CKF Addiction Treatment will host guest speaker Susan Ford Bales at the 2024 UnMask the Stigma Gala on February 24.&nbsp;

Make a red carpet entrance into the elegant space on the second floor of the United Capital Plaza. A night filled with good company, tasteful foods &amp; drinks, music, and supporting a great cause.

8:00-8:30 p.m. Bridgehouse Video and Final Remarks

It is only when we come together that the stigma can be unmasked. Join us on February 24th for an evening of food, music and conversation.

<a href="https://ckfaddictiontreatment.org/events/unmask-the-stigma-gala/?fbclid=IwAR0J6BDA5IuBu2592t9b9eqNqyjRQsVYveD9un8Xj6diSV6bol-Fl0Re2V0">Purchase tickets for the CKF UnMask the Stigma gala here.</a>

She is an American author, photojournalist, and former chair of the board of the Betty Ford Center for alcohol and drug abuse. She is the daughter of Gerald Ford, the 38th president of the United States, and his wife.

Susan was raised in Alexandria, Virginia and attended Holton Arms School and Mount Vernon College, where she studied photojournalism. She is the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate Of Public Service degree, an Honorary Doctorate of Letters degree, and an Honorary Doctorate Of Humane Letters degree.

During her high school years, She lived in the White House and served as official White House hostess following her mother’s surgery for breast cancer in 1974. In 1984, she and her mother helped launch National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Susan subsequently served as national spokesperson for breast cancer awareness month.

In 2007, Susan was selected to become the Ship Sponsor for the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford., which she officially christened on November 9, 2013. A Ship Sponsor is a title given to a prominent citizen who is technically considered a permanent member of the ship’s crew and is expected to be an advocate for its continued service and well-being.

Susan has served as a Trustee of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation since 1981 and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Foundation’s Programs Committee. After the founding of the Betty Ford Center in 1982, Susan worked side by side with her mother on projects at the Center and was elected to the Center’s Board of Directors in 1992. She succeeded her mother as Chairman of the Board and served in that role from 2005 – 2010.&nbsp; She currently serves on the board of directors of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.

Susan also serves as a member of the Advisory Board of the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health, is Co-Trustee of the President Gerald R. Ford Historical Legacy Trust, a Trustee of the Elizabeth B. Ford Charitable Trust, a member of the Executive Board of the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Foundation, and is on the Honorary Advisory Committee of the Children’s National Medical Center.

In addition to her many charitable and public service activities, she&nbsp; is the author of two novels set in the White House, “Double Exposure: A First Daughter Mystery, written with Laura Hayden,” and its sequel, “Sharp Focus.”

Susan has ties to Kansas, having attended the University of Kansas in the spring of 1977. In addition,&nbsp; during her career as a photojournalist, she worked worked for both The Topeka Capitol Journal, as well as The Omaha Sun.

She currently resides in McKinney, TX.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627535109537.jpeg" alt="CKF logo.jpg" />
 <figcaption>CKF logo.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedCKF Addiction Treatment will host guest speaker Susan Ford Bales at the 2024 UnMask the Stigma Gala on February 24.&nbsp;Make a red carpet entrance into the elegant space on the second floor of the United Capital Plaza. A night filled with good company, tasteful foods &amp; drinks, music, and supporting a great cause.<h2>Schedule</h2>5:30 p.m. Red Carpet Entrance5:30-6:30 p.m. Cocktail Hour6:00 p.m. Welcome and Dinner&nbsp;7:00 p.m. Speaker7:30 PM-7:45 p.m. Silent Auction&nbsp;7:45 p.m. Speaker Q&amp;A&nbsp;8:00-8:30 p.m. Bridgehouse Video and Final RemarksIt is only when we come together that the stigma can be unmasked. Join us on February 24th for an evening of food, music and conversation.<a href="https://ckfaddictiontreatment.org/events/unmask-the-stigma-gala/?fbclid=IwAR0J6BDA5IuBu2592t9b9eqNqyjRQsVYveD9un8Xj6diSV6bol-Fl0Re2V0">Purchase tickets for the CKF UnMask the Stigma gala here.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706543178714.jpeg" alt="UnMask the Stigma Gala" />
 <figcaption>UnMask the Stigma Gala</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>About Ford Bales</h2>She is an American author, photojournalist, and former chair of the board of the Betty Ford Center for alcohol and drug abuse. She is the daughter of Gerald Ford, the 38th president of the United States, and his wife.Susan was raised in Alexandria, Virginia and attended Holton Arms School and Mount Vernon College, where she studied photojournalism. She is the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate Of Public Service degree, an Honorary Doctorate of Letters degree, and an Honorary Doctorate Of Humane Letters degree.During her high school years, She lived in the White House and served as official White House hostess following her mother’s surgery for breast cancer in 1974. In 1984, she and her mother helped launch National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Susan subsequently served as national spokesperson for breast cancer awareness month.In 2007, Susan was selected to become the Ship Sponsor for the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford., which she officially christened on November 9, 2013. A Ship Sponsor is a title given to a prominent citizen who is technically considered a permanent member of the ship’s crew and is expected to be an advocate for its continued service and well-being.Susan has served as a Trustee of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation since 1981 and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Foundation’s Programs Committee. After the founding of the Betty Ford Center in 1982, Susan worked side by side with her mother on projects at the Center and was elected to the Center’s Board of Directors in 1992. She succeeded her mother as Chairman of the Board and served in that role from 2005 – 2010.&nbsp; She currently serves on the board of directors of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.Susan also serves as a member of the Advisory Board of the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health, is Co-Trustee of the President Gerald R. Ford Historical Legacy Trust, a Trustee of the Elizabeth B. Ford Charitable Trust, a member of the Executive Board of the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Foundation, and is on the Honorary Advisory Committee of the Children’s National Medical Center.In addition to her many charitable and public service activities, she&nbsp; is the author of two novels set in the White House, “Double Exposure: A First Daughter Mystery, written with Laura Hayden,” and its sequel, “Sharp Focus.”Susan has ties to Kansas, having attended the University of Kansas in the spring of 1977. In addition,&nbsp; during her career as a photojournalist, she worked worked for both The Topeka Capitol Journal, as well as The Omaha Sun.She currently resides in McKinney, TX.&nbsp;

Susan Ford Bales to speak at CKF 'UnMask the Stigma' Gala Feb. 24

Submitted by Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad

 What’s in a name? In the heyday of train travel in America, railroads established a simple way to assist consumers in making travel plans by assigning names to passenger trains. Names like “Super Chief” and “Empire Builder” made trip planning easier, and, even more importantly, the names assigned to trains essentially became a brand of their own representing a certain fame and distinction that carried the consumer promise of good food, comfort, speed, and other important passenger services. 

That same concept is being adopted by the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad. Effective March 1, the railroad’s marketing and ticketing will promote two named trains. The A&amp;SV’s excursion trains will be known as the “Flint Hills Express,” while the railroad’s popular dinner trains will be named the “Smoky Valley Limited.” 

“The year 2024 will see some important changes to our operations,” said A&amp;SV President and General Manager Ross Boelling. “As we’ve grown over the past few years, we’ve seen the need to name our trains to establish a brand that consumers can more readily identify with. And the names we have chosen have special regional and statewide significance.”

Boelling said that the process of naming the A&amp;SV trains began with an informal poll on the railroad’s Facebook pages, where readers were asked to submit suggestions for branding the dinner trains.

Several suggestions were made, but Boelling said he and others wanted to incorporate the Flint Hills and Smoky Valley into the names. 

"We went with that and added two terms that were common in the naming of passenger trains. In railroad lingo," Boelling said.&nbsp;

The term ‘express’ signified that a train makes few or no stops, while ‘limited,’ means that a train makes a limited number of stops. Both terms fit our railroad since we are a direct trip into our sister city of Enterprise and we make a limited number of stops.

Boelling said the names have special regional and statewide significance, reflecting the fact that the Abilene and Smoky Valley is the state’s only excursion railroad and consequently draws passengers from across Kansas. He said the names better brand A&amp;SV trains as a product of the cultural heritage of the region.

The names will be used in the railroad’s scheduling and ticketing operations immediately. 

