By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina Post

Late yesterday evening, Salina Fire Department (SFD) firefighters responded to 650 East Crawford Street for a head-on collision that required the use of the Jaws of Life.

According to SFD Deputy Chief Shane Pearson, just before 9:06 p.m., the driver of one vehicle crossed over the center line of Crawford Street and crashed head-on into another car.

"There were two [occupants] in that car, and they both&nbsp;were transported&nbsp;but no life-threatening injuries," Pearson said.&nbsp;

Pearson said local emergency services did not transport the other vehicle's occupants to Salina Regional Health Center.&nbsp;

LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eb9d6b20-de39-4216-9b0a-1c488dfeb1e6">🎙King in the Community — Crystal Hammerschmidt, Salina Arts and Humanities</a>

Still, firefighters used the Jaws of Life to extricate one of the passengers from the car that crossed over the centerline on Crawford.

"While they were getting one of the patients out of the cars, they did have to remove the passenger door," Pearson said. "It was off the car."

Salina Post contacted the Salina Police Department (SPD), and according to SPD Capt. James Feldman, officers are still working to complete the accident report.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704473450444.jpeg" alt="Salina Fire Department One" />
 <figcaption>Salina Fire Department One</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostLate yesterday evening, Salina Fire Department (SFD) firefighters responded to 650 East Crawford Street for a head-on collision that required the use of the Jaws of Life.According to SFD Deputy Chief Shane Pearson, just before 9:06 p.m., the driver of one vehicle crossed over the center line of Crawford Street and crashed head-on into another car.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2586.7134079280054!2d-97.60363349759879!3d38.82586495888595!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87bcc5fd3db68b47%3A0x953f1c1fdb3389aa!2s650%20E%20Crawford%20St%2C%20Salina%2C%20KS%2067401!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1715960035719!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>"There were two [occupants] in that car, and they both&nbsp;were transported&nbsp;but no life-threatening injuries," Pearson said.&nbsp;Pearson said local emergency services did not transport the other vehicle's occupants to Salina Regional Health Center.&nbsp;LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eb9d6b20-de39-4216-9b0a-1c488dfeb1e6">🎙King in the Community — Crystal Hammerschmidt, Salina Arts and Humanities</a>Still, firefighters used the Jaws of Life to extricate one of the passengers from the car that crossed over the centerline on Crawford."While they were getting one of the patients out of the cars, they did have to remove the passenger door," Pearson said. "It was off the car."Salina Post contacted the Salina Police Department (SPD), and according to SPD Capt. James Feldman, officers are still working to complete the accident report.Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.

SFD uses Jaws of Life to help crash victim near Salina Central High School

Click the link above and hear Bishop explain how the market got started and the ways public and private community stakeholders are partnering to make the farm and art market a success for its debut season.&nbsp;

By NATE KING Salina Post

Spring is in the air and <a href="https://www.salinadowntown.org/events-info">Salina Downtown Inc.</a>, SDI Executive Director, Leslie Bishop stops by to share about the new farm and art market kicking off in downtown Salina on Saturday, May 18.&nbsp;

"Currently, we have 22 vendors, but we believe that the number will grow as the market season moves along," said Salina Downtown Inc. Executive Director, Leslie Bishop. "We would like everyone to know that tomorrow may look a little 'crazy.' We will be getting all the vendors settled in their spaces for the first time."

The Farm &amp; Art Market Downtown will be open every Saturday, from May 18-Oct 19. SDI will make weekly announcements about the market every week. All the information about the Farm &amp; Art Market Downtown can be found at <a href="http://www.salinadowntown.org" target="_blank">www.salinadowntown.org</a>

With a mission to connect and bring farmers, artisans, and residents of the Salina area together, while also fostering a sustainable, welcoming, and thriving downtown community, SDI is encouraging Salina residents to grow it, raise it, make it, bake it and support the <a href="https://www.salinadowntown.org/farmartmarket">Salina Downtown Farm and Art Market</a>.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Leslie Bishop, Salina Downtown Inc. Executive Director" 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=mcjzr-15c46e9-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>Click the link above and hear Bishop explain how the market got started and the ways public and private community stakeholders are partnering to make the farm and art market a success for its debut season.&nbsp;By NATE KING Salina PostSpring is in the air and <a href="https://www.salinadowntown.org/events-info">Salina Downtown Inc.</a>, SDI Executive Director, Leslie Bishop stops by to share about the new farm and art market kicking off in downtown Salina on Saturday, May 18.&nbsp;"Currently, we have 22 vendors, but we believe that the number will grow as the market season moves along," said Salina Downtown Inc. Executive Director, Leslie Bishop. "We would like everyone to know that tomorrow may look a little 'crazy.' We will be getting all the vendors settled in their spaces for the first time."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715956908703.jpeg" alt="Here is a map of parking downtown. Remember that the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551928585184&amp;__cft__[0]=AZUNptCutSnaURZ5xB9KqNnp3x0bv3JgV_J9klWYTq8qB4rY5xYraubHl6K15J-cEXVE3rMVllDhydvwAOq4VWe89y1uspjpWMSSuY3QL4-BmIbR2RA0C5gMvoe0HT4NAa9obCfIQ8t5Zrg90UoHqUL4i4ZkNN5pyMa8sxBzpZTP-8bsv7TsTyhoVtCpVP4h-gvEklgP1teYh-4B-2t_ia9U&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Farm &amp; Art Market Downtown</a> will be in SF-2 lot and it will be unavailable for parking. All other highlighted lots are where you CAN park THIS Saturday for market.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/plentyofparking?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZUNptCutSnaURZ5xB9KqNnp3x0bv3JgV_J9klWYTq8qB4rY5xYraubHl6K15J-cEXVE3rMVllDhydvwAOq4VWe89y1uspjpWMSSuY3QL4-BmIbR2RA0C5gMvoe0HT4NAa9obCfIQ8t5Zrg90UoHqUL4i4ZkNN5pyMa8sxBzpZTP-8bsv7TsTyhoVtCpVP4h-gvEklgP1teYh-4B-2t_ia9U&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#plentyofparking</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/salinadowntown?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZUNptCutSnaURZ5xB9KqNnp3x0bv3JgV_J9klWYTq8qB4rY5xYraubHl6K15J-cEXVE3rMVllDhydvwAOq4VWe89y1uspjpWMSSuY3QL4-BmIbR2RA0C5gMvoe0HT4NAa9obCfIQ8t5Zrg90UoHqUL4i4ZkNN5pyMa8sxBzpZTP-8bsv7TsTyhoVtCpVP4h-gvEklgP1teYh-4B-2t_ia9U&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#salinadowntown</a>" />
 <figcaption>Here is a map of parking downtown. Remember that the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551928585184&amp;__cft__[0]=AZUNptCutSnaURZ5xB9KqNnp3x0bv3JgV_J9klWYTq8qB4rY5xYraubHl6K15J-cEXVE3rMVllDhydvwAOq4VWe89y1uspjpWMSSuY3QL4-BmIbR2RA0C5gMvoe0HT4NAa9obCfIQ8t5Zrg90UoHqUL4i4ZkNN5pyMa8sxBzpZTP-8bsv7TsTyhoVtCpVP4h-gvEklgP1teYh-4B-2t_ia9U&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Farm &amp; Art Market Downtown</a> will be in SF-2 lot and it will be unavailable for parking. All other highlighted lots are where you CAN park THIS Saturday for market.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/plentyofparking?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZUNptCutSnaURZ5xB9KqNnp3x0bv3JgV_J9klWYTq8qB4rY5xYraubHl6K15J-cEXVE3rMVllDhydvwAOq4VWe89y1uspjpWMSSuY3QL4-BmIbR2RA0C5gMvoe0HT4NAa9obCfIQ8t5Zrg90UoHqUL4i4ZkNN5pyMa8sxBzpZTP-8bsv7TsTyhoVtCpVP4h-gvEklgP1teYh-4B-2t_ia9U&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#plentyofparking</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/salinadowntown?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZUNptCutSnaURZ5xB9KqNnp3x0bv3JgV_J9klWYTq8qB4rY5xYraubHl6K15J-cEXVE3rMVllDhydvwAOq4VWe89y1uspjpWMSSuY3QL4-BmIbR2RA0C5gMvoe0HT4NAa9obCfIQ8t5Zrg90UoHqUL4i4ZkNN5pyMa8sxBzpZTP-8bsv7TsTyhoVtCpVP4h-gvEklgP1teYh-4B-2t_ia9U&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#salinadowntown</a></figcaption>
 </figure>The Farm &amp; Art Market Downtown will be open every Saturday, from May 18-Oct 19. SDI will make weekly announcements about the market every week. All the information about the Farm &amp; Art Market Downtown can be found at <a href="http://www.salinadowntown.org" target="_blank">www.salinadowntown.org</a>With a mission to connect and bring farmers, artisans, and residents of the Salina area together, while also fostering a sustainable, welcoming, and thriving downtown community, SDI is encouraging Salina residents to grow it, raise it, make it, bake it and support the <a href="https://www.salinadowntown.org/farmartmarket">Salina Downtown Farm and Art Market</a>.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsalinadowntowninc%2Fvideos%2F1287083132272070%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="476" 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>

