By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina Post

Salina's first park transformed for the Smoky Hill River Festival weekend, with the familiar Oakdale covered by the colorful world of the 48th festival.

The murmur of more than 150 musical and artistic performances across three stages greeted thousands of visitors as they walked across Oakdale Park's decorated bridges.

Outside the stages sat seemingly endless rows of exhibiting artists, selling their work created anywhere from down the road in town to states away. 

Even <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/01acc2b3-402f-446d-b131-92f0ceca2629">through two severe storm warnings and dozens of broken pieces of artwork</a>, many visitors took home one-of-a-kind handmade items. Many visitors said, "It wouldn't be the festival without some rain!" which many Kansas visitors seemed accustomed to.

Although rain, wind and small hail cut the SM Hanson Festival Jam short, bands continued performing throughout the weekend. Don Wagner &amp; Friends, the fourth of 17 groups, was the last band to play at Festival Jam.

Those who had the chance to perform before the storm hit town included Salina South Jazz Band, Visual Lies, Downtown Funk and Don Wagner &amp; Friends.

Lix, King Tones, Fed Up, Hey Radio, Soul Preachers, Drop Everything, Kyndred, HyWay 14, Bootleg Mercy, Dunebuggy, Love Like War, Steve Hanson &amp; Co. and The Blades missed their chance to play in front of the festival crowd.

Oakdale Park reopened the following day at 10 a.m., with Jane Anderson, the executive director of the Friends of the River Foundation, parading a young YMCA class around the park alongside their Smoky Hill River puppet crew.

As the young class paraded around the park, they saw sights of aspiring fiber artists using a loom for the first time, bands from across the country playing on the festival stages and artists selling their works to customers.

Nashville-based band Wildermiss was one of the 151 performances that entertained the Smoky Hill River Festival crowds.

"Our booking agent said, 'You should play this,' and we said, 'Yeah, we should!' and so it worked out because it's kind of the beginning of our tour," said Wildermiss lead singer Emma Cole. "I feel like [our sound] has a little bit of everything; with this last album we released, so much of it is touching on ethereal, ambient with indie, alternative rock, and then some bubble gum pop with some moody, heavy hitting ruby disco."

Cultivating creativity — a unique space for the youth

Artyopolis decorated the western edge of Oakdale Park, a space catered to inspiring creativity for young festival attendees.

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

Just north of Artyopolis and Arty's Stage, the exclusive First Treasures welcomed only children ages 4 to 13 to enter and purchase a piece of artwork without parental influence.

"It's a good opportunity for them because it allows kids to explore their imagination and do different things themselves," said Haley Beebe, a Salina resident attending the festival. "And [I got] to know what they like and don't like."

Beebe took Leah Smith, 13, and Edison Beebe, 7, this year to the First Treasures pavilion, where each purchased a piece of artwork donated by festival vendors for $5 or less.

"I love art, especially stuff similar to that [the painting she chose from First Treasures], and I think it's so amazing," Leah said. "It inspires me."

This year was Leah's first encounter with First Treasures, while Edison attended the event for the first time last year. 

Smoky Hill River Festival volunteers helped children navigate the experience and provided information about the artists who created the artwork they purchased.

"It's a good experience," Beebe said. "We went and saw his [Edison's] artist and got to take a picture with them."

Underneath the cool shade of an Oakdale Park pavilion, seven art and craft artists chatted with customers while creating new jewelry pieces, wooden utensils, ceramic pots and more.

This year, the Art and Craft Demonstrating Artists included Julie Cates from Salina, Vaughn Evans from Linwood, Tracey Musselwhite from Salina, Nicholas Pahls from Salina, Amethyst Sankey and Pam Pentico from Salina, Liz Bonney from Lawrence and Eleanor Carlson from Blue Rapids.

Throughout the festival, each artist demonstrated how they created their handmade items, answered questions for curious attendees and walked aspiring artists through different steps of their processes.

Musselwhite is a science teacher at Coronado Elementary in town but has enjoyed pottery since childhood and continues the practice today.

"I've had several students come through here, and some of them didn't realize that I did this," Musselwhite said. "They take such an interest in it, and I love seeing the kids excited about art."

Close by, with a small torch in hand, Carlson demonstrated her process of making jewelry with precious metals and gemstones of varying shapes.

Carlson said she attended <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/">Fort Hays State University</a> in western Kansas and participated in a national student exchange program at <a href="https://www.ric.edu/">Rhode Island College</a>, where she learned most of her silversmithing skills.

"I paid Fort Hays prices to go to Rhode Island College for a year, and that was fantastic," Carlson said. "That's where I learned a lot of my silver smithing and general introduction to fine metal smithing."

Once she returned from Rhode Island College, she discovered that Fort Hays did not have much support for fine metal smithing, but a sculpture professor strove to provide Carlson with a creative space.

"[Professor Toby Flores] did a great job of giving me a little corner in the studio, and I got to do jewelry work as much as I wanted," Carlson said. "I got to explore many different things and cast a lot of bigger bronze and iron things... and just had an amazing experience."

Carlson said she now renovated a part of her home for her jewelry studio in Blue Rapids, where she creates jewelry to sell at festivals and other vendor events.

Click the arrows on the left and right of the window above to see photos from the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival.

Concluding another Smoky Hill River Festival

On Sunday, June 16, eager attendees entered the park to attempt to find a glass Round-Tuit created by festival demonstrating artist Vaughn Evans. Children raced between bushes to look for the sparkling ember glass pieces inscribed with a bee on the bottom.

After attendees found a Round-Tuit, they could visit Evans at the demonstration pavilion to ask questions and view his other artwork.

