KANSAS CITY (AP) — Some may be having a hard time finding dentists and other service providers who are vaccinated because employers have to balance protecting their employees' health information against their customers' need for transparency.

The political debate over COVID-19 vaccinations is also making some companies reluctant to share their workers' vaccination status, said Pauline Kim, a law professor at Washington University.

“It is such a polarized topic that sometimes, in some settings, asking someone might feel kind of fraught, unfortunately,” Kim&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/coronavirus/privacy-laws-and-politics-complicate-efforts-to-find-vaccinated-service-providers-in-st-louis-area/article_51c8296b-be7c-517b-8b2b-4c92466d9871.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest">told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>. “That’s why the employer can’t reveal that information about somebody else because an employee might very well not want to share their own decision as to whether they got vaccinated or not.”

But 68-year-old Karen Clark has made it a habit to ask everyone she deals with about their vaccination status because she has had two bouts of cancer and her husband has a heart condition, making them both high risk for complications from the coronavirus.

“I say, ‘Are your workers vaccinated? We are high risk.’ That is pretty much it. I usually get a straight answer,” Clark said. “They will often say, ‘Well, we will make sure the one who comes out is vaccinated.’ And I even say, ‘I will check their card.’”

Dentist Guy Deyton, who practices in the Kansas City area, serves as director of the Office of Dental Health within the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. He said he encourages providers to share details of their efforts to curb the spread of the virus and address customer concerns.

“We’ve encouraged them to be good listeners and to be very, very transparent — and to accept that there are going to be people that have some anxiety about getting care or even just going out into the world and interacting at this juncture,” Deyton said.

Dentist Greg Luerding said his patients in Lake Saint Louis frequently ask whether his staff is fully vaccinated. His response is to assure them that they won’t be seen by someone who is not vaccinated, but he avoids sharing the status of all of his employees.

“I just think this is so politicized, and I want to keep it out of that realm,” he said. “If you tell them that everybody is vaccinated, they will be very upset, they’ll say ‘why do you make them do that?’ I don’t. Then they don’t believe me, or the opposite. So, I just kind of steer clear of that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620248269773.png" alt="A drive through COVID vaccination clinic in Douglas County" />
 <figcaption>A drive through COVID vaccination clinic in Douglas County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Some may be having a hard time finding dentists and other service providers who are vaccinated because employers have to balance protecting their employees' health information against their customers' need for transparency.The political debate over COVID-19 vaccinations is also making some companies reluctant to share their workers' vaccination status, said Pauline Kim, a law professor at Washington University.“It is such a polarized topic that sometimes, in some settings, asking someone might feel kind of fraught, unfortunately,” Kim&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/coronavirus/privacy-laws-and-politics-complicate-efforts-to-find-vaccinated-service-providers-in-st-louis-area/article_51c8296b-be7c-517b-8b2b-4c92466d9871.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest">told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>. “That’s why the employer can’t reveal that information about somebody else because an employee might very well not want to share their own decision as to whether they got vaccinated or not.”But 68-year-old Karen Clark has made it a habit to ask everyone she deals with about their vaccination status because she has had two bouts of cancer and her husband has a heart condition, making them both high risk for complications from the coronavirus.“I say, ‘Are your workers vaccinated? We are high risk.’ That is pretty much it. I usually get a straight answer,” Clark said. “They will often say, ‘Well, we will make sure the one who comes out is vaccinated.’ And I even say, ‘I will check their card.’”Dentist Guy Deyton, who practices in the Kansas City area, serves as director of the Office of Dental Health within the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. He said he encourages providers to share details of their efforts to curb the spread of the virus and address customer concerns.“We’ve encouraged them to be good listeners and to be very, very transparent — and to accept that there are going to be people that have some anxiety about getting care or even just going out into the world and interacting at this juncture,” Deyton said.Dentist Greg Luerding said his patients in Lake Saint Louis frequently ask whether his staff is fully vaccinated. His response is to assure them that they won’t be seen by someone who is not vaccinated, but he avoids sharing the status of all of his employees.“I just think this is so politicized, and I want to keep it out of that realm,” he said. “If you tell them that everybody is vaccinated, they will be very upset, they’ll say ‘why do you make them do that?’ I don’t. Then they don’t believe me, or the opposite. So, I just kind of steer clear of that.”

Firms consider workers' privacy when sharing vaccine status

Brad Meltzer&nbsp;is a prolific, multimedia best-selling author and creator of dozens of legal and historical thrillers, television shows, TED Talks, comic books and children’s books, among many other pursuits.

But he never imagined that two of his children’s books in his “<a href="https://www.ordinarypeoplechangetheworld.com/" target="_blank">Ordinary People Change the World</a>” series would stir a free speech controversy.

He learned in September that the Central York School Board in Pennsylvania had&nbsp;<a href="https://miami.cbslocal.com/2021/09/21/brad-meltzer-books-banned-pennsylvania-school-board/" target="_blank">vetoed a list of resources</a>&nbsp;that were suggested last year for use in the wake of the&nbsp;George Floyd&nbsp;murder and civil unrest. The list, which included Meltzer’s books “I am Rosa Parks” and “I am Martin Luther King Jr.,” was “frozen” for some time, as board members put it. The board eventually nixed the list, asserting that the materials were divisive. In August of this year, one school principal circulated the list and said, “Please see the attached list of resources that are not to be permitted to be utilized in the classroom.”

TUNE IN: Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. Eastern to hear how Meltzer battled for these books.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/event/first-five-now-author-brad-meltzer-on-battling-for-banned-books/" target="_blank">Learn more and register</a>&nbsp;for the next First Five Now program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meltzer learned the news through his social media sites, he said in an interview. “People started telling me they banned our books on&nbsp;Rosa Parks&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dr. King.” He was stunned. After all, the books were meant to “help kids build character, kindness and compassion one real hero at a time,” as Meltzer put it on his website. Among the heroes featured in the series along with Parks and King are&nbsp;Neil Armstrong, Benjamin Franklin, Jane Goodall, Jackie Robinson&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lucille Ball. Aimed at ages 5 to 8, the books are illustrated by&nbsp;Christopher Eliopoulos.

“People were of course shocked that anyone would ban heroes” like Parks and King,” Meltzer said. “Soon, Fox News called and asked me to come talk about it. Then CNN did the same. When Fox and CNN agree, I think the school board realized they screwed up.”

Board President&nbsp;Jane Johnson&nbsp;said, “What we are attempting to do is balance legitimate academic freedom with what could be literature/materials that are too activist in nature, and may lean more toward indoctrination rather than age-appropriate academic content.”

Meltzer viewed the controversy as a First Amendment issue. “Race is a hard subject, but if you don’t talk to kids about race, you’re doing them a disservice.”

Meltzer moved quickly to fight the ban. He helped residents gather hundreds of the “not-to-be-permitted” books to be placed in Little Free Library locations in the area. Students also protested.

“Really, it was the amazing students in the community who fought to bring these books back,” he said. Meltzer, who lives in Florida, went to the school board meeting in September and read aloud from “I am Rosa Parks.”

MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2021/09/01/perspective-protect-assembly-and-petition-by-preserving-listening-at-public-meetings/" target="_blank">Protect assembly and petition by preserving listening at public meetings</a>

The board voted unanimously to allow access to the books. “We speak and listen to parents and community members to better understand and address concerns,” said board member&nbsp;Jodi Grothe, according to the&nbsp;York Dispatch. “We have heard you.”

Meltzer offered advice for those who are experiencing similar book bans, which have multiplied across the country as legislators and school boards ban race-related educational materials that might make students uncomfortable.

MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2021/08/18/perspective-can-the-first-amendment-protect-educators-from-being-fired-for-teaching-about-race/" target="_blank">Can the First Amendment Protect Educators from Being Fired for Teaching About Race?</a>

“Take the lessons of Dr. King and Rosa Parks,” Meltzer said, “Do not stand for this. Protest. These bans are only going to increase. They are born out of fear and they work because people are scared. Look at the words they use to justify them: ‘Indoctrinating your children.’ The word indoctrination has been used throughout history to target the Black community, the Jewish community, the gay community and so many more. Don’t let them divide us. Do not stand for it.”

Fighting a book ban exercised and defended First Amendment freedoms! Locals&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/assembly/" target="_blank">assembled</a>&nbsp;by organizing book drives and student protests. Meltzer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/petition/" target="_blank">petitioned</a>&nbsp;by speaking before the school board. They all defended&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/speech/" target="_blank">free speech</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/press/" target="_blank">press freedom</a>&nbsp;by opposing censorship of books based on the ideas in them.&nbsp;&nbsp;

What is next for Meltzer? “I’ll write even more on this issue,” he said. His latest “I am” book, out Oct. 21, features&nbsp;Oprah Winfrey.

“In February,” Meltzer added, “we have ‘I am Malala Yousafzai’ and ‘I am Muhammad Ali,’ purposely to teach protests. And wait until you see who’s coming after that.”

Tony Mauro is a special correspondent for the Freedom Forum.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636245476792.jpeg" alt="Brad Meltzer. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum" />
 <figcaption>Brad Meltzer. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY MAUROBrad Meltzer&nbsp;is a prolific, multimedia best-selling author and creator of dozens of legal and historical thrillers, television shows, TED Talks, comic books and children’s books, among many other pursuits.But he never imagined that two of his children’s books in his “<a href="https://www.ordinarypeoplechangetheworld.com/" target="_blank">Ordinary People Change the World</a>” series would stir a free speech controversy.He learned in September that the Central York School Board in Pennsylvania had&nbsp;<a href="https://miami.cbslocal.com/2021/09/21/brad-meltzer-books-banned-pennsylvania-school-board/" target="_blank">vetoed a list of resources</a>&nbsp;that were suggested last year for use in the wake of the&nbsp;George Floyd&nbsp;murder and civil unrest. The list, which included Meltzer’s books “I am Rosa Parks” and “I am Martin Luther King Jr.,” was “frozen” for some time, as board members put it. The board eventually nixed the list, asserting that the materials were divisive. In August of this year, one school principal circulated the list and said, “Please see the attached list of resources that are not to be permitted to be utilized in the classroom.”TUNE IN: Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. Eastern to hear how Meltzer battled for these books.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/event/first-five-now-author-brad-meltzer-on-battling-for-banned-books/" target="_blank">Learn more and register</a>&nbsp;for the next First Five Now program.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meltzer learned the news through his social media sites, he said in an interview. “People started telling me they banned our books on&nbsp;Rosa Parks&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dr. King.” He was stunned. After all, the books were meant to “help kids build character, kindness and compassion one real hero at a time,” as Meltzer put it on his website. Among the heroes featured in the series along with Parks and King are&nbsp;Neil Armstrong, Benjamin Franklin, Jane Goodall, Jackie Robinson&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lucille Ball. Aimed at ages 5 to 8, the books are illustrated by&nbsp;Christopher Eliopoulos.“People were of course shocked that anyone would ban heroes” like Parks and King,” Meltzer said. “Soon, Fox News called and asked me to come talk about it. Then CNN did the same. When Fox and CNN agree, I think the school board realized they screwed up.”Board President&nbsp;Jane Johnson&nbsp;said, “What we are attempting to do is balance legitimate academic freedom with what could be literature/materials that are too activist in nature, and may lean more toward indoctrination rather than age-appropriate academic content.”Meltzer viewed the controversy as a First Amendment issue. “Race is a hard subject, but if you don’t talk to kids about race, you’re doing them a disservice.”Meltzer moved quickly to fight the ban. He helped residents gather hundreds of the “not-to-be-permitted” books to be placed in Little Free Library locations in the area. Students also protested.“Really, it was the amazing students in the community who fought to bring these books back,” he said. Meltzer, who lives in Florida, went to the school board meeting in September and read aloud from “I am Rosa Parks.”MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2021/09/01/perspective-protect-assembly-and-petition-by-preserving-listening-at-public-meetings/" target="_blank">Protect assembly and petition by preserving listening at public meetings</a>The board voted unanimously to allow access to the books. “We speak and listen to parents and community members to better understand and address concerns,” said board member&nbsp;Jodi Grothe, according to the&nbsp;York Dispatch. “We have heard you.”Meltzer offered advice for those who are experiencing similar book bans, which have multiplied across the country as legislators and school boards ban race-related educational materials that might make students uncomfortable.MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2021/08/18/perspective-can-the-first-amendment-protect-educators-from-being-fired-for-teaching-about-race/" target="_blank">Can the First Amendment Protect Educators from Being Fired for Teaching About Race?</a>“Take the lessons of Dr. King and Rosa Parks,” Meltzer said, “Do not stand for this. Protest. These bans are only going to increase. They are born out of fear and they work because people are scared. Look at the words they use to justify them: ‘Indoctrinating your children.’ The word indoctrination has been used throughout history to target the Black community, the Jewish community, the gay community and so many more. Don’t let them divide us. Do not stand for it.”Fighting a book ban exercised and defended First Amendment freedoms! Locals&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/assembly/" target="_blank">assembled</a>&nbsp;by organizing book drives and student protests. Meltzer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/petition/" target="_blank">petitioned</a>&nbsp;by speaking before the school board. They all defended&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/speech/" target="_blank">free speech</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/press/" target="_blank">press freedom</a>&nbsp;by opposing censorship of books based on the ideas in them.&nbsp;&nbsp;What is next for Meltzer? “I’ll write even more on this issue,” he said. His latest “I am” book, out Oct. 21, features&nbsp;Oprah Winfrey.“In February,” Meltzer added, “we have ‘I am Malala Yousafzai’ and ‘I am Muhammad Ali,’ purposely to teach protests. And wait until you see who’s coming after that.”Tony Mauro is a special correspondent for the Freedom Forum.

