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.

NAME: Abrego-Salas,Erick Oswaldo REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME: Burch, James Uria REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Battery, Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity

NAME: Gilbert, Melvin Denard REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor, Poss of marijuana

NAME: Havier,Zarahoza Hector REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity, Failure to stop at accident; Injury or damage over $1000

NAME: Marshall, Wyona Ruth REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Criminal Damage to Property; Value UnknownDriving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severityDriving While SuspendedReckless Driving, Battery on LEO; Phys contact county/city LEO, Criminal trespass; Unknown circumstance

NAME:Risby,Kevin Jamar REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Return for court testimony

NAME: Saunders,Kellen Joseph REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear

NAME: Scott,Kimberly Ruth REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity

NAME:&nbsp;Wiedow,Tessa Rae REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Agg assault; w/ deadly weapon, Battery, Disorderly conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct to cause resentment

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/2023/9/1694792809660.jpeg" alt="Abrego-Salas,Erick Oswaldo" />
 <figcaption>Abrego-Salas,Erick Oswaldo</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Abrego-Salas,Erick Oswaldo REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694793030159.jpeg" alt="Burch,James Uria" />
 <figcaption>Burch,James Uria</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Burch, James Uria REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Battery, Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694793053102.jpeg" alt="Gilbert,Melvin Denard" />
 <figcaption>Gilbert,Melvin Denard</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Gilbert, Melvin Denard REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor, Poss of marijuana<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694793084987.jpeg" alt="Havier,Zarahoza Hector" />
 <figcaption>Havier,Zarahoza Hector</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Havier,Zarahoza Hector REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity, Failure to stop at accident; Injury or damage over $1000<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694793111731.jpeg" alt="Marshall,Wyona Ruth" />
 <figcaption>Marshall,Wyona Ruth</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Marshall, Wyona Ruth REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Criminal Damage to Property; Value UnknownDriving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severityDriving While SuspendedReckless Driving, Battery on LEO; Phys contact county/city LEO, Criminal trespass; Unknown circumstance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694793176302.jpeg" alt="Risby,Kevin Jamar" />
 <figcaption>Risby,Kevin Jamar</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Risby,Kevin Jamar REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Return for court testimony<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694793219839.jpeg" alt="Saunders,Kellen Joseph" />
 <figcaption>Saunders,Kellen Joseph</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Saunders,Kellen Joseph REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694793237486.jpeg" alt="Scott,Kimberly Ruth" />
 <figcaption>Scott,Kimberly Ruth</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Scott,Kimberly Ruth REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694793251803.jpeg" alt="Wiedow,Tessa Rae" />
 <figcaption>Wiedow,Tessa Rae</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Wiedow,Tessa Rae REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Agg assault; w/ deadly weapon, Battery, Disorderly conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct to cause resentment

Saline County Jail Activity, Sept. 15

As the calendar flips over to September and more seasonal fall temperatures are in the forecast, it is time to start planting wheat. As planting kicks off, producers and researchers alike are cautiously optimistic about next year’s harvest potential.&nbsp;

Winter wheat planting in Kansas was at four percent complete for the week ending September 10, 2023, according to the official statistics provided by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service in its weekly crop progress report. That pace is near three percent for last year and the five-year average - a welcome return to a more normal-feeling pace for producers.&nbsp;

“We were behind all year last,” said Brian Linin, Kansas Wheat Commissioner who farms near Goodland. “Planting season was way behind, and then everything came up. Harvest was really late, so we were starting harvest around the time we would have normally finished. So, we feel like we’ve been behind the eight ball here all spring and summer.”&nbsp;

Linin started planting wheat on Tuesday in northwest Kansas. His ground received just a few hundredths to a short quarter inch of rain over the past week, but he reported even where the ground is dry on top, there is moisture further down.&nbsp;Moisture - received or expected - impacts where and when producers will start to plant wheat, with some waiting for that September shower and others willing to “dust it in” if there’s the potential for rain in the forecast.&nbsp;

Having that moisture available to get the wheat stand established is critical to the success of next year’s harvest, according to Brian Olson, head of K-State’s Western Kansas Research-Extension Centers.&nbsp;

“Hopefully, there's enough there to get it up and get it going,” Olson said. “The last few years that has been a big problem - getting that establishing rain in the fall. And now we’ve got it in some areas, so farmers will hopefully capitalize on it.”&nbsp;

In addition to timing with moisture, producers also need to control volunteer wheat and weeds to prevent yield loss and disease, which will be especially important this year after failed fields and late summer rains that brought on substantial weed issues and late flushes of volunteer wheat.&nbsp;

“That canopy was open, and then the rains came on, and now we've had some weed issues out there - and that is a challenge,” Olson said. “We do have to stay on top of those weeds because they're just robbing the moisture.”&nbsp;

Olson pointed to research being conducted by K-State at Tribune, Garden City and Hays on the benefits and tradeoffs of occasional tillage, about one pass every three or four years to try and control problematic weeds.

Linin noted his operation has had to make many adjustments during the last three years of drought, explaining they mixed up their management practices to include light tillage, chemical applications, and other practices to address different concerns in different fields. He also has been growing organic wheat, meaning he must think even more creatively about addressing those concerns. In turn, however, those solutions bring management ideas back to the conventional side of his farm.&nbsp;

“In some respects, I’d like to have our ground a little cleaner than it is - there are some of those annual weeds up out there, just real spotty, and I don’t like the way that looks,” Linin said. “We’ve got fields of all different stages, but we’re ready to go.”&nbsp;

Managing wheat fields for weeds and disease benefits not only next year’s yields, but also the other crops in the rotation.&nbsp;

“Wheat is a foundation for farmers to plant their summer crops into,” Olson said. “I'm a firm believer that wheat is the basis, and when we got good wheat residue out there, we have a good chance of raising the summer crop that next year.”

That rings true for Linin’s operation in northwest Kansas, who also noted wheat’s value in an overall crop rotation.&nbsp;

“There’s a lot of time between now and when we make a crop, but wheat is one of our most profitable crops,” Linin said. “It’s profitable not just in terms of dollars and cents, but also in terms of providing a good seedbed for whatever we’re going to do next year.”

Overall, as Linin and fellow Kansas wheat producers fire up their tractors to plant wheat, he is excited and optimistic about the upcoming growing season.&nbsp;

“I just hope everybody has good conditions and gets a good stand and a good start to this year’s crop,” Linin said. “Wheat is a good crop for us, and it really fits our rotation in our program well - and I wish the best of luck to everybody else.”

