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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Walk off the holidays with a First Day Hike

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today in History -- Dec. 16

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

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

LPD: It's not 'four wheel stop'

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bird population changes topic of next Smoky Hills Audubon meeting

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

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

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

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

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

Total snow amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected. 

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

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

NWS: Winter storm warnings canceled; area advisories

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

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

KHP Troop C warns of snowpacked interstates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are expected.

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

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

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

UPDATED: Winter storm warnings canceled

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas Profile – Now That’s Rural: Joel Gaeddert, Flint Hills Design

Today is Sunday, Dec. 15, the 349th day of 2019. There are 16 days left in the year.

On Dec. 15, 1978, President Jimmy Carter announced he would grant diplomatic recognition to Communist China on New Year's Day and sever official relations with Taiwan.

In 1791, the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, went into effect following ratification by Virginia.

In 1890, Sioux Indian Chief Sitting Bull and 11 other tribe members were killed in Grand River, South Dakota, during a confrontation with Indian police.

In 1944, a single-engine plane carrying bandleader Glenn Miller, a major in the U.S. Army Air Forces, disappeared over the English Channel while en route to Paris.

In 1961, former Nazi official Adolf Eichmann was sentenced to death by an Israeli court for crimes against humanity. (Eichmann was hanged 5 1/2 months later.)

In 1966, movie producer Walt Disney died in Los Angeles at age 65.

In 1967, the Silver Bridge between Gallipolis, Ohio, and Point Pleasant, West Virginia, collapsed into the Ohio River, killing 46 people.

In 1971, the Secret Service appointed its first five female special agents.

In 1974, the horror spoof "Young Frankenstein," starring Gene Wilder and directed by Mel Brooks, was released by 20th Century Fox.

In 1989, a popular uprising began in Romania that resulted in the downfall of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.

In 2000, the long-troubled Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine was closed for good.

In 2001, with a crash and a large dust cloud, a 50-foot tall section of steel — the last standing piece of the World Trade Center's facade — was brought down in New York.

In 2013, Nelson Mandela was laid to rest in his childhood hometown, ending a 10-day mourning period for South Africa's first black president.

Ten years ago: World leaders formally opened a U.N. climate change conference in Copenhagen. The Washington, D.C. City Council voted to legalize same-sex marriage. Boeing's new 787 "Dreamliner" jet went on its long-delayed first test flight, lifting off from Paine Field in Everett, Washington. Evangelist Oral Roberts died in Newport Beach, California, at age 91.

Five years ago: A 16-hour hostage siege began in Sydney, Australia, as an Iranian-born self-styled Muslim cleric took 17 hostages at a cafe; police ended up storming the cafe, resulting in the deaths of the gunman and two of his captives.

One year ago: President Donald Trump said Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke would be leaving the administration at year's end; Zinke was facing federal investigations into his travel, political activity and potential conflicts of interest. Fearing that the incoming administration of Brazilian President-elect Jair Bolsonaro could restrict same-sex marriage, about 40 gay couples were married in downtown Sao Paulo.

Today's Birthdays: Singer Cindy Birdsong (The Supremes) is 80. Rock musician Dave Clark (The Dave Clark Five) is 77. Rock musician Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge) is 73. Actor Don Johnson is 70. Actress Melanie Chartoff is 69. Movie director Julie Taymor is 67. Movie director Alex Cox is 65. Actor Justin Ross is 65. Rock musician Paul Simonon (The Clash) is 64. Movie director John Lee Hancock is 63. Democratic Party activist Donna Brazile is 60. Country singer Doug Phelps (Brother Phelps; Kentucky Headhunters) is 59. Movie producer-director Reginald Hudlin is 58. Actress Helen Slater is 56. Actor Paul Kaye (TV: "Game of Thrones") is 55. Actress Molly Price is 54. Actor Garrett Wang is 51. Actor Michael Shanks is 49. Actor Stuart Townsend is 47. Figure skater Surya Bonaly is 46. Actor Geoff Stults is 43. "Crowd-hyper" Kito Trawick (Ghostown DJs) is 42. Actor Adam Brody is 40. Actress Michelle Dockery is 38. Actor George O. Gore II is 37. Actress Camilla Luddington is 36. Rock musician Alana Haim (HYM) is 28. Actress Maude Apatow is 22. Actress Stefania Owen is 22.

