A group that enjoys being on the fringes of possibility is coming to the Stiefel Theatre.

The Piano Guys are scheduled to perform live at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 in the Stiefel Theatre.

Tickets start at $69 and go on sale at noon Friday. Buy in person at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office or online at <a href="http://stiefeltheatre.org">stiefeltheatre.org</a>.

Performer information courtesy the Stiefel Theatre

Since their serendipitous start in a Southern Utah piano shop, The Piano Guys have proven to be a powerhouse group without limits. Arriving as a musical phenomenon seemingly overnight, the quartet of Jon Schmidt[pianist, songwriter], StevenSharp Nelson [cellist, songwriter], Paul Anderson[producer, videographer], and Al van der Beek [music producer, songwriter] have delivered bold compositions that transcend boundaries of style and genre, a boundlessness that has since translated into a massively-successful career.

Their 2020 album release, 10, was a celebration of The Piano Guys’ 10-year anniversary. The album included their most popular hits from the past 10 years as well as brand-new arrangements. Steven and Jon are gearing up to hit the road to perform their new music and share their great humor. 

“Who would have ever thought four middle-aged dads from Utah filming classically influenced music in nature could ever succeed at the outset?” asked member Steven Sharp Nelson. “Our favorite thing is to find a way to be on the fringes of possibility. We like to combine things you would never expect to find together—but are close enough to make sense. It has been our mindset from the beginning.” 

Since formally introducing themselves in 2011, The Piano Guys have released five studio albums, two Christmas releases and a fan-favorite live album, earning six No. 1 debuts on Billboard’s Top Classical Albums chart and garnering an impressive two billion-plus global streams, over 1.6 billion YouTube views, and averaging nearly two million monthly listeners on Spotify alone.They have sold out concerts in almost every corner of the world and attracted a diehard audience of millions. 

The Piano Guys have appeared in The New York Times, Fast Company, BuzzFeed, Mashable, People, been featured on CBS Sunday Morning and performed on the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, and The Tonight Show.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650398912116.jpeg" alt="The Piano Guys' Jon Schmidt, left, and Steven Sharp Nelson. Photos courtesy Stiefel Theatre" />
 <figcaption>The Piano Guys' Jon Schmidt, left, and Steven Sharp Nelson. Photos courtesy Stiefel Theatre</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTA group that enjoys being on the fringes of possibility is coming to the Stiefel Theatre.The Piano Guys are scheduled to perform live at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 in the Stiefel Theatre.Tickets start at $69 and go on sale at noon Friday. Buy in person at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office or online at <a href="http://stiefeltheatre.org">stiefeltheatre.org</a>.Performer information courtesy the Stiefel TheatreSince their serendipitous start in a Southern Utah piano shop, The Piano Guys have proven to be a powerhouse group without limits. Arriving as a musical phenomenon seemingly overnight, the quartet of Jon Schmidt[pianist, songwriter], StevenSharp Nelson [cellist, songwriter], Paul Anderson[producer, videographer], and Al van der Beek [music producer, songwriter] have delivered bold compositions that transcend boundaries of style and genre, a boundlessness that has since translated into a massively-successful career.Their 2020 album release, 10, was a celebration of The Piano Guys’ 10-year anniversary. The album included their most popular hits from the past 10 years as well as brand-new arrangements. Steven and Jon are gearing up to hit the road to perform their new music and share their great humor. “Who would have ever thought four middle-aged dads from Utah filming classically influenced music in nature could ever succeed at the outset?” asked member Steven Sharp Nelson. “Our favorite thing is to find a way to be on the fringes of possibility. We like to combine things you would never expect to find together—but are close enough to make sense. It has been our mindset from the beginning.” Since formally introducing themselves in 2011, The Piano Guys have released five studio albums, two Christmas releases and a fan-favorite live album, earning six No. 1 debuts on Billboard’s Top Classical Albums chart and garnering an impressive two billion-plus global streams, over 1.6 billion YouTube views, and averaging nearly two million monthly listeners on Spotify alone.They have sold out concerts in almost every corner of the world and attracted a diehard audience of millions. The Piano Guys have appeared in The New York Times, Fast Company, BuzzFeed, Mashable, People, been featured on CBS Sunday Morning and performed on the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, and The Tonight Show.

The Piano Guys coming to Salina's Stiefel Theatre

UPDATE 3:30 p.m.:&nbsp;Due to unforeseen circumstances in team planning for this week and considering the upcoming bye week, the Salina Liberty Coach's Show will not air tonight. We will resume the Coach Heron O'Neal Show next week on April 25 from AJ's in The Alley as the Liberty look ahead to the Rapid City Marshals game!

This season, AJ's in The Alley in downtown Salina is the home for the Coach Heron O'Neal Show.

If you can't be there in person, you can watch the show live on Salina Post or listen to it on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays!&nbsp;

UPDATE 3:30 p.m.:&nbsp;Due to unforeseen circumstances in team planning for this week and considering the upcoming bye week, the Salina Liberty Coach's Show will not air tonight. We will resume the Coach Heron O'Neal Show next week on April 25 from AJ's in The Alley as the Liberty look ahead to the Rapid City Marshals game!This season, AJ's in The Alley in downtown Salina is the home for the Coach Heron O'Neal Show.If you can't be there in person, you can watch the show live on Salina Post or listen to it on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays!&nbsp;

UPDATE: No Coach Heron O'Neal Show tonight

Through the years, Salina's Smoky Hill River Festival has continued to grow and the upcoming festival is no exception.

This morning, staff from Salina Arts &amp; Humanities (SA&amp;H), which coordinates the festival, reviewed the highlights for the 46th Smoky Hill River Festival, scheduled for June 9-12 in Oakdale Park. Billed as the year’s most energetic and epic arts party, the 2022 festival will be bigger and better than ever!

Admission is by weekend wristband ($15 in advance, $20 at the gate) or daily wristband ($10, sold only at the gate). Children ages 11 and under are admitted at no charge.

Weekend wristbands are scheduled to go on sale May first and will be locally and in cities throughout the region, according to SA&amp;H. See a list of local and regional wristband retailers at: <a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/participating-retailers/">https://www.riverfestival.com/participating-retailers/</a>.

This year's festival has been made even bigger by the addition of the following two pre-festival events.

●On May 6, the Kings of Anything, a four-piece rock band, are scheduled to perform at the new stage on the corner of N. Santa Fe Avenue and W. Ash Street at 6:30 p.m. 

●May 21 is the Artwork Alley Mural Expo in the alley at 140 S. Fifth. The event is scheduled to include music, food, games, painting, and more.

Additionally, the Festival Medallion Quest is set to kick off in late May. Details will be available closer to the kickoff at <a href="http://riverfestival.com">riverfestival.com</a>.&nbsp;

As is tradition, the Smoky Hill River Festival is scheduled to kick off with the SM Hanson Music Festival Jam at 6 p.m. June 9 on the Eric Stein Stage. Each band has only 15 minutes on stage, which includes setup, playing, and exiting the stage, Rick Hanson, CEO and president of SM Hanson Music, Inc., explained in a Salina Post story from July 22, 2022. 

Hanson told Salina Post this afternoon that the deadline for bands to submit their information for consideration to be in this year's Festival Jam is April 23. Entry packets can be requested by emailing <a href="mailto:festivaljam@smhansonmusic.com">festivaljam@smhansonmusic.com</a>.

The final lineup for the 36th Festival Jam will be released early to mid-May.

Also in the music category, country music and sunny Latino sounds are the themes on festival stages, according to Arts &amp; Humanities. Headliners include Jason Boland &amp; The Stragglers (June 10), Gangstagrass (June 11), and SunDub (June 12). Other acts include The RT’s from New York City, Las Cafeteras from Los Angeles, and Armchair Boogie from Minneapolis, Minn.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b7fd93bf-e9f6-4d7d-8171-902a081c72e7">Smoky Hill River Festival main stage acts announced</a>

A number of roving acts and Arty’s Stage performers also are scheduled. Salina Post will take a look at that entertainment component on Thursday.

Additionally, performances by aerial artists Voler-Thieves of Flight are scheduled in the pond each evening at 8 p.m. Known as Kansas City's premier aerial performance collective, Voler-Thieves of Flight "is an edgy and experimental collaboration of aerial dance and acrobatics. Their performance features performances aerial silks, straps, hammock, lyra (hoop), aerial yoga, and contemporary dance. They will delight you with gravity-defying acts that steal your breath (and perhaps your heart)," according to information from SA&amp;H.

The art component of the festival is set to bring in visual artists from 19 state, include 47 artist who are new to the festival. According to SA&amp;H, those artists will be located throughout the show and art demonstration areas. Additionally, more than 20 site-specific, outdoor art installations are scheduled to be throughout the festival grounds.

Salina native Hannah Gebhart created this year’s festival print and festival t-shirt. 

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/38d6b619-0d89-4916-ba5e-7d9de458c6a2">Salina native designs 2022 Smoky Hill River Festival print</a>

The t-shirt’s colorful elements began as an on-edge quilling piece before being transformed into an image.

The art area for children, Artyopolis, is scheduled to include the following, according to SA&amp;H.

• Arty’s Stage – An exciting opportunity to watch, laugh, and participate with performing artists.

• Baby Station – a shady spot to change a diaper, feed your baby, or give your little ones a break from the sun.

• Button Boulevard – Cruise by and make a one-of-a-kind button to wear all weekend long.

• Creation Crossing – Make-and-take art projects for budding artists. Think markers, stickers, paint, and paper. Just bring your imagination!