For the latest in K-State’s planting recommendations during the current year’s conditions, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QJVooaNh22Mcx26CX5Xa-ziDbANdxugx-ipZuGDDndxPS7YwIoov_9nTYmo-PtWiA4znRSHQJZAbfnMd_b2RciYQLbIF1aSvffDNGpmaTjUywllvNf0jR0g6asyXiA_Nmhl6Ez4ulkEnRLb7rBq_QXHqOY5EAxIZ&amp;c=K-oL9nlsOic1Yh0KWTJfsMXUXKmtiWc_PtQgVkAaIsBYNDJOMi0H6A==&amp;ch=lNNR59ADrZNQUqMePqaMjZEKeNF8N8L59vYl3JgG21K5vr4A_6pVdA==" target="_blank">eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/</a>. Producers can also access the latest resources for variety selection and performance data information from K-State at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QJVooaNh22Mcx26CX5Xa-ziDbANdxugx-ipZuGDDndxPS7YwIoov_8y2D0w6Ndth1HjG1lOxD_EPeTxxrUqWjU9m7facPqDFSw0Kdh1B84f7tCsA7jTTEEiXzsXZuM_cOpBxH9GOSPdVskh6Xn6kLQ==&amp;c=K-oL9nlsOic1Yh0KWTJfsMXUXKmtiWc_PtQgVkAaIsBYNDJOMi0H6A==&amp;ch=lNNR59ADrZNQUqMePqaMjZEKeNF8N8L59vYl3JgG21K5vr4A_6pVdA==" target="_blank">kswheat.com/wheatrx</a>.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655426692793.jpeg" alt="Kansas Wheat Commission logo.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Wheat Commission logo.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>JULIA DEBES Kansas WheatAs the calendar flips over to September and more seasonal fall temperatures are in the forecast, it is time to start planting wheat. As planting kicks off, producers and researchers alike are cautiously optimistic about next year’s harvest potential.&nbsp;Winter wheat planting in Kansas was at four percent complete for the week ending September 10, 2023, according to the official statistics provided by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service in its weekly crop progress report. That pace is near three percent for last year and the five-year average - a welcome return to a more normal-feeling pace for producers.&nbsp;“We were behind all year last,” said Brian Linin, Kansas Wheat Commissioner who farms near Goodland. “Planting season was way behind, and then everything came up. Harvest was really late, so we were starting harvest around the time we would have normally finished. So, we feel like we’ve been behind the eight ball here all spring and summer.”&nbsp;Linin started planting wheat on Tuesday in northwest Kansas. His ground received just a few hundredths to a short quarter inch of rain over the past week, but he reported even where the ground is dry on top, there is moisture further down.&nbsp;Moisture - received or expected - impacts where and when producers will start to plant wheat, with some waiting for that September shower and others willing to “dust it in” if there’s the potential for rain in the forecast.&nbsp;Having that moisture available to get the wheat stand established is critical to the success of next year’s harvest, according to Brian Olson, head of K-State’s Western Kansas Research-Extension Centers.&nbsp;“Hopefully, there's enough there to get it up and get it going,” Olson said. “The last few years that has been a big problem - getting that establishing rain in the fall. And now we’ve got it in some areas, so farmers will hopefully capitalize on it.”&nbsp;In addition to timing with moisture, producers also need to control volunteer wheat and weeds to prevent yield loss and disease, which will be especially important this year after failed fields and late summer rains that brought on substantial weed issues and late flushes of volunteer wheat.&nbsp;“That canopy was open, and then the rains came on, and now we've had some weed issues out there - and that is a challenge,” Olson said. “We do have to stay on top of those weeds because they're just robbing the moisture.”&nbsp;Olson pointed to research being conducted by K-State at Tribune, Garden City and Hays on the benefits and tradeoffs of occasional tillage, about one pass every three or four years to try and control problematic weeds.Linin noted his operation has had to make many adjustments during the last three years of drought, explaining they mixed up their management practices to include light tillage, chemical applications, and other practices to address different concerns in different fields. He also has been growing organic wheat, meaning he must think even more creatively about addressing those concerns. In turn, however, those solutions bring management ideas back to the conventional side of his farm.&nbsp;“In some respects, I’d like to have our ground a little cleaner than it is - there are some of those annual weeds up out there, just real spotty, and I don’t like the way that looks,” Linin said. “We’ve got fields of all different stages, but we’re ready to go.”&nbsp;Managing wheat fields for weeds and disease benefits not only next year’s yields, but also the other crops in the rotation.&nbsp;“Wheat is a foundation for farmers to plant their summer crops into,” Olson said. “I'm a firm believer that wheat is the basis, and when we got good wheat residue out there, we have a good chance of raising the summer crop that next year.”That rings true for Linin’s operation in northwest Kansas, who also noted wheat’s value in an overall crop rotation.&nbsp;“There’s a lot of time between now and when we make a crop, but wheat is one of our most profitable crops,” Linin said. “It’s profitable not just in terms of dollars and cents, but also in terms of providing a good seedbed for whatever we’re going to do next year.”Overall, as Linin and fellow Kansas wheat producers fire up their tractors to plant wheat, he is excited and optimistic about the upcoming growing season.&nbsp;“I just hope everybody has good conditions and gets a good stand and a good start to this year’s crop,” Linin said. “Wheat is a good crop for us, and it really fits our rotation in our program well - and I wish the best of luck to everybody else.”For the latest in K-State’s planting recommendations during the current year’s conditions, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QJVooaNh22Mcx26CX5Xa-ziDbANdxugx-ipZuGDDndxPS7YwIoov_9nTYmo-PtWiA4znRSHQJZAbfnMd_b2RciYQLbIF1aSvffDNGpmaTjUywllvNf0jR0g6asyXiA_Nmhl6Ez4ulkEnRLb7rBq_QXHqOY5EAxIZ&amp;c=K-oL9nlsOic1Yh0KWTJfsMXUXKmtiWc_PtQgVkAaIsBYNDJOMi0H6A==&amp;ch=lNNR59ADrZNQUqMePqaMjZEKeNF8N8L59vYl3JgG21K5vr4A_6pVdA==" target="_blank">eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/</a>. Producers can also access the latest resources for variety selection and performance data information from K-State at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QJVooaNh22Mcx26CX5Xa-ziDbANdxugx-ipZuGDDndxPS7YwIoov_8y2D0w6Ndth1HjG1lOxD_EPeTxxrUqWjU9m7facPqDFSw0Kdh1B84f7tCsA7jTTEEiXzsXZuM_cOpBxH9GOSPdVskh6Xn6kLQ==&amp;c=K-oL9nlsOic1Yh0KWTJfsMXUXKmtiWc_PtQgVkAaIsBYNDJOMi0H6A==&amp;ch=lNNR59ADrZNQUqMePqaMjZEKeNF8N8L59vYl3JgG21K5vr4A_6pVdA==" target="_blank">kswheat.com/wheatrx</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Wheat Scoop:  September signals the start of Kansas wheat planting

By NATE KING Salina Post

On this episode, I hear from LaNay Meier, of Salina, about her newly published book titled, "The Feelings Umbrella." Meier is holding a book-read event at Ad Astra Coffee House in Salina on September 16 at 2:00 p.m.&nbsp;

Meier told Salina Post that she invites both children and grown-ups alike to attend because in her words-"adults, especially, need to talk about their feelings."

During our conversation, Meier shares her own insights on how parenting has evolved over the years, her inspiration for creating the book, and the importance of teaching children about emotions in a fun and engaging way.

Mark your calendars, on Sept. 16 for an event that promises to be a lot of fun and a great opportunity to meet a local children's book author.&nbsp;

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of "The Feelings Umbrella"<a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&amp;rh=p_27%3ALaNay+Meier&amp;s=relevancerank&amp;text=LaNay+Meier&amp;ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1"> click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="LaNay Meier, Author of ”The Feelings Umbrella”" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=76qb9-14a28f8-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By NATE KING Salina PostOn this episode, I hear from LaNay Meier, of Salina, about her newly published book titled, "The Feelings Umbrella." Meier is holding a book-read event at Ad Astra Coffee House in Salina on September 16 at 2:00 p.m.&nbsp;Meier told Salina Post that she invites both children and grown-ups alike to attend because in her words-"adults, especially, need to talk about their feelings."During our conversation, Meier shares her own insights on how parenting has evolved over the years, her inspiration for creating the book, and the importance of teaching children about emotions in a fun and engaging way.Mark your calendars, on Sept. 16 for an event that promises to be a lot of fun and a great opportunity to meet a local children's book author.&nbsp;If you are interested in purchasing a copy of "The Feelings Umbrella"<a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&amp;rh=p_27%3ALaNay+Meier&amp;s=relevancerank&amp;text=LaNay+Meier&amp;ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1"> click here.</a>

🎙King in the Community: LaNay Meier, author of "The Feelings Umbrella"

You’ve probably heard the news — federal student loan repayments are starting again in October. But scammers might try and tell you they can help you avoid repayment, lower your payments, or get your loans forgiven&nbsp;—&nbsp;for a price. Here’s how to spot and avoid these scams.

The most important thing to know is this: the best source of information on your federal student loans is&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/">Federal Student Aid</a>. Also, you don’t need to pay to sign up for any programs to lower your payments or get forgiveness&nbsp;—&nbsp;it’s all free at&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/repay">StudentAid.gov/repay</a>. And you can do it yourself. (Again: for free.)

Worried about repaying your loans? The calls and texts that offer "help" might be tempting. But before you act, know how to spot the scams:

● Don’t give away your FSA ID login information.&nbsp;Anyone who says they need it to help you is a scammer. If you share it, the scammer can cut off contact between you and your servicer — and even steal your identity.

● Don’t trust anyone who contacts you promising debt relief or loan forgiveness, even if they say they're affiliated with the Department of Education.&nbsp;Scammers try to look real, with official-looking names, seals, and logos. They promise special access to repayment plans or forgiveness options — which don’t exist. If you’re tempted, slow down, hang up, and log into your student loan account to review your options.

As you get&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/prepare-payments-restart">ready for repayment</a>, here are some steps to take:

● Update your contact information with&nbsp;FSA&nbsp;and your&nbsp;loan servicers.&nbsp;This way, you’ll get timely updates about your repayment plans.. Enroll in a&nbsp;repayment plan.&nbsp;

● Use FSA’s&nbsp;Loan Simulator&nbsp;to estimate your monthly payments and compare your repayment options. If you’ve defaulted on your loans, look into the&nbsp;Fresh Start program.

