Kansas Wesleyan's fall music schedule continues Thursday, when the String Orchestra joins Smoky Valley High School's Band and String Orchestra for a combined performance. This special event gets underway at 7:30 p.m. in A.J. Steinberg Auditorium at Lindsborg High School, and admission is free.

"These concerts provide a great opportunity for our program," said Dr. Leonardo Rosario, conductor of the String Orchestra. "By going into the surrounding communities, more people have an opportunity to see the talented musicians we have at KWU!"

The SVHS Band will open the evening, with KWU's String Orchestra and the SVHS Orchestra to follow. The concert will close with a combined piece from both orchestras.

Thursday's event is the first of three similar concerts this semester, with future performances set to happen alongside the Salina South High School orchestra on Oct. 3 – the program's next concert – and the Manhattan High School orchestra Oct. 26.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695222898933.jpeg" alt="String orchestra to share stage in special Lindsborg performance. Image Courtesy KWU" />
 <figcaption>String orchestra to share stage in special Lindsborg performance. Image Courtesy KWU</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedKansas Wesleyan's fall music schedule continues Thursday, when the String Orchestra joins Smoky Valley High School's Band and String Orchestra for a combined performance. This special event gets underway at 7:30 p.m. in A.J. Steinberg Auditorium at Lindsborg High School, and admission is free."These concerts provide a great opportunity for our program," said Dr. Leonardo Rosario, conductor of the String Orchestra. "By going into the surrounding communities, more people have an opportunity to see the talented musicians we have at KWU!"The SVHS Band will open the evening, with KWU's String Orchestra and the SVHS Orchestra to follow. The concert will close with a combined piece from both orchestras.Thursday's event is the first of three similar concerts this semester, with future performances set to happen alongside the Salina South High School orchestra on Oct. 3 – the program's next concert – and the Manhattan High School orchestra Oct. 26.

String orchestra to share stage in special Lindsborg performance

MANHATTAN — The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/105/" target="_blank">K-State 105 initiative</a>&nbsp;is supporting small business development in northwest Kansas through a collaborative approach that leverages the expertise and small business connections of higher education and statewide and regional partners.

Two universities — Kansas State University and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University</a>&nbsp;— as well as two K-State 105 partners —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.networkkansas.com/" target="_blank">NetWork Kansas</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://nwkeici.org/" target="_blank">Innovation Center</a>&nbsp;— are working together to expand the service offerings of the FHSU-led Small Business Development Center in northwest Kansas.

"Our K-State 105 initiative focuses on community engagement that&nbsp;drives&nbsp;economic impact and prosperity for Kansas and our 105 counties,"&nbsp;said Marshall Stewart, K-State senior vice president and chief of staff.&nbsp;"This type of innovative partnership that brings together higher education and economic development organizations across the state is exactly the type of work in which a next-generation land-grant university should engage.

"Through the partnership, K-State 105 is providing NetWork Kansas with funding that will go to resource partners and support entrepreneurship programming and technical assistance for small businesses in all 105 counties. 

"In this instance in northwest Kansas, NetWork Kansas will work with the Innovation Center to enhance the Kansas Small Business Development Center. The FHSU-led Kansas Small Business Development Center, or SBDC, operates as a network of eight regional economic development and business consulting centers that currently serve all 105 counties in the state.

"The businesses and communities of northwest Kansas will benefit greatly from this investment in professional expertise and better access to essential resources the SBDC and the Innovation Center will begin delivering in just a few short months," said Tisa Mason, president of Fort Hays State University. "This initiative will ensure our best business and economic development experts are working every day to advance economic prosperity throughout the High Plains.

"The SBDC and Innovation Center partnership will serve a larger number of clients in northwest Kansas than each organization can serve individually. The partners ultimately expect to serve 432 clients, help start 16 new businesses and conduct 60 capital transactions in fiscal year 2024.

"This new partnership will allow us to collectively deliver more assistance than we have been able to do individually," said Greg Jordan, state director of the SBDC. "Small businesses in western Kansas will reap the benefit of us all working more closely together to help them start, grow and thrive."

"Our shared efforts in the days ahead will contribute significantly to economic prosperity in northwest Kansas," said Scott Sproul, president and CEO of the Innovation Center.

"We congratulate Fort Hays State University, the Kansas Small Business Development Center and the Innovation Center on this impactful advancement and look forward to partnering further on K-State 105," said Erik Pedersen, president and chief operating officer of NetWork Kansas. 

"This initiative will work to integrate the resources on campus, as well as statewide, with Kansas small businesses in a way that will strengthen communities, create jobs and increase capital investment. In addition, intentional engagement will happen in critical-issue areas such as workforce, housing and child care."

The K-State 105 funding that will support this initiative comes from the annual state investment that K-State 105 received for fiscal year 2024. 

K-State 105 is Kansas State University's answer to the call for a comprehensive economic growth and advancement solution for Kansas. The initiative leverages the statewide K-State Research and Extension network to deliver the full breadth of the university's collective knowledge and solution-driven innovation to every Kansan, right where they live and work. 

Additionally, K-State 105 forges the connections and partnerships that create access to additional expertise within other state institutions and agencies, nonprofits and corporations — all part of an effort to build additional capacities and strengths in each of the 105 counties in the state.



<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695127886294.png" alt="KSU image" />
 <figcaption>KSU image</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN — The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/105/" target="_blank">K-State 105 initiative</a>&nbsp;is supporting small business development in northwest Kansas through a collaborative approach that leverages the expertise and small business connections of higher education and statewide and regional partners. Two universities — Kansas State University and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University</a>&nbsp;— as well as two K-State 105 partners —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.networkkansas.com/" target="_blank">NetWork Kansas</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://nwkeici.org/" target="_blank">Innovation Center</a>&nbsp;— are working together to expand the service offerings of the FHSU-led Small Business Development Center in northwest Kansas."Our K-State 105 initiative focuses on community engagement that&nbsp;drives&nbsp;economic impact and prosperity for Kansas and our 105 counties,"&nbsp;said Marshall Stewart, K-State senior vice president and chief of staff.&nbsp;"This type of innovative partnership that brings together higher education and economic development organizations across the state is exactly the type of work in which a next-generation land-grant university should engage."Through the partnership, K-State 105 is providing NetWork Kansas with funding that will go to resource partners and support entrepreneurship programming and technical assistance for small businesses in all 105 counties. "In this instance in northwest Kansas, NetWork Kansas will work with the Innovation Center to enhance the Kansas Small Business Development Center. The FHSU-led Kansas Small Business Development Center, or SBDC, operates as a network of eight regional economic development and business consulting centers that currently serve all 105 counties in the state."The businesses and communities of northwest Kansas will benefit greatly from this investment in professional expertise and better access to essential resources the SBDC and the Innovation Center will begin delivering in just a few short months," said Tisa Mason, president of Fort Hays State University. "This initiative will ensure our best business and economic development experts are working every day to advance economic prosperity throughout the High Plains."The SBDC and Innovation Center partnership will serve a larger number of clients in northwest Kansas than each organization can serve individually. The partners ultimately expect to serve 432 clients, help start 16 new businesses and conduct 60 capital transactions in fiscal year 2024."This new partnership will allow us to collectively deliver more assistance than we have been able to do individually," said Greg Jordan, state director of the SBDC. "Small businesses in western Kansas will reap the benefit of us all working more closely together to help them start, grow and thrive.""Our shared efforts in the days ahead will contribute significantly to economic prosperity in northwest Kansas," said Scott Sproul, president and CEO of the Innovation Center."We congratulate Fort Hays State University, the Kansas Small Business Development Center and the Innovation Center on this impactful advancement and look forward to partnering further on K-State 105," said Erik Pedersen, president and chief operating officer of NetWork Kansas. "This initiative will work to integrate the resources on campus, as well as statewide, with Kansas small businesses in a way that will strengthen communities, create jobs and increase capital investment. In addition, intentional engagement will happen in critical-issue areas such as workforce, housing and child care."The K-State 105 funding that will support this initiative comes from the annual state investment that K-State 105 received for fiscal year 2024. K-State 105 is Kansas State University's answer to the call for a comprehensive economic growth and advancement solution for Kansas. The initiative leverages the statewide K-State Research and Extension network to deliver the full breadth of the university's collective knowledge and solution-driven innovation to every Kansan, right where they live and work. Additionally, K-State 105 forges the connections and partnerships that create access to additional expertise within other state institutions and agencies, nonprofits and corporations — all part of an effort to build additional capacities and strengths in each of the 105 counties in the state.

K-State 105 to expand Small Business Development Center

By MARK JOSLYN Professor of Political Science&nbsp;University of Kansas&nbsp;

Our&nbsp;political leaders are old, and many&nbsp;are&nbsp;<a href="https://devotedguardians.com/at-what-point-is-someone-considered-elderly/">elderly</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp; Dianne Feinstein&nbsp;is currently the oldest&nbsp;sitting&nbsp;Senator at age 90. &nbsp;She has experienced a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/09/politics/dianne-feinstein-hospitalized-after-fall/index.html">string of&nbsp;serious health issues</a>,&nbsp;but remains&nbsp;committed to serving out&nbsp;her&nbsp;term. &nbsp;At age 88,&nbsp;Senator Chuck Grassley&nbsp;recently&nbsp;<a href="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/11/09/republican-chuck-grassley-wins-iowa-us-senate-race-beats-mike-franken/69611362007/">won</a>&nbsp;an eighth term&nbsp;that&nbsp;will&nbsp;end&nbsp;when he reaches his mid-90s. &nbsp;

Senate&nbsp;Majority&nbsp;Leader&nbsp;Schumer&nbsp;is&nbsp;72,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Mitch McConnell, the&nbsp;Minority&nbsp;Leader, is 81.&nbsp;&nbsp; McConnell&nbsp;recently&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/sen-mitch-mcconnell-appears-freeze-kentucky-event-rcna102583">froze</a>&nbsp;involuntarily at&nbsp;two&nbsp;public events&nbsp;prompting&nbsp;questions about his fitness for office. &nbsp; &nbsp;

