SALINA,— William Bohrer, Salina, is the recipient of the 2024-2025 Cash Hollistah Scholarship.&nbsp;

Bohrer, a senior at&nbsp;Salina Central High School, has a 4.0 GPA, and has been involved with the Salina Symphony&nbsp;and the Salina Art Center&nbsp;as an attendant and occasional teacher.&nbsp;

Bohrer, a member of Salina Central's Choraliers, is also the leader of Salina Central's drum corps.&nbsp;For the past two years, Bohrer has earned several awards for his&nbsp;drawings and 3-D designs at the regional Scholastic Art Awards program in Wichita. 

Bohrer will attend Wichita State University in the fall, pursuing degrees in Art &amp; Psychology.

The cash hollistah. scholarship, presented by Ad Astra Books &amp; Coffee House, is awarded to a graduating senior in central Kansas who show merit in the field of community enrichment through poetry, music, art or design. <a href="https://adastrabooksandcof.wixsite.com/thecashscholarship">Click here for</a> more information the scholarship.

Salina Central student recipient of the Cash Hollistah Scholarship

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📨 Sign up today for Salina Post's Noon News Update!

Looking for a new podcast to keep you informed and connected within your local community? Look no further than Eagle Media's latest podcast, "King in the Community."&nbsp;

Join Eagle Media Salina News Director Nate King as he talks with local and regional government officials, first responders, non-profit leaders and unique individuals with fascinating stories from north central Kansas and beyond. Learn about how organizations in your neighborhood leverage their partnerships to create a more interconnected community.

Available on all your favorite platforms, including&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/king-in-the-community/id1687185014">Apple podcasts,</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kinginthecommunity.podbean.com/">Podbean</a>,<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZeCj4TK3kaOZEvgQaDlio">&nbsp;Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c78f2e2e-c714-4aaf-ad4c-4864a4038889">Amazon Audible</a>, TuneIn + Alexa,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/king-in-the-community-5324914">Podchaser,</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/62430">Boomplay</a>.&nbsp;

No matter what streaming service you use, we've got you covered with engaging discussions and insightful interviews that will help you understand the issues that matter most to you.&nbsp; So why wait? Tune in to the "King in the Community" podcast today and discover a new way to stay connected.

For a full list of episodes<a href="https://kinginthecommunity.podbean.com/page/2/">&nbsp;click here</a>. Thanks for listening!

🎙The latest from 'King in the Community' with Nate King

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our news tip email address. Have a breaking news story, a community event, or a feel-good story that deserves to be shared? 

Submit your news tips via email to <a href="http://newstips@salinapost.com">newstips@salinapost.com</a>

Whether you're a Salina local, a native Kansan, or have moved out of state, we want to hear from you. Your contributions help us keep our community informed and engaged. 

So, if you have a story to tell or a photo of breaking news we should know about, send it to newstips@salinapost.com.

Salina Post news tip email address

Salina Post is thrilled to announce an exciting update - we are now accepting letters to the editor from our readers. We believe that our community's voices deserve to be heard, and providing a platform for open dialogue and constructive discussions is essential to a strong free press.&nbsp;

With the new letters to the editor offering, we aim to create a space where readers can express their thoughts, concerns, and ideas on a wide range of local topics that impact their daily lives.&nbsp;

Submitting a letter to the editor is simple. Just email your letter to <a href="mailto:admin@salinapost.com">admin@salinapost.com</a>

Ensure that your letter is concise and respectful. We value thoughtful and constructive discussions, so please make sure to present your arguments in a clear and coherent manner.

While we appreciate and encourage diverse perspectives, we also have certain guidelines in place. Letters should be free from hate speech, name-calling or any form of discrimination. We believe in promoting a respectful and inclusive environment for all readers.

Our editorial team will review all submissions and select letters that align with our guidelines and contribute positively to the conversation. We may edit letters for clarity, grammar, and length, but we will strive to maintain the essence of your message.

