OVERLAND PARK - With the intention of elevating Kansas as a destination for trails and outdoor connection, Kansas Trails, Inc. (KTI), has launched as the first statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting, supporting and empowering the vibrant trail community across the state.

Designed to serve every trail organization, city, steward, and volunteer in Kansas, KTI aims to provide trail maps, expert resources, technical assistance, advocacy and support to help ensure Kansas trails are accessible, sustainable and thriving both now and for future generations.

“Kansas Trails, Inc., is here to empower everyone who loves, builds, and maintains trails,” said Mike Scanlon, KTI Executive Director. “We commit ourselves to developing and supporting trail systems that enrich public health, fuel local economies, and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of this state.”

As a central hub for trail enthusiasts, KTI offers an array of services and resources, including:

• Interactive maps to help Kansans discover trails (See KTI’s Kansas trail map);

• technical assistance and resources for communities and organizations to plan, design and construct sustainable trails;

• promotional assistance to help spread the word about trail events across the state and inspire more people to explore and take advantage of the benefits of connecting with the outdoors;

• networking and membership opportunities to help build and foster a statewide community of trail advocates (Become a member);

• advocacy and support to ensure Kansas trails are accessible, sustainable, and wellmaintained.

As part of its mission to connect and empower trail users, builders and communities, KTI recently launched its Trail.Talk.Tuesday free webinar series. The hour-long webinars, which started July 8, are scheduled for noon on the second Tuesday of each month through January 2026.&nbsp; 

With topics ranging from planning, building and maintaining trails, to&nbsp; exploring and celebrating Kansas’ thriving trail network, the series has something for everyone who has a passion for trails. Register here for the next session on Aug. 12.

KTI also works in close partnership with state and local agencies to underscore the importance of trails in boosting outdoor recreation, rural revitalization, tourism, and community well-being.

“In every trail we support, every community we empower, and every mile we map, we carry forward the belief that Kansas belongs to all who walk it – now and for generations to come,” Scanlon said.

Born from a virtual roundtable of local leaders, nonprofits, and state agencies, KTI grew into a grassroots coalition. With startup funding from Sunflower Foundation, a statewide health philanthropy serving all of Kansas, KTI became an established nonprofit and was granted 501(c)(3) status by the Internal Revenue Service.

The organization is governed by a board of directors consisting of dedicated trail advocates, community leaders and outdoor enthusiasts from across Kansas.

For more information, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://kstrails.org/">https://kstrails.org/</a>

First-ever statewide organization that aims to connect, support and elevate trails across Kansas officially launches

<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>.

3-day weather forecast Salina

Salina will be under a 'Flood Watch' that takes into effect Thursday evening and into Friday, July 25.

According to the US National Weather Service, on Thursday Salina has been a issued a 'Flood Watch' for this evening. Reportedly, heavy rainfall is expected to develop into the afternoon and becoming more widespread overnight, with rainfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour possible.

Be aware on the roads as 'Flash Flooding' is likely, according to the US National Weather Service.&nbsp;The highest flooding risk period will occur from late this afternoon through Friday morning.&nbsp;If water begins rising near your location,&nbsp;immediately seek higher ground. 

Saline County Emergency Management states that the main concerns are low water crossings and low-lying areas, where it's difficult to see the shoulder of the road. Drivers should exercise extreme caution, especially in areas known to flood frequently.

Saline County Emergency Management has listed the flood stages for certain areas:

Mulberry Creek near Salina:&nbsp;Forecasted to crest above flood stage at 24.75 feet overnight. Exercise extreme caution around waterways and low-lying areas.

Smoky Hill River near Mentor:&nbsp;Expected crest at 17.87 feet, nearing moderate flood levels. Avoid areas prone to flooding.

Smoky Hill River near New Cambria:&nbsp;Projected crest at 23.59 feet tonight, causing minor flooding. Monitor conditions and be prepared to move to higher ground.

Everyone is encouraged to stay alert and monitor weather conditions closely.

