The American Cancer Society’s annual Relay For Life of Saline County is set to take place on Saturday, June 22, at Kansas Wesleyan University.

 The volunteer-led event, themed “United, We Relay!" is a day of celebration, remembrance, and fundraising, aimed at supporting cancer survivors and their families and furthering research and treatment efforts.

From 4:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., participants will have the opportunity to participate in a number of activities, including live music, performances by local dance troupes, and a special survivor celebration led by the soulful sounds of bagpipes. 

Guest speakers will share their inspiring stories, while a silent auction and a dessert bar dedicated to cancer survivors will offer residents a way to contribute to the cause.

There will also be a luminaria ceremony and food trucks will be on-site.

This year’s event is supported by generous sponsors such as Schwan’s and Sunflower Bank.

With a goal to raise $50,000, the Saline County Relay For Life aims to contribute significantly to the American Cancer Society’s mission to end cancer as we know it.

In 2024, it is projected that more than 2 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States, and over 600,000 Americans will succumb to the disease. 

Since its inception in 1985, Relay For Life has raised over $6.8 billion for cancer research and patient support.&nbsp;

Everyone in Saline County and the surrounding areas is invited to join in this meaningful event. For more information, visit the Relay For Life of Saline County’s website at <a href="http://relay.org/salinecoks">relay.org/salinecoks</a> or their Facebook group at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/salineksrelay">facebook.com/groups/salineksrelay</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718027735739.jpeg" alt="Relay for Life" />
 <figcaption>Relay for Life</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe American Cancer Society’s annual Relay For Life of Saline County is set to take place on Saturday, June 22, at Kansas Wesleyan University. The volunteer-led event, themed “United, We Relay!" is a day of celebration, remembrance, and fundraising, aimed at supporting cancer survivors and their families and furthering research and treatment efforts.From 4:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., participants will have the opportunity to participate in a number of activities, including live music, performances by local dance troupes, and a special survivor celebration led by the soulful sounds of bagpipes. Guest speakers will share their inspiring stories, while a silent auction and a dessert bar dedicated to cancer survivors will offer residents a way to contribute to the cause.There will also be a luminaria ceremony and food trucks will be on-site.This year’s event is supported by generous sponsors such as Schwan’s and Sunflower Bank.With a goal to raise $50,000, the Saline County Relay For Life aims to contribute significantly to the American Cancer Society’s mission to end cancer as we know it.In 2024, it is projected that more than 2 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States, and over 600,000 Americans will succumb to the disease. Since its inception in 1985, Relay For Life has raised over $6.8 billion for cancer research and patient support.&nbsp;Everyone in Saline County and the surrounding areas is invited to join in this meaningful event. For more information, visit the Relay For Life of Saline County’s website at <a href="http://relay.org/salinecoks">relay.org/salinecoks</a> or their Facebook group at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/salineksrelay">facebook.com/groups/salineksrelay</a>.

Relay For Life of Saline County $50,000 goal to help end cancer

The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) will begin public hearings this week to give Kansas Gas Service customers an opportunity to learn more about the company’s rate increase request, ask questions and make comments before the Commission.

The first of two public hearings will take place this Thursday in Topeka at the Washburn Institute of Technology Main Conference Center, 5724 SW Huntoon, beginning at 6 p.m.

A second hearing will be held in Wichita on Monday, June 17 at Lowe Auditorium at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5014 E. 29th&nbsp;St. North, beginning at 6 p.m.

For those unable to attend in person, a virtual option through Zoom is available for both hearings to allow remote participants to comment and ask questions. Zoom participants must register in advance on the&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtjYy5rcy5nb3YveW91ci1vcGluaW9uLW1hdHRlcnM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDUxOS43NzAwMjM3MSJ9.NnFBN0zuPnvvLn2t5ZvcyJLkvXgc1TOz5SFF466KMig%2Fs%2F1510798978%2Fbr%2F201550911964-l%3Futm_medium%3Demail%26utm_source%3Dgovdelivery&amp;c=E%2C1%2CNSGYzPVfmxoL8ddP4LMRl43ht6Q9_AJeUVSwQ9UvOxQeSAExumwxQIXnEz0mSm8cCcPLzh_L3lUkGdA8rDtfCrDtXSLffHStsPw66B9M&amp;typo=1&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">KCC’s website</a>&nbsp; by noon the day before the hearing. The hearings will also be broadcast live on the&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUuY29tL2NoYW5uZWwvVUMtdVRjdWNsMG95SEpyLV9pT2hldXV3L2ZlYXR1cmVkP2FwcD1kZXNrdG9wJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA1MTkuNzcwMDIzNzEifQ.A-WE-R0rzIGRZ_EeAnldhxpcEV2cPe8nKSxaKNROPcM%2Fs%2F1510798978%2Fbr%2F201550911964-l%3Futm_medium%3Demail%26utm_source%3Dgovdelivery&amp;c=E%2C1%2C2zlALCJmPYs7zBU2AyrhRw6KFsVwWf1_33TLSgYT2r6f6fWaTUi61uMsYPMNbSDQzL4VbGSOnlojITugBvkua-cHg2O5jLSlHSSwVzCY9QFGmatvnLStMTc%2C&amp;typo=1&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">KCC’s YouTube channel</a>&nbsp;for viewing only with no registration required.

The Commission is also accepting written comments through 5 p.m., August 5, 2024. Comments may be submitted on the KCC’s&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MjIuNTk3NTM3NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tjYy5rcy5nb3YveW91ci1vcGluaW9uLW1hdHRlcnM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.iEXK5UaHUKlqMjh9ZTJOnZ8T6HmpyWXVP42Tx4JHhPY%2Fs%2F1510798978%2Fbr%2F133428733359-l%3Futm_medium%3Demail%26utm_source%3Dgovdelivery&amp;c=E%2C1%2CR2sOADN92BvAltuk2ooKI2_XcZkuT3X5QjwOJ5F1JLGOfLdDYq0QfjiqsTE3hziEPUdHjtDwckb4LQop-cEjfhET2KYYOqkyZPIGZFhuakxqy_ZMlA%2C%2C&amp;typo=1&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">website</a>, by mail to the Commission’s Office at 1500 SW Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, KS 66604-4027 or by calling the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 785-271-3140 or 800-662-0027.

On March 1, 2024, Kansas Gas Service filed an application with the Commission requesting a net increase in base rates of $58.1 million. The requested increase would affect the portions of a customer’s bill that relate to the delivery of natural gas by KGS, including the fixed monthly service charge and delivery charge. If approved, the average monthly residential bill will increase by approximately $6.71 (10.41%) for customers who use less natural gas (73 Mcf or less per year) and $9.48 (8.25%) for those that use more natural gas (more than 73 Mcf per year).

Kansas Gas Service provides natural gas service to approximately 648,000 homes and businesses in 360 communities in Kansas.

