HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann is headed back to Washington on Tuesday after finishing up some town halls in Kansas, and the priority as he sees it for Congress, after talking to Kansans is southern border security.

"Every $10 billion we spend is about $30 per American," Mann said. "We've spent a little over $100 billion in Ukraine, which is a little over $300 per every American. Now, we're in a spot where the administration is coming to Congress asking for more money for Ukraine. I want Ukraine to win. I wish them well. I certainly don't want Russia to win. However, there's no plan. There's no strategy. Why would we send more money to Ukraine and help them to secure their border, when we're unwilling to secure our own? This makes no sense."

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fairus.org/sites/default/files/2023-03/Fiscal%20Burden%20of%20Illegal%20Immigration%20on%20American%20Taxpayers%202023%20WEB_0.pdf">Federation for American Immigration Reform reports</a> that in total, the gross cost of illegal immigration now totals $183 billion as of 2023.

"This is not good, whatsoever," Mann said. "I'm for legal immigration. But, this current system that is in place makes absolutely no sense."

Speaker Mike Johnson and over 60 House Republicans, including Kansas 4th District Congressman Ron Estes, visited the border on Jan. 3. House leadership wants to see the Senate take up H.R. 2 that it passed earlier this year and make it part of any aid package.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637681449641.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann is headed back to Washington on Tuesday after finishing up some town halls in Kansas, and the priority as he sees it for Congress, after talking to Kansans is southern border security."Every $10 billion we spend is about $30 per American," Mann said. "We've spent a little over $100 billion in Ukraine, which is a little over $300 per every American. Now, we're in a spot where the administration is coming to Congress asking for more money for Ukraine. I want Ukraine to win. I wish them well. I certainly don't want Russia to win. However, there's no plan. There's no strategy. Why would we send more money to Ukraine and help them to secure their border, when we're unwilling to secure our own? This makes no sense."The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fairus.org/sites/default/files/2023-03/Fiscal%20Burden%20of%20Illegal%20Immigration%20on%20American%20Taxpayers%202023%20WEB_0.pdf">Federation for American Immigration Reform reports</a> that in total, the gross cost of illegal immigration now totals $183 billion as of 2023."This is not good, whatsoever," Mann said. "I'm for legal immigration. But, this current system that is in place makes absolutely no sense."Speaker Mike Johnson and over 60 House Republicans, including Kansas 4th District Congressman Ron Estes, visited the border on Jan. 3. House leadership wants to see the Senate take up H.R. 2 that it passed earlier this year and make it part of any aid package.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Mann: Southern border needs to be funding priority

On Jan. 7, 1953, President Harry S. Truman announced in his State of the Union message to Congress that the United States had developed a hydrogen bomb.

In 1608, an accidental fire devastated the Jamestown settlement in the Virginia Colony.

In 1789, America held its first presidential election as voters chose electors who, a month later, selected George Washington to be the nation’s first chief executive.

In 1927, commercial transatlantic telephone service was inaugurated between New York and London.

In 1955, singer Marian Anderson made her debut with the Metropolitan Opera in New York, in Verdi’s “Un Ballo in Maschera.”

In 1959, the United States recognized the new government of Cuba, six days after Fidel Castro led the overthrow of Fulgencio Batista.

In 1963, the U.S. Post Office raised the cost of a first-class stamp from 4 to 5 cents.

In 1979, Vietnamese forces captured the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, overthrowing the Khmer Rouge government.

In 1989, Emperor Hirohito of Japan died in Tokyo at age 87; he was succeeded by his son, Crown Prince Akihito.

In 1999, for the second time in history, an impeached American president went on trial before the Senate. President Bill Clinton faced charges of perjury and obstruction of justice; he was acquitted.

In 2004, President George W. Bush proposed legal status, at least temporarily, for millions of immigrants improperly working in the U.S.

In 2013, No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide rolled top-ranked Notre Dame 42-14 for college football’s BCS championship.

In 2015, masked gunmen stormed the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo, a French newspaper that had caricatured the Prophet Muhammad, methodically killing 12 people, including the editor, before escaping in a car. (Two suspects were killed two days later.)

In 2018, the Golden Globes ceremony became an expression of female empowerment in the post-Harvey Weinstein era, capped by a speech in which Cecil B. DeMille Award winner Oprah Winfrey said of men who use their power to abuse women, “Their time is up!”

In 2019, Amazon eclipsed Microsoft as the most valuable publicly traded company in the U.S.

In 2022, three white men who chased and killed Ahmaud Arbery were sentenced to life in prison; a judge in Georgia denied any chance of parole for the father and son who armed themselves and initiated the deadly pursuit of the 25-year-old Black man after spotting him running in their neighborhood.

In 2023, Republican Kevin McCarthy was elected speaker of the House on a historic post-midnight 15th ballot, overcoming holdouts from his own ranks after a chaotic week that tested the new GOP majority’s ability to govern.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704641956324.jpeg" alt="President Harry Truman before the microphone where he delivered his nationwide speech from the White House on Dec. 15, 1950, declaring the United States is in grave danger announced plans for strengthening the military might and clamping down partial price control. (AP Photo/Herbert K. White)" />
 <figcaption>President Harry Truman before the microphone where he delivered his nationwide speech from the White House on Dec. 15, 1950, declaring the United States is in grave danger announced plans for strengthening the military might and clamping down partial price control. (AP Photo/Herbert K. White)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Today’s Highlight in History:</h2>On Jan. 7, 1953, President Harry S. Truman announced in his State of the Union message to Congress that the United States had developed a hydrogen bomb.<h2>On this date:</h2>In 1608, an accidental fire devastated the Jamestown settlement in the Virginia Colony.In 1789, America held its first presidential election as voters chose electors who, a month later, selected George Washington to be the nation’s first chief executive.In 1927, commercial transatlantic telephone service was inaugurated between New York and London.In 1955, singer Marian Anderson made her debut with the Metropolitan Opera in New York, in Verdi’s “Un Ballo in Maschera.”In 1959, the United States recognized the new government of Cuba, six days after Fidel Castro led the overthrow of Fulgencio Batista.In 1963, the U.S. Post Office raised the cost of a first-class stamp from 4 to 5 cents.In 1979, Vietnamese forces captured the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, overthrowing the Khmer Rouge government.In 1989, Emperor Hirohito of Japan died in Tokyo at age 87; he was succeeded by his son, Crown Prince Akihito.In 1999, for the second time in history, an impeached American president went on trial before the Senate. President Bill Clinton faced charges of perjury and obstruction of justice; he was acquitted.In 2004, President George W. Bush proposed legal status, at least temporarily, for millions of immigrants improperly working in the U.S.In 2013, No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide rolled top-ranked Notre Dame 42-14 for college football’s BCS championship.In 2015, masked gunmen stormed the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo, a French newspaper that had caricatured the Prophet Muhammad, methodically killing 12 people, including the editor, before escaping in a car. (Two suspects were killed two days later.)In 2018, the Golden Globes ceremony became an expression of female empowerment in the post-Harvey Weinstein era, capped by a speech in which Cecil B. DeMille Award winner Oprah Winfrey said of men who use their power to abuse women, “Their time is up!”In 2019, Amazon eclipsed Microsoft as the most valuable publicly traded company in the U.S.In 2022, three white men who chased and killed Ahmaud Arbery were sentenced to life in prison; a judge in Georgia denied any chance of parole for the father and son who armed themselves and initiated the deadly pursuit of the 25-year-old Black man after spotting him running in their neighborhood.In 2023, Republican Kevin McCarthy was elected speaker of the House on a historic post-midnight 15th ballot, overcoming holdouts from his own ranks after a chaotic week that tested the new GOP majority’s ability to govern.

Today in History, Jan. 7

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

Even though Friday's snow just settled across most of the western two-thirds of the state, another chilly storm is on its heels, with possible whiteout conditions for early next week.

According to Wichita National Weather Service Meteorologist Venessa Pearce, the weather system will impact most of Kansas, beginning as rain showers on Sunday with temperatures in the low 40s.

Rain showers will continue on Monday before transitioning to a winter weather mix that will impact the northwestern half of Kansas.

Then, during the later hours of Monday night, the storm system will transition from rain to heavy snow, with possible blizzard conditions for north central Kansas and western Kansas.

"The worst part of the timeframe is Monday evening and Monday night into Tuesday morning," Pearce said. "There could be some potential challenges on the Tuesday morning commute."

Another Wichita NWS meteorologist, James Cuellar, provided a forecast earlier in the week on Wednesday, Jan. 3.&nbsp;

The models then forecasted a broader scope of the storm, but Cuellar said the storm system would be much different than the November storm and the recent Friday morning snowfall.

"It'll be a completely different, completely new system," Cuellar said. "It's going to be a little bit different — it'll have a lot more moisture. That's going to be the most significant difference."

By Saturday morning, NWS forecasters found another significant impact from the storm in its models — high windspeeds early Tuesday morning with a single-digit windchill.

"Most of the precipitation should exit by Tuesday morning," Pearce said. "But, because we expect winds with sustained speeds of 25 to 30 mph with gusts approaching 45 mph, any fallen snow could drift and blow around on Tuesday."

"We've got wind chills on Tuesday morning in the single digits, around five degrees."

