K-State Salina Kirk Demuth continues to impact the ever-changing industry of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), an industry he didn’t expect to be a part of after graduating from&nbsp;<a href="http://salina.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Salina</a>.&nbsp; Demuth credits his education that he earned at the campus for greatly accelerating his career path.

“I have never really taken the time to look back on the unusual course that I have taken through my career and how much that reflected on Kansas State University until now,” said Demuth. “There is just so much that I owe to K-State that helped get me to where I am today.”

The 2007 alumnus of K-State Salina is this year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.com/participate/alumniandfriends/awards/collegeoftechnologyandaviationalumnifellow.php" target="_blank">Alumni Fellow for the College of Technology and Aviation</a>. K-State’s Alumni Fellow program through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.com/" target="_blank">K-State Alumni Association</a>&nbsp;brings back successful alumni to campus to meet with students and faculty. This exercise allows the alumni fellows to share their expertise in the classroom and at informal settings. Fellows are chosen by each college to return as distinguished guests.

Demuth is currently the vice president of operations at Perennial in Boulder, Colorado, leading the company’s internal and external operations, data collection and customer delivery teams since 2021. While Demuth has achieved much success in the UAS industry, he had originally set out to become an airline pilot, earning an associate degree in professional pilot and his bachelor’s in technology management while at K-State Salina.

His career path post-graduation has taken many different turns and his goals have changed over the course of his career. Starting out, Demuth simply wanted to earn more flight hours in order to build a career as an airline pilot. Immediately after graduating college, he became a banner tow pilot flying advertisements in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Those flight hours over beaches helped Demuth land his next job that would ultimately change the course of his career. Working as a civilian contract pilot for the U.S. Air Force and Army, based in California, Demuth quickly found a niche in the budding UAS industry. His role at the time involved flying a chase plane as the “eyes” and “ears” overhead of large uncrewed aircraft developed and controlled by the military. Demuth gained knowledge of the new aviation technology by flying in close formation with and providing air traffic control communications and visual collision avoidance of other air traffic.

Coupled with Demuth’s growing expertise with UAS and K-State Salina’s launch of its own UAS program, Demuth returned to the Salina campus in 2009 as the first-ever program manager. The campus’s UAS program today has been developed over the years based on Demuth’s foresight and knowledge gained from his experience in the industry.

“When I came back to K-State Salina, there was no UAS program here at the time. I was the first hire for that,” Demuth said. “I felt like, with my previous experience of working with the military UAS and gaining the insights of UAS operations and regulations, that would help the University build this program.”

As a part of the Alumni Fellow program, Demuth recently returned to campus to visit with students, faculty and staff. He also got to revisit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/research-training/applied-aviation-research-center/" target="_blank">K-State Salina’s UAS program</a>&nbsp;to experience its current offerings and hear about plans for the future.

“To come back and see where this UAS program has grown is amazing to see,” said Demuth who also sits on K-State Salina’s UAS advisory board for curriculum. “Between the new facilities, added training platforms, the quantities of students in the program, the quality of the professors and the different levels of professional pathways for graduates, it shows just how much this program has grown and adapted to what the industry needs.”

In recent years, Demuth has built upon his UAS expertise even more to create his own business that assisted agriculture producers by utilizing drone technology and surveying fields for stressors to crops. The company, RoboFlight Technologies, then could provide a variable rate prescription of treatment from the data collected by the drones to assist the growers with environmental and cost saving measures. Demuth grew the company before deciding to sell and transitioning to his current position.

With his industry expertise and a passion for mentorship, Demuth hopes that students at K-State Salina utilize his time back on campus to further develop their professional network, which will one day assist their own careers. From growing up near Ford, Kansas, to traveling all over the world for his career, Demuth was always willing to adapt.

“I have the opportunity to give back as a mentor to the general K-State Salina student body,” Demuth said. “I think it’s important to not get so caught up in just one career path after graduation. It can be very difficult to understand where you want to go and there is a lot that you don’t know that you don’t know. Like in my career where I was willing to experiment with UAS and I realized that not only did I have an unknown passion for this technology, but it has also provided me an entrepreneurial opportunity to build a company. Find where you have a passion and pursue that passion, because that’s where you’ll have the most success.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714691949668.jpeg" alt="Demuth" />
 <figcaption>Demuth</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State Salina Kirk Demuth continues to impact the ever-changing industry of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), an industry he didn’t expect to be a part of after graduating from&nbsp;<a href="http://salina.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Salina</a>.&nbsp; Demuth credits his education that he earned at the campus for greatly accelerating his career path. “I have never really taken the time to look back on the unusual course that I have taken through my career and how much that reflected on Kansas State University until now,” said Demuth. “There is just so much that I owe to K-State that helped get me to where I am today.”The 2007 alumnus of K-State Salina is this year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.com/participate/alumniandfriends/awards/collegeoftechnologyandaviationalumnifellow.php" target="_blank">Alumni Fellow for the College of Technology and Aviation</a>. K-State’s Alumni Fellow program through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.com/" target="_blank">K-State Alumni Association</a>&nbsp;brings back successful alumni to campus to meet with students and faculty. This exercise allows the alumni fellows to share their expertise in the classroom and at informal settings. Fellows are chosen by each college to return as distinguished guests.Demuth is currently the vice president of operations at Perennial in Boulder, Colorado, leading the company’s internal and external operations, data collection and customer delivery teams since 2021. While Demuth has achieved much success in the UAS industry, he had originally set out to become an airline pilot, earning an associate degree in professional pilot and his bachelor’s in technology management while at K-State Salina.His career path post-graduation has taken many different turns and his goals have changed over the course of his career. Starting out, Demuth simply wanted to earn more flight hours in order to build a career as an airline pilot. Immediately after graduating college, he became a banner tow pilot flying advertisements in Daytona Beach, Florida.Those flight hours over beaches helped Demuth land his next job that would ultimately change the course of his career. Working as a civilian contract pilot for the U.S. Air Force and Army, based in California, Demuth quickly found a niche in the budding UAS industry. His role at the time involved flying a chase plane as the “eyes” and “ears” overhead of large uncrewed aircraft developed and controlled by the military. Demuth gained knowledge of the new aviation technology by flying in close formation with and providing air traffic control communications and visual collision avoidance of other air traffic.Coupled with Demuth’s growing expertise with UAS and K-State Salina’s launch of its own UAS program, Demuth returned to the Salina campus in 2009 as the first-ever program manager. The campus’s UAS program today has been developed over the years based on Demuth’s foresight and knowledge gained from his experience in the industry.“When I came back to K-State Salina, there was no UAS program here at the time. I was the first hire for that,” Demuth said. “I felt like, with my previous experience of working with the military UAS and gaining the insights of UAS operations and regulations, that would help the University build this program.”As a part of the Alumni Fellow program, Demuth recently returned to campus to visit with students, faculty and staff. He also got to revisit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/research-training/applied-aviation-research-center/" target="_blank">K-State Salina’s UAS program</a>&nbsp;to experience its current offerings and hear about plans for the future.“To come back and see where this UAS program has grown is amazing to see,” said Demuth who also sits on K-State Salina’s UAS advisory board for curriculum. “Between the new facilities, added training platforms, the quantities of students in the program, the quality of the professors and the different levels of professional pathways for graduates, it shows just how much this program has grown and adapted to what the industry needs.”In recent years, Demuth has built upon his UAS expertise even more to create his own business that assisted agriculture producers by utilizing drone technology and surveying fields for stressors to crops. The company, RoboFlight Technologies, then could provide a variable rate prescription of treatment from the data collected by the drones to assist the growers with environmental and cost saving measures. Demuth grew the company before deciding to sell and transitioning to his current position.With his industry expertise and a passion for mentorship, Demuth hopes that students at K-State Salina utilize his time back on campus to further develop their professional network, which will one day assist their own careers. From growing up near Ford, Kansas, to traveling all over the world for his career, Demuth was always willing to adapt.“I have the opportunity to give back as a mentor to the general K-State Salina student body,” Demuth said. “I think it’s important to not get so caught up in just one career path after graduation. It can be very difficult to understand where you want to go and there is a lot that you don’t know that you don’t know. Like in my career where I was willing to experiment with UAS and I realized that not only did I have an unknown passion for this technology, but it has also provided me an entrepreneurial opportunity to build a company. Find where you have a passion and pursue that passion, because that’s where you’ll have the most success.”

