The Temple, a historic landmark located in the heart of downtown Salina, is proud to announce that its&nbsp;Innovation Kitchen – More Than a Kitchen&nbsp;project, has been selected for funding through the&nbsp;Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Equipment-Only Grant&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Greater Salina Community Foundation Capacity Building Grant.

One of The Temple’s most significant assets is its&nbsp;1,500-square-foot commercial kitchen, which holds tremendous potential for the region. With the growing demand for culinary innovation and local food production, The Temple is transforming this space into The Innovation Kitchen –&nbsp;more than a kitchen for hire&nbsp;— a community-focused resource designed to serve local farmers, food entrepreneurs, culinary professionals, and educational events.

Funding from these grants will allow The Temple to purchase all new commercial kitchen appliances, install a new epoxy floor, and complete interior painting. These upgrades will significantly improve both the functionality and safety of the kitchen, elevating it into a modern, professional facility that supports economic development and culinary growth throughout Salina and central Kansas.

“The Innovation Kitchen will provide access to high-quality kitchen facilities for small businesses and local producers who otherwise may not have the resources to grow,” said Mary Landes, Executive Director of The Temple. “This investment strengthens our local food system and creates new opportunities for collaboration, education, and entrepreneurship.”

In addition to the grant-funded improvements, The Temple is seeking&nbsp;additional donations&nbsp;to support further upgrades, including&nbsp;lighting and electrical improvements, to fully realize the kitchen’s potential.

For information on how to donate or support the Innovation Kitchen project, contact Executive Director Mary Landes at:&nbsp;785.201.3132 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:happining@salinatemple.com">happining@salinatemple.com</a>

The Temple receives grants for the transformation of its "Innovation Kitchen" project

MITCHELL COUNTY—Law enforcement have a kidnapping suspect in custody after a high-speed chase in north central Kansas.

On Friday, the Mitchell County Sheriff's office asked the public to be on the lookout for a black 2014 Mustang with a silver grille. "Proceed with caution, do not approach and contact law enforcement immediately."

The car and driver were involved in a kidnapping incident on US Highway 24 west of Beloit in Mitchell County, according to the sheriff's office. The victim escaped with injuries and was hospitalized with suspected serious injuries. 

The suspect and stolen Mustang left the scene and were later pursued in Osborne County.&nbsp;The suspect is believed to have been possibly involved in an incident in Jewell County prior to the Mitchell County incident.&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol and Osborne county authorities took the suspect into custody.&nbsp; The name of the suspect and possible charges have not been released.

Sheriff: Suspect in alleged Kan. kidnapping is in custody

ELLSWORTH COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7a.m. Saturday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Chevy Malibu driven by Debra E&nbsp;Kendig, 64, Dodge City, was westbound on Kansas 156 six miles west of Ellsworth. The car swerved into the eastbound lane and struck the the rear axles of an eastbound 2023 semi causing it to spin.&nbsp;

EMS transported Kendig to Wesley Medical Center. The semi driver from Illinois was not injured. Kendig was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kan. woman hospitalized after car, semi crash

Saline County Jail Bookings, December 27

The Salina Regional Health Foundation’s Community Health Investment Program&nbsp; (CHIP) awarded 17 grants in 2025 totaling $1,364,192. 

Funding for CHIP primarily comes from Salina&nbsp; Regional Health Center as part of its community benefit efforts. Since the inception of CHIP in 1995, more than $18.15 million in grants have been awarded to regional community organizations.&nbsp;

Funding priorities for CHIP primarily focus on children’s health, childhood obesity, mental&nbsp; health, substance abuse, aging populations, heart disease and stroke. 

Applications for CHIP are accepted&nbsp; three times a year. Application deadlines for 2026 are January 9, April 17 and August 14.

