Rolling Hills Zoo transformed into a haven of dreams for children with chronic or terminal illnesses and disabilities during this year’s special Dream Night held on Saturday, September 23. 

The enchanting evening was made possible through the generous support of Salina Regional Health Foundation’s CHIP grant and the McCune Foundation.

As the sun began to set over the picturesque landscapes of Rolling Hills Zoo, children and their parents were welcomed by a dedicated team of Dream Night volunteers. Each child received a special Rolling Hills Zoo keepsake bag, complete with a plush animal, water bottle, sunglasses and a variety of delightful surprises. 

After savoring a heartwarming supper at the Overlook Restaurant, the zoo's young VIP guests embarked on an unforgettable journey through the zoo.

This year's Dream Night at Rolling Hills Zoo was graced by the presence of sixty-five remarkable children and their parents. The success of this event was made possible by the unwavering support of Independent Connection and the devoted team at Rolling Hills Zoo.

Amidst the captivating animal exhibits, the children reveled in live animal encounters, explored the zoo's bio-fact touch carts, and marveled at the wonders of the Wildlife Museum. Smiles and laughter echoed throughout the evening as the children posed for photos with the zoo's beloved mascots, George the Giraffe, Betty the Bat, and Rowdy Rhino. The zoo's trams toured our young guests around the park, ensuring that they could enjoy every moment of this magical experience.

VIP children who were unable to attend Dream Night on September 23, received a special Golden Ticket which granted them and two parents or guardians free admission to the zoo. Additionally, they were presented with their VIP keepsake bag and a $20 gift card that could be redeemed at the Overlook Restaurant or Elephant’s Trunk Gift Shop. This gesture allowed another nine VIP children to enjoy this special time set aside just for them.

The heartwarming tradition of Dream Night at the Zoo has a rich history beginning in 1996 at the Rotterdam Zoo. That year, children from the Sophia Children’s Hospital, especially cancer patients, were treated to a memorable evening. Over the years, this tradition has continued to grow, expanding the event to include more children and various hospitals and institutions.

In 2007, Rolling Hills Zoo joined this heartwarming initiative as an official partner, dedicating a special night exclusively to children with terminal or chronic illnesses and disabilities, along with their parents. Each year the Zoo is committed to providing an environment where children facing unique mental and physical health challenges can feel at ease and enjoy the company of animals while engaging in special activities at their own pace, all in a safe and enjoyable setting.

Rolling Hills Zoo, the Salina Regional Health Foundation, and the McCune Foundation are honored to have the opportunity to bring joy and unforgettable memories to these extraordinary children and their families through Dream Night at the Zoo. We look forward to continuing this tradition of love, care, and support in the years to come.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699561351989.jpeg" alt=" RHZ Education Lead, Lynne Rank shows off a Red Footed Tortoise. Fun fact about Red Footed Tortoises: Males and females use head movements as signals to identify each other. Photos Courtesy RHZ" />
 <figcaption> RHZ Education Lead, Lynne Rank shows off a Red Footed Tortoise. Fun fact about Red Footed Tortoises: Males and females use head movements as signals to identify each other. Photos Courtesy RHZ</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmitttedRolling Hills Zoo transformed into a haven of dreams for children with chronic or terminal illnesses and disabilities during this year’s special Dream Night held on Saturday, September 23. The enchanting evening was made possible through the generous support of Salina Regional Health Foundation’s CHIP grant and the McCune Foundation.As the sun began to set over the picturesque landscapes of Rolling Hills Zoo, children and their parents were welcomed by a dedicated team of Dream Night volunteers. Each child received a special Rolling Hills Zoo keepsake bag, complete with a plush animal, water bottle, sunglasses and a variety of delightful surprises. After savoring a heartwarming supper at the Overlook Restaurant, the zoo's young VIP guests embarked on an unforgettable journey through the zoo.This year's Dream Night at Rolling Hills Zoo was graced by the presence of sixty-five remarkable children and their parents. The success of this event was made possible by the unwavering support of Independent Connection and the devoted team at Rolling Hills Zoo.Amidst the captivating animal exhibits, the children reveled in live animal encounters, explored the zoo's bio-fact touch carts, and marveled at the wonders of the Wildlife Museum. Smiles and laughter echoed throughout the evening as the children posed for photos with the zoo's beloved mascots, George the Giraffe, Betty the Bat, and Rowdy Rhino. The zoo's trams toured our young guests around the park, ensuring that they could enjoy every moment of this magical experience.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699561300143.jpeg" alt="Betty the Bat, George the Giraffe and Rowdy the Rhino greeting a VIP guest." />
 <figcaption>Betty the Bat, George the Giraffe and Rowdy the Rhino greeting a VIP guest.</figcaption>
 </figure>VIP children who were unable to attend Dream Night on September 23, received a special Golden Ticket which granted them and two parents or guardians free admission to the zoo. Additionally, they were presented with their VIP keepsake bag and a $20 gift card that could be redeemed at the Overlook Restaurant or Elephant’s Trunk Gift Shop. This gesture allowed another nine VIP children to enjoy this special time set aside just for them.The heartwarming tradition of Dream Night at the Zoo has a rich history beginning in 1996 at the Rotterdam Zoo. That year, children from the Sophia Children’s Hospital, especially cancer patients, were treated to a memorable evening. Over the years, this tradition has continued to grow, expanding the event to include more children and various hospitals and institutions.In 2007, Rolling Hills Zoo joined this heartwarming initiative as an official partner, dedicating a special night exclusively to children with terminal or chronic illnesses and disabilities, along with their parents. Each year the Zoo is committed to providing an environment where children facing unique mental and physical health challenges can feel at ease and enjoy the company of animals while engaging in special activities at their own pace, all in a safe and enjoyable setting.Rolling Hills Zoo, the Salina Regional Health Foundation, and the McCune Foundation are honored to have the opportunity to bring joy and unforgettable memories to these extraordinary children and their families through Dream Night at the Zoo. We look forward to continuing this tradition of love, care, and support in the years to come.

Dream Night at Rolling Hills Zoo brings joy to children with special needs

SHERIDAN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 11:30 a.m. Thursday in Sheridan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Freightliner M2 driven by Tyler Warren Winn, 30, Salina, was northbound on Kansas 23 at&nbsp;Road 120 S Junction.

The truck traveled onto the east shoulder and the driver over corrected. The truck then crossed both lanes, overturned on the west shoulder, crossed both lanes again and came to rest on its wheels in the east ditch.

&nbsp;Winn was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;MIckey-Leopold Funeral Home. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SHERIDAN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 11:30 a.m. Thursday in Sheridan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Freightliner M2 driven by Tyler Warren Winn, 30, Salina, was northbound on Kansas 23 at&nbsp;Road 120 S Junction.The truck traveled onto the east shoulder and the driver over corrected. The truck then crossed both lanes, overturned on the west shoulder, crossed both lanes again and came to rest on its wheels in the east ditch.&nbsp;Winn was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;MIckey-Leopold Funeral Home. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Salina man dies after truck overturns into NW Kan. ditch

Salina Post proudly presents Flashback Friday in partnership with the&nbsp;<a 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."

Veterans Day is a day to celebrate the nation's retired soldiers who fought in various wars across the decades. The national holiday began as Armistice Day, but in a bill proposed by Kansas U.S. Representative Edward Reese, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day and signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954.

Salina's history with America's armed forces goes back almost a century, when construction began on the Smoky Hill Army Air Field on May 5, 1942.

The 2,600-acre airfield featured two 10,000-feet long runways, two 7,500-feet long runways, 12 taxi strips and enough room for 4,000 enlisted men and 500 officers with a 176-bed hospital.

The Smoky Hill Army Air Field had these large runways to support the B-17 "Flying Fortress" and B-24 heavy bombers used in the early days of World War II.

According to the June 10, 1942 edition of the Salina Journal, thousands of workers hastily built the airfield, constructing tar paper buildings as many airmen arrived throughout construction. Many airmen would nickname the base the "Smoky Hole" rather than "Smoky Hill."

"The air base, two miles southwest of Salina, is a rush of activity. Buildings are mushrooming up in fast order as grading for building sites and runways progresses. Six to seven carloads of lumber are coming into the air base daily," the Salina Journal reported on June 10, 1942.

The first troops arrived at the Smoky Hill Army Air Field in September 1943, with the first B-17 Flying Fortresses coming shortly after in December 1943.

The United States Military introduced the B-29 "Super Fortress" heavy bomber shortly after and designated Salina as the first operational training center for B-29 bombers in the nation.

The Smoky Hill Army Air Field served as a process and staging area for heavy bombardment units traveling overseas, where General Henry H. Arnold, commander of the Army Air Forces, hoped to send 175 combat-ready B-29 bombers overseas by March 1, 1944.

