&nbsp;On Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, residents of Salina and surrounding communities are invited to a town hall at the Salina Central High School Auditorium. The event will feature a legislative update from Kansas Senate Minority Whip Cindy Holscher, who will provide insight into key bills passed during the 2025 Kansas Legislative Session and their impact on everyday Kansans.&nbsp;

Though invitations were extended to the three state representatives and one state senator who represent and reside in Salina, none will be in attendance. Steve Howe and Tracy Mann declined to attend. Clarke Sanders and JR Claeys did not reply to multiple attempts to contact them. Their absence will not stop residents from asking for their voices to be heard.&nbsp;

After Cindy Holscher gives updates on the 2025 Kansas Legislative Session, the remaining time allotted for the town hall will feature a forum where attendees can express their concerns, ask questions, and speak directly to the empty chairs reserved for their elected officials. This symbolic gesture highlights the importance of accountability and civic engagement, even in the absence of elected officials.&nbsp;The event is open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend. Salina Indivisible&nbsp;encourages all press to contact these representatives for any comment they might have about their decision not to attend, for reporting before or after the event.

Town Hall with legislative udate from Senate Minority Whip Cindy Holscher

Delivered to your virtual porch during the noon hour every Monday through Friday — on time and free :-)

📨 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

KANSAS CITY – A Kansas woman was indicted by a federal grand jury for interstate transportation of stolen goods.

Amanda Rutherford, 45, was indicted on one count of interstate transportation of stolen goods for traveling across the state line to sell stolen coins, according to the United State's Attorney.

Rutherford traveled to Missouri to sell over $100,000 in gold and silver coins that belonged to an elderly couple who resided in Kansas.&nbsp;

The Dickinson County, Kansas Sheriff’s Office received a report in 2022 that several items, including firearms and collector coins, were stolen from the farm of an elderly couple. 

Rutherford lived on their property and claimed to be a caregiver for the couple. In early 2024, the Sheriff’s Office received a tip that Rutherford had sold gold coins to a jewelry store in Clay County, Missouri and had received several checks totaling $100,000. 

The Sheriff’s Office was able to confirm this information and served a search warrant on her vehicle soon after she cashed those checks at the bank. In conjunction with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Sheriff’s Office found newly purchased merchandise, the remainder of the bundled currency, and other coins belonging to the victims in the vehicle.

 The victims identified the remainder of the coins as part of those that were stolen from their farm in 2022. &nbsp;Under federal law, it is illegal to transport stolen goods across state lines. If convicted, Rutherford faces a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

Kan. woman accused of selling stolen coins from elderly couple

SALINE COUNTY —A Salina woman was injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Tuesday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Ram 3500 driven by&nbsp; Jorge&nbsp;Torres-Murillo, 47, Culver, was stopped at the railroad crossing in the 1900 Block of West State Street at Old Highway 40. As the train approached, the driver tried backing up and struck a 2022 Honda HRV driven by Morgan Fay&nbsp; Reinsch, 28, Salina.&nbsp;

 The impact pushed the Honda into a 2009 Ford F150 driven by Lester Harold&nbsp;Dose, 75, Salina.

EMS transported Reinsch to Salina Regional Health Center. The other drivers were not injured.

Salina woman hospitalized after 3-vehicle crash

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced an upcoming job fair that will be held on a weekend for Kansans seeking new career opportunities. Jobseekers and employers from all industries are encouraged to take part in the Statewide Virtual Job Fair, hosted by&nbsp;KANSASWORKS, any time between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday, May 16-18.

“Over a three-day period, companies will be conducting interviews to fill a wide array of positions,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “There are many hard-working Kansans who simply don’t have time to scout out new career options during the week. The Commerce Department is determined to meet jobseekers where they are and provide a chance to explore hundreds of jobs currently available across the state.”

The Virtual Job Fair allows individuals to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.

