Salina Public Schools’ Superintendent Linn Exline is inviting community members to join her for a conversation about our schools. Opportunities include:

Sept. 1 from 5:15-6:15 p.m. at Sunset Elementary School, 1510 W. Republic Avenue

Sept. 2 from 9-10 a.m. at Sunset Elementary School

Exline plans to share an update about the district’s strategic plan, including the central role belonging plays in that plan. There will be time for discussion and questions.&nbsp;

At SPS Chats, community members can learn more about district priorities. The current strategic plan was the result of input collected from community, staff, and student sessions. Adopted in November 2020, it included a new vision and mission statement. Its three primary goals are communication skills, critical thinking skills, and social-emotional skills.

SPS Chats are a part of the active collaboration and exchange between Salina residents and their schools. In March 2022, the board of education held an open information and listening session that offered insights about how boards of education work. SPS Chats, featuring discussion and district priorities, will be held throughout the school year. Additionally, Exline will gather feedback and input from staff and students at meetings throughout the school year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584235149525.jpeg" alt="Salina Public Schools Superintendent Linn Exline. Photo courtesy USD 305" />
 <figcaption>Salina Public Schools Superintendent Linn Exline. Photo courtesy USD 305</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina USD 305Salina Public Schools’ Superintendent Linn Exline is inviting community members to join her for a conversation about our schools. Opportunities include:Sept. 1 from 5:15-6:15 p.m. at Sunset Elementary School, 1510 W. Republic AvenueSept. 2 from 9-10 a.m. at Sunset Elementary SchoolExline plans to share an update about the district’s strategic plan, including the central role belonging plays in that plan. There will be time for discussion and questions.&nbsp;At SPS Chats, community members can learn more about district priorities. The current strategic plan was the result of input collected from community, staff, and student sessions. Adopted in November 2020, it included a new vision and mission statement. Its three primary goals are communication skills, critical thinking skills, and social-emotional skills.SPS Chats are a part of the active collaboration and exchange between Salina residents and their schools. In March 2022, the board of education held an open information and listening session that offered insights about how boards of education work. SPS Chats, featuring discussion and district priorities, will be held throughout the school year. Additionally, Exline will gather feedback and input from staff and students at meetings throughout the school year.

USD 305's Exline plans conversations about Salina Public Schools

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/22/kansas-democrat-mark-holland-not-interested-in-being-footnote-to-history-in-u-s-senate-race/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Democrat Mark Holland 
said he wouldn’t be deterred by political math resulting in Republicans 
winning every Kansas election for U.S. Senate since 1939.

Holland, former mayor of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County 
and Kansas City, said a formula for success against Republican U.S. Sen.
 Jerry Moran was to prevail in 10 counties holding two-thirds of the 
state’s vote and by respecting interests of neglected rural voters.

His U.S. Senate campaign will take him to all 105 counties for 
face-to-face conversations with folks deciding Nov. 8 whether to end the
 longest GOP winning streak in the nation.

“We have a better message on public education. We have a better message on health care. We have a better message on wages. We need to get out and share our message,” Holland said on the Kansas Reflector podcast. “And,&nbsp;we need to spend the time listening to the real concerns of real people.”

Kansans interested in moderate representation in Washington, D.C., 
shouldn’t be bound to the legacy of Democrat George McGill, who was 
elected to fill the unexpired term of U.S. Sen. Charles Curtis in 1930 
and won a full term in 1932. He was the last Democrat from Kansas 
elected to the U.S. Senate.

Holland said reversing that trend required Democrats to resonate with
 voters in the state’s populous 10 counties and draw upon a reservoir of
 support in the others. A cadre of voters statewide, both urban and 
rural, feel abandoned by their representatives in Washington, he said.

“Everyone wants to win the big 10,” Holland said. “But we also have to respect the 95 counties that have a third of our votes. I get frustrated with Democrats nationally&nbsp;who complain about losing rural communities, complain about losing red states,&nbsp;and don’t spend a minute listening to people in these communities.”

Holland, 53,&nbsp; grew up in Topeka and Kansas City, Kansas. His father 
was a Methodist minister and his mother a public school teacher. He 
earned a philosophy degree at Southern Methodist University, a master’s 
degree in divinity at Iliff School of Theology in Denver and a doctorate
 of ministry at St. Paul School of Theology.

He served a congregation in Denver before serving churches in Elwood and Wathena in northeast Kansas.

“I was in two towns whose combined population was smaller than the high school I attended,” he said. “And one of the things I learned about that is we all want the same things. Right? We all want meaningful work. We all want opportunities for our kids. We all want to live in a community we’re proud of. I think Washington, D.C., could learn something that what holds us together is much greater than what pulls us apart.”

He was at Trinity Community Church in Kansas City, Kansas, from 1999 
to 2018. He co-founded Mainstream UMC to advocate for inclusion of 
LGBTQ+ people into the Methodist church in terms of marriage and 
ordination.

He serve six years on the city-county unified government before 
elected mayor and serving in that post from 2013 to 2017. He lost a 
campaign for reelection, but learned the necessity of striving to 
motivate low-propensity voters rather than concentrate on people most 
likely to cast ballots.

In 2021, Holland announced his campaign for the Democratic Party’s 
nomination for U.S. Senate. He prevailed in a six-candidate primary in 
August to earn the opportunity to challenge Moran, who was first elected
 to the U.S. Senate in 2010 and the U.S. House in 1997. In Moran’s two 
Senate campaigns, he won the 2010 general election with 70% of the vote 
and the 2016 race with 62% of the vote.

Holland said Washington was dominated by extremist Republicans who 
left moderates behind on issues of abortion, guns, economic policy and 
other issues.

“Kansas is a pretty moderate. Pretty low key plainspoken group as a whole,” Holland said. “We deserve someone who has the courage to stand up. Right now being a moderate takes courage, because the extremes want to pull you off.”

Holland is a proponent of expanding Medicaid coverage under the 
Affordable Care Act to lower-income Kansans because it would help 
families in urban and rural communities. He also supported federal 
legislation allowing Medicare negotiate to lower medication prices for 
the elderly, but couldn’t understand why federal lawmakers would oppose a
 price cap on the monthly cost of insulin to treat diabetes.

“We’re the only developed country in the world where families are worried about health care,” he said. “People are not able to take care of their families the way they need to because we’re not controlling costs. I will help control costs in D.C.”

Holland said U.S. senators from Kansas ought declare in clear 
language President Donald Trump lost the 2020 election to President Joe 
Biden. Holland said dozens of lawsuits were filed, but no clear evidence
 of election fraud has been uncovered.

“What we’re seeing right now is this long-play grief cycle that is born because the leaders in the Republican Party have refused to have the courage to look people in the eye and tell them the plain truth,” Holland said. “I’m just as plainspoken preacher, and I’m just going to tell people the truth. We need&nbsp;the courage to tell people the truth, even an unpopular truth or a truth they don’t want to hear.”

Moran has said Biden won the 2020 national election and it would be 
wrong for Congress to not certify the Electoral College vote. He 
denounced the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol, but opposed 
formation of an independent inquiry into violence precipitated by a 
rally led by Trump.

Holland said it was wrong for the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe 
v. Wade and take away a woman’s constitutional right to abortion, even 
to save her own life or in the aftermath of a rape. It would be 
appropriate for Congress to embed in federal law a right to abortion, he
 said.

