DICKINSON COUNTY — Four people died in an accident just before 3p.m. Saturday in Dickinson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Hyundai Elantra driven by Dawn Rae&nbsp;Peel, 30, Herington, was&nbsp;eastbound on Kansas 4 four miles west of Kansas 15 Highway.

The car crossed the center line and struck a westbound 2025 Chevy Traverse driven by Adam Gerhart&nbsp;Henely, 23, Salina, head-on.

Peel, and 2 passengers in the car including 71-year-old Peggy Ann Sutton of&nbsp;Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and an 8-year-old boy from Herington were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Martin Becker Carlson Funeral Home.&nbsp; A passenger in the SUV identified as 57-year-old Denise Renee&nbsp;Henely of Herington also died at the scene and was transported to Martin Becker Carlson Funeral Home.

EMS transported an 8-year-old male passenger from the car and a 14-year-old male passenger from the SUV, both of Herington to Wesley Medical Center.

Henely and and a third passenger in the SUV were not transported for treatment. All eight were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

3 adults, 8-year-old dead after head-on crash

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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;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

NAME:&nbsp;Lopez Ramirez,Jose Francisco

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Use/poss. drug paraphernalia/human body; Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Operate a MV w/o a valid license; Poss. of hallucinogenic drug; Transporting an open container

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg. Domestic Battery: impede breathing/choke; Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor; Domestic Battery: rude physical contact; Viol. protection order; Abuse order

Saline County Jail Bookings, May 25

Father's will be celebrated at the Rolling Hills Zoo with a car show with over&nbsp;100 vehicles on display from all across Kansas.

On Sunday, June 15th from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, the zoo will host the "2025 Father's Day Car Show." The event will highlight over 100 vehicle, competing for cash prizes and awards.

Purchasing a ticket in advance includes, Zoo &amp; Wildlife Museum admission, one meal ticket per person/registration, two beverage tickets per person and per registration for the beer garden, commemorative dash plaque (limited to car show registrants) and a Father's Day Car Show gift.&nbsp;

Admission is $40 for couples, $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 3 - 18 (free for ages 2 &amp; under).

If you want to register your motorcycle, car, truck, or if you just want to attend, go to:&nbsp;<a href="https://form.jotform.com/250346407260147">https://form.jotform.com/250346407260147</a>

Father's celebrated with car show at Rolling Hills Zoo

KWU Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Long McArthur Ford and Kansas Wesleyan University, two of the most prominent organizations in North Central Kansas, deepened their partnership earlier this week when the university accepted delivery of a new Ford Maverick truck. The truck will replace the vehicle gifted to the university in late 2022, helping to ensure safety while recruiters and other KWU representatives travel.

“We appreciate the dedicated support of Long McArthur,” said Ken Oliver, KWU executive vice president. “This vehicle will provide an avenue not only for travel, but for continued branding and promotion of the university as we go throughout the region. We look forward to using it, and continuing to explore ways Long McArthur and Kansas Wesleyan can work together to better our community.”

The university will explore further opportunities for Long McArthur to market to and engage with friends of Kansas Wesleyan. The dealership has previously served as a sponsor for the university’s Night with the Yotes and Christmas by Candlelight events, among other ventures.

For more information on Kansas Wesleyan University, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kwu.edu/news">www.kwu.edu/news</a>.

Long McArthur gifts new truck to KWU, deepens partnership

A slew of events are announced to take place at the Expo Center and 4-H building this summer.

Starting Friday, June 6th the Expo Center will host the "Quarter Horse Show."&nbsp;Spectators will have the chance to see talented riders and their horses compete in a variety of disciplines, showcasing precision, control and partnership. Kids can also learn the skills for showmanship, grooming and training in this event. The Quarter Horse Show will run through Sunday, June 8th.

On Wednesday, June 11th the 4-H building hold the "Cash-Wa Distributing Food Show" from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. This event will feature&nbsp;a wide variety of vendors, demonstrating food samples, to the latest in kitchen equipment and food service solutions. This event will be hosted by Cash-Wa Distributing.

