OTTAWA COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Monday in Ottawa County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Chrysler Town &amp; Country driven by Patricia&nbsp;Gillham, 54, Salina, was northbound in the 300 Block of N 90th Road.&nbsp; The driver experienced a possible medical episode.&nbsp; The van entered the west ditch, struck a fence and power pole.

EMS transported Gillham to Salina Regional Health Center. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Salina woman hospitalized after van strikes a power pole

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salina Post news tip email address

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salina Post accepting letters to the editor

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

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

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

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

2024 League of Women Voters General Election Candidate Forum

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

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

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

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

River bridge, road project south of Wilson closed indefinetly 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Precipitation reporting organization seeks local, area volunteers

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

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

Ask the caller specific questions.

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

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

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

Resist the pressure to donate on the spot.

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

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

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

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

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

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

FTC: How to spot and stop dishonest charity fundraisers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The&nbsp;City of Salina and Friends of the River Foundation, have invited the public to attend a presentation on the progress of the highly anticipated Smoky Hill River Renewal Project on Tuesday, May 13th at the Tony's Pizza Events Center.

According to the City, the presentation will focus on project costs, schedule, bridges, aesthetics and trails along the Old Smoky Hill River Channel. After the presentation,&nbsp;attendees may view maps of the project design in an open house format. 

Representatives from the City and HDR Engineering Inc., (who are responsible for developing the preliminary design of in-channel features and the project's master plan) will answer questions during the open house format.

Doors open at 5:15 pm and the presentation starts at 5:30 pm.&nbsp;

Open house stations are expected to start at&nbsp;6:30 pm till 7:30 pm.

For those unable to attend, the presentation will be streamed live on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salina.ks.gov">facebook.com/salina.ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofsalinakansas">youtube.com/cityofsalinakansas</a>

Visit <a href="https://www.salina-ks.gov/utilities-projects">www.salina-ks.gov/utilities-projects</a> for more information on the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project.

Smoky Hill River Renewal progress presentation tomorrow

New and improved sand volleyball courts are expected to be established at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park.

During the Salina City Commission meeting on Monday, a bid of $94,174.50 was accepted to install USA standard sand volleyball courts at Jerry Ivey Park. This bid was submitted by Garibay Siteworks Co. LLC back on Thursday, May 1st who is the construction company that will replacing the sand volleyball courts.

A few years back, Salina's Parks and Recreation department made a priority of addressing tennis courts in the city's park system. The City then made partnerships with Salina Tennis Alliance and USD 305 to perform the maintenance of the courts.&nbsp;

Afterwards, park amenities at Jerry Ivey included a basketball court, 4 tennis courts and 2 sand volleyball courts. Overtime, the basketball court needed maintenance and was then resurfaced by USD 305. However, the sand volleyball courts were not replaced due to the space requirements needed to construct 4 additional tennis courts, making a total of 8 tennis courts.

City Commission was still committed to replacing the sand volleyball courts to improve playability and meet USA Sand Volleyball standards.

On Monday, Salina City Commissioners voted to approve the replacement of the sand volleyball courts at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park.

New and improved sand volleyball courts coming to Jerry Ivey Memorial Park

Starting Tuesday, May 20th the&nbsp;City of Salina's utilities department will&nbsp; make a temporary adjustment to the disinfection process, for healthy drinking water.

According to the City, this process will last until Saturday, June 7th. This is meant to maintain high quality in the water distribution system. This process consists of turning off the ammonia feed and increasing the free chlorine feed in order to maintain a consistent disinfection level throughout the water distribution system.

Ammonia is a chemical compound made of hydrogen and nitrogen. Studies show that&nbsp;stopping the ammonia feed will allow the nitrogen cycle to “catch up” with the nutrient load. A 25% to 50% water change will help remove some ammonia, assuming the incoming water source does not contain ammonia, which is helpful (Francis-Floyd, Watson,&nbsp;Petty,&nbsp;Pouder, n.d.).