Farm & Art Market in Downtown Salina kick off this Saturday

Coyotes knock off LSU-Shreveport 2-1 to advance to World Series for first time in program history

Crimestoppers Between Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 10:00 p.m., and Sunday, May 12, 2024, at 6:00 a.m., an unknown suspectsbroke out a glass door at the Jump Start gas station, located at 220 W. Magnolia, Salina, Kansas.&nbsp; Upon gaining entry, the suspect(s) then stole $810 worth of assorted lottery tickets.

On Sunday, May 12, 2024 at approximately 1:30 p.m. several of the lottery tickets were scanned at a business in northwest Wichita. The suspect was wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses, dark colored sweatshirt and a face covering.

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/3d760319-9f95-461d-a78b-664c8262d82f">Lottery tickets worth hundreds of dollars stolen from Salina gas station</a>

If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call

Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You can also make an on—line tip at:

<a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters

may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, or Det. R. Constantino, case 2024-14628.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715949846796.jpeg" alt="Crimestoppers 05-17-24" />
 <figcaption>Crimestoppers 05-17-24</figcaption>
 </figure>Crimestoppers Between Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 10:00 p.m., and Sunday, May 12, 2024, at 6:00 a.m., an unknown suspectsbroke out a glass door at the Jump Start gas station, located at 220 W. Magnolia, Salina, Kansas.&nbsp; Upon gaining entry, the suspect(s) then stole $810 worth of assorted lottery tickets.On Sunday, May 12, 2024 at approximately 1:30 p.m. several of the lottery tickets were scanned at a business in northwest Wichita. The suspect was wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses, dark colored sweatshirt and a face covering.READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/3d760319-9f95-461d-a78b-664c8262d82f">Lottery tickets worth hundreds of dollars stolen from Salina gas station</a>If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, callCrimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You can also make an on—line tip at:<a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipstersmay also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, or Det. R. Constantino, case 2024-14628.

Lottery ticket thief is this week’s Crimestoppers

The 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival Medallion Quest is underway!

The first clue was revealed this afternoon at the Smoky Hill Museum. It is:

· $2,000 in Festival Gift Certificates, to be used for purchases in the Fine Art and Craft Show or Art/Craft Demonstration Area during the Festival weekend

· Four complimentary Festival admission wristbands

· One on-grounds Festival parking pass (weather permitting)

· An invitation for four to attend the evening PREMIERE Art Patron Party on Thursday, June 13

· Four Smoky Hill River Festival t-shirts

“The Festival Medallion Quest is the perfect way to kick off the festival season,” said Salina Arts and Humanities Director Brad Anderson. “Thousands of searchers get to see the town with new eyes as they interpret clues and get creative trying to find the Medallion.”

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b7840647-570e-46c9-b3db-a74fa03752e1">🎥First details released for 48th Smoky Hill River Festival</a>

Clues will be released at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily on the Quest website,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.festivalmedallionquest.com/" target="_blank">www.festivalmedallionquest.com</a>,&nbsp;beginning at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, on the steps of the Smoky Hill Museum.

The clues will also be posted outside the west doors on Eighth Street at the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities office on the corner of Eighth and Iron Ave.&nbsp;&nbsp;

No purchase is necessary to participate or win.

Employees of Salina Arts &amp; Humanities or SAH Foundation Board members and their families are not eligible to win.

Participants assume all risk and release the City of Salina, Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, and the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Foundation from liability for any injuries or damages to themselves.

Clues WILL NOT be given over the phone or via email

The Medallion will be easy to remove from its location and WILL NOT require climbing, digging, tools or ladders, or the destruction of property.

The objects are located on public property within the Salina city limits, which may include City parks.&nbsp;Curfews hours for all City parks remain in effect during the Quest and are posted at each park.

The Medallion will be easy to identify because it will have a message and contact information attached or written directly on it.

DO NOT&nbsp;post any photos of an object on social media until it has been officially confirmed to be genuine.

Once the Medallion has been confirmed as found, the public will be notified of the time and place where the official press conference and award presentation will take place.

Notification will be posted on the Festival Medallion Quest and Smoky Hill River Festival websites, through participating local media partners, and physically outside the west entrance of the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Office at 211 W. Iron Ave.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715808130992.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival Medallion Quest is underway!The first clue was revealed this afternoon at the Smoky Hill Museum. It is:Clue No. Four: South of the King<h2>Medallion Quest 2024 prize package</h2>· $1,000 in cashADVERTISING· $2,000 in Festival Gift Certificates, to be used for purchases in the Fine Art and Craft Show or Art/Craft Demonstration Area during the Festival weekend· Four complimentary Festival admission wristbands· One on-grounds Festival parking pass (weather permitting)· An invitation for four to attend the evening PREMIERE Art Patron Party on Thursday, June 13· Four Smoky Hill River Festival t-shirts“The Festival Medallion Quest is the perfect way to kick off the festival season,” said Salina Arts and Humanities Director Brad Anderson. “Thousands of searchers get to see the town with new eyes as they interpret clues and get creative trying to find the Medallion.”READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b7840647-570e-46c9-b3db-a74fa03752e1">🎥First details released for 48th Smoky Hill River Festival</a>Clues will be released at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily on the Quest website,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.festivalmedallionquest.com/" target="_blank">www.festivalmedallionquest.com</a>,&nbsp;beginning at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, on the steps of the Smoky Hill Museum.The clues will also be posted outside the west doors on Eighth Street at the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities office on the corner of Eighth and Iron Ave.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Medallion Quest Rules</h2>No purchase is necessary to participate or win.Employees of Salina Arts &amp; Humanities or SAH Foundation Board members and their families are not eligible to win.Participants assume all risk and release the City of Salina, Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, and the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Foundation from liability for any injuries or damages to themselves.Clues WILL NOT be given over the phone or via emailThe Medallion will be easy to remove from its location and WILL NOT require climbing, digging, tools or ladders, or the destruction of property.The objects are located on public property within the Salina city limits, which may include City parks.&nbsp;Curfews hours for all City parks remain in effect during the Quest and are posted at each park.NOTHING will be hidden:At Kenwood or Oakdale ParksOn Private PropertyOn Salina Airport Authority PropertyThe Medallion will be easy to identify because it will have a message and contact information attached or written directly on it.DO NOT&nbsp;post any photos of an object on social media until it has been officially confirmed to be genuine.Once the Medallion has been confirmed as found, the public will be notified of the time and place where the official press conference and award presentation will take place.Notification will be posted on the Festival Medallion Quest and Smoky Hill River Festival websites, through participating local media partners, and physically outside the west entrance of the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Office at 211 W. Iron Ave.

