SALINE COUNTY —Just after 10a.m. Tuesday, the Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers assisted local authorities in Marion County with a pursuit involving a bank robbery suspect from the Topeka area, according to a media release from the KHP.

Troopers attempted to stop the suspect while traveling northbound on I-135 in McPherson County. Troopers successfully deployed stop sticks deflating both driver’s side tires on the suspect’s vehicle. The suspect exited Interstate 135 onto Kansas 4, lost control of their vehicle, and drove into the ditch. 

Emergency medical services were requested for the suspect due to a self-inflicted gunshot injury. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Salina Regional Health Center. While at the hospital, the suspect identified as 47-year-old Anthony Marshall, Jr. succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

&nbsp;Marshall, Jr. been charged in a federal criminal complaint with an alleged Bank Robbery that occurred on May 12,&nbsp; at the Equity Bank located at 3825 SW 29th Street in Topeka.

The Saline County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, McPherson County Sheriff’s Office, Hillsboro Police Department, Lindsborg Police Department, Salina Police Department, and McPherson Police Department assisted in the pursuit.

KHP: Kan. bank robbery suspect dies after 3 county pursuit

Delivered to your virtual porch during the noon hour every Monday through Friday — on time and free :-)

📨 Sign up today for Salina Post's Noon News Update!

Looking for a new podcast to keep you informed and connected within your local community? Look no further than Eagle Media's latest podcast, "King in the Community."&nbsp;

Join Eagle Media Salina News Director Nate King as he talks with local and regional government officials, first responders, non-profit leaders and unique individuals with fascinating stories from north central Kansas and beyond. Learn about how organizations in your neighborhood leverage their partnerships to create a more interconnected community.

Available on all your favorite platforms, including&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/king-in-the-community/id1687185014">Apple podcasts,</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kinginthecommunity.podbean.com/">Podbean</a>,<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZeCj4TK3kaOZEvgQaDlio">&nbsp;Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c78f2e2e-c714-4aaf-ad4c-4864a4038889">Amazon Audible</a>, TuneIn + Alexa,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/king-in-the-community-5324914">Podchaser,</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/62430">Boomplay</a>.&nbsp;

No matter what streaming service you use, we've got you covered with engaging discussions and insightful interviews that will help you understand the issues that matter most to you.&nbsp; So why wait? Tune in to the "King in the Community" podcast today and discover a new way to stay connected.

For a full list of episodes<a href="https://kinginthecommunity.podbean.com/page/2/">&nbsp;click here</a>. Thanks for listening!

🎙The latest from 'King in the Community' with Nate King

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our news tip email address. Have a breaking news story, a community event, or a feel-good story that deserves to be shared? 

Submit your news tips via email to <a href="http://newstips@salinapost.com">newstips@salinapost.com</a>

Whether you're a Salina local, a native Kansan, or have moved out of state, we want to hear from you. Your contributions help us keep our community informed and engaged. 

So, if you have a story to tell or a photo of breaking news we should know about, send it to newstips@salinapost.com.

Salina Post news tip email address

Salina Post is thrilled to announce an exciting update - we are now accepting letters to the editor from our readers. We believe that our community's voices deserve to be heard, and providing a platform for open dialogue and constructive discussions is essential to a strong free press.&nbsp;

With the new letters to the editor offering, we aim to create a space where readers can express their thoughts, concerns, and ideas on a wide range of local topics that impact their daily lives.&nbsp;

Submitting a letter to the editor is simple. Just email your letter to <a href="mailto:admin@salinapost.com">admin@salinapost.com</a>

Ensure that your letter is concise and respectful. We value thoughtful and constructive discussions, so please make sure to present your arguments in a clear and coherent manner.

While we appreciate and encourage diverse perspectives, we also have certain guidelines in place. Letters should be free from hate speech, name-calling or any form of discrimination. We believe in promoting a respectful and inclusive environment for all readers.

Our editorial team will review all submissions and select letters that align with our guidelines and contribute positively to the conversation. We may edit letters for clarity, grammar, and length, but we will strive to maintain the essence of your message.

We are excited about this new opportunity to amplify your voice and encourage you to take advantage of this platform.

So, whether you have a burning issue or an important message to share, we invite you to submit a letter to the editor. Let's come together, learn from each other, and build a stronger community through the power of words.