As the March 1 deadline approached, it was apparent that the Smoky Hill Army Air Field would need more time to prepare the large planes.

According to a document provided by the Smoky Hill Museum, Arnold proposed an aggressive campaign named the "Battle of Kansas" or the "Salina Blitz." This campaign would include three other airfields in the state, including Walker, Pratt and Great Bend airfields.

"Hundreds of technicians and experts from production lines across the country were brought to the four centers to standardize all the planes and get them ready for the March deadline," according to a document from the Smoky Hill Museum.

This effort allowed the airfield to finish preparing the B-29 bombers by the March deadline.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a6b7446b-4993-45c4-a885-67c5441428ae">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Smoky Hill Museum - Vol. 14</a>

The 21st Bomber Command activated at the Smoky Hill Army Air Field on March 1, 1944. By the end of the month, the 20th Bomber Command made its way to the China-Burma-India theatre to begin operations against Japan, and in June 1944, Kansas-built B-29s bombed the country.

Toward the end of World War II, the base's mission changed from preparing troops for overseas duty to welcoming them home. By October 1945, the airfield pre-discharged and processed 9,200 men for home.

The airfield switched command to the Strategic Air Command and renamed Smoky Hill Air Force Base in January 1948. It continued as a bomber base, but the military deactivated the site in August 1949.

The base continued operations through the Korean conflict in the 1950s, and on March 16, 1957, the base was renamed again to Schilling Air Force Base after Colonel David Schilling, a WWII fighter pilot who helped develop mid-air refueling techniques for fighter aircraft.

After renaming the base, the military decided to expand — nearly doubling the original size of the base to 4,000 acres.

The sprawling lands of Schilling Air Force Base included 750 housing units, 30 dormitories, a hospital, a dental clinic, three dining halls, a gym, a laboratory, a shopping center, a theatre, a bowling alley, two swimming pools, parks, schools and churches. 

According to the Smoky Hill Museum, "the base even had its own police force and fire department, and an annual operating budget of around $29 million. Civilians from the Salina area worked in many base areas, filling administrative, retail and support positions."

The base continued to thrive — soldiers often interacted with Salinans and established celebrations like "Uniform Week," where the command encouraged service members to wear their uniforms in town.

During the base's prime years in the 1950s, it was designated as Strategic Air Command's "Golden Anniversary of Flight Base," which proudly hung over its entrance gate.

Schilling Air Force Base comprised about 32% of the town's income and 25% of its population, adding great prosperity to the community. It wouldn't last forever, though.

On November 19, 1964, Defense Secretary Robert McNamara announced that Schilling Air Force Base would close in six months. By May 1, 1965, over half the personnel working on the base were transferred away.

It finally closed on June 30, 1965. Still, before the base officially closed, the Salina City Commission and Chamber of Commerce formed a joint committee named the Schilling Development Council "to secure a long-range re-use plan for the base," according to the Smoky Hill Museum.

READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e3982525-1484-4088-8cc2-d10a50eaeef6">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Smoky Hill Museum - Vol.&nbsp;13</a>

This development council established the Salina Airport Authority to own and improve the base for future use.

The Salina Airport Authority worked hard to refurbish and upgrade the base, demolishing unusable parts of the site and transforming it into a municipal airport and, eventually, a regional one.

Kansas State University Aerospace and Polytechnic Campus established itself at the now Salina Regional Airport in 1991, where about 1,000 students enroll each year.

Today, the Salina Regional Airport provides close-range flights to Hays Regional Airport, Chicago, IL, Denver, CO, and other locations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691164615840.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Post proudly presents Flashback Friday in partnership with the&nbsp;<a 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 POSTVeterans Day is a day to celebrate the nation's retired soldiers who fought in various wars across the decades. The national holiday began as Armistice Day, but in a bill proposed by Kansas U.S. Representative Edward Reese, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day and signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954.Salina's history with America's armed forces goes back almost a century, when construction began on the Smoky Hill Army Air Field on May 5, 1942.The 2,600-acre airfield featured two 10,000-feet long runways, two 7,500-feet long runways, 12 taxi strips and enough room for 4,000 enlisted men and 500 officers with a 176-bed hospital.<div><div class="flourish-embed flourish-photo-slider" data-src="visualisation/15700461"><script src="https://public.flourish.studio/resources/embed.js"></script></div></div>The Smoky Hill Army Air Field had these large runways to support the B-17 "Flying Fortress" and B-24 heavy bombers used in the early days of World War II.According to the June 10, 1942 edition of the Salina Journal, thousands of workers hastily built the airfield, constructing tar paper buildings as many airmen arrived throughout construction. Many airmen would nickname the base the "Smoky Hole" rather than "Smoky Hill.""The air base, two miles southwest of Salina, is a rush of activity. Buildings are mushrooming up in fast order as grading for building sites and runways progresses. Six to seven carloads of lumber are coming into the air base daily," the Salina Journal reported on June 10, 1942.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699633000991.jpeg" alt="Photograph of Watson, Reis and Coffey Construction Company at Smoky Hill Army Airfield September 1942. Photo courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>Photograph of Watson, Reis and Coffey Construction Company at Smoky Hill Army Airfield September 1942. Photo courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>The first troops arrived at the Smoky Hill Army Air Field in September 1943, with the first B-17 Flying Fortresses coming shortly after in December 1943.The United States Military introduced the B-29 "Super Fortress" heavy bomber shortly after and designated Salina as the first operational training center for B-29 bombers in the nation.The Smoky Hill Army Air Field served as a process and staging area for heavy bombardment units traveling overseas, where General Henry H. Arnold, commander of the Army Air Forces, hoped to send 175 combat-ready B-29 bombers overseas by March 1, 1944.As the March 1 deadline approached, it was apparent that the Smoky Hill Army Air Field would need more time to prepare the large planes.According to a document provided by the Smoky Hill Museum, Arnold proposed an aggressive campaign named the "Battle of Kansas" or the "Salina Blitz." This campaign would include three other airfields in the state, including Walker, Pratt and Great Bend airfields."Hundreds of technicians and experts from production lines across the country were brought to the four centers to standardize all the planes and get them ready for the March deadline," according to a document from the Smoky Hill Museum.This effort allowed the airfield to finish preparing the B-29 bombers by the March deadline.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a6b7446b-4993-45c4-a885-67c5441428ae">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Smoky Hill Museum - Vol. 14</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699632895259.jpeg" alt="802nd Air Division open house at Schilling Air Force Base c. 1958. Photo courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>802nd Air Division open house at Schilling Air Force Base c. 1958. Photo courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>The 21st Bomber Command activated at the Smoky Hill Army Air Field on March 1, 1944. By the end of the month, the 20th Bomber Command made its way to the China-Burma-India theatre to begin operations against Japan, and in June 1944, Kansas-built B-29s bombed the country.Toward the end of World War II, the base's mission changed from preparing troops for overseas duty to welcoming them home. By October 1945, the airfield pre-discharged and processed 9,200 men for home.The airfield switched command to the Strategic Air Command and renamed Smoky Hill Air Force Base in January 1948. It continued as a bomber base, but the military deactivated the site in August 1949.The base continued operations through the Korean conflict in the 1950s, and on March 16, 1957, the base was renamed again to Schilling Air Force Base after Colonel David Schilling, a WWII fighter pilot who helped develop mid-air refueling techniques for fighter aircraft.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699629350656.jpeg" alt="City of Salina II" &amp; crew Schilling Air Force Base, U.S. Air Force. Photo courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>City of Salina II" &amp; crew Schilling Air Force Base, U.S. Air Force. Photo courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>After renaming the base, the military decided to expand — nearly doubling the original size of the base to 4,000 acres.The sprawling lands of Schilling Air Force Base included 750 housing units, 30 dormitories, a hospital, a dental clinic, three dining halls, a gym, a laboratory, a shopping center, a theatre, a bowling alley, two swimming pools, parks, schools and churches. According to the Smoky Hill Museum, "the base even had its own police force and fire department, and an annual operating budget of around $29 million. Civilians from the Salina area worked in many base areas, filling administrative, retail and support positions."The base continued to thrive — soldiers often interacted with Salinans and established celebrations like "Uniform Week," where the command encouraged service members to wear their uniforms in town.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699633199471.jpeg" alt="A hangar at Schilling Air Force Base. Photo courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>A hangar at Schilling Air Force Base. Photo courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>During the base's prime years in the 1950s, it was designated as Strategic Air Command's "Golden Anniversary of Flight Base," which proudly hung over its entrance gate.Schilling Air Force Base comprised about 32% of the town's income and 25% of its population, adding great prosperity to the community. It wouldn't last forever, though.On November 19, 1964, Defense Secretary Robert McNamara announced that Schilling Air Force Base would close in six months. By May 1, 1965, over half the personnel working on the base were transferred away.It finally closed on June 30, 1965. Still, before the base officially closed, the Salina City Commission and Chamber of Commerce formed a joint committee named the Schilling Development Council "to secure a long-range re-use plan for the base," according to the Smoky Hill Museum.READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e3982525-1484-4088-8cc2-d10a50eaeef6">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Smoky Hill Museum - Vol.&nbsp;13</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699633259739.jpeg" alt="Outside of the airport terminal in Salina. Photo courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>Outside of the airport terminal in Salina. Photo courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>This development council established the Salina Airport Authority to own and improve the base for future use.The Salina Airport Authority worked hard to refurbish and upgrade the base, demolishing unusable parts of the site and transforming it into a municipal airport and, eventually, a regional one.Kansas State University Aerospace and Polytechnic Campus established itself at the now Salina Regional Airport in 1991, where about 1,000 students enroll each year.Today, the Salina Regional Airport provides close-range flights to Hays Regional Airport, Chicago, IL, Denver, CO, and other locations.

📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Smoky Hill Museum - Vol. 15

By NATE KING Salina Post

A suspect is at large after leading Salina Police officers on a Wednesday evening pursuit.&nbsp;

Salina Police Sergeant Tonniges said this morning that at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 8, an officer witnessed a silver 2004 Pontiac Grand Am being operated with an expired tag near the intersection of Morrison and Montrose streets in Salina.&nbsp;

The officer attempted to perform a traffic stop and the vehicle took off.

"From Morrison and Montrose the vehicle went south down to Prescott," Tonniges said. "They [the suspect] went through an alley near the intersection of College and Prescott avenue."

Tonniges said due to dust the officers lost sight of the suspect and terminated the pursuit. Responding officers did manage to get a tag number on the vehicle. 

Tonniges said officers are working to identify the driver.

<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d7254.468825056662!2d-97.62183429422164!3d38.83194684259586!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87bccf500d49cfdb%3A0x62c2d07aea60da26!2sMontrose%20St%20%26%20Morrison%20Ave%2C%20Salina%2C%20KS%2067401!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1699562091988!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>By NATE KING Salina PostA suspect is at large after leading Salina Police officers on a Wednesday evening pursuit.&nbsp;Salina Police Sergeant Tonniges said this morning that at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 8, an officer witnessed a silver 2004 Pontiac Grand Am being operated with an expired tag near the intersection of Morrison and Montrose streets in Salina.&nbsp;The officer attempted to perform a traffic stop and the vehicle took off."From Morrison and Montrose the vehicle went south down to Prescott," Tonniges said. "They [the suspect] went through an alley near the intersection of College and Prescott avenue."Tonniges said due to dust the officers lost sight of the suspect and terminated the pursuit. Responding officers did manage to get a tag number on the vehicle. Tonniges said officers are working to identify the driver.

Salina Police: Suspect at large following Wednesday pursuit

Submitted The Saline County Road and Bridge Department is proud to announce a milestone of six years without an on-the-job accident leading to time lost. This achievement highlights the department's dedication to its safety mission, ensuring no harm to staff or community members.

"Our mindset is our best tool," said Darren Fishel, Road and Bridge Administrator. "We are proactive, and every team member knows they have the authority to stop work if safety is compromised."

The department reinforces that vigilance and communication are key components of their incident-free operations. We remain committed to our role as stewards of workplace safety and will continue to prioritize the well-being of our employees and the community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639621309216.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted The Saline County Road and Bridge Department is proud to announce a milestone of six years without an on-the-job accident leading to time lost. This achievement highlights the department's dedication to its safety mission, ensuring no harm to staff or community members."Our mindset is our best tool," said Darren Fishel, Road and Bridge Administrator. "We are proactive, and every team member knows they have the authority to stop work if safety is compromised."The department reinforces that vigilance and communication are key components of their incident-free operations. We remain committed to our role as stewards of workplace safety and will continue to prioritize the well-being of our employees and the community.

Saline County Road and Bridge Department celebrates six years accident-free with no time lost

Join K-State Research &amp; Extension and Kansas Wesleyan University&nbsp;Community Resilience Hub&nbsp;for an opportunity to share, listen, and learn about what is happening in our community around local food systems. We want to hear from you about what is working well and what challenges our community is facing related to local foods. This event will also provide the opportunity to connect with others in our area that are interested in local foods and learn about resources available to help make progress.

The goal of the roundtable is to help K-State Research &amp; Extension staff better understand the great work that has already been done related to local foods, areas where we are struggling to make progress, and what resources are needed to improve our local food system. The information collected from the roundtables across the state will help inform the development of new K-State Research &amp; Extension programs related to local food systems.

This roundtable will be held on November 14 from 3-4:30 p.m. at Kansas Wesleyan University (100 E. Claflin Ave Salina, KS 67401) in the Student Activity Center Room 203.

RSVP (free) to attend at:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://salinalocalfood.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank">https://salinalocalfood.eventbrite.com/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699555391065.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedJoin K-State Research &amp; Extension and Kansas Wesleyan University&nbsp;Community Resilience Hub&nbsp;for an opportunity to share, listen, and learn about what is happening in our community around local food systems. We want to hear from you about what is working well and what challenges our community is facing related to local foods. This event will also provide the opportunity to connect with others in our area that are interested in local foods and learn about resources available to help make progress.The goal of the roundtable is to help K-State Research &amp; Extension staff better understand the great work that has already been done related to local foods, areas where we are struggling to make progress, and what resources are needed to improve our local food system. The information collected from the roundtables across the state will help inform the development of new K-State Research &amp; Extension programs related to local food systems.This roundtable will be held on November 14 from 3-4:30 p.m. at Kansas Wesleyan University (100 E. Claflin Ave Salina, KS 67401) in the Student Activity Center Room 203.RSVP (free) to attend at:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://salinalocalfood.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank">https://salinalocalfood.eventbrite.com/</a>

Local food systems community roundtable to be held Nov. 14

Join 910KINA's Saturday Morning Show hosts Dave and Sam this Saturday from 9-11 a.m. on 910AM 107.5 FM.

Hear highlights about community events, public affairs, and all things happening in Salina. Their approach is friendly, informative, and entertaining. They're committed to making a difference in their community and keeping listeners up-to-date with updates from new and returning guests.

To listen to past 910KINA Saturday Morning Shows head on over to the KINA podcast homepage&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KINA&amp;embedOpened=true&amp;embedOpenedApp=song&amp;embedOpenedSong=910683and6831076845683KINA&amp;embedOpenedArtist=&amp;embedOpenedAlbum=">here.</a>

9:05 a.m.&nbsp; Michelle Peck, Executive Director of<a href="https://seama.org/"> The Garage on Corvette Display and Holiday Plans.</a>

9:30 a.m.&nbsp; Karen Couch, Executive Director Salina <a href="https://www.salinafood.org/">Emergency Aid Food Bank on Holiday Needs.</a>

10:05 a.m.&nbsp; Chad Young, Executive Director<a href="https://salinarescuemission.com/"> Salina Rescue Mission on 24th Annual Dr. Templer Food Drive. </a>

10:30 a.m.&nbsp; Daniel Craig, Tammy Walker Cancer Center on <a href="https://www.runsalinacrossroads.com/">Crossroads Marathon Update.</a>

10:45 a.m.&nbsp; Cami Dinkel, <a href="https://www.bbbssalina.org/">Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina</a> Marketing and Events Coordinator on Raffle and Frosty Fun Run Reminder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691172591916.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTJoin 910KINA's Saturday Morning Show hosts Dave and Sam this Saturday from 9-11 a.m. on 910AM 107.5 FM.Hear highlights about community events, public affairs, and all things happening in Salina. Their approach is friendly, informative, and entertaining. They're committed to making a difference in their community and keeping listeners up-to-date with updates from new and returning guests.To listen to past 910KINA Saturday Morning Shows head on over to the KINA podcast homepage&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KINA&amp;embedOpened=true&amp;embedOpenedApp=song&amp;embedOpenedSong=910683and6831076845683KINA&amp;embedOpenedArtist=&amp;embedOpenedAlbum=">here.</a>9:05 a.m.&nbsp; Michelle Peck, Executive Director of<a href="https://seama.org/"> The Garage on Corvette Display and Holiday Plans.</a>9:30 a.m.&nbsp; Karen Couch, Executive Director Salina <a href="https://www.salinafood.org/">Emergency Aid Food Bank on Holiday Needs.</a>10:05 a.m.&nbsp; Chad Young, Executive Director<a href="https://salinarescuemission.com/"> Salina Rescue Mission on 24th Annual Dr. Templer Food Drive. </a>10:30 a.m.&nbsp; Daniel Craig, Tammy Walker Cancer Center on <a href="https://www.runsalinacrossroads.com/">Crossroads Marathon Update.</a>10:45 a.m.&nbsp; Cami Dinkel, <a href="https://www.bbbssalina.org/">Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina</a> Marketing and Events Coordinator on Raffle and Frosty Fun Run Reminder.

