On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with small game coordinator at Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kent Fricke, about the decision to cancel fall turkey hunting season in Kansas.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W4KBYcSHtVo?si=VbaOHkwfjpLKQDE1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with small game coordinator at Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kent Fricke, about the decision to cancel fall turkey hunting season in Kansas.

Forward Ever: KDWP's Kent Fricke discusses canceling turkey hunting season

Moody, alternative rock band <a href="https://www.bootlegmercy.com/">Bootleg Mercy</a>&nbsp;plans to take the City Lights Stage from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, as <a href="https://www.salinadowntown.org/">Salina Downtown</a>'s last Live First Friday of 2023.&nbsp;

City Lights Stage, located at Ash Street and Santa Fe Avenue, hosted other local bands this summer, with Bootleg Mercy to finish out the season.

According to its website, the Kansas-based hard rock group began as a cover band in the early 2010s but released its first original EP, or "extended play," in 2014 titled "Pictures."

Since then, the music group has continued to release music that garnered international accolades and played in the number-one spot for Los Angeles-based <a href="https://www.indiestarradio.com/">Indie Star Radio</a>’s Top 21 for four straight weeks.

Salina Downtown will also host an Artist's Reception from 5 to 8 p.m. at 116 East Iron Avenue, celebrating Tom Fleming's "Stairs of Methuselah" by Subvert Studio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696531576282.png" alt="Final Live First Friday. Courtesy Salina Downtown" />
 <figcaption>Final Live First Friday. Courtesy Salina Downtown</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTMoody, alternative rock band <a href="https://www.bootlegmercy.com/">Bootleg Mercy</a>&nbsp;plans to take the City Lights Stage from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, as <a href="https://www.salinadowntown.org/">Salina Downtown</a>'s last Live First Friday of 2023.&nbsp;City Lights Stage, located at Ash Street and Santa Fe Avenue, hosted other local bands this summer, with Bootleg Mercy to finish out the season.According to its website, the Kansas-based hard rock group began as a cover band in the early 2010s but released its first original EP, or "extended play," in 2014 titled "Pictures."Since then, the music group has continued to release music that garnered international accolades and played in the number-one spot for Los Angeles-based <a href="https://www.indiestarradio.com/">Indie Star Radio</a>’s Top 21 for four straight weeks.<h2>Salina Downtown Artist's Reception</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696598601543.jpeg" alt="Salina Downtown Artist's Reception, Tom Fleming's "Stairs of Methuselah" on Friday, Oct. 6. Courtesy Downtown Salina" />
 <figcaption>Salina Downtown Artist's Reception, Tom Fleming's "Stairs of Methuselah" on Friday, Oct. 6. Courtesy Downtown Salina</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Downtown will also host an Artist's Reception from 5 to 8 p.m. at 116 East Iron Avenue, celebrating Tom Fleming's "Stairs of Methuselah" by Subvert Studio.

Bootleg Mercy to rock the stage for Salina Downtown's last First Friday of 2023

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with the inaugural Limestone Preservation Award winners Jack and Kathie Crispin.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nP_jN_9URlU?si=ZqqKxZsG0lsSpv39" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with the inaugural Limestone Preservation Award winners Jack and Kathie Crispin.

🎤 Forward Ever: Post Rock Limestone Preservation Award winners Jack, Kathie Crispin

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

The smell of funnel cakes and kettle corn filled the air in front of the Smoky Hill Museum on Saturday. The sounds of hammers striking iron and live music greeted hundreds of guests at the annual Smoky Hill Museum Street Fair.&nbsp;

The day began at 10 a.m. with history-themed floats downtown, followed by a chili cook-off, live music, food trucks and free entry to the Smoky Hill Museum.

"We've got some great music — all brand new bands this year," said the Smoky Hill Museum Director Susan Hawksworth. "We're just excited to see so many people here."

The musicians and bands who visited the fair's stage included Geff and Dawn Dawson, Ghost Town Revival, Jaron Bell and Nick Tayler.&nbsp;

At 2 p.m., Hawksworth announced the chili cook-off winners.&nbsp;

Out of the six stands, patrons of the fair chose Aliento de Vida BIC Church with Hector and Maribel De Leon, Xochitl Paez Cervantes, Juan Carlos and Daniel Ramos for the best chili.&nbsp;

Aliento de Vida won for the third year in a row.

The crowd chose Beans and Rolls for its best booth. Some comments about the winning booth included its design and the way the team interacted with chili tasters.&nbsp;

Besides the chili cook-off, the fair included Old West exhibits like archery, horseshoe smithing, knot tying and more.

"I like all the little activities like, I'm 26, and I want to go shoot a bow," said Katie Probst, a Salina resident who visited the street fair.

Miss Kansas High School Rodeo Queen Cheyanne Johnson helped young kids learn how to rope while volunteers taught children how to make rope by hand, allowing them to keep the cords they made.

The museum stayed open to visitors all day, and in the middle of the street, a large booth stood for children to paint small pumpkins and make paper crafts.&nbsp;

"(It's great to) see my daughter playing with all the different art stuff," said Salina resident Anderson Dugazon. "She's having a good time."

Geff and Dawn Dawson closed out the live music performances, and the Smoky Hill Museum kept its doors open until 5 p.m. with its featured exhibit —&nbsp;Fire: Embers of Discovery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695697279483.jpeg" alt="Smoky Hill Street Fair volunteers help children create paper crafts and paint pumpkins on Saturday, Sept. 23, during the Smoky Hill Street Fair in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Smoky Hill Street Fair volunteers help children create paper crafts and paint pumpkins on Saturday, Sept. 23, during the Smoky Hill Street Fair in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostThe smell of funnel cakes and kettle corn filled the air in front of the Smoky Hill Museum on Saturday. The sounds of hammers striking iron and live music greeted hundreds of guests at the annual Smoky Hill Museum Street Fair.&nbsp;The day began at 10 a.m. with history-themed floats downtown, followed by a chili cook-off, live music, food trucks and free entry to the Smoky Hill Museum."We've got some great music — all brand new bands this year," said the Smoky Hill Museum Director Susan Hawksworth. "We're just excited to see so many people here."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695697495679.jpeg" alt="Musicians Geff and Dawn Dawson perform on Saturday, Sept. 23 during the Smoky Hill Street Fair in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Musicians Geff and Dawn Dawson perform on Saturday, Sept. 23 during the Smoky Hill Street Fair in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>The musicians and bands who visited the fair's stage included Geff and Dawn Dawson, Ghost Town Revival, Jaron Bell and Nick Tayler.&nbsp;At 2 p.m., Hawksworth announced the chili cook-off winners.&nbsp;Out of the six stands, patrons of the fair chose Aliento de Vida BIC Church with Hector and Maribel De Leon, Xochitl Paez Cervantes, Juan Carlos and Daniel Ramos for the best chili.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695697826228.jpeg" alt="Smoky Hill Museum Street Fair chili cook-off winners from Aliento de Vida BIC church on Saturday, Sept. 23, during the Smoky Hill Museum Street Fair in Salina. Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>Smoky Hill Museum Street Fair chili cook-off winners from Aliento de Vida BIC church on Saturday, Sept. 23, during the Smoky Hill Museum Street Fair in Salina. Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>Aliento de Vida won for the third year in a row.The crowd chose Beans and Rolls for its best booth. Some comments about the winning booth included its design and the way the team interacted with chili tasters.&nbsp;Besides the chili cook-off, the fair included Old West exhibits like archery, horseshoe smithing, knot tying and more."I like all the little activities like, I'm 26, and I want to go shoot a bow," said Katie Probst, a Salina resident who visited the street fair.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695697650386.jpeg" alt="Miss Kansas High School Rodeo Queen Cheyenne Johnson teaches Salina resident Benjamin Busch, 11, how to properly rope on Saturday, Sept. 23, during the Smoky Hill Street Fair in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Miss Kansas High School Rodeo Queen Cheyenne Johnson teaches Salina resident Benjamin Busch, 11, how to properly rope on Saturday, Sept. 23, during the Smoky Hill Street Fair in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Miss Kansas High School Rodeo Queen Cheyanne Johnson helped young kids learn how to rope while volunteers taught children how to make rope by hand, allowing them to keep the cords they made.The museum stayed open to visitors all day, and in the middle of the street, a large booth stood for children to paint small pumpkins and make paper crafts.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695697367822.jpeg" alt="Smoky Hill Street Fair chili cook-off competitor Pete Jagel dips out some of his chili for a tester on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Smoky Hill Street Fair in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Smoky Hill Street Fair chili cook-off competitor Pete Jagel dips out some of his chili for a tester on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Smoky Hill Street Fair in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"(It's great to) see my daughter playing with all the different art stuff," said Salina resident Anderson Dugazon. "She's having a good time."Geff and Dawn Dawson closed out the live music performances, and the Smoky Hill Museum kept its doors open until 5 p.m. with its featured exhibit —&nbsp;Fire: Embers of Discovery.

Smoky Hill Street Fair teaches Salina about Wild West

"The Unknown Country" will be shown at the <a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/cinema">Salina Art Center Cinema</a> from Sept. 22-27.&nbsp;

Lily Gladstone got her breakout role in Martin Scorsese’s epic crime drama&nbsp;Killers of the Flower Moon, and in director Morrisa Maltz’s debut feature&nbsp;The Unknown Country, the actress solidifies her place as one of today’s most compelling American stars.

 It’s impossible to take your eyes off her. Many actors play characters who are stoic, reserved, serene; none are better than Gladstone at making viewers deeply invested in discovering what she’s thinking behind that quiet exterior. Her performance is the linchpin of Maltz’s film, an existential road trip of the kind that&nbsp;male&nbsp;actors often took in ‘70’s cinema.

 We don’t know why Tana (Gladstone) is leaving Minnesota, alone, at the start of the film. Is she running from something? Seeking something? Maybe it’s simply to lose herself in the land, as stunningly photographed as it is by cinematographer Andrew Hajek. T

ana doesn’t remain alone, however; on her cross-country journey she meets several interesting individuals, and the subtle pleasure of the film is how everyone gets a unique, complex inner life that “secondary” characters are never granted. It’s as if Maltz and Gladstone (who co-wrote the film) are telling us that no one is one-dimensional; everyone has a story worth hearing. 