All letters must include the author's name. No anonymous letters to the editor will be published, but if you have a news tip or an issue you would like us to know about still reach out via email at newstips@salinapost.com

<a href="https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/advocacy/direct-action/letters-to-editor/main">Information Courtesy University of Kansas Community Toolbox</a>

You feel strongly about an issue, and you want to let people know what you think. You believe you can even influence people to take some action if you speak your mind. But, you want to reach an audience larger than just your friends or your group membership. Letters to the editor can be an effective way to get the word out.

A letter to the editor is a written way of talking to a newspaper, magazine, or other regularly printed publication. Letters to the editor are generally found in the first section of the newspaper, or towards the beginning of a magazine, or in the editorial page. They can take a position for or against an issue, or simply inform, or both. They can convince readers by using emotions, or facts, or emotions and facts combined. 

Letters to the editor are usually short and tight, rarely longer than 300 words.

Using a few carefully placed letters, you can generate plenty of community discussion. You can also keep an issue going by preventing it from disappearing from the public eye. You can stimulate the interest of the news media and create more coverage for the matters you're working on. You can also send a "good news" letter to bring recognition to people who deserve it or acknowledge the success of an effort.

Salina Post accepting letters to the editor

The Salina League of Women Voters held its 2024 General Election Forum on Oct. 20 at 1:30 in the Watson Room at the Stiefel Theatre in Salina. 

Click the link above to watch the candidates answer questions from the media and the public. Candidates present at the forum included Senate District 24-John Baker, House District 69-Lori Blake, and Clarke Sanders; Saline County Commission District 2-Annie Grevas and Kathleen Malone Crouch.

Noticeably absent from the forum was State Senator J.R. Claeys, whose empty chair and name card can be seen on the far left of the table of candidates.&nbsp;

Check Salina Post for an article about the candidate's responses on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

2024 League of Women Voters General Election Candidate Forum

Due to damages from Sunday's severe weather, the bridge and road south of Wilson, Kansas will NOT be open by Memorial Day, May 27.&nbsp;

According to the Ellsworth County Highway Department, a date has not been set for the road/bridge to reopen.&nbsp;

Plan an alternate route if you plan to travel in the area.&nbsp;

READ MORE<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/3969fc82-b07d-4d4e-885d-fe75a7799560">:&nbsp;🎥UPDATED: Severe weather coverage May 19 — Salina Airport reports 100 mph winds</a>

River bridge, road project south of Wilson closed indefinetly 

Cope Notes is a text message-based service that provides individuals with randomly timed messages that contain anything from psychology facts to exercises and journaling prompts. Every subscriber’s text sequence is unique so that no two users ever receive the same message at the same time. 

Each <a href="https://copenotes.com/">Cope Notes</a> text must first undergo a thorough review process by a panel of peer-support advocates and mental health professionals, in order to ensure that the messages will have a positive effect on the subscriber’s health. The ultimate goal of the service is to train the brain to disrupt negative thoughts and promote a more positive pattern of thinking.

"We believe in the importance of mental health. We want to ensure our residents have access to the resources they need to stay healthy and thriving," said Saline County Health Officer Jason Tiller. "In my own personal experience with Cope Notes, I have found that the right messages seem to come at exactly the right time. It was been an uplifting experience for me, and I am thrilled we get to continue this service to our residents."

In 2022, Saline County initially offered the service for free to 300 residents. Because of the overwhelming response and in an effort to provide the service to more Saline County residents, the program is being offered at a 50 percent discount, according to information from the county.

To sign up for Cope Notes, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001scLNLAEK27GI7j38iOkmbBLY7glKLN0Wy6uF_d-8TLam2TPUzrfQlc9LS5oNICbDRUIbIxFeAe9F9t_3cBzqfldl0v4T9wLfMfxV5qLVYcHiyw0WBSsZFYJWzG17ByUTXv2fd3MbRsZWmxNokDZI85TAvv_DybpQ8u3RGpTS-VoOBpVKw3mIuQf0KEWbdEz2&amp;c=e8h8gccDrdCcdY1GLzjAyWQ83iic1YREdFKlJQ0cHZXKLBBGRtWzSA==&amp;ch=qH131SvBWUOQqWkIzjrjNennoWrg5mcmyLAePutxO-lGfSWshstgHw==" target="_blank">this link&nbsp;</a>and enter code&nbsp;SACOHALF&nbsp;and your credit or debit card information.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Saline County continues to offer Cope Notes at 50-percent discount

Not seeing precipitation totals from your area after a rain or snow event? Consider becoming a CoCoRaHS volunteer.

