By NATE KING Salina Post Santa is still checking over the Naughty and Nice List, but Christmas time is here for the "elves" decorating Downtown Salina in holiday cheer.

On Tuesday, with a truck full of tree branches, large gold and red ornaments, and strands containing thousands of lights, UltraShine Holiday Lights owner Chris Rios and three helpers set up the 18-foot-tall Mayor’s Christmas tree in Campbell Plaza.

"Many people may notice that Jose Peppers is moving into that area where the Prickly Pear formally was located, but I don't want anyone to be afraid that we won't have our Christmas tree lighting because we will," said Leslie Bishop Executive Director of Salina Downtown Inc.&nbsp;

The Mayor's Christmas Tree will serve as the Salina community Christmas tree and will be officially lit by Salina Mayor Bill Longbine on Friday, Nov. 22, at 7 p.m. in Campbell Plaza, 126 South Santa Fe Avenue. After Longbine lights the tree, the Salina Youth Choir will perform singing a few Christmas carols.

"Salina Downtown Inc. is so excited to have a community Christmas tree in downtown Salina in Campbell Plaza. We are grateful to our community sponsors, the City of Salina and First Bank Kansas, for helping SDI bring the tree downtown again this year," Bishop said.

Despite the chilly breeze, Rios and his team—Josh Rodriguez, Brendan Anderson, Taygen Watson, and Rios—worked with a purpose as they set up the holiday tree, while Hutton Construction crews continued work on the Jose Pepper's outdoor seating area. 

The four-man crew consists of two Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School graduates—Rodriguez and Anderson—Salina firefighter Watson, and former Salina firefighter Rios. Together, they specialize in custom designing and installing holiday displays for customers throughout the year. 

"We didn't have any issues working alongside Hutton," Rios said.&nbsp;

Rios has been decorating commercial and residential properties for the holidays for approximately nine years and covers an area stretching from Plainville to Great Bend to Inman to near Abilene.

"I had a call last year on December 22 that we went out and installed," Rios said. "The average house takes us about an hour to install."

The 18 foot tall Mayor's Christmas Tree is topped by a 3 foot tall topper, making it stand at a whopping 21 feet. The tree is decorated with dozens of ornaments and 7,000 LED lights. Rios and his team also decorated the trees that line Santa Fe Avenue.&nbsp;

"It took us between eight or nine hours to get all those trees decorated and lit," Rios said.&nbsp;

Rios said he has always helped put up Christmas lights around the holidays with his family. Rodriguez and Anderson said this is their first year helping Rios with lights. 

Anderson said the work is busier than he thought.

"We get calls every day about people wanting lights, so we stay pretty busy, and they [calls for lights] are starting to speed up even more now," Anderson said.

The team began installing lights on homes as early as October 1. According to Rodriguez, Ultrashine offers a solution for those who want to be prepared for the holidays but prefer to hold off on spreading the cheer until after Halloween.

"For early October we don't turn the lights on usually until we go back to the houses and turn their lights on when they're ready for them. So they're not on all of October," Rodriguez said.&nbsp;

Anderson described working for Rios and Ultrashine as both enjoyable and fulfilling. He said the job offers a unique sense of satisfaction, especially seeing homes transform for the holidays.&nbsp;

At the conclusion of the holiday season, they take down the displays and store them for the following holiday season. The crew also does maintenance on the displays as needed.&nbsp;

When they aren't making peoples homes bright for the holidays, Rios does permanent lights on commercial structures and houses, landscape lighting, and wedding and event lighting.&nbsp;

To find out more about UltraShine Holiday Lights, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kansaschristmaslights.com/">kansaschristmaslights.com</a>.

Ultra Shine Holiday Lights decorates Salina Mayor's Christmas Tree in Campbell Plaza

Mid-November marks the peak of the deer rut season, a time when deer are more active as they search for mates, increasing the likelihood of vehicle collisions. Since November 11, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office has responded to 11 deer-related crashes, with only one resulting in minor injuries, according to Saline County Sheriff's Office Operations Captain Jim Hughes.