Tana’s odyssey is slightly surreal at time but never fantastical—which is crucial because Gladstone, a Native American actress, and Tana, a Native American protagonist, could’ve been treated as “exotic” curiosities rather than allowed to be&nbsp;people&nbsp;first. 

Human connections bridge great physical and cultural distances, and this poetic, gentle film proves this uplifting truth with effortless grace and quiet eloquence.

For tickets and more information about the Salina Art Center Cinema <a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/cinema">click here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695315803652.jpeg" alt="Unknown Country" />
 <figcaption>Unknown Country</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted"The Unknown Country" will be shown at the <a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/cinema">Salina Art Center Cinema</a> from Sept. 22-27.&nbsp;Lily Gladstone got her breakout role in Martin Scorsese’s epic crime drama&nbsp;Killers of the Flower Moon, and in director Morrisa Maltz’s debut feature&nbsp;The Unknown Country, the actress solidifies her place as one of today’s most compelling American stars.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WVNVu-ZCfCo?si=4nWSweoYqtKJpTFE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> It’s impossible to take your eyes off her. Many actors play characters who are stoic, reserved, serene; none are better than Gladstone at making viewers deeply invested in discovering what she’s thinking behind that quiet exterior. Her performance is the linchpin of Maltz’s film, an existential road trip of the kind that&nbsp;male&nbsp;actors often took in ‘70’s cinema. We don’t know why Tana (Gladstone) is leaving Minnesota, alone, at the start of the film. Is she running from something? Seeking something? Maybe it’s simply to lose herself in the land, as stunningly photographed as it is by cinematographer Andrew Hajek. Tana doesn’t remain alone, however; on her cross-country journey she meets several interesting individuals, and the subtle pleasure of the film is how everyone gets a unique, complex inner life that “secondary” characters are never granted. It’s as if Maltz and Gladstone (who co-wrote the film) are telling us that no one is one-dimensional; everyone has a story worth hearing. Tana’s odyssey is slightly surreal at time but never fantastical—which is crucial because Gladstone, a Native American actress, and Tana, a Native American protagonist, could’ve been treated as “exotic” curiosities rather than allowed to be&nbsp;people&nbsp;first. Human connections bridge great physical and cultural distances, and this poetic, gentle film proves this uplifting truth with effortless grace and quiet eloquence.Unrated; contains some mature content85 MinutesFor tickets and more information about the Salina Art Center Cinema <a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/cinema">click here</a>.&nbsp;

Salina Art Center Cinema presents 'The Unknown Country' Sept. 22-27

Audience members clapped along as 101-year-old Bob Delk played folk music and classic country songs alongside his group, "Bob Delk and Friends," on the Stiefel Theatre stage for the inaugural Sunflower Seniors Got Talent Show Monday evening.

The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (NC-FH AAA) kicked off its yearly celebration with a new addition — the Sunflower Seniors Got Talen Show, which featured musicians and artists ranging from age 65 to more than 100.

Some participants included 'Bob Delk and Friends,' the 'Pine Village Players,' 'Charming Chimers' and Hays musician Bob Dreiling. Dave Lewis, the host of NewsRadio's KMAN Morning Show, announced the talent show.

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/9184bf08-6c5b-49b2-aaee-6bd2992fb75d">Read: Seminar: Low-income housing options for older Kansans</a>

Each $10 ticket for the talent show fundraised for some of NC-FH AAA's programs like Friendship Meals, Medicare benefits, counseling and other services for older Kansans and caregivers.

Lewis, also the K-State Football announcer at Bill Snyder Family Stadium from 2006 - 2021, kicked off the show. 

"It's a great opportunity just to sit back and enjoy a night of really cheap entertainment," Lewis said.

After Julie Govert Walter, executive director of NC-FH AAA, informed the audience of NC-FH AAA's ongoing programs, the performance began with Bob Dreiling from Hays, KS, singing the National Anthem.

As the night continued, performances ranged from music to comedy acts, with the oldest performer, Bob Delk from 'Bob Delk and Friends' from Marion County, at 101.

"This sounded fun, and I'm geriatric too, so this interested me," said Bonnie Smith, a visitor from Pittsburg, KS. "It's been a good time."

On Tuesday, NC-FH AAA began the Sunflower Fair at Tony's Pizza Event Center, where speakers, informational exhibits, health screenings, auctions and live music performers entertained patrons of the event.

"What we produce with the Sunflower Fair is a one-day event that features trustworthy information presented in an easy-to-understand way," Walter said.

The last speaker to close out the event was Marci Penner, the executive director of the Kansas Sampler, who presented her second iteration of 'The Kansas Guidebook' at the Sunflower Fair.

Penner encouraged the audience to utilize the guidebook to create their own Kansas road trips and enjoy the journey.

"It's not just about getting to your destination — you have to enjoy the road there too," Penner said. "And there's plenty of stops to go out and see."

The Sunflower Fair provided 13 varied workshops throughout the day, covering topics like cybersecurity, information on Medicare benefits and gardening.

Alongside the workshops, NC-FH AAA invited trusted businesses in the region to inform patrons of their organizations' services.

"Our focus is on helping older Kansans and people living with disabilities and their caregivers," Walter said. "And anyone who helps celebrate many more birthdays, come to this place."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695249829397.jpeg" alt="'Bob Delk and Friends' perform at Sunflower Seniors Got Talent on Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, at the Stiefel Theatre. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>'Bob Delk and Friends' perform at Sunflower Seniors Got Talent on Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, at the Stiefel Theatre. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostAudience members clapped along as 101-year-old Bob Delk played folk music and classic country songs alongside his group, "Bob Delk and Friends," on the Stiefel Theatre stage for the inaugural Sunflower Seniors Got Talent Show Monday evening.The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (NC-FH AAA) kicked off its yearly celebration with a new addition — the Sunflower Seniors Got Talen Show, which featured musicians and artists ranging from age 65 to more than 100.Some participants included 'Bob Delk and Friends,' the 'Pine Village Players,' 'Charming Chimers' and Hays musician Bob Dreiling. Dave Lewis, the host of NewsRadio's KMAN Morning Show, announced the talent show.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695250359436.jpeg" alt="KMAN Morning Show host Dave Lewis and NC-FH AAA executive director Julie Govert Walter introduce the Sunflower Seniors Got Talent Show on Monday, Sept. 18, at the Stiefel Theatre in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>KMAN Morning Show host Dave Lewis and NC-FH AAA executive director Julie Govert Walter introduce the Sunflower Seniors Got Talent Show on Monday, Sept. 18, at the Stiefel Theatre in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/9184bf08-6c5b-49b2-aaee-6bd2992fb75d">Read: Seminar: Low-income housing options for older Kansans</a><h2>The Sunflower Seniors Got Talent Show</h2>Each $10 ticket for the talent show fundraised for some of NC-FH AAA's programs like Friendship Meals, Medicare benefits, counseling and other services for older Kansans and caregivers.Lewis, also the K-State Football announcer at Bill Snyder Family Stadium from 2006 - 2021, kicked off the show. "It's a great opportunity just to sit back and enjoy a night of really cheap entertainment," Lewis said.After Julie Govert Walter, executive director of NC-FH AAA, informed the audience of NC-FH AAA's ongoing programs, the performance began with Bob Dreiling from Hays, KS, singing the National Anthem.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695250252753.jpeg" alt="The 'Pine Village Players' perform a comedy titled "A Slight Misunderstanding," during the Sunflower Seniors Got Talent Show on Monday, Sept. 18 at the Stiefel Theatre in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The 'Pine Village Players' perform a comedy titled "A Slight Misunderstanding," during the Sunflower Seniors Got Talent Show on Monday, Sept. 18 at the Stiefel Theatre in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>As the night continued, performances ranged from music to comedy acts, with the oldest performer, Bob Delk from 'Bob Delk and Friends' from Marion County, at 101."This sounded fun, and I'm geriatric too, so this interested me," said Bonnie Smith, a visitor from Pittsburg, KS. "It's been a good time."<h2>The Sunflower Fair, Tuesday, Sept. 19</h2>On Tuesday, NC-FH AAA began the Sunflower Fair at Tony's Pizza Event Center, where speakers, informational exhibits, health screenings, auctions and live music performers entertained patrons of the event."What we produce with the Sunflower Fair is a one-day event that features trustworthy information presented in an easy-to-understand way," Walter said.The last speaker to close out the event was Marci Penner, the executive director of the Kansas Sampler, who presented her second iteration of 'The Kansas Guidebook' at the Sunflower Fair.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695250483053.jpeg" alt="Marci Penner, executive director of the Kansas Sampler Foundation and author of "The Kansas Guidebook" speaks to the Sunflower Fair audience on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at the Tony's Pizza Event Center. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Marci Penner, executive director of the Kansas Sampler Foundation and author of "The Kansas Guidebook" speaks to the Sunflower Fair audience on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at the Tony's Pizza Event Center. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Penner encouraged the audience to utilize the guidebook to create their own Kansas road trips and enjoy the journey."It's not just about getting to your destination — you have to enjoy the road there too," Penner said. "And there's plenty of stops to go out and see."The Sunflower Fair provided 13 varied workshops throughout the day, covering topics like cybersecurity, information on Medicare benefits and gardening.Alongside the workshops, NC-FH AAA invited trusted businesses in the region to inform patrons of their organizations' services."Our focus is on helping older Kansans and people living with disabilities and their caregivers," Walter said. "And anyone who helps celebrate many more birthdays, come to this place."

The 2023 NC-FH AAA Sunflower Fair kicked off with new Sunflower Seniors Got Talent Show

Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Matilda The Musical&nbsp;is taking the page to the stage.&nbsp;

Experience this captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination, and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life.

On this episode of "King in the Community" I talk with the director of the musical and executive director of Theatre Salina, Michael Spicer about how this show came to life and what takeaways he has in regards to rehearsals leading up to the first weekend of performances.