The Commission will issue an order on the application on or before October 25, 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578754176087.jpeg" alt="KCC Kansas Corporation Commission logo sq.jpg" />
 <figcaption>KCC Kansas Corporation Commission logo sq.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>KCCThe Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) will begin public hearings this week to give Kansas Gas Service customers an opportunity to learn more about the company’s rate increase request, ask questions and make comments before the Commission.The first of two public hearings will take place this Thursday in Topeka at the Washburn Institute of Technology Main Conference Center, 5724 SW Huntoon, beginning at 6 p.m.A second hearing will be held in Wichita on Monday, June 17 at Lowe Auditorium at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5014 E. 29th&nbsp;St. North, beginning at 6 p.m.For those unable to attend in person, a virtual option through Zoom is available for both hearings to allow remote participants to comment and ask questions. Zoom participants must register in advance on the&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtjYy5rcy5nb3YveW91ci1vcGluaW9uLW1hdHRlcnM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDUxOS43NzAwMjM3MSJ9.NnFBN0zuPnvvLn2t5ZvcyJLkvXgc1TOz5SFF466KMig%2Fs%2F1510798978%2Fbr%2F201550911964-l%3Futm_medium%3Demail%26utm_source%3Dgovdelivery&amp;c=E%2C1%2CNSGYzPVfmxoL8ddP4LMRl43ht6Q9_AJeUVSwQ9UvOxQeSAExumwxQIXnEz0mSm8cCcPLzh_L3lUkGdA8rDtfCrDtXSLffHStsPw66B9M&amp;typo=1&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">KCC’s website</a>&nbsp; by noon the day before the hearing. The hearings will also be broadcast live on the&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUuY29tL2NoYW5uZWwvVUMtdVRjdWNsMG95SEpyLV9pT2hldXV3L2ZlYXR1cmVkP2FwcD1kZXNrdG9wJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA1MTkuNzcwMDIzNzEifQ.A-WE-R0rzIGRZ_EeAnldhxpcEV2cPe8nKSxaKNROPcM%2Fs%2F1510798978%2Fbr%2F201550911964-l%3Futm_medium%3Demail%26utm_source%3Dgovdelivery&amp;c=E%2C1%2C2zlALCJmPYs7zBU2AyrhRw6KFsVwWf1_33TLSgYT2r6f6fWaTUi61uMsYPMNbSDQzL4VbGSOnlojITugBvkua-cHg2O5jLSlHSSwVzCY9QFGmatvnLStMTc%2C&amp;typo=1&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">KCC’s YouTube channel</a>&nbsp;for viewing only with no registration required.The Commission is also accepting written comments through 5 p.m., August 5, 2024. Comments may be submitted on the KCC’s&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MjIuNTk3NTM3NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tjYy5rcy5nb3YveW91ci1vcGluaW9uLW1hdHRlcnM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.iEXK5UaHUKlqMjh9ZTJOnZ8T6HmpyWXVP42Tx4JHhPY%2Fs%2F1510798978%2Fbr%2F133428733359-l%3Futm_medium%3Demail%26utm_source%3Dgovdelivery&amp;c=E%2C1%2CR2sOADN92BvAltuk2ooKI2_XcZkuT3X5QjwOJ5F1JLGOfLdDYq0QfjiqsTE3hziEPUdHjtDwckb4LQop-cEjfhET2KYYOqkyZPIGZFhuakxqy_ZMlA%2C%2C&amp;typo=1&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">website</a>, by mail to the Commission’s Office at 1500 SW Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, KS 66604-4027 or by calling the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 785-271-3140 or 800-662-0027.On March 1, 2024, Kansas Gas Service filed an application with the Commission requesting a net increase in base rates of $58.1 million. The requested increase would affect the portions of a customer’s bill that relate to the delivery of natural gas by KGS, including the fixed monthly service charge and delivery charge. If approved, the average monthly residential bill will increase by approximately $6.71 (10.41%) for customers who use less natural gas (73 Mcf or less per year) and $9.48 (8.25%) for those that use more natural gas (more than 73 Mcf per year).Kansas Gas Service provides natural gas service to approximately 648,000 homes and businesses in 360 communities in Kansas.The Commission will issue an order on the application on or before October 25, 2024.

KCC holds first public hearing in Kansas Gas Service rate case

Join Nate King, News Director of the Salina Post, in this episode of "King in the Community" as he speaks with Salina Police Chief C.J. Wise. They discuss the revival of Salina's drug task force after a hiatus due to manpower issues, highlighting significant achievements in the past four months, including major drug seizures and community outreach.

Explore the ongoing drug problem in Salina, and the necessity of partnerships with other law enforcement agencies. Chief Wise also addresses building trust with underserved communities and the difficulties in recruiting and retaining officers.

Stay informed and connected with "King in the Community," where every episode brings you closer to the critical issues affecting North Central Kansas.

<div><iframe title="C.J. Wise, Salina Police Chief" 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=9q2kh-1636529-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 Nate King, News Director of the Salina Post, in this episode of "King in the Community" as he speaks with Salina Police Chief C.J. Wise. They discuss the revival of Salina's drug task force after a hiatus due to manpower issues, highlighting significant achievements in the past four months, including major drug seizures and community outreach.Explore the ongoing drug problem in Salina, and the necessity of partnerships with other law enforcement agencies. Chief Wise also addresses building trust with underserved communities and the difficulties in recruiting and retaining officers.Stay informed and connected with "King in the Community," where every episode brings you closer to the critical issues affecting North Central Kansas.<h2>More from King in the Community</h2><div><iframe title="King in the Community" allowtransparency="true" height="315" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:315px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=skmut-558a99-pbblog-playlist&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&order=episodic&limit=10&filter=publish_time&publish_start=&publish_end=2024-06-05&ss=c78f35c279538d68375b93050a86f67f&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎙King in the Community — Salina Police Chief, C.J. Wise

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail.

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

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Driving While Suspended, Flee or attempt to elude; reckless driving, Improper driving on laned roadway and Reckless Driving

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Probation Violation

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail.All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718020565607.png" alt="Floyd, Isaiah Kymani" />
 <figcaption>Floyd, Isaiah Kymani</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;Floyd, Isaiah KymaniREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Driving While Suspended, Flee or attempt to elude; reckless driving, Improper driving on laned roadway and Reckless Driving<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718020637852.png" alt="Reeves, Sarah Danielle" />
 <figcaption>Reeves, Sarah Danielle</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;Reeves, Sarah DanielleREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, June 10

By NATE KING Salina Post

Salina Police Department (SPD) and Kansas Lottery officials are investigating three unknown suspects for an alleged scratch ticket scam in north central Kansas.

According to SPD Cpt. Mike Miller, yesterday morning, June 6, a clerk at Rod's #2,&nbsp;1339 N. Ninth Street, reported suspcious activity that took place the day prior.&nbsp;

"The clerk reported three male subjects came in and purchased $1,120 worth of lottery tickets on a credit card," Miller said. "That transaction was accepted. They then attempted to purchase another $900 on the card and the card declined."

&nbsp;According to the clerk, the suspects also purchased several cigars and then left Rod's #2. Miller said the clerk was suspicious about the trio's behavior and contacted the Kansas Lottery.&nbsp;

"Kansas Lottery said,'We've got a scam running around the state,'" Miller said.

According to Miller, the Kansas Lottery put a hold on the scratch-off tickets, making them invalid. At about the time of notifying the Kansas Lottery, SPD was notified that the tickets in question were trying to be turned in at the Salina Walmart.&nbsp;

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fee93433-5aeb-4df2-adf7-52b2e459f3cd">T-Mobile iPhone theft is this week's Crimestoppers</a>

Before an SPD officer arrived at the Walmart the male suspect attempted to cash out his scammed lottery winnings but was unsuccessful. Miller said the suspect went to complain that the tickets were valid, and left shortly after learning the Kansas Lottery put a hold on the tickets.&nbsp;

"So we did some further checking and found out that these same male subjects were in Walmart, the day before [June 6] cashing in and returning several $100 worth of lottery tickets," Miller said. "We traced those back to a store in Abilene...and we've heard now that they made a major purchase of lottery tickets somewhere in Lindsborg yesterday."

Miller said SPD officers received surveillance video of the suspects traveling in a white, Hyundai Tucson.

The Hyundai Tucson is a leased vehicle, rented out of Ohio. Miller said SPD officers are working to contact the car rental company.

"I don't have any idea if we have bogus credit cards because at Rods they produced the first one, made the purchase... then they brought in a second card with the same name on it. So we have no local listing for this guy because the name is on the card," Miller said.

At this time, according to the SPD, there is no victim of a crime. Miller said&nbsp;