FIRST FIVE: How Brad Meltzer, best-selling author, fought book ban

My husband is a union member and works at a paint factory near our home. His union’s current contract will expire in nine months. We have about $27,000 of debt left to pay off, and he makes a little over $80,000 a year. I’m nervous because his slow season is coming up between now and then. During this time, he usually gets about half the hours — and, of course, less money — than he does during the rest of the year. I’m a little scared, even though there hasn’t been a strike in the last six years. Do you think we should go ahead and pay off our remaining debt or hold onto every penny in case they walk out?

I’m going to tell you something that might just blow your mind: You two can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/debt-calculator" target="_blank">pay off the debt</a>&nbsp;and have some money set aside to live on in that length of time. If you do that, you’ll actually be more ready for a strike than ever before. You’ll both have to be on the same page financially and do things with a sense of urgency, but right now, I don’t think you’ve got too much to worry about.

The likelihood of them going on strike is pretty low. Chances are, they’re just rattling their sabers and talking big to posture for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/questions-to-ask-when-buying-used-car" target="_blank">negotiations</a>. Most factories are behind right now, and the last thing they want is to get even further behind. Everything has been so screwed up by COVID-19 that unless the union demands some completely ridiculous stuff, things will probably work out fine.

I think you guys are going to be fine, Cheyanne. Should you be intentional and thoughtful about the situation? Absolutely. It’s always wise to look ahead and plan for the future. Getting that debt paid off and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/insurance/independent-insurance-agent-popular-money-saving-tip" target="_blank">saving</a>&nbsp;up a bunch of cash will give you real peace of mind.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national bestselling author, personal finance expert and host of “The Ramsey Show,” heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. Hehas appeared on “Good Morning America,” “CBS This Morning,” “Today,” “Fox News,” “CNN,” “Fox Business” and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people take control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596845065840.jpeg" alt="Dave Ramsey" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey</figcaption>
 </figure>Dear Dave,My husband is a union member and works at a paint factory near our home. His union’s current contract will expire in nine months. We have about $27,000 of debt left to pay off, and he makes a little over $80,000 a year. I’m nervous because his slow season is coming up between now and then. During this time, he usually gets about half the hours — and, of course, less money — than he does during the rest of the year. I’m a little scared, even though there hasn’t been a strike in the last six years. Do you think we should go ahead and pay off our remaining debt or hold onto every penny in case they walk out?CheyanneDear Cheyanne,I’m going to tell you something that might just blow your mind: You two can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/debt-calculator" target="_blank">pay off the debt</a>&nbsp;and have some money set aside to live on in that length of time. If you do that, you’ll actually be more ready for a strike than ever before. You’ll both have to be on the same page financially and do things with a sense of urgency, but right now, I don’t think you’ve got too much to worry about.The likelihood of them going on strike is pretty low. Chances are, they’re just rattling their sabers and talking big to posture for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/questions-to-ask-when-buying-used-car" target="_blank">negotiations</a>. Most factories are behind right now, and the last thing they want is to get even further behind. Everything has been so screwed up by COVID-19 that unless the union demands some completely ridiculous stuff, things will probably work out fine.I think you guys are going to be fine, Cheyanne. Should you be intentional and thoughtful about the situation? Absolutely. It’s always wise to look ahead and plan for the future. Getting that debt paid off and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/insurance/independent-insurance-agent-popular-money-saving-tip" target="_blank">saving</a>&nbsp;up a bunch of cash will give you real peace of mind.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dave<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national bestselling author, personal finance expert and host of “The Ramsey Show,” heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. Hehas appeared on “Good Morning America,” “CBS This Morning,” “Today,” “Fox News,” “CNN,” “Fox Business” and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people take control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

DAVE SAYS: Work together and be intentional

WICHITA – As we prepare to turn our clocks back an hour at 2 a.m. this Sunday, with the end of Daylight Saving Time, many may rejoice for the extra hour of sleep. However, AAA Kansas is reminding drivers to prepare for potential challenges, such as changes in sleep patterns that may increase chances of drowsy driving, and shorter days that mean driving&nbsp;home in the dark.



Sleep-deprived drivers cause more than 6,400 deaths and 50,000 debilitating injuries on American roadways each year, according to the National Sleep Foundation (<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b%3a6%3c1-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=482948&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">NSF</a>).

“While many will enjoy an extra hour of sleep this weekend, few commuters and motorists realize the added dangers that can come as the result of a time change – especially when they are behind the wheel,” said Shawn Steward, AAA Kansas spokesman. “Although we gain an hour of sleep, our sleep patterns are disrupted. This can result in unsafe drowsy driving episodes.”

<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b%3a6%3c1-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=482947&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety 2020 Traffic Safety Culture Index</a>&nbsp;data shows that most motorists (95 percent) identify drowsy driving as very or extremely dangerous.&nbsp; Yet, despite high rates of perceived danger and personal/social disapproval regarding drowsy driving, about 17 percent of drivers admit to having driven while being so tired that they had a hard time keeping their eyes open, at least once in the past 30 days. Previous research by the AAA Foundation estimates that drowsy driving is a factor in an average of 328,000 crashes annually, including 109,000 crashes that result in injuries and 6,400 fatal crashes.

“The end of Daylight Saving time this weekend will bring shorter days and longer nights,” noted Steward. “Night driving brings challenges, so we urge motorists to slow down, increase their following distance, use headlights to make yourself more visible, and be extra cautious on our roadways.”

●Turn on your headlights to become more visible during early morning and evening hours.

●Keep vehicle headlights and windows (inside and out) clean.

●Do not use high beams when other cars or pedestrians are around.

●Yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks and do not pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks.

AAA Kansas tips for pedestrians and bicyclists

●Cross only at intersections.&nbsp; Look left, right and left again and only cross when it is clear. Do not jaywalk.

●Cross at the corner - not in the middle of the street or between parked cars.

●Avoid walking in traffic where there are no sidewalks or crosswalks. If you have to walk on a road that does not have sidewalks, walk facing traffic.

●Evaluate the distance and speed of oncoming traffic before you step out into the street.

●Wear bright colors or reflective clothing if you are walking or biking near traffic at night. Carry a flashlight when walking in the dark.

●Avoid listening to music or make sure it is at a low volume so you can hear danger approaching.

●Bicycle lights are a ‘must have’ item for safe night riding, especially during the winter months when it gets dark earlier.

About AAA AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 63 million members nationwide and more than 350,000 members in Kansas.&nbsp;AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a&nbsp;non-stock, membership corporation working&nbsp;on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, access a&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b%3a6%3c1-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=482946&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">COVID travel restriction map</a>, find local gas prices and&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b%3a6%3c1-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=482945&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">electric vehicle charging stations</a>,&nbsp;discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b%3a6%3c1-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=482944&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">AAA.com/mobile</a>) for iPhone, iPad and Android.&nbsp;For more information on joining or renewing a membership, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b%3a6%3c1-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=482943&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">www.AAA.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636062601351.jpeg" alt="AAA says that annual “Fall Back” means sun glare for the morning commute, darkness for the evening commute, and potential for drowsy drivers. Photo courtesy AAA" />
 <figcaption>AAA says that annual “Fall Back” means sun glare for the morning commute, darkness for the evening commute, and potential for drowsy drivers. Photo courtesy AAA</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA – As we prepare to turn our clocks back an hour at 2 a.m. this Sunday, with the end of Daylight Saving Time, many may rejoice for the extra hour of sleep. However, AAA Kansas is reminding drivers to prepare for potential challenges, such as changes in sleep patterns that may increase chances of drowsy driving, and shorter days that mean driving&nbsp;home in the dark.

Sleep-deprived drivers cause more than 6,400 deaths and 50,000 debilitating injuries on American roadways each year, according to the National Sleep Foundation (<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b%3a6%3c1-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=482948&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">NSF</a>).“While many will enjoy an extra hour of sleep this weekend, few commuters and motorists realize the added dangers that can come as the result of a time change – especially when they are behind the wheel,” said Shawn Steward, AAA Kansas spokesman. “Although we gain an hour of sleep, our sleep patterns are disrupted. This can result in unsafe drowsy driving episodes.”<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b%3a6%3c1-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=482947&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety 2020 Traffic Safety Culture Index</a>&nbsp;data shows that most motorists (95 percent) identify drowsy driving as very or extremely dangerous.&nbsp; Yet, despite high rates of perceived danger and personal/social disapproval regarding drowsy driving, about 17 percent of drivers admit to having driven while being so tired that they had a hard time keeping their eyes open, at least once in the past 30 days. Previous research by the AAA Foundation estimates that drowsy driving is a factor in an average of 328,000 crashes annually, including 109,000 crashes that result in injuries and 6,400 fatal crashes.“The end of Daylight Saving time this weekend will bring shorter days and longer nights,” noted Steward. “Night driving brings challenges, so we urge motorists to slow down, increase their following distance, use headlights to make yourself more visible, and be extra cautious on our roadways.”AAA Kansas tips for drivers●Slow down.●Turn on your headlights to become more visible during early morning and evening hours.●Keep vehicle headlights and windows (inside and out) clean.●Do not use high beams when other cars or pedestrians are around.●Yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks and do not pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks.AAA Kansas tips for pedestrians and bicyclists●Cross only at intersections.&nbsp; Look left, right and left again and only cross when it is clear. Do not jaywalk.●Cross at the corner - not in the middle of the street or between parked cars.●Avoid walking in traffic where there are no sidewalks or crosswalks. If you have to walk on a road that does not have sidewalks, walk facing traffic.●Evaluate the distance and speed of oncoming traffic before you step out into the street.●Wear bright colors or reflective clothing if you are walking or biking near traffic at night. Carry a flashlight when walking in the dark.●Avoid listening to music or make sure it is at a low volume so you can hear danger approaching.●Bicycle lights are a ‘must have’ item for safe night riding, especially during the winter months when it gets dark earlier.About AAA AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 63 million members nationwide and more than 350,000 members in Kansas.&nbsp;AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a&nbsp;non-stock, membership corporation working&nbsp;on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, access a&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b%3a6%3c1-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=482946&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">COVID travel restriction map</a>, find local gas prices and&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b%3a6%3c1-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=482945&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">electric vehicle charging stations</a>,&nbsp;discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b%3a6%3c1-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=482944&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">AAA.com/mobile</a>) for iPhone, iPad and Android.&nbsp;For more information on joining or renewing a membership, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b%3a6%3c1-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=482943&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">www.AAA.com</a>.

