Two Salina organizations have been awarded state funding through the Governor's office, as part of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant.

Governor Kelly announced on January 7 that over $10.4 million in federal VOCA grant funding will be awarded to 64 community-based organizations and local and state agencies.&nbsp;

The VOCA grant funding comes from the Federal Crime Victims Fund, which is financed by fines and penalties from convictions in federal cases.&nbsp;

Those organizations include&nbsp;<a href="https://capsofsalina.org/">Child Advocacy &amp; Parenting Services </a>(CAPS) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dvack.org/">Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas</a> (DVACK).&nbsp;&nbsp;

DVACK was awarded&nbsp;$369,402 and CAPS&nbsp;$67,677.

"This funding is essential to CAPS being able to provide services to children and families in our community," said Executive Director, Paul Forrester. 

A portion of these funds are used for Chris’s Place Child Advocacy Center and allows the organization to conduct forensic interviews for law enforcement and the Department of Children and Families.&nbsp; 

The other portion will fund their Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program, providing advocacy and guidance for youth in the Foster Care system.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

"The grant provides just a small portion of the funding necessary to fund both programs, and the funding provided has been continually declining over the past several years resulting in CAPS becoming more and more dependent on private donations and fundraising," said Forrester.

For more info about CAPS, click <a href="https://capsofsalina.org/">here</a>.

For DVACK, the grant will enable the organization to provide comprehensive, high-quality services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and elder abuse. The funding supports immediate response services that address both the emotional and physical needs of survivors, as well as ongoing support to help victims stabilize their lives in the aftermath of crime. 

In addition to direct services for primary and secondary victims, DVACK will conduct outreach presentations throughout the service area to identify and connect with crime victims who may need assistance. 

"This funding allows us to continue our mission of providing immediate, compassionate support when victims need it most," said Andrea Quill, CEO of DVACK. "By investing in both our services and our staff, we're ensuring that every person who comes to us receives the comprehensive care they deserve as they work to rebuild their lives." DVACK serves victims of crime throughout North Central Kansas, offering emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling, and other essential services to those affected by violence.

Moreover, The grant includes a professional development component, providing training opportunities for DVACK personnel who deliver direct services to ensure the highest quality care for survivors.

DVACK serves victims of crime throughout North Central Kansas, offering emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling, and other essential services to those affected by violence.

For more info about DVACK, click <a href="https://www.dvack.org/">here</a>.

“The&nbsp;services&nbsp;these 64&nbsp;organizations&nbsp;provide&nbsp;are&nbsp;essential&nbsp;to&nbsp;Kansans impacted by crime,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“This&nbsp;crucial&nbsp;funding&nbsp;is vital to these organizations’&nbsp;ability to continue providing the&nbsp;assistance&nbsp;crime victims and survivors&nbsp;need&nbsp;as they&nbsp;rebuild&nbsp;their lives, navigate the criminal justice system, and regain a sense of&nbsp;normality.”&nbsp;

The grant funds are made available through the&nbsp;Office for Victims of Crime,&nbsp;a key&nbsp;component&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Office of Justice Programs at the U.S.&nbsp;Department&nbsp;of Justice.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A total of $10,484,525 was awarded to 64 organizations across the state.

Two Salina organizations awarded state grants to further services and mission

Salina South High School has released the names of all the students who earned Honor Roll for the 2025-2026 fall semester.

The requirements for students to earn Honor Roll is to finish the semester with a 3.0 GPA and no failing grades.

Below you will find a lengthy list of students in alphabetical order by last name, from 9th-12th grades.

Salina South releases lengthy list of students earning Honor Roll for 2025-2026 Fall semester

City-wide celebrations will occur in Salina to observe the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

On Sunday, January 18 at Theatre Salina (303 E Iron Ave)&nbsp;starting at 3:00 pm, there will be a Musical presentation featuring the Salina Symphony Youth Choir, Coro Juvenil Sagrado Corazón and Xcel Ensemble&nbsp;

The theme of the program is "Passing of the torch to the younger generation of civil leaders, as we commemorate the resilience and principles for which Dr. King lived and died."

On Monday, January 19 at&nbsp;St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church&nbsp;(215 S. Chicago St.) starting at 12:00 pm, the annual youth - centered celebration will occur.

Music will include Salina South and Salina Central choirs. Guest speakers are Minister Rodney Garrett, Jr. and Tamia Cheeks, who serves as the State Youth and College President for NAACP Kansas. Cheeks is also the KWU NAACP College Chapter President.

City-wide celebrations for MLK, Jr. Holiday to occur in Salina Jan. 18-19

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 14 - January 16

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.

Salina Post obituary policy (subject to change)

Salina Post understands the importance of honoring the deceased and welcomes all submissions of obituaries with a full summary of their life, survivors, services, website of the funeral home and a photo.

Salina Post accepts all obituaries&nbsp;free of charge (subject to change)&nbsp;and you can email all obituaries:&nbsp;<a href="https://newstips@salinapost.com/">newstips@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>&nbsp;and will be posted on the website within 24 business hours.

If you have an issue outside of business hours, if your obituary has not been published within 24 business hours, or if have any questions, please email:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://newstips@salinapost.com/">newstips@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>

Recent obituaries and service times, how to submit an obituary

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<a href="https://capsofsalina.org/">Child Advocacy and Parenting Services </a>(CAPS) of Salina has shared a PSA following recent community tragedies.

