Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information (LMI) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.8% in March. This is unchanged from 3.8% in February and an increase from 3.3% in March 2024. The labor force participation rate for Kansas decreased to 67.1% in March, according to a media release from the KDOL.

The unemployment rate in Saline County is down from 3.6 percent in February to 3.5 percent in March.&nbsp; The rate in Dickinson remains steady at 3.9 percent.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 900 from February. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 600 over the month, while government increased by 300. The largest job gains in the private sector were in leisure and hospitality (+1,100 jobs) and financial activities (+400 jobs). The largest decrease was in trade, transportation, and utilities (-1,000 jobs).

Since March 2024 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 2,700. This change is due to a decrease of 700 private sector jobs and an increase of 3,400 government jobs.

Jobless rate steady in Saline County, across the region

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

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;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown, DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving, Escape from custody; Unknown circumstance and Possess of firearm while under the influence

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

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

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal restraint and Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Gimeson Smith, Dalton Remmington

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Probation Violation

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

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit, Failure to appear and Theft of prop/services;Value $1,500 to $25,000

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit, Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body, No Proof Of Insurance, Operate a MV w/o a valid license and Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

Saline County Jail Bookings, April 19

UPCOMING GAMES: Salina South Softball vs Salina Central - 4/18 at 4pm

High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman discusses foster care with Monica Boyd of TFI Family Services.

🎤 Forward Ever: Monica Boyd of TFI Family Services on foster care

Salina Area Technical College inducted 15 new students into its chapter of the National Technical Honor Society during a ceremony on campus Friday, April 18th at 10:00 AM.

The National Technical Honor Society celebrates the academic and professional achievements of students in Career and Technical Education. To qualify for membership, students must be nominated by an instructor, GPA of 3.5 or higher, and submit an essay about their community service and why they should be inducted.

Students being inducted are (by program):

Salina Tech inducts students into National Technical Honor Society

Today Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. North wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Tonight Showers likely, mainly after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. North wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Saturday A 30 percent chance of showers after 7am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Northeast wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Saturday Night Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. East northeast wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Sunday Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 55. Northeast wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Sunday Night A 20 percent chance of showers before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 38.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NWS Easter weekend holiday forecast

By NATE KING Salina Post

A semi-truck driver walked away without injury after a crash and fire along I-70 west of Salina on Thursday evening.

According to Rural Fire District #3 Chief Scott Abker, emergency crews were dispatched shortly after 7 p.m. to milepost 247, where a semi-truck had left the interstate and caught fire.

Abker said the driver managed to retrieve his luggage from the vehicle before it was engulfed in flames. He was reportedly speaking with law enforcement on scene and showed no signs of injury.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined. Abker said the crash was severe enough that the semi's fuel tanks may have ruptured, and heat sources such as the engine or friction from the wreck likely ignited the blaze.

Firefighters stayed on scene until the fire was contained around 10:30 p.m. Chief Abker remained on site until midnight, monitoring and extinguishing hotspots in a nearby pasture.

“Given the wind conditions and proximity to homes north of the site, we didn’t want to leave until we were confident there was no risk of reignition,” Abker said.

In addition to RFD #3, firefighters from RFD #7 also responded to the scene.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is handling the investigation into the cause of the crash.

Salina Post will update this story as new information becomes available.&nbsp;

Driver escapes injury after semi crash and fire on I-70 near Salina

Salina Downtown Inc. is inviting residents and visitors alike to celebrate May’s First Friday on May 2 with a vibrant evening of live music, extended shopping hours, and a weekend full of community-centered events.

Seventeen downtown businesses will keep their doors open until 7 p.m., offering extended opportunities for shopping and browsing. Participating stores include Salina Selfie Station, Familia Toys, Salina Art Center, Poppy &amp; Vine, Red Fern Booksellers, Baron Mushmouse, Flipping Fabulous, Eccentricity, Sanity Boutique, The Bath Pub, Wallie Wax Co/Permanent Jewelry, On the Pot, Blushe Boutique, Kid’s Creative Corner, and Country Seasons.