910KINA Saturday Morning Show lineup

On Monday November 13th, as part of the City’s annual mill and inlay project APAC Shears of Salina will perform repairs on the parking lot in the northwest quadrant of Santa Fe Avenue and Ash Street.

Weather permitting, the parking lot will be closed to traffic for a week or less while the work is occurring. Ample public parking exists directly across Ash Street to the south; motorists are reminded to continue to respect nearby private parking during the inconvenience.

The work primarily consists of milling the existing asphalt surface and replacing it with new asphalt to rehabilitate and preserve the pavement.

Permanent pavement markings will be placed shortly after the resurfacing.

The $1,016,000 project is a major component of the City of Salina's $4.7 million 2023 maintenance capital improvement program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699554051539.png" alt="The parking lot in the northwest quadrant of Santa Fe Avenue and Ash Street." />
 <figcaption>The parking lot in the northwest quadrant of Santa Fe Avenue and Ash Street.</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedOn Monday November 13th, as part of the City’s annual mill and inlay project APAC Shears of Salina will perform repairs on the parking lot in the northwest quadrant of Santa Fe Avenue and Ash Street.Weather permitting, the parking lot will be closed to traffic for a week or less while the work is occurring. Ample public parking exists directly across Ash Street to the south; motorists are reminded to continue to respect nearby private parking during the inconvenience.The work primarily consists of milling the existing asphalt surface and replacing it with new asphalt to rehabilitate and preserve the pavement.Permanent pavement markings will be placed shortly after the resurfacing.The $1,016,000 project is a major component of the City of Salina's $4.7 million 2023 maintenance capital improvement program.

City of Salina parking lot closed for repairs

Director Maryam Keshavarz’s colorful, often hilarious autobiographical feature is an American assimilation story without the ponderous messaging and oppressive tone of many such films. Not that the family and romantic travails of twentysomething Leila (Layla Mohammadi in a confidently charismatic performance) lack meaningful drama. 

But Keshavarz maintains a light touch, even as she makes sharp points about the prejudice and alienation faced by Iranian-born families in America. 

The central dynamic is the frosty relationship between Leila and her career-driven mother, Shirin (Niousha Noor), who became the breadwinner of a large family (Leila and eight brothers) when she and her doctor husband emigrated to the U.S. and he wasn’t allowed to practice medicine. 

Shirin quickly learned English, earned her GED, and became a real estate agent, rapidly advancing in the profession and making Leila’s lack of ambition more egregious. 

Her lesbian relationships haven’t met mom’s approval, either, and when Leila gets pregnant from a one-night stand with Max (Tom Byrne), that seems unlikely to change. 

About halfway through the film, Keshavarz shifts focus from Leila to Shirin, revealing much of her history in flashbacks (including an arranged marriage to an older man when she was 13) and partially showing what shaped her perspective on her daughter’s uncomfortably “Western” ways. It helps develop sympathy for both sides of the mother-daughter conflict, and this open-hearted approach allows this film to be serious and light-hearted, sharply satiric but often rude, crude, and laugh-out-loud funny. 

It’s a movie with smart insights into cultural imperialism and generational discord—but can also conjure scenes like a joyful group dance to a cover of “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” or Leila defiantly sporting a “burka-kini.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Starring: Layla Mohammadi, Niousha Noor, Kamand Shafiesabet Focus Features Rated R for profanity and sexual content | 107 minutes In English and Persian with subtitles

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699550565135.jpeg" alt=""The Persian Version" movie poster. Courtesy Salina Art Center Cinema" />
 <figcaption>"The Persian Version" movie poster. Courtesy Salina Art Center Cinema</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedDirector Maryam Keshavarz’s colorful, often hilarious autobiographical feature is an American assimilation story without the ponderous messaging and oppressive tone of many such films. Not that the family and romantic travails of twentysomething Leila (Layla Mohammadi in a confidently charismatic performance) lack meaningful drama. But Keshavarz maintains a light touch, even as she makes sharp points about the prejudice and alienation faced by Iranian-born families in America. The central dynamic is the frosty relationship between Leila and her career-driven mother, Shirin (Niousha Noor), who became the breadwinner of a large family (Leila and eight brothers) when she and her doctor husband emigrated to the U.S. and he wasn’t allowed to practice medicine. Shirin quickly learned English, earned her GED, and became a real estate agent, rapidly advancing in the profession and making Leila’s lack of ambition more egregious. Her lesbian relationships haven’t met mom’s approval, either, and when Leila gets pregnant from a one-night stand with Max (Tom Byrne), that seems unlikely to change. About halfway through the film, Keshavarz shifts focus from Leila to Shirin, revealing much of her history in flashbacks (including an arranged marriage to an older man when she was 13) and partially showing what shaped her perspective on her daughter’s uncomfortably “Western” ways. It helps develop sympathy for both sides of the mother-daughter conflict, and this open-hearted approach allows this film to be serious and light-hearted, sharply satiric but often rude, crude, and laugh-out-loud funny. It’s a movie with smart insights into cultural imperialism and generational discord—but can also conjure scenes like a joyful group dance to a cover of “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” or Leila defiantly sporting a “burka-kini.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Starring: Layla Mohammadi, Niousha Noor, Kamand Shafiesabet Focus Features Rated R for profanity and sexual content | 107 minutes In English and Persian with subtitles

Salina Art Center Cinema presents "The Persian Version" November 10 - 15

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

At around 12:20 a.m. this morning, Southeast of Saline High School students alerted the school resource officer, or SRO, about some alarming Snapchat messages from another possible student.

According to Saline County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Sean Kochanowski, the messages included threats of violence through the use of firearms planned for Thursday, Nov. 9. 

Kochanowski said some of the language used in the messages included threats to "shoot people up" at the school, alarming parents and students.

This morning, sheriff's office deputies stood guard outside Southeast of Saline High School, with Kochanowski vigilant at the entrance.

"I was out there — I know there was a highway patrol, and there were, I think, two other sheriff deputies in the parking lot," Kochanowski said. "There's another officer that's going to be at the school for a while today. Just providing extra security to make sure we have people in the building do everything we can to keep everybody safe."

Ell-Saline High School was notified of the violent threats, and faculty informed parents and students about the possible danger. Kochanowski said the Saline County Sheriff's Office also sent some deputies there.

Kochanowski said the sheriff's office is actively investigating the incident, but the office suspects the perpetrator is of high school age.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639838330144.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostAt around 12:20 a.m. this morning, Southeast of Saline High School students alerted the school resource officer, or SRO, about some alarming Snapchat messages from another possible student.According to Saline County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Sean Kochanowski, the messages included threats of violence through the use of firearms planned for Thursday, Nov. 9. Kochanowski said some of the language used in the messages included threats to "shoot people up" at the school, alarming parents and students.This morning, sheriff's office deputies stood guard outside Southeast of Saline High School, with Kochanowski vigilant at the entrance."I was out there — I know there was a highway patrol, and there were, I think, two other sheriff deputies in the parking lot," Kochanowski said. "There's another officer that's going to be at the school for a while today. Just providing extra security to make sure we have people in the building do everything we can to keep everybody safe."Ell-Saline High School was notified of the violent threats, and faculty informed parents and students about the possible danger. Kochanowski said the Saline County Sheriff's Office also sent some deputies there.Kochanowski said the sheriff's office is actively investigating the incident, but the office suspects the perpetrator is of high school age.

Sheriff's Office vigilant after threats of violence at Southeast of Saline High School

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER and NATE KING Salina Post

The second Salina Crossroads Marathon, Half Marathon, Family Fun Run/Walk, and Team Relays are in the books and according to race organizers, it was a success.

The qualifier for the Boston Marathon had 3,370 entries for 2023, quadrupling last year's 817 runners. Co-race director Daniel Craig said this year's race has runners from all 50 states and some from Botswana, Colombia, Canada, and Mexico.&nbsp;

Mother Nature cooperated with temperatures in the 50s for the start of the race. Numerous race participants told Salina Post they were pleased with the ideal running weather.

"Today I couldn't have asked for better weather," said Carlos Guajardo runner in the half-marathon. “The sun came out and it [the course] was fairly flat. There are a couple of challenging area there in the hills, but it's a great course with a lot of interaction with the crowd."

