The City of Salina is expanding the target area for the Neighborhood Repair and Rehabilitation Program through Federal Home Loan Bank’s (FHLB) Affordable Housing Program. 

The City received the original award of $999,999 in early 2024. 

The award was made possible through the sponsorship of FHLB Member - Equity Bank. The funding granted through FHLB’s Affordable Housing Program allows the City to make improvements to the structural integrity and safety of 44 owner-occupied homes.&nbsp;

The original target area was a 10-block area located in U.S. Census Tract 3. The City of Salina has expanded this target area to include more of north Salina, include U.S. Census Tract 1.01, 1.02, 2, and 3. These areas out outlined in blue in the map (picture above).

Applications are open for the Neighborhood Repair and Rehabilitation Program. 

More information is available at: <a href="https://www.salina-ks.gov/homerehabgrants">https://www.salina-ks.gov/homerehabgrants</a>

City of Salina expands the livability and structural integrity improvement plan to more homes 

New signage has been posted, entailing areas where it is valid to consume alcohol from licensed businesses to enhance the downtown Salina experience.

The City of Salina has announced&nbsp;Common Consumption Area (CCA) signs are set up across downtown, meant for the consumption of alcoholic beverages within the CCA boundary. This allows people ages 21 and up to consume alcohol in approved plastic cups from licensed businesses, around public areas and plazas.

The CCA officially takes effect on Labor Day (Monday, September, 1st).&nbsp;Until then, drinks must stay inside licensed establishments or within approved sidewalk dining locations.

The CCA will occur from&nbsp;Elm Street to South Street and 7th Street to 5th Street. Other areas include some of Walnut Street and Iron Avenue between 9th Street and 3rd Street.

CCA times will be from 9:00 am - 12:00 am daily.

City of Salina posts new alcoholic beverage consumption signage to enhance the downtown experience

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;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Transporting an open container

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss. drug paraphernalia/human body; Poss. of stimulant; Possess. of firearm while under the influence; Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont. substance

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;DUI; 1st conv.; incapable of safely driving; Driving While Suspended; Flee or attempt to elude; five or more moving violations; Interf. w/LEO; obstr./resist/oppose felony warrant; Transporting an open container

Saline County Jail Bookings, August 24

Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau&nbsp;

ABILENE - Abilene is celebrating two national honors following the&nbsp; announcement of Newsweek’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. 

The Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum &amp; Boyhood Home earned the title of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsweek.com/readerschoice/best-presidential-attraction-2025">Best Presidential Attraction</a>, while Abilene’s Victorian Inn ranked #3&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsweek.com/readerschoice/best-historical-bb-2025">Best Historical Bed &amp; Breakfast</a>, the only Kansas property to make the Top 10.

Todd Arrington, director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, said the award reflects the impact of Eisenhower’s story. 

“Being named the country’s Best Presidential Attraction by Newsweek is an incredible honor,” he said. “Our team works tirelessly to preserve and share the records and legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower, and this award shows the lasting impact of his story on visitors from across the globe.”

Adrian Potter, owner of Abilene’s Victorian Inn, called the honor a proud moment. 

“We are thrilled to be ranked #3 in the nation and proud to represent Kansas on this list. Our bed and breakfast is more than just a place to stay. It’s where Eisenhower researchers, history lovers, and travelers from around the world experience the history, hospitality, and charm of Abilene.”

Travel writer Amy Piper, who nominated Abilene for the awards, praised the Eisenhower Presidential Library’s unique approach to interpretation. 

“The Eisenhower Presidential Library’s victory celebrates its gift for storytelling, turning history into a living experience that inspires generations,” she said.

Julie Roller Weeks, director of the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau, said the recognition validates the community’s efforts to draw travelers. 

“At the CVB, we work every day to put Abilene on the map for travelers. These awards are wonderful recognition, but more importantly, they are an invitation. An invitation for travelers across the country to discover why Abilene, Kansas, is consistently ranked among the nation’s best small towns to visit.”

With Newsweek’s announcement, Abilene adds another chapter to its growing list of national accolades, further establishing itself as one of America’s best small-town destinations. 

As President Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “The proudest thing I can claim is that I am from Abilene.”

For more information on visiting Abilene, Kansas, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.abilenekansas.org/">www.AbileneKansas.org</a>.

