By KEVIN GOLDBERG Freedom Forum

“The right to speak and the right to print, without the right to know, are pretty empty.”

These are the words of Harold Cross, author of “The People’s Right to Know,” a book largely regarded as inspiration for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foia.gov/" target="_blank">federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)</a>, which Congress passed in 1967.

The FOIA – and its state-level counterparts – guarantees us the right to request records from any government agency, allowing the public to oversee the activities of government. It not only enhances our exercise of the rights to free speech and freedom of the press (as well as the other three freedoms – religion, assembly and petition) but also directly benefits society by potentially exposing government waste, abuse and corruption.

That’s why the News Leaders Association, formerly the American Society of News Editors, created&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsleaders.org/sunshine-week-about" target="_blank">Sunshine Week</a>&nbsp;in 2005. (Full disclosure: I was general counsel to that organization for more than 20 years.)

It coincides with the March 16th birthday of&nbsp;James Madison, who, along with drafting the First Amendment and the other nine amendments of the Bill of Rights, is considered the “father of freedom of information.” Sunshine Week is a celebration of all things open government.

In addition to media stories and commentaries about the importance of open government, there are often conferences and other events convened by organizations around the country to discuss these issues. There’s also a lot of fun stuff too: trivia nights, happy hours and other social events. The Madison, Wis., chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists celebrated Sunshine Week 2015 by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spjmadison.com/post/sunshine-wheat-for-sunshine-week" target="_blank">partnering with a local brewery on a “Sunshine Wheat” beer</a>. Even federal, state and local officials get involved, often with symbolic gestures, but sometimes beyond mere lip service, with hearings, resolutions, and legislation designed to make government more open and accessible to the public.

The Freedom Forum has previously hosted a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/FreedomForum/search?query=%22National%20Freedom%20of%20Information%20Day%20Conference%22" target="_blank">National Freedom of Information Day Conference</a>&nbsp;and continues to celebrate Sunshine Week. You should too.

That’s because while many view the FOIA as a federal law for journalists to use in their role as watchdogs of government activity, access to records provides an ongoing benefit to all of us.

Reporters from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/21/insider/information-freedom-reporters-pruitt.html" target="_blank">New York Times&nbsp;used FOIA to track the expenses and meetings of Scott Pruitt</a>, the former head of the Environmental Protection Agency, who resigned in 2018 amid allegations of corruption. A blog associated with the&nbsp;Times&nbsp;also used FOIA to learn that the&nbsp;<a href="http://localeastvillage.com/2011/09/02/hot-dogs-horror-stories/" target="_blank">Department of Agriculture received 64 complaints from 2007 to 2009</a>&nbsp;about foreign objects such as glass, a rubber glove and an insect found in hot dogs sold to the public. (I can hear some of you saying, “Actually, I’d rather not know that.”)

At the local level, the Associated Press used FOIA in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to determine that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna16932664" target="_blank">122 other levees built by the Army Corp of Engineers around the country contained deficiencies</a>. That FOIA request brought the issue to the attention of the residents of those 122 communities, allowing them to take steps to protect themselves and their homes from flood risk and resulting in repairs where necessary.

But it’s not just reporters who use FOIA. Ordinary people –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2022/03/02/5-things-to-know-about-gen-z-and-the-first-amendment/" target="_blank">even those who are skeptical of the role of the media in overseeing government</a>&nbsp;– use the law to great effect. In 2019,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.afsc.org/blogs/news-and-commentary/chicago-youth-use-foia" target="_blank">students at Back of the Yards High School in Chicago used public records</a>&nbsp;to learn that the two white police officers at their mostly minority school each had substantial misconduct complaints against them, including allegations of use of force, false arrest and verbal abuse, often against people of color. The students then used this information to ask for the removal police officers from their public schools.

Other Gen Zers have used their digital skills to access and analyze public records, especially large datasets, through technology.

Jack Sweeney, a freshman at the University of Central Florida, has used publicly available flight information to track SpaceX founder&nbsp;Elon Musk’s&nbsp;private jet – which he then reported via Twitter @ElonJet. As Russian forces invaded Ukraine,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fox5dc.com/news/florida-teen-who-tracked-elon-musks-plane-now-tracking-jets-of-russian-billionaires" target="_blank">Sweeney launched @RUOligarchJets, which tracks the movement of Russian oligarchs.</a>

On a larger scale, FOIA requesters should applaud&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjr.org/innovations/gumshoe-foia-data-dumps-ai.php" target="_blank">the recent creation of Gumshoe by graduate students at NYU’s Center for Data Science</a>. Gumshoe is an artificial intelligence tool that sorts through large swaths of information. This is more necessary than ever given the explosion of information that is created by the government every year and the hundreds, if not thousands, of pages of text that one might receive via a public records request. The Gumshoe team has already received funding including a $200,000 grant from the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation to build out the product for widespread distribution.

You don’t have to be a journalist or computer genius to use public records laws – and certainly not to benefit from their use. That’s why we all should celebrate Sunshine Week and public records all year round.

Kevin Goldberg is the Freedom Forum First Amendment specialist.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639948027471.png" alt="Kevin Goldberg. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum" />
 <figcaption>Kevin Goldberg. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>By KEVIN GOLDBERG Freedom Forum“The right to speak and the right to print, without the right to know, are pretty empty.”These are the words of Harold Cross, author of “The People’s Right to Know,” a book largely regarded as inspiration for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foia.gov/" target="_blank">federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)</a>, which Congress passed in 1967.The FOIA – and its state-level counterparts – guarantees us the right to request records from any government agency, allowing the public to oversee the activities of government. It not only enhances our exercise of the rights to free speech and freedom of the press (as well as the other three freedoms – religion, assembly and petition) but also directly benefits society by potentially exposing government waste, abuse and corruption.That’s why the News Leaders Association, formerly the American Society of News Editors, created&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsleaders.org/sunshine-week-about" target="_blank">Sunshine Week</a>&nbsp;in 2005. (Full disclosure: I was general counsel to that organization for more than 20 years.)It coincides with the March 16th birthday of&nbsp;James Madison, who, along with drafting the First Amendment and the other nine amendments of the Bill of Rights, is considered the “father of freedom of information.” Sunshine Week is a celebration of all things open government.In addition to media stories and commentaries about the importance of open government, there are often conferences and other events convened by organizations around the country to discuss these issues. There’s also a lot of fun stuff too: trivia nights, happy hours and other social events. The Madison, Wis., chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists celebrated Sunshine Week 2015 by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spjmadison.com/post/sunshine-wheat-for-sunshine-week" target="_blank">partnering with a local brewery on a “Sunshine Wheat” beer</a>. Even federal, state and local officials get involved, often with symbolic gestures, but sometimes beyond mere lip service, with hearings, resolutions, and legislation designed to make government more open and accessible to the public.The Freedom Forum has previously hosted a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/FreedomForum/search?query=%22National%20Freedom%20of%20Information%20Day%20Conference%22" target="_blank">National Freedom of Information Day Conference</a>&nbsp;and continues to celebrate Sunshine Week. You should too.That’s because while many view the FOIA as a federal law for journalists to use in their role as watchdogs of government activity, access to records provides an ongoing benefit to all of us.Reporters from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/21/insider/information-freedom-reporters-pruitt.html" target="_blank">New York Times&nbsp;used FOIA to track the expenses and meetings of Scott Pruitt</a>, the former head of the Environmental Protection Agency, who resigned in 2018 amid allegations of corruption. A blog associated with the&nbsp;Times&nbsp;also used FOIA to learn that the&nbsp;<a href="http://localeastvillage.com/2011/09/02/hot-dogs-horror-stories/" target="_blank">Department of Agriculture received 64 complaints from 2007 to 2009</a>&nbsp;about foreign objects such as glass, a rubber glove and an insect found in hot dogs sold to the public. (I can hear some of you saying, “Actually, I’d rather not know that.”)At the local level, the Associated Press used FOIA in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to determine that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna16932664" target="_blank">122 other levees built by the Army Corp of Engineers around the country contained deficiencies</a>. That FOIA request brought the issue to the attention of the residents of those 122 communities, allowing them to take steps to protect themselves and their homes from flood risk and resulting in repairs where necessary.But it’s not just reporters who use FOIA. Ordinary people –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2022/03/02/5-things-to-know-about-gen-z-and-the-first-amendment/" target="_blank">even those who are skeptical of the role of the media in overseeing government</a>&nbsp;– use the law to great effect. In 2019,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.afsc.org/blogs/news-and-commentary/chicago-youth-use-foia" target="_blank">students at Back of the Yards High School in Chicago used public records</a>&nbsp;to learn that the two white police officers at their mostly minority school each had substantial misconduct complaints against them, including allegations of use of force, false arrest and verbal abuse, often against people of color. The students then used this information to ask for the removal police officers from their public schools.Other Gen Zers have used their digital skills to access and analyze public records, especially large datasets, through technology.Jack Sweeney, a freshman at the University of Central Florida, has used publicly available flight information to track SpaceX founder&nbsp;Elon Musk’s&nbsp;private jet – which he then reported via Twitter @ElonJet. As Russian forces invaded Ukraine,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fox5dc.com/news/florida-teen-who-tracked-elon-musks-plane-now-tracking-jets-of-russian-billionaires" target="_blank">Sweeney launched @RUOligarchJets, which tracks the movement of Russian oligarchs.</a>On a larger scale, FOIA requesters should applaud&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjr.org/innovations/gumshoe-foia-data-dumps-ai.php" target="_blank">the recent creation of Gumshoe by graduate students at NYU’s Center for Data Science</a>. Gumshoe is an artificial intelligence tool that sorts through large swaths of information. This is more necessary than ever given the explosion of information that is created by the government every year and the hundreds, if not thousands, of pages of text that one might receive via a public records request. The Gumshoe team has already received funding including a $200,000 grant from the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation to build out the product for widespread distribution.You don’t have to be a journalist or computer genius to use public records laws – and certainly not to benefit from their use. That’s why we all should celebrate Sunshine Week and public records all year round.Kevin Goldberg is the Freedom Forum First Amendment specialist.

