This edition of&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/salina-sees-you">Salina Sees You</a>, brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://local.demandforce.com/b/visionsource-drscoleandcooper">Drs. Cooper &amp; Banninger, LLC Family Vision Care</a>&nbsp;(1000 E. Cloud) presents:

The community of Salina and their outstanding support of serving those in need, amid the Federal Government shutdown.

Throughout the Federal Government shutdown, which has temporarily halted services and resources for those in need, the community of Salina has stepped up to provide the necessities for those who are and have suffered amid the shutdown.

Various nonprofits such as the <a href="https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/ks/salina/n-santa-fe-corps/">Salvation Army of Salina</a>, <a href="https://www.unitedwaysalina.org/">Salina Area United Way</a>, <a href="https://www.kansasimpactcoalition.com/">Kansas Impact Coalition</a>, <a href="https://salinarescuemission.com/">Salina Rescue Mission</a>, to name a few and even <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/9fdacdce-e200-46e0-9796-660bc2ca6e78">employees of Saline County</a>, have rallied together and stepped up to provide for those in need.

“At The Salvation Army, we believe no one should face hardship alone," said Lt. Luke Hursh,&nbsp; Corps Officer/Administrator of The Salvation Army of Salina. "During this government shutdown, we’ve seen an increase in need, and our mission remains the same — to serve without discrimination and meet both physical and spiritual needs. Our community dinners are one way we can ensure families don’t have to choose between paying a bill and having a warm meal. We’re here to be a steady hand of hope in uncertain times.

The Salvation Army has been providing their "community dinners" as a way to help in this time of need. During this time, the Salvation Army is serving their dinners free of charge&nbsp;Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm at 1137 N. Santa Fe Ave.&nbsp;

The meal program provides hot, nutritious dinners for anyone in need and absolutely no paperwork or qualifications are required.

“We know that when programs like SNAP are delayed or uncertain, it puts even more pressure on families already struggling to make ends meet,” said Lt. Hursh. “Our dinner program ensures that no one in Salina has to go without a meal, regardless of their situation.”

On top of the Salvation Army serving their free community dinners, the thrift store is an avenue that helps the less fortunate.&nbsp;

The store offers affordable clothing, small furniture, household items and more—helping families save on essentials while supporting community programs.

“When you shop or donate at our thrift store, you’re not just finding a good deal—you’re helping someone else in Salina put food on the table,” said Lt. Hursh, “Every purchase makes a difference.”

For more information about meal times, volunteer opportunities, or ways to give, please contact The Salvation Army of Salina at&nbsp;(785) 823-2251.

The Kansas Impact Coalition (KIC), in partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://smokyhillequalitycoalition.com/">Smoky Hill Equality Coalition</a>, has recently launched a 24-hour accessible fridge and freezer donation and food-pick up station at two locations across Salina.

This initiative called&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d6c6228e-f18e-48b7-a1a6-d39278ed386c">Salina Fridge &amp; Freezer</a>, started back on Tuesday, October 28 for the purpose of mitigating food insecurity across the Salina/Saline County area.

“As SNAP benefits are cut and harmful (political) choices make it harder for families to afford groceries, what was already a food desert in Salina has now become an emergency,” said Miranda Bachman, President of KIC. “Our neighbors deserve access to healthy food, day and night — and we refuse to wait for policy to catch up to the need.”

The locations for the 24-hour fridge and freezer are currently set at&nbsp;Bravo’s Sliders &amp; Bites (1400 East Iron Avenue) and&nbsp;Salina Seventh-Day Adventist Church (834 N. Eleventh St.)&nbsp;

KIC has stated this fridge and freezer as a&nbsp;dignity-first model:

Take what you need. Give what you can.

- Other refrigerated food, drinks and goods

- Non perishable goods (leave on top of fridge and freezer)

KIC is actively seeking additional partners, host sites and donated refrigerators/freezers to expand access across Salina.

Donation questions:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ZibnHayes@gmail.com">ZibnHayes@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or text&nbsp;832-872-5304.