Applications&nbsp; for grant funding can be downloaded online at <a href="https://www.srhealthfoundation.com/">https://www.srhealthfoundation.com/</a>.&nbsp;

• $1,000,000 to Salina Family Healthcare Center for its capital campaign to construct a new, state-of-the-art facility that will expand access to care for underserved populations in the Salina area.&nbsp;

• $60,000 to CKF Addiction Treatment to support the The Nest at Pathfinder, a place to support adolescents, families and caregivers to provide education and resources to navigate substance abuse and mental health challenges.&nbsp;

• $50,000 to Blessed Hope Family to help increase programming for services aimed at supporting foster and adoptive families.

• $45,000 to School Marathon Foundation to provide programming at area grade schools for students to complete a marathon (26.2 miles) during before-and-after school activities.&nbsp;

• $37,500 to Salina Area United Way Early Childcare Initiative Fund, which helps supplement employee wages at local non-profit childcare centers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

• $28,346 to Child Advocacy and Parenting Services Education Program, which supports programming for Salina area school children on personal safety, sexual abuse prevention and bullying prevention.&nbsp;&nbsp;

• $26,000 to Resilience Clubhouse to provide matching funds for the purchase of commercial grade kitchen equipment used as part of the new Salina Mental Health Program.&nbsp;

• $21,200 to the Good Neighbor fund, which supports grant requests of up to $1,000 that come to the hospital and foundation from the community.&nbsp;

• $16,530 to Scouting America to support the ScoutReach after school program at three Salina elementary schools and the Salina YMCA.&nbsp;

• $15,100 to Sober Living University for scholarships for area individuals recovering from substance abuse.&nbsp;

• $10,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina to support its Community Based Mentoring program.&nbsp;

• $10,000 to the North Central Kansas-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging to support the 2025 Sunflower Fair at Tony’s Pizza Event Center.&nbsp;

• $10,000 to American Red Cross of Kansas to support area community blood drives. • $8,500 to Salina Education Foundation to support a variety of programs and &nbsp; initiatives for the 2025-26 academic year including Nurse Emergency Funds, Heartland Preschool Weekend Meals and School Social Workers Fund.&nbsp;

• $7,216 to Salina Family YMCA to purchase a recumbent cross trainer specially &nbsp; designed for people with limited mobility, balance issues or those transitioning from rehabilitation to independent exercise.&nbsp;

• $5,000 to Salina Public Library for furnishing a newly designated room for nursing moms.&nbsp;

• $5,000 to Rolling Hills Zoo for Dream Night – a free evening at the zoo for area children with terminal or chronic illness or disabilities and their families.&nbsp;

Community Health Investment Program awards $1.364 million in 2025 

Saline County Jail Bookings, December 26

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

<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.

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 fo

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 26 - December 28

Salina Police are informing the public and seeking tips for suspect(s) who committed three burglaries.

Read more: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a431e1b9-e3e6-4322-a431-f2e9e0776864">Salina Police searching for suspect(s) connected to three burglaries</a>

According to the Salina Police Department,&nbsp;On Friday, December 19 business burglaries were reported at The Boy Scouts of America (644 S. Ohio) and All Eyes on You Salon (905 E. Prescott). 

Forced entry was gained into both buildings. 

Taken from the Boy Scouts of America were numerous food items, cash, keys, plastic cups and a Boy Scout medal. Total damage and loss were valued at over $3000.

Taken from All Eyes on You Salon were multiple gift cards, cash, an HP laptop, and 24 necklace chains with connectors. Total damage and loss were valued at over $4000.

Also reported that same day was a residential burglary which occurred just a couple of blocks down from the salon in central Salina. 

The suspect(s) entered an attached garage and stole a black Kastking tacklebox, a silver lighter, and a wallet. Total loss was valued at over $100. 

Recovered from the scene was a Boy Scout medal and several food items which had been stolen from the Boy Scouts of America.

Surveillance video from the area showed the suspect (see above).

If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS.

You can also make an online tip at: <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>.

You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, case 2025-33993.

UPDATE: Tips sought by Salina Police for a suspect(s) connected to three burglaries

Saline County Jail Bookings, December 25

Christmas is probably, if not the most beloved holiday amongst us all. The countdown to December 25 is what we long for, and is a great time where families and friends come together for gift-giving, eat delicious foods, sip on some eggnog and do other well-known traditions.

