Kansas Department of Health and Environment

SALINE COUNTY - The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Saline Co. Rural Water District No. 3 public water supply system located in Saline County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on July 11, 2025, and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.&nbsp; Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-819-0481, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000197f9bcd1d7-7bca8f33-aa8b-4c85-9db1-d8f1543164ac-000000/j2G0WeqQWYT3LWyfsCgD4vXdUZvN2KTWNC12m2ngMy0=413">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Boil Water Advisory issued for Saline County Rural Water District No. 3 

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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

LINDSBORG - Bethany College is pleased to announce the appointment of Kurt Siklar as Assistant Professor of Business.

 An experienced professional with nearly 25 years of background in international logistics and supply chain management, he brings a unique combination of practical industry knowledge and a deep passion for education to his new role.

Siklar’s career includes experience at various organizations, from a small export merchant firm and a mid-sized high-tech manufacturer to a large exporting paper mill, where he oversaw overseas shipments of about twenty thousand ocean containers annually as Export Transportation Manager. His varied professional background, including roles as International Operations Manager, has given him a thorough understanding of global business operations.

A naturalized U.S. citizen since the early 1990s, Siklar has lived in five different states across the country due to his career, which has further expanded his perspective on business and culture. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Management, an M.B.A. in Business Management, and an M.A. in International Management Studies, and he is currently completing his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program at Wichita State University.

Siklar’s dedication to education became clear early in his career. While still working full-time in the industry, he served as an adjunct instructor for twenty years, teaching international business courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, following his initial experience with onsite instruction at a community college. This extensive teaching background, combined with his&nbsp;participation in various international business roundtables and export advisory boards, strengthened his commitment to nurturing the next generation of global business leaders. 

In 2017, Siklar moved to full-time teaching, embracing what he calls his true passion: sharing his real-world knowledge and fostering academic growth in higher education.

“We are thrilled to welcome Professor Siklar to Bethany College,” said Angie Martin, Associate Professor of Accounting and Undergraduate Business Coordinator. “His extensive experience in international business, marketing, and data analytics, combined with his passion for teaching, will greatly enhance our program. He brings a real-world perspective that will help prepare our students to navigate today’s complex global economy.”

Outside of his professional and academic pursuits, Siklar enjoys traveling, exploring the arts, reading, and following sports, particularly soccer and track and field.

Bethany College is excited to welcome Kurt Siklar to campus in the fall. His global perspective, commitment to teaching, and wealth of real-world experience will be a valuable asset to our students and the college community. 

For more information about our business program, please visit <a href="https://www.bethanylb.edu/business">www.bethanylb.edu/business</a>.

Bethany College welcomes new Assistant Professor of Business

A number of local hospitals have been designated as Blue Distinction® Centers (BDC) or Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) for Spine Surgery and Knee and Hip Replacements by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.

Blue Distinction Center Specialty Programs identify hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) that demonstrate expertise in patient safety, deliver better health outcomes, and are more cost-effective. Quality assessments are based on objective measures developed from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s (BCBSA) partnership with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

"The dedication of our provider partners to ensuring patients receive exceptional care is truly commendable," said Matt All, president/CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. "Each facility recognized as a Blue Distinction Center meets stringent quality standards across all aspects of spine surgery or knee and hip replacements, thereby delivering superior care to our members and all Kansans."

BCBSKS is proud to recognize the following BDC and BDC+ facilities. BDC are facilities that deliver quality care, safely and effectively.&nbsp;&nbsp;They include:

&nbsp;Salina Regional Health Center, Salina

University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus, Topeka

BDC+ are facilities that deliver quality care, safely and effectively, in addition to demonstrating more affordable care. BDC+ designated facilities also achieve cost savings of 23% for spine surgery and 30% for knee and hip replacements compared to all other facilities for these specialty care areas. They include:

Kansas Surgery and Recovery Center, Wichita

University of Kansas Health Systems St Francis Campus, Topeka

Facilities designated under the Knee and Hip Replacement and Spine Surgery programs demonstrate higher-quality care compared to non-Blue Distinction Center facilities, with an average of 28% fewer readmissions and 29% fewer complications within 90 days after spine surgery and 21% fewer readmissions and 21% fewer complications within 90 days of knee and hip replacement surgery.

Patients treated at designated facilities benefit from the expertise and advanced practices that lead to improved recovery times and reduced complications making a positive difference in their overall health journey.

These Blue Distinction Center programs help consumers find both quality and value for their specialty care needs, while also encouraging health care professionals to improve the overall delivery of care nationwide.

