By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina Post

This Saturday, a familiar local band invited the public to participate in the music video for its newest hit, "Two Beers," which will be released this Friday.

Sunset Sinners plans to overtake The Well Lake beach spot at 2095 Water Well Road southeast of town with a production crew from Nashville alongside dozens of Salina citizens.

"The guys have a brand new song called 'Two Beers,' and it's coming out everywhere Friday, June 7," said Jesse Atwell, the Sunset Sinners' representative from Atwell Management. "As part of that celebration, they're kicking off a music video shoot on Saturday, June 8, in Salina, and it's open to the public completely free."

Atwell said that the event is for participants 21 years or older since Anheuser Busch sponsored the event.

"There will be beer available, but we're flying in a production crew from Nashville to shoot the video, and we just want as many Salina and Kansas-area folks invited and available to be in the shoot," Atwell said.

Stereophonic Films will be the Nashville-based production company shooting the music video.

Sunset Sinners set off away from Salina earlier this year, traveling to Yellow Dog Studios in Wimberley, Texas, to record their new material and to Texarkana, Texas, in April for the Sunset Solarbration Festival.

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c15e4d1d-90ea-4b39-a33a-4fb7dd7ea70b">The Sunset Sinners start 2024 'With a Bang!'</a>

The Sunset Sinners "Two Beers" Music Video Party will begin at 3 p.m., Saturday, June 8, at the Well Lake beach area. 

"Kickoff time is 3 p.m., but that's when we'll probably start rolling," Atwell said. "So if people would start showing up a little before, that would probably be best."

Atwell said the event is free to the public — the only requirements include bringing flip-flops, sunscreen, beach towels and being 21 or older. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717507318594.jpeg" alt="Sunset Sinners. Image courtesy Jesse Atwell" />
 <figcaption>Sunset Sinners. Image courtesy Jesse Atwell</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostThis Saturday, a familiar local band invited the public to participate in the music video for its newest hit, "Two Beers," which will be released this Friday.Sunset Sinners plans to overtake The Well Lake beach spot at 2095 Water Well Road southeast of town with a production crew from Nashville alongside dozens of Salina citizens.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d4548.491442761517!2d-97.58156092310071!3d38.772109154085406!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87bcc7bab518153b%3A0xd99fbfe97577ed3a!2s2095%20E%20Water%20Well%20Rd%2C%20Salina%2C%20KS%2067401!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1717447605069!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>"The guys have a brand new song called 'Two Beers,' and it's coming out everywhere Friday, June 7," said Jesse Atwell, the Sunset Sinners' representative from Atwell Management. "As part of that celebration, they're kicking off a music video shoot on Saturday, June 8, in Salina, and it's open to the public completely free."Atwell said that the event is for participants 21 years or older since Anheuser Busch sponsored the event."There will be beer available, but we're flying in a production crew from Nashville to shoot the video, and we just want as many Salina and Kansas-area folks invited and available to be in the shoot," Atwell said.Stereophonic Films will be the Nashville-based production company shooting the music video.Sunset Sinners set off away from Salina earlier this year, traveling to Yellow Dog Studios in Wimberley, Texas, to record their new material and to Texarkana, Texas, in April for the Sunset Solarbration Festival.READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c15e4d1d-90ea-4b39-a33a-4fb7dd7ea70b">The Sunset Sinners start 2024 'With a Bang!'</a>The Sunset Sinners "Two Beers" Music Video Party will begin at 3 p.m., Saturday, June 8, at the Well Lake beach area. "Kickoff time is 3 p.m., but that's when we'll probably start rolling," Atwell said. "So if people would start showing up a little before, that would probably be best."Atwell said the event is free to the public — the only requirements include bringing flip-flops, sunscreen, beach towels and being 21 or older.

Sunset Sinners invites public to participate in new song 'Two Beers' music video

At about 10:18 a.m., Monday, June 3, a juvenile driving a black Chrysler 300 southbound on Ninth Street turned east onto Republic Avenue and caused a crash by cutting off a red Chevrolet Malibu.

Salina Police Department (SPD) Sgt. Carlos Londono said the driver of the Chrysler 300 held a driving permit and had a passenger in the vehicle, while the driver of the Chevy Malibu was the sole passenger.

"Two juveniles driving southbound on Ninth Street when the driver had a permit only turned left eastbound onto Republic and didn't see the car coming to their direction northbound and cut them off," Londono said. "The driver of the northbound car had minor injuries — some neck pain, but nothing super serious."

Londono said that no other passenger reported injuries from the crash.

While at the scene, two Salina Fire Department (SFD) trucks guarded the two cars from the busy traffic on Ninth Street. A few SPD vehicles barred traffic on Republic Avenue on the east side of the intersection of Ninth and Republic. 

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/304ee7f6-37a8-4c56-bafa-dc7120ae837c">‘Every dancer is a star’ — Final curtain call for Salina dance icon</a>

Monday morning, around 10:30 a.m., two cars at the intersection of South Ninth Street and West Republic Avenue crashed and caused possible injuries to drivers and passengers.

A red Chevrolet Malibu crashed into the front end of a black, four-door passenger car, with the Malibu's airbags deploying.

While at the scene, two Salina Fire Department trucks guarded the two cars from the busy traffic on Ninth Street. A few Salina Police Department (SPD) vehicles barred traffic on Republic Avenue on the east side of the intersection of Ninth and Republic. 

SPD staff intend to provide more information on the possible injury-causing vehicle crash. 

Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717431653037.jpeg" alt="Salina Fire Department (SFD) members help clean up a crash on Monday, June 3, at the intersection of West Republic Avenue and South Ninth Street in town. Photo by Olivia Bergemeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Fire Department (SFD) members help clean up a crash on Monday, June 3, at the intersection of West Republic Avenue and South Ninth Street in town. Photo by Olivia Bergemeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Updated 2:04 p.m. 03/06/2024By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostAt about 10:18 a.m., Monday, June 3, a juvenile driving a black Chrysler 300 southbound on Ninth Street turned east onto Republic Avenue and caused a crash by cutting off a red Chevrolet Malibu.Salina Police Department (SPD) Sgt. Carlos Londono said the driver of the Chrysler 300 held a driving permit and had a passenger in the vehicle, while the driver of the Chevy Malibu was the sole passenger."Two juveniles driving southbound on Ninth Street when the driver had a permit only turned left eastbound onto Republic and didn't see the car coming to their direction northbound and cut them off," Londono said. "The driver of the northbound car had minor injuries — some neck pain, but nothing super serious."Londono said that no other passenger reported injuries from the crash.While at the scene, two Salina Fire Department (SFD) trucks guarded the two cars from the busy traffic on Ninth Street. A few SPD vehicles barred traffic on Republic Avenue on the east side of the intersection of Ninth and Republic. READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/304ee7f6-37a8-4c56-bafa-dc7120ae837c">‘Every dancer is a star’ — Final curtain call for Salina dance icon</a>Published 11:19 a.m. 06/03/2024By SALINA POSTMonday morning, around 10:30 a.m., two cars at the intersection of South Ninth Street and West Republic Avenue crashed and caused possible injuries to drivers and passengers.A red Chevrolet Malibu crashed into the front end of a black, four-door passenger car, with the Malibu's airbags deploying.While at the scene, two Salina Fire Department trucks guarded the two cars from the busy traffic on Ninth Street. A few Salina Police Department (SPD) vehicles barred traffic on Republic Avenue on the east side of the intersection of Ninth and Republic. SPD staff intend to provide more information on the possible injury-causing vehicle crash. Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.

