By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) paid a visit to Kansas Wesleyan University over the lunch hour Friday to hear an update about the university and to tour the Nursing Education Center.

Kansas Wesleyan President Matt Thompson and a number of faculty were on hand for the visit.

Thompson told Moran about the university's increasing enrollment. In response to a query from Moran, Thompson said that he attributes the rise in enrollment to "being small and being open, and being very clear about what we were doing and how we were protecting students from COVID."

"It really is one of the things I have worried about in COVID is the attraction of a university like Kansas Wesleyan is based upon personal relationships with people - faculty, staff, students - and if you separate us or we're learning by technology, the advantage that Kansas Wesleyan has in attracting and retaining students begins to dissipate," Moran said.

Thompson told Moran about KWU's brand of The Power of AND.

"We talk about The Power of AND as our brand at Kansas Wesleyan. Students who continue to do something they loved in high school and combine it with a great education. And it's hard to do activities at a distance, so we need to be in person to do those, and we work very hard," Thompson said.

Another point of pride for the university is the success that KWU graduates have. Thompson said that six months after graduation, 99 percent of KWU graduates are either in graduate school or are employed. Of those who are employed, more than 70 percent are working in their field of study.

"Which you know today is not common to have that many students," Thompson said. "So we're really proud that we're preparing them well to go out into the world."

Thompson said Kansas Wesleyan has an approximate $40 million economic impact every year in the community. Additionally, KWU students are doing almost 14,000 hours of community service every year.

Thompson also highlighted two alumni, Stefanie Milam and Christian McQueen. 

McQueen, a talented performance artist, currently is touring with the Broadway road production of Anastasia.

Milam, one of five KWU alums working for NASA, is a planetary scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., and serves as the James Webb Space Telescope deputy project scientist for planetary science. 

"You may have seen her a good bit. She has been the face of the launch of the new Webb telescope, so if you've seen a woman giving an update and briefing on what's happening with that, it's been Dr. Stefanie Milam," Thompson said.

"I did not know this story, and I'm glad to know it because I've been to Goddard Space Flight Center," said Moran, who serves on the senate subcommittee that allocates funding for NASA. "I would guess that our paths will cross and I'll introduce myself and brag about her alma mater."

Thompson also talked about the university's endowment and comprehensive campaign. He said that $20 million was raised over the past two-and-a-half years in the first phase of the campaign. The university is about to launch the second phase, he added. 

He also said that the university's second largest gift - $3 million - was received in December and will help the university renovate its music facilities and will go toward a new cafeteria building and a new community resiliance hub.

"My impression in observing Kansas Wesleyan over a long period, most of my life, is that you're on the acendency, and that's not always been the case," Moran said.

Thompson also mentioned the importance of athletics to the university. He said that approximately 65 percent of KWU students are athletes. He also briefly talked about the success those athletes have had.

Thompson then introducted Janeane Houchin, the director of nursing education. 

Houchin told Moran that on the licensure exam that nursing students must pass in order to practice, Kansas Wesleyan has, for the past several years, been at or above the benchmark by which all nursing programs are measured.

"We worked very intentionally to provide our students with every resource they could possibly have to be successful on that exam and they have proven that we are providing what they need," Houchin said.

According to Houchin, approximately 75 percent or more of each nursing graduating class since 2018 has remained in Kansas to work. Additionally, 90 percent of the 2021 graduating class has remained in Salina to work at Salina Regional Health Center, while the entire class is practicing in Kansas, she said.

"It's important to us that we help with the need here," she said.

Moran then took a tour of the Nursing Education Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643427723736.jpeg" alt="U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, left, listens to Kansas Wesleyan University President Matt Thompson talk about the many accomplishments of KWU and its students. Thompson provided the update early Friday afternoon in the Nursing Education Center before Moran toured the facility. Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, left, listens to Kansas Wesleyan University President Matt Thompson talk about the many accomplishments of KWU and its students. Thompson provided the update early Friday afternoon in the Nursing Education Center before Moran toured the facility. Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostU.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) paid a visit to Kansas Wesleyan University over the lunch hour Friday to hear an update about the university and to tour the Nursing Education Center.Kansas Wesleyan President Matt Thompson and a number of faculty were on hand for the visit.Thompson told Moran about the university's increasing enrollment. In response to a query from Moran, Thompson said that he attributes the rise in enrollment to "being small and being open, and being very clear about what we were doing and how we were protecting students from COVID.""It really is one of the things I have worried about in COVID is the attraction of a university like Kansas Wesleyan is based upon personal relationships with people - faculty, staff, students - and if you separate us or we're learning by technology, the advantage that Kansas Wesleyan has in attracting and retaining students begins to dissipate," Moran said.Thompson told Moran about KWU's brand of The Power of AND."We talk about The Power of AND as our brand at Kansas Wesleyan. Students who continue to do something they loved in high school and combine it with a great education. And it's hard to do activities at a distance, so we need to be in person to do those, and we work very hard," Thompson said.Another point of pride for the university is the success that KWU graduates have. Thompson said that six months after graduation, 99 percent of KWU graduates are either in graduate school or are employed. Of those who are employed, more than 70 percent are working in their field of study."Which you know today is not common to have that many students," Thompson said. "So we're really proud that we're preparing them well to go out into the world."Thompson said Kansas Wesleyan has an approximate $40 million economic impact every year in the community. Additionally, KWU students are doing almost 14,000 hours of community service every year.Thompson also highlighted two alumni, Stefanie Milam and Christian McQueen. McQueen, a talented performance artist, currently is touring with the Broadway road production of Anastasia.Milam, one of five KWU alums working for NASA, is a planetary scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., and serves as the James Webb Space Telescope deputy project scientist for planetary science. "You may have seen her a good bit. She has been the face of the launch of the new Webb telescope, so if you've seen a woman giving an update and briefing on what's happening with that, it's been Dr. Stefanie Milam," Thompson said."I did not know this story, and I'm glad to know it because I've been to Goddard Space Flight Center," said Moran, who serves on the senate subcommittee that allocates funding for NASA. "I would guess that our paths will cross and I'll introduce myself and brag about her alma mater."Thompson also talked about the university's endowment and comprehensive campaign. He said that $20 million was raised over the past two-and-a-half years in the first phase of the campaign. The university is about to launch the second phase, he added. He also said that the university's second largest gift - $3 million - was received in December and will help the university renovate its music facilities and will go toward a new cafeteria building and a new community resiliance hub."My impression in observing Kansas Wesleyan over a long period, most of my life, is that you're on the acendency, and that's not always been the case," Moran said.Thompson also mentioned the importance of athletics to the university. He said that approximately 65 percent of KWU students are athletes. He also briefly talked about the success those athletes have had.Thompson then introducted Janeane Houchin, the director of nursing education. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643427981051.jpeg" alt="Janeane Houchin, KWU&nbsp;director of nursing education, talks about the successes of the university's nursing students and graduates. Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Janeane Houchin, KWU&nbsp;director of nursing education, talks about the successes of the university's nursing students and graduates. Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Houchin told Moran that on the licensure exam that nursing students must pass in order to practice, Kansas Wesleyan has, for the past several years, been at or above the benchmark by which all nursing programs are measured."We worked very intentionally to provide our students with every resource they could possibly have to be successful on that exam and they have proven that we are providing what they need," Houchin said.According to Houchin, approximately 75 percent or more of each nursing graduating class since 2018 has remained in Kansas to work. Additionally, 90 percent of the 2021 graduating class has remained in Salina to work at Salina Regional Health Center, while the entire class is practicing in Kansas, she said."It's important to us that we help with the need here," she said.Moran then took a tour of the Nursing Education Center.

Senator Jerry Moran pays a visit to Kansas Wesleyan on Friday

My wife and I own a small catering business. We have a few big corporations as clients, and our company has been very successful over the last two or three years. Now, we are planning to build a house. I was wondering what you think about how much should be spent on the land itself versus the construction of the actual house.&nbsp;

When the whole thing is done, the payment you end up with shouldn’t be more than 25% of your take-home pay on a 15-year, fixed-rate loan. The ratio of land to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/real-estate/mortgage-calculator" target="_blank">house</a>&nbsp;can vary, and that part’s up to you. If you’re buying a big piece of land, you’re probably going to have a higher ratio of land cost to home cost than if you bought a simple lot and put a really nice home there.

Generally, a standard subdivision lot is going to be around 20% of the total price. If you spend $100,000 on the lot, you’ll end up with a total project cost of about a half-million. Now, keep in mind that’s just a fairly standard ratio. It’s not a rule.

The only rule here is my rule about mortgage payments. Again, no more than 25% of your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/guide-to-budgeting" target="_blank">take-home pay</a>&nbsp;on a fixed-rate, 15-year note. Otherwise, you can end up house poor. And when you’re house poor, it takes away your ability to save, build wealth, and give.

Having a big house and a lot of land is cool if you can afford it, Lee. But it’s not worth it if it’s financially stressful and prevents you from living your best life!

<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time #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/2020/8/1596845065840.jpeg" alt="Dave Ramsey" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey</figcaption>
 </figure>Dear Dave,My wife and I own a small catering business. We have a few big corporations as clients, and our company has been very successful over the last two or three years. Now, we are planning to build a house. I was wondering what you think about how much should be spent on the land itself versus the construction of the actual house.&nbsp;LeeDear Lee,When the whole thing is done, the payment you end up with shouldn’t be more than 25% of your take-home pay on a 15-year, fixed-rate loan. The ratio of land to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/real-estate/mortgage-calculator" target="_blank">house</a>&nbsp;can vary, and that part’s up to you. If you’re buying a big piece of land, you’re probably going to have a higher ratio of land cost to home cost than if you bought a simple lot and put a really nice home there.Generally, a standard subdivision lot is going to be around 20% of the total price. If you spend $100,000 on the lot, you’ll end up with a total project cost of about a half-million. Now, keep in mind that’s just a fairly standard ratio. It’s not a rule.The only rule here is my rule about mortgage payments. Again, no more than 25% of your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/guide-to-budgeting" target="_blank">take-home pay</a>&nbsp;on a fixed-rate, 15-year note. Otherwise, you can end up house poor. And when you’re house poor, it takes away your ability to save, build wealth, and give.Having a big house and a lot of land is cool if you can afford it, Lee. But it’s not worth it if it’s financially stressful and prevents you from living your best life!Dave<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time #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: How much dirt, and how much house?

