Snowfall totals varied across the region as two counties in our area remain under a winter weather advisory until this evening.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, Marion and McPherson counties remain in a winter weather advisory until 6 p.m. Monday.

NWS noted that 2 to 4 inches of snow with locally higher amounts are expected across the area today into the late afternoon.

Additionally, snowfall is expected across central and south-central Kansas into mid-afternoon. The heaviest snowfall is expected along a line from Harper to Wichita to Cottonwood Falls.

Areas of freezing drizzle or freezing rain can be expected over parts of southeast Kansas. Roadways are expected to be slick and as such, travel is not recommended.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576518560743.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Snowfall totals varied across the region as two counties in our area remain under a winter weather advisory until this evening.According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, Marion and McPherson counties remain in a winter weather advisory until 6 p.m. Monday.NWS noted that 2 to 4 inches of snow with locally higher amounts are expected across the area today into the late afternoon.Additionally, snowfall is expected across central and south-central Kansas into mid-afternoon. The heaviest snowfall is expected along a line from Harper to Wichita to Cottonwood Falls.Areas of freezing drizzle or freezing rain can be expected over parts of southeast Kansas. Roadways are expected to be slick and as such, travel is not recommended.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576518712000.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Snowfall totals vary; winter weather advisory continues for two counties

Police are investigating an incident in which a firearm was discharged into a house in central Salina on Friday afternoon. 

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said police were dispatched to the 900 block of Custer at approximately 4:30 p.m. Friday after a neighbor reported hearing a gunshot and noticed that a window on a nearby residence was broken. 

A 37-year-old Salina woman and her two children -- a two-year-old girl and seven-year-old boy -- were in the residence at the time of the shooting, he said. No one was injured in the incident, Forrester said.

It appears that the shot was fired from the alley behind the house, he said. The bullet broke up as it passed through the window frame, Forrester added.

Total damage was estimated at $1,000, Forrester said.

Police are investigating an incident in which a firearm was discharged into a house in central Salina on Friday afternoon. Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said police were dispatched to the 900 block of Custer at approximately 4:30 p.m. Friday after a neighbor reported hearing a gunshot and noticed that a window on a nearby residence was broken. A 37-year-old Salina woman and her two children -- a two-year-old girl and seven-year-old boy -- were in the residence at the time of the shooting, he said. No one was injured in the incident, Forrester said.It appears that the shot was fired from the alley behind the house, he said. The bullet broke up as it passed through the window frame, Forrester added.Total damage was estimated at $1,000, Forrester said.

Bullet fired into central Salina residence on Friday

Salina USD 305 has announced that there will be no school at Sunset Elementary School Monday.

"Because of a down powerline Sunset Elementary will not have school today, Monday, December 16. The building is without power and it will likely take several hours to get the power restored," Jennifer Bradford-Vernon wrote in a notification to media.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576515982155.jpeg" alt="Sunset Elementary School. Photo courtesy <a href="https://www.usd305.com/">Salina USD 305</a>" />
 <figcaption>Sunset Elementary School. Photo courtesy <a href="https://www.usd305.com/">Salina USD 305</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Salina USD 305 has announced that there will be no school at Sunset Elementary School Monday."Because of a down powerline Sunset Elementary will not have school today, Monday, December 16. The building is without power and it will likely take several hours to get the power restored," Jennifer Bradford-Vernon wrote in a notification to media.

Downed power line cancels school for Sunset Elementary

A Salina man was arrested on suspicion of criminal threat and battery of a law enforcement officer after an incident Friday afternoon.

Officers were dispatched to Affordable Transportation, 1818 South Broadway Boulevard, about 12:30 p.m. Friday after a 59-year-old McPherson man and a 44-year-old Moundridge woman reported being threatened, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said Monday.

The two reported that they were in the parking lot of Affordable Transportation when Justin Howard, 23, of Salina, walked by yelling profanities at them and threatening to shoot them, Forrester said. Howard also allegedly swung his fist at the man, but missed, he said. 

Howard left the scene, but returned while police were reviewing surveillance video to confirm the man and woman's story, Forrester said. Officers tried to take Howard into custody, but he allegedly disobeyed police orders, took a fighting stance, and swung his fist at one of the officers, Forrester said.

During the incident, one of the officers received a concussion when he was pushed to the ground and struck his head on the concrete, Forrester explained.

Howard was finally taken into custody and arrested on suspicion of the following, Forrester said.

Felony interference with a law enforcement officer

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576333792703.jpeg" alt="Justin Howard. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Justin Howard. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>A Salina man was arrested on suspicion of criminal threat and battery of a law enforcement officer after an incident Friday afternoon.Officers were dispatched to Affordable Transportation, 1818 South Broadway Boulevard, about 12:30 p.m. Friday after a 59-year-old McPherson man and a 44-year-old Moundridge woman reported being threatened, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said Monday.The two reported that they were in the parking lot of Affordable Transportation when Justin Howard, 23, of Salina, walked by yelling profanities at them and threatening to shoot them, Forrester said. Howard also allegedly swung his fist at the man, but missed, he said. Howard left the scene, but returned while police were reviewing surveillance video to confirm the man and woman's story, Forrester said. Officers tried to take Howard into custody, but he allegedly disobeyed police orders, took a fighting stance, and swung his fist at one of the officers, Forrester said.During the incident, one of the officers received a concussion when he was pushed to the ground and struck his head on the concrete, Forrester explained.Howard was finally taken into custody and arrested on suspicion of the following, Forrester said.Criminal threatBattery of a law enforcement officerAssault of a law enforcement officerAssaultFelony interference with a law enforcement officer

Salina man arrested on suspicion of criminal threat, battery of LEO

Following are closings/postponements in our area due to the weather. We will update the list as information becomes available.

Beloit&nbsp;USD 273, delayed two hours

Canton-Galva&nbsp;USD 419, closed. No evening activities

CAPS-Salina, no&nbsp;Respite Child Care this morning. The office will open at 10:30 a.m.

Central Plains&nbsp;USD 112, opening two hours late

Chapman Senior Center, closed. No meals served onsite and there will be no deliveries in Chapman or Enterprise.