"Our community is grieving the recent tragic deaths of multiple children. These tragedies are heartbreaking, and we hold these children and all who loved them in our thoughts.

Moments like this remind us how important it is to speak openly and compassionately about support. Parenting, and loss, can be overwhelming. Stress, exhaustion, isolation, and fear can build quietly, and sometimes people need help long before a crisis occurs.

CAPS of Salina wants our community to know: you are not alone, and help is available.

CAPS offers programs and resources focused on prevention, education, and family support, as well as Grief Recovery. CAPS is ready to listen and help without judgment, and at no cost.

If you or someone you know needs support, we encourage you to contact CAPS of Salina or another trusted local resource."

CAPS of Salina releases PSA in light of recent child related tragedies

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is issuing fish consumption advisories for 2026. 

The following advisories identify types of fish, or other aquatic species, that should be eaten in limited quantities or, in some cases, avoided altogether because of contamination. General advice and internet resources are provided to aid the public in making informed decisions regarding the benefits and risks associated with eating locally caught fish from Kansas waters.&nbsp;

Bottom-feeding fish:&nbsp;buffalo, carp, catfish, sturgeon and suckers

Shellfish:&nbsp;mussels, clams and crayfish

Serving size (skinless fish fillets before cooking):

There are many health benefits associated with going outside and catching and consuming fish; however, all fish contain some amount of mercury. 

Consumption of mercury-rich fish can harm the development of fetuses, nursing babies, and growing children. As a result, anyone who routinely eats fish or serves fish to children, including store-bought fish, should carefully consider the type and amount of fish eaten. Therefore, mercury-sensitive individuals (women who are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant, and children 17 or younger)&nbsp;should follow the guidelines presented below for eating Kansas-caught fish.&nbsp;

&nbsp; White Bass, White Perch, Wiper, Striped Bass

&nbsp; Sunfish (Bluegill, Green, Redear, etc.)

&nbsp;&nbsp; 1 or 2 per week&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp; Buffalo (Black, Bigmouth, Smallmouth)

&nbsp; Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted)&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp; 1 or 2 per month&nbsp;

Reduce the recommendations above if you tend to keep&nbsp;fish larger than 20 inches&nbsp;to:

For specific questions or concerns about mercury in Kansas-caught fish, contact KDHE. For information about mercury in fish caught in other states, store-bought fish, and other types of seafood, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”)&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.edgepilot.com/s/b31b4c16/3pC5m_nydUKmHnVwCZa7ow?u=https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%252F%252Fwww.epa.gov%252Ffish-tech%252Fepa-fda-advice-about-eating-fish-and-shellfish%253Futm_medium=email%2526utm_source=govdelivery%2523:%7E:text=EPA-FDA%252520Advice%252520about%252520Eating%252520Fish%252520and%252520Shellfish%2525201%2Cfish%252520can%252520provide%252520other%252520health%252520benefits%252520too./1/0100019bb81a4d1e-d2cca19b-78e3-4378-b8e0-31abfea2cd3e-000000/7C2fROf_J7rSQtrnXYgHpHsS7OiQ_EuCE66PIwke6Dk=440">EPA-FDA Advice about Eating Fish and Shellfish | US EPA</a>&nbsp;website. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Waterbody-Specific Advisories for All Consumers

Kansas recommends restricting consumption of&nbsp;bottom-feeding fish&nbsp;to&nbsp;2 servings per month&nbsp;from the following location because of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs):

Kansas recommends restricting consumption of&nbsp;bottom-feeding fish&nbsp;to&nbsp;1 serving per month&nbsp;from the following locations because of PCBs:

Kansas recommends restricting consumption of&nbsp;bottom-feeding fish&nbsp;to&nbsp;1 serving per month&nbsp;from the following location because of arsenic:

Kansas recommends&nbsp;not eating&nbsp;specified fish or aquatic life from the following locations:

Waterbodies Affected by Harmful Algae Blooms:

To date, measured algal toxin levels in fish samples collected from waters affected by harmful algal blooms suggest the fish are safe to eat.&nbsp; However, please take the following precautions:

General Advice for Reducing Exposure to Chemicals in Fish:

Other information from KDHE, KDWP, EPA and the American Heart Association

To view the advisories online – and for information about KDHE’s Fish Tissue Contaminant Monitoring Program – &nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.edgepilot.com/s/6f07c43c/507JP3DMEE6VbtdClBGNSA?u=https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%252F%252Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%252F1268%252FFish-Tissue-Contaminant-Monitoring-Progr%253Futm_medium=email%2526utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019bb81a4d1e-d2cca19b-78e3-4378-b8e0-31abfea2cd3e-000000/tJiPkhElR9ODdT-IMAT7Ir-KP1qkchI4szaj0fuvI-U=440">Fish Tissue Contaminant Monitoring Program | KDHE, KS</a>.

For information about fishing in Kansas – including licensing, regulations, fishing reports and forecasts – &nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.edgepilot.com/s/99b4a2f0/c9EFK9vtZ0uiMUaA3eHVJA?u=https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%252F%252Fksoutdoors.com%252FFishing%253Futm_medium=email%2526utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019bb81a4d1e-d2cca19b-78e3-4378-b8e0-31abfea2cd3e-000000/2UGJfZ169tEC342j2OEn9zMG_LFzsqO13i_VIWIpc3Y=440">Fishing in Kansas | KDWP</a>.

