By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-02-09/a-kansas-principal-shared-a-video-about-speaking-up-against-racism-he-was-ordered-to-apologize">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA&nbsp;— A Kansas high school principal was forced to apologize for showing a video about white privilege during an employee meeting.

Tim
 Hamblin, principal at Derby High School, shared a four-minute video 
during a staff in-service day last month that featured Black author Joy 
DeGruy. In it, the author relates a story about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf9QBnPK6Yg" target="_blank">being treated differently at a store</a> because of her race, and how a lighter-skinned family member spoke up for her.

“She
 used her white privilege to educate and make right a situation that was
 wrong,” DeGruy says in the 2011 video. “That’s what you can do every 
single day.”

Members of the Derby High girls basketball team were 
shown the same video in response to race-based comments made toward some
 team members on social media late last year.

Hamblin shared the 
video with staff members in January so they would be aware of what the 
students had seen, he explained in the email.

A teacher who 
attended the meeting told a Derby school board member the video was 
offensive and created a hostile work environment. The board member then 
directed Hamblin to apologize for showing it.

“The point was 
nothing more than to share what some of our kids were dealing with and 
one thing that they would see to try and help them get through it,” 
Hamblin said in the email.

“I apologize to anyone that felt the 
video or its content which reference white privilege made them feel 
uncomfortable, awkward, harassed, or that it created a hostile work 
environment.”

Hamblin declined to comment for this story.

Superintendent
 Heather Bohaty “is aware of the email you’re referencing and didn’t 
have further details or comments to share,” said district spokeswoman 
Katie Carlson in an email.

“The (school) Board as a whole had made
 no directive regarding specific videos or teaching materials of this 
type,” Carlson said.

School board president Michael Blankenship would not say which board member contacted Hamblin.

“This
 email was intended between him and his staff,” Blankenship said in an 
email to KMUW. “We respect the opinions and views of all our staff and 
work to maintain an environment where we support all students and 
staff.”

The episode illustrates an <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-12-13/conservatives-see-critical-race-theory-in-anti-racist-schooling-and-they-want-it-gone-from-kansas" target="_blank">ongoing debate over lessons about racism</a>
 and discrimination in Kansas schools. Critics say schools’ efforts to 
promote diversity can breed white guilt and accelerate racial conflict.

During
 a recent discussion about critical race theory in the Kansas 
Legislature, Rep. Patrick Penn, a Republican from Wichita, decried some 
school districts’ efforts to promote anti-racism.

“They reject 
wholeheartedly the theory or the notion of colorblindness. … They look 
at everything through a racial lens,” Penn said.

Tamara Seyler-James, a parent in the Blue Valley school district, also objected to themes of implicit bias or white privilege.

Public
 schools “drive the conversation exclusively toward the topic of … 
whites behaving badly, as opposed to balancing the equation and stating 
that everybody, no matter their skin color, is human, and is flawed and 
could commit the sin of bias and racism,” Seyler-James said. “I find 
that problematic.”

A conservative majority was elected to the Derby school board in November.

Blankenship, the board president, was one of two parents to <a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/local/education/article251170139.html" target="_blank">sue the Derby district</a> over its mask requirement. As one of its first orders of business last month, the Derby board <a href="http://www.derbyinformer.com/news/derby_news/derby-school-board-strips-covid-mask-mandate/article_e010225e-72ec-11ec-ab1f-a34405a0a980.html" target="_blank">eliminated any mask mandates</a>.

In
 a post on his campaign Facebook page in October, Blankenship listed 
“items and issues that have come to my attention by members of our 
community, parents and teachers.”

The list includes “CRT in school
 curriculum / changing or skewing historical facts about the foundation 
of our country” and “parents being limited or prevented in speaking out 
to school board members or meetings.”

In
 the video shared in Derby, DeGruy, who is Black, talks about being in a
 grocery store with her biracial sister-in-law, who looks “whiter than 
most white folks.”

The sister-in-law writes a check for her 
groceries without incident. Immediately after that, DeGruy writes a 
check and is asked for two forms of identification. Then the cashier 
“pulls out the ‘bad check’ book” and searches it for DeGruy’s license.

“I’m
 standing there trying to decide what to do, and it’s really deeply 
humiliating,” DeGruy says in the video. “My sister-in-law walks back 
over, and she steps in, and she says, ‘Excuse me, why are you doing 
this?’”

The sister-in-law points out inconsistencies to the cashier and then to the store manager.

“So
 you see, she used her white privilege,” DeGruy says. “And even though 
Kathleen is half black and half white, she recognizes what that means, 
and she made the statement. She pointed out the injustice and she, as a 
result of that one act, influenced everyone in that space.”

It’s 
unclear which Derby High staff member complained to school board members
 about the video. The board member told Hamblin the employee “feared 
retaliation for sharing their concerns,” he said in the email.

“I 
can guarantee there is not a single member(s) of this staff that can 
produce one piece of evidence I have ever retaliated against anyone as 
the Principal of Derby High School,” he added.

A letter supporting
 Hamblin circulated through Derby High School this week, as some 
teachers gathered signatures in hopes of sharing the letter with school 
board members.

“Mr. Hamblin at no time suggested that we were bad people nor did he call anyone out or try to shame anyone,” the letter says.

“On
 the contrary, he provided an outlet to discuss an issue that is at the 
forefront of our society right now. Derby has a checkered history 
handling race issues. … Mr. Hamblin has always done his best to help us 
recognize that there is a world outside our bubble of white privilege. 
It is time members of this board do the same.”

Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644504632159.png" alt="In a 2011 video, author Joy DeGruy relates a story about being treated differently at a store because of her race, and how a lighter-skinned family member spoke up for her. WorldTrustTV / YouTube" />
 <figcaption>In a 2011 video, author Joy DeGruy relates a story about being treated differently at a store because of her race, and how a lighter-skinned family member spoke up for her. WorldTrustTV / YouTube</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-02-09/a-kansas-principal-shared-a-video-about-speaking-up-against-racism-he-was-ordered-to-apologize">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA&nbsp;— A Kansas high school principal was forced to apologize for showing a video about white privilege during an employee meeting.Tim
 Hamblin, principal at Derby High School, shared a four-minute video 
during a staff in-service day last month that featured Black author Joy 
DeGruy. In it, the author relates a story about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf9QBnPK6Yg" target="_blank">being treated differently at a store</a> because of her race, and how a lighter-skinned family member spoke up for her.“She
 used her white privilege to educate and make right a situation that was
 wrong,” DeGruy says in the 2011 video. “That’s what you can do every 
single day.”Members of the Derby High girls basketball team were 
shown the same video in response to race-based comments made toward some
 team members on social media late last year.Hamblin shared the 
video with staff members in January so they would be aware of what the 
students had seen, he explained in the email.A teacher who 
attended the meeting told a Derby school board member the video was 
offensive and created a hostile work environment. The board member then 
directed Hamblin to apologize for showing it.“The point was 
nothing more than to share what some of our kids were dealing with and 
one thing that they would see to try and help them get through it,” 
Hamblin said in the email.“I apologize to anyone that felt the 
video or its content which reference white privilege made them feel 
uncomfortable, awkward, harassed, or that it created a hostile work 
environment.”Hamblin declined to comment for this story.Superintendent
 Heather Bohaty “is aware of the email you’re referencing and didn’t 
have further details or comments to share,” said district spokeswoman 
Katie Carlson in an email.“The (school) Board as a whole had made
 no directive regarding specific videos or teaching materials of this 
type,” Carlson said.School board president Michael Blankenship would not say which board member contacted Hamblin.“This
 email was intended between him and his staff,” Blankenship said in an 
email to KMUW. “We respect the opinions and views of all our staff and 
work to maintain an environment where we support all students and 
staff.”<h2>A larger debate</h2>The episode illustrates an <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-12-13/conservatives-see-critical-race-theory-in-anti-racist-schooling-and-they-want-it-gone-from-kansas" target="_blank">ongoing debate over lessons about racism</a>
 and discrimination in Kansas schools. Critics say schools’ efforts to 
promote diversity can breed white guilt and accelerate racial conflict.During
 a recent discussion about critical race theory in the Kansas 
Legislature, Rep. Patrick Penn, a Republican from Wichita, decried some 
school districts’ efforts to promote anti-racism.“They reject 
wholeheartedly the theory or the notion of colorblindness. … They look 
at everything through a racial lens,” Penn said.Tamara Seyler-James, a parent in the Blue Valley school district, also objected to themes of implicit bias or white privilege.Public
 schools “drive the conversation exclusively toward the topic of … 
whites behaving badly, as opposed to balancing the equation and stating 
that everybody, no matter their skin color, is human, and is flawed and 
could commit the sin of bias and racism,” Seyler-James said. “I find 
that problematic.”A conservative majority was elected to the Derby school board in November.Blankenship, the board president, was one of two parents to <a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/local/education/article251170139.html" target="_blank">sue the Derby district</a> over its mask requirement. As one of its first orders of business last month, the Derby board <a href="http://www.derbyinformer.com/news/derby_news/derby-school-board-strips-covid-mask-mandate/article_e010225e-72ec-11ec-ab1f-a34405a0a980.html" target="_blank">eliminated any mask mandates</a>.In
 a post on his campaign Facebook page in October, Blankenship listed 
“items and issues that have come to my attention by members of our 
community, parents and teachers.”The list includes “CRT in school
 curriculum / changing or skewing historical facts about the foundation 
of our country” and “parents being limited or prevented in speaking out 
to school board members or meetings.”<h2>Pointing out injustice</h2>In
 the video shared in Derby, DeGruy, who is Black, talks about being in a
 grocery store with her biracial sister-in-law, who looks “whiter than 
most white folks.”The sister-in-law writes a check for her 
groceries without incident. Immediately after that, DeGruy writes a 
check and is asked for two forms of identification. Then the cashier 
“pulls out the ‘bad check’ book” and searches it for DeGruy’s license.“I’m
 standing there trying to decide what to do, and it’s really deeply 
humiliating,” DeGruy says in the video. “My sister-in-law walks back 
over, and she steps in, and she says, ‘Excuse me, why are you doing 
this?’”The sister-in-law points out inconsistencies to the cashier and then to the store manager.“So
 you see, she used her white privilege,” DeGruy says. “And even though 
Kathleen is half black and half white, she recognizes what that means, 
and she made the statement. She pointed out the injustice and she, as a 
result of that one act, influenced everyone in that space.”It’s 
unclear which Derby High staff member complained to school board members
 about the video. The board member told Hamblin the employee “feared 
retaliation for sharing their concerns,” he said in the email.“I 
can guarantee there is not a single member(s) of this staff that can 
produce one piece of evidence I have ever retaliated against anyone as 
the Principal of Derby High School,” he added.A letter supporting
 Hamblin circulated through Derby High School this week, as some 
teachers gathered signatures in hopes of sharing the letter with school 
board members.“Mr. Hamblin at no time suggested that we were bad people nor did he call anyone out or try to shame anyone,” the letter says.“On
 the contrary, he provided an outlet to discuss an issue that is at the 
forefront of our society right now. Derby has a checkered history 
handling race issues. … Mr. Hamblin has always done his best to help us 
recognize that there is a world outside our bubble of white privilege. 
It is time members of this board do the same.”Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