• First Treasures – SATURDAY ONLY – Young art patrons ages four to 13, can select original artwork from River Festival artists, at affordable prices of $5 or less. Children can then meet their festival artist on-grounds.

• Game Street – Vibrant storefronts resembling a downtown Main Street. Challenge friends and family to take home the highest score. For the fi rst time, Game Street will feature eight activities that are physically engaging and appealing to all ages.

• Ident-a-Kid – stop by to get a free child’s ID bracelet.

• Lego Lane – Unlock your imagination to build characters, animals, machines, and more!

• Mistical Oasis – A stop at the Oasis can be the perfect way to cool down, get a second wind, and extend your Festival stay.

• Paintchoo Plaza – Color Me Crazy! Face Painting will create temporary body art with their new airbrush tattoos on Friday. Little tikes aren’t the only ones who will want in on the fun – older kids and adults will also line up for one of these realistic airbrush tattoos. On Saturday, the artists will be doing all face painting and Sunday will be a mix.

• Sound Garden – Musical sculptures help children experiment with music and rhythm.

Artyopolis hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 10-11 and noon to 4 p.m. June 12.

The festival's Art Patron Program offers art lovers and collectors a chance to sign up for special perks that include admission to the June 9 evening premiere cocktail party where artists and patrons mingle and connect and a June 10 morning preview hour of art show shopping. According to SA&amp;H, people can become art patrons by purchasing $100 tickets that are exchangeable for $100 in art-show gift certificates. Tickets are available from May 31 until they are sold out. Sign up by calling 785-309-5770.

More than 30 food providers, including a number of new vendors, are scheduled for this year's festival. Food items new to the festival this year include the following.

Other taste-tempting treats that are to be at this year's festival include the following.

For a complete list of food vendors and their menus visit <a href="http://riverfestival.com">riverfestival.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649793415256.jpeg" alt="A previous Smoky Hill River Festival crowd listens to a band on the Eric Stein Stage. Photo courtesy SA&amp;H" />
 <figcaption>A previous Smoky Hill River Festival crowd listens to a band on the Eric Stein Stage. Photo courtesy SA&amp;H</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThrough the years, Salina's Smoky Hill River Festival has continued to grow and the upcoming festival is no exception.This morning, staff from Salina Arts &amp; Humanities (SA&amp;H), which coordinates the festival, reviewed the highlights for the 46th Smoky Hill River Festival, scheduled for June 9-12 in Oakdale Park. Billed as the year’s most energetic and epic arts party, the 2022 festival will be bigger and better than ever!Admission is by weekend wristband ($15 in advance, $20 at the gate) or daily wristband ($10, sold only at the gate). Children ages 11 and under are admitted at no charge.Weekend wristbands are scheduled to go on sale May first and will be locally and in cities throughout the region, according to SA&amp;H. See a list of local and regional wristband retailers at: <a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/participating-retailers/">https://www.riverfestival.com/participating-retailers/</a>.<h2>Pre-festival events</h2>This year's festival has been made even bigger by the addition of the following two pre-festival events.●On May 6, the Kings of Anything, a four-piece rock band, are scheduled to perform at the new stage on the corner of N. Santa Fe Avenue and W. Ash Street at 6:30 p.m. ●May 21 is the Artwork Alley Mural Expo in the alley at 140 S. Fifth. The event is scheduled to include music, food, games, painting, and more.Additionally, the Festival Medallion Quest is set to kick off in late May. Details will be available closer to the kickoff at <a href="http://riverfestival.com">riverfestival.com</a>.&nbsp;<h2>Music and entertainment</h2>As is tradition, the Smoky Hill River Festival is scheduled to kick off with the SM Hanson Music Festival Jam at 6 p.m. June 9 on the Eric Stein Stage. Each band has only 15 minutes on stage, which includes setup, playing, and exiting the stage, Rick Hanson, CEO and president of SM Hanson Music, Inc., explained in a Salina Post story from July 22, 2022. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626982189744.jpeg" alt="The 36th SM Hanson Music Festival Jam is scheduled to kick off the Smoky Hill River Festival on June 9.&nbsp;

Photo of a previous Festival Jam courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SMHansonMusic">SM Hanson Music, Inc.</a>" />
 <figcaption>The 36th SM Hanson Music Festival Jam is scheduled to kick off the Smoky Hill River Festival on June 9.&nbsp;

Photo of a previous Festival Jam courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SMHansonMusic">SM Hanson Music, Inc.</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Hanson told Salina Post this afternoon that the deadline for bands to submit their information for consideration to be in this year's Festival Jam is April 23. Entry packets can be requested by emailing <a href="mailto:festivaljam@smhansonmusic.com">festivaljam@smhansonmusic.com</a>.The final lineup for the 36th Festival Jam will be released early to mid-May.Also in the music category, country music and sunny Latino sounds are the themes on festival stages, according to Arts &amp; Humanities. Headliners include Jason Boland &amp; The Stragglers (June 10), Gangstagrass (June 11), and SunDub (June 12). Other acts include The RT’s from New York City, Las Cafeteras from Los Angeles, and Armchair Boogie from Minneapolis, Minn.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b7fd93bf-e9f6-4d7d-8171-902a081c72e7">Smoky Hill River Festival main stage acts announced</a>A number of roving acts and Arty’s Stage performers also are scheduled. Salina Post will take a look at that entertainment component on Thursday.Additionally, performances by aerial artists Voler-Thieves of Flight are scheduled in the pond each evening at 8 p.m. Known as Kansas City's premier aerial performance collective, Voler-Thieves of Flight "is an edgy and experimental collaboration of aerial dance and acrobatics. Their performance features performances aerial silks, straps, hammock, lyra (hoop), aerial yoga, and contemporary dance. They will delight you with gravity-defying acts that steal your breath (and perhaps your heart)," according to information from SA&amp;H.<h2>Art</h2>The art component of the festival is set to bring in visual artists from 19 state, include 47 artist who are new to the festival. According to SA&amp;H, those artists will be located throughout the show and art demonstration areas. Additionally, more than 20 site-specific, outdoor art installations are scheduled to be throughout the festival grounds.Salina native Hannah Gebhart created this year’s festival print and festival t-shirt. READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/38d6b619-0d89-4916-ba5e-7d9de458c6a2">Salina native designs 2022 Smoky Hill River Festival print</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649792511096.jpeg" alt="The 2022 Smoky Hill River Festival t-shirt design. Image courtesy SA&amp;H" />
 <figcaption>The 2022 Smoky Hill River Festival t-shirt design. Image courtesy SA&amp;H</figcaption>
 </figure>The t-shirt’s colorful elements began as an on-edge quilling piece before being transformed into an image.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649792723140.jpeg" alt="Part of the Artyopolis area of a previous river festival. File photo courtesy SA&amp;H" />
 <figcaption>Part of the Artyopolis area of a previous river festival. File photo courtesy SA&amp;H</figcaption>
 </figure>The art area for children, Artyopolis, is scheduled to include the following, according to SA&amp;H.• Arty’s Stage – An exciting opportunity to watch, laugh, and participate with performing artists.• Baby Station – a shady spot to change a diaper, feed your baby, or give your little ones a break from the sun.• Button Boulevard – Cruise by and make a one-of-a-kind button to wear all weekend long.• Creation Crossing – Make-and-take art projects for budding artists. Think markers, stickers, paint, and paper. Just bring your imagination!• First Treasures – SATURDAY ONLY – Young art patrons ages four to 13, can select original artwork from River Festival artists, at affordable prices of $5 or less. Children can then meet their festival artist on-grounds.• Game Street – Vibrant storefronts resembling a downtown Main Street. Challenge friends and family to take home the highest score. For the fi rst time, Game Street will feature eight activities that are physically engaging and appealing to all ages.• Ident-a-Kid – stop by to get a free child’s ID bracelet. • Lego Lane – Unlock your imagination to build characters, animals, machines, and more! • Mistical Oasis – A stop at the Oasis can be the perfect way to cool down, get a second wind, and extend your Festival stay. • Paintchoo Plaza – Color Me Crazy! Face Painting will create temporary body art with their new airbrush tattoos on Friday. Little tikes aren’t the only ones who will want in on the fun – older kids and adults will also line up for one of these realistic airbrush tattoos. On Saturday, the artists will be doing all face painting and Sunday will be a mix. • Sound Garden – Musical sculptures help children experiment with music and rhythm.Artyopolis hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 10-11 and noon to 4 p.m. June 12.The festival's Art Patron Program offers art lovers and collectors a chance to sign up for special perks that include admission to the June 9 evening premiere cocktail party where artists and patrons mingle and connect and a June 10 morning preview hour of art show shopping. According to SA&amp;H, people can become art patrons by purchasing $100 tickets that are exchangeable for $100 in art-show gift certificates. Tickets are available from May 31 until they are sold out. Sign up by calling 785-309-5770.Festival foodMore than 30 food providers, including a number of new vendors, are scheduled for this year's festival. Food items new to the festival this year include the following.• Crawfish Boil• Dole Pineapple Whip• Tiki Tenders• Texas Twister• Sweet Thai Pork Tacos• Grilled Veggie Sandwich• Hot and Spicy Chicken Gyro• Hawaiian Chicken SandwichOther taste-tempting treats that are to be at this year's festival include the following.• Fried Peaches• Chocolate-Covered Frozen Cheesecake• Buffalo Burger• Jumbo Chicken-Fried Steak Sandwich• Indian Taco• Funnel Cake• Chipotle Beef Burrito• Turkey Leg• Flowering Onion• Frog Legs• Veggie Noodle Bowl• Pineapple Bowl• Mini Donuts• Cinnamon Roasted Nuts• Alligator on a Stick• Homemade Soda• Homemade Ice Cream• Kettle Corn• Chicken &amp; Waffles• Crab Cakes• Ice Cream Bars• Dippin’ Dots• Shaved Ice• Coconut Shrimp• Fish Tacos• Po’Boy Sandwich• Fried Ravioli• Bourbon Chicken• Street Taco• PizzaFor a complete list of food vendors and their menus visit <a href="http://riverfestival.com">riverfestival.com</a>.