"CoCoRaHS is an acronym for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. CoCoRaHS is a unique, non-profit, community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail and snow). By using low-cost measurement tools, stressing training and education, and utilizing an interactive website, our aim is to provide the highest quality data for natural resource, education and research applications," the organization noted on its website.

After rain, hail, or snow storms, CoCoRaHS volunteers take precipitation measurements. Those totals are then recorded on the CoCoRaHS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/StateDailyPrecipReports.aspx?state=KS">website</a>&nbsp;(Kansas reporting).

The precipitation totals are used by various organizations and individuals, including the National Weather Service, other meteorologists, hydrologists, emergency managers, insurance adjusters, farmers and ranchers, and, of course, Salina Post.

For more information about CoCoRaHS and its March recruiting efforts or to sign up as a CoCoRaHS volunteer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/marchmadness.aspx">click here</a>.

Precipitation reporting organization seeks local, area volunteers

By ROSARIO MENDEZ Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

What’s worse than a bogus charity? A bogus charity with a dishonest fundraiser. The FTC has sued and stopped dishonest charity fundraisers that&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2020/09/spot-and-stop-dishonest-charity-fundraisers">called people</a>&nbsp;to get them to donate to fake charities. Some prey on your kindness and desire to help people impacted by weather emergencies or a disaster. But when you get a call from a charity fundraiser, how do you know the caller is telling you the truth?

Ask the caller specific questions.

What is the charity’s name, phone number, or address? Write these down so you can confirm them later. Keep in mind that many charity names sound alike, and that sham charities often use names that are sound and look like names of legitimate charities.

How much of your donation will go directly to the programs you want to support?

Will your donation be tax-deductible? Not every call seeking a donation is from a charity. Some calls might be from Political Action Committees or other groups where donations are not deductible. See more questions to ask here.

Resist the pressure to donate on the spot.

After you’ve listened to the caller, hang up the phone and think about what they said. Then, go online and do your own research:

Search for the organization’s name and phone number, plus the word “scam” or “complaint.” What you find might help you decide if you want to make that donation.

Look up the organization’s name and address. Does it show up? If it doesn’t, that could be a sign the caller was lying to you.

See what these rating organizations say about the charity: BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, and Candid.

If you get a donation request in the mail, do some research online before you donate. And if you spot a charity scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

If you get a donation request in the mail,&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/charity">do some research online</a>&nbsp;before you donate. And if you spot a charity scam, report it to the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2020/09/www.reportfraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

FTC: How to spot and stop dishonest charity fundraisers

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The start of a new school year is an expensive time for families. If you are struggling to pay for phone and internet services, there are programs to help you stay connected.

During Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week, the Kansas Corporation Commission joins utility regulators nationwide in encouraging those in need of assistance to apply for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program.&nbsp; Both programs help low-income individuals and families stay connected so they can access health care, attend classes, find employment, and call for help in an emergency.

Lifeline provides federal and state discounts up to $17.02 per month on phone service (wireless or residential) and broadband. Seven million Americans currently benefit from the program, including approximately 30,000 Kansans.

The Federal Communication Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Plan&nbsp; provides a monthly internet service discount of up to $30 and a one-time device discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer or tablet. According to FCC data, more than 20 million U.S. households are currently enrolled, including approximately 120,000 in Kansas.

Eligibility&nbsp;is based on income&nbsp;(at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for Lifeline and at or below 200% for Affordable Connectivity Plan)&nbsp;or participation in certain assistance programs&nbsp;such as:

•&nbsp;&nbsp;Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) •&nbsp; Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) •&nbsp; Federal Public Housing Assistance (FHPA) •&nbsp; Veterans Pensions &amp; Survivors Pension Benefit •&nbsp; Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance •&nbsp; Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families •&nbsp; Head Start Tribal Programs (income based) •&nbsp; Food Distribution Program on Tribal Lands&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anyone who qualifies for Lifeline is automatically eligible to participate in Affordable Connectivity Plan. Others may still qualify for the plan if they meet any of the following criteria:

• Are approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including the&nbsp;USDA Community Eligibility Provision.&nbsp; • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.&nbsp; • Meet the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income program.&nbsp;

Due to higher income maximums, Affordable Connectivity Plan  also has the potential to help families that may not qualify for other types of assistance. The maximum income for a family of four to qualify for the&nbsp; program is&nbsp;$60,000 per year compared to $40,500 for Lifeline. Both Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Plan offer additional discounts for subscribers living on tribal lands.