We are excited about this new opportunity to amplify your voice and encourage you to take advantage of this platform.

So, whether you have a burning issue or an important message to share, we invite you to submit a letter to the editor. Let's come together, learn from each other, and build a stronger community through the power of words.

All letters must include the author's name. No anonymous letters to the editor will be published, but if you have a news tip or an issue you would like us to know about still reach out via email at newstips@salinapost.com

<a href="https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/advocacy/direct-action/letters-to-editor/main">Information Courtesy University of Kansas Community Toolbox</a>

You feel strongly about an issue, and you want to let people know what you think. You believe you can even influence people to take some action if you speak your mind. But, you want to reach an audience larger than just your friends or your group membership. Letters to the editor can be an effective way to get the word out.

A letter to the editor is a written way of talking to a newspaper, magazine, or other regularly printed publication. Letters to the editor are generally found in the first section of the newspaper, or towards the beginning of a magazine, or in the editorial page. They can take a position for or against an issue, or simply inform, or both. They can convince readers by using emotions, or facts, or emotions and facts combined. 

Letters to the editor are usually short and tight, rarely longer than 300 words.

Using a few carefully placed letters, you can generate plenty of community discussion. You can also keep an issue going by preventing it from disappearing from the public eye. You can stimulate the interest of the news media and create more coverage for the matters you're working on. You can also send a "good news" letter to bring recognition to people who deserve it or acknowledge the success of an effort.

Salina Post accepting letters to the editor

The Salina League of Women Voters held its 2024 General Election Forum on Oct. 20 at 1:30 in the Watson Room at the Stiefel Theatre in Salina. 

Click the link above to watch the candidates answer questions from the media and the public. Candidates present at the forum included Senate District 24-John Baker, House District 69-Lori Blake, and Clarke Sanders; Saline County Commission District 2-Annie Grevas and Kathleen Malone Crouch.

Noticeably absent from the forum was State Senator J.R. Claeys, whose empty chair and name card can be seen on the far left of the table of candidates.&nbsp;

Check Salina Post for an article about the candidate's responses on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

2024 League of Women Voters General Election Candidate Forum

Due to damages from Sunday's severe weather, the bridge and road south of Wilson, Kansas will NOT be open by Memorial Day, May 27.&nbsp;

According to the Ellsworth County Highway Department, a date has not been set for the road/bridge to reopen.&nbsp;

Plan an alternate route if you plan to travel in the area.&nbsp;

READ MORE<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/3969fc82-b07d-4d4e-885d-fe75a7799560">:&nbsp;🎥UPDATED: Severe weather coverage May 19 — Salina Airport reports 100 mph winds</a>

River bridge, road project south of Wilson closed indefinetly 

Cope Notes is a text message-based service that provides individuals with randomly timed messages that contain anything from psychology facts to exercises and journaling prompts. Every subscriber’s text sequence is unique so that no two users ever receive the same message at the same time. 

Each <a href="https://copenotes.com/">Cope Notes</a> text must first undergo a thorough review process by a panel of peer-support advocates and mental health professionals, in order to ensure that the messages will have a positive effect on the subscriber’s health. The ultimate goal of the service is to train the brain to disrupt negative thoughts and promote a more positive pattern of thinking.

"We believe in the importance of mental health. We want to ensure our residents have access to the resources they need to stay healthy and thriving," said Saline County Health Officer Jason Tiller. "In my own personal experience with Cope Notes, I have found that the right messages seem to come at exactly the right time. It was been an uplifting experience for me, and I am thrilled we get to continue this service to our residents."

In 2022, Saline County initially offered the service for free to 300 residents. Because of the overwhelming response and in an effort to provide the service to more Saline County residents, the program is being offered at a 50 percent discount, according to information from the county.

