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

Mutaz Abakar (45) originally Sudan, Africa who tells his story of how he overcame obstacles as a former refugee in Ghana. Abakar is currently a beloved employee of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinaymca.org/">Salina Family YMCA</a>.

A man who grew up away from the country has impacted others within the country and continues to do so genuinely, without wanting anything in return.&nbsp;

Mutaz Abakar (45), originally from Sudan, Africa is a beloved employee at the Salina Family YMCA. Many employees and individuals who attend the YMCA, talk highly of Abakar as he is described as a 'man of the people.'

"Mutaz is a man of the people," said&nbsp;Director of Human Resources and Communications, Cherie Grigsby." "Each day I walk in and he’s standing there prepared to greet me, get members signed in,and share a joke with a guest whose on their way out. Mutaz is the type of human that remembers special occasions and notices the return of members who’ve been gone for a while. People feel seen when they interact with Mutaz and the Y is grateful to have such a superhero on our team."

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

Abakar grew up in Sudan with his family before receiving his U.S. citizenship in 2014. He lived in a village, attended school and worked with his family on a farm they owned in Sudan. Back in 2005 in his early 20's, Abakar was sent to a refugee camp in Ghana without his family after war conflicts within the country of Africa.

He talked about life within the refugee camp was 'tough,' but overcame the obstacles by building relationships with others.

"Life was tough, but it helped when I built relationships with other people," said Abakar.

After Abakar spent 5 years in the refugee camp, he went through an 18-month long process to get a travel visa in order to work in the U.S. He then arrived in Kansas City, where he improved and worked on speaking English. Abakar was not able to find a job in Kansas City, but moved to Salina where he got his first job at Sunflower Bank, where he also received his GED and earned a <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/lists/su15/">Bachelor's Degree from KSU Salina in Engineering Technology.</a>&nbsp;

Abakar then started working at the Salina Family YMCA in 2018 and is currently a manager and membership staff member.

"I love my job and I love meeting new people," said Abakar. "I have to continue to work, I love to stay busy and I cannot imagine myself just not working. I also love to stay positive and be nice to other people."

"We’re lucky to have Mutaz on our team and in our community," said CEO, Chris Lehecka. "The only time he missed opening the Y was during a snowstorm in December 2024, so he bought a truck to make sure it wouldn’t happen again. He’s dependable, well-respected and always brings a fun personality (along with giving us a hard time when we deserve it)."

"Mutaz embodies the YMCA and truly loves his job," said Wellness Director, Hope Varela. "Every year members get him a card and generously donate to his Christmas present. If this isn’t the very definition of someone with great integrity, I do not know who is."

"Mutaz is the face of the YMCA," said Sports Director, Jonathan Barajas. "He is the unsung hero and makes that first brew of coffee for all who walk in at 4:30 am. He always makes sure that you are seen and he is a hard working man, with a sincere heart."

Abakar opens the YMCA everyday before 4:30 am and has been doing so for 7 years.&nbsp;

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

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

Salina Sees You: Mutaz Abakar

Theatre Salina is proud to announce the arrival of a new traveling art exhibit, “The Art of Humanity,” on loan from the University of Kansas School of Medicine - Salina.

This special exhibit will be available for public viewing in the lobby alcoves of Theatre Salina during the theatre’s 65th Season opening production of Come From Away, running September 5-28.

"On behalf of KUSOM-Salina, I want to thank Theatre Salina for giving our students the opportunity to publicly express themselves. We are extremely grateful for the Salina community's incredible support of our campus and students. Our students genuinely look forward to these opportunities for community engagement," Dr. Scott Owings, current Dean of the Salina campus.

Each year, KU School of Medicine - Salina students submit original artwork and poetry for an annual competition celebrating the intersection of medicine and the humanities. Over the past 9 years, 17 pieces have been collected and displayed on campus. This exhibit showcases a curated selection of these works - each piece offering a unique reflection and perspective on the human experience through the eyes of future physicians.

Dr. William Cathcart-Rake, founding Dean of the KU School of Medicine – Salina, explains the inspiration behind the initiative, “Our goal was to get students thinking about creative arts in relation to medicine, and in doing so, a connection between art and the healing arts is established."

In his article “Healing Art and the Healing Arts,” Dr. Cathcart-Rake notes that “medical and nursing schools often are sterile educational institutions that overlook the value of art. However, there is no better place to display and enjoy art than in the school and/or workplace, where students, educators and staff spend a majority of their waking hours.” 

Another faculty member remarked, "Having major art around, and having a campus philosophy that values art, reminds us all in subtle ways every day that we are treating a mother or father or child, and that it is our goal to bring the art of human existence into medical care."

This year, the exhibit makes a special appearance at Theatre Salina in conjunction with Come From Away, a powerful production that tells the true story of how a small town in Gander, Newfoundland opened its arms to stranded airline passengers in the wake of 9/11.

