Three Republican candidates for Legislature address crowd

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/25/hundreds-rally-in-topeka-to-back-the-blue-in-clash-with-black-lives-matter/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Hundreds of 
police supporters gathered Tuesday afternoon outside the capital’s city 
hall to protest demands by Black Lives Matter.

Standing in sweltering 
heat, they chanted “back the blue,” joined in prayer, sang “God Bless 
America,” and cheered speakers, including three Republican candidates 
for the Kansas Legislature, who urged them to brace for a long battle 
against activists who would restrict police from keeping them safe.

The demonstration <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/25/politics-misinformation-undermine-topeka-debate-on-police-reform/" target="_blank">preceded a special city council meeting</a> in which dozens of community members signed up to speak in favor or opposition of proposed police reforms.

Some of the rally 
participants hawked T-shirts. Virtually all of them were white, and few 
wore masks as they packed into shady corners of the city block.

A contingent of Black Lives Matter supporters held court on the edge of the larger protest, engaging in spirited verbal clashes.

“This is like a comedy show I didn’t even have a ticket for.”

The rally was organized by
 retired Topeka police officer Ron Gish in response to various proposals
 inspired by the death of George Floyd earlier this year, and countless 
other Black men and women who have been killed by police nationwide. In 
Topeka, Black Lives Matter is asking the city council to overhaul 
qualified immunity for police officers, classify a chokehold as a crime,
 prohibit racial profiling, establish a registry of police misconduct to
 be maintained by the U.S. Department of Justice, and create a civilian 
review board to represent and empower the community.

“When we say Black Lives 
Matter, we’re talking about more than police brutality,” said Pjay 
Carter, an organizer for Black Lives Matter-Topeka. “We’re talking about
 incarceration, health care, housing, education, and economics — all the
 different components of a broader system that has created the reality 
we see today, where Black people are incarcerated at more than five 
times the rate of white people, where Black people are given harsher 
sentences for the same offenses, where Black people are more likely to 
be held on bail pretrial, and where Black people are dying not only at 
the hands of police, but because of an unequal health care system.

“Black lives should matter
 in all stages of life, and to honor that truth, we must radically 
transform the system from its roots.”

Speakers at the pro-police rally warned supporters of the dangers of pursing such reform.

“We have to be vigilant,” 
said Francis Slobodnik, a Topeka resident and district manager for the 
American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property, 
which bills itself as Catholic inspired and is known as an anti-LGBTQ 
group.

“Be vigilant,” Slobodnik 
told the crowd. “Because what the people who want to reduce the police, 
weaken the police, what they will do is they will try to wait us out. 
They will hope we fall asleep.”

Republican Jeff Coen, a 
former Topeka councilman who is now running against Democratic Rep. Jim 
Gartner, lamented how the council in one year had gone from talking 
about fixing potholes and water main lines to talk of police reform.

“You know, if one of our 
officers was struggling with a bad guy, and it was a chance to get a 
little jujitsu action to put the person to sleep, so they could put the 
handcuffs on him — that’s not asking for much,” Coen said.

Janlyn Nesbett Tucker, a 
Republican who is running for a Statehouse seat held by Democratic Rep. 
Annie Kuether, led the crowd in chanting the names of fallen Topeka 
police officers. It was her take on the “say his name” references to 
Floyd.

“When someone says, ‘Black
 lives matter,’ and we say, ‘All lives matter,’ it’s like saying, ‘My 
grandmother died,’ and, ‘Well, all grandmothers die.’ And you know, I 
want us to really think about that,” she said.

She continued:&nbsp;“I believe 
in my heart of hearts that what started off as an awareness movement has
 turned into something that is so out of control, that we are going to 
be lucky if we ever get control of it again. And it’s going to be up to 
us to stand up and say, ‘No, this is not right.’ ”

Michael Martin, a retired 
investigator for the Topeka Fire Department, is the Republican candidate
 running for a Statehouse seat held by Democratic Rep. John Alcala. He 
urged the community to get better at treating law enforcement officers 
well. Police need more funding, he said, not less.

“They’re to be our sheep 
dogs,” Martin said. “They’re to guard the flock. And we need to make 
sure that you don’t protect the flock by hobbling them, putting them in 
cages, or unnecessarily punishing the sheep dog. You protect the flock 
by making sure the sheep dog has the tools necessary.”

He added:&nbsp;“Why are we so 
divisive on this issue? Because it’s Topeka, Kansas. OK? We don’t have 
the problems on the east and west coasts. We don’t have those problems. 
This is Kansas. We’re better than that.”

Reeves Oyster, 
communications director for the Kansas Democratic Party, responded in an
 email to the remarks by Republicans. She pointed to the shooting this 
week of Jacob Blake by a police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin, as the 
latest “tragic example of police brutality, white supremacy and 
institutional racism,” and said it was disappointing to see political 
hopefuls denying the issues impacting their communities.

“In times of crisis, we 
need leaders who listen, show empathy and acknowledge the uncomfortable 
realities needed to move forward — not spread disinformation or block 
needed progress for the sake of a political agenda,” Oyster said.

As rally participants 
began to disperse ahead of the special meeting, several police 
supporters moved to escape a camera’s view of a Black Lives Matter 
demonstrator who had climbed to a high point to flip them off.

“Come on, let’s make it a family photo — me and the KKK,” the Black Lives Matter demonstrator said.

“He’s family, alright — if I s*** him out my a**,” the police supporter replied.

Sherman Smith has written award-winning news stories about the instability of the Kansas foster care system, misconduct by government officials, sexual abuse, technology, education, and the Legislature.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598453141072.jpeg" alt="Hundreds of police supporters demonstrate for a Back the Blue rally Tuesday in downtown Topeka ahead of a special council meeting to discuss potential police reform. (Photos by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Hundreds of police supporters demonstrate for a Back the Blue rally Tuesday in downtown Topeka ahead of a special council meeting to discuss potential police reform. (Photos by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Three Republican candidates for Legislature address crowd</h2>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/25/hundreds-rally-in-topeka-to-back-the-blue-in-clash-with-black-lives-matter/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Hundreds of 
police supporters gathered Tuesday afternoon outside the capital’s city 
hall to protest demands by Black Lives Matter.Standing in sweltering 
heat, they chanted “back the blue,” joined in prayer, sang “God Bless 
America,” and cheered speakers, including three Republican candidates 
for the Kansas Legislature, who urged them to brace for a long battle 
against activists who would restrict police from keeping them safe.The demonstration <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/25/politics-misinformation-undermine-topeka-debate-on-police-reform/" target="_blank">preceded a special city council meeting</a> in which dozens of community members signed up to speak in favor or opposition of proposed police reforms.Some of the rally 
participants hawked T-shirts. Virtually all of them were white, and few 
wore masks as they packed into shady corners of the city block.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598453205115.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A contingent of Black Lives Matter supporters held court on the edge of the larger protest, engaging in spirited verbal clashes.“Black lives matter!”“Jesus matters!”“Jesus was black, baby!”“This is like a comedy show I didn’t even have a ticket for.”The rally was organized by
 retired Topeka police officer Ron Gish in response to various proposals
 inspired by the death of George Floyd earlier this year, and countless 
other Black men and women who have been killed by police nationwide. In 
Topeka, Black Lives Matter is asking the city council to overhaul 
qualified immunity for police officers, classify a chokehold as a crime,
 prohibit racial profiling, establish a registry of police misconduct to
 be maintained by the U.S. Department of Justice, and create a civilian 
review board to represent and empower the community.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598453262178.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“When we say Black Lives 
Matter, we’re talking about more than police brutality,” said Pjay 
Carter, an organizer for Black Lives Matter-Topeka. “We’re talking about
 incarceration, health care, housing, education, and economics — all the
 different components of a broader system that has created the reality 
we see today, where Black people are incarcerated at more than five 
times the rate of white people, where Black people are given harsher 
sentences for the same offenses, where Black people are more likely to 
be held on bail pretrial, and where Black people are dying not only at 
the hands of police, but because of an unequal health care system.“Black lives should matter
 in all stages of life, and to honor that truth, we must radically 
transform the system from its roots.”Speakers at the pro-police rally warned supporters of the dangers of pursing such reform.“We have to be vigilant,” 
said Francis Slobodnik, a Topeka resident and district manager for the 
American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property, 
which bills itself as Catholic inspired and is known as an anti-LGBTQ 
group.“Be vigilant,” Slobodnik 
told the crowd. “Because what the people who want to reduce the police, 
weaken the police, what they will do is they will try to wait us out. 
They will hope we fall asleep.”Republican Jeff Coen, a 
former Topeka councilman who is now running against Democratic Rep. Jim 
Gartner, lamented how the council in one year had gone from talking 
about fixing potholes and water main lines to talk of police reform.“You know, if one of our 
officers was struggling with a bad guy, and it was a chance to get a 
little jujitsu action to put the person to sleep, so they could put the 
handcuffs on him — that’s not asking for much,” Coen said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598453336191.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Janlyn Nesbett Tucker, a 
Republican who is running for a Statehouse seat held by Democratic Rep. 
Annie Kuether, led the crowd in chanting the names of fallen Topeka 
police officers. It was her take on the “say his name” references to 
Floyd.“When someone says, ‘Black
 lives matter,’ and we say, ‘All lives matter,’ it’s like saying, ‘My 
grandmother died,’ and, ‘Well, all grandmothers die.’ And you know, I 
want us to really think about that,” she said.She continued:&nbsp;“I believe 
in my heart of hearts that what started off as an awareness movement has
 turned into something that is so out of control, that we are going to 
be lucky if we ever get control of it again. And it’s going to be up to 
us to stand up and say, ‘No, this is not right.’ ”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598453396190.jpeg" alt="Republican legislative candidate Janlyn Nesbett Tucker tells the crowd that efforts to raise awareness have evolved into an out-of-control effort to restrict police. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Republican legislative candidate Janlyn Nesbett Tucker tells the crowd that efforts to raise awareness have evolved into an out-of-control effort to restrict police. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Michael Martin, a retired 
investigator for the Topeka Fire Department, is the Republican candidate
 running for a Statehouse seat held by Democratic Rep. John Alcala. He 
urged the community to get better at treating law enforcement officers 
well. Police need more funding, he said, not less.“They’re to be our sheep 
dogs,” Martin said. “They’re to guard the flock. And we need to make 
sure that you don’t protect the flock by hobbling them, putting them in 
cages, or unnecessarily punishing the sheep dog. You protect the flock 
by making sure the sheep dog has the tools necessary.”He added:&nbsp;“Why are we so 
divisive on this issue? Because it’s Topeka, Kansas. OK? We don’t have 
the problems on the east and west coasts. We don’t have those problems. 
This is Kansas. We’re better than that.”Reeves Oyster, 
communications director for the Kansas Democratic Party, responded in an
 email to the remarks by Republicans. She pointed to the shooting this 
week of Jacob Blake by a police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin, as the 
latest “tragic example of police brutality, white supremacy and 
institutional racism,” and said it was disappointing to see political 
hopefuls denying the issues impacting their communities.“In times of crisis, we 
need leaders who listen, show empathy and acknowledge the uncomfortable 
realities needed to move forward — not spread disinformation or block 
needed progress for the sake of a political agenda,” Oyster said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598453427715.jpeg" alt="A Black Lives Matter demonstrator flips off police supporters at the end of Tuesday’s rally. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>A Black Lives Matter demonstrator flips off police supporters at the end of Tuesday’s rally. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>As rally participants 
began to disperse ahead of the special meeting, several police 
supporters moved to escape a camera’s view of a Black Lives Matter 
demonstrator who had climbed to a high point to flip them off.“Come on, let’s make it a family photo — me and the KKK,” the Black Lives Matter demonstrator said.“He’s family, alright — if I s*** him out my a**,” the police supporter replied.Sherman Smith has written award-winning news stories about the instability of the Kansas foster care system, misconduct by government officials, sexual abuse, technology, education, and the Legislature.&nbsp;

