Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum

LINDSBORG - The Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum is closing out the books on a quarter-million-dollar grant that permitted impressive improvements.

Adam Pracht, Marketing and Communications Director, said that in the two years since receiving the grant, the museum has made significant strides in terms of its appearance, historical restoration, safety and security, and ADA accessibility.

“The results were transformative. The museum buildings look so much better, historical treasures have been preserved, and we’ve made many necessary upgrades,” he said. “The list of everything it accomplished at the museum is nothing short of astonishing.”

The museum was one of just 18 recipients out of 228 applicants to receive the tourism grant from Kansas Commerce in 2023. The grant was an effort by the State to boost Kansas tourism with remaining federal COVID relief dollars.

Located next to the Smoky Hill River, the museum is owned by an independent private nonprofit and consists of 10 historic buildings across 15 acres. It is home to the 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills and the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion (both on the National Register of Historic Places).

The achievements made possible by the SPRINT grant include:

· Installation of a new alarm system in the main museum building, which houses historic archives and most of the museum’s artifacts.

· Main entrance improvements, which included an ADA-accessible sidewalk, a new solid handrail with solar-powered built-in lights, and updated landscaping.

· Exterior paint and a new roof for the West Kentuck School. (Used 1903-1952, this one-room schoolhouse was originally southeast of Lindsborg and is the last school of its kind in the area.)

· Exterior paint and a new roof for the Academy Building. (Built in 1879, this was the first public school building in the area and was later used as a Bethany College classroom.)

· New exterior paint for the Lindsborg Union Pacific Train Depot (Completed under Kansas Pacific in 1879, the depot served the area until 1972. It was moved to museum grounds in 1974.)

· Full restoration of the original 1908 Dempster Windmill located on the museum’s Heritage Square.

· A new Old Mill courtyard metal fence designed and created by Lindsborg Local Lloyd Rohr that depicts scenes of the historical Old Mill, symbols of wheat and the Swedish seal, and the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion. It is more secure than the chain link fence and more aesthetic.

· Tree removal and trimming on the museum grounds and campgrounds, creating more safety for museum guests and less risk of damage from falling limbs or trees.

· Museum front porch repairs, including porch roof support columns that were failing.

· New guttering on the main museum building, which means better drainage and less risk of water damage to the building.

· Tuckpointing (masonry repair) of the Old Mill Powerhouse brick walls, as well as a new roof and guttering for the building – both of which were rusting and starting to fail. The building houses the electric motor that powers the 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills during Millfest (annually on the first Saturday in May.)

· Upgrades to the Old Mill heating system. The updates allow more control of the system and cost savings.

· A modern and fully reworked back-gallery exhibition on Lindsborg history and the immigrant experience.

Aubrey Wheeler, Executive Director, said the award of the grant preceded her start at the museum, but she’d seen the museum’s state as a guest before it received the SPRINT Grant.

“It’s almost like an entirely different place,” she said. “The difference is wonderful, and we can’t thank Kansas Commerce enough for selecting us for the grant.”

The Lindsborg Old Mill &amp; Swedish Heritage Museum celebrates and preserves the pioneering spirit of the Smoky Valley by educating, entertaining, and building community across generations so that history comes to life. With special emphasis on the period from 1870 to 1910, the museum includes two buildings on the National Registry of Historic Places and extensive archives and artifact collections. The museum seeks to honor the rich story of Lindsborg and its people. 

Learn more about the museum at <a href="https://www.oldmillmuseum.org/">www.oldmillmuseum.org</a>.

Lindsborg museum receives improvements thanks to generous grant over $250K

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📨 Sign up today for Salina Post's Noon News Update!

Looking for a new podcast to keep you informed and connected within your local community? Look no further than Eagle Media's latest podcast, "King in the Community."&nbsp;

Join Eagle Media Salina News Director Nate King as he talks with local and regional government officials, first responders, non-profit leaders and unique individuals with fascinating stories from north central Kansas and beyond. Learn about how organizations in your neighborhood leverage their partnerships to create a more interconnected community.

