Southeast of Saline basketball kicks off the season with a roadtrip to Hesston to take on the Swathers Friday night, and if you can't make it to the games, Salina Post and KINA have you covered!

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

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

As usual, Devin Hanney will have the call for both the livestream and the broadcast.

Southeast of Saline basketball kicks off the season with a roadtrip to Hesston to take on the Swathers Friday night, and if you can't make it to the games, Salina Post and KINA have you covered!You can watch a livestream of both the girls and boys varsity games right here on Salina Post. Just click the link below. The girls game is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Friday, with the boys game following at approximately 7:30 p.m.You also can listen to the games on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM).As usual, Devin Hanney will have the call for both the livestream and the broadcast.Click below to watch the games live.<figure>
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Watch live as Southeast of Saline takes on the Swathers Friday in Hesston!

WASHINGTON (AP) — Greeks who are over age 60 and refuse&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;vaccinations could be hit with monthly fines of more than one-quarter of their pensions — a get-tough policy that the country’s politicians say will cost votes but save lives.

In Israel, potential carriers of the new omicron variant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-pandemics-israel-coronavirus-pandemic-tel-aviv-336a805c6cda2313468cbe1ad052caee">could be tracked</a>&nbsp;by the nation’s domestic security agency in seeming defiance of a Supreme Court ruling from the last go-round.

Weekly protests in the Netherlands over the country’s 5 p.m. lockdown and other new restrictions have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-riots-netherlands-rotterdam-8dec504840df02613cd6a7f3236e1e91">descended into violence</a>, despite what appears to be overwhelming acceptance of the rules.

With the delta variant of COVID-19 pushing up cases in Europe and growing fears over the omicron variant, governments around the world are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/omicron-variant-travel-industry-d90a5190aefa24ae6e076b13e9dd22d4">weighing new measures</a>&nbsp;for populations tired of hearing about restrictions and vaccines.

It’s a thorny calculus&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-riots-netherlands-rotterdam-445b8e7e0b3c53081d6525c83dc4dbca">made more difficult</a>&nbsp;by the prospect of backlash, increased social divisions and, for many politicians, the fear of being voted out of office.

“I know the frustration that we all feel with this omicron variant, the sense of exhaustion that we could be going through this all over again,” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Tuesday, two days after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-england-boris-johnson-scotland-8886fa8e4414d5993ddc618781e0456f">government announced that masks would be mandatory</a>&nbsp;again in stores and on public transportation and required all visitors from abroad to undergo a COVID-19 test and quarantine. “We’re trying to take a balanced and proportioned approach.”

New restrictions, or variations on the old ones, are cropping up around the world, especially in Europe, where leaders are at pains to explain what looks like a failed promise: that mass vaccinations would mean an end to widely loathed limitations.

“People need normality. They need families, they need to see people, obviously safely, socially distancing, but I really think, this Christmas now, people have had enough,” said Belinda Storey, who runs a stall at a Christmas market in Nottingham, England.

In the Netherlands, where the curfew went into effect last week, mounted police patrol to break up demonstrations against the new lockdown, which is among the world’s strictest. But most people appeared resigned to rush through errands and head home.

“The only thing we can do is to listen to the rules, follow them and hope it’s not getting worse. For me it’s no problem. I’m a nurse. I know how sick people get,” said Wilma van Kampen.

In Greece, residents over 60 face fines of 100 euros ($113) a month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-europe-greece-52f34d671f16b23e075a1f4b52f747a2">if they fail to get vaccinated</a>. The fines will be tacked onto tax bills in January.

About 17% of Greeks over 60 are unvaccinated despite various efforts to prod them to get their shots, and nine in 10 Greeks currently dying of COVID-19 are over 60.

“I don’t care whether the measure will cost me some extra votes in the elections,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Wednesday after lawmakers passed the measure. “I am convinced that we are doing the right thing, and I am convinced that this policy will save lives.”

Employing a carrot instead of a stick, Slovakia’s government is proposing to give people 60 and older a 500-euro ($568) bonus if they get vaccinated.

In Israel, the government this week approved resuming the use of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-technology-travel-health-lifestyle-36287673df09cdc3630e5dd1e05cdc7c">controversial phone-monitoring technology</a>&nbsp;to perform contact tracing of people confirmed to have the omicron variant.

Israeli rights groups have decried the use of the technology as a violation of privacy rights, and others have noted that its accuracy in indoor places is flawed, leading to large numbers of people being wrongly flagged. The Supreme Court earlier this year issued a ruling limiting its use.

“We need to use this tool in extreme situations, and I am not convinced we are in that kind of situation,” Justice Minister Gideon Saar told Israeli public broadcaster Kan this week.

In South Africa, which alerted the World Health Organization to the omicron variant, previous restrictions included curfews and a ban on alcohol sales. This time, President Cyril Ramaphosa is simply calling on more people to get vaccines “to help restore the social freedoms we all yearn for.”

In the U.S., there is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-infectious-diseases-anthony-fauci-44fab8b3448ad31f0865aebb26f91741">little appetite in either political party</a>&nbsp;for a return to lockdowns or strict contact tracing. Enforcing even simple measures like mask-wearing has become a political flashpoint. And Republicans are suing to block the Biden administration’s new get-vaccinated-or-get-tested requirement for large employers.

President Joe Biden, whose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-lifestyle-health-c6c9d651f631464e168f7a47b6e353bf">political fate may well hinge on controlling the pandemic</a>, has used a combination of pressure and urgent appeals to induce people to get their first shots or a booster. Also, the administration is working toward requiring that all air travelers to the U.S. be tested within a day before boarding their flight, instead of the current three days.

But Biden has said the U.S. will fight COVID-19 and the new variant “not with shutdowns or lockdowns but with more widespread vaccinations, boosters, testing, and more.”

“If people are vaccinated and wear their masks, there’s no need for the lockdowns,” he added.

The rise of the new variant makes little difference to Mark Christensen, a grain buyer for an ethanol plant in Nebraska. He rejects any vaccination mandate and doesn’t understand why it would be needed. In any event, he said, most businesses in his corner of the state are too small to fall under the regulations.

“If they were just encouraging me to take it, that’s one thing,” Christensen said. “But I believe in freedom of choice, not decisions by force.”

Chile has taken a harder line since the emergence of omicron: People over 18 must receive a booster dose every six months to keep their pass that allows access to restaurants, hotels and public gatherings.

And Chile never dropped its requirement to wear masks in public — probably the most common renewed restriction around the world.

Dr. Madhukar Pai, of McGill University’s School of Population and Public Health, said that masks are an easy and pain-free way of keeping transmission down, but that cheap, at-home tests need to be much more widespread, in both rich and poor countries.

He said both approaches give people a sense of control over their own behavior that is lost with a lockdown and make it easier to accept the need to do things like cancel a party or stay inside.

Pai said requiring boosters universally, as is essentially the case in Israel, Chile and many countries in Europe, including France, will only prolong the pandemic by making it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/65898ec544463b26ca78ba1e696edf19">harder to get first doses to the developing world</a>. That raises the odds of still more variants.

Lockdowns, he said, should be the very last choice.

“Lockdowns only come up when a system is failing,” he said. “We do it when the hospital system is about to collapse. It’s a last resort that indicates you have failed to do all the right things.”

That’s not&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-immigration-business-taiwan-wuhan-a5bf3ccccf435a5adf45faa57758c9f7">how lockdowns are seen</a>&nbsp;in communist China, which allows little dissent. At each new outbreak, entire cities are sealed, and sometimes millions of people undergo mass testing. In the strictest lockdowns, people are forbidden to leave their homes, and groceries are brought to their door.