FIRST FIVE: Free speech, press need freedom of information

Today is Saturday, March 19, the 78th day of 2022. There are 287 days left in the year.

On March 19, 1945, during World War II, 724 people were killed when a Japanese dive bomber attacked the carrier USS Franklin off Japan (the ship was saved). Adolf Hitler ordered the destruction of German facilities that could fall into Allied hands in his so-called "Nero Decree," which was largely disregarded.

In 1859, the opera "Faust" by Charles Gounod premiered in Paris.

In 1931, Nevada Gov. Fred B. Balzar signed a measure legalizing casino gambling.

In 1942, during World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered men between the ages of 45 and 64, inclusive, to register for non-military duty.

In 1977, the series finale of "Mary Tyler Moore" aired on CBS-TV, ending the situation comedy's seven-season run.

In 1987, televangelist Jim Bakker resigned as chairman of his PTL ministry organization amid a sex and money scandal involving Jessica Hahn, a former church secretary.

In 1991, Polish President Lech Walesa arrived in Washington for his first state visit to the United States.

In 1995, after a 21-month hiatus, Michael Jordan returned to professional basketball with his former team, the Chicago Bulls.

In 1997, artist Willem de Kooning, considered one of the 20th century's greatest painters, died in East Hampton, New York, at age 92.

In 2003, President George W. Bush ordered the start of war against Iraq. (Because of the time difference, it was early March 20 in Iraq.)

In 2007, a methane gas explosion in a Siberian coal mine killed 110 workers.

In 2013, Pope Francis officially began his ministry as the 266th pope, receiving the ring symbolizing the papacy and a wool stole exemplifying his role as shepherd of his 1.2-billion strong flock during a Mass at the Vatican.

In 2020, President Donald Trump focused attention on a malaria drug, chloroquine, as a possible coronavirus treatment; the FDA issued a statement saying that there were "no FDA-approved therapeutics" to treat COVID-19.

Ten years ago: An assailant on a motorbike opened fire with two handguns in front of a Jewish school in the southern French city of Toulouse, killing a rabbi, his two young sons and a girl. (The gunman, French-born Mohammed Merah, was killed in a gunfight with police after a 32-hour standoff at his apartment; he had also killed three French paratroopers.) The Justice Department announced it had begun an investigation into the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Florida by a neighborhood watch captain, George Zimmerman. (No federal civil rights charges were filed; Zimmerman was acquitted of second-degree murder after claiming self-defense.)

Five years ago: Author-columnist Jimmy Breslin, the legendary street-smart chronicler of wise guys and underdogs, died at his Manhattan home at age 87.

One year ago: President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris visited Atlanta, days after a white gunman killed eight people, most of them Asian American women, in the Atlanta area. The United States accused China of committing "genocide and crimes against humanity" against Uyghur Muslims and other minorities; China accused the U.S. of discrimination "and even savage murder of people of African and Asian descent." Four men described as leaders of the far-right Proud Boys were indicted on charges stemming from the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. (The four remain jailed and are awaiting trial.) The U.S. cleared President Joe Biden's goal of injecting 100 million coronavirus shots, more than a month before his target date of his 100th day in office.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Renee Taylor is 89. Actor Ursula Andress is 86. Singer Clarence "Frogman" Henry is 85. Singer Ruth Pointer (The Pointer Sisters) is 76. Actor Glenn Close is 75. Actor Bruce Willis is 67. Actor-comedian Mary Scheer is 59. Playwright Neil LaBute is 59. Actor Connor Trinneer is 53. Rock musician Gert Bettens (K's Choice) is 52. Rapper Bun B is 49. Rock musician Zach Lind (Jimmy Eat World) is 46. Actor Virginia Williams is 44. Actor Abby Brammell is 43. MLB pitcher Clayton Kershaw is 34. Actor Craig Lamar Traylor is 33. Actor Philip Bolden is 27.

<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, March 19, the 78th day of 2022. There are 287 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On March 19, 1945, during World War II, 724 people were killed when a Japanese dive bomber attacked the carrier USS Franklin off Japan (the ship was saved). Adolf Hitler ordered the destruction of German facilities that could fall into Allied hands in his so-called "Nero Decree," which was largely disregarded.On this date:In 1859, the opera "Faust" by Charles Gounod premiered in Paris.In 1931, Nevada Gov. Fred B. Balzar signed a measure legalizing casino gambling.In 1942, during World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered men between the ages of 45 and 64, inclusive, to register for non-military duty.In 1977, the series finale of "Mary Tyler Moore" aired on CBS-TV, ending the situation comedy's seven-season run.In 1987, televangelist Jim Bakker resigned as chairman of his PTL ministry organization amid a sex and money scandal involving Jessica Hahn, a former church secretary.In 1991, Polish President Lech Walesa arrived in Washington for his first state visit to the United States.In 1995, after a 21-month hiatus, Michael Jordan returned to professional basketball with his former team, the Chicago Bulls.In 1997, artist Willem de Kooning, considered one of the 20th century's greatest painters, died in East Hampton, New York, at age 92.In 2003, President George W. Bush ordered the start of war against Iraq. (Because of the time difference, it was early March 20 in Iraq.)In 2007, a methane gas explosion in a Siberian coal mine killed 110 workers.In 2013, Pope Francis officially began his ministry as the 266th pope, receiving the ring symbolizing the papacy and a wool stole exemplifying his role as shepherd of his 1.2-billion strong flock during a Mass at the Vatican.In 2020, President Donald Trump focused attention on a malaria drug, chloroquine, as a possible coronavirus treatment; the FDA issued a statement saying that there were "no FDA-approved therapeutics" to treat COVID-19.Ten years ago: An assailant on a motorbike opened fire with two handguns in front of a Jewish school in the southern French city of Toulouse, killing a rabbi, his two young sons and a girl. (The gunman, French-born Mohammed Merah, was killed in a gunfight with police after a 32-hour standoff at his apartment; he had also killed three French paratroopers.) The Justice Department announced it had begun an investigation into the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Florida by a neighborhood watch captain, George Zimmerman. (No federal civil rights charges were filed; Zimmerman was acquitted of second-degree murder after claiming self-defense.)Five years ago: Author-columnist Jimmy Breslin, the legendary street-smart chronicler of wise guys and underdogs, died at his Manhattan home at age 87.One year ago: President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris visited Atlanta, days after a white gunman killed eight people, most of them Asian American women, in the Atlanta area. The United States accused China of committing "genocide and crimes against humanity" against Uyghur Muslims and other minorities; China accused the U.S. of discrimination "and even savage murder of people of African and Asian descent." Four men described as leaders of the far-right Proud Boys were indicted on charges stemming from the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. (The four remain jailed and are awaiting trial.) The U.S. cleared President Joe Biden's goal of injecting 100 million coronavirus shots, more than a month before his target date of his 100th day in office.Today's Birthdays: Actor Renee Taylor is 89. Actor Ursula Andress is 86. Singer Clarence "Frogman" Henry is 85. Singer Ruth Pointer (The Pointer Sisters) is 76. Actor Glenn Close is 75. Actor Bruce Willis is 67. Actor-comedian Mary Scheer is 59. Playwright Neil LaBute is 59. Actor Connor Trinneer is 53. Rock musician Gert Bettens (K's Choice) is 52. Rapper Bun B is 49. Rock musician Zach Lind (Jimmy Eat World) is 46. Actor Virginia Williams is 44. Actor Abby Brammell is 43. MLB pitcher Clayton Kershaw is 34. Actor Craig Lamar Traylor is 33. Actor Philip Bolden is 27.

Today in History - March 19

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor

The Salina Liberty, still hungry for the first championship in team history, will look to reload and run it back in 2022, following back-to-back heartbreaks on the final plays of the last two title matches.

“We had to do a lot of soul searching after coming that close again but not playing our A-game in another championship game,” Liberty head coach Heron O’Neal said. “You’ve got to give credit to the Champs in Omaha and Duke City but looking back at those games has been my fuel to recruit and coach better.”

This year’s Liberty squad will be absolutely loaded, and while the makeup of the team will look a little different, the determination to finish strong will remain the same.

“This year isn’t about unfinished business, it’s just about finishing,” O’Neal said. “We haven’t done that in the last two national championship games. It’s definitely a different mindset going into this year.”

Heron O’Neal, inducted into the IFL hall of fame last season, will return for his fourth year at the helm of the Liberty and will be joined by two new faces in Carlos Cavanaugh and Dylan Mendicina.

Cavanaugh, the former head coach of the Wichita Force, will add both coaching and playing experience to the staff while Mendicina slots into an analysis role and works with the lines.

As far as the makeup of the roster on the field, the Liberty will be menacing on both sides of the ball once again, returning nine experienced veterans to lead a swarm of incoming talent.

“It’s definitely an edge to have guys that know what I’m looking for back for another year,” he said. “You have to have some veterans that your rookies and new vets can follow.”

Reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tyrie Adams will return after a stellar 2021 campaign, and will take snaps from veteran 300-pound center Kelvin McCoy.

The Liberty backfield will be problematic for opponents this year who will be tasked with stopping reigning CIF MVP Tracy Brooks, as well as newcomer Tre Griffin, who has garnered comparisons in style to Alvin Kamara from Coach O already.

Those backs will work behind a line that in addition to McCoy, will be anchored on either side by newcomers Steven Fluker (6-6, 350) and Casey Pierce (6-4, 340).

“This will be the third biggest offensive line that I’ve had in all my years of coaching,” O’Neal said.

While the battle for spots in the slot still rages on in practice, the one guaranteed staple will be “Fast Ed Smith,” who returns for another year with the Liberty after putting up Offensive Player of the Year numbers in 2021.

