<a href="https://memorials.martinbeckercarlson.com/walter-hartman/4662587/obituary.php?_ga=2.195590124.1177405545.1625696209-1202697284.1612194326">Walter Hartman Obituary - Abilene, KS | Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home (martinbeckercarlson.com)</a>

Graveside funeral services for Walter A. Hartman, age 93, of Abilene, will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 10, 2021 at the Greenwood Cemetery in Clay Center with Pastor Lindsey Brummer officiating. Mr. Hartman passed away July 7, 2021 at the Chapman Valley Manor in Chapman. He was born July 11, 1927 in Clay Center the son of Walter W. and Elida Mae (Palmeeter) Hartman. He graduated from Clay Center High School and served his country in the United State Navy during WWII. Walter worked for RCA as a telemetry engineer from 1955 – 1966, then from 1967 – 1971 for Sperry Rand as an electrical engineer for the Saturn V Apollo Missions, and from 1975 – 1990 for Black and Veach Engineering Company as a records manager before retiring. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Kiwanis, and the American Legion, all in Abilene. On June 13, 1948 Walter was united in marriage to Dorothy Sawin in LaPrairie, Illinois. She passed away September 25, 2014. Walter is also preceded in death by his sister DoraDeane Lips. Walter is survived by his son Gene and his wife Jan Hartman of Abilene, grandchildren Brian Hartman, Brad and his wife Jenell Hartman, and Cristin and her husband Pat Casteel, and five great-grandchildren. Friends may sign the register book until 8:00 p.m. Friday&nbsp; at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chapman Valley Manor and may be sent in care of the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd, Abilene, Kansas 67410.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Walter A. Hartman, Abilene</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625696571698.jpeg" alt="Walter A. Hartman" />
 <figcaption>Walter A. Hartman</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://memorials.martinbeckercarlson.com/walter-hartman/4662587/obituary.php?_ga=2.195590124.1177405545.1625696209-1202697284.1612194326">Walter Hartman Obituary - Abilene, KS | Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home (martinbeckercarlson.com)</a>July 11, 1927 - July 7, 2021Graveside funeral services for Walter A. Hartman, age 93, of Abilene, will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 10, 2021 at the Greenwood Cemetery in Clay Center with Pastor Lindsey Brummer officiating. Mr. Hartman passed away July 7, 2021 at the Chapman Valley Manor in Chapman. He was born July 11, 1927 in Clay Center the son of Walter W. and Elida Mae (Palmeeter) Hartman. He graduated from Clay Center High School and served his country in the United State Navy during WWII. Walter worked for RCA as a telemetry engineer from 1955 – 1966, then from 1967 – 1971 for Sperry Rand as an electrical engineer for the Saturn V Apollo Missions, and from 1975 – 1990 for Black and Veach Engineering Company as a records manager before retiring. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Kiwanis, and the American Legion, all in Abilene. On June 13, 1948 Walter was united in marriage to Dorothy Sawin in LaPrairie, Illinois. She passed away September 25, 2014. Walter is also preceded in death by his sister DoraDeane Lips. Walter is survived by his son Gene and his wife Jan Hartman of Abilene, grandchildren Brian Hartman, Brad and his wife Jenell Hartman, and Cristin and her husband Pat Casteel, and five great-grandchildren. Friends may sign the register book until 8:00 p.m. Friday&nbsp; at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chapman Valley Manor and may be sent in care of the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd, Abilene, Kansas 67410.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Walter A. Hartman

<a href="https://memorials.martinbeckercarlson.com/betty-hampton/4661759/obituary.php?_ga=2.146476852.1407900920.1625606581-1202697284.1612194326">Betty Hampton Obituary - Abilene, KS | Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home (martinbeckercarlson.com)</a>

Betty J. Hampton, 91, of Abilene passed away July 5, 2021 at Abilene Place surrounded by family. She was born June 28, 1930 in Abilene, the daughter of Russell and Ora (Lowry) Neher. She grew up in Abilene and attended the local schools. Betty was a homemaker.

On February 6, 1951 she was united in marriage to Peter W. Hampton in Abilene. He preceded her in death June 9, 2020. They returned to Abilene after Pete was stationed in Florida. They moved into 804 NW 2nd just down the block from Pete’s parents. This was their home for 60 years. Great times and many wonderful memories for family and friends include front porch sitting, having coffee and cookies in the kitchen, and dinner parties with the good china in the dining room.

Betty is survived by her daughter Rebecca (Doug) Crumpton and their children Allyson (Jonathan) Maestas and their children, Isabel, Maisyn and Trey. Scott (Hannah) Crumpton and their daughter Addison. Mary Crumpton and Jordan Crumpton; son Paul (Linda) Hampton and their children Zack and Jess Hampton, Marty Mead, Mark Mead, and his three children Austin, Ethan and Matthew; and Suzanna and Bill Goatcher and Kaitlyn and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private family graveside will be held at Union/Livingston Cemetery, rural Abilene.&nbsp;

Friends may come by Thursday, July 8, 2021 from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. at Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home in Abilene to sign the register book. 

The family suggests memorials be given to Hospice of Dickinson County, the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses or to the Eisenhower Park and Rose Garden. Memorials may be dropped off at the funeral home or mailed to Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW Third St., Abilene, Kansas 67410&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Betty J. Hampton, Abilene</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625696343373.png" alt="Betty J. Hampton" />
 <figcaption>Betty J. Hampton</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://memorials.martinbeckercarlson.com/betty-hampton/4661759/obituary.php?_ga=2.146476852.1407900920.1625606581-1202697284.1612194326">Betty Hampton Obituary - Abilene, KS | Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home (martinbeckercarlson.com)</a>&nbsp;June 28, 1930 - July 5, 2021Betty J. Hampton, 91, of Abilene passed away July 5, 2021 at Abilene Place surrounded by family. She was born June 28, 1930 in Abilene, the daughter of Russell and Ora (Lowry) Neher. She grew up in Abilene and attended the local schools. Betty was a homemaker.On February 6, 1951 she was united in marriage to Peter W. Hampton in Abilene. He preceded her in death June 9, 2020. They returned to Abilene after Pete was stationed in Florida. They moved into 804 NW 2nd just down the block from Pete’s parents. This was their home for 60 years. Great times and many wonderful memories for family and friends include front porch sitting, having coffee and cookies in the kitchen, and dinner parties with the good china in the dining room.Betty is survived by her daughter Rebecca (Doug) Crumpton and their children Allyson (Jonathan) Maestas and their children, Isabel, Maisyn and Trey. Scott (Hannah) Crumpton and their daughter Addison. Mary Crumpton and Jordan Crumpton; son Paul (Linda) Hampton and their children Zack and Jess Hampton, Marty Mead, Mark Mead, and his three children Austin, Ethan and Matthew; and Suzanna and Bill Goatcher and Kaitlyn and numerous nieces and nephews. A private family graveside will be held at Union/Livingston Cemetery, rural Abilene.&nbsp;Friends may come by Thursday, July 8, 2021 from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. at Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home in Abilene to sign the register book. The family suggests memorials be given to Hospice of Dickinson County, the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses or to the Eisenhower Park and Rose Garden. Memorials may be dropped off at the funeral home or mailed to Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW Third St., Abilene, Kansas 67410&nbsp;&nbsp;

Betty J. Hampton

The Salina Public Library's&nbsp;Monday Night Book Discussion returns to in-person participation next week. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinapubliclibrary/">Salina Public Library</a> Facebook page:

The Salina Public Library's&nbsp;Monday Night Book Discussion returns to in-person participation next week. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinapubliclibrary/">Salina Public Library</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsalinapubliclibrary%2Fposts%2F10159670273768140&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="525" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Registration open for library's Monday Night Book Discussion

By&nbsp;ALLISON KITE Kansas Reflector

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A consumer watchdog wants federal regulators to acknowledge the influence of activist shareholders on Evergy’s decision-making, mirroring a local push that Kansas regulators rejected.&nbsp;

Public Citizen, a 40-year-old nonprofit representing consumers, is pushing the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ferc.gov/">Federal Energy Regulatory Commission</a>&nbsp;to recognize two investment firms as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/30/evergy-to-shutter-lawrence-coal-plant-speed-transition-to-renewable-energy/">Evergy</a>, arguing last year that one of the companies purchased shares “for the purpose of obtaining control over the company’s management.”&nbsp;

Last month, Public Citizen once again insisted in a filing with FERC that Elliott Management Corp. and Bluescape Energy Partners be considered affiliates of Evergy after the company did not list them in response to an inquiry from the commission.

“These non-arm’s length transactions raise serious concerns about the influence wielded by both Bluescape and Elliott Management,” the organization’s filing said.&nbsp;

The relationship between&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/23/advocacy-groups-push-for-transparency-in-evergys-8-9-billion-sustainability-plan/">Evergy and Elliott has been a subject of scrutiny</a>&nbsp;for other interested groups since last year when Elliott, an Evergy shareholder, sent a letter to Evergy’s board&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/elliott-management-sends-letter-to-board-of-directors-of-evergy-inc-300990314.html">urging the company to either consider a sale or invest in capital</a>. That type of spending is the primary way heavily regulated monopoly utilities can raise their rates. Elliott then gained two seats on Evergy’s board.

Evergy, which serves 1.6 million electric customers in Kansas and Missouri, last year announced its Sustainability Transformation Plan, a $8.9 billion capital plan developed under pressure from Elliott.

Bluescape bought interest in Evergy earlier this year, and its executive chairman gained a seat on the company’s board.

“We are simply saying if these companies want to invest in Evergy, if these companies want to influence the future direction of Evergy, then they’ve got to do it by the book,” said Tyson Slocum, energy program director for Public Citizen.

In a statement, Evergy spokeswoman Gina Penzig said neither Elliott nor Bluescape fits the definition of an affiliated party.

“These are shareholders with no more or less control than any other shareholder,” Penzig said. “We have engaged in a dialogue with them over a process and have been transparent about that process. We frequently have dialogue with shareholders about our business operations and strategy.”

