The Labor Market Information (LMI) division of the <a href="https://www.dol.ks.gov/">Kansas Department of Labor</a> (KDOL), in collaboration with Geographic Solutions, has launched <a href="http://==">Today’s Occupations, Tomorrow’s Opportunities (T.O.T.O.)</a>, an innovative career exploration platform designed to help students and career changers navigate their professional paths.

“The launch of T.O.T.O. represents a significant step forward in empowering the next generation of workers in the state of Kansas,” said Labor Secretary Amber Shultz. “Through our partnership with Geographic Solutions, we can better equip students and career changers with advanced career exploration tools that will help them make informed decisions about their professional futures.”

Governor Laura Kelly echoed Secretary Shultz's remarks.&nbsp;

“I am thrilled to support the launch of T.O.T.O. and am confident this new platform will help Kansans find meaningful careers. By investing in an updated, engaging, and comprehensive career exploration platform, we are showing our commitment to building a strong workforce in Kansas.”

Powered by <a href="https://www.geographicsolutions.com/News-Events/Newsroom">Geographic Solutions’ Virtual Career Center (VCC) </a>software solution, T.O.T.O. offers self-service tools to help individuals explore their interests, develop their career paths, and find quality employment opportunities in Kansas. Facilitators will gain access to specially curated worksheets and guides that offer direction on career development, job searching strategies, and interview preparation.

• Wizard of Jobs – Reality Check
Helps users estimate the salary needed for their desired lifestyle, bridging the gap between financial planning and career decision-making.

• Virtual Career Center – Comprehensive Career Exploration and Planning
Connects users to localized occupation data as well as education and training programs aligned with their interests and salary goals. It also provides real-time Kansas job postings, résumé and interview preparation tools, and access to apprenticeships and internships.

• Electronic Portfolio – Portable Record of Career Development and Readiness
Tracks student progress through personalized dashboards and profiles, saving interest inventories, preferred careers and programs, and other career development activities and artifacts.

• Curated Resources – Support for Students and Facilitators
Provides students and facilitators with user-friendly materials to guide students through meaningful career exploration and planning.

• Partnering Schools and Institutions – Student Management
Enables student service and tracking tools for partnering schools and institutions with options for customization and detailed reporting.

“We are proud to partner with the Kansas Department of Labor to develop T.O.T.O. to help younger generations find their career path as they navigate today’s ever-evolving job market,” said Paul Toomey, President and Founder of Geographic Solutions. “T.O.T.O. is more than a job search board, it’s an intuitive platform that will serve as a compass for students and career changers alike, guiding them towards opportunities that align with both their talents and the state's growing industries.”

By launching T.O.T.O., KDOL reaffirms its commitment to equipping Kansans with the tools and data they need to make informed career decisions. This innovative website revolutionizes career planning by integrating cutting-edge technology, interactive learning, and Kansas-specific, real-world job market insights—helping individuals take confident steps toward their future.

KDOL launches T.O.T.O., a cutting-edge platform for career exploration in Kansas

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

WASHINGTON - The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) has played a crucial role in helping millions of low-to-moderate income workers out of poverty. Saturday, March 29, 2025, marked the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.eitc.irs.gov%2Feitc-central%2F50-years-of-earned-income-tax-credit/1/01000195dce0cf0e-88de1671-08d9-40dc-b8a0-82d465548950-000000/HuBn60ZM3XOet8hA-i8VAiSGHKIxwJ2SI-ffVwalrCM=398">50th&nbsp;anniversary</a>&nbsp;of this important credit.&nbsp;

A component of the Tax Reduction Act, EITC was signed into law by President Gerald Ford on March 29, 1975. What began as a modest means to provide financial help to working families has evolved through a series of legislative changes into one of the federal government’s largest anti-poverty programs.&nbsp;

Over the past 50 years, the EITC has had a significant impact in the lives of eligible taxpayers claiming the credit. As of Dec. 2024, approximately 23 million workers and families received about&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fcredits-deductions%2Findividuals%2Fearned-income-tax-credit%2Fearned-income-tax-credit-statistics/1/01000195dce0cf0e-88de1671-08d9-40dc-b8a0-82d465548950-000000/-DVvBu1ZBbKp5MZ1ZEamMMzTEtupShjKIwoTYhlb8kw=398">$64 billion</a>&nbsp;from EITC.&nbsp;