Throughout the festival, other artists painted facilities of Oakdale Park, wrapped trees with colorful crocheted pieces by local high school students and the roaming Flint Hill Fairies and their thrum of cheerful music.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719161991168.jpeg" alt="The Weave a Community booth encourages young 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival attendees to try new types of art mediums and create something new with the help of a creative volunteer on Sunday, June 16, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Kat Woods" />
 <figcaption>The Weave a Community booth encourages young 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival attendees to try new types of art mediums and create something new with the help of a creative volunteer on Sunday, June 16, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Kat Woods</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostSalina's first park transformed for the Smoky Hill River Festival weekend, with the familiar Oakdale covered by the colorful world of the 48th festival.The murmur of more than 150 musical and artistic performances across three stages greeted thousands of visitors as they walked across Oakdale Park's decorated bridges.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719161852498.jpeg" alt="Families and visitors pass through the walkways surrounded by rows and rows for more than 158 artist vendors selling various pieces of artwork on Saturday, June 15, at the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Kat Woods" />
 <figcaption>Families and visitors pass through the walkways surrounded by rows and rows for more than 158 artist vendors selling various pieces of artwork on Saturday, June 15, at the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Kat Woods</figcaption>
 </figure>Outside the stages sat seemingly endless rows of exhibiting artists, selling their work created anywhere from down the road in town to states away. Even <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/01acc2b3-402f-446d-b131-92f0ceca2629">through two severe storm warnings and dozens of broken pieces of artwork</a>, many visitors took home one-of-a-kind handmade items. Many visitors said, "It wouldn't be the festival without some rain!" which many Kansas visitors seemed accustomed to.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719161290180.jpeg" alt="Topeka artist Nick Perry's work on display at the East Side Art Show for the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival on Saturday, June 15, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Kat Woods" />
 <figcaption>Topeka artist Nick Perry's work on display at the East Side Art Show for the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival on Saturday, June 15, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Kat Woods</figcaption>
 </figure>Although rain, wind and small hail cut the SM Hanson Festival Jam short, bands continued performing throughout the weekend. Don Wagner &amp; Friends, the fourth of 17 groups, was the last band to play at Festival Jam.<h2>Festival Jam Bands</h2>Those who had the chance to perform before the storm hit town included Salina South Jazz Band, Visual Lies, Downtown Funk and Don Wagner &amp; Friends.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718331020619.jpeg" alt="The Salina South High School Jazz Band performs at the 2024 SM Hanson Festival Jam during the Smoky Hill River Festival on Thursday, June 13, in Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The Salina South High School Jazz Band performs at the 2024 SM Hanson Festival Jam during the Smoky Hill River Festival on Thursday, June 13, in Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Lix, King Tones, Fed Up, Hey Radio, Soul Preachers, Drop Everything, Kyndred, HyWay 14, Bootleg Mercy, Dunebuggy, Love Like War, Steve Hanson &amp; Co. and The Blades missed their chance to play in front of the festival crowd.Oakdale Park reopened the following day at 10 a.m., with Jane Anderson, the executive director of the Friends of the River Foundation, parading a young YMCA class around the park alongside their Smoky Hill River puppet crew.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718478120275.jpeg" alt="Friends of the River members lead YMCA kids through Oakdale Park during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival on Friday, June 14. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Friends of the River members lead YMCA kids through Oakdale Park during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival on Friday, June 14. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>As the young class paraded around the park, they saw sights of aspiring fiber artists using a loom for the first time, bands from across the country playing on the festival stages and artists selling their works to customers.Nashville-based band Wildermiss was one of the 151 performances that entertained the Smoky Hill River Festival crowds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719161428631.jpeg" alt="Wildermiss lead singer Emma Cole performs on the Eric Stein Stage on Friday, June 14, in Oakdale Park for the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Wildermiss lead singer Emma Cole performs on the Eric Stein Stage on Friday, June 14, in Oakdale Park for the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"Our booking agent said, 'You should play this,' and we said, 'Yeah, we should!' and so it worked out because it's kind of the beginning of our tour," said Wildermiss lead singer Emma Cole. "I feel like [our sound] has a little bit of everything; with this last album we released, so much of it is touching on ethereal, ambient with indie, alternative rock, and then some bubble gum pop with some moody, heavy hitting ruby disco."<h2>Cultivating creativity — a unique space for the youth</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719161809635.jpeg" alt="A display case with demonstrating artist Vaughn Evans' pieces of handmade glass artwork for sale on Sunday, June 16, at the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Kat Woods" />
 <figcaption>A display case with demonstrating artist Vaughn Evans' pieces of handmade glass artwork for sale on Sunday, June 16, at the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Kat Woods</figcaption>
 </figure>Artyopolis decorated the western edge of Oakdale Park, a space catered to inspiring creativity for young festival attendees.LISTEN: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/df176786-0721-4298-8c69-b390ec66f798">🎙King in the Community Podcast — Susan Eberwein, Artyopolis coordinator</a>Just north of Artyopolis and Arty's Stage, the exclusive First Treasures welcomed only children ages 4 to 13 to enter and purchase a piece of artwork without parental influence."It's a good opportunity for them because it allows kids to explore their imagination and do different things themselves," said Haley Beebe, a Salina resident attending the festival. "And [I got] to know what they like and don't like."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719162164820.jpeg" alt="Madelyn Soper, 11, from Salina, and August Mulryan, 4, from Kansas City, show off the items they purchased from First Treasures while making plans to visit the arts that created their new handmade items during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival on Saturday, June 15, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Madelyn Soper, 11, from Salina, and August Mulryan, 4, from Kansas City, show off the items they purchased from First Treasures while making plans to visit the arts that created their new handmade items during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival on Saturday, June 15, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Beebe took Leah Smith, 13, and Edison Beebe, 7, this year to the First Treasures pavilion, where each purchased a piece of artwork donated by festival vendors for $5 or less."I love art, especially stuff similar to that [the painting she chose from First Treasures], and I think it's so amazing," Leah said. "It inspires me."This year was Leah's first encounter with First Treasures, while Edison attended the event for the first time last year. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719162235671.jpeg" alt="First Treasures sits with a line of families ready to purchase a ticket for their children to get a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork for less than $5 during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival on Saturday, June 15, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>First Treasures sits with a line of families ready to purchase a ticket for their children to get a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork for less than $5 during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival on Saturday, June 15, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Smoky Hill River Festival volunteers helped children navigate the experience and provided information about the artists who created the artwork they purchased."It's a good experience," Beebe said. "We went and saw his [Edison's] artist and got to take a picture with them."<h2>Inspiration from the creative process</h2>Underneath the cool shade of an Oakdale Park pavilion, seven art and craft artists chatted with customers while creating new jewelry pieces, wooden utensils, ceramic pots and more.This year, the Art and Craft Demonstrating Artists included Julie Cates from Salina, Vaughn Evans from Linwood, Tracey Musselwhite from Salina, Nicholas Pahls from Salina, Amethyst Sankey and Pam Pentico from Salina, Liz Bonney from Lawrence and Eleanor Carlson from Blue Rapids.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719162313272.jpeg" alt="Amethyst Sankey and Pam Pentico's metalwork stands on display during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival on Sunday, June 16, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Kat Woods" />
 <figcaption>Amethyst Sankey and Pam Pentico's metalwork stands on display during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival on Sunday, June 16, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Kat Woods</figcaption>
 </figure>Throughout the festival, each artist demonstrated how they created their handmade items, answered questions for curious attendees and walked aspiring artists through different steps of their processes.Musselwhite is a science teacher at Coronado Elementary in town but has enjoyed pottery since childhood and continues the practice today."I've had several students come through here, and some of them didn't realize that I did this," Musselwhite said. "They take such an interest in it, and I love seeing the kids excited about art."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719162379421.jpeg" alt="Tracey Musselwhite shapes a small pot out of clay during a demonstration on Sunday, June 16, during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Tracey Musselwhite shapes a small pot out of clay during a demonstration on Sunday, June 16, during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Close by, with a small torch in hand, Carlson demonstrated her process of making jewelry with precious metals and gemstones of varying shapes.Carlson said she attended <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/">Fort Hays State University</a> in western Kansas and participated in a national student exchange program at <a href="https://www.ric.edu/">Rhode Island College</a>, where she learned most of her silversmithing skills."I paid Fort Hays prices to go to Rhode Island College for a year, and that was fantastic," Carlson said. "That's where I learned a lot of my silver smithing and general introduction to fine metal smithing."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719162983143.jpeg" alt="Blue Rapids-based jewelry artist Eleanor Carlson works at the Arts and Craft Demonstrating Artist Pavilion on Sunday, June 16, during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Blue Rapids-based jewelry artist Eleanor Carlson works at the Arts and Craft Demonstrating Artist Pavilion on Sunday, June 16, during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Once she returned from Rhode Island College, she discovered that Fort Hays did not have much support for fine metal smithing, but a sculpture professor strove to provide Carlson with a creative space."[Professor Toby Flores] did a great job of giving me a little corner in the studio, and I got to do jewelry work as much as I wanted," Carlson said. "I got to explore many different things and cast a lot of bigger bronze and iron things... and just had an amazing experience."Carlson said she now renovated a part of her home for her jewelry studio in Blue Rapids, where she creates jewelry to sell at festivals and other vendor events.<div><a data-flickr-embed="true" data-footer="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/200778904@N03/albums/72177720318163652" title="2024 Smoky Hill River Festival"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53811135785_db2b942aa2_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="2024 Smoky Hill River Festival"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Click the arrows on the left and right of the window above to see photos from the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival.<h2>Concluding another Smoky Hill River Festival</h2>On Sunday, June 16, eager attendees entered the park to attempt to find a glass Round-Tuit created by festival demonstrating artist Vaughn Evans. Children raced between bushes to look for the sparkling ember glass pieces inscribed with a bee on the bottom.After attendees found a Round-Tuit, they could visit Evans at the demonstration pavilion to ask questions and view his other artwork.Throughout the festival, other artists painted facilities of Oakdale Park, wrapped trees with colorful crocheted pieces by local high school students and the roaming Flint Hill Fairies and their thrum of cheerful music.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1507794956819513&width=500&show_text=true&height=572&appId" width="500" height="572" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Inspiring artists through celebrating creativity — a walk through the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival

The Salina Fire Department (SFD) announced this afternoon it will begin efforts to raise funds for a community Safe Haven Baby Box.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SFD said in a statement released Wednesday that the initiative aims to provide a secure, anonymous way for parents in crisis to surrender their newborns.

"I'm excited about it and we have great support from the Salina City Commission," said SFD Chief Tony Sneidar. "The City manager's office tasked the fire department with making this come to fruition."

This project, initiated by Mayor Bill Longbine and supported by city officials and the Salina Fire Department, will place a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/hb2024_00_0000.pdf">fully compliant&nbsp;</a>Safe Haven Baby Box at Fire Station 1,&nbsp;<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Vnsr61Dh4tVP7jp1A" target="_blank">222 W. Elm Street</a>.

SFD officials tell Salina Post that community support through donations is important and the lifeblood of this initiative. Donations will cover the costs of installation, maintenance, and awareness campaigns. The impact of Driven to Care's grant has given the initiative a great start, but SFD still needs help to make this initiative a reality.

The anticipated costs include the Baby Box, demolition, construction materials, installation, and electrical work, amounting to $21,000, and a $500 annual maintenance fee. The Salina Community Baby Box initiative is not just a project; it's a life-saving opportunity for parents in crisis, helping to secure the futures of our most vulnerable infants.

