<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577837782536.jpeg" alt="Wishing our readers all the best for the new year! Photo courtesy&nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="https://www.canstockphoto.com">© Can Stock Photo / revoc9</a>" />
 <figcaption>Wishing our readers all the best for the new year! Photo courtesy&nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="https://www.canstockphoto.com">© Can Stock Photo / revoc9</a></figcaption>
 </figure>

Happy New Year from Salina Post!

WICHITA -- As area residents prepare for New Year’s celebrations, AAA Kansas is reminding drivers and passengers alike of the dangers on the roads this New Year’s holiday, which consistently ranks among the year’s deadliest days for alcohol-related traffic fatalities.

“According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 10,511 people – about 29 per day – died in drunk driving crashes in 2018,” said Shawn Steward, public and government affairs manager, AAA Kansas. “With people celebrating the New Year, and then getting behind the wheel after a night of drinking, January 1 is a particularly dangerous day on the roads. Even one death is far too many to be lost from a completely preventable crime.”

In 2018, 10,511 people were killed in preventable, drunk driving crashes. In fact, on average, more than 10,000 people die each year from drunk-driving crashes. To put it in perspective, that’s equal to about 20 jumbo jets crashing each year, with no survivors. (NHTSA)

During the Christmas and New Year’s periods in 2018, there were 285 drunk driving-related fatalities nationally. (NHTSA)

In Kansas, where about 400 people die on roadways every year, some 25% to 30% are killed because of impaired driving, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation

On average, three people are injured every day and one person is killed every three days in alcohol and drug related crashes across Kansas. Occupants in these crashes are over 250% more likely to be injured or killed than those involved in crashes where alcohol or drugs were not a factor. 

250-300 drivers across Kansas are expected to be arrested for DUIs during the week following Christmas. 

To strengthen efforts to protect the public against drunk drivers and reduce alcohol-related traffic deaths, AAA Kansas is offering important safety advice to New Year’s Eve party-goers:

Always plan ahead to designate a non-drinking driver before any party or celebration begins.

Never get behind the wheel of a car when you’ve been drinking alcohol – even after just one drink.

Never ride as a passenger in a car driven by someone who has been drinking alcohol – even after just one drink.

Do not hesitate to take the keys from friends or family members who may be impaired.

Put numbers for local cab/ride-sharing companies in your phone before heading out for the evening.

Be a responsible host in reminding guests to stay safe and always offer alcohol-free beverages.

If you encounter an impaired driver on the road, keep a safe distance and ask a passenger to call 911 (or pull over to a safe location to make the call yourself).

Remember: prescription, over-the-counter medications and illegal drugs also can impair your ability to drive safely.

Visit <a href="http://PreventDUI.AAA.com">PreventDUI.AAA.com</a> for impaired driving facts, transportation alternatives and expert advice. AAA encourages visitors to Take the Pledge to drive drug and alcohol-free.

Distracted driving kills an average of nine people and injures 1,000 each day, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It is the third leading driver-related cause of crash fatalities, trailing only speeding and driving under the influence. These numbers likely underestimate the problem, as most drivers do not admit to distracted cell phone use after a crash.

Earlier this year, AAA launched a new, multi-year initiative to prevent deaths and injuries as a result of cell phone use by drivers. “Don’t Drive Intoxicated – Don’t Drive Intexticated” is the theme of AAA’s traffic safety education campaign created to make distracted driving socially unacceptable.

This campaign is designed to clearly communicate that the consequences of using a smartphone while driving are the same as drinking and driving. The campaign targets drivers who would never consider drinking a beer behind the wheel, and yet, regularly engage with mobile devices that dangerously take their eyes, hands and minds off the road.

Drivers are encouraged to kick-off the New Year with a new attitude about distracted driving and take AAA’s Don’t Drive Intexticated pledge. Take the pledge on-line at www.aaa.com/dontdrivedistracted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577829357845.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA -- As area residents prepare for New Year’s celebrations, AAA Kansas is reminding drivers and passengers alike of the dangers on the roads this New Year’s holiday, which consistently ranks among the year’s deadliest days for alcohol-related traffic fatalities.“According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 10,511 people – about 29 per day – died in drunk driving crashes in 2018,” said Shawn Steward, public and government affairs manager, AAA Kansas. “With people celebrating the New Year, and then getting behind the wheel after a night of drinking, January 1 is a particularly dangerous day on the roads. Even one death is far too many to be lost from a completely preventable crime.”Sobering Drunk Driving FactsIn 2018, 10,511 people were killed in preventable, drunk driving crashes. In fact, on average, more than 10,000 people die each year from drunk-driving crashes. To put it in perspective, that’s equal to about 20 jumbo jets crashing each year, with no survivors. (NHTSA)During the Christmas and New Year’s periods in 2018, there were 285 drunk driving-related fatalities nationally. (NHTSA)In Kansas, where about 400 people die on roadways every year, some 25% to 30% are killed because of impaired driving, according to the Kansas Department of TransportationOn average, three people are injured every day and one person is killed every three days in alcohol and drug related crashes across Kansas. Occupants in these crashes are over 250% more likely to be injured or killed than those involved in crashes where alcohol or drugs were not a factor. 250-300 drivers across Kansas are expected to be arrested for DUIs during the week following Christmas. Responsible BehaviorTo strengthen efforts to protect the public against drunk drivers and reduce alcohol-related traffic deaths, AAA Kansas is offering important safety advice to New Year’s Eve party-goers:Don’t Drive IntoxicatedAlways plan ahead to designate a non-drinking driver before any party or celebration begins.Never get behind the wheel of a car when you’ve been drinking alcohol – even after just one drink.Never ride as a passenger in a car driven by someone who has been drinking alcohol – even after just one drink.Do not hesitate to take the keys from friends or family members who may be impaired.Put numbers for local cab/ride-sharing companies in your phone before heading out for the evening.Be a responsible host in reminding guests to stay safe and always offer alcohol-free beverages.If you encounter an impaired driver on the road, keep a safe distance and ask a passenger to call 911 (or pull over to a safe location to make the call yourself).Remember: prescription, over-the-counter medications and illegal drugs also can impair your ability to drive safely.Visit <a href="http://PreventDUI.AAA.com">PreventDUI.AAA.com</a> for impaired driving facts, transportation alternatives and expert advice. AAA encourages visitors to Take the Pledge to drive drug and alcohol-free.Don’t Drive IntexticatedDistracted driving kills an average of nine people and injures 1,000 each day, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It is the third leading driver-related cause of crash fatalities, trailing only speeding and driving under the influence. These numbers likely underestimate the problem, as most drivers do not admit to distracted cell phone use after a crash.Earlier this year, AAA launched a new, multi-year initiative to prevent deaths and injuries as a result of cell phone use by drivers. “Don’t Drive Intoxicated – Don’t Drive Intexticated” is the theme of AAA’s traffic safety education campaign created to make distracted driving socially unacceptable.This campaign is designed to clearly communicate that the consequences of using a smartphone while driving are the same as drinking and driving. The campaign targets drivers who would never consider drinking a beer behind the wheel, and yet, regularly engage with mobile devices that dangerously take their eyes, hands and minds off the road.Drivers are encouraged to kick-off the New Year with a new attitude about distracted driving and take AAA’s Don’t Drive Intexticated pledge. Take the pledge on-line at www.aaa.com/dontdrivedistracted.

