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Before you cast your vote on the mail-in ballot for the pitbull ban in Salina, here are some things to note.

- The last day to register to vote is Tuesday, February 3.

- If you registered to vote after January 26, you will need to request and fill out an application to receive a ballot.

- Anyone who registered before&nbsp;January 26, will receive a ballot in the mail.

- Ballots go out in the mail on February 4.

- Ballots are due at 12:00 pm on February 24.

In the case you receive a ballot with someone else's name not living at your home address, please write "return to sender" and place it back in the mailbox.

Ballots are to be dropped off at the Saline County Clerk’s Office, or deposited in the secure drop box outside the Salina City-County Building. No late ballots will be accepted.

Additionally, there will be a public forum on Tuesday, February 3 for those who want to learn more about the pitbull ban before casting in the "yes or no" vote on Wednesday, February 4.

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0573dbc9-d75c-4eba-8dc7-1a2a586317f4">Go here to learn more about Tuesday's public forum.</a>

To receive a ballot or if you have any questions visit the <a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/election">Saline County Election Office website</a>&nbsp;or call (785) 309-5820.

What to know about the mail-in ballot pitbull ban vote

Saline County Commissioners agreed to eliminate the advisory council for the Health Department.

On Tuesday during the Saline Co. Commission meeting, Director of the Health Department Jason Tiller brought forth the consideration of ending the advisory council.

The reason across the board was due to a lack of engagement in past meetings and lack of participation.

In 2025, there were a total of six scheduled meetings with three of them canceled due to a significant number of absences.

"Staff time would be spent better doing something else," said Commissioner Monte Shadwick. "The time has come to move on and I don't see relevancy anymore."

Other challenges in the past have been trying to fill vacant positions in the council as well.

In order for the advisory council to officially be removed, Commissioners would need to vote on a resolution during a public meeting to come.&nbsp;

Advisory council for Saline Co. Health Department to be eliminated

Eagle Media in Salina is seeking a&nbsp;part-time Programmer / Production Assistant&nbsp;to support our stations with commercial production, imaging, and day-to-day programming needs. 

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys creative audio work, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is looking to grow in broadcasting.

• Competitive hourly wage based on experience

• Eligible for 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) upon meeting requirements.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Eagle Communications (Eagle Media) is an Employee-Owned company and an EEO employer. 

Selected candidates must pass a criminal history background check and motor vehicle check.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.eaglemedia.com/careers">To fill out an application, go to Eagle Media Careers here</a>.

The closing date of the application will be March 2, 2026.

JOB POSTING: Eagle Media in Salina hiring part-time Programmer/Production Assistant

Following is recent booking activity for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/Sheriff-Office/Online-search/Booking-Activities">Saline County Jail</a>, 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;Blackwill,Joshua Bryant

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit (4); Theft by deception:Value $1,500 to $25,000

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Assault; Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor; Criminal restraint; Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for felony case

REQUESTED CHARGE: Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Hammon,Elijah Christopher

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Taxation; Possession of cigarettes, electronic cigarette/tobacco by minor &lt; 18; Poss of stolen property;Value less than $1,500; Burglary; Vehicle to commit felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crime; Operate a MV w/o a valid license; Theft of prop/services;Value $1,500 to $25,000; Burglary; Vehicle to steal firearm; Duty of driver to report; Unattended veh/prop;unkn; Theft of prop/services;Value $1,500 to $25,000

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE: Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor; Viol protection order; Stalking/sex asslt/hmn traf

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Contempt of Court; Direct

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

Saline County Jail Bookings, February 3

Salina Police arrested a suspect linked to pair of vehicle thefts.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Sunday&nbsp;an individual in the 400 block of Chicago discovered their 2011 Toyota Camry had been stolen. 

Inside their vehicle was a wallet and a black and brown .380 handgun.&nbsp; 

Surveillance video of the theft was obtained and a suspect in a black hoodie was observed taking the vehicle, which had the keys left in it.&nbsp; 

Following the police report the vehicle located their vehicle in the 600 block of Grand.&nbsp; The vehicle had front end damage, with the wallet and handgun missing from the vehicle.&nbsp; 

Later that same day, the wallet was located in the 800 block of Windsor.&nbsp; 

Everything but $300 in cash was recovered.&nbsp;

On Monday officers on patrol in the area of 12th&nbsp;and Bishop observed an individual matching the description from the vehicle theft on Sunday.&nbsp; That individual fled after seeing officers, but was eventually located and taken into custody in that same area.&nbsp; 

Due to materials the suspect had in their possession, it was believed that they had been involved with the theft or attempted theft of another vehicle.&nbsp; 

Moreover, at around 7:30 pm Monday an additional stolen vehicle report was made with SPD in the 700 block of N. 10th.&nbsp; A 2005 Ford F-350 was reported stolen by the owner. 

