Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau

ABILENE - Something global, exciting, and selfie-worthy is headed down Kansas I-70. 

The official FIFA World Cup Kansas City Countdown Clock will be on display outside the Abilene Visitors Center, 201 NW 2nd, at the historic Union Pacific Depot from December 22 through December 27, 2025.

Standing nearly 10 feet tall and weighing more than 450 pounds, the illuminated clock is traveling across Kansas as part of a statewide tour celebrating Kansas City’s role as a host location for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The clock counts down in real time to opening day and has already made appearances in Dodge City, Wichita, Colby and Hays as excitement builds across the state.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our community,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau. “The World Cup is one of the most-watched global events, and having the countdown clock in Abilene invites residents, visitors, and travelers along I-70 to join in the excitement.”

Kansas City will host six World Cup matches in June and July 2026, joining select cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico as part of the largest FIFA World Cup in history. With 48 teams and 104 matches, this tournament is expected to ignite record-setting tourism, international visibility, and celebration across North America.

The clock will be outside the Abilene Visitor Center and fully lit, making it ideal for daytime and nighttime photos. 

Visitors are invited to stop by anytime during the six-day display and share photos using the hashtags: #KCCountdown

“We’re excited to welcome this special attraction and encourage everyone to stop by, take a photo, and be part of World Cup history,” Roller Weeks added.

Abilene to host official FIFA World Cup countdown clock December 22–27

Saline County Jail Bookings, December 21

HAYS - Fort Hays Tech | North Central is proud to announce the release of the 2025 Fall Honor Roll, celebrating the academic excellence and dedication of their students. This distinguished list recognizes students who have achieved outstanding academic performance during the Fall semester.

The 2025 Fall Honor Roll includes students from various programs and disciplines, showcasing the breadth of talent and dedication across the campus. 

A complete list of honorees is available below:

