The National Weather Service has issued multiple weather alerts for central, south-central, and southeast Kansas, including a Red Flag Warning, a Fire Weather Watch, and a High Wind Watch.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, March 17, due to extreme grassland fire danger. A Fire Weather Watch is also in place for Tuesday, March 18.

Central Kansas: Saline, McPherson, Marion, Chase

South-Central Kansas: Reno, Harvey, Butler, Kingman, Sedgwick, Harper, Sumner, Cowley

Southeast Kansas: Greenwood, Woodson, Allen, Elk, Wilson, Neosho, Chautauqua, Montgomery, Labette

Cities and towns impacted include:
Salina, McPherson, Marion, Cottonwood Falls, Hutchinson, Newton, El Dorado, Wichita, Kingman, Wellington, Winfield, Eureka, Fredonia, Iola, Independence, and Parsons.

Winds: South 20-30 mph, gusts up to 45 mph. 

Fire risk: Any fires that develop could spread rapidly and be difficult to contain. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.

High Wind Watch issued for Tuesday night into Wednesday

A High Wind Watch is in effect from late Tuesday night through Wednesday evening, with strong northwest winds expected.

Areas affected:
Barton, Ellsworth, Saline, Rice, McPherson, Reno, Harvey, Kingman, Sedgwick, Harper, Sumner

Cities and towns impacted include:
Salina, Ellsworth, Great Bend, Lyons, McPherson, Hutchinson, Newton, Wichita, Kingman, and Wellington.

Winds: Northwest 30-40 mph, gusts up to 60 mph. 

Impact: Strong winds could down trees and power lines. Travel, especially for high-profile vehicles, may be hazardous.

Residents are encouraged to secure outdoor objects and prepare for potentially dangerous fire conditions and high winds. For further weather alerts and advisories, stay updated with the Salina Post.

Today Sunny, with a high near 80. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 14 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 54. Breezy, with a south wind 14 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 17 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.

Tuesday Night Rain likely after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. Windy, with a south wind 9 to 14 mph becoming north northwest 26 to 36 mph. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday Rain and snow likely before 4pm, then a slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. Very windy, with a northwest wind 36 to 40 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. Blustery.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 62.

Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Breezy.

Friday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Breezy.

Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1563272343983.png" alt="nws logo" />
 <figcaption>nws logo</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe National Weather Service has issued multiple weather alerts for central, south-central, and southeast Kansas, including a Red Flag Warning, a Fire Weather Watch, and a High Wind Watch.<h2>Red Flag Warning in effect today</h2>A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, March 17, due to extreme grassland fire danger. A Fire Weather Watch is also in place for Tuesday, March 18.Areas affected:Central Kansas: Saline, McPherson, Marion, ChaseSouth-Central Kansas: Reno, Harvey, Butler, Kingman, Sedgwick, Harper, Sumner, CowleySoutheast Kansas: Greenwood, Woodson, Allen, Elk, Wilson, Neosho, Chautauqua, Montgomery, LabetteCities and towns impacted include:
Salina, McPherson, Marion, Cottonwood Falls, Hutchinson, Newton, El Dorado, Wichita, Kingman, Wellington, Winfield, Eureka, Fredonia, Iola, Independence, and Parsons.Weather conditions:Winds: South 20-30 mph, gusts up to 45 mph. Humidity: As low as 18%. Fire risk: Any fires that develop could spread rapidly and be difficult to contain. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.<h2>High Wind Watch issued for Tuesday night into Wednesday</h2>A High Wind Watch is in effect from late Tuesday night through Wednesday evening, with strong northwest winds expected.Areas affected:
Barton, Ellsworth, Saline, Rice, McPherson, Reno, Harvey, Kingman, Sedgwick, Harper, SumnerCities and towns impacted include:
Salina, Ellsworth, Great Bend, Lyons, McPherson, Hutchinson, Newton, Wichita, Kingman, and Wellington.Weather conditions:Winds: Northwest 30-40 mph, gusts up to 60 mph. Impact: Strong winds could down trees and power lines. Travel, especially for high-profile vehicles, may be hazardous.Residents are encouraged to secure outdoor objects and prepare for potentially dangerous fire conditions and high winds. For further weather alerts and advisories, stay updated with the Salina Post.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742217645654.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Five-Day Weather Forecast</h2>Today Sunny, with a high near 80. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 14 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 54. Breezy, with a south wind 14 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 17 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.Tuesday Night Rain likely after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. Windy, with a south wind 9 to 14 mph becoming north northwest 26 to 36 mph. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Wednesday Rain and snow likely before 4pm, then a slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. Very windy, with a northwest wind 36 to 40 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. Blustery.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 62.Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Breezy.Friday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Breezy.Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.

NWS issues Red Flag Warning, High wind watch issued for Tuesday

By JEREMY BOHN K-State Salina, Division of Communications and Marketing

What began as a way to share his expertise with the community has blossomed into an opportunity to gain experience and hone teaching abilities for one Kansas State University Salina student.

Sawyer Stoskopf, a senior in mechanical engineering technology from Great Bend, instructs a <a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/professional-education/3d-printing/">3D printing course for community members</a> through K-State Salina's professional education unit. The course, announced late last year, promises to teach learners how to assemble and troubleshoot 3D printers and the basic uses and applications of 3D printing.

It quickly became apparent the demand for such a course was very high. The campus initially offered a single four-week course at the beginning of January. However, the response from the public was so great that K-State Salina sold out the first cohort, made a second cohort for February, which also quickly filled, and is now opening a third cohort in March for the community to learn how to use a 3D printer.

The community clearly sees the value in this course, and participants aren't the only ones benefitting — Stoskopf is gaining critical experience by leading the course, which is his first formal instructing experience. It's a blend of an exciting instructional learning opportunity and an opportunity to share his passion for 3D printing.

From childhood passion to pioneering the 3D printing pilot program

Stoskopf first became interested in 3D printing when he was in middle school. His knowledge, much of which is self-taught, quickly grew and allowed him to build some cool items through the technology.

"My middle school had a 3D printer that didn't work," Stoskopf said. "So, they asked me to work on it, and that's how I became familiar with the mechanics of the equipment. Over the course of the years, I learned more skills, and eventually, I began to machine custom parts and build components for many different brands of printers."

For one project, Stoskopf built 3D printing components to create a custom center console for his truck, which included cup holders and change holders.

With his expertise in 3D printing, Stoskopf saw an opportunity within the Salina community and pitched it to leadership at K-State Salina.

"This is a technology that is becoming much more relevant, especially in the engineering industry, and many other industries for that matter," Stoskopf said. "After I presented the need for a 3D printing course to leadership, they offered for me to lead the pilot program."

Community 3D printing course offers hybrid flexibility, hands-on training

In addition to gaining teaching experience, Stoskopf is also gaining experience presenting and designing a course. The 3D printing course is four weeks long and offered in a hybrid system where learners do much of the learning online. Learners then come in person to gain hands-on instruction from Stoskopf.

Many of the learners taking the 3D printing course through K-State Salina have little to no experience with the technology. From those just wanting to learn more about the technology to teachers hoping to instruct K-12 students about 3D printing possibilities to those wanting to add a skill to help grow their careers, Stoskopf and this course have already helped many around the Salina area.