Partnership &amp; host-site inquiries:&nbsp;Contact Kansas Impact Coalition&nbsp;(785) 643-6675&nbsp;or by&nbsp;email:&nbsp;kansasimpactcoalition@gmail.com

Program questions:&nbsp;Contact Kansas Impact Coalition&nbsp;(785) 643-6675&nbsp;or by&nbsp;email:&nbsp;kansasimpactcoalition@gmail.com

This edition of Salina Sees You is brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://local.demandforce.com/b/visionsource-drscoleandcooper">Drs. Cooper &amp; Banninger, LLC Family Vision Care</a>&nbsp;(1000 E. Cloud). Call&nbsp;(785) 823-6391&nbsp;or visit today, to make an appointment.

"United is the Way" is the slogan Salina Area United Way (SAUW) lives by.&nbsp;

On top of the resources SAUW provides, the organization has recently announced a community food and resource fair that will be occurring at the Tony's Pizza Events Center (TPEC) on&nbsp;Monday, November 17&nbsp;from&nbsp;4:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

This event,&nbsp;SNAP Back Against Hunger&nbsp;is a call to action for the Salina community to come together and support families who are now facing increased food insecurity due to the disruption in federal assistance.

<a href="https://www.unitedforalice.org/introducing-ALICE/Kansas">Asset&nbsp;Limited,&nbsp;Income&nbsp;Constrained,&nbsp;Employed (ALICE)</a>,&nbsp;represents the growing number of families who are unable to afford the basic needs of housing, child care, food, transportation, health care and technology.

According to an ALICE report in Saline County provided by SAUW,&nbsp;38% of households in Saline County are either living in poverty or earning less than what’s needed to cover basic living expenses.

“So many families in Saline County rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table,” said Christina Small, Executive Director of Salina Area United Way. “With the government shutdown halting this critical support, many are left without the resources they depend on. This event is about coming together as a community to ensure no one goes hungry.”

Early Childcare Initiative Director, Michelle Groopman stated this event is very important in giving back to those who are in need throughout the community.&nbsp;

"In general, this is going to be really important to give back to the community - to let them know we are here for them and just to hopefully give them a grain of hope," Groopman said.

This event happening at TPEC is a community-wide event, which will feature about or have over 20 organizations. These organizations in attendance (consisting of food, financial and family resources), will communicate and show others how their organization can provide the resources each person at the event needs.

Small commented how important it is for organizations and people in the community to rally together during these times.

"In these times of emergency needs, this is when it's really important for the community to pull and work together," she said. "We do not look at this shutdown as politics. Right now, we all need to put politics aside and look at your neighbors. These are the people you see and interact with everyday. We are not just a nonprofit organization, we are catalyst, a convener and connector. Our mission is to strengthen north central Kansas by uniting people and resources, to build thriving resilient communities."

"I have lived in several different states, and this is the first town I have ever lived in where I have really seen people rally together to meet this need," said Groopman.

Donations are welcome, which will help SAWU to purchase more food items and all other dollars will be allocated towards their <a href="https://www.unitedwaysalina.org/EmergencyReliefFund">Emergency Relief Fund</a>, as well as being stored in case the shutdown lasts longer.&nbsp;

Click <a href="https://www.unitedwaysalina.org/snap-back-against-hunger">here</a> to donate or volunteer for&nbsp;SNAP Back Against Hunger on&nbsp;Monday, November 17.

The Salina Rescue Mission's feeding program, is the only program in the area that serves&nbsp;3 meals a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.

Executive Pastor of the Salina Rescue Mission, Chad Young is calling on the community for your support in helping them upkeep the service of meals throughout the shutdown.

“When families lose SNAP, they often turn to us as their next line of support,” said Young. “We are preparing to serve more meals than ever, but we cannot do it alone. This year we have served over 70,000 meals thanks to the community’s support. With SNAP looking like it is going to be put on hold for an unknown length of time, it calls our community to help those that will be filling the gap.”