'Flood Watch' issued in Salina for Thursday evening, heavy rainfall expected in the afternoon

Another round of storms are anticipated to occur on Wednesday evening, after the flooding from Monday evening.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), a round of storms are anticipated for Wednesday evening with the best chances occurring across central Kansas. Reportedly, the strongest storms may produce wind gusts near 60 mph and heavy rainfall.

Salina is depicted to have a 30-60% chance of storms for Wednesday night.

Another round of storms anticipated for Wednesday evening across Central Kansas

LINCOLN COUNTY &amp; SALINE COUNTY - The US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS) has issued a flash flood warning for northern Lincoln County until late Monday evening.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), north Lincoln County is under a flash flood warning until 11:45 pm. Reportedly, radar is estimating 4 to 6 inches of rainfall across northern Lincoln county between Barnard and Lincoln.&nbsp;The storms are nearly stationary with more heavy rainfall likely.

The US National Weather Service stated this flash flood warning is a "very dangerous flooding situation" and to not drive in flooded areas. They are advising people to report any&nbsp;flooding problems to local officials.

According to the US National Weather Service, northwest Saline County is under a "high risk" of flash flooding,&nbsp;especially near the town of Glendale with slow moving thunderstorms producing 4 to 5 inches of rainfall.

Saline County Emergency Management advises people in the Saline County area to stay home during this flash flood warning. Saline County Emergency Management has stated the following:

Avoid low-lying areas and roads near creeks or ditches.

Keep headlights on and drive slowly if travel is absolutely necessary.&nbsp;

Please do not risk your safety or the safety of emergency responders.

Flash flood warning issued for northern Lincoln County and high risk for northwest Saline County

The US National Weather Service has issued an 'extreme heat warning' for Central Kansas until Wednesday evening.

According to the&nbsp;US National Weather Service, on Saturday, July 19th an 'extreme heat warning' was issued to be in effect from now until Wednesday evening (July 23rd). Heat indices were reported to be as high as 110 degrees, with high's being over 100 degrees. 

It was reported that humidity will also remain in place through this period, which will make it feel even hotter. Chances of showers and storms could occur through the week, with the best chances occurring on Thursday, July 24th.

The US National Weather Service has left some tips about staying safe during this advisory:

Work outdoors early or late in the day, and take breaks in the shade as often as possible

Check up on the elderly, sick and those without A/C

Never leave children or pets unattended in your vehicles ('look before you lock')

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>.&nbsp;

Extreme heat warning issued in Central Kansas until Wednesday evening

The US National Weather Service Wichita, KS has announced that rain and storms are beginning to move east into central Kansas as of 9:45 pm, late Thursday evening.

According to the US National Weather Service Wichita, KS, the strongest storms will be capable of producing up to '60 mph winds and quarter size hail.

The National Weather Services advises to stay vigilant and have multiple ways to receive any updates or warnings.

UPDATE: Storms moving towards Central Kansas late Thursday evening

Thunderstorms are expected to occur on Thursday evening throughout parts of central Kansas.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), scattered thunderstorms are expected to move into central Kansas this evening with a few strong to severe storms possible. The storms are expected to occur around 7:00 pm and likely last till about 2:00 am, early Friday morning.

The National Weather Service encourages to ensure you have a plan if you are outdoors and storms start to approach your location.

Eagle radio/media stations&nbsp;99.9FM KSKG&nbsp;and&nbsp;910AM/107.5FM KINA&nbsp;will be giving live updates on air if necessary.

Thunderstorms expected throughout central Kansas on Thursday evening

The Saline County Emergency Management team continues to monitor severe weather conditions and the associated flood risks, as the region enters an active weather period today through tonight on Tuesday, June 17th.

According to Saline County Emergency Management, the National Weather Service has placed much of central and south-central Kansas, including Saline County, under a 'moderate risk' for severe storms beginning this afternoon and continuing into early Wednesday morning. 

Residents should expect the potential for:

Wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph, tennis ball-sized hail, a few tornadoes﻿ and heavy rainfall that could result in localized flooding overnight.