So far, China hasn’t seen the need for new restrictions in response to the omicron variant. The head of China’s Center for Disease Control’s Epidemiology unit, Wu Zunyou, said omicron, for now, poses a manageable threat, and “no matter what variant, our public health measures are effective.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638445855822.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Greeks who are over age 60 and refuse&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;vaccinations could be hit with monthly fines of more than one-quarter of their pensions — a get-tough policy that the country’s politicians say will cost votes but save lives.In Israel, potential carriers of the new omicron variant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-pandemics-israel-coronavirus-pandemic-tel-aviv-336a805c6cda2313468cbe1ad052caee">could be tracked</a>&nbsp;by the nation’s domestic security agency in seeming defiance of a Supreme Court ruling from the last go-round.Weekly protests in the Netherlands over the country’s 5 p.m. lockdown and other new restrictions have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-riots-netherlands-rotterdam-8dec504840df02613cd6a7f3236e1e91">descended into violence</a>, despite what appears to be overwhelming acceptance of the rules.With the delta variant of COVID-19 pushing up cases in Europe and growing fears over the omicron variant, governments around the world are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/omicron-variant-travel-industry-d90a5190aefa24ae6e076b13e9dd22d4">weighing new measures</a>&nbsp;for populations tired of hearing about restrictions and vaccines.It’s a thorny calculus&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-riots-netherlands-rotterdam-445b8e7e0b3c53081d6525c83dc4dbca">made more difficult</a>&nbsp;by the prospect of backlash, increased social divisions and, for many politicians, the fear of being voted out of office.“I know the frustration that we all feel with this omicron variant, the sense of exhaustion that we could be going through this all over again,” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Tuesday, two days after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-england-boris-johnson-scotland-8886fa8e4414d5993ddc618781e0456f">government announced that masks would be mandatory</a>&nbsp;again in stores and on public transportation and required all visitors from abroad to undergo a COVID-19 test and quarantine. “We’re trying to take a balanced and proportioned approach.”New restrictions, or variations on the old ones, are cropping up around the world, especially in Europe, where leaders are at pains to explain what looks like a failed promise: that mass vaccinations would mean an end to widely loathed limitations.“People need normality. They need families, they need to see people, obviously safely, socially distancing, but I really think, this Christmas now, people have had enough,” said Belinda Storey, who runs a stall at a Christmas market in Nottingham, England.In the Netherlands, where the curfew went into effect last week, mounted police patrol to break up demonstrations against the new lockdown, which is among the world’s strictest. But most people appeared resigned to rush through errands and head home.“The only thing we can do is to listen to the rules, follow them and hope it’s not getting worse. For me it’s no problem. I’m a nurse. I know how sick people get,” said Wilma van Kampen.In Greece, residents over 60 face fines of 100 euros ($113) a month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-europe-greece-52f34d671f16b23e075a1f4b52f747a2">if they fail to get vaccinated</a>. The fines will be tacked onto tax bills in January.About 17% of Greeks over 60 are unvaccinated despite various efforts to prod them to get their shots, and nine in 10 Greeks currently dying of COVID-19 are over 60.“I don’t care whether the measure will cost me some extra votes in the elections,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Wednesday after lawmakers passed the measure. “I am convinced that we are doing the right thing, and I am convinced that this policy will save lives.”Employing a carrot instead of a stick, Slovakia’s government is proposing to give people 60 and older a 500-euro ($568) bonus if they get vaccinated.In Israel, the government this week approved resuming the use of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-technology-travel-health-lifestyle-36287673df09cdc3630e5dd1e05cdc7c">controversial phone-monitoring technology</a>&nbsp;to perform contact tracing of people confirmed to have the omicron variant.Israeli rights groups have decried the use of the technology as a violation of privacy rights, and others have noted that its accuracy in indoor places is flawed, leading to large numbers of people being wrongly flagged. The Supreme Court earlier this year issued a ruling limiting its use.“We need to use this tool in extreme situations, and I am not convinced we are in that kind of situation,” Justice Minister Gideon Saar told Israeli public broadcaster Kan this week.In South Africa, which alerted the World Health Organization to the omicron variant, previous restrictions included curfews and a ban on alcohol sales. This time, President Cyril Ramaphosa is simply calling on more people to get vaccines “to help restore the social freedoms we all yearn for.”In the U.S., there is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-infectious-diseases-anthony-fauci-44fab8b3448ad31f0865aebb26f91741">little appetite in either political party</a>&nbsp;for a return to lockdowns or strict contact tracing. Enforcing even simple measures like mask-wearing has become a political flashpoint. And Republicans are suing to block the Biden administration’s new get-vaccinated-or-get-tested requirement for large employers.President Joe Biden, whose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-lifestyle-health-c6c9d651f631464e168f7a47b6e353bf">political fate may well hinge on controlling the pandemic</a>, has used a combination of pressure and urgent appeals to induce people to get their first shots or a booster. Also, the administration is working toward requiring that all air travelers to the U.S. be tested within a day before boarding their flight, instead of the current three days.But Biden has said the U.S. will fight COVID-19 and the new variant “not with shutdowns or lockdowns but with more widespread vaccinations, boosters, testing, and more.”“If people are vaccinated and wear their masks, there’s no need for the lockdowns,” he added.The rise of the new variant makes little difference to Mark Christensen, a grain buyer for an ethanol plant in Nebraska. He rejects any vaccination mandate and doesn’t understand why it would be needed. In any event, he said, most businesses in his corner of the state are too small to fall under the regulations.“If they were just encouraging me to take it, that’s one thing,” Christensen said. “But I believe in freedom of choice, not decisions by force.”Chile has taken a harder line since the emergence of omicron: People over 18 must receive a booster dose every six months to keep their pass that allows access to restaurants, hotels and public gatherings.And Chile never dropped its requirement to wear masks in public — probably the most common renewed restriction around the world.Dr. Madhukar Pai, of McGill University’s School of Population and Public Health, said that masks are an easy and pain-free way of keeping transmission down, but that cheap, at-home tests need to be much more widespread, in both rich and poor countries.He said both approaches give people a sense of control over their own behavior that is lost with a lockdown and make it easier to accept the need to do things like cancel a party or stay inside.Pai said requiring boosters universally, as is essentially the case in Israel, Chile and many countries in Europe, including France, will only prolong the pandemic by making it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/65898ec544463b26ca78ba1e696edf19">harder to get first doses to the developing world</a>. That raises the odds of still more variants.Lockdowns, he said, should be the very last choice.“Lockdowns only come up when a system is failing,” he said. “We do it when the hospital system is about to collapse. It’s a last resort that indicates you have failed to do all the right things.”That’s not&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-immigration-business-taiwan-wuhan-a5bf3ccccf435a5adf45faa57758c9f7">how lockdowns are seen</a>&nbsp;in communist China, which allows little dissent. At each new outbreak, entire cities are sealed, and sometimes millions of people undergo mass testing. In the strictest lockdowns, people are forbidden to leave their homes, and groceries are brought to their door.So far, China hasn’t seen the need for new restrictions in response to the omicron variant. The head of China’s Center for Disease Control’s Epidemiology unit, Wu Zunyou, said omicron, for now, poses a manageable threat, and “no matter what variant, our public health measures are effective.”___

Omicron and delta spell return of unpopular restrictions

TOPEKA—The Kansas District Judges Association, an organization open to all state district court judges, has elected officers to serve the organization in the coming year.

Judge Kim Cudney was elected president. She is chief judge of the 12th Judicial District, composed of Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Republic, and Washington counties.

"I am honored to be selected by my colleagues to serve in a leadership role of the Kansas District Judges Association,” Cudney said. "The KDJA strives to better the judicial community statewide by taking positive steps toward improving the administration of justice and addressing issues that arise at the trial-court level. I look forward to meeting with familiar and new peers, listening to their ideas and concerns, and addressing those issues as an organization."

Cudney has served as a district judge and chief judge since 2006. She is a native of Washington County and graduated from Kansas State University and Washburn University School of Law.

Cudney succeeds Chief Judge Daniel Creitz as president. Creitz serves in the 31st Judicial District, composed of Allen, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson counties.

●Judge Thomas Kelly Ryan, president-elect. He is chief judge of the 10th Judicial District, which is Johnson County.

●Judge Brenda Cameron, secretary. She serves in the 10th Judicial District, which is Johnson County.

●Judge Cheryl Rios, treasurer. She serves in the 3rd Judicial District, which is Shawnee County.&nbsp;

Members elected the new officers during a virtual conference for judges in October.

TOPEKA—The Kansas District Judges Association, an organization open to all state district court judges, has elected officers to serve the organization in the coming year.Judge Kim Cudney was elected president. She is chief judge of the 12th Judicial District, composed of Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Republic, and Washington counties."I am honored to be selected by my colleagues to serve in a leadership role of the Kansas District Judges Association,” Cudney said. "The KDJA strives to better the judicial community statewide by taking positive steps toward improving the administration of justice and addressing issues that arise at the trial-court level. I look forward to meeting with familiar and new peers, listening to their ideas and concerns, and addressing those issues as an organization."Cudney has served as a district judge and chief judge since 2006. She is a native of Washington County and graduated from Kansas State University and Washburn University School of Law.Cudney succeeds Chief Judge Daniel Creitz as president. Creitz serves in the 31st Judicial District, composed of Allen, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson counties.Other officers elected:●Judge Thomas Kelly Ryan, president-elect. He is chief judge of the 10th Judicial District, which is Johnson County.●Judge Brenda Cameron, secretary. She serves in the 10th Judicial District, which is Johnson County.●Judge Cheryl Rios, treasurer. She serves in the 3rd Judicial District, which is Shawnee County.&nbsp;Members elected the new officers during a virtual conference for judges in October.

Cudney elected president of KS District Judges Association

WASHINGTON (AP) — Abortion rights are on the line at the Supreme Court in historic arguments over the landmark ruling nearly 50 years ago that declared a nationwide right to end a pregnancy.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?516168-1/dobbs-v-jackson-womens-health-organization-oral-argument">Click here to listen</a> to the a replay of arguments that ended at 11a.m. CDT

The justices on Wednesday will weigh whether to uphold a Mississippi law that bans abortion after 15 weeks and overrule the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

Mississippi also is asking the court to overrule the 1992 ruling in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which reaffirmed Roe. The arguments can be heard live on the court’s website, starting at 10 a.m. EST.

The case comes to a court with a 6-3 conservative majority that has been transformed by three appointees of President Donald Trump, who had pledged to appoint justices he said would oppose abortion rights.

The court had never agreed to hear a case over an abortion ban so early in pregnancy until all three Trump appointees — Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett — were on board.

A month ago, the justices also heard arguments over a uniquely designed Texas law that has succeeded in getting around the Roe and Casey decisions and banning abortions in the nation’s second-largest state after about six weeks of pregnancy. The dispute over the Texas law revolves around whether the law can be challenged in federal court, rather than the right to an abortion.

Despite its unusually quick consideration of the issue, the court has yet to rule on the Texas law, and the justices have refused to put the law on hold while the matter is under legal review.

The Mississippi case poses questions central to the abortion right. Some of the debate Wednesday is likely to be over whether the court should abandon its long-held rule that states cannot ban abortion before the point of viability, at roughly 24 weeks.

More than 90% of abortions are performed in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, well before viability, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Mississippi argues that viability is an arbitrary standard that doesn’t take sufficient account of the state’s interest in regulating abortion. It also contends that scientific advances have allowed some babies who were born earlier than 24 weeks to survive, though it does not argue that the line is anywhere near 15 weeks.

Only about 100 patients per year get abortions after 15 weeks at the Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Mississippi’s lone abortion clinic. The facility does not provide abortions after 16 weeks.

But the clinic argues that the court doesn’t normally assess constitutional rights based on how few people are affected, and that the justices shouldn’t do so in this case.

Joined by the Biden administration, the clinic also says that since Roe, the Supreme Court has consistently held that the “Constitution guarantees ‘the right of the woman to choose to have an abortion before viability.’”

