By NATE KING Salina Post

The Salina City Commission postponed a demolition vote for the vacant 192-room Ambassador Hotel at 1616 W. Crawford St., leaving its future uncertain after a public hearing on Oct. 14.&nbsp;

The hotel, which opened in the 1980s as the Holiday Inn Holidome and later became a Ramada before rebranding as the Ambassador, has faced years of neglect and safety violations. In July, city commissioners designated the building as a dangerous structure after a review by Dangerous Structure Specialist Sean Furbeck. This designation followed a history of violations, including unsecured entry points, structural deterioration, illegal fires, and use by vagrants. The city gave property owner Joshua Joseph two options: repair the building or proceed with its demolition.

During the Oct. 14 city commission meeting, Joseph presented a new plan, outlining a proposal to divide the existing structure into two separate buildings and complete a cleanup and partial demolition within three months, with the entire project to be finished within a year. The plans also included indoor pickleball courts between the indoor storage facilities. 

Joseph claimed to have secured $3 million in financing from Frontier State Bank in Oklahoma City, backed by a $1 million certificate of deposit.

Despite the proposal, commissioners voiced concerns. Commissioner Greg Lenkiewicz a previous presentation from Joseph in 2017, describing it as disorganized and last-minute.

READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d11440d8-1d3d-457f-bb9d-0340bca41660">&nbsp;Salina City Commission labels Ambassador Hotel as dangerous structure — next steps</a>

"You presented it in a manner where it wasn't in the format, it wasn't part of the agenda, it was a part of the public comment,"&nbsp; Lenkiewicz said. "It seamed like seat of the pants planning, or last minute action. It is in our best interests to explore what you have to offer, but in my opinion it's going to need to have some stipulations with it."&nbsp;

Commissioner Trent Davis questioned Joseph's experience with similar projects, to which Joseph responded by highlighting his background in hotel construction in Oklahoma and Dallas.

Commissioner Hoppock cited past issues with Joseph’s projects in Hays and Hutchinson, questioning his commitment to the Salina community.

"I guess today may be your lucky day that you are going to get a chance to do what you say you are going to do," Hoppock said. "You are on a short leash, we aren't going to put up with a lot of 'well buts.'"

The commission voted 5-0 to delay the decision until Oct. 28, 2024, giving Joseph until 5 p.m. Tuesday to provide a satisfactory loan commitment letter.

On Wednesday morning Salina Mayor Bill Longbine informed Salina Post that Andrea Properties had failed to provide sufficient financial assurances for the project.

Now, the Ambassador Hotel faces the prospect of demolition, either by Joseph or the City of Salina, with initial estimates placing the cost at $1.7 million. The city commission will revisit the situation in two weeks, when they may again consider demolishing the structure.

On Wednesday afternoon City Manage Mike Schrage said Mr. Joseph’s lender provided city staff a letter confirming that the bank has provided DFW Joseph Investments LLC a $1 million revolving line of credit and acknowledged they were “working on a second request" for Mr. Joseph in the amount of a $2 million loan.

Longbine said this did not meet the necessary threshold set by commissioners during the Monday meeting.&nbsp;

Ambassador Hotel's future remains uncertain as Salina City Commission delays demolition decision

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

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

Join Eagle Radio news director, Nate King as he talks with local and regional government officials, first responders, non-profit leaders and unique individuals with interesting 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

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

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

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

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

River bridge, road project south of Wilson closed indefinetly 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Halloween will be here before you know it and with it comes a variety of activities for ghosts and goblins of all ages.

As information about events comes in, Salina Post will publish it here, so check back often.&nbsp;

If you have a Halloween event that is open to the public, please send information about it to <a href="mailto:newstips@salinapost.com">newstips@salinapost.com</a>

A week prior to Halloween, Salina Post will provide you with a list of all the trick-or-treating events in Salina. The map will be available via this post, so check back on Oct. 23.&nbsp;

UPDATED: Salina Halloween happenings, send your event details to Salina Post

A T-bone collision at the intersection of I-70 and Niles Road in Saline County sent three people to the hospital on Wednesday afternoon.

