<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22ADRIANA%20MORGA,%20HALELUYA%20HADERO%20and%20CARA%20RUBINSKY%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By ADRIANA MORGA, HALELUYA HADERO and CARA RUBINSKY Associated Press</a>

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Tech companies of all sizes are showing off their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/consumer-electronics-show">latest products at CES</a>, formerly known as the Consumer Electronics show.

The show is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/CES-2023-las-vegas-technology-business-amazon-1bd55e8d07dbd73491e764e62803fc78">getting back to normal</a>&nbsp;after going completely virtual in 2021 and seeing a significant drop in 2022 attendance because of the pandemic.

Exhibitors range from big names including Sony and LG to tiny startups. You might see the next big thing or something that will never make it past the prototype stage.

On Tuesday night, the show kicked off with media previews from just some of the 3,000 companies signed up to attend. CES officially opens Thursday.

Bird Buddy showed off a smart bird feeder that takes snapshots of feathered friends as they fly in to eat some treats. The startup says its AI technology can recognize more than 1,000 species of birds, allowing users to share through a mobile app what kind of birds they’re feeding.

“We try to kind of gamify the collection so it’s a really fun game that you can play — almost like a real life Pokémon Go with real animals and wildlife in your backyard,” said Kyle Buzzard, the company’s co-founder and chief hardware officer.

The product has already sparked some interest from consumers who want to show the world what birds are coming into their backyards.

The company, which began as a Kickstarter project in 2020, says it started shipping its bird feeders in September and has already sold all 100,000 in its inventory. The price for the basic feeder is $199.

Journalists had fun zipping around the exhibit hall on remote-controlled, electric inline skates from French startup AtmosGear.

The battery lasts for 20 miles (32 kilometers), said founder Mohamed Soliman, who hopes people will see them as a viable way to commute, like electric bikes or scooters.

“My goal is for everyone to go skating again because it’s so much fun, every time you see people skating you see them with a big smile,” Soliman said.

A waist bag holds the battery and cables connected to the skates. They also can be used as regular skates when they need to be charged or skaters simply want to travel under their own power.

The $500 skates are available for pre-order. The company has taken orders for 150 pairs so far and is aiming for 200 orders to start production.

A handheld device displayed by South Korean company Prinker allows you to quickly and easily apply temporary tattoos.

The device uses cosmetic-grade ink with a library of thousands of designs or the option to make your own with the company's app. After picking a tattoo, you just wave the device over wherever you want it applied. The tattoos are waterproof but wash off with soap.

The flagship model is $279 and a smaller model is $229. Ink cartridges good for 1,000 tattoos are $119.

Japan-based Loovic has created a device designed to solve the challenges of those who have difficulty navigating while they walk.

The device worn around the neck employs sounds and vibrations to guide users to destinations, enabling them to look at what's around rather than focusing on a phone's map app.

Loovic co-founder and CEO Toru Yamanaka said he was inspired to create the device for his son, who has a cognitive impairment making it difficult for him to navigate.

The prototype device is not yet available to the public.

If you wonder what your dog is doing while you're not home, French startup Invoxia has a product for you. The company's smart dog collar monitors your pet's activity and sleep, sending the data to your phone.

The latest version unveiled at CES, which has a GPS tracker, includes more advanced heart health monitoring.

The collar is $149 in the U.S. while a monthly $8.25 subscription to the app monitors the data and shares it with your veterinarian.

The creators of Roybi, an educational AI robot that helps children learn about STEM topics and new languages, are venturing into the metaverse.

The RoybiVerse is expected to offer stations where K-12 and higher education students can learn about a wide range of educational topics.

Users walking around the RoybiVerse will be able to visit an area where they’ll learn about dinosaurs or walk over to the virtual library where they can pick a book and read it.

The RoybiVerse, which is expected to launch by mid-2023, will be available in virtual reality headsets and on a website. No robot needed.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22ADRIANA%20MORGA,%20HALELUYA%20HADERO%20and%20CARA%20RUBINSKY%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By ADRIANA MORGA, HALELUYA HADERO and CARA RUBINSKY Associated Press</a>LAS VEGAS (AP) — Tech companies of all sizes are showing off their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/consumer-electronics-show">latest products at CES</a>, formerly known as the Consumer Electronics show.The show is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/CES-2023-las-vegas-technology-business-amazon-1bd55e8d07dbd73491e764e62803fc78">getting back to normal</a>&nbsp;after going completely virtual in 2021 and seeing a significant drop in 2022 attendance because of the pandemic.Exhibitors range from big names including Sony and LG to tiny startups. You might see the next big thing or something that will never make it past the prototype stage.On Tuesday night, the show kicked off with media previews from just some of the 3,000 companies signed up to attend. CES officially opens Thursday.Here are some highlights:POKEMON, BUT MAKE IT BIRDSBird Buddy showed off a smart bird feeder that takes snapshots of feathered friends as they fly in to eat some treats. The startup says its AI technology can recognize more than 1,000 species of birds, allowing users to share through a mobile app what kind of birds they’re feeding.“We try to kind of gamify the collection so it’s a really fun game that you can play — almost like a real life Pokémon Go with real animals and wildlife in your backyard,” said Kyle Buzzard, the company’s co-founder and chief hardware officer.The product has already sparked some interest from consumers who want to show the world what birds are coming into their backyards.The company, which began as a Kickstarter project in 2020, says it started shipping its bird feeders in September and has already sold all 100,000 in its inventory. The price for the basic feeder is $199.ELECTRIC SKATESJournalists had fun zipping around the exhibit hall on remote-controlled, electric inline skates from French startup AtmosGear.The battery lasts for 20 miles (32 kilometers), said founder Mohamed Soliman, who hopes people will see them as a viable way to commute, like electric bikes or scooters.“My goal is for everyone to go skating again because it’s so much fun, every time you see people skating you see them with a big smile,” Soliman said.A waist bag holds the battery and cables connected to the skates. They also can be used as regular skates when they need to be charged or skaters simply want to travel under their own power.The $500 skates are available for pre-order. The company has taken orders for 150 pairs so far and is aiming for 200 orders to start production.DIGITAL TEMPORARY TATTOOSA handheld device displayed by South Korean company Prinker allows you to quickly and easily apply temporary tattoos.The device uses cosmetic-grade ink with a library of thousands of designs or the option to make your own with the company's app. After picking a tattoo, you just wave the device over wherever you want it applied. The tattoos are waterproof but wash off with soap.The flagship model is $279 and a smaller model is $229. Ink cartridges good for 1,000 tattoos are $119.HELPING FIND YOUR WAYJapan-based Loovic has created a device designed to solve the challenges of those who have difficulty navigating while they walk.The device worn around the neck employs sounds and vibrations to guide users to destinations, enabling them to look at what's around rather than focusing on a phone's map app.Loovic co-founder and CEO Toru Yamanaka said he was inspired to create the device for his son, who has a cognitive impairment making it difficult for him to navigate.The prototype device is not yet available to the public.A FITNESS TRACKER FOR YOUR DOGIf you wonder what your dog is doing while you're not home, French startup Invoxia has a product for you. The company's smart dog collar monitors your pet's activity and sleep, sending the data to your phone.The latest version unveiled at CES, which has a GPS tracker, includes more advanced heart health monitoring.The collar is $149 in the U.S. while a monthly $8.25 subscription to the app monitors the data and shares it with your veterinarian.METAVERSE FOR KIDSThe creators of Roybi, an educational AI robot that helps children learn about STEM topics and new languages, are venturing into the metaverse.The RoybiVerse is expected to offer stations where K-12 and higher education students can learn about a wide range of educational topics.Users walking around the RoybiVerse will be able to visit an area where they’ll learn about dinosaurs or walk over to the virtual library where they can pick a book and read it.The RoybiVerse, which is expected to launch by mid-2023, will be available in virtual reality headsets and on a website. No robot needed.