Smoky Hill River Festival highlights announced

WASHINGTON (AP) —As Native Americans cautiously welcome&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-europe-religion-vatican-city-08a842346f2dd0ca645571d879d3124a">Pope Francis’ historic apology&nbsp;</a>for abuses at Catholic-run boarding schools for Indigenous children in Canada, U.S. churches are bracing for an unprecedented reckoning with their own legacies of operating such schools.

Church schools are likely to feature prominently in a report from the U.S. Department of the Interior, led by the first-ever Native American cabinet secretary, Deb Haaland,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/environment-education-native-americans-59d3add24caa315551b9749eeeb3a65b">due to be released later this month.</a>&nbsp;The report, prompted by last year’s discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at former residential school sites in Canada, will focus on the loss of life and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-denver-e5cdf892b4a2b1081aa425f9d78eb4e4">enduring traumas the U.S. system inflicted on&nbsp;</a>Indigenous children from the 19th to mid-20th centuries.

From Episcopalians to Quakers to Catholic dioceses in Oklahoma, faith groups have either started or intensified efforts in the past year to research and atone for their prior roles in the boarding school system, which Native children were forced to attend — cutting them off from their families, tribes and traditions.

While the pontiff’s April 1 apology was addressed to Indigenous groups from Canada, people were listening south of the border.

“An apology is the best way to start any conversation,” said Roy Callison, a Catholic deacon and Cherokee Nation member helping coordinate the Oklahoma Catholic Native Schools Project, which includes listening sessions for those affected by the boarding school legacy. “That’s the first step to trying to get healing.”

In his meeting with Canada’s Indigenous delegations, Francis asked forgiveness “for the role that a number of Catholics ... had in all these things that wounded you, in the abuses you suffered and in the lack of respect shown for your identity, your culture and even your spiritual values.”

Francis “did something really important, which is name the importance of being indignant at this history,” said Maka Black Elk, executive director of truth and healing for Red Cloud Indian School on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

That history “is shameful, and it is not something we should accept,” said Black Elk, who is Oglala Lakota.

Red Cloud, affiliated with the Catholic Jesuit order, was for generations a boarding school for Lakota children. It’s now a day school incorporating Lakota leadership, language and traditions. Black Elk is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/canada-religion-education-native-americans-887635deee770f7ac8475813f028e7c6">guiding a reckoning process that includes archival research and hearing the stories of former students.</a>

Canada underwent a much-publicized Truth and Reconciliation process in recent years. The issue gained unprecedented attention last year after a researcher using ground-penetrating radar reported finding about 200 unmarked probable burial sites at a former school in British Columbia.

That discovery, followed by others across Canada, prompted Haaland to commission her department’s report.

“This history in the United States has not been addressed in the same way it has been addressed in Canada,” Black Elk said. The Interior report “will be an important first step about the work that needs to happen in this country.”

Church leaders are getting ready. The report “will likely bring to light some very troubling information,” said a letter circulated last fall to members of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops from two colleagues who chaired committees related to the issue. The letter urged bishops to build relationships with local Indigenous communities and engage “in a real and honest dialogue about reactions to the report and what steps are needed to go forward together.”

Conditions varied at boarding schools in the United States, with some described as unsafe, unsanitary and scenes of physical or sexual abuse. Other former students recall their school years as positive times of learning, friendship and extracurricular activities.

Indigenous groups note that even the better schools were part of a project to assimilate children into a predominately white, Christian society and break down their tribal identities, customs and languages — what many Indigenous groups call a cultural genocide.

“The very process of boarding schools is violent and damaging,” said Bryan Rindfleisch, an expert in Native American history at Marquette University who is helping Catholics in Oklahoma research their school legacy.

There were at least 367 boarding schools across the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries, according to the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, a Minneapolis-based advocacy group.

Most were government-run; many others were run by Catholic and Protestant churches.

The national healing coalition called Pope Francis’ comments a historic first step, but urged the Vatican to repatriate Indigenous artifacts in its museum collections and called on religious organizations to open their school archives.

In listening sessions held through the Oklahoma Catholic Native Schools Project, many participants told positive stories of school experiences, Callison said, though the church is committed to documenting the traumatic ones too. “You’re going to hear things you don’t want to hear,” he said.

The project will also include archival research and individual interviews with those affected. At least 11 Catholic boarding schools operated in Oklahoma.

“We need to get to the truth before we can deal with whatever hurt or celebrate whatever success” the schools achieved, Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul Coakley said.

Several church groups — including Quakers, Methodists and some Catholic religious orders — are backing pending legislation in Congress that would go beyond the Interior report. It would create a truth and healing commission, modeled on Canada’s, to investigate the boarding school legacy.

The New England Yearly Meeting of Friends — a regional group of congregations — issued an apology last year for Quakers’ historic sponsorship of such schools, acknowledging they were undertaken with “spiritual and cultural arrogance.”

“We are deeply sorry for our part in the vast suffering caused by this system and the continuing effects,” the New England group said.

It’s important for Quakers to accept such responsibility, said Paula Palmer, a Quaker from Colorado whose research has identified about 30 Native American boarding and day schools that were run by Quakers.

“The yearly meetings voted to support, operate and finance” the schools, she said. “So it’s really the yearly meetings who have the responsibility to respond. They were the ones who also participated in the whole project of forced assimilation of Indigenous children.”

The Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States has hired an archival researcher to document its own boarding school history.

The order is “committed to examining and sharing the truth of our history, even where that is difficult,” said the Rev. Ted Penton, secretary of the Jesuit conference’s Office of Justice and Ecology.

The Episcopal Church’s General Convention in July is expected to vote on a statement that would “acknowledge the intergenerational trauma caused by genocide, colonialism” and the operation of boarding schools and “other systems based on white supremacy.”

The convention will also consider authorizing a “comprehensive and complete investigation” of the church’s operation of such schools. The proposals came from a group appointed by denominational leaders.

Such measures are strong, but local dioceses also need to research their own histories and advocate for Indigenous peoples, said the Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Everett, Washington. Taber-Hamilton, whose heritage includes the Shackan First Nation of Canada, is an Episcopal Church representative to the worldwide Anglican Indigenous Network.