Not only did runners in the marathon benefit from access to a Boston Marathon Qualifier, but runners also gave back to the community with each entry.

"Both last year and this year, we're able to give 100% of the race entry fees to four of our local youth sports organizations," Craig said. "(We donate to) the Salina Family YMCA, Kansas Youth Sports, Salina Area Youth Sportsmanship initiative, and then the USD 305 School Marathon Foundation."

At 7:50 a.m. an acapella rendition of the National Anthem opened the festivities. At 8 a.m., the marathon, half marathon, and team relay runners were off.


"There are many races that you could have run so we are humbled that you chose to run at Salina Crossroads," The Salina Crossroads Marathon Leadership team shared on social media. "We couldn't put on a high caliber race like this without strong support from the City of Salina who understands the value that a high-quality marathon can bring to a community both in terms of economic impact as well as creating a sense of community pride."

According to Visit Salina, the event is estimated to bring $1.6 million to businesses in town. Event organizers thanked Salina Area Chamber of Commerce and Salina Downtown, Inc. for their amazing support of the event.&nbsp;

Leslie Bishop, executive Director for Downtown Salina Inc. told Salina Post that despite the challenges of getting downtown, business owners were happy with traffic in their stores.

Nate Guthals of Olathe took home first place in the men’s marathon, while Brittany White-Dold of Wichita won the women’s race. The half-marathon winner was Bryce Merriman of Wichita and Mandy Zimmerman of Junction City won the women’s half-marathon.

<a href="https://www.athlinks.com/event/363794/results/Event/1040131/Results">COMPLETE RACE RESULTS</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699202355560.jpeg" alt="2023 Crossroads Half-Marathon medals hang ready for runners to collect once done with the race on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>2023 Crossroads Half-Marathon medals hang ready for runners to collect once done with the race on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER and NATE KING Salina Post The second Salina Crossroads Marathon, Half Marathon, Family Fun Run/Walk, and Team Relays are in the books and according to race organizers, it was a success.The qualifier for the Boston Marathon had 3,370 entries for 2023, quadrupling last year's 817 runners. Co-race director Daniel Craig said this year's race has runners from all 50 states and some from Botswana, Colombia, Canada, and Mexico.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699202752090.jpeg" alt="Crossroads Marathon runners prepare for the race early in the morning on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Crossroads Marathon runners prepare for the race early in the morning on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Mother Nature cooperated with temperatures in the 50s for the start of the race. Numerous race participants told Salina Post they were pleased with the ideal running weather."Today I couldn't have asked for better weather," said Carlos Guajardo runner in the half-marathon. “The sun came out and it [the course] was fairly flat. There are a couple of challenging area there in the hills, but it's a great course with a lot of interaction with the crowd."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698251252539.png" alt="Marathon and Half Marathon Course Map" />
 <figcaption>Marathon and Half Marathon Course Map</figcaption>
 </figure>Not only did runners in the marathon benefit from access to a Boston Marathon Qualifier, but runners also gave back to the community with each entry."Both last year and this year, we're able to give 100% of the race entry fees to four of our local youth sports organizations," Craig said. "(We donate to) the Salina Family YMCA, Kansas Youth Sports, Salina Area Youth Sportsmanship initiative, and then the USD 305 School Marathon Foundation."At 7:50 a.m. an acapella rendition of the National Anthem opened the festivities. At 8 a.m., the marathon, half marathon, and team relay runners were off.
<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699202771741.jpeg" alt="Crossroads Marathon runners take off from the start line on Saturday, Nov. 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Crossroads Marathon runners take off from the start line on Saturday, Nov. 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"There are many races that you could have run so we are humbled that you chose to run at Salina Crossroads," The Salina Crossroads Marathon Leadership team shared on social media. "We couldn't put on a high caliber race like this without strong support from the City of Salina who understands the value that a high-quality marathon can bring to a community both in terms of economic impact as well as creating a sense of community pride."According to Visit Salina, the event is estimated to bring $1.6 million to businesses in town. Event organizers thanked Salina Area Chamber of Commerce and Salina Downtown, Inc. for their amazing support of the event.&nbsp;Leslie Bishop, executive Director for Downtown Salina Inc. told Salina Post that despite the challenges of getting downtown, business owners were happy with traffic in their stores.Nate Guthals of Olathe took home first place in the men’s marathon, while Brittany White-Dold of Wichita won the women’s race. The half-marathon winner was Bryce Merriman of Wichita and Mandy Zimmerman of Junction City won the women’s half-marathon.<a href="https://www.athlinks.com/event/363794/results/Event/1040131/Results">COMPLETE RACE RESULTS</a><h2>📸More Photos📸</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699202411274.jpeg" alt="Crossroads Marathon competitors past the flag set up by the Salina Fire Department early in the morning at the beginning of the race on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Crossroads Marathon competitors past the flag set up by the Salina Fire Department early in the morning at the beginning of the race on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699202803923.jpeg" alt="Kids race in the Crossroads Childrens Half-Mile Fun Run on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Kids race in the Crossroads Childrens Half-Mile Fun Run on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699202901108.jpeg" alt="Libbie the dog wears a Crossroads Marathon 5K Fun Run medal with her owner, Ellie Grauerholz, from Salina, on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Libbie the dog wears a Crossroads Marathon 5K Fun Run medal with her owner, Ellie Grauerholz, from Salina, on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699203026654.jpeg" alt="Rylee Cressler, 7, left, and Kenzie Baxa, 8, right, race in the Crossroads Marathon Kids Half-Mile Fun Run on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Rylee Cressler, 7, left, and Kenzie Baxa, 8, right, race in the Crossroads Marathon Kids Half-Mile Fun Run on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699202391661.jpeg" alt="Luke Ryan, left, from Salina, and Benjamin Anstaett, right, from Chapman run past the finish line to begin the last portion of the Crossroads Marathon on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Luke Ryan, left, from Salina, and Benjamin Anstaett, right, from Chapman run past the finish line to begin the last portion of the Crossroads Marathon on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699202374773.jpeg" alt="William Pusateri from Leawood, KS, sprints toward the finish line for the Crossroads Half Marathon on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>William Pusateri from Leawood, KS, sprints toward the finish line for the Crossroads Half Marathon on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699202823387.jpeg" alt="Jonathan Marsh from Littleton, CO, races toward the finish line of the Crossroads Half Marathon on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Jonathan Marsh from Littleton, CO, races toward the finish line of the Crossroads Half Marathon on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699202846709.jpeg" alt="Antonio Garcia receives his Crossroads Half Marathon medal where he placed first in the Men's 60-69 division on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Antonio Garcia receives his Crossroads Half Marathon medal where he placed first in the Men's 60-69 division on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699236381713.png" alt="The McCorkle's cheering on runners using homemade signs at the race on Saturday. Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>The McCorkle's cheering on runners using homemade signs at the race on Saturday. Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699202883207.jpeg" alt="Muruganandhan Subramamian from Frisco, TX, races past the start/finish line of the Crossroads Marathon as he begins the last portion of the race on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Muruganandhan Subramamian from Frisco, TX, races past the start/finish line of the Crossroads Marathon as he begins the last portion of the race on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699202867438.jpeg" alt="Martha Gullo from Williamsburg, VA, receives her Crossroads Half-Marathon Medal on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Martha Gullo from Williamsburg, VA, receives her Crossroads Half-Marathon Medal on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699202919024.jpeg" alt="Marina Martino, left, John Martin, right, and their two young children, from Dallas, PA, run together in the Crossroads Marathon on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Marina Martino, left, John Martin, right, and their two young children, from Dallas, PA, run together in the Crossroads Marathon on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699202934964.jpeg" alt="Meredith Frazier, left, and Breeley bell, right, from Salina, run hand in hand as they finish the Crossroads Half Marathon on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Meredith Frazier, left, and Breeley bell, right, from Salina, run hand in hand as they finish the Crossroads Half Marathon on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699202957158.jpeg" alt="Crossroads Marathon winner Nate Guthals, from Olathe, KS, finishes with an official time of 2:38:28 with a set pace of 6:03 on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Crossroads Marathon winner Nate Guthals, from Olathe, KS, finishes with an official time of 2:38:28 with a set pace of 6:03 on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699202978577.jpeg" alt="Crossroads Marathon winner Nate Guthals puts on his medal after finishing the race on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Crossroads Marathon winner Nate Guthals puts on his medal after finishing the race on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699203046273.jpeg" alt="Jax Leonard, 4, from Salina, leads the Crossroads Marathon Kids Half-Mile Fun Run and finished first in the age 4 boys division on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Jax Leonard, 4, from Salina, leads the Crossroads Marathon Kids Half-Mile Fun Run and finished first in the age 4 boys division on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699236434805.png" alt="Mariah Weakland and&nbsp; Ryan Weakland cheer runners on while displaying a homemade sign during the race on Saturday. Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>Mariah Weakland and&nbsp; Ryan Weakland cheer runners on while displaying a homemade sign during the race on Saturday. Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699203064706.jpeg" alt="Chris Hellwege, left and his daughter, Winter Hellwege, 2, right, from Oklahoma City, OK, run together in the Crossroads Marathon Kids Half-Mile Fun Run on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Chris Hellwege, left and his daughter, Winter Hellwege, 2, right, from Oklahoma City, OK, run together in the Crossroads Marathon Kids Half-Mile Fun Run on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure> <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699203121146.jpeg" alt="Chris Lechecka, Crossroads Marathon Co-Race Director announces the top three women runners in the race on the City Lights Stage — Alisn Rizzo, left, from Colorado Springs, CO, in third, Nicole Laughton, center, from Edmond, OK, second and Brittany White-Dold, right, from Wichita, KS, in first on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Chris Lechecka, Crossroads Marathon Co-Race Director announces the top three women runners in the race on the City Lights Stage — Alisn Rizzo, left, from Colorado Springs, CO, in third, Nicole Laughton, center, from Edmond, OK, second and Brittany White-Dold, right, from Wichita, KS, in first on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699203152291.jpeg" alt="Chris Lechecka, Crossroads Marathon Co-Race Director announces the top three men runners of the marathon on the City Lights Stage — Joseph OMalley, left, from Mission, KS, in third, Tim Testa, center, from Junction City, in second and Nate Guthals, from Olathe, KS, in first on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Chris Lechecka, Crossroads Marathon Co-Race Director announces the top three men runners of the marathon on the City Lights Stage — Joseph OMalley, left, from Mission, KS, in third, Tim Testa, center, from Junction City, in second and Nate Guthals, from Olathe, KS, in first on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>