Kan. principal ordered to apologize for showing video on racism

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

Just after 11p.m. April 10, 2021, police were dispatched to the 3600 block of E Harry for a sexual assault report, according to Officer Trevor Macy. 

&nbsp;A 15-year-old reported being sexually assaulted. After police obtained further evidence, police identified 44-year-old Sean Bird as a suspect. 

Just after 6a.m. Tuesday police contacted Bird in the 6100 block of S. Kansas in Wichita and took him into custody. He was transported to the Sedgwick County Jail and booked on three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644440453812.png" alt="Bird-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Bird-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.Just after 11p.m. April 10, 2021, police were dispatched to the 3600 block of E Harry for a sexual assault report, according to Officer Trevor Macy. &nbsp;A 15-year-old reported being sexually assaulted. After police obtained further evidence, police identified 44-year-old Sean Bird as a suspect. Just after 6a.m. Tuesday police contacted Bird in the 6100 block of S. Kansas in Wichita and took him into custody. He was transported to the Sedgwick County Jail and booked on three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

Police: Kan. man accused in April sex assault of 15-year-old

Today is Thursday, Feb. 10, the 41st day of 2022. There are 324 days left in the year. 

On Feb. 10, 1962, the Soviet Union exchanged captured American U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers for Rudolf Abel, a Soviet spy held by the United States. 

In 1763, Britain, Spain and France signed the Treaty of Paris, ending the Seven Years' War (also known as the French and Indian War in North America). 

In 1840, Britain's Queen Victoria married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. 

In 1936, Nazi Germany's Reichstag passed a law investing the Gestapo secret police with absolute authority, exempt from any legal review. 

In 1959, a major tornado tore through the St. Louis area, killing 21 people and causing heavy damage. 

In 1967, the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, dealing with presidential disability and succession, was ratified as Minnesota and Nevada adopted it. 

In 1981, eight people were killed when a fire set by a busboy broke out at the Las Vegas Hilton hotel-casino. 

In 1989, Ron Brown was elected the first Black chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

In 1992, boxer Mike Tyson was convicted in Indianapolis of raping Desiree Washington, a Miss Black America contestant. (Tyson served three years in prison.) "Roots" author Alex Haley died in Seattle at age 70. 

In 1996, world chess champion Garry Kasparov lost the first game of a match in Philadelphia against an IBM computer dubbed "Deep Blue." (Kasparov ended up winning the match, 4 games to 2; he was defeated by Deep Blue in a rematch the following year.)

In 2005, North Korea boasted publicly for the first time that it possessed nuclear weapons. 

In 2015, NBC announced it was suspending Brian Williams as "Nightly News" anchor and managing editor for six months without pay for misleading the public about his experiences covering the Iraq War. Jon Stewart announced he would step down as host of "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central later in the year. 

In 2020, U.S. health officials confirmed the first case of the novel coronavirus among the hundreds of people who'd been evacuated from China to military bases in the United States; it was among the 13 confirmed cases in the U.S. Britain declared the new coronavirus a "serious and imminent threat to public health" and said people with the virus could now be forcibly quarantined. 

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama, under fierce election-year fire, abruptly abandoned his stand that religious organizations had to pay for birth control for workers, demanding that insurance companies step in to provide the coverage instead.

Five years ago: President Donald Trump, fresh off patching up ties with China, reassured Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the White House that the U.S. would defend its close ally. Retired Lt. Gen. Harold G. "Hal" Moore, the American hero known for saving most of his men in the 1965 Battle of Ia Drang during the Vietnam War, died in Auburn, Alabama, at age 94. Billionaire businessman Mike Ilitch, who founded the Little Caesars pizza empire before buying the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Tigers, died at age 87.

One year ago: At the Senate impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, Democrats presented security footage, social media videos, police radio calls and Trump's own Twitter posts to argue that he stoked the flames of violence, incited the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol and failed to act quickly to send help or call his supporters off. A new government study found that wearing two masks could be better than one in protecting against coronavirus spread; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said lab researchers found that particles were blocked twice as much when two masks were worn. Larry Flynt, who turned his raunchy Hustler magazine into an empire while fighting numerous First Amendment court battles, died at 78 in Los Angeles.