For months, the Kansas Corporation Commission has been reviewing Evergy’s Sustainability Transformation Plan. When it developed the STP, Evergy went through a 12-week analysis by the Boston Consulting Group, which has been kept confidential as part of proceedings before the Kansas Corporation Commission. Several groups criticized what they saw as limited transparency in the STP proceedings, leading the KCC to open the case to public comment. That window closes July 7.

The Kansas Industrial Consumers Group petitioned the KCC to require Elliott to be party to the STP investigation, arguing interested parties should be able to review Elliott’s influence in creating the plan.

“Elliott has amassed a significant amount of ‘economic exposure’ to, and influence over, Evergy,” the filing says. “This influence has caused Evergy to revise its capital plans by billions of dollars that could ultimately fall upon ratepayers. The commission should order the STP’s key architects participate in this investigation.”

Evergy responded in a filing, saying Elliott was not involved in the decision to pursue the STP or develop the plan itself.

“KIC’s allegation that Elliott is somehow exercising control over Evergy in a way that led to the development and approval of the STP is both false and offensive,” the company says. “In reality, the ‘key architects’ of the STP are Evergy and its management team —&nbsp;who are already under the commission’s jurisdiction and party to this docket.”&nbsp;

“Contrary to the unsupported allegations contained in KIC’s motion, Elliott has no control or substantial influence over any of Evergy’s directors,” the firm wrote.

The KCC rejected the motion, saying KIC hadn’t presented a compelling reason to require Elliott to join.

“The commission realizes the entire ‘strategic review’ to increase shareholder value resulted from pressure from Elliott … but the commission is not investigating either Elliott’s or Evergy’s motives,” the KCC said in its order. “Instead, the question before the commission is whether the STP is in the public interest of the state of Kansas.”

KIC and environmental groups have shared concerns Evergy’s STP is geared more at shareholder value than benefits for customers. Wells Fargo analysts recently downgraded Evergy as an investment, fearing a strict regulatory environment in Kansas.

But at the same time, the analyst said Evergy as a company was “shareholder-friendly” and capable of controlling costs.

Slocum said it’s important to scrutinize Elliott and Bluescape because Evergy serves captive ratepayers.

“This isn’t some nefarious plot,” Slocum said. “… They are investors that are seeking to maximize their return, and the way that they do that is to push management in the direction that hedge fund thinks they need to go.”

He added that would be fine if the company were selling “yachts or Rolexes.”

“But Evergy is different,” he said.&nbsp;

Neither Elliott nor Bluescape provided comment on Friday.

The above story is republished with permission from <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625672870382.jpeg" alt="Evergy's Flat Ridge Wind Farm, near Medicine Lodge, is one of the utility's sources of renewable energy. It plans to spend more, according to its sustainability transformation plan. (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Evergy's Flat Ridge Wind Farm, near Medicine Lodge, is one of the utility's sources of renewable energy. It plans to spend more, according to its sustainability transformation plan. (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;ALLISON KITE Kansas ReflectorKANSAS CITY, Mo. — A consumer watchdog wants federal regulators to acknowledge the influence of activist shareholders on Evergy’s decision-making, mirroring a local push that Kansas regulators rejected.&nbsp;Public Citizen, a 40-year-old nonprofit representing consumers, is pushing the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ferc.gov/">Federal Energy Regulatory Commission</a>&nbsp;to recognize two investment firms as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/30/evergy-to-shutter-lawrence-coal-plant-speed-transition-to-renewable-energy/">Evergy</a>, arguing last year that one of the companies purchased shares “for the purpose of obtaining control over the company’s management.”&nbsp;Last month, Public Citizen once again insisted in a filing with FERC that Elliott Management Corp. and Bluescape Energy Partners be considered affiliates of Evergy after the company did not list them in response to an inquiry from the commission.“These non-arm’s length transactions raise serious concerns about the influence wielded by both Bluescape and Elliott Management,” the organization’s filing said.&nbsp;The relationship between&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/23/advocacy-groups-push-for-transparency-in-evergys-8-9-billion-sustainability-plan/">Evergy and Elliott has been a subject of scrutiny</a>&nbsp;for other interested groups since last year when Elliott, an Evergy shareholder, sent a letter to Evergy’s board&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/elliott-management-sends-letter-to-board-of-directors-of-evergy-inc-300990314.html">urging the company to either consider a sale or invest in capital</a>. That type of spending is the primary way heavily regulated monopoly utilities can raise their rates. Elliott then gained two seats on Evergy’s board.Evergy, which serves 1.6 million electric customers in Kansas and Missouri, last year announced its Sustainability Transformation Plan, a $8.9 billion capital plan developed under pressure from Elliott.Bluescape bought interest in Evergy earlier this year, and its executive chairman gained a seat on the company’s board.“We are simply saying if these companies want to invest in Evergy, if these companies want to influence the future direction of Evergy, then they’ve got to do it by the book,” said Tyson Slocum, energy program director for Public Citizen.In a statement, Evergy spokeswoman Gina Penzig said neither Elliott nor Bluescape fits the definition of an affiliated party.“These are shareholders with no more or less control than any other shareholder,” Penzig said. “We have engaged in a dialogue with them over a process and have been transparent about that process. We frequently have dialogue with shareholders about our business operations and strategy.”<h2>Actions in Kansas</h2>For months, the Kansas Corporation Commission has been reviewing Evergy’s Sustainability Transformation Plan. When it developed the STP, Evergy went through a 12-week analysis by the Boston Consulting Group, which has been kept confidential as part of proceedings before the Kansas Corporation Commission. Several groups criticized what they saw as limited transparency in the STP proceedings, leading the KCC to open the case to public comment. That window closes July 7.The Kansas Industrial Consumers Group petitioned the KCC to require Elliott to be party to the STP investigation, arguing interested parties should be able to review Elliott’s influence in creating the plan.“Elliott has amassed a significant amount of ‘economic exposure’ to, and influence over, Evergy,” the filing says. “This influence has caused Evergy to revise its capital plans by billions of dollars that could ultimately fall upon ratepayers. The commission should order the STP’s key architects participate in this investigation.”Evergy responded in a filing, saying Elliott was not involved in the decision to pursue the STP or develop the plan itself.“KIC’s allegation that Elliott is somehow exercising control over Evergy in a way that led to the development and approval of the STP is both false and offensive,” the company says. “In reality, the ‘key architects’ of the STP are Evergy and its management team —&nbsp;who are already under the commission’s jurisdiction and party to this docket.”&nbsp;Elliott said the same in another filing.“Contrary to the unsupported allegations contained in KIC’s motion, Elliott has no control or substantial influence over any of Evergy’s directors,” the firm wrote.The KCC rejected the motion, saying KIC hadn’t presented a compelling reason to require Elliott to join.“The commission realizes the entire ‘strategic review’ to increase shareholder value resulted from pressure from Elliott … but the commission is not investigating either Elliott’s or Evergy’s motives,” the KCC said in its order. “Instead, the question before the commission is whether the STP is in the public interest of the state of Kansas.”KIC and environmental groups have shared concerns Evergy’s STP is geared more at shareholder value than benefits for customers. Wells Fargo analysts recently downgraded Evergy as an investment, fearing a strict regulatory environment in Kansas.But at the same time, the analyst said Evergy as a company was “shareholder-friendly” and capable of controlling costs.Slocum said it’s important to scrutinize Elliott and Bluescape because Evergy serves captive ratepayers.“This isn’t some nefarious plot,” Slocum said. “… They are investors that are seeking to maximize their return, and the way that they do that is to push management in the direction that hedge fund thinks they need to go.”He added that would be fine if the company were selling “yachts or Rolexes.”“But Evergy is different,” he said.&nbsp;Neither Elliott nor Bluescape provided comment on Friday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625673106778.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The above story is republished with permission from <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>.

Watchdog wants feds to acknowledge investors’ influence on Evergy

Today is Wednesday, July 7, the 188th day of 2021. There are 177 days left in the year. 

On July 7, 1981, President Ronald Reagan announced he was nominating Arizona Judge Sandra Day O'Connor to become the first female justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. 

In 1846, U.S. annexation of California was proclaimed at Monterey after the surrender of a Mexican garrison. 

In 1865, four people were hanged in Washington, D.C. for conspiring with John Wilkes Booth to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln: Lewis Powell (aka Lewis Payne), David Herold, George Atzerodt and Mary Surratt, the first woman to be executed by the federal government. 

In 1898, the United States annexed Hawaii. 

In 1919, the first Transcontinental Motor Convoy, in which a U.S. Army convoy of motorized vehicles crossed the United States, departed Washington, D.C. (The trip ended in San Francisco on Sept. 6, 1919.)

In 1946, Jimmy Carter, 21, married Rosalynn Smith, 18, in Plains, Georgia.

In 1948, six female U.S. Navy reservists became the first women to be sworn in to the regular Navy. 

In 1954, Elvis Presley made his radio debut as Memphis, Tennessee, station WHBQ played his first recording for Sun Records, "That's All Right." 

In 1976, the United States Military Academy at West Point included female cadets for the first time as 119 women joined the Class of 1980. 

In 1983, 11-year-old Samantha Smith of Manchester, Maine, left for a visit to the Soviet Union at the personal invitation of Soviet leader Yuri V. Andropov. 

In 2005, terrorist bombings in three Underground stations and a double-decker bus killed 52 victims and four bombers in the worst attack on London since World War II. 

In 2009, some 20,000 people gathered inside Staples Center in Los Angeles for a memorial service honoring the late Michael Jackson, who was tearfully described by his 11-year-old daughter, Paris-Michael, as "the best father you could ever imagine." 

In 2010, Los Angeles police charged Lonnie Franklin Jr. in the city's "Grim Sleeper" serial killings. (Franklin, who was sentenced to death for the killings of nine women and a teenage girl, died in prison in March 2020 at the age of 67.)

Ten years ago: Rupert Murdoch's media empire unexpectedly jettisoned News of the World, Britain's best-selling Sunday newspaper, after a public backlash over claims it had used phone hacking and other illegal tactics to expose the rich and famous, royals and ordinary citizens. A Texas Rangers fan, 39-year-old Shannon Stone, died from a fatal fall when reaching out to grab a baseball tossed his way by outfielder Josh Hamilton during a Rangers game. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2," the final movie based on the wizard fantasy books, debuted in London on its way to becoming the year's top-grossing movie.

