SALINE COUNTY - The Saline County Sheriff's Office has announced they are currently working a fatality crash that occurred at K-140 highway and Reese Rd.

The Sheriff's Office has stated they will provide more information as the investigation continues.

K-140 is currently closed through traffic at Link and Reese roads.

It is anticipated the roads will open in several hours according to the Sheriff's Office.

Saline County authorities investigating fatal accident

Wichita man accused of stalking and threatening to kill a Salina woman.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Thursday, August 7th at about 4:45 pm, a 27-year old woman reported that a man she knows had been stalking her. Reportedly, the woman told 41-year old Dustin Tyler of Wichita 'to stay away,' after he had been following her around Salina in a vehicle.

The woman then drove to her friend's house in the 900 block of Seneca, as Tyler followed in his vehicle. When she arrived, Tyler exited his vehicle and approached her. As he got near, Tyler allegedly 'threatened to kill' the woman and pushed her as well. Tyler then left the area in his vehicle. 

At around 2:00 am, an officer on patrol discovered a vehicle driving in the area of Broadway and N. 13th without its headlights on. The officer then conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Tyler.

Tyler was then arrested without incident and booked into the Saline County Jail on the following requested charges:

&nbsp;Criminal Threat, Stalking and Domestic Battery.

Wichita man accused of stalking and threatening to kill a Salina woman

Here is the preview for the Saturday Morning Show with Dave Foor on&nbsp;910 AM/107.5 FM KINA Salina for&nbsp;August 9th:

9:00 am - Natalie Fischer, City of Salina HR Director

- Hiring process for new Salina City Manager and public meet &amp; greet on Monday, August 11

10:00 am - Josh Gardner, GM of Sky Trampoline and The Back Alley

10:30 am - Chad Young, Salina Rescue Mission

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, August 9

ABILENE - Amber Engle of Abilene has always loved sports and competing. She had been running marathons, but she did not love doing that anymore. Her body was also starting to suffer injuries from too much running. She decided to become a member at Impact Sports and Fitness in Abilene.

“I was fearful of it at first, because I did not know much about lifting weights,” said Amber. “I met this woman at Impact, Erin Signer, and was inspired by her physique. As I got to know her, she told me that she competed in bodybuilding shows. I was so intrigued, and decided to join her at her next show,” Amber continued.

Amber loved the challenge, the push outside of her comfort zone, and she was fascinated by what the body was capable of, with the right tools. She competed in her first show in 2017. 

“After that first show, I was hooked, and it spurred me to keep setting another goal and working towards it.” 

Her last competition was in Chicago. This was a strategic show, in the sense of getting some practice on the stage and receiving feedback from the judges. This would help Amber know what she needed to improve upon going into her next show – the 2025 Masters Olympia in Tokyo, Japan.

“The Chicago show provided us a lot of good insight and we learned a lot. It had been almost two years since I had been on stage, and the criteria for what the judges were looking for has evolved substantially from two years ago until now. My conditioning has always been where it needed to be, however at this show, I was over-conditioned. Which meant that I needed a lot of extra food to fill out my muscles,” Amber said. 

This was something she had never done right before a show, and she hopes to never have to do it again. A lesson learned.

Amber also was more nervous getting on the stage again, and she did not expect that. Amber and her training coach knew it would be best to simplify her routine, to make it easier to focus on the poses needed and keep her nerves controlled. After the show, the feedback from the judges was for less conditioning for her upper body, but more conditioning for her lower body. 

“This is a bit tricky to accomplish. My coach and I are working to come up with a better plan with my nutrition going into the Japan competition, so that we can come in at the right spot with conditioning.”

Emotionally, it took Amber several days to process through her show in Chicago. 

“As an athlete, your goal is to win, that’s what you work for. However, that does not always happen, so how you handle yourself and your emotions, when you don’t get the results you had hoped for, is so key to your success moving forward. You have to be able to separate the emotion from the job, and step back to evaluate with a level head.” 

Her first reaction was disappointment because she knew she did not come in at her best for the Chicago show, but she also knew she had two choices – “I could wallow in my frustration or I could pull myself out of any negative thinking and take in the feedback, and go right back to work. Your mind is such a powerful tool and the body follows what the mind tells it.”