K-State Salina alumni fellow's unique path to success in uncrewed aircraft systems

In April, KSN announced the winner of their 2024 Remarkable Women initiative, Heidi Feyerherm-Smith. Heidi is the founder and executive director of the Love, Chloe Foundation, a Salina-based nonprofit that serves childhood cancer families in Kansas and nationwide.&nbsp;

As the award winner, Nexstar Media donated $1,000 to the Love, Chloe Foundation.&nbsp;Heidi also traveled to Hollywood for an&nbsp;all-expense paid&nbsp;trip of a lifetime. One hundred twelve women nationwide were honored at this Hollywood event last month. During their time in Hollywood, Nexstar Media filmed their experience and announced the top&nbsp;5&nbsp;finalists in the country. Heidi was announced as one of the finalists featured on the Remarkable Women Special where they will reveal the National Remarkable Woman of the Year.

The program will air nationwide throughout May, including on KSN Wichita on Sunday, May 5 at 6 p.m. Remarkable Women is an initiative from Nexstar Media Group to honor women's influence on public policy, social progress, and quality of life. It celebrates local women who inspire, lead, and forge the way for other women. During the filming of the Remarkable Women special, the women were surprised with a visit to the Jennifer Hudson Show set and were able to be in the studio audience for the filming of her show.

Heidi and the&nbsp;4&nbsp;other finalists were then asked to be guests on her show, each sharing a little about their stories. This Jennifer Hudson show episode will air on Monday, May 6.

&nbsp;Heidi Feyerherm-Smith started the Love, Chloe Foundation after losing her 7-year-old daughter, Chloe, to DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) in 2007. Her mission through the foundation is to support families that have a child with cancer. The foundation provides financial assistance to Kansas families and helps children nationwide with the Monkey In My Chair program. 

Heidi's efforts through the Love, Chloe Foundation helped thousands of families through their child's cancer journey. The Monkey In My Chair program helps to keep children connected with their peers at school while they are away for treatment.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;large&nbsp;stuffed monkey fills their seat in the classroom and provides comfort and connection to their friends at school. The program serves all of the United States and has formed partnerships in several countries to expand the program to children across the globe!

&nbsp;For more information about Love, Chloe Foundation and the Monkey In My Chair program, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.monkeyinmychair.org">www.lovechloe.org</a>. and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.monkeyinmychair.org">www.monkeyinmychair.org</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714685593701.jpeg" alt="Heidi Feyerherm-Smith" />
 <figcaption>Heidi Feyerherm-Smith</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedIn April, KSN announced the winner of their 2024 Remarkable Women initiative, Heidi Feyerherm-Smith. Heidi is the founder and executive director of the Love, Chloe Foundation, a Salina-based nonprofit that serves childhood cancer families in Kansas and nationwide.&nbsp;As the award winner, Nexstar Media donated $1,000 to the Love, Chloe Foundation.&nbsp;Heidi also traveled to Hollywood for an&nbsp;all-expense paid&nbsp;trip of a lifetime. One hundred twelve women nationwide were honored at this Hollywood event last month. During their time in Hollywood, Nexstar Media filmed their experience and announced the top&nbsp;5&nbsp;finalists in the country. Heidi was announced as one of the finalists featured on the Remarkable Women Special where they will reveal the National Remarkable Woman of the Year.The program will air nationwide throughout May, including on KSN Wichita on Sunday, May 5 at 6 p.m. Remarkable Women is an initiative from Nexstar Media Group to honor women's influence on public policy, social progress, and quality of life. It celebrates local women who inspire, lead, and forge the way for other women. During the filming of the Remarkable Women special, the women were surprised with a visit to the Jennifer Hudson Show set and were able to be in the studio audience for the filming of her show.Heidi and the&nbsp;4&nbsp;other finalists were then asked to be guests on her show, each sharing a little about their stories. This Jennifer Hudson show episode will air on Monday, May 6.&nbsp;Heidi Feyerherm-Smith started the Love, Chloe Foundation after losing her 7-year-old daughter, Chloe, to DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) in 2007. Her mission through the foundation is to support families that have a child with cancer. The foundation provides financial assistance to Kansas families and helps children nationwide with the Monkey In My Chair program. Heidi's efforts through the Love, Chloe Foundation helped thousands of families through their child's cancer journey. The Monkey In My Chair program helps to keep children connected with their peers at school while they are away for treatment.&nbsp;A&nbsp;large&nbsp;stuffed monkey fills their seat in the classroom and provides comfort and connection to their friends at school. The program serves all of the United States and has formed partnerships in several countries to expand the program to children across the globe!&nbsp;For more information about Love, Chloe Foundation and the Monkey In My Chair program, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.monkeyinmychair.org">www.lovechloe.org</a>. and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.monkeyinmychair.org">www.monkeyinmychair.org</a>

Salina non-profit leader to be featured on national television programs

This morning, Saline County received word from Colu, the Choose Saline County app developer, that the Choose Saline County app will be discontinued June 1, 2024.

This unexpected turn of events does not lessen Saline County's commitment to supporting local businesses and those who shop there. County employees began discussions about ways to continue this kind of support and expect to be able to make an announcement later this month.

"There'll be some changes, but at the end of the day, our goal is to encourage people to support local businesses," said Melissa McCoy, Saline County Public Information Officer. "People have loved the Choose Saline County app they love earning cashback on local purpose purchases and while that will change while it will look a little bit differently, that will still occur."&nbsp;

With the announcement, Saline County residents are sure to have questions about what this means for their Saline Stars. Here are some important dates to keep in mind to make the most of the time we have left with the Choose Saline County app.

Friday, May 17&nbsp;will be the final day to&nbsp;earn&nbsp;Saline Stars by making purchases with your linked cards at participating local merchants Friday, May 31 will be the final day to&nbsp;redeem&nbsp;Saline Stars for free-to-you goods and services at redeeming merchants. Remember, your redemptions allow those businesses to be reimbursed using the County's American Rescue Plan Act funds. Any unused Stars in your wallet will expire at midnight

Saturday, June 1 the Choose Saline County app will be removed from the app store

Users currently have over $93,000 worth of Stars in their wallets. This program has a lot of benefits left to give and only one month to give it. If Saline County residents find themselves at the end of the month with dollars in their wallets, please consider donating them to one of the nonprofits on the app.

"We are so proud of what this app has been able to accomplish over the last two years," McCoy said. "Users have earned more than $300,000 worth of stars by shopping at local businesses generating an estimated economic impact of over $5.6 million. This success is exactly what this app set out to achieve and why we are committed to bringing a similar program in to fill the void."

Saline County Commission Chairman Joe Hay Jr. announced on social media that the commission will discuss this at their weekly commission meeting on May 14.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639621309216.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThis morning, Saline County received word from Colu, the Choose Saline County app developer, that the Choose Saline County app will be discontinued June 1, 2024.This unexpected turn of events does not lessen Saline County's commitment to supporting local businesses and those who shop there. County employees began discussions about ways to continue this kind of support and expect to be able to make an announcement later this month."There'll be some changes, but at the end of the day, our goal is to encourage people to support local businesses," said Melissa McCoy, Saline County Public Information Officer. "People have loved the Choose Saline County app they love earning cashback on local purpose purchases and while that will change while it will look a little bit differently, that will still occur."&nbsp;With the announcement, Saline County residents are sure to have questions about what this means for their Saline Stars. Here are some important dates to keep in mind to make the most of the time we have left with the Choose Saline County app.Friday, May 17&nbsp;will be the final day to&nbsp;earn&nbsp;Saline Stars by making purchases with your linked cards at participating local merchants Friday, May 31 will be the final day to&nbsp;redeem&nbsp;Saline Stars for free-to-you goods and services at redeeming merchants. Remember, your redemptions allow those businesses to be reimbursed using the County's American Rescue Plan Act funds. Any unused Stars in your wallet will expire at midnight Saturday, June 1 the Choose Saline County app will be removed from the app storeUsers currently have over $93,000 worth of Stars in their wallets. This program has a lot of benefits left to give and only one month to give it. If Saline County residents find themselves at the end of the month with dollars in their wallets, please consider donating them to one of the nonprofits on the app."We are so proud of what this app has been able to accomplish over the last two years," McCoy said. "Users have earned more than $300,000 worth of stars by shopping at local businesses generating an estimated economic impact of over $5.6 million. This success is exactly what this app set out to achieve and why we are committed to bringing a similar program in to fill the void."Saline County Commission Chairman Joe Hay Jr. announced on social media that the commission will discuss this at their weekly commission meeting on May 14.&nbsp;

Choose Saline County app to end May 31, 2024

Corrected at 2:01 p.m. on Thursday, May 2. Salina Police Department officers are not bound by the HIPAA privacy rule in matters of public safety.

Quotes from a ResCare employee were removed from this article.

Journalists collect and provide information for the public, and any information shared by medical staff to journalists is considered on the record unless the source identifies otherwise.