“A name makes a train ride even more special and prestigious,” Boelling said. “Some famous trains have rolled through Dickinson County back in the days of passenger train travel. The Rock Island trains were known as the ‘Rocket.’ The Missouri Pacific’s ‘Colorado Eagle’ used to run through Herington , Hope and Elmo and the Union Pacific had a passenger train known as ‘The Portland Rose’ that came through Chapman, Detroit, and Abilene."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706541791911.jpeg" alt="Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad" />
 <figcaption>Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted by Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad What’s in a name? In the heyday of train travel in America, railroads established a simple way to assist consumers in making travel plans by assigning names to passenger trains. Names like “Super Chief” and “Empire Builder” made trip planning easier, and, even more importantly, the names assigned to trains essentially became a brand of their own representing a certain fame and distinction that carried the consumer promise of good food, comfort, speed, and other important passenger services. That same concept is being adopted by the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad. Effective March 1, the railroad’s marketing and ticketing will promote two named trains. The A&amp;SV’s excursion trains will be known as the “Flint Hills Express,” while the railroad’s popular dinner trains will be named the “Smoky Valley Limited.” “The year 2024 will see some important changes to our operations,” said A&amp;SV President and General Manager Ross Boelling. “As we’ve grown over the past few years, we’ve seen the need to name our trains to establish a brand that consumers can more readily identify with. And the names we have chosen have special regional and statewide significance.”Boelling said that the process of naming the A&amp;SV trains began with an informal poll on the railroad’s Facebook pages, where readers were asked to submit suggestions for branding the dinner trains.Several suggestions were made, but Boelling said he and others wanted to incorporate the Flint Hills and Smoky Valley into the names. "We went with that and added two terms that were common in the naming of passenger trains. In railroad lingo," Boelling said.&nbsp;The term ‘express’ signified that a train makes few or no stops, while ‘limited,’ means that a train makes a limited number of stops. Both terms fit our railroad since we are a direct trip into our sister city of Enterprise and we make a limited number of stops.Boelling said the names have special regional and statewide significance, reflecting the fact that the Abilene and Smoky Valley is the state’s only excursion railroad and consequently draws passengers from across Kansas. He said the names better brand A&amp;SV trains as a product of the cultural heritage of the region.The names will be used in the railroad’s scheduling and ticketing operations immediately. “A name makes a train ride even more special and prestigious,” Boelling said. “Some famous trains have rolled through Dickinson County back in the days of passenger train travel. The Rock Island trains were known as the ‘Rocket.’ The Missouri Pacific’s ‘Colorado Eagle’ used to run through Herington , Hope and Elmo and the Union Pacific had a passenger train known as ‘The Portland Rose’ that came through Chapman, Detroit, and Abilene."

Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad to debut 'Flint Hills Express,' 'Smoky Valley Limited'

To commemorate Kansas Day, <a href="https://www.travelks.com/">Kansas Tourism</a> has released a new video inviting audiences to reclaim their vacation in Kansas. The video kicks off Kansas Tourism’s 2024 marketing campaign that focuses on the true meaning of a vacation and how Kansas is the perfect vacation destination.

Kansans and non-Kansans alike are encouraged to join the movement by sharing the video on social media and making plans to vacation in Kansas at the Tourism website&nbsp;<a href="https://www.travelks.com/kansas-day/" target="_blank">here</a>.

“Too many trips leave us drained instead of refreshed, but it doesn’t have to be that way,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Instead of counting vacation days, we want visitors to make their vacation days count in Kansas.”

The concept of a vacation was first popularized in the 1860s and was intended to encourage people to “vacate their homes” to experience the wilderness and reconnect through rest and relaxation, essential to living a healthy life. But nowadays, vacations are often stress-inducing, jam-packed and expensive.

“Let’s get back to the heart of what a vacation is meant to be,”&nbsp;Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “We know that you can find it in Kansas.”

Kansas Tourism provides valuable free resources to help plan a Kansas trip, including a free travel guide available to be mailed or immediately downloaded. The TravelKS.com website features an entire Plan Your Trip section.

“Visitors worldwide should plan a Kansas vacation in 2024 because Kansas is filled with outdoor adventure, inspirational history, world-class attractions, and exceptional arts and entertainment,” Jobe said.

Kansas Day, January 29, provides the perfect opportunity for Kansans to come together and honor the unique history that has shaped the Sunflower State and to kick-off the 2024 tourism marketing campaign.

 On this day in 1861, Kansas officially entered the Union as the 34th&nbsp;state, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. This celebration provides the opportunity to acknowledge contributions of Kansans throughout the years, from the pioneers who settled the prairies to the modern-day innovators driving the state’s progress.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706539968067.jpeg" alt="Happy Birthday Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Happy Birthday Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Chamber of CommerceTo commemorate Kansas Day, <a href="https://www.travelks.com/">Kansas Tourism</a> has released a new video inviting audiences to reclaim their vacation in Kansas. The video kicks off Kansas Tourism’s 2024 marketing campaign that focuses on the true meaning of a vacation and how Kansas is the perfect vacation destination.Kansans and non-Kansans alike are encouraged to join the movement by sharing the video on social media and making plans to vacation in Kansas at the Tourism website&nbsp;<a href="https://www.travelks.com/kansas-day/" target="_blank">here</a>.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DQl24L3ZXu8?si=eNJ1B8X0w1Yl16ug" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“Too many trips leave us drained instead of refreshed, but it doesn’t have to be that way,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Instead of counting vacation days, we want visitors to make their vacation days count in Kansas.”The concept of a vacation was first popularized in the 1860s and was intended to encourage people to “vacate their homes” to experience the wilderness and reconnect through rest and relaxation, essential to living a healthy life. But nowadays, vacations are often stress-inducing, jam-packed and expensive.“Let’s get back to the heart of what a vacation is meant to be,”&nbsp;Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “We know that you can find it in Kansas.”Kansas Tourism provides valuable free resources to help plan a Kansas trip, including a free travel guide available to be mailed or immediately downloaded. The TravelKS.com website features an entire Plan Your Trip section.“Visitors worldwide should plan a Kansas vacation in 2024 because Kansas is filled with outdoor adventure, inspirational history, world-class attractions, and exceptional arts and entertainment,” Jobe said.Kansas Day, January 29, provides the perfect opportunity for Kansans to come together and honor the unique history that has shaped the Sunflower State and to kick-off the 2024 tourism marketing campaign. On this day in 1861, Kansas officially entered the Union as the 34th&nbsp;state, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. This celebration provides the opportunity to acknowledge contributions of Kansans throughout the years, from the pioneers who settled the prairies to the modern-day innovators driving the state’s progress.

Kansas Tourism celebrates Kansas Day

Starting today, mild and sunny weather is expected through most of the week. On Sunday, Jan. 28 the temperature at Wichita Eisenhower Airport reached 55 degrees,&nbsp; the warmest since December 30.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706538489967.jpeg" alt="Mild Again Today, NWS WICHITA" />
 <figcaption>Mild Again Today, NWS WICHITA</figcaption>
 </figure>NWS WichitaStarting today, mild and sunny weather is expected through most of the week. On Sunday, Jan. 28 the temperature at Wichita Eisenhower Airport reached 55 degrees,&nbsp; the warmest since December 30.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706538299839.jpeg" alt="Warmer Weather Ahead" />
 <figcaption>Warmer Weather Ahead</figcaption>
 </figure>

NWS-Wichita five day weather forecast

Welcome to another episode of 'King in the Community,' where we delve deep into issues affecting Salinans and the citizens of Central Kansas.&nbsp;

Join us as your host, Nate King, engages in a thought-provoking discussion about the recent kick-off of the Kansas legislative session with state representative for the 69th District, Clarke Sanders.&nbsp; 

This episode covers topics including the proposition of a flat tax, medical marijuana legislation, abortion rights, and more.&nbsp;

Discover Representative Sanders' analysis of Governor Kelly's focus shift towards rural Kansas issues. Dig deeper into the topic of flat tax implementation, examining possible advantages and drawbacks through various perspectives. Sanders shares his philosophy of providing underserved individuals with opportunities, underscoring the need to reduce dependence on government aid.

<div><iframe title="Representative Clarke Sanders on Flat Tax, Medical Marijuana, and More" 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=8dwwe-1564a87-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 POSTWelcome to another episode of 'King in the Community,' where we delve deep into issues affecting Salinans and the citizens of Central Kansas.&nbsp;Join us as your host, Nate King, engages in a thought-provoking discussion about the recent kick-off of the Kansas legislative session with state representative for the 69th District, Clarke Sanders.&nbsp; This episode covers topics including the proposition of a flat tax, medical marijuana legislation, abortion rights, and more.&nbsp;Discover Representative Sanders' analysis of Governor Kelly's focus shift towards rural Kansas issues. Dig deeper into the topic of flat tax implementation, examining possible advantages and drawbacks through various perspectives. Sanders shares his philosophy of providing underserved individuals with opportunities, underscoring the need to reduce dependence on government aid.

🎙King in the Community: State Rep. Clarke Sanders gives a legislative update

Kansas State University will celebrate its enduring commitment to the people of Kansas with K-State Impact Day on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka.