In the job fair portal, participants can find helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

Registration is required to participate in all Virtual Job Fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fapp.premiervirtual.com%2Fevents%2Fcd1129b6-1ef2-47dd-9c98-9e7ce9763aab%2Fkansasworks-virtual-job-fair-may-2025/1/0101019682b61a41-d3e2b2ee-636c-4c73-bdb0-6c55f828ef37-000000/cI-CGlytYsgcXBcfdqWTDTnQj1UXwgiubEfxECtdosc=402">here</a>.

KANSASWORKS to hold weekend virtual job fair 

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;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor and Criminal damage to property; Felony

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor and Duty of Driver to Give Certain Information

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

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Failure to appear, Assault of LEO; Properly identified on duty, Use/poss drug paraphernalia in/human body, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant and Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Failure to appear, Counterfeiting; Value less than $1,000, Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body and Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

Saline County Jail Bookings, April 29

DICKINSON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Monday in Dickinson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Dodge Durango driven by Rebecca Lee&nbsp;Pierce, 25, Salina, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of the Abilene exit.

The driver attempted to pass a semi, slowed down and got behind the semi. The SUV hydroplaned, traveled into south ditch spun twice and rolled. EMS transported&nbsp;Pierce and a 6-year-old boy in the vehicle to Stormont Vail in Junction City. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Salina woman, 6-year-old hospitalized after rollover crash

SALINA —A wanted Kansas felon is back in jail after running from a traffic stop in Salina.

Just before 11a.m. Sunday, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a 2010 Ford Focus, in the 1600 block of S. 9th, due to an expired tag. The driver, later identified as 29-year-old&nbsp; Malachi Lageman of Salina, gave the officer with a false name. As the officer was checking the name, Lageman drove off. 

A vehicle pursuit was initiated. Speeds reached 70 miles per hour and went to the area of Sheridan and West Crawford where the Lageman abandoned the vehicle and ran.

Lageman was observed running in the 600 block of S. Phillips where officers were able to take him into custody.

Prior to being arrested, in an attempt to hide from officers, Lageman hid in a garage in the 600 of S. Phillips. It was later determined Lageman had taken the vehicle without permission from someone he knew who lived in the 700 block of S. 9th Street. The vehicle was valued at $3000. 

Police also found a&nbsp; handgun in the vehicle Lageman abandoned.

 Lageman is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Flee/Attempt to Elude, Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Interference with Law Enforcement, Felony Theft, Burglary (for hiding in the garage). Lageman also had an active warrant for Domestic Battery, Theft, Possession of Stolen Property (Firearm), and possession of an opiate.

Lageman has previous convictions that include theft, burglary, criminal threat, aggravated battery, criminal damage to property and domestic battery, according to the Kansas&nbsp; Department of Corrections.

Wanted Kansas felon jailed after running from traffic stop

SALINA—On Friday,&nbsp;an employee at L&amp;S Scott, 511 N. Santa Fe in Salina reported a box truck on the property had been entered sometime between March 25 and April 25, according to a media release from Salina Police.

Three American Bass Amplifiers, Four Kicker speakers, and an Auto Tech Bass were stolen from the vehicle. Total loss was valued at $7300.

Police: Amplifiers, speakers stolen from truck in Salina

SALINE COUNTY—The Kansas Highway Patrol shared a story of appreciation for their effort to go above and beyond the call of duty.

"Every now and then, we receive a message that reminds us why we do what we do. On Sunday, we received the following from a family traveling across Kansas:"

“Trooper Van Buren helped us out today on I-70, about ten miles west of Salina. Our donut tire was funky, so he drove my husband to Walmart to have our new tire mounted — and when they got back, he put it on for us."

”This photo was taken during that moment," The KHP wrote.&nbsp; "We’re proud of Trooper Van Buren and all our troopers who go the extra mile to help others every day. Thank you to the traveling public for trusting us to be there when you need a hand."