But, what is the origin of the holiday and what is its true meaning? Also, where does the concept of Santa come from?&nbsp;

Before Christmas actually became a holiday, the <a href="https://www.history.com/articles/winter-solstice">Winter Solstice</a>&nbsp;(known as the shortest day and longest night of the year) was a time where ancient&nbsp; cultures&nbsp;held feasts and celebrated holidays during that time. Since it was the longest/darkest night of the year, cultures used fire and light which became traditional symbols.

Ancient Rome also got in on the fun and&nbsp;held several celebrations around the time of the winter solstice, including <a href="https://www.history.com/articles/saturnalia">Saturnalia</a>, which is a&nbsp;pagan festival honoring the agricultural god "Saturn."

Moreover, Rome added more celebrations into the mix, including the birthday of Mithra (ancient Persian god of light) on December 25.

Once Christianity was established, the first recorded Christmas that celebrated the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/december-25/christ-is-born">birth of Jesus</a> is often cited to occur in AD 336. This then became a religious service that recognized Jesus' birth, as the Roman government at the time, decided to celebrate this on December 25.&nbsp;

It is important to note, it is not quite clear on the exact date of Jesus' birth, though many Bible commentators including <a href="https://www.icr.org/henry_morris/">Dr. Henry M. Morris</a>, speculated Jesus was born on September.

By the fourth century, church officials had decided to institute the birth of Jesus as a holiday on December 25. According to many historians, it is believed the Roman church&nbsp;chose this date in an effort to adopt and absorb the traditions of the pagan Saturnalia festival. However, the Roman church did not celebrate Saturnalia, since it was a pagan festival celebrated by outside (not within the church) Roman society.

In fact, the word "Christmas" means two words, "Christ Mass" which is a combination of "Christ" (from Greek Khristos, meaning "anointed one" or Messiah) and "Mass" (from Latin missa, referring to the Eucharistic service or celebration).

Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas says the plus-sized man in a red suit with a long white beard. But, the question becomes, "who really is this guy and how did he come about?"

In the 3rd century, a Christian monk named St. Nicholas was known for doing many things such as&nbsp;stopping a violent storm to save doomed sailors, donating money to a father forced to sell his daughters into prostitution and even restoring to life a trio of boys who had been dismembered by an unethical butcher.

St. Nicholas had a special heart for children, and every December 6 he would deliver goods to the youth through their windows around parts of Europe. He also started dropping in goods through chimneys, once it was established in homes.

The name Santa Claus&nbsp;evolved from St. Nicholas' Dutch nickname, Sinter Klaas, a shortened form of Sint Nikolaas.

Interestingly enough in 1809, <a href="https://www.neh.gov/humanities/2016/fall/feature/how-washington-irving-shaped-christmas-in-america">Washington Irving</a> (American writer), portrayed St. Nicholas as a portly Dutchman who flew the skies in a wagon and dropping gifts down chimneys.

In 1822, an Episcopal minister named Clement Moore wrote a long Christmas poem for his three daughters entitled “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” more popularly known as “’Twas The Night Before Christmas.”

In the poem, Moore portrayed St. Nicholas as&nbsp;a “right jolly old elf” with a portly figure and the supernatural ability to ascend a chimney with a mere nod of his head. 

His poem helped popularize the now-familiar image of how we view Santa Claus today.

Learn: Brief history of Christmas

With Salina under a Dense Fog Advisory until noon on Christmas Eve, the US National Weather Service is advising the public to be cautious on the roads.

Visibility on Wednesday morning has dropped rapidly in many locations across central Kansas, with less than 1/4 of a mile of visibility range.

Dense fog will gradually dissipate from south to north by around midday on Wednesday, with more dense fog developing again this evening and tonight.

The&nbsp;US National Weather Service advises the public to slow down when traveling, and use low beam headlights.

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.

