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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salina Post news tip email address

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salina Post accepting letters to the editor

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

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

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

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

2024 League of Women Voters General Election Candidate Forum

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

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

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

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

River bridge, road project south of Wilson closed indefinetly 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not seeing precipitation totals from your area after a rain or snow event? Consider becoming a CoCoRaHS volunteer.

"CoCoRaHS is an acronym for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. CoCoRaHS is a unique, non-profit, community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail and snow). By using low-cost measurement tools, stressing training and education, and utilizing an interactive website, our aim is to provide the highest quality data for natural resource, education and research applications," the organization noted on its website.

After rain, hail, or snow storms, CoCoRaHS volunteers take precipitation measurements. Those totals are then recorded on the CoCoRaHS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/StateDailyPrecipReports.aspx?state=KS">website</a>&nbsp;(Kansas reporting).

The precipitation totals are used by various organizations and individuals, including the National Weather Service, other meteorologists, hydrologists, emergency managers, insurance adjusters, farmers and ranchers, and, of course, Salina Post.

For more information about CoCoRaHS and its March recruiting efforts or to sign up as a CoCoRaHS volunteer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/marchmadness.aspx">click here</a>.

Precipitation reporting organization seeks local, area volunteers

By ROSARIO MENDEZ Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

What’s worse than a bogus charity? A bogus charity with a dishonest fundraiser. The FTC has sued and stopped dishonest charity fundraisers that&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2020/09/spot-and-stop-dishonest-charity-fundraisers">called people</a>&nbsp;to get them to donate to fake charities. Some prey on your kindness and desire to help people impacted by weather emergencies or a disaster. But when you get a call from a charity fundraiser, how do you know the caller is telling you the truth?

Ask the caller specific questions.

What is the charity’s name, phone number, or address? Write these down so you can confirm them later. Keep in mind that many charity names sound alike, and that sham charities often use names that are sound and look like names of legitimate charities.

How much of your donation will go directly to the programs you want to support?

Will your donation be tax-deductible? Not every call seeking a donation is from a charity. Some calls might be from Political Action Committees or other groups where donations are not deductible. See more questions to ask here.

Resist the pressure to donate on the spot.

After you’ve listened to the caller, hang up the phone and think about what they said. Then, go online and do your own research:

Search for the organization’s name and phone number, plus the word “scam” or “complaint.” What you find might help you decide if you want to make that donation.

Look up the organization’s name and address. Does it show up? If it doesn’t, that could be a sign the caller was lying to you.

See what these rating organizations say about the charity: BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, and Candid.

If you get a donation request in the mail, do some research online before you donate. And if you spot a charity scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

If you get a donation request in the mail,&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/charity">do some research online</a>&nbsp;before you donate. And if you spot a charity scam, report it to the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2020/09/www.reportfraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

FTC: How to spot and stop dishonest charity fundraisers

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The start of a new school year is an expensive time for families. If you are struggling to pay for phone and internet services, there are programs to help you stay connected.

During Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week, the Kansas Corporation Commission joins utility regulators nationwide in encouraging those in need of assistance to apply for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program.&nbsp; Both programs help low-income individuals and families stay connected so they can access health care, attend classes, find employment, and call for help in an emergency.

Lifeline provides federal and state discounts up to $17.02 per month on phone service (wireless or residential) and broadband. Seven million Americans currently benefit from the program, including approximately 30,000 Kansans.

The Federal Communication Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Plan&nbsp; provides a monthly internet service discount of up to $30 and a one-time device discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer or tablet. According to FCC data, more than 20 million U.S. households are currently enrolled, including approximately 120,000 in Kansas.