More information on income eligibility, participating providers, and the enrollment process is available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtjYy5rcy5nb3YvdGVsZWNvbW11bmljYXRpb25zL2xpZmVsaW5lP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTEuODIzOTEwMjEifQ.SgutPMf7jc8B89ZmFqxVxA5ZBkjKYdszBMiWwbYC7oo/s/1510803030/br/225606126077-l" target="_blank">KCC’s website</a>.

Plans available to help Kansans unable to pay for phone, internet services stay connected

Salina Catholic Schools are hiring and looking for people to fill positions across their campuses&nbsp;who are passionate about forming students in mind, body and spirit.&nbsp;

According to the institution, they are seeking for a part-time Band Instructor for St. Mary's Grade School, an Industrial Arts Teacher for Sacred Heart Jr/Sr High School and Head &amp; Assistant Cross Country Coaches for Sacred Heart Jr/Sr High School.

If this does not apply to you, Salina Catholic Schools are encouraging the public to share this information. Those who receive it, may just be interested in making an impact in the community through education, music or athletics.&nbsp;

To apply at St. Mary's Grade School, send your resume to:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tym.bonilla@salinacatholic.org">tym.bonilla@salinacatholic.org</a>.

To apply at&nbsp;Sacred Heart Jr/Sr High School, send your resume to:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:john.krajicek@salinacatholic.org">john.krajicek@salinacatholic.org</a>.

Salina Catholic Schools hiring to fill several positions

SM Hanson Music will be celebrating their 40th annual Festival Jam with a full lineup of bands appearing from across the state.

On Thursday, June 12th the Festival Jam will be held at the Eric Stein Stage in Oakdale Park, as a "pre-festival event," which has become the highest attended event of the Smoky Hill River Festival. The festival jam will consist of four hours of music, played by a total of 16 bands&nbsp;for 12 minutes.&nbsp;

This year, the festival will host 5 new bands with a mix of other past performers. The music changes every 15 minutes on the quarter hour.

5:45 pm:&nbsp;To Be Announced Information on the Invitational band will be announced later.

6:00 pm:&nbsp;The Radicles 4-pc rock band from Salina and Lindsborg

6:15 pm:&nbsp;Fed Up Local Salina rock band – 5-pc

6:30 pm: Motor Co This 3-pc band is based in Beloit. Playing Alt Rock.

6:45 pm: Phi Ya NEW band from Wichita. 3-pc band playing rock

7:00 pm: Lix Classic Rock band from Salina – they have been together for 40+ years.

7:15 pm: Urban Spelunkers NEW band – playing Americana 4-pc from Kansas City area. Guitar, banjo, violin, and bass.

7:30 pm: The Ghost Racket NEW band from Manhattan. 3-pc playing rock

7:45 pm: Hey Radio High Energy from Wichita – a favorite 5-pc band – exciting skate/party/pop-punk music.

8:00 pm: Don Wagner These guys play country, bluegrass, and folk. 4-pc band from Salina and Bennington

8:15 pm: HyWay 14 New to Festival Jam. 4pc from Hutchinson. Describe their music as grunge-rock/red-dirt country.

8:30 pm: Soul Preachers Classic Rock 3pc band from Salina.

8:45 pm: Love Like War New to Festival Jam. Central Kansas roots – 5pc band playing Alt Rock.

9:00 pm: Cash Hollistah Hip-Hop with guitars, drums, vocals, and DJ – last seen at Festival Jam in 2018

9:15 pm: Bootleg Mercy This 4pc band calls McPherson, Hutchinson, and Salina home. – playing Rock/Grunge

9:30 pm: Steve Hanson &amp; Co. The founder of SM Hanson Music. Always a variety – always great.

9:45 pm: The Blades A Salina favorite. You gotta love a rock/pop/funk band with horns!

Gates open at 4:00 pm on Thursday, June 12th in Oakdale Park,&nbsp;with music beginning at 5:45 pm. Single Day or Weekend wristbands for 12 years and up are your admission. SM Hanson Music and many other local/regional merchants have wristbands for sale today.

To purchase the wristbands in advance go to:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.riverfestival.com/participating-retailers/">https://www.riverfestival.com/participating-retailers/</a>

The advance sales run through Tuesday June 10th.

1985 was the 1st year for the SM Hanson Festival Jam. It was created by Steve and Rick Hanson, as an opportunity for local &amp; regional bands to play to a large audience.

Full lineup of bands from across Kansas to perform at Festival Jam

The Kansas State Department of Education has named Cottonwood, Oakdale and Schilling Elementary Schools as recipients of the 2024 Challenge Awards. Certificates were presented to the schools at the Tuesday, May 13th Board of Education meeting.