"We know that had several 'hits' on the car in Salina yesterday and through some of the FLOCK cameras around the state we can basically track the car a little bit." Miller said. "We've put out a notice across the state to be on the watch for these people."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592416874210.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostSalina Police Department (SPD) and Kansas Lottery officials are investigating three unknown suspects for an alleged scratch ticket scam in north central Kansas.According to SPD Cpt. Mike Miller, yesterday morning, June 6, a clerk at Rod's #2,&nbsp;1339 N. Ninth Street, reported suspcious activity that took place the day prior.&nbsp;"The clerk reported three male subjects came in and purchased $1,120 worth of lottery tickets on a credit card," Miller said. "That transaction was accepted. They then attempted to purchase another $900 on the card and the card declined."<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3106.664363718862!2d-97.61533092479098!3d38.86303924873185!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87bccf7fb8a9e549%3A0x8e3cd301dadd7e45!2s1339%20N%209th%20St%2C%20Salina%2C%20KS%2067401!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1717797076188!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>&nbsp;According to the clerk, the suspects also purchased several cigars and then left Rod's #2. Miller said the clerk was suspicious about the trio's behavior and contacted the Kansas Lottery.&nbsp;"Kansas Lottery said,'We've got a scam running around the state,'" Miller said.According to Miller, the Kansas Lottery put a hold on the scratch-off tickets, making them invalid. At about the time of notifying the Kansas Lottery, SPD was notified that the tickets in question were trying to be turned in at the Salina Walmart.&nbsp;READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fee93433-5aeb-4df2-adf7-52b2e459f3cd">T-Mobile iPhone theft is this week's Crimestoppers</a>Before an SPD officer arrived at the Walmart the male suspect attempted to cash out his scammed lottery winnings but was unsuccessful. Miller said the suspect went to complain that the tickets were valid, and left shortly after learning the Kansas Lottery put a hold on the tickets.&nbsp;"So we did some further checking and found out that these same male subjects were in Walmart, the day before [June 6] cashing in and returning several $100 worth of lottery tickets," Miller said. "We traced those back to a store in Abilene...and we've heard now that they made a major purchase of lottery tickets somewhere in Lindsborg yesterday."Miller said SPD officers received surveillance video of the suspects traveling in a white, Hyundai Tucson.The Hyundai Tucson is a leased vehicle, rented out of Ohio. Miller said SPD officers are working to contact the car rental company."I don't have any idea if we have bogus credit cards because at Rods they produced the first one, made the purchase... then they brought in a second card with the same name on it. So we have no local listing for this guy because the name is on the card," Miller said.At this time, according to the SPD, there is no victim of a crime. Miller said&nbsp;"We know that had several 'hits' on the car in Salina yesterday and through some of the FLOCK cameras around the state we can basically track the car a little bit." Miller said. "We've put out a notice across the state to be on the watch for these people."Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.

Salina Police investigate trio's suspicious scratch off purchases in multiple towns

The overdue farm bill is finally making its way through Congress, after the House agriculture committee recently advanced a proposal. Food assistance is likely to be one of the biggest sticking points as the draft moves forward.

By ELIZABETH REMBERT <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2024-06-07/snap-benefits-are-a-huge-part-of-the-farm-bill-and-a-big-point-of-contention-for-lawmakers?mc_cid=a5f0d9d772&amp;mc_eid=4e2c084f1d">KCUR</a>

The long-stalled farm bill took a step forward in the House of Representatives last month as a Republican-led proposal made it out of the agriculture committee.

The clock is ticking as the extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, which expired eight months ago, ends in September.

Yet food assistance will likely be a flashpoint in the discussions ahead.

<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/key-statistics-and-research/#:~:text=In%20FY%202022%2C%20SNAP%20served,%24230.88%20per%20participant%20per%20month." target="_blank">More than 41 million Americans</a>&nbsp;rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program monthly to put food on the table. The program takes a lot of funding –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/newsroom/minority-blog/reviewing-the-february-2024-baseline-for-usda-farm-and-nutrition-programs" target="_blank">about 80% of the farm bill’s massive budget goes to SNAP.</a>

The House draft suggests placing limits on how the Thrifty Food Plan is updated in the future. The Thrifty Food Plan is a basket of foods that represents a “nutritious, practical, cost-effective diet prepared at home” for a family of four,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/thriftyfoodplan" target="_blank">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.</a>

The money people receive through SNAP is calculated by how much that basket of food costs.

Right now, the plan is updated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/cnpp/usda-food-plans#:~:text=As%20stipulated%20in%20the%20Agriculture,reevaluation%20is%20anticipated%20in%202026." target="_blank">every five years</a>&nbsp;based on food prices, food composition data, consumer data and dietary standards. The new proposal suggests updating the cost of the plan only for inflation.

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://thompson.house.gov/" target="_blank">House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson</a>&nbsp;– a Republican from Pennsylvania – the nonpartisan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/" target="_blank">Congressional Budget Office</a>&nbsp;estimates the limit would cut SNAP by $30 billion over the next 10 years.

“The cut would take away a day’s worth of benefits from the participants each month, then it would rise to two days of benefits each day,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://hayes.house.gov/" target="_blank">Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes</a>&nbsp;from Connecticut during discussions. “You may think losing one or two days of food is not significant. But I do think it’s quite significant for a low-income family trying to make ends meet.”

But&nbsp;<a href="https://alford.house.gov/" target="_blank">Republican Rep. Mark Alford</a>&nbsp;from Missouri said he’s focused on making the program more efficient, not slashing benefits.

“Democrats feel like we’re trying to cut the program. And that’s not the case,” he said. “If we can move to a program that has more integrity, more health benefits, it is going to be greater for our nation and greater for our taxpayers.”

Alford points to&nbsp;<a href="https://agriculture.house.gov/uploadedfiles/detailed_summary_final.pdf" target="_blank">parts of the bill</a>&nbsp;that would allow frozen and canned produce to be covered, create an accountability office and expand eligibility for the program.

Other SNAP proposals in the House’s farm bill draft would:

“We don’t feel there are cuts to SNAP – we’re just tightening up some of the issues,” Alford said. “I don’t want anyone who is truly hungry, truly needy and can’t work to go to bed hungry at night.”

Megan Hamann, a community organizer focused on food and nutrition access with&nbsp;<a href="https://neappleseed.org/who-we-are" target="_blank">Nebraska Appleseed</a>, said framing limits to the Thrifty Food Plan as anything but cuts to SNAP is a “pretty problematic characterization, because it would erode SNAP’s buying power over time.”

“So while families wouldn’t see their benefits go down in an immediate sense, SNAP would be increasingly less efficient as time goes on,” she said. “What we would see is a decline in how well the program actually works in people’s lives.”

Hamann said she hopes the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/rural_prosperity_and_food_security_section-by-section.pdf" target="_blank">Senate’s farm bill proposal</a>&nbsp;can find support, which would maintain the regular re-evaluation of SNAP benefits.

The House’s draft has a long way to go before it makes it into law as the new farm bill; it will need final passage in the House and endorsement from the Senate.

“Everyone knows that this bill would never become law. The Senate won’t accept it and the administration won’t accept it,” Rep. David Scott of Georgia, the ranking Democrat on the House’s Agriculture committee, said during discussions. “And while this bill is a giant misstep, it nevertheless begins our journey toward passing a farm bill.”