AAA: End of Daylight Saving Time means increased driving danger

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — School board races, once sleepy and localized, have become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-coronavirus-pandemic-school-boards-e41350b7d9e3662d279c2dad287f7009">the new front in a culture war</a>&nbsp;raging across the nation as resentments over COVID-19 restrictions and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-elections-education-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-f3e0a8198edae71980f942f2eb5ea172">anti-racism curriculum</a>&nbsp;reach a boiling point.

On Tuesday, voters weigh in on dozens of races that have been dominated by debates over masks, vaccines, race and history. The outcomes will decide not just districts’ policies but also whether the education fight has staying power as part of the national discourse and becomes a rallying issue for Republicans in the 2022 midterms.

Conservatives have eagerly taken up the cause as they look to move past&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;and to reframe the discussion on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/racial-injustice">racial injustice in America</a>&nbsp;as a rewriting of history.

The political tracking website Ballotpedia has identified 76 school districts in 22 states where candidates took a stance on race in education or critical race theory, which holds that racism is systemic in America’s institutions and which the National School Boards Association says is not taught in K-12 public schools.

1776 Action, a group inspired by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-media-slavery-cultures-donald-trump-afdfa0b3454d5a7fdf544158ee1f5e1f">former President Donald Trump’s now-disbanded 1776 Commission</a>&nbsp;that played down America’s role in slavery, has been urging candidates to sign a pledge calling for the restoration of “honest, patriotic education.” At least 300 candidates and elected officials have done so, said Adam Waldeck, the group’s president.

“2021 is really going to sort of be seen as kind of a canary in the coal mine of what’s coming down the pike next year and into the future,” Waldeck said. “This will be the year that I think primarily parents stand up and say, ‘You know, we have a voice, too.’ And I think it’s going to be overwhelming.”

Board meetings have grown so contentious that they are being mocked in “Saturday Night Live” skits. Some board members have been called Nazis and child abusers. The National School Boards Association even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-education-school-boards-940da42fac771366929fc2150c8acf4d">likened some of what is happening to “domestic terrorism”</a>&nbsp;before apologizing.

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, accused the right wing of orchestrating protests to “turn schools into battlegrounds with the goal of winning elections by politicizing both public health and history.” She noted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-campaigns-virginia-election-2020-a84bf1d7f2113c77197bca103fd0e81b">the Virginia governor’s race</a>, in which Republican newcomer Glenn Youngkin has seized on conservatives’ frustrations with schools over pandemic policies and diversity education.

Even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-michael-pence-virginia-a5100eb9c96250d914e8091d7bc51592">former Vice President Mike Pence</a>&nbsp;has gotten into the game, taking a moment during a campaign rally in Ohio on Saturday to urge voters to support conservative school board candidates in Tuesday’s election.

Waldeck said his group also sent out mailers and targeted text messages in races in Johnston, Iowa, where three candidates have signed the pledge, and in West Chester, Pennsylvania, where law enforcement was called to investigate threats against school board president Chris McCune.

The backlash stems from his ordering the removal from a July meeting of a parent who kept demanding information about critical race theory after her two-minute time limit had ended. McCune, who is on the ballot, wrote in a letter to the Daily Local News newspaper in Pennsylvania that it is his duty to “maintain order” and insisted that the district doesn’t even teach critical race theory.

“National and local political forces continue to urge residents to rally against local school boards and CRT, even when board members and administrators have offered to meet to share the district’s curriculum to demonstrate that it is simply not what we teach,” he said.

The 1776 Project PAC, which is separate from 1776 Action and headed by New York political operative and author Ryan Girdusky, has invested in races across the country. It raised $289,544 in the third quarter, according to the latest report filed with the Federal Election Commission.

“I think anybody that’s running was probably to a degree tipped over by COVID,” said Jim McMullen, who is among three candidates the group is backing in the Blue Valley district in suburban Kansas City. The former English teacher and father of five had considered running before the pandemic but finally decided to mount a bid after the district went virtual and hybrid for parts of last year.

In Colorado, Schumé Navarro, who is running for the Cherry Creek School District, went to court last month to win the right to go without a face covering at a district candidate event. The mother of five said she’s unable to wear a mask because of abuse she suffered as a child.

“The environment and the culture that it’s creating is just stealing from our kids,” she said of masks.

In Ohio, former state Republican chair Jane Timken has taken time from her campaign for the U.S. Senate to offer guidance and funding totaling more than $40,000 to more than 40 conservative candidates in hyperlocal school board races.

“We are helping them not just financially, but my team is knocking doors and making calls with them,” said Timken, who said she completed a critical race theory “listening tour” that exposed cases of children being “indoctrinated with leftist policies.”

In Wisconsin, voters in Mequon will decide whether to replace the majority of the Mequon-Thiensville school board. Amber Schroeder, an organizer of the Recall MTSD movement, said that along with slipping academic performance, parents are most concerned with critical race theory, which she sees as evident in the district’s emphasis on equity.

“It’s huge here,” Schroeder said, noting the district’s hiring of diversity consultants. “It’s already infiltrated our curriculum.”

In Minnesota, Erin Shelton has joined two other conservative candidates on a “Vote for Three!” platform that denounces “harmful ideologies like CRT,” political indoctrination and “controversial medical mandates.” If all three are elected, they would hold an ideological majority on the board in Wayzata.

“I don’t believe that the way to academic excellence involves making any group of students feel like victims or any other feel responsible for that victimization,” Shelton said via email.

In Iowa, masking opponent Sarah Barthole received a high-profile endorsement from Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds as she runs for the school board of the Ankeny school district in suburban Des Moines. Barthole worked with Reynolds last year to reopen schools and is credited with inspiring the state’s now-blocked law prohibiting mask mandates in schools.

“The level of involvement in her campaign, I’ve never seen anything like it in a school board race before,” said Barthole’s treasurer, Steve Boal, whose own wife served on the board more than two decades ago. “Usually it’s kind of a pretty low-key thing.”

The governor’s backing in that race is just the beginning, predicted Tina Descovich, a co-founder of Moms for Liberty, a Melbourne, Florida-based group, whose 142 chapters in 35 states have fought vaccine and mask mandates.

“Our governor here in Florida has all but said he’s going to be involved in school board races,” said Descovich, who is a former member of the Brevard County School Board in Florida. “I’m curious to see what that looks like for 2022.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635857227869.png" alt="Preparing to receive voters -photo courtesy Johnson County election office" />
 <figcaption>Preparing to receive voters -photo courtesy Johnson County election office</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — School board races, once sleepy and localized, have become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-coronavirus-pandemic-school-boards-e41350b7d9e3662d279c2dad287f7009">the new front in a culture war</a>&nbsp;raging across the nation as resentments over COVID-19 restrictions and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-elections-education-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-f3e0a8198edae71980f942f2eb5ea172">anti-racism curriculum</a>&nbsp;reach a boiling point.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">At gatherings across the country, I’ve talked with Americans who agree we’ve learned the hard way that who sits on our local boards impacts our lives. Get out &amp; vote in your local elections. And, in Andover, KS—vote for <a href="https://twitter.com/jawellstrio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jawellstrio</a>! (2/2)&mdash; Mike Pompeo (@mikepompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikepompeo/status/1453785146872696844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>On Tuesday, voters weigh in on dozens of races that have been dominated by debates over masks, vaccines, race and history. The outcomes will decide not just districts’ policies but also whether the education fight has staying power as part of the national discourse and becomes a rallying issue for Republicans in the 2022 midterms.Conservatives have eagerly taken up the cause as they look to move past&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;and to reframe the discussion on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/racial-injustice">racial injustice in America</a>&nbsp;as a rewriting of history.The political tracking website Ballotpedia has identified 76 school districts in 22 states where candidates took a stance on race in education or critical race theory, which holds that racism is systemic in America’s institutions and which the National School Boards Association says is not taught in K-12 public schools.1776 Action, a group inspired by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-media-slavery-cultures-donald-trump-afdfa0b3454d5a7fdf544158ee1f5e1f">former President Donald Trump’s now-disbanded 1776 Commission</a>&nbsp;that played down America’s role in slavery, has been urging candidates to sign a pledge calling for the restoration of “honest, patriotic education.” At least 300 candidates and elected officials have done so, said Adam Waldeck, the group’s president.“2021 is really going to sort of be seen as kind of a canary in the coal mine of what’s coming down the pike next year and into the future,” Waldeck said. “This will be the year that I think primarily parents stand up and say, ‘You know, we have a voice, too.’ And I think it’s going to be overwhelming.”Board meetings have grown so contentious that they are being mocked in “Saturday Night Live” skits. Some board members have been called Nazis and child abusers. The National School Boards Association even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-education-school-boards-940da42fac771366929fc2150c8acf4d">likened some of what is happening to “domestic terrorism”</a>&nbsp;before apologizing.Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, accused the right wing of orchestrating protests to “turn schools into battlegrounds with the goal of winning elections by politicizing both public health and history.” She noted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-campaigns-virginia-election-2020-a84bf1d7f2113c77197bca103fd0e81b">the Virginia governor’s race</a>, in which Republican newcomer Glenn Youngkin has seized on conservatives’ frustrations with schools over pandemic policies and diversity education.Even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-michael-pence-virginia-a5100eb9c96250d914e8091d7bc51592">former Vice President Mike Pence</a>&nbsp;has gotten into the game, taking a moment during a campaign rally in Ohio on Saturday to urge voters to support conservative school board candidates in Tuesday’s election.Waldeck said his group also sent out mailers and targeted text messages in races in Johnston, Iowa, where three candidates have signed the pledge, and in West Chester, Pennsylvania, where law enforcement was called to investigate threats against school board president Chris McCune.The backlash stems from his ordering the removal from a July meeting of a parent who kept demanding information about critical race theory after her two-minute time limit had ended. McCune, who is on the ballot, wrote in a letter to the Daily Local News newspaper in Pennsylvania that it is his duty to “maintain order” and insisted that the district doesn’t even teach critical race theory.“National and local political forces continue to urge residents to rally against local school boards and CRT, even when board members and administrators have offered to meet to share the district’s curriculum to demonstrate that it is simply not what we teach,” he said.The 1776 Project PAC, which is separate from 1776 Action and headed by New York political operative and author Ryan Girdusky, has invested in races across the country. It raised $289,544 in the third quarter, according to the latest report filed with the Federal Election Commission.“I think anybody that’s running was probably to a degree tipped over by COVID,” said Jim McMullen, who is among three candidates the group is backing in the Blue Valley district in suburban Kansas City. The former English teacher and father of five had considered running before the pandemic but finally decided to mount a bid after the district went virtual and hybrid for parts of last year.In Colorado, Schumé Navarro, who is running for the Cherry Creek School District, went to court last month to win the right to go without a face covering at a district candidate event. The mother of five said she’s unable to wear a mask because of abuse she suffered as a child.“The environment and the culture that it’s creating is just stealing from our kids,” she said of masks.In Ohio, former state Republican chair Jane Timken has taken time from her campaign for the U.S. Senate to offer guidance and funding totaling more than $40,000 to more than 40 conservative candidates in hyperlocal school board races.“We are helping them not just financially, but my team is knocking doors and making calls with them,” said Timken, who said she completed a critical race theory “listening tour” that exposed cases of children being “indoctrinated with leftist policies.”In Wisconsin, voters in Mequon will decide whether to replace the majority of the Mequon-Thiensville school board. Amber Schroeder, an organizer of the Recall MTSD movement, said that along with slipping academic performance, parents are most concerned with critical race theory, which she sees as evident in the district’s emphasis on equity.“It’s huge here,” Schroeder said, noting the district’s hiring of diversity consultants. “It’s already infiltrated our curriculum.”In Minnesota, Erin Shelton has joined two other conservative candidates on a “Vote for Three!” platform that denounces “harmful ideologies like CRT,” political indoctrination and “controversial medical mandates.” If all three are elected, they would hold an ideological majority on the board in Wayzata.“I don’t believe that the way to academic excellence involves making any group of students feel like victims or any other feel responsible for that victimization,” Shelton said via email.In Iowa, masking opponent Sarah Barthole received a high-profile endorsement from Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds as she runs for the school board of the Ankeny school district in suburban Des Moines. Barthole worked with Reynolds last year to reopen schools and is credited with inspiring the state’s now-blocked law prohibiting mask mandates in schools.“The level of involvement in her campaign, I’ve never seen anything like it in a school board race before,” said Barthole’s treasurer, Steve Boal, whose own wife served on the board more than two decades ago. “Usually it’s kind of a pretty low-key thing.”The governor’s backing in that race is just the beginning, predicted Tina Descovich, a co-founder of Moms for Liberty, a Melbourne, Florida-based group, whose 142 chapters in 35 states have fought vaccine and mask mandates.“Our governor here in Florida has all but said he’s going to be involved in school board races,” said Descovich, who is a former member of the Brevard County School Board in Florida. “I’m curious to see what that looks like for 2022.”___

GOP push to politicize school board races gets election test

<a href="https://yazelmeglifh.com/obituaries/debra-salada-1">Debra Salada Obituary 2021 - Yazel - Megli Funeral Homes (yazelmeglifh.com)</a>

Debra’s life began on December 2, 1965, in Herington. She was the daughter of Luther L. and Delores J. (Falk) Salada. 

