SALINE COUNTY —Despite the tornado warnings, there was no major damage from storms that moved through Saline&nbsp; County late Tuesday and early Wednesday, according Saline County Public information officer Melissa McCoy.

Residents in many areas of Saline County reported hail and wind gusts over 60 mph.&nbsp;&nbsp;At 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service in Wichita issued a tornado warning for southwestern Saline County, northwestern McPherson County and southeastern Ellsworth County.

The next chance for rain will arrive Thursday and Friday. No severe weather is expected with this next system, according to the weather service.

No major storm damage reported in Saline County

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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;Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;Brown, Natasha Kateasha

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

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Computer unlawful acts: False represent &lt;$100K, Counterfeiting currency; Make/forge/alter;$25K+ and Theft by deception;Value less than $1,500

Saline County Jail Bookings, April 2

&nbsp; By SALINA POST

At 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service in Wichita issued a tornado warning for northwestern McPherson County, southeastern Ellsworth County, and southwestern Saline County. The warning is in effect until 12:30 a.m.

A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 9 miles northwest of Marquette, or 10 miles southeast of Kanopolis, moving northeast at 55 mph.

	•	Flying debris dangerous to those without shelter

	•	Damage to mobile homes, roofs, windows, and vehicles

Kanopolis Lake, Falun, and Kanopolis State Park

The storm will mainly affect rural areas and could impact&nbsp;Interstate 135 near Mile Marker 7.

Take shelter immediately in a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.&nbsp; Stay tuned to Salina Post for updates as this storm continues to move through the region.

The tornado warning for southeastern Ellsworth and western Saline counties expired at 11 p.m. Tuesday. According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, the warning was issued after radar indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado moving northeast through the area.

Saline County Public Information Officer Melissa McCoy confirmed that one tornado was reported to have briefly touched down near New Cambria. As of now, there have been no reports of injuries or significant structural damage.

One tree branch was reported in the roadway, but no other major issues have been confirmed.

At 11:16 p.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service in Wichita reported a severe thunderstorm near Culver, about 8 miles northwest of Salina. The storm is moving northeast at 40 mph.

Brookville, New Cambria, Glendale, and Salina.

Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows.

Salina Post will provide updates as more information becomes available from emergency management and weather officials.

At 9:51 p.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service in Wichita issued an urgent tornado warning for southeastern Ellsworth and western Saline counties, in effect until 11:00 p.m. Tornado sirens have sounded in Salina.&nbsp;

A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located approximately 8 miles northwest of Marquette, or 13 miles east of Kanopolis, moving northeast at 45 mph.

Communities potentially impacted include:

Brookville, Kanopolis Lake, Falun, and Kanopolis State Park.

Take cover now. Seek shelter in a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you’re outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the nearest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

Stay tuned to Salina Post for updates as this severe weather situation develops.

UPDATED: New tornado warning issued for parts of Saline, Ellsworth, and McPherson counties

NWS: Chance for severe weather across the region

High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday the selection of Tiffany Benien as the new director of Visit Salina.

Benien, who has served as the sports and special events manager for Visit Salina since June 1995, will succeed Sylvia Rice, who led the organization for 34 years prior to her death in April 2024. The Chamber operates Visit Salina as a convention and visitors bureau using transient guest tax dollars allocated by the City of Salina.

In a statement, Chamber President Renee Duxler cited Benien’s deep experience in tourism and destination marketing, as well as her strong relationships throughout the community, region, and state, as key factors in her selection.

“Tiffany has such a wealth of knowledge and experience regarding tourism and destination marketing, as well as critical relationships that continue to make Visit Salina a premier convention and visitors bureau throughout the state,” Duxler said. “She also has the passion and drive to continue to elevate how Salina promotes itself, which will be crucial as we move forward with our community marketing initiative.”

Throughout 2024, the Chamber worked to renegotiate its transient guest tax agreement with the City of Salina, ultimately securing a reallocation of a percentage of those funds to support the new community marketing initiative. During this period, Duxler served as acting director of Visit Salina following Rice’s passing. The new agreement and budget were approved by the Salina City Commission earlier this year, prompting the official search for a new director.