Saline County Emergency Management also notes that&nbsp;area rivers and streams are forecast to rise significantly.&nbsp;

Mulberry Creek near Salina: Expected to crest near 26.5 feet, reaching major flood stage.

Smoky Hill River near Mentor: Forecasted crest near 24.2 feet, approaching moderate flood stage.

Smoky Hill River near New Cambria: Projected to crest around 30.3 feet, above moderate flood stage.

River levels are currently well below flood stage but are expected to rise rapidly as rainfall moves through the area. Residents in low-lying areas near rivers, streams and creeks should prepare for possible flooding and monitor conditions closely. Saline County encourages residents to not drive through flooded roadways and to always follow official detours and barricades.

Saline County Emergency Management remains in close coordination with the National Weather Service and regional response partners and will provide additional information as conditions warrant.

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at <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>.&nbsp;

UPDATE: Possibility of severe thunderstorms and flooding for Saline County to continue throughout Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning

The US National Weather Service Wichita, KS has issued a watch for scattered showers and storms to continue across portions of central and south-central Kansas on Tuesday June 17th. 

According to the National Weather Service, these showers and storms will continue through at least 10:00 am on Tuesday.

The National Weather Service also reported of isolated hail up to ping pong size possibly occurred until earlier on Tuesday at 7:00 am with frequent lightning.

Eagle radio/media stations&nbsp;99.9FM KSKG&nbsp;and&nbsp;910AM/107.5FM KINA&nbsp;will be giving live updates if necessary.

To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.&nbsp;

Scattered showers and storms for Saline County to continue throughout Tuesday morning  

Multiple rounds of thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to take place in southeast Kansas and parts of North Central Kansas.

The National Weather Service has issued a forecast calling for multiple rounds of thunderstorms and heavy rain from Friday, May 23rd through Sunday night, May 25th. Thunderstorms are anticipated to occur periodically throughout Russell, Hutchinson and Salina till 3:00 pm and a second round after 7:00 pm on Friday. Very low chance of thunderstorms to occur for Saturday.

Areas such as Chanute and Coffeyville are on a "flood watch" from Friday till Sunday night. Salina is in the "low rainfall" amount range for this weekend.&nbsp;Although confidence is highest for flooding in southeast Kansas, Saline County residents should still remain alert. The risk of severe storms today and again Sunday night makes early preparation critical.

The National Weather Service recommends people to closely monitor weather alerts and prepare for rapidly changing conditions. Rainfall totals over the next 72 hours could lead to hazardous travel and localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas and intersections with poor drainage.&nbsp;

To check forecasts frequently, go to <a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.&nbsp;

Multiple rounds of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall expected for southeast Kansas and parts of North Central Kansas

The Salina Symphony String Academy announces Beginning Group String Lessons, designed for brand-new musicians and those with less than a year of playing experience. In a fun, supportive group setting, students will build a strong musical foundation while learning the basics of violin, viola, and cello.

Classes for children ages 4-6 will be held Tuesdays at either 10:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.

For students in grades 1-5, classes will be held Mondays at either 4:30 p.m. or 5:30 p.m.

Group lessons will be taught by Denise Blehm, concertmaster of the Salina Symphony. For more than three decades, Denise has performed with the Salina Symphony and nurtured young musicians through private instruction. 

For more information or to enroll, visit <a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org">www.salinasymphony.org</a>.

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

For more information, please contact the Symphony Office at (785) 823-8309.

Salina Symphony String Academy holding group string lessons in September

The Pawnee Nation has a long and significant history in Kansas. Their presence in the north and central regions dates back centuries. 

Join Dr. Carlton Shield Chief Gover, (Ckîri, Parî/Pawnee) as he offers an overview of what we know about the Kitkehahki in Kansas and how we know it. Dr. Shield Chief Gover is an assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Kansas, and the assistant curator of archaeology for the KU Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum.

This free presentation is offered at the Smoky Hill Museum, August 7, 5:30-6:30 pm.

 Enjoy the presentation at the Museum or from the comfort of your own home via Zoom. 

