Information Courtesy <a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/media/Election%20Office/election-results/Unofficial%20General%202024.pdf">Saline County Clerk's Office</a> and Kansas Secretary of State's Office.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/media/Election%20Office/election-results/Unofficial%20General%202024.pdf">To view additional uncontested county races click here.</a>

Kamala D. Harris / Tim Walz, Democratic: County - 7,562, State -523,110 Donald J. Trump / JD Vance, Republican: County - 8,471, State -735,428 Chase Oliver Libertarian: County - 119, State - 7,276 Robert F. Kennedy Jr. / Nicole Shanahan, Independent: County - 283 State - 15,599

U.S. House of Representatives, First District:

Paul Buskirk, Democratic: County - 6,242, State - 89,348

Tracey Mann, Republican: County - 16,257, State - 204,335

John Baker, Democratic: County &amp; State - 9,981 J.R. Claeys, Republican: County &amp; State - 21,079

Lori Blake, Democratic: County &amp; State - 3,939 Clarke Sanders, Republican: County &amp; State - 5,478

UPDATED: 2024 Unofficial Election Results

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

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 launches news tip email address

Delivered to your virtual porch during the noon hour every Monday through Friday — on time and free :-)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

River bridge, road project south of Wilson closed indefinetly 

A Salina man faces multiple charges after an altercation near Kansas Wesleyan University on Saturday led to confrontations with both KWU security and Salina police officers.

At around 3:45 p.m. on Nov. 2, following the KWU football game, three people were walking to their car when they encountered Donovan Green, 25, who was reportedly yelling profanities at a person passing nearby. Green allegedly turned his attention toward the group and then directed his remarks at them. According to Salina Police Cpt. James Feldman, the group warned Green to back off, but Green reportedly charged a 25-year-old man from Fairfax, Virginia, in an attempt to tackle him.

The man from Virginia managed to take Green to the ground and restrained him until KWU security and police arrived.

Officers reported that Green was uncooperative and continued to escalate the situation. According to the report, Green spat in an officer’s face as they attempted to take him into custody. When officers used a restraint device known as a wrap to secure him, Green allegedly head-butted another officer while being placed in the patrol car.

Green was booked into the Saline County Jail and now faces several charges, including battery, two counts of battery against a law enforcement officer, interference, and disorderly conduct.

Salina man arrested after KWU game scuffle, accused of assaulting officers

On November 4, the traffic signal cabinet&nbsp;at the intersection of South Ninth Street and Crawford Street&nbsp;was struck&nbsp;due to&nbsp;an accident. The City of Salina Public Works Department&nbsp;has ordered parts but due to&nbsp;availability, the intersection lights&nbsp;have been wired to function&nbsp;in flashing red&nbsp;with&nbsp;portable stop signs to help direct traffic through the intersection.&nbsp;Current estimated timeframe for&nbsp;complete&nbsp;repair&nbsp;is 2-4 weeks due to electronic parts availability.

Reminder,&nbsp;when approaching a blacked-out or flashing red light intersection&nbsp;you should come to a complete stop, check all directions to ensure there is no traffic and proceed when clear. The driver that approaches the signal first determines the right-of-way. Both blacked-out and flashing red lights have the same meaning as a STOP sign.

UPDATED: Traffic signal repair at South Ninth and Crawford underway following crash

In response to the ongoing opioid crisis, The Saline County Health Department is launching an anonymous survey to gather community input on the challenges of opioid overdoses and substance use disorder. The survey will help guide local efforts to improve prevention, treatment, and support services.

“We need the community’s voice to create meaningful solutions,” said Meagan Rico, Health Educator. “By understanding local challenges, we can better direct resources to those who need them most.”

The survey, which takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, is open to all Saline County residents. Responses will be used to inform strategies to address the opioid crisis and support those affected by addiction.

Complete the anonymous survey at&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/SalineCoImpact">bit.ly/SalineCoImpact</a>

Saline County Health Department launches survey to address Opioid Crisis in Saline County

By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER&nbsp; PhD Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University

The 2024 election results in Kansas demonstrate that the state’s conservative foundation remains firmly intact, with Republicans holding onto important state and federal offices. However, a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/2024-kansas-speaks-report-finalv3-corrections-10.28.24-execsum-final-bullet-and-10.31.24-appendix-c-crosstabs-table-17-title.pdf">survey</a>, Kansas Speaks, conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, shows a more nuanced and complex reality.