Go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.shbb.org/">www.shbb.org</a>&nbsp;for more info. Donation checks may be sent to PO Box 185, Woodburn, IN 46797, with Salina, KS Baby Box in the memo.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LTiPo17E9gU?si=Q4DLZPpmADpKV8MH" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>By SALINA POSTThe Salina Fire Department (SFD) announced this afternoon it will begin efforts to raise funds for a community Safe Haven Baby Box.&nbsp;&nbsp;SFD said in a statement released Wednesday that the initiative aims to provide a secure, anonymous way for parents in crisis to surrender their newborns."I'm excited about it and we have great support from the Salina City Commission," said SFD Chief Tony Sneidar. "The City manager's office tasked the fire department with making this come to fruition."This project, initiated by Mayor Bill Longbine and supported by city officials and the Salina Fire Department, will place a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/hb2024_00_0000.pdf">fully compliant&nbsp;</a>Safe Haven Baby Box at Fire Station 1,&nbsp;<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Vnsr61Dh4tVP7jp1A" target="_blank">222 W. Elm Street</a>.SFD officials tell Salina Post that community support through donations is important and the lifeblood of this initiative. Donations will cover the costs of installation, maintenance, and awareness campaigns. The impact of Driven to Care's grant has given the initiative a great start, but SFD still needs help to make this initiative a reality.The anticipated costs include the Baby Box, demolition, construction materials, installation, and electrical work, amounting to $21,000, and a $500 annual maintenance fee. The Salina Community Baby Box initiative is not just a project; it's a life-saving opportunity for parents in crisis, helping to secure the futures of our most vulnerable infants.Go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.shbb.org/">www.shbb.org</a>&nbsp;for more info. Donation checks may be sent to PO Box 185, Woodburn, IN 46797, with Salina, KS Baby Box in the memo.

SFD launches lifesaving Safe Haven Baby Box initiative

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;Hughes, Toby Allen REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown

NAME:&nbsp;Prather, Edward Daniel REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Operate a MV w/o a valid license, Theft of prop/serv;&lt;$1500 3 business in 72 hrs

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/42c272c9-264b-4518-95cd-9b37f9bf3c0a">SFD launches lifesaving Safe Haven Baby Box initiative</a>

NAME:&nbsp;Raymond, Kelly Frances REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Theft of prop/serv;&lt;$1500 3 business in 72 hrs

NAME:&nbsp;Rothrock, Alexander James REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Silva, Carlos Alberto REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Sexual battery, Theft by deception:Value $1,500 to $25,000, Theft of property lost or mislaid; Value $1,000 to $25,000

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/2024/6/1719148610241.jpeg" alt="Hughes, Toby Allen" />
 <figcaption>Hughes, Toby Allen</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Hughes, Toby Allen REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719148647558.jpeg" alt="Prather, Edward Daniel" />
 <figcaption>Prather, Edward Daniel</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Prather, Edward Daniel REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Operate a MV w/o a valid license, Theft of prop/serv;&lt;$1500 3 business in 72 hrsREAD MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/42c272c9-264b-4518-95cd-9b37f9bf3c0a">SFD launches lifesaving Safe Haven Baby Box initiative</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719148685840.jpeg" alt="Raymond, Kelly Frances" />
 <figcaption>Raymond, Kelly Frances</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Raymond, Kelly Frances REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Theft of prop/serv;&lt;$1500 3 business in 72 hrs<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719148739458.jpeg" alt="Rothrock, Alexander James" />
 <figcaption>Rothrock, Alexander James</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Rothrock, Alexander James REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719148771510.jpeg" alt="Silva, Carlos Alberto" />
 <figcaption>Silva, Carlos Alberto</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Silva, Carlos Alberto REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Sexual battery, Theft by deception:Value $1,500 to $25,000, Theft of property lost or mislaid; Value $1,000 to $25,000

Saline County Jail Bookings, June 23

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/99KGCountry/posts/pfbid0284Ui9G2isNH613iH3XbJu9pTbji1cPwxVjGy5WKvYaTdjMTS8AjwJECa3eT7ccxvl">99KG's "Dad For A Day!"</a> Kids without a daily male figure in their life taking a trip with 99KG's Shane McClintock and Beaver to Kansas City!

All participants must be available on Friday, June 28. If interested participants are not available that day, please do not attempt to enter.

Moms will be on board as well. There is no age requirement, but it is probably best suited for 8-year-olds to early teens, as we will be gone from 8 a.m. to Midnight.

If your son or daughter doesn’t really have a daily male influence- send a message with how many, and age of your child or children. Computer-generated selections will be by Wednesday to fill the vans.

To sign up message the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/99KGCountry">99KG Facebook page here.</a>&nbsp;

8 a.m. -   Everyone involved will meet at the station. 

8:15 to 8:30 a.m. -  Depart the 99KG studios

11 to 11:30 a.m. - Arrive at Sporting KC- Children’s Mercy Park stadium for an indoor picnic! &nbsp;(Lunch provided by Jimmy Johns &amp; Arby’s of Salina)

12 p.m. - A tour of Sporting KC will begin!  ⚽️ Press conference room, Suites, field, locker rooms etc.

2 p.m. -  Depart Arrowhead for Great Wolf Lodge indoor Water Park 🏝💦

About 2:30 p.m. - Arrive at Great Wolf Lodge (GWL)!!

5:30 p.m. -  Depart GWL for Kaufman Stadium! 

(There’s a possibility of also touring Arrowhead stadium in the day 🏈)

About 6 p.m. -   Arrive at Kauffman Stadium!  ⚾️ Tickets for the Royals VS Cleveland will be distributed along with cash from Doug Bradley Trucking, Inc. for the kids $$$ to buy dinner at the K!! 

(PENDING GAME ENDING OR GOING LONGER) Leave around 7th inning - we hope to stay for the entire game, although I'd like to have the crew back by midnight!

Huge thank you to Long McArthur Performance for another year of supplying our vans to get there- and admission for kids into Great Wolf Water Park.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/60cec165-f1ff-4b33-a66d-9b512f342f16">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Sunset Park - Vol. 47</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719087107739.jpeg" alt="99KG's Dad For a Day. Graphic courtesy 99KG #1 for New Country" />
 <figcaption>99KG's Dad For a Day. Graphic courtesy 99KG #1 for New Country</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POST<a href="https://www.facebook.com/99KGCountry/posts/pfbid0284Ui9G2isNH613iH3XbJu9pTbji1cPwxVjGy5WKvYaTdjMTS8AjwJECa3eT7ccxvl">99KG's "Dad For A Day!"</a> Kids without a daily male figure in their life taking a trip with 99KG's Shane McClintock and Beaver to Kansas City!All participants must be available on Friday, June 28. If interested participants are not available that day, please do not attempt to enter.Moms will be on board as well. There is no age requirement, but it is probably best suited for 8-year-olds to early teens, as we will be gone from 8 a.m. to Midnight.If your son or daughter doesn’t really have a daily male influence- send a message with how many, and age of your child or children. Computer-generated selections will be by Wednesday to fill the vans.To sign up message the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/99KGCountry">99KG Facebook page here.</a>&nbsp;8 a.m. - Everyone involved will meet at the station. 8:15 to 8:30 a.m. - Depart the 99KG studios11 to 11:30 a.m. - Arrive at Sporting KC- Children’s Mercy Park stadium for an indoor picnic! &nbsp;(Lunch provided by Jimmy Johns &amp; Arby’s of Salina)12 p.m. - A tour of Sporting KC will begin! ⚽️ Press conference room, Suites, field, locker rooms etc.2 p.m. - Depart Arrowhead for Great Wolf Lodge indoor Water Park 🏝💦About 2:30 p.m. - Arrive at Great Wolf Lodge (GWL)!!5:30 p.m. - Depart GWL for Kaufman Stadium! (There’s a possibility of also touring Arrowhead stadium in the day 🏈)About 6 p.m. - Arrive at Kauffman Stadium! ⚾️ Tickets for the Royals VS Cleveland will be distributed along with cash from Doug Bradley Trucking, Inc. for the kids $$$ to buy dinner at the K!! (PENDING GAME ENDING OR GOING LONGER) Leave around 7th inning - we hope to stay for the entire game, although I'd like to have the crew back by midnight! Huge thank you to Long McArthur Performance for another year of supplying our vans to get there- and admission for kids into Great Wolf Water Park.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/60cec165-f1ff-4b33-a66d-9b512f342f16">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Sunset Park - Vol. 47</a>

99KG's "Dad For a Day!" — full day of activities in Kansas City

NAME:&nbsp;Baxa, Levi James REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Chaney, Chris Anthony REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear, Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Dixon, Antoine Lamar REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation, Failure to appear, Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Huiett, Reesa Noelle REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear, Failure to appear

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/60cec165-f1ff-4b33-a66d-9b512f342f16">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Sunset Park - Vol. 47</a>

NAME:&nbsp;Leidig, Ashlynn Nadine REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Munguia, Ramon REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown, Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm

NAME:&nbsp;Posada Martinez, Luis Angel REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Schafer, Caleb Jonathan REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear, Failure to appear, Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Turner, Tina Diane REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear

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/2024/6/1719064735349.jpeg" alt="Baxa, Levi James" />
 <figcaption>Baxa, Levi James</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Baxa, Levi James REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719064840842.jpeg" alt="Chaney, Chris Anthony" />
 <figcaption>Chaney, Chris Anthony</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Chaney, Chris Anthony REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear, Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719064977323.jpeg" alt="Dixon, Antoine Lamar" />
 <figcaption>Dixon, Antoine Lamar</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Dixon, Antoine Lamar REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation, Failure to appear, Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719065223404.jpeg" alt="Huiett, Reesa Noelle" />
 <figcaption>Huiett, Reesa Noelle</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Huiett, Reesa Noelle REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear, Failure to appearREAD MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/60cec165-f1ff-4b33-a66d-9b512f342f16">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Sunset Park - Vol. 47</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719065262288.jpeg" alt="Leidig, Ashlynn Nadine" />
 <figcaption>Leidig, Ashlynn Nadine</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Leidig, Ashlynn Nadine REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719065301737.jpeg" alt="Munguia, Ramon" />
 <figcaption>Munguia, Ramon</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Munguia, Ramon REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown, Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719065338553.jpeg" alt="Posada Martinez, Luis Angel" />
 <figcaption>Posada Martinez, Luis Angel</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Posada Martinez, Luis Angel REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719065477971.jpeg" alt="Schafer, Caleb Jonathan" />
 <figcaption>Schafer, Caleb Jonathan</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Schafer, Caleb Jonathan REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear, Failure to appear, Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719065504271.jpeg" alt="Turner, Tina Diane" />
 <figcaption>Turner, Tina Diane</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Turner, Tina Diane REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear

Saline County Jail Bookings, June 22

TOPEKA, Kan. – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.9% in May. This is an increase from 2.8% in April and an increase from 2.6% in May 2023, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Labor.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 100 from April.

The unemployment rate in Saline County is up from 2.3 percent in April to 2.8 percent. The rate in Ellsworth and Dickinson Counties is also up.

Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 300 over the month, while government increased by 400.

“Preliminary estimates for May indicate little change over the month,” said labor economist, Emilie Doerksen. “Total nonfarm job estimates increased by 100, the unemployment rate edged up to 2.9%, and the labor force participation rate held steady at 66.1%.”

Since May 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 24,000. This change is due to an increase of 18,700 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,300 government jobs.

<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/vosnet/gsipub/documentView.aspx?enc=O+qpCkhjA+v3dzYVbAEMjQ==">Click here for the</a>&nbsp;complete Kansas labor market information for May.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718981035315.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.9% in May. This is an increase from 2.8% in April and an increase from 2.6% in May 2023, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Labor.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 100 from April.The unemployment rate in Saline County is up from 2.3 percent in April to 2.8 percent. The rate in Ellsworth and Dickinson Counties is also up.Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 300 over the month, while government increased by 400.“Preliminary estimates for May indicate little change over the month,” said labor economist, Emilie Doerksen. “Total nonfarm job estimates increased by 100, the unemployment rate edged up to 2.9%, and the labor force participation rate held steady at 66.1%.”Since May 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 24,000. This change is due to an increase of 18,700 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,300 government jobs.<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/vosnet/gsipub/documentView.aspx?enc=O+qpCkhjA+v3dzYVbAEMjQ==">Click here for the</a>&nbsp;complete Kansas labor market information for May.

Jobless rate up in Saline County and across the region

K-State Research and Extension news service

Bird feeders are a great way to enjoy nature without leaving your front porch, and many homeowners understand the joys of seeing multiple bird species frequent the feeders.

But Kansas State University wildlife specialist Drew Ricketts said bird feeders also can attract predators and other wildlife into your yard.

For example, racoons are seven times more likely to enter the yard and deer are two times more likely if you have a bird feeder.

“Carnivores, such as coyotes and red foxes and those sorts of critters, are at least one and a half times more likely to be in yards with bird feeders,” Ricketts said.

“Folks often times are inadvertently attracting critters to the yard, and that can cause problems that don't have anything to do with the bird feeder. One of the things that I would suggest to those folks is to think about how they might be contributing to that situation by having food available in the yard.” Ricketts said.

At least once a year, Ricketts said he gets a call from people who are wanting to know how to get rid of a hawk that is hanging around their yard, preying on birds. He said there is nothing you can do because an increase in a prey species often leads to an increase in a predator species.

“Feeding birds is something people do for themselves and it might have unintended negative consequences.” Ricketts said.

According to Ricketts, bird feeders allow such predators as domesticated cats and hawks, to take advantage of the condensed hunting grounds around the feeder.

Even though we worry that birds are hungry during the winter, feeding birds may also have unintended consequences for the birds that are eating it.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6a4e3cd9-a93e-40de-ab9a-856ed8613326">🎙King in the Community Podcast — Jane Anderson, Update on Smoky Hill River Renewal Project funding</a>

According to Ricketts, birds don't need to be fed in the winter. A study that looked at birds' reproductive performance showed that birds being fed in the winter time hatched chicks that weighed less and had a lower survival rate than birds that did not have access to feeders.

Ricketts said concentrating birds in one area around a feeder can also be a hot spot for parasites and diseases. Two examples from scientific studies show an increase in diseases like avian pox and infections of lice and mites.

For those who want to keep birds coming around, Ricketts suggests washing bird feeders thoroughly every 24 hours with 10% bleach, and rinsing them well to remove the bleach odor.

More information on managing common wildlife animals in Kansas is available online from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wildlife.k-state.edu/">K-State Research and Extension.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717787051937.png" alt="bird-feeder.png" />
 <figcaption>bird-feeder.png</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State Research and Extension news serviceBird feeders are a great way to enjoy nature without leaving your front porch, and many homeowners understand the joys of seeing multiple bird species frequent the feeders.But Kansas State University wildlife specialist Drew Ricketts said bird feeders also can attract predators and other wildlife into your yard.For example, racoons are seven times more likely to enter the yard and deer are two times more likely if you have a bird feeder.“Carnivores, such as coyotes and red foxes and those sorts of critters, are at least one and a half times more likely to be in yards with bird feeders,” Ricketts said. “Folks often times are inadvertently attracting critters to the yard, and that can cause problems that don't have anything to do with the bird feeder. One of the things that I would suggest to those folks is to think about how they might be contributing to that situation by having food available in the yard.” Ricketts said.At least once a year, Ricketts said he gets a call from people who are wanting to know how to get rid of a hawk that is hanging around their yard, preying on birds. He said there is nothing you can do because an increase in a prey species often leads to an increase in a predator species.“Feeding birds is something people do for themselves and it might have unintended negative consequences.” Ricketts said.According to Ricketts, bird feeders allow such predators as domesticated cats and hawks, to take advantage of the condensed hunting grounds around the feeder.Even though we worry that birds are hungry during the winter, feeding birds may also have unintended consequences for the birds that are eating it.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6a4e3cd9-a93e-40de-ab9a-856ed8613326">🎙King in the Community Podcast — Jane Anderson, Update on Smoky Hill River Renewal Project funding</a>According to Ricketts, birds don't need to be fed in the winter. A study that looked at birds' reproductive performance showed that birds being fed in the winter time hatched chicks that weighed less and had a lower survival rate than birds that did not have access to feeders.Ricketts said concentrating birds in one area around a feeder can also be a hot spot for parasites and diseases. Two examples from scientific studies show an increase in diseases like avian pox and infections of lice and mites.For those who want to keep birds coming around, Ricketts suggests washing bird feeders thoroughly every 24 hours with 10% bleach, and rinsing them well to remove the bleach odor.More information on managing common wildlife animals in Kansas is available online from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wildlife.k-state.edu/">K-State Research and Extension.</a>

Danger near the bird feeder? K-State wildlife expert urges caution

Join 910KINA's Saturday Morning Show hosts Dave Foor and Nate King this Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. on 910AM 107.5 FM.

Hear highlights about community events, public affairs, and all things happening in Salina. Their approach is friendly, informative, and entertaining. To listen to past 910KINA Saturday Morning Shows head on over to the KINA podcast homepage&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/">here.</a>&nbsp;

9:05-9:30 a.m. Kara Marlow, HIV Medical Case Manager, Saline County Health Department

9:30-10 a.m. Salina Fire Chief Tony Sneidar, Baby Safe Haven Box initiative in Salina&nbsp;

10-10:30 a.m.&nbsp;Tom Basgall, Kansas Honor Flight fundraising

10:30-11 a.m. Olivia Bergmeier shares information about Juneteenth

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591971280271.jpeg" alt="KINA New logo Blue Black" />
 <figcaption>KINA New logo Blue Black</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTJoin 910KINA's Saturday Morning Show hosts Dave Foor and Nate King this Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. on 910AM 107.5 FM.Hear highlights about community events, public affairs, and all things happening in Salina. Their approach is friendly, informative, and entertaining. To listen to past 910KINA Saturday Morning Shows head on over to the KINA podcast homepage&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/">here.</a>&nbsp;9:05-9:30 a.m. Kara Marlow, HIV Medical Case Manager, Saline County Health Department9:30-10 a.m. Salina Fire Chief Tony Sneidar, Baby Safe Haven Box initiative in Salina&nbsp;10-10:30 a.m.&nbsp;Tom Basgall, Kansas Honor Flight fundraising10:30-11 a.m. Olivia Bergmeier shares information about Juneteenth

910 KINA Saturday Morning Show Lineup

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."