If you spot a scam, the FTC wants to hear about it: &nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694706686281.png" alt="student_loan_debt_relief_blog_graphic_1200x630_en_2.png" />
 <figcaption>student_loan_debt_relief_blog_graphic_1200x630_en_2.png</figcaption>
 </figure>FTCYou’ve probably heard the news — federal student loan repayments are starting again in October. But scammers might try and tell you they can help you avoid repayment, lower your payments, or get your loans forgiven&nbsp;—&nbsp;for a price. Here’s how to spot and avoid these scams.The most important thing to know is this: the best source of information on your federal student loans is&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/">Federal Student Aid</a>. Also, you don’t need to pay to sign up for any programs to lower your payments or get forgiveness&nbsp;—&nbsp;it’s all free at&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/repay">StudentAid.gov/repay</a>. And you can do it yourself. (Again: for free.)Worried about repaying your loans? The calls and texts that offer "help" might be tempting. But before you act, know how to spot the scams:● Don’t give away your FSA ID login information.&nbsp;Anyone who says they need it to help you is a scammer. If you share it, the scammer can cut off contact between you and your servicer — and even steal your identity.● Don’t trust anyone who contacts you promising debt relief or loan forgiveness, even if they say they're affiliated with the Department of Education.&nbsp;Scammers try to look real, with official-looking names, seals, and logos. They promise special access to repayment plans or forgiveness options — which don’t exist. If you’re tempted, slow down, hang up, and log into your student loan account to review your options.As you get&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/prepare-payments-restart">ready for repayment</a>, here are some steps to take:● Update your contact information with&nbsp;FSA&nbsp;and your&nbsp;loan servicers.&nbsp;This way, you’ll get timely updates about your repayment plans.. Enroll in a&nbsp;repayment plan.&nbsp;● Use FSA’s&nbsp;Loan Simulator&nbsp;to estimate your monthly payments and compare your repayment options. If you’ve defaulted on your loans, look into the&nbsp;Fresh Start program.If you spot a scam, the FTC wants to hear about it: &nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

FTC: Pay your student loans — not scammers

Professional and amateur photographers from across America will be in Abilene Friday to participate in a unique event on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad: a day-long railroad photography charter train. 

Thirty photographers have registered for the shoot, where the railroad’s prized steam locomotive, Santa Fe 3415, will be the star. The photo train is not sponsored by the A&amp;SV; rather, the day-long charter is the brainchild of St. Louis photographer Dak Dillon, who has organized the photo train to be a fundraiser for the A&amp;SV’s looming project, the rebuild of its iconic 1919 steam locomotive. 

Santa Fe 3415 is scheduled to be taken out of service next month, disassembled, and rebuilt with a new boiler and flues, a procedure required by the Federal Railroad Administration to be completed every 15 years. A&amp;SV officials expect the locomotive to be out of service for the 2024 tourism season but are hopeful that the engine will return to the railroad’s lineup in May 2025.

Dillon said he has raised $10,000 from registration fees, which will be donated to the A&amp;SV’s Santa Fe 3415 restoration fund. Dillon is no stranger to Abilene, as he has visited several times to ride the railroad’s stream-driven trains. 

“I decided to do this project because I like Abilene. It’s a small town, similar to where I grew up. People are friendly, everybody knows everybody else, and people get involved in their community,” said Dillon, who has also written about Santa Fe 3415 for Railfan and Railroad magazine, a national publication.

A photojournalism graduate from the University of Missouri School of Journalism, Dillon owns Hub and Spoke, a marketing and digital advertising agency in St. Louis. He developed a love for photography at age 12 and has spent most of his adult life primarily shooting photos of college and professional sports and NASCAR events. But he also been interested in trains since childhood, a fascination that led to railroad photography as a hobby. 

So far, he has personally photographed 20 different railroads across the country, including the Abilene and Smoky Valley.

This will be Dillon’s second organized railroad photo shoot excursion train. He is coordinating a similar event on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad based in Chama, New Mexico, next month. According to Dillon, railroad photography is a growing hobby among rail enthusiasts in the U.S., and the Abilene photo train is only the latest of the many such events held across the country. Most shoots are conducted on charter trains on excursion railroads.

  “We’ll have people coming to Abilene from Boston to California and all points in between,” said Dillon, who added that there is a variety of backgrounds represented by the visiting photographers, who will spend most of the weekend in Dickinson County.

People who photograph trains tend to be older, mostly retired, have disposable income and can travel in the middle of the week when most railroad photoshoots are held, Dillon said. But he added that age is not the biggest factor. Some younger participants have also registered for the photo shoot.

“One of our attendees is only 16 years old and is traveling with his mom from southern California to Abilene. This kid posts his train pictures on Instagram where he has about 120,000 followers,” said Dillon.

Dillon sees a new generation of railroad photographers emerging.

 “They are likely in their mid 20s, who may have more money which would allow them to travel more, who likely grew up watching Thomas the Train on TV, and they may have later grown up chasing trains and taking pictures of them. They are inspired by the idea of railroad photo trains but have not yet attended a full event. These people are most likely to later become real photographers or who may even become volunteers for railroads like the Abilene and Smoky Valley.” 

  Other well-known railroad photographers spending time in Abilene will include “a guy who has ridden the most miles on Amtrack than anyone in America. 

He’s known as Amtrack’s ‘Million Mile Rider,’ and he has taken railroad photos everywhere.”  Friday’s event will feature three different opportunities for these unique A&amp;SV passengers to catch the steam locomotive in action.

The train will leave Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot at 6:40 a.m., allowing photographers to take advantage of the early morning light as the engine rolls through the Smoky Hill River Valley. Dillon said photographers will have the opportunity to request that engineers Steve Schwarting and Chris Rush stop the train at various locations along the mainline to shoot photos of the engine in a variety of settings at daybreak.An afternoon session will allow photographers to capture Santa Fe 3415 in scenes that are representative of the era when the locomotive worked for the ATSF pulling passenger trains between Chicago and Kansas City. 

Dillon has arranged for shoots that will feature more vintage props that suggest a more frontier setting reminiscent of Abilene's cow town days, as horses and riders from the area will ride alongside the engine. And from the 1930s through the 1950s, with help from Abilene businessman Rod Riffel, Dillon has arranged for six classic autos from various owners in the area to be trackside for shoots with the engine.

For a night photo session, Dillon has secured professional TV lighting that will give photographers the opportunity to photograph the Rock Island Depot and the engine against the nighttime sky. 

“So many features relating to steam power are more visible in that type of setting,” said Dillon. “Things like the locomotive letting off steam, for example, are much more dramatic in darker surroundings.”

Dillon said photos that will emerge from the event will be kept in each photographer’s collection or posted in their blogs and social media platforms. Some photos may even be published in railfan magazines across the country and even worldwide.Abilene and Smoky Valley President and General Manager Ross Boelling said the photo train is a first for the railroad and it is an event that signifies the A&amp;SV’s regional and national stature.

“Sometimes we forget what a treasure Santa Fe 3415 is among railroad enthusiasts,” said Boelling. “We’re the only steam railroad in Kansas, and that creates a lot of regional interest in riding our trains. But the engine also attracts people from well beyond the borders of Kansas. This further illustrates the nationwide drawing power of our railroad and the role we play with our museum partners in drawing tourists to Abilene.”