For information about the health benefits and risks of including fish in your diet, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.edgepilot.com/s/296a6126/kWO560xU5Uqm1q3e91J3Sg?u=https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%252F%252Fwww.heart.org%252Fen%252Fnews%252F2018%252F05%252F25%252Feating-fish-twice-a-week-reduces-heart-stroke-risk%253Futm_medium=email%2526utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019bb81a4d1e-d2cca19b-78e3-4378-b8e0-31abfea2cd3e-000000/BbEYr85phu2X2JIIT5CiDnYXmaNE7toQEKyjEydR5F0=440">Eating fish twice a week reduces heart, stroke risk | American Heart Association</a>.

For technical information regarding the U.S. EPA risk assessment methods used to determine advisory consumption limits, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.edgepilot.com/s/8e7031db/nlylaavDPEWLyyX9kDdo1Q?u=https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%252F%252Fwww.epa.gov%252Ffish-tech%252Fepa-guidance-developing-fish-advisories%253Futm_medium=email%2526utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019bb81a4d1e-d2cca19b-78e3-4378-b8e0-31abfea2cd3e-000000/h7LS64-DI81zz8Mo2KYHi78s-2xjd7dj15BtCkDnUi4=440">EPA Guidance for Developing Fish Advisories | US EPA</a>.

KDHE & KDWP release Kansas fish consumption advisories for 2026

Following is recent booking activity for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/Sheriff-Office/Online-search/Booking-Activities">Saline County Jail</a>, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Abuse of a child; Unknown circumstance; Murder in the 1st degree; Unknown circumstance

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Contempt of Court; Direct

NAME:&nbsp;Guillen-Garcia,Raul Antonio

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Distribute certain hallucinogenic or marijuana; Unknown quantity

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Aggravated battery; Reckless deadly weapon cause grt body harm/disfig/death; Flee or attempt to elude; reckless driving; Operate a MV w/o a valid license; Poss of stolen property;Value less than $1,500

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, January 13

A Leavenworth man was arrested by Saline County deputies, after reaching speeds of over 100 mph in a stolen vehicle.

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office on Monday at around 10:57 am, a deputy was on I-70 in the area of milepost 239 attempting to locate a 1997 Toyota Camry, as it was reported stolen out of Hays by the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP).&nbsp;

Reportedly, the deputy located the vehicle and pursued after it eastbound on milepost 239. Other deputies and officers pursued after the vehicle as well, but the driver exited onto Hedville and continued northbound with speeds ranging from&nbsp;75-120 mph.

The driver entered into Ottawa County and went to the intersection of K-18 going eastbound. As the pursuit continued, the driver tried to pass a Nissan Versa in front, but there was oncoming traffic going westbound. The driver then re-corrected back onto the eastbound lane, sideswiping the Nissan that was in front of the suspect.

The Sheriff's Office confirmed the victim was okay.

Afterwards, the suspect continued eastbound on K-18, following K-18 north and then east into Bennington.

The suspect drove a short distance into Bennington, before returning to K-18 and heading back east on K-18. 

At the intersection of K-18 and Lincoln Street the driver lost control and struck a tree on the northeast corner of the intersection.&nbsp;

The suspect identified as Shawn Hiatt (37) of Leavenworth was arrested on the scene and transported to Salina Regional Health Center by Ottawa County EMS.

Upon his release, Hiatt was booked into the Saline County Jail for the requested charges of:

 No Drivers License, Felony Flee and Elude, Possession of Stolen Property Aggravated Battery and a Warrant out of Leavenworth County for Domestic Battery.

This incident is under investigation and additional charges may be requested, according to the Saline County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;

Leavenworth man arrested after reaching speeds of over 100 mph in a stolen vehicle

Salina Central High School has released the names of all the students who earned Honor Roll for the 2025-2026 fall semester.