Hundreds rally in Topeka to ‘back the blue’ in clash with Black Lives Matter

KANSAS CITY, Mo. --Several members of the Kansas City Chiefs organization spoke with the media in a post-practice training camp press conference today. From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityChiefs/">The Kansas City Chiefs</a> Facebook page:

You can listen to the Chiefs' games on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) and 99KG (99.9 FM).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. --Several members of the Kansas City Chiefs organization spoke with the media in a post-practice training camp press conference today. From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityChiefs/">The Kansas City Chiefs</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKansasCityChiefs%2Fvideos%2F314055476501826%2F&show_text=1&width=560" width="560" height="430" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>You can listen to the Chiefs' games on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) and 99KG (99.9 FM).

📹Chiefs chat with media in post-practice presser

Award-winning USD 305 teachers recently were honored by the board of education for their accomplishments.

Vickie Marcozzi, 2020 Kansas Master Teacher

Members of NEA-Salina selected Vickie Marcozzi, Oakdale Elementary art and reading teacher, as the USD 305 Master Teacher. She is one of seven Kansas teachers chosen by Emporia State University as the 2020 Kansas Master Teachers.

Marcozzi earned a bachelor’s degree in 1991 from West Virginia University. She began her teaching career in West Virginia, moved to Texas and taught there for three years before moving to Salina where she has taught since 1996.

She teaches every child as if they were her very own, and while doing so, challenges them to go beyond what they thought was possible. Marcozzi knows the importance of discovering the very limits of each child’s potential and guiding them while they ascertain what is attainable if they are willing to think, process, plan, discover, and dream. She knows that the key to this is a valuable relationship and a sense of mutual trust and respect. 

Marcozzi explains, “A child will gladly work above and beyond, and even go to the ends of the earth for you if they know you care.”

Marcozzi built the Oakdale after school FLASH program to provide extra experiences and opportunities for students to benefit socially, emotionally and academically. Nearly 30 Lakewood Middle School and Central High School student ambassadors volunteer each day in the program.

A former principal described Marcozzi’s approach, “In each situation, she puts students first. In each situation, she increased parent participation. In each situation, she was innovative and considered each child to be unique.”

2020 Elementary Teacher of the Year: JaNae Basinger fifth grade teacher at Heusner Elementary School

JaNae Basinger has been teaching in USD 305 for 11 years. She began teaching seventh/eighth reading at Lakewood Middle School and since then has taught fifth grade at Oakdale and Heusner Elementary; she will be transitioning into the Literacy Coach position this fall at Heusner. Basinger has served as a Kagan Trainer for the district, a facilitator for the Mentee/Mentor Program, served as a mentor for new teachers, worked on the Guided Leadership Team at Oakdale and Heusner, taught summer school for six summers, and supported student teachers and other students in their teacher training programs. She enjoys gardening, walking, being a foster care parent, traveling and spending time with her own family.

Basinger connects well with students from different backgrounds, grounding her interactions in a warm, kind and thoughtful manner. She truly relates with students on an emotional level and has a talent for reaching even the most reluctant.

Known for her innate ability to listen and ask questions that empower those around her, she is a leader continuously working behind the scenes to elevate others’ skills, confidence and trust. As a Kagan Coach, Basinger plans, model-teaches and co-teaches with her colleagues. She generously gives of her time and energy, volunteering whenever a need arises.

Lori Munsell, Heusner principal, said, “JaNae is honest and operates at the highest level of integrity. She exemplifies what great leaders look like and the commitment they have to children.”

Secondary Teacher of the Year: Megan Pommer sixth grade English and reading teacher at South Middle School

Megan Pommer is entering her 16th year of teaching. After graduating from Kansas State University, Pommer taught first and fourth grades in South Dakota and then fifth grade in Wellington for one year before coming to Salina where she taught fifth grade at Coronado Elementary School. Moving away with her husband, she taught sixth grade for one year in Nebraska before finally arriving back in Salina. She rejoined the Coronado team until three years ago, when she accepted a sixth grade English position at South Middle School. Pommer enjoys shopping, traveling, and running with her dog, but most of all, she loves being a mother to her two children.

Pommer creates a safe zone for her students to learn, take risks and grow from their mistakes – while she skillfully and patiently guides them toward success. Her students know she cares about them personally and they respond in positive ways.

A former student shared, “Mrs. Pommer truly takes the time to support her students individually and meet their exact needs in order for them to not only become the best possible students, but better kids as well.”

“Megan goes above and beyond to serve those around her: students, colleagues, and friends. You will find her at the middle school athletic events and dances, or helping a team member with a new social-emotional learning initiative,” said a former principal. “She is always extending a helping hand.”

Award-winning USD 305 teachers recently were honored by the board of education for their accomplishments.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598113649596.jpeg" alt="Vickie Marcozzi. Photos courtesy USD 305" />
 <figcaption>Vickie Marcozzi. Photos courtesy USD 305</figcaption>
 </figure>Vickie Marcozzi, 2020 Kansas Master TeacherMembers of NEA-Salina selected Vickie Marcozzi, Oakdale Elementary art and reading teacher, as the USD 305 Master Teacher. She is one of seven Kansas teachers chosen by Emporia State University as the 2020 Kansas Master Teachers.Marcozzi earned a bachelor’s degree in 1991 from West Virginia University. She began her teaching career in West Virginia, moved to Texas and taught there for three years before moving to Salina where she has taught since 1996.She teaches every child as if they were her very own, and while doing so, challenges them to go beyond what they thought was possible. Marcozzi knows the importance of discovering the very limits of each child’s potential and guiding them while they ascertain what is attainable if they are willing to think, process, plan, discover, and dream. She knows that the key to this is a valuable relationship and a sense of mutual trust and respect. Marcozzi explains, “A child will gladly work above and beyond, and even go to the ends of the earth for you if they know you care.”Marcozzi built the Oakdale after school FLASH program to provide extra experiences and opportunities for students to benefit socially, emotionally and academically. Nearly 30 Lakewood Middle School and Central High School student ambassadors volunteer each day in the program.A former principal described Marcozzi’s approach, “In each situation, she puts students first. In each situation, she increased parent participation. In each situation, she was innovative and considered each child to be unique.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598113803316.jpeg" alt="JaNae Basinger" />
 <figcaption>JaNae Basinger</figcaption>
 </figure>2020 Elementary Teacher of the Year: JaNae Basinger fifth grade teacher at Heusner Elementary SchoolJaNae Basinger has been teaching in USD 305 for 11 years. She began teaching seventh/eighth reading at Lakewood Middle School and since then has taught fifth grade at Oakdale and Heusner Elementary; she will be transitioning into the Literacy Coach position this fall at Heusner. Basinger has served as a Kagan Trainer for the district, a facilitator for the Mentee/Mentor Program, served as a mentor for new teachers, worked on the Guided Leadership Team at Oakdale and Heusner, taught summer school for six summers, and supported student teachers and other students in their teacher training programs. She enjoys gardening, walking, being a foster care parent, traveling and spending time with her own family.Basinger connects well with students from different backgrounds, grounding her interactions in a warm, kind and thoughtful manner. She truly relates with students on an emotional level and has a talent for reaching even the most reluctant.Known for her innate ability to listen and ask questions that empower those around her, she is a leader continuously working behind the scenes to elevate others’ skills, confidence and trust. As a Kagan Coach, Basinger plans, model-teaches and co-teaches with her colleagues. She generously gives of her time and energy, volunteering whenever a need arises.Lori Munsell, Heusner principal, said, “JaNae is honest and operates at the highest level of integrity. She exemplifies what great leaders look like and the commitment they have to children.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598113925080.jpeg" alt="Megan Pommer" />
 <figcaption>Megan Pommer</figcaption>
 </figure>Secondary Teacher of the Year: Megan Pommer sixth grade English and reading teacher at South Middle SchoolMegan Pommer is entering her 16th year of teaching. After graduating from Kansas State University, Pommer taught first and fourth grades in South Dakota and then fifth grade in Wellington for one year before coming to Salina where she taught fifth grade at Coronado Elementary School. Moving away with her husband, she taught sixth grade for one year in Nebraska before finally arriving back in Salina. She rejoined the Coronado team until three years ago, when she accepted a sixth grade English position at South Middle School. Pommer enjoys shopping, traveling, and running with her dog, but most of all, she loves being a mother to her two children.Pommer creates a safe zone for her students to learn, take risks and grow from their mistakes – while she skillfully and patiently guides them toward success. Her students know she cares about them personally and they respond in positive ways.A former student shared, “Mrs. Pommer truly takes the time to support her students individually and meet their exact needs in order for them to not only become the best possible students, but better kids as well.”“Megan goes above and beyond to serve those around her: students, colleagues, and friends. You will find her at the middle school athletic events and dances, or helping a team member with a new social-emotional learning initiative,” said a former principal. “She is always extending a helping hand.”