For tickets and showtime information <a href="https://www.etix.com/ticket/o/5237/salina-community-theatre-kephart-theatre">click here</a>

Original songs by Tim Minchin,&nbsp;Matilda&nbsp;has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world.

Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher&nbsp;Miss Honey. During her first term at school, the two forge a bond as Miss Honey begins&nbsp;to recognize and appreciate Matilda’s extraordinary personality.&nbsp; Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves to punish&nbsp;those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!

Packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and an unforgettable star turn for a young actress,&nbsp;Matilda&nbsp;is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.

MATILDA –&nbsp;Caroline Hiatt / Maya Brown-Mereles TRUNCHBULL –&nbsp;&nbsp;Nathan King MS. HONEY –&nbsp;Kristina Freeland MR. WORMWOOD –&nbsp;Tim Burns MRS. WORMWOOD –&nbsp;Mary King MRS. PHELPS –&nbsp;Gin Hoffman PARTY CLOWN/ESCAPOLOGIST/SERGEI –&nbsp;Michael Freeland ACROBAT/COOK –&nbsp;Tasha Deiser MICHAEL WORMWOOD –&nbsp;Parker Anderson-Kepley DOCTOR/RUDOLPHO –&nbsp;Alex Engelland HENCHMAN –&nbsp;William Howe BRUCE –&nbsp;Dominic Freeland LAVENDER –&nbsp;Ryleigh Showman TOMMI –&nbsp;Vivienne Hoffman ERIC/RUSSIAN HENCHMAN –&nbsp;Atticus Reynolds NIGEL –&nbsp;Sam Reynolds HORTENSIA –&nbsp;Bristol Dooley AMANDA –&nbsp;Kahlan Metcalfe ALICE –&nbsp;Lily Leonard

ENSEMBLE Aria Jagodzinske Sloan Homelvig Mari Brown-Mereles Sarah Rosario William Howe Larkin French Tasha Deiser Zach Swanson Parker Anderson-Kepley

Production Sponsor –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.greatplainsmfg.com/" target="_blank">GREAT PLAINS MANUFACTURING</a>

Costume and Orchestra Sponsor –&nbsp;<a href="http://heritagesalina.com/" target="_blank">HERITAGE REAL ESTATE ADVISORS, LLC</a>

Visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://salinatheatre.com/get-involved/" target="_blank">Audition Page</a>&nbsp;for more information!

<div><iframe title="Theatre Salina presents, Matilda, Weekends Sept. 1-24" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=5dqrp-1491592-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div> By SALINA POSTInspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Matilda The Musical&nbsp;is taking the page to the stage.&nbsp;Experience this captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination, and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694869710336.jpeg" alt="Maya Brown-Mereles as Matilda " />
 <figcaption>Maya Brown-Mereles as Matilda </figcaption>
 </figure>On this episode of "King in the Community" I talk with the director of the musical and executive director of Theatre Salina, Michael Spicer about how this show came to life and what takeaways he has in regards to rehearsals leading up to the first weekend of performances.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694869820710.jpeg" alt="Caroline Hiatt as Matilda Images unless otherwise stated Courtesy of Heartland Photography" />
 <figcaption>Caroline Hiatt as Matilda Images unless otherwise stated Courtesy of Heartland Photography</figcaption>
 </figure>For tickets and showtime information <a href="https://www.etix.com/ticket/o/5237/salina-community-theatre-kephart-theatre">click here</a><h2>About Matilda</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693338374484.jpeg" alt="Theatre Salina Matildas, Maya Brown-Mereles and Caroline Hiatt Image Courtesy Theatre Salina" />
 <figcaption>Theatre Salina Matildas, Maya Brown-Mereles and Caroline Hiatt Image Courtesy Theatre Salina</figcaption>
 </figure>Original songs by Tim Minchin,&nbsp;Matilda&nbsp;has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694869868188.jpeg" alt="Tasha Deiser as the Acrobat, Michael &nbsp;Freeland as the Escapologist and Brown-Mereles as Matilda.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Tasha Deiser as the Acrobat, Michael &nbsp;Freeland as the Escapologist and Brown-Mereles as Matilda.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694870050929.jpeg" alt="Mary King as Mrs. Wormwood, Kristina Freeland as Miss Honey and Alex Engelland as Rudolpho" />
 <figcaption>Mary King as Mrs. Wormwood, Kristina Freeland as Miss Honey and Alex Engelland as Rudolpho</figcaption>
 </figure>Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher&nbsp;Miss Honey. During her first term at school, the two forge a bond as Miss Honey begins&nbsp;to recognize and appreciate Matilda’s extraordinary personality.&nbsp; Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves to punish&nbsp;those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694870182899.jpeg" alt="Hiatt as Matilda and Nathan King as Miss Trunchbull" />
 <figcaption>Hiatt as Matilda and Nathan King as Miss Trunchbull</figcaption>
 </figure>Packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and an unforgettable star turn for a young actress,&nbsp;Matilda&nbsp;is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.<h2>CAST</h2>MATILDA –&nbsp;Caroline Hiatt / Maya Brown-Mereles TRUNCHBULL –&nbsp;&nbsp;Nathan King MS. HONEY –&nbsp;Kristina Freeland MR. WORMWOOD –&nbsp;Tim Burns MRS. WORMWOOD –&nbsp;Mary King MRS. PHELPS –&nbsp;Gin Hoffman PARTY CLOWN/ESCAPOLOGIST/SERGEI –&nbsp;Michael Freeland ACROBAT/COOK –&nbsp;Tasha Deiser MICHAEL WORMWOOD –&nbsp;Parker Anderson-Kepley DOCTOR/RUDOLPHO –&nbsp;Alex Engelland HENCHMAN –&nbsp;William Howe BRUCE –&nbsp;Dominic Freeland LAVENDER –&nbsp;Ryleigh Showman TOMMI –&nbsp;Vivienne Hoffman ERIC/RUSSIAN HENCHMAN –&nbsp;Atticus Reynolds NIGEL –&nbsp;Sam Reynolds HORTENSIA –&nbsp;Bristol Dooley AMANDA –&nbsp;Kahlan Metcalfe ALICE –&nbsp;Lily LeonardENSEMBLE Aria Jagodzinske Sloan Homelvig Mari Brown-Mereles Sarah Rosario William Howe Larkin French Tasha Deiser Zach Swanson Parker Anderson-Kepley<h2>&nbsp;Corporate Partners</h2>Production Sponsor –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.greatplainsmfg.com/" target="_blank">GREAT PLAINS MANUFACTURING</a>Costume and Orchestra Sponsor –&nbsp;<a href="http://heritagesalina.com/" target="_blank">HERITAGE REAL ESTATE ADVISORS, LLC</a>NEXT TIME IT COULD BE YOU!Visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://salinatheatre.com/get-involved/" target="_blank">Audition Page</a>&nbsp;for more information!

Matilda the Musical showtimes at Theatre Salina

Abilene event organizers are finishing the last-minute preparations for the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/abileneoktoberfest"> 6th Annual Oktoberfest</a>. The family-friendly event is free to enter and will take place from Sept. 15-16 in downtown Abilene.&nbsp;

Jamie Greening, Abilene Oktoberfest organizer, said Friday night will have more activities than in previous years.&nbsp;

The festival kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday with activities, vendors, and performances by the Lazy Wayne Band. The Large Festival will kick off Saturday at 1:00 p.m. with live music and dancers from the <a href="http://blautaler.org/">KC Blautaler Schuhplattler</a> performing throughout the day.&nbsp;

At 5 p.m. Abilene's Mayor, Trevor&nbsp; Witt, along with all festival vendors, will tap the keg and start the Oktoberfest ceremony.&nbsp;

“This year we actually expanded from last year. We have more food vendors, crafts and Bier Gardens.&nbsp; Our children's section has games, bouncy houses, and train rides.&nbsp; &nbsp;Each year we are growing in numbers and activities," Greening said.&nbsp;

Heidi Anderson, Abilene Oktoberfest organizer, said thanks to the support of their sponsors, Abilene Oktoberfest is considered one of the most authentic celebrations in Kansas.&nbsp;

Greening said thanks to community support the event organizing group is looking at possibly making it a three-day event in the future.

Event sponsors include Kansas Best Realty and Marshall Motors-along with numerous local businesses and support from the City of Abilene.

Expanding its footprint from last year, Abilene Oktoberfest will take place at Little Ike Park on 3rd and Spruce Street in Abilene. Greening said it will be double the space they had for last year's event and they are expecting a larger crowd.&nbsp; 

"Last year we had visitors from about 10 different states," Greening said.

6 p.m. - Festival Begin with bounce houses, barrel train, food, drinks and vendors

3 p.m. - Hammerschlagen Competition&nbsp;

4 p.m. - Blautaler Schuhplattler of Kansas City performs&nbsp;

5:30 p.m. - Opening Ceremony with tapping of the keg by Mayor Trevor Witt

6 p.m. - Blautaler Schuhplattler of Kansas City Performs&nbsp;

7 p.m. - Stein Hoisting Competition&nbsp;