AAA: New Year's among deadliest days for alcohol-related fatalities

The Kansas Department of Transportation offers mocktail recipes for your New Year's celebration. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KSDOTHQ/">Kansas Department of Transportation</a> Facebook page:

The Kansas Department of Transportation offers mocktail recipes for your New Year's celebration. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KSDOTHQ/">Kansas Department of Transportation</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKSDOTHQ%2Fposts%2F2593592057355647&width=500" width="500" height="531" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

KDOT offers holiday mocktail recipes

OCCK Transportation has recognized its employees for safe driving.

According to information from OCCK Transportation, 32 drivers with more than 121 years of safe driving received 2019 Driver Safety Recognition Awards.

The OCCK Transportation Division Safe Driver Recognition and Award Program was created to distinguish and honor OCCK Transportation drivers who have proven their skill in avoiding accidents and consistently perform their jobs in a safe and efficient manner.  Recipients exemplify professional driver standards and a commitment to safety.

One Year Awards Christina Burch, Gerald Funk, Leslie Greenemeyer, Kenneth Hartzell, George Kinser, Scott Poulton, Leon Swanson, and Melinda Wolfe

Two Year Awards Richard Anderson, James Bean, Elizabeth McCormick, Timmy Morris, Clark Shenk, Dennis Smith, and Mark Stokes

Three Year Awards Paulie Downie and Tawnie Heard

Four Year Awards William Arehart, Terrell Green, Shelley Hanchett, Trudy Morton, and Kenneth Waldman

Five Year Award Jaimie Wintholz

Six Year Awards Debbie Dragoo and Susan McMahan

Eight Year Awards Rena Bishop, Joseph Dickinson, Timothy Dickinson, Paula Stark, and Daniele Whitaker

This program was created as authorized by the National Safety Council (NSC) Safe Driver Program. The NSC Safe Driver Awards are the recognized trademark of professional drivers who have proven their skills in avoiding accidents. They are the highest honor for professional safe driving performance. This program recognizes the number of years each eligible driver has worked without incident. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577812787016.jpeg" alt="OCCK Transportation's safe drivers are, front row from left, Debra Dragoo, George Kinser, Rena Bishop, Clark Shenk, Tawnie Heard, Daniele Whitaker; back row from left, Terrell Green, Trell Grinter, Leslie Greenemeyer, Gerald Funk, William Arehart, Tim Dickinson, Leon Swanson, Kenny Waldman, Larry Holmgren, Trudy Morton, and Joe Dickinson. Photo courtesy OCCK Transportation" />
 <figcaption>OCCK Transportation's safe drivers are, front row from left, Debra Dragoo, George Kinser, Rena Bishop, Clark Shenk, Tawnie Heard, Daniele Whitaker; back row from left, Terrell Green, Trell Grinter, Leslie Greenemeyer, Gerald Funk, William Arehart, Tim Dickinson, Leon Swanson, Kenny Waldman, Larry Holmgren, Trudy Morton, and Joe Dickinson. Photo courtesy OCCK Transportation</figcaption>
 </figure>OCCK Transportation has recognized its employees for safe driving.According to information from OCCK Transportation, 32 drivers with more than 121 years of safe driving received 2019 Driver Safety Recognition Awards.The OCCK Transportation Division Safe Driver Recognition and Award Program was created to distinguish and honor OCCK Transportation drivers who have proven their skill in avoiding accidents and consistently perform their jobs in a safe and efficient manner. Recipients exemplify professional driver standards and a commitment to safety.Following are the award recipients.One Year Awards Christina Burch, Gerald Funk, Leslie Greenemeyer, Kenneth Hartzell, George Kinser, Scott Poulton, Leon Swanson, and Melinda WolfeTwo Year Awards Richard Anderson, James Bean, Elizabeth McCormick, Timmy Morris, Clark Shenk, Dennis Smith, and Mark StokesThree Year Awards Paulie Downie and Tawnie Heard Four Year Awards William Arehart, Terrell Green, Shelley Hanchett, Trudy Morton, and Kenneth WaldmanFive Year Award Jaimie WintholzSix Year Awards Debbie Dragoo and Susan McMahanSeven Year Award Jason TiekingEight Year Awards Rena Bishop, Joseph Dickinson, Timothy Dickinson, Paula Stark, and Daniele WhitakerNine Year Award Larry HolmgrenThis program was created as authorized by the National Safety Council (NSC) Safe Driver Program. The NSC Safe Driver Awards are the recognized trademark of professional drivers who have proven their skills in avoiding accidents. They are the highest honor for professional safe driving performance. This program recognizes the number of years each eligible driver has worked without incident.

OCCK Transportation honors its safe drivers

A 19-year-old Salina woman is out approximately $2,000 after an early morning incident in north Salina.

Salina Police Detective Sergeant David Villanueva said Tuesday that the woman had gone to the 1000 block of North Fourth Street at approximately 1 a.m. Tuesday to visit an acquaintance. She told police that she was sitting in her 2014 Prius when another woman opened the passenger door, grabbed the woman's designer purse that included $1,300 in cash, and ran from the scene, he said. 

According to Villanueva, the woman who ran away with the purse was described as being of medium build to heavy set.

The 19-year-old told police that she then contacted an acquaintance to help her find the woman, he said. The acquaintance picked her up and they left the Prius parked on North Fourth Street, he added. 

When they returned, they discovered that both the driver side and passenger side windows were broken out, Villanueva said. Damage to the windows was estimated at $400, he added.

The case remains under invstigation, Villanueva said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577811429502.png" alt="The 1000 block of North Fourth Street. Map courtesy Google" />
 <figcaption>The 1000 block of North Fourth Street. Map courtesy Google</figcaption>
 </figure>A 19-year-old Salina woman is out approximately $2,000 after an early morning incident in north Salina.Salina Police Detective Sergeant David Villanueva said Tuesday that the woman had gone to the 1000 block of North Fourth Street at approximately 1 a.m. Tuesday to visit an acquaintance. She told police that she was sitting in her 2014 Prius when another woman opened the passenger door, grabbed the woman's designer purse that included $1,300 in cash, and ran from the scene, he said. According to Villanueva, the woman who ran away with the purse was described as being of medium build to heavy set.The 19-year-old told police that she then contacted an acquaintance to help her find the woman, he said. The acquaintance picked her up and they left the Prius parked on North Fourth Street, he added. When they returned, they discovered that both the driver side and passenger side windows were broken out, Villanueva said. Damage to the windows was estimated at $400, he added.The case remains under invstigation, Villanueva said.