It is important not to swerve to avoid hitting a deer, as that can result in a more serious crash, potentially involving other vehicles or objects off the road.

Drivers are advised to reduce speed in areas where deer are commonly seen, especially at dawn and dusk, and to use high beams when appropriate to improve visibility.

Always wear your seatbelt and ensure children are in appropriate safety seats. Use bright headlights when there is no oncoming traffic, and scan for the reflective eyes of deer along the roadway.

Saline Co. Sheriff's Office urges caution during deer season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salina Post accepting letters to the editor

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

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

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

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

Salina Post news tip email address

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2024 League of Women Voters General Election Candidate Forum

Kansas Highway Patrol It’s a busy time for farmers in Kansas with fall harvest underway. The Kansas Highway Patrol would like to remind motorists to use more caution and patience when traveling around farm trucks, tractors, combines, and other implements.

“As the busy farming season is underway, each traveler in Kansas needs to be more aware of increased farm implement and truck traffic,” said Captain Candice Breshears. “In Kansas, we have many trucks exiting and entering the roadways at any given time. Traveling around these vehicles requires extra caution.”

Most farm equipment is not designed to travel at highway speeds and may only travel 15-25 mph. Farm equipment is often wider than the lane of traffic, so extra room should be allowed when sharing the road. Caution should be practiced on all roads, but especially on busy rural roads with unmarked intersections.

Don’t assume the farmer knows you’re there.

Although most farmers regularly check for vehicles behind them, the majority of their focus must be spent looking ahead to stay on the road and watch for oncoming traffic. Implements are very loud, hindering their ability to hear your vehicle.

Don’t pass unless you can see clearly ahead of both your vehicle and the equipment you are passing. If there are curves or hills blocking your view, wait until you can clearly visualize the area you are passing in. You should not pass in a designated “No Passing Zone,” even if you are stuck behind a farm vehicle. Do not pass if you are within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevated structure, or tunnel.

When a farm vehicle pulls to the right side of the road, it does not mean it is turning right or allowing you to pass.

Due to the size of some farm equipment, the farmer must execute wide left turns, so allow it plenty of room and time to turn and remain aware of any potential driveway or field they may be turning into.

Don’t assume that a farmer can move aside to let you pass. Shoulders may be soft, wet, or steep, which can cause the farm vehicle to tip, or the shoulder may not support the weight of a heavy farm vehicle. They understand you are being delayed and will move over at the first safe location available.

Think of the slow-moving vehicle emblem as a warning to adjust your speed.

When you see the slow-moving vehicle emblem, immediately slow down. While the emblems are visible from a long distance, it is difficult to judge the speed at which you are closing in on the vehicle, especially at night.

When you are not focused solely on the road, you increase your chances of a collision, especially if you should come upon a slow-moving farm vehicle.

KHP: Extra caution needed on Kansas roads during harvest

24/7 Travel Store is excited to kick off our 7th annual Food Bank Fill-Up campaign, “Driving Out Hunger. Together.” This month-long effort, which runs through September, will help local food banks across Kansas by matching donations up to $3,000 per store.

“At 24/7 Travel Store, giving back is a big part of who we are,” said Ted Augustine, President of 24/7 Travel Store. “Our Food Bank Fill-Up is a powerful way for us to team up with our customers and help those in need right here in our local communities. We’re grateful for the support we see each year and are proud to continue this tradition.”

The highlight of this year’s campaign is our “Hunger Action Day” event on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Food Bank representatives will be on-site at each of our stores, with times varying by location, to engage with customers and educate them on the available food bank services. They will also explain how the funds raised will be used and encourage individuals to give. On this day, we’ll also be accepting food donations in addition to monetary contributions.

The campaign has garnered strong support year after year, and Jackie Hynes, Director of Marketing at 24/7 Travel Store, is looking forward to this year’s efforts. "This will be my third year coordinating the Food Bank Fill-Up, and I’m continually inspired by the dedication of our team and the generosity of our community," Hynes said. "Through this campaign, I’ve had the opportunity to learn about the incredible work our Kansas food banks do, often relying solely on community support without access to state or grant funding. I’m proud of the efforts we all put in to support such a tremendous need and make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most."