Eligibility&nbsp;is based on income&nbsp;(at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for Lifeline and at or below 200% for Affordable Connectivity Plan)&nbsp;or participation in certain assistance programs&nbsp;such as:

•&nbsp;&nbsp;Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) •&nbsp; Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) •&nbsp; Federal Public Housing Assistance (FHPA) •&nbsp; Veterans Pensions &amp; Survivors Pension Benefit •&nbsp; Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance •&nbsp; Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families •&nbsp; Head Start Tribal Programs (income based) •&nbsp; Food Distribution Program on Tribal Lands&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anyone who qualifies for Lifeline is automatically eligible to participate in Affordable Connectivity Plan. Others may still qualify for the plan if they meet any of the following criteria:

• Are approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including the&nbsp;USDA Community Eligibility Provision.&nbsp; • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.&nbsp; • Meet the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income program.&nbsp;

Due to higher income maximums, Affordable Connectivity Plan  also has the potential to help families that may not qualify for other types of assistance. The maximum income for a family of four to qualify for the&nbsp; program is&nbsp;$60,000 per year compared to $40,500 for Lifeline. Both Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Plan offer additional discounts for subscribers living on tribal lands.

More information on income eligibility, participating providers, and the enrollment process is available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtjYy5rcy5nb3YvdGVsZWNvbW11bmljYXRpb25zL2xpZmVsaW5lP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTEuODIzOTEwMjEifQ.SgutPMf7jc8B89ZmFqxVxA5ZBkjKYdszBMiWwbYC7oo/s/1510803030/br/225606126077-l" target="_blank">KCC’s website</a>.

Plans available to help Kansans unable to pay for phone, internet services stay connected

The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday the selection of Tiffany Benien as the new director of Visit Salina.

Benien, who has served as the sports and special events manager for Visit Salina since June 1995, will succeed Sylvia Rice, who led the organization for 34 years prior to her death in April 2024. The Chamber operates Visit Salina as a convention and visitors bureau using transient guest tax dollars allocated by the City of Salina.

In a statement, Chamber President Renee Duxler cited Benien’s deep experience in tourism and destination marketing, as well as her strong relationships throughout the community, region, and state, as key factors in her selection.

“Tiffany has such a wealth of knowledge and experience regarding tourism and destination marketing, as well as critical relationships that continue to make Visit Salina a premier convention and visitors bureau throughout the state,” Duxler said. “She also has the passion and drive to continue to elevate how Salina promotes itself, which will be crucial as we move forward with our community marketing initiative.”

Throughout 2024, the Chamber worked to renegotiate its transient guest tax agreement with the City of Salina, ultimately securing a reallocation of a percentage of those funds to support the new community marketing initiative. During this period, Duxler served as acting director of Visit Salina following Rice’s passing. The new agreement and budget were approved by the Salina City Commission earlier this year, prompting the official search for a new director.

A native of the Salina area, Benien graduated from Bennington High School and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in business administration with an emphasis in marketing from Kansas Wesleyan University. As a student-athlete, she played both volleyball and softball for the KWU Coyotes, which helped fuel her passion for sports, marketing, and her hometown.

In her role with Visit Salina, Benien has welcomed thousands of visitors, sports fans, and event organizers to the city. She holds designations as a Certified Sports Events Executive (CSEE) and Kansas Destination Specialist (KDS). She also serves on the Travel Industry Association of Kansas (TIAK) Executive Board of Directors, is a member and past president of SportsKS, and is active in both SportsETA and the Kansas I-70 Association.

“I’m excited and honored to take on the role of Visit Salina director,” Benien said. “The Chamber and the Salina community offer so much, including countless community-minded people who make this a great place to visit. Whether you’re interested in sports, the arts, history, food, unique attractions, or comfortable places to stay, Salina has something for everyone. I’m thrilled to be part of this amazing community and look forward to collaborating with others to share the wonderful things that make Salina an exceptional place.”

Chamber announces Benien as Visit Salina director

At approximately 9:30 p.m. on Monday night&nbsp;March 31, the Salina Fire Department responded to a residential fire at 629 E. Neal. Initial reports indicated a fire in the attached garage of the residence.

Upon arrival, fire crews encountered an active fire in the garage of a single-story home. Firefighters initiated suppression operations and discovered the garage contents fully engulfed in flames, with fire spreading to the attic space above. The fire was brought under control within 10 minutes of arrival.&nbsp;Firefighters&nbsp;also&nbsp;conducted a thorough search to ensure no one remained inside.