To sign up for Cope Notes, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001scLNLAEK27GI7j38iOkmbBLY7glKLN0Wy6uF_d-8TLam2TPUzrfQlc9LS5oNICbDRUIbIxFeAe9F9t_3cBzqfldl0v4T9wLfMfxV5qLVYcHiyw0WBSsZFYJWzG17ByUTXv2fd3MbRsZWmxNokDZI85TAvv_DybpQ8u3RGpTS-VoOBpVKw3mIuQf0KEWbdEz2&amp;c=e8h8gccDrdCcdY1GLzjAyWQ83iic1YREdFKlJQ0cHZXKLBBGRtWzSA==&amp;ch=qH131SvBWUOQqWkIzjrjNennoWrg5mcmyLAePutxO-lGfSWshstgHw==" target="_blank">this link&nbsp;</a>and enter code&nbsp;SACOHALF&nbsp;and your credit or debit card information.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Saline County continues to offer Cope Notes at 50-percent discount

Not seeing precipitation totals from your area after a rain or snow event? Consider becoming a CoCoRaHS volunteer.

"CoCoRaHS is an acronym for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. CoCoRaHS is a unique, non-profit, community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail and snow). By using low-cost measurement tools, stressing training and education, and utilizing an interactive website, our aim is to provide the highest quality data for natural resource, education and research applications," the organization noted on its website.

After rain, hail, or snow storms, CoCoRaHS volunteers take precipitation measurements. Those totals are then recorded on the CoCoRaHS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/StateDailyPrecipReports.aspx?state=KS">website</a>&nbsp;(Kansas reporting).

The precipitation totals are used by various organizations and individuals, including the National Weather Service, other meteorologists, hydrologists, emergency managers, insurance adjusters, farmers and ranchers, and, of course, Salina Post.

For more information about CoCoRaHS and its March recruiting efforts or to sign up as a CoCoRaHS volunteer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/marchmadness.aspx">click here</a>.

Precipitation reporting organization seeks local, area volunteers

By ROSARIO MENDEZ Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

What’s worse than a bogus charity? A bogus charity with a dishonest fundraiser. The FTC has sued and stopped dishonest charity fundraisers that&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2020/09/spot-and-stop-dishonest-charity-fundraisers">called people</a>&nbsp;to get them to donate to fake charities. Some prey on your kindness and desire to help people impacted by weather emergencies or a disaster. But when you get a call from a charity fundraiser, how do you know the caller is telling you the truth?

Ask the caller specific questions.

What is the charity’s name, phone number, or address? Write these down so you can confirm them later. Keep in mind that many charity names sound alike, and that sham charities often use names that are sound and look like names of legitimate charities.

How much of your donation will go directly to the programs you want to support?

Will your donation be tax-deductible? Not every call seeking a donation is from a charity. Some calls might be from Political Action Committees or other groups where donations are not deductible. See more questions to ask here.

Resist the pressure to donate on the spot.

After you’ve listened to the caller, hang up the phone and think about what they said. Then, go online and do your own research:

Search for the organization’s name and phone number, plus the word “scam” or “complaint.” What you find might help you decide if you want to make that donation.

Look up the organization’s name and address. Does it show up? If it doesn’t, that could be a sign the caller was lying to you.

See what these rating organizations say about the charity: BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, and Candid.

If you get a donation request in the mail, do some research online before you donate. And if you spot a charity scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

If you get a donation request in the mail,&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/charity">do some research online</a>&nbsp;before you donate. And if you spot a charity scam, report it to the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2020/09/www.reportfraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

FTC: How to spot and stop dishonest charity fundraisers

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The start of a new school year is an expensive time for families. If you are struggling to pay for phone and internet services, there are programs to help you stay connected.

During Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week, the Kansas Corporation Commission joins utility regulators nationwide in encouraging those in need of assistance to apply for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program.&nbsp; Both programs help low-income individuals and families stay connected so they can access health care, attend classes, find employment, and call for help in an emergency.