By the end of the course, learners are able to independently assemble, operate and troubleshoot 3D printers while also being able to create their own projects.

"I wanted to get some experience in using a 3D printer so I could use that information to apply it to my students," said Elizabeth Kinion, an area middle school teacher and course participant. "I needed a course that would teach me how to use it and use it with the students, and this course has really helped."

Registration is currently open through March 20 for the next course in 3D printing. The course begins on March 23. Learn more and register at the <a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/professional-education/3d-printing/">3D printing website.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742217068073.jpeg" alt="Sawyer Stoskopf, senior in mechanical engineering technology, leveraged his extensive experience with 3D printers into a teaching experience for the 3D Printing course at K-State Salina" />
 <figcaption>Sawyer Stoskopf, senior in mechanical engineering technology, leveraged his extensive experience with 3D printers into a teaching experience for the 3D Printing course at K-State Salina</figcaption>
 </figure>By JEREMY BOHN K-State Salina, Division of Communications and MarketingWhat began as a way to share his expertise with the community has blossomed into an opportunity to gain experience and hone teaching abilities for one Kansas State University Salina student.Sawyer Stoskopf, a senior in mechanical engineering technology from Great Bend, instructs a <a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/professional-education/3d-printing/">3D printing course for community members</a> through K-State Salina's professional education unit. The course, announced late last year, promises to teach learners how to assemble and troubleshoot 3D printers and the basic uses and applications of 3D printing.It quickly became apparent the demand for such a course was very high. The campus initially offered a single four-week course at the beginning of January. However, the response from the public was so great that K-State Salina sold out the first cohort, made a second cohort for February, which also quickly filled, and is now opening a third cohort in March for the community to learn how to use a 3D printer.The community clearly sees the value in this course, and participants aren't the only ones benefitting — Stoskopf is gaining critical experience by leading the course, which is his first formal instructing experience. It's a blend of an exciting instructional learning opportunity and an opportunity to share his passion for 3D printing.From childhood passion to pioneering the 3D printing pilot programStoskopf first became interested in 3D printing when he was in middle school. His knowledge, much of which is self-taught, quickly grew and allowed him to build some cool items through the technology."My middle school had a 3D printer that didn't work," Stoskopf said. "So, they asked me to work on it, and that's how I became familiar with the mechanics of the equipment. Over the course of the years, I learned more skills, and eventually, I began to machine custom parts and build components for many different brands of printers."For one project, Stoskopf built 3D printing components to create a custom center console for his truck, which included cup holders and change holders.With his expertise in 3D printing, Stoskopf saw an opportunity within the Salina community and pitched it to leadership at K-State Salina."This is a technology that is becoming much more relevant, especially in the engineering industry, and many other industries for that matter," Stoskopf said. "After I presented the need for a 3D printing course to leadership, they offered for me to lead the pilot program."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742217123835.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Community 3D printing course offers hybrid flexibility, hands-on trainingIn addition to gaining teaching experience, Stoskopf is also gaining experience presenting and designing a course. The 3D printing course is four weeks long and offered in a hybrid system where learners do much of the learning online. Learners then come in person to gain hands-on instruction from Stoskopf.Many of the learners taking the 3D printing course through K-State Salina have little to no experience with the technology. From those just wanting to learn more about the technology to teachers hoping to instruct K-12 students about 3D printing possibilities to those wanting to add a skill to help grow their careers, Stoskopf and this course have already helped many around the Salina area.By the end of the course, learners are able to independently assemble, operate and troubleshoot 3D printers while also being able to create their own projects."I wanted to get some experience in using a 3D printer so I could use that information to apply it to my students," said Elizabeth Kinion, an area middle school teacher and course participant. "I needed a course that would teach me how to use it and use it with the students, and this course has really helped."Registration is currently open through March 20 for the next course in 3D printing. The course begins on March 23. Learn more and register at the <a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/professional-education/3d-printing/">3D printing website.</a>

K-State Salina student's 3D printing class proves a hit

Saline County officials will hold a study session on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 9 a.m. at the Road and Bridge building, located at 3424 Airport Road.

County offices will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Individuals needing assistance to participate due to a disability under the ADA should contact the county’s ADA Coordinator at (785) 309-5812 or email <a>leamerm@salinecountyks.gov</a> before the meeting to request accommodations.

2. 2025 Road and Bridge Contractual Program

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;a. Asphalt pavement to gravel surfaced road

7. Road Improvement Program - 124 Account (1-mil)

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;a. Priority Projects for 2026-2028

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639621309216.png" alt="new Saline County logo sq.png" />
 <figcaption>new Saline County logo sq.png</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTSaline County officials will hold a study session on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 9 a.m. at the Road and Bridge building, located at 3424 Airport Road.County offices will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Individuals needing assistance to participate due to a disability under the ADA should contact the county’s ADA Coordinator at (785) 309-5812 or email <a>leamerm@salinecountyks.gov</a> before the meeting to request accommodations.<h2>Agenda:</h2>1. 2025 Budget Expectations2. 2025 Road and Bridge Contractual Program3. Mentor and Bavaria&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;a. Asphalt pavement to gravel surfaced road4. Equipment&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;a. Loader&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;b. Durapatcher5. Large Bridge Replacements6. Channel Bank Mitigation Projects7. Road Improvement Program - 124 Account (1-mil)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;a. Priority Projects for 2026-2028

Saline County Board of Commissioners study session set for Tuesday

A Salina woman, arrested in January in connection with the death of a baby, is in custody in Wichita.

On Saturday police arrested 42-year-old Amanda Vinardi near Pawnee and Broadway in Wichita, according to Sedgwick County arrest records.&nbsp; Just after 6:30 p.m. she was&nbsp; booked into the Sedgwick County jail, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

She walked away from a treatment facility earlier this month.&nbsp; She is currently being held on requested charges of drug possession, according to online jail records.

In January, Vinardi was arrested on requested charges of Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless &lt;18, Use/poss drug paraphernalia into human body and Possession of marijuana, according to jail records.

Saline County Sheriff's Deputies and law enforcement in Wichita are searching for a woman facing felony drug charges in Salina after she walked away from a court-ordered assessment center and treatment facility in Wichita before entering.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan, 42-year-old Amanda Vinardi was arrested in Wichita on Jan. 9 on a Saline County District Court warrant connected to a case investigated by the Salina Police Department. She was transported to Saline County Jail before being court-ordered to a facility in Wichita.&nbsp;

Vinardi was facing multiple charges, including: Possession of methamphetaminePossession of marijuanaPossession of drug paraphernaliaAggravated endangering a child Vinardi is now facing an additional charge of escape from custody. A warrant has been issued for her arrest, and Wichita Police Officers and Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office have been notified.

According to Saline County Sheriff's Office Capt. Fruits, Vinardi was transported to Miracles Inc. facility in Wichita,&nbsp;not Mirror as had been originally reported by Salina Post.