The fire is considered accidental, but due to extensive damage, the exact cause remains undetermined&nbsp;at this time.

In addition to the Salina Fire Department, the Salina Police Department provided traffic control, Evergy and Kansas Gas were requested to secure utilities. The Salvation Army was also contacted to assist the residents with temporary resources.

Residential fire on Neal Avenue quickly contained by Salina Fire Department

Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad

The timeless charm of four-part harmony will take center stage next week as the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad celebrates&nbsp;National Barbershop Quartet Day&nbsp;with a special dinner train experience.

On Saturday, April 12, passengers aboard the&nbsp;Smoky Valley Limited&nbsp;will be treated to live performances from three standout Kansas barbershop groups:&nbsp;“Four Gems”&nbsp;from Manhattan,&nbsp;“Uncalled Four”&nbsp;from Colby, and&nbsp;“Chardonnay”, also from Manhattan. These quartets will bring the pure, heartfelt sounds of barbershop singing to life as the train winds its way across the scenic Smoky Hill River Valley.

Barbershop music, with roots tracing back nearly 175 years, got its start in the informal gathering places of American barbershops and has since grown into a beloved and enduring musical tradition.

The two-hour round-trip ride departs at 6 p.m. from Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot and includes a stop at the Hoffman Mill and Country Store in Enterprise. Guests will enjoy a catered meal from Broadway Station in Herington, with a choice of barbecue pork chops or barbecue chicken breast.

Tickets and seating information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://asvrr.org/">asvrr.org</a>.

National Barbershop Quartet Day celebration rolls into Abilene 

Two runaway juveniles are facing multiple charges after allegedly stealing from a Salina store, taking a backpack valued at more than $2,000, and later being connected to two smoke shop burglaries, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.

The investigation began around 2:20 p.m. on March 28, when officers were dispatched to Dollar General, 840 E. Crawford, regarding two male juveniles reportedly caught attempting to steal a Lunchable. Employees stopped the shoplifting attempt and had the juveniles leave the store.

As they exited, the pair allegedly stole a backpack left outside by an 18-year-old customer. The backpack contained a baseball glove, laptop, clothing, and a medical device. The total loss was estimated at over $2,000.

Officers searched the area and determined the juveniles matched the description of two males recently reported as runaways from a local group home. They were found in the 300 block of Center Street and taken into custody. While they did not have the backpack at the time, officers later located it behind a nearby business in the 800 block of E. Crawford. All items were recovered except for the medical device.

The 15 and 16-year-old juveniles were charged with felony theft and theft. According to Feldman, they were not booked into the Juvenile Detention Center in Junction City at that time.

At around 5 a.m. on March 31, officers responded to a burglary alarm at VIP Smoke Shop, 2018 S. 9th Street. The front door had been shattered with a rock, and more than $2,500 worth of merchandise, including vapes and other tobacco products, was reported stolen. Damage to the storefront was estimated at $2,000.

Later that morning, around 8:40 a.m., a School Resource Officer was contacted by school staff after a student was caught smoking in a restroom. When questioned, the student identified the same two juveniles as the source of the vape.

Through the investigation, officers connected the pair to the VIP Smoke Shop burglary, as well as an earlier break-in at Pack Rat Smoke Shop, 659 S. Broadway, on March 10. Items from the VIP burglary were recovered.

Following the March 31 incident, both juveniles were charged with two counts of burglary, one count of felony damage to property, one count of misdemeanor damage to property, and two counts of felony theft. They were then booked into the Juvenile Detention Center in Junction City.

SPD: Runaway juveniles linked to multiple thefts and smoke shop burglaries

By DAVID NORLIN Saline County Resident Denial is not just a river in Egypt.

For those who are still in it, cutting through the chaos is one way out, even though the chaos is confusing, on purpose. In Topeka or D.C., just following bills is, well, debilitating.

Near-daily executive orders are in reality executive&nbsp;disorders. But we can wake to this truth. It’s not conservatism — it’s corruption. On steroids. Remember the frog in first lukewarm, then boiling water? The heat is coming up, less gradually every day. Will we jump out in time? Every day reduces the chance.

