch, the Central Intelligence Agency station chief in Athens, was shot and killed outside his home by the militant group November 17.

In 1986, the experimental airplane Voyager, piloted by Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager, completed the first non-stop, non-refueled round-the-world flight as it returned safely to Edwards Air Force Base in California.

In 1995, a fire in Dabwali, India, killed 446 people, more than half of them children, during a year-end party being held near the children's school.

In 1997, a federal jury in Denver convicted Terry Nichols of involuntary manslaughter and conspiracy for his role in the Oklahoma City bombing, declining to find him guilty of murder. (Nichols was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.)

In 2001, Time magazine named New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani its Person of the Year for his steadfast response to the 9/11 terrorist attack.

Ten years ago: Richard and Mayumi Heene, the parents who'd pulled the "balloon boy" hoax in hopes of landing a reality TV show, were sentenced by a judge in Fort Collins, Colorado, to jail (90 days for him, 20 days for her). Gary Patterson, who'd guided TCU to its best season in 70 years, became the first Associated Press Coach of the Year from outside the six conferences with automatic BCS bids. Yitzhak Ahronovitch, captain of the Exodus during a 1947 attempt to take Holocaust survivors to Palestine, died in northern Israel at age 86.

Five years ago: The movie "The Interview" was put back into theaters when Sony Pictures Entertainment announced a limited release of the comedy that had provoked an international incident with North Korea and outrage over its canceled showing. The NFL's troubles with domestic violence were selected the sports story of the year in an annual vote conducted by The Associated Press.

One year ago: Amid criticism and fallout from the resignation of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, President Donald Trump pushed the Pentagon chief out the door two months earlier than planned; in a series of tweets, Trump appeared to question why he had put Mattis in his Cabinet in the first place.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Ronnie Schell is 88. Former Emperor Akihito of Japan is 86. Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Paul Hornung is 84. Actor Frederic Forrest is 83. Rock musician Jorma Kaukonen is 79. Rock musician Ron Bushy is 78. Actor-comedian Harry Shearer is 76. U.S. Army Gen. Wesley K. Clark (ret.) is 75. Actress Susan Lucci is 73. Singer-musician Adrian Belew is 70. Rock musician Dave Murray (Iron Maiden) is 63. Actress Joan Severance is 61. Singer Terry Weeks is 56. Rock singer Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam) is 55. The former first lady of France, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, is 52. Rock musician Jamie Murphy is 44. Jazz musician Irvin Mayfield is 42. Actress Estella Warren is 41. Actress Elvy Yost is 32. Actress Anna Maria Perez de Tagle is 29. Actor Spencer Daniels is 27. Actor Caleb Foote is 26.