Best of CES 2023: Electric skates, pet tech and AI for birds

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JAKE%20COYLE%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer</a>

Sentimental tales about grumpy old men and American decline have, until recently, typically been the domain of Clint Eastwood.

But in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFYUX9l-m5I">“A Man Called Otto,”</a>&nbsp;Marc Forster's adaptation of Fredrik Backman's bestseller and a remake of the 2016 Swedish film “A Man Called Ove,” it's Tom Hanks prowling the neighborhood and irritably grumbling about how things used to be. In the original, Rolf Lassgård richly inhabited the role of Ove, a curmudgeonly widower — a Forrest Grump —whose suicide attempts are foiled by needy neighbors and, ultimately, his grudging, sincere devotion to them.

Exasperation, whether directed at a crying ballplayer or a slobbering canine, has always been squarely in Hanks' wheelhouse. But despondency or even plain get-off-my-lawn orneriness are less obvious traits possessed by the actor sometimes called “America's Dad.” Following Hanks' villainous turn as Col. Tom Parker in “Elvis,” the 66-year-old has found in “A Man Called Otto” another role that interestingly, if not always entirely successfully, caters to his strengths while tweaking his familiar screen presence.

It also may rob “A Man Called Otto," which opens with Otto buying rope to hang himself with, of some of its spirit. We know there are dark roads that Hanks just isn't going to go down, and some of the early, more caustic scenes of Forster's film strike a false note. But as “A Man Called Otto” makes its way through Otto's life, cutting between his present-day squabbles and flashbacks of happier times with his wife, Sonya (Rachel Keller), Hanks movingly tailors the role to himself. How "A Man Called Otto” unfolds won't surprise anyone, but it does the trick for a little post-holidays heart-warming.

“A Man Called Otto” is set in the prefab row-house development Otto has long lived in, where he tirelessly tisk-tisks any rule breakers, re-sorts misplaced recycling and berates drivers who violate the street's regulation against through traffic.

Screenwriter David Magee ("Life of Pi," “Finding Neverland”) hues closely to the Swedish film as a kind of parable of community. Up and down the street are all the people the freshly retired Otto barely tolerates: friends-turned-enemies (Peter Lawson Jones, Juanita Jennings), a friendly exerciser (a delightful Cameron Britton), a transgender paper deliverer and former student of Otto's wife (Mack Bayda). Most of all there is Marisol (a terrific Mariana Treviño), a pregnant mother of two has just moved in with her husband (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo). Various needs — a stray cat, a borrowed ladder, driving lessons — intrude on Otto's desires for a peaceful death and, in between aborted suicide attempts, gradually rekindle his will to live.

It's sometimes too broadly drawn. Mike Birbiglia plays a predatory real estate agent from a company not-so-subtly called Dye &amp; Merica. (“Sounds like Dying America, which it is,” says Otto.) But “A Man Called Otto” is less after realism than it is a modern-day fable, with shades of Scrooge and the Grinch. As a tale of a solitary man, Hanks has made it a poignant work of family. Rita Wilson, his wife, is a producer and is heard singing a song in the film. The younger Otto is played in flashbacks by their son, Truman Hanks. Even Chet Hanks' “White Boy Summer” blares from a car radio.

Another tune, though, is a more thrilling needle drop. The less said probably the better, but suffice to say, it could be a sign that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2022/06/07/kate-bush-stranger-things-running-up-that-hill/">the Kate Bush renaissance</a>&nbsp;so hearteningly kicked up by “Stranger Things” has not yet abated. If that's not life-affirming, I don't know what is.

"A Man Called Otto,” a Sony Pictures release, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association for mature thematic material involving suicide attempts, and language. Running time: 126 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JAKE%20COYLE%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer</a>Sentimental tales about grumpy old men and American decline have, until recently, typically been the domain of Clint Eastwood.But in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFYUX9l-m5I">“A Man Called Otto,”</a>&nbsp;Marc Forster's adaptation of Fredrik Backman's bestseller and a remake of the 2016 Swedish film “A Man Called Ove,” it's Tom Hanks prowling the neighborhood and irritably grumbling about how things used to be. In the original, Rolf Lassgård richly inhabited the role of Ove, a curmudgeonly widower — a Forrest Grump —whose suicide attempts are foiled by needy neighbors and, ultimately, his grudging, sincere devotion to them.Exasperation, whether directed at a crying ballplayer or a slobbering canine, has always been squarely in Hanks' wheelhouse. But despondency or even plain get-off-my-lawn orneriness are less obvious traits possessed by the actor sometimes called “America's Dad.” Following Hanks' villainous turn as Col. Tom Parker in “Elvis,” the 66-year-old has found in “A Man Called Otto” another role that interestingly, if not always entirely successfully, caters to his strengths while tweaking his familiar screen presence.It also may rob “A Man Called Otto," which opens with Otto buying rope to hang himself with, of some of its spirit. We know there are dark roads that Hanks just isn't going to go down, and some of the early, more caustic scenes of Forster's film strike a false note. But as “A Man Called Otto” makes its way through Otto's life, cutting between his present-day squabbles and flashbacks of happier times with his wife, Sonya (Rachel Keller), Hanks movingly tailors the role to himself. How "A Man Called Otto” unfolds won't surprise anyone, but it does the trick for a little post-holidays heart-warming.“A Man Called Otto” is set in the prefab row-house development Otto has long lived in, where he tirelessly tisk-tisks any rule breakers, re-sorts misplaced recycling and berates drivers who violate the street's regulation against through traffic.Screenwriter David Magee ("Life of Pi," “Finding Neverland”) hues closely to the Swedish film as a kind of parable of community. Up and down the street are all the people the freshly retired Otto barely tolerates: friends-turned-enemies (Peter Lawson Jones, Juanita Jennings), a friendly exerciser (a delightful Cameron Britton), a transgender paper deliverer and former student of Otto's wife (Mack Bayda). Most of all there is Marisol (a terrific Mariana Treviño), a pregnant mother of two has just moved in with her husband (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo). Various needs — a stray cat, a borrowed ladder, driving lessons — intrude on Otto's desires for a peaceful death and, in between aborted suicide attempts, gradually rekindle his will to live.It's sometimes too broadly drawn. Mike Birbiglia plays a predatory real estate agent from a company not-so-subtly called Dye &amp; Merica. (“Sounds like Dying America, which it is,” says Otto.) But “A Man Called Otto” is less after realism than it is a modern-day fable, with shades of Scrooge and the Grinch. As a tale of a solitary man, Hanks has made it a poignant work of family. Rita Wilson, his wife, is a producer and is heard singing a song in the film. The younger Otto is played in flashbacks by their son, Truman Hanks. Even Chet Hanks' “White Boy Summer” blares from a car radio.Another tune, though, is a more thrilling needle drop. The less said probably the better, but suffice to say, it could be a sign that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2022/06/07/kate-bush-stranger-things-running-up-that-hill/">the Kate Bush renaissance</a>&nbsp;so hearteningly kicked up by “Stranger Things” has not yet abated. If that's not life-affirming, I don't know what is."A Man Called Otto,” a Sony Pictures release, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association for mature thematic material involving suicide attempts, and language. Running time: 126 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four.

Review: A grumpy Tom Hanks stars in 'A Man Called Otto'

What did one volcano say to the other? I lava you!

Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

What did one volcano say to the other? I lava you!Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 01/04/23

A woman tells her priest, “Father, I have a problem. My two female parrots only say, ‘Hi, cutie. Wanna have some fun?'” “Don’t worry,” says the priest. “I have two male parrots who only pray and read the Bible. We’ll put them in the same cage. Your parrots are sure to stop saying that phrase.” The next day, the woman takes her parrots to the priest’s home. The male parrots are inside their cage holding rosary beads and praying. When the woman places the female parrots in the cage, they both cry out, “Hi, cutie. Wanna have some fun?” One male parrot says to the other male parrot, “Put the beads away, Frank. Our prayers have been answered!”

