SALINE COUNTY - The Saline County Commission signed a proclamation on October 29th, declaring&nbsp;November 4–11 as Operation Green Light for Veterans&nbsp;in Saline County.

The week encourages residents, businesses and local organizations to shine green lights in recognition of America’s veterans and their families.

Participating is simple, just replace one exterior or interior light with a green bulb.

“Lighting our buildings green is a visible reminder that we owe a debt of gratitude to those who’ve served,” said County Commission Chairman Rodger Sparks. “It’s a small gesture that carries a big meaning, one that lets every veteran know they are valued and never forgotten.”

Whether it’s a porch light visible to passersby or a lamp in your window, that green glow sends a powerful message: 

Our veterans are seen, appreciated and supported.

To mark the week, Saline County buildings will be illuminated green and residents are encouraged to share photos of their displays using #OperationGreenLight and tagging Saline County on social media.

Operation Green Light, now in its fifth year, is a collaborative effort of the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO). 

The initiative highlights the crucial role counties play in connecting veterans with benefits and services that help them thrive after military service.

Support Veterans by participating in "Operation Green Light" 

Dr. Trish Petak, associate professor of business and accounting, was recently recognized as this year’s Salina Women of Achievement honoree in the field of education. 

Petak will join six other women, including KWU alumna Heidi Feyerherm-Smith ’08, in being honored at the organization’s annual event on Thursday, November 6 at Theatre Salina (303 E Iron Ave).&nbsp;

“To be awarded Educator of the Year&nbsp;is such an incredible honor and is profoundly meaningful because it’s a recognition from my hometown of Salina,” said Petak. “I'm blessed that my career at KWU&nbsp;has allowed me to teach thousands of amazing students while giving back to the lifelong community I love.”

Petak is the longtime leader of KWU’s DECA program, a team that has achieved significant national success with several championship performances. She has held roles with the noon AMBUCS group, the Salina YMCA board and other local non-profit proceedings, in addition to being a key leader in KWU’s Department of Business and Accounting.&nbsp;

Tickets are still available to the Nov. 6 event.

For more information or to reserve your seat, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.woasalina.org/">https://www.woasalina.org/</a>.&nbsp;

KWU Professor to be honored by Salina’s Women of Achievement

GYPSUM - The community of Gypsum is inviting the public to join a retirement open house celebration in honor of Jim Reese.

Reese, has been selling farm equipment in the Saline County area for 44 years. He first started his diligence at Dauer Implement in 1981.

He worked there until 2010, where Reese started at Carrico Implement in Ellsworth in May 2010. Since then, Reese served areas such as Saline County, McPherson and Dickinson.

The open house will be held on Saturday, November 8 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Gypsum City Auditorium (625 Maple St.)

The event will be free and open to the public, as light refreshments will be offered.

Gypsum invites public to celebrate retirement party for local man serving Saline County since 1981

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

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg robbery; Inflicts bodily harm; Criminal restraint; Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm

NAME:&nbsp;De Banos Pino, Kriss Alexander

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Poss of marijuana

NAME:&nbsp;Griffin, Lance Michael

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalia/human body; Poss of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg Domestic Battery: impede breathing/choke; Aggravated kidnapping; Agg robbery; Inflicts bodily harm; Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor; Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm; Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor; Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalia/human body

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Defective tail lamps; Use/poss drug paraphernalia/human body; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, November 1

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, today, released the annual “Overview of the Health Insurance Market in Kansas.” This report details the 2026 Kansas Health Insurance Market (Marketplace). The report can be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://insurance.ks.gov/documents/healthlife/health/KID-Issue-Brief.pdf">here</a>.

Open enrollment is an opportunity for Kansans to make decisions about their health insurance coverage. They can stay on their current policy, if available, or enroll in a different policy from the same company or a different company.

“It is important for Kansans to make informed decisions when deciding which coverage is best for them and their families,” Schmidt said. “Open enrollment is the time to evaluate your coverage and chose a plan that is best for you and your family’s healthcare needs.”