Southeast of Saline basketball travels to Ellsworth Friday night to take on the Bearcats, and if you can't make it to the games, Salina Post and KINA have you covered!

You can watch a live stream of both the girls' and boys' varsity games right here on Salina Post. Just click the link below. The girls' game is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Friday, with the boys' game following at approximately 7:30 p.m.

You also can listen to the games on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM).

Southeast of Saline basketball travels to Ellsworth Friday night to take on the Bearcats, and if you can't make it to the games, Salina Post and KINA have you covered!You can watch a live stream of both the girls' and boys' varsity games right here on Salina Post. Just click the link below. The girls' game is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Friday, with the boys' game following at approximately 7:30 p.m.You also can listen to the games on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM).Click below to watch the games live.<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥Watch live as Southeast of Saline takes on Ellsworth tonight!

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Governor’s Council on Fitness (GCOF) presented the 2022 Kansas Health Champion Awards during the Community Health Promotion Summit today, Thursday, January 27.

The Governor’s Council on Fitness developed the Health Champion Award to recognize and promote exemplary contributions to fitness in Kansas. Those recognized include an individual and organization and honorable mentions in each category.

“The winners were selected for the exceptional efforts they have put forth to model, encourage and promote fitness in Kansas,” said Jody Hoener, GCOF Awards Chair. “Their efforts have made a positive impact on their communities and inspired others around them to get involved.”&nbsp;

&nbsp;“Congratulations&nbsp;to this year’s Health Champions,” said Janet Stanek, Acting Secretary. “We thank you for the work you have done across Kansas to promote the importance of fitness in your communities.”

Mike Goodwin&nbsp;of Topeka is a longtime volunteer and board member with Kansas Trails Council (KTC), an all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to building and maintaining natural-surface trails for public use. However, Goodwin’s commitment to ensuring that every community has access to a safe place to walk, hike or bike far transcends even KTC’s laudable mission.

Elizabeth Burger of Sunflower Foundation, who nominated Goodwin, said, “Our foundation has had the honor of working with Mike for the past nine years. During this time, I have witnessed how he has donated his time to travel the entire state of Kansas to personally mentor, guide and work along dozens of communities and nonprofits that want to build a trail in order to have a safe, accessible place to be physically active in the outdoors. Mike listens to each community and their specific needs and priorities regarding a trail and provides invaluable support and technical assistance every step of the way.”

Salud + Bienestar’s mission is to provide information to empower, lead and connect community members to live a healthier life within the traditional Spanish-speaking cultures. They provide relevant health information and education to help Spanish-speaking individuals work through the barriers they face when addressing complex issues, such as navigating the health care system, gaining access to affordable fresh and nutritious foods and bringing community members closer together.

Shelley Rich, who nominated Salud + Bienestar, said, “They are passionate about the health of residents in North Wichita and are a trusted source of information. Salud + Bienestar goes above and beyond to promote health and fitness to those they serve. Their work as a liaison between health and social services and the community has improved the access, quality control and cultural competence of the service delivery to the Spanish-speaking community.”&nbsp;

Clyde Jones&nbsp;of Manhattan turned 99 years old in December 2021. For nearly a century, he has modeled, encouraged, and promoted health, fitness, and wellness in the broadest sense. Jones was the leading force in organizing the Community Health Council, bringing community partners (city, county hospital, school board, public health, etc.). In addition, Jones wrapped up his 10th Annual C. Clyde Run last fall, which raises funds each year for Shepherd’s Crossing, a local philanthropic organization.&nbsp;

Connie Satzler, who nominated Jones, said, “Physical activity and fitness are a pillar of Clyde’s lifestyle and legacy. His efforts in developing coordination and collaboration among health care providers has had a lasting effect of making health more accessible to low-income populations and more efficiently delivered. He is always looking for new opportunities to get involved in the years ahead to better his community and to keep making new friends along the way.”&nbsp;

Colby United Methodist Church&nbsp;(UMC)&nbsp;has participated in programs that seek to address food insecurity, such as partnering with the school district and other organizations to support the Summer Food Service Program for their community. They have worked with the Thomas County Coalition to start a community garden, plus Colby UMC has worked with additional partners in the community to support a free bike-share program.

Katie Schoenhoff, who nominated Colby UMC, said, “Colby United Methodist Church has long demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment and service to the health and wellness of both congregation and community, going beyond expectations to address not only immediate needs but also the underlying social determinants of health. Their partnerships with local organizations have supported both the sustainability of their efforts and increased community engagement.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643368667934.png" alt="Clyde Jones during the virtual honor ceremony&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Clyde Jones during the virtual honor ceremony&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Governor’s Council on Fitness (GCOF) presented the 2022 Kansas Health Champion Awards during the Community Health Promotion Summit today, Thursday, January 27.The Governor’s Council on Fitness developed the Health Champion Award to recognize and promote exemplary contributions to fitness in Kansas. Those recognized include an individual and organization and honorable mentions in each category.<ul>
 <li>Individual Health Champion: Mike Goodwin, Topeka</li><li>Organizational Health Champion: Salud + Bienestar, Wichita&nbsp;</li><li>Individual Honorable Mention: C. Clyde Jones, Manhattan</li><li>Organizational Honorable Mention: Colby United Methodist Church, Colby</li>
 </ul>“The winners were selected for the exceptional efforts they have put forth to model, encourage and promote fitness in Kansas,” said Jody Hoener, GCOF Awards Chair. “Their efforts have made a positive impact on their communities and inspired others around them to get involved.”&nbsp;&nbsp;“Congratulations&nbsp;to this year’s Health Champions,” said Janet Stanek, Acting Secretary. “We thank you for the work you have done across Kansas to promote the importance of fitness in your communities.”Health ChampionsMike Goodwin&nbsp;of Topeka is a longtime volunteer and board member with Kansas Trails Council (KTC), an all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to building and maintaining natural-surface trails for public use. However, Goodwin’s commitment to ensuring that every community has access to a safe place to walk, hike or bike far transcends even KTC’s laudable mission.Elizabeth Burger of Sunflower Foundation, who nominated Goodwin, said, “Our foundation has had the honor of working with Mike for the past nine years. During this time, I have witnessed how he has donated his time to travel the entire state of Kansas to personally mentor, guide and work along dozens of communities and nonprofits that want to build a trail in order to have a safe, accessible place to be physically active in the outdoors. Mike listens to each community and their specific needs and priorities regarding a trail and provides invaluable support and technical assistance every step of the way.”Salud + Bienestar’s mission is to provide information to empower, lead and connect community members to live a healthier life within the traditional Spanish-speaking cultures. They provide relevant health information and education to help Spanish-speaking individuals work through the barriers they face when addressing complex issues, such as navigating the health care system, gaining access to affordable fresh and nutritious foods and bringing community members closer together.Shelley Rich, who nominated Salud + Bienestar, said, “They are passionate about the health of residents in North Wichita and are a trusted source of information. Salud + Bienestar goes above and beyond to promote health and fitness to those they serve. Their work as a liaison between health and social services and the community has improved the access, quality control and cultural competence of the service delivery to the Spanish-speaking community.”&nbsp;Honorable Mentions&nbsp;Clyde Jones&nbsp;of Manhattan turned 99 years old in December 2021. For nearly a century, he has modeled, encouraged, and promoted health, fitness, and wellness in the broadest sense. Jones was the leading force in organizing the Community Health Council, bringing community partners (city, county hospital, school board, public health, etc.). In addition, Jones wrapped up his 10th Annual C. Clyde Run last fall, which raises funds each year for Shepherd’s Crossing, a local philanthropic organization.&nbsp;Connie Satzler, who nominated Jones, said, “Physical activity and fitness are a pillar of Clyde’s lifestyle and legacy. His efforts in developing coordination and collaboration among health care providers has had a lasting effect of making health more accessible to low-income populations and more efficiently delivered. He is always looking for new opportunities to get involved in the years ahead to better his community and to keep making new friends along the way.”&nbsp;Colby United Methodist Church&nbsp;(UMC)&nbsp;has participated in programs that seek to address food insecurity, such as partnering with the school district and other organizations to support the Summer Food Service Program for their community. They have worked with the Thomas County Coalition to start a community garden, plus Colby UMC has worked with additional partners in the community to support a free bike-share program.Katie Schoenhoff, who nominated Colby UMC, said, “Colby United Methodist Church has long demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment and service to the health and wellness of both congregation and community, going beyond expectations to address not only immediate needs but also the underlying social determinants of health. Their partnerships with local organizations have supported both the sustainability of their efforts and increased community engagement.”

99-year-old Kan. man recognized as a KDHE health champion

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs have won six straight AFC West titles, something never before accomplished, and will be hosting a record fourth consecutive conference championship game when Cincinnati visits Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday.

They've been to the past two Super Bowls. Won a championship. Set so many league-best marks behind the unparalleled play of Patrick Mahomes and the brilliant coaching of Andy Reid that the rest of the NFL has ample reason to be jealous.

So, are the Chiefs following in the footsteps of the Patriots as the next football dynasty? 

Or, are they just the latest "it" team that everyone wants to watch?

"I think it was 2008 or 2009 that (Chiefs chairman) Clark Hunt made the statement that we're going to strive to create an organization that consistently competes for championships," team president Mark Donovan recalled this week, "and here we are, hosting our fourth straight championship. Never been done before. It's special times to be a Chiefs fan, and special times to be part of this organization. I know Andy says it, and I'll say it: We're grateful for this opportunity we're given."

Perhaps that's because they don't have to look far into their history to remember what it's like to live at the bottom.