Woman has purse stolen, car windows broken in early morning incident

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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;<a href="http://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks">ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576851872740.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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;<a href="http://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks">ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks</a>.

Walk off the holidays with a First Day Hike

Local governmental offices and facilities will be closed Wednesday in observance of the New Year's Day holiday.

City of Salina offices will be closed Wednesday. Regular hours will resume Thursday.

The Salina Public Library is scheduled to close at 1 p.m. Tuesday and will be closed all day Wednesday. Regular hours will resume Thursday.

Additionally, Saline County offices and facilities will be closed Wednesday with regular hours resuming Thursday.

Local governmental offices and facilities will be closed Wednesday in observance of the New Year's Day holiday.City of Salina offices will be closed Wednesday. Regular hours will resume Thursday.The Salina Public Library is scheduled to close at 1 p.m. Tuesday and will be closed all day Wednesday. Regular hours will resume Thursday.Additionally, Saline County offices and facilities will be closed Wednesday with regular hours resuming Thursday.

New year brings with it holiday closings

The decade-old scrap between the Kansas Legislature and the Judiciary, played out in the hallways and committees and budget bill votes, is now moving to…the Judiciary.

We keep hearing about that “three-legged stool” of tax apportionment. We need enough income, property and sales taxes to support the services that we want from our state government.

Well, there’s another stool out there, a bigger one that doesn’t deal just with taxes but with state government itself.

Here’s the fight. The Legislature’s leg of this stool keeps getting taller and some believe it’s to the point where the stool is so unlevel that you—or all us Kansans—can’t sit on it anymore. Oh, the other two legs? Judicial and Executive (governor).

Several judges and court employees have sued the Legislature for more money to operate the courts. Those Judiciary employees are seeking a budget with enough money to adequately, or at least comparatively with other states, pay its more than 260 judges and 1,600 non-judge employees higher salaries. About 90 percent of the court’s budget which is appropriated by the Legislature is for salaries. Now, the Judiciary budget isn’t all just legislative appropriations, there are some fees and such, but practically, do you want the courts to work on commission? Didn’t think so.

And, who makes that decision on an adequate budget for the Judiciary so that it can carry out its duties? Initially, it’s the Judiciary which figures out a budget and hands it to the governor, who generally—former Gov. Sam Brownback didn’t, Gov. Laura Kelly did—hand it off to the Legislature to pay. Simple. Get the budget, finance it, and lawmakers can turn their attention to fence law, gun bills, or maybe some other issue that they believe will get them re-elected.

But the Legislature the past few years has generally believed that the Judiciary hasn’t been good to the Legislature. Abortion rights, financing of public schools are the keys there, when the conservative-managed Legislature has felt at least ignored, if not actually whipped by the court over abortion rights and financing of public schools.

So…The plaintiffs in the lawsuit have sued an entire branch of government—the Legislature—for not adequately financing the Judiciary that hasn’t done what the Legislature wants.

But…there’s a possible trade here. If the Legislature—well, at least the Senate—got to approve or reject nominees to the Kansas Supreme Court, this fight might end. It’s practically that simple. Let the Republican-dominated Senate confirm or reject justices appointed by the Democrat governor, and chances are good the Judicial budget scrap will go away.

And a lawsuit that offers the Judiciary the right as a co-equal branch of state government to set its own budget and force the Legislature to appropriate the money to pay for it? Works out well for Judicial employees, no reason the Executive Branch should care much, and the Legislature loses its most powerful right…to decide where and how state tax money is spent.

Now, it looks a little, well, uncomfortable that the Judiciary if it decided that the handful of plaintiff employees who have sued the Legislature is right will set its own budget and set its own salaries while the Legislature looks on from the cheap seats (and yes, legislators in Kansas are paid less than in almost every other state within driving distance).

But we’re waiting for this one. Say the Supreme Court rules that its plaintiffs are right, and the Legislature loses. Those courthouse employees won’t have to get a second or third job.

Then does the Senate win? And a constitutional amendment to allow it to confirm justices passes in the building and on next fall’s ballot?

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 HAWVERThe decade-old scrap between the Kansas Legislature and the Judiciary, played out in the hallways and committees and budget bill votes, is now moving to…the Judiciary.We keep hearing about that “three-legged stool” of tax apportionment. We need enough income, property and sales taxes to support the services that we want from our state government.Well, there’s another stool out there, a bigger one that doesn’t deal just with taxes but with state government itself.Here’s the fight. The Legislature’s leg of this stool keeps getting taller and some believe it’s to the point where the stool is so unlevel that you—or all us Kansans—can’t sit on it anymore. Oh, the other two legs? Judicial and Executive (governor).Several judges and court employees have sued the Legislature for more money to operate the courts. Those Judiciary employees are seeking a budget with enough money to adequately, or at least comparatively with other states, pay its more than 260 judges and 1,600 non-judge employees higher salaries. About 90 percent of the court’s budget which is appropriated by the Legislature is for salaries. Now, the Judiciary budget isn’t all just legislative appropriations, there are some fees and such, but practically, do you want the courts to work on commission? Didn’t think so.And, who makes that decision on an adequate budget for the Judiciary so that it can carry out its duties? Initially, it’s the Judiciary which figures out a budget and hands it to the governor, who generally—former Gov. Sam Brownback didn’t, Gov. Laura Kelly did—hand it off to the Legislature to pay. Simple. Get the budget, finance it, and lawmakers can turn their attention to fence law, gun bills, or maybe some other issue that they believe will get them re-elected.But the Legislature the past few years has generally believed that the Judiciary hasn’t been good to the Legislature. Abortion rights, financing of public schools are the keys there, when the conservative-managed Legislature has felt at least ignored, if not actually whipped by the court over abortion rights and financing of public schools.So…The plaintiffs in the lawsuit have sued an entire branch of government—the Legislature—for not adequately financing the Judiciary that hasn’t done what the Legislature wants.But…there’s a possible trade here. If the Legislature—well, at least the Senate—got to approve or reject nominees to the Kansas Supreme Court, this fight might end. It’s practically that simple. Let the Republican-dominated Senate confirm or reject justices appointed by the Democrat governor, and chances are good the Judicial budget scrap will go away.And a lawsuit that offers the Judiciary the right as a co-equal branch of state government to set its own budget and force the Legislature to appropriate the money to pay for it? Works out well for Judicial employees, no reason the Executive Branch should care much, and the Legislature loses its most powerful right…to decide where and how state tax money is spent.Now, it looks a little, well, uncomfortable that the Judiciary if it decided that the handful of plaintiff employees who have sued the Legislature is right will set its own budget and set its own salaries while the Legislature looks on from the cheap seats (and yes, legislators in Kansas are paid less than in almost every other state within driving distance).But we’re waiting for this one. Say the Supreme Court rules that its plaintiffs are right, and the Legislature loses. Those courthouse employees won’t have to get a second or third job.Then does the Senate win? And a constitutional amendment to allow it to confirm justices passes in the building and on next fall’s ballot?Still sorting out who wins this one…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: Judicial funding lawsuit adds intrigue

Today is Tuesday, Dec. 31, the 365th and final day of 2019.