Erasing viability as the line between when abortions may and may not be banned would effectively overrule Roe and Casey, even if the justices do not explicitly do that, the clinic says.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638369620989.png" alt="A large crowd of protesters on both sides of the abortion issue outside the Supreme Court Wednesday morning -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>A large crowd of protesters on both sides of the abortion issue outside the Supreme Court Wednesday morning -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Abortion rights are on the line at the Supreme Court in historic arguments over the landmark ruling nearly 50 years ago that declared a nationwide right to end a pregnancy.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?516168-1/dobbs-v-jackson-womens-health-organization-oral-argument">Click here to listen</a> to the a replay of arguments that ended at 11a.m. CDTThe justices on Wednesday will weigh whether to uphold a Mississippi law that bans abortion after 15 weeks and overrule the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.Mississippi also is asking the court to overrule the 1992 ruling in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which reaffirmed Roe. The arguments can be heard live on the court’s website, starting at 10 a.m. EST.The case comes to a court with a 6-3 conservative majority that has been transformed by three appointees of President Donald Trump, who had pledged to appoint justices he said would oppose abortion rights.The court had never agreed to hear a case over an abortion ban so early in pregnancy until all three Trump appointees — Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett — were on board.A month ago, the justices also heard arguments over a uniquely designed Texas law that has succeeded in getting around the Roe and Casey decisions and banning abortions in the nation’s second-largest state after about six weeks of pregnancy. The dispute over the Texas law revolves around whether the law can be challenged in federal court, rather than the right to an abortion.Despite its unusually quick consideration of the issue, the court has yet to rule on the Texas law, and the justices have refused to put the law on hold while the matter is under legal review.The Mississippi case poses questions central to the abortion right. Some of the debate Wednesday is likely to be over whether the court should abandon its long-held rule that states cannot ban abortion before the point of viability, at roughly 24 weeks.More than 90% of abortions are performed in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, well before viability, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mississippi argues that viability is an arbitrary standard that doesn’t take sufficient account of the state’s interest in regulating abortion. It also contends that scientific advances have allowed some babies who were born earlier than 24 weeks to survive, though it does not argue that the line is anywhere near 15 weeks.Only about 100 patients per year get abortions after 15 weeks at the Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Mississippi’s lone abortion clinic. The facility does not provide abortions after 16 weeks.But the clinic argues that the court doesn’t normally assess constitutional rights based on how few people are affected, and that the justices shouldn’t do so in this case.Joined by the Biden administration, the clinic also says that since Roe, the Supreme Court has consistently held that the “Constitution guarantees ‘the right of the woman to choose to have an abortion before viability.’”Erasing viability as the line between when abortions may and may not be banned would effectively overrule Roe and Casey, even if the justices do not explicitly do that, the clinic says.

🎤 Abortion rights at stake in historic Supreme Court showdown

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The last time the Kansas City Chiefs had a week off at this point in the year, they didn't lose against until the next season.

There's a lot of reasons to believe this year's team can follow in the footsteps of the 2019 championship bunch.

Whether it's the return of several players from injuries to the continued involvement of a couple of late newcomers, or the improvement that was evident before the break to coach Andy Reid's downright incredible record after a bye, the Chiefs returned to work Monday brimming with optimism about the stretch run they're about to begin.

"Listen, there's always a little something you find out about yourself," Reid said Monday, "and yeah, because you have extended time you have an opportunity to look a little deeper. There weren't any huge surprises, but there's always a little nugget in there if you look hard enough."

On the injury front, Chiefs right tackle Lucas Niang could return from a rib injury and be available for Sunday night's game against the Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium. He began the season as the starter, lost the job to Mike Remmers, then started again when Remmers was knocked out for a couple of games with an injury of his own.

Niang's return would give the Chiefs valuable experience up front. And the way their offensive line was decimated by injury by the time last year's Super Bowl kicked off, they'll take all the help they can get at the position.

That could include the addition of Kyle Long, too. The veteran came out of a year-long retirement with the hopes of earning a starting job in Kansas City. But Long broke his leg in training camp and wasn't designated for return from injured reserve until earlier this month, and his window to be added to the roster closes this week.

"We'll see how all of that goes here. We're sorting through all of that today," Reid said. "I appreciate having him here and doing what he's doing, and how he's handled everything."

On the other side of the ball, three-time All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu played through a knee injury in the Chiefs' 19-9 win over the Cowboys that sent them barreling into the bye with four consecutive victories.

Mathieu should be much closer to 100% when the Chiefs kick off a game against Denver that was flexed to prime time.

 "He came out OK," Reid said. "He was able to push himself through, which was amazing. I mean, he's a tough kid, so tough-minded, and that carries over to the defense. Our players knew that he wasn't quite where he wanted to be, yet he didn't say anything. He just pushed himself through it."

The Chiefs also hope the bye allowed wide receiver Josh Gordon and defensive end Melvin Ingram to get more comfortable.

Gordon returned from his NFL suspension to sign with Kansas City after the season began, and he was active for the first time in Week 5. Despite playing every game since then, Gordon still has just two catches for 18 yards.

Ingram has had more of an impact since arriving from Pittsburgh earlier this month. He's played the last three games, and while his numbers aren't necessarily amazing, he's allowed defensive tackle Chris Jones to slide from the outside back to the interior of the line. That has helped the entire Kansas City pass rush.

The Chiefs, who have a one-game lead on the Chargers, Broncos and Raiders in the AFC West race, face each of those teams in the next three week: Denver and Las Vegas visiting Arrowhead Stadium, then the Chiefs heading to Los Angeles.

After playing the Steelers, the Chiefs finish with playoff contenders Cincinnati and Denver on the road.

The Chiefs already were rolling into their bye behind that resurgent defense, which has held three straight opponents to 17 points or fewer. Their underwhelming offense is almost certain to be better after a week to digest the season.

Why? Reid has a 19-3 record when his teams are coming off a bye.

"I get asked about that every year. I'm not sure why that is," Reid said. "We go back and try to review everything and make whatever corrections. But I don't know what the secret — if there is any secret — what that secret is."

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. — The last time the Kansas City Chiefs had a week off at this point in the year, they didn't lose against until the next season.There's a lot of reasons to believe this year's team can follow in the footsteps of the 2019 championship bunch.Whether it's the return of several players from injuries to the continued involvement of a couple of late newcomers, or the improvement that was evident before the break to coach Andy Reid's downright incredible record after a bye, the Chiefs returned to work Monday brimming with optimism about the stretch run they're about to begin."Listen, there's always a little something you find out about yourself," Reid said Monday, "and yeah, because you have extended time you have an opportunity to look a little deeper. There weren't any huge surprises, but there's always a little nugget in there if you look hard enough."On the injury front, Chiefs right tackle Lucas Niang could return from a rib injury and be available for Sunday night's game against the Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium. He began the season as the starter, lost the job to Mike Remmers, then started again when Remmers was knocked out for a couple of games with an injury of his own.Niang's return would give the Chiefs valuable experience up front. And the way their offensive line was decimated by injury by the time last year's Super Bowl kicked off, they'll take all the help they can get at the position.That could include the addition of Kyle Long, too. The veteran came out of a year-long retirement with the hopes of earning a starting job in Kansas City. But Long broke his leg in training camp and wasn't designated for return from injured reserve until earlier this month, and his window to be added to the roster closes this week."We'll see how all of that goes here. We're sorting through all of that today," Reid said. "I appreciate having him here and doing what he's doing, and how he's handled everything."On the other side of the ball, three-time All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu played through a knee injury in the Chiefs' 19-9 win over the Cowboys that sent them barreling into the bye with four consecutive victories.Mathieu should be much closer to 100% when the Chiefs kick off a game against Denver that was flexed to prime time. "He came out OK," Reid said. "He was able to push himself through, which was amazing. I mean, he's a tough kid, so tough-minded, and that carries over to the defense. Our players knew that he wasn't quite where he wanted to be, yet he didn't say anything. He just pushed himself through it."The Chiefs also hope the bye allowed wide receiver Josh Gordon and defensive end Melvin Ingram to get more comfortable.Gordon returned from his NFL suspension to sign with Kansas City after the season began, and he was active for the first time in Week 5. Despite playing every game since then, Gordon still has just two catches for 18 yards.Ingram has had more of an impact since arriving from Pittsburgh earlier this month. He's played the last three games, and while his numbers aren't necessarily amazing, he's allowed defensive tackle Chris Jones to slide from the outside back to the interior of the line. That has helped the entire Kansas City pass rush.The Chiefs, who have a one-game lead on the Chargers, Broncos and Raiders in the AFC West race, face each of those teams in the next three week: Denver and Las Vegas visiting Arrowhead Stadium, then the Chiefs heading to Los Angeles.After playing the Steelers, the Chiefs finish with playoff contenders Cincinnati and Denver on the road.The Chiefs already were rolling into their bye behind that resurgent defense, which has held three straight opponents to 17 points or fewer. Their underwhelming offense is almost certain to be better after a week to digest the season.Why? Reid has a 19-3 record when his teams are coming off a bye."I get asked about that every year. I'm not sure why that is," Reid said. "We go back and try to review everything and make whatever corrections. But I don't know what the secret — if there is any secret — what that secret is."

Red-hot Chiefs brimming with optimism after late-season bye

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced the kickoff of the Kansas housing needs assessment tour. 

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) and the Office of Rural Prosperity partnered to launch this assessment early this year and this tour will provide the public the opportunity to preview their region’s results. The full 2021 Kansas Statewide Housing Needs Assessment – the first comprehensive statewide housing study in nearly 30 years - will be released at the conclusion of the tour.

