After many years of neglect for the supply of quality drinking water for the residents of Sundowner West Mobile Home Park, there is still hope.&nbsp;

Last year, Sundowner got major publicity after recurring issues such as undrinkable water, inconsistent billing and lack of communication from Sundowner's water easement rights owner, Scott Kolling. 

Nonprofits such as the Salvation Army of Salina, stepped in to alleviate the situation by providing water bottles and food for the residents. 

Resident and spokesperson for the 'frustrated' residents of Sundowner, Misty Livingston-Holmes still has hope and states that she will not 'give up.'

Livingston-Holmes describes that as of 2025, there have still been 'ongoing issues' with how the water is functioning at the trailer park.

"It's okay, then it's not," said&nbsp;Livingston-Holmes. "Sometimes I will turn on my faucet and I will get a whole bunch of black stuff coming out."

Livingston-Holmes stated the water is not as bad as last year's fiasco, yet herself and the residents have still been facing the same recurring issues for the past several years.

Learn the full story: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fbf51323-7eb3-4f6c-8e69-37dea91cc2e6">Years of neglect causes water crisis at Sundowner Mobile Home and Trailer Park</a>

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fbf51323-7eb3-4f6c-8e69-37dea91cc2e6"></a>As Kolling is known to be the "one to blame" for the ongoing water crisis at the trailer park, there seems to be no course of action taking place from himself according to many State officials, county officials, residents of Sundowner and water well service companies.

Kolling took over as the overseer of the water pumps/utility infrastructure a few years back and Livingston-Holmes has stated that ever since Kolling took over the job, 'a lot of the problems began.'

Livingston-Holmes stated that her and the residents have still been facing the ongoing issues of 'inconsistent billing.' 

She commented that Kolling has been 'double-billing' and that whenever a bill is received, confusion arises with the differences of the current and previous balances.&nbsp;

Once the current balance is paid for,&nbsp;Livingston-Holmes states that she does not understand why&nbsp;she has a previous balance that is higher than the current. She commented that she does not pay for it,&nbsp;because she said that 'Kolling does not describe where it comes from.' 

Livingston-Holmes will then send a text to Kolling seeking an explanation on the billing, but said that he 'does not respond' or provide a possible solution.

"There's just random numbers that I don't even know where he is getting them from," said&nbsp;Livingston-Holmes.

Throughout the 'inconsistent billing,'&nbsp;Livingston-Holmes describes that she only uses the water to shower and do laundry.&nbsp;

"Pretty much that is the only way we consume the water that comes out and sadly we are forced to bathe in that kind of water," said Livingston-Holmes. "We don't brush our teeth with that water and showers are very quick."

Not only has the water been non-consumable, but it has also affected&nbsp;Livingston-Holmes' home. 

She stated that her toilet had to be replaced due to the water because it is 'disgusting.'

"The water is that poor, that you have to replace your appliances," said Livingston-Holmes. "We made replacements for our bathroom floor and appliances, as well as have sewer backup maintenance. We also have to resort to getting water from the store."

Although these recurring issues have been happening, actions have been taking place to solve the problem.

A lawsuit was filed against Kolling by the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) for a&nbsp;<a href="https://lsd.law/define/certificate-of-convenience-and-necessity">Certificate of Convenience and Necessity&nbsp;</a>,&nbsp;which would allow them to&nbsp;grant the services that is needed by the public and is in the public interest.

The current status of the lawsuit is not known at the moment, but Salina Post will provide updates once known.

Saline&nbsp;County Commissioner, Joe Hay is aware of the current situation, but has stated that ‘his hands are tied.’ Hay commented that he has discussed this issue with several different agencies and government bodies.&nbsp;

According to Hay a mortgage foreclosure notice has been filed against Kolling, after agencies such as <a href="https://rediclean.com/">Redi Clean Water Well Rehab (Little River, KS)</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://waterwiseenterprises.com/">WaterWise Enterprises (Oxford, KS)</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.waltonplumbingandheating.com/">Walton Plumbing and Heating</a> have not 'received any payments' for the well and sewage services conducted at Sundowner.

“I am very upset that the water is not drinkable and that it has not gotten any better," said Hay.

Don Teeters of Redi Clean stated that Sudowner has been issued several 'do not drink orders.' 

Redi Clean, along with Walton Plumbing and Heating conducted water well services at Sundowner for manganese issues and Teeters commented that they never received any form of payment from Kolling.&nbsp;

Teeters stated that the foreclosure was decided to be put on Sundowner (Kolling) and the proceedings have already been taking place.&nbsp;

"Kolling would be out of a job if the foreclosure goes through," said Teeters. "Sundowner has had bad publicity for over 4 years and things may start be getting a little better."