Chapman USD 473&nbsp;schools closed&nbsp;

Cornerstone Classical School-Salina, closed

Ell-Saline&nbsp;USD 307, closed. All scheduled activities canceled

Ellsworth&nbsp;USD 327, two-hour delay

Elyria Christian School-McPherson, closed. No evening activities

Fort Riley, operating on two-hour delay

Glasco-Miltonvale&nbsp;USD 334, opening two hours late

Goessel&nbsp;USD 411, closed. No evening activities

Herington&nbsp;USD 487,&nbsp;closed&nbsp;

Hillsboro&nbsp;USD 410, closed. All scheduled activities canceled

Lincoln USD 298, opening two hours late

Marion&nbsp;USD 408, closed. All scheduled activities canceled

McPherson&nbsp;USD 418, closed

Moundridge&nbsp;USD 423, closed. All scheduled activities canceled

North Ottawa County&nbsp;USD 239, closed. All scheduled activities canceled

Peabody-Burns&nbsp;USD 398, closed

Rock Hills&nbsp;USD 107, opening two hours late

St. Andrews Elementary - Abilene,&nbsp;closed&nbsp;

St. Joseph Elementary - McPherson, closed

Salina Area Technical College, no classes

Salina Meals on Wheels, no delivery

Smoky Valley&nbsp;USD 400, closed&nbsp;

Solomon USD 393, closed. All scheduled activities canceled

Sonshine Preschool - McPherson, closed

Southeast of Saline USD 306, closed. All scheduled activities canceled

Sylvan Grove&nbsp;USD 299, two-hour delay

Waconda&nbsp;USD 272,&nbsp; two-hour delay

All OCCK transportation services&nbsp;closed Monday

Lindsborg Covenant Church, no evening activities

Chapman USD 473 band and choir holiday concert postponed to Jan. 12, 2020

Fort Riley's&nbsp;1st Infantry Division Band concert in the&nbsp;C. L. Hoover Opera House in Junction City has been canceled

McPherson Church of Christ, no evening services

USD 333 Concordia, grades&nbsp;7-12 vocal and band concert postponed

Rolling Hills Zoo will be closed Sunday

Abilene schools band concerts scheduled for Sunday afternoon. Superintendent Greg Brown noted that "if you are interested in purchasing a CD of the Christmas music that was going to be played by the high school and the middle school during this concert, please contact the high school or the middle school office this week."

Assaria Lutheran Church, morning services only

Falun Lutheran Church, no services

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576433029707.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following are closings/postponements in our area due to the weather. We will update the list as information becomes available.<h2>MONDAY</h2>Abilene USD 435, closedBeloit&nbsp;USD 273, delayed two hoursCanton-Galva&nbsp;USD 419, closed. No evening activitiesCAPS-Salina, no&nbsp;Respite Child Care this morning. The office will open at 10:30 a.m.Central Plains&nbsp;USD 112, opening two hours lateCentre USD 397,&nbsp;closed&nbsp;Chapman Senior Center, closed. No meals served onsite and there will be no deliveries in Chapman or Enterprise.Chapman USD 473&nbsp;schools closed&nbsp;Clay Center&nbsp;USD 379, closedCornerstone Classical School-Salina, closedEll-Saline&nbsp;USD 307, closed. All scheduled activities canceledEllsworth&nbsp;USD 327, two-hour delayElyria Christian School-McPherson, closed. No evening activitiesFort Riley, operating on two-hour delayGlasco-Miltonvale&nbsp;USD 334, opening two hours lateGoessel&nbsp;USD 411, closed. No evening activitiesHerington&nbsp;USD 487,&nbsp;closed&nbsp;Hillsboro Senior Center, closedHillsboro&nbsp;USD 410, closed. All scheduled activities canceledInman USD 448,&nbsp; closedLincoln USD 298, opening two hours lateMarion&nbsp;USD 408, closed. All scheduled activities canceledMcPherson&nbsp;USD 418, closedMoundridge&nbsp;USD 423, closed. All scheduled activities canceledNorth Ottawa County&nbsp;USD 239, closed. All scheduled activities canceledPeabody-Burns&nbsp;USD 398, closedRock Hills&nbsp;USD 107, opening two hours lateSt. Andrews Elementary - Abilene,&nbsp;closed&nbsp; St. Joseph Elementary - McPherson, closedSalina Area Technical College, no classesSalina Meals on Wheels, no deliverySalina USD 305, two-hour delaySmoky Valley&nbsp;USD 400, closed&nbsp;Solomon USD 393, closed. All scheduled activities canceledSonshine Preschool - McPherson, closedSoutheast of Saline USD 306, closed. All scheduled activities canceledSylvan Grove&nbsp;USD 299, two-hour delayWaconda&nbsp;USD 272,&nbsp; two-hour delayAll OCCK transportation services&nbsp;closed Monday<h2>SUNDAY</h2>Lindsborg Covenant Church, no evening activitiesChapman USD 473 band and choir holiday concert postponed to Jan. 12, 2020Fort Riley's&nbsp;1st Infantry Division Band concert in the&nbsp;C. L. Hoover Opera House in Junction City has been canceledMcPherson Church of Christ, no evening servicesUSD 333 Concordia, grades&nbsp;7-12 vocal and band concert postponedRolling Hills Zoo will be closed SundayAbilene schools band concerts scheduled for Sunday afternoon. Superintendent Greg Brown noted that "if you are interested in purchasing a CD of the Christmas music that was going to be played by the high school and the middle school during this concert, please contact the high school or the middle school office this week."VFW Post 1432 - Salina, closedAssaria Lutheran Church, morning services onlyFalun Lutheran Church, no services

Weather closings, postponements, delays

No, x = x + 1 does not make sense in algebra. But yes, it is a simple but important line in a computer program, used as a “counter.” Each time a calculation is made, the program routes back through this line with a “go to” and increases the number by one, generating a numerically-ordered list in the output.&nbsp; &nbsp;

That line of partial code is all that I remember from 10 college credit hours of BASIC, FORTRAN and PASCAL computer programming courses at the university level. Wrongly considered absolutely necessary for performing science analyses, these courses were rapidly outdated and useless in my field. If a person went into a related IT job, these programming languages would have been useful for a few years. But programming continually evolves, and the learning and re-learning would have to continue. &nbsp;

Yet, “coding” and “computational thinking” are the current educational buzzwords, promising us that America can regain its educational prominence only if every elementary child starts coding today.&nbsp; <a href="http://Code.org">Code.org</a> is rapidly expanding efforts to get every American child coding in every school. And who is a sponsor of <a href="http://Code.org">Code.org</a>?:&nbsp; Facebook, Microsoft, Infosys Foundation USA, Amazon, Google, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and an extensive list of futuristic Ed-Teck companies and agencies that equate computer literacy and digital usage with advancement. Unfortunately, as our younger students’ obsession with digital devices increases, their performance in reading, math and science has declined.

I often joke that when we oldsters can’t figure out some new device, we have to call on a ten year old. That is to some extent true. But when those ten year olds become a few years older, they too have to re-learn on their new devices or ask younger siblings. The rate of digital obsolescence is astounding. For school administrators, they hear the Ed-Tech industrial complex proclaim “You can’t teach tomorrow’s students with today’s technology” and believe they need to junk the devices they just unpacked.

Yes, there is a demand for computer programmers and too few American graduates. Surveys show that the United States only produces about 4.5 percent of the world’s computer science graduates while India graduates 20.7 percent and China turns out 37.3 percent. Based on 2017 data, the&nbsp;Economist&nbsp;predicted the unfilled U.S. jobs in information technology (IT) and computing would surpass one million by 2020, while producing only 56,000 U.S. graduates annually with credentials needed by IT firms. Thus, the U.S. relies on foreign-trained graduates who come to the U.S. under H1B visas, especially from India.