On Dec. 31, 1986, 97 people were killed when fire broke out in the Dupont Plaza Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Three hotel workers later pleaded guilty in connection with the blaze.)

In 1775, during the Revolutionary War, the British repulsed an attack by Continental Army generals Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold at Quebec; Montgomery was killed.

In 1879, Thomas Edison first publicly demonstrated his electric incandescent light by illuminating some 40 bulbs at his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey.

In 1904, New York's Times Square saw its first New Year's Eve celebration, with an estimated 200,000 people in attendance.

In 1951, the Marshall Plan expired after distributing more than $12 billion in foreign aid.

In 1972, Major League baseball player Roberto Clemente, 38, was killed when a plane he chartered and was traveling on to bring relief supplies to earthquake-devastated Nicaragua crashed shortly after takeoff from Puerto Rico.

In 1974, private U.S. citizens were allowed to buy and own gold for the first time in more than 40 years.

In 1985, singer Rick Nelson, 45, and six other people were killed when fire broke out aboard a DC-3 that was taking the group to a New Year's Eve performance in Dallas.

In 1987, Robert Mugabe was sworn in as Zimbabwe's first executive president.

In 1991, representatives of the government of El Salvador and rebels reached agreement at the United Nations on a peace accord to end 12 years of civil war.

In 1999, Russian President Boris Yeltsin announced his resignation (he was succeeded by Vladimir Putin).

In 1997, Michael Kennedy, the 39-year-old son of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, was killed in a skiing accident on Aspen Mountain in Colorado. Pianist Floyd Cramer died in Nashville at age 64.

In 2001, New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani spent his final day in office praising police, firefighters, and other city employees in the wake of 9/11, and said he had no regrets about returning to private life.

Ten years ago: A lone gunman dressed in black killed five people in Espoo, Finland, four of them at a crowded shopping mall, before returning home and taking his own life.

Five years ago: In one of his final acts as Maryland governor, Democrat Martin O'Malley announced that he would commute the sentences of four death-row inmates to life in prison without parole. A stampede at Shanghai's glitzy riverfront during New Year celebrations resulted in 36 deaths. Actor Edward Herrmann, 71, died at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York.

One year ago: Despite some New Year's Eve gains, stocks finished 2018 with their worst yearly showing in a decade; the S&amp;P 500 ended the year 6.2 percent lower than where it began. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren took the first major step toward a presidential campaign, telling supporters she would more formally announce a campaign plan in early 2019. House Democrats unveiled a package of bills that would re-open the federal government without approved funding for President Donald Trump's border wall with Mexico; Trump, meanwhile, told Fox News Channel that he was "ready, willing and able" to negotiate an end to the partial shutdown that had stretched into its 10th day.

Today's Birthdays: TV producer George Schlatter is 90. Actor Sir Anthony Hopkins is 82. Actor Tim Considine (TV: "My Three Sons") is 79. Actress Sarah Miles is 78. Actress Barbara Carrera is 78. Rock musician Andy Summers is 77. Actor Sir Ben Kingsley is 76. Producer-director Taylor Hackford is 75. Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg is 73. Actor Tim Matheson is 72. Pop singer Burton Cummings is 72. Actor Joe Dallesandro is 71. Rock musician Tom Hamilton (Aerosmith) is 68. Actor James Remar is 66. Actress Bebe Neuwirth is 61. Actor Val Kilmer is 60. Singer Paul Westerberg is 60. Actor Don Diamont is 57. Rock musician Ric Ivanisevich (Oleander) is 57. Rock musician Scott Ian (Anthrax) is 56. Actress Gong Li is 54. Author Nicholas Sparks is 54. Actor Lance Reddick is 50. Pop singer Joe McIntyre is 47. Rock musician Mikko Siren (Apocalyptica) is 44. Donald Trump Jr. is 42. Rapper PSY (Park Jae-sang) is 42. Rock musician Bob Bryar is 40. Rock musician Jason Sechrist (Portugal. The Man) is 40. Actor Ricky Whittle is 40. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., is 40. Actor/singer Erich Bergen is 34. DJ/vocalist Drew Taggart (The Chainsmokers) is 30. Olympic gold medal gymnast Gabby Douglas is 24.

Thought for Today: "Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to!" — William E. Vaughan, American newspaper columnist (1915-1977).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Tuesday, Dec. 31, the 365th and final day of 2019.Today's Highlight in History:On Dec. 31, 1986, 97 people were killed when fire broke out in the Dupont Plaza Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Three hotel workers later pleaded guilty in connection with the blaze.)On this date:In 1775, during the Revolutionary War, the British repulsed an attack by Continental Army generals Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold at Quebec; Montgomery was killed.In 1879, Thomas Edison first publicly demonstrated his electric incandescent light by illuminating some 40 bulbs at his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey.In 1904, New York's Times Square saw its first New Year's Eve celebration, with an estimated 200,000 people in attendance.In 1951, the Marshall Plan expired after distributing more than $12 billion in foreign aid.In 1972, Major League baseball player Roberto Clemente, 38, was killed when a plane he chartered and was traveling on to bring relief supplies to earthquake-devastated Nicaragua crashed shortly after takeoff from Puerto Rico.In 1974, private U.S. citizens were allowed to buy and own gold for the first time in more than 40 years.In 1985, singer Rick Nelson, 45, and six other people were killed when fire broke out aboard a DC-3 that was taking the group to a New Year's Eve performance in Dallas.In 1987, Robert Mugabe was sworn in as Zimbabwe's first executive president.In 1991, representatives of the government of El Salvador and rebels reached agreement at the United Nations on a peace accord to end 12 years of civil war.In 1999, Russian President Boris Yeltsin announced his resignation (he was succeeded by Vladimir Putin).In 1997, Michael Kennedy, the 39-year-old son of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, was killed in a skiing accident on Aspen Mountain in Colorado. Pianist Floyd Cramer died in Nashville at age 64.In 2001, New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani spent his final day in office praising police, firefighters, and other city employees in the wake of 9/11, and said he had no regrets about returning to private life.Ten years ago: A lone gunman dressed in black killed five people in Espoo, Finland, four of them at a crowded shopping mall, before returning home and taking his own life.Five years ago: In one of his final acts as Maryland governor, Democrat Martin O'Malley announced that he would commute the sentences of four death-row inmates to life in prison without parole. A stampede at Shanghai's glitzy riverfront during New Year celebrations resulted in 36 deaths. Actor Edward Herrmann, 71, died at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York.One year ago: Despite some New Year's Eve gains, stocks finished 2018 with their worst yearly showing in a decade; the S&amp;P 500 ended the year 6.2 percent lower than where it began. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren took the first major step toward a presidential campaign, telling supporters she would more formally announce a campaign plan in early 2019. House Democrats unveiled a package of bills that would re-open the federal government without approved funding for President Donald Trump's border wall with Mexico; Trump, meanwhile, told Fox News Channel that he was "ready, willing and able" to negotiate an end to the partial shutdown that had stretched into its 10th day.Today's Birthdays: TV producer George Schlatter is 90. Actor Sir Anthony Hopkins is 82. Actor Tim Considine (TV: "My Three Sons") is 79. Actress Sarah Miles is 78. Actress Barbara Carrera is 78. Rock musician Andy Summers is 77. Actor Sir Ben Kingsley is 76. Producer-director Taylor Hackford is 75. Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg is 73. Actor Tim Matheson is 72. Pop singer Burton Cummings is 72. Actor Joe Dallesandro is 71. Rock musician Tom Hamilton (Aerosmith) is 68. Actor James Remar is 66. Actress Bebe Neuwirth is 61. Actor Val Kilmer is 60. Singer Paul Westerberg is 60. Actor Don Diamont is 57. Rock musician Ric Ivanisevich (Oleander) is 57. Rock musician Scott Ian (Anthrax) is 56. Actress Gong Li is 54. Author Nicholas Sparks is 54. Actor Lance Reddick is 50. Pop singer Joe McIntyre is 47. Rock musician Mikko Siren (Apocalyptica) is 44. Donald Trump Jr. is 42. Rapper PSY (Park Jae-sang) is 42. Rock musician Bob Bryar is 40. Rock musician Jason Sechrist (Portugal. The Man) is 40. Actor Ricky Whittle is 40. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., is 40. Actor/singer Erich Bergen is 34. DJ/vocalist Drew Taggart (The Chainsmokers) is 30. Olympic gold medal gymnast Gabby Douglas is 24.Thought for Today: "Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to!" — William E. Vaughan, American newspaper columnist (1915-1977).Copyright 2019, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- Dec. 31