&nbsp;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>.

Dense fog advisory for Christmas Eve in central Kansas, US National Weather Service cautions public

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>.

Christmas Eve & Day, Dec. 26 Salina weather forecast

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 22 - December 24

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 19 - December 21

With the current strong windy weather across central Kansas, Saline County Emergency Management issues warnings and I-70 between Colby and Goodland are reportedly closed.&nbsp;

Saline County Emergency Management statement:

Northwest winds will increase and persist through the afternoon, with sustained speeds of 30 to 40 mph and gusts approaching 60 mph. These conditions will create widespread hazards throughout Saline County.

The combination of strong winds and very dry conditions will result in extreme fire danger. Any grass fire that starts could spread rapidly and be difficult to control. Blowing dust may also reduce visibility, particularly along and west of Salina near I-70.

Kansas Department of Transportation statement:

KDOT has closed both directions of I-70 between Goodland and Colby due to reduced visibility from blowing dust as of 10:22 am on Thursday.

This statement comes after the freeway reopened at around 5:00 am, when it was closed late Wednesday evening.

Motorists are advised to delay non-essential travel until conditions improve.

For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.kandrive.gov%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019b32451255-66bf87ed-2388-4d16-a916-7ad1cd6cb05e-000000/-WTaKRS3IZhaitvuvGXNomZD2QUr6_IU549OuSP-qyY=436">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

Salina Post will provide updates on the reopening of the freeway.

Windy weather and road closures: Saline Co. Emergency Management issues warning, I-70 between Colby & Goodland closed

Very strong northwest winds and a grassland fire danger are expected to occur Thursday morning most of western and central Kansas.

According to the US National Weather Service, wind gusts in the 50 to 60 mph range will commonly occur throughout the central Kansas region.

Strong winds will combine with dry conditions to elevate the grassland fire danger into the extreme category on Thursday with peak timing from around 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Any fires that start will be difficult to control.

Moreover, some locations may see visibility reduced which may result in dangerous driving conditions, especially along Interstate 70 west of Salina.

Wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph and grassland fire danger expected Thursday 

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 17 - December 19

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 15 - December 17

Four day weather forecast Salina, December 12 - December 15

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced murder and assault charges against a Blue Springs man in connection with three shootings&nbsp; that left two people dead and one injured.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2784/Kur-Bak---Charging-Packet-">Kur B. Bak</a>, 28, faces two counts of 1st Degree Murder, three counts of Armed Criminal Action, one count of 1st Degree Assault, and two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

According to court records, Kansas City police responded to a shooting on Dec. 3 near Hardesty Avenue and East 26th Street, where they found the victim lying on the sidewalk suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was confirmed deceased on the scene.

Surveillance footage showed the victim walking when an individual, later identified as&nbsp; Bak, approached him. After a brief exchange, the victim continued walking, but the defendant followed and shot him. Bak then fired at the victim seven more times as he lay on the ground. Bak dropped a fully loaded handgun magazine at the crime scene as he fled.&nbsp;

Twenty-five minutes later, police responded to another shooting near Park Avenue and 8th Street. The victim was suffering from gunshot wounds and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.&nbsp;

Surveillance video showed Bak exiting a vehicle and running toward the victim. The shooting occurred off camera. A short time later, Bak is captured returning to the vehicle.

Detectives found shell casings from the same firearm at both scenes. The same vehicle appeared in surveillance footage from both locations, and the Bak’s DNA was found on the magazine dropped at the first scene.&nbsp;

On Dec. 21, police responded to a shooting near Admiral Boulevard and Paseo Boulevard, where they found a victim dead in the street from gunshot trauma to the face.

Surveillance footage captured the victim walking when a vehicle pulled into a nearby parking lot. Bak, wearing a red hooded sweatshirt with yellow writing, exited and followed the victim’s same route. Minutes later, Bak was captured on video running back to his vehicle, where he removed the red sweatshirt and placed it in the passenger seat.&nbsp;

During a search of the defendant’s bedroom, detectives recovered the firearm used in all three shootings and the red hooded sweatshirt seen in surveillance footage from the third shooting.