<a href="http://Code.org">Code.org</a> aspires to grow a new generation of American students, starting in grade school, to fill those future vacancies. But coding languages will continue to evolve. A computer language learned in elementary school will likely be far out-of-date by the time they graduate high school. Therefore advocates switch to the term “computational thinking.”

Computational thinking (CT) is defined as mental skills required to understand a problem and thinking like a computer scientist to pose the problem in a way a computer could potentially solve it. This does not require a computer and is not coding. It is just a format for critical thinking, alluding to a three-step thinking process supposedly related to computing: 1) gather a dataset, 2) identify patterns, and 3) break down the information into likely trends and disregard outliers.

There are certainly good reasons to learn word processing, EXCEL and other programs specific to future work. But those are not coding nor CT, and they too will rapidly evolve, requiring on-the-job re-training. &nbsp;

At the December Kansas State Board of Education meeting, it was proposed that computer literacy be incorporated into the K–12 curriculum. Furthermore, in high school a computer course would substitute for either a math or science graduation requirement. However, most current computer courses are taught by business teachers. This issue will be voted on at their January 2020 meeting.

Unfortunately, O.E.C.D. data show the U.S. is lagging even further behind in science, technology, engineering and math fields. Based on the percentage of college graduates in those fields, South Korea tops the list, followed by Germany, Sweden, Finland, France and 33 others. The United States ranks at 39. Replace one of our minimal science and math courses with a CT course and America can fall even further behind.



<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573490075841.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN RICHARD SCHROCK

X equals X plus One! Really? &nbsp;No, x = x + 1 does not make sense in algebra. But yes, it is a simple but important line in a computer program, used as a “counter.” Each time a calculation is made, the program routes back through this line with a “go to” and increases the number by one, generating a numerically-ordered list in the output.&nbsp; &nbsp;That line of partial code is all that I remember from 10 college credit hours of BASIC, FORTRAN and PASCAL computer programming courses at the university level. Wrongly considered absolutely necessary for performing science analyses, these courses were rapidly outdated and useless in my field. If a person went into a related IT job, these programming languages would have been useful for a few years. But programming continually evolves, and the learning and re-learning would have to continue. &nbsp;Yet, “coding” and “computational thinking” are the current educational buzzwords, promising us that America can regain its educational prominence only if every elementary child starts coding today.&nbsp; <a href="http://Code.org">Code.org</a> is rapidly expanding efforts to get every American child coding in every school. And who is a sponsor of <a href="http://Code.org">Code.org</a>?:&nbsp; Facebook, Microsoft, Infosys Foundation USA, Amazon, Google, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and an extensive list of futuristic Ed-Teck companies and agencies that equate computer literacy and digital usage with advancement. Unfortunately, as our younger students’ obsession with digital devices increases, their performance in reading, math and science has declined.I often joke that when we oldsters can’t figure out some new device, we have to call on a ten year old. That is to some extent true. But when those ten year olds become a few years older, they too have to re-learn on their new devices or ask younger siblings. The rate of digital obsolescence is astounding. For school administrators, they hear the Ed-Tech industrial complex proclaim “You can’t teach tomorrow’s students with today’s technology” and believe they need to junk the devices they just unpacked.Yes, there is a demand for computer programmers and too few American graduates. Surveys show that the United States only produces about 4.5 percent of the world’s computer science graduates while India graduates 20.7 percent and China turns out 37.3 percent. Based on 2017 data, the&nbsp;Economist&nbsp;predicted the unfilled U.S. jobs in information technology (IT) and computing would surpass one million by 2020, while producing only 56,000 U.S. graduates annually with credentials needed by IT firms. Thus, the U.S. relies on foreign-trained graduates who come to the U.S. under H1B visas, especially from India.<a href="http://Code.org">Code.org</a> aspires to grow a new generation of American students, starting in grade school, to fill those future vacancies. But coding languages will continue to evolve. A computer language learned in elementary school will likely be far out-of-date by the time they graduate high school. Therefore advocates switch to the term “computational thinking.”Computational thinking (CT) is defined as mental skills required to understand a problem and thinking like a computer scientist to pose the problem in a way a computer could potentially solve it. This does not require a computer and is not coding. It is just a format for critical thinking, alluding to a three-step thinking process supposedly related to computing: 1) gather a dataset, 2) identify patterns, and 3) break down the information into likely trends and disregard outliers.There are certainly good reasons to learn word processing, EXCEL and other programs specific to future work. But those are not coding nor CT, and they too will rapidly evolve, requiring on-the-job re-training. &nbsp;At the December Kansas State Board of Education meeting, it was proposed that computer literacy be incorporated into the K–12 curriculum. Furthermore, in high school a computer course would substitute for either a math or science graduation requirement. However, most current computer courses are taught by business teachers. This issue will be voted on at their January 2020 meeting.Unfortunately, O.E.C.D. data show the U.S. is lagging even further behind in science, technology, engineering and math fields. Based on the percentage of college graduates in those fields, South Korea tops the list, followed by Germany, Sweden, Finland, France and 33 others. The United States ranks at 39. Replace one of our minimal science and math courses with a CT course and America can fall even further behind.

Education Frontlines: Digital delusions

PRATT – First Day Hike events will be held on New Year’s Day at 21 of Kansas’ state parks, providing the perfect opportunity to walk off some of those holiday calories, enjoy nature, and welcome in the New Year with family and friends. 

If you need more convincing, free First Day Hike t-shirts will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“We are excited to host First Day Hikes as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into our parks,” said Linda Lanterman, Parks division director for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. “First Day Hikes are a great way to cure cabin fever and burn off those extra holiday calories by starting off the New Year with an invigorating walk or hike in one of our beautiful state parks.”

All states, including Kansas, began offering First Day Hikes in 2012 after originating in Massachusetts more than 25 years ago. Last year in the U.S., more than 75,000 people participated in 1,300 guided hikes that covered more than 150,000 miles.

First Day Hikes are generally one to two miles of exercise and led by knowledgeable park staff who offer an educational experience, as well. Native prairies, rugged woodlands and scenic lake shores may be some of the family-friendly terrain hikers will encounter. Odds are you will see wildlife – perhaps even bald eagles – so be sure to bring binoculars.

After the hike, many state parks will offer refreshments and snacks in the park office, but hikers are encouraged to bring their own water and snacks to enjoy during the outing. Leashed pets are also welcome.

While the guided hikes are free, participants will need a vehicle permit to drive into the park. Daily vehicle permits are available for $5 at self-serve stations located in each park. Some park offices will be open to sell daily vehicle permits as well as $25 annual passes for those looking to make hiking at Kansas state parks a habit!