<a></a>The open enrollment period for Kansans will be from November 1 until January 15. Kansans who would like to start their health insurance coverage effective January 1 must enroll by December 15. Health insurance purchased on the Marketplace between December 16 and January 15 will not begin coverage until February 1.

Rates listed in the report reflect the non-renewal of the enhanced subsidies by Congress after December 31, 2025.

For additional information on the 2026 Kansas Health Insurance Marketplace and open enrollment, please visit the Department’s website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://insurance.kansas.gov/health-life/">insurance.kansas.gov/health-life</a>.

Department of Insurance releases 2026 overview of the Kansas Health Insurance Market

From&nbsp;November 2–8, Salina is joining communities across Kansas to celebrate the fifth annual&nbsp;Kansas Mobility Week, a statewide effort to promote accessible, safe and sustainable transportation options.

Local residents are invited to participate in a variety of activities, including:

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly will officially recognize the week with a&nbsp;proclamation, underscoring the importance of connecting Kansans to jobs, healthcare, education, and recreation through accessible transportation.

"Kansas Mobility Week is about more than just buses and bikes—it’s about connecting communities, promoting health, and improving quality of life for all residents,"&nbsp;said Michelle Coats, Mobility Manager for North Central Kansas.&nbsp;"We invite everyone to get involved, try new ways to move, and celebrate the options available right here in our community."

Additional events and activities across Kansas can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ksrides.org/">www.ksrides.org</a>.

Kansas Mobility Week is an annual celebration of transportation options across the state, highlighting walking, biking, transit, and other mobility choices. Participating agencies host events, offer free rides, and engage the public to promote safe and accessible travel for all Kansans.

Community invited to participate in various activities throughout Kansas Mobility Week 

Kansas State Department of Education&nbsp;

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) has submitted a waiver request to the U.S. Department of Education to align state and federal school accountability systems into a single, coherent model focused on student achievement and school improvement.

Kansas districts and schools currently operate under two separate systems: the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation framework and the federal Every Student Succeeds Act identification process. Both systems have the same goal of improving student outcomes, but the duplication increases administrative burden and creates confusion for districts. KSDE is seeking to streamline requirements so educators can focus their time and resources on student learning.

In a July 29, 2025,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ed.gov/dear-colleague-letters/july-29-2025">&nbsp;Dear Colleague letter</a>, the Education Department encouraged states to request “creative and effective waivers” that align federal programs with state priorities, maximize the impact of federal funds, and improve outcomes for students.

The waiver request submitted by Kansas would:

The waiver would provide the time necessary to bring state and federal accountability systems into alignment and create a single model of support that is clear, efficient, and focused on proven strategies for improving student outcomes.

“This is about coherence and stability,” said KSDE Deputy Commissioner Dr. Renee Nugent. “By aligning our state and federal systems, we are removing barriers and ensuring every Kansas school is working from the same set of goals. This unified approach allows educators to focus on what truly matters, supporting students and accelerating academic achievement.”

Schools currently identified under ESSA would:

Schools that meet exit criteria during the waiver period may exit identification. However, KSDE encourages schools to remain voluntarily to retain support and funding.

Schools that would have been newly identified will be invited to participate in a pilot program that aligns their existing KESA action plans with the new unified accountability system, without adding another federal designation during the transition.

KSDE believes this waiver will benefit students and educators by:

The waiver request is open for public comment. Kansans are encouraged to review the proposal and submit feedback at:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksde.gov/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Special-Education-and-Title-Services/Announcements-Special-Education-and-Title-Services">https://www.ksde.gov/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Special-Education-and-Title-Services/Announcements-Special-Education-and-Title-Services</a>

The U.S. Department of Education has 120 days from the date of submission to review the request and issue a decision.

If the waiver is not approved, KSDE will continue to meet all federal statutory requirements, including identifying schools under ESSA, while continuing its work to build a single accountability and improvement system that strengthens support for every Kansas school.

Kansas seeks federal waiver to create single accountability system, improve clarity for schools

Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas

Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas (DVACK) will host its annual Festival of Trees fundraiser on Friday, November 21&nbsp;at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Salina Downtown (115 E Mulberry St).