Bak attended a SAVE KC call-in earlier this year but did not follow up for services.&nbsp;

A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond at $500,000 cash-only. &nbsp;

Surveillance video show suspect in deadly crime spree

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man allegedly living illegally in Kansas is now going to prison for a deadly fight that left a man dead.

Earlier this month, Judge Chrystal Krier sentenced 23-year-old Armando Y. Martinez-Rodriguez to 34 months in prison and 24-months of post release supervision in the death of&nbsp; left 30-year-old Marco Gonzales-Arias, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Just after midnight October 12, 2024, police responded to the Emery Gardens apartment complex in the the 4200 block of S. Hydraulic in Wichita, according to a media release.

First responders found&nbsp; Gonzales-Arias suffering from a gunshot wound. EMS transported him to a local hospital and he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;

Martinez suffered stab wound and fled the scene. Police located him, took him to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuried and booked him into the Sedgwick County Jail where he was listed as a hold for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Martinez is also required to register as a violent offender for 15 years.

Kan. man stabbed in deadly gunfight is going to prison

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just after 11p.m. Friday in Sedgwick County.

According to Sedgwick County Deputy Branden Stitt, a Chevy SS driven by Joseph Perry Davidson, 48, Wichita, was. northbound in the 5100 Block of South West Street near 47th Street South.&nbsp;The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The car left the road and rolled multiple times.&nbsp;Davidson&nbsp; was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene, according to Stitt.

A passenger, 48-year-old Joshua Blick of Wichita, was also ejected. He was taken to a local hospital in critical condition and later died.

Another passenger, a 44-year-old Wichita man, was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Investigators believe speed and alcohol were contributing factors, according to Stitt. The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Major Crash Team continues to investigate.

Sheriff: Alcohol, speed factors in crash that killed 2 Kansas men

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at a home in Kansas City.

Just before 10:30a.m. Friday, Kansas City Missouri Fire Dept. companies were dispatched to a reported fire in the 2800 block of East 6th Street, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

 On arrival, the first company on scene reported smoke showing from a 2-story carriage house. Crews initiated an offensive interior attack, using 2 hose lines to extinguish the fire. The fire was brought under control at 10:36 a.m. Searches throughout the structure were performed and came back all clear.&nbsp;The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Fire damages 2-story carriage house in Kansas City

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday it was replacing its longstanding lottery system for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/h1b-visa-trump-immigration-explainer-7d5dae2c65b2fa27a7730be3c6833d32">H-1B work visas</a>&nbsp;with a new approach that prioritizes skilled, higher-paid foreign workers.

The change follows a series of actions by the Trump administration aimed at reshaping a visa program that critics say has become a pipeline for overseas workers willing to work for lower pay, but supporters say drives innovation.

“The existing random selection process of H-1B registrations was exploited and abused by U.S. employers who were primarily seeking to import foreign workers at lower wages than they would pay American workers,” said U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesman Matthew Tragesser.

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/h1b-visa-trump-immigration-8d39699d0b2de3d90936f8076357254e">signed a proclamation</a>&nbsp;imposing a $100,000 annual H-1B visa fee on highly skilled workers, which is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-h1b-visa-trump-8afc10165ce911d43a4cd47ade4268e1">being challenged</a>&nbsp;in court. The president also rolled out a $1 million “gold card” visa as a pathway to U.S. citizenship for wealthy individuals.

A press release announcing the new rule says it is “in line with other key changes the administration has made, such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/restriction-on-entry-of-certain-nonimmigrant-workers/" target="_blank">Presidential Proclamation</a>&nbsp;that requires employers to pay an additional $100,000 per visa as a condition of eligibility.”

Historically, H-1B visas have been awarded through a lottery system. This year, Amazon was by far the top recipient, with more than 10,000 visas approved, followed by Tata Consultancy Services, Microsoft, Apple and Google. California has the highest concentration of H-1B workers.