That vehicle was located in an alley just off of Bishop and 13th.&nbsp; Items missing from that vehicle were matched to items in possession of the suspect.&nbsp;

SPD booked 18-year old, Elijah Hammon into the Saline County Jail for the requested charges of:&nbsp;

 Burglary (2), Theft (2), Possession of Stolen Property, and several traffic infractions.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Salina PD arrest suspect linked to pair of vehicle thefts 

By: LESLIE MANNING &amp; NICOLAS FIERRO

The Kansas Republican Party hosted the first gubernatorial debate for Republican candidates on the primary ballot for Tuesday, August 4. The debate was held during the Kansas Republican Party Winter Convention on Friday, January 30 at the Wichita Marriott.

Six of nine Republican candidates running for the Governor seat were included in the debate, who met the Kansas Republican Party’s debate participation requirements.

“A committee from across the state decided on a debate agreement unanimously,” Rob Fillion, Kansas Republican Party executive director, said. “It included a finance and unity agreement for the candidates. Six of our candidates chose to sign the agreement.”

The six candidates featured in the debate, drawing numbers to determine their order on stage, were Charlotte O’Hara, Jeff Colyer, Scott Schwab, Ty Masterson, Joy Eakins and Philip Sarnecki. Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, Doug Billings, and Stacy Rogers were not included.

Moderator Andy Hooser opened the debate with two minute statements from each candidate.

Charlotte O’Hara, a former Johnson County commissioner and former state representative for District 27, opened the debate with a memory from being raised on a farm in Bourbon County.

“I learned equal opportunity leaning into the flank of an old Holstein cow,” O’Hara said.

O'Hara highlighted having a background in agriculture as she proceeded to jab several candidates, resulting in Schwab and Masterson receiving an extra 45 seconds to refute her accusations.

Schwab voiced the election ballots in Johnson County were destroyed after the 2020 elections, because after waiting for a warrant that never showed, the county voted to destroy the ballots as the law says.&nbsp;

Masterson skirted around the accusations from O’Hara of chumming with Governor Laura Kelly on economic development projects.

“That type of thing is why we lose in the general election - we spend time cutting each other off at the legs,” Masterson said. “This is not the enemy. The Democrats are the enemy.”

Jeff Colyer, who served as the lieutenant governor during the Brownback Administration, and then gained the position of Kansas Governor in 2018 for one year when Governor Sam Brownback was nominated as the new U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious, spoke second.

“I’m running for governor to make this the best place to raise a family and have a small business,” Colyer said. “We will be the beating heart of American again.”

Colyer laid out a plan of developing higher paying jobs, lowering taxes and initiating a property tax lid; promoting education to world class; eliminating fraud; deporting illegal immigrants and restoring Kansas common sense.

Third at the microphone was Schwab, explained his campaign message - "Modernize, Revitalize and Fix" - with experience from his seven years as the current Kansas Secretary of State.

“When I became the Secretary of State, I came into a computer system purchased in the 1980s,” Schwab said. “We migrated off it, and went from annual filings to bi-annual filings. It cut our work load in half, so we were able to cut fees. Day one, I would tell every agency you need to modernize, reduce or both.”

Schwab also spoke on leveraging Kansas as the agricultural epicenter of the North American continent to bring manufacturing back to rural communities, while aiming to afford tax cuts.

Masterson, emphasized of being a "battle-tested, proven leader" and talked about various highlights he has accomplished as Senate President.

“I’m running because I’m a battle-tested, proven leader and I have the record and relationships to continue to deliver,” he said. “Ultimately, what I learned in my spot, in the legislature the sword I wield is just not powerful enough to slay the dragon of government overreach when you have a Democrat machine in the office.”

 Masterson ended his opening statement for governor by advocating for improving property tax and education.