In 1975, the maximum credit amount for EITC was $400. For tax year 2024, the EITC can be up to $7,830. Today, the EITC continues to provide financial assistance to low-to-moderate income working families and individuals, with or without children, by helping them cover essentials, save for the future and build financial stability.&nbsp;

Taxpayers can use the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fcredits-deductions%2Findividuals%2Fearned-income-tax-credit%2Fuse-the-eitc-assistant/1/01000195dce0cf0e-88de1671-08d9-40dc-b8a0-82d465548950-000000/pdoykEv93JaOKWttMWwecwiyDXc9Opud2PGuarPA-BA=398">EITC Assistant</a>&nbsp;to determine their eligibility. Those that are eligible can learn&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fcredits-deductions%2Findividuals%2Fearned-income-tax-credit%2Fhow-to-claim-the-earned-income-tax-credit-eitc/1/01000195dce0cf0e-88de1671-08d9-40dc-b8a0-82d465548950-000000/HT7u4ydNwDSaLVw8OpbpE7LloUAlBk4DpJ7dVc6Zu4w=398">how to claim the credit on IRS.gov</a>.

Earned Income Tax Credit celebrates 50 years of helping working families 

TOPEKA – The <a href="https://www.kansaspoisoncenter.com/">Poison Center at the University of Kansas Health System</a> and Safe Kids Kansas want to remind Kansans that when the unexpected happens, Poison Help is here for you 24/7 with fast, free treatment advice by calling Poison Help (1-800-222-1222).

Whether it’s a question or an emergency, Poison Help can provide life-saving information when people need it most. Calling a Poison Center is faster and more accurate than an internet search. 

On average, 90 percent of poisonings happen in homes in America each year, and nearly 70 percent of people who call Poison Help get the help they need right where they are—saving the cost of a trip to a healthcare professional or hospital.

Not everyone realizes that Poison Centers are for everyone. While poison centers get a lot of calls about children, calls about teens, adults and older adults tend to be more serious. 

More than 60 percent of calls to the Kansas Poison Center in 2024 involved medicines or pharmaceuticals. However, other common poisons include household products, plants, mushrooms, pesticides, animal bites and stings, carbon monoxide and many other types of nonpharmaceutical substances.

“The best piece of advice we can give is to program the Poison Help number, 1-800-222-1222, in your phone and post it visibly in your home,”&nbsp;said Stefanie Baines, education coordinator for the Kansas Poison Center.&nbsp;“This way you are prepared in the event of a poisoning emergency or if you simply have questions.”

Here are the ways Poison Centers save time, worry, lives and money:

When seconds count, calling a poison center is faster and more accurate than a confusing internet search.

Nurses, pharmacists and doctors answer calls. We can help in more than 150 languages. Doctors and hospitals turn to us for help every day.

Whether it is a question or an emergency, Poison Centers are there with life-saving information when you need it the most.

All calls are free. Nearly 70 percent of people who call get the help they need right where they are – saving the cost of a trip to the doctor or hospital.

“Curious kids can get into everything. That’s why you can ask Poison Centers anything,”&nbsp;said Cherie Sage, state coordinator for Safe Kids Kansas.&nbsp;“When your child is curious, Poison Help is here for you 24/7. No judgment – just fast, free, confidential and expert advice.”

If you think someone has been poisoned, call 1-800-222-1222 right away. Fast and free expert help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information about preventing accidental poisoning visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kansaspoisoncenter.com%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019590ab44f8-d8c9f770-7f5c-4d6b-85fc-22b6f5e4bdae-000000/QNt1VSBDCWzEFwp2lFtR-1vanJicIcvMPbD3wiMYCcA=396">Kansas Poison Center</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.safekidskansas.org%2Fpoison_prevention.htm%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019590ab44f8-d8c9f770-7f5c-4d6b-85fc-22b6f5e4bdae-000000/rjjfz4lXeyyVSbvjpjRqBngcperjrWTjxl8_jiCN7og=396">Safe Kids Kansas Poison Prevention.</a>

When the unexpected happens, poison centers are here for you

Are you passionate about delivering timely, accurate, and engaging local news? Eagle Media in Salina is hiring a full-time news director to lead newsroom operations across SalinaPost.com and Eagle Radio stations — including 99KG, KINA, and 94.5 Prime FM.

As news director, you’ll be responsible for writing and reporting news for Salina Post while also producing and delivering daily audio newscasts. You’ll work closely with community leaders, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to keep the public informed about what matters most in Salina and the surrounding areas.