“The connection between Come From Away and the students' art is that both explore the core of humanity, offering compassion and care to complete strangers, regardless of background,” says Cathcart-Rake, who saw the play live in New York in 2017. “That’s what medicine is about. We care for anyone and everyone.”

Theatre Salina invites the public to experience “The Art of Humanity” exhibit alongside the heartwarming story of "Come From Away." 

Together, they serve as a tribute to empathy, resilience and the enduring spirit of community. 

Tickets can be purchased in advance at:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinatheatre.com/buy-tickets/">https://salinatheatre.com/buy-tickets/</a>

KU School of Medicine's art exhibit portrayed at Theatre Salina to share powerful messages

Over 1,000 participants have been registered for this year's Fe For a Cure Race/Walk, with a total&nbsp;1,005 so far.

This marks Fe For a Cure, as the third race in Salina to reach that milestone. Last year's race had a record 834 registered participants. The Fe for a Cure is excited to have runners registered from 38 communities in Kansas.

The following is a statement by Daniel Craig, MS, TTS, Cancer Outreach Coordinator for the Tammy Walker Cancer Center:

I want to say thank you to everyone who has helped get the word out about this year's Fe for a Cure. We have 1005 registered participants so we are excited to be only the third race in Salina&nbsp;to reach that milestone. We are looking forward to an amazing event on Saturday and appreciate all of your support!

Fe For a Cure will be held on&nbsp;Saturday, September 20th, starting and finishing at the Tammy Walker Cancer Center.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;5K race&nbsp;will be starting at&nbsp;8:00 am&nbsp;with the&nbsp;one mile fun run&nbsp;following at&nbsp;8:10 am.&nbsp;Registration is&nbsp;$25.00&nbsp;for anyone&nbsp;12 and older&nbsp;and&nbsp;$10.00&nbsp;for anyone&nbsp;11 and younger&nbsp;and includes a race t-shirt and breakfast food provided by Salina Regional Health Center Food Services.

Register today at&nbsp;<a href="http://feforacure.com/">feforacure.com</a>.

Those wishing to volunteer can do so, by going to:&nbsp;<a href="http://feforacurevolunteers.srhc.com/">feforacurevolunteers.srhc.com</a>.

For more information, go to: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/9d52e809-ce11-4a41-b13b-77f82b1ba4ec">Registration open for annual Fe For a Cure in September, volunteers needed</a>

Fe For a Cure surpasses over 1,000 runners registered, well over last year's total 

On Friday, September 19, first responder agencies from across the state of Kansas will host the first ever Kansas Women in Public Safety Symposium at the Tony's Pizza Event Center. 

This groundbreaking event is dedicated to celebrating, empowering, and connecting the incredible women serving in fire, EMS, law enforcement, and beyond throughout Kansas.

Attendees will have a chance to learn from inspiring speakers, ask questions to a powerful women's panel, discuss career-building resources, and an opportunity to network with women in public safety fields across the state.

WHAT: Kansas Women in Public Safety Symposium

Location: Tony's Event Center, 800 The Midway, Salina, Kansas 67401

This event is being hosted by the Kansas State Fire Marshal, the Kansas Highway Patrol, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Reno County Emergency Medical Services, Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute, and Kingman, KS Fire Department.

KS First Responder agencies hosting first ever Women in Public Safety Symposium in Salina 

A female victim of fraud is out over $14,000 after being scammed by a man she met on Facebook Dating.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD), a 60-year old female reported on Wednesday she was a victim of fraud. Back in November 2023, the victim met a man on Facebook Dating from Kansas City, before the fraudulent occurrences started.

Reportedly, the man told the victim he was on his way to 'Malaysia for a work trip.' He allegedly advised her that he needed money to pay for 'taxes and other issues.' The victim then sent him $10,000 to cover the costs 'he needed.'

Furthermore, she sent an additional $5,000 for other issues and after more requests for money, the victim eventually cut off contact with him. However, the man sent money to her, where she then redistributed the funds back to him. During that time, she received over $66,000 where she redistributed the full amount back through various payment apps.

After this, the victim contacted SPD about the situation. SPD stated she is currently out a total of $14,694.

Victim of fraud out over $14,000 after meeting someone on Facebook Dating

Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum

ABILENE - On Wednesday, September 17 the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum was honored to host its first-ever naturalization ceremony. 

