CONCORDIA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents are serving several search warrants as part of an investigation into the Cloud County Sheriff's Office.

KBI spokeswoman Melissa Underwood said warrants were being served Tuesday at homes in Concordia and the Cloud County Law Enforcement Center.

The investigation began in June. Underwood said the investigation involves allegations of criminal misconduct against sheriff's office employees but no other details have been released.

No one has been arrested but Underwood said the serving of search warrants is a “significant development” in the case.

The Cloud County Jail is closed to visitors as a result of the investigation.

CONCORDIA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents are serving several search warrants as part of an investigation into the Cloud County Sheriff's Office.KBI spokeswoman Melissa Underwood said warrants were being served Tuesday at homes in Concordia and the Cloud County Law Enforcement Center.The investigation began in June. Underwood said the investigation involves allegations of criminal misconduct against sheriff's office employees but no other details have been released.No one has been arrested but Underwood said the serving of search warrants is a “significant development” in the case.The Cloud County Jail is closed to visitors as a result of the investigation.

KBI serves warrants in Cloud County investigation

Platinum recording artist Amy Grant is coming to the Stiefel Theatre!

Grant is scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. March 6. Tickets start at $38 and go on sale Friday. For more ticket information, go to the Stiefel <a href="http://stiefeltheatre.org">website</a>.

The following is performer information provided by the Stiefel Theatre.

Conventional wisdom has it that Amy Grant put Contemporary Christian Music on the map, becoming the first CCM artist to have a platinum record, the first to hit No. 1 on the Pop charts, and the first to perform at the GRAMMY Awards. Since then, Grant has been strumming her way through a thirty-plus year adventure as a singer-songwriter, author, television host, and speaker. 

Early on, Grant’s iconic voice became instantly recognizable in both the Christian and pop worlds. Over the years, she has sold more than 30 million albums world-wide, including three multi-platinum, six platinum, and four gold. Her chart performance has also been consistent throughout her career, boasting six No. 1 hits, 10 "Top 40" Pop singles, 17 “Top 40” Adult Contemporary tracks and multiple Contemporary Christian chart-toppers. In recognition of such success, Grant has received 6 GRAMMY Awards and 26 Dove Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a star on the Music City Walk of Fame. Additionally, she was most recently inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. 

Stepping out from behind her guitar, Grant found herself hosting the NBC prime time series “Three Wishes” in 2005, bringing her into millions of living rooms across America every Friday night. The people she met and stories she collected proved to be great inspiration for creating new music and even writing a book. Two years later, Grant’s first book, Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far, was published. She continues to share her stories with audiences all over the country as a keynote and inspirational speaker.

In April 2016, Grant celebrated the 25th anniversary of her first pop hit, “Baby Baby”, with a worldwide release of a new version of the song featuring pop sensation and fellow Capitol Music Group recording artist Tori Kelly. Growing her wildly popular Christmas brand, Grant then released “Tennessee Christmas” in October 2016, her first all-new Christmas album in nearly twenty years. She looks forward to national arena symphony Christmas tours each November and December with long-time friend Michael W. Smith, as well as an annual Christmas residency at the world-famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville with country superstar husband Vince Gill.

Grant resides with her family in Nashville, Tenn., and is widely known for her philanthropy and tireless involvement in local causes and charitable organizations. Her own organization, The Helping Hands Foundation, has afforded her the opportunity to identify needs around her and the resources to help meet them, which has proven to be the sweetest reward of all. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575998214026.jpeg" alt="Amy Grant. Photo courtesy Stiefel Theatre" />
 <figcaption>Amy Grant. Photo courtesy Stiefel Theatre</figcaption>
 </figure>Platinum recording artist Amy Grant is coming to the Stiefel Theatre!Grant is scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. March 6. Tickets start at $38 and go on sale Friday. For more ticket information, go to the Stiefel <a href="http://stiefeltheatre.org">website</a>.The following is performer information provided by the Stiefel Theatre.Conventional wisdom has it that Amy Grant put Contemporary Christian Music on the map, becoming the first CCM artist to have a platinum record, the first to hit No. 1 on the Pop charts, and the first to perform at the GRAMMY Awards. Since then, Grant has been strumming her way through a thirty-plus year adventure as a singer-songwriter, author, television host, and speaker. Early on, Grant’s iconic voice became instantly recognizable in both the Christian and pop worlds. Over the years, she has sold more than 30 million albums world-wide, including three multi-platinum, six platinum, and four gold. Her chart performance has also been consistent throughout her career, boasting six No. 1 hits, 10 "Top 40" Pop singles, 17 “Top 40” Adult Contemporary tracks and multiple Contemporary Christian chart-toppers. In recognition of such success, Grant has received 6 GRAMMY Awards and 26 Dove Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a star on the Music City Walk of Fame. Additionally, she was most recently inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. Stepping out from behind her guitar, Grant found herself hosting the NBC prime time series “Three Wishes” in 2005, bringing her into millions of living rooms across America every Friday night. The people she met and stories she collected proved to be great inspiration for creating new music and even writing a book. Two years later, Grant’s first book, Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far, was published. She continues to share her stories with audiences all over the country as a keynote and inspirational speaker.In April 2016, Grant celebrated the 25th anniversary of her first pop hit, “Baby Baby”, with a worldwide release of a new version of the song featuring pop sensation and fellow Capitol Music Group recording artist Tori Kelly. Growing her wildly popular Christmas brand, Grant then released “Tennessee Christmas” in October 2016, her first all-new Christmas album in nearly twenty years. She looks forward to national arena symphony Christmas tours each November and December with long-time friend Michael W. Smith, as well as an annual Christmas residency at the world-famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville with country superstar husband Vince Gill.Grant resides with her family in Nashville, Tenn., and is widely known for her philanthropy and tireless involvement in local causes and charitable organizations. Her own organization, The Helping Hands Foundation, has afforded her the opportunity to identify needs around her and the resources to help meet them, which has proven to be the sweetest reward of all.

Amy Grant live at the Stiefel March 6

Saline County has closed part of Muir Road for a culvert replacement. 

According to information from the Saline County Road and Bridge Department, Muir Road between Stimmel Road and Watkins Road will be closed through Thursday. That timeline is dependent on the weather, however.

Motorists are advised to allow a few extra minutes of travel time to reach their destinations. Local and emergency traffic will be provided access to private property within the sections of closed road at all times but only from the side upon which the property lies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575997435480.png" alt="Map courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>Saline County has closed part of Muir Road for a culvert replacement. According to information from the Saline County Road and Bridge Department, Muir Road between Stimmel Road and Watkins Road will be closed through Thursday. That timeline is dependent on the weather, however.Motorists are advised to allow a few extra minutes of travel time to reach their destinations. Local and emergency traffic will be provided access to private property within the sections of closed road at all times but only from the side upon which the property lies.

County closing part of Muir Road for culvert work

Salina Police are investigating an incident in which a skimmer was placed on a Sunflower Bank ATM.

According to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester, officers were called to the Sunflower Bank branch at 2450 South Ninth Street at 2:30 p.m. Sunday after a bank employee located a skimmer on the branch's ATM.

Forrester urged people to check their accounts and report any suspicious activity to the police and the bank.

He said police were waiting for video from Sunflower Bank to see if they could determine who placed the skimmer on the ATM.

Salina Police are investigating an incident in which a skimmer was placed on a Sunflower Bank ATM.According to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester, officers were called to the Sunflower Bank branch at 2450 South Ninth Street at 2:30 p.m. Sunday after a bank employee located a skimmer on the branch's ATM.Forrester urged people to check their accounts and report any suspicious activity to the police and the bank.He said police were waiting for video from Sunflower Bank to see if they could determine who placed the skimmer on the ATM.

Skimmer found on Sunflower Bank ATM

That neat Docking Institute of Public Affairs “Kansas Speaks” poll which sprang out of Fort Hays State University last week felt about right, didn’t it?

The 352 adult telephone-owners who participated in that poll generally found Kansas a good place to live—the state economy is generally good and getting better since Democrat Gov. Laura Kelly moved into Cedar Crest, the governor’s mansion, the majority said.

But…that poll which asked so many questions we have to wonder whether those taking the survey on their cell phones were checking battery levels about halfway through…also for political insiders the poll probably created some negotiating room on major issues coming up next legislative session.

Take an obvious question—expanding Medicaid, bringing 90 percent federal/10 percent state funded health care to about 130,000 people in the state who don’t have health-care coverage. Some 66 percent of those respondents say it would help rural hospitals, and 60 percent said those without health coverage “deserve this benefit from the state.”

Now, that’s a pretty strong level of support. But that strong support also makes it a debatable legislative issue. That’s Statehouse talk for if the program is that popular with a majority of Kansans, what can folks who aren’t fans of the expansion add to it and still see it passed into law? Remember, at some point the bill – one simple, straight-forward bill was introduced last week by Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka, that is virtually identical to a measure passed 69-54 by the House last session and ignored by the Senate—will move into a conference committee.

That conference committee will negotiate over provisions so that both chambers will vote on an identical down-to-the-last-word bill. The conference committee? Three House and three Senate members—four Republicans and two Democrats—and it’s there that the Kansas-specific Medicaid expansion bill will be written.