Board of education honors award-winning teachers

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/20/governors-commission-seeks-added-diversity-in-kansas-police-training-hiring-practices/">Kansas Reflector</a>

A leader of Gov. Laura 
Kelly’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice on Thursday called for 
refreshed police training programs focused more squarely on historical 
context and the role of police in perpetuating inequalities.

Shannon Portillo, 
associate dean for academic affairs at the University of Kansas Edwards 
campus, suggested every officer take a history class during training.

“The history of policing 
is really important, as is making sure that folks coming into the force 
have an understanding of some of the inequalities police forces may have
 created in the past,” Portillo said.

Commissioners met Thursday
 to begin mapping their first report to the governor. Portillo, who 
serves as co-chairwoman, and several other commissioners voiced a desire
 to see law enforcement diversity addressed in training and its ranks.

Other points of interest 
for the report include data collection, school resource officers, the 
justice system, tribal jurisdiction and immigration-law enforcement 
relationships.

The commission plans to 
compile suggestions from bi-weekly meetings and complete a draft report 
with more concrete ideas in November. The report will be submitted to 
the governor by Dec. 1.

Sedgwick County District 
Judge Monique Centeno advocated for a more thorough focus on training in
 understanding cultural differences. She also suggested adding more 
instructors of color to give these lessons.

“At a recent meeting I 
attended on law enforcement training, all the instructors were 
Caucasian,” Centeno said. “It’s a problem if everyone teaching cultural 
training looks the same.”

Suggestions for how to 
carry this out include looping in the University of Kansas. Brandon 
Davis, an assistant professor for KU’s School of Public Affairs and 
Administration, said the school already has a significant base of 
professors and researchers studying race and ethnicity ready to do this 
training.

Davis said diversity within the ranks of the police force also should be addressed.

“They need to have a plan 
where they are actively recruiting minorities, and we need to tear down 
barriers keeping minorities from enlisting,” Davis said.

Davis proposed waiving 
residency restrictions, which limit employment to those within city 
limits, if the hiring is necessary for diversity reasons. Several law 
enforcement officers he had spoken with cited this restriction as an 
obstacle in hiring minorities.

Ernestor De La Rosa, 
assistant city manager of Dodge City, suggested amending a Kansas 
statute that only allows citizens to be police officers. The change 
would allow a large Latino community in Dodge City to enroll in the 
police force, he said.

“They allow green card holders to serve in the U.S. military, so why not here in Kansas?” De La Rosa said.

Jackson Winsett, of the 
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, suggested a chief diversity officer
 be appointed to oversee all police agencies, something he had heard at a
 listening session. Doing so would allow for a more uniform approach to 
diversity hiring and training, he said.

“We need our officers to 
feel and understand more of the challenges these communities face so 
they can police better and be better members of the community,” Winsett 
said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598029609049.jpeg" alt="The Commission on Racial Equity and Justice, which meets every other week, is charged with making recommendations to the governor, Legislature and local governments. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The Commission on Racial Equity and Justice, which meets every other week, is charged with making recommendations to the governor, Legislature and local governments. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/20/governors-commission-seeks-added-diversity-in-kansas-police-training-hiring-practices/">Kansas Reflector</a>A leader of Gov. Laura 
Kelly’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice on Thursday called for 
refreshed police training programs focused more squarely on historical 
context and the role of police in perpetuating inequalities.Shannon Portillo, 
associate dean for academic affairs at the University of Kansas Edwards 
campus, suggested every officer take a history class during training.“The history of policing 
is really important, as is making sure that folks coming into the force 
have an understanding of some of the inequalities police forces may have
 created in the past,” Portillo said.Commissioners met Thursday
 to begin mapping their first report to the governor. Portillo, who 
serves as co-chairwoman, and several other commissioners voiced a desire
 to see law enforcement diversity addressed in training and its ranks.Other points of interest 
for the report include data collection, school resource officers, the 
justice system, tribal jurisdiction and immigration-law enforcement 
relationships.The commission plans to 
compile suggestions from bi-weekly meetings and complete a draft report 
with more concrete ideas in November. The report will be submitted to 
the governor by Dec. 1.Sedgwick County District 
Judge Monique Centeno advocated for a more thorough focus on training in
 understanding cultural differences. She also suggested adding more 
instructors of color to give these lessons.“At a recent meeting I 
attended on law enforcement training, all the instructors were 
Caucasian,” Centeno said. “It’s a problem if everyone teaching cultural 
training looks the same.”Suggestions for how to 
carry this out include looping in the University of Kansas. Brandon 
Davis, an assistant professor for KU’s School of Public Affairs and 
Administration, said the school already has a significant base of 
professors and researchers studying race and ethnicity ready to do this 
training.Davis said diversity within the ranks of the police force also should be addressed.“They need to have a plan 
where they are actively recruiting minorities, and we need to tear down 
barriers keeping minorities from enlisting,” Davis said.Davis proposed waiving 
residency restrictions, which limit employment to those within city 
limits, if the hiring is necessary for diversity reasons. Several law 
enforcement officers he had spoken with cited this restriction as an 
obstacle in hiring minorities.Ernestor De La Rosa, 
assistant city manager of Dodge City, suggested amending a Kansas 
statute that only allows citizens to be police officers. The change 
would allow a large Latino community in Dodge City to enroll in the 
police force, he said.“They allow green card holders to serve in the U.S. military, so why not here in Kansas?” De La Rosa said.Jackson Winsett, of the 
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, suggested a chief diversity officer
 be appointed to oversee all police agencies, something he had heard at a
 listening session. Doing so would allow for a more uniform approach to 
diversity hiring and training, he said.“We need our officers to 
feel and understand more of the challenges these communities face so 
they can police better and be better members of the community,” Winsett 
said.

Commission seeks added diversity in Kan. police training, hiring practices

What advice do you have for college students who want to plan for the future and start building wealth? I’ll finish my master’s degree in marketing in less than two years, and I’ve been pretty lucky so far because my parents have paid for school. I bring in about $2,200 a month at my job, and I have $24,000 in savings.

If I were you, I’d get really good at the whole marketing thing. At this stage of the game, you are your best investment. You’re a go-getter, so just keep on going and getting it. If you continue on this path, and by that I mean working, going to school, and piling up cash, you’re going to be able to put that marketing know-how to work in a big way. You’ll be able to use some of the cash you’ve got stored away to set yourself up in your new life. What you’re doing right now, in your situation, will give you a better return mathematically than a mutual fund.

Do you get what I’m saying? An education that is usable is more valuable to you at this stage of the game than investing. Now, when you finish school and start living life in your new career, good growth stock mutual funds are what I’d recommend for retirement. And at that point, if you’ve got an extra $30,000 or $40,000 sitting there, that’s even better.

I’ll be 72 in October, and I have a Roth IRA I haven’t done anything with in a while. I’ve got about $30,000 in it, and I believe I read where the government said there will be a mandatory withdrawal at age 72. If this is true, what should I do with that money?

I’m not positive there are mandatory withdrawals on a Roth IRA. I think that applies to traditional IRAs, but double-check with your investment advisor to make sure.

If it does apply to Roths, I’d take the required minimum distribution and move that amount to other investments. Or, since it’s only $30,000, if you’ve got another nest egg you plan to live on, you could just have some fun with the money.

In any case, talk to your investment professional before taking action. If he has the heart of a teacher and cares about your best interests, he’ll look at your overall financial situation and guide you in making the right decision.

