By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina Post

The founders of the Kansas Storytelling Festival in Downs, Kansas, could not have imagined its growth throughout the last 30 years. What started with a few orators in a tiny gazebo has evolved into a multi-venue event with hundreds of attendees.

Over two days, the festival adds another 300 people to Downs' population count of 800, with visitors and storytellers gathering from across the United States to hear stories ranging from fictional tall tales to mysterious local legends.

"Happy, sad, a lot of tall tales, maybe some embellishing of stories going on," said Storytelling Festival Steering Committee member Brenda Guiterrez. "It's the range of emotions and lots of laughter throughout the day."

The 30th Kansas Storytelling Festival kicked off its two days of narrations at the Downs Memorial Hall with storyteller <a href="https://www.leppstorytelling.com/">Bil Lepp</a> from South Charleston, West Virginia, and his comedy-fueled tall tales from his childhood.

Lepp took the stage with just a microphone and a backdrop of locally sewn quilts to help with the echoes inside Memorial Hall. He began telling the story of a young boy named Wallace who caused some mayhem at his elementary school in West Virginia.

"Almost all of my stories are based a little bit on something that I did or somebody I know," Lepp said. "I just take a little thing that happened to me somewhere along the way and&nbsp;just&nbsp;start asking myself, 'What if, what if, what if?' and it just grows into a story."

Lepp said he travels nationwide to tell stories at festivals and enjoys watching the audience absorb and react to his tales.

"A lot of artists never get to see their audience enjoy their art," Lepp said. "A painter, journalist, or a movie director, they don't always get to watch people, but I can stand on stage... to see the people react to it, and that's my favorite part."

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/468bc8ee-a938-49e5-aa9d-286e2f02e11d">AJ Honey Farms — leading local beekeepers toward success</a>

Five featured storytellers from across the United States visited Downs for the festival this year, including Lepp, <a href="https://andyirwin.com/">Andy Offutt Irwin</a>, <a href="https://www.kimweitkamp.com/">Kim Weitkamp Gum</a>, Anne Rutherford and <a href="http://dinoodell.com/">Dino O' Dell</a>.

Alongside the featured tellers, 13 more orators and Master Storytellers joined the festival, voicing tall tales on four different stages in downtown Downs.

"It's [The Kansas Storytelling Festival] grown to four venues," Guiterrez said. "We have Memorial Hall, our Senior Center, our Historic [Train] Depot  and one of our church fellowship halls."

Guiterrez said that artists switched venues every hour throughout the day so audiences could follow their favorite artists around town or stay in one location to see several performers.

The Kansas Storytelling Festival is unique to Lepp, and he noted the focus on the local community and the support he sees from the region's residents.

"It's a&nbsp;really&nbsp;neat festival, and we go to lots and lots of festivals in lots of small towns, but this one is probably the smallest town," Lepp said. "So many people come out to this festival, and people come from all over the country to come to this festival. There aren't enough motels in this area to house everybody who comes to this festival, which I think is great."

Downtown Downs' parking spaces were filled with visitors for the festival, muffling the sound of passing trains that flow across Morgan Avenue with laughter, gasps of surprise and the continuous murmur of voices telling tales of both faraway places and hometown backyards.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715299313337.jpeg" alt="The Kansas Storytelling Festival kicked off inside the Downs Memorial Hall with storyteller Bil Lepp telling the story of a mischievous young classmate who caused some mayhem at his elementary school as a child in Downs, Kansas, on Friday, April 26. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas Storytelling Festival kicked off inside the Downs Memorial Hall with storyteller Bil Lepp telling the story of a mischievous young classmate who caused some mayhem at his elementary school as a child in Downs, Kansas, on Friday, April 26. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostThe founders of the Kansas Storytelling Festival in Downs, Kansas, could not have imagined its growth throughout the last 30 years. What started with a few orators in a tiny gazebo has evolved into a multi-venue event with hundreds of attendees.Over two days, the festival adds another 300 people to Downs' population count of 800, with visitors and storytellers gathering from across the United States to hear stories ranging from fictional tall tales to mysterious local legends.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715299493621.jpeg" alt="Storyteller Bil Lepp tells a fictional tale from his childhood about a mischievous boy named Wallace on Friday, April 26, at the Kansas Storytelling Festival in Downs, Kansas. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Storyteller Bil Lepp tells a fictional tale from his childhood about a mischievous boy named Wallace on Friday, April 26, at the Kansas Storytelling Festival in Downs, Kansas. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"Happy, sad, a lot of tall tales, maybe some embellishing of stories going on," said Storytelling Festival Steering Committee member Brenda Guiterrez. "It's the range of emotions and lots of laughter throughout the day."The 30th Kansas Storytelling Festival kicked off its two days of narrations at the Downs Memorial Hall with storyteller <a href="https://www.leppstorytelling.com/">Bil Lepp</a> from South Charleston, West Virginia, and his comedy-fueled tall tales from his childhood.Lepp took the stage with just a microphone and a backdrop of locally sewn quilts to help with the echoes inside Memorial Hall. He began telling the story of a young boy named Wallace who caused some mayhem at his elementary school in West Virginia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715299697468.jpeg" alt="Locally-sewn quilts dressed the walls of the Downs Memorial Hall to dampen the echoes while storytellers narrate tales on Friday, April 26, at the Kansas Storytelling Festival in Downs, Kansas. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Locally-sewn quilts dressed the walls of the Downs Memorial Hall to dampen the echoes while storytellers narrate tales on Friday, April 26, at the Kansas Storytelling Festival in Downs, Kansas. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"Almost all of my stories are based a little bit on something that I did or somebody I know," Lepp said. "I just take a little thing that happened to me somewhere along the way and&nbsp;just&nbsp;start asking myself, 'What if, what if, what if?' and it just grows into a story."Lepp said he travels nationwide to tell stories at festivals and enjoys watching the audience absorb and react to his tales."A lot of artists never get to see their audience enjoy their art," Lepp said. "A painter, journalist, or a movie director, they don't always get to watch people, but I can stand on stage... to see the people react to it, and that's my favorite part."READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/468bc8ee-a938-49e5-aa9d-286e2f02e11d">AJ Honey Farms — leading local beekeepers toward success</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715299576887.jpeg" alt="Storyteller Bil Lepp narrates the fictional tale of his childhood classmate on Friday, April 26, at the Kansas Storytelling Festival in Downs, Kansas. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Storyteller Bil Lepp narrates the fictional tale of his childhood classmate on Friday, April 26, at the Kansas Storytelling Festival in Downs, Kansas. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Five featured storytellers from across the United States visited Downs for the festival this year, including Lepp, <a href="https://andyirwin.com/">Andy Offutt Irwin</a>, <a href="https://www.kimweitkamp.com/">Kim Weitkamp Gum</a>, Anne Rutherford and <a href="http://dinoodell.com/">Dino O' Dell</a>.Alongside the featured tellers, 13 more orators and Master Storytellers joined the festival, voicing tall tales on four different stages in downtown Downs."It's [The Kansas Storytelling Festival] grown to four venues," Guiterrez said. "We have Memorial Hall, our Senior Center, our Historic [Train] Depot and one of our church fellowship halls."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715299779917.jpeg" alt="The Historic Train Depot was one of four venues around town for the Kansas Storytelling Festival on Friday, April 26, in Downs, Kansas. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The Historic Train Depot was one of four venues around town for the Kansas Storytelling Festival on Friday, April 26, in Downs, Kansas. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Guiterrez said that artists switched venues every hour throughout the day so audiences could follow their favorite artists around town or stay in one location to see several performers.The Kansas Storytelling Festival is unique to Lepp, and he noted the focus on the local community and the support he sees from the region's residents."It's a&nbsp;really&nbsp;neat festival, and we go to lots and lots of festivals in lots of small towns, but this one is probably the smallest town," Lepp said. "So many people come out to this festival, and people come from all over the country to come to this festival. There aren't enough motels in this area to house everybody who comes to this festival, which I think is great."Downtown Downs' parking spaces were filled with visitors for the festival, muffling the sound of passing trains that flow across Morgan Avenue with laughter, gasps of surprise and the continuous murmur of voices telling tales of both faraway places and hometown backyards.

Kansas Storytelling Festival fills downtown Downs with tall tales

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714081171627.png" alt="Proud Sponsors of The Coach O' Show" />
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The Coach O' Show

The Granny Brigade will host an informational meeting discussing the topic of Medicaid expansion on May 21, doors open at 5 45 p.m. at Knights of Columbus, 115 N. 10th Street, in Salina.&nbsp;

Event guest speakers include the Speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives, Daniel Hawkins.&nbsp;

Americans for Prosperity will be providing a buffet at 6:00 p.m. Event organizers ask to please reserve your spot before May 17.&nbsp;

Reservations can be sent to grmai62@cox.net or 785-577-5918

This event is open to the public and is not a "Republicans only" event. All residents, regardless of political party, are welcome to attend.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686241220831.png" alt="Granny Brigade" />
 <figcaption>Granny Brigade</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Granny Brigade will host an informational meeting discussing the topic of Medicaid expansion on May 21, doors open at 5 45 p.m. at Knights of Columbus, 115 N. 10th Street, in Salina.&nbsp;Event guest speakers include the Speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives, Daniel Hawkins.&nbsp;Americans for Prosperity will be providing a buffet at 6:00 p.m. Event organizers ask to please reserve your spot before May 17.&nbsp;Reservations can be sent to grmai62@cox.net or 785-577-5918This event is open to the public and is not a "Republicans only" event. All residents, regardless of political party, are welcome to attend.&nbsp;

Salina's 'Granny Brigade' monthly meeting to discuss Medicaid expansion

Only three out of 100 Americans donate blood. The American Red Cross&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a9816e&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDM&amp;s=shEXbEqThy6VznEyGnRiD_nnZZyYrZL3IdS4rkXHopI">needs your help</a>&nbsp;to change this statistic. If you or someone you know has never given blood,&nbsp;now’s&nbsp;the time to spring&nbsp;into action.