A woman tells her priest, “Father, I have a problem. My two female parrots only say, ‘Hi, cutie. Wanna have some fun?'” “Don’t worry,” says the priest. “I have two male parrots who only pray and read the Bible. We’ll put them in the same cage. Your parrots are sure to stop saying that phrase.” The next day, the woman takes her parrots to the priest’s home. The male parrots are inside their cage holding rosary beads and praying. When the woman places the female parrots in the cage, they both cry out, “Hi, cutie. Wanna have some fun?” One male parrot says to the other male parrot, “Put the beads away, Frank. Our prayers have been answered!”Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 01/03/23

Performance to feature Boyer’s 'Ellis Island: The Dream of America'

The upcoming Salina Symphony concert will be a collaboration with Theatre Salina.

The concert,&nbsp;Journey,&nbsp;is scheduled for 4 p.m. Jan. 29 in the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe, and will be under the baton of Music Director Yaniv Segal.

The concert will feature Peter Boyer’s&nbsp;Ellis Island: The Dream of America, a work that celebrates the powerful and inspiring stories of those who left their homeland in search of a better life. Innovative in its format, Ellis Island brings elements of theatre and multimedia into the concert hall, employing actors and a compelling visual display of images from the Ellis Island archives.

The symphony will also perform&nbsp;Symphony No. 3&nbsp;by Grażyna Bacewicz, a Polish composer who wrote under the terror of Soviet rule, illustrating why people sought freedom and refuge in America.

The symphony will collaborate with Theatre Salina to tell the immigrant stories highlighted in Ellis Island, incorporating four actors selected by Michael Spicer, Theatre Salina executive director.

“Theatre Salina is pleased to partner with the Salina Symphony to present this meaningful work to our community and region,” said Spicer.

The spoken text for the work comes from the Ellis Island Oral History Project, an historic collection of interviews with actual immigrants about their experiences emigrating to America. After extensive research in this archive, Boyer chose the stories of seven immigrants who came to America through Ellis Island from disparate nations between 1910-1940. He fashioned short monologues from the actual words of these immigrants and wove them into an orchestral tapestry which frames and comments on their stories—by turns poignant, humorous, moving and inspiring. The work concludes with a reading of the Emma Lazarus poem “The New Colossus” (“Give me your tired, your poor…”), providing an emotionally powerful ending to this celebration of our nation of immigrants.

Tickets may be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office, by calling 785-827-1998 or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org/">salinasymphony.org</a>. Single admission is $29 or $39 and $19 for students.

Join us for a pre-concert talk with Segal and Spicer at 3 p.m. in the Stiefel Theatre Watson Room. Please enter through the main theatre doors. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672708537863.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image courtesy Salina Symphony<h2>Performance to feature Boyer’s 'Ellis Island: The Dream of America'</h2>Salina SymphonyThe upcoming Salina Symphony concert will be a collaboration with Theatre Salina.The concert,&nbsp;Journey,&nbsp;is scheduled for 4 p.m. Jan. 29 in the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe, and will be under the baton of Music Director Yaniv Segal.The concert will feature Peter Boyer’s&nbsp;Ellis Island: The Dream of America, a work that celebrates the powerful and inspiring stories of those who left their homeland in search of a better life. Innovative in its format, Ellis Island brings elements of theatre and multimedia into the concert hall, employing actors and a compelling visual display of images from the Ellis Island archives.The symphony will also perform&nbsp;Symphony No. 3&nbsp;by Grażyna Bacewicz, a Polish composer who wrote under the terror of Soviet rule, illustrating why people sought freedom and refuge in America.Partnership with Theatre SalinaThe symphony will collaborate with Theatre Salina to tell the immigrant stories highlighted in Ellis Island, incorporating four actors selected by Michael Spicer, Theatre Salina executive director.“Theatre Salina is pleased to partner with the Salina Symphony to present this meaningful work to our community and region,” said Spicer.The spoken text for the work comes from the Ellis Island Oral History Project, an historic collection of interviews with actual immigrants about their experiences emigrating to America. After extensive research in this archive, Boyer chose the stories of seven immigrants who came to America through Ellis Island from disparate nations between 1910-1940. He fashioned short monologues from the actual words of these immigrants and wove them into an orchestral tapestry which frames and comments on their stories—by turns poignant, humorous, moving and inspiring. The work concludes with a reading of the Emma Lazarus poem “The New Colossus” (“Give me your tired, your poor…”), providing an emotionally powerful ending to this celebration of our nation of immigrants.Tickets on sale nowTickets may be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office, by calling 785-827-1998 or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org/">salinasymphony.org</a>. Single admission is $29 or $39 and $19 for students.Pre-concert talkJoin us for a pre-concert talk with Segal and Spicer at 3 p.m. in the Stiefel Theatre Watson Room. Please enter through the main theatre doors. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m.

Salina Symphony to present 'Journey' concert Jan. 29

Image courtesy&nbsp;Lindsborg Convention and Visitors Bureau

Lindsborg Convention and Visitors Bureau

LINDSBORG - Be a part of history and join the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QHNac1dPIiSKvoTiYuyLhwW6fFZmPnCM1Pupu8w92ajQEteg39lOjq3hScW_bU8lg_fu9aAwg1y65dBf22OkLCuQ8NKz7KiVijRcNZtwzDOCriM-Qik7Ku40RwwElAZz1WWvUaEt9TM2JP8ZRUnyJK6jy9UNHlET6B5DZCZ5razoAw2lcYJoBA==&amp;c=iUlsxCETlR3ZYFdFgw0ILxMs8Ai5Cp6jaxr19w6iQK4RYyAVjuf1Zw==&amp;ch=46aVd-Av0Z_KGNZLuS9Btu--k8NE-SpmfLHx_-JsPbQLxz5yy8I3Hw==" target="_blank">Bethany Oratorio Society</a>.

This year will mark the 142nd performance of Handel's&nbsp;Messiah&nbsp;by the Bethany Oratorio Society, the longest-running annual presentation in the United States.

Led by Mark Lucas, the society's first&nbsp;Messiah&nbsp;rehearsal is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Jan. 29.&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QHNac1dPIiSKvoTiYuyLhwW6fFZmPnCM1Pupu8w92ajQEteg39lOjjcRYIC2NAyjHfu91XDNBwiYVGU-7Nk7QbrRJRUXq1b0IsmuxU3rcnBsD0tOXfpCRRsIMvI2lnnuntal5Hu4WkTibQcF_PR_sVF-rUsy__EMvzafi7DN-vfYebX6_dozNA==&amp;c=iUlsxCETlR3ZYFdFgw0ILxMs8Ai5Cp6jaxr19w6iQK4RYyAVjuf1Zw==&amp;ch=46aVd-Av0Z_KGNZLuS9Btu--k8NE-SpmfLHx_-JsPbQLxz5yy8I3Hw==" target="_blank">Rehearsal</a>&nbsp;will be in Presser Hall with a full orchestra in attendance.&nbsp;

The first rehearsal for&nbsp;The Passion According to St. Matthew&nbsp;is scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 31 in Presser Hall. This also will be led by Lucas.

Presser Hall is located on the campus of Bethany College, 335 E. Swensson Street.

Tickets for this year's performances during the&nbsp;Messiah&nbsp;Festival of the Arts&nbsp;are available online beginning Thursday.