So…it comes down to just what expansion supporters will accept for that final report. New work requirements? A $1 a pack hike on cigarette taxes? Or other limits on eligibility? That 60 percent plus of poll respondents aren’t likely to know about those provisions that conservative Republicans who will probably be needed to pass the measure want…they just hear Medicaid expansion and are happy.

See the negotiation room handed to conservatives who aren’t fans of Medicaid?

And, what if a heavily amended bill does get to the House and Senate and is so cluttered with conservative amendments that while the Legislature which stands for re-election next year will pass it, Kelly vetoes it? Imagine that. A governor who calls expansion her No. 1 priority has to veto a bill that includes that priority but which picked up objectionable provisions that she can’t allow to become law.

Do Democrats who support expansion have to override her veto? Vote against their party’s governor? Explain that to their party’s supporters?

For those who aren’t fans of Medicaid expansion, they could&nbsp;put the governor in a tough position that will resound through the remainder of her first term and possibly into a decision on whether to seek a second term in Republican-majority Kansas.

It’s one thing to read those polls and not see deep into the bowels of the Statehouse how public opinion can be nudged, pushed, detoured into results that while sounding poll-respondent, actually aren’t.

And yes, we’re wondering just how lawmakers will try to look poll-friendly even when the politics under the dome require them to accept amendments, or trade votes on issues.

Oh, and there are tax issues, spending issues, immigration and a gamut of others that the poll showed Kansans support. Wonder how those poll results will become yet another bargaining chip under the dome?&nbsp;

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/2019/11/1573590596307.png" alt="Martin Hawver" />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARTIN HAWVERThat neat Docking Institute of Public Affairs “Kansas Speaks” poll which sprang out of Fort Hays State University last week felt about right, didn’t it?The 352 adult telephone-owners who participated in that poll generally found Kansas a good place to live—the state economy is generally good and getting better since Democrat Gov. Laura Kelly moved into Cedar Crest, the governor’s mansion, the majority said.But…that poll which asked so many questions we have to wonder whether those taking the survey on their cell phones were checking battery levels about halfway through…also for political insiders the poll probably created some negotiating room on major issues coming up next legislative session.Take an obvious question—expanding Medicaid, bringing 90 percent federal/10 percent state funded health care to about 130,000 people in the state who don’t have health-care coverage. Some 66 percent of those respondents say it would help rural hospitals, and 60 percent said those without health coverage “deserve this benefit from the state.”Now, that’s a pretty strong level of support. But that strong support also makes it a debatable legislative issue. That’s Statehouse talk for if the program is that popular with a majority of Kansans, what can folks who aren’t fans of the expansion add to it and still see it passed into law? Remember, at some point the bill – one simple, straight-forward bill was introduced last week by Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka, that is virtually identical to a measure passed 69-54 by the House last session and ignored by the Senate—will move into a conference committee.That conference committee will negotiate over provisions so that both chambers will vote on an identical down-to-the-last-word bill. The conference committee? Three House and three Senate members—four Republicans and two Democrats—and it’s there that the Kansas-specific Medicaid expansion bill will be written.So…it comes down to just what expansion supporters will accept for that final report. New work requirements? A $1 a pack hike on cigarette taxes? Or other limits on eligibility? That 60 percent plus of poll respondents aren’t likely to know about those provisions that conservative Republicans who will probably be needed to pass the measure want…they just hear Medicaid expansion and are happy.See the negotiation room handed to conservatives who aren’t fans of Medicaid?And, what if a heavily amended bill does get to the House and Senate and is so cluttered with conservative amendments that while the Legislature which stands for re-election next year will pass it, Kelly vetoes it? Imagine that. A governor who calls expansion her No. 1 priority has to veto a bill that includes that priority but which picked up objectionable provisions that she can’t allow to become law.Do Democrats who support expansion have to override her veto? Vote against their party’s governor? Explain that to their party’s supporters?For those who aren’t fans of Medicaid expansion, they could&nbsp;put the governor in a tough position that will resound through the remainder of her first term and possibly into a decision on whether to seek a second term in Republican-majority Kansas.It’s one thing to read those polls and not see deep into the bowels of the Statehouse how public opinion can be nudged, pushed, detoured into results that while sounding poll-respondent, actually aren’t.And yes, we’re wondering just how lawmakers will try to look poll-friendly even when the politics under the dome require them to accept amendments, or trade votes on issues.Oh, and there are tax issues, spending issues, immigration and a gamut of others that the poll showed Kansans support. Wonder how those poll results will become yet another bargaining chip under the dome?&nbsp;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: How will poll results become a bargaining chip?

ABILENE -- Employees of Memorial Health System (MHS) recently wore blue jeans at work for another Jeans Day fundraiser. 

Employees who made a donation of at least $5 were allowed to wear blue jeans on a Friday in November. The day was organized by the MHS Employer of Choice (EOC) committee. A total donation of $220 was presented to the Abilene Meals on Wheels organization. 

Abilene Meals on Wheels is also in need of volunteers to help with the delivery of meals. If you are interested in volunteering, please call 785-488-7334 and ask for Sherri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575948955913.jpeg" alt="Pictured from left are Harold Courtois, MHS CEO; Sara Boyd, MHS EOC committee member; Mallary Knitter, MHS EOC committee member; Sherri Kohman, Meals on Wheels president; Haley Jones, MHS EOC committee member; Cindy Whittington, MHS EOC committee member; and Heather Bohannan, MHS EOC committee member. Photo courtesy MHS" />
 <figcaption>Pictured from left are Harold Courtois, MHS CEO; Sara Boyd, MHS EOC committee member; Mallary Knitter, MHS EOC committee member; Sherri Kohman, Meals on Wheels president; Haley Jones, MHS EOC committee member; Cindy Whittington, MHS EOC committee member; and Heather Bohannan, MHS EOC committee member. Photo courtesy MHS</figcaption>
 </figure>ABILENE -- Employees of Memorial Health System (MHS) recently wore blue jeans at work for another Jeans Day fundraiser. Employees who made a donation of at least $5 were allowed to wear blue jeans on a Friday in November. The day was organized by the MHS Employer of Choice (EOC) committee. A total donation of $220 was presented to the Abilene Meals on Wheels organization. Abilene Meals on Wheels is also in need of volunteers to help with the delivery of meals. If you are interested in volunteering, please call 785-488-7334 and ask for Sherri.

MHS employees donate to Abilene Meals on Wheels

OCCK Transportation is joining in the season of giving.

OCCK Transportation's 2019 Holiday Give &amp; Go charitable campaign -- a community fundraiser -- is scheduled for Thursday. 

Each year, all monetary fares received by OCCK general public transportation and on the CityGo buses during the campaign are donated to a local charity. This year, all funds raised will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina, OCCK noted in a news release.

Non-riders are encouraged to make donations as well.  Each CityGo bus has a fare box inside the bus and drivers will accept donations. Additional donations can be brought to the OCCK Transportation building at 340 North Santa Fe Avenue.

“We are continually looking for ways to give back to the community,” said Michelle Griffin, transportation director for OCCK. “The 2019 Holiday Give &amp; Go program allows us a great way of doing just that. We are also excited for the opportunity to support Big Brothers Big Sisters and all of the work they are doing in Salina.”

Information about Big Brothers Big Sisters and all of their programs can be found on social media or on their website at <a href="http://www.bbbssalina.org">www.bbbssalina.org</a>.

--<a href="http://www.salinacitygo.com/" target="_blank">salinacitygo.com</a>--

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575941207680.jpeg" alt="Fares collected on CityGo buses on Thursday will be donated to&nbsp; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina. Salina Post file photo" />
 <figcaption>Fares collected on CityGo buses on Thursday will be donated to&nbsp; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina. Salina Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>OCCK Transportation is joining in the season of giving.OCCK Transportation's 2019 Holiday Give &amp; Go charitable campaign -- a community fundraiser -- is scheduled for Thursday. Each year, all monetary fares received by OCCK general public transportation and on the CityGo buses during the campaign are donated to a local charity. This year, all funds raised will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina, OCCK noted in a news release.Non-riders are encouraged to make donations as well. Each CityGo bus has a fare box inside the bus and drivers will accept donations. Additional donations can be brought to the OCCK Transportation building at 340 North Santa Fe Avenue.“We are continually looking for ways to give back to the community,” said Michelle Griffin, transportation director for OCCK. “The 2019 Holiday Give &amp; Go program allows us a great way of doing just that. We are also excited for the opportunity to support Big Brothers Big Sisters and all of the work they are doing in Salina.”Information about Big Brothers Big Sisters and all of their programs can be found on social media or on their website at <a href="http://www.bbbssalina.org">www.bbbssalina.org</a>.--<a href="http://www.salinacitygo.com/" target="_blank">salinacitygo.com</a>--

OCCK Transportation part of the season of giving

Today is Tuesday, Dec. 10, the 344th day of 2019. There are 21 days left in the year.

On Dec. 10, 1994, Yasser Arafat, Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Rabin received the Nobel Peace Prize, pledging to pursue their mission of healing the anguished Middle East.

