Nearing a half century since he co-founded <a href="https://landinstitute.org/">The Land Institute</a> southeast of Salina, Wes Jackson remains staunchly hinged to a “long view” of reducing climate change.

Despite being decades from mission accomplished, a celebration looms later this month in downtown Salina, with the world premiere of a documentary, “Prairie Prophecy,” starring Jackson.

A red carpet event is planned April 26 at the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts that includes the 90-minute feature film, meeting the cast, Executive Producer and Director Michael Johnson, and the inspiration himself, in the flesh.

It’s part of&nbsp;Kernza®&nbsp;for Kansas 2.0: Wes Weekend.

Soil’s grand guardian is set on using perennial polycultures and natural systems agriculture to mimic the prairie, reduce or eliminate tillage, and slash carbon emissions.

“Wes Jackson, one of the most important environmentalists of the 20th and 21st centuries, spent his life pioneering a bold new approach to agriculture that challenges humanity to rethink its relationship with the Earth,” according to the film’s promotion on the Stiefel Theatre website.

But as the seasoned Kansas Wesleyan University Coyote admits, his unwavering mission requires much attention.&nbsp;

“When I first published on this, I said, ‘This is gonna take 50 to 100 years,’ and we’re not yet at 50. Most people’s time frame isn’t until the next election,” Jackson lectured during a March phone interview.

He was in a humble, relaxed, and jovial mood, showing more interest in other topics than his own storied career.

Regardless of this journey’s stage, promoters have determined it’s time to train a few hundred thousand more lumens on Jackson’s lifelong pursuits as dirt’s Dalai Lama.

The still dedicated and learned 88-year-old entrepreneur, Darwinist philosopher and PhD in genetics, chuckled at the notion that a red carpet will pave the way to the 90-minute film in downtown Salina.

Jackson is interested in the to-do list, but would prefer others with vital roles take a stroll on such a hallowed crimson walkway — from the Watson Room into the Stiefel lobby.

“There are many extraordinary people involved in the long view. Those are the ones who oughta be walking on the red carpet,” he said, “if there is a red carpet.”

Jackson confirmed viewing a “rough cut” of the documentary, but won’t yet offer an opinion.

“For now, I refuse to comment. It’s like somebody asking ‘What do you think of your kids?’ I want to know what other people think,” he said. “I don’t know what my opinion is until I’ve talked to my friends. Time has to pass before you know whether it’s good or not.”

Jackson announced his attire at the premiere will be “something between a tuxedo and bib overalls.”

While more accolades await Jackson for his life’s work, he’s still hard at it, perfecting the planet through inspiration to return to Nature’s intentions; maybe more with brain than brawn these days.

After years of work on “Prairie Prophecy,” Johnson remembers the 80-plus year-old intellectual showing off his rugged abilities during filming.

“He would stray off camera, pick up a hay bale and toss it, but we weren’t quick enough to capture it,” Johnson said. “I tried to keep my 60-something-year-old body in step with him. Even the Energizer bunny looks lazy next to this guy.”

Among Jackson’s “most impressive” traits to some is the way he communicates.

“He’ll break into song, Shakespeare, scripture or a poem,” Johnson said.

Jackson is proud to remind listeners of his memorization of every book in the Bible and all United States presidents through the Truman administration.

Earth’s future is constantly in his crosshairs. Prairie Prophecy Executive Producer and Producer Kelly Sallaway’s favorite Jackson quote drives that philosophy home: “If you are working on something you can finish in your lifetime, you’re not thinking big enough.”&nbsp;

The feature-length movie is a major happening during a weekend jammed with attractions, beginning April 25 with tours at The Land Institute, Kansas Wesleyan University’s Heartland Rift Community Resilience Hub next door, and Quail Creek Family Farms a few miles north; a film and other events from downtown Minneapolis, KS, and the next evening in the heart of Salina.

A free screening of the short movie “Beer Saves the World!” courtesy of Perennial Films, will be shown Friday night at “The Farm &amp; The Odd Fellows” coffee cafe, brew pub and event center in Minneapolis, the Ottawa County seat.

There is much to celebrate, now that&nbsp;Kernza®, a perennial wheatgrass, has made some necessary strides toward joining the mainstream of feeding folks; claiming space on a growing number of menus in homes, restaurants, and breweries.

It was a natural for “Prairie Prophecy” to premiere in Salina, said Sallaway, of Scottsdale, AZ.

The film is co-promoted by The Land Institute, Sustain-A-Grain, a major promoter, distributor and developer of&nbsp;Kernza® products,&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan University and San Diego-based Perennial Films, which specializes in environmental documentaries.

“Prairie Prophecy” is “about the life and life’s work of Wes Jackson,” according to the Stiefel Theatre website.

“He deserves a movie,” said Sallaway, who wonders if Jackson shares DNA with Albert Einstein and Will Rogers.

“Wes is definitely a character,” she said.

Jackson superlatives are splattered like spring bugs on windshields when admirers expound on his wisdom and prowess. “Prairie Prophecy” is one more fine example.

“It is truly a love letter from Micheal Johnson to Wes Jackson,” said Tammy Kimbler, chief communications officer for The Land Institute.

“In a gracious way, it really personifies what Wes means to many generations of people whom he inspired,” she said.

There are many stars in the effort to carry the story forward, but the deep roots lead back to the burly bespectacled Kansas thinker.

“What’s so cool about the Wes Jackson documentary is that it’s really a bridge to the origin of The Land Institute, to the movement that was inspired, but also the future,” Kimbler said. “This is an amazing passing of the torch to a whole new generation.”

Those include Sustain-A-Grain, a key distributor and marketer, KWU, “new iterations of the Land Institute,” she said, and many others in Kansas and around the world, where all sorts of perennial crops are being developed and studied.

“It’s a fabulous affectionate collage of Wes’s most impactful ideas, about reconciling the human economy with nature’s economy. Those are the foundations of The Land Institute,” said Rachel Stroer, president of the nonprofit research center at 2440 E. Water Well Road.&nbsp;

“It’s nice to have that memorialized in this film,” she said.

Another goal of “Prairie Prophecy,” Johnson said, “is to&nbsp;

raise awareness about all the non-profits that are featured and to perhaps make it easier for them to raise money.”

The film’s main cast has 10 people, but there are “scores” of others, Sallaway said, including AmeriCorps and university volunteers.

Jackson’s master plan hasn’t wavered; to let natural systems agriculture ease some ills of this globe now populated with 8 billion people, and counting. That number has doubled since The Land Institute came to be.

In his decades of leadership, Jackson introduced a “Prairiebilly” vocabulary that was hatched while growing up on Kansas River bottom ground north of Topeka.

“I wanted to know about the whatisness of things,” Jackson said during a March 5, 2024, interview by Rex Buchanan, for the Kansas Oral History Project, also introducing “oughtness,” which translates to “doing things the way they ought to be done,”&nbsp;

During a speech at one of the Prairie Festival gatherings at The Land Institute, Severine von Tscharner Fleming, founder and director of Greenhorns, referred to Jackson as an “enigmatic Sphinx.” Such characters are defined as mysterious protectors who are difficult to interpret, symbolizing mystery, power and ancient wisdom, as listed on a number of Internet sites.

Born June 15, 1936, the youngest of Howard and Netty Jackson’s six kids — firstborn Margaret was 22 at the time, and Elizabeth was 20. They grew up on Route Six, Topeka, on the north side of the Kansas River, and farmed with horses until late in World War II when a tractor graced the operation.

“I remember the last mule leaving the property,” Wes said.

The Jacksons ran a “diverse farm, with cows, horses, and chickens,” he added. “We had lots of watermelons, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes and beets. It was kind of a truck farm. Dad was a meticulous record keeper and was up on state and chamber of commerce topics.”

Wes Jackson admitted to being an inquisitive lad who constantly peppered folks with questions.

“I heard my dad say to me once, ‘I don’t know anybody like you,’ ” he said.

Jackson wasn’t quite 18 when he ventured to Salina and enrolled at Kansas Wesleyan University, aiming to play football and run track. He lettered in both.

“I came 71 years ago this spring,” he reminisced. “Without Kansas Wesleyan, I would’ve been a different person.”

After completing a bachelor of arts degree in biology, Jackson added a master’s in botany from the University of Kansas, and his PhD in genetics from North Carolina State University.

Jackson was a biology professor at KWU and established the Environmental Studies Department at California State University at Sacramento, resigning in 1976

“Text book-only thinking is part of the reason I quit academia,” Jackson said. “I was a tenured full professor in California, in the hotbed of the environmental movement, and yet I come (back) here.”

The Land Institute alternative school and research center, opened later that year with an educational system that connected science, sociology, political science, religion and literature into one “silo … using the prairie as a model,” according to the Oral History Project.