Looking back, after the Chicago show (where she had a second place finish), Amber really feels like this experience was necessary and good for her to go through. 

“It fuels a drive within me to dig deep, heading into the show in Japan, to execute the best as I can. My goal for Masters Olympia is to be able to stand on that stage knowing that I gave one hundred percent of everything I had within me to improve. If that happens, I will feel success, no matter what the final outcome is. That’s the beauty of any sport, when you fight for something you are passionate about, it builds a confidence within yourself that changes your perspective for a lifetime, and I think that is so cool!”

Amber stated that there is always a mix of nerves and excitement when she steps on the stage at a competition. That is, definitely, the part of the sport that is the most challenging for her. 

“I have a tendency to get too excited and rush through my presentation, so my goal at Masters Olympia is to stay controlled and calm when on the stage,” Amber said with a smile. “I’m very excited to stand on stage with some of the top athletes from around the world. I have followed many of these women on social media, so to be able to meet them in person, and stand on stage with them, is going to be such a cool experience and a fun memory to hold onto.”

When Amber was asked if she had anything else to add about this exciting fitness journey that she is on, Amber stated, “You know, there are so many different emotions throughout this journey. From excitement, fear, anxiety, the feeling of always having this be one of my biggest goals, and feeling so grateful to be able to get to participate and do what I love. It really is a blessing to have the support and encouragement from so many friends and family, especially my husband, Matt. He is always there to give me a positive word when I needed it most. He has been by my side, nudging me to keep going when I have moments of questioning if it is possible. He is my biggest cheerleader, and I’m so thankful for his love and support. I feel so honored to have this opportunity. It is so special to live in a small community like Abilene!”

The 2025 Masters Olympia in Tokyo, Japan takes place August 9 and 10 at the Tokyo International Forum. The staff of Impact Sports and Fitness wishes Amber the best of luck at the competition and safe travels. We are excited for you and are humbled to be a part of your journey.

Local woman set to compete at the Masters Olympia in Tokyo

Governor Laura Kelly has announced for flags across the state to be flown at half-staff in honor of late Wyandotte County Deputy, Elijah Ming.

On Friday, the Governor directed flags to flown at half-staff on all&nbsp;state buildings, grounds and facilities from sunup to sundown on Monday, August 11. This is in honor of Wyandotte County Deputy Elijah Ming, who was killed in the line of duty on July 26, 2025.

“The death of a law enforcement officer is always a tragedy, and Deputy Ming was taken far too soon,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“He made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community, and he will not be forgotten. My sincere condolences go out to Deputy Ming’s loved ones during this difficult time.”

Deputy Ming will be honored during services held on Monday, August 11th&nbsp;at Children's Mercy Park (1 Sporting Way, Kansas City, KS).

Parking lots will open at 9:00 am and the stadium gates will open at 10:00 am.&nbsp;The service is open to the public and will begin at 11:00 am.

Donate to the Official Elijah Ming Memorial Account

Governor directs flags flown at half-staff in honor of Deputy Ming on Monday, funeral services same day

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Salina Post obituary policy (subject to change)

Salina Post understands the importance of honoring the deceased and welcomes all submissions of obituaries with a full summary of their life, survivors, services, website of the funeral home and a photo.

Salina Post accepts all obituaries&nbsp;free of charge&nbsp;and you can email all obituaries:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@salinapost.com">admin@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>&nbsp;and will be posted on the website within 24 business hours.