The Mission currently serves 95 men&nbsp;that are being assisted to regain stability and work towards self-sufficiency, according to Young.

On top of their service to men 18 years and up, the Mission also provides&nbsp;showers for both unsheltered men and women along with clean clothes.

Food drives are projected to occur, which include Project Salina and the Dr. Temple Food Drive&nbsp;(coming up Friday, November 21 - Saturday, November 22 at all three Dillon’s locations)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

1:00 pm to 6:00 pm (Friday, November 21).

10:00 am to 3:00 pm (Saturday, November 22).

“Those who are on fixed incomes that are disabled and/or elderly are the most vulnerable,” said Young. “We have a great caring community and some great agencies like the Emergency Aid Foodbank, programs like Meals on Wheels, and others. It takes us all doing our part to help meet this huge need.”

Make a secure online gift at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salinarescuemission.com/">www.salinarescuemission.com</a>&nbsp;or mail donations to: Salina Rescue Mission PO Box 1667 Salina, KS 67402-1667

Volunteer: Sign up on the Mission website&nbsp;<a href="http://salinarescuemission.com/">SalinaRescueMission.com</a>&nbsp;to help prepare and serve meals or collect food donations.&nbsp;Email: events@salinarescuemission.com

Tonya Moran-Diaz and Rebecca Nichols, two Saline County employees stepped up to provide&nbsp;a hygiene drive in the wake of the shutdown.

"We are two ordinary women who recognized an important need within our community," said Nichols. "We have heard and seen all of the worries of losing SNAP and we felt we needed to do our part to help the community."

This drive will occur until&nbsp;Sunday, November 30&nbsp;at various drop-off locations throughout the Saline County/Salina area:

- City-County building&nbsp;(300 W. Ash Street) Room 209

- Ad Astra&nbsp;Books &amp; Coffee House&nbsp;(135 N. Santa Fe)

- Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank&nbsp;(255 S. Chicago)&nbsp;

- Eagle Communications&nbsp;(1825 S. Ohio)

- Saline County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;(800 E. Pacific Ave)&nbsp;

Once all donations are collected, items will be distributed to the KIC and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinafood.org/">Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank</a>.&nbsp;

Items collected for the drive include:

"With the ongoing government shutdown and the potential loss of SNAP benefits for many families in November, countless individuals may soon face a difficult decision at the grocery store, choosing between essential cleaning products or food," added Moran-Diaz. "We believe no one should have to make that choice. Everyone deserves access to both nourishment and hygiene. As we move deeper into cold, flu, and COVID season, maintaining good hygiene is one of the most effective ways to help reduce the spread of illness. Both the Salina Food Bank and the Kansas Impact Coalition actively distribute hygiene and personal care items, turning community donations into tangible care for those in need. Unfortunately, these essential items are among the least donated and will be taken off the grocery list because food is more important."

The Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank offers scheduled hours for distribution, and the Kansas Impact Coalition provides support by appointment for individuals unable to visit the Food Bank.

"Every contribution, no matter how small helps ensure that members of our community can meet their basic needs with dignity and health," said Moran-Diaz.

Salina sees you, Community of Salina.

If you would like to share your personal story or know anyone who may have a story that will inspire each reader, please email Salina Post News Director, Nicolas Fierro:&nbsp;nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com&nbsp;or&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com&nbsp;(during regular business hours).

You can also contact:&nbsp;(785) 656-9856&nbsp;(during regular business hours).

Salina Sees You: Community of Salina, serving those in need amid Federal Gov. shutdown

Students at KSU Salina had the privilege of learning what it's like to drive with impaired vision, during a simulation with the Saline County Sheriff's Office.

Throughout this simulation called the&nbsp;Simulated Impaired Driving Experience, students were able to get a first-hand experience that portrayed the dangers of driving impaired. These occurrences can happen in people who have poor eyesight and/or under the influence.

This event also was a great opportunity for the students to build relationships and connections with local law enforcement.