Thought for Today: "The world is moving so fast these days that the one who says it can't be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it." — Harry Emerson Fosdick, American clergyman (1878-1969).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Sunday, Dec. 15, the 349th day of 2019. There are 16 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Dec. 15, 1978, President Jimmy Carter announced he would grant diplomatic recognition to Communist China on New Year's Day and sever official relations with Taiwan.On this date:In 1791, the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, went into effect following ratification by Virginia.In 1890, Sioux Indian Chief Sitting Bull and 11 other tribe members were killed in Grand River, South Dakota, during a confrontation with Indian police.In 1944, a single-engine plane carrying bandleader Glenn Miller, a major in the U.S. Army Air Forces, disappeared over the English Channel while en route to Paris.In 1961, former Nazi official Adolf Eichmann was sentenced to death by an Israeli court for crimes against humanity. (Eichmann was hanged 5 1/2 months later.)In 1966, movie producer Walt Disney died in Los Angeles at age 65.In 1967, the Silver Bridge between Gallipolis, Ohio, and Point Pleasant, West Virginia, collapsed into the Ohio River, killing 46 people.In 1971, the Secret Service appointed its first five female special agents.In 1974, the horror spoof "Young Frankenstein," starring Gene Wilder and directed by Mel Brooks, was released by 20th Century Fox.In 1989, a popular uprising began in Romania that resulted in the downfall of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.In 2000, the long-troubled Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine was closed for good.In 2001, with a crash and a large dust cloud, a 50-foot tall section of steel — the last standing piece of the World Trade Center's facade — was brought down in New York.In 2013, Nelson Mandela was laid to rest in his childhood hometown, ending a 10-day mourning period for South Africa's first black president.Ten years ago: World leaders formally opened a U.N. climate change conference in Copenhagen. The Washington, D.C. City Council voted to legalize same-sex marriage. Boeing's new 787 "Dreamliner" jet went on its long-delayed first test flight, lifting off from Paine Field in Everett, Washington. Evangelist Oral Roberts died in Newport Beach, California, at age 91.Five years ago: A 16-hour hostage siege began in Sydney, Australia, as an Iranian-born self-styled Muslim cleric took 17 hostages at a cafe; police ended up storming the cafe, resulting in the deaths of the gunman and two of his captives.One year ago: President Donald Trump said Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke would be leaving the administration at year's end; Zinke was facing federal investigations into his travel, political activity and potential conflicts of interest. Fearing that the incoming administration of Brazilian President-elect Jair Bolsonaro could restrict same-sex marriage, about 40 gay couples were married in downtown Sao Paulo.Today's Birthdays: Singer Cindy Birdsong (The Supremes) is 80. Rock musician Dave Clark (The Dave Clark Five) is 77. Rock musician Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge) is 73. Actor Don Johnson is 70. Actress Melanie Chartoff is 69. Movie director Julie Taymor is 67. Movie director Alex Cox is 65. Actor Justin Ross is 65. Rock musician Paul Simonon (The Clash) is 64. Movie director John Lee Hancock is 63. Democratic Party activist Donna Brazile is 60. Country singer Doug Phelps (Brother Phelps; Kentucky Headhunters) is 59. Movie producer-director Reginald Hudlin is 58. Actress Helen Slater is 56. Actor Paul Kaye (TV: "Game of Thrones") is 55. Actress Molly Price is 54. Actor Garrett Wang is 51. Actor Michael Shanks is 49. Actor Stuart Townsend is 47. Figure skater Surya Bonaly is 46. Actor Geoff Stults is 43. "Crowd-hyper" Kito Trawick (Ghostown DJs) is 42. Actor Adam Brody is 40. Actress Michelle Dockery is 38. Actor George O. Gore II is 37. Actress Camilla Luddington is 36. Rock musician Alana Haim (HYM) is 28. Actress Maude Apatow is 22. Actress Stefania Owen is 22.Thought for Today: "The world is moving so fast these days that the one who says it can't be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it." — Harry Emerson Fosdick, American clergyman (1878-1969).Copyright 2019, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- Dec. 15

McPHERSON -- The gift of warmth! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/McPhersonCountyksSheriff/">McPherson County Sheriff's Office</a> Facebook page:

McPHERSON -- The gift of warmth! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/McPhersonCountyksSheriff/">McPherson County Sheriff's Office</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMcPhersonCountyksSheriff%2Fposts%2F1268458263352269&width=500" width="500" height="687" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

McPherson Quilt Guild donates to sheriff's office

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

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

Recent obituaries

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

This pass for two for the Salina Symphony 2020 season has a value of $210, but it can be yours now for $100 plus a 2.5 percent surcharge!