The elegant evening event, themed&nbsp;Christmas Masquerade,&nbsp;begins at 6:00 pm and promises to be an unforgettable night of giving back to the community while supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Andrea Quill, CEO of DVACK, sat down to discuss the upcoming fundraiser and what attendees can expect from this year's celebration.

"Festival of Trees has become one of our most important fundraising events of the year," Quill explained. "It's an opportunity for our community to come together, enjoy a wonderful evening, and make a real difference in the lives of survivors and their families."

Tickets for the event are $150 per person and include a plated dinner and access to a premium open bar throughout the evening. Quill emphasized that the event offers excellent value while supporting a crucial cause. Attendees are encouraged to dress in cocktail attire or business casual, with the added festive touch of masks to complement the Christmas Masquerade theme.

Silent and Live Auctions Feature Unique Items

The highlight of the evening will be the silent and live auctions, featuring an impressive array of items donated by local businesses and community members. According to Quill, this year's auction inventory is particularly exciting.

"We have something for everyone," Quill said. "From beautiful artwork to stunning jewelry, household items that make perfect gifts, and of course, our signature decorated Christmas trees."

The themed Christmas trees have become a beloved tradition at Festival of Trees, with talented individuals creating uniquely decorated trees that attendees can bid on. Each tree showcases different themes and decorating styles, making them one-of-a-kind pieces that winners can take home to enjoy throughout the holiday season.

Christmas décor items will also be available for bidding, perfect for those looking to add festive touches to their homes or find unique gifts for loved ones.

Vacation Package and Concert Experience Up for Grabs

Among the premium auction items is a vacation package to Avon, Colorado, offering the winning bidder a getaway to one of the state's premier mountain destinations. The package provides an opportunity to experience breathtaking scenery and mountain town charm.

In a particularly special donation, the band Soul Preachers has contributed a private concert performance to the auction. The winning bidder will receive a show performed by the band at a private party of their choosing.

"The Soul Preachers donation is incredibly generous," Quill noted. "It's not often you can bid on having a live band perform at your own private event. We're so grateful for their support and creativity in contributing something truly unique."

50/50 Raffle Offers Additional Chance to Win

In addition to the auctions, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a 50/50 raffle throughout the evening. Half of the raffle proceeds will go to one lucky winner, while the other half will support DVACK's mission and programs.

When asked about the importance of events like the Festival of Trees, Quill became passionate about DVACK's mission and the community's role in supporting it.

"The funds raised at Festival of Trees directly support our shelter, our crisis hotline, our legal advocacy program, and all of our services for survivors," Quill explained. "Every dollar raised helps us provide safe housing, supportive counseling, support groups, and resources that help survivors rebuild their lives."

DVACK serves individuals and families affected by domestic and sexual violence throughout North Central Kansas. The organization operates a 24-hour crisis hotline, provides emergency shelter, and offers a range of outreach support services designed to help survivors achieve safety and independence.

"Domestic violence affects people from all walks of life," Quill said. "It doesn't discriminate based on income, education, or background. Our services are available to anyone who needs them, and events like this make that possible."

Quill emphasized that the success of Festival of Trees depends entirely on community support, both from those who donate items for the auction and those who attend the event.

"We're so fortunate to be part of a community that cares deeply about this issue," she said. "The generosity we see from local businesses, artists, and individuals who contribute to our auction is truly heartwarming. And when people choose to spend their evening with us, supporting our mission, it means everything."

Festival of Trees will take place on Thursday, November 21, 2025, at 6:00 pm at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Salina Downtown.

Tickets are $150 per person and include a plated dinner, premium open bar, and participation in both the silent and live auctions.

For more information about purchasing tickets or to learn more about DVACK's programs and services, interested community members can contact DVACK at (785) 827-5862 or dvack@dvack.org.

"We hope to see a great turnout this year," Quill concluded. "It's going to be a beautiful evening, and every person who attends is making a direct impact on the lives of survivors in our community."