UPDATED: Juvenile with driver's permit only causes collision at Republic and Ninth

CLAY COUNTY—A Kansas man injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Sunday in Clay County has died.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Hyundai Sonata driven by Marion Paul&nbsp;Brenner, 92, Randolph, was southbound on Utah Road and failed to yield right of way at U.S. 24.

A westbound 2007 Ford F150 driven by Jeff Bradley Sells, 44, Mankato, struck the Hyundai in the intersection.

EMS transported Brenner to the Clay County Medical Center. He died early Monday, according to the KHP.

Sells and a passenger in the Ford were not injured. Brenner was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

CLAY COUNTY—A Kansas man injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Sunday in Clay County has died.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Hyundai Sonata driven by Marion Paul&nbsp;Brenner, 92, Randolph, was southbound on Utah Road and failed to yield right of way at U.S. 24.A westbound 2007 Ford F150 driven by Jeff Bradley Sells, 44, Mankato, struck the Hyundai in the intersection.EMS transported Brenner to the Clay County Medical Center. He died early Monday, according to the KHP.Sells and a passenger in the Ford were not injured. Brenner was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

92-year-old Kan. man injured in pickup, car crash has died

By LORI BLAKE Candidate for Kansas House of Representatives 69th District Last&nbsp;year, I decided to run for the State House in the 69th district. &nbsp;Over three decades as a small business owner and administrator in public education, disability supports and child abuse prevention, I have learned families are the foundation for society.&nbsp;After thirteen years on the Southeast of Saline &nbsp;School Board, I want to share my knowledge and experience supporting high quality education and representing the real needs of local families to change &nbsp;policy. I’m running for the Democratic nomination. But I have a confession: the Democrat label doesn’t quite describe me.

Though registered as a Democrat when I was younger,&nbsp;over the years I’ve also registered as a Republican, and I’ve voted for both Democrats and Republicans many times.&nbsp;As a school board member advocating to our legislators, I quickly became frustrated by the gridlock caused by our two party system and their inability to collaborate to solve problems. I chose to unaffiliate and tried to distance myself from both major parties because I think politics at the state and national level have gotten nasty. And too often, these same politicians forget there are local leaders elected to &nbsp;make decisions that are local issues. We are not a one-size fits all state. Much of the focus in Topeka should be sent back to our city, county and school boards. These people understand their communities and their values best. &nbsp;

Both parties are too dominated by their extremes and people with narrow agendas that the average person doesn’t care much about. &nbsp;People like me, who just want government to focus on setting policy that betters people’s lives, tend to stay away from running for office. &nbsp;Picking one of the major party banners doesn’t quite feel right.

But this year something different is stirring here in Kansas: the United Kansas Party. It’s a new political party that wants to lift the voices and values of moderates—people who value collaboration, compromise and understand a single mind can’t arrive at the best solution due to their limited experience. We are stronger when we work together. &nbsp;We should seek to create a culture of civility over ideological wars focused on beating the “other side.”

What makes United Kansas different from other third parties is that it wants to be a constructive party, not one that runs its own fringe candidates, dividing the vote. It’s focused on reviving fusion voting, an old practice here in Kansas that used to be common until the early 1900s.

Fusion voting is when two or more parties each nominate the same candidate, but voters get to express their support for that candidate on the ballot line that most closely matches their values. Fusion will let people like me express our support in the general election in a way that will make moderation more of a political force to be reckoned with.

So, my neighbors, get ready for something new (or rather, something old that is coming back). The United Kansas Party is planning to nominate a number of candidates this year, in order to give moderates like me a boost. I hope you’ll consider this shift. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll help launch &nbsp;our state to the stars out of difficulty.

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Communications. The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717431222820.jpeg" alt="Lori blake" />
 <figcaption>Lori blake</figcaption>
 </figure>By LORI BLAKE Candidate for Kansas House of Representatives 69th District Last&nbsp;year, I decided to run for the State House in the 69th district. &nbsp;Over three decades as a small business owner and administrator in public education, disability supports and child abuse prevention, I have learned families are the foundation for society.&nbsp;After thirteen years on the Southeast of Saline &nbsp;School Board, I want to share my knowledge and experience supporting high quality education and representing the real needs of local families to change &nbsp;policy. I’m running for the Democratic nomination. But I have a confession: the Democrat label doesn’t quite describe me.Though registered as a Democrat when I was younger,&nbsp;over the years I’ve also registered as a Republican, and I’ve voted for both Democrats and Republicans many times.&nbsp;As a school board member advocating to our legislators, I quickly became frustrated by the gridlock caused by our two party system and their inability to collaborate to solve problems. I chose to unaffiliate and tried to distance myself from both major parties because I think politics at the state and national level have gotten nasty. And too often, these same politicians forget there are local leaders elected to &nbsp;make decisions that are local issues. We are not a one-size fits all state. Much of the focus in Topeka should be sent back to our city, county and school boards. These people understand their communities and their values best. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="opinion sq.png" />
 <figcaption>opinion sq.png</figcaption>
 </figure>Both parties are too dominated by their extremes and people with narrow agendas that the average person doesn’t care much about. &nbsp;People like me, who just want government to focus on setting policy that betters people’s lives, tend to stay away from running for office. &nbsp;Picking one of the major party banners doesn’t quite feel right.But this year something different is stirring here in Kansas: the United Kansas Party. It’s a new political party that wants to lift the voices and values of moderates—people who value collaboration, compromise and understand a single mind can’t arrive at the best solution due to their limited experience. We are stronger when we work together. &nbsp;We should seek to create a culture of civility over ideological wars focused on beating the “other side.”What makes United Kansas different from other third parties is that it wants to be a constructive party, not one that runs its own fringe candidates, dividing the vote. It’s focused on reviving fusion voting, an old practice here in Kansas that used to be common until the early 1900s.Fusion voting is when two or more parties each nominate the same candidate, but voters get to express their support for that candidate on the ballot line that most closely matches their values. Fusion will let people like me express our support in the general election in a way that will make moderation more of a political force to be reckoned with.So, my neighbors, get ready for something new (or rather, something old that is coming back). The United Kansas Party is planning to nominate a number of candidates this year, in order to give moderates like me a boost. I hope you’ll consider this shift. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll help launch &nbsp;our state to the stars out of difficulty.The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Communications. The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.

OPINION: Blake, candidate for Kansas House of Representatives 69th District, ‘People Over Partisanship’

Once caution faded from the cold call, Vivette Ashen-Brenner let loose with a soliloquy of proud moments in her short career as a dancer, followed by 49-plus years as a dance instructor — her true calling.

Happiness flowed from the heart as Miss V fast-forwarded through a half century of dance in Salina.

Trickling tears were sensed as a sweet voice cracked over the phone while she weaved her wonderful life into a special story.

“My heart’s always been with the little kids,” said Vivette, who doubled for decades as a substitute school teacher.

In the closely knit Salina dance community, there’s little need to include her hyphenated last name.

“There are wonderful memories. It’s all been about the joy of dance, the love and design of it, the service, the children being so happy, and the look on their faces,” Vivette said. “That’s what it’s all been about.”&nbsp; &nbsp;

Mixed into her blessed life is a more private role as wife and partner to Sid Ashen-Brenner, a retired locksmith from the maintenance department at Salina Regional Health Center, mother to Lisette Ashen-Brenner, of Lenexa, and several “bonus daughters.”

Vivette calls herself Salina’s “grandmother of dance,” as founder of Vivette’s Dance Studio, currently at The Temple, 336 S. Santa Fe, one of five dance schools in town.

But after Sunday’s dance recital on the third floor of The Temple, the 4-foot, 8-inch dynamo announced her retirement, less than a month from her 72nd birthday.

