By SALINA POST Two people were injured in an accident just before 7:30 a.m. Friday in Riley County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Ford Taurus driven by&nbsp;Haleana J.&nbsp;Simmons, 19, Assaria, was westbound on U.S. 24 one half mile east of Blue River Hills Road.

The driver attempted to pass an eastbound 2016 Chevy Equinox driven by Rachel M.&nbsp;Harmison, 23,&nbsp;Leonardville in the eastbound lane.&nbsp; The car struck the SUV in the front drivers side.

After impact the SUV overturned and came to rest in the south ditch. The Ford then struck a westbound 1996 Peterbilt semi driven by&nbsp;Meyer, Brady Q.&nbsp;Meyer of Linn, Kansas.

EMS transported Simmons to Wesley Medical Center and Harmison to Via Christi in Manhattan. Myer was not injured. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

Saline County woman hospitalized after three vehicle crash

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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.

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

For Kansas road conditions check out the <a href="http://Kandrive.gov">Kandrive.gov </a>map.

Travel should be limited to emergencies. If you must travel, ensure you have a winter survival kit and stay with your vehicle if stranded. Carry an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For up-to-date road conditions, call 511.&nbsp;

Stay tuned to Salina Post for weather updates and safety information.

&nbsp;As local organizations plan to change their schedules for inclement weather, Salina Post wants to remind you that the easiest way to get your event on our cancellation list is to email newstips@salinapost.com

We will post the cancellations or postponements here.

The “Emergency Accident Reporting Plan” has been implemented due to severe weather and/or hazardous driving conditions as the number of motor vehicle accidents exceeds the Department’s ability to respond in a timely manner.

Eligible accidents: Any non-hit and run, non-personal injury motor vehicle accident that does not require towing, and does not involve alcohol or drugs.

Driver requirements: Exchange personal information with the other driver(s) involved or property owner.

Complete an Emergency Accident Reporting Plan accident report form as completely as possible and mail or deliver the completed report to the Salina Police Department within 48 hours.

Emergency Accident Reporting Plan forms are available at the Salina Police Department. They are also available on-line at https://www.salina-ks.gov/police by selecting the Emergency Accident Report Form.

The local media will be notified when the Emergency Accident Reporting Plan has ended.

 USD 306 went ahead and closed for today. Campus is closed with no activities. 

Salina USD 305 is canceled for Friday, January 10. This is due to new and expected snow accumulation on top of existing conditions. We appreciate everyone's patience as we work through continuing weather challenges.

Sacred Heart vs. Beloit-St. John’s has been postponed, with a make-up date to be determined.

Salina Central’s games with Andover have also been postponed, with a make-up date to be determined.

Salina South’s games at Campus will be split, with the girls’ game set for Monday, January 27, and the boys’ game scheduled for Friday, January 31.

Abilene’s games with Halstead have been rescheduled for January 28.

Chapman’s games with Marysville have been postponed to February 3.

Southeast vs. Minneapolis has been postponed, with a make-up date to be determined.

The TMP vs. Sacred Heart game has been postponed, with a make-up date to be determined.

Southeast of Saline’s contests with Sacred Heart have been rescheduled for January 13.

Salina South vs. Hutchinson has been postponed, with a make-up date to be determined.

Chapman vs. Concordia has been rescheduled for January 28.

The Salina Food Bank will be closed Friday, Jan. 10.

Transportation is announcing service changes for CityGo because of winter weather for Friday, January 10, 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp; Rolling Hills Zoo will RE-OPEN&nbsp;on Saturday, January 11th.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Wildlife Museum will open&nbsp;at 9 a.m.&nbsp;and the Zoo will open&nbsp;at Noon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

UPDATED: NWS 2025 Winter Storm, USD 305 cancels school Friday 

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

Mid-November marks the peak of the deer rut season, a time when deer are more active as they search for mates, increasing the likelihood of vehicle collisions. Since November 11, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office has responded to 11 deer-related crashes, with only one resulting in minor injuries, according to Saline County Sheriff's Office Operations Captain Jim Hughes.

It is important not to swerve to avoid hitting a deer, as that can result in a more serious crash, potentially involving other vehicles or objects off the road.

Drivers are advised to reduce speed in areas where deer are commonly seen, especially at dawn and dusk, and to use high beams when appropriate to improve visibility.

Always wear your seatbelt and ensure children are in appropriate safety seats. Use bright headlights when there is no oncoming traffic, and scan for the reflective eyes of deer along the roadway.