At 80, Nancy Pelosi became the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vox.com/2021/1/3/22211713/nancy-pelosi-elected-fourth-term-speaker-house">oldest</a>&nbsp;representative elected as House Speaker.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer was 83&nbsp;and the Majority Whip Jim Clyburn 82.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now at 83, Pelosi&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pelosi-house-speaker-democrat-congress-san-francisco-a251e03986a589d5c0bd7f1122f291e4">declared</a>&nbsp;she&nbsp;will&nbsp;again&nbsp;seek&nbsp;reelection. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Joe Biden became the oldest president, at age 77.&nbsp;At 80,&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;became the oldest president to announce a reelection campaign.&nbsp;His chief Republican rival, Donald Trump,&nbsp;is&nbsp;77 years old. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Congress is&nbsp;<a href="https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/aging-congress-boomers/">older</a>&nbsp;than it’s ever been. &nbsp;The&nbsp;median&nbsp;Senator is 65, and the&nbsp;median&nbsp;House member is&nbsp;58. &nbsp;

Kansas Senators Marshall and Moran are ages&nbsp;64 and 69 respectively.&nbsp;Three&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;House members&nbsp;are&nbsp;notably&nbsp;younger. &nbsp;Representatives&nbsp;Mann and Davis are in their 40s&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jake&nbsp;LaTurner a mere 35. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

State politicians are aging&nbsp;too. &nbsp;The average age&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2015/12/23/in-state-legislatures-millennials-are-often-left-out/">statehouse</a>&nbsp;members is 56.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some states, like New Hampshire, the average&nbsp;age&nbsp;is much higher at 66. &nbsp;In Kansas&nbsp;it’s 58. &nbsp;

For sitting governors, the average age is 58. &nbsp;Eleven&nbsp;governors, including&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Governor&nbsp;Laura&nbsp;Kelly,&nbsp;are at least 70. &nbsp;Alabama’s Governor&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kay_Ivey">Kay Ivey</a>&nbsp;is the&nbsp;oldest&nbsp;at 77. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

No other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11b.htm">occupation</a>&nbsp;skews this&nbsp;old&nbsp;nor produces so many&nbsp;senior&nbsp;leaders.&nbsp;&nbsp;We seem to have a&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerontocracy">gerontocracy</a>. &nbsp;Millennials are&nbsp;the&nbsp;largest generation&nbsp;by population&nbsp;but one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/19/politics/millennials-genxers-baby-boomers-congress-representation-dg/index.html">smallest groups in Congress</a>. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

None of this may bother you. &nbsp;People&nbsp;are living&nbsp;and working&nbsp;longer; they are more active and healthier than past generations.&nbsp;

Yet age&nbsp;impacts&nbsp;representation. &nbsp;

Aging politicians&nbsp;are more&nbsp;<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1532673X18754557?journalCode=aprb">focused</a>&nbsp;on issues important to older Americans such as&nbsp;social security&nbsp;and&nbsp;Medicare.&nbsp;And this&nbsp;comesat the expense of issues younger Americans&nbsp;<a href="https://circle.tufts.edu/latest-research/youth-2022-concerned-about-issues-neglected-campaigns">care about</a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Very few&nbsp;young&nbsp;people&nbsp;even&nbsp;run for office.&nbsp;In 2018, several&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/vote-kansas-teens-running-governor/story?id=57058542">Kansas teenagers</a>&nbsp;campaigned&nbsp;for governor. &nbsp;The result was swift passage of minimum age limits for the state’s highest office. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

More typically, young people&nbsp;grow frustrated&nbsp;by our graying institutions&nbsp;and&nbsp;disengage&nbsp;politically,&nbsp;which&nbsp;starts&nbsp;a self-perpetuating cycle. &nbsp;If&nbsp;older&nbsp;legislators know young people are unlikely to vote, they are less likely to push issues&nbsp;important to&nbsp;young people.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Maximum age requirements are a potential solution. &nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;for example&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2022/b2021_22/statute/020_000_0000_chapter/020_026_0000_article/020_026_0008_section/020_026_0008_k/">require</a>s&nbsp;judges to retire at age 75.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A&nbsp;recent&nbsp;<a href="https://today.yougov.com/topics/politics/articles-reports/2022/01/19/elected-officials-maximum-age-limit-poll">CBS News/YouGov poll</a>&nbsp;showed 73 percent of Americans support maximum age limits for elected&nbsp;offices.&nbsp;&nbsp;A quarter said 60 years old should be the maximum, nearly 40% said 70, and 23% preferred 80. &nbsp;Most Democrats and Republicans supported limits as did the youngest and oldestcohorts. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Americans do&nbsp;appreciate&nbsp;older,&nbsp;seasoned lawmakers.&nbsp;And they know&nbsp;age is an imperfect proxy for health and ability. &nbsp;But they also&nbsp;know&nbsp;older&nbsp;politicians stay too long sacrificing younger&nbsp;generations&nbsp;that bring fresh ideas&nbsp;and energy. &nbsp;

Senator&nbsp;Mitt&nbsp;Romney’s recent&nbsp;<a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/4202490-mitt-romney-to-retire-from-senate/">retirement</a>&nbsp;shows agingpoliticians will pass the torch. &nbsp;Senior&nbsp;senators Cardin, Carper, and&nbsp;Stabenow decided to retire as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695215697316.png" alt="Dr. Mark Joslyn" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Mark Joslyn</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK JOSLYN Professor of Political Science&nbsp;University of Kansas&nbsp;Our&nbsp;political leaders are old, and many&nbsp;are&nbsp;<a href="https://devotedguardians.com/at-what-point-is-someone-considered-elderly/">elderly</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp; Dianne Feinstein&nbsp;is currently the oldest&nbsp;sitting&nbsp;Senator at age 90. &nbsp;She has experienced a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/09/politics/dianne-feinstein-hospitalized-after-fall/index.html">string of&nbsp;serious health issues</a>,&nbsp;but remains&nbsp;committed to serving out&nbsp;her&nbsp;term. &nbsp;At age 88,&nbsp;Senator Chuck Grassley&nbsp;recently&nbsp;<a href="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/11/09/republican-chuck-grassley-wins-iowa-us-senate-race-beats-mike-franken/69611362007/">won</a>&nbsp;an eighth term&nbsp;that&nbsp;will&nbsp;end&nbsp;when he reaches his mid-90s. &nbsp;Senate&nbsp;Majority&nbsp;Leader&nbsp;Schumer&nbsp;is&nbsp;72,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Mitch McConnell, the&nbsp;Minority&nbsp;Leader, is 81.&nbsp;&nbsp; McConnell&nbsp;recently&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/sen-mitch-mcconnell-appears-freeze-kentucky-event-rcna102583">froze</a>&nbsp;involuntarily at&nbsp;two&nbsp;public events&nbsp;prompting&nbsp;questions about his fitness for office. &nbsp; &nbsp;At 80, Nancy Pelosi became the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vox.com/2021/1/3/22211713/nancy-pelosi-elected-fourth-term-speaker-house">oldest</a>&nbsp;representative elected as House Speaker.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer was 83&nbsp;and the Majority Whip Jim Clyburn 82.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now at 83, Pelosi&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pelosi-house-speaker-democrat-congress-san-francisco-a251e03986a589d5c0bd7f1122f291e4">declared</a>&nbsp;she&nbsp;will&nbsp;again&nbsp;seek&nbsp;reelection. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Joe Biden became the oldest president, at age 77.&nbsp;At 80,&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;became the oldest president to announce a reelection campaign.&nbsp;His chief Republican rival, Donald Trump,&nbsp;is&nbsp;77 years old. &nbsp; &nbsp;Congress is&nbsp;<a href="https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/aging-congress-boomers/">older</a>&nbsp;than it’s ever been. &nbsp;The&nbsp;median&nbsp;Senator is 65, and the&nbsp;median&nbsp;House member is&nbsp;58. &nbsp;Kansas Senators Marshall and Moran are ages&nbsp;64 and 69 respectively.&nbsp;Three&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;House members&nbsp;are&nbsp;notably&nbsp;younger. &nbsp;Representatives&nbsp;Mann and Davis are in their 40s&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jake&nbsp;LaTurner a mere 35. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;State politicians are aging&nbsp;too. &nbsp;The average age&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2015/12/23/in-state-legislatures-millennials-are-often-left-out/">statehouse</a>&nbsp;members is 56.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some states, like New Hampshire, the average&nbsp;age&nbsp;is much higher at 66. &nbsp;In Kansas&nbsp;it’s 58. &nbsp;For sitting governors, the average age is 58. &nbsp;Eleven&nbsp;governors, including&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Governor&nbsp;Laura&nbsp;Kelly,&nbsp;are at least 70. &nbsp;Alabama’s Governor&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kay_Ivey">Kay Ivey</a>&nbsp;is the&nbsp;oldest&nbsp;at 77. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11b.htm">occupation</a>&nbsp;skews this&nbsp;old&nbsp;nor produces so many&nbsp;senior&nbsp;leaders.&nbsp;&nbsp;We seem to have a&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerontocracy">gerontocracy</a>. &nbsp;Millennials are&nbsp;the&nbsp;largest generation&nbsp;by population&nbsp;but one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/19/politics/millennials-genxers-baby-boomers-congress-representation-dg/index.html">smallest groups in Congress</a>. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;None of this may bother you. &nbsp;People&nbsp;are living&nbsp;and working&nbsp;longer; they are more active and healthier than past generations.&nbsp;Yet age&nbsp;impacts&nbsp;representation. &nbsp;Aging politicians&nbsp;are more&nbsp;<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1532673X18754557?journalCode=aprb">focused</a>&nbsp;on issues important to older Americans such as&nbsp;social security&nbsp;and&nbsp;Medicare.&nbsp;And this&nbsp;comesat the expense of issues younger Americans&nbsp;<a href="https://circle.tufts.edu/latest-research/youth-2022-concerned-about-issues-neglected-campaigns">care about</a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Very few&nbsp;young&nbsp;people&nbsp;even&nbsp;run for office.&nbsp;In 2018, several&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/vote-kansas-teens-running-governor/story?id=57058542">Kansas teenagers</a>&nbsp;campaigned&nbsp;for governor. &nbsp;The result was swift passage of minimum age limits for the state’s highest office. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;More typically, young people&nbsp;grow frustrated&nbsp;by our graying institutions&nbsp;and&nbsp;disengage&nbsp;politically,&nbsp;which&nbsp;starts&nbsp;a self-perpetuating cycle. &nbsp;If&nbsp;older&nbsp;legislators know young people are unlikely to vote, they are less likely to push issues&nbsp;important to&nbsp;young people.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maximum age requirements are a potential solution. &nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;for example&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2022/b2021_22/statute/020_000_0000_chapter/020_026_0000_article/020_026_0008_section/020_026_0008_k/">require</a>s&nbsp;judges to retire at age 75.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A&nbsp;recent&nbsp;<a href="https://today.yougov.com/topics/politics/articles-reports/2022/01/19/elected-officials-maximum-age-limit-poll">CBS News/YouGov poll</a>&nbsp;showed 73 percent of Americans support maximum age limits for elected&nbsp;offices.&nbsp;&nbsp;A quarter said 60 years old should be the maximum, nearly 40% said 70, and 23% preferred 80. &nbsp;Most Democrats and Republicans supported limits as did the youngest and oldestcohorts. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Americans do&nbsp;appreciate&nbsp;older,&nbsp;seasoned lawmakers.&nbsp;And they know&nbsp;age is an imperfect proxy for health and ability. &nbsp;But they also&nbsp;know&nbsp;older&nbsp;politicians stay too long sacrificing younger&nbsp;generations&nbsp;that bring fresh ideas&nbsp;and energy. &nbsp;Senator&nbsp;Mitt&nbsp;Romney’s recent&nbsp;<a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/4202490-mitt-romney-to-retire-from-senate/">retirement</a>&nbsp;shows agingpoliticians will pass the torch. &nbsp;Senior&nbsp;senators Cardin, Carper, and&nbsp;Stabenow decided to retire as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s a start. &nbsp;"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Insight: Politics is for old people 