Abilene honored with two Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards

Salina Public Library invites the community to play&nbsp;Library Bingo, a fun, month-long activity running&nbsp;September 1–30&nbsp;in celebration of&nbsp;National Library Card Sign-Up Month. This initiative also supports the community during&nbsp;Suicide Prevention Month.

Sadly, suicide continues to be a leading cause of death in the United States. In 2023, more than 49,300 Americans died by suicide, the highest number ever recorded, roughly one life lost every 11 minutes. These statistics highlight the importance of connection, belonging, and access to supportive resources.

Libraries play a quiet but powerful role in mental wellness, offering:

“Books are just the beginning of what public libraries provide,” said Katie Zey, Head of Marketing. “We’ve seen our community come together around Bingo, so not only is this a fun way to interact with your local library, but it’s also a great way to highlight how libraries can personally benefit each and every one of us.”

Bingo activities include checking out a book, attending a program, or exploring digital resources. Prize winners will be announced on&nbsp;October 1, with participants entering to win one of&nbsp;10 book-themed prizes.

Special Offer for New Library Card Holders:Those who do not yet have a library card and sign up for one in September will receive a $5 gift card from Sonic, 1858 Coffee House, or Red Fern Booksellers while supplies last.

Library Card Sign-Up Month celebrations are made possible with the support of the Friends of the Library.&nbsp;

Salina Public Library invites community to participate in initiative that supports Suicide Prevention Month in September 

OCCK Transportation is announcing&nbsp;changes to CityGo Routes, including the Blue Route Peak service, as part of a larger effort to improve efficiency and streamline public transportation in Salina.

A public hearing will be held on Monday, August 25th, at 4:00 pm, at the City-County Building, 300 W. Ash St., Room 107, to review these changes, answer questions, and gather feedback from the community.

As part of the transition, the Blue Route's peak-time schedule ended on August 2, 2025. The route—which served areas including Otis and Santa Fe Avenue, Oakdale Park, the YMCA, Central Kansas Mental Health and Presbyterian Manor—shifted to a non-peak schedule only.

Beginning August 4, the Blue Route began to operate on its non-peak schedule:

Riders affected by the route change are encouraged to utilize the Red, Green, or Yellow Routes, which continue to service most of the same areas.

Additionally, the OCCK On-Demand service is available as a flexible transportation option. This curb-to-curb service operates Monday through Friday, 5:00 am to 10:00 pm, within Salina city limits.

Rides are $5 per trip and can be scheduled through the TransLoc app or by calling (785) 826-1583.

For more information on CityGo routes, schedules, or to provide feedback in advance of the hearing, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.salinacitygo.com/">www.salinacitygo.com</a>&nbsp;or contact OCCK Transportation directly.

OCCK announces changes to routes, public hearing with City Commission for review

PARK CITY - Get ready to kick up your boots! Gilley’s will open its doors, December 2025, redefining what it means to play, party and experience country-western fun. The legendary Gilley’s name— synonymous with honky-tonk nightlife, and mechanical bulls blends the grit of Park City’s heritage with show-stopping energy, setting a bold new standard for entertainment hospitality in the region. 

The live entertainment destination will feature state-of-the-art technology and innovation that elevates every part of the guest experience.

“I have been a personal friend of Mickey Gilley and family since the early 1990s, and it led me to bring the Gilley’s experience to Las Vegas,” said Phil Ruffin, Owner. “Now, with his wife Cindy Gilley leading the company, I’m bringing the iconic brand to Park City, Kansas—guaranteed to be the best entertainment destination in the region.”

“We are fortunate that Gilley’s is calling Park City home,” said Mayor John Lehnherr of Park City. “Here, there are equal parts of people going out of Park City each day, as there are people coming into the city. Gilley’s will be a place where everyone will feel welcome and find their spot.”

The action starts on a state-of-the-art gaming floor and continues at the first-class racebook. Sports fans can catch every game, every play, every day at Golden Circle sports bar, or visit HiScore, an area that delivers nostalgic fun with arcade classics, golf simulators, bowling and more. Live entertainment takes center stage at Gilley’s Saloon &amp; Dance Hall and spills out onto a sprawling, open-air venue built for music festivals, rodeos and events under the stars. The full 2026 entertainment lineup, including concerts, community celebrations and the launch of the pickleball venue will be announced soon.