DVACK hosting elegant event for the purpose of supporting domestic violence survivors 

High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

Here is the lineup for the Saturday Morning Show with Dave Foor &amp; Nicolas Fierro on&nbsp;910 AM/107.5 FM KINA Salina for November 1:

- Vickee Spicer, Theatre Salina (news and updates)

- Chad Young, Salina Rescue Mission (Supporting community amidst Federal Gov. shutdown)

- Karen Babcock-Brassea, KWU Theatre Department and "Dracula"&nbsp;

- Michelle Peck, The Garage (new exhibits and new book)

All episodes are recorded and uploaded on the&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?CFID=05fb1ecb-7d68-4542-adb3-9b7c11d9b5e5&amp;CFTOKEN=0&amp;stationCallSign=KINA&amp;onDemandAutoStart=true&amp;p92136680=true&amp;relocateURL=true">910 AM and 107.5 FM KINA website</a>, under the 'KINA Saturday Mornings'&nbsp;tab.

Saturday Morning Show with Dave Foor & Nicolas Fierro lineup, November 1

The <a href="https://www.kansasimpactcoalition.com/">Kansas Impact Coalition</a> (KIC) has added another location after starting the&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d6c6228e-f18e-48b7-a1a6-d39278ed386c">Salina Fridge &amp; Freezer</a> to provide food those in need, amidst the Federal Government shutdown.

ORIGINAL: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d6c6228e-f18e-48b7-a1a6-d39278ed386c">Salina Fridge &amp; Freezer starts at Bravo’s Sliders &amp; Bites</a>

According to Miranda Bachman of KIC, the additional location is at Salina Seventh-Day Adventist Church (834 N. Eleventh St.). This location&nbsp;will&nbsp;only be carrying&nbsp;have a fridge (for now) for people to be apart of a dignity-first model:

Those wishing to support, can donate fresh food for the fridge at this location. People can also leave non-perishable goods on top of the fridge as well.

- Other refrigerated food, drinks and goods

- Non perishable goods (leave on top of fridge)

Be sure to donate to the fridge and freezer at&nbsp;Bravo’s Sliders &amp; Bites, (1400 East Iron Avenue).&nbsp;The fridge and freezer will remain accessible 24 hours a day to anyone in the community at the Bravo's location. People can donate non-perishable goods at this location as well.

The fridge will remain accessible 24 hours at the church.

UPDATE: Another location announced for Salina Fridge and Freezer 

<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>.

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 31 - November 2

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 29 - October 31

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 27 - October 29

Four day weather forecast Salina, October 24 - October 27

The US National Weather Service has announced events of showers and thunderstorms are expected to return this weekend in Salina and throughout Central Kansas.

Accordingly, showers and thunderstorms will overspread the area starting Thursday night, with the greatest coverage in southern Kansas. Temperatures will drop into the upper 40s and 50s throughout the area.

Forecast depicts that showers and thunderstorms are likely to occur throughout the span of this weekend, and into Monday, October 27.

Showers and thunderstorms expected to return to Salina this weekend

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 22 - October 24

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 20 - October 22

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 17 - October 19

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 15 - October 17

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 13 - October 15

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

On October 30, an Osage County Sheriff’s Office Investigator conducted a traffic stop&nbsp; on Interstate 35 in Osage County for an alleged traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.&nbsp; During the stop, illegal narcotics were located.&nbsp;

The deputy arrested&nbsp; Jessica A. Meade, 28, of Lebo on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana and Possession of drug paraphernalia

Sheriff: Kansas woman caught with meth and marijuana

NEW YORK (AP) — The United States is running out of pennies.

President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-mint-treasury-department-penny-end-production-daf6367d7e8d31d6783720d5d4667115" rel="nofollow">decision to stop producing the penny</a>&nbsp;earlier this year is starting to have real implications for the nation’s commerce. Merchants in multiple regions of the country have run out of pennies and are unable to produce exact change. Meanwhile, banks are unable to order fresh pennies and are rationing pennies for their customers.

One convenience store chain, Sheetz, got so desperate for pennies that it briefly ran a promotion offering a free soda to customers who bring in 100 pennies. Another retailer says the lack of pennies will end up costing it millions this year, because of the need to round down to avoid lawsuits.

“It’s a chunk of change,” said Dylan Jeon, senior director of government relations with the National Retail Federation.