Dave Ramsey is CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored seven best-selling books, including The Total Money Makeover. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 16 million listeners each week on 600 radio stations and multiple digital platforms. Follow Dave on the web at <a href="http://daveramsey.com">daveramsey.com</a> and on Twitter at @DaveRamsey.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596845065840.jpeg" alt="Dave Ramsey&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Build wealth in college?Dear Dave,What advice do you have for college students who want to plan for the future and start building wealth? I’ll finish my master’s degree in marketing in less than two years, and I’ve been pretty lucky so far because my parents have paid for school. I bring in about $2,200 a month at my job, and I have $24,000 in savings.AlexDear Alex,If I were you, I’d get really good at the whole marketing thing. At this stage of the game, you are your best investment. You’re a go-getter, so just keep on going and getting it. If you continue on this path, and by that I mean working, going to school, and piling up cash, you’re going to be able to put that marketing know-how to work in a big way. You’ll be able to use some of the cash you’ve got stored away to set yourself up in your new life. What you’re doing right now, in your situation, will give you a better return mathematically than a mutual fund.Do you get what I’m saying? An education that is usable is more valuable to you at this stage of the game than investing. Now, when you finish school and start living life in your new career, good growth stock mutual funds are what I’d recommend for retirement. And at that point, if you’ve got an extra $30,000 or $40,000 sitting there, that’s even better.Great start, Alex. Well done!DaveMandatory withdrawal at 72?Dear Dave,I’ll be 72 in October, and I have a Roth IRA I haven’t done anything with in a while. I’ve got about $30,000 in it, and I believe I read where the government said there will be a mandatory withdrawal at age 72. If this is true, what should I do with that money?DannyDear Danny,I’m not positive there are mandatory withdrawals on a Roth IRA. I think that applies to traditional IRAs, but double-check with your investment advisor to make sure.If it does apply to Roths, I’d take the required minimum distribution and move that amount to other investments. Or, since it’s only $30,000, if you’ve got another nest egg you plan to live on, you could just have some fun with the money.In any case, talk to your investment professional before taking action. If he has the heart of a teacher and cares about your best interests, he’ll look at your overall financial situation and guide you in making the right decision.DaveDave Ramsey is CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored seven best-selling books, including The Total Money Makeover. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 16 million listeners each week on 600 radio stations and multiple digital platforms. Follow Dave on the web at <a href="http://daveramsey.com">daveramsey.com</a> and on Twitter at @DaveRamsey.

DAVE SAYS: Build wealth in college and Roth IRA mandatory withdrawal? 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid and players Mitchell Schwartz, Darwin Thompson, and Anthony Hitchens talked with the media during a training camp presser Wednesday. Following are their comments.

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Just on the injured folks, the good news was that Juan Thornhill was back out there on a limited basis. We gave him some work and we’re just going to gradually ramp him up. Frank Clark is ill, he has a virus that he’s just trying to shake here, so we’re working with him on that. Then, Chris Jones has a slight strain in his groin, along with (Byron) Pringle with a hamstring. Really for the most part, everybody got out there, worked and did a good job with it. Some of the guys that didn’t, obviously were Thornhill and (Derrick) Nnadi who were both out there today, and (BoPete) Keyes was out there doing some work too. Then, (Antonio) Hamilton was limited on the work that he did. So, it was good to get the guys back out and going. Hard day at practice today. A lot of hours spent. I thought the guys did a nice job. The news of having fans in the stands – 22 percent capacity will be in there – and I just think that’s a tremendous thing for our city here moving forward. Just like the team and us getting together, there has to be a certain discipline that’s going to need to take place with the fans. I know they’ll be ready to do that as they already have been. My hat goes off to Mark Donovan and his crew for the job they did of getting things prepared, checking with the specialists and experts that are involved with it, and really giving our fans an opportunity – on a limited basis – to get themselves back in the stadium to continue to work ourselves back into normalcy in due time here. But again, it’s a good first step. With that, time’s yours.”

Q:&nbsp;How do you feel about your depth at cornerback now with Bashaud Breeland’s suspension, what young guys have caught your eye? And how does it feel to have Juan Thornhill back out there?

REID:&nbsp;“It’s good to have Thornhill back. He was limited today, but he’ll keep ramping up. He sure had a good couple workouts prior to getting activated again there, so we think that’s a plus. As far as the young corners, we’ll see. Time will tell here as we go, but we have a good nucleus of guys. It’ll all sort out here in the next couple of weeks. Everybody is working hard and getting a lot of reps, which is good, and we should be fine there.”

Q:&nbsp;Have you seen the spectacular throws from Patrick Mahomes enough to expect them when they happen?

REID:&nbsp;“I have seen it and my advantage is I know where the guys are going and kind of what the secondary is doing, so I can normally tell when it leaves his hand whether it’s good or bad. I trust him because he has tremendous vision and he makes good decisions. So, he’s not going to do something to hurt the team like throw interceptions – that’s just not his deal. When he moves, he’s aware of what’s going on, what the situation is in the game, which all become important – down and distance and obviously field position.”

Q:&nbsp;What gave you confidence that you would get cooperation from your players in the offseason in order to get this roster back, and what does it reveal about your group that you did?

REID:&nbsp;“It’s a good thing that we were able to get them back. You never know going into the offseason how that’s going to work out. Obviously, guys want to be here, but at the same time, Clark Hunt gave Brett (Veach) the opportunity to go get the guys, and I thought that was important. Brett and his crew, I thought, just did a heck of a job with it. Then, there’s a want-to. The guys want to be here, and they know they have an opportunity with hard work and working through the process to be a good football team.”

Q:&nbsp;Patrick Mahomes is evolving as he comes along, so do you have to evolve with him and maybe give him more options in the plays as he progresses?

REID:&nbsp;“I’m not sure we have one play that has one option, so normally there’s three of them and any time there’s three, it obviously keeps pressure on the defense as long as you’re reading it the right way, and normally it’s good versus just about everything. So, Pat has a good feel on that. He reads quickly and accurately. Listen, he’s blessed with great vision. That’s the thing I keep coming back to you with is he sees, and he has a mind that is decisive with decision making. For the young guys out there, kids that are trying to be quarterbacks, nobody works harder at it. Nobody studies more than he does. So, he’s blessed with this, but he also works tremendously hard at the job.”

Q:&nbsp;What have you seen from Nick Keizer so far in camp taking second-team reps behind Travis Kelce?

REID:&nbsp;“Nick has done a good job. He’s getting better every day. He’s a smart kid, tough kid, and he has a good mentor there with Trav, so he gets to see it done the right way. I’m asking all those guys, just try to get yourself better every day, work through it. We ask a lot out of that position within the run game and the pass game, and if you’re not focused in every day that you come out and disciplined, then you’re going to take a step backwards. So, they’ve done a good job with it—Nick being one of them there that I think is really working hard at getting himself to where he’s one of the guys.”

Q:&nbsp;What would be your pitch for Mike Holmgren to be in the Hall of Fame?

REID:&nbsp;“He kind of raised me in the business of the National Football League. At the time, I had a hard time believing anybody does it better. I’ve been a head coach for a couple years and I still feel the same way. He was phenomenal. The way he handled the players and management and us as coaches – nobody that I’ve been around has done it better than he did. So, he just had a good way about him, he’s brilliant, and there’s two of the three of them that are in the Hall of Fame – that strong triangle that we had with Ron Wolf and Brett Favre – and we need the other part of that to really make it whole.”

Q:&nbsp;What is the message to Mecole Hardman as he continues to grow and maintaining his desire to be more involved in the offense?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s coming in with the right frame of mind. He worked his tail off in the offseason and he’s working hard now. He understands all that, but he keeps working and getting opportunities. He had a couple great snaps today. He was learning last year, but now it’s fit in. He’s in a group of guys that can play – D-Rob (Demarcus Robinson) is another one who probably doesn’t get the ball enough that is very worthy of it – but again, there is one ball and they understand it and we kind of check our egos at the door and we roll the best we can, and we keep it fast and furious. So, that’s how they’ve handled it. I’ve been pleased with Mecole and how he’s gone about his job.”

Q:&nbsp;How comfortable are you with the current depth at the tight end position, and what’s it like having WR Marcus Kemp back?

REID:&nbsp;“I’m okay with the tight end situation as long as we keep growing. Marcus—having him back is great. He’s a great kid and I’m so glad that he’s back now because he was playing the best football that he had ever played since we’ve had him here when he got hurt. It was a shame that happened and now he’s getting a chance to come back. It looks like he’s worked his tail off. We worked him out yesterday and he did a great job with it. So, he needs to get himself into football shape as he goes, but he took some reps today and did a nice job with it, and we’ll just see how it goes. But we need depth at that position, you know that, there and the secondary because they do quite a little bit of running.”

Q:&nbsp;With no preseason games and guys going all-out in practice in order to make the team, is there a message to keep your key guys safe?

REID:&nbsp;“We always try to do that because you can be a great coach, but if you don’t have your players – we’re all in it together. So, we try to keep bodies off the ground and do those things that are important. Play hard and play fast, but we’re not taking cheap shots on each other, we’re not doing that. We’re trying to stay away from collisions on the back end, bodies on the ground with the bigs and that. If you just watch our veterans practice, they kind of know how to do it. So, I tell the young guys that, ‘see how they do it, they’re moving like crazy, but you don’t see guys flopping around on the ground.’”

Q:&nbsp;For you as an offensive guy, what kind of challenges does a versatile guy like Tyrann Mathieu present, and how does he help Steve Spagnuolo make up for being down a few guys in the secondary?

REID:&nbsp;“We’re using Tyrann at a couple of different spots, but he easily could play corner – not that we’re doing that – but he has that kind of coverage ability. So, when a guy comes in to play that position outside, he knows exactly what that guy has to do to work in that spot and he’s able to communicate with him, and he does that quite a bit. You hear him out there talking and he knows everything that’s going on. He’s got a full understanding of what Spags wants – he’s really an extension of Spags on the field – and for Steve that becomes so important to have that guy. So, he’s able to kind of get everything right in the secondary, plus he’s got great instincts at the safety position and nickel position. He just knows how to do that, and he has great anticipation. He’s very football-aware on things. Sharp kid.”

Q:&nbsp;Over the years, what have you identified that ensures you get the maximum effort from guys in training camp so that they’re ready for the regular season?

