By NATE KING Salina Post

At its<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/7d311762-6542-40eb-8f5a-eeb19f43b50e"> regular Monday meeting this week</a>, the Salina City Commission voted to demolish the 1616 West Crawford Street building, commonly called the Ambassador Hotel.

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.<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d11440d8-1d3d-457f-bb9d-0340bca41660"> In July</a>, city commissioners designated the building as a dangerous structure after a review by Dangerous Structure Specialist Sean Furbeck.

Click the link above to watch the live stream of the Salina City Commission Oct. 28 meeting.&nbsp;

The 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.

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/3aa9ac0b-322d-446c-bac1-5dd3e040952b">Earlier</a>&nbsp;this month, Joseph proposed a redevelopment plan to city commissioners and <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/3aa9ac0b-322d-446c-bac1-5dd3e040952b">claimed to have secured $3 million in financing</a>. City staff found the documentation provided by Joseph insufficient, as it did not meet the requirement for a binding loan commitment.

“We initially declared the structure dangerous and imposed deadlines, and those deadlines lapsed, which created the need for the show cause hearing in the first place,” said Salina City Manager Mike Schrage.

The commission opened the hearing on October 14, during which Joseph assured them he could provide documentation of funding the following day. Although Joseph submitted letters from Frontier State Bank, city staff determined the letters did not meet the requirements outlined by the commission.

"Financing was not the end-all, be-all. It was not a checkbox as much as it was a representation of progress on the part of Mr. Joseph to you [commissioners]," Schrage said. "The question before you and the purpose of this meeting starts with the presumption that you ordered the building dangerous and needing to be repaired or demolished by the owner by deadlines that have already passed. The question is, has the owner sufficiently shown cause as to why you should not proceed with demolishing the building as you indicated you would in the event that deadlines were not met."

At the Oct. 28 meeting, Joseph proposed an alternative plan: he would handle the building’s demolition himself if the city waived the estimated $200,000 in landfill tipping fees for disposing of the rubble.

Schrage reminded commissioners of the impacts of agreeing to waive the fees.&nbsp;

"The landfill operates as an enterprise fund. So if you [commissioners] chose to waive the tipping fees, that's lost revenue," Schrage said. "We would have to make an offset. My suggested offset would be a cash transaction transfer from the general fund to the landfill fund so that as we set fees, as we size cells and plan for the future development of landfill, that financially, our planning remains solid."

Commissioner Greg Lenkiewicz disapproved of waiving tipping fees for Joseph to demolish the building.

"I believe it's a mistake. I think it's going to set a precedent that's going to be a headache down the road. I'm philosophically opposed to it," Lenkiewicz said.

Commissioner Mike Hoppock expressed similar concerns.

"This building had sufficient time to be addressed, and I'm just not comfortable rewarding the fact that this building has been allowed to deteriorate," Hoppock said.

Mayor Longbine agreed with both commissioners.

Commissioners unanimously voted to approve the resolution and proceed with demolishing the building at the city’s direction, according to Kansas Statute 12-1755.

After completing the demolition, the city will bill the property owner for the costs.&nbsp;

"We'd finalize our costs. We would send a bill to the property owner. The property owner has the opportunity to pay it. If they don't pay it, it's then assessed as a lien against the property, which is like a tax lien," Schrage said. "If that lien remains unpaid, it can go to a 'Sheriff's Sale.' Then, depending on the outcome of that sale and what is bid on the property, that determines what reimbursement the city might receive."&nbsp;

Salina City Commission votes to demolish long-abandoned Ambassador Hotel

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

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 

Salina City Manager&nbsp;Mike Schrage&nbsp;has&nbsp;appointed Rodney “Shane”&nbsp;Pearson&nbsp;as the&nbsp;Interim&nbsp;Fire&nbsp;Chief.&nbsp;The&nbsp;interim appointment is the result of&nbsp;Fire&nbsp;Chief&nbsp;Anthony “Tony”&nbsp;Sneidar’s&nbsp;recent&nbsp;resignation.&nbsp;

“I wish Chief Sneidar well and I appreciate Deputy Chief Pearson’s willingness to serve as the Interim Chief.&nbsp;Serving as Deputy Chief since&nbsp;November&nbsp;2022,&nbsp;Chief Pearson&nbsp;will provide continuity&nbsp;and will build upon the initiatives started under Chief Sneidar’s leadership,” said Schrage.