“My family needs me at home,” she said. “Otherwise, I’d keep it going.”

When she learned of Vivette’s decision, Tamara Howe, owner and director of the Tamara Howe School of Dance, 124 S.Santa Fe, rallied the dance community to give the senior leader a proper sendoff.

“I think anyone who’s been in business for 49 years should be celebrated for the contributions she made to our community. That’s a long time to be enriching children’s lives,” said Howe, who moved to Salina with her husband, Steven Howe, 17 years ago.

“I worked with Peggy Simms and Vivette and enjoyed my time with them both,” Tamara Howe said. “When Peggy retired, she wanted a place for her students to go, and asked me to open a school. Vivette has impacted hundreds of lives through her teaching.”

She’s been devoted to dance since enrolling in a class at age 4, while growing up in Champaign, IL .

“I was a firefly in my very first recital,” Vivette recalled. “That was wonderful being on stage.”

Her goal is the same experience for every class member, serving as a springboard for all, no matter their pursuits in life.

Some went on to make careers of dance, but regardless of where they ended up, all were equipped with some priceless tools.

“You just feel so proud that they have become successful persons, that they took whatever lessons we taught them and used them in their life,” Vivette said. “If you can get on stage, do your dance, and smile, you can do anything in life. You can be a doctor, a lawyer, or anything you want to be, because you’ve already done the hard stuff, managed the scary. You’ve had to overcome fear and be confident.”

That recipe works for the preschoolers — Vivette’s favorite age group — into adulthood.

LaRana Skalicky can attest. The former Vivette student got a late start in the business, but shares her mentor’s devotion. She’s the executive director and a member of Denver-based Kim Robards Dance, meaning she still performs throughout Colorado, nationally and internationally, including New York City’s Lincoln Center.&nbsp;

“Vivette’s love for dance was always evident. When she was teaching someone, you could just tell it was her passion,” Skalicky said. “She had a great ability to teach in a way to make everybody feel they could be a success.”

Growing up in Salina, Skalicky first focused on music and played the cello. Her first dance class was at 18, late in her years at Salina Central High School, and there was one month to prepare for her debut performance.

“I’m talking four weeks of dance classes — period — and I was concerned,” she said. “I really had no idea what I was doing. I was just trying to figure it out at the moment.”

“She said, ‘Don’t worry. Just fake it until you make it,’ ” Skalicky recalled.

Skalicky completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance degree and a minor in philosophy from Stephens College in Columbia, MO, landed a job with Kim Robards Dance, and is in her 35th year of performing, teaching and touring.

READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/97b89f6d-3517-4599-beca-4694d960bb10">&nbsp;1 Vision Aviation Salina Leases Hangar H626</a>

It all began in the basement of Vivette’s home.

Dance is life for Skalicky, 58. Her dog is named “Pique,” which is a ballet dance term that means “stepping directly on the&nbsp;pointe&nbsp;of the working foot in any desired direction with the other foot raised in the air,” according to&nbsp;<a href="http://lbcc.edu/" target="_blank">lbcc.edu</a>&nbsp;(Long Beach City College website).

Vivette teaches ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, bollywood, and belly dance.

“I’m the last of the belly dance teachers in Salina, unless somebody new pops up,” she said.

The daughter of Loren Pullum, a bank vice president, and Genevieve Pullum, “a French war bride,” Vivette grew up in Illinois, moved to Missouri, then Omaha.

Her foray into the arts was as a violinist.

“I played it very badly. I couldn’t reach an octave. My hands were too small,” Vivette said.

Size was a hindrance as a dancer as well.

“I took a summer class in Utah. They looked at me and said ‘You shouldn’t be here,’ because I was too short to be a ballerina. At that time, short male dancers were put into tap dancing,” she said. “Frankly, I wasn’t that good and my heart’s always been in teaching. I didn’t have star quality, but I could find it in others.”

She completed a degree in elementary education and performing arts from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and began teaching as Crescent, Iowa, “a town with three bars, two gas stations and a school.”

Vivette moved to Salina in 1975 and began working at the YWCA as program director.

“I was in charge of anything that didn’t involve a ball or a swimming pool,” she said.

Whenever an opportunity arose to teach, the vivacious Vivette volunteered and became very busy.

“I started teaching tap, then ballet. Our first recital was at Coronado (Elementary) School in May of 1976. In addition to being program director, I taught all the dance classes for several years.”

Vivette began also teaching dance in the basement of her home, starting in 1978, and eventually launched her own studio full-time.

“I kinda outgrew my basement, and moved to Ninth and Crawford,” she said. “I kept thinking ‘I have to expand.’ There was a little chiropractor building right around the corner from my house.”

There was no vacancy because martial arts was being taught in part of the structure.

“I stopped and asked ‘When the martial arts goes belly up, will you rent it to me?’ And they said, ‘Why would you think it will?’ ” Vivette said. “Two months later, they called and asked if I wanted to rent the building.”

It was home to her studio for 10 years, and then Vivette built a building on Armory Road.

“I sold it three years ago when I needed to downsize. The building&nbsp;brought joy to people, and now it’s continuing to do that by helping people put their lives back together,” Vivette said.

She rented space in The Temple and relocated the studio there, where her students range from preschool-elementary to a class of three seasoned alumni.

“It’s kind of a social time, for exercise,” Vivette said.

At Vivette’s Dance Studio, no matter the size, shape or future, pupils learn that “Every dancer is a star.”

Her age groups are aptly named — Starlets, ages 3 to 4; Sparklers, 5 to 6; Comets, 7 to 9; Meteors, 9 to 10; and Constellation, 10 to 13.

“What can I say? When I pick a theme, I stick to it,” Vivette said.

Every group is special for a specific reason, she said, such as the Meteors class of Gracie Wenger, Saya Sawyer, Imogen Eilts, Amara Keck, Ava Jones, and Kennedy Sheffield.

“These girls come every week properly dressed and ready to work, and yet can be so giggly and silly,” Vivette said.

She often branches out at The Temple in downtown Salina, and pitches in to prepare for other events.

“Vivette’s just been so good to us,” said Mary Landes, executive director of the nonprofit Salina Innovation Foundation, where entrepreneurs get a hand up starting new businesses.

“Everyone else is a startup,” Landes said. “Vivette calls herself a ‘wind down.’ ”

The dance studio’s mirrors and wooden ballet barres will be donated and the foundation will look to repurpose the space.

The little lady is credited for helping Salina’s dance community grow and improve, while enhancing many aspects of the town.

“Vivette has always been very welcoming and kind. She’s an encourager of collaboration and support, and always a welcoming face in the dance community,” Tamara Howe said. “She’s done a lot over the years, and I would hate for Vivette to end quietly and not know what an impact she made with the community and all the students she taught.”

One of the more challenging times in her career came towards the end, when the COVID pandemic changed life as most knew it.

“The kids didn’t go anywhere after COVID. There was no Bible study, no story, time. The COVID kids were very, very different. They struggled,” Vivette said. “One little girl’s mom was right beside her, and within a few weeks, she could be close by, then on the edge of the stage. Two years later, mom was in the audience. I think coming to dance was scary.”

Memories are golden to Vivette, harkening back to so many visits to nursing homes during the Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day seasons, also just before recitals. She relished joy on the faces of residents.