The Salina Symphony enriches lives through artistic music performance and education. The symphony performs five subscription concerts each season as well as an annual pops concert and a patriotic outdoor concert held on the grounds of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene.

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

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

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

Christmas image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.canstockphoto.com/" target="_blank">(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/2019/12/1576370544087.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This pass for two for the Salina Symphony 2020 season has a value of $210, but it can be yours now for $100 plus a 2.5 percent surcharge!The Salina Symphony enriches lives through artistic music performance and education. The symphony performs five subscription concerts each season as well as an annual pops concert and a patriotic outdoor concert held on the grounds of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene.Eagle Radio's Christmas Cyber Sale has items to bid on and items that you can buy immediately. All items are from local and area businesses, so when you bid or buy, you’re helping the local and area economy.So how do you bid or buy? Just&nbsp;<a href="https://cyberxmas19.givesmart.com/" target="_blank">click here</a>&nbsp;to get started.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Christmas Cyber Sale ends at midnight on Dec. 30, so get to biding and buying today!Christmas image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.canstockphoto.com/" target="_blank">(c) Can Stock Photo / Irisangel</a>

Christmas Cyber Sale: Salina Symphony season pass for two

This week’s Comfort Heating and Air Salute to Service honoree is Chase Copeland.

Chase serves as a McPherson County firefighter.

"He is a outstanding service man, father, husband and goes above and beyond yet never quite gets the time for him; he is to busy doing for everyone else!" a nominator wrote.

Congratulations, Chase, on being selected as this week’s Comfort Heating and Air Salute to Service honoree! Thank you for your service! Chase is the final honoree for this year.

Honorees receive dinner and dessert for two from Chic-fil-A and are put in a random drawing to attend the Chiefs vs. Chargers game on Dec. 29 at Arrowhead Stadium. The grand prize includes lower level tickets to the game, VIP, 2 nights’ hotel stay at the Holiday Inn Kansas City Downtown, and a Chiefs fan pack valued at more than $1,000.

“I’m really excited to expand the Salute to Service contest this year. We’re so grateful to all the active duty military and veterans out there, but also wanted to honor everyday heroes too!” said Tucker Hilbert, owner of Comfort Heating &amp; Air. “We’re thankful to our community partners like Chick-fil-A for helping us make sure each weekly winner feels appreciated.”

Thank you to all the nominees! We salute you!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576335677215.jpeg" alt="Chase Copeland. Courtesy photos" />
 <figcaption>Chase Copeland. Courtesy photos</figcaption>
 </figure>This week’s Comfort Heating and Air Salute to Service honoree is Chase Copeland.Chase serves as a McPherson County firefighter."He is a outstanding service man, father, husband and goes above and beyond yet never quite gets the time for him; he is to busy doing for everyone else!" a nominator wrote.Congratulations, Chase, on being selected as this week’s Comfort Heating and Air Salute to Service honoree! Thank you for your service! Chase is the final honoree for this year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573494237928.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Honorees receive dinner and dessert for two from Chic-fil-A and are put in a random drawing to attend the Chiefs vs. Chargers game on Dec. 29 at Arrowhead Stadium. The grand prize includes lower level tickets to the game, VIP, 2 nights’ hotel stay at the Holiday Inn Kansas City Downtown, and a Chiefs fan pack valued at more than $1,000.“I’m really excited to expand the Salute to Service contest this year. We’re so grateful to all the active duty military and veterans out there, but also wanted to honor everyday heroes too!” said Tucker Hilbert, owner of Comfort Heating &amp; Air. “We’re thankful to our community partners like Chick-fil-A for helping us make sure each weekly winner feels appreciated.”Thank you to all the nominees! We salute you!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573770831499.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Comfort's Salute to Service honors Chase Copeland

Today in Saturday, Dec. 14, the 348th day of 2019. There are 17 days left in the year.