In 1817, Mississippi was admitted as the 20th state of the Union.

In 1861, the Confederacy admitted Kentucky as it recognized a pro-Southern shadow state government that was acting without the authority of the pro-Union government in Frankfort.

In 1869, women were granted the right to vote in the Wyoming Territory.

In 1905, the O. Henry short story "The Gift of the Magi" was published in the New York Sunday World Magazine under the title "Gifts of the Magi."

In 1948, the U.N. General Assembly adopted its Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

In 1964, Martin Luther King Jr. received his Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, saying he accepted it "with an abiding faith in America and an audacious faith in the future of mankind."

In 1967, singer Otis Redding, 26, and six others were killed when their plane crashed into Wisconsin's Lake Monona; trumpeter Ben Cauley, a member of the group the Bar-Kays, was the only survivor.

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev concluded three days of summit talks in Washington. Violinist Jascha Heifetz died in Los Angeles at age 86.

In 1995, the first group of U-S Marines arrived in the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo to join NATO soldiers sent to enforce peace in former Yugoslavia.

In 1996, South African President Nelson Mandela signed the country's new constitution into law during a ceremony in Sharpeville.

In 2007, suspended NFL star Michael Vick was sentenced by a federal judge in Richmond, Virginia, to 23 months in prison for bankrolling a dogfighting operation and killing dogs that underperformed (Vick served 19 months at Leavenworth). Former Vice President Al Gore accepted the Nobel Peace Prize with a call for humanity to rise up against a looming climate crisis and stop waging war on the environment.

In 2013, South Africa held a memorial service for Nelson Mandela, during which U.S. President Barack Obama energized tens of thousands of spectators and nearly 100 visiting heads of state with a plea for the world to emulate "the last great liberator of the 20th century." (The ceremony was marred by the presence of a sign-language interpreter who deaf advocates said was an impostor waving his arms around meaninglessly.) General Motors named product chief Mary Barra its new CEO, making her the first woman to run a U.S. car company.

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama accepted the Nobel Peace Prize with a humble acknowledgment of his scant accomplishments and a robust defense of the U.S. at war. James Cameron's 3-D film epic "Avatar" had its world premiere in London.

Five years ago: Current and former CIA officials pushed back against the Senate Intelligence Committee's report released the day before which concluded that the United States had brutalized scores of terror suspects during interrogations, calling the report a political stunt by Senate Democrats which tarnished a program that saved American lives. NFL owners moved quickly and unanimously to change the league's personal conduct policy, announcing it would hire a special counsel to oversee initial discipline.

One year ago: Facing almost certain defeat, British Prime Minister Theresa May postponed a vote in Parliament on her Brexit deal, saying she would go back to EU leaders to seek changes to the divorce agreement. In a televised address, French President Emmanuel Macron broke his silence on the increasingly violent protests in Paris and elsewhere, pleading for a return to calm and offering tax relief for struggling workers and pensioners.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Tommy Kirk is 78. Actress Fionnula Flanagan is 78. Pop singer Chad Stuart (Chad and Jeremy) is 78. Rhythm-and-blues singer Ralph Tavares is 78. Actress-singer Gloria Loring is 73. Pop-funk musician Walter "Clyde" Orange (The Commodores) is 73. Country singer Johnny Rodriguez is 68. Actress Susan Dey is 67. Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is 63. Jazz musician Paul Hardcastle is 62. Actor John York (TV: "General Hospital") is 61. Actor-director Kenneth Branagh is 59. Actress Nia Peeples is 58. TV chef Bobby Flay is 55. Rock singer-musician J Mascis is 54. Rock musician Scot Alexander (Dishwalla) is 48. Actress-comedian Arden Myrin is 46. Rock musician Meg White (The White Stripes) is 45. Actress Emmanuelle Chriqui is 44. Rapper Kuniva (D12) is 44. Actor Gavin Houston is 42. Actor Alano Miller is 40. Violinist Sarah Chang is 39. Rock musician Noah Harmon (Airborne Toxic Event) is 38. Actor Patrick John Flueger is 36. Country singer Meghan Linsey is 34. Actress Raven-Symone is 34. Actress/singer Teyana Taylor is 29. Actress Kiki Layne is 28.

Thought for Today: "You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving." — Amy Carmichael, American missionary (1867-1951).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Tuesday, Dec. 10, the 344th day of 2019. There are 21 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Dec. 10, 1994, Yasser Arafat, Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Rabin received the Nobel Peace Prize, pledging to pursue their mission of healing the anguished Middle East.On this date:In 1817, Mississippi was admitted as the 20th state of the Union.In 1861, the Confederacy admitted Kentucky as it recognized a pro-Southern shadow state government that was acting without the authority of the pro-Union government in Frankfort.In 1869, women were granted the right to vote in the Wyoming Territory.In 1905, the O. Henry short story "The Gift of the Magi" was published in the New York Sunday World Magazine under the title "Gifts of the Magi."In 1948, the U.N. General Assembly adopted its Universal Declaration on Human Rights.In 1964, Martin Luther King Jr. received his Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, saying he accepted it "with an abiding faith in America and an audacious faith in the future of mankind."In 1967, singer Otis Redding, 26, and six others were killed when their plane crashed into Wisconsin's Lake Monona; trumpeter Ben Cauley, a member of the group the Bar-Kays, was the only survivor.In 1987, President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev concluded three days of summit talks in Washington. Violinist Jascha Heifetz died in Los Angeles at age 86.In 1995, the first group of U-S Marines arrived in the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo to join NATO soldiers sent to enforce peace in former Yugoslavia.In 1996, South African President Nelson Mandela signed the country's new constitution into law during a ceremony in Sharpeville.In 2007, suspended NFL star Michael Vick was sentenced by a federal judge in Richmond, Virginia, to 23 months in prison for bankrolling a dogfighting operation and killing dogs that underperformed (Vick served 19 months at Leavenworth). Former Vice President Al Gore accepted the Nobel Peace Prize with a call for humanity to rise up against a looming climate crisis and stop waging war on the environment.In 2013, South Africa held a memorial service for Nelson Mandela, during which U.S. President Barack Obama energized tens of thousands of spectators and nearly 100 visiting heads of state with a plea for the world to emulate "the last great liberator of the 20th century." (The ceremony was marred by the presence of a sign-language interpreter who deaf advocates said was an impostor waving his arms around meaninglessly.) General Motors named product chief Mary Barra its new CEO, making her the first woman to run a U.S. car company.Ten years ago: President Barack Obama accepted the Nobel Peace Prize with a humble acknowledgment of his scant accomplishments and a robust defense of the U.S. at war. James Cameron's 3-D film epic "Avatar" had its world premiere in London.Five years ago: Current and former CIA officials pushed back against the Senate Intelligence Committee's report released the day before which concluded that the United States had brutalized scores of terror suspects during interrogations, calling the report a political stunt by Senate Democrats which tarnished a program that saved American lives. NFL owners moved quickly and unanimously to change the league's personal conduct policy, announcing it would hire a special counsel to oversee initial discipline.One year ago: Facing almost certain defeat, British Prime Minister Theresa May postponed a vote in Parliament on her Brexit deal, saying she would go back to EU leaders to seek changes to the divorce agreement. In a televised address, French President Emmanuel Macron broke his silence on the increasingly violent protests in Paris and elsewhere, pleading for a return to calm and offering tax relief for struggling workers and pensioners.Today's Birthdays: Actor Tommy Kirk is 78. Actress Fionnula Flanagan is 78. Pop singer Chad Stuart (Chad and Jeremy) is 78. Rhythm-and-blues singer Ralph Tavares is 78. Actress-singer Gloria Loring is 73. Pop-funk musician Walter "Clyde" Orange (The Commodores) is 73. Country singer Johnny Rodriguez is 68. Actress Susan Dey is 67. Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is 63. Jazz musician Paul Hardcastle is 62. Actor John York (TV: "General Hospital") is 61. Actor-director Kenneth Branagh is 59. Actress Nia Peeples is 58. TV chef Bobby Flay is 55. Rock singer-musician J Mascis is 54. Rock musician Scot Alexander (Dishwalla) is 48. Actress-comedian Arden Myrin is 46. Rock musician Meg White (The White Stripes) is 45. Actress Emmanuelle Chriqui is 44. Rapper Kuniva (D12) is 44. Actor Gavin Houston is 42. Actor Alano Miller is 40. Violinist Sarah Chang is 39. Rock musician Noah Harmon (Airborne Toxic Event) is 38. Actor Patrick John Flueger is 36. Country singer Meghan Linsey is 34. Actress Raven-Symone is 34. Actress/singer Teyana Taylor is 29. Actress Kiki Layne is 28.Thought for Today: "You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving." — Amy Carmichael, American missionary (1867-1951).Copyright 2019, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- Dec. 10

MANHATTAN — The Kansas State University&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Health and Human Sciences</a>&nbsp;is recognizing 16 graduating seniors for excellence in engagement, leadership, or research and creative inquiry.

The Engagement Award recognizes students who have made exemplary contributions that impact the well-being of the community or individuals in the community. The Leadership Award is given to students who have exhibited excellence in leadership and have been recognized for their contributions to the campus, college, program or professional organizations. The Outstanding Research/Creative Activity award recognizes students who have made significant contributions to their field of study.