Lifeline provides federal and state discounts up to $17.02 per month on phone service (wireless or residential) and broadband. Seven million Americans currently benefit from the program, including approximately 30,000 Kansans.

The Federal Communication Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Plan&nbsp; provides a monthly internet service discount of up to $30 and a one-time device discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer or tablet. According to FCC data, more than 20 million U.S. households are currently enrolled, including approximately 120,000 in Kansas.

Eligibility&nbsp;is based on income&nbsp;(at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for Lifeline and at or below 200% for Affordable Connectivity Plan)&nbsp;or participation in certain assistance programs&nbsp;such as:

•&nbsp;&nbsp;Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) •&nbsp; Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) •&nbsp; Federal Public Housing Assistance (FHPA) •&nbsp; Veterans Pensions &amp; Survivors Pension Benefit •&nbsp; Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance •&nbsp; Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families •&nbsp; Head Start Tribal Programs (income based) •&nbsp; Food Distribution Program on Tribal Lands&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anyone who qualifies for Lifeline is automatically eligible to participate in Affordable Connectivity Plan. Others may still qualify for the plan if they meet any of the following criteria:

• Are approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including the&nbsp;USDA Community Eligibility Provision.&nbsp; • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.&nbsp; • Meet the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income program.&nbsp;

Due to higher income maximums, Affordable Connectivity Plan  also has the potential to help families that may not qualify for other types of assistance. The maximum income for a family of four to qualify for the&nbsp; program is&nbsp;$60,000 per year compared to $40,500 for Lifeline. Both Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Plan offer additional discounts for subscribers living on tribal lands.

More information on income eligibility, participating providers, and the enrollment process is available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtjYy5rcy5nb3YvdGVsZWNvbW11bmljYXRpb25zL2xpZmVsaW5lP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTEuODIzOTEwMjEifQ.SgutPMf7jc8B89ZmFqxVxA5ZBkjKYdszBMiWwbYC7oo/s/1510803030/br/225606126077-l" target="_blank">KCC’s website</a>.

Plans available to help Kansans unable to pay for phone, internet services stay connected

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 CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor, Transporting an open container and Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Driving While Suspended, Failure to appear and No Proof Of Insurance

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;Munson, Nico Robert Wolf

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;Moreno Sanchez, Jose Angel

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit, Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor and Operate a MV w/o a valid license

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;Millett, Alexandria Kaila Michelle

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;McCarter, Christopher Lee

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Driving While Suspended

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Theft of property lost or mislaid; Value less than $1,000

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body and Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

Saline County Jail Bookings, May 5

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A water task force meant to ensure the “precious resource is available for generations to come” received its first members this week.

The 16-member panel of Republican and Democratic legislators, state officials and a handful of appointees from both parties will craft policy changes in an effort to evaluate Kansas’ current and future water supply, funding efforts for water projects and potential impacts on the state’s economy.

Republicans announced their appointments Wednesday, which included an official from utility company Evergy, an environmental consultant and the manager of a public groundwater management district in northwest Kansas.

Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican said these members are experts in the field with intricate understandings of water issues.

“Water is the essence of life, the foundation upon which Kansas thrives — sustaining our fields, fueling our communities, and nourishing our future — and truly runs through every decision we make, from agriculture to economic development,” Masterson said.

The task force was born out of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2172/" target="_blank">House Bill 2172</a>, which passed the Senate in March with unanimous bipartisan support and the House with eight Republicans voting against it. The bill had no opponents in committee hearings.

The task force’s water policy recommendations will begin with a preliminary report due by the end of January and end with a final report that must be submitted to the governor and the Legislature by the end of January 2027.

Within the next two months, the task force members must appoint people to a subgroup that would be responsible for modernizing the State Water Resources Planning Act.

The subgroup’s members must be attorneys, engineers, hydrologists, natural resource planners or others with experience with Kansas water issues, according to the legislation.