On Dec. 14, 2012, a gunman with a semi-automatic rifle killed 20 first-graders and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, then committed suicide as police arrived; the 20-year-old had also fatally shot his mother at their home before carrying out the attack on the school.

In 1799, the first president of the United States, George Washington, died at his Mount Vernon, Virginia, home at age 67.

In 1819, Alabama joined the Union as the 22nd state.

In 1861, Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, died at Windsor Castle at age 42.

In 1911, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen (ROH'-ahl AH'-mun-suhn) and his team became the first men to reach the South Pole, beating out a British expedition led by Robert F. Scott.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson vetoed an immigration measure aimed at preventing "undesirables" and anyone born in the "Asiatic Barred Zone" from entering the U.S. (Congress overrode Wilson's veto in February 1917.)

In 1939, the Soviet Union was expelled from the League of Nations for invading Finland.

In 1964, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States, ruled that Congress was within its authority to enforce the Civil Rights Act of 1964 against racial discrimination by private businesses (in this case, a motel that refused to cater to blacks).

In 1981, Israel annexed the Golan Heights, which it had seized from Syria in 1967.

In 1985, Wilma Mankiller became the first woman to lead a major American Indian tribe as she took office as principal chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Former New York Yankees outfielder Roger Maris, who'd hit 61 home runs during the 1961 season, died in Houston at age 51.

In 1988, President Reagan authorized the U.S. to enter into a "substantive dialogue" with the Palestine Liberation Organization, after chairman Yasser Arafat said he was renouncing "all forms of terrorism."

In 2003, a weary, disheveled Saddam Hussein was displayed on television screens worldwide, a day after his capture by American troops.

In 2005, President George W. Bush defended his decision to wage the Iraq war, even as he acknowledged that "much of the intelligence turned out to be wrong."

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama implored top bankers to help keep the fragile recovery from faltering by boosting lending to small businesses and getting behind an overhaul of financial regulation. Dubai got a $10 billion lifeline from oil-rich Abu Dhabi, securing a last-minute cash infusion aimed at preventing a default that risked sparking broader fears about the city-state's shaky finances.

Five years ago: A last-minute deal salvaged U.N. climate talks in Lima, Peru, from collapse. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe scored a decisive election victory and promised to push efforts to revitalize the world's third largest economy. Politician, TV personality and onetime Miss America Bess Myerson died in Santa Monica, California, at age 90.

One year ago: President Donald Trump picked budget director Mick Mulvaney to be his acting chief of staff, replacing John Kelly. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker signed a sweeping package of Republican legislation that weakened the incoming Democratic governor and attorney general. Stocks fell to eight-month lows after weak economic data from China and Europe set off more worries about the global economy. A federal court found that a 1974 New York state ban on nunchucks, the martial arts weapon made famous by Bruce Lee, was unconstitutional under the Second Amendment.

Today's Birthdays: Singer-actress Abbe Lane is 88. Actor Hal Williams is 85. Actress-singer Jane Birkin is 73. Pop singer Joyce Vincent-Wilson (Tony Orlando and Dawn) is 73. Entertainment executive Michael Ovitz is 73. Actress Dee Wallace is 71. Rhythm-and-blues singer Ronnie McNeir (The Four Tops) is 70. Rock musician Cliff Williams is 70. Actor-comedian T.K. Carter is 63. Rock singer-musician Mike Scott (The Waterboys) is 61. Singer-musician Peter "Spider" Stacy (The Pogues) is 61. Actress Cynthia Gibb is 56. Actress Nancy Valen is 54. Actor Archie Kao is 50. Actress Natascha McElhone is 50. Actress-comedian Michaela Watkins is 48. Actress-comedian Miranda Hart is 47. Rhythm-and-blues singer Brian Dalyrimple (Soul For Real) is 44. Actress KaDee Strickland is 44. Actress Tammy Blanchard is 43. Actress Sophie Monk is 40. Actor-singer-musician Jackson Rathbone is 35. Actress Vanessa Hudgens is 31. Rock/R&amp;B singer Tori Kelly is 27.