As thanks for embracing the spirit of spring,&nbsp;you’ll&nbsp;get automatic entry for a chance to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98171&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDM&amp;s=vRYefFOBTPqtxT2u0e9resAiVgKmsK3y28PX_43mRas">win a trip for two and&nbsp;VIP&nbsp;experience to the&nbsp;2024 NASCAR&nbsp;Cup Series&nbsp;and&nbsp;Xfinity Races at&nbsp;Darlington Raceway</a>&nbsp;when you race in to&nbsp;give blood by&nbsp;May 19.

The package includes flights,&nbsp;three-night&nbsp;hotel stay, entry to the&nbsp;Sport Clips&nbsp;racetrack hospitality tent and a $1,000 gift card. Plus, when you come to give by May&nbsp;31&nbsp;you'll&nbsp;also receive a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98172&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDM&amp;s=X-WL_GFJrnBEtX1vI9S0nTxE9-COJYP_ZgiEFBuZYPs">coupon for a free haircut by email,</a>&nbsp;thanks to&nbsp;Sport Clips Haircuts.

<a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98173&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDMmcDE9U2FsaW5hS1M&amp;s=ww5URUKJwmmA5EDg5UxsBNd-UehTZv8QbpEea0B7eYQ">AM RED CROSS FS SALINA</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98174&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDMmcDE9U2FsaW5hS1M&amp;s=S93CN9XDJzJzo-OfLfRNEWWCCaOh277ySJ1VIIaD2wM">120 W. Prescott,&nbsp;Salina, KS</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98174&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDMmcDE9U2FsaW5hS1M&amp;s=S93CN9XDJzJzo-OfLfRNEWWCCaOh277ySJ1VIIaD2wM">Various days and&nbsp;times&nbsp;available.</a> Sponsor Code:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98175&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDMmcDE9U2FsaW5hS1M&amp;s=kM_QqgYWRSiU9StseD9kVA9cAT-2CL13rnLFxpbkwt0">SalinaKS</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98175&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDMmcDE9U2FsaW5hS1M&amp;s=kM_QqgYWRSiU9StseD9kVA9cAT-2CL13rnLFxpbkwt0"></a> <a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98176&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDMmcDE9dG9ueXNwaXp6YQ&amp;s=4HfoocZEshynfoYkw6r2zXjWTUt0Vv0MGMyiPVIUZ4Q">Tonys Pizza Service</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98267&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDMmcDE9dG9ueXNwaXp6YQ&amp;s=WbT0Dkt6pW3or7EgZ7b7I01R76NRTqejWmv2V2qlDoY">3123 Centennial Road,&nbsp;Salina, KS</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98267&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDMmcDE9dG9ueXNwaXp6YQ&amp;s=WbT0Dkt6pW3or7EgZ7b7I01R76NRTqejWmv2V2qlDoY">Thursday, May 16, 2024</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98267&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDMmcDE9dG9ueXNwaXp6YQ&amp;s=WbT0Dkt6pW3or7EgZ7b7I01R76NRTqejWmv2V2qlDoY">8:30 AM to 2:30 PM</a> Sponsor Code:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98268&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDMmcDE9dG9ueXNwaXp6YQ&amp;s=KOGmC1D4l_ex4MRQCEzvnOuzpfiEn9UhdFd8SWEuDy4">tonyspizza</a>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Kn4KoCm4i6k?si=WILWoT7ZsLFmV3tF" 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 SALINA POSTOnly three out of 100 Americans donate blood. The American Red Cross&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a9816e&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDM&amp;s=shEXbEqThy6VznEyGnRiD_nnZZyYrZL3IdS4rkXHopI">needs your help</a>&nbsp;to change this statistic. If you or someone you know has never given blood,&nbsp;now’s&nbsp;the time to spring&nbsp;into action.As thanks for embracing the spirit of spring,&nbsp;you’ll&nbsp;get automatic entry for a chance to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98171&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDM&amp;s=vRYefFOBTPqtxT2u0e9resAiVgKmsK3y28PX_43mRas">win a trip for two and&nbsp;VIP&nbsp;experience to the&nbsp;2024 NASCAR&nbsp;Cup Series&nbsp;and&nbsp;Xfinity Races at&nbsp;Darlington Raceway</a>&nbsp;when you race in to&nbsp;give blood by&nbsp;May 19.The package includes flights,&nbsp;three-night&nbsp;hotel stay, entry to the&nbsp;Sport Clips&nbsp;racetrack hospitality tent and a $1,000 gift card. Plus, when you come to give by May&nbsp;31&nbsp;you'll&nbsp;also receive a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98172&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDM&amp;s=X-WL_GFJrnBEtX1vI9S0nTxE9-COJYP_ZgiEFBuZYPs">coupon for a free haircut by email,</a>&nbsp;thanks to&nbsp;Sport Clips Haircuts.<h2>Upcoming opportunities to give blood:</h2><a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98173&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDMmcDE9U2FsaW5hS1M&amp;s=ww5URUKJwmmA5EDg5UxsBNd-UehTZv8QbpEea0B7eYQ">AM RED CROSS FS SALINA</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98174&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDMmcDE9U2FsaW5hS1M&amp;s=S93CN9XDJzJzo-OfLfRNEWWCCaOh277ySJ1VIIaD2wM">120 W. Prescott,&nbsp;Salina, KS</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98174&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDMmcDE9U2FsaW5hS1M&amp;s=S93CN9XDJzJzo-OfLfRNEWWCCaOh277ySJ1VIIaD2wM">Various days and&nbsp;times&nbsp;available.</a> Sponsor Code:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98175&amp;e=JTI0d2ViX29ubHk9dHJ1ZSZtZWQ9ZW1haWwmc291cmNlPWJpb2Fkb2JlJmNhbXBkZXNjPUVNX0JIUV9NT19XQl9BQk9fRG9ub3JzTmVlZGVkX1NDTkFTMTBHQ19UU1RfTkExX0FDVFJTXzA1MDkyNCZjaWQ9NzY3MTk2MzQ0JmRpZD1QUkRETTUxNTk0MyZiaWQ9ODEyMjIyODY1JnN1Ymo9V2UlMjdyZSUyMEluJTIwTmVlZCUyME9mJTIwWW91ciUyMEhlbHAmcHJ0eT1ub3JtYWwmbmF0PXJlY3J1aXRtZW50JnByb2Q9d2hvbGVibG9vZCZzZW5kZXI9QW1lcmljYW4lMjBSZWQlMjBDcm9zcyZkZWx2SWQ9NzcwNjkxMDM4JiUyNHdlYl9vbmx5PXRydWUmfmNhbXBhaWduPUVNX0JIUV9NT19XQl9BQk9fRG9ub3JzTmVlZGVkX1NDTkFTMTBHQ19UU1RfTkExX0FDVFJTXzA1MDkyNCZ-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDMmcDE9U2FsaW5hS1M&amp;s=kM_QqgYWRSiU9StseD9kVA9cAT-2CL13rnLFxpbkwt0">SalinaKS</a><a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98175&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDMmcDE9U2FsaW5hS1M&amp;s=kM_QqgYWRSiU9StseD9kVA9cAT-2CL13rnLFxpbkwt0"></a> <a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98176&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDMmcDE9dG9ueXNwaXp6YQ&amp;s=4HfoocZEshynfoYkw6r2zXjWTUt0Vv0MGMyiPVIUZ4Q">Tonys Pizza Service</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98267&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDMmcDE9dG9ueXNwaXp6YQ&amp;s=WbT0Dkt6pW3or7EgZ7b7I01R76NRTqejWmv2V2qlDoY">3123 Centennial Road,&nbsp;Salina, KS</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98267&amp;e=JTI0d2ViX29ubHk9dHJ1ZSZtZWQ9ZW1haWwmc291cmNlPWJpb2Fkb2JlJmNhbXBkZXNjPUVNX0JIUV9NT19XQl9BQk9fRG9ub3JzTmVlZGVkX1NDTkFTMTBHQ19UU1RfTkExX0FDVFJTXzA1MDkyNCZjaWQ9NzY3MTk2MzQ0JmRpZD1QUkRETTUxNTk0MyZiaWQ9ODEyMjIyODY1JnN1Ymo9V2UlMjdyZSUyMEluJTIwTmVlZCUyME9mJTIwWW91ciUyMEhlbHAmcHJ0eT1ub3JtYWwmbmF0PXJlY3J1aXRtZW50JnByb2Q9d2hvbGVibG9vZCZzZW5kZXI9QW1lcmljYW4lMjBSZWQlMjBDcm9zcyZkZWx2SWQ9NzcwNjkxMDM4JiUyNHdlYl9vbmx5PXRydWUmfmNhbXBhaWduPUVNX0JIUV9NT19XQl9BQk9fRG9ub3JzTmVlZGVkX1NDTkFTMTBHQ19UU1RfTkExX0FDVFJTXzA1MDkyNCZ-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDMmcDE9dG9ueXNwaXp6YQ&amp;s=WbT0Dkt6pW3or7EgZ7b7I01R76NRTqejWmv2V2qlDoY">Thursday, May 16, 2024</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98267&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDMmcDE9dG9ueXNwaXp6YQ&amp;s=WbT0Dkt6pW3or7EgZ7b7I01R76NRTqejWmv2V2qlDoY">8:30 AM to 2:30 PM</a> Sponsor Code:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30698991,2defcfde,16a98268&amp;e=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-dGFncz04MTIyMjI4NjU6UFJERE01MTU5NDMmcDE9dG9ueXNwaXp6YQ&amp;s=KOGmC1D4l_ex4MRQCEzvnOuzpfiEn9UhdFd8SWEuDy4">tonyspizza</a>

Upcoming blood donation dates, why it is important – and who benefits

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) announces several changes to its Board of Directors following its annual meeting on May 9.

