The Abilene Police Department (APD) is warning individuals to beware of a scam text that has been sent out (scam text above).

APD advises people to not engage with the message as it is a scam, and to contact them at&nbsp;(785) 263-1212&nbsp;if you have fallen victim of it.

The following is a statement by the Abilene Police Department via Facebook:&nbsp;

"Over the past few hours, we've had four citizens report that they've received a similar message as the one shown below purported to be from the Kansas Department of Revenue. This is a scam. DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY MONEY! If you believe you've fallen victim to a scam, please contact us at (785) 263-1212."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751570463027.jpeg" alt="Scam text; Photo courtesy of the Abilene Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Scam text; Photo courtesy of the Abilene Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina PostThe Abilene Police Department (APD) is warning individuals to beware of a scam text that has been sent out (scam text above).APD advises people to not engage with the message as it is a scam, and to contact them at&nbsp;(785) 263-1212&nbsp;if you have fallen victim of it.The following is a statement by the Abilene Police Department via Facebook:&nbsp;"Over the past few hours, we've had four citizens report that they've received a similar message as the one shown below purported to be from the Kansas Department of Revenue. This is a scam. DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY MONEY! If you believe you've fallen victim to a scam, please contact us at (785) 263-1212."

Abilene Police warns of scam text

Many people will celebrate the holiday and following weekend by hitting the road and traveling throughout the Sunflower State. The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) reminds motorists of the importance of traveling safely during the Independence Day holiday and throughout the rest of the summer.

As traffic increases over the holiday,&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;urges all travelers to take precautions to stay safe on Kansas roadways. Drivers and passengers should always wear seatbelts, and children must be properly secured in the appropriate child safety seats. Those planning to consume alcohol over the weekend should designate a sober driver ahead of time. The Patrol encourages everyone to enjoy the festivities responsibly while making safety a priority.

Additional&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;Troopers will be on patrol during Independence Day and following weekend. The focus of the agency will be on safe driving practices addressing occupant protection, impaired driving, excessive speed, and other crash-causing traffic violations.

Before travelers pack their cars, they can check their route for potential delays or construction with the help of KanDrive at&nbsp;<a href="https://kandrive.gov/@-99.86957,38.77164,7?show=roadReports,constructionReports,trafficSpeeds,oversizeLoads,stationsAlert,weatherRadar" target="_blank">www.kandrive.gov</a>. KanDrive features live camera images, interactive maps, travel information, and tourism resources.

If you need help on a Kansas highway, call&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;for assistance at *47 (*HP) or *582 (*KTA) for the Kansas Turnpike.

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy summer travel and celebrate Independence Day:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751570168607.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Highway PatrolMany people will celebrate the holiday and following weekend by hitting the road and traveling throughout the Sunflower State. The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) reminds motorists of the importance of traveling safely during the Independence Day holiday and throughout the rest of the summer.As traffic increases over the holiday,&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;urges all travelers to take precautions to stay safe on Kansas roadways. Drivers and passengers should always wear seatbelts, and children must be properly secured in the appropriate child safety seats. Those planning to consume alcohol over the weekend should designate a sober driver ahead of time. The Patrol encourages everyone to enjoy the festivities responsibly while making safety a priority.Additional&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;Troopers will be on patrol during Independence Day and following weekend. The focus of the agency will be on safe driving practices addressing occupant protection, impaired driving, excessive speed, and other crash-causing traffic violations.Before travelers pack their cars, they can check their route for potential delays or construction with the help of KanDrive at&nbsp;<a href="https://kandrive.gov/@-99.86957,38.77164,7?show=roadReports,constructionReports,trafficSpeeds,oversizeLoads,stationsAlert,weatherRadar" target="_blank">www.kandrive.gov</a>. KanDrive features live camera images, interactive maps, travel information, and tourism resources.If you need help on a Kansas highway, call&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;for assistance at *47 (*HP) or *582 (*KTA) for the Kansas Turnpike.Here are a few tips to help you enjoy summer travel and celebrate Independence Day:<ul>
 <li>It’s hot out there so make sure your vehicle is in proper working order for the heat of summer – check fluids, tires, air conditioning, and cooling system.</li><li>When you leave, start with a full tank of gas and a fully charged phone.</li><li>As you travel, remember to&nbsp;Move Over&nbsp;for first responders, highway maintenance crews, and disabled vehicles with flashing hazard lights. If you are unable to&nbsp;Move Over, then please&nbsp;Slow Down.</li><li>Keep emergency supplies in your car, including bottles of water, a phone charger, and non-perishable food items to help you stay comfortable in the case your vehicle breaks down.</li><li>If you are hosting a party, have non-alcoholic drink alternatives available for designated drivers.</li>
 </ul>

KHP encourages drivers to drive safely during the 4th of July weekend, tips provided

'Salina SkyFire,' presented by JRI Hospitality, City of Salina and local partners - is kicking off the beloved city's fireworks show tomorrow (Friday, July 4th, 2025).

This event is free and open to the public, with free public parking at a first come, first served basis and is available in the Berkley Family Recreation Area&nbsp;(841 Markley Rd.) parking lots south of the fireworks launch area.

Gates open at 7:00 pm at the&nbsp;Berkley Family Recreation Area (841 Markley Rd.).

It is highly recommended that you bring lawn chairs, bug spray, water/snacks, phone chargers and ear protection (if necessary and for kids).

This event is a great time to bring your friends, family and celebrate Independence Day.

Fireworks will occur at&nbsp;10:00 pm, or just after dark.

You can RSVP on Facebook at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/24843257798596385">https://www.facebook.com/events/24843257798596385</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751562442239.jpeg" alt="2025 Salina Skyfire; photo courtesy of Salina Skyfire Facebook page&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>2025 Salina Skyfire; photo courtesy of Salina Skyfire Facebook page&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Post'Salina SkyFire,' presented by JRI Hospitality, City of Salina and local partners - is kicking off the beloved city's fireworks show tomorrow (Friday, July 4th, 2025).This event is free and open to the public, with free public parking at a first come, first served basis and is available in the Berkley Family Recreation Area&nbsp;(841 Markley Rd.) parking lots south of the fireworks launch area. Gates open at 7:00 pm at the&nbsp;Berkley Family Recreation Area (841 Markley Rd.).It is highly recommended that you bring lawn chairs, bug spray, water/snacks, phone chargers and ear protection (if necessary and for kids).This event is a great time to bring your friends, family and celebrate Independence Day.Fireworks will occur at&nbsp;10:00 pm, or just after dark.You can RSVP on Facebook at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/24843257798596385">https://www.facebook.com/events/24843257798596385</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751563114656.jpeg" alt="Map for 2025 Salina Skyfire; photo courtesy of Salina Skyfire Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>Map for 2025 Salina Skyfire; photo courtesy of Salina Skyfire Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure>

Chance to see another great fireworks show for the 2025 Salina Skyfire on Friday

A juvenile was taken into custody after lighting a firework and allegedly starting a grass fire.

According to the Salina Police Department on Wednesday, July 2nd at around 5:00 pm, officers and the Salina Fire Department went to Indian Rock Park (1500 Gypsum) about a reported grass fire in the area. Police stated that the caller told them they saw a male juvenile 'throwing fireworks on the grass, near the park's bathrooms.'

After the fire was extinguished, authorities located the juvenile (aged 16) in the area and matched the caller's description. Officers then approached and questioned him. Police stated that the boy 'admitted to lighting a firework and throwing it onto the grass' where it started the fire.

Officers then took the boy into custody and is being referred for one count of Arson.

Cost of damage was estimated to be at $100.

By: NICOLAS FIERROSalina PostA juvenile was taken into custody after lighting a firework and allegedly starting a grass fire.According to the Salina Police Department on Wednesday, July 2nd at around 5:00 pm, officers and the Salina Fire Department went to Indian Rock Park (1500 Gypsum) about a reported grass fire in the area. Police stated that the caller told them they saw a male juvenile 'throwing fireworks on the grass, near the park's bathrooms.'After the fire was extinguished, authorities located the juvenile (aged 16) in the area and matched the caller's description. Officers then approached and questioned him. Police stated that the boy 'admitted to lighting a firework and throwing it onto the grass' where it started the fire.Officers then took the boy into custody and is being referred for one count of Arson.Cost of damage was estimated to be at $100.