The event will take place between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the first-floor rotunda and will showcase K-State's positive force in shaping the state of Kansas.

"Kansas State University has been the university for Kansans for more than 160 years, setting the standard for inspiring learning, creativity, discovery and engagement," President Richard Linton said. "This event will honor our legacy and demonstrate how we, as the next-generation land-grant university, are poised to grow and advance Kansas."

Formal remarks by K-State leaders will begin at 10 a.m. and will focus on the university's impact on the state's past, present and future. The event will unveil the university’s research-based and data-driven economic impact, highlight the progress of the K-State 105 initiative and introduce a new dashboard that provides valuable insights into all 105 counties of the Sunflower State.

The celebration is free and open to the public. It will include a special treat of Call Hall Dairy Bar ice cream served between noon and 1 p.m.

For more information, visit the<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/engagement/kstate-impact-day/"> K-State Impact Day website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706537227154.jpeg" alt="K-State Impact Day" />
 <figcaption>K-State Impact Day</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedKansas State University will celebrate its enduring commitment to the people of Kansas with K-State Impact Day on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka.The event will take place between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the first-floor rotunda and will showcase K-State's positive force in shaping the state of Kansas."Kansas State University has been the university for Kansans for more than 160 years, setting the standard for inspiring learning, creativity, discovery and engagement," President Richard Linton said. "This event will honor our legacy and demonstrate how we, as the next-generation land-grant university, are poised to grow and advance Kansas."Formal remarks by K-State leaders will begin at 10 a.m. and will focus on the university's impact on the state's past, present and future. The event will unveil the university’s research-based and data-driven economic impact, highlight the progress of the K-State 105 initiative and introduce a new dashboard that provides valuable insights into all 105 counties of the Sunflower State.The celebration is free and open to the public. It will include a special treat of Call Hall Dairy Bar ice cream served between noon and 1 p.m.For more information, visit the<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/engagement/kstate-impact-day/"> K-State Impact Day website</a>.

K-State to celebrate statewide commitment, announce economic impact at Feb. Capitol event

On Jan. 29, 1936, the first inductees of baseball’s Hall of Fame, including Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth, were named in Cooperstown, New York.

In 1820, King George III died at Windsor Castle at age 81; he was succeeded by his son, who became King George IV.

In 1919, the ratification of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, establishing the prohibition of alcohol, was certified by Acting Secretary of State Frank L. Polk.

In 1929, The Seeing Eye, a New Jersey-based school which trains guide dogs to assist the blind, was incorporated by Dorothy Harrison Eustis and Morris Frank.

In 1963, poet Robert Frost died in Boston at age 88.

In 1964, Stanley Kubrick’s nuclear war satire “Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb” premiered in New York, Toronto and London.

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter formally welcomed Chinese Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping (dung shah-oh-ping) to the White House, following the establishment of diplomatic relations.

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan announced in a nationally broadcast message that he and Vice President George H.W. Bush would seek reelection in the fall.

In 1995, the San Francisco 49ers became the first team in NFL history to win five Super Bowl titles, beating the San Diego Chargers, 49-26, in Super Bowl XXIX.

In 1998, a bomb rocked an abortion clinic in Birmingham, Alabama, killing security guard Robert Sanderson and critically injuring nurse Emily Lyons. (The bomber, Eric Rudolph, was captured in May 2003 and is serving a life sentence.)

In 2002, in his first State of the Union address, President George W. Bush said terrorists were still threatening America — and he warned of “an axis of evil” consisting of North Korea, Iran and Iraq.

In 2007, Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was euthanized because of medical complications eight months after his gruesome breakdown at the Preakness Stakes.

In 2013, the Justice Department ended its criminal probe of the Deepwater Horizon disaster and Gulf of Mexico oil spill, with a U.S. judge agreeing to let London-based oil giant BP PLC plead guilty to manslaughter charges for the deaths of 11 rig workers and pay a record $4 billion in penalties.

In 2017, six people were killed in a shooting at a Quebec City mosque during evening prayers. (Alexandre Bissonnette, who was arrested nearby, pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder charges and was sentenced to life in prison.)

In 2018, the Cleveland Indians announced that they would remove the Chief Wahoo logo from their uniforms in the coming baseball season, after decades of protests and complaints that the grinning, red-faced caricature was racist. (The Indians changed their name to the Guardians starting in the 2022 season).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706534949456.jpeg" alt="Babe Ruth pats Ty Cobb on the head after their second golf match at Fresh Meadow Country Club in New York on June 27, 1941. The two baseball players are playing a charity grudge tournament with proceeds going to the United Service Organizations. Ruth won today’s match and Cobb won the first match held in Boston, July 26. (AP Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Babe Ruth pats Ty Cobb on the head after their second golf match at Fresh Meadow Country Club in New York on June 27, 1941. The two baseball players are playing a charity grudge tournament with proceeds going to the United Service Organizations. Ruth won today’s match and Cobb won the first match held in Boston, July 26. (AP Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Today in History:</h2>On Jan. 29, 1936, the first inductees of baseball’s Hall of Fame, including Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth, were named in Cooperstown, New York.<h2>On this date:</h2>In 1820, King George III died at Windsor Castle at age 81; he was succeeded by his son, who became King George IV.In 1919, the ratification of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, establishing the prohibition of alcohol, was certified by Acting Secretary of State Frank L. Polk.In 1929, The Seeing Eye, a New Jersey-based school which trains guide dogs to assist the blind, was incorporated by Dorothy Harrison Eustis and Morris Frank.In 1963, poet Robert Frost died in Boston at age 88.In 1964, Stanley Kubrick’s nuclear war satire “Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb” premiered in New York, Toronto and London.In 1979, President Jimmy Carter formally welcomed Chinese Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping (dung shah-oh-ping) to the White House, following the establishment of diplomatic relations.In 1984, President Ronald Reagan announced in a nationally broadcast message that he and Vice President George H.W. Bush would seek reelection in the fall.In 1995, the San Francisco 49ers became the first team in NFL history to win five Super Bowl titles, beating the San Diego Chargers, 49-26, in Super Bowl XXIX.In 1998, a bomb rocked an abortion clinic in Birmingham, Alabama, killing security guard Robert Sanderson and critically injuring nurse Emily Lyons. (The bomber, Eric Rudolph, was captured in May 2003 and is serving a life sentence.)In 2002, in his first State of the Union address, President George W. Bush said terrorists were still threatening America — and he warned of “an axis of evil” consisting of North Korea, Iran and Iraq.In 2007, Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was euthanized because of medical complications eight months after his gruesome breakdown at the Preakness Stakes.In 2013, the Justice Department ended its criminal probe of the Deepwater Horizon disaster and Gulf of Mexico oil spill, with a U.S. judge agreeing to let London-based oil giant BP PLC plead guilty to manslaughter charges for the deaths of 11 rig workers and pay a record $4 billion in penalties.In 2017, six people were killed in a shooting at a Quebec City mosque during evening prayers. (Alexandre Bissonnette, who was arrested nearby, pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder charges and was sentenced to life in prison.)In 2018, the Cleveland Indians announced that they would remove the Chief Wahoo logo from their uniforms in the coming baseball season, after decades of protests and complaints that the grinning, red-faced caricature was racist. (The Indians changed their name to the Guardians starting in the 2022 season).

Today in History, Jan. 29

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

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

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body and Poss of marijuana

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

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail.All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706533698100.png" alt="Williams, Meghan Renee" />
 <figcaption>Williams, Meghan Renee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Williams, Meghan ReneeREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706533749914.png" alt="Vallejo, Antonio Wayne" />
 <figcaption>Vallejo, Antonio Wayne</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Vallejo, Antonio WayneREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706533795568.png" alt="Slagle, Morgan Nicole" />
 <figcaption>Slagle, Morgan Nicole</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Slagle, Morgan NicoleREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body and Poss of marijuana<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706533851060.png" alt="Goble, Jakeb Robert" />
 <figcaption>Goble, Jakeb Robert</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Goble, Jakeb RobertREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity

Saline County Jail Bookings, Jan. 29

On Jan. 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after liftoff from Cape Canaveral, killing all seven crew members, including schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe.

In 1547, England’s King Henry VIII died; he was succeeded by his 9-year-old son, Edward VI.

In 1813, the novel “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen was first published anonymously in London.

In 1915, the United States Coast Guard was created as President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill merging the Life-Saving Service and Revenue Cutter Service.

In 1916, Louis D. Brandeis was nominated by President Woodrow Wilson to the Supreme Court, becoming the court’s first Jewish member.