“It’s not enough to say, ‘I’m sorry, and here’s some money,’” she said. “We first have to do some very hard work of listening to the pain.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632608030678.png" alt="Agape Ranch Boarding school in missouri-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Agape Ranch Boarding school in missouri-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —As Native Americans cautiously welcome&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-europe-religion-vatican-city-08a842346f2dd0ca645571d879d3124a">Pope Francis’ historic apology&nbsp;</a>for abuses at Catholic-run boarding schools for Indigenous children in Canada, U.S. churches are bracing for an unprecedented reckoning with their own legacies of operating such schools.Church schools are likely to feature prominently in a report from the U.S. Department of the Interior, led by the first-ever Native American cabinet secretary, Deb Haaland,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/environment-education-native-americans-59d3add24caa315551b9749eeeb3a65b">due to be released later this month.</a>&nbsp;The report, prompted by last year’s discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at former residential school sites in Canada, will focus on the loss of life and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-denver-e5cdf892b4a2b1081aa425f9d78eb4e4">enduring traumas the U.S. system inflicted on&nbsp;</a>Indigenous children from the 19th to mid-20th centuries.From Episcopalians to Quakers to Catholic dioceses in Oklahoma, faith groups have either started or intensified efforts in the past year to research and atone for their prior roles in the boarding school system, which Native children were forced to attend — cutting them off from their families, tribes and traditions.While the pontiff’s April 1 apology was addressed to Indigenous groups from Canada, people were listening south of the border.“An apology is the best way to start any conversation,” said Roy Callison, a Catholic deacon and Cherokee Nation member helping coordinate the Oklahoma Catholic Native Schools Project, which includes listening sessions for those affected by the boarding school legacy. “That’s the first step to trying to get healing.”In his meeting with Canada’s Indigenous delegations, Francis asked forgiveness “for the role that a number of Catholics ... had in all these things that wounded you, in the abuses you suffered and in the lack of respect shown for your identity, your culture and even your spiritual values.”Francis “did something really important, which is name the importance of being indignant at this history,” said Maka Black Elk, executive director of truth and healing for Red Cloud Indian School on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.That history “is shameful, and it is not something we should accept,” said Black Elk, who is Oglala Lakota.Red Cloud, affiliated with the Catholic Jesuit order, was for generations a boarding school for Lakota children. It’s now a day school incorporating Lakota leadership, language and traditions. Black Elk is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/canada-religion-education-native-americans-887635deee770f7ac8475813f028e7c6">guiding a reckoning process that includes archival research and hearing the stories of former students.</a>Canada underwent a much-publicized Truth and Reconciliation process in recent years. The issue gained unprecedented attention last year after a researcher using ground-penetrating radar reported finding about 200 unmarked probable burial sites at a former school in British Columbia.That discovery, followed by others across Canada, prompted Haaland to commission her department’s report.“This history in the United States has not been addressed in the same way it has been addressed in Canada,” Black Elk said. The Interior report “will be an important first step about the work that needs to happen in this country.”Church leaders are getting ready. The report “will likely bring to light some very troubling information,” said a letter circulated last fall to members of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops from two colleagues who chaired committees related to the issue. The letter urged bishops to build relationships with local Indigenous communities and engage “in a real and honest dialogue about reactions to the report and what steps are needed to go forward together.”Conditions varied at boarding schools in the United States, with some described as unsafe, unsanitary and scenes of physical or sexual abuse. Other former students recall their school years as positive times of learning, friendship and extracurricular activities.Indigenous groups note that even the better schools were part of a project to assimilate children into a predominately white, Christian society and break down their tribal identities, customs and languages — what many Indigenous groups call a cultural genocide.“The very process of boarding schools is violent and damaging,” said Bryan Rindfleisch, an expert in Native American history at Marquette University who is helping Catholics in Oklahoma research their school legacy.There were at least 367 boarding schools across the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries, according to the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, a Minneapolis-based advocacy group.Most were government-run; many others were run by Catholic and Protestant churches.The national healing coalition called Pope Francis’ comments a historic first step, but urged the Vatican to repatriate Indigenous artifacts in its museum collections and called on religious organizations to open their school archives.In listening sessions held through the Oklahoma Catholic Native Schools Project, many participants told positive stories of school experiences, Callison said, though the church is committed to documenting the traumatic ones too. “You’re going to hear things you don’t want to hear,” he said.The project will also include archival research and individual interviews with those affected. At least 11 Catholic boarding schools operated in Oklahoma.“We need to get to the truth before we can deal with whatever hurt or celebrate whatever success” the schools achieved, Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul Coakley said.Several church groups — including Quakers, Methodists and some Catholic religious orders — are backing pending legislation in Congress that would go beyond the Interior report. It would create a truth and healing commission, modeled on Canada’s, to investigate the boarding school legacy.The New England Yearly Meeting of Friends — a regional group of congregations — issued an apology last year for Quakers’ historic sponsorship of such schools, acknowledging they were undertaken with “spiritual and cultural arrogance.”“We are deeply sorry for our part in the vast suffering caused by this system and the continuing effects,” the New England group said.It’s important for Quakers to accept such responsibility, said Paula Palmer, a Quaker from Colorado whose research has identified about 30 Native American boarding and day schools that were run by Quakers.“The yearly meetings voted to support, operate and finance” the schools, she said. “So it’s really the yearly meetings who have the responsibility to respond. They were the ones who also participated in the whole project of forced assimilation of Indigenous children.”The Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States has hired an archival researcher to document its own boarding school history.The order is “committed to examining and sharing the truth of our history, even where that is difficult,” said the Rev. Ted Penton, secretary of the Jesuit conference’s Office of Justice and Ecology.The Episcopal Church’s General Convention in July is expected to vote on a statement that would “acknowledge the intergenerational trauma caused by genocide, colonialism” and the operation of boarding schools and “other systems based on white supremacy.”The convention will also consider authorizing a “comprehensive and complete investigation” of the church’s operation of such schools. The proposals came from a group appointed by denominational leaders.Such measures are strong, but local dioceses also need to research their own histories and advocate for Indigenous peoples, said the Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Everett, Washington. Taber-Hamilton, whose heritage includes the Shackan First Nation of Canada, is an Episcopal Church representative to the worldwide Anglican Indigenous Network.“It’s not enough to say, ‘I’m sorry, and here’s some money,’” she said. “We first have to do some very hard work of listening to the pain.”___

First pope, now US churches face boarding-school reckoning

Salina Regional Airport leaders and advisers are hard at work securing a future for scheduled air service in north-central Kansas.

Aware of vital steps necessary in coming days and weeks, Salina Airport Authority board members gathered in a special meeting Thursday morning.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/51af2366-677f-4896-acd3-2ef8e708fb16">Deadline for air carrier proposals extended</a>

They mulled relatively few options in the wake of actions last month that threaten commercial service to Salina and 28 other Essential Air Service communities in this region.

“We do have a line of sight for a decent outcome,” said Gary Foss, the airport’s air service consultant, through a remote video connection.

If timing works in Salina’s favor, there is a chance for a “somewhat seamless” transition, he said.

At least one promising replacement airline — Key Lime Air, doing business as Denver Air Connection — indicates that they plan to submit a proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation on or before the Monday deadline to provide subsidized air service for Salina and North Central Kansas.

SkyWest Airlines filed a 90-day notice of intent to terminate its Essential Air Service contract at Salina on March 10. The major reason for the shutdown is a nationwide shortage of pilots.

The U.S. Department of Transportation responded with a hold-in order, requiring SkyWest to continue operations until a replacement air carrier “begins full Essential Air Service.” A reasonable expectation, according to the USDOT, would be to start full service by at least Dec. 31.

“All air carriers are facing pilot retention and recruitment challenges. A replacement air carrier will need community support for finding pilot shortage solutions,” said Tim Rogers, executive director of the Salina Airport Authority.

“The professional pilot training program at K-State Salina will play a role in meeting airline industry need for pilots," Rogers said.

Exacerbating the problem is the number of affected communities, with only six or seven carriers available.

“We’ve never had a situation where 29 cities have been dumped on the market,” Foss said. What’s worse is there are “very few options,” he said, to fill those air service voids.

“We have a market here that’s unique, and we need to find the right match out of this field of contenders,” Foss said.

Salina sits in a good spot, however, having ranked 10th last December in traffic production, among 56 markets where SkyWest is the sole operator, according to information from the Transportation Security Administration.

“We’ve been working to stand out in the crowd,” Foss said. “We’ve got a lot of cities vying for very few operators.”

Like United Express that is currently serving Salina, Denver Air Connection sports 50-seat jets, he said, and is expected to propose subsidized nonstop flights out of Salina to both Denver and Chicago.

Key Lime/Denver Air Connection also interlines with United flights at both hubs, Rogers said.

“We want to maintain an affiliation with United Airlines so the next carrier can make connections with United in Denver and Chicago,” he said.

As one of the two available airlines operating jets, Foss deemed Denver Air Connection, “a suitable replacement” to SkyWest.

Salina City Manager Mike Schrage, who was listening by phone, agreed that sticking with the Monday deadline proposals, and public comment by April 22, was the right move.

Airport authority board member Stephanie Carlin spoke in favor of the possibility of Denver Air Connection serving Salina.

“This sounds like a very good, mutually beneficial relationship, especially when you consider the airport authority’s plan for growth is highly contingent upon scheduled air service,” she said.

Salina City Commissioner Mike Hoppock thanked the group for sharing information. 

“It seems like we have pretty much one shot to keep air service,” he said by phone.

Airport Board Chairman Kent Buer thanked Foss, Rogers and the airport authority staff. 