KSU Salina junior, Cole Kramer gave his comments on what he took away from the simulation.

"At the event, we learned about the effects of alcohol and drugs and what it really takes to get a DUI," said KSU Salina junior, Cole Kramer. "We even got to try a go-kart that simulated drunk driving, used “drunk goggles” to try to walk a straight line, and tested a calculator showing how long alcohol stays in your system. The whole point was to remind us that it’s always better to just call an Uber than risk driving under the influence."

KSU Salina students learn dangers of driving with impaired vision in simulation 

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.

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Cisneros-Govea, Jose Salvador

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;Riffle, Brian Christopher

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended;&nbsp;Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact&nbsp;

Saline County Jail Bookings, November 6

A year ago, Manhattan artist Nate McClendon visited Salina to gather footage from community members for a video portrait project. 

On Thursday, November 13, the Salina community can see the results and hear from the artist at the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://salina.ksu.edu/">Kansas State University Salina</a>&nbsp;Civic Lecture Series.McClendon, the featured speaker, is the founder of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://beach.k-state.edu/explore/ubiquitous-bma/manhattan-community-portrait.html">Community Portrait Project</a>&nbsp;and an outreach specialist at the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://beach.k-state.edu/">Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art</a>.

He creates programs, events and activities to enhance and broaden the experience of various exhibits and artworks within the museum and greater Manhattan community.His video portrait project is grounded in the belief that every individual possesses a unique story to share and seeks to promote personal connections through the inclusion of a narrative provided by each subject.

The Community Portrait Project Civic Lecture Series event will take place at 11:30 am Thursday, November 13, at K-State Salina's College Center Conference Room, 2310 Centennial Dr.

Admission is free, and guests are welcome to bring their own lunches or purchase meals from K-State Salina's Centennial Dining. 

For more information, visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/about/visitor-information/civic-lecture/">Civic Lecture Series website</a>.

KSU Salina to showcase community video portrait project, talk with project founder for Civic Lecture Series

A generous anonymous donor has given&nbsp;$100,000&nbsp;to Salina Public Library and is challenging the community to match this gift by December 31.&nbsp;Every contribution made before the end of the year will be doubled, helping bring the Library’s long-awaited Youth Services transformation one step closer to reality.

“This gift shows how deeply people in our community believe in the power of the library to shape lives,” said Allyson Walker, Head of Fundraising and Development. “It’s both a celebration and a challenge, an invitation for our community to come together and make something remarkable happen.”

The $100,000 challenge is part of the Library’s&nbsp;Re-Imagining Our Library: Youth Services&nbsp;initiative, a major project that will completely transform the Library’s lower level into a dynamic, flexible, and welcoming space for the next generation of learners. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026.

As the year wraps up, Salina Public Library is highlighting several ways to give and get involved.&nbsp;Giving Tuesday&nbsp;on&nbsp;December 2&nbsp;offers a simple way to participate in the national day of generosity, while&nbsp;Jingle Bingo: Camp Kringle&nbsp;on&nbsp;December 6&nbsp;will bring people together for an evening of music bingo, raffles, and community fun. Event details and tickets are available at<a target="_blank" href="https://salinapubliclibrary.org/jingle-bingo">&nbsp;salinapubliclibrary.org/jingle-bingo</a>

End-of-year donations are a crucial part of making this vision possible. 

Community members can give online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://salinapubliclibrary.org/give">salinapubliclibrary.org/give</a>, by mail, by texting&nbsp;SPL&nbsp;to&nbsp;50155, or in person at the Library. All gifts made by December 31 will be matched dollar-for-dollar.

Double your impact: Salina Public Library launches $100,000 year-end challenge

Salina Police are currently investigating a theft, that included over $4,500 of work tools stolen.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Wednesday at around 8:00 am, reportedly multiple tools were stolen from an Evergy truck parked in the 1000 block of Quincy during the overnight hours.