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina Post

A ResCare resident pulled a fire alarm yesterday, Wednesday, May 1, after an employee delayed assisting him with a phone call.

Salina Police Department (SPD) Sgt.&nbsp;Kyle Tonniges said at 7:27 p.m., dispatch staff sent SPD officers to the 1200 block of North Fourth Street for the fire alarm and met with the resident&nbsp;—&nbsp;43-year-old Christopher Fortner.

"When we arrived, we spoke to one of the residents [Fortner] who said he pulled the fire alarm because he was upset," Tonniges said. "[A] staff member said he was upset because he wanted to use the phone and she was too busy to help him, so he had made some threats to kill her and then pulled the fire alarm."

Tonniges said after gathering the information from staff and other residents, SPD officers arrested Fortner for criminal threat and pulling a charge for falsely pulling the fire alarm.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/4927f8af-f0b2-43da-930b-9aaedc34154a">Saline County Commission approves new pretrial software, RFD Three land purchase</a>

All information contained in this article is courtesy Salina Police Department records.

The information below is from a Nov. 20, 2020 Forbes article by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/stephaniesarkis/">Stephanie Sarkis</a>&nbsp;titled "HIPAA Doesn’t Apply To The Media And Employers."

Who is not required to follow HIPAA? The list includes employers, school districts, state child protective services agencies, law enforcement agencies, and the media.

If medical staff disclosed health information to a reporter, and the medical staff did not have permission from the patient, the medical staff may have violated HIPAA, but the reporter has not. Reporters and journalists do have a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp" target="_blank">code</a>&nbsp;of ethics to follow. The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) states that ethical journalism is “accurate, fair, and thorough.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574355645622.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Corrected at 2:01 p.m. on Thursday, May 2. Salina Police Department officers are not bound by the HIPAA privacy rule in matters of public safety.Quotes from a ResCare employee were removed from this article.Journalists collect and provide information for the public, and any information shared by medical staff to journalists is considered on the record unless the source identifies otherwise.By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostA ResCare resident pulled a fire alarm yesterday, Wednesday, May 1, after an employee delayed assisting him with a phone call.Salina Police Department (SPD) Sgt.&nbsp;Kyle Tonniges said at 7:27 p.m., dispatch staff sent SPD officers to the 1200 block of North Fourth Street for the fire alarm and met with the resident&nbsp;—&nbsp;43-year-old Christopher Fortner."When we arrived, we spoke to one of the residents [Fortner] who said he pulled the fire alarm because he was upset," Tonniges said. "[A] staff member said he was upset because he wanted to use the phone and she was too busy to help him, so he had made some threats to kill her and then pulled the fire alarm."Tonniges said after gathering the information from staff and other residents, SPD officers arrested Fortner for criminal threat and pulling a charge for falsely pulling the fire alarm.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/4927f8af-f0b2-43da-930b-9aaedc34154a">Saline County Commission approves new pretrial software, RFD Three land purchase</a>All information contained in this article is courtesy Salina Police Department records.The information below is from a Nov. 20, 2020 Forbes article by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/stephaniesarkis/">Stephanie Sarkis</a>&nbsp;titled "HIPAA Doesn’t Apply To The Media And Employers."Who is not required to follow HIPAA? The list includes employers, school districts, state child protective services agencies, law enforcement agencies, and the media.If medical staff disclosed health information to a reporter, and the medical staff did not have permission from the patient, the medical staff may have violated HIPAA, but the reporter has not. Reporters and journalists do have a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp" target="_blank">code</a>&nbsp;of ethics to follow. The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) states that ethical journalism is “accurate, fair, and thorough.”

CORRECTION: Salina ResCare client arrested for allegedly pulling fire alarm and making threats

Seventy-five years after the end of WWII, Mildred Schindler Janzen, 95 of Ellsworth, KS, finally decided to tell her story. Janzen was a teenager when Russian soldiers invaded their peaceful family farm in the German countryside and changed the course of her life forever.

Janzen’s memoir, published in late 2020 by Sunbury Press, recounts her experiences as a refugee including separating from her family, coming to America alone as a teenager, finding love, and living the good life. The secret to her abundant joy is revealed in Surviving Hitler, Evading Stalin: One Woman’s Remarkable Escape from Nazi Germany.

LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/aaca2ed1-857d-4744-b012-194270a75e26">🎙King in the Community — Michelle Weis, Saline County Emergency Management Director</a>

Janzen will make an appearance at Presbyterian Manor to meet with the residents who have read her memoir, answer questions about her experiences in WWII, and sign copies of her book. The program will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 7.

“I wish to leave a testimony for the younger American generation that is coming of age at this present time. Do not ever take the legacy of your birthright for granted. Oppose evil at every opportunity. Speak out against injustice. Most importantly, pay attention in your history class. History can repeat itself; many of my generation bear witness to that fact,” Janzen said.

Mississippi writer, Sherye Green, partnered with Janzen to write her riveting memoir. Along with Mildred, Green was named the winner of the 2021 Mississippi Library Association Author Award-Nonfiction for the memoir.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/4927f8af-f0b2-43da-930b-9aaedc34154a">Saline County Commission approves new pretrial software, RFD Three land purchase</a>

“What a privilege it has been to get to know and to work with Mildred,” Green says. “Her story, set against the backdrop of a little-known period of World War II, is an eyewitness testimony to history you will not want to miss.”

Surviving Hitler, Evading Stalin won the 2020 and 2021 “Sunny Award” from Sunbury Press in for the book in each imprint that “had the biggest impact or the greatest reach.” 

Janzen received the National Medal of Honor from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), their highest national award, and another DAR medal for Women in History. 

The memoir was named a 2021 American Book Fest – Best Book Award Finalist for Autobiographies &amp; Memoirs and won a silver medal in the 2022 Illumination Book Awards: Biography/Memoir-Inspiration. A short documentary, Mildred’s Escape, has also won ten awards in film festivals worldwide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714675400811.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTSeventy-five years after the end of WWII, Mildred Schindler Janzen, 95 of Ellsworth, KS, finally decided to tell her story. Janzen was a teenager when Russian soldiers invaded their peaceful family farm in the German countryside and changed the course of her life forever.Janzen’s memoir, published in late 2020 by Sunbury Press, recounts her experiences as a refugee including separating from her family, coming to America alone as a teenager, finding love, and living the good life. The secret to her abundant joy is revealed in Surviving Hitler, Evading Stalin: One Woman’s Remarkable Escape from Nazi Germany.LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/aaca2ed1-857d-4744-b012-194270a75e26">🎙King in the Community — Michelle Weis, Saline County Emergency Management Director</a>Janzen will make an appearance at Presbyterian Manor to meet with the residents who have read her memoir, answer questions about her experiences in WWII, and sign copies of her book. The program will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 7.“I wish to leave a testimony for the younger American generation that is coming of age at this present time. Do not ever take the legacy of your birthright for granted. Oppose evil at every opportunity. Speak out against injustice. Most importantly, pay attention in your history class. History can repeat itself; many of my generation bear witness to that fact,” Janzen said.Mississippi writer, Sherye Green, partnered with Janzen to write her riveting memoir. Along with Mildred, Green was named the winner of the 2021 Mississippi Library Association Author Award-Nonfiction for the memoir.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/4927f8af-f0b2-43da-930b-9aaedc34154a">Saline County Commission approves new pretrial software, RFD Three land purchase</a>“What a privilege it has been to get to know and to work with Mildred,” Green says. “Her story, set against the backdrop of a little-known period of World War II, is an eyewitness testimony to history you will not want to miss.”Surviving Hitler, Evading Stalin won the 2020 and 2021 “Sunny Award” from Sunbury Press in for the book in each imprint that “had the biggest impact or the greatest reach.” Janzen received the National Medal of Honor from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), their highest national award, and another DAR medal for Women in History. The memoir was named a 2021 American Book Fest – Best Book Award Finalist for Autobiographies &amp; Memoirs and won a silver medal in the 2022 Illumination Book Awards: Biography/Memoir-Inspiration. A short documentary, Mildred’s Escape, has also won ten awards in film festivals worldwide.

World War II survivor to visit residents at Presbyterian Manor

After a week's break for the Saline County Commission, all five commissioners tackled a lengthy agenda on Tuesday, April 23, not in action items but rather in information and budget requests.

Board of County Commissioners present on Tuesday, April 23: District One — Monte Shadwick District Two — Robert Vidricksen District Three — Rodger Sparks District Four — James Weese District Five — Chairman Joe Hay Jr.

Before the commission's regular consent agenda consideration, the county celebrated seven students as the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=373s">Oliver Haag Scholarship</a> recipients.

Two Southeast of Saline students, two Ell-Saline Junior/Senior High School students, two Salina South High School students and a Salina Central High School student received the scholarship, representing each public school in the county.