Pearce stressed that with the hazardous conditions on Monday and Tuesday, residents prepare by altering schedules and packing supplies when necessary to travel.

Critical travel supplies for the car include a thick winter coat, snow boots, water, small food items and extra clothing items.

"Make sure to stay tuned to the latest forecast as things change," Pearce said. "Consider adjusting different plans for that time if at all possible."

Friday morning's snowstorm brought Kansas another round of multiple inches of snow.&nbsp;

According to Wichita NWS, the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower broke the record snowfall set in 1929 at 2.6 inches, with 3.3 inches of accumulation on Friday.

Salina — 1.0 inch Concordia — 0.2 inches Beloit — Trace Lincoln — 1.0 inch Ellsworth — 2.0 inches Wilson — 1.5 inches Abilene — 1.0 inch Clay Center — Trace Minneapolis — Trace Tescott — 1.0 inch Gypsum — 1.0 inch Assaria — 1.0 inch Lindsborg — 1.5 inches McPherson — 1.2 inches Inman — 3.7 inches Marion — 4.0 inches

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704560902983.jpeg" alt="Graphic courtesy Wichita National Weather Service." />
 <figcaption>Graphic courtesy Wichita National Weather Service.</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostEven though Friday's snow just settled across most of the western two-thirds of the state, another chilly storm is on its heels, with possible whiteout conditions for early next week.According to Wichita National Weather Service Meteorologist Venessa Pearce, the weather system will impact most of Kansas, beginning as rain showers on Sunday with temperatures in the low 40s.Rain showers will continue on Monday before transitioning to a winter weather mix that will impact the northwestern half of Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704688489700.jpeg" alt="Graphic Courtesy NWS Wichita" />
 <figcaption>Graphic Courtesy NWS Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>Then, during the later hours of Monday night, the storm system will transition from rain to heavy snow, with possible blizzard conditions for north central Kansas and western Kansas."The worst part of the timeframe is Monday evening and Monday night into Tuesday morning," Pearce said. "There could be some potential challenges on the Tuesday morning commute."Another Wichita NWS meteorologist, James Cuellar, provided a forecast earlier in the week on Wednesday, Jan. 3.&nbsp;The models then forecasted a broader scope of the storm, but Cuellar said the storm system would be much different than the November storm and the recent Friday morning snowfall.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701016713247.jpeg" alt="Oakdale Park was blanketed with snow during a snowstorm on Saturday, Nov. 25, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Oakdale Park was blanketed with snow during a snowstorm on Saturday, Nov. 25, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"It'll be a completely different, completely new system," Cuellar said. "It's going to be a little bit different — it'll have a lot more moisture. That's going to be the most significant difference."By Saturday morning, NWS forecasters found another significant impact from the storm in its models — high windspeeds early Tuesday morning with a single-digit windchill."Most of the precipitation should exit by Tuesday morning," Pearce said. "But, because we expect winds with sustained speeds of 25 to 30 mph with gusts approaching 45 mph, any fallen snow could drift and blow around on Tuesday.""We've got wind chills on Tuesday morning in the single digits, around five degrees."Pearce stressed that with the hazardous conditions on Monday and Tuesday, residents prepare by altering schedules and packing supplies when necessary to travel.Critical travel supplies for the car include a thick winter coat, snow boots, water, small food items and extra clothing items."Make sure to stay tuned to the latest forecast as things change," Pearce said. "Consider adjusting different plans for that time if at all possible."<h2>Friday morning snow totals:</h2>Friday morning's snowstorm brought Kansas another round of multiple inches of snow.&nbsp;According to Wichita NWS, the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower broke the record snowfall set in 1929 at 2.6 inches, with 3.3 inches of accumulation on Friday.Salina — 1.0 inch Concordia — 0.2 inches Beloit — Trace Lincoln — 1.0 inch Ellsworth — 2.0 inches Wilson — 1.5 inches Abilene — 1.0 inch Clay Center — Trace Minneapolis — Trace Tescott — 1.0 inch Gypsum — 1.0 inch Assaria — 1.0 inch Lindsborg — 1.5 inches McPherson — 1.2 inches Inman — 3.7 inches Marion — 4.0 inches

NWS early-week storm forecast and Friday snow totals

On Jan. 6, 2021, supporters of President Donald Trump, fueled by his false claims of a stolen election, assaulted police and smashed their way into the Capitol to interrupt the certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory, forcing lawmakers into hiding; most of the rioters had come from a nearby rally where Trump urged them to “fight like hell.” 

A Trump supporter, Ashli Babbitt, was shot and killed by a police officer as she tried to breach a barricaded doorway inside the Capitol. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, injured while confronting the rioters, suffered a stroke the next day and died from natural causes, the Washington, D.C., medical examiner’s office said. Congress reconvened hours later to finish certifying the election result.

In 1412, tradition holds that Joan of Arc was born in Domremy.

In 1838, Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail gave the first successful public demonstration of their telegraph in Morristown, New Jersey.

In 1912, New Mexico became the 47th state.

In 1919, former President Theodore Roosevelt died in Oyster Bay, New York at age 60.

In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in his State of the Union address, outlined a goal of “Four Freedoms”: Freedom of speech and expression; the freedom of people to worship God in their own way; freedom from want; freedom from fear.

In 1974, year-round daylight saving time began in the United States on a trial basis as a fuel-saving measure in response to the OPEC oil embargo.

In 1982, truck driver William G. Bonin was convicted in Los Angeles of 10 of the “Freeway Killer” slayings of young men and boys. (Bonin was later convicted of four other killings; he was executed in 1996.)

In 1994, figure skater Nancy Kerrigan was clubbed on the leg by an assailant at Detroit’s Cobo Arena; four men, including the ex-husband of Kerrigan’s rival, Tonya Harding, went to prison for their roles in the attack. (Harding pleaded guilty to conspiracy to hinder prosecution, but denied any advance knowledge about the assault.)

In 2001, with his opponent, Vice President Al Gore, presiding in his capacity as president of the Senate, Congress formally certified George W. Bush the winner of the bitterly contested 2000 presidential election.

In 2005, former Ku Klux Klan leader Edgar Ray Killen was arrested on murder charges 41 years after three civil rights workers were slain in Mississippi. (Killen was later convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 60 years in prison; he died in prison in 2018.)

In 2006, velvet-voiced singer Lou Rawls died in Los Angeles at age 72.

In 2013, the NHL and the players’ association agreed on a tentative pact to end a 113-day lockout.

In 2018, pushing back against a new book that said his own aides questioned his competence, President Donald Trump defended his mental fitness in a series of tweets, saying that he is “like, really smart” and “a very stable genius.”

In 2020, throngs of Iranians attended the funeral of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who’d been killed in a U.S. airstrike in Iraq; Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wept while praying over the casket.

In 2022, actor Sidney Poitier (PWAH’-tee-ay) the first Black actor to win an Oscar for best lead performance and the first to be a top box-office draw, died at age 94, while Peter Bogdanovich, director of 1970s black-and-white classics “The Last Picture Show” and “Paper Moon,” died at 82.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704489081307.png" alt="Violent insurrectionists loyal to President Donald Trump, storm the Capitol, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)" />
 <figcaption>Violent insurrectionists loyal to President Donald Trump, storm the Capitol, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Today’s Highlight in History:</h2>On Jan. 6, 2021, supporters of President Donald Trump, fueled by his false claims of a stolen election, assaulted police and smashed their way into the Capitol to interrupt the certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory, forcing lawmakers into hiding; most of the rioters had come from a nearby rally where Trump urged them to “fight like hell.” A Trump supporter, Ashli Babbitt, was shot and killed by a police officer as she tried to breach a barricaded doorway inside the Capitol. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, injured while confronting the rioters, suffered a stroke the next day and died from natural causes, the Washington, D.C., medical examiner’s office said. Congress reconvened hours later to finish certifying the election result.<h2>On this date:</h2>In 1412, tradition holds that Joan of Arc was born in Domremy.In 1838, Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail gave the first successful public demonstration of their telegraph in Morristown, New Jersey.In 1912, New Mexico became the 47th state.In 1919, former President Theodore Roosevelt died in Oyster Bay, New York at age 60.In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in his State of the Union address, outlined a goal of “Four Freedoms”: Freedom of speech and expression; the freedom of people to worship God in their own way; freedom from want; freedom from fear.In 1974, year-round daylight saving time began in the United States on a trial basis as a fuel-saving measure in response to the OPEC oil embargo.In 1982, truck driver William G. Bonin was convicted in Los Angeles of 10 of the “Freeway Killer” slayings of young men and boys. (Bonin was later convicted of four other killings; he was executed in 1996.)In 1994, figure skater Nancy Kerrigan was clubbed on the leg by an assailant at Detroit’s Cobo Arena; four men, including the ex-husband of Kerrigan’s rival, Tonya Harding, went to prison for their roles in the attack. (Harding pleaded guilty to conspiracy to hinder prosecution, but denied any advance knowledge about the assault.)In 2001, with his opponent, Vice President Al Gore, presiding in his capacity as president of the Senate, Congress formally certified George W. Bush the winner of the bitterly contested 2000 presidential election.In 2005, former Ku Klux Klan leader Edgar Ray Killen was arrested on murder charges 41 years after three civil rights workers were slain in Mississippi. (Killen was later convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 60 years in prison; he died in prison in 2018.)In 2006, velvet-voiced singer Lou Rawls died in Los Angeles at age 72.In 2013, the NHL and the players’ association agreed on a tentative pact to end a 113-day lockout.In 2018, pushing back against a new book that said his own aides questioned his competence, President Donald Trump defended his mental fitness in a series of tweets, saying that he is “like, really smart” and “a very stable genius.”In 2020, throngs of Iranians attended the funeral of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who’d been killed in a U.S. airstrike in Iraq; Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wept while praying over the casket.In 2022, actor Sidney Poitier (PWAH’-tee-ay) the first Black actor to win an Oscar for best lead performance and the first to be a top box-office draw, died at age 94, while Peter Bogdanovich, director of 1970s black-and-white classics “The Last Picture Show” and “Paper Moon,” died at 82.

