ELLSWORTH COUNTY - Two people have reportedly gone missing and one person was recovered at Kanopolis Lake in Ellsworth County.

According to Ellsworth County Sheriff Kenny Bernard, at around 7:15-7:30 pm on Thursday, Ellsworth County dispatch reported of three people who went missing after being on a boat at Kanopolis Lake.

A 14-year old girl was recovered by an individual in the area and was medically transferred. 

However according to Sheriff Kenny, a 40-year old man and a 14-year old girl are the two who are still reportedly missing. 

Sheriff Bernard stated that multiple agencies such as, Rice County Sheriff's Office, Ellsworth County Sheriff's Office, McPherson County Sheriff's Office, Marquette Fire Department, Saline County Mounted Patrol and Dive Team, Lyons Police Department, Ellsworth Fire Department and the Kansas Game Wardens are currently investigating the scene.

Sheila Watkins a resident of Salina who was at the scene after the report, commented on how she feels about the ongoing investigation.

"It is scary and sad," said Watkins. "I am hoping for the best possible scenario and I am just praying for the families."

This investigation is currently ongoing. Salina Post will provide updates once received.

Two people reportedly missing, one person recovered at Kanopolis Lake

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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

Nearly 4,600 Kansas State University students have earned semester honors for their academic performance in the spring 2025 semester.

Students earning a grade point average for the semester of 3.75 or above on at least 12 graded credit hours receive semester honors along with commendations from their deans. The honors are also recorded on their permanent academic records.

Go to the link: <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/lists/sp25/semesterhonors.html">https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/lists/sp25/semesterhonors.html</a>&nbsp;to find out the&nbsp; students who earned semester honors for the spring 2025 semester from Kansas State University.

KSU students earn spring 2025 semester honors

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;Probation Violation

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

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Theft of prop/services: Value less than $1,500; Failure to appear (2 requested charges);&nbsp;Use/poss. drug paraphernalia/human body; Poss. of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont. substance; Criminal Discharge of firearm; Vehicle w/person; Unlawful discharge of firearm in city limits; Interf. w/LEO; obstr./resist/oppose felony warrant; Crim. poss. weapon by a convicted felon

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;Garcia, Wilfredo Waldmar

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss. drug paraphernalia/human body; Poss. of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Crim. poss. weapon by a convicted felon

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

NAME:&nbsp;Huddleston, Shane Anthony

NAME:&nbsp;Lopez De Lara Sanchez, Rogelio

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg. Domestic Battery: impede breathing/choke; Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

NAME:&nbsp;Rivera Hernandez, Julio Cesar

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Battery; Phys. contact rude/insult/angry manner; Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm; Following too close; Operate a MV w/o a valid license

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Swanigan, Alisha Nicole

Saline County Jail Bookings, July 4

A pickleball tournament meant to benefit the local nonprofit, Salina Shares is set to occur at the end of July.

"Christmas in July," a tournament that is an inaugural event for Salina Shares, will consist of divisions for men, women and mixed doubles of all ages &amp; skill levels. The cost is $50.00 per team and all proceeds go to benefit Salina Shares (155 S. 5th St). 

The name “Christmas in July” comes from the Salina Shares outreach that this tournament will be supporting. In 2024, over 100 families were served at the Salina Shares Christmas store, where the mission is to serve families that may not otherwise be able to celebrate Christmas.

The mens &amp; womens divisions will start at 8:00 am in Oakdale Park on Saturday, July 26th and Mixed Doubles will start at 1:00 pm at Salina Smash on Sunday, July 27th.

Registration will close on Friday, July 25th or sooner if divisions fill up – so don’t delay.

Salina Shares is nonprofit organization in Salina, KS that gives away supplies to those in need. For more information or to donate towards Salina Shares, go to:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinashares.org/">https://www.salinashares.org/</a>

For questions or to sign up contact Katie Schneider at (785) 822-4279 or by email at: <a href="http://ktroper5@gmail.com">ktroper5@gmail.com</a>.

“Christmas in July” Pickleball tournament to benefit Salina Shares

"Bowl the Rock!" is the phrase the <a href="https://www.salinairishrb.com/">Salina Irish Road Bowling</a>&nbsp;(SIRB) organization uses for its game and they want familiarize it right here in Salina.&nbsp;

Salina Irish Road Bowling, has announced their 2nd go-around of the "Salina Irish Road Bowling Championship" that will be occurring on September 6th, 2025 at Indian Rock Park. Beginning at 9:15 am, this&nbsp;game&nbsp;originating from Ireland will be played as participants will roll a 28-ounce replica of a "cannonball" over a 3/4 mile course throughout the park.