Taken from the truck were three small rolls of cooper wire, two Milwaukee Packout Boxes, two sets of climbing gear and about $500 of miscellaneous hand tools that included hammers, wrenches, and pliers. 

There was no damage to the vehicle and the investigation is ongoing.

Investigation prompts after over $4,500 of work tools stolen from an Evergy truck

The Kansas Legislature have approved a bill that would end the three-day grace period for mail-in ballots to be accepted, three days after an election.

Back in 2017, the Kansas Legislature approved a three-day grace period for mail-in ballots that were sent before Election Day and to be received by a local county office 3 days after the election.

However, earlier this year during a legislative session, the Legislature passed&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb4/">Senate Bill 4</a> (SB4) to eliminate the three-day grace period.

According to <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li_2024/b2023_24/members/rep_sanders_clarke_1/#:~:text=Representative%20Clarke%20Sanders%20%7C%20Legislators%20%7C%20Kansas,Home%20%E2%80%A2">Saline County House Rep. Clarke Sanders</a>, the new law that will come into effect January 1, 2026 will be for anyone who votes by mail are to submit their ballots at an election office by 7:00 pm on Election Day.&nbsp;

Any ballots received after that, will not be counted.&nbsp;

Sanders added the leading factor of why SB4 was approved.

“Anytime you have ballots lingering, there is greater possibility of fraud,” he said. “This makes it fair and the same for everybody.”

According to Sanders, the mail-in ballots that come in after the three-day grace period do not necessarily change the results of the election significantly.

“There is not going to be that many ballots that come in (after the election). Generally speaking, the margins are wide enough that the number of ballots that come in after Election Day, probably are not going to affect the results of the election of who is first, second and third place,” said Sanders.

Back on March of this year, Governor Laura Kelly vetoed SB4. 

According to a <a href="https://www.governor.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/585/56">press release from the Governor’s office</a>, her reason was to “ensure that all Kansans had their votes counted, no matter where they lived.”

“Not only will removing the three-day grace period for mail ballots disenfranchise thousands of Kansas voters, but it also shows a lack of understanding of our elections in Kansas,” said Gov. Kelly. "Implementing this will create confusion among county election officials, who will have to update policies and procedures on handling of mail ballots in a higher turnout election year.”

The Legislature however, overrode the veto.

Sanders stated three Kansas organizations (Kansas Appleseed, Loud Light and Disability&nbsp;Rights Center of Kansas) have sued the legislature over concerns that SB4 is&nbsp;“unconstitutional.”

“At some point there has to be deadline,” he said. "We in the legislature thought that the deadline ought to be consistent and the ballots be held to the same standard, as the ballots that are casted the day of the election. The standard needs to be the same.”

Delays of mail-in ballots are also a concern with SB4. 

However, Sanders stated these delays can be avoided by voters filing a provisional ballot.&nbsp;

Provisional voting was introduced in Kansas back in 1996, which allows voters the opportunity to vote in the event questions arise on their eligibility.

According to the <a href="https://sos.ks.gov/Pubs/Elections/Guides/Provisional-Voting-Guide.pdf">provisional voting guide</a>, the reasons where an individual may be provided with a provisional ballot include:

For this case, Sanders stated people can fill in a provisional ballot in the event and individual’s mail-in ballot does not arrive at their local election office after they have called to check the status.

“We cannot determine if your mail-in ballot is going to be delayed, but if it is then you need figure out a way to get down to the election office and cast a provisional ballot,” said Sanders. “Now if in the meanwhile, your ballot arrives then your provisional ballot is thrown out and the original ballot you casted by mail would be  counted.”

Kansas Rep. for the 41st District and Chair for the Elections Committee, Pat Proctor (who is currently running for Secretary of State), brought forward SB4.

KS Legislature approves bill ending three-day grace period for mail-in ballots accepted after Election Day

KSU Salina is inviting the next generation of aviators for an event, meant for inspiration and learning purposes.

The annual event,&nbsp;Girls in Aviation Day is set to occur Saturday, November 8 @&nbsp;9:00 am at KSU-Salina (2310 Centennial Road).