Available on all your favorite platforms, including&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/king-in-the-community/id1687185014">Apple podcasts,</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kinginthecommunity.podbean.com/">Podbean</a>,<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZeCj4TK3kaOZEvgQaDlio">&nbsp;Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c78f2e2e-c714-4aaf-ad4c-4864a4038889">Amazon Audible</a>, TuneIn + Alexa,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/king-in-the-community-5324914">Podchaser,</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/62430">Boomplay</a>.&nbsp;

No matter what streaming service you use, we've got you covered with engaging discussions and insightful interviews that will help you understand the issues that matter most to you.&nbsp; So why wait? Tune in to the "King in the Community" podcast today and discover a new way to stay connected.

For a full list of episodes<a href="https://kinginthecommunity.podbean.com/page/2/">&nbsp;click here</a>. Thanks for listening!

🎙The latest from 'King in the Community' with Nate King

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our news tip email address. Have a breaking news story, a community event, or a feel-good story that deserves to be shared? 

Submit your news tips via email to <a href="http://newstips@salinapost.com">newstips@salinapost.com</a>

Whether you're a Salina local, a native Kansan, or have moved out of state, we want to hear from you. Your contributions help us keep our community informed and engaged. 

So, if you have a story to tell or a photo of breaking news we should know about, send it to newstips@salinapost.com.

Salina Post news tip email address

Salina Post is thrilled to announce an exciting update - we are now accepting letters to the editor from our readers. We believe that our community's voices deserve to be heard, and providing a platform for open dialogue and constructive discussions is essential to a strong free press.&nbsp;

With the new letters to the editor offering, we aim to create a space where readers can express their thoughts, concerns, and ideas on a wide range of local topics that impact their daily lives.&nbsp;

Submitting a letter to the editor is simple. Just email your letter to <a href="mailto:admin@salinapost.com">admin@salinapost.com</a>

Ensure that your letter is concise and respectful. We value thoughtful and constructive discussions, so please make sure to present your arguments in a clear and coherent manner.

While we appreciate and encourage diverse perspectives, we also have certain guidelines in place. Letters should be free from hate speech, name-calling or any form of discrimination. We believe in promoting a respectful and inclusive environment for all readers.

Our editorial team will review all submissions and select letters that align with our guidelines and contribute positively to the conversation. We may edit letters for clarity, grammar, and length, but we will strive to maintain the essence of your message.

We are excited about this new opportunity to amplify your voice and encourage you to take advantage of this platform.

So, whether you have a burning issue or an important message to share, we invite you to submit a letter to the editor. Let's come together, learn from each other, and build a stronger community through the power of words.

All letters must include the author's name. No anonymous letters to the editor will be published, but if you have a news tip or an issue you would like us to know about still reach out via email at newstips@salinapost.com

<a href="https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/advocacy/direct-action/letters-to-editor/main">Information Courtesy University of Kansas Community Toolbox</a>

You feel strongly about an issue, and you want to let people know what you think. You believe you can even influence people to take some action if you speak your mind. But, you want to reach an audience larger than just your friends or your group membership. Letters to the editor can be an effective way to get the word out.

A letter to the editor is a written way of talking to a newspaper, magazine, or other regularly printed publication. Letters to the editor are generally found in the first section of the newspaper, or towards the beginning of a magazine, or in the editorial page. They can take a position for or against an issue, or simply inform, or both. They can convince readers by using emotions, or facts, or emotions and facts combined. 

Letters to the editor are usually short and tight, rarely longer than 300 words.

Using a few carefully placed letters, you can generate plenty of community discussion. You can also keep an issue going by preventing it from disappearing from the public eye. You can stimulate the interest of the news media and create more coverage for the matters you're working on. You can also send a "good news" letter to bring recognition to people who deserve it or acknowledge the success of an effort.

Salina Post accepting letters to the editor

The Salina League of Women Voters held its 2024 General Election Forum on Oct. 20 at 1:30 in the Watson Room at the Stiefel Theatre in Salina. 