First passed in 1963 and revamped in the 1980s, the State Water Resources Planning Act and the State Water Plan guide Kansas water management, conservation and development efforts. With drought becoming increasingly apparent in western and central Kansas, including the depletion of the High Plains Aquifer, the task force will address the state’s current and future water needs.

A focus on agriculture and industry is especially important, said House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican.

“To say water is vital to Kansas agriculture, business, and communities would be an understatement, and the input from this Task Force will be key to ensuring this precious resource is available for generations to come,” he said in a Thursday news release.

Gov. Laura Kelly, in her own news release distributed upon signing the task force bill into law in April, said the task force enables lawmakers to evaluate risks to Kansas’ water quality and quantity through a funded, bipartisan group.

“Developing a comprehensive, long-term, and sustainable water program is long overdue and a significant step forward in ensuring Kansas’ water supply is preserved for generations to come,” she said.

Republican leadership’s appointees included three Republican legislators; Jared Morrison, director of Evergy’s water and waste programs; Kansas Chamber board chair Karma Mason; and Shannon Kenyon, the manager of Groundwater Management District No. 4 in northwest Kansas.

Democratic leadership on Tuesday appointed Josh Svaty, a former state legislator and former state agriculture secretary, and Heidi Mehl, the Kansas director of water and agriculture for the Nature Conservancy, an international environmental organization.

The task force also will include three nonvoting members from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas Water Office and the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

Kansas water task force to gauge current and future supply, modernize policy

ELLSWORTH COUNTY—A Kansas man died in a small plane crash just after 1:30p.m. Sunday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1946 Piper Fixed Wing aircraft piloted by&nbsp;Thompson, Ronnie D.&nbsp;Thompson, 77, Goddard, was flying from Lucas back to Wichita.

Witness told the patrol the plane went down for no apparent reason near 4th Road and Avenue D, two miles east of Kansas 232.&nbsp; Thompson was pronounced&nbsp; dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp; Parsons Funeral Home.&nbsp; The FAA and NTSB will investigate the incident.

Kansas man dies in small plane crash

On May 5, 2025, Smoky Hill Construction will begin installing a new water main along Meadow Lane between Fairdale Road and Hilldale Road. The intersection of Meadow Lane and Fairdale Road and the intersection of Meadow Lane and Hilldale Road will be reduced to one lane traffic. Sections of Meadow Lane will also be reduced to one lane traffic during construction. This phase of the project is expected to last two months and be completed by June 30, 2025, weather permitting.

Appropriate barriers will be in place to ensure the safety of workers. Motorists may encounter minor delays and are encouraged to avoid work zones when possible.

For additional information contact the City of Salina Utilities Department at (785) 309-5725

New water main construction to begin Monday 

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/29/kansas-medicaid-advocates-share-dire-forecast-of-potential-congressional-funding-cuts/">Kansas Reflector</a>

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/"></a>TOPEKA — Analysis of potential congressional cuts to Medicaid indicated Kansas’ loss of nearly $350 million in the first year and more than $3 billion over 10 years could shrink coverage for vulnerable populations, escalate family medical debt and raise the risk of hospital closures.

Reductions in federal financing of Medicaid could lead to downsizing by 5% to 15% the number of Medicaid enrollees in Kansas and trigger a decline of 22% in Medicaid funding to hospitals in the state. Kansas has two-dozen rural hospitals at risk of immediate closure. Shrinking federal funding to Medicaid could add to the burden of uncompensated patient care and threaten hospitals operating on narrow margins.

The findings were in a report released Tuesday by REACH Healthcare Foundation and United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, both health-related philanthropies serving Kansans. The report incorporated analysis from Manatt Health, which provides strategic, policy and legal advisory services in the health care industry.

Impetus for the projections was upcoming debate in Congress on a goal of cutting $880 billion in federal spending on Medicaid in the next decade.

“The data is clear and deeply concerning,” said David Jordan, president and CEO of United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. “We will all pay the price — higher costs, increases in local taxes and less access to care — to offset these cuts. It’s critical that lawmakers, health care providers, advocates and the people of Kansas recognize the consequences before it’s too late.”