The&nbsp;Messiah&nbsp;is performed on Easter Sunday, April 9, and Bach's&nbsp;The Passion According to St. Matthew&nbsp;is performed on Good Friday, April 7. More information is available at the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QHNac1dPIiSKvoTiYuyLhwW6fFZmPnCM1Pupu8w92ajQEteg39lOjj1dn7l4WSFTgrbar46H1fgNVAvrcF9R93KkJH2wHNBtxPzXtbfoGqT9-tBA5X_P7PZa5SZjjSSwJQuzVhEwZUdAvhrWI1lhvfaFC3yiXSrf&amp;c=iUlsxCETlR3ZYFdFgw0ILxMs8Ai5Cp6jaxr19w6iQK4RYyAVjuf1Zw==&amp;ch=46aVd-Av0Z_KGNZLuS9Btu--k8NE-SpmfLHx_-JsPbQLxz5yy8I3Hw==" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;for the&nbsp;Messiah&nbsp;Festival of the Arts. Check&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QHNac1dPIiSKvoTiYuyLhwW6fFZmPnCM1Pupu8w92ajQEteg39lOjmLR9rP_IJ2K6gxXkUaUtRuyii-PxMXzWLTrBgW03NJGHs2dXgcYMe1T6KCidgd7MPtgZ80wP4v1rT48j9B5aD5qN1kC_nnPsj2tVAKRMlIR&amp;c=iUlsxCETlR3ZYFdFgw0ILxMs8Ai5Cp6jaxr19w6iQK4RYyAVjuf1Zw==&amp;ch=46aVd-Av0Z_KGNZLuS9Btu--k8NE-SpmfLHx_-JsPbQLxz5yy8I3Hw==" target="_blank">Visit Lindsborg</a>&nbsp;for full listing of events during the&nbsp;Messiah Festival of the Arts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672620806171.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image courtesy&nbsp;Lindsborg Convention and Visitors Bureau<h2>Ticket sales open Thursday</h2>Lindsborg Convention and Visitors BureauLINDSBORG - Be a part of history and join the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QHNac1dPIiSKvoTiYuyLhwW6fFZmPnCM1Pupu8w92ajQEteg39lOjq3hScW_bU8lg_fu9aAwg1y65dBf22OkLCuQ8NKz7KiVijRcNZtwzDOCriM-Qik7Ku40RwwElAZz1WWvUaEt9TM2JP8ZRUnyJK6jy9UNHlET6B5DZCZ5razoAw2lcYJoBA==&amp;c=iUlsxCETlR3ZYFdFgw0ILxMs8Ai5Cp6jaxr19w6iQK4RYyAVjuf1Zw==&amp;ch=46aVd-Av0Z_KGNZLuS9Btu--k8NE-SpmfLHx_-JsPbQLxz5yy8I3Hw==" target="_blank">Bethany Oratorio Society</a>.This year will mark the 142nd performance of Handel's&nbsp;Messiah&nbsp;by the Bethany Oratorio Society, the longest-running annual presentation in the United States.Led by Mark Lucas, the society's first&nbsp;Messiah&nbsp;rehearsal is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Jan. 29.&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QHNac1dPIiSKvoTiYuyLhwW6fFZmPnCM1Pupu8w92ajQEteg39lOjjcRYIC2NAyjHfu91XDNBwiYVGU-7Nk7QbrRJRUXq1b0IsmuxU3rcnBsD0tOXfpCRRsIMvI2lnnuntal5Hu4WkTibQcF_PR_sVF-rUsy__EMvzafi7DN-vfYebX6_dozNA==&amp;c=iUlsxCETlR3ZYFdFgw0ILxMs8Ai5Cp6jaxr19w6iQK4RYyAVjuf1Zw==&amp;ch=46aVd-Av0Z_KGNZLuS9Btu--k8NE-SpmfLHx_-JsPbQLxz5yy8I3Hw==" target="_blank">Rehearsal</a>&nbsp;will be in Presser Hall with a full orchestra in attendance.&nbsp; The first rehearsal for&nbsp;The Passion According to St. Matthew&nbsp;is scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 31 in Presser Hall. This also will be led by Lucas.Presser Hall is located on the campus of Bethany College, 335 E. Swensson Street.Tickets for this year's performances during the&nbsp;Messiah&nbsp;Festival of the Arts&nbsp;are available online beginning Thursday. The&nbsp;Messiah&nbsp;is performed on Easter Sunday, April 9, and Bach's&nbsp;The Passion According to St. Matthew&nbsp;is performed on Good Friday, April 7. More information is available at the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QHNac1dPIiSKvoTiYuyLhwW6fFZmPnCM1Pupu8w92ajQEteg39lOjj1dn7l4WSFTgrbar46H1fgNVAvrcF9R93KkJH2wHNBtxPzXtbfoGqT9-tBA5X_P7PZa5SZjjSSwJQuzVhEwZUdAvhrWI1lhvfaFC3yiXSrf&amp;c=iUlsxCETlR3ZYFdFgw0ILxMs8Ai5Cp6jaxr19w6iQK4RYyAVjuf1Zw==&amp;ch=46aVd-Av0Z_KGNZLuS9Btu--k8NE-SpmfLHx_-JsPbQLxz5yy8I3Hw==" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;for the&nbsp;Messiah&nbsp;Festival of the Arts. Check&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QHNac1dPIiSKvoTiYuyLhwW6fFZmPnCM1Pupu8w92ajQEteg39lOjmLR9rP_IJ2K6gxXkUaUtRuyii-PxMXzWLTrBgW03NJGHs2dXgcYMe1T6KCidgd7MPtgZ80wP4v1rT48j9B5aD5qN1kC_nnPsj2tVAKRMlIR&amp;c=iUlsxCETlR3ZYFdFgw0ILxMs8Ai5Cp6jaxr19w6iQK4RYyAVjuf1Zw==&amp;ch=46aVd-Av0Z_KGNZLuS9Btu--k8NE-SpmfLHx_-JsPbQLxz5yy8I3Hw==" target="_blank">Visit Lindsborg</a>&nbsp;for full listing of events during the&nbsp;Messiah Festival of the Arts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Join the chorus - Messiah Festival of the Arts

The four founding members of LADA Paws Rescue: Amber Obermann, Arica Obermann, Lindsey Reif, and Desirae Brandenburg.

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

When four Hoisington Veterinarian Hospital employees began LADA Paws Rescue in 2021, they might have had an idea the organization would live up to its name helping a "lotta" furry friends. Just before Christmas, with extreme cold weather moving in, LADA went on another rescue mission for two dogs that had been dumped near Lyons. Short on space, LADA Founder Amber Obermann still made the decision to rescue the dogs.

"After we got the picture of what they looked like, we knew they probably were not going to make it through the cold snap because they were literally living in a culvert," Obermann said. "They had no protection besides the culvert around them. They were skin and bones."

With no facilities available in Rice County, Obermann teamed up with Coach K9 Training Academy's Brooke Steinert to capture one dog and live trap the other. The dogs were fully vetted and will be heading to foster homes. In a nutshell, the case defines exactly what LADA does.

Amber and Arica Obermann, LADA President and Vice President, Hoisington Veterinarian Lindsey Reif, and Treasurer Desirae Brandenburg founded LADA Paws Rescue to help rehome dogs that came to the facility as part of Hoisington's stray dog policy.

Brooke Steinert with one of the two dogs rescued near Lyons just before Christmas.

"Then it just kind of snowballed," Arica said. "There are a lot of dogs that needed help from all over. We bring in dogs from Missouri, Oklahoma, and more rural areas that just don't have the resources to find animals homes. Instead of euthanizing and going that route, we're able to vet them fully and find them homes."

LADA adopted out nearly 300 dogs and cats this year, and usually kennels between 70 and 80 animals at the Hoisington Veterinary Hospital at any given time. The 501(c)(3) non-profit operates within the walls of the hospital but is its own entity, working entirely off of donations. LADA is limited by space, but has seen an uptick in guests in recent years.

"We really saw a huge increase after people started going back to work from COVID," said Arica. "There were a lot of people adopting during COVID. They were home, they had the time, and then they went back to work and didn't have the time anymore. This is nationwide. There was a huge influx of animals that needed homes."

LADA differs from organizations like Golden Belt Humane Society in that it is funded entirely by donations, and it is not bound by contracts with city and county agencies to take in all strays or owner surrenders. Space is often the deciding factor.

"When we make a commitment to another facility in southeast or southwestern Kansas, we have to hold to that commitment," Amber said. "If we have five dogs coming from that, if we don't the kennel space, we can't take in three more dogs from an owner surrender from somebody who doesn't want their pets anymore."