Thirdly, on Friday, June 13th the "Area VI Miniature Horse and Shetland Pony Show" will come into town to the Expo Center. This event will consist of skilled handlers and trained horses from across the region for a weekend full of competition, fun and family-friendly entertainment. People have a great chance to witness and participate in activities involving miniature horses and ponies.&nbsp;

Furthermore, ALLTEX&nbsp;Gun Shows will host the "Salina Gun &amp; Knife Show" at the Expo Center on Saturday, June 14th from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and Sunday, June 15th from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.&nbsp;This two-day event brings together vendors, experts and enthusiasts from across the region. Participants can explore a wide selection of firearms, ammunition, knives, accessories and more. This a good chance for attendees to talk with knowledgeable dealers and discover hard-to-find items. All federal, state, and local firearm laws and ordinances will be strictly enforced during the event.

Lastly, the "Extreme Dwarfanators Wrestling" will make stop at the Expo Center and 4-H Building on&nbsp;Sunday, June 29th. This event will highlight the&nbsp;a night of high-flying aerials, impressive maneuvers and nonstop entertainment.&nbsp;Doors open at 6:00 pm with the action starting at 7:00 pm.

To purchase tickets for the&nbsp;Extreme Dwarfanators Wrestling event, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://dwarfanators.com/">https://dwarfanators.com/</a>

All other events are free and open to the public.

Slew of events occurring at the Expo Center this summer

Federal lawmakers are considering big cuts to the health care program Medicaid. Some Kansans fear they’ll lose coverage or benefits.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/bek-shackelford">BEK SHACKELFORD-NWANGANGA</a><a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2025-05-20/kansans-on-medicaid-and-health-care-providers-say-federal-funding-cuts-will-hurt">Kansas News Service</a>

LAWRENCE&nbsp;—&nbsp;Shelley Miles lives on a quaint, tree-lined street in Lawrence. She used to share her split-level home with her husband, Kirk. But then he was diagnosed with dementia. Miles said in 2021, Kirk’s memory issues progressed quickly.

“He was much more agitated, kind of confrontational. He was hallucinating,” she said.

Kirk started wandering away from the house late at night. She felt like she had to watch him day and night to keep him safe.

“We have six exits out of this house, so it was really difficult to keep an eye on him 24/7,” Miles said. “My kids were coming over from Kansas City and sleeping on the couch to help me because I was exhausted.”

Miles said Kirk’s doctors told her he needed to move to assisted living. It took time — Miles said it was difficult to find a facility that had space for her husband and could handle his memory issues. But eventually, she moved him to a facility about 25 minutes away from Lawrence in Baldwin City..

It took about a year to enroll her husband in Medicaid. She said she spent more than $70,000 before they were able to qualify — completely draining their savings and money they’d earned off the sale of Kirk’s family’s farm. Currently, with the help of Medicaid, Miles pays the facility about $1,595 per month.

But now, proposed federal cuts to Medicaid have Miles concerned. She’s afraid Kirk will lose coverage, raise her monthly costs or the cuts will cause the facility he lives in to close.

“I’m stressed every day that they’re going to make cuts to Medicaid and that extra help won’t be there,” she said. “I definitely will not be able to afford it and keep this home.”

Federal lawmakers are considering billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5306895-republicans-budget-committee-vote-trump-bill/" target="_blank">President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill”</a>&nbsp;aimed at lowering spending and taxes. The proposed changes have divided Republicans.

Congressional lawmakers currently want to cut an estimated $715 billion over the next decade from Medicaid. The program covers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.governor.ks.gov/?splash=https%3a%2f%2fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2f%3furl%3dhttps%253A%252F%252Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%252FCL0%252Fhttps%253A%25252F%25252Fcontent.govdelivery.com%25252Fattachments%25252FKSOG%25252F2025%25252F05%25252F05%25252Ffile_attachments%25252F3250824%25252FCODEL_Letter_Mediciad_Cuts_5.5.25.pdf%252F1%252F01010196a111c469-8c071465-b4a9-4685-b936-17148ae4eab2-000000%252FSmISmIvEHSfTUoIdztb5klaRz_Cl8XCI5par5SnLb6k%253D403%26data%3d05%257C02%257CGrace.Hoge%2540ks.gov%257C2fec29de639d4e5e061008dd8be9bfe2%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C638820558528035142%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%253D%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26sdata%3dEVbNUXSjsV389YCMthvKWXg%252BzOD9wr%252BTP3WOhUoIOLk%253D%26reserved%3d0&amp;____isexternal=true" target="_blank">more than 440,000 Kansans</a>&nbsp;who are older adults, have disabilities, are pregnant or are children.

Proponents of the cuts, like Republican Speaker of the U.S. House Mike Johnson, say they’re going after waste and fraud in the Medicaid system.