Today in History, Jan. 6

By STEVEN HOWE Kansas State Rep. (R-71)

Do Republicans stand for the peaceful transition of power? That is the nagging question that has haunted me since January 6, 2021.

I remember the day clearly. At the time I was State Representative-elect, five days before I was scheduled to take the oath of office where I would publicly proclaim to uphold and defend the Kansas Constitution and the Constitution of the United States, "so help me God". On that cold wintry day I was in the midst of handing-off duties to a new teacher for my 5th grade class for the spring semester. Because of my new position as Representative-elect, it was not possible to continue teaching.

The day before, on January 5th, a longtime friend and Capitol Hill staffer whom I had plans to reconnect with sent me the following text, "The Trump stuff is too raw right now. It consumes everything. It's literally putting friends and family (not to mention our principles and democratic institutions) in harm's way. I'm not currently in a good mindset to talk to folks who have empowered and legitimized this man and his pursuit of power and wealth above EVERYTHING else....even close friends and those I care about. It goes SO far beyond politics. It's about who we are and what we fundamentally believe. So I need things to cool off first."

At the time I did not fully understand the sentiment expressed by my dear friend. I was certainly disappointed that politics had seemed to negatively impact our relationship. After the 2020 general election I literally tuned out from the day-to-day media reports. I was fatigued from the election year so I distanced myself from the political drama - no television news for me.

Nonetheless, the former President continued to beat the drum that the election was "rigged" and "stolen" from the American people, and many Republicans followed suit marching along to the beat. It was a confusing time for many of us.

For years the political divisions and dysfunction, the hubris of politicians, and the arrogance of a governing elite continued to poison the well of the American electorate. Every event, every press conference, every Tweet became a partisan battleground and a potential gotcha-moment. Both major political parties forsook the public good in lieu of advantage, power and self-preservation.

Around mid-day on January 6th, I started receiving real-time updates and concerning text messages from my longtime friend on Capitol Hill. He was worried about his safety, the safety of his family, and the safety of his fellow colleagues.

As you may remember, January 6th was the day in which Congress was tasked with receiving the election certifications from each of the fifty states. The former President and many fellow Republicans continued to tell Americans that the election was stolen and suggested that the Vice President had the constitutional authority to block the congressional certification process.

The former President summoned his supporters to the Washington Mall that day for his “Save America Rally”. In a 70-plus minute speech, the former President spoke about his accomplishments - but he primarily stoked the crowd with a litany of deceit and lies that sowed distrust about our elections, and preyed upon the good nature of his most fervent supporters. It all reached a fever pitch after the crowd converged on the west steps of the U.S. Capitol building complex. Violence, lawlessness and destruction. It is clear that these lies were endorsed and inflamed by the former President. The lies ultimately undermined confidence in the electoral process and the peaceful transfer of power.

Unfortunately, none of this was new for the former President. In the 2012 election between Romney and Obama, he tweeted the following on Twitter (@realDonaldTrump):

“More reports of voting machines switching Romney votes to Obama. Pay close attention to the machines, don't let your vote be stolen.” 1:56 PM · Nov 6, 2012

“This election is a total sham and a travesty. We are not a democracy!" 10:33 PM · Nov 6, 2012

“The electoral college is a disaster for a democracy.” 10:45 PM · Nov 6, 2012

The online tweetstorm of falsehoods continued in the Republican 2016 Iowa Caucuses which Senator Ted Cruz won. Then-candidate Trump tweeted:

“Based on the fraud committed by Senator Ted Cruz during the Iowa Caucus, either a new election should take place or Cruz results nullified.” 8:28 AM · Feb 3, 2016

Eventually, after securing the Republican nomination and prior to his own successful 2016 general election, he tweeted the following on Twitter (@realDonaldTrump):

“The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD.” 12:01 PM · Oct 16, 2016

“Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!” 7:33 AM · Oct 17, 2016

If history is any indication of future behavior, there is no doubt that Trump would employ falsehoods, slander opponents, and continue to undermine the electoral process for the sake of protecting his ego.

On January 6, 2021, I did not want to believe what I was seeing with my own eyes. How could this have happened? How did we get to this point?

While I couldn't fully understand the magnitude of what had happened at the time, or what my friend directly experienced, with time, the picture has become more clear.

I was lied to. You were lied to. America was lied to. The election was not stolen or rigged. While the outcome was not what many Republicans hoped for - the facts do not support the repeated claims of the election being stolen or rigged. This election was the same election that myself and many Republicans gained a supermajority in the Kansas House and Senate. As I walked door-to-door during my campaign I repeatedly heard from life-long Republicans that they would vote for me - but they could not vote for the incumbent President. At the time I wasn't sure how widespread this sentiment was, but looking back, it turned out to be substantial. Conventional wisdom in politics was defied. The top of the ticket candidate did not negatively impact down-the-ballot races. As Kansans often do, they expressed their political independence by not voting straight party lines.

Several years have since passed, and with hindsight and a willingness to accept the facts, I decided to write this article for my fellow Kansas Republicans. While we may have different perspectives and analysis of what happened on January 6th, and what happened leading up to that day, what actually occurred that day must be accounted for and fully addressed by Republicans and the Republican Party.

Do Republicans believe in the peaceful transfer of power as first demonstrated by our country's first President George Washington? Will Republicans truly stand for the truth, even when it does not benefit us politically? Will Republicans nominate the former President who repeatedly lied to us, as the standard bearer of the party which elevated the likes of Lincoln, Eisenhower and Reagan?

Republicans cannot ignore the past. Failing to address it head on will forever damage the integrity of the party, and its viability as a legitimate governing coalition. Time will ultimately provide us with a verdict.

During the last legislative session the Kansas State Legislature and Governor authorized a presidential preference primary election which is scheduled for March 19, 2024. On that day, Kansas Republicans (and Democrats) will participate in their party's respective nominating process. Will sober-minded Republicans vote for the truth, or will we turn a blinded-eye to it? Will Republicans be a party of integrity and truth, or will we give-in to a cult of personality, group-think, and mob mentality that undermines the rule of law and our constitutional republic? Will political violence, intimidation and retribution become the norm of our country's body politic? I voted for the former President in the 2016 general election and again in 2020 - but I will not vote for him a third time in 2024.

Every Republican, with hindsight as a gift, needs to thoroughly examine the actions of the former President, and determine whether or not you think he exemplifies the virtues and values we hold dear as Americans.

In President Washington's first inaugural address he penned, "the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.”