Publishing news content on SalinaPost.com

Producing and delivering audio newscasts on-air

Conducting interviews and covering community events

Building relationships with local newsmakers

Utilizing social media to enhance audience engagement

Eagle is seeking a strong journalist with experience in reporting or broadcasting, solid writing and audio production skills, and a passion for community news.

Includes health insurance, 401(k), paid vacation, and participation in Eagle Communications’ Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

This position offers a salary range of $35,000 to $45,000 annually, based on experience.

Ready to lead the conversation in Salina?

<a href="https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=7c09ab04-f576-4f5a-bdb8-f914cdd1f344&amp;ccId=19000101_000001&amp;lang=en_US&amp;source=CC4&amp;selectedMenuKey=CareerCenter">Click here to apply.</a>

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Finalists will be subject to a criminal background and motor vehicle check. Eagle Communications, Inc. is an employee-owned company and an EEO employer.

Join the team: Eagle Media hiring full-time news director in Salina

Saline County Treasurer Jim DuBois is reminding residents that the second half of 2024 property taxes for real estate and personal property are due Monday, May 12, 2025. The deadline is extended due to the regular May 10 deadline falling on a Saturday.

Taxpayers are asked to include the remittance stub from the bottom of the original tax statement with their payment. Those who would like a paid receipt returned should clearly indicate that on the stub.

Anyone who has misplaced their tax statement can contact the Treasurer’s Office at (785) 309-5860 to get the amount due and tax ID number. Copies of statements can be emailed or mailed upon request.

DuBois noted that if the first half of the 2024 taxes has not been paid, interest is now due. Taxpayers should call the office before sending payment to confirm the correct amount owed. No second half notices will be mailed.

For more information, contact the Saline County Treasurer’s Office at SC.Treasurer@salinecountyks.gov or call (785) 309-5860.

Second half property taxes due May 12 in Saline County

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Suenram, Benjamin Stroda

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

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

Saline County Jail Bookings, April 8

NAME:&nbsp;Hale,Christopher John REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;

Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown

NAME:&nbsp;Holcom,Jenifer Nicole REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;

Ignition interlock device; Operate a car without a required device

License Restrictions, Suspension or Revocation

NAME:&nbsp;Rodriguez Martinez,Jose Angel REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;Sanderson,Levi Matthew REQUESTED CHARGE(S):

Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant

NAME:&nbsp;Waitt,Seth Michael REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;

Agg Domestic Battery: impede breathing/choke

Saline County Jail Bookings, April 7

Governor Laura Kelly announced in a press release on Friday that she has signed off on seven additional bills this week that will become new laws. These include the following:

• Substitute for Senate Bill 67 – authorizes certified registered nurse anesthetists to prescribe, procure and administer drugs consistent with registered nurse anesthetist’s education and qualifications.

•Senate Bill 89 – authorizes the Kansas Department of Agriculture to assess a participant fee for poultry producers that wish to voluntarily participate in the National Poultry Improvement Plan, a state-federal cooperative testing and certification program that seeks to eradicate disease in the poultry industry.

• Senate Bill 97 – requires vehicle dealers to apply for a dealer inventory-only title for certain used non-highway vehicles that a vehicle dealer obtains.

• Substitute for House Bill 2152 – shifts Kansas’ investment strategy for public funds to encourage those funds be deposited in Kansas financial institutions. This change will help ensure taxpayer dollars are invested in local communities, increase economic activity in the state and give Kansans access to additional capital to finance investments in their homes, businesses or communities, according to the Office of the Governor.

• House Bill 2359 – enacts the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act and the Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship and other Protective Arrangements Act.

• House Bill 2338 – authorizes the Kansas Board of Cosmetology to issue temporary location and temporary guest artist permits and establishes criteria therefor.

• House Bill 2307 – transfers the prenatal and postnatal diagnosed conditions awareness programs from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Gov. Kelly signs seven bills into law

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, at about 1:19 AM, Officers of the Salina Police Department were dispatched to Chuck’s, 600 N. Santa Fe, in reference to a disturbance where a subject had a knife. Upon arrival, officers located blood inside and outside the bar. Witnesses reported several subjects being stabbed and had driven themselves to the hospital.

