A Plan Can Help Small and Medium-Sized Businesses Fuel Growth

A strategic plan serves as a clear roadmap, helping businesses set measurable goals, anticipate challenges and stay focused on long-term growth

Successful strategic planning requires stepping outside daily operations to align vision with actionable steps, supported by realistic and well-researched objectives.

Tailoring a strategic plan to your company’s lifecycle ensures relevance and clarity, providing a practical framework for achieving your goals.

It’s best practice for all businesses to have a strategic plan, from self-employed professionals to Fortune 500 Companies. Strategic plans provide vision, direction, focus and help business owners align their goals with actionable steps. Without a strategic plan, businesses risk drifting without clear priorities, leading to missed opportunities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Additionally, strategic plans help businesses anticipate potential challenges and respond to competition in a proactive manner. By setting clear objectives and identifying competitive advantages (and disadvantages), the business can develop strategies to differentiate themselves from competitors and stand out in the market.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The business owners and executives we’ve seen successfully develop and execute strategic plans were the ones willing to step outside of the normal “day-to-day” and dedicate the time to working on their company. The investment made in designing the plan, executing the plan and being held accountable to the plan, were just as, if not more important, than the actual plan itself.&nbsp;

How Does a Strategic Plan Work?&nbsp;

Simply put, a strategic plan is a roadmap to get you from Point A and Point B. We like to think of a strategic plan as if we were planning on a cross-country road trip. Before getting on the road, wouldn’t you want to take a look at a map? Of course. Yet it’s surprising how many companies attempt “to drive from LA to New York” without a map.&nbsp;

The first thing to consider is what kind of trip you want to have. Is the goal to take the fastest, most direct route? Is the goal to meander and stop to catch a show in Vegas or hike in the Rockies? Or is the goal to drive to Kansas City as fast as possible, but stay with family for a few days?&nbsp;

In other words, setting goals and objectives is the heart of a strategic plan.

In the business world, it looks like this:&nbsp;

ABC Company is making $5 million in revenue and has EBITDA of $1 million. It has 25 employees and sells products into three customer groups. Its owner’s top goal is to grow. But growth is an amorphous goal until you quantify it with some numbers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Industry research – an essential aspect of strategic planning – shows other companies in ABC’s industry have typically achieved growth of 2x to 3x revenues over the past five years. But ABC’s owner wants to achieve growth of 5x revenues and add two more customer groups over the next five years.&nbsp;

A key characteristic of a good strategic plan is the probability of success i.e. realistic. The ABC owner’s goal is aggressive, but is it realistic? A market analysis shows the owner’s goal may be realistic if ABC can acquire a competitor company in addition to achieving organic growth, and if the economy and interest rates are favorable. But those are big “ifs,” and ABC would have to be extraordinarily disciplined to adhere to the strategic plan’s roadmap.&nbsp;

Quantitative &amp; Qualitative&nbsp;

Building a strategic plan requires both quantitative and qualitative thinking. Your goal may be quantitative – say you want your company to grow from $10 million in revenues to $15 million over the next three years before going out to market. That’s quantitative. You have quantified a goal.&nbsp;

But a market analysis may show that the best-in-class companies in your sector (e.g. manufacturing industry) are selling products at gross margins of 40% to 50%. Yet your company is selling products at a gross margin of 30%. It is also a quantitative thought: 30% vs 40%-50%. But it is also a qualitative thought: why? Why are your company’s products selling at a lower gross margin than your competition? Are they buying raw materials cheaper? Does your workforce lack certain skills and training to manufacture complex, more profitable products? Do you need to invest in better equipment in an attempt to improve production efficiency? The numbers point to a qualitative question, and you need to look at what’s behind your gross margin and figure out how to improve it before you go to market.&nbsp;

In essence, math can be easy. The numbers speak for themselves. But it’s the qualitative factors behind the numbers that reveal the challenges that will define much of a company’s strategic plan.&nbsp;

An effective strategic plan should mirror where a company is in its business lifecycle. If your company is a startup, the strategic plan will look different than the plan for a mature business. For a startup, the goal may not be to become profitable within a year, but rather obtain additional rounds of funding, prove its concept and identify a growth track.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Compare this plan to a company that is mature, profitable and has shareholders. They may not be looking for additional investments. But say the company has had a great year and has grabbed the attention of several private equity groups for a future acquisition. Its strategic plan might be one built around selling the company in two or three years and cashing out. What was once a mature company has now prepared a strategic plan around exit planning.&nbsp;

No matter where a company is in its business lifecycle, the process of building a strategic plan is the same: you have a starting point, which is where you are today. You envision an end point. Your strategic plan is the roadmap that gets you from the starting point to the end point.

Characteristics of a Good Strategic Plan&nbsp;

A good strategic plan rests on three important characteristics:&nbsp;

Clarity:&nbsp;Even if someone doesn’t agree with your plan, can they read it and understand it? Does it make sense? If a business owner hears from key stakeholders that the strategic plan doesn’t make sense or can’t hit its goals, such criticism should be taken seriously.