May we take this entrusted responsibility seriously, and with great reverence. Our country's future depends on it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700019444317.jpeg" alt="Steven Howe" />
 <figcaption>Steven Howe</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVEN HOWE Kansas State Rep. (R-71)Do Republicans stand for the peaceful transition of power? That is the nagging question that has haunted me since January 6, 2021.I remember the day clearly. At the time I was State Representative-elect, five days before I was scheduled to take the oath of office where I would publicly proclaim to uphold and defend the Kansas Constitution and the Constitution of the United States, "so help me God". On that cold wintry day I was in the midst of handing-off duties to a new teacher for my 5th grade class for the spring semester. Because of my new position as Representative-elect, it was not possible to continue teaching.The day before, on January 5th, a longtime friend and Capitol Hill staffer whom I had plans to reconnect with sent me the following text, "The Trump stuff is too raw right now. It consumes everything. It's literally putting friends and family (not to mention our principles and democratic institutions) in harm's way. I'm not currently in a good mindset to talk to folks who have empowered and legitimized this man and his pursuit of power and wealth above EVERYTHING else....even close friends and those I care about. It goes SO far beyond politics. It's about who we are and what we fundamentally believe. So I need things to cool off first."At the time I did not fully understand the sentiment expressed by my dear friend. I was certainly disappointed that politics had seemed to negatively impact our relationship. After the 2020 general election I literally tuned out from the day-to-day media reports. I was fatigued from the election year so I distanced myself from the political drama - no television news for me.Nonetheless, the former President continued to beat the drum that the election was "rigged" and "stolen" from the American people, and many Republicans followed suit marching along to the beat. It was a confusing time for many of us.For years the political divisions and dysfunction, the hubris of politicians, and the arrogance of a governing elite continued to poison the well of the American electorate. Every event, every press conference, every Tweet became a partisan battleground and a potential gotcha-moment. Both major political parties forsook the public good in lieu of advantage, power and self-preservation.Around mid-day on January 6th, I started receiving real-time updates and concerning text messages from my longtime friend on Capitol Hill. He was worried about his safety, the safety of his family, and the safety of his fellow colleagues.As you may remember, January 6th was the day in which Congress was tasked with receiving the election certifications from each of the fifty states. The former President and many fellow Republicans continued to tell Americans that the election was stolen and suggested that the Vice President had the constitutional authority to block the congressional certification process.The former President summoned his supporters to the Washington Mall that day for his “Save America Rally”. In a 70-plus minute speech, the former President spoke about his accomplishments - but he primarily stoked the crowd with a litany of deceit and lies that sowed distrust about our elections, and preyed upon the good nature of his most fervent supporters. It all reached a fever pitch after the crowd converged on the west steps of the U.S. Capitol building complex. Violence, lawlessness and destruction. It is clear that these lies were endorsed and inflamed by the former President. The lies ultimately undermined confidence in the electoral process and the peaceful transfer of power.Unfortunately, none of this was new for the former President. In the 2012 election between Romney and Obama, he tweeted the following on Twitter (@realDonaldTrump):“More reports of voting machines switching Romney votes to Obama. Pay close attention to the machines, don't let your vote be stolen.” 1:56 PM · Nov 6, 2012“This election is a total sham and a travesty. We are not a democracy!" 10:33 PM · Nov 6, 2012“The electoral college is a disaster for a democracy.” 10:45 PM · Nov 6, 2012The online tweetstorm of falsehoods continued in the Republican 2016 Iowa Caucuses which Senator Ted Cruz won. Then-candidate Trump tweeted:“Based on the fraud committed by Senator Ted Cruz during the Iowa Caucus, either a new election should take place or Cruz results nullified.” 8:28 AM · Feb 3, 2016Eventually, after securing the Republican nomination and prior to his own successful 2016 general election, he tweeted the following on Twitter (@realDonaldTrump):“The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD.” 12:01 PM · Oct 16, 2016“Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!” 7:33 AM · Oct 17, 2016If history is any indication of future behavior, there is no doubt that Trump would employ falsehoods, slander opponents, and continue to undermine the electoral process for the sake of protecting his ego.On January 6, 2021, I did not want to believe what I was seeing with my own eyes. How could this have happened? How did we get to this point?While I couldn't fully understand the magnitude of what had happened at the time, or what my friend directly experienced, with time, the picture has become more clear.I was lied to. You were lied to. America was lied to. The election was not stolen or rigged. While the outcome was not what many Republicans hoped for - the facts do not support the repeated claims of the election being stolen or rigged. This election was the same election that myself and many Republicans gained a supermajority in the Kansas House and Senate. As I walked door-to-door during my campaign I repeatedly heard from life-long Republicans that they would vote for me - but they could not vote for the incumbent President. At the time I wasn't sure how widespread this sentiment was, but looking back, it turned out to be substantial. Conventional wisdom in politics was defied. The top of the ticket candidate did not negatively impact down-the-ballot races. As Kansans often do, they expressed their political independence by not voting straight party lines.Several years have since passed, and with hindsight and a willingness to accept the facts, I decided to write this article for my fellow Kansas Republicans. While we may have different perspectives and analysis of what happened on January 6th, and what happened leading up to that day, what actually occurred that day must be accounted for and fully addressed by Republicans and the Republican Party.Do Republicans believe in the peaceful transfer of power as first demonstrated by our country's first President George Washington? Will Republicans truly stand for the truth, even when it does not benefit us politically? Will Republicans nominate the former President who repeatedly lied to us, as the standard bearer of the party which elevated the likes of Lincoln, Eisenhower and Reagan?Republicans cannot ignore the past. Failing to address it head on will forever damage the integrity of the party, and its viability as a legitimate governing coalition. Time will ultimately provide us with a verdict.During the last legislative session the Kansas State Legislature and Governor authorized a presidential preference primary election which is scheduled for March 19, 2024. On that day, Kansas Republicans (and Democrats) will participate in their party's respective nominating process. Will sober-minded Republicans vote for the truth, or will we turn a blinded-eye to it? Will Republicans be a party of integrity and truth, or will we give-in to a cult of personality, group-think, and mob mentality that undermines the rule of law and our constitutional republic? Will political violence, intimidation and retribution become the norm of our country's body politic? I voted for the former President in the 2016 general election and again in 2020 - but I will not vote for him a third time in 2024.Every Republican, with hindsight as a gift, needs to thoroughly examine the actions of the former President, and determine whether or not you think he exemplifies the virtues and values we hold dear as Americans.In President Washington's first inaugural address he penned, "the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.”May we take this entrusted responsibility seriously, and with great reverence. Our country's future depends on it.

OPINION: Stand

By NATE KING Salina Post

Last year Shannon's Stars Twirling Club won the gold medal in the Show Twirl Accessory Corp team competition at the 2023 World Baton Twirling Championships and Nations Cup held in Liverpool, England.&nbsp;

Shannon Meis, head coach at Shannon's Stars, said the audience's reaction following the team's "no drop" routine is something she will always remember.

"It's like the Olympics for baton twirling you train for one event, one discipline, and that is your job to go over and perform as a representative for the United States," Meis said. "There were 21 different countries represented, and we were the first out of the gate for our performance and the girls did the most beautiful no drop routine. I wish I could bring back the feeling of the entire arena after we used some of our effects, they were ooing and ahing and I can see in the video, it wasn't just our people, but everyone was chanting USA, USA as they left the floor."

The team of 14 twirlers qualified for the 2023 World Baton Twirling Championships after winning, the Junior Show Twirl Corp event, as well as the National Artistry Award at the National Baton Twirling Association championships at the University of Notre Dame summer 2022.&nbsp;

The twirling team from Salina was the first team to perform in the Junior Show Twirl Accessory Corp event at this year's world baton twirling competition. Meis said the students played a major role in deciding what music they would use as part of their routine.&nbsp;

"Some of the girls started suggesting the music from the movie Tangled or Rapunzel and the joke was that I had not seen it yet," Meis said. "I like to have the girls give their input because it's their routine. It's their performance. And we are all in this together. So I rely heavily on them as well to share what it is they are feeling and what they see. Then I tie it all together with what I see as well in my choreography."

Emily Streeter, a member of the gold medal team, said the music the team used from Tangled was relatable to the audience and has universal appeal.

"Rapunzel has honestly been one of my favorite princesses of all time so it was really special for me to be able to be using that music and just how universal it is because Rapunzel can be translated into a whole bunch of different languages. The melodies are the same," Streeter said. "That story gets across to everyone, even throughout all of those countries."

 Additionally, twirler Callan Hall individually represented Team USA in the discipline of three-baton.

"At our last nationals I got second out of our MBTA Federation. And so this whole past year, I've been working extra hard on my three baton, especially extra hard in the summer," Hall said. "I've been working on it, taking my new tricks, drilling them so that I could put my best out on the floor when time came to it."

Hall said her first preliminary performance on the largest stage she has ever performed on was "okay."

"My first routine that I did was preliminary and it was okay," Hall said. "It wasn't my best. I was a little disappointed afterward because I knew I could have done better. I worked hard. And I wanted another shot."

Hall said after completing her preliminary routine she began checking the competition's website to see if she had qualified for finals.

"I barely squeaked in," Hall said. "They took the top 10 And I got 10th. Not only had I made finals at the world competition, but to also have another chance to put my best out there."

During Hall's final performance on the world stage in Liverpool, England, she didn't drop her baton; not once.

"I was so happy because it showed that my hard work in the summer, all throughout the year, paid off. And I knew that I put my best out there and that whatever happened placement-wise, I felt good about it," Hall said.

In the finals for the three baton discipline Hall placed 6th overall. She finished as the highest-ranked USA three-baton twirler in the junior age division.

"It was awesome to have the community's financial support as well as friends family, and their words of encouragement, and they definitely helped make it special," Hall said.&nbsp;

"Our friends, family, teachers, and our schools have been so supportive throughout all of this," Streeter said. "I walked into school on Monday, and I can't tell you how many staff members I had just go 'Hey, World Champion great job!'"

Streeter, one of Hall's most passionate and vocal fans said she ran across the arena in order to congratulate her teammate and friend.&nbsp;

"I'm literally her biggest fan ever. What can I say? I have never ran as fast as I did and the arena is huge. And I was like on the complete opposite side as her. I was sprinting through the hallways like people were moving out of my way. It was like a stomp sprint, like all of my legs just absolutely going because I had to go run, hug, and tackle her after that perfect routine," Streeter said.&nbsp;

Meis said Hall and Streeter's support and encouragement of one another are qualities demonstrated by all of her students.&nbsp;

"That's the beauty of the girls that I have. They are all there for each other, through the good and the bad," Meis said. "We're there to lift each other up and celebrate all of the accomplishments."

After winning gold across the pond, Meis said she is excited for marching season and other exciting things taking place at Shannon's Stars Twirling Club.

"We are so proud to be able to bring gold back to the United States, and to the community of Salina. Throughout the year, we've worked really hard with fundraising and practicing our routines," Meis said. "We roll right into marching season. We have nine different high school twirlers here in Salina for this year and so they are focusing on getting ready to start performing. We also are working on registration right now for our new year and our new classes that start in September. And so we're focusing on new thoughts, new themes, and new stars."