Five years ago: Micah Johnson, a Black Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, opened fire on Dallas police, killing five officers in an act of vengeance for the fatal police shootings of Black men; the attack ended with Johnson being killed by a bomb delivered by a police robot. President Barack Obama embarked on a five-day, two-country mission to buck up a beleaguered Europe and brush back an aggressive Moscow; after arriving in Warsaw, Poland, Obama denounced the fatal attack in Dallas as "despicable" and declared there was no justification for the violence.

One year ago: Texas surpassed 10,000 new coronavirus cases in a single day for the first time, as a resurgence of the outbreak raged across the U.S. Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said he had tested positive for the coronavirus after months of downplaying its severity; he said he was already taking hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug unproven to treat COVID-19.

Today's Birthdays: Musician-conductor Doc Severinsen is 94. Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough is 88. Rock star Ringo Starr is 81. Comedian Bill Oddie is 80. Singer-musician Warren Entner (The Grass Roots) is 78. Actor Joe Spano is 75. Pop singer David Hodo (The Village People) is 74. Country singer Linda Williams is 74. Actor Shelley Duvall is 72. Actor Roz Ryan is 70. Actor Billy Campbell is 62. Rock musician Mark White (Spin Doctors) is 59. Singer-songwriter Vonda Shepard is 58. Actor-comedian Jim Gaffigan is 55. R&amp;B musician Ricky Kinchen (Mint Condition) is 55. Actor Amy Carlson is 53. Actor Jorja Fox is 53. Actor Cree Summer is 52. Actor Robin Weigert is 52. Actor Kirsten Vangsness is 49. Actor Troy Garity is 48. Actor Berenice Bejo is 45. Actor Hamish Linklater is 45. Olympic silver and bronze medal figure skater Michelle Kwan is 41. Rapper Cassidy is 39. Country singer Gabbie Nolen is 39. Actor Ross Malinger is 37. Actor-comedian Luke Null (TV: "Saturday Night Live") is 31. Pop singer Ally Hernandez (Fifth Harmony) (TV: "The X Factor") is 28. Pop musician Ashton Irwin (5 Seconds to Summer) is 27. Country singer Maddie Marlow (Maddie and Tae) is 26.

<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, July 7, the 188th day of 2021. There are 177 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 7, 1981, President Ronald Reagan announced he was nominating Arizona Judge Sandra Day O'Connor to become the first female justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. On this date: In 1846, U.S. annexation of California was proclaimed at Monterey after the surrender of a Mexican garrison. In 1865, four people were hanged in Washington, D.C. for conspiring with John Wilkes Booth to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln: Lewis Powell (aka Lewis Payne), David Herold, George Atzerodt and Mary Surratt, the first woman to be executed by the federal government. In 1898, the United States annexed Hawaii. In 1919, the first Transcontinental Motor Convoy, in which a U.S. Army convoy of motorized vehicles crossed the United States, departed Washington, D.C. (The trip ended in San Francisco on Sept. 6, 1919.)In 1946, Jimmy Carter, 21, married Rosalynn Smith, 18, in Plains, Georgia.In 1948, six female U.S. Navy reservists became the first women to be sworn in to the regular Navy. In 1954, Elvis Presley made his radio debut as Memphis, Tennessee, station WHBQ played his first recording for Sun Records, "That's All Right." In 1976, the United States Military Academy at West Point included female cadets for the first time as 119 women joined the Class of 1980. In 1983, 11-year-old Samantha Smith of Manchester, Maine, left for a visit to the Soviet Union at the personal invitation of Soviet leader Yuri V. Andropov. In 2005, terrorist bombings in three Underground stations and a double-decker bus killed 52 victims and four bombers in the worst attack on London since World War II. In 2009, some 20,000 people gathered inside Staples Center in Los Angeles for a memorial service honoring the late Michael Jackson, who was tearfully described by his 11-year-old daughter, Paris-Michael, as "the best father you could ever imagine." In 2010, Los Angeles police charged Lonnie Franklin Jr. in the city's "Grim Sleeper" serial killings. (Franklin, who was sentenced to death for the killings of nine women and a teenage girl, died in prison in March 2020 at the age of 67.)Ten years ago: Rupert Murdoch's media empire unexpectedly jettisoned News of the World, Britain's best-selling Sunday newspaper, after a public backlash over claims it had used phone hacking and other illegal tactics to expose the rich and famous, royals and ordinary citizens. A Texas Rangers fan, 39-year-old Shannon Stone, died from a fatal fall when reaching out to grab a baseball tossed his way by outfielder Josh Hamilton during a Rangers game. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2," the final movie based on the wizard fantasy books, debuted in London on its way to becoming the year's top-grossing movie.Five years ago: Micah Johnson, a Black Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, opened fire on Dallas police, killing five officers in an act of vengeance for the fatal police shootings of Black men; the attack ended with Johnson being killed by a bomb delivered by a police robot. President Barack Obama embarked on a five-day, two-country mission to buck up a beleaguered Europe and brush back an aggressive Moscow; after arriving in Warsaw, Poland, Obama denounced the fatal attack in Dallas as "despicable" and declared there was no justification for the violence.One year ago: Texas surpassed 10,000 new coronavirus cases in a single day for the first time, as a resurgence of the outbreak raged across the U.S. Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said he had tested positive for the coronavirus after months of downplaying its severity; he said he was already taking hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug unproven to treat COVID-19.Today's Birthdays: Musician-conductor Doc Severinsen is 94. Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough is 88. Rock star Ringo Starr is 81. Comedian Bill Oddie is 80. Singer-musician Warren Entner (The Grass Roots) is 78. Actor Joe Spano is 75. Pop singer David Hodo (The Village People) is 74. Country singer Linda Williams is 74. Actor Shelley Duvall is 72. Actor Roz Ryan is 70. Actor Billy Campbell is 62. Rock musician Mark White (Spin Doctors) is 59. Singer-songwriter Vonda Shepard is 58. Actor-comedian Jim Gaffigan is 55. R&amp;B musician Ricky Kinchen (Mint Condition) is 55. Actor Amy Carlson is 53. Actor Jorja Fox is 53. Actor Cree Summer is 52. Actor Robin Weigert is 52. Actor Kirsten Vangsness is 49. Actor Troy Garity is 48. Actor Berenice Bejo is 45. Actor Hamish Linklater is 45. Olympic silver and bronze medal figure skater Michelle Kwan is 41. Rapper Cassidy is 39. Country singer Gabbie Nolen is 39. Actor Ross Malinger is 37. Actor-comedian Luke Null (TV: "Saturday Night Live") is 31. Pop singer Ally Hernandez (Fifth Harmony) (TV: "The X Factor") is 28. Pop musician Ashton Irwin (5 Seconds to Summer) is 27. Country singer Maddie Marlow (Maddie and Tae) is 26.

Today in History - July 7

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman stopped at an intersection to make a turn died in a four vehicle&nbsp; accident just before 5p.m. Tuesday in Sedgwick County.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Dodge Ram driven by<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=161387"> Javan Jermaine Ervin, 37,</a> Wichita, was actively attempting to elude law enforcement following a robbery.

The pickup was northbound on Ridge Road in Wichita at a high rate of speed and failed to stop at the red traffic light at Central Avenue.

The pickup collided with a westbound 2000 Chevy Silverado driven by Jordan Samuel Peltzer, 40, Henderson, Nevada.

 The impact caused the driver side rear wheels and tires to detach from the vehicle which collided with a 2016 Jeep Compass driven by Connie L. Holt, 73, Wichita, that was stopped on the inside left turn lane from South bound Ridge Road to East bound Central Avenue.

The Dodge Ram then collided with 2019 Mazda CX3 driven by Samantha Lee Russell which was stopped behind the Jeep. The Dodge Ram then rolled onto its top and came to a rest in the North bound lanes of Ridge Road.

EMS transported Russell to Wesley Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.

Ervin, Peltzer and Holt were not injured. Police took Ervin into custody on requested charges of aggravated battery, first degree murder in the commission of a felony and criminal possession of a firearm, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=161387">according to online booking records.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625654789637.png" alt="Police arrested Javan Ervin on requested charges of aggravated battery, first degree murder in the commission of a felony and criminal possession of a firearm." />
 <figcaption>Police arrested Javan Ervin on requested charges of aggravated battery, first degree murder in the commission of a felony and criminal possession of a firearm.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman stopped at an intersection to make a turn died in a four vehicle&nbsp; accident just before 5p.m. Tuesday in Sedgwick County.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Dodge Ram driven by<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=161387"> Javan Jermaine Ervin, 37,</a> Wichita, was actively attempting to elude law enforcement following a robbery.The pickup was northbound on Ridge Road in Wichita at a high rate of speed and failed to stop at the red traffic light at Central Avenue.The pickup collided with a westbound 2000 Chevy Silverado driven by Jordan Samuel Peltzer, 40, Henderson, Nevada. The impact caused the driver side rear wheels and tires to detach from the vehicle which collided with a 2016 Jeep Compass driven by Connie L. Holt, 73, Wichita, that was stopped on the inside left turn lane from South bound Ridge Road to East bound Central Avenue.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625655160724.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the fatal crash Tuesday evening photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the fatal crash Tuesday evening photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The Dodge Ram then collided with 2019 Mazda CX3 driven by Samantha Lee Russell which was stopped behind the Jeep. The Dodge Ram then rolled onto its top and came to a rest in the North bound lanes of Ridge Road.EMS transported Russell to Wesley Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.Ervin, Peltzer and Holt were not injured. Police took Ervin into custody on requested charges of aggravated battery, first degree murder in the commission of a felony and criminal possession of a firearm, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=161387">according to online booking records.</a>

Kan. woman dies in 4-vehicle crash after police chase

BY LAURA OLSON <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/07/05/cdc-study-finds-racial-regional-disparities-as-schools-reopened-for-in-person-learning/">Kansas Reflector</a>

WASHINGTON
 —&nbsp;After last year’s abrupt shutdown of schools due to the coronavirus 
pandemic, increasing numbers of students returned to in-person learning.