Relevance:&nbsp;Does the plan support the owner’s goal? A strategic plan should tie back to specific goals and timelines. If analysis and financial projections show the strategies and objectives in the plan, such as acquisitions or expansions of product lines, won’t be enough to help the company reach its goals, where does the problem lie? Are the strategies out of kilter or are the goals unrealistic?

Reality:&nbsp;Perhaps the most important characteristic is whether the plan is realistic. You should be able to map goals, objectives, milestones and outcomes to the plan in a way that makes sense. If a company is valued at $8 million and its owner’s goal is to sell for $10 million, and industry projections support that growth, that’s a realistic goal. But if they’re valued at $8 million and they want to sell for $20 million within two years, that’s an unrealistic goal.&nbsp;

Who is Involved in Building a Strategic Plan?&nbsp;

Ultimately, a strategic plan will impact nearly everyone in a company. It needs to be finalized and approved by key stakeholders, including top management, investors and perhaps the company’s attorney and accountant.&nbsp;

But the team that actually puts together the plan should be selected based on their skills and the relevance of their roles to the content of the plan. For instance, if the plan calls for a reorganization of the ownership group, an attorney will need to be involved, and most likely a tax advisor, as well.&nbsp;

Some companies have the internal talent and skills to put together a comprehensive strategic plan. Others don’t and need to reach outside for expertise. Depending on the key goals and strategies laid out in the plan, input from an attorney, an accountant, a banker, a wealth advisor or a business consultant may be advantageous.&nbsp;

In the end, your strategic plan needs to be short, sweet and to the point. But it needs to be supported by a lot of work behind it. When you understand where you are today and where you want to get to, that will dictate your scope and the professional team that will help build your strategic plan.&nbsp;