Consider attending a First Day Hike near you. More information, including news if hikes are cancelled due to weather, may be found on select state park Facebook pages.

Cedar Bluff State Park – Meet at the park office at 10 a.m. to hike the 1.25-mile moderate terrain Bluffton Trail, open to hikers of all ages.

Cheney State Park – Meet at the park office at 2 p.m. for the 1.5-mile West Side Nature Trail hike; easy to moderate terrain. All ages welcome.

Clinton State Park – Meet at the entrance of Campground #3 at 10 a.m. to hike on the X-Country Ski Trail. The 1-mile route is through easy terrain; all ages welcome.

Crawford State Park – Meet at the beach shelter house at 10 a.m. to hike the 2-mile Deer Run Nature Trail, which includes easy to moderate terrain suited for all ages.

El Dorado State Park – Meet at the Walnut River Cabins at 1 p.m. for a 2-mile Walnut River Trail hike. The easy to moderate terrain is perfect for hikers of all ages.

Elk City State Park – Meet at 11 a.m. at the Overlook trailhead for a 1-mile hike on the Table Mound Hiking Trail. The trail’s moderate terrain is open to hikers of all ages.

Fall River State Park – Meet at the Fall River maintenance shop at 2 p.m. to hike the three-quarter-mile Post Oak Trail. The moderate terrain is ideal for hikers of all ages.

Flint Hills Trail State Park – Meet at the old depot in Ottawa at 2 p.m. to hike 2 miles of easy terrain perfect for all ages.

Green Recreational Trail in Pratt – Meet at 1 p.m. at the KDWPT barn/shop to hike 1 mile of easy to moderate terrain, open for all ages to enjoy.

Hillsdale State Park – Meet at the park office at 10:30 a.m. to hike on the Hidden Springs Nature Trail. The 1.5 miles of easy terrain is recommended for hikers age six and up.

Historic Lake Scott State Park – Meet at the trail head at 10 a.m. to hike the Historic Lake Scott Multi-Use Trail. The moderate terrain hike is 1 to 2 miles long and is open to all ages.

Kanopolis State Park – Meet at the park office at 10 a.m. to hike the Split Boulder Trail. The 1.6-mile trail can be navigated by hikers of all ages.

Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park – Meet at the park office at noon for one of two hikes: Life on the Rocks Trail hike or the Little Jerusalem Badlands Off Trail hike. The Life of the Rocks Trail is 1 to 2 miles over easy terrain, while the Little Jerusalem Badlands Off Trail is a 1-mile hike through advanced terrain. Both hikes are open to all ages.

Meade State Park – Meet at the park office at 3 p.m. for the Eagle Trail hike. All ages are welcome for the 2.5-mile trail of easy terrain.

Milford State Park – Meet at the Crystal Trail parking lot near the Walnut Grove Campground at 1 p.m. to hike on the Crystal Trail. The 2.18-mile trail includes moderate terrain and is open to hikers of all ages.

Perry State Park – Meet at the day use area in the Wild Horse Campground at 10 a.m. to hike the 1.5-mile Jack-O-Lope Trail. The easy terrain is ideal for all ages.

Pomona State Park – Meet at the park office at 1 p.m. for a 2-mile hike around several campgrounds. Hikers of all ages are welcome to enjoy the easy terrain.

Prairie Dog (Norton) State Park – Meet at the Nature Trail parking lot at 8 a.m. for a 1.4-mile hike over moderate terrain open to all ages.

Sand Hills State Park – Meet at the park office/cabin at 10 a.m. to hike the 1-mile Dune and Prairie trails, which include easy to moderate terrain. All ages welcome.

Tuttle Creek State Park – Meet at the park office at 10:30 a.m. to hike the Western Heritage Trail. This hike is open to hikers of all ages and includes easy terrain covering 1 to 3 miles.

Wilson State Park – Meet at the Cedar Trail parking lot at 1 p.m. to hike 1 mile over easy terrain. All ages welcome.

To learn more about what Kansas state parks can offer you, visit <a href="http://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks">ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576472925393.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy KDWPT" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KDWPT</figcaption>
 </figure>PRATT – First Day Hike events will be held on New Year’s Day at 21 of Kansas’ state parks, providing the perfect opportunity to walk off some of those holiday calories, enjoy nature, and welcome in the New Year with family and friends. If you need more convincing, free First Day Hike t-shirts will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.“We are excited to host First Day Hikes as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into our parks,” said Linda Lanterman, Parks division director for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. “First Day Hikes are a great way to cure cabin fever and burn off those extra holiday calories by starting off the New Year with an invigorating walk or hike in one of our beautiful state parks.”All states, including Kansas, began offering First Day Hikes in 2012 after originating in Massachusetts more than 25 years ago. Last year in the U.S., more than 75,000 people participated in 1,300 guided hikes that covered more than 150,000 miles.First Day Hikes are generally one to two miles of exercise and led by knowledgeable park staff who offer an educational experience, as well. Native prairies, rugged woodlands and scenic lake shores may be some of the family-friendly terrain hikers will encounter. Odds are you will see wildlife – perhaps even bald eagles – so be sure to bring binoculars.After the hike, many state parks will offer refreshments and snacks in the park office, but hikers are encouraged to bring their own water and snacks to enjoy during the outing. Leashed pets are also welcome.While the guided hikes are free, participants will need a vehicle permit to drive into the park. Daily vehicle permits are available for $5 at self-serve stations located in each park. Some park offices will be open to sell daily vehicle permits as well as $25 annual passes for those looking to make hiking at Kansas state parks a habit!Consider attending a First Day Hike near you. More information, including news if hikes are cancelled due to weather, may be found on select state park Facebook pages.Cedar Bluff State Park – Meet at the park office at 10 a.m. to hike the 1.25-mile moderate terrain Bluffton Trail, open to hikers of all ages.Cheney State Park – Meet at the park office at 2 p.m. for the 1.5-mile West Side Nature Trail hike; easy to moderate terrain. All ages welcome.Clinton State Park – Meet at the entrance of Campground #3 at 10 a.m. to hike on the X-Country Ski Trail. The 1-mile route is through easy terrain; all ages welcome.Crawford State Park – Meet at the beach shelter house at 10 a.m. to hike the 2-mile Deer Run Nature Trail, which includes easy to moderate terrain suited for all ages.El Dorado State Park – Meet at the Walnut River Cabins at 1 p.m. for a 2-mile Walnut River Trail hike. The easy to moderate terrain is perfect for hikers of all ages.Elk City State Park – Meet at 11 a.m. at the Overlook trailhead for a 1-mile hike on the Table Mound Hiking Trail. The trail’s moderate terrain is open to hikers of all ages.Fall River State Park – Meet at the Fall River maintenance shop at 2 p.m. to hike the three-quarter-mile Post Oak Trail. The moderate terrain is ideal for hikers of all ages.Flint Hills Trail State Park – Meet at the old depot in Ottawa at 2 p.m. to hike 2 miles of easy terrain perfect for all ages.Green Recreational Trail in Pratt – Meet at 1 p.m. at the KDWPT barn/shop to hike 1 mile of easy to moderate terrain, open for all ages to enjoy.Hillsdale State Park – Meet at the park office at 10:30 a.m. to hike on the Hidden Springs Nature Trail. The 1.5 miles of easy terrain is recommended for hikers age six and up.Historic Lake Scott State Park – Meet at the trail head at 10 a.m. to hike the Historic Lake Scott Multi-Use Trail. The moderate terrain hike is 1 to 2 miles long and is open to all ages.Kanopolis State Park – Meet at the park office at 10 a.m. to hike the Split Boulder Trail. The 1.6-mile trail can be navigated by hikers of all ages.Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park – Meet at the park office at noon for one of two hikes: Life on the Rocks Trail hike or the Little Jerusalem Badlands Off Trail hike. The Life of the Rocks Trail is 1 to 2 miles over easy terrain, while the Little Jerusalem Badlands Off Trail is a 1-mile hike through advanced terrain. Both hikes are open to all ages.Meade State Park – Meet at the park office at 3 p.m. for the Eagle Trail hike. All ages are welcome for the 2.5-mile trail of easy terrain.Milford State Park – Meet at the Crystal Trail parking lot near the Walnut Grove Campground at 1 p.m. to hike on the Crystal Trail. The 2.18-mile trail includes moderate terrain and is open to hikers of all ages.Perry State Park – Meet at the day use area in the Wild Horse Campground at 10 a.m. to hike the 1.5-mile Jack-O-Lope Trail. The easy terrain is ideal for all ages.Pomona State Park – Meet at the park office at 1 p.m. for a 2-mile hike around several campgrounds. Hikers of all ages are welcome to enjoy the easy terrain.Prairie Dog (Norton) State Park – Meet at the Nature Trail parking lot at 8 a.m. for a 1.4-mile hike over moderate terrain open to all ages.Sand Hills State Park – Meet at the park office/cabin at 10 a.m. to hike the 1-mile Dune and Prairie trails, which include easy to moderate terrain. All ages welcome.Tuttle Creek State Park – Meet at the park office at 10:30 a.m. to hike the Western Heritage Trail. This hike is open to hikers of all ages and includes easy terrain covering 1 to 3 miles.Wilson State Park – Meet at the Cedar Trail parking lot at 1 p.m. to hike 1 mile over easy terrain. All ages welcome.To learn more about what Kansas state parks can offer you, visit <a href="http://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks">ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks</a>.