The penny problem started in late summer and is only getting worse as the country heads into the holiday shopping season.

To be sure, not one retailer or bank has called for the penny to stick around. Pennies, especially in bulk, are heavy and are more often than not used exclusively to give customers change. But the abrupt decision to get rid of the penny has come with no guidance from the federal government. Many stores have been left pleading for Americans to pay in exact change.

“We have been advocating abolition of the penny for 30 years. But this is not the way we wanted it to go,” said Jeff Lenard with the National Association of Convenience Stores.

Trump announced on Feb. 9 that the U.S. would no longer mint pennies, citing the high costs. Both the penny and the nickel have been more expensive to produce than they are worth for several years, despite efforts by the U.S. Mint to reduce costs. The Mint spent 3.7 cents to make a penny in 2024, according to its most recent annual report, and it spends 13.8 cents to make a nickel.

“Let’s rip the waste out of our great nation’s budget, even if it’s a penny at a time,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The Treasury Department said in May that it was placing its last order of copper-zinc planchets — the blank metal disks that are minted into coins. In June, the last pennies were minted and by August, those pennies were distributed to banks and armored vehicle service companies.

Troy Richards, president and chief operations officer at Louisiana-based Guaranty Bank &amp; Trust Co., said he’s had to scramble to have enough pennies on hand for his customers since August.

“We got an email announcement from the Federal Reserve that penny shipments would be curtailed. Little did we know that those shipments were already over for us,” Richards said.

Richards said the $1,800 in pennies the bank had were gone in two weeks. His branches are keeping small amounts of pennies for customers who need to cash checks, but that’s it.

The U.S. Mint issued 3.23 billion pennies in 2024, the last full year of production, more than double that of the second-most minted coin in the country: the quarter. But the problem with pennies is they are issued, given as change, and rarely recirculated back into the economy. Americans store their pennies in jars or use them for decoration. This requires the Mint to produce significant sums of pennies each year.

The government is expected to save $56 million by not minting pennies, according to the Treasury Department. Despite losing money on the penny, the Mint is profitable for the U.S. government through its production of other circulating coins as well as coin proof and commemorative sets that appeal to numismatic collectors.

In 2024, the Mint made $182 million in seigniorage, which is its equivalent of profit.

Besides American’s penny hoarding habit, a logistical issue is also preventing pennies from circulating.

The distribution of coins is handled by the Federal Reserve system. Several companies, mostly armored carrier companies, operate coin terminals where banks can withdraw and deposit coins. Roughly a third of these 170 coin terminals are now closed to both penny deposits as well as penny withdrawals.

Bank lobbyists say these terminals being closed to penny deposits is exacerbating the penny shortage, because parts of the country that may have some surplus pennies are unable to get those pennies to parts of country with shortages.

“As a result of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s decision to end production of the penny, coin distribution locations accepting penny deposits and fulfilling orders will vary over time as (penny) inventory is depleted” a Federal Reserve spokeswoman said.

The lack of pennies has also become a legal minefield for stores and retailers. In some states and cities, it is illegal to round up a transaction to the nearest nickel or dime because doing so would run afoul of laws that are supposed to place cash customers and debit and credit card customers on an equal playing field when it comes to item costs.

So, to avoid lawsuits, retailers are rounding down. While two or three cents may not seem like much, that extra change can add up over tens of thousands of transactions. A spokesman for Kwik Trip, the Midwest convenience store chain, says it has been rounding down every cash transaction to the nearest nickel. That’s expected to cost the company roughly $3 million this year. Some retailers are asking customers to give their change to local or affiliated charities at the cash register, in an effort to avoid pennies as well.

A bill currently pending in Congress, known as the Common Cents Act, calls for cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest nickel, up or down. While the proposal is palatable to businesses, rounding up could be costly for consumers.

The Treasury Department did not respond to a request for comment on whether they had any guidance for retailers or banks regarding the penny shortage, or the issues regarding penny circulation.

The United States is not the first country to transition away from small denomination coins or discontinue out-of-date coins. But in all of these cases, governments wound down the use of their out-of-date coins over a period of, often, years.