Click the link above to watch the candidates answer questions from the media and the public. Candidates present at the forum included Senate District 24-John Baker, House District 69-Lori Blake, and Clarke Sanders; Saline County Commission District 2-Annie Grevas and Kathleen Malone Crouch.

Noticeably absent from the forum was State Senator J.R. Claeys, whose empty chair and name card can be seen on the far left of the table of candidates.&nbsp;

Check Salina Post for an article about the candidate's responses on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

2024 League of Women Voters General Election Candidate Forum

Due to damages from Sunday's severe weather, the bridge and road south of Wilson, Kansas will NOT be open by Memorial Day, May 27.&nbsp;

According to the Ellsworth County Highway Department, a date has not been set for the road/bridge to reopen.&nbsp;

Plan an alternate route if you plan to travel in the area.&nbsp;

READ MORE<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/3969fc82-b07d-4d4e-885d-fe75a7799560">:&nbsp;🎥UPDATED: Severe weather coverage May 19 — Salina Airport reports 100 mph winds</a>

River bridge, road project south of Wilson closed indefinetly 

Cope Notes is a text message-based service that provides individuals with randomly timed messages that contain anything from psychology facts to exercises and journaling prompts. Every subscriber’s text sequence is unique so that no two users ever receive the same message at the same time. 

Each <a href="https://copenotes.com/">Cope Notes</a> text must first undergo a thorough review process by a panel of peer-support advocates and mental health professionals, in order to ensure that the messages will have a positive effect on the subscriber’s health. The ultimate goal of the service is to train the brain to disrupt negative thoughts and promote a more positive pattern of thinking.

"We believe in the importance of mental health. We want to ensure our residents have access to the resources they need to stay healthy and thriving," said Saline County Health Officer Jason Tiller. "In my own personal experience with Cope Notes, I have found that the right messages seem to come at exactly the right time. It was been an uplifting experience for me, and I am thrilled we get to continue this service to our residents."

In 2022, Saline County initially offered the service for free to 300 residents. Because of the overwhelming response and in an effort to provide the service to more Saline County residents, the program is being offered at a 50 percent discount, according to information from the county.

To sign up for Cope Notes, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001scLNLAEK27GI7j38iOkmbBLY7glKLN0Wy6uF_d-8TLam2TPUzrfQlc9LS5oNICbDRUIbIxFeAe9F9t_3cBzqfldl0v4T9wLfMfxV5qLVYcHiyw0WBSsZFYJWzG17ByUTXv2fd3MbRsZWmxNokDZI85TAvv_DybpQ8u3RGpTS-VoOBpVKw3mIuQf0KEWbdEz2&amp;c=e8h8gccDrdCcdY1GLzjAyWQ83iic1YREdFKlJQ0cHZXKLBBGRtWzSA==&amp;ch=qH131SvBWUOQqWkIzjrjNennoWrg5mcmyLAePutxO-lGfSWshstgHw==" target="_blank">this link&nbsp;</a>and enter code&nbsp;SACOHALF&nbsp;and your credit or debit card information.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Saline County continues to offer Cope Notes at 50-percent discount

Not seeing precipitation totals from your area after a rain or snow event? Consider becoming a CoCoRaHS volunteer.

"CoCoRaHS is an acronym for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. CoCoRaHS is a unique, non-profit, community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail and snow). By using low-cost measurement tools, stressing training and education, and utilizing an interactive website, our aim is to provide the highest quality data for natural resource, education and research applications," the organization noted on its website.

After rain, hail, or snow storms, CoCoRaHS volunteers take precipitation measurements. Those totals are then recorded on the CoCoRaHS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/StateDailyPrecipReports.aspx?state=KS">website</a>&nbsp;(Kansas reporting).

The precipitation totals are used by various organizations and individuals, including the National Weather Service, other meteorologists, hydrologists, emergency managers, insurance adjusters, farmers and ranchers, and, of course, Salina Post.

For more information about CoCoRaHS and its March recruiting efforts or to sign up as a CoCoRaHS volunteer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/marchmadness.aspx">click here</a>.