If you have an issue outside of business hours, if your obituary has not been published within 24 business hours, or if have any questions, please email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@salinapost.com">admin@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>

You can also call:&nbsp;(785) 656-9856

Recent obituaries and service times

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 8 - August 10

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 CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss. drug paraphernalia/human body; Failure to appear; Poss. of marijuana

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Burglary; Non-dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crime; Theft of prop./services:Value less than $1,500; Criminal trespass; Unknown circumstance

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Hess, Christopher Charles

NAME:&nbsp;Lynn, Katherine Elizabeth

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Assault; Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

NAME:&nbsp;Rogers, Maranda Mitchelle

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Viol. protection order; Condition of release

NAME:&nbsp;Stanley Townsend, Elizabeth Grace

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Domestic Battery: rude physical contact; Stalking; Reckless conduct causing fear to person or family

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear; Contempt of Court; Direct

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Battery; Knowing/recklessly causing bodily harm

NAME:&nbsp;Wilson, Nicole Alphonsine Elaine

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; Driving while habitual violator

Saline County Jail Bookings, August 8

By: NICOLAS FIERRO Salina Post

ABILENE - The Abilene Police Department (APD) arrested two people from Wichita after allegedly operating a stolen vehicle.

According to APD on Thursday morning, the police department received a Flock alert (notifications sent to law enforcement when a vehicle of interest is stolen) that a stolen vehicle from Wichita entered Abilene.

Shortly after, officers located the vehicle at the Love's Travel Center (2322 Fair Road). As officers approached, 26-year old Daniel Natoli of Wichita exited the vehicle and fled. A short foot pursuit took place, but Natoli was arrested.

APD stated they arrested a second individual in the vehicle identified as 24-year old, Ivey Graves of Wichita.&nbsp;

Natoli is facing requested charges that could include theft, interference with Law Enforcement and criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Graves&nbsp;is facing requested charges that could include possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana.

Two from Wichita arrested by Abilene PD after stolen vehicle accusation

OTTAWA COUNTY - The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is currently reviewing a proposed sow farm/facility that is potentially looking to be established in Ottawa County, KS.

On January 2025, the KDHE received a notice from <a href="https://www.schwartzfarms.com/">Schwartz Farms</a> (Minnesota Hog &amp; Pork Producer, family-owned company that specializes in pork production) for the establishment of a<a href="https://exafan.com/en/swine-farms/sow-farm">&nbsp;breeding sow farm </a>(female pig giving birth to at least one litter of piglets) 'Smoky Hills Pork' to be installed in Ottawa County.

That following month in February, both Schwartz Farms and Ottawa County members signed&nbsp;habitable structure separation agreements and was then submitted to the KDHE.

On March 4th, Schwartz Farms submitted a permit application to KDHE for the potential installation of Smoky Hills Pork. Then on March 13th, certified mail was distributed, which notified Ottawa County Commissioners and owners of habitable structures within a mile of the proposed farm of the forthcoming public notice.

Then on the 20th that same month, a&nbsp;public notice was sent out to inform the public that a permit was submitted and published in the <a href="https://www.theminneapolismessenger.com/">Minneapolis Messenger</a> (official Ottawa County paper).

Afterwards, the public was given until&nbsp;April 20th to provide comments towards the KDHE on how they feel about the potential establishment of Smoky Hills Pork.&nbsp;

Furthermore, on May 29, the KDHE notified public of the intent to issue a draft permit. From there, the public was given until June 9th to give their comments towards the agency.

Then on July 9th, KDHE assembled a public hearing with members of Ottawa County at the Minneapolis Jr/Sr High School gym regarding the proposed sow farm/facility. The public had the opportunity to voice their opinion on where they stood about the proposed permit, as they were given a total 3 minutes to speak.&nbsp;

The majority of the public who spoke were 'against' the permit, but many other members of Ottawa County who attended were 'for' it. Those who were against the permit voiced concerns about 'water contamination, the volume of animals, wastewater, lagoon liners, health and the location of the proposed facility.'

Views of those who are 'against' the sow farm

“Its a bad location because it is (proposed) in a sensitive groundwater area,” said Ottawa County resident, Kathy Scharplaz. "According to Schwartz' permit application, the facility is proposed in a sensitive groundwater area and some of these export fields are apart of that as well."

According to Scharplaz, sensitive groundwater areas 'designate areas where it is fairly easy for contaminants to get into the groundwater.'

Cassie Roth,&nbsp;one of the leading advocates that is fighting against this permit said she first heard about the proposed sow farm, when a farmer (who owns land on the location of the proposed facility) drove to her house and told both Cassie and her husband about it. She commented she 'had no idea about the proposed sow farm' and is concerned since she lives a mile away from the proposed facility.