Capt. Fruits said that Vinardi was transported from the Saline County Jail to a treatment facility in Wichita on February 19 under a court order. On March 4, she failed to attend a required class, and staff later determined she had walked away from the facility.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the Saline County Sheriff's Office at (785) 826-6500.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742130294589.png" alt="Vinardi photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Vinardi photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POST A Salina woman, arrested in January in connection with the death of a baby, is in custody in Wichita.On Saturday police arrested 42-year-old Amanda Vinardi near Pawnee and Broadway in Wichita, according to Sedgwick County arrest records.&nbsp; Just after 6:30 p.m. she was&nbsp; booked into the Sedgwick County jail, according to online jail records.&nbsp;She walked away from a treatment facility earlier this month.&nbsp; She is currently being held on requested charges of drug possession, according to online jail records.In January, Vinardi was arrested on requested charges of Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless &lt;18, Use/poss drug paraphernalia into human body and Possession of marijuana, according to jail records.-------------------Saline County Sheriff's Deputies and law enforcement in Wichita are searching for a woman facing felony drug charges in Salina after she walked away from a court-ordered assessment center and treatment facility in Wichita before entering.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan, 42-year-old Amanda Vinardi was arrested in Wichita on Jan. 9 on a Saline County District Court warrant connected to a case investigated by the Salina Police Department. She was transported to Saline County Jail before being court-ordered to a facility in Wichita.&nbsp;Vinardi was facing multiple charges, including: Possession of methamphetaminePossession of marijuanaPossession of drug paraphernaliaAggravated endangering a child Vinardi is now facing an additional charge of escape from custody. A warrant has been issued for her arrest, and Wichita Police Officers and Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office have been notified.According to Saline County Sheriff's Office Capt. Fruits, Vinardi was transported to Miracles Inc. facility in Wichita,&nbsp;not Mirror as had been originally reported by Salina Post.Capt. Fruits said that Vinardi was transported from the Saline County Jail to a treatment facility in Wichita on February 19 under a court order. On March 4, she failed to attend a required class, and staff later determined she had walked away from the facility.Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the Saline County Sheriff's Office at (785) 826-6500.

Salina woman who walked away from treatment facility is in custody

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

NAME:&nbsp;De La Luz Hernandez,Juan Pedro

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severityNo Proof Of InsuranceOperate a MV w/o a valid licenseOutside warrant/NCIC&nbsp;

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hitDriving While SuspendedFlee or attempt to elude;five or more moving violationsInterference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for felony caseReckless Driving

NAME:&nbsp;Galvan Andrade,Sergio Natividad

Battery; Knowing/recklessly causing bodily harm

Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Lewd and lascivious; Misd unknown circumstance

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;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/2025/3/1742213136922.jpeg" alt=" De La Luz Hernandez,Juan Pedro" />
 <figcaption> De La Luz Hernandez,Juan Pedro</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;De La Luz Hernandez,Juan PedroREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severityNo Proof Of InsuranceOperate a MV w/o a valid licenseOutside warrant/NCIC&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742213204200.jpeg" alt=" Fairbanks,Codi Allen" />
 <figcaption> Fairbanks,Codi Allen</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Fairbanks,Codi AllenREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hitDriving While SuspendedFlee or attempt to elude;five or more moving violationsInterference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for felony caseReckless Driving<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742213252767.jpeg" alt="Galvan Andrade,Sergio Natividad" />
 <figcaption>Galvan Andrade,Sergio Natividad</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Galvan Andrade,Sergio NatividadREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Battery; Knowing/recklessly causing bodily harmDriving under influence of alcohol or drugs; MisdemeanorImproper driving on laned roadwayInterfere w/ LEO; unknown circ; misd<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742213312097.jpeg" alt="Luce,Sonia Mae" />
 <figcaption>Luce,Sonia Mae</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Luce,Sonia MaeREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742213357115.jpeg" alt="Magenheimer,Maredith Ann" />
 <figcaption>Magenheimer,Maredith Ann</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Magenheimer,Maredith AnnREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Lewd and lascivious; Misd unknown circumstance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742213411574.jpeg" alt=" Waggle,Amanda Gabrielle" />
 <figcaption> Waggle,Amanda Gabrielle</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Waggle,Amanda GabrielleREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 17

Wichita Police officers are investigating vandalism to a church in Wichita and arrested a 23-year-old Saline County man identified as Michael Angel Gonzalez, according to Sedgwick County booking records.

Just after 8:30 Saturday, police responded to a reported burglary at St. Patrick Catholic Church, located in the 2000 block of N. Arkansas Street in Wichita, according to Wichita Police spokesman Brad Wright.

Officers discovered significant vandalism, including hate speech and damage to items such as statues, candles, and glass. Notably, a United States flag had been burned.

Recognizing the severity of this crime, Wichita Police and investigators—alongside federal law enforcement partners including the FBI and ATF—immediately launched a full-scale investigation. The Wichita Police dedicated Crime Scene Investigation team worked diligently to analyze evidence, leading to the swift identification of a suspect.

Officers from the Wichita Police Field Community Response Teams were provided with critical intelligence and began searching for the suspect. At approximately 2:20 a.m. Sunday, officers located and arrested Gonzalez in the 2800 block of N. Hillside in Wichita without incident.

Gonzalez is being held in the Sedgwick County Jail on a bond of over $500,000 on requested charges of Burglary, Criminal Desecration, and Criminal Damage to Property. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney and federal prosecutors for formal charging considerations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742206082557.png" alt="Gonzalez-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Gonzalez-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTWichita Police officers are investigating vandalism to a church in Wichita and arrested a 23-year-old Saline County man identified as Michael Angel Gonzalez, according to Sedgwick County booking records.Just after 8:30 Saturday, police responded to a reported burglary at St. Patrick Catholic Church, located in the 2000 block of N. Arkansas Street in Wichita, according to Wichita Police spokesman Brad Wright.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkscathconf%2Fposts%2Fpfbid03K6MPVPobWdcWxwwUJbtQRuYJv37sNFgHhrkCGHx5UoTEEHu5dkKvgbgmPVsre97l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="819" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Officers discovered significant vandalism, including hate speech and damage to items such as statues, candles, and glass. Notably, a United States flag had been burned.Recognizing the severity of this crime, Wichita Police and investigators—alongside federal law enforcement partners including the FBI and ATF—immediately launched a full-scale investigation. The Wichita Police dedicated Crime Scene Investigation team worked diligently to analyze evidence, leading to the swift identification of a suspect.Officers from the Wichita Police Field Community Response Teams were provided with critical intelligence and began searching for the suspect. At approximately 2:20 a.m. Sunday, officers located and arrested Gonzalez in the 2800 block of N. Hillside in Wichita without incident.Gonzalez is being held in the Sedgwick County Jail on a bond of over $500,000 on requested charges of Burglary, Criminal Desecration, and Criminal Damage to Property. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney and federal prosecutors for formal charging considerations.

Saline Co. man accused of vandalism, burglary at Catholic church 

A Plan Can Help Small and Medium-Sized Businesses Fuel Growth

A strategic plan serves as a clear roadmap, helping businesses set measurable goals, anticipate challenges and stay focused on long-term growth

Successful strategic planning requires stepping outside daily operations to align vision with actionable steps, supported by realistic and well-researched objectives.

Tailoring a strategic plan to your company’s lifecycle ensures relevance and clarity, providing a practical framework for achieving your goals.