More than 100 years ago, Mr. and Mrs. C.F. York sold a 25.8-acre plot of land to the City of Salina with one condition — the land would remain a park under the city's jurisdiction.

Today, Sunset Park features a sprawling botanical garden alongside the Salina Saline County War Memorial, where many residents and visitors gather to honor those who served in the U.S. Military.

According to the Smoky Hill Museum, the city purchased the land from the Yorks in 1918 for $100, or about $2,243 today, but for 17 years, the park sat undeveloped by staff.

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) provided the funds and labor needed to renovate the natural space into an accessible park for residents and visitors in 1935.

Contract workers quickly transformed the park, bringing in stone mined only 14 miles northwest of town to construct fish ponds, rock gardens and its familiar gazebo on the west side. 

According to the <a href="https://livingnewdeal.org/sites/sunset-park-facilities-salina-ks/">Living New Deal website</a>, the WPA National Youth Administration hired young residents to construct a stone building and two restrooms at the park. In a 1950s election, volunteers utilized the building as a voting station.

The City of Salina continued adding features like paved walking and jogging paths, playground equipment, basketball courts, picnic shelters and horseshoe pits.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/27637267-921f-4dc8-ba23-bf249d7b5852">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Oakdale Park - Vol. 46</a>

In 1992, a few residents formed the Salina Saline County War Memorial, Inc. to raise funds for a monument to remember the fallen service members of the United States Military.

After raising enough funds through donations, selling bricks for the Walk of Honor and significant gifts by the City of Salina, the committee gathered together at the memorial that now bisects Sunset Park to dedicate the monument on June 5, 1994.

The Walk of Honor features inscribed bricks purchased to commemorate fallen friends and family members.

According to the Salina Saline County War Memorial, Inc. website, the nonprofit group disbanded after completing the dedication.

In 2018, the nonprofit group reorganized and began selling inscribed bricks for the Walk of Honor, requiring a small expansion to the war memorial's total footprint.

Sunset Park now boasts Salina's second-largest formal botanical garden, with a 0.79-mile path that leads walkers through its historic rock gardens and scenic ponds.

<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."By SALINA POSTMore than 100 years ago, Mr. and Mrs. C.F. York sold a 25.8-acre plot of land to the City of Salina with one condition — the land would remain a park under the city's jurisdiction.Today, Sunset Park features a sprawling botanical garden alongside the Salina Saline County War Memorial, where many residents and visitors gather to honor those who served in the U.S. Military.<div><div class="flourish-embed flourish-photo-slider" data-src="visualisation/18474037"><script src="https://public.flourish.studio/resources/embed.js"></script></div></div>According to the Smoky Hill Museum, the city purchased the land from the Yorks in 1918 for $100, or about $2,243 today, but for 17 years, the park sat undeveloped by staff.The Works Progress Administration (WPA) provided the funds and labor needed to renovate the natural space into an accessible park for residents and visitors in 1935.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719008669505.jpeg" alt="Sunset Park restrooms and train tracks in background, c. 1977. Image courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>Sunset Park restrooms and train tracks in background, c. 1977. Image courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>Contract workers quickly transformed the park, bringing in stone mined only 14 miles northwest of town to construct fish ponds, rock gardens and its familiar gazebo on the west side. According to the <a href="https://livingnewdeal.org/sites/sunset-park-facilities-salina-ks/">Living New Deal website</a>, the WPA National Youth Administration hired young residents to construct a stone building and two restrooms at the park. In a 1950s election, volunteers utilized the building as a voting station.The City of Salina continued adding features like paved walking and jogging paths, playground equipment, basketball courts, picnic shelters and horseshoe pits.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719008723031.jpeg" alt="Sunset Park, c. 1950s. Image courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>Sunset Park, c. 1950s. Image courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/27637267-921f-4dc8-ba23-bf249d7b5852">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Oakdale Park - Vol. 46</a>In 1992, a few residents formed the Salina Saline County War Memorial, Inc. to raise funds for a monument to remember the fallen service members of the United States Military.After raising enough funds through donations, selling bricks for the Walk of Honor and significant gifts by the City of Salina, the committee gathered together at the memorial that now bisects Sunset Park to dedicate the monument on June 5, 1994.The Walk of Honor features inscribed bricks purchased to commemorate fallen friends and family members.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719008835468.jpeg" alt="Sunset Park, c. 1940s. Image courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>Sunset Park, c. 1940s. Image courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>According to the Salina Saline County War Memorial, Inc. website, the nonprofit group disbanded after completing the dedication.In 2018, the nonprofit group reorganized and began selling inscribed bricks for the Walk of Honor, requiring a small expansion to the war memorial's total footprint.Sunset Park now boasts Salina's second-largest formal botanical garden, with a 0.79-mile path that leads walkers through its historic rock gardens and scenic ponds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719008869858.jpeg" alt="Small child / toddler drinking at the water fountain at Sunset Park, 1987. Image courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>Small child / toddler drinking at the water fountain at Sunset Park, 1987. Image courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>

📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Sunset Park - Vol. 47

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

Just as the dust appeared to be settled across the Arena Football League landscape it was reported on Tuesday that the West Texas Desert Hawks would be shuttering football operations.

With this move, West Texas became the eighth AFL team to fold, joining the Iowa Rampage, Philadelphia Soul, Louisiana VooDoo, Georgia Force, Minnesota Myth, Oregon Blackbears, and Rapid City Marshals, leaving AFL with half of its original member teams.

There’s no doubt that this relaunch of the Arena Football League has been a troubled one, but despite all the chaos, the enduring group of teams and owners have stayed the course, and remain committed to revitalizing the AFL from the ashes of this restart.

Among those teams is the Salina Liberty, and despite a number of factors outside of their control, this franchise has remained on track, and found ways to compete despite being one of the smallest market teams in a league that spans from coast to coast.

“We always felt that as long as there was a league the Liberty would be okay,” Salina GM Sam Sellers said. “That’s the great thing about our ownership and Coach O, we worry about the things that we can control and we make sure that our players and staff get paid. We haven’t missed a single paycheck or asked anyone to restructure a contract and that’s a testament to the stability of our ownership group.”

Not only have the Liberty weathered the storm, but at 6-2 Salina currently sits in the 3-seed with just one league game remaining before the conclusion of the regular season.

“At the end of the day no matter what’s happening I want to be a contender,” Liberty head coach Heron O’Neal said. “I don’t want to be a bottom feeder, I don’t want to be middle of the pack, I want to be an upper-echelon team. That’s our goal every year and that’s something we’ve been able to do even with some of the stuff that happened earlier in the year.”

The IFL Hall of Famer also noted that this is not his first rodeo when it comes to a shaky league launch, and highlighted what can come of a league that survives the very adversity this one has faced.

“In 2009 I was a part of the new IFL which is now one of the most dominant indoor football leagues in America but it wasn’t always like that,” he said. “I knew some things were going to go awry but I love that we have a bunch of owners around the United States that worked to take the bull by the horns and turn something that could have been a disaster around through a lot of hard work. Without that work, we wouldn’t be sitting where we are right now but thanks to it I’m excited about the direction the AFL is headed.”

Much of that optimism stems from new league ownership after the league ousted Lee Hutton and Travelle Gaines, the two culprits widely blamed for the league’s early failings, midway through the season.

In their place, former NFL head coach Jeff Fisher has been elevated to interim league commissioner, former AFL head coach Gary Compton has been hired as Head of Football Operations, and Tracey Leinen, who brings 23 years of NFL operations experience, has been hired as President of Football Administration.

“I feel really good about where things are at right now,” Sellers said. “With this being my first year I don’t really know what normal looks like but it’s weirdly exciting to be getting emails from league officials about the way we’re running things now.”

Since instituting this new leadership group, just one game, the one involving West Texas this week, has been canceled, and the league is finding its footing ahead of what should be an exciting postseason in July.

“I love this new leadership,” O’Neal said. “I’m excited to have Jeff Fisher leading us and I was excited to hear his ideas and what he wants to turn this thing into. With that type of leadership coming down from the top I knew things were going to turn around.”