Chief&nbsp;Pearson&nbsp;has&nbsp;worked for the&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;FireDepartment&nbsp;for a total of 23 years.&nbsp;Prior to his Deputy Chief role,&nbsp;he was the EMS Chief for almost 10 years,&nbsp;and previously served as Firefighter/EMT and&nbsp;Firefighter/Paramedic.&nbsp;He is the current Kansas State Firefighters Association President and serves on the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services.&nbsp;He will begin his interim role&nbsp;November&nbsp;1, 2024.

The City has begun&nbsp;accepting applications for the&nbsp;Fire Chief position.

Salina City Manager appoints interim fire chief

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a Boil Water Advisory for the Sundowner West Mobile Home Park public water supply system located in Saline County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

Boil water for one minute before drinking or preparing food, or use bottled water.

Dispose of ice cubes and avoid using ice from a household automatic icemaker.

If tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.

Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersing them for at least one minute in clean tap water containing one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

Water used for bathing generally does not need to be boiled. However, supervise children during bathing to ensure they do not ingest water. Those with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult a physician.

The advisory took effect on October 29 and will remain in place until conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory due to a waterline break resulting in low pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Regardless of which entity announced the advisory, only KDHE can rescind it following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, contact the water system at 785-479-6864 or KDHE at 785-296-5514. Additional information is available on KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage at kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption.

Restaurants and other food establishments with questions about the impact of the advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at kda.fsl@ks.gov or call 785-564-6767.

KDHE issues another boil water advisory for Sundowner West Mobile Home Park

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher

I’ve spent a lot of time in the cabs of tractors this month as we continue our marathon of fall harvest.

Spending so much time operating the grain cart during fall harvest has allowed me ample time to get caught up on podcasts, opportunities to start and end new audiobooks, and hear the latest songs on the radio over and over and over again.

While I’ve had this extra tractor time, I’ve also been away from other important tasks. The laundry needs attention. I’ve been slow to respond to my emails. October birthdays will be celebrated later in November. And I’ve officially told my kids they need to conserve the grocery hauls I bring home on the weekends because I can’t make special grocery trips during the week. If we run out of milk, drink water.

If I’m not in a tractor, I’ve been driving through the countryside in a truck pulling equipment to the next field waiting to be harvested. I’ve spent a lot of time on the backroads navigating to the next field.

The other afternoon my daughter was in the truck with me while I was pulling the fuel trailer to a field. She was chatting away about her day, testing me on her latest jokes and riddles she’d been working on, and keeping me up to date on the latest book she’d been reading.

As we approached a tree lined portion of the dirt road, she stopped talking and just looked out the windows until we drove through the trees full of changing leaves.

“You know, Mom,” she said. “I think this is the most beautiful time of the year.”

I couldn't argue with her. The trees are at just the right point of the season where the green summer leaves have turned to the bright yellows, reds and oranges that are synonymous with autumn. They glisten in the afternoon sunlight while moving with the wind, still clinging to the tree branches suggesting there’s plenty of life remaining before winter arrives.

Everywhere I look right now, there’s a warm and fiery palette presenting itself to viewers.

There are people who pay a lot of money to go see the changing of colors in other states. Individual vacations, bus tours and train rides are scheduled around this particular season. Many people either head to the mountains to view the aspens turning or travel back East to see the maple, birch and cherry trees showcasing their peak fall foliage.

But me? I’m perfectly happy enjoying my views from a tractor cab or while driving down the dirt roads as we continue to harvest our fall crops. The background colors of those most beautiful leaves compliment the natural, warm hues of the soybeans and sorghum fields still awaiting harvest.

I know it won’t last for long, so I’m making sure to appreciate all of these peak views now before the leaves dry up and release themselves from their trees to usher in winter.

It truly is the most beautiful time of the year.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

Insight: Colors of harvest

By SALINA POST A Salina man has been arrested on requested charges of rape and domestic battery following an alleged sexual assault reported by a Salina woman in late August.

The alleged assault was reported to Salina Police Department (SPD) officers on August 30. According to the victim, the crime was perpetrated by 37-year-old Eric Earnest on August 29 at a South Central Salina residence.

Following an investigation, the case was referred to the Saline County Attorney’s Office, which issued a warrant for Earnest's arrest.

Saline County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Earnest and booked him into the Saline County Jail on Oct. 9 for requested charges of domestic battery: rude physical contact, rape; sexual intercourse with physically powerless victim and failure to appear.&nbsp;

SPD Cpt. James Feldman made the incident report available to the media this morning, Tuesday Oct. 29. When asked why the report was not given to the media before today he said that the report was not ready yet.&nbsp;

Salina man arrested for alleged rape, domestic battery

A high-speed vehicle pursuit during the early morning hours of Sunday, Oct. 13 in rural Saline County ended in a violent confrontation and a man from Little River turning himself in on multiple requested charges including attempted second-degree murder, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.

