WICHITA —&nbsp;With Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror, the end-of-year holidays are right around the corner. As holiday decorating gets into full swing, many will be opting for a live Christmas tree as part of their celebrations. While artificial trees have continued to grow in popularity, there are still about 25 to 30 million live Christmas trees sold every year in the U.S., according to the National Christmas Tree Association.

AAA urges everyone to prioritize safety when transporting a Christmas tree and preventing it from becoming a fire hazard. While home fires can happen at any time, they generally increase during the fall and winter, with December and January being the peak months.

“If not properly secured, a tree can cause vehicle damage such as scratched paint, torn door seals, distorted window frames, or even worse, it could fly off the vehicle and become a danger to other drivers,” said&nbsp;AAA Kansas spokesman Shawn Steward.&nbsp;“In addition to safely transporting a Christmas tree, we urge those displaying live trees in their homes for the holidays to do so properly and remember to watch the tree daily to avoid having it dry out and become a fire hazard.”

Tie one on, properly One holiday staple―the Christmas tree―has been popping up on top of cars and in windows earlier than in pre-pandemic years, extending the amount of time a tree is in the house for the holiday. However, this extended display time increases the potential for live Christmas trees to become fire hazards.

●44 percent of Americans who plan to purchase a real Christmas tree will transport the tree using unsafe methods.

●20 percent will tie the tree to the roof of their vehicle&nbsp;without&nbsp;using a roof rack.

●24 percent plan to place the tree in the bed of their pickup truck&nbsp;unsecured.

●Among those planning to purchase a live Christmas tree this year, 16 percent have previously experienced a Christmas tree falling off or out of their vehicle during transport.

●An improperly secured Christmas tree can cost drivers as much as $1,500 or more in repairs.

●Previous research from AAA found that road debris caused more than 200,000 crashes during a four-year period, resulting in approximately 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths.

“Twine that is wrapped around trees and looped through door jambs or open windows can cause serious vehicle damage, such as scratched paint, torn door seals and distorted window frames―damage that could cost up to $1,500 or more to repair,” said Steward.&nbsp;"Worse yet, improperly securing a Christmas tree to your vehicle could present a serious road danger if it comes loose and flies off into traffic.”

AAA notes that transporting a real Christmas tree is easy as long as you have the tools and follow these simple tips:

●Use the right vehicle.&nbsp;It’s best to transport a Christmas tree on top of a vehicle equipped with a roof rack. However, if you do not have a roof rack, use the bed of a pickup truck or an SUV, van or minivan that can fit the tree inside with all doors closed.

●Bring proper tools.&nbsp;Bring strong rope or nylon ratchet straps to secure the tree to your vehicle’s roof rack. Avoid the lightweight twine offered by many tree lots. Bring an old blanket and gloves.

●Protect the tree―and your vehicle.&nbsp;Have the tree wrapped in netting before loading it. If netting is unavailable, secure loose branches with rope or twine.&nbsp;Use an old blanket to prevent paint scratches and protect the vehicle finish.

●Point the tree trunk towards the front.&nbsp;Always place the tree on a roof rack or in a pickup bed with the bottom of the trunk facing the front of the vehicle.

●Tie it down.&nbsp;Secure the tree at its bottom, center and top. At the bottom, use fixed vehicle tie-down points and loop around the trunk above a lower branch, to prevent any side-to-side or front-to-rear movement. The center and top tie-downs should be installed in a similar manner.

 ●Give it the tug test.&nbsp;Before you leave the lot, give the tree several strong tugs from various directions to make sure it is secured in place and will not blow away.

●Drive slowly and easily.&nbsp;Take the back roads, if possible. Higher speeds create significant airflow that can damage your Christmas tree and challenge even the best tie-down methods.

Getting lit ― safely Once the Christmas tree reaches its holiday home safely, proper placement and decorations are key to preventing a devastating house fire. The&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUX9JY8-2FVNQT2afwKQfF-2FPoz1FWIlfdJFwenb-2F7tpYFX0RUV-2Ber-2B319IHpFzJVwnZPWkM5NG2-2Fc9cDDguHZ7w1rc5crRPPsksl7IspL96uqc8D0oT1cCjyug0ceWuGEzosZ6-2FdKxrEeSqEuQl6oYcbMg-3D0Z-z_t63W6VOpNaQzFln0mRpIPwKWfC8tUIiPKNeIQzfdtyfQoXXVWW7tXyuBqGeFvk2cNuQE8DSUNhLYK5rhxUJJqnr36Bz-2FX7x-2BRJfm1jhyKW-2FTCp5aY-2FVJ4JCxnjvk-2FRRDwnt24kMBsxeKi7alWPlpMNWd26xqDiyhvULBRt1ZzVZBYb-2BCM-2FNpGrFx-2F1bwTwQStJ0ha-2BlPmWXtXzxvtA5zNwXX-2FpF2F7fjD9VSWSXXrIhmn8-2FJbwbofMgb9o-2BJuWBSMu65ffjMGRjVMAj06E8M8H5d2DurIQ25jIaJT1usHIzCw8OJL-2BcBuluvu9Gh0qs4OG5NQ706ufVDADT5s2s2CQk0MxN2CZqz1-2FVAwW3Pg-2FU-3D" target="_blank">National Fire Protection Association</a>&nbsp;reports that:

●Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than two in five home Christmas tree fires.

●Nearly one in five Christmas tree fires were started by lamps or bulbs.&nbsp;Six percent were started by candles.

●Roughly two of every five home Christmas tree fires started in the living room.

●Candle fires peak in December and January with 11 percent of candle fires in each of these months.

●Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.

●Year round, more than one-third (35 percent) of home decoration fires were started by candles. This jumped to almost half in December when candles started 45 percent of such fires. Cooking started one-fifth (19%) of decoration fires.

●U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 790 home&nbsp;structure fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees. These fires caused an annual average of one civilian fire death, 26 civilian fire injuries and $13 million in direct property damage.

Make sure the fireplace is all that gets “lit” AAA and&nbsp;the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offer the following tips to reduce the risk of a house fire this Christmas:

●Make sure the Christmas tree is at least three feet away from any heat source (fireplace, radiator, candles, heat vents, or lights).

●Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.

●Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Never use lit candles to light the tree.

●Always turn off the lights on the tree before going to bed or leaving home.

“No one wants to have their holiday ruined―or face a tragedy―because of a house fire that could have been&nbsp;prevented,” said Steward.&nbsp; “While you may look at your tree as the centerpiece of your holiday decorations, you must treat it as a potential fire danger and take steps to protect your family and your home.”