“It was a different way to think about what counts,” Jackson said. “We only had six to eight students (at a time), and they learned to use both mind and hands. Humans need food, clothing, shelter and transportation.”

Early contributions came from attorney John Simpson, and Sam Evans, CEO and partner at Evans Grain, both of Salina. It was enough to pay the tuitions of the first seven students, Jackson said.

His “epiphany” to begin the heralded push for change came on a field trip in 1976 to the Konza Prairie near Manhattan.

“I had been reading a (federal) General Accounting Office study, and it looked like soil erosion was as bad as the 1930s,” Jackson said. “I thought ‘with thousands of miles of terraces, grass waterways, action with the purpose to stop erosion, how can this be?’ ”

“I looked at all the major crops, 12 different combinations of plants we eat, and none of them were perennials. They were all annuals, and yet there were all these perennials in nature,” Jackson recalled. “So I thought ‘Why not?’ I set out to deal with those major crops.”

But the scientist also knew of the rule that to get perennials with big roots to be also blessed with high seed yield was believed “not possible.” It shoved Jackson into the multi-decade mission.

“The plant will either allocate resources to the seed or the root, so I challenged that tradeoff theory,” he said.

“That scientific debate has mostly been laid to rest,” Stroer said. “Because of research at The Land Institute, the tradeoff is not a concern or problem,” Stroer said. “The success of&nbsp;Kernza® and especially what perennial rice has achieved in Yunnan China, have shown you can have both high yields and robust perennial plants.”

Progress is happening, and you can see it by comparing the growth size of Kernza® kernels over the past decade or so.

“Plant breeders are never satisfied with the rate of progress,” said Lee DeHaan, PhD, lead scientist in The Land Institute’s Kernza® domestication program.

“We’re continually finding new ways to speed up the work,” he said. “We’re increasing yields fast. We’re catching up rapidly, but I’m not going say I’m satisfied. We are recording steady increases in seed size and grain yield. I’m hopeful in a couple decades we’ll be matching wheat for yield in this region.”

Another goal is extending the life of Kernza® plants from replanting every four years, which is typical, DeHaan said.

“We recognize that longer would be better to realize more benefits,” he said.

Kernza® is just one of the cures for an ailing planet. Research is underway around the globe to perennialize other grains, such as legumes, oilseeds and sorghum.

The Land Institute has contributed money and encouragement to research perennial rice development in China.

“They have yields comparable to annual rice. That reduces input costs, so their profits could be really compelling, helping farmers’ bottom lines,” DeHaan said. “We now have evidence with one crop that we can deliver these benefits.”

Meanwhile, Sustain-A-Grian co-founders, Brandon Schlautman, of Henderson, NE, and Brandon Kaufman, of Moundridge, KS, and other team members, are aggressively promoting Kernza®.

They must convince farmers to plant it, while also coming up with more uses, such as in food and livestock feed; help farmers grow, harvest, store, and process it, according to the company website.

“We’re trying to work with The Land institute and other partners and continue to educate about Kernza® and other sustainable grains,” said Schlautman. He doubles as the lead scientist in perennial legumes at The Land Institute.

“We need to continue to grow Kernza® acres in Kansas, but to be able to do that, we have to improve the knowledge and desirability of it,” Schlautman said. “There has to be more market outlets for the grain.”

Change is slowly marching toward Jackson’s dream, but much more improvement is vital.

“We’ve gotta have more than Kernza® and other perennial species, for the reduction of soil erosion, (focusing on) an ecosystem concept, while depending less on monocultures. We haven’t made as much progress as we need to,” Jackson said. “Climate change is hanging over all of us.”

A history lesson often ensues in his writings and lectures, starting with the banes of reliance on annuals that ignore the lessons of Nature.

“The plow has destroyed more options for future generations than the sword,” he said.

Another damaging trend to Jackson, started when the Drake Well struck oil Aug. 27, 1859, in Titusville, PA, igniting the first oil boom in the United States, i.e. the flow of portable liquid fuels.

“Three of my grandparents were born before and one was in utero. Two of them held me in their arms,” he said, illuminating the the environmental downfall in some four generations.

In that relatively short time frame, climate change has been swift, he said, advocating that positive change needs to pick up pace.

“Are we just going to wait around until we get hotter and drier with more violent storms? I can’t predict the future,” he said. “In some way, we’ve got to respond and hope that our response is effective. We know we can’t go on. We’ve got too many people, and too much stuff, and this stuff, of course, is causing damage to the atmosphere.”

Asked if he’d like to be around when the world returns to a more natural state, Jackson replied, “It’s probably not a good idea to live forever, but I sure don’t like what is going on here and now.”

Wes Jackson has a long list of accolades, including being awarded a MacArthur Fellowship (a.k.a. Genius Grant) in 1992. He was named among the “100 important Americans of the 20th century” by Life Magazine; one of the “35 Who Made a Difference” in the November 2005 issue of Smithsonian Magazine; Rolling Stones Magazine’s “100 Agents of Change” in March 2009, and “50 Kansans You Should Know” January 2011, in Ingram’s Magazine.&nbsp;

“Prairie Prophecy” took San Diego-based Perennial Films, 2 1/2 years to make, said Kelly Sallaway, executive producer and producer.

“Michael Johnson, (executive producer and director), started years before; the minute he met Wes Jackson,” she said.

The 90-minute film will be re-cut to a one-hour show for public television.

Here’s a list of events during&nbsp;Kernza® for Kansas 2.0: Wes Weekend:

For the ‘whatisness’ of things ‘Prairie Prophecy’ places Jackson on perennial pedestal

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Appreciate everyone logging on. I don’t know who’s on yet because I can’t see anybody but I’m sure that when you ask your questions, I’ll see you but (I’m) excited for next week and the kickoff of the 2025 NFL Draft. (It’s) a super exciting time for my staff, Chiefs Kingdom and again, (I) really look forward to the next few days. I want to start off by thanking my scouting staff, they do a tremendous job, our coaching staff – all the people in the building that help us through this process. There’s a ton of work that goes into this and again, we’re super excited and with that I’ll take your questions.”

Q: On signing Elijah Mitchell, Kristian Fulton and Jaylon Moore.

VEACH:&nbsp;“You know, Adam (Teicher), every free agency process, I think the goal and the objective is always the same yet how you go about it is always different. The goal and the objective is always to position yourself and your team so that when you get to the draft you can unlock the full potential of your board and not have to be stressed out and take the best player available. Now, how you go about that is different every year, right? I mean, depending on your cash, your cap (space) and what players are available and how many players you’re losing and what have you so it’s a unique challenge every year. I think though – over the years, one thing that we’ve shown is that we’re going to put a high priority on offensive line and defensive line and you start off with Jaylon Moore. I don’t think it’s a secret, (we) want to get some stability there at the left tackle position. He’s a guy that I think the only downside was just the lack of starts during his career. Now, when you consider the fact that he played behind a first ballot hall of fame player in (49ers LT) Trent Williams, you can see why but he’s athletic, he’s a smart kid and you know, we did a lot of work on him during the pre-draft process years ago. (We) always had taken a liking to the kid, (we) thought he had a game that translates and credit to him that when he had a chance to log six, seven starts last year, he did a really good job. Now, the next step is (to) maintain that level of play throughout the course and duration of a season but again, we’re super excited to add him and hopefully provide some stability to the left side of the line. I said over the last few months, I think that we’ve done a really good job, obviously, our interior has been strong the last few years. We did lose (Bears G) Joe (Thuney), and that late season move with Kingsley (Suamataia) late in the season. His start in Denver was promising so we think we have some flexibility there with those guys but again, I think the ongoing effort and pursuit to just get more consistent play on that left side was important to us and I don’t think that process will stop. We’ll continue in the draft to address the offensive line. Then on the defensive side, losing (Titans CB L’Jarius Sneed) LJ last year and Jaylen Watson was having a really good year, he got hurt. Nazeeh (Johnson) got hurt last year, we had some guys get banged up. The way (Defensive Coordinator) Steve (Spagnuolo) does things on that back end requires a lot of depth there, you can never have enough good corners. Kristian (Fulton) was a guy that we liked coming out as well. In fact, I think it was the Covid year, he was right there, and he went a few picks before. We ended up, I think, selecting (Dolphins LB) Willie Gay but a guy again, we did a lot of work on and liked him. Then, Elijah Mitchell – maybe listen, we’re going to the well again. We had a good experience a few years back when we had done a lot of work on (former RB) Jerick McKinnon and he was guy that had a great career in Minnesota, went to the Niners and just couldn’t get healthy, couldn’t get right, was always banged up. We we’re like, ‘You know, this kid’s still young and although he’s battled a lot of injuries, we’ve always like the tape, we’ve always like the person. (He’s) a great kid.’ Similar skillset in a sense, he’s explosive, he has great hands. I’m sure that you even heard (49ers Head Coach) Kyle Shanahan talk about when he’s healthy how good he is. I think it’s not a secret with him, he's got to stay healthy. Again, I think probably the success (that) we had with McKinnon gave us some confidence to try it again, and he’ll have to get through training camp and get through a season healthy. Our trainers like what they saw in regards to his rehab from his injury last season so hopefully we can get him on the field and keep him on the field because I think when he’s healthy he provides an explosive dynamic in both the run and pass game.”