Thought for Today: "The trouble with our times is that the future is not what it used to be." — Paul Valery, French philosopher (1871-1945).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Today in Saturday, Dec. 14, the 348th day of 2019. There are 17 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Dec. 14, 2012, a gunman with a semi-automatic rifle killed 20 first-graders and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, then committed suicide as police arrived; the 20-year-old had also fatally shot his mother at their home before carrying out the attack on the school.On this date:In 1799, the first president of the United States, George Washington, died at his Mount Vernon, Virginia, home at age 67.In 1819, Alabama joined the Union as the 22nd state.In 1861, Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, died at Windsor Castle at age 42.In 1911, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen (ROH'-ahl AH'-mun-suhn) and his team became the first men to reach the South Pole, beating out a British expedition led by Robert F. Scott.In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson vetoed an immigration measure aimed at preventing "undesirables" and anyone born in the "Asiatic Barred Zone" from entering the U.S. (Congress overrode Wilson's veto in February 1917.)In 1939, the Soviet Union was expelled from the League of Nations for invading Finland.In 1964, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States, ruled that Congress was within its authority to enforce the Civil Rights Act of 1964 against racial discrimination by private businesses (in this case, a motel that refused to cater to blacks).In 1981, Israel annexed the Golan Heights, which it had seized from Syria in 1967.In 1985, Wilma Mankiller became the first woman to lead a major American Indian tribe as she took office as principal chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Former New York Yankees outfielder Roger Maris, who'd hit 61 home runs during the 1961 season, died in Houston at age 51.In 1988, President Reagan authorized the U.S. to enter into a "substantive dialogue" with the Palestine Liberation Organization, after chairman Yasser Arafat said he was renouncing "all forms of terrorism."In 2003, a weary, disheveled Saddam Hussein was displayed on television screens worldwide, a day after his capture by American troops.In 2005, President George W. Bush defended his decision to wage the Iraq war, even as he acknowledged that "much of the intelligence turned out to be wrong."Ten years ago: President Barack Obama implored top bankers to help keep the fragile recovery from faltering by boosting lending to small businesses and getting behind an overhaul of financial regulation. Dubai got a $10 billion lifeline from oil-rich Abu Dhabi, securing a last-minute cash infusion aimed at preventing a default that risked sparking broader fears about the city-state's shaky finances.Five years ago: A last-minute deal salvaged U.N. climate talks in Lima, Peru, from collapse. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe scored a decisive election victory and promised to push efforts to revitalize the world's third largest economy. Politician, TV personality and onetime Miss America Bess Myerson died in Santa Monica, California, at age 90.One year ago: President Donald Trump picked budget director Mick Mulvaney to be his acting chief of staff, replacing John Kelly. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker signed a sweeping package of Republican legislation that weakened the incoming Democratic governor and attorney general. Stocks fell to eight-month lows after weak economic data from China and Europe set off more worries about the global economy. A federal court found that a 1974 New York state ban on nunchucks, the martial arts weapon made famous by Bruce Lee, was unconstitutional under the Second Amendment.Today's Birthdays: Singer-actress Abbe Lane is 88. Actor Hal Williams is 85. Actress-singer Jane Birkin is 73. Pop singer Joyce Vincent-Wilson (Tony Orlando and Dawn) is 73. Entertainment executive Michael Ovitz is 73. Actress Dee Wallace is 71. Rhythm-and-blues singer Ronnie McNeir (The Four Tops) is 70. Rock musician Cliff Williams is 70. Actor-comedian T.K. Carter is 63. Rock singer-musician Mike Scott (The Waterboys) is 61. Singer-musician Peter "Spider" Stacy (The Pogues) is 61. Actress Cynthia Gibb is 56. Actress Nancy Valen is 54. Actor Archie Kao is 50. Actress Natascha McElhone is 50. Actress-comedian Michaela Watkins is 48. Actress-comedian Miranda Hart is 47. Rhythm-and-blues singer Brian Dalyrimple (Soul For Real) is 44. Actress KaDee Strickland is 44. Actress Tammy Blanchard is 43. Actress Sophie Monk is 40. Actor-singer-musician Jackson Rathbone is 35. Actress Vanessa Hudgens is 31. Rock/R&amp;B singer Tori Kelly is 27.Thought for Today: "The trouble with our times is that the future is not what it used to be." — Paul Valery, French philosopher (1871-1945).