According to Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander, the crash, occurred around 4:42 p.m. on October 16, 2024, and involved a 2022 Nissan Titan pickup truck and a 2013 Ford Mustang, both driven by Kansas residents.

The 63-year-old driver of the Nissan Titan, a New Cambria resident, was traveling north on Niles Road when a 21-year-old man from Fort Riley, driving a Ford Mustang, exited I-70 westbound onto Niles Road. The 21-year-old driver had a female passenger from Salina with him at the time of the crash.&nbsp;

 According to witnesses, the Mustang slowed down at the stop sign but did not come to a complete stop before attempting to cross the intersection. As the Mustang entered the highway, the pickup truck collided with its side.&nbsp;

 The intersection has a posted speed limit of 55 mph, and it is believed the pickup was traveling at or near highway speeds at the time of the crash.

Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, and all three individuals were transported to the hospital. While the damage was substantial, the injuries sustained by those involved were reported as non-life-threatening.

The driver of the Mustang received citations for failing to yield at the intersection, failing to stop properly at the stop sign, and for not wearing a seatbelt. 

Three hospitalized after vehicle collision in Saline County

In this episode of King in the Community, host Nate King welcomes back Salina City Manager Mike Schrage to discuss a wide range of local topics. They begin by exploring the impacts the BOOM! Salina Street Art and Mural Festival has on the local economy, highlighting the role of private sector involvement in bringing international artists to Salina. Schrage clarifies the city's role in supporting the event and addresses public misconceptions about funding for the murals.

The conversation shifts to ongoing issues, such as the incomplete Cozy Inn mural, the legal process involved, and the timeline for resolution. They also touch on the city’s fleet of automated trash trucks, discussing their efficiency, cost savings, and improvements to the fleet.

Finally, King and Schrage dive into the Magnolia Village housing development project and the infrastructure improvements planned for the surrounding area. The episode concludes with an update on the city's financial planning for road projects and debt management.

🎙King in the Community — Salina City Manager, Mike Schrage

Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the 2024 Kansas Economic Report shows growth in the state’s labor workforce, continued low unemployment, and record exports. The report, produced by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL), comprehensively analyzes the state’s economic health and labor market trends.

The annual publication highlights critical data on employment, unemployment, labor force participation, job growth, personal income, and more, providing an essential resource for businesses, policymakers, and job seekers.

Labor Force Growth:&nbsp;In 2023, Kansas saw a 0.6% increase in its labor force, adding 8,385 individuals and bringing the total labor force to over 1.51 million. The number of employed Kansans reached a record high of 1.47 million, reflecting the state’s resilience and ongoing recovery.

Unemployment Rates:&nbsp;Kansas maintained a low unemployment rate, rising slightly to 2.7% in 2023, still well below the national average of 3.6%. Despite the modest increase, Kansas continues to outperform the national labor market.

Job Market Rebounds:&nbsp;Kansas’ nonfarm jobs surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with a total of 1.44 million jobs in 2023. Private sector employment led this growth, adding 23,800 jobs, while the government sector added 3,700 jobs.

Industry and Occupational Projections:&nbsp;Healthcare, transportation, and computer-related occupations are expected to grow significantly through 2032. Occupations typically requiring a bachelor’s degree are expected to add the most jobs from 2022&nbsp;to&nbsp;2032.

Export Growth:&nbsp;Kansas’ export market hit a record of $14.1 billion in sales, driven by growth in the transportation equipment and processed foods sectors. However, exports to Kansas' top trade partners—Mexico, Canada, and Japan—have declined over the year.

“The growth we are seeing is encouraging and shows the progress made in revitalizing our state's economy,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “This report reinforces my administration’s commitment to making Kansas the best state to live, work, and raise a family.”

“Kansas continues to show resilience in its economic recovery, as demonstrated by rising employment numbers and strong job growth in key sectors,”&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Secretary of&nbsp;Labor Amber Shultz said. “However, demographic challenges such as a shrinking younger population highlight the need for careful attention to workforce development as we plan for the future.”

The report also discusses long-term demographic trends, citing concerns about the state’s aging population and declining numbers of younger workers, which could pose challenges to future labor force sustainability.