“Our staff’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of our students and providing exemplary educational opportunities has earned them these awards,” said Linn Exline, superintendent. “A culture of excellence is what makes this achievement possible – and our staff are dedicated to that.”

Challenge Awards recognize schools for outstanding achievements and uncommon accomplishments based on Kansas math and reading assessment results. 

The awards recognize Kansas schools that are improving student academic performance and narrowing the gap between subgroups.

Three USD 305 elementary schools recognized with awards for student success

Director of Mobility Management for North Central Kansas

The Saline County Food Action Community Team (FACT) has extended the deadline for its community-wide&nbsp;Food Assessment Survey&nbsp;to&nbsp;May 30, 2025, giving more residents the opportunity to share their experiences with food access, availability, and affordability.

Originally launched on April 3, the survey is open to anyone who lives, works, or spends time in Saline County. The responses will help shape future programs, resources, and policy recommendations to strengthen the local food system.

“We’re excited by the responses we’ve received so far, and we want to hear from even more voices across the county,” said Michelle Coats, Chair of FACT. “Whether food access is easy or difficult for you, we want to understand your experience. This feedback will help us identify where support is needed and how we can better serve our communities.”

The anonymous survey takes only 10 minutes to complete and is available online at on eatwellsalinecounty.com.&nbsp; Paper copies will also be available.

Survey results will directly inform local action planning and funding for efforts aimed at reducing food insecurity, increasing access to healthy and culturally relevant food, and support local food initiatives across Saline County.&nbsp;

This project is made possible through the generous support of the Salina Regional Health Foundation and the Kansas Health Foundation.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Saline County Food Action Community Team (FACT)&nbsp;is a coalition of local organizations, businesses, and community members dedicated to improving food access and security in Saline County. FACT works collaboratively to identify food system challenges, support local food initiatives, and develop strategies that ensure all residents have access to healthy, affordable food. Through partnerships, advocacy, and community-driven solutions, FACT aims to strengthen the local food network, reduce food insecurity, and promote sustainable food practices across the county.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.eatwellsalinecounty.com/">www.eatwellsalinecounty.com</a>&nbsp;or email the Saline County Food Action Community Team at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:salinecountyfact@gmail.com">salinecountyfact@gmail.com</a>

The&nbsp;Salina Regional Health Foundation&nbsp;is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health and well-being in Salina and the surrounding region. Through grant funding, community partnerships, and strategic initiatives, the foundation supports programs that enhance healthcare access, promote wellness, and address social determinants of health, including food security. By investing in projects like the Saline County Food Assessment, the foundation is committed to building a healthier community where all residents have the resources they need to thrive.&nbsp; For more information about the Salina Regional Health Foundation, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.srhealthfoundation.com/">www.srhealthfoundation.com</a>&nbsp;.

The Kansas Health Foundation is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the health of all Kansans.&nbsp; For more information about the Kansas Health Foundation, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kansashealth.org/">www.kansashealth.org</a>.&nbsp;

Saline County food assessment survey extended through May 30

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;Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Driving While Suspended

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp; Blackmail:disseminate video/photo/file/image; Harass by telecom device; Cause device to ring/activate to harass; Stalking; Reckless conduct causing fear to person or family

Saline County Jail Bookings, May 14

The public got a chance to see the groundwork's "first phase" that will be laid for the Smoky&nbsp;Hill River Renewal Project (SHRRP), on Tuesday evening.

SHRRP representatives along with the City of Salina and HDR Engineering Inc., presented the progress on the Smoky Hill River to the public as the community got a chance to leave their feedback as well.

The presentation unveiled many of the features for the first phase which included, funding and financial information, bridge amenities, maps and more. SHRRP Manager, Martha Tasker reviewed what the project will consist of. She went over that an establishment of 7 bridges will take place across the restored Old Smoky Hill River channel, that runs through downtown Salina.

According to Tasker, the design for the bridges are expected to completed on April 2026, with construction beginning in 2027. A completion date by the end of 2030 is anticipated.

A total amount of $68,778,666 was estimated to be spent for the project, which includes the RAISE grant and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).&nbsp;

The RAISE grant ($22,000,000) was from the U.S. Department of Transportation, which will help fund the bridge replacements, trail construction and the rejuvenation of parks along the Old Smoky Hill River Channel.&nbsp;

USACE ($10,000,000) are involved by reestablishing flows in the Old Smoky Hill River Channel, restoration and providing new recreational opportunities.&nbsp;

Both are partnered with the City of Salina.