We invite everyone to join us on September 21 and throughout the month to support this important cause. Whether by donating or simply spreading the word, every action counts. For more information, including event details and how to get involved, visit 24-7stores.com/news or check out our Facebook page.

Proudly Supporting These Kansas Food Banks Abilene Area Food &amp; Clothing Bank (Abilene) • Community Care Ministries (Maple Hill) • Genesis Food Pantry of Sherman County (Goodland) • Genesis Food Pantry of Thomas County (Colby) • McPherson County Food Bank (McPherson) • Russell County Food Pantry (Russell) • Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank (Salina) • Trego County Food Pantry (WaKeeney)

24/7 Travel Store launches 7th-annual food bank fill-up

Precipitation data courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/">CoCoRaHS</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">The National Weather Service</a>.

Following precipitation events, Salina Post will update this page with precipitation totals.&nbsp;

As of 08/01/2024 at 8:22 a.m.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/515dcf98-45ad-4e68-b2a2-ed8218a2c9e7">UPDATED: Thousands of Salinans left without power after severe thunderstorm</a>

CoCoRaHS 24-hour rain totals

In today's digital age, reliable&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;access is essential for economic growth, education, healthcare, and overall quality of life. To address&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;deficiencies and enhance connectivity throughout the county, Saline County has contracted with Design Nine, Inc. of Blacksburg, VA, to conduct a comprehensive&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;study.

Design Nine will examine existing&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;assets offered by local telecom providers and cable companies. The analysis will cover the types of&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;services available, usage patterns, and, most importantly, gaps in coverage. Based on this data, Design Nine will propose strategies for improving&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;services in Saline County.

The success of this project is completely dependent upon the participation of Saline County residents. Saline County urges every resident and business owner to complete the&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;surveys to provide the essential data needed to shape the future of&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;in Saline County. The data collected will empower local leaders and stakeholders to make informed decisions about expanding&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;access in Saline County.

To view the Saline County Resident Broadband Survey <a href="https://projects.designnine.com/survey/saline-residential">click here</a>

To view the Saline County Business Broadband Survey <a href="https://projects.designnine.com/survey/saline-business">click here</a>

Para encuestas en español haga <a href="https://projects.designnine.com/survey/saline-residential-espaniol">clic aquí.</a>

Paper surveys will also be available at select locations throughout the county to gather&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;coverage information from those who may not have the ability to fill the survey out online.&nbsp;

Eagle Communications Media Center, 1825 S Ohio St, Salina, KS 67401 Ad Astra Coffee, 135 N Santa Fe Ave, Salina Assaria Hardware,&nbsp;104 W Main St, Assaria, KS 67416 Gypsum Exit 14 Restaurant, 512 Maple St, Gypsum, KS 67448 Salina Public Library,&nbsp;301 W Elm St, Salina, KS 67401 City/County Building, 300 W. Ash St., Salina, KS 67401 Salina Family Healthcare Center,&nbsp;651 E Prescott Rd, Salina, KS 67401

Join Saline County and Design Nine at the Salina Public Library for a come-and-go community forum to discuss broadband equity in Saline County.

Location:&nbsp;Salina Public Library Technology Center, 301 W. Elm St., Salina, KS 67401

Date and time:&nbsp;Tue, Jun 25, 2024 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Andrew Cohill, PhD, President and CEO of Design Nine, Inc., and Jack Maytum, Senior Broadband Analyst for Design Nine, invite area business owners/operators to a "Broadband for Business" community forum on June 26 from 8 am to 10 am at the Visit Salina Annex.