When Hunt made that bold proclamation, the Chiefs were a floundering franchise that hadn't won a playoff game in more than two decades. And they hadn't even bottomed out, either. That came a few years later when, during a season in which a player killed himself in the practice facility parking lot, the Chiefs were the two-win laughingstock of the league.

They soon began the search for a new coach, and in a case of coincidence or fate, the Eagles had just moved on from their own. Hunt quickly flew to Philadelphia and met with Reid, refused to let him out of the room without agreeing to come to Kansas City, and in one weekend changed the course of the organization.

The Chiefs went from two wins to 11 the very next year, one of the great turnarounds in NFL history, and haven't had another losing season. The past seven have ended in the playoffs, the past four in the conference championship game and, with a win over the Bengals on Sunday, the past three would be in the Super Bowl.

But is nearly a decade of relative dominance enough to call the Chiefs a dynasty?

"Listen, I might down the road somewhere," he said of putting the past few years into perspective, "but right now, we're moving onto Cincinnati. There's no time to wait. ... It's important that we got on that and make sure our bases are covered."

That doesn't mean others can't — and won't — opine on the subject. After all, dynasties are purely subjective. The textbook definition, at least from Merriam-Webster, is that they involve "a sports franchise which has a prolonged run of successful seasons," though in truth that doesn't define anything.

Here are some facts: The Chiefs have won six straight home playoff games, one of the 10 longest streaks since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. They are among seven franchises to reach four straight conference title games, and the first to host all of them. A third straight Super Bowl appearance would match the Dolphins of Don Shula in the early '70s and the Patriots of Bill Belichick from 2016-18 as the only franchises to make that many in a row with at least one victory.

(Yes, the Bills went to four straight Super Bowls. Without winning one, are they worthy of being called a dynasty?)

Of course, there are some NFL dynasties that are difficult to debate.

The Packers that won six championships under Curly Lambeau from 1929-44. The Bears of George Halas won four titles in seven seasons during the 1940s; Paul Brown's teams in Cleveland seemingly never lost in the '50s. The Vince Lombardi-led Packers of the '60s won the first two Super Bowls. The 1970s Steelers of the famed Steel Curtain defense, the 49ers in the '80s and the Cowboys of the '90s paved the way for the Patriots of the past two decades.

Besides longevity and success, most have something else in common: historic quarterback-coach combinations. Lombardi had Bart Starr. Chuck Noll had Terry Bradshaw in Pittsburgh. Bill Walsh coached Joe Montana and George Seifert had Steve Young in San Francisco. Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer relied on Troy Aikman in Dallas. Belichick had Tom Brady.

Kind of like Reid and Mahomes in Kansas City.

Whether the Chiefs are already a dynasty or one in the making is up for debate. But with Reid firmly ensconced in the coach's office, Mahomes signed for most of the next decade and a plethora of playmakers under long-term contracts — guys such as Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill and Chris Jones — the Chiefs don't appear to be going away soon. 

"As long as we keep the people that we have in this organization on this team, with the coach we have, I think we have a chance to be good year-in and year-out," Mahomes said. "There's a lot of great football teams in this league, you understand that. But at the same time, you just have to try to get better and be better every year you come in."

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs have won six straight AFC West titles, something never before accomplished, and will be hosting a record fourth consecutive conference championship game when Cincinnati visits Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday.They've been to the past two Super Bowls. Won a championship. Set so many league-best marks behind the unparalleled play of Patrick Mahomes and the brilliant coaching of Andy Reid that the rest of the NFL has ample reason to be jealous.So, are the Chiefs following in the footsteps of the Patriots as the next football dynasty? Or, are they just the latest "it" team that everyone wants to watch?"I think it was 2008 or 2009 that (Chiefs chairman) Clark Hunt made the statement that we're going to strive to create an organization that consistently competes for championships," team president Mark Donovan recalled this week, "and here we are, hosting our fourth straight championship. Never been done before. It's special times to be a Chiefs fan, and special times to be part of this organization. I know Andy says it, and I'll say it: We're grateful for this opportunity we're given."Perhaps that's because they don't have to look far into their history to remember what it's like to live at the bottom.When Hunt made that bold proclamation, the Chiefs were a floundering franchise that hadn't won a playoff game in more than two decades. And they hadn't even bottomed out, either. That came a few years later when, during a season in which a player killed himself in the practice facility parking lot, the Chiefs were the two-win laughingstock of the league.They soon began the search for a new coach, and in a case of coincidence or fate, the Eagles had just moved on from their own. Hunt quickly flew to Philadelphia and met with Reid, refused to let him out of the room without agreeing to come to Kansas City, and in one weekend changed the course of the organization.The Chiefs went from two wins to 11 the very next year, one of the great turnarounds in NFL history, and haven't had another losing season. The past seven have ended in the playoffs, the past four in the conference championship game and, with a win over the Bengals on Sunday, the past three would be in the Super Bowl.But is nearly a decade of relative dominance enough to call the Chiefs a dynasty?Don't count on Reid to hazard a guess."Listen, I might down the road somewhere," he said of putting the past few years into perspective, "but right now, we're moving onto Cincinnati. There's no time to wait. ... It's important that we got on that and make sure our bases are covered."That doesn't mean others can't — and won't — opine on the subject. After all, dynasties are purely subjective. The textbook definition, at least from Merriam-Webster, is that they involve "a sports franchise which has a prolonged run of successful seasons," though in truth that doesn't define anything.How successful? And for how long?Here are some facts: The Chiefs have won six straight home playoff games, one of the 10 longest streaks since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. They are among seven franchises to reach four straight conference title games, and the first to host all of them. A third straight Super Bowl appearance would match the Dolphins of Don Shula in the early '70s and the Patriots of Bill Belichick from 2016-18 as the only franchises to make that many in a row with at least one victory.(Yes, the Bills went to four straight Super Bowls. Without winning one, are they worthy of being called a dynasty?)Of course, there are some NFL dynasties that are difficult to debate.The Packers that won six championships under Curly Lambeau from 1929-44. The Bears of George Halas won four titles in seven seasons during the 1940s; Paul Brown's teams in Cleveland seemingly never lost in the '50s. The Vince Lombardi-led Packers of the '60s won the first two Super Bowls. The 1970s Steelers of the famed Steel Curtain defense, the 49ers in the '80s and the Cowboys of the '90s paved the way for the Patriots of the past two decades.Besides longevity and success, most have something else in common: historic quarterback-coach combinations. Lombardi had Bart Starr. Chuck Noll had Terry Bradshaw in Pittsburgh. Bill Walsh coached Joe Montana and George Seifert had Steve Young in San Francisco. Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer relied on Troy Aikman in Dallas. Belichick had Tom Brady.Kind of like Reid and Mahomes in Kansas City.Whether the Chiefs are already a dynasty or one in the making is up for debate. But with Reid firmly ensconced in the coach's office, Mahomes signed for most of the next decade and a plethora of playmakers under long-term contracts — guys such as Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill and Chris Jones — the Chiefs don't appear to be going away soon. "As long as we keep the people that we have in this organization on this team, with the coach we have, I think we have a chance to be good year-in and year-out," Mahomes said. "There's a lot of great football teams in this league, you understand that. But at the same time, you just have to try to get better and be better every year you come in."

Winning ways: Are the Chiefs suddenly the NFL's new dynasty?

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs could have running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire available for the first time in nearly a month when they play the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night for a spot in their fourth consecutive AFC championship game.

Edwards-Helaire practiced all week for the first time since hurting his collarbone in the second half against Pittsburgh on Dec. 26, though Chiefs coach Andy Reid stopped short of declaring him ready to go following Friday's workout.

Last week, Reid was optimistic Edwards-Helaire would play in the wild-card round but he wound up being inactive.

"I felt comfortable with him practicing today and he did practice full speed and all of that," Reid said. "but listen, I'm still recovering from telling you guys he was going to play last week. So I'm not saying anything until the fish is in the boat."

Edwards-Helaire, who also dealt with a knee injury earlier this season, has run for 517 yards and four touchdowns while appearing in parts of just 10 games. His propensity for getting hurt has forced the Chiefs to rely on a backfield by committee this season with Darrel Williams, Jerick McKinnon and Derrick Gore also getting plenty of work.

Williams also is expected to play against Buffalo after he was limited in last week's 42-21 romp over the Steelers by a toe injury. That opened the door for McKinnon, who responded by running 12 times for 61 yards while catching six passes for 81 yards and a touchdown; it was the most yards from scrimmage of anybody in the wild-card round.

Williams led the Chiefs with 558 yards rushing and six TDs this season. He also caught 47 passes for 452 yards and two scores, giving him more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage for the first time in his career.

"I'd probably tell you the same thing (as Edwards-Helaire): He moved around good today," Reid said, "but let me see how he does. He only practiced today. Let me see how he does here in the next day."

Reid also said that linebacker Willie Gay Jr., who was arrested and charged with misdemeanor criminal damage to property this week, would play against the Bills. Gay pleaded not guilty on Thursday and practiced on Friday.

Gay has made 48 tackles and two interceptions in 12 games while playing on defense and special teams.

"Well, I decided he'd play. I'm not going to get into the conversations I had with him. I'm not going to do that," Reid said, "but I decided that after just hearing some of the information."