Live entertainment will take center stage at Campbell Plaza from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring a performance by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562240876908">Ghost Town Revival</a>. The band is known for delivering a dynamic mix of classic rock and blues, bringing a nostalgic yet energizing sound to the downtown atmosphere.&nbsp;

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in for a lively outdoor concert. The event is free and open to all ages.&nbsp;

Music lovers can also enjoy a special performance at Red Fern Booksellers, where jazz pianist, composer, and vocalist Jackie Myers will bring her distinctive style to Salina. Originally from Austin, Texas, and now based in Kansas City, Myers combines jazz standards with original compositions. Her unique voice has drawn comparisons to Michelle Shocked and Amy Winehouse.

The excitement carries into Saturday, May 3, with <a href="https://www.sculpturetoursalina.org/">SculptureTour Salina’s</a> annual UNwrap Party at the 67401 Plaza/City Lights Stage. Event organizers encourage the public to be among the first to see the 24 new sculptures installed throughout downtown. The event offers family-friendly fun and a hands-on way to celebrate Salina’s vibrant public art scene.

Salina’s First Friday events are held on the first Friday of every month from April through October.

For more information and updates on First Friday events, visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinadowntown">Salina Downtown Inc. on Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.salinadowntown.com">salinadowntown.com</a>.

Downtown Salina welcomes live music, shopping during May’s First Friday events

The City of Salina is excited to announce Free Landfill Day, offering residents of Saline County the opportunity to dispose of residential trash for free. This event will take place on Saturday, April 26, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Salina Municipal Solid Waste Landfill located at 4292 S. Burma Rd.

Residents with a Saline County license plate on their vehicles will enjoy complimentary trash disposal. However, vehicles from other counties will be subject to normal tipping fees. Commercial waste haulers will receive priority access, with standard rates applying.

Customers are urged to exercise caution, adhere to staff instructions, obey signage, remain on approved roadways, and anticipate potential delays. Due to anticipated high turnout, a line may form, and access to the disposal site and convenience area will be limited. It's important to note that removal of any landfill property, including waste from other customers, is strictly prohibited.

Certain items will not be accepted at the landfill, such as automobiles, batteries, corrosive waste, explosives, flammable waste, hazardous waste, liquid waste (including paint), machinery, reactive waste, storage tanks, toxic waste, and vehicle or equipment wreckage.

The following items will be accepted, subject to applicable tipping fees for all commercial and residential customers: brick, concrete, rock, other aggregates, commercial loads (including waste from residents that is anything other than normal household trash), Freon-containing items (Freon removal certification required), roofing &amp; other construction materials, boats, sheds, trailers, tires, and waste requiring a Special Waste Permit from the KDHE. A comprehensive listing of fees may be found on the City’s website:&nbsp;salina-ks.gov/sw-landfill-fees.

The landfill will close&nbsp;promptly at 2 p.m., and customers will not be allowed entry after closing, even if a line remains. Normal business hours and fees will resume on Monday,&nbsp;April 28.

City of Salina announces ‘Free Landfill Day’ date 

SM Hanson Music is partnering with D’Addario and the Playback String Recycling Program, the world’s leading string recycling initiative, to host a special community event on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at their store located at 335 S. Clark St. in Salina.

As part of the event, attendees can receive a free set of D’Addario XS Coated electric or acoustic guitar strings and have them restrung on-site — all at no cost. The offer is first-come, first-served, and restringing will be done while participants wait. In addition to the restring, guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the Playback program and D’Addario’s sustainability efforts.

The Playback String Recycling Program encourages musicians to recycle used strings, helping reduce landfill waste and conserve valuable materials. Strings collected through the program are separated by type, then melted or repurposed into new metal alloys or plastics through a partnership with TerraCycle, a global upcycling and recycling company.

SM Hanson Music has served Salina and the region since 1972, growing from a small guitar-focused shop into one of the Midwest’s leading full-line musical instrument retailers. Today, under the leadership of President and CEO Rick Hanson, the business continues to offer expert repair services, a wide variety of instruments, and an e-commerce platform for national sales.