“The Democrats, as I noted this morning, have said that we are going to gut Medicaid. It is not true. We’re going to protect the benefits that everyone is legally entitled to,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-XS2yDfjgQ" target="_blank">Johnson told reporters last month</a>.

But Republicans aren’t all on the same page. Area politicians, like Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran and Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley have spoken against steep cuts to Medicaid.

Moran said the reduction in funds would harm health care systems in Kansas.

“It’s broader than just hospitals. It’s the hospital. It’s the nursing home. It’s the community pharmacist. It’s the physician. It's the nurse practitioner. It’s the chiropractor. It’s the optometrist,” Moran said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLueGobCkWw&amp;t=14s" target="_blank">during a speech on the Senate floor</a>.

<a href="https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-op-ed-dont-cut-medicaid/" target="_blank">In an op-ed published by the New York Times</a>, Sen. Hawley said cutting Medicaid is “morally wrong and politically suicidal.”

“We should cap prescription drug costs, as I have recently proposed. We should give every family in America with children a hefty tax cut,” Hawley said. “What we should not do is eliminate their health care.”

Kansas Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly also released a statement speaking against Medicaid cuts.

“Significant cuts to the Medicaid program will directly affect Kansans across the state, regardless of their political views. These cuts would be particularly detrimental to our rural hospitals and providers,” Kelly said in a letter to Kansas congressional members.

“We must stand up against these changes to ensure the hundreds of thousands of Kansans covered under Medicaid can continue to receive quality, affordable care,” Kelly said.

Kansas speaker of the House, Republican Dan Hawkins,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/05/06/kansas-governor-pleads-with-congressional-delegation-to-fight-against-medicaid-cuts/" target="_blank">responded to Kelly’s letter</a>. Hawkins accused Kelly of fear mongering.

“For years, we have said that expanding Medicaid beyond those who truly need it will jeopardize the program and now here we are. Our country cannot continue spending money like drunken sailors,” said Hawkins.

“While Governor Kelly would like to turn Medicaid into taxpayer-funded coverage for anyone who wants it, that’s simply not sustainable,” Hawkins said.

Hawkins recently announced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/state/2025/05/13/dan-hawkins-is-first-candidate-to-file-for-insurance-commissioner/83600174007/" target="_blank">he’s running for state insurance commissioner</a>.

How might Kansans be impacted by Medicaid cuts?&nbsp;

Lawmakers are still debating how to come up with billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid. But estimates by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found as many as 7.6 million people could lose access to health insurance over the next 10 years.

<a href="https://reachhealth.org/2025/04/30/new-report-from-kansas-health-philanthropies-examines-how-federal-medicaid-cuts-impacts-kansas/" target="_blank">A study funded by the REACH Healthcare Foundation and the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund</a>&nbsp;analyzed what several proposed scenarios would look like for Kansas.

The study was conducted by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.manatt.com/health" target="_blank">Manatt Health</a>, a company that offers consulting and legal services focused on health care. It found Kansas could lose millions of dollars over the first year.

Cindy Mann, a partner at Manatt, said that’s subject to change as lawmakers continue to mark up the bill.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/05/17/medicaid-republicans-congress-trump/83627668007/" target="_blank">Currently, lawmakers are considering</a>&nbsp;things like restrictions to provider taxes, which states use to help pay their share of Medicaid, implementing work requirements and increased eligibility checks.

But Mann said regardless of how the cuts are made, it will be up to individual states to balance the budget and navigate how to make up for less federal funds.

Mann said historically, states target provider rates before cutting eligibility or benefits. But they also target the most costly Medicaid recipients, like people in nursing homes and long-term care.

“I don't think states are jumping to do those kinds of things, but faced with a budget hole and a requirement for a balanced budget … they're going to have to make changes that will produce some quick savings,” Mann said.

Mann said the restrictions lawmakers have proposed on provider taxes, if passed, would block states from being able to adjust provider tax rates, making it harder for states to keep up with inflation and rising costs. The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/19/gop-led-kansas-house-passes-budget-repeatedly-circling-back-to-dire-health-of-rural-hospitals/" target="_blank">Kansas Legislature voted to raise provider tax rates</a>&nbsp;from 3% to 6% last year, but that change hasn’t gone into effect yet.

Benjamin Anderson is president and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, a safety net hospital that serves a lot of rural patients.

“The potential cuts to the Medicaid system threaten not only the care to people who are covered by Medicaid but it threatens the entire health care delivery system,” he said.