Brittni K. Oehmke, Hanover, is the CEO of Hanover Hospital and has been elected to a four-year term Rick D. Baden, Olathe, is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Watco Companies, LLC. and has been re-elected to a second four-year term. Amanda D. Huelskamp, Andover, is Senior HRBP Enterprise Initiatives for VSE Corp and has been re-elected to a second four-year term &nbsp;Gregory V. Binns, Hutchinson, is retired from First National Bank of Hutchinson and has been re-elected to a third four-year term Megan L. Jones, Topeka, is Founder and President of the Jones Advisory Group and has been re-elected to a third four-year term.

Rick C. Jackson, Topeka, was elected to a one-year term as chair of the Board of Directors. He is the Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of Capitol Federal Savings and joined the Board in 2015 Megan L. Jones, Topeka, was elected to a one-year term as Vice Chair. She joined the Board in 2016.

Other members of the board are&nbsp;Matthew D. All, Topeka;&nbsp;Dr. James H. Gilbaugh, Wichita;&nbsp;Leonard R. Hernandez, El Dorado;&nbsp;James A. Klausman, Topeka;&nbsp;Garrett T. Love, Montezuma;&nbsp;Jena&nbsp;K. Lysen, Wichita;&nbsp;Jeff D. Mullen, Wichita;&nbsp;Jeffrey R. Thompson, Salina; and&nbsp;Dr. Angela N. Wilson, Lawrence.

Complete bios can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.pu1PjLGucI6hh7k-2FsTE-2FtgI7lhWIwo9E-2FCzlcQr1sU67MTyKDnQM2iQGav8jfzbjzoWoj7tJR2p-2Fmfu9-2BINS6Q-3D-3DRPMF_IvIwffF0vyXZB-2BDobl6v3t0-2FogTUNFMh2Yjod3HyUO6KzARFx8ZO19Pe0s3gIh6m-2FaFulms5a24K7cFREIJ4i1Mz-2BWjEMbgxAxYRu2kyDolyO2rYdf-2FwZiqjBg-2BWTZZ2cI9gAhO0LjgKR9Orw5WNU12XSgch2ERikLaTYqfYHegqctwRjyQ2NHJD8kCGlTBpYXHSvqeI-2FVFlXTaEMKf3b7IFkpQWBbe08mHC6bEKx0IXpWq1yMge6b9x2cBM8v1lXi2TaFRB16uFXZTnuB90MhSDDvn8d7btN30z1ACV7bqXajta4ElbKPbh-2F3ut-2F9yyhW9OLOsx3dkPMRWktia-2Bnd5kbHvBiHMrKESo6749HdcRK4HWyirDWQfo4mJci-2BXllPezK4-2Fr-2BTVqfK8Fzyaa-2BA-3D-3D" target="_blank">bcbsks.com/Governance.</a>

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597338317192.png" alt="blue cross blue shield kansas.png" />
 <figcaption>blue cross blue shield kansas.png</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) announces several changes to its Board of Directors following its annual meeting on May 9.<h2>New Term Elections</h2>Brittni K. Oehmke, Hanover, is the CEO of Hanover Hospital and has been elected to a four-year term Rick D. Baden, Olathe, is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Watco Companies, LLC. and has been re-elected to a second four-year term. Amanda D. Huelskamp, Andover, is Senior HRBP Enterprise Initiatives for VSE Corp and has been re-elected to a second four-year term &nbsp;Gregory V. Binns, Hutchinson, is retired from First National Bank of Hutchinson and has been re-elected to a third four-year term Megan L. Jones, Topeka, is Founder and President of the Jones Advisory Group and has been re-elected to a third four-year term.<h2>Officer Changes</h2>Rick C. Jackson, Topeka, was elected to a one-year term as chair of the Board of Directors. He is the Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of Capitol Federal Savings and joined the Board in 2015 Megan L. Jones, Topeka, was elected to a one-year term as Vice Chair. She joined the Board in 2016.Other members of the board are&nbsp;Matthew D. All, Topeka;&nbsp;Dr. James H. Gilbaugh, Wichita;&nbsp;Leonard R. Hernandez, El Dorado;&nbsp;James A. Klausman, Topeka;&nbsp;Garrett T. Love, Montezuma;&nbsp;Jena&nbsp;K. Lysen, Wichita;&nbsp;Jeff D. Mullen, Wichita;&nbsp;Jeffrey R. Thompson, Salina; and&nbsp;Dr. Angela N. Wilson, Lawrence.Complete bios can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.pu1PjLGucI6hh7k-2FsTE-2FtgI7lhWIwo9E-2FCzlcQr1sU67MTyKDnQM2iQGav8jfzbjzoWoj7tJR2p-2Fmfu9-2BINS6Q-3D-3DRPMF_IvIwffF0vyXZB-2BDobl6v3t0-2FogTUNFMh2Yjod3HyUO6KzARFx8ZO19Pe0s3gIh6m-2FaFulms5a24K7cFREIJ4i1Mz-2BWjEMbgxAxYRu2kyDolyO2rYdf-2FwZiqjBg-2BWTZZ2cI9gAhO0LjgKR9Orw5WNU12XSgch2ERikLaTYqfYHegqctwRjyQ2NHJD8kCGlTBpYXHSvqeI-2FVFlXTaEMKf3b7IFkpQWBbe08mHC6bEKx0IXpWq1yMge6b9x2cBM8v1lXi2TaFRB16uFXZTnuB90MhSDDvn8d7btN30z1ACV7bqXajta4ElbKPbh-2F3ut-2F9yyhW9OLOsx3dkPMRWktia-2Bnd5kbHvBiHMrKESo6749HdcRK4HWyirDWQfo4mJci-2BXllPezK4-2Fr-2BTVqfK8Fzyaa-2BA-3D-3D" target="_blank">bcbsks.com/Governance.</a>

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas makes changes to board of directors

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina has been recognized as a Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) Growth Award Winner for program excellence in 2023. 

Every year, BBBS agencies are recognized by BBBSA Nationwide Leadership Council, made up of local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency leaders and board members, for excellence in the organization’s signature 1-to-1 youth mentoring program. 

Out of more than 230 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina is one of 100 organizations to receive this top honor.

The Growth Award recognizes agencies that have demonstrated growth in the number of (“Bigs”) and youth (“Littles”) who are matched through the program, year over year. In the past year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina has served 206 youth and grown its local services by 36% percent.

“I am so proud of our staff for making quality programming a priority for our local children,” said Amanda Otto, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina. “Their hard work equates to more mentorship in our community and a brighter future for area youth.”

For over 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been dedicated to advancing equity, impact, and growth across the organization, making a lasting impact on the lives of young people. Today, the organization creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships, helping build self-confidence and emotional well-being and empowering young people on a path to graduate with a plan for their futures and a mentor whose impact can last a lifetime.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina’s commitment to creating and fostering positive mentoring relationships is a testament to the individuals within their organization. Through a shared dedication to meeting the needs of youth in their communities, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina continues to empower young people to reach their full potential. We are proud to recognize the agency for its excellence in building brighter futures and championing new possibilities.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715281011225.png" alt="The agency is recognized for outstanding team leadership in providing 1-to-1 mentoring programming for local youth." />
 <figcaption>The agency is recognized for outstanding team leadership in providing 1-to-1 mentoring programming for local youth.</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTBig Brothers Big Sisters of Salina has been recognized as a Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) Growth Award Winner for program excellence in 2023. Every year, BBBS agencies are recognized by BBBSA Nationwide Leadership Council, made up of local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency leaders and board members, for excellence in the organization’s signature 1-to-1 youth mentoring program. Out of more than 230 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina is one of 100 organizations to receive this top honor.The Growth Award recognizes agencies that have demonstrated growth in the number of (“Bigs”) and youth (“Littles”) who are matched through the program, year over year. In the past year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina has served 206 youth and grown its local services by 36% percent.“I am so proud of our staff for making quality programming a priority for our local children,” said Amanda Otto, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina. “Their hard work equates to more mentorship in our community and a brighter future for area youth.”For over 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been dedicated to advancing equity, impact, and growth across the organization, making a lasting impact on the lives of young people. Today, the organization creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships, helping build self-confidence and emotional well-being and empowering young people on a path to graduate with a plan for their futures and a mentor whose impact can last a lifetime.“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina’s commitment to creating and fostering positive mentoring relationships is a testament to the individuals within their organization. Through a shared dedication to meeting the needs of youth in their communities, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina continues to empower young people to reach their full potential. We are proud to recognize the agency for its excellence in building brighter futures and championing new possibilities.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina honored with 2023 Big BBBS Growth Award

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 46. North northwest wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Friday Sunny, with a high near 76. Northwest wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 48. West northwest wind 6 to 10 mph. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 81. West wind 5 to 9 mph. Saturday Night A 20% chance of rain and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Sunday A 50% chance of rain and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Sunday Night Rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 56. The chance of precipitation is 70%.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715280800440.png" alt="Four Day Weather Outlook" />
 <figcaption>Four Day Weather Outlook</figcaption>
 </figure>NWS WICHITATonight Mostly clear, with a low around 46. North northwest wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Friday Sunny, with a high near 76. Northwest wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 48. West northwest wind 6 to 10 mph. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 81. West wind 5 to 9 mph. Saturday Night A 20% chance of rain and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Sunday A 50% chance of rain and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Sunday Night Rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 56. The chance of precipitation is 70%.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NWS-Wichita four day weather forecast, weekend storms possible

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/758f6121-57e2-4310-9f1a-1bac7a6df3c9">By NICK GOSNELL</a> Hutch Post HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann talked to Hutch Post Wednesday afternoon after he spoke Wednesday morning about the Farm Bill on the House Floor again and he really does see movement now.