Juvenile taken into custody after allegedly starting a grass fire 

Salina USD 305 is now hiring substitute teachers and substitute paraprofessionals for Salina Public Schools.

Go here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mykelly.com/find-jobs/education-jobs">https://www.mykelly.com/find-jobs/education-jobs</a> to apply.

Salina USD 305 is now hiring substitute teachers and substitute paraprofessionals for Salina Public Schools.Go here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mykelly.com/find-jobs/education-jobs">https://www.mykelly.com/find-jobs/education-jobs</a> to apply.

Salina CityGo Bus routes getting faster and more efficient

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, about the Big Beautiful Bill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661448577852.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Sen. Jerry Moran" 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/?from=embed&i=egx63-18f541d-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, about the Big Beautiful Bill.

🎤 Forward Ever: Senator Moran on the Big Beautiful Bill

"Bowl the Rock!" is the phrase the <a href="https://www.salinairishrb.com/">Salina Irish Road Bowling</a>&nbsp;(SIRB) organization uses for its game and they want familiarize it right here in Salina.&nbsp;

Salina Irish Road Bowling, has announced their 2nd go-around of the "Salina Irish Road Bowling Championship" that will be occurring on September 6th, 2025 at Indian Rock Park. Beginning at 9:15 am, this&nbsp;game&nbsp;originating from Ireland will be played as participants will roll a 28-ounce replica of a "cannonball" over a 3/4 mile course throughout the park.

Jerry Lonergan of SIRB, stated he wants this game to gain exposure in Salina.

"This game is fun to play and anybody can play this sport," said Lonergan. "Irish Bowling is a family-oriented game and we just want to expose this game to Salina."

Imported from rural Ireland, the game has roots going back to the 1600s when Irish rebels stole cannonballs from British armories and rather than carry the 28-ounce cannonballs, they opted to roll them down Irish backroads spawning contests to determine who could roll the cannonballs (which came to be called “bullets”) the furthest.&nbsp;

In the U.S., teams of four alternate rolling the 'bullet' around a designated course, with the winner determined by which team completed the course with the fewest number of rolls.

Last year, SIRB held the game for the first time in Salina at Indian Rock Park. Proceeds collected from registration and other fees, were donated towards the Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU) Student Hygiene Pantry, where they received a total of $2,000.&nbsp;Teams paid $100 to enter the competition and all the funds, along with some added support from sponsors cumulated the total amount of $2,000.

The funds were meant for the distribution to students’ essential health and hygiene products (soap, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.), along with education materials designed to support student wellbeing and keep the campus and community healthy.

KWU also played an important part by having the 45 members of the KWU women’s basketball team serve as volunteers throughout the event helping with course management, chasing stray bullets and serving as caddies for each team.

This year, SIRB is inviting the community to register and play in the Irish Road Bowling game this Saturday, September 6th. Registration is $100 per team, with a $15 lost ball deposit. There is an optional fee of $20 for t-shirts.&nbsp;

All registration fees and donations will go towards the KWU&nbsp;Student Hygiene Pantry.&nbsp;

Deadline to register is Monday, September 1st.&nbsp;

Lonergan hopes this becomes an annual event after this year's games.

For more information or to register, go to:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinairishrb.com/">https://www.salinairishrb.com/</a>&nbsp; and you can also follow SIRB on Facebook at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559836916589">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559836916589</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751555534223.jpeg" alt="Man playing Irish Road Bowling; photo courtesy of Salina Irish Road Bowling" />
 <figcaption>Man playing Irish Road Bowling; photo courtesy of Salina Irish Road Bowling</figcaption>
 </figure>By: NICOLAS FIERROSalina Post"Bowl the Rock!" is the phrase the <a href="https://www.salinairishrb.com/">Salina Irish Road Bowling</a>&nbsp;(SIRB) organization uses for its game and they want familiarize it right here in Salina.&nbsp;Salina Irish Road Bowling, has announced their 2nd go-around of the "Salina Irish Road Bowling Championship" that will be occurring on September 6th, 2025 at Indian Rock Park. Beginning at 9:15 am, this&nbsp;game&nbsp;originating from Ireland will be played as participants will roll a 28-ounce replica of a "cannonball" over a 3/4 mile course throughout the park.Jerry Lonergan of SIRB, stated he wants this game to gain exposure in Salina."This game is fun to play and anybody can play this sport," said Lonergan. "Irish Bowling is a family-oriented game and we just want to expose this game to Salina."Imported from rural Ireland, the game has roots going back to the 1600s when Irish rebels stole cannonballs from British armories and rather than carry the 28-ounce cannonballs, they opted to roll them down Irish backroads spawning contests to determine who could roll the cannonballs (which came to be called “bullets”) the furthest.&nbsp;In the U.S., teams of four alternate rolling the 'bullet' around a designated course, with the winner determined by which team completed the course with the fewest number of rolls.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751556399299.jpeg" alt=""Bullet" bowling/cannonball, game ball used during the Irish Road Bowling games; photo courtesy of Salina Irish Road Bowling" />
 <figcaption>"Bullet" bowling/cannonball, game ball used during the Irish Road Bowling games; photo courtesy of Salina Irish Road Bowling</figcaption>
 </figure>Last year, SIRB held the game for the first time in Salina at Indian Rock Park. Proceeds collected from registration and other fees, were donated towards the Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU) Student Hygiene Pantry, where they received a total of $2,000.&nbsp;Teams paid $100 to enter the competition and all the funds, along with some added support from sponsors cumulated the total amount of $2,000.The funds were meant for the distribution to students’ essential health and hygiene products (soap, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.), along with education materials designed to support student wellbeing and keep the campus and community healthy.KWU also played an important part by having the 45 members of the KWU women’s basketball team serve as volunteers throughout the event helping with course management, chasing stray bullets and serving as caddies for each team.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751556894213.png" alt="KWU receiving a $1,700 (receiving $300 more from extra donations) check after the SIRB event on September 25, 2024; photo courtesy of Salina Irish Road Bowling" />
 <figcaption>KWU receiving a $1,700 (receiving $300 more from extra donations) check after the SIRB event on September 25, 2024; photo courtesy of Salina Irish Road Bowling</figcaption>
 </figure>This year, SIRB is inviting the community to register and play in the Irish Road Bowling game this Saturday, September 6th. Registration is $100 per team, with a $15 lost ball deposit. There is an optional fee of $20 for t-shirts.&nbsp;All registration fees and donations will go towards the KWU&nbsp;Student Hygiene Pantry.&nbsp;Deadline to register is Monday, September 1st.&nbsp;Lonergan hopes this becomes an annual event after this year's games.For more information or to register, go to:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinairishrb.com/">https://www.salinairishrb.com/</a>&nbsp; and you can also follow SIRB on Facebook at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559836916589">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559836916589</a><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gyomkya9qG8?si=GWFm_VoPfiCRZOK5" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎥 Salina organization holding 'Irish Road Bowling' game in September, hopes to gain exposure 

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

*No image available for&nbsp;Limon, Israel A*

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Assault; Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty; Interf. w/LEO; obstr./resist/oppose misd. warrant; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Making False Information; Theft by deception; Value less than $1,500

NAME:&nbsp;Primeaux, Joseph Jeffrey

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; Driving while habitual violator; Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Lewd and lascivious; Exposing to person =&gt;16

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Viol. protection order; Pre-trial order