Free Chlorine refers to the amount of chlorine in the water available to sanitize and kill harmful bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. This type of chlorine is the most reactive form, meaning it is available to react with and neutralize contaminants in the water, killing bacteria (King, 2014).

The City states that throughout this process, customers&nbsp;may notice a strong chlorine taste or odor of chlorine in their tap water. However, these temporary conditions are normal during the modified disinfection process and will not cause adverse health effects. If you are sensitive to the taste or odor of chlorine, the City recommends that you&nbsp;keep an open container of drinking water in your refrigerator for a few hours to allow the chlorine to vanish.

On Tuesday, May 27th the City plans on performing an annual flushing of fire hydrants. More information to come out soon.

If you have any questions concerning these flushing activities, you can call a Utilities Department representative at 785-826-7305.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Francis-Floyd, R., Watson, C., Petty, D., &amp; Pouder, B. D., (n.d.). "Ammonia in Aquatic Systems." Retrieved from&nbsp;<a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FA031">https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FA031</a>

&nbsp; &nbsp; King, J., (2014). "When to Measure Free Chlorine vs Total Chlorine | Expert Tips." Retrieved from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ysi.com/ysi-blog/water-blogged-blog/2024/04/free-chlorine-vs-total-chlorine-when-to-measure-what#:~:text=Free%20chlorine%20refers%20to%20the,%2D)%20when%20added%20to%20water.">https://www.ysi.com/ysi-blog/water-blogged-blog/2024/04/free-chlorine-vs-total-chlorine-when-to-measure-what#:~:text=Free%20chlorine%20refers%20to%20the,%2D)%20when%20added%20to%20water.</a>

City of Salina starts annual water flushing next week

Altrusa International of Salina, KS Inc. unveils a new, local service project affiliated with a multi-year global effort endorsed by Altrusa International.

Known as "The Period Project," Altrusa Salina’s new initiative kicked off informally back in December. Club members delivered more than 6,800 donated tampons and pads, plus 750 cosmetics bags for storing personal products to Salina public schools, to address local young women’s menstrual insecurity. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“Altrusa Salina is targeting a need unknown to many in our community,“ says Brandi McQueen, chair of The Period Project. “The awareness and donations generated by The Period Project will help local, school-age young women feel less stressed during a key time in their lives.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to recent national data, nearly one in four students struggle to afford feminine hygiene products. Additionally, 44% of teens report feelings of stress and embarrassment due to lack of access to feminine-hygiene products. 

It is estimated that one out of 10 menstruating youth miss school during their cycle because they cannot easily access menstrual-managing products. Adds McQueen, “As part of the global Days For Girls effort, The Period Project will help young women feel more prepared and focused for school,” furthering their education in a small yet significant way, every day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information about how to help, email theperiodproject@salinagmail.com or visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/altrusaofsalinakansas">https://www.facebook.com/altrusaofsalinakansas</a>

Altrusa International of Salina, Kansas, is a civic organization dedicated to community service, with a strong emphasis on literacy and support for women and children. Chartered in 1944, the club is part of Altrusa International District Eight, encompassing clubs across Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas.

Altrusa announces new project to benefit local young women

A male suspect was arrested after attempting to steal a flatbed utility trailer valued at $5,000.

According to Salina Police Captain James Feldman, this past Sunday around noon a 39-year old male of Salina reported that 76-year old, Wilburn McCollum was trying to steal his trailer that was parked on 700 Plaza Dr.

Before the report, neighbors in the vicinity called the 39-year old man that McCollum was in the process of stealing the trailer. The man was away from the area at the time, but called police about the issue.

After he called police, the man arrived where the trailer was and confronted McCollum. He was able to keep McCollum from stealing the trailer without physical contact, and officers arrived shortly after the confrontation.

After further investigation, police arrested McCollum for attempting to steal the trailer.

Arrest made after suspect attempts to steal trailer valued at $5,000

Salina Police are searching for an unidentified suspect(s), who allegedly stole an A/C unit valued over $4,000.