“Quality, affordable housing brings new families to our communities, enabling businesses to recruit and retain the workforce they need to build on their record growth,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“We’ve known for years that Kansas has a housing shortage – but for too long, we’ve operated without a strategic focus. Using the information from the first comprehensive housing needs assessment in nearly 30 years, we can develop a data-driven approach to expand affordable housing statewide, support our workforce, and grow our economy.”

“I encourage all Kansans to learn more about the housing study and how it will impact their communities by participating in a regional session near them,” Kelly said.

RDG Planning &amp; Design, an Omaha-based consultancy, conducted the in-depth study over the past year to identify current housing needs and growth opportunities, including goals and strategic initiatives to guide the state’s future housing development efforts. These findings revealed several key goals to address future housing needs:

Diversify housing stock to meet local needs;

Reinvest in older housing stock, including vacant units;

Address the building trades labor shortage;

Analysis included a series of 71 virtual and in-person listening sessions with more than 425 community participants across the state, as well as meetings with housing stakeholder groups. Consultants conducted a statewide survey of more than 4,400 respondents and analyzed census data to develop a comprehensive picture of the state’s housing needs, current resources, and growth opportunities.

The full report and recommendations will be posted online following the statewide tour.&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTExMjkuNDk1MDk1OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2djYzAyLnNhZmVsaW5rcy5wcm90ZWN0aW9uLm91dGxvb2suY29tLz91cmw9aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy5rc2hvdXNpbmdjb3JwLm9yZyUyRnN1YnNjcmliZSZkYXRhPTA0JTdDMDElN0NSYXluYS5LYXJzdCU0MGtzLmdvdiU3QzE4N2RmZjRhZmE4NzRhZGE1NGI3MDhkOWIzODMxZGRiJTdDZGNhZTgxMDFjOTJkNDgwY2JjNDNjNjc2MWNjY2NjNWElN0MwJTdDMCU3QzYzNzczODE5Nzk4NDM5OTM3NSU3Q1Vua25vd24lN0NUV0ZwYkdac2IzZDhleUpXSWpvaU1DNHdMakF3TURBaUxDSlFJam9pVjJsdU16SWlMQ0pCVGlJNklrMWhhV3dpTENKWFZDSTZNbjAlM0QlN0MzMDAwJnNkYXRhPW05Y3lhVzU2eTZnd0VCSms3MVdGZk9ZSiUyRklya1EwS24lMkY2cDNvZjZYSmxnJTNEJnJlc2VydmVkPTAifQ.tA2Z0bJFNBFoFAEQ06wUCfWVsPh7Rsi8CDthKY66GIk/s/1419840138/br/121874381689-l" target="_blank">Join KHRC’s mailing list</a>&nbsp;and select “Housing Needs Assessment 2021” to be notified when the full report is available. Kansans are encouraged to learn more about the study’s results and how their communities can expand housing opportunities by participating in&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.qAHD3G9XzoQx90Eqqrku5pFkAIHeltmxHf0I_TbU-xs/s/1419840138/br/121874381689-l" target="_blank">upcoming regional sessions</a>&nbsp;as follows:

Monday: Northeast 5:30 p.m. - Sunflower Foundation, 5820 SW 6th Ave, Suite 400, Topeka

Tuesday: Kansas City Metro Noon - Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty, Overland Park

 5:30 p.m. - Memorial Hall Ballroom, 600 N. 7th Street Trafficway, Kansas City. 

Wednesday: Northeast - Atchison 5:30 p.m. - USD 409 Community Room, 626 Commercial, Atchison.

Tuesday, Dec. 7: North Central Noon - Visit Salina Annex meeting space, 120 W. Ash Street, Salina

5:30 p.m. - BriefSpace, 219 W. 10th Street, Hays.

Wednesday, Dec. 8: Western Noon - Safe Child Center, Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center, 212 E. Fifth Street, Scott City.

5:30 p.m. - Boot Hill Conference Center, 4100 W. Comanche Avenue, Dodge City. 

Thursday, Dec. 9: South / Southeast Noon – Derby Public Library Community Room, 1600 E Walnut Grove, Derby.

5:30 p.m. - Holiday Inn, 3401 Blue Comet Drive, Chanute

The state’s housing study was funded and administered by the ORP and KHRC, the state’s housing finance agency. KHRC and ORP selected RDG to lead the study through a competitive RFP process.

About the Office of Rural Prosperity

Governor Laura Kelly and former Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers created the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.9MUTx4D0azRE0CtGiVYJUsyUGU4i2-j1PyPa_35pg9w/s/1419840138/br/121874381689-l" target="_blank">Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP)</a>, a nonpartisan initiative established in part to ensure that rural Kansas is heard and represented in the statehouse. The ORP aims to streamline rural policy while focusing on the issues that matter to rural Kansans. During the ORP’s 2019 and 2020 statewide listening and action tours, housing was brought up by leaders in every region of the state as a vital component of recruiting and retaining workers, families, and entrepreneurs to help rural Kansas thrive.

About the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC)

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.4HHoPa2K4VNLV5JPhl5t4fCZ9sAgljYbFOiCg-Eupq0/s/1419840138/br/121874381689-l" target="_blank">Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC)</a>&nbsp;is a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency (HFA), administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced the kickoff of the Kansas housing needs assessment tour. Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) and the Office of Rural Prosperity partnered to launch this assessment early this year and this tour will provide the public the opportunity to preview their region’s results. The full 2021 Kansas Statewide Housing Needs Assessment – the first comprehensive statewide housing study in nearly 30 years - will be released at the conclusion of the tour.“Quality, affordable housing brings new families to our communities, enabling businesses to recruit and retain the workforce they need to build on their record growth,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“We’ve known for years that Kansas has a housing shortage – but for too long, we’ve operated without a strategic focus. Using the information from the first comprehensive housing needs assessment in nearly 30 years, we can develop a data-driven approach to expand affordable housing statewide, support our workforce, and grow our economy.”“I encourage all Kansans to learn more about the housing study and how it will impact their communities by participating in a regional session near them,” Kelly said.RDG Planning &amp; Design, an Omaha-based consultancy, conducted the in-depth study over the past year to identify current housing needs and growth opportunities, including goals and strategic initiatives to guide the state’s future housing development efforts. These findings revealed several key goals to address future housing needs:Prioritize middle income housing;Diversify housing stock to meet local needs;Extend housing security;Reinvest in older housing stock, including vacant units;Address the building trades labor shortage;Extend existing human capital resources.Analysis included a series of 71 virtual and in-person listening sessions with more than 425 community participants across the state, as well as meetings with housing stakeholder groups. Consultants conducted a statewide survey of more than 4,400 respondents and analyzed census data to develop a comprehensive picture of the state’s housing needs, current resources, and growth opportunities.The full report and recommendations will be posted online following the statewide tour.&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.tA2Z0bJFNBFoFAEQ06wUCfWVsPh7Rsi8CDthKY66GIk/s/1419840138/br/121874381689-l" target="_blank">Join KHRC’s mailing list</a>&nbsp;and select “Housing Needs Assessment 2021” to be notified when the full report is available. Kansans are encouraged to learn more about the study’s results and how their communities can expand housing opportunities by participating in&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.qAHD3G9XzoQx90Eqqrku5pFkAIHeltmxHf0I_TbU-xs/s/1419840138/br/121874381689-l" target="_blank">upcoming regional sessions</a>&nbsp;as follows:Monday: Northeast 5:30 p.m. - Sunflower Foundation, 5820 SW 6th Ave, Suite 400, TopekaTuesday: Kansas City Metro Noon - Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty, Overland Park 5:30 p.m. - Memorial Hall Ballroom, 600 N. 7th Street Trafficway, Kansas City. Wednesday: Northeast - Atchison 5:30 p.m. - USD 409 Community Room, 626 Commercial, Atchison. Tuesday, Dec. 7: North Central Noon - Visit Salina Annex meeting space, 120 W. Ash Street, Salina5:30 p.m. - BriefSpace, 219 W. 10th Street, Hays. Wednesday, Dec. 8: Western Noon - Safe Child Center, Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center, 212 E. Fifth Street, Scott City. 5:30 p.m. - Boot Hill Conference Center, 4100 W. Comanche Avenue, Dodge City. Thursday, Dec. 9: South / Southeast Noon – Derby Public Library Community Room, 1600 E Walnut Grove, Derby. 5:30 p.m. - Holiday Inn, 3401 Blue Comet Drive, ChanuteThe state’s housing study was funded and administered by the ORP and KHRC, the state’s housing finance agency. KHRC and ORP selected RDG to lead the study through a competitive RFP process.About the Office of Rural ProsperityGovernor Laura Kelly and former Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers created the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTExMjkuNDk1MDk1OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2djYzAyLnNhZmVsaW5rcy5wcm90ZWN0aW9uLm91dGxvb2suY29tLz91cmw9aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cua2Fuc2FzY29tbWVyY2UuZ292JTJGb3JwJTJGJmRhdGE9MDQlN0MwMSU3Q1JheW5hLkthcnN0JTQwa3MuZ292JTdDMTg3ZGZmNGFmYTg3NGFkYTU0YjcwOGQ5YjM4MzFkZGIlN0NkY2FlODEwMWM5MmQ0ODBjYmM0M2M2NzYxY2NjY2M1YSU3QzAlN0MwJTdDNjM3NzM4MTk3OTg0NDI5MjQxJTdDVW5rbm93biU3Q1RXRnBiR1pzYjNkOGV5SldJam9pTUM0d0xqQXdNREFpTENKUUlqb2lWMmx1TXpJaUxDSkJUaUk2SWsxaGFXd2lMQ0pYVkNJNk1uMCUzRCU3QzMwMDAmc2RhdGE9cUVtbUVZNUpsUnpGN3M4ODlFczl4NXFNb2ZOZFBGdXBLOFRYVHJRUlBpUSUzRCZyZXNlcnZlZD0wIn0.9MUTx4D0azRE0CtGiVYJUsyUGU4i2-j1PyPa_35pg9w/s/1419840138/br/121874381689-l" target="_blank">Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP)</a>, a nonpartisan initiative established in part to ensure that rural Kansas is heard and represented in the statehouse. The ORP aims to streamline rural policy while focusing on the issues that matter to rural Kansans. During the ORP’s 2019 and 2020 statewide listening and action tours, housing was brought up by leaders in every region of the state as a vital component of recruiting and retaining workers, families, and entrepreneurs to help rural Kansas thrive.About the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC)<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.4HHoPa2K4VNLV5JPhl5t4fCZ9sAgljYbFOiCg-Eupq0/s/1419840138/br/121874381689-l" target="_blank">Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC)</a>&nbsp;is a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency (HFA), administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.