KHP shares a story of gratitude: You Troopers are angels

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant and&nbsp;&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Flee or attempt to elude; reckless driving, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant, Crim poss weapon by a convicted felon, Theft of prop/services;Value $1,500 to $25,000, Burglary; Non-dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crime, Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant, Criminal use of weap;poss firearm w/restraining order, Domestic Battery: rude physical contact, Crim poss weap by felon; firearm not used in crime, Poss of stolen prop;Firearm &lt;$25,000 and Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500

Saline County Jail Bookings, April 28

Rolling Hills Zoo proudly hosted a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. on April 26th for the new Drawings by Trent Family Room in honor of Trent Landreth. The event took place just south of the Overlook Restaurant, in the basement of Safari Station. Following the ribbon cutting, guests were able to meet Trent and attend a book signing in the Wildlife Museum lobby.

The Drawings by Trent Family Room is a thoughtfully designed space that prioritizes care and inclusivity. This quiet, sensory-friendly room offers a peaceful retreat for individuals and families who may experience sensory overload, providing a controlled environment to decompress and relax. In addition, the room will serve as a private lactation space for mothers who are breastfeeding or pumping.

Named in honor of Trent Landreth, the gifted artist behind Drawings by Trent, the Family Room features his remarkable animal artwork, creating a calming and welcoming atmosphere.

Trent, born in 1997 and diagnosed with classic autism at the age of two, discovered his passion for drawing as soon as he could hold a pen. Despite facing communication challenges, Trent expresses himself through his extraordinary animal illustrations. Because he does not part with his original drawings, a limited number of prints have been made available, allowing others to enjoy his unique and captivating art.

Drawings by Trent is dedicated to encourage families to help their children reach their full potential, educating communities on the value of individuals of all abilities, and inspiring everyone to recognize and utilize their own talents. By supporting Trent’s artwork, individuals not only celebrate his talent but also provide hope to families with similar experiences.

The Rolling Hills Zoo is honored to partner with Drawings by Trent to bring this meaningful space to life, reinforcing the zoo’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all visitors.

Rolling Hills Zoo celebrates opening of the  drawings by Trent Family Room

WICHITA - Kansas Wesleyan Men's Golf had a pair of All-KCAC honorees for the 2025 season. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9662742a-24f0-4e6b-95ff-06be366142f8?elinkdata=25963">Jackson Malone</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1ccaf979-e934-4d8d-9a87-6e901e802283?elinkdata=25963">Hank Reeg</a> were selected to the All-KCAC first team for their accomplishments this season.

In three seasons at KWU, this is Malone's third selection to the All-KCAC teams. He was a 2024 second-team pick, and in 2023 he was a first-team selection, and was named the Player of the Year, and a Third Team All-American as a freshman.

In 2025, Malone had an average score of 74.0 over 27 rounds and nine events. He posted eight sub-par rounds, highlighted by a 68 at The Mid-South in September, a tournament that he won out of 75 competitors. He had the one win and one Top 5 finish and two Top 10 finishes throughout the season.

2025 was Reeg's first selection to the All-KCAC teams. He posted a 74.4 scoring average in 27 rounds and nine events this season for the Coyotes, which included eight sub-par rounds. He had two Top 5 and three Top 10 finishes on the season.

Trinton Nobles of Friends University was named the KCAC Men's Golf Player of the Year. He had eight Top 10 finishes in ten stroke play events in the 2024-25 season, including six top five finishes. Nobles took home the individual title at one event this season, the Northwest Iowa National Invitational.

Malone and Reeg named to Men's Golf All-KCAC teams

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Freddy Fermin had three hits and an RBI, Kyle Isbel and Salvador Perez each drove in a run and Michael Lorenzen pitched six strong innings for his 50th career win as the Kansas City Royals beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 on Tuesday night.

Perez’s two-out double drove in Jonathan India in the first. One inning later, Fermin poked a single to right that allowed Drew Walters to advance from first to third, setting up Isbel’s sacrifice fly.

Fermin, who nearly left the game in the seventh after fouling a pitch off his hands, singled home Maikel Garcia to give Kansas City a two-run cushion in the ninth.