"Very proud of these students. I know that Oliver Haag would be very, very proud that they're carrying on his wishes," Hay said. "So again, congratulations and apply next year."

The Oliver Haag scholarship is a renewing scholarship for students, so each year, students can reapply to continue funding their college educations.

Commissioners unanimously passed the consent agenda with approval for regular payroll and tax adjustments, alongside approving multiple contract agreements.

Some of those contracts included an agreement with ARD Mowing, LLC, for lawn care at the Saline County Court Services, another for Design Nine's Broadband Community Assessment and two community corrections agreements.

The first of only two action items for the day was considering a new court systems software titled Catalis Pretrial Software. Saline County Community Corrections Director Michelle Callam presented the software to commissioners.

Callam provided the history of the young Community Corrections Pretrial Program, with the department first utilizing another pretrial information software system that did not suit the office's needs.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b2e10a55-53f6-4da6-88f1-364adf170d59">Meet Crenshaw — 28th Judicial District's newest employee</a>

"We had a software program that we tried out, but it didn't work out for us," Callam said. "When we got rid of that, we had to go back to the old way of gathering data and documenting what was going on with our clients,&nbsp;which is&nbsp;a series of about 15 Excel spreadsheets."

After several meetings between the Pretrial Program Director Cory Ward, Callam, the IT staff and staff from Catalis, Community Corrections decided to pursue the software and ask for the Commissioners' approval.

The software engineers behind Catalis built a program specifically for pretrial information, and Callam said it would allow the program to do more with the data it already collects.

Callam said the software's total cost would be $12,000 per year, and the&nbsp;remainder of the office's Justice Assistance Grant will fund the new software, but past the end of the Federal fiscal year, the county would continue paying the bill.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=972s">Commissioners deliberated the subject </a>but ultimately passed Callam's request 4-1, with Weis voting against it.

The next action item included a land purchase from the City of Brookville for Rural Fire District (RFD) Three in town. RFD Three Chief Scott Abker presented the approval request to commissioners.

Abker said the City of Brookville agreed to sell 42,989 square feet of property in the northeast corner of Anderson and Meier streets to the RFD for $10,750.

LISTEN MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0e853368-4ed4-4804-a343-83affd806ce2">🎙King in the Community: Rebecca Seeman, Saline County Registrar of Deeds</a>

The first question on the topic came from Hay. He asked when construction might begin for the project after the purchase, which remains undetermined while RFD Three continues to plan.

"We've had three meetings with the architect already, and we're in the process of trying to finalize our building so we can determine what our costs will be," Abker said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=1742s">Vidricksen commented next</a>, referencing an earlier statement that the county's spending has increased about 35% since he began his seat on the commission board.

"I wanted to continue to emphasize that the cost through the Rural Fire Districts does not cost the county any money," Vidricksen said. "The tax money is from the district&nbsp;that they&nbsp;live in&nbsp;and&nbsp;that's where that money comes from. Although it was ARPA [American Rescue Plan Act] money that we granted to you, I think it's a pretty good expenditure of that money."

The pool of cash that RFD Three will use is from a $95,000 allocation of ARPA dollars, and with the added cost of title insurance and deed recording fees, that cost jumps to a maximum of about $30,000 total.

Vidricksen pointed out that about $60,000 will not be enough to build a new fire station. Still, Abker reported that his office is currently working on grant applications and communicating with future donors to help fund the new building.

Commissioners approved the purchase request 5-0.

The first informational item commissioners tackled was a quarterly <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=2162s">update from Saline County Senior Services</a>. Rosie Walter, the department director, provided the update.

Walter reported a few accomplishments, including the total number of meals the department served senior residents from January to March 2024, 28,501.&nbsp;

In 2022, the department served 25,503 meals in that same period.

After Walter's update, multiple organizations visited the podium to ask for budget allocations, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=2556s">including the City of Salina</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=2768s">Community Corrections</a>, the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=3556s">Kansas Horse Council</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=4289s">Salina Area Chamber of Commerce with the Military Affairs Council</a>, the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=4761s">Tri-Rivers Fair Board</a> and the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=5257s">North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging</a>.

Once each organization presented the various programs for which they sought funding, Saline County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes presented the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=5731s">First Quarter Budget Update</a> to commissioners.

Smith-Hanes reported that the first quarter of the 2024 budget compared similarly to the 2023 budget.

The commissioners then held a concept <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=6099s">discussion of elected officials' pay</a> and moved into executive session for a meeting with non-elected personnel.

The April 23 meeting marked the fourth County Commission meeting for the month, so the next Saline County meeting will be Tuesday, May 7, at its regular time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697467290838.jpeg" alt="The Saline County and Salina City building at 300 West Ash Street in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The Saline County and Salina City building at 300 West Ash Street in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostAfter a week's break for the Saline County Commission, all five commissioners tackled a lengthy agenda on Tuesday, April 23, not in action items but rather in information and budget requests.Board of County Commissioners present on Tuesday, April 23: District One — Monte Shadwick District Two — Robert Vidricksen District Three — Rodger Sparks District Four — James Weese District Five — Chairman Joe Hay Jr.Before the commission's regular consent agenda consideration, the county celebrated seven students as the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=373s">Oliver Haag Scholarship</a> recipients.Two Southeast of Saline students, two Ell-Saline Junior/Senior High School students, two Salina South High School students and a Salina Central High School student received the scholarship, representing each public school in the county."Very proud of these students. I know that Oliver Haag would be very, very proud that they're carrying on his wishes," Hay said. "So again, congratulations and apply next year."The Oliver Haag scholarship is a renewing scholarship for students, so each year, students can reapply to continue funding their college educations.Commissioners unanimously passed the consent agenda with approval for regular payroll and tax adjustments, alongside approving multiple contract agreements.Some of those contracts included an agreement with ARD Mowing, LLC, for lawn care at the Saline County Court Services, another for Design Nine's Broadband Community Assessment and two community corrections agreements.<h2>Catalis Pretrial Software</h2>The first of only two action items for the day was considering a new court systems software titled Catalis Pretrial Software. Saline County Community Corrections Director Michelle Callam presented the software to commissioners.Callam provided the history of the young Community Corrections Pretrial Program, with the department first utilizing another pretrial information software system that did not suit the office's needs.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b2e10a55-53f6-4da6-88f1-364adf170d59">Meet Crenshaw — 28th Judicial District's newest employee</a>"We had a software program that we tried out, but it didn't work out for us," Callam said. "When we got rid of that, we had to go back to the old way of gathering data and documenting what was going on with our clients,&nbsp;which is&nbsp;a series of about 15 Excel spreadsheets."After several meetings between the Pretrial Program Director Cory Ward, Callam, the IT staff and staff from Catalis, Community Corrections decided to pursue the software and ask for the Commissioners' approval.The software engineers behind Catalis built a program specifically for pretrial information, and Callam said it would allow the program to do more with the data it already collects.Callam said the software's total cost would be $12,000 per year, and the&nbsp;remainder of the office's Justice Assistance Grant will fund the new software, but past the end of the Federal fiscal year, the county would continue paying the bill.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=972s">Commissioners deliberated the subject </a>but ultimately passed Callam's request 4-1, with Weis voting against it.<h2>Rural Fire District Three Land Purchase</h2>The next action item included a land purchase from the City of Brookville for Rural Fire District (RFD) Three in town. RFD Three Chief Scott Abker presented the approval request to commissioners.Abker said the City of Brookville agreed to sell 42,989 square feet of property in the northeast corner of Anderson and Meier streets to the RFD for $10,750.LISTEN MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0e853368-4ed4-4804-a343-83affd806ce2">🎙King in the Community: Rebecca Seeman, Saline County Registrar of Deeds</a>The first question on the topic came from Hay. He asked when construction might begin for the project after the purchase, which remains undetermined while RFD Three continues to plan."We've had three meetings with the architect already, and we're in the process of trying to finalize our building so we can determine what our costs will be," Abker said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=1742s">Vidricksen commented next</a>, referencing an earlier statement that the county's spending has increased about 35% since he began his seat on the commission board."I wanted to continue to emphasize that the cost through the Rural Fire Districts does not cost the county any money," Vidricksen said. "The tax money is from the district&nbsp;that they&nbsp;live in&nbsp;and&nbsp;that's where that money comes from. Although it was ARPA [American Rescue Plan Act] money that we granted to you, I think it's a pretty good expenditure of that money."The pool of cash that RFD Three will use is from a $95,000 allocation of ARPA dollars, and with the added cost of title insurance and deed recording fees, that cost jumps to a maximum of about $30,000 total.Vidricksen pointed out that about $60,000 will not be enough to build a new fire station. Still, Abker reported that his office is currently working on grant applications and communicating with future donors to help fund the new building.Commissioners approved the purchase request 5-0.<h2>Informational items</h2>The first informational item commissioners tackled was a quarterly <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=2162s">update from Saline County Senior Services</a>. Rosie Walter, the department director, provided the update.Walter reported a few accomplishments, including the total number of meals the department served senior residents from January to March 2024, 28,501.&nbsp;In 2022, the department served 25,503 meals in that same period.After Walter's update, multiple organizations visited the podium to ask for budget allocations, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=2556s">including the City of Salina</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=2768s">Community Corrections</a>, the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=3556s">Kansas Horse Council</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=4289s">Salina Area Chamber of Commerce with the Military Affairs Council</a>, the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=4761s">Tri-Rivers Fair Board</a> and the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=5257s">North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging</a>.Once each organization presented the various programs for which they sought funding, Saline County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes presented the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=5731s">First Quarter Budget Update</a> to commissioners.Smith-Hanes reported that the first quarter of the 2024 budget compared similarly to the 2023 budget.The commissioners then held a concept <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=6099s">discussion of elected officials' pay</a> and moved into executive session for a meeting with non-elected personnel.The April 23 meeting marked the fourth County Commission meeting for the month, so the next Saline County meeting will be Tuesday, May 7, at its regular time.<h2>05/07/2024 Meeting Agenda</h2><ol>
 <li>Agency Budget Request Presentations</li><li>Road and Bridge Update</li><li>Audit Presentation</li><li>HMA Overlay Bid Award</li><li>Forestry Mulcher Attachment Bid Award</li><li>2024 Pipe Lining Bid Award</li>
 </ol>