About AAA AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 63&nbsp;million&nbsp;members nationwide and more than 350,000 members in Kansas.&nbsp;AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a&nbsp;non-stock, membership corporation working&nbsp;on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, access a&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUZq7fhzRb2URGDQo-2F50oBEr-2Fbwhu8fPUyM1UGHM2bacFFA3Jf5NCJEcqU1rYMpo-2B7BEohQndgte3obSbPOg00n9FouHS9x9pGXl1JHu0Vl-2FaLIg69vty8Q3jtYMEA-2BXbOA-3D-3D_OyE_t63W6VOpNaQzFln0mRpIPwKWfC8tUIiPKNeIQzfdtyfQoXXVWW7tXyuBqGeFvk2cNuQE8DSUNhLYK5rhxUJJqnr36Bz-2FX7x-2BRJfm1jhyKW-2FTCp5aY-2FVJ4JCxnjvk-2FRRDwnt24kMBsxeKi7alWPlpMNWd26xqDiyhvULBRt1ZzVZBYb-2BCM-2FNpGrFx-2F1bwTwQStJ0ha-2BlPmWXtXzxvtA5zN4sOOnPLl1gx9jV7BaGADhqyErbFFDz3rZXUJAbVv4ekD5NDEc-2FGGTaQX4571RwC4DVSsUoMIBvPAHrLpW0Q2cbpCwnNQuQKwxeMQy5MCFSccvo6qhBGTaH6R1vkGJbEogs2J7gXP8JE7ggnonTXnZQ-3D" target="_blank">COVID travel restriction map</a>, find local gas prices and&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUf5vDzC6voLYAPhUgWPKW1SAOm0OriNB3cOVo30c-2Fc523y6f_t63W6VOpNaQzFln0mRpIPwKWfC8tUIiPKNeIQzfdtyfQoXXVWW7tXyuBqGeFvk2cNuQE8DSUNhLYK5rhxUJJqnr36Bz-2FX7x-2BRJfm1jhyKW-2FTCp5aY-2FVJ4JCxnjvk-2FRRDwnt24kMBsxeKi7alWPlpMNWd26xqDiyhvULBRt1ZzVZBYb-2BCM-2FNpGrFx-2F1bwTwQStJ0ha-2BlPmWXtXzxvtA5zN9fbr6hLjmiJANWNgVY2ht8kyRo2GdZkGdfrkzNj7rhkM9PnxBOuh1Afj9baPqyOB6PePi9UZ2kiENomHqHM3d6V5su4LekHn33xmBnZHxJQwHsGIXKWzxJncwe3wMuhAFfg0p6LEmSoychrqNo5YJ4-3D" target="_blank">electric vehicle charging stations</a>,&nbsp;discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9hd7gt5w4RnNVYldceL1C0Mr-2BgWuTHSr0gcdduVCeTe6aWvq_t63W6VOpNaQzFln0mRpIPwKWfC8tUIiPKNeIQzfdtyfQoXXVWW7tXyuBqGeFvk2cNuQE8DSUNhLYK5rhxUJJqnr36Bz-2FX7x-2BRJfm1jhyKW-2FTCp5aY-2FVJ4JCxnjvk-2FRRDwnt24kMBsxeKi7alWPlpMNWd26xqDiyhvULBRt1ZzVZBYb-2BCM-2FNpGrFx-2F1bwTwQStJ0ha-2BlPmWXtXzxvtA5zNzDCvQVDJg8wI7j3XFKWkV4-2FY7fcetb2prLFuTeYahF7UqARETZZPUo1nAkj9tOMSWFYbEEw8SUZn-2F5fO8BI8JJxxpvQ9ZbwqUCctSTL5XedUNzg8xLg5jxYQFIB1hylsa7UYIkfQ-2BJ318b2MjMYg7g-3D" target="_blank">AAA.com/mobile</a>) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9jbf-2FfQz5ExMUplWZDyodiQ-3DdJDW_t63W6VOpNaQzFln0mRpIPwKWfC8tUIiPKNeIQzfdtyfQoXXVWW7tXyuBqGeFvk2cNuQE8DSUNhLYK5rhxUJJqnr36Bz-2FX7x-2BRJfm1jhyKW-2FTCp5aY-2FVJ4JCxnjvk-2FRRDwnt24kMBsxeKi7alWPlpMNWd26xqDiyhvULBRt1ZzVZBYb-2BCM-2FNpGrFx-2F1bwTwQStJ0ha-2BlPmWXtXzxvtA5zN36ac5SEcr3F0-2FYV7s-2F3d2YN-2FynuKkr8Lgu05RSytB3-2Bu4kCSpIUsgRZ3MWvH4LNhV-2FUTbiPfkKx-2FzL70fHLm5Qpotso8atA0j5rogf-2FpfSYfuxGcqWmdjC-2BHPykwqejqD08SgRAPaG0nzQ7rmbproA-3D" target="_blank">www.AAA.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670120859678.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy AAA" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy AAA</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>How to tie one on and get lit safely</h2>AAA KansasWICHITA —&nbsp;With Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror, the end-of-year holidays are right around the corner. As holiday decorating gets into full swing, many will be opting for a live Christmas tree as part of their celebrations. While artificial trees have continued to grow in popularity, there are still about 25 to 30 million live Christmas trees sold every year in the U.S., according to the National Christmas Tree Association.AAA urges everyone to prioritize safety when transporting a Christmas tree and preventing it from becoming a fire hazard. While home fires can happen at any time, they generally increase during the fall and winter, with December and January being the peak months.“If not properly secured, a tree can cause vehicle damage such as scratched paint, torn door seals, distorted window frames, or even worse, it could fly off the vehicle and become a danger to other drivers,” said&nbsp;AAA Kansas spokesman Shawn Steward.&nbsp;“In addition to safely transporting a Christmas tree, we urge those displaying live trees in their homes for the holidays to do so properly and remember to watch the tree daily to avoid having it dry out and become a fire hazard.”Tie one on, properly One holiday staple―the Christmas tree―has been popping up on top of cars and in windows earlier than in pre-pandemic years, extending the amount of time a tree is in the house for the holiday. However, this extended display time increases the potential for live Christmas trees to become fire hazards.According to AAA research:●44 percent of Americans who plan to purchase a real Christmas tree will transport the tree using unsafe methods.●20 percent will tie the tree to the roof of their vehicle&nbsp;without&nbsp;using a roof rack.●24 percent plan to place the tree in the bed of their pickup truck&nbsp;unsecured.●20 percent will tie the tree to the roof of their vehicle&nbsp;without&nbsp;using a roof rack.●24 percent plan to place the tree in the bed of their pickup truck&nbsp;unsecured.●Among those planning to purchase a live Christmas tree this year, 16 percent have previously experienced a Christmas tree falling off or out of their vehicle during transport.●An improperly secured Christmas tree can cost drivers as much as $1,500 or more in repairs.●Previous research from AAA found that road debris caused more than 200,000 crashes during a four-year period, resulting in approximately 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths.“Twine that is wrapped around trees and looped through door jambs or open windows can cause serious vehicle damage, such as scratched paint, torn door seals and distorted window frames―damage that could cost up to $1,500 or more to repair,” said Steward.&nbsp;"Worse yet, improperly securing a Christmas tree to your vehicle could present a serious road danger if it comes loose and flies off into traffic.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670120905412.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy AAA" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy AAA</figcaption>
 </figure>AAA notes that transporting a real Christmas tree is easy as long as you have the tools and follow these simple tips:●Use the right vehicle.&nbsp;It’s best to transport a Christmas tree on top of a vehicle equipped with a roof rack. However, if you do not have a roof rack, use the bed of a pickup truck or an SUV, van or minivan that can fit the tree inside with all doors closed.●Bring proper tools.&nbsp;Bring strong rope or nylon ratchet straps to secure the tree to your vehicle’s roof rack. Avoid the lightweight twine offered by many tree lots. Bring an old blanket and gloves.●Protect the tree―and your vehicle.&nbsp;Have the tree wrapped in netting before loading it. If netting is unavailable, secure loose branches with rope or twine.&nbsp;Use an old blanket to prevent paint scratches and protect the vehicle finish.●Point the tree trunk towards the front.&nbsp;Always place the tree on a roof rack or in a pickup bed with the bottom of the trunk facing the front of the vehicle.●Tie it down.&nbsp;Secure the tree at its bottom, center and top. At the bottom, use fixed vehicle tie-down points and loop around the trunk above a lower branch, to prevent any side-to-side or front-to-rear movement. The center and top tie-downs should be installed in a similar manner. ●Give it the tug test.&nbsp;Before you leave the lot, give the tree several strong tugs from various directions to make sure it is secured in place and will not blow away.●Drive slowly and easily.&nbsp;Take the back roads, if possible. Higher speeds create significant airflow that can damage your Christmas tree and challenge even the best tie-down methods.Getting lit ― safely Once the Christmas tree reaches its holiday home safely, proper placement and decorations are key to preventing a devastating house fire. The&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUX9JY8-2FVNQT2afwKQfF-2FPoz1FWIlfdJFwenb-2F7tpYFX0RUV-2Ber-2B319IHpFzJVwnZPWkM5NG2-2Fc9cDDguHZ7w1rc5crRPPsksl7IspL96uqc8D0oT1cCjyug0ceWuGEzosZ6-2FdKxrEeSqEuQl6oYcbMg-3D0Z-z_t63W6VOpNaQzFln0mRpIPwKWfC8tUIiPKNeIQzfdtyfQoXXVWW7tXyuBqGeFvk2cNuQE8DSUNhLYK5rhxUJJqnr36Bz-2FX7x-2BRJfm1jhyKW-2FTCp5aY-2FVJ4JCxnjvk-2FRRDwnt24kMBsxeKi7alWPlpMNWd26xqDiyhvULBRt1ZzVZBYb-2BCM-2FNpGrFx-2F1bwTwQStJ0ha-2BlPmWXtXzxvtA5zNwXX-2FpF2F7fjD9VSWSXXrIhmn8-2FJbwbofMgb9o-2BJuWBSMu65ffjMGRjVMAj06E8M8H5d2DurIQ25jIaJT1usHIzCw8OJL-2BcBuluvu9Gh0qs4OG5NQ706ufVDADT5s2s2CQk0MxN2CZqz1-2FVAwW3Pg-2FU-3D" target="_blank">National Fire Protection Association</a>&nbsp;reports that:●Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than two in five home Christmas tree fires.●Nearly one in five Christmas tree fires were started by lamps or bulbs.&nbsp;Six percent were started by candles.●Roughly two of every five home Christmas tree fires started in the living room.●Candle fires peak in December and January with 11 percent of candle fires in each of these months.●Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.●Year round, more than one-third (35 percent) of home decoration fires were started by candles. This jumped to almost half in December when candles started 45 percent of such fires. Cooking started one-fifth (19%) of decoration fires.●U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 790 home&nbsp;structure fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees. These fires caused an annual average of one civilian fire death, 26 civilian fire injuries and $13 million in direct property damage.Make sure the fireplace is all that gets “lit” AAA and&nbsp;the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offer the following tips to reduce the risk of a house fire this Christmas:●Make sure the Christmas tree is at least three feet away from any heat source (fireplace, radiator, candles, heat vents, or lights).●Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.●Add water to your tree daily.●Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Never use lit candles to light the tree.●Always turn off the lights on the tree before going to bed or leaving home.“No one wants to have their holiday ruined―or face a tragedy―because of a house fire that could have been&nbsp;prevented,” said Steward.&nbsp; “While you may look at your tree as the centerpiece of your holiday decorations, you must treat it as a potential fire danger and take steps to protect your family and your home.”About AAA AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 63&nbsp;million&nbsp;members nationwide and more than 350,000 members in Kansas.&nbsp;AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a&nbsp;non-stock, membership corporation working&nbsp;on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, access a&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUZq7fhzRb2URGDQo-2F50oBEr-2Fbwhu8fPUyM1UGHM2bacFFA3Jf5NCJEcqU1rYMpo-2B7BEohQndgte3obSbPOg00n9FouHS9x9pGXl1JHu0Vl-2FaLIg69vty8Q3jtYMEA-2BXbOA-3D-3D_OyE_t63W6VOpNaQzFln0mRpIPwKWfC8tUIiPKNeIQzfdtyfQoXXVWW7tXyuBqGeFvk2cNuQE8DSUNhLYK5rhxUJJqnr36Bz-2FX7x-2BRJfm1jhyKW-2FTCp5aY-2FVJ4JCxnjvk-2FRRDwnt24kMBsxeKi7alWPlpMNWd26xqDiyhvULBRt1ZzVZBYb-2BCM-2FNpGrFx-2F1bwTwQStJ0ha-2BlPmWXtXzxvtA5zN4sOOnPLl1gx9jV7BaGADhqyErbFFDz3rZXUJAbVv4ekD5NDEc-2FGGTaQX4571RwC4DVSsUoMIBvPAHrLpW0Q2cbpCwnNQuQKwxeMQy5MCFSccvo6qhBGTaH6R1vkGJbEogs2J7gXP8JE7ggnonTXnZQ-3D" target="_blank">COVID travel restriction map</a>, find local gas prices and&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUf5vDzC6voLYAPhUgWPKW1SAOm0OriNB3cOVo30c-2Fc523y6f_t63W6VOpNaQzFln0mRpIPwKWfC8tUIiPKNeIQzfdtyfQoXXVWW7tXyuBqGeFvk2cNuQE8DSUNhLYK5rhxUJJqnr36Bz-2FX7x-2BRJfm1jhyKW-2FTCp5aY-2FVJ4JCxnjvk-2FRRDwnt24kMBsxeKi7alWPlpMNWd26xqDiyhvULBRt1ZzVZBYb-2BCM-2FNpGrFx-2F1bwTwQStJ0ha-2BlPmWXtXzxvtA5zN9fbr6hLjmiJANWNgVY2ht8kyRo2GdZkGdfrkzNj7rhkM9PnxBOuh1Afj9baPqyOB6PePi9UZ2kiENomHqHM3d6V5su4LekHn33xmBnZHxJQwHsGIXKWzxJncwe3wMuhAFfg0p6LEmSoychrqNo5YJ4-3D" target="_blank">electric vehicle charging stations</a>,&nbsp;discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9hd7gt5w4RnNVYldceL1C0Mr-2BgWuTHSr0gcdduVCeTe6aWvq_t63W6VOpNaQzFln0mRpIPwKWfC8tUIiPKNeIQzfdtyfQoXXVWW7tXyuBqGeFvk2cNuQE8DSUNhLYK5rhxUJJqnr36Bz-2FX7x-2BRJfm1jhyKW-2FTCp5aY-2FVJ4JCxnjvk-2FRRDwnt24kMBsxeKi7alWPlpMNWd26xqDiyhvULBRt1ZzVZBYb-2BCM-2FNpGrFx-2F1bwTwQStJ0ha-2BlPmWXtXzxvtA5zNzDCvQVDJg8wI7j3XFKWkV4-2FY7fcetb2prLFuTeYahF7UqARETZZPUo1nAkj9tOMSWFYbEEw8SUZn-2F5fO8BI8JJxxpvQ9ZbwqUCctSTL5XedUNzg8xLg5jxYQFIB1hylsa7UYIkfQ-2BJ318b2MjMYg7g-3D" target="_blank">AAA.com/mobile</a>) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9jbf-2FfQz5ExMUplWZDyodiQ-3DdJDW_t63W6VOpNaQzFln0mRpIPwKWfC8tUIiPKNeIQzfdtyfQoXXVWW7tXyuBqGeFvk2cNuQE8DSUNhLYK5rhxUJJqnr36Bz-2FX7x-2BRJfm1jhyKW-2FTCp5aY-2FVJ4JCxnjvk-2FRRDwnt24kMBsxeKi7alWPlpMNWd26xqDiyhvULBRt1ZzVZBYb-2BCM-2FNpGrFx-2F1bwTwQStJ0ha-2BlPmWXtXzxvtA5zN36ac5SEcr3F0-2FYV7s-2F3d2YN-2FynuKkr8Lgu05RSytB3-2Bu4kCSpIUsgRZ3MWvH4LNhV-2FUTbiPfkKx-2FzL70fHLm5Qpotso8atA0j5rogf-2FpfSYfuxGcqWmdjC-2BHPykwqejqD08SgRAPaG0nzQ7rmbproA-3D" target="_blank">www.AAA.com</a>.