To address those issues, the Kansas Department of Commerce has been working with businesses to attract new talent. It recently launched its&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Flovekansas.com%2F/1/010101929b1ae285-6e6cc057-fa9c-4ba6-9b66-cf96da441a77-000000/dRnBZddS_0g1eifzb2Ba0hvFdOxJ86tOOn-aPIzm_rU=375">Love, Kansas</a>&nbsp;campaign to bring those who left the state back to their roots in Kansas.

“It’s simple: we need more humans in Kansas to keep up with the phenomenal economic growth our state is experiencing,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.&nbsp;“The best way to do that is to first approach Kansans who left the state for economic opportunities elsewhere and invite them to build a life in a place they know and have connections to, whether in their hometown or elsewhere in the state.&nbsp; And with the Love, Kansas campaign, we aren’t just extending an invitation to those who once called Kansas home to come back--we’re also inviting families from around the country to build their lives in the Sunflower State.”

KDOL’s full report is available&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fklic.dol.ks.gov%2Fvosnet%2FGSIPub%2Fdocumentview.aspx%3Fenc=C92vxyDn7y3qW9PmZEEeqA==/1/010101929b1ae285-6e6cc057-fa9c-4ba6-9b66-cf96da441a77-000000/v_JYQ4Fmpnw85-rvDDsAJH7yv-C1VTuJQfxwSj6Jy_A=375">here</a>.

Gov. Kelly announces 2024 Kansas KDOL economic report 

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

No matter the sport or age of an athlete, it is often recommended that at the end of the season, the body should be given time to rest. That body management strategy can apply to bulls after they’ve completed the breeding season, according to the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute.

<a href="https://ksubci.org/2024/10/11/replacement-heifers-pain-management-bull-management/" target="_blank">Speaking on a recent Cattle Chat podcast</a>, K-State veterinarians Bob Larson and Brian Lubbers talked about bull longevity in the herd. In this case, it was bulls coming off of summer breeding pastures in spring calving herds.

“In single-sire herds in which replacement heifers are retained, the bull will need to be replaced more frequently (than with multiple sire herds) to avoid breeding sires to their daughters,” Larson said. “In a larger herd where the mating can be controlled, bulls may be able to stay in the herd 4-6 years or even longer.”

He said regardless of the bull’s age, breeding soundness exams need to be done annually near the start of the breeding season.

“As bulls get past middle age, their fertility starts to decrease,” Larson said. “They also start to have more musculoskeletal issues because of their size, and that can lead to foot and leg problems.”

Lubbers said fall is a good time to evaluate the hooves of the bulls because hoof growth slows in the winter weather.

“Fall is a good time to do some routine hoof trimming not only from the slowed hoof growth but also if they experience an injury in the process, there is time for them to heal,” Lubbers said. “And while it isn’t common, if there is a severe injury that happens when the bull is put on the trimming table, there is time to replace him ahead of the breeding season.”

Regarding nutrition management, K-State beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster offered some recommendations.

“Yearling and two-year-old bulls are still growing, so they will need a higher quality diet than mature bulls outside of the breeding season,” Lancaster said. “But they probably don’t need supplements unless they lost a lot of weight during the breeding season, and they need to regain body condition.”

He said producers should offer good quality hay to the younger bulls. Once he is mature, his nutritional needs are less so the quality of hay can also be decreased.

“A mature bull has the lowest nutritional requirements of any animal in the herd, so he can be fed the lowest quality hay due to his maintenance needs,” Lancaster said.

Because of the different nutritional needs of cattle in the herds, Lancaster advised that producers separate the bulls from the cows when not in the breeding season.

“By leaving the bulls with the cows outside of the breeding season, nutritionally speaking, there is a risk that the bulls will get over-conditioned from eating the supplements that the cows need,” Lancaster said.

To hear the full discussion,&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2024/10/11/replacement-heifers-pain-management-bull-management/" target="_blank">listen to Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;on your preferred streaming platform.