Despite recent buzz that the presidential race could be tighter, Republicans held strong up and down the ballot. At the state level, they held onto their supermajority in the Kansas Legislature, giving them considerable influence over key issues like taxes, education, and healthcare. This puts them on a collision course with Democratic Governor Laura Kelly, who may find it harder to push back against their agenda, as Republicans will likely have enough votes to override any vetoes she might try to use to block their bills.

Interestingly, the Docking Institute’s survey shows that more Kansans approve of Governor Kelly’s job performance than disapprove, creating an interesting dynamic as she navigates working with a legislature that holds such a strong Republican majority.

On the national front, Kansas’s congressional delegation remains predominantly Republican, with the notable exception of Democratic Representative Sharice Davids in the 3rd District. And since no U.S. Senate seats were up for election this year, the state’s U.S. Senate seats will stay in Republican hands.

Economic concerns clearly weighed heavily on voters, according to the survey. Over half of respondents (51.2%) said inflation had greatly affected their families, and nearly 43% expressed concern about economic threats to their well-being.

President Biden’s low approval ratings in the state, coupled with economic frustrations, likely helped Donald Trump, who won Kansas by a wide margin, continuing a long tradition of Republican victories in presidential races here. In fact, Trump’s margin of victory in 2024 closely mirrors his 2020 performance, indicating his electoral fortunes were not hurt despite being embroiled in legal and political scandals over the last four years.

However, when it comes to some social issues, Kansans appear to be moving in a different direction. In the Docking Institute’s survey, 65.4% of respondents agreed that women, not politicians, should decide whether to have an abortion, and over half (54.9%) said the government should not impose any restrictions on abortion access.

This is in line with the&nbsp;decisive&nbsp;vote in August 2022, when Kansans rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have removed abortion protections. These results suggest that Kansans are willing to break with conservative positions on certain issues, particularly when it comes to personal freedoms.

With a combination of traditional conservative values and an emerging independent streak on key issues, Kansas seems to be heading toward a more dynamic political landscape. While the state’s conservative foundation remains strong, the growing diversity of opinions suggests that Kansas’s political future may be more fluid and open to new perspectives than it has been in the past.

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Communications. The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.

Insight: Kansas 2024 — A complex, red state

The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) is moving closer to launching the Kansas Home Rebates Program, an initiative aimed at helping Kansas households lower energy costs and improve home comfort. With funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, this program will provide $105.6 million to support energy savings for low- to moderate-income households in Kansas.

The KCC has partnered with <a href="https://www.horne.com/">HORNE</a>, a nationally recognized professional services firm, to assist with program design, application development, and implementation. To ensure the Home Rebates Program meets the needs of Kansas residents, the KCC is scheduling engagement sessions with stakeholders, including Kansas utility companies, contractors, other state agencies, and the community.

To make rebates available, the program’s design and applications must be approved by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The KCC is working toward a submission deadline of January 31, 2025, with rebate funding expected to be accessible to Kansas households later in 2025, following DOE approval.

In the meantime, Kansans are encouraged to visit the <a href="https://kcc.ks.gov/">KCC website</a> for information on participating in engagement sessions, learning more about the Home Rebates Program, tracking program updates, and finding answers to frequently asked questions.

For additional details on how the Kansas Home Rebates Program can benefit you and your household, stay tuned to updates from the KCC.

KCC prepares for Home Rebates program launch in Kansas, seeks public input

Kansas Wesleyan University and Salina’s Church of the Cross have entered into what is believed to be a first-of-its-kind partnership between a United Methodist Church (UMC) and a UMC-affiliated university.

Under terms of the agreement, Church of the Cross — a member of the Great Plains Annual Conference, which comprises more than 700 United Methodist Churches in Kansas and Nebraska — gifted the church’s building and property at 1600 Rush Street in Salina to KWU. The congregation will continue to be based in the building, worship and conduct ministries there while remaining affiliated with the UMC. Kansas Wesleyan will be responsible for the property and have the ability to conduct programs, have offices or run classes on site.