Roth stated that she and her husband were concerned about their quality of water and started to speak about the proposed sow farm with other surrounding neighbors. Roth and her husband then thought to start a petition to potentially stop the permit.&nbsp;Roth and other Ottawa County residents also received letters from the KDHE about what Schwartz Farms wanted to do as far as installing the sow farm.&nbsp;

In the meantime, Roth got in touch with Scharplaz to talk about the proposed sow farm. 

“She (Scharplaz) did a whole research paper on <a href="https://www.epa.gov/npdes/animal-feeding-operations-afos">CAFO</a>. She is very passionate about this,” said Roth.

Roth stated that a presentation was then put together on June 30th to show how the facility could negatively affect the community.

According to the KDHE, the permit for Smoky Hills Pork is a maximum capacity facility of 14,976 head (5990.4 animal units) of swine weighing more than 55 pounds each and 30,583 (3,058.3 animal units) of swine weighing less than 55 pounds, for a total of 9,048.7 animal units. The farm is proposed to be located in the Southeast quarter in Ottawa County.&nbsp;

Ottawa County resident, Kyrsten Rodenbeek stated the process of the proposal has 'moved forward with very little public notification or community engagement.'

"It appears the process has moved forward with very little public notification or community engagement," she said. "Many of us only learned about it recently, well after initial steps had already been taken, and we’re concerned that it’s being pushed through before the broader public has a chance to weigh in."

Views of those who are 'for' the sow farm

Despite many residents wanting to not go forward with the permit, other Ottawa County members have voiced their opinion on how they feel about the <a href="https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/environmental/cafo.htm">CAFO</a>.

David Kiser thinks there are 'alot of positives' when it comes to Schwartz Farms' "Smoky Hills Pork."

"This facility will bring economic growth of the area," said Kiser. "The county has been stagnant and we need to get something going so we can provide more jobs. In my opinion there are alot of positives with this.”

Though there are several concerns with the overall quality of water in Ottawa County, Kiser believes there will be 'no effect' on the groundwater if this sow farm were to be installed. He also commented that the proposed lagoon which would be set, would be difficult to experience an overflow.

“There will be no effect on the groundwater and the plants will take up the nitrates," he said, "I just don't see a possibility of that happening.&nbsp;We are going to have to get 10-15 feet of rain for the lagoon to overflow."

Though Kiser is on the other side of the public's perspective, he is still open to hearing their opinion and not making enemies with those who are 'against' the permit.

“We are all still neighbors at the end of the day."

Another Ottawa County resident Beau Cline, described that his wife used to manage a hog farm and did not mention of her experiencing any health issues. He disagrees the smell that would come from the proposed facility would affect people's health.

“I think they are over exaggerating about the smell," Cline said.

<a href="https://www.schwartzfarms.com/">Schwartz Farms Inc.</a> is a 2nd generation family-farm company that has been in operation for 50 years. With their primary operation being in the pork industry,&nbsp;Schwartz Farms employs over 550 full-time individuals and owns sows in the upper Midwest, predominantly in Minnesota, Kansas, Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska.

Schwartz Farms told Salina Post, they are very ‘grateful’ for those who are 'for' the permit, but are also aware of the comments who are 'against' it.

“The concerns that the public brings forth are also things we also care very deeply about, whether that is safeguarding the environment, providing a safe and positive working environment for our people, caring for our animals, protecting the groundwater and just in general supporting the communities we are proud to call home,” said Owner, Tim Schwartz.

Tim noted that they work with teams of engineers to design the farm, along with the installation of the lagoon liner.

“We make sure what we construct meets the standards of the KDHE and we will do just that.," said Tim. "We have to do testing in advance of the permit to establish whether the ground is suitable, and there are technical standards we must meet. The engineers were very satisfied with the clay soil that is present on the site to meet and exceed the technical requirements for the lagoon liner.”

Schwartz Farms has two other farms in Kansas and are set ‘in close proximity of the other two.'

Though Schwartz is based outside of Kansas, the family-owned company promises to still provide 'philanthropic efforts' to the local communities they base their facilities in. Schwartz commented on how they are excited about potentially working with Ottawa County and the economic activity it will create. 