The overwhelming defeat in the Aug. 2 primary of a proposed amendment
 to the Kansas Constitution declaring no right to bodily autonomy, 
including abortion, was contained in the state’s Bill of Rights provided
 evidence of where the state’s voters stood on the issue. He noted 
Moran, who endorsed reversal of Roe v. Wade, donated $50,000 to 
organizations supporting passage of the Kansas abortion amendment.

“The idea that women don’t have the right to make their own decisions about their body is, again, that’s looking backwards to the 1950s,” Holland said. “The majority of people in Kansas came out in force and said, not only did&nbsp;they vote no, they voted hell no.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661181414610.png" alt="Mark Holland, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, participates in a Kansas Reflector podcast interview in Topeka about his campaign to unseat U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, the Republican Party’s nominee. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Mark Holland, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, participates in a Kansas Reflector podcast interview in Topeka about his campaign to unseat U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, the Republican Party’s nominee. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/22/kansas-democrat-mark-holland-not-interested-in-being-footnote-to-history-in-u-s-senate-race/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Democrat Mark Holland 
said he wouldn’t be deterred by political math resulting in Republicans 
winning every Kansas election for U.S. Senate since 1939.Holland, former mayor of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County 
and Kansas City, said a formula for success against Republican U.S. Sen.
 Jerry Moran was to prevail in 10 counties holding two-thirds of the 
state’s vote and by respecting interests of neglected rural voters.His U.S. Senate campaign will take him to all 105 counties for 
face-to-face conversations with folks deciding Nov. 8 whether to end the
 longest GOP winning streak in the nation.“We have a better message on public education. We have a better message on health care. We have a better message on wages. We need to get out and share our message,” Holland said on the Kansas Reflector podcast. “And,&nbsp;we need to spend the time listening to the real concerns of real people.”<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1327319194&color=%232b7fb4&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/kansas-reflector-podcast" title="Reflector Podcast" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Reflector Podcast</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/kansas-reflector-podcast/democrat-mark-holland-campaigns-for-us-senate-seat" title="Democrat Mark Holland on why he wants to be a U.S. senator" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Democrat Mark Holland on why he wants to be a U.S. senator</a></div></div>Kansans interested in moderate representation in Washington, D.C., 
shouldn’t be bound to the legacy of Democrat George McGill, who was 
elected to fill the unexpired term of U.S. Sen. Charles Curtis in 1930 
and won a full term in 1932. He was the last Democrat from Kansas 
elected to the U.S. Senate.Holland said reversing that trend required Democrats to resonate with
 voters in the state’s populous 10 counties and draw upon a reservoir of
 support in the others. A cadre of voters statewide, both urban and 
rural, feel abandoned by their representatives in Washington, he said.“Everyone wants to win the big 10,” Holland said. “But we also have to respect the 95 counties that have a third of our votes. I get frustrated with Democrats nationally&nbsp;who complain about losing rural communities, complain about losing red states,&nbsp;and don’t spend a minute listening to people in these communities.”<h2>‘Courage to stand up’</h2>Holland, 53,&nbsp; grew up in Topeka and Kansas City, Kansas. His father 
was a Methodist minister and his mother a public school teacher. He 
earned a philosophy degree at Southern Methodist University, a master’s 
degree in divinity at Iliff School of Theology in Denver and a doctorate
 of ministry at St. Paul School of Theology.He served a congregation in Denver before serving churches in Elwood and Wathena in northeast Kansas.“I was in two towns whose combined population was smaller than the high school I attended,” he said. “And one of the things I learned about that is we all want the same things. Right? We all want meaningful work. We all want opportunities for our kids. We all want to live in a community we’re proud of. I think Washington, D.C., could learn something that what holds us together is much greater than what pulls us apart.”He was at Trinity Community Church in Kansas City, Kansas, from 1999 
to 2018. He co-founded Mainstream UMC to advocate for inclusion of 
LGBTQ+ people into the Methodist church in terms of marriage and 
ordination.He serve six years on the city-county unified government before 
elected mayor and serving in that post from 2013 to 2017. He lost a 
campaign for reelection, but learned the necessity of striving to 
motivate low-propensity voters rather than concentrate on people most 
likely to cast ballots.In 2021, Holland announced his campaign for the Democratic Party’s 
nomination for U.S. Senate. He prevailed in a six-candidate primary in 
August to earn the opportunity to challenge Moran, who was first elected
 to the U.S. Senate in 2010 and the U.S. House in 1997. In Moran’s two 
Senate campaigns, he won the 2010 general election with 70% of the vote 
and the 2016 race with 62% of the vote.Holland said Washington was dominated by extremist Republicans who 
left moderates behind on issues of abortion, guns, economic policy and 
other issues.“Kansas is a pretty moderate. Pretty low key plainspoken group as a whole,” Holland said. “We deserve someone who has the courage to stand up. Right now being a moderate takes courage, because the extremes want to pull you off.”<h2>Plainspoken preacher</h2>Holland is a proponent of expanding Medicaid coverage under the 
Affordable Care Act to lower-income Kansans because it would help 
families in urban and rural communities. He also supported federal 
legislation allowing Medicare negotiate to lower medication prices for 
the elderly, but couldn’t understand why federal lawmakers would oppose a
 price cap on the monthly cost of insulin to treat diabetes.“We’re the only developed country in the world where families are worried about health care,” he said. “People are not able to take care of their families the way they need to because we’re not controlling costs. I will help control costs in D.C.”Holland said U.S. senators from Kansas ought declare in clear 
language President Donald Trump lost the 2020 election to President Joe 
Biden. Holland said dozens of lawsuits were filed, but no clear evidence
 of election fraud has been uncovered.“What we’re seeing right now is this long-play grief cycle that is born because the leaders in the Republican Party have refused to have the courage to look people in the eye and tell them the plain truth,” Holland said. “I’m just as plainspoken preacher, and I’m just going to tell people the truth. We need&nbsp;the courage to tell people the truth, even an unpopular truth or a truth they don’t want to hear.”Moran has said Biden won the 2020 national election and it would be 
wrong for Congress to not certify the Electoral College vote. He 
denounced the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol, but opposed 
formation of an independent inquiry into violence precipitated by a 
rally led by Trump.Holland said it was wrong for the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe 
v. Wade and take away a woman’s constitutional right to abortion, even 
to save her own life or in the aftermath of a rape. It would be 
appropriate for Congress to embed in federal law a right to abortion, he
 said.The overwhelming defeat in the Aug. 2 primary of a proposed amendment
 to the Kansas Constitution declaring no right to bodily autonomy, 
including abortion, was contained in the state’s Bill of Rights provided
 evidence of where the state’s voters stood on the issue. He noted 
Moran, who endorsed reversal of Roe v. Wade, donated $50,000 to 
organizations supporting passage of the Kansas abortion amendment.“The idea that women don’t have the right to make their own decisions about their body is, again, that’s looking backwards to the 1950s,” Holland said. “The majority of people in Kansas came out in force and said, not only did&nbsp;they vote no, they voted hell no.”

Kan. Democrat not interested in being footnote to history in Senate race

Position Title:&nbsp;Service Technician / Quality Control Specialist

The Service Technician at Weddle and Sons will be tasked with assessing leaks, planning and performing many different small to medium-size roof repairs on steep/low slope roofs along with other company projects. Ability to perform repairs on the following materials: composition shingles; single ply membranes and built-up roof systems. This person will be able to work independently with little or no supervision; must also be able to work well with a team and know when to ask for outside input and support.

The Quality Control Specialist (QCS) at Weddle and Sons will develop and demonstrate skill in overseeing the day-to-day operations of a residential roofing crew and will show an advanced level of initiative in communication with supervisors, subordinates, and clients. A QCS must be committed to the core values of the company and must show the potential to coach others to higher levels of execution.