Precipitation reporting organization seeks local, area volunteers

By ROSARIO MENDEZ Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

What’s worse than a bogus charity? A bogus charity with a dishonest fundraiser. The FTC has sued and stopped dishonest charity fundraisers that&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2020/09/spot-and-stop-dishonest-charity-fundraisers">called people</a>&nbsp;to get them to donate to fake charities. Some prey on your kindness and desire to help people impacted by weather emergencies or a disaster. But when you get a call from a charity fundraiser, how do you know the caller is telling you the truth?

Ask the caller specific questions.

What is the charity’s name, phone number, or address? Write these down so you can confirm them later. Keep in mind that many charity names sound alike, and that sham charities often use names that are sound and look like names of legitimate charities.

How much of your donation will go directly to the programs you want to support?

Will your donation be tax-deductible? Not every call seeking a donation is from a charity. Some calls might be from Political Action Committees or other groups where donations are not deductible. See more questions to ask here.

Resist the pressure to donate on the spot.

After you’ve listened to the caller, hang up the phone and think about what they said. Then, go online and do your own research:

Search for the organization’s name and phone number, plus the word “scam” or “complaint.” What you find might help you decide if you want to make that donation.

Look up the organization’s name and address. Does it show up? If it doesn’t, that could be a sign the caller was lying to you.

See what these rating organizations say about the charity: BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, and Candid.

If you get a donation request in the mail, do some research online before you donate. And if you spot a charity scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

If you get a donation request in the mail,&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/charity">do some research online</a>&nbsp;before you donate. And if you spot a charity scam, report it to the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2020/09/www.reportfraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

FTC: How to spot and stop dishonest charity fundraisers

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The start of a new school year is an expensive time for families. If you are struggling to pay for phone and internet services, there are programs to help you stay connected.

During Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week, the Kansas Corporation Commission joins utility regulators nationwide in encouraging those in need of assistance to apply for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program.&nbsp; Both programs help low-income individuals and families stay connected so they can access health care, attend classes, find employment, and call for help in an emergency.

Lifeline provides federal and state discounts up to $17.02 per month on phone service (wireless or residential) and broadband. Seven million Americans currently benefit from the program, including approximately 30,000 Kansans.

The Federal Communication Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Plan&nbsp; provides a monthly internet service discount of up to $30 and a one-time device discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer or tablet. According to FCC data, more than 20 million U.S. households are currently enrolled, including approximately 120,000 in Kansas.

Eligibility&nbsp;is based on income&nbsp;(at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for Lifeline and at or below 200% for Affordable Connectivity Plan)&nbsp;or participation in certain assistance programs&nbsp;such as:

•&nbsp;&nbsp;Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) •&nbsp; Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) •&nbsp; Federal Public Housing Assistance (FHPA) •&nbsp; Veterans Pensions &amp; Survivors Pension Benefit •&nbsp; Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance •&nbsp; Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families •&nbsp; Head Start Tribal Programs (income based) •&nbsp; Food Distribution Program on Tribal Lands&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anyone who qualifies for Lifeline is automatically eligible to participate in Affordable Connectivity Plan. Others may still qualify for the plan if they meet any of the following criteria:

• Are approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including the&nbsp;USDA Community Eligibility Provision.&nbsp; • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.&nbsp; • Meet the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income program.&nbsp;

Due to higher income maximums, Affordable Connectivity Plan  also has the potential to help families that may not qualify for other types of assistance. The maximum income for a family of four to qualify for the&nbsp; program is&nbsp;$60,000 per year compared to $40,500 for Lifeline. Both Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Plan offer additional discounts for subscribers living on tribal lands.

More information on income eligibility, participating providers, and the enrollment process is available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtjYy5rcy5nb3YvdGVsZWNvbW11bmljYXRpb25zL2xpZmVsaW5lP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTEuODIzOTEwMjEifQ.SgutPMf7jc8B89ZmFqxVxA5ZBkjKYdszBMiWwbYC7oo/s/1510803030/br/225606126077-l" target="_blank">KCC’s website</a>.