Fourth Medallion Quest Clue announced

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina Post

Late Tuesday evening, Salina Police Department (SPD) officers responded to a disturbance at a local inn after someone reported a woman allegedly swinging a baseball bat at another hotel guest.

According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, officers went to the Marifah Inn on North Ninth Street just before 8:11 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, and spoke with the victim.

The 33-year-old woman reported that 37-year-old Amanda Myers allegedly verbally assaulted her before threatening her later in the hotel lobby.

"Myers was yelling unknown things at her when the victim went to the lobby to report the issues of her being harassed by Amanda Myers when Myers walked into the lobby with a bat and ended up swinging at the victim," Feldman said. "The victim was scared for her safety, and several other people and workers there kept Myers away from the victim."

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eb9d6b20-de39-4216-9b0a-1c488dfeb1e6">🎙King in the Community — Crystal Hammerschmidt, Salina Arts and Humanities</a>

Once officers took the victim's report of events about the incident, they visited Myers' room at the inn to question her further.

Feldman said that after officers met Myers at the door to her room, she attempted to flee back into the room away from officers and gave some resistance against

There, Myers initially answered the door for the officers, but Feldman said she attempted to flee arrest and gave some resistance.

"She was taken&nbsp;into custody and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and interference with law enforcement, which is also a felony," Feldman said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574271818216.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostLate Tuesday evening, Salina Police Department (SPD) officers responded to a disturbance at a local inn after someone reported a woman allegedly swinging a baseball bat at another hotel guest.According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, officers went to the Marifah Inn on North Ninth Street just before 8:11 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, and spoke with the victim.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3106.242677100809!2d-97.61363662446179!3d38.8726892481624!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87bccf8751f716cd%3A0xf7735747c41daa69!2sMarifah%20Inn%20Salina!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1715913874804!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>The 33-year-old woman reported that 37-year-old Amanda Myers allegedly verbally assaulted her before threatening her later in the hotel lobby."Myers was yelling unknown things at her when the victim went to the lobby to report the issues of her being harassed by Amanda Myers when Myers walked into the lobby with a bat and ended up swinging at the victim," Feldman said. "The victim was scared for her safety, and several other people and workers there kept Myers away from the victim."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715774424910.jpeg" alt=" Myers, Amanda Sue Beatrice. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption> Myers, Amanda Sue Beatrice. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eb9d6b20-de39-4216-9b0a-1c488dfeb1e6">🎙King in the Community — Crystal Hammerschmidt, Salina Arts and Humanities</a>Once officers took the victim's report of events about the incident, they visited Myers' room at the inn to question her further.Feldman said that after officers met Myers at the door to her room, she attempted to flee back into the room away from officers and gave some resistance againstThere, Myers initially answered the door for the officers, but Feldman said she attempted to flee arrest and gave some resistance."She was taken&nbsp;into custody and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and interference with law enforcement, which is also a felony," Feldman said.

SPD arrest woman at local inn for allegedly threatening guest with baseball bat

Join King in the Community podcast host Nate King as he sits down with Crystal Hammerschmidt, the Visual Arts Coordinator for the upcoming Smoky Hill River Festival in Salina. Crystal shares her insights on the festival's visual arts, highlighting the talented artists and diverse artwork that will be showcased. 

From paintings to sculptures to handmade crafts, listeners will get a sneak peek at what art to expect at this year's festival. Tune in to learn more about how the arts community is thriving in Salina and how you can support local artists at this exciting event.

<a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/">For more information check out the Smoky Hill River Festival website here.&nbsp;</a>

<div><iframe title="Crystal Hammerschmidt, Smoky Hill River Festival Visual Arts Coordinator" 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=y8gxd-161460e-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By SALINA POSTJoin King in the Community podcast host Nate King as he sits down with Crystal Hammerschmidt, the Visual Arts Coordinator for the upcoming Smoky Hill River Festival in Salina. Crystal shares her insights on the festival's visual arts, highlighting the talented artists and diverse artwork that will be showcased. From paintings to sculptures to handmade crafts, listeners will get a sneak peek at what art to expect at this year's festival. Tune in to learn more about how the arts community is thriving in Salina and how you can support local artists at this exciting event.<a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/">For more information check out the Smoky Hill River Festival website here.&nbsp;</a>

🎙King in the Community — Crystal Hammerschmidt, Salina Arts and Humanities

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

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

Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance

Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500

Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity Driving While Suspended Interfere w/ LEO; False report to obstruct No Proof Of Insurance Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation

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

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail.All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715947566015.jpeg" alt=" Bryant,Sieven Shamont" />
 <figcaption> Bryant,Sieven Shamont</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Bryant,Sieven ShamontREQUESTED CHARE(S):&nbsp;Criminal trespass; Unknown circumstanceViolation of protection order; Unknown circumstance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715947630135.jpeg" alt="Guillon,Amanda Marie" />
 <figcaption>Guillon,Amanda Marie</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Guillon,Amanda MarieREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving While SuspendedNo Proof Of InsuranceTheft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715947679641.jpeg" alt="Jones,Roy Anthony" />
 <figcaption>Jones,Roy Anthony</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Jones,Roy AnthonyREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation ViolationFailure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715947743033.jpeg" alt="Lanzrath,Joseph Eugene " />
 <figcaption>Lanzrath,Joseph Eugene </figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Lanzrath,Joseph EugeneREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity Driving While Suspended Interfere w/ LEO; False report to obstruct No Proof Of Insurance Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715947828224.jpeg" alt="Massey,Wayne Lovell" />
 <figcaption>Massey,Wayne Lovell</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Massey,Wayne LovellREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715947876164.jpeg" alt="McMillin,Shane Douglas" />
 <figcaption>McMillin,Shane Douglas</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;McMillin,Shane DouglasREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715947931601.jpeg" alt=" Sellers,Omar Kalik" />
 <figcaption> Sellers,Omar Kalik</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Sellers,Omar KalikREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Operate a MV w/o a valid licensePoss of marijuana<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715947991593.jpeg" alt="Shinn,Jonathan Steven" />
 <figcaption>Shinn,Jonathan Steven</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Shinn,Jonathan StevenREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715948038930.jpeg" alt="Williams,Twila Jeanette" />
 <figcaption>Williams,Twila Jeanette</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Williams,Twila JeanetteREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol&nbsp;

Saline County Jail Bookings, May 17

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter- Salina Post

Hello and happy Friday everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.

On Thursday the final tickets to this year’s state baseball and softball tournaments were officially punched, as the few remaining brackets wrapped things up across the state.

Down in Hays, the TMP baseball regional saw a pair of area foes go at it, as the Sacred heart Knights knocked off Ell-Saline 14-4, but fell to the hosts in TMP by a final score of 5-4.

Both of those games were broadcast with live audio and video on Salina Post and are available on-demand any time

Meanwhile, down in Sylvan Lucas the Bennington Lady Bulldogs picked up a big win over Ell-Saline, knocking off the Lady Cardinals 7-2 before themselves being befallen by TMP in a 7-3 regional final.