KSRE Cattle Chat: Bull management in the fall

Water Well Rd between Gypsum Valley Rd and Donmyer Rd will be closed from October 21, 2024, to May 16, 2025, for the construction of a bridge over Gypsum Creek.

Local&nbsp;and emergency traffic will be provided&nbsp;access to private property within the sections of the&nbsp;closed&nbsp;road&nbsp;at&nbsp;all times but only from the side upon which the property lies.

Driving around road closure barricades is not just unlawful but extremely unsafe. For your safety and the safety of the construction workers, please obey all traffic signs.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Saline County announces road closure

Bethany College is thrilled to announce the upcoming 2025 Messiah Festival of the Arts, a cherished tradition that has captivated audiences for over a century. This year marks the 144th consecutive performance of Handel’s “Messiah,” the longest-running rendition of this work in North America.&nbsp;

This year, attendees can expect a fresh perspective on these beloved works while celebrating their deep-rooted significance in our community. Bethany College will perform Bach's "St. Matthew Passion" on Friday, April 11, followed by Handel's "Messiah" on Palm Sunday, April 13.&nbsp;

“For more than 140 years, the Messiah Festival has been a testament to the artistic spirit of Bethany College and our commitment to the performing arts,” said President Steve Eckman. “We are excited to continue this legacy and invite our alumni, supporters, and local community to join us in this celebration of music, art, and faith.”&nbsp;

Both performances will feature the talented members of the Bethany Oratorio Society and professional soloists. The performance of Handel’s “Messiah” will include a full orchestra, showcasing the grandeur of this piece. Responding to community input, the performance of Bach's “St. Matthew Passion” will return to Bethany Lutheran Church, an intimate venue that will allow for greater clarity and emotional depth.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Community members, alumni, and music enthusiasts are invited to join the chorus and are encouraged to participate in this collaborative musical experience. Rehearsals begin on Jan. 26 for Messiah and on Jan. 28 for “St. Matthew’s Passion.”

This year’s festival promises to be an inspiring experience, reflecting the enduring power of these classic compositions. Join us as we honor our storied tradition and celebrate the gift of music at Bethany College. For more information about this year’s festival, please visit <a href="http://messiahfestival.org">messiahfestival.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bethany College set for 144th performance of Handel's 'Messiah' in 2025

On the final push for camper sales in their journey to close out, Becker Autos &amp; Trailers Camper SuperCenter in Beloit announces biggest sale ever!&nbsp; Inventory in the RV &amp; Sporting Goods store is being sold at 50% or more discount but will only be available in the store through early November.

“Usually At this time we would be in the middle of our biggest sale of the year,” said Housh, general manager of Becker Autos &amp; Trailers. “But this year being our last it’s not only our biggest sale of the year, but the biggest sale we’ve ever had.&nbsp; On an urgent quest to clear out all our remaining camper inventory, we have listed it for sale to the public at wholesale auction prices.”

In the spring, when Becker Autos &amp; Trailers announced they were to be going out of business they had nearly 140 campers on the lot.&nbsp; Down to about 30 campers, they have made a dent in their camper inventory numbers. Currently, Becker has no plans to maintain their dealership in Beloit after the first of the year.&nbsp; If their camper inventory is not sold, most will likely have to be taken to dealer auction prior to the end of the year or will put the business in an even tighter spot.&nbsp; Their 7 new campers must be sold on the lot or wholesale to other Keystone dealers.&nbsp;

“Unfortunately, we currently don’t see any change of plans for our dealership being able to continue the business. Several factors play in, and we are very sad that we can’t just continue to operate as we have over the last several years and serve our customers and our local area. But, we do really need your help in continuing this close-out process on a positive note.&nbsp; We are still here to get you the best deal around, nationwide best on most; we have great finance and extended warranty options and great training in place for when you buy! We have plans in place to ensure, that even after we are gone you are still taken care of in the ways you want to be with your camping journey!”

Becker Autos &amp; Trailers Camper SuperCenter in Beloit is currently open 9-5:30 Monday-Friday and by appointment for viewings during nights and weekends to fit your schedule.&nbsp; You can contact them by calling or texting 785-534-1227 or check out their website at BeckerAutos.com.