In 1922, 98 people were killed when the roof of the Knickerbocker Theatre in Washington, D.C., collapsed under the weight of nearly two feet of snow.

In 1945, during World War II, Allied supplies began reaching China over the newly reopened Burma Road.

In 1956, Elvis Presley made his first national TV appearance on “Stage Show,” a CBS program hosted by Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey.

In 1973, a cease-fire officially went into effect in the Vietnam War, a day after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords by the United States, North Vietnam and South Vietnam.

In 1980, six U.S. diplomats who had avoided being taken hostage at their embassy in Tehran flew out of Iran with the help of Canadian diplomats.

In 1982, Italian anti-terrorism forces rescued U.S. Brig. Gen. James L. Dozier, 42 days after he had been kidnapped by the Red Brigades.

In 2011, chaos engulfed Egypt as protesters seized the streets of Cairo, battling police, burning down the ruling party’s headquarters and defying a military curfew.

In 2013, Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboard player Billy Powell, who survived the 1977 plane crash that killed three band members, died in Orange Park, Fla., at age 56.

In 2017, Serena Williams won her record 23rd Grand Slam singles title, defeating her sister Venus for what would be her final major championship.

In 2018, Bruno Mars won all six Grammy awards for which he was nominated, including album of the year for “24K Magic.”

In 2021, Cicely Tyson, the pioneering Black actor who gained an Oscar nomination for her role as the sharecropper’s wife in “Sounder” and touched TV viewers’ hearts in “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman,” died at age 96.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706454048405.jpeg" alt="FILE - In this Jan. 27, 1986, file photo, the crew for the Space Shuttle Challenger flight 51-L leaves their quarters for the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - In this Jan. 27, 1986, file photo, the crew for the Space Shuttle Challenger flight 51-L leaves their quarters for the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Today in History:</h2>On Jan. 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after liftoff from Cape Canaveral, killing all seven crew members, including schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe.<h2>On this date:</h2>In 1547, England’s King Henry VIII died; he was succeeded by his 9-year-old son, Edward VI.In 1813, the novel “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen was first published anonymously in London.In 1915, the United States Coast Guard was created as President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill merging the Life-Saving Service and Revenue Cutter Service.In 1916, Louis D. Brandeis was nominated by President Woodrow Wilson to the Supreme Court, becoming the court’s first Jewish member.In 1922, 98 people were killed when the roof of the Knickerbocker Theatre in Washington, D.C., collapsed under the weight of nearly two feet of snow.In 1945, during World War II, Allied supplies began reaching China over the newly reopened Burma Road.In 1956, Elvis Presley made his first national TV appearance on “Stage Show,” a CBS program hosted by Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey.In 1973, a cease-fire officially went into effect in the Vietnam War, a day after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords by the United States, North Vietnam and South Vietnam.In 1980, six U.S. diplomats who had avoided being taken hostage at their embassy in Tehran flew out of Iran with the help of Canadian diplomats.In 1982, Italian anti-terrorism forces rescued U.S. Brig. Gen. James L. Dozier, 42 days after he had been kidnapped by the Red Brigades.In 2011, chaos engulfed Egypt as protesters seized the streets of Cairo, battling police, burning down the ruling party’s headquarters and defying a military curfew.In 2013, Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboard player Billy Powell, who survived the 1977 plane crash that killed three band members, died in Orange Park, Fla., at age 56.In 2017, Serena Williams won her record 23rd Grand Slam singles title, defeating her sister Venus for what would be her final major championship.In 2018, Bruno Mars won all six Grammy awards for which he was nominated, including album of the year for “24K Magic.”In 2021, Cicely Tyson, the pioneering Black actor who gained an Oscar nomination for her role as the sharecropper’s wife in “Sounder” and touched TV viewers’ hearts in “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman,” died at age 96.

Today in History: January 28

MORRIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a chase involving a stolen truck.

Just before 8:30a.m. Friday, a Sheriff Deputy attempted to stop a truck near Old Highway 4 and 56 Highway that matched the description of a stolen vehicle reported out of Salina, according to a media release from the Morris County Sheriff.

The driver of the stolen truck failed to stop for the Deputy and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. A multi-jurisdictional chase continued through the southeast part of Morris County, through Northwest Lyon County and into the Northeast corner of Chase County.

 The driver abandoned the truck near the 2700 block of YY road in Chase County and fled on foot. Deputies from Chase County, Lyon County and Morris County set up a perimeter and immediately began searching the area. 

The multi-agency effort using drones from the Chase and Lyon County Sheriff Offices, Morris County K9 Kimber and several Deputies on foot led to locating two suspects approximately a half-mile from where the stolen truck was abandoned.

The two suspects are identified as 41-year-old Jason Oder and 42-year-old Michael Garrett both of Council Grove. The two suspects were transported to the Chase County Detention Center and booked on requested charges of Felony Theft, Felony Possession of Stolen Property, Felony Flee and Elude and Driving while Suspended.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706366295534.png" alt="-Police body camera image Morris Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>-Police body camera image Morris Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>MORRIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a chase involving a stolen truck.Just before 8:30a.m. Friday, a Sheriff Deputy attempted to stop a truck near Old Highway 4 and 56 Highway that matched the description of a stolen vehicle reported out of Salina, according to a media release from the Morris County Sheriff.The driver of the stolen truck failed to stop for the Deputy and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. A multi-jurisdictional chase continued through the southeast part of Morris County, through Northwest Lyon County and into the Northeast corner of Chase County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706366621719.png" alt="Garrett-photo Morris Co." />
 <figcaption>Garrett-photo Morris Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> The driver abandoned the truck near the 2700 block of YY road in Chase County and fled on foot. Deputies from Chase County, Lyon County and Morris County set up a perimeter and immediately began searching the area. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706366545725.png" alt="Oder-photo Morris Co." />
 <figcaption>Oder-photo Morris Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The multi-agency effort using drones from the Chase and Lyon County Sheriff Offices, Morris County K9 Kimber and several Deputies on foot led to locating two suspects approximately a half-mile from where the stolen truck was abandoned.The two suspects are identified as 41-year-old Jason Oder and 42-year-old Michael Garrett both of Council Grove. The two suspects were transported to the Chase County Detention Center and booked on requested charges of Felony Theft, Felony Possession of Stolen Property, Felony Flee and Elude and Driving while Suspended.

Suspects in truck stolen from Salina captured after 3 county chase

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Sundowner West Mobile Home Park public water supply system located in Saline County. The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

Laboratory testing samples collected from the Sundowner West Mobile Home Park indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 785-479-6864 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FConsumer-Information-Regarding-a-Disrupt%3Futm_medium%3Demail%26utm_source%3Dgovdelivery&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cphilip.harris%40ks.gov%7C59d14495d181461e259b08dc1d2d6029%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C638417327928456826%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=bE5ac3%2Fe1sO97WATY9YJmwt6%2BNumKdfBUaGbwcwXT4k%3D&amp;reserved=0">kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption</a>.

Salina Post has contacted KDHE staff and posed questions regarding the samples taken from Sundowner West.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706371129693.jpeg" alt="Boil Water Advisory rescinded. Graphic courtesy Kansas Department of Health and Environment, KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Boil Water Advisory rescinded. Graphic courtesy Kansas Department of Health and Environment, KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Sundowner West Mobile Home Park public water supply system located in Saline County. The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.Laboratory testing samples collected from the Sundowner West Mobile Home Park indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 785-479-6864 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FConsumer-Information-Regarding-a-Disrupt%3Futm_medium%3Demail%26utm_source%3Dgovdelivery&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cphilip.harris%40ks.gov%7C59d14495d181461e259b08dc1d2d6029%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C638417327928456826%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=bE5ac3%2Fe1sO97WATY9YJmwt6%2BNumKdfBUaGbwcwXT4k%3D&amp;reserved=0">kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption</a>.Salina Post has contacted KDHE staff and posed questions regarding the samples taken from Sundowner West.

Boil Water Advisory Rescinded for Sundowner West MHP, Saline County

According to the Wichita National Weather Service, areas of patchy fog will continue this morning across central and south-central Kansas.

Visibility may be reduced to around one mile at times. 

NWS Meteorologists also forecast light rain in some regions of south-central parts of the state, and freezing fog may create slick spots throughout the morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706370093254.jpeg" alt="Graphic courtesy Wichita NWS" />
 <figcaption>Graphic courtesy Wichita NWS</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTAccording to the Wichita National Weather Service, areas of patchy fog will continue this morning across central and south-central Kansas.Visibility may be reduced to around one mile at times. NWS Meteorologists also forecast light rain in some regions of south-central parts of the state, and freezing fog may create slick spots throughout the morning.