Congratulations to Kurt Lange of Salina, the Week 17 winner in our Gridiron Glory contest! Kurt wins a $50 gift certificate to Kawasaki of Salina.

The season is almost over, but with our great weekly prizes, you still have time to win! You can make picks through the Super Bowl!

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5dcac5e5897d147ad4bb0ba5#/registration/login" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to sign up and play Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/" target="_blank">SalinaPost.com</a>.

Submit your weekly picks for great prizes including trips to Arrowhead, merchandise, and even $1,000 cash.&nbsp;

Win big all season long with Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/" target="_blank">SalinaPost.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577799102908.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations to Kurt Lange of Salina, the Week 17 winner in our Gridiron Glory contest! Kurt wins a $50 gift certificate to Kawasaki of Salina.The season is almost over, but with our great weekly prizes, you still have time to win! You can make picks through the Super Bowl!<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5dcac5e5897d147ad4bb0ba5#/registration/login" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to sign up and play Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/" target="_blank">SalinaPost.com</a>.Submit your weekly picks for great prizes including trips to Arrowhead, merchandise, and even $1,000 cash.&nbsp;Win big all season long with Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/" target="_blank">SalinaPost.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gridiron Glory: Congrats Kurt Lange

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Longtime Salina radio personality Randy Picking is calling it a career.

Picking, current program director for KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM, will bring to an end a nearly 44-year career in radio when he signs off for the final time today.

A self-described jack of all trades and master of none, Picking has worked as an announcer, operations manager, program director, account representative, reporter, and news director. Stations he has worked at include KSAL, KYEZ, KABI, KSAJ, KFRM/KNNN, KILS, KQNS, KINA, and KSKG.

Picking said he was bitten by the radio bug early in life.

"At the age of seven, I developed an interest in radio. In fact, I bought off of the back of a comic book a mini AM transmitter and would place the transmitter next to my record player in my bedroom, announce a record, go outside in the yard at home listen to the record and when it was about to end, come back in a play another record," Picking told Salina Post. 

Years later, Picking made the jump to a radio career after his father got him an interview at KSAL in the summer of 1975, he said. He began doing color and keeping stats at high school and college games in 1976.

"I finally got paid as a part-time automation tape changer at KYEZ in 1977," Picking said. "My first full-time job was in 1980 as the evening announcer at KSAL."

While he held many positions over the years, Picking said the favorite part of his career was being able to share his passion for the weather.

"Regardless of the time of the year, I was able to relay weather information to the listeners and hoped it helped them make decisions on postponing a trip, getting their children inside before a storm or heading down to the basement," he said.

Picking's career also afforded him the opportunity to meet some famous people.

"Thanks to covering events at the Eisenhower Library and Museum I had the chance to meet President Ronald Reagan, and President George H.W. Bush. Met former British Prime Minister John Major at the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce banquet in January of 2000. Also met Miss USA 1991, Kelli McCarty, from Liberal," Picking said. "Also had the chance to meet many wonderful people all across central Kansas."

Additionally, Picking's career involved him in adventures that will be talked about for years to come.

"Well there was the time in 1990 that I wound up as the last car in Vice President Dan Quayle's motorcade coming back to Salina from Abilene," Picking said. 

Picking was mistaken as a Secret Service agent and waved through with the rest of the motorcade.

Then there was the hot air balloon ride on his 21st birthday during a balloon meet. Picking also flew in an aerobatic bi-plane as part of promoting an air show in Salina in the early 1990s.

"My pilot found out it was my birthday and decided to get into a dog fight with another aerobatic plane over eastern Saline County. To go straight up to three thousand feet, and then fall back to Earth is something I'm glad I had the chance to do, but never again," he said.

As is typical for Picking, he used humor to deflect what could have been an embarrassing situation for many people.

"Gave a severe weather safety talk to an elementary school with Bruce Steinbrock. When I asked for questions, a boy sitting up close said 'did you know your fly is open?'  I pitched him a quarter and said 'I would have given you a dollar if you had told me at the beginning of the talk,'" Picking said.

While the memories will linger on, Picking said there are aspects of his career that he will miss.

"I'm going to miss the wonderful listeners I have had to opportunity to meet along with many great and wonderful co-workers. I have been very fortunate to have worked with or for 10 members of the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. One hall of famer I want to give a great deal of thanks to and I could never, ever pay him back for how he boosted my career, is Jerry Hinrikus. He believed in me and taught me to believe in myself. We both feel that 'Good enough is not good enough,'" Picking said.

Through the years, though, Picking's family has been his biggest source of support.