According to KSU Salina, this event is open to boys &amp; girls ages 6-18, where each attendee can explore the aviation profession through&nbsp;hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations, aircraft tours, flight simulators and the chance to meet professional aviators from across the industry.

Registration is required and click <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/girls-in-aviation-day-salina-ks-tickets-1854811905339?aff=oddtdtcreator&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawN4ZqNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFGbnR4eWRkaFQ2RkxlVGVIc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHp9_Er-zGndMC2acs0TA5_QImnuQ2ysPDjfSkxhGRnu_FigILca6bmWh1Z_L_aem_drfgzoNPVnhOkkcnLkimXA">here</a> to reserve your spot.

KSU Salina inviting next generation of aviators to learn and experience the flight profession in event

TOPEKA — The former CEO and founder of the Beneficient investment firm that was granted a unique bank charter on orders of the Kansas Legislature was arrested and jailed Tuesday following indictment for an alleged scheme to loot more than $150 million from a company forced into bankruptcy.

Brad Heppner, who was taken into custody at his home by the Irving Police Department in Texas, was indicted in federal court in New York on counts of securities fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud, making false statements to auditors, and falsification of records. Prosecutors say he misled investors and auditors, and they said he obstructed an investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

He has for years been at the center of a flurry of civil lawsuits alleging financial misconduct. The criminal case was worked by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in cooperation with the SEC.

“Heppner abused his role as a public company executive to loot the company and to funnel money into his own pockets,” said Jay Clayton, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. “When executives like Heppner lie and cheat to enrich themselves at the expense of everyday investors, they corrupt the integrity of our public markets.”

Interest in Heppner’s business activities has been relevant to Kansans because Beneficient, the company he founded, has held a Kansas banking license since 2021.

Heppner was accused in the indictment, unsealed Tuesday, of misappropriating at least $150 million from the publicly traded, now-bankrupt GWG Holdings through a series of self-serving transactions tied to Beneficient and Highland Consolidated Limited Partnership. He was simultaneously chairman of GWG and Beneficient, and secretly controlled HCLP, according to the indictment.

“Though Heppner repeatedly described HCLP as an independent entity, it was, in fact, a shell company controlled by Heppner and operated for his benefit,” the indictment said. “Once Heppner exhausted his ability to siphon GWG’s assets for himself, he separated himself from GWG. GWG filed for bankruptcy shortly thereafter, causing losses exceeding $1 billion to thousands of investors and bondholders.”

Financial damage resulting from the catastrophe at GWG primarily fell on retail investors, “many of them retirees,” the indictment says.

The indictment says Heppner used the money for personal expenses, including $40 million for renovation of a Dallas mansion and a ranch in Montalba, Texas. He allegedly spent $10 million on upkeep, expansion and IT services on those properties as well as $10 million to cover credit card debt and private aviation expenditures. He purportedly used $20 million to pay tax expenses and bought jewelry valued at more than $500,000.

The indictment seeks to force Heppner to surrender ill-gotten cash as well as the properties in Dallas and Montalba.

Heppner, 59, faces a maximum of 20 years in prison on the fraud, false statement and false record counts. The conspiracy count carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

In June, Heppner resigned from Dallas-headquartered Beneficient rather than cooperate with an audit committee looking into financial irregularities. In 2021, Heppner left GWG and structurally separated Beneficient from GWG. GWG filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2022.

Dan Callahan, a spokesperson representing Beneficient, issued a company statement in wake of the indictment: “Beneficient parted ways with Mr. Heppner earlier this year, immediately after learning facts related to his alleged fraud on the company and others. Beneficient will continue to pursue its own claims against Mr. Heppner on behalf of its shareholders. Beneficient has and continues to cooperate with the government’s investigation of Mr. Heppner.”