According to Police Captain James Feldman, this past Sunday around noon a 25-year old Salina resident reported their Lennox Copeland Scroll A/C unit went missing from their home in the 500 block of S. College. 

The victim told police on Thursday, May 8th they were in the process of moving out from their current home and after that day, they did not return back until that Sunday. Once the victim returned, they discovered the A/C unit was missing.

Police are actively investigating the crime, as no suspect(s) has been determined at this time.

Police searching for suspect(s) who stole an A/C unit valued over $4,000

On Friday night, a man was arrested for illegally possessing a firearm outside the front of the Salina Public Library building.

According to Salina Police Captain James Feldman on May, 9th at around 9:00 am, a Salina resident noticed 37-year old, Deron McGowan was holding a gun in front of the Salina Public Library building.

Feldman stated the resident went to the Saline County building nearby and reported about McGowan to court security. Saline Co. officials then contacted the Salina Police Department. After the report, officers traveled to the library and upon arrival they discovered McGowan in the area.

As police approached McGowan, they located the handgun that was on him. Police determined from his criminal history, that he was prohibited from owning a firearm. Police then apprehended the gun and arrested McGowan.

McGowan was booked into the Saline County Jail for Criminal Possession of a Weapon.&nbsp;

Police arrest man for illegally possessing firearm around library

SALINE COUNTY —In a unanimous decision last week, written by Justice K.J. Wall, the Kansas Supreme Court reversed a Court of Appeals ruling and vacated Adam Drew Humphrey's restitution order of over $40,000 for a police officer's medical bills, according to a statement released by the court.

After Humphrey pleaded no contest to aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, the Saline County District Court ordered restitution based on a claim summary that explicitly labeled only $17,193.19 as "MEDICAL" expenses, with the remaining $23,569.25 appearing under unexplained categories. 

The Court held that defendants may challenge the sufficiency of evidence supporting restitution on appeal without first objecting at sentencing because the State bears the burden of proof. The Court concluded that substantial competent evidence did not support the full restitution amount. The case was remanded for a proper restitution hearing to give the State a meaningful opportunity to prove the amount with appropriate evidence.

In August 2020, 40-year-old Humphrey of Leavenworth and Shawn Patrick Humphrey of Wichita were involved in attempted traffic stop in north Salina, according to the Kansas Attorney General's office.&nbsp; During the encounter, a Salina police officer was shot in the foot.

Humphrey was later sentenced for aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer. He has over a dozen convictions in Saline County including theft, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, flee or attempt to elude, obstruction, criminal possession of a firearm, reckless driving and aggravated escape from custody, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Humphrey is being held in the Lansing Correctional Facility.

Court vacates order for payment of police officer's medical bills

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;Theft of prop./services; Value $1,500 to $25,000

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, May 12

The wheat curl mite is a small but mighty adversary of Kansas wheat producers as the vector for Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (WSMV), Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV) and High Plains Mosaic Virus. Fueled by a combination of the right weather conditions and ample volunteer wheat and other safe harbors, producers across the state appear to be losing the battle against these tiny critters and the diseases they carry in what could be the worst WSMV outbreak since 2017.&nbsp;

“We have some fields that are close to total losses,” said Kelsey Andersen Onofre, K-State assistant professor of plant pathology, who has been across the state scouting fields. “It’s hard to walk in a wheat field in Kansas right now and not find at least low-level, trace-level symptoms of WSMV, and that’s pretty unusual.”

Andersen Onofre explained that symptoms of WSMV — symptomatic leaves with dark green coloring and light-yellow discolorations or stunted plants with a distinct yellow discoloration — are showing up more clearly over the last few weeks as temperatures warm up, but the cause happened last summer and fall. A suspected high population of mites last summer found a place to hide for the summer, fall and winter — most commonly in volunteer wheat or volunteer wheat hidden in a field of cover crops or double crop acres. Mites survive the winter in these “green bridges” and mild weather meant populations stayed fairly high&nbsp;— so high that mites were able to disperse over long distances, up to one or two miles away from a source, and there are now concerning levels of the diseases they carry across the state.