According to Schwartz, the company donates around $120,000 to the local communities they 'call home.'

Members of the public have voiced concerns about the 'lack of accountability' there would be, in the event if 'anything were to go wrong' from the sow farm. Furthermore, that the 'county and residents alone would have to deal with the consequences.'

Schwartz Farms stated 'there are clear consequences for non-compliance,' and they 'take that seriously.'

"In the rare event of a catastrophic issue, we are required to activate emergency response plans, notify the appropriate regulatory agencies and take immediate action to address and remediate the situation—under their direct oversight," said Owner, Tim Schwartz. "Our long-standing track record of environmental compliance and good standing in the communities, we have farms reflects our commitment to doing the right thing."

According to CAFO statutes from the KDHE, swine facilities are required to follow specific various guidelines. Most of those guidelines include:

As per<a href="https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch65/065_001_0071d.html">&nbsp;KSA 65-171d</a>:

"Protect the soil and waters of the state from pollution resulting from underground storage of liquid petroleum gas and hydrocarbons, other than underground porosity storage of natural gas;&nbsp;“control the disposal, discharge or escape of sewage (as defined in KSA 65-164)"

"Such contamination or other alteration of the physical, chemical or biological properties of any waters of the state as will or is likely to create a nuisance or render such waters harmful, detrimental or injurious to public health, safety or welfare, or to the plant, animal or aquatic life of the state or to other designated uses; or (B) such discharge as will or is likely to exceed state effluent standards predicated upon technologically based effluent limitations."

Once the KDHE has received an application for a permit for construction of a new swine facility, the KDHE is required to a per <a href="https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch65/065_001_0179.html">KSA 65-1,179</a>:

"Publish in the Kansas register ( official state newspaper, serving as a publication for various public notices, including proposed and adopted administrative regulations, new state laws, bond sales, open meeting notices, and state contracts) a notice of receipt of the application"

<a href="https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch65/065_001_0180.html">KSA 65-1,180</a> provides information on the “required distances from water” for a swine facility.

Lagoon standards and the monitorization of water wells

<a href="https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch65/065_001_0181.html">KSA 65-1,181</a>:

“The facility shall maintain a log of removal of the manure or wastewater from the facility and such log shall contain the following:” "The facility shall provide to the hauler of the removed manure or wastewater the most recent manure nutrient analysis conducted pursuant to subsection (c) of <a href="https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch65/065_001_0182.html">K.S.A. 65-1,182</a> and amendments thereto, if the removed manure or wastewater are to be land applied.”

"The sides and bottom of such lagoon or pond shall be lined with:

(i) A compacted soil liner with a minimum depth of one foot and maximum seepage rate of 1/8 inch per day; or

(ii) an impermeable liner on top of a compacted soil liner with a minimum depth of one foot and maximum seepage rate of 1/4 inch per day.&nbsp;

In&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch65/065_001_0180.html">KSA 65-1,180</a>&nbsp;there is more information about 'odor control’ and ‘dead animal handling.’&nbsp;

Investigations, services and orders; fees

(a) "The secretary of health and environment is authorized and directed to establish by duly adopted rules or regulations a schedule of fees to defray all or any part of the costs of administering the water pollution control permit system established by K.S.A.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch65/065_001_0065.html" target="_blank">65-165</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch65/065_001_0066.html" target="_blank">65-166</a>,"

"All investigations, services and orders rendered, issued or promulgated under the provisions of K.S.A.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch65/065_001_0071d.html" target="_blank">65-171d</a>, and amendments thereto, shall be made by such agency, section or division of the department of health and environment, or any of them, as may be designated by the secretary of health and environment, and all fees collected shall be remitted by the secretary to the state treasurer in accordance with the provisions of K.S.A.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch75/075_042_0015.html" target="_blank">75-4215</a>, and amendments thereto. Upon receipt of each such remittance, the state treasurer shall deposit the entire amount in the state treasury to the credit of the state general fund.