 Boelling added a note of appreciation for Dillon and his organization's efforts.  “Our railroad thrives on peoples' imagination and enthusiasm for trains, and that’s true for our passengers as well as our volunteers. We thank Dak Dillon and those who will be attending Abilene, many of them for the first time, and we hope this will become an annual event.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686571051595.jpeg" alt="Santa Fe 3415 steam locomotive. Photo Courtesy A&amp;SV" />
 <figcaption>Santa Fe 3415 steam locomotive. Photo Courtesy A&amp;SV</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedProfessional and amateur photographers from across America will be in Abilene Friday to participate in a unique event on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad: a day-long railroad photography charter train. Thirty photographers have registered for the shoot, where the railroad’s prized steam locomotive, Santa Fe 3415, will be the star. The photo train is not sponsored by the A&amp;SV; rather, the day-long charter is the brainchild of St. Louis photographer Dak Dillon, who has organized the photo train to be a fundraiser for the A&amp;SV’s looming project, the rebuild of its iconic 1919 steam locomotive. Santa Fe 3415 is scheduled to be taken out of service next month, disassembled, and rebuilt with a new boiler and flues, a procedure required by the Federal Railroad Administration to be completed every 15 years. A&amp;SV officials expect the locomotive to be out of service for the 2024 tourism season but are hopeful that the engine will return to the railroad’s lineup in May 2025.Dillon said he has raised $10,000 from registration fees, which will be donated to the A&amp;SV’s Santa Fe 3415 restoration fund. Dillon is no stranger to Abilene, as he has visited several times to ride the railroad’s stream-driven trains. “I decided to do this project because I like Abilene. It’s a small town, similar to where I grew up. People are friendly, everybody knows everybody else, and people get involved in their community,” said Dillon, who has also written about Santa Fe 3415 for Railfan and Railroad magazine, a national publication.A photojournalism graduate from the University of Missouri School of Journalism, Dillon owns Hub and Spoke, a marketing and digital advertising agency in St. Louis. He developed a love for photography at age 12 and has spent most of his adult life primarily shooting photos of college and professional sports and NASCAR events. But he also been interested in trains since childhood, a fascination that led to railroad photography as a hobby. So far, he has personally photographed 20 different railroads across the country, including the Abilene and Smoky Valley.This will be Dillon’s second organized railroad photo shoot excursion train. He is coordinating a similar event on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad based in Chama, New Mexico, next month. According to Dillon, railroad photography is a growing hobby among rail enthusiasts in the U.S., and the Abilene photo train is only the latest of the many such events held across the country. Most shoots are conducted on charter trains on excursion railroads. “We’ll have people coming to Abilene from Boston to California and all points in between,” said Dillon, who added that there is a variety of backgrounds represented by the visiting photographers, who will spend most of the weekend in Dickinson County.People who photograph trains tend to be older, mostly retired, have disposable income and can travel in the middle of the week when most railroad photoshoots are held, Dillon said. But he added that age is not the biggest factor. Some younger participants have also registered for the photo shoot.“One of our attendees is only 16 years old and is traveling with his mom from southern California to Abilene. This kid posts his train pictures on Instagram where he has about 120,000 followers,” said Dillon.Dillon sees a new generation of railroad photographers emerging. “They are likely in their mid 20s, who may have more money which would allow them to travel more, who likely grew up watching Thomas the Train on TV, and they may have later grown up chasing trains and taking pictures of them. They are inspired by the idea of railroad photo trains but have not yet attended a full event. These people are most likely to later become real photographers or who may even become volunteers for railroads like the Abilene and Smoky Valley.” Other well-known railroad photographers spending time in Abilene will include “a guy who has ridden the most miles on Amtrack than anyone in America. He’s known as Amtrack’s ‘Million Mile Rider,’ and he has taken railroad photos everywhere.” Friday’s event will feature three different opportunities for these unique A&amp;SV passengers to catch the steam locomotive in action.The train will leave Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot at 6:40 a.m., allowing photographers to take advantage of the early morning light as the engine rolls through the Smoky Hill River Valley. Dillon said photographers will have the opportunity to request that engineers Steve Schwarting and Chris Rush stop the train at various locations along the mainline to shoot photos of the engine in a variety of settings at daybreak.An afternoon session will allow photographers to capture Santa Fe 3415 in scenes that are representative of the era when the locomotive worked for the ATSF pulling passenger trains between Chicago and Kansas City. Dillon has arranged for shoots that will feature more vintage props that suggest a more frontier setting reminiscent of Abilene's cow town days, as horses and riders from the area will ride alongside the engine. And from the 1930s through the 1950s, with help from Abilene businessman Rod Riffel, Dillon has arranged for six classic autos from various owners in the area to be trackside for shoots with the engine.For a night photo session, Dillon has secured professional TV lighting that will give photographers the opportunity to photograph the Rock Island Depot and the engine against the nighttime sky. “So many features relating to steam power are more visible in that type of setting,” said Dillon. “Things like the locomotive letting off steam, for example, are much more dramatic in darker surroundings.”Dillon said photos that will emerge from the event will be kept in each photographer’s collection or posted in their blogs and social media platforms. Some photos may even be published in railfan magazines across the country and even worldwide.Abilene and Smoky Valley President and General Manager Ross Boelling said the photo train is a first for the railroad and it is an event that signifies the A&amp;SV’s regional and national stature.“Sometimes we forget what a treasure Santa Fe 3415 is among railroad enthusiasts,” said Boelling. “We’re the only steam railroad in Kansas, and that creates a lot of regional interest in riding our trains. But the engine also attracts people from well beyond the borders of Kansas. This further illustrates the nationwide drawing power of our railroad and the role we play with our museum partners in drawing tourists to Abilene.” Boelling added a note of appreciation for Dillon and his organization's efforts. “Our railroad thrives on peoples' imagination and enthusiasm for trains, and that’s true for our passengers as well as our volunteers. We thank Dak Dillon and those who will be attending Abilene, many of them for the first time, and we hope this will become an annual event.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

ASVR: Santa Fe 3415 draws photographers from across the nation

K-State’s Blakeslee explains science behind food preparation

<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2023/09/food-science-preparing-vegetables.html">By PAT MELGARES</a> KSRE

A potato is a potato is a potato…right?

Maybe not, says Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee.

“If you taste a whole vegetable, such as a baked sweet potato, compared to slices of sweet potato that are baked, you’ll have two different foods,” said Blakeslee, who is also coordinator of the university’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/">Rapid Response Center for food science</a>.

“Cutting the vegetable opens up the cell structure to allow the natural sugars and proteins to interact with the heat,” she said. “Taste the sweet potatoes side-by-side and you will pick up different flavor compounds.”

Cutting vegetables to roast or bake can “take flavor to another level,” according to Blakeslee, because of a concept known as the&nbsp;Maillard reaction.

“The&nbsp;Maillard reaction&nbsp;is a non-enzymatic reaction between amino acids (that make up proteins) and reducing sugars (such as glucose and fructose) in the presence of heat,” Blakeslee said.

“In some cases, it is a desirable reaction, such as browning meat or baked bread, or roasted coffee beans. But in other cases, it is detrimental – such as in dry milk powder if it is stored improperly. It’s not the same as caramelization, which is a thermal decomposition of certain sugars in food (such as making caramel candy).”

Vegetables can be tasty regardless of the way consumers prepare them, Blakeslee said; it’s just a matter of preference.

“Try different ways to prepare and cook vegetables,” she said. “From baking, roasting, sautéing and more, the preparation can add a lot of variety to any meal.”

She adds: “Using different preparation methods can take a once-hated vegetable to a favorite vegetable.”

Blakeslee publishes a monthly newsletter called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/newsletter">You Asked It!</a>&nbsp;that provides numerous tips on being safe and healthy. More information is also available from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local extension offices</a>&nbsp;in Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694638870338.jpeg" alt="Cutting vegetables opens the cell structure to allow natural sugars and proteins to interact with heat, says K-State food scientist Karen Blakeslee." />
 <figcaption>Cutting vegetables opens the cell structure to allow natural sugars and proteins to interact with heat, says K-State food scientist Karen Blakeslee.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State’s Blakeslee explains science behind food preparation</h2><a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2023/09/food-science-preparing-vegetables.html">By PAT MELGARES</a> KSREA potato is a potato is a potato…right?Maybe not, says Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee.“If you taste a whole vegetable, such as a baked sweet potato, compared to slices of sweet potato that are baked, you’ll have two different foods,” said Blakeslee, who is also coordinator of the university’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/">Rapid Response Center for food science</a>.“Cutting the vegetable opens up the cell structure to allow the natural sugars and proteins to interact with the heat,” she said. “Taste the sweet potatoes side-by-side and you will pick up different flavor compounds.”Cutting vegetables to roast or bake can “take flavor to another level,” according to Blakeslee, because of a concept known as the&nbsp;Maillard reaction.“The&nbsp;Maillard reaction&nbsp;is a non-enzymatic reaction between amino acids (that make up proteins) and reducing sugars (such as glucose and fructose) in the presence of heat,” Blakeslee said.“In some cases, it is a desirable reaction, such as browning meat or baked bread, or roasted coffee beans. But in other cases, it is detrimental – such as in dry milk powder if it is stored improperly. It’s not the same as caramelization, which is a thermal decomposition of certain sugars in food (such as making caramel candy).”Vegetables can be tasty regardless of the way consumers prepare them, Blakeslee said; it’s just a matter of preference.“Try different ways to prepare and cook vegetables,” she said. “From baking, roasting, sautéing and more, the preparation can add a lot of variety to any meal.”She adds: “Using different preparation methods can take a once-hated vegetable to a favorite vegetable.”Blakeslee publishes a monthly newsletter called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/newsletter">You Asked It!</a>&nbsp;that provides numerous tips on being safe and healthy. More information is also available from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local extension offices</a>&nbsp;in Kansas.