“If we have an extended, warm fall, like we did in 2024, it’s a perfect storm for mite populations to stay at high levels and increase later in the season,” Andersen Onofre said. “The more populations increase, the higher the chance they will be blown by wind into neighboring fields. If the weather stays warm, we can see this spread continue over long distances.”

That is certainly the case in Saline County, where more diverse cropping systems are making it an emerging issue where it hasn’t traditionally been found.

“This is by far the worst year I’ve seen for impact of wheat streak mosaic virus in our area,” said Gypsum farmer Justin Knopf. “Many fields have been affected with a high level of presence of the virus. Some fields, where they’re right next to a field where the source was, have significant impact.”

Infected fields at this point in the plant’s growth stage near flowering will often not head out well or will have low grain fill, meaning producers with infected fields should expect yield loss, especially in fields where the flag leaf has already turned yellow.&nbsp;

“Unless we have a significant weather event such as hail or excessive heat during grain fill, wheat streak mosaic virus is likely to be the number one cause of yield loss in this area,” said Knopf.

Adding insult to injury, there is no effective treatment for WSMV once the infection has occurred. Producers must balance estimated yield loss, requirements for crop insurance and the economics behind terminating the most severely infected fields in favor of planting a summer crop.&nbsp;

“Unfortunately, there is not much to do at this point in the season if you have a field that has severe WSMV infection. These fields are likely not good candidates for a fungicide application. Fungicides will have no effect on wheat streak, and it will be difficult to recover yield losses from foliar diseases if yield potential is already reduced by wheat streak.” Andersen Onofre said. “We do not recommend spraying insecticides or miticides. There is no immediate action you can take to slow down the spread of WSMV or preserve yield in affected fields.”&nbsp;

Increased instances of the viruses this year has farmers thinking about the longer-term causes. Knopf attributed the widespread infection this year to three really dry falls and winters in a row, more hail in the area last year (areas with hail are virus hot spots) and more diverse cropping systems, including warm season cover crops and double cropping.

Producers who selected wheat varieties with known tolerance or genetic resistance to WSMV are seeing the benefit of that decision.

“I haven’t historically selected varieties based on WSMV resistance in this area, but it will certainly be on my mind for next year’s crop,” said Knopf.

“We do not have any perfect resistance, but variety selection is making a difference under this really high pressure situation,” Andersen Onofre said. However, she cautioned producers that even varieties with tolerance or genetic resistance to WSMV may still be susceptible to Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV), and dual infections of both diseases are also popping up. When fields are infected with both viruses, yield losses can be more severe. She encouraged producers to work with their local extension office or directly send samples to the K-State Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic (<a target="_blank" href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-qniMjVIDSmsZR2mfAyXOhb5hrgismdEs-a7ph8Iho7m8hgwWmPXZ0cIsq4ZB2FboJYIejQiPCSxhPclVmuK5fVKhvGxFe0sWAfr2mNwz3JIysoDgND7gHZnC5JhqW5yVToIbTTyaOkXpGkxMQ_iTnSyVZcatW-rspxJGbtAUVQmnXFLs3Yl688vJQlMk2viQR7yvSaQxVoIpBSymhOfogIvUx2IrFRh&amp;c=m2hKRFRIwh_02ua6x7OuL3gydr7Nil0PJ5i_nq9DB_jhG9Kf-KaCgw==&amp;ch=zIo3KDStqlnYxahYOevj9BCFrrtHsOT9POfcD1O2mn6s3fsFTlIljQ==">https://www.plantpath.k-state.edu/extension/plant-disease-diagnostic-lab/</a>) to test for the different wheat viruses to help identify infections.&nbsp;