Werner	Rhett	Sharon	BARBER	KS	Beloit	Agricultural Equipment Technology	

Karlin	Aidan	Palco	ROOKS	KS	Beloit	Agricultural Equipment Technology	

Mertens	Isaac	Cunningham	KINGMAN	KS	Beloit	Agricultural Equipment Technology	

Kennedy	Preston	Hoxie	SHERIDAN	KS	Beloit	Agricultural Equipment Technology	

Urban	Madison	Oberlin	DECATUR	KS	Hays	Applied Technologies/Pre-Nursing	

Maruska	Kaitlyn	Hays	ELLIS	KS	Hays	Applied Technologies/Pre-Nursing	

Steinike	Serenity	Wilson	ELLSWORTH	KS	Hays	Applied Technologies/Pre-Nursing	

Crain	Kiley	Hays	ELLIS	KS	Beloit	Associate Degree Nursing	

Staab	Shelby	Plainville	ROOKS	KS	Hays	Associate Degree Nursing	

Kunnemann-Woofter	Kaitlyn	Quinter	GOVE	KS	Hays	Associate Degree Nursing	

Hines	Sarah	Glasco	CLOUD	KS	Beloit	Associate Degree Nursing	

Turner	Aleshia	Salina	SALINE	KS	Beloit	Associate Degree Nursing	

Watson	Trista	Bennington	OTTAWA	KS	Beloit	Associate Degree Nursing	

Dweh-Chenneh	Syreeta	Wichita	SEDGWICK	KS	Hays	Associate Degree Nursing	

Gannaway	Megan	Lawrence	DOUGLAS	KS	Hays	Associate Degree Nursing	

Mwashigadi	Shakilla	Melissa	COLE	TX	Hays	Associate Degree Nursing	

Ryals	Paxton	Clay Center	CLAY	KS	Beloit	Automotive Collision Technology	

Copeland	Gretchen	Ness City	NESS	KS	Beloit	Automotive Collision Technology	

Holte	Isaac	Clay Center	CLAY	KS	Beloit	Automotive Technology	

Ferguson	Noah	Stockton	ROOKS	KS	Hays	Automotive Technology	

Grabon	Evan	Beloit	MITCHELL	KS	Beloit	Automotive Technology	

Flax	Casey	Dodge City	FORD	KS	Hays	Automotive Technology	

Charbonneau	Taybon	Morganville	CLAY	KS	Beloit	Automotive Technology	

Mayers	Madison	Hays	ELLIS	KS	Hays	Automotive Technology	

Reeves	Justin	Hays	ELLIS	KS	Hays	Automotive Technology	

Creighton	Deacon	Stockton	ROOKS	KS	Hays	Automotive Technology	

Suppes	Kale	Hays	ELLIS	KS	Hays	Automotive Technology	

Slingsby	Lukas	Clay Center	CLAY	KS	Beloit	Automotive Technology	

Schurle	Keagen	Green	CLAY	KS	Beloit	Construction Technology	

Gardea	Alex	Kinsley	EDWARDS	KS	Hays	Construction Technology	

Hecke	Tyler	Wamego	POTTAWATOM	KS	Beloit	Construction Technology	

McCutcheon	Colton	Burr Oak	JEWELL	KS	Beloit	Construction Technology	

Carman	Gideon	Oberlin	DECATUR	KS	Beloit	Construction Technology	

Tucker	Matthew	Hays	ELLIS	KS	Hays	Construction Technology	

Nittler	Alexavier	Lake CIty	BARBER	KS	Hays	Construction Technology	

Pfannenstiel	Ethan	Hays	ELLIS	KS	Hays	Construction Technology	

LaPolice	Christopher	Concordia	CLOUD	KS	Beloit	Construction Technology	

Locke	Madison	Wichita	SEDGWICK	KS	Hays	Construction Technology	

Elias	Quintin	LaCrosse	RUSH	KS	Hays	Construction Technology	

Simnitt	Wade	Clay Center	CLAY	KS	Beloit	Diesel Technology	

Widrig	Brody	Beloit	MITCHELL	KS	Beloit	Diesel Technology	

Laflin	Agustus	Olsburg	POTTAWATOM	KS	Beloit	Diesel Technology	

Rohr	Sylar	Hill City	GRAHAM	KS	Hays	Electrical Technology	

Slater	Maison	Clifton	CLOUD	KS	Beloit	Electrical Technology	

Stragey	Parker	Oberlin	DECATUR	KS	Beloit	Electrical Technology	

Pfannenstiel	Bodie	Norton	NORTON	KS	Hays	Electrical Technology	

Snyder	Nathan	Hoxie	SHERIDAN	KS	Hays	Electrical Technology	

Schmitt	Wesley	Kinsley	EDWARDS	KS	Hays	Electrical Technology	

Shackelford	Calvin	Elkhart	MORTON	KS	Hays	Electrical Technology	

Sramek	Ryan	McDonald	RAWLINS	KS	Hays	Electrical Technology	

Love	Braxton	Hays	ELLIS	KS	Hays	Electrical Technology	

Hilbrink	Hayden	Stockton	ROOKS	KS	Hays	Electrical Technology	

Johnson	Devyn	Ellinwood	BARTON	KS	Hays	Electrical Technology	

Craig	Kolby	Abilene	DICKINSON	KS	Beloit	Electrical Technology	

Balthazor	Conor	Palco	ROOKS	KS	Hays	Electrical Technology	

Grass	Steven	Hays	ELLIS	KS	Hays	Electrical Technology	

Chambers	Exavier	Hoisington	BARTON	KS	Hays	Electrical Technology	

Cheung	WaiLam	Hays	ELLIS	KS	Hays	Electrical Technology	

Sorell	Gunnar	Clifton	CLOUD	KS	Beloit	Electrical Technology	

Redetzke	Sydney	Ellis	ELLIS	KS	Beloit	Heavy Equipment Operation	

McPhail	Lathan	Ashland	CLARK	KS	Beloit	Heavy Equipment Operation	

McAtee	Ashton	Saint Francis	CHEYENNE	KS	Beloit	Heavy Equipment Operation	

Thiessen	Austin	Inman	MCPHERSON	KS	Beloit	Heavy Equipment Operation	

Sibley	Reece	Beloit	MITCHELL	KS	Beloit	Heavy Equipment Operation	

Rahmeier	Kyler	Columbus	CHEROKEE	KS	Beloit	Heavy Equipment Operation	

Likes	Colby	Ottawa	FRANKLIN	KS	Beloit	Heavy Equipment Operation	

Huston	Shelby	Stafford	STAFFORD	KS	Beloit	Information Technology	

Smith	Kyra	Alma	WABAUNSEE	KS	Hays	Pharmacy Technician	

Schnittker	Trenton	Nashville	KINGMAN	KS	Beloit	Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning	

Beauchamp	Evan	Hays	ELLIS	KS	Hays	Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning	

Lupercio	Sebastian	Dodge City	FORD	KS	Hays	Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning	

Beckman	Preston	Phillipsburg	PHILLIPS	KS	Beloit	Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning	

Bliss	Kaiden	Wakeeney	TREGO	KS	Hays	Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning	

Cole	Owen	Belleville	REPUBLIC	KS	Beloit	Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning	

Welch	Jaxon	Palmer	WASHINGTON	KS	Beloit	Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning	