After taking a huge leap offensively from 2020 to 2021, Salina is optimistic that the team can continue to build on that success again this year.

“We were number one in the league averaging over 50 points per game and we definitely want to continue scoring even more this year,” he said. “We’re going to continue to hang our hats on defense but we want to continue what we started offensively last season.”

On that defensive end, the Liberty will return four veteran showstoppers from a season ago to go along with several promising first-year stars in the making.

In the trenches, Travis Taylor and Shaq Bradford return to terrorize opposing O-lines off the edge while newcomer Zack Reynoso (nicknamed “oso” or "bear" in Spanish), will look to bulldoze his way up the middle.

In the linebacking core, Salina fans can expect a show from Tron Folsom, whose speed will come as a major asset to the Liberty in the open field.

Finally in the secondary opponents will have a tough time moving the ball against Salina through the air once more with K-Hop and The Predator (Kendrick Harper and Dontra Matthews) returning to slot in alongside newcomers like Coray Williams.

Rounding out this year’s Salina Squad will be kicker Jimmy Allen, who proved himself as the best in the league a season ago en route to Special Teams Player of the Year honors.

As the Champions Indoor Football league prepares for a new season, the Liberty find themselves as one of the older and more established teams in the CIF. 

Salina will compete with old faces like the Omaha Beef, Sioux City Bandits, and Wyoming Mustangs as well as several newcomers this year in the Southwest Kansas Storm, Topeka Tropics, Billings Outlaws, and Rapid City Marshalls.

“I’m very excited to have eight teams in the league this year,” O’Neal said. “It shows growth and it shows that people believe in the product of the CIF. I hope that number continues to grow.”

With week one already in the books, the Liberty will begin their season in Topeka on Saturday, March 19th when they get their first look at the Tropics.

“These guys are very excited to get back out on the field, especially with the physical training camp that we’ve had,” he said. “Last year there were games where we had more fans on the road than the home team had and we feed off of that. We’re hopeful that we can continue to see even more support as we try to bring that championship to the city of Salina because they definitely deserve it.”

For continuing coverage of Liberty football all throughout 2022, stay tuned to the Salina Post.

To purchase single game or season tickets click <a href="https://salinaliberty.com/">HERE</a>.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616853961118.png" alt="Coverage of Salina Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Salina Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina Liberty, still hungry for the first championship in team history, will look to reload and run it back in 2022, following back-to-back heartbreaks on the final plays of the last two title matches.“We had to do a lot of soul searching after coming that close again but not playing our A-game in another championship game,” Liberty head coach Heron O’Neal said. “You’ve got to give credit to the Champs in Omaha and Duke City but looking back at those games has been my fuel to recruit and coach better.”This year’s Liberty squad will be absolutely loaded, and while the makeup of the team will look a little different, the determination to finish strong will remain the same.“This year isn’t about unfinished business, it’s just about finishing,” O’Neal said. “We haven’t done that in the last two national championship games. It’s definitely a different mindset going into this year.”Heron O’Neal, inducted into the IFL hall of fame last season, will return for his fourth year at the helm of the Liberty and will be joined by two new faces in Carlos Cavanaugh and Dylan Mendicina.Cavanaugh, the former head coach of the Wichita Force, will add both coaching and playing experience to the staff while Mendicina slots into an analysis role and works with the lines.As far as the makeup of the roster on the field, the Liberty will be menacing on both sides of the ball once again, returning nine experienced veterans to lead a swarm of incoming talent.“It’s definitely an edge to have guys that know what I’m looking for back for another year,” he said. “You have to have some veterans that your rookies and new vets can follow.”Reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tyrie Adams will return after a stellar 2021 campaign, and will take snaps from veteran 300-pound center Kelvin McCoy.The Liberty backfield will be problematic for opponents this year who will be tasked with stopping reigning CIF MVP Tracy Brooks, as well as newcomer Tre Griffin, who has garnered comparisons in style to Alvin Kamara from Coach O already.Those backs will work behind a line that in addition to McCoy, will be anchored on either side by newcomers Steven Fluker (6-6, 350) and Casey Pierce (6-4, 340).“This will be the third biggest offensive line that I’ve had in all my years of coaching,” O’Neal said.While the battle for spots in the slot still rages on in practice, the one guaranteed staple will be “Fast Ed Smith,” who returns for another year with the Liberty after putting up Offensive Player of the Year numbers in 2021.After taking a huge leap offensively from 2020 to 2021, Salina is optimistic that the team can continue to build on that success again this year.“We were number one in the league averaging over 50 points per game and we definitely want to continue scoring even more this year,” he said. “We’re going to continue to hang our hats on defense but we want to continue what we started offensively last season.”On that defensive end, the Liberty will return four veteran showstoppers from a season ago to go along with several promising first-year stars in the making.In the trenches, Travis Taylor and Shaq Bradford return to terrorize opposing O-lines off the edge while newcomer Zack Reynoso (nicknamed “oso” or "bear" in Spanish), will look to bulldoze his way up the middle.In the linebacking core, Salina fans can expect a show from Tron Folsom, whose speed will come as a major asset to the Liberty in the open field.Finally in the secondary opponents will have a tough time moving the ball against Salina through the air once more with K-Hop and The Predator (Kendrick Harper and Dontra Matthews) returning to slot in alongside newcomers like Coray Williams.Rounding out this year’s Salina Squad will be kicker Jimmy Allen, who proved himself as the best in the league a season ago en route to Special Teams Player of the Year honors.As the Champions Indoor Football league prepares for a new season, the Liberty find themselves as one of the older and more established teams in the CIF. Salina will compete with old faces like the Omaha Beef, Sioux City Bandits, and Wyoming Mustangs as well as several newcomers this year in the Southwest Kansas Storm, Topeka Tropics, Billings Outlaws, and Rapid City Marshalls.“I’m very excited to have eight teams in the league this year,” O’Neal said. “It shows growth and it shows that people believe in the product of the CIF. I hope that number continues to grow.”With week one already in the books, the Liberty will begin their season in Topeka on Saturday, March 19th when they get their first look at the Tropics.“These guys are very excited to get back out on the field, especially with the physical training camp that we’ve had,” he said. “Last year there were games where we had more fans on the road than the home team had and we feed off of that. We’re hopeful that we can continue to see even more support as we try to bring that championship to the city of Salina because they definitely deserve it.”For continuing coverage of Liberty football all throughout 2022, stay tuned to the Salina Post.To purchase single game or season tickets click <a href="https://salinaliberty.com/">HERE</a>.

2022 Salina Liberty season preview

Today is Friday, March 18, the 77th day of 2022. There are 288 days left in the year.

On March 18, 1940, Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini met at the Brenner Pass, where the Italian dictator agreed to join Germany's war against France and Britain.

In 1766, Britain repealed the Stamp Act of 1765.

In 1922, Mohandas K. Gandhi was sentenced in India to six years' imprisonment for civil disobedience. (He was released after serving two years.)

In 1925, the Tri-State Tornado struck southeastern Missouri, southern Illinois and southwestern Indiana, resulting in some 700 deaths.

In 1937, in America's worst school disaster, nearly 300 people, most of them children, were killed in a natural gas explosion at the New London Consolidated School in Rusk County, Texas.

In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order authorizing the War Relocation Authority, which was put in charge of interning Japanese-Americans, with Milton S. Eisenhower (the younger brother of Dwight D. Eisenhower) as its director.

In 1963, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Gideon v. Wainwright, ruled unanimously that state courts were required to provide legal counsel to criminal defendants who could not afford to hire an attorney on their own.

In 1965, the first spacewalk took place as Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov went outside his Voskhod 2 capsule, secured by a tether.

In 1974, most of the Arab oil-producing nations ended their 5-month-old embargo against the United States that had been sparked by American support for Israel in the Yom Kippur War.

In 2002, Brittanie Cecil died two days short of her 14th birthday after being hit in the head by a puck at a game between the host Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames; it was apparently the first such fan fatality in NHL history.

In 2016, police in Brussels captured Europe's most wanted fugitive, Salah Abdeslam, who was the prime suspect in the deadly 2015 Paris attacks.

In 2018, Vladimir Putin rolled to a crushing reelection victory for six more years as Russia's president.

In 2020, the U.S. and Canada agreed to temporarily close their shared border to nonessential travel.

Ten years ago: Mitt Romney scored an overwhelming win in Puerto Rico's Republican presidential primary, trouncing chief rival Rick Santorum.

Five years ago: Chuck Berry, rock 'n' roll's founding guitar hero and storyteller who defined the music's joy and rebellion in such classics as "Johnny B. Goode," "Sweet Little Sixteen" and "Roll Over Beethoven," died at his home west of St. Louis at age 90.

One year ago: The European Union's drug regulatory agency said that the AstraZeneca vaccine was not linked to an overall increase in the risk of blood clots and that the benefits of use outweighed the risks, paving the way for European countries to resume administering the shots. The Senate confirmed veteran diplomat William Burns as director of the CIA and California Attorney General Xavier Becerra as President Joe Biden's health secretary. The NBA said it was easing some of its health and safety protocols for individuals who were fully vaccinated.

Today's Birthdays: Composer John Kander is 95. Actor Brad Dourif is 72. Jazz musician Bill Frisell is 71. Singer Irene Cara is 63. Alt-country musician Karen Grotberg (The Jayhawks) is 63. Movie writer-director Luc Besson is 63. Actor Geoffrey Owens is 61. Actor Thomas Ian Griffith is 60. Singer-songwriter James McMurtry is 60. TV personality Mike Rowe is 60. Singer-actor Vanessa L. Williams is 59. Olympic gold medal speedskater Bonnie Blair is 58. Actor David Cubitt is 57. Rock musician Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains) is 56. Rock singer-musician Miki Berenyi is 55. Actor Michael Bergin is 53. Rapper-actor-talk show host Queen Latifah is 52. Former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus is 50. Actor-comedian Dane Cook is 50. Country singer Philip Sweet (Little Big Town) is 48. Rock musician Stuart Zender is 48. Singers Evan and Jaron Lowenstein are 48. Actor-singer-dancer Sutton Foster is 47. Rock singer Adam Levine (Maroon 5) is 43. Rock musician Daren Taylor (Airborne Toxic Event) is 42. Olympic gold medal figure skater Alexei Yagudin is 42. Actor Adam Pally is 40. Actor Cornelius Smith Jr. is 40. Actor Duane Henry (TV: "NCIS") is 37. Actor Lily Collins is 33. Actor-dancer Julia Goldani Telles is 27. Actor Ciara Bravo is 25. Actor Blake Garrett Rosenthal is 18.