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751548138838.jpeg" alt="Albrecht, Joshua James&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Albrecht, Joshua James&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Albrecht, Joshua JamesREQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751548180560.jpeg" alt="Beans, Erwin Ray&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Beans, Erwin Ray&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Beans, Erwin RayREQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751548220833.jpeg" alt="Coffman, James Dylan&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Coffman, James Dylan&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Coffman, James DylanREQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit*No image available for&nbsp;Limon, Israel A*NAME:&nbsp;Limon, Israel AREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Assault; Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty; Interf. w/LEO; obstr./resist/oppose misd. warrant; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751548320755.jpeg" alt="Page, Lisa Ann&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Page, Lisa Ann&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Page, Lisa AnnREQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751548359925.jpeg" alt="Price, Steven Lee&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Price, Steven Lee&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Price, Steven LeeREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Making False Information; Theft by deception; Value less than $1,500<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751548409614.jpeg" alt="Primeaux, Joseph Jeffrey&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Primeaux, Joseph Jeffrey&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Primeaux, Joseph JeffreyREQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751548450570.jpeg" alt="Proveaux, Harry Joseph&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Proveaux, Harry Joseph&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Proveaux, Harry JosephREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; Driving while habitual violator; Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751548498611.jpeg" alt="Schoen, Wayne Lee&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Schoen, Wayne Lee&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Schoen, Wayne LeeREQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Lewd and lascivious; Exposing to person =&gt;16<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751548542317.jpeg" alt="White, Norman Lee&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>White, Norman Lee&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;White, Norman LeeREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Viol. protection order; Pre-trial order

Saline County Jail Bookings, July 3

This is day 8 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While yields and protein levels remain generally average, Kansas wheat farmers are facing significant challenges this year, including the widespread impact of wheat streak mosaic virus and related diseases, drought during the growing season and scattered rainfall during harvest.&nbsp;

Mike McClellan, who farms in Rooks County with his nephew Cade Beesley, started harvest about five days ago. Their crew includes hired hand Dave and Cade’s son, Coy. With about two-thirds left to cut, they’re making steady progress.

Yields have been above average compared to the past three years and are landing around average overall. Protein levels are ranging from 11.5 to 15.5 percent, and test weights on their better fields, those not hit by wheat streak mosaic virus, have been coming in at 58 to 60 pounds per bushel.

McClellan said their biggest challenges this year have been drought and wheat streak mosaic virus. The virus hit hard in the spring, with large pockets showing up across fields, more widespread than usual. The impact has been noticeable, with lower yields, reduced plant height, and lighter test weights in affected areas. Scattered rain showers during harvest have added to the test weight struggles.

Jackson Hoelker with Skyland Grain in Kingman County says harvest is nearly a month in, with cutting beginning the first week of June. Yields are coming in between 50 and 55 bushels per acre. Protein levels range from 10.5 to 11.5 percent, and test weights, which began around 60 to 63 pounds, have dropped slightly and are now closer to 58.

Hoelker estimates harvest is 85 to 90 percent complete. For the most part, everything that can be cut has been, but growers will need fields to finish drying out before they can finish the rest. While they haven’t seen much sprouting in the area, the biggest challenge this year has simply been how long the harvest is taking to complete.

Jason Ochs, who farms in Hamilton County, reported that harvest began on June 20, but some of the wheat has had several rain showers since it has been ripe. Other areas have received very little rain the past three years. Wheat in the area is short and hard to get it all in the header. The moisture came a little too late, but they did have perfect grainfill weather, cool and rainy. Yields are ranging based on conditions, but test weights have been decent, ranging from 59 to 61 pounds per bushel. He mentioned some wheat streak mosaic virus in the area. Ochs has seen some wind shatter from 40 mile per hour winds. While the wheat is short, the residue out there “makes a huge difference for the next crop,” he said. “It retains moisture and protects from sun and wind.”

The 2025 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on social media, use #wheatharvest25. Tag at @kansaswheat to share your harvest story and photos.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751504909918.png" alt="2025 Harvest Report Day 8; photo courtesy of Kansas Wheat" />
 <figcaption>2025 Harvest Report Day 8; photo courtesy of Kansas Wheat</figcaption>
 </figure>This is day 8 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.&nbsp;&nbsp;While yields and protein levels remain generally average, Kansas wheat farmers are facing significant challenges this year, including the widespread impact of wheat streak mosaic virus and related diseases, drought during the growing season and scattered rainfall during harvest.&nbsp;Mike McClellan, who farms in Rooks County with his nephew Cade Beesley, started harvest about five days ago. Their crew includes hired hand Dave and Cade’s son, Coy. With about two-thirds left to cut, they’re making steady progress.Yields have been above average compared to the past three years and are landing around average overall. Protein levels are ranging from 11.5 to 15.5 percent, and test weights on their better fields, those not hit by wheat streak mosaic virus, have been coming in at 58 to 60 pounds per bushel.McClellan said their biggest challenges this year have been drought and wheat streak mosaic virus. The virus hit hard in the spring, with large pockets showing up across fields, more widespread than usual. The impact has been noticeable, with lower yields, reduced plant height, and lighter test weights in affected areas. Scattered rain showers during harvest have added to the test weight struggles.Jackson Hoelker with Skyland Grain in Kingman County says harvest is nearly a month in, with cutting beginning the first week of June. Yields are coming in between 50 and 55 bushels per acre. Protein levels range from 10.5 to 11.5 percent, and test weights, which began around 60 to 63 pounds, have dropped slightly and are now closer to 58.Hoelker estimates harvest is 85 to 90 percent complete. For the most part, everything that can be cut has been, but growers will need fields to finish drying out before they can finish the rest. While they haven’t seen much sprouting in the area, the biggest challenge this year has simply been how long the harvest is taking to complete.Jason Ochs, who farms in Hamilton County, reported that harvest began on June 20, but some of the wheat has had several rain showers since it has been ripe. Other areas have received very little rain the past three years. Wheat in the area is short and hard to get it all in the header. The moisture came a little too late, but they did have perfect grainfill weather, cool and rainy. Yields are ranging based on conditions, but test weights have been decent, ranging from 59 to 61 pounds per bushel. He mentioned some wheat streak mosaic virus in the area. Ochs has seen some wind shatter from 40 mile per hour winds. While the wheat is short, the residue out there “makes a huge difference for the next crop,” he said. “It retains moisture and protects from sun and wind.”The 2025 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on social media, use #wheatharvest25. Tag at @kansaswheat to share your harvest story and photos.

Day 8: Kansas Wheat Harvest report

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Fireandiron27/">Fire and Iron Station 27</a>,&nbsp;a nonprofit organization has announced a fundraiser for the support of two people who have been diagnosed with cancer.

"Ride For Hope" is a fundraiser set up by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Fireandiron27/">Fire and Iron Station 27</a>&nbsp;for the support of Karlie Miller and 2-year old, Macie Heller who have been battling cancer. This fundraiser is a two day event that will start at the Blind Pig (2501 Market Pl. #A) on Friday, July 11th and&nbsp;will continue at the Tumblweed event facility on Saturday, July 12th.

Janet Beemer of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Fireandiron27/">Fire and Iron Station 27</a>,&nbsp;describes that part of the proceeds from the Blind Pig and Tumblweed will go towards the Tammy Walker Cancer Center, Fire and Iron Station 27 (to continue the benefactor events) and for Miller/Heller.&nbsp;

Beemer stated that Fire and Iron Station 27 have been holding these fundraisers for individuals battling cancer since 2010.

On Friday, proceeds will be collected from a taco bar at the Blind Pig starting at 6:00 pm. On Saturday, proceeds will be collected from raffle tickets, a live auction and 'a game of chance.'&nbsp;

"We do this because we want to help families who are battling cancer with their loved ones," said Beemer. "Whether we help them make a house payment or pay bills, this is our way to give back to the community."

Those wanting to participate in the fundraiser can do so by registering their vehicles for a bike/car route at Tumblweed for the Saturday event. Vehicle registration starts at 9:00 am and the route starts at 11:00 am. The route starts from Tumblweed then towards, Brookville, Bennington, Solomon, Speakeasy (Salina) and ending back at Tumblweed at around 4:00 pm.

Afterwards, the benefit auction will occur at Tumblweed.

"This is such a great event and it is really special," said Jenni Jones of Tumblweed.

Miller is currently battling colon cancer and Heller is battling acute lymphoblastic cancer.