It’s best practice for all businesses to have a strategic plan, from self-employed professionals to Fortune 500 Companies. Strategic plans provide vision, direction, focus and help business owners align their goals with actionable steps. Without a strategic plan, businesses risk drifting without clear priorities, leading to missed opportunities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Additionally, strategic plans help businesses anticipate potential challenges and respond to competition in a proactive manner. By setting clear objectives and identifying competitive advantages (and disadvantages), the business can develop strategies to differentiate themselves from competitors and stand out in the market.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The business owners and executives we’ve seen successfully develop and execute strategic plans were the ones willing to step outside of the normal “day-to-day” and dedicate the time to working on their company. The investment made in designing the plan, executing the plan and being held accountable to the plan, were just as, if not more important, than the actual plan itself.&nbsp;

How Does a Strategic Plan Work?&nbsp;

Simply put, a strategic plan is a roadmap to get you from Point A and Point B. We like to think of a strategic plan as if we were planning on a cross-country road trip. Before getting on the road, wouldn’t you want to take a look at a map? Of course. Yet it’s surprising how many companies attempt “to drive from LA to New York” without a map.&nbsp;

The first thing to consider is what kind of trip you want to have. Is the goal to take the fastest, most direct route? Is the goal to meander and stop to catch a show in Vegas or hike in the Rockies? Or is the goal to drive to Kansas City as fast as possible, but stay with family for a few days?&nbsp;

In other words, setting goals and objectives is the heart of a strategic plan.

In the business world, it looks like this:&nbsp;

ABC Company is making $5 million in revenue and has EBITDA of $1 million. It has 25 employees and sells products into three customer groups. Its owner’s top goal is to grow. But growth is an amorphous goal until you quantify it with some numbers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Industry research – an essential aspect of strategic planning – shows other companies in ABC’s industry have typically achieved growth of 2x to 3x revenues over the past five years. But ABC’s owner wants to achieve growth of 5x revenues and add two more customer groups over the next five years.&nbsp;

A key characteristic of a good strategic plan is the probability of success i.e. realistic. The ABC owner’s goal is aggressive, but is it realistic? A market analysis shows the owner’s goal may be realistic if ABC can acquire a competitor company in addition to achieving organic growth, and if the economy and interest rates are favorable. But those are big “ifs,” and ABC would have to be extraordinarily disciplined to adhere to the strategic plan’s roadmap.&nbsp;

Quantitative &amp; Qualitative&nbsp;

Building a strategic plan requires both quantitative and qualitative thinking. Your goal may be quantitative – say you want your company to grow from $10 million in revenues to $15 million over the next three years before going out to market. That’s quantitative. You have quantified a goal.&nbsp;

But a market analysis may show that the best-in-class companies in your sector (e.g. manufacturing industry) are selling products at gross margins of 40% to 50%. Yet your company is selling products at a gross margin of 30%. It is also a quantitative thought: 30% vs 40%-50%. But it is also a qualitative thought: why? Why are your company’s products selling at a lower gross margin than your competition? Are they buying raw materials cheaper? Does your workforce lack certain skills and training to manufacture complex, more profitable products? Do you need to invest in better equipment in an attempt to improve production efficiency? The numbers point to a qualitative question, and you need to look at what’s behind your gross margin and figure out how to improve it before you go to market.&nbsp;

In essence, math can be easy. The numbers speak for themselves. But it’s the qualitative factors behind the numbers that reveal the challenges that will define much of a company’s strategic plan.&nbsp;

An effective strategic plan should mirror where a company is in its business lifecycle. If your company is a startup, the strategic plan will look different than the plan for a mature business. For a startup, the goal may not be to become profitable within a year, but rather obtain additional rounds of funding, prove its concept and identify a growth track.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Compare this plan to a company that is mature, profitable and has shareholders. They may not be looking for additional investments. But say the company has had a great year and has grabbed the attention of several private equity groups for a future acquisition. Its strategic plan might be one built around selling the company in two or three years and cashing out. What was once a mature company has now prepared a strategic plan around exit planning.&nbsp;

No matter where a company is in its business lifecycle, the process of building a strategic plan is the same: you have a starting point, which is where you are today. You envision an end point. Your strategic plan is the roadmap that gets you from the starting point to the end point.

Characteristics of a Good Strategic Plan&nbsp;

A good strategic plan rests on three important characteristics:&nbsp;

Clarity:&nbsp;Even if someone doesn’t agree with your plan, can they read it and understand it? Does it make sense? If a business owner hears from key stakeholders that the strategic plan doesn’t make sense or can’t hit its goals, such criticism should be taken seriously.

Relevance:&nbsp;Does the plan support the owner’s goal? A strategic plan should tie back to specific goals and timelines. If analysis and financial projections show the strategies and objectives in the plan, such as acquisitions or expansions of product lines, won’t be enough to help the company reach its goals, where does the problem lie? Are the strategies out of kilter or are the goals unrealistic?

Reality:&nbsp;Perhaps the most important characteristic is whether the plan is realistic. You should be able to map goals, objectives, milestones and outcomes to the plan in a way that makes sense. If a company is valued at $8 million and its owner’s goal is to sell for $10 million, and industry projections support that growth, that’s a realistic goal. But if they’re valued at $8 million and they want to sell for $20 million within two years, that’s an unrealistic goal.&nbsp;

Who is Involved in Building a Strategic Plan?&nbsp;

Ultimately, a strategic plan will impact nearly everyone in a company. It needs to be finalized and approved by key stakeholders, including top management, investors and perhaps the company’s attorney and accountant.&nbsp;

But the team that actually puts together the plan should be selected based on their skills and the relevance of their roles to the content of the plan. For instance, if the plan calls for a reorganization of the ownership group, an attorney will need to be involved, and most likely a tax advisor, as well.&nbsp;

Some companies have the internal talent and skills to put together a comprehensive strategic plan. Others don’t and need to reach outside for expertise. Depending on the key goals and strategies laid out in the plan, input from an attorney, an accountant, a banker, a wealth advisor or a business consultant may be advantageous.&nbsp;

In the end, your strategic plan needs to be short, sweet and to the point. But it needs to be supported by a lot of work behind it. When you understand where you are today and where you want to get to, that will dictate your scope and the professional team that will help build your strategic plan.&nbsp;