Jerry Lonergan of SIRB, stated he wants this game to gain exposure in Salina.

"This game is fun to play and anybody can play this sport," said Lonergan. "Irish Bowling is a family-oriented game and we just want to expose this game to Salina."

Imported from rural Ireland, the game has roots going back to the 1600s when Irish rebels stole cannonballs from British armories and rather than carry the 28-ounce cannonballs, they opted to roll them down Irish backroads spawning contests to determine who could roll the cannonballs (which came to be called “bullets”) the furthest.&nbsp;

In the U.S., teams of four alternate rolling the 'bullet' around a designated course, with the winner determined by which team completed the course with the fewest number of rolls.

Last year, SIRB held the game for the first time in Salina at Indian Rock Park. Proceeds collected from registration and other fees, were donated towards the Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU) Student Hygiene Pantry, where they received a total of $2,000.&nbsp;Teams paid $100 to enter the competition and all the funds, along with some added support from sponsors cumulated the total amount of $2,000.

The funds were meant for the distribution to students’ essential health and hygiene products (soap, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.), along with education materials designed to support student wellbeing and keep the campus and community healthy.

KWU also played an important part by having the 45 members of the KWU women’s basketball team serve as volunteers throughout the event helping with course management, chasing stray bullets and serving as caddies for each team.

This year, SIRB is inviting the community to register and play in the Irish Road Bowling game this Saturday, September 6th. Registration is $100 per team, with a $15 lost ball deposit. There is an optional fee of $20 for t-shirts.&nbsp;

All registration fees and donations will go towards the KWU&nbsp;Student Hygiene Pantry.&nbsp;

Deadline to register is Monday, September 1st.&nbsp;

Lonergan hopes this becomes an annual event after this year's games.

For more information or to register, go to:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinairishrb.com/">https://www.salinairishrb.com/</a>&nbsp; and you can also follow SIRB on Facebook at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559836916589">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559836916589</a>

🎥 Salina organization holding 'Irish Road Bowling' game in September, hopes to gain exposure 

The Abilene Police Department (APD) is warning individuals to beware of a scam text that has been sent out (scam text above).

APD advises people to not engage with the message as it is a scam, and to contact them at&nbsp;(785) 263-1212&nbsp;if you have fallen victim of it.

The following is a statement by the Abilene Police Department via Facebook:&nbsp;

"Over the past few hours, we've had four citizens report that they've received a similar message as the one shown below purported to be from the Kansas Department of Revenue. This is a scam. DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY MONEY! If you believe you've fallen victim to a scam, please contact us at (785) 263-1212."

Abilene Police warns of scam text

Many people will celebrate the holiday and following weekend by hitting the road and traveling throughout the Sunflower State. The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) reminds motorists of the importance of traveling safely during the Independence Day holiday and throughout the rest of the summer.

As traffic increases over the holiday,&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;urges all travelers to take precautions to stay safe on Kansas roadways. Drivers and passengers should always wear seatbelts, and children must be properly secured in the appropriate child safety seats. Those planning to consume alcohol over the weekend should designate a sober driver ahead of time. The Patrol encourages everyone to enjoy the festivities responsibly while making safety a priority.

Additional&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;Troopers will be on patrol during Independence Day and following weekend. The focus of the agency will be on safe driving practices addressing occupant protection, impaired driving, excessive speed, and other crash-causing traffic violations.

Before travelers pack their cars, they can check their route for potential delays or construction with the help of KanDrive at&nbsp;<a href="https://kandrive.gov/@-99.86957,38.77164,7?show=roadReports,constructionReports,trafficSpeeds,oversizeLoads,stationsAlert,weatherRadar" target="_blank">www.kandrive.gov</a>. KanDrive features live camera images, interactive maps, travel information, and tourism resources.

If you need help on a Kansas highway, call&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;for assistance at *47 (*HP) or *582 (*KTA) for the Kansas Turnpike.

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy summer travel and celebrate Independence Day:

KHP encourages drivers to drive safely during the 4th of July weekend, tips provided

'Salina SkyFire,' presented by JRI Hospitality, City of Salina and local partners - is kicking off the beloved city's fireworks show tomorrow (Friday, July 4th, 2025).

This event is free and open to the public, with free public parking at a first come, first served basis and is available in the Berkley Family Recreation Area&nbsp;(841 Markley Rd.) parking lots south of the fireworks launch area.

Gates open at 7:00 pm at the&nbsp;Berkley Family Recreation Area (841 Markley Rd.).

It is highly recommended that you bring lawn chairs, bug spray, water/snacks, phone chargers and ear protection (if necessary and for kids).