Wichita NWS forecasts freezing fog, reducing visibility and possibly slick spots on the road

On Jan. 27, 1967, astronauts Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom, Edward H. White and Roger B. Chaffee died in a flash fire during a test aboard their Apollo spacecraft.

In 1756, composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria.

In 1880, Thomas Edison received a patent for his electric incandescent lamp.

In 1888, the National Geographic Society was incorporated in Washington, D.C.

In 1944, during World War II, the Soviet Union announced the complete end of the deadly German siege of Leningrad, which had lasted for more than two years.

In 1945, during World War II, Soviet troops liberated the Nazi concentration camps Auschwitz and Birkenau in Poland.

In 1973, the Vietnam peace accords were signed in Paris.

In 1981, President Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy, greeted at the White House the 52 former American hostages released by Iran.

In 1984, singer Michael Jackson suffered serious burns to his scalp when pyrotechnics set his hair on fire during the filming of a Pepsi-Cola TV commercial at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

In 2006, Western Union delivered its last telegram.

In 2010, Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the iPad tablet during a presentation in San Francisco. and J.D. Salinger, the reclusive author of “The Catcher in the Rye,” died in Cornish, New Hampshire, at age 91.

In 2013, Flames raced through a crowded nightclub in southern Brazil, killing 242 people.

In 2017, President Donald Trump barred all refugees from entering the United States for four months, declaring the ban necessary to prevent “radical Islamic terrorists” from entering the nation.

In 2018, comic strip artist Mort Walker, a World War II veteran who satirized the Army with the antics of the lazy private “Beetle Bailey,” died in Connecticut at age 94.

In 2020, China confirmed more than 2,700 cases of the new coronavirus with more than 80 deaths in that country. U.S. health officials said they believed the risk to Americans remained low and that they had no evidence that the new virus was spreading in the United States.

In 2021, Cloris Leachman, who won an Oscar for the “The Last Picture Show” and Emmys for her comic work on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and other TV series, died at 94.

In 2022, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer confirmed that he would step down from the court later in the year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706368370582.jpeg" alt="In this undated photo made available by NASA, from left, veteran astronaut Virgil Grissom, first American spacewalker Ed White and rookie Roger Chaffee, stand for a photograph in Cape Kennedy, Fla. During a launch pad test on Jan. 27, 1967, a flash fire erupted inside their capsule killing the three Apollo crew members. (NASA via AP)" />
 <figcaption>In this undated photo made available by NASA, from left, veteran astronaut Virgil Grissom, first American spacewalker Ed White and rookie Roger Chaffee, stand for a photograph in Cape Kennedy, Fla. During a launch pad test on Jan. 27, 1967, a flash fire erupted inside their capsule killing the three Apollo crew members. (NASA via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Today’s Highlight in History:</h2>On Jan. 27, 1967, astronauts Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom, Edward H. White and Roger B. Chaffee died in a flash fire during a test aboard their Apollo spacecraft.<h2>On this date:</h2>In 1756, composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria.In 1880, Thomas Edison received a patent for his electric incandescent lamp.In 1888, the National Geographic Society was incorporated in Washington, D.C.In 1944, during World War II, the Soviet Union announced the complete end of the deadly German siege of Leningrad, which had lasted for more than two years.In 1945, during World War II, Soviet troops liberated the Nazi concentration camps Auschwitz and Birkenau in Poland.In 1973, the Vietnam peace accords were signed in Paris.In 1981, President Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy, greeted at the White House the 52 former American hostages released by Iran.In 1984, singer Michael Jackson suffered serious burns to his scalp when pyrotechnics set his hair on fire during the filming of a Pepsi-Cola TV commercial at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.In 2006, Western Union delivered its last telegram.In 2010, Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the iPad tablet during a presentation in San Francisco. and J.D. Salinger, the reclusive author of “The Catcher in the Rye,” died in Cornish, New Hampshire, at age 91.In 2013, Flames raced through a crowded nightclub in southern Brazil, killing 242 people.In 2017, President Donald Trump barred all refugees from entering the United States for four months, declaring the ban necessary to prevent “radical Islamic terrorists” from entering the nation.In 2018, comic strip artist Mort Walker, a World War II veteran who satirized the Army with the antics of the lazy private “Beetle Bailey,” died in Connecticut at age 94.In 2020, China confirmed more than 2,700 cases of the new coronavirus with more than 80 deaths in that country. U.S. health officials said they believed the risk to Americans remained low and that they had no evidence that the new virus was spreading in the United States.In 2021, Cloris Leachman, who won an Oscar for the “The Last Picture Show” and Emmys for her comic work on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and other TV series, died at 94.In 2022, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer confirmed that he would step down from the court later in the year.

Today in History, January 27

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."

It’s another packed house at Theatre Salina. The audience, ripe with anticipation, suspends disbelief to enter a different time and place.&nbsp; On a Friday or Saturday night the sounds of laughter, resounding applause, tearful sniffles, and gasps of astoundment are all too common at Theatre Salina's Kephart Stage.

 Theatrical productions have a long history in the Salina community. Staged at the large opera houses, plays, musical acts, and dance revues came to Salina as traveling shows. 

In 1960 Salina saw its first community-produced show using local actors, directors, and stagehands. The non for profit group, the Salina Community Theatre Association was born. The organization's first hire was Charles Kephart.&nbsp;

A Salina native and graduate of Salina High School, Kephart served in the Air Force from 1950 to 1954. According to a video interview with Kephart published on Theatre Salina's website, he attended Kansas Wesleyan University.&nbsp;

"We had the GI Bill and I'd never been to college," Kephart said. "I had a class in speech and drama and I got into a play and I thought my gosh, this was a lot of fun."

After completing his undergraduate degree, Kephart attended the University of Kansas to study theatre before returning to Salina.&nbsp;

Community theatre wasn't a new concept for Salina. Since 1935 "The Curtain Callers" held theatre performances at various places around town.&nbsp;

"It was a group like so many communities have where people who are interested in plays will get together once or twice a year," Kephart said. "Jerry always had the idea that there was much more potential to the Theatre than just getting together once or twice a year."

&nbsp;By 1968, the theatre board realized that it needed its own building. The Theatre raised $213,000 for construction and equipment.&nbsp;

"In 1972, when the Kephart Theatre was built, was a seminal moment in our organization," Spicer said. "When you&nbsp;have a home where people can find you, and you're consistently there, you begin to build a production motif that makes sense for you."&nbsp;&nbsp;

With its new building,and&nbsp; construction finished,&nbsp; the theatre was able to create higher-level productions and reach new heights. In 1985, Charles was inducted into the Kansas Theatre Hall of Fame. Then in 1992, through the generosity of local donors, the Lesta Vanier Wing was built.&nbsp;

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/83566e10-1ec0-4dfd-9bba-5d073addff8a">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Memorial Hall - Vol. 25</a>

"The Lesta Vanier Wing increased the capacity of the theater and made us produce more," Spicer said. " We added a scene shop, costume shop, a rehearsal room and offices."

Charles retired in 1995, leaving it in the temporary hands of Tim Jebsen for two years before Spicer became executive director in 1997. During his retirement, Kephart served on the Kansas Arts Commission and the Salina Arts and Humanities Commission. He was also a major player in the restoration of Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts and served on the theater's first board of directors. 

Kephart, died on July 27, 2013, leaving behind a legacy of championship for the arts, especially community theatre.&nbsp;

Theatre Salina has supported children’s programming since its origin. . Classes available at the Center for Theare Arts have expanded to include theatre classes, vocal, music theatre and dance classes for all ages. According to a CTA brochure, it is the only performing arts academy between Topeka and Denver.&nbsp;

In 2001, the theater was the national winner of the Association American Association of Community Theaters Festival with its production of "Wit" and that same year received the Governor's Arts Award.&nbsp;

In 2011, the theatre's board of directors decided it was time to expand.&nbsp;

“When we built this building, we hoped we would grow registration from 50 to maybe 150 student registrations a year. Well, we've been consistently at 350 student registrations for several years now,” Spicer said.

A new education wing, a larger costume storage area, two dance studios, The Sunflower Financial Theatre, and more offices and storage space were added to the theatre's existing location on 303 East Iron Ave.

Theatre Salina shows 14 original productions each year — seven on the main stage, four Center for Theatre Arts Education shows, an original choreography production and a new "After Dark" series for 2024.&nbsp;

"After Dark" plans to challenge actors on the stage with newer and more challenging scripts.

