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 March. This is unchanged from 3.8% in February and an increase from 3.3% in March 2024. The labor force participation rate for Kansas decreased to 67.1% in March, according to a media release from the KDOL.

The unemployment rate in Saline County is down from 3.6 percent in February to 3.5 percent in March.&nbsp; The rate in Dickinson remains steady at 3.9 percent.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 900 from February. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 600 over the month, while government increased by 300. The largest job gains in the private sector were in leisure and hospitality (+1,100 jobs) and financial activities (+400 jobs). The largest decrease was in trade, transportation, and utilities (-1,000 jobs).

Since March 2024 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 2,700. This change is due to a decrease of 700 private sector jobs and an increase of 3,400 government jobs.

Jobless rate steady in Saline County, across the region

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📨 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

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(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown, DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving, Escape from custody; Unknown circumstance and Possess of firearm while under the influence

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal restraint and Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Gimeson Smith, Dalton Remmington

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body, Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant and Fail to yield at stop or yield sign

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit, Failure to appear and Theft of prop/services;Value $1,500 to $25,000

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit, Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body, No Proof Of Insurance, Operate a MV w/o a valid license and Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

Saline County Jail Bookings, April 19

UPCOMING GAMES: Salina South Softball vs Salina Central - 4/18 at 4pm

High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman discusses foster care with Monica Boyd of TFI Family Services.

🎤 Forward Ever: Monica Boyd of TFI Family Services on foster care

Salina Area Technical College inducted 15 new students into its chapter of the National Technical Honor Society during a ceremony on campus Friday, April 18th at 10:00 AM.

The National Technical Honor Society celebrates the academic and professional achievements of students in Career and Technical Education. To qualify for membership, students must be nominated by an instructor, GPA of 3.5 or higher, and submit an essay about their community service and why they should be inducted.

Students being inducted are (by program):

Salina Tech inducts students into National Technical Honor Society

Today Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. North wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Tonight Showers likely, mainly after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. North wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Saturday A 30 percent chance of showers after 7am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Northeast wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Saturday Night Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. East northeast wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Sunday Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 55. Northeast wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Sunday Night A 20 percent chance of showers before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 38.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NWS Easter weekend holiday forecast

By NATE KING Salina Post

A semi-truck driver walked away without injury after a crash and fire along I-70 west of Salina on Thursday evening.

According to Rural Fire District #3 Chief Scott Abker, emergency crews were dispatched shortly after 7 p.m. to milepost 247, where a semi-truck had left the interstate and caught fire.

Abker said the driver managed to retrieve his luggage from the vehicle before it was engulfed in flames. He was reportedly speaking with law enforcement on scene and showed no signs of injury.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined. Abker said the crash was severe enough that the semi's fuel tanks may have ruptured, and heat sources such as the engine or friction from the wreck likely ignited the blaze.

Firefighters stayed on scene until the fire was contained around 10:30 p.m. Chief Abker remained on site until midnight, monitoring and extinguishing hotspots in a nearby pasture.

“Given the wind conditions and proximity to homes north of the site, we didn’t want to leave until we were confident there was no risk of reignition,” Abker said.

In addition to RFD #3, firefighters from RFD #7 also responded to the scene.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is handling the investigation into the cause of the crash.

Salina Post will update this story as new information becomes available.&nbsp;

Driver escapes injury after semi crash and fire on I-70 near Salina

Salina Downtown Inc. is inviting residents and visitors alike to celebrate May’s First Friday on May 2 with a vibrant evening of live music, extended shopping hours, and a weekend full of community-centered events.

Seventeen downtown businesses will keep their doors open until 7 p.m., offering extended opportunities for shopping and browsing. Participating stores include Salina Selfie Station, Familia Toys, Salina Art Center, Poppy &amp; Vine, Red Fern Booksellers, Baron Mushmouse, Flipping Fabulous, Eccentricity, Sanity Boutique, The Bath Pub, Wallie Wax Co/Permanent Jewelry, On the Pot, Blushe Boutique, Kid’s Creative Corner, and Country Seasons.