A suspect description had been provided, and a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper observed a subject matching the description fleeing from the area on foot. Law enforcement officers located the subject several blocks from the bar and took the subject into custody without incident. The subject was identified as Dylan Michael Henning, 21-years-old, of Salina.

Law enforcement officers were then advised that two victims with stab wounds had arrived at the hospital for treatment. A 24-year-old male of Salina received one stab wound and was admitted to the hospital with a non-life-threatening injury. A 27-year-old male of Salina had three stab wounds and was treated and released.

The investigation determined that the disturbance began in the bar when Henning and a female associate were removed from the bar. While outside the bar, the disturbance continued when Henning is alleged to have produced a knife and stabbed the victims before fleeing the area. Alcohol was a contributing factor.

Henning was booked into the Saline County Jail in reference four counts of Aggravated Battery with a deadly weapon, felony Interference and one count of Disorderly Conduct.

The investigation is on-going. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Salina Police Department. 

SPD: Two men stabbed outside Chuck’s Bar; suspect arrested after foot chase

By NATE KING Salina Post

The first thing that grabs your attention when you step into Kansas Hempire in Salina isn’t just the well-organized shelves of hemp-based wellness products or the colorful assortment of knits and sweaters — it’s the walls.

A bold mural filled with technicolor mushrooms and the phrase “Good Vibes” in groovy, oversized lettering stretches around the shop, instantly inviting guests in and setting a relaxed tone — just as owner Megan Carolan envisioned.

Before Kansas Hempire, the building at 1300 S. Santa Fe Ave. was home to the House of Sight and Sound, a local music mecca that pulsed with vinyl records, incense, and underground energy from 1971 until its closure in 2011. For Carolan, keeping that counter culture spirit alive was never a question.

“I always believed this building still had so much potential,” Carolan said. “I knew it needed to be a heady-style shop — a place where people feel safe, creative, and accepted.”

To bring her vision to life, Carolan enlisted Junction City based muralist Mindy Allen, whose bold, colorful designs already had a strong following in the community. 

“I’d followed Mindy’s work for years,” Carolan said. “I wanted an artist who naturally fit the energy of this space, and she absolutely delivered.”

For Allen, the project felt like a perfect creative match. 

“It was a design that was right up my alley,” she said. “Once we scheduled a date, I was really excited to get started. I enjoyed the whole process.”

The mural wraps around several walls inside the store, and Allen approached it one section at a time. She began by taking photos of the space and planning how each wall would flow into the next. 

“I try to make each wall feel connected, but also let it have its own identity,” she explained. “Each piece is kind of like its own mural, but they all work together.”

Painting the space involved layering multiple coats of bright, vivid colors — especially challenging for shades like lime green.

“To get those bright tones to pop, you have to build them up,” Allen said. “The lime green took several coats, and I had to start with a lighter color underneath just to get it to show up over the gray wall. Otherwise, it looked like colored water.”

Allen said her daughter, Haley, joined her in the painting process, which not only helped the project get done faster, but also made the experience all that more enjoyable.&nbsp;

The Kansas Hempire mural is one of several large-scale projects Allen has taken on. In 2024, she completed a mural on a grain elevator in Inman, Kansas, celebrating the region’s agricultural history and the legacy of 150 years of Turkey Red wheat.

“That elevator was a challenge, but one of the most rewarding projects I’ve done,” she said. “And it showed me I could handle big, complicated surfaces — which really helped with this wraparound mural.”

Carolan gave Allen full creative freedom, which Allen said she appreciated. 

“The more freedom an artist has, the better the result can be,” she said. “Megan was great to work with — very easygoing and open to ideas.”

Carolan said the finished mural has already made an impact.

“It’s about making people feel something,” she said. “When they walk in, we want them to feel connected.”

The two plan to collaborate again soon on a mural at Carolan’s Abilene location. For now, the vibrant interior mural at Kansas Hempire — located at 1300 S. Santa Fe Ave., Salina, KS 67401 — serves as a tribute to the city’s creative spirit, past, present, and future.

Good vibes only: Kansas Hempire’s vibrant new mural creates welcoming vibe in Salina

Plumer Landscaping &amp; Irrigation and the Lindsborg Greenhouse &amp; Nursery are inviting families to celebrate 15 years in business with a weekend of creative fun, community giving, and a look ahead to something even bigger.