The starting hourly rate in the range of $16.00 - $20.00 based upon level of experience, paid biweekly, per 40 hours worked in a week with overtime paid at time-and-a-half.

The company provides 5 days of paid vacation and seven paid holiday days annually. Employees are eligible to join a company-sponsored health insurance plan after 30 days of employment. Employees are eligible for a company-sponsored 401k plan after 12 months of employment.

Weddle and Sons team members must support our Mission of “Building Better Lives” and embody our Core Values. We make hiring, retention, and advancement decisions largely on how well team members exemplify our core values in each aspect of their job. Our Core Values are:

1. Commitment to Clients: We will act in the best interest of those we serve

2. Responsibility: We will hold ourselves and each other accountable for excellent work

3. Integrity: We will exemplify fairness and honesty in our actions, decisions, and communications

4. Positivity: We choose to view and respond to life and work in a positive way

5. Never Settle: We are committed to constantly improving personally and professionally

1. Successfully solve client problems through effective issue identification, troubleshooting, and repairs

2. Demonstrate professionalism in all interactions with clients and team, communicating clearly and with a positive attitude, actively listening to customer concerns, and explaining our recommendations, options, and timing

3. Maintain current and accurate records of existing conditions, recommendations, work performed, time spent, and materials purchased for each project

4. Manage multiple tasks, prioritizing and carefully planning to maximize daily efficiency and minimize down time and unnecessary trips while quickly responding to urgent needs

5. Proactively seek service leads in the Salina area by networking and initiating with key service clients and potential clients

1. Keeping the client informed of the re-roof process

2. Keeping sub-contractors informed and scheduled ahead of time so that the client may plan appropriately.

4. Ensuring materials delivery is timely, accurate and correct

6. Informing the crew of safety requirements and promptly addressing violations

7. Managing the quality of installation by the sub-contractor

8. Maintain industry-best cleanliness of the job site, with specific attention to trash and nail clean up

9. Completing roof inspection form before leaving the job-site

11. Performing the installation of custom chimney flashing and skylight installation

13. Proper documentation of job notes on company platform

14. Regular communication with the Production Manager on ways to improve processes

1. Basic knowledge of roofing systems (and ability to learn quickly) with overall technical proficiency

2. Physical fitness sufficient to perform tasks that can be demanding at times

3. Problem-solving ability to troubleshoot roofing (and related) issues: ability to identify symptoms and systematically eliminate potential causes until solving the issue

a. Customer service skills (listening, positive communication, patience)

b. Competence in grammar and spelling preferred

c. Ability to send clear and mistake-free written communications

5. Ability to organize many competing and concurrent workstreams, while prioritizing and following through on commitments

Working Environment and Expectations:

Hours: A typical work week is expected to be not less than 40 hours. Given the seasonality of this business, we expect that there will be many weeks in middle of the year that require well over 40 hours of work. At the same time, there will be many weeks in the winter that may require somewhat less than 40 hours. At any time, and especially during the winter months, the service technician may be asked to assist with various company initiatives.

Travel: A service technician role is likely to involve occasional travel for company training, and projects. At times, business demand or weather events may require that the QCS spend time working in other company locations.

This is an “At Will” employment agreement. Nothing in the company’s policies, actions, or this document shall be construed to alter the “At Will” nature of Employee’s status with the company, and Employee understands that the company may terminate his/her employment at any time for any reason or for no reason, provided it is not terminated in violation of state or federal law. Likewise, the company recognizes the employee’s right to resign from employment for any reason.

Go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weddleandsons.com/apply/">https://www.weddleandsons.com/apply/</a>&nbsp;and select the “Salina” branch and “Service Technician/Quality Control Specialist” job.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656094503581.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Position Title:&nbsp;Service Technician / Quality Control SpecialistLocation:&nbsp;Salina, KSReports to:&nbsp;Branch ManagerGeneral Description:The Service Technician at Weddle and Sons will be tasked with assessing leaks, planning and performing many different small to medium-size roof repairs on steep/low slope roofs along with other company projects. Ability to perform repairs on the following materials: composition shingles; single ply membranes and built-up roof systems. This person will be able to work independently with little or no supervision; must also be able to work well with a team and know when to ask for outside input and support.The Quality Control Specialist (QCS) at Weddle and Sons will develop and demonstrate skill in overseeing the day-to-day operations of a residential roofing crew and will show an advanced level of initiative in communication with supervisors, subordinates, and clients. A QCS must be committed to the core values of the company and must show the potential to coach others to higher levels of execution.Compensation:The starting hourly rate in the range of $16.00 - $20.00 based upon level of experience, paid biweekly, per 40 hours worked in a week with overtime paid at time-and-a-half.The company provides 5 days of paid vacation and seven paid holiday days annually. Employees are eligible to join a company-sponsored health insurance plan after 30 days of employment. Employees are eligible for a company-sponsored 401k plan after 12 months of employment.Mission and Core Values:Weddle and Sons team members must support our Mission of “Building Better Lives” and embody our Core Values. We make hiring, retention, and advancement decisions largely on how well team members exemplify our core values in each aspect of their job. Our Core Values are:1. Commitment to Clients: We will act in the best interest of those we serve2. Responsibility: We will hold ourselves and each other accountable for excellent work3. Integrity: We will exemplify fairness and honesty in our actions, decisions, and communications4. Positivity: We choose to view and respond to life and work in a positive way5. Never Settle: We are committed to constantly improving personally and professionallyResponsibilities:Service Technician1. Successfully solve client problems through effective issue identification, troubleshooting, and repairs2. Demonstrate professionalism in all interactions with clients and team, communicating clearly and with a positive attitude, actively listening to customer concerns, and explaining our recommendations, options, and timing3. Maintain current and accurate records of existing conditions, recommendations, work performed, time spent, and materials purchased for each project4. Manage multiple tasks, prioritizing and carefully planning to maximize daily efficiency and minimize down time and unnecessary trips while quickly responding to urgent needs5. Proactively seek service leads in the Salina area by networking and initiating with key service clients and potential clientsQuality Control Specialist1. Keeping the client informed of the re-roof process2. Keeping sub-contractors informed and scheduled ahead of time so that the client may plan appropriately.3. Being available: cell phone; email4. Ensuring materials delivery is timely, accurate and correct5. Abiding by OSHA laws6. Informing the crew of safety requirements and promptly addressing violations7. Managing the quality of installation by the sub-contractor8. Maintain industry-best cleanliness of the job site, with specific attention to trash and nail clean up9. Completing roof inspection form before leaving the job-site10. Removing left over inventory11. Performing the installation of custom chimney flashing and skylight installation12. Managing weather hazards13. Proper documentation of job notes on company platform14. Regular communication with the Production Manager on ways to improve processesSkills:1. Basic knowledge of roofing systems (and ability to learn quickly) with overall technical proficiency2. Physical fitness sufficient to perform tasks that can be demanding at times3. Problem-solving ability to troubleshoot roofing (and related) issues: ability to identify symptoms and systematically eliminate potential causes until solving the issue4. Written and verbal professionalisma. Customer service skills (listening, positive communication, patience)b. Competence in grammar and spelling preferredc. Ability to send clear and mistake-free written communicationsd. Good phone demeanor and tone5. Ability to organize many competing and concurrent workstreams, while prioritizing and following through on commitmentsWorking Environment and Expectations:Hours: A typical work week is expected to be not less than 40 hours. Given the seasonality of this business, we expect that there will be many weeks in middle of the year that require well over 40 hours of work. At the same time, there will be many weeks in the winter that may require somewhat less than 40 hours. At any time, and especially during the winter months, the service technician may be asked to assist with various company initiatives.Travel: A service technician role is likely to involve occasional travel for company training, and projects. At times, business demand or weather events may require that the QCS spend time working in other company locations.Employment Terms:This is an “At Will” employment agreement. Nothing in the company’s policies, actions, or this document shall be construed to alter the “At Will” nature of Employee’s status with the company, and Employee understands that the company may terminate his/her employment at any time for any reason or for no reason, provided it is not terminated in violation of state or federal law. Likewise, the company recognizes the employee’s right to resign from employment for any reason.To apply:Go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weddleandsons.com/apply/">https://www.weddleandsons.com/apply/</a>&nbsp;and select the “Salina” branch and “Service Technician/Quality Control Specialist” job.