Q: Where do you feel the roster is right now?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I think there’s always, of course, room for improvement. I think that just from a 1,000-foot view, I mean, it’s probably safe to say – you guys know I always give you probably too much information on these Zooms but o-line, d-line and corner, I think the draft has some numbers. The o-line numbers are probably down a tick, but I think everyone’s talked about the depth in the draft at the defensive line position, in particular defensive end. I think corner does have some sneaky depth there in the middle of the draft class. Maybe not as many high-end guys in years past, but I think there is some value there and the level of drop off holds from (round) two to three – to even into the early parts of four. I think that that would be a logical landing spot for us early in the draft, but I think we’re always in the mindset too to add players that we have graded as impact players and certainly wouldn’t shy away from continuing to add to our receiver room as well. I do think that – again, you can’t accomplish everything exactly you want to in free agency just because you don’t have an endless amount of resources but I do think we put ourselves in a position so that if we’re sitting there at (pick) 31, we certainly have a need for o-line, d-line, corner (and) receiver. So, all options are open, and I guess we’ll see how it all kind of shakes out.”

Q: Where’s your comfort level on getting a deal done with Trey Smith?

VEACH:&nbsp;“Hopefully we get that done. There’s no lack of interest or will or desire on our end and we did have Pete (Sweeney), a ton of talk with Tory (Dandy) and Jimmy (Sexton), his agent, heading into the combine. Those conversations continued on to the owner’s meetings and so now – also, CAA has a ton of draft prospects, and they have a ton going on, so we’ve exchanged multiple phone calls (and) multiple emails. My guess is once the draft’s over and our focus is back on taking care of the players that are here and trying to get those guys locked up. CAA, on their end, they are one of the leading agencies in regards to the players they produce every year, so I’m sure once things settle down on both ends, we’ll be in a position to continue this dialogue and hopefully make some progress there. There’s no secret there that we’d like to get Trey (Smith) locked up.”

Q: What’s the number of Round 1 grades? Where do you foresee the value in this draft?

VEACH:&nbsp;“It’s probably a tick down. I think, typically, in years past that numbers been anywhere from 15-18 – even 19. I think the last time that I checked it was down to like 12 or 13 so it is lower. Although, I will say this, in that secondary wave of guys that are in the late round, high two consideration, that number’s probably a little higher. So, hopefully that provides a little bit more flexibility on both ends, so I think that that top-end number is just a tick down from years past. I think we have a pretty consistent game plan year in and year out and if one of those guys, however unlikely it is, that we have in that 12 or 13 or 14 number range if they were to fall into a reasonable landing spot, I’m sure we’d make some calls. Typically, it’s unlikely to happen, but we all know a few years ago it did happen with Trent McDuffie, and we were able to do that so that will be kind of our mindset again and we’ll see if it works out. I don’t think it’d make too much sense for us to – you know, we need all these picks, and we need to add depth on multiple fronts on secondary and receivers so trading multiple picks to get one piece doesn’t really make sense. If a guy that I really like does fall into the 20’s and it’s reasonable then I think we’ll be aggressive. Otherwise, I think we’ll be happy at adding players at each round and multiple players in (round) three.”

Q: Is left tackle still a position that you’d still address in this draft?

VEACH:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think o-line and d-line is always going to be at the forefront of where we are in regards to roster composition and again, we’re really excited about Jaylon Moore and what he can bring to the table. Again, small sample size but it’s been really good, and we’re excited to work with him but it’s a long season. Jaylon’s under a two-year contract and Jawaan’s (Taylor) getting towards the tail end of his contract, too. You always have to have one eye on the present and one eye on the future, so I think that obviously, any chance that you have to draft a guy that you can project to be a starting left tackle, you do that and they’re really hard to come by. It’s not one of those things that – I mean, look, you can hit on any position throughout the course of the draft but consistently those slam dunk franchise tackles, they’re typically top 15 (or) top 20 picks so if one does slide or if you’re able to get one, even in the late rounds that you think has a higher upside than some of those prospects in past years. You don’t ever shy away from that position.”

Q: You’ve lost somebody in the front office in three of the last four years. What’s the process like year-to-year whenever you have guys that are influential in the room leave?

VEACH:&nbsp;“It’s funny because I just joked about that the other day with (Bears General Manager) Ryan (Poles) being in Chicago and (Panthers Executive Vice President of Football Operations) Brandt Tilis being in Carolina and now (Titans General Manager) Mike (Borgonzi) in Tennessee, I think that as the years go on and I keep losing key members of our personnel staff – the time period when we shut down meetings is getting pushed back sooner and sooner because we’re all such good friends and we talk a lot. I joked with the guys that pretty soon it’s just going to be me here by myself in a room because we talk to each other so much all the time that I’m worried about all of us having the exact same draft board and all of our stuff getting out there. It’s a unique dynamic, but (I’m) certainly happy and excited for the work those guys have done and the jobs they’ve done. I think each individual have done great jobs in regards to what Poles had done and what Brandt has done early on, and I think Mike’s going to do a slam dunk job there so I’m excited for all those guys. It is different. Fortunately, we do a great job and it’s no different than putting a roster together of players, you have to have a roster of personnel members but guys like (Sr. Vice President of Football Operations and Strategy) Chris Shea, (Senior Director of Player Personnel) Mike Bradway, (Director of Player Personnel/Pro Scouting) Tim Terry and (Director of Player Personnel/College Scouting) Ryne Nutt and then have a really strong group of young scouts that are working their way up too. (It’s) kind of like that mentality when one player gets injured or moves on, the next one steps up and we’ve had a really good group to work with and they’ve all stepped up and done a tremendous job.”

Q:&nbsp;With your first-round pick in particular, what is the likelihood that you guys might look at trading back?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I certainly have a tendency to be on the aggressive side and move up. Although it’s interesting, as I just mentioned to Pete (Sweeney) before, the numbers are a little bit down in regard to that top end usually being 15 to 17, there are more in that 12 to 14 range so. Then, as I mentioned, depth at the secondary set is a little bit bigger so I think that there is probably just from a sure numbers standpoint more of likelihood that that could happen when you have – again, on the front end of the numbers meaning 7.5 or higher on our grading system being low but then that next 7.0 to 6.5 grading system and the numbers being higher, I think that from that standpoint, I think that could be in our wheelhouse and it might make sense to us. We’ll have to see, I think there’s always or at least it worked out that way in the last few years been one guy. (Xavier) Worthy was one of those guys last year but we’ll see. I know that I’ve shown to be more aggressive and I’m certainly open to it and if it makes sense to us and we can acquire additional picks, I’d be all for it.”

Q:&nbsp;With NIL and the transfer portal, how much has that impacted you guys from a talent pool perspective?

VEACH:&nbsp;“That’s a good question. So, I think we kind of start to see a shift in the dynamics with the draft during the Covid period when players got an additional year. Now, with the NIL, it certainly impacts the later rounds. There’s a lot of motivation and incentive for players to just stay in college. A lot of these players may end up doing better staying an extra year as opposed to maybe getting drafted late and getting cut or what have you and not making it. So, it certainly impacts us from a numbers standpoint late in the draft and then the numbers that we do have to work with late in the draft, we’re dealing with players that are a little bit older now. In fact, every year – you know, when we go through our process and we put a prospect on the board, we’ll start with the Combine works. I mean, this is our third wave of film or that last wave of film, we’ll go back and it’s the third or fourth time watching a prospect, we’ll do the Combine. We always put up his age, birthdate, how old he’ll be on day one of the season and it seems like every year, you’re dipping into the 24-25 year old rookies and I mean, shoot, we have multiple players on our team that would still be young in this draft class whether that be a George (Karlaftis) or a Felix (Anudike-Uzomah) or what have you. I do think, Nick (Jacobs), you’re starting to see that the numbers are a little bit shorter, and the ages are a little bit higher, so it makes it a little bit more challenging to identify guys in that later round, but we’ll see how it works out moving forward here. They have a lot going on in the college side, some of which I’m not too involved with, or I haven’t paid too much attention with, all I can speak on is my end and to your point, numbers are down and ages are up.”