Alonzo-Velasquez	Jose	Garden City	FINNEY	KS	Hays	Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning	

Frazee	Tyse	Sabetha	NEMAHA	KS	Beloit	Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning	

Cortez	Abel	Leoti	WICHITA	KS	Hays	Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning	

Minson	Cooper	Wakeeney	TREGO	KS	Hays	Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning	

Robison	Zyden	Scandia	REPUBLIC	KS	Beloit	Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning	

Lilly	Hank	Garden Plain	SEDGWICK	KS	Hays	Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning	

Strickler	Jenna	Ransom	NESS	KS	Hays	Practical Nursing	

Ginther	Carmen	Hays	ELLIS	KS	Hays	Practical Nursing	

Holzmeister	Greyson	Hays	ELLIS	KS	Hays	Practical Nursing	

West	Tadyn	Leoti	WICHITA	KS	Hays	Practical Nursing	

Bruce	Amanda	Great Bend	BARTON	KS	Hays	Practical Nursing	

McClure	Lindsay	Sylvan Grove	LINCOLN	KS	Beloit	Practical Nursing	

Jehorek	Maggie	Cawker City	MITCHELL	KS	Beloit	Practical Nursing	

Ratliff	Hannah	Smith Center	SMITH	KS	Beloit	Practical Nursing	

Ryan	Sydney	Mankato	JEWELL	KS	Beloit	Practical Nursing	

Schroeder	Kirsten	Hays	ELLIS	KS	Hays	Practical Nursing	

Cox	Kylee	Wakeeney	TREGO	KS	Hays	Practical Nursing	

Scott	Kylee	Hays	ELLIS	KS	Hays	Practical Nursing	

Birney	Brooke	Russell	RUSSELL	KS	Hays	Practical Nursing	

Pfannenstiel	Emme	Russell	RUSSELL	KS	Hays	Practical Nursing	

Fisher	Paige	Burlington	KITCARSON	CO	Hays	Practical Nursing	

Local students earn Fall Honor Roll at Fort Hays Tech

Saline County Jail Bookings, December 20

The City of Salina General Services holiday schedule is as follows:

There will be no sanitation collection on Thursday, December 25th (Christmas Day) or Thursday, January 1st (New Year’s Day).

· After Christmas Day (December 25th): Collection will be one day behind schedule, resuming Friday, December 26th, and continuing on the adjusted schedule through Saturday, December 27th.

· After New Year’s Day (January 1st): Collection will again be one day behind schedule, resuming Friday, January 2nd, and continuing on the adjusted schedule through Saturday, January 3rd.

The General Services Office, Household Hazardous Waste Facility and the Salina Drive-thru Recycling Center will be closed Thursday and Friday, December 25th and 26th, and Thursday, January 1, with normal hours of operation resuming Monday, December 29th and Friday, January 2nd, respectively.

The Landfill will be closed Thursday, December 25th and Thursday January 1st, with regular operating hours resuming Friday, December 26th and Friday, January 2nd, respectively.

For further information please call General Services at (785) 309-5750.

City of Salina releases General Services holiday schedule 

Long before he stepped onto a research field in western Kansas, Rayhaan Kabenge was building small systems in Kampala, Uganda, trying to understand how technology could make everyday work easier.

That early curiosity, shaped by a family that valued precision, discipline and service, eventually led him halfway across the world to Kansas State University, where he is now helping design advanced digital tools for farmers as a graduate research assistant with the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/taps/">Testing Ag Performance Solutions team</a>.

Kabenge grew up as the oldest of three, raised by an engineer and a gynecologist who set high expectations in both academics and character.

Kampala’s diversity exposed him to a wide range of ideas, but he found himself drawn to engineering and problem-solving. During his undergraduate studies in water and irrigation engineering at Makerere University, he designed an innovative wireless irrigation control system.

The experience deepened his interest in developing technology that could improve farmers’ livelihoods.

His path shifted in 2023, when&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/taps/media/Rudnick_D.html">Daran Rudnick</a>, K-State director of sustainable irrigation and leader of KSU-TAPS, now his advisor, visited Makerere University.

Rudnick described the hands-on agricultural research underway through TAPS, a model that blends scientific experimentation with real decisions made by farmers housed on the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Stations. The program draws on engineering, agronomy, sociology, economics and data science.

That interdisciplinary structure is part of what makes TAPS distinctive and effective, giving producers access to solutions shaped by multiple fields rather than a single discipline.

Kabenge recognized immediately that it was the kind of work he had been seeking. It was practical, applied and directly connected to producer needs. Rudnick later offered him an internship, and within months, Kabenge was in Kansas experiencing his first season of field trials, data collection and producer engagement.