Our new citizens came from 22 different countries and included several active duty&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lxpkejcab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001W2gzTPru1uO6HdKwIeNKZqOf7lkrpvIU_6dAZT-0VzulMtoaRtDGidnYYh2EtIZ1GeX2lWQ6saQtvyY_-x5LPvIqI0cmJzhnbK9DjtQjjF1gEn1zedSDHarkO3hgCDkcORvo3zhyq1L7XPfAx8sE37ghUwiAGQ5gLMdSbwQ7HXbWf3p41aIJR9cAKllbw0_Dz5_HEWvVDM8sjEt8sYmn68czyUoht8HPtjI0ht95u5fv6amMDQEc6ESjs9TA53wzuwxFrF2Tfoznq1VtVx7MKcLfQUjKMFX7O-nA8nU2HkiH70SwdYkViRqGcHHUj_LkXmT6O1g8_B4evfCojtMP5PNsKcz9A49K0mt6lnntzPZvQSCHJFaPiwQY_r6uzUjtOy41VH87sq5-TaX7KZ42I3Y-NGaVksWDP27jMxJb5qqeLZRQWxNhgAUtplLPS0TiITC6uKUw7vJkrwxubQuQv0VwD9uah55N&amp;c=fDmVl-Xgj1ts3dnS8iH-Qc61Hh73vt2wGvEwXbEDZuiJtJxX830ZBw==&amp;ch=xHP2ZWXuNJzsTsCvOkUjEZR0d8B0xaderxRv_kQYOrpyAcTBaJS2aQ==">U.S. Army</a>&nbsp;soldiers from nearby&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lxpkejcab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001W2gzTPru1uO6HdKwIeNKZqOf7lkrpvIU_6dAZT-0VzulMtoaRtDGidnYYh2EtIZ10y535ciuq4JuiCxcBMYmI-mcFWDnVua19fVwDQhHIISGUpCeok96bq4dLyQY68G1FXsGFyGMll09stkqiXsRVDV353_Kn0djJV8VLkBzUvnXb2Yb870QZ5xjoNwr0c0DXmT0o_gGnCz7YHJfs0DLBCNIDxSo8zCp8DFucO9ANTUOFRmsZmsSkp0RREpmDTew108hiTmpElGbPAtAg-_yxZB6aXa-0k4K699J7BaVq460KRMxcSY0tIwPPI9FsnOAKrpNUTGrpld_yFbFkWnEZvXbC7KHsyEXNHJUY1N1oVRGit-sLuFX7ot-a1bjGP90L-LhG8qHS1AtjidSxc0pwMIFnHRNxCwhVm4nIZSVg-m-212d5Biwz8CaNsMuIZwKD4LchOqiHCPHxfcxkwwFVs3AHHqdXHua&amp;c=fDmVl-Xgj1ts3dnS8iH-Qc61Hh73vt2wGvEwXbEDZuiJtJxX830ZBw==&amp;ch=xHP2ZWXuNJzsTsCvOkUjEZR0d8B0xaderxRv_kQYOrpyAcTBaJS2aQ==">Fort Riley</a>, Kansas, home of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lxpkejcab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001W2gzTPru1uO6HdKwIeNKZqOf7lkrpvIU_6dAZT-0VzulMtoaRtDGidnYYh2EtIZ1so4IO941UE_0RfAuPcOSwJQmaMOmwem7WQ3kg7j3j873mwMCdTEtcQovmb0Ou97y2CfsLqM4J4_cQVAqUnNSil1ICVCfRJdH2ZWgIuody7A9aELr0LBaLpyNDLm0VRNYJmnyXYMEZbPWlRI51Rq0Am0GcStreeplPpbmtjGAbfdvxJ7BIGdepSyqxZ_UgBVVl2F9vzjnUHnWHTFFJZYEIA-WtTDPftRVNrvXl3TN_4_Tw93OEOGHgLzVSU0VSnfB7e4C7WMmLDxO_565FbuB8He6SdZAh2pjbXdAeBIPAUYNDv8emBY-nRIiVfV4WC0AaskUWrZ5klrOYidOJVVIlDJwh_uF1M9wIqSJHCMtYbKbuMBHqZrPMTUGQp6FVQoEvOHfTM0cY3jdYcOyRVsXzp0fPkPgqNgABMWhK_pnME4=&amp;c=fDmVl-Xgj1ts3dnS8iH-Qc61Hh73vt2wGvEwXbEDZuiJtJxX830ZBw==&amp;ch=xHP2ZWXuNJzsTsCvOkUjEZR0d8B0xaderxRv_kQYOrpyAcTBaJS2aQ==">1st Infantry Division</a>.

The audience, which included new citizens, their family members, school students and the general public, was treated to a stirring rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Dallas Pryor. They also heard remarks from Eisenhower Presidential Library Director Todd Arrington and Mary Jean Eisenhower, granddaughter of President and Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower. All new citizens received a full size

