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

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

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>

Recent obituaries and service times

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

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — Four service members were aboard a U.S. Army MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter that crashed near Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state, the Army said in a release Thursday. The Army did not release their conditions.

The helicopter was on a routine training mission when it crashed at about 9 p.m. Wednesday, an Army official said in a statement. The soldiers were part of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Airborne, officials said. The cause of the crash was under investigation, the Army said.

“This remains an active, ongoing situation,” the release said.

The crash sparked a small wildfire that had grown to 1 acre (0.4 hectares) by Thursday morning, the Washington Department of Natural Resources said.

This is “currently a search mission” involving the “most professional and skilled addressing the situation,” Army spokesperson Ruth Castro told The Associated Press in an email. They were fully cooperating with law enforcement, she said. No details were released about the helicopter.

The base is about 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of Tacoma under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Joint Base Headquarters.

The Thurston County sheriff’s office, based in Olympia, posted online late Wednesday that deputies were dispatched to reports of a possible helicopter crash in the Summit Lake area, west of Olympia.

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“We have been advised that the military lost contact with a helicopter in the area,” the department said. It said it was working with the base and that no further details were available.

Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders said on Facebook that deputies located the crash site, “but have been unable to continue rescue efforts as the scene is on fire.”

The King County Guardian 1 helicopter and special operation rescue units responded to the crash site, the sheriff said.

Staff with the state natural resources were working with multiple agencies, including the military and the local fire protection district, to battle the fire started by the crash, said Thomas Kyle-Milward, DNR wildfire communications manager.

4 service members were aboard Army helicopter that crashed in Washington state

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement in Kansas City, Missouri investigating another homicide have identified the victim as 36-year-old&nbsp; Ashton Hams.

Just t before 9:30p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to 10th and Prospect in Kansas City on a sound of gunshots call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

First responders were directed to the east side of the intersection where they located Hams on the ground unresponsive. Officers ordered EMS to the scene who declared him deceased.

Numerous callers reported hearing the sound of gunshots near the intersection of 10th and Prospect and looking out and seeing the victim down on the ground.&nbsp; Preliminary investigation indicates that one or more suspects fired shots that struck the victim at the location where the victim was located by officers. This occurred outside an apartment complex so detectives are hopeful that someone heard or saw something.

Homicide detectives are making headway piecing together the sequence of events that led up to the shooting and identifying involved persons, according to Becchina.

KCPD: Body of shooting victim found outside apartment complex

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street rolled to more records on Thursday as Nvidia and Intel led a rally for technology stocks after announcing a deal that includes a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nvida-intel-chips-investment-73c307d2f6ceccd6854d6666775358f3">$5 billion investment.</a>

The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.5% and is on track for a third straight winning week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 124 points, or 0.3%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.9%. All three set all-time highs.

Intel soared 22.8% for its best day since 1987 after Nvidia said it would buy $5 billion of the chipmaker’s stock. It’s part of a collaboration where the pair will develop products for data centers and personal computers. Nvidia climbed 3.5% and was by far the strongest force lifting the S&amp;P 500 because it’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nvidia-stock-price-ai-02816a386ae377de199dbf1158a50801">Wall Street’s most valuable company</a>.

Encouraging reports on the economy sent Treasury yields climbing in the bond market, meanwhile, including one that said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unemployment-benefits-jobless-claims-layoffs-labor-2106a9631d17b6bd9c7a55edcf210837">fewer U.S. workers applied for unemployment benefits</a>&nbsp;last week than expected.

That could indicate the pace of layoffs is slowing, and it was a relief after the prior week’s data showed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unemployment-benefits-jobless-claims-layoffs-labor-a69fc3afbbebe731c29824b855e3c83f">a disconcerting leap</a>&nbsp;to a four-year high. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-revisions-labor-department-f4a29a2b948f7bce0d6558824ffe0fd5">job market has slowed so much</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-inflation-trump-2d05401d7c9cb2393925f494aac71d89">the Federal Reserve on Wednesday</a>&nbsp;cut its main&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mortgage-rates-housing-federal-reserve-rate-cut-9351815c29cea1e27b531dec88d3e4da">interest rate</a>&nbsp;for the first time this year in order to give it some help.