Today's Birthdays: Opera singer Leontyne Price is 95. Actor Robert Wagner is 92. Singer Roberta Flack is 85. Singer Jimmy Merchant (Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers) is 82. Rock musician Bob Spalding (The Ventures) is 75. Olympic gold-medal swimmer Mark Spitz is 72. Walt Disney Co. executive Robert Iger is 71. Rock musician and composer Cory Lerios (Pablo Cruise) is 71. World Golf Hall of Famer Greg Norman is 67. Actor Kathleen Beller is 66. Country singer Lionel Cartwright is 62. Movie director Alexander Payne is 61. ABC News correspondent George Stephanopoulos is 61. Political commentator Glenn Beck is 58. Actor Laura Dern is 55. Writer-producer-director Vince Gilligan (TV: "Breaking Bad") is 55. Country singer Dude Mowrey is 50. Actor Jason Olive is 50. Actor Elizabeth Banks is 48. Actor Julia Pace Mitchell is 44. Reggaeton singer Don Omar is 44. Actor Uzo Aduba is 41. Actor Stephanie Beatriz is 41. Actor Max Brown is 41. Actor Barry Sloane is 41. Rock singer Eric Dill is 40. Actor Trevante Rhodes is 32. Actor Emma Roberts is 31. Actor Makenzie Vega is 28. Actor Chloe Grace Moretz is 25. Actor Yara Shahidi is 22.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Thursday, Feb. 10, the 41st day of 2022. There are 324 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Feb. 10, 1962, the Soviet Union exchanged captured American U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers for Rudolf Abel, a Soviet spy held by the United States. On this date: In 1763, Britain, Spain and France signed the Treaty of Paris, ending the Seven Years' War (also known as the French and Indian War in North America). In 1840, Britain's Queen Victoria married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. In 1936, Nazi Germany's Reichstag passed a law investing the Gestapo secret police with absolute authority, exempt from any legal review. In 1959, a major tornado tore through the St. Louis area, killing 21 people and causing heavy damage. In 1967, the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, dealing with presidential disability and succession, was ratified as Minnesota and Nevada adopted it. In 1981, eight people were killed when a fire set by a busboy broke out at the Las Vegas Hilton hotel-casino. In 1989, Ron Brown was elected the first Black chairman of the Democratic National Committee.In 1992, boxer Mike Tyson was convicted in Indianapolis of raping Desiree Washington, a Miss Black America contestant. (Tyson served three years in prison.) "Roots" author Alex Haley died in Seattle at age 70. In 1996, world chess champion Garry Kasparov lost the first game of a match in Philadelphia against an IBM computer dubbed "Deep Blue." (Kasparov ended up winning the match, 4 games to 2; he was defeated by Deep Blue in a rematch the following year.)In 2005, North Korea boasted publicly for the first time that it possessed nuclear weapons. In 2015, NBC announced it was suspending Brian Williams as "Nightly News" anchor and managing editor for six months without pay for misleading the public about his experiences covering the Iraq War. Jon Stewart announced he would step down as host of "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central later in the year. In 2020, U.S. health officials confirmed the first case of the novel coronavirus among the hundreds of people who'd been evacuated from China to military bases in the United States; it was among the 13 confirmed cases in the U.S. Britain declared the new coronavirus a "serious and imminent threat to public health" and said people with the virus could now be forcibly quarantined. Ten years ago: President Barack Obama, under fierce election-year fire, abruptly abandoned his stand that religious organizations had to pay for birth control for workers, demanding that insurance companies step in to provide the coverage instead.Five years ago: President Donald Trump, fresh off patching up ties with China, reassured Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the White House that the U.S. would defend its close ally. Retired Lt. Gen. Harold G. "Hal" Moore, the American hero known for saving most of his men in the 1965 Battle of Ia Drang during the Vietnam War, died in Auburn, Alabama, at age 94. Billionaire businessman Mike Ilitch, who founded the Little Caesars pizza empire before buying the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Tigers, died at age 87.One year ago: At the Senate impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, Democrats presented security footage, social media videos, police radio calls and Trump's own Twitter posts to argue that he stoked the flames of violence, incited the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol and failed to act quickly to send help or call his supporters off. A new government study found that wearing two masks could be better than one in protecting against coronavirus spread; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said lab researchers found that particles were blocked twice as much when two masks were worn. Larry Flynt, who turned his raunchy Hustler magazine into an empire while fighting numerous First Amendment court battles, died at 78 in Los Angeles.Today's Birthdays: Opera singer Leontyne Price is 95. Actor Robert Wagner is 92. Singer Roberta Flack is 85. Singer Jimmy Merchant (Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers) is 82. Rock musician Bob Spalding (The Ventures) is 75. Olympic gold-medal swimmer Mark Spitz is 72. Walt Disney Co. executive Robert Iger is 71. Rock musician and composer Cory Lerios (Pablo Cruise) is 71. World Golf Hall of Famer Greg Norman is 67. Actor Kathleen Beller is 66. Country singer Lionel Cartwright is 62. Movie director Alexander Payne is 61. ABC News correspondent George Stephanopoulos is 61. Political commentator Glenn Beck is 58. Actor Laura Dern is 55. Writer-producer-director Vince Gilligan (TV: "Breaking Bad") is 55. Country singer Dude Mowrey is 50. Actor Jason Olive is 50. Actor Elizabeth Banks is 48. Actor Julia Pace Mitchell is 44. Reggaeton singer Don Omar is 44. Actor Uzo Aduba is 41. Actor Stephanie Beatriz is 41. Actor Max Brown is 41. Actor Barry Sloane is 41. Rock singer Eric Dill is 40. Actor Trevante Rhodes is 32. Actor Emma Roberts is 31. Actor Makenzie Vega is 28. Actor Chloe Grace Moretz is 25. Actor Yara Shahidi is 22.

Today in History - Feb. 10

<a href="https://www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com/obituary/MendleLindy-Lindblad">Obituary for Mendle "Lindy" D. Lindblad | Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home (tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com)</a>

June 30, 1929 ~ February 7, 2022 (age 92)

Mendle “Lindy” DelVon Lindblad passed away on February 7, 2022 in Belleville, KS. &nbsp;Lindy was born on the family&nbsp;farm in Republic County, KS,&nbsp;on June 30, 1929. &nbsp;He was the youngest&nbsp;of five children born to&nbsp;John Emil and Anna&nbsp;Sandell&nbsp;Lindblad. &nbsp;

Lindy celebrated his 92nd birthday last June at the Belleville Health Care Center where he had been a resident since 2013.&nbsp; He attended the&nbsp;Courtland school system, graduating from high school in 1947. &nbsp; He&nbsp;was very proud of his Swedish heritage. &nbsp;&nbsp;

He so enjoyed talking, working and socializing with his many friends and acquaintances in Republic County. &nbsp;Lindy was a faithful lifelong member of the Ada Lutheran Church in&nbsp;Courtland (Kackley&nbsp;Community), KS.

Lindy lived in Republic County his entire life, with the exception of his Army military service starting in 1951. &nbsp; After his father’s death, he was his mother’s sole caregiver until her death in 1980. &nbsp; Lindy worked as a butcher in north central Kansas for many years. &nbsp;He eventually owned and operated his own grocery store in Courtland, KS, “Lindy’s Market.”&nbsp; &nbsp;Prior to his retirement on November 2012,&nbsp;he worked for Pawnee Mental Health Services, in Concordia, KS as a van driver. &nbsp;

Lindy frequently volunteered for many community events, including the annual sausage making fundraiser at the Ada Lutheran Church.

Lindy is preceded in death by his parents, all four of his siblings, brother Ercel, and sisters Emmeline, Eleanor, and &nbsp;Anona (Toni) Kyle. &nbsp;Until health issues restricted his driving, he made frequent visits &nbsp;to his sister’s and brother-in-law’s home in Salina, KS. 

For decades&nbsp;Lindy participated in family holiday dinners at&nbsp; his niece’s, Marcia (Kyle) Rinehart. Marcia and her family hosted many beautiful holiday dinners in Leawood, Kansas. Lindy so enjoyed engaging with his family during these special times and brought gifts of wine and some incredible herring. He is also survived by his nephew, Dana Kyle, formerly of Manhattan, KS.

Lindy (Del to his immediate family) will be remembered for his very tall, strong physique, his easy smile, and his engaging conversation. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at both the Belleville Health Care Center and the Belleville Hospital for the many years of professional and loving care they provided to Lindy. &nbsp;Lindy greatly appreciated the many acts of kindness over the years from his relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be at the Ada Lutheran Church, rural Courtland, Kansas,&nbsp;on Friday, February 11, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. burial will follow at the church cemetery. The services will be recorded, and available on the funeral home website for family and friends unable to attend the services.

Friends may sign Lindy’s book at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home on Thursday, February 10, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. where Lindy will lie in state.&nbsp;

Memorials are requested the church, and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mendle "Lindy" D. Lindblad, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com/obituary/MendleLindy-Lindblad/sympathy">floral store.</a>

<h2>Mendle 'Lindy' D. Lindblad, Courtland</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644461579264.png" alt="Mendle Lindy D. Lindblad.png" />
 <figcaption>Mendle Lindy D. Lindblad.png</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com/obituary/MendleLindy-Lindblad">Obituary for Mendle "Lindy" D. Lindblad | Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home (tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com)</a>June 30, 1929 ~ February 7, 2022 (age 92)Mendle “Lindy” DelVon Lindblad passed away on February 7, 2022 in Belleville, KS. &nbsp;Lindy was born on the family&nbsp;farm in Republic County, KS,&nbsp;on June 30, 1929. &nbsp;He was the youngest&nbsp;of five children born to&nbsp;John Emil and Anna&nbsp;Sandell&nbsp;Lindblad. &nbsp;Lindy celebrated his 92nd birthday last June at the Belleville Health Care Center where he had been a resident since 2013.&nbsp; He attended the&nbsp;Courtland school system, graduating from high school in 1947. &nbsp; He&nbsp;was very proud of his Swedish heritage. &nbsp;&nbsp;He so enjoyed talking, working and socializing with his many friends and acquaintances in Republic County. &nbsp;Lindy was a faithful lifelong member of the Ada Lutheran Church in&nbsp;Courtland (Kackley&nbsp;Community), KS.Lindy lived in Republic County his entire life, with the exception of his Army military service starting in 1951. &nbsp; After his father’s death, he was his mother’s sole caregiver until her death in 1980. &nbsp; Lindy worked as a butcher in north central Kansas for many years. &nbsp;He eventually owned and operated his own grocery store in Courtland, KS, “Lindy’s Market.”&nbsp; &nbsp;Prior to his retirement on November 2012,&nbsp;he worked for Pawnee Mental Health Services, in Concordia, KS as a van driver. &nbsp;Lindy frequently volunteered for many community events, including the annual sausage making fundraiser at the Ada Lutheran Church.Lindy is preceded in death by his parents, all four of his siblings, brother Ercel, and sisters Emmeline, Eleanor, and &nbsp;Anona (Toni) Kyle. &nbsp;Until health issues restricted his driving, he made frequent visits &nbsp;to his sister’s and brother-in-law’s home in Salina, KS. For decades&nbsp;Lindy participated in family holiday dinners at&nbsp; his niece’s, Marcia (Kyle) Rinehart. Marcia and her family hosted many beautiful holiday dinners in Leawood, Kansas. Lindy so enjoyed engaging with his family during these special times and brought gifts of wine and some incredible herring. He is also survived by his nephew, Dana Kyle, formerly of Manhattan, KS.Lindy (Del to his immediate family) will be remembered for his very tall, strong physique, his easy smile, and his engaging conversation. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at both the Belleville Health Care Center and the Belleville Hospital for the many years of professional and loving care they provided to Lindy. &nbsp;Lindy greatly appreciated the many acts of kindness over the years from his relatives and friends.Funeral Services will be at the Ada Lutheran Church, rural Courtland, Kansas,&nbsp;on Friday, February 11, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. burial will follow at the church cemetery. The services will be recorded, and available on the funeral home website for family and friends unable to attend the services.Friends may sign Lindy’s book at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home on Thursday, February 10, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. where Lindy will lie in state.&nbsp;Memorials are requested the church, and may be sent in care of the funeral home.Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com.To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mendle "Lindy" D. Lindblad, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com/obituary/MendleLindy-Lindblad/sympathy">floral store.</a>

Mendle 'Lindy' D. Lindblad

RILEY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) on Wednesday shared additional information related to the homicide and officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday, Feb. 5 in Manhattan.