Heppner was the face of Beneficient before and after it landed a Kansas banking charter for a Beneficient subsidiary. Legislation that guaranteed Beneficient received the charter was championed by Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican now in the midst of a campaign for governor. Masterson made the motion in support of the charter during a 2021 interim legislative committee hearing. The legislation was signed into law by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

While lobbying Kansas legislators in pursuit of a bank charter, Heppner allegedly continued with the covert effort to hide the funneling of $150 million from GWG to Beneficient and to HCLP.

Beneficient made financial contributions to the campaigns of Republicans and Democrats in Kansas. It’s unclear whether those donations were made with cash Heppner allegedly transferred from GWG.

David Herndon, the Kansas state banking commissioner, opposed the charter for Beneficient and repeatedly urged the Legislature to repeal the law allowing Beneficient to anchor its asset-swap business to Kansas.

The business linked to the state charter was designed to allow Beneficient to work with investors to cash out or trade for stock their illiquid assets, including venture capital and private equity. To entice Kansas to deliver the charter, Beneficient agreed to funnel money into a Kansas foundation that was to help revitalize Hesston and support economic development in other rural communities. Heppner grew up in Kansas.

Former Beneficient CEO who acquired unique Kansas bank charter indicted on fraud charges

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Uebelher, Christopher Joseph

Saline County Jail Bookings, November 5

HAYS - The Kansas Highway Patrol&nbsp;(KHP)&nbsp;held a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 22 commemorating the recent completion of a&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;aircraft hangar facility at the Hays Regional Airport.

This 6,800 square foot hangar facility was completed in May 2025 and includes hangar space, offices for the trooper pilots, and a conference room for training and flight planning. This project was a collaborative effort between the City of Hays and&nbsp;KHP, where the city managed construction and&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;assumed ownership of the facility at a cost of $1.7 million. The hangar will house multiple law enforcement aircraft and serve as a staging location for joint agency air support operations within the region. Hays is a strategic location for&nbsp;KHP’s&nbsp;Air Support Unit. In conjunction with aircraft bases in Wichita and Topeka, the Hays base affords statewide coverage.

“We would like to extend our appreciation to those who committed so much of their time and talent to making this partnership a reality,” said Colonel Erik Smith,&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;Superintendent. “The project is a model for interagency and intergovernmental cooperation.”

“Regional airports such as Hays provide vital and critical resources to local communities that reach far beyond air travel, especially when assisting with emergency response. These efforts often go unnoticed,” said Jamie Salter, Hays Regional Airport Director. “The collaborative nature of this project highlights the importance of partnership between governmental agencies to best service our communities.”

“The capabilities that&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;provides to local law enforcement is critical to rural communities like Hays,” said State Representative Ken Rahjes (Agra, Kansas). “We are grateful for the service of State Troopers in Western Kansas.”

KHP&nbsp;is the only entity in Kansas operating tactical law enforcement aircraft, providing vital support to local public safety agencies. The agency acquired its first aircraft in 1961 to patrol state highways and first established an aircraft base in Hays in 1979. In 2024,&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;flight crews in Hays were requested to assist local law enforcement agencies with numerous missions, including 17 manhunts, 23 vehicle pursuits, 19 searches for missing or endangered people, and three hazardous weather events involving endangered motorists.

KHP celebrates completion of aircraft hangar facility at Hays airport

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 5 - November 7

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 3 - November 5

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 31 - November 2

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 29 - October 31

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 27 - October 29

Four day weather forecast Salina, October 24 - October 27

The US National Weather Service has announced events of showers and thunderstorms are expected to return this weekend in Salina and throughout Central Kansas.

Accordingly, showers and thunderstorms will overspread the area starting Thursday night, with the greatest coverage in southern Kansas. Temperatures will drop into the upper 40s and 50s throughout the area.

Forecast depicts that showers and thunderstorms are likely to occur throughout the span of this weekend, and into Monday, October 27.