KSRE: Vegetable prep affects flavor, texture

NAME:Davis,Crystal Marie REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Failure to appear

NAME:Davison,Isaaq Paul REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Probation Violation

NAME:Detrick,Samuel Adam REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation

NAME:Deweese,Dane Cory REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Return for court testimony

NAME:Farrell,Erick Charles REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Probation Violation

NAME:Hartung,Brenda Jean REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Criminal littering; Public property

NAME:Hocker,Shane Michael REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity, Improper driving on laned roadway

NAME:Huehl,Austen Daniel REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Reckless Driving

NAME:Marshall,Wyona Ruth REQUESTED CHARGE(S):

NAME:Miller,Hevan Leighann REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Failure to appear

NAME:Peterson,Cash Logan REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Failure to appear

NAME:Sanchez,Adan REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Probation Violation, Poss of marijuana

NAME:Shields,Christopher Allen REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor, Domestic Battery: rude physical contact, Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body, Poss of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions

NAME: Smith,Miranda Sue REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear, Driving While Suspended, No Proof Of Insurance

NAME:Snipes,Attrail Ammond REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation

NAME:Willoughby,Robert Joseph REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear

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/2023/9/1694705514174.jpeg" alt="Davis,Crystal Marie" />
 <figcaption>Davis,Crystal Marie</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Davis,Crystal Marie REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694705577994.jpeg" alt="Davison,Isaaq Paul" />
 <figcaption>Davison,Isaaq Paul</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Davison,Isaaq Paul REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694705591295.jpeg" alt="Detrick,Samuel Adam" />
 <figcaption>Detrick,Samuel Adam</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Detrick,Samuel Adam REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694705602962.jpeg" alt="Deweese,Dane Cory" />
 <figcaption>Deweese,Dane Cory</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Deweese,Dane Cory REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Return for court testimony<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694705612076.jpeg" alt="Farrell,Erick Charles" />
 <figcaption>Farrell,Erick Charles</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Farrell,Erick Charles REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694705624849.jpeg" alt="Hartung,Brenda Jean" />
 <figcaption>Hartung,Brenda Jean</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Hartung,Brenda Jean REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Criminal littering; Public property<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694705637612.jpeg" alt="Hocker,Shane Michael" />
 <figcaption>Hocker,Shane Michael</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Hocker,Shane Michael REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity, Improper driving on laned roadway<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694705684420.jpeg" alt="Huehl,Austen Daniel" />
 <figcaption>Huehl,Austen Daniel</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Huehl,Austen Daniel REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Reckless Driving<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694705728188.jpeg" alt="Marshall,Wyona Ruth" />
 <figcaption>Marshall,Wyona Ruth</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Marshall,Wyona Ruth REQUESTED CHARGE(S):<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694705748659.jpeg" alt="Miller,Hevan Leighann" />
 <figcaption>Miller,Hevan Leighann</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Miller,Hevan Leighann REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694705759564.jpeg" alt="Peterson,Cash Logan" />
 <figcaption>Peterson,Cash Logan</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Peterson,Cash Logan REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694705797593.jpeg" alt="Sanchez,Adan" />
 <figcaption>Sanchez,Adan</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Sanchez,Adan REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Probation Violation, Poss of marijuana<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694705808180.jpeg" alt="Shields,Christopher Allen" />
 <figcaption>Shields,Christopher Allen</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Shields,Christopher Allen REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor, Domestic Battery: rude physical contact, Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body, Poss of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694705938804.jpeg" alt="Smith,Miranda Sue" />
 <figcaption>Smith,Miranda Sue</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Smith,Miranda Sue REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear, Driving While Suspended, No Proof Of Insurance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694705975707.jpeg" alt="Snipes,Attrail Ammond" />
 <figcaption>Snipes,Attrail Ammond</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Snipes,Attrail Ammond REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694706008868.jpeg" alt="Willoughby,Robert Joseph" />
 <figcaption>Willoughby,Robert Joseph</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Willoughby,Robert Joseph REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear

Saline County Jail Activity, Sept. 14

By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight Kansas

Last month a state district court judge in Montana ruled in favor of young environmental activists — ranging in age from 5 to 22 — and their claim that the state of Montana was violating their constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment by allowing fossil fuel development.

Essentially, this ruling sets a first-of-its-kind precedent that government has a duty to protect citizens from climate change.

Well, that’s a bit more difficult to unpack.

The Kansas Constitution, unlike Montana’s, does not provide explicit protections for the environment, though there are numerous state laws in place for varying levels of environmental protection.

For example, the rise in wind energy utilization over the past two decades has led to a consistent decline in the state’s carbon emissions — a well known contributor to global climate change.

Though, Kansas has not yet adopted a 100% renewable energy goal like other environmentally-conscious states have, including our western neighbor, Colorado.

Perhaps this isn’t surprising considering the oil and natural gas industry is a major contributor to the state’s economy — according to the Kansas Geological Survey, run by the University of Kansas, there are currently 45,402 oil wells and 19,015 natural gas wells in operation across the state — and the state home to one of the largest fossil fuel companies in the country.

But one thing is clear both in Montana and Kansas, citizens — especially young people — are concerned about the effects of climate change.

Data from the 2022 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey distributed by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University supports this assertion. Nearly half (49%) of Kansans expressed that climate change was a crisis or major problem and another 28% said it was a minor problem.

Furthermore, nearly 75% of respondents said that state government policies could have some effect on limiting climate change — 78% said federal government and 68% said local government could have some effect.

Notably, 78% of Kansans also indicated that business and corporate policies could have some effect on limiting climate change.

Exit polling conducted by Fox News during the November 2022 election also found that 52% of Kansans are very or somewhat concerned about the effects of climate change on their local community.

Responsively, Kansas has made great strides towards being a leader in renewable energy — wind energy accounted for 47% of our electricity generation in 2022, which was the third-highest share of wind power for any state after Iowa and South Dakota, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). And in 2019, wind energy surpassed coal for the first time as the largest energy source for generating electricity in Kansas.

Furthermore, the Kansas Renewable Energy Standards Act, passed in 2019, established a voluntary goal that 20% of a utility’s peak demand will be generated from renewable energy resources by the year 2020.

The state also has some tax incentives in place to encourage individuals and businesses to utilize alternative energy sources.

The EIA has dubbed Kansas among the states with the most wind power potential due to our wide open plains, yet a vast majority of Kansas’ wind resources still remain untapped.

Considering the broad concern about climate change among Kansans, an increase in climate related temperatures and disasters across the globe, and evidence that climate change is responsible for the slow depletion of the High Plains Aquifer System — including the well-known Ogallala Aquifer, which is the most important water source for much of western and central Kansas — let’s hope that state policy continues to move in the direction of renewable energy, leaving fossil fuels development a thing of the past.