If you would like to take the first steps toward creating a comprehensive strategic plan for your company,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/contact/">contact an Adams Brown advisor</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741211435367.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A Plan Can Help Small and Medium-Sized Businesses Fuel GrowthKey Takeaways:A strategic plan serves as a clear roadmap, helping businesses set measurable goals, anticipate challenges and stay focused on long-term growthSuccessful strategic planning requires stepping outside daily operations to align vision with actionable steps, supported by realistic and well-researched objectives.Tailoring a strategic plan to your company’s lifecycle ensures relevance and clarity, providing a practical framework for achieving your goals.It’s best practice for all businesses to have a strategic plan, from self-employed professionals to Fortune 500 Companies. Strategic plans provide vision, direction, focus and help business owners align their goals with actionable steps. Without a strategic plan, businesses risk drifting without clear priorities, leading to missed opportunities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, strategic plans help businesses anticipate potential challenges and respond to competition in a proactive manner. By setting clear objectives and identifying competitive advantages (and disadvantages), the business can develop strategies to differentiate themselves from competitors and stand out in the market.&nbsp;&nbsp;The business owners and executives we’ve seen successfully develop and execute strategic plans were the ones willing to step outside of the normal “day-to-day” and dedicate the time to working on their company. The investment made in designing the plan, executing the plan and being held accountable to the plan, were just as, if not more important, than the actual plan itself.&nbsp;How Does a Strategic Plan Work?&nbsp;Simply put, a strategic plan is a roadmap to get you from Point A and Point B. We like to think of a strategic plan as if we were planning on a cross-country road trip. Before getting on the road, wouldn’t you want to take a look at a map? Of course. Yet it’s surprising how many companies attempt “to drive from LA to New York” without a map.&nbsp;The first thing to consider is what kind of trip you want to have. Is the goal to take the fastest, most direct route? Is the goal to meander and stop to catch a show in Vegas or hike in the Rockies? Or is the goal to drive to Kansas City as fast as possible, but stay with family for a few days?&nbsp;In other words, setting goals and objectives is the heart of a strategic plan.In the business world, it looks like this:&nbsp;ABC Company is making $5 million in revenue and has EBITDA of $1 million. It has 25 employees and sells products into three customer groups. Its owner’s top goal is to grow. But growth is an amorphous goal until you quantify it with some numbers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Industry research – an essential aspect of strategic planning – shows other companies in ABC’s industry have typically achieved growth of 2x to 3x revenues over the past five years. But ABC’s owner wants to achieve growth of 5x revenues and add two more customer groups over the next five years.&nbsp;A key characteristic of a good strategic plan is the probability of success i.e. realistic. The ABC owner’s goal is aggressive, but is it realistic? A market analysis shows the owner’s goal may be realistic if ABC can acquire a competitor company in addition to achieving organic growth, and if the economy and interest rates are favorable. But those are big “ifs,” and ABC would have to be extraordinarily disciplined to adhere to the strategic plan’s roadmap.&nbsp;Quantitative &amp; Qualitative&nbsp;Building a strategic plan requires both quantitative and qualitative thinking. Your goal may be quantitative – say you want your company to grow from $10 million in revenues to $15 million over the next three years before going out to market. That’s quantitative. You have quantified a goal.&nbsp;But a market analysis may show that the best-in-class companies in your sector (e.g. manufacturing industry) are selling products at gross margins of 40% to 50%. Yet your company is selling products at a gross margin of 30%. It is also a quantitative thought: 30% vs 40%-50%. But it is also a qualitative thought: why? Why are your company’s products selling at a lower gross margin than your competition? Are they buying raw materials cheaper? Does your workforce lack certain skills and training to manufacture complex, more profitable products? Do you need to invest in better equipment in an attempt to improve production efficiency? The numbers point to a qualitative question, and you need to look at what’s behind your gross margin and figure out how to improve it before you go to market.&nbsp;In essence, math can be easy. The numbers speak for themselves. But it’s the qualitative factors behind the numbers that reveal the challenges that will define much of a company’s strategic plan.&nbsp;Business Lifecycle&nbsp;An effective strategic plan should mirror where a company is in its business lifecycle. If your company is a startup, the strategic plan will look different than the plan for a mature business. For a startup, the goal may not be to become profitable within a year, but rather obtain additional rounds of funding, prove its concept and identify a growth track.&nbsp;&nbsp;Compare this plan to a company that is mature, profitable and has shareholders. They may not be looking for additional investments. But say the company has had a great year and has grabbed the attention of several private equity groups for a future acquisition. Its strategic plan might be one built around selling the company in two or three years and cashing out. What was once a mature company has now prepared a strategic plan around exit planning.&nbsp;No matter where a company is in its business lifecycle, the process of building a strategic plan is the same: you have a starting point, which is where you are today. You envision an end point. Your strategic plan is the roadmap that gets you from the starting point to the end point.Characteristics of a Good Strategic Plan&nbsp;A good strategic plan rests on three important characteristics:&nbsp;Clarity:&nbsp;Even if someone doesn’t agree with your plan, can they read it and understand it? Does it make sense? If a business owner hears from key stakeholders that the strategic plan doesn’t make sense or can’t hit its goals, such criticism should be taken seriously. Relevance:&nbsp;Does the plan support the owner’s goal? A strategic plan should tie back to specific goals and timelines. If analysis and financial projections show the strategies and objectives in the plan, such as acquisitions or expansions of product lines, won’t be enough to help the company reach its goals, where does the problem lie? Are the strategies out of kilter or are the goals unrealistic? Reality:&nbsp;Perhaps the most important characteristic is whether the plan is realistic. You should be able to map goals, objectives, milestones and outcomes to the plan in a way that makes sense. If a company is valued at $8 million and its owner’s goal is to sell for $10 million, and industry projections support that growth, that’s a realistic goal. But if they’re valued at $8 million and they want to sell for $20 million within two years, that’s an unrealistic goal.&nbsp;Who is Involved in Building a Strategic Plan?&nbsp;Ultimately, a strategic plan will impact nearly everyone in a company. It needs to be finalized and approved by key stakeholders, including top management, investors and perhaps the company’s attorney and accountant.&nbsp;But the team that actually puts together the plan should be selected based on their skills and the relevance of their roles to the content of the plan. For instance, if the plan calls for a reorganization of the ownership group, an attorney will need to be involved, and most likely a tax advisor, as well.&nbsp;Some companies have the internal talent and skills to put together a comprehensive strategic plan. Others don’t and need to reach outside for expertise. Depending on the key goals and strategies laid out in the plan, input from an attorney, an accountant, a banker, a wealth advisor or a business consultant may be advantageous.&nbsp;In the end, your strategic plan needs to be short, sweet and to the point. But it needs to be supported by a lot of work behind it. When you understand where you are today and where you want to get to, that will dictate your scope and the professional team that will help build your strategic plan.&nbsp;If you would like to take the first steps toward creating a comprehensive strategic plan for your company,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/contact/">contact an Adams Brown advisor</a>.

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 16

The Granny Brigade is currently holding a fundraiser to support a local three-year-old, Ezra, who is battling terminal liver cancer. The fundraiser kicked off at 8 a.m. and will run until 7 p.m. on Friday, March 14 at multiple locations:&nbsp; in front of <a href="http://910kina.com">910 KINA Radio Station </a>at 1825 South Ohio, at 2100 South 9th Street in front of Napa Auto Parts and Look for the American flags marking the donation spots.

Ezra was diagnosed with cancer on May 20, 2024, and doctors later discovered he has hepatocellular neoplasm (NOS), an aggressive form of liver cancer. Despite undergoing chemotherapy, a liver resection, and additional treatments, his condition worsened. After his last round of chemotherapy in November, his family was informed that he would not be going into remission, and he is now considered terminal. The cancer has since spread to his liver, kidneys, and lungs. 

Ezra and his mother are currently in Cincinnati for a 63-day stay, where he is participating in clinical trials in hopes of slowing the disease’s progression.