A native of the Salina area, Benien graduated from Bennington High School and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in business administration with an emphasis in marketing from Kansas Wesleyan University. As a student-athlete, she played both volleyball and softball for the KWU Coyotes, which helped fuel her passion for sports, marketing, and her hometown.

In her role with Visit Salina, Benien has welcomed thousands of visitors, sports fans, and event organizers to the city. She holds designations as a Certified Sports Events Executive (CSEE) and Kansas Destination Specialist (KDS). She also serves on the Travel Industry Association of Kansas (TIAK) Executive Board of Directors, is a member and past president of SportsKS, and is active in both SportsETA and the Kansas I-70 Association.

“I’m excited and honored to take on the role of Visit Salina director,” Benien said. “The Chamber and the Salina community offer so much, including countless community-minded people who make this a great place to visit. Whether you’re interested in sports, the arts, history, food, unique attractions, or comfortable places to stay, Salina has something for everyone. I’m thrilled to be part of this amazing community and look forward to collaborating with others to share the wonderful things that make Salina an exceptional place.”

Chamber announces Benien as Visit Salina director

At approximately 9:30 p.m. on Monday night&nbsp;March 31, the Salina Fire Department responded to a residential fire at 629 E. Neal. Initial reports indicated a fire in the attached garage of the residence.

Upon arrival, fire crews encountered an active fire in the garage of a single-story home. Firefighters initiated suppression operations and discovered the garage contents fully engulfed in flames, with fire spreading to the attic space above. The fire was brought under control within 10 minutes of arrival.&nbsp;Firefighters&nbsp;also&nbsp;conducted a thorough search to ensure no one remained inside.

The fire is considered accidental, but due to extensive damage, the exact cause remains undetermined&nbsp;at this time.

In addition to the Salina Fire Department, the Salina Police Department provided traffic control, Evergy and Kansas Gas were requested to secure utilities. The Salvation Army was also contacted to assist the residents with temporary resources.

Residential fire on Neal Avenue quickly contained by Salina Fire Department

Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad

The timeless charm of four-part harmony will take center stage next week as the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad celebrates&nbsp;National Barbershop Quartet Day&nbsp;with a special dinner train experience.

On Saturday, April 12, passengers aboard the&nbsp;Smoky Valley Limited&nbsp;will be treated to live performances from three standout Kansas barbershop groups:&nbsp;“Four Gems”&nbsp;from Manhattan,&nbsp;“Uncalled Four”&nbsp;from Colby, and&nbsp;“Chardonnay”, also from Manhattan. These quartets will bring the pure, heartfelt sounds of barbershop singing to life as the train winds its way across the scenic Smoky Hill River Valley.

Barbershop music, with roots tracing back nearly 175 years, got its start in the informal gathering places of American barbershops and has since grown into a beloved and enduring musical tradition.

The two-hour round-trip ride departs at 6 p.m. from Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot and includes a stop at the Hoffman Mill and Country Store in Enterprise. Guests will enjoy a catered meal from Broadway Station in Herington, with a choice of barbecue pork chops or barbecue chicken breast.

Tickets and seating information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://asvrr.org/">asvrr.org</a>.

National Barbershop Quartet Day celebration rolls into Abilene 

Two runaway juveniles are facing multiple charges after allegedly stealing from a Salina store, taking a backpack valued at more than $2,000, and later being connected to two smoke shop burglaries, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.

The investigation began around 2:20 p.m. on March 28, when officers were dispatched to Dollar General, 840 E. Crawford, regarding two male juveniles reportedly caught attempting to steal a Lunchable. Employees stopped the shoplifting attempt and had the juveniles leave the store.

As they exited, the pair allegedly stole a backpack left outside by an 18-year-old customer. The backpack contained a baseball glove, laptop, clothing, and a medical device. The total loss was estimated at over $2,000.

Officers searched the area and determined the juveniles matched the description of two males recently reported as runaways from a local group home. They were found in the 300 block of Center Street and taken into custody. While they did not have the backpack at the time, officers later located it behind a nearby business in the 800 block of E. Crawford. All items were recovered except for the medical device.

