By NATE KING Salina Post

With the Mayor's Christmas Tree now illuminating downtown Salina and local businesses bustling with holiday shoppers, one essential Christmas symbol remains: selecting the perfect Christmas tree. At BEL. Tree Farm in Saline County, Aaron and Michelle Peck offer more than just trees—they create a holiday experience that families from Kansas and beyond return to year after year.

Located just east of Salina at 401 South Holmes Road, BEL Tree Farm is outside the city's hustle and bustle, providing visitors of all ages with a classic country Christmas experience.

Established in 1965 by three local educators—Birch, Eck, and Lewis—the farm's name, "BEL," honors their surnames. In 2015, Aaron and Michelle Peck acquired the farm to preserve its legacy. Under their stewardship, BEL Tree Farm continues to offer a festive experience featuring Scotch and Austrian pines, a gift shop and family-friendly activities.

When Aaron initially proposed purchasing BEL Tree Farm, his wife, Michelle, was taken aback.

"Well, I thought it was crazy. I did not grow up on a tree farm, but Aaron grew up here in Salina, and he worked for BEL Tree Farm when he was in high school and college and got to be really close with the owners," Michelle Peck said. "He said, 'We have this opportunity to buy a Christmas tree farm,' and luckily, we had been taking our kids since they were born every year to BEL tree farm, so we knew it was part of our family tradition and a really special to Aaron."

Aaron Peck often wonders why they purchased BEL Tree Farm, but every year, as the weather gets colder and Christmas Day draws closer, he is reminded of the importance of tradition.&nbsp;

"It's just a great tradition. It's something that's fun for our community, and I have always enjoyed working there. I wanted to be able to continue that tradition on for other families in the community and surrounding areas," Aaron Peck said.&nbsp;

BEL Tree Farm isn’t just about picking the perfect Christmas tree. Families visiting the farm from Kansas and beyond are treated to complimentary hot apple cider and popcorn, a gift shop featuring more than 5,000 ornaments, and a cozy 1920s potbelly stove.

"New to the farm, this was something we did a few years ago, but Aaron had this great idea that we needed to have Christmas donkeys out at the farm and some goats so there is a really fun area for kids and families to see the goats and the donkeys, like a petting zoo," Michelle Peck said.&nbsp;

Michelle Peck shared the excitement she and the team at BEL Tree Farm feel as the opening weekend, kicking off the Friday after Thanksgiving, quickly approaches.

"We'll have 30 to 40 people in line waiting for us to open the fresh tree barn, where we have trees that come from up north, Fraser Firs, which are like the Cadillac of Christmas trees and Douglas Firs and Balsam Firs," Michelle Peck said. "We have 20 or so employees dressed up in these red coveralls. I think they look like little Oompa Loompas out there; It's part of that Christmas tradition."

Horse-drawn hayback rides are scheduled for Friday and Saturday of opening weekend from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with an additional date on Saturday, December 7, also from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. BEL Tree Farm offers free admission, ensuring all families can enjoy the holiday cheer regardless of their budget.

“Our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels welcome,” Michelle Peck said. "Even if you don’t buy a tree, come out for a cup of cider and enjoy the atmosphere."

BEL Tree Farm relies on high school and college students who gain valuable work experience carrying out various tasks on the farm, from popping popcorn and working the gift shop cash register to shaking and bagging trees.

Aaron and Michelle Peck attribute the farm's success to the unwavering support of their employees, family volunteers, and the community, all of whom play a vital role in its operations.

“We’ve had many young workers over the years,” Aaron Peck said. “Some stay with us all through high school and even college. It’s always great to see them come back and share fond memories of working here.”

The farm primarily grows Scotch and Austrian pines, which are well-suited to Kansas's soil and climate. Cultivating Christmas trees is a year-round effort that requires patience, planning, and resilience, particularly in the face of Kansas’ unpredictable weather. Aaron Peck explained the growth process.

"On average, we try to plant about 1,000 seedlings a year," Aaron Peck explained. "Sometimes it's a little less, sometimes a little more, depending on the conditions and what we can manage."