For more information regarding enrollment at Shannon's Stars Twirling Club, visit their<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShannonsStarsShine/"> Facebook page here</a>.&nbsp;

Story originally posted on Sept. 5, 2023

<div><iframe title="Shannon’s Stars Twirling Club, World Champions" 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=5bb2y-148d0f4-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><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693030738579.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostLast year Shannon's Stars Twirling Club won the gold medal in the Show Twirl Accessory Corp team competition at the 2023 World Baton Twirling Championships and Nations Cup held in Liverpool, England.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshannonteufel.meis%2Fvideos%2F1466505677437063%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Shannon Meis, head coach at Shannon's Stars, said the audience's reaction following the team's "no drop" routine is something she will always remember."It's like the Olympics for baton twirling you train for one event, one discipline, and that is your job to go over and perform as a representative for the United States," Meis said. "There were 21 different countries represented, and we were the first out of the gate for our performance and the girls did the most beautiful no drop routine. I wish I could bring back the feeling of the entire arena after we used some of our effects, they were ooing and ahing and I can see in the video, it wasn't just our people, but everyone was chanting USA, USA as they left the floor."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693030340203.png" alt="Bronze went to Norway, Silver went to Croatia, and the USA won Gold. Images Courtesy Shannon Meis" />
 <figcaption>Bronze went to Norway, Silver went to Croatia, and the USA won Gold. Images Courtesy Shannon Meis</figcaption>
 </figure>The team of 14 twirlers qualified for the 2023 World Baton Twirling Championships after winning, the Junior Show Twirl Corp event, as well as the National Artistry Award at the National Baton Twirling Association championships at the University of Notre Dame summer 2022.&nbsp;The twirling team from Salina was the first team to perform in the Junior Show Twirl Accessory Corp event at this year's world baton twirling competition. Meis said the students played a major role in deciding what music they would use as part of their routine.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693030512685.png" alt=""The Fab 14" has catapulted Salina, Kansas onto the world stage with their gold medal performance at this year's world competitive twirling competition.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>"The Fab 14" has catapulted Salina, Kansas onto the world stage with their gold medal performance at this year's world competitive twirling competition.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>"Some of the girls started suggesting the music from the movie Tangled or Rapunzel and the joke was that I had not seen it yet," Meis said. "I like to have the girls give their input because it's their routine. It's their performance. And we are all in this together. So I rely heavily on them as well to share what it is they are feeling and what they see. Then I tie it all together with what I see as well in my choreography."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693030650465.png" alt="Shannon's Stars Twirling Club" />
 <figcaption>Shannon's Stars Twirling Club</figcaption>
 </figure>Emily Streeter, a member of the gold medal team, said the music the team used from Tangled was relatable to the audience and has universal appeal."Rapunzel has honestly been one of my favorite princesses of all time so it was really special for me to be able to be using that music and just how universal it is because Rapunzel can be translated into a whole bunch of different languages. The melodies are the same," Streeter said. "That story gets across to everyone, even throughout all of those countries." Additionally, twirler Callan Hall individually represented Team USA in the discipline of three-baton."At our last nationals I got second out of our MBTA Federation. And so this whole past year, I've been working extra hard on my three baton, especially extra hard in the summer," Hall said. "I've been working on it, taking my new tricks, drilling them so that I could put my best out on the floor when time came to it."Hall said her first preliminary performance on the largest stage she has ever performed on was "okay.""My first routine that I did was preliminary and it was okay," Hall said. "It wasn't my best. I was a little disappointed afterward because I knew I could have done better. I worked hard. And I wanted another shot."Hall said after completing her preliminary routine she began checking the competition's website to see if she had qualified for finals."I barely squeaked in," Hall said. "They took the top 10 And I got 10th. Not only had I made finals at the world competition, but to also have another chance to put my best out there."And her best is exactly what she gave. During Hall's final performance on the world stage in Liverpool, England, she didn't drop her baton; not once.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693030912693.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"I was so happy because it showed that my hard work in the summer, all throughout the year, paid off. And I knew that I put my best out there and that whatever happened placement-wise, I felt good about it," Hall said.In the finals for the three baton discipline Hall placed 6th overall. She finished as the highest-ranked USA three-baton twirler in the junior age division."It was awesome to have the community's financial support as well as friends family, and their words of encouragement, and they definitely helped make it special," Hall said.&nbsp;"Our friends, family, teachers, and our schools have been so supportive throughout all of this," Streeter said. "I walked into school on Monday, and I can't tell you how many staff members I had just go 'Hey, World Champion great job!'"Streeter, one of Hall's most passionate and vocal fans said she ran across the arena in order to congratulate her teammate and friend.&nbsp;"I'm literally her biggest fan ever. What can I say? I have never ran as fast as I did and the arena is huge. And I was like on the complete opposite side as her. I was sprinting through the hallways like people were moving out of my way. It was like a stomp sprint, like all of my legs just absolutely going because I had to go run, hug, and tackle her after that perfect routine," Streeter said.&nbsp;Meis said Hall and Streeter's support and encouragement of one another are qualities demonstrated by all of her students.&nbsp;"That's the beauty of the girls that I have. They are all there for each other, through the good and the bad," Meis said. "We're there to lift each other up and celebrate all of the accomplishments."After winning gold across the pond, Meis said she is excited for marching season and other exciting things taking place at Shannon's Stars Twirling Club."We are so proud to be able to bring gold back to the United States, and to the community of Salina. Throughout the year, we've worked really hard with fundraising and practicing our routines," Meis said. "We roll right into marching season. We have nine different high school twirlers here in Salina for this year and so they are focusing on getting ready to start performing. We also are working on registration right now for our new year and our new classes that start in September. And so we're focusing on new thoughts, new themes, and new stars."For more information regarding enrollment at Shannon's Stars Twirling Club, visit their<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShannonsStarsShine/"> Facebook page here</a>.&nbsp;Story originally posted on Sept. 5, 2023

🎙King in the Community: Shannon's Stars Twirling Club brings home gold after World Championship

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Kan. 110 District Rep. Ken Rahjes.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: 110 District Rep. Ken Rahjes" 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=br6zm-1541579-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Kan. 110 District Rep. Ken Rahjes.

🎤Forward Ever: Kan. 110 District Rep. Ken Rahjes

Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum finished out 2023 strong, with $87,945 raised in the Museum Membership Match Challenge in November and December.

Lenora Lynam, Executive Director of the museum, said it was a great way to wrap up a year that saw 125th anniversary celebration since the construction of the 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills.

“This was a milestone year, and the support shown to us by our entire community of supporters was amazing,” Lynam said. “This gives us a strong foundation as we mark another milestone in 2024 – 120 years since the construction of the 1904 World’s Fair Pavilion.”

The year-end challenge campaign was made possible by Julie-Ann Neywick – a longtime volunteer and supporter of the museum – who put forward a pledge of $50,000 to encourage museum memberships as well as one-time gifts.

“We can’t thank Julie-Ann enough for her generosity and making sure that the year ended strong as she encouraged others to give generously as well,” Lynam said.

Neywick pledged to triple match any new or renewing individual, family, and business membership purchased before the end of 2023 – up to $50,000. This meant that a $40 individual membership secured another $120 for the museum, a $60 family membership another $180, and a $125 business membership secured an additional $375.

What’s more, she agreed to triple match any one-time gifts above and beyond the cost of memberships as well, with the proceeds going to provide museum memberships to families with a financial need.

Donors responded to the call in a big way, with a total of $7,580 coming from all 2024 members, as well as $30,365 in one-time gifts – with $20,000 of that coming from a single anonymous donor. The giving was more than enough to fully secure the $50,000 from Neywick’s triple match pledge.

· A total of 139 individuals, families, and organizations gave under the Match Challenge (an increase compared to 122 members at this time last year).

· The breakdown of membership was for 61 individual memberships, 70 family, and eight business memberships.

· For 2024, 34 of the memberships were new!

One-time gifts were sufficient to supply up to 650 family museum memberships for free to families in financial need. A simple application to receive one of these free at-need memberships is now online at tinyurl.com/FreeMuseumMembership. 

A printable form is also available at <a href="http://www.oldmillmuseum.org/members">www.oldmillmuseum.org/members</a> that can be mailed in to the museum or brought in person. The application deadline will be Wednesday, January 31, 2024, and will be given on a first come, first served basis.

Adam Pracht, Marketing and Communications Director at the museum, said that during some transitional years, museum supporters have really stepped up.

“We have had some major challenges, and have been so gratified to see our museum family answer the call to meet them,” he said. “Looking forward, honestly, financial challenges will continue to be part of what we need to overcome to succeed. We’re confident that our community will continue to recognize the value and importance of the historical treasures we have here.”

While the Match Challenge has ended, it’s still not too late to support the museum with one-time gifts at paypal.me/lindsborgoldmill or with an annual membership at <a href="http://www.oldmillmuseum.org/members">www.oldmillmuseum.org/members</a>.

Donors can also help the museum to succeed on an ambitious but important goal to add $1 million to the museum’s endowment fund by the end of the year. So far, that mark is about 5% complete, but achieving this vision will help provide significant, consistent income for the museum’s annual operating budget.

The museum has two buildings on the National Register of Historic Places – the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion and the 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills. The mills still roar to life and run again once per year the first Saturday in May for the museum’s annual Millfest. This year that will be on Saturday, May 4. 

Lynam said that these sort of unique experiences are only possible with ongoing and generous support.

