Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information (LMI) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.8% in August. This is unchanged from 3.8% in July and an increase from 3.7% in August 2024. The labor force participation rate for Kansas increased to 67.0% in August, according to a media release from the KDOL.

The unemployment rate in Saline County remained steady at 3.8 percent in August. The rate in Dickinson County is up a tick from 4.3 percent in July to 4.4 percent in August.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 4,700 from July. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 1,300 over the month, while government decreased by 3,400. The largest job gains in the private sector were in&nbsp;leisure and hospitality&nbsp;(+600 jobs). The largest decrease was in trade, transportation, and utilities&nbsp;(-2,100 jobs).

Jobless rate remains steady in Saline County

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.

NAME:&nbsp;Acuna Marenco, Edilso Rafael

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear; Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;Arneson Worley, Ashlee Nichole

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Poss of marijuana; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg intimidation of witness/victim; Threat; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Criminal restraint; Domestic Battery: rude physical contact; Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

NAME:&nbsp;Breitmeyer, Caden Aldric Lee

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Contribute to a child misconduct; Unknown circumstance; Crim discharge of firearm;public road

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Poss of marijuana; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance

NAME:&nbsp;Lawrence, Nathan Lovejoy

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant; Poss of marijuana

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Contribute to a child misconduct; Unknown circumstance; Crim discharge of firearm;public road

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

Saline County Jail Bookings, September 21

The dates for the annual BOOM! Salina has officially been announced for the 2025 season.

Monday, September 29 - Saturday, October 4, will be a week full of breathtaking artwork from artists across the world that will showcase their murals to the community of Salina. This year will introduce four artists joining the festival's lineup such as:&nbsp;

- Drew Merritt: Clovis, New Mexico (now based in Los Angeles)

- John Matos, "Crash One": Bronx, New York&nbsp;

- Stathis Tsavalias, "Insane51": Athens, Greece

- Amy Sol:&nbsp;Las Vegas, Nevada

Please note that some artists may show up earlier than the listed dates.

The following are bios of each artist courtesy of BOOM! Salina

Drew Merritt is a contemporary muralist and fine artist whose evocative works bridge classical portraiture with modern street art. Born on the outskirts of Clovis, New Mexico, Merritt was raised on a farm and cattle ranch, where he cultivated his artistic talents without formal training. His early exposure to graffiti-covered cargo trains ignited a passion for art that would later manifest in large-scale murals and oil paintings. Merritt’s art often explores themes of contrast and conflict, placing classical subjects in contemporary settings to evoke a broad spectrum of emotions, from pleasure to isolation. Now based in Los Angeles, Merritt continues to develop an ever-changing body of work that encompasses a variety of mediums and textures. His murals and paintings are characterized by their romanticized, timeless quality, often leaning into a neo-western aesthetic as an homage to his upbringing . By guiding his audience through a world of emotions and evoking empathy, Merritt’s work invites viewers to imagine the stories behind his subjects, offering a clear visual biography that reflects the way they are created.

John Matos, widely recognized by his moniker “Crash,” is a pioneering figure in the graffiti art movement, originating from the Bronx, New York. Embarking on his artistic journey at the tender age of 13, Crash began adorning subway cars with his distinctive style, marking the inception of a career that would bridge the gap between street art and the formal art world. His transition from the underground to mainstream recognition was catalyzed in 1980 when he curated the groundbreaking exhibition “Graffiti Art Success for America” at Fashion MODA, a pivotal event that propelled graffiti into the realm of contemporary art. Crash’s work, characterized by vivid colors and dynamic compositions, has since been showcased in numerous galleries and museums globally, cementing his status as a seminal artist in the evolution of urban art. Beyond the canvas, Crash has extended his artistic influence through collaborations with prominent brands, including Absolut Vodka, Fender Guitars, and Tumi luggage, blending commercial appeal with his unique aesthetic. Notably, his custom-painted “Crashocaster” guitars, created for legendary musician Eric Clapton, exemplify the fusion of visual art and music. As a co-owner of WallWorks New York, Crash continues to nurture emerging talent and contribute to the cultural fabric of his hometown. His enduring legacy is reflected in his commitment to authenticity and innovation, inspiring a new generation of artists to explore the transformative power of graffiti.