Through the fog, we must fully grasp — and admit — where we are. Unfortunately, President Trump’s mindset is easy to discern.

As felon-in-chief, he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/07/us/politics/trump-justice-dept-ousters.html" target="_blank">continues to purge</a>&nbsp;the Justice Department. In the nouveau regime, crimes are not crimes if they say they’re not. They’ll first get rid of the people who once said they were. Removing truth-tellers’ salary, pension and security detail should do it. In short, they’ll make opponents’ lives as miserable and insecure as possible.

No more wasting money on the little people. They’re on their way to cut our Social Security and Medicaid, and perhaps Medicare. The co-president of Public Citizen, weighing in on Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/trump-social-security-lies" target="_blank">Social Security lies</a>&nbsp;in his address to Congress, said these are “the prelude to vicious cuts.”

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-California) summed it up: “This is their core agenda. (It’s) reverse Roosevelt. They are no longer even hiding it.”

Farmers, consumers and the entire economy are terrorized with tariffs, at the whim of Trump’s on/off button. (Pick your news source.)

National Republicans’ lockstep mentality is echoed by the Kansas’ monopoly party. Kansas legislative leadership seeks to dilute the vote by deluding the people. They and their docile (or worse, complicit) gang of enabler-legislators seek to block troublesome votes by removing the three-day&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/23/kansas-senate-bill-would-set-election-day-deadline-for-mail-in-ballots/">mail ballot grace period</a>, shutting out thousands of votes.

They would make our Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/07/kansas-senate-adopts-plan-to-elect-supreme-court-justices-a-step-toward-overturning-abortion-rights/">selection by election</a>, with justices bought by the same mega-donor dollars that installed them. This would chill rights to education and women’s reproductive freedom.

How does this get a pass from the public? By misinformation. By appealing to collective (mostly white) prejudice. And by assaulting and defunding education, especially higher ed. Universities are called universities for a reason. Designed to promote universal understanding and values in education, too often they have suffered at the whim of moneyed interests. Public financing is key to even private college funding.

Nonetheless, the Trump Administration just&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gp979w055o" target="_blank">cut $400 million</a>&nbsp;from Columbia University’s budget, drastically affecting “research and other critical functions, impacting students, faculty, staff, research, and patient care” because students took a stand for Palestine. This is a blow. More than a quarter of Columbia’s $6.6 billion in annual operating revenue&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/07/nyregion/trump-administration-columbia-grants-cancelled-antisemitism.html" target="_blank">comes from federal sources</a>, according to its 2024 financial statements.

Call it what it is. Mafia thuggery and bullying, until universities knuckle under.

The Kansas Legislature monopoly party marches in lockstep with their congressional colleagues. Salina’s Republican Rep Steven Howe got off on a good foot with his appeal for Republicans to<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/15/a-kansas-legislator-stands-against-trump-and-jan-6-violence-will-his-fellow-republicans-listen/">re-examine their votes</a>for Donald Trump come the 2024 election.

However, he was shortly back on the bandwagon. Howe’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/31/bill-restricting-dei-returns-to-kansas-legislature-amid-debate-over-ideology-pronouns/">crusade and “investigation”</a>against universities’ diversity, equity and inclusion policies put him firmly in the Trump camp and resulted in that witch-hunt becoming state law.

This year, Howe introduced a bill aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/10/kansas-house-bill-strives-to-strip-property-interest-from-definition-of-university-college-tenure/">weakening tenure protections</a>&nbsp;at Kansas universities. His action was “at the behest of Steven Lovett, general counsel at Emporia State University,” where 30 tenured or tenure-track professors were fired in 2022. ESU is “embroiled in state and federal court battles” as a result. Lovett’s seeming conflict of interest in this action was questioned, even by an ESU spokeswoman.

There is little doubt whose side Howe is on. He even moved in his House committee “to add $2.2 million to the ESU budget for legal expenses in (Lovett’s) faculty firing case.