7:30 p.m. - Blautaler Schuhplattler of Kansas City performs

<div><iframe title="Abilene Oktoberfest, Jamie Greening" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=n6zse-14a3f42-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694555486403.jpeg" alt="The S V Blautaler dance group will perform at the 6th Annual Abilene Oktoberfest. Photos Courtesy&nbsp; Abilene Oktoberfest" />
 <figcaption>The S V Blautaler dance group will perform at the 6th Annual Abilene Oktoberfest. Photos Courtesy&nbsp; Abilene Oktoberfest</figcaption>
 </figure> By SALINA POST Abilene event organizers are finishing the last-minute preparations for the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/abileneoktoberfest"> 6th Annual Oktoberfest</a>. The family-friendly event is free to enter and will take place from Sept. 15-16 in downtown Abilene.&nbsp;Jamie Greening, Abilene Oktoberfest organizer, said Friday night will have more activities than in previous years.&nbsp;The festival kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday with activities, vendors, and performances by the Lazy Wayne Band. The Large Festival will kick off Saturday at 1:00 p.m. with live music and dancers from the <a href="http://blautaler.org/">KC Blautaler Schuhplattler</a> performing throughout the day.&nbsp; At 5 p.m. Abilene's Mayor, Trevor&nbsp; Witt, along with all festival vendors, will tap the keg and start the Oktoberfest ceremony.&nbsp;“This year we actually expanded from last year. We have more food vendors, crafts and Bier Gardens.&nbsp; Our children's section has games, bouncy houses, and train rides.&nbsp; &nbsp;Each year we are growing in numbers and activities," Greening said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694555686436.jpeg" alt="Photo from Abilene Oktoberfest last year.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo from Abilene Oktoberfest last year.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Heidi Anderson, Abilene Oktoberfest organizer, said thanks to the support of their sponsors, Abilene Oktoberfest is considered one of the most authentic celebrations in Kansas.&nbsp;Greening said thanks to community support the event organizing group is looking at possibly making it a three-day event in the future.Event sponsors include Kansas Best Realty and Marshall Motors-along with numerous local businesses and support from the City of Abilene.Expanding its footprint from last year, Abilene Oktoberfest will take place at Little Ike Park on 3rd and Spruce Street in Abilene. Greening said it will be double the space they had for last year's event and they are expecting a larger crowd.&nbsp; "Last year we had visitors from about 10 different states," Greening said.<h2>Oktoberfest Schedule</h2>Sept. 156 p.m. - Festival Begin with bounce houses, barrel train, food, drinks and vendors7 p.m. - Lazy Wayne Band on main stageSept. 161 p.m. - Festival Opens2 p.m. - Cornhole Tournament&nbsp;3 p.m. - Hammerschlagen Competition&nbsp;4 p.m. - Blautaler Schuhplattler of Kansas City performs&nbsp;4:30 p.m. - Keg Races5:30 p.m. - Opening Ceremony with tapping of the keg by Mayor Trevor Witt6 p.m. - Blautaler Schuhplattler of Kansas City Performs&nbsp;7 p.m. - Stein Hoisting Competition&nbsp;7:30 p.m. - Blautaler Schuhplattler of Kansas City performs8:30 p.m. - Paramount 80’s Band

An authentic German experience, Abilene Oktoberfest Sept. 15-16

Writer-director Celine Song makes a stunning debut with a romance that is deeply affecting, yet solidly connected to the real world. 

This kind of emotional resonance, without a fairytale setting, quirky plot contrivances, or whimsical silliness is decidedly unusual in modern cinema—some call them “love stories for grown-ups,” and Hollywood hasn’t been comfortable making them since Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer lit up the screen.

 Sincere but realistic romantic dramas are difficult to pull off in our current age of irony, but when they’re done well—like&nbsp;Past Lives—they’re absolutely unforgettable. Song’s love story is a triptych, portraying two soulmates,&nbsp;Na Youn and Hae Sung,&nbsp;in their adolescence, young adulthood, and then approaching middle age. 

With each chapter, their connection becomes more vivid and absorbing, despite the fact they’re physically separated so long—Na Youn (renaming herself “Nora”) moves to New York, marries a writer, and becomes a renowned playwright herself. Hae Sung, who remained in South Korea, re-connects with Nora through Facebook. Sparks are rekindled. Past, present, and future begin to merge. Nora’s attraction is tempered by moral qualms but also, subtly, a desire to distance herself from her native country. But as Song suggests, our present selves are inextricably bound to our past selves, like being in a constant state of reincarnation. 

Other films would’ve treated such ideas as magic (or worse, as “Asian mysticism”); but&nbsp;Past Lives&nbsp;is intriguingly philosophical without ever smothering the heart of its romance. Greta Lee and Teo Yoo are wonderful as the adult Nora and Hae Sung, conveying more passion and intimacy through Skype conversations than most actors can muster in sweaty embraces. 

Forbidden love is perhaps the most intoxicating kind, and&nbsp;Past Lives&nbsp;tantalizes viewers before culminating in an unexpected, powerful emotional climax.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694106547823.jpeg" alt="Past Lives movie poster Image Courtesy Salina Art Center" />
 <figcaption>Past Lives movie poster Image Courtesy Salina Art Center</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTWriter-director Celine Song makes a stunning debut with a romance that is deeply affecting, yet solidly connected to the real world. This kind of emotional resonance, without a fairytale setting, quirky plot contrivances, or whimsical silliness is decidedly unusual in modern cinema—some call them “love stories for grown-ups,” and Hollywood hasn’t been comfortable making them since Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer lit up the screen. Sincere but realistic romantic dramas are difficult to pull off in our current age of irony, but when they’re done well—like&nbsp;Past Lives—they’re absolutely unforgettable. Song’s love story is a triptych, portraying two soulmates,&nbsp;Na Youn and Hae Sung,&nbsp;in their adolescence, young adulthood, and then approaching middle age. With each chapter, their connection becomes more vivid and absorbing, despite the fact they’re physically separated so long—Na Youn (renaming herself “Nora”) moves to New York, marries a writer, and becomes a renowned playwright herself. Hae Sung, who remained in South Korea, re-connects with Nora through Facebook. Sparks are rekindled. Past, present, and future begin to merge. Nora’s attraction is tempered by moral qualms but also, subtly, a desire to distance herself from her native country. But as Song suggests, our present selves are inextricably bound to our past selves, like being in a constant state of reincarnation. Other films would’ve treated such ideas as magic (or worse, as “Asian mysticism”); but&nbsp;Past Lives&nbsp;is intriguingly philosophical without ever smothering the heart of its romance. Greta Lee and Teo Yoo are wonderful as the adult Nora and Hae Sung, conveying more passion and intimacy through Skype conversations than most actors can muster in sweaty embraces. Forbidden love is perhaps the most intoxicating kind, and&nbsp;Past Lives&nbsp;tantalizes viewers before culminating in an unexpected, powerful emotional climax.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rated PG-13 for profanity.In English and Korean with subtitles.105 Minutes<h2>SPONSORED BY</h2>AD ASTRA BOOKS &amp; COFFEEHOUSEBRIGID, QUINT, JAMIE &amp; JOHN HALLEQUITY BANKGREATER SALINA COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONWEDEL FINANCIAL GROUP

Salina Arts Center Cinema presents, 'Past Lives' Sept. 8-13

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Steve Harwell, the longtime frontman of the Grammy-nominated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/28dcd9f7453f48388318514f52c6281a" target="_blank">pop rock band Smash Mouth</a>&nbsp;has died. He was 56.

The band’s manager, Robert Hayes, said Harwell “passed peacefully and comfortably” Monday morning surrounded by family and friends at his home in Boise, Idaho. The cause of death was acute liver failure, Hayes said in a statement.

Smash Mouth was known for hits including “All star” and “Then the morning comes.”

"Steve Harwell was a true American Original. A larger than life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle,” Hayes said. “Steve should be remembered for his unwavering focus and impassioned determination to reach the heights of pop stardom.”

Born in California in 1967, Harwell performed in a rap group called F.O.S. (Freedom of Speech) before forming Smash Mouth in 1994. The band released&nbsp;<a href="https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&amp;se=smash+mouth#search_section" target="_blank">two platinum albums</a>&nbsp;on Interscope Records, the ska-fueled 1997’s “Fush Yu Mang” and 1999’s “Astro Lounge.” The second album featured some of the band’s biggest hits, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grammy.com/artists/smash-mouth/15922" target="_blank">Grammy-nominated</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&amp;se=smash+mouth#search_section" target="_blank">platinum single “All Star,”</a>&nbsp;which appeared in the movie “Shrek” alongside their cover of the Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.”

Humor was a driving force behind Smash Mouth’s success, and at the forefront was Harwell’s playful alt-rock voice and persona. He made a cameo in 2001 comedy film “Rat Race,” and had a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eater.com/2019/4/1/18290400/guy-fieri-smash-mouth" target="_blank">well-documented friendship</a>&nbsp;with the Food Network chef and host Guy Fieri.

“His only tools were his irrepressible charm and charisma, his fearlessly reckless ambition, and his king-size cajones,” Hayes said. “Steve lived a 100% full-throttle life. Burning brightly across the universe before burning out.”

“He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him,” he said.

Harwell left Smash Mouth in 2021 and the band continued to tour with Zach Goode as the singer. The band&nbsp;<a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/smash-mouth-singer-steve-harwell-retires-health-issues-9644066/" target="_blank">released a statement</a>&nbsp;at the time saying Harwell had been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy eight years earlier and had suffered “nonstop serious medical setbacks including heart failure as well as acute Wernicke Encephalopathy.”

Hayes had released a statement on Sunday saying Harwell was in hospice care.

Harwell will be cremated in Boise and buried in San Jose, California, alongside his mother, Hayes said.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Steve Harwell, the longtime frontman of the Grammy-nominated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/28dcd9f7453f48388318514f52c6281a" target="_blank">pop rock band Smash Mouth</a>&nbsp;has died. He was 56.The band’s manager, Robert Hayes, said Harwell “passed peacefully and comfortably” Monday morning surrounded by family and friends at his home in Boise, Idaho. The cause of death was acute liver failure, Hayes said in a statement.Smash Mouth was known for hits including “All star” and “Then the morning comes.”"Steve Harwell was a true American Original. A larger than life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle,” Hayes said. “Steve should be remembered for his unwavering focus and impassioned determination to reach the heights of pop stardom.”Born in California in 1967, Harwell performed in a rap group called F.O.S. (Freedom of Speech) before forming Smash Mouth in 1994. The band released&nbsp;<a href="https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&amp;se=smash+mouth#search_section" target="_blank">two platinum albums</a>&nbsp;on Interscope Records, the ska-fueled 1997’s “Fush Yu Mang” and 1999’s “Astro Lounge.” The second album featured some of the band’s biggest hits, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grammy.com/artists/smash-mouth/15922" target="_blank">Grammy-nominated</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&amp;se=smash+mouth#search_section" target="_blank">platinum single “All Star,”</a>&nbsp;which appeared in the movie “Shrek” alongside their cover of the Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.”Humor was a driving force behind Smash Mouth’s success, and at the forefront was Harwell’s playful alt-rock voice and persona. He made a cameo in 2001 comedy film “Rat Race,” and had a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eater.com/2019/4/1/18290400/guy-fieri-smash-mouth" target="_blank">well-documented friendship</a>&nbsp;with the Food Network chef and host Guy Fieri.“His only tools were his irrepressible charm and charisma, his fearlessly reckless ambition, and his king-size cajones,” Hayes said. “Steve lived a 100% full-throttle life. Burning brightly across the universe before burning out.”“He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him,” he said.Harwell left Smash Mouth in 2021 and the band continued to tour with Zach Goode as the singer. The band&nbsp;<a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/smash-mouth-singer-steve-harwell-retires-health-issues-9644066/" target="_blank">released a statement</a>&nbsp;at the time saying Harwell had been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy eight years earlier and had suffered “nonstop serious medical setbacks including heart failure as well as acute Wernicke Encephalopathy.”Hayes had released a statement on Sunday saying Harwell was in hospice care.Harwell will be cremated in Boise and buried in San Jose, California, alongside his mother, Hayes said.