A set court date for the foreclosure is set to occur on December 3, 2025.

Just recently on Sunday, November 16 a <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c66087d4-bd57-4f64-bbd3-1029c29b1b9b">boil advisory was issued at Sundowner.</a>

The&nbsp;Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issued the advisory due to a waterline break, which resulted in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.

According to the KDHE, the advisory will remain in effect, until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.

Salina Post will provide an update once the advisory is rescinded.

Hay stated the residents "seem to be doing okay," despite the advisory.&nbsp;

"We are moving forward, slowly," said Hay. "I really want to get this taken care of."

Salina Post has contacted Scott Kolling for a comment several times, and has not reached back out.

Stay connected with the Salina Post on this story, as we will continue to provide updates.

Promising future for Sundowner Mobile Home Park during its ongoing clean water crisis

MITCHELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Saturday in Mitchell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy Malibu driven by Dustin K.&nbsp;West, 31, Cawker City, was eastbound in the 800 block of Wisconsin Street in Cawker City. The struck a pedestrian, identified as LInda B. Clover, 81, Cawker City, who stepped into the roadway from the south curb.&nbsp;&nbsp;

EMS transported Clover to&nbsp;Mitchell County Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. West was properly restrained and not injured, according to the KHP.

81-year-old Kansas woman hospitalized after struck by a car

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

NAME:&nbsp;Burnett, Caitlyn Danielle

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Improper turn on approach

NAME:&nbsp;Carmichael, Adrian Fred

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Viol protection order; Pre-trial order; Probation Violation; Viol protection order; Pre-trial order; Stalking; Reckless conduct causing fear to person or family; Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Fairchild, Zachary Ryan

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Aggravated burglary; Locked non-dwelling for felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexual motivate; Arson; Intentional to non-dwelling of another without consent; Crim damage to prop;w/o consent &lt;$1K

NAME:&nbsp;Phommachanh, William Kao

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant; Failure to appear

Saline County Jail Bookings, November 22

With fewer than 500 Amur tigers left in the wild, Rolling Hills Zoo is proud to announce the building of a groundbreaking new exhibit — Tiger Falls — a bold, immersive habitat designed to ensure a healthy future for Amur tigers and other endangered Asian species.

Tiger Falls will offer a state-of-the-art environment that mirrors the natural habitats these majestic animals need to thrive. Designed with both animal welfare and guest experience in mind, this innovative habitat will accommodate up to six Amur tigers, as well as snow leopards, providing them with the space, enrichment, and stimulation essential for promoting natural behaviors and enhancing their overall care.

“As one of central Kansas’ top destinations, Rolling Hills Zoo continues to raise the bar for animal care, conservation, and education,” said Ryan VanZant, Executive Director of Rolling Hills Zoo. “Tiger Falls will give guests unforgettable, up-close experiences with one of the world’s most endangered big cats, while deepening their understanding of the critical need for wildlife conservation.”

Visitors will have the rare opportunity to observe tiger training sessions, an interactive component of the exhibit that highlights how these incredible animals participate in their own healthcare — a key element of modern zoo animal management and welfare.

In addition to Amur tigers and snow leopards, Tiger Falls will also become home to red pandas, another beloved and threatened Asian species. Two red pandas have already been selected for transfer to Rolling Hills Zoo and will be among the first to join the new Tiger Falls area upon its completion.

At the heart of Tiger Falls lies Rolling Hills Zoo’s commitment to conservation and education. The exhibit’s flexible design and emphasis on enrichment will not only set a new standard in animal care but also serve as a powerful platform for raising awareness about endangered species and their survival. Building this one-of-a-kind habitat is a monumental effort — made possible through the generosity of donors, foundations, and grants.

In preparation for the main construction to begin this spring, the zoo’s female Amur tiger, Viktoria, is being relocated to the Louisville Zoo in Kentucky. This move comes at the recommendation of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) — part of the Association of Zoos &amp; Aquariums (AZA), under which Rolling Hills Zoo is proudly accredited. The SSP oversees the management and breeding of endangered species across accredited zoos to ensure healthy, genetically diverse populations. Viktoria will be paired with Louisville Zoo’s male tiger for breeding purposes, supporting the long-term survival of the Amur tiger species.

Guests will still be able to visit the snow leopards, Sherman and Bettina, through the end of November before the tiger loop is officially closed for construction preparations.