To submit any comments or questions about the project go to:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina-ks.gov/river-renewal-comment-form">https://www.salina-ks.gov/river-renewal-comment-form</a>

For any additional information about the project's history go to:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina-ks.gov/smoky-hill-river-renewal">https://www.salina-ks.gov/smoky-hill-river-renewal</a>&nbsp;or you can go the Friends of the River website:&nbsp;<a href="https://smokyhillriver.org/history/">https://smokyhillriver.org/history/</a>

Public witnesses first phase for Smoky Hill River Renewal Project

ABILENE - The Abilene Police Department (APD) arrested two suspects from Abilene that burglarized DNR Enterprises located at 101 S. Cedar St. in Abilene.

Allegedly on Sunday, May 11th, the APD located the suspects at a residence in Abilene and conducted a search warrant at the home located on&nbsp;300&nbsp;N. Cedar St.

During the search, police located and recovered several items that were believed to have been stolen from DNR Enterprises.

At the conclusion of the investigation, APD officers arrested 26-year old, Dakota Hogan and 46-year old, Mark Bartley.&nbsp;

Hogan and Bartley are both facing charges of burglary, theft and criminal damage to property. 

Abilene PD arrests two business burglars after a search warrant

ABILENE - Two men from Pineville, MO just completed an 891.7 mile journey&nbsp;along the Chisholm Trail and ended their tour in Abilene on Tuesday, May 13th.

Tom Nass and BG Gilliam started their journey back on February 14th of this year near San Antonio, TX, and spanned for a total 88 days. The pair traveled with horses throughout their adventure.

"Gilliam had dreamed of this adventure for years and it didn’t take much convincing for Nass to saddle up for the ride" said&nbsp;Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau Director,&nbsp;Julie Weeks.

Weeks stated that throughout the journey the duo met people, shared stories and experienced the enduring spirit of the historic Chisholm Trail.&nbsp;

"This journey&nbsp;tested them with all types of weather, including snow, dust storms and intense heat" said Weeks.

A friend of theirs, Brenda Dyer accompanied the pair by scouting the route and providing critical support throughout their journey.

To commemorate their adventure, the men presented a signed copy of their trail map to members of the Old Abilene Town board. The map is planned to be displayed at the Trail Center.

You checkout the moments captured throughout their adventure by going to:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/TomChristeNass">www.Facebook.com/TomChristeNass</a>.

Abilene welcomes two men who completed an 891.7 mile journey along the Chisholm Trail 

CKF Addiction Treatment and Saline County Youth Substance Prevention Coalition, are proud to announce their 2025 Summer out of school bash that will occur this month.

On Friday, May 23rd CKF will host their 3rd annual Youth Out of School Bash event at the District Eat &amp; Play (Salina Central Mall) on 2259 S. 9th St. from&nbsp;12:00 pm - 2:00 pm.

According to CKF, the event is free and open to all Saline County 6th–12th graders. The event will feature free pizza, soft drinks, photobooth, a resource fair with local organizations, raffle prizes, go-karts, games, music DJ'd by Salina native DJ Cash Hollistah and more.

Parents wanting to sign up their child are required to fill out a waiver for the child's participation. Go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1228180329307232&amp;set=a.472287301563209">https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1228180329307232&amp;set=a.472287301563209</a>&nbsp;to sign up by scanning the QR code with your phone on your camera app and a link will pop up when your point the camera to the screen.

You can also sign up by going to the link:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/617b24bfc8c47/web/">https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/617b24bfc8c47/web/</a>

CKF announces fun out of school event for Saline County students

The Salina Police Department (SPD) will be holding a law enforcement memorial ceremony this Thursday at Jerry Ivery Memorial Park.

This Thursday, May 15th at 8:00 am, the SPD are inviting everyone to join in honoring the fallen officers at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park on 2465 Edwards St.

During the ceremony, SPD will honor four officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. Those officers are: Officer John Stonebraker, Officer Tom Carson, Officer Olney E. Eaton, Officer Jerry R. Ivey and other officers who sacrificed their lives.

Refreshments will be provided after the ceremony.

Law enforcement memorial ceremony occurring this Thursday

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference announced its Winter Academic All-Big 12 Team on Wednesday, with Kansas placing 33 student-athletes on the list. The winter team recognizes student-athletes from men's and women's basketball, as well as women's swimming and diving.