Thought for Today: "Oh, for the good old days when people would stop Christmas shopping when they ran out of money." — Author unknown.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Monday, Dec. 23, the 357th day of 2019. There are eight days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Dec. 23, 1968, 82 crew members of the U.S. intelligence ship Pueblo were released by North Korea, 11 months after they had been captured.On this date:In 1783, George Washington resigned as commander in chief of the Continental Army and retired to his home at Mount Vernon, Virginia.In 1805, Joseph Smith Jr., principal founder of the Mormon religious movement, was born in Sharon, Vermont.In 1913, the Federal Reserve System was created as President Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Reserve Act.In 1941, during World War II, American forces on Wake Island surrendered to the Japanese.In 1948, former Japanese premier Hideki Tojo and six other Japanese war leaders were executed in Tokyo.In 1954, the first successful human kidney transplant took place at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston as a surgical team removed a kidney from 23-year-old Ronald Herrick and implanted it in Herrick's twin brother, Richard.In 1972, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Nicaragua; the disaster claimed some 5,000 lives.In 1975, Richard S. Welch, the Central Intelligence Agency station chief in Athens, was shot and killed outside his home by the militant group November 17.In 1986, the experimental airplane Voyager, piloted by Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager, completed the first non-stop, non-refueled round-the-world flight as it returned safely to Edwards Air Force Base in California.In 1995, a fire in Dabwali, India, killed 446 people, more than half of them children, during a year-end party being held near the children's school.In 1997, a federal jury in Denver convicted Terry Nichols of involuntary manslaughter and conspiracy for his role in the Oklahoma City bombing, declining to find him guilty of murder. (Nichols was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.)In 2001, Time magazine named New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani its Person of the Year for his steadfast response to the 9/11 terrorist attack.Ten years ago: Richard and Mayumi Heene, the parents who'd pulled the "balloon boy" hoax in hopes of landing a reality TV show, were sentenced by a judge in Fort Collins, Colorado, to jail (90 days for him, 20 days for her). Gary Patterson, who'd guided TCU to its best season in 70 years, became the first Associated Press Coach of the Year from outside the six conferences with automatic BCS bids. Yitzhak Ahronovitch, captain of the Exodus during a 1947 attempt to take Holocaust survivors to Palestine, died in northern Israel at age 86.Five years ago: The movie "The Interview" was put back into theaters when Sony Pictures Entertainment announced a limited release of the comedy that had provoked an international incident with North Korea and outrage over its canceled showing. The NFL's troubles with domestic violence were selected the sports story of the year in an annual vote conducted by The Associated Press.One year ago: Amid criticism and fallout from the resignation of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, President Donald Trump pushed the Pentagon chief out the door two months earlier than planned; in a series of tweets, Trump appeared to question why he had put Mattis in his Cabinet in the first place.Today's Birthdays: Actor Ronnie Schell is 88. Former Emperor Akihito of Japan is 86. Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Paul Hornung is 84. Actor Frederic Forrest is 83. Rock musician Jorma Kaukonen is 79. Rock musician Ron Bushy is 78. Actor-comedian Harry Shearer is 76. U.S. Army Gen. Wesley K. Clark (ret.) is 75. Actress Susan Lucci is 73. Singer-musician Adrian Belew is 70. Rock musician Dave Murray (Iron Maiden) is 63. Actress Joan Severance is 61. Singer Terry Weeks is 56. Rock singer Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam) is 55. The former first lady of France, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, is 52. Rock musician Jamie Murphy is 44. Jazz musician Irvin Mayfield is 42. Actress Estella Warren is 41. Actress Elvy Yost is 32. Actress Anna Maria Perez de Tagle is 29. Actor Spencer Daniels is 27. Actor Caleb Foote is 26.Thought for Today: "Oh, for the good old days when people would stop Christmas shopping when they ran out of money." — Author unknown.Copyright 2019, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- Dec. 23

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This overnight stay in a suite at the Fairfield by Marriott in McPherson retails for $150, but you can buy it now for $55 plus a 2.5 percent surcharge!

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.

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;

The Christmas Cyber Sale ends at midnight on Dec. 30, 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/2019/12/1577029869313.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This overnight stay in a suite at the Fairfield by Marriott in McPherson retails for $150, but you can buy it now for $55 plus a 2.5 percent surcharge!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.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;The Christmas Cyber Sale ends at midnight on Dec. 30, 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: Fairfield by Marriott stay

As you look ahead to how weather will impact your Christmas week plans, it looks mild and dry through Christmas Day, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita.

After that, it's looking like widespread precipitation may begin to impact plans by next weekend, NWS noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577028271034.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As you look ahead to how weather will impact your Christmas week plans, it looks mild and dry through Christmas Day, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita.After that, it's looking like widespread precipitation may begin to impact plans by next weekend, NWS noted.

NWS: Dry and mild through Christmas, but then...

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

Here we are at a winery in Massachusetts. Between the samples of wine, we are offered some wine-tasting crackers which help cleanse the palate between wine tastings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Where did they come from? They came from halfway across the country in rural Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s one of the healthy products offered by this innovative store in the heartland of the nation.

Last week we met Joel Gaeddert who founded Flint Hills Design in North Newton. His younger brother Aaron also operates a small business.

Aaron came to Newton to attend Bethel College, as had his parents and his older brother Joel. When Joel founded Flint Hills Design, Aaron worked for him during college and after graduation. In 2014, he had the opportunity to pursue a business of his own.

Newton had a local food cooperative that closed in 2000. After it closed, a couple of women bought some of the supplies and equipment and opened a bulk health food store of their own. It was called Prairie Harvest. They later relocated into a historic 1892 building in downtown Newton.

In 2014, Aaron Gaeddert and family had the opportunity to purchase the business. He has expanded it over time.