Ready to get your tree? AAA offers Christmas tree safety tips

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a teen on connection with a series of alleged drug crimes.

On Friday, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit made an arrest following an extensive investigation into multiple recent juvenile narcotics related overdoses in Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. Deputies arrested and booked Jackson C. Miller, 17, Topeka, into the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of distribution of an opiate, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, use of a communication facility in committing a felony drug crime and possession with intent to sell prescription drugs.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a teen on connection with a series of alleged drug crimes.On Friday, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit made an arrest following an extensive investigation into multiple recent juvenile narcotics related overdoses in Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. Deputies arrested and booked Jackson C. Miller, 17, Topeka, into the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of distribution of an opiate, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, use of a communication facility in committing a felony drug crime and possession with intent to sell prescription drugs.

Kan. teen arrested following recent juvenile overdoses 

Today is Saturday, Dec. 3, the 337th day of 2022. There are 28 days left in the year.

On Dec. 3, 1984, thousands of people died after a cloud of methyl isocyanate gas escaped from a pesticide plant operated by a Union Carbide subsidiary in Bhopal, India.

In 1818, Illinois was admitted as the 21st state.

In 1828, Andrew Jackson was elected president of the United States by the Electoral College.

In 1947, the Tennessee Williams play "A Streetcar Named Desire" opened on Broadway.

In 1964, police arrested some 800 students at the University of California at Berkeley, one day after the students stormed the administration building and staged a massive sit-in.

In 1965, the Beatles' sixth studio album, "Rubber Soul," was released in the United Kingdom by Parlophone (it was released in the U.S. by Capitol Records three days later).

In 1967, a surgical team in Cape Town, South Africa, led by Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the first human heart transplant on Louis Washkansky, who lived 18 days with the donor organ, which came from Denise Darvall, a 25-year-old bank clerk who had died in a traffic accident.

In 1979, 11 people were killed in a crush of fans at Cincinnati's Riverfront Coliseum, where the British rock group The Who was performing.

In 1991, radicals in Lebanon released American hostage Alann Steen, who'd been held captive nearly five years.

In 1992, the first telephone text message was sent by British engineer Neil Papworth, who transmitted the greeting "Merry Christmas" from his work computer in Newbury, Berkshire, to Vodafone executive Richard Jarvis' mobile phone.

In 2015, defense Secretary Ash Carter ordered the armed services to open all military jobs to women, removing the final barriers that had kept women from serving in combat, including the most dangerous and grueling commando posts.

In 2017, the second-largest U.S. drugstore chain, CVS, announced that it was buying Aetna, the third-largest health insurer, in order to push much deeper into customer care.

In 2020, Facebook said it would start removing false claims about COVID-19 vaccines.

Ten years ago: The White House rejected a $2.2 trillion proposal by House Republicans to avert the "fiscal cliff," a plan that included $800 billion in higher tax revenue over 10 years but no increase in tax rates for the wealthy. St. James's Palace announced that Britain's Prince William and his wife, Kate, were expecting their first child (Prince George was born the following July).

Five years ago: Former longtime Illinois congressman John Anderson, who ran for president as an independent in 1980, died in Washington at the age of 95.

One year ago: A prosecutor filed involuntary manslaughter charges against the parents of a teen accused of killing four students at a Michigan high school, saying they failed to intervene on the day of the tragedy despite being confronted with a drawing and chilling message — "blood everywhere" — that was found at the boy's desk. President Joe Biden pledged to make it "very, very difficult" for Russia's Vladimir Putin to take military action in Ukraine as U.S. intelligence officials determined that Russian planning was underway for a possible military offensive. A judge in Denver ruled that Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, charged with killing 10 people at a Colorado supermarket earlier in the year was mentally incompetent to stand trial and ordered him to be treated at the state mental hospital to see if he could be made well enough to face prosecution.

Today's Birthdays: Singer Jaye P. Morgan is 91. Actor Nicolas Coster is 89. Rock singer Ozzy Osbourne is 74. Rock singer Mickey Thomas is 73. Country musician Paul Gregg (Restless Heart) is 68. Actor Steven Culp is 67. Actor Daryl Hannah is 62. Actor Julianne Moore is 62. Olympic gold medal figure skater Katarina Witt is 57. Actor Brendan Fraser is 54. Singer Montell Jordan is 54. Actor Royale Watkins is 53. Actor Bruno Campos is 49. Actor Holly Marie Combs is 49. Actor Liza Lapira is 47. Pop-rock singer Daniel Bedingfield is 43. Actor/comedian Tiffany Haddish is 43. Actor Anna Chlumsky is 42. Actor Jenna Dewan is 42. Actor Brian Bonsall is 41. Actor Dascha Polanco is 40. Pop/rock singer-songwriter Andy Grammer is 39. Americana musician Michael Calabrese (Lake Street Dive) is 38. Actor Amanda Seyfried is 37. Actor Michael Angarano is 35. Actor Jake T. Austin is 28.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Saturday, Dec. 3, the 337th day of 2022. There are 28 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Dec. 3, 1984, thousands of people died after a cloud of methyl isocyanate gas escaped from a pesticide plant operated by a Union Carbide subsidiary in Bhopal, India.On this date:In 1818, Illinois was admitted as the 21st state.In 1828, Andrew Jackson was elected president of the United States by the Electoral College.In 1947, the Tennessee Williams play "A Streetcar Named Desire" opened on Broadway.In 1964, police arrested some 800 students at the University of California at Berkeley, one day after the students stormed the administration building and staged a massive sit-in.In 1965, the Beatles' sixth studio album, "Rubber Soul," was released in the United Kingdom by Parlophone (it was released in the U.S. by Capitol Records three days later).In 1967, a surgical team in Cape Town, South Africa, led by Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the first human heart transplant on Louis Washkansky, who lived 18 days with the donor organ, which came from Denise Darvall, a 25-year-old bank clerk who had died in a traffic accident.In 1979, 11 people were killed in a crush of fans at Cincinnati's Riverfront Coliseum, where the British rock group The Who was performing.In 1991, radicals in Lebanon released American hostage Alann Steen, who'd been held captive nearly five years.In 1992, the first telephone text message was sent by British engineer Neil Papworth, who transmitted the greeting "Merry Christmas" from his work computer in Newbury, Berkshire, to Vodafone executive Richard Jarvis' mobile phone.In 2015, defense Secretary Ash Carter ordered the armed services to open all military jobs to women, removing the final barriers that had kept women from serving in combat, including the most dangerous and grueling commando posts.In 2017, the second-largest U.S. drugstore chain, CVS, announced that it was buying Aetna, the third-largest health insurer, in order to push much deeper into customer care.In 2020, Facebook said it would start removing false claims about COVID-19 vaccines.Ten years ago: The White House rejected a $2.2 trillion proposal by House Republicans to avert the "fiscal cliff," a plan that included $800 billion in higher tax revenue over 10 years but no increase in tax rates for the wealthy. St. James's Palace announced that Britain's Prince William and his wife, Kate, were expecting their first child (Prince George was born the following July).Five years ago: Former longtime Illinois congressman John Anderson, who ran for president as an independent in 1980, died in Washington at the age of 95.One year ago: A prosecutor filed involuntary manslaughter charges against the parents of a teen accused of killing four students at a Michigan high school, saying they failed to intervene on the day of the tragedy despite being confronted with a drawing and chilling message — "blood everywhere" — that was found at the boy's desk. President Joe Biden pledged to make it "very, very difficult" for Russia's Vladimir Putin to take military action in Ukraine as U.S. intelligence officials determined that Russian planning was underway for a possible military offensive. A judge in Denver ruled that Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, charged with killing 10 people at a Colorado supermarket earlier in the year was mentally incompetent to stand trial and ordered him to be treated at the state mental hospital to see if he could be made well enough to face prosecution.Today's Birthdays: Singer Jaye P. Morgan is 91. Actor Nicolas Coster is 89. Rock singer Ozzy Osbourne is 74. Rock singer Mickey Thomas is 73. Country musician Paul Gregg (Restless Heart) is 68. Actor Steven Culp is 67. Actor Daryl Hannah is 62. Actor Julianne Moore is 62. Olympic gold medal figure skater Katarina Witt is 57. Actor Brendan Fraser is 54. Singer Montell Jordan is 54. Actor Royale Watkins is 53. Actor Bruno Campos is 49. Actor Holly Marie Combs is 49. Actor Liza Lapira is 47. Pop-rock singer Daniel Bedingfield is 43. Actor/comedian Tiffany Haddish is 43. Actor Anna Chlumsky is 42. Actor Jenna Dewan is 42. Actor Brian Bonsall is 41. Actor Dascha Polanco is 40. Pop/rock singer-songwriter Andy Grammer is 39. Americana musician Michael Calabrese (Lake Street Dive) is 38. Actor Amanda Seyfried is 37. Actor Michael Angarano is 35. Actor Jake T. Austin is 28.

Today in History - December 3

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Michelle McCartney with Cosmosphere notes that there will be a lot of witnesses to history at the First and Last Steps event Friday night on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.

"We've got two moon walkers here tonight," McCartney said. "We've got Harrison Schmitt and we have Charlie Duke. We're very excited to have those dignitaries here along with a lot of Mission Control crew and other astronauts, as well."&nbsp;

The full list of invited dignitaries included Jeff Ashby, Jerry Bostick, Charlie Duke, Gerry Griffin, Fred Haise, Steven Hawley, Gene Kranz (unable to attend), Jack Lousma&nbsp;(unable to attend), Harrison Schmitt and Milt Windler. There will be a public opportunity to take a look at the sky outside the event tonight, as well.

"Tonight, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., we have a public telescope viewing," McCartney said. "You will meet at the east side of the Meadowlark Building at the Fairgrounds. Hopefully, with a clear sky, you'll have a great view of planets and bright stars in the southern sky. "

The viewing is put on by the Cosmosphere Astronomy Club. Also, there is a special event involving one of the most famous astronauts not to walk on the moon, Fred Haise. That event is taking place on Saturday.

"Haise will be here doing his book signing for his new autobiography, Never Panic Early," McCartney said. "That's Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Cosmosphere. The book signing will be located in the Hall of Space Museum by the Apollo 13 command module, Odyssey."

For a full schedule of the weekend's events, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://cosmo.org/">cosmo.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583247028814.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Michelle McCartney with Cosmosphere notes that there will be a lot of witnesses to history at the First and Last Steps event Friday night on the Kansas State Fairgrounds."We've got two moon walkers here tonight," McCartney said. "We've got Harrison Schmitt and we have Charlie Duke. We're very excited to have those dignitaries here along with a lot of Mission Control crew and other astronauts, as well."&nbsp;The full list of invited dignitaries included Jeff Ashby, Jerry Bostick, Charlie Duke, Gerry Griffin, Fred Haise, Steven Hawley, Gene Kranz (unable to attend), Jack Lousma&nbsp;(unable to attend), Harrison Schmitt and Milt Windler. There will be a public opportunity to take a look at the sky outside the event tonight, as well."Tonight, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., we have a public telescope viewing," McCartney said. "You will meet at the east side of the Meadowlark Building at the Fairgrounds. Hopefully, with a clear sky, you'll have a great view of planets and bright stars in the southern sky. "The viewing is put on by the Cosmosphere Astronomy Club. Also, there is a special event involving one of the most famous astronauts not to walk on the moon, Fred Haise. That event is taking place on Saturday."Haise will be here doing his book signing for his new autobiography, Never Panic Early," McCartney said. "That's Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Cosmosphere. The book signing will be located in the Hall of Space Museum by the Apollo 13 command module, Odyssey."For a full schedule of the weekend's events, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://cosmo.org/">cosmo.org</a>.