“The ladies were just so happy to have us there. Once at Holiday Resort while the students were shaking hands with everybody, they told me a man began to talk, who hadn’t spoken in years. Something connected,” Vivette said. “I told the children, (residents) are going to hold your hand, and they might not let go. Dance is a performing art. It’s a way of touching hearts. It is a way for that quiet little kid to get a moment to shine. So many people walk up to me and say ‘My daughter loves dancing.’ ”

“I kept seeing this guy who was in karate class, a teenager. He was doing everything I was doing while I was teaching my kids, copying our exercises,” she said. “I said ‘come on in here,’ and I started working with him. I soon realized I didn’t know enough to teach someone with his raw talent.”

His name was Brian Bender. Vivette asked her teacher from Creighton University, Valerie Roche, to evaluate Brian, and came to the same conclusion.

“She had no funds for a scholarship, but gave him a place to live in the basement of the studio, and the ability to audit all classes,” Vivette said.

Brian studied there and went on to perform with the Royal Canadian Ballet of Winnipeg, and later opened a training studio in Colorado. Bender, who recently died, would occasionally come home to Salina to visit family, and taught master classes for Vivette.

To this day, she is proud that Bender’s mimicry took place “at the right place and the right time,” and helped influence a career.

“Brian wouldn’t have realized his talent and passion and would not have achieved that part of his life,” she said. “I feel very fortunate that I was able to start him on his path. He went on to train a lot of dancers.”

Remembering those days with so many youngsters, provides enduring pride.&nbsp;

“I’ve touched a lot of lives in many ways,” Vivette said. “They didn’t all go on to be famous dancers, but they all went on to be wonderful people.”

About Vivette’s married name. As told by her husband, Sid: Either during World War I or as a result of it, his ancestors opted to change the spelling of the family name “to make it appear less German,” Vivette said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717422656205.jpeg" alt="Vivette poses with her Sparklers dance class after a recent rehearsal. Left to right are Aspen Keck, Charleigh Simpson, Miss V, Adalynn Long, and Lilly Holloway. All of these students are age 6. Photo by Tim Unruh" />
 <figcaption>Vivette poses with her Sparklers dance class after a recent rehearsal. Left to right are Aspen Keck, Charleigh Simpson, Miss V, Adalynn Long, and Lilly Holloway. All of these students are age 6. Photo by Tim Unruh</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM UNRUHOnce caution faded from the cold call, Vivette Ashen-Brenner let loose with a soliloquy of proud moments in her short career as a dancer, followed by 49-plus years as a dance instructor — her true calling.Happiness flowed from the heart as Miss V fast-forwarded through a half century of dance in Salina.Trickling tears were sensed as a sweet voice cracked over the phone while she weaved her wonderful life into a special story.“My heart’s always been with the little kids,” said Vivette, who doubled for decades as a substitute school teacher.In the closely knit Salina dance community, there’s little need to include her hyphenated last name.“There are wonderful memories. It’s all been about the joy of dance, the love and design of it, the service, the children being so happy, and the look on their faces,” Vivette said. “That’s what it’s all been about.”&nbsp; &nbsp;Mixed into her blessed life is a more private role as wife and partner to Sid Ashen-Brenner, a retired locksmith from the maintenance department at Salina Regional Health Center, mother to Lisette Ashen-Brenner, of Lenexa, and several “bonus daughters.”Vivette calls herself Salina’s “grandmother of dance,” as founder of Vivette’s Dance Studio, currently at The Temple, 336 S. Santa Fe, one of five dance schools in town.But after Sunday’s dance recital on the third floor of The Temple, the 4-foot, 8-inch dynamo announced her retirement, less than a month from her 72nd birthday.“My family needs me at home,” she said. “Otherwise, I’d keep it going.”When she learned of Vivette’s decision, Tamara Howe, owner and director of the Tamara Howe School of Dance, 124 S.Santa Fe, rallied the dance community to give the senior leader a proper sendoff.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717422691656.jpeg" alt="Vivette’s Meteors dance class lines up “ready to work” along the ballet barres at her dance studio. Members are Gracie Wenger, Saya Sawyer, Imogen Eilts, Amara Keck, Ava Jones, and Kennadi Sheffield, all of Salina. Photo courtesy of Vivette Ashen-Brenner" />
 <figcaption>Vivette’s Meteors dance class lines up “ready to work” along the ballet barres at her dance studio. Members are Gracie Wenger, Saya Sawyer, Imogen Eilts, Amara Keck, Ava Jones, and Kennadi Sheffield, all of Salina. Photo courtesy of Vivette Ashen-Brenner</figcaption>
 </figure>“I think anyone who’s been in business for 49 years should be celebrated for the contributions she made to our community. That’s a long time to be enriching children’s lives,” said Howe, who moved to Salina with her husband, Steven Howe, 17 years ago.“I worked with Peggy Simms and Vivette and enjoyed my time with them both,” Tamara Howe said. “When Peggy retired, she wanted a place for her students to go, and asked me to open a school. Vivette has impacted hundreds of lives through her teaching.”She’s been devoted to dance since enrolling in a class at age 4, while growing up in Champaign, IL .“I was a firefly in my very first recital,” Vivette recalled. “That was wonderful being on stage.”Her goal is the same experience for every class member, serving as a springboard for all, no matter their pursuits in life.Some went on to make careers of dance, but regardless of where they ended up, all were equipped with some priceless tools.“You just feel so proud that they have become successful persons, that they took whatever lessons we taught them and used them in their life,” Vivette said. “If you can get on stage, do your dance, and smile, you can do anything in life. You can be a doctor, a lawyer, or anything you want to be, because you’ve already done the hard stuff, managed the scary. You’ve had to overcome fear and be confident.”That recipe works for the preschoolers — Vivette’s favorite age group — into adulthood.LaRana Skalicky can attest. The former Vivette student got a late start in the business, but shares her mentor’s devotion. She’s the executive director and a member of Denver-based Kim Robards Dance, meaning she still performs throughout Colorado, nationally and internationally, including New York City’s Lincoln Center.&nbsp;“Vivette’s love for dance was always evident. When she was teaching someone, you could just tell it was her passion,” Skalicky said. “She had a great ability to teach in a way to make everybody feel they could be a success.”Growing up in Salina, Skalicky first focused on music and played the cello. Her first dance class was at 18, late in her years at Salina Central High School, and there was one month to prepare for her debut performance.“I’m talking four weeks of dance classes — period — and I was concerned,” she said. “I really had no idea what I was doing. I was just trying to figure it out at the moment.”Vivette added some sage advice.“She said, ‘Don’t worry. Just fake it until you make it,’ ” Skalicky recalled.And she made it.Skalicky completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance degree and a minor in philosophy from Stephens College in Columbia, MO, landed a job with Kim Robards Dance, and is in her 35th year of performing, teaching and touring.READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/97b89f6d-3517-4599-beca-4694d960bb10">&nbsp;1 Vision Aviation Salina Leases Hangar H626</a><h2>Humble beginnings of a dance legacy</h2>It all began in the basement of Vivette’s home.Dance is life for Skalicky, 58. Her dog is named “Pique,” which is a ballet dance term that means “stepping directly on the&nbsp;pointe&nbsp;of the working foot in any desired direction with the other foot raised in the air,” according to&nbsp;<a href="http://lbcc.edu/" target="_blank">lbcc.edu</a>&nbsp;(Long Beach City College website).Vivette teaches ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, bollywood, and belly dance.“I’m the last of the belly dance teachers in Salina, unless somebody new pops up,” she said.The daughter of Loren Pullum, a bank vice president, and Genevieve Pullum, “a French war bride,” Vivette grew up in Illinois, moved to Missouri, then Omaha.Her foray into the arts was as a violinist.“I played it very badly. I couldn’t reach an octave. My hands were too small,” Vivette said.Size was a hindrance as a dancer as well.“I took a summer class in Utah. They looked at me and said ‘You shouldn’t be here,’ because I was too short to be a ballerina. At that time, short male dancers were put into tap dancing,” she said. “Frankly, I wasn’t that good and my heart’s always been in teaching. I didn’t have star quality, but I could find it in others.”She completed a degree in elementary education and performing arts from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and began teaching as Crescent, Iowa, “a town with three bars, two gas stations and a school.”Vivette moved to Salina in 1975 and began working at the YWCA as program director.“I was in charge of anything that didn’t involve a ball or a swimming pool,” she said.Whenever an opportunity arose to teach, the vivacious Vivette volunteered and became very busy.“I started teaching tap, then ballet. Our first recital was at Coronado (Elementary) School in May of 1976. In addition to being program director, I taught all the dance classes for several years.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717422745171.jpeg" alt="As instructor Vivette Ashen-Brenner looks on, Charleigh Simpson works on a dance move. Photo by Tim Unruh" />
 <figcaption>As instructor Vivette Ashen-Brenner looks on, Charleigh Simpson works on a dance move. Photo by Tim Unruh</figcaption>
 </figure>Vivette began also teaching dance in the basement of her home, starting in 1978, and eventually launched her own studio full-time.“I kinda outgrew my basement, and moved to Ninth and Crawford,” she said. “I kept thinking ‘I have to expand.’ There was a little chiropractor building right around the corner from my house.”There was no vacancy because martial arts was being taught in part of the structure.“I stopped and asked ‘When the martial arts goes belly up, will you rent it to me?’ And they said, ‘Why would you think it will?’ ” Vivette said. “Two months later, they called and asked if I wanted to rent the building.”It was home to her studio for 10 years, and then Vivette built a building on Armory Road.“I sold it three years ago when I needed to downsize. The building&nbsp;brought joy to people, and now it’s continuing to do that by helping people put their lives back together,” Vivette said.She rented space in The Temple and relocated the studio there, where her students range from preschool-elementary to a class of three seasoned alumni.“It’s kind of a social time, for exercise,” Vivette said.At Vivette’s Dance Studio, no matter the size, shape or future, pupils learn that “Every dancer is a star.”Her age groups are aptly named — Starlets, ages 3 to 4; Sparklers, 5 to 6; Comets, 7 to 9; Meteors, 9 to 10; and Constellation, 10 to 13.“What can I say? When I pick a theme, I stick to it,” Vivette said.Every group is special for a specific reason, she said, such as the Meteors class of Gracie Wenger, Saya Sawyer, Imogen Eilts, Amara Keck, Ava Jones, and Kennedy Sheffield.“These girls come every week properly dressed and ready to work, and yet can be so giggly and silly,” Vivette said.She often branches out at The Temple in downtown Salina, and pitches in to prepare for other events.“Vivette’s just been so good to us,” said Mary Landes, executive director of the nonprofit Salina Innovation Foundation, where entrepreneurs get a hand up starting new businesses.“Everyone else is a startup,” Landes said. “Vivette calls herself a ‘wind down.’ ”The dance studio’s mirrors and wooden ballet barres will be donated and the foundation will look to repurpose the space.The little lady is credited for helping Salina’s dance community grow and improve, while enhancing many aspects of the town.“Vivette has always been very welcoming and kind. She’s an encourager of collaboration and support, and always a welcoming face in the dance community,” Tamara Howe said. “She’s done a lot over the years, and I would hate for Vivette to end quietly and not know what an impact she made with the community and all the students she taught.”One of the more challenging times in her career came towards the end, when the COVID pandemic changed life as most knew it.“The kids didn’t go anywhere after COVID. There was no Bible study, no story, time. The COVID kids were very, very different. They struggled,” Vivette said. “One little girl’s mom was right beside her, and within a few weeks, she could be close by, then on the edge of the stage. Two years later, mom was in the audience. I think coming to dance was scary.”Memories are golden to Vivette, harkening back to so many visits to nursing homes during the Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day seasons, also just before recitals. She relished joy on the faces of residents.“The ladies were just so happy to have us there. Once at Holiday Resort while the students were shaking hands with everybody, they told me a man began to talk, who hadn’t spoken in years. Something connected,” Vivette said. “I told the children, (residents) are going to hold your hand, and they might not let go. Dance is a performing art. It’s a way of touching hearts. It is a way for that quiet little kid to get a moment to shine. So many people walk up to me and say ‘My daughter loves dancing.’ ”There were many special times:<ul>
 <li>During difficult weeks while pregnant with Lisette, Vivette enlisted the skills of experienced students — Ellen Schwindt, now a composer, and the aforementioned LaRana Skalicky — to teach her classes, both in her basement and during an outreach program in Ellsworth.</li><li>Early on, while teaching at the Salina YWCA, Vivette caught a glimpse of someone in the hallway. </li>
 </ul>“I kept seeing this guy who was in karate class, a teenager. He was doing everything I was doing while I was teaching my kids, copying our exercises,” she said. “I said ‘come on in here,’ and I started working with him. I soon realized I didn’t know enough to teach someone with his raw talent.”His name was Brian Bender. Vivette asked her teacher from Creighton University, Valerie Roche, to evaluate Brian, and came to the same conclusion.“She had no funds for a scholarship, but gave him a place to live in the basement of the studio, and the ability to audit all classes,” Vivette said.Brian studied there and went on to perform with the Royal Canadian Ballet of Winnipeg, and later opened a training studio in Colorado. Bender, who recently died, would occasionally come home to Salina to visit family, and taught master classes for Vivette.To this day, she is proud that Bender’s mimicry took place “at the right place and the right time,” and helped influence a career.“Brian wouldn’t have realized his talent and passion and would not have achieved that part of his life,” she said. “I feel very fortunate that I was able to start him on his path. He went on to train a lot of dancers.”Remembering those days with so many youngsters, provides enduring pride.&nbsp;“I’ve touched a lot of lives in many ways,” Vivette said. “They didn’t all go on to be famous dancers, but they all went on to be wonderful people.”<h2>FACTOID:</h2>About Vivette’s married name. As told by her husband, Sid: Either during World War I or as a result of it, his ancestors opted to change the spelling of the family name “to make it appear less German,” Vivette said.