Saline Co. Sheriff's Office urges caution during deer season

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

Kansas Highway Patrol It’s a busy time for farmers in Kansas with fall harvest underway. The Kansas Highway Patrol would like to remind motorists to use more caution and patience when traveling around farm trucks, tractors, combines, and other implements.

“As the busy farming season is underway, each traveler in Kansas needs to be more aware of increased farm implement and truck traffic,” said Captain Candice Breshears. “In Kansas, we have many trucks exiting and entering the roadways at any given time. Traveling around these vehicles requires extra caution.”

Most farm equipment is not designed to travel at highway speeds and may only travel 15-25 mph. Farm equipment is often wider than the lane of traffic, so extra room should be allowed when sharing the road. Caution should be practiced on all roads, but especially on busy rural roads with unmarked intersections.

Don’t assume the farmer knows you’re there.

Although most farmers regularly check for vehicles behind them, the majority of their focus must be spent looking ahead to stay on the road and watch for oncoming traffic. Implements are very loud, hindering their ability to hear your vehicle.

Don’t pass unless you can see clearly ahead of both your vehicle and the equipment you are passing. If there are curves or hills blocking your view, wait until you can clearly visualize the area you are passing in. You should not pass in a designated “No Passing Zone,” even if you are stuck behind a farm vehicle. Do not pass if you are within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevated structure, or tunnel.

When a farm vehicle pulls to the right side of the road, it does not mean it is turning right or allowing you to pass.

Due to the size of some farm equipment, the farmer must execute wide left turns, so allow it plenty of room and time to turn and remain aware of any potential driveway or field they may be turning into.

Don’t assume that a farmer can move aside to let you pass. Shoulders may be soft, wet, or steep, which can cause the farm vehicle to tip, or the shoulder may not support the weight of a heavy farm vehicle. They understand you are being delayed and will move over at the first safe location available.

Think of the slow-moving vehicle emblem as a warning to adjust your speed.

When you see the slow-moving vehicle emblem, immediately slow down. While the emblems are visible from a long distance, it is difficult to judge the speed at which you are closing in on the vehicle, especially at night.

When you are not focused solely on the road, you increase your chances of a collision, especially if you should come upon a slow-moving farm vehicle.

KHP: Extra caution needed on Kansas roads during harvest

24/7 Travel Store is excited to kick off our 7th annual Food Bank Fill-Up campaign, “Driving Out Hunger. Together.” This month-long effort, which runs through September, will help local food banks across Kansas by matching donations up to $3,000 per store.

“At 24/7 Travel Store, giving back is a big part of who we are,” said Ted Augustine, President of 24/7 Travel Store. “Our Food Bank Fill-Up is a powerful way for us to team up with our customers and help those in need right here in our local communities. We’re grateful for the support we see each year and are proud to continue this tradition.”

The highlight of this year’s campaign is our “Hunger Action Day” event on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Food Bank representatives will be on-site at each of our stores, with times varying by location, to engage with customers and educate them on the available food bank services. They will also explain how the funds raised will be used and encourage individuals to give. On this day, we’ll also be accepting food donations in addition to monetary contributions.

The campaign has garnered strong support year after year, and Jackie Hynes, Director of Marketing at 24/7 Travel Store, is looking forward to this year’s efforts. "This will be my third year coordinating the Food Bank Fill-Up, and I’m continually inspired by the dedication of our team and the generosity of our community," Hynes said. "Through this campaign, I’ve had the opportunity to learn about the incredible work our Kansas food banks do, often relying solely on community support without access to state or grant funding. I’m proud of the efforts we all put in to support such a tremendous need and make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most."

We invite everyone to join us on September 21 and throughout the month to support this important cause. Whether by donating or simply spreading the word, every action counts. For more information, including event details and how to get involved, visit 24-7stores.com/news or check out our Facebook page.

Proudly Supporting These Kansas Food Banks Abilene Area Food &amp; Clothing Bank (Abilene) • Community Care Ministries (Maple Hill) • Genesis Food Pantry of Sherman County (Goodland) • Genesis Food Pantry of Thomas County (Colby) • McPherson County Food Bank (McPherson) • Russell County Food Pantry (Russell) • Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank (Salina) • Trego County Food Pantry (WaKeeney)

24/7 Travel Store launches 7th-annual food bank fill-up

Precipitation data courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/">CoCoRaHS</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">The National Weather Service</a>.

Following precipitation events, Salina Post will update this page with precipitation totals.&nbsp;

As of 08/01/2024 at 8:22 a.m.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/515dcf98-45ad-4e68-b2a2-ed8218a2c9e7">UPDATED: Thousands of Salinans left without power after severe thunderstorm</a>

CoCoRaHS 24-hour rain totals

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Independent pharmacies across Kansas will close on Wednesday, Feb.5, for a day of advocacy to raise awareness of what they call unfair business practices by pharmacy benefit managers.