The theatre group also partners with Salina Symphony and Kansas Wesleyan University to provide various productions annually.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691164615840.png" alt="Flashback Friday Logo" />
 <figcaption>Flashback Friday Logo</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."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668310436843.jpeg" alt="Theatre Salina building front. Image courtesy Theatre Salina" />
 <figcaption>Theatre Salina building front. Image courtesy Theatre Salina</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTIt’s another packed house at Theatre Salina. The audience, ripe with anticipation, suspends disbelief to enter a different time and place.&nbsp; On a Friday or Saturday night the sounds of laughter, resounding applause, tearful sniffles, and gasps of astoundment are all too common at Theatre Salina's Kephart Stage. Theatrical productions have a long history in the Salina community. Staged at the large opera houses, plays, musical acts, and dance revues came to Salina as traveling shows. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706304322634.jpeg" alt="A digital copy of a cast photo from one of Salina Community Theatre's productions. Elizabeth Hall Selby, is second from the left in the front row. The cast is in costume with several animal props around them standing on the decorated stage. There are no markings on the back. Possibly the cast of the Salina Community Theatre. They performed in the Washington High School Building. Image Courtesy Smoky Hill Museum." />
 <figcaption>A digital copy of a cast photo from one of Salina Community Theatre's productions. Elizabeth Hall Selby, is second from the left in the front row. The cast is in costume with several animal props around them standing on the decorated stage. There are no markings on the back. Possibly the cast of the Salina Community Theatre. They performed in the Washington High School Building. Image Courtesy Smoky Hill Museum.</figcaption>
 </figure>In 1960 Salina saw its first community-produced show using local actors, directors, and stagehands. The non for profit group, the Salina Community Theatre Association was born. The organization's first hire was Charles Kephart.&nbsp;A Salina native and graduate of Salina High School, Kephart served in the Air Force from 1950 to 1954. According to a video interview with Kephart published on Theatre Salina's website, he attended Kansas Wesleyan University.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706304525194.jpeg" alt="The Salina Community Theatre staged plays in the former Washington High School until 1971 when the building was razed. Washington High School, 1910-1935.&nbsp;Image Courtesy Smoky Hill Museum." />
 <figcaption>The Salina Community Theatre staged plays in the former Washington High School until 1971 when the building was razed. Washington High School, 1910-1935.&nbsp;Image Courtesy Smoky Hill Museum.</figcaption>
 </figure>"We had the GI Bill and I'd never been to college," Kephart said. "I had a class in speech and drama and I got into a play and I thought my gosh, this was a lot of fun."After completing his undergraduate degree, Kephart attended the University of Kansas to study theatre before returning to Salina.&nbsp;Community theatre wasn't a new concept for Salina. Since 1935 "The Curtain Callers" held theatre performances at various places around town.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706304197593.jpeg" alt="Building the set of Mr. Roberts from the 1982-1983 season.&nbsp;Image Courtesy Theatre Salina." />
 <figcaption>Building the set of Mr. Roberts from the 1982-1983 season.&nbsp;Image Courtesy Theatre Salina.</figcaption>
 </figure>"It was a group like so many communities have where people who are interested in plays will get together once or twice a year," Kephart said. "Jerry always had the idea that there was much more potential to the Theatre than just getting together once or twice a year."&nbsp;By 1968, the theatre board realized that it needed its own building. The Theatre raised $213,000 for construction and equipment.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706323723941.jpeg" alt=" Music Man from the 1972-1973 Season. This was the first show produced at the 303 E. Iron building after it was built. Image Courtesy Theatre Salina" />
 <figcaption> Music Man from the 1972-1973 Season. This was the first show produced at the 303 E. Iron building after it was built. Image Courtesy Theatre Salina</figcaption>
 </figure>"In 1972, when the Kephart Theatre was built, was a seminal moment in our organization," Spicer said. "When you&nbsp;have a home where people can find you, and you're consistently there, you begin to build a production motif that makes sense for you."&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706304711522.jpeg" alt="Theatre Salina's 2000-2001 production of Peter Pan. Image Courtesy Theatre Salina." />
 <figcaption>Theatre Salina's 2000-2001 production of Peter Pan. Image Courtesy Theatre Salina.</figcaption>
 </figure>With its new building,and&nbsp; construction finished,&nbsp; the theatre was able to create higher-level productions and reach new heights. In 1985, Charles was inducted into the Kansas Theatre Hall of Fame. Then in 1992, through the generosity of local donors, the Lesta Vanier Wing was built.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706304155246.jpeg" alt="Into the Woods from the 2004-2005 season.&nbsp;Image Courtesy Theatre Salina." />
 <figcaption>Into the Woods from the 2004-2005 season.&nbsp;Image Courtesy Theatre Salina.</figcaption>
 </figure>READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/83566e10-1ec0-4dfd-9bba-5d073addff8a">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Memorial Hall - Vol. 25</a>"The Lesta Vanier Wing increased the capacity of the theater and made us produce more," Spicer said. " We added a scene shop, costume shop, a rehearsal room and offices."Charles retired in 1995, leaving it in the temporary hands of Tim Jebsen for two years before Spicer became executive director in 1997. During his retirement, Kephart served on the Kansas Arts Commission and the Salina Arts and Humanities Commission. He was also a major player in the restoration of Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts and served on the theater's first board of directors. Kephart, died on July 27, 2013, leaving behind a legacy of championship for the arts, especially community theatre.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706304228449.jpeg" alt="Theatre Salina Footloose from the 2011-2012 Season.&nbsp;Image Courtesy Theatre Salina." />
 <figcaption>Theatre Salina Footloose from the 2011-2012 Season.&nbsp;Image Courtesy Theatre Salina.</figcaption>
 </figure>Theatre Salina has supported children’s programming since its origin. . Classes available at the Center for Theare Arts have expanded to include theatre classes, vocal, music theatre and dance classes for all ages. According to a CTA brochure, it is the only performing arts academy between Topeka and Denver.&nbsp;In 2001, the theater was the national winner of the Association American Association of Community Theaters Festival with its production of "Wit" and that same year received the Governor's Arts Award.&nbsp;In 2011, the theatre's board of directors decided it was time to expand.&nbsp;“When we built this building, we hoped we would grow registration from 50 to maybe 150 student registrations a year. Well, we've been consistently at 350 student registrations for several years now,” Spicer said.A new education wing, a larger costume storage area, two dance studios, The Sunflower Financial Theatre, and more offices and storage space were added to the theatre's existing location on 303 East Iron Ave.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706304854204.jpeg" alt="2017&nbsp; production of Beauty and the Beast. Image Courtesy Theatre Salina." />
 <figcaption>2017&nbsp; production of Beauty and the Beast. Image Courtesy Theatre Salina.</figcaption>
 </figure>Theatre Salina shows 14 original productions each year — seven on the main stage, four Center for Theatre Arts Education shows, an original choreography production and a new "After Dark" series for 2024.&nbsp;"After Dark" plans to challenge actors on the stage with newer and more challenging scripts.The theatre group also partners with Salina Symphony and Kansas Wesleyan University to provide various productions annually.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dMjRjf4Kaz8?si=DWzGBS9vVz5V_yTC" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Theatre Salina - Vol. 26

Join 910KINA's Saturday Morning Show hosts Dave and Sam this Saturday from 9-11 a.m. on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.910kina.com/">910AM 107.5 FM.</a>

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="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KINA&amp;embedOpened=true&amp;embedOpenedApp=song&amp;embedOpenedSong=910683and6831076845683KINA&amp;embedOpenedArtist=&amp;embedOpenedAlbum=">here.</a>

9:05 a.m.&nbsp; Genell Heimer, Nurse and Community Outreach Supervisor and Kelli Bowles, Community Outreach Nurse, Salina Family Health Care Center on February Heart Month

9:30 a.m.&nbsp; Lisa McDowell, Salina Post Wedding Fair.

10:05 a.m  Michelle Weis, Executive Director Saline County Emergency Management on Fire on the Plains

10:30 a.m. Rodney Denholm, Certified Credit Counselor, Consumer Credit Counseling Service on Working Through Consumer Debt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691172591916.png" alt="Dave and Sam" />
 <figcaption>Dave and Sam</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTJoin 910KINA's Saturday Morning Show hosts Dave and Sam this Saturday from 9-11 a.m. on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.910kina.com/">910AM 107.5 FM.</a>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="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KINA&amp;embedOpened=true&amp;embedOpenedApp=song&amp;embedOpenedSong=910683and6831076845683KINA&amp;embedOpenedArtist=&amp;embedOpenedAlbum=">here.</a><h2>This Week's Saturday Morning Show Lineup</h2>9:05 a.m.&nbsp; Genell Heimer, Nurse and Community Outreach Supervisor and Kelli Bowles, Community Outreach Nurse, Salina Family Health Care Center on February Heart Month9:30 a.m.&nbsp; Lisa McDowell, Salina Post Wedding Fair.10:05 a.m Michelle Weis, Executive Director Saline County Emergency Management on Fire on the Plains10:30 a.m. Rodney Denholm, Certified Credit Counselor, Consumer Credit Counseling Service on Working Through Consumer Debt.