Submitted Saline County will kick off the Saline County Digital Equity Initiative Grant and outline the grant process in a Zoom meeting today (September 20, 2023)&nbsp;at 2 p.m.

The program, backed by $100,000 from ARPA funds, aims to promote digital inclusivity and literacy within the county. Grants will range from $1,000 to $25,000 and will support projects aligned with the National Broadband Project's objectives.

Nonprofit organizations and private businesses that facilitate access to or provide broadband or internet services or those with the capacity and expertise to do so, as well as entities that operate or provide services within Saline County, are eligible to apply. The program’s main goals are to support local digital initiatives aligned with the National Broadband Project, encourage collaboration among local stakeholders, provide broadband access to all county residents, and enhance digital literacy within the community.&nbsp;

More information is available in the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XkA4MsFh8OySnQNcDbdP2HLOsOKfhK5Eaep19MbM9oRHVsU5whid_AQu5oxr2yTPEfAo5xUCo5wxIhVa_MYpILBpLQIhh3VHaQEKX8QHtZNogP3BFeKulY0o9mK3JHhDEUZDNt5TKKpzPyyo6hacC746M4FPue8qvOyjS84XdWQz49syvyA9Q8DPSRSqJGpLhJMdf-9VwTZLg5QWLERAfI_dyxOZDhcZefSas63ztadIAxS-NO8ZIw==&amp;c=aJ7Z2Bl2Gy2ds4a4KVZEdneW-Kp_cLnxnDIz23QcYCfp7qJ2D089hg==&amp;ch=C8Y-APtjJZvAn_hvAjslq7HKgTEuhNXFVbrxk5LoypueQigdSmsJbQ==" target="_blank">Notice of Grant Availability</a>.

All interested organizations are encouraged to participate.

Submitted Saline County will kick off the Saline County Digital Equity Initiative Grant and outline the grant process in a Zoom meeting today (September 20, 2023)&nbsp;at 2 p.m.The program, backed by $100,000 from ARPA funds, aims to promote digital inclusivity and literacy within the county. Grants will range from $1,000 to $25,000 and will support projects aligned with the National Broadband Project's objectives.Nonprofit organizations and private businesses that facilitate access to or provide broadband or internet services or those with the capacity and expertise to do so, as well as entities that operate or provide services within Saline County, are eligible to apply. The program’s main goals are to support local digital initiatives aligned with the National Broadband Project, encourage collaboration among local stakeholders, provide broadband access to all county residents, and enhance digital literacy within the community.&nbsp;More information is available in the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XkA4MsFh8OySnQNcDbdP2HLOsOKfhK5Eaep19MbM9oRHVsU5whid_AQu5oxr2yTPEfAo5xUCo5wxIhVa_MYpILBpLQIhh3VHaQEKX8QHtZNogP3BFeKulY0o9mK3JHhDEUZDNt5TKKpzPyyo6hacC746M4FPue8qvOyjS84XdWQz49syvyA9Q8DPSRSqJGpLhJMdf-9VwTZLg5QWLERAfI_dyxOZDhcZefSas63ztadIAxS-NO8ZIw==&amp;c=aJ7Z2Bl2Gy2ds4a4KVZEdneW-Kp_cLnxnDIz23QcYCfp7qJ2D089hg==&amp;ch=C8Y-APtjJZvAn_hvAjslq7HKgTEuhNXFVbrxk5LoypueQigdSmsJbQ==" target="_blank">Notice of Grant Availability</a>.All interested organizations are encouraged to participate.

Saline County Digital Equity Grant Kick-Off Meeting TODAY

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

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

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Distribute marijuana; 25 - &lt; 450 grams, No Proof Of Insurance and Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to Appear and Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation, DWS; 1st conviction, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant, No Proof Of Insurance and Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Failure to appear, Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant, Poss of marijuana and Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Agg Domestic Battery: impede breathing: nose/mouth, Agg intimidation of witness/victim; Threat, Aggravated kidnapping, Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption, Criminal damage to property; Felony, Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body and Poss of marijuana

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County JailAll persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695213116421.png" alt="Botts, Colton Isaiah" />
 <figcaption>Botts, Colton Isaiah</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Botts, Colton IsaiahREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695213196188.png" alt="Greene, Anthony Daniel" />
 <figcaption>Greene, Anthony Daniel</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Greene, Anthony DanielREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Distribute marijuana; 25 - &lt; 450 grams, No Proof Of Insurance and Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695213259056.png" alt="Hostetter, Trent Austin" />
 <figcaption>Hostetter, Trent Austin</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Hostetter, Trent AustinREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695213306924.png" alt="Houp, Javon Deandre" />
 <figcaption>Houp, Javon Deandre</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Houp, Javon DeandreREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to Appear and Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695213371011.png" alt="Kelley, Nicholas Andrew" />
 <figcaption>Kelley, Nicholas Andrew</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Kelley, Nicholas AndrewREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation, DWS; 1st conviction, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant, No Proof Of Insurance and Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695213423411.png" alt="Neff Dekat, August Brittany" />
 <figcaption>Neff Dekat, August Brittany</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Neff Dekat, August BrittanyREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to Appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695213473213.png" alt="Rowan, Aaron James" />
 <figcaption>Rowan, Aaron James</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Rowan, Aaron JamesREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Failure to appear, Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant, Poss of marijuana and Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695213536381.png" alt="Ruiz, Michelle Ruby" />
 <figcaption>Ruiz, Michelle Ruby</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Ruiz, Michelle RubyREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Agg Domestic Battery: impede breathing: nose/mouth, Agg intimidation of witness/victim; Threat, Aggravated kidnapping, Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption, Criminal damage to property; Felony, Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body and Poss of marijuana<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686571693465.jpeg" alt="Swanigan, Alisha Nicole&nbsp; (photo from arrest in June)" />
 <figcaption>Swanigan, Alisha Nicole&nbsp; (photo from arrest in June)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Swanigan, Alisha NicoleREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to Appear

Saline County Booking Activity, Sept. 20

On Sept. 20, 1973, in their so-called “battle of the sexes,” tennis star Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3, at the Houston Astrodome.

In 1519, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his crew set out from Spain on five ships to find a western passage to the Spice Islands. (Magellan was killed enroute, but one of his ships eventually circled the world.)

In 1881, Chester A. Arthur was sworn in as the 21st president of the United States, succeeding the assassinated James A. Garfield.

In 1946, the first Cannes Film Festival, lasting 16 days, opened in France.

In 1962, James Meredith, a Black student, was blocked from enrolling at the University of Mississippi by Democratic Gov. Ross R. Barnett.

In 1964, The Beatles concluded their first full-fledged U.S. tour by performing in a charity concert at the Paramount Theater in New York.

In 1967, the Cunard liner RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 was christened by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II in Clydebank, Scotland.

In 1973, singer-songwriter Jim Croce died in a plane crash near Natchitoches, Louisiana at age 30.

In 1995, in a move that stunned Wall Street, AT&amp;T Corporation announced it was splitting into three companies.

In 2000, Independent Counsel Robert Ray announced the end of the Whitewater investigation, saying there was insufficient evidence to warrant charges against Bill and Hillary Clinton.

In 2001, during an address to a joint session of Congress, President George W. Bush announced the new Cabinet-level Dept. of Homeland Security and named Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge its director.

In 2011, repeal of the U.S. military’s 18-year-old “don’t ask, don’t tell” compromise took effect, allowing gay and lesbian service members to serve openly.

In 2012, Space Shuttle Endeavour, riding atop a Boeing 747, landed at a California Air Force base en route to its eventual retirement home, the California Science Center in Los Angeles.

In 2017, Hurricane Maria, the strongest storm to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years, struck the island, wiping out as much as 75 percent of power distribution lines and causing an island-wide blackout.

In 2018, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was re-elected as head of his ruling Liberal Democratic party in a landslide. (Abe would be assassinated after leaving office in 2022.)