If you would like to take the first steps toward creating a comprehensive strategic plan for your company,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/contact/">contact an Adams Brown advisor</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741211435367.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A Plan Can Help Small and Medium-Sized Businesses Fuel GrowthKey Takeaways:A strategic plan serves as a clear roadmap, helping businesses set measurable goals, anticipate challenges and stay focused on long-term growthSuccessful strategic planning requires stepping outside daily operations to align vision with actionable steps, supported by realistic and well-researched objectives.Tailoring a strategic plan to your company’s lifecycle ensures relevance and clarity, providing a practical framework for achieving your goals.It’s best practice for all businesses to have a strategic plan, from self-employed professionals to Fortune 500 Companies. Strategic plans provide vision, direction, focus and help business owners align their goals with actionable steps. Without a strategic plan, businesses risk drifting without clear priorities, leading to missed opportunities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, strategic plans help businesses anticipate potential challenges and respond to competition in a proactive manner. By setting clear objectives and identifying competitive advantages (and disadvantages), the business can develop strategies to differentiate themselves from competitors and stand out in the market.&nbsp;&nbsp;The business owners and executives we’ve seen successfully develop and execute strategic plans were the ones willing to step outside of the normal “day-to-day” and dedicate the time to working on their company. The investment made in designing the plan, executing the plan and being held accountable to the plan, were just as, if not more important, than the actual plan itself.&nbsp;How Does a Strategic Plan Work?&nbsp;Simply put, a strategic plan is a roadmap to get you from Point A and Point B. We like to think of a strategic plan as if we were planning on a cross-country road trip. Before getting on the road, wouldn’t you want to take a look at a map? Of course. Yet it’s surprising how many companies attempt “to drive from LA to New York” without a map.&nbsp;The first thing to consider is what kind of trip you want to have. Is the goal to take the fastest, most direct route? Is the goal to meander and stop to catch a show in Vegas or hike in the Rockies? Or is the goal to drive to Kansas City as fast as possible, but stay with family for a few days?&nbsp;In other words, setting goals and objectives is the heart of a strategic plan.In the business world, it looks like this:&nbsp;ABC Company is making $5 million in revenue and has EBITDA of $1 million. It has 25 employees and sells products into three customer groups. Its owner’s top goal is to grow. But growth is an amorphous goal until you quantify it with some numbers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Industry research – an essential aspect of strategic planning – shows other companies in ABC’s industry have typically achieved growth of 2x to 3x revenues over the past five years. But ABC’s owner wants to achieve growth of 5x revenues and add two more customer groups over the next five years.&nbsp;A key characteristic of a good strategic plan is the probability of success i.e. realistic. The ABC owner’s goal is aggressive, but is it realistic? A market analysis shows the owner’s goal may be realistic if ABC can acquire a competitor company in addition to achieving organic growth, and if the economy and interest rates are favorable. But those are big “ifs,” and ABC would have to be extraordinarily disciplined to adhere to the strategic plan’s roadmap.&nbsp;Quantitative &amp; Qualitative&nbsp;Building a strategic plan requires both quantitative and qualitative thinking. Your goal may be quantitative – say you want your company to grow from $10 million in revenues to $15 million over the next three years before going out to market. That’s quantitative. You have quantified a goal.&nbsp;But a market analysis may show that the best-in-class companies in your sector (e.g. manufacturing industry) are selling products at gross margins of 40% to 50%. Yet your company is selling products at a gross margin of 30%. It is also a quantitative thought: 30% vs 40%-50%. But it is also a qualitative thought: why? Why are your company’s products selling at a lower gross margin than your competition? Are they buying raw materials cheaper? Does your workforce lack certain skills and training to manufacture complex, more profitable products? Do you need to invest in better equipment in an attempt to improve production efficiency? The numbers point to a qualitative question, and you need to look at what’s behind your gross margin and figure out how to improve it before you go to market.&nbsp;In essence, math can be easy. The numbers speak for themselves. But it’s the qualitative factors behind the numbers that reveal the challenges that will define much of a company’s strategic plan.&nbsp;Business Lifecycle&nbsp;An effective strategic plan should mirror where a company is in its business lifecycle. If your company is a startup, the strategic plan will look different than the plan for a mature business. For a startup, the goal may not be to become profitable within a year, but rather obtain additional rounds of funding, prove its concept and identify a growth track.&nbsp;&nbsp;Compare this plan to a company that is mature, profitable and has shareholders. They may not be looking for additional investments. But say the company has had a great year and has grabbed the attention of several private equity groups for a future acquisition. Its strategic plan might be one built around selling the company in two or three years and cashing out. What was once a mature company has now prepared a strategic plan around exit planning.&nbsp;No matter where a company is in its business lifecycle, the process of building a strategic plan is the same: you have a starting point, which is where you are today. You envision an end point. Your strategic plan is the roadmap that gets you from the starting point to the end point.Characteristics of a Good Strategic Plan&nbsp;A good strategic plan rests on three important characteristics:&nbsp;Clarity:&nbsp;Even if someone doesn’t agree with your plan, can they read it and understand it? Does it make sense? If a business owner hears from key stakeholders that the strategic plan doesn’t make sense or can’t hit its goals, such criticism should be taken seriously. Relevance:&nbsp;Does the plan support the owner’s goal? A strategic plan should tie back to specific goals and timelines. If analysis and financial projections show the strategies and objectives in the plan, such as acquisitions or expansions of product lines, won’t be enough to help the company reach its goals, where does the problem lie? Are the strategies out of kilter or are the goals unrealistic? Reality:&nbsp;Perhaps the most important characteristic is whether the plan is realistic. You should be able to map goals, objectives, milestones and outcomes to the plan in a way that makes sense. If a company is valued at $8 million and its owner’s goal is to sell for $10 million, and industry projections support that growth, that’s a realistic goal. But if they’re valued at $8 million and they want to sell for $20 million within two years, that’s an unrealistic goal.&nbsp;Who is Involved in Building a Strategic Plan?&nbsp;Ultimately, a strategic plan will impact nearly everyone in a company. It needs to be finalized and approved by key stakeholders, including top management, investors and perhaps the company’s attorney and accountant.&nbsp;But the team that actually puts together the plan should be selected based on their skills and the relevance of their roles to the content of the plan. For instance, if the plan calls for a reorganization of the ownership group, an attorney will need to be involved, and most likely a tax advisor, as well.&nbsp;Some companies have the internal talent and skills to put together a comprehensive strategic plan. Others don’t and need to reach outside for expertise. Depending on the key goals and strategies laid out in the plan, input from an attorney, an accountant, a banker, a wealth advisor or a business consultant may be advantageous.&nbsp;In the end, your strategic plan needs to be short, sweet and to the point. But it needs to be supported by a lot of work behind it. When you understand where you are today and where you want to get to, that will dictate your scope and the professional team that will help build your strategic plan.&nbsp;If you would like to take the first steps toward creating a comprehensive strategic plan for your company,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/contact/">contact an Adams Brown advisor</a>.

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 16

The Granny Brigade is currently holding a fundraiser to support a local three-year-old, Ezra, who is battling terminal liver cancer. The fundraiser kicked off at 8 a.m. and will run until 7 p.m. on Friday, March 14 at multiple locations:&nbsp; in front of <a href="http://910kina.com">910 KINA Radio Station </a>at 1825 South Ohio, at 2100 South 9th Street in front of Napa Auto Parts and Look for the American flags marking the donation spots.

Ezra was diagnosed with cancer on May 20, 2024, and doctors later discovered he has hepatocellular neoplasm (NOS), an aggressive form of liver cancer. Despite undergoing chemotherapy, a liver resection, and additional treatments, his condition worsened. After his last round of chemotherapy in November, his family was informed that he would not be going into remission, and he is now considered terminal. The cancer has since spread to his liver, kidneys, and lungs. 

Ezra and his mother are currently in Cincinnati for a 63-day stay, where he is participating in clinical trials in hopes of slowing the disease’s progression.