Plans available to help Kansans unable to pay for phone, internet services stay connected

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor

NAME:&nbsp;Mitchell, Erick Leon Mitchell

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended

Saline County Jail Bookings, July 21

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation, Failure to appear (2 requested charges)

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity

NAME:&nbsp;Shippy, Aaron Michael John

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Assault; Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; Driving while habitual violator

Saline County Jail Bookings, July 20

OCCK Inc. is excited to announce that registration is now open for the 35th Annual Employment Expo, the largest event of its kind in Salina, Kansas. This year’s Expo will take place on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center, 800 The Midway, Salina, KS.

The Employment Expo offers employers a unique opportunity to connect face-to-face with job seekers from across the region. Companies of all sizes and industries are invited to participate—booth space is free of charge to all employers. (Please note: multi-level marketing companies are not eligible to participate.)

“Each year, we bring together dozens of businesses and many job seekers, helping to build strong connections and create meaningful employment opportunities for current or future openings.” said Shanna Sowers Director of Workforce Solutions at OCCK, Inc.

The KansasWorks Mobile Unit will also be on-site to assist with job search resources and employment services.

• Learn more and download the registration form at: <a href="https://occk.com/service/employment-expo/">https://occk.com/service/employmentexpo</a>

To submit your registration or ask questions, please contact: Shanna Sowers | <a href="http://ssowers@occk.com">ssowers@occk.com</a>

Completed registrations can also be mailed to: Workforce Solutions of OCCK, Inc. 1710 W. Schilling Rd. Salina, KS 67401 Workforce Solutions of OCCK, Inc. 1710 W. Schilling Rd. Salina, KS 67401

This event is made possible through partnerships with Workforce Solutions of OCCK, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, KansasWorks, Kansas WorkforceONE, KSJobLink, and several community sponsors.

OCCK Inc. opens employer registration for the 35th annual employment expo

LINDSBORG - Bethany College is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Denniston as Associate Professor of Criminal Justice. Denniston brings over a decade of experience in higher education, along with a distinguished background in law, public policy, and constitutional studies.

Originally from Iowa, Denniston earned his Ph.D. and M.A. in Political Science from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He also holds a J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law and a B.A. from Simpson College with majors in Political Science, History, and German.

Denniston most recently served as Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at Weber State University, where he taught undergraduate and graduate courses and served as an academic and pre-law advisor. His teaching and research focus on constitutional rights, legal foundations of criminal justice, and state constitutionalism. Prior to his academic career, he practiced law in Iowa and served as a law clerk for the Iowa Supreme Court.

An accomplished author and speaker, Denniston has published widely on juvenile justice, criminal law, and state constitutional issues, and co-authored "Seven Deadly Sins: Constitutional Rights and the Criminal Justice System." He is also a frequent presenter at national criminal justice conferences and has been featured in regional and national media discussing U.S. Supreme Court decisions and legal issues.

Bethany College is excited to welcome Mark Denniston to the faculty and looks forward to the academic leadership and legal expertise he brings to the criminal justice program. 

For more information about our criminal justice program, please visit <a href="https://www.bethanylb.edu/criminal-justice">www.bethanylb.edu/criminal-justice</a>.

Bethany College welcomes new Associate Professor of Criminal Justice

The 61st annual meeting of the Kansas–Oklahoma Arkansas River Commission (KOARC) will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn Bartlesville, located at 205 SW Frank Phillips Blvd, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, on Wednesday, July 23, at 9:00 a.m.

The meeting will be open to the public. Anyone interested in water-related activities within the lower Arkansas River basin in Kansas and Oklahoma is encouraged to attend the meeting.

Kansas and Oklahoma entered the Arkansas River Compact in 1965. The purposes of the Compact are to promote interstate comity, to equitably divide and promote the orderly development of the waters of the lower Arkansas River basin, to provide an agency for administering the waters of the basin, and to encourage an active pollution abatement program in each state.