The new system will “implement a weighted selection process that will increase the probability that H-1B visas are allocated to higher-skilled and higher-paid” foreign workers, according to Tuesday’s press release. It will go into effect Feb. 27, 2026, and will apply to the upcoming H-1B cap registration season.

Supporters of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-visa-h1b-rural-doctors-teachers-3a63095d603e405d08c496eb264d6100">H-1B program</a>&nbsp;say it is an important pathway to hiring healthcare workers and educators. They say it drives innovation and economic growth in the U.S. and allows employers to fill jobs in specialized fields.

Critics argue that the visas often go to entry-level positions rather than senior roles requiring specialized skills. While the program is intended to prevent wage suppression or the displacement of U.S. workers, critics say companies can pay lower wages by classifying jobs at the lowest skill levels, even when the workers hired have more experience.

The number of new visas issued annually is capped at 65,000, plus an additional 20,000 for people with a master’s degree or higher.

DHS: H-1B visa lottery system being replaced

Luke Karg is the only Missouri student to qualify for the high school national bass fishing championship five times, including as an incoming freshman

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/"></a>The water on Truman Lake was colder and muddier than normal this April, making for some tough fishing conditions.&nbsp;

Luke Karg, of House Springs, had one last shot before graduating to win the Missouri TBF High School Trail Super Tournament for bass fishing – which he and his then 16-year-old fishing partner, A.J. Massa, had won the year before.

It’s the last tournament of the season for the Missouri student program of The Bass Federation, and it’s also the final opportunity to earn enough points to be named Team of the Year — the top-scoring duo in the state.

“The tournament itself meant a lot to us, with it being our last state tournament together,” Karg said. “It was very tough. There was, at most, two inches of visibility in the water, but a lot of fishing is just adapting to the changes.”

Karg and Massa headed out on the water for two days for eight hours each. At the end of each day, they weighed their top five fish.&nbsp;

“The first day, they caught almost enough bass to win the tournament,” said Gary Foree, Karg’s mentor and family friend, who is a former professional fisherman. “They had almost 19 pounds, which is insane. There hasn’t been a tournament in three years over 17 pounds on Truman Lake.”

They brought in 16 pounds on the second day, which would have brought their total up to nearly 35 pounds. But unfortunately it didn’t count. Their boat malfunctioned, making them miss the weigh in.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It was pretty heart-wrenching,” Karg said. “It was one of our best bags as a team on one of the most difficult days.”

Karg and Massa ended up taking second place at Truman Lake with one day’s worth of fish, and they still had enough points to be named Team of the Year, just as they were last year.

Karg has been part of the Team of the Year five years in a row, including as an incoming high-school freshman.&nbsp;

That title also sent the team to the TBF Student Angler Federation High School National Championship, which was held at Oklahoma’s Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees in June.&nbsp;

Only the top two high-school teams from each state can compete, and Karg is the only person in Missouri to have qualified for that opportunity five years in a row, according to officials for the national championship.

“To be one of the top two teams in Missouri for five consecutive years is pretty freaking amazing,” said Karl Buck, who previously led the federation’s high school program in Missouri and was also Karg’s team leader. “I’m just so proud it’s unbelievable. I mean, I can’t believe that I was involved in his upcoming as a fisherman.”

Karg began competitive fishing when he was 12 and participated in dozens of individual and team tournaments as a teen. Through it all, he struggled with an autoimmune illness that made him miss numerous days from school, he said, but he’s proud he still managed to graduate on time in May and continue fishing.

While it was grueling standing on a boat for hours under the hot sun, Karg said the national championship was exhilarating because some of the world’s top fishermen were watching.&nbsp;

“It’s the biggest tourn of the year, and a lot of people only get to go to it once, if even,” Karg said. “It really could be the biggest tournament of your life.”