"This is very emotional and tears are shed throughout these event," said Beemer. "We are very happy, knowing that we are able to help families during their time of this low moment."

Fire and Iron Station 27 is a motorcycle club full of Firefighters and EMS members mostly from the Salina area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751489077498.jpeg" alt="photo courtesy of Tumblweed LLC" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy of Tumblweed LLC</figcaption>
 </figure>By: NICOLAS FIERROSalina Post<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Fireandiron27/">Fire and Iron Station 27</a>,&nbsp;a nonprofit organization has announced a fundraiser for the support of two people who have been diagnosed with cancer."Ride For Hope" is a fundraiser set up by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Fireandiron27/">Fire and Iron Station 27</a>&nbsp;for the support of Karlie Miller and 2-year old, Macie Heller who have been battling cancer. This fundraiser is a two day event that will start at the Blind Pig (2501 Market Pl. #A) on Friday, July 11th and&nbsp;will continue at the Tumblweed event facility on Saturday, July 12th.Janet Beemer of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Fireandiron27/">Fire and Iron Station 27</a>,&nbsp;describes that part of the proceeds from the Blind Pig and Tumblweed will go towards the Tammy Walker Cancer Center, Fire and Iron Station 27 (to continue the benefactor events) and for Miller/Heller.&nbsp;Beemer stated that Fire and Iron Station 27 have been holding these fundraisers for individuals battling cancer since 2010.On Friday, proceeds will be collected from a taco bar at the Blind Pig starting at 6:00 pm. On Saturday, proceeds will be collected from raffle tickets, a live auction and 'a game of chance.'&nbsp;"We do this because we want to help families who are battling cancer with their loved ones," said Beemer. "Whether we help them make a house payment or pay bills, this is our way to give back to the community."Those wanting to participate in the fundraiser can do so by registering their vehicles for a bike/car route at Tumblweed for the Saturday event. Vehicle registration starts at 9:00 am and the route starts at 11:00 am. The route starts from Tumblweed then towards, Brookville, Bennington, Solomon, Speakeasy (Salina) and ending back at Tumblweed at around 4:00 pm.Afterwards, the benefit auction will occur at Tumblweed."This is such a great event and it is really special," said Jenni Jones of Tumblweed.Miller is currently battling colon cancer and Heller is battling acute lymphoblastic cancer."This is very emotional and tears are shed throughout these event," said Beemer. "We are very happy, knowing that we are able to help families during their time of this low moment."Fire and Iron Station 27 is a motorcycle club full of Firefighters and EMS members mostly from the Salina area.

Nonprofit holding fundraiser event for the support of two locals battling cancer

A musician/rapper from Salina is seeking encouragement and support locally, after qualifying for a national competition that&nbsp;aims to discover the 'next big musical talent.'

Payton Patterson, aka 'Trap Set' is from Salina and has made noise with his musical talent. After going viral with his hit song "Peach Crown," Patterson has been putting up averages of 1 million views a month on TikTok from his content. With Patterson's hard work and talent, this has put him in a great opportunity to become the 'next big musical talent' as he made it to the Top 5 in the "<a href="https://tophitmaker.org/">RollingStones Americas Next Top Hitmaker competition</a>."

Patterson has experienced great support from his fans around the world, but would also love to gain that support from his hometown.

"I have alot of support from all over the world, but it would mean everything to see Salina come along for the ride," said Patterson.

Patterson did not start rapping until last year, but always knew how to. He did many behind the scenes work for about 10 years, but was finally able to record his first song last year. His first release was on April 18, 2025 and hit a million each day on TikTok for the first 10 days he released the song.

He is a publisher as a member of the&nbsp;performing rights organization 'ASCAP' which is also 'PLEASEREMEMBERP8N.' Patterson is writer for ASCAP as well.

"I believe my sounds do amazing, but I have no support from my hometown," said Patterson.

Patterson was born in Salina in 1991, went to Kansas City for his junior and senior year of high school and then lived in Chicago for some time. His two kids Aiyana and&nbsp;Jaiden both attend Salina public schools.

Patterson made it to the Top 5 of the&nbsp;<a href="https://tophitmaker.org/">RollingStones Americas Next Top Hitmaker competition</a>&nbsp;and hopes people from Salina can vote him in to win the competition.&nbsp;Voting is free once daily and you can also donate to the <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/involved/donate/usa/">Global Citizen Foundation</a>, who puts together a music festival (Global Citizens Festival) in New York, headlined by artists such as Post Malone, Doja Cat, and The Weeknd.

Patterson has a chance to win and if he does, he gets the opportunity to perform at the <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/festival/">Global Citizens Festival</a>. This potential win can get Patterson into the RollingStone magazine as "America's Next Top Hitmaker" and walk away with $50,000.

Voting for finalists ends on Thursday, July 3rd and you can vote for 'Trap Set' free once a day by going to:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://tophitmaker.org/2025/trap-set">https://tophitmaker.org/2025/trap-set</a>

For 'Trap Set' music, go to:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2U5oDxlU3LsPHOHMCNt2L1?si=Xhiyb-eaSdSsPUT-zQZnLQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/2U5oDxlU3LsPHOHMCNt2L1?si=Xhiyb-eaSdSsPUT-zQZnLQ</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751464955327.png" alt="'Trap Set' rapper from Salina, KS; photo courtesy of Payton Patterson" />
 <figcaption>'Trap Set' rapper from Salina, KS; photo courtesy of Payton Patterson</figcaption>
 </figure>By: NICOLAS FIERROSalina PostA musician/rapper from Salina is seeking encouragement and support locally, after qualifying for a national competition that&nbsp;aims to discover the 'next big musical talent.'Payton Patterson, aka 'Trap Set' is from Salina and has made noise with his musical talent. After going viral with his hit song "Peach Crown," Patterson has been putting up averages of 1 million views a month on TikTok from his content. With Patterson's hard work and talent, this has put him in a great opportunity to become the 'next big musical talent' as he made it to the Top 5 in the "<a href="https://tophitmaker.org/">RollingStones Americas Next Top Hitmaker competition</a>."Patterson has experienced great support from his fans around the world, but would also love to gain that support from his hometown."I have alot of support from all over the world, but it would mean everything to see Salina come along for the ride," said Patterson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751467873213.jpeg" alt="Payton Patterson, aka "Trap Set"; photo from Payton Patterson Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>Payton Patterson, aka "Trap Set"; photo from Payton Patterson Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Background of 'Trap Set'</h2>Patterson did not start rapping until last year, but always knew how to. He did many behind the scenes work for about 10 years, but was finally able to record his first song last year. His first release was on April 18, 2025 and hit a million each day on TikTok for the first 10 days he released the song.He is a publisher as a member of the&nbsp;performing rights organization 'ASCAP' which is also 'PLEASEREMEMBERP8N.' Patterson is writer for ASCAP as well."I believe my sounds do amazing, but I have no support from my hometown," said Patterson.Patterson was born in Salina in 1991, went to Kansas City for his junior and senior year of high school and then lived in Chicago for some time. His two kids Aiyana and&nbsp;Jaiden both attend Salina public schools.<h2>Vote for 'Trap Set'</h2>Patterson made it to the Top 5 of the&nbsp;<a href="https://tophitmaker.org/">RollingStones Americas Next Top Hitmaker competition</a>&nbsp;and hopes people from Salina can vote him in to win the competition.&nbsp;Voting is free once daily and you can also donate to the <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/involved/donate/usa/">Global Citizen Foundation</a>, who puts together a music festival (Global Citizens Festival) in New York, headlined by artists such as Post Malone, Doja Cat, and The Weeknd. Patterson has a chance to win and if he does, he gets the opportunity to perform at the <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/festival/">Global Citizens Festival</a>. This potential win can get Patterson into the RollingStone magazine as "America's Next Top Hitmaker" and walk away with $50,000. Voting for finalists ends on Thursday, July 3rd and you can vote for 'Trap Set' free once a day by going to:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://tophitmaker.org/2025/trap-set">https://tophitmaker.org/2025/trap-set</a>For 'Trap Set' music, go to:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2U5oDxlU3LsPHOHMCNt2L1?si=Xhiyb-eaSdSsPUT-zQZnLQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/2U5oDxlU3LsPHOHMCNt2L1?si=Xhiyb-eaSdSsPUT-zQZnLQ</a>

Local rapper qualifies for national competition, seeks encouragement from the community

The Salina Fire Department (SFD) has conducted safety tips and helpful information for this upcoming 4th of July weekend.&nbsp;

Salina Fire Department Fire Inspector/Investigators, Matt Rittel, Chad Scoville and Kansas Fire Marshal Joe Kvacik, put together helpful information over national statistics, safety tips and local city ordinances.