Salina a stop on governor's housing assessment needs tour

<a href="https://www.gliddenedigerfuneral.com/obituaries/Sadie-Nelson-3/#!/PhotosVideos">Sadie Kaylynn Nelson Obituary - Visitation &amp; Funeral Information (gliddenedigerfuneral.com)</a>

Sadie Kaylynn Nelson, 13 months old, of McPherson, passed away at 7:50 p.m., Friday, November 26, 2021 at Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri. Sadie was born in McPherson, Kansas on October 2, 2020, a daughter of Jamie Nichole (McVicker) and Timothy Daniel Nelson, of McPherson, Kansas. Sadie liked listening to music, being held, getting her hands on anything she could, meeting everyone and had an infectious smile. She attended Free Methodist Church, McPherson, Kansas. She was dedicated by Dr. David Kessler in December of 2020. She is survived by her parents, Tim and Jamie Nelson, of McPherson, Kansas; her maternal grandparents, Mark and Beth McVicker, of McPherson, Kansas; paternal grandparents, Arvard and Pamela Nelson, of McPherson, Kansas; maternal great-grandfather and wife, Walter and Doris Myers, of Phoenix, Arizona; paternal great-grandfather, Dale Anderson, of McPherson, Kansas; paternal great-grandmother, Dolores Nelson, of McPherson, Kansas; her aunt Janessa Surface and husband Kyle, McPherson, Kansas; her uncle Matthew Nelson and wife Sarah, of Protection, Kansas; her cousin, Jessie Nelson, of Protection, Kansas; and other relatives. Sadie was preceded in death by her maternal great-grandmother, Margy Myers; paternal great-grandmother, Marybeth Anderson; paternal great-grandfather, Clarence Nelson; and maternal great-grandparents, Edward and Leora McVicker. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at McPherson Free Methodist Church, McPherson, Kansas. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 3, 2021 at McPherson Free Methodist Church with Dr. David Kessler officiating. Private family burial will be at the McPherson Cemetery McPherson, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House in memory of Sadie and they can be sent in care of the Glidden - Ediger Funeral Home, 222 West Euclid Street, McPherson, Kansas 67460.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Sadie Kaylynn Nelson, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gliddenedigerfuneral.com/store/Category.aspx?CategoryId=319&amp;icn=desktop_memorial_obituary_link#chooser">Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>Sadie Kaylynn Nelson, McPherson</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638225766771.jpeg" alt="Sadie Kaylynn Nelson" />
 <figcaption>Sadie Kaylynn Nelson</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.gliddenedigerfuneral.com/obituaries/Sadie-Nelson-3/#!/PhotosVideos">Sadie Kaylynn Nelson Obituary - Visitation &amp; Funeral Information (gliddenedigerfuneral.com)</a>October 2, 2020 - November 26, 2021Sadie Kaylynn Nelson, 13 months old, of McPherson, passed away at 7:50 p.m., Friday, November 26, 2021 at Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri. Sadie was born in McPherson, Kansas on October 2, 2020, a daughter of Jamie Nichole (McVicker) and Timothy Daniel Nelson, of McPherson, Kansas. Sadie liked listening to music, being held, getting her hands on anything she could, meeting everyone and had an infectious smile. She attended Free Methodist Church, McPherson, Kansas. She was dedicated by Dr. David Kessler in December of 2020. She is survived by her parents, Tim and Jamie Nelson, of McPherson, Kansas; her maternal grandparents, Mark and Beth McVicker, of McPherson, Kansas; paternal grandparents, Arvard and Pamela Nelson, of McPherson, Kansas; maternal great-grandfather and wife, Walter and Doris Myers, of Phoenix, Arizona; paternal great-grandfather, Dale Anderson, of McPherson, Kansas; paternal great-grandmother, Dolores Nelson, of McPherson, Kansas; her aunt Janessa Surface and husband Kyle, McPherson, Kansas; her uncle Matthew Nelson and wife Sarah, of Protection, Kansas; her cousin, Jessie Nelson, of Protection, Kansas; and other relatives. Sadie was preceded in death by her maternal great-grandmother, Margy Myers; paternal great-grandmother, Marybeth Anderson; paternal great-grandfather, Clarence Nelson; and maternal great-grandparents, Edward and Leora McVicker. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at McPherson Free Methodist Church, McPherson, Kansas. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 3, 2021 at McPherson Free Methodist Church with Dr. David Kessler officiating. Private family burial will be at the McPherson Cemetery McPherson, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House in memory of Sadie and they can be sent in care of the Glidden - Ediger Funeral Home, 222 West Euclid Street, McPherson, Kansas 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Sadie Kaylynn Nelson, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gliddenedigerfuneral.com/store/Category.aspx?CategoryId=319&amp;icn=desktop_memorial_obituary_link#chooser">Sympathy Store</a>.

Sadie Kaylynn Nelson

BOSTON (AP) — Phil Saviano, a clergy sex abuse survivor and whistleblower who played a pivotal role in exposing decades of predatory assaults by Roman Catholic priests in the United States, has died. He was 69.

Saviano’s story figured prominently in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bce4d6f901b2423ea23a713dc31c49da">the 2015 Oscar-winning film “Spotlight”</a>&nbsp;about The Boston Globe’s investigation that revealed how scores of priests molested children and got away with it because church leaders covered it up. He died on Sunday after a battle with gallbladder cancer, said his brother and caregiver, Jim Saviano.

In late October, Phil Saviano announced <a href="https://www.facebook.com/phil.saviano">on his Facebook page</a> that he was starting hospice care at his brother’s home in Douglas, Massachusetts, where he died.

“Things have been dicey the last few weeks,” he wrote, asking followers to “give a listen to Judy Collins singing ‘Bird On A Wire’ and think of me.”

Saviano played a central role in illuminating the scandal, which led to the resignation of Boston’s Cardinal Bernard Law and church settlements with hundreds of victims. The Globe’s 2002 series earned it the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service in 2003, and “Spotlight” won Academy Awards for best picture and best original screenplay. Actor Neal Huff played Saviano in the film.

“My gift to the world was not being afraid to speak out,” Saviano said in mid-November in a brief telephone interview with The Associated Press.

Born June 23, 1952, Saviano recalled going to confession as a young boy at St. Denis Church in tiny East Douglas, Massachusetts, in the 1960s and whispering his transgressions through a screen to the Rev. David Holley. The priest, he said,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d62e914879e92c043a7ac3a595089add">violated that sacred trust</a>&nbsp;and forced the 11-year-old to perform sex acts. Holley died in a New Mexico prison in 2008 while serving a 275-year sentence for molesting eight boys.

“When we were kids, the priests never did anything wrong. You didn’t question them, same as the police,” brother Jim Saviano told the AP. “There were many barriers put in his way intentionally and otherwise by institutions and generational thinking. That didn’t stop him. That’s a certain kind of bravery that was unique.”

A self-described “recovering Catholic,” Saviano went on to establish the New England chapter of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, an organization working to bring specific allegations of clergy sexual abuse to light.

His faith in the church shattered, Saviano instead leaned on politicians and prosecutors to bring offenders to justice.

“We’re putting our faith in legislators and prosecutors to solve this problem,” he told reporters in 2002.

“Phil was an essential source during the Spotlight Team’s reporting on the cover-up of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, providing other critical sources, research materials and the names of several accused priests,” said Mike Rezendes, a member of the Globe team that brought the scandal to light and a current AP investigative reporter.

“He also shared his own heartbreaking story of abuse, imbuing us with the iron determination we needed to break this horrific story,” Rezendes said. “During our reporting, and over the last 20 years, I got to know Phil well and have never met anyone as brave, as compassionate or as savvy.”

Saviano earned degrees in zoology and communications from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Boston University and began working in hospital public relations. Later, he shifted to entertainment industry publicity and concert promotion, working closely with Collins, a lifelong friend and confidante, as well as Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme and other artists.

In 1991, he became seriously ill with AIDS and went public with his childhood abuse the following year, becoming one of the first survivors to come forward.

“Father Holley forced me and two of my friends to have repeated sexual contact with him,” Saviano said in an interview with the Globe — the first of many that would lead not only to criminal charges against the disgraced cleric but widespread prosecutions of others as the enormity of the scandal became evident.

By the early 2000s, Saviano was spending 10 hours a day on the phone with victims and journalists. He was an outspoken critic of the Vatican’s reluctance to deal decisively with the fallout from the scandal. In 2008, when Pope Benedict XVI hinted to U.S. bishops during a visit that they’d mishandled the church’s response, Saviano questioned the pontiff’s decision to follow his remarks with Masses in New York and Washington.

“If he was really serious about the issue, that Mass would not be held in New York. It would be held here in Boston,” he said.

In 2009, suffering kidney failure and unable to locate a match among family or friends, he found a donor after SNAP spread the word in a nationwide email to 8,000 clergy sex abuse survivors.

The abuse that came to light as a result of Saviano’s work prompted Cardinal Law, Boston’s highest-ranking churchman, to step down. The Globe’s reporting showed Law was aware of child molesters in the priesthood but covered up their crimes and failed to stop them, instead transferring them from parish to parish without alerting parents or police.