The Salina Family YMCA’s Angel Child Care program, originally started alongside the church, will continue at the site as part of a broadening of the partnership between KWU and the YMCA.&nbsp;

“This is a deeply meaningful moment for Kansas Wesleyan,” said Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU president. “Our university ethos is unmistakably intertwined with that of the UMC — Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors — and we are committed to the success of the denomination, both locally and regionally. On a deeper level, we are engaged with the growth, development and support of the congregation of Church of the Cross. We look forward to an excellent relationship with the congregation as we explore opportunities within the facility to benefit the UMC’s mission.”&nbsp;

Bishop David Wilson expressed his support for this new venture between the university and the Great Plains Conference.

“I am so pleased to see this kind of partnership between KWU and the church,” he said. “This will benefit both institutions greatly and will help to further the mission of both through our connection as United Methodist entities.”

Pastor Libby Themis of Church of the Cross said she was pleased the building would see new life through the activity from KWU classes and groups.

“I’m grateful for the deliberate work of our Church of the Cross congregation, who in the past few years has been engaged in becoming a community resource space as we partner for the good of the community,” said Pastor Themis. “We believe lives are transformed by knowing, loving and serving God. What better way to do it than to let this building be used to greater capacity while we continue reach our community with God’s grace and love?”

“Spiritual development is a core component of the Kansas Wesleyan mission,” said Thompson. “We value the collaboration with Church of the Cross. We believe this can be a model for successful universities, as well, particularly those with a denominational affiliation. It provides an opportunity for churches to focus on their mission, while giving the university additional space. We are grateful to the Church of the Cross for this collaboration and investment in KWU and our ministry work.”

KWU’s ownership of the church marks a new chapter for the university, as it is believed to be the first property ownership outside of the general campus footprint since the Kansas Wesleyan Business College, which was located in downtown Salina and closed in the mid-1930s.&nbsp;

KWU has not yet officially determined what programs or operations it will house in the facility, but as part of the agreement has committed to put the funds from any future sale of the property into a trust solely for the university’s campus ministry programs.&nbsp;

The church and university will host a collaborative worship service at Church of the Cross to mark the partnership beginning at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. The community is invited to attend this historic moment. The agreement will be officially signed during that event.&nbsp;

KWU receives historic gift of UM Church of the Cross building, property

The Saline County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, Nov, 5 in the Salina City County Building, 300 W. Ash Street Salina.&nbsp;

Board of County Commissioners present at the Nov. 5 meeting:

During the meeting the Saline County Board of Commissioners approved a<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=8455"> formal agreement </a>with the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, clarifying the allocation and use of county funds for economic development and community marketing initiatives.

The agreement formalizes the county’s $30,000 contribution, which has historically been directed to support the Chamber's economic development division, yet had never been bound by a written contract.

"It does not commit us to a specific dollar amount. It does not lock in $30,000 it just says, whatever the commission budgets for them [ CHAMBER] annually, this is what they will do with that money," said Saline County Administrator Smith-Hanes said.&nbsp;

The new agreement specifies that county funds will support a community marketing plan developed in partnership with several local organizations.

"The Chamber is the only one of those economic development organizations where we've not had a written agreement in the past," Smith-Hanes said.&nbsp;

This plan aims to replace the previous "Imagine Salina" campaign and focuses on promoting Saline County as an attractive place for individuals outside the area to work, shop, live, and lodge.

The Chamber is also exploring additional funding avenues for this initiative, including potential updates to its agreement with the City of Salina concerning the use of transient guest tax revenue.

The Chamber has committed to utilizing these funds specifically for community marketing and workforce development in collaboration with other economic development partners. Under the agreement, the Chamber will provide quarterly reports on marketing efforts and other initiatives to ensure transparency and accountability.

If the Chamber or the county sees a need to shift priorities in the future, either party may propose amendments to the agreement. This new contract also brings the Chamber in line with other county-supported economic development organizations, such as the Salina Community Economic Development Organization, which already operates under a formal agreement with the county.