Only providers that meet nationally established quality measures will be considered for designation as both a Blue Distinction Center Spine Surgery and a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement, which include:

Full accreditation by at least one of national accrediting organizations as either a hospital or ASC.

Low complication, mortality, and unplanned readmission rates within 90 days after primary spine surgery.

Have enhanced recovery after surgery processes and procedures in place for quality perioperative care.

Participation in BCBSKS BlueCard Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Network.

Full accreditation by at least one of the national accrediting organizations as either a hospital or ASC.

Low complication, mortality, and unplanned readmission rates within 90 days after elective primary total knee and hip replacements.

To further improve patient outcomes and inform treatment strategies in these specialty care areas, BCBSA utilized two robust sources for evidence-based performance measures and patient reported outcome measures: the American Spine Registry (ASR)—a collaborative effort between the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and AAOS—and the American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR).

Since 2005, the <a href="https://www.bcbs.com/about-us/programs-initiatives/blue-distinction-specialty-care">Blue Distinction Specialty Care program</a> has helped patients find quality specialty care—and, for those that meet the program’s cost criteria, at lower costs—in the areas of bariatric surgery, cancer care, cardiac care, cellular immunotherapy, fertility care, knee and hip replacement, maternity care, spine surgery, substance use treatment and recovery, and transplants, while encouraging health care professionals to improve the quality of care they deliver.

For more information about the program and for a complete listing of the designated providers, visit the<a href="https://www.bcbs.com/"> BCBSA website</a>.

All companies and trademarks listed above are the property of their respective owners and used for identification purposes only, and are in no way associated or affiliated with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Use of these trademarks does not imply endorsement. The Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® names and symbols and Blue Distinction® are registered trademarks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas

For more than 80 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has built a reputation of trust with its members and contracting providers by providing outstanding customer service while quickly and accurately processing claims; fairly administering benefit plans and contracts; offering programs, services and tools to help members improve or maintain their health; and operating under the highest ethical standards while being good stewards of premium dollars. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and is the state’s largest insurer, serving all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.bcbsks.com/">bcbsks.com</a>

About the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a national federation of independent, community based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans. BCBSA provides health care insights through The Health of America Report series and the national BCBS Health IndexSM. For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit <a href="https://www.bcbs.com/">bcbs.com</a>.

Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for providers located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers’ need for affordable healthcare. Each provider’s cost of care is evaluated using data from its Local Blue Plan. Providers in CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA may lie in two Local Blue Plans’ areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care; and their own Local Blue Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on <a href="https://www.bcbs.com/">www.bcbs.com</a>. Individual outcomes may vary. For details on a provider’s in network status or your own policy’s coverage, contact your Local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for non covered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers.

BCBSK recognizes facilities for higher-quality spine surgery and knee/hip replacements through speciality program

MARION COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 1a.m. Saturday in Marion County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Kawasaki driven by Justin B. Williamson, 22, Weiser, Idaho, was northbound on U.S. approximately three miles north of Florence.

The motorcyclist tried to pass another vehicle and struck a southbound 2019 Toyota Camry driven by Tina Ho, 19, Wichita, head-on with

Williamson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Jost Funeral Home. Ho was properly restrained and not transported for treatment of a minor injury. The KHP released no additional details.

Motorcyclist dies after head-on crash on Kansas highway

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

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

*No image available for&nbsp;Rehman, Mohammad Awais*

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, July 12

Bethany College is proud to announce the 2025 Alumni &amp; Athletic Hall of Honor Awards, celebrating the achievements and lifelong impact of outstanding alumni, coaches, and athletes. 

The event will take place on Friday, October 17 from 4–6pm at Lindquist Hall in the Wallerstedt Library.

Tickets will be available for purchase at <a href="https://bethanylb.edu/alumni-awards">bethanylb.edu/alumni-awards</a>.

This annual tradition recognizes graduates who exemplify the spirit and values of Bethany College in their careers, communities, and commitment to excellence. Please join in honoring these remarkable individuals whose lives and work reflect the legacy of Bethany College.

This award represents graduates of the last two decades who have made outstanding contributions to society and whose achievements demonstrate a person who shows promise, has high aspirations, and has made a difference in the lives of people around them. This year's award goes to Tyler Breneman, graduate of 2016.

This award represents graduates of more than 20 years who have exemplified distinguished service as professionals while maintaining an interest in Bethany College. This year's award goes to Michelle (Guipre) Schoon, class of 1981.

This graduate award represents outstanding achievement and service to society. This year's award goes to Michael Chambers ’95 and Heather McFarland-Kautzman ’98.