Gilley’s is also firing up a culinary experience unlike any other. From the slow-smoked flavors with Gilley’s BBQ to “the best game watching” fare at the sports bar, the food takes center stage alongside all this entertainment destination offers.

“This is a full-blown destination,” added Tim Merrill, Gilley’s General Manager. “Whether you're chasing jackpots, dancing the night away, or just kicking back with great BBQ and a cold one—this is the place for you.”

Located approximately 10 miles north of Wichita at 1500 E. 77th Street North Park City, KS, Gilley’s Dance Hall and Saloon is easily accessible from Interstates 235 and 135. 

Follow us for construction updates, event reveals and exclusive previews on social media at @gilleyskansas on Instagram.

Gilley’s is where Kansas grit meets show-stopping grandeur in Park City, Kansas.

Gilley’s will be a major part of a new, vibrant entertainment destination comprised of more than a dozen distinct restaurant and entertainment concepts under one roof; Gilley’s delivers an authentic experience for everyone.

No frills, no fluff, just pure, unfiltered entertainment designed to keep the good times rolling— day or night. Play hard, eat well and live it up at Gilley’s! 

Learn more: <a href="https://playgilleys.com/">www.playgilleys.com</a>

Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GilleysParkCityKansas">www.facebook.com/GilleysParkCityKansas</a>

Gilley’s Park City, Kansas: Phil Ruffin’s Historical Horse Racing Facility to Open December 2025

NAME:&nbsp;Baines, Terrance Linwood

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

*No image available for&nbsp;Begnoche, Patric Joseph*

NAME:&nbsp;Begnoche, Patric Joseph

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

NAME:&nbsp;Dimaplas, Matthew Joseph

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Harass by telecom. device; Transmit comment/image/text to abuse/threat/har.; Stalking; After served a protection order prohibiting contact; 2nd or subs.; Viol. protection order; Abuse order

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;DUI; 4th or subsequent conv.; drugs and alcohol

NAME:&nbsp;Petersen-Beard, Henry Daniel

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;Scheffler, Kristie Marie

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Interf. w/LEO; obstr./resist/oppose misd. warrant; Liquor; Purch./poss./consume 18-20 yrs; unkn. conv.; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended

REQUESTED CHARGE: Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Distribute opiates, opium, narcotics or stimulants; Unknown quantity

Saline County Jail Bookings, August 23

The Salina Senior Theatre Project (SSTP) has announced they will be holding auditions for three theatrical performances.

According to&nbsp;Founder and Director of SSTP Bob Sears, on Monday, August 25th - Tuesday August, 26th, auditions for "There's Always Spring", "Armed Robbery?" and&nbsp;"Blue Sky With Approaching Storm"&nbsp;will occur at 7:00 pm inside the clubhouse of Heritage at&nbsp;Hawthorne&nbsp; (715 N 9th St).

"There's Always Spring"&nbsp;a comedy by Arthur Lovegrove.&nbsp;

"Armed Robbery?" a comedy by Wally Hitchcock (from Salina).

"Blue Sky With Approaching Storm"&nbsp;a comedy by Kate Katcher.

Auditions are open to anyone aged 50 and over, regardless of theatre experience. Reading copies of the scripts are available.

For more information or to get a copy of the reading scripts contact (785) 502-0017.&nbsp;

Visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Salina-Senior-Theatre-Project-100069630977046/">SSTP Facebook</a>.

Salina Senior Theatre Project holding auditions for three theatrical performances

OCCK, Inc. is proud to announce a new Disability Culture Series, a four-part educational event aimed at bringing disability to the forefront of conversation. 

Hosted by our Assistive Technology Department and funded by the Tech First Grant, this free series is designed to build awareness, create dialogue and provide hands-on learning around disability culture and the tools that support independence.

“As part of our Tech First grant, we created the Disability Culture Series to highlight the real-world experiences of people with disabilities,” said Tyler Stoddard, Director of Assistive Technology at OCCK. “Each session includes speakers with lived experience and showcases the assistive technology they may use every day.”

OCCK is inviting community partners, professionals, caregivers and the public to attend in person at OCCK’s Conference Room 6, located at 1710 W. Schilling Road in—or to join virtually by scanning the QR code on the event flyer (above) or visiting the website: <a href="https://occk.com/2025/07/17/occk-inc-disability-culture-talk-series/">https://occk.com/2025/07/17/occk-inc-disability-culture-talk-series/</a>

• Sept 9 | Blind &amp; Low Vision | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Oct 7 | Deaf &amp; Hard of Hearing | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

• Nov 4 | Employment &amp; The Workplace | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Dec 2 | Advocacy &amp; Cognitive Health | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Each event features an introduction, speaker panel and an interactive segment where participants can try out assistive devices that support independence and daily life. 