Spreading chaos and retribution is also blatantly obvious in Trump’s complete board replacement of the Kennedy Center.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/trump-kennedy-center-laura-ingraham-maria-bartiromo-rcna195468" target="_blank">He named himself board chair</a>&nbsp;for the country’s premier performing arts center, now to become the Trump Center for the Conforming Arts. In that action, he decried DEI and the center’s leadership and performances. It might feature WWE wrestling next.

As Nietzsche said, “Distrust all in whom the impulse to punish is powerful.”

Once we get past denial, this bullying culture must be faced up to, to face them down. It can be as simple as&nbsp;no. As a legal immigrant friend of mine said yesterday, “The more&nbsp;no’s&nbsp;they get, the smaller they become.”

David Norlin is&nbsp;a retired Cloud County Community College teacher, where he was department chairman of communications/English, specializing in media.&nbsp; 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 Media. 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. Send us your opinions and your name and county location to to newstips@salinapost.com

OPINION: Chaos envelops Topeka and Washington as leaders pursue vengeance

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;Wallace, Dasan Zachary Perry

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Driving While Suspended, No Proof Of Insurance and Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation

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

NAME:&nbsp;Morton, DeYauntrie Eric Travalle

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Probation Violation and Return for court testimony

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

Saline County Jail Bookings, April 1

The City of Salina is excited to announce Free Landfill Day, offering residents of Saline County the opportunity to dispose of residential trash for free. This event will take place on Saturday, April 26, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Salina Municipal Solid Waste Landfill located at 4292 S. Burma Rd.

Residents with a Saline County license plate on their vehicles will enjoy complimentary trash disposal. However, vehicles from other counties will be subject to normal tipping fees. Commercial waste haulers will receive priority access, with standard rates applying.

Customers are urged to exercise caution, adhere to staff instructions, obey signage, remain on approved roadways, and anticipate potential delays. Due to anticipated high turnout, a line may form, and access to the disposal site and convenience area will be limited. It's important to note that removal of any landfill property, including waste from other customers, is strictly prohibited.

Certain items will not be accepted at the landfill, such as automobiles, batteries, corrosive waste, explosives, flammable waste, hazardous waste, liquid waste (including paint), machinery, reactive waste, storage tanks, toxic waste, and vehicle or equipment wreckage.

The following items will be accepted, subject to applicable tipping fees for all commercial and residential customers: brick, concrete, rock, other aggregates, commercial loads (including waste from residents that is anything other than normal household trash), Freon-containing items (Freon removal certification required), roofing &amp; other construction materials, boats, sheds, trailers, tires, and waste requiring a Special Waste Permit from the KDHE. A comprehensive listing of fees may be found on the City’s website:&nbsp;salina-ks.gov/sw-landfill-fees.

The landfill will close&nbsp;promptly at 2 p.m., and customers will not be allowed entry after closing, even if a line remains. Normal business hours and fees will resume on Monday,&nbsp;April 28.

City of Salina announces ‘Free Landfill Day’ date 

<a href="https://salinarescuemission.com/">The Salina Rescue Mission</a>&nbsp;will hold its annual plant sale fundraiser April 23-26 at&nbsp;<a href="https://stutzmans.com/our-locations/salina-garden-center/">Stutzmans Greenhouse and Garden Center</a>&nbsp;at the corner of Ninth and Magnolia in the Central Mall parking lot.&nbsp;

Throughout the sale, 20% of all proceeds from purchased plants will benefit the Salina Rescue Mission. A Central Kansas Extension District Master Gardener can assist those searching for new plants.

The fundraiser is available during Stutzmans' regular hours, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Stutzmans plant sale to benefit Salina Rescue Mission

By SALINA POST The National Weather Service in Wichita is urging Kansans to stay weather-aware as severe storms are expected to develop Tuesday evening and continue into early Wednesday morning.

Forecasters say the primary threats include large hail, damaging winds, heavy rainfall and the possibility of tornadoes.&nbsp;

The timing of the storms will vary by location:

• 6 to 10 p.m. for areas in central Kansas, including Salina, Great Bend, and Concordia

• 8 p.m. to midnight for locations farther east, such as Hutchinson, Emporia, and Topeka

• 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. for southeastern Kansas, including Wichita, Chanute, and Coffeyville

The National Weather Service advises residents to monitor the <a href="https://www.weather.gov/">latest forecasts </a>and have multiple ways to receive warning information, especially overnight when storms may strike while people are asleep.