As of March 15, The Granny Brigade raised $6,532.00 for Ezra and his family.&nbsp;

Community members wishing to support Ezra and his family during this extraordinarily challenging time can donate in person at First Bank of Kansas, 2860 S 9th St. near Walmart under the account “We Fight for Ezra.” Checks should be made out to “We Fight for Ezra.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741959335476.jpeg" alt="From Left to Right: Linda Reynolds and Tina Barringer, members of the Granny Brigade stand ready to collect donations for Ezra who was recently diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. Stop by from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. to make a donation and receive a baked good for your generosity.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>From Left to Right: Linda Reynolds and Tina Barringer, members of the Granny Brigade stand ready to collect donations for Ezra who was recently diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. Stop by from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. to make a donation and receive a baked good for your generosity.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe Granny Brigade is currently holding a fundraiser to support a local three-year-old, Ezra, who is battling terminal liver cancer. The fundraiser kicked off at 8 a.m. and will run until 7 p.m. on Friday, March 14 at multiple locations:&nbsp; in front of <a href="http://910kina.com">910 KINA Radio Station </a>at 1825 South Ohio, at 2100 South 9th Street in front of Napa Auto Parts and Look for the American flags marking the donation spots.Ezra was diagnosed with cancer on May 20, 2024, and doctors later discovered he has hepatocellular neoplasm (NOS), an aggressive form of liver cancer. Despite undergoing chemotherapy, a liver resection, and additional treatments, his condition worsened. After his last round of chemotherapy in November, his family was informed that he would not be going into remission, and he is now considered terminal. The cancer has since spread to his liver, kidneys, and lungs. Ezra and his mother are currently in Cincinnati for a 63-day stay, where he is participating in clinical trials in hopes of slowing the disease’s progression.As of March 15, The Granny Brigade raised $6,532.00 for Ezra and his family.&nbsp;Community members wishing to support Ezra and his family during this extraordinarily challenging time can donate in person at First Bank of Kansas, 2860 S 9th St. near Walmart under the account “We Fight for Ezra.” Checks should be made out to “We Fight for Ezra.”

UPDATED: Granny Brigade raises $6,000+ for 3-year-old battling terminal cancer

PAT MELGARES &nbsp;K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Nutrition, says Priscilla Brenes, is not just the food we eat.

Brenes, a K-State Research and Extension specialist in the Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health, adds that eating healthfully also includes&nbsp;who&nbsp;you’re eating it with.

“When we eat with somebody else, that’s a connection,” Brenes said. “We might prepare food for somebody else. There’s a connection there, too.”

March is National Nutrition Month, sponsored annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This year’s theme is ‘Food Connects Us.’

“Think about this: If you’re eating in front of the television, what type of connection are you making there?” Brenes said. “By contrast, if I’m eating with family or friends, you may be talking about what you did during the day, or talking about your goals. Maybe you’re talking about things that you want to accomplish.”

“Connecting with other people can help you be more mindful about the foods that you’re eating and how much you’re eating.”

Brenes said that even preparing meals, particularly when children are involved, builds connections around food that become family memories.

“Family meals are a great way to share with your children, or to teach them how to set the table, or the ingredients in the food that they are putting on the table,” she said. “There’s a family connection that starts forming there and those memories can bring good emotions when we are grown up.”

She adds: “I remember eating with my parents every Sunday after going to church or going to an event and having a conversation about what we learned. And you know, after that, the kids were in charge of cleaning the table. We learned to wash the dishes and how to share the work with our siblings.”

This month, Brenes encourages families to plan activities that capitalize on the ways that food connects people.

“Try to eat more meals together with your family,” she said. “If you like to cook…maybe one person in your family can pick one recipe per week, and you can all try that recipe. Or if you’re at school – maybe as the teacher – you can ask students to bring their favorite fruit or vegetable to class and talk about it.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Information publishes guidelines to help Americans eat a variety of foods in proper proportions.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.myplate.gov/">The campaign is called MyPlate</a>, which focuses on having one-half of the dinner plate being fruits and vegetables; one-fourth grains (preferably whole grains); and one-fourth protein.

More information about healthy eating also is available online from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/fndh">K-State Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741970318903.png" alt="K-State Research and Extension " />
 <figcaption>K-State Research and Extension </figcaption>
 </figure>PAT MELGARES &nbsp;K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan. – Nutrition, says Priscilla Brenes, is not just the food we eat.Brenes, a K-State Research and Extension specialist in the Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health, adds that eating healthfully also includes&nbsp;who&nbsp;you’re eating it with.“When we eat with somebody else, that’s a connection,” Brenes said. “We might prepare food for somebody else. There’s a connection there, too.”March is National Nutrition Month, sponsored annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This year’s theme is ‘Food Connects Us.’“Think about this: If you’re eating in front of the television, what type of connection are you making there?” Brenes said. “By contrast, if I’m eating with family or friends, you may be talking about what you did during the day, or talking about your goals. Maybe you’re talking about things that you want to accomplish.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742089552247.png" alt="Family baking - KSU Research and Extension" />
 <figcaption>Family baking - KSU Research and Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>“Connecting with other people can help you be more mindful about the foods that you’re eating and how much you’re eating.”Brenes said that even preparing meals, particularly when children are involved, builds connections around food that become family memories.“Family meals are a great way to share with your children, or to teach them how to set the table, or the ingredients in the food that they are putting on the table,” she said. “There’s a family connection that starts forming there and those memories can bring good emotions when we are grown up.”She adds: “I remember eating with my parents every Sunday after going to church or going to an event and having a conversation about what we learned. And you know, after that, the kids were in charge of cleaning the table. We learned to wash the dishes and how to share the work with our siblings.”This month, Brenes encourages families to plan activities that capitalize on the ways that food connects people.“Try to eat more meals together with your family,” she said. “If you like to cook…maybe one person in your family can pick one recipe per week, and you can all try that recipe. Or if you’re at school – maybe as the teacher – you can ask students to bring their favorite fruit or vegetable to class and talk about it.”The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Information publishes guidelines to help Americans eat a variety of foods in proper proportions.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.myplate.gov/">The campaign is called MyPlate</a>, which focuses on having one-half of the dinner plate being fruits and vegetables; one-fourth grains (preferably whole grains); and one-fourth protein.More information about healthy eating also is available online from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/fndh">K-State Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health</a>.