Saline County Commission approves new pretrial software, RFD Three land purchase

Click the link above for Salina Technical College's commencement live-stream

Graduation ceremonies for Salina Area Technical College’s Class of 2024 will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4 at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center. The event will be live-streamed to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinatech/">college’s social media pages</a>.

Guest speaker is Chief Warrant Officer Four Brent Campbell, Senior Ordnance Officer with the 235th Regiment of the Kansas Army National Guard.

In all, 173 students are candidates for graduation; 75 of those are earning an Associate of Applied Science degree – marking the fourth year in row the college has set a new record for the number of associate degrees earned.

Other facts about students in the Class of 2024:

· Six are veterans or on active duty with the US military

· 21 are high school seniors, and five of them are earning an AAS degree

· 38 are a member of a racial or ethnic minority

· 43 are the first in their family to attend college

Abilene: Associate Degree Kieryan B. Anderson, Electrical Technology; Gracie Bishop, Dental Assistant; Avoree Lin Brown, Associate Degree Nursing; David G. Jendro, Diesel Technology; Trenton Wuthow, Diesel Technology;

Technical Certificate Christina Lynn Bartlett, Practical Nursing; Audrey M. Berkland, Practical Nursing; Carlie Marie DeDonder, Practical Nursing; Sawyer Holt, Practical Nursing; Briggan M. Karl, Auto Collision and Refinishing Technology; Hunter C. Monroe, Welding Technology;

Ada: Technical Certificate Joseph James Clever, Welding Technology;

Andover: Associate Degree Paige M. Counterman, Dental Assistant;

Anthony: Associate Degree Addison Lynn Francis-Wilcox, Dental Assistant;

Arkansas City: Technical Certificate Daniela Ibanez, Practical Nursing;

Assaria: Associate Degree Keaton Johnson Blake, Machining and Manufacturing Technology;

Bennington: Associate Degree Jace Anthony Jackson, Auto Collision and Refinishing Technology;

Technical Certificate Thaddeus Hamilton Romm, Welding Technology;

Bison: Technical Certificate Bradley J. Olsen, Welding Technology;

Brookville: Associate Degree Ryder Dent, Welding Technology;

Technical Certificate Breanna S. Chaput, Practical Nursing;

Caldwell: Associate Degree Jacelyn R. Brown, Dental Assistant;

Coldwater: Associate Degree Kayden Alexander Bond, Diesel Technology;

Concordia: Associate Degree Zoe K. Bechard, Dental Assistant;

Technical Certificate Chloe Leigh Collette, Practical Nursing;

Ellis: Associate Degree Myah Renee McCoy, Dental Assistant;

Ellsworth: Technical Certificate Makenna Leigh Haas, Fire Science;

Falun: Technical Certificate Logan Josef Sauvage, Automotive Technology;

Fort Riley: Associate Degree Mackenzie J. Nader, Associate Degree Nursing;

Glade: Technical Certificate Laramee K. Chestnut, Early Childhood Education

Great Bend: Technical Certificate Alexis M. Ceniti, Practical Nursing;

Associate Degree Elaine Hernandez, Dental Hygiene; Liliana Montes, Dental Hygiene;

Hutchinson: Associate Degree Molly Clare Brown, Associate Degree Nursing;

Jewell: Associate Degree Emily Catherine Whelchel, Dental Hygiene;

Junction City: Technical Certificate Naomi Warren Bernert, Automotive Technology; Hailee Krismarie Johnson, Practical Nursing;

La Crosse: Associate Degree Ashely Hoss, Dental Hygiene;

Leoti: Associate Degree Santiago Xavier Herandez, Diesel Technology;

Lincoln: Associate Degree Maddison Elise Adams, Associate Degree Nursing;

Technical Certificate Mia Royal Rogers, Welding Technology; Trey J. Sims, Construction Technology; Ida M. Steinborn, Welding Technology; Drayse C. Walter, Welding Technology; Michael Lee White, Welding Technology;

Lindsborg: Associate Degree Paige Maddison Morris, Dental Assistant; Nicole Lynn Smith, Dental Hygiene;

Technical Certificate Weston Harris, Fire Science;

Longford: Associate Degree Caitlin Lenee Cramer, Business Administrative Technology;

Manhattan: Technical Certificate Jacob W. Smith, Auto Collision and Refinishing Technology;

McPherson: Associate Degree Hannah Paige Becker, Associate Degree Nursing; Alisha Faye Street, Associate Degree Nursing;

Technical Certificate Gracie R. Patton, Welding Technology;

Minneapolis: Associate Degree Cierra Dawn Haith, Business Administrative Technology;

Technical Certificate Riley J. Bohl, Computer Aided Drafting;

Moundridge: Associate Degree Andrea J. Adams, Associate Degree Nursing;

New Cambria: Associate Degree Dara Michelle Robertson, Dental Hygiene;

Technical Certificate Kyle James Ryan, Welding Technology;

Newton: Associate Degree Cameron Blackwell, Associate Degree Nursing;

Olathe: Technical Certificate Evan Dale Kozlowski, Welding Technology;

Prairie View: Associate Degree Madison Ann Brackney, Dental Assistant;

Pratt: Associate Degree Emma Grace Gilpin, Dental Assistant;

Salina: Associate Degree Kaitlyn M. Albert, Business Administrative Technology; Hunter C. Boyer, Diesel Technology; Hector Cardona Rodriguez, Electrical Technology; Amanda Rayleen Carver, Associate Degree Nursing; Erin L. Davenport, Associate Degree Nursing; David Galvan, Jr., Automotive Technology; Maddison Sheleen Guilfoil, Associate Degree Nursing; Mackenzie L. Hall, Associate

Degree Nursing Blake Holmes, Diesel Technology; Holly Michelle Jeakins, Associate Degree Nursing; Cortney Jeffery, Associate Degree Nursing; Mercedes Dawn Leidig, Associate Degree Nursing; Jacie Ann Marcotte, Dental Hygiene; Mindy S. Mercado, Associate Degree Nursing; John William Miller, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning; Daniela Valentina Ramirez, Welding Technology; Caden W. Rathgeber, Auto Collision and Refinishing Technology; Joanna Rodriguez-Calzada, Associate Degree Nursing; Kelly Lynn Sidener, Associate Degree Nursing; Anna C. Sneath, Associate Degree Nursing; Sydney Rae Sorell, Associate Degree Nursing; Keaten R. toms, Dental Hygiene; Teresa Lorene Vilardel, Practical Nursing;