Alexandra Middlewood, PhD. is the Department Chair of Political Science at Wichita State University

By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight KansasLast month a state district court judge in Montana ruled in favor of young environmental activists — ranging in age from 5 to 22 — and their claim that the state of Montana was violating their constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment by allowing fossil fuel development.Essentially, this ruling sets a first-of-its-kind precedent that government has a duty to protect citizens from climate change.What does this mean for Kansas?Well, that’s a bit more difficult to unpack.The Kansas Constitution, unlike Montana’s, does not provide explicit protections for the environment, though there are numerous state laws in place for varying levels of environmental protection.For example, the rise in wind energy utilization over the past two decades has led to a consistent decline in the state’s carbon emissions — a well known contributor to global climate change.Though, Kansas has not yet adopted a 100% renewable energy goal like other environmentally-conscious states have, including our western neighbor, Colorado.Perhaps this isn’t surprising considering the oil and natural gas industry is a major contributor to the state’s economy — according to the Kansas Geological Survey, run by the University of Kansas, there are currently 45,402 oil wells and 19,015 natural gas wells in operation across the state — and the state home to one of the largest fossil fuel companies in the country.But one thing is clear both in Montana and Kansas, citizens — especially young people — are concerned about the effects of climate change.Data from the 2022 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey distributed by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University supports this assertion. Nearly half (49%) of Kansans expressed that climate change was a crisis or major problem and another 28% said it was a minor problem.Furthermore, nearly 75% of respondents said that state government policies could have some effect on limiting climate change — 78% said federal government and 68% said local government could have some effect.Notably, 78% of Kansans also indicated that business and corporate policies could have some effect on limiting climate change.Exit polling conducted by Fox News during the November 2022 election also found that 52% of Kansans are very or somewhat concerned about the effects of climate change on their local community.Responsively, Kansas has made great strides towards being a leader in renewable energy — wind energy accounted for 47% of our electricity generation in 2022, which was the third-highest share of wind power for any state after Iowa and South Dakota, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). And in 2019, wind energy surpassed coal for the first time as the largest energy source for generating electricity in Kansas.Furthermore, the Kansas Renewable Energy Standards Act, passed in 2019, established a voluntary goal that 20% of a utility’s peak demand will be generated from renewable energy resources by the year 2020.The state also has some tax incentives in place to encourage individuals and businesses to utilize alternative energy sources.The EIA has dubbed Kansas among the states with the most wind power potential due to our wide open plains, yet a vast majority of Kansas’ wind resources still remain untapped.Considering the broad concern about climate change among Kansans, an increase in climate related temperatures and disasters across the globe, and evidence that climate change is responsible for the slow depletion of the High Plains Aquifer System — including the well-known Ogallala Aquifer, which is the most important water source for much of western and central Kansas — let’s hope that state policy continues to move in the direction of renewable energy, leaving fossil fuels development a thing of the past.Alexandra Middlewood, PhD. is the Department Chair of Political Science at Wichita State University

Climate change concerns Kansans as wind energy potential remains untapped

On Sept. 14, 1814, Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the poem “Defence of Fort McHenry” (later “The Star-Spangled Banner”) after witnessing the American flag flying over the Maryland fort following a night of British naval bombardment during the War of 1812.

In 1847, during the Mexican-American War, U.S. forces under Gen. Winfield Scott took control of Mexico City.

In 1861, the first naval engagement of the Civil War took place as the USS Colorado attacked and sank the Confederate private schooner Judah off Pensacola, Florida.

In 1867, the first volume of “Das Kapital” by Karl Marx was published in Hamburg, Germany.

In 1901, President William McKinley died in Buffalo, New York, of gunshot wounds inflicted by an assassin; Vice President Theodore Roosevelt succeeded him.

In 1927, modern dance pioneer Isadora Duncan died in Nice, France, when her scarf became entangled in a wheel of the sports car she was riding in.

In 1982, Princess Grace of Monaco, formerly film star Grace Kelly, died at age 52 of injuries from a car crash the day before; Lebanon’s president-elect, Bashir Gemayel (bah-SHEER’ jeh-MAY’-el), was killed by a bomb.

In 1991, the government of South Africa, the African National Congress and the Inkatha (in-KAH’-tah) Freedom Party signed a national peace pact.

In 1994, on the 34th day of a strike by players, Acting Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig announced the 1994 season was over.

In 2001, Americans packed churches and clogged public squares on a day of remembrance for the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks. President George W. Bush prayed with his Cabinet and attended services at Washington National Cathedral, then flew to New York, where he waded into the ruins of the World Trade Center and addressed rescue workers in a flag-waving, bullhorn-wielding show of resolve.

In 2009, death claimed “Dirty Dancing” star Patrick Swayze at 57; former White House press secretary Jody Powell at age 65; and comic character actor Henry Gibson at age 73.

In 2012, fury over an anti-Muslim film ridiculing the Prophet Muhammad spread across the Muslim world, with deadly clashes near Western embassies in Tunisia and Sudan, an American fast-food restaurant set ablaze in Lebanon, and international peacekeepers attacked in the Sinai.

In 2015, Rowan County, Kentucky, clerk Kim Davis returned to work for the first time since she was jailed for defying a federal court and announced that she would no longer block her deputies from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

In 2018, Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh denied an allegation of sexual misconduct from when he was in high school, saying, “I did not do this back in high school or at any time.” (Kavanaugh would later be confirmed by the Senate.)

Celebrity Birthdays:&nbsp;Sept. 14: Actor Walter Koenig (“Star Trek”) is 85. Singer-actor Joey Heatherton is 77. Actor Sam Neill is 74. Singer John “Bowzer” Baumann of Sha Na Na is 74. Actor Robert Wisdom (“Nashville,” ″The Wire”) is 68. Saxophonist Steve Berlin of Los Lobos is 66. Country singer-songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman is 65. Country singer John Berry is 62. Actor Mary Crosby is 62. Singer Morten Harket of A-ha is 62. Actor Melissa Leo is 61. Actor Faith Ford (“Faith and Hope,” ″Murphy Brown”) is 57. Actor Michelle Stafford (“The Young and the Restless”) is 56. Actor Dan Cortese is 54. Singer Mark Hall of Casting Crowns is 52. Actor Tyler Perry is 52. Actor Ben Garant (“Reno 911!”) is 51. Actor Kimberly Williams-Paisley (“According to Jim”) is 50. Actor Andrew Lincoln (“The Walking Dead”) is 48. Rapper Nas is 48. Actor Austin Basis (“Life Unexpected”) is 45. TV chef Katie Lee (“The Kitchen”) is 40. Actor Adam Lamberg (“Lizzie McGuire”) is 37. Singer Alex Clare is 36. Actor Jessica Brown Findlay (“Downton Abbey”) is 34. Actor-singer Logan Henderson (“Big Time Rush”) is 32. Actor Emma Kenney (“The Connors,” ″Shameless”) is 22.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694638524499.png" alt="In this Tuesday, March 3, 2020 photo, the original manuscript of “The Star-Spangled Banner”, written by Francis Scott Key, was on display for one day only at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Md., to celebrate the poem’s 89th anniversary as America’s national anthem. Photo Courtesy&nbsp;Paul W. Gillespie/Capital Gazette via AP)" />
 <figcaption>In this Tuesday, March 3, 2020 photo, the original manuscript of “The Star-Spangled Banner”, written by Francis Scott Key, was on display for one day only at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Md., to celebrate the poem’s 89th anniversary as America’s national anthem. Photo Courtesy&nbsp;Paul W. Gillespie/Capital Gazette via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Today’s Highlight in History:</h2>On Sept. 14, 1814, Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the poem “Defence of Fort McHenry” (later “The Star-Spangled Banner”) after witnessing the American flag flying over the Maryland fort following a night of British naval bombardment during the War of 1812.<h2>On this date:</h2>In 1847, during the Mexican-American War, U.S. forces under Gen. Winfield Scott took control of Mexico City.In 1861, the first naval engagement of the Civil War took place as the USS Colorado attacked and sank the Confederate private schooner Judah off Pensacola, Florida.In 1867, the first volume of “Das Kapital” by Karl Marx was published in Hamburg, Germany.In 1901, President William McKinley died in Buffalo, New York, of gunshot wounds inflicted by an assassin; Vice President Theodore Roosevelt succeeded him.In 1927, modern dance pioneer Isadora Duncan died in Nice, France, when her scarf became entangled in a wheel of the sports car she was riding in.In 1982, Princess Grace of Monaco, formerly film star Grace Kelly, died at age 52 of injuries from a car crash the day before; Lebanon’s president-elect, Bashir Gemayel (bah-SHEER’ jeh-MAY’-el), was killed by a bomb.In 1991, the government of South Africa, the African National Congress and the Inkatha (in-KAH’-tah) Freedom Party signed a national peace pact.In 1994, on the 34th day of a strike by players, Acting Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig announced the 1994 season was over.In 2001, Americans packed churches and clogged public squares on a day of remembrance for the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks. President George W. Bush prayed with his Cabinet and attended services at Washington National Cathedral, then flew to New York, where he waded into the ruins of the World Trade Center and addressed rescue workers in a flag-waving, bullhorn-wielding show of resolve.In 2009, death claimed “Dirty Dancing” star Patrick Swayze at 57; former White House press secretary Jody Powell at age 65; and comic character actor Henry Gibson at age 73.In 2012, fury over an anti-Muslim film ridiculing the Prophet Muhammad spread across the Muslim world, with deadly clashes near Western embassies in Tunisia and Sudan, an American fast-food restaurant set ablaze in Lebanon, and international peacekeepers attacked in the Sinai.In 2015, Rowan County, Kentucky, clerk Kim Davis returned to work for the first time since she was jailed for defying a federal court and announced that she would no longer block her deputies from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.In 2018, Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh denied an allegation of sexual misconduct from when he was in high school, saying, “I did not do this back in high school or at any time.” (Kavanaugh would later be confirmed by the Senate.)Celebrity Birthdays:&nbsp;Sept. 14: Actor Walter Koenig (“Star Trek”) is 85. Singer-actor Joey Heatherton is 77. Actor Sam Neill is 74. Singer John “Bowzer” Baumann of Sha Na Na is 74. Actor Robert Wisdom (“Nashville,” ″The Wire”) is 68. Saxophonist Steve Berlin of Los Lobos is 66. Country singer-songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman is 65. Country singer John Berry is 62. Actor Mary Crosby is 62. Singer Morten Harket of A-ha is 62. Actor Melissa Leo is 61. Actor Faith Ford (“Faith and Hope,” ″Murphy Brown”) is 57. Actor Michelle Stafford (“The Young and the Restless”) is 56. Actor Dan Cortese is 54. Singer Mark Hall of Casting Crowns is 52. Actor Tyler Perry is 52. Actor Ben Garant (“Reno 911!”) is 51. Actor Kimberly Williams-Paisley (“According to Jim”) is 50. Actor Andrew Lincoln (“The Walking Dead”) is 48. Rapper Nas is 48. Actor Austin Basis (“Life Unexpected”) is 45. TV chef Katie Lee (“The Kitchen”) is 40. Actor Adam Lamberg (“Lizzie McGuire”) is 37. Singer Alex Clare is 36. Actor Jessica Brown Findlay (“Downton Abbey”) is 34. Actor-singer Logan Henderson (“Big Time Rush”) is 32. Actor Emma Kenney (“The Connors,” ″Shameless”) is 22.