Honor roll is computed each semester based upon a 3.0 or better grade point average and no F grades.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alexis Abbott, Carmelo Julio Aguilar, Mekayla Ada-Marissa Ashiedu, Dylan Shayla Atteberry, Ava Bailey, Braylon Beaver, Olivia Daytona Benjamin, Karsyn Hope Bird, Julia Alice Boehlke, Brecken Ryan Boesker, Jaxsyne Paige Burt, Ziyang Chen, Benjamin Keith Cooper, Agneta Ann Crepps, McKayla Addyson Cutright, Noah Michael Davis, Jennifer Gabriela Divas, Amari Nicole Dixson-Eaton, Ava Diane Driscoll, Anya Drueke, Grady Easley, Deven James Easter, Carlyn Danielle Elting, Dominic Freeland, Natalia A Garcia, Zachary Thomas Gonzales, Obbed Gonzalez-Mendez, Amy Beth Gorrell, Kyson Mitchell Griffin, Jonathon Robert Grimes, Ava Rai Gunderson, Mikayla Jade Haas, Kayden Joseph Hansen, Mason Benjamin Hansen, Raelynn Marie Heilig, Aurora Kelly Hernandez, Zane William Hoff, Keira Jean Hoffman, Jagger James Howard, Ava Elizabeth Hubnik, Benjamin R Hughes, Kynleigh June Humiston, Graham Michael Hummell, Sophia Raye Ingram, Asa Jade Jani, Raylin Anne Jensen, KaraJo Christine Kingsbury, Reagan Emerson Kraft, Caylie Lynn Kvasnicka, Nayeli Eileen Ladd, Harper Julia Lathan, Lily Louise Leonard, Mia Justine Margare Lobdell, Roberto Lopez Galindo, Valeria V Lopez Moncada, Brody Dylan Loucks, Elias Luna Monreal , Juan Manuel Luna, Avery Sol Lynn MacKinney, Jasper Albert Mahler, Sofia Annette Mendez, Maylin Menendez Cruz, Bristol Lane Metzler, Angel Cleiver Morales, Nahely Aidee Moreno Belmarez, Soyer A Morgan, Kendall Marie Munro, Anthony Casey Murillo, Maxamillion M Musgrove, Jaime Emiliano Navarro, Michael Allan Newton, Olivia Beth Perry, Lexx N Powell, Gradyn Alexander Prester, Lilly Ann Prophet, Allison Ramirez, Jon Russell Eli Riker, Riley Anna Robinett, Timothy Allan Rose, Gabriela Mercedes Santos, Danika Lynn Satterfield, Annabelle Donna Kay Scheele, Gage Schowengerdt, Adalynn A Score, Elin Brooks Shaft, Emily Rose Shurts, Collin P Smiley, Isaac Desaire Smith, Ronald Jude Smith, Brylee A Swanson, Ameerah Christine Tanuis, Aida Thomas, Maci Ella Van Allen, Caroline Faith Van Court, Stella Marie Vanderford, Yashika Vashisth, Gage Robert Wagner, Natalia Rayne Wenger, Jaiden Pierce Williams, Priscilla Alexandra Williams-Valdez, Isabelle Jeffrey Wilson, Emmelyn Grace Woody, Emily Lynn Young, Grayson Allen Zuege

Liam Mattson Adams, MariaAtena Alvarado, Eden Isabelle Arb, Javyn James Armstrong, Ashlee Nicole Bell, Paityn Berndt, Meera Nikunj Bhakta, Tianna Blevins, Chloe Anne Bohrer, Peytan Alexander Bolen, Dominic Christopher Brosi, Tyler Jordan Brown, Briley Reis Buchwald, Kiarra Aliyah Codling, Stratton Cole, Jasmine Jean Comes, Joseph Ray Comes, Elina Jintana Dassow, Imani De La Cruz Bonane, Aidan James Deniau-Young, Alyssa Jayne Dibble, Lillian Jo Dreiling, Ariel Anne Duxler, Alden James Easter, Jacob Nelson Ebel, Paxtyn Ekberg, Vianey Idaly Esquivel, Beatriz Y Felguerez, Ayden Kane Flener, Molly Foley, Hallie Vanessa Anne Franco, Zachary Fritz, Shaan Chauhan Galvez, De'Bonier Dean Gilmore, Samuel Gonzalez Flores, Charlie Sanico Gottlob, Camille Avalon Graber, Ethan Andrew Gragg, William Landen Griffith, Joely Rae Guyett, Gracey Jeannette Hanson, Avry Elizabeth Hendricks, Kaylie Star Hickman, Grant Hinca, Jaylynn A Holiday, Kenah Sue Holmes, Elizabeth Kay Howard, William Joseph Howe, Izyck Hughes, Aria Grace Jagodzinske, Jack Ryan Jarvis, Kathryn Renee Johnson, Sophia Alyse Johnson, Eli Kreighbaum, Violet Larson, Owen Leonard, Daniel Aaron Leyva Urrutia, Addyson Joy Lund, Elizabeth Lynne Mahan, Gage Kc Martin, Eunice Martinez, Noah Scott May, Phillip Zachary McGee, Carlie Grace McMichael, Deliliah Ann McWhorter, Marcus Jaden Mercado, Stephanie Paige Merritt, Evelyn Rayann Myers, Meeah Nemechek, Kaeden Jaymes Nienke, Isabella Rose Olund, Grant Ostmeyer, Beckett Owings, Jazlyn Grace Parham, Hannah Peckham, Kevia Chris-Anna Pennyfeather, Laura Peres Sykora, Abram Koetting Perez, Elijah Lawrence Perry, Gavin Roger Phillips, Delana Poole, Miles John Prophet, Lillyanna Rosa Ramirez, Aubrey Sherrlyn Richard, Ryleeann M Ross, Jayden RayQwan Ruffin, Jordan Rayshawn Ruffin, Mazie Blair Ryan, Madisyn Christine Sandbo, Katara Mai Sawyer, Reese Anne Schneweis, KyLynn Nadine Seiler, George Elliott Shea, Oscar Wolf Sheforgen, Joslyn Diana Louise Sibley, Abigail Slothower, Brecklyn Maley Smith, Maliah Maurice Smith, Ryley Marie Smith, Jillian Grace Tarver, Izabella Raelynn Tatro, Tucker Roy Tatum, Jace Samuel Albert James Thompson, Jayden M Timson, Bentley Alan Toll, Lauren K. R. Tomson, Lily Ann Upson, Renner Tristan VanZant, Greyson Matthew Waggoner, Briah Marie Wallace, Kheaven Zane Washburne, Steven Albert Will, Gavin Philip Williams, Rylea Mae Williams, Hayden Michael Woods, Zephaniah John Woody, Ella Morgan Wright, Nicholas Richard Xidis, Rena Zack, Marshall Walker Zuccarelli