“Your time and effort given to the community is second to none,” he said.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Did you know? To submit comment to the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding scheduled air service at Salina Regional Airport, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001326DlMB94DHsSpSBVBRKkFfW6L4is2fm6IsC78LqnRRKq-erPaffshiPMR0Bm13Knzkk0EqR5xbBMjNVGzhn3DQ8VXOX-e7jiL0cafd6jXsLlkS31AcoYJG8xhbYvr5hXW26VwPVz_3HS43OqKspog==&amp;c=mIjFpwfR3jO0j6CpAv8EIa7uwIPX8DDOSfybAGspPDPjoMMNnWo5HQ==&amp;ch=S52wIJAn6qtD3aQ7ZZ7SrxcKr_kT5f2TzK9LHi3YDuuwcqSGwep4Lw==" target="_blank">www.regulations.gov&nbsp;</a>The USDOT would like to receive Salina’s comments by April 22.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Salina Airport AuthoritySalina Regional Airport leaders and advisers are hard at work securing a future for scheduled air service in north-central Kansas.Aware of vital steps necessary in coming days and weeks, Salina Airport Authority board members gathered in a special meeting Thursday morning.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/51af2366-677f-4896-acd3-2ef8e708fb16">Deadline for air carrier proposals extended</a>They mulled relatively few options in the wake of actions last month that threaten commercial service to Salina and 28 other Essential Air Service communities in this region.“We do have a line of sight for a decent outcome,” said Gary Foss, the airport’s air service consultant, through a remote video connection.If timing works in Salina’s favor, there is a chance for a “somewhat seamless” transition, he said. At least one promising replacement airline — Key Lime Air, doing business as Denver Air Connection — indicates that they plan to submit a proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation on or before the Monday deadline to provide subsidized air service for Salina and North Central Kansas.SkyWest Airlines filed a 90-day notice of intent to terminate its Essential Air Service contract at Salina on March 10. The major reason for the shutdown is a nationwide shortage of pilots.The U.S. Department of Transportation responded with a hold-in order, requiring SkyWest to continue operations until a replacement air carrier “begins full Essential Air Service.” A reasonable expectation, according to the USDOT, would be to start full service by at least Dec. 31.“All air carriers are facing pilot retention and recruitment challenges. A replacement air carrier will need community support for finding pilot shortage solutions,” said Tim Rogers, executive director of the Salina Airport Authority.“The professional pilot training program at K-State Salina will play a role in meeting airline industry need for pilots," Rogers said.Exacerbating the problem is the number of affected communities, with only six or seven carriers available.“We’ve never had a situation where 29 cities have been dumped on the market,” Foss said. What’s worse is there are “very few options,” he said, to fill those air service voids.“We have a market here that’s unique, and we need to find the right match out of this field of contenders,” Foss said.Salina sits in a good spot, however, having ranked 10th last December in traffic production, among 56 markets where SkyWest is the sole operator, according to information from the Transportation Security Administration.“We’ve been working to stand out in the crowd,” Foss said. “We’ve got a lot of cities vying for very few operators.”Like United Express that is currently serving Salina, Denver Air Connection sports 50-seat jets, he said, and is expected to propose subsidized nonstop flights out of Salina to both Denver and Chicago.Key Lime/Denver Air Connection also interlines with United flights at both hubs, Rogers said.“We want to maintain an affiliation with United Airlines so the next carrier can make connections with United in Denver and Chicago,” he said.As one of the two available airlines operating jets, Foss deemed Denver Air Connection, “a suitable replacement” to SkyWest.Salina City Manager Mike Schrage, who was listening by phone, agreed that sticking with the Monday deadline proposals, and public comment by April 22, was the right move.Airport authority board member Stephanie Carlin spoke in favor of the possibility of Denver Air Connection serving Salina.“This sounds like a very good, mutually beneficial relationship, especially when you consider the airport authority’s plan for growth is highly contingent upon scheduled air service,” she said.Salina City Commissioner Mike Hoppock thanked the group for sharing information. “It seems like we have pretty much one shot to keep air service,” he said by phone.Airport Board Chairman Kent Buer thanked Foss, Rogers and the airport authority staff. “Your time and effort given to the community is second to none,” he said.&nbsp; &nbsp;Did you know? To submit comment to the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding scheduled air service at Salina Regional Airport, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001326DlMB94DHsSpSBVBRKkFfW6L4is2fm6IsC78LqnRRKq-erPaffshiPMR0Bm13Knzkk0EqR5xbBMjNVGzhn3DQ8VXOX-e7jiL0cafd6jXsLlkS31AcoYJG8xhbYvr5hXW26VwPVz_3HS43OqKspog==&amp;c=mIjFpwfR3jO0j6CpAv8EIa7uwIPX8DDOSfybAGspPDPjoMMNnWo5HQ==&amp;ch=S52wIJAn6qtD3aQ7ZZ7SrxcKr_kT5f2TzK9LHi3YDuuwcqSGwep4Lw==" target="_blank">www.regulations.gov&nbsp;</a>The USDOT would like to receive Salina’s comments by April 22.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Air service update encouraging for Salina Regional Airport

The Friends of the Salina Public Library's Spectacular Spring Book Sale is coming up this weekend.

The used book sale benefits the organization, which is a volunteer, board-guided, membership organization that acts as a booster club for the library. Some Friends’ activities include providing volunteers for library events, purchasing prizes and activities for summer reading programs at the library, supplying equipment/materials for the CLASS program, and allocating scholarships for teen library volunteers.

“We are excited to be able to raise funds to assist with Summer Reading Programs at the Library,” said Mary Shaffer, president of the Friends Advisory Board.

“We have thousands of books just waiting to be taken home and enjoyed,” said Gretta Kontas, used booksale chair. “We have westerns, mystery, romance, as well as general fiction for adults and children. Similar to past sales, we will also offer audio books, music CDs, movies, and games. A special section for this sale includes hundreds of large print books.”

The book sale is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday in the Youth Services area downstairs in the library, 301 W. Elm Street.

Laura Rhodenbaugh, Friends treasurer added, “Our prices are so reasonable that you won’t be able to select just one. On Sunday afternoon, patrons will be able to fill big bags (provided by Brown’s Shoes) with reading and listening materials for just $5 a bag.”

Additionally, Friends of the Salina Public Library members will get "first dibs" access to the items being sold from 4:30-7 p.m. Friday.

Not a Friends member? Library card holders can sign up for Friends membership at the adult circulation desk whenever the library is open. Additionally, memberships will be available at the door of the Friday Night Friends Preview. The cost is $10 per year for an individual membership and $25 per year for a family membership. 

An additional benefit of Friends of the Salina Public Library membership is that Friends do not pay fines on overdue library materials, according to information from the organization.

For more information on Friends of the Salina Public Library, including how to become a member, visit <a href="http://www.salinapubliclibrary.org/friends">salinapubliclibrary.org/friends</a>.

By SALINA POSTThe Friends of the Salina Public Library's Spectacular Spring Book Sale is coming up this weekend.The used book sale benefits the organization, which is a volunteer, board-guided, membership organization that acts as a booster club for the library. Some Friends’ activities include providing volunteers for library events, purchasing prizes and activities for summer reading programs at the library, supplying equipment/materials for the CLASS program, and allocating scholarships for teen library volunteers.“We are excited to be able to raise funds to assist with Summer Reading Programs at the Library,” said Mary Shaffer, president of the Friends Advisory Board.“We have thousands of books just waiting to be taken home and enjoyed,” said Gretta Kontas, used booksale chair. “We have westerns, mystery, romance, as well as general fiction for adults and children. Similar to past sales, we will also offer audio books, music CDs, movies, and games. A special section for this sale includes hundreds of large print books.”The book sale is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday in the Youth Services area downstairs in the library, 301 W. Elm Street.Laura Rhodenbaugh, Friends treasurer added, “Our prices are so reasonable that you won’t be able to select just one. On Sunday afternoon, patrons will be able to fill big bags (provided by Brown’s Shoes) with reading and listening materials for just $5 a bag.”Additionally, Friends of the Salina Public Library members will get "first dibs" access to the items being sold from 4:30-7 p.m. Friday.Not a Friends member? Library card holders can sign up for Friends membership at the adult circulation desk whenever the library is open. Additionally, memberships will be available at the door of the Friday Night Friends Preview. The cost is $10 per year for an individual membership and $25 per year for a family membership. An additional benefit of Friends of the Salina Public Library membership is that Friends do not pay fines on overdue library materials, according to information from the organization.For more information on Friends of the Salina Public Library, including how to become a member, visit <a href="http://www.salinapubliclibrary.org/friends">salinapubliclibrary.org/friends</a>.

Friends of Salina Public Library spring book sale this weekend

If you can't be there in person, you can watch the show live on Salina Post or listen to it on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays beginning tonight! Click the link below to watch the show.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647872495852.jpeg" alt="Head Coach Heron O'Neal.&nbsp;Image courtesy Salina Liberty&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Head Coach Heron O'Neal.&nbsp;Image courtesy Salina Liberty&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>This season, AJ's in The Alley in downtown Salina is the home for the Coach Heron O'Neal Show.If you can't be there in person, you can watch the show live on Salina Post or listen to it on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays beginning tonight! Click the link below to watch the show.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/45UGarYPvgk"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Watch the Coach Heron O'Neal Show live at 5:30 tonight!

<a href="https://www.gliddenedigerfuneral.com/obituaries/John-Schwartz-13/">John Edward Schwartz Obituary - Visitation &amp; Funeral Information (gliddenedigerfuneral.com)</a>

John Edward Schwartz, the son of Christina Margaret (Kuhn) McReynolds and John J. Schwartz was born on March 9, 1954 in Hoisington, Kansas. He was one of six children born to this union, four sons and two daughters, John Jr., Betty, Don, Theresa, Tom and John. 

John attended St. John grade school, Hoisington, Kansas and graduated from Hoisington High School, Hoisington, Kansas in 1972. He then attended Barton County Community College, Great Bend, Kansas for automotive mechanics. After John was discharged from the military he attended Hutchinson Community College, Hutchinson, Kansas where he received his associate's degree.

John E. Schwartz was united in marriage to Nancy Jean Sheridan on April 28, 1975 in Ellsworth, Kansas. The young couple established their first home together in Bainbridge, Maryland. This union was blessed with the birth of two daughters, Sonya and Megan. 

John proudly served in the United States Navy until his honorable discharge in 1980. 

Through the years John worked as an electrician for the Board of Public Utilities, McPherson, Kansas. 

He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in McPherson.

John was a Christian, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and dear friend to many. 

His wise counsel, gentle but firm guidance and gracious smile will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. He was very proud of his children and always wanted the very best for them. He was especially fond of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and looked forward to the times they would share together. 

John was a master of all trades who could build anything from a house to a vehicle from scratch. His favorite pastime was restoring old Chevy trucks but he was reluctant to even work on Fords or foreign vehicles. He also enjoyed traveling with the Hot Rod Power Tour, competing in car shows with the Mac Area Cruisers, and watching Nascar every weekend. He loved going to auctions and swap meets. For him, everything was for sale, for the right price of course. When John was a young man, he was an excellent drummer and still enjoyed listening to anything with a good drum line. John cherished his family and friends, but was always quick to say goodbye.

John Edward Schwartz, 68, of Moundridge, Kansas, passed away at 5:44 p.m., Tuesday, March 29th, 2022 unexpectedly at his residence. 

John was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Betty Szmyd.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Nancy Schwartz of Moundridge, Kansas; his daughters Sonya Jenkins and her husband Mike of Moundridge, Kansas and Megan Schwartz of Moundridge, Kansas; his siblings Don Schwartz and his wife Julie of Moundridge, Kansas, Theresa Murray of Kingman, Kansas and Tom Schwartz and his wife Pat of Wichita, Kansas. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Bayli Hoppes, Brenen Hoppes, Ian Jenkins, Kaden Jenkins, J.D. Jenkins, Thomas Jenkins and two great-grandchildren, Bronx Hoppes and Kingston Ogbevoen.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 3, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, McPherson, Kansas with rosary starting at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial service will be held on Monday, April 4, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in McPherson, Kansas with Fr. Ben Shockey officiating. Burial will be at 3:00 p.m. at the Carneiro Cemetery, Carneiro Kansas.