<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, March 18, the 77th day of 2022. There are 288 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On March 18, 1940, Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini met at the Brenner Pass, where the Italian dictator agreed to join Germany's war against France and Britain.On this date:In 1766, Britain repealed the Stamp Act of 1765.In 1922, Mohandas K. Gandhi was sentenced in India to six years' imprisonment for civil disobedience. (He was released after serving two years.)In 1925, the Tri-State Tornado struck southeastern Missouri, southern Illinois and southwestern Indiana, resulting in some 700 deaths.In 1937, in America's worst school disaster, nearly 300 people, most of them children, were killed in a natural gas explosion at the New London Consolidated School in Rusk County, Texas.In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order authorizing the War Relocation Authority, which was put in charge of interning Japanese-Americans, with Milton S. Eisenhower (the younger brother of Dwight D. Eisenhower) as its director.In 1963, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Gideon v. Wainwright, ruled unanimously that state courts were required to provide legal counsel to criminal defendants who could not afford to hire an attorney on their own.In 1965, the first spacewalk took place as Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov went outside his Voskhod 2 capsule, secured by a tether.In 1974, most of the Arab oil-producing nations ended their 5-month-old embargo against the United States that had been sparked by American support for Israel in the Yom Kippur War.In 2002, Brittanie Cecil died two days short of her 14th birthday after being hit in the head by a puck at a game between the host Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames; it was apparently the first such fan fatality in NHL history.In 2016, police in Brussels captured Europe's most wanted fugitive, Salah Abdeslam, who was the prime suspect in the deadly 2015 Paris attacks.In 2018, Vladimir Putin rolled to a crushing reelection victory for six more years as Russia's president.In 2020, the U.S. and Canada agreed to temporarily close their shared border to nonessential travel.Ten years ago: Mitt Romney scored an overwhelming win in Puerto Rico's Republican presidential primary, trouncing chief rival Rick Santorum.Five years ago: Chuck Berry, rock 'n' roll's founding guitar hero and storyteller who defined the music's joy and rebellion in such classics as "Johnny B. Goode," "Sweet Little Sixteen" and "Roll Over Beethoven," died at his home west of St. Louis at age 90.One year ago: The European Union's drug regulatory agency said that the AstraZeneca vaccine was not linked to an overall increase in the risk of blood clots and that the benefits of use outweighed the risks, paving the way for European countries to resume administering the shots. The Senate confirmed veteran diplomat William Burns as director of the CIA and California Attorney General Xavier Becerra as President Joe Biden's health secretary. The NBA said it was easing some of its health and safety protocols for individuals who were fully vaccinated.Today's Birthdays: Composer John Kander is 95. Actor Brad Dourif is 72. Jazz musician Bill Frisell is 71. Singer Irene Cara is 63. Alt-country musician Karen Grotberg (The Jayhawks) is 63. Movie writer-director Luc Besson is 63. Actor Geoffrey Owens is 61. Actor Thomas Ian Griffith is 60. Singer-songwriter James McMurtry is 60. TV personality Mike Rowe is 60. Singer-actor Vanessa L. Williams is 59. Olympic gold medal speedskater Bonnie Blair is 58. Actor David Cubitt is 57. Rock musician Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains) is 56. Rock singer-musician Miki Berenyi is 55. Actor Michael Bergin is 53. Rapper-actor-talk show host Queen Latifah is 52. Former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus is 50. Actor-comedian Dane Cook is 50. Country singer Philip Sweet (Little Big Town) is 48. Rock musician Stuart Zender is 48. Singers Evan and Jaron Lowenstein are 48. Actor-singer-dancer Sutton Foster is 47. Rock singer Adam Levine (Maroon 5) is 43. Rock musician Daren Taylor (Airborne Toxic Event) is 42. Olympic gold medal figure skater Alexei Yagudin is 42. Actor Adam Pally is 40. Actor Cornelius Smith Jr. is 40. Actor Duane Henry (TV: "NCIS") is 37. Actor Lily Collins is 33. Actor-dancer Julia Goldani Telles is 27. Actor Ciara Bravo is 25. Actor Blake Garrett Rosenthal is 18.

Today in History - March 18

Kansas Wesleyan’s Department of Music has announced the schedule for its upcoming music festival.

Yotefest: A Music Festival for Today is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday and March 24 and 25. The festival is open to the public at no charge.

“Salina’s always been a great community for those interested in the arts,” said James McAllister, department chair. “We’re excited to be a part of that once again with our annual March music festival. ‘Yotefest’ is not only the idea of everything KWU music is, but it’s the idea of all that is expressed by the entirety of music. The community will be directly involved via an open mic night, there will be music from different cultures, and we’ll hear compositions from new composers, including KWU students!”

Yotefest opens Monday at 6 p.m. with an open mic night at Salina’s Ad Astra Books and Coffeehouse, 141 N. Santa Fe Avenue. Percussionist Matthew Coley joins the proceedings the next night in Sams Chapel with a special concert performance at 7:30 p.m., and, after a day off Wednesday, things pick up again March 24 with the New Music at KWU concert. This special 7:30 p.m. performance will feature recent compositions by KWU faculty and students.

The series wraps up March 25 with Music of the Americas, a special string ensemble event that will include a number of vibrant works from South American composers. Once again, the event takes place at 7:30 p.m. in Sams Chapel.

Yotefest was formerly known as the Fusion! music festival.

KWUKansas Wesleyan’s Department of Music has announced the schedule for its upcoming music festival.Yotefest: A Music Festival for Today is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday and March 24 and 25. The festival is open to the public at no charge.“Salina’s always been a great community for those interested in the arts,” said James McAllister, department chair. “We’re excited to be a part of that once again with our annual March music festival. ‘Yotefest’ is not only the idea of everything KWU music is, but it’s the idea of all that is expressed by the entirety of music. The community will be directly involved via an open mic night, there will be music from different cultures, and we’ll hear compositions from new composers, including KWU students!”Yotefest opens Monday at 6 p.m. with an open mic night at Salina’s Ad Astra Books and Coffeehouse, 141 N. Santa Fe Avenue. Percussionist Matthew Coley joins the proceedings the next night in Sams Chapel with a special concert performance at 7:30 p.m., and, after a day off Wednesday, things pick up again March 24 with the New Music at KWU concert. This special 7:30 p.m. performance will feature recent compositions by KWU faculty and students.The series wraps up March 25 with Music of the Americas, a special string ensemble event that will include a number of vibrant works from South American composers. Once again, the event takes place at 7:30 p.m. in Sams Chapel.Yotefest was formerly known as the Fusion! music festival.

Schedule announced for KWU’s March music festival, Yotefest

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/16/kansas-senate-advances-22-8b-spending-plan-with-pay-raise-for-state-workers-no-food-tax-relief/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Sen. Caryn Tyson says public schools and legislators for too long have ignored complaints from teachers who feel compelled to pay for classroom materials out of their own pockets.

Tyson, a Republican from Parker, told members of the Senate Education Committee this week that she and her husband donate money so teachers can purchase books and other items for students. Anybody who talks to teachers knows this is a problem, Tyson said, and she is tired of not seeing anything happen to address the problem.

“Our teachers, for some reason, they feel like they’re not respected, or second class citizens of Kansas. And that is not true,” Tyson said. “They have more impact on our lives than almost any other person that we interact with, besides family members and friends.”

One of Tyson’s proposals, which would give teachers a $250 income tax credit, already passed the Senate after being included in a bundle of other tax cuts in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/sb282/">Senate Bill 282</a>. The annual cost to state revenue would be about $10.4 million, based on the 44,000 teachers in the state.

The education panel held a hearing Monday on Tyson’s other plan, contained in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/sb528/">Senate Bill 528</a>, which would require school district to reimburse teachers for up to $250 in personal expenses for classroom supplies.

“We shouldn’t have to do this through legislation,” Tyson said. “But yet, here we are.”

Lobbyists for school boards and teachers opposed the reimbursement because it doesn’t cover many of the items teachers routinely buy, and it would force districts to redirect funding that otherwise would go toward teacher salaries and benefits.

Republicans on the committee pushed back on the idea that schools couldn’t find a way to set aside $10 million from the billions in funding they now receive from the state.

Sen. Renee Erickson, R-Wichita, recalled a time as a business teacher when the school decided to cut copy paper from the budget but still found a way to pay for administrator cellphones. She pointed out the public schools are expected to receive an additional $102 million in the upcoming school year as part of a court-mandated settlement agreement over school funding.

“It seems to me with all of the talk about teachers being unhappy, teachers being stressed out, trying to retain and recruit teachers, taking approximately 10% of the increase of funding isn’t too much to ask our school districts to prioritize what students and teachers need,” Erickson said.

Under the proposed legislation, teachers could be reimbursed for documented purchases of school supplies that are intended to be used within the current school year. The bill excludes the purchase of food, beverage or equipment.

Lauren Tice Miller, of the Kansas National Education Association, said a national study indicated the average teacher spends $459 out of pocket every year on items that often include food, clothing and hygiene products.

If legislators want to help educators with out of pocket expenses, Tice Miller said, they should appropriate the extra $10 million and earmark it for this purpose. Otherwise, she said, the pool of money that would be used to pay for classroom supplies would deny teachers a pay increase or would be unavailable to offset the rising costs of health care.