Juliet Grace Abbott, Kendall Rae Ablard, Luke Garrett Affholder, Caleb Aguilar, Jaime Dean Aguilar, Mariana Aguilar, Alyxandria Anjelina Aldrich, Alyna Leslea Alfaro, Ester Alvarado, Kayla Grace Amaro, Prentice L Anderson, Trey'veon K Austin, Aleigh Nichole Barten, LaMarr James Bates, Katharine Boller, Amelia Bos, Ronald Anthony Briscoe, Jaylin R Brown, Kaicee B. E. Brown, Tatiyana Marie Brown, Bailey Laura Bruce, Rylee Lynn Budke, Eleanor Grace Burk, Kesley Burt, Ashlyn Arlene Calhoun, Ryne J Callahan, Kaylee McKenzie Callaway, Dylan J Capsey, Katherine Grace Chelvan, Kort Michael Comeau, Hayley Rose Cooley, Vanessa Cortes, Jackson Reese Crippen, Aterriona Chanteil Delaney, Braelyn Kade Diggs, Hudson Conley Duff, Brayden Robert Evans, Keaton Feil, Tinker Bell Naomi Felix Sanchez, Lexi Rachelle Foos, Mason Ryan Fox-Glick, Conner Thomas Fuller, Iris Lyna George, Jaelie Nicole Gibson, Haylie Margarita Gomez Flores, Erin Layne Griffith, Kallia Elise Gross, Christopher Guzman, Griffin Hall, Mitchell Dean Haskett, Makambri J Hastings, Kaylee Lynn Holmes, Landon Hutchcraft, Matsuri Ikeda, Ethan D Johns, Gabriel M Johns, Raegan Marie Jones, Alex N. Kelley, Krrina Raj Kevat, Jadyn Anderson Kitchen, Connor A Kline, Braxdon Karl Knight, Kenadee Lee Kohler, Tegan M Lauseng, Jaygen Terry Leach, Jaxson Paul Leonard, Jaxon B Lewick, Jace Ira Lightner, Christian Michael Liphart, Noah James Lobdell, Cynthia Grace Lockhart, Adele Josephine Martinez, Mari McEachin, Leah Rose Meyer, Janae R Mikesell, Katarina Mildfelt, Maddisyn Dawn Myher, Hayden Louise Nichols, Roselyn Nicole Nienke, Grace Ostmeyer, Morgan B Pavey, Josue David Perez Alvarado, Ivan Andres Perez, Kristina Marie Perkins, Cristian Picasso, Zayden Emmit Pierce, Jet M Plumer, Azlan N Presnell, JoAnn E Price, Areli Maribel Ramirez, Abdiel Noe Ramos, Cassy Ariel Rodriguez, Estrella Rodriguez-Espino, Lukas Layne Roper, Taelon Gage Roper, Faustine L Ross, Colin Rupe, Bera Ahmet Sakiroglu, Kirri J Sawyer, Alyssa M Score, Viviana Liz Segura, Seth Shafer, Kaylie Jo Shultz, Hal Ryddyk Blayze Smith, Vaylen Srack, Aiden Michael Terry, Tenille Paetyn Toelle, Ariana Beth Tollison, Harper Maddox Turpin, Nolan Randall Van Allen, Lilly Jane VanZant, Karan Vashisth, Katy Wagner, Alana T Ware Glover, Ava Rain Weaverling, Eliana Rose Williams, Carissa Kay Winebrenner, Mekenzie Lynn Wise, Tra'Zhon Wise, Charles E Young, Elizabeth Elaine Yoxall, Abigail Zerbe

Citlali M Alarcon, Wyatt Paul Angell, Kiandra S Austin, Brooke Banninger, Emilee Grace Benson, Madison R Berndt, Ayushi Hitendrakumar Bhakta, Wyatt Alexander Blochlinger, Phoebe Rose Bohrer, Marinela G Brown-Mereles, Tate Max Buettgenbach, Sophia Marie Cape, Connor J Carter, Valerie M Cerna, Mya Addison Clark, Gannon Lawrence Cole, Jerome Conner, Aerith Lila Dean Cox, Holli Madison Crawford, Rorik Peter Crepps, Angelica Dao, Dahye Ann Margaret Davison, Sarah Day, Jocelyn Iris Del Real, Jesus Adrian Delgado, Liam Matthieu Deniau-Young, Danica P Dixson, Izzaiah Christopher Douglas, McKynlee Rhyse Dunlap, Elijah Duxler, Carissa Leann Ebbert-Miller, Josie Ann Ebel, Kaitlyn Farmer, Gabriel Freeland, Samantha Nicole Friesen, Marley Doreen Fry, Jesse Galimore, Alexandria Dawn Garcia, Julian Anthony Glover, Andrew Kenneth Graber, Parker Graves, Grayton Scott Gross, Lexie Divina Guerrero, Kamyiah Gust, Addison Hansen, Annabell Joy Heath, Chance Charles Hogan, Natalie Hogeland, Isak Walter Howe, Kyla Huehl-Venters, Carley Ann Ingram, Yesenia G Ingram, Addilyn S Jagodzinske, Caisyn Donavin Johnson, Greyson D Jones, Charles Blaze Kilpatrick, Brooke Tanner Kirkendall, Brixen Kolzow, Anna Amelia Kraft, Tristyn Deanne Krien, Ashlyn Nicole Krob, Tru Arianna Lawson, Seth Michael Lepping, Kebriana Lynette Lewis, Meghan Elayne Lewis, Sara Lizeth Leyva Urrutia, Kaeleigh Mae Locken, Saul Arath Lugo, Julian Michael Lundberg, Kevin Ricardo Martinez, Morgan Louise McCullum, Collin J McMichael, Angel B McMurray, Saijon Haas Mills, Alibbea Grace Mong, Katie Morgan, Tayton Kyce Morris, Olivia Murphy, Alessandra Nelson, Macy O'Hara, William L O'Neal, Abram Owings, Seth Fualii Panama, Alyx Renae Parker, Thomas Payne, Noah Peck, Danielle Peckham, Hudson Christopher Peoples, Oscar Kingston Perez, Cooper Allen Reves, Ellie Riekhof, Zoe Riley, Allison J Robinett, Bodie M Rodriguez, Sarah Rosario, Madelyn Jane Ross, Maggie Elizabeth Scheck, Jake Douglas Schmitz, Kory Serocki, Mac Robert Sheforgen, Victoria Elizabeth Shuler, Jeremiah Smith, Romoni Elijah Joel Sprague, Jesse James Sternberger, Terence Michael Tatro, Henry William Tibbits, Gracie Mae Trusty, Meshasky Valcorza, Kyla Laraine Villarreal, Kodi Elizabeth Waite, Caden Jace Waitt, Brennan James Warner, Layla Waters, Cristafer Yoder