The seedlings, sourced from reputable suppliers in Kansas, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Michigan, are typically two to three years old and measure about six to eight inches tall when planted. From there, it takes five to seven years under normal conditions for a tree to grow to a marketable size.

"With the drought we've had lately, that's been a challenge. But we're getting some rain, and maybe we're going to turn the corner on this cycle," Aaron Peck said.&nbsp;

Despite its roots in tradition, BEL Tree Farm has embraced modern advancements to enhance its operations and connect with more people from outside Saline County. 

While much of the farm’s charm remains unchanged since it began in the 1960s, Aaron Peck noted that incorporating new technology and leveraging social media have brought fresh opportunities to the family-run business.

"There's not a ton of change out there. We haven't changed much in terms of the tradition that families come out and enjoy. We've made different investments in equipment and technology and so social media, that's probably been a huge, probably one of the biggest changes for our business," Aaron Peck said. "Michelle's more in tune with that than I am, but tapping into that kind of a market has probably been one of the largest changes that the tree farm has taken advantage of."

The experience doesn't end with selecting a tree—it's about ensuring it lasts throughout the Christmas season. Every tree, whether locally grown or brought in from northern states, receives a fresh cut before being displayed in the farm’s fresh tree barn.

"We cut a fresh slice and place them in water to keep them healthy," explained Michelle Peck. "Our tree cutters call it 'the swamp,' but it’s a water-holding area that helps keep the trees hydrated and fresh. It makes a huge difference compared to trees that might just sit on the blacktop at big-box stores."

For the Peck family, Christmas mornings are about spending quality time with family, enjoying cherished traditions and relaxing after a busy season at the tree farm.&nbsp;

"Every Christmas morning, we’re always home with our kids," Michelle said. "After working at the tree farm all season, I’m not much of a cook, so our Christmas breakfast has been Pillsbury orange rolls for 20 years. It’s simple, but it’s ours."

Aaron has kept another family tradition alive—one that started with his own parents. 

"Every Christmas Eve, I read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ to our kids," Aaron said. "Even at 17 and 18, they still let me do it. I might drag them out for one more year."

Michelle and Aaron's commitment to creating family memories extends far beyond their home. At BEL Tree Farm, the Pecks have worked to build an environment where families can start their own traditions. Whether it’s warming up by the potbelly stove, picking out ornaments in the gift shop, or taking photos in the winter wonderland, visitors are invited to make the farm part of their own holiday story.

"Christmas is such a special time," Michelle said. "We’ve seen families grow with us over the years—parents, kids, and now even grandkids. That’s what makes this so meaningful."

To learn more about BEL Tree Farm, follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/@BELTreeFarm">social media</a> or check out their <a href="https://beltreefarmsalina.com/">website here</a>.&nbsp;

BEL Tree Farm: Growing Christmas traditions

Mid-November marks the peak of the deer rut season, a time when deer are more active as they search for mates, increasing the likelihood of vehicle collisions. Since November 11, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office has responded to 11 deer-related crashes, with only one resulting in minor injuries, according to Saline County Sheriff's Office Operations Captain Jim Hughes.

It is important not to swerve to avoid hitting a deer, as that can result in a more serious crash, potentially involving other vehicles or objects off the road.

Drivers are advised to reduce speed in areas where deer are commonly seen, especially at dawn and dusk, and to use high beams when appropriate to improve visibility.

Always wear your seatbelt and ensure children are in appropriate safety seats. Use bright headlights when there is no oncoming traffic, and scan for the reflective eyes of deer along the roadway.

Saline Co. Sheriff's Office urges caution during deer season

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!

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

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

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

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

Kansas Highway Patrol It’s a busy time for farmers in Kansas with fall harvest underway. The Kansas Highway Patrol would like to remind motorists to use more caution and patience when traveling around farm trucks, tractors, combines, and other implements.

“As the busy farming season is underway, each traveler in Kansas needs to be more aware of increased farm implement and truck traffic,” said Captain Candice Breshears. “In Kansas, we have many trucks exiting and entering the roadways at any given time. Traveling around these vehicles requires extra caution.”