Showers and thunderstorms expected to return to Salina this weekend

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 22 - October 24

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 20 - October 22

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 17 - October 19

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/josh-funk">JOSH FUNK</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/rio-yamat">RIO YAMAT</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) —Airports in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago along with hubs across the U.S. are among the 40 that will see flights cut starting Friday due to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-longest-trump-republican-senators-democrats-9712df6c11ef19c5df8f18c8a4f7b341">government shutdown</a>, according to a list distributed to the airlines and obtained by The Associated Press.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/federal-aviation-administration">Federal Aviation Administration</a>&nbsp;announced Wednesday that it would reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 “high-volume” markets to maintain travel safety as air traffic controllers exhibit signs of strain during the ongoing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-longest-trump-republican-senators-democrats-9712df6c11ef19c5df8f18c8a4f7b341">government shutdown</a>.

The affected airports covering more than two dozen states include the busiest ones across the U.S. — including Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Orlando, Miami, and San Francisco. In some of the biggest cities — such as New York, Houston and Chicago — multiple airports will be affected.

The FAA is imposing the flight reductions to relieve pressure on air traffic controllers who are working without pay during the government shutdown and have been increasingly calling off work.

Controllers already have missed one full paycheck and are scheduled to again receive nothing next week as as the shutdown drags on.

The FAA has been delaying flights at times when airports or its other facilities are short on controllers.

Passengers should start to be notified about cancellations Thursday. Airlines said they would try to minimize the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-travel-delays-canceled-flights-38bd3f9d066b064b5f2aa248864fe13b">impact on customers</a>, some of whom will see weekend travel plans disrupted with little notice.

United Airlines said it would focus the cuts on smaller regional routes that use smaller planes like 737s. United, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines said they would offer refunds to passengers who opt not to fly -- even if they purchased tickets that aren’t normally refundable.

What to do if you’re facing flight disruptions during the government shutdownStaffing shortages have caused flight delays at a growing number of airports as disruptions pile up nationwide.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-travel-delays-canceled-flights-38bd3f9d066b064b5f2aa248864fe13b">Here is what to know about your rights as a passenger.</a>

The head of Frontier Airlines recommended that travelers buy backup tickets with another airline to avoid being stranded.

Experts predict hundreds if not thousands of flights&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-travel-delays-canceled-flights-38bd3f9d066b064b5f2aa248864fe13b">could be canceled</a>. The cuts could represent as many as 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats combined, according to an estimate by aviation analytics firm Cirium.

“I’m not aware in my 35-year history in the aviation market where we’ve had a situation where we’re taking these kinds of measures,” Bedford said Wednesday. “We’re in new territory in terms of government shutdowns.”

Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since the shutdown began Oct. 1. Most work mandatory overtime six days a week, leaving little time for side jobs to help cover bills and other expenses unless they call out.

Mounting staffing pressures are forcing the agency to act, Bedford said.

“We can’t ignore it,” he said, adding that even if the shutdown ends before Friday, the FAA wouldn’t automatically resume normal operations until staffing improves and stabilizes.

Bedford and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Wednesday that they would meet with airline executives to figure out how to safely implement the reductions.

Major airlines, aviation unions and the broader travel industry have been urging Congress to end the shutdown, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/longest-government-shutdown-trump-schumer-elections-183a80e0bb9ab6a2ee6ddd5e8367f100">on Wednesday</a>&nbsp;became the longest on record.

The shutdown is putting unnecessary strain on the system and “forcing difficult operational decisions that disrupt travel and damage confidence in the U.S. air travel experience,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman in a statement.

Duffy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-air-traffic-controllers-duffy-delays-9afedfa9e5000510c77465808404c830">warned</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday that there could be chaos in the skies if the shutdown drags on long enough for air traffic controllers to miss their second full paycheck next week.

Duffy said some controllers can get by missing one paycheck, but not two or more. And he has said some controllers are even struggling to pay for transportation to work.

Staffing can run short both in regional control centers that manage multiple airports and in individual airport towers, but they don’t always lead to flight disruptions. Throughout October, flight delays caused by staffing problems had been largely isolated and temporary.

But the past weekend brought some of the worst staffing issues since the start of the shutdown.

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