Stathis Tsavalias, professionally known as Insane51, is a Greek muralist born in Athens in 1992. He began his journey in street art as a graffiti writer in 2007 and studied at the Athens School of Fine Arts, with additional training in graphic and applied arts. Early in his career, he focused on experimental techniques involving color and form, but he later refined his style towards photorealism and innovative overlay mural methods. His signature technique, dubbed “Double Exposure 3D” or anaglyph murals, involves layering two distinct images—one in red, one in cyan—that reveal themselves through 3D glasses or filters, crafting an immersive visual experience. Over the past decade, Insane51 has showcased his work at prominent festivals and galleries globally—including Upfest in Bristol, Urban Nation in Berlin, and the Underdogs Gallery in Lisbon. His murals, often featuring hyperrealistic portraits overlaid with skeletal or symbolic forms, bend optics and challenge viewers’ perceptions. A Guinness World Record holder for the largest glow-in-the-dark graffiti scroll and the most expansive 3D mural, he continues to push the boundaries of street art with his blend of technical mastery, optical illusion, and emotive storytelling.

Amy Sol is an American artist of Korean descent, currently based in Las Vegas, Nevada, whose work is celebrated within the Pop‑Surreal and Lowbrow movements. Entirely self‑taught, Sol typically paints on treated wooden panels, allowing the natural grain to inform her subdued, atmospheric color palette—like a musical rhythm guiding the composition. Her serene paintings often depict delicate, young female figures interacting with oversized or mythical animals within ethereal landscapes, evoking themes of companionship, introspection, and mysticism. Over the past decade, Sol has built a strong global presence through gallery exhibitions, art fairs, and mural installations—most notably contributing to URBAN NATION’s Project M/14 in Berlin. Her visual language draws from manga, folk art, classical animation, and vintage illustration, blending narrative and figurative styles to create dreamlike realms open to individual interpretation. By merging whimsical flora and fauna with contemplative human figures in muted, pastel tones, Sol crafts evocative compositions that feel both timeless and intimately personal.

For more information, go to:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boomsalina.art/">https://www.boomsalina.art/</a>

BOOM! Salina 2025 dates officially announced: Four artists joining the festival's lineup

ABILENE - The Eisenhower Foundation’s "I Like Ike" Capital Campaign is well underway, raising funds for a new state-of-the-art Education Center aimed at inspiring future generations through innovative learning and civic engagement.

“We celebrated The Eisenhower Foundation’s 80th anniversary on June 22,” said Emily Miller, Director of Development for the Eisenhower Foundation. “This capital campaign is our way to make sure our organization secures Ike’s legacy for another 80 years.”

The Foundation is at 74% of its $17 million dollar goal, having already received substantial support from the Sunderland Foundation in Overland Park, the Patterson Family Foundation in Kansas City, Missouri, the William T. Kemper Foundation in Kansas City, Missouri, and the Anne C. Eagles estate. Additionally, the Foundation’s board of directors has come together to make a collective six-figure donation. 

The State of Kansas has also pledged a $5 million matching grant.

The center will serve both public and K–12 audiences through in-person and online programming. It will feature several dynamic elements, including an Oval Office replica that will offer visitors a tangible connection to Eisenhower’s time in office; a state-of-the-art Immersion Theater that will use four-wall projection to fully engage audiences in historical and educational experiences; and a Global Studio that will enable programs to be broadcast nationally and internationally.

If completed on schedule, the Education Center is set to open in 2026, coinciding with the United States’ 250th birthday.