Most farm equipment is not designed to travel at highway speeds and may only travel 15-25 mph. Farm equipment is often wider than the lane of traffic, so extra room should be allowed when sharing the road. Caution should be practiced on all roads, but especially on busy rural roads with unmarked intersections.

Don’t assume the farmer knows you’re there.

Although most farmers regularly check for vehicles behind them, the majority of their focus must be spent looking ahead to stay on the road and watch for oncoming traffic. Implements are very loud, hindering their ability to hear your vehicle.

Don’t pass unless you can see clearly ahead of both your vehicle and the equipment you are passing. If there are curves or hills blocking your view, wait until you can clearly visualize the area you are passing in. You should not pass in a designated “No Passing Zone,” even if you are stuck behind a farm vehicle. Do not pass if you are within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevated structure, or tunnel.

When a farm vehicle pulls to the right side of the road, it does not mean it is turning right or allowing you to pass.

Due to the size of some farm equipment, the farmer must execute wide left turns, so allow it plenty of room and time to turn and remain aware of any potential driveway or field they may be turning into.

Don’t assume that a farmer can move aside to let you pass. Shoulders may be soft, wet, or steep, which can cause the farm vehicle to tip, or the shoulder may not support the weight of a heavy farm vehicle. They understand you are being delayed and will move over at the first safe location available.

Think of the slow-moving vehicle emblem as a warning to adjust your speed.

When you see the slow-moving vehicle emblem, immediately slow down. While the emblems are visible from a long distance, it is difficult to judge the speed at which you are closing in on the vehicle, especially at night.

When you are not focused solely on the road, you increase your chances of a collision, especially if you should come upon a slow-moving farm vehicle.

KHP: Extra caution needed on Kansas roads during harvest

24/7 Travel Store is excited to kick off our 7th annual Food Bank Fill-Up campaign, “Driving Out Hunger. Together.” This month-long effort, which runs through September, will help local food banks across Kansas by matching donations up to $3,000 per store.

“At 24/7 Travel Store, giving back is a big part of who we are,” said Ted Augustine, President of 24/7 Travel Store. “Our Food Bank Fill-Up is a powerful way for us to team up with our customers and help those in need right here in our local communities. We’re grateful for the support we see each year and are proud to continue this tradition.”

The highlight of this year’s campaign is our “Hunger Action Day” event on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Food Bank representatives will be on-site at each of our stores, with times varying by location, to engage with customers and educate them on the available food bank services. They will also explain how the funds raised will be used and encourage individuals to give. On this day, we’ll also be accepting food donations in addition to monetary contributions.

The campaign has garnered strong support year after year, and Jackie Hynes, Director of Marketing at 24/7 Travel Store, is looking forward to this year’s efforts. "This will be my third year coordinating the Food Bank Fill-Up, and I’m continually inspired by the dedication of our team and the generosity of our community," Hynes said. "Through this campaign, I’ve had the opportunity to learn about the incredible work our Kansas food banks do, often relying solely on community support without access to state or grant funding. I’m proud of the efforts we all put in to support such a tremendous need and make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most."

We invite everyone to join us on September 21 and throughout the month to support this important cause. Whether by donating or simply spreading the word, every action counts. For more information, including event details and how to get involved, visit 24-7stores.com/news or check out our Facebook page.

Proudly Supporting These Kansas Food Banks Abilene Area Food &amp; Clothing Bank (Abilene) • Community Care Ministries (Maple Hill) • Genesis Food Pantry of Sherman County (Goodland) • Genesis Food Pantry of Thomas County (Colby) • McPherson County Food Bank (McPherson) • Russell County Food Pantry (Russell) • Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank (Salina) • Trego County Food Pantry (WaKeeney)

24/7 Travel Store launches 7th-annual food bank fill-up

Precipitation data courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/">CoCoRaHS</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">The National Weather Service</a>.

Following precipitation events, Salina Post will update this page with precipitation totals.&nbsp;

As of 08/01/2024 at 8:22 a.m.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/515dcf98-45ad-4e68-b2a2-ed8218a2c9e7">UPDATED: Thousands of Salinans left without power after severe thunderstorm</a>

CoCoRaHS 24-hour rain totals

In today's digital age, reliable&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;access is essential for economic growth, education, healthcare, and overall quality of life. To address&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;deficiencies and enhance connectivity throughout the county, Saline County has contracted with Design Nine, Inc. of Blacksburg, VA, to conduct a comprehensive&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;study.