LADA is also different in that some animals become long-term visitors. While finding foster homes is the preferred method, LADA will not euthanize an animal just to make space for another.

"We only euthanize in extreme medical or behavioral situations," said Amber. "We do not euthanize for space, or if a dog has sat here for two months, where a lot of other places do. That's essentially why we take dogs from other places around Kansas, because they have a time limit whereas our animals do not."

All animals coming into the facility are fully vetted, which includes spaying or neutering, vaccination, and microchipping. Preventative treatments for fleas, ticks, and heartworm are also administered. While LADA takes in mostly dogs and cats, staff has also rescued smaller furry pets.

"If we had more funding and supplies, we could take more, but we have done in the past many guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, and things like that," Amber said. "We don't do anything exotic, like reptiles, because we don't have a place for them to go."

Because LADA operates by donation, gifts and supplies are always welcome. Send checks or make cash donations at 3 NW 90 Road just south of Hoisington. Send money digitally with PayPal by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LadaPawsRescue?fbclid=IwAR2kpSgtygKRIV_ifm8iFMGW7Kyo8zV05GUp9ZRp42UQEyxrHwBujpT0zfo">CLICKING HERE</a>&nbsp;or with Venmo by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.venmo.com/u/ladapawsrescue">CLICKING HERE.</a>&nbsp;

LADA's adoptable animals can be found on their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/LADAPawsRescue">FACEBOOK PAGE</a>&nbsp;or on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.petfinder.com/">PETFINDER.COM</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672599487703.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The four founding members of LADA Paws Rescue: Amber Obermann, Arica Obermann, Lindsey Reif, and Desirae Brandenburg.By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostWhen four Hoisington Veterinarian Hospital employees began LADA Paws Rescue in 2021, they might have had an idea the organization would live up to its name helping a "lotta" furry friends. Just before Christmas, with extreme cold weather moving in, LADA went on another rescue mission for two dogs that had been dumped near Lyons. Short on space, LADA Founder Amber Obermann still made the decision to rescue the dogs."After we got the picture of what they looked like, we knew they probably were not going to make it through the cold snap because they were literally living in a culvert," Obermann said. "They had no protection besides the culvert around them. They were skin and bones."With no facilities available in Rice County, Obermann teamed up with Coach K9 Training Academy's Brooke Steinert to capture one dog and live trap the other. The dogs were fully vetted and will be heading to foster homes. In a nutshell, the case defines exactly what LADA does.Amber and Arica Obermann, LADA President and Vice President, Hoisington Veterinarian Lindsey Reif, and Treasurer Desirae Brandenburg founded LADA Paws Rescue to help rehome dogs that came to the facility as part of Hoisington's stray dog policy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672327329550.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Brooke Steinert with one of the two dogs rescued near Lyons just before Christmas."Then it just kind of snowballed," Arica said. "There are a lot of dogs that needed help from all over. We bring in dogs from Missouri, Oklahoma, and more rural areas that just don't have the resources to find animals homes. Instead of euthanizing and going that route, we're able to vet them fully and find them homes."LADA adopted out nearly 300 dogs and cats this year, and usually kennels between 70 and 80 animals at the Hoisington Veterinary Hospital at any given time. The 501(c)(3) non-profit operates within the walls of the hospital but is its own entity, working entirely off of donations. LADA is limited by space, but has seen an uptick in guests in recent years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672599677044.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"We really saw a huge increase after people started going back to work from COVID," said Arica. "There were a lot of people adopting during COVID. They were home, they had the time, and then they went back to work and didn't have the time anymore. This is nationwide. There was a huge influx of animals that needed homes."LADA differs from organizations like Golden Belt Humane Society in that it is funded entirely by donations, and it is not bound by contracts with city and county agencies to take in all strays or owner surrenders. Space is often the deciding factor."When we make a commitment to another facility in southeast or southwestern Kansas, we have to hold to that commitment," Amber said. "If we have five dogs coming from that, if we don't the kennel space, we can't take in three more dogs from an owner surrender from somebody who doesn't want their pets anymore."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672600254774.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LADA is also different in that some animals become long-term visitors. While finding foster homes is the preferred method, LADA will not euthanize an animal just to make space for another."We only euthanize in extreme medical or behavioral situations," said Amber. "We do not euthanize for space, or if a dog has sat here for two months, where a lot of other places do. That's essentially why we take dogs from other places around Kansas, because they have a time limit whereas our animals do not."All animals coming into the facility are fully vetted, which includes spaying or neutering, vaccination, and microchipping. Preventative treatments for fleas, ticks, and heartworm are also administered. While LADA takes in mostly dogs and cats, staff has also rescued smaller furry pets."If we had more funding and supplies, we could take more, but we have done in the past many guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, and things like that," Amber said. "We don't do anything exotic, like reptiles, because we don't have a place for them to go."Because LADA operates by donation, gifts and supplies are always welcome. Send checks or make cash donations at 3 NW 90 Road just south of Hoisington. Send money digitally with PayPal by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LadaPawsRescue?fbclid=IwAR2kpSgtygKRIV_ifm8iFMGW7Kyo8zV05GUp9ZRp42UQEyxrHwBujpT0zfo">CLICKING HERE</a>&nbsp;or with Venmo by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.venmo.com/u/ladapawsrescue">CLICKING HERE.</a>&nbsp;LADA's adoptable animals can be found on their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/LADAPawsRescue">FACEBOOK PAGE</a>&nbsp;or on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.petfinder.com/">PETFINDER.COM</a>.&nbsp;

LADA Paws offering a different kind of animal rescue to Central Kansas

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573838088789.jpeg">Q: What happened to the person who stole a calendar on New Year’s Eve?A: He got 12 months&nbsp;Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 12/30/22

Why didn’t the tourist in the Arctic get any sleep? He plugged his electric blanket into the toaster by mistake and kept popping out of bed all night!

Why didn’t the tourist in the Arctic get any sleep? He plugged his electric blanket into the toaster by mistake and kept popping out of bed all night!Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 12/29/22

A guy walked into a bar, approached the barman and asked, “Could I have a pint of Less, please?” “I’m sorry, sir,” the barman replied looking slightly puzzled. “I’ve not come across that one before. Is it a spirit?” “I’ve no idea,” replied the guy. “I went to see my doctor last week and he told me I should drink less.”

A guy walked into a bar, approached the barman and asked, “Could I have a pint of Less, please?” “I’m sorry, sir,” the barman replied looking slightly puzzled. “I’ve not come across that one before. Is it a spirit?” “I’ve no idea,” replied the guy. “I went to see my doctor last week and he told me I should drink less.”Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 12/28/22

Osborne Public Library, 325 W. Main St., Osborne 67473

Osborne Public Library Journaling Class5:30-6:30 p.m. Jan. 12Osborne Public Library, 325 W. Main St., Osborne 67473785-346-5486, ospublib.com

Osborne County January events

A state trooper pulled alongside a speeding car on the freeway. Glancing at the car, he was astounded to see that the elderly woman behind the wheel was knitting. The trooper cranked down his window and yelled to the driver, "Pull over!" "No!" the woman yelled back. "It's a cardigan!"

A state trooper pulled alongside a speeding car on the freeway. Glancing at the car, he was astounded to see that the elderly woman behind the wheel was knitting. The trooper cranked down his window and yelled to the driver, "Pull over!" "No!" the woman yelled back. "It's a cardigan!"Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 12/27/22

Each year, NORAD — the North American Aerospace Defense Command — keeps its eyes peeled for the jolly old elf's flight.

Click <a href="https://www.noradsanta.org/en/">HERE</a> to track Santa's trek in real time.

NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, is responsible for monitoring and defending the skies above North America.

But the Colorado Springs, Colorado-based agency also runs the NORAD Tracks Santa service, which allows people to follow his Christmas journey through its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.noradsanta.org/en/index.html">noradsanta.org</a>&nbsp;website, social media channels and mobile app.