Register for your Zoom link at <a href="http://www.smokyhillmuseum.org">www.smokyhillmuseum.org</a>.

Kitkehahki Pawnee in Kansas presentation hosted by the Smoky Hill Museum in August

Join Red Fern Booksellers as we continue our Downtown First Friday Live Music Series. 

Allison Walker, classically trained pianist will be here sharing her music ranging from Clause Debussy to Chappell Roan, as well as some Disney hits sprinkled&nbsp;in for the&nbsp;young ones (and young at heart). Allison has lived in Salina for ten years and has loved watching how the downtown&nbsp;community has progressed in such&nbsp;a short time.&nbsp;

Our artist this month is Meghan Hessman of Sunflower Follies. You know Meghan's work from many of her greeting cards we carry in the store. This is your chance to purchase larger images of her fabulous watercolor work.&nbsp;

We have a wonderful lineup of musicians and interesting artists and creators each First Friday through October. Downtown Salina is the best place to be!&nbsp; &nbsp;

Walker and Hessman will be at Red Fern Booksellers (106 S. Santa&nbsp;Fe) on Friday, August 1st, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Gifted artist and musician featured at Red Fern's First Friday Series in August

Salina Catholic Schools is now enrolling for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, with only a few spots available. The institution holds 3 buildings on its campus to serve families with children 8 weeks of age to 12th grade.

Infancy - PreK: Love 'N Learn Early Childhood Center. Grades K–6: St. Mary’s Grade School. Grades 7–12: Sacred Heart Jr/Sr High School

Families choose Salina Catholic Schools because we offer more than just an education, we care about the whole student - spirit, mind and body - to be a disciple of Jesus on mission.

Together, Salina Catholic Schools prepares students for a lifetime of learning, servant leadership and distinction as disciples of Christ.

To inquire, please visit <a href="http://Salinacatholic.org">Salinacatholic.org</a> and select your school or call the front office directly:

Love 'N Learn Early Childhood Center: (785) 827-4822

St. Mary’s Grade School: (785) 827-4200

Sacred Heart Jr/Sr High School: (785) 827-4422

Salina Catholic Schools now enrolling for the 2025-2026 school year, few spots available

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;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Crotzer, Christopher James

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss. drug paraphernalia/human body; Poss. of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Theft of prop./services:Value less than $1,500

NAME:&nbsp;Glover, Abraham William

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting; Use/poss. drug paraphernalia/human body; Poss. of marijuana

NAME:&nbsp;Hall, Fredrick Christopher

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear (7 requested charges)

NAME:&nbsp;Harrison, Ishmael Lester

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Forgery; Possess with intent to distribute written instrument; Operate a MV w/o a valid license; Poss. of marijuana

NAME:&nbsp;Laskou, Dimitrios William

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg. Domestic Battery: impede breathing/choke; Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm; Viol. protection order; Pre-trial order

NAME:&nbsp;Picking, Jonathan Jeffrey Vincent

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor; Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm; Robbery

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg. assault; w/ deadly weapon; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption

Saline County Jail Bookings, July 26

ABILENE - Several new faces will make an appearance at this year’s Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo in Abilene.

Cody Emerson will join Colt Carlisle as one of the bullfighters at this year’s rodeo. Miss Rodeo America Callie Mueller will be on hand, as will Miss Rodeo Kansas State University Madeline Meyer, and rodeo clown Allan Dessel will make his first trip to the rodeo.

Cody Emerson, Marble Falls, Texas will join Carlisle during the bull riding. The Arkansas native has been a professional bullfighter since 2013 and works both PRCA and PBR events. He loves working rodeos with Sammy Andrews’ bulls. “They’re all going to buck,” he said. “When Sammy brings them to town, they’re the real deal.”

He is married to Sierra; the couple raises Spanish goats.

One of the traditions at the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo is having&nbsp;Miss Rodeo America&nbsp;at the event, and this year is no different.

Callie Mueller, the former Miss Rodeo South Dakota, will be in town for rodeo week.

A resident of Florence, S.D., she was crowned with the national title in December 2024.