Debra worked for several businesses in her lifetime including Casey’s, the Lutheran Nursing Home in Herington, Home Health and Rehab in McPherson, Dillons in McPherson and, as a high school student, for the City of Herington. 

Her grandchildren were her world. She loved to laugh and had a great smile. She enjoyed spending time with her friend Karyn, and her beloved dog Peanut. Debra loved listening to the scanner and then going to check out the scene later. She was an inquisitive mind and always wanted to know what was going on. She was a coach for Special Olympics in Herington for the Magic Team.

 Debra’s great joy was her family which includes her children Amanda (Brian) Fischer of Milford, DE, and Stephanie (Charles Love) Helming of McPherson; stepchildren Donald Lee of Herington, Jill James of Herington, and Bobbie Roop of Spencerville, OH; grandchildren Jared Fischer, Cashele Love, Caylee Love, Ryan Love and Rayn Love; siblings Sandra Steiger of Herington, Valentine Salada of Herington, Mark Salada of Herington, Jay Salada of Herington, and Melissa (Steven Ellis) Salada of Abilene; several nieces and nephews, and her beloved pets Peanut and M and M. 

Debra passed away at her home on October 30, 2021, in McPherson. 

She is preceded in death by a sister, Phyllis Salada, and her parents. 

Her family will gather with friends on Wednesday November 3 at Yazel-Megli Funeral Home, Herington from 2- 4 p.m. with her funeral service at 4 p.m. led by Pastor Lorenzo Jackson. 

Memorial contributions in Debra’s name may be directed to Yazel-Megli Funeral Home, 404 S. Broadway, Herington. 

Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of Debra at www.yazelmeglifh.com.

To order&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sympathyfloralstore.com/en-us/funeral-flowers/productdetails/?eod=sxi1Z5G6UOE%2B5nNU%2FJi4oCjz5GhwgesBe7wLLuK6jqt%2FFxYsYluyOTe4jROp7jOk8eUNIGJ7cvomkw8J%2BshpYrc6dlOZpvk5CaP%2F5KTg35lr7HNnWkb%2FvPCZuIv2AL2KjlemT1URL2jTaE%2ByFUu2Txq0fRfPOPs4alD%2FsB9gTaGpvqDPgF9aNBMMpNMlggP2lqDng6ORNutL5GKE9b0yKfqXWpex7w4ojCmMCO954bi0Wk0iHvlcMiWQhxsCgLwZ76DkNcCk0pZUrBNIgZAcqSYidmn%2FztttdV6YxArgRdDRCx8AlsySisQL%2F5v014CdPfbfWWsY9LPJcwYZ5rV0c1YxZQtQdVPpRIVzWdsclcBx%2B1rAitO7Syh1ZPsGkjfan38CT5a7ObVNTh3Noavqj7%2BiFgS%2Frl%2BOqpA9%2BQe%2BxUAIqLKQoa%2BrkGkCF5tVDSCSsxAuZzqc9aIoeQ8xc0HAM5oqU8taJhDIh69LJaVhGxkoYSk0LcNpr%2B9gZX4Eiu95PUuOMsSWkwaHFEExyEpwmvjUiYfCh6Ts3DtrydAWSCTO3%2B5pggsVMS%2FzTqKjJEoURHeUN4CUoeMQTPEjNxBUD43VfIOj1oWgnDUcO279TMcTgdPYOMnHr%2FhhtRC3llHNnv8HmflLJ341Ygd%2FU%2BryTzrxoWzGVZ6Ak6QWQpWZOMJGdgN0RACdHPhu5r8EdLTif%2FgegDTMu6WaPOzLK0m2qWmPlELOG6KGjaFIVxRckbxJr96VpwiqQkHcvzFxPc7kbs0OWtZNlp%2FUq5YaKivrrmd1FRYY99aduO7EfzGEUIDsPBa4NU4w9i5lOS09WOoIgwtcrNVUP82K7G15TpTMB%2B4MylgpWBTrvpxHnTKb%2BFoQHtiucn%2Bdv52yO2PJpYs52Wk4yivH6AEzPdQCMYQkTrteRmhd%2Fw2Ox%2FbLTK7zukZPoaETsNcKttO0usYi%2Bkhm7OQ%2FhsdIVN0iBoa4Km%2BSSa23FqJSCJqrC3RCsEKtwZvin1UwkApXXyLZ7iVzTNQ1ufb%2Fd5ilQM4qG%2FsX0%2FahcNOcUP7Pt46t0tC%2FFCMFCMpfIOSY5KC6uvEQY6HyjsSkLUQM56Zab%2FrU%2FVVTZXcZH8mFp15xotCDuEgUkiFin0vFT%2BbbSbK3Au1kIrhlBQXZBm%2Bl6gNFF%2FUSSdF9inYgV6WiorKjr3Hv1smZJE%2FTzkxwCWbS6dNeSrdsf7tzzXw6BN%2FBR9IgoS5PVE44BtKYi%2FSgpNWkEVPGTPyMTX3sPpfbvk98ZMPn9DnuiEpcJTTYRthSH18F70%2Byp6eafHkMB5NLn2fBQUYgea2soVm2j2icMQ735eQ%2F7Tg%2FZYOkkU6m38iTNVqevHpHCHIyAALvDKHdf%2FCebuhfyzbR7hm9Xf90VWJ9EAR%2Fr%2BS96qYO4w%2Beel0XNvvuewVElSANcnCgq7QxALtCOAIiHzpZebcAZK59kO6O1WMlWfAafV2ZNV6oNI6QPNUdIVoVPnf9Lxx1GQ%3D%3D&amp;co=7&amp;affiliateid=4490&amp;v=01&amp;pm=199&amp;sku=tre-ttim">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Debra Salada, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://condolences.com/Yazel-Megli-Funeral-Home-Herington/flowers/?bgs=NkKw3748jCQVnX3pVaaIUS1qLh2O2MBiMJ4a7TU3iRIiOSvZOlsbp2szq1tU8VKPfFaUy35j3S0DWp%2F7RpG%2B1OJ%2BDMBpvQxmd9FtkC%2BUi4F5macyIkj4c4vgVDg3cJwAeQ2V%2BarRo7uPltQ75VF%2B1DM6wW7ydpRFrY4xKJRlXzaYeC9xEjCynJuRcK9LyA30cNpT6gCJUTJHcI3EJaP%2BUpFw905Zwarkml3QIcif57Zyn9IxudLGLkzM4SuPnVbyDUZAtY9oORNJS%2FZQnVjkfzypMo4Hs81ioCLLnKtwjIiUULgsdZeYaiSXZk54p3%2Bf%2BtdegjoJAJ4s0yuglXdNj2HBtBpLPYzCjqUeswKV0V99fN6yY08OYUf%2B%2FoQDgIP31txECEfnTDu8iIXgcUW4k3aFxSTzV7yJY%2BSB87Wz3kZYHsAEJ6PVoFkQpmaBnPC8cjikugNeagq3nccdPGrnv6nn0KimC6ENjkN8CaM3bWy9%2B5h8SCMQUcynSB85TrKygJz69afA45HX0K%2BwArw%2F1YV3L2YEBXqxCd%2FMJpzaet1ot9ihbTcmE%2Fk2B2W3%2FBWfJQTpowxipMQu0Ee9TB8jpdOpWfX7k6TQmMPRgu17AAPXvSjSi4ASFSgrMq9JYXo%2FuJgBhgjA3lbYEnXXxhBN7CkTpmOIPD%2FPbsxx0ORSCyRXE37fK64Qeo6SkTz%2F%2B7smS%2BcTEy%2FY%2BCVIhZ5S5ZZN%2BNdlM%2Bc5rezEb1HYt86B9gh5OyTlztu83Or9lpCzBrqtQHF5YDTGsI76RFIJE69KDp4ihlEhEXimqF4533%2Bny1l8Fs%2FCb0AxNCgAiLHtgD7TmJ%2B64SfziGSZ9kMVjGRCRWQoTS37V36ywilNGMxmV2Pbm6gjW%2Bnw65M7N5NIoe4Ax1hZ%2Bi4LFYm0EN5j%2FAhtXCWC9xaumEr8XtHEWq2x%2Fia%2BoTLAh7%2ByfHtmWhDqkQKY3DGuBZIxl04zozUmUdBaqb96CnjtMRsFLEN8q4xJCWHA1cU8wE4re3dL1%2BdX%2B8NOI3hXHizPQ3sFHWYzZKrJbFSh4wxE57cY7sWDhPxXwyLvkZVXmAfb%2BAEv5L4PdjHIOqL1qORXOXESQq5YJUSZtAf8KrAyF9LRMc88hn6p7Yuv%2By4bPtBXnN20tFEWTsewx%2FYa32mzQc7c1hUPr%2Bd%2BOWkkvi8xJvUDatgjB8sSwnO8RJCK0nGeB1Lh2jxb9rBXX%2Fnw%2Bc%2Bo%2B%2B6E2Fgkr6%2BgWU3%2FACsHQmV8Rn%2FHDuB8P9nZnje7EhcPAL4SdSknevFWR18SVIEAdCPOk0JyHYi%2BnYhEKKW9PIEWPO8%2FfvsAiCcv5k6%2FTpfvyNFtKKwt9Kr9dp9Jjc4hFbrd7%2Bj9USmKUHCKP9%2FT6URD%2BBsz7ms9vdLKbIOFvhjgDdZiBC69vcILTszl0KAKYOXk7O%2BbWB4i29VlMruyB5%2BwIQ%2BzX5FBX2h1Ts9qsqHY5ntSYmVwnfJ4fpL33UX5%2BwsKVmSOgVzLNOKkh4M6aFcnwf%2Fv9uaLjP9%2FOt9raPD5MI%2BRXq9MO0tmj%2FW42Z6SnDlOLrk47ICwA82ePYZ9Cjk4JU1XbpIsekKPsnUgM66u9jnNDgOl%2BaCT">flower store</a>.