Anderson said at Hutchinson Regional, they’re operating at a 1% profit margin and more than half of their patients are covered by Medicaid or Medicare.

His hospital isn’t alone — a lot of rural hospitals are facing similar situations.

According to the Center for Health Care Quality and Payment Reform, Kansas has&nbsp;<a href="https://chqpr.org/downloads/Rural_Hospitals_at_Risk_of_Closing.pdf" target="_blank">26 rural hospitals immediately at risk of closure</a>&nbsp;— more than in any other state.

Anderson, who identifies himself as a conservative Republican, said he’s worried about the nation’s debt. But in his view, cutting Medicaid isn’t the way to solve it.

“These cuts are best done with a scalpel and not a machete. And that requires precision and skill, thoughtfulness, preparation,” Anderson said.

Caitlin Linscheid is a practicing OBGYN in Kansas City with experience in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kancare.ks.gov/data-policy/boards-committees/mcac/-folder-132#docfold_1925_574_1299_132" target="_blank">Medicaid policy</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marchofdimes.org/peristats/data?reg=99&amp;top=11&amp;stop=154&amp;lev=1&amp;slev=4&amp;obj=1&amp;sreg=20" target="_blank">According to the March of Dimes</a>, KanCare, the state’s Medicaid program, covered 31.8% of births in 2023.

In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/27/kansas-expands-postpartum-medicaid-coverage-up-to-12-months/" target="_blank">the state expanded Medicaid to cover moms up to 12 months</a>&nbsp;after giving birth. Linscheid said one of her biggest concerns is that Medicaid cuts will cause the state to roll back progress like that.

She said in Kansas, most maternal deaths happen in the 12-month period after a woman gives birth. Linscheid said a lot of women are seeing doctors regularly for the first time during pregnancy and doctors diagnose things like diabetes or even cancer during those visits.

“I worry that if we lose Medicaid coverage during the postpartum period that many of those patients will lose the ability to get the ongoing care that they need to stay healthy,” she said.

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2024-06-27/kansas-medicaid-will-soon-cover-doulas-research-shows-they-reduce-birth-complications" target="_blank">Kansas also recently started covering doula care</a>&nbsp;for pregnant Medicaid recipients. Linscheid said she’s concerned benefits like that could end, too.

She said reduced funding would only add to Kansas’ shortage of birth workers and facilities.

“I worry that with any sort of Medicaid cuts, whether that's to maternity care or to women's health care, or to obstetrics, or just globally, that these smaller rural hospitals won't have the resources they need to maintain labor and delivery units,” Linscheid said.

Back in Lawrence, Miles is anxiously keeping an eye on the news and considering ways to prepare for if her husband loses coverage or access to assisted living.

She said her husband’s decades-long career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture provided a decent retirement fund, but the fees for his care quickly ate that up. And her job in medical billing did not have retirement benefits. Miles said if the Medicaid cuts impact Kirk, she’ll have to move him home.

Miles could be doubly impacted by Medicaid cuts. She's the legal guardian of her sister, and uses Medicaid to help pay for her living in a mental health facility.

“So I may be bringing my sister here as well. I won't be able to afford it. She certainly can't afford it,” Miles said. “The cost of the facilities are so expensive, so I may have both of them here with me.”

Bek Shackelford-Nwanganga reports on health care disparities and access for the Kansas News Service. You can email her at&nbsp;r.shackelford@kcur.org.

The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their connection to public policy.

Kansans on Medicaid, health care providers say federal funding cuts will hurt

The Salina Farm and Art Market (SF&amp;AM) had a strong showing of people for opening day of its 2025 season.&nbsp;

Despite concerns of the weather, the SF&amp;AM showed up and showed out with 22 vendors and live entertainment. Executive Director of the SF&amp;AM, Leslie Bishop commented that she was "thrilled" with the turnout of opening day.

"We could not be more thrilled with the turnout this morning", said Bishop. Lots of familiar faces, but many new faces showed up today and everyone here seems to be happy."

According to Bishop, there were about 5 to 6 new vendors who made an appearance on Saturday. A total of 32 vendors registered for the SF&amp;AM, with 11 of them being brand new to the market. Children can also join in on the fun with the "Kids zone," which is an addition to the market. 

Community organizations are invited as well, and the Smoky Hill River Festival will be at the market every Saturday (before Thursday, June 12th) selling entry wristbands for $15 and t-shirts ($15 for adults and $10 for children).