Food Connects Us: K-State nutrition expert touts value of eating with others

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I-70 in Sherman County is back open, both directions. Be safe everyone!&mdash; Trooper Tod (@TrooperTodKHP) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrooperTodKHP/status/1901063378103115903?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

KHP: I-70 in northwest Kansas is back open

Enter the Landscape Consultants $500 Bracket Challenge before tip-off on Thursday!

College basketball fans, it's time to put your prediction skills to the test. The Landscape Consultants $500 Bracket Challenge is your chance to score big by filling out a perfect March Madness bracket. One lucky winner will take home $500, courtesy of Landscape Consultants LLC and Salina Wholesale Liquor.

Fill out your bracket before the first game tips off on Thursday morning.

Make your picks and see how they stack up throughout the tournament.

Don’t miss your shot at bracket glory and a cash prize!&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742328165499.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTEnter the Landscape Consultants $500 Bracket Challenge before tip-off on Thursday!College basketball fans, it's time to put your prediction skills to the test. The Landscape Consultants $500 Bracket Challenge is your chance to score big by filling out a perfect March Madness bracket. One lucky winner will take home $500, courtesy of Landscape Consultants LLC and Salina Wholesale Liquor.<h2>How to enter:</h2>Fill out your bracket before the first game tips off on Thursday morning.Make your picks and see how they stack up throughout the tournament.Don’t miss your shot at bracket glory and a cash prize!&nbsp;<div><div class="aptivada-widget" data-widget-id="1757908" data-widget-type="app" >
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Bracket Challenge

Central Kansas is bracing for powerful northwest winds on Wednesday, bringing gusts up to 65 mph in areas along and west of the Flint Hills. Southeast Kansas will also see significant wind gusts, reaching around 55 mph throughout the day.

These strong winds will usher in much colder air, with the potential for snow flurries in central Kansas by Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for Russell and Lincoln counties, where blizzard conditions are expected early Wednesday.

The warning includes portions of Interstate 70, where travel could become hazardous due to reduced visibility and strong winds. Motorists are urged to use caution and check road conditions before traveling.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742321921179.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NWSCentral Kansas is bracing for powerful northwest winds on Wednesday, bringing gusts up to 65 mph in areas along and west of the Flint Hills. Southeast Kansas will also see significant wind gusts, reaching around 55 mph throughout the day.These strong winds will usher in much colder air, with the potential for snow flurries in central Kansas by Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for Russell and Lincoln counties, where blizzard conditions are expected early Wednesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742321947666.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The warning includes portions of Interstate 70, where travel could become hazardous due to reduced visibility and strong winds. Motorists are urged to use caution and check road conditions before traveling.

Strong winds tonight, blizzard conditions expected Wednesday in central Kansas

&nbsp;By SALINA POST The Tony’s Pizza Events Center, located at 800 The Midway, Salina, was evacuated Saturday around 1 p.m. during the state basketball tournament after a fire alarm was triggered.

According to initial reports, event staff and emergency responders were assessing the situation, including checking the building’s electrical box. Spectators, players, and staff were temporarily moved outside as a precaution.

The alarm caused a delay in the third quarter of the Ottawa and Andale boys 4A third place game.

According to Battalion Chief Kirk Stover with the Salina Fire Department, the alarm was caused by a fire alarm system error. No flames or smoke were visible at the scene. No injuries have been reported, and officials are working to determine the caused the alarm malfunction.