In 2019, Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania, the 1979 site of the nation’s worst commercial nuclear power accident, was shut down by its owner after producing electricity for 45 years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695212242802.jpeg" alt="FILE - In this Sept. 20, 1973, file photo, Billie Jean King reaches to hit a return during her match against Bobby Riggs in the Astrodome in Houston, Texas. King beat Riggs 6-4, 6-3, 6-3. (AP Photo/File) FILE - In this Sept. 20, 1973, file photo, Billie Jean King reaches to hit a return during her match against Bobby Riggs in the Astrodome in Houston, Texas. King beat Riggs 6-4, 6-3, 6-3. (AP Phot" />
 <figcaption>FILE - In this Sept. 20, 1973, file photo, Billie Jean King reaches to hit a return during her match against Bobby Riggs in the Astrodome in Houston, Texas. King beat Riggs 6-4, 6-3, 6-3. (AP Photo/File) FILE - In this Sept. 20, 1973, file photo, Billie Jean King reaches to hit a return during her match against Bobby Riggs in the Astrodome in Houston, Texas. King beat Riggs 6-4, 6-3, 6-3. (AP Phot</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Today’s Highlight in History:</h2>On Sept. 20, 1973, in their so-called “battle of the sexes,” tennis star Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3, at the Houston Astrodome.<h2>On this date:</h2>In 1519, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his crew set out from Spain on five ships to find a western passage to the Spice Islands. (Magellan was killed enroute, but one of his ships eventually circled the world.)In 1881, Chester A. Arthur was sworn in as the 21st president of the United States, succeeding the assassinated James A. Garfield.In 1946, the first Cannes Film Festival, lasting 16 days, opened in France.In 1962, James Meredith, a Black student, was blocked from enrolling at the University of Mississippi by Democratic Gov. Ross R. Barnett.In 1964, The Beatles concluded their first full-fledged U.S. tour by performing in a charity concert at the Paramount Theater in New York.In 1967, the Cunard liner RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 was christened by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II in Clydebank, Scotland.In 1973, singer-songwriter Jim Croce died in a plane crash near Natchitoches, Louisiana at age 30.In 1995, in a move that stunned Wall Street, AT&amp;T Corporation announced it was splitting into three companies.In 2000, Independent Counsel Robert Ray announced the end of the Whitewater investigation, saying there was insufficient evidence to warrant charges against Bill and Hillary Clinton.In 2001, during an address to a joint session of Congress, President George W. Bush announced the new Cabinet-level Dept. of Homeland Security and named Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge its director.In 2011, repeal of the U.S. military’s 18-year-old “don’t ask, don’t tell” compromise took effect, allowing gay and lesbian service members to serve openly.In 2012, Space Shuttle Endeavour, riding atop a Boeing 747, landed at a California Air Force base en route to its eventual retirement home, the California Science Center in Los Angeles.In 2017, Hurricane Maria, the strongest storm to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years, struck the island, wiping out as much as 75 percent of power distribution lines and causing an island-wide blackout.In 2018, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was re-elected as head of his ruling Liberal Democratic party in a landslide. (Abe would be assassinated after leaving office in 2022.)In 2019, Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania, the 1979 site of the nation’s worst commercial nuclear power accident, was shut down by its owner after producing electricity for 45 years.

Today in History, Sept. 20

On this episode of King in the Community, Mike Peterson, executive director for the Community Housing Development Corporation of Central Kansas, discusses the Saline County&nbsp;Weatherization Assistance Program.

<div><iframe title="Mike Peterson, Community Housing Development" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=dh677-13e593f-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b"></iframe></div>On this episode of King in the Community, Mike Peterson, executive director for the Community Housing Development Corporation of Central Kansas, discusses the Saline County&nbsp;Weatherization Assistance Program.

🎙King in the Community: Housing nonprofit helps weatherize homes

Commander Steve Murrison of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. Post 1432 announced the kick-off of this year’s VFW’s Voice of Democracy Scholarship competition. Local high school students have the opportunity to compete for thousands of dollars in scholarships and a trip to Washington, D.C.

Students must write and record a three-to-five minute essay on the selected theme using an audio CD or flash drive and present their recording, typed essay and completed entry form to their local VFW Post by October 31, 2023. The 2023 theme selected is “What are the greatest attributes of our Democracy?”. Students begin by competing at the local Post level, then Post winners compete at the District level with the winner advancing to the state competition.

All state first-place winners receive a four day trip to Washington, D.C., and the chance to compete for their share of more than $150,000 in scholarships. The first-place winner receives a $35,000 college scholarship.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) started the Voice of Democracy Scholarship program in 1947. The VFW became a national sponsor in the late 1950s and assumed sole responsibility for the program in 1961. The competition was created to provide students grades 9-12 the opportunity to express themselves in regard to democratic ideas and principles.

Around 40,000 students participate in the competition each year and VFW awards more than $2.1 million in educational scholarships every year.

Interested students and teachers should contact the Voice of Democracy Chairman at VFW Post

1432 by phone at 785-825-4909 or email the Post at info@vfw1432.org for more information.

FOR DETAILS VISIT: <a href="http://www.vfw.org/VOD">www.vfw.org/VOD</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687535681514.jpeg" alt="VFW" />
 <figcaption>VFW</figcaption>
 </figure> VFW POST 1432Commander Steve Murrison of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. Post 1432 announced the kick-off of this year’s VFW’s Voice of Democracy Scholarship competition. Local high school students have the opportunity to compete for thousands of dollars in scholarships and a trip to Washington, D.C.Students must write and record a three-to-five minute essay on the selected theme using an audio CD or flash drive and present their recording, typed essay and completed entry form to their local VFW Post by October 31, 2023. The 2023 theme selected is “What are the greatest attributes of our Democracy?”. Students begin by competing at the local Post level, then Post winners compete at the District level with the winner advancing to the state competition.All state first-place winners receive a four day trip to Washington, D.C., and the chance to compete for their share of more than $150,000 in scholarships. The first-place winner receives a $35,000 college scholarship.The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) started the Voice of Democracy Scholarship program in 1947. The VFW became a national sponsor in the late 1950s and assumed sole responsibility for the program in 1961. The competition was created to provide students grades 9-12 the opportunity to express themselves in regard to democratic ideas and principles.Around 40,000 students participate in the competition each year and VFW awards more than $2.1 million in educational scholarships every year.Interested students and teachers should contact the Voice of Democracy Chairman at VFW Post1432 by phone at 785-825-4909 or email the Post at info@vfw1432.org for more information.FOR DETAILS VISIT: <a href="http://www.vfw.org/VOD">www.vfw.org/VOD</a>.

VFW announces kick-off of annual $35,000 scholarship competition

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

On Tuesday morning, the Saline County Commissioners discussed seven consent items and three action items, addressing accounts payable and some truck purchases for county use.

Commissioners also approved mechanic hiring incentives for the county and exterior electrical work for the county's buildings.

Later in the meeting, during the discussion of informational items, Community Corrections Director Michelle Callam introduced the commissioners to the Community Correction's newest employee, Crenshaw, the service dog.

Callam told the commission that an organization called Cares Incorporated trained Crenshaw and helped to integrate him into the program in Saline County.

"Crenshaw is making a huge impact on our office and courtroom. He goes to drug court every day; he has had interactions in our office with clients who are upset about things," Callam said. "He went to Ottawa County with us one day to meet them and interacted with a victim of a violent crime, and he was, I think, very helpful to her."

Crenshaw also assists children at the County Correction's juvenile facility, helping troubled or away-from-home children find peace during extenuating circumstances.

Another informational item the commission discussed was the county's use of more than 400 acres of land the county owns.

Read: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e74744c0-255e-453b-83b9-51557137da81">Saline County Commission: Proposal for possible 1,000 acre solar farm</a>

The commissioners discussed the 103 acre-property named after Cay Wood and another property with almost 850 acres named after Oliver Haag.

"I think the county needs to get out of the land business," said Robert Vidricksen, Saline County Commission Chairman. "I think we need to do proper due diligence and sell both properties."

Haag intended the land for agricultural education and experimentation, which the Oliver Haag Scholarship fulfills. Saline County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes informed commissioners about its discretion over the ownership and use of the Haag Land.

According to Smith-Hanes, the commissioners can ultimately decide what to do with the land, selling it or developing it. The board agreed to continue to deliberate on what to do with the acreage.

"Knowing Mr. Haag, personally, for quite a few years, he was a good neighbor," said Roger Sparks, Saline County Commissioner District Three. "I understand that in the fine print, it says we can do whatever we want, but his intention was, and knowing him, for us to be stewards of that land."

The commissioners took no action on the subject since it was part of the information items, but they intend to continue considering the use of the county lands.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584487791224.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostOn Tuesday morning, the Saline County Commissioners discussed seven consent items and three action items, addressing accounts payable and some truck purchases for county use.Commissioners also approved mechanic hiring incentives for the county and exterior electrical work for the county's buildings.Later in the meeting, during the discussion of informational items, Community Corrections Director Michelle Callam introduced the commissioners to the Community Correction's newest employee, Crenshaw, the service dog.Callam told the commission that an organization called Cares Incorporated trained Crenshaw and helped to integrate him into the program in Saline County."Crenshaw is making a huge impact on our office and courtroom. He goes to drug court every day; he has had interactions in our office with clients who are upset about things," Callam said. "He went to Ottawa County with us one day to meet them and interacted with a victim of a violent crime, and he was, I think, very helpful to her."Crenshaw also assists children at the County Correction's juvenile facility, helping troubled or away-from-home children find peace during extenuating circumstances.Another informational item the commission discussed was the county's use of more than 400 acres of land the county owns.Read: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e74744c0-255e-453b-83b9-51557137da81">Saline County Commission: Proposal for possible 1,000 acre solar farm</a>The commissioners discussed the 103 acre-property named after Cay Wood and another property with almost 850 acres named after Oliver Haag."I think the county needs to get out of the land business," said Robert Vidricksen, Saline County Commission Chairman. "I think we need to do proper due diligence and sell both properties."Haag intended the land for agricultural education and experimentation, which the Oliver Haag Scholarship fulfills. Saline County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes informed commissioners about its discretion over the ownership and use of the Haag Land.According to Smith-Hanes, the commissioners can ultimately decide what to do with the land, selling it or developing it. The board agreed to continue to deliberate on what to do with the acreage."Knowing Mr. Haag, personally, for quite a few years, he was a good neighbor," said Roger Sparks, Saline County Commissioner District Three. "I understand that in the fine print, it says we can do whatever we want, but his intention was, and knowing him, for us to be stewards of that land."The commissioners took no action on the subject since it was part of the information items, but they intend to continue considering the use of the county lands.