Smash Mouth frontman Steve Harwell dies at 56

Sir Ben Kingsley has played gangsters, artists, a Marvel movie villain, and Mahatma Gandhi. But strangely enough, it’s his portrayal of Milton Robinson, a lonely widower frittering away his remaining years in a sleepy town in Pennsylvania, which just might be his&nbsp;tour de force.

Friday showtimes 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Saturday showtimes 2:00 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Sunday showtimes 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

 Estranged from his son, Milton’s at least on polite, though rather distant, terms with his grown daughter (Zöe Winters). But as he approaches the early stages of Alzheimer’s, Milton’s got little to energize him except for the weekly town hall meetings where he asserts himself with petty grievances. In other words, this is a character familiar to us, a type that’s irritating at times but also rather sad. And Kingsley, with middle-America accent and withdrawn, nervous demeanor, is sublime and totally relatable as a fellow who just wants to be noticed (but not too much). In director Marc Turtletaub’s low-key comedy, Milton gets his wish when an alien crashes in his backyard. Sort of like a version of&nbsp;E.T.&nbsp;for seniors, Milton and two acquaintances, Sandy (Harriett Sansom Harris) and Joyce (Jane Curtin), decide to nurse the injured alien (stuntwoman Jade Quon) back to health while keeping its presence a secret. 

Though “Jules” (as two members of the trio dub the creature) never speaks, its silent, fascinated bemusement with our world is engaging and sympathetic. The real joy, though, is to see a sci-fi/comedy driven by older actors, bringing unique emotional insights into issues like aging, mortality, family, and the challenges of making “human” connections. Kingsley, Curtin, and Martin have terrific chemistry and help ground the potential wackiness of the film’s premise, giving&nbsp;Jules&nbsp;genuine sweetness without any saccharin.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693513595178.jpeg" alt="Poster for 'Jules'" />
 <figcaption>Poster for 'Jules'</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Arts Center CinemaSir Ben Kingsley has played gangsters, artists, a Marvel movie villain, and Mahatma Gandhi. But strangely enough, it’s his portrayal of Milton Robinson, a lonely widower frittering away his remaining years in a sleepy town in Pennsylvania, which just might be his&nbsp;tour de force.<h2>"Jules" Showtimes</h2>Friday showtimes 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.Saturday showtimes 2:00 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday showtimes 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.<h2>About Jules</h2> Estranged from his son, Milton’s at least on polite, though rather distant, terms with his grown daughter (Zöe Winters). But as he approaches the early stages of Alzheimer’s, Milton’s got little to energize him except for the weekly town hall meetings where he asserts himself with petty grievances. In other words, this is a character familiar to us, a type that’s irritating at times but also rather sad. And Kingsley, with middle-America accent and withdrawn, nervous demeanor, is sublime and totally relatable as a fellow who just wants to be noticed (but not too much). In director Marc Turtletaub’s low-key comedy, Milton gets his wish when an alien crashes in his backyard. Sort of like a version of&nbsp;E.T.&nbsp;for seniors, Milton and two acquaintances, Sandy (Harriett Sansom Harris) and Joyce (Jane Curtin), decide to nurse the injured alien (stuntwoman Jade Quon) back to health while keeping its presence a secret. Though “Jules” (as two members of the trio dub the creature) never speaks, its silent, fascinated bemusement with our world is engaging and sympathetic. The real joy, though, is to see a sci-fi/comedy driven by older actors, bringing unique emotional insights into issues like aging, mortality, family, and the challenges of making “human” connections. Kingsley, Curtin, and Martin have terrific chemistry and help ground the potential wackiness of the film’s premise, giving&nbsp;Jules&nbsp;genuine sweetness without any saccharin.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Rated PG-13 for profanity.)Runtime: 87 Minutes

Salina Arts Cinema showing 'Jules' this weekend

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Jason Sims, Motorcycle Cannonball organizer, about the upcoming event

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cm_Q9p6k63E?si=uFztXVOfOP5pEXoH" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Jason Sims, Motorcycle Cannonball organizer, about the upcoming event

🎤 Forward Ever: Mr. Motorcycle Cannonball, Jason Sims

The Song of Bernadette helped make the French village of Lourdes world-famous, a favorite destination for travelers in need of some direct spiritual guidance—or divine intervention.

<a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/nowplaying">Showtimes and ticket information click here.</a>

Irish director Thaddeus O’Sullivan pokes gentle fun at the inevitable commercialization of this tourist haunt, but he’s quite empathetic to the genuine hope, torment, and fear that drives many of the devout into the Pyrenees to find solace. This comedy-drama set in 1967 is a study of human emotions, all played by a wonderful quartet: Laura Linney, Kathy Bates, Dame Maggie Smith, and Agnes O’Casey. Linney is Chrissie, who was forced to leave her Irish village as a teenager (for reasons we can probably guess).

 A memorial service for her mother Maureen prompts her return from America to Ireland, and her appearance raises guilt and suspicion in both Lily (Smith) and Eileen (Bates), two friends of Maureen’s. Dolly (O’Casey) is a slightly younger neighbor who joins them for a sometimes rocky pilgrimage. 

All four women have their own, personal pain they half-hope will be magically healed in Lourdes, though Chrissie is a skeptic who has reasons for her cynicism. The dramatic revelations of the female leads are nicely offset by scenes of the menfolk (including Stephen Rea) back in the village, comically fumbling in their attempts at basic chores. It’s corny and old-fashioned but in this case, “corny” is also refreshingly earnest and compassionate, especially when the four women discover that their shared humanity effaces their outward differences.

 It’s a beautifully acted, sublimely funny and tender film with moments—like Maggie Smith and Kathy Bates belting out a rendition of “He’s So Fine” at a church event—that remind us of their effortless star power.

(Rated PG-13 for mature themes and some profanity.) | 91 minutes

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692895774226.jpeg" alt="The Miracle Club" />
 <figcaption>The Miracle Club</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>THE MIRACLE CLUB</h2>The Song of Bernadette helped make the French village of Lourdes world-famous, a favorite destination for travelers in need of some direct spiritual guidance—or divine intervention.<a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/nowplaying">Showtimes and ticket information click here.</a><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p07NKTaL51E?si=qspaAy1U8uZVqp2A" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>Irish director Thaddeus O’Sullivan pokes gentle fun at the inevitable commercialization of this tourist haunt, but he’s quite empathetic to the genuine hope, torment, and fear that drives many of the devout into the Pyrenees to find solace. This comedy-drama set in 1967 is a study of human emotions, all played by a wonderful quartet: Laura Linney, Kathy Bates, Dame Maggie Smith, and Agnes O’Casey. Linney is Chrissie, who was forced to leave her Irish village as a teenager (for reasons we can probably guess). A memorial service for her mother Maureen prompts her return from America to Ireland, and her appearance raises guilt and suspicion in both Lily (Smith) and Eileen (Bates), two friends of Maureen’s. Dolly (O’Casey) is a slightly younger neighbor who joins them for a sometimes rocky pilgrimage. All four women have their own, personal pain they half-hope will be magically healed in Lourdes, though Chrissie is a skeptic who has reasons for her cynicism. The dramatic revelations of the female leads are nicely offset by scenes of the menfolk (including Stephen Rea) back in the village, comically fumbling in their attempts at basic chores. It’s corny and old-fashioned but in this case, “corny” is also refreshingly earnest and compassionate, especially when the four women discover that their shared humanity effaces their outward differences. It’s a beautifully acted, sublimely funny and tender film with moments—like Maggie Smith and Kathy Bates belting out a rendition of “He’s So Fine” at a church event—that remind us of their effortless star power.(Rated PG-13 for mature themes and some profanity.) | 91 minutes <h2>SPONSORED BY </h2>AD ASTRA BOOKS &amp; COFFEEHOUSE BRIGID, QUINT, JAMIE &amp; JOHN HALL EQUITY BANK GREATER SALINA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WEDEL FINANCIAL GROUP

Salina Art Center Cinema now showing 'The Miracle Club'

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jason-aldean">Jason Aldean</a>&nbsp;'s “Try That in a Small Town” is experiencing exponential growth following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jason-aldean-try-that-small-town-video-b164d61b0293318cefc4538206464ced">controversy over its music video</a>.

“Try That in a Small Town,” which was released in May, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week just behind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bts-beyond-story-book-review-8ac9f997817252d43bb9753de0e1c8e6">BTS’s Jung Kook</a>&nbsp;solo single “Seven,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2023-song-of-summer-predictions-411d7738986212bb7ffb06e8f3893408">featuring Latto</a>. The track experienced the biggest sales week for a country song in over 10 years.

According to Luminate, the song hit 11.7 million on-demand audio and video streams between July 14 and 20, marking a 1,000% increase from the previous week. Prior to the music video release on July 14, the track accounted for 987,000 streams in the U.S.

Digital song sales increased from 1,000 to 228,000, in those same weeks, respectively.

The music video for the song lasted just one weekend on Country Music Television before the network pulled it in response to an outcry over its setting and lyrics. When the network removed the video from its rotation, it had 350,000 views on YouTube. Now that number is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY">now over 16 million</a>, and it is the No. 1 trending video under the “music” category.