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs could have running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire available for the first time in nearly a month when they play the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night for a spot in their fourth consecutive AFC championship game.Edwards-Helaire practiced all week for the first time since hurting his collarbone in the second half against Pittsburgh on Dec. 26, though Chiefs coach Andy Reid stopped short of declaring him ready to go following Friday's workout.Last week, Reid was optimistic Edwards-Helaire would play in the wild-card round but he wound up being inactive."I felt comfortable with him practicing today and he did practice full speed and all of that," Reid said. "but listen, I'm still recovering from telling you guys he was going to play last week. So I'm not saying anything until the fish is in the boat."Edwards-Helaire, who also dealt with a knee injury earlier this season, has run for 517 yards and four touchdowns while appearing in parts of just 10 games. His propensity for getting hurt has forced the Chiefs to rely on a backfield by committee this season with Darrel Williams, Jerick McKinnon and Derrick Gore also getting plenty of work.Williams also is expected to play against Buffalo after he was limited in last week's 42-21 romp over the Steelers by a toe injury. That opened the door for McKinnon, who responded by running 12 times for 61 yards while catching six passes for 81 yards and a touchdown; it was the most yards from scrimmage of anybody in the wild-card round.Williams led the Chiefs with 558 yards rushing and six TDs this season. He also caught 47 passes for 452 yards and two scores, giving him more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage for the first time in his career."I'd probably tell you the same thing (as Edwards-Helaire): He moved around good today," Reid said, "but let me see how he does. He only practiced today. Let me see how he does here in the next day."Reid also said that linebacker Willie Gay Jr., who was arrested and charged with misdemeanor criminal damage to property this week, would play against the Bills. Gay pleaded not guilty on Thursday and practiced on Friday.Gay has made 48 tackles and two interceptions in 12 games while playing on defense and special teams."Well, I decided he'd play. I'm not going to get into the conversations I had with him. I'm not going to do that," Reid said, "but I decided that after just hearing some of the information."

Chiefs hope Edwards-Helaire, Williams take field vs Bills

Jamey Johnson and Randy Houser are bringing their Country Cadillac Tour to the Stiefel Theatre.

Jamey Johnson and Randy Houser: A Special Acoustic Performance Together, Part 2 is scheduled for 8 p.m. April 14 in the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue.

Tickets start at $49 and go on sale at noon on Friday. Tickets may be be purchased online at <a href="http://stiefeltheatre.org">stiefeltheatre.org</a>. Tickets also are available at the Stiefel box office from noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and by calling 785-827-1998.

Check the <a href="http://stiefeltheatre.org">Stiefel website</a> for current COVID-19 policies.

Following is performer information as provided by the Stiefel Theatre.

Jamey Johnson Eleven-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson is “one of the greatest country singers of our time,” according to the Washington Post. He is one of only a few people in the history of country music to win two Song of the Year Awards from both the CMA and ACMs. His 2008 album, That Lonesome Song, was certified platinum for 1 million in sales, and his 2010 ambitious double album, The Guitar Song, received a gold certification. In addition, he won two Song of the Year trophies, for Give It Away&nbsp; and&nbsp; In Color, both from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. He has received tremendous praise from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The Wall Street Journal and other publications, many of which have hailed his albums as masterpieces.

In 2012, the Alabama native released his fifth studio album, a tribute project to late songwriter Hank Cochran. The Grammy-nominated Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran paired him with Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, Ray Price, Elvis Costello, George Strait, Vince Gill, and Merle Haggard. In 2013, the Nashville Scene’s 13th annual Country Music Critics’ Poll named it the year’s best album. Two years earlier, the same poll named Johnson’s The Guitar Song&nbsp;as the year's best album, and Johnson himself as best male vocalist, best songwriter and artist of the year.

Randy Houser With an inimitable voice the New York Times describes as “wholly different, thicker and more throbbing, a caldron bubbling over,” Houser racked up three consecutive No. 1 hits with his album, How Country Feels, plus earned critical acclaim for his powerful delivery of the Top 5 smash and CMA Song of the Year-nominated Like A Cowboy. Houser added a fourth No. 1 to his catalog with We Went from his 2016 album, Fired Up.

Houser’s fourth studio album, Magnolia, marks a new era for the singer/songwriter which many have called “Houser at his best.” Listeners got their first taste of Houser’s critically acclaimed rootsy project with the Top 30 hit What Whiskey Does,&nbsp; which debuted at Country radio as No. 1 Most Added and Rolling Stone immediately dubbed “a classic tears-and-twang drinking song.” The album, which NPR claims is home to “some of the most expressive performances of his career,” also includes his single, No Stone Unturned, a gypsy-hearted traveling song that Whiskey Riff calls “the best song, from the best album of 2019.”

In early 2021, Houser teamed up with good friend Jamey Johnson to share the stage on their unforgettable co-headlining Country Cadillac Tour. The tour, amongst the first routed tours in 2021 consisted of 18 social distanced tour dates and a one-of-a-kind live stream: Live from Graceland from the iconic home of Elvis Presley.

By SALINA POSTJamey Johnson and Randy Houser are bringing their Country Cadillac Tour to the Stiefel Theatre.Jamey Johnson and Randy Houser: A Special Acoustic Performance Together, Part 2 is scheduled for 8 p.m. April 14 in the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue. Tickets start at $49 and go on sale at noon on Friday. Tickets may be be purchased online at <a href="http://stiefeltheatre.org">stiefeltheatre.org</a>. Tickets also are available at the Stiefel box office from noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and by calling 785-827-1998.Check the <a href="http://stiefeltheatre.org">Stiefel website</a> for current COVID-19 policies.Following is performer information as provided by the Stiefel Theatre.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642645559669.jpeg" alt="Jamey Johnson.&nbsp; Photo by Charles Reagan Hackleman courtesy Stiefel Theatre" />
 <figcaption>Jamey Johnson.&nbsp; Photo by Charles Reagan Hackleman courtesy Stiefel Theatre</figcaption>
 </figure>Jamey Johnson Eleven-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson is “one of the greatest country singers of our time,” according to the Washington Post. He is one of only a few people in the history of country music to win two Song of the Year Awards from both the CMA and ACMs. His 2008 album, That Lonesome Song, was certified platinum for 1 million in sales, and his 2010 ambitious double album, The Guitar Song, received a gold certification. In addition, he won two Song of the Year trophies, for Give It Away&nbsp; and&nbsp; In Color, both from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. He has received tremendous praise from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The Wall Street Journal and other publications, many of which have hailed his albums as masterpieces.In 2012, the Alabama native released his fifth studio album, a tribute project to late songwriter Hank Cochran. The Grammy-nominated Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran paired him with Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, Ray Price, Elvis Costello, George Strait, Vince Gill, and Merle Haggard. In 2013, the Nashville Scene’s 13th annual Country Music Critics’ Poll named it the year’s best album. Two years earlier, the same poll named Johnson’s The Guitar Song&nbsp;as the year's best album, and Johnson himself as best male vocalist, best songwriter and artist of the year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642645640765.jpeg" alt="Randy Houser. Photo courtesy Stiefel Theatre" />
 <figcaption>Randy Houser. Photo courtesy Stiefel Theatre</figcaption>
 </figure>Randy Houser With an inimitable voice the New York Times describes as “wholly different, thicker and more throbbing, a caldron bubbling over,” Houser racked up three consecutive No. 1 hits with his album, How Country Feels, plus earned critical acclaim for his powerful delivery of the Top 5 smash and CMA Song of the Year-nominated Like A Cowboy. Houser added a fourth No. 1 to his catalog with We Went from his 2016 album, Fired Up. Houser’s fourth studio album, Magnolia, marks a new era for the singer/songwriter which many have called “Houser at his best.” Listeners got their first taste of Houser’s critically acclaimed rootsy project with the Top 30 hit What Whiskey Does,&nbsp; which debuted at Country radio as No. 1 Most Added and Rolling Stone immediately dubbed “a classic tears-and-twang drinking song.” The album, which NPR claims is home to “some of the most expressive performances of his career,” also includes his single, No Stone Unturned, a gypsy-hearted traveling song that Whiskey Riff calls “the best song, from the best album of 2019.” In early 2021, Houser teamed up with good friend Jamey Johnson to share the stage on their unforgettable co-headlining Country Cadillac Tour. The tour, amongst the first routed tours in 2021 consisted of 18 social distanced tour dates and a one-of-a-kind live stream: Live from Graceland from the iconic home of Elvis Presley.

Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser coming to the Stiefel Theatre

By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher

This past week I returned from one of the best weeks of the year, the American Farm Bureau Convention and Annual Meeting. It is truly something I look forward to each year and a highlight on my calendar. My favorite thing about the meeting is people in agriculture from all across the United States come together to decide on how to tackle the toughest issues facing our industry. I always meet new and interesting people like the sweet potato farmer from Mississippi I got to eat lunch with on Sunday. Our crops may have been different, but we spoke one common language — agriculture. I really enjoy just hanging out in the hallways listening to everyone talk about the weather and what was going on at their farms and ranches. It is a time to renew old friendships like my good friend Ben from Georgia or my buddy Rick from Idaho. We see each other once a year, but it does not take long to catch up on our lives. I love listening to the different accents and ways of communicating. The American Farm Bureau is truly a big tent organization; the meeting brings in producers from all across the nation. All types of agriculture from vegetables to honey, row crops, cattle and everything in between. You will find some of the largest farmers and ranchers in the same room as producers with much smaller operations. The best part is that there is a seat at the table for everyone. I really enjoy the general sessions, and this year I attended some highly informative workshops. I also had the privilege of judging the Young Farmer and Ranchers Committee’s Excellence in Agriculture award. I have to say it was humbling to listen to all the great accomplishments of the applicants, the amount of work they have done is absolutely amazing. I am also sure the tours were fantastic but, in my mind, those great events were not the most important part of our week in Atlanta. The annual business meeting of the American Farm Bureau Federation is what we all come for. When we take the ideas that started out at the grassroots level and were distilled and refined through the state and national process and make the final tweaks before we adopt them. This policy making process is the blueprint of what will happen for the next year, our playbook of how to guide legislators and regulators for the benefit of agriculture. This process is tough, and it can be contentious at times. When you have an organization as diverse as ours not everyone will agree on how things should be done. In the end, arguments are presented, and points are made. The voting delegates take the information provided to them and make decisions shaping ag policy for at least the next year if not longer. Almost as soon as the gavel sounds, members begin working on policy for next year and looking forward to another good week in January.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2022 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="Glenn Brunkow. Photo courtesy Kansas Farm Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Brunkow. Photo courtesy Kansas Farm Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancherThis past week I returned from one of the best weeks of the year, the American Farm Bureau Convention and Annual Meeting. It is truly something I look forward to each year and a highlight on my calendar. My favorite thing about the meeting is people in agriculture from all across the United States come together to decide on how to tackle the toughest issues facing our industry. I always meet new and interesting people like the sweet potato farmer from Mississippi I got to eat lunch with on Sunday. Our crops may have been different, but we spoke one common language — agriculture. I really enjoy just hanging out in the hallways listening to everyone talk about the weather and what was going on at their farms and ranches. It is a time to renew old friendships like my good friend Ben from Georgia or my buddy Rick from Idaho. We see each other once a year, but it does not take long to catch up on our lives. I love listening to the different accents and ways of communicating. The American Farm Bureau is truly a big tent organization; the meeting brings in producers from all across the nation. All types of agriculture from vegetables to honey, row crops, cattle and everything in between. You will find some of the largest farmers and ranchers in the same room as producers with much smaller operations. The best part is that there is a seat at the table for everyone. I really enjoy the general sessions, and this year I attended some highly informative workshops. I also had the privilege of judging the Young Farmer and Ranchers Committee’s Excellence in Agriculture award. I have to say it was humbling to listen to all the great accomplishments of the applicants, the amount of work they have done is absolutely amazing. I am also sure the tours were fantastic but, in my mind, those great events were not the most important part of our week in Atlanta. The annual business meeting of the American Farm Bureau Federation is what we all come for. When we take the ideas that started out at the grassroots level and were distilled and refined through the state and national process and make the final tweaks before we adopt them. This policy making process is the blueprint of what will happen for the next year, our playbook of how to guide legislators and regulators for the benefit of agriculture. This process is tough, and it can be contentious at times. When you have an organization as diverse as ours not everyone will agree on how things should be done. In the end, arguments are presented, and points are made. The voting delegates take the information provided to them and make decisions shaping ag policy for at least the next year if not longer. Almost as soon as the gavel sounds, members begin working on policy for next year and looking forward to another good week in January."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2022 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