"It's been very frustrating," Mann said. "I went to the floor for the 27th time, calling on Congress to pass a five-year Farm Bill. It's been delayed. It's been very frustrating, but, what's going to happen is, on the House side, the text has been drafted, it's going to be released here in the next few days. Later this month, we'll have a markup at committee, which means that committee will go through it, we'll consider it, we'll vote on it, vote on the amendments that come up and then pass it on to the House floor. It looks like we're finally starting to make some progress on the Farm Bill."

If current schedules hold, that markup is scheduled for May 23.

"It's important that we get a fiscally responsible Farm Bill," Mann said. "Within that, top priorities for me are crop insurance, trade and research, as well as oversight. Specifically, on crop insurance, and we've talked about this over the last few months, crop insurance is such an important risk management tool for our ag producers and a very successful public private partnership. There will be efforts to weaken, diminish, chip away at crop insurance. I think we need to be strengthening it, fortifying it and making it better. That will be a big priority, also, on trade, when you talk about a fiscally responsible Farm Bill, if you look at the dollars, as a nation, that we spend, in promoting trade and opening up other markets overseas, it's an incredibly high return on that investment. That warrants further investment to make sure that we have robust international markets for ag products, those are going to be big focuses for me at the markup here in a couple weeks."

The extension of the current Farm Bill expires Sept. 30.

Below is a podcast of Mann's interview with Nick Gosnell.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713283946373.jpeg" alt="Tracey Mann Farm Bill April 15, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Tracey Mann Farm Bill April 15, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/758f6121-57e2-4310-9f1a-1bac7a6df3c9">By NICK GOSNELL</a> Hutch Post HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann talked to Hutch Post Wednesday afternoon after he spoke Wednesday morning about the Farm Bill on the House Floor again and he really does see movement now."It's been very frustrating," Mann said. "I went to the floor for the 27th time, calling on Congress to pass a five-year Farm Bill. It's been delayed. It's been very frustrating, but, what's going to happen is, on the House side, the text has been drafted, it's going to be released here in the next few days. Later this month, we'll have a markup at committee, which means that committee will go through it, we'll consider it, we'll vote on it, vote on the amendments that come up and then pass it on to the House floor. It looks like we're finally starting to make some progress on the Farm Bill."If current schedules hold, that markup is scheduled for May 23."It's important that we get a fiscally responsible Farm Bill," Mann said. "Within that, top priorities for me are crop insurance, trade and research, as well as oversight. Specifically, on crop insurance, and we've talked about this over the last few months, crop insurance is such an important risk management tool for our ag producers and a very successful public private partnership. There will be efforts to weaken, diminish, chip away at crop insurance. I think we need to be strengthening it, fortifying it and making it better. That will be a big priority, also, on trade, when you talk about a fiscally responsible Farm Bill, if you look at the dollars, as a nation, that we spend, in promoting trade and opening up other markets overseas, it's an incredibly high return on that investment. That warrants further investment to make sure that we have robust international markets for ag products, those are going to be big focuses for me at the markup here in a couple weeks."The extension of the current Farm Bill expires Sept. 30.Below is a podcast of Mann's interview with Nick Gosnell.<div><iframe title="Congressman Tracey Mann" 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=47scb-1608d23-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Mann: Farm Bill markup 'in a couple weeks'

Salina Central Mustangs Theatre brought home the win for Outstanding Overall Production and Outstanding Ensemble/Chorus for what is described as a "stellar four-minute performance" of Newsies! at the Jester Awards Show in Wichita on Sunday, May 5. 

Outstanding Overall Production is the highest award given.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715271104867.jpeg" alt="Salina Central Mustangs Theatre was nominated for 15 Jester Awards from Music Theatre of Wichita and 20 total Regional Honors for its production of&nbsp;Newsies!Images courtesy Central Theatre" />
 <figcaption>Salina Central Mustangs Theatre was nominated for 15 Jester Awards from Music Theatre of Wichita and 20 total Regional Honors for its production of&nbsp;Newsies!Images courtesy Central Theatre</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTSalina Central Mustangs Theatre brought home the win for Outstanding Overall Production and Outstanding Ensemble/Chorus for what is described as a "stellar four-minute performance" of Newsies! at the Jester Awards Show in Wichita on Sunday, May 5. Outstanding Overall Production is the highest award given.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715271183442.jpeg" alt="Images courtesy Central Theatre " />
 <figcaption>Images courtesy Central Theatre </figcaption>
 </figure>

Salina Central Mustangs Theatre brings home top award at Jester Awards

The Saline County Commission welcomes the community's active participation in shaping the 2025 Budget. The Commission encourages residents to review the&nbsp;Budget Expenditure Requests&nbsp;and provide feedback.&nbsp;

It should be noted that there will be a public budget hearing in August; however public input received this month will make the biggest impact.&nbsp;

The Saline County Commission is dedicated to transparency and inclusive community participation. Staff and elected officials look forward to your insightful contributions and active involvement.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/bf9894f1-fd8e-4492-a20f-513ff93d772d">Four antique Harley Davidsons stolen from Gypsum buildings, fifth found in pieces</a>

<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>SubmittedThe Saline County Commission welcomes the community's active participation in shaping the 2025 Budget. The Commission encourages residents to review the&nbsp;Budget Expenditure Requests&nbsp;and provide feedback.&nbsp;Let's Talk:<ul>
 <li>Review:&nbsp;Access the&nbsp;Budget documents online within the&nbsp;<a href="https://vktowebbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ZetDtLdeSv3uXYEIahyFG4uQCy3w9HeJYrjfQCulKPuVWVilAewk2V5mo-_nmuQvOFWL8SpLiFRZ351Yrib3PtUs5uxCtf5Mv21C921YzYu2TWecG8CWmAvdfPO3FpsHFg6uAHPcKbjXoJJFfTU1ld4KJLz92MyzVvaNu74VEYw-A5FH5OQqUNtFOhtmmqUVpXZVn6ggayqw-y9FG9jIvVTVVgkjqwcq7E7qzwm1fVIVZdTs3NcNX91HNx7YKvQreb9-cXZpUQOmIY1YD8AH8R92feljXp6HkDp6SclTh-Gob_tP6Oxi2N_DpK1jKi8hLbIaLgIVMwr40p-GT-8JHw==&amp;c=52Hz4OceuYV5yFXkGCm2e63wFQ3VfS1oFw3QowNG1nfv-uL73Ft0wA==&amp;ch=eBWonCLqbwLeVSM27wCVpsdWOeuXalzoegyltWn0dQNX9P26e9BZAw==" target="_blank">Saline County Commission Agenda&nbsp;</a>to gain a comprehensive understanding of what is being requested.</li><li>Watch:&nbsp;Tune in to our Commission Meetings live each Tuesday in May on our&nbsp;<a href="https://vktowebbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ZetDtLdeSv3uXYEIahyFG4uQCy3w9HeJYrjfQCulKPuVWVilAewk2V5mo-_nmuQvEK2E_KVlmtezoBNqvWbBrUCXgIDoa-aKbP8v75Joc_pOPw-IS1WfWvf5HIUB3M-3JWf7YmRUcBp5gMav538ZYZo2MgnHGonSoVKYhlXjQZzxcg3_F2eWRTGdg6g3BgA-J2bvT3KGjNzbHTpBkqVrSQ==&amp;c=52Hz4OceuYV5yFXkGCm2e63wFQ3VfS1oFw3QowNG1nfv-uL73Ft0wA==&amp;ch=eBWonCLqbwLeVSM27wCVpsdWOeuXalzoegyltWn0dQNX9P26e9BZAw==" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://vktowebbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-C6X5fMqKlc4Aokm52BDSHJyT2vc5JiOi_tMZo8IYbVLbEnyss0M9uMEQhvYypGLyd3n_RdVa14Tgy_HafEaDwnaUirc_5-kb3-LZdkXwVHrP4PLHQmJJGFbS5ZQo0iwzyo3AA3KRKryg60-k858V0Icf7gNDa8p8fyRpQbF7oDlHzLlHL6WDVKYTS9bpJuDU6iQSRzWiudAIGf6Hwc_xgg0v6F_0DTqrBUmWkP61GFBOS1Y4CFDg_rWibuuCfYuPEm-1fffVE36_JfTl3FoVYTsbOo-1vA2JMe1xXijtDPtvpCVsR6y_GK4QyzosGXpeSVEai6HnVs=&amp;c=BSx2eZaoCYwvnhdjePsfCTaJ7_d9IQXP9a1Jbf5cfzDsgj4OVYC-NA==&amp;ch=k_oBOgZhWQVvP2BQjg9IYIO2KfgviZEmyhupSv_nbegtK7UYM119Uw==" target="_blank">Salina TV Channel 20</a>. If these times do not suit your schedule, please view the recordings at your convenience on&nbsp;<a href="https://vktowebbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ZetDtLdeSv3uXYEIahyFG4uQCy3w9HeJYrjfQCulKPuVWVilAewk2V5mo-_nmuQvEK2E_KVlmtezoBNqvWbBrUCXgIDoa-aKbP8v75Joc_pOPw-IS1WfWvf5HIUB3M-3JWf7YmRUcBp5gMav538ZYZo2MgnHGonSoVKYhlXjQZzxcg3_F2eWRTGdg6g3BgA-J2bvT3KGjNzbHTpBkqVrSQ==&amp;c=52Hz4OceuYV5yFXkGCm2e63wFQ3VfS1oFw3QowNG1nfv-uL73Ft0wA==&amp;ch=eBWonCLqbwLeVSM27wCVpsdWOeuXalzoegyltWn0dQNX9P26e9BZAw==" target="_blank">YouTube</a>&nbsp;to stay informed.</li><li>Comment:&nbsp;After reviewing the Budget and watching the discussions, please submit your thoughtful questions and comments via email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:publiccommunications@salinecountyks.gov" target="_blank">publiccommunications@salinecountyks.gov</a>&nbsp;by May 23. The Commission will address any comments made by this date at the May 28 Commission Meeting.</li>
 </ul>Key Dates:<ul>
 <li>May 21&nbsp;- Initial Departmental Budget Review</li><li>May 23&nbsp;- Deadline to digitally submit questions and comments to the commission.&nbsp;Residents are always encouraged to attend public meetings and address the commission.</li><li>May 28&nbsp;- Commission will address budget questions and comments.</li>
 </ul>Your Voice Matters NOW!It should be noted that there will be a public budget hearing in August; however public input received this month will make the biggest impact.&nbsp;The Saline County Commission is dedicated to transparency and inclusive community participation. Staff and elected officials look forward to your insightful contributions and active involvement.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/bf9894f1-fd8e-4492-a20f-513ff93d772d">Four antique Harley Davidsons stolen from Gypsum buildings, fifth found in pieces</a>