Salina Central releases lengthy list of students earning Honor Roll for 2025-2026 Fall semester

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 12 - January 14

A chance of light rain Friday afternoon is expected to gradually transition into light snow towards the evening.

According to the US National Weather Service, a chance of rain is expected after 1:00 pm with a 50% chance to mix with snow after 4:00 pm.

Portions of central and south-central Kansas could see light snow accumulations up to 1 inch, and slick spots on bridges and overpasses are possible tonight.&nbsp;

A little after 7:00 pm, the mix will likely become all snow.

Higher accumulations are expected across southwest Kansas.

Stay updated with local weather on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSWichita">US National Weather Service Wichita Kansas</a>&nbsp;Facebook page.

Light snow up to 1 inch expected late Friday afternoon and into the evening in central Kansas

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 9 - January 11

After an activity of showers and thunderstorms to occur late Wednesday night through Thursday, a storm system is expected follow that with light to modest snow accumulations across the region Friday afternoon through night.

The greatest potential for at least a half inch of rain is primarily along and east of I-135.

This is according to the US National Weather Service, but there remains some uncertainty as the weather agency will refine forecast details the next few days.

Chance of snow to occur Friday after upcoming showers and thunderstorms 

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 7 - January 9

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 5 - January 7

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 2 - January 4

Three day weather forecast Salina: New Years Eve & Day, Jan 2.

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 29 - New Years Eve

The wins: Chiefs deal, stable budget, tax cuts, education funding and ‘civility’

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly says Kansans wouldn’t have elected her if she were the type of politician who screamed the loudest and relied on bullying others to get her way.

She said during her annual State of the State speech Tuesday night it was a certainty Kansas would have suffered in terms of managing the government, advancing economic activity and elevating the quality of life if voters had chosen a governor who confused toxicity for leadership.

“I’m here because Kansans were looking for someone who would turn the volume down, to do more listening than yelling, to bring people together, to compromise and govern from the middle,” Kelly told the joint session of the House and Senate. “Kansans are the most civil, decent people on earth. And they expect that from us, too. I say to everyone here — do not let the loudest voices, on either extreme, drown out the voices of the vast majority of Kansans who want to see us work together.”

Kelly said placing cooperation ahead of partisanship and having the courage to treat colleagues with respect was key to finding common ground among politicians with different ideologies and backgrounds. She said this form of leadership led to enactment of 587 bipartisan bills in her seven years as governor. It created an environment where cross-party dialogue could produce an economic incentive deal for construction of a stadium in Wyandotte County to host the Kansas City Chiefs.

“To land the Chiefs, we all put politics aside,” the Democratic governor said. “We all put personal differences aside. And we didn’t care who got the credit.”

She said the core of this mostly collegial relationship was borne through years in which Kansas overcame major challenges. She said the state moved away from an era of budgeting woes marked by “gimmicks and funny money,” underfunding of K-12 schools, crumbling bridges and highways, a quality of life that fed a youth brain drain and missed opportunities for job growth.

The perception of Kansas was transformed by attracting more than $30 billion in business investment and the creation of 80,000 good-paying jobs since 2019, Kelly said. The state slashed annual taxes by more than $1 billion, including elimination of the unpopular $500 million state sales tax on groceries. The balance in the state’s rainy-day fund mushroomed to $2 billion. High-speed internet was provided to 117,000 homes and businesses. Kansas paid down debt. The state’s crime rate fell to a 20-year low.

“I know there is more to do,” Kelly told the GOP-dominated House and Senate. “But after seven years, I also know that the state of our state has never been stronger.&nbsp;Ultimately, we were able to get our state back on track because we showed that civility can still exist in our politics, that you can get a whole lot done when you work with others.”

Kelly, a term-limited governor who leaves office in January, said this moment in Kansas politics shouldn’t be taken for granted.