The Fed also indicated more cuts may be on the way, though Chair Jerome Powell warned that the Fed is in a precarious position and may have to change course quickly. That’s because the economy is in an unusual situation where the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-revisions-labor-department-f4a29a2b948f7bce0d6558824ffe0fd5">job market is slowing</a>&nbsp;while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-trump-federal-reserve-fabecefa501709184895bf73b3dc698a">inflation is remaining stubbornly high</a>&nbsp;at the same time.

The Fed is in charge of fixing both, but it has only one tool to do so. And helping one by moving interest rates often hurts the other in the short term.

Expectations are high on Wall Street that the Fed will keep cutting interest rates, and an unexpected halt could send stocks tumbling. Critics say stock prices have already shot too high and become too expensive, in part because of heavy bets on continued cuts in rates.

On Wall Street, smaller stocks led the way. They can be some of the biggest beneficiaries of easier interest rates, and the Russell 2000 index of small stocks rallied 2.5% to join its bigger rivals in setting all-time highs. It topped its prior record, which was set in 2021.

Stocks in the cryptocurrency industry jumped to strong gains, including rises of 7% for Coinbase Global, 20.7% for Bullish and 7.2% for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/circle-ipo-stablecoin-usdc-tether-nyse-b39736690f28824bdd06cfd2ad98dcf3">Circle Internet Group.</a>&nbsp;Bitcoin climbed above $117,500 following the Fed’s cut to interest rates.

Novo Nordisk saw its stock that trades in the United States rise 6.3% after the Danish company said a newly published study showed its once-a-day pill version of Wegovy helped people lose significant weight. It also said that its Ozempic product reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke and death for patients versus another treatment for some people with type 2 diabetes.

On the losing end of Wall Street, the company behind Olive Garden and other restaurant chains sank 7.7% after it reported a profit for the latest quarter that was below analysts’ expectations. Darden Restaurants also raised its forecast for revenue growth this fiscal year, but not by much more than analysts expected.

Live Nation fell 2.8% after the Federal Trade Commission and a group of state attorneys general&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ticketmaster-live-nation-ftc-tickets-lawsuit-16e87186902b029f2a4fda5334f12baf">sued its Ticketmaster business</a>, accusing it of forcing fans to pay more to see live events through a variety of illegal tactics.

The Walt Disney Co. slipped 1.1% after the entertainment giant announced that its ABC television division had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-show-suspended-charlie-kirk-a2bfa904429c318fe52e7d3493c6883d">suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show indefinitely</a>&nbsp;after comments that he made about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-things-to-know-dcde3f792f4d6636d44fb9f4fa53569c">Charlie Kirk’s killing</a>&nbsp;led a group of ABC-affiliated stations to say they would not air the show.

Earlier in the day, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr called Kimmel’s comments “truly sick” and said his agency has a strong case for holding Kimmel, ABC and Disney accountable for spreading misinformation.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 31.61 points to 6,631.96. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 124.10 to 46,142.42, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 209.40 to 22,470.73.

In stock markets abroad, indexes rose in Europe following a mixed performance in Asia.

London’s FTSE 100 added 0.2% after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bank-of-england-interest-rate-inflation-225d722f5ade89d1579afe2b675f2209">Bank of England held its main interest rate steady</a>.

South Korea’s Kospi rallied 1.4%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 1.4% for two of the world’s bigger moves.

In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury jumped to 4.11% from 4.06% late Wednesday. It’s a notable move after it had briefly dropped below 4% on Wednesday, weighed down by expectations for continued cuts to interest rates by the Fed.