Saline County Commission speaks on property usage and welcomes new service dog

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and the K-State Research and Extension Stress and Resiliency Team urges people to take part in raising awareness and spreading information and resources. Starting September 1st, the Stress and Resiliency Team is running a Suicide Prevention Month social media campaign showcasing statistics, myth-busting facts, and vital resources to help raise awareness and end the stigma.

LISTEN:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/292f51ee-5503-4f9c-b6a0-36ffa6e2d8cf"> Central Kansas Mental Health Center, King in the Community Podcast</a>

Suicide is an alarming health crisis across America and an ongoing issue in Kansas. In 2018, suicide was the 9th leading cause of death in the State of Kansas, and the suicide rate has increased by 70% from the year 2000 to 2018 (KSDADS, 2020). 

Also, in July of 2023, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment released an alert to notify healthcare providers of increased emergency visits related to female suicide attempts. In July alone, there were 162 suicide-related occurrences among Kansas females (George, 2023). These eye-opening statistics testify to the importance of observing Suicide Prevention Month and display the urgent need for community action in addressing this health crisis.

Many myths surround suicide, such as the belief that it cannot be prevented. This myth is false. Many suicides can be prevented through asking questions, open conversations, proper mental health treatment, and reducing access to fatal means (Heartland Community Health Center, 2022). In challenging myths like this one, we set the stage to look at the signs and symptoms of suicide, a critical part of suicide prevention.

Paying attention to the warning signs of suicide is the first step in saving lives. A few warning signs include, but are not limited to, isolation from others, engaging in risky activities, changes in sleeping or eating habits, giving away personal items for no reason, and talking about not wanting to be alive (Sharma, 2022). Upon noticing warning signs, early intervention and support are needed.

Luckily, for those in need of support, there are many resources available.

1. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, can be reached by calling or texting 988 or chatting with a counselor online by visiting <a href="http://988lifeline.org/chat">988lifeline.org/chat</a>.

2. NAMI Helpline is available Monday-Friday, 9 A.M. to 9 P.M. CST. The helpline can be reached by calling 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), texting “HelpLine” to 62640, or emailing helpline@nami.org.

3. Crisis Text Line, available 24 hours a day, can be reached by texting “HOME” to 741741 or visiting <a href="http://www.crisistextline.org">www.crisistextline.org</a>.

Although there are ways for those contemplating suicide to get help, they may not seek support due to stigma. Some ways to help reduce the stigma of suicide include using respectful and mindful language when talking about suicide and showing compassion for those struggling (Overcoming the Stigma About Suicide, 2022). By fostering an environment of understanding and providing support, we can encourage others to reach out and seek the help they need.

Suicide Prevention Month is an opportunity to spread valuable information and resources while working to destigmatize suicide and mental health conversations. Join in engaging with the K-State Research and Extension Stress and Resiliency Team's Suicide Prevention Month campaign, beginning September 1st, by visiting the following: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KSRE.Stress.Management/">https://www.facebook.com/KSRE.Stress.Management/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637121416809.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedSeptember is National Suicide Prevention Month, and the K-State Research and Extension Stress and Resiliency Team urges people to take part in raising awareness and spreading information and resources. Starting September 1st, the Stress and Resiliency Team is running a Suicide Prevention Month social media campaign showcasing statistics, myth-busting facts, and vital resources to help raise awareness and end the stigma.LISTEN:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/292f51ee-5503-4f9c-b6a0-36ffa6e2d8cf"> Central Kansas Mental Health Center, King in the Community Podcast</a>Suicide is an alarming health crisis across America and an ongoing issue in Kansas. In 2018, suicide was the 9th leading cause of death in the State of Kansas, and the suicide rate has increased by 70% from the year 2000 to 2018 (KSDADS, 2020). Also, in July of 2023, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment released an alert to notify healthcare providers of increased emergency visits related to female suicide attempts. In July alone, there were 162 suicide-related occurrences among Kansas females (George, 2023). These eye-opening statistics testify to the importance of observing Suicide Prevention Month and display the urgent need for community action in addressing this health crisis.Many myths surround suicide, such as the belief that it cannot be prevented. This myth is false. Many suicides can be prevented through asking questions, open conversations, proper mental health treatment, and reducing access to fatal means (Heartland Community Health Center, 2022). In challenging myths like this one, we set the stage to look at the signs and symptoms of suicide, a critical part of suicide prevention.Paying attention to the warning signs of suicide is the first step in saving lives. A few warning signs include, but are not limited to, isolation from others, engaging in risky activities, changes in sleeping or eating habits, giving away personal items for no reason, and talking about not wanting to be alive (Sharma, 2022). Upon noticing warning signs, early intervention and support are needed.Luckily, for those in need of support, there are many resources available.1. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, can be reached by calling or texting 988 or chatting with a counselor online by visiting <a href="http://988lifeline.org/chat">988lifeline.org/chat</a>.2. NAMI Helpline is available Monday-Friday, 9 A.M. to 9 P.M. CST. The helpline can be reached by calling 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), texting “HelpLine” to 62640, or emailing helpline@nami.org.3. Crisis Text Line, available 24 hours a day, can be reached by texting “HOME” to 741741 or visiting <a href="http://www.crisistextline.org">www.crisistextline.org</a>.Although there are ways for those contemplating suicide to get help, they may not seek support due to stigma. Some ways to help reduce the stigma of suicide include using respectful and mindful language when talking about suicide and showing compassion for those struggling (Overcoming the Stigma About Suicide, 2022). By fostering an environment of understanding and providing support, we can encourage others to reach out and seek the help they need.Suicide Prevention Month is an opportunity to spread valuable information and resources while working to destigmatize suicide and mental health conversations. Join in engaging with the K-State Research and Extension Stress and Resiliency Team's Suicide Prevention Month campaign, beginning September 1st, by visiting the following: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KSRE.Stress.Management/">https://www.facebook.com/KSRE.Stress.Management/</a>. Together, we can make a difference.

K-State Research and Extension observes National Suicide Prevention Month

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

Salina South High School began celebrating its Homecoming Week on Monday, complete with daily themes, a parade on Wednesday, and a dance on Saturday evening to conclude the school spirit-filled week.

The spirit themes include "Barbieland" on Monday, "B.B.Q. Dad &amp; Soccer Mom" on Tuesday, "Little White Lies" on Wednesday, "Through the Decades" on Thursday and "Green &amp; Gold" on Friday.

Each day allows students to dress up within the theme, from all in pink for Barbieland day to a simple white shirt marked with a permanent marker for Little White Lies.

The themes allow any students to dress as they want within the school dress code, but on Thursday, the students will be divided by class.

Seniors will dress as cavemen — juniors will take inspiration from the 1950s, sophomores from the 1960s and freshmen from the 1980s.

On Wednesday, Salina South plans to parade through downtown, beginning at The Temple at 336 S. Santa Fe Ave. After the parade, the school will host a pep rally at its stadium at 7 p.m.

The royalty candidates will parade with other students, local businesses and organizations to show school spirit and excite students for the pep rally.

On Friday, Sept. 22, during the Salina South High School football game against Maize High School, staff will coronate the winners during halftime.

This year's queen candidates at Salina South include seniors Angelica Alvarado, Ally Exline, Tierstyn Kershner, Lola McBride and Emily Streeter.

Salina South's king candidates include Tristan Bernhardt, Kaden Budke, Alex Davidson, Quevon Purucker and Maddox Xaysongkham.&nbsp;

Each student stays involved in the school, varying from choral groups to sports.

Alvarado is the daughter of Jesus Alvarado and Lorena Hernandez. During high school, Alvarado played volleyball for two years, ran varsity track since her freshman year, participates in New Dawn for the last two years, and is currently involved in Relay 4 Life, HOSA, STUCO, and National Honors Society. Alvarado also enjoys volunteering through St. Elizabeth's church and coaching at the Salina FieldHouse for youth sports. When she isn't at school, she works as a barista at Scooter's Coffee and spends time with her friends and family. In the future, she plans to attend Kansas University to major in Biology.&nbsp;

"It's important to be a role model to whoever and be able to relate to whoever it may be in high school," Alvarado said. "High school can be a really fun time, and it can also be a difficult time for some students, so I definitely want to be able to be a person anyone can call a friend.

Bernhardt is the son of Derik Bernhardt and Nicolette Srack. While at Salina South High School, Bernhardt played baseball all four years, wrestled for two years, and played football for one year. He is involved in the National Honor Society, Relay for Life, and STUCO. When he isn't at school, Bernhardt enjoys hanging out with friends, spending time with family, and works for his Dad at Naturescape. After graduation, he hopes to attend Kansas State University to join the architecture program.&nbsp;

Exline is the daughter of Linn and Curt Exline. During high school, Exline has participated in volleyball, swimming &amp; diving, tennis, link crew, writing center, Kilt crew, National Honors Society, Relay For Life, be-longings committee, and STUCO. When she is not at school, she spends time with her family and friends, hangs out with her dogs, plays games, and works as a server at Chili's. In the future, she plans to go to K-State University with an undecided major.&nbsp;

Budke is the son of Chuck and Diane Budke. During high school, Budke participated in football his first two years and baseball all four years. Budke is a member of the National Honor Society, Kilt Krew, and a medical intern at Kansas PT Partners. Outside of school, Budke enjoys golfing, watching football, and spending time with friends. During the summer, Budke works at the Salina Municipal Golf Course in maintenance. After graduating, Budke plans to play collegiate baseball at a school that has yet to be decided.&nbsp;

"This is what everyone says, but I want to tell the underclassmen to enjoy your high school years because you obviously don't get them back, and it flies by," Budke said.