Karg has loved to fish ever since he could hold a rod, said his father Rick Karg. Even as early as 5, he said Karg could catch fish when the adults around him were coming up empty.&nbsp;

“There’s a magic,” Rick said. “My scientific brain says, ‘Is there like a vibration from his heartbeat that travels down the line because he’s got his finger touching it, that the fish like?’”&nbsp;

Foree met Karg because of a life-changing promise he made to Karg’s mother, Becky Rumley.

Rumley was the nurse administering Foree’s chemotherapy treatment at St. Claire Hospital, and one day, she told him how much her nine-year-old son loved to fish. At the time, Foree thought he only had a few months to live.

“I ended up telling her that if I survive this, I’ll take him to Lake of the Ozarks and get him a five pounder because I used to be a [fishing] guide on the lake,” he said.

Foree did pull through, and when they went out fishing, Karg didn’t just catch one five-pound bass.&nbsp;

“I caught three five-pound bass and two six pounders, and like a bunch of big fish,” Karg said. “It is probably the best day of fishing in my life. And ever since then, he’s just dedicated a huge part of his life to help teach me and my partner.”

Foree was equally amazed after Karg pulled out nearly 40 pounds of fish that day.&nbsp;

“He just had the best day of fishing anybody could have,” Foree said. “That’s how I got him hooked on fishing.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Over the years, Foree taught him about tracking fish through the different seasons and how to read the water and the banks. He also helped him get his first boat.

Now, Foree said, Karg’s instincts are his fishing superpower.&nbsp;

“So many times they won a tournament when the fishing was really tough, and Luke said, ‘Let’s try over here. That bank looks good,’” Foree said. “And they’ll go over, and they’ll catch enough fish on that bank to win the tournament.”

Karg believes his instincts have developed with the dozens of tournaments and countless hours of fishing.&nbsp;

“Over time, it’s become more of an instinct, than having to think about, ‘Oh, I should make a change,’” he said. “It just naturally comes.”

For instance, at both the Truman Lake and national championship, Karg said he was painting his own custom lures while he was on the boat.

At Truman, he made the decision to color a half-inch chartreuse line on his spinner bait, he said, and he ended up catching much bigger fish, but less fish. If his lure had a straight tail, the catch was better as well, he said.

“It’s all about how the bait works in the water,” he said. “The smallest little detail that can just trigger the fish to eat. That’s where a lot of the fun comes into it for me, is all the difficulties and fun little changes you can make. You can go from catching no fish for hours on end to catching your limit in a minute.”

Karl Buck remembers meeting Karg when he was about 12 on a dock at the Peaceful Valley Lake in Owensville, where Karg’s grandparents have a lake house. Buck used to run a student program called the Owensville Anglers, and they were finishing up a tournament that day.

“When we were doing our weigh-in down at the dam, they came down to the boat ramp to inquire,” Buck said. “He’ll probably hate this, but he was the most bashful young man, super quiet and reserved.”&nbsp;

The Owensville Anglers is how Karg got his start with tournament fishing, which Buck says is much different than regular fishing.&nbsp;

In a tournament, Buck said the first rule is “find five.”&nbsp;

“You’re fishing for five fish,” Buck said. “Doesn’t matter what they weigh, they just got to be keepers,” meaning they are big enough to keep.

The fish go in the box where they’re kept alive and healthy, which is a standard conservation practice in the high-school tournaments.&nbsp;

“After you have five, then you’re going to change your game,” he said. “It’s now no longer about just catching fish. You’re looking to upgrade the fish that you already have. Big fish get big for a reason. They’re hard to catch.”

Big fish know how to hide, and that’s where casting skills come into play, Foree said. He called Karg’s casting skills “insane.”&nbsp;

“He can skip jigs and lures and put them in places nobody else can,” Foree said. “That’s why he’s so good.”

But he wasn’t always that good, Buck remembers, which is why Karg earned the nickname “Oops” after fishing with Buck and his son one day.

“Luke throws this cast — I believe it was a spinner bait — and it winds up on the roof of this dock, stuck,” Buck said. “So we go up and we get it. A little while later, he makes another cast and it gets stuck on somebody’s dock.”

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