Design Nine was founded in 1987 by&nbsp;<a href="https://vktowebbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SYjhHIvUEbYAD5n0QU_OpqxgOhnDNhg0ShSJIATRPvIETbZvOQDuYYeQ99-AwW1jGsnC_0F5-yldrwkTnfttUmgXSuaiZ0MqjtktW-YCnkFPMo06f12vf27bAQERkW-FmxkStUc8WEM6NDypZ-OlM6qS3UP6cYX4Mynh4O4LnEo=&amp;c=1dvxXSqYqatdx2j2aTz5MeEkF67zgBmJ3aKNSDVzwXBRzmSUv3nlVw==&amp;ch=zKVtLyBFknwKo0fhEzbpAHEuSmYE0Op4Q4ZfnP4xo-s3UVIcxP38Ug==" target="_blank">Andrew Cohill</a>&nbsp;to provide technology advice and services to community, business, and public clients. Over the years, the company has grown steadily and now offers a comprehensive array of&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;network services, including early phase planning, network architecture and design, and network construction oversight and project management. Design Nine is one of a very few firms in the United States with experience in the design, construction, and operation of open access&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;networks.

Design Nine projects have included the award-winning nDanville municipal open network, The Wired Road open access network, New Hampshire FastRoads, Rockbridge Area Network Authority network, the City of Eagan, Minnesota open access network, and over a hundred other planning efforts for communities in more than twenty states. The&nbsp;<a href="https://vktowebbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SYjhHIvUEbYAD5n0QU_OpqxgOhnDNhg0ShSJIATRPvIETbZvOQDuYYeQ99-AwW1jyrd0G17qjB9Htm_1t2D4S8-QsMbTIdVsv47rJAqF2MWuQlD_FK7_7Q3xSeC4ULHgRMpgqrYR7Nt_2N5zEPpxbcbGTb-A-8AZ&amp;c=1dvxXSqYqatdx2j2aTz5MeEkF67zgBmJ3aKNSDVzwXBRzmSUv3nlVw==&amp;ch=zKVtLyBFknwKo0fhEzbpAHEuSmYE0Op4Q4ZfnP4xo-s3UVIcxP38Ug==" target="_blank">senior leadership</a>&nbsp;of Design Nine has extensive, hands-on experience designing and managing telecommunications and&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;systems.

Design Nine, Inc. is a Virginia corporation with its main office in the Corporate Research Center in Blacksburg, Virginia. Design Nine has satellite offices in Keene, New Hampshire and Knoxville, Tennessee.

Andrew Cohill is the President of Design Nine. His career in telecom began in the early eighties with work at AT&amp;T Bell Labs.

Cohill has been helping communities develop, build, and operate modern&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;fiber and wireless networks since 1993 when Virginia Tech appointed him the first Director of the Blacksburg Electronic Village, the world’s first Internet-based community&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;project.

Cohill has worked with more than 300 communities worldwide on telecommunications planning, design, and engineering of next-generation high-performance&nbsp;wireless and fiber&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;networks.&nbsp;He has provided assistance to community&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;projects throughout North America, including Canada and the Caribbean. Design Nine provides&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;planning, network construction services, and network operations services for public and private clients throughout the U.S.

Cohill has written and spoken extensively on the future of communities and the relationship between community and economic development and&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;infrastructure. He has a worldwide reputation for his work in helping governments and communities make wise technology investments that support jobs, economic development, and intelligent use of the Internet.&nbsp;

Jack Maytum is a Senior&nbsp;Broadband&nbsp;Analyst with Design Nine.&nbsp;Over the ten years with the company, Maytum has worked with dozens of town, county, and city&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;feasibility and planning studies.&nbsp;He specializes in community engagement activities, stakeholder engagement, and service provider outreach.

Maytum’s experience in telecom network management began as a communications officer in the U.S. Amy Signal Corp. Later, Maytum worked for AT&amp;T, coordinating the efforts of sales staff and networking professionals who were providing telecom services to Connecticut’s 147,000 business customers.

As Director of Marketing for Nestor Traffic Systems, Maytum prepared technical information for presentations to mayors, councils, and County managers across the U.S. regarding the installation and operation of networked red light cameras and speed detection systems. He also taught network programming for five years at Northeastern University’s State-of-the-Art Engineering program.