Lorenzen (3-3) halted the Rays’ five-game winning streak, his only blemish a solo homer to Junior Caminero in the fourth. After the homer, Lorenzen retired nine of his final 11 before three Kansas City relievers combined to shut out the Rays over the final three innings.

Caminero fell a triple shy of the cycle, going 3 for 4 with an RBI for the Rays, who’ve dropped six of their last seven at Steinbrenner Field.

Rays start Taj Bradley (2-2) gave up two runs and five hits in seven innings, walking three and striking out two.

Trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the eighth, Brandon Lowe and Caminero singled off Lucas Erceg. The reliever then struck out Jonathan Aranda and induced an inning-ending groundout from Christopher Morel to escape the jam. The Rays finished 0 for 4 with runners in scoring position.

Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. singled in the eighth to extend his hitting streak to 20 games, longest in the majors since José Iglesias hit safely in 22 straight from Sept. 6-30.

Royals LHP Noah Cameron is expected to make his big league debut on Wednesday against Rays RHP Drew Rasmussen (1-1, 2.10 ERA).

⚾️ Freddy Fermin has 3 hits as Royals beat Rays

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Veteran coach Bill Peterson, who has experience at virtually every level of college and professional basketball coaching, has been named an assistant men’s basketball coach at Kansas State in an announcement by head coach Jerome Tang on Tuesday afternoon (April 29).

Peterson, who started his new job on Tuesday, previously coached alongside Tang while at Baylor from 2017-22 where they helped guide the Bears to the 2021 NCAA Championship.

“I am fired up to have Coach Bill Peterson as a part of our staff,” said Tang. “He brings a wealth of experience in both college and the NBA. Every coach, player, and person associated with K-State Basketball will be better because of the addition of Coach Bill Peterson.”

Peterson has a combined 10 years of head coaching experience at the NAIA, Division II and G-League levels in his 47-year coaching career while he has been an assistant coach at Louisiana Tech (1980-83), McNeese State (1987-94), Bosier Parish Community College (1997-99), Colorado State (2000-07) and Denver (2024-25) to go with significant experience in a support staff role at Baylor (2017-24).

Peterson has also served in various capacities in the NBA, including as special assistant with the Golden State Warriors (1989), player development/scout with the Dallas Mavericks (1998-2000) and assistant coach/player development with the Milwaukee Bucks (2007-13). He has G-League experience with the Texas Legends (2014) and Erie BayHawks (2014-17).

Peterson has mentored over 20 NBA players, including Hall of Famers Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash and Karl Malone as well as 13-year pro Jason Smith and current Charlotte Hornet Seth Curry.

“I am extremely excited to be joining Coach Tang’s staff at Kansas State,” said Peterson. “I have known Jerome Tang for the past eight years and have great respect and admiration for him and his family. The opportunity to work with him and his staff is a real blessing. The opportunity to work at a storied basketball program like K-State with a rich tradition of excellence is a real honor.

“I am excited to again be competing in the Big 12 as it is recognized as one of the premier basketball leagues in the country. I will pour my heart and soul into the players, coaching and staff to get 1% better every day.”

Tang became familiar with Peterson during their 5-year stint on staff at Baylor (2017-22), where they helped the Bears to a 120-42 (.741) overall record, including a 61-26 (.701) mark in Big 12 play, to go with the 2021 NCAA Championship, two Big 12 regular-season titles (2021, 2022) and three NCAA Tournament appearances (2019, 2021, 2022).

Peterson was Baylor’s director of men’s basketball operations from 2017-19 before spending the next five seasons (2019-24) as the special assistant to head coach Scott Drew. Overall, he was a part of 167 wins with the Bears to go with five NCAA Tournament appearances (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024).