<h2>Debra Ann Salada</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635799330207.jpeg" alt="Debra Ann Salada" />
 <figcaption>Debra Ann Salada</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://yazelmeglifh.com/obituaries/debra-salada-1">Debra Salada Obituary 2021 - Yazel - Megli Funeral Homes (yazelmeglifh.com)</a>December 2, 1965 - October 30, 2021Debra’s life began on December 2, 1965, in Herington. She was the daughter of Luther L. and Delores J. (Falk) Salada. Debra worked for several businesses in her lifetime including Casey’s, the Lutheran Nursing Home in Herington, Home Health and Rehab in McPherson, Dillons in McPherson and, as a high school student, for the City of Herington. Her grandchildren were her world. She loved to laugh and had a great smile. She enjoyed spending time with her friend Karyn, and her beloved dog Peanut. Debra loved listening to the scanner and then going to check out the scene later. She was an inquisitive mind and always wanted to know what was going on. She was a coach for Special Olympics in Herington for the Magic Team. Debra’s great joy was her family which includes her children Amanda (Brian) Fischer of Milford, DE, and Stephanie (Charles Love) Helming of McPherson; stepchildren Donald Lee of Herington, Jill James of Herington, and Bobbie Roop of Spencerville, OH; grandchildren Jared Fischer, Cashele Love, Caylee Love, Ryan Love and Rayn Love; siblings Sandra Steiger of Herington, Valentine Salada of Herington, Mark Salada of Herington, Jay Salada of Herington, and Melissa (Steven Ellis) Salada of Abilene; several nieces and nephews, and her beloved pets Peanut and M and M. Debra passed away at her home on October 30, 2021, in McPherson. She is preceded in death by a sister, Phyllis Salada, and her parents. Her family will gather with friends on Wednesday November 3 at Yazel-Megli Funeral Home, Herington from 2- 4 p.m. with her funeral service at 4 p.m. led by Pastor Lorenzo Jackson. Memorial contributions in Debra’s name may be directed to Yazel-Megli Funeral Home, 404 S. Broadway, Herington. Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of Debra at www.yazelmeglifh.com.To order&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sympathyfloralstore.com/en-us/funeral-flowers/productdetails/?eod=sxi1Z5G6UOE%2B5nNU%2FJi4oCjz5GhwgesBe7wLLuK6jqt%2FFxYsYluyOTe4jROp7jOk8eUNIGJ7cvomkw8J%2BshpYrc6dlOZpvk5CaP%2F5KTg35lr7HNnWkb%2FvPCZuIv2AL2KjlemT1URL2jTaE%2ByFUu2Txq0fRfPOPs4alD%2FsB9gTaGpvqDPgF9aNBMMpNMlggP2lqDng6ORNutL5GKE9b0yKfqXWpex7w4ojCmMCO954bi0Wk0iHvlcMiWQhxsCgLwZ76DkNcCk0pZUrBNIgZAcqSYidmn%2FztttdV6YxArgRdDRCx8AlsySisQL%2F5v014CdPfbfWWsY9LPJcwYZ5rV0c1YxZQtQdVPpRIVzWdsclcBx%2B1rAitO7Syh1ZPsGkjfan38CT5a7ObVNTh3Noavqj7%2BiFgS%2Frl%2BOqpA9%2BQe%2BxUAIqLKQoa%2BrkGkCF5tVDSCSsxAuZzqc9aIoeQ8xc0HAM5oqU8taJhDIh69LJaVhGxkoYSk0LcNpr%2B9gZX4Eiu95PUuOMsSWkwaHFEExyEpwmvjUiYfCh6Ts3DtrydAWSCTO3%2B5pggsVMS%2FzTqKjJEoURHeUN4CUoeMQTPEjNxBUD43VfIOj1oWgnDUcO279TMcTgdPYOMnHr%2FhhtRC3llHNnv8HmflLJ341Ygd%2FU%2BryTzrxoWzGVZ6Ak6QWQpWZOMJGdgN0RACdHPhu5r8EdLTif%2FgegDTMu6WaPOzLK0m2qWmPlELOG6KGjaFIVxRckbxJr96VpwiqQkHcvzFxPc7kbs0OWtZNlp%2FUq5YaKivrrmd1FRYY99aduO7EfzGEUIDsPBa4NU4w9i5lOS09WOoIgwtcrNVUP82K7G15TpTMB%2B4MylgpWBTrvpxHnTKb%2BFoQHtiucn%2Bdv52yO2PJpYs52Wk4yivH6AEzPdQCMYQkTrteRmhd%2Fw2Ox%2FbLTK7zukZPoaETsNcKttO0usYi%2Bkhm7OQ%2FhsdIVN0iBoa4Km%2BSSa23FqJSCJqrC3RCsEKtwZvin1UwkApXXyLZ7iVzTNQ1ufb%2Fd5ilQM4qG%2FsX0%2FahcNOcUP7Pt46t0tC%2FFCMFCMpfIOSY5KC6uvEQY6HyjsSkLUQM56Zab%2FrU%2FVVTZXcZH8mFp15xotCDuEgUkiFin0vFT%2BbbSbK3Au1kIrhlBQXZBm%2Bl6gNFF%2FUSSdF9inYgV6WiorKjr3Hv1smZJE%2FTzkxwCWbS6dNeSrdsf7tzzXw6BN%2FBR9IgoS5PVE44BtKYi%2FSgpNWkEVPGTPyMTX3sPpfbvk98ZMPn9DnuiEpcJTTYRthSH18F70%2Byp6eafHkMB5NLn2fBQUYgea2soVm2j2icMQ735eQ%2F7Tg%2FZYOkkU6m38iTNVqevHpHCHIyAALvDKHdf%2FCebuhfyzbR7hm9Xf90VWJ9EAR%2Fr%2BS96qYO4w%2Beel0XNvvuewVElSANcnCgq7QxALtCOAIiHzpZebcAZK59kO6O1WMlWfAafV2ZNV6oNI6QPNUdIVoVPnf9Lxx1GQ%3D%3D&amp;co=7&amp;affiliateid=4490&amp;v=01&amp;pm=199&amp;sku=tre-ttim">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Debra Salada, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://condolences.com/Yazel-Megli-Funeral-Home-Herington/flowers/?bgs=NkKw3748jCQVnX3pVaaIUS1qLh2O2MBiMJ4a7TU3iRIiOSvZOlsbp2szq1tU8VKPfFaUy35j3S0DWp%2F7RpG%2B1OJ%2BDMBpvQxmd9FtkC%2BUi4F5macyIkj4c4vgVDg3cJwAeQ2V%2BarRo7uPltQ75VF%2B1DM6wW7ydpRFrY4xKJRlXzaYeC9xEjCynJuRcK9LyA30cNpT6gCJUTJHcI3EJaP%2BUpFw905Zwarkml3QIcif57Zyn9IxudLGLkzM4SuPnVbyDUZAtY9oORNJS%2FZQnVjkfzypMo4Hs81ioCLLnKtwjIiUULgsdZeYaiSXZk54p3%2Bf%2BtdegjoJAJ4s0yuglXdNj2HBtBpLPYzCjqUeswKV0V99fN6yY08OYUf%2B%2FoQDgIP31txECEfnTDu8iIXgcUW4k3aFxSTzV7yJY%2BSB87Wz3kZYHsAEJ6PVoFkQpmaBnPC8cjikugNeagq3nccdPGrnv6nn0KimC6ENjkN8CaM3bWy9%2B5h8SCMQUcynSB85TrKygJz69afA45HX0K%2BwArw%2F1YV3L2YEBXqxCd%2FMJpzaet1ot9ihbTcmE%2Fk2B2W3%2FBWfJQTpowxipMQu0Ee9TB8jpdOpWfX7k6TQmMPRgu17AAPXvSjSi4ASFSgrMq9JYXo%2FuJgBhgjA3lbYEnXXxhBN7CkTpmOIPD%2FPbsxx0ORSCyRXE37fK64Qeo6SkTz%2F%2B7smS%2BcTEy%2FY%2BCVIhZ5S5ZZN%2BNdlM%2Bc5rezEb1HYt86B9gh5OyTlztu83Or9lpCzBrqtQHF5YDTGsI76RFIJE69KDp4ihlEhEXimqF4533%2Bny1l8Fs%2FCb0AxNCgAiLHtgD7TmJ%2B64SfziGSZ9kMVjGRCRWQoTS37V36ywilNGMxmV2Pbm6gjW%2Bnw65M7N5NIoe4Ax1hZ%2Bi4LFYm0EN5j%2FAhtXCWC9xaumEr8XtHEWq2x%2Fia%2BoTLAh7%2ByfHtmWhDqkQKY3DGuBZIxl04zozUmUdBaqb96CnjtMRsFLEN8q4xJCWHA1cU8wE4re3dL1%2BdX%2B8NOI3hXHizPQ3sFHWYzZKrJbFSh4wxE57cY7sWDhPxXwyLvkZVXmAfb%2BAEv5L4PdjHIOqL1qORXOXESQq5YJUSZtAf8KrAyF9LRMc88hn6p7Yuv%2By4bPtBXnN20tFEWTsewx%2FYa32mzQc7c1hUPr%2Bd%2BOWkkvi8xJvUDatgjB8sSwnO8RJCK0nGeB1Lh2jxb9rBXX%2Fnw%2Bc%2Bo%2B%2B6E2Fgkr6%2BgWU3%2FACsHQmV8Rn%2FHDuB8P9nZnje7EhcPAL4SdSknevFWR18SVIEAdCPOk0JyHYi%2BnYhEKKW9PIEWPO8%2FfvsAiCcv5k6%2FTpfvyNFtKKwt9Kr9dp9Jjc4hFbrd7%2Bj9USmKUHCKP9%2FT6URD%2BBsz7ms9vdLKbIOFvhjgDdZiBC69vcILTszl0KAKYOXk7O%2BbWB4i29VlMruyB5%2BwIQ%2BzX5FBX2h1Ts9qsqHY5ntSYmVwnfJ4fpL33UX5%2BwsKVmSOgVzLNOKkh4M6aFcnwf%2Fv9uaLjP9%2FOt9raPD5MI%2BRXq9MO0tmj%2FW42Z6SnDlOLrk47ICwA82ePYZ9Cjk4JU1XbpIsekKPsnUgM66u9jnNDgOl%2BaCT">flower store</a>.

Debra Ann Salada

Wednesday is National Stress Awareness Day, and I don’t know a single person who hasn’t been deeply stressed over the past few years. 

Maybe as you’re reading this, you’re on coffee number four or still trying to process the latest scary economic news headline.

But what if I told you stress itself is actually not the problem?

That’s right. Stress is good for us. Feeling stressed during performances or work events shows that your body and brain are working. They’re taking care of you and making sure you’re prepared to achieve your goals. It’s normal and good to be stressed when you’re taking tests or giving a presentation because when you get stressed, your body kicks into “fight, flight or freeze” mode, and you go about solving (confronting or avoiding) the challenge.

But your body can’t handle being in fight, flight or freeze all day every day. If stress is pervasive (you’re stressed about multiple things) and persistent (you’ve been stressed for a long time), your stress may become toxic. So today, I want to help you identify and work through toxic stress.

Toxic stress is the result of having too much going on at once and being in fight, flight or freeze mode for so long that our bodies finally say, “Enough!”

We know we’re dealing with toxic stress when we start feeling like everything’s pointless. We start isolating ourselves or choosing addictive actions like drinking, doing drugs or inhaling every gummy worm, burger and bag of chips we can get our hands on (been there). Toxic stress can result in numerous physical and psychological issues like high blood pressure, heart problems, inability to focus, anxiety, depression and a whole lot more.

But there is a healthy way to deal with stress and pursue wellness no matter how many stressors you have — so here are my top five tips.

Before you reach for the carbs and try to numb out your feelings with 10 hours of “Law and Order” or endless internet scrolling, do one or all of these five things:

1. Write down what’s stressing you out

Sometimes getting it all out of your head and onto paper can make a world of difference, so go ahead and make a list of everything that’s contributing to your feelings of stress. Once you see it all laid out, you’ll be able to make informed choices about what you can deal with today, what doesn’t need to be addressed today, and what’s out of your control.