Technical Certificate Gloria S. Ababio, Practical Nursing; Jawuan J. Allen, Construction Technology; Elias Alan Anguiano, Electrical Technology; Ty M. Bohrer, Welding Technology; Chloe Dawn Burdick, Practical Nursing; Xannah Valeria Camaco, Practical Nursing; Emma L. Campbell, Practical Nursing; Julian J. Castro, Electrical Technology; Elijah John Crabbs, Machining and Manufacturing Technology; Malory Cramer, Early Childhood Education; Kimberly Cummings, Practical Nursing; Tyi Daniel, Welding Technology; Lance Michael Dauer, Auto Collision and Refinishing Technology; Olivia Dix, Practical Nursing; Amber Eakins, Practical Nursing; Diana B. Espinosa, Auto Collision and Refinishing Technology; Brayden Mitchell Don Fencl, Welding Technology; Hannah Dawn Fleming, Dental Assistant; Adin L. Flock, Auto Collision and Refinishing Technology; Maria Flores, Practical Nursing; Kade Franklin, Business Administrative Technology; Alexis M. French, Practical Nursing; Tabatha Ann Griffith, Practical Nursing; William A. Griffith, Auto Collision and Refinishing Technology; Haley G. Gunelson, Practical Nursing; Ethan Cole Harris, Welding Technology; Brax James Hecker, Police Science; Sara Jean Herbel, Auto Collision and Refinishing Technology; Trace M. Horniman, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning; Abraham Jimenez, Electrical Technology; Kristionah Ann Lippard, Practical Nursing; Sarah Lanae Lowe, Practical Nursing; Kenzlea R. Martin, Practical Nursing; Dalton McDowell, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning; Katharine McKenzie, Machining and Manufacturing Technology; William Joseph Mencanin, Computer Aided Drafting; Leslie Mendez-Esparza, Business Administrative Technology; Maira Mota, Business Administrative Technology;Nancy Munguia, Practical Nursing ; Duc Nguyen, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning; Justin Olivas Hernandez, Welding Technology; Abagail Luis Otey, Welding Technology; Landen Thomas Pilcher, Welding Technology; Alfredo Ramos, Electrical Technology; Jaxon Kolin Ramsey, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning; Dylan G. Roberts, Welding Technology; Erin Taylor Rouse, Practical Nursing; Stephanie Rose Salay, Practical

Nursing; Dalton Lee Sawyers, Welding Technology; De’Shawn Shackelford, Computer Aided Drafting; Josiah Justin Sneath, Construction Technology; Troy Garcia, Automotive Technology; Samuel Eduardo Urbina Urbina, Computer Aided Drafting; Kyra M. Williams, Practical Nursing;

Technical Certificate Keirston Ann Saenz, Early Childhood Education;

Smolan: Technical Certificate Benjamin R. Hay, Automotive Technology;

Solomon: Associate Degree Taegan Renee Garrett, Dental Assistant; Miranda Antonia Krueger, Dental Hygiene; Jesse D. Roeder, Computer Aided Drafting; Hayden K. Zerbe, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning;

Technical Certificate Arlyn Yadira Gonzalez, Early Childhood Education; Jake Harris Sommer, Auto Collision and Refinishing Technology; Stacy Marie Trow, Practical Nursing;

South Hutchinson: Associate Degree Amanda Kay Hill, Associate Degree Nursing;

Sylvan Grove: Technical Certificate Casey L. Sigle, Welding Technology;

Wichita: Associate Degree Shelby J.M. Horner, Dental Hygiene;

Wilson: Associate Degree Charlie W. Hlad, Diesel Technology;

Vona: Technical Certificate Eve Isobela Vona, Practical Nursing;

Ft. Leonard Wood: Associate Degree Michael J. Reese, Technical Studies;

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VgFXVNZD96A?si=hKsu2RssaazFoZ9J" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>Click the link above for Salina Technical College's commencement live-streamSubmittedGraduation ceremonies for Salina Area Technical College’s Class of 2024 will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4 at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center. The event will be live-streamed to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinatech/">college’s social media pages</a>.Guest speaker is Chief Warrant Officer Four Brent Campbell, Senior Ordnance Officer with the 235th Regiment of the Kansas Army National Guard.In all, 173 students are candidates for graduation; 75 of those are earning an Associate of Applied Science degree – marking the fourth year in row the college has set a new record for the number of associate degrees earned.<h2>Other facts about students in the Class of 2024:</h2>· They range in age from 17 to 56· Five are single parents· Six are veterans or on active duty with the US military· 21 are high school seniors, and five of them are earning an AAS degree· 38 are a member of a racial or ethnic minority· 43 are the first in their family to attend college· 88 are economically disadvantaged.Candidates for graduation are:<h2>Kansas</h2>Abilene: Associate Degree Kieryan B. Anderson, Electrical Technology; Gracie Bishop, Dental Assistant; Avoree Lin Brown, Associate Degree Nursing; David G. Jendro, Diesel Technology; Trenton Wuthow, Diesel Technology;Technical Certificate Christina Lynn Bartlett, Practical Nursing; Audrey M. Berkland, Practical Nursing; Carlie Marie DeDonder, Practical Nursing; Sawyer Holt, Practical Nursing; Briggan M. Karl, Auto Collision and Refinishing Technology; Hunter C. Monroe, Welding Technology;Ada: Technical Certificate Joseph James Clever, Welding Technology;Andover: Associate Degree Paige M. Counterman, Dental Assistant;Anthony: Associate Degree Addison Lynn Francis-Wilcox, Dental Assistant;Arkansas City: Technical Certificate Daniela Ibanez, Practical Nursing;Assaria: Associate Degree Keaton Johnson Blake, Machining and Manufacturing Technology;Bennington: Associate Degree Jace Anthony Jackson, Auto Collision and Refinishing Technology;Technical Certificate Thaddeus Hamilton Romm, Welding Technology;Bison: Technical Certificate Bradley J. Olsen, Welding Technology;Brookville: Associate Degree Ryder Dent, Welding Technology;Technical Certificate Breanna S. Chaput, Practical Nursing;Caldwell: Associate Degree Jacelyn R. Brown, Dental Assistant;Coldwater: Associate Degree Kayden Alexander Bond, Diesel Technology;Concordia: Associate Degree Zoe K. Bechard, Dental Assistant;Technical Certificate Chloe Leigh Collette, Practical Nursing;Ellis: Associate Degree Myah Renee McCoy, Dental Assistant;Ellsworth: Technical Certificate Makenna Leigh Haas, Fire Science;Falun: Technical Certificate Logan Josef Sauvage, Automotive Technology;Fort Riley: Associate Degree Mackenzie J. Nader, Associate Degree Nursing;Glade: Technical Certificate Laramee K. Chestnut, Early Childhood EducationGreat Bend: Technical Certificate Alexis M. Ceniti, Practical Nursing;Associate Degree Elaine Hernandez, Dental Hygiene; Liliana Montes, Dental Hygiene;Hutchinson: Associate Degree Molly Clare Brown, Associate Degree Nursing;Jewell: Associate Degree Emily Catherine Whelchel, Dental Hygiene;Junction City: Technical Certificate Naomi Warren Bernert, Automotive Technology; Hailee Krismarie Johnson, Practical Nursing;La Crosse: Associate Degree Ashely Hoss, Dental Hygiene;Leoti: Associate Degree Santiago Xavier Herandez, Diesel Technology;Lincoln: Associate Degree Maddison Elise Adams, Associate Degree Nursing;Technical Certificate Mia Royal Rogers, Welding Technology; Trey J. Sims, Construction Technology; Ida M. Steinborn, Welding Technology; Drayse C. Walter, Welding Technology; Michael Lee White, Welding Technology;Lindsborg: Associate Degree Paige Maddison Morris, Dental Assistant; Nicole Lynn Smith, Dental Hygiene;Technical Certificate Weston Harris, Fire Science;Longford: Associate Degree Caitlin Lenee Cramer, Business Administrative Technology;Manhattan: Technical Certificate Jacob W. Smith, Auto Collision and Refinishing Technology;McPherson: Associate Degree Hannah Paige Becker, Associate Degree Nursing; Alisha Faye Street, Associate Degree Nursing;Technical Certificate Gracie R. Patton, Welding Technology;Minneapolis: Associate Degree Cierra Dawn Haith, Business Administrative Technology;Technical Certificate Riley J. Bohl, Computer Aided Drafting;Moundridge: Associate Degree Andrea J. Adams, Associate Degree Nursing;New Cambria: Associate Degree Dara Michelle Robertson, Dental Hygiene;Technical Certificate Kyle James Ryan, Welding Technology;Newton: Associate Degree Cameron Blackwell, Associate Degree Nursing;Olathe: Technical Certificate Evan Dale Kozlowski, Welding Technology;Prairie View: Associate Degree Madison Ann Brackney, Dental Assistant;Pratt: Associate Degree Emma Grace Gilpin, Dental Assistant;Salina: Associate Degree Kaitlyn M. Albert, Business Administrative Technology; Hunter C. Boyer, Diesel Technology; Hector Cardona Rodriguez, Electrical Technology; Amanda Rayleen Carver, Associate Degree Nursing; Erin L. Davenport, Associate Degree Nursing; David Galvan, Jr., Automotive Technology; Maddison Sheleen Guilfoil, Associate Degree Nursing; Mackenzie L. Hall, AssociateDegree Nursing Blake Holmes, Diesel Technology; Holly Michelle Jeakins, Associate Degree Nursing; Cortney Jeffery, Associate Degree Nursing; Mercedes Dawn Leidig, Associate Degree Nursing; Jacie Ann Marcotte, Dental Hygiene; Mindy S. Mercado, Associate Degree Nursing; John William Miller, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning; Daniela Valentina Ramirez, Welding Technology; Caden W. Rathgeber, Auto Collision and Refinishing Technology; Joanna Rodriguez-Calzada, Associate Degree Nursing; Kelly Lynn Sidener, Associate Degree Nursing; Anna C. Sneath, Associate Degree Nursing; Sydney Rae Sorell, Associate Degree Nursing; Keaten R. toms, Dental Hygiene; Teresa Lorene Vilardel, Practical Nursing;Technical Certificate Gloria S. Ababio, Practical Nursing; Jawuan J. Allen, Construction Technology; Elias Alan Anguiano, Electrical Technology; Ty M. Bohrer, Welding Technology; Chloe Dawn Burdick, Practical Nursing; Xannah Valeria Camaco, Practical Nursing; Emma L. Campbell, Practical Nursing; Julian J. Castro, Electrical Technology; Elijah John Crabbs, Machining and Manufacturing Technology; Malory Cramer, Early Childhood Education; Kimberly Cummings, Practical Nursing; Tyi Daniel, Welding Technology; Lance Michael Dauer, Auto Collision and Refinishing Technology; Olivia Dix, Practical Nursing; Amber Eakins, Practical Nursing; Diana B. Espinosa, Auto Collision and Refinishing Technology; Brayden Mitchell Don Fencl, Welding Technology; Hannah Dawn Fleming, Dental Assistant; Adin L. Flock, Auto Collision and Refinishing Technology; Maria Flores, Practical Nursing; Kade Franklin, Business Administrative Technology; Alexis M. French, Practical Nursing; Tabatha Ann Griffith, Practical Nursing; William A. Griffith, Auto Collision and Refinishing Technology; Haley G. Gunelson, Practical Nursing; Ethan Cole Harris, Welding Technology; Brax James Hecker, Police Science; Sara Jean Herbel, Auto Collision and Refinishing Technology; Trace M. Horniman, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning; Abraham Jimenez, Electrical Technology; Kristionah Ann Lippard, Practical Nursing; Sarah Lanae Lowe, Practical Nursing; Kenzlea R. Martin, Practical Nursing; Dalton McDowell, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning; Katharine McKenzie, Machining and Manufacturing Technology; William Joseph Mencanin, Computer Aided Drafting; Leslie Mendez-Esparza, Business Administrative Technology; Maira Mota, Business Administrative Technology;Nancy Munguia, Practical Nursing ; Duc Nguyen, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning; Justin Olivas Hernandez, Welding Technology; Abagail Luis Otey, Welding Technology; Landen Thomas Pilcher, Welding Technology; Alfredo Ramos, Electrical Technology; Jaxon Kolin Ramsey, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning; Dylan G. Roberts, Welding Technology; Erin Taylor Rouse, Practical Nursing; Stephanie Rose Salay, PracticalNursing; Dalton Lee Sawyers, Welding Technology; De’Shawn Shackelford, Computer Aided Drafting; Josiah Justin Sneath, Construction Technology; Troy Garcia, Automotive Technology; Samuel Eduardo Urbina Urbina, Computer Aided Drafting; Kyra M. Williams, Practical Nursing;Seneca:Technical Certificate Keirston Ann Saenz, Early Childhood Education;Smolan: Technical Certificate Benjamin R. Hay, Automotive Technology;Solomon: Associate Degree Taegan Renee Garrett, Dental Assistant; Miranda Antonia Krueger, Dental Hygiene; Jesse D. Roeder, Computer Aided Drafting; Hayden K. Zerbe, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning;Technical Certificate Arlyn Yadira Gonzalez, Early Childhood Education; Jake Harris Sommer, Auto Collision and Refinishing Technology; Stacy Marie Trow, Practical Nursing;South Hutchinson: Associate Degree Amanda Kay Hill, Associate Degree Nursing;Sylvan Grove: Technical Certificate Casey L. Sigle, Welding Technology;Wichita: Associate Degree Shelby J.M. Horner, Dental Hygiene;Wilson: Associate Degree Charlie W. Hlad, Diesel Technology;<h2>Colorado</h2>Vona: Technical Certificate Eve Isobela Vona, Practical Nursing;<h2>Missouri</h2>Ft. Leonard Wood: Associate Degree Michael J. Reese, Technical Studies;