“We believe it creates a situation of robbing Peter to pay Peter,” she said.

Mark Tallman, of the Kansas Association of School Boards, said he wasn’t aware of any district that doesn’t already provide school supplies or an opportunity for reimbursement.

“Teachers are very generous,” Tallman said. “If they see they want to buy something for a child or they want to do something more special for their room, the cost doesn’t hold them back. And then, understandably, they can be kind of frustrated.”

Sen. Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican who serves as chairwoman of the Education Committee, lamented the way school cafeterias dispose of leftover food instead of packaging it for students to take homes. That way, she reasoned, teachers wouldn’t feel compelled to buy food for kids.

Baumgardner encouraged local districts to find solutions for teachers who have to pay for their own classroom supplies.

“We continue to hear — not hear politely from teachers, that would be nice — but we continue to be hammered by teachers that there is no help coming from the Legislature for their out-of-pocket expenses,” Baumgardner said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647458875603.png" alt="Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker, appears Monday before the Senate Education Committee to urge support for reimbursing public school teachers who pay out of pocket for classroom supplies. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Legislature YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker, appears Monday before the Senate Education Committee to urge support for reimbursing public school teachers who pay out of pocket for classroom supplies. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Legislature YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/16/kansas-senate-advances-22-8b-spending-plan-with-pay-raise-for-state-workers-no-food-tax-relief/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Sen. Caryn Tyson says public schools and legislators for too long have ignored complaints from teachers who feel compelled to pay for classroom materials out of their own pockets.Tyson, a Republican from Parker, told members of the Senate Education Committee this week that she and her husband donate money so teachers can purchase books and other items for students. Anybody who talks to teachers knows this is a problem, Tyson said, and she is tired of not seeing anything happen to address the problem.“Our teachers, for some reason, they feel like they’re not respected, or second class citizens of Kansas. And that is not true,” Tyson said. “They have more impact on our lives than almost any other person that we interact with, besides family members and friends.”One of Tyson’s proposals, which would give teachers a $250 income tax credit, already passed the Senate after being included in a bundle of other tax cuts in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/sb282/">Senate Bill 282</a>. The annual cost to state revenue would be about $10.4 million, based on the 44,000 teachers in the state.The education panel held a hearing Monday on Tyson’s other plan, contained in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/sb528/">Senate Bill 528</a>, which would require school district to reimburse teachers for up to $250 in personal expenses for classroom supplies.“We shouldn’t have to do this through legislation,” Tyson said. “But yet, here we are.”Lobbyists for school boards and teachers opposed the reimbursement because it doesn’t cover many of the items teachers routinely buy, and it would force districts to redirect funding that otherwise would go toward teacher salaries and benefits.Republicans on the committee pushed back on the idea that schools couldn’t find a way to set aside $10 million from the billions in funding they now receive from the state.Sen. Renee Erickson, R-Wichita, recalled a time as a business teacher when the school decided to cut copy paper from the budget but still found a way to pay for administrator cellphones. She pointed out the public schools are expected to receive an additional $102 million in the upcoming school year as part of a court-mandated settlement agreement over school funding.“It seems to me with all of the talk about teachers being unhappy, teachers being stressed out, trying to retain and recruit teachers, taking approximately 10% of the increase of funding isn’t too much to ask our school districts to prioritize what students and teachers need,” Erickson said.Under the proposed legislation, teachers could be reimbursed for documented purchases of school supplies that are intended to be used within the current school year. The bill excludes the purchase of food, beverage or equipment.Lauren Tice Miller, of the Kansas National Education Association, said a national study indicated the average teacher spends $459 out of pocket every year on items that often include food, clothing and hygiene products.If legislators want to help educators with out of pocket expenses, Tice Miller said, they should appropriate the extra $10 million and earmark it for this purpose. Otherwise, she said, the pool of money that would be used to pay for classroom supplies would deny teachers a pay increase or would be unavailable to offset the rising costs of health care.“We believe it creates a situation of robbing Peter to pay Peter,” she said.Mark Tallman, of the Kansas Association of School Boards, said he wasn’t aware of any district that doesn’t already provide school supplies or an opportunity for reimbursement.“Teachers are very generous,” Tallman said. “If they see they want to buy something for a child or they want to do something more special for their room, the cost doesn’t hold them back. And then, understandably, they can be kind of frustrated.”Sen. Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican who serves as chairwoman of the Education Committee, lamented the way school cafeterias dispose of leftover food instead of packaging it for students to take homes. That way, she reasoned, teachers wouldn’t feel compelled to buy food for kids.Baumgardner encouraged local districts to find solutions for teachers who have to pay for their own classroom supplies.“We continue to hear — not hear politely from teachers, that would be nice — but we continue to be hammered by teachers that there is no help coming from the Legislature for their out-of-pocket expenses,” Baumgardner said.

Bill would force school districts to repay Kan. teachers for classroom supplies

Today is Thursday, March 17, the 76th day of 2022. There are 289 days left in the year. This is St. Patrick's Day.

On March 17, 1969, Golda Meir became prime minister of Israel.

In 1762, New York held its first St. Patrick's Day parade.

In 1776, the Revolutionary War Siege of Boston ended as British forces evacuated the city.

In 1905, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt married Franklin Delano Roosevelt in New York.

In 1941, the National Gallery of Art opened in Washington, D.C.

In 1942, six days after departing the Philippines during World War II, Gen. Douglas MacArthur arrived in Australia to become supreme commander of Allied forces in the southwest Pacific theater.

In 1950, scientists at the University of California at Berkeley announced they had created a new radioactive element, "californium."

In 1966, a U.S. Navy midget submarine located a missing hydrogen bomb that had fallen from a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber into the Mediterranean off Spain. (It took several more weeks to actually recover the bomb.)

In 1970, the United States cast its first veto in the U.N. Security Council, killing a resolution that would have condemned Britain for failing to use force to overthrow the white-ruled government of Rhodesia.

In 2003, edging to the brink of war, President George W. Bush gave Saddam Hussein 48 hours to leave his country. Iraq rejected Bush's ultimatum, saying that a U.S. attack to force Saddam from power would be "a grave mistake."

In 2010, Michael Jordan became the first ex-player to become a majority owner in the NBA as the league's Board of Governors unanimously approved Jordan's $275 million bid to buy the Charlotte Bobcats from Bob Johnson.

In 2016, finally bowing to years of public pressure, SeaWorld Entertainment said it would no longer breed killer whales or make them perform crowd-pleasing tricks.

In 2020, the Kentucky Derby and the French Open were each postponed from May to September because of the coronavirus.

Ten years ago: Twin suicide car bombings killed at least 27 people near intelligence and security buildings in the Syrian capital of Damascus. John Demjanjuk, 91, convicted of being a low-ranking guard at the Sobibor death camp as he maintained his innocence, died in Bad Feilnbach, Germany.

Five years ago: President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel tried to sidestep their differences in a meeting at the White House, but their first public appearance was punctuated by some awkward moments (during a photo op in the Oval Office, the two did not shake hands before reporters). Secretary of State Rex Tillerson visited the world's most heavily armed border, greeting U.S. soldiers on guard near the tense buffer zone between rivals North and South Korea.

One year ago: In an unclassified intelligence report, U.S. officials warned that violent extremists motivated by political grievances and racial biases posed an "elevated threat" to the United States. President Joe Biden told ABC that senators who wanted to oppose his legislative agenda through a filibuster should have to actually stand and talk for hours, rather than simply signaling their objection. Ford Motor Company told about 30,000 employees worldwide who had worked from home during the pandemic that they could continue to do so indefinitely, with flexible hours approved by their managers.

Today's Birthdays: The former national chairwoman of the NAACP, Myrlie Evers-Williams, is 89. Former astronaut Ken Mattingly is 86. Singer-songwriter John Sebastian (The Lovin' Spoonful) is 78. Former NSA Director and former CIA Director Michael Hayden is 77. Rock musician Harold Brown (War; Lowrider Band) is 76. Actor Patrick Duffy is 73. Actor Kurt Russell is 71. Country singer Susie Allanson is 70. Actor Lesley-Anne Down is 68. Actor Mark Boone Jr. is 67. Country singer Paul Overstreet is 67. Actor Gary Sinise is 67. Actor Christian Clemenson is 64. Former basketball and baseball player Danny Ainge is 63. Actor Arye Gross is 62. Actor Vicki Lewis is 62. Actor Casey Siemaszko is 61. Writer-director Rob Sitch is 60. Actor Rob Lowe is 58. Rock singer Billy Corgan is 55. Rock musician Van Conner (Screaming Trees) is 55. Actor Mathew St. Patrick is 54. Actor Yanic Truesdale is 53. Rock musician Melissa Auf der Maur is 50. Olympic gold medal soccer player Mia Hamm is 50. Rock musician Caroline Corr (The Corrs) is 49. Actor Amelia Heinle is 49. Country singer Keifer Thompson (Thompson Square) is 49. Actor Marisa Coughlan is 48. Actor Natalie Zea is 47. Sports reporter Tracy Wolfson is 47. Actor Brittany Daniel is 46. Singer and TV personality Tamar Braxton is 45. Country musician Geoff Sprung (Old Dominion) is 44. Reggaeton singer Nicky Jam is 41. TV personality Rob Kardashian (TV: "Keeping Up With the Kardashians") is 35. Pop/rock singer-songwriter Hozier is 32. Actor Eliza Hope Bennett is 30. Actor John Boyega is 30. Olympic gold medal swimmer Katie Ledecky is 25. Actor Flynn Morrison is 17.