Tremelle R. Montgomery, 19, of Fort Riley, was released from Stormont Vail hospital in Topeka on Wednesday, and then immediately transported to the Riley County Jail. He was booked into jail at around 3:40 p.m. for first-degree murder, and three counts of attempted first-degree murder related to the shooting where Joshua Wardi was killed.

Charges have not yet been determined related to the subsequent officer-involved shooting incident.

The investigation is ongoing. Once completed the findings will be presented to the Riley County Attorney for his determination of charges.

Nothing further will be released at this time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644236764866.png" alt="KBI on the scene of the investigation photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>KBI on the scene of the investigation photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) on Wednesday shared additional information related to the homicide and officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday, Feb. 5 in Manhattan.Tremelle R. Montgomery, 19, of Fort Riley, was released from Stormont Vail hospital in Topeka on Wednesday, and then immediately transported to the Riley County Jail. He was booked into jail at around 3:40 p.m. for first-degree murder, and three counts of attempted first-degree murder related to the shooting where Joshua Wardi was killed.Charges have not yet been determined related to the subsequent officer-involved shooting incident.The investigation is ongoing. Once completed the findings will be presented to the Riley County Attorney for his determination of charges.Nothing further will be released at this time.

KBI updates officer-involved shooting, homicide in Manhattan

During its meeting Tuesday evening, the USD 305 Board of Education recognized two teachers who have demonstrated excellence during their first full year of teaching.

Following is information about the teachers as provided by the district.

2022 Elementary Horizon Award – Lindsey Chavez Fourth Grade Teacher, Sunset

Well into her second year at Sunset Elementary School, Chavez makes sure her fourth grade classroom is grounded in organization, calm and respect. On this foundation, she builds strong connections with her students.

In person and on Google Classroom, she has positive, uplifting conversations with students that help inspire them to work. 

Chavez explained, “The most beneficial thing you can do as an educator is to get to know your students and build a relationship. One of my favorite parts of teaching is getting to know my students’ backgrounds and interests.”

She incorporates high interest topics and highlights important events in her students’ lives. 

“I always wish them luck before a basketball tournament or ask them to tell me about a book they have been reading,” she said.

Her students feel included and important when she shares her kind sense of humor and takes the time for individual conversations.

When creating a learning plan for a student, Chavez never makes assumptions. 

“I pull from many sources; data, assessments, student input, teacher input, and parent input. Because each student’s needs are different, I create individualized plans and interventions,” Chavez said.

“I think recognizing individual growth is important for students to stay motivated,” she explained. “It’s inspiring for students to see where they started and how far they’ve come. She takes the time to acknowledge progress and celebrate success.

Chavez’s communication with parents and guardians is founded on the belief that parents and teachers are a team, working toward the same goal of student achievement. 

“Parents help you gain insights about their child that you may not see at school,” she said. 

Chavez makes it a priority to communicate frequently and to keep it timely. 

“Whether it is an event coming up or a paper I’m sending home, I make it a priority to keep my families in the loop about what is going on,” Chavez said.

2022 Secondary Horizon Award – Cole Dow Welding Instructor, Central High School

While it is just his second year of teaching high school students, Cole Dow’s teaching experience actually reaches back 25 years. He spent those years teaching welding in the military before joining Central High School. The resulting wealth of experience helps Dow smoothly blend real-world encounters with classroom learning. The result is students who are engaged and eager to get ready for the workforce.

Dow connects well with his students, providing structure and motivating them to raise their skills in preparation to join the industry. He creates a supportive classroom environment so his students are inspired to take a few risks, learn more and reach a little further.

In January, Dow took 13 students to the Missouri Welding Institute (MWI) to compete and learn. 

“Eight students came as observers and were able to grade the welds as an additional exercise to learn more about weld deficiencies and how to improve their own welding techniques. Five seniors were eligible to compete with Trevor Johnson of South High School placing 9th out of 400,” he said.

Dow knows that these opportunities help build students’ confidence and comfort with the real-life scenarios that they will encounter after graduation.

At the MWI competition, all the students participated in a job fair where they discussed career opportunities with national employers. 

“Our students were able to practice talking with future employers,” Dow explained. “Two students got an open offer of $28 per hour to start after they graduate.”

“In his second year of teaching, Cole has breathed new life into our welding program,” said Matt Brungardt, principal of Central High School. “The number of students taking welding is at an all-time high and we have an unprecedented interest in the program.”

During its meeting Tuesday evening, the USD 305 Board of Education recognized two teachers who have demonstrated excellence during their first full year of teaching.Following is information about the teachers as provided by the district.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644446507020.jpeg" alt="Lindsey Chavez. Photos courtesy USD 305" />
 <figcaption>Lindsey Chavez. Photos courtesy USD 305</figcaption>
 </figure>2022 Elementary Horizon Award – Lindsey Chavez Fourth Grade Teacher, SunsetWell into her second year at Sunset Elementary School, Chavez makes sure her fourth grade classroom is grounded in organization, calm and respect. On this foundation, she builds strong connections with her students.In person and on Google Classroom, she has positive, uplifting conversations with students that help inspire them to work. Chavez explained, “The most beneficial thing you can do as an educator is to get to know your students and build a relationship. One of my favorite parts of teaching is getting to know my students’ backgrounds and interests.”She incorporates high interest topics and highlights important events in her students’ lives. “I always wish them luck before a basketball tournament or ask them to tell me about a book they have been reading,” she said.Her students feel included and important when she shares her kind sense of humor and takes the time for individual conversations.When creating a learning plan for a student, Chavez never makes assumptions. “I pull from many sources; data, assessments, student input, teacher input, and parent input. Because each student’s needs are different, I create individualized plans and interventions,” Chavez said.“I think recognizing individual growth is important for students to stay motivated,” she explained. “It’s inspiring for students to see where they started and how far they’ve come. She takes the time to acknowledge progress and celebrate success.Chavez’s communication with parents and guardians is founded on the belief that parents and teachers are a team, working toward the same goal of student achievement. “Parents help you gain insights about their child that you may not see at school,” she said. Chavez makes it a priority to communicate frequently and to keep it timely. “Whether it is an event coming up or a paper I’m sending home, I make it a priority to keep my families in the loop about what is going on,” Chavez said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644446571907.jpeg" alt="Cole Dow" />
 <figcaption>Cole Dow</figcaption>
 </figure>2022 Secondary Horizon Award – Cole Dow Welding Instructor, Central High SchoolWhile it is just his second year of teaching high school students, Cole Dow’s teaching experience actually reaches back 25 years. He spent those years teaching welding in the military before joining Central High School. The resulting wealth of experience helps Dow smoothly blend real-world encounters with classroom learning. The result is students who are engaged and eager to get ready for the workforce.Dow connects well with his students, providing structure and motivating them to raise their skills in preparation to join the industry. He creates a supportive classroom environment so his students are inspired to take a few risks, learn more and reach a little further.In January, Dow took 13 students to the Missouri Welding Institute (MWI) to compete and learn. “Eight students came as observers and were able to grade the welds as an additional exercise to learn more about weld deficiencies and how to improve their own welding techniques. Five seniors were eligible to compete with Trevor Johnson of South High School placing 9th out of 400,” he said.Dow knows that these opportunities help build students’ confidence and comfort with the real-life scenarios that they will encounter after graduation.At the MWI competition, all the students participated in a job fair where they discussed career opportunities with national employers. “Our students were able to practice talking with future employers,” Dow explained. “Two students got an open offer of $28 per hour to start after they graduate.”“In his second year of teaching, Cole has breathed new life into our welding program,” said Matt Brungardt, principal of Central High School. “The number of students taking welding is at an all-time high and we have an unprecedented interest in the program.”