For more information, visit <a href="http://www.smhansonmusic.com">www.smhansonmusic.com</a> or follow SM Hanson Music on Facebook at <a href="http://facebook.com/SMHansonMusic">facebook.com/SMHansonMusic</a>.

Free guitar restring and recycling event happening this Saturday at SM Hanson Music

DETROIT (AP) — Andy Ibáñez hit a tiebreaking home run in the second inning to back rookie Jackson Jobe and lead the Detroit Tigers to a 7-3 victory over Kansas City on Friday night that extended the Royals’ losing streak to five.

Spencer Torkelson delivered a two-run double in the seventh for his AL-leading 13th extra-base hit for the Tigers.

Kansas City dropped to 1-7 on a 10-game trip. Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first to extend his hitting streak to 11 games, scoring on Vinnie Pasquantino’s double for a 1-0 lead.

Tomás Nido, who had three hits, hit a tying single in the second and Ibáñez’s drive leading off the fourth put Detroit ahead for good.

Jobe (2-0) allowed one run and five hits in five inning.

Riley Greene and Trey Sweeney had RBI singles in a three-run fifth to chase Cole Ragans (1-1), whose team record-tying streak of three straight starts with 10 or more strikeouts ended. Ragans gave up five runs and six hits in four innings, striking out eight for a major league-best 39.

Witt singled and scored on Pasquantino’s single in the ninth off Kenta Maeda. Tommy Kahnle got two outs for his fourth save.

The Royals sent the tying run to the plate with one out in the ninth, but Kahnle struck out Cavan Biggio before Drew Waters lined out.

The Royals began the day averaging 2.95 runs — ahead of only Colorado. They have scored four runs or less in 19 of 21 games and haven’t scored more than four since April 4 against Baltimore.

⚾ Ibáñez hits tiebreaking homer to lead Tigers over Royals

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– K-State women’s basketball head coach Jeff Mittie has added a strong backcourt presence to the 2025-26 roster, as Izela Arenas has signed with the Wildcats.

Arenas, a product of Porter Ranch, California, played her first collegiate season in 2024-25 at Louisville. She saw action in 29 games and logged 343 minutes of playing time (11.8 mpg). She carded 121 points (4.2 ppg) on a 41.8 field goal percentage (46-of-110), including a 38.5 three-point field goal percentage (20-of-52). In ACC play, Arenas tallied 62 points (4.1 ppg) on a 45.3 percent effort (24-of-53) from the field including 41.7 percent (10-of-24) from long distance.

Arenas registered five games, including three in ACC games, with 10 or more points and achieving a career-high 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting against Clemson on February 27.

A four-star prospect and ranked number 88 overall by ESPNHoopGurlz for the class of 2024, Arenas helped Sierra Canyon High School to a 62-4 overall record in her final two seasons on the squad including a 31-1 record in her junior season in 2023 and a number one national ranking for the majority of the 2023 campaign. In her senior year in 2024, Arenas helped Sierra Canyon to a 31-3 record and a final national ranking of ninth.

In May of 2023, Arenas won the Queen of the Court event in Atlanta during the Overtime Elite Takeover. This event is a one-on-one showcase with some of the top female basketball players in the country.

Arenas is the daughter of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, who played 12 seasons in the NBA.

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 WBB Signs Arenas to 2025-26 Roster

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

The Mayor’s Cup softball crown still belongs to the Lady Cougars following a two-game sweep that saw Salina South stave off two late Central comebacks to earn wins of 4-2 and 6-3.

Game One: Salina South 4, Salina Central 2

The opener of this two-game set was a pitchers duel throughout, with South’s Paityn Fritz and Central’s Valerie VanZant dealing for seven innings.

Offensively, VanZant would be the one to get the Lady Mustangs on the board, coming around to score on a passed ball in the second inning for the game's first run.

In the circle, VanZant would record 13 strikeouts, and looked unhittable the first time through the order, but in the fourth, Salina South straightened out the bats, tying the game on a Chloe Helsel single before stranding the bases loaded.