Joy Eakins, former Wichita school board member, former chair of the Wichita Chamber of Commerce and business owner, described how her experiences have primed her to lead a "Kansas Comeback," which would include school choice, tax and spending reforms and a resistance to government incentives for businesses and entrepreneurs.&nbsp;

“I’ve had a front row seat of what happens in Topeka for over a decade,” Eakins said. “What I’ve seen is too often, career politicians are protecting their own power instead of serving people.

The last to speak, Phil Sarnecki, a businessman and financial services executive, also differentiated himself from career politicians, touting his three decades of building businesses and creating jobs across the state as the skills he would bring to the governor’s office.&nbsp;

“Career politicians are failing us,” Sarnecki said. “I am tired of watching Republicans lose.”

Sarnecki also shared the importance of advocating for better income tax and property taxes.

The mention of career politicians allowed Schwab, Colyer and Masterson 45 seconds to each defend their careers in public service.

“It’s a career, and I’m proud of it,” Schwab said. “I’ve overseen two presidential elections, and 105 county election clerks. Having experience to understand the terrain has always been a plus in America.”

Masterson responded similarly, in his warrior style.

“That is the battle test, in understanding how the machine works, how the process works, where the bodies are buried and who to work with,” Masterson said. “I’m a career fighter.”

Colyer, though seven years away from Topeka, defended his time in office.

“All throughout my career, I have always worked taking care of Kansans on their worst days,” he said.

Tax relief, STAR Bonds used for economic growth and education had different views from each of the candidates in attendance.

Colyer put his sights on controlling mill levy, the appraisal costs process and spending.&nbsp;

“The math is this - the appraisals and what they cost, and it is also what is the mill levy,” Colyer said. “You multiple those to get the total amount. You have to control both of those. That is what we need as a constitutional amendment that puts a cap on all of that. We need to control all of this, but in order to get there, you need to control the spending.”

Schwab pushed for a free market in property tax lids, placing property tax in school boards and a budgetary restraint on local units of government.

“Whatever we put in our constitution, as it relates to property taxes, it has to be free market," said Schwab.

Masterson emphasized putting more money in people's pockets through income and property tax reforms, while implementing aspects of the Working Family Tax Cut Act.

“Until we get a governor that will sign these things, and we don’t need overrides, we can’t get there,” Masterson said.

Eakins brought up her property tax reform plan that would one, make appraisals fair and predictable, two have homeowners in charge and place the burden of proof on government and three, create property tax relief funds.

“The government shouldn’t automatically grow it’s funds just because they are growing,” Eakins said. “They should put aside some of that money to buy down the taxes for people like seniors, veterans and working families.”

Sarnecki voiced on growing the economy with tax relief and releasing property tax credits. He also stated a three percent cap in the legislature on the assessment limit is "not enough" tax relief for Kansans.&nbsp;

"If you do that, you are going to leave the door wide open on the levy side of things for local taxing bodies to come in and just raise the mill rate," Sarnecki said. "What you can do with tax relief when you grow an economy, that’s what I’ve been doing for 30 years growing businesses."

O'Hara&nbsp;also versed in business ownership as family members own a general contracting firm, small manufacturing operation and rent industrial buildings, attacked tax incentives.

"We are giving tax incentives away like candy,” O’Hara said. “There are 101 tax incentive programs on the commerce department’s website. We are giving the wealthiest of the wealthy all these tax breaks, and you get to pay the bill.”

STAR Bonds&nbsp;used for economic growth

Though the topic surrounded of on if STAR Bonds could be used as a tool for economic growth, the candidates took different routes on how to address it.

Schwab discussed on seeking new tools for economic growth, other than STAR Bonds. He also lifted up education and workforce development as key components, challenging community colleges to cater to the businesses in their communities.

Masterson wants to create more jobs within the state, but his statement surrounded mostly on defending the STAR Bonds used to bring Kansas City Chiefs stadium to the Sunflower State.&nbsp;

“I want things to build in Kansas,” Masterson said. “I want people to come here. That’s what we want."

The three entrepreneurs then explained basic economics.

Eakins set her sights on fixing the education system, taxes and regulation for economic dollars.&nbsp;

"It’s a problem when we hand out money to companies,” Eakins said. “I’m a business owner. It’s my job to make the profit and loss statements work. I’ve seen first hand when government interferes, what happens in the business world, and they are picking winners and losers."

Sarnecki stood on reducing regulations for the sake of economic growth, while talking about issues with over taxing, over spending over regulation.

“By giving away these tax exemptions, it is keeping your property taxes, your income taxes the highest in the region,” he said. “We are over taxing, over spending and over regulating the citizens of Kansas to death.”