American flag courtesy of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lxpkejcab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001W2gzTPru1uO6HdKwIeNKZqOf7lkrpvIU_6dAZT-0VzulMtoaRtDGidnYYh2EtIZ1MkDky6MAYNTdEPx-rTWmP7aPEIs3KmzwMb32MzCmyjpYS5mJEpwye7bX6LC049Kx-llgOtoILa0p2vl5Yd6kb9VESdUj7H-iNjRub0blLRd1o75whASGu8jV6mCGv1S6wKRMApTGKFWf0MyIRb5BVzDjMbRKmn6F3SXIxybf9gW7RIgPiGa9g7-zcWkDm9RmW-vNPFC_GPh1rdeaJ3fv_tPhKWiVMRzNhUppaU4ZzFea3xDirpjUaU4NHOq9PuNk0fPbISw0Kxv2LleL4rUS3_POJqEeE2DjY0z-mKy27wiUv1g-0Ox2FGqqmCCSo-Xgil7J6N8wbcKCB9Ndyx3TsrKqIn0NxMVOqOYNQWUSn__T_ld8otpUrO5PdMrzIWAjq9TbGJKjipqf3xRvEwYeBvT-OdH96XCwnsT490SJsH0=&amp;c=fDmVl-Xgj1ts3dnS8iH-Qc61Hh73vt2wGvEwXbEDZuiJtJxX830ZBw==&amp;ch=xHP2ZWXuNJzsTsCvOkUjEZR0d8B0xaderxRv_kQYOrpyAcTBaJS2aQ==">Eisenhower Foundation</a>.

Congratulations&nbsp;and welcome to America's newest citizens!

Eisenhower Library hosts first ever naturalization ceremony: Welcomes 32 new citizens from 22 different countries

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

Saline County Jail Bookings, September 18

Kansas Department of Corrections&nbsp;

The Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) announced the successful implementation of over $1.4 million in grant funding, which has enabled juvenile detention centers across the state to provide vital mental health and substance use services to young people. 

The grants, established through the 2023 passage of House Bill 2021, address the significant behavioral health needs of juveniles and connect families to crucial support services sooner.

"This funding is a game-changer for our ability to effectively help Kansas youth in the justice system," said Megan Milner, KDOC Deputy Secretary. "By identifying and addressing mental health and substance use needs early, we are providing a pathway for young people to receive the support they need to avoid future system involvement. For many detention centers, this is the first time they have had the capacity to offer these essential services."

This grant program utilizes the state’s Evidence-Based Programs fund to improve services in Kansas’ nine locally operated juvenile detention centers. Assessments conducted since the grants were implemented in 2023 have revealed a critical need: over 80% of youth admitted to a detention center have mental health or substance use disorders. The grants are directly addressing this by funding timely assessments, case management and behavioral health services.

“These grants provide crucial funding to address the needs that may be influencing a youth’s behavior in the community, thus resulting in them coming to the attention of the justice system. By getting them connected to services as early as possible, we can provide a structure of support for the youth and their family to hopefully change their trajectory in the juvenile justice system”, said Steve Stonehouse, Sedgwick County Director of Corrections.

The KDOC is responsible for the adult and juvenile correctional systems in the state, ensuring a safe and secure environment while providing opportunities for offenders to become productive members of society upon release.

KDOC grants over $1.4 million towards behavioral health services for juvenile detention centers

Another bid for a new splash pad at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park is looking to be proposed at the next Salina Commission meeting.

After Salina Commissioners rejected a proposed&nbsp;$1.5 million project for upgrades to Jerry Ivey Park back in January, which included a new splash pad, plans for a new proposal is looking to be presented next Monday, September 22.&nbsp;

According to Parks &amp; Recreation Director Jeff Hammond, the plan for the new splash pad and other alternatives went out for bid in July, but received 0 bids.

Parks &amp; rec staff consulted with City Manager, Jacob Wood about moving forward with the new splash pad. Afterwards, staff then met and gave proposals to manufacturers for an opportunity to make a design for the splash pad.

On August 28th, park &amp; rec staff received a total of 10 proposals from 6 different vendors (one vendor proposing more than 1 bid). According to Hammond, staff is determining these bids based on experience, design, number of features, layout and warranties.

According to Hammond, the budget for the splash pad is $650,000 and all proposals they received were under that total.

Next Monday, parks &amp; rec staff is expected to present to Commissioners a potential project for the proposal that scored highest on the splash pad.

“We are motivated to move forward and getting it done,” said Hammond.

If the Commission accepts the new proposal for the splash pad, Hammond hopes the new splash pad at Jerry Ivey Park will be installed by the summer of 2026.

Revised plan for new splash pad at Jerry Ivey Park to be presented at next commission meeting

A local hip-hop artist and studio engineer seeks to make the hip-hop/rap scene in the Salina area bigger, by inspiration and service to other artists.

Devon James, aka "Dee Eazy" is a 32-year old Salinan that has written and produced 4 studio albums and is not looking back. James has been around in the music scene for awhile and first started singing songs as early as 5-years old. When he entered high school, he was heavily involved in sports, but continued freestyling with his teammates and friends on bus rides to games and at each other's houses.

After high school, he chose music over sports and pursued a career in hip-hop by moving to Kansas City. James found a deeper love for music in KC and realized he can become a studio engineer to maintain a long career in the industry.