Upon the completion of Tiger Falls, Rolling Hills Zoo will welcome new Amur tigers, also recommended by the SSP for breeding. The new habitat’s design will support future generations of these critically endangered cats, fostering natural behaviors and reproductive success.

Rolling Hills Zoo invites the community to be part of this exciting new chapter in conservation by supporting Tiger Falls and helping create an experience that will inspire generations to come.

Rolling Hills Zoo announces groundbreaking of new exhibit to ensure the safety of endangered species

&nbsp;Salina Regional Health Center&nbsp;

The Rebecca A. Morrison House at Salina Regional Health Center, 513 S. Eighth&nbsp; Street, Salina, invites the community to an open house from noon to 2 p.m., Monday, November 24, in&nbsp; celebration of its 32nd birthday.

The home will offer public tours, cookies and conversation about the&nbsp; service that provides a home-away-from-home for loved ones of patients at the hospital and outpatients&nbsp; receiving treatment at the Tammy Walker Cancer Center.&nbsp;

A fundraising campaign also is being held with a goal of raising $32,000 to celebrate 32 years of&nbsp; service supporting patients and families. Thanks to generous friends of the Morrison House, all gifts&nbsp; given for the campaign will be matched dollar for dollar up to $16,000. Community support is needed to&nbsp; leverage each matching dollar and meet the $32,000 fundraising goal.&nbsp;

There is no charge for guests to stay at the Morrison House. The service is supported entirely by&nbsp; donations. Over the years, nearly 30,000 guests have stayed at the Morrison House who have been&nbsp; provided with more than 130,000 nights of accommodations. Guests have come from all 50 states, 18&nbsp; foreign countries and 453 Kansas communities. A majority of guests come from north central Kansas.&nbsp;

“We hear every day from guests what a tremendous gift the Morrison House is for families and&nbsp; patients facing difficult times,” said Lisa Hoffman, Morrison House manager. “Our location – right next&nbsp; door to the hospital – keeps families and patients together when they need it most.”&nbsp;

The Morrison House is operated by the Salina Regional Health Foundation. You can learn more&nbsp; about the Morrison House and support the fundraising campaign by visiting the Foundation’s website at srhealthfoundation.com.

Morrison House to celebrate 32nd birthday with open house to support fundraising campaign 

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TOPEKA&nbsp;—Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;has sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency requesting a major presidential disaster for the Public Assistance Program due to damages caused by severe thunderstorms, straight-line winds, torrential rainfall and flooding during the period of Sept. 8-10, 2025, according to a media release from the Kansas Adjutant General’s Office.

“It is important to have federal support available to these counties to assist in rebuilding their infrastructure,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly&nbsp;said. “Damages sustained will require long-term recovery and these funds will go a long way to help these communities rebuild.”

Counties included in this request are Ellsworth, Lincoln, Ottawa, and Saline.

 Gov. requests a declaration of major presidential disaster for Sept. storm

Salina Police have arrested a man for allegedly possessing <a href="https://www.justice.gov/d9/2023-06/child_sexual_abuse_material_2.pdf">CSAM</a> material on a laptop.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) officers were dispatched to a home in Salina, for the report where a household member had been accessing a laptop that other family members had access to.

Reportedly, members of the home discovered "suspicious material" on the laptop relating to under aged children.

Lt. Andrew Zeigler called the "suspicious material"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/d9/2023-06/child_sexual_abuse_material_2.pdf">CSAM</a>, which is an acronym for&nbsp;Child Sexual Abuse Material.

Officers confirmed the material was CSAM and further made contact with the suspect, who is a male. When officers questioned the suspect, he admitted to being responsible for the crime(s).

All items were seized from SPD, which would be sent for further examination according to Lt. Zeigler.

Arrested was Cody Pacheco (41). Pacheco was booked into the Saline County Jail on the following requested charges:

Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Possession of Media Child (less than 18), Unlawful Visual Depiction of a Child.

The investigation is ongoing as further charges could arise, according to SPD.

Salina Police arrest man for allegedly possessing CSAM material on laptop

The Salina Police Department (SPD) are seeking tips regarding a business burglary.

ORIGINAL: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a4a25d4b-6eb5-4249-9acc-a756409abc7a">Law enforcement investigating business burglary north of Salina</a>

According to SPD on Saturday, November 1, at about 7:45 pm,&nbsp;a burglary occurred at the Third Fairy business (153 N. Broadway).