﻿Funded by $48,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, this study is crucial for identifying service gaps and developing strategies to improve&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;access.

Saline County to host broadband community forums this week

Submitted The 38th Annual Salina Toy Run is scheduled for Sunday, November 24, 2024.&nbsp; Hundreds of motorcyclists will gather at the southeast parking lot of Central Mall, located at 2259 S. 9th Street, with lineup beginning at 12:00 p.m. and departure at 2:00 p.m. Each motorcyclist will collect at least one toy donation, which will be distributed to local organizations, including Ashby House, DVACK, and S.A.M.E. The toy run will conclude at Emmanuel Church, located at 1325 E. Cloud Street.&nbsp;

38th Salina Toy Run this Sunday, Nov. 24

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01)&nbsp;spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives&nbsp;for the first time since Americans delivered an Election Day mandate by electing President Donald J. Trump and Republican majorities in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.&nbsp;

During the speech, Rep. Mann laid out his vision for the 119th Congress, including the need to reduce and reprioritize federal spending, secure the border, end the weaponization of the federal government, and spur America’s economic growth.

Below are Mann's remarks, as prepared for delivery.

"Mr. Speaker, when I last spoke on this floor, I laid out the choice the country had before us. On November 5th, 2024, America made its choice loud and clear. America gave Washington, D.C. a mandate, endorsing the greatest political comeback in American history with the election of President Donald J. Trump as the 47th&nbsp;President of the United States and of Republican majorities in the House and Senate.

"Kansans in the Big First District rejected four more years of the chaos we have experienced with President Biden and Vice President Harris. They voted for a government that works for the people and makes their lives easier, not one that handcuffs them and their families with overreaching regulations. They voted for a government that enforces the law and seeks commonsense solutions, not open-border policies&nbsp;that put our national security at risk. They voted to reduce federal spending, to end the weaponization of the federal government once and for all, and for our future.

"When I came to Congress almost four years ago, America was strong. Our streets were safe, and our border was secure. House Republicans and President Trump had passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,&nbsp;putting more money in the pockets of American families and spurring economic growth that led to the strongest U.S. economy in decades. The Trump Administration had spearheaded historic trade&nbsp;agreements and peace agreements across the globe that kept America competitive and secure.

"Rather than capitalizing on that momentum and strength, the Biden-Harris Administration wasted four years pushing through partisan, trillion-dollar spending packages and using the federal government&nbsp;to air its grievances with the previous Administration.&nbsp;And America said no more.

"Mr. Speaker, those days are long gone. This House Republican majority, alongside President Trump and the incoming Senate Republican majority, are ready to restore American greatness and the American&nbsp;dream. We are committed to securing a future American families can feel optimistic about.

"When I ran for Congress, I promised to fight for agriculture and our conservative Kansas values. That commitment stands, and while there is a lot of work to do to get the nation back on track, I humbly&nbsp;accept that challenge. I am committed to working with my colleagues to unleash American energy and finally rein in energy prices that have crippled American families for the past four years. I will fight to make&nbsp;the 2017 tax cuts permanent and once again empower working- and middle-class families who have been strangled by the record-level inflation caused by Washington Democrat spending. I will work for commonsense policies that don’t empower the Mexican cartels or incentivize illegal immigration. Americans deserve an immigration system that makes it easier for people to come here legally and more&nbsp;difficult for people to come here illegally. That should not be controversial.

"The task before us is a big one, but I have never been more confident in our ability to deliver for America."

Mann speaks on House floor about Election Day mandate

K-State Research and Extension – Central Kansas District Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, millions of Americans are preparing to cook the turkey, the centerpiece of the holiday feast. To ensure a safe and stress-free holiday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers essential tips for thawing your turkey to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Refrigerator thawing is the safest method, maintaining a consistent, safe temperature throughout the process. Allow about 24 hours of thawing time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. Keep the turkey in its original wrapping and place it on a tray in the refrigerator to catch any drips.

Cold water thawing is faster than refrigerator thawing but requires more attention. Submerge the wrapped turkey in cold tap water and change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. Plan for about 30 minutes of thawing time per pound.