USD 305 board recognizes 2022 Horizon Teachers

BY JARED STRONG <a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/carroll-superintendent-no-litter-boxes-schools">States Newsroom</a>

CARROLL, Iowa — There are no litter boxes in the restrooms of the Carroll Community 
School District, its superintendent stressed, despite internet rumors 
that some schools are installing them for children who “identify” as 
cats.

“Staff members are not encouraging or accommodating anyone behaving 
or identifying as a cat or any other animal,” Superintendent Casey 
Berlau said Tuesday in a note to parents in the western Iowa district. 
“It is very unfortunate that this rumor has been spread over the last 
several weeks.”

His exasperated note came amid a heightened scrutiny of schools across the nation, where <a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2021/06/08/iowa-bans-divisive-concepts-from-diversity-trainings-school-curriculum/">curriculum about race</a> is being questioned and the recommendations of certain books might lead to <a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/briefs/bill-would-charge-teachers-administrators-with-serious-misdemeanor-for-obscene-content/">criminal prosecution</a>. Iowa lawmakers are also considering a requirement to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=89&amp;ba=HF2177">surveil teachers with cameras</a>.

The latest notion that schools would supply litter boxes for students
 who consider themselves cats is apparently rooted in an increasingly 
tolerant student culture for those that openly question their sexual 
identities and gender preferences.

“WARNING RANT!!!!” wrote Carroll resident Shelly Loew on Facebook, in
 a now-deleted Monday post of which Iowa Capital Dispatch obtained 
screenshots. “So 2 middle school kids are allowed to identify as cats 
and go to school? &amp; Now some schools are also allowing litter 
boxes??!!”

Loew did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article.

Her post elicited comments from a former Carroll school board 
president, Jen Munson, that “I warned people during the election about 
this type of stuff” and from an area resident, Tristan Hinners, who 
claimed that Des Moines has students who say they are a dog and a 
falcon.

“The one that identifies as a dog has to be taken outside to use the 
bathroom by a teacher..,” she wrote, “and the falcon screeches up and 
down the hallways.”

Phil Roeder, a spokesperson for Des Moines Public Schools, is aware 
of the swirling claims but said: “We have real education issues to deal 
with here. Litter box rumor control isn’t one of them.”

Berlau wrote that Carroll is not alone in Iowa in dispelling rumors of litter boxes in bathrooms. Indeed, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/23/us/politics/michigan-litter-box-school.html">schools in other states</a> have been forced to grapple with the perplexing notions.

“This issue gains negative attention because of its outrageousness,” Berlau wrote in his note to parents.

He did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article.

<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/02/09/carroll-superintendent-no-litter-boxes-in-schools/">Courtesy Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644438968621.png" alt="Unfounded rumors of cat litter boxes in school restrooms prompted a note to parents from one Iowa superintendent. (Photo by Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch)" />
 <figcaption>Unfounded rumors of cat litter boxes in school restrooms prompted a note to parents from one Iowa superintendent. (Photo by Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY JARED STRONG <a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/carroll-superintendent-no-litter-boxes-schools">States Newsroom</a>CARROLL, Iowa — There are no litter boxes in the restrooms of the Carroll Community 
School District, its superintendent stressed, despite internet rumors 
that some schools are installing them for children who “identify” as 
cats.“Staff members are not encouraging or accommodating anyone behaving 
or identifying as a cat or any other animal,” Superintendent Casey 
Berlau said Tuesday in a note to parents in the western Iowa district. 
“It is very unfortunate that this rumor has been spread over the last 
several weeks.”His exasperated note came amid a heightened scrutiny of schools across the nation, where <a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2021/06/08/iowa-bans-divisive-concepts-from-diversity-trainings-school-curriculum/">curriculum about race</a> is being questioned and the recommendations of certain books might lead to <a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/briefs/bill-would-charge-teachers-administrators-with-serious-misdemeanor-for-obscene-content/">criminal prosecution</a>. Iowa lawmakers are also considering a requirement to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=89&amp;ba=HF2177">surveil teachers with cameras</a>.The latest notion that schools would supply litter boxes for students
 who consider themselves cats is apparently rooted in an increasingly 
tolerant student culture for those that openly question their sexual 
identities and gender preferences.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644439063249.png" alt="A screenshot of a now-deleted Facebook post." />
 <figcaption>A screenshot of a now-deleted Facebook post.</figcaption>
 </figure>“WARNING RANT!!!!” wrote Carroll resident Shelly Loew on Facebook, in
 a now-deleted Monday post of which Iowa Capital Dispatch obtained 
screenshots. “So 2 middle school kids are allowed to identify as cats 
and go to school? &amp; Now some schools are also allowing litter 
boxes??!!”Loew did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article.Her post elicited comments from a former Carroll school board 
president, Jen Munson, that “I warned people during the election about 
this type of stuff” and from an area resident, Tristan Hinners, who 
claimed that Des Moines has students who say they are a dog and a 
falcon.“The one that identifies as a dog has to be taken outside to use the 
bathroom by a teacher..,” she wrote, “and the falcon screeches up and 
down the hallways.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644439096211.png" alt="A screenshot of a now-deleted Facebook post." />
 <figcaption>A screenshot of a now-deleted Facebook post.</figcaption>
 </figure>Phil Roeder, a spokesperson for Des Moines Public Schools, is aware 
of the swirling claims but said: “We have real education issues to deal 
with here. Litter box rumor control isn’t one of them.”Berlau wrote that Carroll is not alone in Iowa in dispelling rumors of litter boxes in bathrooms. Indeed, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/23/us/politics/michigan-litter-box-school.html">schools in other states</a> have been forced to grapple with the perplexing notions.“This issue gains negative attention because of its outrageousness,” Berlau wrote in his note to parents.He did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article.<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/02/09/carroll-superintendent-no-litter-boxes-in-schools/">Courtesy Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>

No, there are no litter boxes in Iowa schools for students identifying as cats

Today is Wednesday, Feb. 9, the 40th day of 2022. There are 325 days left in the year. 

On Feb. 9, 1971, a magnitude 6.6 earthquake in California's San Fernando Valley claimed 65 lives. The crew of Apollo 14 returned to Earth after man's third landing on the moon. 

In 1825, the House of Representatives elected John Quincy Adams president after no candidate received a majority of electoral votes. 

In 1942, the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff held its first formal meeting to coordinate military strategy during World War II. 

In 1943, the World War II battle of Guadalcanal in the southwest Pacific ended with an Allied victory over Japanese forces. 

In 1950, in a speech in Wheeling, West Virginia, Republican Sen. Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin charged that the State Department was riddled with Communists. 

In 1962, an agreement was signed to make Jamaica an independent nation within the British Commonwealth later in the year. 

In 1963, the Boeing 727 went on its first-ever flight as it took off from Renton, Washington.

In 1964, the Beatles made their first live American television appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show," broadcast from New York on CBS. The G.I. Joe action figure was introduced at the American International Toy Fair in New York.

In 1984, Soviet leader Yuri V. Andropov, 69, died 15 months after succeeding Leonid Brezhnev; he was followed by Konstantin U. Chernenko.

In 1986, during its latest visit to the solar system, Halley's Comet came closest to the sun (its next return will be in 2061). 

In 2002, Britain's Princess Margaret, sister of Queen Elizabeth II, died in London at age 71. 

In 2009, New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez admitted to taking performance-enhancing drugs, telling ESPN he'd used banned substances while with the Texas Rangers for three years.

In 2020, "Parasite," from South Korea, won the best picture Oscar, becoming the first foreign-language film to take home the biggest honor in film.

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama freed 10 states from some of the toughest requirements of the No Child Left Behind education law. The Pentagon formally opened thousands of jobs to women in units that were closer to the front lines than ever before. Former skiing champion Jill Kinmont Boothe, who became a painter and a teacher after she was paralyzed during a race and was the subject of a book and two Hollywood films, died in Carson City, Nevada, at 75.

Five years ago: A federal appeals court refused to reinstate President Donald Trump's ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations, unanimously rejecting the administration's claim of presidential authority, questioning its motives and concluding that the order was unlikely to survive legal challenges. Trump reaffirmed America's long-standing "one China" policy in a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, potentially alleviating concerns about a major shift in Washington's relations with Beijing.