“Seeing that level of engagement and practical learning was exciting,” Kabenge said. “It showed me how impactful research can be when producers are directly involved.”

Now a master’s student in the K-State&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bae.k-state.edu/">Carl and Melinda Helwig Department of Biological and Agriculture</a>, Kabenge is leading the development of a TAPS Decision Support Suite, a web-based dashboard designed to help producers interpret complex field data and make timely decisions.

The dashboard integrates weather data, soil moisture readings, irrigation and nitrogen logs, drone imagery and crop-health indices. Its distinguishing feature is an AI-powered interpretation tool that converts technical analytics into plain-language explanations.

Kabenge said the tool “bridges the gap between technical analysis and practical decision-making” by helping users understand what patterns mean and why they matter.

Working beside producers reshaped how he approaches engineering. Earlier in his academic journey, he began with technology and sought a way to apply it.

“I begin with producer needs and reverse-engineer the solution,” he said. “Understanding their challenges, habits and decision-making processes ensures that the tools we design are not just technically sound but genuinely useful.”

Coming to Kansas required a steep learning curve. From research methods to climate to cultural norms, almost everything was different from what he knew in Uganda. He also spent long stretches driving between classes on campus at K-State in Manhattan and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.wkrec.org/about/locations/nwrec/">Northwest Research-Extension Center</a>&nbsp;in Colby for fieldwork, a route he jokes he could now navigate in his sleep, though he is quick to add that he never would.

Even with the adjustment, Kabenge found a sense of community within the TAPS program and the broader K-State Extension network.

“Any time I face a challenge, in class, in research or in coding, people are genuinely willing to help,” he said. “This level of openness and teamwork creates an environment where you feel supported.”

He was especially struck by how effectively a small team can run a program with such a significant footprint. Watching the TAPS team organize producer outreach, manage trials and maintain data integrity left a lasting impression.

“It honestly surprised me how such a relatively small team can run a program as large and impactful as TAPS,” he said.

Their collaboration has shaped his understanding of leadership and teamwork.

A global vision for agricultural innovation

That perspective also influences how he thinks about the future. Kabenge hopes the tools he is building at K-State will eventually support producers far beyond the High Plains.

“My goal is to create systems that help producers get more out of what they invest while prioritizing environmental sustainability,” he said.

Whether deployed in Kansas, Asia or Africa, he wants those tools to simplify decisions and improve efficiency.

Kabenge is encouraged by how quickly AI is advancing and what that progress could mean for producers. He sees a future in which farmers will not need deep technical expertise to make confident decisions because the tools will translate complexity for them.

The possibility of combining global data, shared knowledge and advanced models to support agriculture anywhere in the world is something he finds genuinely exciting.

For students, especially those from abroad, who want to pursue agricultural research, Kabenge encourages curiosity and a broader perspective on the field.

“Many students hear ‘agriculture’ and immediately think of soil, hoes and rakes, but there is so much more to it,” he said. “There are endless opportunities to innovate and solve real-world problems using engineering, data science, AI and automation. Come in with an open mind, be curious and don’t be afraid to chase bold ideas.”

From Kampala to Kansas fields, K-State graduate researcher Rayhaan Kabenge is growing digital tools that empower farms

MCPHERSON - McPherson College is recognizing its highest academic achievers in its fall 2025 Honor Roll and Honorable Mention.

Students must be enrolled full-time and earn a grade point average of 3.55 or higher during the last term to qualify for the honor roll. Students earning a grade point average of 3.25 to 3.54 are named to the honorable mention.

McPherson College offers more than 20 bachelor and pre-professional programs with a curriculum emphasizing entrepreneurship and career-focused education. In 2023, the college secured an unprecedented $1B commitment to its endowment, marking one of the largest single endowment commitments of any small liberal arts college in the U.S. 

Nationally recognized by U.S. News &amp; World Report, Money Magazine, and the Chronicle of Higher Education's "Great Colleges to Work For," McPherson College is renowned for its innovative programs. Its Automotive Restoration program, the first four-year degree program of its kind, made history when a student-restored Mercedes-Benz 300 S earned a class award at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance - the first time a student-restored car received such an honor at the prestigious Concours. 

Visit <a href="http://www.mcpherson.edu">www.mcpherson.edu</a> to learn more about McPherson College.