New technology aids Dickinson County dispatchers in helping others

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The quickest way to the quarterback for a defensive end is usually the most direct route, and that may be why Chiefs rookie George Karlaftis is so adept at bulldozing his way through an unsuspecting offensive tackle and into the backfield.

Then again, perhaps it's because the route Karlaftis took to reaching the NFL was anything but direct.

The first-round pick out of Purdue grew up in Athens — not the one in Georgia, home to the Bulldogs, but the one in Greece, home to the Parthenon. His father, Matt, was an accomplished track and field athlete who had ventured to the U.S. to attend college, and while doing doctoral work at Purdue had met his eventual wife, Amy.

The two settled back in Athens, where Matt Karlaftis embarked on a career in academia, and where the family eventually grew to include four children. But the lives of all of them changed in June 2014, when their patriarch died of a sudden heart attack while on a work trip at the age of 44. Within a matter of days, Amy decided to move with her kids back to Indiana, where she settled in West Lafayette to be closer to family and her support network.

It was there that George Karlaftis, who had excelled at water polo and a myriad other sports in Greece, fell in love with the American version of football. He was in the eighth grade and, for a young man learning a new language, adapting to a new culture and trying to make new friends, the game gave him an opportunity to discover himself.

Now, a mere eight years later, the 21-year-old Karlaftis has reached the pinnacle of the sport.

"Looking back on it," he said, "it's pretty crazy to think about. I feel like, more generally speaking, I've always excelled in sports to a certain extent. Football sort of came natural to me after I had a full year under my belt. I surely fell in love with it. Just looking back on it, I had a crazy, crazy ride. And just like the French say, 'C'est la vie,' right? That's life."

It has certainly been an interesting one. And in many ways, it's only beginning.

The Chiefs were better than just three teams in the NFL last season when it came to bringing down the quarterback, and they were unable to make a noteworthy splash in free agency until they signed veteran Carlos Dunlap midway into training camp. So instead, they spent one of their two first-round draft picks in an attempt to upgrade at defensive end.

Karlaftis was the fifth one off the board after a standout career at Purdue, but he fit perfectly with Kansas City.

"With a late start to football, he picked it up quick," Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said, "and one thing in common in everyone that you talk to about George is approach to the game and how important it is to him."

That's been evident through the first month of training camp. Karlaftis is often one of the first players on the field and one of the last to leave it, and not just because he's probably signed more autographs for fans than just about anyone.

Along the way, Karlaftis began spending time with veteran Frank Clark, who regularly puts in extra work after practice.

"George is dope. He's a dope rookie," Clark said with a smile. "He listens, you know? And honestly, I love him. He's a favorite for me early, one of my favorite rookies ever. He wants to be good. He understands it's a different game. There's a different twist in the NFL. You have to be understanding that.

"The other day," Clark recalled, "he asked about getting off the ball — I fly off the ball — and he's asking, 'What are you looking at?' And I explained to him different keys. Then at the end of practice, I'm zoned out, looking at the sky, just had five plays in a row, and he came running over to me and he's like, 'Bro!' Scared me. He's like, 'Bro! I did it! I did what you told me to do!' I was like, 'Oh, cool. Good stuff.' But just the fact that he came over so excited was cool."

Not always does such practice success translate on game day, but Karlaftis couldn't have had a better preseason debut than last Saturday in Chicago. He had two quarterback hits along with a tackle-for-loss and a sack.

"Everyone is helping in their own way," said Karlaftis, who gets his first opportunity inside Arrowhead Stadium when the Chiefs play Washington in their second exhibition game Saturday. "We're trying to have the strongest group possible. But it's just little things about the game, little veteran intricacies, that are being passed down to me."

The depth chart is fluid in Kansas City, where defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is known for rotating so many players that it hardly matters anyway. But at least for now, Karlaftis is taking the shortest route he can to the top — just like he does when he's trying to chase down a quarterback in the backfield.

"He's a great kid," Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said. "A lot of love for the rook. He came in and knew the playbook, he's a true student of the game. He has a lot of heart and effort. I love playing with him. He brings the young dog out of me."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660844565911.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis, left, works with defensive end Frank Clark, right, during NFL football training camp Monday in St. Joseph, Mo. Photo by Charlie Riedel courtesy The Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis, left, works with defensive end Frank Clark, right, during NFL football training camp Monday in St. Joseph, Mo. Photo by Charlie Riedel courtesy The Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The quickest way to the quarterback for a defensive end is usually the most direct route, and that may be why Chiefs rookie George Karlaftis is so adept at bulldozing his way through an unsuspecting offensive tackle and into the backfield.Then again, perhaps it's because the route Karlaftis took to reaching the NFL was anything but direct.The first-round pick out of Purdue grew up in Athens — not the one in Georgia, home to the Bulldogs, but the one in Greece, home to the Parthenon. His father, Matt, was an accomplished track and field athlete who had ventured to the U.S. to attend college, and while doing doctoral work at Purdue had met his eventual wife, Amy.The two settled back in Athens, where Matt Karlaftis embarked on a career in academia, and where the family eventually grew to include four children. But the lives of all of them changed in June 2014, when their patriarch died of a sudden heart attack while on a work trip at the age of 44. Within a matter of days, Amy decided to move with her kids back to Indiana, where she settled in West Lafayette to be closer to family and her support network.It was there that George Karlaftis, who had excelled at water polo and a myriad other sports in Greece, fell in love with the American version of football. He was in the eighth grade and, for a young man learning a new language, adapting to a new culture and trying to make new friends, the game gave him an opportunity to discover himself.Now, a mere eight years later, the 21-year-old Karlaftis has reached the pinnacle of the sport."Looking back on it," he said, "it's pretty crazy to think about. I feel like, more generally speaking, I've always excelled in sports to a certain extent. Football sort of came natural to me after I had a full year under my belt. I surely fell in love with it. Just looking back on it, I had a crazy, crazy ride. And just like the French say, 'C'est la vie,' right? That's life."It has certainly been an interesting one. And in many ways, it's only beginning.The Chiefs were better than just three teams in the NFL last season when it came to bringing down the quarterback, and they were unable to make a noteworthy splash in free agency until they signed veteran Carlos Dunlap midway into training camp. So instead, they spent one of their two first-round draft picks in an attempt to upgrade at defensive end.Karlaftis was the fifth one off the board after a standout career at Purdue, but he fit perfectly with Kansas City."With a late start to football, he picked it up quick," Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said, "and one thing in common in everyone that you talk to about George is approach to the game and how important it is to him."That's been evident through the first month of training camp. Karlaftis is often one of the first players on the field and one of the last to leave it, and not just because he's probably signed more autographs for fans than just about anyone.Along the way, Karlaftis began spending time with veteran Frank Clark, who regularly puts in extra work after practice."George is dope. He's a dope rookie," Clark said with a smile. "He listens, you know? And honestly, I love him. He's a favorite for me early, one of my favorite rookies ever. He wants to be good. He understands it's a different game. There's a different twist in the NFL. You have to be understanding that."The other day," Clark recalled, "he asked about getting off the ball — I fly off the ball — and he's asking, 'What are you looking at?' And I explained to him different keys. Then at the end of practice, I'm zoned out, looking at the sky, just had five plays in a row, and he came running over to me and he's like, 'Bro!' Scared me. He's like, 'Bro! I did it! I did what you told me to do!' I was like, 'Oh, cool. Good stuff.' But just the fact that he came over so excited was cool."Not always does such practice success translate on game day, but Karlaftis couldn't have had a better preseason debut than last Saturday in Chicago. He had two quarterback hits along with a tackle-for-loss and a sack."Everyone is helping in their own way," said Karlaftis, who gets his first opportunity inside Arrowhead Stadium when the Chiefs play Washington in their second exhibition game Saturday. "We're trying to have the strongest group possible. But it's just little things about the game, little veteran intricacies, that are being passed down to me."The depth chart is fluid in Kansas City, where defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is known for rotating so many players that it hardly matters anyway. But at least for now, Karlaftis is taking the shortest route he can to the top — just like he does when he's trying to chase down a quarterback in the backfield."He's a great kid," Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said. "A lot of love for the rook. He came in and knew the playbook, he's a true student of the game. He has a lot of heart and effort. I love playing with him. He brings the young dog out of me."