That postseason should excite those in Salina as well as the Liberty look primed to make a real title push, with plenty of familiar faces dotting a stacked roster from top to bottom.

“There was definitely a learning curve but at the end of the day football is football and you build the team in the same way,” O’Neal said. “The key for me was getting our Magnificent Seven back to lead the charge because they know my expectations, they know how to win and they know the Liberty Way.”

While no one should look to make excuses for the early failings of the AFL, those willing to look to the future should find great football, an exciting postseason, and better years to come as the league reasserts itself among the indoor football world.

“The group that got hurt the worst were the players on the teams that couldn’t function and we’ve taken some of those guys in and heard their stories,” Sellers said. You really feel for the guys that were put in those positions but we’ve been fortunate to weather the storm and do right by our players. These guys have been forged by fire and in a weird way we’re stronger for it.”

Salina will conclude its regular season on Saturday, June 29 when they play host to the Billings Outlaws in a game that could very well decide the 2-seed.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostJust as the dust appeared to be settled across the Arena Football League landscape it was reported on Tuesday that the West Texas Desert Hawks would be shuttering football operations.With this move, West Texas became the eighth AFL team to fold, joining the Iowa Rampage, Philadelphia Soul, Louisiana VooDoo, Georgia Force, Minnesota Myth, Oregon Blackbears, and Rapid City Marshals, leaving AFL with half of its original member teams.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715632935741.png" alt="Salina Liberty coverage is presented by Ryan Roofing." />
 <figcaption>Salina Liberty coverage is presented by Ryan Roofing.</figcaption>
 </figure>There’s no doubt that this relaunch of the Arena Football League has been a troubled one, but despite all the chaos, the enduring group of teams and owners have stayed the course, and remain committed to revitalizing the AFL from the ashes of this restart.Among those teams is the Salina Liberty, and despite a number of factors outside of their control, this franchise has remained on track, and found ways to compete despite being one of the smallest market teams in a league that spans from coast to coast.“We always felt that as long as there was a league the Liberty would be okay,” Salina GM Sam Sellers said. “That’s the great thing about our ownership and Coach O, we worry about the things that we can control and we make sure that our players and staff get paid. We haven’t missed a single paycheck or asked anyone to restructure a contract and that’s a testament to the stability of our ownership group.”Not only have the Liberty weathered the storm, but at 6-2 Salina currently sits in the 3-seed with just one league game remaining before the conclusion of the regular season.“At the end of the day no matter what’s happening I want to be a contender,” Liberty head coach Heron O’Neal said. “I don’t want to be a bottom feeder, I don’t want to be middle of the pack, I want to be an upper-echelon team. That’s our goal every year and that’s something we’ve been able to do even with some of the stuff that happened earlier in the year.”The IFL Hall of Famer also noted that this is not his first rodeo when it comes to a shaky league launch, and highlighted what can come of a league that survives the very adversity this one has faced.“In 2009 I was a part of the new IFL which is now one of the most dominant indoor football leagues in America but it wasn’t always like that,” he said. “I knew some things were going to go awry but I love that we have a bunch of owners around the United States that worked to take the bull by the horns and turn something that could have been a disaster around through a lot of hard work. Without that work, we wouldn’t be sitting where we are right now but thanks to it I’m excited about the direction the AFL is headed.”Much of that optimism stems from new league ownership after the league ousted Lee Hutton and Travelle Gaines, the two culprits widely blamed for the league’s early failings, midway through the season.In their place, former NFL head coach Jeff Fisher has been elevated to interim league commissioner, former AFL head coach Gary Compton has been hired as Head of Football Operations, and Tracey Leinen, who brings 23 years of NFL operations experience, has been hired as President of Football Administration.“I feel really good about where things are at right now,” Sellers said. “With this being my first year I don’t really know what normal looks like but it’s weirdly exciting to be getting emails from league officials about the way we’re running things now.”Since instituting this new leadership group, just one game, the one involving West Texas this week, has been canceled, and the league is finding its footing ahead of what should be an exciting postseason in July.“I love this new leadership,” O’Neal said. “I’m excited to have Jeff Fisher leading us and I was excited to hear his ideas and what he wants to turn this thing into. With that type of leadership coming down from the top I knew things were going to turn around.”That postseason should excite those in Salina as well as the Liberty look primed to make a real title push, with plenty of familiar faces dotting a stacked roster from top to bottom.“There was definitely a learning curve but at the end of the day football is football and you build the team in the same way,” O’Neal said. “The key for me was getting our Magnificent Seven back to lead the charge because they know my expectations, they know how to win and they know the Liberty Way.”While no one should look to make excuses for the early failings of the AFL, those willing to look to the future should find great football, an exciting postseason, and better years to come as the league reasserts itself among the indoor football world.“The group that got hurt the worst were the players on the teams that couldn’t function and we’ve taken some of those guys in and heard their stories,” Sellers said. You really feel for the guys that were put in those positions but we’ve been fortunate to weather the storm and do right by our players. These guys have been forged by fire and in a weird way we’re stronger for it.”Salina will conclude its regular season on Saturday, June 29 when they play host to the Billings Outlaws in a game that could very well decide the 2-seed.

Liberty remain steady amidst rocky start for AFL

Join Salina Post News Director Nate King as he interviews Kansas Wesleyan University President and CEO Dr. Matt Thompson. 

Listen in as they discuss the university's record-setting growth in enrollment and the successes in academic programs, athletics and community engagement. Dr. Thompson emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and reflects on the university's resilience following the loss of two faculty members.

The conversation also covers Kansas Wesleyan's rapid growth and commitment to excellence, with exciting new initiatives on the horizon. Additionally, they explore sustainable agriculture and the university's partnerships with local food systems, highlighting efforts to source food within a 30-mile radius.

Tune in to learn about the innovative steps Kansas Wesleyan University is making and their positive impact on the Salina community.

<div><iframe title="KWU President and CEO, Dr. Matt Thompson" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=82q7a-1648e29-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By SALINA POSTJoin Salina Post News Director Nate King as he interviews Kansas Wesleyan University President and CEO Dr. Matt Thompson. Listen in as they discuss the university's record-setting growth in enrollment and the successes in academic programs, athletics and community engagement. Dr. Thompson emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and reflects on the university's resilience following the loss of two faculty members.The conversation also covers Kansas Wesleyan's rapid growth and commitment to excellence, with exciting new initiatives on the horizon. Additionally, they explore sustainable agriculture and the university's partnerships with local food systems, highlighting efforts to source food within a 30-mile radius.Tune in to learn about the innovative steps Kansas Wesleyan University is making and their positive impact on the Salina community.<h2>More from King in the Community Podcast</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=auto&logo_link=episode_page&order=episodic&limit=11&filter=publish_time&publish_start=&publish_end=2024-06-10&ss=e1fb7c3bd0252dc83d5fe95fd66449f7&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎙King in the Community — Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU President/CEO

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Department of Commerce Community Development Specialist Sara Bloom.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-x4jb-pMEsg?si=50OqA7MYOln789SV" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Department of Commerce Community Development Specialist Sara Bloom.

🎤Forward Ever: KS Dept. of Commerce Employee of the Year Sara Bloom

Kansas weekly drought update and climate report for June 12–18, 2024

By MATTHEW SITTEL Assistant State Climatologist at Kansas State University

The warmest temperatures so far this year were observed during the past week. The average daily temperature across the Kansas Mesonet was above normal on all seven days of the period. The 13th was the hottest day, with the statewide average high temperature reaching 99°, and over half of the Mesonet sites registering highs of at least 100°. The co-operative observer in Hays recorded a high of 110° that afternoon. This stands as not only the week’s but also the year's hottest temperature to date. Notably, this was the earliest 110° reading at Hays on record, occurring 11 days earlier than the previous record set in 2012. A few daily records were set, including Minneapolis at 105° and Beloit at 104°. Lows were mostly in the 60s, with some warmer lows in the 70s. On the 17th, every Mesonet site in the state recorded a low in the 70s, a rare occurrence last seen nearly 18 years ago on July 30, 2006. Back in 2006, there were just 14 Mesonet sites in operation versus the present count of 85 sites.

The 7-day average temperature across Kansas was 80.3°, or 6.0° above normal. All nine climate divisions were above normal, with departures ranging from +4.7° in south-central to +7.9° in both northwest and west-central Kansas. There was an average of 186 growing degree days across the state, based on Kansas Mesonet data, which is 26 above normal. Divisional totals ranged from 178 in northwest to 196 in southeast Kansas, with departures ranging from +18 in south-central to +35 in northwest Kansas. For the growing season to date, which began on April 1st, there has been an average of 1238 growing degree days in Kansas, 115 above the normal total of 1123. Departures for the growing season range from +106 in northwest to +152 in south-central Kansas. There was an average of 53 corn stress degree days during the period across the state. The average since April 1 for the state is 88. Southwest Kansas has the highest average for the growing season to date at 149, while southeast Kansas’ average is the lowest at 33.