Live entertainment will take center stage at Campbell Plaza from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring a performance by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562240876908">Ghost Town Revival</a>. The band is known for delivering a dynamic mix of classic rock and blues, bringing a nostalgic yet energizing sound to the downtown atmosphere.&nbsp;

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in for a lively outdoor concert. The event is free and open to all ages.&nbsp;

Music lovers can also enjoy a special performance at Red Fern Booksellers, where jazz pianist, composer, and vocalist Jackie Myers will bring her distinctive style to Salina. Originally from Austin, Texas, and now based in Kansas City, Myers combines jazz standards with original compositions. Her unique voice has drawn comparisons to Michelle Shocked and Amy Winehouse.

The excitement carries into Saturday, May 3, with <a href="https://www.sculpturetoursalina.org/">SculptureTour Salina’s</a> annual UNwrap Party at the 67401 Plaza/City Lights Stage. Event organizers encourage the public to be among the first to see the 24 new sculptures installed throughout downtown. The event offers family-friendly fun and a hands-on way to celebrate Salina’s vibrant public art scene.

Salina’s First Friday events are held on the first Friday of every month from April through October.

For more information and updates on First Friday events, visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinadowntown">Salina Downtown Inc. on Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.salinadowntown.com">salinadowntown.com</a>.

Downtown Salina welcomes live music, shopping during May’s First Friday events

The City of Salina is excited to announce Free Landfill Day, offering residents of Saline County the opportunity to dispose of residential trash for free. This event will take place on Saturday, April 26, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Salina Municipal Solid Waste Landfill located at 4292 S. Burma Rd.

Residents with a Saline County license plate on their vehicles will enjoy complimentary trash disposal. However, vehicles from other counties will be subject to normal tipping fees. Commercial waste haulers will receive priority access, with standard rates applying.

Customers are urged to exercise caution, adhere to staff instructions, obey signage, remain on approved roadways, and anticipate potential delays. Due to anticipated high turnout, a line may form, and access to the disposal site and convenience area will be limited. It's important to note that removal of any landfill property, including waste from other customers, is strictly prohibited.

Certain items will not be accepted at the landfill, such as automobiles, batteries, corrosive waste, explosives, flammable waste, hazardous waste, liquid waste (including paint), machinery, reactive waste, storage tanks, toxic waste, and vehicle or equipment wreckage.

The following items will be accepted, subject to applicable tipping fees for all commercial and residential customers: brick, concrete, rock, other aggregates, commercial loads (including waste from residents that is anything other than normal household trash), Freon-containing items (Freon removal certification required), roofing &amp; other construction materials, boats, sheds, trailers, tires, and waste requiring a Special Waste Permit from the KDHE. A comprehensive listing of fees may be found on the City’s website:&nbsp;salina-ks.gov/sw-landfill-fees.

The landfill will close&nbsp;promptly at 2 p.m., and customers will not be allowed entry after closing, even if a line remains. Normal business hours and fees will resume on Monday,&nbsp;April 28.

City of Salina announces ‘Free Landfill Day’ date 

SM Hanson Music is partnering with D’Addario and the Playback String Recycling Program, the world’s leading string recycling initiative, to host a special community event on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at their store located at 335 S. Clark St. in Salina.

As part of the event, attendees can receive a free set of D’Addario XS Coated electric or acoustic guitar strings and have them restrung on-site — all at no cost. The offer is first-come, first-served, and restringing will be done while participants wait. In addition to the restring, guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the Playback program and D’Addario’s sustainability efforts.

The Playback String Recycling Program encourages musicians to recycle used strings, helping reduce landfill waste and conserve valuable materials. Strings collected through the program are separated by type, then melted or repurposed into new metal alloys or plastics through a partnership with TerraCycle, a global upcycling and recycling company.

SM Hanson Music has served Salina and the region since 1972, growing from a small guitar-focused shop into one of the Midwest’s leading full-line musical instrument retailers. Today, under the leadership of President and CEO Rick Hanson, the business continues to offer expert repair services, a wide variety of instruments, and an e-commerce platform for national sales.

For more information, visit <a href="http://www.smhansonmusic.com">www.smhansonmusic.com</a> or follow SM Hanson Music on Facebook at <a href="http://facebook.com/SMHansonMusic">facebook.com/SMHansonMusic</a>.

Free guitar restring and recycling event happening this Saturday at SM Hanson Music

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

After four weeks of toiling in the basement of the AF1, the Salina Liberty put all the pieces together on Saturday night, collecting a convincing 47-32 victory over the Oregon Lightning.