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=8477">Home Health and Hospice Month Proclamation</a>

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=8465">Kansas State and Local Cybersecurity Grants, 2024-158</a>

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=8456">Meeting Dates for 2025, 2024-156</a>

Saline County Board of Comm. formalizes funding for Salina Area Chamber of Commerce

Tis the season, and we don't mean spooky season. It's time to register to ring!

The Salvation Army needs individuals, companies, groups, and youth to volunteer with them this Christmas season ringing bells to raise funds for our year-round work.

By volunteering only two hours, you can help The Salvation Army collect enough funds to feed a family of four for an entire week. So, join us!

Visit <a href="http://www.registertoring.com">www.registertoring.com</a> to book your bell ringing shifts TODAY!

And if you are looking for seasonal work, applications for paid Bellringer starting at $9.00 per hour, will be taken at the Salina Public Library from 10-12pm on Tuesday, October, 15 and Wednesday, October 16, 2024, in conference room 1.

Please bring current picture ID and Social Security card and any other documentation with you so we can get your applications processed at the same time.  

Salina Salvation Army seeking bell ringers for Christmas season

By SALINA POST With Snoopy and the Peanuts off in search of another Great Pumpkin, <a href="https://abilenekansas.org/things-to-do/abilene-smoky-valley-railroad">The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad</a> announced Monday its schedule for a traditional holiday season train, the "Cowtown Santa Express."

The train will begin its 2024 run on Friday, November 29, and maintain a Thursday through Sunday schedule each weekend through December.

        The Express will once again be decked in interior and exterior lights, with special lighting on the Rock Island Depot and the adjoining area around the building. 

        A&amp;SV President and General Manager Ross Boelling said decorating crews will begin working in mid-November to have the train and depot grounds ready for the Express’ November 29 premier.

       The A&amp;SV is adding another car to the Express to accommodate more passengers. The “Eveland Creek” car from the former Kansas Belle dinner train that was moved from Baldwin City to Abilene in September will be added to increase the passenger count for each run of the Express.

        Boelling said that passengers will be required to purchase entire tables of four in the “Eveland Creek” and the “Chicago” cars, while individual tickets can be purchased in the “Enterprise” car.  

        The Express drew more than 3,000 passengers last year. 

        “We sold most of our tickets by December 7,” Boelling said. “So people need to get their tickets purchased early.”

Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their 2024 Kansas debut on the Express. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served, and a special narration will be provided by Dickinson County native Dave Lewis of Manhattan.

Trains will run at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Sunday evenings, and 3:30, 5:30 an 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays through December 22, with a special pre-Christmas train on Monday, December 23 at 3:30, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the A&amp;SV website, <a href="http://asvrr.org">asvrr.org</a>.

Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad ‘The Cowtown Santa Express’ holiday train schedule

By SALINA POST Salina will commemorate Veterans Day with several events honoring those who have served.&nbsp; Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, will start with a flag-raising ceremony and cannon salute at Salina Area Technical College, 2562 Centennial Road, at 9:30 a.m., led by soldiers from the Regional Training Site-Maintenance.

Master Sgt. David Medina Jr., quality assurance operations noncommissioned officer in charge of the 235th Regiment, will serve as the guest speaker for a Veterans Day ceremony at the Salina War Memorial in Sunset Park, 700 Sunset Drive. This ceremony is set to begin at 11 a.m. Following Monday’s ceremony, the American Legion Post 62 will host a luncheon at the VFW Post 1432, 1108 W. Crawford. The community is encouraged to attend these events to honor and show support for veterans.

Interim Healthcare &amp; Hospice invites the community to the 3rd Annual David Torrey Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. The parade will run from Elm to South Street, celebrating and honoring veterans. Attendees are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue and bring flags to show their support.

Salina Veterans Day activities schedule 

The Kansas Wesleyan Coaches' Show returns for week ten as the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes (5-4), return to JRI Stadium in Salina one last time to take on the Ottawa Braves (1-8).

On this week's show, we sat down and visited with co-interim head coaches David Leonard and Chris Snyder, free safety Quatama Massaquoi, and offensive coordinator James Bauer

Saturday's football game can be heard on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM) with Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson on the call. Pregame coverage begins at noon with kickoff scheduled for 1:00.