The Compact Commission is composed of three commissioners appointed by the Governor of Kansas and three commissioners appointed by the Governor of Oklahoma; it is chaired by a federal representative appointed by the President of the United States.

Questions about the meeting can be addressed to Lizzie Hickman, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Water Resources, at 785-564-6679 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Elizabeth.Hickman@ks.gov">Elizabeth.Hickman@ks.gov</a>.

Additional information about KOARC and the annual meeting can be found on the KDA website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Fdata=05%257C02%257CHeather.Lansdowne%2540ks.gov%257C444e9a6731c945531c3508ddc31fb1bc%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C638881263081882355%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%253D%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26reserved=0%26sdata=xZl86OBhlIlMdIS9k1lvkjjnYoxTnWPPgOJfS8JZkJ0%253D%26url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%252FKOARC%253Futm_medium%253Demail%2526utm_source%253Dgovdelivery%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001981484fd51-e40eb40d-a25b-4685-9b39-7297e6b26e6b-000000/HavfnKNDabs6RESNnAYEJcHgUS5h7QY0hQWyulRPJDU=414">www.agriculture.ks.gov/KOARC</a>.&nbsp;

Kansas-Oklahoma Arkansas River commission meeting to be held July 23

K-State News &amp; Communications Services

K-State's AI in Kansas Ag Conference on Tuesday, July 22, in Lyndon, Kansas, will delve into how artificial intelligence, or AI, is driving innovation and reshaping the future of farming and food systems. Attendees will learn about cutting-edge technologies and tools for adapting and thriving in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape, including drones, precision irrigation, automated equipment, data analytics and virtual fencing for cattle.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:&nbsp;Conference sessions from 1-5:30 p.m. include discussions with expert panelists on topics such as the history of AI in agriculture, the trustworthiness of AI, and the costs and benefits of using precision agriculture tools. There will also be a demonstration of a spray drone for pasture management. Conference sessions will be followed by a networking dinner and live demonstrations from various vendors. Media are invited to come and go during this event to any sessions that are of interest.

A complete list of sessions is available on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/next-gen/key-initiatives/interdisciplinary-institutes/digital-ag-advanced-analytics/about/AiInAg.html">conference website</a>.

ARRANGEMENTS:&nbsp;Media members should RSVP by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9H1PvyFaFrQFNZA">registering</a>&nbsp;for the conference online. There is no charge for attendees, including media members; however, space is limited to 200 attendees.

QUESTIONS:&nbsp;Please contact K-State News and Communications Services at 785-532-2535 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:media@k-state.edu">media@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;with questions.

 Explore the future of farming and food systems at K-State's AI in Kansas Ag Conference

Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau

ABILENE - Sunflower Summer officially kicked off last Saturday, and Abilene welcomed more than 250 participants on opening weekend. Families from across the state explored Abilene’s participating attractions, including the Abilene &amp; Smoky Valley Railroad, Dickinson County Heritage Center, Eisenhower Presidential Library &amp; Museum, Historic Seelye Mansion, and Old Abilene Town.

The program, which runs through Sunday, August 3, provides Kansas families with free admission to educational attractions across the state and continues to be a favorite summer tradition. Abilene’s participation offers a fun opportunity to showcase the community’s unique blend of history, culture, and hands-on experiences.

“We love seeing so many Kansas families exploring Abilene and making memories together,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau. “Sunflower Summer is a great way to connect education, travel, and quality family time.”

Beginning Friday, families will also have the chance to enjoy&nbsp;Tuck Everlasting&nbsp;at Great Plains Theatre, giving Sunflower Summer participants even more reasons to visit Abilene.

To learn more about how to participate in the Sunflower Summer program, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.sunflowersummer.org/">www.SunflowerSummer.org</a>.

The Sunflower Summer program is offered by the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Tourism Division with support from $3 million in Economic Development Incentive Funds provided by the Kansas Legislature.