But
 a new study shows that racial and geographic gaps persisted as K-12 
students went back to their classrooms — with non-Hispanic white kids 
more often the ones attending a brick-and-mortar school full-time in 
most states.

From
 last September through April, students in the South also generally had 
greater access to full-time, in-person learning than those in other 
regions of the United States, according to the study, featured in <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7026e2.htm?s_cid=mm7026e2_w">a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report</a>.

The study’s lead author was Emily Oster, a Brown University economist who <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/22/us/emily-oster-school-reopening.html">became a cultural icon for many U.S. parents</a>
 during the COVID-19 pandemic for her data analysis of the health 
threats to children from the virus and advice on how to calculate risk.&nbsp;

At the same time, the conclusions from Oster that schools could reopen safely and that risks to children are generally low <a href="https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/brown-professor-gets-hounded-off-twitter-for-article-saying-its-okay-to-take-your-kids-on-vacation/">also drew pushback</a> as federal public health officials grappled with crafting guidance for the nation’s schools.

The
 study found that access to in-person learning varied by state: 100% of 
students in Wyoming and Montana had access to in-person instruction, 
while Hawaii, Maryland and Washington had the lowest shares of students 
in their classrooms full-time.

The
 new data also found a racial disparity in most states on whether 
students were learning online or in person. In 43 states, access to 
full-time, in-person learning was higher for non-Hispanic white students
 compared to those of color.

The
 highest racial disparities were in Ohio and Pennsylvania, where on 
average, students of color were 21% and 23% less likely to have access 
to full-time, in-person learning.&nbsp;

The
 smallest disparities were in Montana and Wyoming — where all students 
had in-person access — as well as the District of Columbia, Delaware, 
and Hawaii.&nbsp;

More
 broadly, the report shows that the prevalence of virtual-only education
 did decline across racial groups starting in January, but with a larger
 share of white students returning to their classrooms than students of 
color.

The percentage of white students with access to in-person, full-time classes rose the most by April, from 38% to nearly 75%.&nbsp;

For
 Black students, 63% were able to access in-person instruction in April,
 up from 32%, while Hispanic students’ access to in-person classes went 
up to 60%, compared to 36% at the beginning of the year.

Oster,
 who’s also written popular books on pregnancy and parenting, and her 
co-authors noted several limitations on their analysis, including that 
it only covered 46% of public K-12 enrollment in the U.S.&nbsp;

It
 also looked at access to different types of instruction, not the number
 of students who actually received their instruction in person or 
virtually.

Their
 analysis was based on data collected from school district websites, 
Facebook pages, and other public data from 1,200 school districts across
 all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The
 researchers logged whether the schools offered fully remote, hybrid, or
 fully in-person instruction, and which grades and demographic groups 
had access to each kind of instruction, tracking that data weekly from 
January to April.

They also identified differences in access by grade level.&nbsp;

In
 January 2021, 39% of students in grades K-5 had access to full-time, 
in-person learning, compared with 33% of students in grades 6-8, and 30%
 of students in grades 9-12.

That
 may reflect a challenge faced by local, state and federal officials as 
they tried to sort out how to safely reopen schools. Older students 
faced slightly different levels of risk from COVID-19 infections.&nbsp;

But
 it also was harder to keep those students in the same cohorts all day 
if they were in the school building, a practice that helped with tracing
 potential exposure if a student tested positive for infection.

The
 gap between which students were learning virtually and which were 
learning online last year could exacerbate some of the educational 
disparities that already existed, the report’s authors said, noting that
 reduced access to in-person learning is associated with poorer learning
 outcomes and <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/26/health/cdc-remote-learning-kids-mental-health-wellness/index.html">adverse mental health and behavioral effects in children</a>.

“Therefore,
 disparities in access to full-time in-person learning across 
demographic groups might translate into short-term increases in 
educational disparities,” they wrote.&nbsp;

The
 report said those disparities may be driven by a number of factors, 
such as urban districts with more students of color that may have been 
less likely to open due to higher COVID-19 community infection rates.&nbsp;

As school districts look to next year, many are preparing to reopen fully if they had not yet already.&nbsp;

But
 some are waiting on the CDC to offer updated guidance on whether 
students should continue wearing face coverings, though it’s not yet 
clear when or if federal public health officials will alter those 
recommendations.

Laura covers the nation's capital as a senior reporter for States Newsroom, a network of nonprofit outlets that includes Kansas Reflector.&nbsp;

BY LAURA OLSON <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/07/05/cdc-study-finds-racial-regional-disparities-as-schools-reopened-for-in-person-learning/">Kansas Reflector</a>WASHINGTON
 —&nbsp;After last year’s abrupt shutdown of schools due to the coronavirus 
pandemic, increasing numbers of students returned to in-person learning.But
 a new study shows that racial and geographic gaps persisted as K-12 
students went back to their classrooms — with non-Hispanic white kids 
more often the ones attending a brick-and-mortar school full-time in 
most states.From
 last September through April, students in the South also generally had 
greater access to full-time, in-person learning than those in other 
regions of the United States, according to the study, featured in <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7026e2.htm?s_cid=mm7026e2_w">a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report</a>.The study’s lead author was Emily Oster, a Brown University economist who <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/22/us/emily-oster-school-reopening.html">became a cultural icon for many U.S. parents</a>
 during the COVID-19 pandemic for her data analysis of the health 
threats to children from the virus and advice on how to calculate risk.&nbsp;At the same time, the conclusions from Oster that schools could reopen safely and that risks to children are generally low <a href="https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/brown-professor-gets-hounded-off-twitter-for-article-saying-its-okay-to-take-your-kids-on-vacation/">also drew pushback</a> as federal public health officials grappled with crafting guidance for the nation’s schools.The
 study found that access to in-person learning varied by state: 100% of 
students in Wyoming and Montana had access to in-person instruction, 
while Hawaii, Maryland and Washington had the lowest shares of students 
in their classrooms full-time.The
 new data also found a racial disparity in most states on whether 
students were learning online or in person. In 43 states, access to 
full-time, in-person learning was higher for non-Hispanic white students
 compared to those of color.The
 highest racial disparities were in Ohio and Pennsylvania, where on 
average, students of color were 21% and 23% less likely to have access 
to full-time, in-person learning.&nbsp;The
 smallest disparities were in Montana and Wyoming — where all students 
had in-person access — as well as the District of Columbia, Delaware, 
and Hawaii.&nbsp;More
 broadly, the report shows that the prevalence of virtual-only education
 did decline across racial groups starting in January, but with a larger
 share of white students returning to their classrooms than students of 
color.The percentage of white students with access to in-person, full-time classes rose the most by April, from 38% to nearly 75%.&nbsp;For
 Black students, 63% were able to access in-person instruction in April,
 up from 32%, while Hispanic students’ access to in-person classes went 
up to 60%, compared to 36% at the beginning of the year.Oster,
 who’s also written popular books on pregnancy and parenting, and her 
co-authors noted several limitations on their analysis, including that 
it only covered 46% of public K-12 enrollment in the U.S.&nbsp;It
 also looked at access to different types of instruction, not the number
 of students who actually received their instruction in person or 
virtually.Their
 analysis was based on data collected from school district websites, 
Facebook pages, and other public data from 1,200 school districts across
 all 50 states and the District of Columbia.The
 researchers logged whether the schools offered fully remote, hybrid, or
 fully in-person instruction, and which grades and demographic groups 
had access to each kind of instruction, tracking that data weekly from 
January to April.They also identified differences in access by grade level.&nbsp;In
 January 2021, 39% of students in grades K-5 had access to full-time, 
in-person learning, compared with 33% of students in grades 6-8, and 30%
 of students in grades 9-12.That
 may reflect a challenge faced by local, state and federal officials as 
they tried to sort out how to safely reopen schools. Older students 
faced slightly different levels of risk from COVID-19 infections.&nbsp;But
 it also was harder to keep those students in the same cohorts all day 
if they were in the school building, a practice that helped with tracing
 potential exposure if a student tested positive for infection.The
 gap between which students were learning virtually and which were 
learning online last year could exacerbate some of the educational 
disparities that already existed, the report’s authors said, noting that
 reduced access to in-person learning is associated with poorer learning
 outcomes and <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/26/health/cdc-remote-learning-kids-mental-health-wellness/index.html">adverse mental health and behavioral effects in children</a>.“Therefore,
 disparities in access to full-time in-person learning across 
demographic groups might translate into short-term increases in 
educational disparities,” they wrote.&nbsp;The
 report said those disparities may be driven by a number of factors, 
such as urban districts with more students of color that may have been 
less likely to open due to higher COVID-19 community infection rates.&nbsp;As school districts look to next year, many are preparing to reopen fully if they had not yet already.&nbsp;But
 some are waiting on the CDC to offer updated guidance on whether 
students should continue wearing face coverings, though it’s not yet 
clear when or if federal public health officials will alter those 
recommendations.Laura covers the nation's capital as a senior reporter for States Newsroom, a network of nonprofit outlets that includes Kansas Reflector.&nbsp;

CDC: Racial, regional disparities as schools reopened for in-person learning

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for burglary and made an arrest after a standoff.

Just after 8 p.m. Monday, police were in the 2400 block of SE Illinois in Topeka looking for an adult male suspect identified as&nbsp;46 year old Elias Solis in connection with several felonies, according to Lt. Ron Ekis. 

Officers had reason to believe Solis had barricaded himself inside his home. The Topeka Police Response Team and Crisis Negotiators responded to the scene.

Just before 10:30p.m. police took Solis into custody without incident and transported him to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning.&nbsp; They later booked Solis into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the requested&nbsp;charges of Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery and Aggravated Burglary, according Lt. John Trimble.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625574555134.png" alt="Solis-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Solis-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for burglary and made an arrest after a standoff.Just after 8 p.m. Monday, police were in the 2400 block of SE Illinois in Topeka looking for an adult male suspect identified as&nbsp;46 year old Elias Solis in connection with several felonies, according to Lt. Ron Ekis. Officers had reason to believe Solis had barricaded himself inside his home. The Topeka Police Response Team and Crisis Negotiators responded to the scene.Just before 10:30p.m. police took Solis into custody without incident and transported him to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning.&nbsp; They later booked Solis into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the requested&nbsp;charges of Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery and Aggravated Burglary, according Lt. John Trimble.