“Our work as an independent nonprofit is never really ‘done,’” Lynam said. “But the generations that came before us entrusted us with a valuable historic legacy in these beautifully preserved buildings. We have a responsibility. We know that with the help of our supporters, we won’t let them down in their trust.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636863910577.png" alt="Lindsborg Old Mill logo.png" />
 <figcaption>Lindsborg Old Mill logo.png</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedLindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum finished out 2023 strong, with $87,945 raised in the Museum Membership Match Challenge in November and December.Lenora Lynam, Executive Director of the museum, said it was a great way to wrap up a year that saw 125th anniversary celebration since the construction of the 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills.“This was a milestone year, and the support shown to us by our entire community of supporters was amazing,” Lynam said. “This gives us a strong foundation as we mark another milestone in 2024 – 120 years since the construction of the 1904 World’s Fair Pavilion.”The year-end challenge campaign was made possible by Julie-Ann Neywick – a longtime volunteer and supporter of the museum – who put forward a pledge of $50,000 to encourage museum memberships as well as one-time gifts.“We can’t thank Julie-Ann enough for her generosity and making sure that the year ended strong as she encouraged others to give generously as well,” Lynam said.Neywick pledged to triple match any new or renewing individual, family, and business membership purchased before the end of 2023 – up to $50,000. This meant that a $40 individual membership secured another $120 for the museum, a $60 family membership another $180, and a $125 business membership secured an additional $375.What’s more, she agreed to triple match any one-time gifts above and beyond the cost of memberships as well, with the proceeds going to provide museum memberships to families with a financial need.Donors responded to the call in a big way, with a total of $7,580 coming from all 2024 members, as well as $30,365 in one-time gifts – with $20,000 of that coming from a single anonymous donor. The giving was more than enough to fully secure the $50,000 from Neywick’s triple match pledge.<h2>Other highlights of the campaign include</h2>· A total of 139 individuals, families, and organizations gave under the Match Challenge (an increase compared to 122 members at this time last year).· The breakdown of membership was for 61 individual memberships, 70 family, and eight business memberships.· For 2024, 34 of the memberships were new!One-time gifts were sufficient to supply up to 650 family museum memberships for free to families in financial need. A simple application to receive one of these free at-need memberships is now online at tinyurl.com/FreeMuseumMembership. A printable form is also available at <a href="http://www.oldmillmuseum.org/members">www.oldmillmuseum.org/members</a> that can be mailed in to the museum or brought in person. The application deadline will be Wednesday, January 31, 2024, and will be given on a first come, first served basis.Adam Pracht, Marketing and Communications Director at the museum, said that during some transitional years, museum supporters have really stepped up.“We have had some major challenges, and have been so gratified to see our museum family answer the call to meet them,” he said. “Looking forward, honestly, financial challenges will continue to be part of what we need to overcome to succeed. We’re confident that our community will continue to recognize the value and importance of the historical treasures we have here.”While the Match Challenge has ended, it’s still not too late to support the museum with one-time gifts at paypal.me/lindsborgoldmill or with an annual membership at <a href="http://www.oldmillmuseum.org/members">www.oldmillmuseum.org/members</a>.Donors can also help the museum to succeed on an ambitious but important goal to add $1 million to the museum’s endowment fund by the end of the year. So far, that mark is about 5% complete, but achieving this vision will help provide significant, consistent income for the museum’s annual operating budget.The museum has two buildings on the National Register of Historic Places – the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion and the 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills. The mills still roar to life and run again once per year the first Saturday in May for the museum’s annual Millfest. This year that will be on Saturday, May 4. Lynam said that these sort of unique experiences are only possible with ongoing and generous support.“Our work as an independent nonprofit is never really ‘done,’” Lynam said. “But the generations that came before us entrusted us with a valuable historic legacy in these beautifully preserved buildings. We have a responsibility. We know that with the help of our supporters, we won’t let them down in their trust.”

Lindsborg museum surpasses anniversary fundraising goal 

As Salina Aquatics Club (SAC) returns to the pool after a well-deserved holiday break, they reflect on the first half of the short course swimming season and take stock of a string of successful meets that laid the groundwork for an eagerly awaited spring.

The fall meets were a testament to the grit and talent of SAC's swimmers, showcasing the club's pursuit of excellence. Fall meets are typically used to build the stamina necessary to work through the season’s grind, make changes to mechanics, and try new technique changes while establishing qualifying times for spring championship meets. The fall meets started in early October with a trip to Wichita State’s Wiedemann Natatorium for the Battle in ICT. Competitions in Hutchinson, Topeka, Lenexa, and another trip to Wichita made up the fall schedule, with all swimmers making significant gains and achieving personal bests.

Most of the focus in the fall was on the senior squad, with several junior high and high school swimmers participating in multiple meets. The senior swimmers are led by Ali Richardson, a Southeast of Saline Junior whose fall season was marked by a great early December outing at the KCB Winter Classic in Lenexa where she achieved season-best numbers in every event, along with a personal best cut in the 100 yard freestyle, leading to a 5th place finish in that event and 22nd overall in a highly competitive meet that brought together swimmers from four states.

On the boys’ side, up-and-coming swimmer Clayton Shamburg, an 8th grader from Bennington, put up season-best numbers at Topeka Swim Association’s Halloween Spooktacular meet. He swam seven events at the meet, improving his best time in six events, only narrowly missing a then-personal best in the 50 yard freestyle by only 0.02 seconds. Clayton took home a top finish of 2nd place in the 200 yard breaststroke and 6th place overall in his division.

From the junior squad, Lindsborg swimmer Caroline King, and Salina’s Mya Fulkerson and Otto Cote are continuing their development, with Caroline putting up personal best numbers at Hutchinson’s meet in November, posting an impressive 20-second drop on her 100 yard backstroke at that meet, moving her into a 5th place finish.

With the fall chapter closed, SAC is gearing up for the upcoming regional championship meets in the spring. The spring schedule includes several return visits to invitationals in Topeka, Wichita, and Hutchinson before wrapping up with progressive championship meets hosted this year in Wichita and Topeka.

Swimmers are primed for the challenge, eager to compete at a higher level, break personal records, and make waves for the club. Along with Richardson and Shamburg, Salina Central sophomore Josie Ebel and Abilene 8th grader Lily Gruen are poised to peak just in time for a strong run in the championship meets, while Southeast of Saline sophomore Matthew Whelchel completes the KSHSAA boys’ high school season and should return to club swimming in time to join the squad at champs.

&nbsp;"Our swimmers have put good effort into the first half of the season. Looking forward to the spring meets, I think we're poised for more growth and achievements as a team,”Coach Jake Jacobs said.

USA Swimming’s championship meet format allows many of the top swimmers in each event to continue to rise through the various progressive meets, with swimmers ultimately able to qualify to participate in elite meets such as the Futures Championship, Junior National Championship, and ultimately the Senior Nationals and US Olympic Trials. Each of the championship meets, even at the regional level, requires either qualifying times or prior top finishes to enter, so participation at even the lowest levels is a great accomplishment.

The spring meets are pivotal for SAC's swimmers, offering a platform to shine and vie with the best in the region. Salina will be hosting teams from across the state at their annual spring home “Ice Melt”. The meet will be hosted at the Salina South High School Natatorium on January 13 and 14, 2024, with a 10:00 a.m. meet start each day. 

Admission is free to the public. The club extends thanks to the community, families, and sponsors for their support as SAC enters this exciting phase of the season.