United Methodist Health Ministry Fund is a statewide foundation that has worked since 1986 to improve the health of Kansans.

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program offering health coverage to lower-income Kansas children, seniors, people with disabilities and pregnant women. Medicaid enrolls 366,000 Kansans, including 31% of the state’s children. Medicaid supports four of seven nursing home residents in Kansas as well as one in four working-age adults in the state who have a disability, the report said.

There is interest among congressional Republicans in adopting a national work requirement for recipients of Medicaid. The Kansas Medicaid program, known as KanCare, doesn’t extend coverage to working-age adults regardless of income unless the recipient was a parent, caregiver or a person with a disability.

“Medicaid is the largest source of federal funds in Kansas and any cuts to the program will have severe economic and health impacts felt in every corner of the state,” said Brenda Sharpe, president and CEO of REACH Healthcare Foundation.

REACH is a charitable organization striving to improve access to quality, affordable care for uninsured and medically underserved residents of Johnson, Wyandotte and Allen counties in Kansas and Jackson, Cass and Lafayette counties in Missouri.

Manatt Health relied on computer modeling to produce one-year and 10-year projections for Medicaid based on the idea of reducing federal expenditures by $880 billion within a decade. The work by Manatt Health was released before Congress completed work on spending adjustments, but the assessment aligned with policy parameters, options and effective dates outlined by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

Kansas Medicaid advocates share dire forecast of potential congressional funding cuts

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Endangering a child

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Burr, Alan Virgil

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Hekele, Caleb Michael

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity, No Proof Of Insurance, Possess of firearm while under the influence and Speeding; maximum limits

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Theft of property lost or mislaid; Value $1,000 to $25,000

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Morales, Carlito Luis

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Vaughns, Courtney Lashay

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Weathers, Miles Benmount

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Aggravated battery; Recklessly cause great bodily harm/disfigurement

Saline County Jail Bookings, May 4

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas House Democrats are hitting the road this summer for their inaugural Fight Back Tour, a statewide initiative aimed at engaging directly with residents, addressing community concerns and sharing their legislative vision for the future.

The tour is set to kick off Thursday, May 29, in Topeka and will feature Democratic lawmakers traveling across Kansas to meet with constituents, highlight policy priorities and advocate for the rights and opportunities of working families.

“This tour is about showing up and fighting back against the extremism we’re seeing at all levels of government, but especially in Topeka,” said House Democratic Leader Brandon Woodard. “The Kansas House Democrats are committed to listening to Kansans who are not feeling heard right now and taking action.”

Throughout the summer, House Democrats will collaborate with local county parties, stakeholders and advocacy groups in each stop to facilitate conversations and build coalitions. The initiative aims to elevate voices from all corners of the state and ensure that lawmakers remain connected to the concerns of their communities.

Fight Back Tour Dates and Locations: May 29 – Topeka, KS June 5 – Wichita, KS June 6 – Newton, KS June 20 – Hutchinson, KS June 21 – Abilene, KS July 18 – Garden City, KS July 19 – Dodge City, KS July 24 – Pittsburg, KS August 15 – Hays, KS August 21 – Kansas City, KS August 28 – Leavenworth, KS

Kansas House Democrats to hold inaugural Fight Back Tour

Minneapolis — Central Kansas Mental Health Center and the Ottawa County Health Department invite the public to Roots of Resilience: A Rural Mental Health Gathering on Saturday, June 7 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at the Minneapolis Public Library Meeting Room, 519 Delia Ave.

This free community event is designed to spark open conversation, reduce stigma, and connect individuals in rural and farming communities with tools and resources for mental health and suicide prevention. Whether you're a farmer, rancher, business owner, parent, or neighbor, all are welcome to attend and participate in the discussion.