Q:&nbsp;How many gradable players do you have on your board if you’re willing to give that away?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I knew someone was going to ask me that. I think we have 202 (players), which is maybe a tick high, but we’ve been anywhere from 85 to 210 over the years – 185-210 so I think we’re right around 200-202. I think we have plenty of names to work with and hopefully we’re able to execute our game plan as the names come off and work those position groups throughout the course of the three days next week.”

Q:&nbsp;How much do you look at next year’s class as far as big-picture depth?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I don’t do a lot of that and I think it – I think for the quarterback position, that could be the one position that you could answer that differently, but in general, there are so many variables in regards to looking ahead and if you have a guy that you like or you feel like it’s reasonable in regards to what you would have to do to get someone that you like throughout the course of the draft. I think you aways focus on the present. There’s been many times where there’s high-level prospects that have poor years or they get hurt or maybe where you’re going to be picking in the draft. Now, you throw in the NIL, as Nick (Jacobs) just mentioned, some of the really good juniors, I mean, they’re staying, and we saw the Penn State tackle (JB Nelson) from a year ago stay an extra year. So, if you start playing that game too often and you throw in the fact that this kid’s a really good lineman, a junior, and then he gets money to stay or again, you don’t know where you’re picking or if that player gets hurt during the course of the year or if you have young guys step up. I just think you focus on the present, but I will say once the draft ends and once we all take a break and come back for the OTAs in the spring, you start getting aggressive and looking ahead and that’s very beneficial for your free agency plan and your roster-building aspect of once you go through the season and you’re trying to bridge the free agency plan with the draft plan, you get a head start on that as soon as possible. As far as kind of utilizing that with the current draft, I think in my opinion, I don’t have all the answers, but in my opinion, it would be a little bit more dangerous.”

Q:&nbsp;Where do the receiver and running back positions stack up for you as far as draft needs and how do those boards look as far as available players this year?

VEACH:&nbsp;“The running back class is probably the deepest class in the draft. I think you can get a really good player from round one through five. Look, with all these players, you’re a few bad weeks away from having no depth at all. I know I’ve always said this story a few years back of that defensive end position where we had a two- or three-week span where we lost multiple guys. Last year, (Isiah) Pacheco got hurt early on and I mean, we always want to surround Pat (Patrick Mahomes) with playmakers and the more talent at wideouts (that) you can throw out on the field at one time is something important to us – depth at running back and look, this kickoff rule too. Ideally, it would be advantageous for us to identify a receiver and/or a running back that has explosive playmaking ability at both ends. (Nikko) Remigio did a great job but again, we’re always pushing the envelope to get one percent better and if we can add another dynamic element to both return phases, that would be something that makes sense. So, it’s not just wanting to continue to add explosive playmaking at the running back or receiver positions, it’s also the return game. I do feel good about that running back stack. Again, I think it’s probably a consensus throughout the draft community and the work that you guys (the media) have all done that there’s a ton of running backs. I think that there’ll be a good chance that one of these picks ends up being one of those players just because there’s many of them and they’re all really good and the discrepancies between the running back you have in the fourth or fifth (round) is really close or fourth or third is really close. I think it’s a good likelihood that one of those players ends up on our roster and hopefully they’re a dynamic returner as well.”

Q:&nbsp;How many times do you get the opportunity to trade down and how busy is it during the draft?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I don’t think it’s as common as people think. When you complete a round and you kind of look at what’s on the board or what’s coming up, it’s probably a little bit easier to say, ‘Well, we should’ve just traded down,’ but I think that’s a good point. I think the question is could you have traded down? There certainly have been situations that we’ve executed, and it’s been very few. Obviously, we’ve certainly traded more up than down, I think there was one or two examples of where we did that, but I would say – you know, we’ve been picking late every round so maybe those teams that are in the top end of the round or the middle rounds, they get a little bit more action in regards to phone calls throughout the week but I would say over the last few years, that first day, there may have been one draft where we received multiple calls about trading down and we didn’t do it, but other than that one year in the last four or five years, I don’t remember getting a ton of calls on day one – little bit more on day two. You’re going to get a lot more calls on day three just because the grade discrepancies are all over the board, but I do think in general the numbers of calls that you get asking to trade down are lower at least in my experience. We certainly, I think, do a pretty good job of filling calls and it’s not like we’re not answering calls or we’re not making calls. A lot of that could have to do with day one and two, your picks are so late and those teams may feel like the last chance to get the guy they want in (round) one is to move up higher or in round two, once you get to that 50-60-man cut-off point and so we’ve been picking so far behind that that could be a reason too. In those years that I think a common topic of trading up for the quarterback to get the fifth-year option, I don’t think that’s worked out. Those quarterbacks either didn’t go or went higher so maybe this is a year that that happens and there’s a team that wants to draft early and get a really good player and then maybe come up and draft a quarterback and get that fifth-year. I think that scenario – I actually talked about that because every year someone says to me in the draft, ‘We’ll just trade back for a team that wants a quarterback,’ and I’m like that hasn’t happened yet, we’ve been hearing that every year and that hasn’t happened yet so maybe this’ll be the year. So, without giving any of my secrets away, I think the only thing that I would say definitively is that we’re not going to draft a quarterback in (round) one, so we’ll certainly have the phones open and we’ll see how that goes.”

Q:&nbsp;Has free agency lived up to the way you thought it would and is that a part of your game plan heading into the draft?

VEACH:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think we knew early on in free agency with what we we’re facing and look, we’re – as I mentioned to Pete (Sweeney), once this process ends, we’ll be in discussions with Trey (Smith) trying to get him done and then I’m sure at some point here (with) George (Karlaftis) and Trent (McDuffie). We’re going to have dialogue with them. To your point, as the years go on and we hope to keep this winning tradition up and have sustained success, it only becomes more difficult. (We) knew early on that we would be limited and that was obviously the reason why we had to make that trade with Chicago with (Joe) Thuney. I mean, that was a player that we loved, and it was gut wrenching to have to do that, but you had to do it.&nbsp;So, you’re only going to have a limited opportunity to do some things, so we tried to cover up some of the holes in regards to just some stability at left tackle. Corner depth is always a big need and are two prime position that always go high in the draft so let’s have a plan to get a couple of those positions that we feel good about now and then go into the draft. As you mentioned Soren (Petro), the more picks you have, the more players and the more depth you can have at these positions. To your point, I think it does make sense because you can easily say we need two interior defensive linemen and another defensive end, two corners, another running back and two or three more offensive linemen. So, I mean you need a ton, and I don’t think I ever look at our roster and think, ‘We’re good, I feel like there’s nothing else we can do.’ The more players to have, the more depth you can have on a team. Again, you never know where you’re going to need the depth. Every time we go into a season feeling good about a position, that position is the one position – like receiver last year. We were loaded at wideout and then just like d-end a few years ago, we get to Week 3, 4 of the season and we’re making trades for DeAndre Hopkins just – you know JuJu Smith(-Schuster), we’re trying to figure out where we’re going to get receivers. Every position if you get a good player, it doesn't matter whatever you think your perceived depth is, it’s not going to be there by the middle of the season so just ditch your board and draft the best player. You can’t do that unless you get some of this knocked down in free agency. The more players, the better and I think you have to look at these things to sustain depth throughout the season and trading back and acquiring more players is certainly a way to do that.”

Q: Regarding acquiring and trading players, where does your aggressive approach come from and how do you know this approach works?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I think – it’s one of those things where you spend so much time watching all these prospects and my guys are in the room with me everyday. We take a great deal of pride and respect for these late round picks too and we attack them with as much attention and details as we do with the top of the rounds. So then you get in that mindset where it’s like you do the work and you trust in the work you do. I do think though that it’s good to have some different opinions around me and maybe you guys haven’t seen this on the outside but I do think as opposed to years past that there’s a little bit more patience with me. I just think it stems from like we did all this work, we did it for a reason and we’re going to do all this work and if we have a guy, let’s just go get him. Maybe taking a stance a little bit of if we’re not going to be steadfast in our convictions and then just – on one end, the more numbers you have and the number of tickets you have in this lottery, the better. On the other end, there’s that element of trusting what you see and if you’re going to do all this work, you might as well go get a guy you like as opposed to saying, ‘Well, I don’t believe what I see so I’d rather just take a few guys because a few guys are better than the one guy I like.’ That doesn't mean there shouldn’t be a balance of controlled discipline. I think slowly over the years, I’ve gotten a little bit better with that. It’s just one of those things where I feel like you watch so much tape, it’s like well hell, just go up there and get the guy you want. If you watched it and believe in it, then just go do that. It’s kind of the way with Patrick (Mahomes) and it was the same way with Trent (McDuffie) and same way with all these guys. It’s not always right though and I think being selective – I think the process is right it’s just being more selective on when you do it. You don’t need to do it every single round and I think that’s one thing – we can always get better at things, and I’m no different. That’s one of the things the guys have helped me with and just being more selective in that process.”