For example, Canada announced it would eliminate its one-cent coin in 2012, transitioning away from one-cent cash transactions starting in 2013 and is still redeeming and recycling one-cent coins a decade later. The “decimalization” process of converting British coins from farthings and shillings to a 100-pence-to-a-pound system took much of the 1960s and early 1970s.

The U.S. removed the penny from commerce abruptly, without any action by Congress or any regulatory guidance for banks, retailers or states. The retail and banking industries, rarely allies in Washington on policy matters related to point-of-sale, are demanding that Washington issue guidance or pass a law fixing the issues that are arising due to the shortage.

Banks and retailers run short on pennies as the US Mint stops making them

By&nbsp;&nbsp;MARGERY BECK&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/geoff-mulvihill">GEOFF MULVIHILL</a> Associated Press

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program">Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program</a>, or SNAP, is a major piece of the U.S. social safety net used by nearly 42 million, or about 1 in 8 Americans, to help buy groceries.

Originally known as the food stamp program, it has existed since 1964, serving low-income people, many of whom have jobs but don’t make enough money to cover all the basic costs of living.

Public attention has focused on the program since President Donald Trump’s administration announced last week that it would freeze SNAP payments starting Nov. 1 in the midst of a monthlong federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">government shutdown</a>. The administration argued it wasn’t allowed to use a contingency fund with about $5 billion in it to help keep the program going. But on Friday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-shutdown-lawsuits-deadline-4af8b0dec6cd31cddd023cc99c131b73">two federal judges ruled</a>&nbsp;in separate challenges that the federal government must continue to fund SNAP, at least partially, using contingency funds. However, the federal government is expected to appeal, and the process to restart SNAP payments would likely take one to two weeks.

There are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility" target="_blank">income limits</a>&nbsp;based on family size, expenses and whether households include someone who is elderly or has a disability.

Most SNAP participants are families with children, and more than 1 in 3 include older adults or someone with a disability.

Nearly 2 in 5 recipients are households where someone is employed.

Most participants have incomes below the poverty line, which is about $32,000 for a family of four, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers the program, says nearly 16 million children received SNAP benefits in 2023.

People who are not in the country legally, and many immigrants who do have legal status, are not eligible. Many college students aren’t either, and some states have barred people with certain drug convictions.

Under a provision of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-republican-trump-tax-bill-f65be44e1050431a601320197322551b">Trump’s big tax and policy law</a>&nbsp;that also takes effect Nov. 1, people who do not have disabilities, are between ages 18 and 64 and who do not have children under age 14 can receive benefits for only three months every three years if they’re not working. Otherwise, they must work, volunteer or participate in a work training program at least 80 hours a month.

On average, the monthly benefit per household participating in SNAP over the past few years has been about $350, and the average benefit per person is about $190.

The benefit amount varies based on a family’s income and expenses. The designated amount is based on the concept that households should allocate 30% of their remaining income after essential expenses to food.

Families can receive higher amounts if they pay child support, have monthly medical expenses exceeding $35 or pay a higher portion of their income on housing.

The cost of benefits and half the cost of running the program is paid by the federal government using tax dollars.

States pay the rest of the administrative costs and run the program.

People apply for SNAP through a state or county social service agency or through a nonprofit that helps people with applications. In some states, SNAP is known by another, state-specific name. For instance, it’s FoodShare in Wisconsin and CalFresh in California.

The benefits are delivered through electronic benefits transfer, or EBT, cards that work essentially like a bank debit card. Besides SNAP, it’s where money is loaded for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, program, which provides cash assistance for low-income families with children, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

The card is swiped or inserted in a store’s card reader at checkout, and the cardholder enters their PIN to pay for food. The cost of the food is deducted from the person’s SNAP account balance.

SNAP benefits can only be used for food at participating stores — mostly groceries, supermarkets, discount retail stores, convenience stores and farmers markets. It also covers plants and seeds bought to grow your own food. However, hot foods — like restaurant meals — are not covered.