“Only 45 individuals have held the Office of the President of the United States,” Miller said. “Here in Abilene, we have one of those individuals. This new center will be our birthday gift to America.”

For those interested in supporting the I Like Ike Capital Campaign or learning more, visit <a href="http://bit.ly/IKECapitalCampaign">bit.ly/IKECapitalCampaign</a>.

People who make between now and the end of 2025 will be entered into a leather-bound book that will be presented during the grand opening ceremonies of the Education Center.

Eisenhower Foundation at 74% of its $17 million goal for new state-of-the-art Education Center

The Salina Airport Authority is proud to welcome&nbsp;Tricrest Aviation Insurance&nbsp;as the newest tenant based at the Salina Airport Industrial Center. Officially opening its doors in 2024, <a href="https://www.tricrestinsurance.com/">Tricrest Insurance Agency LLC</a> brings a fresh, data-driven approach to aviation insurance, now backed by a physical presence in one of the Midwest’s most dynamic aviation hubs.

Founded by licensed pilot and aerospace engineer Kyri Barton, who also serves as President, and Chief Operating Officer, Tricrest was built on the belief that pilots and aviation professionals deserve insurance solutions grounded in technical expertise and a deep understanding of risk. “Flying is part of my identity,” said Barton. “After years in systems engineering and advanced risk modeling—ranging from satellite navigation to aircraft systems and predictive maintenance—it became clear that my technical experience could directly improve how aviation insurance is done. I wanted to create a firm where pilots feel understood and supported—not just quoted.”

From its new location at Building 412, 2804 Arnold Avenue, Room 116, Tricrest offers a full suite of aviation insurance products tailored to the needs of pilots, aircraft owners, charter operations, flight schools, and maintenance facilities. Services include hull and liability coverage, hangar keepers’ liability, workers’ compensation, commercial aviation policies, and more. The agency also provides face-to-face consultations, policy reviews, and claims support—all just steps from the hangars.

Tricrest’s decision to locate in Salina was no coincidence. “Salina offers unmatched access to agricultural aviation, flight training, and aerospace innovation,” said Barton. “Being based at the airport allows us to work side-by-side with our clients, building trust and providing real-time risk support that goes far beyond a phone call.”

Kyri Barton also shared why bringing Tricrest home to Salina was personal as well as professional:

“I’m proud to be a Salina native. I’ve lived in this town, across the country, and even overseas—but there’s nothing quite like your hometown. Salina has a sense of community, character, and groundedness that’s hard to find anywhere else. It’s where my love of aviation first took root, and where I learned the value of hard work, trust, and showing up for your neighbors.

Coming back wasn’t just about launching a business—it was about coming home. With so much growth happening at the airport and in the broader aviation community, it felt like the right time to bring everything I’ve learned back to the place that shaped me. I’m excited to grow Tricrest here and to give back to a town that’s always been part of my story.”

Initially staffed by two full-time team members, Tricrest plans to grow its Salina operation thoughtfully, with future expansions in client services and aviation risk management. The team is actively developing partnerships with local aviation businesses and programs at K-State Salina to support education, training, and safety across the region.

“We’re thrilled to add Tricrest Aviation Insurance to our community of forward-looking aviation businesses,” said Pieter Miller, Executive Director for the Salina Airport Authority. “Their technical knowledge, client-first approach, and passion for aviation make them a natural fit for the Salina Regional Airport.”

To learn more about Tricrest Aviation Insurance or schedule a consultation, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tricrestinsurance.com/" target="_blank">www.tricrestinsurance.com&nbsp;</a>or contact their Salina office (785) 333-4590, open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with 24/7 customer service available for urgent needs.

SLN welcomes aviation insurance provider to serve the flight industry

The "Fly Kansas Air Tour" is touching down in Salina again this September, and this year’s stop will do more than thrill spectators with breathtaking aircraft. 