Prior to joining the staff at Baylor, Peterson spent 10 seasons (2007-17) in the professional ranks with the Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks and Orlando Magic. He was an assistant and player development coach with the Bucks under head coaches Larry Krystkowiak, Scott Skiles and Jim Boylan from 2007-13 before spending time with the Mavericks’ G-League franchise, the Texas Legends in 2014. He was the head coach of the Erie BayHawks, the G-League affiliate of the Orlando Magic, from 2014-17 and was instrumental in the NBA call-ups of Seth Curry, Austin Daye, Keith Appling and Anthony Brown. He led the Orlando Magic Blue Team to the 2016 NBA Summer League Championship.

Peterson’s pro experience also includes a stint as a player development coach and scout with the Mavericks from 1998-2000 and as a special assistant with the Warriors in the summer of 1989.

Peterson served as associate head coach at Colorado State for seven seasons (2000-07) under the direction of head coach Dale Layer. He was a part of 103 wins while in Fort Collins, including the Rams’ first NCAA Tournament bid in 13 seasons after winning the Mountain West Conference Tournament in 2003.

Peterson had the first of two stints as a small college head coach from 1983-87 at NAIA Union College in Barbourville, Ky., where he led the Bulldogs to 73 wins. He posted four consecutive winning seasons, including the school’s most wins (22) in 16 seasons in 1984-85 while producing the school’s first-ever NBA Draft pick in James Anderson (Portland Trail Blazers) in 1985.

Peterson was the head coach at Division II Alabama-Huntsville from 1994-97, guiding the Chargers to their first winning season in 10 years in 1994-95 after inheriting a squad that won just one game the previous season.

In between his head coaching stints with Union College and UAH, Peterson spent seven seasons (1987-94) on head coach Steve Welch’s staff at McNeese State. He was a part of 75 wins with the Cowboys, including a Southland Conference Tournament Championship and NCAA Tournament bid in 1989.

Peterson spent the 2024-25 season with the University of Denver under head coach Jeff Wulburn.

Peterson began his coaching career as a student assistant at St. Petersburg (Fla.) Junior College before 3 seasons (1980-83) as a graduate assistant for head coach Andy Russo at Louisiana Tech, where he was part of a coaching staff that developed All-American and Hall of Famer Karl Malone.

Peterson earned his bachelor’s degree in Leisure and Recreation from Eckerd (Fla.) College in 1980 before obtaining a Master’s in Physical Education and Human Relations from Louisiana Tech in 1982.

Peterson and his wife, Diane, are the parents of three daughters: Kati, Ginny and Hailey (who went to be with The Lord in 2000).

Student Assistant, St. Petersburg Junior College, 1978-79

Graduate Assistant Coach, Louisiana Tech, 1980-83

Head Coach, Athletes in Action Russian/European Tour, 1985-86

Special Assistant, Golden State Warriors, Summer 1989

Assistant Head Coach, Bosier Parish Community College, 1997-99

Player Development Coach/Scout, Dallas Mavericks, 1998-2000

Associate Head Coach, Colorado State, 2000-07

Assistant Coach/Player Development, Milwaukee Bucks, 2007-13

Assistant Coach/Player Development, Texas Legends (NBA G-League), 2014

Head Coach, Erie BayHawks (NBA G-League), 2014-17

Director of Men’s Basketball Operations, Baylor, 2017-19

Special Assistant to the Head Coach, Baylor, 2019-24

Assistant Coach, Kansas State, 2025-present

Bachelor’s Degree in Leisure and Recreation, Eckerd College, 1980

Master’s in Physical Education and Human Relations, Louisiana Tech, 1982

Peterson Joins K-State MBB Coaching Staff

2025 KCAC Outdoor Track &amp; Field Championships Preview

(This preview is written prior to the final deadline for entries.)

The 2025 Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Outdoor Track &amp; Field Championships return to the campus of Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kan., for the first time since 2019.