According to Rittel, Scoville and Kvacik, they discovered information from the 'United States Consumer Product Safety Commission'&nbsp;website regarding the past 2024 season. According to their research, there were 14,700 people reported to have been treated in the ER for firework injuries,&nbsp;11 reported deaths for fireworks across the U.S. Another statistic was that 37% of the reported injuries were burns, 36% of those burns were on the hands and fingers and 22% were on the face.

After their conducted research, SFD accumulated recommended safety tips which include:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576278537018.jpeg" alt="salina fire department logo" />
 <figcaption>salina fire department logo</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina PostThe Salina Fire Department (SFD) has conducted safety tips and helpful information for this upcoming 4th of July weekend.&nbsp;Salina Fire Department Fire Inspector/Investigators, Matt Rittel, Chad Scoville and Kansas Fire Marshal Joe Kvacik, put together helpful information over national statistics, safety tips and local city ordinances.According to Rittel, Scoville and Kvacik, they discovered information from the 'United States Consumer Product Safety Commission'&nbsp;website regarding the past 2024 season. According to their research, there were 14,700 people reported to have been treated in the ER for firework injuries,&nbsp;11 reported deaths for fireworks across the U.S. Another statistic was that 37% of the reported injuries were burns, 36% of those burns were on the hands and fingers and 22% were on the face.After their conducted research, SFD accumulated recommended safety tips which include:<ul>
 <li>Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers may look pretty, however they can burn at an excess of 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.</li><li>Make sure fireworks that are purchased locally are legal. In Salina, they are required to have the marking 1.4G or 1.4S explosive classifications listed. Also, most say for CONSUMER use. If they say PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY, they should not be sold commercially.</li><li>Have a water source nearby in case of fire. Soak down the remnants of expended fireworks. This can be a hose or large bucket of water.</li><li>Light fireworks one at a time, and move back quickly.</li><li>Never try to re-light or pick up a “dud”. Keep a safe distance to ensure it doesn’t have a delayed ignition.</li><li>It is illegal to construct and ignite homemade fireworks of any kind.</li><li>Fireworks and alcohol/drugs DO NOT MIX.</li><li>It is recommended to soak all debris when the event is over. Keep the debris away from homes. Do not place the debris in trash can the night of, and place trash can against the home. (We have already responded to one trash can incident a few days ago where the debris was discarded into a trash can too early and caught fire).</li>
 </ul>City ordinances include:<ul>
 <li>Fireworks can ONLY be ignited on the 3rd&nbsp;and 4th&nbsp;of July between the hours of 8:00 am and 11:00 pm.</li><li>It is illegal for minors to possess and discharge fireworks unless the minor is in the personal presence and under the supervision of an adult.</li><li>Fireworks cannot be discharged on public property. This includes city streets and cul de sacs.</li><li>Fireworks can only be discharged on private property with property owner’s consent.</li><li>Fireworks cannot be discharged into, under, or from a vehicle, whether moving or sitting still.</li><li>Fireworks cannot be discharged within 100 feet of hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility.</li><li>Fireworks cannot be discharged within 300 feet of firework sales.</li><li>Fireworks cannot be thrown into path of person or group of people, whether on foot, bike, or vehicle.</li><li>Fireworks must not impact adjoining property from either direct contact from the fireworks or the residue resulting from the use of fireworks.</li>
 </ul>

Salina Fire Department provides safety tips and helpful information for 4th of July weekend

As audiences race to the box office for this summer's blockbuster "F1," many might be wondering what it really feels like to be behind the wheels of the high-octane, precision-engineered Formula One cars featured in the movie. Most will never know. Kansas State University students, however, have the opportunity to design and drive a Formula-style vehicle through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/powercatmotorsports/">Powercat Motorsports Formula SAE team</a>, which just placed in the top five of an international competition.

Formula SAE is the world's largest and most prestigious design competition, with 13 international competitions and more than 700 active teams. Powercat Motorsports has proudly represented K-State at competition every year since 1997. The premise of the design series is to design, manufacture, test, race and present a fully functional, open-wheel, open-cockpit racecar.

K-State's team continued its streak of strong finishes at the group's largest national competition of the season, cracking the top five in the overall standings for the first time in club history.

Powercat Motorsports took fourth place out of 107 teams competing at Formula SAE Michigan and finished just 26 points out of third place, marking the group's best performance at this competition in more than 25 years of racing while continuing the team's ascendance into a perennial contender on the national stage. K-State also finished first among nine competing Big 12 teams at Michigan International Speedway this year.

"Although I have only been on the team for two years, I have seen the team take strides in both vehicle development and documentation to set us up for success in future years," said incoming club president Tyler Carlgren, senior in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Overland Park. "Twenty-eight years of development have all come together to create the team we are now, and I can't wait to see what we do in the future."

During the past three years of competition, Powercat Motorsports has rapidly improved its finishes in the standings at SAE Michigan, taking 14th place in 2023 and cracking the top 10 for the first time last year. Fueling this year's strong finish was a 13th place in the skidpad competition and a 10th place in autocross that qualified the team for a great start to the endurance race. The team took care of business on the track, finishing in third place with a clean run by the team’s drivers, with no penalties for hitting cones or going off course.

Additionally, the team's rise in the standings can be attributed to strong finishes in the static events that occur off the track, including cost evaluation, business presentation and design. The business presentation subteam took third overall in its event after not previously making the finals in past years.

"I have been with the team since I started at K-State," said former club president and business lead Anish Srivastava, 2025 graduate in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Olathe. "I have watched our team grow and improve every year, from not finishing in 2021 to placing fourth overall in the Michigan International this year. The placement feels unreal even a month later. This was not just the work of the current team, but the accumulation of knowledge, work and dedication of all alumni before us."

Powercat Motorsports celebrated 25 years of competition last year. One of the larger design teams in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://engg.k-state.edu/">Carl R. Ice College of Engineering</a>, Powercat Motorsports is one of just many ways the college provides students with impactful experiences outside of the classroom, preparing them for life beyond K-State.

Hosein Baboly, teaching associate professor, and Kevin Wanklyn, teaching associate professor, both from the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mne.k-state.edu/">Alan Levin Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering</a>, serve as faculty advisors to the team.In addition to Carlgren and Srivastava, competing members of the 2025 Powercat Motorsports team at Michigan International Speedway include:

Mason Ouellette, senior in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Belle Plaine; Lawson Hall, senior in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Fort Scott; Reese Hirschler, freshman in mechanical engineering, and PJ Migliazzo, sophomore in mechanical engineering, both from&nbsp;Leawood; Madi Horton, junior in news and sports media,&nbsp;Newton;&nbsp;Thomas Harp, senior in biochemistry,&nbsp;Osawatomie; Payton Lee, graduate student in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Ottawa; Spencer Strahm, senior in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Sabetha; Will Fulkerson, senior in electrical engineering, Emma Shulda, senior in industrial engineering, Charlie Slothower, junior in mechanical engineering, and Mary Stevens, sophomore in interior architecture, all from&nbsp;Salina; Alayna Dill, junior in biology,&nbsp;Shawnee; Carter Cygan, senior in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Spring Hill; Wyatt Haug, 2025 graduate in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Topeka; and Louis Evans, junior in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Wichita.