The owner of the business had received an alert that the businesses cameras had gone "offline." The owner arrived to the business and discovered a bike and backpack along the west side of the building.&nbsp; 

The owner then entered the business and saw what he described as a&nbsp;"white male, approximately 5’8”, skinny, with possibly longer dark hair."

After the owner confronted, the suspect exited the building and left the area on his bicycle. It did not appear any items were taken. 

The suspect gained entry by damaging the back door of the business.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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:&nbsp;<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 2025-29791.

UPDATE: Law enforcement seeking tips regarding business burglary in north Salina

NAME:&nbsp;Carroll, Steven Jean Neil

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Lawson,Eric Christopher

REQUESTED CHARGES: Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Duty of driver to report; Unattended veh/prop;unkn; Improper driving on laned roadway

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Unl possess visual depiction of child 12-16 yrs; Sexual exploit of child; poss media of child&lt;18

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear; Failure to appear; Failure to appear; Failure to appear

Saline County Jail Bookings, November 21

The Salina City Commission will hold its regular meeting on&nbsp;Monday November 24, 2025. The meeting will begin at&nbsp;4:00 pm&nbsp;inside&nbsp;Room 107&nbsp;of the&nbsp;City-County Building,&nbsp;300 West Ash Street.

For those who cannot attend the meeting, you can watch the livestream Monday, November 24 on YouTube at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.

Public hearings and items scheduled for a certain time&nbsp;

1. Conduct a public hearing on and consider approval of Resolution No. 25-8317, a Resolution of Advisability for issuing Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) to A &amp; B Tool and Machine.

1. Consider approval of the minutes of the November 10, 2025, regular meeting.

1.&nbsp;Consider Resolution No. 25-8318 adopting the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan

2.&nbsp;Consider approval of Resolution No. 25-8321 adopting a Vision Zero Policy for the City.

3.&nbsp;Consider awarding the contract for Project Number 24030, West Magnolia Road Phase I, to Prairie Landworks, Inc., of McPherson, Kansas in an amount not to exceed $3,971,895.90.

4.&nbsp;Consider approval of Ordinance No. 25-11272 calling for a vote of the electors of the City of Salina, Kansas, on a question submitted pursuant to K.S.A. 12-3013.

1.&nbsp;Consider the acceptance of the offered utility and drainage easement dedications from Nine South Development, LLC to serve the Replat of the Nine South Addition, an eight (8) lot subdivision of an 8.83 acre tract of land located on the east side of S. 9th Street between the Market Place Apartments and Sam’s Club.

2.&nbsp;Consider approval of a License Agreement with Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.

3.&nbsp;Consider acceptance of an offered public drainage easement dedication from Amazon.com Services LLC on Lot 1, Block 1 of the Airport Industrial Center No. 3 Addition to the City of Salina.

4.&nbsp;Consider acceptance of offered public water line easement dedication from Amazon.com Services LLC on Lot 1, Block 1 of the Airport Industrial Center No. 3 Addition to the City of Salina.

Residents are invited to share their comments for 3 minutes with the commission.

1.&nbsp;Request for Executive Session - Legal

1 a. Move the City Commission recess into executive session for __ minutes to discuss with special legal counsel the subject of legal considerations relating to the Cozy Inn vs. City of Salina case based upon the need for consultation with an attorney for the public body which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship pursuant to K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2).

For more information about each item listed, click&nbsp;<a href="https://agendasuite.org/iip/salina/meeting/details/1182">here</a>.

Commissioners to discuss Cozy Inn ruling with legal counsel during executive session in Nov. 24 meeting

<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 forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 21 - November 24

The US National Weather Service (USNWS) has issued Saline County a "Dense Fog" advisory until 11:00 am Wednesday morning.

The USNWS posted on Facebook&nbsp;a screenshot from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), of dense fog along I-70 near mile marker 229, at Lincoln Hill in central KS at 7:46 am (see above).

Please be cautious on the roads and drive safely during this advisory.

Saline County under "Dense Fog" advisory Wednesday morning

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 19 - November 21

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 17 - November 19

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 14 - November 17

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 12 - November 14

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 10 - November 12

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 7 - November 10

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 5 - November 7

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 3 - November 5

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday night in Basehor, Kansas.

Just before 9p.m., deputies from the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 16900 block of Dempsey Road where a resident reported being threatened, according to a media release from the KBI.&nbsp; The reporting party provided a description of the suspect’s vehicle, which was a white Honda SUV.