&nbsp;4A Boys 3rd Place Final #1 Ottawa 61 #3 Andale 36

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592866481388.jpeg" alt="Tonys Pizza Events Center summer SP photo.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Tonys Pizza Events Center summer SP photo.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By SALINA POST The Tony’s Pizza Events Center, located at 800 The Midway, Salina, was evacuated Saturday around 1 p.m. during the state basketball tournament after a fire alarm was triggered.According to initial reports, event staff and emergency responders were assessing the situation, including checking the building’s electrical box. Spectators, players, and staff were temporarily moved outside as a precaution.The alarm caused a delay in the third quarter of the Ottawa and Andale boys 4A third place game.According to Battalion Chief Kirk Stover with the Salina Fire Department, the alarm was caused by a fire alarm system error. No flames or smoke were visible at the scene. No injuries have been reported, and officials are working to determine the caused the alarm malfunction.&nbsp;4A Boys 3rd Place Final #1 Ottawa 61 #3 Andale 36<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Ottawa band with Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and we are back in action here in Salina! 🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sportsinkansas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sportsinkansas</a> <a href="https://t.co/GYtb7olTnT">pic.twitter.com/GYtb7olTnT</a>&mdash; Sports in Kansas (@sportsinkansas) <a href="https://twitter.com/sportsinkansas/status/1900975612065419272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

UPDATED: 4A State basketball tournament at Tony’s Pizza Events Center evacuated after fire alarm

SHERMAN COUNTY —Interstate 70 was still closed Saturday in both directions between Goodland and Colby, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.&nbsp;

First responders are continuing to clear the roadway from a multi-vehicle crash on Friday due to the strong winds and blowing dirt. As many as eight people died in the crash, according to Trooper Tod Heilman with the Kansas Highway Patrol. The state established a special number for family members or loved ones that are involved in the crash. It is 785-827-4437.

On social media,&nbsp; Brian James, with Goodland Fire and EMS wrote, "I must say yesterday was the toughest and most emotional draining experience in my 22 years of being in the fire service."

Trying to manage multiple agencies, over thirty patients, triaging patients, working over 55 vehicles, fighting the wind with dirt so bad you can’t see over 50 to 100 feet, and trying to keep my crews and myself safe was just something to process." 

"I don’t think people realize the dedication these men and women give to make this community safe and secure. We had to think outside the box to get patients transported to hospitals in Goodland and Colby by using our fire department support vehicle with AEMT’s in the back to using patrol vehicles from Goodland Police Department, Sherman County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Highway Patrol."

“I’m sorry for the lives lost in this incident, but I’m grateful for the ones we could save. Goodland and Brewster Fire have to go back out today to the crash site to cut deceased people out of their vehicles. Please be praying for my crews and all Sherman County first responders.”

"A huge thank you to the following agencies who worked this massive car pile up on I-70 at MM 28 to MM 29: Goodland Fire, Brewster Fire, Northwest Kansas Ambulance Service, Colby Fire Department, Goodland Police Department, Sherman County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol, Thomas County EMS, Wallace County EMS, Cheyenne County EMS, and Sherman County Dispatch for getting me the resources I needed."

Authorities have not released names of the victims or additional details.

In response to Friday's multi-vehicle accident near Brewster, the Thomas County Commission declared a State of Local Emergency, according to a statement from Thomas County. This declaration will be formalized at the Commission meeting on Monday. County officials were actively coordinating resources to address the situation and ensure the safety of residents. A shelter was also set up through the American Red Cross at the Steve Lampe Athletic Center on the Colby Community College campus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742075593579.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POST SHERMAN COUNTY —Interstate 70 was still closed Saturday in both directions between Goodland and Colby, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.&nbsp;First responders are continuing to clear the roadway from a multi-vehicle crash on Friday due to the strong winds and blowing dirt. As many as eight people died in the crash, according to Trooper Tod Heilman with the Kansas Highway Patrol. The state established a special number for family members or loved ones that are involved in the crash. It is 785-827-4437.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742057657995.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On social media,&nbsp; Brian James, with Goodland Fire and EMS wrote, "I must say yesterday was the toughest and most emotional draining experience in my 22 years of being in the fire service."Trying to manage multiple agencies, over thirty patients, triaging patients, working over 55 vehicles, fighting the wind with dirt so bad you can’t see over 50 to 100 feet, and trying to keep my crews and myself safe was just something to process." "I don’t think people realize the dedication these men and women give to make this community safe and secure. We had to think outside the box to get patients transported to hospitals in Goodland and Colby by using our fire department support vehicle with AEMT’s in the back to using patrol vehicles from Goodland Police Department, Sherman County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Highway Patrol."“I’m sorry for the lives lost in this incident, but I’m grateful for the ones we could save. Goodland and Brewster Fire have to go back out today to the crash site to cut deceased people out of their vehicles. Please be praying for my crews and all Sherman County first responders.”"A huge thank you to the following agencies who worked this massive car pile up on I-70 at MM 28 to MM 29: Goodland Fire, Brewster Fire, Northwest Kansas Ambulance Service, Colby Fire Department, Goodland Police Department, Sherman County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol, Thomas County EMS, Wallace County EMS, Cheyenne County EMS, and Sherman County Dispatch for getting me the resources I needed."Authorities have not released names of the victims or additional details.In response to Friday's multi-vehicle accident near Brewster, the Thomas County Commission declared a State of Local Emergency, according to a statement from Thomas County. This declaration will be formalized at the Commission meeting on Monday. County officials were actively coordinating resources to address the situation and ensure the safety of residents. A shelter was also set up through the American Red Cross at the Steve Lampe Athletic Center on the Colby Community College campus.