In addition to WSMV and TriMV, she also encouraged producers to monitor their risk of Fusarium head blight (scab) as weather conditions during flowering have been conducive to the development of scab and leaf spot diseases like tan spot and Septoria in parts of the state like central and southeast Kansas. These wheat diseases can be managed with fungicide applications. A Fusarium Risk Tool is available at wheatscab.psu.edu for producers to manage their risk. Unlike WSMV, producers cannot scout fields to see FHB, so they must make application decisions based on individual field risk, which is particularly important for wheat fields planted into corn residue. Producers can review which fungicides work best for FHB at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-qniMjVIDSmsZR2mfAyXOhb5hrgismdEs-a7ph8Iho7m8hgwWmPXZ0cIsq4ZB2FbqL7jVbJ-qL59N5ZulYhw4gsM_P6CpyLKsBUJPov1aN_GQ286DAmlD8Dl5OlJ69s0Y2J5w6kG4C6dXYRatlSncI7cNJ4VSyIMPpNTXG01d6CJfrTrfSiMoHitYuaPlUCG5WTks1PmzDFOnSsLxji0GbIv8DKW_BnbbbBMg8YHOPWdM4jDUK6_-po6I6iDUlGUvENiEZzDK1RDYNXi2PILfg==&amp;c=m2hKRFRIwh_02ua6x7OuL3gydr7Nil0PJ5i_nq9DB_jhG9Kf-KaCgw==&amp;ch=zIo3KDStqlnYxahYOevj9BCFrrtHsOT9POfcD1O2mn6s3fsFTlIljQ==">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/foliar-fungicide-efficacy-ratings-for-wheat-disease-management-2025_EP130.pdf</a>.

“We are recommending producers watch the FHB risk pretty carefully, especially right now in central and southeast Kansas, as we are in that flowering window and we have had favorable conditions,” she said.&nbsp;

Producers will have the chance to speak with K-State extension experts and local field staff and agronomists during the upcoming winter wheat variety plot tours that start May 13. The plot tours will provide a chance to see how different available and upcoming wheat varieties are reacting to the disease pressure this season. Find the full list of plot tour dates and locations in the May 1, 2025<a target="_blank" href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-qniMjVIDSmsZR2mfAyXOhb5hrgismdEs-a7ph8Iho7m8hgwWmPXZ0cIsq4ZB2FbQ4a34mrSnNK6uTF-e0K0N4-jNOgZ-245w6oz-siNeIPjcI8stwUdu24XRjkbzkBiIWFLghh2f90DK8ypNc_a0aZhpCB0_ZMZjObsBg9DSu2hJz4LRcEj2gQxsDzPpIUPhj8p5t40ngBTSH3Rg_01w1JNmhzE6_FwKOGVwOs55ML1kDpXw0Rn4cLivFOKi0mi&amp;c=m2hKRFRIwh_02ua6x7OuL3gydr7Nil0PJ5i_nq9DB_jhG9Kf-KaCgw==&amp;ch=zIo3KDStqlnYxahYOevj9BCFrrtHsOT9POfcD1O2mn6s3fsFTlIljQ==">&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-qniMjVIDSmsZR2mfAyXOhb5hrgismdEs-a7ph8Iho7m8hgwWmPXZ0cIsq4ZB2FbQ4a34mrSnNK6uTF-e0K0N4-jNOgZ-245w6oz-siNeIPjcI8stwUdu24XRjkbzkBiIWFLghh2f90DK8ypNc_a0aZhpCB0_ZMZjObsBg9DSu2hJz4LRcEj2gQxsDzPpIUPhj8p5t40ngBTSH3Rg_01w1JNmhzE6_FwKOGVwOs55MKV21NC8QLAEcorBrxK63zK&amp;c=m2hKRFRIwh_02ua6x7OuL3gydr7Nil0PJ5i_nq9DB_jhG9Kf-KaCgw==&amp;ch=zIo3KDStqlnYxahYOevj9BCFrrtHsOT9POfcD1O2mn6s3fsFTlIljQ==">Agronomy eUpdate</a>. These field observations are another important tool as producers plan beyond this year’s harvest, especially as it will take a collective effort to stop the WSMV streak.&nbsp;

"Now we need to look towards aggressive volunteer management and variety selection for the fall because we have had bad WSMV this year,” Andersen Onofre said. “If we don’t manage our volunteer wheat in the state after harvest, we could be right back in the same place a year from now — this is going to be absolutely critical after harvest."