 Walk off the holidays with a First Day Hike

Today is Monday, Dec. 16, the 350th day of 2019. There are 15 days left in the year.

On Dec. 16, 1773, the Boston Tea Party took place as American colonists boarded a British ship and dumped more than 300 chests of tea into Boston Harbor to protest tea taxes.

In 1653, Oliver Cromwell became lord protector of England, Scotland and Ireland.

In 1859, Wilhelm Grimm, the younger of the story-writing Brothers Grimm, died in Berlin at age 73.

In 1905, the entertainment trade publication Variety came out with its first weekly issue.

In 1907, 16 U.S. Navy battleships, which came to be known as the "Great White Fleet," set sail on a 14-month round-the-world voyage to demonstrate American sea power.

In 1944, the World War II Battle of the Bulge began as German forces launched a surprise attack against Allied forces through the Ardennes Forest in Belgium and Luxembourg (the Allies were eventually able to turn the Germans back).

In 1950, President Harry S. Truman proclaimed a national state of emergency in order to fight "world conquest by Communist imperialism."

In 1960, 134 people were killed when a United Air Lines DC-8 and a TWA Super Constellation collided over New York City.

In 1982, Environmental Protection Agency head Anne M. Gorsuch became the first Cabinet-level officer to be cited for contempt of Congress for refusing to submit documents requested by a congressional committee.

In 1985, at services in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, President Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy, offered condolences to families of 248 soldiers killed in the crash of a chartered plane in Newfoundland.

In 1991, the U.N. General Assembly rescinded its 1975 resolution equating Zionism with racism by a vote of 111-25.

In 2000, President-elect George W. Bush selected Colin Powell to become the first African-American secretary of state.

In 2001, after nine weeks of fighting, Afghan militia leaders claimed control of the last mountain bastion of Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida fighters, but bin Laden himself was nowhere to be seen.

Ten years ago: Two hundred Mexican Marines raided an upscale apartment complex and killed drug cartel chief Arturo Beltran Leyva in a two-hour gunbattle. Iran test-fired a missile capable of hitting Israel and parts of Europe. Police fired pepper spray and beat protesters with batons outside the U.N. climate conference in Copenhagen. Tiger Woods was voted Athlete of the Decade by members of The Associated Press. Yegor Gaidar, 53, who oversaw Russia's painful transition from communism to a free market economy, died in Moscow. Roy E. Disney, 79, the son and nephew of the Walt Disney Co. founders, died in Newport Beach, California.

Five years ago: Taliban gunmen stormed a military-run school in the northwestern Pakistan city of Peshawar, killing at least 148 people, mostly children. Nick Bjugstad scored the game-winning goal in the longest shootout in NHL history to lift the Florida Panthers over the Washington Capitals 2-1.

One year ago: With the threat of a partial government shutdown looming, the White House dug in on its demand for $5 billion to build a border wall as congressional Democrats stood firm against it. As a number of probes moved closer to the Oval Office, President Donald Trump and his attorney unleashed a fresh series of attacks on special counsel Robert Mueller and federal prosecutors in New York, while categorically ruling out a presidential interview with Mueller.

Today's Birthdays: Civil rights attorney Morris Dees is 83. Actress Joyce Bulifant is 82. Actress Liv Ullmann is 81. CBS news correspondent Lesley Stahl is 78. Pop musician Tony Hicks (The Hollies) is 74. Pop singer Benny Andersson (ABBA) is 73. Actor Ben Cross is 72. Rock singer-musician Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) is 70. Rock musician Bill Bateman (The Blasters) is 68. Actor Xander Berkeley is 64. Actress Alison LaPlaca is 60. Actor Sam Robards is 58. Actor Jon Tenney is 58. Actor Benjamin Bratt is 56. Country singer-songwriter Jeff Carson is 56. Actor-comedian JB Smoove is 54. Actress Miranda Otto is 52. Actor Daniel Cosgrove is 49. Rhythm-and-blues singer Michael McCary is 48. Actor Jonathan Scarfe is 44. Actress Krysten Ritter is 38. Actress Zoe Jarman is 37. Country musician Chris Scruggs is 37. Actor Theo James is 35. Actress Amanda Setton is 34. Rock musician Dave Rublin (American Authors) is 33. Actress Hallee Hirsh is 32. Actress Anna Popplewell is 31. Actor Stephan James is 26.