Salina Tech graduation set for Saturday

By NATE KING Salina Post

Spring is in the air and <a href="https://www.salinadowntown.org/events-info">Salina Downtown Inc.</a>, SDI, is back with <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1453efb2-8022-4bc1-8b6d-b7f9b45b14fd">LIVE First Fridays in May</a>. SDI Executive Director, Leslie Bishop stops by to share about the new farm and art market in downtown Salina.

Click the link above and hear Bishop explain how the market got started and the ways public and private community stakeholders are partnering to make the farm and art market a success for its debut season.&nbsp;

The farm and art market kick-off takes place on May 18 and will take place on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., May 25 through October 19 at the City Lights Stage,&nbsp;199 N Santa Fe Ave.

With a mission to connect and bring farmers, artisans, and residents of the Salina area together, while also fostering a sustainable, welcoming, and thriving downtown community, SDI is encouraging Salina residents to grow it, raise it, make it, bake it and support the <a href="https://www.salinadowntown.org/farmartmarket">Salina Downtown Farm and Art Market</a>.&nbsp;

Interested in selling your baked goods, home grown produce, handmade crafts or locally raised livestock? Check out Salina Downtown's website<a href="https://www.salinadowntown.org/farmartmarket"> here</a> for an application.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Leslie Bishop, Salina Downtown Inc. Executive Director" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=mcjzr-15c46e9-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By NATE KING Salina PostSpring is in the air and <a href="https://www.salinadowntown.org/events-info">Salina Downtown Inc.</a>, SDI, is back with <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1453efb2-8022-4bc1-8b6d-b7f9b45b14fd">LIVE First Fridays in May</a>. SDI Executive Director, Leslie Bishop stops by to share about the new farm and art market in downtown Salina.Click the link above and hear Bishop explain how the market got started and the ways public and private community stakeholders are partnering to make the farm and art market a success for its debut season.&nbsp;The farm and art market kick-off takes place on May 18 and will take place on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., May 25 through October 19 at the City Lights Stage,&nbsp;199 N Santa Fe Ave.With a mission to connect and bring farmers, artisans, and residents of the Salina area together, while also fostering a sustainable, welcoming, and thriving downtown community, SDI is encouraging Salina residents to grow it, raise it, make it, bake it and support the <a href="https://www.salinadowntown.org/farmartmarket">Salina Downtown Farm and Art Market</a>.&nbsp;Interested in selling your baked goods, home grown produce, handmade crafts or locally raised livestock? Check out Salina Downtown's website<a href="https://www.salinadowntown.org/farmartmarket"> here</a> for an application.&nbsp;

🎙King in the Community: Leslie Bishop, Salina Downtown Inc.

Salina Destination Development (SDD), a Kansas real estate development firm, in partnership with the City of Salina, is proud to announce the highly anticipated launch of the first phase of new multi-family housing in Salina, Kansas. This new development will provide much needed housing options for residents and contribute to the continued growth of the community.

Above: An interactive Google Map of where the project will be located.&nbsp;

“We are thrilled to begin construction on this exciting project,” said Jeremy Hurt, lead contact for Salina Destination Development. “Phase 1 will offer 254 modern apartments, featuring spacious floor plans, Basketball Court, Children’s Playground, Pickleball Court, BBQ grilling area, Clubhouse &amp; in-unit laundry. We are confident that these apartments will appeal to a wide range of residents, from young professionals to families.”

The City of Salina was awarded $25,000,000 through Kansas HB 2510 &amp; Kansas SB 267 by the Department of Commerce to help accommodate housing expansion needed for the exceptional number of new employees expected in Salina due to the robust economic development in the community. Salina Destination Development, LLC was selected through a competitive RFP process and approved by the Salina City Commission.

The new apartment complex will be situated at the intersection of Magnolia &amp; I 135 within Salina, offering residents convenient access to nearby shopping, dining &amp; entertainment. Phase 1 construction is expected to be completed in early 2026. 