This round of storms could impact evening travel and overnight safety, so preparations should be made early. Local emergency management officials recommend charging mobile devices, securing outdoor items, and reviewing severe weather safety plans.

Salina Post will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.

NWS: severe storms likely Tuesday evening

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp;

Salina Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. To submit obituaries, email the obituary text and a photo of the deceased to newstips@salinapost.com

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Roselawnburialandcremation">Roselawn Burial and Cremation Services Facebook Page</a>

Recent obituaries and service times

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4ab59c5d-d9e0-415a-94a9-b63a809a0869?elinkdata=23576" target="_blank">Chihiro Iwata</a>&nbsp;of Kansas Wesleyan University has earned the KCAC Flag Football Offensive Player of the Week honor, the conference office announced Monday. Student-athletes were selected for their performances from March 24-30 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c0947d63-223a-4558-b548-ecfac72f9471?elinkdata=23576" target="_blank">Equity Bank</a>.

Iwata was phenomenal for the Coyotes in two blowout wins, 57-0 over Bethel and 46-0 over Graceland.

Against Bethel, Iwata was 10-of-11 for 125 yards and five touchdowns. She also ran once for 10 yards. KWU started its drives on average at the Bethel 27 yard line, so there just wasn't yards to gain in the game.

Against Graceland, she was 24-of-31 passing for 269 yards and six touchdowns and she rushed four times for 21 yards. For the week, she was 34-of-42 for 394 yards and 11 touchdowns, completing 81 percent of her passes. She also had five rushes for 31 yards on the week.

This marks the second time this season Iwata has been named the KCAC Women's Flag Football Offensive Player of the Week.

Iwata earns KCAC Flag Football Offensive Player of the Week honor

Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ba1ea923-44d0-4a27-9b86-62876960f7fc?elinkdata=23545" target="_blank">Ryan Wagner</a>&nbsp;has been selected as the Heart of America Conference Men's Volleyball Defender of the Week, presented by Molten, as announced by the Heart Conference office on Monday.

Playing in only two of three matches this week was huge on the defensive side for the Coyotes. He averaged 2.17 blocks per match on the week.

He had seven blocks against No. 3 ranked Missouri Valley as the Coyotes played easily their best match of the season against the Vikings.Against Culver-Stockton he added six blocks while only playing in two of three sets in the match.

Ryan Wagner named HEART Men's Volleyball Defender of the Week

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Kris Bubic struck out eight in six shutout innings in his first start in nearly two years, and the Kansas City Royals spoiled Milwaukee's home opener with an 11-1 victory over the winless Brewers on Monday.

Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez homered for the Royals. Jonathan India had three hits and drove in two runs one day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-jonathan-india-21ca211a9ceab0a802ad3e0161c98cd7">he was struck</a>&nbsp;on the left side of his face by a 98.9-mph pitch from Cleveland's Emmanuel Clase.

Bubic (1-0) allowed three hits and walked two in his first start since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/braves-royals-0901437988ea02e1d63792b0b8fcbcb7">April 15, 2023.</a>&nbsp;The 27-year-old left-hander had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kris-bubic-e784a60aeb5aa900ac518966b0a6446b">Tommy John surgery</a>&nbsp;later that month, and he filled a relief role in all 27 of his appearances last season, going 1-1 with a 2.67 ERA.

The two-time&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milwaukee-brewers-984ada478789a7727c5f1333df7afddd">defending NL Central champion</a>&nbsp;Brewers are 0-4 for the first time since 2015, when they finished 68-94.

Garcia connected for a 428-foot drive to center on a 2-1 fastball from Elvin Rodriguez (0-1) in the second. Perez went deep on a 2-2 slider from Elvis Peguero in the seventh, sending a 418-foot drive just inside the left-field foul pole.

Brewers associate manager Rickie Weeks was ejected from the game by home plate umpire Brennan Miller after arguing a ball-strike call from the dugout in the seventh.