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinaairport.com/">Salina Airport Authority</a> is proud to be partnering with <a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/">K-State Salina</a>, <a href="https://www.1vision.aero/">1 Vision Aviation</a>, the <a href="https://www.imaginesalina.com/aim/">AIM Center of Excellence</a> at SLN, the <a href="https://www.salinakansas.org/">Salina Chamber of Commerce</a>, <a href="https://www.salinakansas.org/visit-salina.html">Visit Salina</a> and the <a href="https://gscf.org/">Greater Salina Community Foundation</a> to bring pilots from across the state to Salina.

This annual event is a long-standing Kansas tradition, highlighting our deep ties to the Aviation industry. Salina last hosted the event in 2023.

Visitors to the Kansas Air Tour stop can connect with hobbyist pilots from across the state, enjoy STEM stations with K-State students, talk with K-State Salina and AIM faculty, and discover how local training and education can lead to high-demand, high-paying careers in aviation.

“Being able to host the Fly Kansas Air Tour back in Salina for the 5th time is a great thing for our community. Aviation is the second largest industry in Kansas, and Salina is a large piece of that. We are thrilled to get to welcome pilots from all over to our home, to meet our students, and to experience an overnight stay in Salina.” said Pieter Miller, Salina Airport Authority Executive Director.

Among those programs featured in the STEM stations for local students are partners from both K-State Salina and the AIM Center of Excellence.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.imaginesalina.com/aim/">AIM Center of Excellence</a> offers state-of-the-art facilities, hands-on training, and a fast track to a career as a “pre-apprenticeship” of sorts, the first of its kind in Kansas. Graduates have an almost 100% placement rate after completing the six week course.

The Fly Kansas Air Tour stop in Salina is open to the public and family-friendly. 

Visitors are invited Friday, September 26 from 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm via Hangar 600 at 2720 Arnold Court.

For more information about the event, see&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://zxqzo9n6.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Kh3NlpfcQl1BDXV59AsQML635hxReAW0WFbPn7bvI6yp1g0wieDg-C_m5AAm2GoDrS5g5ESbySFyp6UG4z2hrJ-Si0EK6SSoFhnkeeEbBGiU5mr9oJ5RttMiuFC-sRyOZrPhBD6VYAC5BMI56EVQoib3aHnpNByWGUlKcqp6cYpwGWN4aMhN8znXTio8swsX&amp;c=JFWH-EfbvdG_A6lM6ylmBnq-pB3YgBMe5I1KO0p9JCaZfV4sl1_T8A==&amp;ch=xm6o_LqZeP1XYwkLfq9QMWJ-nTLtz7WAM4OkX8lCiO15VDghMXArSA==">www.kansasairports.org</a>.

Fly Kansas Air Tour lands in Salina: Aviation partners showcases aviation careers

High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

NAME:&nbsp;Cortez Landaverde, Andiro Yahir

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Operate a MV w/o a valid license; Speeding; maximum limits

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear; Criminal trespass; Unknown circumstance

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

NAME:&nbsp;Garcia, Wilfredo Waldmar

REQUESTED CHARGES: Failure to appear (2 requested charges)

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

NAME:&nbsp;Langston, Karen Michelle

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Luebbert, Brian William

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Return for court testimony

NAME:&nbsp;Phouthavong, Saysouphan

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Driving While Suspended; No Proof Of Insurance; Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, September 20

LINDSBORG - On May 15, 2025, Dr. Chienyn Chi, Assistant Professor of English at Bethany College, was invited to speak at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Taiwan about her book,&nbsp;Madness, Psychiatry, and Empire in Postcolonial Literature. The event highlighted interdisciplinary scholarship and global academic collaboration which Dr. Chi is integrating into her teaching at Bethany College.

The joint book talk featured a discussion between Dr. Chi and historian Dr. Harry Yi-Jui Wu, Associate Professor in the Cross College Elite Program at National Cheng Kung University. The conversation expanded during a Q&amp;A session, where a psychiatrist, a public health activist, and a film scholar shared their insights. Topics included the history of psychiatry, the political suppression of trauma, and the Western-colonial biases in the scientific study of mental health.