Q: Can you describe how you apply your present and future philosophy to the draft?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I think that’s where it starts with the free agency so I don’t think you want to put yourself in a position where – we look at free agency like, pretend there’s no draft. We have to go out and line up Week 1 and play, I mean what do we need? Bringing more in and having some depth at corner and adding another playmaker at running back were things that would be beneficial but we’re certainly not where we need to be. Thankfully, we have the draft and so now when you get to these picks, you know you’re always going to stick to the value on the board but within that value you’re going to stick to the premium positions. You know, o-line and d-line if all things are equal, you’re going to always defer to that and you’re going to continue to build the lines. Like I said, with Jawaan (Taylor) being towards the tail end of his contract and Jaylon (Moore) being on a smaller contract, those things – these years pass by quick and before you know it, we’ll be sitting here talking on a Zoom before the 2026 draft. You can never have enough of these guys and then those positions like o-line, d-line and corner, they’re hard to find. They’re not available in free agency for the most part, I mean you typically don’t find left tackles in free agency or starting corners and certainly not pass-rushing three-techs. You get a chance at any point in the draft where you like a guy, you take him and you can never have enough of those guys.”

Q: When you talk about the defensive line, what intrigues you most about that part of this year’s draft? Is it similar to how you feel about the running backs in this year's draft?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I think the defensive end is. So, the defensive line class in general is good, I think that’s probably driven more by the depth at d-end, I think there’s a lot of d-ends. Running backs, is certainly, I think the deepest class in the draft. A close second would be d-end. I think the interior defensive line numbers are better than most years but I don’t think they come anywhere close to the d-line depth and the corner depth. I think those two are just wow. I mean you look at the board and those names go from top to bottom. Interior line is light, corner I think is actually decent in the middle rounds. I think d-line is ok but I don’t think it’s anymore less or more than anyone in particular. I think where you’re getting your big numbers from top to bottom are d-end and running back. Then everywhere else it’s a little bit scattered, corners, I think is a little bit meatier in the middle. Receivers every year you’re going to have numbers, it’s just the vision and the plan and how you’re going to utilize those guys within your offense. So, you’re always going to have numbers, I think certainly – like last year was an extraordinary class and there were so many receivers taken high, I don’t think you’re going to see that this year but you’ll see receivers taken (in) every round just because they’re always plentiful in regards to numbers. I think when you’re talking about the d-line I think that that’s really getting fueled by the defensive end depth.”

Q: You talked about learning from discipline and trade philosophy through the years. How much does that philosophy play into the top 30 visits and guys you bring in after the draft? What is the value in those?

VEACH:&nbsp;“Every opportunity you have to spend with a player, I find to be valuable. I know there’s some teams that don’t even do 30 visits, but I’m just kind of a believer the more time you spend time with a prospect the more you get to know them. Even if it’s a little bit, a little bit is better than nothing. Now the 30 visits we handle in different ways. I think the primary focus of the 30 visits are the guys that we really like that didn’t get invited to the (NFL) Combine. That’s purely for medical (reasons); the Combine participants all have the same medical evaluation process that is done in Indianapolis, we all get that information. We look at it, we talk to our doctors, and we talk about the risks in guys that we’re concerned about. However, there’s a ton of guys that don’t get invited to the Combine, they have no medical on (them) so if you like that guy – and that’s varying ranges, I mean there’s guys that don’t get invited to the Combine in years past that had in the third round and there’s a ton of guys that we had in the sixth or seventh and we just bring them in just in case we draft them late. So that’s probably the primary reason we bring those guys and then there are guys that for some reason at the Combine we just didn’t – the Combine is weird too because everyone does these formal interviews, right? You get 20 minutes and sometimes a player comes four minutes late because a team is holding them, sometimes the computer is frozen or sometimes a coach goes off on a different tangent and they start talking about stuff that is cool and funny but you haven’t really learned anything about the player because you’re talking about a coach that both of you know. That 20 minutes goes fast. Sometimes these kids are boom, they’re right there, we get right into it, we ask questions about their upbringing and all that kind of stuff – you feel good. There’s a lot of guys though where you look and they leave and you’re like, ‘I didn’t get anything out of that,’ and some of these guys I want to bring in and learn more. That happens every year, so it’s just guys that we just didn’t get a great feel for or maybe, you know you only get so many of these formal interviews allotted to you and there were probably – every year we have like 10 guys that – you hand these in, you know there’s a cutoff date and every year there’s always like, ‘Oh we shouldn’t have added this guy because we’re fine with guy, we should have added this guy.’ So then we’re just like, ‘Alright, we’ll just bring him in for a 30. Right, no big deal.’ So sometimes I think people look too far into it but certainly there’s a reason why we’re bringing him in. Whether that be – and I’m sure with the players that we just brought in, you’re going to get additional medical so the guys at the Combine that needed a re-check whether it be a knee, a shoulder, an ankle, those guys are going to have to come in and get a re-check so if we can bring those guys in to get extensive time with our doctors, that’s important to us. So, it starts off with the guys that are not Combine invites that we think are draftable that don’t have a medical, then it goes to the guys that didn’t get enough time with, then it goes to the guys that our doctors want to see more on. We use it in a variety of ways but those are typically the three buckets that they fall in.”

Q: How much do you feel that overall depth at defensive end and cornerback will affect your decision to exercise the fifth-year option on guys like George Karlaftis and Trent McDuffie?

Chiefs Quotes: 4-17-25

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Donald Trump's doctor says the oldest man elected president is "fully fit" to serve as commander in chief as the White House released results Sunday of Trump's recent physical exam. The 78-year-old Trump is 20 pounds lighter since his checkup as president in 2020 showed him bordering on obesity.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/04/memorandum-from-the-white-house-physician/"> Click here to read</a> the report or see it below

His physician, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, cited an "active lifestyle" that "continues to contribute significantly" to the Republican president's well-being. Trump turns 79 on June 14.

In a three-page summary of the comprehensive exam from Friday, the doctor said Trump is "fully fit to execute the duties of Commander-in-Chief and Head of State." Trump weighed 224 at the checkup, down from 244 at that physical more than four years ago.

The summary noted that Trump previously had cataract surgery on both eyes, but did not include a date or dates. A common procedure among aging people, the surgery typically involves removing a cloudy eye lens and replacing it with an artificial lens to help clear up vision.

In July 2024, according to the report, then-candidate Trump had a colonoscopy that found a benign polyp and the condition called diverticulosis. It's a common condition in which the walls of the intestine weaken with age. It can lead to inflammation, though most people with it never experience any problems.

Trump again passed a Montreal Cognitive Assessment test, a short screening test to assess different brain functions, Barbabella wrote. The test includes remembering a list of spoken words and listening to a list of random numbers and repeating them backward, among other questions.

Known as MoCA, it's the same test Trump took in 2018 and later recounted in an interview in which he described reciting a list of words in order: "Person. Woman. Man. Camera. TV."

The president also was screened Friday for depression and anxiety, and had normal scores on questionnaires for those conditions, according to the report.

Trump may be the oldest person elected to the nation's highest office, but he is four years behind Democrat Joe Biden, who was 82 when his presidential term ended in January.

Barbabella wrote that Trump remains in "excellent health" with "robust" cardiac, pulmonary, neurological and general physical function."

The doctor said Trump's days include participating in multiple meetings, public appearances, media availabilities and "frequent victories in golf events." Trump is an avid golfer who said he recently won tournaments played at clubs he owns in Florida

Trump's cholesterol levels have improved over time, helped by the medications rosuvastatin and ezetimibe.

At his physical in January 2018, his total cholesterol was 223. In early 2019, the reading came in at 196 and it stood at 167 in 2020. Today it is 140. Ideally, total cholesterol should be less than 200.

His blood pressure was 128 over 74. That is considered elevated, and people in that situation are likely to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control the condition.

Trump has a resting heart rate of 62 beats per minute, in line with previous tests. A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 beats to 100 beats per minute, and generally, a lower rate implies better cardiovascular fitness.

Trump also takes aspirin, which can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

The exam found minor sun damage to Trump's skin and a few benign lesions, but no concerning lesions or growth. It also confirmed scarring on Trump's right ear from a gunshot wound during an assassination attempt at a Butler, Pennsylvania, campaign rally in July 2024.

Barbabella performed and supervised the medical examination of Trump and said it included diagnostic and laboratory testing in addition to consultations with 14 specialists.

Barbabella is a decorated Navy physician who specializes in emergency and tactical medicine and served several tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has a Purple Heart and a Legion of Merit award, two of the military's highest honors.

Barbabella is also the third consecutive osteopathic doctor to serve as physician to the president, following Biden's doctor and one of the doctors who cared for Trump in his first term. Barbabella ran a naval health clinic in Havelock, North Carolina, before Trump tapped him for the job.