Preliminary information indicates deputies located the Honda nearby, and attempted to stop the SUV, when the driver fled. While the Honda traveled eastbound in the 17000 block of Dempsey Road, gunshots were fired from the SUV toward the pursuing patrol vehicle. Near N. 147th&nbsp;and Parallel Road, in Basehor, gunshots were again fired from the Honda, and the responding deputy crashed his patrol vehicle.

The pursuit continued to the area of N. 156th&nbsp;and Parallel Road, where the Honda collided with a passenger car. As a deputy pulled behind the Honda, a male subject, later identified as Andrew M. Amundsen, 33, of Leavenworth, exited the passenger side, and fired several rounds. The deputy returned fire. The driver of the vehicle, Mariah Huggins, 29, of Kansas City, Kansas, was taken into custody at the crash site.

Amundsen fled on foot. In an attempt to hide, he broke a basement window of an area home, entered the residence, but then exited and continued to flee. Sheriff's deputies located him hiding in a truck bed in the area of N. 157th&nbsp;and Cedar Street and took him into custody. Amundsen was uninjured, and later booked into the Leavenworth County Jail on an outstanding arrest warrant.

The deputy involved in the wreck was transported to the hospital where he was treated for his injuries and then released. No other deputies or civilians were hurt during this incident. As a precaution, Huggins was examined by hospital personnel, and then booked into the Leavenworth County Jail on a pre-existing warrant.

Additional charges, related to this incident, are expected for Amundsen and Huggins.

This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.

When this investigation concludes case findings will be presented to the Leavenworth County Attorney for determination of charges. The investigation is ongoing.

Couple jailed after exchange of gunfire with Kan. deputy

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/melania-trump">Melania Trump</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usha-vance-attorney-jd-vance-wife-vp-63406da4f6739546391ed7797fc1fef2">Usha Vance</a>&nbsp;took their first trip together on Wednesday, visiting Marine Corps members and their relatives in North Carolina to mark the approach of Thanksgiving and salute military families, which the first lady called "the quiet strength of our nation.”

The wives of President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">JD Vance</a>, a former Marine, visited schools at Camp Lejeune, the largest Marine Corps base on the East Coast, before delivering remarks to some 1,600 uniformed, cheering Marines and their families at Marine Corps Air Station New River.

“Please know that our nation is thinking of you, praying for you and deeply grateful for your service,” Trump said of all military service members stationed far from home during the holidays, speaking from a stage flanked by parked tanks and helicopters.

Trump stressed the growing importance of artificial intelligence to the military, noting that “technology is changing the art of war.”

“Predictably, AI will alter war more profoundly than any technology since nuclear weapons,” she said, also noting that "we are moving from human operators to human overseers fast.”

Trump and Vance both saluted the Marines for the branch's recent 250th anniversary, and the second lady said that “military families are truly a model for our country and for my own family."

Brigadier General Ralph J. Rizzo Jr, said of the joint visit: “Those moments matter because they show our families their service and sacrifices are seen and appreciated."

Trump and Vance's speeches followed them discussing AI with high schoolers and helping younger children make turkeys out of cardstock — surrounded by Elmer’s glue and glue sticks.

They watched an advanced placement research class from the Lejeune High “Devilpups,” recalling the Marine Corps’ “Devil Dog” nickname, and had discussions about technological development.

Trump and Vance sat with four tables of students with laptops. They listened to a student presentation on electronic media affecting sleep and adolescent wellbeing, as well as a study on social media addiction and its impact on young people’s esteem and body image.

The students demonstrated how they used AI to generate videos as part of their presentation. The first lady asked one group how they used AI in school, and nodded along as they chatted. The students also described rules that kept them from using AI to improperly complete assignments.

Trump and Vance later visited a gymnasium, where the school was assembling 2,000 care packages for service members stationed abroad — filled with goodies including jerky sticks. The first lady told the crowd there that she and the president always think of U.S. service members but “especially during the holidays.”

Trump and Vance also toured two kindergarten classes and a first grade class at DeLalio Elementary School, entering classrooms where each table had been laid with folders from Be Best, Trump’s child-focused initiative. The folders featured a puzzle, pen, and sticker for each student.

Trump told one of the girls she was “beautiful.” The youngster had a patriotic ribbon pinned to her light blue top, meaning one of her parents is on active deployment.

The first lady asked another a question, before declaring, “’Isn’t it fun?” She engaged in a long conversation with another girl before offering, “Very nice. I love your story.”

Later, sitting at tables with the youngsters, Trump commanded, “Show me how you play.” Several of the kindergartners and first graders wore ribbons signifying a deployed parent — as did many in the larger group of students later making turkeys with the first and second ladies.