For example, the September 9th session focuses on "Blindness and Low Vision," and will include demonstrations of tools used by people who are blind or have limited sight.

“At OCCK, we believe learning from those with lived experience is essential. These sessions are designed to foster connection, understanding, and growth,” said Stoddard. “We want people to walk away with new insights—and maybe even some hands-on exposure to the assistive technologies that make everyday life more accessible.”

This series is free and open to the public.&nbsp;

OCCK hosting free 4-part series to bring awareness on disability

LINDSBORG - <a href="https://www.bethanylb.edu/">Bethany College</a> is proud to highlight the pivotal role its faculty play in sustaining and developing local education programs. Through direct involvement in teacher preparation and community partnerships, Bethany College faculty are shaping the future of education in Kansas.

According to data from the graduating classes of 2015–2025, 101 Bethany alumni are currently teaching in Kansas schools, with 40 serving in local districts including Smoky Valley, McPherson, and Salina.

“The relationships I built with my professors in the education department and with classmates are something I'll always cherish,” said Kara Knopp, a 2016 Bethany graduate and third grade teacher at Soderstrom Elementary School. “They showed firsthand the benefits of getting to know their students and building relationships as they prepared us to do the same in our careers. I still feel the connection and support from those professors and classmates, even 10 years later.”

Bethany College's Education Program is led by a dedicated team of faculty members who are deeply committed to preparing future educators. Faculty members not only teach, but also actively engage in the local educational community, making sure that students are well-prepared to meet the needs of all classrooms.

“The partnerships we have with local districts are essential to our program,” said Alan English, associate professor of education and chair of the education program. 

“Support from school districts provides valuable field experiences and student teaching placements, and in turn, many of our graduates choose to stay and build their careers here in Kansas,” shared English.

In addition to classroom instruction, Bethany College faculty are involved in long-term sustainability initiatives aimed at supporting and improving local education.

Bethany College has launched programs to address teacher shortages and to increase literacy among local youth. 

The Bethany College Education Program is accredited by the Kansas State Department of Education and prepares students for professional licensure in the state of Kansas and beyond. 

Learn more at <a href="http://bethanylb.edu/education">bethanylb.edu/education</a>.

Bethany College faculty strengthen local education through hands-on teacher prep

<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, August 22 - August 24

Cooler temperatures are looking to transpire with isolated storms for this upcoming weekend in Central Kansas.

According to the&nbsp;US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS) after Friday, August 22, temperatures are expected to drop, starting Saturday - Monday. Isolated storms are anticipated to occur in the event of the cooler weather this weekend.

Monday, August 25 is listed as the coolest day with highs only reaching to the mid 70's.

Cooler temps with isolated storms expected for the weekend in Central Kansas

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 20 - August 22

After the high temperatures and over 100 heat indices, a possibility of rain is expected to occur throughout Central Kansas this week.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), an anticipation of showers and thunderstorms are expected to happen throughout Central Kansas. Reportedly, there is a better chance on Tuesday, August 19 and into the following day on Wednesday.

Slightly cooler weather is expected for Wednesday and Thursday with highs being in the range of 89-93.

Chances of showers and t-storms expected for Tuesday & Wednesday

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 18 - August 20

High temperatures and breezy winds are expected to occur throughout Central Kansas this weekend and into Monday, August 18.&nbsp;

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), heat indices are expected to reach as high as 105 in Central Kansas this weekend. Breezy conditions are anticipated to occur as well.

Hot and dry weather will remain through the weekend before chances rain return moving into next week on Monday.

High temps returning this weekend with breezy conditions, rain expected on Monday  

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 15 - August 17

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 13 - August 15

After isolated scattered storms until Wednesday, heat indices are expected to reach back up to the 100's from Thursday and into the weekend in Central Kansas.

According to the US National Weather Service, isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms will remain possible areawide on Tuesday and over southeast Kansas till Wednesday. 

A return to triple digit heat indices is expected by Thursday and persisting through at least the weekend.