Saline County Commission Seeks Community Engagement on ﻿2025 Budget Requests

The Festival Medallion Quest marks the official countdown to the Smoky Hill River Festival. Beginning in 2009, the Medallion Quest brings the community together to celebrate the arts in a creative and connected way. Over the years, families and friends have searched side by side, solved riddles, and endeavored to find the Medallion.

The first Medallion Quest clue will be shared live from the steps of the Smoky Hill Museum at 211 West Iron Ave., at 4 pm on Wednesday, May 15, by Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Arts Commissioners. Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield of Kansas is the sponsor for this year’s Quest.

After the launch on May 15, two different Festival Medallion Quest clues will be provided daily at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. until the Medallion is found.

There is no cost to participate in Festival Medallion Quest. Participants must be 18 years of age to claim any prize. See complete Medallion Quest rules at <a href="http://festivalmedallionquest.com">festivalmedallionquest.com</a>.

The Festival Medallion Quest 2024 prize package includes the following:

· $2,000 in Festival Gift Certificates, to be used for purchases in the Fine Art and Craft Show or Art/Craft Demonstration Area during the Festival weekend

· Four complimentary Festival admission wristbands

· One on-grounds Festival parking pass (weather permitting)

· An invitation for four to attend the evening PREMIERE Art Patron Party on Thursday, June 13

· Four Smoky Hill River Festival t-shirts

“The Festival Medallion Quest is the perfect way to kick off the festival season,” said Salina Arts and Humanities Director Brad Anderson. “Thousands of searchers get to see the town with new eyes as they interpret clues and get creative trying to find the Medallion.”

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/94d41c6a-d951-472c-bf65-c063439a560e">Smoky Hill River Festival call for volunteers</a>

Since the Medallion Quest’s inception, thousands have participated. The Medallion is a unique object designed each year by an artist. The custom-designed Medallion looks different each time. It has been made from wood, paper, clay, resin, or plastic, to resemble a wide variety of objects to ensure a challenging hunt.

The Medallion will be hidden on public property within the Salina city limits, which may include city parks. Curfews hours for all city parks remain in effect during the Quest and are posted at each park. It will not be hidden at Kenwood or Oakdale Parks, on private property, or on Salina Airport Authority property. Locating the Medallion does not require the destruction of property.

All clues and notifications will be posted on the Festival Medallion Quest and Smoky Hill River Festival websites, through participating local media partners, and physically outside the west entrance of the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Office at 211 West Iron Ave.

For more information on the Festival Medallion Quest or the Smoky Hill River Festival, call 785-309-5770, visit <a href="http://festivalmedallionquest.com,">festivalmedallionquest.com,</a> riverfestival.com, or <a href="http://Facebook.com/SHRiverFestival">Facebook.com/SHRiverFestival</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715270036050.png" alt="2024 FMQ Square.png" />
 <figcaption>2024 FMQ Square.png</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Festival Medallion Quest marks the official countdown to the Smoky Hill River Festival. Beginning in 2009, the Medallion Quest brings the community together to celebrate the arts in a creative and connected way. Over the years, families and friends have searched side by side, solved riddles, and endeavored to find the Medallion.The first Medallion Quest clue will be shared live from the steps of the Smoky Hill Museum at 211 West Iron Ave., at 4 pm on Wednesday, May 15, by Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Arts Commissioners. Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield of Kansas is the sponsor for this year’s Quest.After the launch on May 15, two different Festival Medallion Quest clues will be provided daily at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. until the Medallion is found.There is no cost to participate in Festival Medallion Quest. Participants must be 18 years of age to claim any prize. See complete Medallion Quest rules at <a href="http://festivalmedallionquest.com">festivalmedallionquest.com</a>.The Festival Medallion Quest 2024 prize package includes the following:· $1,000 in cash· $2,000 in Festival Gift Certificates, to be used for purchases in the Fine Art and Craft Show or Art/Craft Demonstration Area during the Festival weekend· Four complimentary Festival admission wristbands· One on-grounds Festival parking pass (weather permitting)· An invitation for four to attend the evening PREMIERE Art Patron Party on Thursday, June 13· Four Smoky Hill River Festival t-shirts“The Festival Medallion Quest is the perfect way to kick off the festival season,” said Salina Arts and Humanities Director Brad Anderson. “Thousands of searchers get to see the town with new eyes as they interpret clues and get creative trying to find the Medallion.”READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/94d41c6a-d951-472c-bf65-c063439a560e">Smoky Hill River Festival call for volunteers</a>Since the Medallion Quest’s inception, thousands have participated. The Medallion is a unique object designed each year by an artist. The custom-designed Medallion looks different each time. It has been made from wood, paper, clay, resin, or plastic, to resemble a wide variety of objects to ensure a challenging hunt.The Medallion will be hidden on public property within the Salina city limits, which may include city parks. Curfews hours for all city parks remain in effect during the Quest and are posted at each park. It will not be hidden at Kenwood or Oakdale Parks, on private property, or on Salina Airport Authority property. Locating the Medallion does not require the destruction of property.All clues and notifications will be posted on the Festival Medallion Quest and Smoky Hill River Festival websites, through participating local media partners, and physically outside the west entrance of the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Office at 211 West Iron Ave.For more information on the Festival Medallion Quest or the Smoky Hill River Festival, call 785-309-5770, visit <a href="http://festivalmedallionquest.com,">festivalmedallionquest.com,</a> riverfestival.com, or <a href="http://Facebook.com/SHRiverFestival">Facebook.com/SHRiverFestival</a>

Salina Arts & Humanities announces Medallion Quest 2024 schedule

‘You never know if it’s going to smell like sewage,’ a resident says of her tap water

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/05/08/dirty-water-inconsistent-billing-plague-neighborhood-near-salina/">By ALLISON KITE</a> Kansas Reflector

SALINE COUNTY —&nbsp;Misty Livingston-Holmes has lived most of her life in her subdivision northwest of Salina.

She loved growing up there, and after leaving home for a few years, she moved back to take care of her grandmother in her old age. Much of her family has lived in the modest neighborhood of mobile homes.

But if she had known when she returned that the water would become undrinkable — and&nbsp;at times&nbsp;not run at all — she’s not sure she would have done it.

“You never know if it’s going to smell like sewage, if it’s going to smell like chlorine, if it’s going to come out clear or if it’s going to come out brown or black,” Livingston-Holmes said.

For years now, Livingston-Holmes and her neighbors have been struggling with boil advisories, cloudy or even dark brown water, and inconsistent billing — plus, periods where they don’t have water at all. Earlier this year, when a polar freeze shut down a well pump, some residents of Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park reported not having water for more than a week.

Felicia Sylvia, who moved to Sundowner West with her husband and children 10 years ago, said she doesn’t drink the water or use it to cook. She only uses it for washing clothes and bathing.

“I don’t even feel OK boiling eggs in that water or rinsing my fruit or anything,” Sylvia said.

And when residents try to take their issues up with their water provider, Livingston-Holmes and Sylvia said, they get nowhere.

Over the past few months, the situation has become so dire that residents began reaching out to anyone they could find, catching the attention of state Rep. Susan Concannon, a Republican from Beloit who represents the area. Concannon said she couldn’t imagine it getting any worse.

“It’s a public utility and there were several years here of no oversight whatsoever, and he was just doing whatever he wanted and bullying these families,” Concannon said of Scott Kolling, who acquired the water system at Sundowner in 2021.

Now, Kolling is facing accusations from state regulators that he has run the service without registering with the state, shut off customers’ water in violation of regulations, and failed to consistently monitor the water for contaminants, according to records from the Kansas Corporation Commission and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Kolling referred questions to his attorney, Ed Watson, who did not respond to emails seeking an interview.

In a brief phone conversation, Kolling said the water is safe. He said he was waiting on several test results and will say more in the future.

“Some of the rumors and stuff that’s been going around are not completely the facts,” Kolling said. “When we make a statement, I want to make sure the facts are being told.”