Chiefs' George Karlaftis could become NFL's own Greek Freak

Central Kansas Mental Health Center

Returning to the classroom can be an exciting time for many students, but for some, it can mean increased levels of stress and anxiety. Back-to-school stress and anxiety is normal and understandable, and parents can help ease the transition by recognizing symptoms and providing support.

Several factors can cause stress and anxiety for students. Back to school can bring a number of transitions, including a new school building or district, new teachers, new schedules, and new classmates. Students’ social networks could be changed or disrupted. There could be changes and challenges at home, like a parent losing or changing jobs, moving to a new house or community, or friction between parents. Family members may be leaving the household for college, work, or military.

Social issues also influence children’s stress levels. With the pandemic, the trauma of school shootings, and a youth mental health warning, it is not surprising that there is a lot of anxiety surrounding the new school year. There are many reasons why kids may experience anxiety and stress as the first day of school approaches, and their reasons are as unique as they are.

Signs of increased stress and anxiety include sudden changes in appearance or behavior. Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities, more tearful or less cheerful than usual, difficulty sleeping (or sleeping too much), loss of appetite (or overeating), or increased irritability, are some signs that children may be experiencing unhealthy levels of stress. Stress can manifest as physical symptoms too, including stomachaches, muscle tension and aches, quick breathing, and feeling hot or sweating.

There are several ways parents can help students manage stress and anxiety and alleviate symptoms. Build routines around mornings and bedtime before schools starts to help ease the transition. Help them find activities they enjoy or opportunities to blow off steam, and promote healthy habits around sleeping, eating, and exercising. Spend quality time together. Most importantly listen and try to understand their feelings, and work together to think about ways to reduce their anxiety.

Several therapists and case managers at Central Kansas Mental Health Center specialize in working with youth, helping them work through difficult and stressful life transitions.

Renee Thomas, LMSW Crisis Clinician, and Leannitta Heller, Crisis Administrative Liaison, highlight the importance of communication when children are dealing with stress and anxiety. “Make open conversation a normal part of your families daily routine,” Heller recommends. “Talk to your kids about what is happening in the world. Allow them to ask questions, and educate them on who they can go to for help. Create a safe space for them to talk about what is going on in their lives. If they are not comfortable talking to you, allow them to talk to a professional.”

“Just asking ‘How are you feeling?’ can open the conversation,” Thomas added. “Use open ended questions and listen to their answers without judgement. Check in on them, ask if there is anything they need, and offer to take them to activities. Be present for them even if they do not want to talk. Don’t pry or push, but remind them that you are there for them when they are ready and then make yourself available.”

Both Thomas and Heller also stressed that it is important to normalize mental health and self-care. “Help break the stigma by showing your children you are taking care of your own mental health,” Heller said. “Set the example, whether it be by participating in individual therapy yourself, family therapy, regular family check-ins, or practicing self-care. If your child sees that you are invested in your own mental health as well as theirs, they are more willing to engage.”

For most students, back-to-school jitters subside in a few days and the feelings of stress and anxiety are temporary. If symptoms last longer than two weeks and interfere with daily life and activities, this could be a sign of an anxiety disorder and the help of a professional is recommended.

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/2c47aafe-6064-4b7c-88ca-bfdae4509967">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the weekday Salina Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Central Kansas Mental Health CenterReturning to the classroom can be an exciting time for many students, but for some, it can mean increased levels of stress and anxiety. Back-to-school stress and anxiety is normal and understandable, and parents can help ease the transition by recognizing symptoms and providing support.Several factors can cause stress and anxiety for students. Back to school can bring a number of transitions, including a new school building or district, new teachers, new schedules, and new classmates. Students’ social networks could be changed or disrupted. There could be changes and challenges at home, like a parent losing or changing jobs, moving to a new house or community, or friction between parents. Family members may be leaving the household for college, work, or military.Social issues also influence children’s stress levels. With the pandemic, the trauma of school shootings, and a youth mental health warning, it is not surprising that there is a lot of anxiety surrounding the new school year. There are many reasons why kids may experience anxiety and stress as the first day of school approaches, and their reasons are as unique as they are.Signs of increased stress and anxiety include sudden changes in appearance or behavior. Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities, more tearful or less cheerful than usual, difficulty sleeping (or sleeping too much), loss of appetite (or overeating), or increased irritability, are some signs that children may be experiencing unhealthy levels of stress. Stress can manifest as physical symptoms too, including stomachaches, muscle tension and aches, quick breathing, and feeling hot or sweating.There are several ways parents can help students manage stress and anxiety and alleviate symptoms. Build routines around mornings and bedtime before schools starts to help ease the transition. Help them find activities they enjoy or opportunities to blow off steam, and promote healthy habits around sleeping, eating, and exercising. Spend quality time together. Most importantly listen and try to understand their feelings, and work together to think about ways to reduce their anxiety.Several therapists and case managers at Central Kansas Mental Health Center specialize in working with youth, helping them work through difficult and stressful life transitions.Renee Thomas, LMSW Crisis Clinician, and Leannitta Heller, Crisis Administrative Liaison, highlight the importance of communication when children are dealing with stress and anxiety. “Make open conversation a normal part of your families daily routine,” Heller recommends. “Talk to your kids about what is happening in the world. Allow them to ask questions, and educate them on who they can go to for help. Create a safe space for them to talk about what is going on in their lives. If they are not comfortable talking to you, allow them to talk to a professional.”“Just asking ‘How are you feeling?’ can open the conversation,” Thomas added. “Use open ended questions and listen to their answers without judgement. Check in on them, ask if there is anything they need, and offer to take them to activities. Be present for them even if they do not want to talk. Don’t pry or push, but remind them that you are there for them when they are ready and then make yourself available.”Both Thomas and Heller also stressed that it is important to normalize mental health and self-care. “Help break the stigma by showing your children you are taking care of your own mental health,” Heller said. “Set the example, whether it be by participating in individual therapy yourself, family therapy, regular family check-ins, or practicing self-care. If your child sees that you are invested in your own mental health as well as theirs, they are more willing to engage.”For most students, back-to-school jitters subside in a few days and the feelings of stress and anxiety are temporary. If symptoms last longer than two weeks and interfere with daily life and activities, this could be a sign of an anxiety disorder and the help of a professional is recommended.<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/2c47aafe-6064-4b7c-88ca-bfdae4509967">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the weekday Salina Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Managing back-to-school stress