INSIGHT: Ag across America

By GARY DEMUTH For the Salina Symphony

Whether singing soft drink jingles as a boy soprano, learning the violin at a young age or composing and conducting major orchestral pieces as an adult, Yaniv Segal has had an unconventional music career.

The son of a Polish violinist and Israeli violin maker, the New York City native was introduced to the violin as a small boy while also working as a child actor and singer. He sang in the Metropolitan Opera Children’s Chorus and toured the U.S. and Japan in the first national tour of the musical “The Secret Garden.”

As a boy soprano, he sang on TV commercials for Pepsi, as well as on numerous CDs ranging from classical opera to rock and folk music.

Segal’s stage acting career culminated in a production of Tom Stoppard’s play “Hapgood” at Lincoln Center in New York City, where he played the adolescent son of the title character to great acclaim.

At that point, he decided to focus exclusively on music as a career, as a violinist, composer and ultimately, an orchestral conductor. Segal said conducting, like acting, is another form of communication from the artist to the audience.

“It’s figuring out your intention and then getting that out to the audience,” he said. “There was a point in my life where I couldn’t say what I wanted to say with words, so that’s why I went into music.”

Segal is the third of five finalists vying for the position of conductor and music director of the Salina Symphony. His concert, “Take Flight,” will be at 4 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts, 151 S. Santa Fe.

The program begins with a performance of Antonin Dvorak’s “Slavonic Dance No 8,” followed by an original “symphonic poem” by young contemporary composer Polina Nazaykinskaya entitled “Fenix.”

Nazaykinskaya plans to attend the concert and participate in a pre-concert talk with Segal and guest cellist Hannah Collins at 3 p.m. in the Stiefel Theatre Watson Room. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m.

Collins, an acclaimed musician who teaches at the University of Kansas, will perform Joseph Haydn’s “Cello Concerto No. 1” with the Salina Symphony. Segal, who has known Collins for many years, said the audience will be “blown away” by her playing.

“It’s nice to work with a friend, but it’s nicer to know the artist who’s coming is world class,” he said.

Segal also will conduct the Symphony in a performance of “Symphony No. 5” by Jean Sibelius, who he said is one of his favorite composers.

“He’s a composer who has his own language,” Segal said. “The music grows and grows until you are overwhelmed by this amazing orchestral palate. It’s a magical piece that feels right for this time, when we’re beginning to awaken out of a pandemic.”

Segal grew up in New York speaking three languages in a multi-cultural household.

“I grew up in an orchestral tradition,” he said. “My mom was a violinist with the New York Philharmonic, so I had an understanding of the inside of an orchestra, how to work with people to get them on board to produce something greater than their parts.”

Currently living in Ann Arbor, Mich., Segal completed graduate studies at the University of Michigan in 2013 with renowned conducting pedagogue Kenneth Kiesler and McArthur Award-winning composer Bright Sheng.

As a conductor and composer, Segal has worked with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Naples Philharmonic, Minnesota Orchestra, Kansai Philharmonic, Ann Arbor Symphony, Cleveland Opera and the Beethoven Academy Orchestra.

While assistant conductor of the Naples Philharmonic from 2014 to 2017, Segal conducted nearly 20 different programs each year, including a concert with legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman.

The Chelsea Symphony premiered Segal’s Cello Concerto in 2015 and “Rite of Spring (Redux)” in 2013, which was a reworking of Stravinsky’s seminal work that included electric guitar, bass and saxophone.

Deeply committed to the next generation of musicians and music lovers, Segal also has written a concert-length work for chamber orchestra and narrator entitled “The Harmony Games” that introduces listeners, especially young listeners, to the instruments of the orchestra while demonstrating connections between music and math.

“They hopefully come away saying music is awesome, I want more,” Segal said. “It’s so important for the symphony orchestra to develop new audiences, future musicians, listeners and audiences.”

Segal said that when he researched the Salina Symphony, he was impressed by the “high level of performance” of the community musicians and the organization’s continuing dedication to bringing cultural life to their community.

“My job would be to raise the bar, the ceiling, every time they play, and I’m confident I can do that,” he said. “It’s about figuring out what the orchestra needs and what the audience needs, and then putting it all together.”

Like Segal, Collins grew up in a musical family. Her mother played piano and her sister the violin, so Collins picked up the cello so the family could perform together as a trio.

“That happens in a lot of musical families," she said.

In addition to earning graduate degrees in cello performance from the Yale School of Music, the Royal Conservatory of The Hague and the City University of New York’s Graduate Center, Collins has a Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical engineering from Yale.

“When I was 18, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,” she said. “I wasn’t ready to decide yet. I still feel that way. I would stay in school forever if I could, but eventually I focused on music.”

Solo and chamber music performances have taken Collins to festivals such as Orford Centre d’arts, Kneisel Hall, the Aldeburgh Festival and Musique de Chambre a Giverny. She is a member of the Bach

Aria Soloists, Cantata Profana and the Grossman Ensemble and has performed with The Knights, Decoda, Talea Ensemble, A Far Cry and NOVUS NY.

She also appears regularly as a Baroque cellist with the Sebastians, New York Baroque Incorporated, Quodlibet Ensemble and the Trinity Baroque Orchestra.

Collins currently is assistant professor of cello at the University of Kansas School of Music.

For the Salina Symphony performance, Collins will perform the Haydn’s First Cello Concerto and premiere two brand new cadenzas by the Spanish cellist and composer Andrea Casarrubios written especially for this concert.

“I’m extremely excited to work with the Salina Symphony and with Yaniv,” she said. “The past couple of years have been difficult for performing musicians. It’s caused some amazing innovations to happen, but it doesn’t replace being in the same room experiencing things with someone next to you.”

Tickets for the concert may be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre box office at 785-827-1998 or online at <a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org">www.salinasymphony.org</a>. Single admission tickets are $29 or $39 for adults and $19 for students.