This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media,</a>&nbsp;a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717798696726.png" alt="This story is part of Harvest Public Media's ongoing coverage of the 2023 Farm Bill." />
 <figcaption>This story is part of Harvest Public Media's ongoing coverage of the 2023 Farm Bill.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The overdue farm bill is finally making its way through Congress, after the House agriculture committee recently advanced a proposal. Food assistance is likely to be one of the biggest sticking points as the draft moves forward.</h2>By ELIZABETH REMBERT <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2024-06-07/snap-benefits-are-a-huge-part-of-the-farm-bill-and-a-big-point-of-contention-for-lawmakers?mc_cid=a5f0d9d772&amp;mc_eid=4e2c084f1d">KCUR</a>The long-stalled farm bill took a step forward in the House of Representatives last month as a Republican-led proposal made it out of the agriculture committee.The clock is ticking as the extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, which expired eight months ago, ends in September.Yet food assistance will likely be a flashpoint in the discussions ahead.<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/key-statistics-and-research/#:~:text=In%20FY%202022%2C%20SNAP%20served,%24230.88%20per%20participant%20per%20month." target="_blank">More than 41 million Americans</a>&nbsp;rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program monthly to put food on the table. The program takes a lot of funding –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/newsroom/minority-blog/reviewing-the-february-2024-baseline-for-usda-farm-and-nutrition-programs" target="_blank">about 80% of the farm bill’s massive budget goes to SNAP.</a><h2>House farm bill proposal</h2>The House draft suggests placing limits on how the Thrifty Food Plan is updated in the future. The Thrifty Food Plan is a basket of foods that represents a “nutritious, practical, cost-effective diet prepared at home” for a family of four,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/thriftyfoodplan" target="_blank">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.</a>The money people receive through SNAP is calculated by how much that basket of food costs.Right now, the plan is updated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/cnpp/usda-food-plans#:~:text=As%20stipulated%20in%20the%20Agriculture,reevaluation%20is%20anticipated%20in%202026." target="_blank">every five years</a>&nbsp;based on food prices, food composition data, consumer data and dietary standards. The new proposal suggests updating the cost of the plan only for inflation.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://thompson.house.gov/" target="_blank">House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson</a>&nbsp;– a Republican from Pennsylvania – the nonpartisan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/" target="_blank">Congressional Budget Office</a>&nbsp;estimates the limit would cut SNAP by $30 billion over the next 10 years.“The cut would take away a day’s worth of benefits from the participants each month, then it would rise to two days of benefits each day,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://hayes.house.gov/" target="_blank">Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes</a>&nbsp;from Connecticut during discussions. “You may think losing one or two days of food is not significant. But I do think it’s quite significant for a low-income family trying to make ends meet.”But&nbsp;<a href="https://alford.house.gov/" target="_blank">Republican Rep. Mark Alford</a>&nbsp;from Missouri said he’s focused on making the program more efficient, not slashing benefits.“Democrats feel like we’re trying to cut the program. And that’s not the case,” he said. “If we can move to a program that has more integrity, more health benefits, it is going to be greater for our nation and greater for our taxpayers.”Alford points to&nbsp;<a href="https://agriculture.house.gov/uploadedfiles/detailed_summary_final.pdf" target="_blank">parts of the bill</a>&nbsp;that would allow frozen and canned produce to be covered, create an accountability office and expand eligibility for the program.Other SNAP proposals in the House’s farm bill draft would:<ul>
 <li>Add frozen, fresh, canned and dried fruits and vegetables as SNAP-eligible products&nbsp;</li><li>Create an office of program integrity to focus on SNAP and address erroneous payments and other inefficiencies&nbsp;</li><li>Allow individuals with past drug offenses to receive SNAP</li><li>Direct the USDA to issue formal guidance on notifying eligible college students that they qualify for SNAP</li>
 </ul>“We don’t feel there are cuts to SNAP – we’re just tightening up some of the issues,” Alford said. “I don’t want anyone who is truly hungry, truly needy and can’t work to go to bed hungry at night.”Megan Hamann, a community organizer focused on food and nutrition access with&nbsp;<a href="https://neappleseed.org/who-we-are" target="_blank">Nebraska Appleseed</a>, said framing limits to the Thrifty Food Plan as anything but cuts to SNAP is a “pretty problematic characterization, because it would erode SNAP’s buying power over time.”“So while families wouldn’t see their benefits go down in an immediate sense, SNAP would be increasingly less efficient as time goes on,” she said. “What we would see is a decline in how well the program actually works in people’s lives.”Hamann said she hopes the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/rural_prosperity_and_food_security_section-by-section.pdf" target="_blank">Senate’s farm bill proposal</a>&nbsp;can find support, which would maintain the regular re-evaluation of SNAP benefits.The House’s draft has a long way to go before it makes it into law as the new farm bill; it will need final passage in the House and endorsement from the Senate.“Everyone knows that this bill would never become law. The Senate won’t accept it and the administration won’t accept it,” Rep. David Scott of Georgia, the ranking Democrat on the House’s Agriculture committee, said during discussions. “And while this bill is a giant misstep, it nevertheless begins our journey toward passing a farm bill.”This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media,</a>&nbsp;a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.&nbsp;

SNAP benefits huge part of farm bill, big point of contention for lawmakers

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

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

As of 06/05/2024 at 8:38 a.m.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/dbce4630-1f59-4c24-80df-2e0b51284ede">Salina Public Libary partners with local church to provide summer lunch program</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716730713310.png" alt="A large storm front looms west of Salina at about 6 p.m., Sunday, May 19. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>A large storm front looms west of Salina at about 6 p.m., Sunday, May 19. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Precipitation data courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/">CoCoRaHS</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">The National Weather Service</a>.Following precipitation events, Salina Post will update this page with precipitation totals.&nbsp;As of 06/05/2024 at 8:38 a.m.Salina —&nbsp; 0.59 inchesConcordia — 0.08 inchesEllsworth — 0.59 inchesLindsborg —&nbsp; 2.84 inchesAbilene —&nbsp; 0.49 inchesClay Center — 0.16 inchesMinneapolis — 0.25 inchesBeverly — 0.29 inchesMcPherson — 2.34 inchesGypsum — 0.68 inchesInman — 2.12 inchesPeabody — 2.10 inchesAssaria — 0.84 inchesREAD MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/dbce4630-1f59-4c24-80df-2e0b51284ede">Salina Public Libary partners with local church to provide summer lunch program</a>

CoCoRaHS 24-hour rain totals

By RICK HELLMAN <a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/kevin-willmotts-new-film-shines-light-on-kc-civil-rights-figure">KU News Service</a>

For Academy Award-winning screenwriter Kevin Willmott, the Hollywood jobs are great and all. But the material closest to his heart inspires the stories he tells of overlooked historical events, and particularly local ones, that cast a revealing light on the problems of today.

The newest film written, produced and directed by the University of Kansas professor of film &amp; media studies is just such a story.

Premiering June 19 as part of the Juneteenth Film Festival at the Screenland Armour theatre in Kansas City, Missouri, “The Heroic True-Life Adventures of Alvin Brooks” is a documentary tribute to a Kansas City civil rights icon.

Brooks, still “sharp as a tack,” according to Willmott, at age 92, was one of Kansas City’s first Black police officers in the early 1950s. He went on to a storied career as the city’s first Black department director and creator of its human relations department, as founder of the&nbsp;<a href="https://adhocgroupkc.org/">Ad Hoc Group Against Crime</a>&nbsp;and its Crimestoppers anonymous tip line, as a City Council member, an educator and an all-around advocate for human and civil rights.

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/cfc32e4d-411c-4a45-99d3-cd521e203724">Airborne electromagnetic survey of aquifer conditions planned in northwestern Kansas</a>

Willmott said he first got to know Brooks 20 years ago while filming&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZsAxiscVZY">“From Separate to Equal: The Creation of Truman Medical Centers,”</a>&nbsp;about the racial history of Kansas City’s public hospital.

“We interviewed him for that,” Willmott said, “and he had so many great stories I was like, ‘Wow, there should be a documentary just about him!’ And so when I did a blurb for his&nbsp;<a href="https://publishing.andrewsmcmeel.com/book/binding-us-together/">autobiography</a>, it reminded me again of how much I really wanted to make that film. And so we finally did it.”

Willmott said Brooks makes for a great documentary subject.

“I'm not sure if it's because he was a policeman or what, but he can tell you the street addresses of where things happened 65 or 70 years ago,” Willmott said. “He tells a story in the film about an encounter he had with a white cop when he was a little kid, maybe 10 years old, and we go back to that location 82 years later, and he says, ‘This cop put a gun to my head and told me, “Run up this hill, (N-word), before I shoot you!”’

“I know I use the term 'living history' a lot, but he is truly living history.”

Willmott said it’s more important than ever, in light of political efforts to downplay and cover up the history of racism in America, to remind people of it.

“I have tried to tell stories that other people don't want to tell and that Hollywood definitely is not interested in,” Willmott said. “There's this whole thing right now that people don't want to hear the ugly part of the American story. They don’t want Alvin to tell what happened to him on that street corner 82 years ago. But to me, you can't get to the beautiful part of the American story without dealing with the ugly part.”

Willmott said the film offers viewers a ray of hope in dark times.

“We're so divided, and there's so much hate going on right now,” he said, “and who knows where it’s going to end up? But Alvin is a reminder of what we can be. He's a reminder of the best of us. Because I still hold on to Dr. King and what he believed in. That's the America I believe in. And it's hard to hold on to that these days. So the movie, in some ways, is a great reminder of ... who we really are, and who we can be.”