<a href="https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch02/002_033_0018.html">KSA 2-3318</a>:

"Regardless of whether irrigation water is added, whenever swine waste is applied to crops or land, the secretary of health and environment is authorized to investigate, inspect or conduct any manner of examination or review of the application of swine waste. No swine waste shall be applied to crops or land in excess of agronomic application rates."

"Failure of the operator of a swine confined feeding facility to implement a nutrient utilization plan approved by the secretary of health and environment shall be considered a violation of the Kansas chemigation safety law for which the secretary may suspend a permit pursuant to K.S.A.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch02/002_033_0010.html" target="_blank">2-3310</a>, and amendments thereto, or may impose a civil penalty pursuant to K.S.A.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch02/002_033_0017.html" target="_blank">2-3317</a>, and amendments thereto, or both."

According Kansas statute <a href="https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch17/017_059_0008.html">KSA 17-5908</a>: County Commissioners can independently permit or deny the CAFO.&nbsp;

Ottawa County commissioners have currently not made a decision and chose not to comment about Smoky Hills Pork.

Ottawa County Commissioner Duane Morris, told Salina Post they will make no comment at this time, as per their attorney.

Salina Post will provide any updates and information once received as far the decision on the permit.

Proposed sow farm in Ottawa County causes widespread concerns 

Saline County has provided information about a recent notice of estimated taxes that was mailed to county residents. This notice is based on proposed tax rates from local taxing entities such as the County, City and School Districts.

According to Saline County on Wednesday, county residents should have received a notice of estimated taxes in the mail. The notice by no means requires&nbsp;a bill or payment that is due.

The purpose for the notice is to provide information about the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR), which is the tax rate that would bring in the same property tax revenue as last year. 

Accordingly, if a taxing entity plans to collect more than that, they must hold a public RNR hearing.

Final tax bills will be mailed in November.

For any questions regarding the RNR, you contact the taxing entity on the notice about rates or hearings.

The valuation appeal period is currently closed, but the County Appraiser’s Office is available to answer any questions about the process.

Printable FAQs - <a href="https://conta.cc/45mrSoS?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExUlV4ZW0zSTgzbUJXQXI4VwEePQBFOxrr3up3AQjFJEC1w9sla2Qkp1LlNBixY28NPj0bqpe2M08UpcTGoUg_aem_KG_rxkoHx0Ebi60rBeTFkA" target="_blank">https://conta.cc/45mrSoS</a>

Saline County provides information about recent notice mailed to county residents

Temperatures are ramping back up after a dropdown last week in Central Kansas.

According the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), heat indices throughout the Central Kansas region are expected to reach over 100 degrees. 

Areas such as Salina, Russell, Hutchinson, Wichita, Harper and Winfield are under a heat advisory for Thursday, August 7 and Friday, August 8. 

Additional areas include Emporia, Eureka, Chanute and Coffeyville for Friday

US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS) advises everyone to take precaution during these times.

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>.

Temperatures ramping back up in Central Kansas with heat indices over 100

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 6 - August 8

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 4 - August 6

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 1 - August 3

Three day weather forecast Salina

The US National Weather Service has announced the heat indices around the central Kansas region for Monday.

According to the US National Weather Service, heat index values during the afternoon and early evening for Monday and Tuesday, July 29th are expected to be in the 102 to 109 degree range. Salina is expected to reach a heat index of 106 for Monday, and 105 for Tuesday.

The US National Weather Service advises everyone to be sure to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activity during the afternoon hours.

Heat indices expected to reach over 100 in Central Kansas

3-day weather forecast Salina

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement&nbsp; investigating a homicide in Topeka have identified the victim as 42-year-old Drew Davis, according to Topeka Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.

Just after 11:15 p.m., Wednesday, police responded to a shooting in the 100 block of NW Kendall Avenue in Topeka.&nbsp; As officers arrived in the area, they located Davis suffering from life-threatening injuries. While on the scene, medical personnel pronounced him deceased.&nbsp;

This is the city’s 14th homicide investigation of 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police ID 42-year-old Kansas homicide victim

GREENBELT, Md. (AP) — A federal judge in Maryland late Thursday ruled President Donald Trump’s administration cannot withhold citizenship from children born to people in the country illegally or temporarily, issuing the fourth court decision blocking the president’s birthright citizenship order nationwide since a key U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-birthright-citizenship-immigration-9da9e11d83f2fd3cbf95e6a733651daf">ruling</a>&nbsp;in June.