She grew up competing in 4-H and FFA and graduated from Dakota State University (Madison, S.D.) in 2023 with a double major in elementary education and special education and a double minor in K-12 reading and K-12 technology.

She travels with her Pomeranian dog Zooey, whose nickname is “the rodeo queen puppy.”

If one rodeo queen is good, two is better.

Miss Rodeo K-State Madeline Meyer&nbsp;will join Miss Rodeo America in Abilene.

A native of Ellensburg, Wash., she will be a senior at Kansas State University this fall, majoring in pre-veterinary animal sciences with a certification in equine sciences. She hopes to attend veterinary school and receive her doctorate.

She loves K-State. “I’ve found a true community there,” she said. “I have a lot of amazing friends. Time spent with friends is time well-spent.” Her dad, Paul Meyer, is a K-State alumnus.

As for the laughs at the rodeo, it’ll be a tax preparer making the jokes.

Allan Dessel, Cherokee, Iowa, will be “clowning around.”

He owns a tax preparation business that keeps him busy in the winter, but in the summer, he makes time to rodeo.

Being a number cruncher and a rodeo clown may seem an odd juxtaposition, but the career choices complement each other.

“For me, it’s like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” he said. In the office, “you have to deal with the IRS and remember guidelines and rules, and there’s a lot of stress in that. When people owe taxes, they’re mad at you like it’s your fault.

“But at the rodeo it’s two hours where you can let it all go. I have a good time, and if I have a good time, the fans will relax and have a good time.”

Dessel and his wife Mandy have four children, ages 3-12. They often travel with him in the summers.

Other contract personnel include announcer Scott Grover, Camden Point, Mo., and Sammy Andrews, along with his wife Jacel and son James, of Andrews Rodeo Co., Bagwell, Texas.

Holm Automotive in Abilene will host an autograph signing with rodeo personnel on July 31 from 10:30 am -12 noon. It is free and open to the public. The queens will sign autographs at the Abilene Public Library July 29 at 9:30 am.

The Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo is July 29-August 1, with performances at 7:30 pm each night. Tickets are $12 for adults in advance and $15 at the gate. Children’s tickets, ages 4-10, are $8.

Tickets are available online at <a href="http://WildBillHickokRodeo.com">WildBillHickokRodeo.com</a>, at West’s Country Mart, Lumber House, Pioneer Farm and Supply, and at the gate.

For more information, visit:&nbsp;<a href="http://WildBillHickokRodeo.com">WildBillHickokRodeo.com</a>

Several new faces making appearances at fan favorite Abilene rodeo

A crowd of drivers were making noise and "runnin' what they brung" for the 2025 KKOA Leadsled Spectacular.

on Friday, drivers from all over the country brought their best custom hot rods to see how they matchup with others for the annual 'Run What Ya Brung' race for KKOA. Rex Walker, a participant of the event talked about his experience after racing.

"You go on ahead, come out here, run what ya brung and just put the metal to it," said Walker.&nbsp;

Before the participants would take off to race, customs would wait their turn patiently in lines. One of those who waited patiently was Cole Jaderborg, and he gave his comments on his feelings before going into the race.

"Hopefully I do pretty good, there is a lot fast stuff this year and it keeps getting faster every year," said Jaderborg.

The 2025 KKOA Leadsled Spectacular continues Saturday, July 26 - Sunday, July 27.

For a full schedule, go to:&nbsp;<a href="https://kustomkempsofamerica.com/events.htm">https://kustomkempsofamerica.com/events.htm</a>

🎥 Crowd of drivers making noise and "runnin' what they brung' 

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

NAME:&nbsp;Cottrell, Dakota Anthony Keith

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Return for court testimony

NAME:&nbsp;McMillan, Fredrick Albert

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear (2 requested charges)

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss. drug paraphernalia/human body; DUI; 1st conv.; comp. evidence of blood/breath .08+; Poss. of marijuana; Poss. of stimulant; Poss. of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact; Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circ.; felony; Mistreat dependent adult/elder; Physical injury

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Theft of prop./services: Value less than $1,500

Saline County Jail Bookings, July 24-25

Saline County announced that the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has closed&nbsp;K-4 at Gypsum due to water on the roads.&nbsp;

According to Saline County, the road will reopen once the waters recede.