When the archbishop died in Rome in 2017, Saviano asked bluntly: “How is he going to explain this when he comes face to face with his maker?”

In 2019, at the Vatican for an abuse prevention summit called convened by Pope Francis,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-ap-top-news-international-news-united-states-latin-america-34df3ee878694c229c55bf1a5de533af">Saviano said he told summit organizers to release the names of abusive priests around the world along with their case files</a>.

“Do it to launch a new era of transparency. Do it to break the code of silence. Do it out of respect for the victims of these men, and do it to help prevent these creeps from abusing any more children,” he said.

Although there was a hard edge to much of his life, Saviano enjoyed traveling extensively and developed a soft spot for Indigenous art. In 1999, he launched an e-commerce website, Viva Oaxaca Folk Art, showcasing handmade decorative pieces he purchased on trips to southern Mexico and resold to collectors across the U.S.

He is survived by three brothers, Jim Saviano of Douglas; John Saviano of Douglas; and Victor Saviano of Boston; two nieces; and two nephews. A funeral Mass was scheduled for Friday at St. Denis Church in East Douglas.

BOSTON (AP) — Phil Saviano, a clergy sex abuse survivor and whistleblower who played a pivotal role in exposing decades of predatory assaults by Roman Catholic priests in the United States, has died. He was 69.Saviano’s story figured prominently in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bce4d6f901b2423ea23a713dc31c49da">the 2015 Oscar-winning film “Spotlight”</a>&nbsp;about The Boston Globe’s investigation that revealed how scores of priests molested children and got away with it because church leaders covered it up. He died on Sunday after a battle with gallbladder cancer, said his brother and caregiver, Jim Saviano.In late October, Phil Saviano announced <a href="https://www.facebook.com/phil.saviano">on his Facebook page</a> that he was starting hospice care at his brother’s home in Douglas, Massachusetts, where he died.“Things have been dicey the last few weeks,” he wrote, asking followers to “give a listen to Judy Collins singing ‘Bird On A Wire’ and think of me.”Saviano played a central role in illuminating the scandal, which led to the resignation of Boston’s Cardinal Bernard Law and church settlements with hundreds of victims. The Globe’s 2002 series earned it the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service in 2003, and “Spotlight” won Academy Awards for best picture and best original screenplay. Actor Neal Huff played Saviano in the film.“My gift to the world was not being afraid to speak out,” Saviano said in mid-November in a brief telephone interview with The Associated Press.Born June 23, 1952, Saviano recalled going to confession as a young boy at St. Denis Church in tiny East Douglas, Massachusetts, in the 1960s and whispering his transgressions through a screen to the Rev. David Holley. The priest, he said,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d62e914879e92c043a7ac3a595089add">violated that sacred trust</a>&nbsp;and forced the 11-year-old to perform sex acts. Holley died in a New Mexico prison in 2008 while serving a 275-year sentence for molesting eight boys.“When we were kids, the priests never did anything wrong. You didn’t question them, same as the police,” brother Jim Saviano told the AP. “There were many barriers put in his way intentionally and otherwise by institutions and generational thinking. That didn’t stop him. That’s a certain kind of bravery that was unique.”A self-described “recovering Catholic,” Saviano went on to establish the New England chapter of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, an organization working to bring specific allegations of clergy sexual abuse to light.His faith in the church shattered, Saviano instead leaned on politicians and prosecutors to bring offenders to justice.“We’re putting our faith in legislators and prosecutors to solve this problem,” he told reporters in 2002.“Phil was an essential source during the Spotlight Team’s reporting on the cover-up of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, providing other critical sources, research materials and the names of several accused priests,” said Mike Rezendes, a member of the Globe team that brought the scandal to light and a current AP investigative reporter.“He also shared his own heartbreaking story of abuse, imbuing us with the iron determination we needed to break this horrific story,” Rezendes said. “During our reporting, and over the last 20 years, I got to know Phil well and have never met anyone as brave, as compassionate or as savvy.”Saviano earned degrees in zoology and communications from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Boston University and began working in hospital public relations. Later, he shifted to entertainment industry publicity and concert promotion, working closely with Collins, a lifelong friend and confidante, as well as Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme and other artists.In 1991, he became seriously ill with AIDS and went public with his childhood abuse the following year, becoming one of the first survivors to come forward.“Father Holley forced me and two of my friends to have repeated sexual contact with him,” Saviano said in an interview with the Globe — the first of many that would lead not only to criminal charges against the disgraced cleric but widespread prosecutions of others as the enormity of the scandal became evident.By the early 2000s, Saviano was spending 10 hours a day on the phone with victims and journalists. He was an outspoken critic of the Vatican’s reluctance to deal decisively with the fallout from the scandal. In 2008, when Pope Benedict XVI hinted to U.S. bishops during a visit that they’d mishandled the church’s response, Saviano questioned the pontiff’s decision to follow his remarks with Masses in New York and Washington.“If he was really serious about the issue, that Mass would not be held in New York. It would be held here in Boston,” he said.In 2009, suffering kidney failure and unable to locate a match among family or friends, he found a donor after SNAP spread the word in a nationwide email to 8,000 clergy sex abuse survivors.The abuse that came to light as a result of Saviano’s work prompted Cardinal Law, Boston’s highest-ranking churchman, to step down. The Globe’s reporting showed Law was aware of child molesters in the priesthood but covered up their crimes and failed to stop them, instead transferring them from parish to parish without alerting parents or police.When the archbishop died in Rome in 2017, Saviano asked bluntly: “How is he going to explain this when he comes face to face with his maker?”In 2019, at the Vatican for an abuse prevention summit called convened by Pope Francis,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-ap-top-news-international-news-united-states-latin-america-34df3ee878694c229c55bf1a5de533af">Saviano said he told summit organizers to release the names of abusive priests around the world along with their case files</a>.“Do it to launch a new era of transparency. Do it to break the code of silence. Do it out of respect for the victims of these men, and do it to help prevent these creeps from abusing any more children,” he said.Although there was a hard edge to much of his life, Saviano enjoyed traveling extensively and developed a soft spot for Indigenous art. In 1999, he launched an e-commerce website, Viva Oaxaca Folk Art, showcasing handmade decorative pieces he purchased on trips to southern Mexico and resold to collectors across the U.S.He is survived by three brothers, Jim Saviano of Douglas; John Saviano of Douglas; and Victor Saviano of Boston; two nieces; and two nephews. A funeral Mass was scheduled for Friday at St. Denis Church in East Douglas.

Key Catholic clergy sex abuse survivor and whistleblower has died

Today is Monday, Nov. 29, the 333rd day of 2021. There are 32 days left in the year. 

On Nov. 29, 2001, former Beatle George Harrison died in Los Angeles following a battle with cancer; he was 58. 

In 1864, a Colorado militia killed at least 150 peaceful Cheyenne Indians in the Sand Creek Massacre. 

In 1910, British explorer Robert F. Scott's ship Terra Nova set sail from New Zealand, carrying Scott's expedition on its ultimately futile — as well as fatal — race to reach the South Pole first. 

In 1929, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Richard E. Byrd, pilot Bernt Balchen, radio operator Harold June and photographer Ashley McKinney made the first airplane flight over the South Pole.

In 1947, the U.N. General Assembly passed a resolution calling for the partitioning of Palestine between Arabs and Jews; 33 members, including the United States, voted in favor of the resolution, 13 voted against while 10 abstained. (The plan, rejected by the Arabs, was never implemented.) 

In 1961, Enos the chimp was launched from Cape Canaveral aboard the Mercury-Atlas 5 spacecraft, which orbited earth twice before returning.

In 1963, President Lyndon B. Johnson named a commission headed by Earl Warren to investigate the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. 

In 1972, the coin-operated video arcade game Pong, created by Atari, made its debut at Andy Capp's Tavern in Sunnyvale, California.

In 1981, film star Natalie Wood drowned in a boating accident off Santa Catalina Island, California, at age 43. 

In 1987, a Korean Air 707 jetliner en route from Abu Dhabi to Bangkok was destroyed by a bomb planted by North Korean agents with the loss of all 115 people aboard. 

In 2000, bracing the public for more legal wrangling, Vice President Al Gore said in a series of TV interviews that he was prepared to contest the Florida presidential vote until "the middle of December." 

In 2008, Indian commandos killed the last remaining gunmen holed up at a luxury Mumbai hotel, ending a 60-hour rampage through India's financial capital by suspected Pakistani-based militants that killed 166 people. 

In 2017, "Today" host Matt Lauer was fired for what NBC called "inappropriate sexual behavior" with a colleague; a published report accused him of crude and habitual misconduct with women around the office. Garrison Keillor, who'd entertained public radio listeners for 40 years on "A Prairie Home Companion," was fired by Minnesota Public Radio following allegations of inappropriate workplace behavior. 

Ten years ago: Eurozone ministers sent Greece an 8 billion-euro ($10.7 billion) Christmas rescue package to stem an immediate cash crisis. Hard-line Iranian protesters stormed British diplomatic compounds in what began as an apparent state-approved show of anger over the latest Western sanctions to punish Tehran for its nuclear program. American Airlines' parent company, AMR Corp., filed for bankruptcy protection, citing high labor and fuel costs and the weak economy. (American Airlines emerged from bankruptcy protection in December 2013 as it merged with US Airways.)

Five years ago: President-elect Donald Trump continued to fill out his Cabinet, choosing former Goldman Sachs executive Steven Mnuchin as secretary of the Treasury Department, Georgia Rep. Tom Price to oversee the nation's health care system, and Elaine Chao, a former labor secretary and the wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, to lead the Department of Transportation. Regional leaders and tens of thousands of Cubans jammed the Plaza of the Revolution in Havana, celebrating the late Fidel Castro on the spot where he delivered fiery speeches to mammoth crowds in the years after he seized power.