Sunflower Summer kicks off in Abilene with a strong start

NAME:&nbsp;Eilrich, Jessica Coraleann

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear; Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance

NAME:&nbsp;Ferguson, Errick Joseph

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear (2 requested charges); Burglary; Locked dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence or sexually motivated crime; Theft of prop./services:Value less than $1,500; Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

NAME:&nbsp;Smith, Jain Mary Magdalene

Saline County Jail Bookings, July 19

ABILENE -&nbsp;For more than a dozen years, the staff at Village Manor transports the residents to the Central Kansas Free Fairgrounds in Abilene, where the residents sit on the west side of the arena, watching the rodeo.

They love it, said Cheryl Robinson, activities director at Village Manor.

“They anticipate it,” she said, “and they talk about it for weeks after it’s over.”

Approximately ten residents attend the rodeo each year, if the weather allows it. Last year, it was unusually hot, and the residents didn’t go.

The number of residents who attend depends on staff, Robinson said. It takes extra people to get wheelchairs and people with walkers in and out of the van, and into their seats at the rodeo grounds. They rely on staff to volunteer for the work, even though they are paid for it.

Some of the residents are diehards, she said, willing to go even if the weather is hot and muggy. “They’d still go, if we let them,” she said.

Sometimes former neighbors will recognize their senior friends and stop by and say hi. “They’ll see friends there, that come down and talk to them.”

They take snacks and drinks with them, and sometimes purchase cotton candy or popcorn. Village Manor has a resident fund to pay for the refreshments.

In the past, they’ve enjoyed the rodeo parade, too, at times riding in it in a bus or air-conditioned van, and sometimes watching from the lawn at Frontier Estates, if it isn’t too hot.

“Rodeo week is a big week,” Robinson said.

For years, Bud and Linda Bankes purchased tickets for the residents, free of charge. When the sold their business, Bankes Pharmacy in Abilene, their son, Scott Bankes, asked his employer, TCT, to purchase tickets, and they have continued the tradition.

Robinson says the annual trip to the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo is a highlight for the residents.

“It makes them feel good,” she said. “It makes them feel like they are leading a productive life. It’s good entertainment, and it puts them in a good mood.”

The Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo will be held in Abilene July 29-August 1. Performances begin at 7:30 pm nightly. Tickets are $12 for adults in advance and $15 at the gate. Children’s tickets (for ages 4-10) are $8.

Tickets can be purchased online at <a href="http://WildBillHickokRodeo.com">WildBillHickokRodeo.com</a>, at West’s Country Mart and other area retailers, and at the gate.

For more information, visit the website: <a href="http://WildBillHickokRodeo.com">WildBillHickokRodeo.com</a>.

Night on the town, nursing home residents take in a night of Abilene rodeo

Here is the preview for the Saturday Morning Show on&nbsp;910 AM/107.5 FM KINA Salina for&nbsp;July 19th:

9:00 am - Tony Newell, Salina County Treasurer

10:00 am - Erin Segebart, OCCK Director of Children Services &amp; Outreach

10:30 am - Phillip Sawyer and Michael Curtis, Reanimated Customs

All episodes are recorded and uploaded on the&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?CFID=05fb1ecb-7d68-4542-adb3-9b7c11d9b5e5&amp;CFTOKEN=0&amp;stationCallSign=KINA&amp;onDemandAutoStart=true&amp;p92136680=true&amp;relocateURL=true">910 AM and 107.5 FM KINA website</a>, under the 'KINA Saturday Mornings'&nbsp;tab.

Saturday Morning Show preview for July 19

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, welcome back. Great to be back (at) Missouri Western State University, man. We love this place, and it’s a great place to have training camp. We appreciate all the people and the jobs that they do for us here. They roll out the red carpet and again, take care of us like no other. So, we appreciate all of that and we look forward to getting this camp going. As far as any of the injuries go, I can update you real quick. PUP, the people that will start on PUP, (Kristian) Fulton will start on PUP, Jawaan Taylor and Tre Watson. Those three will start there but everybody else is good to go. We should be ripping and ready by tomorrow. We jump right into it with testing tomorrow and then we have meetings, both business meetings for the NFL and also meetings for the football part of it. Other than that, we look forward to the season getting started. It should be a great environment up here for learning and for conditioning with the heat that we are going to have – and we normally have up here. It should get us ready and build a nice foundation for us to start the season. As far as Rashee (Rice) goes, I mean that is obvious news out there. Now, we’re going to progress as normal with him, he’ll go in and take all the reps that he'd normally take. We always rotate that position, so depending on what happens here, in the future, whoever needs to play will be able to step in, and they’ll know what they’re doing and be in good shape to do it. But like I said, just progress as normal. Other than that, time is yours.”