With that, the state fields are set and four of our area teams will be competing for state titles next week, on behalf of the whole staff here at KINA&nbsp;congrats&nbsp;and good luck to the Southeast of Saline softball team, and the Salina South, Salina Central and Abilene baseball teams. And for continuing coverage of all four squads keep it locked to Salina Post

And finally the Kansas Shrine Bowl is headed back to Dodge City for the second time in 2025. The Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors announced that the 52nd&nbsp;Shrine Bowl&nbsp;&nbsp;will be played on Saturday, June 21st, 2025 at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City

That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out <a href="https://x.com/SPostSports">Salina Pos</a>t and stay tuned to <a href="http://910kina.com">KINA</a>.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K2Bw44eGrzU?si=xs2bn7hBFfSHx5qO" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter- Salina PostHello and happy Friday everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here" />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here</figcaption>
 </figure>_________On Thursday the final tickets to this year’s state baseball and softball tournaments were officially punched, as the few remaining brackets wrapped things up across the state.Down in Hays, the TMP baseball regional saw a pair of area foes go at it, as the Sacred heart Knights knocked off Ell-Saline 14-4, but fell to the hosts in TMP by a final score of 5-4.Both of those games were broadcast with live audio and video on Salina Post and are available on-demand any timeMeanwhile, down in Sylvan Lucas the Bennington Lady Bulldogs picked up a big win over Ell-Saline, knocking off the Lady Cardinals 7-2 before themselves being befallen by TMP in a 7-3 regional final._________With that, the state fields are set and four of our area teams will be competing for state titles next week, on behalf of the whole staff here at KINA&nbsp;congrats&nbsp;and good luck to the Southeast of Saline softball team, and the Salina South, Salina Central and Abilene baseball teams. And for continuing coverage of all four squads keep it locked to Salina Post_________And finally the Kansas Shrine Bowl is headed back to Dodge City for the second time in 2025. The Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors announced that the 52nd&nbsp;Shrine Bowl&nbsp;&nbsp;will be played on Saturday, June 21st, 2025 at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City_________That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out <a href="https://x.com/SPostSports">Salina Pos</a>t and stay tuned to <a href="http://910kina.com">KINA</a>.

910 KINA Sports Headlines — May 17

On May 17, 1954, a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court handed down its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/archive-little-rock-nine-1379840003">Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka decision</a>&nbsp;which held that racially segregated public schools were inherently unequal, and therefore unconstitutional.

In 1536, Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer declared the marriage of England’s King Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn invalid after she failed to produce a male heir; Boleyn, already condemned for high treason, was executed two days later.

In 1940, the Nazis occupied Brussels, Belgium, during World War II.

In 1946, President Harry S. Truman seized control of the nation’s railroads, delaying — but not preventing — a threatened strike by engineers and trainmen.

In 1973, a special committee convened by the U.S. Senate began its televised hearings into the Watergate scandal.

In 1980, rioting that claimed 18 lives erupted in Miami’s Liberty City after an all-white jury in Tampa acquitted four former Miami police officers of fatally beating Black insurance executive Arthur McDuffie.

In 1987, 37 American sailors were killed when an Iraqi warplane attacked the U.S. Navy frigate Stark in the Persian Gulf. (Iraq apologized for the attack, calling it a mistake, and paid more than $27 million in compensation.)

In 1996, President Bill Clinton signed a measure requiring neighborhood notification when sex offenders move in. (“<a href="https://apnews.com/a827243f1feb42d98b98ce2cc1e092fb/how-do-you-track-sex-offenders-ny-county-hires-ex-cops" target="_blank">Megan’s Law</a>,” as it’s known, was named for Megan Kanka, a 7-year-old New Jersey girl who was raped and murdered in 1994.)

In 2004, Massachusetts became the first state to allow&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6bcb63b9326d43379db8b0288c4ff2ae" target="_blank">same-sex marriages.</a>

In 2010, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that young people serving life prison terms should have “a meaningful opportunity to obtain release” provided they didn’t kill their victims.

In 2012,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donna-summer">Donna Summer</a>, the “Queen of Disco,” died at age 63.

In 2013,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-57bd13c48f62463c84f26ef1c49d8c55">Jorge Rafael Videla</a>&nbsp;(HOHR’-hay rah-fay-EHL’ vih-DEH’-lah), 87, the former dictator who took power in Argentina in a 1976 coup and led a military junta that killed thousands during a “dirty war” against alleged subversives, died in Buenos Aires while serving life in prison for crimes against humanity.

In 2015, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/-----e4695436c2da475180701cd67e3ec9d4" target="_blank">shootout erupted between bikers and police</a>&nbsp;outside a restaurant in Waco, Texas, leaving nine of the bikers dead and 20 people injured.

In 2017, the Justice Department appointed former FBI Director Robert Mueller as a special counsel to oversee a federal investigation into potential coordination between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-ap-top-news-politics-russia-48f9d5132d7a4e2d823edad8fc407979">Russia and the 2016 Donald Trump campaign</a>.

In 2020, New York Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/4d18398a407610a389fbf461b2a832e4">Andrew Cuomo was tested for the coronavirus on live TV</a>&nbsp;as he announced that all people in the state who were experiencing flu-like symptoms were eligible for tests.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715960733723.png" alt="FILE - This May 17, 1954, file photo shows, from left, George E.C. Hayes, Thurgood Marshall, and James M. Nabrit joining hands as they pose outside the Supreme Court in Washington. The three lawyers led the fight for abolition of segregation in public schools before the Supreme Court, which ruled that segregation is unconstitutional. (AP Photo/File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - This May 17, 1954, file photo shows, from left, George E.C. Hayes, Thurgood Marshall, and James M. Nabrit joining hands as they pose outside the Supreme Court in Washington. The three lawyers led the fight for abolition of segregation in public schools before the Supreme Court, which ruled that segregation is unconstitutional. (AP Photo/File)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Today in History:</h2>On May 17, 1954, a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court handed down its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/archive-little-rock-nine-1379840003">Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka decision</a>&nbsp;which held that racially segregated public schools were inherently unequal, and therefore unconstitutional.<h2>On this date:</h2>In 1536, Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer declared the marriage of England’s King Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn invalid after she failed to produce a male heir; Boleyn, already condemned for high treason, was executed two days later.In 1940, the Nazis occupied Brussels, Belgium, during World War II.In 1946, President Harry S. Truman seized control of the nation’s railroads, delaying — but not preventing — a threatened strike by engineers and trainmen.In 1973, a special committee convened by the U.S. Senate began its televised hearings into the Watergate scandal.In 1980, rioting that claimed 18 lives erupted in Miami’s Liberty City after an all-white jury in Tampa acquitted four former Miami police officers of fatally beating Black insurance executive Arthur McDuffie.In 1987, 37 American sailors were killed when an Iraqi warplane attacked the U.S. Navy frigate Stark in the Persian Gulf. (Iraq apologized for the attack, calling it a mistake, and paid more than $27 million in compensation.)In 1996, President Bill Clinton signed a measure requiring neighborhood notification when sex offenders move in. (“<a href="https://apnews.com/a827243f1feb42d98b98ce2cc1e092fb/how-do-you-track-sex-offenders-ny-county-hires-ex-cops" target="_blank">Megan’s Law</a>,” as it’s known, was named for Megan Kanka, a 7-year-old New Jersey girl who was raped and murdered in 1994.)In 2004, Massachusetts became the first state to allow&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6bcb63b9326d43379db8b0288c4ff2ae" target="_blank">same-sex marriages.</a>In 2010, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that young people serving life prison terms should have “a meaningful opportunity to obtain release” provided they didn’t kill their victims.In 2012,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donna-summer">Donna Summer</a>, the “Queen of Disco,” died at age 63.In 2013,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-57bd13c48f62463c84f26ef1c49d8c55">Jorge Rafael Videla</a>&nbsp;(HOHR’-hay rah-fay-EHL’ vih-DEH’-lah), 87, the former dictator who took power in Argentina in a 1976 coup and led a military junta that killed thousands during a “dirty war” against alleged subversives, died in Buenos Aires while serving life in prison for crimes against humanity.In 2015, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/-----e4695436c2da475180701cd67e3ec9d4" target="_blank">shootout erupted between bikers and police</a>&nbsp;outside a restaurant in Waco, Texas, leaving nine of the bikers dead and 20 people injured.In 2017, the Justice Department appointed former FBI Director Robert Mueller as a special counsel to oversee a federal investigation into potential coordination between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-ap-top-news-politics-russia-48f9d5132d7a4e2d823edad8fc407979">Russia and the 2016 Donald Trump campaign</a>.In 2020, New York Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/4d18398a407610a389fbf461b2a832e4">Andrew Cuomo was tested for the coronavirus on live TV</a>&nbsp;as he announced that all people in the state who were experiencing flu-like symptoms were eligible for tests.