Nvidia and Intel lead Wall Street to more records

DETROIT (AP) —Toyota and Hyundai are recalling a combined 1.1 million vehicles due to problems with the instrument panel displays and seat belts, U.S. auto regulators said Thursday.

Toyota is recalling 591,377 automobiles because the instrument panel display can fail and not show the driver critical information including vehicle speed, brake system and tire pressure warning lights, which could lead to a crash and injury.

Models included in the Toyota recall are the 2023-2024 Venza, RAV 4 Prime, RAV 4, GR Corolla and Crown; 2024-2025 Lexus TX and LS and Toyota Tacoma and Grand Highlander; 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 plug-in hybrid and 4 Runner.

Dealers will update the instrument panel software for non-plug-in hybrid vehicles free of charge. For plug-in hybrids, dealers will replace the panel display or update the software, also free of charge.

Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus’ numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.

The Hyundai recall includes 568,580 Palisade SUVs in which the seat belt buckles may fail to latch and not properly restrain passengers in a crash, increasing the possibility of injury.

Until a fix is performed, passengers are being advised to insert the belt firmly into the buckle with a quick and direct motion, pulling on the belt to ensure the seat belt is fully secured. Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 283. Owners can search for their vehicle identification number, or VIN, on NHTSA.gov.

Toyota and Hyundai recall vehicles for seat belt, panel display problems

AYLESBURY, England (AP) —Beyond his social media comment, President Trump on Thursday made his first public comments about the ABC television network's decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel's late night show. Trump argues that the show was pulled because of "bad ratings."

“And he said a horrible thing about a great gentleman known as Charlie Kirk,” Trump said.

The president was asked if free speech is more under attack in Britain or the United States. He repeated his view that Kimmel isn’t talented. Kimmel has sharply criticized Trump and Trump’s administration in many of his routines.

“He had very bad ratings, and they should have fired him a long time ago,” Trump said. “So, you know, you could call that free speech or not. He was fired for lack of talent.”

🎥President Trump on why Jimmy Kimmel's show was pulled 

OREM, Utah (AP) — Tyler Robinson, the Utah man accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-things-to-know-dcde3f792f4d6636d44fb9f4fa53569c">assassinating Charlie Kirk</a>, was afraid of being shot by police and eventually agreed to surrender only if it was done peacefully, a sheriff involved with taking him into custody said Wednesday.

Robinson appeared quiet and somber when he arrived with his parents to turn himself in last Thursday at the Washington County Sheriff’s office, a day after Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University, said Sheriff Nate Brooksby.

“He didn’t want a big SWAT team at his parent’s house or his apartment,” said the sheriff, who was only involved with the surrender and not the broader investigation. “He was truly fearful about being shot by law enforcement.”

On Tuesday, prosecutors charged the 22-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-tyler-robinson-suspect-d893cc16fb0937d507283c710c551ef0">Robinson</a>&nbsp;with capital murder and announced they will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-court-death-penalty-f541df08a936e06497ee2342296bc398">seek the death penalty</a>&nbsp;while revealing a series of incriminating messages and DNA evidence that they say connect Robinson to the killing of Kirk, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-utah-university-republicans-8357c3d102de09e3320fde761258131a">prominent conservative activist</a>&nbsp;and confidant of President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-russia-china-disinformation-putin-trump-bce0174644351c70811ae4a847ffa767">Donald Trump</a>.

Robinson also faced his first hearing in the case Tuesday where a judge said he would appoint an attorney to represent him. A message was left Wednesday with the county’s public defender office.

Robinson’s family has declined to comment to The Associated Press since his arrest.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-assassination-timeline-robinson-arrest-bab1ccce01dbacb449b79fd52c3de94f">Sept. 10 shooting</a>&nbsp;that stunned the nation and exposed deep political divides also left the Utah Valley campus reeling. On Wednesday, students returning for the first day of classes since then gathered silently and stared at the barricaded courtyard where Kirk was hit while speaking to students.