Kershner is the daughter of Kyle Stach and Tara Kershner. During high school, Kershner has been a part of South High cheerleading, girls' soccer, and HOSA. Kershner enjoys her medical internship at the Wound Care Clinic in Salina Regional Hospital and looks forward to the rest of her rotations. When not at school, she works as a CNA at Presbyterian Manor and enjoys spending time with family and friends. In the future, she wants to attend college and pursue nursing, but she is currently undecided on where she wants to attend college.&nbsp;

Davidson is the son of Todd and Mindi Davidson. While at South High, Davidson has played football and baseball for four years and has been involved in the National Honor Society and Student Council. Outside of school, he was an active participant in Relay for Life for three years and is a member of and serves in children's ministry at The Ark Church. Davidson enjoys fishing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. After high school, Davidson plans to study architecture at the University of Kansas or Kansas State University.&nbsp;

McBride is the daughter of Sean and Lacey McBride. While at South High, McBride has been a cheerleader for all four years, is a member of the National Honor Society, HOSA, and, in past years, a member of Link Crew. Outside of school, she is an active event leader for Relay for Life and a team captain for her grade for all four high school years. McBride also volunteers in kids ministry at The Ark Church. After graduation, McBride plans to major in Chemistry at Kansas State University.&nbsp;

Purucker is the son of Tayrn Purucker. While at South High, Purucker started on the varsity team for three years on the basketball team, lettered in track and field freshman and sophomore year, participated in the varsity choir for three years, is a part of the Belongings Committee, and is a member of the Kilt Krew. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with God, family, and friends. In the future, Purucker intends to continue playing basketball at an undecided college.&nbsp;

Streeter is the daughter of Kelly and Michele Streeter. She has been active within the school community through Drama Club, New Dawn, Band, NHS, STUCO, and Link Crew. Streeter is Drama Club president, twirling section leader, feature twirler for the Salina South High marching band, and a state thespian officer for Kansas Thespians. Outside of school, she twirls and coaches at Shannon's Stars. Streeter participates on the national, senior, select, and world teams for twirling and volunteers at Theatre Salina. In her limited free time, she enjoys thrifting and going to Sonic with friends because, let's be real, where else would they go? After high school, she plans to go to an undecided college to become a school counselor.&nbsp;

"Just get involved and put yourself out there," Streeter said. "Don't be afraid to walk in somewhere by yourself. You might end up having more fun than you thought you would have had."

Xaysongkham is the son of Sonny Xaysongkham. While at South High, Xaysongkham has golfed for four years, participated in football, and played basketball. Xaysongkham enjoys spending his free time golfing, being with friends, and going to the gym. After graduation, he hopes to continue his golfing career in college. His college is undecided as of now.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695151845928.jpeg" alt="Salina South High School 2023 Spirit Week" />
 <figcaption>Salina South High School 2023 Spirit Week</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostSalina South High School began celebrating its Homecoming Week on Monday, complete with daily themes, a parade on Wednesday, and a dance on Saturday evening to conclude the school spirit-filled week.The spirit themes include "Barbieland" on Monday, "B.B.Q. Dad &amp; Soccer Mom" on Tuesday, "Little White Lies" on Wednesday, "Through the Decades" on Thursday and "Green &amp; Gold" on Friday.Each day allows students to dress up within the theme, from all in pink for Barbieland day to a simple white shirt marked with a permanent marker for Little White Lies.The themes allow any students to dress as they want within the school dress code, but on Thursday, the students will be divided by class.Seniors will dress as cavemen — juniors will take inspiration from the 1950s, sophomores from the 1960s and freshmen from the 1980s.<h2>The Parade</h2>On Wednesday, Salina South plans to parade through downtown, beginning at The Temple at 336 S. Santa Fe Ave. After the parade, the school will host a pep rally at its stadium at 7 p.m.The royalty candidates will parade with other students, local businesses and organizations to show school spirit and excite students for the pep rally.On Friday, Sept. 22, during the Salina South High School football game against Maize High School, staff will coronate the winners during halftime.<h2>The Queen and King Candidates</h2>This year's queen candidates at Salina South include seniors Angelica Alvarado, Ally Exline, Tierstyn Kershner, Lola McBride and Emily Streeter.Salina South's king candidates include Tristan Bernhardt, Kaden Budke, Alex Davidson, Quevon Purucker and Maddox Xaysongkham.&nbsp;Each student stays involved in the school, varying from choral groups to sports.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695152204063.jpeg" alt="Salina South High School 2023 Homecoming candidates — left to right — Lola McBride, Alex Davidson, Angelica Alvarado, Tristian Bernhardt, Tierstyn Kershner, Quevon Purucker, Emily Steeter, Kaden Budke, Ally Exline and&nbsp;Maddox Xaysongkham." />
 <figcaption>Salina South High School 2023 Homecoming candidates — left to right — Lola McBride, Alex Davidson, Angelica Alvarado, Tristian Bernhardt, Tierstyn Kershner, Quevon Purucker, Emily Steeter, Kaden Budke, Ally Exline and&nbsp;Maddox Xaysongkham.</figcaption>
 </figure>Angelica AlvaradoAlvarado is the daughter of Jesus Alvarado and Lorena Hernandez. During high school, Alvarado played volleyball for two years, ran varsity track since her freshman year, participates in New Dawn for the last two years, and is currently involved in Relay 4 Life, HOSA, STUCO, and National Honors Society. Alvarado also enjoys volunteering through St. Elizabeth's church and coaching at the Salina FieldHouse for youth sports. When she isn't at school, she works as a barista at Scooter's Coffee and spends time with her friends and family. In the future, she plans to attend Kansas University to major in Biology.&nbsp;"It's important to be a role model to whoever and be able to relate to whoever it may be in high school," Alvarado said. "High school can be a really fun time, and it can also be a difficult time for some students, so I definitely want to be able to be a person anyone can call a friend.Tristan BernhardtBernhardt is the son of Derik Bernhardt and Nicolette Srack. While at Salina South High School, Bernhardt played baseball all four years, wrestled for two years, and played football for one year. He is involved in the National Honor Society, Relay for Life, and STUCO. When he isn't at school, Bernhardt enjoys hanging out with friends, spending time with family, and works for his Dad at Naturescape. After graduation, he hopes to attend Kansas State University to join the architecture program.&nbsp;Ally ExlineExline is the daughter of Linn and Curt Exline. During high school, Exline has participated in volleyball, swimming &amp; diving, tennis, link crew, writing center, Kilt crew, National Honors Society, Relay For Life, be-longings committee, and STUCO. When she is not at school, she spends time with her family and friends, hangs out with her dogs, plays games, and works as a server at Chili's. In the future, she plans to go to K-State University with an undecided major.&nbsp;Kaden BudkeBudke is the son of Chuck and Diane Budke. During high school, Budke participated in football his first two years and baseball all four years. Budke is a member of the National Honor Society, Kilt Krew, and a medical intern at Kansas PT Partners. Outside of school, Budke enjoys golfing, watching football, and spending time with friends. During the summer, Budke works at the Salina Municipal Golf Course in maintenance. After graduating, Budke plans to play collegiate baseball at a school that has yet to be decided.&nbsp;"This is what everyone says, but I want to tell the underclassmen to enjoy your high school years because you obviously don't get them back, and it flies by," Budke said.Tierstyn KershnerKershner is the daughter of Kyle Stach and Tara Kershner. During high school, Kershner has been a part of South High cheerleading, girls' soccer, and HOSA. Kershner enjoys her medical internship at the Wound Care Clinic in Salina Regional Hospital and looks forward to the rest of her rotations. When not at school, she works as a CNA at Presbyterian Manor and enjoys spending time with family and friends. In the future, she wants to attend college and pursue nursing, but she is currently undecided on where she wants to attend college.&nbsp;Alex DavidsonDavidson is the son of Todd and Mindi Davidson. While at South High, Davidson has played football and baseball for four years and has been involved in the National Honor Society and Student Council. Outside of school, he was an active participant in Relay for Life for three years and is a member of and serves in children's ministry at The Ark Church. Davidson enjoys fishing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. After high school, Davidson plans to study architecture at the University of Kansas or Kansas State University.&nbsp;Lola McBrideMcBride is the daughter of Sean and Lacey McBride. While at South High, McBride has been a cheerleader for all four years, is a member of the National Honor Society, HOSA, and, in past years, a member of Link Crew. Outside of school, she is an active event leader for Relay for Life and a team captain for her grade for all four high school years. McBride also volunteers in kids ministry at The Ark Church. After graduation, McBride plans to major in Chemistry at Kansas State University.&nbsp;Quevon PuruckerPurucker is the son of Tayrn Purucker. While at South High, Purucker started on the varsity team for three years on the basketball team, lettered in track and field freshman and sophomore year, participated in the varsity choir for three years, is a part of the Belongings Committee, and is a member of the Kilt Krew. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with God, family, and friends. In the future, Purucker intends to continue playing basketball at an undecided college.&nbsp;Emily StreeterStreeter is the daughter of Kelly and Michele Streeter. She has been active within the school community through Drama Club, New Dawn, Band, NHS, STUCO, and Link Crew. Streeter is Drama Club president, twirling section leader, feature twirler for the Salina South High marching band, and a state thespian officer for Kansas Thespians. Outside of school, she twirls and coaches at Shannon's Stars. Streeter participates on the national, senior, select, and world teams for twirling and volunteers at Theatre Salina. In her limited free time, she enjoys thrifting and going to Sonic with friends because, let's be real, where else would they go? After high school, she plans to go to an undecided college to become a school counselor.&nbsp;"Just get involved and put yourself out there," Streeter said. "Don't be afraid to walk in somewhere by yourself. You might end up having more fun than you thought you would have had."Maddox XaysongkhamXaysongkham is the son of Sonny Xaysongkham. While at South High, Xaysongkham has golfed for four years, participated in football, and played basketball. Xaysongkham enjoys spending his free time golfing, being with friends, and going to the gym. After graduation, he hopes to continue his golfing career in college. His college is undecided as of now.&nbsp;

Salina South High School Homecoming Schedule and 2023 Candidates

It’s hard to believe, but Becker Autos &amp; Trailers will be celebrating their 15th&nbsp;year in Beloit on September 16.&nbsp; 

The store will be offering extra discounts for all past customers and will have a huge used inventory liquidation sale and sales in the RV &amp; Sporting Goods Store.&nbsp; The sales will run through September 22nd&nbsp;and the store will be closed for camper training going on Sept. 23 thru Oct. 1.