The agency this year plans to have about 1,500 volunteers working on Christmas Eve to field phone calls from children who want to know Santa’s location and delivery schedule.

Lt. General David Nahom, a NORAD official based in Anchorage, Alaska, said the pandemic has not affected Santa’s busy delivery schedule and he doesn’t expect any impact this weekend.

Merry Christmas from the Post News Network!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671230483535.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Each year, NORAD — the North American Aerospace Defense Command — keeps its eyes peeled for the jolly old elf's flight.Click <a href="https://www.noradsanta.org/en/">HERE</a> to track Santa's trek in real time.NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, is responsible for monitoring and defending the skies above North America.But the Colorado Springs, Colorado-based agency also runs the NORAD Tracks Santa service, which allows people to follow his Christmas journey through its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.noradsanta.org/en/index.html">noradsanta.org</a>&nbsp;website, social media channels and mobile app.The agency this year plans to have about 1,500 volunteers working on Christmas Eve to field phone calls from children who want to know Santa’s location and delivery schedule.Lt. General David Nahom, a NORAD official based in Anchorage, Alaska, said the pandemic has not affected Santa’s busy delivery schedule and he doesn’t expect any impact this weekend.Merry Christmas from the Post News Network!

🎄🛷 NORAD tracks Santa's flight around the world

54 years of Santa: Smith recalls a life in red and white

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Seeing a need, Steve Hanson took a chance and opened a music store. Fifty years later, S.M. Hanson Music is still going strong!

And, 50 years later, the music store at 335 S. Clark Street remains a Hanson family business, as Steve's son, Rick, now serves as CEO and president of the business.

The story about how the store got started varies a bit, depending on whether you talk with Steve or Rick.

"There was a need for it and I talked to enough musicians, that we decided we needed to open a music store and took a chance," Steve said.

Rick, however, provided a bit more insight about opening the store.

"The Christmas before the store opened, we ran out of room in the basement for the guitars, and all of the drum sets, and that stuff, because that's really where it started," Rick said. "We had product in the basement of our family home. And so the next Christmas, you know, it was like, 'well here's the plan.'"

Steve said they got a Small Business Administration loan and built the building on S. Clark Street.

"We did all the inside work in the building, built the walls and they've changed many times over the years," Steve said. "My partner at the time taught me how to frame walls, so that's what we did."

Steve said that his experience with guitars and his discussions with other musicians about what they needed were key to getting the business off the ground. Also, it was vital to secure a dealership from a company that would trust the new store to "do a good job with their product," he said.

"That was really hard to do because you're starting out and don't have a reputation at all," Steve said. "So we found a couple of companies that we could order from and started from there with kind of generic brands and then built into what Rick's put in today: Martin guitars and a lot of Fender and Gretsch."

"I think also, in the experience that he talks about, working at one of the other stores as an instructor for several years, seeing the lack of interest in that store supporting guitars and maybe a little bit of the rock and roll side of it because they focused on band instruments, I think that sort of drove some of the need also," Rick said. "So it's understanding the need or finding a niche where you can start plugging the hole."

When the store opened, Steve already had a network of guitar players. That network was heavily populated with his students.

"That helped build the business, of course," Steve said.

Additionally, Steve had been playing in bands himself and knew a number of musicians and their music needs.

You can catch a glimpse of the history of S.M. Hanson Music when you first walk in the door.

Over the years, S.M. Hanson Music has served tens of thousands of people, according to Rick.

"Early on, it was local people and people from western Kansas. We were open on Tuesday and Thursday nights until 9, and there were many nights that Steve and Dean were still teaching come 9:30-10 o'clock, and I had customers in the store that were from Colby and Goodland and Norton. Those guys would get off work at 4:30 or 5 o'clock and drive in, so obviously, we're going to hang around and help them get what they need," Rick said.

Customers from throughout the region continue to drive in to shop at the store.

As bands traveling through heard about the store, business continued to pick up.

"Now that we ship stuff, and with the website, we're shipping stuff to both coasts on a pretty regular basis," Rick said.

When the store opened, the focus was mainly on guitars, but over the years, the variety of products offered grew.

"Our main focus was guitars, electric and acoustic, and some banjos. We had some percussion, but it was mainly guitars," Steve said.

Rick said that when the store opened, synthesizers were just becoming popular, as were electronic pianos.

"Steve and one of the associates here, Don, went back to Boston to the ARP factory, and for a time, between St. Louis and Denver, this store in Salina, Kansas, was the only store that was an ARP synthesizer dealer. And we had two people that were factory trained," Rick said.

The business then grew into also selling sound systems.

Despite the increased variety of products over the years, guitars remain the most popular.

"As a department of instruments, it certainly is," Rick said. "There are some other areas, such as the big digital pianos, that have grown substantially. Back in the mid-80s, I sold the first piano lab to K-State University; a Yamaha teaching lab with all Clavinovas. Of course, we've done installations since early in the '70s, and that's been an up-and-down type of business, but at any point, one installation comes in and that's the biggest ticket for the month."

Through the years, starter guitar kits and beginner-level acoustic guitars have proved to be popular Christmas gifts purchased at S.M. Hanson Music.

"This time of the year, we'll have packages that are really aimed at giving that first-time student, whether it's a youth or young adult or adult a good chance of learning how to play," Rick said.

Ever the music teacher, Steve still gives guitar lessons, and both guitar and percussion lessons are offered through the store.

"This store still gives guitar lessons and percussion lessons. Dean Kranzler's (percussion) been here 50 years, 50 and a half years," Steve said.

Bass, banjo, and piano lessons also are offered.

Rick said the best way to sign up for lessons is to go to the store's website (<a href="http://smhansonmusic.com/">smhansonmusic.com</a>), click on the "Lessons" link, and fill out the form.

Steve attributes his passion for guitars to the King of Rock and Roll and other performers of that era.

"I heard Elvis Presley. There were bands back then: Gene Vincent, Elvis, Bill Haley and the Comets, and I remember doing a band contest at what is now the Stiefel Theatre at that time. We were doing Bill Haley and that kind of music," Steve said.

He also remembers going into a local establishment that had a jukebox and playing the same Carl Perkins song over and over.

While playing with a number of bands over the years, Steve now focuses his talents on playing at churches at Christmastime and at the Smoky Hill River Festival and its musical kick-off, Festival Jam.