REID:&nbsp;“Normally if guys practice fast, they stay relatively healthy. It’s when somebody is not doing that and then somebody trips over somebody and falls down and then you’ve got a problem. Over the years, you see those things happen. So, it’s important that guys are moving and trying to move at the same speed. Then, it gets you prepared. We don’t condition after practice – that’s not what we’re doing. We’re not lining up and running sprints, so I ask them to condition during practice and we’ll keep you watered down. So, we’re not playing the ‘no-water’ game, we try to keep them hydrated and ready to go. But we know in games you have to be ready – no more important than this year. I mean, you have to go into a game without any preseason games, so you have to keep your tempo up and get yourself sharp. The guys believe that and so they fly around. They remind each other, which is important, and so the coaches don’t really have to do it. The players can give each other a heads up on ‘let’s go – it’s time to roll, you’re a little tired, let’s go.’”

T MITCHELL SCHWARTZ&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Q:&nbsp;Could you sense, for lack of a better word, fuel in training camp coming off the AFC loss and how would you compare or contrast the mood or vibe of training camp this year?

SCHWARTZ:&nbsp;“No I didn’t really feel that last year. I feel like the work is pretty consistent, it actually feels like it’s more ramped up this year whether that’s guys eager to play with COVID and not being able to have OTA’s and stuff or whether it’s feeling the urgency of what we need to do to come off as defending champs and knowing we’re going to get everyone’s best shot, but I mean, this year guys are flying around, there’s a lot of good competition, obviously got a stacked roster so you’re going against someone who’s almost at the best at their position pretty much every play so it makes things pretty difficult.”

Q:&nbsp;I was wondering after some padded practices, if there were any differences in blocking running backs like Clyde Edwards-Helaire that you didn’t previously have?

SCHWARTZ:&nbsp;“Yeah I couldn’t tell you which plays he was in and which he wasn’t. Those guys rotate through and we just get locked in on our job and I think the awesome thing we’ve seen in why guys are so successful in this offense is with EB (Eric Bieniemy) and Coach (Deland) McCullough, they’re teaching them so detail oriented with the backs and what to do, so it could be any one of the however many backs we have on the roster, they’re all coming in, taught the same thing, the foot works the same, its consistent, it’s the same timing. I mean our job is hard enough trying to move guys and try to figure out what the defense is and who we got to block and if you had to say ‘oh Clyde’s in on this one, we got to do this special difference,’ that just doesn’t work, so that’s not something we really focus on. We kind of do our job, hope they make us look good obviously and yeah I mean, the cool thing with him, we all saw him in college, it’s really awesome to watch and all that fun. Typically in the first preseason game or two you’re able to kind of see those moves in real action, but obviously we wont get to see that this year so it’ll be fun to see when we’re able to get to real football.”

Q:&nbsp;Can you explain what you would normally work on and try to get out of in a typical preseason and how that can be transferred to a practice? Since the Super Bowl, what have you thought as the most impressive thing you’ve seen from Patrick Mahomes as far as getting the team ready and getting himself ready for the next level for the season?

SCHWARTZ:&nbsp;“For training camp I think you want to keep doing what you do at a high level. I mean, number one you kind of lose your core and your base, I mean that’s something when I talk to young linemen, I got into a spell when I was young like ‘hey this guy does that, this guy sets like this, this guy does his hands this way and I tried everything, I wasn’t very good with it and I realized I needed to figure out what works for me. Kind of want to make sure, you know, going with a cooking analogy, you got a nice chef’s knife that you like, make sure that knife is polished and sharp, then you can start branching off and using other knifes and so using different pass sets or different change up sets, things of that nature, that’s where you really want to work and get comfortable with things that aren’t your bread and butter. You kind of progress through camp and try to add more tools because just like a defensive lineman, a guy who only has one great pass rush, eventually you kind of figure it out. As a lineman, if you only got one pass set, eventually they kind of time it and figure it out, so it’s working to expand that, working out of your comfort zone, really honing in on that. To me that’s what training camp is about – its weirdly a time to fail. I mean, we’ve heard Pat (Mahomes) talk about throwing interceptions and knowing what the limits are, things of that nature. It’s the same for us. I mean we have to know our limits, we have to know what works and what doesn’t. Getting to Pat, I mean seems like he was all over the place this offseason, I know he’s got a lot of obligations and everyone wants a piece of him, but he comes in, he’s in phenomenal shape, flinging the ball around, tons of energy, backing up the play calls and he’s getting them out with ease. You can just tell wherever he’s been, his mind was on football and he’s coming in looking really sharp, and its exciting.”

Q:&nbsp;Do you work any reps at Left Tackle and if you don’t, do you feel comfortable if asked to play there in an emergency? Where is your mindset in the security and safety of being in the trenches this upcoming season?

SCHWARTZ:&nbsp;“To the first part, I don’t take too many left side stuff, but its always there. You never know in an emergency if Fish (Eric Fisher) goes down, the next tackle goes down, we’re kind of left with five guys so I got to always be ready to go to any position really to be honest. That’s something as linemen, we always talk about, the concept of a play within a play, but also goes to being able to play any different position. I mean a guy gets hurt, you got to switch sides, so you always got to be ready. In terms of playing against other people, I mean the idea of – I mean I know the Chiefs have done a phenomenal job in terms of all the safety regulations, guys taking it serious, doing the right thing in the building and outside the building and so I can only imagine other teams are doing similar – across the league seems like the numbers are doing really well. Like you said it’s kind of inevitable you’re going to get face to face, there’s going to be breathe particles that could come your way and I think you just got to have trust in the other team and the other guy that they’re doing the right thing. We’re doing testing every day, we’ve seen that get extended, seems like hopefully soon enough there’s some day of testing potentially for game situations, but trusting that the teams have done everything on their part and we’re doing everything individually when you do get to the game, you’re going against a guy whose done his part.”

Q:&nbsp;What sets Chris Jones and Frank Clark apart from other duos around the league and what do you have to do as a right tackle knowing you have an elite pass rusher on the other side of you?

SCHWARTZ:&nbsp;“The thing I first think of with those guys is, their get off, their quickness, I mean Chris is, for being as massive as he is, he’s got as good as a get off as anybody. I mean Aaron Donald’s crazy quick too, but for Chris to be doing it at however much he weighs, its insane. It’s not really fair. In practice he times it up pretty good on us and he’s just so naturally powerful. You’ve seen him play throughout his career and guys will say, ‘he plays too high, he plays too high’. It’s like yeah he can because he’s still launching guys playing that high. Most guys need to get a lower pad level, better leverage or whatever, but he’s so strong, he’s able to do things from a different position than guys are used to, so if you’re to get that same bull rush, but you’re not leaning quite as much that allows you to work the hands moves. We’ve seen him be so deadly with those, and so he’s got freaky athleticism and strength combined with a really refined pass rush ability. Frank, going against him, the thing is he just gets on you so fast in terms of stride length. He’s just so explosive, those first two steps just feel like he’s already by you essentially and then with his change in direction, he’s able to spin, he’s able to counter back inside. A guy like that, people always kind of wonder, he’s not the hugest D-End but a guys his size is moving that fast with that much explosive ability, he’s got a ton of power too so you don’t really know how to defend him because boom he’s by you. So, you over step that he’s inside and you try to play both of that and you’re on your heels and he’s right through you so you kind of feel helpless honestly and its not the greatest feeling as a tackle.”

Q:&nbsp;How do you feel camp is going for you so far and what were your thoughts when the Chiefs drafted a first rounder at your position?

THOMPSON:&nbsp;“Competition breeds excellence. Camp’s going good for me so far, year two for me. Here to get better in camp. Last year in camp, eyes were wide open like a deer in headlights, so this year I know what to expect and to perfect my craft. Drafting Clyde (Edwards-Helaire) was a great addition to the room. We needed somebody with a different type of talent and just helps me work on my game, helps other running backs work on their game.”

Q:&nbsp;What were the conversations like and the messages from Deland McCullough when you got to training camp?

THOMPSON:&nbsp;“Keep working. That was the only thing he told me, keep working. Just keep working. Last year I was timid to the league itself. I didn’t really play my game or play Darwin Thompson’s play. I didn’t play to my par, so this year I’m coming back perfecting my craft.”

Q:&nbsp;What did you do back in Tulsa to stay in shape and what has it been like getting to know Clyde Edwards-Helaire and the competition?

THOMPSON:&nbsp;“It’s a cool competition because we all at one point were doubted in our career because we share that same story. I’m glad that he’s a 5-8 running back getting drafted in the first round. When I went back home, I got back to the nitty gritty of my training. I was in Arizona being pampered a little too much, so when I went back home I was working on my football work with my pops, where it all started for me and I think that prepared me most for this training camp and I’m ready to show what I’ve been doing.”

Q:&nbsp;You mentioned you’re eyes being opened wide last year, what do you know now that you didn’t know then and how much of that information are you giving to Clyde?

THOMPSON:&nbsp;“I like to keep the battlefields equal. If me and Clyde are both on the battlefield, I want him to have a pistol and I’m going to have a pistol and we’re going to let the best man win. I’m not too much of holding secrets or how I got better last year as a rookie from people, so I try help as much as I can. This year I see the blitzes a lot better. I can recognize the disguises that the safeties put on as far as cap, slots and things like that. The run game I see a lot better, a lot over this offseason I was watching and studying other running backs as far as their eyes and how they see the run game, three technique shades and understanding different fronts of a defense. I did a lot of studying this offseason. There were a lot of things I had to get better at for me to be successful in this league.”

Q:&nbsp;Can you elaborate on where you are as far as pass protection at this point?

THOMPSON:&nbsp;“It wasn’t too much of actually picking up the blitz because I’m not afraid of contact, it was seeing and recognizing where the blitz is coming from, safeties, as far as they roll in the sky, we got some of the best safety’s in the game. Tyrann Mathieu disguises really well so me seeing and hearing in practice once we come to game time, I’ll be able to see it. Last year, I felt like I could barely see over the line of scrimmage, the O-Linemen were so big, I didn’t see linebackers or things like that. The game felt so fast but now I’m in the film room and see it, I see it every day. I watch film everyday so when I hit the field, boom my eyes go there now. I can expect who’s going to come, what down and distance it is. I just got tabs in my head every play or each play of what I’m going to be looking at.”