Police find Kan. burglary, assault suspect barricaded in home

ABILENE - The Lebold Mansion in Abilene has a new owner, a modern Renaissance man of sorts who has a number of ideas to bring the historic mansion and the public together once again.

"The lights are on again at the old Lebold Mansion. Screams will fill the night at Halloween and jingle bells will ring at Christmastime. Like the legendary Phoenix, the Lebold Mansion will rise once more," new owner Joseph Tatner noted in a news release.

Tatner became the owner of the nearly 150-year-old property on June 28.

The mansion’s long list of owners includes more than its share of colorful characters, and Tatner acknowledges that he is no exception. Tatner noted, however, that he may well be the most qualified person to take full advantage of this unique property, which bears a striking resemblance to the Addams Family home. Tatner explained that he has an affinity for the irrepressible Gomez Addams character, who is known as much for his love of life and charitable nature as for his offbeat sense of style. Although he has often been called “eccentric,” Tatner noted that he just likes to have fun. He also like to make people smile, and has earned wide recognition for doing so.

Tatner is a professional actor, producer, director, singer, dancer, marketeer, and writer. A former computer consultant, he currently writes business proposals from home to win government contracts for a cutting-edge technical company near Washington, D.C. He has also earned more than twenty certificates of appreciation or commendation from U.S. congressmen and senators, state governors, and city officials for producing events and ceremonies such as the Hansen Dam Fourth of July Spectacular (the largest fireworks display event in Los Angeles County), North Hollywood Theater and Arts Festival, and a fundraiser for St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. The last organization has special place in Tatner’s heart, since the hospital saved his life from a childhood illness.

As a published author, Tatner has written a wide range of books, from Autism: A New Hope (with Dr. Cheri L. Florance) and the Opus Americana (an epic tome on American history and symbology) to his award-winning comedy/action/romance trilogy, Floyd &amp; Mikki: Zombie Hunters. As an actor, he has played roles on The Partridge Family, The Brady Bunch, Fame, commercials, and several movies. He’s been seen around the world as Nostradamus in a special produced by The History Channel. Tatner has produced, directed and hosted numerous events in New York cabarets, a Cultural Concert Summer Series in Los Angeles, and performed countless times in hospitals and rest homes simply to cheer people up.

If all that wasn’t enough, Tatner studied to be a priest in Rome and was an Air Force officer, he indicated in the news release.

According to Tatner, he plans to open the mansion for tours, generally remaining faithful to the historic nature of the property, but with fully modern technology. Tours will be booked online through the <a href="http://leboldmansion.com">leboldmansion.com</a> website he is currently creating. The site will have links to other local attractions throughout the area, such as the Seeley Mansion, Abilene &amp; Smoky Valley Railroad, Great Plains Theater, and Eisenhower Museum. Tatner said he plans to promote the town of Abilene itself, as well as the people and businesses who help to support the mansion.

“I’ve got a lot of work to do,” Tatner admitted, “and it will all take time, but it all can be done. The mansion needs a lot of work, as well, so I’m starting a Go Fund Me page and will be asking donations for the tours and various events, but I won’t turn anyone away simply because they have no money. I’m not rich, and I was lucky to get this property for an amazing price, but I have the experience and determination to succeed in bringing the Lebold back to life.”

Indeed, there is a lot of work to do. The last owner sold everything in the mansion that wasn’t bolted down (and a lot that was), Tatner noted in the news release. The beautiful curtains and fine Victorian furniture are all gone. The wood needs treatment and restoration, and various repairs pose additional challenges, but the home is structurally sound.

No mansion is complete without a secret door, so Tatner is having one made. Details so far remain, well, secret, but it is no secret that Tatner plans to open his hospitality to the community. 

Planned events include Saturday Teas, Sunday Sundaes, Addams Family themed dinners, Get-A-Clue murder mystery nights (a game created by Joseph himself specifically for the mansion), and, of course, guided tours, he noted. One downstairs room is being converted into a small theater and movie room with popcorn and hot dogs for events. Any actors or craftsmen who have a talent to offer are encouraged to contact Tatner directly.

“This town and this home have an amazing history. Not to mention more than a few ghost stories. I thank God I was able to get this place, and I’m going to have a lot of fun in it. I hope everyone else does, too,” Tatner said.

The following is from the <a href="https://abilenekansas.org/blog/2020/12/21/a-brief-look-at-abilenes-historic-buildings-the-lebold-mansion">Dickinson County Historical Society blog post</a>, "A Brief Look at Abilene's Historic Buildings: the Lebold Mansion," on the <a href="http://abilenekansas.org">Visit Abilene Kansas</a> website.

This beautiful Victorian home was constructed on the original site of the home of Timothy and Elizabeth Hersey, founders of Abilene. Conrad H. Lebold had great success as an Abilene banker and land agent. He later became Mayor of Abilene, Treasurer for Dickinson County, and a member of the state legislature. The Lebold Mansion was built in 1880 for a cost of $18,000. At one time, it was said to be “the finest dwelling house west of Topeka.” After business failure, Lebold moved away from Abilene and the mansion saw a number of different owners and uses. In the late 1920s, the mansion became known as the Girls Club. The Girls Club was owned by C.L. Brown, and was a residence that offered female employees of the United Companies a place to live. The Lebold Mansion also saw life as an apartment building and a historic tour home.

&nbsp; Joseph Tatner can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:theleboldmansion@gmail.com" target="_blank">theleboldmansion@gmail.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625537629144.jpeg" alt="The Lebold Mansion in Abilene. Photos courtesy Joseph Tatner" />
 <figcaption>The Lebold Mansion in Abilene. Photos courtesy Joseph Tatner</figcaption>
 </figure>ABILENE - The Lebold Mansion in Abilene has a new owner, a modern Renaissance man of sorts who has a number of ideas to bring the historic mansion and the public together once again."The lights are on again at the old Lebold Mansion. Screams will fill the night at Halloween and jingle bells will ring at Christmastime. Like the legendary Phoenix, the Lebold Mansion will rise once more," new owner Joseph Tatner noted in a news release.Tatner became the owner of the nearly 150-year-old property on June 28.The mansion’s long list of owners includes more than its share of colorful characters, and Tatner acknowledges that he is no exception. Tatner noted, however, that he may well be the most qualified person to take full advantage of this unique property, which bears a striking resemblance to the Addams Family home. Tatner explained that he has an affinity for the irrepressible Gomez Addams character, who is known as much for his love of life and charitable nature as for his offbeat sense of style. Although he has often been called “eccentric,” Tatner noted that he just likes to have fun. He also like to make people smile, and has earned wide recognition for doing so.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625537758082.jpeg" alt="New Lebold Mansion owner Joseph Tatner" />
 <figcaption>New Lebold Mansion owner Joseph Tatner</figcaption>
 </figure>Tatner is a professional actor, producer, director, singer, dancer, marketeer, and writer. A former computer consultant, he currently writes business proposals from home to win government contracts for a cutting-edge technical company near Washington, D.C. He has also earned more than twenty certificates of appreciation or commendation from U.S. congressmen and senators, state governors, and city officials for producing events and ceremonies such as the Hansen Dam Fourth of July Spectacular (the largest fireworks display event in Los Angeles County), North Hollywood Theater and Arts Festival, and a fundraiser for St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. The last organization has special place in Tatner’s heart, since the hospital saved his life from a childhood illness.As a published author, Tatner has written a wide range of books, from Autism: A New Hope (with Dr. Cheri L. Florance) and the Opus Americana (an epic tome on American history and symbology) to his award-winning comedy/action/romance trilogy, Floyd &amp; Mikki: Zombie Hunters. As an actor, he has played roles on The Partridge Family, The Brady Bunch, Fame, commercials, and several movies. He’s been seen around the world as Nostradamus in a special produced by The History Channel. Tatner has produced, directed and hosted numerous events in New York cabarets, a Cultural Concert Summer Series in Los Angeles, and performed countless times in hospitals and rest homes simply to cheer people up. If all that wasn’t enough, Tatner studied to be a priest in Rome and was an Air Force officer, he indicated in the news release.According to Tatner, he plans to open the mansion for tours, generally remaining faithful to the historic nature of the property, but with fully modern technology. Tours will be booked online through the <a href="http://leboldmansion.com">leboldmansion.com</a> website he is currently creating. The site will have links to other local attractions throughout the area, such as the Seeley Mansion, Abilene &amp; Smoky Valley Railroad, Great Plains Theater, and Eisenhower Museum. Tatner said he plans to promote the town of Abilene itself, as well as the people and businesses who help to support the mansion.“I’ve got a lot of work to do,” Tatner admitted, “and it will all take time, but it all can be done. The mansion needs a lot of work, as well, so I’m starting a Go Fund Me page and will be asking donations for the tours and various events, but I won’t turn anyone away simply because they have no money. I’m not rich, and I was lucky to get this property for an amazing price, but I have the experience and determination to succeed in bringing the Lebold back to life.”Indeed, there is a lot of work to do. The last owner sold everything in the mansion that wasn’t bolted down (and a lot that was), Tatner noted in the news release. The beautiful curtains and fine Victorian furniture are all gone. The wood needs treatment and restoration, and various repairs pose additional challenges, but the home is structurally sound.No mansion is complete without a secret door, so Tatner is having one made. Details so far remain, well, secret, but it is no secret that Tatner plans to open his hospitality to the community. Planned events include Saturday Teas, Sunday Sundaes, Addams Family themed dinners, Get-A-Clue murder mystery nights (a game created by Joseph himself specifically for the mansion), and, of course, guided tours, he noted. One downstairs room is being converted into a small theater and movie room with popcorn and hot dogs for events. Any actors or craftsmen who have a talent to offer are encouraged to contact Tatner directly.“This town and this home have an amazing history. Not to mention more than a few ghost stories. I thank God I was able to get this place, and I’m going to have a lot of fun in it. I hope everyone else does, too,” Tatner said.About the Lebold MansionThe following is from the <a href="https://abilenekansas.org/blog/2020/12/21/a-brief-look-at-abilenes-historic-buildings-the-lebold-mansion">Dickinson County Historical Society blog post</a>, "A Brief Look at Abilene's Historic Buildings: the Lebold Mansion," on the <a href="http://abilenekansas.org">Visit Abilene Kansas</a> website.This beautiful Victorian home was constructed on the original site of the home of Timothy and Elizabeth Hersey, founders of Abilene. Conrad H. Lebold had great success as an Abilene banker and land agent. He later became Mayor of Abilene, Treasurer for Dickinson County, and a member of the state legislature. The Lebold Mansion was built in 1880 for a cost of $18,000. At one time, it was said to be “the finest dwelling house west of Topeka.” After business failure, Lebold moved away from Abilene and the mansion saw a number of different owners and uses. In the late 1920s, the mansion became known as the Girls Club. The Girls Club was owned by C.L. Brown, and was a residence that offered female employees of the United Companies a place to live. The Lebold Mansion also saw life as an apartment building and a historic tour home. &nbsp; Joseph Tatner can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:theleboldmansion@gmail.com" target="_blank">theleboldmansion@gmail.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

New owner plans to bring Abilene's Lebold Mansion back to life

Today is Tuesday, July 6, the 187th day of 2021. There are 178 days left in the year. 