O'Hara's statement was similar to Sarnecki, as she highlighted the issues of giving away money to other sources.&nbsp;

“We’ve given up on the free market, because Kansas is the high tax point on the prairie,” O’Hara said. “We have a small manufacturing company, and we don’t get all these goodies. The bigger you are, the more you get. It’s a failed policy.”

Colyer however, said STAR Bonds are a tool that should be used for certain circumstances. He seeks to cut regulations and taxes, attracting high-wage jobs and low taxes, while ensuring a "world class education."

“We need to make sure that we are growing our economy, and the best way to do it is low taxes, low regulations, making sure our kids have a world class education system and that we start attracting high wage jobs," Colyer said.

The six candidates later stated differentiation when answering a question from the moderator, regarding education funding, standards and school choice.

Sarnecki focused on charter schools as he started off by making the comment, "children are our future."

"We need an independent board to approve charter schools, and we need a way to scale the good charter schools that are doing really, really well,” Sarnecki said.

O'Hara seeks to "cut ties" with the federal government and to close the state department of education.&nbsp;

"The problem is we have allowed the federal government to set what our standards are,” O’Hara said. “We have to move curriculum decisions to the local level.”

Colyer proposes to bring school choice within the education system, having a classical education and a real-world curriculum surrounding on today's technology like Artificial Intelligence.

Schwab blamed the expanding role of public schools, from a learning institution to being a soup kitchen and health clinic. He advocated for the public school system and to get rid of the Kansas National Education Association (KNEA).

Masterson again focused on the Working Family Tax Cuts Act and the tax cuts designed to bolster public education.&nbsp;

“That was left to the governor to authorize,” Masterson said. “She will not authorize it. We’re going to have to use legislation to go around her and authorize that. She is not the education governor for everybody."

Additionally, he advocated for school choice.

Eakins talked about her education plan she published September 2025 that includes: school choice, finance formula ("Outcomes get Benefits") and investment in classroom teachers.

All six candidates stood in solidarity on party platform when discussing six of the nine topics discussed during the debate.

- Cooperation with federal government:&nbsp;Specifically, Governor Kelly's refusal to report SNAP data to the USDA, and the KDHE not updating childhood vaccine schedules to match recommendation to the CDC.

- Reforming the judicial selection

-&nbsp;Supporting federal Law Enforcement:&nbsp;Specifically, ICE

When it came to cooperation with the federal government,&nbsp;each candidate when asked their opinion on Governor Kelly’s refusal to provide data to the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding current recipients of SNAP benefits in the state, and each speculated the refusal as a "fraud coverup."

Each candidate on stage encouraged voters to approve a constitutional amendment on the August primary ballot to reform judicial selection, calling out the "Missouri Rule" process currently in place as lacking public representation.

A shift in Kansas to legalize the use of marijuana received a four of six responses, with Schwab being the only candidate on stage to even remotely suggest dispensing the now federally reclassified drug from Schedule 1 to a Schedule 3, allowing the research of marijuana for potential medical benefits, and Colyer making no statement for or against.

Masterson also supported the federal reclassification, but on the flip side, to prove the damaging effects.

All six candidates in the debate supported the conservative platform defending the right to life. Colyer cited the issue as "one of the civil rights issues of our time - defending innocent life," and Schwab questioned at what point does a human being get constitutional rights.

Gratitude was expressed from the stage towards the Trump Administration closing the border, with all six candidates supporting cooperation with federal enforcement of immigration laws.

They also agreed that embracing the race for ensuring an energy rich Kansas is necessary, and differed on the use of taxpayer dollars to incentivize attracting companies in the industry.

O’Hara reminded the audience that her Kansas roots go back to 1869, and her experience offered further perspective.

“I understand how bloated this government is, at the local level and at the state level,” O’Hara said. “This state can be successful, but we have to get our taxes under control, and we have to get our schools functioning.”

Colyer repeated a plan to grow the economy and put more money in people's pocket, improve education, eliminate fraud, back law enforcement while protecting citizens and bringing common sense back to Kansas.

Modernize, revitalize and fix are the three things Schwab says he will do, as stated from his opening statement.

“We’ve cut taxes, but didn’t reduce spending,” Schwab said. “We didn’t reduce spending because we fund outdated systems.”

Schwab also suggested balancing focus on energy, workforce development, and the appraisal process.