Today in History, Sept. 14

Salina Pain Clinic's&nbsp;Gridiron Glory is back for another football season! <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/59e2976e-3402-4cda-af1e-9048fa4b0940?contestid=3#registration/registration">Register now</a> and make your NFL picks for chances to win great weekly prizes like $100 cash, gift cards, concert tickets, and event tickets to Arrowhead to watch the Kansas City Chiefs!

Gridiron Glory is free to play thanks to the Salina Pain Clinic and Salina Medical Esthetics. 

Each week select the teams you think will win. For each one you get correct, you earn points. For Monday's game enter the score you will expect the game to be, this game will serve as the tie-breaker for points.&nbsp;

Each week Salina Post will name the local winners and award them with with prizes like cash, gift cards, concert tickets, and event tickets to Arrowhead to watch the Kansas City Chiefs.&nbsp;

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662062091203.jpeg" alt="Eagle Salina Gridiron 22 800.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Eagle Salina Gridiron 22 800.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Pain Clinic's&nbsp;Gridiron Glory is back for another football season! <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/59e2976e-3402-4cda-af1e-9048fa4b0940?contestid=3#registration/registration">Register now</a> and make your NFL picks for chances to win great weekly prizes like $100 cash, gift cards, concert tickets, and event tickets to Arrowhead to watch the Kansas City Chiefs! <h2>Things you should know</h2>Gridiron Glory is free to play thanks to the Salina Pain Clinic and Salina Medical Esthetics. How do I play?Each week select the teams you think will win. For each one you get correct, you earn points. For Monday's game enter the score you will expect the game to be, this game will serve as the tie-breaker for points.&nbsp;What can I win?Each week Salina Post will name the local winners and award them with with prizes like cash, gift cards, concert tickets, and event tickets to Arrowhead to watch the Kansas City Chiefs.&nbsp;You can also accumulate season points for a chance to win a $1,000 local prize&nbsp;and a national prize trip to Hawaii!Do I have to play every week?You can register and win on a weekly basis but you&nbsp;don't have to play every week.Have a bad week? No worries! You are still eligible for weekly prizes<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/59e2976e-3402-4cda-af1e-9048fa4b0940?contestid=3#registration/registration">Register now</a>!Good Luck!&nbsp;

Sign up today to play Gridiron Glory, weekly prizes

By&nbsp;OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

<a href="https://www.usd305.com/">Salina Public Schools U.S.D. 305</a> Board of Education met for its first board meeting of the school year on Tuesday, where they tackled almost 20 different agenda items.

One of those agenda items included the district's plan to save U.S.D. 305 taxpayers, almost $4 million. 

Greg Vahrenberg, managing director at <a href="https://www.raymondjames.com/">Raymond James &amp; Associates</a>, presented the district's final savings after refinancing more than $15 million of the school district's bonds at the meeting.

Linn Exline, U.S.D. 305 superintendent said even though interest rates are much higher than the record low levels from a few years ago — the district found a unique opportunity to save taxpayer money.

"This is a good opportunity to save dollars in a way that doesn't affect people or services," Exline said.

The refinancing will also cut two years from the district's current bonds, finishing its last payment in 2031 instead of 2033.

Over the past two decades, Salina Public Schools has refinanced its bonds 12 times, saving Salina taxpayers more than $16 million.

The district accomplished this by repurchasing taxable bonds from existing investors at a discounted price and refinancing the bonds with tax-exempt refunding bonds.

"Not many school districts can say that the mill levy declined to nearly half of its original projection, a savings of over $16 million was captured, and the bonds will be paid off several years sooner than planned," Vahrenberg said.

The board sought to refinance more than $55 million of its bonds at the beginning of the year but had to narrow its scope due to limitations from the various bondholders.

Vahrenberg said that even though the amount of bonds refinanced was lower, there were still significant savings.

"Your approach helped the board be a little more innovative in these things," said Mark Bandré, one of the district's board members.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694639509338.jpeg" alt="USD 305 Salina Public Schools District Office Building on Wednesday, Sept. 13, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>USD 305 Salina Public Schools District Office Building on Wednesday, Sept. 13, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post<a href="https://www.usd305.com/">Salina Public Schools U.S.D. 305</a> Board of Education met for its first board meeting of the school year on Tuesday, where they tackled almost 20 different agenda items.One of those agenda items included the district's plan to save U.S.D. 305 taxpayers, almost $4 million. Greg Vahrenberg, managing director at <a href="https://www.raymondjames.com/">Raymond James &amp; Associates</a>, presented the district's final savings after refinancing more than $15 million of the school district's bonds at the meeting.Linn Exline, U.S.D. 305 superintendent said even though interest rates are much higher than the record low levels from a few years ago — the district found a unique opportunity to save taxpayer money."This is a good opportunity to save dollars in a way that doesn't affect people or services," Exline said.The refinancing will also cut two years from the district's current bonds, finishing its last payment in 2031 instead of 2033.Over the past two decades, Salina Public Schools has refinanced its bonds 12 times, saving Salina taxpayers more than $16 million.The district accomplished this by repurchasing taxable bonds from existing investors at a discounted price and refinancing the bonds with tax-exempt refunding bonds."Not many school districts can say that the mill levy declined to nearly half of its original projection, a savings of over $16 million was captured, and the bonds will be paid off several years sooner than planned," Vahrenberg said.The board sought to refinance more than $55 million of its bonds at the beginning of the year but had to narrow its scope due to limitations from the various bondholders.Vahrenberg said that even though the amount of bonds refinanced was lower, there were still significant savings."Your approach helped the board be a little more innovative in these things," said Mark Bandré, one of the district's board members.

Salina Public Schools save taxpayers more than $4 million

Smoky Hill Museum Have you ever wondered about the inside workings of a museum?&nbsp;

Come have coffee with the Smoky Hill Museum Director, Susan Hawksworth, at Ad Astra Books &amp; Coffee House tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 14, at 9:30 a.m. and every Thursday at 9:30 for coffee and conversation.

“Coffee with the Director is really about a way I can connect to the community. I wanted to reach out to the community and hear their thoughts on the Museum – what do they like, what don’t they like, what do they feel is missing,” Hawksworth said.

Smoky Hill Museum Have you ever wondered about the inside workings of a museum?&nbsp;Come have coffee with the Smoky Hill Museum Director, Susan Hawksworth, at Ad Astra Books &amp; Coffee House tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 14, at 9:30 a.m. and every Thursday at 9:30 for coffee and conversation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690989979458.jpeg" alt="Susan Hawksworth" />
 <figcaption>Susan Hawksworth</figcaption>
 </figure>“Coffee with the Director is really about a way I can connect to the community. I wanted to reach out to the community and hear their thoughts on the Museum – what do they like, what don’t they like, what do they feel is missing,” Hawksworth said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690990398759.jpeg" alt="Ad Astra Coffee Drink. Photo Courtesy Susan Hawksworth" />
 <figcaption>Ad Astra Coffee Drink. Photo Courtesy Susan Hawksworth</figcaption>
 </figure>

Smoky Hill Museum director hosts coffee chat at Ad Astra Coffee

Aviation passions came natural for Pieter Miller, growing up where flight is a big deal.