Read more at<a target="_blank" href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-qniMjVIDSmsZR2mfAyXOhb5hrgismdEs-a7ph8Iho7m8hgwWmPXZ0cIsq4ZB2FbwbszH8NyXh1BkN1Z_8DPugVXJFynQ3tGPN35LCFUM8YinmLLlawHEOonIngXx3fxA-0Pjgdhx0bfFtgXZesHtXehrrsFfuU3wdWIHtxiIuM=&amp;c=m2hKRFRIwh_02ua6x7OuL3gydr7Nil0PJ5i_nq9DB_jhG9Kf-KaCgw==&amp;ch=zIo3KDStqlnYxahYOevj9BCFrrtHsOT9POfcD1O2mn6s3fsFTlIljQ==">&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-qniMjVIDSmsZR2mfAyXOhb5hrgismdEs-a7ph8Iho7m8hgwWmPXZ0cIsq4ZB2FbwbszH8NyXh1BkN1Z_8DPugVXJFynQ3tGPN35LCFUM8YinmLLlawHEOonIngXx3fxA-0Pjgdhx0bfFtgXZesHtfSPz9Mu4aoVLS_vWNYRZqU=&amp;c=m2hKRFRIwh_02ua6x7OuL3gydr7Nil0PJ5i_nq9DB_jhG9Kf-KaCgw==&amp;ch=zIo3KDStqlnYxahYOevj9BCFrrtHsOT9POfcD1O2mn6s3fsFTlIljQ==">kswheat.com/wheatstreak</a>.

Wheat Scoop: A perfect storm - Kansas wheat fields hit hard by WSMV outbreak

HOUSTON (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. and Jonathan India each drove in two runs to help Michael Wacha and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 7-5 on Monday night.

Michael Massey homered as Kansas City improved to 8-2 in its last 10 games. India finished with three hits, and Witt, Vinnie Pasquantino and Kyle Isbel each had two.

Wacha (3-4) allowed two runs and eight hits in 6 1/3 innings. Carlos Estévez got three outs for his 12th save.

Massey sparked Kansas City's four-run second with a leadoff drive against rookie Ryan Gusto (3-2) for his second homer. India hit a two-out RBI single and scored on Witt's first triple of the season. Pasquantino added a run-scoring single.

The Royals added three more in the third. Drew Waters and India each hit an RBI single, and Witt drove in Waters with a sacrifice fly.

Jake Meyers had two hits and scored two runs for Houston, which had won three of four.

Zach Dezenzo hit an RBI double in the seventh for the Astros, and Jeremy Peña added a sacrifice fly. Meyers' RBI single helped his team close to 7-5 in the eighth.

Gusto allowed seven hits and walked three in 2 1/3 innings.

Jose Altuve hit a leadoff single in the ninth for Houston. But Isaac Paredes flied out, Christian Walker struck out and Yainer Diaz flied out.

Wacha entered with the least run support among starters at 1.79 runs per game. The Royals had not scored more than two runs with him on the mound in any of his eight starts.

LHP Kris Bubic (4-2, 1.69 ERA) starts on Tuesday for the Royals against LHP Framber Valdez (2-4, 3.94 ERA).

⚾ Witt and India each drive in 2 runs as the Royals beat the Astros 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;With the 2025 Kansas City Chiefs schedule set to be released on Wednesday evening, single-game and group tickets for all home games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium will go on sale Thursday, May 15.

Tickets may be purchased at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chiefs.com/" target="_blank">www.chiefs.com</a>&nbsp;by the public beginning at 11 a.m. Thursday. Season Ticket Members will have an exclusive online presale beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday. The club will notify Season Ticket Members via email with instructions on how to purchase single-game tickets.

In continuation of the team’s long-standing policy, the taxpayers of Jackson County, Missouri, will have a presale opportunity to purchase tickets for the 2025 season beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday. The Jackson County taxpayer presale will take place online only and purchasers must use a credit card with a billing zip code within Jackson County to participate.