One year ago: The Senate moved ahead with a second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, rejecting arguments that the chamber could not proceed because Trump was no longer in office. House prosecutors opened the trial with graphic video of the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and Trump's own calls for a rally crowd to march to the iconic building and "fight like hell" against his reelection defeat; Trump's lawyers insisted that his remarks were protected by the First Amendment. A team of international and Chinese scientists looking for the origins of COVID-19 said it most likely appeared in humans after jumping from an animal. Federal safety officials blamed the January 2020 helicopter crash that killed former NBA star Kobe Bryant and eight others on the pilot's decision to fly into clouds, where he became disoriented. Chick Corea, a jazz pianist who'd pushed the boundaries of the genre, died of cancer at 79.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Janet Suzman is 83. Nobel Prize-winning author J.M. Coetzee is 82. Actor-politician Sheila James Kuehl (TV: "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis") is 81. Singer-songwriter Carole King is 80. Actor Joe Pesci is 79. Singer Barbara Lewis is 79. Author Alice Walker is 78. Actor Mia Farrow is 77. Former Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., is 76. Singer Joe Ely is 75. Actor Judith Light is 73. Actor Charles Shaughnessy is 67. Actor Ed Amatrudo is 66. Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe is 65. Jazz musician Steve Wilson is 61. Country singer Travis Tritt is 59. Actor Julie Warner is 57. Country singer Danni Leigh is 52. Actor Sharon Case is 51. Actor Jason George is 50. Actor Amber Valletta is 48. Actor-producer Charlie Day is 46. Rock singer Chad Wolf (Carolina Liar) is 46. Actor A.J. Buckley is 45. Rock musician Richard On (O.A.R.) is 43. Actor Ziyi Zhang is 43. Olympic silver and bronze medal figure skater Irina Slutskaya is 43. Actor Tom Hiddleston is 41. Actor David Gallagher is 37. Actor Michael B. Jordan is 35. Actor Rose Leslie is 35. Actor Camille Winbush is 32. Actor Jimmy Bennett is 26. Actor Evan Roe (TV: "Madam Secretary") is 22.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Wednesday, Feb. 9, the 40th day of 2022. There are 325 days left in the year. Today's Highlights in History: On Feb. 9, 1971, a magnitude 6.6 earthquake in California's San Fernando Valley claimed 65 lives. The crew of Apollo 14 returned to Earth after man's third landing on the moon. On this date: In 1825, the House of Representatives elected John Quincy Adams president after no candidate received a majority of electoral votes. In 1942, the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff held its first formal meeting to coordinate military strategy during World War II. In 1943, the World War II battle of Guadalcanal in the southwest Pacific ended with an Allied victory over Japanese forces. In 1950, in a speech in Wheeling, West Virginia, Republican Sen. Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin charged that the State Department was riddled with Communists. In 1962, an agreement was signed to make Jamaica an independent nation within the British Commonwealth later in the year. In 1963, the Boeing 727 went on its first-ever flight as it took off from Renton, Washington.In 1964, the Beatles made their first live American television appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show," broadcast from New York on CBS. The G.I. Joe action figure was introduced at the American International Toy Fair in New York.In 1984, Soviet leader Yuri V. Andropov, 69, died 15 months after succeeding Leonid Brezhnev; he was followed by Konstantin U. Chernenko.In 1986, during its latest visit to the solar system, Halley's Comet came closest to the sun (its next return will be in 2061). In 2002, Britain's Princess Margaret, sister of Queen Elizabeth II, died in London at age 71. In 2009, New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez admitted to taking performance-enhancing drugs, telling ESPN he'd used banned substances while with the Texas Rangers for three years.In 2020, "Parasite," from South Korea, won the best picture Oscar, becoming the first foreign-language film to take home the biggest honor in film.Ten years ago: President Barack Obama freed 10 states from some of the toughest requirements of the No Child Left Behind education law. The Pentagon formally opened thousands of jobs to women in units that were closer to the front lines than ever before. Former skiing champion Jill Kinmont Boothe, who became a painter and a teacher after she was paralyzed during a race and was the subject of a book and two Hollywood films, died in Carson City, Nevada, at 75.Five years ago: A federal appeals court refused to reinstate President Donald Trump's ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations, unanimously rejecting the administration's claim of presidential authority, questioning its motives and concluding that the order was unlikely to survive legal challenges. Trump reaffirmed America's long-standing "one China" policy in a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, potentially alleviating concerns about a major shift in Washington's relations with Beijing.One year ago: The Senate moved ahead with a second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, rejecting arguments that the chamber could not proceed because Trump was no longer in office. House prosecutors opened the trial with graphic video of the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and Trump's own calls for a rally crowd to march to the iconic building and "fight like hell" against his reelection defeat; Trump's lawyers insisted that his remarks were protected by the First Amendment. A team of international and Chinese scientists looking for the origins of COVID-19 said it most likely appeared in humans after jumping from an animal. Federal safety officials blamed the January 2020 helicopter crash that killed former NBA star Kobe Bryant and eight others on the pilot's decision to fly into clouds, where he became disoriented. Chick Corea, a jazz pianist who'd pushed the boundaries of the genre, died of cancer at 79. Today's Birthdays: Actor Janet Suzman is 83. Nobel Prize-winning author J.M. Coetzee is 82. Actor-politician Sheila James Kuehl (TV: "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis") is 81. Singer-songwriter Carole King is 80. Actor Joe Pesci is 79. Singer Barbara Lewis is 79. Author Alice Walker is 78. Actor Mia Farrow is 77. Former Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., is 76. Singer Joe Ely is 75. Actor Judith Light is 73. Actor Charles Shaughnessy is 67. Actor Ed Amatrudo is 66. Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe is 65. Jazz musician Steve Wilson is 61. Country singer Travis Tritt is 59. Actor Julie Warner is 57. Country singer Danni Leigh is 52. Actor Sharon Case is 51. Actor Jason George is 50. Actor Amber Valletta is 48. Actor-producer Charlie Day is 46. Rock singer Chad Wolf (Carolina Liar) is 46. Actor A.J. Buckley is 45. Rock musician Richard On (O.A.R.) is 43. Actor Ziyi Zhang is 43. Olympic silver and bronze medal figure skater Irina Slutskaya is 43. Actor Tom Hiddleston is 41. Actor David Gallagher is 37. Actor Michael B. Jordan is 35. Actor Rose Leslie is 35. Actor Camille Winbush is 32. Actor Jimmy Bennett is 26. Actor Evan Roe (TV: "Madam Secretary") is 22.

Today in History - Feb. 9

Today is Tuesday, Feb. 8, the 39th day of 2022. There are 326 days left in the year.

On Feb. 8, 1587, Mary, Queen of Scots was beheaded at Fotheringhay Castle in England after she was implicated in a plot to murder her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I.

In 1693, a charter was granted for the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg in the Virginia Colony. 

In 1910, the Boy Scouts of America was incorporated. 

In 1922, President Warren G. Harding had a radio installed in the White House.

In 1924, the first execution by gas in the United States took place at the Nevada State Prison in Carson City as Gee Jon, a Chinese immigrant convicted of murder, was put to death. 

In 1952, Queen Elizabeth II proclaimed her accession to the British throne following the death of her father, King George VI. 

In 1960, work began on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located on Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Los Angeles. 

In 1965, Eastern Air Lines Flight 663, a DC-7, crashed shortly after takeoff from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport; all 84 people on board were killed. The Supremes' record "Stop! In the Name of Love!" was released by Motown.

In 1968, three Black students were killed in a confrontation between demonstrators and highway patrolmen at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg in the wake of protests over a whites-only bowling alley.

In 1971, NASDAQ, the world's first electronic stock exchange, held its first trading day. 

In 1973, Senate leaders named seven members of a select committee to investigate the Watergate scandal, including its chairman, Democrat Sam J. Ervin of North Carolina. 

In 2007, model, actor and tabloid sensation Anna Nicole Smith died in Hollywood, Florida, at age 39 of an accidental drug overdose. 

In 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Beijing said a 60-year-old U.S. citizen who'd been diagnosed with the coronavirus had died on Feb. 5 in Wuhan; it was apparently the first American fatality from the virus.

Ten years ago: Washington state lawmakers voted to approve same-sex marriage.

Five years ago: The Senate confirmed Sen. Jeff Sessions to be attorney general, 52-47, despite fierce Democratic opposition to the Alabama Republican over his record on civil rights and immigration. Britain's House of Commons gave its final approval to a bill authorizing the government to start exit talks with the European Union, despite fears by opposition lawmakers that the U.K. was setting out on a rocky path to Brexit with a sketchy roadmap.

One year ago: In legal briefs filed on the eve of Donald Trump's historic second impeachment trial, lawyers for the former president insisted that he was not guilty of inciting a violent mob at the Capitol to try to overturn the election; prosecutors said Trump must be convicted for this "most grievous constitutional crime" even after leaving the White House. Anthony Sowell, 61, died in prison while awaiting execution for killing 11 women and hiding their remains in and around his Cleveland home. Mary Wilson, one of the original members of the 1960s Motown group the Supremes, died at her Nevada home at 76. Longtime NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer died in North Carolina at 77. Electric automaker Tesla said it had invested around $1.5 billion in Bitcoin and planned to soon begin accepting the digital currency as payment.