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher

As I was outside with my kids waiting for them to catch their big yellow bus to begin another school year, I was reminded of how all of the back-to-school excitement is similar to the anticipation of fall on the farm. &nbsp; Being that it’s a new school year, the kids are understandably excited to return to school. This has translated to them getting out to their bus stop with plenty of time to spare ensuring they don’t miss the bus and avoiding frantic, last-minute morning chaos. &nbsp; As we get closer to the start of fall harvest, we are also getting out into the fields and testing the moisture of the corn with plenty of time to spare. While some might argue it’s still too early, just like with the kids, we want to make sure we experience a smooth transition into fall harvest with as little unnecessary chaos as possible.&nbsp; &nbsp; In the days leading up to the first day of classes, our school district provided us with a rough estimate of when we should expect the bus to arrive. Although we had a good idea of when to expect the bus, we knew to be ready a little before the expected time while also understanding if it was later.&nbsp; &nbsp; Just like the morning bus, we know fall harvest will get here. We’re not quite sure when exactly that will be; we just have to be ready to go when it’s time. &nbsp; While waiting for their bus, I reminded my two children to be observant as they have the tools needed to identify the bus and know when it’s coming minutes before actually seeing it. If one listens, amid the morning sounds of feed trucks and cattle in the distance, the distinct sound of the bus bouncing down the gravel roads can be heard. &nbsp; As adults, we too have tools to use to help determine when it’s time to harvest. While it might not be our sense of hearing, we do scout fields using our eyes to make observations while also picking and shelling ears of corn before testing for moisture. If we look, the distinct signs of a field that’s ready for harvest can be seen. &nbsp; Once on the morning bus, I watched the silhouettes of my two little ones cautiously walk down the aisle before committing and settling into their seats for the duration of their morning ride. I know both my son and daughter prefer to sit up near the front of the bus to avoid negative results like getting car sick or getting themselves into trouble. &nbsp; We will also be intentional in our field selections prior to committing the machines to a field as we want to make sure our decisions will not cause negative results like dockage once our grain is delivered to the elevator. &nbsp; As the bus slowly moved forward, I scanned the bus windows to see if I could spot any other morning riders. With the sun rising behind the bus, it appeared my two were the first ones on. The saying “first ones on, last ones off” has been true given our location within the school district’s boundaries and bus route. Being first on and last off the bus can make for some long and tiring days for my little kiddos.&nbsp; &nbsp; And just like the bus rides, fall harvest will also bring some exhausting days as expected. In either case, we know that at the end of these long days, whether we’re riding a school bus or driving a combine, we’ll all return and find comfort (and snacks) at home.

"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/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim Baldwin. Photo courtesy Kansas Farm Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin. Photo courtesy Kansas Farm Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancherAs I was outside with my kids waiting for them to catch their big yellow bus to begin another school year, I was reminded of how all of the back-to-school excitement is similar to the anticipation of fall on the farm. &nbsp; Being that it’s a new school year, the kids are understandably excited to return to school. This has translated to them getting out to their bus stop with plenty of time to spare ensuring they don’t miss the bus and avoiding frantic, last-minute morning chaos. &nbsp; As we get closer to the start of fall harvest, we are also getting out into the fields and testing the moisture of the corn with plenty of time to spare. While some might argue it’s still too early, just like with the kids, we want to make sure we experience a smooth transition into fall harvest with as little unnecessary chaos as possible.&nbsp; &nbsp; In the days leading up to the first day of classes, our school district provided us with a rough estimate of when we should expect the bus to arrive. Although we had a good idea of when to expect the bus, we knew to be ready a little before the expected time while also understanding if it was later.&nbsp; &nbsp; Just like the morning bus, we know fall harvest will get here. We’re not quite sure when exactly that will be; we just have to be ready to go when it’s time. &nbsp; While waiting for their bus, I reminded my two children to be observant as they have the tools needed to identify the bus and know when it’s coming minutes before actually seeing it. If one listens, amid the morning sounds of feed trucks and cattle in the distance, the distinct sound of the bus bouncing down the gravel roads can be heard. &nbsp; As adults, we too have tools to use to help determine when it’s time to harvest. While it might not be our sense of hearing, we do scout fields using our eyes to make observations while also picking and shelling ears of corn before testing for moisture. If we look, the distinct signs of a field that’s ready for harvest can be seen. &nbsp; Once on the morning bus, I watched the silhouettes of my two little ones cautiously walk down the aisle before committing and settling into their seats for the duration of their morning ride. I know both my son and daughter prefer to sit up near the front of the bus to avoid negative results like getting car sick or getting themselves into trouble. &nbsp; We will also be intentional in our field selections prior to committing the machines to a field as we want to make sure our decisions will not cause negative results like dockage once our grain is delivered to the elevator. &nbsp; As the bus slowly moved forward, I scanned the bus windows to see if I could spot any other morning riders. With the sun rising behind the bus, it appeared my two were the first ones on. The saying “first ones on, last ones off” has been true given our location within the school district’s boundaries and bus route. Being first on and last off the bus can make for some long and tiring days for my little kiddos.&nbsp; &nbsp; And just like the bus rides, fall harvest will also bring some exhausting days as expected. In either case, we know that at the end of these long days, whether we’re riding a school bus or driving a combine, we’ll all return and find comfort (and snacks) at home."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: Bus rides and harvest

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football Writer

Alabama is No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25 for the second straight season. That is also the ninth time overall, second most in poll history. The Crimson Tide received 54 of 63 first-place votes. Ohio State is No. 2 with six first-place votes. Defending national champion Georgia is third with three first-place votes. Clemson is No. 4 and Notre Dame rounds out the top five. The Tide's preseason No. 1 ranking is the seventh in 15 years. Since the preseason rankings started in 1950, only Oklahoma has been No. 1 in the initial poll more than Alabama.

With two of the best players in the country leading the way — and a championship game loss as motivation — Alabama is No. 1 in The Associated Press preseason college football poll for the second straight season and ninth time overall.

Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young, national defensive player of year Will Anderson Jr. and the Crimson Tide received 54 of 63 first-place votes and 1,566 points in the Top 25 presented by Regions Bank released on Monday.

Ohio State is No. 2 with six first-place votes (1,506 points) from the media panel and defending national champion Georgia is third with three first-place votes (1,455 points). Clemson is No. 4. Notre Dame rounds out the top five, setting up a tantalizing opener at Ohio State on Sept. 3.

The Tide's preseason No. 1 ranking is the seventh in 15 years under coach Nick Saban. Since the preseason rankings started in 1950, only Oklahoma with 10 has been No. 1 in the initial poll more often than Alabama.

The Crimson Tide started last season No. 1 and finished ranked No. 2 after losing the national championship game to the Southeastern Conference rival Bulldogs.

"It wasn't our end goal that we wanted," Anderson said in the spring. "But I'm super proud of those guys, the way they fought. We were a young team. We had people go down. People had to step in that never been there before. So, I think that's just a learning experience."

Saban recently called 2021 a rebuilding season for his Tide dynasty, which has won six national titles over the last 13 years. He has a point.