“Please come out and see us right away and let us know if there is anything we can do to help you in your camper, vehicle or trailer search.&nbsp; Thank you all for your business over the last 16 years in Beloit and 41 years total of Becker Autos” said Housh.

Saline County Jail Bookings, Oct. 17

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Fire Weather Watch for the Salina area, effective from Thursday afternoon through Thursday evening. This warning covers several counties, including Russell, Lincoln, Barton, Ellsworth, Saline, Rice, McPherson, Marion, and Chase, indicating extreme grassland fire danger.

According to the forecast, residents can expect strong winds from the south at speeds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph. Compounding the risk, relative humidity levels are expected to drop as low as 25%. 

The National Weather Service warns that if fires develop during this time, they are likely to spread rapidly and could become very difficult to control. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged as conditions are expected to be critical.

A Fire Weather Watch is an alert that critical fire weather conditions are anticipated. Officials and fire crews in the field are advised to stay vigilant and prepare for potential emergencies. The public is encouraged to listen for updates and potential red flag warnings throughout the day.

Fire Weather Watch issued for Salina area today

Chiefs Coordinator Quotes October 17, 2024

ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUB

Q: In the Super Bowl, you guys blocked a field goal against the 49ers. What did you see on that play and do you think you can do it again on Sunday?

TOUB: “(It was) just a normal week. Every week we emphasize getting a good push inside and getting your hands up every time because you never know when it could be a low kick. That happened to be just a little bit of a low kick and we had our hands up and Leo (Chenal) got his hand on it first and then it deflected off of Mike Danna’s hand, huge play ended up in that game. We always talk about that now (laughter), ever since then. I mean we talk about how important it is to get your hands up and get that good push.”

Q:&nbsp; It seems like more teams are returning the ball when they are one or two yards deep in the endzone. Are you seeing that too?

TOUB: “Yeah, because you don’t know if it’s going to be a touchback back or not and you don’t want to let the ball hit. So, anything around – like you got your eyes up and you can’t tell exactly where your feet are, so you’ll see teams – you’ll see guys catching it on the run and then coming out even though they’re one (or) two yards deep. That’s why that happens.”

Q: Was that an expectation going into the year?

TOUB: “Yeah, you have to be aggressive with it. You can’t just assume the ball is going to be a touchback. You have to go field it, you don’t want that ball to hit and then get the ball at the 20 (yard line) if it bounces in.”&nbsp;

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLO

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Good to see you (the media) – beautiful day – weather’s changing a little bit, huh? It’s a great thing. I’ll just kind of open it up, I’m ready to go – bye week.”

Q:&nbsp;Why do you feel like your gameplan was as effective as it was last year against the 49ers?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“I don’t know. I think back and I always think we could’ve done a little bit better, Adam (Teicher). We did some good things, but I thought they – I mean, they kind of moved the ball. We played decent in the red zone. I’m trying to go back now. It was the trick play they got the score on, right? We were aided by the – early on they were moving the ball. It was really good to get that turnover in the first drive, that kind of helped us. I thought the guys played really hard. They were on point. We had two weeks to prepare. I really kind of just put it back on the players. They were just that hungry. Listen, this offense is still a headache to defend. I know they’re minus the running back (49ers RB Christian McCaffrey), but I think the guys that are plugged in there for him still make that whole system effective, so we’re going to have a pretty good challenge on this one too.”

Q:&nbsp;Could you explain how Chris Jones affects games without piling up big sack numbers?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Well, you could – you saw it last week. The Saints, I think paid a lot of attention to Chris (Jones) in the way they protected in the pass game. That’s going to happen a lot, doesn’t happen all the time. Somehow we have to find a way for Chris to win a couple of those even when he’s doubled and when that does happen and they do choose to put a lot of attention on one guy, somewhere in there, somebody’s got a one-on-one, somebody’s got to step up and win and we’ve had a little bit of that, we’d like to have a little bit more of that. I think the other 10 guys on the field appreciate the fact that we have a guy like Chris that demands that kind of attention and possibly can open up something for somebody else.”

Q:&nbsp;How tough is it to combat a 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan offense?

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