“There are too many forces trying to push us all into our partisan corners and make the other party the enemy,” Kelly said. “Let me state the obvious. We live in extraordinarily challenging times. And I don’t just mean our politics.”

Kelly said societal change in the past decade was head-spinning. People found themselves more attached to telephones and other electronic devices than ever before. The world crashed into the COVID-19 pandemic. People emerged from the other side to more remote work, AI bots and self-driving vehicles that made people yearn for simpler times, Kelly said. An era defined by disruption required more, not less, from political leaders, she said.

Kansans demonstrated at the ballot box they yearned for leaders who could offer strength, resolve, character and a clear vision, Kelly said. She said the United States received the opposite at the national level in Washington, D.C.

“From both parties,” Kelly said. “Where it became acceptable for our nation’s leaders to treat one another in the most uncivilized ways imaginable. Language and behavior we’d never tolerate from our own children. Instead of using this new technology to reach people with messages of unity and hope, these devices have been turned into weapons for elected leaders to ignite chaos and anger and even violence.”

“Instead of representing their communities, elected officials turned into foot soldiers for their political parties — firing off insults and vitriol to score likes or follows or wins for their team — instead of doing what’s right for their constituents,” Kelly added. “It’s as if they checked their free will at the door and just did as they were told. Treating their own colleagues in such angry and dehumanizing ways, just because they’re in the other party. And the most frightening part — it’s now become the new normal.”

She said the better alternative was to model political discourse evident in Kansas, where politicians could engage in civil exchanges and, at times, acknowledge folks in the other political party had good ideas.

She said that same attitude would be useful in the 2026 session of the Legislature, which began Monday.

Kelly said the state should fully fund K-12 public education and increase the state’s investment in special education. To fill a funding gap ignored by Congress, she said Kansas had provided $120 million for students in special education. Kelly’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year would continue to increase state investment in disabled and gifted students in public schools.

She said Kansas also ought to provide sufficient funding to cover the cost of reduced-price meals in schools to ease financial stress on families.

“We know with grocery costs being what they are right now, that for many of these families, even that reduced cost is untenable,” Kelly said. “Let’s make it clear: No child in Kansas should ever have to worry about having enough to eat. Life is hard enough for our children these days.”

Kelly endorsed a bipartisan Kansas Senate bill that would ban cellphone use by students during the school day. The “bell-to-bell” ban in public and private schools could be implemented in the 2026-2027 school year.

She said Kansas had taken strides to improve services to people challenged by mental illness, but the Legislature should do more to increase treatment beds, hire more treatment professionals and to broaden the crisis response network.

The governor urged the Legislature to dedicate themselves to crafting a comprehensive, long-term strategy for advancing reform in water policy. The state needed a stable funding source for programs aimed at improving the supply and quality of water statewide, she said. The majority of water used in Kansas goes to irrigating crops, which invites political turmoil when changes were proposed.

“I know it is a very sensitive political issue,” Kelly told lawmakers. “But the future of our entire state is dependent upon the actions we take today. It will require looking beyond the next election and looking instead to the next generation.”

Kansas governor revels in triumphs, warns against succumbing to ‘uncivilized’ D.C. politics

KANSAS CITY—Police investigating a second homicide this week in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victim as 41-year-old Chris Wells.

Just after 7:30a.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 2500 block of NE 78th Street, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

As officers arrived they located a Wells&nbsp; lying in the street, suffering from gunshot wounds. KCFD Medics responded simultaneously and began performing life saving measures. However, Wells was pronounced deceased on scene.

This is being investigated as a homicide. A subject of interest was taken into custody by patrol officers on scene. The preliminary investigation revealed there was a dispute between two individuals that were known to one another. A physical altercation ensued, which led to shots being fired and Wells being struck. Investigator canvassed the area for witnesses, physical evidence, and any possible surveillance footage.

41-year-old identified as homicide victim in KC neighborhood

WASHINGTON (AP) — Multiple Americans who were detained in Venezuela have been released, the Trump administration said Tuesday.

“We welcome the release of detained Americans in Venezuela,” the State Department said. “This is an important step in the right direction by the interim authorities.”

The State Department did not provide the exact numbers of those released. But a person familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe non-public details, said four Americans were released as a group Tuesday and one was quietly released Monday.

The releases come after the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a stunning nighttime raid earlier this month.

The head of Venezuela’s national assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, said last week that a “significant number” of Venezuelan and foreigners imprisoned in the country would be released as a gesture to “seek peace” following the military operation that deposed Maduro.

As of Tuesday evening, the Venezuela human rights group Foro Penal had confirmed 56 prisoners it said were detained for political reasons had been freed. The group criticized the lack of government transparency over the releases. Venezuela’s government negated the organization’s count, and reported a far higher figure of 400 Tuesday afternoon.

But the government did not provide evidence of the releases or a time range in which they were carried out, nor did it identify those freed, making it impossible to determine whether those freed were behind bars for political or other reasons.

Though Washington and Caracas have long had a fraught and limited relationship, prisoner releases have been a rare source of connection, with the two countries in engaging in a series of swaps of detained citizens.

In July,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prisoner-swap-venezuela-united-states-el-salvador-a0c3070355fbdc31f028a16096c5655c">Venezuela released 10 jailed U.S. citizens</a>&nbsp;and permanent residents in exchange for getting home scores of migrants deported by the United States to El Salvador under the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.