2. Learn to control your thoughts and actions

The only things you truly have control over are your own thoughts and actions — and yes, you can learn to control your thoughts. Thoughts will automatically come into your mind (you can’t control that), but you can control what you do with them once they’re in there. My favorite strategy when I’m hit with a thought I don’t like is to loudly say “nope” and then intentionally think of something better. It’s awkward and a discipline that takes time to learn, but it is possible.

And since you can control your actions, you can also choose what you do and what you focus on. You can stop reading the news and start a gratitude journal instead. You can choose to go for a walk outside instead of listening to so many true crime podcasts that you start thinking everyone you know is a serial killer.

Mental, physical and spiritual health are all interwoven and connected, so when you do something that’s good for your body, you’ll also help your mind and soul, and vice versa. A few simple ways to take care of your health are eating well, exercising (just move your body—it doesn’t have to be CrossFit), journaling, spending time in meditation and prayer, and getting plenty of sleep.

We all need to have other people in our lives. Stress can make us want to isolate ourselves and tune out the world, but relationships and community are absolutely essential to us as human beings.

You’ve heard of an emergency fund for your finances — well, people are an emergency fund for life. Find ways to actively connect with people, whether that’s having dinner with a friend, visiting your family, or joining a club or group with people who share your interests. I get that relationships aren’t always easy, but they’re worth your time—I promise.

If you’re struggling to identify what’s making you feel stressed, or you’re experiencing addiction, out-of-control thoughts or toxic relationship patterns, find someone to talk to. A professional can help you figure out the why behind your feelings and unpack any trauma you may or may not know you have.

At the end of the day, know that you’re not crazy, damaged or alone. In most cases, you are normal, and there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. So put in the work it takes to be well. You’re worth it!

For more tips on dealing with stress and anxiety, check out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/personal-growth/how-to-deal-with-anxiety" target="_blank">this article</a>.

John Delony&nbsp;is a mental health expert with&nbsp;Ph.D.s in counselor education &amp; supervision and higher education administration&nbsp;from Texas Tech University. Prior to joining Ramsey Solutions in 2020, John worked as a senior leader, professor, and researcher at multiple universities. He also spent two decades in crisis response, walking with people through severe trauma. Now as a Ramsey Personality, he teaches on relationships and emotional wellness. Follow John on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/johndelony" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/johndelony/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JohnDelony/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/johndelony" target="_blank">YouTube</a>or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.johndelony.com/" target="_blank">www.johndelony.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618625696051.jpeg" alt="John Delony" />
 <figcaption>John Delony</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN DELONYWednesday is National Stress Awareness Day, and I don’t know a single person who hasn’t been deeply stressed over the past few years. Maybe as you’re reading this, you’re on coffee number four or still trying to process the latest scary economic news headline.But what if I told you stress itself is actually not the problem?That’s right. Stress is good for us. Feeling stressed during performances or work events shows that your body and brain are working. They’re taking care of you and making sure you’re prepared to achieve your goals. It’s normal and good to be stressed when you’re taking tests or giving a presentation because when you get stressed, your body kicks into “fight, flight or freeze” mode, and you go about solving (confronting or avoiding) the challenge.But your body can’t handle being in fight, flight or freeze all day every day. If stress is pervasive (you’re stressed about multiple things) and persistent (you’ve been stressed for a long time), your stress may become toxic. So today, I want to help you identify and work through toxic stress.<h2>What Is Toxic Stress?</h2>Toxic stress is the result of having too much going on at once and being in fight, flight or freeze mode for so long that our bodies finally say, “Enough!”We know we’re dealing with toxic stress when we start feeling like everything’s pointless. We start isolating ourselves or choosing addictive actions like drinking, doing drugs or inhaling every gummy worm, burger and bag of chips we can get our hands on (been there). Toxic stress can result in numerous physical and psychological issues like high blood pressure, heart problems, inability to focus, anxiety, depression and a whole lot more.But there is a healthy way to deal with stress and pursue wellness no matter how many stressors you have — so here are my top five tips.<h2>How to Deal with Toxic Stress</h2>Before you reach for the carbs and try to numb out your feelings with 10 hours of “Law and Order” or endless internet scrolling, do one or all of these five things:1. Write down what’s stressing you outSometimes getting it all out of your head and onto paper can make a world of difference, so go ahead and make a list of everything that’s contributing to your feelings of stress. Once you see it all laid out, you’ll be able to make informed choices about what you can deal with today, what doesn’t need to be addressed today, and what’s out of your control.2. Learn to control your thoughts and actionsThe only things you truly have control over are your own thoughts and actions — and yes, you can learn to control your thoughts. Thoughts will automatically come into your mind (you can’t control that), but you can control what you do with them once they’re in there. My favorite strategy when I’m hit with a thought I don’t like is to loudly say “nope” and then intentionally think of something better. It’s awkward and a discipline that takes time to learn, but it is possible.And since you can control your actions, you can also choose what you do and what you focus on. You can stop reading the news and start a gratitude journal instead. You can choose to go for a walk outside instead of listening to so many true crime podcasts that you start thinking everyone you know is a serial killer.3. Take care of your healthMental, physical and spiritual health are all interwoven and connected, so when you do something that’s good for your body, you’ll also help your mind and soul, and vice versa. A few simple ways to take care of your health are eating well, exercising (just move your body—it doesn’t have to be CrossFit), journaling, spending time in meditation and prayer, and getting plenty of sleep.4. Invest in relationshipsWe all need to have other people in our lives. Stress can make us want to isolate ourselves and tune out the world, but relationships and community are absolutely essential to us as human beings.You’ve heard of an emergency fund for your finances — well, people are an emergency fund for life. Find ways to actively connect with people, whether that’s having dinner with a friend, visiting your family, or joining a club or group with people who share your interests. I get that relationships aren’t always easy, but they’re worth your time—I promise.5. Seek professional helpIf you’re struggling to identify what’s making you feel stressed, or you’re experiencing addiction, out-of-control thoughts or toxic relationship patterns, find someone to talk to. A professional can help you figure out the why behind your feelings and unpack any trauma you may or may not know you have.At the end of the day, know that you’re not crazy, damaged or alone. In most cases, you are normal, and there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. So put in the work it takes to be well. You’re worth it!For more tips on dealing with stress and anxiety, check out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/personal-growth/how-to-deal-with-anxiety" target="_blank">this article</a>.John Delony&nbsp;is a mental health expert with&nbsp;Ph.D.s in counselor education &amp; supervision and higher education administration&nbsp;from Texas Tech University. Prior to joining Ramsey Solutions in 2020, John worked as a senior leader, professor, and researcher at multiple universities. He also spent two decades in crisis response, walking with people through severe trauma. Now as a Ramsey Personality, he teaches on relationships and emotional wellness. Follow John on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/johndelony" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/johndelony/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JohnDelony/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/johndelony" target="_blank">YouTube</a>or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.johndelony.com/" target="_blank">www.johndelony.com</a>.

DELONY: Five tips for dealing with toxic stress

CONCORDIA - It was a gift with multiple benefits.

Thanks to a donation from an anonymous donor, 15 trees were planted on the Concordia campus of Cloud County Community College on Friday.

“We are incredibly grateful to the generous donor who provided the trees,” said Heather Gennette, Director of the Cloud County Community College Foundation. 

Trees planted included three frontier elms, six greenspire lindens, three shademaster locusts, one river birch, and three royal prince oaks.

“This will be a beautiful addition to the college, and to have the assistance of the students and children from our daycare was very special.&nbsp;They will be able to come back to campus and watch the trees grow and change over the years.”

The children from the college's Children's Learning Center had the opportunity to both observe the trees being planted and to hear about the trees from Shane Kisby of Republican Valley Landscape.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635631454368.jpeg" alt="Children from the Cloud County Community College Children’s Learning Center and Beth Whisler (standing at left), instructor in psychology and education, listen to Shane Kisby (right) with Republican Valley Landscape, talk about the varieties of trees that were planted on the Concordia campus Friday morning. Photo courtesy CCCC" />
 <figcaption>Children from the Cloud County Community College Children’s Learning Center and Beth Whisler (standing at left), instructor in psychology and education, listen to Shane Kisby (right) with Republican Valley Landscape, talk about the varieties of trees that were planted on the Concordia campus Friday morning. Photo courtesy CCCC</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTCONCORDIA - It was a gift with multiple benefits.Thanks to a donation from an anonymous donor, 15 trees were planted on the Concordia campus of Cloud County Community College on Friday.“We are incredibly grateful to the generous donor who provided the trees,” said Heather Gennette, Director of the Cloud County Community College Foundation. Trees planted included three frontier elms, six greenspire lindens, three shademaster locusts, one river birch, and three royal prince oaks.“This will be a beautiful addition to the college, and to have the assistance of the students and children from our daycare was very special.&nbsp;They will be able to come back to campus and watch the trees grow and change over the years.”The children from the college's Children's Learning Center had the opportunity to both observe the trees being planted and to hear about the trees from Shane Kisby of Republican Valley Landscape.

Anonymous donor provides shade, learning experience at CCCC

My boyfriend is not very good with money, and he is in a bad situation right now. He has a huge car payment every month, plus about $30,000 in credit card debt. He also lives in a very expensive apartment. He recently quit a really good job because he doesn’t like his boss anymore. He has talked about filing bankruptcy, and yesterday he asked if he could move in with me. I love him, but I’m also scared. I try to manage my money well by saving, investing for retirement and staying out of debt. What does this mean for our future together?

My guess is the guy’s not really&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/the-truth-about-bankruptcy" target="_blank">bankrupt</a>, but it sounds like he has some maturity and character issues that need to be addressed. I’m not saying things can’t change, but this is not someone to move in with or consider marrying anytime soon. You two would have a hard time as husband and wife unless he makes some real course corrections in his attitudes about money and life.

For starters, he needs to get another job, sell the expensive car and find a cheaper place to live. Leaving one position for another is okay, but deciding you just don’t like something and walking away from it without another job waiting—especially when you’ve got bills and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/debt-calculator" target="_blank">a bunch of debt</a>—is just plain irresponsible.

Lots of people identify too strongly with what they drive or where they live. They come to believe those things are indications of their value or worth, and that’s sad. It means something inside them is broken, and bankruptcy isn’t going to fix that.

All this doesn’t mean he isn’t basically a decent guy, but it does mean he needs to get control of his finances—and&nbsp;that he’s got some soul searching and growing up to do.

<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of 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 boyfriend is not very good with money, and he is in a bad situation right now. He has a huge car payment every month, plus about $30,000 in credit card debt. He also lives in a very expensive apartment. He recently quit a really good job because he doesn’t like his boss anymore. He has talked about filing bankruptcy, and yesterday he asked if he could move in with me. I love him, but I’m also scared. I try to manage my money well by saving, investing for retirement and staying out of debt. What does this mean for our future together?CrislynDear Crislyn,My guess is the guy’s not really&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/the-truth-about-bankruptcy" target="_blank">bankrupt</a>, but it sounds like he has some maturity and character issues that need to be addressed. I’m not saying things can’t change, but this is not someone to move in with or consider marrying anytime soon. You two would have a hard time as husband and wife unless he makes some real course corrections in his attitudes about money and life.For starters, he needs to get another job, sell the expensive car and find a cheaper place to live. Leaving one position for another is okay, but deciding you just don’t like something and walking away from it without another job waiting—especially when you’ve got bills and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/debt-calculator" target="_blank">a bunch of debt</a>—is just plain irresponsible.Lots of people identify too strongly with what they drive or where they live. They come to believe those things are indications of their value or worth, and that’s sad. It means something inside them is broken, and bankruptcy isn’t going to fix that.All this doesn’t mean he isn’t basically a decent guy, but it does mean he needs to get control of his finances—and&nbsp;that he’s got some soul searching and growing up to do.Dave<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of 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: Address the deeper issues

<a href="https://memorials.martinbeckercarlson.com/pamela-kury/4754202/obituary.php?_ga=2.143394675.730576934.1634557529-1202697284.1612194326">Pamela Kury Obituary - Abilene, KS | Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home (martinbeckercarlson.com)</a>

&nbsp; Pamela Jean Kury (Tighe), age 65, of Abilene, passed away at Salina Regional Health Center on Friday, October 15, 2021. Pam was born in Nürnberg, Germany on June 20, 1956 to Paul and Joyce (Patterson) Tighe. Pamela came from humble beginnings which blessed her with a spirit of appreciation and gratitude for the littlest things. Pamela and her siblings grew up in a military home and lived in Virginia, Nebraska, and finally ending up in Kansas.