Q: Do you have any idea of the timeline for the punishment handed down from the NFL for Rashee Rice?

REID:&nbsp;“No. I don’t have anything.”

Q: Have you had any conversations about it?

Q: What is the length of absence you expect for Kristian Fulton and Jawaan Taylor?

REID:&nbsp;“Well we’re hoping that – we’re hoping that its relatively fast. I’d tell you, Jawaan (Taylor) is probably closer right now.”

Q: Is there anything different about coming to training camp after a Super Bowl loss?

REID:&nbsp;“This part stays tough. It’s never an easy camp and it builds you a foundation that you can bank on. It’s important that the guys come in with the right frame of mind, (and) they know that. They pass a word down to the young guys that they better be ready to go. That helps us in the long haul.”

Q:&nbsp;What would it mean to be able to sign George Karlaftis to a long-term deal to this organization?

REID:&nbsp;“That would be a great deal. I think that’s already done, just so if you need some breaking news (laughter). That’s a great thing. And he’s a heck of a player, and he’s done a great job here, and he’s profited from that. Our team also profits from him being around, so it’s a win-win there.”

Q<a>:</a>&nbsp;What did&nbsp;you&nbsp;<a>see in</a>&nbsp;him late in the season last year?

REID:&nbsp;“He is a relentless player, I mean that’s what you get with George (Karlaftis). He’s&nbsp;<a>smart;</a>&nbsp;relentless. You can trust and know that he is reliable, so you can trust that he is going to be there and do the right things and go 100 miles an hour doing them. Very well respected that way.”

Q:&nbsp;How do you plan to start with the initial left tackle rotations with Josh Simmons and Jawaan (Taylor)?

REID:&nbsp;“Oh, Jawaan (Taylor) is out for the beginning, so we’ll just flip those two guys, and they’ll&nbsp;<a>work in</a>&nbsp;there, and we’ll&nbsp;<a>go from</a>&nbsp;there. (Offensive Line Coach) Andy (Heck) rotates all those guys anyways.”

Q:&nbsp;How important was it for you as a coach to have these young, core guys locked up for long term deals?

REID:&nbsp;“I mean it’s great to have, great from a coach's standpoint to have that. The tough job is with each, having to juggle the financial part of it. But we love having that. Continuity is a big thing, with your good, young players, and (General Manager Brett) Veach has done a&nbsp;<a>real</a>&nbsp;nice job with his group in the drafts. So, to sort all of that out, (Assistant General Manager) Chris Shea and the guys, they have to work through all of that, the money part of it, and they do a heck of a job with it. So, it’s an ongoing thing, as you go, you&nbsp;<a>got</a>&nbsp;to really have a good&nbsp;<a>feel</a>&nbsp;and a good plan for the future as you do it.”

Q:&nbsp;On Trey Smith being a sixth-round pick to being the highest paid guard in NFL history.

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, how great is that? How great is that man? Sixth round pick. Came in with a lung situation and the blood clots and was able to work through that and it’s a great thing they were able to work through that, just for his (Trey Smith) overall health, football or no football; but to be able to come in and play at the level that he’s played at and that toughness that he brings with it.&nbsp;<a>He’s</a>&nbsp;an aggressive personality on the field. Teddy&nbsp;<a>bear</a>&nbsp;off the field, aggressive personality on the field, man. He brings it every game.”

Q:&nbsp;Can you give us an overview of what you’re going to be looking for at left tackle with that position and training camp?

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