&nbsp;Aaron Elvin-Temple, Honor Roll&nbsp;

Alexander Escobedo, Honorable Mention&nbsp;

Salina and Lindsborg McPherson students earn Honor Roll/Honorable Mention for fall semester

SALINE COUNTY—A school bus driver and passengers avoided injury in a rear-end crash just after 3:30p.m. Friday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy Silverado driven by Cody Allan Denio, 31, McPherson, was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of the Interstate 136 Junction. The pickup rear-ended a 2016 Bluebird school bus driven by Howard Doug&nbsp;Schanks, 68, Randolph, who had slowed to take the exit.

Denio, Schanks and 24 passengers on the bus were not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Pickup rear-ends school bus in Saline County

All of our LIVE sports streams are FREE to watch for everybody!!!

High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

Here is the lineup for the Saturday Morning Show with Dave Foor &amp; Nicolas Fierro on&nbsp;910 AM/107.5 FM KINA for&nbsp;December 20:

Mark Sandbo - Head Football Coach, Salina Central Mustangs

Sunset Sinners &amp; Department of Kansas VFW - "Guitars for Vets"

Salina Presbyterian Manor&nbsp;- Groundbreaking for campus expansion &amp; Angel Tree initiative to support "Good Samaritan" program

Dan Holiday - Central Kansas weather reports; recent strong wind activity and upcoming holiday weather

All episodes are recorded and uploaded on the&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?CFID=05fb1ecb-7d68-4542-adb3-9b7c11d9b5e5&amp;CFTOKEN=0&amp;stationCallSign=KINA&amp;onDemandAutoStart=true&amp;p92136680=true&amp;relocateURL=true">910 AM and 107.5 FM KINA website</a>, under the 'KINA Saturday Mornings'&nbsp;tab.

Saturday Morning Show lineup with Dave Foor & Nicolas Fierro, December 20

The City of Salina has appointed Patrick Hoffman as the new City Attorney.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hoffman is a Salina resident and brings over 15 years of municipal law experience to the City of Salina. He served as County Counselor for Reno and Barton Counties, and as City Attorney for Ellsworth and Lyons. He received a bachelor’s degree in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University prior to earning a Juris Doctor from Texas Tech University School of Law. 

He and his wife, Gin, are active members of the Salina community, where their three children attend Salina Public Schools. Hoffman is currently serving as the Theatre Salina Board of Directors President.&nbsp;&nbsp;

City Manager Jacob Wood states, "Patrick’s experience in municipal law and&nbsp; his passion for this community will help us continue to advance Salina. We are looking forward to him joining our leadership team.”&nbsp;

Hoffman is the first City Attorney to be an employee of the City of&nbsp; Salina. Greg Bengtson with Clark, Mize, &amp; Linville, has served as City Attorney since 1986.

Hoffman will begin the role in January 2026.

City of Salina appoints full time in-house City Attorney

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 19 - December 21

With the current strong windy weather across central Kansas, Saline County Emergency Management issues warnings and I-70 between Colby and Goodland are reportedly closed.&nbsp;

Saline County Emergency Management statement:

Northwest winds will increase and persist through the afternoon, with sustained speeds of 30 to 40 mph and gusts approaching 60 mph. These conditions will create widespread hazards throughout Saline County.

The combination of strong winds and very dry conditions will result in extreme fire danger. Any grass fire that starts could spread rapidly and be difficult to control. Blowing dust may also reduce visibility, particularly along and west of Salina near I-70.

Kansas Department of Transportation statement:

KDOT has closed both directions of I-70 between Goodland and Colby due to reduced visibility from blowing dust as of 10:22 am on Thursday.

This statement comes after the freeway reopened at around 5:00 am, when it was closed late Wednesday evening.

Motorists are advised to delay non-essential travel until conditions improve.

For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.kandrive.gov%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019b32451255-66bf87ed-2388-4d16-a916-7ad1cd6cb05e-000000/-WTaKRS3IZhaitvuvGXNomZD2QUr6_IU549OuSP-qyY=436">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

Salina Post will provide updates on the reopening of the freeway.

Stay updated with local weather on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSWichita">US National Weather Service Wichita Kansas</a>&nbsp;Facebook page.

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

Windy weather and road closures: Saline Co. Emergency Management issues warning, I-70 between Colby & Goodland closed

Very strong northwest winds and a grassland fire danger are expected to occur Thursday morning most of western and central Kansas.

According to the US National Weather Service, wind gusts in the 50 to 60 mph range will commonly occur throughout the central Kansas region.

Strong winds will combine with dry conditions to elevate the grassland fire danger into the extreme category on Thursday with peak timing from around 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Any fires that start will be difficult to control.

Moreover, some locations may see visibility reduced which may result in dangerous driving conditions, especially along Interstate 70 west of Salina.

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