The Bethany College Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievement and service to society by a graduate who has provided "unique and significant service" to the college over their lifetime. 

The Bethany College Alumni Council may annually give one recipient the Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award. Former classmates or friends make nominations for the award, and the Alumni Council makes selections. This year's award goes to Becky Copley, graduate of 1974.

The Athletic Hall of Honor Award goes to alums whose performance on the athletic field during their time at Bethany was noteworthy and exemplary. Inductees for 2025 are:

• Mike and Robin (Johnson) Hodges ’82 and ’83

The Alumni Coach of the Year Award recognizes alums who have directed or coached their teams to an outstanding level of performance. Inductees for 2025 are:

The Bethany Athletic Association Award of Merit goes to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and dedication throughout their careers, leaving a lasting legacy on Bethany College Athletics. This year's award goes to Annette Anschutz Moore 76’ and Kylie (Schrader) Lofdahl ’04.

For more information about the event or to read more about this year's awardees, please visit <a href="https://bethanylb.edu/alumni-awards">bethanylb.edu/alumni-awards</a> or contact Hayley Samford, Director of Alumni Development &amp; Engagement, at (785) 227-3380 ext. 8537 or <a href="http://samfordhe@bethanylb.edu">samfordhe@bethanylb.edu</a>.

Bethany College to honor outstanding alumni and athletes at annual awards ceremony

As summer begins to wind down, Salina Public Library is turning up the fun with exciting events, a final push toward our 20,000-book reading challenge, and a high-energy fundraiser you won’t want to miss.

Since May, readers of all ages have been working toward a shared goal: read 20,000 books as a community before summer ends. With just weeks to go, there’s still time to log your reads. Every book brings us closer to the finish line. Summer reading cards can be submitted in person or online at<a target="_blank" href="https://salinapubliclibrary.org/">&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="http://salinapubliclibrary.org/">salinapubliclibrary.org</a>&nbsp;by July 31, and each submission enters you for the chance to win great prizes.

To celebrate our readers’ hard work, the library is hosting two big end-of-summer parties:

And don’t miss the most buzzworthy event of the summer:

Adult Spelling Bee Showdown – Saturday, July 19, 6:30 p.m. at Salina Public Library

Think spelling bees are just for kids? Think again. Join us for a hilarious night of friendly competition as teams of four compete in a bracket-style spelling tournament. Whether you’re competing or cheering from the crowd, you’re guaranteed an evening of laughs, food, drinks, and surprises.&nbsp;

Find the details and registration at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://salinapubliclibrary.org/spelling-bee">salinapubliclibrary.org/spelling-bee</a>.

From storytimes and learning packets to free grab-and-go lunches (available through Aug. 1), Salina Public Library’s summer programs aim to keep our community reading, learning, and thriving.

For details on all summer events, to log your reading, or to register for the Spelling Bee Showdown, visit<a target="_blank" href="https://salinapubliclibrary.org/">&nbsp;salinapubliclibrary.org</a>&nbsp;or follow Salina Public Library on Facebook and Instagram.

Parties, prizes & spelling bee showdown at Salina Public Library

The Saline County Back to School Fair needs local volunteers to help prepare and pack&nbsp;800 backpacks&nbsp;with school supplies for area students.&nbsp;Youth volunteers are welcome.

This is a great way to help your local kids start the school year ready to succeed.

Contact:&nbsp;Brenda Gutierrez &amp; the Back to School Fair Steering Committee — (785) 577-5421

Volunteers needed for annual Saline County back to school fair

Here is the preview for the Saturday Morning Show on&nbsp;910 AM/107.5 FM KINA Salina for July 12th:

- Child Advocacy and Parenting Services (CAPS) of Salina&nbsp;

10:30 am - Gary Otte and Trish Grant

All episodes are recorded and uploaded on the&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?CFID=05fb1ecb-7d68-4542-adb3-9b7c11d9b5e5&amp;CFTOKEN=0&amp;stationCallSign=KINA&amp;onDemandAutoStart=true&amp;p92136680=true&amp;relocateURL=true">910 AM and 107.5 FM KINA website</a>, under the 'KINA Saturday Mornings'&nbsp;tab.

Saturday Morning Show preview for July 12

A male suspect from July's 2025 Most Wanted list, has been arrested according to the Saline County Sheriff's Office. The suspect is identified as 22-year old,&nbsp;Shane Richard Michael Boyett of Salina.

He was arrested on Thursday, July 10th and was booked in the Saline County Jail for the following requested charges:

Probation Violation, Failure to Appear, Interference with Law Enforcement, Obstruction and a Felony Warrant.