Design Nine will examine existing&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;assets offered by local telecom providers and cable companies. The analysis will cover the types of&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;services available, usage patterns, and, most importantly, gaps in coverage. Based on this data, Design Nine will propose strategies for improving&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;services in Saline County.

The success of this project is completely dependent upon the participation of Saline County residents. Saline County urges every resident and business owner to complete the&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;surveys to provide the essential data needed to shape the future of&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;in Saline County. The data collected will empower local leaders and stakeholders to make informed decisions about expanding&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;access in Saline County.

To view the Saline County Resident Broadband Survey <a href="https://projects.designnine.com/survey/saline-residential">click here</a>

To view the Saline County Business Broadband Survey <a href="https://projects.designnine.com/survey/saline-business">click here</a>

Para encuestas en español haga <a href="https://projects.designnine.com/survey/saline-residential-espaniol">clic aquí.</a>

Paper surveys will also be available at select locations throughout the county to gather&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;coverage information from those who may not have the ability to fill the survey out online.&nbsp;

Eagle Communications Media Center, 1825 S Ohio St, Salina, KS 67401 Ad Astra Coffee, 135 N Santa Fe Ave, Salina Assaria Hardware,&nbsp;104 W Main St, Assaria, KS 67416 Gypsum Exit 14 Restaurant, 512 Maple St, Gypsum, KS 67448 Salina Public Library,&nbsp;301 W Elm St, Salina, KS 67401 City/County Building, 300 W. Ash St., Salina, KS 67401 Salina Family Healthcare Center,&nbsp;651 E Prescott Rd, Salina, KS 67401

Join Saline County and Design Nine at the Salina Public Library for a come-and-go community forum to discuss broadband equity in Saline County.

Location:&nbsp;Salina Public Library Technology Center, 301 W. Elm St., Salina, KS 67401

Date and time:&nbsp;Tue, Jun 25, 2024 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Andrew Cohill, PhD, President and CEO of Design Nine, Inc., and Jack Maytum, Senior Broadband Analyst for Design Nine, invite area business owners/operators to a "Broadband for Business" community forum on June 26 from 8 am to 10 am at the Visit Salina Annex.

Design Nine was founded in 1987 by&nbsp;<a href="https://vktowebbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SYjhHIvUEbYAD5n0QU_OpqxgOhnDNhg0ShSJIATRPvIETbZvOQDuYYeQ99-AwW1jGsnC_0F5-yldrwkTnfttUmgXSuaiZ0MqjtktW-YCnkFPMo06f12vf27bAQERkW-FmxkStUc8WEM6NDypZ-OlM6qS3UP6cYX4Mynh4O4LnEo=&amp;c=1dvxXSqYqatdx2j2aTz5MeEkF67zgBmJ3aKNSDVzwXBRzmSUv3nlVw==&amp;ch=zKVtLyBFknwKo0fhEzbpAHEuSmYE0Op4Q4ZfnP4xo-s3UVIcxP38Ug==" target="_blank">Andrew Cohill</a>&nbsp;to provide technology advice and services to community, business, and public clients. Over the years, the company has grown steadily and now offers a comprehensive array of&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;network services, including early phase planning, network architecture and design, and network construction oversight and project management. Design Nine is one of a very few firms in the United States with experience in the design, construction, and operation of open access&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;networks.