A groundbreaking ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 8:00 a.m.

Salina Destination Development (SDD) is a Kansas -based real estate development firm specializing in the creation of high-quality residential and commercial properties. Salina Destination Development is a partnership of Kansans lead by Dave Murfin, a Wichita businessman &amp; Kansas City developer Rick Worner. SDD is committed to developing projects that enhance the communities they serve and provide residents with exceptional living and working environments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714597822849.png" alt="SDD renderings for the first phase of a new multi-family housing project in Salina Kansas. Image Courtesy SDD" />
 <figcaption>SDD renderings for the first phase of a new multi-family housing project in Salina Kansas. Image Courtesy SDD</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted by City of SalinaSalina Destination Development (SDD), a Kansas real estate development firm, in partnership with the City of Salina, is proud to announce the highly anticipated launch of the first phase of new multi-family housing in Salina, Kansas. This new development will provide much needed housing options for residents and contribute to the continued growth of the community.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d4988.328206716799!2d-97.62574925094457!3d38.79534780511607!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1714598469627!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>Above: An interactive Google Map of where the project will be located.&nbsp;“We are thrilled to begin construction on this exciting project,” said Jeremy Hurt, lead contact for Salina Destination Development. “Phase 1 will offer 254 modern apartments, featuring spacious floor plans, Basketball Court, Children’s Playground, Pickleball Court, BBQ grilling area, Clubhouse &amp; in-unit laundry. We are confident that these apartments will appeal to a wide range of residents, from young professionals to families.”The City of Salina was awarded $25,000,000 through Kansas HB 2510 &amp; Kansas SB 267 by the Department of Commerce to help accommodate housing expansion needed for the exceptional number of new employees expected in Salina due to the robust economic development in the community. Salina Destination Development, LLC was selected through a competitive RFP process and approved by the Salina City Commission.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714597423753.jpeg" alt="Apartments in Salina" />
 <figcaption>Apartments in Salina</figcaption>
 </figure>The new apartment complex will be situated at the intersection of Magnolia &amp; I 135 within Salina, offering residents convenient access to nearby shopping, dining &amp; entertainment. Phase 1 construction is expected to be completed in early 2026. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 8:00 a.m.<h2>About Salina Destination Development</h2>Salina Destination Development (SDD) is a Kansas -based real estate development firm specializing in the creation of high-quality residential and commercial properties. Salina Destination Development is a partnership of Kansans lead by Dave Murfin, a Wichita businessman &amp; Kansas City developer Rick Worner. SDD is committed to developing projects that enhance the communities they serve and provide residents with exceptional living and working environments.

Salina Destination Development announces first phase of multi-family housing project

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter

Hello and happy Thursday everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.

On Wednesday, Abilene High School officially announced that former assistant Kyle Taylor would be elevated to head boys basketball coach for the 2024-25 season.

Taylor has served as assistant boys varsity coach for the last five years, after joining Abilene as head middle school&nbsp;boys coach in 2018, and takes the reigns from Erik Graefe, who stepped down this offseason after leading the Cowboys along with Taylor, to three state tournament appearances in four years

Wednesday also saw an exciting announcement as Wildcat fans will soon get the opportunity to see their favorite student-athletes and coaches as dates have been announced for the 2024 Catbacker Tour.

The tour will kick off May 14 with stops in Salina, Great Bend and Liberal, and Head football coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman, as well as coaches and student-athletes from various sports will be in attendance during the swing through western Kansas.

And finally the Kansas Wesleyan Softball fought valiantly, but saw its season come to an end as the Coyotes dropped a pair of games at the 2024 KCAC Softball Tournament on Wednesday

The Coyotes fell 4-1 at the hands of Ottawa before being eliminated in a 7-1 loss at the hands of Tabor, finishing their season 24-20

That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

____________________________________________

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yHVnG_Hca5g?si=vIsreF8qgyh9e7ZJ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>By TYLER HENRY Lead SportswriterHello and happy Thursday everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine. _________<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday, Abilene High School officially announced that former assistant Kyle Taylor would be elevated to head boys basketball coach for the 2024-25 season.Taylor has served as assistant boys varsity coach for the last five years, after joining Abilene as head middle school&nbsp;boys coach in 2018, and takes the reigns from Erik Graefe, who stepped down this offseason after leading the Cowboys along with Taylor, to three state tournament appearances in four years_________Wednesday also saw an exciting announcement as Wildcat fans will soon get the opportunity to see their favorite student-athletes and coaches as dates have been announced for the 2024 Catbacker Tour.The tour will kick off May 14 with stops in Salina, Great Bend and Liberal, and Head football coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman, as well as coaches and student-athletes from various sports will be in attendance during the swing through western Kansas._________And finally the Kansas Wesleyan Softball fought valiantly, but saw its season come to an end as the Coyotes dropped a pair of games at the 2024 KCAC Softball Tournament on WednesdayThe Coyotes fell 4-1 at the hands of Ottawa before being eliminated in a 7-1 loss at the hands of Tabor, finishing their season 24-20_________That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.____________________________________________

910 KINA sports headlines — May 2

Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau

The “I Like Ike” campaign slogan, one of the most iconic in American history, is about to be celebrated in a big way in Abilene. The Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is proud to announce the launch of its latest project, the World’s Largest I Like Ike Button.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714664298953.jpeg" alt="I Like Ike Button" />
 <figcaption>I Like Ike Button</figcaption>
 </figure>Abilene Convention and Visitors BureauThe “I Like Ike” campaign slogan, one of the most iconic in American history, is about to be celebrated in a big way in Abilene. The Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is proud to announce the launch of its latest project, the World’s Largest I Like Ike Button.Following the success of Abilene’s&nbsp;<a href="https://abilenekansas.org/worlds-largest-belt-buckle" target="_blank">World's Largest Belt Buckle</a>, the new campaign aims to enrich visitors' experiences with an additional Eisenhower-themed "Ike Sites" attraction in downtown Abilene. The button, crafted by local artist Jason Lahr of Fluters Creek Metals Works, the same artist behind the belt buckle, will be prominently placed north of Little Ike Park. This installation will provide a unique photo opportunity and draw visitors from the belt buckle and the nearby&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/home" target="_blank">Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum</a>.According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/nmah_1762515" target="_blank">Smithsonian Museum’s National Museum of American History</a>, the “I Like Ike” campaign was based on the nickname of Dwight Eisenhower, a five-star general who became famous not only for his military leadership but also for his presidency. Eisenhower's role as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe during World War II made him an attractive candidate for both Republicans and Democrats in the post-war era. The campaign gained momentum with the catchy slogan, and Eisenhower won the presidency in 1952 and 1956.“We frequently hear stories from visitors about their I Like I Buttons; there is such an affinity for the button. This year also marks the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/public-programs/commemorate-d-day" target="_blank">80th anniversary of D-Day</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/public-programs/civil-rights-conference" target="_blank">70th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education</a>, and an election year, making it the perfect time to roll out this project,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This project will keep people talking about Abilene and bring more visitors downtown.”To fund the button, the CVB is offering a limited quantity of numbered&nbsp;<a href="https://abilene-convention-visitors-bureau.square.site/shop/challenge-coin/OEXLDHLT75K3DRRFR26V3IZY?page=1&amp;limit=60&amp;sort_by=name&amp;sort_order=asc" target="_blank">I Like Ike challenge coins</a>. Priced at $34 each to celebrate the 34th President from the 34th State, these coins are available for purchase at the Abilene Visitors Center, 201 NW 2nd, or online via&nbsp;<a href="http://www.worldslargestikebutton.com/" target="_blank">www.WorldsLargestIkeButton.com</a>.In addition to the button, visitors to Abilene will notice a series of new signs throughout the city cross-promoting various aspects of its history and attractions, including “I Like Mansions,” “I Like Local,” "I Like Cowboys,&nbsp; “I Like Trains,” and other attributes with the Ike campaign.“This project is a celebration of Eisenhower's legacy and a testament to Abilene's commitment to promoting its history in innovative ways,” Roller Weeks added. “Abilene’s dedication to celebrating its heritage has been recognized by USA TODAY, naming us a&nbsp;<a href="https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-historic-small-town-2024/" target="_blank">Top 10 Best Historic Small Town</a>&nbsp;for the 6th consecutive year.”The World's Largest I Like Ike Button is scheduled to be unveiled in June, and attendees will be invited to wear their favorite Ike buttons. Additional details about the celebration will be announced soon.&nbsp;For more information about the campaign and to purchase challenge coins, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.worldslargestikebutton.com/" target="_blank">www.WorldsLargestIkeButton.com</a>&nbsp;or contact the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau at (785) 263-2231.&nbsp;