Sloane Freeman, president of the Kansas Pharmacists Association, said the "Close for a Cause" event is meant to show customers what life would be like without independent pharmacies in Kansas.

Pharmacists and their employees will also gather in Topeka that day to lobby for legislation the association is introducing to level the playing field for independent pharmacies.

As of Wednesday, Jan. 26, 96 pharmacies in 55 counties have pledged to participate in "Close for a Cause."

Freeman is an owner of a group of pharmacies in Kansas, one of which is in Hill City.

The benefit pharmacy manager system arose in the 1990s to control insurance companies' costs.

However, since then, the benefit pharmacy managers have become part of vertical integration that also includes the ownership of insurance companies and pharmacies.

Three pharmacy benefit managers control about 85% of the market and rank in the top 20 companies in the U.S. They include Cigna, United Healthcare and CVS/Caremark.

"They are charging your insurance plan one cost, reimbursing the pharmacy another cost and then they're keeping everything in the middle," Freeman said.

Freeman said these companies require insured people to use the benefits manager's pharmacies or offer significant discounts as incentives.

Fred Schertz, pharmacist with Midwest Family Health of Russell, will be participating in lobbying efforts in Topeka on Feb. 5. Midwest Family Health will be closed Wednesday.

"[Mail-order pharmacies] not only drive revenue out of the state of Kansas and out of our local economy," he said, "but also it is a patient care thing. Patients are forced to fill out of state."

He said he sees patients who must fill prescriptions out of town or by mail.

"The patients that it really hurts are the ones who don't have the modes of transportation where they can make it to Hays every day to pick up medication,"&nbsp;Schertz said.

<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2020/20_0317.htm">Many scholarly articles have been written on the importance of community pharmacies in local health outcomes, including a&nbsp;July 23, 2020, article shared by the Centers for Disease Control that discusses the role of local pharmacies in dealing with COVID-19.</a>&nbsp;It also touched on chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease.

The pharmacy benefit managers reimburse their pharmacies at a much higher rate than independent pharmacies, Freeman said.

She said independent pharmacies might be reimbursed 1 cent for the drug and $1 for filling the prescription, but the National Community Pharmacy of Association estimates it costs about $13.85 per prescription for an independent pharmacy to fill a prescription and break even.

That includes overhead costs like the container, label, lights and employees, but that doesn't include the cost of the drug.

"When we're not being paid for the drug or any of our employees, we're operating in the red," Freeman said.

Ten Kansas pharmacies closed within the last year, and Freeman said more will close if reforms are not implemented soon.

Two pharmacies in Russell recently merged to stay open.

"In certain pharmacies, up to one in every three prescriptions, they're getting paid below cost,"&nbsp;Schertz said. "That's not taking into account overhead to run it."

There is an appeal system for reimbursements, but appeals are always denied, Freeman said.

"The [pharmacy benefits managers] don't have to play by any rules because there are no rules," Freeman said.

Freeman said the most important aspect of this debate is patient access to medications in a timely manner.

Independent pharmacies deliver to people who can't leave their homes. Pharmacists are available to answer questions in person and provide other special services, such as bubble packs.&nbsp;

Freeman said her pharmacies have even gone to people's homes to give flu shots.

"You won't find that in a mail-order pharmacy or in a chain pharmacy that is 60 to 75 miles away," she said.

Mail-order and chain pharmacies won't be able to handle the volume if more independent pharmacies close, Freeman said.

An independent pharmacy in Garden City closed, and the remaining pharmacies are swamped. Freeman said people are waiting up to five days to get prescriptions filled.

Mail service in rural Kansas is a barrier for patients who are being required to use mail-order pharmacies.&nbsp;Schertz said patients are seeing delays in receiving their medications.

"If something gets hung up half a state away with critical medications, it's not just a package from Amazon. It's lifesaving medication that can be held up," he said.

Climate control is also a concern. Temperature differences can harm medication efficacy, so pharmacies must maintain their medications at consistent temperatures.&nbsp;

Medication that comes through the mail may be sitting in a mail van or on a dock for hours to days in more than 100-degree temperatures or temperatures well below freezing, Freeman said.

The&nbsp;Kansas Pharmacists Association's bill would set a floor for the reimbursement rate to all pharamcies, Freeman said.

Paul Schiferl, pharmacist in Colby, said he did not think the bill would increase prices for consumers.