📸: Experience the 2023 Salina Crossroads Marathon

The Salina DMV License Office reopened today after suddenly closing earlier this week, with a sign stating, "Closed until further notice due to structure issues. You&nbsp;may&nbsp;go to Mcpherson, Concordia, Junction City for further assistance."

Initially, the "structure issues" were unknown to the public but became apparent after a statement from Zach Denney, Kansas Department of Revenue director of communications and legislative affairs.

The Salina office experienced a water main break and had to be closed for several days until the damage could be repaired. Any customer who had an appointment scheduled on the day of the closure and in the following days was contacted and had their appointments rescheduled. As of today, the facility has been reopened for operation.

Denney said Salina DMV faculty contacted customers by telephone to reschedule Tuesday and Wednesday appointments.

Salina Post attempted to contact the Topeka DMV License Office about the closure at the Salina DMV but could not get in contact due to the Topeka office's challenges.

"There was a closure at the Topeka Office as well, which led to further delays in responding to inquiries," Denney said.

___________________________________________

Updated 11/8/2023 3:36 p.m.&nbsp;

By NATE KING Salina Post

In a recent turn of events, the Salina DMV License Office will reopen for tomorrow, Nov. 9 according to an unnamed state employee.&nbsp;

On Wednesday afternoon a Kansas Department of Revenue employee, who wishes to stay anonymous, informed Saline County Treasurer Jim DuBois that the DMV would reopen ahead of when previously thought.

"The technical fix did not take as long to fix and so we were notified that the DMV would reopen tomorrow," DeBois said.&nbsp;

Salina Post emailed&nbsp;Kansas DMV Driver Services Manager, Kent Selk earlier today with questions regarding what structural and/or technical issues caused the closure of the DMV and why residents with appointments were not notified about the decision to close the DMV offices.&nbsp;

Salina Post has not heard back from Selk.&nbsp;

We will update this story as more information becomes available.&nbsp;

Updated 11/8/2023 11:34 a.m.

By NATE KING Salina Post The Salina DMV will be closed for the remainder of the week and will not open until next week, according to Saline County Treasurer, Jim DuBois.

"I received notification from the state that the Salina DMV License Office will be closed the rest of the week and will not open till next week sometime," DuBois said. 

DuBois told Salina Post the Kansas DMV office did not say when next week the Salina DMV would reopen.

Dubois provided Salina Post with the contact information of Kansas DMV Driver Services Manager, Kent Selk for further information.&nbsp;

Salina Post sent an email to Selk with questions regarding the closure.

We will update this story as new information becomes available.&nbsp;

---------------------------------------------------------

Original Post 11/7/23 2:10 p.m.

Salinans with appointments at the Department of Motor Vehicles Office in Salina on Tuesday were confused after they discovered the doors were locked and a sign was posted on the doors.

The sign reads, "Closed until further notice due to structure issues. You may go to Mcpherson, Concordia, Junction City for further assistance."

No notice was sent to Salina Post before the DMV office was closed on Tuesday.

The Salina DMV is located at 2941 Centennial Road

Saline County Treasurer Jim DuBois said despite his office not being associated with the Salina DMV, his office received several calls from residents with questions regarding when the offices would reopen.&nbsp;

&nbsp;"We were getting calls from people about the office being closed and unfortunately we have nothing to do with it since the the DMV falls under the State of Kansas," DuBois said. "I called the state and I said, 'Would it be helpful if we at least told all of our people in both offices and post signs so people would know?'"

As of now, there is no set date for when the office will be reopened, or what the structural and/or technical issues are.&nbsp;

Salina Post attempted to contact the Kansas Department of Motor Vehicles for comment but was not able to reach anyone in the office.&nbsp;

DuBois said he would remain in contact with the State of Kansas Department of Motor Vehicles and notify Salina Post when he receives further information regarding the closure.&nbsp;

Updated 11/9/2023 10:30 a.m.The Salina DMV License Office reopened today after suddenly closing earlier this week, with a sign stating, "Closed until further notice due to structure issues. You&nbsp;may&nbsp;go to Mcpherson, Concordia, Junction City for further assistance."Initially, the "structure issues" were unknown to the public but became apparent after a statement from Zach Denney, Kansas Department of Revenue director of communications and legislative affairs.The Salina office experienced a water main break and had to be closed for several days until the damage could be repaired. Any customer who had an appointment scheduled on the day of the closure and in the following days was contacted and had their appointments rescheduled. As of today, the facility has been reopened for operation.Denney said Salina DMV faculty contacted customers by telephone to reschedule Tuesday and Wednesday appointments.Salina Post attempted to contact the Topeka DMV License Office about the closure at the Salina DMV but could not get in contact due to the Topeka office's challenges."There was a closure at the Topeka Office as well, which led to further delays in responding to inquiries," Denney said.___________________________________________Updated 11/8/2023 3:36 p.m.&nbsp; By NATE KING Salina PostIn a recent turn of events, the Salina DMV License Office will reopen for tomorrow, Nov. 9 according to an unnamed state employee.&nbsp;On Wednesday afternoon a Kansas Department of Revenue employee, who wishes to stay anonymous, informed Saline County Treasurer Jim DuBois that the DMV would reopen ahead of when previously thought."The technical fix did not take as long to fix and so we were notified that the DMV would reopen tomorrow," DeBois said.&nbsp;Salina Post emailed&nbsp;Kansas DMV Driver Services Manager, Kent Selk earlier today with questions regarding what structural and/or technical issues caused the closure of the DMV and why residents with appointments were not notified about the decision to close the DMV offices.&nbsp;Salina Post has not heard back from Selk.&nbsp; We will update this story as more information becomes available.&nbsp;___________________________________________Updated 11/8/2023 11:34 a.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699387947830.png" alt="Salina Driver's License Office is located on Centennial Road in Salina. Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>Salina Driver's License Office is located on Centennial Road in Salina. Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina Post The Salina DMV will be closed for the remainder of the week and will not open until next week, according to Saline County Treasurer, Jim DuBois."I received notification from the state that the Salina DMV License Office will be closed the rest of the week and will not open till next week sometime," DuBois said. DuBois told Salina Post the Kansas DMV office did not say when next week the Salina DMV would reopen.Dubois provided Salina Post with the contact information of Kansas DMV Driver Services Manager, Kent Selk for further information.&nbsp;Salina Post sent an email to Selk with questions regarding the closure. We will update this story as new information becomes available.&nbsp;---------------------------------------------------------Original Post 11/7/23 2:10 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699387915254.png" alt="The notice was posted on the locked doors of the Salina Department of Motor Vehicles Office. Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>The notice was posted on the locked doors of the Salina Department of Motor Vehicles Office. Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostSalinans with appointments at the Department of Motor Vehicles Office in Salina on Tuesday were confused after they discovered the doors were locked and a sign was posted on the doors.The sign reads, "Closed until further notice due to structure issues. You may go to Mcpherson, Concordia, Junction City for further assistance."No notice was sent to Salina Post before the DMV office was closed on Tuesday.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d12440.413178761843!2d-97.64273728922404!3d38.78426630388101!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87bcc8f137c8c1bf%3A0x22c194aed84ef24!2sDrivers%20License%20Department!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1699389638800!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>The Salina DMV is located at 2941 Centennial RoadSaline County Treasurer Jim DuBois said despite his office not being associated with the Salina DMV, his office received several calls from residents with questions regarding when the offices would reopen.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We were getting calls from people about the office being closed and unfortunately we have nothing to do with it since the the DMV falls under the State of Kansas," DuBois said. "I called the state and I said, 'Would it be helpful if we at least told all of our people in both offices and post signs so people would know?'"As of now, there is no set date for when the office will be reopened, or what the structural and/or technical issues are.&nbsp;Salina Post attempted to contact the Kansas Department of Motor Vehicles for comment but was not able to reach anyone in the office.&nbsp;DuBois said he would remain in contact with the State of Kansas Department of Motor Vehicles and notify Salina Post when he receives further information regarding the closure.&nbsp;