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/474c678e-5363-4835-b4cd-6c00822df466">UPDATED: KDHE replaces boil water advisory with do not drink advisory for Sundowner Community</a>

KDHE, the state agency that regulates water quality, said in a statement that Kolling had hired a contractor to help with treatment of the water and there were no reported water quality issues.

“The agency will continue to monitor this issue as it works closely with the local government, the property owners/operators, and the residents of Sundowner Mobile Home Park,” KDHE’s communications director, Jill Bronaugh, said in an email.

Sundowner, which lies northwest of Salina, is secluded, tucked in between farms along gently sloping country roads. It offers residents a chance to buy a modest residence — a mobile home set on a permanent foundation.

Advertisements in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/2759551/">Salina Journal</a>&nbsp;in the late 1970s beckoned residents with the promise of owning the lot under their mobile homes to “turn rental payments into an investment.”

But of the lots developers drew up in their plans for a large rural neighborhood, only a few dozen were ever built. At one end of the subdivision are rows of mobile homes, but at the other, bare lots surround sporadically placed houses. Looking downhill to the southwest from Livingston-Holmes’ front porch, one can see two mostly empty streets where the homes developers anticipated never materialized.

When Sylvia’s family moved to Sundowner 10 years ago, “everything was great,” she said.

The water was clean and her family paid their bill along with the rent for the lot where their mobile home sits. Sylvia said the quality started to decline just before Kolling took over.

When Sylvia fills her bathtub, the water looks like it contains urine. It leaves a stain where the kitchen faucet drips into the sink. She mixes instant coffee with bottled water rather than using the tap to brew coffee.

She has recommended several loved ones move out to Sundowner, but she always includes a warning about the water.

“You tell your neighbors, ‘Don’t drink it,’ ” Sylvia said.

Even without drinking it, the water takes its toll —&nbsp;drying out her hair and skin.

And in January, Sylvia’s family of six was without water completely for days.

Starting in mid-January when temperatures in Salina plunged below zero, Sundowner residents’ water stopped working. The cold weather caused the pumps that draw groundwater to the surface to lose power, according to a report filed with the Kansas Corporation Commission.

Staff of the KCC said in the report that the issue wasn’t repaired for three to five days and noted residents complained of inadequate service for weeks.

Sylvia said her family were among the last residents to see water service restored.

“I’m an understanding person,” Sylvia said. “I know that we’re all human and things happen, but if you’re going to have something, you have to take care of it.”

In her kitchen, Livingston-Holmes filled a plastic water bottle from the kitchen faucet and set it on the counter next to a glass of water filled from her dispenser of bottled water. The tap water was almost opaque. Next to the clear bottled water, it was obviously cloudy.

Sometimes, Livingston-Holmes said, the water is brown. And it alternates between smelling like sewer water and pool water overloaded with chlorine.

Outside, she fills another bottle from the faucet where the hose connects. She points to the black flecks floating in the water, which she says are manganese. A prolonged struggle with elevated levels of manganese has spurred KDHE to advise residents not to make infant formula with their tap water.

After sampling Livingston-Holmes’ water in January, KDHE gave her literature about the potential risks of manganese, including a warning not to boil the water, cook with it or use it to make ice.

Months later, in April, Sundowner’s water system lost power again, and KDHE issued a boil water advisory despite its previous advice to Livingston-Holmes. Boil water advisories are typical when a water utility loses pressure because bacteria can be introduced into the system.&nbsp;

But within hours, KDHE received updated manganese results at levels high enough that the agency told residents to stop drinking their water at all because boiling it to eliminate bacteria would only concentrate the manganese. The water, KDHE said in a “do not drink” notice, had even higher concentrations of manganese than it did three months before.

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>

Even when the “do not drink” advisory was lifted, KDHE left in place a health advisory about the manganese levels. According to the news release, parts of the distribution system have levels of manganese that could pose a health risk to infants. That remains in place, and the agency is awaiting further manganese testing results.

While manganese is not regulated, the Environmental Protection Agency is in the process of determining whether to set limits for the mineral, according to KDHE.

Manganese is an essential nutrient in small quantities. It’s found naturally in rocks, soil, water and food. But in large quantities, manganese exposure can cause learning or behavioral problems in children and may impact adults’ nervous systems. In large quantities, it can cause “manganism,” a disorder similar to Parkinson’s disease.

At the same time they were struggling with the quality of their water — and despite not using it for anything except bathing and washing clothes —&nbsp;residents at Sundowner have also reported inconsistent bills and high prices.

And Kolling, Livingston-Holmes and Sylvia said, is quick to lock up residents’ meters for nonpayment.

“There’s times that he won’t send you a bill for three months and then it will be a ridiculously high bill,” Livingston-Holmes said. “How do you expect people to pay their bill when you wait three months and then you want the payment tomorrow?”

Livingston-Holmes’ bills arrive inconsistently. A bar chart displaying her monthly usage at the bottom of her bill shows no usage some months compared with huge spikes in other months.

Sylvia and Livingston-Holmes both pay Kolling via Venmo and don’t receive a receipt for their payments, they said.

Sundowner’s water system is not registered as a public utility with the Kansas Corporation Commission. As a result, it’s difficult to know how much Kolling charges per gallon. And the state agency hasn’t been overseeing those rates as it’s supposed to.

“I don’t know how this flew under the radar and continued to fly under the radar even when I was calling … trying to get somebody to tell me that there was some oversight,” Concannon, the state representative, said.

Normally, public utilities —&nbsp;including water providers and electric and gas utilities —&nbsp;are registered with the Kansas Corporation Commission and have to receive state approval over their prices and abide by other regulations.

But Sundowner’s water system isn’t registered with the KCC.

After residents’ and Concannon’s inquiries, the KCC ordered Kolling to either register as a public utility or file documentation explaining why he thinks he shouldn’t have to.

Kolling has requested more time to file a response with the KCC. In the meantime, the order from regulators also requires that Kolling restore service to customers whose water had been shut off and notify customers in writing that their rates are subject to change and refund.

If the Kansas Corporation Commission finds that Kolling must register Sundowner’s water service as a public utility, the rates Kolling charges for water would become governed by the commission and residents could go to the state agency to report potential regulatory violations.

According to KCC documents, the agency has received 12 complaints from Sundowner residents ranging from inconsistent or inaccurate billing to double billing to unjustly shutting off their water service and poor water quality.

The KCC’s order requiring Kolling to explain why Sundowner shouldn’t be required to apply for regulatory oversight also instructed him to provide audited financial statements, water sales, income statements and other information to allow the KCC to review Sundowner’s water rates.

Sylvia said she doesn’t have any faith that problems with the water at Sundowner — both the quality and the billing — will end.