Today in History, May 17

Clue No. Three: West of a wide path

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715896687504.jpeg" alt="Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival Medallion Quest is underway!The first clue was revealed this afternoon at the Smoky Hill Museum. It is:Clue No. Three: West of a wide path<h2>Medallion Quest 2024 prize package</h2>· $1,000 in cash· $2,000 in Festival Gift Certificates, to be used for purchases in the Fine Art and Craft Show or Art/Craft Demonstration Area during the Festival weekend· Four complimentary Festival admission wristbands· One on-grounds Festival parking pass (weather permitting)· An invitation for four to attend the evening PREMIERE Art Patron Party on Thursday, June 13· Four Smoky Hill River Festival t-shirts“The Festival Medallion Quest is the perfect way to kick off the festival season,” said Salina Arts and Humanities Director Brad Anderson. “Thousands of searchers get to see the town with new eyes as they interpret clues and get creative trying to find the Medallion.”READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b7840647-570e-46c9-b3db-a74fa03752e1">🎥First details released for 48th Smoky Hill River Festival</a>Clues will be released at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily on the Quest website,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.festivalmedallionquest.com/" target="_blank">www.festivalmedallionquest.com</a>,&nbsp;beginning at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, on the steps of the Smoky Hill Museum.The clues will also be posted outside the west doors on Eighth Street at the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities office on the corner of Eighth and Iron Ave.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Medallion Quest Rules</h2>No purchase is necessary to participate or win.Employees of Salina Arts &amp; Humanities or SAH Foundation Board members and their families are not eligible to win.Participants assume all risk and release the City of Salina, Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, and the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Foundation from liability for any injuries or damages to themselves.Clues WILL NOT be given over the phone or via emailThe Medallion will be easy to remove from its location and WILL NOT require climbing, digging, tools or ladders, or the destruction of property.The objects are located on public property within the Salina city limits, which may include City parks.&nbsp;Curfews hours for all City parks remain in effect during the Quest and are posted at each park.NOTHING will be hidden:At Kenwood or Oakdale ParksOn Private PropertyOn Salina Airport Authority PropertyThe Medallion will be easy to identify because it will have a message and contact information attached or written directly on it.DO NOT&nbsp;post any photos of an object on social media until it has been officially confirmed to be genuine.Once the Medallion has been confirmed as found, the public will be notified of the time and place where the official press conference and award presentation will take place.Notification will be posted on the Festival Medallion Quest and Smoky Hill River Festival websites, through participating local media partners, and physically outside the west entrance of the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Office at 211 W. Iron Ave.

Third Medallion Quest Clue revealed

With the budget at the forefront of most commissioners' minds, the Saline County Board of Commissioners met for its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 14, and began tackling its action item agenda, which included three items: two requests from Saline County Road and Bridge and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding management.

All commissioners participated in the meeting, with District One Commissioner Monte Shadwick calling in online.

Board of County Commissioners present on Tuesday, May 14:

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

Saline County Road and Bridge mulcher attachment

Saline County Road and Bridge Administrator Darren Fishel first presented a mulcher attachment purchase to commissioners, which includes a $73,385 price tag.

Fishel told commissioners that this purchase would account for an additional mulcher attachment for its two other tree management crews, completing the team with the third crew gaining its own mulcher.

"You said this is the last time we're going to hit this account for this year, so that means for the next eight months, you're not going to come to us for any more equipment. Can I count on that?" Vidricksen asked Fishel.

"Things happen sometimes — you can't predict what's either going to break or sometimes things become available to the secondary market that you say, 'Oh, we could upgrade some of our equipment,'" Fishel said. "I don't plan on any more [purchases] this year."&nbsp;

After a few further questions and comments from Vidricksen and Weese, Vidricksen said he saw the necessity for the purchase. Still, with the department already owning two other mulcher attachments, he had difficulty approving the purchase.

Chairman Joe Hay asked the commission for a motion, which Sparks moved. The vote passed 3-2, with Commissioner James Weese and Vidricksen voting against the purchase.

The following action item commissioners tackled was a Federal Fund Exchange Agreement for Saline County Road and Bridge, where each year, the department exchanges federal funds with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to make those dollars easier to use.

Justin Mader, the Saline County engineer, presented the topic to commissioners, stating that this year's exchange would continue the $0.90 for every $1.00 of federal funds, which for Saline County would mean turning in $232,629.76 of federal cash to KDOT for a $209,366.78 reimbursement.

"If you leave it as federal funds, we have to meet&nbsp;very strict&nbsp;requirements for a project," Mader said. "That usually drives the cost of a project up way more than the 10% we're losing doing this exchange."

Saline County Road and Bridge plans to use the funds for its annual asphalt repair as it had for years before.

After a few questions from commissioners, Hay asked for a motion, which Vidricksen moved with Sparks seconding, leading to the unanimous approval for the fund exchange.

READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a05bc894-a063-41dd-9189-2199c232e93f">&nbsp;Second Medallion Quest Clue announced</a>

ARPA Project Modifications and Update&nbsp;

Saline County Administrator Philip Smith-Hanes opened the conversation by telling commissioners that the county has continued to use and talk about the federal government's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for COVID-19 relief.

The initial amount sent to the county on March 11, 2021, included $10,532,376, which staff worked to allocate to various projects. The county has spent over $7.85 million of those funds.

ARPA dollars have an expiration date, with allocation required by the end of 2024 and cash spent by December 2025.

Smith-Hanes covered the various projects listed, and commissioners discussed how they would like ARPA funding to move through the next year and a half.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697467290838.jpeg" alt="The Saline County and Salina City building at 300 West Ash Street in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The Saline County and Salina City building at 300 West Ash Street in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostWith the budget at the forefront of most commissioners' minds, the Saline County Board of Commissioners met for its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 14, and began tackling its action item agenda, which included three items: two requests from Saline County Road and Bridge and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding management.All commissioners participated in the meeting, with District One Commissioner Monte Shadwick calling in online.Board of County Commissioners present on Tuesday, May 14:District One — Monte Shadwick District Two — Robert Vidricksen District Three — Rodger Sparks District Four — James Weese District Five — Chairman Joe Hay Jr.<h2>Saline County Road and Bridge mulcher attachment</h2>Saline County Road and Bridge Administrator Darren Fishel first presented a mulcher attachment purchase to commissioners, which includes a $73,385 price tag.Fishel told commissioners that this purchase would account for an additional mulcher attachment for its two other tree management crews, completing the team with the third crew gaining its own mulcher."You said this is the last time we're going to hit this account for this year, so that means for the next eight months, you're not going to come to us for any more equipment. Can I count on that?" Vidricksen asked Fishel.Fishel reluctantly replied, "No.""Things happen sometimes — you can't predict what's either going to break or sometimes things become available to the secondary market that you say, 'Oh, we could upgrade some of our equipment,'" Fishel said. "I don't plan on any more [purchases] this year."&nbsp;After a few further questions and comments from Vidricksen and Weese, Vidricksen said he saw the necessity for the purchase. Still, with the department already owning two other mulcher attachments, he had difficulty approving the purchase.Chairman Joe Hay asked the commission for a motion, which Sparks moved. The vote passed 3-2, with Commissioner James Weese and Vidricksen voting against the purchase.<h2>2024 Federal Fund Exchange Agreement</h2>The following action item commissioners tackled was a Federal Fund Exchange Agreement for Saline County Road and Bridge, where each year, the department exchanges federal funds with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to make those dollars easier to use.Justin Mader, the Saline County engineer, presented the topic to commissioners, stating that this year's exchange would continue the $0.90 for every $1.00 of federal funds, which for Saline County would mean turning in $232,629.76 of federal cash to KDOT for a $209,366.78 reimbursement."If you leave it as federal funds, we have to meet&nbsp;very strict&nbsp;requirements for a project," Mader said. "That usually drives the cost of a project up way more than the 10% we're losing doing this exchange."Saline County Road and Bridge plans to use the funds for its annual asphalt repair as it had for years before.After a few questions from commissioners, Hay asked for a motion, which Vidricksen moved with Sparks seconding, leading to the unanimous approval for the fund exchange.READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a05bc894-a063-41dd-9189-2199c232e93f">&nbsp;Second Medallion Quest Clue announced</a><h2>ARPA Project Modifications and Update&nbsp;</h2>Saline County Administrator Philip Smith-Hanes opened the conversation by telling commissioners that the county has continued to use and talk about the federal government's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for COVID-19 relief.The initial amount sent to the county on March 11, 2021, included $10,532,376, which staff worked to allocate to various projects. The county has spent over $7.85 million of those funds.ARPA dollars have an expiration date, with allocation required by the end of 2024 and cash spent by December 2025.Smith-Hanes covered the various projects listed, and commissioners discussed how they would like ARPA funding to move through the next year and a half.<h2>Informational Items</h2><ol>
 <li><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=7195">Human Resources Quarterly Update</a></li><li><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=7185">Expo, Weed, Farm Update</a></li><li><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=7196">Overview of Budget Requests for 2025</a></li><li>Commissioner Comments</li><li>Announcements</li>
 </ol><h2>Concept Discussion</h2><ol>
 <li>Expo Center Update and Discussion</li>
 </ol><h2>Executive Session</h2><ol>
 <li>Non-Elected Personnel</li>
 </ol><h2>05/21/2024 Agenda Items</h2><ol>
 <li>Study Session - Budget</li>
 </ol>