From out of state: Joey Carter, sophomore in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Longmont, Colorado; Tyler Weber, senior in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Kansas City, Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751463294623.png" alt="K-State Powercat Motorsports; photo courtesy of Kansas State University&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>K-State Powercat Motorsports; photo courtesy of Kansas State University&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State UniversityAs audiences race to the box office for this summer's blockbuster "F1," many might be wondering what it really feels like to be behind the wheels of the high-octane, precision-engineered Formula One cars featured in the movie. Most will never know. Kansas State University students, however, have the opportunity to design and drive a Formula-style vehicle through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/powercatmotorsports/">Powercat Motorsports Formula SAE team</a>, which just placed in the top five of an international competition.Formula SAE is the world's largest and most prestigious design competition, with 13 international competitions and more than 700 active teams. Powercat Motorsports has proudly represented K-State at competition every year since 1997. The premise of the design series is to design, manufacture, test, race and present a fully functional, open-wheel, open-cockpit racecar.K-State's team continued its streak of strong finishes at the group's largest national competition of the season, cracking the top five in the overall standings for the first time in club history.Powercat Motorsports took fourth place out of 107 teams competing at Formula SAE Michigan and finished just 26 points out of third place, marking the group's best performance at this competition in more than 25 years of racing while continuing the team's ascendance into a perennial contender on the national stage. K-State also finished first among nine competing Big 12 teams at Michigan International Speedway this year."Although I have only been on the team for two years, I have seen the team take strides in both vehicle development and documentation to set us up for success in future years," said incoming club president Tyler Carlgren, senior in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Overland Park. "Twenty-eight years of development have all come together to create the team we are now, and I can't wait to see what we do in the future."During the past three years of competition, Powercat Motorsports has rapidly improved its finishes in the standings at SAE Michigan, taking 14th place in 2023 and cracking the top 10 for the first time last year. Fueling this year's strong finish was a 13th place in the skidpad competition and a 10th place in autocross that qualified the team for a great start to the endurance race. The team took care of business on the track, finishing in third place with a clean run by the team’s drivers, with no penalties for hitting cones or going off course.Additionally, the team's rise in the standings can be attributed to strong finishes in the static events that occur off the track, including cost evaluation, business presentation and design. The business presentation subteam took third overall in its event after not previously making the finals in past years."I have been with the team since I started at K-State," said former club president and business lead Anish Srivastava, 2025 graduate in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Olathe. "I have watched our team grow and improve every year, from not finishing in 2021 to placing fourth overall in the Michigan International this year. The placement feels unreal even a month later. This was not just the work of the current team, but the accumulation of knowledge, work and dedication of all alumni before us."Powercat Motorsports celebrated 25 years of competition last year. One of the larger design teams in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://engg.k-state.edu/">Carl R. Ice College of Engineering</a>, Powercat Motorsports is one of just many ways the college provides students with impactful experiences outside of the classroom, preparing them for life beyond K-State.Hosein Baboly, teaching associate professor, and Kevin Wanklyn, teaching associate professor, both from the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mne.k-state.edu/">Alan Levin Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering</a>, serve as faculty advisors to the team.In addition to Carlgren and Srivastava, competing members of the 2025 Powercat Motorsports team at Michigan International Speedway include:Mason Ouellette, senior in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Belle Plaine; Lawson Hall, senior in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Fort Scott; Reese Hirschler, freshman in mechanical engineering, and PJ Migliazzo, sophomore in mechanical engineering, both from&nbsp;Leawood; Madi Horton, junior in news and sports media,&nbsp;Newton;&nbsp;Thomas Harp, senior in biochemistry,&nbsp;Osawatomie; Payton Lee, graduate student in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Ottawa; Spencer Strahm, senior in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Sabetha; Will Fulkerson, senior in electrical engineering, Emma Shulda, senior in industrial engineering, Charlie Slothower, junior in mechanical engineering, and Mary Stevens, sophomore in interior architecture, all from&nbsp;Salina; Alayna Dill, junior in biology,&nbsp;Shawnee; Carter Cygan, senior in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Spring Hill; Wyatt Haug, 2025 graduate in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Topeka; and Louis Evans, junior in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Wichita.From out of state: Joey Carter, sophomore in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Longmont, Colorado; Tyler Weber, senior in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Kansas City, Missouri.

K-State students design race Formula-style vehicle in international competition, Salina student included

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Edmundson, William Michael

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

NAME:&nbsp;Henderson, Michael Anthony

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Contempt of Court; Direct

NAME:&nbsp;Longoria, Michael James

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Assault of LEO; Properly identified on duty; Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty; Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Interfere. w/ LEO; unknown circ.; misd.

NAME:&nbsp;Palmer, Simone Christine

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation (2 requested charges); Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Toney, Ryan Logan Jasper

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751462762987.jpeg" alt="Blair, James Preston&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Blair, James Preston&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Blair, James PrestonREQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751462803610.jpeg" alt="Edmundson, William Michael&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Edmundson, William Michael&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Edmundson, William MichaelREQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751462844317.jpeg" alt="Henderson, Michael Anthony&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Henderson, Michael Anthony&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Henderson, Michael AnthonyREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Contempt of Court; Direct<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751462888393.jpeg" alt="Longoria, Michael James&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Longoria, Michael James&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Longoria, Michael JamesREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Assault of LEO; Properly identified on duty; Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty; Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Interfere. w/ LEO; unknown circ.; misd.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751462957455.jpeg" alt="Palmer, Simone Christine&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Palmer, Simone Christine&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Palmer, Simone ChristineREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation (2 requested charges); Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751463021702.jpeg" alt="Toney, Ryan Logan Jasper&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Toney, Ryan Logan Jasper&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Toney, Ryan Logan JasperREQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, July 2

This is day 7 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Harvest progress continues across Kansas, with some areas moving slowly due to wet conditions while others have managed to dodge the rain and are preparing to wrap up harvest. Farmers and custom harvesters are adapting to challenges to keep things moving.

Shane Eck with the Pawnee County Coop Association in Larned reports that harvest is 75% to 85% complete in their region. Harvest conditions have been mostly favorable as they have missed most of the heavy rain events but had some scattered rains.

Yields are ranging from 20 to 60 bushels per acre, which is, for the most part, an improvement over the drought-stricken crops of the past two years. They have already exceeded their take of wheat from last year and are above their five-year average. Test weights were averaging 58 pounds with some lower numbers in rainfall areas. Test weights and yields have been impacted by wheat streak mosaic virus and other associated viral diseases which have become more common in the region over the past three years. Proteins are averaging around 12%.

Paul Penner, a farmer in Marion County, has been harvesting on and off due to repeated rain delays. Wet conditions have made progress slow, and Penner estimates he has about three to four days left to go. He’s working to balance wrapping up harvest while also getting soybeans in the ground without damaging fields.

Test weights started around 60 pounds but have since dipped, now ranging closer to 56 to 59 pounds following the recent rains. The wet fields have been one of the biggest challenges this season. Penner planted KS Providence, AG Radical and AP Prolific, all of which are performing well so far.

Custom harvester Jacob Hermesch is cutting wheat near Kinsley, Kansas, where recent rains have made fields difficult to access without specialized equipment. Hermesch said tracks have made the difference this season, allowing his crew to keep working while others are sidelined by the mud.

“I got my combine stuck four times in one day,” Hermesch said. “But the tracked machine just walks right through it, no problem.”