Young was in his first season as a starter, playing behind an inexperienced offensive line. He was unfazed, throwing for 4,872 yards and 47 touchdowns.

Anderson was a force on the other side ball as Alabama broke in a back seven with mostly new starters. The sophomore led the nation in tackles for loss with 33 1/2, 11 1/2 more than No. 2 on the list.

Ohio State brings back a Heisman Trophy finalist at quarterback in C.J. Stroud while at Georgia, most of the key players from one of the best college defenses of the last 25 years are now in NFL. Still, quarterback Stetson Bennett and All-America tight end Brock Bowers return to a Bulldogs offense that could be even more explosive in 2022.

Texas A&amp;M, which finished last season unranked despite handing Alabama its only regular-season loss, starts this season No. 6.

Defending Pac-12 champion Utah is seventh, the best preseason ranking in school history. Defending Big Ten champion Michigan is No. 8 after making the playoff for the first time last season.

No. 9 Oklahoma is the highest-ranked Big 12 school, one spot ahead of defending league champion Baylor.

Alabama has been in the preseason top five in each of last 14 seasons and in the preseason top three in 13 straight. The Tide's 31st preseason top-five ranking this year matches Ohio State for second-most in poll history behind Oklahoma's 37.

Turning preseason No. 1 into a national championship has proved tricky throughout history, even for Alabama.

The Crimson Tide have gone on to win the national championship after starting No. 1 just once under Saban and twice overall.

Since the AP preseason poll began in 1950, there have been 11 preseason No. 1 teams that also finished the season top ranked. Alabama was the last to do it (2017).

— No. 13 North Carolina State is ranked in the preseason for the first time since 2003. The Wolfpack matched their best preseason ranking. They were also 13th in 1975.

— No. 17 Pitt is in the preseason rankings for the first time since 2010.

— No. 20 Kentucky is making its first preseason poll appearance since 1978.

— No. 22 Wake Forest made the preseason rankings for the first time since 2008.

— Ohio State is ranked in the preseason for the 34th straight season, breaking a tie with Nebraska (1970-2002) and Penn State (1968-2000) for the longest such streak in poll history.

— Texas A&amp;M has the second-best preseason ranking for a team that finished the previous season unranked. Ohio State was No. 3 in the 1972 preseason poll after being unranked at the end of the 1971 season and Notre Dame also started No. 6 in 1983 after finishing unranked in 1982.

How did the seasons work out for those teams? Ohio State went 9-2 and finished the season No. 9. The Irish went 7-5 and unranked again.

— LSU with new coach Brian Kelly will start the season unranked for the first time 2000, Saban's first of five seasons as coach of the Tigers.

— Florida and Florida State are both unranked to start the season, which has not happened since 1974.

Five schools ranked in the preseason poll have head coaches starting their first full seasons: Notre Dame (Marcus Freeman), Oklahoma (Brent Venables), No. 11 Oregon (Dan Lanning), No. 14 USC (Lincoln Riley) and No. 16 Miami (Mario Cristobal).

This is the second time in the last five seasons that five teams with new coaches were ranked in the preseason, according to Sportradar. It also happened in 2018, but before that season that type of representation in the preseason poll for teams with new coaches was a rarity.

You have to go all the way back to 1990 when six schools with coaches entering their first full season appeared in the preseason Top 25, according to Sportradar. That list includes some notable names: Gary Moeller, Michigan; Ken Hatfield, Clemson; Gene Stallings, Alabama; Jack Crowe, Arkansas; Paul Hackett, Pittsburgh; and John Jenkins, Houston.

For the fourth straight season, the Southeastern Conference has three teams in the top six.

The Atlantic Coast Conference matched its best showing in the preseason poll with five teams. The ACC has reached that number four previous times.

Follow Ralph D. Russo at <a href="https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP">https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP</a> and listen at <a href="http://www.appodcasts.com">http://www.appodcasts.com</a>

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football WriterAlabama is No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25 for the second straight season. That is also the ninth time overall, second most in poll history. The Crimson Tide received 54 of 63 first-place votes. Ohio State is No. 2 with six first-place votes. Defending national champion Georgia is third with three first-place votes. Clemson is No. 4 and Notre Dame rounds out the top five. The Tide's preseason No. 1 ranking is the seventh in 15 years. Since the preseason rankings started in 1950, only Oklahoma has been No. 1 in the initial poll more than Alabama.With two of the best players in the country leading the way — and a championship game loss as motivation — Alabama is No. 1 in The Associated Press preseason college football poll for the second straight season and ninth time overall.Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young, national defensive player of year Will Anderson Jr. and the Crimson Tide received 54 of 63 first-place votes and 1,566 points in the Top 25 presented by Regions Bank released on Monday.Ohio State is No. 2 with six first-place votes (1,506 points) from the media panel and defending national champion Georgia is third with three first-place votes (1,455 points). Clemson is No. 4. Notre Dame rounds out the top five, setting up a tantalizing opener at Ohio State on Sept. 3.The Tide's preseason No. 1 ranking is the seventh in 15 years under coach Nick Saban. Since the preseason rankings started in 1950, only Oklahoma with 10 has been No. 1 in the initial poll more often than Alabama.The Crimson Tide started last season No. 1 and finished ranked No. 2 after losing the national championship game to the Southeastern Conference rival Bulldogs."It wasn't our end goal that we wanted," Anderson said in the spring. "But I'm super proud of those guys, the way they fought. We were a young team. We had people go down. People had to step in that never been there before. So, I think that's just a learning experience."Saban recently called 2021 a rebuilding season for his Tide dynasty, which has won six national titles over the last 13 years. He has a point.Young was in his first season as a starter, playing behind an inexperienced offensive line. He was unfazed, throwing for 4,872 yards and 47 touchdowns.Anderson was a force on the other side ball as Alabama broke in a back seven with mostly new starters. The sophomore led the nation in tackles for loss with 33 1/2, 11 1/2 more than No. 2 on the list.Ohio State brings back a Heisman Trophy finalist at quarterback in C.J. Stroud while at Georgia, most of the key players from one of the best college defenses of the last 25 years are now in NFL. Still, quarterback Stetson Bennett and All-America tight end Brock Bowers return to a Bulldogs offense that could be even more explosive in 2022.Texas A&amp;M, which finished last season unranked despite handing Alabama its only regular-season loss, starts this season No. 6.Defending Pac-12 champion Utah is seventh, the best preseason ranking in school history. Defending Big Ten champion Michigan is No. 8 after making the playoff for the first time last season.No. 9 Oklahoma is the highest-ranked Big 12 school, one spot ahead of defending league champion Baylor.POLL POINTSAlabama has been in the preseason top five in each of last 14 seasons and in the preseason top three in 13 straight. The Tide's 31st preseason top-five ranking this year matches Ohio State for second-most in poll history behind Oklahoma's 37.Turning preseason No. 1 into a national championship has proved tricky throughout history, even for Alabama.The Crimson Tide have gone on to win the national championship after starting No. 1 just once under Saban and twice overall.Since the AP preseason poll began in 1950, there have been 11 preseason No. 1 teams that also finished the season top ranked. Alabama was the last to do it (2017).RARITIES AND STREAKS— No. 13 North Carolina State is ranked in the preseason for the first time since 2003. The Wolfpack matched their best preseason ranking. They were also 13th in 1975.— No. 17 Pitt is in the preseason rankings for the first time since 2010.— No. 20 Kentucky is making its first preseason poll appearance since 1978.— No. 22 Wake Forest made the preseason rankings for the first time since 2008.— Ohio State is ranked in the preseason for the 34th straight season, breaking a tie with Nebraska (1970-2002) and Penn State (1968-2000) for the longest such streak in poll history.— Texas A&amp;M has the second-best preseason ranking for a team that finished the previous season unranked. Ohio State was No. 3 in the 1972 preseason poll after being unranked at the end of the 1971 season and Notre Dame also started No. 6 in 1983 after finishing unranked in 1982.How did the seasons work out for those teams? Ohio State went 9-2 and finished the season No. 9. The Irish went 7-5 and unranked again.NOTABLE OMISSIONS— LSU with new coach Brian Kelly will start the season unranked for the first time 2000, Saban's first of five seasons as coach of the Tigers.— Florida and Florida State are both unranked to start the season, which has not happened since 1974.NEWBIESFive schools ranked in the preseason poll have head coaches starting their first full seasons: Notre Dame (Marcus Freeman), Oklahoma (Brent Venables), No. 11 Oregon (Dan Lanning), No. 14 USC (Lincoln Riley) and No. 16 Miami (Mario Cristobal).This is the second time in the last five seasons that five teams with new coaches were ranked in the preseason, according to Sportradar. It also happened in 2018, but before that season that type of representation in the preseason poll for teams with new coaches was a rarity.You have to go all the way back to 1990 when six schools with coaches entering their first full season appeared in the preseason Top 25, according to Sportradar. That list includes some notable names: Gary Moeller, Michigan; Ken Hatfield, Clemson; Gene Stallings, Alabama; Jack Crowe, Arkansas; Paul Hackett, Pittsburgh; and John Jenkins, Houston.CONFERENCE CALLFor the fourth straight season, the Southeastern Conference has three teams in the top six.The Atlantic Coast Conference matched its best showing in the preseason poll with five teams. The ACC has reached that number four previous times.SEC — 6 (Nos. 1, 3, 6, 19, 20, 21).ACC — 5 (Nos. 4, 13, 16, 17, 22).Big Ten — 4 (Nos. 2, 8, 15, 18).Big 12 — 3 (Nos. 9, 10, 12).Pac-12 — 3 (Nos. 7, 11, 14).American — 2 (Nos. 23, 24).Independents — 2 (Nos. 5, 25).Follow Ralph D. Russo at <a href="https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP">https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP</a> and listen at <a href="http://www.appodcasts.com">http://www.appodcasts.com</a>