Saline County Commissioners focus on budget, continues to next meeting agenda

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/">Harvest Public Media</a> By Grant Winterer

Planting is well underway across the Midwest, but farmers are still grappling with dry conditions that led to lower than normal corn yields last fall. It’s the third year of a near historic drought for parts of the Corn Belt.

Mark Mueller’s farm in Bremer County, Iowa, sat within a pocket of extreme drought in the northeast part of the state until a rainy April lifted the area into severe drought.

The fourth generation farmer says last year’s crop was below expectations, and even with recent rains, they're still behind.

Mueller typically plants two-thirds corn and one-third soybeans across his fields. This year, because of the drought, he’s scaling back his corn crop and splitting it closer to 50-50 ratio with his soybeans.

“It’s not quite Corn Belt-wide like it was during the Dust Bowl days,” he says, “but it could also develop into a Dust Bowl-type thing. All it has to do is quit raining tomorrow, and we’ll be dry within a month.”

Planting is well underway across the Midwest and Great Plains, and farmers in several regions are making similar adjustments, as much of the Corn Belt enters a third year of drought. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows significant areas of Kansas and Iowa are in severe drought, while portions of Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri, Minnesota and Wisconsin are also affected.

Dennis Todey, director of the USDA’s Midwest Climate Hub, said the area’s been parched for a historically long time.

“We would probably have to go back to some period in the 1950s or even some in the 1930s to compare with what we’ve seen in the way of longevity and precipitation deficit we’re dealing with,” he said.

The dry conditions have extended from Todey’s home base in Ames, Iowa, to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to as far south as the Ozarks, with a few wet pockets further east in Illinois and Indiana.

Todey says with less precipitation over the past few years, groundwater for corn could be a problem this season, as well.

“Because of the lack of rainfall over a longer period, deeper soil moisture profiles are dry,” he says. “Groundwater is being limited in some areas.”

In Wisconsin, officials said resilient groundwater reservoirs helped bring in better than expected yield last fall, despite dry conditions. But Sam Bibby, a crop educator with the University of Wisconsin Extension, said they can’t rely on that this year.

“If we ended up in a situation like we did last year during the summer, it would certainly be a lot worse than last year just because we are lower on that subsoil moisture,” he said.

The dry conditions are having impacts on livestock producers, as well.

In southeast Missouri, first-generation rancher August Horstmann says they weren’t able to raise their own hay, because of the dry weather. That led him to a tough decision.

“We were buying $108 hay,” he said. “You can only buy so much of that to get by, so we actually destocked 50% of our cow herd last year.”

To lower his feed costs, Horstmann is currently converting entire grazing fields back to native grasses to help keep subsoil moisture and his livestock’s food sources stable. He said so far it’s been a huge success.

“Our planted cover crops haven’t done very well at all,” Horstmann said. “But the native grasses – the old prairies that were here – performed really well in the drought we’ve had.”

Those changes helped Horstmann feel more confident, despite the dry conditions, and he recently bought 80 head of cattle.

“It looks like this is going to be one of our better grazing seasons, and it’s still very dry,” he said.

But in Iowa, where it’s been even drier, state extension field agronomist Terry Basol says they’ll be even more dependent on rainfall this year as the soil has mostly dried out.

And he said there’s a lot of catching up to do.

“Our 30-year average is roughly 30 inches of rain,” he said, “and last year, that total was 13-point-8.”

Despite 4 inches of rain in April, this year’s totals are still about 3 inches short of that. Basol’s concerned about conditions but trusts in the ingenuity of regional producers to make it through the dry spell.

“You have to have some hope, sometimes I call it faith, to get everybody through,” he said. “Growers are resilient, they’ll make it through.”

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

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/">Harvest Public Media</a> By Grant Winterer<h2>Planting is well underway across the Midwest, but farmers are still grappling with dry conditions that led to lower than normal corn yields last fall. It’s the third year of a near historic drought for parts of the Corn Belt.</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715888165005.png" alt="Mark Mueller looks over a field he’s set aside to return to native wetland in order to better conserve and filter water. The fourth-generation farmer in Bremer County, Iowa, is dealing with dry conditions for a third year.&nbsp;Grant Winterer/Harvest Public Media" />
 <figcaption>Mark Mueller looks over a field he’s set aside to return to native wetland in order to better conserve and filter water. The fourth-generation farmer in Bremer County, Iowa, is dealing with dry conditions for a third year.&nbsp;Grant Winterer/Harvest Public Media</figcaption>
 </figure>Mark Mueller’s farm in Bremer County, Iowa, sat within a pocket of extreme drought in the northeast part of the state until a rainy April lifted the area into severe drought.The fourth generation farmer says last year’s crop was below expectations, and even with recent rains, they're still behind.Mueller typically plants two-thirds corn and one-third soybeans across his fields. This year, because of the drought, he’s scaling back his corn crop and splitting it closer to 50-50 ratio with his soybeans.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715888427753.png" alt="Mark Mueller stands in front of one of his tractors. A district director at the Iowa Corn Growers Association, he's planning to plant less corn this year because of the drought.&nbsp;Grant Winterer/Harvest Public Media" />
 <figcaption>Mark Mueller stands in front of one of his tractors. A district director at the Iowa Corn Growers Association, he's planning to plant less corn this year because of the drought.&nbsp;Grant Winterer/Harvest Public Media</figcaption>
 </figure>“It’s not quite Corn Belt-wide like it was during the Dust Bowl days,” he says, “but it could also develop into a Dust Bowl-type thing. All it has to do is quit raining tomorrow, and we’ll be dry within a month.”Planting is well underway across the Midwest and Great Plains, and farmers in several regions are making similar adjustments, as much of the Corn Belt enters a third year of drought. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows significant areas of Kansas and Iowa are in severe drought, while portions of Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri, Minnesota and Wisconsin are also affected.Dennis Todey, director of the USDA’s Midwest Climate Hub, said the area’s been parched for a historically long time.“We would probably have to go back to some period in the 1950s or even some in the 1930s to compare with what we’ve seen in the way of longevity and precipitation deficit we’re dealing with,” he said.The dry conditions have extended from Todey’s home base in Ames, Iowa, to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to as far south as the Ozarks, with a few wet pockets further east in Illinois and Indiana.Todey says with less precipitation over the past few years, groundwater for corn could be a problem this season, as well.“Because of the lack of rainfall over a longer period, deeper soil moisture profiles are dry,” he says. “Groundwater is being limited in some areas.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715888535322.png" alt="U.S. drought map as of May 7" />
 <figcaption>U.S. drought map as of May 7</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715888596985.png" alt="The Kansas drought map with Ellis County highlighted as released Thursday. As of this morning Hays was about 3 inches below average precipitation year to date." />
 <figcaption>The Kansas drought map with Ellis County highlighted as released Thursday. As of this morning Hays was about 3 inches below average precipitation year to date.</figcaption>
 </figure>In Wisconsin, officials said resilient groundwater reservoirs helped bring in better than expected yield last fall, despite dry conditions. But Sam Bibby, a crop educator with the University of Wisconsin Extension, said they can’t rely on that this year.“If we ended up in a situation like we did last year during the summer, it would certainly be a lot worse than last year just because we are lower on that subsoil moisture,” he said.The dry conditions are having impacts on livestock producers, as well.In southeast Missouri, first-generation rancher August Horstmann says they weren’t able to raise their own hay, because of the dry weather. That led him to a tough decision.“We were buying $108 hay,” he said. “You can only buy so much of that to get by, so we actually destocked 50% of our cow herd last year.”To lower his feed costs, Horstmann is currently converting entire grazing fields back to native grasses to help keep subsoil moisture and his livestock’s food sources stable. He said so far it’s been a huge success.“Our planted cover crops haven’t done very well at all,” Horstmann said. “But the native grasses – the old prairies that were here – performed really well in the drought we’ve had.”Those changes helped Horstmann feel more confident, despite the dry conditions, and he recently bought 80 head of cattle.“It looks like this is going to be one of our better grazing seasons, and it’s still very dry,” he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715888277973.png" alt="Cattle graze on August Horstmann's southeast Missouri farm. He sold off half of his herd when he was unable to grow hay due to drought conditions. But Horstmann is now raising native grasses and recently bought 80 head of cattle.&nbsp;&nbsp;Provided By August Horstmann" />
 <figcaption>Cattle graze on August Horstmann's southeast Missouri farm. He sold off half of his herd when he was unable to grow hay due to drought conditions. But Horstmann is now raising native grasses and recently bought 80 head of cattle.&nbsp;&nbsp;Provided By August Horstmann</figcaption>
 </figure>But in Iowa, where it’s been even drier, state extension field agronomist Terry Basol says they’ll be even more dependent on rainfall this year as the soil has mostly dried out.And he said there’s a lot of catching up to do.“Our 30-year average is roughly 30 inches of rain,” he said, “and last year, that total was 13-point-8.”Despite 4 inches of rain in April, this year’s totals are still about 3 inches short of that. Basol’s concerned about conditions but trusts in the ingenuity of regional producers to make it through the dry spell.“You have to have some hope, sometimes I call it faith, to get everybody through,” he said. “Growers are resilient, they’ll make it through.”This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media,</a>&nbsp;a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.