"My grandma who would sit and listen for me to do a weather forecast when I first started, my dad who drove me to Kansas City to take my F.C.C. test for my broadcast license, my wife, Vivian, who has put up with all the weird hours and workdays, and the many mood swings, and my sons, Daniel and Jason. Being called 'dad' is the best job title I have ever had."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577756153219.jpeg" alt="Randy Picking records the afternoon news in the KINA studio Monday .&nbsp;Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Randy Picking records the afternoon news in the KINA studio Monday .&nbsp;Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostLongtime Salina radio personality Randy Picking is calling it a career.Picking, current program director for KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM, will bring to an end a nearly 44-year career in radio when he signs off for the final time today.A self-described jack of all trades and master of none, Picking has worked as an announcer, operations manager, program director, account representative, reporter, and news director. Stations he has worked at include KSAL, KYEZ, KABI, KSAJ, KFRM/KNNN, KILS, KQNS, KINA, and KSKG.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577757046459.jpeg" alt="Picking shakes hands with former President Ronald Reagan. Photo courtesy Randy Picking" />
 <figcaption>Picking shakes hands with former President Ronald Reagan. Photo courtesy Randy Picking</figcaption>
 </figure>Picking said he was bitten by the radio bug early in life."At the age of seven, I developed an interest in radio. In fact, I bought off of the back of a comic book a mini AM transmitter and would place the transmitter next to my record player in my bedroom, announce a record, go outside in the yard at home listen to the record and when it was about to end, come back in a play another record," Picking told Salina Post. Years later, Picking made the jump to a radio career after his father got him an interview at KSAL in the summer of 1975, he said. He began doing color and keeping stats at high school and college games in 1976."I finally got paid as a part-time automation tape changer at KYEZ in 1977," Picking said. "My first full-time job was in 1980 as the evening announcer at KSAL."While he held many positions over the years, Picking said the favorite part of his career was being able to share his passion for the weather."Regardless of the time of the year, I was able to relay weather information to the listeners and hoped it helped them make decisions on postponing a trip, getting their children inside before a storm or heading down to the basement," he said.Picking's career also afforded him the opportunity to meet some famous people."Thanks to covering events at the Eisenhower Library and Museum I had the chance to meet President Ronald Reagan, and President George H.W. Bush. Met former British Prime Minister John Major at the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce banquet in January of 2000. Also met Miss USA 1991, Kelli McCarty, from Liberal," Picking said. "Also had the chance to meet many wonderful people all across central Kansas."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577757233718.jpeg" alt="Picking visits with former&nbsp; British Prime Minister John Major. Photo courtesy Randy Picking" />
 <figcaption>Picking visits with former&nbsp; British Prime Minister John Major. Photo courtesy Randy Picking</figcaption>
 </figure>Additionally, Picking's career involved him in adventures that will be talked about for years to come."Well there was the time in 1990 that I wound up as the last car in Vice President Dan Quayle's motorcade coming back to Salina from Abilene," Picking said. Picking was mistaken as a Secret Service agent and waved through with the rest of the motorcade.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577757794650.jpeg" alt="Picking in front of Ad Astra before it was placed on top of the state capitol. Photo courtesy Randy Picking" />
 <figcaption>Picking in front of Ad Astra before it was placed on top of the state capitol. Photo courtesy Randy Picking</figcaption>
 </figure>Then there was the hot air balloon ride on his 21st birthday during a balloon meet. Picking also flew in an aerobatic bi-plane as part of promoting an air show in Salina in the early 1990s."My pilot found out it was my birthday and decided to get into a dog fight with another aerobatic plane over eastern Saline County. To go straight up to three thousand feet, and then fall back to Earth is something I'm glad I had the chance to do, but never again," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577757441858.jpeg" alt="Another of Picking's adventures was playing donkey basketball at Ell-Saline in 1978.&nbsp; (We think the donkey won this one!) Photo courtesy Randy Picking" />
 <figcaption>Another of Picking's adventures was playing donkey basketball at Ell-Saline in 1978.&nbsp; (We think the donkey won this one!) Photo courtesy Randy Picking</figcaption>
 </figure>As is typical for Picking, he used humor to deflect what could have been an embarrassing situation for many people."Gave a severe weather safety talk to an elementary school with Bruce Steinbrock. When I asked for questions, a boy sitting up close said 'did you know your fly is open?' I pitched him a quarter and said 'I would have given you a dollar if you had told me at the beginning of the talk,'" Picking said.While the memories will linger on, Picking said there are aspects of his career that he will miss."I'm going to miss the wonderful listeners I have had to opportunity to meet along with many great and wonderful co-workers. I have been very fortunate to have worked with or for 10 members of the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. One hall of famer I want to give a great deal of thanks to and I could never, ever pay him back for how he boosted my career, is Jerry Hinrikus. He believed in me and taught me to believe in myself. We both feel that 'Good enough is not good enough,'" Picking said.Through the years, though, Picking's family has been his biggest source of support."My grandma who would sit and listen for me to do a weather forecast when I first started, my dad who drove me to Kansas City to take my F.C.C. test for my broadcast license, my wife, Vivian, who has put up with all the weird hours and workdays, and the many mood swings, and my sons, Daniel and Jason. Being called 'dad' is the best job title I have ever had."

Randy Picking signing off for final time today

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; &nbsp;

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Recent obituaries

The Saline County Health Department has received a grant to help better the lives of individuals in the community.

The $1,000 grant was provided through the 2019 Partners in Community grant program as a part of the Aetna Better Health of Kansas program. 

The Partners in Community Grant is a program that works to better the lives of individuals in the community. The health department noted that it will work with Partners in Community to share data regarding the positive impacts on the lives of individuals in the community as a result of this grant. 

The Saline County Health Department has received a grant to help better the lives of individuals in the community.The $1,000 grant was provided through the 2019 Partners in Community grant program as a part of the Aetna Better Health of Kansas program. The Partners in Community Grant is a program that works to better the lives of individuals in the community. The health department noted that it will work with Partners in Community to share data regarding the positive impacts on the lives of individuals in the community as a result of this grant.

Health department receives grant to help better others' lives

Salina Police are investigating another instance of a tire and rim being stolen from a parked vehicle.

Sometime between 8 p.m. Thursday and 1:55 p.m. Friday, someone stole a tire and rim from a Pontiac parked in the 500 block of Charles, Salina Police Detective Sergeant David Villanueva said Monday. According to Villanueva, the owner walked out of the house and found the car on blocks and the tire and rim missing. The thief left the lug nuts, he added.

This was the third such incident in recent months, Villanueva said. Last week, someone stole all four tires from a vehicle in north Salina and several months ago, someone stole a tire from a vehicle at a car dealership in south Salina, he said.

Salina Police are investigating another instance of a tire and rim being stolen from a parked vehicle.Sometime between 8 p.m. Thursday and 1:55 p.m. Friday, someone stole a tire and rim from a Pontiac parked in the 500 block of Charles, Salina Police Detective Sergeant David Villanueva said Monday. According to Villanueva, the owner walked out of the house and found the car on blocks and the tire and rim missing. The thief left the lug nuts, he added.This was the third such incident in recent months, Villanueva said. Last week, someone stole all four tires from a vehicle in north Salina and several months ago, someone stole a tire from a vehicle at a car dealership in south Salina, he said.

Tire, rim stolen from parked car in central Salina

Someone appears to be targeting a church van in south Salina.