In the visual, Aldean — who has been awarded country music&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d941899353c345d99116f3088e4c29af">artist of the decade</a>&nbsp;by the Academy of Country Music — performs in front of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFl4tmi8cbE">Maury County Courthouse</a>&nbsp;in Columbia, Tennessee. It is the site of the 1946 Columbia race riot and the 1927 mob lynching of an 18-year-old Black teenager named Henry Choate.

Aldean’s video received fervent criticism online, with some claiming the visual is a “dog whistle” and others labeling it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/19/arts/music/jason-aldean-try-that-in-a-small-town-cmt.html">“pro-lynching.”</a>

“There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it- and there isn’t a single video clip that isn’t real news footage -and while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music- this one goes too far,” Aldean wrote in a tweet posted Tuesday.

“Cuss out a cop, spit in his face / Stomp on the flag and light it up / Yeah, ya think you’re tough,” Aldean sings on the track, written by Neil Thrasher, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, and Kelley Lovelace. “Got a gun that my granddad gave me / They say one day they’re gonna round up / Well, that (expletive) might fly in the city, good luck / Try that in a small town.”

On Friday, July 21, while performing at Cincinnati's Riverbend Music Center, Aldean addressed the audience with “Cancel culture is a thing... which means try and ruin your life, ruin everything. One thing I saw this week was a bunch of country music fans that could see through a lot of the bulls---, all right?", according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/2023/07/23/jason-aldean-defends-try-that-in-a-small-town-in-cincinnati-ohio/70452887007/">“The Columbus Dispatch.”</a>

For those wondering if he would play the song live, he said, “The answer is simple. The people have spoken and you guys spoke very, very loudly,” he said, before launching into the song.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jason-aldean">Jason Aldean</a>&nbsp;'s “Try That in a Small Town” is experiencing exponential growth following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jason-aldean-try-that-small-town-video-b164d61b0293318cefc4538206464ced">controversy over its music video</a>.“Try That in a Small Town,” which was released in May, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week just behind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bts-beyond-story-book-review-8ac9f997817252d43bb9753de0e1c8e6">BTS’s Jung Kook</a>&nbsp;solo single “Seven,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2023-song-of-summer-predictions-411d7738986212bb7ffb06e8f3893408">featuring Latto</a>. The track experienced the biggest sales week for a country song in over 10 years.According to Luminate, the song hit 11.7 million on-demand audio and video streams between July 14 and 20, marking a 1,000% increase from the previous week. Prior to the music video release on July 14, the track accounted for 987,000 streams in the U.S.Digital song sales increased from 1,000 to 228,000, in those same weeks, respectively.The music video for the song lasted just one weekend on Country Music Television before the network pulled it in response to an outcry over its setting and lyrics. When the network removed the video from its rotation, it had 350,000 views on YouTube. Now that number is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY">now over 16 million</a>, and it is the No. 1 trending video under the “music” category.In the visual, Aldean — who has been awarded country music&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d941899353c345d99116f3088e4c29af">artist of the decade</a>&nbsp;by the Academy of Country Music — performs in front of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFl4tmi8cbE">Maury County Courthouse</a>&nbsp;in Columbia, Tennessee. It is the site of the 1946 Columbia race riot and the 1927 mob lynching of an 18-year-old Black teenager named Henry Choate.Aldean’s video received fervent criticism online, with some claiming the visual is a “dog whistle” and others labeling it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/19/arts/music/jason-aldean-try-that-in-a-small-town-cmt.html">“pro-lynching.”</a>“There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it- and there isn’t a single video clip that isn’t real news footage -and while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music- this one goes too far,” Aldean wrote in a tweet posted Tuesday.“Cuss out a cop, spit in his face / Stomp on the flag and light it up / Yeah, ya think you’re tough,” Aldean sings on the track, written by Neil Thrasher, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, and Kelley Lovelace. “Got a gun that my granddad gave me / They say one day they’re gonna round up / Well, that (expletive) might fly in the city, good luck / Try that in a small town.”On Friday, July 21, while performing at Cincinnati's Riverbend Music Center, Aldean addressed the audience with “Cancel culture is a thing... which means try and ruin your life, ruin everything. One thing I saw this week was a bunch of country music fans that could see through a lot of the bulls---, all right?", according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/2023/07/23/jason-aldean-defends-try-that-in-a-small-town-in-cincinnati-ohio/70452887007/">“The Columbus Dispatch.”</a>For those wondering if he would play the song live, he said, “The answer is simple. The people have spoken and you guys spoke very, very loudly,” he said, before launching into the song.

Jason Aldean's 'Try That in a Small Town' rockets to No. 2 on charts after controversy

NASHVILLE (AP) —Country music star&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jason-aldean">Jason Aldean</a>&nbsp;'s latest <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">music video</a> for “Try That In A Small Town," lasted just one weekend on Country Music Television before the network pulled it in response to an outcry over its setting and lyrics.

In the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">video</a>, Aldean — who has been awarded country music&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d941899353c345d99116f3088e4c29af">artist of the decade</a>&nbsp;by the Academy of Country Music — performs in front of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFl4tmi8cbE">Maury County Courthouse</a>&nbsp;in Columbia, Tennessee. This is the site of the 1946 Columbia race riot and the 1927 mob lynching of an 18-year-old Black teenager named Henry Choate.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">Aldean's video,</a> which was released last Friday, has received fervent criticism online, with some claiming the visual is a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/laurkatrad/status/1680777937686077443">“dog whistle”</a>&nbsp;and others labeling it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/19/arts/music/jason-aldean-try-that-in-a-small-town-cmt.html">“pro-lynching.”</a>

Interspersed between performance footage of Aldean are news clips of violent riots and flag burnings. A Fox News chyron reads: “State of emergency declared in Georgia."

“Cuss out a cop, spit in his face / Stomp on the flag and light it up / Yeah, ya think you’re tough,” Aldean, who is from Macon, Georgia, sings. "Got a gun that my granddad gave me / They say one day they’re gonna round up / Well, that shit might fly in the city, good luck / Try that in a small town."

“There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it- and there isn’t a single <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">video clip</a> that isn’t real news footage -and while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music- this one goes too far,” Aldean wrote in a tweet posted Tuesday.

The production company behind <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">the video</a>, Tacklebox, said in a statement Wednesday that it picked a ”popular filming location outside of Nashville” that had been used on numerous productions, including holiday films starring Tanya Tucker and one starring Mario Lopez and Jana Kramer.

“Any alternative narrative suggesting the music video's location decision is false," the company said, adding that Aldean did not choose the location.

Aldean has long identified as conservative, and has been&nbsp;<a href="https://countrynow.com/jason-aldean-and-brittany-aldean-ring-in-new-year-with-donald-trump-at-mar-a-lago-party-dream-night/">a vocal supporter</a>&nbsp;of former President Donald Trump. “My political views have never been something I’ve hidden from,” he tweeted Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">The video</a> and its subsequent removal from CMT quickly blew up into one of the periodic culture war clashes, with several conservative figures speaking out in favor of Aldean — including Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert.

This isn't the first time Aldean has been at the center of controversy. In 2015, he made headlines for dressing as rapper Lil Wayne as a Halloween costume,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/613b0120a905418684fd0ab09cc83fce">wearing blackface makeup</a>&nbsp;and a wig with dreadlocks.

In 2017, the country singer was on stage at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-jason-aldean-las-vegas-mass-shooting-30c3bca1b28e616b8560818ee89a5917">the Route 91 Festival</a>&nbsp;in Las Vegas during the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Over the years, Aldean has given conflicting statements about his stance on U.S. gun laws, though his music celebrates gun ownership.

“It’s too easy to get guns, first and foremost,” he told The Associated Press after the Las Vegas shooting. “When you can walk in somewhere and you can get one in 5 minutes, do a background check that takes 5 minutes, like how in-depth is that background check? Those are the issues I have. It’s not necessarily the guns themselves or that I don’t think people should have guns. I have a lot of them.”

“In the past 24 hours I have been accused of releasing a pro-lynching song (a song that has been out since May) and was subject to the comparison that I (direct quote) was not too pleased with the nationwide BLM protests," Aldean said on Twitter Tuesday. "These references are not only meritless, but dangerous."

A CMT spokesperson did not immediately respond to AP's request for comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689875863323.png" alt="Image from the video" />
 <figcaption>Image from the video</figcaption>
 </figure>NASHVILLE (AP) —Country music star&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jason-aldean">Jason Aldean</a>&nbsp;'s latest <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">music video</a> for “Try That In A Small Town," lasted just one weekend on Country Music Television before the network pulled it in response to an outcry over its setting and lyrics.In the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">video</a>, Aldean — who has been awarded country music&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d941899353c345d99116f3088e4c29af">artist of the decade</a>&nbsp;by the Academy of Country Music — performs in front of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFl4tmi8cbE">Maury County Courthouse</a>&nbsp;in Columbia, Tennessee. This is the site of the 1946 Columbia race riot and the 1927 mob lynching of an 18-year-old Black teenager named Henry Choate.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">Aldean's video,</a> which was released last Friday, has received fervent criticism online, with some claiming the visual is a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/laurkatrad/status/1680777937686077443">“dog whistle”</a>&nbsp;and others labeling it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/19/arts/music/jason-aldean-try-that-in-a-small-town-cmt.html">“pro-lynching.”</a>Interspersed between performance footage of Aldean are news clips of violent riots and flag burnings. A Fox News chyron reads: “State of emergency declared in Georgia."“Cuss out a cop, spit in his face / Stomp on the flag and light it up / Yeah, ya think you’re tough,” Aldean, who is from Macon, Georgia, sings. "Got a gun that my granddad gave me / They say one day they’re gonna round up / Well, that shit might fly in the city, good luck / Try that in a small town."“There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it- and there isn’t a single <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">video clip</a> that isn’t real news footage -and while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music- this one goes too far,” Aldean wrote in a tweet posted Tuesday.The production company behind <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">the video</a>, Tacklebox, said in a statement Wednesday that it picked a ”popular filming location outside of Nashville” that had been used on numerous productions, including holiday films starring Tanya Tucker and one starring Mario Lopez and Jana Kramer.“Any alternative narrative suggesting the music video's location decision is false," the company said, adding that Aldean did not choose the location.Aldean has long identified as conservative, and has been&nbsp;<a href="https://countrynow.com/jason-aldean-and-brittany-aldean-ring-in-new-year-with-donald-trump-at-mar-a-lago-party-dream-night/">a vocal supporter</a>&nbsp;of former President Donald Trump. “My political views have never been something I’ve hidden from,” he tweeted Tuesday.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">The video</a> and its subsequent removal from CMT quickly blew up into one of the periodic culture war clashes, with several conservative figures speaking out in favor of Aldean — including Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert.This isn't the first time Aldean has been at the center of controversy. In 2015, he made headlines for dressing as rapper Lil Wayne as a Halloween costume,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/613b0120a905418684fd0ab09cc83fce">wearing blackface makeup</a>&nbsp;and a wig with dreadlocks.In 2017, the country singer was on stage at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-jason-aldean-las-vegas-mass-shooting-30c3bca1b28e616b8560818ee89a5917">the Route 91 Festival</a>&nbsp;in Las Vegas during the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Over the years, Aldean has given conflicting statements about his stance on U.S. gun laws, though his music celebrates gun ownership.“It’s too easy to get guns, first and foremost,” he told The Associated Press after the Las Vegas shooting. “When you can walk in somewhere and you can get one in 5 minutes, do a background check that takes 5 minutes, like how in-depth is that background check? Those are the issues I have. It’s not necessarily the guns themselves or that I don’t think people should have guns. I have a lot of them.”“In the past 24 hours I have been accused of releasing a pro-lynching song (a song that has been out since May) and was subject to the comparison that I (direct quote) was not too pleased with the nationwide BLM protests," Aldean said on Twitter Tuesday. "These references are not only meritless, but dangerous."A CMT spokesperson did not immediately respond to AP's request for comment.