Design Nine projects have included the award-winning nDanville municipal open network, The Wired Road open access network, New Hampshire FastRoads, Rockbridge Area Network Authority network, the City of Eagan, Minnesota open access network, and over a hundred other planning efforts for communities in more than twenty states. The&nbsp;<a href="https://vktowebbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SYjhHIvUEbYAD5n0QU_OpqxgOhnDNhg0ShSJIATRPvIETbZvOQDuYYeQ99-AwW1jyrd0G17qjB9Htm_1t2D4S8-QsMbTIdVsv47rJAqF2MWuQlD_FK7_7Q3xSeC4ULHgRMpgqrYR7Nt_2N5zEPpxbcbGTb-A-8AZ&amp;c=1dvxXSqYqatdx2j2aTz5MeEkF67zgBmJ3aKNSDVzwXBRzmSUv3nlVw==&amp;ch=zKVtLyBFknwKo0fhEzbpAHEuSmYE0Op4Q4ZfnP4xo-s3UVIcxP38Ug==" target="_blank">senior leadership</a>&nbsp;of Design Nine has extensive, hands-on experience designing and managing telecommunications and&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;systems.

Design Nine, Inc. is a Virginia corporation with its main office in the Corporate Research Center in Blacksburg, Virginia. Design Nine has satellite offices in Keene, New Hampshire and Knoxville, Tennessee.

Andrew Cohill is the President of Design Nine. His career in telecom began in the early eighties with work at AT&amp;T Bell Labs.

Cohill has been helping communities develop, build, and operate modern&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;fiber and wireless networks since 1993 when Virginia Tech appointed him the first Director of the Blacksburg Electronic Village, the world’s first Internet-based community&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;project.

Cohill has worked with more than 300 communities worldwide on telecommunications planning, design, and engineering of next-generation high-performance&nbsp;wireless and fiber&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;networks.&nbsp;He has provided assistance to community&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;projects throughout North America, including Canada and the Caribbean. Design Nine provides&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;planning, network construction services, and network operations services for public and private clients throughout the U.S.

Cohill has written and spoken extensively on the future of communities and the relationship between community and economic development and&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;infrastructure. He has a worldwide reputation for his work in helping governments and communities make wise technology investments that support jobs, economic development, and intelligent use of the Internet.&nbsp;

Jack Maytum is a Senior&nbsp;Broadband&nbsp;Analyst with Design Nine.&nbsp;Over the ten years with the company, Maytum has worked with dozens of town, county, and city&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;feasibility and planning studies.&nbsp;He specializes in community engagement activities, stakeholder engagement, and service provider outreach.

Maytum’s experience in telecom network management began as a communications officer in the U.S. Amy Signal Corp. Later, Maytum worked for AT&amp;T, coordinating the efforts of sales staff and networking professionals who were providing telecom services to Connecticut’s 147,000 business customers.

As Director of Marketing for Nestor Traffic Systems, Maytum prepared technical information for presentations to mayors, councils, and County managers across the U.S. regarding the installation and operation of networked red light cameras and speed detection systems. He also taught network programming for five years at Northeastern University’s State-of-the-Art Engineering program.

﻿Funded by $48,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, this study is crucial for identifying service gaps and developing strategies to improve&nbsp;broadband&nbsp;access.

Saline County to host broadband community forums this week

SALINE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Wednesday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Kia Sportage driven by Jeffrey Lee Sims, 50,&nbsp; Manhattan, was westbound in the 1600 Block of West State Street. 

The SUV traveled off the south side of the roadway and into a ditch.&nbsp; The vehicle continued along the embankment, traveled off the edge of the ravine and came to rest in the creek.

EMS transported Sims to Salina Regional Health Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kan. man hospitalized in Salina after SUV lands in creek

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; &nbsp;Culifer, Camryn William

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Viol protection order; Abuse order and Viol protection order; Condition of release

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Violate offender reg. act; Felony; Unknown and Sexual exploit of child; poss media of child&lt;18

REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to Appear and Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving While Suspended, Driving while habitual violator and Speeding; maximum limits

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Wright, Dennis Lamar Maurice

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Probation Violation, Failure to appear and Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circ; misd

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Wylie, Mikhail Alexander

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body, Driving While Suspended, Flee or attempt to elude; drive into opposing lane, Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for felony case, Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant Reckless Driving, Speeding; maximum limits and Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance

Saline County Jail Bookings, Nov. 28

Christ Cathedral announces the return of its unique annual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans worship service and Feast of St. Andrew. It is set for Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at 6 p.m. at the Cathedral, 138 S. Eighth Street, downtown Salina.

The Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans spotlights the Scottish tradition of having family and clan tartans blessed at a special time of year. The Saturday-evening service and following potluck meal are open to the public. Because three of Salina’s four founding families are Scottish, many feel that a Kirkin’ service is well-suited for the Salina area.

“All are welcome to ‘put on their Scottish’ for the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans,” says Mo. Shay Craig, dean of Christ Cathedral. The holiday-season Kirkin’ service and potluck offer the community a unique taste of Scottish music, traditions, and food in a beautiful historic setting.

At 6 p.m. that Saturday, attendees will be piped into the Cathedral by McPherson-area bagpipers for a service including Holy Eucharist (communion), festive music, and ancient prayers. The tartan sash, kilt, or fabric swatch of any families in attendance that night can be blessed as their clan (family) names are “called” out loud.

Immediately following the worship service is a potluck Ceilidh (“KAY-lee”) supper and a Scotch Whisky tasting in the parish hall library. The evening ends as those in attendance select the Parish Chieftain who will receive a special sash to be worn at next year’s Kirkin’.

Today’s modern-day Kirkin’ traditions link back to mid-16th-century Scottish history. After the English defeated Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Scottish forces in the Battle of Culloden in 1746, the wearing of tartans and playing of bagpipes were forbidden. The wearing or displaying of tartans was punishable by death. According to legend, Scots continued to wear a hidden piece of tartan to church, and their minister would slip in a blessing, or kirking, of the tartans into the worship service.

Celebration of Scottish roots is especially appropriate for Episcopalians, who owe a debt of gratitude to the Scottish Episcopal Church. The Church of England would not consecrate Samuel Seabury, the first American bishop elected post-Revolution, unless he swore allegiance to the Crown. When he would not, bishops in Scotland consecrated Seabury in Aberdeen on Nov. 14, 1784, asking that in return he incorporate the Scottish Rite for the Eucharist into the American prayer book. Features of the Rite are still in use today.

The first recognized Kirkin’ service in America was conducted in Washington, D.C. in 1941. The tradition has grown in popularity since then. Beyond spotlighting Episcopalian heritage and Scottish culture, Christ Cathedral’s Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans and Feast of St. Andrew potluck on Saturday, November 30 encourages participants to reflect on their own family and ethnic heritage.

Those wishing to stay for the potluck Ceilidh (“KAY-lee”) or to reserve a “Whisky in the Library” ticket (ages 21 and over only), should RSVP by Wednesday, November 20 to the Cathedral at 785-827-4440 or to ChristCathedral@ChristCathedralSalina.org. Those joining in the potluck meal are invited to bring a Scottish or a favorite side dish. Recipe ideas are available at:

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/collections/scottish-recipes/">https://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/collections/scottish-recipes/</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.foodtimeline.org/">https://www.foodtimeline.org/</a>.

Christ Cathedral considers itself “the church at the heart of the city, with a heart for the city.” For more information on the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans or other holiday happenings, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://christcathedralsalina.org/">ChristCathedralSalina.org</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/christcathedralsalina">https://www.facebook.com/christcathedralsalina</a>.

Christ Cathedral considers itself central to Salina’s community fabric, as “the church at the heart of the city, with a heart for the city.”

For more information on the Kirkin’ of the Tartans event or other Cathedral happenings, contact Cathedral staff at 785-827-4440 or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://christcathedralsalina.org/">ChristCathedralSalina.org</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/christcathedralsalina">https://www.facebook.com/christcathedralsalina</a>

Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans at Christ Cathedral this Saturday

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

Salina Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. To submit obituaries, email the obituary text and a photo of the deceased to admin@salinapost.com&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Roselawnburialandcremation">Roselawn Burial and Cremation Services Facebook Page</a>

Recent obituaries and service times

The Topeka Capitol Building will soon house a mural celebrating Kansas women who worked to win the right to vote. Join Jeanne Klein, as she discusses the mural and shares about Laura Johns, Salina’s very own suffragist. Manhattan, KS, artist Phyllis Pease will also be here with the watercolor she created for the committee. Your gift helps pay for the mural. While donations are strongly encouraged, we hope you’ll attend either way. The League of Women Voters of Kansas will be on hand to accept donations.

