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.

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;

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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

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

Washington, D.C.&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), John Fetterman (D-PA), Katie Britt (R-AL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral&nbsp;Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/119th-FARM-Act732.pdf">Click here to read the bill</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/119th-FARM-Act732.pdf">The FARM Act&nbsp;</a>will permanently add the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States (CFIUS), the governmental body that oversees the vetting process of foreign investment and acquisition of American companies, a move to prevent improper foreign interference and disruption to the U.S. agriculture industry.

“Food Security is National Security, it's high time that we start recognizing this before it is too late,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“The Secretary of Agriculture needs a seat at the table to help the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States vet foreign agricultural investments like land. This committee currently does not directly consider the needs of the agriculture industry, the FARM Act changes that.”

“Over the last decade, we’ve seen a surge of American farmland purchases from our foreign adversaries,”&nbsp;said Senator Tuberville.&nbsp;“These foreign investments are now reaching every piece of the very large puzzle that makes up our agriculture industry, from farming and processing to packaging and shipping. Food security is national security, and we cannot allow our adversaries to have a foot in the door to our critical supply chains. We must prioritize oversight of foreign investment in our food supply chains, especially from Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. This starts with giving the agriculture community a permanent seat at the table on CFIUS. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Ag Committee, I will keep fighting to secure our ag supply chains so that our agriculture community can continue to put food on the table for American families.”

“Pennsylvania is home to about 50,000 farms and the farmers who power them already face enough challenges to stay competitive. They shouldn’t also have to compete with foreign adversaries buying up American farmland,”&nbsp;said Senator John Fetterman. “America’s farms are critical infrastructure, and CFIUS exists to protect our critical infrastructure from foreign threats. So, adding the Secretary of Agriculture is just plain common sense. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: foreign adversaries have no business owning American farmland. This bill makes that clear and I’m proud to partner with my colleague to get it done.”

Two previous AG secretaries under Democrat administrations have expressed support for making the Secretary of Agriculture a permanent member of CFIUS. U.S. Representative Ronny Jackson (R-TX-13) reintroduced the bipartisan, companion legislation in the House of Representatives.&nbsp;

“America’s agricultural industry is no exception to the increasing national security threats our country faces,”&nbsp;said Rep. Jackson.&nbsp;“Biden’s failed leadership allowed unchecked foreign influence, particularly from the Chinese Communist Party, to interfere with and attempt to control our food supply chain. Representing Texas’s top agricultural-producing district, I am committed to ensuring our nation’s food production remains free from foreign manipulation. This is why I am proud to reintroduce the FARM Act, putting America first and ensuring that our agricultural industry remains robust, secure, and free from foreign interference. Thank you to Senator Tuberville for leading companion legislation in the Senate, and we hope this bipartisan legislation, which is crucial to our food security, will move forward quickly to President Trump’s desk.”&nbsp;

Over the past few years, the United States has experienced a rapid increase in foreign investment in the agricultural sector, particularly from China. Growing foreign investment in agriculture and other essential industries, like health care and energy, threaten our country’s national security. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate AG Committee, Senator Tuberville has been sounding the alarm about foreign ownership of American farmland and other elements of our food supply chain.

According to USDA data from December 2023, foreign investors own approximately 45 million acres of U.S. agricultural land. This represents an increase of over 1.5 million acres in one calendar year. Foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land increased modestly from 2012 to 2017 at an average increase of 0.6 million acres per year. However, since 2017, this number skyrocketed to an annual average of 2.6 million acres annually. Additionally, between 2010 and 2021, entities or individuals from China increased their ownership of U.S. agricultural land more than twentyfold, from 13,720 acres to 383,935 acres. Alabama has the fourth-highest amount of foreign-owned agricultural land in the United States, with 2.2 million acres, most of which is forestland.

CFIUS is authorized to oversee and review foreign investment and ownership in domestic businesses as it relates to national security. Currently, the Committee does not directly consider the needs of the agriculture industry when reviewing foreign investment and ownership in domestic businesses.&nbsp;

Specifically, the&nbsp;FARM Act&nbsp;would:

Kansas U.S. Senator and colleagues Introduce the FARM Act

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.