James moved back to Salina after his time in KC and currently rents out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Studio-1117/100064352452700/">Studio 1117</a>&nbsp;to record his own and produce music for other local artists.&nbsp;

Performance at River Festival prompts upcoming event

When Dee Eazy performed at the 2025 Smoky Hill River Festival, he stated that he got 'hungrier' after performing at a big stage in front of a big crowd. He then wanted to continue performing his songs, while brining other artists with him to showcase their talent in front of crowds.

James decided to plan a listening party and is inviting the local community to attend. On&nbsp;Saturday, September 20 James&nbsp;will host a party for his 4-part album series, “Road to Riches." This party will be held at&nbsp;The Back Alley (1820 S. 9th St.) and will also double as a birthday celebration for James. Doors open at&nbsp;8:30 pm, with the show starting at&nbsp;9:00 pm.General Admission&nbsp;is&nbsp;$5,&nbsp;$25&nbsp;for&nbsp;VIP, or&nbsp;$100 for Group VIP (for 6).

In addition, the party will feature special guest DJ Cash Hollistah, along with live performances by Salina artists Jon’nea Soul, Laylo Holmes, Sick ’N Twisted, South City, Yaple, GQ Baby, L.O.D., Black Santa, and Lawrence rapper Los Loco.&nbsp;

"I have been doing music in Salina for a very long time and I feel like in Kansas the opportunities can sometimes be hard when it comes to hip-hop, so I want to be able to give everyone an opportunity," said James. "I just want to make the hip-hop scene bigger here and let people know that we are here."

He hopes this event will start to push the hip-hop/rap to a much bigger scale in the Salina area.

James explained his music portrays a message of 'chasing your dreams and grinding towards your own path of success.' His album series named, "Road to Riches" is inspired by his message.

"Everyone has their own journey and I believe that everyone should be who they truly are, as they head towards their own road to riches," he said. "My listeners and my family motivate me the most."

James has toured for his music in the past and opened concerts for well-renowned artists such as Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Hurricane Chris, Three 6 Mafia, Twista, Nappy Roots, Devin the Dude, Trinidad James and Paul Wall.

You can listen to Dee Eazy's music on all streaming platforms under: Dee Eazy.

Follow Dee Eazy on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/deeeazyhimself">Facebook</a>.

Local artist seeks to make the hip-hop/rap scene bigger in the Salina area by inspiration and service

After the recent candidate forums that have occurred in Salina for the City Commission and the USD 305 school board, more forums are set to occur before the general election (local offices) on November 4.

Here is a list of locations for the upcoming candidate forums:&nbsp;

- Trinity United Methodist Church (901 E. Neal Ave.)&nbsp;Thursday, September 18 at&nbsp;6:00 pm.

- Stiefel Watson Room (151 S. Santa Fe Ave.) Sunday, October 12 at&nbsp;2:00 pm.

- Red Fern Booksellers (106 S. Santa Fe Ave.) Saturday, October 18 "Meet &amp; Greet" at 9:00 am.

The top two vote getters in November will receive 4-year terms, with the third-place finisher&nbsp;receiving a 2-year term.&nbsp;

The candidates for Salina City Commission are:&nbsp;

Johnnie Keller, Commissioner Dr. Trent Davis, Keith Cooper, John Price, Dean Klenda, Randall Hardy, Mayor Greg Lenkiewicz, Commissioner Bill Longbine and Doug Rempp.

The candidates for Salina USD school board are:

Bonnie Schamberger, Gabe Grant, Amy Freelove,&nbsp;Rebecca (Becky) Lynn Norlin and Dana Johnson.

A full list of candidates, including candidates for city councils in the Saline County communities of Assaria, Brookville, Gypsum, New Cambria and Smolan, as well as school boards for USD 306 Southeast of Saline and USD 307 Ell-Saline, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.salinecountyks.gov%2Fmedia%2FElection%2520Office%2Felection%2FCG2025%2520Candidate%2520Filings.pdf%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExNzJKQnZwRjBoOHBsdFVSNwEeQR8Y_phuB5462OH89Jz7wQ42mP2Us-F2a_BMVeEBZQcVqCC3G73gUaFEbpc_aem_GoJ6ncAq9XnpcbXTJDtVTA&amp;h=AT1sFVf10UOSzzMhpwxIhbVmh1wOMPKNkBmo25afeIQPO-S0dVxdCVRhgg9RfKvHFc0Zzvm_aDhyg7yiN-8If6vUvlA6tX6bCzRQxZjca2ZoTGzQVQASKBQRP76gUpCQ_WVBSEUNIfT1jqeiJulezw&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1DOmW8ZtTFUOe4DyXsgGGTkkT0RdF5UizXFP55bHAqUUeIznlJ3YzPoNvXVTKgmzyyHyfRjlsnAdaBoJFicM_swBTUeQIczFmTAsNSlGDDm1Y-R8ODuGFgcP_it3ueobCSXigmMpOsaG7jEWI0e_g7GMW5TuOBGgnyDrfXUPxa3KPJsXNBbNFr7SOdFw" target="_blank">https://www.salinecountyks.gov/.../CG2025%20Candidate...</a>

More local candidate forums set to occur in Salina

Showers and thunderstorms expected to continue today and into Thursday throughout the Central Kansas region.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms have impacted central and north-central Kansas this morning. Locally heavy rainfall will be the primary hazard. However, activity should tend to gradually dissipate as the morning progresses.