Memorials are to St. Joseph Catholic School and they can be sent to Glidden-Ediger Funeral Home,&nbsp; 222 W. Euclid St., McPherson, Ks. 67460.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John Edward Schwartz, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gliddenedigerfuneral.com/store/Category.aspx?CategoryId=321&amp;icn=desktop_memorial_obituary_link#chooser">Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>John Edward Schwartz, Moundridge</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649085918366.jpeg" alt="John Edward Schwartz" />
 <figcaption>John Edward Schwartz</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.gliddenedigerfuneral.com/obituaries/John-Schwartz-13/">John Edward Schwartz Obituary - Visitation &amp; Funeral Information (gliddenedigerfuneral.com)</a>March 9, 1954 - March 29, 2022John Edward Schwartz, the son of Christina Margaret (Kuhn) McReynolds and John J. Schwartz was born on March 9, 1954 in Hoisington, Kansas. He was one of six children born to this union, four sons and two daughters, John Jr., Betty, Don, Theresa, Tom and John. John attended St. John grade school, Hoisington, Kansas and graduated from Hoisington High School, Hoisington, Kansas in 1972. He then attended Barton County Community College, Great Bend, Kansas for automotive mechanics. After John was discharged from the military he attended Hutchinson Community College, Hutchinson, Kansas where he received his associate's degree.John E. Schwartz was united in marriage to Nancy Jean Sheridan on April 28, 1975 in Ellsworth, Kansas. The young couple established their first home together in Bainbridge, Maryland. This union was blessed with the birth of two daughters, Sonya and Megan. John proudly served in the United States Navy until his honorable discharge in 1980. Through the years John worked as an electrician for the Board of Public Utilities, McPherson, Kansas. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in McPherson.John was a Christian, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and dear friend to many. His wise counsel, gentle but firm guidance and gracious smile will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. He was very proud of his children and always wanted the very best for them. He was especially fond of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and looked forward to the times they would share together. John was a master of all trades who could build anything from a house to a vehicle from scratch. His favorite pastime was restoring old Chevy trucks but he was reluctant to even work on Fords or foreign vehicles. He also enjoyed traveling with the Hot Rod Power Tour, competing in car shows with the Mac Area Cruisers, and watching Nascar every weekend. He loved going to auctions and swap meets. For him, everything was for sale, for the right price of course. When John was a young man, he was an excellent drummer and still enjoyed listening to anything with a good drum line. John cherished his family and friends, but was always quick to say goodbye.John Edward Schwartz, 68, of Moundridge, Kansas, passed away at 5:44 p.m., Tuesday, March 29th, 2022 unexpectedly at his residence. John was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Betty Szmyd.He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Nancy Schwartz of Moundridge, Kansas; his daughters Sonya Jenkins and her husband Mike of Moundridge, Kansas and Megan Schwartz of Moundridge, Kansas; his siblings Don Schwartz and his wife Julie of Moundridge, Kansas, Theresa Murray of Kingman, Kansas and Tom Schwartz and his wife Pat of Wichita, Kansas. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Bayli Hoppes, Brenen Hoppes, Ian Jenkins, Kaden Jenkins, J.D. Jenkins, Thomas Jenkins and two great-grandchildren, Bronx Hoppes and Kingston Ogbevoen.Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 3, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, McPherson, Kansas with rosary starting at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial service will be held on Monday, April 4, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in McPherson, Kansas with Fr. Ben Shockey officiating. Burial will be at 3:00 p.m. at the Carneiro Cemetery, Carneiro Kansas.Memorials are to St. Joseph Catholic School and they can be sent to Glidden-Ediger Funeral Home,&nbsp; 222 W. Euclid St., McPherson, Ks. 67460.To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John Edward Schwartz, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gliddenedigerfuneral.com/store/Category.aspx?CategoryId=321&amp;icn=desktop_memorial_obituary_link#chooser">Sympathy Store</a>.

John Edward Schwartz

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A ban on transgender girls and women competing in female school sports in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;was approved early Saturday by conservative legislators but didn’t appear to have enough support to override the Democratic governor’s almost certain veto.

The state House approved the measure, 74-39, leaving supporters 10 votes short of the two-thirds majority necessary to overturn a veto from Gov. Laura Kelly. While a dozen of the House's 125 members were absent, at least five were likely to vote no.

The Senate passed the bill, 25-13, sending it to Kelly. But supporters were two votes short of a two-thirds Senate majority, and two Republicans who were absent have split over the proposal in the past.

Republicans nationwide have pushed the issue, framing it as fairness in competition and access to scholarships to appeal to a broad swath of voters. At least 12 other states have enacted such laws, including&nbsp;Arizona&nbsp;and&nbsp;Oklahoma&nbsp;this week.

In Kansas, the proposal was part of a larger agenda for conservatives who lead the Republican-controlled Legislature, with Kelly facing a tough reelection race this year. Conservatives advanced a measure to respond to concerns about what’s taught in public schools by making it easier for parents to try to remove materials from classrooms and libraries, and they also sought to tighten election laws.

Kansas lawmakers wanted to finish the bulk of their business for the year before adjourning for their annual three-week spring break late Friday or early Saturday. Groups of House and Senate negotiators haggled over the final versions of bills, in between debates and votes on others in each chamber.

Kelly vetoed a bill last year on transgender athletes, and an effort to override her veto fell a single vote short of the necessary two-thirds majority in the Senate.

State Rep. Heather Meyer, an Overland Park Democrat, said the bill told transgender children that “they are not valid.” After speaking about her transgender 12-year-old son and her son's transgender best friend, she wiped her eyes with a tissue as the debate continued.

“This is my child, and I'm going to stand up for them. I'm going to stand up for their friends. I'm going to stand up for their peers,” Meyer said. “This is just wrong.”

The state activities association requires schools to notify the association if a student plans to participate on a team “opposite their birth gender." It allows each school to decide what team a student joins, and the association's executive board settles disputes.

The association has been notified of six or seven transgender athletes in grades 7 through 12, Executive Director Bill Faflick said. Several legislators said one is a transgender girl.

LGBTQ-rights activists said debates over such measures stress transgender youth, increase bullying and lead to more suicides.

“When this is over, and we go on break, I will go to my house, and there will be families that come to my porch and look at me and say, ‘Can you tell us that this is going to be OK?’” said Democratic state Rep. Stephanie Byers, of Wichita, the state’s first and only elected transgender lawmaker, her voice briefly breaking.

She added: “I promise you, your constituents will write ME, and those letters start with, ‘I would tell my representative, but they won’t listen.’”

The bill's supporters argue they're trying to protect hard-won opportunities for girls and women to play sports and win scholarships.

“It makes me sad that the women in the room don't realize that we biological women are being bullied,” said Rep. Tatum Lee, a conservative Ness City Republican. “We do everything we can to protect those being bullied, and I feel bullied.”

Brittany Jones, an attorney who lobbies for the conservative group Kansas Family Voice, said the issue grew even more compelling for athletes and their families when the University of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/pennsylvania">Pennsylvania</a>'s Lia Thomas this month became the first NCAA transgender women's swimming champion.

The bill's supporters frequently refer to transgender women as “biological” men, boys or males in arguing that transgender athletes have unfair advantages.

“You cannot put a uterus into a trans woman," said state Rep. Barbara Wasinger, a conservative Hays Republican. "I have no problem and want to help with gender dysphoria, but I’m not going to do it on the backs of young women trying to succeed and excel in sports.”

Byers called such rhetoric is an attempt at “complete erasure” for transgender women.

Meanwhile, Kansas also was part of Republican state lawmakers' push across the U.S. to tighten election laws and give conservative parents more say in how public schools are run.