On July 6, 1854, the first official meeting of the Republican Party took place in Jackson, Michigan. 

In 1777, during the American Revolution, British forces captured Fort Ticonderoga. 

In 1885, French scientist Louis Pasteur tested an anti-rabies vaccine on 9-year-old Joseph Meister, who had been bitten by an infected dog; the boy did not develop rabies. 

In 1917, during World War I, Arab forces led by T.E. Lawrence and Auda Abu Tayi captured the port of Aqaba from the Ottoman Turks.

In 1933, the first All-Star baseball game was played at Chicago's Comiskey Park; the American League defeated the National League, 4-2.

In 1942, Anne Frank, her parents and sister entered a "secret annex" in an Amsterdam building where they were later joined by four other people; they hid from Nazi occupiers for two years before being discovered and arrested. 

In 1944, an estimated 168 people died in a fire that broke out during a performance in the main tent of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum &amp; Bailey Circus in Hartford, Connecticut. 

In 1945, President Harry S. Truman signed an executive order establishing the Medal of Freedom. 

In 1957, the Harry S. Truman Library, the nation's first presidential library, was dedicated in Independence, Missouri. 

In 1971, jazz trumpeter and singer Louis Armstrong died in New York at age 69. 

In 1988, 167 North Sea oil workers were killed when explosions and fires destroyed a drilling platform. 

In 2005, New York Times reporter Judith Miller was jailed after refusing to testify before a grand jury investigating the leak of undercover CIA operative Valerie Plame's identity (Miller was jailed for 85 days before agreeing to testify).

In 2015, Pope Francis received a hero's welcome in Guayaquil, Ecuador's biggest city, as he celebrated the first public Mass of his South American tour.

Ten years ago: Jury selection began in the perjury trial of former baseball pitcher Roger Clemens, who was accused of lying under oath to Congress when he denied ever using performance-enhancing drugs during his career (the proceedings ended abruptly in a mistrial; Clemens was later acquitted in a retrial).

Five years ago: President Barack Obama scrapped plans to cut American forces in Afghanistan by half before leaving office. Double-amputee Olympian Oscar Pistorius was sentenced to six years in a South African prison for murdering girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. (An appeals court would increase that sentence to 13 years.) Philando Castile, a Black elementary school cafeteria worker, was killed during a traffic stop in the St. Paul suburb of Falcon Heights by Officer Jeronimo Yanez. (Yanez was later acquitted on a charge of second-degree manslaughter.) Former Fox News Channel anchor Gretchen Carlson sued network chief executive Roger Ailes, claiming she was cut loose after she had refused his sexual advances and complained about harassment in the workplace, allegations denied by Ailes. (Carlson later settled her lawsuit for a reported $20 million.) The augmented-reality game Pokemon Go made its debut in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand.

One year ago: The Trump administration formally notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the World Health Organization; President Donald Trump had criticized the WHO's response to the coronavirus pandemic. (The pullout was halted by President Joe Biden's administration.) Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency and authorized the activation of up to 1,000 National Guard troops after a weekend of gun violence in Atlanta left five people dead; the victims included an 8-year-old girl, killed while riding in a car near a Wendy's that had been burned after a Black man was shot by a white police officer in the restaurant's parking lot in June. Amy Cooper, the white woman who called police during a videotaped dispute with a Black man in New York's Central Park, was charged with filing a false report. (The case was dismissed after Cooper completed a counseling program.) Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie Daniels, a singer, guitarist and fiddler who had a hit with "Devil Went Down to Georgia," died in Tennessee at the age of 83. Agents for Patrick Mahomes said the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback had agreed to a 10-year contract extension worth as much as $503 million, giving the Super Bowl MVP the richest-ever sports contract. Oscar-winning Italian composer Ennio Morricone, who created the theme for "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," died at 91.

Today's Birthdays: The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is 86. Singer Gene Chandler is 81. Country singer Jeannie Seely is 81. Actor Burt Ward is 76. Former President George W. Bush is 75. Actor-director Sylvester Stallone is 75. Actor Fred Dryer is 75. Actor Shelley Hack is 74. Actor Nathalie Baye is 73. Actor Geoffrey Rush is 70. Actor Allyce Beasley is 70. Rock musician John Bazz (The Blasters) is 69. Actor Grant Goodeve is 69. Country singer Nanci Griffith is 68. Retired MLB All-Star Willie Randolph is 67. Jazz musician Rick Braun is 66. Actor Casey Sander is 66. Country musician John Jorgenson is 65. Former first daughter Susan Ford Bales is 64. Hockey player and coach Ron Duguay is 64. Actor-writer Jennifer Saunders is 63. Rock musician John Keeble (Spandau Ballet) is 62. Actor Pip Torrens is 61. Actor Brian Posehn is 55. Actor Robb Derringer is 54. Political reporter/moderator John Dickerson is 53. Actor Brian Van Holt is 52. Rapper Inspectah Deck (Wu-Tang Clan) is 51. TV host Josh Elliott is 50. Rapper 50 Cent is 46. Actors Tia and Tamera Mowry are 43. Comedian-actor Kevin Hart is 42. Actor Eva Green is 41. Actor Gregory Smith is 38. Rock musician Chris "Woody" Wood (Bastille) is 36. Rock singer Kate Nash is 34. Actor Jeremy Suarez is 31. San Diego Padres infielder Manny Machado is 29. NBA star Zion Williamson is 21.

<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, July 6, the 187th day of 2021. There are 178 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 6, 1854, the first official meeting of the Republican Party took place in Jackson, Michigan. On this date: In 1777, during the American Revolution, British forces captured Fort Ticonderoga. In 1885, French scientist Louis Pasteur tested an anti-rabies vaccine on 9-year-old Joseph Meister, who had been bitten by an infected dog; the boy did not develop rabies. In 1917, during World War I, Arab forces led by T.E. Lawrence and Auda Abu Tayi captured the port of Aqaba from the Ottoman Turks.In 1933, the first All-Star baseball game was played at Chicago's Comiskey Park; the American League defeated the National League, 4-2.In 1942, Anne Frank, her parents and sister entered a "secret annex" in an Amsterdam building where they were later joined by four other people; they hid from Nazi occupiers for two years before being discovered and arrested. In 1944, an estimated 168 people died in a fire that broke out during a performance in the main tent of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum &amp; Bailey Circus in Hartford, Connecticut. In 1945, President Harry S. Truman signed an executive order establishing the Medal of Freedom. In 1957, the Harry S. Truman Library, the nation's first presidential library, was dedicated in Independence, Missouri. In 1971, jazz trumpeter and singer Louis Armstrong died in New York at age 69. In 1988, 167 North Sea oil workers were killed when explosions and fires destroyed a drilling platform. In 2005, New York Times reporter Judith Miller was jailed after refusing to testify before a grand jury investigating the leak of undercover CIA operative Valerie Plame's identity (Miller was jailed for 85 days before agreeing to testify).In 2015, Pope Francis received a hero's welcome in Guayaquil, Ecuador's biggest city, as he celebrated the first public Mass of his South American tour.Ten years ago: Jury selection began in the perjury trial of former baseball pitcher Roger Clemens, who was accused of lying under oath to Congress when he denied ever using performance-enhancing drugs during his career (the proceedings ended abruptly in a mistrial; Clemens was later acquitted in a retrial). Five years ago: President Barack Obama scrapped plans to cut American forces in Afghanistan by half before leaving office. Double-amputee Olympian Oscar Pistorius was sentenced to six years in a South African prison for murdering girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. (An appeals court would increase that sentence to 13 years.) Philando Castile, a Black elementary school cafeteria worker, was killed during a traffic stop in the St. Paul suburb of Falcon Heights by Officer Jeronimo Yanez. (Yanez was later acquitted on a charge of second-degree manslaughter.) Former Fox News Channel anchor Gretchen Carlson sued network chief executive Roger Ailes, claiming she was cut loose after she had refused his sexual advances and complained about harassment in the workplace, allegations denied by Ailes. (Carlson later settled her lawsuit for a reported $20 million.) The augmented-reality game Pokemon Go made its debut in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand.One year ago: The Trump administration formally notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the World Health Organization; President Donald Trump had criticized the WHO's response to the coronavirus pandemic. (The pullout was halted by President Joe Biden's administration.) Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency and authorized the activation of up to 1,000 National Guard troops after a weekend of gun violence in Atlanta left five people dead; the victims included an 8-year-old girl, killed while riding in a car near a Wendy's that had been burned after a Black man was shot by a white police officer in the restaurant's parking lot in June. Amy Cooper, the white woman who called police during a videotaped dispute with a Black man in New York's Central Park, was charged with filing a false report. (The case was dismissed after Cooper completed a counseling program.) Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie Daniels, a singer, guitarist and fiddler who had a hit with "Devil Went Down to Georgia," died in Tennessee at the age of 83. Agents for Patrick Mahomes said the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback had agreed to a 10-year contract extension worth as much as $503 million, giving the Super Bowl MVP the richest-ever sports contract. Oscar-winning Italian composer Ennio Morricone, who created the theme for "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," died at 91.Today's Birthdays: The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is 86. Singer Gene Chandler is 81. Country singer Jeannie Seely is 81. Actor Burt Ward is 76. Former President George W. Bush is 75. Actor-director Sylvester Stallone is 75. Actor Fred Dryer is 75. Actor Shelley Hack is 74. Actor Nathalie Baye is 73. Actor Geoffrey Rush is 70. Actor Allyce Beasley is 70. Rock musician John Bazz (The Blasters) is 69. Actor Grant Goodeve is 69. Country singer Nanci Griffith is 68. Retired MLB All-Star Willie Randolph is 67. Jazz musician Rick Braun is 66. Actor Casey Sander is 66. Country musician John Jorgenson is 65. Former first daughter Susan Ford Bales is 64. Hockey player and coach Ron Duguay is 64. Actor-writer Jennifer Saunders is 63. Rock musician John Keeble (Spandau Ballet) is 62. Actor Pip Torrens is 61. Actor Brian Posehn is 55. Actor Robb Derringer is 54. Political reporter/moderator John Dickerson is 53. Actor Brian Van Holt is 52. Rapper Inspectah Deck (Wu-Tang Clan) is 51. TV host Josh Elliott is 50. Rapper 50 Cent is 46. Actors Tia and Tamera Mowry are 43. Comedian-actor Kevin Hart is 42. Actor Eva Green is 41. Actor Gregory Smith is 38. Rock musician Chris "Woody" Wood (Bastille) is 36. Rock singer Kate Nash is 34. Actor Jeremy Suarez is 31. San Diego Padres infielder Manny Machado is 29. NBA star Zion Williamson is 21.