The event will feature inspiring presentations and a panel of local experts:

1:30 PM — “A Call to Action” with Isabelle Blackwood, Youth Leaders in Kansas (YLinK)

Nationally recognized youth advocate Isabelle Blackwood shares her powerful story and leadership in suicide prevention, especially in farming communities.

3:00 PM — "Weathering the Storm in Agriculture" with Rebecca McFarland, K-State Extension

Extension veteran and farm stress specialist Rebecca McFarland offers practical strategies for recognizing and managing stress in agricultural life.

Representatives from the Ottawa County Health Department, CKMHC, and NAMI will highlight local behavioral health services, prevention programs, and community supports.

Attendees that live in Ottawa and Lincoln counties will receive a $30 grocery card as a thank-you for participating. All are welcome, registration is encouraged but not required.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Gretchen Boyum at gboyum@ckmhc.org or call 785-515-6139.

Rural mental health gathering set for June 7, in Minneapolis

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;DUI; 3rd in 10y;comp evidence blood/breath .08+ and Operate a MV w/o a valid license

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;Gantenbein, Eli Vincent

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal restraint, Domestic Battery: rude physical contact and Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;McCann, Braeden Paul

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;Weis, Steven Howard&nbsp;

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Aggravated robbery, Burglary; Dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence or sexually motivated crime, Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor, Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body, Driving While Suspended, Murder in the 2nd degree; Unknown circumstance, Poss of marijuana, Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant and Theft of prop/services;Value $1,500 to $25,000

Saline County Jail Bookings, May 3

On April 26, members of the Smoky View 4-H club both competed in the Spring Beef Classic show at the Salina Fairgrounds, and hosted the concession stand to raise money for the club. 

Club members had to arrive early to prepare their animals, as well as to prepare food items that would be available for breakfast and lunch at the concession stand. Items offered included: breakfast burritos, cinnamon rolls, walking tacos, and pretzels with cheese.

Bristol Isaacson, 5th grader at Southeast of Saline and Smoky View member, enjoys working at the concession stand because, “I love to cook the ingredients and wrap up the breakfast burritos. It is a lot of fun!” Fundraising helps members learn new skills and the money raised helps the club fund activities throughout the year.&nbsp;

Four Smoky View club members participated in the beef show with their animals. They had to arrive early in order to bathe and groom their steers and heifers, as well as get themselves ready to enter the show ring. When asked about what he likes about caring for his steer, Gunner Cloyd, Smoky Valley 5th grader and Smoky View member, said, “washing and walking him. I also enjoy feeding him and getting him water.” 

There is so much time and energy that goes into taking care of these large animals to get them ready to show. Grace Cloyd, 7th grader at Smoky Valley and Smoky View member said, “I enjoy watching how much they grow.” These show animals can gain, on average, 400 pounds between their first weigh in, in March, to when they show at the end of the summer at the county fair.&nbsp;

Smoky View 4-H club members will be participating in the Tri Rivers Fair which starts July 31st.&nbsp;

Smoky View 4-H Club enjoy all aspects of the Spring Beef Classic

NASHVILLE – Longtime NFL and Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden has become a Partner with the Nashville Kats and their ownership group, Fisher Football Ventures LLC.

Kats President and Partner Jeff Fisher made the announcement today that Gruden will be a Partner with consulting and advisory roles in all aspects of the team’s football and business operations.

“The Nashville Kats and the Arena Football 1 league are very excited to have someone with Jon’s experience, expertise, and success to not only be part of the ownership but also take an active role in a variety of ways within the organization,” said Fisher, who also serves as AF1 Commissioner.

Gruden was head coach of the Oakland Raiders (19989-2001), Tampa Bay Bucs (2002-08,) and Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (2018-21). He led the Bucs to a championship in Super Bowl XXXVII over Oakland and has been inducted into Tampa Bay’s Ring of Honor.