U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman’s preliminary injunction was expected after the judge said last month she would issue such an order if the case were returned to her by an appeals court. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sent the case back to her later in July.

Since June, two other district courts, as well as an appellate panel of judges, have also blocked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/birthright-citizenship-immigration-trump-20919d26029cf0f98ecb0dc7f90a066b">the birthright order</a>&nbsp;nationwide.

An email to the White House for comment was not immediately returned.

Trump’s January order would deny citizenship to children born to parents living in the U.S. illegally or temporarily.

Boardman in February issued a preliminary injunction blocking it nationwide. But the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-birthright-citizenship-immigration-9da9e11d83f2fd3cbf95e6a733651daf">June ruling</a>&nbsp;by the U.S. Supreme Court upended that decision and other court rulings blocking the order across the nation.

The justices ruled that lower courts generally can’t issue nationwide injunctions, but they didn’t rule out other court orders that could have nationwide effects, including in class-action lawsuits and those brought by states.

In her ruling Thursday, Boardman certified a class of all children who have been born or will be born in the United States after February 19, 2025, who would be affected by Trump’s order.

She said the plaintiffs in the lawsuit before her were “extremely likely” to win their argument that the birthright order violates the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which includes a citizenship clause that says all people born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to U.S. jurisdiction, are citizens. They were also likely to suffer irreparable harm if the order went into effect, she wrote.

Another judge blocks Trump's birthright order nationwide 

Hutchinson Community College (HutchCC) and Barton Community College have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a new partnership aimed at expanding access to respiratory care education and addressing a growing workforce need in central Kansas.

Through this agreement, students from Barton will complete their general education requirements at Barton and then have the opportunity to transition into HutchCC’s Respiratory Care Program. The partnership was developed in response to an increased demand for respiratory care professionals in Barton’s service area, which includes nine regional hospitals."

This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to meeting the healthcare workforce needs of our communities," said Dr. Tricia Paramore, President of Hutchinson Community College. "By working together, we are creating clearer pathways for students and helping ensure that Kansas hospitals have access to the skilled respiratory therapists they urgently need."

Dr. Marcus Garstecki, President of Barton Community College, echoed the value of the partnership: “We’ve seen a significant increase in the demand for respiratory care professionals across our service area. Partnering with HutchCC allows us to provide our students with a high-quality, accessible path into this critical field, while also supporting the healthcare systems in our region.”

The collaboration aligns with both institutions’ missions to provide affordable, accessible, and relevant education while serving the needs of Kansas communities.

For more information about the Respiratory Care Program, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.hutchcc.edu/rt">www.hutchcc.edu/rt</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hutch CC and Barton CC announce new partnership

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect following a road rage incident, his second arrest for similar behavior in three months, according to Garden City police.

Around 8 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a report of a road rage altercation along W. Kansas Avenue in Garden City. The reporting party stated that they and another driver, identified as Andrew Ortiz, 31, were involved in an incident during which Ortiz allegedly pointed a handgun at them before fleeing the area. 

With the assistance of the Finney County Sheriff’s Office, police quickly located Ortiz in the 200 block of N. 11th Street. A high-risk traffic stop was conducted, and Ortiz was taken into custody. 

Officers later recovered a lower receiver of a firearm. Ortiz, who was arrested for a similar incident in May, is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Assault. There were no injuries from the incident. 

Road rage: SW Kan. man jailed again for pointing a gun at another driver 

The Department of State and the Department of Justice are announcing a reward offer increase of up to $50 million under the Narcotics Rewards Program (NRP) for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Nicolás Maduro for violating U.S. narcotics laws, according to a statement from agency.

For over a decade, Maduro has been a leader of Cartel de los Soles, which is responsible for trafficking drugs into the United States.&nbsp; On July 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Cartel de Los Soles as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).&nbsp;

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