Despite good wheat in the area, the wet conditions are slowing progress and putting extra stress on equipment. Hermesch estimates yields are ranging from 30 to 70 bushels per acre, depending on how well the crop was managed. He noted that demand for help is high in the Kinsley area, especially from farmers short on equipment. Even with the challenges he has faced, Hermesch is open to picking up more acres, especially closer to home along Highway 36.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751423226702.png" alt="Day 7 Harvest Report 2025;&nbsp;photo courtesy of Kansas Wheat" />
 <figcaption>Day 7 Harvest Report 2025;&nbsp;photo courtesy of Kansas Wheat</figcaption>
 </figure>This is day 7 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Harvest progress continues across Kansas, with some areas moving slowly due to wet conditions while others have managed to dodge the rain and are preparing to wrap up harvest. Farmers and custom harvesters are adapting to challenges to keep things moving.Shane Eck with the Pawnee County Coop Association in Larned reports that harvest is 75% to 85% complete in their region. Harvest conditions have been mostly favorable as they have missed most of the heavy rain events but had some scattered rains.Yields are ranging from 20 to 60 bushels per acre, which is, for the most part, an improvement over the drought-stricken crops of the past two years. They have already exceeded their take of wheat from last year and are above their five-year average. Test weights were averaging 58 pounds with some lower numbers in rainfall areas. Test weights and yields have been impacted by wheat streak mosaic virus and other associated viral diseases which have become more common in the region over the past three years. Proteins are averaging around 12%.Paul Penner, a farmer in Marion County, has been harvesting on and off due to repeated rain delays. Wet conditions have made progress slow, and Penner estimates he has about three to four days left to go. He’s working to balance wrapping up harvest while also getting soybeans in the ground without damaging fields.Test weights started around 60 pounds but have since dipped, now ranging closer to 56 to 59 pounds following the recent rains. The wet fields have been one of the biggest challenges this season. Penner planted KS Providence, AG Radical and AP Prolific, all of which are performing well so far.Custom harvester Jacob Hermesch is cutting wheat near Kinsley, Kansas, where recent rains have made fields difficult to access without specialized equipment. Hermesch said tracks have made the difference this season, allowing his crew to keep working while others are sidelined by the mud.“I got my combine stuck four times in one day,” Hermesch said. “But the tracked machine just walks right through it, no problem.”Despite good wheat in the area, the wet conditions are slowing progress and putting extra stress on equipment. Hermesch estimates yields are ranging from 30 to 70 bushels per acre, depending on how well the crop was managed. He noted that demand for help is high in the Kinsley area, especially from farmers short on equipment. Even with the challenges he has faced, Hermesch is open to picking up more acres, especially closer to home along Highway 36.The 2025 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on social media, use #wheatharvest25. Tag at @kansaswheat to share your harvest story and photos.

Day 7: Kansas Wheat Harvest report

On Tuesday morning, the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) and Fort Hays State University (FHSU) demonstrated techniques that allow law enforcement officers to respond effectively during traffic stops. 

During a simulated traffic stop at the KHP Training Academy in Salina, KHP Lt. Gregory Etris along with Chair &amp; Professor of the Criminal Justice Program at FHSU, Dr. Tamara Lynn conducted a mock traffic stop scenario that displayed how officers should respond to certain people, depending on their personality/behavior. The technique falls under the&nbsp;<a href="https://discinsights.com/pages/disc-theory#:~:text=DISC%20theory%20is%20a%20model,leadership%20development%2C%20and%20hiring%20practices.">DISC Esoterica® model</a>, that is used to decipher different personality/behavior styles.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://discinsights.com/pages/disc-theory#:~:text=DISC%20theory%20is%20a%20model,leadership%20development%2C%20and%20hiring%20practices.">DISC Esoterica® model</a>&nbsp;falls under the umbrella of the <a href="https://ndtccenter.com/">National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) program</a> that is known to be 'the most comprehensive, innovative and evidence-based experiential program available for law enforcement professionals, around the country. NDTC training teaches officers to identify personality characteristic and traits quickly, in order to adjust their approach and maximize effective communication and interaction with an individual.

According to Fort Hays State University, the NDTC model helps trainees learn to:

Recognize individuals experiencing a mental and/or physical crisis.

Apply behavior modeling to resolve potential conflicts.

Recognize and respond to active and passive emotional states.

According to Dr. Lynn, FHSU offers the de-escalation training through its criminal justice program. Dr. Lynn describes that skills developed through the training at FHSU, will help students before they enter law enforcement as opposed to developing those skills through experiences as a professional officer.

"The troopers are trained to recognize a personality within seconds and start making those observations, even before they start walking up to the car," said Dr. Lynn. "This is the skill set we want the new cadets to get much earlier in their career."

KHP Public Resource Officer, Todd Hileman gave his comments on what he thinks about the training.

"Lt. Etris and I were talking about how for the first part of our career we had to learn this through experience, but now this is great that they (students) can get this experience in the classroom before going out into the field," said Hileman.

Lt. Etris trains new cadets in the KHP academy to conduct these scenarios,&nbsp; before they experience it in the real world. He describes what they teach throughout these sessions.

"We teach that being patient and allowing that energy to be used up by the individual prior to us making contact, works to our advantage because now that person has had a chance to vent out that emotion and now we can be able to have a normal conversation," said Lt. Etris. "The officer is going to want to acknowledge that emotion, because that acknowledgement helps open up that communication."

The model also helps reduce the stigma of decreasing the 'fear' that may arise within an individual, when law enforcement officers approach them during a traffic stop. Lt. Etris commented on what law enforcement professionals have discussed to reduce that stigma.

"We asked ourselves, what can we do to change the mindset of society when they do encounter law enforcement," said Lt. Etris. "This skill set allows you to better understand people and the better we can do that, I think we are able to resolve things more peacefully."

"It's all about how you approach, speak and treat them," said officer Hileman.

FHSU facilitates NDTC's four training modalities, including 8-hour de-escalation fundamentals (online or in person), 16-hour de-escalation and a 32-hour 'train the trainer program.' the FHSU criminal justice program and University Police facilitate the Central Region Training Center of the National de-escalation Training Center. Dr. Lynn coordinates with regions across the U.S. to facilitate training sessions to agencies from other areas.

For more information on FHSU's criminal justice program, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/criminaljustice/">https://www.fhsu.edu/criminaljustice/</a>

NDTC training is approved by the Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST).