Please visit the Salina Symphony website for updated information on the Stiefel Theatre’s COVID-19 policy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600020969239.jpeg" alt="Yaniv Segal. Photos courtesy Salina Symphony" />
 <figcaption>Yaniv Segal. Photos courtesy Salina Symphony</figcaption>
 </figure>By GARY DEMUTH For the Salina SymphonyWhether singing soft drink jingles as a boy soprano, learning the violin at a young age or composing and conducting major orchestral pieces as an adult, Yaniv Segal has had an unconventional music career.The son of a Polish violinist and Israeli violin maker, the New York City native was introduced to the violin as a small boy while also working as a child actor and singer. He sang in the Metropolitan Opera Children’s Chorus and toured the U.S. and Japan in the first national tour of the musical “The Secret Garden.”As a boy soprano, he sang on TV commercials for Pepsi, as well as on numerous CDs ranging from classical opera to rock and folk music.Segal’s stage acting career culminated in a production of Tom Stoppard’s play “Hapgood” at Lincoln Center in New York City, where he played the adolescent son of the title character to great acclaim.At that point, he decided to focus exclusively on music as a career, as a violinist, composer and ultimately, an orchestral conductor. Segal said conducting, like acting, is another form of communication from the artist to the audience.“It’s figuring out your intention and then getting that out to the audience,” he said. “There was a point in my life where I couldn’t say what I wanted to say with words, so that’s why I went into music.”Segal is the third of five finalists vying for the position of conductor and music director of the Salina Symphony. His concert, “Take Flight,” will be at 4 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts, 151 S. Santa Fe.The program begins with a performance of Antonin Dvorak’s “Slavonic Dance No 8,” followed by an original “symphonic poem” by young contemporary composer Polina Nazaykinskaya entitled “Fenix.”Nazaykinskaya plans to attend the concert and participate in a pre-concert talk with Segal and guest cellist Hannah Collins at 3 p.m. in the Stiefel Theatre Watson Room. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641956767995.png" alt="Hannah Collins" />
 <figcaption>Hannah Collins</figcaption>
 </figure>Collins, an acclaimed musician who teaches at the University of Kansas, will perform Joseph Haydn’s “Cello Concerto No. 1” with the Salina Symphony. Segal, who has known Collins for many years, said the audience will be “blown away” by her playing.“It’s nice to work with a friend, but it’s nicer to know the artist who’s coming is world class,” he said.Segal also will conduct the Symphony in a performance of “Symphony No. 5” by Jean Sibelius, who he said is one of his favorite composers.“He’s a composer who has his own language,” Segal said. “The music grows and grows until you are overwhelmed by this amazing orchestral palate. It’s a magical piece that feels right for this time, when we’re beginning to awaken out of a pandemic.”An orchestra traditionSegal grew up in New York speaking three languages in a multi-cultural household.“I grew up in an orchestral tradition,” he said. “My mom was a violinist with the New York Philharmonic, so I had an understanding of the inside of an orchestra, how to work with people to get them on board to produce something greater than their parts.”Currently living in Ann Arbor, Mich., Segal completed graduate studies at the University of Michigan in 2013 with renowned conducting pedagogue Kenneth Kiesler and McArthur Award-winning composer Bright Sheng.As a conductor and composer, Segal has worked with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Naples Philharmonic, Minnesota Orchestra, Kansai Philharmonic, Ann Arbor Symphony, Cleveland Opera and the Beethoven Academy Orchestra.While assistant conductor of the Naples Philharmonic from 2014 to 2017, Segal conducted nearly 20 different programs each year, including a concert with legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman.The Chelsea Symphony premiered Segal’s Cello Concerto in 2015 and “Rite of Spring (Redux)” in 2013, which was a reworking of Stravinsky’s seminal work that included electric guitar, bass and saxophone.Deeply committed to the next generation of musicians and music lovers, Segal also has written a concert-length work for chamber orchestra and narrator entitled “The Harmony Games” that introduces listeners, especially young listeners, to the instruments of the orchestra while demonstrating connections between music and math.“They hopefully come away saying music is awesome, I want more,” Segal said. “It’s so important for the symphony orchestra to develop new audiences, future musicians, listeners and audiences.”Segal said that when he researched the Salina Symphony, he was impressed by the “high level of performance” of the community musicians and the organization’s continuing dedication to bringing cultural life to their community.“My job would be to raise the bar, the ceiling, every time they play, and I’m confident I can do that,” he said. “It’s about figuring out what the orchestra needs and what the audience needs, and then putting it all together.”Picking up the celloLike Segal, Collins grew up in a musical family. Her mother played piano and her sister the violin, so Collins picked up the cello so the family could perform together as a trio.“That happens in a lot of musical families," she said.In addition to earning graduate degrees in cello performance from the Yale School of Music, the Royal Conservatory of The Hague and the City University of New York’s Graduate Center, Collins has a Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical engineering from Yale.“When I was 18, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,” she said. “I wasn’t ready to decide yet. I still feel that way. I would stay in school forever if I could, but eventually I focused on music.”Solo and chamber music performances have taken Collins to festivals such as Orford Centre d’arts, Kneisel Hall, the Aldeburgh Festival and Musique de Chambre a Giverny. She is a member of the BachAria Soloists, Cantata Profana and the Grossman Ensemble and has performed with The Knights, Decoda, Talea Ensemble, A Far Cry and NOVUS NY.She also appears regularly as a Baroque cellist with the Sebastians, New York Baroque Incorporated, Quodlibet Ensemble and the Trinity Baroque Orchestra.Collins currently is assistant professor of cello at the University of Kansas School of Music.For the Salina Symphony performance, Collins will perform the Haydn’s First Cello Concerto and premiere two brand new cadenzas by the Spanish cellist and composer Andrea Casarrubios written especially for this concert.“I’m extremely excited to work with the Salina Symphony and with Yaniv,” she said. “The past couple of years have been difficult for performing musicians. It’s caused some amazing innovations to happen, but it doesn’t replace being in the same room experiencing things with someone next to you.”Concert ticketsTickets for the concert may be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre box office at 785-827-1998 or online at <a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org">www.salinasymphony.org</a>. Single admission tickets are $29 or $39 for adults and $19 for students.Please visit the Salina Symphony website for updated information on the Stiefel Theatre’s COVID-19 policy.

The language of music

I finally paid off all my debt except for my house, and I have an emergency fund of six months of expenses saved. It feels great to be in control of my money, but I am afraid I might lose control again and end up back where I started before I began following your plan. How can you make sure your leisure spending doesn’t get out of hand?

I get what you’re saying. You don’t want to go back to those days of being scared and out of control where your finances are concerned. You spent a lot of time, made tons of sacrifices, and put in lots of disciplined hard work&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/debt-calculator" target="_blank">getting out of debt</a>, changing your behavior, and finally reached a point where you’re winning with money. Most people don’t forget the hardship and sacrifices that go into something like that, and I don’t think you will, either.

There’s a season to be strict, hard-nosed, and deny yourself things. There’s also a time to act like an adult, and forego instant gratification, like during those early&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/dave-ramsey-7-baby-steps" target="_blank">Baby Steps</a>. But some self-care and a little fun is important once in a while, too. One way to enjoy life without going financially overboard is to make a budget line for fun money.

Putting fun money in your budget isn’t a green light to forget your money goals, or go on a spending free-for-all. It’s actually part of sticking to your budget. Remember, you want a&nbsp;zero-based budget. That means giving&nbsp;every&nbsp;dollar a job, and having a fun money category helps you focus on&nbsp;all&nbsp;your spending, so you don’t accidently waste money on little things here and there.

When you give yourself a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/guide-to-budgeting" target="_blank">budget</a>&nbsp;line for fun, you can spend that amount on whatever you want. We talk a lot about goals and how they need to be a balance of empowering and realistic.&nbsp;Budgeting&nbsp;fun money helps with the realistic side, because it lets you stick to your goals&nbsp;and&nbsp;have a treat every now and then.

When you think of your budget as&nbsp;permission to spend, you get a new perspective on budgeting. You’re giving your money permission to go where you want it to go. Plus, when you treat yourself once in a while, you’re less likely to fall back in your old, financially-out-of-control ways!

<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time #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/2020/8/1596845065840.jpeg" alt="Dave Ramsey" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey</figcaption>
 </figure>Dear Dave,I finally paid off all my debt except for my house, and I have an emergency fund of six months of expenses saved. It feels great to be in control of my money, but I am afraid I might lose control again and end up back where I started before I began following your plan. How can you make sure your leisure spending doesn’t get out of hand?LavellDear Lavell,I get what you’re saying. You don’t want to go back to those days of being scared and out of control where your finances are concerned. You spent a lot of time, made tons of sacrifices, and put in lots of disciplined hard work&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/debt-calculator" target="_blank">getting out of debt</a>, changing your behavior, and finally reached a point where you’re winning with money. Most people don’t forget the hardship and sacrifices that go into something like that, and I don’t think you will, either.There’s a season to be strict, hard-nosed, and deny yourself things. There’s also a time to act like an adult, and forego instant gratification, like during those early&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/dave-ramsey-7-baby-steps" target="_blank">Baby Steps</a>. But some self-care and a little fun is important once in a while, too. One way to enjoy life without going financially overboard is to make a budget line for fun money.Putting fun money in your budget isn’t a green light to forget your money goals, or go on a spending free-for-all. It’s actually part of sticking to your budget. Remember, you want a&nbsp;zero-based budget. That means giving&nbsp;every&nbsp;dollar a job, and having a fun money category helps you focus on&nbsp;all&nbsp;your spending, so you don’t accidently waste money on little things here and there.When you give yourself a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/guide-to-budgeting" target="_blank">budget</a>&nbsp;line for fun, you can spend that amount on whatever you want. We talk a lot about goals and how they need to be a balance of empowering and realistic.&nbsp;Budgeting&nbsp;fun money helps with the realistic side, because it lets you stick to your goals&nbsp;and&nbsp;have a treat every now and then.When you think of your budget as&nbsp;permission to spend, you get a new perspective on budgeting. You’re giving your money permission to go where you want it to go. Plus, when you treat yourself once in a while, you’re less likely to fall back in your old, financially-out-of-control ways!Dave<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time #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: Make a budget line for fun money

WASHINGTON —President Joe Biden is disappointed with Thursday's Supreme Court decision on vaccine requirements.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The court stopped the Biden administration from enforcing a requirement that employees at large businesses be vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly testing and wear a mask on the job.

At the same time, the court is allowing the administration to proceed with a vaccine mandate for most health care workers in the U.S.

In a statement from his office Biden said.

&nbsp;"My administration began to institute vaccination requirements last July, when after months of making vaccinations free and widely available, 90 million Americans were still unvaccinated."

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/21a244_hgci.pdf">here to read court’s orders&nbsp;</a>

"My administration began to institute vaccination requirements last July, when after months of making vaccinations free and widely available, 90 million Americans were still unvaccinated. Today, that number is down to under 35 million. These vaccine requirements applied to members of the Armed Forces, federal workers and contractors, health care workers, and employees in large firms. Had my administration not put vaccination requirements in place, we would be now experiencing a higher death toll from COVID-19 and even more hospitalizations.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2021/21A244">CLICK&nbsp; here to listen&nbsp;</a>to a replay of the oral argument vs the Dept. of Labor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today’s decision by the Supreme Court to uphold the requirement for health care workers will save lives: &nbsp;the lives of patients who seek care in medical facilities, as well as the lives of doctors, nurses, and others who work there. It will cover 10.4 million health care workers at 76,000 medical facilities. We will enforce it.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2021/21A240">Click here</a>&nbsp;to listen to a replay of the oral arguments over the mandate for health care workers.