Events with many dignitaries for Kan. Cosmosphere this weekend

Today is Friday, Dec. 2, the 336th day of 2022. There are 29 days left in the year.

On Dec. 2, 1954, the U.S. Senate passed, 67-22, a resolution condemning Republican Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy of Wisconsin, saying he had "acted contrary to senatorial ethics and tended to bring the Senate into dishonor and disrepute."

In 1823, President James Monroe outlined his doctrine opposing European expansion in the Western Hemisphere.

In 1859, militant abolitionist John Brown was hanged for his raid on Harpers Ferry the previous October.

In 1942, an artificially created, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction was demonstrated for the first time at the University of Chicago.

In 1957, the Shippingport Atomic Power Station in Pennsylvania, the first full-scale commercial nuclear facility in the U.S., began operations. (The reactor ceased operating in 1982.)

In 1980, four American churchwomen were raped and murdered in El Salvador. (Five national guardsmen were convicted in the killings.)

In 1982, in the first operation of its kind, doctors at the University of Utah Medical Center implanted a permanent artificial heart in the chest of retired dentist Dr. Barney Clark, who lived 112 days with the device.

In 1993, Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar was shot to death by security forces in Medellin.

In 2000, Al Gore sought a recount in South Florida, while George W. Bush flatly asserted, "I'm soon to be the president" and met with GOP congressional leaders.

In 2001, in one of the largest corporate bankruptcies in U.S. history, Enron filed for Chapter 11 protection.

In 2015, a couple loyal to the Islamic State group opened fire at a holiday banquet for public employees in San Bernardino, California, killing 14 people and wounding 21 others before dying in a shootout with police.

In 2016, a fire that raced through an illegally converted warehouse in Oakland, California, during a dance party killed 36 people.

In 2020, in a video released on social media, President Donald Trump stood before a White House lectern and delivered a 46-minute diatribe against the election results that produced a win for Democrat Joe Biden, unspooling one misstatement after another to back his baseless claim that he really won. Britain became the first country in the world to authorize a rigorously tested COVID-19 vaccine, giving the go-ahead for emergency use of the vaccine developed by American drugmaker Pfizer and Germany's BioNTech.

Ten years ago: Hundreds of concrete slabs, each weighing more than a ton, fell from the roof of a highway tunnel west of Tokyo, crushing vehicles below and killing nine people. Dustin Hoffman, David Letterman, Led Zeppelin, Chicago bluesman Buddy Guy and ballerina Natalia Makarova received Kennedy Center Honors.

Five years ago: President Donald Trump changed his story on why he fired Michael Flynn as his national security adviser, now suggesting that he knew at the time that Flynn had lied to the FBI about his contacts with Russians. ABC News suspended investigative reporter Brian Ross for four weeks without pay for an erroneous report about Flynn. (Ross had reported that then-candidate Trump had directed Flynn to make contact with the Russians; Ross clarified the report hours later, saying that his source now said Trump had not done so as a candidate, but as president-elect.)

One year ago: Nevada's Supreme Court ruled unanimously that gun manufacturers could not be held responsible for the deaths in the 2017 mass shooting on the Las Vegas Strip because a state law shielded them from liability unless the weapon malfunctioned. Jason Meade, the Ohio sheriff's deputy who shot Casey Goodson Jr. in the back five times as the Black man entered his grandmother's house, was charged with murder, as Goodson's family also filed a federal civil rights lawsuit. (Meade has pleaded not guilty.) Major League Baseball plunged into its first work stoppage in a quarter-century when the sport's collective bargaining agreement expired and owners immediately locked out players. (An agreement would end the lockout after 99 days; the start of the season was delayed by about a week.)

Today's Birthdays: Former Attorney General Edwin Meese III is 91. Actor Cathy Lee Crosby is 78. Movie director Penelope Spheeris is 77. Actor Ron Raines is 73. Country singer John Wesley Ryles is 72. Actor Keith Szarabajka is 70. Actor Dan Butler is 68. Broadcast journalist Stone Phillips is 68. Actor Dennis Christopher is 67. Actor Steven Bauer is 66. Country singer Joe Henry is 62. Rock musician Rick Savage (Def Leppard) is 62. Actor Brendan Coyle is 59. Rock musician Nate Mendel (Foo Fighters) is 54. Actor Suzy Nakamura is 54. Actor Rena Sofer is 54. Rock singer Jimi HaHa (Jimmie's Chicken Shack) is 54. Actor Lucy Liu is 54. U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough is 53. Rapper Treach (Naughty By Nature) is 52. Actor Joe Lo Truglio is 52. International Tennis Hall of Famer Monica Seles is 49. Singer Nelly Furtado is 44. Pop singer Britney Spears is 41. Actor-singer Jana Kramer is 39. Actor Yvonne Orji is 39. Actor Daniela Ruah is 39. NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers is 39. Actor Alfred Enoch is 34. Pop singer-songwriter Charlie Puth is 31.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Friday, Dec. 2, the 336th day of 2022. There are 29 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Dec. 2, 1954, the U.S. Senate passed, 67-22, a resolution condemning Republican Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy of Wisconsin, saying he had "acted contrary to senatorial ethics and tended to bring the Senate into dishonor and disrepute."On this date:In 1823, President James Monroe outlined his doctrine opposing European expansion in the Western Hemisphere.In 1859, militant abolitionist John Brown was hanged for his raid on Harpers Ferry the previous October.In 1942, an artificially created, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction was demonstrated for the first time at the University of Chicago.In 1957, the Shippingport Atomic Power Station in Pennsylvania, the first full-scale commercial nuclear facility in the U.S., began operations. (The reactor ceased operating in 1982.)In 1980, four American churchwomen were raped and murdered in El Salvador. (Five national guardsmen were convicted in the killings.)In 1982, in the first operation of its kind, doctors at the University of Utah Medical Center implanted a permanent artificial heart in the chest of retired dentist Dr. Barney Clark, who lived 112 days with the device.In 1993, Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar was shot to death by security forces in Medellin.In 2000, Al Gore sought a recount in South Florida, while George W. Bush flatly asserted, "I'm soon to be the president" and met with GOP congressional leaders.In 2001, in one of the largest corporate bankruptcies in U.S. history, Enron filed for Chapter 11 protection.In 2015, a couple loyal to the Islamic State group opened fire at a holiday banquet for public employees in San Bernardino, California, killing 14 people and wounding 21 others before dying in a shootout with police.In 2016, a fire that raced through an illegally converted warehouse in Oakland, California, during a dance party killed 36 people.In 2020, in a video released on social media, President Donald Trump stood before a White House lectern and delivered a 46-minute diatribe against the election results that produced a win for Democrat Joe Biden, unspooling one misstatement after another to back his baseless claim that he really won. Britain became the first country in the world to authorize a rigorously tested COVID-19 vaccine, giving the go-ahead for emergency use of the vaccine developed by American drugmaker Pfizer and Germany's BioNTech.Ten years ago: Hundreds of concrete slabs, each weighing more than a ton, fell from the roof of a highway tunnel west of Tokyo, crushing vehicles below and killing nine people. Dustin Hoffman, David Letterman, Led Zeppelin, Chicago bluesman Buddy Guy and ballerina Natalia Makarova received Kennedy Center Honors.Five years ago: President Donald Trump changed his story on why he fired Michael Flynn as his national security adviser, now suggesting that he knew at the time that Flynn had lied to the FBI about his contacts with Russians. ABC News suspended investigative reporter Brian Ross for four weeks without pay for an erroneous report about Flynn. (Ross had reported that then-candidate Trump had directed Flynn to make contact with the Russians; Ross clarified the report hours later, saying that his source now said Trump had not done so as a candidate, but as president-elect.)One year ago: Nevada's Supreme Court ruled unanimously that gun manufacturers could not be held responsible for the deaths in the 2017 mass shooting on the Las Vegas Strip because a state law shielded them from liability unless the weapon malfunctioned. Jason Meade, the Ohio sheriff's deputy who shot Casey Goodson Jr. in the back five times as the Black man entered his grandmother's house, was charged with murder, as Goodson's family also filed a federal civil rights lawsuit. (Meade has pleaded not guilty.) Major League Baseball plunged into its first work stoppage in a quarter-century when the sport's collective bargaining agreement expired and owners immediately locked out players. (An agreement would end the lockout after 99 days; the start of the season was delayed by about a week.)Today's Birthdays: Former Attorney General Edwin Meese III is 91. Actor Cathy Lee Crosby is 78. Movie director Penelope Spheeris is 77. Actor Ron Raines is 73. Country singer John Wesley Ryles is 72. Actor Keith Szarabajka is 70. Actor Dan Butler is 68. Broadcast journalist Stone Phillips is 68. Actor Dennis Christopher is 67. Actor Steven Bauer is 66. Country singer Joe Henry is 62. Rock musician Rick Savage (Def Leppard) is 62. Actor Brendan Coyle is 59. Rock musician Nate Mendel (Foo Fighters) is 54. Actor Suzy Nakamura is 54. Actor Rena Sofer is 54. Rock singer Jimi HaHa (Jimmie's Chicken Shack) is 54. Actor Lucy Liu is 54. U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough is 53. Rapper Treach (Naughty By Nature) is 52. Actor Joe Lo Truglio is 52. International Tennis Hall of Famer Monica Seles is 49. Singer Nelly Furtado is 44. Pop singer Britney Spears is 41. Actor-singer Jana Kramer is 39. Actor Yvonne Orji is 39. Actor Daniela Ruah is 39. NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers is 39. Actor Alfred Enoch is 34. Pop singer-songwriter Charlie Puth is 31.

Today in History - December 2

Today is Thursday, Dec. 1, the 335th day of 2022. There are 30 days left in the year.

On Dec. 1, 1991, Ukrainians voted overwhelmingly for independence from the Soviet Union.

In 1824, the presidential election was turned over to the U.S. House of Representatives when a deadlock developed among John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, William H. Crawford and Henry Clay. (Adams ended up the winner.)

In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln sent his Second Annual Message to Congress, in which he called for the abolition of slavery, and went on to say, "Fellow-citizens, we can not escape history. We of this Congress and this Administration will be remembered in spite of ourselves."

In 1941, Japan's Emperor Hirohito approved waging war against the United States, Britain and the Netherlands after his government rejected U.S. demands contained in the Hull Note.

In 1942, during World War II, nationwide gasoline rationing went into effect in the United States; the goal was not so much to save on gas, but to conserve rubber that was desperately needed for the war effort by reducing the use of tires.

In 1952, the New York Daily News ran a front-page story on Christine Jorgensen's sex-reassignment surgery with the headline, "Ex-GI Becomes Blonde Beauty".