“We are incredibly thankful for the past 15 years in Beloit!” said Lydia Housh, General Manager of Becker Autos &amp; Trailers. “We couldn’t do it without the support and word of mouth referrals from our local customers. It’s been a whirlwind with several ups and downs. We just go with the flow!&nbsp; Just like any other retail business, we never know what cards we will be dealt so we keep a positive attitude and hope to continue to share the value of what we offer!”

Several things have changed over the last almost 40 years of business.&nbsp; Becker Autos was originally founded in Downs, KS by Alvin and Deb Becker.&nbsp; The focus was quality used vehicles at affordable prices.&nbsp; The Downs lot usually had 15-20 vehicles and a few random things “Big Al” would add to the collection.&nbsp;

Fifteen years ago, the Beloit location was added.&nbsp; It started as only used vehicles, but within a few years added trailers to their inventory.&nbsp; They began to carry Kansas brands such as Titan and Hillsboro Heavy and stock trailers, as well as Aluma, a quality aluminum utility trailer brand, and steel utility trailers such as Big Tex. After the trailers were part of the inventory, Becker Autos &amp; Trailers added a 3rd&nbsp;location to the mix in Salina focusing on mainly trailer sales on Old Hwy 40. &nbsp;&nbsp;

As time went by, the complexities of managing all 3 locations became overwhelming.&nbsp; An offer to buy the lot in Salina was made and it was sold.&nbsp; Becker Autos &amp; Trailers expanded their operation in Beloit and hosted all trailers as well as the used vehicles.&nbsp; The original Downs location was also eventually closed and the business incorporated into their SuperCenter location on Hwy 24 in Beloit.

In 2015, Blake and Lydia Housh, current co-owners and managers of the Beloit location, were approached by a Keystone RV Hideout sales representative.&nbsp; “Campers were one thing that in the beginning we didn’t plan to take on.&nbsp; But, after visiting with the rep and seeing the quality of the new campers at an unbelievable price point, Keystone campers became a new offering for our business. Never did we think we would have the inventory you see on our lot today or have more campers than vehicles.&nbsp; But we found them to be selling not only locally but nationwide with our competitive pricing and family-owned business ethics” said Housh.

Several additions have been made to the service shops as well as more office space for the growing staff.&nbsp; The RV &amp; Sporting Goods store was added and includes everything you would need to go camping with your RV, as well as several other novelty items.

To show gratitude for their loyal customers, a VIP program was implemented in 2021. It applies to anyone who has purchased and still owns their vehicle, camper, or trailer from Becker’s.&nbsp; Becker VIP’s receive discounted and priority service plus 20% off items in the RV &amp; Sporting Goods store at all times.

The staff at Becker Autos &amp; Trailers have played a huge role in the success of the business.&nbsp; The team is stacked with camping experts that have real experience in both the sales and service side. They have a text line that they regularly monitor for any urgent situations or if it’s the customer’s preferred way of communication. &nbsp;

Normal business hours are 9:30-5:30 Monday thru Friday and usually the 1st&nbsp;and 3rd&nbsp;Saturdays of the month 9-noon, and by special appointment. You may contact Becker Autos &amp; Trailers by call or text at 785-534-1227, visit their website BeckerAutos.com or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sales@beckerautos.com">sales@beckerautos.com</a>.

Becker Autos &amp; Trailers in Beloit currently employs around 20 full-time people. From 1-2 people running the lots when it all started, the growth in manpower has multiplied.&nbsp;

Alvin and Deb Becker – Co-Owners, Vehicle Buying, Maintenance

Blake and Lydia Housh - Co-owners and General Management

Doug DeVore (11 Yr)- Trailer and Sales Specialist

Kelly Reling (6.5 Yr) – Fixed Operations Manager, Finance and Marketing

Bobbie Shaw – (2 Yr) Asst. Office manager, Warranty and Store

Elizabeth Teselle (2.5 Yr) – RV Store Manager &amp; Promotions

Jake Reling (4 Yr) and Caleb Anderson - Vehicle Service Technicians

Jace Walker and Jeffery Reardon – Detail Specialists

Dakota Doll (1.5 Yr) and Justin Schriner (2 Yr) - Camper Service Technicians and Pre-Delivery Specialists

Dale Housh (1.5 Yr) – Maintenance and Camper Tech

Keaton Becker – Warehouse Manager and Camper Tech

Stephen Reavis – Camper Tech and Customer Service Specialist

Elsie Feight (2.5 Yr) – Sales Specialist and Finance

Gavin Beaumont (4 Yr) and Wesley Long (1.5 Yr) – Inventory Sales Specialist &amp; Promotion

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695144372598.jpeg" alt="Becker Auto" />
 <figcaption>Becker Auto</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTIt’s hard to believe, but Becker Autos &amp; Trailers will be celebrating their 15th&nbsp;year in Beloit on September 16.&nbsp; The store will be offering extra discounts for all past customers and will have a huge used inventory liquidation sale and sales in the RV &amp; Sporting Goods Store.&nbsp; The sales will run through September 22nd&nbsp;and the store will be closed for camper training going on Sept. 23 thru Oct. 1.“We are incredibly thankful for the past 15 years in Beloit!” said Lydia Housh, General Manager of Becker Autos &amp; Trailers. “We couldn’t do it without the support and word of mouth referrals from our local customers. It’s been a whirlwind with several ups and downs. We just go with the flow!&nbsp; Just like any other retail business, we never know what cards we will be dealt so we keep a positive attitude and hope to continue to share the value of what we offer!”Several things have changed over the last almost 40 years of business.&nbsp; Becker Autos was originally founded in Downs, KS by Alvin and Deb Becker.&nbsp; The focus was quality used vehicles at affordable prices.&nbsp; The Downs lot usually had 15-20 vehicles and a few random things “Big Al” would add to the collection.&nbsp;Fifteen years ago, the Beloit location was added.&nbsp; It started as only used vehicles, but within a few years added trailers to their inventory.&nbsp; They began to carry Kansas brands such as Titan and Hillsboro Heavy and stock trailers, as well as Aluma, a quality aluminum utility trailer brand, and steel utility trailers such as Big Tex. After the trailers were part of the inventory, Becker Autos &amp; Trailers added a 3rd&nbsp;location to the mix in Salina focusing on mainly trailer sales on Old Hwy 40. &nbsp;&nbsp;As time went by, the complexities of managing all 3 locations became overwhelming.&nbsp; An offer to buy the lot in Salina was made and it was sold.&nbsp; Becker Autos &amp; Trailers expanded their operation in Beloit and hosted all trailers as well as the used vehicles.&nbsp; The original Downs location was also eventually closed and the business incorporated into their SuperCenter location on Hwy 24 in Beloit.In 2015, Blake and Lydia Housh, current co-owners and managers of the Beloit location, were approached by a Keystone RV Hideout sales representative.&nbsp; “Campers were one thing that in the beginning we didn’t plan to take on.&nbsp; But, after visiting with the rep and seeing the quality of the new campers at an unbelievable price point, Keystone campers became a new offering for our business. Never did we think we would have the inventory you see on our lot today or have more campers than vehicles.&nbsp; But we found them to be selling not only locally but nationwide with our competitive pricing and family-owned business ethics” said Housh.Several additions have been made to the service shops as well as more office space for the growing staff.&nbsp; The RV &amp; Sporting Goods store was added and includes everything you would need to go camping with your RV, as well as several other novelty items.To show gratitude for their loyal customers, a VIP program was implemented in 2021. It applies to anyone who has purchased and still owns their vehicle, camper, or trailer from Becker’s.&nbsp; Becker VIP’s receive discounted and priority service plus 20% off items in the RV &amp; Sporting Goods store at all times.The staff at Becker Autos &amp; Trailers have played a huge role in the success of the business.&nbsp; The team is stacked with camping experts that have real experience in both the sales and service side. They have a text line that they regularly monitor for any urgent situations or if it’s the customer’s preferred way of communication. &nbsp;Normal business hours are 9:30-5:30 Monday thru Friday and usually the 1st&nbsp;and 3rd&nbsp;Saturdays of the month 9-noon, and by special appointment. You may contact Becker Autos &amp; Trailers by call or text at 785-534-1227, visit their website BeckerAutos.com or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sales@beckerautos.com">sales@beckerautos.com</a>.Becker Autos &amp; Trailers in Beloit currently employs around 20 full-time people. From 1-2 people running the lots when it all started, the growth in manpower has multiplied.&nbsp;<h2>Current employees include:</h2>Alvin and Deb Becker – Co-Owners, Vehicle Buying, MaintenanceBlake and Lydia Housh - Co-owners and General ManagementDoug DeVore (11 Yr)- Trailer and Sales SpecialistTammy Housh (8.5 Yr) – Office ManagerJason Tonne (7 Yr) – Lead Camper TechKelly Reling (6.5 Yr) – Fixed Operations Manager, Finance and MarketingBobbie Shaw – (2 Yr) Asst. Office manager, Warranty and StoreElizabeth Teselle (2.5 Yr) – RV Store Manager &amp; PromotionsJake Reling (4 Yr) and Caleb Anderson - Vehicle Service TechniciansJace Walker and Jeffery Reardon – Detail SpecialistsDakota Doll (1.5 Yr) and Justin Schriner (2 Yr) - Camper Service Technicians and Pre-Delivery SpecialistsDale Housh (1.5 Yr) – Maintenance and Camper TechKeaton Becker – Warehouse Manager and Camper TechStephen Reavis – Camper Tech and Customer Service SpecialistElsie Feight (2.5 Yr) – Sales Specialist and FinanceGavin Beaumont (4 Yr) and Wesley Long (1.5 Yr) – Inventory Sales Specialist &amp; Promotion

Becker Autos & Trailers Camper SuperCenter in Beloit celebrates 15 years

Chart-topper and Grammy nominee Martina McBride is coming to Salina's Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts to spread Christmas joy!