Kansas Wesleyan Coaches Show- Week Ten

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, as far as the guys that won’t go (practice) today, JuJu (Smith-Schuster) won’t but (he’s) making good progress, (he’s) just a little bit away. Then, Turk (Tershawn Wharton) won’t go today but it is good. He had a knee contusion and so we’re just letting it rest today. Everybody else will be out there and working. Again, we look forward to the challenge of playing Denver. We know they’re a good football team (and) they’re very well coached in all the phases. (Broncos Offensive Coordinator) Joe (Lombardi) does a good job with the offense along with (Broncos Head Coach) Sean (Payton) and (Broncos Defensive Coordinator) Vance (Joseph) on defense. (He’s) been a head coach, he’s a great football coach (and he) has a tremendous scheme there. Then, (Broncos Special Teams Coordinator) Ben (Kotwica) works with the special teams and does a nice job there and they’ve got good players. Like I said, they’re playing well (and) they’re executing well in all three phases so anyways, with that, the time’s yours.”

Q: With Patrick Mahomes, is there any expectations as far as managing the ankle that you need to back off a little this week?

REID:&nbsp;“No, we won’t have to back off, but he (Patrick Mahomes) manages it. He stays on top of all that.”

Q: Kingsley Suamataia played a couple of snaps on the first drive. What was happening on that?

REID:&nbsp;“So, our called player was 64 (Wanya Morris) so then we could sub Kingsley (Suamataia) out. When we put Mike (Caliendo) in and Mike could come in – you have to sub the guy out – the called player. So, to do what we were trying to do you had to make that move but I mean, it shows you the trust that we have in Kingsley too, because we came in and threw the ball. It didn’t matter what the play was. We have two good young guys. They’re getting better as we go.”

Q: Is it easier to have Wanya Morris eligible based on his limited receiving skills that we’ve seen? Is that a part of the equation as well?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah. I mean, you know – we’re not – yeah. Listen, they both can catch so yeah, they both (Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia) can catch.”

Q: What are the timetables for Charles Omenihu and Isiah Pacheco in terms of returning to practice?

REID:&nbsp;“We’re taking it week-by-week, day-by-day, that whole deal. I mean, we’ve got to work through the doctors on that so – and the checkups there. They’re both (Charles Omenihu and Isiah Pacheco) doing great, they’re both making progress. JuJu (Smith-Schuster) the same way so we’re getting close.”

REID:&nbsp;“Eh, I don’t think so. No.”

Q: What do you think has enabled you guys to keep moving forward and stay undefeated?

REID:&nbsp;“These games have been close. A lot of them. So, I’m proud of the guys for playing for four quarters and hanging together for that time but – so I’d probably tell you that. We can get better in all the different spots, me included. We’re just all kind of working in the same direction right now and that’s important to see if we can improve as we go.”

Q: Does it seem to you that it’s been a variety of different ways to win?

REID:&nbsp;“Different things have shown up at important times. I’d tell you, yes and guys have stepped up and really all three phases have been involved in that. So, I’d tell you yes.”

Q: Are there key ingredients to the successful third downs over the past few weeks?

REID:&nbsp;“First of all, (Offensive Coordinator) Matt (Nagy) does a great job supplying the plays on that and the guys buy in and believe in it. You’ve got an offensive line that’s doing a nice job protecting and a quarterback (Patrick Mahomes) that’s a real good player (laughs). Then, the receivers and (Travis) Kelce and Noah (Gray) have done a great job with their execution there – and staying alive. So, if there was a breakdown here or there or they did a great job in coverage, the guys stay alive and are able to get themselves open. It starts with Matt and what he’s put together for them.”

Q: What stands out about your three-interior offensive lineman?

REID:&nbsp;“Well they’re (Trey Smith, Creed Humphrey and Joe Thuney) all best buddies, they’re always together. They’re good players and they work at it. They’ve played together long enough where they kind of know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and cover up the weakness with each other’s strengths. Again, these challenges that we had – and this week won’t be any different. Their (Denver Broncos) inside guys are great, so it’ll be another big challenge for those inside three to execute. Just like last week was, that was a big challenge. They’re good friends, they spend a lot of time together, they study, they’re smart guys.”

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