Today in History - July 6

By EDDIE PELLS and PAT GRAHAM AP Sports Writers

Every time Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce steps on the track, some sort of record is in jeopardy. 

At the top of that list, of course, is Florence Griffith Joyner's 33-year-old mark in the 100 meters. 

At the upcoming Olympics, Fraser-Pryce, the 34-year-old mother from Jamaica, also could become the oldest person to win an individual Olympic sprint. And, she could become the first woman to win three 100-meter gold medals at the games. 

Where the world used to look to another Jamaican, Usain Bolt, to rewrite history at the Olympics, Bolt's retirement turns the spotlight over to Fraser-Pryce, who is now the most-accomplished active 100-meter sprinter in the world. Her chances to put her name in the history book begin July 30 in Tokyo.

By EDDIE PELLS and PAT GRAHAM AP Sports WritersEvery time Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce steps on the track, some sort of record is in jeopardy. At the top of that list, of course, is Florence Griffith Joyner's 33-year-old mark in the 100 meters. At the upcoming Olympics, Fraser-Pryce, the 34-year-old mother from Jamaica, also could become the oldest person to win an individual Olympic sprint. And, she could become the first woman to win three 100-meter gold medals at the games. Where the world used to look to another Jamaican, Usain Bolt, to rewrite history at the Olympics, Bolt's retirement turns the spotlight over to Fraser-Pryce, who is now the most-accomplished active 100-meter sprinter in the world. Her chances to put her name in the history book begin July 30 in Tokyo.

At 34, 'Mommy Rocket' Fraser-Pryce sprinter to beat in Tokyo

Today is Monday, July 5, the 186th day of 2021. There are 179 days left in the year. 

On July 5, 1971, President Richard Nixon certified the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which lowered the minimum voting age from 21 to 18. 

In 1687, Isaac Newton first published his Principia Mathematica, a three-volume work setting out his mathematical principles of natural philosophy.

In 1811, Venezuela became the first South American country to declare independence from Spain. 

In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the National Labor Relations Act. 

In 1943, the Battle of Kursk began during World War II; in the weeks that followed, the Soviets were able to repeatedly repel the Germans, who eventually withdrew in defeat. 

In 1947, Larry Doby made his debut with the Cleveland Indians, becoming the first Black player in the American League three months after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in the National League. In the game against the Chicago White Sox at Comiskey Park, Doby, pinch-hitting for Bryan Stephens, struck out in his first at-bat during the seventh inning; Chicago won 6-5. 

In 1948, Britain's National Health Service Act went into effect, providing publicly-financed medical and dental care. 

In 1954, Elvis Presley's first commercial recording session took place at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee; the song he recorded was "That's All Right." 

In 1975, Arthur Ashe became the first Black man to win a Wimbledon singles title as he defeated Jimmy Connors, 6-1, 6-1, 5-7, 6-4. 

In 1977, Pakistan's army, led by General Mohammad Zia ul-Haq, seized power from President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. (Bhutto was executed in 1979.) 

In 2003, Serena Williams beat sister Venus 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 for her second straight Wimbledon title. 

In 2009, a bankruptcy judge ruled that General Motors Corp. could sell the bulk of its assets to a new company, clearing the way for the automaker to emerge from bankruptcy protection. 

In 2015, the first pope from Latin America, Francis, landed in Ecuador, returning to South America for the first time bearing a message of solidarity with the region's poor.

Ten years ago: A jury in Orlando, Florida, found Casey Anthony, 25, not guilty of murder, manslaughter and child abuse in the 2008 disappearance and death of her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee.

Five years ago: The FBI recommended no criminal charges for Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server, but Director James Comey's scathing criticism of her "extremely careless" handling of classified material revitalized Republican attacks. President Barack Obama heartily vouched for Hillary Clinton's trustworthiness and dedication, making his first outing on the campaign stump for his former secretary of state with an appearance in Charlotte, North Carolina. Republican Donald Trump praised former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's ruthlessness, saying in Raleigh, North Carolina, that while Saddam was a "bad guy," he "killed terrorists. He did that so good."

One year ago: A French bus driver was violently beaten and kicked in the head after he asked four passengers to wear masks that were required because of the coronavirus pandemic; the driver died days later. A statue of abolitionist Frederick Douglass was ripped from its base in Rochester, N.Y., on the anniversary of a speech he delivered there in 1852; the damaged statue was found 50 feet away.

Today's Birthdays: Singer-musician Robbie Robertson is 78. Julie Nixon Eisenhower is 73. Rock star Huey Lewis is 71. Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Rich "Goose" Gossage is 70. Country musician Charles Ventre is 69. Singer-songwriter Marc Cohn is 62. Actor John Marshall Jones is 59. Actor Dorien Wilson is 59. Actor Edie Falco is 58. Actor Jillian Armenante is 57. Actor Kathryn Erbe is 56. Actor Michael Stuhlbarg is 53. Country musician Brent Flynn (Flynnville Train) is 52. Rapper RZA is 52. R&amp;B singer Joe is 48. Rock musician Bengt Lagerberg (The Cardigans) is 48. Actor Dale Godboldo is 46. Rapper Bizarre is 45. Rapper Royce da 5'9" is 44. Rock singer Jason Wade (Lifehouse) is 41. Actor Ryan Hansen is 40. Country musician Dave Haywood (Lady A) is 39. Rock musician Nick O'Malley (Arctic Monkeys) is 36. Actor Jason Dolley is 30. California Angels pitcher and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani 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 Monday, July 5, the 186th day of 2021. There are 179 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 5, 1971, President Richard Nixon certified the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which lowered the minimum voting age from 21 to 18. On this date: In 1687, Isaac Newton first published his Principia Mathematica, a three-volume work setting out his mathematical principles of natural philosophy.In 1811, Venezuela became the first South American country to declare independence from Spain. In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the National Labor Relations Act. In 1943, the Battle of Kursk began during World War II; in the weeks that followed, the Soviets were able to repeatedly repel the Germans, who eventually withdrew in defeat. In 1947, Larry Doby made his debut with the Cleveland Indians, becoming the first Black player in the American League three months after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in the National League. In the game against the Chicago White Sox at Comiskey Park, Doby, pinch-hitting for Bryan Stephens, struck out in his first at-bat during the seventh inning; Chicago won 6-5. In 1948, Britain's National Health Service Act went into effect, providing publicly-financed medical and dental care. In 1954, Elvis Presley's first commercial recording session took place at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee; the song he recorded was "That's All Right." In 1975, Arthur Ashe became the first Black man to win a Wimbledon singles title as he defeated Jimmy Connors, 6-1, 6-1, 5-7, 6-4. In 1977, Pakistan's army, led by General Mohammad Zia ul-Haq, seized power from President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. (Bhutto was executed in 1979.) In 2003, Serena Williams beat sister Venus 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 for her second straight Wimbledon title. In 2009, a bankruptcy judge ruled that General Motors Corp. could sell the bulk of its assets to a new company, clearing the way for the automaker to emerge from bankruptcy protection. In 2015, the first pope from Latin America, Francis, landed in Ecuador, returning to South America for the first time bearing a message of solidarity with the region's poor.Ten years ago: A jury in Orlando, Florida, found Casey Anthony, 25, not guilty of murder, manslaughter and child abuse in the 2008 disappearance and death of her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee.Five years ago: The FBI recommended no criminal charges for Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server, but Director James Comey's scathing criticism of her "extremely careless" handling of classified material revitalized Republican attacks. President Barack Obama heartily vouched for Hillary Clinton's trustworthiness and dedication, making his first outing on the campaign stump for his former secretary of state with an appearance in Charlotte, North Carolina. Republican Donald Trump praised former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's ruthlessness, saying in Raleigh, North Carolina, that while Saddam was a "bad guy," he "killed terrorists. He did that so good."One year ago: A French bus driver was violently beaten and kicked in the head after he asked four passengers to wear masks that were required because of the coronavirus pandemic; the driver died days later. A statue of abolitionist Frederick Douglass was ripped from its base in Rochester, N.Y., on the anniversary of a speech he delivered there in 1852; the damaged statue was found 50 feet away.Today's Birthdays: Singer-musician Robbie Robertson is 78. Julie Nixon Eisenhower is 73. Rock star Huey Lewis is 71. Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Rich "Goose" Gossage is 70. Country musician Charles Ventre is 69. Singer-songwriter Marc Cohn is 62. Actor John Marshall Jones is 59. Actor Dorien Wilson is 59. Actor Edie Falco is 58. Actor Jillian Armenante is 57. Actor Kathryn Erbe is 56. Actor Michael Stuhlbarg is 53. Country musician Brent Flynn (Flynnville Train) is 52. Rapper RZA is 52. R&amp;B singer Joe is 48. Rock musician Bengt Lagerberg (The Cardigans) is 48. Actor Dale Godboldo is 46. Rapper Bizarre is 45. Rapper Royce da 5'9" is 44. Rock singer Jason Wade (Lifehouse) is 41. Actor Ryan Hansen is 40. Country musician Dave Haywood (Lady A) is 39. Rock musician Nick O'Malley (Arctic Monkeys) is 36. Actor Jason Dolley is 30. California Angels pitcher and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is 27.