For more information about NDTC, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://ndtccenter.com/about">https://ndtccenter.com/about</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751391476631.jpeg" alt="KHP Lt. Gregory Etris conducting traffic stop scenario with Dr. Tamara Lynn (Chair &amp; Professor of the FHSU Criminal Justice Program, NDTC Executive Council President) at the KHP Training Academy in Salina on Tuesday, July 1st; photo by Nicolas Fierro" />
 <figcaption>KHP Lt. Gregory Etris conducting traffic stop scenario with Dr. Tamara Lynn (Chair &amp; Professor of the FHSU Criminal Justice Program, NDTC Executive Council President) at the KHP Training Academy in Salina on Tuesday, July 1st; photo by Nicolas Fierro</figcaption>
 </figure>By: NICOLAS FIERROSalina PostOn Tuesday morning, the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) and Fort Hays State University (FHSU) demonstrated techniques that allow law enforcement officers to respond effectively during traffic stops. During a simulated traffic stop at the KHP Training Academy in Salina, KHP Lt. Gregory Etris along with Chair &amp; Professor of the Criminal Justice Program at FHSU, Dr. Tamara Lynn conducted a mock traffic stop scenario that displayed how officers should respond to certain people, depending on their personality/behavior. The technique falls under the&nbsp;<a href="https://discinsights.com/pages/disc-theory#:~:text=DISC%20theory%20is%20a%20model,leadership%20development%2C%20and%20hiring%20practices.">DISC Esoterica® model</a>, that is used to decipher different personality/behavior styles.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751393254419.png" alt="DISC Esoterica® model that entitles four different personality types: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness; photo courtesy of KHP and FHSU" />
 <figcaption>DISC Esoterica® model that entitles four different personality types: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness; photo courtesy of KHP and FHSU</figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;<a href="https://discinsights.com/pages/disc-theory#:~:text=DISC%20theory%20is%20a%20model,leadership%20development%2C%20and%20hiring%20practices.">DISC Esoterica® model</a>&nbsp;falls under the umbrella of the <a href="https://ndtccenter.com/">National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) program</a> that is known to be 'the most comprehensive, innovative and evidence-based experiential program available for law enforcement professionals, around the country. NDTC training teaches officers to identify personality characteristic and traits quickly, in order to adjust their approach and maximize effective communication and interaction with an individual.According to Fort Hays State University, the NDTC model helps trainees learn to:Respond in a procedurally just manner.Recognize individuals experiencing a mental and/or physical crisis.Apply behavior modeling to resolve potential conflicts.Recognize and respond to active and passive emotional states.According to Dr. Lynn, FHSU offers the de-escalation training through its criminal justice program. Dr. Lynn describes that skills developed through the training at FHSU, will help students before they enter law enforcement as opposed to developing those skills through experiences as a professional officer."The troopers are trained to recognize a personality within seconds and start making those observations, even before they start walking up to the car," said Dr. Lynn. "This is the skill set we want the new cadets to get much earlier in their career."KHP Public Resource Officer, Todd Hileman gave his comments on what he thinks about the training."Lt. Etris and I were talking about how for the first part of our career we had to learn this through experience, but now this is great that they (students) can get this experience in the classroom before going out into the field," said Hileman.Lt. Etris trains new cadets in the KHP academy to conduct these scenarios,&nbsp; before they experience it in the real world. He describes what they teach throughout these sessions."We teach that being patient and allowing that energy to be used up by the individual prior to us making contact, works to our advantage because now that person has had a chance to vent out that emotion and now we can be able to have a normal conversation," said Lt. Etris. "The officer is going to want to acknowledge that emotion, because that acknowledgement helps open up that communication."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751402378288.jpeg" alt="KHP Lt. Gregory Etris and Dr. Lynn conducting mock traffic stop for the de-escalation training session at the KHP Academy in Salina on Tuesday, July 1st; photo by Nicolas Fierro" />
 <figcaption>KHP Lt. Gregory Etris and Dr. Lynn conducting mock traffic stop for the de-escalation training session at the KHP Academy in Salina on Tuesday, July 1st; photo by Nicolas Fierro</figcaption>
 </figure>The model also helps reduce the stigma of decreasing the 'fear' that may arise within an individual, when law enforcement officers approach them during a traffic stop. Lt. Etris commented on what law enforcement professionals have discussed to reduce that stigma."We asked ourselves, what can we do to change the mindset of society when they do encounter law enforcement," said Lt. Etris. "This skill set allows you to better understand people and the better we can do that, I think we are able to resolve things more peacefully.""It's all about how you approach, speak and treat them," said officer Hileman.FHSU facilitates NDTC's four training modalities, including 8-hour de-escalation fundamentals (online or in person), 16-hour de-escalation and a 32-hour 'train the trainer program.' the FHSU criminal justice program and University Police facilitate the Central Region Training Center of the National de-escalation Training Center. Dr. Lynn coordinates with regions across the U.S. to facilitate training sessions to agencies from other areas.For more information on FHSU's criminal justice program, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/criminaljustice/">https://www.fhsu.edu/criminaljustice/</a>NDTC training is approved by the Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST).For more information about NDTC, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://ndtccenter.com/about">https://ndtccenter.com/about</a><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsalinapost%2Fvideos%2F1039377141676641%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

KHP demonstrates technique that allows officers to respond effectively during traffic stops

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents boosted salaries of state university presidents and the chancellor an average of 6.4%, despite the Legislature’s decision to provide no more than 2.5% raises to campus employees lagging the farthest behind market rates.

The Legislature earmarked $36.2 million to address state employee pay disparities in the new fiscal year starting July 1. These targeted increases would bring state workers up to 10% below market rate or enact raises of 2.5%, whichever was greater.

The Board of Regents universities received state funding equivalent to a 2.5% merit pool. Lawmakers left it to university administrators to fill other compensation gaps, but the reality was some campus employees won’t get a raise.

The Board of Regents awarded University of Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod a 12% surge of $105,000 to place his total compensation from state government and private endowment sources at $1 million per year.

After meeting in executive session, the Board of Regents also voted Friday without dissent to authorize a 7% increase for Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason to take her annual package to $355,000. Kansas State University President Richard Linton, who received a 10.2% raise last year, was provided a 5% increase this year to elevate his compensation to $750,000.

The low end of the scale were 4% adjustments for Wichita State University President Rick Muma and Emporia State University President Ken Hush. Muma’s annual compensation climbed to $635,000, while Hush’s was bumped to $370,000. The Board of Regents recently hired a new president for Pittsburg State University, so no raise was adopted for PSU.

“Some of the most important actions we take concern our CEOs,” said Carl Ice, chairman of the Board of Regents. “Leaders matter. Leaders set a vision — visions that are compelling.”

Becky Pottebaum, director of finance and administration with the Board of Regents, said the annual review of compensation for university leaders was designed to make certain salaries were based on performance and competitive with peer institutions.

The latest salary adjustments reflected the Board of Regents’ adoption of new principles regarding CEO compensation.

“Strong leadership is essential to the continued success of our institutions and the broader mission of advancing higher education in Kansas,” she said.

For more than six months, state university leaders expressed alarm about converging financial challenges that included general operational inflation, softness in student enrollment, loss of federal research funding and new financial obligations to college athletes.

In response, the Board of Regents approved tuition increases averaging 3.9% for in-state undergraduate university students. University administrators have moved to impose cost-cutting measures to deal with anticipated budget deficits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751394543031.png" alt=" Carl Ice, right, chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents, defended raises of 4% to 12% for top leadership of the state's public universities despite the Kansas Legislature appropriating funding for 2.5% market rate adjustments for certain university employees that could leave faculty and staff without any bump in compensation in the fiscal year starting July 1. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Carl Ice, right, chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents, defended raises of 4% to 12% for top leadership of the state's public universities despite the Kansas Legislature appropriating funding for 2.5% market rate adjustments for certain university employees that could leave faculty and staff without any bump in compensation in the fiscal year starting July 1. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents boosted salaries of state university presidents and the chancellor an average of 6.4%, despite the Legislature’s decision to provide no more than 2.5% raises to campus employees lagging the farthest behind market rates.The Legislature earmarked $36.2 million to address state employee pay disparities in the new fiscal year starting July 1. These targeted increases would bring state workers up to 10% below market rate or enact raises of 2.5%, whichever was greater.The Board of Regents universities received state funding equivalent to a 2.5% merit pool. Lawmakers left it to university administrators to fill other compensation gaps, but the reality was some campus employees won’t get a raise.The Board of Regents awarded University of Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod a 12% surge of $105,000 to place his total compensation from state government and private endowment sources at $1 million per year.After meeting in executive session, the Board of Regents also voted Friday without dissent to authorize a 7% increase for Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason to take her annual package to $355,000. Kansas State University President Richard Linton, who received a 10.2% raise last year, was provided a 5% increase this year to elevate his compensation to $750,000.The low end of the scale were 4% adjustments for Wichita State University President Rick Muma and Emporia State University President Ken Hush. Muma’s annual compensation climbed to $635,000, while Hush’s was bumped to $370,000. The Board of Regents recently hired a new president for Pittsburg State University, so no raise was adopted for PSU.“Some of the most important actions we take concern our CEOs,” said Carl Ice, chairman of the Board of Regents. “Leaders matter. Leaders set a vision — visions that are compelling.”Becky Pottebaum, director of finance and administration with the Board of Regents, said the annual review of compensation for university leaders was designed to make certain salaries were based on performance and competitive with peer institutions.The latest salary adjustments reflected the Board of Regents’ adoption of new principles regarding CEO compensation.“Strong leadership is essential to the continued success of our institutions and the broader mission of advancing higher education in Kansas,” she said.For more than six months, state university leaders expressed alarm about converging financial challenges that included general operational inflation, softness in student enrollment, loss of federal research funding and new financial obligations to college athletes.In response, the Board of Regents approved tuition increases averaging 3.9% for in-state undergraduate university students. University administrators have moved to impose cost-cutting measures to deal with anticipated budget deficits.Girod said the “challenges largely are due to external factors such as disruptions to federal funding, the lack of new state funding, rising costs associated with facilities construction and operations, and the projected nationwide decline in college enrollment.”He said without decisive action KU’s Lawrence campus could wind up with a $4 million shortfall by the end of the fiscal year.“The reality is higher education is at a crossroads, and universities must develop new financial models for the new world we are in,” Girod said.