“I’m the only one who laid out a tax plan, on property taxes specifically,” Schwab said. “It’s free market and it holds locals accountable.”

See the statements and answers on topics: Six Republican Governor candidates attend KS GOP gubernatorial debate 

Experience the enduring magic of Rodgers and Hammerstein as the Salina Symphony takes the stage with special guests on Sun., March 8, at 4 p.m. at the Stiefel Theatre.

Audiences will be transported through many of musical theatre’s most cherished moments, from the heartwarming melodies of The Sound of Music and the spirited optimism of Oklahoma! to the exotic beauty of The King and I and the tender romance of Carousel. The program also highlights the tropical allure of South Pacific and the nostalgic charm of State Fair, celebrating the legendary songwriting duo whose music has captivated generations.

Guest artists Janie Brokenicky, soprano, and Drew Horton, baritone, will join the orchestra for this special performance. The chorus will feature the Kansas Wesleyan University Chorale, Salina South High New Dawn Singers, and Southeast of Saline Madrigal Singers.

Guest Artists – Janie Brokenicky &amp; Drew Horton

Soprano Janie Brokenicky, praised for her “rich and versatile” voice, has been a guest artist with many regional organizations including the Wichita Grand Opera, Wichita Chamber Chorale, Hays Symphony Orchestra, and Kansas State University Orchestra.

Drew Horton will be making his debut with the Salina Symphony. Alongside numerous musical theatre roles, he has performed as a soloist with the Flint Hills Masterworks Chorale, K-State Symphonic Band, and Re:sound Ensemble.

Tickets start at $42 and may be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office, by calling 785-827-1998 or online at <a href="http://salinasymphony.org">www.salinasymphony.org.</a>

On concert day, join us for a pre-concert talk with Maestro Segal and guests at 3 p.m. Doors will open at 2:45 p.m.

The Salina Symphony is dedicated to enriching lives through artistic music performance and education. 

For more information, contact Adrienne Allen at (785) 823-8309 or visit <a href="http://salinasymphony.org">salinasymphony.org</a>.

Salina Symphony presents “An Afternoon of Rodgers & Hammerstein” at Stiefel Theatre

That’s the theme for the Salina Family YMCA as it launches its annual Strong Kids Campaign that runs through February. 

In those four weeks, volunteers aim to raise $200,000 to provide services and programs that provide kids with access to life-saving growth opportunities.

Those include afterschool programs, food services, swim lessons, plus sports and recreation – things that directly influence children and help them grow and reach their full potential.

“The Salina YMCA doesn’t deny children services when they can’t pay. We count on donor support to help us help them,” said Chris Lehecka, President and CEO of Salina Family YMCA.

Teams of volunteers are reaching out through phone, email, and social media asking folks to renew past contributions or make new ones.

The campaign got a $60,000 kick start from initial major gifts. The YMCA endowment will match gifts at 25 percent up to $25,000, making donor contributions worth even more.

“Every amount helps,” Lehecka said. “A $50 gift helps pay for youth sports for a child. A $1,000 gift will help teach life-saving water skills to four classes of second graders.”

Donations can be made through the <a href="http://salinaymca.org">Salina Family YMCA website</a>, under the “Support The Y” tab.

Checks can be mailed to: YMCA Annual Campaign, 570 YMCA Dr., Salina, KS. 67401. Or call the YMCA at (785) 825-2151.

Salina YMCA launches annual Strong Kids Campaign

The <a href="https://salinadiocese.org/">Catholic Diocese of Salina</a>&nbsp;and its schools celebrated National Catholic Schools Week (NCSW), an annual U.S. celebration recognizing the faith, academics and community value of Catholic education.&nbsp;

Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School, St. Mary's Grade School and Love N' Learn Early Childhood Center are the three education institutions in Salina that came together to celebrate NCSW.

NCSW is typically celebrated on the last week of January across schools in the U.S. and Salina Catholic Schools celebrated from Jan. 25 - Jan. 30 for the 2026 year, since its inception on 1974.

The week is filled with learning activities, community services, fellowship, gatherings, projects, performances, guest speakers and so much more fun-filled events for the students, teachers and staff.

Each day throughout the week, a theme would occur for the Salina schools to participate in. 

For example, Tuesday was "Camo Day, We are Soldiers in Christ" which was centered on community service and Wednesday was "Backwards Day, We are Called to be Different," signifying students to step out of their comfort zone.