The students will be recognized at the college's Graduation Honors and Student Awards Celebration on Friday in the K-State Student Union.

The following students, all December 2019 graduation candidates, are senior award recipients from the College of Health and Human Sciences:

Kylie Horsch, nutritional sciences,&nbsp;Andale, Engagement Award; Claire Tritschler, nutrition and health,&nbsp;Bel Aire, Leadership Award; Shelbi Emling, human development and family science, Chanute, Leadership Award; Katharyn Roe, nutritional sciences,&nbsp;Herington, Engagement Award; Morgan Ziegler, personal financial planning,&nbsp;Junction City, Leadership Award; Megan Herpich, kinesiology,&nbsp;Manhattan, Engagement Award;Jessie Carr, human development and family science,&nbsp;Pleasanton, Engagement Award; Jena Winkler, kinesiology,&nbsp;Sabetha, Leadership Award; Brooklyn Plot, communication sciences and disorders,&nbsp;Salina, Engagement Award; Taylor Rusche, early childhood education,&nbsp;Seneca, Engagement Award; Shelbie McLain, human development and family science,&nbsp;Shawnee,Research/Creative Inquiry Award; and Lexi Becker, communication sciences and disorders, Leadership Award, and Alyssa Graber, communication sciences and disorders, Research/Creative Inquiry Award, both from&nbsp;Wichita.

Timothy Cale Hepler, kinesiology, Olin, North Carolina,Research/Creative Inquiry Award; Taylor Capko, gerontology,&nbsp;Port Arthur, Texas, Leadership Award; and Heather Wooden, dietetics,&nbsp;Virginia Beach, Virginia.

MANHATTAN — The Kansas State University&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Health and Human Sciences</a>&nbsp;is recognizing 16 graduating seniors for excellence in engagement, leadership, or research and creative inquiry.The Engagement Award recognizes students who have made exemplary contributions that impact the well-being of the community or individuals in the community. The Leadership Award is given to students who have exhibited excellence in leadership and have been recognized for their contributions to the campus, college, program or professional organizations. The Outstanding Research/Creative Activity award recognizes students who have made significant contributions to their field of study.The students will be recognized at the college's Graduation Honors and Student Awards Celebration on Friday in the K-State Student Union.The following students, all December 2019 graduation candidates, are senior award recipients from the College of Health and Human Sciences:Kylie Horsch, nutritional sciences,&nbsp;Andale, Engagement Award; Claire Tritschler, nutrition and health,&nbsp;Bel Aire, Leadership Award; Shelbi Emling, human development and family science, Chanute, Leadership Award; Katharyn Roe, nutritional sciences,&nbsp;Herington, Engagement Award; Morgan Ziegler, personal financial planning,&nbsp;Junction City, Leadership Award; Megan Herpich, kinesiology,&nbsp;Manhattan, Engagement Award;Jessie Carr, human development and family science,&nbsp;Pleasanton, Engagement Award; Jena Winkler, kinesiology,&nbsp;Sabetha, Leadership Award; Brooklyn Plot, communication sciences and disorders,&nbsp;Salina, Engagement Award; Taylor Rusche, early childhood education,&nbsp;Seneca, Engagement Award; Shelbie McLain, human development and family science,&nbsp;Shawnee,Research/Creative Inquiry Award; and Lexi Becker, communication sciences and disorders, Leadership Award, and Alyssa Graber, communication sciences and disorders, Research/Creative Inquiry Award, both from&nbsp;Wichita.From out of state:Timothy Cale Hepler, kinesiology, Olin, North Carolina,Research/Creative Inquiry Award; Taylor Capko, gerontology,&nbsp;Port Arthur, Texas, Leadership Award; and Heather Wooden, dietetics,&nbsp;Virginia Beach, Virginia.

K-State college honoring fall '19 outstanding seniors

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

Dine in once a month during 2020 at Rib Crib in Salina. You get the menu items of your choice, up to $25 per month. This is a retail value of $300.

You could be the winning bidder and still pay a lot less than retail!

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

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

The Christmas Cyber Sale ends at midnight on Dec. 30, so get to biding and buying today!

&nbsp; Christmas image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.canstockphoto.com/" target="_blank">(c) 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/2019/12/1575951713180.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dine in once a month during 2020 at Rib Crib in Salina. You get the menu items of your choice, up to $25 per month. This is a retail value of $300.You could be the winning bidder and still pay a lot less than retail!Eagle Radio's Christmas Cyber Sale has items to bid on and items that you can buy immediately. All items are from local and area businesses, so when you bid or buy, you’re helping the local and area economy.&nbsp; So how do you bid or buy? Just&nbsp;<a href="https://cyberxmas19.givesmart.com/" target="_blank">click here</a>&nbsp;to get started.&nbsp;The Christmas Cyber Sale ends at midnight on Dec. 30, so get to biding and buying today!&nbsp; Christmas image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.canstockphoto.com/" target="_blank">(c) Can Stock Photo / Irisangel</a>

Christmas Cyber Sale: Rib Crib once a month for a year

The jail project and rural fire district board appointments are among the items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday.

The commission meeting, which is to be televised by Salina Media Connection, is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.

After tabling the issue last week, commissioners are scheduled to consider a bid award for construction manager at risk for the county's jail project. 

Commissioners also are scheduled to consider rural fire district board appointments. Those appointments include the following.

Rural Fire District No. l (Term from Jan. 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2023)

Rural Fire District No. 2 (Term from Jan. 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2023)

Rural Fire District No. 5 (Term from Jan. 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2023)

Rural Fire District No. 6 (Term from Jan. 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2023)

Rural Fire District No. 7 (Term from Jan. 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2023)

Other items on the county commission agenda for Tuesday include the following.

Consider renewing the medical liability insurance policy for the Saline County Health Department -- Jason Tiller, health department director

Discuss the health department advisory council by-laws -- Tiller

Hear about the Fort Riley to Smoky Hill Unmanned Aircraft System Corridor Study -- Doug McKinney, executive director of the North Central Regional Planning Commission

Hear a pre-trial stats update -- Andrew Pellant, pre-trial program coordinator and Annie Grevas, community corrections director

At the conclusion of the meeting, the commissioners are scheduled to meet in a study session in room 107B of the City-County Building for the county administrator's update with Phillip Smith-Hanes. The update is scheduled to take 30 minutes.

To see the full Saline County Commission meeting packet (a 28-page pdf, <a href="http://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20191210.pdf?ver=2019-12-09-091500-787">click here</a>.

The jail project and rural fire district board appointments are among the items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday.The commission meeting, which is to be televised by Salina Media Connection, is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.After tabling the issue last week, commissioners are scheduled to consider a bid award for construction manager at risk for the county's jail project. Commissioners also are scheduled to consider rural fire district board appointments. Those appointments include the following.Rural Fire District No. l (Term from Jan. 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2023)Pete Kendrick, reappointmentBruce Waddle, reappointmentEric Stubbs, reappointmentRural Fire District No. 2 (Term from Jan. 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2023)Calvin Kelsey, reappointmentJustin Short, reappointmentRural Fire District No. 5 (Term from Jan. 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2023)Cindy Turner, reappointmentJeff Turner, reappointmentRural Fire District No. 6 (Term from Jan. 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2023)Kendall Johnson, new appointmentKeith Swenson, new appointmentRural Fire District No. 7 (Term from Jan. 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2023)Mike Hulteen, reappointmentRick Hicks, reappointmentJohn Guerrero, reappointmentOther items on the county commission agenda for Tuesday include the following.Consider renewing the medical liability insurance policy for the Saline County Health Department -- Jason Tiller, health department directorDiscuss the health department advisory council by-laws -- TillerHear about the Fort Riley to Smoky Hill Unmanned Aircraft System Corridor Study -- Doug McKinney, executive director of the North Central Regional Planning CommissionHear a pre-trial stats update -- Andrew Pellant, pre-trial program coordinator and Annie Grevas, community corrections directorAt the conclusion of the meeting, the commissioners are scheduled to meet in a study session in room 107B of the City-County Building for the county administrator's update with Phillip Smith-Hanes. The update is scheduled to take 30 minutes.To see the full Saline County Commission meeting packet (a 28-page pdf, <a href="http://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20191210.pdf?ver=2019-12-09-091500-787">click here</a>.

Jail project, RFD board appointments on county agenda

ABILENE -- Hospice of Dickinson County is sponsoring its annual Remember Me Tree, to honor the memory of loved ones during the holiday season. 

It will be on display in the lobby of Memorial Hospital, 511 NE. 10th&nbsp;Street, in Abilene through the end of December.

Anyone may place an angel or cross on the tree to honor or remember a loved one. Donations are accepted for the ornaments and it is encouraged to put the name of the person honored on the ornament. For donations of $20 or more, porcelain keepsake ornaments are available.&nbsp;Donation boxes are in the Caring Hearts Gift Shop at the hospital, Auburn Pharmacy, Lumber House True Value, West’s Plaza Country Mart, and Zey’s Market in Abilene.

Proceeds from the Remember Me Tree benefit the local Hospice program. 