As of March 15, The Granny Brigade raised $6,532.00 for Ezra and his family.&nbsp;

Community members wishing to support Ezra and his family during this extraordinarily challenging time can donate in person at First Bank of Kansas, 2860 S 9th St. near Walmart under the account “We Fight for Ezra.” Checks should be made out to “We Fight for Ezra.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741959335476.jpeg" alt="From Left to Right: Linda Reynolds and Tina Barringer, members of the Granny Brigade stand ready to collect donations for Ezra who was recently diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. Stop by from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. to make a donation and receive a baked good for your generosity.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>From Left to Right: Linda Reynolds and Tina Barringer, members of the Granny Brigade stand ready to collect donations for Ezra who was recently diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. Stop by from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. to make a donation and receive a baked good for your generosity.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe Granny Brigade is currently holding a fundraiser to support a local three-year-old, Ezra, who is battling terminal liver cancer. The fundraiser kicked off at 8 a.m. and will run until 7 p.m. on Friday, March 14 at multiple locations:&nbsp; in front of <a href="http://910kina.com">910 KINA Radio Station </a>at 1825 South Ohio, at 2100 South 9th Street in front of Napa Auto Parts and Look for the American flags marking the donation spots.Ezra was diagnosed with cancer on May 20, 2024, and doctors later discovered he has hepatocellular neoplasm (NOS), an aggressive form of liver cancer. Despite undergoing chemotherapy, a liver resection, and additional treatments, his condition worsened. After his last round of chemotherapy in November, his family was informed that he would not be going into remission, and he is now considered terminal. The cancer has since spread to his liver, kidneys, and lungs. Ezra and his mother are currently in Cincinnati for a 63-day stay, where he is participating in clinical trials in hopes of slowing the disease’s progression.As of March 15, The Granny Brigade raised $6,532.00 for Ezra and his family.&nbsp;Community members wishing to support Ezra and his family during this extraordinarily challenging time can donate in person at First Bank of Kansas, 2860 S 9th St. near Walmart under the account “We Fight for Ezra.” Checks should be made out to “We Fight for Ezra.”

UPDATED: Granny Brigade raises $6,000+ for 3-year-old battling terminal cancer

PAT MELGARES &nbsp;K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Nutrition, says Priscilla Brenes, is not just the food we eat.

Brenes, a K-State Research and Extension specialist in the Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health, adds that eating healthfully also includes&nbsp;who&nbsp;you’re eating it with.

“When we eat with somebody else, that’s a connection,” Brenes said. “We might prepare food for somebody else. There’s a connection there, too.”

March is National Nutrition Month, sponsored annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This year’s theme is ‘Food Connects Us.’

“Think about this: If you’re eating in front of the television, what type of connection are you making there?” Brenes said. “By contrast, if I’m eating with family or friends, you may be talking about what you did during the day, or talking about your goals. Maybe you’re talking about things that you want to accomplish.”

“Connecting with other people can help you be more mindful about the foods that you’re eating and how much you’re eating.”

Brenes said that even preparing meals, particularly when children are involved, builds connections around food that become family memories.

“Family meals are a great way to share with your children, or to teach them how to set the table, or the ingredients in the food that they are putting on the table,” she said. “There’s a family connection that starts forming there and those memories can bring good emotions when we are grown up.”

She adds: “I remember eating with my parents every Sunday after going to church or going to an event and having a conversation about what we learned. And you know, after that, the kids were in charge of cleaning the table. We learned to wash the dishes and how to share the work with our siblings.”

This month, Brenes encourages families to plan activities that capitalize on the ways that food connects people.

“Try to eat more meals together with your family,” she said. “If you like to cook…maybe one person in your family can pick one recipe per week, and you can all try that recipe. Or if you’re at school – maybe as the teacher – you can ask students to bring their favorite fruit or vegetable to class and talk about it.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Information publishes guidelines to help Americans eat a variety of foods in proper proportions.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.myplate.gov/">The campaign is called MyPlate</a>, which focuses on having one-half of the dinner plate being fruits and vegetables; one-fourth grains (preferably whole grains); and one-fourth protein.

More information about healthy eating also is available online from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/fndh">K-State Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741970318903.png" alt="K-State Research and Extension " />
 <figcaption>K-State Research and Extension </figcaption>
 </figure>PAT MELGARES &nbsp;K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan. – Nutrition, says Priscilla Brenes, is not just the food we eat.Brenes, a K-State Research and Extension specialist in the Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health, adds that eating healthfully also includes&nbsp;who&nbsp;you’re eating it with.“When we eat with somebody else, that’s a connection,” Brenes said. “We might prepare food for somebody else. There’s a connection there, too.”March is National Nutrition Month, sponsored annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This year’s theme is ‘Food Connects Us.’“Think about this: If you’re eating in front of the television, what type of connection are you making there?” Brenes said. “By contrast, if I’m eating with family or friends, you may be talking about what you did during the day, or talking about your goals. Maybe you’re talking about things that you want to accomplish.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742089552247.png" alt="Family baking - KSU Research and Extension" />
 <figcaption>Family baking - KSU Research and Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>“Connecting with other people can help you be more mindful about the foods that you’re eating and how much you’re eating.”Brenes said that even preparing meals, particularly when children are involved, builds connections around food that become family memories.“Family meals are a great way to share with your children, or to teach them how to set the table, or the ingredients in the food that they are putting on the table,” she said. “There’s a family connection that starts forming there and those memories can bring good emotions when we are grown up.”She adds: “I remember eating with my parents every Sunday after going to church or going to an event and having a conversation about what we learned. And you know, after that, the kids were in charge of cleaning the table. We learned to wash the dishes and how to share the work with our siblings.”This month, Brenes encourages families to plan activities that capitalize on the ways that food connects people.“Try to eat more meals together with your family,” she said. “If you like to cook…maybe one person in your family can pick one recipe per week, and you can all try that recipe. Or if you’re at school – maybe as the teacher – you can ask students to bring their favorite fruit or vegetable to class and talk about it.”The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Information publishes guidelines to help Americans eat a variety of foods in proper proportions.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.myplate.gov/">The campaign is called MyPlate</a>, which focuses on having one-half of the dinner plate being fruits and vegetables; one-fourth grains (preferably whole grains); and one-fourth protein.More information about healthy eating also is available online from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/fndh">K-State Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health</a>.

Food Connects Us: K-State nutrition expert touts value of eating with others

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I-70 in Sherman County is back open, both directions. Be safe everyone!&mdash; Trooper Tod (@TrooperTodKHP) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrooperTodKHP/status/1901063378103115903?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

KHP: I-70 in northwest Kansas is back open

Enter the Landscape Consultants $500 Bracket Challenge before tip-off on Thursday!

College basketball fans, it's time to put your prediction skills to the test. The Landscape Consultants $500 Bracket Challenge is your chance to score big by filling out a perfect March Madness bracket. One lucky winner will take home $500, courtesy of Landscape Consultants LLC and Salina Wholesale Liquor.

Fill out your bracket before the first game tips off on Thursday morning.

Make your picks and see how they stack up throughout the tournament.

Don’t miss your shot at bracket glory and a cash prize!&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742328165499.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTEnter the Landscape Consultants $500 Bracket Challenge before tip-off on Thursday!College basketball fans, it's time to put your prediction skills to the test. The Landscape Consultants $500 Bracket Challenge is your chance to score big by filling out a perfect March Madness bracket. One lucky winner will take home $500, courtesy of Landscape Consultants LLC and Salina Wholesale Liquor.<h2>How to enter:</h2>Fill out your bracket before the first game tips off on Thursday morning.Make your picks and see how they stack up throughout the tournament.Don’t miss your shot at bracket glory and a cash prize!&nbsp;<div><div class="aptivada-widget" data-widget-id="1757908" data-widget-type="app" >
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Bracket Challenge

Central Kansas is bracing for powerful northwest winds on Wednesday, bringing gusts up to 65 mph in areas along and west of the Flint Hills. Southeast Kansas will also see significant wind gusts, reaching around 55 mph throughout the day.