910KINA Saturday Morning Show lineup

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall.&nbsp;

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rKCM-ZYibfo?si=3Yp0xymsJ9uhNLiV" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall.&nbsp;

🎤Forward Ever: U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall

By NATE KING and OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

As Misty Livingston-Holmes, a 43-year-old resident of Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home and Trailer Park, prepared for her morning on Friday, Jan. 12, she lifted her faucet handle, and nothing happened.

Even though the water didn’t flow, a new cascade began. Months of inconsistent billing, water pressure and communication finally spilled over with residents reporting no clean running water for more than a week.

Livingston-Holmes moved to Sundowner West when she was eight years old. She said the water pressure was never impressive, but that turned out to be the beginning of the decline in the community’s water quality.

“It's happened more times than I can count,” Livingston-Holmes said. “We’ve never had good water pressure. It’s been decent, and decent is putting it loosely.”

Low water pressure soon turned into faucets pouring black, sludgy liquid intermittently, which Livingston-Holmes said often smelled of strong chemicals or sewage.&nbsp;

These issues were just the latest from years of mismanagement, with many residents reporting water contaminants from as early as the 1990s, but many remember when Sundowner West was a safe haven from the fast city life.

A handful of residents grew up in the community, including Livingston-Holmes, who recalled her childhood as one of joy, playfulness and exploration. Today, her children experience dry skin, stinky water and regular disruptions in routine.&nbsp;

One of the longest-standing residents, Galen Elliott and his wife, Bonnie Elliott, moved to Sundowner West Meadows in 1976, shortly after the owner, Frank Norton, opened mobile home lots on the Sundowner West Campgrounds.

According to Kerry Ingalsbe, another Sundowner West resident, Norton began developing the community after a tornado destroyed his other project twice — Sundowner East.&nbsp;

Norton then began developing Sundowner West and the land where Sundowner East once stood as a new development, Highland Meadows Hamlet, a multi-million dollar housing project.

Sundowner West began as a campground project, complete with a swimming pool, convenience store, pond and creek access, with almost 50 RV sites available to visitors.

Elliott said when he moved out there, he was one of the first homes on Rifle Road, with just a few others populating the neighborhood at the time.&nbsp;

“We could go down and fish whenever we wanted,” Elliott said. “The campground was right on the east side of the pond, they had a swimming pool up there. We’d go swimming up there whenever we wanted to, and right just north of where that swimming pool used to be was the clubhouse and a little store up there, so if you needed something, you didn’t have to run all the way to town.”

In 1989, Livingston-Holmes moved in and recalled when she would play with her cousins and other family living in the park, visiting the creek bed to catch turtles and other stream wildlife.

“It used to be fun out here,” Livingston-Holmes said. “I was telling my kids, ‘I feel so bad for you guys because when I lived out here, we had so much to do.’ we had a cool crick, we had a pool, the pond was so big you could put paddle boats out and fish.”

Kerry Ingalsbe moved to Sundowner West with his wife, Melina Ingalsbe, in 1993 and witnessed the park’s transformation from a peaceful community to one abandoned and wrought with strife.

While Sundowner West continued to gain residents, Norton continued both projects somewhat, leaving Sundowner West neglected by its owner.

“Sundowner East went from a mobile home park to lots with half a million to $1 million homes,” Kerry Ingalsbe said. “Once that development started, they forgot about us.”

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/06567217-4e0d-49be-9a97-b05ef4b7ec7d">Blacksmith Coffee continues conversation on small building signs in town</a>

As Norton got older, less was done to maintain the community’s infrastructure and amenities. The pool was removed, and the RV campground, restaurant and convenience store closed.&nbsp;

The following paragraphs have been updated to reflect new information provided by individuals previously involved with Sundowner West.

According to Todd Michaelis, sometime between 2017 and 2019, Monte Shadwick, a Saline County Commissioner, acquired the easement rights and Michaelis would assist Shadwick until he moved to Lawrence in 2019.

“I think they [Shadwick] purchased that for free money,” Kerry Ingalsbe said. “I think they thought they were going to get free money, collecting money from poor people.”