The 15 and 16-year-old juveniles were charged with felony theft and theft. According to Feldman, they were not booked into the Juvenile Detention Center in Junction City at that time.

At around 5 a.m. on March 31, officers responded to a burglary alarm at VIP Smoke Shop, 2018 S. 9th Street. The front door had been shattered with a rock, and more than $2,500 worth of merchandise, including vapes and other tobacco products, was reported stolen. Damage to the storefront was estimated at $2,000.

Later that morning, around 8:40 a.m., a School Resource Officer was contacted by school staff after a student was caught smoking in a restroom. When questioned, the student identified the same two juveniles as the source of the vape.

Through the investigation, officers connected the pair to the VIP Smoke Shop burglary, as well as an earlier break-in at Pack Rat Smoke Shop, 659 S. Broadway, on March 10. Items from the VIP burglary were recovered.

Following the March 31 incident, both juveniles were charged with two counts of burglary, one count of felony damage to property, one count of misdemeanor damage to property, and two counts of felony theft. They were then booked into the Juvenile Detention Center in Junction City.

SPD: Runaway juveniles linked to multiple thefts and smoke shop burglaries

By DAVID NORLIN Saline County Resident Denial is not just a river in Egypt.

For those who are still in it, cutting through the chaos is one way out, even though the chaos is confusing, on purpose. In Topeka or D.C., just following bills is, well, debilitating.

Near-daily executive orders are in reality executive&nbsp;disorders. But we can wake to this truth. It’s not conservatism — it’s corruption. On steroids. Remember the frog in first lukewarm, then boiling water? The heat is coming up, less gradually every day. Will we jump out in time? Every day reduces the chance.

Through the fog, we must fully grasp — and admit — where we are. Unfortunately, President Trump’s mindset is easy to discern.

As felon-in-chief, he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/07/us/politics/trump-justice-dept-ousters.html" target="_blank">continues to purge</a>&nbsp;the Justice Department. In the nouveau regime, crimes are not crimes if they say they’re not. They’ll first get rid of the people who once said they were. Removing truth-tellers’ salary, pension and security detail should do it. In short, they’ll make opponents’ lives as miserable and insecure as possible.

No more wasting money on the little people. They’re on their way to cut our Social Security and Medicaid, and perhaps Medicare. The co-president of Public Citizen, weighing in on Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/trump-social-security-lies" target="_blank">Social Security lies</a>&nbsp;in his address to Congress, said these are “the prelude to vicious cuts.”

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-California) summed it up: “This is their core agenda. (It’s) reverse Roosevelt. They are no longer even hiding it.”

Farmers, consumers and the entire economy are terrorized with tariffs, at the whim of Trump’s on/off button. (Pick your news source.)

National Republicans’ lockstep mentality is echoed by the Kansas’ monopoly party. Kansas legislative leadership seeks to dilute the vote by deluding the people. They and their docile (or worse, complicit) gang of enabler-legislators seek to block troublesome votes by removing the three-day&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/23/kansas-senate-bill-would-set-election-day-deadline-for-mail-in-ballots/">mail ballot grace period</a>, shutting out thousands of votes.

They would make our Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/07/kansas-senate-adopts-plan-to-elect-supreme-court-justices-a-step-toward-overturning-abortion-rights/">selection by election</a>, with justices bought by the same mega-donor dollars that installed them. This would chill rights to education and women’s reproductive freedom.

How does this get a pass from the public? By misinformation. By appealing to collective (mostly white) prejudice. And by assaulting and defunding education, especially higher ed. Universities are called universities for a reason. Designed to promote universal understanding and values in education, too often they have suffered at the whim of moneyed interests. Public financing is key to even private college funding.

Nonetheless, the Trump Administration just&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gp979w055o" target="_blank">cut $400 million</a>&nbsp;from Columbia University’s budget, drastically affecting “research and other critical functions, impacting students, faculty, staff, research, and patient care” because students took a stand for Palestine. This is a blow. More than a quarter of Columbia’s $6.6 billion in annual operating revenue&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/07/nyregion/trump-administration-columbia-grants-cancelled-antisemitism.html" target="_blank">comes from federal sources</a>, according to its 2024 financial statements.