In 1955, Rosa Parks, a Black seamstress, was arrested after refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus; the incident sparked a year-long boycott of the buses by Blacks.

In 1965, an airlift of refugees from Cuba to the United States began in which thousands of Cubans were allowed to leave their homeland.

In 1969, the U.S. government held its first draft lottery since World War II.

In 1974, TWA Flight 514, a Washington-bound Boeing 727, crashed in Virginia after being diverted from National Airport to Dulles International Airport; all 92 people on board were killed. Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 6231, a Boeing 727, crashed near Stony Point, New York, with the loss of its three crew members (the plane had been chartered to pick up the Baltimore Colts football team in Buffalo, New York).

In 2005, a roadside bomb killed 10 U.S. Marines near Fallujah, Iraq.

In 2009, President Barack Obama ordered 30,000 more U.S. troops into the war in Afghanistan but promised during a speech to cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to begin withdrawals in 18 months.

In 2020, disputing President Donald Trump's persistent, baseless claims, Attorney General William Barr told The Associated Press that the U.S. Justice Department had uncovered no evidence of widespread voter fraud that could change the outcome of the 2020 election. Trump filed a lawsuit in Wisconsin seeking to disqualify more than 221,000 ballots in a longshot attempt to overturn Democrat Joe Biden's win in the battleground state.

Ten years ago: Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher fatally shot his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins, then drove to Arrowhead Stadium and took his own life in front of the team's coach and general manager. Enrique Pena Nieto took the oath of office as Mexico's new president, vowing to restore peace and security.

Five years ago: Retired general Michael Flynn, who served as President Donald Trump's first national security adviser, pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about reaching out to the Russians on Trump's behalf. (Flynn would be pardoned by Trump after twice pleading guilty to lying to the FBI.)

One year ago: As the Supreme Court heard arguments on a challenge to a Mississippi law banning abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, members of the court's conservative majority signaled that they would allow states to ban abortion much earlier in pregnancy and possibly even overturn the nationwide right that had existed for nearly 50 years. (In June 2022, the court would use the Mississippi case to overturn its Roe v. Wade decision and remove women's constitutional protections for abortion.) The U.S. recorded its first confirmed case of the omicron variant of the coronavirus, in a vaccinated traveler who returned to California after a trip to South Africa.

Today's Birthdays: Actor-director Woody Allen is 87. World Golf Hall of Famer Lee Trevino is 83. Singer Dianne Lennon (The Lennon Sisters) is 83. Television producer David Salzman is 79. Rock singer-musician Eric Bloom (Blue Oyster Cult) is 78. Rock musician John Densmore (The Doors) is 78. Actor-singer Bette Midler is 77. Singer Gilbert O'Sullivan is 76. Former child actor Keith Thibodeaux (TV: "I Love Lucy") is 72. Actor Treat Williams is 71. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., is 70. Country singer Kim Richey is 66. Actor Charlene Tilton is 64. Actor-model Carol Alt is 62. Actor Jeremy Northam is 61. Actor Katherine LaNasa is 56. Producer-director Andrew Adamson is 56. Actor Nestor Carbonell is 55. Actor Golden Brooks is 52. Actor-comedian Sarah Silverman is 52. Actor Ron Melendez is 50. Contemporary Christian singer Bart Millard is 50. Actor-writer-producer David Hornsby is 47. Singer Sarah Masen is 47. Rock musician Brad Delson (Linkin Park) is 45. Actor Nate Torrence is 45. Rock/Christian music singer-songwriter Mat Kearney is 44. Actor Riz Ahmed (Film: "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story") is 40. Actor Charles Michael Davis is 38. Actor Ilfenesh Hadera is 37. R&amp;B singer-actor Janelle Monae is 37. Actor Ashley Monique Clark is 34. Pop-rock-rap singer Tyler Joseph (Twenty One Pilots) is 34. Actor Zoe Kravitz is 34. Pop singer Nico Sereba (Nico &amp; Vinz) is 32. Actor Jackson Nicoll is 19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Thursday, Dec. 1, the 335th day of 2022. There are 30 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Dec. 1, 1991, Ukrainians voted overwhelmingly for independence from the Soviet Union.On this date:In 1824, the presidential election was turned over to the U.S. House of Representatives when a deadlock developed among John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, William H. Crawford and Henry Clay. (Adams ended up the winner.)In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln sent his Second Annual Message to Congress, in which he called for the abolition of slavery, and went on to say, "Fellow-citizens, we can not escape history. We of this Congress and this Administration will be remembered in spite of ourselves."In 1941, Japan's Emperor Hirohito approved waging war against the United States, Britain and the Netherlands after his government rejected U.S. demands contained in the Hull Note.In 1942, during World War II, nationwide gasoline rationing went into effect in the United States; the goal was not so much to save on gas, but to conserve rubber that was desperately needed for the war effort by reducing the use of tires.In 1952, the New York Daily News ran a front-page story on Christine Jorgensen's sex-reassignment surgery with the headline, "Ex-GI Becomes Blonde Beauty".In 1955, Rosa Parks, a Black seamstress, was arrested after refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus; the incident sparked a year-long boycott of the buses by Blacks.In 1965, an airlift of refugees from Cuba to the United States began in which thousands of Cubans were allowed to leave their homeland.In 1969, the U.S. government held its first draft lottery since World War II.In 1974, TWA Flight 514, a Washington-bound Boeing 727, crashed in Virginia after being diverted from National Airport to Dulles International Airport; all 92 people on board were killed. Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 6231, a Boeing 727, crashed near Stony Point, New York, with the loss of its three crew members (the plane had been chartered to pick up the Baltimore Colts football team in Buffalo, New York).In 2005, a roadside bomb killed 10 U.S. Marines near Fallujah, Iraq.In 2009, President Barack Obama ordered 30,000 more U.S. troops into the war in Afghanistan but promised during a speech to cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to begin withdrawals in 18 months.In 2020, disputing President Donald Trump's persistent, baseless claims, Attorney General William Barr told The Associated Press that the U.S. Justice Department had uncovered no evidence of widespread voter fraud that could change the outcome of the 2020 election. Trump filed a lawsuit in Wisconsin seeking to disqualify more than 221,000 ballots in a longshot attempt to overturn Democrat Joe Biden's win in the battleground state.Ten years ago: Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher fatally shot his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins, then drove to Arrowhead Stadium and took his own life in front of the team's coach and general manager. Enrique Pena Nieto took the oath of office as Mexico's new president, vowing to restore peace and security.Five years ago: Retired general Michael Flynn, who served as President Donald Trump's first national security adviser, pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about reaching out to the Russians on Trump's behalf. (Flynn would be pardoned by Trump after twice pleading guilty to lying to the FBI.)One year ago: As the Supreme Court heard arguments on a challenge to a Mississippi law banning abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, members of the court's conservative majority signaled that they would allow states to ban abortion much earlier in pregnancy and possibly even overturn the nationwide right that had existed for nearly 50 years. (In June 2022, the court would use the Mississippi case to overturn its Roe v. Wade decision and remove women's constitutional protections for abortion.) The U.S. recorded its first confirmed case of the omicron variant of the coronavirus, in a vaccinated traveler who returned to California after a trip to South Africa.Today's Birthdays: Actor-director Woody Allen is 87. World Golf Hall of Famer Lee Trevino is 83. Singer Dianne Lennon (The Lennon Sisters) is 83. Television producer David Salzman is 79. Rock singer-musician Eric Bloom (Blue Oyster Cult) is 78. Rock musician John Densmore (The Doors) is 78. Actor-singer Bette Midler is 77. Singer Gilbert O'Sullivan is 76. Former child actor Keith Thibodeaux (TV: "I Love Lucy") is 72. Actor Treat Williams is 71. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., is 70. Country singer Kim Richey is 66. Actor Charlene Tilton is 64. Actor-model Carol Alt is 62. Actor Jeremy Northam is 61. Actor Katherine LaNasa is 56. Producer-director Andrew Adamson is 56. Actor Nestor Carbonell is 55. Actor Golden Brooks is 52. Actor-comedian Sarah Silverman is 52. Actor Ron Melendez is 50. Contemporary Christian singer Bart Millard is 50. Actor-writer-producer David Hornsby is 47. Singer Sarah Masen is 47. Rock musician Brad Delson (Linkin Park) is 45. Actor Nate Torrence is 45. Rock/Christian music singer-songwriter Mat Kearney is 44. Actor Riz Ahmed (Film: "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story") is 40. Actor Charles Michael Davis is 38. Actor Ilfenesh Hadera is 37. R&amp;B singer-actor Janelle Monae is 37. Actor Ashley Monique Clark is 34. Pop-rock-rap singer Tyler Joseph (Twenty One Pilots) is 34. Actor Zoe Kravitz is 34. Pop singer Nico Sereba (Nico &amp; Vinz) is 32. Actor Jackson Nicoll is 19.

Today in History - December 1

LAWRENCE -&nbsp;John Hadl, a homegrown football legend at the University of Kansas who went on to become a professional football star, passed away on Wednesday morning. He was 82 years old.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hadl made a name for himself at Lawrence High School as an all-state halfback for the football team and as a centerfielder for the baseball team. To the delight of Lawrence residents, Hadl chose to play for KU.

His ability as an all-around athlete served him well as he transitioned into the college game. As a sophomore in 1959, in his first season of collegiate eligibility, Hadl led the NCAA in punting (45.6 yards per punt) and set KU records for the longest punt (94 yards, which still stands) and the longest interception return (98 yards, which stood until 2007).

But it was his junior and senior campaigns that etched his name into the history books. Hadl’s versatility propelled him to excel both as a halfback and quarterback. With Hadl running the offense, the Jayhawks were ranked in the top-20 his junior and senior years and finished the two-season span 14-5-2. He wrapped up his Kansas career leading his team to the program’s first-ever bowl victory, a 33-7 decision over Rice in the 1961 Bluebonnet Bowl.

“John Hadl had a generational impact on Kansas football, the University of Kansas and the Lawrence community. He was a once-in-a-lifetime Jayhawk student-athlete, a coach and mentor, a prolific fundraiser who developed profound relationships with countless, and the ultimate ambassador for KU. In short, our University and athletic program has been transformed by John and his legacy will forever be cemented. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Diana and the Hadl family. We will deeply miss John and his contagious smile but will proudly honor him and his unrivaled legacy as we move forward,” said KU Director of Athletics Travis Goff.

“Upon my arrival, I heard instantly from people across the state about John’s impact to this department, not just as a student-athlete and coach, but as someone who dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to the University of Kansas. His desire to enhance KU and make it as special as possible truly resonated with me. To be the head coach of this program and see his statue every day outside Anderson Family Football Complex, is a firm reminder of the passion and love that John had for this program. Kelly and I send our condolences to the Hadl family and his loved ones,” said KU&nbsp;Head Football Coach Lance Leipold.

An inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame (1994), Hadl was the first Kansas player to be picked twice for All-America honors (1960 and 1961). He was also named the Most Valuable Player of both the East-West Shrine game and the College All-Star game after the 1961 season.

Hadl then enjoyed a successful 16-year career as a professional quarterback, most notably with the San Diego Chargers. A six-time Pro Bowler, he played in three American Football League Championship games and was named National Football Conference Player of the Year in 1973.&nbsp; He was named the 1971 National Football League Man of the Year and is a member of the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame. Hadl was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft.