Drought lingers in parts of the Midwest: ‘You have to have some hope’

Salina Police Department (SPD) officers chased a Salina resident to Lincoln County yesterday evening, requiring officers to ask Saline County Sheriff's Office deputies for assistance.

According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, at about 5:20 p.m. Wednesday, in the 400 block of South College Avenue, an officer saw a black 2004 Pontiac GTO without headlights on in the rain, alongside faulty brake lights.

"The officer attempted to pull over the vehicle, but it failed to stop, and a pursuit&nbsp;was initiated," Feldman said. "The vehicle first went north on College to Iron, east on Iron to Ninth Street, south back to Crawford Street and then out into the county where the pursuit continued on multiple county roads."&nbsp;

Once the Pontiac's driver reached Lincoln County, Saline County Sheriff's deputies joined the chase. Feldman said that speeds on Lincoln County roads reached up to 130 mph.

The driver eventually stopped near the intersection of Navajo Drive and 250th Road, and officers identified the Salina resident driver as 33-year-old Deric Bell.

"He was taken&nbsp;into custody for felony flee and elude, felony interference with law enforcement, driving while revoked, habitual violator, reckless driving and numerous other driving issues," Feldman said.

Feldman said Bell had a passenger in the Pontiac, who SPD officers discovered was actually the vehicle's owner. Officers then cited the woman for allowing Bell to drive the car.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715861445709.jpeg" alt="Deric Bell" />
 <figcaption>Deric Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostSalina Police Department (SPD) officers chased a Salina resident to Lincoln County yesterday evening, requiring officers to ask Saline County Sheriff's Office deputies for assistance.According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, at about 5:20 p.m. Wednesday, in the 400 block of South College Avenue, an officer saw a black 2004 Pontiac GTO without headlights on in the rain, alongside faulty brake lights."The officer attempted to pull over the vehicle, but it failed to stop, and a pursuit&nbsp;was initiated," Feldman said. "The vehicle first went north on College to Iron, east on Iron to Ninth Street, south back to Crawford Street and then out into the county where the pursuit continued on multiple county roads."&nbsp;Once the Pontiac's driver reached Lincoln County, Saline County Sheriff's deputies joined the chase. Feldman said that speeds on Lincoln County roads reached up to 130 mph.READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a05bc894-a063-41dd-9189-2199c232e93f">&nbsp;Second Medallion Quest Clue announced</a>The driver eventually stopped near the intersection of Navajo Drive and 250th Road, and officers identified the Salina resident driver as 33-year-old Deric Bell."He was taken&nbsp;into custody for felony flee and elude, felony interference with law enforcement, driving while revoked, habitual violator, reckless driving and numerous other driving issues," Feldman said.Feldman said Bell had a passenger in the Pontiac, who SPD officers discovered was actually the vehicle's owner. Officers then cited the woman for allowing Bell to drive the car.

SPD and Saline County SO arrest Salina resident after 130 mph chase into Lincoln County

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter- Salina Post

Hello and happy Thursday everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.

On Wednesday the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fe93e953-73b7-4b42-bbdc-fae461980529">Kansas Wesleyan baseball team</a> put themselves on the doorstep of a berth to the NAIA College World Series in a 9-2 win over the Talladega College Tornadoes in Bossier City Louisiana

The victory propels the Coyotes into the Shreveport Bracket championship where K-Dub will face the hosts in LSU-Shreveport today, with a chance to punch their ticket to the big show in Idaho later this month

Yesterday also saw the continuation of regional baseball action in our area, and an excellent day for the Salina South Cougars, who pulled off an extra-inning win over Great Bend before<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/425f2863-27dc-4be4-ab19-e3ea5c4a6f7d"> taking down Emporia 6-2 t</a>o advance to this year’s 5A state tournament.

Only one bracket remains to be played today, and that will see the Sacred Heart and Ell-Saline baseball teams battle it out at TMP at 3:00, we will be streaming both the semifinal and championship games on Salina Post with live audio and video 100% free

And finally, Tuesday saw the<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/cbfa9dae-2e79-4092-b18e-af34463eafdd"> official release of NFL regular season</a> schedules across the league, including the full 17-game slate for the Kansas City ChiefsTo view the full schedule head on over to Salina Post and don’t forget that KINA and 99KG are your home for Chiefs football all season long!