One bill approved by the House, 67-46, and by the Senate, 23-15, would require local school boards to adopt policies for giving parents access to classroom materials, challenging materials in classrooms and libraries and allowing them to inspect school records. Senate approval would send it to Kelly.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1648900498513.png" alt="“When this is over, and we go on break, I will go to my house, and there will be families that come to my porch and look at me and say, ‘Can you tell us that this is going to be OK?’” said Democratic state Rep. Stephanie Byers, of Wichita, the state’s first and only elected transgender lawmaker, her voice briefly breaking.- photo by&nbsp;Aileen Berquist ACLU Kansas" />
 <figcaption>“When this is over, and we go on break, I will go to my house, and there will be families that come to my porch and look at me and say, ‘Can you tell us that this is going to be OK?’” said Democratic state Rep. Stephanie Byers, of Wichita, the state’s first and only elected transgender lawmaker, her voice briefly breaking.- photo by&nbsp;Aileen Berquist ACLU Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA, AP Political WriterTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A ban on transgender girls and women competing in female school sports in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;was approved early Saturday by conservative legislators but didn’t appear to have enough support to override the Democratic governor’s almost certain veto.The state House approved the measure, 74-39, leaving supporters 10 votes short of the two-thirds majority necessary to overturn a veto from Gov. Laura Kelly. While a dozen of the House's 125 members were absent, at least five were likely to vote no.The Senate passed the bill, 25-13, sending it to Kelly. But supporters were two votes short of a two-thirds Senate majority, and two Republicans who were absent have split over the proposal in the past.Republicans nationwide have pushed the issue, framing it as fairness in competition and access to scholarships to appeal to a broad swath of voters. At least 12 other states have enacted such laws, including&nbsp;Arizona&nbsp;and&nbsp;Oklahoma&nbsp;this week.In Kansas, the proposal was part of a larger agenda for conservatives who lead the Republican-controlled Legislature, with Kelly facing a tough reelection race this year. Conservatives advanced a measure to respond to concerns about what’s taught in public schools by making it easier for parents to try to remove materials from classrooms and libraries, and they also sought to tighten election laws.Kansas lawmakers wanted to finish the bulk of their business for the year before adjourning for their annual three-week spring break late Friday or early Saturday. Groups of House and Senate negotiators haggled over the final versions of bills, in between debates and votes on others in each chamber.Kelly vetoed a bill last year on transgender athletes, and an effort to override her veto fell a single vote short of the necessary two-thirds majority in the Senate.State Rep. Heather Meyer, an Overland Park Democrat, said the bill told transgender children that “they are not valid.” After speaking about her transgender 12-year-old son and her son's transgender best friend, she wiped her eyes with a tissue as the debate continued.“This is my child, and I'm going to stand up for them. I'm going to stand up for their friends. I'm going to stand up for their peers,” Meyer said. “This is just wrong.”The state activities association requires schools to notify the association if a student plans to participate on a team “opposite their birth gender." It allows each school to decide what team a student joins, and the association's executive board settles disputes.The association has been notified of six or seven transgender athletes in grades 7 through 12, Executive Director Bill Faflick said. Several legislators said one is a transgender girl.LGBTQ-rights activists said debates over such measures stress transgender youth, increase bullying and lead to more suicides.“When this is over, and we go on break, I will go to my house, and there will be families that come to my porch and look at me and say, ‘Can you tell us that this is going to be OK?’” said Democratic state Rep. Stephanie Byers, of Wichita, the state’s first and only elected transgender lawmaker, her voice briefly breaking.She added: “I promise you, your constituents will write ME, and those letters start with, ‘I would tell my representative, but they won’t listen.’”The bill's supporters argue they're trying to protect hard-won opportunities for girls and women to play sports and win scholarships.“It makes me sad that the women in the room don't realize that we biological women are being bullied,” said Rep. Tatum Lee, a conservative Ness City Republican. “We do everything we can to protect those being bullied, and I feel bullied.”Brittany Jones, an attorney who lobbies for the conservative group Kansas Family Voice, said the issue grew even more compelling for athletes and their families when the University of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/pennsylvania">Pennsylvania</a>'s Lia Thomas this month became the first NCAA transgender women's swimming champion.The bill's supporters frequently refer to transgender women as “biological” men, boys or males in arguing that transgender athletes have unfair advantages.“You cannot put a uterus into a trans woman," said state Rep. Barbara Wasinger, a conservative Hays Republican. "I have no problem and want to help with gender dysphoria, but I’m not going to do it on the backs of young women trying to succeed and excel in sports.”Byers called such rhetoric is an attempt at “complete erasure” for transgender women.Meanwhile, Kansas also was part of Republican state lawmakers' push across the U.S. to tighten election laws and give conservative parents more say in how public schools are run.One bill approved by the House, 67-46, and by the Senate, 23-15, would require local school boards to adopt policies for giving parents access to classroom materials, challenging materials in classrooms and libraries and allowing them to inspect school records. Senate approval would send it to Kelly.In Kansas, the proposal was part of a larger agenda for conservatives who lead the Republican-controlled Legislature, with Kelly facing a tough reelection race this year. Conservatives advanced a measure to respond to concerns about what’s taught in public schools by making it easier for parents to try to remove materials from classrooms and libraries, and they also sought to tighten election laws.Kansas lawmakers wanted to finish the bulk of their business for the year before adjourning for their annual three-week spring break late Friday or early Saturday. Groups of House and Senate negotiators haggled over the final versions of bills, in between debates and votes on others in each chamber.Kelly vetoed a bill last year on transgender athletes, and an effort to override her veto fell a single vote short of the necessary two-thirds majority in the Senate.State Rep. Heather Meyer, an Overland Park Democrat, said the bill told transgender children that “they are not valid.” After speaking about her transgender 12-year-old son and her son's transgender best friend, she wiped her eyes with a tissue as the debate continued.“This is my child, and I'm going to stand up for them. I'm going to stand up for their friends. I'm going to stand up for their peers,” Meyer said. “This is just wrong.”The state activities association requires schools to notify the association if a student plans to participate on a team “opposite their birth gender." It allows each school to decide what team a student joins, and the association's executive board settles disputes.The association has been notified of six or seven transgender athletes in grades 7 through 12, Executive Director Bill Faflick said. Several legislators said one is a transgender girl.LGBTQ-rights activists said debates over such measures stress transgender youth, increase bullying and lead to more suicides.“When this is over, and we go on break, I will go to my house, and there will be families that come to my porch and look at me and say, ‘Can you tell us that this is going to be OK?’” said Democratic state Rep. Stephanie Byers, of Wichita, the state’s first and only elected transgender lawmaker, her voice briefly breaking.She added: “I promise you, your constituents will write ME, and those letters start with, ‘I would tell my representative, but they won’t listen.’”The bill's supporters argue they're trying to protect hard-won opportunities for girls and women to play sports and win scholarships.“It makes me sad that the women in the room don't realize that we biological women are being bullied,” said Rep. Tatum Lee, a conservative Ness City Republican. “We do everything we can to protect those being bullied, and I feel bullied.”Brittany Jones, an attorney who lobbies for the conservative group Kansas Family Voice, said the issue grew even more compelling for athletes and their families when the University of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/pennsylvania">Pennsylvania</a>'s Lia Thomas this month became the first NCAA transgender women's swimming champion.The bill's supporters frequently refer to transgender women as “biological” men, boys or males in arguing that transgender athletes have unfair advantages.“You cannot put a uterus into a trans woman," said state Rep. Barbara Wasinger, a conservative Hays Republican. "I have no problem and want to help with gender dysphoria, but I’m not going to do it on the backs of young women trying to succeed and excel in sports.”Byers called such rhetoric is an attempt at “complete erasure” for transgender women.Meanwhile, Kansas also was part of Republican state lawmakers' push across the U.S. to tighten election laws and give conservative parents more say in how public schools are run.One bill approved by the House, 67-46, and by the Senate, 23-15, would require local school boards to adopt policies for giving parents access to classroom materials, challenging materials in classrooms and libraries and allowing them to inspect school records. Senate approval would send it to Kelly.

Kansas approves trans sports ban, but veto likely to stick

Our son is in high school, and he has a part-time job. He makes good grades, and we have always tried to teach him how to save and handle money according to your advice. He has even managed to set aside a few thousand dollars for college. My wife and I were talking the other night, and I brought up the idea of charging him a small amount for rent, maybe just $20 or $25 a month, to help him be even better prepared for the real world. What do you think about this?

I appreciate the fact that you’re looking for teachable moments. But making a high school&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/relationships/why-kids-need-value-hard-work?int_cmpgn=no_campaign&amp;int_dept=dr_blog_bu&amp;int_lctn=Blog-Text_Link&amp;int_fmt=text&amp;int_dscpn=ways_to_teach_kids_about_money_blog-inline_link_why_kids_need_value_hard_work" target="_blank">kid</a>&nbsp;pay rent? No, that’s a little over the top.

Listen, you and your wife are already way ahead of a lot of parents. Teaching him financial responsibility and the importance of education are great things. It sounds like your son is a bright, motivated young man, too.

I talk to adults all the time who are decades older, but still don’t grasp the concepts of maturity and responsibility like this kid does already. With the kind of start you’re giving him, I think he’s going to grow up to be a very successful adult. Keep up the good work, and let that young man know how proud you both are of him!

I own a small business. How much should I have in a business emergency fund when my annual sales are around $100,000? Currently, I have two months of expenses set aside.

Generally, I like the idea of small businesses having about six months of expenses on hand. That kind of cushion usually eliminates the need for borrowing money. It also provides peace of mind. And if you’ve been an entrepreneur very long, you know that’s an invaluable thing.

Having a personal emergency fund set aside is a little different than having one in place for your business. When it comes to personal finance, I recommend having three to six months of expenses set aside. The basic idea is the same, though. A fully-funded emergency fund gives you an option—besides&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/debt-calculator" target="_blank">debt</a>—when unexpected things happen!