One of the biggest aspects NCSW does for the students is to allow them to find a joy in serving others and giving back to the community.

"The students learn that life is not about them and they learn the joy in serving others, while working hard," said St. Mary's Grade School Principal, Tym Bonilla.

St. Mary's Grade School students during "Camo Day" listened to presentations from various local organizations, with one of them being&nbsp;<a href="https://ccnks.org/">Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas</a>. The students during the presentation were engaged, with a questions/answer time at the end of the session.

The students also donated food items, clothes and other necessities to the organization.

"God is providing," said Megan Augustine,&nbsp;Development &amp; Parish Relations Manager of Catholic Charities.

Sacred Heart Principal, John Krajicek stated NCSW was a great week as students learned what it means genuinely serve others.

"We want to emphasize the mission of service to others for the students, while they enjoy doing that," said&nbsp;Krajicek. "The kids did a great job and they greatest thing is that they learned alot."

The Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School students also collected and donated essentials to local organizations such as DVACK, nursing homes, Salina Rescue Mission and much more. The students from Sacred Heart and St. Mary's also came together to serve others in the community.

"It is great to see kids from all grades come together, as even the young kids look up to the older kids. I am proud of our upperclassmen mentoring these students," said&nbsp;Krajicek.

Children ages birth to 5 attend Love N' Learn Early Childhood Center and this is the second year, the Love N' Learn has participated in NCSW.

The children participated in various activities such as a scavenger hunt, where they would find and check off the box on items involved within <a href="https://stmsalina.org/">St. Mary's Queen of the Universe Catholic Church</a>, prayer stations with Sacred Heart students, singing Bible songs, complete art projects with St. Mary's students and much more.

Positive comments, experiences and feedback after NCSW

"The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive," said&nbsp;Superintendent of Schools for Catholic Diocese of Salina, Geoff Andrews.

Andrews commented on the experiences and feedback he has received from teachers, staff, parents and students.

"Teachers and staff have shared how encouraged they felt by the appreciation shown for their work and vocation. Parents have expressed gratitude for schools that not only educate their children academically but also help form them morally and spiritually, and get them involved in acts of service across the Salina community. Students, of course, loved the celebrations and activities, but many also articulated pride in their schools and a deeper understanding of what makes Catholic education unique. That sense of belonging and shared mission came through clearly."

He stated after NCSW, there are positive ripple effects within the students.&nbsp;

"There’s often a noticeable boost in student morale, school pride, and engagement following the week. When students feel known, celebrated, and connected to a larger purpose, that environment naturally supports learning. Over time, those cultural elements—strong relationships, shared values, and high expectations are what contribute to sustained academic and personal growth."

Students during many activities showed boost in personal growth and engagement, especially throughout the "Living Wax Museum" activity at St. Mary's Grade School. Students&nbsp;would portray and present the life of a renowned Kansas historical figure of their choice.

The students started the project in November 2025 and memorized a 1-2 minute biography of the person. They would hold their hand out with a sticker on the back of it, as passersby would press on the sticker and the students would start speaking, acting as the historical figure.

One student who chose <a href="https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/a000126">Henry J. Allen</a>, shared that he was highly interested in the fact he was a Governor of Kansas from 1919-1923. Many in attendance were impressed of the memorized account the students would share.

"Too many to count" said a student on how many times they studied the conducted speech of the historical figure.

"Students celebrated their God-given talents of creativity, research skills and the ability to speak in front of people," said Bonilla.

Adaptable and looking forward to next year's NCSW

Despite the winter weather knocking off two days of NCSW in Salina this year, the institutions adapted and still put together a successful week.

"Even with a few weather-related curveballs, the spirit of celebration, gratitude, and mission was very strong across our schools," said Andrews. "Like most things in Catholic education, it came down to flexibility, collaboration, and a lot of goodwill. Our school leaders and staff were incredibly adaptable, adjusting schedules and events while keeping student safety at the forefront. More importantly, the heart of Catholic Schools Week isn’t dependent on perfect conditions, whether it was a Mass, a classroom activity, or a simple moment of prayer and gratitude, our schools found meaningful ways to celebrate even when plans had to change."

Every year, schools set up different themes for each day during NCSW as institutions look forward to next January.

Bonilla stated that every year is "unique" and one addition that was new this year, was the interactions students from both Sacred Heart and St. Mary's had with Love N' Learn.

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