Neither team scored in the fifth, but in the sixth, Helsel struck again, this time scoring two on an RBI double to the fence before coming in to score herself on an RBI triple from Brylee Moss.

The Lady Mustangs would plate a second run in the seventh but left the tying run at second as South claimed game one.

Paityn Fritz picked up her fifth win of the season in the circle, allowing just one earned run, striking out eight while walking just three.

Game Two: Salina South 6, Salina Central 3

South was quicker to get on the board in game number two, scoring two runs in just four batters to lead off the home half of the first.

Breckon Webb would follow that up with a solo home run in the second inning to put the Lady Cougars up 3-0, but in the visitors’ third, Central finally broke through on another RBI single by VanZant.

Paityn Fritz’s second hit of the game, this time an RBI double to bring in Mackenzie Langer, pushed the lead back out to three where it would sit until the top of the fifth.

Another pair of RBI knocks for Macy Yost and Brylee Moss would help put this game out of reach as the Lady Mustangs stranded the bases loaded in the seventh, ending the game 6-3.

Macy Yost claimed the win in the circle, allowing just three runs on four hits and adding three strikeouts to her total.

With this sweep, Salina South improves to 11-3 while Central slides to 9-3.

The Lady Mustangs return to Salina to host Hutch on Tuesday while the Lady Cougars travel to Maize to battle the Eagles.

🥎 Salina South sweeps Central to win fourth straight

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan Softball picked up a big doubleheader split with the Evangel Valor on Friday.

After dropping the first game 3-0, the Coyotes got a 2-1 win in the second game for the split.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/06455f8d-8a00-4a31-ab63-d6dfcf25b5d7?elinkdata=25219">Briannah Kutschkau's</a> diving catch in the bottom of the seventh of the second game was the play of the day, keeping the game-tying run from scoring and ending the game .

The first game was scoreless until the bottom of the fourth when Evangel got a run on the board on a double. The Valor added two more runs in the fifth on a triple and sacrifice fly.

The Coyotes were limited to two hits in the game, one by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/793f81ad-360e-4083-97dc-42397ce746d6?elinkdata=25219">Hailey Summers</a> and the other by Kutschka.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/35c74d29-3db0-4939-bf87-132b4be9945a?elinkdata=25219">Keira Hammen</a> led off the third inning of the second game with a double, and then pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/564fca31-0643-41d0-bfe5-1dcaaa0357e9?elinkdata=25219">Krista Yackeyonny</a> scored on a double by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/204d67e2-7f90-4ff3-b1b1-85e532ca57d1?elinkdata=25219">Trenity Miller</a>.

Evangel tied it up in the bottom of the fourth with a run.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/150d0a07-948e-4530-bf93-7691913febe3?elinkdata=25219">Grace Pierce</a> homered in the sixth to put the Coyotes up 2-1.

Evangel had a leadoff walk to start the bottom of the seventh, but a pop out on a bunt, a ground out and then the line out to end it would strand the runner and give the Coyotes the win.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cc2146b8-c7bc-4350-b0e7-12879a6b12a9?elinkdata=25219">Alli Mickelsen</a> had another outstanding performance in the game with a complete game, allowing the one unearned run on five hits with six strikeouts.

Hammen and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ce1a5955-0253-47d0-adcd-3fccee2d1947?elinkdata=25219">Josie Buhr</a> had two hits each.

Coyote softball gets big split with Evangel

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. - Kansas Wesleyan and Oklahoma Wesleyan split Friday's doubleheader between the top two teams in the Kansas Conference. KWU won the first game 6-1, but lost the second 10-6.

OKWU ends up with the series win after the Eagles won on Thursday.

The Coyotes put single tallies on the board in six different innings to get the win.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ef9d2f0d-365f-464a-a837-6aadb031ac94?elinkdata=25188">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> homered in the second, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/57d853b0-0d48-48b1-ba50-e1274964ba90?elinkdata=25188">Garrett Garfield</a> singled home a run in the third to make it 2-0 Coyotes.