Salina Police Detective Sergeant David Villanueva said Monday that sometime between noon on Dec. 22 and 12:30 p.m. Tuesday someone threw a paver through the window of a van owned by Faith Bible Church, 2100 Quincy. Villanueva said the church uses the van to transport people to and from the church.

According to Villanueva, the incident just before Christmas was the second time in a  month that a van window was damaged. The first incident occurred sometime between Nov. 27 and Dec. 1, he said.

Each instance caused $200 worth of damage, he added.

Villanueva said Salina Police do not believe the damage to the van is related to the recent rash of damage to property incidents throughout the city.

Someone appears to be targeting a church van in south Salina.Salina Police Detective Sergeant David Villanueva said Monday that sometime between noon on Dec. 22 and 12:30 p.m. Tuesday someone threw a paver through the window of a van owned by Faith Bible Church, 2100 Quincy. Villanueva said the church uses the van to transport people to and from the church.According to Villanueva, the incident just before Christmas was the second time in a month that a van window was damaged. The first incident occurred sometime between Nov. 27 and Dec. 1, he said.Each instance caused $200 worth of damage, he added.Villanueva said Salina Police do not believe the damage to the van is related to the recent rash of damage to property incidents throughout the city.

Church van sustains damage twice in a month in south Salina

For the third year, Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation will be held in Salina.

Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs ages 14 and older. Hosted by the United Methodist Church of the Cross, the prom will be held at Kansas Wesleyan University on Feb. 7, 2020. The event is sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, the Earl Bane Foundation and the Dane Hansen Foundation.

To help the participants shine, Church of the Cross will be hosting a prom attire and accessories drive for both men and women. Donated prom dresses or dressy attire and accessories will be given away to the Night to Shine participants.  

Clothes may be dropped off at Church of the Cross, 1600 Rush Street.  Drop offs may be made during business hours Monday through Friday or on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings. Drop offs must be received by Jan. 24, 2020.

Volunteers are also needed to help with minor alterations (hems/straps, etc.) during the event. Anyone willing to assist with alterations are asked to call Pat Mills at 785-819-4454.

The give-away is scheduled for Jan. 25 from 1:30-4 p.m. at the church. To be given attire, the person must be a registered guest of Night To Shine. Night To Shine Registration and event information including volunteer opportunities is available at <a href="https://salinanighttoshine.wixsite.com/salinanighttoshine">https://salinanighttoshine.wixsite.com/salinanighttoshine</a>.

For the third year, Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation will be held in Salina.Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs ages 14 and older. Hosted by the United Methodist Church of the Cross, the prom will be held at Kansas Wesleyan University on Feb. 7, 2020. The event is sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, the Earl Bane Foundation and the Dane Hansen Foundation.To help the participants shine, Church of the Cross will be hosting a prom attire and accessories drive for both men and women. Donated prom dresses or dressy attire and accessories will be given away to the Night to Shine participants. Clothes may be dropped off at Church of the Cross, 1600 Rush Street. Drop offs may be made during business hours Monday through Friday or on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings. Drop offs must be received by Jan. 24, 2020.Volunteers are also needed to help with minor alterations (hems/straps, etc.) during the event. Anyone willing to assist with alterations are asked to call Pat Mills at 785-819-4454.The give-away is scheduled for Jan. 25 from 1:30-4 p.m. at the church. To be given attire, the person must be a registered guest of Night To Shine. Night To Shine Registration and event information including volunteer opportunities is available at <a href="https://salinanighttoshine.wixsite.com/salinanighttoshine">https://salinanighttoshine.wixsite.com/salinanighttoshine</a>.

Prom attire, accessories sought for Night to Shine



The outrageous inflation in public college tuition finally slowed in 2019. Facing inadequate state funding and charging whatever the market would bear, public universities loaded historical debt on both successful and unsuccessful students. Students loans are at a historical high and a major political talking point. The slowdown in tuition inflation is also due to fewer students enrolling in college.&nbsp; According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, enrollment has dropped below 18 million for the first time in this decade. Overall post-secondary enrollment fell 1.3 percent—over 230,000 students—from the prior year.

This should not have been a surprise. High school graduation numbers have declined for a decade. Many colleges are now attempting to retrieve some of the 36 million adults with some college credits but no degree. Their marketing assumes everyone is college-able. Many could not afford to continue. Others were never college-able.

Therefore most states reduced requirements for college graduation. California eliminated algebra; it was seen as a “barrier to graduation” except for science and engineering fields requiring algebra. Some states reduced credit hours for college degrees, forcing universities to weaken programs in order to graduate more students in just 120 credit hours. Higher education governing bodies are clueless to the fact that over 60 percent of students change major at least once, requiring them to attend more than four years. Many states ended zero-credit remedial courses and put students in regular credit courses, further weakening the value of a degree.

Faculty voice in academic affairs is fading as many universities are hiring more adjunct faculty for financial flexibility. Adjuncts’ employment next semester depends on their remaining silent and giving high grades to maintain tuition-paying student “customers.” By replacing tenured faculty lines, the management of academics in higher education has shifted administrators’ main concerns to marketing.&nbsp; &nbsp;

New enrollment of international students at U.S. universities in 2018-19 declined by 10.4 percent, compared to 2015-16, according to the Institute of International Education (IIE) in its&nbsp;Open Doors&nbsp;publication. Higher education is a major American “export” through international student tuition. We have lost an estimated $11.8 billion in income and 65,000 in jobs, according to NAFSA. Analyses point to one main factor: the anti-immigrant and anti-foreigner atmosphere created by President Trump’s statements, travel bans and visa restrictions.

Because our K–12 science education is weak, the U.S. now relies on international students&nbsp; joining the U.S. workforce after graduating. In 2017, a record 276,500 foreign graduate students received work permits through our Optional Practical Training (OPT, according to the Pew Research Center. Nearly 1.5 million foreign graduate students had received OPT work permits between 2004 and 2016. This rate of growth has now slowed dramatically.

Affirmative action at Harvard was held legal by the regional court decision. But the very specific requirements of the earlier court decision on the University of Texas at Austin were maintained. A 2019 ballot initiative to restore affirmative action in the state of Washington failed under protests by Asian Americans whose students would be suppressed as “over-represented.”

The SAT announced its plan for providing an “adversity score” based on the average of two ratings&nbsp;for a student's school neighborhood environment. The score would indicate obstacles a student faces, such as crime and poverty. The plan received massive public pushback.

Many universities are going “test optional,” no longer requiring students to provide an SAT or ACT score in their admissions application. After nearly 20 years of No Child Left Behind K–12 overtesting, many states are facing a testing backlash that extends to universities. In an effort likely to spread to other states, California faces a lawsuit claiming the SAT is biased against all minorities and economically poor students, despite Asian-American students scoring much higher than white students. But the SAT or ACT is provided to students free in many states. And private test-prep courses being relatively ineffective raising scores—these are aptitude tests.