One year ago: Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that New York City would reopen its school system to in-person learning, and increase the number of days a week many children attend class, even as the coronavirus pandemic intensified in the city. Nearly 1.2 million people went through U.S. airports, according to the Transportation Security Administration; it was the highest daily number since before the pandemic.

Today's Birthdays: Hall of Fame sportscaster Vin Scully is 94. Blues singer-musician John Mayall is 88. Actor Diane Ladd is 86. Songwriter Mark James is 81. Composer-musician Chuck Mangione is 81. Country singer Jody Miller is 80. Pop singer-musician Felix Cavaliere (The Rascals) is 79. Former Olympic skier Suzy Chaffee is 75. Actor Jeff Fahey is 69. Movie director Joel Coen is 67. Actor-comedian-celebrity judge Howie Mandel is 66. Former Homeland Security Director Janet Napolitano is 64. Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is 62. Actor Cathy Moriarty is 61. Actor Kim Delaney is 60. Actor Tom Sizemore is 60. Actor Andrew McCarthy is 59. Actor Don Cheadle is 57. Actor-producer Neill Barry is 56. Pop singer Jonathan Knight (New Kids on the Block) is 53. Rock musician Martin Carr (Boo Radleys) is 53. Actor Jennifer Elise Cox is 52. Baseball Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera is 52. Actor Larry Joe Campbell is 51. Rock musician Frank Delgado (Deftones) is 51. Actor Paola Turbay is 51. Contemporary Christian singer Crowder is 50. Actor Gena Lee Nolin is 50. Actor Brian Baumgartner is 49. Actor Julian Ovenden is 46. Actor Anna Faris is 45. Gospel singer James Fortune is 44. Actor Lauren German is 43. Rapper The Game is 42. Actor Janina Gavankar is 41. Rock musician Ringo Garza is 40. Actor-comedian John Milhiser is 40. Actor Lucas Black is 39. Actor Diego Boneta is 31. Actor Lovie Simone (TV: "Greenleaf") is 23.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Monday, Nov. 29, the 333rd day of 2021. There are 32 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Nov. 29, 2001, former Beatle George Harrison died in Los Angeles following a battle with cancer; he was 58. On this date: In 1864, a Colorado militia killed at least 150 peaceful Cheyenne Indians in the Sand Creek Massacre. In 1910, British explorer Robert F. Scott's ship Terra Nova set sail from New Zealand, carrying Scott's expedition on its ultimately futile — as well as fatal — race to reach the South Pole first. In 1929, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Richard E. Byrd, pilot Bernt Balchen, radio operator Harold June and photographer Ashley McKinney made the first airplane flight over the South Pole.In 1947, the U.N. General Assembly passed a resolution calling for the partitioning of Palestine between Arabs and Jews; 33 members, including the United States, voted in favor of the resolution, 13 voted against while 10 abstained. (The plan, rejected by the Arabs, was never implemented.) In 1961, Enos the chimp was launched from Cape Canaveral aboard the Mercury-Atlas 5 spacecraft, which orbited earth twice before returning.In 1963, President Lyndon B. Johnson named a commission headed by Earl Warren to investigate the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. In 1972, the coin-operated video arcade game Pong, created by Atari, made its debut at Andy Capp's Tavern in Sunnyvale, California.In 1981, film star Natalie Wood drowned in a boating accident off Santa Catalina Island, California, at age 43. In 1987, a Korean Air 707 jetliner en route from Abu Dhabi to Bangkok was destroyed by a bomb planted by North Korean agents with the loss of all 115 people aboard. In 2000, bracing the public for more legal wrangling, Vice President Al Gore said in a series of TV interviews that he was prepared to contest the Florida presidential vote until "the middle of December." In 2008, Indian commandos killed the last remaining gunmen holed up at a luxury Mumbai hotel, ending a 60-hour rampage through India's financial capital by suspected Pakistani-based militants that killed 166 people. In 2017, "Today" host Matt Lauer was fired for what NBC called "inappropriate sexual behavior" with a colleague; a published report accused him of crude and habitual misconduct with women around the office. Garrison Keillor, who'd entertained public radio listeners for 40 years on "A Prairie Home Companion," was fired by Minnesota Public Radio following allegations of inappropriate workplace behavior. Ten years ago: Eurozone ministers sent Greece an 8 billion-euro ($10.7 billion) Christmas rescue package to stem an immediate cash crisis. Hard-line Iranian protesters stormed British diplomatic compounds in what began as an apparent state-approved show of anger over the latest Western sanctions to punish Tehran for its nuclear program. American Airlines' parent company, AMR Corp., filed for bankruptcy protection, citing high labor and fuel costs and the weak economy. (American Airlines emerged from bankruptcy protection in December 2013 as it merged with US Airways.)Five years ago: President-elect Donald Trump continued to fill out his Cabinet, choosing former Goldman Sachs executive Steven Mnuchin as secretary of the Treasury Department, Georgia Rep. Tom Price to oversee the nation's health care system, and Elaine Chao, a former labor secretary and the wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, to lead the Department of Transportation. Regional leaders and tens of thousands of Cubans jammed the Plaza of the Revolution in Havana, celebrating the late Fidel Castro on the spot where he delivered fiery speeches to mammoth crowds in the years after he seized power.One year ago: Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that New York City would reopen its school system to in-person learning, and increase the number of days a week many children attend class, even as the coronavirus pandemic intensified in the city. Nearly 1.2 million people went through U.S. airports, according to the Transportation Security Administration; it was the highest daily number since before the pandemic.Today's Birthdays: Hall of Fame sportscaster Vin Scully is 94. Blues singer-musician John Mayall is 88. Actor Diane Ladd is 86. Songwriter Mark James is 81. Composer-musician Chuck Mangione is 81. Country singer Jody Miller is 80. Pop singer-musician Felix Cavaliere (The Rascals) is 79. Former Olympic skier Suzy Chaffee is 75. Actor Jeff Fahey is 69. Movie director Joel Coen is 67. Actor-comedian-celebrity judge Howie Mandel is 66. Former Homeland Security Director Janet Napolitano is 64. Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is 62. Actor Cathy Moriarty is 61. Actor Kim Delaney is 60. Actor Tom Sizemore is 60. Actor Andrew McCarthy is 59. Actor Don Cheadle is 57. Actor-producer Neill Barry is 56. Pop singer Jonathan Knight (New Kids on the Block) is 53. Rock musician Martin Carr (Boo Radleys) is 53. Actor Jennifer Elise Cox is 52. Baseball Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera is 52. Actor Larry Joe Campbell is 51. Rock musician Frank Delgado (Deftones) is 51. Actor Paola Turbay is 51. Contemporary Christian singer Crowder is 50. Actor Gena Lee Nolin is 50. Actor Brian Baumgartner is 49. Actor Julian Ovenden is 46. Actor Anna Faris is 45. Gospel singer James Fortune is 44. Actor Lauren German is 43. Rapper The Game is 42. Actor Janina Gavankar is 41. Rock musician Ringo Garza is 40. Actor-comedian John Milhiser is 40. Actor Lucas Black is 39. Actor Diego Boneta is 31. Actor Lovie Simone (TV: "Greenleaf") is 23.

Today in History - Nov. 29

When the Jobs for America’s Graduates – Kansas (JAG-K) program at Salina South High School needed a new Career Specialist last summer, an interesting candidate stepped up to the plate.

Who better to understand the impact JAG-K can have on students than a former participant in the program? And who better to catch Salina South students in need of help than a former star catcher on the school’s softball team?

The evidence-based program helps students prepare for post-secondary education and employment opportunities. JAG-K programs across the state, serving approximately 4,000 students, reported a graduation rate of 97 percent for the Class of 2020.

Paige Parker, a 2016 graduate of Salina South, was hired in July to assume the leadership of the JAG-K program when former Career Specialist Melissa Gates became the new business teacher at the school.

“Mrs. Gates called me in April and said ‘I’ve got the perfect opportunity for you!’” Parker said. “This is right in line with my talents and what I am passionate about. I’ve always wanted to help people, and this allows me to do that.”

Gates wanted to help find a replacement who would be qualified and passionate about helping students.

“After being the Career Specialist here for the past six years, I knew Ms. Parker would be the perfect person to provide a smooth transition for our students,” Gates said. “Her experience as a JAG student has allowed her to make a difference in the lives of her students.

A Career Specialist is the teacher who provides individual and group instruction to the JAG-K participants in the classroom using the competency-based JAG National Curriculum.

“As a new specialist, Ms. Parker has done an amazing job building relationships and making connections with her students. There is no doubt that she has a passion for helping young people. I have enjoyed watching her learn and grow into the young professional that she has become.”

Parker said that while in high school, she dealt with chronic migraine headaches and was impacted by deaths to relatives.

“I did not thrive in school. I dealt with a lot of depression,” Parker recalled. “I was on truancy all four years,” I was a passing student, but I missed tons of assignments. I lacked motivation and struggled to be able to focus my attention on school.

“I struggled to feel like I fit in a group when I was in high school. But JAG-K gave me that group where I could connect with my peers. When I came into the JAG-K classroom, I knew that that was my safe space. No matter what type of day I was having, I could count on everyone in there to help me get better.”

Despite her struggles, Parker managed to not just stay eligible for sports, but to stand out on the softball diamond and the volleyball court.

“I kept a good line of communication with my teachers and coaches, letting them know that I was trying and doing the best I knew how to manage my migraines,” Parker said. “Opening up that line of communication let them know what I was dealing with and that I would catch up on my schoolwork as soon as I could.

“Having learned how to dialogue and advocate for myself in high school, I really continued that in college. By communicating with my professors, they understood ‘She really cares. She will work hard.’”

Parker played softball at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo., where she majored in Health and Wellness. She is now working to pass on some of the skills she learned through experience.