Soldan said at around 1:15 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13 a Saline County Sheriff's Office deputy attempted to stop a red Chevrolet Silverado clocked at nearly 80 mph in a 45-mph zone on Old 40 and State Street, west of Salina.&nbsp;

"He turned around and tried to stop him but the truck fled from him," Soldan said. "When it got to Crawford, it [suspect vehicle] turned West, he tried to follow him for about a mile and then there was so much dust he called off the chase."

Approximately 15 minutes later, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a man who said he was assaulted and ran over by the driver of the red pickup. According to Soldan, the victim had been a passenger in the vehicle during the attempted stop and asked the driver to be let out. When the driver refused, an altercation occurred.

“The guy told him he was going to kill him and then actually physically ran over him with the truck,” Soldan said.

The victim told deputies the suspect ran over him near the 2500 block of South Muir Road.&nbsp; He also reported having tire tracks on his back, managed to escape by hiding in a field while the driver briefly left the scene before returning to search for him.

The 51 year old victim did sustain injuries and was taken to Salina Regional Health Center for treatment, Soldan said.&nbsp;

Saline County Sheriff’s deputies identified the driver as 30-year-old Wyatt Stimatze&nbsp; of Little River. According to Soldan,&nbsp;Stimatze and the 51-year-old victim, of Ellinwood, were acquaintances through work.

Deputies searched the roadways in the immediate area for Stimatze, but were unable to locate him. On Thursday, Oct. 24, after a warrant was issued for his arrest, Stimatze turned himself in at the Saline County Jail. 

Initially charged with aggravated battery, Stimatze now faces additional charges, including attempted second-degree murder, kidnapping, criminal threat, and reckless driving. 

A judge set his bond at $250,000. Stimatze's next court appearance, a scheduling hearing, is set for Nov. 4.

Little River man charged with alleged attempted murder after high-speed vehicle chase

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Earlier this month Nate King sat down Marian Gagna, radiologic technologist from <a href="https://www.srhc.com/services/cancer-services/breast-diagnostic-center.php">Salina Regional Health Center’s Breast Diagnostic Center</a>, to discuss breast health.&nbsp;

 In this episode, Marian provides insights regarding the importance of early cancer detection, recent advancements in mammography imaging technology, and the steps involved in self-examinations and mammograms. 

With more than 30 years of experience, Marian provides and in-depth look at the processes at Salina’s Breast Diagnostic Center, from biopsies to imaging techniques. Statistics show that when breast cancer is found at its earliest localized stage, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%.

<a href="https://www.srhc.com/services/cancer-services/breast-diagnostic-center.php">Schedule your mammogram today.</a>&nbsp;

🎙King in the Community — Marian Gagna, radiologic technologist

We recently shared advice to help you&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/08/five-ways-keep-scammers-and-hackers-away">safeguard the personal information in your accounts</a>, on your computer, and&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/08/three-ways-protect-personal-info-your-phone">on your phone</a>&nbsp;to protect it from identity theft. But scammers aren’t just after your data. They want your hard-earned cash, too. Here are some common scams to watch out for.

Scammers pretend to be your bank and companies you might know and send messages about a supposedly suspicious transaction. If you reply, they call you and tell an&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/03/did-you-get-call-or-text-about-suspicious-purchase-amazon-its-scam">elaborate story about fraud using your identity</a>. They promise to help but instead drain your account.

What to do:&nbsp;Don’t click on a link in an unexpected message. If you think the message might be legitimate, contact the company through their official app, website, chat, or customer service phone number. Don’t call back the number that called you or a number someone left in a voicemail or text message.

Scammers reach out to people through social media with “special” opportunities to invest in cryptocurrency. They guarantee big returns with little or no risk. If you take the bait, they direct you to a spoofed site where you think you’re investing. But you’re not. It’s a fake site. After they’ve gotten as much as they think they can get from you, they shut down the bogus website and disappear with your money.

What to do:&nbsp;Don’t believe anyone who&nbsp;guarantees&nbsp;you can earn a lot of money on an investment with&nbsp;little or no risk. All&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/investment-scams">investments have risks</a>&nbsp;so&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/investment-scams#research">research the opportunity</a>&nbsp;before you invest.

Scammers send you a bogus email about renewing a subscription or membership you never signed up for. For example, they might&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/10/how-recognize-fake-geek-squad-renewal-scam">pretend to be from Geek Squad</a>, Best Buy’s tech support service. The email says they’ll charge you hundreds of dollars to renew your membership unless you call to cancel within 24 hours. If you call (which you should&nbsp;not&nbsp;do) the scammers ask for remote access to your computer, install spyware, and drain money from your bank account.