“This discussion was an amazing celebration of interdisciplinary thinking,” Dr. Chi said. “It has inspired me to bring these conversations into my teaching at Bethany College, encouraging students to explore complex topics from multiple perspectives.”

Inspired by her research and its global impact, Dr. Chi incorporates interdisciplinary approaches in Bethany College’s ID 203 course. For example, in the Mythbusters class co-taught with Dr. Gayani Wijegunawardena of the Chemistry Program, students from science and humanities majors collaborate to investigate the myth of sciences and the science of myths.

Looking ahead, Dr. Chi and Dr. Wijegunawardena are excited to offer a new course, “What Would Yoda Do?,” which explores the politics of space colonization and artificial intelligence through science fiction in film and TV, fostering critical thinking and ethical inquiry among students.

Through her research, international engagement, and innovative teaching, Dr. Chi exemplifies how Bethany College faculty bring world-class expertise directly to the classroom, enriching students’ learning experiences and preparing them for thoughtful, interdisciplinary scholarship.

For more information about the Bethany College English Program, visit:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bethanylb.edu/english" target="_blank">www.bethanylb.edu/english</a>

For more information about&nbsp;Madness, Psychiatry, and Empire in Postcolonial Literature, visit the publisher’s page:&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ChienynChi" target="_blank">bit.ly/ChienynChi</a>

From Taiwan to Lindsborg: Scholarship inspires new interdisciplinary courses at Bethany College

A newly released economic impact study by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University confirms the Salina Regional Airport and Airport Industrial Center (SLN/AIC) are powerful economic engines for Saline County—generating over $1.62 billion in economic activity and supporting 12,376 jobs in 2024.

Commissioned by the Salina Airport Authority, the study highlights the contributions of more than 100 businesses, public institutions, educational organizations, and military units that call SLN/AIC home. Together, they are responsible for 41.4% of Saline County’s total economic output and 31.1% of local employment.

“SLN and the Airport Industrial Center continue to be the hub of innovation, education, commerce, and defense activity in Salina,” said Pieter Miller, C.M., Executive Director for the Salina Airport Authority. “This study quantifies the economic significance of the Salina Regional Airport and Airport Industrial Center, unmatched in our region.”

Since the last study released in 2021, the total economic output of SLN/AIC has grown by 25%, increasing from $1.30 billion in 2020 to $1.62 billion in 2024. Jobs have surged by 77%, growing from 7,005 in 2020 to 12,376 in 2024. Notably, private business output alone rose from $1.1 billion to $1.55 billion—a $450 million increase—while job growth in the private sector jumped from 5,209 to 8,700. This substantial progress reflects a thriving ecosystem of tenants, employers, and support organizations continuing to invest in Salina.

Key Findings from the 2025 Economic Impact Report:

In a related Chamber of Commerce survey, local business leaders emphasized the vital role of SLN’s commercial air service in supporting economic growth, business travel, and visitor spending—estimating $437,000 in direct spending from inbound travelers alone.

“This study reaffirms that investments in infrastructure, air service, and tenant support at SLN/AIC directly translate into stronger jobs, local income, and a more vibrant economy,” said Executive Director Miller. “We’re proud of our tenants and partners and grateful to the Docking Institute for this in-depth analysis.”

The complete Docking report is available on the Salina Airport Authority website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinaairport.com/media/37581/sln-and-aic-economic-impact-report-2025v3.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.salinaairport.com/media/37581/sln-and-aic-economic-impact-report-2025v3.pdf.</a>

SLN & Airport Industrial Center contribute over $1.62 billion in local economic impact

Nearly 50 years after Hal Holbrook first brought Mark Twain to life on the McCain Auditorium stage, Emmy Award-winning actor Richard Thomas brings "Mark Twain Tonight!" back to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mccain.k-state.edu/">McCain Performance Series</a>.