The most significant rainfall during the period fell from the 15th into the 16th in northeast Kansas, an area that has seen multiple rounds of heavy rain in the past month. At least one CoCoRaHS observer in seven different counties measured at least two inches of rain: Morris, Geary, Riley, Marshall, Pottawatomie, Nemaha, and Jackson. The highest total for the 24-hour period ending at 7 AM on the 16th was 3.58” in Pottawatomie County southeast of Blaine. Eight additional counties in the northeast quarter of the state had at least one report of over one inch of rain. Far southeastern Kansas was the driest area of the state during the period. All CoCoRaHS observers in Montgomery, Labette, Cherokee, Neosho, Crawford, Allen, and Bourbon Counties recorded no rainfall. Other parts of the state were dry as well, but totals in these areas varied somewhat. There was only a trace of rain in both Goodland and Olathe (Johnson County Industrial), and the official total for Wichita was just 0.01”. Other low totals include Winfield (0.02”), Lawrence (0.03”), Garden City (0.07”), and Emporia (0.10”).

There was one tornado during the period, the first reported in the state this month. The tornado was sighted in Ford County near Ensign. There were 85 reports of severe hail 1” or greater in diameter during the period, with 17 reports of significant hail at least 2” in diameter. The largest hail report was 3.5” in Manhattan (Riley County) on the 13th, causing damage to buildings and vehicles on the Kansas State University campus. There were 65 reports of severe wind gusts 58 mph or higher, with eight reports at or above hurricane force (74 mph). The highest gust was 83 mph, recorded by the Kansas Mesonet tower in Seward County near Satanta on the evening of the 18th.

The statewide average precipitation for the 7-day period was 0.61”, or 62% of the weekly normal amount of 0.98”. The highest divisional total was 2.00” in northeast Kansas, followed by 1.10” in north-central Kansas. These were the only two divisions with above normal precipitation this past week. Southeast Kansas was driest at 0.08”, followed by west-central (0.29”) and northwest (0.35”) Kansas. Since April 1st, the average precipitation across Kansas is 9.01”, or 90% of the normal amount of 10.05”. The three eastern divisions remain above normal, with southeast (+1.98”) and northeast (+1.90”) Kansas the most above normal. Southwest Kansas is the driest division (5.01”), but central Kansas remains the most below normal (-2.77”). Since January 1st, the average statewide precipitation is 12.28”, 89% of normal, or a departure of –1.52”. Four divisions are above normal for the year: the three eastern divisions plus northwest Kansas. West-central Kansas fell to below normal this week (98%, down 5%). Departures for the year to date range from -3.77” in south-central Kansas to +1.45” in southeast Kansas.

The average evapotranspiration for grass across the state, based on Kansas Mesonet data, for the week was 1.90”. This is slightly above the 10-year normal (2014 to 2023) of 1.82” for the 7-day period. Divisional averages ranged from 1.65” in east-central to 2.11” in southwest Kansas. The statewide average 2” soil temperature across the Kansas Mesonet for the period was 78.4°, or 1.2° above normal.

LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eae10ec3-c65e-4809-9b6a-33c0ab90fe57">🎙King in the Community — Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU President/CEO</a>

In this week’s US Drought Monitor update, there were a few small areas with one-category improvements in parts of southwest, west-central, and north-central Kansas. These improvements resulted in towns such as Johnson City, Leoti, and Clay Center returning to drought-free status. New areas of D0 were introduced in southeast Kansas as well as on the south side of the Kansas City metropolitan area, including Lawrence and Olathe. The statewide Drought Severity and Coverage Index (DSCI) fell 2 points to 97. A total of 45% of the state is now drought-free, an increase of 2% since last week. The percentage of Kansas in D2 or worse drought status is unchanged this week at 9%.

The Weather Prediction Center’s 7-day precipitation forecast, valid for the period June 19th through the 25th, calls for below normal precipitation across most of the state. A stripe of near to slightly above normal precipitation extends from northeast to south-central Kansas, in conjunction with storms in progress at the end of the report period. Temperatures during the period are expected to average slightly above normal. The average daily high and low across Kansas for this period are 88° and 64°. Average 7-day precipitation is 0.69” in western Kansas, 0.93” in central Kansas, and 1.19” in eastern Kansas. The 8 to 14-day outlook, valid for the period June 26th through July 2nd, favors above normal temperatures statewide, with probabilities ranging from 60 to 70% across the state. There are slightly elevated chances of above normal precipitation in southeast Kansas, with near normal precipitation favored across the remainder of the state. Looking even further ahead, the outlook for the 14-day period from June 29th to July 12th suggests above normal temperatures will persist into next month, with near normal precipitation expected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718987181851.png" alt="Current weekly drought status. Graphic courtesy U.S. Drought Monitor" />
 <figcaption>Current weekly drought status. Graphic courtesy U.S. Drought Monitor</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Kansas weekly drought update and climate report for June 12–18, 2024</h2>By MATTHEW SITTEL Assistant State Climatologist at Kansas State UniversityThe warmest temperatures so far this year were observed during the past week. The average daily temperature across the Kansas Mesonet was above normal on all seven days of the period. The 13th was the hottest day, with the statewide average high temperature reaching 99°, and over half of the Mesonet sites registering highs of at least 100°. The co-operative observer in Hays recorded a high of 110° that afternoon. This stands as not only the week’s but also the year's hottest temperature to date. Notably, this was the earliest 110° reading at Hays on record, occurring 11 days earlier than the previous record set in 2012. A few daily records were set, including Minneapolis at 105° and Beloit at 104°. Lows were mostly in the 60s, with some warmer lows in the 70s. On the 17th, every Mesonet site in the state recorded a low in the 70s, a rare occurrence last seen nearly 18 years ago on July 30, 2006. Back in 2006, there were just 14 Mesonet sites in operation versus the present count of 85 sites.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718987063087.png" alt="Temperature, precipitation and wind extremes across Kansas from June 12 to 18. Graphic courtesy Matthew C. Sittel, assistant state climatologist at Kansas State University" />
 <figcaption>Temperature, precipitation and wind extremes across Kansas from June 12 to 18. Graphic courtesy Matthew C. Sittel, assistant state climatologist at Kansas State University</figcaption>
 </figure>The 7-day average temperature across Kansas was 80.3°, or 6.0° above normal. All nine climate divisions were above normal, with departures ranging from +4.7° in south-central to +7.9° in both northwest and west-central Kansas. There was an average of 186 growing degree days across the state, based on Kansas Mesonet data, which is 26 above normal. Divisional totals ranged from 178 in northwest to 196 in southeast Kansas, with departures ranging from +18 in south-central to +35 in northwest Kansas. For the growing season to date, which began on April 1st, there has been an average of 1238 growing degree days in Kansas, 115 above the normal total of 1123. Departures for the growing season range from +106 in northwest to +152 in south-central Kansas. There was an average of 53 corn stress degree days during the period across the state. The average since April 1 for the state is 88. Southwest Kansas has the highest average for the growing season to date at 149, while southeast Kansas’ average is the lowest at 33.The most significant rainfall during the period fell from the 15th into the 16th in northeast Kansas, an area that has seen multiple rounds of heavy rain in the past month. At least one CoCoRaHS observer in seven different counties measured at least two inches of rain: Morris, Geary, Riley, Marshall, Pottawatomie, Nemaha, and Jackson. The highest total for the 24-hour period ending at 7 AM on the 16th was 3.58” in Pottawatomie County southeast of Blaine. Eight additional counties in the northeast quarter of the state had at least one report of over one inch of rain. Far southeastern Kansas was the driest area of the state during the period. All CoCoRaHS observers in Montgomery, Labette, Cherokee, Neosho, Crawford, Allen, and Bourbon Counties recorded no rainfall. Other parts of the state were dry as well, but totals in these areas varied somewhat. There was only a trace of rain in both Goodland and Olathe (Johnson County Industrial), and the official total for Wichita was just 0.01”. Other low totals include Winfield (0.02”), Lawrence (0.03”), Garden City (0.07”), and Emporia (0.10”).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718987446613.png" alt="Total precipitation in inches from June 12 to 18. Graphic courtesy Midwestern Regional Climate Center" />
 <figcaption>Total precipitation in inches from June 12 to 18. Graphic courtesy Midwestern Regional Climate Center</figcaption>
 </figure>There was one tornado during the period, the first reported in the state this month. The tornado was sighted in Ford County near Ensign. There were 85 reports of severe hail 1” or greater in diameter during the period, with 17 reports of significant hail at least 2” in diameter. The largest hail report was 3.5” in Manhattan (Riley County) on the 13th, causing damage to buildings and vehicles on the Kansas State University campus. There were 65 reports of severe wind gusts 58 mph or higher, with eight reports at or above hurricane force (74 mph). The highest gust was 83 mph, recorded by the Kansas Mesonet tower in Seward County near Satanta on the evening of the 18th.The statewide average precipitation for the 7-day period was 0.61”, or 62% of the weekly normal amount of 0.98”. The highest divisional total was 2.00” in northeast Kansas, followed by 1.10” in north-central Kansas. These were the only two divisions with above normal precipitation this past week. Southeast Kansas was driest at 0.08”, followed by west-central (0.29”) and northwest (0.35”) Kansas. Since April 1st, the average precipitation across Kansas is 9.01”, or 90% of the normal amount of 10.05”. The three eastern divisions remain above normal, with southeast (+1.98”) and northeast (+1.90”) Kansas the most above normal. Southwest Kansas is the driest division (5.01”), but central Kansas remains the most below normal (-2.77”). Since January 1st, the average statewide precipitation is 12.28”, 89% of normal, or a departure of –1.52”. Four divisions are above normal for the year: the three eastern divisions plus northwest Kansas. West-central Kansas fell to below normal this week (98%, down 5%). Departures for the year to date range from -3.77” in south-central Kansas to +1.45” in southeast Kansas.The average evapotranspiration for grass across the state, based on Kansas Mesonet data, for the week was 1.90”. This is slightly above the 10-year normal (2014 to 2023) of 1.82” for the 7-day period. Divisional averages ranged from 1.65” in east-central to 2.11” in southwest Kansas. The statewide average 2” soil temperature across the Kansas Mesonet for the period was 78.4°, or 1.2° above normal.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718987262683.png" alt="Change in category over the past week for Kansas. Graphic courtesy U.S. Drought Monitor" />
 <figcaption>Change in category over the past week for Kansas. Graphic courtesy U.S. Drought Monitor</figcaption>
 </figure>LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eae10ec3-c65e-4809-9b6a-33c0ab90fe57">🎙King in the Community — Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU President/CEO</a>In this week’s US Drought Monitor update, there were a few small areas with one-category improvements in parts of southwest, west-central, and north-central Kansas. These improvements resulted in towns such as Johnson City, Leoti, and Clay Center returning to drought-free status. New areas of D0 were introduced in southeast Kansas as well as on the south side of the Kansas City metropolitan area, including Lawrence and Olathe. The statewide Drought Severity and Coverage Index (DSCI) fell 2 points to 97. A total of 45% of the state is now drought-free, an increase of 2% since last week. The percentage of Kansas in D2 or worse drought status is unchanged this week at 9%.The Weather Prediction Center’s 7-day precipitation forecast, valid for the period June 19th through the 25th, calls for below normal precipitation across most of the state. A stripe of near to slightly above normal precipitation extends from northeast to south-central Kansas, in conjunction with storms in progress at the end of the report period. Temperatures during the period are expected to average slightly above normal. The average daily high and low across Kansas for this period are 88° and 64°. Average 7-day precipitation is 0.69” in western Kansas, 0.93” in central Kansas, and 1.19” in eastern Kansas. The 8 to 14-day outlook, valid for the period June 26th through July 2nd, favors above normal temperatures statewide, with probabilities ranging from 60 to 70% across the state. There are slightly elevated chances of above normal precipitation in southeast Kansas, with near normal precipitation favored across the remainder of the state. Looking even further ahead, the outlook for the 14-day period from June 29th to July 12th suggests above normal temperatures will persist into next month, with near normal precipitation expected.