Microwave thawing is the quickest method but is best suited for smaller portions or specific cuts. Follow your microwave’s instructions carefully and cook the turkey immediately after thawing.

The USDA advises against thawing a turkey on the countertop, in hot water, or outdoors in places like the garage or porch. These methods can promote bacterial growth and increase the risk of foodborne illness.

Additional tips for preparing your turkey

If you’re short on time, you can cook your turkey directly from the frozen state. Allow about 50% more cooking time for this method. Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, as recommended by the USDA. Use a food thermometer to check the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the wing, and the innermost part of the thigh.

For questions about safe food handling, the USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline is available to help:

	•	Phone: 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854)

•	Live Chat: <a href="http://www.ask.usda.gov/">www.ask.usda.gov</a>

The hotline operates Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET (except federal holidays) and on Thanksgiving Day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For additional resources from K-State Research and Extension – Central Kansas District, visit their website at <a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/">https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu</a>.

Let me know if you’d like any additional adjustments!

NEWMAN: How to safely thaw a turkey

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Evergy is proud to join United Utilities Against Scams to recognize today as&nbsp;Utility Scam Awareness Day, Wednesday, November 20.

Scammers are becoming more deceptive thanks to technology. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports scammers used phone, in-person, and online tactics to cheat customers out of more than&nbsp;<a>$10 billion</a>&nbsp;nationwide last year.&nbsp;<a>That’s</a>&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a>$2 billion</a>&nbsp;increase over the previous year. The&nbsp;<a>FTC</a>&nbsp;reports that email&nbsp;<a>scams</a>&nbsp;were the biggest contact method for scammers, especially when they pretended to be a business or government agency.

Recently, Evergy customers were targeted through scammers posing as Evergy employees claiming the company would offer discounts for immediate payments, as well as another&nbsp;<a>scam</a>&nbsp;where callers also posed as Evergy employees falsely claiming the utility was returning $200 to senior citizens through the Evergy’s Kansas Cares Fund.

Scammers also use fake websites, fake phone numbers, fake QR codes and more to steal money.

Evergy is urging customers to stay vigilant, know the signs of commonly attempted&nbsp;<a>scams</a>&nbsp;and ways to protect themselves:

If you have encountered suspicious activity or an attempted&nbsp;<a>scam</a>,&nbsp;call Evergy or report the&nbsp;<a>scam</a>&nbsp;immediately at&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAda-2FgiVbCJSC3Ip4bi7CemSEaL555qeWcxDqaeencMbJrL2_h_Hfzz9OzPZS47VQYqNBwPb1uU8oe9Q-2FmjsBXyV7ReokKkz6J4TzS8Vx5dqK0Tk3elXtdJahaMViWXE1K8BH5rkwxnntxzyGYCbIH7kpL3oY2kRqgs2vYA8zgMU4dCff5CAFVHVwZDioOhgd1CAwmzB-2FssXW-2BGvsgLAeUgjjzyqVo2Pie3KUsjcC3pSALXYbCMtIYOHImUJGzdxgrejaG0VXn5iW-2Fq1H-2BpxZimHbEau0YpE79rkxuMaDOqm7OEdB-2FDyNlEQhfslNI8wzJ-2B6gTaJdea67jSi41UDPY-2B-2Fp1HNZc3aUa7AqSvdPk9uPOpTvPyNe3STYnEwxQ7MpBvjK-2BmDwzzbt2La-2FGdlq-2BPurmjUqE-3D" target="_blank">www.evergy.com/reportscam</a>.&nbsp;Suspicious activity should also be reported to local law enforcement. More information about&nbsp;<a>scams</a>, including reporting fraudulent calls, can be&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2B2PJApc7cJkaegK2weGFjPzbIIC-2B-2Fz2wVqFZNqRWsCBXRvSN2qve4iAEJomygunrA-3D-3D-X2r_Hfzz9OzPZS47VQYqNBwPb1uU8oe9Q-2FmjsBXyV7ReokKkz6J4TzS8Vx5dqK0Tk3elXtdJahaMViWXE1K8BH5rkwxnntxzyGYCbIH7kpL3oY2kRqgs2vYA8zgMU4dCff5CAFVHVwZDioOhgd1CAwmzB-2FssXW-2BGvsgLAeUgjjzyqVo2Pie3KUsjcC3pSALXYbCMtIYOHImUJGzdxgrejaG0VZZWvBAFyf1KGIuOmGWUA4cdgR0Kj343kj4lahpCO2jIqdq0-2FFpftxwg5Yjcmzd3DSgOZZ54XdnlGE5vpzso83HdSYVJXaGRuO3Mf8kAck0F44wFqozpBH-2BD2yn6A-2BiS1tUyDuL2DEPM9AtKbnPygcQ-3D" target="_blank">found here</a>.