No. 1 Alabama tops preseason AP Top 25; Ohio St, 'Dawgs next

EDITOR'S NOTE: Much of Condos' work also appears on Salina Post.

By KAREN CAMPBELL <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-arts-culture-history/2022-08-11/hpprs-david-condos-wins-national-murrow-award-for-his-coverage-of-western-kansas">Kansas News Service</a>

David Condos, a reporter for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service, has won a National Edward R. Murrow Award — one of the most prestigious prizes in broadcast journalism — for his coverage of western Kansas, its ongoing problems with water, its history of racism and how meatpacking transformed the region.

Condos won the award for Excellence in Writing and was selected as the national winner from among this year's regional Murrow award recipients across the country.

Condos is a reporter based in Hays for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service, which is a statewide collaboration of public radio newsrooms. This is the first-ever national Murrow award for HPPR in the station’s 42-year history.

The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) recognized his work for three stories written and reported in western Kansas:

<a href="https://www.hppr.org/people/david-condos" target="_blank">See all of David Condos' reporting</a>.

“A national organization recognized what’s obvious to people in Kansas, that David is a talented and serious journalist,” said Scott Canon, the managing editor of the Kansas News Service. “His work has brought important stories to a statewide and national audience. David’s ability to report complicated stories in easily digestible ways is a rare thing.”

The award was given based on “excellence in writing that conveys the feeling and significance of events to the listener or viewer.” The Murrow Awards are among the most prestigious in news, recognizing the importance and impact of journalism as a service to the community.

Condos took home<a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-arts-culture-history/2022-06-01/david-condos-hpprs-kansas-news-service-reporter-honored-at-2022-edward-r-murrow-awards" target="_blank">&nbsp;three regional Edward R. Murrow Awards earlier this year.</a>

Additionally, he received two national awards from the Public Media Journalists Association (PMJA): First place in Enterprise reporting for his series on racism in Kansas, “Race in the Free State,” and second place in Photojournalism for his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-12-11/russell-kansas-bids-farewell-to-its-most-favorite-son-bob-dole" target="_blank">photo of Elizabeth Dole</a>&nbsp;at the funeral of former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660312247035.png" alt="Condos" />
 <figcaption>Condos</figcaption>
 </figure>EDITOR'S NOTE: Much of Condos' work also appears on Salina Post.By KAREN CAMPBELL <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-arts-culture-history/2022-08-11/hpprs-david-condos-wins-national-murrow-award-for-his-coverage-of-western-kansas">Kansas News Service</a>David Condos, a reporter for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service, has won a National Edward R. Murrow Award — one of the most prestigious prizes in broadcast journalism — for his coverage of western Kansas, its ongoing problems with water, its history of racism and how meatpacking transformed the region.Condos won the award for Excellence in Writing and was selected as the national winner from among this year's regional Murrow award recipients across the country.Condos is a reporter based in Hays for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service, which is a statewide collaboration of public radio newsrooms. This is the first-ever national Murrow award for HPPR in the station’s 42-year history.The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) recognized his work for three stories written and reported in western Kansas:<ol>
 <li><a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-03-02/what-the-history-of-noose-road-tells-us-about-kansas-race-and-the-lynchings-of-black-men" target="_blank">What The History Of 'Noose Road' Tells Us About Kansas, Race And The Lynchings Of Black Men</a></li><li><a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-05-05/farmers-trying-to-save-the-ogallala-aquifer-face-tension-from-peers-but-their-profits-are-improving" target="_blank">Farmers Trying To Save The Ogallala Aquifer Face Tension From Peers, But Their Profits Are Improving</a></li><li><a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-10-25/how-a-meatpacking-plant-changed-one-kansas-town-40-years-ago-and-left-a-colorado-community-behind" target="_blank">How a meatpacking plant changed one Kansas town 40 years ago and left a Colorado community behind</a></li>
 </ol><a href="https://www.hppr.org/people/david-condos" target="_blank">See all of David Condos' reporting</a>.“A national organization recognized what’s obvious to people in Kansas, that David is a talented and serious journalist,” said Scott Canon, the managing editor of the Kansas News Service. “His work has brought important stories to a statewide and national audience. David’s ability to report complicated stories in easily digestible ways is a rare thing.”The award was given based on “excellence in writing that conveys the feeling and significance of events to the listener or viewer.” The Murrow Awards are among the most prestigious in news, recognizing the importance and impact of journalism as a service to the community.Condos took home<a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-arts-culture-history/2022-06-01/david-condos-hpprs-kansas-news-service-reporter-honored-at-2022-edward-r-murrow-awards" target="_blank">&nbsp;three regional Edward R. Murrow Awards earlier this year.</a>Additionally, he received two national awards from the Public Media Journalists Association (PMJA): First place in Enterprise reporting for his series on racism in Kansas, “Race in the Free State,” and second place in Photojournalism for his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-12-11/russell-kansas-bids-farewell-to-its-most-favorite-son-bob-dole" target="_blank">photo of Elizabeth Dole</a>&nbsp;at the funeral of former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole.Condos will be recognized alongside all of the national Murrow award winners at the RTDNA’s gala in New York City in October.