Four student-athletes from the Kansas women's swimming and diving team earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average (GPA): Addi Barnes, Hailey Farrell, Maggie Moore&nbsp;and Lize van Leeuwen.

To be eligible, student-athletes must be nominated by their institution's director of student-athlete support services and must maintain a GPA of 3.00 or higher—either cumulative or over the previous two semesters. They must also have participated in at least 20 percent of their team's scheduled contests. 

Freshmen and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic residence, though senior student-athletes who have competed for a minimum of two years may qualify even if they fall short of the participation requirement.

Kansas was represented by five student-athletes each from men's and women's basketball, and 23 from women's swimming and diving.Below is a full list of the Kansas honorees.

33 Jayhawks Named to Winter Academic All-Big 12 Team

Kansas Wesleyan's end of the year Yotee Awards ceremony was held on Monday afternoon inside Mabee Arena with several awards celebrating excellence in KWU Athletics being awarded.

Headlining the award winners were Alex Littlejohn and LaMyah Ricks being selected as the Dr. F. Gene Bissell Male and M. Virginia Bevan Female Athletes of the Year, respectively, and the women's basketball team being selected as the Team of the Year.

Nominations for the awards were made by coaches for the various awards and award winners were voted upon by the coaches and athletic administrative staff.

Littlejohn wrapped up a stellar Kansas Wesleyan career this year for the men's basketball team. He was a Second Team All-KCAC pick for the Coyotes this season He ranked second in the KCAC in scoring this season averaging 19.6 points per game. He also ranked second in the KCAC in rebounding averaging 10.5 rebounds per game. He ranked ninth in the KCAC in field goal percentage, shooting 54.4 percent from the field this season.

Littlejohn capped a incredible career for the Coyotes this season seeing him earning first-team honors the last two seasons and was an honorable mention pick as a freshman as well as a spot on the All-KCAC Freshman team his rookie campaign. Littlejohn broke many career records while at KWU, including double-doubles with 58. He also broke the all-time scoring record that had previously stood for 70 years, and the all-time rebounding record that had stood for 75 years. He also broke records for field goals made and attempted.

The Dr. F. Gene Bissell Male Student Athlete of the Year award is named for the late Dr. Franklin Gene Bissell who arrived at Kansas Wesleyan in 1950 as an assistant football coach and assumed the head coaching role in 1952 and remained in that role until retiring from coaching football in 1978. Bissell remained at KWU until fully retiring in 1994. While at KWU, Bissell also coached track and field, served as assistant basketball coach, helped reinstate the baseball program twice, and was a willing advocate for the addition of women's athletics. He also served as Athletic Director and a professor in the Kinesiology department. The field at the former Glenn Martin Stadium was named in his honor in 1994 and the field was rededicated in his name at the opening of the Graves Family Sports Complex in 2015.

Ricks had an outstanding campaign in her final season as a Coyote. She earned First Team All-KCAC honors and was named as an honorable mention All-American by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association.

She was a team captain for the Coyotes who claimed the 2025 KCAC Regular Season Championship and advanced to the Second Round of the NAIA Women's Basketball National Championship upsetting bracket No.2 seed MidAmerica Nazarene on its home floor in March.

She led the Coyotes in scoring at 12.7 points per game and in minutes played per game at 30.6. She shot 39.1 percent from the field and was a 75 percent shooter at the free throw line.

Her phenomenal season capped an outstanding Coyote career that spanned five seasons, where she scored 1449 points, which ranks fourth-best all-time in school history. She was a three-time All-KCAC pick and twice named WBCA NAIA All-America.

The M. Virginia Bevan Female Student Athlete of the Year award is named for M. Virginia (Ginny) Bevan, who was a pioneer in women's athletics. She organized opportunities for young women to compete in intercollegiate athletics before the implementation of Title IX. She made sure that Kansas Wesleyan was at the forefront of the Title IX movement and served as the first coach of women's sports at KWU. She also served as a professor in the Physical Education Department and was a life advisor to many students on the KWU campus.

The women's basketball team was named as the winner of the Team of the Year award. The Coyotes had an incredible season, posting a 24-8 record overall and an 18-4 record in the KCAC, winning the KCAC Regular Season championship outright for just the second time in program history. The Coyotes advanced to the NAIA National Championship and were the only No. 15 seed in the NAIA bracket to upset a No. 2 seed in the first round as KWU beat MidAmerica Nazarene on its home floor. Head Coach Ryan Showman was named as the Lonnie Kruse KCAC Women's Basketball Coach of the Year and LaMyah Ricks was a WBCA NAIA All-America selection.