Newly signed quarterback Rakeem Cato shone brightest in this game, ending the Liberty’s quarterback woes to the tune of an 8-15 day with 92 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

Wideouts Ed Smith and Malik Honeycutt benefited greatly from the change under center, with Honeycutt hauling in six catches for 59 yards and three touchdowns, and Smith bringing in six for 33 yards and two scores.

After a long Oregon drive that put the Lightning on top early, Cato demonstrated his efficiency, delivering a 14-yard touchdown pass to Ed Smith in his very first snap in a Liberty uniform.

Oregon would strike back on a wild drive, but the Liberty blocked the PAT and responded on Cato’s second TD of the day, this time to Honeycutt, to take their first lead of the day.

After forcing a turnover on downs, Salina had less than a minute to score before halftime, and once again Cato delivered, finding Honeycutt in the back of the end zone as time expired.

The Liberty picked up right where they left off in the third quarter, extending the lead to 14 on a 31-yard bomb to Honeycutt in the back corner of the end zone.

Oregon did respond with a touchdown pass of their own from Dalton Cole to Bryce Goggin, but the Liberty defense tightened the screws from there, forcing two huge stops to seal the deal.

With this result, both teams move into a tie for sixth place with the Washington Wolfpack at 1-4.

Salina will hit the road for back-to-back games at Billings and Albany, while the Lightning return to Oregon to host Washington next Friday.

Newly signed Cato leads Liberty to first win of AF1 campaign

Kansas Wesleyan track and field coach <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/coaches/kyle-hiser/803">Kyle Hiser</a> has a nickname for <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/keegan-lott/9609">Keegan Lott</a>: Mr. Consistency.

Lott placed second in the shot put and discus Saturday while competing in the Coyote Challenge. He threw 46.07 meters in the discus and 15.08 in the shot put.

The effort came after winning the javelin and competing in the hammer throw on Friday night. Lott qualified for the NAIA Outdoor National Championships in the javelin earlier this season.

"He's been Mr. Consistent for us in those events," Hiser said. "He did all four throws this week, there's no other thrower in our conference let alone the country doing that. He's going to get a little rest going into next week and he's going to come back and do the same thing at (Kansas) Conference (in two weeks) in the same rings."

<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/dylan-worrell/9617">Dylan Worrell</a> finished seventh in the shot put (13.81m) and <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/austin-baird/10374">Austin Baird</a> 34th (9.50m) while Keyon Baccus took 10th in the discus (42.48m) and Baird 29th (34.64m).

Saturday also was big for KWU's hurdlers as well. <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/brenden-ellis/9598">Brenden Ellis</a> placed fourth in the 400-meter hurdles (58.25) and <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/tristan-howard/10576">Tristan Howard</a> fifth (58.34) and was fourth in the 110-meter hurdles (15.55).

"<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/brenden-ellis/9598">Brenden Ellis</a> is a steeplechaser who always has good hurdle form, so we threw him into the 400 hurdles, and he looked like a seasoned veteran out there," Hiser said. "<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/tristan-howard/10576">Tristan Howard</a> had a huge PR (personal record) in the 110 hurdles and then came back and PR'd in the 400 hurdles, so it was a hurdle type of day out there for our group."

Brennan Allen was seventh in the 400 hurdles (1:0.59).

The 4x100-meter relay team crossed the finish line in fourth place in 42.64 seconds. The team consisted of <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/tyler-fontenot/9602">Tyler Fontenot</a>, <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/kean-dinkel/10378">Kean Dinkel</a>, <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/andrew-smith/10382">Andrew Smith</a> and <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/lorenzo-vaccari/10665">Lorenzo Vaccari</a> – a recent and valuable addition.

"They ran their fastest time of the year and that's like our fourth iteration of that relay," Hiser said. "We've been plugging and moving things around and one athlete that stands out is <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/lorenzo-vaccari/10665">Lorenzo Vaccari</a>. Former soccer player has only run for about a month with us. He had a huge anchor leg and ran lights out so that was really cool to see."