Central Kansas Weather Forecast: August 12 - August 16

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 11 - August 13

NEW YORK (AP) —Beatles fans will be feeling some “real love” for this: New content from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/the-beatles">the iconic band</a>&nbsp;is coming this fall on screen, in music and in print.

“The Beatles Anthology” will be returning “in its ultimate form,” according to a release issued Thursday.

The famed 1995 “Anthology” music documentary, recounting the band’s journey beginning with its Liverpool roots through to its explosive stardom, has been restored and remastered, and will feature a new, ninth episode. It will stream on Disney+ beginning November 26.

The ninth episode features behind-the-scenes footage of Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr coming together in 1994-1995 to work on the series and “reflecting on their shared life as the Beatles.” Giles Martin, son of the late Beatles producer George Martin who died in 2016, has created new audio mixes for the majority of the featured music.

New “Anthology” music will be released on Nov. 21. A fourth album, to be released alongside remastered versions of the first three, includes 13 previously unreleased demos, session recordings and other rare recordings.

“Anthology 4” also includes, according to the release, new mixes of the Beatles’ “Anthology”-related hit singles: “Free As A Bird” and “Real Love.” The original “Free As A Bird” music video has also been restored.

The two new mixes come alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/last-new-beatles-song-e7b3a349b0e1e58b8668e98ba2d9cd0b">2023’s “Now And Then,” the last Beatles song.</a>&nbsp;(All three singles were created from home demos that John Lennon, who was killed in 1980 outside the Dakota apartment building, recorded not long before, with vocal and instrumental parts later recorded by Paul, George and Ringo.)

A 25th anniversary edition of the Beatles Anthology Book will arrive October 14. In the book, all four Beatles recall the band’s journey. They’re joined by colleagues including Neil Aspinall, George Martin, Derek Taylor and others.

"'The Anthology' was always about their past, but this new edition confirms its enduring place in the present and future,’” the release noted.

The “Anthology” updates come as Beatles fans ready for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/beatles-biopic-sam-mendes-3f3f74076d78f16ac420820638e05de3">not one, not two, but four feature films</a>&nbsp;about the band. All directed by Sam Mendes, the films each focus on one Beatle. The lead actors will be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/paul-mescal">Paul Mescal</a>&nbsp;as McCartney,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/summer-movies-2024-breakout-performances-6d78b9006e2738ccffde490d17b91baf">Joseph Quinn</a>&nbsp;as Harrison,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hasty-pudding-barry-keoghan-man-of-year-b1334bb493311e77f4ea275b7198bff1">Barry Keoghan</a>&nbsp;as Starr and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-dickinson-babygirl-1e85ec4a4aed8b15e696c42720471845">Harris Dickinson</a>&nbsp;as Lennon.

New Beatles ‘Anthology’ projects will be released this fall

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a mass shooting in Kansas City.

Just after 4a.m. Sunday, emergency crews responded to a report of multiple shootings in the area of 13th and Grand, according to KC Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

On arrival crews encountered 5 gunshot victims. One victim was pronounced dead on the scene. First responders located four additional victims all suffering from gunshot wounds. One adult male had critical injuries, a second adult male had serious injuries, a juvenile male had critical injuries, and an adult female had non life threatening injuries, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

 KCFD crews transported four to area hospital, according to Battalion Chief Hopkins.

Just after 6:40a.m. Sunday morning, hospital personnel pronounced an additional adult male victim deceased, according to DiMartino.

This is being investigated as a homicide, according to DiMartino.

Preliminary information revealed there was an altercation between multiple individuals that led to shots being fired and the victims being struck.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

Mass shooting near Kansas City Power and Light District

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jeff-mcmurray">JEFF McMURRAY</a> Associated Press

Rose Hammond pushed authorities for years to lower the 55 mph speed limit on a two-lane road that passes her assisted living community, a church, two schools and a busy park that hosts numerous youth sports leagues.

“What are you waiting for, somebody to get&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-turnpike-crashes-5bd9bdca1835dac573f8461bf9166994">killed</a>?” the 85-year-old chided officials in northwest Ohio, complaining that nothing was being done about the motorcycles that race by almost daily.

Amid growing public pressure, Sylvania Township asked county engineers in March to analyze whether Mitchaw Road’s posted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/road-diets-traffic-safety-transportation-department-trump-2486cac519fdc56348532717e43dc81d">speed is too high.</a>&nbsp;The surprising answer: Technically, it’s 5 mph too low.