Associated Press writer Jonathan Poet in Philadelphia contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741448538478.png" alt="President Trump on the way to the golf course earlier this month -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Trump on the way to the golf course earlier this month -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Donald Trump's doctor says the oldest man elected president is "fully fit" to serve as commander in chief as the White House released results Sunday of Trump's recent physical exam. The 78-year-old Trump is 20 pounds lighter since his checkup as president in 2020 showed him bordering on obesity.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/04/memorandum-from-the-white-house-physician/"> Click here to read</a> the report or see it below<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744555875706.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744555895255.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744555915306.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>His physician, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, cited an "active lifestyle" that "continues to contribute significantly" to the Republican president's well-being. Trump turns 79 on June 14.In a three-page summary of the comprehensive exam from Friday, the doctor said Trump is "fully fit to execute the duties of Commander-in-Chief and Head of State." Trump weighed 224 at the checkup, down from 244 at that physical more than four years ago.The summary noted that Trump previously had cataract surgery on both eyes, but did not include a date or dates. A common procedure among aging people, the surgery typically involves removing a cloudy eye lens and replacing it with an artificial lens to help clear up vision.In July 2024, according to the report, then-candidate Trump had a colonoscopy that found a benign polyp and the condition called diverticulosis. It's a common condition in which the walls of the intestine weaken with age. It can lead to inflammation, though most people with it never experience any problems.Trump again passed a Montreal Cognitive Assessment test, a short screening test to assess different brain functions, Barbabella wrote. The test includes remembering a list of spoken words and listening to a list of random numbers and repeating them backward, among other questions.Known as MoCA, it's the same test Trump took in 2018 and later recounted in an interview in which he described reciting a list of words in order: "Person. Woman. Man. Camera. TV."The president also was screened Friday for depression and anxiety, and had normal scores on questionnaires for those conditions, according to the report.Trump may be the oldest person elected to the nation's highest office, but he is four years behind Democrat Joe Biden, who was 82 when his presidential term ended in January.Barbabella wrote that Trump remains in "excellent health" with "robust" cardiac, pulmonary, neurological and general physical function."The doctor said Trump's days include participating in multiple meetings, public appearances, media availabilities and "frequent victories in golf events." Trump is an avid golfer who said he recently won tournaments played at clubs he owns in FloridaTrump's cholesterol levels have improved over time, helped by the medications rosuvastatin and ezetimibe.At his physical in January 2018, his total cholesterol was 223. In early 2019, the reading came in at 196 and it stood at 167 in 2020. Today it is 140. Ideally, total cholesterol should be less than 200.His blood pressure was 128 over 74. That is considered elevated, and people in that situation are likely to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control the condition.Trump has a resting heart rate of 62 beats per minute, in line with previous tests. A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 beats to 100 beats per minute, and generally, a lower rate implies better cardiovascular fitness.Trump also takes aspirin, which can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.The exam found minor sun damage to Trump's skin and a few benign lesions, but no concerning lesions or growth. It also confirmed scarring on Trump's right ear from a gunshot wound during an assassination attempt at a Butler, Pennsylvania, campaign rally in July 2024.Barbabella performed and supervised the medical examination of Trump and said it included diagnostic and laboratory testing in addition to consultations with 14 specialists.Barbabella is a decorated Navy physician who specializes in emergency and tactical medicine and served several tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has a Purple Heart and a Legion of Merit award, two of the military's highest honors.Barbabella is also the third consecutive osteopathic doctor to serve as physician to the president, following Biden's doctor and one of the doctors who cared for Trump in his first term. Barbabella ran a naval health clinic in Havelock, North Carolina, before Trump tapped him for the job.___Associated Press writer Jonathan Poet in Philadelphia contributed to this report.

Read the doctor's report from President Trump's physical exam

National Award-winning <a href="http://Salinatheatre.com">Theatre Salina</a> is announcing the titles for its 65th season. The new season will include three shows from the theatre’s past and four new titles. Two of the new musicals have just been made available to community theatres.

The season will open in September with Disney’s FROZEN. This production features music and lyrics from Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez with the book by Jennifer Lee. The story follows Princesses Anna and Elsa in their frozen kingdom of Arendelle. Taken from the Disney movie of the same name, songs include “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” and “Let It Go”.

In October, the Theatre is pleased to present a world-premiere of the comedy LISTEN by Brigid Amos. This production is part of the American Association of Community Theatres New PlayFest. In this story, Kelly opens her first gallery in New York. Dale, a renowned but reclusive artist, wanders into her gallery with his latest painting. Kelly’s initial excitement dies when she realizes Dale has begun to copy PBS’s Bob Ross in his work. Dale’s caretaker sister and his greatest rival only make matters funnier.

Theatre Salina is excited to be one of the first community theatres in the country to present DR. SEUSS’S HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, THE MUSICAL. The Grinch hates all the joy down in Whoville, so he and his dog, Max, decide they will steal all the joy from the hapless WHOs. You’ll be delighted with all the characters you’ve known for decades in this new musical retelling including the Grinch, Max, Cindy Lou Who, and all the Who family. Songs to delight all audiences are “Welcome Christmas” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”.

January’s presentation is the classic drama TWELVE ANGRY MEN by Reginald Rose. This supremely entertaining production will be directed by Salina’s own Tyrees Allen. Coincidentally, Tyrees’ first role after reaching Hollywood was in the remake of this movie including George C. Scott, Jack Lemon, and Ossie Davis. The action takes place in a jury room where a seemingly “open and shut” case gets turned around when one juror isn’t quite sure it should be so easy to send a 19-year-old to his death.

February brings the hilarious comedy SWEET DELILAH SWIM CLUB by Jones Hope Wooten. This comedy follows five female college swimmers as they meet every year in the same beach house. This hit comedy was produced here previously under another title with great success. Follow Lexie, Dinah, Sheree, Vernadette, and Jeri Neal through a lifetime of love and friendship.

The Theatre will again partner with Kansas Wesleyan University in April with the exciting and slapstick THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE. This hilarious retelling of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta was recrafted at the Public Theatre and became a new instant classic. The topsy-turvy world of pirates and maidens will come to life on our stage with vaudeville physicality and humor.

The season closes in June with another new musical, JIMMY BUFFET’S ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE.

Featuring popular Jimmy Buffet classics, including “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, “Margaritaville”, “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere”, and “Volcano”. The show tells the story of a handsome bartender and singer in the Caribbean who falls for a career-minded tourist. Created by Jimmy Buffet, Greg Garcia, and Mike O’Malley, this hilarious and heartwarming musical will have all the Parrot heads singing along.

Full and select season tickets are now available by stopping by the box office, calling 785-827-6126 or going to <a href="http://salinatheatre.com">salinatheatre.com</a>.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717603804368.jpeg" alt="Theatre Salina" />
 <figcaption>Theatre Salina</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedNational Award-winning <a href="http://Salinatheatre.com">Theatre Salina</a> is announcing the titles for its 65th season. The new season will include three shows from the theatre’s past and four new titles. Two of the new musicals have just been made available to community theatres.The season will open in September with Disney’s FROZEN. This production features music and lyrics from Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez with the book by Jennifer Lee. The story follows Princesses Anna and Elsa in their frozen kingdom of Arendelle. Taken from the Disney movie of the same name, songs include “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” and “Let It Go”.In October, the Theatre is pleased to present a world-premiere of the comedy LISTEN by Brigid Amos. This production is part of the American Association of Community Theatres New PlayFest. In this story, Kelly opens her first gallery in New York. Dale, a renowned but reclusive artist, wanders into her gallery with his latest painting. Kelly’s initial excitement dies when she realizes Dale has begun to copy PBS’s Bob Ross in his work. Dale’s caretaker sister and his greatest rival only make matters funnier.Theatre Salina is excited to be one of the first community theatres in the country to present DR. SEUSS’S HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, THE MUSICAL. The Grinch hates all the joy down in Whoville, so he and his dog, Max, decide they will steal all the joy from the hapless WHOs. You’ll be delighted with all the characters you’ve known for decades in this new musical retelling including the Grinch, Max, Cindy Lou Who, and all the Who family. Songs to delight all audiences are “Welcome Christmas” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”.January’s presentation is the classic drama TWELVE ANGRY MEN by Reginald Rose. This supremely entertaining production will be directed by Salina’s own Tyrees Allen. Coincidentally, Tyrees’ first role after reaching Hollywood was in the remake of this movie including George C. Scott, Jack Lemon, and Ossie Davis. The action takes place in a jury room where a seemingly “open and shut” case gets turned around when one juror isn’t quite sure it should be so easy to send a 19-year-old to his death.February brings the hilarious comedy SWEET DELILAH SWIM CLUB by Jones Hope Wooten. This comedy follows five female college swimmers as they meet every year in the same beach house. This hit comedy was produced here previously under another title with great success. Follow Lexie, Dinah, Sheree, Vernadette, and Jeri Neal through a lifetime of love and friendship.The Theatre will again partner with Kansas Wesleyan University in April with the exciting and slapstick THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE. This hilarious retelling of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta was recrafted at the Public Theatre and became a new instant classic. The topsy-turvy world of pirates and maidens will come to life on our stage with vaudeville physicality and humor.The season closes in June with another new musical, JIMMY BUFFET’S ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE.Featuring popular Jimmy Buffet classics, including “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, “Margaritaville”, “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere”, and “Volcano”. The show tells the story of a handsome bartender and singer in the Caribbean who falls for a career-minded tourist. Created by Jimmy Buffet, Greg Garcia, and Mike O’Malley, this hilarious and heartwarming musical will have all the Parrot heads singing along.Full and select season tickets are now available by stopping by the box office, calling 785-827-6126 or going to <a href="http://salinatheatre.com">salinatheatre.com</a>.