KHP: Eight dead from NW Kan. multi-vehicle crash in dust storm

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansaspublicradio.org/people/daniel-caudill">DANIEL CAUDILL</a> <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2025-03-11/could-kansas-eliminate-taxes-on-tips-it-might-depend-on-congress">Kansas News Service</a>

A bill in Kansas would eliminate state income taxes on tips for workers like food servers. But the idea’s fate in the state likely hinges on whether Congress acts.

WICHITA — It’s a busy Friday afternoon at The Monarch bar and restaurant in downtown Wichita, and food server Kelly Bonnell is right at home.

As she grabs a customer’s sandwich and fries from the kitchen, she greets people that come and go — all the while smiling and full of energy.

“I'm not sitting in a cubicle working on a computer. I'm impacting other people, and I'm having fun,” Bonnell said. “I genuinely enjoy it.”

Bonnell’s been serving for 10 years, first in Missouri and later in Wichita. She works at two restaurants in town and said she makes enough in tips to get her through school at Wichita State University.

But her first year in Kansas, Bonnell was hit by a tax surprise. Since the minimum wage for tipped workers in Kansas is lower than in Missouri, the taxes automatically taken out of her hourly wages at a previous job didn’t cover what she owed.

“And it was hard,” she said. “I did not have the expectation of needing this massive amount of money to pay that back.”

Bonnell is now setting aside part of her tips to cover taxes, but a bill in Kansas would potentially eliminate the need for that altogether. The bill would exempt up to $25,000 in a worker’s annual tips from state income tax.

The same idea has been floated by President Donald Trump’s administration at the federal level, but its fate in Congress is uncertain. That could ultimately decide whether the state does away with income taxes on tips, too.

Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson has said it’s a commonsense measure that won’t affect the state’s bottom line.

“If the federal government takes tax off tips, how crazy would it be for (them) to have to then maintain their tips and then pay Kansas tax on those?" Masterson said.

Republican Sen. Caryn Tyson chairs the Senate’s tax committee. She introduced the bill to cut taxes on tips.

“I support Kansans — hard-working Kansans keeping more of their own money,” she said. “The more they can keep in their pockets, the better off the state is.”

If federal lawmakers do move, Kansas lawmakers seem open to following their lead. But there are some people in Topeka who believe cutting taxes on tips is not enough.

Nathan Kessler is a tax policy adviser with Kansas Action for Children. He said the tax cut would only benefit a small portion of workers.

“If the goal is to put more money in the pockets of tipped workers there are much better ways to do that,” he said. “The most efficient would be to raise the minimum wage for those workers in Kansas.”

According to the Kansas Department of Labor, the average person waiting tables makes about $34,000&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/2024%20Edition%20Statewide.xlsx" target="_blank">per year</a>. That means they often have limited tax liability in the first place.

It's also sort of an open secret that many workers don’t report their tips when it comes to taxable income, or only report some of the money. But others, like Kelly at the Monarch, are compelled to report tips as proof of income for getting an apartment or a loan.

Kansas Democrats did introduce a bill that would raise the state minimum wage to $15 an hour. It would also raise the base rate for tipped workers from about $2 an hour to $7.50.

At this time, it doesn’t appear Republican leaders are going to let it advance. They argue many local restaurants could not afford a higher minimum wage.

But Democratic House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard said Republican leaders are playing political games by not considering an increase.

“The only people who are losing by them refusing to make this increase are Kansans,” he said.

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall initially predicted Congress could pass a tax exemption on tips by June.