Call it what it is. Mafia thuggery and bullying, until universities knuckle under.

The Kansas Legislature monopoly party marches in lockstep with their congressional colleagues. Salina’s Republican Rep Steven Howe got off on a good foot with his appeal for Republicans to<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/15/a-kansas-legislator-stands-against-trump-and-jan-6-violence-will-his-fellow-republicans-listen/">re-examine their votes</a>for Donald Trump come the 2024 election.

However, he was shortly back on the bandwagon. Howe’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/31/bill-restricting-dei-returns-to-kansas-legislature-amid-debate-over-ideology-pronouns/">crusade and “investigation”</a>against universities’ diversity, equity and inclusion policies put him firmly in the Trump camp and resulted in that witch-hunt becoming state law.

This year, Howe introduced a bill aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/10/kansas-house-bill-strives-to-strip-property-interest-from-definition-of-university-college-tenure/">weakening tenure protections</a>&nbsp;at Kansas universities. His action was “at the behest of Steven Lovett, general counsel at Emporia State University,” where 30 tenured or tenure-track professors were fired in 2022. ESU is “embroiled in state and federal court battles” as a result. Lovett’s seeming conflict of interest in this action was questioned, even by an ESU spokeswoman.

There is little doubt whose side Howe is on. He even moved in his House committee “to add $2.2 million to the ESU budget for legal expenses in (Lovett’s) faculty firing case.

Spreading chaos and retribution is also blatantly obvious in Trump’s complete board replacement of the Kennedy Center.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/trump-kennedy-center-laura-ingraham-maria-bartiromo-rcna195468" target="_blank">He named himself board chair</a>&nbsp;for the country’s premier performing arts center, now to become the Trump Center for the Conforming Arts. In that action, he decried DEI and the center’s leadership and performances. It might feature WWE wrestling next.

As Nietzsche said, “Distrust all in whom the impulse to punish is powerful.”

Once we get past denial, this bullying culture must be faced up to, to face them down. It can be as simple as&nbsp;no. As a legal immigrant friend of mine said yesterday, “The more&nbsp;no’s&nbsp;they get, the smaller they become.”

David Norlin is&nbsp;a retired Cloud County Community College teacher, where he was department chairman of communications/English, specializing in media.&nbsp; The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media. The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions. Send us your opinions and your name and county location to to newstips@salinapost.com

OPINION: Chaos envelops Topeka and Washington as leaders pursue vengeance

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;Wallace, Dasan Zachary Perry

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

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Driving While Suspended, No Proof Of Insurance and Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation

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

NAME:&nbsp;Morton, DeYauntrie Eric Travalle

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Probation Violation and Return for court testimony

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

Saline County Jail Bookings, April 1

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Brice Turang dropped a perfect bunt to score Oliver Dunn in the 11th inning and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Wednesday.

Pinch-runner Dunn advanced from second base on Garett Mitchell’s groundout off Sam Long (0-2). Joey Ortiz walked. Turang, who was 0 for 5 for the game, laid down a bunt in front of the plate and raced to first as Dunn scored.

Jared Koenig (1-0) picked up the win with a scoreless 11th.

Jackson Chourio doubled off Royals reliever Carlos Estévez in the bottom of the 10th and drove in Turang to tie the game at 2.

Chourio crushed a 85-mph changeup from starter Cole Ragan in the first inning for his first home run of the season. Cavan Biggio tied the game with an RBI single in the second off Milwaukee starter Freddy Peralta. After that, it was a pitcher’s duel.

Peralta allowed just two hits, struck out eight and tied his career high with eight innings.

Ragan allowed one run over five innings, struck out 10 and walked two. It was his sixth career start with 10 strikeouts.

With Royals pinch-runner Tyler Tolbert on second in the 10th, Michael Massey lined a hit off the glove of first baseman Jake Bauers that scored Tolbert. Kansas City’s 2-1 lead was brief.

The Brewers were 2 for 14 with runners in scoring position. The Royals were 2 for 8.

Royals: After a day off Thursday, RHP Seth Lugo (0-0, 5.40 ERA) takes on the visiting Baltimore Orioles.