"I still look forward to that for sure. Festival Jam that Rick and I created 36 years ago is the biggest showcase in the country. You can't help but love being backstage with 105 or 110 musicians that come in to play for Festival Jam."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671731011665.jpeg" alt="Rick and Steve Hanson have made S.M. Hanson Music a family tradition for 50 years. Photos by Leslie Eikleberry/Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>Rick and Steve Hanson have made S.M. Hanson Music a family tradition for 50 years. Photos by Leslie Eikleberry/Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSeeing a need, Steve Hanson took a chance and opened a music store. Fifty years later, S.M. Hanson Music is still going strong!And, 50 years later, the music store at 335 S. Clark Street remains a Hanson family business, as Steve's son, Rick, now serves as CEO and president of the business.The origin of S.M. Hanson MusicThe story about how the store got started varies a bit, depending on whether you talk with Steve or Rick."There was a need for it and I talked to enough musicians, that we decided we needed to open a music store and took a chance," Steve said.Rick, however, provided a bit more insight about opening the store."The Christmas before the store opened, we ran out of room in the basement for the guitars, and all of the drum sets, and that stuff, because that's really where it started," Rick said. "We had product in the basement of our family home. And so the next Christmas, you know, it was like, 'well here's the plan.'"Steve said they got a Small Business Administration loan and built the building on S. Clark Street."We did all the inside work in the building, built the walls and they've changed many times over the years," Steve said. "My partner at the time taught me how to frame walls, so that's what we did."Steve said that his experience with guitars and his discussions with other musicians about what they needed were key to getting the business off the ground. Also, it was vital to secure a dealership from a company that would trust the new store to "do a good job with their product," he said."That was really hard to do because you're starting out and don't have a reputation at all," Steve said. "So we found a couple of companies that we could order from and started from there with kind of generic brands and then built into what Rick's put in today: Martin guitars and a lot of Fender and Gretsch.""I think also, in the experience that he talks about, working at one of the other stores as an instructor for several years, seeing the lack of interest in that store supporting guitars and maybe a little bit of the rock and roll side of it because they focused on band instruments, I think that sort of drove some of the need also," Rick said. "So it's understanding the need or finding a niche where you can start plugging the hole."When the store opened, Steve already had a network of guitar players. That network was heavily populated with his students."That helped build the business, of course," Steve said.Additionally, Steve had been playing in bands himself and knew a number of musicians and their music needs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671731124498.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>You can catch a glimpse of the history of S.M. Hanson Music when you first walk in the door.The clienteleOver the years, S.M. Hanson Music has served tens of thousands of people, according to Rick."Early on, it was local people and people from western Kansas. We were open on Tuesday and Thursday nights until 9, and there were many nights that Steve and Dean were still teaching come 9:30-10 o'clock, and I had customers in the store that were from Colby and Goodland and Norton. Those guys would get off work at 4:30 or 5 o'clock and drive in, so obviously, we're going to hang around and help them get what they need," Rick said.Customers from throughout the region continue to drive in to shop at the store.As bands traveling through heard about the store, business continued to pick up."Now that we ship stuff, and with the website, we're shipping stuff to both coasts on a pretty regular basis," Rick said.Growing the merchandise baseWhen the store opened, the focus was mainly on guitars, but over the years, the variety of products offered grew."Our main focus was guitars, electric and acoustic, and some banjos. We had some percussion, but it was mainly guitars," Steve said.Rick said that when the store opened, synthesizers were just becoming popular, as were electronic pianos."Steve and one of the associates here, Don, went back to Boston to the ARP factory, and for a time, between St. Louis and Denver, this store in Salina, Kansas, was the only store that was an ARP synthesizer dealer. And we had two people that were factory trained," Rick said.The business then grew into also selling sound systems.Despite the increased variety of products over the years, guitars remain the most popular."As a department of instruments, it certainly is," Rick said. "There are some other areas, such as the big digital pianos, that have grown substantially. Back in the mid-80s, I sold the first piano lab to K-State University; a Yamaha teaching lab with all Clavinovas. Of course, we've done installations since early in the '70s, and that's been an up-and-down type of business, but at any point, one installation comes in and that's the biggest ticket for the month."Christmas giftsThrough the years, starter guitar kits and beginner-level acoustic guitars have proved to be popular Christmas gifts purchased at S.M. Hanson Music."This time of the year, we'll have packages that are really aimed at giving that first-time student, whether it's a youth or young adult or adult a good chance of learning how to play," Rick said.Music lessonsEver the music teacher, Steve still gives guitar lessons, and both guitar and percussion lessons are offered through the store."This store still gives guitar lessons and percussion lessons. Dean Kranzler's (percussion) been here 50 years, 50 and a half years," Steve said.Bass, banjo, and piano lessons also are offered.Rick said the best way to sign up for lessons is to go to the store's website (<a href="http://smhansonmusic.com/">smhansonmusic.com</a>), click on the "Lessons" link, and fill out the form.Why guitars?Steve attributes his passion for guitars to the King of Rock and Roll and other performers of that era."I heard Elvis Presley. There were bands back then: Gene Vincent, Elvis, Bill Haley and the Comets, and I remember doing a band contest at what is now the Stiefel Theatre at that time. We were doing Bill Haley and that kind of music," Steve said.He also remembers going into a local establishment that had a jukebox and playing the same Carl Perkins song over and over.While playing with a number of bands over the years, Steve now focuses his talents on playing at churches at Christmastime and at the Smoky Hill River Festival and its musical kick-off, Festival Jam."I still look forward to that for sure. Festival Jam that Rick and I created 36 years ago is the biggest showcase in the country. You can't help but love being backstage with 105 or 110 musicians that come in to play for Festival Jam."

S.M. Hanson Music: A family tradition for 50 years

By JOE REEDY AP Sports Writer

Fans will have to Google it beginning next season if they want to access the NFL's “Sunday Ticket” package.

The
 NFL announced an agreement on Thursday for Google to distribute the 
package of out-of-market Sunday afternoon games on YouTube TV and 
YouTube Primetime Channels.

The seven-year deal is worth a little 
more than $2 billion per season. The package has been on DirecTV since 
1994. The satellite provider has paid $1.5 billion per year on an 
eight-year contract that expires at the end of this season.

The 
NFL had been seeking $2.5 billion per season for the package. It could 
still reach that total since the league retains commercial rights to 
bars and restaurants and is in the midst of selling those rights.

Commissioner
 Roger Goodell said during an interview with CNBC over the summer that 
the next move for “Sunday Ticket” would be to a streaming service 
because that would be the best option for fans.

Goodell reiterated that with Thursday's announcement.

“For
 a number of years we have been focused on increased digital 
distribution of our games and this partnership is yet another example of
 us looking towards the future and building the next generation of NFL 
fans," he said in a statement.

It is the second time in less than 
two years that the NFL has partnered with a streaming service to air 
games. The league’s 11-year contract with Amazon Prime Video for 
Thursday night games started this season.

Besides Amazon, Apple and ESPN also expressed interest in “NFL Sunday Ticket.”

“As
 the ways fans enjoy NFL football evolve in a changing media landscape, 
partnerships with innovators like YouTube will ensure that more games 
are available to more fans," said New England Patriots owner Robert 
Kraft, who is also chairman of the NFL’s media committee. “This 
partnership will grow our game for future generations and allow them to 
follow their favorite sport.”

The NFL has had a presence on 
YouTube since 2015, when it launched its official NFL channel. That has 
increased to include channels for all 32 teams and 10 official league 
channels, including NFL Films, NFL Network and Mundo NFL.

NFL Network and NFL RedZone have been available to subscribers of YouTube TV since 2020.

“Through
 this expanded partnership with the NFL, viewers will now also be able 
to experience the game they love in compelling and innovative ways 
through YouTube TV or YouTube Primetime Channels," YouTube CEO Susan 
Wojcicki said in a statement. "We’re excited to continue our work with 
the NFL to make YouTube a great place for sports lovers everywhere.”

Starting
 next season, “NFL Sunday Ticket” will be available as an add-on package
 on YouTube TV and standalone a la carte on YouTube Primetime Channels.

Google
 said in June that YouTube TV, which was launched in 2017, had surpassed
 5 million accounts and was the biggest internet-based pay TV service in
 the U.S. That number includes users on free promotional trials.

YouTube
 Primetime Channels, which launched in November, is a service that 
allows users to subscribe and watch content from streaming services on 
the YouTube app.

Even with “Sunday Ticket” moving to YouTube, the 
price is not expected to substantially decrease due to contracts with 
CBS and Fox, which carry the Sunday afternoon games.

Viewers pay around $300-$400 a season for the package, which averages 2 million subscribers.