McBride is scheduled to perform at the Stiefel Theatre at 8 p.m. on Dec. 1. Tickets for the concert start at $77 and go on sale at noon on Friday. To buy tickets at the Stiefel box office, please stop by noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or call 785-827-1998. You also can purchase tickets online through the Stiefel Theatre website:&nbsp;<a href="http://stiefeltheatre.org/">stiefeltheatre.or</a>g

"This is one of my all-time favorite tours and it just gets better and better each year!” says McBride. “We get in the holiday spirit together and it truly is a fun show for the whole family. I can’t wait to see you all out there! I’m looking forward to creating new memories with my fans and ringing in the holiday season.”

Martina McBride is a multiple GRAMMY-nominated country singer, whose vocals have kept her at the top of the charts garnering six No. 1 hits and 20 Top 10 singles. Selling more than 23 million albums to date, she has earned 14 Gold, nine Platinum, three Double Platinum and two Triple Platinum certifications. She has been honored with more than 15 major music awards, including four wins from the Country Music Association and three Academy of Country Music Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year. &nbsp;Martina was awarded the Covenant House Beacon of Hope Award and Music Business Association’s prestigious 2015 Harry Chapin Memorial Humanitarian Award for her philanthropic efforts on behalf of domestic violence. In 2019 Martina was honored with the Cliffie Stone Icon Award at the ACM Honors event for her impactful contributions to country music.

In addition to her iconic music career, Martina continues building her lifestyle brand having released two cookbooks, “Martina’s Kitchen Mix: My Recipe Playlist for Real Life” (2018) and “Around the Table: Recipes and Inspiration for Gatherings Throughout the Year” (2014). &nbsp;Through her Team Music Is Love initiative, Martina has launched a series of fundraising and volunteer projects to support hunger relief, cancer research, domestic violence and helping women, children and families in need. &nbsp;

When Martina isn’t in the studio, she focuses her time on charitable causes dear to her heart through her Team Music Is Love charity initiative. &nbsp;

McBride resides in Nashville with her husband, John, and their three daughters. You can keep up with her on&nbsp;<a href="http://tumblr.us12.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=12625cf9000644aef0f718377&amp;id=1c27fb98dd&amp;e=a1574695d1" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, as well as&nbsp;<a href="http://tumblr.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=12625cf9000644aef0f718377&amp;id=5297e24a37&amp;e=a1574695d1" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://tumblr.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=12625cf9000644aef0f718377&amp;id=cee3019f2d&amp;e=a1574695d1" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. For tour dates, please visit her&nbsp;<a href="http://www.martinamcbride.com/tour" target="_blank">website</a>. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695141891731.jpeg" alt="Martina McBride Image Courtesy Stiefel Theatre" />
 <figcaption>Martina McBride Image Courtesy Stiefel Theatre</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTChart-topper and Grammy nominee Martina McBride is coming to Salina's Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts to spread Christmas joy!McBride is scheduled to perform at the Stiefel Theatre at 8 p.m. on Dec. 1. Tickets for the concert start at $77 and go on sale at noon on Friday. To buy tickets at the Stiefel box office, please stop by noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or call 785-827-1998. You also can purchase tickets online through the Stiefel Theatre website:&nbsp;<a href="http://stiefeltheatre.org/">stiefeltheatre.or</a>g"This is one of my all-time favorite tours and it just gets better and better each year!” says McBride. “We get in the holiday spirit together and it truly is a fun show for the whole family. I can’t wait to see you all out there! I’m looking forward to creating new memories with my fans and ringing in the holiday season.”Martina McBride is a multiple GRAMMY-nominated country singer, whose vocals have kept her at the top of the charts garnering six No. 1 hits and 20 Top 10 singles. Selling more than 23 million albums to date, she has earned 14 Gold, nine Platinum, three Double Platinum and two Triple Platinum certifications. She has been honored with more than 15 major music awards, including four wins from the Country Music Association and three Academy of Country Music Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year. &nbsp;Martina was awarded the Covenant House Beacon of Hope Award and Music Business Association’s prestigious 2015 Harry Chapin Memorial Humanitarian Award for her philanthropic efforts on behalf of domestic violence. In 2019 Martina was honored with the Cliffie Stone Icon Award at the ACM Honors event for her impactful contributions to country music.In addition to her iconic music career, Martina continues building her lifestyle brand having released two cookbooks, “Martina’s Kitchen Mix: My Recipe Playlist for Real Life” (2018) and “Around the Table: Recipes and Inspiration for Gatherings Throughout the Year” (2014). &nbsp;Through her Team Music Is Love initiative, Martina has launched a series of fundraising and volunteer projects to support hunger relief, cancer research, domestic violence and helping women, children and families in need. &nbsp;When Martina isn’t in the studio, she focuses her time on charitable causes dear to her heart through her Team Music Is Love charity initiative. &nbsp;McBride resides in Nashville with her husband, John, and their three daughters. You can keep up with her on&nbsp;<a href="http://tumblr.us12.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=12625cf9000644aef0f718377&amp;id=1c27fb98dd&amp;e=a1574695d1" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, as well as&nbsp;<a href="http://tumblr.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=12625cf9000644aef0f718377&amp;id=5297e24a37&amp;e=a1574695d1" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://tumblr.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=12625cf9000644aef0f718377&amp;id=cee3019f2d&amp;e=a1574695d1" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. For tour dates, please visit her&nbsp;<a href="http://www.martinamcbride.com/tour" target="_blank">website</a>. &nbsp;‍

Martina McBride 'Joy of Christmas' tour coming to Salina in Dec. 

Congratulations to Emily and Ethan Heller of Solomon, winners of the pre-registration random drawing. Those who registered before Sept. 1 were entered into the drawing.

The Hellers won tickets and a parking pass to see the Chiefs vs. Lions courtesy of the Salina Pain Clinic.

Tyler Schulze of Salina, was the Week 1 winner in Salina Pain Clinic's Gridiron Glory contest!

Tyler, who scored 12 of 16 points, wins $100 cash.&nbsp;

Although the season has begun, you still have time to win!

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6457a6fe-ce1b-48df-a651-5d8582b478f7?contestid=3#registration/login">Sign up today</a>&nbsp;to make your picks for a chance to win great weekly prizes, including cash,&nbsp;gift cards, concert tickets, and Chiefs tickets.&nbsp;If you pick well, you'll also be in the running for the local season prize of $1,000 and a national season prize of a trip to Hawaii!

Don't miss out on the state's best pro football pick'em contest!&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695142576603.jpeg" alt="Emily and Ethan Heller of Solomon" />
 <figcaption>Emily and Ethan Heller of Solomon</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTCongratulations to Emily and Ethan Heller of Solomon, winners of the pre-registration random drawing. Those who registered before Sept. 1 were entered into the drawing.The Hellers won tickets and a parking pass to see the Chiefs vs. Lions courtesy of the Salina Pain Clinic.Tyler Schulze of Salina, was the Week 1 winner in Salina Pain Clinic's Gridiron Glory contest!Tyler, who scored 12 of 16 points, wins $100 cash.&nbsp;Although the season has begun, you still have time to win!<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6457a6fe-ce1b-48df-a651-5d8582b478f7?contestid=3#registration/login">Sign up today</a>&nbsp;to make your picks for a chance to win great weekly prizes, including cash,&nbsp;gift cards, concert tickets, and Chiefs tickets.&nbsp;If you pick well, you'll also be in the running for the local season prize of $1,000 and a national season prize of a trip to Hawaii!Don't miss out on the state's best pro football pick'em contest!&nbsp;

Salina Pain Clinic's Gridiron Glory Pre-Registration/Week One winners

The Granny Brigade of Salina will host a candidate forum featuring candidates for the Salina City Commission and USD 305.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The event will take place at the Carver Center,315 N 2nd St., Salina on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.

The purpose of the event is to provide an opportunity for local residents to engage with the candidates and learn more about their platforms and positions on various issues.

"We [The Granny Brigade] are pretty conservative, but our philosophy is when we have these townhall meetings and these candidates forums, everybody should be informed because they [elected officials] represent everybody, not just the Republican Party," Granny Brigade member Rosemary Mai told Salina Post.&nbsp;

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 </figure>By NATE KING&nbsp; Salina PostThe Granny Brigade of Salina will host a candidate forum featuring candidates for the Salina City Commission and USD 305.&nbsp;&nbsp;The event will take place at the Carver Center,315 N 2nd St., Salina on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.The purpose of the event is to provide an opportunity for local residents to engage with the candidates and learn more about their platforms and positions on various issues."We [The Granny Brigade] are pretty conservative, but our philosophy is when we have these townhall meetings and these candidates forums, everybody should be informed because they [elected officials] represent everybody, not just the Republican Party," Granny Brigade member Rosemary Mai told Salina Post.&nbsp;The Salina City Commission candidates who will be in attendance include Mayor Mike Hoppock, Trent W. Davis, Jerry Ivey II and Chad Farber.Event organizers noted city commissioner candidates Haley Helzer and Robert Klingenberg will not be present for the forum.The "come-and-go" event will consist of questions from both the forum moderator, 910KINA Coffee Talk Co-Host Randy Picking, and members of the audience.&nbsp;All candidates will have an opportunity to respond to each question and provide their perspectives on issues impacting the lives of Salinans.The Granny Brigade encourages all local residents to attend the forum and engage with the candidates. The event is free and open to the public.