A few strong to marginally severe thunderstorms are possible after 4:00 pm today, mainly along the west of Flint Hills.&nbsp;

These showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue into Thursday.

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.

Showers and thunderstorms expected to continue into Thursday, heavy rainfall anticipated

<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>

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

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 17 - September 19

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 15 - September 17

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 12 - September 14

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 10 - September 12

The US National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Saline County, that has officially taken into effect now and will remain until Wednesday of this week.

According to Saline County Emergency Management, water levels for rivers and creeks have continued to rise from Monday's heavy rainfall. It was estimated between 4 to 10 inches of rain have already fallen across the county, leading to&nbsp;flooded roadways in Brookville&nbsp;and&nbsp;many rural routes that are waterlogged or impassable.

Additional rainfall is expected to occur late tonight (Monday, September 8) into Tuesday morning.&nbsp;Scattered showers and storms are possible, mainly east of Saline County.

Moreover, additional showers and storms are expected to develop from the west on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, bringing extra heavy rainfall.

Then late Wednesday night into Thursday morning, another round of storms are possible.

Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, allow extra time for commutes and use alternate routes where needed.

Expected to crest at 26.5 feet late tonight into Tuesday afternoon (Moderate Flood Stage). At this level, widespread agricultural flooding is expected. If high flow continues on the Saline River, water could back up on Mulberry Creek, flooding properties including the KOA campground.

Expected to crest at 26.6 feet late Wednesday morning or early afternoon (Minor Flood Stage).

UPDATE: Flood warning issued through Wednesday in Saline County

Storms from this morning throughout Central KS are expected to now continue past noon.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS) the scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout Central KS are expected to now continue past noon on Monday.

The National Weather Service also expects a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms to occur tonight in Salina.

Please be aware of the roads as localized flooding is possible.

UPDATE: Central KS storms continue past noon

W. Old 40 Highway between S. Reese and S. Wyman roads in Saline County, are reportedly closed due to flooding.

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has placed road-closed barricades on W. Old 40 Highway between S. Reese and S. Wyman due to flooding.

The Sheriff's Office will update Salina Post once the highway reopens.

Flooding causes Saline County highway to close

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 8 - September 10

Cold temperatures are expected during the evening hours this weekend, with lows in the 40s.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), after a cold front passed through Central Kansas on early Friday morning, evening lows for tonight and Saturday evening are expected to be from 48-56 degrees.

Temperatures tonight and Saturday evening drop 20-25 degrees below normal, with highs in the 60s for Friday.

Temperatures dropping to the 40s during the evening hours this weekend

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal hit-and-run have arrested&nbsp;&nbsp;a 21-year-old suspect in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that took place on Wednesday night in Wichita.

Just after 9 p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to the scene of a reported hit-and-run at the intersection of Murdock and Broadway in Wichita, according to a media release.&nbsp; First responders found 57-year-old Daniel Forshey lying in the roadway. Sedgwick County EMS arrived shortly after and pronounced Forshey dead at 9:11 p.m.

The Wichita Police Accident Follow-Up Unit interviewed witnesses and obtained video footage of the suspect vehicle. Initial investigations indicate that Forshey was riding his bicycle eastbound on Murdock when he was struck by a white 2006 Dodge Ram 1500.

After hitting Forshey, the suspect, later identified in the county booking report as 21-year-old Blaine L. Hughes, drove into a Jump Start parking lot before fleeing southbound on Topeka.

In the early morning hours of September 18, patrol officers from the east bureau located the Hughes' truck and took him into custody without incident.

“This was a heartbreaking tragedy. Mr. Forshey was simply riding his bicycle when his life was taken by a driver who chose to flee rather than stop and help,” said Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan. “To the Forshey family, our hearts are with you. To those who think they can run from responsibility: Know this, we will use every resource, every tool, and every piece of technology available to find you. Thanks to video evidence and the relentless work of our officers, we quickly identified the suspect, located him, and placed him in custody. Leaving the scene of an accident is not only unacceptable, it is inexcusable, and you will be held accountable.”

This case remains under investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Wichita Police Department Accident Follow-Up Unit&nbsp;316-350-3685

Police arrest suspect for hit-and-run that killed Kan. bicyclist

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has confirmed 48 of President Donald Trump’s nominees at once, voting for the first time under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-nominations-thune-trump-rules-change-99ffa2b29d1413911a620b2ff18e8407">new rules</a>&nbsp;to begin clearing a backlog of executive branch positions that had been delayed by Democrats.