That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nnfthNUHBE4?si=QzK3Zhfu_LCbIgBz" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter- Salina PostHello and happy Thursday everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here" />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here</figcaption>
 </figure>_________On Wednesday the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fe93e953-73b7-4b42-bbdc-fae461980529">Kansas Wesleyan baseball team</a> put themselves on the doorstep of a berth to the NAIA College World Series in a 9-2 win over the Talladega College Tornadoes in Bossier City LouisianaThe victory propels the Coyotes into the Shreveport Bracket championship where K-Dub will face the hosts in LSU-Shreveport today, with a chance to punch their ticket to the big show in Idaho later this month_________Yesterday also saw the continuation of regional baseball action in our area, and an excellent day for the Salina South Cougars, who pulled off an extra-inning win over Great Bend before<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/425f2863-27dc-4be4-ab19-e3ea5c4a6f7d"> taking down Emporia 6-2 t</a>o advance to this year’s 5A state tournament.Only one bracket remains to be played today, and that will see the Sacred Heart and Ell-Saline baseball teams battle it out at TMP at 3:00, we will be streaming both the semifinal and championship games on Salina Post with live audio and video 100% free_________And finally, Tuesday saw the<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/cbfa9dae-2e79-4092-b18e-af34463eafdd"> official release of NFL regular season</a> schedules across the league, including the full 17-game slate for the Kansas City ChiefsTo view the full schedule head on over to Salina Post and don’t forget that KINA and 99KG are your home for Chiefs football all season long!_________That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

910 KINA Sports Headlines — May 16

Today Partly sunny, with a high near 79. North wind around 6 mph. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 52. East-northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Friday Sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming southeast at five to seven mph in the afternoon. Friday Night Clear, with a low of around 58. South-southeast wind around 8 mph. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 88. South wind seven to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Saturday Night A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Sunday A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Sunday Night A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715869853831.png" alt="Extended Forecast for Salina, Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Extended Forecast for Salina, Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>NWS-WichitaToday Partly sunny, with a high near 79. North wind around 6 mph. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 52. East-northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Friday Sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming southeast at five to seven mph in the afternoon. Friday Night Clear, with a low of around 58. South-southeast wind around 8 mph. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 88. South wind seven to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Saturday Night A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Sunday A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Sunday Night A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.&nbsp;&nbsp;READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a05bc894-a063-41dd-9189-2199c232e93f">&nbsp;Second Medallion Quest Clue announced</a>

NWS-Wichita weekend weather forecast for Salina

By MARSHA BOSWELL Kansas Wheat

On Wednesday, 69 people on the Wheat Quality Council’s 2024 winter wheat tour made their way from Colby to Wichita, Kansas, stopping in wheat fields along six different routes.

Wednesday’s wheat tour scouts made 216 stops at wheat fields across western, central and southern Kansas, and into northern counties in Oklahoma.

The calculated yield from all cars was 42.4 bushels per acre. Scouts were able to use the late season formula provided by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, which includes counting wheat heads, number of spikelets and kernels per spikelet. The yield formula doesn’t take disease, pests or weed pressure into consideration.

Romulo Lollato said the theme of the day was variability, even within fields. Groups saw a lot of drought stress and freeze damage, with some fields already being destroyed. Not as much stripe rust or Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus were observed on Wednesday, compared to Tuesday, likely due to drought conditions.

Farmers in the area reported that combines will probably start rolling by June 1 in south central Kansas, about seven to ten days earlier than average. There wasn’t as much fungicide applied in the southern areas of Kansas because the stripe rust started coming on in a later growth stage.

“This year is a testament to the wheat breeders and researchers and the work they’ve done,” said Derek Sawyer, who farms near McPherson. “This year, everything has been stressed across the state, but we’re still looking at a decent crop.”

Dennis Schoenhals from Oklahoma Wheat Commission reported that the state’s production was estimated at 96.2 million bushels this year, up from 68.6 million bushels last year, according to USDA’s NASS. USDA/NASS estimates the Oklahoma crop will yield 37 bushels per acre, compared with 28 last year. Harvested acres are estimated at 2.6 million acres. A tour of agronomists and others in the industry estimated the production slightly lower than the NASS estimate, at 89.3 million bushels and a yield of 33 bushels per acre. He said the Oklahoma wheat crop had good moisture through the end of January, but then they had an 83 day flash drought, which took the top end of the crop. He said it has had good, cool grainfill weather.

Wheat Tour 24 continues Thursday with six routes between Wichita and Manhattan. Follow along with the tour at #wheattour24. A final production estimate will be announced Thursday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684379707210.png" alt="Kansas Wheat Commission logo.PNG" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Wheat Commission logo.PNG</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARSHA BOSWELL Kansas WheatOn Wednesday, 69 people on the Wheat Quality Council’s 2024 winter wheat tour made their way from Colby to Wichita, Kansas, stopping in wheat fields along six different routes.Wednesday’s wheat tour scouts made 216 stops at wheat fields across western, central and southern Kansas, and into northern counties in Oklahoma.The calculated yield from all cars was 42.4 bushels per acre. Scouts were able to use the late season formula provided by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, which includes counting wheat heads, number of spikelets and kernels per spikelet. The yield formula doesn’t take disease, pests or weed pressure into consideration.Romulo Lollato said the theme of the day was variability, even within fields. Groups saw a lot of drought stress and freeze damage, with some fields already being destroyed. Not as much stripe rust or Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus were observed on Wednesday, compared to Tuesday, likely due to drought conditions.Farmers in the area reported that combines will probably start rolling by June 1 in south central Kansas, about seven to ten days earlier than average. There wasn’t as much fungicide applied in the southern areas of Kansas because the stripe rust started coming on in a later growth stage.“This year is a testament to the wheat breeders and researchers and the work they’ve done,” said Derek Sawyer, who farms near McPherson. “This year, everything has been stressed across the state, but we’re still looking at a decent crop.”Dennis Schoenhals from Oklahoma Wheat Commission reported that the state’s production was estimated at 96.2 million bushels this year, up from 68.6 million bushels last year, according to USDA’s NASS. USDA/NASS estimates the Oklahoma crop will yield 37 bushels per acre, compared with 28 last year. Harvested acres are estimated at 2.6 million acres. A tour of agronomists and others in the industry estimated the production slightly lower than the NASS estimate, at 89.3 million bushels and a yield of 33 bushels per acre. He said the Oklahoma wheat crop had good moisture through the end of January, but then they had an 83 day flash drought, which took the top end of the crop. He said it has had good, cool grainfill weather.Wheat Tour 24 continues Thursday with six routes between Wichita and Manhattan. Follow along with the tour at #wheattour24. A final production estimate will be announced Thursday afternoon.

Day Two, Wheat Tour 2024

By NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/fa3f086c-974e-4c99-9932-445835d7c949">Hutch Post</a>

Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall, M.D. has a simple theme for what he wants most out of the farm bill that is working its way through the legislative process.

"Crop insurance, crop insurance and crop insurance," Marshall said. "Crop insurance is the backbone of every farm bill. What crop insurance does is allow that farmer who got hailed out last week, to be able to plant next year's crop. They don't make any money off of it, but at least they can plant next year's crop."

Marshall understands that the farm bill has always been a nutrition bill, all he's asking for is help for the farmers that get the food to the market, considerably less than that being proposed for nutrition programs.

"What we've asked for, very specifically, is about a $400 million increase in funding for crop insurance per year," Marshall said. "On the other side of the aisle, we've given the Democrats at least a $60 billion hike in the food stamp program. We gave them $60 billion to help with food stamps, we're asking for $400 million and they are unwilling to give it. To me, it's about priorities."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715866882806.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/fa3f086c-974e-4c99-9932-445835d7c949">Hutch Post</a>Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall, M.D. has a simple theme for what he wants most out of the farm bill that is working its way through the legislative process."Crop insurance, crop insurance and crop insurance," Marshall said. "Crop insurance is the backbone of every farm bill. What crop insurance does is allow that farmer who got hailed out last week, to be able to plant next year's crop. They don't make any money off of it, but at least they can plant next year's crop."Marshall understands that the farm bill has always been a nutrition bill, all he's asking for is help for the farmers that get the food to the market, considerably less than that being proposed for nutrition programs."What we've asked for, very specifically, is about a $400 million increase in funding for crop insurance per year," Marshall said. "On the other side of the aisle, we've given the Democrats at least a $60 billion hike in the food stamp program. We gave them $60 billion to help with food stamps, we're asking for $400 million and they are unwilling to give it. To me, it's about priorities."<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/758f6121-57e2-4310-9f1a-1bac7a6df3c9">It looks like the House side may be the first to the line with finished and marked up language</a>&nbsp;and Marshall is looking forward to seeing what comes across."I actually think we want to wait and see what we get out of the House," Marshall said. "I think the House bill is going to be much more farmer friendly. If we end up waiting until we have a different person in the White House, or a Republican majority in the Senate, I think we're going to have a farm bill that's much friendlier to rural America."The current farm bill extension ends Sept. 30, before the November election, but it could be extended again.

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