Mayce Russell, a freshman thrower for the Coyote track team, was named as the Female Freshman of the Year. In her first outdoor meet of the season, Russell hit the NAIA Automatic Qualifying standard and broke the KWU school record in the javelin throw with a mark of 44.08m.

Seth Flores, a freshman midfielder for the men's soccer team was named the Male Freshman of the Year. Flores played in 18 matches for the Coyotes, scoring three goals and had two assists on the season. He earned honorable mention All-KCAC honors this season.

Emma Gervy was named as the Female Newcomer of the Year. She played in 19 matches for the Coyotes, scoring seven goals and four assists. She was a second team All-KCAC pick at forward for the Coyotes. She led the team with 18 points.

Cole Segraves was the Male Newcomer of the Year. Segraves was the KCAC Bissell Division Special Teams Player of the Year and a first team All-Division pick for the Coyotes. He went 3 of 4 on field goals on the season, serving as the long distance kicker for the Coyotes. He also took over punting duties for the Coyotes after Griffin Wiltse was injured and ranked third in the division in punting yards with 632. He hit a 54-yard field goal on the season and was 2 of 3 on kicks over 50 yards.

Any victory over Bethany is a good victory, but one team had the best win over the Swedes this season. Softball won the Best Win over Bethany award as the Coyotes picked up a sweep of the Swedes in the doubleheader, winning the first game 8-7, and then winning the second game 3-0 after having to wait two days to complete the game that was suspended in the fifth inning due to weather. The sweep helped the Coyotes earn a spot in the KCAC Tournament for a second straight season and winning with a 14-12 KCAC record.

The Game Changer award is a new award this year at the Yotee Awards and it is given to the student-athlete that does things that don't necessarily show up on the stat sheet or the results but positively contributes to their team's successes.

Women's Basketball's Angel Lee was named as the Female Game Changer. Lee was the player who always was given the toughest defensive assignment in games, and had the ball in her hands at the end of games. A nursing student who also was a resident assistant in the residence halls as well as playing basketball. She went above and beyond on any task given and was always looking to lend a hand when possible. She was a staple for KWU in the community, staying out on the floor after games to talk to families and give autographs and take photos with kids. Her positive attitude quickly spread to anyone in her presence.

Baseball's Ritter Steinmann was named as the Male Game Changer. He was a first team All-KCAC pick at relief pitcher for the Coyotes, but also contributed to campus in many ways off the field. This fall he served as an intern in the Everett Morgan Strength Training Center with Strength and Conditioning Coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ff327403-098a-44ed-acd7-d8c1b9c52d74?elinkdata=26676">Tim Farina</a> and this spring completed another internship with the athletic training staff helping to reduce workload for the staff.

Next to be honored were the Lone Coyotes. These awards are given to student-athletes who are part of a team, but their individual play is what contributes to the team score, such as golf, track and field, and tennis

Abby Donovan from Women's Golf was named as the Female Lone Coyote.

Donovan led the team to a second straight KCAC Championship and a third title in the last four years. She claimed the tournament individual championship for the Coyotes as well. She earned the KCAC Player of the Year honor for a second straight year as well. She had a 77.6 scoring average on the season and had four wins and eight top 10 finishes and boasted a .905 win percentage in individual head-to-head competition.

The Male Lone Coyote Award is named in honor of Randy Bemiss who served as golf coach for several seasons before passing away in 2017. Those who knew Randy knew about his love of every single one of his student-athletes and of Kansas Wesleyan. His positive outlook on life rubbed off on everyone he talked to.

The Randy Bemiss Male Lone Coyote Award winner is Julian Avila from track and field and cross country. Avila was part of the KWU men's cross country team that qualified for the NAIA National Championships and finished 22nd as a team. He was a 2-time NAIA All-American in the indoor season in the 4x800m relay and the 1000m, was the KCAC Champion in the 4x800m, 1000m, and earned second place in the distance medley relay and the 800m run. Outdoors he finished third in the 800m and fifth in the 1500m and was part of the KCAC Champion 4x800m relay team.

Next was the Best Developmental Team Win award. Many strong candidates were nominated for the award. Ultimately it was decided that women's basketball's domination of the Bethany Swedes was the winner. The Coyotes dominated the Swedes this season winning by an average score of 71.7 to 50.7 after having dropped the last 11 games the past four seasons.

Local

Region

Sports

Announcements