Klein is an Associate Professor Emerita from the Department of Theatre and Dance at KU.

This free presentation is offered by the Smoky Hill Museum, December 5, 5:30-6:30 pm. Enjoy the presentation in-person at the Museum, or from the comfort of your own home via Zoom. Register for your Zoom link at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.smokyhillmuseum.org/">www.smokyhillmuseum.org</a>.

The Smoky Hill Museum is a nationally accredited history museum, in the heart of downtown Salina, Kansas. This FREE museum is open Tuesday-Friday 11-5, Saturday 10-5. Also, be sure to stop by the Museum Store&nbsp;for a wide variety of regional and Kansas products, local artwork and gifts for all ages.

Smoky Hill Museum First Thursday: The Kansas Woman Suffrage Movement

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor

Saline County Jail Bookings, Nov. 27

By&nbsp;JEREMY BOHN K-State Salina &nbsp;

Imagine this: A student is immersed in cutting-edge technology, learning from industry experts who bring years of research and real-world experience into the classroom. They sit at a desk in a traditional setting, and they can see their fellow students sitting beside them, intently listening as an instructor writes on a board or discusses the lesson of the day.

What unfolds next is anything but ordinary.

At the end of class, the student slides off their virtual reality, or VR, headset, and opens their eyes not to a classroom, but to their living room, a work office or even a coffee shop.

This isn’t a vision for the future – it’s a reality today for many students at Kansas State University Salina.

Through the integration of virtual environments, K-State Salina is redefining the educational experience, connecting learners across the globe in real time.

“ Through these VR headsets, we have a virtual classroom that we can step into with a whiteboard that we can draw on," said Henry Kerschen, senior in computer systems technology, Olathe. “This campus has done a great job of preparing all of us to have that real, thoughtful development as we’ve worked," Kerschen continued. "What has been that for me is a fully comprehensive experience and it’s given me a good base foundation of information that I can really take with me anywhere.”

K-AIRES will be hub for cutting-edge education, Pure Imagination Studios

As Kansas State University’s College of Aviation and Technology, the Salina campus is setting the standard for technical education, especially in the aerospace and technology industries. Through its expertise in pioneering technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality and cyber-physical systems, K-State Salina is shaping the future of education and advancing the mission of Kansas State University as the next-generation land-grant university.

“The instructors at K-State Salina have done a great job of introducing us to new technology,” Kerschen said. “As students, we have this unique opportunity to play with VR headsets and engage in that immersive experience, and we have a lot of tools that allow us to get hands-on with our own educational experiments.”

In August, K-State Salina broke ground on facilities for its new, one-of-a-kind partnership with Pure Imagination Studios, a global leader in immersive entertainment.

This collaboration led to the creation of the K-AIRES center, a $41 million, 47,500-square-foot facility that will be a hub for cutting-edge education and innovation. K-AIRES will house a production lab for Pure Imagination Studios, which has worked on high-profile projects for Netflix, DreamWorks, FOX, The LEGO Group, Marvel Entertainment and others.

“Our students will be working alongside Pure Imagination employees and creatives learning how the industry works,” said Michael Oetken, assistant professor in immersive systems design and director of K-AIRES. “They’ll get to work on projects with Pure Imagination Labs as well as engage in experiential learning with K-State Salina faculty. It’s an exciting new chapter in applied learning on our campus and a great way to gain an education.”

K-State is not waiting for construction to be complete. Students are already learning how to apply advanced technologies daily, from cyber-physical systems to how software and data components interact with the world.

Students are already learning how to autonomously navigate drones through programming, control systems, computer vision and image processing.

“At K-State Salina, we are changing the landscape of education,” said Balaji Balasubramaniam, assistant professor in computer systems technology and graduate program coordinator for the machine learning and autonomous systems certificate. “We are giving the students the experience of using these advanced technologies in the classroom. Students are provided opportunities to immerse themselves through work-study, hands-on projects in class and assisting in research.”

K-State Salina students learn real-world skills to build the future

K-State Salina is not only transforming higher education, but also preparing students for careers in industries that are rapidly evolving.