Shadwick left shortly after Michaelis, but before leaving, Shadwick hired Scott Kolling to oversee the pumps and water utility infrastructure.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706028731415.jpeg" alt="The tap trickles while fully open and smells strongly of chlorine at Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park resident Misty Livingston-Holmes' house on Wednesday, Jan. 17, near Hedville. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The tap trickles while fully open and smells strongly of chlorine at Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park resident Misty Livingston-Holmes' house on Wednesday, Jan. 17, near Hedville. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING and OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostAs Misty Livingston-Holmes, a 43-year-old resident of Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home and Trailer Park, prepared for her morning on Friday, Jan. 12, she lifted her faucet handle, and nothing happened.Even though the water didn’t flow, a new cascade began. Months of inconsistent billing, water pressure and communication finally spilled over with residents reporting no clean running water for more than a week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706028904444.jpeg" alt="Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park resident Misty Livingston-Holmes holds up a water bottle filled with water collected from on her property on Wednesday, Jan. 17, near Hedville. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park resident Misty Livingston-Holmes holds up a water bottle filled with water collected from on her property on Wednesday, Jan. 17, near Hedville. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Livingston-Holmes moved to Sundowner West when she was eight years old. She said the water pressure was never impressive, but that turned out to be the beginning of the decline in the community’s water quality.“It's happened more times than I can count,” Livingston-Holmes said. “We’ve never had good water pressure. It’s been decent, and decent is putting it loosely.”Low water pressure soon turned into faucets pouring black, sludgy liquid intermittently, which Livingston-Holmes said often smelled of strong chemicals or sewage.&nbsp;These issues were just the latest from years of mismanagement, with many residents reporting water contaminants from as early as the 1990s, but many remember when Sundowner West was a safe haven from the fast city life.A handful of residents grew up in the community, including Livingston-Holmes, who recalled her childhood as one of joy, playfulness and exploration. Today, her children experience dry skin, stinky water and regular disruptions in routine.&nbsp;<h2>Sundowner community’s early days</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706036981199.png" alt="Bonnie Elliott turns her kitchen water on only to see a trickle come out of the faucet. Photo by Nate King/Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>Bonnie Elliott turns her kitchen water on only to see a trickle come out of the faucet. Photo by Nate King/Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure>One of the longest-standing residents, Galen Elliott and his wife, Bonnie Elliott, moved to Sundowner West Meadows in 1976, shortly after the owner, Frank Norton, opened mobile home lots on the Sundowner West Campgrounds.According to Kerry Ingalsbe, another Sundowner West resident, Norton began developing the community after a tornado destroyed his other project twice — Sundowner East.&nbsp;Norton then began developing Sundowner West and the land where Sundowner East once stood as a new development, Highland Meadows Hamlet, a multi-million dollar housing project.Sundowner West began as a campground project, complete with a swimming pool, convenience store, pond and creek access, with almost 50 RV sites available to visitors.Elliott said when he moved out there, he was one of the first homes on Rifle Road, with just a few others populating the neighborhood at the time.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706028676099.jpeg" alt="The intersection of Sundowner and Remington Roads at Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park on Wednesday, Jan. 17, near Hedville. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The intersection of Sundowner and Remington Roads at Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park on Wednesday, Jan. 17, near Hedville. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>“We could go down and fish whenever we wanted,” Elliott said. “The campground was right on the east side of the pond, they had a swimming pool up there. We’d go swimming up there whenever we wanted to, and right just north of where that swimming pool used to be was the clubhouse and a little store up there, so if you needed something, you didn’t have to run all the way to town.”In 1989, Livingston-Holmes moved in and recalled when she would play with her cousins and other family living in the park, visiting the creek bed to catch turtles and other stream wildlife.“It used to be fun out here,” Livingston-Holmes said. “I was telling my kids, ‘I feel so bad for you guys because when I lived out here, we had so much to do.’ we had a cool crick, we had a pool, the pond was so big you could put paddle boats out and fish.”Kerry Ingalsbe moved to Sundowner West with his wife, Melina Ingalsbe, in 1993 and witnessed the park’s transformation from a peaceful community to one abandoned and wrought with strife.While Sundowner West continued to gain residents, Norton continued both projects somewhat, leaving Sundowner West neglected by its owner.“Sundowner East went from a mobile home park to lots with half a million to $1 million homes,” Kerry Ingalsbe said. “Once that development started, they forgot about us.”READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/06567217-4e0d-49be-9a97-b05ef4b7ec7d">Blacksmith Coffee continues conversation on small building signs in town</a>As Norton got older, less was done to maintain the community’s infrastructure and amenities. The pool was removed, and the RV campground, restaurant and convenience store closed.&nbsp;The following paragraphs have been updated to reflect new information provided by individuals previously involved with Sundowner West.According to Todd Michaelis, sometime between 2017 and 2019, Monte Shadwick, a Saline County Commissioner, acquired the easement rights and Michaelis would assist Shadwick until he moved to Lawrence in 2019.“I think they [Shadwick] purchased that for free money,” Kerry Ingalsbe said. “I think they thought they were going to get free money, collecting money from poor people.”Shadwick left shortly after Michaelis, but before leaving, Shadwick hired Scott Kolling to oversee the pumps and water utility infrastructure.“That was when a lot of the problems began, was two years ago when Scott took over,” Livingston-Holmes said.<h2>Under new management</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706028638167.jpeg" alt="The well house and pump room at Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park on Wednesday, Jan. 17, near Hedville. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The well house and pump room at Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park on Wednesday, Jan. 17, near Hedville. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>In the summer of 2021, residents began to notice a change. Melina Ingelsbe said paying their water bill became a constant fight and headache, often ending in screaming matches.&nbsp;“Our water got to be really bad, and we wouldn't get a bill for maybe eight months,” Melina Ingelsbe said. “Then he [Kolling] would send us a bill for hundreds of dollars and say, ‘If you don't pay me right now, I'm going to shut your water off.’”Melina is not alone. Residents describe Kolling as explosive and a poor communicator when problems or issues arise.<div><div class="flourish-embed flourish-photo-slider" data-src="visualisation/16551555"><script src="https://public.flourish.studio/resources/embed.js"></script></div></div>Livingston-Holmes said she had a dispute with Kolling over a $599 water bill that arrived after months of little to no contact with Kolling. When she denied paying the bill, Kolling decided to take action, visiting Livingston-Holmes personally.&nbsp;“I stood my ground,” Livingston-Holmes said. “He walked up my driveway, and he had a wrench in his hand because he was going to shut my meter off. He raised it like he was going to hit me.”According to Livingston-Holmes, she said only a few words to Kolling after he raised the wrench above his head.“I said [to him], ‘You better hope you get me on the first time,’” Livingston-Holmes said.She wasn’t the only resident to have disputes with Kolling and his control of the water easement.&nbsp;Peggy Young and her 10-year-old son moved to Sundowner West in May 2023, and before arriving at her new property, Young said she attempted to contact Kolling to set up billing and gather any relevant information about the property.“He said, ‘Oh, no, just write a check and put it in the mailbox down the street.’ I said, ‘Okay, wait, I broke my leg. I cannot walk, and you want me to go down the street and write you a blank check?’ No, that's not how that works,” Young said.Young, alongside other residents, claimed that Kolling is hardly on the property to assist when issues arise, leading to long response times and delayed action.“Don't treat us like we're stupid because we're not,” Young said.Many children live at Sundowner West, and with inconsistent water quality and pressure, many struggle to maintain a regular schedule alongside school or work activities. Young said her son is especially impacted since he lives with behavioral disabilities like autism, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557443/">ODD</a>, ADHD and <a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/disruptive-mood-dysregulation-disorder#:~:text=What%20is%20disruptive%20mood%20dysregulation,DMDD%20symptoms%20are%20severe.">DMDD</a>, which all require a strict schedule for normalcy.&nbsp;The consistent disruptions in the young child’s schedule cause confusion and frustration between him and Young, leading to a stressful situation worsening for the family.“Anything change-wise is terrible for him,” Young said. “Right now is awful because I'm trying to explain to him why we're going over to his stepdad's house to take a shower every day — and that's disrupting his schedule.”Kerry Ingelsbe told Salina Post he knows why people have black water.&nbsp;“You could go to any house out here and get one of the three-quarter inch pipes, and you'd have a pencil that you could fit inside of the gunk that's stored up on the sides of those pipes. I’ve seen it myself,” Kerry Ingalsbe said.These disruptions continue to affect many residents in the neighborhood, with Livingston-Holmes recording about 15 children still without reliable water to use in everyday life, now 11 days since water pressure and quality dropped for the entire neighborhood.In the days that followed, Livingston-Holmes said Kolling distributed water, but only to those who complained to him about their water, not to everyone impacted.&nbsp;Joe Hay, Saline County Commissioner of District 5, who represents the residents of Sundowner West, said the county offered to provide some funding to fix the water system to Kolling, but the paperwork never returned to county staff.“According to Philip Smith-Hanes, Scott was offered up to $50,000 In ARPA funds to address this,” Hay said. “It was out there for him to take it — he only would have had to get the estimates, get to work, get the work done and could have had a check, cut, bang, it's over with.”“I’m not sure if $50,000 would have taken care of that whole system, but I think it would have made it to the point where people probably wouldn’t have had to put up with this right now.”<h2>A community waiting for answers</h2>On Jan. 14, The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a boil water advisory for the Sundowner community. When KDHE issued the advisory, few homes in the community had running water to boil. This advisory left many residents feeling unheard and angry that something like this could happen and no one would be held responsible.“My mind started racing — I asked myself, ‘How can I help? What can I do?’” Livingston-Holmes said. “This is not okay. I know as a family if DCF were to come into our homes and if we couldn't provide our children a necessity, like water, our children would get taken away. This business owner needs to be held accountable.”Livingston-Holmes contacted the Saline County Sheriff’s Office first, who then reached out to County Emergency Management for help.&nbsp;Emergency Management gave Kolling two hours to get temporary water to everyone, but according to county staff and the residents at Sundowner West, that didn't happen.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706044149224.jpeg" alt="A Salina Salvation Army volunteer and Salvation Army Lt. Luke Hirsch prepare provisions for residents at Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home and Trailer Park. Photo courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>A Salina Salvation Army volunteer and Salvation Army Lt. Luke Hirsch prepare provisions for residents at Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home and Trailer Park. Photo courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>On Tuesday, Jan. 16, county officials stepped in. Saline County Emergency Management and Salina Salvation Army delivered bottled water and sack lunches to the community. A seemingly small gesture that provided temporary relief but did not solve the overall problem — the need for clean running water.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Jan. 18, KDHE attempted to conduct tests on the water at Livingston-Holmes’ house but was unsuccessful.&nbsp;“She said she couldn’t perform the tests because the chlorine was too strong — while she was here in my house, she told me that a threat had been received and she would have to leave,” Livingston-Holmes said.Livingston-Holmes and others waited three additional days before the KDHE returned to the community on Monday to test.&nbsp;“I had to shut my bathroom door because the chlorine smell was going all through my house,” Livingston-Holmes said.” Some days it smells like the chlorine and the strong bleach smell, and then there are some days where you smell a urine or poop smell.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706028953147.jpeg" alt="The pressure read at only 10 psi for Misty Livingston-Holmes house at Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park on Wednesday, Jan. 17, near Hedville. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The pressure read at only 10 psi for Misty Livingston-Holmes house at Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park on Wednesday, Jan. 17, near Hedville. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/members/rep_concannon_susan_1/">Rep. Susan Concannon</a>, Kansas State Representative of District 107 and former resident of Saline County, said she is aware of the situation.&nbsp;"I am not involved in any water issues currently, so I've had to do a little background work to find out who to talk to and where to start," Concannon said.&nbsp;Concannon only recently became Sundowner residents' elected official after the state legislature conducted redistricting in 2022."I made some calls this morning before my day got started. I do care about this. It sounds awful what these families are going through," Concannon said. "I hope that there is something that can be done but if nothing else, we certainly have people that need to know what happened."Salina Post is currently supporting a water drive for the Sundowner community. Please bring cases or jugs of water to the Salina Post &nbsp;at 1825 S. Ohio St., Salina, KS 67401.Sundowner residents remain with either low water pressure or no water for some families, even though many have reached out to Salina community representatives and partners on the issue for years.&nbsp;On Monday, Jan. 22, KDHE successfully tested the water at Sundowner West, and Salina Post will update the story as that information becomes available.Kolling has reported to residents and staff that he is continuing to work on improving the water situation at Sundowner.&nbsp;There has been little progress toward restoring reliable access to safe drinking water for all residents.“Treat people the way you want to be treated,” Young said. “My mom always said, ‘It's gonna come back to bite you in the butt if you don't treat them right and one lie leads to another lie.”Salina Post reached out to Kolling for comment on this story and did not receive an answer.Salina Post contacted KDHE for comment on this story and did not receive an answer.

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