UPDATED: Salina DMV License Office closed earlier this week due to a water main break

SALINA – Catholic Charities introduces Jessica Allen as the new director of development. 

With her unwavering passion for service and community, Catholic Charities is confident that Allen will continue to build on the legacy of her predecessor, Eric Frank, who retired on October 31 after 13 years with the organization. 

Allen, a dedicated Catholic Charities Ambassador since 2021, brings a wealth of experience and passion for service to her role. 

"I'm thrilled to be part of the Catholic Charities family as the new Director of Development. It's an exciting new chapter, and I can't wait to work alongside the incredible donors, volunteers, and staff here,” Allen said. “Together, we'll continue to serve the wonderful families of northern Kansas, making a real, positive impact. I'm eager to connect with our supporters and build on the strong foundation laid by my predecessor, Eric Frank.” 

With a bachelor of science degree in sociology and a minor in business from Kansas State University, Jessica’s professional journey includes significant contributions to Salina Regional Health Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Greater Salina Community Foundation. 

Beyond her professional achievements, Jessica has also demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to community service. For the past 15 years, she has been a dedicated volunteer with the Love, Chloe Foundation, embodying the spirit of philanthropy and compassion. 

Alongside her husband Matt and their four daughters, Jessica also actively participates in the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish in Salina. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Jessica Allen as our new director of development. Her dedication to service, coupled with her impressive professional background, makes her an invaluable asset to our organization," said Megan Robl, executive director. "We look forward to the remarkable achievements and positive changes she will undoubtedly bring to our community." 

Jessica officially started her role on October 9 and is set to work closely with the organization's supporters, learning from her predecessor's legacy, and steering Catholic Charities toward new heights.

Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas serves families in need throughout 31 counties in Northern Kansas from offices in Hays, Manhattan, and Salina by providing financial and housing assistance; personal care and basic needs; pregnancy support and adoption services; and counseling services. All services are provided on need, regardless of religion, race, or nationality.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699540952171.jpeg" alt="Jessica Allen (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Jessica Allen (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Catholic CharitiesSALINA – Catholic Charities introduces Jessica Allen as the new director of development. With her unwavering passion for service and community, Catholic Charities is confident that Allen will continue to build on the legacy of her predecessor, Eric Frank, who retired on October 31 after 13 years with the organization. Allen, a dedicated Catholic Charities Ambassador since 2021, brings a wealth of experience and passion for service to her role. "I'm thrilled to be part of the Catholic Charities family as the new Director of Development. It's an exciting new chapter, and I can't wait to work alongside the incredible donors, volunteers, and staff here,” Allen said. “Together, we'll continue to serve the wonderful families of northern Kansas, making a real, positive impact. I'm eager to connect with our supporters and build on the strong foundation laid by my predecessor, Eric Frank.” With a bachelor of science degree in sociology and a minor in business from Kansas State University, Jessica’s professional journey includes significant contributions to Salina Regional Health Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Greater Salina Community Foundation. Beyond her professional achievements, Jessica has also demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to community service. For the past 15 years, she has been a dedicated volunteer with the Love, Chloe Foundation, embodying the spirit of philanthropy and compassion. Alongside her husband Matt and their four daughters, Jessica also actively participates in the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish in Salina. "We are thrilled to welcome Jessica Allen as our new director of development. Her dedication to service, coupled with her impressive professional background, makes her an invaluable asset to our organization," said Megan Robl, executive director. "We look forward to the remarkable achievements and positive changes she will undoubtedly bring to our community." Jessica officially started her role on October 9 and is set to work closely with the organization's supporters, learning from her predecessor's legacy, and steering Catholic Charities toward new heights.Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas serves families in need throughout 31 counties in Northern Kansas from offices in Hays, Manhattan, and Salina by providing financial and housing assistance; personal care and basic needs; pregnancy support and adoption services; and counseling services. All services are provided on need, regardless of religion, race, or nationality.&nbsp;

New development director introduced at Catholic Charities 

SALINA —&nbsp;<a href="http://salina.ksu.edu/">Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus</a>&nbsp;has announced Bill Genereux, professor in the department of integrated studies, as this year's recipient of the Rex McArthur Family Faculty Award for excellence in teaching and research.

Genereux has been a faculty member at K-State Salina since 2004 and instructs classes for the campus's computer systems technology, digital media technology and web development technology degrees.

"I am honored and humbled to be receiving the Rex McArthur Family Faculty Award,"&nbsp;Genereux said.&nbsp;"I looked at the list of past recipients of this award, and many of them are mentors and have encouraged me in my career. To think that I have received the same award as people that I look up to is a humbling experience. With this, I hope to be able to help other instructors win awards and advance their careers."

Some of Genereux's interest in technology was developed in the late 1980s while in the Navy. One of his first experiences with computer networks was helping to install a local area network for Macs and PCs aboard the U.S. Battleship Missouri,&nbsp;a skill that he still uses today.

Much of what he teaches involves instilling technology literacy in students and helping them learn more about working and living in a digital world. More and more of his instruction now consists of using cutting-edge technologies for telling stories to prepare students to be at the forefront of technological innovations.

While Genereux enjoys teaching students, he also finds the time to research how technology impacts society and helps students gain a constructive, helpful and optimistic vision of what it means to be a human being in the digital age.

He is interested in learning and writing about what we are giving up by letting machines and AI do the creative things that people enjoy doing,&nbsp;such as drawing or making art.&nbsp;According to Genereux,&nbsp;while the computer might be more efficient and&nbsp;can&nbsp;save time, creating art is ultimately a human activity to be enjoyed by humans.

"Much of what I have learned in studying for my doctorate is how technological advances cut both ways,"&nbsp;said Genereux.&nbsp;"It gives society something that is cool but also takes something else away at the same time,&nbsp;and sometimes we tend to downplay the bad side of that.

Genereux added that he&nbsp;wants&nbsp;his&nbsp;students to think about the technology they adopt and what they are trying to achieve.

"If you want to be in the field of technology," he said,&nbsp;"you must be a lifelong learner, or else it will move right out from under your feet,&nbsp;and what you know will become obsolete."

Genereux, who lives in&nbsp;Clyde,&nbsp;earned an associate degree from Cloud County in 1997, a bachelor's degree in computer science from Kansas Wesleyan University in 1999, a master's degree in internetworking and telecommunications from Fort Hays State University in 2005,&nbsp;and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with a technology education emphasis in 2015 from K-State.