Thought for Today: "It's discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit." — Sir Noel Coward, English actor, playwright, composer (born this date, 1899; died in 1973).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Monday, Dec. 16, the 350th day of 2019. There are 15 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Dec. 16, 1773, the Boston Tea Party took place as American colonists boarded a British ship and dumped more than 300 chests of tea into Boston Harbor to protest tea taxes.On this date:In 1653, Oliver Cromwell became lord protector of England, Scotland and Ireland.In 1859, Wilhelm Grimm, the younger of the story-writing Brothers Grimm, died in Berlin at age 73.In 1905, the entertainment trade publication Variety came out with its first weekly issue.In 1907, 16 U.S. Navy battleships, which came to be known as the "Great White Fleet," set sail on a 14-month round-the-world voyage to demonstrate American sea power.In 1944, the World War II Battle of the Bulge began as German forces launched a surprise attack against Allied forces through the Ardennes Forest in Belgium and Luxembourg (the Allies were eventually able to turn the Germans back).In 1950, President Harry S. Truman proclaimed a national state of emergency in order to fight "world conquest by Communist imperialism."In 1960, 134 people were killed when a United Air Lines DC-8 and a TWA Super Constellation collided over New York City.In 1982, Environmental Protection Agency head Anne M. Gorsuch became the first Cabinet-level officer to be cited for contempt of Congress for refusing to submit documents requested by a congressional committee.In 1985, at services in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, President Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy, offered condolences to families of 248 soldiers killed in the crash of a chartered plane in Newfoundland.In 1991, the U.N. General Assembly rescinded its 1975 resolution equating Zionism with racism by a vote of 111-25.In 2000, President-elect George W. Bush selected Colin Powell to become the first African-American secretary of state.In 2001, after nine weeks of fighting, Afghan militia leaders claimed control of the last mountain bastion of Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida fighters, but bin Laden himself was nowhere to be seen.Ten years ago: Two hundred Mexican Marines raided an upscale apartment complex and killed drug cartel chief Arturo Beltran Leyva in a two-hour gunbattle. Iran test-fired a missile capable of hitting Israel and parts of Europe. Police fired pepper spray and beat protesters with batons outside the U.N. climate conference in Copenhagen. Tiger Woods was voted Athlete of the Decade by members of The Associated Press. Yegor Gaidar, 53, who oversaw Russia's painful transition from communism to a free market economy, died in Moscow. Roy E. Disney, 79, the son and nephew of the Walt Disney Co. founders, died in Newport Beach, California.Five years ago: Taliban gunmen stormed a military-run school in the northwestern Pakistan city of Peshawar, killing at least 148 people, mostly children. Nick Bjugstad scored the game-winning goal in the longest shootout in NHL history to lift the Florida Panthers over the Washington Capitals 2-1.One year ago: With the threat of a partial government shutdown looming, the White House dug in on its demand for $5 billion to build a border wall as congressional Democrats stood firm against it. As a number of probes moved closer to the Oval Office, President Donald Trump and his attorney unleashed a fresh series of attacks on special counsel Robert Mueller and federal prosecutors in New York, while categorically ruling out a presidential interview with Mueller.Today's Birthdays: Civil rights attorney Morris Dees is 83. Actress Joyce Bulifant is 82. Actress Liv Ullmann is 81. CBS news correspondent Lesley Stahl is 78. Pop musician Tony Hicks (The Hollies) is 74. Pop singer Benny Andersson (ABBA) is 73. Actor Ben Cross is 72. Rock singer-musician Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) is 70. Rock musician Bill Bateman (The Blasters) is 68. Actor Xander Berkeley is 64. Actress Alison LaPlaca is 60. Actor Sam Robards is 58. Actor Jon Tenney is 58. Actor Benjamin Bratt is 56. Country singer-songwriter Jeff Carson is 56. Actor-comedian JB Smoove is 54. Actress Miranda Otto is 52. Actor Daniel Cosgrove is 49. Rhythm-and-blues singer Michael McCary is 48. Actor Jonathan Scarfe is 44. Actress Krysten Ritter is 38. Actress Zoe Jarman is 37. Country musician Chris Scruggs is 37. Actor Theo James is 35. Actress Amanda Setton is 34. Rock musician Dave Rublin (American Authors) is 33. Actress Hallee Hirsh is 32. Actress Anna Popplewell is 31. Actor Stephan James is 26.Thought for Today: "It's discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit." — Sir Noel Coward, English actor, playwright, composer (born this date, 1899; died in 1973).Copyright 2019, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- Dec. 16

Lawrence Police Department offers a snow driving/stopping tip. From the Lawrence Police Department via the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheStateOfKansas/">State of Kansas Facebook</a> page:

Lawrence Police Department offers a snow driving/stopping tip. From the Lawrence Police Department via the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheStateOfKansas/">State of Kansas Facebook</a> page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheStateOfKansas%2Fposts%2F2201718576798593&width=500" width="500" height="521" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

LPD: It's not 'four wheel stop'

The upcoming Smoky Hills Audubon Society meeting will explore changes to bird populations.

Chuck Otte is scheduled to share his 60 years of birding experience and show how bird populations have plummeted through those years.

The program is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in room 229 of Kansas Wesleyan University's Peters Science Hall, which is on Cloud Street. The program is open to the public at no charge and those attending are encouraged to arrive early to meet the speaker.

Song bird populations are crashing all over the country as weather affected by climate change impacts bird populations, the Smoky Hills Audubon Society noted in its news release. Heat waves , drought, fire storms, urbanization and sea level rises are chipping away at bird populations, it added.

Otte will describe what has changed and offer suggestions about what can be done to reverse the problem, according to information from Smoky Hills Audubon Society.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576453432466.jpeg" alt="Chuck Otte. Photo courtesy Smoky Hills Audubon Society" />
 <figcaption>Chuck Otte. Photo courtesy Smoky Hills Audubon Society</figcaption>
 </figure>The upcoming Smoky Hills Audubon Society meeting will explore changes to bird populations.Chuck Otte is scheduled to share his 60 years of birding experience and show how bird populations have plummeted through those years.The program is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in room 229 of Kansas Wesleyan University's Peters Science Hall, which is on Cloud Street. The program is open to the public at no charge and those attending are encouraged to arrive early to meet the speaker.Song bird populations are crashing all over the country as weather affected by climate change impacts bird populations, the Smoky Hills Audubon Society noted in its news release. Heat waves , drought, fire storms, urbanization and sea level rises are chipping away at bird populations, it added.Otte will describe what has changed and offer suggestions about what can be done to reverse the problem, according to information from Smoky Hills Audubon Society.

Bird population changes topic of next Smoky Hills Audubon meeting

The winter storm warnings for our area have been canceled. Two winter weather advisories are in effect for counties in our area, however.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a winter weather advisory in effect until 6 p.m. Monday for the following counties in our area.