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Cardona Rodriguez, Hector

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

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Aggravated kidnapping, Flee or attempt to elude; drive into opposing lane, Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circ; felony, Operate a MV w/o a valid license, Outside warrant/NCIC hit and Reckless Driving

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Failure to stop at accident; Injury or damage over $1000, Flee or attempt to elude;five or more moving violations, Drive w/o lights when needed, Reckless Driving and Speeding; maximum limits

Saline County Jail Bookings, Feb. 2

TOPEKA — The 2025 Legislative Session officially began on Monday, January 13, at 2:00 p.m., marking the start of another year of important legislative work.

The first week was largely ceremonial, featuring the State of the State, State of the Judiciary, and State of the Military addresses delivered before joint sessions of the Legislature. These traditions, along with photographs and other formalities, showcased the pomp and circumstance that honor the republican form of government we are privileged to enjoy in both Kansas and America.

Following Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, the second week of the session was shortened but productive.

While the Senate floor focused on passing rules and confirming appointments, much of the real work took place in the Senate’s 19 standing committees.

These committees, covering key topics like education, agriculture, judiciary, budget, and utilities, are diligently prioritizing and vetting proposed legislation. Bills that pass-through committee hearings and votes then advance to the Senate floor, where the full chamber debates and votes on each measure. This step-by-step process ensures every piece of legislation receives thorough review and thoughtful consideration.

This session, my committee assignments remain largely the same, with one notable change: the Local Government Committee has merged with the Ethics and Transparency Committee, and I am honored to serve as chair of this newly combined committee.

I continue to serve on the Transportation, Judiciary, and Utilities committees, as well as the Historical Preservation Committee and the Joint Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice Oversight. Additionally, I was recently selected to serve on the Kansas Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, an exciting opportunity to help commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.

Capitol Preservation Committee updateThe Capitol Preservation Committee will unveil the Suffragist Memorial Mural on Kansas Day, January 29, at noon—a meaningful tribute to the brave women who fought for the right to vote. Another historic milestone was achieved last fall when the Ad Astra Indian statue was finally placed on its long-empty pedestal in the northwest quadrant of the Capitol complex, completing the Ad Astra Plaza after a 20-year delay.

In her seventh State of the State message, Gov. Laura Kelly outlined her priorities to the Legislature using a collaborative tone in her calls to action. A portion of her message focused on investments concerning the youngest Kansans, including fully funding public schools, extending free school lunches to more students and advocating for a one-stop-shop for those who interface with early childhood services.

Gov. Kelly also prioritized preserving the Ogallala Aquifer and clean water for future generations. Gov. Kelly shared her goal of adding an additional $30 million annually to support water resources and creating an Office of Natural Resources to combine water-related services currently split over 14 different agencies.

For the first time in history, the Kansas Legislature convened for a joint session to receive information on the State of the Military from Adjutant General Michael Venerdi on the work the Kansas National Guard is doing to make our state and nation safe, secure, and free.

As General Venerdi articulated, “the Kansas National Guard comprises over 7,000 Soldiers, Airmen, and civilians. The National Guard is the primary combat reserve of the Army and Air Force, seamlessly providing forces to fight and win the nation’s wars and defend the homeland.”

On Wednesday, Chief Justice Marla Luckert delivered the State of the Judiciary address before a joint session of the Legislature, highlighting a Russian-based ransomware attack on the Kansas Judicial Branch’s computer systems last October. The attack shut down the e-filing system, but the Judicial Branch refused to pay the ransom, instead focusing on recovery and fortifying its infrastructure.

Chief Justice Luckert also emphasized collaboration among the three branches of government to address key issues such as mental health, child welfare, and the attorney shortage.

She highlighted the Rural Justice Initiative, led by Justice K.J. Wall, which seeks to address the lack of justice resources in rural areas through a partnership of government, legal, and community stakeholders. I am honored to serve on the select committee for this initiative and look forward to working over the next 18 months to develop solutions for this challenge, which affects rural communities nationwide.