Today in History - July 5

Today is Sunday, July 4, the 185th day of 2021. There are 180 days left in the year. This is Independence Day. 

On July 4, 1976, America celebrated its bicentennial with daylong festivities; President Gerald R. Ford made stops in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, Independence Hall in Philadelphia and New York, where more than 200 ships paraded up the Hudson River in Operation Sail.

In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by delegates to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia. 

In 1802, the United States Military Academy officially opened at West Point, New York. 

In 1826, 50 years to the day after the Declaration of Independence was adopted, former presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died. 

In 1831, the fifth president of the United States, James Monroe, died in New York City at age 73. 

In 1910, in what was billed as "The Fight of the Century," Black world heavyweight boxing champion Jack Johnson defeated white former champ James J. Jeffries in Reno, Nevada. 

In 1939, Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees delivered his famous farewell speech in which he called himself "the luckiest man on the face of the earth." 

In 1946, the Philippines became independent of U.S. sovereignty. 

In 1959, America's 49-star flag, recognizing Alaskan statehood, was officially unfurled.

In 1960, America's 50-star flag, recognizing Hawaiian statehood, was officially unfurled.

In 1995, the space shuttle Atlantis and the Russian space station Mir parted after spending five days in orbit docked together. 

In 2009, Serena Williams beat her big sister, Venus, 7-6 (3), 6-2 for her third Wimbledon title and 11th Grand Slam championship.

In 2013, Egypt's interim president, Adly Mansour, was sworn in following the ouster of Mohammed Morsi, the Islamist leader overthrown by the military after just one year in office. 

Ten years ago: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez made a surprise return to his country after undergoing cancer treatment in Cuba. Otto von Hapsburg, 98, the oldest son of Austria's last emperor and longtime head of one of Europe's most influential families, died in Poecking, Germany.

Five years ago: NASA received a radio signal from the solar-powered Juno spacecraft confirming that it was in orbit around the planet Jupiter after a trip of nearly five years and 1.8 billion miles.

One year ago: In a Fourth of July speech filled with the combativeness of his political rallies, President Donald Trump vowed to "safeguard our values" from enemies within – enemies that he said included "the radical left, the anarchists, the agitators, the looters." Protesters in Baltimore pulled down a statue of Christopher Columbus and threw it into the city's Inner Harbor. Florida and Texas reported record daily increases in coronavirus cases, as new signs that the virus was surging in parts of the country cast a pall over Fourth of July celebrations. The world's longest-surviving conjoined twins, Ronnie and Donnie Galyon of Beavercreek, Ohio, died at the age of 68.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Eva Marie Saint is 97. Actor Gina Lollobrigida is 94. Country singer Ray Pillow is 84. Actor Ed Bernard is 82. Actor Karolyn Grimes is 81. R&amp;B singer Annette Beard (Martha and the Vandellas) is 78. Broadcast journalist Geraldo Rivera is 78. Vietnam War veteran and peace activist Ron Kovic is 75. R&amp;B musician Ralph Johnson (Earth, Wind and Fire) is 70. Rock musician Domingo Ortiz (Widespread Panic) is 69. Singer John Waite is 69. Rock musician Kirk Pengilly (INXS) is 63. International Tennis Hall of Famer Pam Shriver is 59. Christian rock singer Michael Sweet is 58. Actor-playwright-screenwriter Tracy Letts is 56. Actor Al Madrigal is 50. Actor Jenica Bergere is 47. Actor-singer John Lloyd Young is 46. Singer Stephen "Ste" McNally (BBMak) is 43. Actor Becki Newton is 43. Actor Mo McRae is 39. TV personality Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino is 39. R&amp;B singer Melanie Fiona is 38. Malia Obama 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 Sunday, July 4, the 185th day of 2021. There are 180 days left in the year. This is Independence Day. Today's Highlight in History: On July 4, 1976, America celebrated its bicentennial with daylong festivities; President Gerald R. Ford made stops in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, Independence Hall in Philadelphia and New York, where more than 200 ships paraded up the Hudson River in Operation Sail.On this date:In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by delegates to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia. In 1802, the United States Military Academy officially opened at West Point, New York. In 1826, 50 years to the day after the Declaration of Independence was adopted, former presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died. In 1831, the fifth president of the United States, James Monroe, died in New York City at age 73. In 1910, in what was billed as "The Fight of the Century," Black world heavyweight boxing champion Jack Johnson defeated white former champ James J. Jeffries in Reno, Nevada. In 1939, Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees delivered his famous farewell speech in which he called himself "the luckiest man on the face of the earth." In 1946, the Philippines became independent of U.S. sovereignty. In 1959, America's 49-star flag, recognizing Alaskan statehood, was officially unfurled.In 1960, America's 50-star flag, recognizing Hawaiian statehood, was officially unfurled.In 1995, the space shuttle Atlantis and the Russian space station Mir parted after spending five days in orbit docked together. In 2009, Serena Williams beat her big sister, Venus, 7-6 (3), 6-2 for her third Wimbledon title and 11th Grand Slam championship.In 2013, Egypt's interim president, Adly Mansour, was sworn in following the ouster of Mohammed Morsi, the Islamist leader overthrown by the military after just one year in office. Ten years ago: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez made a surprise return to his country after undergoing cancer treatment in Cuba. Otto von Hapsburg, 98, the oldest son of Austria's last emperor and longtime head of one of Europe's most influential families, died in Poecking, Germany.Five years ago: NASA received a radio signal from the solar-powered Juno spacecraft confirming that it was in orbit around the planet Jupiter after a trip of nearly five years and 1.8 billion miles. One year ago: In a Fourth of July speech filled with the combativeness of his political rallies, President Donald Trump vowed to "safeguard our values" from enemies within – enemies that he said included "the radical left, the anarchists, the agitators, the looters." Protesters in Baltimore pulled down a statue of Christopher Columbus and threw it into the city's Inner Harbor. Florida and Texas reported record daily increases in coronavirus cases, as new signs that the virus was surging in parts of the country cast a pall over Fourth of July celebrations. The world's longest-surviving conjoined twins, Ronnie and Donnie Galyon of Beavercreek, Ohio, died at the age of 68.Today's Birthdays: Actor Eva Marie Saint is 97. Actor Gina Lollobrigida is 94. Country singer Ray Pillow is 84. Actor Ed Bernard is 82. Actor Karolyn Grimes is 81. R&amp;B singer Annette Beard (Martha and the Vandellas) is 78. Broadcast journalist Geraldo Rivera is 78. Vietnam War veteran and peace activist Ron Kovic is 75. R&amp;B musician Ralph Johnson (Earth, Wind and Fire) is 70. Rock musician Domingo Ortiz (Widespread Panic) is 69. Singer John Waite is 69. Rock musician Kirk Pengilly (INXS) is 63. International Tennis Hall of Famer Pam Shriver is 59. Christian rock singer Michael Sweet is 58. Actor-playwright-screenwriter Tracy Letts is 56. Actor Al Madrigal is 50. Actor Jenica Bergere is 47. Actor-singer John Lloyd Young is 46. Singer Stephen "Ste" McNally (BBMak) is 43. Actor Becki Newton is 43. Actor Mo McRae is 39. TV personality Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino is 39. R&amp;B singer Melanie Fiona is 38. Malia Obama is 23.

Today in History - July 4

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused of&nbsp; an alleged sexual assault made his first court appearance Wednesday.

Jeremy Brown, 31 of Valley Center, was charged with four counts of rape, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 4:30a.m. June 26, police responded to a report of rape at a home in the 1600 block of South St. Paul Street in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson and contacted a 72-year-old woman identified as a victim.

Investigators learned the 72-year-old woman was with a 37-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man at a local bar where they met 31-year-old Jeremy Brown and then all four met at a home on St. Paul Street. At the residence, Brown is alleged to have sexually assaulted the 72-year-old.

Officers arrested&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=352939">Brown on a requested charge for rape</a>. He was booked into the Sedgwick County J<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=352939">ail on a $100,000 bond</a>&nbsp;and is no longer in custody. Booking details list him as 6-foot-4 inches tall and 400 pounds. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 8, according to the district attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625051561119.png" alt="Brown-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Brown-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused of&nbsp; an alleged sexual assault made his first court appearance Wednesday.Jeremy Brown, 31 of Valley Center, was charged with four counts of rape, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just before 4:30a.m. June 26, police responded to a report of rape at a home in the 1600 block of South St. Paul Street in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson and contacted a 72-year-old woman identified as a victim.Investigators learned the 72-year-old woman was with a 37-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man at a local bar where they met 31-year-old Jeremy Brown and then all four met at a home on St. Paul Street. At the residence, Brown is alleged to have sexually assaulted the 72-year-old.Officers arrested&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=352939">Brown on a requested charge for rape</a>. He was booked into the Sedgwick County J<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=352939">ail on a $100,000 bond</a>&nbsp;and is no longer in custody. Booking details list him as 6-foot-4 inches tall and 400 pounds. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 8, according to the district attorney.