Carol Whitehair, Director of Hospice of Dickinson County, said, “placing an ornament on the tree is a wonderful way to remember or honor a loved one during the holidays. These donations directly benefit our Hospice patients and programs.”

The Candle Lighting Memorial Service will be held Tuesday in the lobby of Memorial Hospital beginning at 6 p.m. Everyone from the community is invited. There will be a short memorial reading followed by honoring those whose names appear on the Remember Me Tree.

For more information, call Hospice of Dickinson County at (785) 263-6630.

ABILENE -- Hospice of Dickinson County is sponsoring its annual Remember Me Tree, to honor the memory of loved ones during the holiday season. It will be on display in the lobby of Memorial Hospital, 511 NE. 10th&nbsp;Street, in Abilene through the end of December.Anyone may place an angel or cross on the tree to honor or remember a loved one. Donations are accepted for the ornaments and it is encouraged to put the name of the person honored on the ornament. For donations of $20 or more, porcelain keepsake ornaments are available.&nbsp;Donation boxes are in the Caring Hearts Gift Shop at the hospital, Auburn Pharmacy, Lumber House True Value, West’s Plaza Country Mart, and Zey’s Market in Abilene.Proceeds from the Remember Me Tree benefit the local Hospice program. Carol Whitehair, Director of Hospice of Dickinson County, said, “placing an ornament on the tree is a wonderful way to remember or honor a loved one during the holidays. These donations directly benefit our Hospice patients and programs.”The Candle Lighting Memorial Service will be held Tuesday in the lobby of Memorial Hospital beginning at 6 p.m. Everyone from the community is invited. There will be a short memorial reading followed by honoring those whose names appear on the Remember Me Tree.For more information, call Hospice of Dickinson County at (785) 263-6630.

Hospice Remember Me Tree and candlelight ceremony in Abilene

Saline County has reopened Country Club Road between Holmes Road and Simpson Road.

That section of&nbsp;Country Club Road was closed to through traffic Friday morning for a railroad crossing replacement project.

Saline County has reopened Country Club Road between Holmes Road and Simpson Road.That section of&nbsp;Country Club Road was closed to through traffic Friday morning for a railroad crossing replacement project.

County reopens Country Club Road

Three executive sessions, the capital improvement program budget, and a discussion of single-use plastic bags are on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday.

Commissioners are scheduled to begin with study session at 2:30 p.m. Monday in room 107B of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street. The topic of the study session is the June 28 Housing Summit report overview and recommendations. A time for public comment is scheduled for 3:45 p.m.

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

Commissioners are scheduled to consider a resolution redefining the city limits of Salina. According to information in the commission meeting packet, the city is required by state law to "declare by resolution the entire boundary of the city" before Dec. 31 of each year. This year, the boundary was changed to include the south water treatment facility property on South Ohio.

A resolution to adopt the 2020-2024 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) also is on the commission agenda. According to the meeting packet information, the CIP includes an "anticipated schedule of Capital projects and Capital outlay for the next five years along with anticipated funding sources. Also included are projects that have been identified but are not programmed into specific years because further work is needed to define scope and/or funding source."

The proposed CIP was presented to the city commission during two study sessions on June 7 and Oct. 28, and no changes have been made since the October study session, the packet information states.

Commissioners are also scheduled to consider a change to the city's 2019 mill and inlay project to include the resurfacing of Santa Fe Avenue from Crawford Street to Mulberry Street at a proposed cost of $252,593.24. According to the meeting information, "adding this work into the 2019 project rather than including it in the 2020 project utilizes remaining sales tax funds that staff put on hold to ensure the City had adequate funds to cover Streets CIP project contingencies."

The packet information noted that "once completed, this section of Santa Fe will be striped similar to Santa Fe south of Crawford. Currently the section features four traffic lanes and parking between intersections and five traffic lanes without parking at intersections; the proposed configuration will convert one of the traffic lanes into two bicycle lanes between Crawford and South Streets."

Commissioners also are scheduled to consider three executive session requests. They are as follows.

A request for executive session (trade secrets) "to discuss the subject of a specific economic development prospect based upon the need to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships."

A request for executive session (legal) "to discuss the subject of negotiations with Saline County relating to the Expo Center Lease agreement with legal counsel."

A request for executive session (personnel) to discuss the city manager's performance evaluation.

Other items on the city agenda include the following.

Consider adopting Resolution No. 19-7779 authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company (UPRR) for a Pipeline Crossing and Encroachment of railroad property at the intersection of Mulberry Street and Fourth Street.

Consider authorizing the addition of a Power-LOAD cot system in the 2019 remount ambulance for the fire department.

Discuss single-use plastic bag use in Salina.

Three executive sessions, the capital improvement program budget, and a discussion of single-use plastic bags are on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday.Commissioners are scheduled to begin with study session at 2:30 p.m. Monday in room 107B of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street. The topic of the study session is the June 28 Housing Summit report overview and recommendations. A time for public comment is scheduled for 3:45 p.m.The regular commission meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. in room 107 of the City-County Building. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.Commissioners are scheduled to consider a resolution redefining the city limits of Salina. According to information in the commission meeting packet, the city is required by state law to "declare by resolution the entire boundary of the city" before Dec. 31 of each year. This year, the boundary was changed to include the south water treatment facility property on South Ohio.A resolution to adopt the 2020-2024 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) also is on the commission agenda. According to the meeting packet information, the CIP includes an "anticipated schedule of Capital projects and Capital outlay for the next five years along with anticipated funding sources. Also included are projects that have been identified but are not programmed into specific years because further work is needed to define scope and/or funding source."The proposed CIP was presented to the city commission during two study sessions on June 7 and Oct. 28, and no changes have been made since the October study session, the packet information states.Commissioners are also scheduled to consider a change to the city's 2019 mill and inlay project to include the resurfacing of Santa Fe Avenue from Crawford Street to Mulberry Street at a proposed cost of $252,593.24. According to the meeting information, "adding this work into the 2019 project rather than including it in the 2020 project utilizes remaining sales tax funds that staff put on hold to ensure the City had adequate funds to cover Streets CIP project contingencies."The packet information noted that "once completed, this section of Santa Fe will be striped similar to Santa Fe south of Crawford. Currently the section features four traffic lanes and parking between intersections and five traffic lanes without parking at intersections; the proposed configuration will convert one of the traffic lanes into two bicycle lanes between Crawford and South Streets."Commissioners also are scheduled to consider three executive session requests. They are as follows.A request for executive session (trade secrets) "to discuss the subject of a specific economic development prospect based upon the need to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships."A request for executive session (legal) "to discuss the subject of negotiations with Saline County relating to the Expo Center Lease agreement with legal counsel."A request for executive session (personnel) to discuss the city manager's performance evaluation.Other items on the city agenda include the following.Consider adopting Resolution No. 19-7779 authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company (UPRR) for a Pipeline Crossing and Encroachment of railroad property at the intersection of Mulberry Street and Fourth Street.Consider authorizing the addition of a Power-LOAD cot system in the 2019 remount ambulance for the fire department.Discuss single-use plastic bag use in Salina.

City agenda includes 3 executive sessions, CIP, single-use plastic bags

BY BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/central-kansas-farmers-clash-local-wildlife-refuge-over-water">Kansas News Service</a>

ST. JOHN — Water — who gets to use it, when and how — sparks fights all over the world.

The latest battleground is in south central Kansas, near the federally operated Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.

In
 its simplest form, it’s a clash between the refuge, which isn’t getting
 its legal share of water, and the local farmers who may be forced to 
cut back on how much water they use on their crops.

The stakes 
are clear. Wendy Mawhirter, who farms wheat, corn and soybeans near the 
refuge, said her family “wouldn’t have as much money.”

“Our schools wouldn’t be as good. Our little grocery story might shut down,” she said. “We wouldn’t be able to buy machinery.”

But for the refuge, water is “irreplaceable,” according to manager Mike Oldham.

“You can’t put it back there,” he said. "Once it’s gone, it’s gone.”

But both recognize the issue is not that simple.

<a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Quivira/about.html" target="_blank">Quivira National Wildlife Refuge</a> was established in 1955, a vast and sprawling wetland area greater than 22,000 acres. It’s a key stop for <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Quivira/visit/visitor_activities/birding_quivira.html" target="_blank">hundreds of species of migrating birds</a>.

On
 a freezing Saturday morning in November, Audubon of Kansas Executive 
Director Ron Klataske led two vans full of people on a tour of the 
refuge. The group, as well as dozens of others standing on the edge of 
Big Salt Marsh, hoped to catch a glimpse of one of only about 400 
whooping cranes still alive. The sounds of thousands of sandhill cranes 
filled the air.

“This is one of the few places and one of the most consistent places 
where you can see whooping cranes in migration,” Klataske said.

That
 salt marsh is filled mostly by water from Rattlesnake Creek. And the 
refuge’s right to water from the creek is one of the oldest in the 
region — dating back to 1957.

In Kansas, seniority is vital when 
it comes to water rights. In years when water is scarce, the older the 
right, the more likely you’ll get water before it runs out.