The reason dates back to studies on rural roads from the 1930s and 1940s that still play an outsized role in the way&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speed-limiters-reckless-drivers-states-judges-washington-72165c45b7481b6b313248841006578b">speed limits</a>&nbsp;are set across the U.S. — even in urban areas.

Born from that research was a widely accepted concept known as the 85% rule, which suggests a road’s posted speed should be tied to the 15th-fastest vehicle out of every 100 traveling it in free-flowing traffic, rounded to the nearest 5 mph increment.

But after decades of closely following the rule, some states — with a nudge from the federal government — are seeking to modify if not replace it when setting guidelines for how local engineers should decide what speed limit to post.

The concept assumes that a road’s safest speed is the one most vehicles travel — neither too high nor too low. If drivers think the speed limit should be raised, they can simply step on the gas and “vote with their feet,” as an old brochure from the Institute of Transportation Engineers once put it.

“The problem with this approach is it creates this feedback loop,” said Jenny O’Connell, director of member programs for the National Association of City Transportation Officials. “People speed, and then the speed limits will be ratcheted up to match that speed.”

The association developed an alternative to the 85% rule known as “City Limits,” which aims to minimize the risk of injuries for all road users by setting the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speeding-motorist-germany-autobahn-fine-record-e1fc8c77e62e7112d10e67c060512d80">speed limit</a>&nbsp;based on a formula that factors in a street’s activity level and the likelihood of conflicts, such as collisions.

The report points out the 85% rule is based on dated research and that “these historic roads are a far cry from the vibrant streets and arterials that typify city streets today.”

Amid a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/traffic-deaths-pedestrians-distracted-driving-fb7ec8a9ddbb862c9b29f6ac87d508f9">spike in road deaths</a>&nbsp;across the country, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/infrastructure-poor-bridges-highway-grants-f86c8a19145fc4584b0d978b0005e405">Federal Highway Administration</a>&nbsp;sent a subtle but important message to states that the 85% rule isn’t actually a rule at all and was carrying too much weight in determining local speed limits. In its first update since 2009 to a manual that establishes national guidelines for traffic signs, the agency clarified that communities should also consider such things as how the road is used, the risk to pedestrians, and the frequency of crashes.

Leah Shahum, who directs the Vision Zero Network, a nonprofit advocating for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hoboken-zero-traffic-deaths-daylighting-pedestrian-safety-007dec67706c1c09129da1436a3d9762">street safety,</a>&nbsp;said she wishes the manual had gone further in downplaying the 85% rule but acknowledges the change has already impacted the way some states set speed limits. Others, however, are still clinging to the simplicity and familiarity of the longstanding approach, she said.

“The 85th percentile should not be the Holy Grail or the Bible, and yet over and over again it is accepted as that,” Shahum said.

Under its “20 is Plenty” campaign, the Wisconsin capital of Madison has been changing signs across the city this summer, lowering the speed limit from 25 mph to 20 mph on local residential streets.

When Seattle took a similar step in a pilot program seven years ago, not only did it see a noticeable decline in serious injury crashes but also a 7% drop in the 85th percentile speed, according to the Vision Zero Network.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-speed-alert-cars-bill-veto-588605f3980c952c894756da6579bf3d">California</a>&nbsp;embraces the 85% rule even more than most states as its basis for setting speed limits. But legislators have loosened the restrictions on local governments a bit in recent years, allowing them to depart from the guidelines if they can cite a proven safety need.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-public-transit-9002a8b3e0270db28587835a85c2ccb0">Advocates</a>&nbsp;for pedestrians and bicyclists say the change helps, but is not enough.

“We still have a long way to go in California in terms of putting value on all road users,” said Kendra Ramsey, executive director of the California Bicycle Coalition. “There’s still a very heavy mindset that automobiles are the primary method of travel and they should be given priority and reverence.”

But Jay Beeber, executive director for policy at the National Motorists Association, an advocacy organization for drivers, said following the 85% rule is usually the safest way to minimize the variation in speed between drivers who abide by the posted limit and those who far exceed it.

“It doesn’t really matter what number you put on a sign,” Beeber said. “The average driver drives the nature of the roadway. It would be patently unfair for a government to build a road to encourage people to drive 45 mph, put a 30 mph speed limit on it, and then ticket everyone for doing what they built the road to do.”