"We bring the coffee shop to you," says the Finches who are the owners of Free Bird Coffee Co. They are a mobile espresso cart based in Salina, with full service and custom flavored espresso based beverages. According to co-owner Elizabeth Finch, Free Bird not only serves at farmer's markets but weddings, baby showers, corporate events, employee/teacher appreciations, family reunions and much more.&nbsp;

Mrs. Finch's husband and co-owner, Samuel has been working in the coffee industry for over 10 years and both met at a coffee shop.&nbsp;

"Coffee is very much apart of our life and what we do, so we are very passionate about bringing good quality coffee into small private spaces," said Mrs. Finch.

Free Bird Coffee offers freshly roasted recipes before each event they show up to. For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freebirdcoffeeco.com/">https://www.freebirdcoffeeco.com/</a>

Third generation farmer, Anne Serrault brings 100% grass-fed, black angus beef to the SF&amp;AM. The Serrault Family Farm has a history going all way back to 1980, where Anne Serrault wanted to buy her grandmother's farm when she was 17. Anne's grandmother used to sell farm grown eggs in Salina and Anne is continuing her legacy with organic beef and eggs.

"I operate 600 acres of land, over 100 head of cattle, 30 head of goats and 100 chickens," said Serrault. This beef we sell is not the beef you get from big-packers at the stores and I truly believe everyone should buy directly from farmers. It keeps our dollars local and customers know exactly where their products are coming from, which then builds long-lasting relationships."

Serrault Family Farm also sells their products at Prairieland Market in Downtown Salina.

All other vendors that made an appearance were:

AJ Honey Farms, Bibliophiles Kitchen Cakes and things, Black Kettle Meals, Comfort Cravings, Haley's Eco Heaven, Home Fresh Baking (Robyn Shultz), Leo's Treats, Little Arrows, Mama's Freeze Dried Pantry, Rooted by Faith Designs, Salt &amp; Light Homestead, Sam's Baked Goods, Shroom Mates, Sizzlin' Seeds, Suru's Garden, The Refillery, Vail Family Farm and Wind River Farm.

The SF&amp;AM will be open and operated every Saturday from 7:30 am - 11:00 am. Saturday, October 18th will be the last for the 2025 season.

To apply on being a vendor at the market or for more information about the SF&amp;AM, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinadowntown.org/farmartmarket">https://www.salinadowntown.org/farmartmarket</a>

Strong showing of people for the Salina Farm and Art Market 2025 opening day

NAME:&nbsp;Anariba-Reyes, Shelby Rae

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;DUI; 2nd conv; comp. evidence of blood/breath .08+

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor; Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm; Robbery

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circumstance

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Gantenbein, Eli Vincent

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Criminal restraint; Domestic Battery: rude physical contact; Viol. protection order; Pre-trial order

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear (2 counts)

REQUESTED CHARGES: Probation Violation; Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;McEachern, Jobea Jeanel

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

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity; Traffic Control Signals

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity; Liquor; Purch/poss./consume 18-20 yrs; unkn. conv.

Saline County Jail Bookings, May 24

ABILENE - The Abilene &amp; Smoky Valley Railroad is proud to announce the official opening of the Iron Horse Trail, a 5-mile, crushed limestone trail connecting the historic communities of Abilene and Enterprise.

Phase 1, the Mary Jane Oard Section, of the trail opened in July 2023. Now, the opening ceremony for the full trail, phases 1-3, will take place on Saturday, May 31, at 11 a.m. at the trailhead in Enterprise, near the Hoffman Grist Mill. The public is invited to join in celebrating this major milestone in local outdoor recreation.

"A Trail with a Vision"&nbsp;The Iron Horse Trail runs adjacent to the Abilene &amp; Smoky Valley Railroad’s historic rail line, making it the only known rails-with-trails project in the Midwest. This scenic, 8-foot-wide path utilizes five miles of former Rock Island Railroad property owned in fee simple by the ASVRR, offering a unique recreation experience in the heart of Kansas.

The Trail features,&nbsp;5 miles of crushed limestone surface, connections from Abilene to Enterprise, scenic routes alongside a working tourist railroad, complete with historic bridges and stunning Kansas landscapes

The Iron Horse Trail is the result of five years of planning, collaboration, and hard work by local leaders, volunteers, and community partners, including the Abilene &amp; Smoky Valley Railroad, Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau, Community Foundation of Dickinson County, Quality of Life Coalition, and many others.

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