See the star-powered evening of storytelling, wit and humor on Thursday, October 2.

Beloved by generations for his portrayal of John-Boy Walton in "The Waltons," Thomas has also graced stages and screens as Mr. Webb in the Broadway musical "Our Town," Atticus Finch in "To Kill a Mockingbird," and Nathan Davis on Netflix's "Ozark.

"As the first and only actor to perform "Mark Twain Tonight!" since Holbrook, Thomas is earning critical acclaim for his portrayal of the legendary one-man show. The New York Times praised his masterful embodiment of "the nation's one true comic genius," while Time Magazine highlighted Twain's "uproariously funny" and "pungently wise" humor brought to life through Thomas's performance.

Audiences will experience a front-row glimpse into the life of Mark Twain as Richard Thomas blends comedy and social commentary into an unforgettable evening of laughter, insight and theatrical brilliance.

For discount details, contact the box office. 

Visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mccain.k-state.edu/">McCain Performance Series website</a>&nbsp;for additional information.

Mark Twain show returns to McCain Performance Series

Scattered storms are possible to develop this evening across Central Kansas.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), these storms have a chance of occurring late tonight with stronger storms capable of producing hail up to quarter size. However, the severity is marginal and chances are low throughout the region.

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.

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>.

Scattered storms possible to occur late tonight in Central Kansas

<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>

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 19 - September 21

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.

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

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

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a woman who took a joy ride in a city bus in Lawrence.

Jut after 11a.m. Friday,&nbsp; a woman forced her way into the driver’s seat and took off in a Lawrence Transit bus, according to a statement from police.  Nobody was hurt. 

 The driver and two passengers got off the bus before the woman  left the Central Transit Station. The woman took the bus north on Iowa, east on 6th, then north on Maine traveling about 35-40 mph.

   Officers were able to surround the bus to pin her in near 2nd and Michigan. Officers safely took her into custody then to the hospital for evaluation.

Police: Kansas woman in custody after driving off in city bus 

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;praised&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-utah-university-republicans-8357c3d102de09e3320fde761258131a">Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;as a “great American hero” and “martyr” for freedom as he and other prominent conservatives gathered Sunday evening to honor the slain conservative political activist whose work they say they must now advance.

The memorial service for Kirk, whom Trump credits with playing a pivotal role in his 2024 election victory, drew tens of thousands of mourners, including Vice President JD Vance, other senior administration officials and young conservatives shaped by the 31-year-old firebrand.

Elon Musk arrives at the memorial service- CSPAN

President Trump and Elon Musk shake hands&nbsp; at Charlie Kirk memorial service.

(Click below to watch a replay of the full service)

“He’s a martyr now for America’s freedom,” Trump said in his tribute. “I know I speak for everyone here today when I say that none of us will ever forget Charlie. And neither now will history.”

Speakers highlighted Kirk’s profound faith and his strong belief that young conservatives need to get married, build families and pass on their values to keep building their movement. They also repeatedly told conservative activists, sometimes in confrontational tones, that the best way to honor Kirk was doubling down on his mission to move American politics further to the right.

“For Charlie, we will remember that it is better to stand on our feet defending the United States of America and defending the truth than it is to die on our knees,” Vance said. “My friends, for Charlie, we must remember that he is a hero to the United States of America. And he is a martyr for the Christian faith.”

Kirk’s assassination at a Sept. 10 appearance on a Utah college campus has become a singular moment for the modern-day conservative movement. It also has set off a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-political-violence-shootings-utah-7b4e9b662932943a77635a0f8e839270">fierce debate about violence</a>, decency and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-workplace-speech-firing-29717a8612ccedebabc7cba29e7ef627">free speech</a>&nbsp;in an era of deep political division.