Suspect from July 2025 Most Wanted list arrested

Salina USD 305 has announced that online enrollment opens next week for&nbsp;new and returning Salina Public Schools students.&nbsp;

To login, go into <a href="https://skyward.usd305.com/scripts/wsisa.dll/WService=wsEAplus/skyportlogin.w">Skyward</a> July 14-28 for school registration.

Parents and guardians are asked to watch for their enrollment letter around July 12. The letter will arrive through the United States Postal Service.

Families who complete the online enrollment process before July 28, will receive $10 off curriculum fees for each student enrolled. Free and reduced-price meal applications are available during online enrollment and determine eligibility for free or reduced fees.

Walk-in enrollment for all schools and all students will be held at Salina Central High School, 650 E. Crawford, from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm&nbsp;on July 22.

Help with the online enrollment process will be available at walk-in enrollment.

Online enrollment opens July 14 for new and returning Salina USD 305 students

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Juan Soto homered to lead the New York Mets past the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Saturday.

Soto’s two-run shot into the right field fountains opened the scoring in the fourth. Over his last 20 games, Soto has nine home runs and 19 RBIs.

Frankie Montas (2-1) threw first-pitch strikes to 14 of 19 batters while allowing a run on four hits and striking out five.

Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India opened the sixth with doubles, reducing the Mets lead to 2-1. India had two of the Royals four hits, both doubles.

Reed Garrett relieved Montas and permitted India to advance on a wild pickoff attempt before retiring the heart of the Royals lineup, stranding the tying run.

Jeff McNeil’s two-out RBI single capped the scoring in the ninth.

Edwin Díaz allowed a walk in two hitless frames, earning his 19th save.

Scheduled Royals starter Michael Lorenzen missed the game with illness.

Jonathan Bowlan (1-2), the second of six Royals bullpen pitchers, threw three innings, allowing two runs on four hits, including Soto’s 435-foot home run.

For the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mets-royals-score-0422928fba3a49675263472a78de8105">second straight game</a>, the Mets successfully challenged a safe call on a Royals stolen base attempt. In both instances — Tyler Tolbert on Friday and Bobby Witt Jr. on Saturday — the runner didn’t maintain contact with the base during a head-first slide.

Witt popped up twice with runners in scoring position while his 14-game hitting streak ended. The Royals batted 1-for-17 with runners in scoring position during the first two games of the series.

With a runner at third and the infield drawn in, first baseman Pete Alonso made a diving stop of Vinnie Pasquantino’s sharp grounder, preserving the Mets one-run lead in the sixth.

Soto leads the majors with 77 walks, the most in Mets history prior to the All-Star break.

Mets RHP Clay Holmes (8-4, 3.29 ERA) opposes Royals LHP Noah Cameron (3-4, 2.56) on Sunday.

⚾Juan Soto's 435-foot homer lifts Mets over Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Major League Baseball announced today that Royals infielder&nbsp;Maikel Garcia&nbsp;has been added to the American League All-Star team to mark his first career All-Star selection. He will join&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.,&nbsp;Kris Bubic&nbsp;and&nbsp;Carlos Estévez—who was added earlier today—as Kansas City’s representatives at the All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 15 at Truist Park in Atlanta, Ga.

The Royals now have four All-Stars, matching their total from last season. This is only the second time in franchise history they’ve had at least four All-Stars in back-to-back seasons, following 2015-16.

Only four teams have more than Kansas City’s four All-Stars: the Tigers (6), Mariners (5), Dodgers (5) and Padres (5). The Royals four All-Stars match the Astros, Yankees, Rays and Mets.

Garcia, 25, ranks 7th in Major League Baseball with a .305 batting average (103-for-338). He ranks tied for 2nd in the American League with 24 doubles, 5th with 103 hits, tied for 5th with 30 multi-hit games and 6th with 18 stolen bases.

Garcia has played in 92 of the Royals 94 games this season and has made 89 starts, including 69 starts at third base, 7 at second base, 5 as the designated hitter, 4 in center field, 3 at shortstop and at 1 in right field.

Maikel Garcia Added to 2025 All-Star Team

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Mark Vientos had a three-run double in the eighth inning, Francisco Lindor hit a three-run homer in the ninth and the New York Mets beat the Kansas City Royals 8-3 on Friday night.

Brandon Nimmo singled to open the eighth and Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto walked to load the bases against Steven Cruz (2-1). Carlos Estévez entered to strike out Pete Alonso before Vientos cleared the bases for a 4-3 lead.

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