In the fifth, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/467878dc-8338-469a-9af4-8d497cd83de1?elinkdata=25188">Eric Romero</a> scores when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/00e42d1c-326e-44e7-9f4f-36ab3229c891?elinkdata=25188">Tyler Favretto</a> reached on an error in the inning.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/82c624bc-feec-492a-b7bd-6013ffe78c85?elinkdata=25188">Carter Allen</a> added a run with a homer in the sixth.

OKWU answered back with a homer of its own in the bottom of the sixth, but the Coyotes got two more runs on a <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b272c9a7-1822-45e4-8e7e-1581bd51cbf3?elinkdata=25188">Blake Dale</a> sacrifice fly in the eighth and a homer by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/350fc14a-fa2f-4899-ab8e-83b6031b4fca?elinkdata=25188">Jacob Williamson</a> in the ninth.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3cc379ce-16b8-4b2a-b95d-00ff930c49ba?elinkdata=25188">Brett Maddock</a> got the win in a complete game performance.

OKWU jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning and added single runs in the second and third before putting four on the board in the fifth.

The Coyote bats awakened late as KWU put four up in the sixth as Ruvalcaba knocked in a run with a hit, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3a58a434-8b45-49a1-8c38-249b8b84c88c?elinkdata=25188">Alex Garcia</a> scored on a wild pitch, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c1842a4e-4457-4205-a613-08b569fa823d?elinkdata=25188">Joe Finder</a> had an RBI ground out and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b1582aa1-b6f3-4e9e-9fa0-a1ea89ca44e3?elinkdata=25188">Coulson Riggs</a> had a single to bring in a run.

After OKWU got one back in the bottom of the inning, the Coyotes got two more in the last on Garfield's RBI double and Finder drove in one with a sacrifice fly.

Garfield and Allen had two hits each for the Coyotes.

KWU baseball splits with Oklahoma Wesleyan, drops series

It figured to be a battle to the end between two of Kansas Wesleyan's top middle-distance runners and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dcc1dc6d-3836-4782-8212-15f59fa88f27?elinkdata=25095">Wyatt Johnson</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e3d66d9b-ac43-4a29-9044-594259ca11d0?elinkdata=25095">Julian Avila</a> certainly did not disappoint.

Johnson edged Avila at the finish line in winning the men's 800 meters in the Coyote Challenge on Friday night at JRI Hospitality Stadium in the Graves Family Sports Complex. Johnson's winning time was 1:53.67 while Avila was a close second in 1:54.22 on cold and blustery night.

"Julian was an individual qualifier and (NAIA) All-American indoors and Wyatt was an All-American on the relays so anytime you put those guys on the track it's going to be fast," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/801cdd35-7bdd-489b-9b2d-4aa2d587c445?elinkdata=25095">Kyle Hiser</a> said. "And you throw <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fed7994f-53ea-4fae-aa1d-2213c91b530e?elinkdata=25095">Triston Cottone</a> (sixth in 1:55.59) and Ty (Davidson, seventh in 1:56.58) putting their noses in it too and having some fun too."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4a8100d5-cbb7-4e92-a668-f9a30cd5c05a?elinkdata=25095">Giovanni Rios</a> took ninth (1:57.87) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1816e691-8f98-4507-a204-70ad40254021?elinkdata=25095">Nate Chavez</a> 10th (1:59.04) giving KWU six of the top 10 finishers. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a1773754-4c59-4a54-9152-8070561bd464?elinkdata=25095">Austin Schaeffer</a> was 26th (2:02.15), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/198d0dfc-d231-4291-8605-bf73a2467977?elinkdata=25095">Nicolas Martinez</a> 28th (2:02.31), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8451472d-842c-4db5-acb5-ed0b96947fa7?elinkdata=25095">Ian Doss</a> 35th (2:04.16) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/77c3b9d3-fe18-45d8-b807-a7f0c0a830af?elinkdata=25095">Will Childers</a> 50th (2:19.61).

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