In 
the 1980s, the refuge started saying it wasn’t getting all the water 
it’s entitled to, arguing that too much groundwater was being pumped by 
farmers and wells. Years of voluntary efforts failed to solve the 
problem, so in 2013, the refuge filed an official complaint with the 
Kansas Department of Agriculture, which oversees water rights.

The state spent <a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/docs/default-source/wms---impairment-reports/final-impairment-report-quivira-20160715.pdf?sfvrsn=ad2ab8c1_4" target="_blank">two years on the investigation before coming to a conclusion</a>.

“In
 our view, the facts are pretty clear,” Kansas Chief Engineer David 
Barfield said. “(The refuge is) being impaired and something very 
significant needs to happen to remedy that.”

The <a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/docs/default-source/dwr-water-appropriation-documents/samplenoticemailing2019-09-30.pdf?sfvrsn=951d89c1_4" target="_blank">current proposal to fix the problem</a>
 calls for constructing water wells that the refuge could use to pipe in
 extra water. It also would cut total groundwater use in the Rattlesnake
 Creek watershed by 15%.

And here’s where water rights come into play: The reductions for each
 individual well would be determined based on seniority and historical 
use.

At <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hivvQJaqV_U&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">public hearings held in St. John</a>, some people argued the cuts are unreasonable because using the water for crops is more valuable than using it at the refuge.

But
 Barfield said the perceived value doesn’t factor into the decision. 
While that will be tough for many, he said, he’s legally bound to make 
sure Quivira gets its water.

That’s little consolation to Mawhirter.

“Quivira doesn’t have to make a living off of their water,” she said. “We do.”

Mawhirter
 said she likes having the wildlife refuge nearby, but the current 
proposed water cuts are unfair. She’d like to see a few things instead: 
including people who live further south and west in the cuts; having the
 state find more creative solutions, such as diverting water from the 
nearby Arkansas River; and having the refuge better manage the water it 
does get.

State officials were planning to implement the water cuts Jan. 1, but Republican <a href="http://kda-dwr-updates.org/quivira-public-meeting-and-current-status/" target="_blank">U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran lobbied U-S Fish and Wildlife Service</a> leadership this fall to pause the request and go back to the negotiating table.

Oldham
 said they’ll do what they can, but added there’s not going to be an 
easy solution; if there was, the problem would have already been figured
 out.

If negotiations fail, the issue will likely end up in 
court, though Barfield thinks it’s in the water users’ best interest to 
find a solution before that.

With all of the available data, the courts will likely decide to 
simply shut off water to a large group of junior rights holders to 
ensure the more senior Quivira gets its water.

The state has 
other ways to meet the needs of more junior users, like voluntary 
reductions in water use, he said. Plus, reductions like he’s proposed 
have precedent in Kansas, especially in far western Kansas, where 
self-imposed ones appear to be slowing the decline of the Ogallala 
Aquifer.

“We have seen in various parts of the state and the west, irrigators adapt,” Barfield said. “And they adapt very well.”

But
 with such high stakes, tension between Quivira and other water rights 
holders is high, said Quivira manager Oldham. He’s worked for the U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service for 27 years and said the last few have been 
the most stressful he can remember.

“I wouldn’t say that we’re 
not liked, but there’s less tolerance for us,” he said. “It’s not a 
really comfortable place to be right now.”

He said he isn’t trying to hurt anyone, but he has a job to do. Sometimes that’s worth taking a stand.

“You’ve
 got birds that have been coming here for the last millenia,” he said. 
“How do you just say 60 to 70 years from now it’s not going to be there 
anymore?”

Brian Grimmett reports on the environment, energy 
and natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow him on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en">@briangrimmett</a>&nbsp;or
 email him at grimmett @kmuw.org. The Kansas News Service is a
 collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public
 Radio focused on the health and well-being of Kansans, their 
communities and civic life.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575917100413.jpeg" alt="Sunrise over Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. Briam Grimmett photo" />
 <figcaption>Sunrise over Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. Briam Grimmett photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/central-kansas-farmers-clash-local-wildlife-refuge-over-water">Kansas News Service</a>ST. JOHN — Water — who gets to use it, when and how — sparks fights all over the world.The latest battleground is in south central Kansas, near the federally operated Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.In
 its simplest form, it’s a clash between the refuge, which isn’t getting
 its legal share of water, and the local farmers who may be forced to 
cut back on how much water they use on their crops.The stakes 
are clear. Wendy Mawhirter, who farms wheat, corn and soybeans near the 
refuge, said her family “wouldn’t have as much money.”“Our schools wouldn’t be as good. Our little grocery story might shut down,” she said. “We wouldn’t be able to buy machinery.”But for the refuge, water is “irreplaceable,” according to manager Mike Oldham.“You can’t put it back there,” he said. "Once it’s gone, it’s gone.”But both recognize the issue is not that simple.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575917219901.jpeg" alt="Little Salt Marsh at Quivira. Brian Grimmett photo" />
 <figcaption>Little Salt Marsh at Quivira. Brian Grimmett photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A matter of seniority</h2><a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Quivira/about.html" target="_blank">Quivira National Wildlife Refuge</a> was established in 1955, a vast and sprawling wetland area greater than 22,000 acres. It’s a key stop for <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Quivira/visit/visitor_activities/birding_quivira.html" target="_blank">hundreds of species of migrating birds</a>.On
 a freezing Saturday morning in November, Audubon of Kansas Executive 
Director Ron Klataske led two vans full of people on a tour of the 
refuge. The group, as well as dozens of others standing on the edge of 
Big Salt Marsh, hoped to catch a glimpse of one of only about 400 
whooping cranes still alive. The sounds of thousands of sandhill cranes 
filled the air.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575917263781.jpeg" alt="Audubon of Kansas Executive Director Ran Klataske. Briam Grimmett photo" />
 <figcaption>Audubon of Kansas Executive Director Ran Klataske. Briam Grimmett photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“This is one of the few places and one of the most consistent places 
where you can see whooping cranes in migration,” Klataske said.That
 salt marsh is filled mostly by water from Rattlesnake Creek. And the 
refuge’s right to water from the creek is one of the oldest in the 
region — dating back to 1957.In Kansas, seniority is vital when 
it comes to water rights. In years when water is scarce, the older the 
right, the more likely you’ll get water before it runs out.In 
the 1980s, the refuge started saying it wasn’t getting all the water 
it’s entitled to, arguing that too much groundwater was being pumped by 
farmers and wells. Years of voluntary efforts failed to solve the 
problem, so in 2013, the refuge filed an official complaint with the 
Kansas Department of Agriculture, which oversees water rights.The state spent <a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/docs/default-source/wms---impairment-reports/final-impairment-report-quivira-20160715.pdf?sfvrsn=ad2ab8c1_4" target="_blank">two years on the investigation before coming to a conclusion</a>.“In
 our view, the facts are pretty clear,” Kansas Chief Engineer David 
Barfield said. “(The refuge is) being impaired and something very 
significant needs to happen to remedy that.”The <a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/docs/default-source/dwr-water-appropriation-documents/samplenoticemailing2019-09-30.pdf?sfvrsn=951d89c1_4" target="_blank">current proposal to fix the problem</a>
 calls for constructing water wells that the refuge could use to pipe in
 extra water. It also would cut total groundwater use in the Rattlesnake
 Creek watershed by 15%.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575917321625.jpeg" alt="Local farmers packed the Stafford County Annex building for a public hearing on proposed actions on Oct. 21.&nbsp;Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Local farmers packed the Stafford County Annex building for a public hearing on proposed actions on Oct. 21.&nbsp;Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>And here’s where water rights come into play: The reductions for each
 individual well would be determined based on seniority and historical 
use.At <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hivvQJaqV_U&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">public hearings held in St. John</a>, some people argued the cuts are unreasonable because using the water for crops is more valuable than using it at the refuge.But
 Barfield said the perceived value doesn’t factor into the decision. 
While that will be tough for many, he said, he’s legally bound to make 
sure Quivira gets its water.That’s little consolation to Mawhirter.“Quivira doesn’t have to make a living off of their water,” she said. “We do.”Mawhirter
 said she likes having the wildlife refuge nearby, but the current 
proposed water cuts are unfair. She’d like to see a few things instead: 
including people who live further south and west in the cuts; having the
 state find more creative solutions, such as diverting water from the 
nearby Arkansas River; and having the refuge better manage the water it 
does get.The delayed responseState officials were planning to implement the water cuts Jan. 1, but Republican <a href="http://kda-dwr-updates.org/quivira-public-meeting-and-current-status/" target="_blank">U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran lobbied U-S Fish and Wildlife Service</a> leadership this fall to pause the request and go back to the negotiating table.Oldham
 said they’ll do what they can, but added there’s not going to be an 
easy solution; if there was, the problem would have already been figured
 out.If negotiations fail, the issue will likely end up in 
court, though Barfield thinks it’s in the water users’ best interest to 
find a solution before that.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575917393099.jpeg" alt="Four endangered whooping cranes roost in the waters of Big Salt Marsh at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.&nbsp;Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Four endangered whooping cranes roost in the waters of Big Salt Marsh at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.&nbsp;Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>With all of the available data, the courts will likely decide to 
simply shut off water to a large group of junior rights holders to 
ensure the more senior Quivira gets its water.The state has 
other ways to meet the needs of more junior users, like voluntary 
reductions in water use, he said. Plus, reductions like he’s proposed 
have precedent in Kansas, especially in far western Kansas, where 
self-imposed ones appear to be slowing the decline of the Ogallala 
Aquifer.“We have seen in various parts of the state and the west, irrigators adapt,” Barfield said. “And they adapt very well.”But
 with such high stakes, tension between Quivira and other water rights 
holders is high, said Quivira manager Oldham. He’s worked for the U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service for 27 years and said the last few have been 
the most stressful he can remember.“I wouldn’t say that we’re 
not liked, but there’s less tolerance for us,” he said. “It’s not a 
really comfortable place to be right now.”He said he isn’t trying to hurt anyone, but he has a job to do. Sometimes that’s worth taking a stand.“You’ve
 got birds that have been coming here for the last millenia,” he said. 
“How do you just say 60 to 70 years from now it’s not going to be there 
anymore?”Brian Grimmett reports on the environment, energy 
and natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow him on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en">@briangrimmett</a>&nbsp;or
 email him at grimmett @kmuw.org. The Kansas News Service is a
 collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public
 Radio focused on the health and well-being of Kansans, their 
communities and civic life.