This event is a great time to bring your friends, family and celebrate Independence Day.

Fireworks will occur at&nbsp;10:00 pm, or just after dark.

You can RSVP on Facebook at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/24843257798596385">https://www.facebook.com/events/24843257798596385</a>

Chance to see another great fireworks show for the 2025 Salina Skyfire on Friday

A juvenile was taken into custody after lighting a firework and allegedly starting a grass fire.

According to the Salina Police Department on Wednesday, July 2nd at around 5:00 pm, officers and the Salina Fire Department went to Indian Rock Park (1500 Gypsum) about a reported grass fire in the area. Police stated that the caller told them they saw a male juvenile 'throwing fireworks on the grass, near the park's bathrooms.'

After the fire was extinguished, authorities located the juvenile (aged 16) in the area and matched the caller's description. Officers then approached and questioned him. Police stated that the boy 'admitted to lighting a firework and throwing it onto the grass' where it started the fire.

Officers then took the boy into custody and is being referred for one count of Arson.

Cost of damage was estimated to be at $100.

Juvenile taken into custody after allegedly starting a grass fire 

Salina USD 305 is now hiring substitute teachers and substitute paraprofessionals for Salina Public Schools.

Go here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mykelly.com/find-jobs/education-jobs">https://www.mykelly.com/find-jobs/education-jobs</a> to apply.

⚾ Pasquantino hits 2 HRs to lift Royals over Diamondbacks 

TULSA, Okla. (July 3, 2025)—Walker Jenkins singled in the go-ahead run of a 10-6 Wichita Wind Surge victory over the Tulsa Drillers at ONEOK Field. A six-run 10th gave the Wind Surge the win in their last road Propeller Series game in 2025.&nbsp;

Connor Prielipp struck out five of the first six men he faced and tied his season-high with six strikeouts over three innings with a hit and two walks.&nbsp;

After Nate Baez stole second in the top of the second, Ricardo Olivar scored on a steal of home after a wild throw went into foul territory. It marked the second time in three games where Wichita’s first run of the night came on a play where the runner stole home.

Runs came across in five straight half-innings from the top of the fifth through the seventh. Kaelen Culpepper lined an RBI single to center to give the Wind Surge a 2-0 lead in the top of the fifth. Tulsa later took the lead in the home half of the fifth, scoring three runs on a wild pitch, an infield groundout, and a single to center from Griffin Lockwood-Powell.&nbsp;

Kyler Fedko hurried in to tie the game 3-3 on a sac fly to second from Ben Ross in the top of the sixth inning, then the Drillers jumped ahead again on another single to center courtesy of Sean McLain. Jorel Ortega was then the beneficiary of a wild pitch with one out in the top of the seventh to make it 4-4 heading into the stretch.&nbsp;

Tanner Andrews pitched a scoreless seventh and eighth, stranding men on the corners with a strikeout that froze Kole Myers. Cole Percival, who later earned his first win with Wichita,&nbsp; followed with a routine ninth to push the game into extra innings.&nbsp;

The Wind Surge scored six times in the top of the 10th. Jenkins singled to right to give Wichita the go-ahead run. Three bases-loaded walks, a hit-by-pitch, and an infield groundout made the score 10-4 Wind Surge. Another infield putaway and a base hit to center by John Rhodes gave Tulsa two runs back before they fell 10-6.&nbsp;

Wichita Wins A Wild Extra Innings Affair In Tulsa

SEATTLE (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino had a two-run single in the seventh inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the Seattle Mariners 3-2 on Thursday night.

Bobby Witt Jr. tied the score 1-1 with a single to center field with one out and then stole second base to put two runners in scoring position. Pasquantino grounded a single to right field drive in both runners, with Witt scoring after&nbsp;<a href="https://associatedpress.slack.com/archives/C070HG64VT9/p1751603301803949">making an elusive move to avoid the tag from catcher Cal Raleigh</a>&nbsp;to give the Royals a two-run lead.

Seth Lugo (6-5) allowed just one run on six hits in 6 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out seven.

Lucas Erceg and Taylor Clarke got two outs each, and Carlos Estévez pitched 1 1/3 innings to get his 24th save. Estévez gave up a leadoff homer to Dominic Canzone in the ninth and had runners on second and third after a wild pitch with one out, but struck out Julio Rodríguez and got Raleigh to ground out to end the game.

Jorge Polanco homered in the fourth inning to put the Mariners up 1-0, and also had two doubles,.

Logan Evans, recalled from Triple-A Tacoma, made his first big league start since May 10 and gave up three hits in 5 2/3 scoreless innings. He walked one and struck out three.