Both have appeared together at other public events, though not on the road. Most notably, they were together at the inauguration of their husbands at the U.S. Capitol in January.

Other joint appearances came at a White House event celebrating military mothers and a luncheon for Senate spouses, both in May; the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-kennedy-center-performing-arts-487a890419ebf4de42660c5d947dc69c">opening night of “Les Misérables”</a>&nbsp;at the Kennedy Center in June; and the president's signing last week of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-white-house-foster-care-5301987e676786c793b2b9fba0eb4c2f">executive order to help foster children</a>, which also came as part of Be Best.

Melania Trump has centered her work around children, launching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/parenting-united-states-government-2aefddc6f11044d4ac340809f9e75bb3">Be Best</a>&nbsp;during her husband's first term to focus on their welfare, online safety and opioid abuse.

Last month, she announced that eight children displaced by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">the Russia-Ukraine war</a>&nbsp;had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-russia-ukraine-children-fe324a08a9a957f05995dac0d95a66c3">reunited with their families</a>&nbsp;following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Earlier this year, the first lady helped lobby Congress to pass legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-melania-intimate-imagery-bill-sign-c7416b4935f8ccac9fd2909e494da9f1">imposing federal penalties for online sexual exploitation</a>, often targeting young girls. Her husband signed the bill into law in May.

Usha Vance, a former lawyer, launched a “Summer Reading Challenge” to encourage students in kindergarten through eighth grade to read 12 books during the school break. Certificates and prizes were promised to those who completed the challenge.

The second lady often accompanies the vice president on his trips and sometimes brings along their three young children.

Highlights of first and second ladies visit with Marines and their relatives

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/cindygonzalez/">Cindy Gonzalez</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/"></a>LINCOLN — In a blow to the local economy of Lexington, Nebraska, Tyson Foods announced that it is closing the town’s longtime Tyson beef plant that employed about 3,200 people.&nbsp;

The Arkansas-based Tyson said in a statement that changes were designed to “right-size” its beef business and position it for long-term success.

The Lexington plant is to close on or around Jan. 20.&nbsp;The statement did not elaborate on why the plant in the town of&nbsp; about 11,500 people was targeted.

The company said it also will convert an Amarillo, Texas, beef facility to a single, full-capacity shift and increase production at other company beef facilities. The number of layoffs from that eliminated shift is about 1,700.

A recent earnings report indicated that Tyson stands to lose some $600 million in its beef business next fiscal year, on top of the already-incurred $720 million loss over the last two years.&nbsp;

The closure sparked swift reaction from Nebraskans.

The Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors expressed disappointment — especially, it said, in light of Friday’s U.S. Department of Agriculture data that Nebraska cattle-on-feed inventories remain slightly above year-ago levels in spite of the ongoing cyclical tightness in national cattle numbers.

“We firmly believe there isn’t a better place to efficiently and economically raise cattle and produce beef than Nebraska,” the board said in a statement. “This will have a profound impact on the community of Lexington and many cattle producers.”

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen called the state’s cattle industry resilient and “the envy of the world.” He said Tyson leadership promised to “work on future value-added opportunities” in the state.

“Big picture — our excellent cattlemen and cattle feeders have emerging opportunities and will still have the Tyson market to sell into as its planned re-organization will boost capacity and jobs at other Nebraska plants,” Pillen said.

But U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, blasted the decision.

“As the single largest employer in Lexington, Tyson’s announcement will have a devastating impact on a truly wonderful community, the region and our state,” she said.

Calling Nebraska a beef state that knows better than anyone the highs and lows of the cattle market, Fischer added: “It’s no secret that just a few years ago, packers like Tyson were making windfall profits while the rest of the industry was continuously in the red.”

“I call on Tyson to do everything in its power to take care of the families affected by this short-sighted decision,” she said.&nbsp;

U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., said he would do what he could to support Nebraskans impacted and to help employees find work close to home.

“This news is especially heartbreaking around the holidays,” he said.

U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb, called the closure a disappointing loss for the city, Dawson County, the region and cattle industry as a whole.&nbsp;

“Nebraska’s hard-working cattle producers are innovative and highly efficient as they work to provide high quality beef for consumers,” Smith said. “I welcome input from producers and stand ready to assist as we all move forward.”

In its announcement, Tyson said it recognized the impact its decisions have on its team members and their communities.

“The company is committed to supporting our team members through this transition, including helping them apply for open positions at other facilities and providing relocation benefits,” it said.

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