Salina Aquatics Club (SAC) is a USA Swimming-affiliated competitive youth swimming club based in Salina, Kansas. Committed to excellence and community engagement, SAC provides a nurturing environment for swimmers to develop their skills and passion for the sport. Website: <a href="https://salinaaquatics.swimtopia.com/">https://salinaaquatics.swimtopia.com/</a> Social Media: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinaaquaticsclub">https://www.facebook.com/salinaaquaticsclub</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704486597417.jpeg" alt="Salina Aquatics Club" />
 <figcaption>Salina Aquatics Club</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedAs Salina Aquatics Club (SAC) returns to the pool after a well-deserved holiday break, they reflect on the first half of the short course swimming season and take stock of a string of successful meets that laid the groundwork for an eagerly awaited spring.<h2>Fall Meet Recap</h2>The fall meets were a testament to the grit and talent of SAC's swimmers, showcasing the club's pursuit of excellence. Fall meets are typically used to build the stamina necessary to work through the season’s grind, make changes to mechanics, and try new technique changes while establishing qualifying times for spring championship meets. The fall meets started in early October with a trip to Wichita State’s Wiedemann Natatorium for the Battle in ICT. Competitions in Hutchinson, Topeka, Lenexa, and another trip to Wichita made up the fall schedule, with all swimmers making significant gains and achieving personal bests.Most of the focus in the fall was on the senior squad, with several junior high and high school swimmers participating in multiple meets. The senior swimmers are led by Ali Richardson, a Southeast of Saline Junior whose fall season was marked by a great early December outing at the KCB Winter Classic in Lenexa where she achieved season-best numbers in every event, along with a personal best cut in the 100 yard freestyle, leading to a 5th place finish in that event and 22nd overall in a highly competitive meet that brought together swimmers from four states.On the boys’ side, up-and-coming swimmer Clayton Shamburg, an 8th grader from Bennington, put up season-best numbers at Topeka Swim Association’s Halloween Spooktacular meet. He swam seven events at the meet, improving his best time in six events, only narrowly missing a then-personal best in the 50 yard freestyle by only 0.02 seconds. Clayton took home a top finish of 2nd place in the 200 yard breaststroke and 6th place overall in his division.From the junior squad, Lindsborg swimmer Caroline King, and Salina’s Mya Fulkerson and Otto Cote are continuing their development, with Caroline putting up personal best numbers at Hutchinson’s meet in November, posting an impressive 20-second drop on her 100 yard backstroke at that meet, moving her into a 5th place finish.<h2>Spring Anticipation</h2>With the fall chapter closed, SAC is gearing up for the upcoming regional championship meets in the spring. The spring schedule includes several return visits to invitationals in Topeka, Wichita, and Hutchinson before wrapping up with progressive championship meets hosted this year in Wichita and Topeka.Swimmers are primed for the challenge, eager to compete at a higher level, break personal records, and make waves for the club. Along with Richardson and Shamburg, Salina Central sophomore Josie Ebel and Abilene 8th grader Lily Gruen are poised to peak just in time for a strong run in the championship meets, while Southeast of Saline sophomore Matthew Whelchel completes the KSHSAA boys’ high school season and should return to club swimming in time to join the squad at champs.&nbsp;"Our swimmers have put good effort into the first half of the season. Looking forward to the spring meets, I think we're poised for more growth and achievements as a team,”Coach Jake Jacobs said.USA Swimming’s championship meet format allows many of the top swimmers in each event to continue to rise through the various progressive meets, with swimmers ultimately able to qualify to participate in elite meets such as the Futures Championship, Junior National Championship, and ultimately the Senior Nationals and US Olympic Trials. Each of the championship meets, even at the regional level, requires either qualifying times or prior top finishes to enter, so participation at even the lowest levels is a great accomplishment.<h2>Ice Melt 2024</h2>The spring meets are pivotal for SAC's swimmers, offering a platform to shine and vie with the best in the region. Salina will be hosting teams from across the state at their annual spring home “Ice Melt”. The meet will be hosted at the Salina South High School Natatorium on January 13 and 14, 2024, with a 10:00 a.m. meet start each day. Admission is free to the public. The club extends thanks to the community, families, and sponsors for their support as SAC enters this exciting phase of the season.<h2>About Salina Aquatics Club</h2>Salina Aquatics Club (SAC) is a USA Swimming-affiliated competitive youth swimming club based in Salina, Kansas. Committed to excellence and community engagement, SAC provides a nurturing environment for swimmers to develop their skills and passion for the sport. Website: <a href="https://salinaaquatics.swimtopia.com/">https://salinaaquatics.swimtopia.com/</a> Social Media: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinaaquaticsclub">https://www.facebook.com/salinaaquaticsclub</a>

Salina Aquatics Club: strong first half, sights set on spring competitions

Late Thursday night, Salina Police Department, SPD, officers arrested Darryl Jones Jr., a 50-year-old Salina resident, for battering a 39-year-old victim.

According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, officers arrived around 10 p.m. at the 400 block of South Connecticut Avenue after a neighborhood resident called SPD and reported a disturbance.

"During the investigations, officers determined Mr. Jones had battered a 39-year-old female," Feldman said. "During that, he had strangled her, threatened her life and then also battered her regularly."

Once officers determined that Jones had allegedly battered the victim, they arrested him without incident.

SPD officers requested charges for aggravated domestic battery, domestic battery and criminal threat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704465482811.jpeg" alt="Jones, Darryl Dowan" />
 <figcaption>Jones, Darryl Dowan</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostLate Thursday night, Salina Police Department, SPD, officers arrested Darryl Jones Jr., a 50-year-old Salina resident, for battering a 39-year-old victim.According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, officers arrived around 10 p.m. at the 400 block of South Connecticut Avenue after a neighborhood resident called SPD and reported a disturbance."During the investigations, officers determined Mr. Jones had battered a 39-year-old female," Feldman said. "During that, he had strangled her, threatened her life and then also battered her regularly."Once officers determined that Jones had allegedly battered the victim, they arrested him without incident.SPD officers requested charges for aggravated domestic battery, domestic battery and criminal threat.

SPD officers arrest Salina man for allegedly strangling victim

On November 10, 2023, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 600 Block of E. Farrelly Road in Saline County for the report of a theft of multiple tools.

Sometime between November 10, 2023, and November 12th, 2023, unknown suspect(s) entered a building and stole multiple items.

Stolen items include a cordless DeWalt power drill and the battery, a cordless Ridgid reciprocating saw and the battery, a battery charger for the Ridgid batteries, 2 Lincoln batteries for a grease gun, and a gray Kobalt welding mask.

 Total loss is estimated to be in excess of $400.00.

If you have any information concerning who attempted to commit these crimes, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or visit <a href="http://www.pd.salina.org">www.pd.salina.org</a> and follow Crimestoppers link to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1000 and you are not required to give your name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593708592684.jpeg" alt="Crimestoppers 2 square.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Crimestoppers 2 square.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedOn November 10, 2023, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 600 Block of E. Farrelly Road in Saline County for the report of a theft of multiple tools.Sometime between November 10, 2023, and November 12th, 2023, unknown suspect(s) entered a building and stole multiple items.Stolen items include a cordless DeWalt power drill and the battery, a cordless Ridgid reciprocating saw and the battery, a battery charger for the Ridgid batteries, 2 Lincoln batteries for a grease gun, and a gray Kobalt welding mask. Total loss is estimated to be in excess of $400.00.If you have any information concerning who attempted to commit these crimes, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or visit <a href="http://www.pd.salina.org">www.pd.salina.org</a> and follow Crimestoppers link to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1000 and you are not required to give your name.

Stolen battery operated tools, this week's Crimestoppers

The City of Salina Fire Department is pleased to announce a Promotion Ceremony scheduled for January 8, 2024, commencing at 08:00 AM, immediately following the shift change. 

This important event will occur at Fire Station #1, 222 W. Elm Street, Salina, KS 67401.

The Promotion Ceremony will honor the following individuals for their dedication and commitment to service:

Chad Perez, from Engineer, to Lieutenant.

Sean Wilcox, from Engineer, to Prevention Officer.

Kade Stover, from EMT/Firefighter to Paramedic/Firefighter.

Taygen Watson, from EMT/Firefighter to Paramedic/Firefighter

Colton Carlson, from EMT/Firefighter to Engineer.

Kyle Saskowski, from EMT/Firefighter to Engineer.

We warmly invite the families and close friends of these remarkable individuals. Your presence will not only be welcomed but encouraged as we celebrate the achievements and milestones of our dedicated team members.

Join us as we commemorate their accomplishments and look forward to the continued excellence they will bring to the Salina Fire Department

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704473450444.jpeg" alt="salina Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>salina Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe City of Salina Fire Department is pleased to announce a Promotion Ceremony scheduled for January 8, 2024, commencing at 08:00 AM, immediately following the shift change. This important event will occur at Fire Station #1, 222 W. Elm Street, Salina, KS 67401.The Promotion Ceremony will honor the following individuals for their dedication and commitment to service:Chad Perez, from Engineer, to Lieutenant.Sean Wilcox, from Engineer, to Prevention Officer.Kade Stover, from EMT/Firefighter to Paramedic/Firefighter.Taygen Watson, from EMT/Firefighter to Paramedic/FirefighterColton Carlson, from EMT/Firefighter to Engineer.Kyle Saskowski, from EMT/Firefighter to Engineer.We warmly invite the families and close friends of these remarkable individuals. Your presence will not only be welcomed but encouraged as we celebrate the achievements and milestones of our dedicated team members.Join us as we commemorate their accomplishments and look forward to the continued excellence they will bring to the Salina Fire Department

Salina Fire Department to host promotion ceremony on Monday

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."

Originating in the high plains of eastern Colorado, the 575-mile-long Smoky Hill River provides animals with sustenance, gives people a place to recreate, and has served as an economic driver that catapulted Salina into the 20th and 21st Centuries.

1858, Salina's founders chose the city site because of its practical location. The town, located on the westernmost point of the ancient Indian trail, was established as a trading post for prospectors bound for Colorado, westbound immigrants, and Native American tribes.

Early settlers harnessed the power from the flowing river, which soon ran mills that sawed trees into wood and ground grain into flour. Salina's milling industry was born and steadily grew to the third-largest flour-producing city in the world.

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6995f33f-0b25-4f61-8325-1daf9c6dfe93">Smoky Hill Museum collecting 'river stories</a>'

The river also became the place to celebrate life. Picnics, horse racing, boat trips and swimming enhanced the quality of life and helped build the young community.

Waters that brought relaxation and prosperity to the small community also brought devastation. Residents of Salina experienced multiple flood events not too long after the city's establishment.