"We think that the pharmacies should be trued up," he said. ... "What we believe is that it will put everyone to the middle on a fair playing field."

He added, "You can't make a pharmacy run on a $2 dispensing fee."

The bill also encourages transparency. Employers and the state could see where their money goes for drug costs.

It would also reform the audit system. Freeman said the pharmacy benefit managers perform what she called "predatory audits" of independent pharmacies.

"It's common sense things," Freeman said. "We just want to level the playing field a little bit more instead of the three [pharmacy benefits managers] running us over and trying to close us."

Freeman said she and the other pharmacists did not want to close even for one day, but they need Kansans to understand the importance of this issue.

"Patients need to understand they may not have a pharmacy," she said. "Until people understand and feel the issue on themselves, they aren't going to fully understand what the impact could be.

"I can sit here and say until I'm blue in the face, 'If you don't have a pharmacy, you're not going to be able to get your medications.' But until you actually live in that world for a day, it's hard to comprehend."

Schiferl said he also did not want to close. He wants to serve his patients.

"We also want to have this visual representation. We believe our patients want us in their communities," he said, "and we're hoping that when they can see what this would be like if we were closed all of the time, they will want to support this and reach out to their legislators as well and [tell them] how important it is to have a community pharmacy in their town."

The pharmacies encourage their patients to contact local legislators to support the legislation. The independent pharmacies are also organizing letter-writing campaigns and will be taking letters written by patients to Topeka on Feb. 5

"Having the patient voice is what we really hope to have to help the legislators understand more," Freeman said.

Counties that will have pharmacies closed for "Closing for a Cause" on Feb. 5.AndersonBarberChaseChautauquaClayCoffeyDecaturDickinsonDoniphanEdwardsElkEllsworthGoveGrahamGrantGrayGreenwoodHarperHodgemanJewellKingmanKiowaLanePawneeLincolnLoganMarionMeadeMitchellMontgomeryMorrisNemahaNessNortonOsageOttawaPawneePhillipsPottawatomieRawlinsRepublicRiceRooksRushRussellSheridanSmithStaffordStantonTregoWashingtonWichitaWoodson

Local pharmacies closings across Kan. for advocacy day; learn why, see where

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after a drug bust at a residence in Dickinson County.

On Thursday, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant in relation to a narcotics investigation, at a residence in the 200 Block of West 6th Street in Chapman, according to a media release from the sheriff.

The Chapman Police Department and Junction City Police Department assisted in the execution of the search warrant. While conducting the search warrant, deputies located Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia and firearms.

As a result of the investigation, Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrested 40-year-old James Angelo Demaroney III of Milford and booked him into the Dickinson County Detention Facility on requested charges Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Criminal Possession of Weapon by Convicted Felon and Defacing Identification Marks on Firearm.&nbsp; He has four previous drug convictions in Geary County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. man with previous drug conviction accused of selling meth

High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

By SALINA POST

The Salina Animal Shelter has implemented a quarantine for all dogs following a recent outbreak of kennel cough. This precautionary measure is being taken to ensure the health and safety of the animals in the shelter’s care.

Shelter staff are working closely with a local veterinarian to manage the situation and provide appropriate treatment and care to the affected animals.

According to a statement made on social media, “The shelter appreciates the community’s understanding and support during this time. Individuals interested in adopting are encouraged to stay tuned for updates as the situation is monitored.”

For more information or questions, please contact the <a href="https://www.salina-ks.gov/animal-services">Salina Animal Shelter.</a>

Salina Animal Shelter announces dog quarantine due to kennel cough outbreak

By LISA NEWMAN K-State Research and Extension – Central Kansas District Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent

The teams are set! The Super Bowl is one of the most popular sporting events in the United States and the second-largest food consumption day, according to the USDA.

If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, don’t let food safety sideline your celebration. “One of the biggest threats to a successful game day is bacteria that causes foodborne illness,” said Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent Lisa Newman. “Make sure food is quickly refrigerated or kept hot until guests arrive.”

Popular Super Bowl dishes like pizza, chicken wings, and sliders can’t stay at room temperature for more than two hours. Between 40°F and 140°F—the USDA’s “Danger Zone”—bacteria can multiply to unsafe levels. Follow these tips to keep your party safe:

#1 Don’t Fumble Takeout or Delivery

Use insulated bags if your commute takes longer than an hour.

Serve food promptly or refrigerate in shallow containers until ready to reheat.

Reheat food containing meat or poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F, and bring liquids like soups or sauces to a boil.

#2 Play Defense Against the Danger Zone

If food won’t be kept hot or cold, serve one set of dishes for the first half and fresh servings for the second half.