The early show of the June 19 premiere is sold out at press time, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.screenland.com/movie/binding-us-together-2">tickets</a>&nbsp;remain for the 8:30 p.m. show. The film will also be&nbsp;<a href="https://freestatefestival.org/event/alvin-brooks/">presented</a>&nbsp;at 6 p.m. June 30, at the Lawrence Arts Center as part of the Free State Festival.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717945458645.jpeg" alt="Alvin Brooks, a Kansas City civil rights icon, is the subject of a new documentary that will air June 19 at the Screenland Armour theatre in Kansas City, Missouri, and June 30 at the Free State Festival. Image courtesy Kevin Willmott / Hodcarrier Films" />
 <figcaption>Alvin Brooks, a Kansas City civil rights icon, is the subject of a new documentary that will air June 19 at the Screenland Armour theatre in Kansas City, Missouri, and June 30 at the Free State Festival. Image courtesy Kevin Willmott / Hodcarrier Films</figcaption>
 </figure>By RICK HELLMAN <a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/kevin-willmotts-new-film-shines-light-on-kc-civil-rights-figure">KU News Service</a>For Academy Award-winning screenwriter Kevin Willmott, the Hollywood jobs are great and all. But the material closest to his heart inspires the stories he tells of overlooked historical events, and particularly local ones, that cast a revealing light on the problems of today.The newest film written, produced and directed by the University of Kansas professor of film &amp; media studies is just such a story.Premiering June 19 as part of the Juneteenth Film Festival at the Screenland Armour theatre in Kansas City, Missouri, “The Heroic True-Life Adventures of Alvin Brooks” is a documentary tribute to a Kansas City civil rights icon.Brooks, still “sharp as a tack,” according to Willmott, at age 92, was one of Kansas City’s first Black police officers in the early 1950s. He went on to a storied career as the city’s first Black department director and creator of its human relations department, as founder of the&nbsp;<a href="https://adhocgroupkc.org/">Ad Hoc Group Against Crime</a>&nbsp;and its Crimestoppers anonymous tip line, as a City Council member, an educator and an all-around advocate for human and civil rights.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717945424412.jpeg" alt="Kevin Willmott, professor of film &amp; media studies, speaking at an event at KU in 2021. Image courtesy KU Marketing" />
 <figcaption>Kevin Willmott, professor of film &amp; media studies, speaking at an event at KU in 2021. Image courtesy KU Marketing</figcaption>
 </figure>READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/cfc32e4d-411c-4a45-99d3-cd521e203724">Airborne electromagnetic survey of aquifer conditions planned in northwestern Kansas</a>Willmott said he first got to know Brooks 20 years ago while filming&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZsAxiscVZY">“From Separate to Equal: The Creation of Truman Medical Centers,”</a>&nbsp;about the racial history of Kansas City’s public hospital.“We interviewed him for that,” Willmott said, “and he had so many great stories I was like, ‘Wow, there should be a documentary just about him!’ And so when I did a blurb for his&nbsp;<a href="https://publishing.andrewsmcmeel.com/book/binding-us-together/">autobiography</a>, it reminded me again of how much I really wanted to make that film. And so we finally did it.”Willmott said Brooks makes for a great documentary subject.“I'm not sure if it's because he was a policeman or what, but he can tell you the street addresses of where things happened 65 or 70 years ago,” Willmott said. “He tells a story in the film about an encounter he had with a white cop when he was a little kid, maybe 10 years old, and we go back to that location 82 years later, and he says, ‘This cop put a gun to my head and told me, “Run up this hill, (N-word), before I shoot you!”’“I know I use the term 'living history' a lot, but he is truly living history.”Willmott said it’s more important than ever, in light of political efforts to downplay and cover up the history of racism in America, to remind people of it.“I have tried to tell stories that other people don't want to tell and that Hollywood definitely is not interested in,” Willmott said. “There's this whole thing right now that people don't want to hear the ugly part of the American story. They don’t want Alvin to tell what happened to him on that street corner 82 years ago. But to me, you can't get to the beautiful part of the American story without dealing with the ugly part.”Willmott said the film offers viewers a ray of hope in dark times.“We're so divided, and there's so much hate going on right now,” he said, “and who knows where it’s going to end up? But Alvin is a reminder of what we can be. He's a reminder of the best of us. Because I still hold on to Dr. King and what he believed in. That's the America I believe in. And it's hard to hold on to that these days. So the movie, in some ways, is a great reminder of ... who we really are, and who we can be.”The early show of the June 19 premiere is sold out at press time, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.screenland.com/movie/binding-us-together-2">tickets</a>&nbsp;remain for the 8:30 p.m. show. The film will also be&nbsp;<a href="https://freestatefestival.org/event/alvin-brooks/">presented</a>&nbsp;at 6 p.m. June 30, at the Lawrence Arts Center as part of the Free State Festival.

Kevin Willmott's new film shines light on KC civil rights figure

Tuesday, June 11, 2024, 9 a.m., 300 W Ash Room 107, Salina, Kansas 67401.

County offices will be open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

If you need any assistance in participating in any meeting or event due to a disability as defined under ADA, please call the County'sCounty's ADA Coordinator at (785) 309-5812 or email&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="mailto:leamerm@salinecountyks.gov">leamerm@salinecountyks.gov</a>&nbsp;before the scheduled meeting or event to request accommodations.

Saline County Commission meetings are LIVE and streamed on the county's YouTube&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@salinecountykansas3125/streams">channel here.&nbsp;</a>

District One — Monte Shadwick District Two — Robert Vidricksen District Three — Rodger Sparks District Four — James Weese District Five — Chairman Joe Hay Jr

Public Meeting scheduled for this week has been canceled

Health Department Update ARPA RFA - Ambulance

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/bd466794-057b-40a1-b0d9-833086043682">Salina man breaks into house, steals car keys and drives away — SPD arrests him same day</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697467290838.jpeg" alt="The Saline County and Salina City building at 300 West Ash Street in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The Saline County and Salina City building at 300 West Ash Street in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTTuesday, June 11, 2024, 9 a.m., 300 W Ash Room 107, Salina, Kansas 67401.County offices will be open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless otherwise noted.If you need any assistance in participating in any meeting or event due to a disability as defined under ADA, please call the County'sCounty's ADA Coordinator at (785) 309-5812 or email&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="mailto:leamerm@salinecountyks.gov">leamerm@salinecountyks.gov</a>&nbsp;before the scheduled meeting or event to request accommodations.Saline County Commission meetings are LIVE and streamed on the county's YouTube&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@salinecountykansas3125/streams">channel here.&nbsp;</a>Board of County Commissioners:District One — Monte Shadwick District Two — Robert Vidricksen District Three — Rodger Sparks District Four — James Weese District Five — Chairman Joe Hay Jr<h2>Public Forum Canceled</h2>Public Meeting scheduled for this week has been canceled<h2>06/18/2024 Agenda Items</h2>Health Department Update ARPA RFA - AmbulanceREAD MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/bd466794-057b-40a1-b0d9-833086043682">Salina man breaks into house, steals car keys and drives away — SPD arrests him same day</a>

Saline County Commission meeting canceled, Tuesday, June 11

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina Post

Late Thursday night, a Salina resident allegedly entered another's home, took the keys to a red 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse and left with the car. The suspect later returned to the house while Salina Police Department (SPD) officers took the report from the victim.

According to SPD Capt. Mike Miller, a 30-year-old Salina resident in the 2000 block of Hageman Avenue reported around 5:15 p.m. that someone she knew stole the eclipse between 1 and 3 a.m. Thursday morning.

"This guy has been allowed in the past to use the vehicle," SPD Capt. Mike Miller said. "While officers were taking the report, he returned with the vehicle and was arrested."

Officers arrested 28-year-old Pheonix Leonard a little after 5:15 p.m. Thursday, and found that he allegedly had a narcotic and drug paraphernalia in his possession.

Miller said officers requested charges for aggravated burglary, theft, possession of a narcotic and possession of drug paraphernalia.

LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e5c8aeaf-d181-4198-ac4e-dd23ca350811">🎙King in the Community — Salina Police Chief, C.J. Wise</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574355645622.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostLate Thursday night, a Salina resident allegedly entered another's home, took the keys to a red 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse and left with the car. The suspect later returned to the house while Salina Police Department (SPD) officers took the report from the victim.According to SPD Capt. Mike Miller, a 30-year-old Salina resident in the 2000 block of Hageman Avenue reported around 5:15 p.m. that someone she knew stole the eclipse between 1 and 3 a.m. Thursday morning."This guy has been allowed in the past to use the vehicle," SPD Capt. Mike Miller said. "While officers were taking the report, he returned with the vehicle and was arrested."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717766537246.jpeg" alt="Leonard,Phoenix Ryan" />
 <figcaption>Leonard,Phoenix Ryan</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers arrested 28-year-old Pheonix Leonard a little after 5:15 p.m. Thursday, and found that he allegedly had a narcotic and drug paraphernalia in his possession.Miller said officers requested charges for aggravated burglary, theft, possession of a narcotic and possession of drug paraphernalia.LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e5c8aeaf-d181-4198-ac4e-dd23ca350811">🎙King in the Community — Salina Police Chief, C.J. Wise</a>

Salina man breaks into house, steals car keys and drives away — SPD arrests him same day

NAME:&nbsp;Congrove, Mercadies Kai REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown

NAME:&nbsp;Eilrich, Jessica Coraleann REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Floyd, Isaiah Kymani REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Driving While Suspended, Flee or attempt to elude; reckless driving, Improper driving on laned roadway, Reckless Driving