This weekend, April 4–6, owner Erin Plumer is hosting fairy garden workshops each evening from 5 to 6 p.m. at the nursery. Participants can bring their own containers or purchase supplies on-site. Soil and class instruction will be donated. A $10 ticket helps cover costs, and 10% of the weekend’s proceeds will benefit the Lindsborg Childhood Development Center.

“This is about giving back to the community that helped raise us,” Plumer said. “We grew up in Salina and Lindsborg, and we wanted to do something fun and meaningful.”

The celebration continues the following weekend, April 18–19, with a special open house and fundraiser honoring the life of Dawson Hogan, a young man who tragically passed away in a vehicle crash on I-70 during a windstorm. Free pulled pork barbecue and refreshments will be offered, and 10% of proceeds will again go toward supporting a local cause. Plumer, who grew up with Dawson’s mother Dana Bonilla Hogan, said the event will be a celebration of Dawson’s life and a show of support for his family.

“We’re combining our anniversary with a way to honor Dawson and lift up his family,” Plumer said. “It’s really about community, remembrance, and planting something new—literally.”

For more information or updates, visit <a href="https://www.plumerlandscape.com/">Lindsborg Greenhouse &amp; Nursery on social media.</a>

Lindsborg nursery marks 15 years with fundraiser and fairy gardens

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1111e554-0884-402c-9438-f50803d95c14?elinkdata=24351">Blake Dale</a> hit three home runs, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b7da7b75-9247-41b9-bf00-60ca8961bdfb?elinkdata=24351">Tyler Favretto</a> was a triple away from a cycle as the Coyote offense came alive for a 19-2 win over Sterling College on Tuesday at Dean Evans Stadium.

Sterling scored the first run of the game capitalizing on a KWU error in the inning to put the run on the board.

Wesleyan quickly erased Sterling's lead in the bottom of the inning. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/51df4957-acad-4ea1-94a8-00c64c15fa18?elinkdata=24351">Tyler Favretto's</a> one-out single started the KWU rally as the first run of the inning came on a wild pitch after the Coyotes had loaded the bases. Two batters later <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/54f750ec-c1dd-4e38-9561-83aa7b9e2c7c?elinkdata=24351">Joe Finder</a> singled home two runs and then Dale stepped up and clubbed his first round tripper of the game.

The Coyotes added two more in the second inning as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f63b5e56-e8f9-44e2-a8f9-fcf1d0d961b4?elinkdata=24351">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> started the rally with a single and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/36f28bfd-d37c-4dab-8e49-89c6f7f6be7a?elinkdata=24351">Carter Allen</a> followed with a hit. Finder then doubled down the line in left to bring in both runners and make it 7-1.

Two more came across in the third for the Coyotes. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c5587213-f861-473f-9723-4c23add6cfe8?elinkdata=24351">Eric Romero</a> singled and after a fielder's choice by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/30f33814-f4a4-49d3-9657-e7feeafa1666?elinkdata=24351">Jacob Williamson</a>, Favretto doubled home a run. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a85899c3-7a7d-4387-a44a-a42ee83f9da9?elinkdata=24351">Garrett Garfield</a> then followed with an RBI single.

Dale hit his second homer of the game to lead off the fourth inning for the Coyotes and Favretto added a 2-run shot later in the inning to make it 12-1.

Sterling scored in the top of the fifth to make it 12-2.

The Coyotes broke the game wide open in the sixth. Dale again led off the inning with a homer completing his hat trick and four spots later Favretto singled to bring in another run. Alex Garcis then singled home a run and after Rucalvaba's single to load the bases pinch hitter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5eb813b7-16c8-4561-8d65-4de353455a06?elinkdata=24351">Jovan Suarez</a> doubled home two more runs. Pinch hitter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d8767acf-eea7-4a65-af42-6ca379a6675c?elinkdata=24351">Jackson Harriger</a> followed suit with another 2-run double that made it 19-2.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/753deca6-40b0-4a15-a179-6c1945d61af7?elinkdata=24351">Shaw Lee</a> got the win for the Coyotes in the shortened game, striking out six in four innings while allowing one unearned run on two hits. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/330815b6-ebfa-4308-a267-ff0c2b64dc4c?elinkdata=24351">Justin Gilliam</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/87a7c16b-63d7-4422-aa84-937abdcde035?elinkdata=24351">Riley Gwin</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ec083db9-9512-44d2-ba07-c293a5c5da15?elinkdata=24351">Ritter Steinmann</a> all worked an inning each in the game.

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