While in Kansas, Pamela learned how to cook and upkeep the house where she would blast oldies from the 50s and 60s and cleaning, dance, and help take care of her siblings. She loved listening to Elvis, Beatles, Bee Gees, and so many more. Pamela had a love for finding the sunshine in everything, even the dark times, she always used to tell us kids that our sufferings are our blessings.

In 1972 she met Gordon Kury and they got married and moved to Custer, South Dakota. They welcomed their three children; Chris, Alicia, and Becca. She spent her years in South Dakota teaching her children to reach for their goals while she was their biggest supporter. She would be at every sporting event cheering them on, cooking homemade meals, and holidays were where she shined. She loved making treats and meals for holidays and never forgot the people that were unable to be with us in person. She would gather her kids and they would bake her famous treats:&nbsp; mud, cinnamon rolls, peanut butter balls, sugar cookies, and much more and make special cards and send them out to show her love for all of her family. To this day no other cinnamon rolls compare. 

Through the miles apart from friends and family she never missed a holiday, anniversary, or birthday. She had a card for everything and enjoyed having her grandchildren fill them out and send them to whomever they were missing, she always kept her word and mailed them out.

In 2004, Pam returned to Abilene, Kansas and lived out her days enjoying time with her grandchildren. Everyone she met would be welcomed into her life and she had so many people that adored her and her company. She loved being a mother to all and making sure people knew that they were loved and wanted. She had a peacemaker’s heart and was always able to see the good in someone. No matter how difficult life would get, she would always point out something she was grateful for, even during the last few months of her life when she was at her weakest.

Pamela’s love for the Black Hills and Kansas tied into her love for Wizard of Oz. She was passionate about coming from the state where the story is from and loved being able to call the state that the author was from home as well. She finally got to follow her yellow brick road home. Pamela will be forever missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her son Christopher (Cassie) Kury of Oakdale, CT; her daughters Alicia Kury of Slater, Mo and Becca Kury of Colorado Springs, CO; her brother Tim Tighe of Newton, KS; and her sisters Becky Arenas of Abilene, KS and Debbie Tighe Stegemiller of Rising Sun, IN. She was known as “Grandmama” to her beloved Samuel Kury, Sawyer Kury, Reighlei Galvan, Auryelah Galvan, Charalei Galvan, Taiellah Galvan, Quetzalcoatl Aviles Kury. She had many other people from her life that loved her as a second mother. Pamela is preceded in death by her parents Paul Tighe, Jr. and Joyce Patterson; three brothers, baby David Tighe, Buddy Joe Eschliman, Mark Tighe. Memorial services will be held 1:00 p.m. Sunday, November 7, 2021, at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Enterprise, KS. There will be a luncheon held afterwards at the basement of the Enterprise Library. Memorial services will be held in South Dakota in June 20, 2022 and details for that service will be decided at a later time.

 Online condolences may be sent to www.martinbeckercarlson.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Pamela Kury, Abilene</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635453746931.png" alt="Pamela Kury" />
 <figcaption>Pamela Kury</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://memorials.martinbeckercarlson.com/pamela-kury/4754202/obituary.php?_ga=2.143394675.730576934.1634557529-1202697284.1612194326">Pamela Kury Obituary - Abilene, KS | Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home (martinbeckercarlson.com)</a>&nbsp;June 20, 1956 - October 16, 2021&nbsp; Pamela Jean Kury (Tighe), age 65, of Abilene, passed away at Salina Regional Health Center on Friday, October 15, 2021. Pam was born in Nürnberg, Germany on June 20, 1956 to Paul and Joyce (Patterson) Tighe. Pamela came from humble beginnings which blessed her with a spirit of appreciation and gratitude for the littlest things. Pamela and her siblings grew up in a military home and lived in Virginia, Nebraska, and finally ending up in Kansas. While in Kansas, Pamela learned how to cook and upkeep the house where she would blast oldies from the 50s and 60s and cleaning, dance, and help take care of her siblings. She loved listening to Elvis, Beatles, Bee Gees, and so many more. Pamela had a love for finding the sunshine in everything, even the dark times, she always used to tell us kids that our sufferings are our blessings.In 1972 she met Gordon Kury and they got married and moved to Custer, South Dakota. They welcomed their three children; Chris, Alicia, and Becca. She spent her years in South Dakota teaching her children to reach for their goals while she was their biggest supporter. She would be at every sporting event cheering them on, cooking homemade meals, and holidays were where she shined. She loved making treats and meals for holidays and never forgot the people that were unable to be with us in person. She would gather her kids and they would bake her famous treats:&nbsp; mud, cinnamon rolls, peanut butter balls, sugar cookies, and much more and make special cards and send them out to show her love for all of her family. To this day no other cinnamon rolls compare. Through the miles apart from friends and family she never missed a holiday, anniversary, or birthday. She had a card for everything and enjoyed having her grandchildren fill them out and send them to whomever they were missing, she always kept her word and mailed them out.In 2004, Pam returned to Abilene, Kansas and lived out her days enjoying time with her grandchildren. Everyone she met would be welcomed into her life and she had so many people that adored her and her company. She loved being a mother to all and making sure people knew that they were loved and wanted. She had a peacemaker’s heart and was always able to see the good in someone. No matter how difficult life would get, she would always point out something she was grateful for, even during the last few months of her life when she was at her weakest.Pamela’s love for the Black Hills and Kansas tied into her love for Wizard of Oz. She was passionate about coming from the state where the story is from and loved being able to call the state that the author was from home as well. She finally got to follow her yellow brick road home. Pamela will be forever missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her son Christopher (Cassie) Kury of Oakdale, CT; her daughters Alicia Kury of Slater, Mo and Becca Kury of Colorado Springs, CO; her brother Tim Tighe of Newton, KS; and her sisters Becky Arenas of Abilene, KS and Debbie Tighe Stegemiller of Rising Sun, IN. She was known as “Grandmama” to her beloved Samuel Kury, Sawyer Kury, Reighlei Galvan, Auryelah Galvan, Charalei Galvan, Taiellah Galvan, Quetzalcoatl Aviles Kury. She had many other people from her life that loved her as a second mother. Pamela is preceded in death by her parents Paul Tighe, Jr. and Joyce Patterson; three brothers, baby David Tighe, Buddy Joe Eschliman, Mark Tighe. Memorial services will be held 1:00 p.m. Sunday, November 7, 2021, at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Enterprise, KS. There will be a luncheon held afterwards at the basement of the Enterprise Library. Memorial services will be held in South Dakota in June 20, 2022 and details for that service will be decided at a later time. Online condolences may be sent to www.martinbeckercarlson.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pamela Kury

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

The new Saline County Jail project took another step forward this morning.

More than 50 people turned out on a chilly, blustery Wednesday morning for the ceremonial groundbreaking at 800 E. Pacific, the site where the new jail and Saline County Sheriff's Office is to be built.

County Commission Chair Rodger Sparks convened the event as an official commission meeting as all county commissioners were present. Also attending the ceremony were current and former local law enforcement personnel, county personnel, civic leaders, and interested citizens.

"I want to thank you for being here this morning and welcome you to a very important spot for the future of our community," Sparks told those assembled. "Beginning in just a few weeks and opening by the end of 2023, this will become the home of a new, 392-bed jail and sheriff's office for Saline County. This represents a voter-approved investment of more than $89 million in the future of the public safety in our community."

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said today was a "pretty exciting day," as moving the idea of a new jail to reality has been a long time coming.

"I think we probably should reflect back on former Sheriff Glen Kochanowski. He really started the ball rolling in 2011," Soldan said. 

At the time, Kochanowski and his staff, as well as other county officials put in a great deal of work to convince voters that a new jail was needed, however voters failed to approve a new jail in 2014.

"In hindsight, that project wasn't big enough," Soldan said.

According to Soldan, the site of the new jail/sheriff's office is the first location that officials considered for the project. 

Soldan noted that since 2011, the push for a new jail has prompted a number of positive changes for Saline County law enforcement, including Drug Court and pre-trial services.

"We've had quite a partnership with the public and we've had a lot of input from the public. And I see some of those faces here today," he said.

Soldan explained that the project is more than just a bigger jail, noting that sheriff's office personnel each will have his/her own locker, something they don't currently have. Additionally, all staff areas will have windows. Currently some offices are in the center of the building and only have artifical light. Sheriff's office personnel also will have a dedicated breakroom, also something the current sheriff's office lacks.

As for the jail, there will be dedicated beds for special needs as well as a medical unit for inmates with medical needs, Soldan said. Additionally, there will be space dedicated to programming.

Soldan said he appreciated the county commissioners as a group for their support on the project.

"They took time to listen. But also individually because they all took time out of their busy lives to tour our other facility, to come and see me when they had questions," Soldan said. "You know, it wasn't like they just voted on something. They actually studied this problem, because nobody wants to spend or even put it in front of the voters to spend this kind of money if it wasn't important to the public, so I appreciate the work you five guys have done."

Soldan also thanked former county commissioner Luci Larson and North Salina Community Development's Barb Young for their help in getting word out to voters about the need for a new jail.

"I would consider them my angels because we didn't have many last year, but they were there for us and they really helped spread the word," he said.

While thanking many other people, Soldan also made a point of thanking the voters of Saline County.

"But most of all, the citizens of Saline County for stepping up and supporting local law enforcement and supporting this project, and helping us get this passed. Thank you," he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635355165517.jpeg" alt="Saline County Commission Chair Rodger Sparks welcomes those attending the groundbreaking, as&nbsp;Deputy T. Casteel, holding the sheriff's office banner, looks on. Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Saline County Commission Chair Rodger Sparks welcomes those attending the groundbreaking, as&nbsp;Deputy T. Casteel, holding the sheriff's office banner, looks on. Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostThe new Saline County Jail project took another step forward this morning.More than 50 people turned out on a chilly, blustery Wednesday morning for the ceremonial groundbreaking at 800 E. Pacific, the site where the new jail and Saline County Sheriff's Office is to be built.County Commission Chair Rodger Sparks convened the event as an official commission meeting as all county commissioners were present. Also attending the ceremony were current and former local law enforcement personnel, county personnel, civic leaders, and interested citizens."I want to thank you for being here this morning and welcome you to a very important spot for the future of our community," Sparks told those assembled. "Beginning in just a few weeks and opening by the end of 2023, this will become the home of a new, 392-bed jail and sheriff's office for Saline County. This represents a voter-approved investment of more than $89 million in the future of the public safety in our community."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635355258304.jpeg" alt="Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan talks about the new facility. Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan talks about the new facility. Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said today was a "pretty exciting day," as moving the idea of a new jail to reality has been a long time coming."I think we probably should reflect back on former Sheriff Glen Kochanowski. He really started the ball rolling in 2011," Soldan said. At the time, Kochanowski and his staff, as well as other county officials put in a great deal of work to convince voters that a new jail was needed, however voters failed to approve a new jail in 2014."In hindsight, that project wasn't big enough," Soldan said.According to Soldan, the site of the new jail/sheriff's office is the first location that officials considered for the project. Soldan noted that since 2011, the push for a new jail has prompted a number of positive changes for Saline County law enforcement, including Drug Court and pre-trial services."We've had quite a partnership with the public and we've had a lot of input from the public. And I see some of those faces here today," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625968541102.jpeg" alt="A rendering of the front of the new Saline County Jail and Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;Image courtesy Saline County&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A rendering of the front of the new Saline County Jail and Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;Image courtesy Saline County&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Soldan explained that the project is more than just a bigger jail, noting that sheriff's office personnel each will have his/her own locker, something they don't currently have. Additionally, all staff areas will have windows. Currently some offices are in the center of the building and only have artifical light. Sheriff's office personnel also will have a dedicated breakroom, also something the current sheriff's office lacks.As for the jail, there will be dedicated beds for special needs as well as a medical unit for inmates with medical needs, Soldan said. Additionally, there will be space dedicated to programming.Soldan said he appreciated the county commissioners as a group for their support on the project."They took time to listen. But also individually because they all took time out of their busy lives to tour our other facility, to come and see me when they had questions," Soldan said. "You know, it wasn't like they just voted on something. They actually studied this problem, because nobody wants to spend or even put it in front of the voters to spend this kind of money if it wasn't important to the public, so I appreciate the work you five guys have done."Soldan also thanked former county commissioner Luci Larson and North Salina Community Development's Barb Young for their help in getting word out to voters about the need for a new jail."I would consider them my angels because we didn't have many last year, but they were there for us and they really helped spread the word," he said.While thanking many other people, Soldan also made a point of thanking the voters of Saline County."But most of all, the citizens of Saline County for stepping up and supporting local law enforcement and supporting this project, and helping us get this passed. Thank you," he said.