Q:&nbsp;As one of the leaders in the linebacker room, I’m curious about Ben Niemann. After two years and then a few padded practices this year, what have you seen from him that makes you believe he could have a bigger role on the defense this year?

HITCHENS:&nbsp;“He’s improving every day. He’s smart. He knows the defense. He knows multiple positions. He has the opportunity and he’s taking advantage of it right now. He’s been making plays all over during camp. He had a pick-six today in camp. He’s had some TFLs. He’s been in his books studying and growing as a player. He’s still young. He’s only going into year three, but he’s making a huge jump this year already.”

Q:&nbsp;What was your reaction to seeing Juan Thornhill back for the first time in a long time?

HITCHENS:&nbsp;“It was definitely good to see Juan back out there. You could see he was smiling from ear to ear, finally getting to move around with us and stuff like that. Kudos to him for putting in all the work and getting back here not even a full year from the injury. Good for our training staff and for Juan for putting in all the work, while everybody else had an offseason, he was still grinding. Good things happen to good people that work hard. He’s moving forward, and I’m looking forward to having him back out there soon.”

Q:&nbsp;How are you guys maintaining the edge that prompted you guys to win the Super Bowl last year?

HITCHENS:&nbsp;“Every year, we just restart, we start back at ground zero. It’s a whole new edge to do it again, and again, and again, and again. There’s only one goal when you’re playing at this level and that’s to win a Super Bowl. Anything else is not acceptable. Every year you just restart and try it again. You have a new edge every year. You restart all over and the edge is to get back there again.”

Q:&nbsp;How do you advise the rookies to bridge between making a name for themselves and putting a player out?

HITCHENS:&nbsp;“Yeah, I don’t think you make the team by hitting your own teammates or knocking players out of practice and stuff. What I teach the young guys in our room is to just learn the playbook. You have to build that trust with your coach. Your coach has to trust you in order to put you out there on the field. Whatever you present, you present you and your coach, not just yourself. What I teach the young guys is learn the plays in your book, so when you get out there, you know what to do. Then, you can get coached on technique and what you were supposed to do on this play. As long as you get lined up and know your job, you can build that trust with your position coach and the defensive coordinator.”

Q:&nbsp;What is your reaction to the idea of fans being able to watch you guys to start this season? How can you guys as a defense still play at a high level, without having one of the guys who was key to your success last year for the first couple of games?

HITCHENS:&nbsp;“It’s next guy in. Coach Reid talks about it all the time and that’s the mentality that we have and we’re going to build around it. We’ll probably have different types of calls just because it’s probably going to be a younger type guy in there. We are playing at a high level and we have these practices. They’re finding these different guys to rotate. It’s going to take more than just one guy to play at that position. We need to play better as a team, and we can’t rely on just one position. I think we’ve been doing that all through camp. You see different guys making plays, different guys making checks and stuff like that. We just need to pick each other up when we lose a guy or two. It’s a blessing that the Chiefs put together a great format for us with the families being able to come and some of the fans. The way we practice and the way we separate and work on our social distancing. I can’t speak for every team or organization, but I know that we’re doing it the right way here. I think everything should pan out as long as everyone keeps doing their responsibility of being safe.”

--<a href="http://chiefs.com">CHIEFS</a>--

Chiefs' Reid, Schwartz, Thompson, Hitchens talk football

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Throughout our lives, certain days hold special meaning. For the Sunset Sinners, this Friday is one of those days. 

On Friday, the group's newest single, appropriately named "Friday Night," will be released on Spotify and all streaming services.

"This song was a collaboration with us and two very heavy hitter Nashville songwriters from Anthem Entertainment/Publishing that we’ve been working with -- Randy Montana, who wrote Luke Combs' massive hit song 'Beer Never Broke My Heart,' and Blake Chaffin, who has written hits for Brantley Gilbert, Logan Mize, Rodney Atkins, and others," said Blake Blackim, Sunset Sinners' drummer.

All four Sunset Sinners -- Chris Brungardt, Tony Bowell, Brad Johnson, and Blackim -- had been in different bands and projects before, Blackim said. Blackim had a vision for a new band, one that included the other three men, so he brought them together and explained his idea.

"I just met with those guys and gave them the vision I had: not only taking some cool cover songs and what we call 'Sinnerizing' 'em, so we kind of tweak 'em and change 'em up, then writing our own material and recording our own material and then just trying to make it as cool as we possibly can, play as many cool venues as possible, and just see where it goes," he said.

"One thing that had been on my mind, for whatever reason, all of a sudden I had a bunch of song ideas that kind of fit more of this red dirt country, '70s rock vibe," he continued. "And so I named it like its own genre called Whisky Barrel Rock, which is kind of a fusion of red dirt country, southern rock, and '70s classic rock."

That new genre is also the URL for the band's new website: <a href="https://www.whiskeybarrelrock.com">whiskeybarrelrock.com</a>.

Blackim said the band didn't come together with the idea of making big money.

"The music business is a brutal business and a brutal game and it's hard to make any real money, so we all have our own regular jobs, but this is kind of our passion," said Blackim, president of Midwest Music.

The band began rehearsing two years ago and tossing around ideas for songs to write and record.

"I was wanting to write song, and I had a bunch of lyric ideas about people getting together, drinking beer, and partying," he said. "There's all this political in-fighting, but you know, it's kind of funny because when everyone gets together, say on a Friday after work, that part goes by the wayside and everyone's together, just hanging out, drinking beer, and having a good time." 

That idea was the basis for the band's first single and music video, "Always Time For One More Beer," which was released last fall.

Blackim credits one of his best friends for the title of the song and video. He explained that whenever the two of them were out enjoying a few brews together, his friend would always be looking at his watch, telling Blackim that he needed to get home, only to then decide that he had time for one more beer.

"If you think about it, you hear people do that all the time," Blackim said. "I'm like 'bam!' That's it! And that was the inspiration for the song title."

The "Always Time For One More Beer" video, which includes footage from a shoot at The Hideaway with several hundred Salina extras, has become quite popular.

"The music video today, which basically has been promoted through Facebook, has like 350,000 views now, and that actually grows about 1,000 to 2,000 views per day," Blackim said. "It's pretty cool to track because it really is shared a lot -- we can see who is watching -- especially in the deep south of the United States, like Louisiana and Alabama, because it's kind of got that swampy southern rock vibe."

What is even more interesting is how the video is trending internationally, he said.

"Also, it's gone international, and this is what's kind of cool: it's like really big and tracking in Prague and Eastern Europe," Blackim added.

He explained that the Sunset Sinners' fan base is made up primarily of first responders, military personnel, and motorcycle enthusiasts, including motorcycle clubs in Eastern Europe.

Big-time recording contract no longer necessary

It used to be that a sign of success for a band was to sign a contract with a well-known recording label and head to a recording hotspot such as Nashville to make music that would be distributed to the public. That's no longer the case.

"The good news-bad news about the music industry today is you really don't have to be living in or from Nashville or Austin or L.A. You can be from anywhere," Blackim said. 

The Sunset Sinners record locally, at Studio 1117 in Salina, although guitarist Chris Brungardt, of Hays, records his guitar parts in his own studio and then mixes those with the recording/tracking from Studio 1117, Blackim said. 

"After that he and I trade the song back and forth to swap ideas, tones, phrasing, etc., and listen in multiple devices until we think we have it ready for release," Blackim explained.

While they do play concerts, when not hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sunset Sinners do not rely on the antiquated method of touring to promote themselves and their music. Instead, they rely on social media, which, considering their first music video has 350,000 views, seems to work well for them.

While a recording contract might not be necessary, the old adage about "who you know" still holds true.

"There's a guy in Nashville, a little bit younger than us, named 'Blake' also -- we call him 'Nashville Blake.' He's been down there about 15 years. He's originally from Hays, Kansas. Ironically, my guitar player, Chris, used to give him guitar lessons and I used to actually sell him stuff when he was a kid," Blackim said. "His parents still live in Hays, but he went down to Nashville as a guitar player and song writer and he now is a signed publisher with a group called Anthem Entertainment and Publishing. They're one of the largest in the world."

Blackim said he made arrangements for he and lead singer Tony Bowell to go to Music City, U.S.A. to meet with Nashville Blake (Blake Chaffin). 

"At the facility we were at, they (Anthem) have about 26 song writers on staff. A lot of times when songs are written, it's very rare that it is just one person doing it. It's usually a collaboration of two or three people. Sometime the actual artist is involved and a lot of times not," Blackim explained.

"They were totally cool with showing us around and telling us how the business works. We also spent some time in a listening room," he continued. 

After Blackim and Bowell returned to Salina, Chaffin called Blackim to discuss a song. Chaffin told Blackim that he had a song that no one else had picked up on that he thought fit the Sunset Sinners. After listening to the song, Blackim asked Chaffin, "why hasn't one of the big boys picked up on this." Blackim said that Chaffin replied that he asked himself the same question every day.

While the song will be released on Friday, the band also plans to shoot footage for the "Friday Night" music video this weekend, Blackim said. That video should be out within the next couple of months, he added.