‘Every dancer is a star’ — Final curtain call for Salina dance icon

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(S):&nbsp; Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+, Driving While Suspended and N/A No seat belt

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

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/2024/6/1717416285874.png" alt="Brunner, James Dean" />
 <figcaption>Brunner, James Dean</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;Brunner, James DeanREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717416338356.png" alt="Henderson, Jason Alan" />
 <figcaption>Henderson, Jason Alan</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;Henderson, Jason AlanREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+, Driving While Suspended and N/A No seat belt<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717416406911.png" alt="Hernandez, Pedro Pablo" />
 <figcaption>Hernandez, Pedro Pablo</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;Hernandez, Pedro PabloREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+No photo availableNAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;Kelly, Jason WilliamREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

Saline County Jail Bookings, June 3

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 11:30p.m. Sunday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Toyota Highlander driven by William R. Thomas, 79, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was eastbound on Interstate 70 approximately 4 miles east of the Wilson-Lucas Kansas 232 exit.&nbsp;

The Toyota rear-ended a 2012 Ford Focus driven by Elizabeth A.&nbsp;Lineberry, 18, Colorado, who slowed due to blowing dust and no visibility.&nbsp; After impact, a 2017 Ford Escape driven by Chantelle H. Meyer, 31, Salina, rear-ended the Ford Focus.

EMS transported&nbsp;Meyer to Salina Regional Health Center and a passenger in the Toyota Karine M. Thomas, 76, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, to&nbsp;Ellsworth County Medical Center.