“I try to teach the students to advocate for themselves and communicate effectively,” Parker said. “That may be emailing their teachers, working ahead, getting work made up. I’m showing them how to stay connected when they are struggling.”

Parker said she senses a ‘silent cry for mental-health help’ at Salina South, an issue exacerbated by the pandemic.

“I’m really working on helping students to recognize their emotions and to tap into healthy coping mechanisms,” Parker said. “I want to give these students the things that I wish I’d had at their age. How to process their emotions, and that it’s ok to have emotions. How to feel comfortable with who they are. How to be themselves and utilize their gifts and talents.”

Parker knows that having walked in their shoes, she can help current Salina South students.

“It’s great because I already know what to expect,” Parker said. “I saw a great example in Mrs. Gates, and I carry the things she taught me into my teaching. I know the benefits JAG can have for my students. I understand how important it is just to listen to my students and let them feel heard, because I didn't feel like I was heard as a student.”

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 7-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Participants in the program face multiple barriers to success that their JAG-K Career Specialist helps them overcome through a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit <a href="http://www.jagkansas.org">www.jagkansas.org</a>, ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, and on Twitter at @JAG_Kansas.

-<a href="http://www.jagkansas.org">JAG-K</a>-

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637980242903.jpeg" alt="Paige Parker, right, returned to Salina South as a JAG-K career specialist. She is seen here with&nbsp; JAG-K President/CEO Chuck Knapp. Photo courtesy JAG-K" />
 <figcaption>Paige Parker, right, returned to Salina South as a JAG-K career specialist. She is seen here with&nbsp; JAG-K President/CEO Chuck Knapp. Photo courtesy JAG-K</figcaption>
 </figure>When the Jobs for America’s Graduates – Kansas (JAG-K) program at Salina South High School needed a new Career Specialist last summer, an interesting candidate stepped up to the plate.Who better to understand the impact JAG-K can have on students than a former participant in the program? And who better to catch Salina South students in need of help than a former star catcher on the school’s softball team?The evidence-based program helps students prepare for post-secondary education and employment opportunities. JAG-K programs across the state, serving approximately 4,000 students, reported a graduation rate of 97 percent for the Class of 2020.Paige Parker, a 2016 graduate of Salina South, was hired in July to assume the leadership of the JAG-K program when former Career Specialist Melissa Gates became the new business teacher at the school.“Mrs. Gates called me in April and said ‘I’ve got the perfect opportunity for you!’” Parker said. “This is right in line with my talents and what I am passionate about. I’ve always wanted to help people, and this allows me to do that.”Gates wanted to help find a replacement who would be qualified and passionate about helping students.“After being the Career Specialist here for the past six years, I knew Ms. Parker would be the perfect person to provide a smooth transition for our students,” Gates said. “Her experience as a JAG student has allowed her to make a difference in the lives of her students.A Career Specialist is the teacher who provides individual and group instruction to the JAG-K participants in the classroom using the competency-based JAG National Curriculum.“As a new specialist, Ms. Parker has done an amazing job building relationships and making connections with her students. There is no doubt that she has a passion for helping young people. I have enjoyed watching her learn and grow into the young professional that she has become.”Parker said that while in high school, she dealt with chronic migraine headaches and was impacted by deaths to relatives.“I did not thrive in school. I dealt with a lot of depression,” Parker recalled. “I was on truancy all four years,” I was a passing student, but I missed tons of assignments. I lacked motivation and struggled to be able to focus my attention on school.“I struggled to feel like I fit in a group when I was in high school. But JAG-K gave me that group where I could connect with my peers. When I came into the JAG-K classroom, I knew that that was my safe space. No matter what type of day I was having, I could count on everyone in there to help me get better.”Despite her struggles, Parker managed to not just stay eligible for sports, but to stand out on the softball diamond and the volleyball court.“I kept a good line of communication with my teachers and coaches, letting them know that I was trying and doing the best I knew how to manage my migraines,” Parker said. “Opening up that line of communication let them know what I was dealing with and that I would catch up on my schoolwork as soon as I could.“Having learned how to dialogue and advocate for myself in high school, I really continued that in college. By communicating with my professors, they understood ‘She really cares. She will work hard.’”Parker played softball at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo., where she majored in Health and Wellness. She is now working to pass on some of the skills she learned through experience.“I try to teach the students to advocate for themselves and communicate effectively,” Parker said. “That may be emailing their teachers, working ahead, getting work made up. I’m showing them how to stay connected when they are struggling.”Parker said she senses a ‘silent cry for mental-health help’ at Salina South, an issue exacerbated by the pandemic.“I’m really working on helping students to recognize their emotions and to tap into healthy coping mechanisms,” Parker said. “I want to give these students the things that I wish I’d had at their age. How to process their emotions, and that it’s ok to have emotions. How to feel comfortable with who they are. How to be themselves and utilize their gifts and talents.”Parker knows that having walked in their shoes, she can help current Salina South students.“It’s great because I already know what to expect,” Parker said. “I saw a great example in Mrs. Gates, and I carry the things she taught me into my teaching. I know the benefits JAG can have for my students. I understand how important it is just to listen to my students and let them feel heard, because I didn't feel like I was heard as a student.”JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 7-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Participants in the program face multiple barriers to success that their JAG-K Career Specialist helps them overcome through a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model.To learn more about JAG-K, visit <a href="http://www.jagkansas.org">www.jagkansas.org</a>, ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, and on Twitter at @JAG_Kansas.-<a href="http://www.jagkansas.org">JAG-K</a>-

JAG-K hires former participant as new career specialist at South

We’re doing our best to stick to our cash Christmas budget this year. Are there any traps to avoid, and do you have other advice on ways we can cut costs during the holiday season?

If you’re getting out of debt, the phrase “extra money” probably isn’t even in your vocabulary. Regardless, stores will do everything they can to convince you to toss a couple of extra items into your cart when Christmas rolls around. Their festive marketing is&nbsp;everywhere, and most of it tries to get you to spend extra on things you don’t need or can’t afford.

It might be Christmas, but that doesn’t mean you need to buy a bunch of high-end electronic gadgets for everyone. Any way you slice it, electronics add up to be way more than most people want to spend. Try focusing on more personal—and less expensive—gifts that will be truly meaningful to the ones receiving them.

Set a reasonable&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/guide-to-budgeting" target="_blank">budget</a>, determine what’s fair for each person and stick to it.&nbsp;Be sure you’re following realistic gift guidelines&nbsp;before&nbsp;you go out shopping. If you have kids, don’t let their Christmas lists dictate how much you spend. Your budget should do that. Look out for sneaky buys that drain your wallet, too. Some people spend as much on stocking stuffers as they do regular gifts under the tree.

Whether you’re shopping online or out and about, remember that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/5-christmas-extras" target="_blank">extended warranties</a>&nbsp;are&nbsp;not&nbsp;a good deal. Neither are store credit cards and the accompanying “discounts.” It seems everyone from big-box retail stores to mom and pop operations have their own store credit card these days. Sure, they’ll be happy to offer you 10 to 20 percent off a $7 purchase of socks if you’ll just open an account. But there’s a good chance you’ll still be paying off this year’s Christmas&nbsp;next&nbsp;December.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596845065840.jpeg" alt="Dave Ramsey" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey</figcaption>
 </figure>Dear Dave,We’re doing our best to stick to our cash Christmas budget this year. Are there any traps to avoid, and do you have other advice on ways we can cut costs during the holiday season?RenéDear René,If you’re getting out of debt, the phrase “extra money” probably isn’t even in your vocabulary. Regardless, stores will do everything they can to convince you to toss a couple of extra items into your cart when Christmas rolls around. Their festive marketing is&nbsp;everywhere, and most of it tries to get you to spend extra on things you don’t need or can’t afford.It might be Christmas, but that doesn’t mean you need to buy a bunch of high-end electronic gadgets for everyone. Any way you slice it, electronics add up to be way more than most people want to spend. Try focusing on more personal—and less expensive—gifts that will be truly meaningful to the ones receiving them.Set a reasonable&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/guide-to-budgeting" target="_blank">budget</a>, determine what’s fair for each person and stick to it.&nbsp;Be sure you’re following realistic gift guidelines&nbsp;before&nbsp;you go out shopping. If you have kids, don’t let their Christmas lists dictate how much you spend. Your budget should do that. Look out for sneaky buys that drain your wallet, too. Some people spend as much on stocking stuffers as they do regular gifts under the tree.Whether you’re shopping online or out and about, remember that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/5-christmas-extras" target="_blank">extended warranties</a>&nbsp;are&nbsp;not&nbsp;a good deal. Neither are store credit cards and the accompanying “discounts.” It seems everyone from big-box retail stores to mom and pop operations have their own store credit card these days. Sure, they’ll be happy to offer you 10 to 20 percent off a $7 purchase of socks if you’ll just open an account. But there’s a good chance you’ll still be paying off this year’s Christmas&nbsp;next&nbsp;December.If gift wrapping at the store is complementary, go for it. If not, just do it yourself. Sure, it takes a little time and effort, but you’ll save a ton of money buying a few rolls of wrapping paper at the local dollar store. Don’t wait until December 20th&nbsp;to order your Christmas&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-costly-christmas-mistake" target="_blank">presents</a>, either. Plan ahead — like&nbsp;right&nbsp;now&nbsp;— so you don’t have to worry&nbsp;about expensive overnight shipping rates.Finally, I know many folks want to send Christmas cards to&nbsp;everyone&nbsp;they know&nbsp;every&nbsp;year. Some people go completely over-the-top, with their family (including the dog and cat) dressed to the nines and a photo taken by a professional photographer. Come on! You can cut costs by sending cards to just your closest friends and family. It’s okay to be a little selective here, and the cards don’t have to be expensive.I hope this helps, René!<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;is a&nbsp;seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.