Theatre Salina unveils 65th season with Disney's 'Frozen,' new comedies, and classic favorites

Kansas State University's Michael Krysko, associate professor of history, has published a new book that explores radio's propensity to traverse political and cultural borders.

"Contested Airwaves: American Radio at Home and Abroad, 1914-1946," published by the University of Illinois Press, spans a tumultuous period encompassing two world wars and investigates the often-hostile reactions provoked by border-crossing broadcasts considered to be foreign, unwelcome and even threatening to many outraged and protesting listeners.

In trying to make sense of varied listener and policymaker reactions, "Contested Airwaves" considers how radio engaged the knowledge, assumptions and prejudices that fueled such animosities.

As American radio broadcasting became increasingly tethered to commercial entertainment programming, widespread opposition to non-English language broadcasting grew in intensity during the 1930s.

"Even Groucho Marx weighed in with his complaints," Krysko noted about the increasingly widespread concerns about foreign language broadcasting before the U.S. entered World War II.

According to Krysko, efforts to use broadcasting to teach languages across borders floundered in the face of the misunderstandings and prejudices that infused the radio educators' approaches. Fierce diplomatic controversies about national rights to radio frequencies and cross-border interference pit nations against each other in futile battles.

"I particularly enjoyed writing about listeners who were utterly so furious about what they heard on the radio that they took time to write some angry missive and mail it to whomever they held responsible for supposedly un-American broadcasts," Krysko said. "The emotion and hyperbole often infused into these letters often offered insight into more pervasive ideas about race, ethnicity and nationalism that ran through American society in the first half of the twentieth century."

John Brinkley, a pioneering broadcaster and nearly successful Kansas gubernatorial candidate, figures prominently in the study. He was the spark for a decade-long U.S.-Mexico radio dispute that spanned the 1930s. It erupted when he began broadcasting from south of the U.S.-Mexican border deliberately intending to interfere with some of the most popular American radio stations.

"The road to completion for this book was a really long one and I’m both delighted and relieved it’s finally finished. I first researched John Brinkley in the late 1990s, never imagining that I might someday wind up at Kansas State University just a few miles away from John Brinkley’s old stomping grounds in Milford," Krysko said.

A member of the Department of History since 2006, Krysko teaches and writes on the history of technology and U.S. foreign relations. "Contested Airwaves" is his second book and is part of the University of Illinois' series in the History of Media and Communications.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744377744572.jpeg" alt="Michael-Krysko" />
 <figcaption>Michael-Krysko</figcaption>
 </figure>K-StateKansas State University's Michael Krysko, associate professor of history, has published a new book that explores radio's propensity to traverse political and cultural borders."Contested Airwaves: American Radio at Home and Abroad, 1914-1946," published by the University of Illinois Press, spans a tumultuous period encompassing two world wars and investigates the often-hostile reactions provoked by border-crossing broadcasts considered to be foreign, unwelcome and even threatening to many outraged and protesting listeners.In trying to make sense of varied listener and policymaker reactions, "Contested Airwaves" considers how radio engaged the knowledge, assumptions and prejudices that fueled such animosities.As American radio broadcasting became increasingly tethered to commercial entertainment programming, widespread opposition to non-English language broadcasting grew in intensity during the 1930s."Even Groucho Marx weighed in with his complaints," Krysko noted about the increasingly widespread concerns about foreign language broadcasting before the U.S. entered World War II.According to Krysko, efforts to use broadcasting to teach languages across borders floundered in the face of the misunderstandings and prejudices that infused the radio educators' approaches. Fierce diplomatic controversies about national rights to radio frequencies and cross-border interference pit nations against each other in futile battles."I particularly enjoyed writing about listeners who were utterly so furious about what they heard on the radio that they took time to write some angry missive and mail it to whomever they held responsible for supposedly un-American broadcasts," Krysko said. "The emotion and hyperbole often infused into these letters often offered insight into more pervasive ideas about race, ethnicity and nationalism that ran through American society in the first half of the twentieth century."John Brinkley, a pioneering broadcaster and nearly successful Kansas gubernatorial candidate, figures prominently in the study. He was the spark for a decade-long U.S.-Mexico radio dispute that spanned the 1930s. It erupted when he began broadcasting from south of the U.S.-Mexican border deliberately intending to interfere with some of the most popular American radio stations."The road to completion for this book was a really long one and I’m both delighted and relieved it’s finally finished. I first researched John Brinkley in the late 1990s, never imagining that I might someday wind up at Kansas State University just a few miles away from John Brinkley’s old stomping grounds in Milford," Krysko said.A member of the Department of History since 2006, Krysko teaches and writes on the history of technology and U.S. foreign relations. "Contested Airwaves" is his second book and is part of the University of Illinois' series in the History of Media and Communications.

K-State history professor explores radio history, cultural conflict in new book

Devon L. Regnier, Lawrence, Kansas resident, age 36, entered into rest on Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Concordia, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;He was born on May 4, 1988, in Beloit Kansas to Ronny and Sally (Morgan) Regnier.

He graduated from LaCrosse High School in LaCrosse, Kansas, in 2007, where he was a member of the football and track teams and was nominated as Homecoming King. He later attended Cloud County Community College in Concordia, Kansas.

Devon married Jessica Lynn Ortega on May 28, 2016, in Lawrence, Kansas. The couple were high school sweethearts, having met when Devon was the "new kid" at LaCrosse High School. He quickly made his mark, befriending everyone and building strong relationships with his peers and teachers. When he wasn't in class, Devon could often be found in the weight room or joking around with friends.&nbsp;

Devon and Jessica later settled in Lawrence, KS, where they created a life full of memories and adventures. Together, they shared their home with two beloved dogs, whom Jessica says “only listen to Devon.”

Devon worked as a Utility Operator for the City of Lawrence, Kansas, for the past 9 years. He was a highly respected employee who created lifelong friendships with his colleagues.

He was a passionate weightlifter, music enthusiast, avid gamer, and the best Uncle Devon to his nieces and nephews. With an incredible sense of humor, Devon could turn anything into a joke. His smile and contagious laugh will always be remembered.

He is survived by his wife Jessica of the home in Lawrence, KS; father, Ronny Regnier, Linwood, KS; mother, Sally Williams, Kinsley, KS; two sisters, Kalyn Regnier, LaCrosse, KS; Clarissa Rowley, Topeka, KS; and his brother, Mikel Jerdoe.&nbsp;

Devon was preceded in death by his grandparents, Leroy and Francis Regnier;&nbsp;

Marilyn and Jesse “J.C.” Morgan; and his cousin Darren Achterberg.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 9 am-2 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 1-2 pm at the Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, Kansas.&nbsp;

A Celebration of Life service for Devon will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 18, 2025, at the Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home in Concordia, Kansas with Pastor Dwight Whitead officiating.