These strong winds will usher in much colder air, with the potential for snow flurries in central Kansas by Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for Russell and Lincoln counties, where blizzard conditions are expected early Wednesday.

The warning includes portions of Interstate 70, where travel could become hazardous due to reduced visibility and strong winds. Motorists are urged to use caution and check road conditions before traveling.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742321921179.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NWSCentral Kansas is bracing for powerful northwest winds on Wednesday, bringing gusts up to 65 mph in areas along and west of the Flint Hills. Southeast Kansas will also see significant wind gusts, reaching around 55 mph throughout the day.These strong winds will usher in much colder air, with the potential for snow flurries in central Kansas by Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for Russell and Lincoln counties, where blizzard conditions are expected early Wednesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742321947666.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The warning includes portions of Interstate 70, where travel could become hazardous due to reduced visibility and strong winds. Motorists are urged to use caution and check road conditions before traveling.

Strong winds tonight, blizzard conditions expected Wednesday in central Kansas

&nbsp;By SALINA POST The Tony’s Pizza Events Center, located at 800 The Midway, Salina, was evacuated Saturday around 1 p.m. during the state basketball tournament after a fire alarm was triggered.

According to initial reports, event staff and emergency responders were assessing the situation, including checking the building’s electrical box. Spectators, players, and staff were temporarily moved outside as a precaution.

The alarm caused a delay in the third quarter of the Ottawa and Andale boys 4A third place game.

According to Battalion Chief Kirk Stover with the Salina Fire Department, the alarm was caused by a fire alarm system error. No flames or smoke were visible at the scene. No injuries have been reported, and officials are working to determine the caused the alarm malfunction.

&nbsp;4A Boys 3rd Place Final #1 Ottawa 61 #3 Andale 36

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592866481388.jpeg" alt="Tonys Pizza Events Center summer SP photo.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Tonys Pizza Events Center summer SP photo.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By SALINA POST The Tony’s Pizza Events Center, located at 800 The Midway, Salina, was evacuated Saturday around 1 p.m. during the state basketball tournament after a fire alarm was triggered.According to initial reports, event staff and emergency responders were assessing the situation, including checking the building’s electrical box. Spectators, players, and staff were temporarily moved outside as a precaution.The alarm caused a delay in the third quarter of the Ottawa and Andale boys 4A third place game.According to Battalion Chief Kirk Stover with the Salina Fire Department, the alarm was caused by a fire alarm system error. No flames or smoke were visible at the scene. No injuries have been reported, and officials are working to determine the caused the alarm malfunction.&nbsp;4A Boys 3rd Place Final #1 Ottawa 61 #3 Andale 36<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Ottawa band with Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and we are back in action here in Salina! 🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sportsinkansas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sportsinkansas</a> <a href="https://t.co/GYtb7olTnT">pic.twitter.com/GYtb7olTnT</a>&mdash; Sports in Kansas (@sportsinkansas) <a href="https://twitter.com/sportsinkansas/status/1900975612065419272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

UPDATED: 4A State basketball tournament at Tony’s Pizza Events Center evacuated after fire alarm

SHERMAN COUNTY —Interstate 70 was still closed Saturday in both directions between Goodland and Colby, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.&nbsp;

First responders are continuing to clear the roadway from a multi-vehicle crash on Friday due to the strong winds and blowing dirt. As many as eight people died in the crash, according to Trooper Tod Heilman with the Kansas Highway Patrol. The state established a special number for family members or loved ones that are involved in the crash. It is 785-827-4437.

On social media,&nbsp; Brian James, with Goodland Fire and EMS wrote, "I must say yesterday was the toughest and most emotional draining experience in my 22 years of being in the fire service."

Trying to manage multiple agencies, over thirty patients, triaging patients, working over 55 vehicles, fighting the wind with dirt so bad you can’t see over 50 to 100 feet, and trying to keep my crews and myself safe was just something to process." 

"I don’t think people realize the dedication these men and women give to make this community safe and secure. We had to think outside the box to get patients transported to hospitals in Goodland and Colby by using our fire department support vehicle with AEMT’s in the back to using patrol vehicles from Goodland Police Department, Sherman County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Highway Patrol."

“I’m sorry for the lives lost in this incident, but I’m grateful for the ones we could save. Goodland and Brewster Fire have to go back out today to the crash site to cut deceased people out of their vehicles. Please be praying for my crews and all Sherman County first responders.”

"A huge thank you to the following agencies who worked this massive car pile up on I-70 at MM 28 to MM 29: Goodland Fire, Brewster Fire, Northwest Kansas Ambulance Service, Colby Fire Department, Goodland Police Department, Sherman County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol, Thomas County EMS, Wallace County EMS, Cheyenne County EMS, and Sherman County Dispatch for getting me the resources I needed."

Authorities have not released names of the victims or additional details.

In response to Friday's multi-vehicle accident near Brewster, the Thomas County Commission declared a State of Local Emergency, according to a statement from Thomas County. This declaration will be formalized at the Commission meeting on Monday. County officials were actively coordinating resources to address the situation and ensure the safety of residents. A shelter was also set up through the American Red Cross at the Steve Lampe Athletic Center on the Colby Community College campus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742075593579.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POST SHERMAN COUNTY —Interstate 70 was still closed Saturday in both directions between Goodland and Colby, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.&nbsp;First responders are continuing to clear the roadway from a multi-vehicle crash on Friday due to the strong winds and blowing dirt. As many as eight people died in the crash, according to Trooper Tod Heilman with the Kansas Highway Patrol. The state established a special number for family members or loved ones that are involved in the crash. It is 785-827-4437.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742057657995.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>On social media,&nbsp; Brian James, with Goodland Fire and EMS wrote, "I must say yesterday was the toughest and most emotional draining experience in my 22 years of being in the fire service."Trying to manage multiple agencies, over thirty patients, triaging patients, working over 55 vehicles, fighting the wind with dirt so bad you can’t see over 50 to 100 feet, and trying to keep my crews and myself safe was just something to process." "I don’t think people realize the dedication these men and women give to make this community safe and secure. We had to think outside the box to get patients transported to hospitals in Goodland and Colby by using our fire department support vehicle with AEMT’s in the back to using patrol vehicles from Goodland Police Department, Sherman County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Highway Patrol."“I’m sorry for the lives lost in this incident, but I’m grateful for the ones we could save. Goodland and Brewster Fire have to go back out today to the crash site to cut deceased people out of their vehicles. Please be praying for my crews and all Sherman County first responders.”"A huge thank you to the following agencies who worked this massive car pile up on I-70 at MM 28 to MM 29: Goodland Fire, Brewster Fire, Northwest Kansas Ambulance Service, Colby Fire Department, Goodland Police Department, Sherman County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol, Thomas County EMS, Wallace County EMS, Cheyenne County EMS, and Sherman County Dispatch for getting me the resources I needed."Authorities have not released names of the victims or additional details.In response to Friday's multi-vehicle accident near Brewster, the Thomas County Commission declared a State of Local Emergency, according to a statement from Thomas County. This declaration will be formalized at the Commission meeting on Monday. County officials were actively coordinating resources to address the situation and ensure the safety of residents. A shelter was also set up through the American Red Cross at the Steve Lampe Athletic Center on the Colby Community College campus.