“My dad (Douglas Miller) was an aviation enthusiast. I spent a lot of time at the Salina&nbsp;airport,” he said.

The influence was so intense that as a young lad, Pieter developed a strategy to satisfy his own soaring curiosities.

“I grew up trying to bum rides from local pilots,” he said. “I was willing to wash their airplanes if they would give me a ride.”

Miller’s plan worked on a number of occasions.

But while the interest never waned, life took him in a slightly different direction — for awhile.

Miller is soon returning to where it all began, this time as the deputy executive director of the Salina&nbsp;Airport&nbsp;Authority, working under longtime executive director, Tim Rogers.

A private pilot, Miller has served 14 years as the Hutchinson Regional&nbsp;Airport&nbsp;manager, 15 total for the City of Hutchinson.

“Hutchinson is where my house is, and Salina is where my home is,” he said. “I’m happy to be coming back.”

Miller is scheduled to start Oct. 2, and Rogers said his talents will be used immediately during a busy time.

“Pieter’s skill set is unique and necessary for the amount of new construction and development that is scheduled to occur at the Salina Regional&nbsp;Airport&nbsp;and Industrial Center,” he said. “It’s a busy place and there is a lot going on at one time.”

- The Hollywood-based Pure Imagination Labs is joining forces with Kansas State University’s Salina Campus, Salina&nbsp;Airport&nbsp;Authority, and the State of Kansas, to build a 58,000 square-feet, $41 million Studio and Learning Center, dubbed K-AIRES Center. The acronym stands for Kansas Advanced Immersive Research for Emerging Systems. The Salina&nbsp;Airport&nbsp;Authority will build the K-AIRES Center and lease the facility to the State of Kansas.

- Construction of multiple 98,000 square-feet maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hangars on the Salina&nbsp;Airport’s north ramp development site.

- With a $3.325 million state grant, announced in late June, the SAA, in partnership with the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, Salina Community Economic Development Organization, K-State Salina, and Salina Area Technical College, will establish the Aviation Innovation and Maintenance Center, to recruit and train aviation maintenance workers.

- The $7.5 million rehabilitation of the Salina&nbsp;Airport’s crosswind Runway.

- The $12 million expansion of the M.J. Kennedy Air Terminal to support scheduled air service growth.

- Guiding the remedial action phase of the $70 million Former Schilling Air Force Base cleanup project.

“Pieter will assume a major role in these projects,” Rogers said. “He will also lead new&nbsp;Airport&nbsp;and&nbsp;Airport&nbsp;Industrial growth initiatives."

As he prepares, researches and studies for the transition to Salina, Miller said he is receiving a steady stream of emails and keeps a notebook of questions concerning projects such as scheduled air service development. Miller said he is also aware of the community efforts to complete the Former Schilling Air Force base environmental cleanup work.

“I have been involved in Hutch with landfill and environmental cleanup projects and I’m becoming familiar with issues at the Schilling Project,” Miller said. “I really haven’t had to deal with scheduled air service here. There’s certainly a learning curve, but I’ll be working with Salina’s air service consultant Gary Foss to help me get up to speed.”

He is familiar with the Federal Aviation Administration’s&nbsp;airport&nbsp;certification regulations that apply to the Salina&nbsp;Airport.

Looking back, Miller wasn’t necessarily looking for a career in the aviation industry, but fate kept guiding him back to the tarmac.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694624142409.jpeg" alt="Pieter Miller. Photo Courtesy Salina Airport Authority" />
 <figcaption>Pieter Miller. Photo Courtesy Salina Airport Authority</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM UNRUHAviation passions came natural for Pieter Miller, growing up where flight is a big deal.“My dad (Douglas Miller) was an aviation enthusiast. I spent a lot of time at the Salina&nbsp;airport,” he said.The influence was so intense that as a young lad, Pieter developed a strategy to satisfy his own soaring curiosities.“I grew up trying to bum rides from local pilots,” he said. “I was willing to wash their airplanes if they would give me a ride.”Miller’s plan worked on a number of occasions.But while the interest never waned, life took him in a slightly different direction — for awhile.Miller is soon returning to where it all began, this time as the deputy executive director of the Salina&nbsp;Airport&nbsp;Authority, working under longtime executive director, Tim Rogers.A private pilot, Miller has served 14 years as the Hutchinson Regional&nbsp;Airport&nbsp;manager, 15 total for the City of Hutchinson.“Hutchinson is where my house is, and Salina is where my home is,” he said. “I’m happy to be coming back.”Miller is scheduled to start Oct. 2, and Rogers said his talents will be used immediately during a busy time.“Pieter’s skill set is unique and necessary for the amount of new construction and development that is scheduled to occur at the Salina Regional&nbsp;Airport&nbsp;and Industrial Center,” he said. “It’s a busy place and there is a lot going on at one time.”Projects include:- The Hollywood-based Pure Imagination Labs is joining forces with Kansas State University’s Salina Campus, Salina&nbsp;Airport&nbsp;Authority, and the State of Kansas, to build a 58,000 square-feet, $41 million Studio and Learning Center, dubbed K-AIRES Center. The acronym stands for Kansas Advanced Immersive Research for Emerging Systems. The Salina&nbsp;Airport&nbsp;Authority will build the K-AIRES Center and lease the facility to the State of Kansas.- Construction of multiple 98,000 square-feet maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hangars on the Salina&nbsp;Airport’s north ramp development site.- With a $3.325 million state grant, announced in late June, the SAA, in partnership with the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, Salina Community Economic Development Organization, K-State Salina, and Salina Area Technical College, will establish the Aviation Innovation and Maintenance Center, to recruit and train aviation maintenance workers.- The $7.5 million rehabilitation of the Salina&nbsp;Airport’s crosswind Runway.- The $12 million expansion of the M.J. Kennedy Air Terminal to support scheduled air service growth.- Guiding the remedial action phase of the $70 million Former Schilling Air Force Base cleanup project.“Pieter will assume a major role in these projects,” Rogers said. “He will also lead new&nbsp;Airport&nbsp;and&nbsp;Airport&nbsp;Industrial growth initiatives."As he prepares, researches and studies for the transition to Salina, Miller said he is receiving a steady stream of emails and keeps a notebook of questions concerning projects such as scheduled air service development. Miller said he is also aware of the community efforts to complete the Former Schilling Air Force base environmental cleanup work.“I have been involved in Hutch with landfill and environmental cleanup projects and I’m becoming familiar with issues at the Schilling Project,” Miller said. “I really haven’t had to deal with scheduled air service here. There’s certainly a learning curve, but I’ll be working with Salina’s air service consultant Gary Foss to help me get up to speed.”He is familiar with the Federal Aviation Administration’s&nbsp;airport&nbsp;certification regulations that apply to the Salina&nbsp;Airport.Looking back, Miller wasn’t necessarily looking for a career in the aviation industry, but fate kept guiding him back to the tarmac.The 1993 Salina Central graduate completed a parks and recreation degree in 1999 from Kansas State University. He worked for a couple of engineering firms, and while helping build a new taxiway at the Hutchinson&nbsp;airport, city leaders offered him a job.“They asked if I would be interested in managing the&nbsp;airport&nbsp;for them, and after about a year, I figured out this would be my career path. I’ve enjoyed almost everything about it,” Miller said.His wife, Tammy, works as a radiation therapist at Chalmers Cancer Center in Hutchinson. They have two children, Natalie, 14, a high school freshman, and Owen, 11, in the sixth grade.Working in Salina, Miller said he is looking forward to being closer to family. His mother, Rebecca Miller-Pyle and stepfather Carl Pyle are retired and live in Salina. His father died 11 years ago. Miller’s sister, Elizabeth Duggins, teaches at Cottonwood Elementary School in Salina.Pieter Miller loves the outdoors, including hiking, camping, backpacking, canoeing, and boating, with a “serious interest in Jeeps and four-wheel adventures.”“I have a desire to learn golf,” he said. “It seems to be a pretty popular thing to do around here.”

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