Today in History -- Dec. 14

The staff at Rolling Hills Zoo announced
that its female Sumatran orangutan, Rusa, was euthanized due to
rapidly declining health issues complicated by her advanced age of 39
years.&nbsp;


The preliminary
results of the necropsy determined that her failing health was due to advanced
kidney disease pending the results of the histology and other samples. 

Rusa, who had called
Rolling Hills Zoo home for the last 21 years, was born on April 3, 1980, at
Yerkes National Primate Research Center in Druid Hills, Georgia.&nbsp; From there she was relocated to Zoo Atlanta
in 1991, and then to Sedgwick County Zoo in 1996.&nbsp; Her final move was to Rolling Hills Zoo in
February 1998.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Known by her
keepers for her spunky personality, especially in her younger years, Rusa did
not respond well to people that she did not know.&nbsp; So in order to make a connection with her the
keepers had to acquire her trust. &nbsp;Sometimes this would happen fairly
quickly and sometimes she made them work for it. Once her trust was acquired it
was never forgotten.&nbsp; 

She also
taught the staff patience as she loved to stay outside in the evenings as long
as possible &nbsp;before coming in for her
supper. Rusa was also very observant and even if she did not appear to be
watching what staff were doing, she was. She also knew exactly how far she
could reach objects sitting outside of her exhibit. On more than one occasion
she managed to fish a garden hose into her exhibit with a stick and hold it for
ransom in exchange for her favorite foods . . . and sometimes she just said, “No
thanks, I think I will keep it.”

One of Rusa’s
favorite enrichment items was a spinning devise that hung from a climbing
structure in her dayroom with a piece of fabric attached to it.&nbsp; She loved to hang on and spin in circles as
fast as she could. &nbsp;“When the keepers were
present, we would cheer and clap with her, which we always thought she enjoyed
hearing,” shared Vickie Musselman, RHZ Registrar.&nbsp; Rusa and her big personality will be greatly
missed by visitors and staff alike.&nbsp; 

During her residency at Rolling Hills
Zoo, Rusa shared the great ape habitat with several companions including Robbie,
who was not only a fan favorite with guests but also with Rusa,&nbsp; Rubi, a female orangutan who shared the quarters with
Rusa and Robbie from 2000 to 2003 before moving to the Albuquerque Zoo, Clyde who arrived
from San Diego in 2011, and Mango who moved from Zoo Miami in 2018 and remains
to this day. 