In line with the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency in Washington, D.C., the Kansas Senate has established a Committee on Government Efficiency. This new committee is tasked with identifying ways to save taxpayer dollars and ensure government works for the people. In the coming days, a special email address and online portal will be launched, allowing Kansans to submit their own ideas and suggestions for the committee to review.

Additionally, the Senate has formed a Select Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. This committee will convene as needed to study issues and process legislation related to veterans, ensuring we continue to address the needs of those who have served our nation.

SENATE FLOOR ACTION - CONFIRMATIONS

The Senate confirmed a number of appointments on January 23rd:

State Banking Board: Taylor Hight,&nbsp;Herbert Iams,&nbsp;Leonard,&nbsp;Irvin Mitchell Wolfe

State Lottery Commission: Margaret La Rue

Office of the Child Advocate: Kerrie Lonard

Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission: David Moses

State Long Term Care Ombudsman: Haely Ordoyne

Kansas Crime Victims Compensation Board: Richard Samaniego

Kansas Human Rights Commission: Christal Watson

Need assistance finding a lost life insurance policy? Utilize the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Life Insurance Policy Locator, where you can perform a nationwide search for missing life insurance funds by providing the social security number, legal name, date of birth, and date of death of a deceased individual. The Kansas Insurance Department has assisted Kansans with the NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator, which has found more than $69.6 million in life insurance policies for Kansans since 2019. Contact the Kansas Insurance Department at 785-296-2461 for assistance.

You can view video streaming of both chambers via the Kansas Legislature YouTube page. In addition, many committees are now audio streamed and can also be viewed on the Kansas Legislature YouTube page. The Kansas Legislature website is easy to use with Senate and House calendars and journals as well as the rosters of both chambers.

Here are the relevant links:Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/">http://www.kslegislature.org</a>YouTube Streaming:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A">&nbsp;http://bit.ly/2CZj9O0 Committee</a>&nbsp;Hearings:&nbsp;<a href="http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/20250128/-1">http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/</a>

Each year we are assigned dates for students to page for the Senate. The students should be twelve and over and will spend the full day with us, including running errands for all Senators and a tour and trip to the Capitol Dome top. I was a page myself for Representative Bill Fuller from Miltonvale in 1981! Our dates this year are – Tuesday, February 4; Tuesday, February 18; Wednesday, February 26; Tuesday, March 11; and Tuesday, March 18. Other dates may be available upon request.

My office remains in the same suite, 223E (east wing second floor) next to the cage elevator. Randi Walters, who has worked in the Capitol for 22 years as an assistant and a committee assistant, is in our office.

As session progresses, not every bill introduced will make it to the Governor’s desk, but that doesn’t mean opinions, facts and testimony weren't heard.

Your participation in the state legislature is vital. As we continue to weed through the different bills, I hope to hear from you. I want to know how legislation will impact you and our district, or the ideas you have to improve a bill.

A personal email with your thoughts is the best way to reach us as we sit in committees for most of the day and seldom get to stay at our desks for long periods.

Senator Elaine BowersKansas State Capitol BuildingRoom 223-E300 SW 10th St.Topeka, KS 66612<a href="https://hayspost.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection">[email&nbsp;protected]</a>785-296-7389<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>

The Kansas 36th Senate District includes:Clay, Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell,&nbsp;Smith and Washington counties

Marshall County:Cities: Bremen, Herkimer, Marysville and OketoTownships: Elm Creek, Herkimer, Logan, Marysville, Oketo and Walnut

Phillips County:Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and PhillipsburgTownships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal, Deer Creek, Freedom,&nbsp;Glenwood, Greenwood, Kirwin, Phillipsburg, Plum, Rushville, Solomon,&nbsp;Sumner, Valley and Walnut

BOWERS: 2025 Senate Scene Weeks 1 and 2

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Poss of marijuana and Failure to appear

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

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner and Unlawful abuse of toxic vapors

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

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Moro-Motta,Diego Fernando

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;No Proof Of Insurance, Operate a MV w/o a valid license and Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor and License carried/exhibited

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity

Saline County Jail Bookings, Feb. 1

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."

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