<a>Ticket and parking pass delivery for games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium will be mobile only. The ticket office will not be open for any walk-up sales. All single-game and group tickets for Chiefs home games are subject to availability and dynamic pricing. Parking can be purchased during the ticket purchase process or in advance of the game at&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.chiefs.com/parking" target="_blank">www.chiefs.com/parking</a>. Advance parking pass purchase is required as cash will not be accepted at the tollgates.

Chiefs single-game tickets go on sale Thursday

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

The Southeast of Saline baseball team picked up a crucial sweep of the Lyons Lions on Thursday to continue their rapid ascent and put themselves on the brink of winning an NCAA league title.

CORRECTION (5/12): Due to an early regional start, Southeast of Saline's games with Beloit will not be made up on Monday. As a result, the Trojan season concludes with a 9-1 league record (.900) while Sacred Heart's league campaign finishes at 10-2 (.833).&nbsp;

The Trojans have been good in pitchers' duels this season, and Thursday was no exception, as SES found a run in the second, third, and fourth before riding out their arms and defense to a big game one win.

At the plate, the top of the order would drive in those crucial runs, with Grady Gebhardt and Sam Knopf picking up an RBI each.

The Lions, who handed Sacred Heart their only other loss of the league schedule earlier this season, did manage to plate a run of their own in the fifth, but that was all the damage they would do as the Trojans held on for the win.

On the hill, Cole Gilpin was masterful, allowing just one unearned run on two hits, walking two and striking out five.

Game Two: SE of Saline 10, Lyons 0

While things may have started slow for the Southeast lineup, they did not stay that way, and with the Lion ace off the bump, the Trojans pounced, striking for a run in the second, five in the third, another in the fourth, and three more in the sixth to ice the nightcap.

This time, every bat in the order found its footing, as seven different Trojans recorded a hit, and seven more drove in at least one run.

Once again, Gebhardt and Knopf led the way with three hits apiece, while Evan Watkins and Tiernan Ptacek combined to bring in four runs.

On the bump, Southeast’s excellence continued as Ptacek tossed a complete game shutout, allowing just two hits and striking out four without issuing a single walk.

With this sweep, SES improves to 14-6 and 9-1 in league play while Lyons falls to 13-9 and 7-5 respectively.

⚾️ SES concludes regular season with sweep of Lyons

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Rafael Devers’ 440-foot homer snapped a 1-1 tie and Lucas Giolito pitched into the seventh inning for his first win since 2023 as the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Sunday.

Giolito (1-1) allowed two singles and one unearned run in 6 2/3 innings to get his first win for Boston. He missed last season with a partially torn elbow ligament, and his last victory was for Cleveland on Sept. 15, 2023.

Devers — again starting at designated hitter two days after Red Sox homer John Henry flew to Kansas City&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a82e9ddbb9c6f5e294dc6ce5908eab0c">to meet with the disgruntled slugger</a>&nbsp;over his refusal to play first base — followed up his 4-for-4 performance on Saturday with a monster homer. With one out and a runner on first in the sixth,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1921650753531211984">Devers blasted Seth Lugo's first pitch</a>&nbsp;to dead center, his seventh longball of the year.

In the third inning, Giolito threw wildly past third on Kyle Isbel’s bunt, allowing Drew Waters to score. He faced the minimum after that.

Wilyer Abreu tied it in the fourth with his 10th homer, a 430-foot shot to right. Abreu had three hits, snapping an 0-for-13 slide.

Aroldis Chapman pitched a scoreless ninth for his sixth save.

Lugo (3-4) allowed three runs in six innings for his fifth straight quality start.

Kansas City had four hits, all singles, and lost consecutive games for the first time since a six-game skid from April 14-19.

With two on and nobody out in the third, Giolito escaped the jam by getting two groundouts sandwiched around a strikeout of Bobby Witt Jr.

Devers has reached safely in eight of his last nine plate appearances.

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