<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, March 17, the 76th day of 2022. There are 289 days left in the year. This is St. Patrick's Day.Today's Highlight in History:On March 17, 1969, Golda Meir became prime minister of Israel.On this date:In 1762, New York held its first St. Patrick's Day parade.In 1776, the Revolutionary War Siege of Boston ended as British forces evacuated the city.In 1905, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt married Franklin Delano Roosevelt in New York.In 1941, the National Gallery of Art opened in Washington, D.C.In 1942, six days after departing the Philippines during World War II, Gen. Douglas MacArthur arrived in Australia to become supreme commander of Allied forces in the southwest Pacific theater.In 1950, scientists at the University of California at Berkeley announced they had created a new radioactive element, "californium."In 1966, a U.S. Navy midget submarine located a missing hydrogen bomb that had fallen from a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber into the Mediterranean off Spain. (It took several more weeks to actually recover the bomb.)In 1970, the United States cast its first veto in the U.N. Security Council, killing a resolution that would have condemned Britain for failing to use force to overthrow the white-ruled government of Rhodesia.In 2003, edging to the brink of war, President George W. Bush gave Saddam Hussein 48 hours to leave his country. Iraq rejected Bush's ultimatum, saying that a U.S. attack to force Saddam from power would be "a grave mistake."In 2010, Michael Jordan became the first ex-player to become a majority owner in the NBA as the league's Board of Governors unanimously approved Jordan's $275 million bid to buy the Charlotte Bobcats from Bob Johnson.In 2016, finally bowing to years of public pressure, SeaWorld Entertainment said it would no longer breed killer whales or make them perform crowd-pleasing tricks.In 2020, the Kentucky Derby and the French Open were each postponed from May to September because of the coronavirus.Ten years ago: Twin suicide car bombings killed at least 27 people near intelligence and security buildings in the Syrian capital of Damascus. John Demjanjuk, 91, convicted of being a low-ranking guard at the Sobibor death camp as he maintained his innocence, died in Bad Feilnbach, Germany.Five years ago: President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel tried to sidestep their differences in a meeting at the White House, but their first public appearance was punctuated by some awkward moments (during a photo op in the Oval Office, the two did not shake hands before reporters). Secretary of State Rex Tillerson visited the world's most heavily armed border, greeting U.S. soldiers on guard near the tense buffer zone between rivals North and South Korea.One year ago: In an unclassified intelligence report, U.S. officials warned that violent extremists motivated by political grievances and racial biases posed an "elevated threat" to the United States. President Joe Biden told ABC that senators who wanted to oppose his legislative agenda through a filibuster should have to actually stand and talk for hours, rather than simply signaling their objection. Ford Motor Company told about 30,000 employees worldwide who had worked from home during the pandemic that they could continue to do so indefinitely, with flexible hours approved by their managers.Today's Birthdays: The former national chairwoman of the NAACP, Myrlie Evers-Williams, is 89. Former astronaut Ken Mattingly is 86. Singer-songwriter John Sebastian (The Lovin' Spoonful) is 78. Former NSA Director and former CIA Director Michael Hayden is 77. Rock musician Harold Brown (War; Lowrider Band) is 76. Actor Patrick Duffy is 73. Actor Kurt Russell is 71. Country singer Susie Allanson is 70. Actor Lesley-Anne Down is 68. Actor Mark Boone Jr. is 67. Country singer Paul Overstreet is 67. Actor Gary Sinise is 67. Actor Christian Clemenson is 64. Former basketball and baseball player Danny Ainge is 63. Actor Arye Gross is 62. Actor Vicki Lewis is 62. Actor Casey Siemaszko is 61. Writer-director Rob Sitch is 60. Actor Rob Lowe is 58. Rock singer Billy Corgan is 55. Rock musician Van Conner (Screaming Trees) is 55. Actor Mathew St. Patrick is 54. Actor Yanic Truesdale is 53. Rock musician Melissa Auf der Maur is 50. Olympic gold medal soccer player Mia Hamm is 50. Rock musician Caroline Corr (The Corrs) is 49. Actor Amelia Heinle is 49. Country singer Keifer Thompson (Thompson Square) is 49. Actor Marisa Coughlan is 48. Actor Natalie Zea is 47. Sports reporter Tracy Wolfson is 47. Actor Brittany Daniel is 46. Singer and TV personality Tamar Braxton is 45. Country musician Geoff Sprung (Old Dominion) is 44. Reggaeton singer Nicky Jam is 41. TV personality Rob Kardashian (TV: "Keeping Up With the Kardashians") is 35. Pop/rock singer-songwriter Hozier is 32. Actor Eliza Hope Bennett is 30. Actor John Boyega is 30. Olympic gold medal swimmer Katie Ledecky is 25. Actor Flynn Morrison is 17.

Today in History - March 17

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged sex crimes.

Just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, detectives with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office arrested 19-year-old Anthony D. Rodriguez of Topeka following an investigation into a sexual offense that took place on March 11, at a residence in southwest Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

The victim was a 14-year-old girl. Rodriguez was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of rape.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647457633588.png" alt="Rodriguez-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Rodriguez-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged sex crimes.Just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, detectives with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office arrested 19-year-old Anthony D. Rodriguez of Topeka following an investigation into a sexual offense that took place on March 11, at a residence in southwest Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.The victim was a 14-year-old girl. Rodriguez was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of rape.

Sheriff: Kansas man accused of rape of 14-year-old 

Today is Wednesday, March 16, the 75th day of 2022. There are 290 days left in the year.

On March 16, 1968, the My Lai massacre took place during the Vietnam War as U.S. Army soldiers hunting for Viet Cong fighters and sympathizers killed unarmed villagers in two hamlets of Son My village; estimates of the death toll vary from 347 to 504.

In 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his crew reached the Philippines, where Magellan was killed during a battle with natives the following month.

In 1802, President Thomas Jefferson signed a measure authorizing the establishment of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York.

In 1935, Adolf Hitler decided to break the military terms set by the Treaty of Versailles&nbsp; by ordering the rearming of Germany.

In 1945, during World War II, American forces declared they had secured Iwo Jima, although pockets of Japanese resistance remained.

In 1968, Senator Robert F. Kennedy of New York announced his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination.

In 1972, in a nationally broadcast address, President Richard Nixon called for a moratorium on court-ordered school busing to achieve racial desegregation.

In 1984, William Buckley, the CIA station chief in Beirut, was kidnapped by Hezbollah militants (he was tortured by his captors and killed in 1985).

In 1994, figure skater Tonya Harding pleaded guilty in Portland, Oregon, to conspiracy to hinder prosecution for covering up an attack on rival Nancy Kerrigan, avoiding jail but drawing a $100,000 fine.

In 2004, China declared victory in its fight against bird flu, saying it had "stamped out" all its known cases.

In 2014, Crimeans voted to leave Ukraine and join Russia, overwhelmingly approving a referendum that sought to unite the strategically important Black Sea region with the country it was part of for some 250 years.

In 2016, President Barack Obama nominated Merrick Garland to take the seat of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who had died the previous month. (Republicans who controlled the Senate would stick to their pledge to leave the seat empty until after the presidential election; they confirmed Trump nominee Neil Gorsuch in April 2017.)

In 2020, global stocks plunged again amid coronavirus concerns, with Wall Street seeing a 12% decline, its worst in more than 30 years; the S&amp;P 500 was down 30% from its record set less than a month earlier. Ohio called off its presidential primary just hours before polls were to open, but Arizona, Florida and Illinois went ahead with their plans.

Ten years ago: A jury in New Brunswick, New Jersey, convicted former Rutgers University student Dharun Ravi in the webcam spying episode that ended in the suicide of his gay roommate, Tyler Clementi. (Ravi served 20 days in jail for invasion of privacy, bias intimidation and other counts.)

Five years ago: President Donald Trump submitted his $1.15 trillion budget to Congress; it proposed generous increases for the military while slashing domestic programs and riling both fellow Republicans and Democrats by going after favored programs. Steve Penny resigned as president of USA Gymnastics following intensified pressure on the organization for its handling of sex abuse cases.

One year ago: A gunman killed eight people, mostly women of Asian descent, at three Atlanta-area massage parlors in an attack that sent terror through the Asian-American community, which had increasingly been targeted during the pandemic; the white gunman, Robert Long, told police that the attack was not racially motivated, and that he had a "sex addiction." (Long was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty in four of the deaths.) A declassified intelligence assessment found that Russian President Vladimir Putin had authorized influence operations to help Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election; the assessment found broad efforts by both the Kremlin and Iran to shape the outcome of the race, but no evidence that any foreign actor had actually disrupted the voting process.

Today's Birthdays: Country singer Ray Walker (The Jordanaires) is 88. Game show host Chuck Woolery is 81. Country singer Robin Williams is 75. Actor Erik Estrada is 73. Actor Victor Garber is 73. Country singer Ray Benson (Asleep at the Wheel) is 71. Bluegrass musician Tim O'Brien (Hot Rize; Earls of Leicester) is 68. Rock singer-musician Nancy Wilson (Heart) is 68. World Golf Hall of Famer Hollis Stacy is 68. Actor Clifton Powell is 66. Rapper-actor Flavor Flav is 63. Rock musician Jimmy DeGrasso is 59. Actor Jerome Flynn is 59. Folk singer Patty Griffin is 58. Movie director Gore Verbinski is 58. Country singer Tracy Bonham is 55. Actor Lauren Graham is 55. Actor Judah Friedlander is 53. Actor Alan Tudyk is 51. Actor Tim Kang is 49. R&amp;B singer Blu Cantrell is 46. Actor Brooke Burns is 44. Actor Kimrie Lewis is 40. Actor Brett Davern is 39. Actor Alexandra Daddario is 36. R&amp;B singer Jhené Aiko is 34. Rock musician Wolfgang Van Halen is 31. Toronto Blue Jays baseball star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is 23.