EMS transported a passenger in the Ford Focus Margaret A.&nbsp;Bojorquez, 44,&nbsp; Flippin, Arkansas, to HaysMed.

Lineberry and Thomas were not injured. All five were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 11:30p.m. Sunday in Ellsworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Toyota Highlander driven by William R. Thomas, 79, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was eastbound on Interstate 70 approximately 4 miles east of the Wilson-Lucas Kansas 232 exit.&nbsp;The Toyota rear-ended a 2012 Ford Focus driven by Elizabeth A.&nbsp;Lineberry, 18, Colorado, who slowed due to blowing dust and no visibility.&nbsp; After impact, a 2017 Ford Escape driven by Chantelle H. Meyer, 31, Salina, rear-ended the Ford Focus.EMS transported&nbsp;Meyer to Salina Regional Health Center and a passenger in the Toyota Karine M. Thomas, 76, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, to&nbsp;Ellsworth County Medical Center.EMS transported a passenger in the Ford Focus Margaret A.&nbsp;Bojorquez, 44,&nbsp; Flippin, Arkansas, to HaysMed.Lineberry and Thomas were not injured. All five were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Salina woman hospitalized after crash in blowing dust

The Salina Fire Department is proud to announce the graduation of four exceptional fire cadets and the addition of an experienced lateral transfer to its ranks. The graduation ceremony will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 2:30 PM at the Salina Fire Station #1, 222 W. Elm St.

According to SFD, these cadets have successfully completed an intensive training program, including fire suppression techniques, emergency medical response, hazardous materials handling, and community fire safety education.

LISTEN:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/df176786-0721-4298-8c69-b390ec66f798">🎙King in the Community Podcast — Susan Eberwein, Artyopolis director</a>

Their journey has been one of rigorous training, teamwork, and personal growth. The Salina Fire Department is honored to welcome them as fully-fledged firefighters, ready to respond to the needs of our community.

The Salina Fire Department is also delighted to welcome Firefighter Paramedic Kenneth Ricardez, who joins the department with five years of experience in the fire and emergency medical service.

Cadets with the SFD have shown remarkable dedication and resilience throughout their training. They are now prepared to face the challenges and rewards of a career in fire service.

SFD said it is equally excited to have Kenneth Ricardez join us and bring his experience and skills to our department. The graduation ceremony will symbolize the official entry of these cadets into the Salina Fire Department family.

Family members, friends, and civic leaders are invited to join the SFD in celebrating this momentous occasion.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704473450444.jpeg" alt="Salina Fire Station #1" />
 <figcaption>Salina Fire Station #1</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe Salina Fire Department is proud to announce the graduation of four exceptional fire cadets and the addition of an experienced lateral transfer to its ranks. The graduation ceremony will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 2:30 PM at the Salina Fire Station #1, 222 W. Elm St.<h2>Graduating Cadets:</h2>1. Cadet: Camden Carswell2. Cadet: Ian Frost3. Cadet: Dillon Schmidt4. Cadet: Tyler TrianoAccording to SFD, these cadets have successfully completed an intensive training program, including fire suppression techniques, emergency medical response, hazardous materials handling, and community fire safety education.LISTEN:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/df176786-0721-4298-8c69-b390ec66f798">🎙King in the Community Podcast — Susan Eberwein, Artyopolis director</a>Their journey has been one of rigorous training, teamwork, and personal growth. The Salina Fire Department is honored to welcome them as fully-fledged firefighters, ready to respond to the needs of our community.<h2>Lateral Transfer</h2>The Salina Fire Department is also delighted to welcome Firefighter Paramedic Kenneth Ricardez, who joins the department with five years of experience in the fire and emergency medical service.Cadets with the SFD have shown remarkable dedication and resilience throughout their training. They are now prepared to face the challenges and rewards of a career in fire service.SFD said it is equally excited to have Kenneth Ricardez join us and bring his experience and skills to our department. The graduation ceremony will symbolize the official entry of these cadets into the Salina Fire Department family.Family members, friends, and civic leaders are invited to join the SFD in celebrating this momentous occasion.

Salina Fire Dept. hosts cadet graduation ceremony June 14

Click the play button above to hear Nate King's interview with Lt. Governor/Commerce Secretary David Toland

Join Salina Post News Director Nate King as he sits down with<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/staff/secretary-of-commerce-david-toland/"> Kansas Lieutenant Governor/Secretary of Commerce </a>David Toland to explore the economic growth of Salina and statewide initiatives.

Toland discusses factors driving Salina’s success, such as population growth, <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/7a4149d5-6859-43dc-b3a6-b102edd738ad">housing</a>, and <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b7840647-570e-46c9-b3db-a74fa03752e1">arts</a> investments. Toland also commends local economic development leaders Salina Area Chamber of Commerce's Renee Duxler and Salina Community Economic Development Organization's Mitch Robinson.&nbsp;

This episode covers key topics like the passage of the <a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/apex/">Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion (APEX) Legislation</a>,<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/cdd52704-e2a2-41a6-b53b-cb56dbeb7641"> Panasonic’s $4 billion plant made possible thanks to APEX</a>, workforce challenges in the state, <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/cf4f849e-21f2-4f2d-8f36-095bdd37fed7">broadband internet development in rural areas</a>, and the strategic use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

Toland also addresses Medicaid expansion and its potential benefits for Kansas.

On this episode of King in the Community, listen to Toland share an overview of recent local and statewide economic developments and the importance of civic engagement and community involvement.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Kansas Lt. Gov./Sec. of Commerce, David Toland" allowtransparency="true" height="315" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:315px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=pgwi3-1626bae-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Click the play button above to hear Nate King's interview with Lt. Governor/Commerce Secretary David TolandBy SALINA POSTJoin Salina Post News Director Nate King as he sits down with<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/staff/secretary-of-commerce-david-toland/"> Kansas Lieutenant Governor/Secretary of Commerce </a>David Toland to explore the economic growth of Salina and statewide initiatives.Toland discusses factors driving Salina’s success, such as population growth, <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/7a4149d5-6859-43dc-b3a6-b102edd738ad">housing</a>, and <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b7840647-570e-46c9-b3db-a74fa03752e1">arts</a> investments. Toland also commends local economic development leaders Salina Area Chamber of Commerce's Renee Duxler and Salina Community Economic Development Organization's Mitch Robinson.&nbsp;This episode covers key topics like the passage of the <a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/apex/">Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion (APEX) Legislation</a>,<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/cdd52704-e2a2-41a6-b53b-cb56dbeb7641"> Panasonic’s $4 billion plant made possible thanks to APEX</a>, workforce challenges in the state, <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/cf4f849e-21f2-4f2d-8f36-095bdd37fed7">broadband internet development in rural areas</a>, and the strategic use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Toland also addresses Medicaid expansion and its potential benefits for Kansas.On this episode of King in the Community, listen to Toland share an overview of recent local and statewide economic developments and the importance of civic engagement and community involvement.&nbsp;<h2>More from 🎙King in the Community</h2><div><iframe title="King in the Community" allowtransparency="true" height="315" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:315px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=skmut-558a99-pbblog-playlist&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&order=episodic&limit=10&filter=publish_time&publish_start=2023-11-01&publish_end=2024-05-23&ss=01c69c9fa658d8e4cfb3ec9c80b70fa2&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎙King in the Community — Kansas Lt. Gov./Secretary of Commerce, David Toland

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

NAME: Bishop,Jason Lee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption

NAME:&nbsp;Bradshaw,Tanner James REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor

NAME:&nbsp;Cook,Cody James REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body, No Proof Of Insurance, Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

NAME:&nbsp;Henderson,Jason Alan REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;

DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+

NAME:&nbsp;Hernandez,Pedro Pablo REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+

NAME:&nbsp;Hunter,Darold Glenn REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;

NAME:&nbsp;Peters,Jason Lee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor

NAME:&nbsp;Waggle,Amanda Gabrielle REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:Zimmerman,Richard Lee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity

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/2024/6/1717338474852.jpeg" alt="Bishop,Jason Lee" />
 <figcaption>Bishop,Jason Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Bishop,Jason Lee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717338507472.jpeg" alt="Bradshaw,Tanner James" />
 <figcaption>Bradshaw,Tanner James</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Bradshaw,Tanner James REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717338537332.jpeg" alt="Cook,Cody James" />
 <figcaption>Cook,Cody James</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Cook,Cody James REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body, No Proof Of Insurance, Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717338575220.png" alt="Henderson,Jason Alan" />
 <figcaption>Henderson,Jason Alan</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Henderson,Jason Alan REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+Driving While SuspendedN/A No seat belt<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717338606579.jpeg" alt="Hernandez,Pedro Pablo" />
 <figcaption>Hernandez,Pedro Pablo</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Hernandez,Pedro Pablo REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717338634311.jpeg" alt="Hunter,Darold Glenn" />
 <figcaption>Hunter,Darold Glenn</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Hunter,Darold Glenn REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;DWS; 2nd or subs convictionNo Proof Of Insurance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717338675605.jpeg" alt="Peters,Jason Lee&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Peters,Jason Lee&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Peters,Jason Lee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717338701257.jpeg" alt="Waggle,Amanda Gabrielle" />
 <figcaption>Waggle,Amanda Gabrielle</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Waggle,Amanda Gabrielle REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717338740340.jpeg" alt="Zimmerman,Richard Lee" />
 <figcaption>Zimmerman,Richard Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Zimmerman,Richard Lee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity

Saline County Jail Bookings, June 2

Early Friday morning, May 31, Salina Region Health Center staff treated a Salina resident for a significant eye injury — the victim said that someone hit him in the face with a pipe.

At 2 a.m., Salina Police Department (SPD) officers reported to the local hospital and took the 65-year-old man's account of the incident.

SPD Capt. Mike Miller said the victim reported driving to a residence in the 100 block of Taylor Court to meet with a woman, but when he knocked on the door, no one answered.

The man then returned to his blue Chevrolet Venture, and while sitting outside the home, a man approached him outside demanding answers.

"A gentleman [alleged suspect] came around between some houses... and said, 'Why are you here? What are you doing there?'" Miller said. "The white unknown male hit him [the victim] in the face with a blunt object. He thought it might be a pipe."

Miller said the alleged aggravated battery happened sometime between 1:45 a.m. and 2 a.m. The victim then drove himself to the hospital for treatment.

The victim reported some details and was then transported to the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.&nbsp;

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0e1bfa82-db3f-4bbc-8686-95e041e19f3b">UPDATED: Salina Police Officers respond to vehicle accident involving KBI vehicle</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574271818216.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostEarly Friday morning, May 31, Salina Region Health Center staff treated a Salina resident for a significant eye injury — the victim said that someone hit him in the face with a pipe.At 2 a.m., Salina Police Department (SPD) officers reported to the local hospital and took the 65-year-old man's account of the incident.SPD Capt. Mike Miller said the victim reported driving to a residence in the 100 block of Taylor Court to meet with a woman, but when he knocked on the door, no one answered.The man then returned to his blue Chevrolet Venture, and while sitting outside the home, a man approached him outside demanding answers."A gentleman [alleged suspect] came around between some houses... and said, 'Why are you here? What are you doing there?'" Miller said. "The white unknown male hit him [the victim] in the face with a blunt object. He thought it might be a pipe."Miller said the alleged aggravated battery happened sometime between 1:45 a.m. and 2 a.m. The victim then drove himself to the hospital for treatment.The victim reported some details and was then transported to the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.&nbsp;Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0e1bfa82-db3f-4bbc-8686-95e041e19f3b">UPDATED: Salina Police Officers respond to vehicle accident involving KBI vehicle</a>

Salina resident attacked with pipe — eye injury leads to Wichita transfer

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648176291467.jpeg" alt="CoCoRaHS logo.jpg" />
 <figcaption>CoCoRaHS logo.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTPrecipitation data courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/">CoCoRaHS</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">The National Weather Service</a>.Following precipitation events, Salina Post will update this page with precipitation totals.&nbsp;Salina —&nbsp; 1.51 inchesConcordia — 0.06 inchesEllsworth — 0.00 inchesLindsborg —&nbsp; 0.31 inchesAbilene —&nbsp; 0.01 inchesClay Center — 0.45 inchesMinneapolis — 0.37 inchesBeverly — 1.50 inchesMcPherson — 0.57 inchesGypsum — 0.86 inchesInman — 0.36 inchesPeabody — 0.02 inchesAssaria — 0.86 inches

CoCoRahs 24-hour rain totals

NAME: Barkley,Adam Robert REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; \DUI; 2nd conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+

NAME:&nbsp;Adreon,Jeffrey Gene REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor, Possess of firearm while under the influence

NAME: REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Driving While Suspended, Poss of marijuana

NAME:&nbsp;Blackwell,Ryan Joseph REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity, Speeding; maximum limits

NAME:&nbsp;Coats,Paul William REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Ingram-Frisby,Jennifer Marie REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown

NAME:&nbsp;Johnson,Anthony David REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Jordan,Nellie Jo REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Lainer,Joshua Cade REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME: McClanahan,Michelle Nicole REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Mostue,Christopher James REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Rymer,Dakota Michael REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Sandell,Jacqueline Adele REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Probation Violation

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/2024/6/1717248254769.jpeg" alt="Barkley,Adam Robert" />
 <figcaption>Barkley,Adam Robert</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Barkley,Adam Robert REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; \DUI; 2nd conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717248282732.jpeg" alt="Adreon,Jeffrey Gene" />
 <figcaption>Adreon,Jeffrey Gene</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Adreon,Jeffrey Gene REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor, Possess of firearm while under the influence<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717248313735.jpeg" alt="Bean,Samantha Anne" />
 <figcaption>Bean,Samantha Anne</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Driving While Suspended, Poss of marijuana<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717248344708.png" alt="Blackwell,Ryan Joseph.png" />
 <figcaption>Blackwell,Ryan Joseph.png</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Blackwell,Ryan Joseph REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity, Speeding; maximum limits<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717248384052.jpeg" alt="Coats,Paul William" />
 <figcaption>Coats,Paul William</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Coats,Paul William REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717248407999.jpeg" alt="Ingram-Frisby,Jennifer Marie" />
 <figcaption>Ingram-Frisby,Jennifer Marie</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Ingram-Frisby,Jennifer Marie REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717248441611.jpeg" alt="Johnson,Anthony David" />
 <figcaption>Johnson,Anthony David</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Johnson,Anthony David REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717248487906.jpeg" alt="Jordan,Nellie Jo" />
 <figcaption>Jordan,Nellie Jo</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Jordan,Nellie Jo REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717248510603.jpeg" alt="Lainer,Joshua Cade" />
 <figcaption>Lainer,Joshua Cade</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Lainer,Joshua Cade REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717248542550.jpeg" alt="McClanahan,Michelle Nicole" />
 <figcaption>McClanahan,Michelle Nicole</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: McClanahan,Michelle Nicole REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717248573741.jpeg" alt="Mostue,Christopher James" />
 <figcaption>Mostue,Christopher James</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Mostue,Christopher James REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717248596111.jpeg" alt="Rymer,Dakota Michael" />
 <figcaption>Rymer,Dakota Michael</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Rymer,Dakota Michael REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717248625138.jpeg" alt="Sandell,Jacqueline Adele" />
 <figcaption>Sandell,Jacqueline Adele</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Sandell,Jacqueline Adele REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, June 1

Salina Post proudly presents Flashback Friday in partnership with the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.smokyhillmuseum.org/">Smoky Hill Museum</a>. Enjoy a weekly tidbit of local history from the staff at Salina Post and the Smoky Hill Museum as we present "Salina-Flashback Fridays."