Frustrated by the stalling tactics, Senate Republicans moved last week to make it easier to confirm large groups of lower-level, non-judicial nominations. Democrats had forced multiple votes on almost every one of Trump’s picks, infuriating the president and tying up the Senate floor.

The new rules allow Senate Republicans to move multiple nominees with a simple majority vote — a process that would have previously been blocked with just one objection. The rules don’t apply to judicial nominations or high-level Cabinet posts.

“Republicans have fixed a broken process,” Thune said ahead of the vote.

The Senate voted 51-47 to confirm the four dozen nominees. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted with the majority.

 Thune said that those confirmed on Thursday had all received bipartisan votes in committee, including deputy secretaries for the Departments of Defense, Interior, Energy and others.

Among the confirmed are Jonathan Morrison, the new administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and Kimberly Guilfoyle as U.S. ambassador to Greece. Guilfoyle is a former California prosecutor and television news personality who led the fundraising for Trump’s 2020 campaign and was once engaged to Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-big-bill-thune-senate-leader-daf1aee85669ac9a242908e2a13f9346">Thune’s</a>&nbsp;move is the latest salvo after a dozen years of gradual changes by both parties to weaken the filibuster and make the nominations process more partisan. Both parties have obstructed each other’s nominees for years, and senators in both parties have advocated for speeding up the process when they are in the majority.

Republicans first proposed changing the rules in early August, when the Senate left for a monthlong recess after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-confirmations-nominations-trump-schumer-thune-905a63d0046319eeb7c266d5e24e70b6">breakdown in bipartisan negotiations over the confirmation process</a>&nbsp;and Trump told Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer to “GO TO HELL!” on social media.

Democrats have blocked more nominees than ever before as they have struggled to find ways to oppose Trump and the GOP-dominated Congress, and as their voters have pushed them to fight Republicans at every turn. It’s the first time in recent history that the minority party hasn’t allowed at least some quick confirmations.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has said Democrats are delaying the nominations because Trump’s nominees are “historically bad.” And he told Republicans that they will “come to regret” their action — echoing a similar warning from GOP Leader Mitch McConnell to then-Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., in 2013, when Democrats&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-business-nevada-elections-house-elections-4c2f8f09db7e2d9236730d7723ed01f5">changed Senate rules</a>&nbsp;for executive branch and lower court judicial nominees to remove the 60-vote threshold for confirmations. At the time, Republicans were blocking President Barack Obama’s picks.

Republicans took the Senate majority a year later, and McConnell eventually&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f5a557876d5546cca4ebd53b4860e2ed">did the same for Supreme Court nominees</a>&nbsp;in 2017 as Democrats tried to block Trump’s nomination of Justice Neil Gorsuch.

“What Republicans have done is chip away at the Senate even more, to give Donald Trump more power and to rubber stamp whomever he wants, whenever he wants them, no questions asked,” Schumer said last week.

Republicans will move to confirm a second tranche of nominees in the coming weeks, gradually clearing the list of more than 100 nominations that have been pending for months.

“There will be more to come,” Thune said Thursday. “And we’ll ensure that President Trump’s administration is filled at a pace that looks more like those of his predecessors.”

Moran, Marshall help Senate confirms dozens of Trump nominees in test of new rules

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas sheriff’s deputy was charged Thursday with murder in the death of a jail inmate who sustained broken ribs after his back was kneeled on after he was wheeled from the infirmary to his cell, according to an autopsy report.

Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree said deputy Richard Fatherley has been charged with second-degree murder and an alternative count of involuntary manslaughter in the July 5 death of 50-year-old Charles Adair at the county's detention center in Kansas City, Kansas. Adair had been arrested one day earlier on misdemeanor warrants for failure to appear on multiple traffic violations.

Dupree provided no details on how the man died, but the autopsy said Adair was being removed from his wheelchair when he got into an altercation with jail staff. According to the autopsy, the altercation ended with one officer kneeling on Adair's back. In addition to the rib fractures, Adair also sustained a sternal fracture, the autopsy report said.

While Dupree declined to say whether Fatherley was the one who knelt, he also said no one else would be charged.

The autopsy listed Adair’s manner of death as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jail-death-homicide-kansas-11eb41bc670e83577c0f4f8c9afef3dc">homicide</a>&nbsp;and his cause of death as complications from “mechanical asphyxia,” a condition in which breathing is obstructed. Also contributing to Adair’s death was cardiovascular disease and cirrhosis, the autopsy found.

“Our family is still heartbroken over the loss of my brother,” the man’s brother, Anthony Adair, said in a statement released through the group Justice for Wyandotte. “While we are grateful to see that charges have been filed, it is important for us to be able to see the camera footage of Charles’ final moment.”

The sheriff’s office declined a records request from The Associated Press seeking video of what happened. Asked about video during a news conference, Dupree said that all information in the case would be reviewed by a judge at the preliminary hearing and then would be made available in court.