Most, but not all, food stores participate. The USDA provides a link on its website to a&nbsp;<a href="https://usda-fns.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=15e1c457b56c4a729861d015cd626a23" target="_blank">SNAP retail locator</a>, allowing people to enter an address to get the closest retailers to them.

Items commonly found in a grocery and other participating stores that can’t be bought with SNAP benefits include pet food, household supplies like toilet paper, paper towels and cleaning products, and toiletries like toothpaste, shampoo and cosmetics. Vitamins, medicines, alcohol and tobacco products are also excluded.

Sales tax is not charged on items bought with SNAP benefits.

There aren’t additional restrictions today on which foods can be purchased with SNAP money.

But the federal government is allowing states to apply to limit which foods can be purchased with SNAP starting in 2026.

So far, a dozen states — 11 of them Republican-controlled plus Colorado — have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/waivers/foodrestriction#utahwaiver" target="_blank">received permission to do so</a>.

All of them will bar buying soft drinks, most say no to candy, and some block energy drinks.

SNAP has provided grocery help for 60-plus years; here’s how it works

FORD COUNTY—On Saturday morning, a semi-truck pulling a bull hauler crashed into bollards in the downtown Dodge City causing several thousand dollars worth of damage.

The Dodge City Police Department is seeking any information that could help identify the truck or driver. 

If you have information, please contact the Dodge City Police Department at 620-227-4646, send a tip through Facebook Messenger, or use the Tip411 app.—

Police ask for help in SW Kan. crash that caused thousands in damage

“That man, that young man — I forgive him.”

Erika Kirk softly spoke those words about the gunman accused of assassinating her husband,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">conservative activist Charlie Kirk</a>, as she struggled to hold back tears last month during his memorial service.

Her public declaration inspired another. Hollywood actor Tim Allen said he was so moved by her words that he was forgiving the drunken driver who caused his father’s death 60 years ago. Barely two weeks after Charlie Kirk’s death, members of a Michigan congregation made public that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-mormon-church-shooting-60988563b1da4c57f9e1dff543902360">they too were forgiving a gunman</a>, the one who had just attacked their church, killing four people and injuring eight others.

Their high-profile acts of forgiveness are all the more remarkable given the politically charged and highly polarizing climate gripping the U.S. It has pushed people of faith to contemplate what forgiveness means, particularly in the face of violence, trauma and unspeakable grief, and whether it could shift public consciousness toward compassion.

While some see a glimmer of hope in this moment, others are skeptical. Miroslav Volf, professor of theology at Yale Divinity School, said he views President Donald Trump’s response to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/charlie-kirks-widow-says-she-forgives-his-shooter-its-what-charlie-would-do-ace9fdf577a146aaa2af5596e51f7541">Erika Kirk’s words</a>&nbsp;— that he hates his opponents — as the more typical sentiment.

"Erika Kirk’s gesture is the outlier,” he said. “It was an extraordinary act of courage. But it was also telling that (Trump’s) response got the bigger reaction from the crowd at the memorial. You have to wonder about these two very different responses. How do we find space for grace when we are so at odds that we cannot recognize humanity on the other side of the divide?”

California pastor Jack Hibbs, who leads Calvary Chapel Chino Hills and is a friend of the Kirks, called her words an “incredibly powerful” message of hope for the shooter, and in keeping with the family's deep commitment to the Gospel, which commands Christians to forgive even their enemies.

“The Bible warns us that bitterness, when left alone, can grow up in and destroy your heart,” Hibbs said. “So forgiveness was given to us by God to set us free from what’s been done to us.”

The Rev. Thomas Berg, visiting professor at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, said he hopes Erika Kirk’s gesture “ignites some kind of meaningful national conversation about forgiveness.”

He said forgiveness is not a one-time event, but a process that takes time and work. Berg, who counsels victims of sex abuse in the Catholic Church, warns that it should never be coerced but authentically given — an act that he says has the power to heal the deepest wounds.

He would like to see more public expressions of forgiveness, which could serve as a balm for the country.

“I hope this is not a passing moment,” he said. “The dynamic of forgiveness throws a wrench into the dysfunction of our partisan divides and our inability to have a reasonable exchange of ideas.”

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