After India and Bobby Witt opened the game with back-to-back singles, Rodríguez retired the next two batters and seemed on the verge of getting out of the inning until Michael Massey ripped a 1-1 fastball that bounced over the left-field wall for a ground-rule RBI double. Hunter Renfroe followed with a two-run single.

The Brewers have been outscored 47-15 through their first four games. They opened their season by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/torpedo-bats-yankees-6ac6c797ea935941ed1c0d0e51a7d870">getting swept</a>&nbsp;in a three-game series at Yankee Stadium.

Right-hander Michael Lorenzen starts for the Royals as the three-game series continues Tuesday. The Brewers haven't announced their starting pitcher.

⚾ Bubic sparkles in first start since April 2023 as Royals trounce Brewers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;The National Football League announced today that the Kansas City Chiefs have been awarded marketing and commercialization rights for the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Spain as part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program. These three new markets add to the Chiefs existing rights in Mexico, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, bringing the team’s total to seven, among the highest in the NFL.

“We are incredibly excited to bring Chiefs football to fans in the UK, Ireland and Spain,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “As the game grows globally, more and more fans from around the world are becoming a part of Chiefs Kingdom. Kansas City has certainly made a name for itself in the global sports landscape, and we are proud to showcase our town and our team on the international stage.”

“We are deeply committed to creating meaningful opportunities for and connections with our growing global fanbase,” said Lara Krug, Chiefs Executive Vice President of Marketing and Chief Media and Marketing Officer. “The passion we see from our international fans inspires us and drives us to build Chiefs Kingdom into a truly global community. We are particularly pleased to now have six European countries, allowing us to service many more fans on the continent and bring the energy of the NFL and Chiefs traditions there.”

Beginning April 1, 2025, the club can begin activating elements of its marketing and commercial plans in all three new markets, including hosting events in the countries to engage fans locally, unveiling market/language-specific digital properties (Chiefs.com and Chiefs Mobile app), launching advertising campaigns, signing local sponsorship deals, extending domestic sponsors internationally, and aligning with local agencies with on-the-ground knowledge and expertise.

Looking ahead, the club will invest in its fanbase in all three markets through on-site activations, fan events, and local NFL FLAG Football initiatives. The club will also focus on growing community engagement through social programs, expanding both long- and short-form media content series, and exploring opportunities to play regular season games in these markets as part of the NFL's rotation of International Series games.

The organization also looks to continue growing Chiefs Kingdom in the markets where they already have global market rights. Some examples:

Additionally, the Chiefs are bringing back Chiefs House to all international markets where they have marketing rights and NFL games are being played this season. This immersive, Chiefs-branded destination offers Chiefs fans and football enthusiasts alike a fun, engaging environment around the international games being played in each location. The 2025 season games:

Chiefs secure additional international marketing and commercialization rights via NFL's Global Markets Program

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Longtime manager Peter Vermes is out at Sporting Kansas City.

The MLS club announced Monday that it “mutually agreed to part ways” with Vermes after nearly two decades and with Sporting KC chasing its first win since mid-September of last season.

Kerry Zavagnin was appointed interim head coach.

Vermes became the club's technical director in 2006 before being elevated to head coach in 2009. The member of the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame ranks third on the all-time MLS list with 203 regular-season wins.

He is the only person to win the MLS Cup as a player and a coach with the same team — he led Kansas City to the 2000 title as a central defender, then coached the team to the 2013 championship.

“It would be hard to list all of the people I want to thank after 20 seasons in managerial positions at Sporting Kansas City,” Vermes said in a statement. “I am thankful to everyone, especially ownership for giving me the opportunity of being a steward of this club for the past two decades. I wish the club nothing but the best in the future.”

Vermes led the club to 11 playoff appearances and four first-place finishes in the regular season. The club also won U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015 and 2017. Last season, the team reached the U.S. Open Cup Final but finished with an 8-19-7 record for its third straight losing campaign.

Vermes' final game was Saturday, when Sporting KC fell 2–1 to FC Dallas for a fifth loss in their first six games of the 2025 season.

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