If you would like to hear the Sunset Sinners' music and watch their videos, head to their <a href="https://www.whiskeybarrelrock.com/">website</a> or their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Sunsetsinnerssalina/">Facebook page</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597806468549.jpeg" alt="The Sunset Sinners -- from left,&nbsp;Chris Brungardt, Tony Bowell , Brad Johnson, Blake Blackim -- are set to release their next single, "Friday Night" on Friday. All photos courtesy Blake Blackim, with Salina photos by Jeff Haines Photography" />
 <figcaption>The Sunset Sinners -- from left,&nbsp;Chris Brungardt, Tony Bowell , Brad Johnson, Blake Blackim -- are set to release their next single, "Friday Night" on Friday. All photos courtesy Blake Blackim, with Salina photos by Jeff Haines Photography</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostThroughout our lives, certain days hold special meaning. For the Sunset Sinners, this Friday is one of those days. On Friday, the group's newest single, appropriately named "Friday Night," will be released on Spotify and all streaming services."This song was a collaboration with us and two very heavy hitter Nashville songwriters from Anthem Entertainment/Publishing that we’ve been working with -- Randy Montana, who wrote Luke Combs' massive hit song 'Beer Never Broke My Heart,' and Blake Chaffin, who has written hits for Brantley Gilbert, Logan Mize, Rodney Atkins, and others," said Blake Blackim, Sunset Sinners' drummer.Bringing the band togetherAll four Sunset Sinners -- Chris Brungardt, Tony Bowell, Brad Johnson, and Blackim -- had been in different bands and projects before, Blackim said. Blackim had a vision for a new band, one that included the other three men, so he brought them together and explained his idea."I just met with those guys and gave them the vision I had: not only taking some cool cover songs and what we call 'Sinnerizing' 'em, so we kind of tweak 'em and change 'em up, then writing our own material and recording our own material and then just trying to make it as cool as we possibly can, play as many cool venues as possible, and just see where it goes," he said."One thing that had been on my mind, for whatever reason, all of a sudden I had a bunch of song ideas that kind of fit more of this red dirt country, '70s rock vibe," he continued. "And so I named it like its own genre called Whisky Barrel Rock, which is kind of a fusion of red dirt country, southern rock, and '70s classic rock."That new genre is also the URL for the band's new website: <a href="https://www.whiskeybarrelrock.com">whiskeybarrelrock.com</a>.Blackim said the band didn't come together with the idea of making big money."The music business is a brutal business and a brutal game and it's hard to make any real money, so we all have our own regular jobs, but this is kind of our passion," said Blackim, president of Midwest Music.The band began rehearsing two years ago and tossing around ideas for songs to write and record."I was wanting to write song, and I had a bunch of lyric ideas about people getting together, drinking beer, and partying," he said. "There's all this political in-fighting, but you know, it's kind of funny because when everyone gets together, say on a Friday after work, that part goes by the wayside and everyone's together, just hanging out, drinking beer, and having a good time." That idea was the basis for the band's first single and music video, "Always Time For One More Beer," which was released last fall.Blackim credits one of his best friends for the title of the song and video. He explained that whenever the two of them were out enjoying a few brews together, his friend would always be looking at his watch, telling Blackim that he needed to get home, only to then decide that he had time for one more beer."If you think about it, you hear people do that all the time," Blackim said. "I'm like 'bam!' That's it! And that was the inspiration for the song title."The "Always Time For One More Beer" video, which includes footage from a shoot at The Hideaway with several hundred Salina extras, has become quite popular.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k0VjeSh3co8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>"The music video today, which basically has been promoted through Facebook, has like 350,000 views now, and that actually grows about 1,000 to 2,000 views per day," Blackim said. "It's pretty cool to track because it really is shared a lot -- we can see who is watching -- especially in the deep south of the United States, like Louisiana and Alabama, because it's kind of got that swampy southern rock vibe."What is even more interesting is how the video is trending internationally, he said."Also, it's gone international, and this is what's kind of cool: it's like really big and tracking in Prague and Eastern Europe," Blackim added.He explained that the Sunset Sinners' fan base is made up primarily of first responders, military personnel, and motorcycle enthusiasts, including motorcycle clubs in Eastern Europe.Big-time recording contract no longer necessaryIt used to be that a sign of success for a band was to sign a contract with a well-known recording label and head to a recording hotspot such as Nashville to make music that would be distributed to the public. That's no longer the case."The good news-bad news about the music industry today is you really don't have to be living in or from Nashville or Austin or L.A. You can be from anywhere," Blackim said. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597806793126.jpeg" alt="Sunset Sinners in Studio 1117" />
 <figcaption>Sunset Sinners in Studio 1117</figcaption>
 </figure>The Sunset Sinners record locally, at Studio 1117 in Salina, although guitarist Chris Brungardt, of Hays, records his guitar parts in his own studio and then mixes those with the recording/tracking from Studio 1117, Blackim said. "After that he and I trade the song back and forth to swap ideas, tones, phrasing, etc., and listen in multiple devices until we think we have it ready for release," Blackim explained.While they do play concerts, when not hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sunset Sinners do not rely on the antiquated method of touring to promote themselves and their music. Instead, they rely on social media, which, considering their first music video has 350,000 views, seems to work well for them.Who you knowWhile a recording contract might not be necessary, the old adage about "who you know" still holds true."There's a guy in Nashville, a little bit younger than us, named 'Blake' also -- we call him 'Nashville Blake.' He's been down there about 15 years. He's originally from Hays, Kansas. Ironically, my guitar player, Chris, used to give him guitar lessons and I used to actually sell him stuff when he was a kid," Blackim said. "His parents still live in Hays, but he went down to Nashville as a guitar player and song writer and he now is a signed publisher with a group called Anthem Entertainment and Publishing. They're one of the largest in the world."Blackim said he made arrangements for he and lead singer Tony Bowell to go to Music City, U.S.A. to meet with Nashville Blake (Blake Chaffin). <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597806935890.jpeg" alt="Tony Bowell, left, and Blake Blackim, right, with&nbsp;Blake Chaffin in the Anthem facility in Nashville." />
 <figcaption>Tony Bowell, left, and Blake Blackim, right, with&nbsp;Blake Chaffin in the Anthem facility in Nashville.</figcaption>
 </figure>"At the facility we were at, they (Anthem) have about 26 song writers on staff. A lot of times when songs are written, it's very rare that it is just one person doing it. It's usually a collaboration of two or three people. Sometime the actual artist is involved and a lot of times not," Blackim explained."They were totally cool with showing us around and telling us how the business works. We also spent some time in a listening room," he continued. After Blackim and Bowell returned to Salina, Chaffin called Blackim to discuss a song. Chaffin told Blackim that he had a song that no one else had picked up on that he thought fit the Sunset Sinners. After listening to the song, Blackim asked Chaffin, "why hasn't one of the big boys picked up on this." Blackim said that Chaffin replied that he asked himself the same question every day.That song was "Friday Night."While the song will be released on Friday, the band also plans to shoot footage for the "Friday Night" music video this weekend, Blackim said. That video should be out within the next couple of months, he added.If you would like to hear the Sunset Sinners' music and watch their videos, head to their <a href="https://www.whiskeybarrelrock.com/">website</a> or their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Sunsetsinnerssalina/">Facebook page</a>.

📹'Heavy hitter' Nashville songwriters behind latest Sunset Sinners single

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- An update from the Kansas City Chiefs training camp. From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityChiefs/">The Kansas City Chiefs</a> Facebook page:

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- An update from the Kansas City Chiefs training camp. From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityChiefs/">The Kansas City Chiefs</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKansasCityChiefs%2Fvideos%2F714968719233690%2F&show_text=1&width=560" width="560" height="430" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>You can listen to the Chiefs' games on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) and 99KG (99.9 FM).

📹Reid, Mahomes, others field questions during Sunday presser

Kansas City (AP) — Helena Miller listened to teachers, terrified to reenter classrooms, and parents, exhausted from trying to make virtual learning work at home. She heard from school officials who spent hundreds of hours on thousands of details — buses, classrooms, football, arts, special education. She spent countless nights, eyes wide open, her mind wrestling over the safety and education of the 17,000 children she swore to protect.

She thought of her own kids, two in high school and one middle-schooler — the reasons she ran for Rock Hill’s school board six years ago.

And she made the hardest decision of her life: a vote to reopen schools amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the coronavirus pandemic</a>, splitting students into two groups that would each spend two days a week in classrooms, with virtual learning the other school days.

“We have an impossible decision to make. And we still have to make it,” Miller said from a tiny box on Zoom at the board’s July meeting.

This Board of Trustees in suburban South Carolina is like thousands of school boards nationwide, where members are tackling a simple but hefty question — do we return to school amid a pandemic? — with no right or even good answers, in the face of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/969fbbf44dd2ba1acea130f95b21ef62">inconsistent testing</a>&nbsp;and a near-constant increase in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2a03a4e685316eb7d5a6e7181000fbfe">confirmed coronavirus cases.</a>

Behind that question is pressure. Pressure from teachers and bus drivers and janitors, scared to return to work but in need of a paycheck. Pressure from parents and guardians, who need to return to their own jobs but fear for their children’s safety. Pressure from a president who declares&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1290488364362170371?s=20" target="_blank">on Twitter</a>&nbsp;“OPEN THE SCHOOLS!!!” but whose administration provides little tangible guidance for doing so.

In Rock Hill, everyone has an opinion. The district has more than 17,000 students, and that means about 17,000 proposals on how to go back to school, trustees say, only half-joking.

And in South Carolina, with some of the country’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/42513113bc4821cf291b374ac0541f82">worst virus numbers,&nbsp;</a>even state leaders can’t agree. Gov. Henry McMaster contradicted his education superintendent and said schools must allow a five-days-a-week option for working parents. School boards were left to untangle the mess - Rock Hill called an emergency meeting and ultimately kept its staggered plan.

There’s been plenty more to resolve: Should classes be delayed until after Labor Day? How do kids get to school with buses at half-capacity for social distancing? What about masks and protective equipment? Should students have drama or orchestra if there are no public performances? What will student athletes do in a place like Rock Hill, known for sending football stars Jadeveon Clowney and Stephon Gilmore to the NFL?