Wednesday is Utility Scam Awareness Day

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

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Peterson, Guage Michaels

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation, Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circ; felony Failure to appear and Traffic contraband in corr/care facility; Intro item on grounds

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Outside warrant/NCIC hit, Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body and Poss of marijuana

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Garcia Rodriguez, Andres

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;McBride, Matthew Lakota Hawk

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation and Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Standfield, Savonne Amber

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear

Saline County Jail Bookings, Nov. 20

GEARY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 5p.m. Tuesday in Geary County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Subaru Outback driven by April M.&nbsp;Kulczyk, 45, Junction City, was northbound on U.S. 77 in west-central Junction City.

The SUV crossed the center line and struck a 2009 Infiniti G37 driven by Kaleb M&nbsp;Jones-Bransford, 21, Ponca City, Oklahoma.

After impact, the SUV continued northbound, again crossing the center line and colliding head-on with a 2019 Ford Fusion driven by&nbsp; Bradley S. Linton, 56, Enterprise.

&nbsp;After the second collision, the Ford came to rest in the west ditch while the Subaru came to rest in the northbound lane of traffic. The Infiniti traveled into the west ditch and struck a guardrail.

Linton was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Johnson's Funeral Home. EMS transported Kulczyk to&nbsp;Stormont-Vail Healthcare in Topeka. Jones-Bransford was not injured. All three drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dead, woman injured after 3-vehicle crash

Fort Hays State University and two technical colleges join ranks to address rural workforce shortages and population decline

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Three higher education institutions in central and western Kansas joined forces to address the region’s workforce shortages and education gaps.

Fort Hays State University, Northwest Kansas Technical College and North Central Kansas Technical College created a new affiliation as a way to propel students into the region’s workforce and empower their communities to persist through hard times.

The affiliation is different from a merger or a takeover, said Tisa Mason, president of Fort Hays State, on the Kansas Reflector podcast. The two tech colleges are now under the Fort Hays brand, complete with new logos and fresh merchandise, while remaining independently accredited institutions. They were renamed Fort Hays Tech Northwest and Fort Hays Tech North Central.

The joint venture is in its early stages, but school leaders are optimistic the education-to-profession pipeline they’re creating will have lasting impacts in their communities.

The three schools have a better chance at earning federal funding as a group to reinvest in students and their communities, Mason said.

As higher education has become more unaffordable for students, part of the affiliation initiative is focused on reducing barriers to education. That’s happening through creating new programs and bolstering existing ones to meet students where they are at.

Mason said they want to make registering for classes “as easy as Amazon.com.”

Nursing and the trades have been primary points of interest for students, especially as construction needs and health care worker shortages become more acute, said Jennifer Brown, the dean of instruction at the north-central tech college.

Students can start at either of the technical colleges and work their way toward earning a bachelor’s degree online at the university. The goal is a seamless transition, Brown said.

“They can stay in place, wherever that might be within north-central Kansas or western Kansas, and still earn that bachelor’s degree,” she said.

Brown is on some of the 14 implementation teams focused on making the new programs work. To her, a successful initiative will result in more students furthering credits toward degrees or added credentials and training, she said.