Some Americans detained in Venezuela have been released

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just&nbsp; 1p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.

A black Honda Motorcycle was southbound on Paseo at 9th Street in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil Dimartino. A Metro Bus was traveling westbound on&nbsp;9th Street. The bus driver failed to stop for the posted stop sign, entered the intersection and struck the motorcycle. 

The operator of the motorcycle, who was not wearing a helmet, was ejected off the motorcycle. EMS transported the motorcyclist to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. He was later pronounced deceased by hospital staff. The bus driver, as well as all the passengers on the bus were uninjured in the collision. 

This is fatality #4 compared to #2 at this time last year in Kansas City, Missouri.

Fatal crash: KC metro bus strikes motorcycle

WYANDOTTE COUNTY - A jury last week found a suspect guilty in Kansas cold case murder.

&nbsp;Gary Dion Davis,54, was convicted&nbsp;of second-degree murder in the November 1996 death of Pearl Davis, also known as Sameemah Mussawir, according to the Wyandott County District Attorney's office.

Police had found the victim’s body in a house on Lafayette Avenue in Kanas City, Kansas, and the case went unsolved for decades.

Davis&nbsp;had also been charged with killing Christina King two years later in December 1998, but the jury found him not guilty of her murder.

Davis worked as a long-haul truck driver. The district attorney's office said it is possible that Davis could be responsible for other crimes across the country because of his job.

Davis is scheduled for sentencing on Feb. 26, according to the district attorney's office.

Jury: Man guilty in cold case murder of Kansas woman

BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just before 2a.m. January 11, police conducted a traffic stop in the 2000 Block of Heizer Street in Great Bend, according to a media release.

 Contact was made with the driver and multiple occupants of the vehicle. During the stop, K9 NEO was deployed for a free air sniff of the vehicle, subsequently indicating to the odor of narcotics. 

The back seat passenger identified as 31-year-old Christopher Hutchins-Hernandez was found to have marijuana on his person. During the subsequent search of the vehicle, Officers located Methamphetamine, Marijuana, and Drug Paraphernalia, as well as a stolen firearm. 

Police arrested Hutchins-Hernandez on requested charges of&nbsp; Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia,  Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Stolen Property, and No Drug Tax Stamp.&nbsp;

Police: Alleged Kan. meth dealer had a stolen firearm

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly delivered her final State of the State address to the Kansas Legislature on Tuesday evening. Click below to watch the replay.

🎥Governor Laura Kelly's final State of the State address

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield turned himself in to authorities Tuesday and vowed to fight charges of child sex abuse stemming from allegations that he inappropriately touched a minor on the set of a TV series he was directing in New Mexico.

His apprehension comes after authorities in Albuquerque&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/timothy-busfield-child-sex-abuse-charge-83c82a8c5dbfabd4880f3c8af02fb523">issued a warrant for his arrest</a>&nbsp;on Friday on two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. A criminal complaint alleges the acts occurred on the set of the series “The Cleaning Lady,” which was filmed in Albuquerque.

Busfield, who is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-celebrity-9ba7c27a8ae04a3993864eea8508f2f3">married to actor Melissa Gilbert</a>, is known for appearances in “The West Wing,” “Field of Dreams” and “Thirtysomething,” the latter of which won him an Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series in 1991.

“Tim voluntarily appeared before New Mexico authorities after traveling across the country to confront these false and deeply troubling allegations,” said Stanton Stein, an attorney for Busfield. “He is innocent and is determined to clear his name.”

Busfield was booked by Albuquerque police on the charges, said Gilbert Gallegos, spokesperson for the city police department. A first appearance in court was scheduled for Wednesday.

NBC shelved an episode of “Law &amp; Order: Special Victims Unit” that featured Busfield and was set to air Thursday, a network spokesperson confirmed Tuesday to The Associated Press. Busfield was guest-starring as the judge on the long-running show, which focuses on sex crimes.

The criminal complaint filed by an investigator with the police department says the boy reported that he was 7 years old when Busfield touched him three or four times on private areas over his clothing. Busfield allegedly touched him five or six times on another occasion when he was 8, the complaint said.

Busfield denied the allegations when interviewed by authorities last fall as part of an investigation, according to the complaint.

The complaint also says the child was reportedly afraid to tell anyone because Busfield was the director and he feared he would get mad at him.

The boy's twin brother told authorities he was touched by Busfield but did not specify where. He said he didn't say anything because he didn't want to get in trouble.

When he was interviewed by authorities as part of the investigation, Busfield suggested that the boys' mother was seeking revenge for her children being replaced on the series — an argument echoed Tuesday by Busfield's attorney. Busfield also previously said he likely would have picked up and tickled the boys, saying the set was a playful environment.

Lawyer says Warner Bros. investigation unable to corroborate complaint

On Tuesday, Stein invoked the results of a private investigation by Warner Bros. to assert that the allegations are false. The investigator hired by Warner Bros. could not immediately be contacted by phone or email.

Authorities say the Warner Bros. investigation was unable to corroborate details of an anonymous complaint to a union workplace hotline after its private investigator “was not able to talk with anyone who would support evidence that Timothy Busfield engaged in this behavior.”

A video obtained by TMZ showed Busfield in front of a window with the Albuquerque skyline in the backdrop. He said he arrived in the city after driving 2,000 miles (3,219 kilometers).

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