At the same time, I am disappointed that the Supreme Court has chosen to block common-sense life-saving requirements for employees at large businesses that were grounded squarely in both science and the law. This emergency standard allowed employers to require vaccinations or to permit workers to refuse to be vaccinated, so long as they were tested once a week and wore a mask at work: a very modest burden. &nbsp; &nbsp; As a result of the Court’s decision, it is now up to States and individual employers to determine whether to make their workplaces as safe as possible for employees, and whether their businesses will be safe for consumers during this pandemic by requiring employees to take the simple and effective step of getting vaccinated. The Court has ruled that my administration cannot use the authority granted to it by Congress to require this measure, but that does not stop me from using my voice as President to advocate for employers to do the right thing to protect Americans’ health and economy. I call on business leaders to immediately join those who have already stepped up – including one third of Fortune 100 companies – and institute vaccination requirements to protect their workers, customers, and communities.&nbsp;

We have to keep working together if we want to save lives, keep people working, and put this pandemic behind us."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641479071719.png" alt="Biden said, "I am disappointed that the Supreme Court has chosen to block common-sense life-saving requirements for employees "" />
 <figcaption>Biden said, "I am disappointed that the Supreme Court has chosen to block common-sense life-saving requirements for employees "</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —President Joe Biden is disappointed with Thursday's Supreme Court decision on vaccine requirements.&nbsp;&nbsp;The court stopped the Biden administration from enforcing a requirement that employees at large businesses be vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly testing and wear a mask on the job.At the same time, the court is allowing the administration to proceed with a vaccine mandate for most health care workers in the U.S.In a statement from his office Biden said.&nbsp;"My administration began to institute vaccination requirements last July, when after months of making vaccinations free and widely available, 90 million Americans were still unvaccinated."Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/21a244_hgci.pdf">here to read court’s orders&nbsp;</a>"My administration began to institute vaccination requirements last July, when after months of making vaccinations free and widely available, 90 million Americans were still unvaccinated. Today, that number is down to under 35 million. These vaccine requirements applied to members of the Armed Forces, federal workers and contractors, health care workers, and employees in large firms. Had my administration not put vaccination requirements in place, we would be now experiencing a higher death toll from COVID-19 and even more hospitalizations.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2021/21A244">CLICK&nbsp; here to listen&nbsp;</a>to a replay of the oral argument vs the Dept. of Labor.&nbsp;&nbsp;Today’s decision by the Supreme Court to uphold the requirement for health care workers will save lives: &nbsp;the lives of patients who seek care in medical facilities, as well as the lives of doctors, nurses, and others who work there. It will cover 10.4 million health care workers at 76,000 medical facilities. We will enforce it.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2021/21A240">Click here</a>&nbsp;to listen to a replay of the oral arguments over the mandate for health care workers.At the same time, I am disappointed that the Supreme Court has chosen to block common-sense life-saving requirements for employees at large businesses that were grounded squarely in both science and the law. This emergency standard allowed employers to require vaccinations or to permit workers to refuse to be vaccinated, so long as they were tested once a week and wore a mask at work: a very modest burden. &nbsp; &nbsp; As a result of the Court’s decision, it is now up to States and individual employers to determine whether to make their workplaces as safe as possible for employees, and whether their businesses will be safe for consumers during this pandemic by requiring employees to take the simple and effective step of getting vaccinated. The Court has ruled that my administration cannot use the authority granted to it by Congress to require this measure, but that does not stop me from using my voice as President to advocate for employers to do the right thing to protect Americans’ health and economy. I call on business leaders to immediately join those who have already stepped up – including one third of Fortune 100 companies – and institute vaccination requirements to protect their workers, customers, and communities.&nbsp;We have to keep working together if we want to save lives, keep people working, and put this pandemic behind us."

Biden disappointed Supreme Court blocked vaxx mandate for business

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has stopped the Biden administration from enforcing a requirement that employees at large businesses be vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly testing and wear a mask on the job.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2021/21A244">CLICK&nbsp; here to listen </a>to a replay of the oral argument vs the Dept. of Labor.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2021/21A240">Click here</a> to listen to a replay of the oral arguments over the mandate for health care workers.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/21a244_hgci.pdf">The court’s orders </a>Thursday during a spike in coronavirus cases was a mixed bag for the administration’s efforts to boost the vaccination rate among Americans.

The court’s conservative majority concluded the administration overstepped its authority by seeking to impose the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s vaccine-or-test rule on U.S. businesses with at least 100 employees. More than 80 million people would have been affected.

“OSHA has never before imposed such a mandate. Nor has Congress. Indeed, although Congress has enacted significant legislation addressing the COVID–19 pandemic, it has declined to enact any measure similar to what OSHA has promulgated here,” the conservatives wrote in an unsigned opinion.

In dissent, the court’s three liberals argued that it was the court that was overreaching by substituting its judgment for that of health experts. “Acting outside of its competence and without legal basis, the Court displaces the judgments of the Government officials given the responsibility to respond to workplace health emergencies,” Justices Stephen Breyer, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor wrote in a joint dissent.

When crafting the OSHA rule, White House officials always anticipated legal challenges — and privately some harbored doubts that it could withstand them. The administration nonetheless still views the rule as a success at already driving millions of people to get vaccinated and for private businesses to implement their own requirements that are unaffected by the legal challenge.

Both rules had been challenged by Republican-led states. In addition, business groups attacked the OSHA emergency regulation as too expensive and likely to cause workers to leave their jobs at a time when finding new employees already is difficult.

The vaccine mandate that the court will allow to be enforced nationwide covers virtually all health care workers in the country. It applies to health care providers that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid funding, potentially affecting 76,000 health care facilities as well as home health care providers. The rule has medical and religious exemptions.

Decisions by federal appeals courts in New Orleans and St. Louis had blocked the mandate in about half the states. The administration already was taking steps to enforce it elsewhere.

In the healthcare case, only justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito noted their dissents. “The challenges posed by a global pandemic do not allow a federal agency to exercise power that Congress has not conferred upon it. At the same time, such unprecedented circumstances provide no grounds for limiting the exercise of authorities the agency has long been recognized to have,” the justices wrote in an unsigned opinion, saying the “latter principle governs” in the healthcare cases.

More than 208 million Americans, 62.7% of the population, are fully vaccinated, and more than a third of those have received booster shots, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All nine justices have gotten booster shots.

The justices heard arguments on the challenges last week. Their questions then hinted at the split verdict that they issued Thursday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has stopped the Biden administration from enforcing a requirement that employees at large businesses be vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly testing and wear a mask on the job.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2021/21A244">CLICK&nbsp; here to listen </a>to a replay of the oral argument vs the Dept. of Labor.At the same time, the court is allowing the administration to proceed with a vaccine mandate for most health care workers in the U.S.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2021/21A240">Click here</a> to listen to a replay of the oral arguments over the mandate for health care workers.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/21a244_hgci.pdf">The court’s orders </a>Thursday during a spike in coronavirus cases was a mixed bag for the administration’s efforts to boost the vaccination rate among Americans.The court’s conservative majority concluded the administration overstepped its authority by seeking to impose the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s vaccine-or-test rule on U.S. businesses with at least 100 employees. More than 80 million people would have been affected.“OSHA has never before imposed such a mandate. Nor has Congress. Indeed, although Congress has enacted significant legislation addressing the COVID–19 pandemic, it has declined to enact any measure similar to what OSHA has promulgated here,” the conservatives wrote in an unsigned opinion.In dissent, the court’s three liberals argued that it was the court that was overreaching by substituting its judgment for that of health experts. “Acting outside of its competence and without legal basis, the Court displaces the judgments of the Government officials given the responsibility to respond to workplace health emergencies,” Justices Stephen Breyer, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor wrote in a joint dissent.When crafting the OSHA rule, White House officials always anticipated legal challenges — and privately some harbored doubts that it could withstand them. The administration nonetheless still views the rule as a success at already driving millions of people to get vaccinated and for private businesses to implement their own requirements that are unaffected by the legal challenge.Both rules had been challenged by Republican-led states. In addition, business groups attacked the OSHA emergency regulation as too expensive and likely to cause workers to leave their jobs at a time when finding new employees already is difficult.The vaccine mandate that the court will allow to be enforced nationwide covers virtually all health care workers in the country. It applies to health care providers that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid funding, potentially affecting 76,000 health care facilities as well as home health care providers. The rule has medical and religious exemptions.Decisions by federal appeals courts in New Orleans and St. Louis had blocked the mandate in about half the states. The administration already was taking steps to enforce it elsewhere.In the healthcare case, only justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito noted their dissents. “The challenges posed by a global pandemic do not allow a federal agency to exercise power that Congress has not conferred upon it. At the same time, such unprecedented circumstances provide no grounds for limiting the exercise of authorities the agency has long been recognized to have,” the justices wrote in an unsigned opinion, saying the “latter principle governs” in the healthcare cases.More than 208 million Americans, 62.7% of the population, are fully vaccinated, and more than a third of those have received booster shots, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All nine justices have gotten booster shots.The justices heard arguments on the challenges last week. Their questions then hinted at the split verdict that they issued Thursday.___

🎤Supreme Court halts vaccine rule for businesses, allows health care worker mandate

From the KANSAS COALITION AGAINST SEXUAL &amp; DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

TOPEKA – A person who would stalk someone is likely to commit other crimes against the same victim. Stalking, which is recognized in January during Stalking Awareness Month, can intensify over time up to the point of homicide.

The National Center for Victims of Crime began recognizing Stalking Awareness Month in Jan. 2004 with a goal of increasing awareness about the serious crime of stalking and the resources available for stalking victims. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed the 2022 Stalking Awareness Month Proclamation in advance of this national recognition with the reminder that stalking is a crime in Kansas.

People of every gender, gender identity, age, economic status, race, religion, and nationality can be stalked. Stalking is about power and control and is used by the stalker to intimidate or place their victim in fear.

Examples of stalking may include the stalker showing up in places when the victim did not want or expect them to be for the purpose of intimidation; making unwanted phone calls; leaving unwanted messages – email, text, or voice; watching or following from a distance; leaving unwanted gifts; destroying property; writing profanities, threats or insults on the victim’s property; or, spying on the survivor with a listening device, camera or GPS. All these types of stalking behaviors are intended to frighten or intimidate the victim; to let the victim know the stalker knows where they are and what they are doing at any point in time. They are intended to frighten and control.

In Kansas in 2020, stalking offenders were someone known to the victim in 88 percent of all stalking offenses; and current or former intimate partner suspects were responsible for 58 percent of all stalking offenses. Even more alarming, one study showed that 81 percent of those who were stalked by a past, or present intimate partner also experienced physical violence from that partner, making stalking particularly dangerous. Stalking can involve others besides the victims, creating fear not only for the victim but also for their family members.