NAME:&nbsp;Lenon, Thomas Edgar REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Battery, Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity, Criminal trespass; Unknown circumstance

NAME:&nbsp;Loneelk, Jeremiah Seth REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner, Robbery, Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500

NAME:&nbsp;Marfise, Tyson Allen REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Theft of prop/services;Value $1,500 to $25,000, Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Nichols, Sammi Kantrel REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear, Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circumstance, Agg assault; w/ deadly weapon, Agg intimidation of witness/victim; Threat, Crim damage to prop;w/o consent &lt;$1K, Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption, Criminal Deprivaton of Property, Domestic Battery: rude physical contact, Kidnapping; Inflict bodily harm or terrorize the victim, Rape; Sexual intercourse without consent and use of force

NAME:&nbsp;Pruyn, Kyle Dean REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving While Suspended, Duty of driver to report; Unattended veh/prop;unkn

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/2024/6/1717941287546.jpeg" alt="Congrove, Mercadies Kai" />
 <figcaption>Congrove, Mercadies Kai</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Congrove, Mercadies Kai REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717941338244.jpeg" alt="Eilrich, Jessica Coraleann" />
 <figcaption>Eilrich, Jessica Coraleann</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Eilrich, Jessica Coraleann REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717941486834.jpeg" alt="Floyd, Isaiah Kymani" />
 <figcaption>Floyd, Isaiah Kymani</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Floyd, Isaiah Kymani REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Driving While Suspended, Flee or attempt to elude; reckless driving, Improper driving on laned roadway, Reckless Driving<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717941541034.jpeg" alt="Lenon, Thomas Edgar" />
 <figcaption>Lenon, Thomas Edgar</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Lenon, Thomas Edgar REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Battery, Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity, Criminal trespass; Unknown circumstanceLISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e5c8aeaf-d181-4198-ac4e-dd23ca350811">🎙King in the Community — Salina Police Chief, C.J. Wise</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717941565018.jpeg" alt="Loneelk, Jeremiah Seth" />
 <figcaption>Loneelk, Jeremiah Seth</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Loneelk, Jeremiah Seth REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner, Robbery, Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717941617690.jpeg" alt="Marfise, Tyson Allen" />
 <figcaption>Marfise, Tyson Allen</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Marfise, Tyson Allen REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Theft of prop/services;Value $1,500 to $25,000, Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717941676388.jpeg" alt="Nichols, Sammi Kantrel" />
 <figcaption>Nichols, Sammi Kantrel</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Nichols, Sammi Kantrel REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear, Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circumstance, Agg assault; w/ deadly weapon, Agg intimidation of witness/victim; Threat, Crim damage to prop;w/o consent &lt;$1K, Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption, Criminal Deprivaton of Property, Domestic Battery: rude physical contact, Kidnapping; Inflict bodily harm or terrorize the victim, Rape; Sexual intercourse without consent and use of force<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717941700207.jpeg" alt="Pruyn, Kyle Dean" />
 <figcaption>Pruyn, Kyle Dean</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Pruyn, Kyle Dean REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving While Suspended, Duty of driver to report; Unattended veh/prop;unkn

Saline County Jail Bookings, June 9

In partnership with St. John's Missionary Baptist Church, Salina Public Library provides free grab-and-go lunches this summer. Pickup at the McKenzie Center across from the library began May 28 and will&nbsp;run through August 2.

The program gives priority to youth ages 0-18. If supplies allow, free lunches will be available for adults after children receive meals. Summer lunches are first come, first served.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5bbc3a3b-463d-49b8-bca3-d9aa6b079d9d">Salina Public Library launches digital archives</a>

Check Salina Post or the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinapubliclibrary">Public Library's Facebook page</a> at the beginning of each week to see the upcoming lunch menu. Pickup is simple: enter the line from 9th Street, pull up to the front of the McKenzie Center, 308 W Elm, and exit Elm Street.&nbsp;

According to SPL staff, last year the Salina&nbsp;Public Library handed out a total of 2,760 free summer lunches to youth in Salina.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717792279445.jpeg" alt="According to SPL staff, last year the Salina Public Library handed out a total of 2,760 free summer lunches to youth in Salina. Image Courtesy SPL&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>According to SPL staff, last year the Salina Public Library handed out a total of 2,760 free summer lunches to youth in Salina. Image Courtesy SPL&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTIn partnership with St. John's Missionary Baptist Church, Salina Public Library provides free grab-and-go lunches this summer. Pickup at the McKenzie Center across from the library began May 28 and will&nbsp;run through August 2.The program gives priority to youth ages 0-18. If supplies allow, free lunches will be available for adults after children receive meals. Summer lunches are first come, first served.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5bbc3a3b-463d-49b8-bca3-d9aa6b079d9d">Salina Public Library launches digital archives</a>Check Salina Post or the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinapubliclibrary">Public Library's Facebook page</a> at the beginning of each week to see the upcoming lunch menu. Pickup is simple: enter the line from 9th Street, pull up to the front of the McKenzie Center, 308 W Elm, and exit Elm Street.&nbsp;According to SPL staff, last year the Salina&nbsp;Public Library handed out a total of 2,760 free summer lunches to youth in Salina.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Salina Public Libary partners with local church to provide summer lunch program

Storms continue tracking across western Kansas tonight, with possible wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph and quarter-sized hail, according to the U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita).

Stay updated with the latest watches and warnings by visiting the <a target="_blank" href="https://salinapost.com/pages/severe-weather">Salina Post Severe Weather page.&nbsp;</a>

NWS Wichita meteorologists recommend keeping two or more communication devices, such as a smartphone, radio, television or other device, to stay updated on the most recent severe weather information.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/09dc28b7-e3f5-48b7-a7ce-b6180532097a">Storm Fury on the Plains presents critical storm safety information</a>

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Kansas until 3 a.m. CDT.

U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita) meteorologists have narrowed down further details of tonight's system, with chances for severe weather&nbsp;

Numerous north-central Kansas communities received almost an inch of rain from yesterday's late-night system, and tonight, some residents could see another round of severe weather.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center (NOAA SPC), forecasters predict storms to form in western Kansas and march across the state, bringing along strong 75-85 mph west of central Kansas.

Once storms reach counties like Ellsworth, Saline, Ottawa, McPherson and neighboring communities, SPC forecasters predict a lower chance of severe winds.

Storms will likely reach the Salina area late this evening, with thunderstorm chances rising near town around midnight to 4 a.m.

<a href="https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html">Complete NOAA SPC Forecast for Kansas</a>

Large to very large hail will be a risk with this more discrete convection. But, upscale growth into an intense bowing cluster appears likely across parts of far eastern CO into western/central KS by late afternoon/early evening as a low-level jet gradually strengthens.

Numerous severe wind gusts, some potentially significant (up to 75-85 mph), should occur with this bow through at least late evening as it moves quickly eastward over KS.

Latest guidance continues to show the greatest large hail and severe wind threat in/near the Enhanced Risk, so only small expansions have been made to the greater wind probabilities in southwest/central KS with this update.