"Professors like Bill are what make K-State Salina such a good place to get an education,"&nbsp;said&nbsp;Alysia Starkey, K-State Salina CEO and dean.&nbsp;"When you combine the knowledge from industry experience with the knowledge from innovative research and a passion for education demonstrated by our faculty, our students are being prepared to become the future leaders of tomorrow."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699540602748.jpeg" alt="Bill Genereux, professor of computer systems technology, digital media technology and web development technology, is this year's recipient of the Rex McArthur Family Faculty Fellow Award. Genereux has taught at K-State Salina since 2004. Photo courtesy Kansas State University" />
 <figcaption>Bill Genereux, professor of computer systems technology, digital media technology and web development technology, is this year's recipient of the Rex McArthur Family Faculty Fellow Award. Genereux has taught at K-State Salina since 2004. Photo courtesy Kansas State University</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedSALINA —&nbsp;<a href="http://salina.ksu.edu/">Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus</a>&nbsp;has announced Bill Genereux, professor in the department of integrated studies, as this year's recipient of the Rex McArthur Family Faculty Award for excellence in teaching and research.Genereux has been a faculty member at K-State Salina since 2004 and instructs classes for the campus's computer systems technology, digital media technology and web development technology degrees."I am honored and humbled to be receiving the Rex McArthur Family Faculty Award,"&nbsp;Genereux said.&nbsp;"I looked at the list of past recipients of this award, and many of them are mentors and have encouraged me in my career. To think that I have received the same award as people that I look up to is a humbling experience. With this, I hope to be able to help other instructors win awards and advance their careers."Some of Genereux's interest in technology was developed in the late 1980s while in the Navy. One of his first experiences with computer networks was helping to install a local area network for Macs and PCs aboard the U.S. Battleship Missouri,&nbsp;a skill that he still uses today.Much of what he teaches involves instilling technology literacy in students and helping them learn more about working and living in a digital world. More and more of his instruction now consists of using cutting-edge technologies for telling stories to prepare students to be at the forefront of technological innovations.While Genereux enjoys teaching students, he also finds the time to research how technology impacts society and helps students gain a constructive, helpful and optimistic vision of what it means to be a human being in the digital age.He is interested in learning and writing about what we are giving up by letting machines and AI do the creative things that people enjoy doing,&nbsp;such as drawing or making art.&nbsp;According to Genereux,&nbsp;while the computer might be more efficient and&nbsp;can&nbsp;save time, creating art is ultimately a human activity to be enjoyed by humans."Much of what I have learned in studying for my doctorate is how technological advances cut both ways,"&nbsp;said Genereux.&nbsp;"It gives society something that is cool but also takes something else away at the same time,&nbsp;and sometimes we tend to downplay the bad side of that.Genereux added that he&nbsp;wants&nbsp;his&nbsp;students to think about the technology they adopt and what they are trying to achieve."If you want to be in the field of technology," he said,&nbsp;"you must be a lifelong learner, or else it will move right out from under your feet,&nbsp;and what you know will become obsolete."Genereux, who lives in&nbsp;Clyde,&nbsp;earned an associate degree from Cloud County in 1997, a bachelor's degree in computer science from Kansas Wesleyan University in 1999, a master's degree in internetworking and telecommunications from Fort Hays State University in 2005,&nbsp;and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with a technology education emphasis in 2015 from K-State."Professors like Bill are what make K-State Salina such a good place to get an education,"&nbsp;said&nbsp;Alysia Starkey, K-State Salina CEO and dean.&nbsp;"When you combine the knowledge from industry experience with the knowledge from innovative research and a passion for education demonstrated by our faculty, our students are being prepared to become the future leaders of tomorrow."

Genereux named 2023 recipient of K-State Salina's McArthur Family Faculty Award 

By RON WILSON Director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University

Transitions. Those can be challenging, exciting, scary and difficult – all at the same time. They are also a part of life.

Ownership transitions can be especially challenging for businesses in small towns. Today we’ll meet the owners of a rural grocery store that has served its community for more than a century, and now has successfully made a transition to new ownership.

Fred and Vali Smith have been the longtime owners of Tipton Grocery. Tipton is in Mitchell County, southwest of Beloit.

Fred Smith’s grandparents farmed near Tipton. Fred lived here until he was five. 

“My dad was a state trooper and we were transferred all over Kansas,” Smith said.

 In the summers, Smith and his brothers would often come back to the farm.

Smith joined the Army and was stationed in Germany where he met and married Vali. They returned to the States where Fred worked in law enforcement in Chicago, and Vali was supervisor at a bank.

Fred and Vali made occasional trips back home with their kids to Tipton to see the family. During one of those times Mrs. Pfeiffer, the owner of the local grocery store, told them that they should stay and take over the store, but Fred and Vali both had good jobs in Chicago.

“One time we were back visiting from Chicago,” Smith said. “Our kids asked if they could go to so-and-so’s house and I said, ‘No, stay here where I can keep an eye on you.’ My uncle looked at me and said, ‘What’s wrong with you? Here the whole town can keep an eye on them.’”

It made Smith appreciate the safety and security that his family could find in small town Kansas. Smith also met the local school principal who reached out to them.

“He was the most kind and compassionate principal I had ever met,” Fred said. Ultimately, Fred Smith and the family moved back to Tipton.

Back in 1906, John Schmidt had started a grocery store and butcher shop in Tipton. The store changed hands through the years. The Pfeiffer family became the third owners. In 1991, Mrs. Pfeiffer sold the store to Fred and Vali Smith. Along with the store came an original recipe for German sausage.

In 1996, the Smiths had an opportunity to buy a larger building down the street in Tipton, next door to a former locker plant where they were able to expand the store and the sausage production. “We make it right there in the store,” Smith said.

For a time, Smith also supplied stores in nearby rural communities such as Luray, population 166, and Hunter, population 51 people. Now, that’s rural.

When Fred and Vali were looking to retire from the Tipton Grocery, they advertised the potential sale of the store locally – but no one stepped forward. Smith thought about advertising regionally or even nationally but rejected that idea.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699460566623.jpeg" alt="Brandi Shirack, Drew Shirack, Vali Smith, Fred Smith. Image Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Brandi Shirack, Drew Shirack, Vali Smith, Fred Smith. Image Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State UniversityTransitions. Those can be challenging, exciting, scary and difficult – all at the same time. They are also a part of life.Ownership transitions can be especially challenging for businesses in small towns. Today we’ll meet the owners of a rural grocery store that has served its community for more than a century, and now has successfully made a transition to new ownership.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d6171.472245990317!2d-98.47596535603162!3d39.33956368426596!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87a2f54db7d2ecf9%3A0x603b508047955e19!2sTipton%2C%20KS%2067485!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1699461224979!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe>
</div>Fred and Vali Smith have been the longtime owners of Tipton Grocery. Tipton is in Mitchell County, southwest of Beloit.Fred Smith’s grandparents farmed near Tipton. Fred lived here until he was five. “My dad was a state trooper and we were transferred all over Kansas,” Smith said. In the summers, Smith and his brothers would often come back to the farm.Smith joined the Army and was stationed in Germany where he met and married Vali. They returned to the States where Fred worked in law enforcement in Chicago, and Vali was supervisor at a bank.Fred and Vali made occasional trips back home with their kids to Tipton to see the family. During one of those times Mrs. Pfeiffer, the owner of the local grocery store, told them that they should stay and take over the store, but Fred and Vali both had good jobs in Chicago.“One time we were back visiting from Chicago,” Smith said. “Our kids asked if they could go to so-and-so’s house and I said, ‘No, stay here where I can keep an eye on you.’ My uncle looked at me and said, ‘What’s wrong with you? Here the whole town can keep an eye on them.’”It made Smith appreciate the safety and security that his family could find in small town Kansas. Smith also met the local school principal who reached out to them.“He was the most kind and compassionate principal I had ever met,” Fred said. Ultimately, Fred Smith and the family moved back to Tipton.Back in 1906, John Schmidt had started a grocery store and butcher shop in Tipton. The store changed hands through the years. The Pfeiffer family became the third owners. In 1991, Mrs. Pfeiffer sold the store to Fred and Vali Smith. Along with the store came an original recipe for German sausage.In 1996, the Smiths had an opportunity to buy a larger building down the street in Tipton, next door to a former locker plant where they were able to expand the store and the sausage production. “We make it right there in the store,” Smith said.For a time, Smith also supplied stores in nearby rural communities such as Luray, population 166, and Hunter, population 51 people. Now, that’s rural.When Fred and Vali were looking to retire from the Tipton Grocery, they advertised the potential sale of the store locally – but no one stepped forward. Smith thought about advertising regionally or even nationally but rejected that idea.The Rural Grocery Initiative at Kansas State University put Smith in touch with Kansas business consultant Les Streit.“He offered great advice,” Smith said. “They also arranged for a guy called Joe the Grocer to come in, and he was fantastic. He also gave us an official appraisal.”Eventually Smith published a timeline, projecting that the store would go to auction in six months if a buyer was not found. That word reached the grandson of a local farm family who came for a visit with his wife. “They loved it here,” Smith said.The families reached agreement. In September 2023, Brandi and Drew Shirack became the new owners of Tipton Grocery – still making Tipton Sausage using the original recipe.“We’re glad the store is open and being run by a very capable young couple,” Smith said.For more information, look for Tipton Grocery on Facebook.Transitions. They can be challenging and difficult. We commend Fred and Vali Smith and Drew and Brandi Shirack for making a difference by conducting this transition successfully.And there’s more. I mentioned that the store was advertised locally. That was easy because Fred also publishes a newspaper for the community. We’ll learn about that next week.