“If you told me today that I could drink my water,” she said, “I don’t think I would drink it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715264546703.png" alt=" Misty Livingston-Holmes holds up a bottle of water filled from the spout outside her home. Black flecks she says are manganese float at the bottom. Livingston-Holmes and neighbors have been struggling with poor water quality and inconsistent bills. (Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Misty Livingston-Holmes holds up a bottle of water filled from the spout outside her home. Black flecks she says are manganese float at the bottom. Livingston-Holmes and neighbors have been struggling with poor water quality and inconsistent bills. (Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘You never know if it’s going to smell like sewage,’ a resident says of her tap water</h2><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/05/08/dirty-water-inconsistent-billing-plague-neighborhood-near-salina/">By ALLISON KITE</a> Kansas ReflectorSALINE COUNTY —&nbsp;Misty Livingston-Holmes has lived most of her life in her subdivision northwest of Salina.She loved growing up there, and after leaving home for a few years, she moved back to take care of her grandmother in her old age. Much of her family has lived in the modest neighborhood of mobile homes.But if she had known when she returned that the water would become undrinkable — and&nbsp;at times&nbsp;not run at all — she’s not sure she would have done it.“You never know if it’s going to smell like sewage, if it’s going to smell like chlorine, if it’s going to come out clear or if it’s going to come out brown or black,” Livingston-Holmes said.For years now, Livingston-Holmes and her neighbors have been struggling with boil advisories, cloudy or even dark brown water, and inconsistent billing — plus, periods where they don’t have water at all. Earlier this year, when a polar freeze shut down a well pump, some residents of Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park reported not having water for more than a week.Felicia Sylvia, who moved to Sundowner West with her husband and children 10 years ago, said she doesn’t drink the water or use it to cook. She only uses it for washing clothes and bathing.“I don’t even feel OK boiling eggs in that water or rinsing my fruit or anything,” Sylvia said.And when residents try to take their issues up with their water provider, Livingston-Holmes and Sylvia said, they get nowhere.Over the past few months, the situation has become so dire that residents began reaching out to anyone they could find, catching the attention of state Rep. Susan Concannon, a Republican from Beloit who represents the area. Concannon said she couldn’t imagine it getting any worse.“It’s a public utility and there were several years here of no oversight whatsoever, and he was just doing whatever he wanted and bullying these families,” Concannon said of Scott Kolling, who acquired the water system at Sundowner in 2021.Now, Kolling is facing accusations from state regulators that he has run the service without registering with the state, shut off customers’ water in violation of regulations, and failed to consistently monitor the water for contaminants, according to records from the Kansas Corporation Commission and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.Kolling referred questions to his attorney, Ed Watson, who did not respond to emails seeking an interview.In a brief phone conversation, Kolling said the water is safe. He said he was waiting on several test results and will say more in the future.“Some of the rumors and stuff that’s been going around are not completely the facts,” Kolling said. “When we make a statement, I want to make sure the facts are being told.”READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/474c678e-5363-4835-b4cd-6c00822df466">UPDATED: KDHE replaces boil water advisory with do not drink advisory for Sundowner Community</a>KDHE, the state agency that regulates water quality, said in a statement that Kolling had hired a contractor to help with treatment of the water and there were no reported water quality issues.“The agency will continue to monitor this issue as it works closely with the local government, the property owners/operators, and the residents of Sundowner Mobile Home Park,” KDHE’s communications director, Jill Bronaugh, said in an email.<h2>‘Don’t drink it’</h2>Sundowner, which lies northwest of Salina, is secluded, tucked in between farms along gently sloping country roads. It offers residents a chance to buy a modest residence — a mobile home set on a permanent foundation.Advertisements in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/2759551/">Salina Journal</a>&nbsp;in the late 1970s beckoned residents with the promise of owning the lot under their mobile homes to “turn rental payments into an investment.”But of the lots developers drew up in their plans for a large rural neighborhood, only a few dozen were ever built. At one end of the subdivision are rows of mobile homes, but at the other, bare lots surround sporadically placed houses. Looking downhill to the southwest from Livingston-Holmes’ front porch, one can see two mostly empty streets where the homes developers anticipated never materialized.When Sylvia’s family moved to Sundowner 10 years ago, “everything was great,” she said.The water was clean and her family paid their bill along with the rent for the lot where their mobile home sits. Sylvia said the quality started to decline just before Kolling took over.When Sylvia fills her bathtub, the water looks like it contains urine. It leaves a stain where the kitchen faucet drips into the sink. She mixes instant coffee with bottled water rather than using the tap to brew coffee.She has recommended several loved ones move out to Sundowner, but she always includes a warning about the water.“You tell your neighbors, ‘Don’t drink it,’ ” Sylvia said.Even without drinking it, the water takes its toll —&nbsp;drying out her hair and skin.And in January, Sylvia’s family of six was without water completely for days.Starting in mid-January when temperatures in Salina plunged below zero, Sundowner residents’ water stopped working. The cold weather caused the pumps that draw groundwater to the surface to lose power, according to a report filed with the Kansas Corporation Commission.Staff of the KCC said in the report that the issue wasn’t repaired for three to five days and noted residents complained of inadequate service for weeks.Sylvia said her family were among the last residents to see water service restored.“I’m an understanding person,” Sylvia said. “I know that we’re all human and things happen, but if you’re going to have something, you have to take care of it.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715264447615.png" alt=" A bottle of water filled from Misty Livingston-Holmes’ kitchen sink appears cloudy compared to the glass of water filled from her dispenser of bottled water. (Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> A bottle of water filled from Misty Livingston-Holmes’ kitchen sink appears cloudy compared to the glass of water filled from her dispenser of bottled water. (Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Conflicting instructions</h2>In her kitchen, Livingston-Holmes filled a plastic water bottle from the kitchen faucet and set it on the counter next to a glass of water filled from her dispenser of bottled water. The tap water was almost opaque. Next to the clear bottled water, it was obviously cloudy.Sometimes, Livingston-Holmes said, the water is brown. And it alternates between smelling like sewer water and pool water overloaded with chlorine.Outside, she fills another bottle from the faucet where the hose connects. She points to the black flecks floating in the water, which she says are manganese. A prolonged struggle with elevated levels of manganese has spurred KDHE to advise residents not to make infant formula with their tap water.After sampling Livingston-Holmes’ water in January, KDHE gave her literature about the potential risks of manganese, including a warning not to boil the water, cook with it or use it to make ice.Months later, in April, Sundowner’s water system lost power again, and KDHE issued a boil water advisory despite its previous advice to Livingston-Holmes. Boil water advisories are typical when a water utility loses pressure because bacteria can be introduced into the system.&nbsp;But within hours, KDHE received updated manganese results at levels high enough that the agency told residents to stop drinking their water at all because boiling it to eliminate bacteria would only concentrate the manganese. The water, KDHE said in a “do not drink” notice, had even higher concentrations of manganese than it did three months before.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>Even when the “do not drink” advisory was lifted, KDHE left in place a health advisory about the manganese levels. According to the news release, parts of the distribution system have levels of manganese that could pose a health risk to infants. That remains in place, and the agency is awaiting further manganese testing results.While manganese is not regulated, the Environmental Protection Agency is in the process of determining whether to set limits for the mineral, according to KDHE.Manganese is an essential nutrient in small quantities. It’s found naturally in rocks, soil, water and food. But in large quantities, manganese exposure can cause learning or behavioral problems in children and may impact adults’ nervous systems. In large quantities, it can cause “manganism,” a disorder similar to Parkinson’s disease.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715264373349.png" alt=" Misty Livingston-Holmes flips through water bills and sampling results as she talks about the water quality issues and inconsistent billing in her neighborhood near Salina. (Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Misty Livingston-Holmes flips through water bills and sampling results as she talks about the water quality issues and inconsistent billing in her neighborhood near Salina. (Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Billing disputes</h2>At the same time they were struggling with the quality of their water — and despite not using it for anything except bathing and washing clothes —&nbsp;residents at Sundowner have also reported inconsistent bills and high prices.And Kolling, Livingston-Holmes and Sylvia said, is quick to lock up residents’ meters for nonpayment.“There’s times that he won’t send you a bill for three months and then it will be a ridiculously high bill,” Livingston-Holmes said. “How do you expect people to pay their bill when you wait three months and then you want the payment tomorrow?”Livingston-Holmes’ bills arrive inconsistently. A bar chart displaying her monthly usage at the bottom of her bill shows no usage some months compared with huge spikes in other months.Sylvia and Livingston-Holmes both pay Kolling via Venmo and don’t receive a receipt for their payments, they said.Sundowner’s water system is not registered as a public utility with the Kansas Corporation Commission. As a result, it’s difficult to know how much Kolling charges per gallon. And the state agency hasn’t been overseeing those rates as it’s supposed to.“I don’t know how this flew under the radar and continued to fly under the radar even when I was calling … trying to get somebody to tell me that there was some oversight,” Concannon, the state representative, said.Normally, public utilities —&nbsp;including water providers and electric and gas utilities —&nbsp;are registered with the Kansas Corporation Commission and have to receive state approval over their prices and abide by other regulations.But Sundowner’s water system isn’t registered with the KCC.After residents’ and Concannon’s inquiries, the KCC ordered Kolling to either register as a public utility or file documentation explaining why he thinks he shouldn’t have to.Kolling has requested more time to file a response with the KCC. In the meantime, the order from regulators also requires that Kolling restore service to customers whose water had been shut off and notify customers in writing that their rates are subject to change and refund.If the Kansas Corporation Commission finds that Kolling must register Sundowner’s water service as a public utility, the rates Kolling charges for water would become governed by the commission and residents could go to the state agency to report potential regulatory violations.According to KCC documents, the agency has received 12 complaints from Sundowner residents ranging from inconsistent or inaccurate billing to double billing to unjustly shutting off their water service and poor water quality.The KCC’s order requiring Kolling to explain why Sundowner shouldn’t be required to apply for regulatory oversight also instructed him to provide audited financial statements, water sales, income statements and other information to allow the KCC to review Sundowner’s water rates.Sylvia said she doesn’t have any faith that problems with the water at Sundowner — both the quality and the billing — will end.“If you told me today that I could drink my water,” she said, “I don’t think I would drink it.”

Dirty water, inconsistent billing plague neighborhood near Salina

In another unexpected turn of events, Saline County is pleased to announce that the lifespan of the Choose Saline County app has just been extended through&nbsp;June 30, 2024. 

This extension comes as a result of ongoing discussions with the Choose Saline County app developer, Colu and representatives from other firms acquiring Colu's technology.

Earning Stars:&nbsp;Residents can continue to earn Saline Stars by making purchases with their linked cards at participating local merchants until&nbsp;June 17, 2024.

Redeeming Stars:&nbsp;The deadline for redeeming your Saline Stars is now extended to&nbsp;June 30, 2024.

This extension allows more time for users to support local businesses, which will be reimbursed through the County's American Rescue Act Funds.

To date, users have generated over $5.6 million in estimated economic impact by shopping locally with the app.

While it is unclear at this time exactly what our shop local loyalty app will look like after June 30, Saline County remains committed to supporting our local businesses and the community. So stay tuned for further announcements.

We appreciate your enthusiasm and support for the Choose Saline County app and look forward to bringing more innovative solutions to our community.

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/2022/11/1667708556075.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted by Saline CountyIn another unexpected turn of events, Saline County is pleased to announce that the lifespan of the Choose Saline County app has just been extended through&nbsp;June 30, 2024. This extension comes as a result of ongoing discussions with the Choose Saline County app developer, Colu and representatives from other firms acquiring Colu's technology.<h2>What you need to know:</h2>Earning Stars:&nbsp;Residents can continue to earn Saline Stars by making purchases with their linked cards at participating local merchants until&nbsp;June 17, 2024. Redeeming Stars:&nbsp;The deadline for redeeming your Saline Stars is now extended to&nbsp;June 30, 2024.This extension allows more time for users to support local businesses, which will be reimbursed through the County's American Rescue Act Funds.To date, users have generated over $5.6 million in estimated economic impact by shopping locally with the app.<h2>Looking Ahead</h2>While it is unclear at this time exactly what our shop local loyalty app will look like after June 30, Saline County remains committed to supporting our local businesses and the community. So stay tuned for further announcements.We appreciate your enthusiasm and support for the Choose Saline County app and look forward to bringing more innovative solutions to our community.By SALINA POST<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639621309216.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>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 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 EXTENDED to June 30

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 The Salina Liberty and Nashville Kats each agreed to a schedule amendment proposed by the league and will square off in Nashville on Sunday, May 12th at 2:30.