“I think sometimes it’s really hard to envision the future because we don’t even know yet,” Brown said. “One of the greatest things that I think is coming from this, from my perspective, is the relationship building that we have amongst all three institutions.”

Peter Laipson, who oversees the affiliation initiative as its director, said he hopes in the coming years students are able to move through their education and find lucrative work in western and north-central Kansas on the other side.

“I think, ultimately, that would be good for them. That would be good for the communities. That would mean that there’s a kind of robust business atmosphere,” Laipson said. “I think that would be the ultimate sign of success.

Kansas tech colleges team with university to tackle rural economic woes

The Smoky Hill Museum welcomes the holiday season with its annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, November 23, from 1 to 3 p.m. The event is open to the public and free of charge.

Attendees will have the opportunity to create Christmas ornaments and other seasonal crafts, enjoy refreshments, and explore the museum and its gift store. According to event organizers, there will be a visit from Pioneer Prairie Santa, who will be available for photos.

A string quartet from Kansas Wesleyan University will perform holiday music during the event, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The Smoky Hill Museum, located in downtown Salina, is a nationally accredited history museum. Regular hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Smoky Hill Museum hosts free holiday open house this Saturday

The Stiefel Theatre in Salina is thrilled to announce that legendary comedian Bill Bellamy will perform live on February 21, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $39 and will go on sale Friday, November 22, at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office, online at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>, or by calling 785-827-1998.

Bill Bellamy’s career in comedy began during his college days at Rutgers University, where he honed his craft performing in comedy clubs across the country. In less than two years, Bellamy gained national recognition with an appearance on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, where he coined the term “Booty Call,” which later became the title of his top-rated Showtime comedy special.

Bellamy’s charisma and comedic talent made him a staple on MTV in the 1990s, where he hosted popular shows such as MTV Jams, MTV Top 20 Countdown, and MTV Beach House. He also landed his own late-night series, The Bill Bellamy Show, and became a regular on the big screen in films like Love Jones, How to Be a Player, and The Brothers.

In addition to his acting credits on shows like Castle, Royal Pains, and Insecure, Bellamy has hosted and produced popular television programs, including NBC’s Last Comic Standing and TV One’s Who’s Got Jokes?. Bellamy has also toured extensively with his stand-up specials, including the nation-wide Ladies Night Out tour and Shaq’s All-Star Comedy Jam.

Bellamy remains a dynamic force in comedy, acting, and entertainment, recently starring in the BET+ holiday film A Rich Christmas and the upcoming comedy Back to the Strip.

The Stiefel Theatre is excited to welcome this comedy icon for a night of unforgettable laughs. As a non-profit, independent venue, the Stiefel Theatre relies on community support to continue bringing incredible performances to Salina. Don’t miss your chance to see Bill Bellamy live!

For tickets and more information, visit <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a> or call 785-827-1998.

Comedian Bill Bellamy at Salina's Stiefel Theatre in February

Salina Pain Clinic's&nbsp;Gridiron Glory is back for another football season!&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/595e21f1-4fd4-4ae6-afa2-38151237d5cb?contestid=3#registration/login">Register now</a>&nbsp;and make your NFL picks for chances to win great weekly prizes like cash, gift cards, concert tickets, and event tickets to Arrowhead to watch the Kansas City Chiefs!

Gridiron Glory is free to play thanks to the Salina Pain Clinic and Salina Medical Esthetics.

Each week select the teams you think will win. For each one you get correct, you earn points. For Monday's game enter the score you will expect the game to be, this game will serve as the tie-breaker for points.&nbsp;

Each week Salina Post will name the local winners and award them with with prizes like cash, gift cards, concert tickets, and event tickets to Arrowhead to watch the Kansas City Chiefs.&nbsp;

You can also accumulate season points for a chance to win a $1,000&nbsp;local prize and $5,000 national prize.

Do I have to play&nbsp;every&nbsp;week?

You can register and win on a weekly basis but you&nbsp;don't have to play every week.

Have a bad week? No worries! You are still eligible for weekly prizes

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