Central Kansas farmers clash with Quivira refuge over water 

Salina Police are investigating a garage burglary in south Salina. Sometime between Tuesday and Saturday, someone broke into the attached garage of a residence in the 800 block of Mike Drive, Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus said. Forced entry was made by breaking the door jamb on the back of the garage, he said. Items taken included the following, Hanus said. Two Stihl chainsaws valued together at $1,100 Milwaukee drill kit valued at $400

Police investigating garage burglary in south Salina

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575814066309.jpeg"> Herbey Hernandez-Rodriguez. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's office A 24-year-old Salina man was arrested on suspicion of rape and aggravated criminal sodomy after an alleged incident early Saturday morning. Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus said Monday that a 22-year-old Salina woman reported the alleged rape in east central Salina. She and the suspect were acquainted, he said. After an investigation, Herbey Hernandez-Rodriguez, 24, of Salina, was arrested on suspicion of rape and aggravated criminal sodomy, Hanus said.

Salina man arrested on suspicion of rape, aggravated criminal sodomy

Two Salina women fell victim to scammers on Thursday. A 64-year-old Salina woman said she believed she was in communication with a Publishers Clearing House (PCH) employee. The alleged PCH employee pulled up to her house and she gave a $50 gift card to the man who got out of the vehicle, Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus said Monday. The money allegedly was a sort of processing fee. The man was going to return for more money, but instead called while a police officer was visiting with the woman about the incident, Hanus said. The man hung up when the officer attempted to talk with him, he added. In the second case, a 67-year-old woman reported that she purchased four $500 gift cards and provided the card information over the telephone to a person she believed to be from Microsoft after a virus warning popped up on her computer screen, Hanus said.

Two Salina women fall victim to scammers

Salina Police are warning people to be extra vigilant with their bank accounts as a skimmer was found on a Salina bank ATM over the weekend. Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus said Monday that the investigation is in the preliminary stages and that more information would be released later. He was not able to release the name of the bank and it's location at this time.

Skimmer found on Salina bank ATM over the weekend

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575863974146.jpeg">Steers grazing grass as part of a stocker cattle management protocol. Photo courtesy KSRE MANHATTAN – Cow-calf producers, stocker operators and feedlot managers all have the same end goal in mind: raise high quality beef profitably. Experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute say there are many ways that producers can do that successfully.&nbsp;Stocker cattle are typically newly-weaned calves weighing between 300 and 800 pounds. They are often co-mingled with other calves and developed on a forage-based system with some feed supplementation before moving to the feedlots for finishing.&nbsp;“Successful stocker operators do a good job of buying and selling the cattle, while keeping them healthy at an effective cost of gain,” said K-State veterinary medicine professor Bob Larson.&nbsp;In respect to the markets, agricultural economist Dustin Pendell advises stocker operators to follow a buy low, sell high strategy. “There are a lot of considerations to include such as pricing inputs, output price and marketing strategies,” he said. “Producers need to have a risk management strategy when purchasing inputs and selling calves.”&nbsp;Once the cattle arrive, identifying the appropriate feedstuffs is also going to be key to an operator’s success, according to Larson. “It is not just pricing feed on a per pound of feed basis, but looking at how much growth can come from that feed source.”&nbsp;For some operations, it may be more cost effective to calculate a slower rate of gain by feeding a forage-based diet, and for others more feed supplementation may be needed to provide adequate nutrients for a faster gain.&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension cow-calf specialist Bob Weaber also said there is another reason for supplementation. “Following a higher rate of gain may also allow operators to meet a marketing window due to the seasonality of feeder calves,” he said.&nbsp;Along with market price considerations and feeding strategies, the experts agreed that it is vital to follow a health protocol for the calves.&nbsp;“It is important to establish a logical plan of first and second treatments,” Larson said. “The veterinarian is going to help select an antibiotic that is a good match for the bacteria that is causing the disease.”&nbsp;Another part of the plan is to outline treatment frequency, and establish a second protocol for those that don’t respond to the initial treatment.&nbsp;Larson stressed the importance of sticking with the treatment plan. “This is a protocol. Treat every animal the same so we can evaluate if this protocol is working,” he said.&nbsp;More information on this topic is available on a&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2019/11/29/dustin-questions-ag-credit-survey-listener-question-tips-for-managing-profitability-in-stocker-cattle-health-protocols" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">weekly podcast produced by the Beef Cattle Institute</a>.

K-State beef cattle experts: Tips for raising stocker cattle

Check out this great deal from Eagle Radio's Christmas Cyber Sale: <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575863196546.jpeg"> This item is 12 treatments with a Zerona Low Level Laser from the Kempton Family Wellness Center. It has a retail value of $495. Zerona is safe, effective, totally non-invasive body slimming, Kempton notes. These treatments are ideal for people already following a healthy diet and lifestyle who want to remove localized pockets of fat or drop body fat percentage. People who want to "jump start" their slimming efforts also benefit from Zerona. There are no side effects beyond loss of inches and fat. 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/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(66, 153, 225);">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/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(66, 153, 225);">(c) Can Stock Photo / Irisangel</a>

Christmas Cyber Sale: Zerona low level laser from Kempton

MANHATTAN — More than 1,500 students are candidates for degrees from Kansas State University at upcoming commencement ceremonies Friday and Saturday in Manhattan and Salina. To be awarded include more than 1,250 bachelor's degrees, nearly 250 master's degrees and more than 50 doctorates. More than 200 graduation candidates are earning their degrees through distance education. Ceremonies start at 1 p.m. Friday on the Manhattan campus with the Graduate School in Bramlage Coliseum. At the ceremony, retired Army Brig. Gen. Chris King, dean emeritus of the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, will receive an honorary doctorate and deliver the commencement address. Cheryl Harrison-Lee, Gardner, a member of the Kansas Board of Regents, will represent the board at the ceremony. Commencement for Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus in Salina will be at 7 p.m. in the Student Life Center. The speaker will be Lee Gatton, Overland Park, who worked for more than 40 years in the computer engineering field. Gatton is an alumnus of Polytechnic and served as its 2012 Alumni Fellow. Ceremonies on Saturday will be in Bramlage Coliseum on the Manhattan campus. The schedule and speakers: Kimberly Kirkpatrick, university distinguished professor of psychological sciences, for the College of Arts and Sciences at 8:30 a.m. Kirkpatrick is director of the Cognitive and Neurobiological Approaches to Plasticity, or CNAP, Center, funded by a $10.6 million dollar grant from the National Institutes of General Medical Sciences. Whitney Morgan, the 2019 Kansas Teacher of the Year, for the College of Education at 10 a.m. Morgan earned her bachelor's degree in secondary education from K-State in 2012 and teaches English language arts to immigrant, migrant and refugee students at Wyandotte High School in Kansas City. Mary Lynn Manning, a retired pharmaceutical executive, for the College of Business Administration at 11:30 a.m. Manning, who earned bachelor's degrees in modern languages and general business from K-State, retired in 2016 as senior vice president of global competitive strategy for the infectious disease care group at The Medicines Company. She also worked for Bristol Myers Squibb and Novartis. Christine Wilson, professor of agricultural economics, for the College of Agriculture at 1 p.m. Wilson, who earned a bachelor's, a master's and a doctorate in agricultural economics from K-State, has earned many honors for her teaching, including the 2019 Agricultural &amp; Applied Economics Association Distinguished Teaching Award — More Than 10 Years' Experience. Jamie Bosse, a certified financial planner and registered financial consultant with Aspyre Wealth Partners, Manhattan, for the College of Health and Human Sciences at 2:30 p.m. The author of a financial literacy book for children, "Milton the Money Savvy Pup: Brings Home the Bacon," is actively involved in the college and has served on the advisory board for the personal financial planning program since 2014. Chrysta Castañeda, lead trial lawyer and founding partner of The Castañeda Firm, Dallas, for the College of Engineering at 4 p.m. After earning a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from K-State, Castañeda went on to earn her law degree from Southern Methodist University. As a lead trial lawyer in the energy industry, she has been recognized for her work by the National Law Journal. She successfully represented T. Boone Pickens in the case of Mesa Petroleum Partners LP vs. Baytech LLP. A virtual commencement ceremony is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://global.k-state.edu/commencement/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">global.k-state.edu/commencement</a>&nbsp;for distance education students unable to attend their commencement ceremony in person. The website includes a listing of students earning degrees through distance education, a place for family and friends to post congratulatory messages, and other commencement-related offerings.