After retiring from professional football in 1977, Hadl returned to his hometown and to his true love, the University of Kansas, as an assistant football coach. As assistant head coach and offensive coordinator in 1981 he helped lead the Jayhawks to the Hall of Fame Bowl. His players loved him, having come to understand his passion for and knowledge of the game. In the mid-1980’s he coached in the NFL and the USFL.

In 1988 Hadl returned to KU to join the Williams Education Fund.&nbsp; For 30 years he was at the forefront of fundraising for the construction and renovation of KU’s athletics facilities. Hadl retired from his position in the Kansas Athletics’ Williams Education Fund in October of 2018.&nbsp;

A Jayhawk at heart, John Hadl will forever be honored as a member of the Kansas football Ring of Honor and the Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame. His No. 21 is one of three Kansas football numbers to be retired (Gale Sayers No. 48 and Ray Evans No. 42).

Hadl’s legacy was celebrated during the 2020 season with a&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=6251a7c0c7&amp;e=42e2e56024" target="_blank">statue unveiling</a>&nbsp;outside of Anderson Family Football Complex. He is one of two Jayhawks to be commemorated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669833873846.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy <a href="http://kuathletics.com">kuathletics.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy <a href="http://kuathletics.com">kuathletics.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KU AthleticsLAWRENCE -&nbsp;John Hadl, a homegrown football legend at the University of Kansas who went on to become a professional football star, passed away on Wednesday morning. He was 82 years old.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hadl made a name for himself at Lawrence High School as an all-state halfback for the football team and as a centerfielder for the baseball team. To the delight of Lawrence residents, Hadl chose to play for KU.His ability as an all-around athlete served him well as he transitioned into the college game. As a sophomore in 1959, in his first season of collegiate eligibility, Hadl led the NCAA in punting (45.6 yards per punt) and set KU records for the longest punt (94 yards, which still stands) and the longest interception return (98 yards, which stood until 2007).But it was his junior and senior campaigns that etched his name into the history books. Hadl’s versatility propelled him to excel both as a halfback and quarterback. With Hadl running the offense, the Jayhawks were ranked in the top-20 his junior and senior years and finished the two-season span 14-5-2. He wrapped up his Kansas career leading his team to the program’s first-ever bowl victory, a 33-7 decision over Rice in the 1961 Bluebonnet Bowl.“John Hadl had a generational impact on Kansas football, the University of Kansas and the Lawrence community. He was a once-in-a-lifetime Jayhawk student-athlete, a coach and mentor, a prolific fundraiser who developed profound relationships with countless, and the ultimate ambassador for KU. In short, our University and athletic program has been transformed by John and his legacy will forever be cemented. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Diana and the Hadl family. We will deeply miss John and his contagious smile but will proudly honor him and his unrivaled legacy as we move forward,” said KU Director of Athletics Travis Goff.“Upon my arrival, I heard instantly from people across the state about John’s impact to this department, not just as a student-athlete and coach, but as someone who dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to the University of Kansas. His desire to enhance KU and make it as special as possible truly resonated with me. To be the head coach of this program and see his statue every day outside Anderson Family Football Complex, is a firm reminder of the passion and love that John had for this program. Kelly and I send our condolences to the Hadl family and his loved ones,” said KU&nbsp;Head Football Coach Lance Leipold.An inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame (1994), Hadl was the first Kansas player to be picked twice for All-America honors (1960 and 1961). He was also named the Most Valuable Player of both the East-West Shrine game and the College All-Star game after the 1961 season.Hadl then enjoyed a successful 16-year career as a professional quarterback, most notably with the San Diego Chargers. A six-time Pro Bowler, he played in three American Football League Championship games and was named National Football Conference Player of the Year in 1973.&nbsp; He was named the 1971 National Football League Man of the Year and is a member of the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame. Hadl was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft.After retiring from professional football in 1977, Hadl returned to his hometown and to his true love, the University of Kansas, as an assistant football coach. As assistant head coach and offensive coordinator in 1981 he helped lead the Jayhawks to the Hall of Fame Bowl. His players loved him, having come to understand his passion for and knowledge of the game. In the mid-1980’s he coached in the NFL and the USFL.In 1988 Hadl returned to KU to join the Williams Education Fund.&nbsp; For 30 years he was at the forefront of fundraising for the construction and renovation of KU’s athletics facilities. Hadl retired from his position in the Kansas Athletics’ Williams Education Fund in October of 2018.&nbsp;A Jayhawk at heart, John Hadl will forever be honored as a member of the Kansas football Ring of Honor and the Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame. His No. 21 is one of three Kansas football numbers to be retired (Gale Sayers No. 48 and Ray Evans No. 42).Hadl’s legacy was celebrated during the 2020 season with a&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=6251a7c0c7&amp;e=42e2e56024" target="_blank">statue unveiling</a>&nbsp;outside of Anderson Family Football Complex. He is one of two Jayhawks to be commemorated.

KU's hometown legend John Hadl dies at 82

By GARY DEMUTH For Salina Symphony

More than 70 local and area youth dancers have been twirling, kicking and leaping nearly every weekend since September to present a memorable holiday gift to the Salina community.

These dancers, accompanied by a live symphonic orchestra, are preparing to perform the classic holiday-themed ballet The Nutcracker.

Whether playing dancing mice, billowing snowflakes or marching nutcrackers, the dedication and work ethic of the dancers have been impressive, said Tamara Howe of Ballet Salina, a division of the Tamara Howe School of Dance, a downtown Salina facility where dancers have been rehearsing nearly every Saturday.

“It’s a huge commitment to be here every week, but all of them love to rehearse,” she said. “I often tell them how fortunate they are to be able to perform with a live orchestra.”

The Salina Symphony and Ballet Salina will present Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker for two performances at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and 4 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts, 151 S. Santa Fe.

Ballet Salina and the Salina Symphony first performed&nbsp;The Nutcracker&nbsp;in the winter of 2019, but it was not part of the symphony’s mainstage season. This season,&nbsp;The Nutcracker&nbsp;will replace the symphony’s traditional Christmas Festival concert, said Adrienne Allen, executive director of the Salina Symphony.

“We are delighted to partner with Ballet Salina to present&nbsp;The Nutcracker&nbsp;this year,” Allen said. “With the success of our previous production, we made the decision to present&nbsp;The Nutcracker&nbsp;on a four-year rotation. We look forward to returning to our Christmas Festival tradition next year.”

Allen said&nbsp;The Nutcracker&nbsp;is a beloved holiday show for the entire family.

“The production will feature professional guest artists and talented local dancers in addition to live music from our Salina Symphony musicians,” she said. “It will be the perfect complement to our season of New Beginnings.”

The cast of&nbsp;The Nutcracker&nbsp;includes not only more than 70 local youth dancers, but nearly a dozen adults and a children’s chorus.

“There are several whole families involved, and some parents who did the show in 2019 (playing partygoers) wanted to do it again,” said Howe, who is choreographing the ballet with Ballet Salina artistic director Mara Klenda, based on the original choreography created by Marius Petipa.

Two professional guest artists from Ballet Memphis also will have featured parts in the show, performing two of the more challenging roles in the show: Oscar Fernandez will dance the part of the Cavalier and Cecily Khuner will play the Sugar Plum Fairy.

“They’ll fly in for the weekend, and they’ll also do a master class for the students,” Howe said.

Dancers for the production represent three local studios: Tamara Howe School of Dance, Center for Theatre Arts and Della’s Dance Studio as well as ArtisTree in Hutchinson.

Many of this year’s dancers were in the 2019 cast, and several high school seniors are playing bigger roles in this production.

“We have five seniors this year, so I’ve showcased them in special parts,” she said. “It’s nice having so many older dancers to play the roles.”

Having the stage filled with dancers is only part of the pleasure of watching “The Nutcracker.” There also are colorful sets, expressive lighting and especially gorgeous, lavish costumes, Howe said.

“We’ve built up quite a costume inventory, and each year we add to it,” she said. “Much of the costuming has been funded by Dane Hansen Foundation grants, which we are so grateful for.”

The ballet adaptation of&nbsp;The Nutcracker&nbsp;was inspired by a book titled The Story of the Nutcracker&nbsp;by Alexandre Dumas, which itself was an adaptation of the dark fairy tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” written by E.T.A. Hoffman in 1816.

The original ballet, created by Marius Petipa and Len Inavov with original music by the famed Russian composer Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky, was first performed in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1892. Since then, the Christmas-themed ballet has become a perennial holiday classic performed throughout the world.

“It’s a ballet that appeals to all ages,” Howe said. “Everything is laid out simply, so it’s easy to follow. Children will be enamored by the lights and sound and oversized characters, from mice to gingersnaps.

“It’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. By the time you leave, you’ll be ready for Christmas.”

Tickets for&nbsp;The Nutcracker&nbsp;are $29 or $39 for adults and $19 for students/children ages three and up and may be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre box office, by calling (785) 827-1998 or online at <a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org">www.salinasymphony.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669777646278.jpeg" alt="A scene from the 2019 production of "The Nutcracker." Photo&nbsp; courtesy Salina Symphony" />
 <figcaption>A scene from the 2019 production of "The Nutcracker." Photo&nbsp; courtesy Salina Symphony</figcaption>
 </figure>By GARY DEMUTH For Salina SymphonyMore than 70 local and area youth dancers have been twirling, kicking and leaping nearly every weekend since September to present a memorable holiday gift to the Salina community.These dancers, accompanied by a live symphonic orchestra, are preparing to perform the classic holiday-themed ballet The Nutcracker.Whether playing dancing mice, billowing snowflakes or marching nutcrackers, the dedication and work ethic of the dancers have been impressive, said Tamara Howe of Ballet Salina, a division of the Tamara Howe School of Dance, a downtown Salina facility where dancers have been rehearsing nearly every Saturday.“It’s a huge commitment to be here every week, but all of them love to rehearse,” she said. “I often tell them how fortunate they are to be able to perform with a live orchestra.”The Salina Symphony and Ballet Salina will present Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker for two performances at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and 4 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts, 151 S. Santa Fe.Ballet Salina and the Salina Symphony first performed&nbsp;The Nutcracker&nbsp;in the winter of 2019, but it was not part of the symphony’s mainstage season. This season,&nbsp;The Nutcracker&nbsp;will replace the symphony’s traditional Christmas Festival concert, said Adrienne Allen, executive director of the Salina Symphony.“We are delighted to partner with Ballet Salina to present&nbsp;The Nutcracker&nbsp;this year,” Allen said. “With the success of our previous production, we made the decision to present&nbsp;The Nutcracker&nbsp;on a four-year rotation. We look forward to returning to our Christmas Festival tradition next year.”Allen said&nbsp;The Nutcracker&nbsp;is a beloved holiday show for the entire family.“The production will feature professional guest artists and talented local dancers in addition to live music from our Salina Symphony musicians,” she said. “It will be the perfect complement to our season of New Beginnings.”Guest artists featuredThe cast of&nbsp;The Nutcracker&nbsp;includes not only more than 70 local youth dancers, but nearly a dozen adults and a children’s chorus.“There are several whole families involved, and some parents who did the show in 2019 (playing partygoers) wanted to do it again,” said Howe, who is choreographing the ballet with Ballet Salina artistic director Mara Klenda, based on the original choreography created by Marius Petipa.Two professional guest artists from Ballet Memphis also will have featured parts in the show, performing two of the more challenging roles in the show: Oscar Fernandez will dance the part of the Cavalier and Cecily Khuner will play the Sugar Plum Fairy.“They’ll fly in for the weekend, and they’ll also do a master class for the students,” Howe said.Dancers for the production represent three local studios: Tamara Howe School of Dance, Center for Theatre Arts and Della’s Dance Studio as well as ArtisTree in Hutchinson.Many of this year’s dancers were in the 2019 cast, and several high school seniors are playing bigger roles in this production.“We have five seniors this year, so I’ve showcased them in special parts,” she said. “It’s nice having so many older dancers to play the roles.”Having the stage filled with dancers is only part of the pleasure of watching “The Nutcracker.” There also are colorful sets, expressive lighting and especially gorgeous, lavish costumes, Howe said.“We’ve built up quite a costume inventory, and each year we add to it,” she said. “Much of the costuming has been funded by Dane Hansen Foundation grants, which we are so grateful for.”Inspired by fairy taleThe ballet adaptation of&nbsp;The Nutcracker&nbsp;was inspired by a book titled The Story of the Nutcracker&nbsp;by Alexandre Dumas, which itself was an adaptation of the dark fairy tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” written by E.T.A. Hoffman in 1816.The original ballet, created by Marius Petipa and Len Inavov with original music by the famed Russian composer Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky, was first performed in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1892. Since then, the Christmas-themed ballet has become a perennial holiday classic performed throughout the world.“It’s a ballet that appeals to all ages,” Howe said. “Everything is laid out simply, so it’s easy to follow. Children will be enamored by the lights and sound and oversized characters, from mice to gingersnaps.“It’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. By the time you leave, you’ll be ready for Christmas.”Tickets for&nbsp;The Nutcracker&nbsp;are $29 or $39 for adults and $19 for students/children ages three and up and may be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre box office, by calling (785) 827-1998 or online at <a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org">www.salinasymphony.org</a>.