Today's Birthdays: Composer-conductor John Williams is 90. Broadcast journalist Ted Koppel is 82. Actor Nick Nolte is 81. Comedian Robert Klein is 80. Actor-rock musician Creed Bratton is 79. Singer Ron Tyson is 74. Actor Brooke Adams is 73. Actor Mary Steenburgen is 69. Author John Grisham is 67. Retired NBA All-Star and College Basketball Hall of Famer Marques Johnson is 66. Actor Henry Czerny is 63. Rock singer Vince Neil (Motley Crue) is 61. Former Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lisa P. Jackson is 60. Movie producer Toby Emmerich is 59. Actor Missy Yager is 54. Actor Mary McCormack is 53. Basketball Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning is 52. Actor Susan Misner is 51. Dance musician Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo (Daft Punk) is 48. Actor Seth Green is 48. Actor Joshua Morrow is 48. Rock musician Phoenix (Linkin Park) is 45. Actor William Jackson Harper is 42. Actor Jim Parrack is 41. Folk singer-musician Joey Ryan (Milk Carton Kids) is 40. Actor-comedian Cecily Strong is 38. Rock musician Jeremy Davis is 37. Hip-hop artist Anderson .Paak is 36. Actor Ryan Pinkston is 34. NBA star Klay Thompson is 32. Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton is 32. Actor Karle Warren is 30.

<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, Feb. 8, the 39th day of 2022. There are 326 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History: On Feb. 8, 1587, Mary, Queen of Scots was beheaded at Fotheringhay Castle in England after she was implicated in a plot to murder her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I.On this date: In 1693, a charter was granted for the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg in the Virginia Colony. In 1910, the Boy Scouts of America was incorporated. In 1922, President Warren G. Harding had a radio installed in the White House.In 1924, the first execution by gas in the United States took place at the Nevada State Prison in Carson City as Gee Jon, a Chinese immigrant convicted of murder, was put to death. In 1952, Queen Elizabeth II proclaimed her accession to the British throne following the death of her father, King George VI. In 1960, work began on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located on Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Los Angeles. In 1965, Eastern Air Lines Flight 663, a DC-7, crashed shortly after takeoff from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport; all 84 people on board were killed. The Supremes' record "Stop! In the Name of Love!" was released by Motown.In 1968, three Black students were killed in a confrontation between demonstrators and highway patrolmen at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg in the wake of protests over a whites-only bowling alley.In 1971, NASDAQ, the world's first electronic stock exchange, held its first trading day. In 1973, Senate leaders named seven members of a select committee to investigate the Watergate scandal, including its chairman, Democrat Sam J. Ervin of North Carolina. In 2007, model, actor and tabloid sensation Anna Nicole Smith died in Hollywood, Florida, at age 39 of an accidental drug overdose. In 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Beijing said a 60-year-old U.S. citizen who'd been diagnosed with the coronavirus had died on Feb. 5 in Wuhan; it was apparently the first American fatality from the virus.Ten years ago: Washington state lawmakers voted to approve same-sex marriage. Five years ago: The Senate confirmed Sen. Jeff Sessions to be attorney general, 52-47, despite fierce Democratic opposition to the Alabama Republican over his record on civil rights and immigration. Britain's House of Commons gave its final approval to a bill authorizing the government to start exit talks with the European Union, despite fears by opposition lawmakers that the U.K. was setting out on a rocky path to Brexit with a sketchy roadmap.One year ago: In legal briefs filed on the eve of Donald Trump's historic second impeachment trial, lawyers for the former president insisted that he was not guilty of inciting a violent mob at the Capitol to try to overturn the election; prosecutors said Trump must be convicted for this "most grievous constitutional crime" even after leaving the White House. Anthony Sowell, 61, died in prison while awaiting execution for killing 11 women and hiding their remains in and around his Cleveland home. Mary Wilson, one of the original members of the 1960s Motown group the Supremes, died at her Nevada home at 76. Longtime NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer died in North Carolina at 77. Electric automaker Tesla said it had invested around $1.5 billion in Bitcoin and planned to soon begin accepting the digital currency as payment.Today's Birthdays: Composer-conductor John Williams is 90. Broadcast journalist Ted Koppel is 82. Actor Nick Nolte is 81. Comedian Robert Klein is 80. Actor-rock musician Creed Bratton is 79. Singer Ron Tyson is 74. Actor Brooke Adams is 73. Actor Mary Steenburgen is 69. Author John Grisham is 67. Retired NBA All-Star and College Basketball Hall of Famer Marques Johnson is 66. Actor Henry Czerny is 63. Rock singer Vince Neil (Motley Crue) is 61. Former Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lisa P. Jackson is 60. Movie producer Toby Emmerich is 59. Actor Missy Yager is 54. Actor Mary McCormack is 53. Basketball Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning is 52. Actor Susan Misner is 51. Dance musician Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo (Daft Punk) is 48. Actor Seth Green is 48. Actor Joshua Morrow is 48. Rock musician Phoenix (Linkin Park) is 45. Actor William Jackson Harper is 42. Actor Jim Parrack is 41. Folk singer-musician Joey Ryan (Milk Carton Kids) is 40. Actor-comedian Cecily Strong is 38. Rock musician Jeremy Davis is 37. Hip-hop artist Anderson .Paak is 36. Actor Ryan Pinkston is 34. NBA star Klay Thompson is 32. Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton is 32. Actor Karle Warren is 30.

Today in History - Feb. 8

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

Just after 11:30p.m. Sunday, Geary County sheriff’s deputies booked a suspect identified as Jeremiah Tyrell Ballance, 24, of Jacksonville, North Carolina. into the Geary County Detention Center, according to online jail records.

Ballance is being held on requested charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child; aggravated indecent solicitation of a child; and aggravated intimidation of a witness or victim.

He is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644254905584.png" alt="Ballance-photo Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Ballance-photo Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.Just after 11:30p.m. Sunday, Geary County sheriff’s deputies booked a suspect identified as Jeremiah Tyrell Ballance, 24, of Jacksonville, North Carolina. into the Geary County Detention Center, according to online jail records.Ballance is being held on requested charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child; aggravated indecent solicitation of a child; and aggravated intimidation of a witness or victim.He is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records.

North Carolina man held for alleged child sex crimes in Kansas

<a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Shirley-Gunn">Obituary for Shirley M. (Smith) Gunn | Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home</a>

Shirley M. Gunn, daughter of Herbert Smith and Hazel (Hammond) Smith was born May 21, 1936 at Belleville, Kansas and passed away on February 6, 2022 at Republic County Hospital, Belleville, Kansas at the age of 85.

Shirley&nbsp; graduated from Belleville High School in 1954.&nbsp; She was united in marriage to Robert L. Gunn on August 21, 1954 and to this union two children were born, Belinda and James.&nbsp;

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Republic, Kansas, MNO Bridge Club.&nbsp; She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.&nbsp; She was previously employed as city clerk of Republic, KS, for over 30 years.&nbsp; She was a talented seamstress and traveled the state as a craft show participant

She was preceded in death by her parents Herbert and Hazel Smith, husband Robert L. Gunn, one son, James Gunn, and two brothers, Clifford Smith and William Smith.

&nbsp;She is survived by one daughter, Belinda, (Jake) Myers of Wichita, Kansas, two grandsons, Jason (Melissa) Spitler of Topeka, Kansas, Clint (Whitney) Spitler of rural Lindsborg, Kansas, six great-grandchildren, Nevaeh, Trista, Cole, Hudson, Luke, Levi, one sister, Peggy Eubanks of Camarillo, California, two sister-in-laws Connie Smith and Pauline Gunn, nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 11, 2022, United Methodist Church, Republic, Kansas, conducted by Pastors Lance Rundus and Roger Walls.

Private family inurnment will be in Rose Mound Cemetery, rural Republic, KS.

Memorials may be given to United Methodist Church, Republic, KS or Rae Hobson Memorial Library, Republic, KS.

Friends may sign the register book on Thursday, February 10, 2022 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS.

Online condolences at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bachelor-surber.com/">www.bachelor-surber.com</a>

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

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley M. (Smith) Gunn, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Shirley-Gunn/sympathy">floral store.</a>

<h2>Shirley M. (Smith) Gunn, Belleville</h2><a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Shirley-Gunn">Obituary for Shirley M. (Smith) Gunn | Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home</a>May 21, 1936 ~ February 6, 2022 (age 85)Shirley M. Gunn, daughter of Herbert Smith and Hazel (Hammond) Smith was born May 21, 1936 at Belleville, Kansas and passed away on February 6, 2022 at Republic County Hospital, Belleville, Kansas at the age of 85.Shirley&nbsp; graduated from Belleville High School in 1954.&nbsp; She was united in marriage to Robert L. Gunn on August 21, 1954 and to this union two children were born, Belinda and James.&nbsp;She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Republic, Kansas, MNO Bridge Club.&nbsp; She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.&nbsp; She was previously employed as city clerk of Republic, KS, for over 30 years.&nbsp; She was a talented seamstress and traveled the state as a craft show participantShe was preceded in death by her parents Herbert and Hazel Smith, husband Robert L. Gunn, one son, James Gunn, and two brothers, Clifford Smith and William Smith.&nbsp;She is survived by one daughter, Belinda, (Jake) Myers of Wichita, Kansas, two grandsons, Jason (Melissa) Spitler of Topeka, Kansas, Clint (Whitney) Spitler of rural Lindsborg, Kansas, six great-grandchildren, Nevaeh, Trista, Cole, Hudson, Luke, Levi, one sister, Peggy Eubanks of Camarillo, California, two sister-in-laws Connie Smith and Pauline Gunn, nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.Cremation was selected.Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 11, 2022, United Methodist Church, Republic, Kansas, conducted by Pastors Lance Rundus and Roger Walls.Private family inurnment will be in Rose Mound Cemetery, rural Republic, KS.Memorials may be given to United Methodist Church, Republic, KS or Rae Hobson Memorial Library, Republic, KS.Friends may sign the register book on Thursday, February 10, 2022 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS.Online condolences at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bachelor-surber.com/">www.bachelor-surber.com</a>Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS in charge of arrangements.To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley M. (Smith) Gunn, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Shirley-Gunn/sympathy">floral store.</a>

Shirley M. (Smith) Gunn

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/people/suzanne-perez">SUZANNE PEREZ</a> <a href="http://ksnewsservice.org">Kansas News Service</a>

Some parents in the Salina school district want a book removed from high school libraries, citing sexually explicit passages that they say are not appropriate for young readers.