This game replaces a matchup that would have seen the Liberty travel to Oregon to battle the BlackBears. The league is still working on reschedule the Liberty’s road matchup with Wichita, form more on that stay tuned to Salina Post.

Elsewhere in our area The Sacred Heart golf team rolled to yet another league title, taking five of the top six spots at this year's NCAA league tournament.

Seniors from all over the area took center stage, with Southeast of Saline's Dylan Esch and Sacred Heart's Walker Tuttle tying for the top spot, each carding a 73 on the day.

Excitement is ramping up as Wildcat fans will soon get the opportunity to see their favorite student-athletes and coaches as part of the Kansas State Athletics Catbacker Tour, which will begin on May 14th in Salina before heading to Western Kansas

And finally the NAIA Flag Football National Championships in Atlanta kicked off yesterday and Kansas Wesleyan split their two matchups, defeating Reinhardt University 36-6 before falling 33-7 to Thomas University. Action continues today at 11am

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/uvAG_KCpB0M?si=whSTf-cRJp52yN8L" 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="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home field advantage starts here" />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home field advantage starts here</figcaption>
 </figure>_________On Wednesday The Salina Liberty and Nashville Kats each agreed to a schedule amendment proposed by the league and will square off in Nashville on Sunday, May 12th at 2:30.This game replaces a matchup that would have seen the Liberty travel to Oregon to battle the BlackBears. The league is still working on reschedule the Liberty’s road matchup with Wichita, form more on that stay tuned to Salina Post._________Elsewhere in our area The Sacred Heart golf team rolled to yet another league title, taking five of the top six spots at this year's NCAA league tournament.Seniors from all over the area took center stage, with Southeast of Saline's Dylan Esch and Sacred Heart's Walker Tuttle tying for the top spot, each carding a 73 on the day.Excitement is ramping up as Wildcat fans will soon get the opportunity to see their favorite student-athletes and coaches as part of the Kansas State Athletics Catbacker Tour, which will begin on May 14th in Salina before heading to Western Kansas_________And finally the NAIA Flag Football National Championships in Atlanta kicked off yesterday and Kansas Wesleyan split their two matchups, defeating Reinhardt University 36-6 before falling 33-7 to Thomas University. Action continues today at 11am_________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 9 

<a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu">By LISA MOSER</a> <a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu"></a>K-State Research and Extension news service

Anyone who’s ever lived in a house with newborn twins knows they can be a lot of work to take care of. When twin births happen in the beef herd, it often brings about special management considerations, say the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute.

Speaking on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/cattle-chat-managing-twins">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast, K-State assistant professor of animal welfare Eduarda Bortoluzzi and K-State veterinarian Bob Larson discussed steps producers should take in managing twins.

“Twins in beef herds are more common than people might think,” Bortoluzzi said. “But they need to be watched closely in the first 24 hours to make sure both calves get colostrum from the dam.”

Larson added the biggest concern with twin births is that both calves will not get adequate nutrition early on in life.

“I recommend separating the cow and her twins away from the rest of the herd so they can be closely monitored,” Larson said.

If the cow isn’t accepting both calves or she cannot produce enough milk to adequately nourish the twins, then it might be time to consider grafting the calf to another cow that has recently lost her calf or hand-raising one of the twins by bottle-feeding them, Larson said.

“Oftentimes twins are not born the same size and so one of them tends to be more rigorous than the other,” Larson said.

He also said producers need to make sure both calves are thriving.

“A calf that is thriving will get up and run around to play, while one that isn’t is slow to get up and just lacks energy,” Larson said.

To make it easier to monitor the twins, Bortoluzzi recommends putting the cows with twins in the same pasture as the first-calf heifers.

“By grouping the cows with twins in the heifer pasture, producers can easily make sure the twins are eating well and maintaining good health,” Bortoluzzi said.

To hear the full discussion, listen to&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/cattle-chat-managing-twins">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;on your preferred streaming platform.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715262287835.jpeg" alt="K-State beef cattle experts share tips for raising twin calves. Photo Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>K-State beef cattle experts share tips for raising twin calves. Photo Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu">By LISA MOSER</a> <a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu"></a>K-State Research and Extension news serviceAnyone who’s ever lived in a house with newborn twins knows they can be a lot of work to take care of. When twin births happen in the beef herd, it often brings about special management considerations, say the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute.Speaking on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/cattle-chat-managing-twins">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast, K-State assistant professor of animal welfare Eduarda Bortoluzzi and K-State veterinarian Bob Larson discussed steps producers should take in managing twins.“Twins in beef herds are more common than people might think,” Bortoluzzi said. “But they need to be watched closely in the first 24 hours to make sure both calves get colostrum from the dam.”Larson added the biggest concern with twin births is that both calves will not get adequate nutrition early on in life.“I recommend separating the cow and her twins away from the rest of the herd so they can be closely monitored,” Larson said.If the cow isn’t accepting both calves or she cannot produce enough milk to adequately nourish the twins, then it might be time to consider grafting the calf to another cow that has recently lost her calf or hand-raising one of the twins by bottle-feeding them, Larson said.“Oftentimes twins are not born the same size and so one of them tends to be more rigorous than the other,” Larson said.He also said producers need to make sure both calves are thriving.“A calf that is thriving will get up and run around to play, while one that isn’t is slow to get up and just lacks energy,” Larson said.<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2GFsMX0A3vHFxvbQMUj5nl?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>To make it easier to monitor the twins, Bortoluzzi recommends putting the cows with twins in the same pasture as the first-calf heifers.“By grouping the cows with twins in the heifer pasture, producers can easily make sure the twins are eating well and maintaining good health,” Bortoluzzi said.To hear the full discussion, listen to&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/cattle-chat-managing-twins">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;on your preferred streaming platform.

🎙KSRE Cattle Chat — Managing stress in calves, twins in beef herds 

On May 9, 1994, South Africa’s newly elected parliament chose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nelson-mandela">Nelson Mandela</a>&nbsp;to be the country’s first Black president.

In 1860, writer J.M. Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan, was born in Kirriemuir, Scotland.

In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson, acting on a joint congressional resolution, signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-motherhood-4310416242d0463c911eb1f7782dc3b1">Mother’s Day</a>.

In 1945, with World War II in Europe at an end, Soviet forces liberated Czechoslovakia from Nazi occupation. U.S. officials announced that a midnight entertainment curfew was being lifted immediately.

In 1951, the U.S. conducted its first thermonuclear experiment as part of Operation Greenhouse by detonating a 225-kiloton device on Enewetak Atoll in the Pacific nicknamed “George.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715262137874.png" alt="A smiling Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s President-elect, waves to the large crowd gathered on the Grand Parade in Central Cape Town Monday May 9, 1994. Mr. Mandela, who is to be formally inaugurated on Tuesday, earlier pledged his allegiance in parliament. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)" />
 <figcaption>A smiling Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s President-elect, waves to the large crowd gathered on the Grand Parade in Central Cape Town Monday May 9, 1994. Mr. Mandela, who is to be formally inaugurated on Tuesday, earlier pledged his allegiance in parliament. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Today in History:</h2>On May 9, 1994, South Africa’s newly elected parliament chose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nelson-mandela">Nelson Mandela</a>&nbsp;to be the country’s first Black president.<h2>On this date:</h2>In 1860, writer J.M. Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan, was born in Kirriemuir, Scotland.In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson, acting on a joint congressional resolution, signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-motherhood-4310416242d0463c911eb1f7782dc3b1">Mother’s Day</a>.In 1945, with World War II in Europe at an end, Soviet forces liberated Czechoslovakia from Nazi occupation. U.S. officials announced that a midnight entertainment curfew was being lifted immediately.In 1951, the U.S. conducted its first thermonuclear experiment as part of Operation Greenhouse by detonating a 225-kiloton device on Enewetak Atoll in the Pacific nicknamed “George.”In 1962, scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology succeeded in reflecting a laser beam off the surface of the moon.In 1965, Russian-born American pianist Vladimir Horowitz performed publicly for the first time in 12 years with a recital at Carnegie Hall in New York.In 1970, President Richard Nixon made a surprise and impromptu pre-dawn visit to the Lincoln Memorial, where he chatted with a group of protesters who’d been resting on the Memorial steps after protests against the Vietnam War and the Kent State shootings.In 1974, the House Judiciary Committee opened public hearings on whether to recommend the impeachment of President Richard Nixon. (The committee ended up adopting three articles of impeachment against the president, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5a46edc6d9da4251a73aeedd526d8970" target="_blank">resigned</a>&nbsp;before the full House took up any of them.)In 1980, 35 people were killed when a freighter rammed the<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bridge-collapses-barges-list-1f2d6261d523ddc625aaaf3b32c626bc">&nbsp;Sunshine Skyway Bridge&nbsp;</a>over Tampa Bay in Florida, causing a 1,400-foot section of the southbound span to collapse.In 2016, Filipinos went to the polls to elect<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-e3b6e1b0535240b7896bec56e0b3f4ba">&nbsp;Rodrigo Duterte</a>, the controversial, tough-talking mayor of Davao city, to be their country’s next president.In 2019, Pope Francis issued a groundbreaking new church law requiring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ae64aa69d90043caaa38e52ee58eae2c">all Catholic priests and nuns to report clergy sexual abuse</a>&nbsp;and cover-ups by their superiors to church authorities.In 2020,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9ea48d685b8fd81ea735a6ea9c8dc2ac">Rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Little Richard</a>, known for his piercing wail, pounding piano and towering pompadour, died in Tennessee at the age of 87 after battling bone cancer; he had helped shatter the color line on the music charts while introducing Black R&amp;B to white America.