“I have been a fan of indoor football for a long time and jumped at the opportunity to be involved with Jeff and the Nashville Kats as part of the ownership group,” Gruden said. “I have so much respect for what Jeff has done over his career and continues to do with the Nashville Kats and as commissioner of AF1. I’m excited to be part of the team.”

Gruden joined Barstool Sports in November 2024 in a variety of roles, including playing host to the popular social media postings of his receiving boxes of merchandise from various collegiate and professional programs.

Gruden’s brother, former Washington Commanders head coach Jay Gruden, was an assistant coach for the Nashville Kats in 1997 before becoming head coach of the Orlando Predators (1998-2001). As a player and coach, Jay Gruden was inducted into the Arena Football Hall of Fame.

“Obviously, I followed all of Jay’s playing and coaching days in Arena Football and knew how much he enjoyed all those years,” Gruden said. “I look forward to having that same kind of excitement with the Nashville Kats.”

Under Head Coach and General Manager Darren Arbet, the Nashville Kats (3-2) have won three games in a row, including last Saturday’s 41-17 win at Southwest Kansas in Dodge City. They currently sit in third place behind league-leading Albany Firebirds (7-0).

After a bye week, the Kats return to action at Albany on Saturday, May 10, with a 6 p.m. CDT kickoff time and 5:30 p.m. broadcast start with the pre-game show on Totally Hits 93.3. The Kats’ next home game is Saturday, May 24 at 5 p.m. versus the Oregon Lightning at historic Municipal Auditorium in downtown Nashville.

“With the recent success of the team on the field and the addition of Jon Gruden to assist in all areas of our operations, there is so much forward momentum for the Nashville Kats right now,” Kats CEO and Partner Bobby DeVoursney said. “We can’t be more thrilled to be just a few months into this new era for the Nashville Kats and to have such incredible local support and growing nationally as well.”

All AF1 games, including the Nashville Kats, can be viewed on the EvergreenNow streaming platform. AF1 also has a Vice TV Game of the Week broadcast live.

Jon Gruden Joins Nashville Kats Ownership Group as Partner

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State’s running back position received added depth on Monday as the Wildcats signed transfer&nbsp;Antonio Martin Jr.

Martin spent spring practices at ULM after competing the 2024 season at Southeastern Louisiana. Prior to that, the Atlanta, Georgia, native was at Blinn College in 2023 after redshirting the 2022 season at Georgia Tech.

Last season at Southeastern, Martin played in 12 games with nine starts as he totaled 1,228 yards and 11 touchdowns en route to All-Southland Conference First Team honors. He was also named a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, which goes to the top offensive player in the FCS. He ranked 12th&nbsp;in the FCS with 102.3 rushing yards per game, while he was 14th&nbsp;in total rushing yards and 35th&nbsp;in all-purpose yards per game (108.50).

Martin’s best game of 2024 came against Tarleton State when he racked up 206 yards and three touchdowns on 32 carries, earning Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week accolades. His 206 rushing yads were the 12th&nbsp;most by an FCS player in a single game last year, while his three touchdowns tied for 13th. He also tallied 100-yard rushing games against Eastern Washington (149 yards), East Texas A&amp;M (185 yards) and Northwestern State (110 yards).

In 2023 at Blinn, Martin ranked 10th&nbsp;in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) with 80.4 rushing yards per game, thanks in part to three 100-yard rushing performances.

Martin was regarded as the 256th-best overall prospect in the Class of 2022 by ESPN, which also rated him the 21st-best running back. He ran for 1,114 yards and 16 touchdowns during his senior season as he earned first team all-state honors from the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association and honorable mention accolades from the&nbsp;Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Following a 9-4 campaign in 2024 – its third-straight season with at least nine wins – Kansas State kicks off the 2025 season by taking on Iowa State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, August 23, at Avivia Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.

Running Back Antonio Martin Jr. Signs with Kansas State

JOPLIN, Mo. - The Kansas Wesleyan University Coyotes are the 2025 KCAC Baseball Championship Tournament Champions.

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