What to do:&nbsp;If you think the message might be legitimate, contact the company through their official app, website, chat, or customer service phone number.

If you see a scam like these, or any other scam, report it to the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

Three ways scammers try to steal your money

<a>OCCK Transportation is providing free rides to the general public on all services, including CityGo, regional paratransit, GoAbilene, GoConcordia, 81 Connection and KanConnect, on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, during the 4th&nbsp;Annual Kansas Mobility Week happening November 3 – 9, 2024.&nbsp;</a>

From November 3 to November 9, 2024, public transportation providers, Mobility Managers, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and partners across the state are celebrating the fourth annual Kansas Mobility Week. Agencies will host events to encourage Kansans to make efficient and safe transportation choices, promote multimodal transportation options, and roll out new initiatives and policies.

OCCK normally offers free rides on Election Day each year to help increase voter turnout.&nbsp;

“We are excited to provide free rides again for Election Day and as a way to celebrate Mobility Week,” said Trell Grinter, Transportation Director for OCCK.&nbsp; “It’s a great opportunity for people to experience public transit and increase their mobility choices.”

OCCK providing free rides for Election Day during Kansas Mobility Week

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 admin@salinapost.com&nbsp;

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

Recent obituaries and service times

Saline County Board of County Commissioners

Monte Shadwick - District 1 Robert Vidricksen II - District 2 Rodger Sparks - District 3 James Weese - District 4 Chairman, Joe Hay Jr. - District 5

Meeting Information Unless otherwise noted, county offices are open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

If you need any assistance in participating in a meeting or event due to a disability as defined under ADA, please call the County’s ADA Coordinator at (785) 309-5812 or email <a>leamerm@salinecountyks.gov</a> before the scheduled meeting to request accommodations.

Board of County Commissioners meetings are live-streamed on YouTube. For access to past meetings and to view this week's meeting, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@salinecountykansas3125">here.</a>

B. Flag Salute &amp; Moment of Silence

D. Consent Agenda Approval of Tax Roll Adjustments Approval of Accounts Payable Approval of Public Forum Agenda Approval of Second Addenda to Extend Time for Two RWD 8 ARPA Projects Approval of Second Addenda to Extend Time for Two RWD 3 ARPA Projects 2024 OCCK KDOT Letter of Support Approval of Work Plan for 2025-27 Vision Appointment of New Members to the Health Department Advisory Council

E. Action Items Operation Greenlight for Veterans Proclamation

Bid Award for Schippel Road RCB and Simpson Road Improvements Noxious Weed Truck Purchase

F. Informational Items Senior Services Quarterly Update Treasurer’s Annual &amp; 3rd Quarter Idle Funds Reports County Administrator Update

Commissioner Comments Announcements

November 5 Agenda Items: Road &amp; Bridge Update Resolution 2025 Meetings Proclamation for Home Care &amp; Hospice Month

Saline County Commission Oct. 29 meeting agenda

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;Kansas State sophomore&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;is one of 35 quarterbacks in the nation to be named to the Davey O’Brien QB Class of 2024, the award’s committee announced Tuesday.

Johnson, who is one of six Big 12 quarterbacks named to the list, is now in the running to be named a semifinalist for the 2024 Davey O’Brien Award. The semifinalists will be chosen based on voting from the Davey O’Brien National Selection Committee as well as bonus ballots awarded from the first round of the Davey O’Brien Fan Vote.

For the fifth straight year, the Fan Vote will take place on the award’s three social media platforms –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/daveyobrien" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/daveyobrien/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/daveyobrien" target="_blank">Twitter (X)</a>&nbsp;– and the top five vote getters on each platform will receive bonus committee member ballots which will be added to the votes cast by the National Selection Committee.

To participate in the Fan Vote, fans must like the original Davey O’Brien Award (@daveyobrien) post highlighting their quarterback. First-round voting will close Friday, November 8 at 11:59 p.m. (ET). The semifinalists will be named on Tuesday, November 12. Looking ahead, the three finalists will be tabbed on Tuesday, November 26, while the winner will be announced live on Thursday, December 12, on&nbsp;The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN.

Johnson, a native of Wichita, Kansas, has helped lead the 17th-ranked Wildcats to a 7-1 overall record and a 4-1 record in the Big 12, which includes four-straight victories. He has thrown for 1,654 yards and 16 touchdowns on 130-of-212 (61.3%) aim while running for 373 yards and four touchdowns. Johnson is one of only five quarterbacks in the nation and the only Big 12 signal caller to throw for 1,600 yards and rush for 370 yards this season.

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