By JOE REEDY AP Sports WriterFans will have to Google it beginning next season if they want to access the NFL's “Sunday Ticket” package.The
 NFL announced an agreement on Thursday for Google to distribute the 
package of out-of-market Sunday afternoon games on YouTube TV and 
YouTube Primetime Channels.The seven-year deal is worth a little 
more than $2 billion per season. The package has been on DirecTV since 
1994. The satellite provider has paid $1.5 billion per year on an 
eight-year contract that expires at the end of this season.The 
NFL had been seeking $2.5 billion per season for the package. It could 
still reach that total since the league retains commercial rights to 
bars and restaurants and is in the midst of selling those rights.Commissioner
 Roger Goodell said during an interview with CNBC over the summer that 
the next move for “Sunday Ticket” would be to a streaming service 
because that would be the best option for fans.Goodell reiterated that with Thursday's announcement.“For
 a number of years we have been focused on increased digital 
distribution of our games and this partnership is yet another example of
 us looking towards the future and building the next generation of NFL 
fans," he said in a statement.It is the second time in less than 
two years that the NFL has partnered with a streaming service to air 
games. The league’s 11-year contract with Amazon Prime Video for 
Thursday night games started this season.Besides Amazon, Apple and ESPN also expressed interest in “NFL Sunday Ticket.”“As
 the ways fans enjoy NFL football evolve in a changing media landscape, 
partnerships with innovators like YouTube will ensure that more games 
are available to more fans," said New England Patriots owner Robert 
Kraft, who is also chairman of the NFL’s media committee. “This 
partnership will grow our game for future generations and allow them to 
follow their favorite sport.”The NFL has had a presence on 
YouTube since 2015, when it launched its official NFL channel. That has 
increased to include channels for all 32 teams and 10 official league 
channels, including NFL Films, NFL Network and Mundo NFL.NFL Network and NFL RedZone have been available to subscribers of YouTube TV since 2020.“Through
 this expanded partnership with the NFL, viewers will now also be able 
to experience the game they love in compelling and innovative ways 
through YouTube TV or YouTube Primetime Channels," YouTube CEO Susan 
Wojcicki said in a statement. "We’re excited to continue our work with 
the NFL to make YouTube a great place for sports lovers everywhere.”Starting
 next season, “NFL Sunday Ticket” will be available as an add-on package
 on YouTube TV and standalone a la carte on YouTube Primetime Channels.Google
 said in June that YouTube TV, which was launched in 2017, had surpassed
 5 million accounts and was the biggest internet-based pay TV service in
 the U.S. That number includes users on free promotional trials.YouTube
 Primetime Channels, which launched in November, is a service that 
allows users to subscribe and watch content from streaming services on 
the YouTube app.Even with “Sunday Ticket” moving to YouTube, the 
price is not expected to substantially decrease due to contracts with 
CBS and Fox, which carry the Sunday afternoon games.Viewers pay around $300-$400 a season for the package, which averages 2 million subscribers.

NFL 'Sunday Ticket' headed to YouTube beginning next season

It’s not uncommon for
entertainment industry professionals to work under a stage name. 

But one Ellis County-based comedian,
magician and DJ will soon take that common practice a bit further by legally
changing his name to highlight his chosen profession.

Buzz The Entertainer knows some may giggle at the new name, but for him becoming Buzz has been a long time
coming and offers a unique opportunity to express his passion for his field.

While the change has been a longtime goal, the process hasn't been without its difficulties.

“The
first step that you have to do is obviously pick a name," Buzz said. "I would not recommend
it for anyone. It is not for the faint of heart."

Born Bryan&nbsp;Jacob Snyder-Brown, Buzz said after settling
on a list of potential names, his next step was vital&nbsp;— getting his mother on board.

“I've asked my mother for the last, I would say I think it's five or six years. I've asked her every year for Christmas,” Buzz said. “I wanted her permission to legally change my name because I told her that I would either wait until two weeks after she'd passed to get started or when I had her permission.”

Among the list of names potential names, one stood out.

“I sent
my mother the list of names, and she just ultimately decided Buzz The Entertainer
was probably the best one, and that was the most fitting,” Buzz said.

The new
name, while reflecting his work as a multifaceted entertainer, also had roots
in his past.

“I was
given the nickname Buzz back in high school from a teacher,” Buzz said.

And so, the work began to make the name legal began.

“I went
on to do some research and found out what all you have to do,” Buzz said. 

He then
proceeded with the steps to start the process, filling in the required
paperwork and paying to have a legal notice published and court costs.

As a
part of the process, he said he also was required to inform everyone he does business
with.

“And
this year, I finally had an attorney looking over with me and make sure that we
were good to go and have a court date now,” Buzz said.

The
hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. Dec. 28.

After,
Buzz The Entertainer will be his new legal name, something he sees as an asset
to his entertainment career.

As a longtime Ellis County resident, he said he had embraced various avenues of entertainment over the last five years of professional performances.

“I do
comedy magic / hypnosis shows as a combination," Buzz said "I've also DJ'd a lot of weddings
out here."

Recently, he has also started traveling to Kansas City for drag performances there.

“I have a
couple of good friends out in Kansas City, who are big-name entertainers in the
LGBTQ market,” Buzz said. “So, it was pretty easy for me to call them. … And
I've met a lot of great people in Kansas City who have given me a lot of
advice on breaking into that market.”

And
while he hopes the name change helps generate some new attention for his shows,
he also said he knows the value of hard work.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671222317481.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostIt’s not uncommon for
entertainment industry professionals to work under a stage name. But one Ellis County-based comedian,
magician and DJ will soon take that common practice a bit further by legally
changing his name to highlight his chosen profession.Buzz The Entertainer knows some may giggle at the new name, but for him becoming Buzz has been a long time
coming and offers a unique opportunity to express his passion for his field.While the change has been a longtime goal, the process hasn't been without its difficulties.“The
first step that you have to do is obviously pick a name," Buzz said. "I would not recommend
it for anyone. It is not for the faint of heart."Born Bryan&nbsp;Jacob Snyder-Brown, Buzz said after settling
on a list of potential names, his next step was vital&nbsp;— getting his mother on board.<div><iframe title="Local entertainer generates ’buzz’ with name change" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=fyspu-133e1da-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>“I've asked my mother for the last, I would say I think it's five or six years. I've asked her every year for Christmas,” Buzz said. “I wanted her permission to legally change my name because I told her that I would either wait until two weeks after she'd passed to get started or when I had her permission.”Among the list of names potential names, one stood out.“I sent
my mother the list of names, and she just ultimately decided Buzz The Entertainer
was probably the best one, and that was the most fitting,” Buzz said.The new
name, while reflecting his work as a multifaceted entertainer, also had roots
in his past.“I was
given the nickname Buzz back in high school from a teacher,” Buzz said.And so, the work began to make the name legal began.“I went
on to do some research and found out what all you have to do,” Buzz said. He then
proceeded with the steps to start the process, filling in the required
paperwork and paying to have a legal notice published and court costs.As a
part of the process, he said he also was required to inform everyone he does business
with.“And
this year, I finally had an attorney looking over with me and make sure that we
were good to go and have a court date now,” Buzz said.The
hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. Dec. 28.After,
Buzz The Entertainer will be his new legal name, something he sees as an asset
to his entertainment career.As a longtime Ellis County resident, he said he had embraced various avenues of entertainment over the last five years of professional performances.“I do
comedy magic / hypnosis shows as a combination," Buzz said "I've also DJ'd a lot of weddings
out here."Recently, he has also started traveling to Kansas City for drag performances there.“I have a
couple of good friends out in Kansas City, who are big-name entertainers in the
LGBTQ market,” Buzz said. “So, it was pretty easy for me to call them. … And
I've met a lot of great people in Kansas City who have given me a lot of
advice on breaking into that market.”And
while he hopes the name change helps generate some new attention for his shows,
he also said he knows the value of hard work.“You
also have to do a lot of the backend work, which nobody ever likes to do,” Buzz
said. “Because the backend work of doing anything is never the fun stuff.”But that work had paid off, as he has become known locally for his various performances, he said.“I have
a friend of mine who called me 'Hays famous,' ” Buzz said. “If I ever go to a bar ... most people know me as the guy who does magic. So, I almost
always have a deck of cards on me.”When he
can, he engages with those local fans.“I'll
show you a magic trick because you don't get into magic because you enjoy being
a shy person,” Buzz said. He also
enjoys meeting area residents from all walks of life.“I got
to meet a lot of people doing magic that I otherwise wouldn't have met,” Buzz
said.He hoped the new name would continue that trend as the new year approaches and more area residents discover Buzz and
his entertainment enterprises.Read more about Buzz and his
company, Assassin Entertainment, at <a href="https://www.assassinentertainment.com/">assassinentertainment.com.</a>He can also be reached at (844) Go-4-Buzz.