Fears about oil prices prompted Congress in the 1970s to set a 55 mph national maximum speed limit, which it later relaxed to 65 mph before repealing the law in 1995 and handing the authority to states. Since then, speed limits have kept climbing, with North Dakota this summer becoming the ninth state to allow drivers to go 80 mph on some stretches of highway. There’s even a 40-mile segment in Texas between Austin and San Antonio where 85 mph is allowed.

Although high-speed freeways outside major population centers aren’t the focus of most efforts to ease the 85% rule, a 2019 study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety — a research arm funded by auto insurers — illustrates the risks. Every 5 mph increase to a state’s maximum speed limit increases the chance of fatalities by 8.5% on interstate highways and 2.8% on other roads, the study found.

“Maybe back when you were driving a Model T you had a real feel for how fast you were going, but in modern vehicles you don’t have a sense of what 80 mph is. You’re in a cocoon,” said Chuck Farmer, the institute’s vice president for research, who conducted the study.

If elected officials in Sylvania Township, Ohio, got their way, Mitchaw Road’s posted speed limit would be cut dramatically — from 55 mph to 40 mph or lower. The county’s finding that the 85% rule actually calls for raising it to 60 mph surprised the town’s leaders, but not the engineers who ran the study.

“If we don’t make decisions based on data, it’s very difficult to make good decisions,” Lucas County Engineer Mike Pniewski said.

For now, the speed limit will remain as it is. That’s because Ohio law sets maximum speeds for 15 different types of roadways, regardless of what the 85% rule suggests.

And Ohio’s guidelines are evolving. The state now gives more consideration to roadway context and allows cities to reduce speed limits based on the lower standard of the 50th percentile speed when there’s a large presence of pedestrians and bicyclists. Authorities there recently hired a consultant to consider additional modifications based on what other states are doing.

“States have very slowly started to move away from the 85th percentile as being kind of the gold standard for decision-making,” said Michelle May, who manages Ohio’s highway safety program. “People are traveling and living differently than they did 40 years ago, and we want to put safety more at the focus.”

It’s unclear whether any of these changes will ultimately impact the posted speed on Mitchaw Road. After years of futile calls and emails to state, county and township officials, Hammond says she isn’t holding her breath.

States rethink a long-held practice of setting speed limits based on how fast drivers travel

Nearly 40% of election officials administering the 2024 election weren’t around in 2020.

By:<a href="https://stateline.org/author/jshorman/">Jonathan Shorman</a>

Election officials turned over at the highest rate in at least a quarter century during the last presidential election, according to new research from the Bipartisan Policy Center.

An analysis of shifts in election officials published Tuesday found nearly 41% of election officials administering the 2024 election were different than those in 2020. Turnover has accelerated over the past two decades, rising from about 28% in 2004 to 40.9% last year.

The growing percentage of departing election officials comes after years of challenges. They navigated the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, as well as harassment and false conspiracy theories surrounding stolen elections that persist today.

The analysis&nbsp;<a href="https://bipartisanpolicy.org/issue-brief/election-official-turnover-rates-through-the-2024-election/" target="_blank">released by the Bipartisan Policy Center</a>, a Washington, D.C.-based group that seeks to foster policy cooperation across party lines, represents an updated version of a report that previously examined turnover from 2004 to 2022. The new research, which extends the data through 2024, shows the turnover rate continued to climb.

The change means that, over time, election officials have less experience. The research found that the share of chief local election officials with six or more years in their role has dropped from 60% in 2006 to 47% in 2024.

But last year, 60% of election officials had previously overseen the administration of a presidential election in their jurisdiction.

“Despite increasing turnover and loss of experience, the majority of chief election officials still have experience running at least one presidential election cycle,” the analysis said. “This is important because presidential elections typically see the highest turnout and are the most visible elections administered.”

The analysis found that over the long term, election official turnover rates have been rising gradually in small jurisdictions, defined as areas with fewer than 100,000 voting-age residents. But large jurisdictions have experienced a more sudden jump in turnover.

Small jurisdictions had a 27% turnover rate in 2004 that had risen to 40% in 2024. But large jurisdictions enjoyed a turnover rate as low as 31% in 2018 before climbing rapidly to nearly 46% last year.

Stateline reporter&nbsp;Jonathan Shorman can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jshorman@stateline.org">jshorman@stateline.org</a>.

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