Discard perishable items left out longer than two hours. To save leftovers, refrigerate or freeze promptly.

If you plan to keep food out for more than two hours:

Keep cold foods at a temperature of 40 F or below by keeping food nestled in ice.

Keep hot foods at a temperature of 140 F or above by placing food in a preheated oven, warming trays, chafing dishes or slow cookers.

#3 Stick to the Four Steps to Food Safety

Clean: Wash hands, surfaces, and utensils thoroughly before and after handling food.

Separate: Avoid cross-contamination with separate cutting boards and utensils.

Cook: Use a food thermometer to ensure safe internal temperatures.

Chill: Refrigerate foods immediately if not serving.

For questions, contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854), email MPHotline@usda.gov, or chat live at ask.usda.gov from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

Super Bowl Sunday is all about fun, food, and football. By following these simple safety tips, you can ensure your game day is a winning experience for everyone. Play it safe and enjoy the big game!

For more resources and support, visit K-State Research and Extension – Central Kansas District at <a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu">https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu</a>.

NEWMAN: Keep your Super Bowl snacks safe and delicious

At the January 21 Saline County Board of Commissioners meeting, County Engineer Justin Mader provided a quarterly update on the 2025 Road and Bridge Improvement Program. The program includes a variety of projects designed to maintain and enhance Saline County’s transportation infrastructure, with funding allocated for asphalt overlays, chip sealing, bridge replacements, and drainage improvements.

Asphalt overlay and patching projects are scheduled for Water Well Road, from Ohio Street to the Smoky Hill River Bridge, and Burma Road, from Smolan Road to Hedberg Road. These projects, estimated at $227,000 per mile for a 2-inch overlay, aim to preserve the pavement and extend its lifespan.

Chip sealing, planned for approximately 31 miles of roads, will improve drivability and maintain road surfaces at an estimated cost of $27,500 per mile.

Ohio Street improvements, from Mentor Road to Water Well Road, will include elevation and re-graveling using a chemical base stabilizer for enhanced durability. The design phase for this project is underway.

The Schippel Road Bridge and Simpson Road improvement project will replace a drainage structure at the Schippel/Simpson Road intersection and improve Simpson Road from Schippel to Campbell Road. The $309,501.60 contract was awarded to Reece Construction, with $200,000 reimbursed through ARPA funds. Construction is expected to begin in late spring or summer and last three and a half to four months.

The Water Well Road bridge replacement project, which began in 2024, is anticipated to be completed by April or May 2025. King Construction was awarded the $825,548.62 contract for this project.

Six deteriorating drainage structures will be replaced with reinforced concrete box structures. Design work is complete, with right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation currently underway. Construction is expected to begin in late 2025.

Pipe lining projects include 21 locations, with three sites completed in 2024 and the remaining 18 scheduled for completion by March 2025. Mayer Specialty Services is handling this $554,463.95 contract.

Additional maintenance includes crack sealing and aggregate shouldering, with roads to be identified in early spring and late fall, respectively.

As the county looks ahead to 2025, several projects are either underway or have been completed during the last quarter of 2024. These include:

Asphalt overlay work by APAC-Kansas, totaling $1,227,244.31.

Crack sealing completed by Pavement Pros for $22,416.80.

Ongoing pipe lining projects, with completion expected by March 2025.

A SMART Award, granted under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), allowed the county to purchase a drone and advanced survey sensors to enhance road surveying and data collection.

Saline County announces 2025 road and bridge improvement plans

By&nbsp;BILL FIANDER Washburn Public Policy Lecturer

Fresh off citizen vitriol for rising property taxes during their 2024 campaigns, a fortified Republican super-majority Kansas Legislature began loading their prized horses into the starting gate of this year’s Property Tax Derby.

Kansas GOP leaders eye this as the final jewel in the coveted Tax Cut Triple Crown – sales, income, and property. In previous sessions, they successfully bet on both Governor Kelly’s food tax horse (Axe The Tax) and their income tax horse (Trickle Down) sired from the Brownback stud farm.

Elected jockeys have three levers at their disposal to determine the pace of property taxes in the derby. The State totally controls the first lever (assessments) and oversees county appraisals for the second lever (property values) which are really at the mercy of market forces. The most powerful lever (mill levy) is nearly all in the grip of local government.

Property taxes fund 60%-100% of local government budgets, but less than 1% of state government. Property tax revenue is the lifeblood for local services such as schools, police, roads, parks, transit, libraries, etc. with some hemorrhaging. Conversely, they mean virtually nothing to the State budget.

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