The book “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” by nonbinary author and activist&nbsp;<a href="https://iamgmjohnson.com/" target="_blank">George M. Johnson</a>, bills itself as a “memoir-manifesto” intended for adolescent readers. It&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2021-10-12/shawnee-mission-weighs-policy-change-after-parents-raise-concerns-about-books-descriptions-of-sex" target="_blank">came under fire</a>&nbsp;in the Shawnee Mission school district last fall and has been&nbsp;<a href="https://flaglerlive.com/170745/books-returned-withheld/" target="_blank">removed from school libraries</a>&nbsp;or classrooms in several states.

Chad Farber, pastor of Central Baptist Church in Salina, submitted one of two requests to review the book on Jan. 25.

In his request to district officials, Farber says the book contains “pornographic, lude (sic), and obscene content described in great detail” and that “this material could be used by some to experiment w/anal sex on other students (and) groom some to be molested by predators.”

Another parent, Jessica A. Henton, filed a request the same day to review “All Boys Aren’t Blue.”

“While, to my understanding, there is great educational content in the rest of the book, the obscene (and) descriptive text about ‘sex’ has no place on school library shelves,” Henton wrote.

District officials say the book is being reviewed by a school-level committee that includes a principal, librarian, teachers and parents. The Salina school board is expected to hear from people on both sides of the debate during its meeting Tuesday.

The case reflects a national trend that has school districts trying to balance parental outrage with students’ access to certain books. In recent months, dozens of books have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-10/goddard-school-district-reverses-decision-to-pull-library-books" target="_blank">challenged by parents and community members</a>&nbsp;who contend that they’re sexually explicit or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/calls-to-ban-books-by-black-authors-are-increasing-amid-critical-race-theory-debates/2021/09" target="_blank">promote critical race theory</a>.

<a href="https://pen.org/user/james-tager/" target="_blank">James Tager</a>, research director for the free expression group PEN America, has tracked book challenges since 2016 and says the number and intensity of challenges is increasing dramatically. But the targets are largely the same.

“Most of the books have to do with the presentation of diverse viewpoints, which is to say that they feature characters or they're written by people of color,” Tager said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644253656599.jpeg" alt=""All Boys Aren't Blue," a memoir by LGBTQ author George M. Johnson, has been the target of book challenges nationwide. Photo by Suzanne Perez courtesy Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>"All Boys Aren't Blue," a memoir by LGBTQ author George M. Johnson, has been the target of book challenges nationwide. Photo by Suzanne Perez courtesy Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/people/suzanne-perez">SUZANNE PEREZ</a> <a href="http://ksnewsservice.org">Kansas News Service</a>Some parents in the Salina school district want a book removed from high school libraries, citing sexually explicit passages that they say are not appropriate for young readers.The book “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” by nonbinary author and activist&nbsp;<a href="https://iamgmjohnson.com/" target="_blank">George M. Johnson</a>, bills itself as a “memoir-manifesto” intended for adolescent readers. It&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2021-10-12/shawnee-mission-weighs-policy-change-after-parents-raise-concerns-about-books-descriptions-of-sex" target="_blank">came under fire</a>&nbsp;in the Shawnee Mission school district last fall and has been&nbsp;<a href="https://flaglerlive.com/170745/books-returned-withheld/" target="_blank">removed from school libraries</a>&nbsp;or classrooms in several states.Chad Farber, pastor of Central Baptist Church in Salina, submitted one of two requests to review the book on Jan. 25.In his request to district officials, Farber says the book contains “pornographic, lude (sic), and obscene content described in great detail” and that “this material could be used by some to experiment w/anal sex on other students (and) groom some to be molested by predators.”Another parent, Jessica A. Henton, filed a request the same day to review “All Boys Aren’t Blue.”“While, to my understanding, there is great educational content in the rest of the book, the obscene (and) descriptive text about ‘sex’ has no place on school library shelves,” Henton wrote.District officials say the book is being reviewed by a school-level committee that includes a principal, librarian, teachers and parents. The Salina school board is expected to hear from people on both sides of the debate during its meeting Tuesday.The case reflects a national trend that has school districts trying to balance parental outrage with students’ access to certain books. In recent months, dozens of books have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-10/goddard-school-district-reverses-decision-to-pull-library-books" target="_blank">challenged by parents and community members</a>&nbsp;who contend that they’re sexually explicit or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/calls-to-ban-books-by-black-authors-are-increasing-amid-critical-race-theory-debates/2021/09" target="_blank">promote critical race theory</a>.<a href="https://pen.org/user/james-tager/" target="_blank">James Tager</a>, research director for the free expression group PEN America, has tracked book challenges since 2016 and says the number and intensity of challenges is increasing dramatically. But the targets are largely the same.“Most of the books have to do with the presentation of diverse viewpoints, which is to say that they feature characters or they're written by people of color,” Tager said.Challenges focused on obscenity tend to target books by LGBTQ authors, he said.“Whenever these arguments are raised, I hardly ever see an effort to evaluate this against the literary and educational merit of the book,” he said. “There’s a focus on a few passages or a few parts rather than on the book in and of itself.”In an author’s note at the start of “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” Johnson acknowledges that his book features provocative and potentially controversial material.“As heavy as these subjects may be, it is necessary that they are not only told, but also read by teens who may have to navigate many of these same experiences in their own lives,” Johnson writes.“This book will touch on sexual assault (including molestation), loss of virginity, homophobia, racism, and anti-Blackness. These discussions at times may be a bit graphic, but nonetheless they are experiences that many reading this book will encounter or have already encountered. And I want those readers to be seen and heard in these pages.”Both people who filed complaints in Salina said they had not read “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” but saw portions of the book shared on social media.Parent groups have raised issues about a four-page passage near the end of the book. In a chapter titled “Losing My Virginity Twice,” Johnson relates a consensual homosexual encounter in detail, including oral sex, masturbation and intercourse.Rodney Penn, a Salina father and founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/990859254309004/" target="_blank">Kansas Parents Involved in Education</a>, said books containing explicit material should be removed from school libraries or labeled as explicit, like movies and music, and kept in a section that requires parental consent before students can check them out.“We have statutes in the state of Kansas that talk about how a school district must monitor and protect kids from internet-based obscenities. But what about print obscenities?” Penn said.Kansas law prohibits the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2012/b2011_12/statute/021_000_0000_chapter/021_064_0000_article/021_064_0001_section/021_064_0001_k/#:~:text=2012%20Statute&amp;text=(b)%20Promoting%20obscenity%20to%20minors,the%20age%20of%2018%20years" target="_blank">promotion of obscenity to minors</a>. But the law exempts “institutions having scientific, educational or governmental justification,” such as schools, universities and public libraries.A school district in North Kansas City, Mo., pulled “All Boys Aren’t Blue” and another LGBTQ-themed title, “Fun Home,” from high school shelves last October but&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/education/north-kansas-city-school-district-returning-lgbtq-books-to-shelves-after-pushback/#:~:text=%E2%80%94%20North%20Kansas%20City%20School%20District,said%20it%20was%20sent%20Friday." target="_blank">returned them</a>&nbsp;after students petitioned to keep the books.“All Boys Aren’t Blue” was on a list of books briefly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-10/goddard-school-district-reverses-decision-to-pull-library-books" target="_blank">pulled from circulation</a>&nbsp;at school libraries in Goddard in November. The district&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-10/goddard-school-district-reverses-decision-to-pull-library-books" target="_blank">reversed its decision</a>&nbsp;after receiving national pushback from authors and free-speech advocates.Chris Field, a former Salina teacher who ran unsuccessfully for school board in November, said he’s disturbed by challenges that target materials dealing with race, gender and sexuality. He said libraries need diverse materials to help students navigate real-life experiences.“To be able to find books that they can identify with and know that other people in the world are struggling with these issues also. … That’s got to be comforting to these children,” he said.Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their connection to public policy.The above story is republished with permission from <a href="http://ksnewsservice.org">Kansas News Service</a>.