The shooting has stirred fear among some Americans that Trump is trying to harness outrage over the killing as justification to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kirk-trump-cancel-culture-assassination-4d69649e382ea46d8dcf794150a1d3c9">suppress the voices</a>&nbsp;of his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-revenge-bolton-military-deployments-aa2b977621bce563770b60dade581f79">critics and political opponents</a>.

Those close to Kirk prayed and the floors shook from the bass of Christian rock bands as the home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals took on the feel of a megachurch service.

“Charlie looked at politics as an on-ramp to Jesus,” said the Rev. Rob McCoy, Kirk’s pastor.

People began lining up before dawn to secure a spot inside&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-memorial-state-farm-stadium-ff4815a8ec8f4eb6f4855360a98a04fa">State Farm Stadium</a>&nbsp;west of Phoenix, where Kirk’s Turning Point organization is based. Security was tight, similar to the Super Bowl or other high-profile event. The speakers delivered their tributes from behind bullet-proof glass.

The 63,400-seat stadium quickly filled with people dressed in red, white and blue, as organizers suggested.

Kirk's widow, Erika, in her own address said in the midst of her grief she was finding comfort that her husband left this world without regrets. She also said she forgives the man who is charged with killing him.

“My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” said Erika Kirk, who is taking over as Turning Point's leader. She added, “I forgive him.”

Comments about Kirk have become a Trump administration target

Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-charlie-kirk-radical-left-political-opposition-3875efd0674ed2a22a719dfb42ace6ab">blamed the “radical left”</a>&nbsp;for Kirk’s death and threatened to go after liberal organizations and donors or others who he feels are maligning or celebrating Kirk's death.

Dozens of people, from journalists to teachers to late show host Jimmy Kimmel, have faced suspensions or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-speech-republicans-firings-government-vance-e65a4939b80e4f4822db188e978d8812">lost their jobs</a>&nbsp;as prominent conservative activists and administration officials target comments about Kirk that they deem offensive or celebratory. The retaliation has in turn ignited a debate over the First Amendment as the Republican administration promises retribution against those who air what are seen as disparaging remarks in the wake of Kirk’s death.

Some speakers at the memorial said Kirk was battling evil and referred often to a vague “they” as the enemy. Others were blunt.

“You have no idea the dragon you have awakened, you have no idea how determined we will be to save this civilization, to save the West, to save this republic," said White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.

Kirk was a provocateur who at times made statements that some called racist, misogynistic, anti-immigrant and transphobic. That has drawn&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-kirk-host-show-husband-father-65cf1d42c2c2f4e85988402b5224da2a">backlash from conservatives</a>&nbsp;who view the criticism as cherry-picking a few select moments to insult the legacy of someone they see as an inspirational conservative leader.

A 22-year-old Utah man,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-things-to-know-dcde3f792f4d6636d44fb9f4fa53569c">Tyler Robinson</a>, has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-court-death-penalty-f541df08a936e06497ee2342296bc398">charged with killing Kirk</a>&nbsp;and faces the death penalty if convicted of the most serious charges. Authorities have not revealed a clear motive in the shooting, but prosecutors say Robinson wrote in a text to his partner following the shooting that he “had enough” of Kirk's hatred.

Kirk's legacy of conservative political influence

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/turning-point-charlie-kirk-erika-kirk-trump-ff9141ca3fd5b8f1a103e7eb03f7535b">Turning Point, the group Kirk founded</a>&nbsp;to mobilize young Christian conservatives, became a multimillion-dollar operation under his leadership with enormous reach.

“Charlie’s having some serious heavenly FOMO right now," Tyler Bower, Turning Point's chief operating officer, said, likening the moment to bringing “the Holy Spirit into a Trump rally."

The crowd was a testament to the massive influence he accumulated in conservative America with his ability to mobilize young people.