Sumatran orangutan’s are
one of three orangutan species and are only found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
Bornean, Sumatran and Tapanuli orangutans are all listed as critically
endangered species due to habitat loss, illegal exotic pet trading and hunting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576331452225.jpeg" alt="Rusa. Photo courtesy Rolling Hills Zoo" />
 <figcaption>Rusa. Photo courtesy Rolling Hills Zoo</figcaption>
 </figure>The staff at Rolling Hills Zoo announced
that its female Sumatran orangutan, Rusa, was euthanized due to
rapidly declining health issues complicated by her advanced age of 39
years.&nbsp;
The preliminary
results of the necropsy determined that her failing health was due to advanced
kidney disease pending the results of the histology and other samples. Rusa, who had called
Rolling Hills Zoo home for the last 21 years, was born on April 3, 1980, at
Yerkes National Primate Research Center in Druid Hills, Georgia.&nbsp; From there she was relocated to Zoo Atlanta
in 1991, and then to Sedgwick County Zoo in 1996.&nbsp; Her final move was to Rolling Hills Zoo in
February 1998.&nbsp;&nbsp; Known by her
keepers for her spunky personality, especially in her younger years, Rusa did
not respond well to people that she did not know.&nbsp; So in order to make a connection with her the
keepers had to acquire her trust. &nbsp;Sometimes this would happen fairly
quickly and sometimes she made them work for it. Once her trust was acquired it
was never forgotten.&nbsp; She also
taught the staff patience as she loved to stay outside in the evenings as long
as possible &nbsp;before coming in for her
supper. Rusa was also very observant and even if she did not appear to be
watching what staff were doing, she was. She also knew exactly how far she
could reach objects sitting outside of her exhibit. On more than one occasion
she managed to fish a garden hose into her exhibit with a stick and hold it for
ransom in exchange for her favorite foods . . . and sometimes she just said, “No
thanks, I think I will keep it.”One of Rusa’s
favorite enrichment items was a spinning devise that hung from a climbing
structure in her dayroom with a piece of fabric attached to it.&nbsp; She loved to hang on and spin in circles as
fast as she could. &nbsp;“When the keepers were
present, we would cheer and clap with her, which we always thought she enjoyed
hearing,” shared Vickie Musselman, RHZ Registrar.&nbsp; Rusa and her big personality will be greatly
missed by visitors and staff alike.&nbsp; During her residency at Rolling Hills
Zoo, Rusa shared the great ape habitat with several companions including Robbie,
who was not only a fan favorite with guests but also with Rusa,&nbsp; Rubi, a female orangutan who shared the quarters with
Rusa and Robbie from 2000 to 2003 before moving to the Albuquerque Zoo, Clyde who arrived
from San Diego in 2011, and Mango who moved from Zoo Miami in 2018 and remains
to this day. Sumatran orangutan’s are
one of three orangutan species and are only found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
Bornean, Sumatran and Tapanuli orangutans are all listed as critically
endangered species due to habitat loss, illegal exotic pet trading and hunting.

Rolling Hills Zoo mourns the loss of orangutan

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS UPDATED THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORIES. <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5df6366d57544d3fe90e7993">SEE THE SUNDAY MORNING UPDATE HERE</a>.

The National Weather Service has updated winter weather advisories for counties in our area.

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

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichta has issued a winter weather advisory effective from 6 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. on Monday for the following counties in our area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576365918557.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS UPDATED THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORIES. <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5df6366d57544d3fe90e7993">SEE THE SUNDAY MORNING UPDATE HERE</a>.The National Weather Service has updated winter weather advisories for counties in our area.To check road conditions, call 511 or go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kandrive.org/">kandrive.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichta has issued a winter weather advisory effective from 6 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. on Monday for the following counties in our area.Ellsworth CountyLincoln CountyMarion CountyMcPherson CountySaline CountyMixed precipitation is expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches with the higher snow totals mainly for central and northeast Kansas. Look for ice accumulations of around one tenth of an inch.Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Slow down and use caution while traveling.NWS in Topeka has issued a winter weather advisory effective 6 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday for the following counties in our area.Clay CountyCloud CountyOttawa CountyRepublic CountySnow, with total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches is expected.Two rounds of snow are forecast, the first beginning before sunrise on Sunday and lasting through the day. A lull in the snow is possible Sunday night before a second round of snow moves in Monday morning and lasts into Monday afternoon. The majority of the snow is forecast to fall on Sunday.Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Slow down and use caution while traveling.Additionally, NWS in Topeka has issued a winter weather advisory for Dickinson County effective from 6 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday.Mixed precipitation expected with the best chance of freezing rain being south of I-70. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches and ice accumulations of up to two tenths of an inch are possible.Two rounds of precipitation are forecast, the first beginning early Sunday morning and lasting through the day. A lull in the precipitation is possible Sunday night before a second round of precipitation moves in Monday morning and lasts into Monday afternoon. The best chance of a wintry mix is on Sunday with snow more likely on Monday.Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Slow down and use caution while traveling.NWS in Hastings, Neb., has issued a winter weather advisory effective 6 a.m. Sunday to 9 a.m. Monday for the following counties in our area.Jewell CountyMitchell CountySnow expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches. Localized areas of 3 to 5 inches are possible, especially south of US Highway 36 and east of US Highway 281.Light snow is expected to develop overnight tonight, then become moderate intensity, at times, on Sunday and continue into Sunday night. Snow will taper off early Monday morning. Visibility will be reduced to less than one mile within the heaviest bands. Accumulating snow and cold temperatures will lead to slick road conditions.Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.