<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, March 16, the 75th day of 2022. There are 290 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On March 16, 1968, the My Lai massacre took place during the Vietnam War as U.S. Army soldiers hunting for Viet Cong fighters and sympathizers killed unarmed villagers in two hamlets of Son My village; estimates of the death toll vary from 347 to 504.On this date:In 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his crew reached the Philippines, where Magellan was killed during a battle with natives the following month.In 1802, President Thomas Jefferson signed a measure authorizing the establishment of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York.In 1935, Adolf Hitler decided to break the military terms set by the Treaty of Versailles&nbsp; by ordering the rearming of Germany.In 1945, during World War II, American forces declared they had secured Iwo Jima, although pockets of Japanese resistance remained.In 1968, Senator Robert F. Kennedy of New York announced his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination.In 1972, in a nationally broadcast address, President Richard Nixon called for a moratorium on court-ordered school busing to achieve racial desegregation.In 1984, William Buckley, the CIA station chief in Beirut, was kidnapped by Hezbollah militants (he was tortured by his captors and killed in 1985).In 1994, figure skater Tonya Harding pleaded guilty in Portland, Oregon, to conspiracy to hinder prosecution for covering up an attack on rival Nancy Kerrigan, avoiding jail but drawing a $100,000 fine.In 2004, China declared victory in its fight against bird flu, saying it had "stamped out" all its known cases.In 2014, Crimeans voted to leave Ukraine and join Russia, overwhelmingly approving a referendum that sought to unite the strategically important Black Sea region with the country it was part of for some 250 years.In 2016, President Barack Obama nominated Merrick Garland to take the seat of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who had died the previous month. (Republicans who controlled the Senate would stick to their pledge to leave the seat empty until after the presidential election; they confirmed Trump nominee Neil Gorsuch in April 2017.)In 2020, global stocks plunged again amid coronavirus concerns, with Wall Street seeing a 12% decline, its worst in more than 30 years; the S&amp;P 500 was down 30% from its record set less than a month earlier. Ohio called off its presidential primary just hours before polls were to open, but Arizona, Florida and Illinois went ahead with their plans.Ten years ago: A jury in New Brunswick, New Jersey, convicted former Rutgers University student Dharun Ravi in the webcam spying episode that ended in the suicide of his gay roommate, Tyler Clementi. (Ravi served 20 days in jail for invasion of privacy, bias intimidation and other counts.)Five years ago: President Donald Trump submitted his $1.15 trillion budget to Congress; it proposed generous increases for the military while slashing domestic programs and riling both fellow Republicans and Democrats by going after favored programs. Steve Penny resigned as president of USA Gymnastics following intensified pressure on the organization for its handling of sex abuse cases.One year ago: A gunman killed eight people, mostly women of Asian descent, at three Atlanta-area massage parlors in an attack that sent terror through the Asian-American community, which had increasingly been targeted during the pandemic; the white gunman, Robert Long, told police that the attack was not racially motivated, and that he had a "sex addiction." (Long was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty in four of the deaths.) A declassified intelligence assessment found that Russian President Vladimir Putin had authorized influence operations to help Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election; the assessment found broad efforts by both the Kremlin and Iran to shape the outcome of the race, but no evidence that any foreign actor had actually disrupted the voting process.Today's Birthdays: Country singer Ray Walker (The Jordanaires) is 88. Game show host Chuck Woolery is 81. Country singer Robin Williams is 75. Actor Erik Estrada is 73. Actor Victor Garber is 73. Country singer Ray Benson (Asleep at the Wheel) is 71. Bluegrass musician Tim O'Brien (Hot Rize; Earls of Leicester) is 68. Rock singer-musician Nancy Wilson (Heart) is 68. World Golf Hall of Famer Hollis Stacy is 68. Actor Clifton Powell is 66. Rapper-actor Flavor Flav is 63. Rock musician Jimmy DeGrasso is 59. Actor Jerome Flynn is 59. Folk singer Patty Griffin is 58. Movie director Gore Verbinski is 58. Country singer Tracy Bonham is 55. Actor Lauren Graham is 55. Actor Judah Friedlander is 53. Actor Alan Tudyk is 51. Actor Tim Kang is 49. R&amp;B singer Blu Cantrell is 46. Actor Brooke Burns is 44. Actor Kimrie Lewis is 40. Actor Brett Davern is 39. Actor Alexandra Daddario is 36. R&amp;B singer Jhené Aiko is 34. Rock musician Wolfgang Van Halen is 31. Toronto Blue Jays baseball star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is 23.

Today in History - March 16

CONCORDIA - Twenty-four&nbsp;nursing&nbsp;students were awarded $100,000 in scholarships from the Dane G. Hansen Scholarship fund at Cloud County Community College.

The scholarship is administered by the college, and 24 students were awarded scholarships for the 2022-2023 school year. The scholarship recipients are:

Debra Alvarado, Hardy, Neb.; Madeline Atkins, Concordia; Rusti Bassett, Belleville; Adam Brobst, Salina; Jonilyn Campbell, Kensington; Allie Danielson, Clyde; Lauren Eitel, Salina; Salma Fleming, Junction City; Cassandra Fremouw, Clay Center; Joseph Hopkins, Jamestown; Jessica Jaeger, Concordia; Samantha Johnson, Herington; Paula Kieffer, Clifton; Lydia Pachta, Cuba; Michelle Richardson, Linn; Lexie Roberg Paul, Beloit; Marijah Selbach, Beloit; Alexus Skocny, Belleville; Kassia Tauala-Kaharick, Junction City; Nicholas Titkemeier, Belleville; Mike Walker, Hardy, Neb.; Charley Watts, Beloit; Genelle Williamson, Minneapolis; Christine Zumbrunn, Americus.

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation aspires to enhance the quality of life throughout rural communities in northwest Kansas. The Foundation strongly supports the continuing education of rural community members, and will award scholarships to those who are willing to work in the 26 county service area of northwest Kansas upon graduation. Those who receive this scholarship must be currently enrolled in the CCCC&nbsp;nursing&nbsp;program. The scholarship will cover tuition, fees, books, and some miscellaneous expenses.

“We are extremely honored and grateful for the support of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation,” said Stefanie Perret, MSN, RN, director of&nbsp;nursing&nbsp;and allied health. “This scholarship fund helps support&nbsp;nursing&nbsp;education at Cloud County Community College fostering rural healthcare in our region.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647396812974.jpeg" alt="Cloud County Community College&nbsp;nursing&nbsp;students who received Dane G. Hansen scholarships are, back row, from left: Adam Brobst, Genelle Williamson, Christine Zumbrunn, Marijah Selbach, Samantha Johnson Ellsworth, Lexie Roberg Paul, Jessica Jaeger, Mike Walker, Joseph Hopkins; front row, from left: Rusty Bassett, Alexus Skocny, Lauren Eitel, Charley Watts, Alexandrea Danielson, Lydia Pachta, Debra Alvarado, Kasha Tauala. Photo courtesy Cloud County Community College" />
 <figcaption>Cloud County Community College&nbsp;nursing&nbsp;students who received Dane G. Hansen scholarships are, back row, from left: Adam Brobst, Genelle Williamson, Christine Zumbrunn, Marijah Selbach, Samantha Johnson Ellsworth, Lexie Roberg Paul, Jessica Jaeger, Mike Walker, Joseph Hopkins; front row, from left: Rusty Bassett, Alexus Skocny, Lauren Eitel, Charley Watts, Alexandrea Danielson, Lydia Pachta, Debra Alvarado, Kasha Tauala. Photo courtesy Cloud County Community College</figcaption>
 </figure>Cloud County Community CollegeCONCORDIA - Twenty-four&nbsp;nursing&nbsp;students were awarded $100,000 in scholarships from the Dane G. Hansen Scholarship fund at Cloud County Community College.The scholarship is administered by the college, and 24 students were awarded scholarships for the 2022-2023 school year. The scholarship recipients are:Debra Alvarado, Hardy, Neb.; Madeline Atkins, Concordia; Rusti Bassett, Belleville; Adam Brobst, Salina; Jonilyn Campbell, Kensington; Allie Danielson, Clyde; Lauren Eitel, Salina; Salma Fleming, Junction City; Cassandra Fremouw, Clay Center; Joseph Hopkins, Jamestown; Jessica Jaeger, Concordia; Samantha Johnson, Herington; Paula Kieffer, Clifton; Lydia Pachta, Cuba; Michelle Richardson, Linn; Lexie Roberg Paul, Beloit; Marijah Selbach, Beloit; Alexus Skocny, Belleville; Kassia Tauala-Kaharick, Junction City; Nicholas Titkemeier, Belleville; Mike Walker, Hardy, Neb.; Charley Watts, Beloit; Genelle Williamson, Minneapolis; Christine Zumbrunn, Americus.The Dane G. Hansen Foundation aspires to enhance the quality of life throughout rural communities in northwest Kansas. The Foundation strongly supports the continuing education of rural community members, and will award scholarships to those who are willing to work in the 26 county service area of northwest Kansas upon graduation. Those who receive this scholarship must be currently enrolled in the CCCC&nbsp;nursing&nbsp;program. The scholarship will cover tuition, fees, books, and some miscellaneous expenses.“We are extremely honored and grateful for the support of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation,” said Stefanie Perret, MSN, RN, director of&nbsp;nursing&nbsp;and allied health. “This scholarship fund helps support&nbsp;nursing&nbsp;education at Cloud County Community College fostering rural healthcare in our region.”

CCCC awards nursing scholarships

By EIAN PRACHT Smoky View 4-H Club reporter

Informative talks, vocal solos, instrumental ensembles, and demonstrations, oh my!&nbsp;

Members of the Smoky View 4-H Club were busy competing at the Central Kansas District (CKD) Club Days on Saturday, March 5. Members either submitted a video of their presentation or competed at the event in-person at Salina South Middle School.

Twelve members competed in 17 events, and five of those events qualified for the regional Club Day competition that will be on Saturday, March 26 in Clay Center.&nbsp;

Smoky View 4-H Club members also participated in the CKD 4-H Quiz Bowl on Saturday, Feb. 19 at the K-State Campus in Salina. Eleven club members competed with each other and against 4-H members from other district 4-H clubs. The club won second place in the competition.