Casey Legumina (4-4) walked the first two batters to begin the seventh inning and was replaced by Carlos Vargas, who gave up the run-scoring hits to Witt and Pasquantino.

The Royals capitalized on consecutive walks by Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India against Legumijna to start the seventh, setting the stage for Witt and Pasquantino.

Witt has now hit safely in his last 23 road games, breaking Hal McRae's 42-year-old Kansas City record.

Royals LHP Kris Bubic (6-6, 2.25 ERA) opens a three-game series at Arizona against Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (3-4, 5.13). Mariners RHP Bryan Woo (7-4, 2.93 ERA) faces Pirates LHP Bailey Falter (7-4, 2.93).

⚾ Pasquantino hits two-run single in 7th inning as Royals beat Mariners

<a>Major League Baseball announced its June Awards and the Wichita Wind Surge outfielder Kala’i Rosario was named player of the month for the Texas League.</a>

Wichita Wind Surge (Twins) outfielder&nbsp;Kala’i Rosario&nbsp;batted .282/.419/.529 and led the league in RBI (23) and was second in runs (18). He finished third in doubles (eight), triples (two), walks (18) and OPS (.948) and was fourth in total bases (45) and fifth in stolen bases (eight). He hit safely in eight straight games June 17-26 and hit for the cycle on June 25 against Springfield as he tied his career-high with four hits. Rosario, 22, was selected by Minnesota in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft out of Waiakea High School in Hilo, Hawaii.

It’s the first time a Surge player has ever won the award.&nbsp; Wichita garnered a pair of Texas League Pitcher of the Month awards in the past.&nbsp; Simeon Woods Richardson in April of 2022 and Pierson Ohl in August of 2023.f

Wichita Wind Surge outfielder Kala’i Rosario named player of the month

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced this afternoon that infielder&nbsp;Maikel Garcia&nbsp;and right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Seth Lugo&nbsp;have been named Royals Player and Pitcher of the Month, respectively, for June. The awards are determined by a local media vote.

Garcia slashed .296/.343/.490 (29-for-98) over 25 games last month and ranked 2nd among all Royals with 12 extra-base hits, including 8 doubles, 1 triple and 3 home runs. On June 18 against the Rangers in Arlington, he hit his 8th home run of the season, already establishing a new career high and passing his 7 home runs in 157 games last season. He recorded multiple hits in 9 of his 25 games in June, which tied for the 13th-most such games in the American League last month, trailing leader&nbsp;Yandy Díaz&nbsp;(14). Overall, Garcia is putting together one of the best seasons of his career, as he leads all Royals with 29 multi-hit efforts, which are tied for 3rd most in the American League, 5 such games behind leaders&nbsp;Jacob Wilson&nbsp;and&nbsp;Aaron Judge&nbsp;(34 each). He also ranks tied for 3rd in the AL with 22 doubles, 5th with a .309 batting average, 6th with 18 stolen bases and 96 hits and 12th with an .843 OPS. This marks the second straight monthly honor for Garcia, who in May ranked tied for 3rd in the American League with 37 hits.

Lugo finished the month of June with a 2-0 record and 1.26 ERA (4 ER in 28.2 IP) over 5 starts, which marked the 2nd-best ERA in the month of June in franchise history (min. 5 starts), trailing only&nbsp;Mark Gubicza&nbsp;(1.18) in 1988. Among the 111 Major League pitchers who made at least 5 starts last month, his ERA ranked 3rd behind Philadelphia’s&nbsp;Zack Wheeler&nbsp;(0.58) and Houston’s&nbsp;Hunter Brown&nbsp;(1.19). He held opponents to 2 runs or fewer in all 5 starts, including 1 or no runs allowed in 4 of those 5 outings. Lugo recorded 2 scoreless starts in June, which came against the two teams who faced off in the 2024 World Series, as he held the Yankees scoreless over 5.2 frames on June 12 in Kansas City, before tossing another 5.2 scoreless innings on June 28 vs. the reigning champion Dodgers. He tallied 31 strikeouts over his 28.2 innings (9.7 K/9), and his 27.4% strikeout rate was the 12th-highest mark in the American League, trailing leader&nbsp;Garrett Crochet&nbsp;(34.8%). With his dominant month, Lugo lowered his season ERA to 2.74 (27 ER in 88.2 IP), which is the 8th-lowest mark in the AL, trailing leader Brown (1.74). This unanimous selection marks Lugo’s fourth honor since signing as a free agent with Kansas City prior to the start of the 2024 season, as he won the award in three straight months from March/April-June last year, a season in which he finished as the runner up in the AL&nbsp;Cy Young&nbsp;Award voting.

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