Degrees of success: K-State commencements Dec. 13-14

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575861896250.jpeg">A sampling of some of the Prairie Oaks Designs creations. Photos courtesy the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Prairie-Oaks-Designs-415937385239424/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Prairie Oaks Designs</a> Facebook page By RON WILSONKansas State University Okeechobee, Fla. A package is arriving. Inside is a beautiful metal nativity set, designed and cut by a craftsman at a business halfway across the continent in rural Kansas. It’s especially interesting to find that this craftsman is a woman. This is a special holiday edition of Kansas Profile.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sara Dawson is the owner and founder of Prairie Oaks Designs in Florence, in Marion County.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sara grew up near Florence and went to K-State. After working in the animal health business for a time, she came back and joined the family ranch. She married Troy Dawson who is farming and ranching and is trained as a master welder. Sara was thinking about how to add value to the family business.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575862181497.jpeg">&nbsp;Sara and Troy Dawson&nbsp;One day in 2014, Sara was flipping through a catalog and spotted a picture of a rusty old metal item nailed to a piece of wood. It caught her eye and she wondered if she could produce similar products.&nbsp;“How do those people cut that metal?” she asked her husband. “And what would it take to get that equipment?” When he told her the price of a plasma metal cutter, she thought, “Oh, there’s no way we could get that.” But her husband encouraged her to get it and try it out.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sara decided to try designing and marketing these metal designs as home décor. They ordered the plasma cutter and signed up to exhibit products at an upcoming craft show.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, the plasma cutter was late in coming. When it finally arrived, a major component was missing. Sara’s stress level went up as the date of the show got closer and closer. Once the plasma cutter was ready, she spent lots of late nights self-training on how to use it. She managed to make enough products to take to the show – and the response was excellent.The demand for her products took off. Sara named her business Prairie Oaks Designs.&nbsp;&nbsp;She now creates her products using computer-aided design software and cuts them out of metal using a 5-foot by 10-foot CNC water table plasma cutter.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;During the first few years, she did this work in an unheated and un-air conditioned metal shed on the farmstead. “It was either an icebox or a sauna in there,” she said. As the business expanded, she opened a facility in her hometown of Florence. It has a climate-controlled shop in the back and a showroom and gift shop to display her products up front.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prairie Oaks Designs produces attractive miniature metal designs as custom home décor, mounted on genuine antique barn wood. “I choose to cut those designs that are close to my heart and that I would want to have in my home,” Sara said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;During the holidays, her nativity sets and other Christmas items are especially popular, but she offers a remarkable variety of products year-round. Many of these are focused on faith and family. There are scenes of cowboys, hunting, fishing, golfing, Kansas, inspirational thoughts, and many more.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prairie Oaks Designs can custom-make virtually any design, such as names or letters for weddings or anniversaries. “When people come in to the showroom, they usually assume my husband is doing the work,” Sara said. “They also ask, `Where do you get your products?’ I explain that everything we sell is designed and cut right there ourselves.”&nbsp;The barn wood is reclaimed from old barns that are being torn down. “We’re kinda picky and we go through the wood carefully to pick just the kind we want,” Sara said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The emphasis on quality has paid off. She is shipping products all over the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;Social media have been key to promoting these products quickly and efficiently. She now has nearly 12,000 followers on Facebook. It’s an impressive business to find in a rural community like Florence, population 465 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.prairieoaksdesigns.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">www.prairieoaksdesigns.com</a>.&nbsp;It’s time to leave Okeechobee, where a nativity set arrived from Kansas. We salute Sara and Troy Dawson for making a difference with their creativity and entrepreneurship.&nbsp;&nbsp;Having such initiative and creativity is truly a gift. Audio and text files of Kansas Profiles are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasprofile.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(119, 119, 119);">http://www.kansasprofile.com</a>. For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(119, 119, 119);">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>. Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

Kansas Profile:  Sara Dawson, Prairie Oaks Designs

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg">Today is Monday, Dec. 9, the 343rd day of 2019. There are 22 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History:On Dec. 9, 1990, Solidarity founder Lech Walesa won Poland's presidential runoff by a landslide. On this date:In 1608, English poet John Milton was born in London. In 1911, an explosion inside the Cross Mountain coal mine near Briceville, Tennessee, killed 84 workers. (Five were rescued.) In 1940, British troops opened their first major offensive in North Africa during World War II. In 1958, the anti-communist John Birch Society was formed in Indianapolis. In 1960, the Domino's Pizza chain had its beginnings as brothers Tom and James Monaghan started operating a pizzeria in Ypsilanti, Mich. In 1962, the Petrified Forest in Arizona was designated a national park. In 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a $2.3 billion seasonal loan-authorization that officials of New York City and State said would prevent a city default. In 1984, the five-day-old hijacking of a Kuwaiti jetliner that claimed the lives of two Americans ended as Iranian security men seized control of the plane, which was parked at Tehran airport.In 1987, the first Palestinian intefadeh, or uprising, began as riots broke out in Gaza and spread to the West Bank, triggering a strong Israeli response. In 1992, Britain's Prince Charles and Princess Diana announced their separation. (The couple's divorce became final in Aug. 1996.) In 2000, the U-S Supreme Court ordered a temporary halt in the Florida vote count on which Al Gore pinned his best hopes of winning the White House. In 2013, scientists revealed that NASA's Curiosity rover had uncovered signs of an ancient freshwater lake on Mars. Ten years ago: Five young American Muslims were arrested in Pakistan over possible links to terrorism. Iran claimed that a newly-built U.N. station to detect nuclear explosions was built near its border to give the West a post to spy on the country. Former Costa Rican President Rodrigo Carazo Odio, 82, died in San Juan. Actor Gene Barry, 90, died in Woodland Hills, California. Five years ago: U.S. Senate investigators concluded the United States had brutalized scores of terror suspects with interrogation tactics that turned secret CIA prisons into chambers of suffering and did nothing to make Americans safer after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Britain's Prince William and his wife, Kate, paid a solemn, rain-drenched visit to the National Sept. 11 Memorial and Museum as they wrapped up their first visit to New York. Mary Ann Mobley Collins, 77, a former Miss America and actress, died in Beverly Hills, California. One year ago: A massive storm brought snow, sleet and freezing rain across a wide swath of the South, cutting power to hundreds of thousands. Melvin Dummar, the former Utah gas station owner who claimed that billionaire Howard Hughes had left him $156 million for rescuing him on a desert road, died in Nevada at the age of 74; courts had determined that he lied, and that the will in which he was named as a beneficiary was a fake. Today's Birthdays: Actor Kirk Douglas is 103. Actor-writer Buck Henry is 89. Actress Dame Judi Dench is 85. Actor Beau Bridges is 78. Football Hall of Famer Dick Butkus is 77. Comedian-songwriter Neil Innes is 75. Actor Michael Nouri is 74. Former Sen. Thomas Daschle, D-S.D., is 72. World Golf Hall of Famer Tom Kite is 70. Singer Joan Armatrading is 69. Actor Michael Dorn is 67. Actor John Malkovich is 66. Country singer Sylvia is 63. Singer Donny Osmond is 62. Rock musician Nick Seymour (Crowded House) is 61. Comedian Mario Cantone is 60. Actor David Anthony Higgins is 58. Actor Joe Lando is 58. Actress Felicity Huffman is 57. Empress Masako of Japan is 56. Country musician Jerry Hughes (Yankee Grey) is 54. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., is 53. Rock singer-musician Thomas Flowers (Oleander) is 52. Rock musician Brian Bell (Weezer) is 51. Rock singer-musician Jakob Dylan (Wallflowers) is 50. TV personality-businessperson Lori Greiner (TV: "Shark Tank") is 50. Country musician Brian Hayes (Cole Deggs and the Lonesome) is 50. Actress Allison Smith is 50. Songwriter and former "American Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi is 49. Country singer David Kersh is 49. Actress Reiko Aylesworth is 47. Rock musician Tre Cool (Green Day) is 47. Rapper Canibus is 45. Actor Kevin Daniels is 43. Actor-writer-director Mark Duplass is 43. Rock musician Eric Zamora (Save Ferris) is 43. Rock singer Imogen Heap is 42. Actor Jesse Metcalfe is 41. Actor Simon Helberg is 39. Actress Jolene Purdy is 36. Actor Joshua Sasse is 32. Actress Ashleigh Brewer is 29. Olympic gold and silver medal gymnast McKayla Maroney is 24. Thought for Today: "The real question is not whether machines think but whether men do. The mystery which surrounds a thinking machine already surrounds a thinking man." — B.F. Skinner, American behaviorist (1904-1990). Copyright 2019, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.