The business has recently been rebranded as Prairy. That’s Prairy spelled with a Y as in the title of the book PrairyErth by the author William Least-Heat Moon. That book is about Chase County in the heart of the Flint Hills of Kansas.

Prairy is now the overall name for this multifaceted business. “We began as a full line natural foods store but we have branched out and expanded,” Aaron said. The business now includes a deli restaurant, catering, wholesale products, and online sales.

“When we started, natural foods was a niche,” he noted. “Now it has become more mainstream. We’re evolving toward specialty foods and drinks, with an emphasis on locally grown products.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576705148452.jpeg" alt="Aaron&nbsp;Gaeddert. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Aaron&nbsp;Gaeddert. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Kansas State UniversityHere we are at a winery in Massachusetts. Between the samples of wine, we are offered some wine-tasting crackers which help cleanse the palate between wine tastings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Where did they come from? They came from halfway across the country in rural Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s one of the healthy products offered by this innovative store in the heartland of the nation.Last week we met Joel Gaeddert who founded Flint Hills Design in North Newton. His younger brother Aaron also operates a small business.Aaron came to Newton to attend Bethel College, as had his parents and his older brother Joel. When Joel founded Flint Hills Design, Aaron worked for him during college and after graduation. In 2014, he had the opportunity to pursue a business of his own.Newton had a local food cooperative that closed in 2000. After it closed, a couple of women bought some of the supplies and equipment and opened a bulk health food store of their own. It was called Prairie Harvest. They later relocated into a historic 1892 building in downtown Newton.In 2014, Aaron Gaeddert and family had the opportunity to purchase the business. He has expanded it over time.The business has recently been rebranded as Prairy. That’s Prairy spelled with a Y as in the title of the book PrairyErth by the author William Least-Heat Moon. That book is about Chase County in the heart of the Flint Hills of Kansas.Prairy is now the overall name for this multifaceted business. “We began as a full line natural foods store but we have branched out and expanded,” Aaron said. The business now includes a deli restaurant, catering, wholesale products, and online sales.“When we started, natural foods was a niche,” he noted. “Now it has become more mainstream. We’re evolving toward specialty foods and drinks, with an emphasis on locally grown products.”The Prairy store now offers local and organic produce, locally supplied meat from area farmers and ranchers, and bulk foods and spices. These include bulk grains, beans, coffee, tea, and more. Customers of the bulk products can buy containers and then pick up as much or as little of the products as needed.Prairy has also opened a juice bar which offers made-in-Kansas kombucha and cold brewed coffee. The in-store restaurant offers a hot lunch, Monday through Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hot food options usually include soup and homemade comfort foods such as pot pie, mac and cheese, taco bar, or something similar.Their historic building downtown has a mezzanine which has been converted into a beautiful event space. The next natural progression was to do catering there. Prairy catering can cover everything from formal five-course meals to party platters and appetizers.Another product line is offered for online shopping. Those products include Prairy Bites, Prairy Provisions, and Prairy Life.&nbsp;&nbsp;Prairy Bites are bite-size cookies and crackers, inspired by the German Mennonite tradition of pfeffernusse. “Our grandmother made German spice cookies,” Aaron said. The previous owners had purchased a peppernut cookie business from a woman in the nearby rural community of Goessel, population 539 people. Now, that’s rural.They used these classic family recipes and expanded the business. “My sister-in-law’s grandmother had a Swedish cookie recipe,” Aaron said. They added other cookie flavors such as chocolate crunch, orange dream and lemon sugar, in addition to the afore-mentioned wine tasting crackers. There are wheat-free and anise-free options as well.Prairy Provisions includes various types of trail mixes and granola, plus coffee, peanut butter, and more. Prairy Life refers to a line of prairie-themed greeting cards and candles.All these products are available online. These products have gone from California to New York.For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.prairy.com/" target="_blank">www.prairy.com</a>.It’s time to leave this winery in Massachusetts where we found wine-tasting crackers which came from Kansas. We salute Aaron Gaeddert for making a difference with entrepreneurial expansion based on healthy foods. It certainly leaves a good taste in my mouth.And there’s more. We’ve met Aaron and Joel, but there was one more brother. He followed the entrepreneurial trail also. We’ll learn about his business next week.Audio and text files of Kansas Profiles are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasprofile.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kansasprofile.com</a>. For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.