Magic of 'The Nutcracker' returns to Salina Dec. 10-11

<a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Lester-Young">Obituary for Lester E. Young | Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home</a>

July 12, 1939 ~ November 27, 2022 (age 83)

Cremation was selected and a memorial gathering with family greeting friends will be held from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m., Saturday, December 10, 2022 at the Golden Bell Haven, Belleville, Kansas. A register book will be available to sign at the memorial gathering.

Memorials are suggested to Church People Concerned (Golden Bell Haven).

Lester E. Young, the son of Ernest R. and Thelma E. Young, was born July 12, 1939 in Kansas City Missouri and passed away on November 27, 2022 at Bryan Medical Center East, Lincoln, NE at the age of 83 years, 4 months, and 15 days.

Lester grew up in Osawatomie, KS, graduating from Osawatomie High School.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He then attended Southwestern College in Winfield, KS, graduating with a BA degree in business.

Lester served with the U.S .Army from 1958 until 1964.&nbsp;&nbsp; He was stationed in Korea from 1958 until 1960 and attained the rank of Sp-4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lester worked at the Osawatomie State Hospital from 1961 until 1966 and later at the Winfield State Hospital from 1966-1971 as an orderly.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He then was the administrator at the Belleview Manor Nursing Home in Belleville, KS from 1971 until 1981.&nbsp;&nbsp; From 1981 until 1992, he was the administrator at the Enterprise Nursing Home in Enterprise, KS.

Lester was a funeral director with Roselawn Mortuary in Salina, Kansas for a time and later worked at Walmart in Salina and Concordia, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp; He returned to Belleville, KS in 2016 to be near family.

He was united in marriage to Linda Carol James and to this union one daughter was born, Sandra Kay.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He later was united in marriage to Annabelle Simon, and children Shellie and Mike joined the family.

&nbsp;Lester was a member of the Kiwanis in Belleville, the Lions Club in Enterprise, KS, the Elks in Belleville and Abilene, KS, and was a member of the&nbsp;Kansas Professional Nursing Home Administrator Association from 1971 until 1992.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Thelma Young; wife Annabelle; and great-grandson Owen James.

Lester is survived by his children Sandra Kay (Chris) DeFazio of Wellsville, KS, Mike (Sandy) Cole of Belleville, KS, and Shellie Williams of Belleville, KS; seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; special friend Delores Whiteman of Winfield, KS;&nbsp; brother, Larry O. Young of California, and sister Shirley Whitaker of Stover, MO;&nbsp; other relatives, and friends.

Inurnment will be held at a later date at the Belleville Cemetery, Belleville, KS.

Online condolences at www.bachelor-surber.com.

Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS is in charge of the arrangements.

To&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Lester-Young/sympathy-landing">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Lester-Young/1071199/memorial-tree">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Lester E. Young, please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Lester-Young/sympathy-landing">visit our floral store.</a>

<h2>Lester E. Young, Belleville</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670078488476.jpeg" alt="Lester E. Young" />
 <figcaption>Lester E. Young</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Lester-Young">Obituary for Lester E. Young | Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home</a>July 12, 1939 ~ November 27, 2022 (age 83)Cremation was selected and a memorial gathering with family greeting friends will be held from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m., Saturday, December 10, 2022 at the Golden Bell Haven, Belleville, Kansas. A register book will be available to sign at the memorial gathering.Memorials are suggested to Church People Concerned (Golden Bell Haven).Obituary of Lester E. YoungLester E. Young, the son of Ernest R. and Thelma E. Young, was born July 12, 1939 in Kansas City Missouri and passed away on November 27, 2022 at Bryan Medical Center East, Lincoln, NE at the age of 83 years, 4 months, and 15 days.Lester grew up in Osawatomie, KS, graduating from Osawatomie High School.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He then attended Southwestern College in Winfield, KS, graduating with a BA degree in business.Lester served with the U.S .Army from 1958 until 1964.&nbsp;&nbsp; He was stationed in Korea from 1958 until 1960 and attained the rank of Sp-4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lester worked at the Osawatomie State Hospital from 1961 until 1966 and later at the Winfield State Hospital from 1966-1971 as an orderly.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He then was the administrator at the Belleview Manor Nursing Home in Belleville, KS from 1971 until 1981.&nbsp;&nbsp; From 1981 until 1992, he was the administrator at the Enterprise Nursing Home in Enterprise, KS.Lester was a funeral director with Roselawn Mortuary in Salina, Kansas for a time and later worked at Walmart in Salina and Concordia, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp; He returned to Belleville, KS in 2016 to be near family.He was united in marriage to Linda Carol James and to this union one daughter was born, Sandra Kay.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He later was united in marriage to Annabelle Simon, and children Shellie and Mike joined the family.&nbsp;Lester was a member of the Kiwanis in Belleville, the Lions Club in Enterprise, KS, the Elks in Belleville and Abilene, KS, and was a member of the&nbsp;Kansas Professional Nursing Home Administrator Association from 1971 until 1992.He was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Thelma Young; wife Annabelle; and great-grandson Owen James.Lester is survived by his children Sandra Kay (Chris) DeFazio of Wellsville, KS, Mike (Sandy) Cole of Belleville, KS, and Shellie Williams of Belleville, KS; seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; special friend Delores Whiteman of Winfield, KS;&nbsp; brother, Larry O. Young of California, and sister Shirley Whitaker of Stover, MO;&nbsp; other relatives, and friends.Inurnment will be held at a later date at the Belleville Cemetery, Belleville, KS.Online condolences at www.bachelor-surber.com.Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS is in charge of the arrangements.To&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Lester-Young/sympathy-landing">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Lester-Young/1071199/memorial-tree">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Lester E. Young, please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Lester-Young/sympathy-landing">visit our floral store.</a>

Lester E. Young

Today is Wednesday, Nov. 30, the 334th day of 2022. There are 31 days left in the year.

On Nov. 30, 1782, the United States and Britain signed preliminary peace articles in Paris for ending the Revolutionary War; the Treaty of Paris was signed in September 1783.

In 1803, Spain completed the process of ceding Louisiana to France, which had sold it to the United States.

In 1874, British statesman Sir Winston Churchill was born at Blenheim Palace.

In 1981, the United States and the Soviet Union opened negotiations in Geneva aimed at reducing nuclear weapons in Europe.

In 1982, the motion picture "Gandhi," starring Ben Kingsley as the Indian nationalist leader, had its world premiere in New Delhi.

In 1993, President Bill Clinton signed the Brady Bill, which required a five-day waiting period for handgun purchases and background checks of prospective buyers.

In 2000, Al Gore's lawyers battled for his political survival in the Florida and U.S. Supreme Courts; meanwhile, GOP lawmakers in Tallahassee moved to award the presidency to George W. Bush in case the courts did not by appointing their own slate of electors.

In 2004, "Jeopardy!" fans saw Ken Jennings end his 74-game winning streak as he lost to real estate agent Nancy Zerg.

In 2010, the Obama administration announced that all 197 airlines that flew to the U.S. had begun collecting names, genders and birth dates of passengers so the government could check them against terror watch lists before they boarded flights.

In 2011, an Arizona jury sentenced convicted "Baseline Killer" Mark Goudeau to death for killing nine people in the Phoenix area. (He remains on death row.)

In 2013, Paul Walker, 40, the star of the "Fast &amp; Furious" movie series, died with his friend, Roger W. Rodas, who was at the wheel of a Porsche sports car that crashed and burned north of Los Angeles.

In 2018, former President George H.W. Bush, a World War II hero who rose through the political ranks to the nation's highest office, died at his Houston home at the age of 94; his wife of more than 70 years, Barbara Bush, had died in April.

In 2020, two battleground states, Wisconsin and Arizona, certified their presidential election tallies in favor of Joe Biden, even as President Donald Trump's legal team continued to dispute the results; Biden's victory in Wisconsin was certified following a partial recount that only added to his 20,600-vote margin over Trump.

Ten years ago: Israel approved the construction of 3,000 homes in Jewish settlements on occupied lands, drawing swift condemnation from the Palestinians a day after their successful bid for recognition by the United Nations. Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in Egypt, denouncing President Mohammed Morsi and a draft constitution that was approved earlier in the day by his Islamist allies.

Five years ago: House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi called on veteran Democratic congressman John Conyers to resign in the face of multiple accusations of sexual misconduct. (Conyers resigned five days later.) A jury found a Mexican man not guilty in the killing of a woman on a San Francisco pier, a shooting that touched off a fierce national immigration debate. (Jose Ines Garcia Zarate, who had been deported five times, did not deny shooting Kate Steinle but said it was an accident. He was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm.) Rapper DMX pleaded guilty to tax fraud, admitting he concealed millions of dollars in revenue to dodge $1.7 million in taxes. (The rapper was sentenced to a year in prison.) Actor Jim Nabors, best known as TV's "Gomer Pyle," died at the age of 87.

One year ago: Ethan Crumbley, a 15-year-old sophomore, opened fire at a Michigan high school, killing four students and wounding seven other people; school staff had discovered his violent drawings but his parents wouldn't remove him from school. (The parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley, are accused of making the gun accessible and ignoring their son's mental health needs; they face charges including involuntary manslaughter.) The Biden administration moved to toughen testing requirements for international travelers to the U.S., including both vaccinated and unvaccinated people, amid the spread of the omicron variant of the coronavirus. CNN took Chris Cuomo off the air indefinitely, saying information released by New York's attorney general showed that he had played a greater role than he had previously acknowledged in defense of his brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, as he fought sexual harassment charges. (Cuomo would be fired days later.)