Dinkel, a freshman, ran a sub-50 second leg in the 4x400 relay. He was joined by <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/wyatt-johnson/9608">Wyatt Johnson</a>, <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/ty-davidson/9596">Ty Davidson</a> and <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/triston-cottone/9594">Triston Cottone</a>.

"<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/kean-dinkel/10378">Kean Dinkel</a> was big for us and <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/wyatt-johnson/9608">Wyatt Johnson</a> ran 48 seconds," Hiser said. "That's the fastest time we've run in about three years on that. Really cool to capitalize and end the day on that event."

A second KWU team of <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/ruben-rivera-agosto/10666">Ruben Rivera Agosto</a>, <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/andrew-smith/10382">Andrew Smith</a>, Allen and <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/trevor-peal/10392">Trevor Peal</a> were fifth in the 4x400 relay (3:26.67).

<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/zamari-burrell/9591">Zamari Burrell</a> sped to a 10.90 second time in the 100 meters. Dinkel was seventh (11.18), Vaccari ninth (11.25) and Fontenot 11th (11.39).

<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/nate-chavez/10360">Nate Chavez</a> placed fifth in the 400 meters (50.53), Smith was ninth (51.18), Rivero Agosto 11th (52.00), Peal 15th (52.34), <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/riley-garcia/9603">Riley Garcia</a> 18th (52.66) and <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/sidney-washington/10384">Sidney Washington</a> 24th (53.42).

Fontenot was the fourth-place finisher in the 200 meters (22.19) and Vaccari was 11th (22.54).

<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/darius-archuleta/9586">Darius Archuleta</a> took fourth in the triple jump (13.26m) while <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/kamal-murphy/9612">Kamal Murphy</a> was fifth (12.75m).

Archuleta also was 10th in the long jump (6.66m), Allen 22nd (5.76m) and Murphy 23rd (5.60m).

Hiser was thrilled with the way the inaugural Coyote Challenge went.

"I can't thank our administration enough for giving us the facilities, the resources, the coaching staff to do what we were able to do over these last two days," he said. "Had a lot of coaches coming up and saying you guys are doing a really good job. When it's the first time ever it's always nerve wracking but I think it went about as smooth as possible."

'Mr. Consistency' leads KWU Men's Track on sescond day of Coyote Challnege

Competing at their home venues seemed to suit <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a2b26bc6-ce6f-49ec-9839-c2d19392211e?elinkdata=25281">Julie Rottinghaus</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b72e9138-9704-4b65-b661-c56abee714bb?elinkdata=25281">Lauryn Mikkelson</a> and Chloe Grusing.

Each produced standout efforts during the second day of Kansas Wesleyan's Coyote Challenge track and field event Saturday at JRI Hospitality Stadium in the Graves Family Sports Complex and the throws venue west of campus on Coronado Avenue.

Rottinghaus set a PR (personal record) and moved into second on the school's all-time list in the triple jump with a distance of 10.71 meters. She placed seventh in the event and was followed by teammate <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1ec472b9-c3c0-4a6e-bbe1-1ac22c64a785?elinkdata=25281">Dahn Hanlon</a> who was eighth (10.11m).

"We only gave her three attempts because she had to go run the (4x400 meter relay) after that and then split 60 seconds flat on that," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/85e5f5b3-84c7-4ede-bed0-26505e46114f?elinkdata=25281">Kyle Hiser</a> said of Rottinghaus.

Rottinghaus ran the first leg on the 4x4 relay team that took second with a time of 4:05.69. She was joined by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0bd13abd-b4f3-4e47-b1cb-b2bc8909cdf9?elinkdata=25281">Madisyn Ehrlich</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dd62a568-9ac7-4836-9750-22cb87095bb3?elinkdata=25281">Brionna Floyd</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9825a490-a2a9-45d2-8bfe-98e880864a38?elinkdata=25281">Hailey Nordhus</a>.

Not to be outdone, the 4x100-meter relay team placed third (49.61) and was comprised of Rottinghaus, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/09d56b35-3d08-4869-a6c7-f6ec4bae5136?elinkdata=25281">Markyla Shaw</a>, Mikkelson and Floyd.

"Our women's 4 by 4 ran the second fastest time in school history and then the 4 by 1 ran the second fastest time in school history as well," Hiser said. "Those sprinters really stepped up and showed out. We had a blend of athletes that ran last night, came back and ran today so really fun to see."