Drought update and climate report — recent rains show some drought improvement

Fungal diseases can affect the year’s tomato harvest, Domenghini says

By PAT&nbsp; MELGARES <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2024/06/horticulture-tomato-fungal-diseases.html">K-State Research and Extension News Service</a>

Anticipating the upcoming tomato harvest, gardeners need to stay on the lookout for a pair of fungi that threaten to rob the bounty, according to Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini.

Warm, humid weather and heavy rainfall — conditions witnessed in many parts of Kansas the past week — favor the development of Septoria leaf spot and early blight, she said.

“Septoria leaf spot appears initially as small, water-soaked spots on the lower leaves,” Domenghini said. “The centers of the spots turn light tan or gray, while the margins remain dark. Dark-colored fungal fruiting structures form in the spots, which are typically smaller and more numerous than early blight spots.”

Early blight symptoms appear as irregular, brown lesions or spots on the leaves up to one-half inch in diameter.

“The dark concentric rings in the lesions give the spots a target-like appearance,” Domenghini said. “This is a distinguishing symptom to identify the disease.”

She added that several lesions can merge together and cause the leaf to yellow, dry up and drop prematurely.

“Leaf drop reduces the plant’s ability to photosynthesize, thus reducing the energy and vigor of the plant,” Domenghini said. “It can also expose fruit to an increased risk of sunscald. Early blight lesions can develop on the stem and fruit, as well.”

Domenghini said that, in Kansas, Septoria leaf spot tends to be more common than early blight. More information on the two diseases is available in a publication available from the K-State Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources titled,&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/common-pest-problems/documents/Early%20Blight%20of%20Tomatoes.pdf">Early Blight and Septoria Leaf Spot</a>.

Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/horticulture-newsletter/">weekly Horticulture Newsletter</a>&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens.

Interested persons can subscribe to the newsletter, as well as send their garden and yard-related questions to Domenghini at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cdom@ksu.edu">cdom@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations/">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.

<div><div>
 <div style="position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;">
 
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n246KVcmZeU?si=I5zlXMU463sxxDxG" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen
style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe>
 </div>
</div></div><h2>Fungal diseases can affect the year’s tomato harvest, Domenghini says</h2>By PAT&nbsp; MELGARES <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2024/06/horticulture-tomato-fungal-diseases.html">K-State Research and Extension News Service</a>Anticipating the upcoming tomato harvest, gardeners need to stay on the lookout for a pair of fungi that threaten to rob the bounty, according to Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini.Warm, humid weather and heavy rainfall — conditions witnessed in many parts of Kansas the past week — favor the development of Septoria leaf spot and early blight, she said.“Septoria leaf spot appears initially as small, water-soaked spots on the lower leaves,” Domenghini said. “The centers of the spots turn light tan or gray, while the margins remain dark. Dark-colored fungal fruiting structures form in the spots, which are typically smaller and more numerous than early blight spots.”Early blight symptoms appear as irregular, brown lesions or spots on the leaves up to one-half inch in diameter.“The dark concentric rings in the lesions give the spots a target-like appearance,” Domenghini said. “This is a distinguishing symptom to identify the disease.”LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eae10ec3-c65e-4809-9b6a-33c0ab90fe57">🎙King in the Community — Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU President/CEO</a>She added that several lesions can merge together and cause the leaf to yellow, dry up and drop prematurely.“Leaf drop reduces the plant’s ability to photosynthesize, thus reducing the energy and vigor of the plant,” Domenghini said. “It can also expose fruit to an increased risk of sunscald. Early blight lesions can develop on the stem and fruit, as well.”Domenghini said that, in Kansas, Septoria leaf spot tends to be more common than early blight. More information on the two diseases is available in a publication available from the K-State Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources titled,&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/common-pest-problems/documents/Early%20Blight%20of%20Tomatoes.pdf">Early Blight and Septoria Leaf Spot</a>.Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/horticulture-newsletter/">weekly Horticulture Newsletter</a>&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens.Interested persons can subscribe to the newsletter, as well as send their garden and yard-related questions to Domenghini at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cdom@ksu.edu">cdom@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations/">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.

K-State expert urges gardeners to be on lookout for Septoria leaf spot, early blight

Salina Police Department (SPD) officers continue investigating a car theft after a local automotive business reported the truck missing on Thursday, June 20.

According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, shortly after 4 p.m. Thursday, Money Automotive reported that sometime between Saturday, June 15, and Thursday this week, someone stole a white 2016 Chevrolet Silverado.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574569805735.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostSalina Police Department (SPD) officers continue investigating a car theft after a local automotive business reported the truck missing on Thursday, June 20.According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, shortly after 4 p.m. Thursday, Money Automotive reported that sometime between Saturday, June 15, and Thursday this week, someone stole a white 2016 Chevrolet Silverado."No tag, of course, valued at $42,900, and they have no suspects," Feldman said. "They said they checked with everything they could, shops or places they send it or loan it to, and they're saying they don't have it. They [Money Automotive] have the keys still."Money Automotive at 2222 N. 9th Street did not have video footage of the lot with the pickup truck."It's even harder that you have almost a week's timeframe," Feldman said. "They just realized it was missing."SPD officers continue investigating the car theft.Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eae10ec3-c65e-4809-9b6a-33c0ab90fe57">🎙King in the Community — Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU President/CEO</a>

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