<a href="https://salinapost.com/pages/recent-precipitation">Recent Precipitation</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717907180865.jpeg" alt="Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)" />
 <figcaption>Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTStorms continue tracking across western Kansas tonight, with possible wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph and quarter-sized hail, according to the U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita).Stay updated with the latest watches and warnings by visiting the <a target="_blank" href="https://salinapost.com/pages/severe-weather">Salina Post Severe Weather page.&nbsp;</a>NWS Wichita meteorologists recommend keeping two or more communication devices, such as a smartphone, radio, television or other device, to stay updated on the most recent severe weather information.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/09dc28b7-e3f5-48b7-a7ce-b6180532097a">Storm Fury on the Plains presents critical storm safety information</a>By SALINA POST<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717903845820.jpeg" alt="Thunderstorm watch until 3 a.m. Sunday June 9. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)" />
 <figcaption>Thunderstorm watch until 3 a.m. Sunday June 9. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)</figcaption>
 </figure>A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Kansas until 3 a.m. CDT.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717881282965.jpeg" alt="Storms are expected to move in from the west tonight and start affecting west-central Kansas generally after 10 pm and southeast Kansas generally after 2 a.m. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)" />
 <figcaption>Storms are expected to move in from the west tonight and start affecting west-central Kansas generally after 10 pm and southeast Kansas generally after 2 a.m. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)</figcaption>
 </figure>Updated 06/08/2024 4:20 p.m.By SALINA POSTU.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita) meteorologists have narrowed down further details of tonight's system, with chances for severe weather&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717881624769.jpeg" alt="Storms will move-in from the west late tonight. Strong to severe storms are likely, with the main threats 60 to 80 mph straight-line winds along with heavy rain and potential flooding. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)" />
 <figcaption>Storms will move-in from the west late tonight. Strong to severe storms are likely, with the main threats 60 to 80 mph straight-line winds along with heavy rain and potential flooding. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717874908321.jpeg" alt="Scattered to numerous thunderstorms will increase from the west this evening. Strong to severe storms are likely, with the greatest severe weather threat generally west of the Flint Hills before 1 a.m. Thunderstorm chances this evening through tonight, Saturday, June 8. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)" />
 <figcaption>Scattered to numerous thunderstorms will increase from the west this evening. Strong to severe storms are likely, with the greatest severe weather threat generally west of the Flint Hills before 1 a.m. Thunderstorm chances this evening through tonight, Saturday, June 8. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTNumerous north-central Kansas communities received almost an inch of rain from yesterday's late-night system, and tonight, some residents could see another round of severe weather.According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center (NOAA SPC), forecasters predict storms to form in western Kansas and march across the state, bringing along strong 75-85 mph west of central Kansas.Once storms reach counties like Ellsworth, Saline, Ottawa, McPherson and neighboring communities, SPC forecasters predict a lower chance of severe winds.Storms will likely reach the Salina area late this evening, with thunderstorm chances rising near town around midnight to 4 a.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717878327423.png" alt="National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center (NOAA SPC) Categorical Outlook on Saturday, June 8. Graphic courtesy NOAA SPC" />
 <figcaption>National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center (NOAA SPC) Categorical Outlook on Saturday, June 8. Graphic courtesy NOAA SPC</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html">Complete NOAA SPC Forecast for Kansas</a>Excerpt from the forecastLarge to very large hail will be a risk with this more discrete convection. But, upscale growth into an intense bowing cluster appears likely across parts of far eastern CO into western/central KS by late afternoon/early evening as a low-level jet gradually strengthens. Numerous severe wind gusts, some potentially significant (up to 75-85 mph), should occur with this bow through at least late evening as it moves quickly eastward over KS. Latest guidance continues to show the greatest large hail and severe wind threat in/near the Enhanced Risk, so only small expansions have been made to the greater wind probabilities in southwest/central KS with this update.<a href="https://salinapost.com/pages/recent-precipitation">Recent Precipitation</a>LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e5c8aeaf-d181-4198-ac4e-dd23ca350811">🎙King in the Community — Salina Police Chief, C.J. Wise</a>

UPDATED: Thunderstorms with possible 60-80 mph developing in central Kansas

SALINE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9a.m. Saturday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Dodge Challenger driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Debra Lynn&nbsp;Hurlbert, 54, Chapman, was&nbsp;eastbound on Interstate 70 one half mile west of the Solomon Exit

Driver lost consciousness and the car drifted into the south ditch.&nbsp; The vehicle travelled into the south ditch for approximately 150 yards before striking the guard rail.

EMS transported&nbsp;Hurlbert to Salina Regional Health Center. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SALINE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9a.m. Saturday in Saline County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Dodge Challenger driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Debra Lynn&nbsp;Hurlbert, 54, Chapman, was&nbsp;eastbound on Interstate 70 one half mile west of the Solomon ExitDriver lost consciousness and the car drifted into the south ditch.&nbsp; The vehicle travelled into the south ditch for approximately 150 yards before striking the guard rail.EMS transported&nbsp;Hurlbert to Salina Regional Health Center. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman hospitalized in Salina after I-70 crash

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."

As the summer heat intensifies, many Salinans begin gravitating toward local bodies of water for various outdoor activities. One popular pond in Salina, Lakewood, had humble beginnings in the late 1800s.

The early beginnings of Lakewood Park stretch back to the Homestead Act of 1862, shortly after which a Seneca Tribe couple homesteaded the first 160 acres of what would become the park.

<a href="https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/homestead-act">According to The National Archives</a>, Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act of 1862, which allowed "any adult citizen, or intended citizen, who had never borne arms against the U.S. government could claim 160 acres of surveyed government land."

Farming and improving the land were stipulations for the claimants, but after five years, they owned the land entirely after paying a small registration fee.

According to Lora Crow at Lakewood Discover Center, a Seneca Tribe couple founded their homestead on the northeast corner of Ohio Street and Iron Avenue.

The family then entrusted the land to future family members until 1918, when a widowed family member, Fire in the Woods, sold the land to Putnam Sand Company for $64, or about $1,433 today.

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/193f8fab-8c2d-4e48-8868-8099eb44649f">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Indian Rock Park - Vol. 44</a>

Putnam Sand Co. quickly got to work digging and dredging sand for various construction uses in the growing city, eventually excavating enough sand to create a 45-acre lake.

Thirty years later, the local sand company sold the property, and it became a lakeside residence. According to Crow, Salina experienced a notable flooding event that damaged the barrier between the lake and the nearby Smoky Hill River. 

Although the lake was initially 45 acres, it began to fluctuate widely in size due to the damage from the flood until the City of Salina built the levee flood-control system, which keeps the lake at about 13 acres with a maximum depth of 6 feet. 

Today, remnants of the Smoky Hill River remain nearby, with the Smoky Hill River Channel decorating the outskirts of Lakewood Park.

In 1956, the property owners built a house that now hosts the Nature Center today.

According to an article by Carol Lichti in the Sunday, Feb. 25, 1996, edition of The Salina Journal, the City of Salina purchased it from the property owners in 1966 for $140,000, or $1,380,400 today.

Once the city purchased the land, staff and contractors developed it into a natural park with a wildlife area and seating for visitors. In the 1970s, the levee system cut off the lake from the Smoky Hill River, which shrank the lake and unveiled 32 acres to build pavilions and a dock for residents to canoe, fish or boat from.

In the 1970s, the house became an event space for social gatherings and "many weddings," according to Crow. Later, in the 1980s, the Nature Center began overtaking the structure, starting with the basement and growing into every corner due to public demand for nature education and outdoor programs. 

Today, Lakewood Discover Center continues hosting outdoor programs and educational experiences. To see their 2024 programs, visit their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lakewooddiscoverycenter/">Facebook Page</a> to see what events and opportunities are on the calendar this summer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691164615840.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Post proudly presents Flashback Friday in partnership with the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.smokyhillmuseum.org/">Smoky Hill Museum</a>. Enjoy a weekly tidbit of local history from the staff at Salina Post and the Smoky Hill Museum as we present "Salina-Flashback Fridays."<div><div class="flourish-embed flourish-photo-slider" data-src="visualisation/18290920"><script src="https://public.flourish.studio/resources/embed.js"></script></div></div>By SALINA POSTAs the summer heat intensifies, many Salinans begin gravitating toward local bodies of water for various outdoor activities. One popular pond in Salina, Lakewood, had humble beginnings in the late 1800s.The early beginnings of Lakewood Park stretch back to the Homestead Act of 1862, shortly after which a Seneca Tribe couple homesteaded the first 160 acres of what would become the park.<a href="https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/homestead-act">According to The National Archives</a>, Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act of 1862, which allowed "any adult citizen, or intended citizen, who had never borne arms against the U.S. government could claim 160 acres of surveyed government land." Farming and improving the land were stipulations for the claimants, but after five years, they owned the land entirely after paying a small registration fee.According to Lora Crow at Lakewood Discover Center, a Seneca Tribe couple founded their homestead on the northeast corner of Ohio Street and Iron Avenue.The family then entrusted the land to future family members until 1918, when a widowed family member, Fire in the Woods, sold the land to Putnam Sand Company for $64, or about $1,433 today.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717810946841.jpeg" alt="Lakewood Dock Sailing 15 May 1971. Image courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>Lakewood Dock Sailing 15 May 1971. Image courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/193f8fab-8c2d-4e48-8868-8099eb44649f">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Indian Rock Park - Vol. 44</a>Putnam Sand Co. quickly got to work digging and dredging sand for various construction uses in the growing city, eventually excavating enough sand to create a 45-acre lake.Thirty years later, the local sand company sold the property, and it became a lakeside residence. According to Crow, Salina experienced a notable flooding event that damaged the barrier between the lake and the nearby Smoky Hill River. Although the lake was initially 45 acres, it began to fluctuate widely in size due to the damage from the flood until the City of Salina built the levee flood-control system, which keeps the lake at about 13 acres with a maximum depth of 6 feet. Today, remnants of the Smoky Hill River remain nearby, with the Smoky Hill River Channel decorating the outskirts of Lakewood Park.In 1956, the property owners built a house that now hosts the Nature Center today.According to an article by Carol Lichti in the Sunday, Feb. 25, 1996, edition of The Salina Journal, the City of Salina purchased it from the property owners in 1966 for $140,000, or $1,380,400 today.Once the city purchased the land, staff and contractors developed it into a natural park with a wildlife area and seating for visitors. In the 1970s, the levee system cut off the lake from the Smoky Hill River, which shrank the lake and unveiled 32 acres to build pavilions and a dock for residents to canoe, fish or boat from.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717811801577.jpeg" alt="Lakewood Park on Friday, June 7, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Lakewood Park on Friday, June 7, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>In the 1970s, the house became an event space for social gatherings and "many weddings," according to Crow. Later, in the 1980s, the Nature Center began overtaking the structure, starting with the basement and growing into every corner due to public demand for nature education and outdoor programs. Today, Lakewood Discover Center continues hosting outdoor programs and educational experiences. To see their 2024 programs, visit their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lakewooddiscoverycenter/">Facebook Page</a> to see what events and opportunities are on the calendar this summer.

📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Lakewood Park - Vol. 45

NAME: Bartholomew, Kevin Michael REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Defective mirror, Driving While Suspended, No Proof Of Insurance, Speeding; maximum limits, Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation

NAME:&nbsp;Delp, Kevin Wayne REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown

NAME:&nbsp;Jackson, Richard Craig REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor, No Proof Of Insurance, Speeding; maximum limits, Transporting an open container

NAME:&nbsp;Loftis, Crista Nadean REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Lopez, Carrie Ann REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear, Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Lytle, Jason Lee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e5c8aeaf-d181-4198-ac4e-dd23ca350811">🎙King in the Community — Salina Police Chief, C.J. Wise</a>

NAME:&nbsp;Merz, Todd Andrew REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Sanderson, Levi Matthew REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;Spotted War Bonnet, Charles William REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Assault, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant

NAME:&nbsp;Wesley, Charles Tyrone REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Whitaker, Juan Oneal REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail.All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717852683560.jpeg" alt="Bartholomew, Kevin Michael" />
 <figcaption>Bartholomew, Kevin Michael</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Bartholomew, Kevin Michael REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Defective mirror, Driving While Suspended, No Proof Of Insurance, Speeding; maximum limits, Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717852718406.jpeg" alt="Delp, Kevin Wayne" />
 <figcaption>Delp, Kevin Wayne</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Delp, Kevin Wayne REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717852750821.jpeg" alt="Jackson, Richard Craig" />
 <figcaption>Jackson, Richard Craig</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Jackson, Richard Craig REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor, No Proof Of Insurance, Speeding; maximum limits, Transporting an open container<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717852787555.jpeg" alt="Loftis, Crista Nadean" />
 <figcaption>Loftis, Crista Nadean</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Loftis, Crista Nadean REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717852816287.jpeg" alt="Lopez, Carrie Ann" />
 <figcaption>Lopez, Carrie Ann</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Lopez, Carrie Ann REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear, Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717852877086.png" alt="Lytle, Jason Lee" />
 <figcaption>Lytle, Jason Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Lytle, Jason Lee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation ViolationLISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e5c8aeaf-d181-4198-ac4e-dd23ca350811">🎙King in the Community — Salina Police Chief, C.J. Wise</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717852907369.jpeg" alt="Merz, Todd Andrew" />
 <figcaption>Merz, Todd Andrew</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Merz, Todd Andrew REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717852979736.jpeg" alt="Sanderson, Levi Matthew" />
 <figcaption>Sanderson, Levi Matthew</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Sanderson, Levi Matthew REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717853013650.jpeg" alt="Spotted War Bonnet, Charles William" />
 <figcaption>Spotted War Bonnet, Charles William</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Spotted War Bonnet, Charles William REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Assault, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717853049133.jpeg" alt="Wesley, Charles Tyrone" />
 <figcaption>Wesley, Charles Tyrone</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Wesley, Charles Tyrone REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717853074449.jpeg" alt="Whitaker, Juan Oneal" />
 <figcaption>Whitaker, Juan Oneal</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Whitaker, Juan Oneal REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

Saline County County Jail Bookings, June 8

A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect until 1115 PM CDT for Lincoln, Ellsworth and northeastern Barton counties.

At 10:06 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 6 miles north of Ellsworth, moving east at 55 mph.

Hazard 70 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.

Impact Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

Locations impacted include Ellsworth, Wilson, Claflin, Kanopolis, Lincoln, Holyrood, Sylvan Grove, Beverly, Lorraine, Barnard, Ash Grove, Westfall, Ellsworth Airport, Kanopolis Lake, Kanopolis State Park, Odin, and Wilson State Park.

Precautionary/Preparedness Actions: For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Southeastern Russell and North Central Barton Counties

At 1003 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Wilson, moving east at 30 mph.

Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

Dorrance, Wilson State Park, and Wilson Lake.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717816213774.jpeg" alt="NWS" />
 <figcaption>NWS</figcaption>
 </figure>A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect until 1115 PM CDT for Lincoln, Ellsworth and northeastern Barton counties.At 10:06 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 6 miles north of Ellsworth, moving east at 55 mph.Hazard 70 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.Source Radar indicated.Impact Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.Locations impacted include Ellsworth, Wilson, Claflin, Kanopolis, Lincoln, Holyrood, Sylvan Grove, Beverly, Lorraine, Barnard, Ash Grove, Westfall, Ellsworth Airport, Kanopolis Lake, Kanopolis State Park, Odin, and Wilson State Park.Precautionary/Preparedness Actions: For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717815354072.jpeg" alt="NWS" />
 <figcaption>NWS</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POST Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Southeastern Russell and North Central Barton CountiesAt 1003 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Wilson, moving east at 30 mph.Heading: Hazard70 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.Heading: SourceRadar indicated.Heading: ImpactHail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.Locations ImpactedDorrance, Wilson State Park, and Wilson Lake.Precautionary/Preparedness ActionsFor your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.At 9:49 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Dorrance, or near Wilson, moving southeast at&nbsp;30 mph. An&nbsp;81 mph&nbsp;gust was observed at Russell Airport.This is a destructive storm!Hazard80 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail.SourceRadar indicated.ImpactFlying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be heavily damaged. Expect considerable damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles. Extensive tree damage and power outages are likely.Locations impacted include Russell, Lucas, Dorrance, Milberger, Bunker Hill, Susank, Wilson State Park, Wilson Lake, and Russell Airport.Precautionary/preparedness actionsFor your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.Thunderstorm damage threatDestructiveHail threatRadar indicatedMax hail size1.00 inWind threatObservedMax wind gust80 mph<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717813633695.jpeg" alt="A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska until 11 PM CDT. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)" />
 <figcaption>A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska until 11 PM CDT. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)</figcaption>
 </figure>A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska until 11 p.m. CDT.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717813770581.jpeg" alt="Vigilancia de Tormenta Severa ha sido emitida para partes de Iowa, Kansas, Missouri y Nebraska hasta las 11 PM CDT. Gráfico cortesía del Servicio Meteorológico Nacional de Estados Unidos Wichita" />
 <figcaption>Vigilancia de Tormenta Severa ha sido emitida para partes de Iowa, Kansas, Missouri y Nebraska hasta las 11 PM CDT. Gráfico cortesía del Servicio Meteorológico Nacional de Estados Unidos Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>Vigilancia de Tormenta Severa ha sido emitida para partes de Iowa, Kansas, Missouri y Nebraska hasta las 11 p.m. CDT.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717813820413.jpeg" alt="Severe storms have developed across portions of northwest Kansas and are moving southeast this evening.&nbsp;Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)" />
 <figcaption>Severe storms have developed across portions of northwest Kansas and are moving southeast this evening.&nbsp;Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)</figcaption>
 </figure>If storm can make it to portions of central Kansas, half-dollar sized hail 60-70 mph wind gusts are possible. Make sure to have multiple ways to receive warnings and weather information tonight.

Local