One area seeing massive technological growth is agriculture, where K-State Salina’s expertise in AI, VR and machine learning is making an impact.

Agriculture companies are embracing AI and digital technologies to enhance precision farming. From tractor mapping software to AI-driven agricultural spray aircraft, these innovations are making farming more efficient and cost-effective.

Austin Chart, a graduate student in integrated systems design and dynamics, Salina, is using K-State Salina’s advanced technologies to improve agricultural practices.

“Farming in general has been a lot more systematic, it’s become much more precision-based, and that level of precision is becoming more and more accurate by the day, especially with this type of technology,” Chart said. “Innovations like machine learning, autonomous systems and AI help producers save money because farmers, using the tools and machines at their disposal, understand their land best and know where to properly apply products.”

Students at K-State Salina have access to industry-standard tools like VR headsets, robots, three-dimensional modeling software and programming software like Unreal Engine — all of which allow them to experiment and build their own projects.

The combination of hands-on learning, industry partnerships and cutting-edge technology sets K-State Salina apart.

Chart credits the hands-on nature of K-State Salina’s courses and the faculty’s connections to industry in helping him prepare to affect the agriculture industry with new technologies.

“Getting your education at K-State Salina feels a little bit like you’re at Hogwarts," Chart said. "We’re not just reading a book — we’re learning the spells. Students are creating programs, creating games and doing these things hands-on and in real-time. I think it’s something that distinguishes K-State from a lot of others around country.”

K-State Salina's virtual reality education is like ‘learning the spells’ at Hogwarts

By JASON GRAVES K-State Research and Extension Central District&nbsp;Horticulturist

Thanksgiving invites us to slow down and reflect on gratitude—a practice that doesn’t always come easily amid the busyness of daily life. In my experience, gratitude is much like a garden: it needs patience, care, and intentionality to grow and thrive truly.

In my daily work with gardeners here in central Kansas, I’ve noticed a shared trait: generosity. Gardeners freely share their time, resources, and wisdom, seeing abundance where others might see only scarcity. I believe this generosity is a natural outgrowth of their gratitude. As they nurture life in their gardens, gratitude also seems to take root and flourish within them.

This is where gardening and gratitude naturally meet. The more time gardeners spend in the planting, growing, and harvesting cycles, the more they see life itself as a series of gifts. And that’s what gratitude truly is: naming everything as a gift.

Gratefulness names something as a gift, and the habit of constantly naming everything in my life as a gift changes me.&nbsp; Even life’s challenges are gifts that shape and refine me.&nbsp; Gratitude is the most potent form of honesty.&nbsp; It isn’t a pair of rose-colored glasses that denies what is hard, it is more like a conjunction or a companion that comes alongside difficulty to give us a much fuller sense of reality in every moment. &nbsp;

Difficulties, when they arise, are not the whole of our existence.

Experienced gardeners understand that not every growing season will go according to plan.&nbsp; A sudden heatwave early in the season can render tomato pollen nonviable, leading to crop failure. A swarm of caterpillars may strip coneflower foliage bare. A strong windstorm might topple even the most beautiful, productive apple tree.

These things happen, and most gardeners I work with refuse to let these challenges make them less than human.&nbsp; They refuse to shrink or lose their sense and awareness of reality.&nbsp; They have learned to name everything as a gift, even the hardships.&nbsp;&nbsp;

When the tomato crop fails due to heat, they turn their attention to the gift of sweet potato vines that laugh at the hot weather and grow even faster.&nbsp; When the swarm of caterpillars is identified as silvery checkerspot larvae, they anticipate the gift of beautiful black, yellow, and orange butterflies that will soon grace their garden.&nbsp; When the storm topples the apple tree, they mourn the loss but also see the gift of a new opportunity to plant even more sun-loving native flowers to build biodiversity in their landscape.

Thanksgiving season is the perfect time to cultivate gratitude with renewed intentionality. It begins with slowing down and naming everything as a gift. In doing so, we practice the most potent form of honesty—and, like a well-tended garden, our gratitude will grow and flourish.

Local

Region

Sports

Announcements