Technology has made stalking worse for many victims. Victims may not know how their former partner always seems to know where they are – even when they have varied their routine. GPS and other tracking tools have become common ways that stalkers keep victims in their sights.

KCSDV encourages Kansans to participate in a national call to action Take the community pledge to “Know It. Name It. Stop It.”

According to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s 2020 Domestic Violence, Stalking and Sexual Assault report (KBI Report), 630 stalking offenses were reported to law enforcement agencies in Kansas. Another 1,601 people sought help from direct service providers for stalking, and 4,201 Protection from Stalking orders were filed with Kansas courts. The KBI Report only shows reported incidents and does not include information from all Kansas law enforcement agencies as some did not submit their numbers for the report. But national numbers support the fact that stalking is prevalent in Kansas. Nationally, 1 in 6 women and 1 in 17 men have experienced stalking.

“Stalking is sometimes wrongly characterized as romantic, sweet, or about love,” said KCSDV Executive Director Joyce Grover. “But, in reality, the stalker feels entitled to control over their victim, seeking to track where they are, where they have been, and who they may be with. Stalking is abusive, dangerous, and disruptive.”

“Friends and family should not be fooled by stalkers as they often co-opt others into sharing personal information about the victim’s whereabouts and habits, allowing the stalker to keep disrupting and tormenting the victim sometimes for years,” said Grover.

Victims can contact the <a href="https://www.kcsdv.org/find-help/in-kansas/dv-sa-services-map/">nearest victim advocacy center</a> for free and confidential help with stalking.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642024527440.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the KANSAS COALITION AGAINST SEXUAL &amp; DOMESTIC VIOLENCETOPEKA – A person who would stalk someone is likely to commit other crimes against the same victim. Stalking, which is recognized in January during Stalking Awareness Month, can intensify over time up to the point of homicide.The National Center for Victims of Crime began recognizing Stalking Awareness Month in Jan. 2004 with a goal of increasing awareness about the serious crime of stalking and the resources available for stalking victims. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed the 2022 Stalking Awareness Month Proclamation in advance of this national recognition with the reminder that stalking is a crime in Kansas.People of every gender, gender identity, age, economic status, race, religion, and nationality can be stalked. Stalking is about power and control and is used by the stalker to intimidate or place their victim in fear.Examples of stalking may include the stalker showing up in places when the victim did not want or expect them to be for the purpose of intimidation; making unwanted phone calls; leaving unwanted messages – email, text, or voice; watching or following from a distance; leaving unwanted gifts; destroying property; writing profanities, threats or insults on the victim’s property; or, spying on the survivor with a listening device, camera or GPS. All these types of stalking behaviors are intended to frighten or intimidate the victim; to let the victim know the stalker knows where they are and what they are doing at any point in time. They are intended to frighten and control.In Kansas in 2020, stalking offenders were someone known to the victim in 88 percent of all stalking offenses; and current or former intimate partner suspects were responsible for 58 percent of all stalking offenses. Even more alarming, one study showed that 81 percent of those who were stalked by a past, or present intimate partner also experienced physical violence from that partner, making stalking particularly dangerous. Stalking can involve others besides the victims, creating fear not only for the victim but also for their family members.Technology has made stalking worse for many victims. Victims may not know how their former partner always seems to know where they are – even when they have varied their routine. GPS and other tracking tools have become common ways that stalkers keep victims in their sights.KCSDV encourages Kansans to participate in a national call to action Take the community pledge to “Know It. Name It. Stop It.”According to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s 2020 Domestic Violence, Stalking and Sexual Assault report (KBI Report), 630 stalking offenses were reported to law enforcement agencies in Kansas. Another 1,601 people sought help from direct service providers for stalking, and 4,201 Protection from Stalking orders were filed with Kansas courts. The KBI Report only shows reported incidents and does not include information from all Kansas law enforcement agencies as some did not submit their numbers for the report. But national numbers support the fact that stalking is prevalent in Kansas. Nationally, 1 in 6 women and 1 in 17 men have experienced stalking.“Stalking is sometimes wrongly characterized as romantic, sweet, or about love,” said KCSDV Executive Director Joyce Grover. “But, in reality, the stalker feels entitled to control over their victim, seeking to track where they are, where they have been, and who they may be with. Stalking is abusive, dangerous, and disruptive.”“Friends and family should not be fooled by stalkers as they often co-opt others into sharing personal information about the victim’s whereabouts and habits, allowing the stalker to keep disrupting and tormenting the victim sometimes for years,” said Grover.Victims can contact the <a href="https://www.kcsdv.org/find-help/in-kansas/dv-sa-services-map/">nearest victim advocacy center</a> for free and confidential help with stalking.

Communities can help combat stalking, increase safety

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-01-11/im-not-sick-debate-over-mask-mandates-resurfaces-at-wichita-board-of-education-meeting">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA, Kansas — The Wichita school board is once again at 
the center of a debate about mask mandates after three new board members
 refused to wear masks at their first board meeting.

Board president Stan Reeser <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-01-10/wichita-school-board-suspends-meeting-after-new-members-refuse-to-wear-face-masks" target="_blank">ended Monday’s meeting before it began</a>, citing a refusal by the new board members and some audience members to wear face coverings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641933405278.png" alt="From left: Diane Albert, Kathy Bond and Hazel Stabler are new members of the Wichita School Board. Hugo Phan / KMUW" />
 <figcaption>From left: Diane Albert, Kathy Bond and Hazel Stabler are new members of the Wichita School Board. Hugo Phan / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-01-11/im-not-sick-debate-over-mask-mandates-resurfaces-at-wichita-board-of-education-meeting">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA, Kansas — The Wichita school board is once again at 
the center of a debate about mask mandates after three new board members
 refused to wear masks at their first board meeting.Board president Stan Reeser <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-01-10/wichita-school-board-suspends-meeting-after-new-members-refuse-to-wear-face-masks" target="_blank">ended Monday’s meeting before it began</a>, citing a refusal by the new board members and some audience members to wear face coverings.The district <a href="https://www.usd259.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&amp;DomainID=4&amp;ModuleInstanceID=13639&amp;ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&amp;RenderLoc=0&amp;FlexDataID=44778&amp;PageID=1" target="_blank">requires face masks</a> for anyone 3 or older inside district buildings. The board meeting was in a lecture hall at Wichita North High School.In <a href="https://www.kake.com/story/45624008/first-meeting-for-new-wichita-boe-members-abruptly-canceled-after-the-three-refuse-to-comply-with-school-mask-policy" target="_blank">interviews with Wichita’s KAKE News</a> after Monday’s meeting, the new board members talked about their decision.“I’m
 not sick. Does it look like I have a temperature or a fever or 
exhibiting any symptoms?” said board member Diane Albert. “So the 
question really needs to be: Why do healthy people need to wear a mask?”Albert, Kathy Bond and Hazel Stabler <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-11-02/three-of-four-conservative-challengers-win-seats-on-wichita-school-board" target="_blank">were elected in November</a>, unseating school board incumbents who voted in favor of the mask requirement.Before Monday’s meeting, a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/463023271050444/posts/887569115262522" target="_blank">widely shared Facebook post</a>
 urged people to attend the school board meeting and “enter as a group 
without a mask” or to remove their masks once inside the lecture hall.“The more people we have supporting our new Conservative Members the better,” the post said.Bond told KAKE News those supporters persuaded her to not put on her face mask.“I
 had it in my hand. And when I saw the people out in the audience freeze
 and they didn’t do anything, that gave me the courage,” Bond said. 
“Those are the people that voted (for) me and elected me into this 
position to stand for what they want me to stand for.”Stabler said she “intended to” wear her face mask but decided otherwise.“I was going to abide, but it kind of went fast,” she told KAKE News. “I was, like, looking around and … it is what it is.”The Sedgwick County Republican Party, which <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-10-27/your-local-kansas-elections-are-getting-taken-over-by-bruising-dc-style-politics" target="_blank">campaigned on behalf of the new board members</a>, supported their stance in an e-mail late Monday.“Mama
 bears, K-12 parents and grandparents, and educators voted in school 
board candidates to listen. Simply put, they felt their voices were not 
heard. So they fired nearly all sitting school board members and elected
 replacements,” GOP leaders said in the e-mail.The local GOP also questioned Reeser’s decision to suspend Monday’s meeting.“While
 the legality of this move is highly questionable, its motive is clear: 
sitting board members did not want to seat new, duly elected and 
sworn-in board members. … Is this a coup?? We will find out.”Reeser said he plans to reschedule the meeting and hopes the new board members will follow the district’s rules.“I did give them the opportunity to do the right thing, and they chose not to,” Reeser said.“I
 truly welcome an open and honest debate about any kind of mask 
directive that was previously approved. But it’s like, if you want to 
change a seat-belt law. … You cannot tell the officer who pulls you 
over, ‘Well, I want this law changed.’ You have to respect the rules.”It
 was unclear Tuesday whether the Wichita board could opt to meet 
virtually rather than in person. Reeser said if new members do not 
comply with the mask requirement, the four others would constitute a 
quorum and could conduct the district’s business.Kansas health care officials <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-01-05/kansas-doctors-plead-for-you-to-take-covid-precautions-as-people-die-waiting-for-care-at-hospitals" target="_blank">issued a dire warning last week</a> that COVID-19 has reached new and alarming levels throughout the region, and they urged everyone to wear masks in public.The
 Wichita district is reporting record numbers of positive COVID cases 
among staff members. Late last week, about 400 employees were out of 
work because of COVID-related quarantines.The Wichita school 
board is the only Wichita-area elected body with a mask requirement for 
meetings. Members of the Sedgwick County Commission, Wichita City 
Council and other local school boards aren’t required to wear masks.The school board in Derby, just south of Wichita, voted 4-3 Monday to <a href="http://www.derbyinformer.com/news/derby_news/derby-school-board-strips-covid-mask-mandate/article_e010225e-72ec-11ec-ab1f-a34405a0a980.html" target="_blank">end its mask requirement</a> for schools.Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.