Jason Aldean music video lasted 1 week on country music network

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Melinda Merrill on&nbsp;Wilson's Czech Festival.

For more information about the 2023 Czech Fest, including a full calendar of events, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://wilsonczechfest.com/">wilsonczechfest.com.</a>

-The original version of this identified Melinda Merrill as Director of the Czech Festival.&nbsp; The festival has wonderful volunteer committee that is co-chaired by Susan Kriley and Kate Schiermeyer. 

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1JfYJm30qLA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Melinda Merrill on&nbsp;Wilson's Czech Festival.For more information about the 2023 Czech Fest, including a full calendar of events, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://wilsonczechfest.com/">wilsonczechfest.com.</a>-The original version of this identified Melinda Merrill as Director of the Czech Festival.&nbsp; The festival has wonderful volunteer committee that is co-chaired by Susan Kriley and Kate Schiermeyer.

Correction: Forward Ever: Melinda Merrill on Wilson's Czech Fest 

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The category? “Proper Name.” The answer? Ryan Seacrest, who will become the new “Wheel of Fortune” host after Pat Sajak's retirement next year.

Seacrest and Sony Pictures Television announced Tuesday that Seacrest has signed a multiyear deal to host the long-running game show starting with Season 42. Sajak&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pat-sajak-retirement-wheel-of-fortune-d64841758855e579b3d6254b5314fc17">recently announced</a>&nbsp;the upcoming 41st season would be his last on the show.

It's the latest hosting gig for Seacrest, the popular “American Idol” host who also now rings in the new year for many on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”

“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak," Seacrest said in a statement. “I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.”

Seacrest in his statement also praised Vanna White, another mainstay of “Wheel of Fortune,” and signaled she would remain on the show after Sajak's retirement. Both White and Sajak have been on the show since the early 1980s.

"I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White,” Seacrest's statement said. He also said he was looking to learn as much as possible from Sajak during the transition period.

The show tapes in Southern California, where Seacrest also hosts a popular nationally syndicated morning drivetime radio show. In February, Seacrest announced he would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/television-tv-kelly-ripa-ryan-seacrest-dick-clark-fe381d4752a8ad18272a4707151deef0">leave the New York-based televised morning show</a>&nbsp;“Live with Kelly and Ryan” after six years. Kelly Ripa now hosts that show with her husband Mark Consuelos.

Sajak, 76, has presided over the game show, in which contestants guess letters to try to fill out words and phrases in pursuit of money and prizes, since 1981. He took over duties from Chuck Woolery, who was the show’s host when it debuted in 1975. The show started out as a daytime game show but became a syndicated nightly telecast in 1983, making Sajak and White the main faces of “Wheel of Fortune” for viewers for four decades.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The category? “Proper Name.” The answer? Ryan Seacrest, who will become the new “Wheel of Fortune” host after Pat Sajak's retirement next year.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fwheeloffortune%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02AqUDV3TiwrBr8YgUCT26tWhipAi1KPjQKu9cDQ7iFjDvtVkPxSRpqcHS1pWPteT1l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="609" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Seacrest and Sony Pictures Television announced Tuesday that Seacrest has signed a multiyear deal to host the long-running game show starting with Season 42. Sajak&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pat-sajak-retirement-wheel-of-fortune-d64841758855e579b3d6254b5314fc17">recently announced</a>&nbsp;the upcoming 41st season would be his last on the show.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Wheel of Fortune <a href="https://t.co/pQeTpWsPx7">pic.twitter.com/pQeTpWsPx7</a>&mdash; Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanSeacrest/status/1673734940465283077?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>It's the latest hosting gig for Seacrest, the popular “American Idol” host who also now rings in the new year for many on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak," Seacrest said in a statement. “I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.”Seacrest in his statement also praised Vanna White, another mainstay of “Wheel of Fortune,” and signaled she would remain on the show after Sajak's retirement. Both White and Sajak have been on the show since the early 1980s."I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White,” Seacrest's statement said. He also said he was looking to learn as much as possible from Sajak during the transition period.The show tapes in Southern California, where Seacrest also hosts a popular nationally syndicated morning drivetime radio show. In February, Seacrest announced he would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/television-tv-kelly-ripa-ryan-seacrest-dick-clark-fe381d4752a8ad18272a4707151deef0">leave the New York-based televised morning show</a>&nbsp;“Live with Kelly and Ryan” after six years. Kelly Ripa now hosts that show with her husband Mark Consuelos.Sajak, 76, has presided over the game show, in which contestants guess letters to try to fill out words and phrases in pursuit of money and prizes, since 1981. He took over duties from Chuck Woolery, who was the show’s host when it debuted in 1975. The show started out as a daytime game show but became a syndicated nightly telecast in 1983, making Sajak and White the main faces of “Wheel of Fortune” for viewers for four decades.

Wheel of Fortune: Ryan Seacrest will host after Pat Sajak retires

🎤 Forward Ever: State Library of Kansas director of reference Cindy Roupe

By LINDSEY BAHR AP Film Writer

LAS
 VEGAS — The words “impressive” and “awesome” were common refrains 
from a group of entertainment reporters who were among the first to see 
the upcoming DC superhero movie “The Flash.”

Warner Bros. screened
 the film for the first time at CinemaCon Tuesday for theater owners, 
exhibitors and reporters attending the annual trade show and industry 
conference.

Reviews are embargoed until a later date – the film, 
the studio said, is not completely finished – but viewers were able to 
post reactions on social media as soon as the credits rolled.

Brian
 Welk of Indiewire wrote that “it played very well,” pointing out that 
there were more than a few screams and gasps in the packed theater.

Film
 critic Jordan Hoffman tweeted that it was, “far more madcap than I 
expected. Really nailed what reading a 5-issue crossover comic book is 
like. Tons of Ezra Miller being zany and time paradox stuff. Nerds will 
lose their minds at the ending.”

“The Playlist’s” Greg Ellwood 
wrote that it was “very good” and that Miller was “great,” while Scott 
Mantz went a step further declaring that it’s “one of the very best DC 
movies, a perfect blend of action, heart &amp; humor.”

Erik Davis,
 of Fandango, wrote on Twitter that it is “tremendous" and that it is 
“without a doubt among the best superhero films ever made. An all-timer.
 Inventive storytelling, FANTASTIC action sequences, great cast. SO MANY
 nerdy details.”

Jason Guerrasio, of Business Insider, had a more 
tempered reaction, writing that it is “def not the best superhero movie 
ever made ... but it’s an impressive DC movie with lots of emotion and 
loads of surprises.”

“The Flash,” directed by Andy Muschietti, is 
one of the studio’s biggest films of the year. In the film, Barry Allen 
uses his superpowers to go back in time in an attempt to change the past
 and save his parents. But things go awry and he finds himself stuck in a
 very different reality where Michael Shannon's General Zod is back and 
Batman is not the Batman he knows (Ben Affleck's version). Widely 
available trailers have already revealed that the new Batman he 
encounters is Michael Keaton's version.

After the box office 
disappointment of “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” earlier this year, the hope
 is that “The Flash,” which reportedly carries a $200 million budget, 
will reach blockbuster heights when it opens in theaters on June 16.

The long-planned standalone about The Flash/Barry Allen has also been the subject of much discussion because of its star <a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-indictments-ezra-miller-theft-6a077b5f5b65ad58a3909266cfafc7a1">Ezra Miller</a>, who made headlines last year for a string of arrests and erratic behavior.

Miller
 was arrested twice last year in Hawaii, for disorderly conduct and 
harassment at a karaoke bar and then for second-degree assault. The 
parents of 18-year-old Tokata Iron Eyes, a Native American activist, 
last year filed a protection order against Miller, accusing the actor of
 grooming their child and other inappropriate behavior with her as a 
minor from the age of 12. Tokata Iron Eyes has disputed that.

Miller, who identifies as non-binary and goes by they/them pronouns, said last year that they were <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=ezra+miller+apnews&amp;rlz=1C1EJFC_enUS874US874&amp;oq=ezra+miller+&amp;aqs=chrome.0.69i59l2j0i433i512j69i57j46i433i512j69i61j69i60l2.2186j1j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">seeking mental health treatment</a>.