County breaks ground for new Saline County Jail and Sheriff's Office

WASHINGTON (AP) — More than six weeks after promising a new vaccination-or-testing rule covering the millions of Americans at companies with 100 or more workers, President Joe Biden’s most aggressive move yet to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is almost ready to see the light of day.

The three largest public universities in Kansas will require all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Officials with Kansas State, the University of Kansas and Wichita State all announced Friday that employees will need to be fully vaccinated by Dec. 8. The announcement came after the Board of Regents determined that an executive order from President Joe Biden applies to universities that work on federal contracts.&nbsp;

An obscure White House office is expected to give the green light any day to the rule’s fine print detailing how and when companies will have to require their employees to be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing.

The full enforcement deadline, which could carry penalties of about $14,000 per violation, may not take effect until after the new year. That’s why Biden and his aides have for weeks encouraged businesses to act as though the rule was already in effect and start imposing vaccination requirements.

The regulation, to be published in the Federal Register, was drafted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration under emergency authorities to protect worker safety and will cover an estimated 80 million U.S. workers. The White House sees it as a potent tool to winnow down the ranks of roughly 65 million Americans who have thus far refused to get a shot.

Unlike healthcare providers or federal employees, who may not have a testing alternative to vaccination, private sector workers won’t necessarily face termination if they don’t get vaccinated. But some businesses may choose to impose their own more stringent vaccination mandate, and it’s possible that businesses may be allowed to pass on the cost of weekly COVID-19 testing to their unvaccinated employees.

White House officials declined to discuss when the rule will be published or go into details on when businesses will have to comply.

For the last week, federal officials have hosted more than two dozen listening sessions with industry groups, businesses and advocacy organizations. Some have been supportive of the rule, others vehemently opposed, but all are eager to learn more about the fine print of the regulation.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other groups that represent large employers are worried that the proposal’s threshold -– applying to companies with 100 or more employees – could cause workers to migrate to jobs at smaller employers where they won’t need to be vaccinated.

“We really stressed the concern about employers losing employees, and what that would mean in the context of current supply-chain challenges and the upcoming holiday season,” said Marc Freedman, vice president for employment policy at the Chamber of Commerce. “You could start to see some very serious disruptions.”

Freedman, who took part in the chamber’s call with administration officials, said the 100-worker threshold would also hurt job creation by giving employers who have 90 or 95 employees a reason not to expand.

The experience of United Airlines and health-care providers that acted early to require vaccination suggests that very few employees will give up their jobs because of a vaccine mandate. United says about 200 of its 67,000 U.S. workers face termination for refusing to get vaccinated and another 2,000 are still seeking medical or religious exemptions.

State government vaccination mandate deadlines went into effect this week in Washington state, Massachusetts and New Jersey after a host of legal challenges by state employees and first responders’ unions.

In Washington, the state patrol lost 127 employees, including 67 troopers, who left due to the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for state employees, about 6% of the agency’s staff, officials said.

The Northwest state’s mandate also led to the high-profile firing of Washington State football coach Nick Rolovich and his four assistants, who wouldn’t get vaccinated.

In Massachusetts, nearly 1,600 state employees had not proved they were vaccinated or had sought a vaccine exemption by a Sunday deadline. Republican Gov. Charlie Baker announced in August that some 44,000 executive branch workers and contractors would be required to get vaccinated or face suspension and ultimately the loss of their jobs.

The National Association of Manufacturers is arguing that companies should get credit — perhaps an exemption from the rules — for taking early steps to get a high percentage of workers vaccinated. Manufacturers have expressed worry that they could see higher quit rates because many plants are located in rural areas where opposition to vaccination is stronger.

The manufacturers, the Chamber of Commerce and other business groups are also pushing the administration to let employers make unvaccinated workers pay for their own weekly COVID-19 testing.

“A lot of our members feel strongly that the vaccine is widely available, it is free, and so if a person opts not to be vaccinated potentially the onus of the test can and should fall on the employee who has made a choice not to vaccinate,” said Robyn Boerstling, a NAM vice president. She said employers should pay for testing if an employee has a medical condition or a “proven and true” religious reason for seeking an exemption.

Business groups, however, are not optimistic on the test-cost issue, saying that OSHA has a history of making employers bear the cost of new regulations.

Retailers are worried about the timing of the new regulation taking effect as they prepare for the critical holiday season. They want to push the rule’s effective date into next year.

Several people who took part in the discussions with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, which is doing the final review of the proposal, said they got no hints whether their arguments would sway the administration. They described conference-call meetings –- virtual because of the pandemic -– in which White House staffers listened and did not respond to their arguments.

It is not clear how the business community will respond once the final rule is published.

Business officials said legal challenges are more likely to come from Republican-led states such as Texas. And Alfredo Ortiz, president and CEO of the conservative Job Creators Network, reiterated his pledge Tuesday after meeting with the White House officials to sue to block the rule’s implementation. Two dozen attorneys general in GOP states vowed last month to use “every available legal option” to kill the mandate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631817363595.png" alt="President Biden says,"just get the shot." However, White House officials declined to discuss when the rule will be published or go into details on when businesses will have to comply.-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden says,"just get the shot." However, White House officials declined to discuss when the rule will be published or go into details on when businesses will have to comply.-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — More than six weeks after promising a new vaccination-or-testing rule covering the millions of Americans at companies with 100 or more workers, President Joe Biden’s most aggressive move yet to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is almost ready to see the light of day.The three largest public universities in Kansas will require all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Officials with Kansas State, the University of Kansas and Wichita State all announced Friday that employees will need to be fully vaccinated by Dec. 8. The announcement came after the Board of Regents determined that an executive order from President Joe Biden applies to universities that work on federal contracts.&nbsp;An obscure White House office is expected to give the green light any day to the rule’s fine print detailing how and when companies will have to require their employees to be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing.The full enforcement deadline, which could carry penalties of about $14,000 per violation, may not take effect until after the new year. That’s why Biden and his aides have for weeks encouraged businesses to act as though the rule was already in effect and start imposing vaccination requirements.The regulation, to be published in the Federal Register, was drafted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration under emergency authorities to protect worker safety and will cover an estimated 80 million U.S. workers. The White House sees it as a potent tool to winnow down the ranks of roughly 65 million Americans who have thus far refused to get a shot.Unlike healthcare providers or federal employees, who may not have a testing alternative to vaccination, private sector workers won’t necessarily face termination if they don’t get vaccinated. But some businesses may choose to impose their own more stringent vaccination mandate, and it’s possible that businesses may be allowed to pass on the cost of weekly COVID-19 testing to their unvaccinated employees.White House officials declined to discuss when the rule will be published or go into details on when businesses will have to comply.For the last week, federal officials have hosted more than two dozen listening sessions with industry groups, businesses and advocacy organizations. Some have been supportive of the rule, others vehemently opposed, but all are eager to learn more about the fine print of the regulation.The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other groups that represent large employers are worried that the proposal’s threshold -– applying to companies with 100 or more employees – could cause workers to migrate to jobs at smaller employers where they won’t need to be vaccinated.“We really stressed the concern about employers losing employees, and what that would mean in the context of current supply-chain challenges and the upcoming holiday season,” said Marc Freedman, vice president for employment policy at the Chamber of Commerce. “You could start to see some very serious disruptions.”Freedman, who took part in the chamber’s call with administration officials, said the 100-worker threshold would also hurt job creation by giving employers who have 90 or 95 employees a reason not to expand.The experience of United Airlines and health-care providers that acted early to require vaccination suggests that very few employees will give up their jobs because of a vaccine mandate. United says about 200 of its 67,000 U.S. workers face termination for refusing to get vaccinated and another 2,000 are still seeking medical or religious exemptions.State government vaccination mandate deadlines went into effect this week in Washington state, Massachusetts and New Jersey after a host of legal challenges by state employees and first responders’ unions.In Washington, the state patrol lost 127 employees, including 67 troopers, who left due to the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for state employees, about 6% of the agency’s staff, officials said.The Northwest state’s mandate also led to the high-profile firing of Washington State football coach Nick Rolovich and his four assistants, who wouldn’t get vaccinated.In Massachusetts, nearly 1,600 state employees had not proved they were vaccinated or had sought a vaccine exemption by a Sunday deadline. Republican Gov. Charlie Baker announced in August that some 44,000 executive branch workers and contractors would be required to get vaccinated or face suspension and ultimately the loss of their jobs.The National Association of Manufacturers is arguing that companies should get credit — perhaps an exemption from the rules — for taking early steps to get a high percentage of workers vaccinated. Manufacturers have expressed worry that they could see higher quit rates because many plants are located in rural areas where opposition to vaccination is stronger.The manufacturers, the Chamber of Commerce and other business groups are also pushing the administration to let employers make unvaccinated workers pay for their own weekly COVID-19 testing.“A lot of our members feel strongly that the vaccine is widely available, it is free, and so if a person opts not to be vaccinated potentially the onus of the test can and should fall on the employee who has made a choice not to vaccinate,” said Robyn Boerstling, a NAM vice president. She said employers should pay for testing if an employee has a medical condition or a “proven and true” religious reason for seeking an exemption.Business groups, however, are not optimistic on the test-cost issue, saying that OSHA has a history of making employers bear the cost of new regulations.Retailers are worried about the timing of the new regulation taking effect as they prepare for the critical holiday season. They want to push the rule’s effective date into next year.Several people who took part in the discussions with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, which is doing the final review of the proposal, said they got no hints whether their arguments would sway the administration. They described conference-call meetings –- virtual because of the pandemic -– in which White House staffers listened and did not respond to their arguments.It is not clear how the business community will respond once the final rule is published.Business officials said legal challenges are more likely to come from Republican-led states such as Texas. And Alfredo Ortiz, president and CEO of the conservative Job Creators Network, reiterated his pledge Tuesday after meeting with the White House officials to sue to block the rule’s implementation. Two dozen attorneys general in GOP states vowed last month to use “every available legal option” to kill the mandate.

Businesses nervously await fine print of Biden vax-or-test rule

The Southeast of Saline Trojans take on the Scott City Beavers tonight.

If you can't make it to the game in Scott City, KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) and Salina Post have you covered. You can listen to the game on KINA or watch it live on&nbsp;<a href="http://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>&nbsp;beginning at 7 p.m. tonight. As usual, Devin Hanney will have the call.

Click on the link below to watch the game live at 7 p.m. Friday.

The Southeast of Saline Trojans take on the Scott City Beavers tonight.If you can't make it to the game in Scott City, KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) and Salina Post have you covered. You can listen to the game on KINA or watch it live on&nbsp;<a href="http://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>&nbsp;beginning at 7 p.m. tonight. As usual, Devin Hanney will have the call.Click on the link below to watch the game live at 7 p.m. Friday.<figure>
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