Fatherley, who was assigned to the detention center but was not a certified law enforcement officer, is on paid administrative leave. He received a summons on Thursday afternoon calling for him to appear in court, but has not been booked into jail. Dupree said that's customary for officers in the county facing charges.

“He was not a flight risk,” Dupree said. “He was, in fact, cooperative with the investigation” and is expected to continue cooperating.

Dupree added that he would file a request for an out-of-county judge to oversee the case “due to the potential conflict of interest.”

Fatherley’s attorney, James Spies, said the second-degree murder charge requires the state to prove that the defendant showed an extreme indifference to life, and, “This case simply does not meet the elements of this crime.”

He noted that the prosecutor’s alternative charge is involuntary manslaughter, which requires proof that a defendant acted with “typical” recklessness.

“We’re going to be pursuing an acquittal in this case,” Spies said. “My client acted reasonably within the scope his employment.”

No charges were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wichita-kansas-a51f619b8b196987e74b046ac399680c">filed</a>&nbsp;after a similar autopsy finding in the 2021 death of Cedric Lofton, a 17-year-old who became unresponsive while restrained at a Wichita juvenile intake center. In that case, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said the state’s “stand-your-ground” law prevented him from bringing any charges because staff members were protecting themselves.

Spies said Adair's death was “a tragic accident” but was not a result of Fatherley’s actions.

Nikki Richardson, executive director of Justice for Wyandotte, countered that the autopsy report suggested that pressure had been applied to Adair using something called the shoulder pin maneuver.

“It is only supposed to be used when an officer feels their life is in danger,” Richardson said. “It is hard at this point in time with the facts to see where a jail staff or sheriff or officer would feel endangered when a person is leaving the infirmary and they’re in a wheelchair.”

Any conviction on a second-degree murder charge carries a sentence of up to 41 years in prison while a manslaughter conviction carries up to 11 years.

Kansas deputy charged with murder in the death of a man in custody

ATLANTA (AP) — U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s hand-picked vaccine advisory committee on Thursday recommended the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adopt new restrictions on a combination shot that protects against chickenpox as well as measles, mumps and rubella.

The panel advised that the vaccine known as MMRV not be given before age 4 and that children in this age group instead get separate vaccines — one against MMR and another for varicella, or chickenpox. The vote was 8-3, with one member abstaining.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices put off an expected vote on hepatitis B shots given to infants on the day they are born. On Friday, it’s expected to decide whether to recommend that some babies can wait a month for those shots, and to also take up COVID-19 shots.

The committee makes recommendations to the CDC director on how already-approved vaccines should be used. CDC directors have almost always accepted those recommendations, which are widely heeded by doctors and guide vaccination programs. Committee Chairman Martin Kulldorff said committee members aim to reassure the public and remove unnecessary risks and harms.

But many doctors and public health experts say the committee is creating fear and mistrust around vaccines at a time when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccination-rates-cdc-kindergarten-0d261546a130dc256735d7b1ff8c6a5f">U.S. vaccination rates are already falling</a>. Kennedy, a leading antivaccine activist before becoming the nation’s top health official, has made or proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-rfk-kennedy-trump-covid-fda-novavax-b50f4d6fbcca378eb89b059bc8a91477">numerous changes</a>&nbsp;to the nation’s vaccine system, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-cdc-acip-vaccines-3790c89f45b6314c5c7b686db0e3a8f9">firing the entire 17-member panel</a>&nbsp;earlier this year and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-acip-vaccine-committee-9f58e1f004075b081718ff078de88d76">replacing it</a>&nbsp;with a group that includes several anti-vaccine voices.

Thursday's meeting “promoted false claims and misguided information about vaccines as part of an unprecedented effort to limit access to routine childhood immunizations and sow fear and mistrust in vaccines,” Dr. Susan Kressly, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said in a statement. “Instead of emerging with clear guidance about vaccines that we know protect against serious illnesses, families are left with confusion, chaos and false information.”

Experts are also concerned the panel's actions could narrow access to the vaccines. The group voted 8-1, with three abstentions, to keep MMRV covered for kids as young as 12 months under the Vaccines for Children program, which pays for about half the shots given to kids in the U.S.

Several committee members expressed confusion during that follow-up vote on whether to align payments under the program with the more restrictive vaccine guidance they had just passed. Another federal official noted that there are other government insurance programs, including Medicaid, that will need to stop paying for that early combo dose because they have to follow CDC recommendations.

Discussions on the MMRV vaccine focused largely on rare instances of feverish seizures associated with the first dose, given to kids between ages 1 and 2.

Committee member Dr. Cody Meissner said such seizures may be “a very frightening experience” for families, but medical experts agree they're not linked to brain function or school problems.

The panel last dealt with the issue in 2009, when it said either the combination shot or separate MMR and chickenpox shots&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5903a1.htm">were acceptable for the first dose</a>, but that separate doses were generally preferred. Today, 85% of kids receive separate doses for the first round, according to information presented at the meeting.