<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."By SALINA POST<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704479038684.jpeg" alt="View of the Smoky Hill River from the Iron Avenue bridge. Image Courtesy Friends of the River Foundation" />
 <figcaption>View of the Smoky Hill River from the Iron Avenue bridge. Image Courtesy Friends of the River Foundation</figcaption>
 </figure>Originating in the high plains of eastern Colorado, the 575-mile-long Smoky Hill River provides animals with sustenance, gives people a place to recreate, and has served as an economic driver that catapulted Salina into the 20th and 21st Centuries.1858, Salina's founders chose the city site because of its practical location. The town, located on the westernmost point of the ancient Indian trail, was established as a trading post for prospectors bound for Colorado, westbound immigrants, and Native American tribes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704470280811.jpeg" alt="A drawing / painting of 1867 bridge over the Smoky Hill River on Iron Avenue. The "Imaginary Free Ferry," Phillips Topeka Road. Created by AM Campbell. Image Courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>A drawing / painting of 1867 bridge over the Smoky Hill River on Iron Avenue. The "Imaginary Free Ferry," Phillips Topeka Road. Created by AM Campbell. Image Courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>Early settlers harnessed the power from the flowing river, which soon ran mills that sawed trees into wood and ground grain into flour. Salina's milling industry was born and steadily grew to the third-largest flour-producing city in the world.READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6995f33f-0b25-4f61-8325-1daf9c6dfe93">Smoky Hill Museum collecting 'river stories</a>'The river also became the place to celebrate life. Picnics, horse racing, boat trips and swimming enhanced the quality of life and helped build the young community.<h2>Recreating on the Smoky Hill River</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704482808488.jpeg" alt="Salina residents play hockey on the frozen surface of the Smoky Hill River. Image c.1950&nbsp;Image Courtesy Friends of the River Foundation" />
 <figcaption>Salina residents play hockey on the frozen surface of the Smoky Hill River. Image c.1950&nbsp;Image Courtesy Friends of the River Foundation</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704470405229.jpeg" alt="Adults, children and a dog swim in the waters of the Smoky Hill River c.1910.&nbsp;Image Courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>Adults, children and a dog swim in the waters of the Smoky Hill River c.1910.&nbsp;Image Courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704470427797.jpeg" alt="Salinans skate on the frozen Smoky Hill River in Oakdale park c.1930.&nbsp;Image Courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>Salinans skate on the frozen Smoky Hill River in Oakdale park c.1930.&nbsp;Image Courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704470311722.jpeg" alt="A linen graphic postcard of boaters and water skiing in the Smoky Hill River, Salina, Kansas. On back: "Salina, in the heart of the nation ranks fourth in production of flour. It is also an important manufacturing center." Published by Carroll News Agency, Salina, Kansas. C1950&nbsp;Image Courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>A linen graphic postcard of boaters and water skiing in the Smoky Hill River, Salina, Kansas. On back: "Salina, in the heart of the nation ranks fourth in production of flour. It is also an important manufacturing center." Published by Carroll News Agency, Salina, Kansas. C1950&nbsp;Image Courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>Waters that brought relaxation and prosperity to the small community also brought devastation. Residents of Salina experienced multiple flood events not too long after the city's establishment.One of the first floods that impacted the city happened in 1903. The flood, caused by a deluge of 17.13 inches of rain, took place in May.Flooding of the Smoky Hill River continued over the next several decades, with floods occurring in 1915, 1938, 1941, and 1951. <h2>Photos of Smoky Hill flood events&nbsp;</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704471251301.jpeg" alt=""residence of Charles Hanly near Walnut Street bridge." July 10, 1904.&nbsp;Image Courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>"residence of Charles Hanly near Walnut Street bridge." July 10, 1904.&nbsp;Image Courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704470384118.jpeg" alt="Downtown Salina c.1920.&nbsp;Image Courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>Downtown Salina c.1920.&nbsp;Image Courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704471063372.jpeg" alt="' SALINA YOUR OPPORTUNITY' arch during the flood in the 1920s&nbsp; at Bishop and Ninth.&nbsp;Image Courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>' SALINA YOUR OPPORTUNITY' arch during the flood in the 1920s&nbsp; at Bishop and Ninth.&nbsp;Image Courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704471112379.jpeg" alt="Photograph was printed on page 70 in "A Pictorial History of Saline County, Kansas." Wooden foot bridge that was across the A Smoky Hill River, August 1935. This was before the flood of 1938 that took part of the footbridge. Then the 1941 flood destroyed the rest. The man third from the right is Jesse Rothrock. The ford in the upper left was the north end of the crossing. It was at the dead end of Cloud Street in Salina. It was used as a crossing to get to a field of White's. White's daughter, Nell and her husband Floyd Newcomb, lived just west of the field on Cloud on the north side. To the far right hand side of the photo, the foot bridge ends at the south entrance of the crossing. The ford entered the river just west of Bob White's horse barn. People in the area southeast of Salina used the river ford to make their way to Salina to do their trading, coming across what is now the Elks Club, into White's pasture. The wagons would cross on the right side, down river on the east side of the foot bridge.&nbsp;Image Courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>Photograph was printed on page 70 in "A Pictorial History of Saline County, Kansas." Wooden foot bridge that was across the A Smoky Hill River, August 1935. This was before the flood of 1938 that took part of the footbridge. Then the 1941 flood destroyed the rest. The man third from the right is Jesse Rothrock. The ford in the upper left was the north end of the crossing. It was at the dead end of Cloud Street in Salina. It was used as a crossing to get to a field of White's. White's daughter, Nell and her husband Floyd Newcomb, lived just west of the field on Cloud on the north side. To the far right hand side of the photo, the foot bridge ends at the south entrance of the crossing. The ford entered the river just west of Bob White's horse barn. People in the area southeast of Salina used the river ford to make their way to Salina to do their trading, coming across what is now the Elks Club, into White's pasture. The wagons would cross on the right side, down river on the east side of the foot bridge.&nbsp;Image Courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704470341322.jpeg" alt="Aerial postcard pictured in black and white of Salina at the time of the June 5, 1938 flood. Area shown in photo includes Walnut Street eat to and including Oakdale Park.&nbsp;Image Courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>Aerial postcard pictured in black and white of Salina at the time of the June 5, 1938 flood. Area shown in photo includes Walnut Street eat to and including Oakdale Park.&nbsp;Image Courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>The flood of 1938, in particular, was especially catastrophic for the Smoky Hill River Valley. Homesteads, farms and small towns in the area were devastated. Kansas congressional leaders passed legislation in Washington, D.C. that authorized the construction of the Kanopolis dam in 1940. Despite the project's temporary suspension during World War II, the first artificial lake in Kansas, Kanpolis Lake, wasn't completed until 1948.Despite these safeguards, the river was still susceptible to flooding. In 1951, following another catastrophic flood, local leaders cut off the channel's flow through Salina. What once was picturesque enough to have the movie "Picnic" filmed on its banks is now a silt-filled ditch.In 1957, construction began on the diversion channel and levee system by the Corps of Engineers as part of the city's flood protection plan. The structure was completed in 1961.The original river channel dried up, and Salina's identity with its historic river seemed to fade into history. In 1986 The City of Salina and the Chamber of Commerce conducted a study to determine the desired outcome for the old channel. The result was nearly unanimous - the beautification of the old channel.During the late 80s and early 90s, the river project was somewhat forgotten and the revitalization project temporarily shelved. Another flooding event happened along the river in 1993.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704471336935.jpeg" alt="The Smoky Hill River. Image Courtesy Friends of the River Foundation" />
 <figcaption>The Smoky Hill River. Image Courtesy Friends of the River Foundation</figcaption>
 </figure>In the mid-2000s, like the city founders who came more than 100 years before them, Salina residents still saw the river as an incredible asset. The Friends of the River Foundation held its first organizational meeting in 2007. The group's mission is "to strive and restore the natural channel of the Smoky Hill River to its role as an integral part of the aesthetic, recreational, and economic life of Salina."LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/457e5416-2eab-4749-a306-a57491d4a422">Jane Anderson, Friends of the River Executive Director</a>In 2009, the foundation became a 501c3 and collected input from 3,500 residents about what they wanted the Smoky Hill River to look like. In December 2009, the Salina City Commission authorized the preparation of a master plan to guide the restoration and renewal of the Old Smoky Hill River channel. Salina Downtown, Inc., on behalf of the Friends of the River Foundation and in partnership with multiple private and public agencies, engaged ConsultEcon, Inc. to conduct an economic impact analysis of the Smoky Hill River Renewal Master Plan.In 2015, the group hired Jane Anderson as executive director to help continue the project for the future. By the following year, the organization pushed to pass a sales tax increase to fund the renewal project.From 2015 to 2023, the group continued to acquire funding for the project and eventually became a funded partner of the Salina Area United Way in the Summer of 2023.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698703088297.jpeg" alt="Friends of the River Foundation Ribbon Cutting - Utilities Dir. Martha Tasker and Pres of Board Brad Stuewe. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Friends of the River Foundation Ribbon Cutting - Utilities Dir. Martha Tasker and Pres of Board Brad Stuewe. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>One chilly morning in October 2023, the Friends of the River Foundation opened the first half-mile portion of the concrete walking path next to the channel."This trail is the first construction project of many to come in the near future," Anderson said. "(It) allows the public to have a beginning glimpse of what the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project could bring to this community."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637207778298.jpeg" alt="Smoky Hill River Renewal project design for Founders Park in Salina. Image Courtesy Friends of the River" />
 <figcaption>Smoky Hill River Renewal project design for Founders Park in Salina. Image Courtesy Friends of the River</figcaption>
 </figure>

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