Kirk was a MAGA celebrity with a loyal following that turned out to support or argue with him as he traveled the country for the events like the one at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-valley-university-charlie-kirk-fd5ca9b3b7338993970dd0a34dafb64b">Utah Valley University,</a>&nbsp;where he was shot. Kirk grew the organization, in large part, through the force of his personality and debating chops.

“He slayed ignorance,” said Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. “He cut through lies. He woke people’s minds, inspired people’s hearts and imparted wisdom every day.”

Speaker after speaker, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressed their awe at Kirk's ability to go into what many conservatives saw as the lion's den to make the conservative case: college campuses.

“Why don’t you start somewhere easier,” Rubio joked when he first heard about Kirk years ago. “Like, for example, communist Cuba?"

🎥Some of the best moments of Charlie Kirk's memorial service

WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;— On September 20, 2025, at approximately 11:07 p.m., Wichita Police Officers responded to an injury accident in the 1900 block of South Southwest Boulevard.

Upon arrival, officers located two injured pedestrians: a 26-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man. Both were transported to a local hospital, where the man identified as Joseph Cox of Wichita, succumbed to his injuries.

The driver has been identified, our investigation is still ongoing, and when completed we will present the case to the DA for potential charging considerations.

The Wichita Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance. If you witnessed this accident or have any information, please contact the Accident Follow-Up Investigators at (316) 350-3689. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can submit a tip through Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111.

Police look for possible witnesses to crash that killed Kansas man

FRANKLIN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a train,&nbsp; pedestrian crash in Franklin County.

Just after 12:30a.m. Sunday,&nbsp; police were called to the Main Street rail crossing in Wellsville, according to a media release from the Franklin County Sheriff.&nbsp; First responders found a man in the road with severe injuries. He was transported to a hospital for treatment.

The Franklin County Crash team is in charge of the investigation. Authorities released no additional details late Sunday.

Sheriff: Kansas man hospitalized after struck by a train

PRATT COUNTY—A Pratt man is in custody after a standoff Friday evening in which police said he barricaded himself inside a home and resisted arrest.

Just before 5p.m. September 19, officers responded&nbsp; to a reported disturbance in the 700 block of Champa Street, according to&nbsp;According to the Pratt Police Department. A woman caller identified Jacob Davis, 36, of Pratt, as the suspect and reported there was an active protection-from-abuse order against him.

Police said Davis left the scene in a tan Chevrolet Suburban. A short time later, officers received another report that a vehicle matching that description nearly struck another driver near Champa and Green Street.

By 6 p.m., the reporting party told officers that Davis had driven past her residence honking his horn, and minutes later alleged that he returned and threw mortar-style fireworks toward children in the area. No injuries were reported.

At 6:48 p.m., officers located Davis at his residence at 1002 Champa. Police said he refused commands, retreated into the house and barricaded himself inside after officers used pepper spray to deter two aggressive dogs.

The Pratt County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team was called to assist. After deploying chemical agents and clearing the home’s main floor and attic, officers discovered a crawl space with two tunnels. Davis was ultimately found there and taken into custody after resisting arrest, police said.

He was booked into the Pratt County Jail on requested charges of violating a protection order, assault, assault of a law enforcement officer, interference with law enforcement and stalking.

No officers or citizens were injured during the incident.

Assault suspect found hiding in crawl space of Kansas home

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man accused of child sex crimes in Wichita made his first court appearance in the case Friday. Gonzalo Ramirez was charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent solicitation of a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 6a.m. on Sept. 15, police were dispatched to a report of a sexual assault of a minor that occurred in the 1500 block of South Kansas in Wichita, according to a media release.

The investigation revealed that a minor was waiting for the school bus when they were approached by a 31-year-old male suspect, not known to her.&nbsp; The suspect, identified according to Sedgwick County booking records as Gonzalo Ramirez, lured the minor into a vehicle and committed the assault.

Officers quickly located Ramirez who was taken into custody and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp; He remains in custody on a $500,000.00 bond, according to online jail records.

The Wichita Police Department reminds parents and guardians to: