Summer at the Library is here and recently Salina Public Library made a decision that will benefit the community’s youngest members. 

At its April Board of Directors meeting, SPL announced that all youth patrons (18 and younger) will have fees/fines forgiven up to $75. This includes more than 1,200 youth patrons. The move is designed to allow students to use the resources provided by the library so they can keep their learning interest and momentum up during the summer months.

“The summer months can be a difficult time for students in terms of learning and reading regression with school not in session,” Melanie Hedgespeth, Director, said. “This move gives those students more freedom and ease to use the library to help stay engaged and avoid that summer slide.”

Summer at the Library is the busiest time of the year for SPL. For the first time since the pandemic, there is a full slate of classes and programs for both youth and adult patrons. Community members can also take part in the Summer Reading program, which runs from May 20 through July 21. All it requires is reading or listening to a book(s) of their choice, fill out a book log form at the library or online and patrons are eligible to win weekly prizes. Random winners will be drawn, by age group, each week and posted to the library’s Facebook page. For more information, visit <a href="http://SalinaPublicLibrary.org">SalinaPublicLibrary.org</a>.

Patrons with questions about their accounts should contact the library’s Circulation Department at (785) 825-4624, ext. 220, or by emailing <a href="mailto:circ@salpublib.org" target="_blank">circ@salpublib.org</a>.

Salina Public LibrarySummer at the Library is here and recently Salina Public Library made a decision that will benefit the community’s youngest members. At its April Board of Directors meeting, SPL announced that all youth patrons (18 and younger) will have fees/fines forgiven up to $75. This includes more than 1,200 youth patrons. The move is designed to allow students to use the resources provided by the library so they can keep their learning interest and momentum up during the summer months.“The summer months can be a difficult time for students in terms of learning and reading regression with school not in session,” Melanie Hedgespeth, Director, said. “This move gives those students more freedom and ease to use the library to help stay engaged and avoid that summer slide.”Summer at the Library is the busiest time of the year for SPL. For the first time since the pandemic, there is a full slate of classes and programs for both youth and adult patrons. Community members can also take part in the Summer Reading program, which runs from May 20 through July 21. All it requires is reading or listening to a book(s) of their choice, fill out a book log form at the library or online and patrons are eligible to win weekly prizes. Random winners will be drawn, by age group, each week and posted to the library’s Facebook page. For more information, visit <a href="http://SalinaPublicLibrary.org">SalinaPublicLibrary.org</a>.Patrons with questions about their accounts should contact the library’s Circulation Department at (785) 825-4624, ext. 220, or by emailing <a href="mailto:circ@salpublib.org" target="_blank">circ@salpublib.org</a>.

Salina Public Library to forgive youth patron fees, fines up to $75

<a href="https://www.chaputbuoy.com/obituary/robert-alley">Obituary | Robert William Alley of Delphos, Kansas | Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home (chaputbuoy.com)</a>

Robert William Alley, age 62, entered into rest on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at Cloud County Health Center, Concordia, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on March 19, 1960 in Salina, Kansas to Lt. Col Gerald W. and Rosemary (Karlin) Alley.

He was a 1978 graduate of Sacred Heart High School in Salina, Kansas.&nbsp; He attended Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina, Kansas.

On August 1, 1983 he married Arleen Alley in Beloit, Kansas.&nbsp; They later divorced.

He worked in various occupations throughout his life starting out as a pipefitter and fire safety inspector.&nbsp; Robert was also a deputy for the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Department.&nbsp; He also worked for F&amp;A Food Service after acquiring his CDL and Hazmat endorsement.&nbsp; He worked for 24-7 Fuel Delivery Service.&nbsp; He was employed by Cloud County Health Center, Concordia in Environmental Services &amp; Food Service until his retirement.

Robert loved his dogs, horses, cars, motorcycles, and listening to music.

He is survived by his mother Rosemary Jochum, Salina, KS; his soul mate best friend Arleen Alley, Delphos, KS; four sisters, Coleen Atwood, Ft. Morgan, CO; Janine Martens (Jim), Salina, KS; Lisa James (Kyle), Salina, KS; Tracy Kalkman (Bob), Arvada, CO; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Lt. Col. Gerald W. Alley, and his stepfather Edward Jochum.

The family has selected cremation and a memorial service will be held at a later time.

Memorial contributions may be given to the O’Connor Animal Shelter, Concordia, Kansas &nbsp;in care of Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, P.O. Box 606, Concordia, KS 66901.&nbsp; 

For online condolences please visit, www.chaputbuoy.com.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Robert William Alley, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.chaputbuoy.com/obituary/robert-alley/gifts?campaign=obituaryThemed-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>Robert William Alley, Delphos</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653662181232.png" alt="Robert William Alley" />
 <figcaption>Robert William Alley</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.chaputbuoy.com/obituary/robert-alley">Obituary | Robert William Alley of Delphos, Kansas | Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home (chaputbuoy.com)</a>March 19, 1960 - May 24, 2022Robert William Alley, age 62, entered into rest on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at Cloud County Health Center, Concordia, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on March 19, 1960 in Salina, Kansas to Lt. Col Gerald W. and Rosemary (Karlin) Alley.He was a 1978 graduate of Sacred Heart High School in Salina, Kansas.&nbsp; He attended Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina, Kansas.On August 1, 1983 he married Arleen Alley in Beloit, Kansas.&nbsp; They later divorced.He worked in various occupations throughout his life starting out as a pipefitter and fire safety inspector.&nbsp; Robert was also a deputy for the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Department.&nbsp; He also worked for F&amp;A Food Service after acquiring his CDL and Hazmat endorsement.&nbsp; He worked for 24-7 Fuel Delivery Service.&nbsp; He was employed by Cloud County Health Center, Concordia in Environmental Services &amp; Food Service until his retirement.Robert loved his dogs, horses, cars, motorcycles, and listening to music.He is survived by his mother Rosemary Jochum, Salina, KS; his soul mate best friend Arleen Alley, Delphos, KS; four sisters, Coleen Atwood, Ft. Morgan, CO; Janine Martens (Jim), Salina, KS; Lisa James (Kyle), Salina, KS; Tracy Kalkman (Bob), Arvada, CO; numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his father Lt. Col. Gerald W. Alley, and his stepfather Edward Jochum.The family has selected cremation and a memorial service will be held at a later time.Memorial contributions may be given to the O’Connor Animal Shelter, Concordia, Kansas &nbsp;in care of Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, P.O. Box 606, Concordia, KS 66901.&nbsp; For online condolences please visit, www.chaputbuoy.com.To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Robert William Alley, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.chaputbuoy.com/obituary/robert-alley/gifts?campaign=obituaryThemed-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Robert William Alley

<a href="https://www.yazelmeglifh.com/obituaries/cooper-obray-1">Cooper O'Bray Obituary 2022 - Yazel - Megli Funeral Homes (yazelmeglifh.com)</a>

Cooper Allen O’Bray’s Birth Announcement

Cooper Allen O’Bray was born April 15, 2022 on Good Friday at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas to Rachel Amiot Thompson and Matthew O’Bray at 12:54 a.m. at 3 pounds, 11 ounces and 15 inches long.

At 12 weeks and two days gestation, Cooper was diagnosed with Trisomy 18, also known as Edwards Syndrome. At 20 weeks gestation, Cooper was also diagnosed with HLHS (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome) meaning Cooper had only his right side of his heart; this diagnosis is terminal. With each week Cooper continued to grow and defied all the odds that the doctors gave his mom and dad. At 36 weeks and one day, mom and dad relocated to the Ronald McDonald house in Kansas City. On April 13th, Cooper's mom was diagnosed with preeclampsia and admitted to the women's fetal health floor at Children's Mercy. The morning of April 14 induction to Cooper's birth was started. After 30 hours and 54 minutes Cooper joined this world with his mom, dad, siblings, and grandparents on April 15, 2022, at 12:54 a.m. at 3 pounds, 11 ounces and 15 inches long.&nbsp;

Cooper's family were prepared and praying to get time with Cooper before he passed away, because all the doctors told them that Trisomy 18 is “incompatible with life” and add HLHS, that Cooper would not survive after birth, if he survived birth. But at 12:54 a.m. Cooper was breathing! HE CRIED! He was placed on his mom's chest, and he looked up at his mom and he continued to breathe. Cooper defied the odds; he survived birth and he lived! Blood was taken from the umbilical cord for genetic testing. Cooper was to have no pain, no needle pokes, only love and peace. Cooper was baptized with his family at his side.&nbsp;

After his birth they were moved to a regular room where many doctors came to see him. Cooper had a right cleft lip, however, miraculously, it healed in the womb. His palate was intact which allowed him to breathe and take milk from a bottle.&nbsp;

Cooper was born with two clubbed feet and the softest rock bottom feet. Both hands were clenched and clubbed but he could move them, and they caused no pain. (These are common soft markers found in ultrasounds to diagnose Trisomy-18 which occurs in 1 in every 5,000 pregnancies).

At one day of age Cooper received a cardiac echogram of his heart, where it was found that the PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus) was enlarged at 0.63 cm. The cardiologists told us that with this, they could give us two weeks of life. If Cooper passed before two weeks, it would then be a Trisomy 18 relation such as apnea, but they also said he could live up to two months. Twenty-four hours after Cooper's birth, mom, dad, and Cooper headed home from Kansas City, 2.5 hours to Herington, Kansas, to spend his time home with family. Cooper came home under the care of Dickinson County Hospice.&nbsp;

Cooper fought each day to spend time with his family and for 33 days, he was home with someone 24/7. Cooper was never alone and never knew pain, only love. While very small at 3.5 pounds, Cooper received a NG tube at Wesley Children's on April 19th at four days old, as Cooper started to decline in oral bottle feeding, He was just too small. With the NG tube, Cooper regained his birth weight of three pounds 11 ounces and enjoyed his “droplets” of milk by mouth (with his precious kissy lips). Cooper breathed on his own until May 4th. He was 19 days old when he developed sleep apnea/ central apnea and oxygen was used and he was okay.

Cooper's family cherished every second of their borrowed time from God, providing memories for Cooper and family to last a lifetime. Cooper enjoyed meeting the Easter Bunny by Rachel Barnes. He met Santa Claus, thanks to Mr. Hirsch. Cooper was home loving on Mommy for Mother’s Day. All of his grandparents were able to meet him, not only once but twice. He enjoyed a one-month birthday party with his family and both sets of grandparents. He got to enjoy a little bit of frosting from his birthday cupcake and birthday cookie. He looked at his big bright candle while he was serenaded with “Happy Birthday.” Each morning Mommy and Cooper read stories and Mommy took thousands of pictures. Cooper even celebrated with his big brother Presley, as he graduated high school. So many cherished family events and memories were spent with Cooper.&nbsp;

On the afternoon of May 18th, Cooper developed pulmonary hypertension as his PDA was closing. His family snuggled him and gave him so much love and cherished those last fighting moments as Cooper peacefully closed his eyes and went to be with Jesus on May 18th,2022 at 10:41 p.m. at the age of 33 days, 9 hours and 41 minutes of life. Our sweet boy, who was told we may get a few minutes, or he would probably be born sleeping, gave his family almost 802 hours of glorious, treasured time together.

Cooper will forever be known as “Mighty Mouse” because when he stretched his arms, he would stretch his right arm all the way up and his left arm down, He looked like Mighty Mouse. However, being so small he truly was a fighter just like Mighty Mouse. Cooper touched the lives and hearts of not only his family and friends, but the lives of so many people all over the world through his mom’s online support groups: Trisomy 18, Soft and From Diagnosis to Delivery. An extreme amount of love came from his Herington community and friends of family all over the United States. He will never be forgotten. He truly blessed so many people giving hope, joy, love and wrote his own story.

Cooper Allen O’Bray is survived by his mom (Rachel), dad (Matthew) of Herington, Kansas, his big brother Preston of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, his big brothers Parker, Presley, Chase, and Grayson of Herington, Kansas, his big sister Emma of Herington, Kansas, his special sister Lindsey of Herington Kansas, his maternal grandparents Allen and Myra (Heuer) Thompson of Stockholm, South Dakota, his fraternal grandparents LeRoy and Cindy (Morgan) O’Bray of Hope, Kansas, his aunts, uncles, and cousins&nbsp;

Cooper is preceded in death by his great-grandparents Jackie and Theodora Thompson, Erwin and Rose Heuer, Alfred and Theresa Morgan, and Florence Sanders and Gerald O’Bray.

Viewing at Yazel-Megli funeral home in Herington, KS, Wednesday, May 25th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with service to follow at 7:30 p.m. with Father Peter.&nbsp;

Graveside services will be held at a later date at the Evergreen Cemetery in Stockholm, South Dakota for family and friends.&nbsp;

A special Cooper O’Bray Memorial fund was set up under Rachel Amiot at Central National Bank of Herington.

Cards may be mailed to the family at 589 Union Road, Herington, Kansas 67449

Cooper's family would like to say thank you to everyone who prayed and supported the family throughout Cooper's wonderful and glorious life. He truly was a Trisomy-18 miracle, and he was truly loved by all, and he was able to receive and give love to so many in his short 33 days of life. During his brief visit on earth, Cooper enjoyed listening to music, his mother singing to him, morning story time, being held close by his parents, siblings, family and friends. He was loved by all who met him and will be greatly missed.&nbsp;

Fly high, sweet baby boy Cooper. You have gained your angel wings and will forever be missed. We will see you again someday; you will always be our little sunshine; you are my sunshine! A sweet diamond in the sky. Rest in heaven, precious angel. You are proof that angels can live here on earth. We are so grateful God picked us to be your mommy, daddy, and family. Thank you, Cooper, for letting us love you and for loving us with all your pure unconditional love. -Love, Mom and Dd

"I will not forget you, for behold, I have written your name on the palms of my hands." -Isaiah 49:15b, 16a

To plant&nbsp;<a href="https://condolences.com/Yazel-Megli-Funeral-Home-Herington/trees/?bgs=LcxpGdD9wmHKxUFfJmEKJiYN3BdQl69sCGZD07PttEXj6PgT36KvyUIiBfCh6yiogm7GGY3uGdpypOMbT2R5JNmSw39sdGg2I1ApHBbR%2FlhbMgNB4Lsm5UpP%2BWMze7Rqx0g1aM2EhEb367XffCvSAvSv4WOJo90RYU4MPFvzkW8hiIZ71iWg4rLEt10YCATUfOMXc1Vu7%2BR1S5B7xPGdnuUZJtAYUVM0e2%2Be8ebcx%2B0N0CsQs5NvPEbTCqut%2Fu2LloVMH82S74GaxJj2q2ilW%2Bia8ecas9L7lqbyK5Xty9doKx%2Fw2ojl4t0g9egCsLcWNp2SYWN%2F44vE5TYL1lgOavwp7IKGgbmlfS4rnc1LDD%2BXzg1zokII4jbuS%2BhdsV%2Fig1WwUC0%2Be7tkTy7C8LYGs%2B0I%2BJy%2BdP772mtEaPL8tft3dA0vH2Q4YZJmc%2FYuJ34nzd%2FFTnsi1bu06xKCaS17tZ%2BtEM96Y7ueqKar484pHapxWRPeZgi2ZOPRnxp9fw73buuuE1HMct3q6%2BEdYpjlUWpNcBSOme%2FME4KeWzuEMSREkS3iivlxb9XIyLZScyK8A4FZ8ShZEAYnubnYHuEtIPGCRxlB3UcIrbFYH2eO3uYHd2EdhCl4pYuu9Njau4zhQVJzcZrzvDnPnOpQCy5mrWOFfAjZ45IGP6A0F9T8wSTmVIP7lu9Ub5BAxxmF%2BUQxt3duSSsUE%2BXhoPUZpWyFIWvdd4QFe57jHdBMvO7Af5DxdS7NO9kmhR%2B2QvDdRr1DKBsiHCGggBqIBy6RSJBNmt9vU7KqTOXf3dz6LuL3T9pgLx9KHe0ybEhP3q78eXkTHv%2BWZjIs0VvbcjJnL9j8IoAiRehTEZlgCd7R4vE2DAbxTFWmG2FAKCapot6jGOQI1IabJVVUGbRj2pSVA22J6jsPeaWk9Ms47Ctj5iX9GApBJh6Z2s91K%2FSS%2FepcEUqPXrhVha0%2BwRELz%2BiaV%2Bu7%2FacQh5yh3J0Q7gpgXw9rQ%2BvTluLzMPEtFqo4k%2Bf9%2BcoD5XWZlvbjUufKT5EtGNvmVVyMgHHn3ft7kK4GS0zLtzBXjuU8W%2BxTv5fsCpoXMxI%2FPHQhVM5w4PF98ayLcYcoAC4PWogtCVxlNlqOZYh7ido05O764YFnZ%2F7xV%2BZ2p2MZL%2BjyoW%2B6G78JqN2ecpdF%2B5WLAkUIJkUD5zHXxvBD5KkgCVNV%2Fpbt3ggSCDRlvkPfdYT7ibs%2BFhe0IBmTmpYEI1YhRRZTYi1j3TBH1dn9dsqb3WlywMZq0WYTcCAqiwjxYQYiEsFAaNAORpO9izRpO%2FZbKsyPxNSfTrkuEl%2Fvn6Veg6zblGpBUnICUPH6PCqdtMmrJFbQYtX%2FK4djqRp%2BX2xvUPTla6%2B5KDVpYRRNcdH%2BIuCwt4GWAfhwhsg8%2Bqlkh%2F9UMRITW83mcAf7KNpZvXqEJcGUGA2c6omKff%2BoyaSwGiRMeANs0bSUyjdhSO35UfyuHgYl6Tq5NcvuIJngvDl0Dr7bfS%2FSXLzA3H5Hd9982Z2OLDZj49D0GU3n9poGTfTGWzEU%2FTd09uhO%2Fwmk39N3WFuGoTPqHZAzyXeSjwRo7b3fnl3orA7WfE21B6dULvMLhZ6tjcMkAWZ9y7HEfsLqNsY5amxykQ2r%2F8jVo5bqaMCO5EaacIt%2B5jILDJuCtTe68fCrR7pKh2%2B30IM5nQ%3D%3D">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Cooper O'Bray, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://condolences.com/Yazel-Megli-Funeral-Home-Herington/flowers/?bgs=LcxpGdD9wmHKxUFfJmEKJiYN3BdQl69sCGZD07PttEXj6PgT36KvyUIiBfCh6yiogm7GGY3uGdpypOMbT2R5JNmSw39sdGg2I1ApHBbR%2FlhbMgNB4Lsm5UpP%2BWMze7Rqx0g1aM2EhEb367XffCvSAvSv4WOJo90RYU4MPFvzkW8hiIZ71iWg4rLEt10YCATUfOMXc1Vu7%2BR1S5B7xPGdnuUZJtAYUVM0e2%2Be8ebcx%2B0N0CsQs5NvPEbTCqut%2Fu2LloVMH82S74GaxJj2q2ilW%2Bia8ecas9L7lqbyK5Xty9doKx%2Fw2ojl4t0g9egCsLcWNp2SYWN%2F44vE5TYL1lgOavwp7IKGgbmlfS4rnc1LDD%2BXzg1zokII4jbuS%2BhdsV%2Fig1WwUC0%2Be7tkTy7C8LYGs%2B0I%2BJy%2BdP772mtEaPL8tft3dA0vH2Q4YZJmc%2FYuJ34nzd%2FFTnsi1bu06xKCaS17tZ%2BtEM96Y7ueqKar484pHapxWRPeZgi2ZOPRnxp9fw73buuuE1HMct3q6%2BEdYpjlUWpNcBSOme%2FME4KeWzuEMSREkS3iivlxb9XIyLZScyK8A4FZ8ShZEAYnubnYHuEtIPGCRxlB3UcIrbFYH2eO3uYHd2EdhCl4pYuu9Njau4zhQVJzcZrzvDnPnOpQCy5mrWOFfAjZ45IGP6A0F9T8wSTmVIP7lu9Ub5BAxxmF%2BUQxt3duSSsUE%2BXhoPUZpWyFIWvdd4QFe57jHdBMvO7Af5DxdS7NO9kmhR%2B2QvDdRr1DKBsiHCGggBqIBy6RSJBNmt9vU7KqTOXf3dz6LuL3T9pgLx9KHe0ybEhP3q78eXkTHv%2BWZjIs0VvbcjJnL9j8IoAiRehTEZlgCd7R4vE2DAbxTFWmG2FAKCapot6jGOQI1IabJVVUGbRj2pSVA22J6jsPeaWk9Ms47Ctj5iX9GApBJh6Z2s91K%2FSS%2FepcEUqPXrhVha0%2BwRELz%2BiaV%2Bu7%2FacQh5yh3J0Q7gpgXw9rQ%2BvTluLzMPEtFqo4k%2Bf9%2BcoD5XWZlvbjUufKT5EtGNvmVVyMgHHn3ft7kK4GS0zLtzBXjuU8W%2BxTv5fsCpoXMxI%2FPHQhVM5w4PF98ayLcYcoAC4PWogtCVxlNlqOZYh7ido05O764YFnZ%2F7xV%2BZ2p2MZL%2BjyoW%2B6G78JqN2ecpdF%2B5WLAkUIJkUD5zHXxvBD5KkgCVNV%2Fpbt3ggSCDRlvkPfdYT7ibs%2BFhe0IBmTmpYEI1YhRRZTYi1j3TBH1dn9dsqb3WlywMZq0WYTcCAqiwjxYQYiEsFAaNAORpO9izRpO%2FZbKsyPxNSfTrkuEl%2Fvn6Veg6zblGpBUnICUPH6PCqdtMmrJFbQYtX%2FK4djqRp%2BX2xvUPTla6%2B5KDVpYRRNcdH%2BIuCwt4GWAfhwhsg8%2Bqlkh%2F9UMRITW83mcAf7KNpZvXqEJcGUGA2c6omKff%2BoyaSwGiRMeANs0bSUyjdhSO35UfyuHgYl6Tq5NcvuIJngvDl0Dr7bfS%2FSXLzA3H5Hd9982Z2OLDZj49D0GU3n9poGTfTGWzEU%2FTd09uhO%2Fwmk39N3WFuGoTPqHZAzyXeSjwRo7b3fnl3orA7WfE21B6dULvMLhZ6tjcMkAWZ9y7HEfsLqNsY5amxykQ2r%2F8jVo5bqaMCO5EaacIt%2B5jILDJuCtTe68fCrR7pKh2%2B30IM5nQ%3D%3D">flower store</a>.

<h2>Cooper Allen O'Bray</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653336404775.jpeg" alt="Cooper Allen O'Bray" />
 <figcaption>Cooper Allen O'Bray</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.yazelmeglifh.com/obituaries/cooper-obray-1">Cooper O'Bray Obituary 2022 - Yazel - Megli Funeral Homes (yazelmeglifh.com)</a>April 15, 2022 - May 18, 2022Cooper Allen O’Bray’s Birth AnnouncementCooper Allen O’Bray was born April 15, 2022 on Good Friday at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas to Rachel Amiot Thompson and Matthew O’Bray at 12:54 a.m. at 3 pounds, 11 ounces and 15 inches long.Cooper Allen O’Bray’s Journey&nbsp;At 12 weeks and two days gestation, Cooper was diagnosed with Trisomy 18, also known as Edwards Syndrome. At 20 weeks gestation, Cooper was also diagnosed with HLHS (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome) meaning Cooper had only his right side of his heart; this diagnosis is terminal. With each week Cooper continued to grow and defied all the odds that the doctors gave his mom and dad. At 36 weeks and one day, mom and dad relocated to the Ronald McDonald house in Kansas City. On April 13th, Cooper's mom was diagnosed with preeclampsia and admitted to the women's fetal health floor at Children's Mercy. The morning of April 14 induction to Cooper's birth was started. After 30 hours and 54 minutes Cooper joined this world with his mom, dad, siblings, and grandparents on April 15, 2022, at 12:54 a.m. at 3 pounds, 11 ounces and 15 inches long.&nbsp;Cooper's family were prepared and praying to get time with Cooper before he passed away, because all the doctors told them that Trisomy 18 is “incompatible with life” and add HLHS, that Cooper would not survive after birth, if he survived birth. But at 12:54 a.m. Cooper was breathing! HE CRIED! He was placed on his mom's chest, and he looked up at his mom and he continued to breathe. Cooper defied the odds; he survived birth and he lived! Blood was taken from the umbilical cord for genetic testing. Cooper was to have no pain, no needle pokes, only love and peace. Cooper was baptized with his family at his side.&nbsp;After his birth they were moved to a regular room where many doctors came to see him. Cooper had a right cleft lip, however, miraculously, it healed in the womb. His palate was intact which allowed him to breathe and take milk from a bottle.&nbsp;Cooper was born with two clubbed feet and the softest rock bottom feet. Both hands were clenched and clubbed but he could move them, and they caused no pain. (These are common soft markers found in ultrasounds to diagnose Trisomy-18 which occurs in 1 in every 5,000 pregnancies).At one day of age Cooper received a cardiac echogram of his heart, where it was found that the PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus) was enlarged at 0.63 cm. The cardiologists told us that with this, they could give us two weeks of life. If Cooper passed before two weeks, it would then be a Trisomy 18 relation such as apnea, but they also said he could live up to two months. Twenty-four hours after Cooper's birth, mom, dad, and Cooper headed home from Kansas City, 2.5 hours to Herington, Kansas, to spend his time home with family. Cooper came home under the care of Dickinson County Hospice.&nbsp;Cooper fought each day to spend time with his family and for 33 days, he was home with someone 24/7. Cooper was never alone and never knew pain, only love. While very small at 3.5 pounds, Cooper received a NG tube at Wesley Children's on April 19th at four days old, as Cooper started to decline in oral bottle feeding, He was just too small. With the NG tube, Cooper regained his birth weight of three pounds 11 ounces and enjoyed his “droplets” of milk by mouth (with his precious kissy lips). Cooper breathed on his own until May 4th. He was 19 days old when he developed sleep apnea/ central apnea and oxygen was used and he was okay.Cooper's family cherished every second of their borrowed time from God, providing memories for Cooper and family to last a lifetime. Cooper enjoyed meeting the Easter Bunny by Rachel Barnes. He met Santa Claus, thanks to Mr. Hirsch. Cooper was home loving on Mommy for Mother’s Day. All of his grandparents were able to meet him, not only once but twice. He enjoyed a one-month birthday party with his family and both sets of grandparents. He got to enjoy a little bit of frosting from his birthday cupcake and birthday cookie. He looked at his big bright candle while he was serenaded with “Happy Birthday.” Each morning Mommy and Cooper read stories and Mommy took thousands of pictures. Cooper even celebrated with his big brother Presley, as he graduated high school. So many cherished family events and memories were spent with Cooper.&nbsp;Cooper Gets His WingsOn the afternoon of May 18th, Cooper developed pulmonary hypertension as his PDA was closing. His family snuggled him and gave him so much love and cherished those last fighting moments as Cooper peacefully closed his eyes and went to be with Jesus on May 18th,2022 at 10:41 p.m. at the age of 33 days, 9 hours and 41 minutes of life. Our sweet boy, who was told we may get a few minutes, or he would probably be born sleeping, gave his family almost 802 hours of glorious, treasured time together.Cooper will forever be known as “Mighty Mouse” because when he stretched his arms, he would stretch his right arm all the way up and his left arm down, He looked like Mighty Mouse. However, being so small he truly was a fighter just like Mighty Mouse. Cooper touched the lives and hearts of not only his family and friends, but the lives of so many people all over the world through his mom’s online support groups: Trisomy 18, Soft and From Diagnosis to Delivery. An extreme amount of love came from his Herington community and friends of family all over the United States. He will never be forgotten. He truly blessed so many people giving hope, joy, love and wrote his own story.Cooper Allen O’Bray is survived by his mom (Rachel), dad (Matthew) of Herington, Kansas, his big brother Preston of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, his big brothers Parker, Presley, Chase, and Grayson of Herington, Kansas, his big sister Emma of Herington, Kansas, his special sister Lindsey of Herington Kansas, his maternal grandparents Allen and Myra (Heuer) Thompson of Stockholm, South Dakota, his fraternal grandparents LeRoy and Cindy (Morgan) O’Bray of Hope, Kansas, his aunts, uncles, and cousins&nbsp;Cooper is preceded in death by his great-grandparents Jackie and Theodora Thompson, Erwin and Rose Heuer, Alfred and Theresa Morgan, and Florence Sanders and Gerald O’Bray.Viewing at Yazel-Megli funeral home in Herington, KS, Wednesday, May 25th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with service to follow at 7:30 p.m. with Father Peter.&nbsp;Graveside services will be held at a later date at the Evergreen Cemetery in Stockholm, South Dakota for family and friends.&nbsp;A special Cooper O’Bray Memorial fund was set up under Rachel Amiot at Central National Bank of Herington.Cards may be mailed to the family at 589 Union Road, Herington, Kansas 67449Cooper's family would like to say thank you to everyone who prayed and supported the family throughout Cooper's wonderful and glorious life. He truly was a Trisomy-18 miracle, and he was truly loved by all, and he was able to receive and give love to so many in his short 33 days of life. During his brief visit on earth, Cooper enjoyed listening to music, his mother singing to him, morning story time, being held close by his parents, siblings, family and friends. He was loved by all who met him and will be greatly missed.&nbsp;Mom and Dad’s Letter to CooperFly high, sweet baby boy Cooper. You have gained your angel wings and will forever be missed. We will see you again someday; you will always be our little sunshine; you are my sunshine! A sweet diamond in the sky. Rest in heaven, precious angel. You are proof that angels can live here on earth. We are so grateful God picked us to be your mommy, daddy, and family. Thank you, Cooper, for letting us love you and for loving us with all your pure unconditional love. -Love, Mom and Dd"I will not forget you, for behold, I have written your name on the palms of my hands." -Isaiah 49:15b, 16aTo plant&nbsp;<a href="https://condolences.com/Yazel-Megli-Funeral-Home-Herington/trees/?bgs=LcxpGdD9wmHKxUFfJmEKJiYN3BdQl69sCGZD07PttEXj6PgT36KvyUIiBfCh6yiogm7GGY3uGdpypOMbT2R5JNmSw39sdGg2I1ApHBbR%2FlhbMgNB4Lsm5UpP%2BWMze7Rqx0g1aM2EhEb367XffCvSAvSv4WOJo90RYU4MPFvzkW8hiIZ71iWg4rLEt10YCATUfOMXc1Vu7%2BR1S5B7xPGdnuUZJtAYUVM0e2%2Be8ebcx%2B0N0CsQs5NvPEbTCqut%2Fu2LloVMH82S74GaxJj2q2ilW%2Bia8ecas9L7lqbyK5Xty9doKx%2Fw2ojl4t0g9egCsLcWNp2SYWN%2F44vE5TYL1lgOavwp7IKGgbmlfS4rnc1LDD%2BXzg1zokII4jbuS%2BhdsV%2Fig1WwUC0%2Be7tkTy7C8LYGs%2B0I%2BJy%2BdP772mtEaPL8tft3dA0vH2Q4YZJmc%2FYuJ34nzd%2FFTnsi1bu06xKCaS17tZ%2BtEM96Y7ueqKar484pHapxWRPeZgi2ZOPRnxp9fw73buuuE1HMct3q6%2BEdYpjlUWpNcBSOme%2FME4KeWzuEMSREkS3iivlxb9XIyLZScyK8A4FZ8ShZEAYnubnYHuEtIPGCRxlB3UcIrbFYH2eO3uYHd2EdhCl4pYuu9Njau4zhQVJzcZrzvDnPnOpQCy5mrWOFfAjZ45IGP6A0F9T8wSTmVIP7lu9Ub5BAxxmF%2BUQxt3duSSsUE%2BXhoPUZpWyFIWvdd4QFe57jHdBMvO7Af5DxdS7NO9kmhR%2B2QvDdRr1DKBsiHCGggBqIBy6RSJBNmt9vU7KqTOXf3dz6LuL3T9pgLx9KHe0ybEhP3q78eXkTHv%2BWZjIs0VvbcjJnL9j8IoAiRehTEZlgCd7R4vE2DAbxTFWmG2FAKCapot6jGOQI1IabJVVUGbRj2pSVA22J6jsPeaWk9Ms47Ctj5iX9GApBJh6Z2s91K%2FSS%2FepcEUqPXrhVha0%2BwRELz%2BiaV%2Bu7%2FacQh5yh3J0Q7gpgXw9rQ%2BvTluLzMPEtFqo4k%2Bf9%2BcoD5XWZlvbjUufKT5EtGNvmVVyMgHHn3ft7kK4GS0zLtzBXjuU8W%2BxTv5fsCpoXMxI%2FPHQhVM5w4PF98ayLcYcoAC4PWogtCVxlNlqOZYh7ido05O764YFnZ%2F7xV%2BZ2p2MZL%2BjyoW%2B6G78JqN2ecpdF%2B5WLAkUIJkUD5zHXxvBD5KkgCVNV%2Fpbt3ggSCDRlvkPfdYT7ibs%2BFhe0IBmTmpYEI1YhRRZTYi1j3TBH1dn9dsqb3WlywMZq0WYTcCAqiwjxYQYiEsFAaNAORpO9izRpO%2FZbKsyPxNSfTrkuEl%2Fvn6Veg6zblGpBUnICUPH6PCqdtMmrJFbQYtX%2FK4djqRp%2BX2xvUPTla6%2B5KDVpYRRNcdH%2BIuCwt4GWAfhwhsg8%2Bqlkh%2F9UMRITW83mcAf7KNpZvXqEJcGUGA2c6omKff%2BoyaSwGiRMeANs0bSUyjdhSO35UfyuHgYl6Tq5NcvuIJngvDl0Dr7bfS%2FSXLzA3H5Hd9982Z2OLDZj49D0GU3n9poGTfTGWzEU%2FTd09uhO%2Fwmk39N3WFuGoTPqHZAzyXeSjwRo7b3fnl3orA7WfE21B6dULvMLhZ6tjcMkAWZ9y7HEfsLqNsY5amxykQ2r%2F8jVo5bqaMCO5EaacIt%2B5jILDJuCtTe68fCrR7pKh2%2B30IM5nQ%3D%3D">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Cooper O'Bray, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://condolences.com/Yazel-Megli-Funeral-Home-Herington/flowers/?bgs=LcxpGdD9wmHKxUFfJmEKJiYN3BdQl69sCGZD07PttEXj6PgT36KvyUIiBfCh6yiogm7GGY3uGdpypOMbT2R5JNmSw39sdGg2I1ApHBbR%2FlhbMgNB4Lsm5UpP%2BWMze7Rqx0g1aM2EhEb367XffCvSAvSv4WOJo90RYU4MPFvzkW8hiIZ71iWg4rLEt10YCATUfOMXc1Vu7%2BR1S5B7xPGdnuUZJtAYUVM0e2%2Be8ebcx%2B0N0CsQs5NvPEbTCqut%2Fu2LloVMH82S74GaxJj2q2ilW%2Bia8ecas9L7lqbyK5Xty9doKx%2Fw2ojl4t0g9egCsLcWNp2SYWN%2F44vE5TYL1lgOavwp7IKGgbmlfS4rnc1LDD%2BXzg1zokII4jbuS%2BhdsV%2Fig1WwUC0%2Be7tkTy7C8LYGs%2B0I%2BJy%2BdP772mtEaPL8tft3dA0vH2Q4YZJmc%2FYuJ34nzd%2FFTnsi1bu06xKCaS17tZ%2BtEM96Y7ueqKar484pHapxWRPeZgi2ZOPRnxp9fw73buuuE1HMct3q6%2BEdYpjlUWpNcBSOme%2FME4KeWzuEMSREkS3iivlxb9XIyLZScyK8A4FZ8ShZEAYnubnYHuEtIPGCRxlB3UcIrbFYH2eO3uYHd2EdhCl4pYuu9Njau4zhQVJzcZrzvDnPnOpQCy5mrWOFfAjZ45IGP6A0F9T8wSTmVIP7lu9Ub5BAxxmF%2BUQxt3duSSsUE%2BXhoPUZpWyFIWvdd4QFe57jHdBMvO7Af5DxdS7NO9kmhR%2B2QvDdRr1DKBsiHCGggBqIBy6RSJBNmt9vU7KqTOXf3dz6LuL3T9pgLx9KHe0ybEhP3q78eXkTHv%2BWZjIs0VvbcjJnL9j8IoAiRehTEZlgCd7R4vE2DAbxTFWmG2FAKCapot6jGOQI1IabJVVUGbRj2pSVA22J6jsPeaWk9Ms47Ctj5iX9GApBJh6Z2s91K%2FSS%2FepcEUqPXrhVha0%2BwRELz%2BiaV%2Bu7%2FacQh5yh3J0Q7gpgXw9rQ%2BvTluLzMPEtFqo4k%2Bf9%2BcoD5XWZlvbjUufKT5EtGNvmVVyMgHHn3ft7kK4GS0zLtzBXjuU8W%2BxTv5fsCpoXMxI%2FPHQhVM5w4PF98ayLcYcoAC4PWogtCVxlNlqOZYh7ido05O764YFnZ%2F7xV%2BZ2p2MZL%2BjyoW%2B6G78JqN2ecpdF%2B5WLAkUIJkUD5zHXxvBD5KkgCVNV%2Fpbt3ggSCDRlvkPfdYT7ibs%2BFhe0IBmTmpYEI1YhRRZTYi1j3TBH1dn9dsqb3WlywMZq0WYTcCAqiwjxYQYiEsFAaNAORpO9izRpO%2FZbKsyPxNSfTrkuEl%2Fvn6Veg6zblGpBUnICUPH6PCqdtMmrJFbQYtX%2FK4djqRp%2BX2xvUPTla6%2B5KDVpYRRNcdH%2BIuCwt4GWAfhwhsg8%2Bqlkh%2F9UMRITW83mcAf7KNpZvXqEJcGUGA2c6omKff%2BoyaSwGiRMeANs0bSUyjdhSO35UfyuHgYl6Tq5NcvuIJngvDl0Dr7bfS%2FSXLzA3H5Hd9982Z2OLDZj49D0GU3n9poGTfTGWzEU%2FTd09uhO%2Fwmk39N3WFuGoTPqHZAzyXeSjwRo7b3fnl3orA7WfE21B6dULvMLhZ6tjcMkAWZ9y7HEfsLqNsY5amxykQ2r%2F8jVo5bqaMCO5EaacIt%2B5jILDJuCtTe68fCrR7pKh2%2B30IM5nQ%3D%3D">flower store</a>.

Cooper Allen O'Bray

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

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

This season, AJ's in The Alley in downtown Salina is the home for the Coach Heron O'Neal Show.If you can't be there in person, you can watch the show live on Salina Post or listen to it on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays! Click the link below to watch the show.<figure>
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Watch the Coach Heron O'Neal Show live at 5:30 tonight!

<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Gloria-Holdsworth">Obituary for Gloria Jean Holdsworth | Ryan Mortuary</a>

Gloria Jean Holdsworth was born in Atchison, Kansas in 1936. She died April 11, 2022 in Lindsborg, Kansas. 

Her creative and caring spirit lives on in her husband Eugene, sons Kevan (Cathleen), Brian (Jenni) and Daryn (Kristen), and grandchildren Cale, Keir, Jasmine, Stephen, Anastasia, Sophia and Joshua. 

Gloria lived a faith-full life serving others. Her husband and pastor were at her bedside singing “Jesus Loves Me” when she died.

Gloria was born to Harry and Effie (Freeland) Force and raised by her uncle and aunt Arthur and “Stella” Estelle (Freeland) Tul, in Horton, Kansas.&nbsp;

A graduate of Horton High School, Gloria was a member of the National Honor Society. She received her B.A. in music from Bethany College in 1958 and her B.S. in education from KSU in 1966. Gloria taught elementary school in Miltonvale, Gypsum, Horton and Lawrence, Kansas. 

Gloria met Eugene Irl Holdsworth at Bethany College where they shared a love of music and theater. The couple was married on October 25, 1958. In 1970, they settled their family in Lindsborg, Kansas, where Gloria has left a legacy of creativity and caring for people.

Gloria was the office secretary for the Bethany College Athletic Department for many years. She went on to work for several businesses around Lindsborg, greeting customers and listening to their stories. 

Gloria volunteered at Bethany Home, visiting and reading to residents and operating the Happy Cart, and she was a visiting volunteer with Hospice of Salina for nearly twenty years.&nbsp; She participated actively as a member of Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lindsborg; the Bethany Oratorio Society; and Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity. Gloria was an election board worker with her husband. She never met a stranger.

A memorial service, with reception to follow, will take place at 1 p.m., on June 11, 2022, at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lindsborg.

Gloria’s family encourages memorial gifts be made in her name to Hospice of Salina or to any organization that values creativity and care for people.

Ryan Mortuary, Salina, is handling arrangements.

To&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Gloria-Holdsworth/sympathy">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Gloria-Holdsworth/1074854/memorial-tree">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Gloria, please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Gloria-Holdsworth/sympathy">visit our floral store.</a>

<h2>Gloria Jean Holdsworth, Lindsborg&nbsp;</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650235718059.jpeg" alt="Gloria Jean Holdsworth" />
 <figcaption>Gloria Jean Holdsworth</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Gloria-Holdsworth">Obituary for Gloria Jean Holdsworth | Ryan Mortuary</a>June 11, 1936 ~ April 11, 2022 (age 85)Gloria Jean Holdsworth was born in Atchison, Kansas in 1936. She died April 11, 2022 in Lindsborg, Kansas. Her creative and caring spirit lives on in her husband Eugene, sons Kevan (Cathleen), Brian (Jenni) and Daryn (Kristen), and grandchildren Cale, Keir, Jasmine, Stephen, Anastasia, Sophia and Joshua. Gloria lived a faith-full life serving others. Her husband and pastor were at her bedside singing “Jesus Loves Me” when she died.Gloria was born to Harry and Effie (Freeland) Force and raised by her uncle and aunt Arthur and “Stella” Estelle (Freeland) Tul, in Horton, Kansas.&nbsp;A graduate of Horton High School, Gloria was a member of the National Honor Society. She received her B.A. in music from Bethany College in 1958 and her B.S. in education from KSU in 1966. Gloria taught elementary school in Miltonvale, Gypsum, Horton and Lawrence, Kansas. Gloria met Eugene Irl Holdsworth at Bethany College where they shared a love of music and theater. The couple was married on October 25, 1958. In 1970, they settled their family in Lindsborg, Kansas, where Gloria has left a legacy of creativity and caring for people.Gloria was the office secretary for the Bethany College Athletic Department for many years. She went on to work for several businesses around Lindsborg, greeting customers and listening to their stories. Gloria volunteered at Bethany Home, visiting and reading to residents and operating the Happy Cart, and she was a visiting volunteer with Hospice of Salina for nearly twenty years.&nbsp; She participated actively as a member of Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lindsborg; the Bethany Oratorio Society; and Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity. Gloria was an election board worker with her husband. She never met a stranger.A memorial service, with reception to follow, will take place at 1 p.m., on June 11, 2022, at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lindsborg.Gloria’s family encourages memorial gifts be made in her name to Hospice of Salina or to any organization that values creativity and care for people.Ryan Mortuary, Salina, is handling arrangements.To&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Gloria-Holdsworth/sympathy">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Gloria-Holdsworth/1074854/memorial-tree">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Gloria, please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Gloria-Holdsworth/sympathy">visit our floral store.</a>

Gloria Jean Holdsworth

This season, AJ's in The Alley in downtown Salina is the home for the Coach Heron O'Neal Show.If you can't be there in person, you can watch the show live on Salina Post or listen to it on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays! Click the link below to watch the show.<figure>
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The U.S. death toll from COVID-19 hit 1 million on Monday, a once-unimaginable figure that only hints at the multitudes of loved ones and friends staggered by grief and frustration.

The confirmed number of dead is equivalent to a 9/11 attack every day for 336 days. It is roughly equal to how many Americans died in the Civil War and World War II combined. It’s as if Boston and Pittsburgh were wiped out.

“It is hard to imagine a million people plucked from this earth,” said Jennifer Nuzzo, who leads a new pandemic center at the Brown University School of Public Health in Providence, Rhode Island. “It’s still happening and we are letting it happen.”

Some of those left behind say they cannot return to normal. They replay their loved ones’ voicemail messages. Or watch old videos to see them dance. When other people say they are done with the virus, they bristle with anger or ache in silence.

“‘Normal.’ I hate that word,” said Julie Wallace, 55, of Elyria, Ohio, who lost her husband to COVID-19 in 2020. “All of us never get to go back to normal.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-native-americans-hispanics-d2234e9d7df7ca8026faf9f88c7baeac">Three out of every four deaths</a>&nbsp;were people 65 and older. More men died than women. White people made up most of the deaths overall. But Black, Hispanic and Native American people have been roughly twice as likely to die from COVID-19 as their white counterparts.

Most deaths happened in urban areas, but rural places — where opposition to masks and vaccinations tends to run high — paid a heavy price at times.

The death toll less than 2 1/2 years into the outbreak is based on death certificate data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics. But the real number of lives lost to COVID-19, either directly or indirectly, as a result the disruption of the health care system in the world’s richest country, is believed to be far higher.

The milestone comes more than three months after the U.S. reached 900,000 dead. The pace has slowed since a harrowing winter surge fueled by the omicron variant. The U.S. is averaging about 300 COVID-19 deaths per day, compared with a peak of about 3,400 a day in January 2021.

The largest bell at Washington National Cathedral in the nation’s capital tolled 1,000 times a week ago, once for every 1,000 deaths. President Joe Biden on Thursday ordered flags lowered to half-staff and called each life “an irreplaceable loss.”

“As a nation, we must not grow numb to such sorrow,” he said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/05/12/statement-from-president-joe-biden-marking-one-million-american-lives-lost-to-covid-19/" target="_blank">statement</a>. “To heal, we must remember.”

More than half the deaths occurred since vaccines became available in December of 2020. Two-thirds of Americans are fully vaccinated, and nearly half of them have had at least one booster dose. But demand for the vaccine has plummeted, and the campaign to put shots in arms has been plagued by misinformation, distrust and political polarization.

Unvaccinated people have a 10 times greater risk of dying of COVID-19 than the fully vaccinated, according to the CDC.

“To me, that is what is just so particularly heartbreaking,” Nuzzo said. Vaccines are safe and greatly reduce the likelihood of severe illness, she said. They “largely take the possibility of death off the table.”

Angelina Proia, 36, of New York, lost her father to COVID-19 in April 2020. She runs a support group for grieving families on Facebook and has seen it divided over vaccinations. She has booted people from the group for spreading misinformation.

“I don’t want to hear conspiracy theories. I don’t want to hear anti-science,” said Proia, who wishes her father could have been vaccinated.

Sara Atkins, 42, of Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, channels her grief into fighting for global vaccination and better access to health care to honor her father, Andy Rotman-Zaid, who died of COVID-19 in December 2020.

“My father gave me marching orders to end it and make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Atkins said of the pandemic. “He told me, ‘Politicize the hell out of my death if I die of this.’”

Julie Wallace and her husband, Lewis Dunlap, had cellphone numbers one digit apart. She continues paying to keep his number. She calls it just to hear his voice.

“It’s just so important to hear that sometimes,” she said. “It gives you a little bit of reassurance while also tearing your heart out.”

Some have offered solace in poetry. In Philadelphia, poet and social worker Trapeta Mayson, created a&nbsp;<a href="https://philadelphiacontemporary.org/projects/healing-verse-poetry-line" target="_blank">24-hour poetry hotline called Healing Verse</a>. Traffic to the Academy of American Poets’&nbsp;<a href="https://poets.org/" target="_blank">poets.org website</a>&nbsp;rose during the pandemic.

Brian Sonia-Wallace, poet laureate of West Hollywood, California, has traveled the country&nbsp;<a href="https://rentpoet.com/" target="_blank">writing poems for hire</a>. He imagines a memorial of a million poems, written by people who don’t normally write poetry. They would talk to those who are grieving and listen for points of connection.

“What we need as a nation is empathy,” said Tanya Alves, 35, of Weston, Florida, who lost her 24-year-old sister to COVID-19 in October. “Over two years into the pandemic, with all the cases and lives lost, we should be more compassionate and respectful when talking about COVID. Thousands of families changed forever. This virus is not just a cold.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652709604973.png" alt="COVID deaths by county. Not all states report the same information on COVID -Map courtesy John Hopkins Covid Research Center&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>COVID deaths by county. Not all states report the same information on COVID -Map courtesy John Hopkins Covid Research Center&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By CARLA K. JOHNSON, Associated PressThe U.S. death toll from COVID-19 hit 1 million on Monday, a once-unimaginable figure that only hints at the multitudes of loved ones and friends staggered by grief and frustration.The confirmed number of dead is equivalent to a 9/11 attack every day for 336 days. It is roughly equal to how many Americans died in the Civil War and World War II combined. It’s as if Boston and Pittsburgh were wiped out.“It is hard to imagine a million people plucked from this earth,” said Jennifer Nuzzo, who leads a new pandemic center at the Brown University School of Public Health in Providence, Rhode Island. “It’s still happening and we are letting it happen.”Some of those left behind say they cannot return to normal. They replay their loved ones’ voicemail messages. Or watch old videos to see them dance. When other people say they are done with the virus, they bristle with anger or ache in silence.“‘Normal.’ I hate that word,” said Julie Wallace, 55, of Elyria, Ohio, who lost her husband to COVID-19 in 2020. “All of us never get to go back to normal.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652709580859.png" alt="Map courtesy John Hopkins " />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy John Hopkins </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-native-americans-hispanics-d2234e9d7df7ca8026faf9f88c7baeac">Three out of every four deaths</a>&nbsp;were people 65 and older. More men died than women. White people made up most of the deaths overall. But Black, Hispanic and Native American people have been roughly twice as likely to die from COVID-19 as their white counterparts.Most deaths happened in urban areas, but rural places — where opposition to masks and vaccinations tends to run high — paid a heavy price at times.The death toll less than 2 1/2 years into the outbreak is based on death certificate data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics. But the real number of lives lost to COVID-19, either directly or indirectly, as a result the disruption of the health care system in the world’s richest country, is believed to be far higher.The milestone comes more than three months after the U.S. reached 900,000 dead. The pace has slowed since a harrowing winter surge fueled by the omicron variant. The U.S. is averaging about 300 COVID-19 deaths per day, compared with a peak of about 3,400 a day in January 2021.The largest bell at Washington National Cathedral in the nation’s capital tolled 1,000 times a week ago, once for every 1,000 deaths. President Joe Biden on Thursday ordered flags lowered to half-staff and called each life “an irreplaceable loss.”“As a nation, we must not grow numb to such sorrow,” he said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/05/12/statement-from-president-joe-biden-marking-one-million-american-lives-lost-to-covid-19/" target="_blank">statement</a>. “To heal, we must remember.”More than half the deaths occurred since vaccines became available in December of 2020. Two-thirds of Americans are fully vaccinated, and nearly half of them have had at least one booster dose. But demand for the vaccine has plummeted, and the campaign to put shots in arms has been plagued by misinformation, distrust and political polarization.Unvaccinated people have a 10 times greater risk of dying of COVID-19 than the fully vaccinated, according to the CDC.“To me, that is what is just so particularly heartbreaking,” Nuzzo said. Vaccines are safe and greatly reduce the likelihood of severe illness, she said. They “largely take the possibility of death off the table.”Angelina Proia, 36, of New York, lost her father to COVID-19 in April 2020. She runs a support group for grieving families on Facebook and has seen it divided over vaccinations. She has booted people from the group for spreading misinformation.“I don’t want to hear conspiracy theories. I don’t want to hear anti-science,” said Proia, who wishes her father could have been vaccinated.Sara Atkins, 42, of Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, channels her grief into fighting for global vaccination and better access to health care to honor her father, Andy Rotman-Zaid, who died of COVID-19 in December 2020.“My father gave me marching orders to end it and make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Atkins said of the pandemic. “He told me, ‘Politicize the hell out of my death if I die of this.’”Julie Wallace and her husband, Lewis Dunlap, had cellphone numbers one digit apart. She continues paying to keep his number. She calls it just to hear his voice.“It’s just so important to hear that sometimes,” she said. “It gives you a little bit of reassurance while also tearing your heart out.”Some have offered solace in poetry. In Philadelphia, poet and social worker Trapeta Mayson, created a&nbsp;<a href="https://philadelphiacontemporary.org/projects/healing-verse-poetry-line" target="_blank">24-hour poetry hotline called Healing Verse</a>. Traffic to the Academy of American Poets’&nbsp;<a href="https://poets.org/" target="_blank">poets.org website</a>&nbsp;rose during the pandemic.Brian Sonia-Wallace, poet laureate of West Hollywood, California, has traveled the country&nbsp;<a href="https://rentpoet.com/" target="_blank">writing poems for hire</a>. He imagines a memorial of a million poems, written by people who don’t normally write poetry. They would talk to those who are grieving and listen for points of connection.“What we need as a nation is empathy,” said Tanya Alves, 35, of Weston, Florida, who lost her 24-year-old sister to COVID-19 in October. “Over two years into the pandemic, with all the cases and lives lost, we should be more compassionate and respectful when talking about COVID. Thousands of families changed forever. This virus is not just a cold.”___

CDC: US deaths from COVID hit 1 million

"Fortunate" was the word Salina High School South Principal Charles Kipp used in reference to the school's Class of 2022 during Sunday's graduation.

"When I think back on the past four years, two of which I've had the priviledge of spending with these students, the Class of 2022 certainly has had to face unique challenges. And I think the best word to describe being here today is 'fortunate.' We're all fortunate to witness this year's graduating class' success and accomplishment. We're fortunate to have the opportunity to celebrate together as a family, a school, and a community," Kipp said to those assembled in Tony's Pizza Events Center.

"I'm very fortunate as well. I'm honored to be here witnessing this important milestone in these students' lives. I wish to thank them for representing South High School so well," Kipp continued. "I also wish to thank them for decorating my office the other day with brightly colored balloons, a veritable rainbow of sticky notes, and some well-placed Silly String. It certainly brightened my office and my day."

Kipp noted that high school "is possibly the most influential time to grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually. It is a time to develop effective habits and routines, as well as create social connections that will be remembered and cherished for the rest of your lives."

"Although these students have had to learn new technology and new ways to communicate, and learn via Zoom and Google, this year they've been able to gather for presentations, productions, activities, and athletic events. This group of seniors has made the most of the opportunities that they've had the fortune of being granted. And we are all fortunate for being there with them," Kipp said.

Tyler Smith, Salina South physical education teacher and coach, said he was beyond honored to be delivering the graduation speech.

He told the Class of 2022 that he had two speeches prepared and that the one he would use would be determined by an exercise he was going to make the class do.

"I have to understand what kind of energy you're gonna bring. It's Sunday. It's 5 o'clock start time. I'm assuming a lot of you have long, long weekends."

He then had the class stand and participate in the C-O-U-G-A-R-S chant with him.

"As a physical education teacher, this is the top of the mountain," Smith said of delivering the graduation address. "In a profession stereotyped with a whistle, wearing shorts, sweats, hoodies, and limpin' around barkin' orders - no pun intended to my esteemed colleague Chris Barkley - this is the peak."

Smith continued, "One of the first things you learn in PE school is all the list of famous people that were once PE teachers. At the top of our list: Mr. T. And despite all the fun things that Mr. T has done in his life - blowing up stuff for the A-Team, knocking out Rocky Balboa in Rocky III, and wrestling with Hulk Hogan in WrestleMania I - all that stuff's pretty cool, but nothing beats what I'm doing today. So take that, Mr. T!"

He then asked the Class of 2022 to do him a favor.

"I'm a big baseball guy, and in the game of baseball, a tip of the cap is the ultimate sign of respect and a thank you, so I want you to find your family right now and I want you to tip your cap to them," Smith said. "Whether they have been supportive of you or not. Whether you have always got along or not. They are here today to celebrate you." 

Smith also asked the Class of 2022 to tip their caps to those persons on the stage, including USD 305 Board of Education members, Superintendent Linn Exline, and school administrators. 

"Whether you agree or disagree with their actions over the last year and two years, two-and-a-half years, it was their leadership and clear communication with families, staff, and the community that has gotten us to this day through all of the obsticles COVID-19 has presented," Smith said. 

"Finally, a tip of the cap to your teachers. It's no secret that our profession is under fire now more than ever. Our curriculum, our textbooks, and our libraries. But my colleagues, your teachers, continue to fight every single day to work and make Salina High School South a learning environment second to none. Thank all of you guys. I thank you," he said.

Smith also encouraged the students to see things from other people's points of view.

"The loudest person in the room is not always correct. Now more than ever there's a divide between who is right and who is wrong and what is right and what is wrong. We've turned into a society that refuses to listen and see multiple perspectives and different opinions. We can be wrong. We can be right. We can be correct. And we might be completely off the map," Smith said. "We can all listen to each other. We can all learn from each other, but being loud does not make you correct."

Jennifer Nguyen, senior class president, also described the Class of 2022 as fortunate.

"As I look out at the graduating Class of 2022, I can't help but think we are so fortunate to have written the chapters of our high school story together. And I can't wait for the sequel as we head out to start the story of our lives," she said.

Class Vice President Angelina Maybrier said she hoped her classmates remembered graduation day for the rest of their lives.

"It's not only an honor, but a privilege to have gained our knowledge and wisdom from South High. Our teachers are not only our role models, but people we could depend on, no matter what," she said. "Cherish this moment. Be proud of how far you've come and what you have accomplished. We're here to celebrate you and your success."

Hadley Lawson also talked of her classmates' future successes.

"After spending the last four years with all of you, I'm confident I'm looking at the world's medical professionals, law enforcement, politicians, educators, engineers, and so much more," she said. "As we exit this building today, remember all the long nights, endless hours of homework, late-night football games with the best student section, and great friendships that brought you here today. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed. Take great pride in your achievements and savor the lessons that the last four years have taught us."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652679131694.jpeg" alt="Members of the Salina South Class of 2022 during graduation on Sunday.&nbsp;

Photos pulled from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opWNaYCklJ4">Salina Media Connection livestream</a>&nbsp;of the graduation ceremony&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Salina South Class of 2022 during graduation on Sunday.&nbsp;

Photos pulled from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opWNaYCklJ4">Salina Media Connection livestream</a>&nbsp;of the graduation ceremony&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POST"Fortunate" was the word Salina High School South Principal Charles Kipp used in reference to the school's Class of 2022 during Sunday's graduation."When I think back on the past four years, two of which I've had the priviledge of spending with these students, the Class of 2022 certainly has had to face unique challenges. And I think the best word to describe being here today is 'fortunate.' We're all fortunate to witness this year's graduating class' success and accomplishment. We're fortunate to have the opportunity to celebrate together as a family, a school, and a community," Kipp said to those assembled in Tony's Pizza Events Center.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652679249248.jpeg" alt="Salina South Principal Charles Kipp" />
 <figcaption>Salina South Principal Charles Kipp</figcaption>
 </figure>"I'm very fortunate as well. I'm honored to be here witnessing this important milestone in these students' lives. I wish to thank them for representing South High School so well," Kipp continued. "I also wish to thank them for decorating my office the other day with brightly colored balloons, a veritable rainbow of sticky notes, and some well-placed Silly String. It certainly brightened my office and my day."Kipp noted that high school "is possibly the most influential time to grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually. It is a time to develop effective habits and routines, as well as create social connections that will be remembered and cherished for the rest of your lives.""Although these students have had to learn new technology and new ways to communicate, and learn via Zoom and Google, this year they've been able to gather for presentations, productions, activities, and athletic events. This group of seniors has made the most of the opportunities that they've had the fortune of being granted. And we are all fortunate for being there with them," Kipp said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652679312841.jpeg" alt="Salina South teacher and coach Tyler Smith was selected to deliver the graduation address." />
 <figcaption>Salina South teacher and coach Tyler Smith was selected to deliver the graduation address.</figcaption>
 </figure>Tyler Smith, Salina South physical education teacher and coach, said he was beyond honored to be delivering the graduation speech.He told the Class of 2022 that he had two speeches prepared and that the one he would use would be determined by an exercise he was going to make the class do."I have to understand what kind of energy you're gonna bring. It's Sunday. It's 5 o'clock start time. I'm assuming a lot of you have long, long weekends."He then had the class stand and participate in the C-O-U-G-A-R-S chant with him."As a physical education teacher, this is the top of the mountain," Smith said of delivering the graduation address. "In a profession stereotyped with a whistle, wearing shorts, sweats, hoodies, and limpin' around barkin' orders - no pun intended to my esteemed colleague Chris Barkley - this is the peak."Smith continued, "One of the first things you learn in PE school is all the list of famous people that were once PE teachers. At the top of our list: Mr. T. And despite all the fun things that Mr. T has done in his life - blowing up stuff for the A-Team, knocking out Rocky Balboa in Rocky III, and wrestling with Hulk Hogan in WrestleMania I - all that stuff's pretty cool, but nothing beats what I'm doing today. So take that, Mr. T!"He then asked the Class of 2022 to do him a favor."I'm a big baseball guy, and in the game of baseball, a tip of the cap is the ultimate sign of respect and a thank you, so I want you to find your family right now and I want you to tip your cap to them," Smith said. "Whether they have been supportive of you or not. Whether you have always got along or not. They are here today to celebrate you." Smith also asked the Class of 2022 to tip their caps to those persons on the stage, including USD 305 Board of Education members, Superintendent Linn Exline, and school administrators. "Whether you agree or disagree with their actions over the last year and two years, two-and-a-half years, it was their leadership and clear communication with families, staff, and the community that has gotten us to this day through all of the obsticles COVID-19 has presented," Smith said. "Finally, a tip of the cap to your teachers. It's no secret that our profession is under fire now more than ever. Our curriculum, our textbooks, and our libraries. But my colleagues, your teachers, continue to fight every single day to work and make Salina High School South a learning environment second to none. Thank all of you guys. I thank you," he said.Smith also encouraged the students to see things from other people's points of view."The loudest person in the room is not always correct. Now more than ever there's a divide between who is right and who is wrong and what is right and what is wrong. We've turned into a society that refuses to listen and see multiple perspectives and different opinions. We can be wrong. We can be right. We can be correct. And we might be completely off the map," Smith said. "We can all listen to each other. We can all learn from each other, but being loud does not make you correct."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652679390255.jpeg" alt="Jennifer Nguyen, senior class president" />
 <figcaption>Jennifer Nguyen, senior class president</figcaption>
 </figure>Jennifer Nguyen, senior class president, also described the Class of 2022 as fortunate."As I look out at the graduating Class of 2022, I can't help but think we are so fortunate to have written the chapters of our high school story together. And I can't wait for the sequel as we head out to start the story of our lives," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652679451875.jpeg" alt="Angelina Maybrier, senior class vice president" />
 <figcaption>Angelina Maybrier, senior class vice president</figcaption>
 </figure>Class Vice President Angelina Maybrier said she hoped her classmates remembered graduation day for the rest of their lives."It's not only an honor, but a privilege to have gained our knowledge and wisdom from South High. Our teachers are not only our role models, but people we could depend on, no matter what," she said. "Cherish this moment. Be proud of how far you've come and what you have accomplished. We're here to celebrate you and your success."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652679527606.jpeg" alt="Hadley Lawson, senior class secretary" />
 <figcaption>Hadley Lawson, senior class secretary</figcaption>
 </figure>Hadley Lawson also talked of her classmates' future successes."After spending the last four years with all of you, I'm confident I'm looking at the world's medical professionals, law enforcement, politicians, educators, engineers, and so much more," she said. "As we exit this building today, remember all the long nights, endless hours of homework, late-night football games with the best student section, and great friendships that brought you here today. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed. Take great pride in your achievements and savor the lessons that the last four years have taught us."

Salina South celebrates Class of 2022 during Sunday graduation

Sunday afternoon, Tony's Pizza Events Center saw a huge gathering of Mustangs as family, friends, and USD 305 personnel gathered to celebrate the Salina High School Central Class of 2022.

"I remember sitting where you are as I graduated from Salina Central. Dr. Brungardt (current Central principal) was seated nearby waiting for his diploma on that day as well. My guess is that many of your family and friends are also Mustangs. If you graduated from Central, would you stand at this time," Linn Exline, USD 305 superintendent, said to those assembled. 

A number of people in the audience stood.

"Class of 2022, look around. You are about to join many of us who are incredibly proud to be alumni of Salina Central High School. The really special thing about CHS is what you've heard over and over. Once a Mustang, always a Mustang," said Exline, who was selected as this year's graduation speaker. 

Exline said that what stands out about the Central Class of 2022 is its resilience.

"No other class has been asked to exhibit the kind of flexibility, independence, and maturity that was thrust upon you during a global pandemic. Resilience is what characterizes your class," Exline told the class. "You had opportunity after opportunity to adjust to outside demands and you're stronger for it. Your high school years could have been defined by the pandemic, but you didn't allow that to limit your success."

Exline offered the Class of 2022 the following four lessons.

Lesson One "I want you to take with you as leave the network of support at Salina Central is to surround yourself with people who make you better. Find people who challenge your thinking. Find those who will cheer you on but will also have the guts to tell you when you have terrible ideas," she said.

Lesson Two "Sometimes, you have to take risks and create your own path. In those times, be true to yourself. There are times when you're making decisions that others won't understand," Exline said. "When I took my current job, a friend gave me a small card with a speech that Teddy Roosevelt had given in 1910. I read that speech often and I want to share that wisdom with you.

"He said, 'It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.'"

Exline said, "Roosevelt means take risks. Get in the arena. With risk comes great accomplishment and fulfillment. Life isn't meant to be lived from the sidelines. Know that the reactions of others aren't always about you. In fact, they rarely are. It's easy to make a decision when you aren't the one who has to make the decision. Remember that!

"Try something new and find out who you are. Keep pushing forward and accept that struggle, and sometimes failure, is part of a life well-lived," Exline continued. "If you aren't experiencing any setbacks, you really aren't living. It's OK to feel overwhelmed with the unknown. Just don't let the unknown keep you from moving forward."

Lesson Three "Dig deep and stretch yourself. If you had told me I would be standing in front of you speaking at a graduation when I was a high school student, I wouldn't have believed it. In fact, I probably would have felt sick to my stomach. In high school, when I was supposed to give oral presentations, I stayed home every single time. I was terrified of speaking in front of a group," she said. "So I want you to make a list of things that scare you and I want you to be brave enough to tackle those fears because that opens doors. Don't wait for opportunities to come to you, actively seek them. Know that sometimes, opportunities mascarade as challenges, sometimes as a pandemic."

Lesson Four "Be gentle with yourself and others. You don't have to be perfect. In fact, you can't be. You will have easy decisions and hard decisions. You're gonna have easy days and hard days. Listen to your inner voice and control what you can. There are times when you're going to need to simply make the best decision you can and move forward," Exline said. "Most importantly, decide what you stand for and then stand for it. Advocate for others. Show kindness. And in the end, be true to your own values. Your integrity is priceless."

Exline continued, "My hope is that you will come back to Salina at some point and make this your home. Our community needs strong leaders, strong parents, strong citizens. We need Salina Central Mustangs."

Exline's classmate, Salina Central Principal Matthew Brungardt, emphasized that Salina Central has prepared members of the Class of 2022 academically, socially, and emotionally, for the next phase of their lives.

"In fact, you are better prepared than many previous generations because of the skills you've learned during the pandemic, such as perseverence and flexibility. Last year alone, you had to deal with three different bell schedules," he said.

Brungardt also told the soon-to-be graduates to not be afraid to take risks. 

"Go ahead and apply for that job that seems out of reach, and if you fail to get that job, keep persevering. Abraham Lincoln lost eight elections, yet still became the 16th president of the United States," Brungardt said.

Class of 2022 member Rashada Smith congratulated her classmates.

"It's been a long road for our class, but we've finally made it. Each class has its obstacles, and we had plenty ourselves. The world just decided to do a bunch of crazy historic stuff during our high school years, and it was a wild and rough ride. I want to personally congratulate every single one of you and praise you for your patience, dedication, and focus these past few years. No matter if your plan is to attend your dream college or tech school, join the workforce, fight in the armed forces, or even if you don't know yet, you've a lot to be proud of," Smith said.

She continued, "My best advice to you is whatever you plan on doing, build confidence in yourself, your ability, and your judgement. Take up space wherever you go. Know that you matter. And when you walk into a room, you have the right to be there. The world is full of opinions, but that shouldn't stop you from presenting your true and authentic self."

Another student, Joshua Warner, said the Class of 2022 was truly special and that he was honored to be a part of it. 

"Today is a day that we have been working toward the last four years. All we need to do now is step on the stage and receive our diplomas. And then, just like that, high school has ended. And for some of us, this may be a relief and for others, it may be bittersweet. But I think there is one thing we can all agree on. The past four years were nothing likewhat we expected," he said.

Warner said that in looking back on the Class of 2022's accomplishments, he could almost forget that the COVID-19 pandemic existed.

"We can look back with Mustang pride as the Class of 2022 earned two state tennis titles, two girls state basketball appearances, and arguably the greatest girls basketball team this school has ever seen, a rejuvenation in our football program, several state appearances and medals from both boys and girls swimming and diving, a new school record time for cross country, Mathlete medals, top honors for choir, band, and orchestra, and state championships for theatre, Mustang Media, and the Pylon. Most classes can't accomplish that in four normal school years, let alone two," Warner said.

He continued, "Today, our next chapter begins. It's up to us what happens from here."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652666127698.jpeg" alt="Members of the Salina Central Class of 2022 sing the alma mater during the high school's graduation ceremony Sunday afternoon in Tony's Pizza Events Center. Photos pulled from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1VM2Bdr5TQ">Salina Media Connection livestream</a> of the graduation ceremony" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Salina Central Class of 2022 sing the alma mater during the high school's graduation ceremony Sunday afternoon in Tony's Pizza Events Center. Photos pulled from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1VM2Bdr5TQ">Salina Media Connection livestream</a> of the graduation ceremony</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTSunday afternoon, Tony's Pizza Events Center saw a huge gathering of Mustangs as family, friends, and USD 305 personnel gathered to celebrate the Salina High School Central Class of 2022."I remember sitting where you are as I graduated from Salina Central. Dr. Brungardt (current Central principal) was seated nearby waiting for his diploma on that day as well. My guess is that many of your family and friends are also Mustangs. If you graduated from Central, would you stand at this time," Linn Exline, USD 305 superintendent, said to those assembled. A number of people in the audience stood."Class of 2022, look around. You are about to join many of us who are incredibly proud to be alumni of Salina Central High School. The really special thing about CHS is what you've heard over and over. Once a Mustang, always a Mustang," said Exline, who was selected as this year's graduation speaker. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652666435900.jpeg" alt="USD 305 Superintendent Linn Exline was the selected speaker for Salina Central's graduation ceremony." />
 <figcaption>USD 305 Superintendent Linn Exline was the selected speaker for Salina Central's graduation ceremony.</figcaption>
 </figure>Exline said that what stands out about the Central Class of 2022 is its resilience."No other class has been asked to exhibit the kind of flexibility, independence, and maturity that was thrust upon you during a global pandemic. Resilience is what characterizes your class," Exline told the class. "You had opportunity after opportunity to adjust to outside demands and you're stronger for it. Your high school years could have been defined by the pandemic, but you didn't allow that to limit your success."Exline offered the Class of 2022 the following four lessons.Lesson One "I want you to take with you as leave the network of support at Salina Central is to surround yourself with people who make you better. Find people who challenge your thinking. Find those who will cheer you on but will also have the guts to tell you when you have terrible ideas," she said.Lesson Two "Sometimes, you have to take risks and create your own path. In those times, be true to yourself. There are times when you're making decisions that others won't understand," Exline said. "When I took my current job, a friend gave me a small card with a speech that Teddy Roosevelt had given in 1910. I read that speech often and I want to share that wisdom with you. "He said, 'It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.'"Exline said, "Roosevelt means take risks. Get in the arena. With risk comes great accomplishment and fulfillment. Life isn't meant to be lived from the sidelines. Know that the reactions of others aren't always about you. In fact, they rarely are. It's easy to make a decision when you aren't the one who has to make the decision. Remember that!"Try something new and find out who you are. Keep pushing forward and accept that struggle, and sometimes failure, is part of a life well-lived," Exline continued. "If you aren't experiencing any setbacks, you really aren't living. It's OK to feel overwhelmed with the unknown. Just don't let the unknown keep you from moving forward."Lesson Three "Dig deep and stretch yourself. If you had told me I would be standing in front of you speaking at a graduation when I was a high school student, I wouldn't have believed it. In fact, I probably would have felt sick to my stomach. In high school, when I was supposed to give oral presentations, I stayed home every single time. I was terrified of speaking in front of a group," she said. "So I want you to make a list of things that scare you and I want you to be brave enough to tackle those fears because that opens doors. Don't wait for opportunities to come to you, actively seek them. Know that sometimes, opportunities mascarade as challenges, sometimes as a pandemic."Lesson Four "Be gentle with yourself and others. You don't have to be perfect. In fact, you can't be. You will have easy decisions and hard decisions. You're gonna have easy days and hard days. Listen to your inner voice and control what you can. There are times when you're going to need to simply make the best decision you can and move forward," Exline said. "Most importantly, decide what you stand for and then stand for it. Advocate for others. Show kindness. And in the end, be true to your own values. Your integrity is priceless."Exline continued, "My hope is that you will come back to Salina at some point and make this your home. Our community needs strong leaders, strong parents, strong citizens. We need Salina Central Mustangs."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652666544218.jpeg" alt="Salina Central Principal Matthew Brungardt" />
 <figcaption>Salina Central Principal Matthew Brungardt</figcaption>
 </figure>Exline's classmate, Salina Central Principal Matthew Brungardt, emphasized that Salina Central has prepared members of the Class of 2022 academically, socially, and emotionally, for the next phase of their lives."In fact, you are better prepared than many previous generations because of the skills you've learned during the pandemic, such as perseverence and flexibility. Last year alone, you had to deal with three different bell schedules," he said.Brungardt also told the soon-to-be graduates to not be afraid to take risks. "Go ahead and apply for that job that seems out of reach, and if you fail to get that job, keep persevering. Abraham Lincoln lost eight elections, yet still became the 16th president of the United States," Brungardt said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652666613432.jpeg" alt="Class of 2022 member Rashada Smith." />
 <figcaption>Class of 2022 member Rashada Smith.</figcaption>
 </figure>Class of 2022 member Rashada Smith congratulated her classmates."It's been a long road for our class, but we've finally made it. Each class has its obstacles, and we had plenty ourselves. The world just decided to do a bunch of crazy historic stuff during our high school years, and it was a wild and rough ride. I want to personally congratulate every single one of you and praise you for your patience, dedication, and focus these past few years. No matter if your plan is to attend your dream college or tech school, join the workforce, fight in the armed forces, or even if you don't know yet, you've a lot to be proud of," Smith said.She continued, "My best advice to you is whatever you plan on doing, build confidence in yourself, your ability, and your judgement. Take up space wherever you go. Know that you matter. And when you walk into a room, you have the right to be there. The world is full of opinions, but that shouldn't stop you from presenting your true and authentic self."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652666681511.jpeg" alt="Class of 2022 Joshua Warner." />
 <figcaption>Class of 2022 Joshua Warner.</figcaption>
 </figure>Another student, Joshua Warner, said the Class of 2022 was truly special and that he was honored to be a part of it. "Today is a day that we have been working toward the last four years. All we need to do now is step on the stage and receive our diplomas. And then, just like that, high school has ended. And for some of us, this may be a relief and for others, it may be bittersweet. But I think there is one thing we can all agree on. The past four years were nothing likewhat we expected," he said.Warner said that in looking back on the Class of 2022's accomplishments, he could almost forget that the COVID-19 pandemic existed."We can look back with Mustang pride as the Class of 2022 earned two state tennis titles, two girls state basketball appearances, and arguably the greatest girls basketball team this school has ever seen, a rejuvenation in our football program, several state appearances and medals from both boys and girls swimming and diving, a new school record time for cross country, Mathlete medals, top honors for choir, band, and orchestra, and state championships for theatre, Mustang Media, and the Pylon. Most classes can't accomplish that in four normal school years, let alone two," Warner said.He continued, "Today, our next chapter begins. It's up to us what happens from here."

Class of 2022 joins the ranks of Salina Central alumni

NEW YORK (AP) — Seattle second baseman/outfielder Adam Frazier and Kansas City outfielder Andrew Benintendi have won their salary arbitration cases. 

Frazier was awarded $8 million rather the Mariners' $6.7 million offer by the panel of Margaret Brogan, Frederic Horowitz, and Brian Keller, who heard the case on May 2. 

Benintendi will receive $8.5 million under the decision by Mark Burstein, Keith Greenberg, and Steven Wolf, who listened to arguments on Thursday. 

In the first two arbitration decisions Wednesday, the Atlanta Braves beat third baseman Austin Riley and the St. Louis Cardinals defeated outfielder Tyler O'Neill.

NEW YORK (AP) — Seattle second baseman/outfielder Adam Frazier and Kansas City outfielder Andrew Benintendi have won their salary arbitration cases. Frazier was awarded $8 million rather the Mariners' $6.7 million offer by the panel of Margaret Brogan, Frederic Horowitz, and Brian Keller, who heard the case on May 2. Benintendi will receive $8.5 million under the decision by Mark Burstein, Keith Greenberg, and Steven Wolf, who listened to arguments on Thursday. In the first two arbitration decisions Wednesday, the Atlanta Braves beat third baseman Austin Riley and the St. Louis Cardinals defeated outfielder Tyler O'Neill.

Seattle's Frazier, KC's Benintendi win salary arbitration cases

WASHINGTON (AP) — Many parents are hunting for infant formula because of a combination of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-business-health-d3e32ba9e2381f77c299391e762abe21">short- and long-term problems</a>&nbsp;that has hit most of the biggest U.S. brands.

(Click the video listen watch the White House statement on the formula shortage)

Millions of babies in the U.S. rely on formula, which is the only source of nutrition recommended for infants who aren’t exclusively breastfed.

Here’s a look at what’s behind the problem and what parents can do:

Ongoing supply disruptions have combined with a recent safety recall to leave many pharmacy and supermarket shelves bare.

The problems began last year as the COVID-19 pandemic led to disruptions in labor, transportation and raw materials — economy-wide issues that didn’t spare the formula industry. Inventory was further squeezed by parents stockpiling during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Then in February, Abbott Nutrition&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-business-health-michigan-sturgis-a44d06262482d776ae465e0d22382d2d">recalled several major brands</a>&nbsp;of powdered formula and shut down its Sturgis, Michigan, factory when federal officials began investigating four babies who suffered bacterial infections after consuming formula from the facility.

Abbott is one of only a handful of companies that produce the vast majority of the U.S. formula supply, so their recall wiped out a large segment of the market.

Most formulas contain protein from cow’s milk that’s been altered to be easier to digest and enhanced with extra nutrients needed for growth and development. The Food and Drug Administration sets specific nutritional requirements, including minimum amounts of protein, fat, calcium and a number of vitamins. Formula makers achieve those levels by adding various sugars, oils and minerals.

The formulas are designed to mimic breast milk, though studies have repeatedly shown better health outcomes for babies who are breastfed.

WHY CAN’T ALL MOTHERS RELY ON BREAST MILK?

Health professionals recommend exclusively breastfeeding babies until they are 6 months old. But federal figures show that only 1 in 4 are relying solely on breast milk at that age.

Mothers face a number of challenges to long-term breastfeeding, including returning to work and finding the time and equipment needed to pump breast milk. About 60% of mothers stop breastfeeding sooner than they had planned, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/pdf/breastfeeding-cdcs-work-508.pdf" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.</a>

State and federal laws have been enacted to encourage breastfeeding by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.womenshealth.gov/supporting-nursing-moms-work/what-law-says-about-breastfeeding-and-work" target="_blank">requiring&nbsp;</a>break time and accommodations for mothers of infants.

Rates of breastfeeding have consistently been lower among Black babies than other groups. About three quarters of Black babies are breast fed in infancy, below the national average of 84%, according to the CDC.

WHAT SHOULD PARENTS DO IF THEY ARE HAVING TROUBLE FINDING FORMULA?

Talk with your pediatrician or call a local food bank to see if they can help locate some options. Experts also recommend checking with smaller stores and pharmacies, which may still have supplies when larger stores run out.

Most regular baby formulas contain the same basic ingredients and nutrients, so parents shouldn’t hesitate to buy a different brand if they’re having trouble finding their regular one.

Some infants require specialty formulas due to allergies, digestive problems and other medical conditions. Parents should talk to their doctor if they can’t find those products, which manufacturers usually distribute through pharmacies and clinics.

Families that qualify for WIC — a federal program similar to food stamps that pays for about half the formula used in the U.S. — can also contact their local agency.

Health officials also warn against buying formula via social media websites or outside of conventional retailers because they could be counterfeit.

WHY ARE PARENTS TOLD NOT TO USE MAKE-YOUR-OWN FORMULA RECIPES ONLINE?

Many do-it-yourself formula recipes are made from cow’s milk and granular sugar that may be difficult for young babies to digest. They also lack the specific vitamins and proteins found in breastmilk and FDA-approved formulas that are needed for basic nutrition.

“Particularly for small babies, many of these formulas and mixtures that are found online don’t contain even the most basic nutrient mixes that babies need to survive,” said Dr. Steven Abrams, a pediatrician at the University of Texas, Austin.

Abrams also stressed that parents should never dilute infant formula.

WHAT ARE RETAILERS DOING TO KEEP FORMULA IN STOCK?

Several national chains have limited the number of containers customers can purchase in stores and online. For CVS and Walgreens, the limit is three per customer. Target limits purchases to four per person when buying online.

Amazon said Thursday it is working to keep the products available on its website and monitoring third-party sellers for price-gouging.

“If we identify a price that violates our policy, we remove the offer and take appropriate action with the seller,” a company spokesperson said in a statement.

Health regulators recently announced several steps designed to boost supply, including allowing faster importation of formula made overseas. Typically, 98% of baby formula consumed in the U.S. is made domestically, according to federal officials.

The FDA is working with Abbott to fix the violations that triggered the shutdown of its Michigan plant, which produces Similac, EleCare and several other leading powdered formulas.

The company says its products have not been directly linked to the bacterial infections in children, pointing out that genetic samples collected from its factory did not match those found in several infants who got sick.

The Chicago-based company said this week that, pending FDA approval, it could restart manufacturing at its plant within two weeks. After that it would take another six to eight weeks before new products hit store shelves.

But even then, experts caution that many of the industrywide issues will continue to restrain supplies.

“This is going to be a problem and it’s not going away for at least a period of several months,” Abrams said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652447550275.png" alt="&nbsp;On Thursday, President Biden spoke with retailers and manufacturers to discuss ways we can all work together to do more to help families access infant formula." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;On Thursday, President Biden spoke with retailers and manufacturers to discuss ways we can all work together to do more to help families access infant formula.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Many parents are hunting for infant formula because of a combination of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-business-health-d3e32ba9e2381f77c299391e762abe21">short- and long-term problems</a>&nbsp;that has hit most of the biggest U.S. brands.(Click the video listen watch the White House statement on the formula shortage)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1514977988918412%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=2" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Millions of babies in the U.S. rely on formula, which is the only source of nutrition recommended for infants who aren’t exclusively breastfed.Here’s a look at what’s behind the problem and what parents can do:WHY IS THERE A SHORTAGE?Ongoing supply disruptions have combined with a recent safety recall to leave many pharmacy and supermarket shelves bare.The problems began last year as the COVID-19 pandemic led to disruptions in labor, transportation and raw materials — economy-wide issues that didn’t spare the formula industry. Inventory was further squeezed by parents stockpiling during COVID-19 lockdowns.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648164055231.png" alt="In February Abbott, one of the country’s largest infant formula makers announced a recall of Similac-FDA image" />
 <figcaption>In February Abbott, one of the country’s largest infant formula makers announced a recall of Similac-FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>Then in February, Abbott Nutrition&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-business-health-michigan-sturgis-a44d06262482d776ae465e0d22382d2d">recalled several major brands</a>&nbsp;of powdered formula and shut down its Sturgis, Michigan, factory when federal officials began investigating four babies who suffered bacterial infections after consuming formula from the facility.Abbott is one of only a handful of companies that produce the vast majority of the U.S. formula supply, so their recall wiped out a large segment of the market.WHAT IS IN BABY FORMULA?Most formulas contain protein from cow’s milk that’s been altered to be easier to digest and enhanced with extra nutrients needed for growth and development. The Food and Drug Administration sets specific nutritional requirements, including minimum amounts of protein, fat, calcium and a number of vitamins. Formula makers achieve those levels by adding various sugars, oils and minerals.The formulas are designed to mimic breast milk, though studies have repeatedly shown better health outcomes for babies who are breastfed.WHY CAN’T ALL MOTHERS RELY ON BREAST MILK?Health professionals recommend exclusively breastfeeding babies until they are 6 months old. But federal figures show that only 1 in 4 are relying solely on breast milk at that age.Mothers face a number of challenges to long-term breastfeeding, including returning to work and finding the time and equipment needed to pump breast milk. About 60% of mothers stop breastfeeding sooner than they had planned, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/pdf/breastfeeding-cdcs-work-508.pdf" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.</a>State and federal laws have been enacted to encourage breastfeeding by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.womenshealth.gov/supporting-nursing-moms-work/what-law-says-about-breastfeeding-and-work" target="_blank">requiring&nbsp;</a>break time and accommodations for mothers of infants.Rates of breastfeeding have consistently been lower among Black babies than other groups. About three quarters of Black babies are breast fed in infancy, below the national average of 84%, according to the CDC.WHAT SHOULD PARENTS DO IF THEY ARE HAVING TROUBLE FINDING FORMULA?Talk with your pediatrician or call a local food bank to see if they can help locate some options. Experts also recommend checking with smaller stores and pharmacies, which may still have supplies when larger stores run out.Most regular baby formulas contain the same basic ingredients and nutrients, so parents shouldn’t hesitate to buy a different brand if they’re having trouble finding their regular one.Some infants require specialty formulas due to allergies, digestive problems and other medical conditions. Parents should talk to their doctor if they can’t find those products, which manufacturers usually distribute through pharmacies and clinics.Families that qualify for WIC — a federal program similar to food stamps that pays for about half the formula used in the U.S. — can also contact their local agency.Health officials also warn against buying formula via social media websites or outside of conventional retailers because they could be counterfeit.WHY ARE PARENTS TOLD NOT TO USE MAKE-YOUR-OWN FORMULA RECIPES ONLINE?Many do-it-yourself formula recipes are made from cow’s milk and granular sugar that may be difficult for young babies to digest. They also lack the specific vitamins and proteins found in breastmilk and FDA-approved formulas that are needed for basic nutrition.“Particularly for small babies, many of these formulas and mixtures that are found online don’t contain even the most basic nutrient mixes that babies need to survive,” said Dr. Steven Abrams, a pediatrician at the University of Texas, Austin.Abrams also stressed that parents should never dilute infant formula.WHAT ARE RETAILERS DOING TO KEEP FORMULA IN STOCK?Several national chains have limited the number of containers customers can purchase in stores and online. For CVS and Walgreens, the limit is three per customer. Target limits purchases to four per person when buying online.Amazon said Thursday it is working to keep the products available on its website and monitoring third-party sellers for price-gouging.“If we identify a price that violates our policy, we remove the offer and take appropriate action with the seller,” a company spokesperson said in a statement.WHEN ARE SUPPLIES LIKELY TO IMPROVE?Health regulators recently announced several steps designed to boost supply, including allowing faster importation of formula made overseas. Typically, 98% of baby formula consumed in the U.S. is made domestically, according to federal officials.The FDA is working with Abbott to fix the violations that triggered the shutdown of its Michigan plant, which produces Similac, EleCare and several other leading powdered formulas.The company says its products have not been directly linked to the bacterial infections in children, pointing out that genetic samples collected from its factory did not match those found in several infants who got sick.The Chicago-based company said this week that, pending FDA approval, it could restart manufacturing at its plant within two weeks. After that it would take another six to eight weeks before new products hit store shelves.But even then, experts caution that many of the industrywide issues will continue to restrain supplies.“This is going to be a problem and it’s not going away for at least a period of several months,” Abrams said.

🎥White House takes action to address baby formula shortage

Multi-GRAMMY® and GMA Dove Award® winning artist and songwriter Zach Williams will continue his headlining tour this fall, including a stop in Salina.

Williams is scheduled to perform Oct. 7 in Tony's Pizza Events Center, 800 The Midway. The performance will feature special guest Ben Fuller.

Tickets are now on sale at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center Box Office or online at <a href="http://tonyspizzaeventscenter.com">tonyspizzaeventscenter.com</a>.

A Fan Appreciation sale also begins this Friday, allowing fans to save 20 percent on tickets with the exception of VIP tickets. The special sale will run through May 27.

Additionally, Williams' fall tour will offer something even more special than ever before for VIP ticket holders. In partnership with the Salvation Army, for every VIP ticket sold, a food box will be given to a family in need in the community, providing enough meals to feed a family of four for an entire week.

The announcement of Williams' fall tour run follows the success of his 35-city spring tour, where 30 of the 35 shows sold more than 90 percent of their capacity, while 23 stops officially sold out. Curtis Pinkerton, director of marketing for Awakening Events, said, "There is something very special happening on the road with Zach Williams right now. The experience of a Zach live show is unlike anything we have in Christian music today, and we're excited to share this experience with more fans on the Fall '22 tour while most of all, helping families in these communities."

All VIP ticket holders will be able to participate in the VIP Exclusive Eat &amp; Greet Experience, which includes:

● One (1) entry to pre-show VIP Eat &amp; Greet full-course gourmet dinner prepared by Napa Valley, CAbased professional Chef Paul Fields

● The opportunity to meet Zach Williams and get a photo*

● Early access to shopping at the merch table

● A commemorative VIP tour laminate and gift bag

Enjoy an amazing meal while also making a difference in your local community. This is a very limited offer and additional specifications apply. Visit HERE for more information.

"This fall, we’re gearing up for the biggest tour we have ever done," Williams said. "Every song, album, and show I’ve done has led me to this moment. I’m bringing my good friend Ben Fuller along and we will tell our stories and sing songs about grace and redemption while playing brand new music and old favorites. Come and see what Jesus is doing this year at the Fall 22’ Tour with us!" 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652460429360.png" alt="Zach Williams. Photos courtesy&nbsp;Awakening Events" />
 <figcaption>Zach Williams. Photos courtesy&nbsp;Awakening Events</figcaption>
 </figure>Awakening EventsMulti-GRAMMY® and GMA Dove Award® winning artist and songwriter Zach Williams will continue his headlining tour this fall, including a stop in Salina.Williams is scheduled to perform Oct. 7 in Tony's Pizza Events Center, 800 The Midway. The performance will feature special guest Ben Fuller.Tickets are now on sale at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center Box Office or online at <a href="http://tonyspizzaeventscenter.com">tonyspizzaeventscenter.com</a>.A Fan Appreciation sale also begins this Friday, allowing fans to save 20 percent on tickets with the exception of VIP tickets. The special sale will run through May 27.Additionally, Williams' fall tour will offer something even more special than ever before for VIP ticket holders. In partnership with the Salvation Army, for every VIP ticket sold, a food box will be given to a family in need in the community, providing enough meals to feed a family of four for an entire week.The announcement of Williams' fall tour run follows the success of his 35-city spring tour, where 30 of the 35 shows sold more than 90 percent of their capacity, while 23 stops officially sold out. Curtis Pinkerton, director of marketing for Awakening Events, said, "There is something very special happening on the road with Zach Williams right now. The experience of a Zach live show is unlike anything we have in Christian music today, and we're excited to share this experience with more fans on the Fall '22 tour while most of all, helping families in these communities."All VIP ticket holders will be able to participate in the VIP Exclusive Eat &amp; Greet Experience, which includes:● One (1) entry to pre-show VIP Eat &amp; Greet full-course gourmet dinner prepared by Napa Valley, CAbased professional Chef Paul Fields● The opportunity to meet Zach Williams and get a photo*● Premium concert seating● Early access to shopping at the merch table● A commemorative VIP tour laminate and gift bagEnjoy an amazing meal while also making a difference in your local community. This is a very limited offer and additional specifications apply. Visit HERE for more information."This fall, we’re gearing up for the biggest tour we have ever done," Williams said. "Every song, album, and show I’ve done has led me to this moment. I’m bringing my good friend Ben Fuller along and we will tell our stories and sing songs about grace and redemption while playing brand new music and old favorites. Come and see what Jesus is doing this year at the Fall 22’ Tour with us!" About Zach WilliamsZach Williams is a husband, father, recording artist, and songwriter, writing life-changing songs that come from a place of humility, honesty, and a direct reflection of God's redemption in his life.With music reaching fans far and wide, in his career to date Williams has earned two GRAMMY® awards (Chain Breaker, 2018; "There Was Jesus," 2021), and along with an additional five GRAMMY nominations, Williams is a multi-GMA Dove Awards and K-LOVE Fan Awards winner and nominee, and made radio history with two consecutive radio No. 1 hits for 35 weeks with his debut singles "Chain Breaker" and "Old Church Choir.""Chain Breaker," his debut and RIAA®-certified Platinum single from the Goldselling album Chain Breaker (now RIAA-certified Gold), gave Williams his first GRAMMY nomination for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song (2017). He received other GRAMMY nods for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album, Survivor: Live from Harding Prison (2019), and in 2020 for "Rescue Story" (Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song). He has multiple Billboard Music Award nominations and American Music Award nominations, and his songs "Old Church Choir" and "Fear Is a Liar" are RIAA-certified Gold.He performed the multi-week No. 1 single "There Was Jesus," also certified Gold, live with Parton on the 53rd Annual CMA Awards in 2019, while the song made the Pandora Top Spins chart for twelve consecutive weeks and was named one of Pandora’s top 100 songs across all genres. Additionally, "There Was Jesus" was WAYFM's top song of 2020.To date, Williams has won six GMA Dove Awards (Artist of the Year; New Artist of the Year; Pop/ Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year, "Chain Breaker;" Pop/Contemporary Song, “Old Church Choir;” Songwriter of the Year/Artist; Recorded Music Packaging, Rescue Story). He was also named Billboard's 2017 Top Christian Male Vocalist and New Artist of the Year and CCM Fan Awards' Favorite New Artist Of The Year. Apple Music chose him as Artist of the Week (2016), while "Chain Breaker" was the top track of 2016 on iTunes' Christian Songs chart. Williams has also been awarded by BMI with four Citation of Achievement awards for his singles "Chain Breaker," "Old Church Choir," and "Fear Is a Liar," recognizing the songs for their national popularity and reach.For more information, visit <a href="http://ZachWilliamsmusic.com">ZachWilliamsmusic.com</a>. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652460269977.png" alt="Ben Fuller" />
 <figcaption>Ben Fuller</figcaption>
 </figure>About Ben FullerMusic has taken Ben Fuller’s life and made it into something he never would have dreamed. Ben grew up in Southern Vermont on his family dairy farm working alongside his father. He'd pass the time by singing to old classic country tunes as he witnessed first-hand the hard work and dedication it took to run a farm. The songs never stopped and somewhere between the farm and college, he picked up a guitar and never looked back.Due to generations of hurt in his family, Ben struggled with certain aspects of growing up and turned to cocaine and alcohol at a young age. In 2015, Ben got involved in a devastating drug-fueled relationship which led him to understand better, the other side of addiction. In addition, come 2017, he abruptly lost his best friend to a heroin overdose and his entire outlook on life shifted.Motivated to change, he moved to Nashville to pursue a career as a country singer in late 2018. A family Ben was close with invited him to church one Sunday and as he walked the halls into the auditorium filled with 3,000 people, he knew one day he would sing "that kind of music" for the rest of his life. Falling face-first into his newfound relationship with Jesus, he began writing with a burning desire to share what God did to turn his life around. Today, Ben lives completely sober, while sharing his story filled with hope, mercy, and grace. By turning his testimony into songs, he has been rejuvenated with a new passion and mission; to share his story with the world and all who are ready to listen. For more information, visit BenFullerOfficial.com.