Dave Ramsey&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648176857529.png" alt="Dave Ramsey" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey</figcaption>
 </figure>Dear Dave,Our son is in high school, and he has a part-time job. He makes good grades, and we have always tried to teach him how to save and handle money according to your advice. He has even managed to set aside a few thousand dollars for college. My wife and I were talking the other night, and I brought up the idea of charging him a small amount for rent, maybe just $20 or $25 a month, to help him be even better prepared for the real world. What do you think about this?KeithDear Keith,I appreciate the fact that you’re looking for teachable moments. But making a high school&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/relationships/why-kids-need-value-hard-work?int_cmpgn=no_campaign&amp;int_dept=dr_blog_bu&amp;int_lctn=Blog-Text_Link&amp;int_fmt=text&amp;int_dscpn=ways_to_teach_kids_about_money_blog-inline_link_why_kids_need_value_hard_work" target="_blank">kid</a>&nbsp;pay rent? No, that’s a little over the top.Listen, you and your wife are already way ahead of a lot of parents. Teaching him financial responsibility and the importance of education are great things. It sounds like your son is a bright, motivated young man, too.I talk to adults all the time who are decades older, but still don’t grasp the concepts of maturity and responsibility like this kid does already. With the kind of start you’re giving him, I think he’s going to grow up to be a very successful adult. Keep up the good work, and let that young man know how proud you both are of him!DaveDear Dave,I own a small business. How much should I have in a business emergency fund when my annual sales are around $100,000? Currently, I have two months of expenses set aside.TheresaDear Theresa,Generally, I like the idea of small businesses having about six months of expenses on hand. That kind of cushion usually eliminates the need for borrowing money. It also provides peace of mind. And if you’ve been an entrepreneur very long, you know that’s an invaluable thing.Having a personal emergency fund set aside is a little different than having one in place for your business. When it comes to personal finance, I recommend having three to six months of expenses set aside. The basic idea is the same, though. A fully-funded emergency fund gives you an option—besides&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/debt-calculator" target="_blank">debt</a>—when unexpected things happen!DaveDave Ramsey&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

DAVE SAYS: I wouldn’t go that far; The idea’s the same

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday ordered the release of 1 million barrels of oil per day from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-prices-ae5200310e3d3c0390d9e1cbb3c5a964">the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve</a>&nbsp;for six months, a bid to control energy prices that have spiked after the United States and allies imposed steep sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

The president said it was not known how much gasoline prices could decline as a result of his move, but he suggested it might be “anything from 10 cents to 35 cents a gallon.” Gas is averaging about $4.23 a gallon, compared with $2.87 a year ago, according to AAA.

“The bottom line is if we want lower gas prices we need to have more oil supply right now,” Biden said. “This is a moment of consequence and peril for the world, and pain at the pump for American families.”

(click below to listen to Pres. Biden's statement to producers)

The president also wants Congress to impose financial penalties on oil and gas companies that lease public lands but are not producing. He said he will invoke the Defense Production Act to encourage the mining of critical minerals for batteries in electric vehicles, part of a broader push to shift toward cleaner energy sources and reduce the use of fossil fuels.

The actions show that oil remains a vulnerability for the U.S. Higher prices have hurt Biden’s approval domestically and added billions of oil-export dollars to the Russian government as it wages war on Ukraine.

Tapping the stockpile would create pressures that could reduce oil prices, though Biden has twice ordered releases from the reserves without causing a meaningful shift in oil markets. Biden said Thursday he expects gasoline prices could drop “fairly significantly.”

Part of Biden’s concern is that high prices have not so far coaxed a meaningful jump in oil production. The planned release is a way to increase supplies as a bridge until&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-covid-health-business-da75f38d60c1e820b5147fa9e25feca2">oil companies ramp up their own production,</a>&nbsp;with administration officials estimating that domestic production will grow by 1 million barrels daily this year and an additional 700,000 barrels daily in 2023.

The markets reacted quickly with crude oil prices dropping about 4% in Thursday trading to under $104 a barrel. Still, oil is up from roughly $60 a year ago, with supplies failing to keep up with demand as the world economy has begun to rebound from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>. That inflationary problem was compounded by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, which created new uncertainties about oil and natural gas supplies and led to retaliatory sanctions from the U.S. and its allies.

Stewart Glickman, an oil analyst for CFRA Research, said the release would bring short-term relief on prices and would be akin to “taking some Advil for a headache.” But markets would ultimately look to see whether, after the releases stop, the underlying problems that led to Biden’s decisions remain.

“The root cause of the headache is probably still going to be there after the medicine wears off,” Glickman said.

Biden has been in talks with allies and partners to join in additional releases of oil, such that the world market will get more than the 180 million barrels total being pledged by the U.S.

Americans on average use about 21 million barrels of oil daily, with about 40% of that devoted to gasoline, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That total accounts for about one-fifth of total global consumption of oil.

Domestic oil production is equal to more than half of U.S. usage, but high prices have not led companies to return to their pre-pandemic levels of output. The U.S. is producing on average 11.7 million barrels daily, down from 13 million barrels in early 2020.

Republican lawmakers have said the problem results from the administration being hostile to oil permits and the construction of new pipelines such as the Keystone XL. Democrats say the country needs to move to renewable energy such as wind and solar that could reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and Putin’s leverage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648749907890.png" alt="The president also wants Congress to impose financial penalties on oil and gas companies that lease public lands but are not producing-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>The president also wants Congress to impose financial penalties on oil and gas companies that lease public lands but are not producing-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday ordered the release of 1 million barrels of oil per day from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-prices-ae5200310e3d3c0390d9e1cbb3c5a964">the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve</a>&nbsp;for six months, a bid to control energy prices that have spiked after the United States and allies imposed steep sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F300434728721015%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=36" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The president said it was not known how much gasoline prices could decline as a result of his move, but he suggested it might be “anything from 10 cents to 35 cents a gallon.” Gas is averaging about $4.23 a gallon, compared with $2.87 a year ago, according to AAA.“The bottom line is if we want lower gas prices we need to have more oil supply right now,” Biden said. “This is a moment of consequence and peril for the world, and pain at the pump for American families.”(click below to listen to Pres. Biden's statement to producers)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F300434728721015%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=246" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The president also wants Congress to impose financial penalties on oil and gas companies that lease public lands but are not producing. He said he will invoke the Defense Production Act to encourage the mining of critical minerals for batteries in electric vehicles, part of a broader push to shift toward cleaner energy sources and reduce the use of fossil fuels.The actions show that oil remains a vulnerability for the U.S. Higher prices have hurt Biden’s approval domestically and added billions of oil-export dollars to the Russian government as it wages war on Ukraine.Tapping the stockpile would create pressures that could reduce oil prices, though Biden has twice ordered releases from the reserves without causing a meaningful shift in oil markets. Biden said Thursday he expects gasoline prices could drop “fairly significantly.”Part of Biden’s concern is that high prices have not so far coaxed a meaningful jump in oil production. The planned release is a way to increase supplies as a bridge until&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-covid-health-business-da75f38d60c1e820b5147fa9e25feca2">oil companies ramp up their own production,</a>&nbsp;with administration officials estimating that domestic production will grow by 1 million barrels daily this year and an additional 700,000 barrels daily in 2023.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648751491285.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The markets reacted quickly with crude oil prices dropping about 4% in Thursday trading to under $104 a barrel. Still, oil is up from roughly $60 a year ago, with supplies failing to keep up with demand as the world economy has begun to rebound from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>. That inflationary problem was compounded by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, which created new uncertainties about oil and natural gas supplies and led to retaliatory sanctions from the U.S. and its allies.Stewart Glickman, an oil analyst for CFRA Research, said the release would bring short-term relief on prices and would be akin to “taking some Advil for a headache.” But markets would ultimately look to see whether, after the releases stop, the underlying problems that led to Biden’s decisions remain.“The root cause of the headache is probably still going to be there after the medicine wears off,” Glickman said.Biden has been in talks with allies and partners to join in additional releases of oil, such that the world market will get more than the 180 million barrels total being pledged by the U.S.Americans on average use about 21 million barrels of oil daily, with about 40% of that devoted to gasoline, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That total accounts for about one-fifth of total global consumption of oil.Domestic oil production is equal to more than half of U.S. usage, but high prices have not led companies to return to their pre-pandemic levels of output. The U.S. is producing on average 11.7 million barrels daily, down from 13 million barrels in early 2020.Republican lawmakers have said the problem results from the administration being hostile to oil permits and the construction of new pipelines such as the Keystone XL. Democrats say the country needs to move to renewable energy such as wind and solar that could reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and Putin’s leverage.Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., blasted Biden’s action to tap the reserve without first taking steps to increase American energy production, calling it “a Band-Aid on a bullet wound.″Daines called Biden’s actions “desperate moves″ that avoid what he called the real solution: ”investing in American energy production,″ and getting “oil and gas leases going again.”The administration says increasing oil output is a gradual process and the release would provide time to ramp up production. It also wants to incentivize greater production by putting fees on unused leases on government lands, something that would require congressional approval.Oil producers have been more focused on meeting the needs of investors than consumers, according to a survey released last week by the Dallas Federal Reserve. About 59% of the executives surveyed said investor pressure to preserve “capital discipline” amid high prices was the reason they weren’t pumping more, while fewer than 10% blamed government regulation.In his remarks Thursday, Biden tried to shame oil companies that he said are focused on profits instead of putting out more barrels, saying that adding to the oil supply was a patriotic obligation.“This is not the time to sit on record profits: It’s time to step up for the good of your country,” the president said.The steady release from the reserves would be a meaningful sum and come near to closing the domestic production gap relative to February 2020, before the coronavirus caused a steep decline in oil output.Still, the politics of oil are complicated with industry advocates and environmentalists both criticizing the planned release. Groups such as the American Petroleum Institute want to make drilling easier, while environmental organizations say energy companies should be forced to pay a special tax on windfall profits instead.The administration in November announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-oil-strategic-reserve-gas-prices-a7e0802b299cd627c7ffdeeb0e50bd2c">the release of 50 million barrels</a>&nbsp;from the strategic reserve in coordination with other countries. And after the Russia-Ukraine war began, the U.S. and 30 other countries agreed to an additional release of 60 million barrels from reserves, with half of the total coming from the U.S.According to the Department of Energy, which manages it, more than 568 million barrels of oil were held in the reserve as of March 25. After the release, the government would begin to replenish the reserve once prices have sufficiently fallen.News of the administration’s planning was first reported by Bloomberg.___