NWS is forecasting 2 to 3 inches of snow late tonight into Monday. Snow will expand in coverage after 4 to 5 am and persist through at least the early afternoon hours.

Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning and evening commute.

NWS in Topeka has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 3 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday for Dickinson County.

Total snow amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected. 

Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576464070309.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The winter storm warnings for our area have been canceled. Two winter weather advisories are in effect for counties in our area, however.The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a winter weather advisory in effect until 6 p.m. Monday for the following counties in our area.Marion County McPherson CountyNWS is forecasting 2 to 3 inches of snow late tonight into Monday. Snow will expand in coverage after 4 to 5 am and persist through at least the early afternoon hours.Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning and evening commute.NWS in Topeka has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 3 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday for Dickinson County.Total snow amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

NWS: Winter storm warnings canceled; area advisories

Be careful if you must travel today! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KHPTroopC/">Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C</a> Facebook page:

Be careful if you must travel today! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KHPTroopC/">Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKHPTroopC%2Fposts%2F2482097902105405&width=500" width="500" height="535" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

KHP Troop C warns of snowpacked interstates

UPDATED: NWS has dropped the winter storm warnings for our area. Three counties under&nbsp; winter weather advisories. <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5df6ee4b57544d3fe90e7a20">Read about it here.</a>

Winter storm warnings are now in effect for counties in our area.

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5df6741b57544d3fe90e79d2">Read about area weather closings and postponements here</a>

To check road conditions, call 511 or go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kandrive.org/">kandrive.org</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a winter storm warning in effect until 6 p.m. Monday for the following counties in our area.

Already 4 to 5 inches of snow have fallen in the area with additional accumulations of 1 to 3 inches expected through Monday. Some minor ice accumulations are also possible.

Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

NWS in Topeka has issued a winter storm warning in effect until midnight, with a winter weather advisory then continuing until 6 p.m. Monday for Dickinson County.

For the winter storm warning, moderate to heavy snow.  Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches with storm total accumulations of 6 to 7 inches. PLEASE NOTE: This snow will fall in narrow bands and there may be substantial variations in snow depth over a short distance. Some areas may see more or less snow than forecast. For the winter weather advisory on Monday, light to moderate snow is expected with new snow accumulations of up to two inches.

Ongoing snow will persist through the day and gradually   lessen late this afternoon and evening. A second round of snow moves in Monday morning and lasts into Monday afternoon. The majority of the snow is forecast to fall today.

Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Be prepared for rapid changes in visibility when driving. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Slow down and use caution while traveling.

Winter weather advisories remain in effect for counties in our area.

&nbsp; To check road conditions, call 511 or go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kandrive.org/">kandrive.org</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Mixed precipitation is expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches with isolated amounts to around 5 inches are possible. Ice accumulations from one to two-tenths of an inch are possible as well.

Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning rush hour commute on Monday. Slow down and use caution while traveling.

NWS in Hastings, Neb., has issued a winter weather advisory in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday for the following counties in our area.

Mixed precipitation is expected. Total snow accumulations of  one to two inches and ice accumulations up to a light glaze are expected.

Areas of light snow are expected this morning. Patchy light freezing drizzle is possible as the snow decreases this afternoon. Plan on slippery road conditions.

NWS in Topeka has issued a winter weather advisory in effect until 6 p.m. Monday for the following counties in our area.

Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are expected.

Two rounds of snow are forecast, the first beginning before sunrise on Sunday and lasting through the day. A lull in the snow is possible Sunday night before a second round of snow moves in Monday morning and lasts into Monday afternoon. The majority of the snow is forecast to fall on Sunday.

Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Slow down and use caution while traveling.

UPDATED: NWS has dropped the winter storm warnings for our area. Three counties under&nbsp; winter weather advisories. <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5df6ee4b57544d3fe90e7a20">Read about it here.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576431995524.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Winter storm warnings are now in effect for counties in our area.<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5df6741b57544d3fe90e79d2">Read about area weather closings and postponements here</a>To check road conditions, call 511 or go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kandrive.org/">kandrive.org</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a winter storm warning in effect until 6 p.m. Monday for the following counties in our area.Marion CountyMcPherson CountySaline CountyAlready 4 to 5 inches of snow have fallen in the area with additional accumulations of 1 to 3 inches expected through Monday. Some minor ice accumulations are also possible.Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.NWS in Topeka has issued a winter storm warning in effect until midnight, with a winter weather advisory then continuing until 6 p.m. Monday for Dickinson County.For the winter storm warning, moderate to heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches with storm total accumulations of 6 to 7 inches. PLEASE NOTE: This snow will fall in narrow bands and there may be substantial variations in snow depth over a short distance. Some areas may see more or less snow than forecast. For the winter weather advisory on Monday, light to moderate snow is expected with new snow accumulations of up to two inches.Ongoing snow will persist through the day and gradually lessen late this afternoon and evening. A second round of snow moves in Monday morning and lasts into Monday afternoon. The majority of the snow is forecast to fall today.Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Be prepared for rapid changes in visibility when driving. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Slow down and use caution while traveling.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576432042047.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>-----------------------------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576416951538.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Winter weather advisories remain in effect for counties in our area.&nbsp; To check road conditions, call 511 or go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kandrive.org/">kandrive.org</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a winter weather advisory in effect until 6 p.m. Monday for the following counties in our area.Ellsworth County Lincoln CountyMixed precipitation is expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches with isolated amounts to around 5 inches are possible. Ice accumulations from one to two-tenths of an inch are possible as well.Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning rush hour commute on Monday. Slow down and use caution while traveling.NWS in Hastings, Neb., has issued a winter weather advisory in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday for the following counties in our area.Jewell CountyMitchell CountyMixed precipitation is expected. Total snow accumulations of one to two inches and ice accumulations up to a light glaze are expected.Areas of light snow are expected this morning. Patchy light freezing drizzle is possible as the snow decreases this afternoon. Plan on slippery road conditions.NWS in Topeka has issued a winter weather advisory in effect until 6 p.m. Monday for the following counties in our area.Clay CountyCloud CountyOttawa CountyRepublic CountyTotal snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are expected.Two rounds of snow are forecast, the first beginning before sunrise on Sunday and lasting through the day. A lull in the snow is possible Sunday night before a second round of snow moves in Monday morning and lasts into Monday afternoon. The majority of the snow is forecast to fall on Sunday.Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Slow down and use caution while traveling.

UPDATED: Winter storm warnings canceled

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

Let’s go to Boston, where an exhibit is being installed at the Museum of Russian Icons.&nbsp;&nbsp;Where do you suppose that this exhibit was created? Would you believe, halfway across the continent in rural Kansas? Today we’ll meet an innovative Kansas company which is designing exhibits that are going across the nation.