On Feb. 27, the Smoky View 4-H Club found out what fair themes the Tri-Rivers Fair Board and Ottawa County Fair Board had chosen for the year. The Ottawa County Fair Board chose “Blue Jeans and Country Dreams” and the Tri-Rivers Fair Board chose the theme “Fancy Like… Fair Life!” The club learned this at its February club meeting held at the Salemsborg Fellowship Center and online.&nbsp;

At this meeting, club members who participated in this year’s CKD 4-H model meeting competition were awarded with blue ribbons. The club was able to move on to the regional model meeting competition.

Club members Eian Pracht, Maia Pracht, and Acacia Pracht presented a reading of a chapter of the book The Strange Case of Origami Yoda to the club.

The Smoky View 4-H Club plans to meet again on March 20 at the Salemsborg Fellowship Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647393840726.jpeg" alt="Smoky View 4-H Club members competed in the Central Kansas District 4-H Quiz Bowl at the K-State Salina campus on Feb. 19. Photo courtesy Eian Pracht" />
 <figcaption>Smoky View 4-H Club members competed in the Central Kansas District 4-H Quiz Bowl at the K-State Salina campus on Feb. 19. Photo courtesy Eian Pracht</figcaption>
 </figure>By EIAN PRACHT Smoky View 4-H Club reporter Informative talks, vocal solos, instrumental ensembles, and demonstrations, oh my!&nbsp;Members of the Smoky View 4-H Club were busy competing at the Central Kansas District (CKD) Club Days on Saturday, March 5. Members either submitted a video of their presentation or competed at the event in-person at Salina South Middle School.Twelve members competed in 17 events, and five of those events qualified for the regional Club Day competition that will be on Saturday, March 26 in Clay Center.&nbsp;Smoky View 4-H Club members also participated in the CKD 4-H Quiz Bowl on Saturday, Feb. 19 at the K-State Campus in Salina. Eleven club members competed with each other and against 4-H members from other district 4-H clubs. The club won second place in the competition.On Feb. 27, the Smoky View 4-H Club found out what fair themes the Tri-Rivers Fair Board and Ottawa County Fair Board had chosen for the year. The Ottawa County Fair Board chose “Blue Jeans and Country Dreams” and the Tri-Rivers Fair Board chose the theme “Fancy Like… Fair Life!” The club learned this at its February club meeting held at the Salemsborg Fellowship Center and online.&nbsp;At this meeting, club members who participated in this year’s CKD 4-H model meeting competition were awarded with blue ribbons. The club was able to move on to the regional model meeting competition.Club members Eian Pracht, Maia Pracht, and Acacia Pracht presented a reading of a chapter of the book The Strange Case of Origami Yoda to the club.The Smoky View 4-H Club plans to meet again on March 20 at the Salemsborg Fellowship Center.

Smoky View 4-H Club members compete in District Club Days, Quiz Bowl 

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after a traffic stop.

Just after 2:30 p.m. Monday, a sheriff's deputy stopped a red Dodge Dakota in the 300 block of NW 40th Road, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as 51-year-old Michael “Spike” Croslin of Great Bend.

Further investigation revealed Croslin was in possession of several controlled substances. Sheriff’s deputies discovered suspected methamphetamine, crack cocaine, LSD and fentanyl.

Deputies transported Croslin to the Barton County Jail without incident where he was booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of hallucinogenic drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while revoked. Croslin is being held in lieu of a $100,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647373739624.jpeg" alt="Croslin-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Croslin-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after a traffic stop.Just after 2:30 p.m. Monday, a sheriff's deputy stopped a red Dodge Dakota in the 300 block of NW 40th Road, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.The driver of the vehicle was identified as 51-year-old Michael “Spike” Croslin of Great Bend.Further investigation revealed Croslin was in possession of several controlled substances. Sheriff’s deputies discovered suspected methamphetamine, crack cocaine, LSD and fentanyl.Deputies transported Croslin to the Barton County Jail without incident where he was booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of hallucinogenic drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while revoked. Croslin is being held in lieu of a $100,000 bond.

Kan. deputy finds fentanyl and LSD during traffic stop

Today is Tuesday, March 15, the 74th day of 2022. There are 291 days left in the year.

On March 15, 44 B.C., Roman dictator Julius Caesar was assassinated by a group of nobles that included Brutus and Cassius.

In 1493, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus arrived back in the Spanish harbor of Palos de la Frontera, two months after concluding his first voyage to the Western Hemisphere.

In 1917, Czar Nicholas II abdicated in favor of his brother, Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovich, who declined the crown, marking the end of imperial rule in Russia.

In 1919, members of the American Expeditionary Force from World War I convened in Paris for a three-day meeting to found the American Legion.

In 1944, during World War II, Allied bombers again raided German-held Monte Cassino.

In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson, addressing a joint session of Congress, called for new legislation to guarantee every American's right to vote; the result was passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

In 1972, "The Godfather," Francis Ford Coppola's epic gangster movie based on the Mario Puzo novel and starring Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, premiered in New York.

In 1977, the situation comedy "Three's Company," starring John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers, premiered on ABC-TV.

In 2005, former WorldCom chief Bernard Ebbers was convicted in New York of engineering the largest corporate fraud in U.S. history. (He was later sentenced to 25 years in prison.)

In 2011, the Syrian civil war had its beginnings with Arab Spring protests across the region that turned into an armed insurgency and eventually became a full-blown conflict.

In 2019, a gunman killed 51 people at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, streaming the massacre live on Facebook. (Brenton Tarrant, an Australian white supremacist, was sentenced to life in prison without parole after pleading guilty to 51 counts of murder and other charges.)

<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 Tuesday, March 15, the 74th day of 2022. There are 291 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On March 15, 44 B.C., Roman dictator Julius Caesar was assassinated by a group of nobles that included Brutus and Cassius.On this date:In 1493, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus arrived back in the Spanish harbor of Palos de la Frontera, two months after concluding his first voyage to the Western Hemisphere.In 1820, Maine became the 23rd state.In 1917, Czar Nicholas II abdicated in favor of his brother, Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovich, who declined the crown, marking the end of imperial rule in Russia.In 1919, members of the American Expeditionary Force from World War I convened in Paris for a three-day meeting to found the American Legion.In 1944, during World War II, Allied bombers again raided German-held Monte Cassino.In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson, addressing a joint session of Congress, called for new legislation to guarantee every American's right to vote; the result was passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.In 1972, "The Godfather," Francis Ford Coppola's epic gangster movie based on the Mario Puzo novel and starring Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, premiered in New York.In 1977, the situation comedy "Three's Company," starring John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers, premiered on ABC-TV.In 2005, former WorldCom chief Bernard Ebbers was convicted in New York of engineering the largest corporate fraud in U.S. history. (He was later sentenced to 25 years in prison.)In 2011, the Syrian civil war had its beginnings with Arab Spring protests across the region that turned into an armed insurgency and eventually became a full-blown conflict.In 2019, a gunman killed 51 people at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, streaming the massacre live on Facebook. (Brenton Tarrant, an Australian white supremacist, was sentenced to life in prison without parole after pleading guilty to 51 counts of murder and other charges.)In 2020, the Federal Reserve took massive emergency action to help the economy withstand the coronavirus by slashing its benchmark interest rate to near zero and saying it would buy $700 billion in treasury and mortgage bonds. After initially trying to keep schools open, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said the nation's largest public school system would close in hopes of curbing the spread of the coronavirus.Ten years ago: Convicted former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich walked into a federal prison in Colorado, where the 55-year-old Democrat began serving a 14-year sentence for corruption. (He was released in February 2020 after President Donald Trump commuted his sentence.) The American campaign in Afghanistan suffered a double blow as the Taliban broke off talks with the U.S., and President Hamid Karzai said NATO should pull out of rural areas and speed up the transfer of security responsibilities to Afghan forces nationwide.Five years ago: President Donald Trump, speaking in Ypsilanti, Michigan, announced that his administration would re-examine federal requirements governing the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks, moving forcefully against Obama-era environmental regulations that Trump said were stifling economic growth; Trump then flew to Nashville to lay a wreath at the tomb of President Andrew Jackson. For the second time, a federal court blocked Trump's efforts to freeze immigration by refugees and citizens of some predominantly Muslim nations.One year ago: A poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 42% of Republicans said they probably or definitely would not be vaccinated against COVID, compared with 17% of Democrats. The Senate confirmed New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland as interior secretary, making her the first Native American to lead a Cabinet department. Academy Award nominees included two female directors for the first time, Emerald Fennell for "Promising Young Woman" and Chloé Zhao (the eventual winner) for "Nomadland." Actor Yaphet Kotto, whose films included "Midnight Run," the James Bond movie "Live and Let Die" and "Alien," died in the Philippines at 81.Today's Birthdays: Actor Judd Hirsch is 87. Jazz musician Charles Lloyd is 84. Rock musician Phil Lesh is 82. Singer Mike Love (The Beach Boys) is 81. Rock singer-musician Sly Stone is 79. Rock singer-musician Howard Scott (War; Lowrider Band) is 76. Rock singer Ry Cooder is 75. Actor Frances Conroy is 69. Actor Craig Wasson is 68. Rock singer Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) is 67. Actor Joaquim de Almeida is 65. Actor Park Overall is 65. Movie director Renny Harlin is 63. Model Fabio is 61. Singer Terence Trent D'Arby (AKA Sananda Maitreya) is 60. Rock singer Bret Michaels (Poison) is 59. R&amp;B singer Rockwell is 58. Actor Chris Bruno is 56. Actor Kim Raver is 55. Rock singer Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray) is 54. Rock musician Mark Hoppus is 50. Country singer-musician Matt Thomas (Parmalee) is 48. Actor Eva Longoria is 47. Rapper-musician will.i.am (Black Eyed Peas) is 47. Rock DJ Joseph Hahn (Linkin Park) is 45. Rapper Young Buck is 41. Actor Sean Biggerstaff is 39. Actor Kellan Lutz is 37. Actor Caitlin Wachs is 33.