KHP: Eight dead from NW Kan. multi-vehicle crash in dust storm

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansaspublicradio.org/people/daniel-caudill">DANIEL CAUDILL</a> <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2025-03-11/could-kansas-eliminate-taxes-on-tips-it-might-depend-on-congress">Kansas News Service</a>

A bill in Kansas would eliminate state income taxes on tips for workers like food servers. But the idea’s fate in the state likely hinges on whether Congress acts.

WICHITA — It’s a busy Friday afternoon at The Monarch bar and restaurant in downtown Wichita, and food server Kelly Bonnell is right at home.

As she grabs a customer’s sandwich and fries from the kitchen, she greets people that come and go — all the while smiling and full of energy.

“I'm not sitting in a cubicle working on a computer. I'm impacting other people, and I'm having fun,” Bonnell said. “I genuinely enjoy it.”

Bonnell’s been serving for 10 years, first in Missouri and later in Wichita. She works at two restaurants in town and said she makes enough in tips to get her through school at Wichita State University.

But her first year in Kansas, Bonnell was hit by a tax surprise. Since the minimum wage for tipped workers in Kansas is lower than in Missouri, the taxes automatically taken out of her hourly wages at a previous job didn’t cover what she owed.

“And it was hard,” she said. “I did not have the expectation of needing this massive amount of money to pay that back.”

Bonnell is now setting aside part of her tips to cover taxes, but a bill in Kansas would potentially eliminate the need for that altogether. The bill would exempt up to $25,000 in a worker’s annual tips from state income tax.

The same idea has been floated by President Donald Trump’s administration at the federal level, but its fate in Congress is uncertain. That could ultimately decide whether the state does away with income taxes on tips, too.

Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson has said it’s a commonsense measure that won’t affect the state’s bottom line.

“If the federal government takes tax off tips, how crazy would it be for (them) to have to then maintain their tips and then pay Kansas tax on those?" Masterson said.

Republican Sen. Caryn Tyson chairs the Senate’s tax committee. She introduced the bill to cut taxes on tips.

“I support Kansans — hard-working Kansans keeping more of their own money,” she said. “The more they can keep in their pockets, the better off the state is.”

If federal lawmakers do move, Kansas lawmakers seem open to following their lead. But there are some people in Topeka who believe cutting taxes on tips is not enough.

Nathan Kessler is a tax policy adviser with Kansas Action for Children. He said the tax cut would only benefit a small portion of workers.

“If the goal is to put more money in the pockets of tipped workers there are much better ways to do that,” he said. “The most efficient would be to raise the minimum wage for those workers in Kansas.”

According to the Kansas Department of Labor, the average person waiting tables makes about $34,000&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/2024%20Edition%20Statewide.xlsx" target="_blank">per year</a>. That means they often have limited tax liability in the first place.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741965217520.png" alt="Kelly Bonnell, a server at The Monarch in downtown Wichita, grabs two plates of food to bring out to customers. She said the job helps her pay her way through college. Photo by Daniel Caudill/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Kelly Bonnell, a server at The Monarch in downtown Wichita, grabs two plates of food to bring out to customers. She said the job helps her pay her way through college. Photo by Daniel Caudill/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansaspublicradio.org/people/daniel-caudill">DANIEL CAUDILL</a> <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2025-03-11/could-kansas-eliminate-taxes-on-tips-it-might-depend-on-congress">Kansas News Service</a><h2>A bill in Kansas would eliminate state income taxes on tips for workers like food servers. But the idea’s fate in the state likely hinges on whether Congress acts.</h2>WICHITA — It’s a busy Friday afternoon at The Monarch bar and restaurant in downtown Wichita, and food server Kelly Bonnell is right at home.As she grabs a customer’s sandwich and fries from the kitchen, she greets people that come and go — all the while smiling and full of energy.“I'm not sitting in a cubicle working on a computer. I'm impacting other people, and I'm having fun,” Bonnell said. “I genuinely enjoy it.”Bonnell’s been serving for 10 years, first in Missouri and later in Wichita. She works at two restaurants in town and said she makes enough in tips to get her through school at Wichita State University.But her first year in Kansas, Bonnell was hit by a tax surprise. Since the minimum wage for tipped workers in Kansas is lower than in Missouri, the taxes automatically taken out of her hourly wages at a previous job didn’t cover what she owed.<figure>
 <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/31f8a48/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2976x1984+0+0/resize/880x587!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F82%2Fb8%2F9ccafd1946d4a68bb7c2592604f7%2Fthe-monarch.JPG" alt="Patrons dine at The Monarch in downtown Wichita. It's one of the many restaurants in which Bonnell has worked as a server. Photo by Daniel Caudill/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Patrons dine at The Monarch in downtown Wichita. It's one of the many restaurants in which Bonnell has worked as a server. Photo by Daniel Caudill/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>“And it was hard,” she said. “I did not have the expectation of needing this massive amount of money to pay that back.”Bonnell is now setting aside part of her tips to cover taxes, but a bill in Kansas would potentially eliminate the need for that altogether. The bill would exempt up to $25,000 in a worker’s annual tips from state income tax.The same idea has been floated by President Donald Trump’s administration at the federal level, but its fate in Congress is uncertain. That could ultimately decide whether the state does away with income taxes on tips, too.Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson has said it’s a commonsense measure that won’t affect the state’s bottom line.“If the federal government takes tax off tips, how crazy would it be for (them) to have to then maintain their tips and then pay Kansas tax on those?" Masterson said.Republican Sen. Caryn Tyson chairs the Senate’s tax committee. She introduced the bill to cut taxes on tips.“I support Kansans — hard-working Kansans keeping more of their own money,” she said. “The more they can keep in their pockets, the better off the state is.”If federal lawmakers do move, Kansas lawmakers seem open to following their lead. But there are some people in Topeka who believe cutting taxes on tips is not enough.Nathan Kessler is a tax policy adviser with Kansas Action for Children. He said the tax cut would only benefit a small portion of workers.“If the goal is to put more money in the pockets of tipped workers there are much better ways to do that,” he said. “The most efficient would be to raise the minimum wage for those workers in Kansas.”According to the Kansas Department of Labor, the average person waiting tables makes about $34,000&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/2024%20Edition%20Statewide.xlsx" target="_blank">per year</a>. That means they often have limited tax liability in the first place.It's also sort of an open secret that many workers don’t report their tips when it comes to taxable income, or only report some of the money. But others, like Kelly at the Monarch, are compelled to report tips as proof of income for getting an apartment or a loan.Kansas Democrats did introduce a bill that would raise the state minimum wage to $15 an hour. It would also raise the base rate for tipped workers from about $2 an hour to $7.50.At this time, it doesn’t appear Republican leaders are going to let it advance. They argue many local restaurants could not afford a higher minimum wage.But Democratic House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard said Republican leaders are playing political games by not considering an increase.“The only people who are losing by them refusing to make this increase are Kansans,” he said.U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall initially predicted Congress could pass a tax exemption on tips by June.That could potentially delay action at the state level, as Kansas lawmakers are set to wrap up their session in April.