The city of Salina has 28 unique parks, with more than 1,000 acres of parkland across town, and Indian Rock Park is one of the city's first.

Situated next to the horseshoe-shaped Lower Smoky Hill River Falls in town, Indian Rock Park stands as a pillar to history just before Salina's founding in 1858.

This park has a 1.2-mile nature trail with very scenic overlooks, including one that overlooks the rock the park is named after. Tradition says the rock marks the site of the Battle of Indian Rock in 1857, the last significant skirmish between the Kansa, Delaware and Potawatomi Native nations.&nbsp;

Throughout the 1800s, various Native American groups lived in the region now known as Kansas. The federal government moved displaced Native Americans from the Ohio Valley and the Great Lakes region to reservations in eastern Kansas.

Many Native Nations comprise the nomadic bands of people who made their homes in and around Salina, including the Pawnee, Kaw, Kiowa and Arapaho, but other Native Nations called the Great Plains their homes by the mid to late 1800s.

Central Kansas was home to most Great Plains Native Nations' hunting grounds, with the Smoky Hill River providing a vital source of fresh water to the nomadic communities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691164615840.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Post proudly presents Flashback Friday in partnership with the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.smokyhillmuseum.org/">Smoky Hill Museum</a>. Enjoy a weekly tidbit of local history from the staff at Salina Post and the Smoky Hill Museum as we present "Salina-Flashback Fridays."<div><div class="flourish-embed flourish-photo-slider" data-src="visualisation/18196446"><script src="https://public.flourish.studio/resources/embed.js"></script></div></div>By SALINA POSTThe city of Salina has 28 unique parks, with more than 1,000 acres of parkland across town, and Indian Rock Park is one of the city's first.Situated next to the horseshoe-shaped Lower Smoky Hill River Falls in town, Indian Rock Park stands as a pillar to history just before Salina's founding in 1858.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d4870.626645649004!2d-97.58917662142873!3d38.8353681451794!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87bcc5dda8021eff%3A0xb5f61e9834acfb79!2sIndian%20Rock%20Park%20Salina%20Kansas!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1717190173482!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>This park has a 1.2-mile nature trail with very scenic overlooks, including one that overlooks the rock the park is named after. Tradition says the rock marks the site of the Battle of Indian Rock in 1857, the last significant skirmish between the Kansa, Delaware and Potawatomi Native nations.&nbsp;Throughout the 1800s, various Native American groups lived in the region now known as Kansas. The federal government moved displaced Native Americans from the Ohio Valley and the Great Lakes region to reservations in eastern Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717195836039.jpeg" alt="Brick plant &amp; pond in what is now Indian Rock Park, c1940. View from top of hill. Image courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>Brick plant &amp; pond in what is now Indian Rock Park, c1940. View from top of hill. Image courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>Many Native Nations comprise the nomadic bands of people who made their homes in and around Salina, including the Pawnee, Kaw, Kiowa and Arapaho, but other Native Nations called the Great Plains their homes by the mid to late 1800s.Central Kansas was home to most Great Plains Native Nations' hunting grounds, with the Smoky Hill River providing a vital source of fresh water to the nomadic communities.The individual communities of these nations often fought to protect their food sources, lands and lifestyles from fellow Native Nations or American settlers.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fb920b02-c109-4a6f-abd7-774966887c9e">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - The Indian Burial Pit - Vol. 27</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717195880355.jpeg" alt="Stone &amp; cement wall at Gypsum Ave. &amp; Indiana St, corner of Indian Rock Park. Image courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>Stone &amp; cement wall at Gypsum Ave. &amp; Indiana St, corner of Indian Rock Park. Image courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>According to the Smoky Hill Museum, the Smoky Hills and Salina region was a crossroads providing food and water sources for migrating animals like bison. This caused conflict between Native hunting parties east of the Salina region and hunting parties west of Salina.In 1857, the Battle of Indian Rock took place right here in Salina between the Great Plains Native Nations and the Eastern Kansas Native Nations.While many different tribes lived in what would become Kansas, these tribes participated in the Battle of Indian Rock, according to records from the Smoky Hill Museum.Eastern Kansas Native Nations: Kaw Pottawatomie DelawareGreat Plains Native Nations: Cheyenne Arapahoe Sioux<h2>A first-hand account</h2>Christina Campbell, one of the first settlers in Salina, recalls the story as told to her by the Native Delaware peoples:"The Delawares and Pottawatomies were on a big hunt some 200 miles west of Salina and were surprised and attacked by a powerful force of Cheyennes, Sioux, and Arapahoes. They were driven back in a running fight to Dry Creek, just west of Salina. Ere they sent runners for the Kaws, who had two large hunting parties nearby.The wild Indians finally drove the civilized tribes out of cover of the "Dry" creek, with great loss. They fell back across the river to the hill east of Salina, where they were reinforced by the two bands of Kaws with some rifles they had secured at their reservation at Council Grove.Here the Cheyennes attacked riding in circles, while others, hidden in the grass, were shooting arrows at the civilized Indians, who sought the shelter of the rocks. Behind the great rock itself, the Kaws, who had rifles, were doing good work at short range.The Cheyenne chief finally drew back, and with a large number of warriors, charged the rock cavalry style, even though the Cheyenne were outnumbered. He made five successive charges, each at a great loss. Upon the final charge, he was killed, leaving a fearful toll of dead and wounded in his own ranks, without inflicting great damage to his foes.At length, badly beaten, the wild tribes withdrew, leaving the ground covered by their dead."READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eabdebcc-74e9-4467-972d-5c6979d7245d">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Christ Cathedral - Vol. 43</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717195917572.jpeg" alt="Two men sitting on Indian Rock. Image courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>Two men sitting on Indian Rock. Image courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>William A. Phillips, one of Salina's town founders, told this story in the Junction City Union newspaper on May 7, 1857:"As the buffalos were scarce east of the line of the Saline and Solomon, they crossed the threatened "deadline" and were camped on the spot where the old graveyard stood and between the mounds of the upper mill. The Cheyennes who were then camped near Cow Creek, learned of the intrusion, and as they at that time maintained a little army of soldiers, some three hundred picked men, most of this force was sent against this band of Pottawatomie hunters. The Cheyenne warriors came in on the ridge that skirts the bend of the Smoky to the southeast, coming down over the upper hill, and attacked just as the day was breaking. It was a surprise and a massacre rather than a fight. A few of the Pottawatomie warriors seized their rifles and tried to hold their enemies in check, while the others fled north across the Smoky Hill River. In the attack one woman and two children were killed, besides a number of men. The precise loss of the Pottawatomies has been variously stated, but fourteen in all were buried on the hill near the spot where they were encamped."Later, leaders of the City of Salina saw the significance of the site, and planners dedicated the area to the historic site and founded it as a city park, all surrounding the large rock formation on its trail.

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