In lieu of memorials, his family asks that we live life to the fullest and seek out what brings us joy and happiness.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744292221925.jpeg" alt="Devon Regnier.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Devon Regnier.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Devon L. Regnier, Lawrence, Kansas resident, age 36, entered into rest on Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Concordia, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He was born on May 4, 1988, in Beloit Kansas to Ronny and Sally (Morgan) Regnier.He graduated from LaCrosse High School in LaCrosse, Kansas, in 2007, where he was a member of the football and track teams and was nominated as Homecoming King. He later attended Cloud County Community College in Concordia, Kansas.Devon married Jessica Lynn Ortega on May 28, 2016, in Lawrence, Kansas. The couple were high school sweethearts, having met when Devon was the "new kid" at LaCrosse High School. He quickly made his mark, befriending everyone and building strong relationships with his peers and teachers. When he wasn't in class, Devon could often be found in the weight room or joking around with friends.&nbsp;Devon and Jessica later settled in Lawrence, KS, where they created a life full of memories and adventures. Together, they shared their home with two beloved dogs, whom Jessica says “only listen to Devon.”Devon worked as a Utility Operator for the City of Lawrence, Kansas, for the past 9 years. He was a highly respected employee who created lifelong friendships with his colleagues.He was a passionate weightlifter, music enthusiast, avid gamer, and the best Uncle Devon to his nieces and nephews. With an incredible sense of humor, Devon could turn anything into a joke. His smile and contagious laugh will always be remembered.He is survived by his wife Jessica of the home in Lawrence, KS; father, Ronny Regnier, Linwood, KS; mother, Sally Williams, Kinsley, KS; two sisters, Kalyn Regnier, LaCrosse, KS; Clarissa Rowley, Topeka, KS; and his brother, Mikel Jerdoe.&nbsp;Devon was preceded in death by his grandparents, Leroy and Francis Regnier;&nbsp;Marilyn and Jesse “J.C.” Morgan; and his cousin Darren Achterberg.A visitation will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 9 am-2 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 1-2 pm at the Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, Kansas.&nbsp;A Celebration of Life service for Devon will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 18, 2025, at the Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home in Concordia, Kansas with Pastor Dwight Whitead officiating.In lieu of memorials, his family asks that we live life to the fullest and seek out what brings us joy and happiness.

Devon L. Regnier

Karen Sue (Grotz) Winkel, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025, at Downs Care and Rehabilitation. Born on January 17, 1942, in St. Paul, Kansas, she graced this world with her loving spirit for over 83 years, leaving behind a treasure trove of memories that will warm the hearts of all who knew her.

Karen spent an extraordinary 65 years as a dedicated homemaker and farm wife, a role she embraced with unmatched passion and devotion. She was not only known for her incredible sourdough bread and daily freshly baked cookies but also for her exquisite gardening skills and her talent for canning. People often found themselves feeling at home in her kitchen, never leaving with an empty stomach. Karen's famous cinnamon applesauce remains a cherished dish, fondly remembered by family and friends alike.

Raised with strong values, Karen completed her high school education at St. John's Catholic School in 1960. It was there that she developed the character traits that would define her life: a warm heart, unwavering resilience, and an exceptional ability to put her family first. She married the love of her life, Karl Peter Winkel, on June 16, 1960, at St. John's Catholic Church in Beloit, Kansas. Together, they celebrated a remarkable 65 years of marriage, with one of the highlights being a memorable trip to Alaska for their 50th wedding anniversary.

Throughout her life, Karen cherished her family above all else. Her children—Kari (Joe) Eilert, Steven (Judi) Winkel, Christopher Winkel, and Kurt Winkel—were her pride and joy, and she adored each of her 16 grandchildren. Whether it was crafting delightful projects with her sewing machine for her granddaughters or sewing baby quilts for the new grandbabies, Karen found immense joy in nurturing the next generation. Her deep love for her family was evident in her everyday actions; she took delight in their successes and never hesitated to brag about them to anyone who would listen.

Aside from her family life, Karen's personality shone brightly. She was known for her level-headed nature and sweet disposition. Her grandchildren often brought laughter into her home, delighting in the playful thrill of hiding rubber rats to give her a gentle scare. These playful memories exemplified her spirit—filled with joy, light, and an infectious love for life.

Karen's life was also enriched by her education, hobbies, and cherished relationships. She enjoyed gardening, baking, and engaging in crafts, always finding ways to express her creativity. One of her most treasured memories from her youth was a trip to Whittier, California, where she visited her Aunt and Uncle, a journey she fondly recalled throughout her life.

Karen leaves behind her beloved husband, Karl P. Winkel of Glen Elder; her siblings: Gary (Fe) Grotz of Rio Vista, California; Carole Schneider of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; Alan (Kathy) Grotz of Mission Viejo, California; and Joy (Jim Pillard) Grotz of Beloit. She is also survived by her adoring children and their families, as well as 16 cherished grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 6 nieces and nephews.

She was greeted in heaven by her parents, Joyce and Noel Grotz; her brother-in-law, John Schneider; her son, Karl P. Winkel, Jr.; her grandson, Mark Winkel; and her great-nephew, Sam Schneider.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Karen's life during the visitation at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Cawker City on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by a vigil rosary service at 7:00 PM. Mass of christian burial will be held on &nbsp;Friday, April 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Interment&nbsp;will follow at St. Peter and Paul Cemetery. Dinner to follow at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church concluding with a celebration of her remarkable life. Memorials may be made to Fr. Greg for the Lakota (Sioux) children at St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain, SD, or Angels Care Home Health in Russell, KS, in care of Schoen Funeral Home And Monuments 1001 Morgan Ave. Downs, KS 67437.&nbsp;&nbsp;Online condolences to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://schoenfhm.com/">schoenfhm.com</a>

Karen Sue Winkel’s legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to her family will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be dearly missed, but her spirit lives on in the joyous memories shared by her loved ones.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744034054834.jpeg" alt="Karen Sue (Grotz) Winkel " />
 <figcaption>Karen Sue (Grotz) Winkel </figcaption>
 </figure> Karen Sue (Grotz) Winkel, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025, at Downs Care and Rehabilitation. Born on January 17, 1942, in St. Paul, Kansas, she graced this world with her loving spirit for over 83 years, leaving behind a treasure trove of memories that will warm the hearts of all who knew her.Karen spent an extraordinary 65 years as a dedicated homemaker and farm wife, a role she embraced with unmatched passion and devotion. She was not only known for her incredible sourdough bread and daily freshly baked cookies but also for her exquisite gardening skills and her talent for canning. People often found themselves feeling at home in her kitchen, never leaving with an empty stomach. Karen's famous cinnamon applesauce remains a cherished dish, fondly remembered by family and friends alike.Raised with strong values, Karen completed her high school education at St. John's Catholic School in 1960. It was there that she developed the character traits that would define her life: a warm heart, unwavering resilience, and an exceptional ability to put her family first. She married the love of her life, Karl Peter Winkel, on June 16, 1960, at St. John's Catholic Church in Beloit, Kansas. Together, they celebrated a remarkable 65 years of marriage, with one of the highlights being a memorable trip to Alaska for their 50th wedding anniversary.Throughout her life, Karen cherished her family above all else. Her children—Kari (Joe) Eilert, Steven (Judi) Winkel, Christopher Winkel, and Kurt Winkel—were her pride and joy, and she adored each of her 16 grandchildren. Whether it was crafting delightful projects with her sewing machine for her granddaughters or sewing baby quilts for the new grandbabies, Karen found immense joy in nurturing the next generation. Her deep love for her family was evident in her everyday actions; she took delight in their successes and never hesitated to brag about them to anyone who would listen.Aside from her family life, Karen's personality shone brightly. She was known for her level-headed nature and sweet disposition. Her grandchildren often brought laughter into her home, delighting in the playful thrill of hiding rubber rats to give her a gentle scare. These playful memories exemplified her spirit—filled with joy, light, and an infectious love for life.Karen's life was also enriched by her education, hobbies, and cherished relationships. She enjoyed gardening, baking, and engaging in crafts, always finding ways to express her creativity. One of her most treasured memories from her youth was a trip to Whittier, California, where she visited her Aunt and Uncle, a journey she fondly recalled throughout her life.Karen leaves behind her beloved husband, Karl P. Winkel of Glen Elder; her siblings: Gary (Fe) Grotz of Rio Vista, California; Carole Schneider of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; Alan (Kathy) Grotz of Mission Viejo, California; and Joy (Jim Pillard) Grotz of Beloit. She is also survived by her adoring children and their families, as well as 16 cherished grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 6 nieces and nephews.She was greeted in heaven by her parents, Joyce and Noel Grotz; her brother-in-law, John Schneider; her son, Karl P. Winkel, Jr.; her grandson, Mark Winkel; and her great-nephew, Sam Schneider.Family and friends are invited to celebrate Karen's life during the visitation at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Cawker City on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by a vigil rosary service at 7:00 PM. Mass of christian burial will be held on &nbsp;Friday, April 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Interment&nbsp;will follow at St. Peter and Paul Cemetery. Dinner to follow at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church concluding with a celebration of her remarkable life. Memorials may be made to Fr. Greg for the Lakota (Sioux) children at St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain, SD, or Angels Care Home Health in Russell, KS, in care of Schoen Funeral Home And Monuments 1001 Morgan Ave. Downs, KS 67437.&nbsp;&nbsp;Online condolences to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://schoenfhm.com/">schoenfhm.com</a>Karen Sue Winkel’s legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to her family will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be dearly missed, but her spirit lives on in the joyous memories shared by her loved ones.&nbsp;