School boards represent democracy at its local core: the backbone of communities, a check on superintendents, and the most direct way to influence education policy. And Rock Hill’s strategy was very democratic. The board officially listened to eight committees, some made up of dozens of parents and business or community leaders. Each member spent dozens of hours in emails and informal discussions with people in and around their city of about 75,000 people.

There were teachers to consider. Susan Fields told the board last month, in its first in-person meeting since the pandemic, that she has lupus and must protect herself: “I love my kids, and for 25 years I have always put my students first. This is very odd for me ... for once I am standing up as an educator.”

Special education teacher Shannon Gonzalez reminded the board that it promised extra face shields and gloves for those like her who work with students with significant developmental delays.

“It is impossible to teach a class like mine without constant physical contact,” Gonzalez said. “They need hand-over-hand assistance for most everything they do. And for the last eight years, it has been my hand over their hand. It has been my face level with theirs calming them as they come out of a seizure.”

And there were parents. At a July meeting, Emily Bell thanked the board for their careful, thoughtful work and told them she wasn’t sure what she would do with her daughter in elementary school.

“In the morning, I’m ready for virtual school,” Bell said. “And in the afternoon, I’m ready for my child to be back in the classroom.”

Nearly every issued hinged on policy in the school manual, which staffers and board members pored through for hours. Changes had to be passed: Widened circumstances allowing for virtual classes, the end of open-door hours for parents eating lunch with kids, permitting athletes to practice or play if they weren’t physically in school that day.

The board didn’t agree on everything, from big matters to small. Trustee Brent Faulkenberry initially didn’t favor the plan for in-person class only two days a week. He wanted five, to help working parents, with online school available for anyone worried about safety.

“If families can’t work, they can’t provide for these kids,” he said.

Board member Robin Owens told him he made good points, especially about her fear of young children left at home while parents work. The two-day-a-week plan, she said, “falls squarely in the middle, which means that it is probably not going to make anyone happy. Hopefully it will make some people satisfied.”

Faulkenberry’s five-day proposal lost 5-2. The board then unanimously agreed to the staggered schedule and delaying the first day of school to Sept. 8, the latest allowed by state law.

There was no shouting, no claims of fake science, no accusations that trustees didn’t care for kids. At a time when such arguments erupt everywhere from talks shows to Facebook, from the White House to the corner store, this board prides itself on civil discourse.

“I am so thankful to serve on a board where professionalism is put on the forefront,” said Miller, who moved to the United States from Sweden in 1997, became a U.S. citizen in 2006, and has set out since becoming board chairman in 2018 to create a deliberative body that disagrees amiably.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597321153259.png" alt="Members of the USD 497 school board met in Lawrence on Monday" />
 <figcaption>Members of the USD 497 school board met in Lawrence on Monday</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City (AP) — Helena Miller listened to teachers, terrified to reenter classrooms, and parents, exhausted from trying to make virtual learning work at home. She heard from school officials who spent hundreds of hours on thousands of details — buses, classrooms, football, arts, special education. She spent countless nights, eyes wide open, her mind wrestling over the safety and education of the 17,000 children she swore to protect.She thought of her own kids, two in high school and one middle-schooler — the reasons she ran for Rock Hill’s school board six years ago.And she made the hardest decision of her life: a vote to reopen schools amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the coronavirus pandemic</a>, splitting students into two groups that would each spend two days a week in classrooms, with virtual learning the other school days.“We have an impossible decision to make. And we still have to make it,” Miller said from a tiny box on Zoom at the board’s July meeting.This Board of Trustees in suburban South Carolina is like thousands of school boards nationwide, where members are tackling a simple but hefty question — do we return to school amid a pandemic? — with no right or even good answers, in the face of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/969fbbf44dd2ba1acea130f95b21ef62">inconsistent testing</a>&nbsp;and a near-constant increase in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2a03a4e685316eb7d5a6e7181000fbfe">confirmed coronavirus cases.</a>Behind that question is pressure. Pressure from teachers and bus drivers and janitors, scared to return to work but in need of a paycheck. Pressure from parents and guardians, who need to return to their own jobs but fear for their children’s safety. Pressure from a president who declares&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1290488364362170371?s=20" target="_blank">on Twitter</a>&nbsp;“OPEN THE SCHOOLS!!!” but whose administration provides little tangible guidance for doing so.In Rock Hill, everyone has an opinion. The district has more than 17,000 students, and that means about 17,000 proposals on how to go back to school, trustees say, only half-joking.And in South Carolina, with some of the country’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/42513113bc4821cf291b374ac0541f82">worst virus numbers,&nbsp;</a>even state leaders can’t agree. Gov. Henry McMaster contradicted his education superintendent and said schools must allow a five-days-a-week option for working parents. School boards were left to untangle the mess - Rock Hill called an emergency meeting and ultimately kept its staggered plan.There’s been plenty more to resolve: Should classes be delayed until after Labor Day? How do kids get to school with buses at half-capacity for social distancing? What about masks and protective equipment? Should students have drama or orchestra if there are no public performances? What will student athletes do in a place like Rock Hill, known for sending football stars Jadeveon Clowney and Stephon Gilmore to the NFL?School boards represent democracy at its local core: the backbone of communities, a check on superintendents, and the most direct way to influence education policy. And Rock Hill’s strategy was very democratic. The board officially listened to eight committees, some made up of dozens of parents and business or community leaders. Each member spent dozens of hours in emails and informal discussions with people in and around their city of about 75,000 people.There were teachers to consider. Susan Fields told the board last month, in its first in-person meeting since the pandemic, that she has lupus and must protect herself: “I love my kids, and for 25 years I have always put my students first. This is very odd for me ... for once I am standing up as an educator.”Special education teacher Shannon Gonzalez reminded the board that it promised extra face shields and gloves for those like her who work with students with significant developmental delays.“It is impossible to teach a class like mine without constant physical contact,” Gonzalez said. “They need hand-over-hand assistance for most everything they do. And for the last eight years, it has been my hand over their hand. It has been my face level with theirs calming them as they come out of a seizure.”And there were parents. At a July meeting, Emily Bell thanked the board for their careful, thoughtful work and told them she wasn’t sure what she would do with her daughter in elementary school.“In the morning, I’m ready for virtual school,” Bell said. “And in the afternoon, I’m ready for my child to be back in the classroom.”Nearly every issued hinged on policy in the school manual, which staffers and board members pored through for hours. Changes had to be passed: Widened circumstances allowing for virtual classes, the end of open-door hours for parents eating lunch with kids, permitting athletes to practice or play if they weren’t physically in school that day.The board didn’t agree on everything, from big matters to small. Trustee Brent Faulkenberry initially didn’t favor the plan for in-person class only two days a week. He wanted five, to help working parents, with online school available for anyone worried about safety.“If families can’t work, they can’t provide for these kids,” he said.Board member Robin Owens told him he made good points, especially about her fear of young children left at home while parents work. The two-day-a-week plan, she said, “falls squarely in the middle, which means that it is probably not going to make anyone happy. Hopefully it will make some people satisfied.”Faulkenberry’s five-day proposal lost 5-2. The board then unanimously agreed to the staggered schedule and delaying the first day of school to Sept. 8, the latest allowed by state law.There was no shouting, no claims of fake science, no accusations that trustees didn’t care for kids. At a time when such arguments erupt everywhere from talks shows to Facebook, from the White House to the corner store, this board prides itself on civil discourse.“I am so thankful to serve on a board where professionalism is put on the forefront,” said Miller, who moved to the United States from Sweden in 1997, became a U.S. citizen in 2006, and has set out since becoming board chairman in 2018 to create a deliberative body that disagrees amiably.Trustees’ ties are forged through regular meetings, trips for training, and school visits together. Even as they met through Zoom, Miller kept some in-person routine. Trustees stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance as video of a waving flag played played. Miller plunked her gavel on a tiny wood box after votes and to end meetings.This month, Miller is gently directing the group back to in-person meetings. If trustees are sending children into schools, she said, the board should physically meet, too. Meetings look much like school, with seats spaced 6 feet (2 meters) apart and everyone in masks.Mask policy was on trustees’ agenda Monday night. Before the pandemic, masks — as face coverings similar to bandanas — could be considered gang attire. Now, students must wear one to enter the building. District officials suggested allowing a classroom “mask break” once teachers and students are settled and socially distanced. Trustees weren’t sure.“We have very small classrooms in very old schools,” Faulkenberry, who’d opted to participate virtually, said from a video screen placed in his seat. “That air is still recirculating.”And what about doors? District policy requires that teachers lock doors during class. But health officials recommend open doors for air circulation.The board approved a preliminary mask policy but agreed to fine-tune it. The issue of doors was left to a future meeting, with only a few weeks until the first day of school.The trustees agree that their work during the pandemic — for which they’re paid their usual salary of $600 monthly, unlike the 62% of school board members nationwide who get no compensation, according to 2018 National School Boards Association figures — has been the hardest of their tenure.“We want what’s best for our children,” said trustee Windy Cole, who’s had her own tears and sleepless nights. “I’ve been in all the meetings, I’ve listened to everything I can, and I trust our district is doing the best possible under these horrible circumstances. We have to just keep praying,”And they’ve been able to find moments of joy. During a long virtual meeting largely focused on the district’s $175 million budget, a school employee announced a summer program where every student from pre-K to grade eight would get a box of books delivered to their home.The trustees cheered. “This makes my heart so happy,” Cole said.After all the talk of taxes, missed celebrations for employees, and the logistics of school amid the virus outbreak, Miller reminded her colleagues: It’s not just “doom and gloom.”And she offered them all a virtual hug.