In October, a federal judge held Education Secretary Betsy DeVos in contempt of court and fined the U.S.D.E $100,000 for violating an order to stop collecting loans from thousands of students who attended former for-profit colleges. On the positive side, the U.S.D.E. ended its support of competency-based education experiments. Over a dozen institutions had waivers to receive federal aid for these programs that consist of little more than take-a-test, get-course-credit. Competency-based just-take-a-test programs have not been widely accepted, with large scale programs limited to Western Governors and Southern New Hampshire.

A new report from the pro-tech Educause Center for Analysis and Research found that more than 70 percent of the 9,500 faculty members they surveyed favored teaching mostly or entirely face-to-face. In a prior Educause survey of over 40,000 undergraduates across 118 schools, over 70 percent of students preferred&nbsp; learning mostly or completely face-to-face. There has now been enough time for a generation of faculty and students to play with digital screen education and conclude what works. Will schools return to effective face-to-face teaching? Or will the ed-tech industrial complex ramp up their propaganda efforts? You know the answer.

John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

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

The outrageous inflation in public college tuition finally slowed in 2019. Facing inadequate state funding and charging whatever the market would bear, public universities loaded historical debt on both successful and unsuccessful students. Students loans are at a historical high and a major political talking point. The slowdown in tuition inflation is also due to fewer students enrolling in college.&nbsp; According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, enrollment has dropped below 18 million for the first time in this decade. Overall post-secondary enrollment fell 1.3 percent—over 230,000 students—from the prior year.This should not have been a surprise. High school graduation numbers have declined for a decade. Many colleges are now attempting to retrieve some of the 36 million adults with some college credits but no degree. Their marketing assumes everyone is college-able. Many could not afford to continue. Others were never college-able.Therefore most states reduced requirements for college graduation. California eliminated algebra; it was seen as a “barrier to graduation” except for science and engineering fields requiring algebra. Some states reduced credit hours for college degrees, forcing universities to weaken programs in order to graduate more students in just 120 credit hours. Higher education governing bodies are clueless to the fact that over 60 percent of students change major at least once, requiring them to attend more than four years. Many states ended zero-credit remedial courses and put students in regular credit courses, further weakening the value of a degree.Faculty voice in academic affairs is fading as many universities are hiring more adjunct faculty for financial flexibility. Adjuncts’ employment next semester depends on their remaining silent and giving high grades to maintain tuition-paying student “customers.” By replacing tenured faculty lines, the management of academics in higher education has shifted administrators’ main concerns to marketing.&nbsp; &nbsp;New enrollment of international students at U.S. universities in 2018-19 declined by 10.4 percent, compared to 2015-16, according to the Institute of International Education (IIE) in its&nbsp;Open Doors&nbsp;publication. Higher education is a major American “export” through international student tuition. We have lost an estimated $11.8 billion in income and 65,000 in jobs, according to NAFSA. Analyses point to one main factor: the anti-immigrant and anti-foreigner atmosphere created by President Trump’s statements, travel bans and visa restrictions.Because our K–12 science education is weak, the U.S. now relies on international students&nbsp; joining the U.S. workforce after graduating. In 2017, a record 276,500 foreign graduate students received work permits through our Optional Practical Training (OPT, according to the Pew Research Center. Nearly 1.5 million foreign graduate students had received OPT work permits between 2004 and 2016. This rate of growth has now slowed dramatically.Affirmative action at Harvard was held legal by the regional court decision. But the very specific requirements of the earlier court decision on the University of Texas at Austin were maintained. A 2019 ballot initiative to restore affirmative action in the state of Washington failed under protests by Asian Americans whose students would be suppressed as “over-represented.”The SAT announced its plan for providing an “adversity score” based on the average of two ratings&nbsp;for a student's school neighborhood environment. The score would indicate obstacles a student faces, such as crime and poverty. The plan received massive public pushback.Many universities are going “test optional,” no longer requiring students to provide an SAT or ACT score in their admissions application. After nearly 20 years of No Child Left Behind K–12 overtesting, many states are facing a testing backlash that extends to universities. In an effort likely to spread to other states, California faces a lawsuit claiming the SAT is biased against all minorities and economically poor students, despite Asian-American students scoring much higher than white students. But the SAT or ACT is provided to students free in many states. And private test-prep courses being relatively ineffective raising scores—these are aptitude tests.In October, a federal judge held Education Secretary Betsy DeVos in contempt of court and fined the U.S.D.E $100,000 for violating an order to stop collecting loans from thousands of students who attended former for-profit colleges. On the positive side, the U.S.D.E. ended its support of competency-based education experiments. Over a dozen institutions had waivers to receive federal aid for these programs that consist of little more than take-a-test, get-course-credit. Competency-based just-take-a-test programs have not been widely accepted, with large scale programs limited to Western Governors and Southern New Hampshire.A new report from the pro-tech Educause Center for Analysis and Research found that more than 70 percent of the 9,500 faculty members they surveyed favored teaching mostly or entirely face-to-face. In a prior Educause survey of over 40,000 undergraduates across 118 schools, over 70 percent of students preferred&nbsp; learning mostly or completely face-to-face. There has now been enough time for a generation of faculty and students to play with digital screen education and conclude what works. Will schools return to effective face-to-face teaching? Or will the ed-tech industrial complex ramp up their propaganda efforts? You know the answer.John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

Education Frontlines: 2019 - The Year in Higher Education

TOPEKA -- Washburn University is pleased to announce the students in its fall 2019 graduating class. More than 400 students completed their courses for associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees.

"Every single one of these students worked hard during their time here at Washburn University," said Dr. Jerry Farley, Washburn University president. "I'm proud of their success and have no doubt they will continue to be successful as they navigate their careers."

TOPEKA -- Washburn University is pleased to announce the students in its fall 2019 graduating class. More than 400 students completed their courses for associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees."Every single one of these students worked hard during their time here at Washburn University," said Dr. Jerry Farley, Washburn University president. "I'm proud of their success and have no doubt they will continue to be successful as they navigate their careers."Graduating students include the following from our area.Alexis Allen of Salina, graduated with a Associate of Liberal Studies in Liberal StudiesCody Delp of Salina, graduated with a Associate of Liberal Studies in Liberal StudiesAmanda Handlin of McPherson, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in NursingCara Donley of Salina, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in NursingKeely Brunner of Salina, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in PsychologyAlexandria Ulsaker of McPherson, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass MediaKatelin Leinweber of Chapman, graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science in Health Services AdministrationColton Zimmerman of McPherson, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information ScienceJerry Crow of Holyrood, graduated with a Master of Arts in Human ServicesAbout Washburn&nbsp;- Founded in 1865, Washburn University is a public institution with nearly seven thousand students and a thousand faculty and staff involved in more than 200 academic programs. Washburn's programs lead to certification, associate, bachelor, master's degree or doctor of nursing practice and juris doctor degrees.