⚾ Turang's bunt drives in winning run in the 11th, Brewers beat the Royals 

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– K-State women’s basketball will host a Senior Send-off event in the Theede Club of the West Stadium Center on Saturday, April 12, from 2-3 p.m.

The event features a pair of ticket options including a $40 option and a $20 option. The $40 ticket option includes the Senior Send-off, a review of the 2024-25 season and a tailgate, as well as one ticket to the K-State-UCF baseball game at 4 p.m., and a $10 drink voucher. The $20 ticket option includes the Senior Send-off, a review of the 2024-25 season and the tailgate event.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://app.kstatesports.com/SeniorSendOff" target="_blank">app.kstatesports.com/SeniorSendOff</a>&nbsp;or by calling (800) 221-CATS.

K-State concluded the 2024-25 season with its 19th NCAA Tournament bid and the fourth Sweet 16 appearance in program history. The Wildcats registered the second-most wins in a season in school history with 28 and tied for the second-most wins in a two-season span (54). K-State was ranked in both the Associated Press and Coaches polls for the entirety of the season.

K-State to Host Senior Send-Off April 12

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/294273e9-2fea-4b5e-b47d-b0b8ec083fe6?elinkdata=23638">Fernando Ruvalcaba's</a> RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning was the insurance the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes needed.

The run proved to be the difference as the Coyotes held on to beat the Sterling College Warriors 11-10 on Tuesday at Dean Evans Stadium.

Sterling took a 1-0 lead in the first inning as Manny Cardenas hit a homer.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7bfaf0e5-64f0-4aca-80b7-e126e5930f71?elinkdata=23638">Jacob Williamson</a> led off the KWU half of the inning with a homer launched into the strong south wind, but needed little help to get out. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/df3068b6-bfce-492f-931d-1437a551d808?elinkdata=23638">Tyler Favretto</a> followed with a double and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/76a80740-054c-4d22-9669-b3c4f2af8f4b?elinkdata=23638">Garrett Garfield</a> hit into a fielder's choice that did not yield an out after an error at third base. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d9a4ef47-6244-4de3-8d8e-2fccf9d8bea8?elinkdata=23638">Carter Allen</a> singled and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ddf88eaa-c95d-4493-ace1-1eecd8db6230?elinkdata=23638">Joe Finder</a> drove in the second run of the inning with a single.

Sterling took a 7-2 lead in the second with six runs coming off a grand slam by Tyler Gates and a 2-run homer by Andrew Dutro after Cardenas reach on an error.

In the bottom of the inning, the Coyotes got back into it on a 2-out rally. On three pitches, the Coyotes got three homers by Favretto, Garfield and Ruvalcaba to make it 7-5.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/43597744-99ee-4166-af8b-b1c28df58277?elinkdata=23638">Joe Finder</a> led off the Coyote half of the third inning with a homer to draw the Coyotes within a run.

The Coyotes tied it in the bottom of the fourth as Ruvalcaba led off the inning with a walk and went to second on an error at second on a fielder's choice by Allen. After a ground out, pinch hitter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/10ed53ce-798e-41f5-8d92-54004eb7574f?elinkdata=23638">Jackson Harriger</a> grounded out to bring in the game-tying run.

Wesleyan grabbed the lead in the fifth. Romero was hit by a pitch, followed by walks to Williamson and Favretto to load the bases. Garfield was then hit by a pitch to bring in a run. Ruvalcaba then hit into a fielder's choice to bring in another run to give the Coyotes a 9-7 lead.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2163102b-13a7-407c-9d40-2c8013271f91?elinkdata=23638">Blake Dale</a> homered in the sixth to give the Coyotes a 10-7 lead, and Romero just missed a homer out to right, as did Williamson.

Sterling loaded the bases and brought in a run on a ground out by Joe Almanza in the seventh to make it 10-8.

Williamson walked to start the eighth and stole second. Two batters later Ruvalcaba singled, scoring Williamson to make it 11-8.

An error to start the ninth for Sterling got the Warriors a base runner and two batters later pinch hitter Nate Heffline hit a 2-run homer to make it a 1-run game. Wesleyan would get two ground outs to end the game.

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