Saline County has given safety recommendations when traveling on roads that may be wet:

TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN - never attempt to drive through flooded roads.

Know your risk. Check if your home or workplace is in a flood-prone area.

Have an emergency kit ready with essentials: water, food, medications, flashlight, batteries, and important documents.

Stay out of floodwaters. They can hide debris, downed power lines, or dangerous currents.

Avoid walking through moving water; as little as six inches can knock an adult off their feet.

Secure outdoor items that could become airborne due to high winds.

Avoid unnecessary travel during periods of severe weather, especially if snow reduces visibility.

KDOT closes K-4 at Gypsum due to water on the roads

LINDSBORG - Bethany College is proud to announce the return of sideline cheer, launching with the 2025–26 academic year. Leading the program is newly appointed head coach Patricia Smith, an experienced educator and cheer coach.

Sideline cheer will return to Bethany’s home football and basketball games, bringing renewed energy and spirit to campus life. With a focus on building a team from the ground up, Coach Smith will work closely with current students and new incoming students this fall to establish a strong foundation for the program.

Coach Smith brings a blend of musical education and athletic leadership to her new role. Originally from Lansford, North Dakota, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory of Music and currently teaches vocal and guitar at Bennington High School. Over the past three years, she also coached the Bennington High School cheer squad. Smith lives in Salina and, outside of the classroom and gym, enjoys playing pickleball and building with Legos.

"We are excited to welcome Coach Patricia Smith and launch sideline cheer," said Laura Moreno, Dean of Athletics. "We know firsthand the positive impact sideline cheer brings to the game day atmosphere, student experience, and Swede spirit campus wide. Coach Smith's experience as a local high school cheer coach, as well as her enthusiasm to build sideline cheer at Bethany, will greatly benefit the process of launching a team and bringing immediate energy and engagement to campus."

Coach Smith will be on campus during new student check-in on August 8th in the Student Union to meet with interested students. She will also be present during the first few weeks of the semester to help build awareness and enthusiasm. An open house for the program is currently being planned, with details to be announced soon.

Recruitment efforts are underway for students interested in joining the cheer team in spring 2026 and beyond. 

Students can contact Coach Smith at smithpa@bethanylb.edu or reach out to the Office of Admissions at admissions@bethanylb.edu for more information.

Sideline cheer returns to Bethany College with new head coach 

WICHITA, Kan. (July 26, 2025)—Mike Paredes staved off a late comeback in a 3-2 Wichita Wind Surge win over the Frisco RoughRiders at Equity Bank Park. The victory gives the Wind Surge the series heading into the Sunday finale tomorrow afternoon.&nbsp;

A bases-loaded error on the infield off the bat of Kala’i Rosario plated the first run of the game for Wichita in the home half of the third. Walker Jenkins hit a sacrifice fly out to center field to double the Wind Surge lead to 2-0 two innings later.

Connor Prielipp broke through the four-frame barrier for the second time this season, striking out five against three hits and a walk over four and one-third innings of scoreless baseball. Joel Cesar also notched a pair of strikeouts and retired all five men he faced over an inning and two-thirds following the southpaw starter to earn the win and improve to 3-3 in 2025.

Sebastian Walcott lined a solo home run 107 miles per hour off his bat to left field to cut the Wichita advantage in half before the stretch in the seventh. After being awarded second base on a walk in the bottom of the seventh, Kaelen Culpepper stole third base and took home plate after a throwing error to make the score 3-1 Wind Surge after seven.&nbsp;

Alejandro Osuna brought the RoughRiders back within one on an RBI single up the middle in the top of the eighth, but Paredes would bounce back and retire four of the next five to secure a 3-2 Wichita win and his second save of the year. Paredes pitched the final three frames, giving up two earned runs with five hits and a pair of strikeouts.&nbsp;

Local

Region

Sports

Weather