Today's Birthdays: Country singer-recording executive Jimmy Bowen is 85. Movie director Ridley Scott is 85. Screenwriter Geoffrey C. Ward is 82. Movie writer-director Terrence Malick is 79. Rock musician Roger Glover (Deep Purple) is 77. Playwright David Mamet is 75. Actor Mandy Patinkin is 70. Musician Shuggie Otis is 69. Country singer Jeannie Kendall is 68. Singer Billy Idol is 67. Historian Michael Beschloss is 67. Rock musician John Ashton (The Psychedelic Furs) is 65. Comedian Colin Mochrie is 65. Former football and baseball player Bo Jackson is 60. Rapper Jalil (Whodini) is 59. Actor-director Ben Stiller is 57. Rock musician Mike Stone is 53. Music producer Steve Aoki is 45. Singer Clay Aiken is 44. Actor Billy Lush is 41. Actor Elisha Cuthbert is 40. Actor Kaley Cuoco is 37. Model Chrissy Teigen is 37. Actor Christel Khalil is 35. Actor Rebecca Rittenhouse is 34. Actor Adelaide Clemens is 33. World chess champion Magnus Carlsen is 32. Actor Tyla Harris is 22.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Wednesday, Nov. 30, the 334th day of 2022. There are 31 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Nov. 30, 1782, the United States and Britain signed preliminary peace articles in Paris for ending the Revolutionary War; the Treaty of Paris was signed in September 1783.On this date:In 1803, Spain completed the process of ceding Louisiana to France, which had sold it to the United States.In 1874, British statesman Sir Winston Churchill was born at Blenheim Palace.In 1981, the United States and the Soviet Union opened negotiations in Geneva aimed at reducing nuclear weapons in Europe.In 1982, the motion picture "Gandhi," starring Ben Kingsley as the Indian nationalist leader, had its world premiere in New Delhi.In 1993, President Bill Clinton signed the Brady Bill, which required a five-day waiting period for handgun purchases and background checks of prospective buyers.In 2000, Al Gore's lawyers battled for his political survival in the Florida and U.S. Supreme Courts; meanwhile, GOP lawmakers in Tallahassee moved to award the presidency to George W. Bush in case the courts did not by appointing their own slate of electors.In 2004, "Jeopardy!" fans saw Ken Jennings end his 74-game winning streak as he lost to real estate agent Nancy Zerg.In 2010, the Obama administration announced that all 197 airlines that flew to the U.S. had begun collecting names, genders and birth dates of passengers so the government could check them against terror watch lists before they boarded flights.In 2011, an Arizona jury sentenced convicted "Baseline Killer" Mark Goudeau to death for killing nine people in the Phoenix area. (He remains on death row.)In 2013, Paul Walker, 40, the star of the "Fast &amp; Furious" movie series, died with his friend, Roger W. Rodas, who was at the wheel of a Porsche sports car that crashed and burned north of Los Angeles.In 2018, former President George H.W. Bush, a World War II hero who rose through the political ranks to the nation's highest office, died at his Houston home at the age of 94; his wife of more than 70 years, Barbara Bush, had died in April.In 2020, two battleground states, Wisconsin and Arizona, certified their presidential election tallies in favor of Joe Biden, even as President Donald Trump's legal team continued to dispute the results; Biden's victory in Wisconsin was certified following a partial recount that only added to his 20,600-vote margin over Trump.Ten years ago: Israel approved the construction of 3,000 homes in Jewish settlements on occupied lands, drawing swift condemnation from the Palestinians a day after their successful bid for recognition by the United Nations. Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in Egypt, denouncing President Mohammed Morsi and a draft constitution that was approved earlier in the day by his Islamist allies.Five years ago: House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi called on veteran Democratic congressman John Conyers to resign in the face of multiple accusations of sexual misconduct. (Conyers resigned five days later.) A jury found a Mexican man not guilty in the killing of a woman on a San Francisco pier, a shooting that touched off a fierce national immigration debate. (Jose Ines Garcia Zarate, who had been deported five times, did not deny shooting Kate Steinle but said it was an accident. He was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm.) Rapper DMX pleaded guilty to tax fraud, admitting he concealed millions of dollars in revenue to dodge $1.7 million in taxes. (The rapper was sentenced to a year in prison.) Actor Jim Nabors, best known as TV's "Gomer Pyle," died at the age of 87.One year ago: Ethan Crumbley, a 15-year-old sophomore, opened fire at a Michigan high school, killing four students and wounding seven other people; school staff had discovered his violent drawings but his parents wouldn't remove him from school. (The parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley, are accused of making the gun accessible and ignoring their son's mental health needs; they face charges including involuntary manslaughter.) The Biden administration moved to toughen testing requirements for international travelers to the U.S., including both vaccinated and unvaccinated people, amid the spread of the omicron variant of the coronavirus. CNN took Chris Cuomo off the air indefinitely, saying information released by New York's attorney general showed that he had played a greater role than he had previously acknowledged in defense of his brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, as he fought sexual harassment charges. (Cuomo would be fired days later.)Today's Birthdays: Country singer-recording executive Jimmy Bowen is 85. Movie director Ridley Scott is 85. Screenwriter Geoffrey C. Ward is 82. Movie writer-director Terrence Malick is 79. Rock musician Roger Glover (Deep Purple) is 77. Playwright David Mamet is 75. Actor Mandy Patinkin is 70. Musician Shuggie Otis is 69. Country singer Jeannie Kendall is 68. Singer Billy Idol is 67. Historian Michael Beschloss is 67. Rock musician John Ashton (The Psychedelic Furs) is 65. Comedian Colin Mochrie is 65. Former football and baseball player Bo Jackson is 60. Rapper Jalil (Whodini) is 59. Actor-director Ben Stiller is 57. Rock musician Mike Stone is 53. Music producer Steve Aoki is 45. Singer Clay Aiken is 44. Actor Billy Lush is 41. Actor Elisha Cuthbert is 40. Actor Kaley Cuoco is 37. Model Chrissy Teigen is 37. Actor Christel Khalil is 35. Actor Rebecca Rittenhouse is 34. Actor Adelaide Clemens is 33. World chess champion Magnus Carlsen is 32. Actor Tyla Harris is 22.

Today in History - November 30

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas lawmaker who was forced out of one of the state Senate's most powerful jobs following an arrest for drunken driving and speeding the wrong way on two interstate highways is planning to leave the Legislature in early January.

Former Senate Majority Leader Sen. Gene Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican, confirmed Tuesday that he plans to retire Jan. 2, saying in an email that his 13 years as a lawmaker "is long enough.” State senators aren't up for reelection until 2024, and Republicans in his district will find a replacement to serve the rest of his four-year term.

Republican senators who picked Suellentrop in December 2020 to set the chamber's daily debate calendar and run their caucus meetings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-57fe7b37ea34af1a311c59dd71041ec3">stripped him of the majority leader's title</a>&nbsp;four months later, though he kept his Senate seat. His ouster as majority leader came less than a month after his March 2021 arrest and criminal charges that included attempting to elude law enforcement, a felony. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-legislature-kansas-topeka-wichita-8688bba80470c0d77dbd5d816f71a352">pleaded no contest</a>&nbsp;in October 2021 to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and driving under the influence and served two days in jail.

“There are too many things in my life that are more important, at this stage, than serving in the Kansas Legislature,” Suellentrop said in his email Tuesday.

The 70-year-old Wichita businessman added that he was “most thankful for” constituents who supported him throughout his career. His plan to resign was first reported by the Sunflower State Journal.

Suellentrop’s criminal case received national attention because he was a legislative leader and reportedly had been driving up to 90 miles per hour. A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper also said in an affidavit that Suellentrop at one point&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-581109d7e604aeb739bb5b896823132d">called him “donut boy.”</a>&nbsp;No one was injured.

Law enforcement radio recordings and 911 calls released by the local sheriff’s department showed multiple people reported Suellentrop’s SUV traveling the wrong way on Interstate 470 near a south Topeka exit and then on Interstate 70 through northern Topeka. The Highway Patrol said Suellentrop’s blood-alcohol level was 0.17, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08.

Besides serving two days in jail, a judge placed Suellentrop on probation for a year, though court records show he was released early, in July.

Suellentrop's legislative career began in December 2009, when local Republicans picked him to fill a vacancy in the state House. He won his Senate seat in 2016 and was reelected in 2020.

He'd served two years as Senate health committee chair when GOP senators named him the chamber's No. 2 leader, behind Senate President Ty Masterson, another Wichita-area Republican.

Chase Blasi, a former aide to Masterson and Masterson's predecessor as Senate president, is seeking Suellentrop's seat. Masterson endorsed him.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616963978358.jpeg" alt="Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop booking photo from the Shawnee County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop booking photo from the Shawnee County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas lawmaker who was forced out of one of the state Senate's most powerful jobs following an arrest for drunken driving and speeding the wrong way on two interstate highways is planning to leave the Legislature in early January.Former Senate Majority Leader Sen. Gene Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican, confirmed Tuesday that he plans to retire Jan. 2, saying in an email that his 13 years as a lawmaker "is long enough.” State senators aren't up for reelection until 2024, and Republicans in his district will find a replacement to serve the rest of his four-year term.Republican senators who picked Suellentrop in December 2020 to set the chamber's daily debate calendar and run their caucus meetings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-57fe7b37ea34af1a311c59dd71041ec3">stripped him of the majority leader's title</a>&nbsp;four months later, though he kept his Senate seat. His ouster as majority leader came less than a month after his March 2021 arrest and criminal charges that included attempting to elude law enforcement, a felony. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-legislature-kansas-topeka-wichita-8688bba80470c0d77dbd5d816f71a352">pleaded no contest</a>&nbsp;in October 2021 to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and driving under the influence and served two days in jail.“There are too many things in my life that are more important, at this stage, than serving in the Kansas Legislature,” Suellentrop said in his email Tuesday.The 70-year-old Wichita businessman added that he was “most thankful for” constituents who supported him throughout his career. His plan to resign was first reported by the Sunflower State Journal.Suellentrop’s criminal case received national attention because he was a legislative leader and reportedly had been driving up to 90 miles per hour. A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper also said in an affidavit that Suellentrop at one point&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-581109d7e604aeb739bb5b896823132d">called him “donut boy.”</a>&nbsp;No one was injured.Law enforcement radio recordings and 911 calls released by the local sheriff’s department showed multiple people reported Suellentrop’s SUV traveling the wrong way on Interstate 470 near a south Topeka exit and then on Interstate 70 through northern Topeka. The Highway Patrol said Suellentrop’s blood-alcohol level was 0.17, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08.Besides serving two days in jail, a judge placed Suellentrop on probation for a year, though court records show he was released early, in July.Suellentrop's legislative career began in December 2009, when local Republicans picked him to fill a vacancy in the state House. He won his Senate seat in 2016 and was reelected in 2020.He'd served two years as Senate health committee chair when GOP senators named him the chamber's No. 2 leader, behind Senate President Ty Masterson, another Wichita-area Republican.Chase Blasi, a former aide to Masterson and Masterson's predecessor as Senate president, is seeking Suellentrop's seat. Masterson endorsed him.