Joel Gaeddert is founder and CEO of Flint Hills Design, the company which is installing this exhibit. Joel grew up in Kansas and went to Bethel College in North Newton, as had his parents. As a tech-savvy college student, Joel worked on a couple of websites while attending college.

His roommate’s father was the curator of the nearby Kauffman Museum and was needing help to finish a museum exhibit. Joel pitched in to help and found that he enjoyed the work. Soon people from other museums were asking for his help on their exhibits as well. Joel continued to work on websites also.

After graduation, Joel founded his own business based in North Newton. He called it Flint Hills Design.

“We like the understated beauty of the Flint Hills,” Joel said. “All of us like living in small Kansas towns.”

His business designed websites and also started building exhibits and displays for museums and other enterprises. For several years, he worked collaboratively with the Kauffman Museum staff also.

Today, Flint Hills Design specializes in exhibit design and production as well as website and app development. The exhibit work includes concept development, research and writing, exhibit design, fabrication, and installation. The staff includes artists, designers, developers, and craftsmen.

“We want to tell the stories of people and places, while celebrating their natural and cultural history,” Joel said. The company’s core principles are clarity, simplicity, authenticity, and craftmanship. Their website states: “We deliver clarity in concept, applying art and analysis to bring a shared vision to life. We strive to clearly and effectively communicate our clients’ visions with grace and precision. We use heirloom-quality materials and time-honored techniques to create meaningful spaces that stand the test of time and trends.”

Their projects include a museum on the history of Pizza Hut, the Willa Cather museum in Nebraska, and the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Experience in Colorado.

In the course of working on various exhibits, the Flint Hills Design staff developed modular walls, cases, storycarts, reader rails, connectors, and other structures that were ideal for exhibit use. Joel recognized that these would have applicability for other businesses and organizations as well. That led to the creation of a new division of the business called Upland Exhibit Systems in 2015. This business markets this specialized type of furniture and display equipment.

In 2016, the Symphony in the Flint Hills asked Flint Hills Design to develop a traveling exhibit in conjunction with the Symphony’s theme that year. It worked so well that Flint Hills Design added another division in 2018. This division is called Overland Traveling Exhibits. It focuses in developing specialized traveling exhibits for various customers.

Examples of recent projects include traveling exhibits about the Chisholm Trail, the History of Walls, Atomic Alert and more. Flint Hills Design products or exhibits have gone to 20 states from coast to coast.

Meanwhile, the other branch of the business remains Flint Hills Web Design which still does websites. The business’s clients are located as far away as Colorado and Indiana, plus many in Kansas. Those clients can be found in such rural communities as Seneca, population 1,991, Harper, population 1,473, and Cottonwood Falls, population 903 people. Now, that’s rural.

For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.flinthillsdesign.com/" target="_blank">www.flinthillsdesign.com</a>. For information about websites, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.flinthillswebdesign.com/" target="_blank">www.flinthillswebdesign.com</a>.

It’s time to leave Boston, where we found an exhibit from Kansas that is being displayed at this museum. We commend Joel Gaeddert and all the staff at Flint Hills Design for making a difference with creativity and entrepreneurship. I’m glad they’re having success by design.

And there’s more. Joel was not the only member of the Gaeddert family to go to Bethel College and to start his own business. We’ll learn about another Gaeddert brother and his business next week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576386201108.jpeg" alt="Joel Gaeddert. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Joel Gaeddert. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Kansas State UniversityLet’s go to Boston, where an exhibit is being installed at the Museum of Russian Icons.&nbsp;&nbsp;Where do you suppose that this exhibit was created? Would you believe, halfway across the continent in rural Kansas? Today we’ll meet an innovative Kansas company which is designing exhibits that are going across the nation.Joel Gaeddert is founder and CEO of Flint Hills Design, the company which is installing this exhibit. Joel grew up in Kansas and went to Bethel College in North Newton, as had his parents. As a tech-savvy college student, Joel worked on a couple of websites while attending college.His roommate’s father was the curator of the nearby Kauffman Museum and was needing help to finish a museum exhibit. Joel pitched in to help and found that he enjoyed the work. Soon people from other museums were asking for his help on their exhibits as well. Joel continued to work on websites also.After graduation, Joel founded his own business based in North Newton. He called it Flint Hills Design.“We like the understated beauty of the Flint Hills,” Joel said. “All of us like living in small Kansas towns.”His business designed websites and also started building exhibits and displays for museums and other enterprises. For several years, he worked collaboratively with the Kauffman Museum staff also.Today, Flint Hills Design specializes in exhibit design and production as well as website and app development. The exhibit work includes concept development, research and writing, exhibit design, fabrication, and installation. The staff includes artists, designers, developers, and craftsmen.“We want to tell the stories of people and places, while celebrating their natural and cultural history,” Joel said. The company’s core principles are clarity, simplicity, authenticity, and craftmanship. Their website states: “We deliver clarity in concept, applying art and analysis to bring a shared vision to life. We strive to clearly and effectively communicate our clients’ visions with grace and precision. We use heirloom-quality materials and time-honored techniques to create meaningful spaces that stand the test of time and trends.”Their projects include a museum on the history of Pizza Hut, the Willa Cather museum in Nebraska, and the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Experience in Colorado.In the course of working on various exhibits, the Flint Hills Design staff developed modular walls, cases, storycarts, reader rails, connectors, and other structures that were ideal for exhibit use. Joel recognized that these would have applicability for other businesses and organizations as well. That led to the creation of a new division of the business called Upland Exhibit Systems in 2015. This business markets this specialized type of furniture and display equipment.In 2016, the Symphony in the Flint Hills asked Flint Hills Design to develop a traveling exhibit in conjunction with the Symphony’s theme that year. It worked so well that Flint Hills Design added another division in 2018. This division is called Overland Traveling Exhibits. It focuses in developing specialized traveling exhibits for various customers.Examples of recent projects include traveling exhibits about the Chisholm Trail, the History of Walls, Atomic Alert and more. Flint Hills Design products or exhibits have gone to 20 states from coast to coast.Meanwhile, the other branch of the business remains Flint Hills Web Design which still does websites. The business’s clients are located as far away as Colorado and Indiana, plus many in Kansas. Those clients can be found in such rural communities as Seneca, population 1,991, Harper, population 1,473, and Cottonwood Falls, population 903 people. Now, that’s rural.For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.flinthillsdesign.com/" target="_blank">www.flinthillsdesign.com</a>. For information about websites, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.flinthillswebdesign.com/" target="_blank">www.flinthillswebdesign.com</a>.It’s time to leave Boston, where we found an exhibit from Kansas that is being displayed at this museum. We commend Joel Gaeddert and all the staff at Flint Hills Design for making a difference with creativity and entrepreneurship. I’m glad they’re having success by design.And there’s more. Joel was not the only member of the Gaeddert family to go to Bethel College and to start his own business. We’ll learn about another Gaeddert brother and 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.

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