Day 1 competition on Thursday will find the High Jump, Long Jump, Hammer Throw, and Javelin Throw opening the meet, beginning at 11:00 a.m. [Note, the throws area is located west of the campus on Claflin Avenue behind Church of the Cross (1600 Rush Street), on the west (far) side of the church.] Track events will begin on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. with the finals in the 3,000m Steeplechase followed by preliminaries of the 100m Dashes, 100m Hurdles &amp; 110m Hurdles. The 4x800m Relays will be Thursday's second final on the track, followed by preliminaries in the 200m Dashes before the finals in the 10,000m Runs for women and men wraps up competition on day one.

The Pole Vault, Triple Jump, Shot Put and Discus Throw will be contested on Friday, starting at 11:00 a.m. All of Friday's track events will be finals only beginning at 3:35 p.m. with the 4x100m Relays. The meet will wrap up with the 4x400m Relays, tentatively scheduled for 7:55 p.m. for women and 8:10 p.m. for men. An awards ceremony recognizing individual and team Champions of Character, high-point Athletes of the Meet, Coaches of the Year and team champions will conclude the meet at approximately 8:30 p.m.

The University of Saint Mary women have won four straight team titles with Ottawa finishing second the last two years. While the April 29th rankings by the USTFCCCA do not have any KCAC women's teams ranked in top 25 nationally, the association has the University of Saint Mary again favored to win the KCAC championship, edging out the Evangel women with Kansas Wesleyan favored to hold off Friends for third in the final KCAC team standings. Ottawa and Tabor look to round out the top half of the final KCAC team race ahead of York. In the South Central region of the coaches' association the Saint Mary women are placed second with Evangel fourth, ahead of Ottawa (6th), Kansas Wesleyan (8th), and Friends (9th).

The University of Saint Mary men have won five consecutive KCAC Outdoor championships with Friends second four of the five years, including 2024. Like the women, the USTFCCA surprisingly doesn't have any KCAC schools ranked in the top 25 nationally. The University of Saint Mary men are a narrow favorite over 2025 KCAC Outdoor host Kansas Wesleyan to win another conference title with Evangel University picked for third over Friends. McPherson, Ottawa, Tabor, Sterling, and York are picked to battle it out for the final spots in the top half of the final KCAC men's standings. In the South Central region of the USTFCCCA, Saint Mary again leads the KCAC schools with a second-place ranking while Evangel ranks fourth, Friends sixth and Kansas Wesleyan seventh in the April 29th regional poll.

Individually, the meet could see 7 women and 9 men are eligible to return to defend titles in individual events they won a year ago. Women eligible to return to defend 2024 KCAC Outdoor championships include double-winners Gretchen Raney (Saint Mary, 100m &amp; 200m), Jordyn Weems (Ottawa, 400m &amp; Long Jump), and JayOnna Perry (Ottawa, 100m Hurdles &amp; 400m Hurdles), along with single event champions Abby Beets (Evangel, Pole Vault), April Phillips (Evangel, Triple Jump), Abby Green (Friends, Hammer Throw), and Allison Thomas (Evangel, Javelin).

Among the women's defending outdoor champions, Raney swept the KCAC Indoor 60m and 200m Dashes while Phillips swept the Long and Triple Jumps.

Six KCAC women scored in this winter's 2025 NAIA National Indoor Championships led by Carly Holadia (Saint Mary) winning the 1,000m Run, Delaney Miller (Evangel) finishing 2nd in the High Jump with Autumn Nold (Evangel) 5th in 600m Run, Anya Walton (Friends) 8th in the Triple Jump, Josie Tyrrell (ainSt Mary) 8th in the 5,000m Run, and Riley Hiebert (Saint Mary, eligibility exhausted for outdoors) finishing 5th in the 1-Mile Run.

Domonic Atkinstall (Ottawa, 100m &amp; 200m) and Mikkel Tarver (Friends, Long Jump &amp; Triple Jump) are the only men eligible to return as multiple-event outdoor defending champions from 2024. Vance Shewey (Tabor) returns as a 3-time defending champion in the High Jump and could become the first 4-time winner in the history of the KCAC outdoor event.

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