Mikkelson was perhaps the most at ease having competed in JRI Stadium before coming to KWU. She placed fourth in the 400-meter hurdles with a PR (1:10.48) on Saturday.

"This is her track that she trained at in high school (Sacred Heart) and now in college," Hiser said. "She got to come in here and compete at home. Looked really strong and was just running confident through the first part of the race which is what we've been really been working on over the last week."

Grusing set a PR in the shot put with a throw of 11.6 meters and placed fifth. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/143e4640-d606-49c1-8149-8d448bf1cafb?elinkdata=25281">Elizabeth Stout</a> was 11th (10.65m), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cbae1619-85c3-493c-89ee-a71b56672649?elinkdata=25281">Aunisty McNeal</a> 14th (10.03m) and Roselyn Torres 26th (6.95m).

Rottinghaus also placed eight in the long jump (5.02m), Hanlon 11th (4.86) and Shaw 16th (4.57m).

In the discus McNeal finished 15th (31.71m), Grusing 17th (31.40m), Torres 23rd (27.53m) and Stout 26th (25.64m).

Floyd finished fifth in the 400 meters (1:01.48) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a9c58d32-0a1a-47c2-96ee-4a65fc66fc3b?elinkdata=25281">Ava Kenyon</a> 13th (1:03.40).

Shaw placed 14th in the 200 meters (27.05).

Hiser was thrilled with how things transpired in KWU's first home meet since 2019.

"I can't thank our administration enough for giving us the facilities, the resources, the coaching staff, to do what we were able to do over these last two days," he said. "Had a lot of coaches coming up and saying you guys are doing a really good job. It's always nerve wracking but I think it went about as smooth as possible."

Coyote women's Track and Field successful on second day of Coyote Challenge

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;The Kansas Wesleyan University women's tennis team has been awarded the KCAC Champions of Character Team of the Year honor for their sport in the 2024-25 season. Champions of Character award winners from each institution have also been chosen. The KCAC Team of Character and Champions of Character awards are sponsored by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bdef9c81-c484-48cc-a0f8-da9649d42dcb?elinkdata=25250" target="_blank">IMA Financial Group</a>, and both were based on the NAIA Champions of Character award. A team is recognized in each sport, as voted on by their peer coaches.

The Coyotes serve and volunteer on campus and in the community in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to:

Committed to advancing character-driven athletics, the NAIA Champions of Character program aims to inspire student-athletes, coaches, officials, and fans to hold high standards and embody what character truly means in a competitive arena. By keeping the five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership at the heart of the athletics experience, the Champions of Character program empowers participants to change the culture of sport.

The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Champions of Character awards are presented by IMA Financial Group, and are awarded to the student-athletes and team who best represent the mission of the Champions of Character Program.

KWU named KCAC Women's Tennis Team of Character

DETROIT (AP) — Andy Ibáñez hit a tiebreaking home run in the second inning to back rookie Jackson Jobe and lead the Detroit Tigers to a 7-3 victory over Kansas City on Friday night that extended the Royals’ losing streak to five.

Spencer Torkelson delivered a two-run double in the seventh for his AL-leading 13th extra-base hit for the Tigers.

Kansas City dropped to 1-7 on a 10-game trip. Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first to extend his hitting streak to 11 games, scoring on Vinnie Pasquantino’s double for a 1-0 lead.

Tomás Nido, who had three hits, hit a tying single in the second and Ibáñez’s drive leading off the fourth put Detroit ahead for good.

Jobe (2-0) allowed one run and five hits in five inning.

Riley Greene and Trey Sweeney had RBI singles in a three-run fifth to chase Cole Ragans (1-1), whose team record-tying streak of three straight starts with 10 or more strikeouts ended. Ragans gave up five runs and six hits in four innings, striking out eight for a major league-best 39.

Witt singled and scored on Pasquantino’s single in the ninth off Kenta Maeda. Tommy Kahnle got two outs for his fourth save.

The Royals sent the tying run to the plate with one out in the ninth, but Kahnle struck out Cavan Biggio before Drew Waters lined out.

The Royals began the day averaging 2.95 runs — ahead of only Colorado. They have scored four runs or less in 19 of 21 games and haven’t scored more than four since April 4 against Baltimore.

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