The
 development of a standalone Flash movie has been in the works for 
almost 10 years. In one plan, announced at Comic Con in 2014, an Ezra 
Miller Flash movie would have hit theaters in 2018. Muschietti wouldn’t 
even be attached to direct until 2019.

Warner Bros. has, 
throughout Miller’s personal troubles and the shelving of “Batgirl,” 
remained steadfast in its plans to release the “The Flash.”

And though <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=james+gunn+apnews&amp;rlz=1C1EJFC_enUS874US874&amp;oq=james+gunn+apnews&amp;aqs=chrome.0.69i59j0i512j0i395i512j69i60l3.3555j1j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">plans are already underway for a new future for DC Studios</a>,
 “The Flash” has been one that the new regime of James Gunn and Peter 
Safran have seemed particularly excited about. Gunn said it was, “One of
 the best superhero films I’ve ever seen.” And Warner Bros. Discovery 
president and CEO David Zaslav even boasted that Tom Cruise saw and 
loved the film so much that he called Muschietti himself to congratulate
 him.

By LINDSEY BAHR AP Film WriterLAS
 VEGAS — The words “impressive” and “awesome” were common refrains 
from a group of entertainment reporters who were among the first to see 
the upcoming DC superhero movie “The Flash.”Warner Bros. screened
 the film for the first time at CinemaCon Tuesday for theater owners, 
exhibitors and reporters attending the annual trade show and industry 
conference.Reviews are embargoed until a later date – the film, 
the studio said, is not completely finished – but viewers were able to 
post reactions on social media as soon as the credits rolled.Brian
 Welk of Indiewire wrote that “it played very well,” pointing out that 
there were more than a few screams and gasps in the packed theater.Film
 critic Jordan Hoffman tweeted that it was, “far more madcap than I 
expected. Really nailed what reading a 5-issue crossover comic book is 
like. Tons of Ezra Miller being zany and time paradox stuff. Nerds will 
lose their minds at the ending.”“The Playlist’s” Greg Ellwood 
wrote that it was “very good” and that Miller was “great,” while Scott 
Mantz went a step further declaring that it’s “one of the very best DC 
movies, a perfect blend of action, heart &amp; humor.”Erik Davis,
 of Fandango, wrote on Twitter that it is “tremendous" and that it is 
“without a doubt among the best superhero films ever made. An all-timer.
 Inventive storytelling, FANTASTIC action sequences, great cast. SO MANY
 nerdy details.”Jason Guerrasio, of Business Insider, had a more 
tempered reaction, writing that it is “def not the best superhero movie 
ever made ... but it’s an impressive DC movie with lots of emotion and 
loads of surprises.”“The Flash,” directed by Andy Muschietti, is 
one of the studio’s biggest films of the year. In the film, Barry Allen 
uses his superpowers to go back in time in an attempt to change the past
 and save his parents. But things go awry and he finds himself stuck in a
 very different reality where Michael Shannon's General Zod is back and 
Batman is not the Batman he knows (Ben Affleck's version). Widely 
available trailers have already revealed that the new Batman he 
encounters is Michael Keaton's version.After the box office 
disappointment of “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” earlier this year, the hope
 is that “The Flash,” which reportedly carries a $200 million budget, 
will reach blockbuster heights when it opens in theaters on June 16.The long-planned standalone about The Flash/Barry Allen has also been the subject of much discussion because of its star <a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-indictments-ezra-miller-theft-6a077b5f5b65ad58a3909266cfafc7a1">Ezra Miller</a>, who made headlines last year for a string of arrests and erratic behavior.Miller
 was arrested twice last year in Hawaii, for disorderly conduct and 
harassment at a karaoke bar and then for second-degree assault. The 
parents of 18-year-old Tokata Iron Eyes, a Native American activist, 
last year filed a protection order against Miller, accusing the actor of
 grooming their child and other inappropriate behavior with her as a 
minor from the age of 12. Tokata Iron Eyes has disputed that.Miller, who identifies as non-binary and goes by they/them pronouns, said last year that they were <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=ezra+miller+apnews&amp;rlz=1C1EJFC_enUS874US874&amp;oq=ezra+miller+&amp;aqs=chrome.0.69i59l2j0i433i512j69i57j46i433i512j69i61j69i60l2.2186j1j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">seeking mental health treatment</a>.The
 development of a standalone Flash movie has been in the works for 
almost 10 years. In one plan, announced at Comic Con in 2014, an Ezra 
Miller Flash movie would have hit theaters in 2018. Muschietti wouldn’t 
even be attached to direct until 2019.Warner Bros. has, 
throughout Miller’s personal troubles and the shelving of “Batgirl,” 
remained steadfast in its plans to release the “The Flash.”And though <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=james+gunn+apnews&amp;rlz=1C1EJFC_enUS874US874&amp;oq=james+gunn+apnews&amp;aqs=chrome.0.69i59j0i512j0i395i512j69i60l3.3555j1j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">plans are already underway for a new future for DC Studios</a>,
 “The Flash” has been one that the new regime of James Gunn and Peter 
Safran have seemed particularly excited about. Gunn said it was, “One of
 the best superhero films I’ve ever seen.” And Warner Bros. Discovery 
president and CEO David Zaslav even boasted that Tom Cruise saw and 
loved the film so much that he called Muschietti himself to congratulate
 him.

First reactions to DC's ‘The Flash,’ starring Ezra Miller

By MARK KENNEDY AP Entertainment Writer

NEW YORK — The 1990s are making a comeback, with scrunchies 
acceptable again, “Night Court” back on TV and fanny packs and flannel 
all the rage. But it’s not the '90s until two of the most idiotic 
teenagers return, sniggering along the way.

By MARK KENNEDY AP Entertainment WriterNEW YORK — The 1990s are making a comeback, with scrunchies 
acceptable again, “Night Court” back on TV and fanny packs and flannel 
all the rage. But it’s not the '90s until two of the most idiotic 
teenagers return, sniggering along the way.That's right, Beavis 
and Butt-Head — forever un-matured — are on the streaming platform 
Paramount+ these days, still mocking culture and saying things like, 
“That cloud looks like a butt.”“It is almost fun sometimes to 
just go to that lazy part of your brain where you’re just blurting out 
whatever stupid thought comes out,” says Mike Judge, who created the duo
 and voices them.A second season of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yP30WvQy0sc">“Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head”</a>
 kicked off this month with our heroes at school-mandated meditation 
class, an alternative to detention. “This sucks,” says Butt Head, the 
dark-haired one in braces and an AC/DC T-shirt. “Now try to empty your 
mind of all thoughts,” says the teacher. It is surprisingly easy.There's
 also a visit to a polling place — the boys mistake it for a strip club —
 and later a scheme to buy beer by spray-painting Beavis' hair with 
white paint to make him look older. It goes awry, of course, when he 
gets on a shuttle bus to a retirement community.The look, feel 
and snark of the show hasn't changed even if there are fewer music 
videos these days. Judge relies on a producer to scour YouTube to find 
videos that might spark a spontaneous put-down. It's all very timeless.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682543106950.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“That’s
 the beauty of ‘Beavis and Butt-Head’ — no matter what decade you were 
born in, you’re able to find ways to connect to them and even perhaps 
see bits of yourselves in them,” said Domenic DiMeglio, chief marketing 
officer for Paramount+.There are a few bizarre tangents, 
particularly the return to an alternative universe where Beavis and 
Butt-Head are middle-aged. Judge devised one episode in which they marry
 each other without realizing it.The original “Beavis and 
Butt-Head” arrived in 1993 on MTV and became an instant hit, running for
 seven seasons before going on hiatus in 1997. The un-dynamic duo 
returned with an eighth, stand-alone season in 2011, and the series was 
revived last year.This show’s influence was so strong that it 
spawned a full-length film called “Beavis and Butt-Head Do America” in 
1996 and another titled “Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe" in 2022.Judge
 says he started to think about returning to his cartoon duo after the 
band Portugal. The Man asked him if he could introduce them with his 
iconic title characters at 2018’s Coachella.“I thought of it as a
 way of ‘Let me see what it sounds like if my voice still sounds like 
them.’ And I did it. I played it back and it still felt like Beavis and 
Butt-Head. And so that’s partly what got me thinking about doing this 
again.”The targets have changed, even if some show principles 
have not. If something is already funny, it's usually not a good target.
 And being overexposed is usually a green light. So yesterday's Axl Rose
 became today's Jack Harlow.This season sees Beavis and Butt-Head
 dunk on Lil Nas X, Audrey Nuna, Bill Gates, Ronald Reagan and even the 
Buddha. There's a bizarre scene in which the boys annoy Jesus and Ganesh
 on an astral plane so much that the deities take turns punching the 
boys.Judge came up with the original concept at a time when TV 
was filled with yuppies — “The Cosby Show,” “Family Ties,” “The Fresh 
Prince of Bel-Air” and “Mad About You.”“Maybe some of it was in 
reaction to that — finding a place in comedy that was different,” he 
said. “But I wasn’t trying to be shocking or edgy. I was just trying to 
make it funny.”There was plenty of blowback. Judge thinks “Beavis
 and Butt-Head” were badly misunderstood back then by some people who 
accused it of contributing to all sorts of poor teen behavior. Judge 
even got death threats.The cartoon duo have returned to a vastly 
different media landscape, one they had a part in cracking open. Can two
 snarky teens with little social consciousness have the ability to cut 
through the online hype?Yes, says Paramount+: “Beavis and 
Butt-Head have been doing clever social commentary long before it was 
cool in the age of social media and their no-filter, blissfully ignorant
 POV has always been part of this duo’s DNA," said DiMeglio.One 
thing the show will not do is wade into politics. In a recent episode, 
Beavis and Butt-Head go hunting — “The outdoors sucks,” says Butt-Head —
 and accidentally drink deer urine. This was an opportunity to raise the
 issue of guns, but Judge has no interest.“I feel like this is 
comedy and we’re just looking for funny and just trying to give people a
 break from that kind of stuff. I don’t think Beavis and Butt-Head have 
anything to add to that conversation,” he said.“They’re not 
sophisticated enough to go there. I think that’s what’s comforting about
 it: Just seeing some guys who don’t know any better. They don’t have 
much accountability. They don’t know what the word means.”