That could potentially delay action at the state level, as Kansas lawmakers are set to wrap up their session in April.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741965217520.png" alt="Kelly Bonnell, a server at The Monarch in downtown Wichita, grabs two plates of food to bring out to customers. She said the job helps her pay her way through college. Photo by Daniel Caudill/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Kelly Bonnell, a server at The Monarch in downtown Wichita, grabs two plates of food to bring out to customers. She said the job helps her pay her way through college. Photo by Daniel Caudill/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansaspublicradio.org/people/daniel-caudill">DANIEL CAUDILL</a> <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2025-03-11/could-kansas-eliminate-taxes-on-tips-it-might-depend-on-congress">Kansas News Service</a><h2>A bill in Kansas would eliminate state income taxes on tips for workers like food servers. But the idea’s fate in the state likely hinges on whether Congress acts.</h2>WICHITA — It’s a busy Friday afternoon at The Monarch bar and restaurant in downtown Wichita, and food server Kelly Bonnell is right at home.As she grabs a customer’s sandwich and fries from the kitchen, she greets people that come and go — all the while smiling and full of energy.“I'm not sitting in a cubicle working on a computer. I'm impacting other people, and I'm having fun,” Bonnell said. “I genuinely enjoy it.”Bonnell’s been serving for 10 years, first in Missouri and later in Wichita. She works at two restaurants in town and said she makes enough in tips to get her through school at Wichita State University.But her first year in Kansas, Bonnell was hit by a tax surprise. Since the minimum wage for tipped workers in Kansas is lower than in Missouri, the taxes automatically taken out of her hourly wages at a previous job didn’t cover what she owed.<figure>
 <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/31f8a48/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2976x1984+0+0/resize/880x587!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F82%2Fb8%2F9ccafd1946d4a68bb7c2592604f7%2Fthe-monarch.JPG" alt="Patrons dine at The Monarch in downtown Wichita. It's one of the many restaurants in which Bonnell has worked as a server. Photo by Daniel Caudill/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Patrons dine at The Monarch in downtown Wichita. It's one of the many restaurants in which Bonnell has worked as a server. Photo by Daniel Caudill/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>“And it was hard,” she said. “I did not have the expectation of needing this massive amount of money to pay that back.”Bonnell is now setting aside part of her tips to cover taxes, but a bill in Kansas would potentially eliminate the need for that altogether. The bill would exempt up to $25,000 in a worker’s annual tips from state income tax.The same idea has been floated by President Donald Trump’s administration at the federal level, but its fate in Congress is uncertain. That could ultimately decide whether the state does away with income taxes on tips, too.Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson has said it’s a commonsense measure that won’t affect the state’s bottom line.“If the federal government takes tax off tips, how crazy would it be for (them) to have to then maintain their tips and then pay Kansas tax on those?" Masterson said.Republican Sen. Caryn Tyson chairs the Senate’s tax committee. She introduced the bill to cut taxes on tips.“I support Kansans — hard-working Kansans keeping more of their own money,” she said. “The more they can keep in their pockets, the better off the state is.”If federal lawmakers do move, Kansas lawmakers seem open to following their lead. But there are some people in Topeka who believe cutting taxes on tips is not enough.Nathan Kessler is a tax policy adviser with Kansas Action for Children. He said the tax cut would only benefit a small portion of workers.“If the goal is to put more money in the pockets of tipped workers there are much better ways to do that,” he said. “The most efficient would be to raise the minimum wage for those workers in Kansas.”According to the Kansas Department of Labor, the average person waiting tables makes about $34,000&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/2024%20Edition%20Statewide.xlsx" target="_blank">per year</a>. That means they often have limited tax liability in the first place.It's also sort of an open secret that many workers don’t report their tips when it comes to taxable income, or only report some of the money. But others, like Kelly at the Monarch, are compelled to report tips as proof of income for getting an apartment or a loan.Kansas Democrats did introduce a bill that would raise the state minimum wage to $15 an hour. It would also raise the base rate for tipped workers from about $2 an hour to $7.50.At this time, it doesn’t appear Republican leaders are going to let it advance. They argue many local restaurants could not afford a higher minimum wage.But Democratic House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard said Republican leaders are playing political games by not considering an increase.“The only people who are losing by them refusing to make this increase are Kansans,” he said.U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall initially predicted Congress could pass a tax exemption on tips by June.That could potentially delay action at the state level, as Kansas lawmakers are set to wrap up their session in April.

Could Kansas eliminate taxes on tips? It might depend on Congress

The <a href="https://sunflowersummer.org/.">Sunflower Summer program</a>, which provides free access to over 220 museums, zoos, and parks across Kansas, is at risk of being cut. Supporters are urging the public to take action to preserve its funding.

⦁ Issued 500,000 tickets to 150,000 families.

 ⦁ Boosted local economies, with 76% of participants buying meals and 20% booking overnight stays. 

⦁ Generated $5 in economic benefits for every $1 invested

Local agencies that participate in Sunflower Summer include but are not limited to:&nbsp;

Rolling Hills Zoo: A prominent wildlife facility offering diverse animal exhibits and educational programs.

Kenwood Cove Aquatic Park: A popular destination featuring water slides, pools, and family-friendly aquatic activities.&nbsp;

Smoky Hill Museum: A museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and culture of the region. ​

The Garage: An ever-changing collection of classic and custom cars, interactive exhibits, concessions, and a gift shop for your family to enjoy. It is a must-visit car museum in Salina, KS.

Sign the Petition: <a href="https://savesunflowersummer.org/">Save Sunflower Summer. </a>

Contact Your Legislators: <a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/">Find your state representative</a>

With funding decisions happening now, public support is crucial to keep this program alive.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741794004972.jpeg" alt="482069027_1043587427801886_1518281321434367954_n.jpg" />
 <figcaption>482069027_1043587427801886_1518281321434367954_n.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe <a href="https://sunflowersummer.org/.">Sunflower Summer program</a>, which provides free access to over 220 museums, zoos, and parks across Kansas, is at risk of being cut. Supporters are urging the public to take action to preserve its funding.<h2>In 2024 alone, the program:</h2>⦁ Issued 500,000 tickets to 150,000 families. ⦁ Boosted local economies, with 76% of participants buying meals and 20% booking overnight stays. ⦁ Generated $5 in economic benefits for every $1 investedLocal agencies that participate in Sunflower Summer include but are not limited to:&nbsp;Rolling Hills Zoo: A prominent wildlife facility offering diverse animal exhibits and educational programs.Kenwood Cove Aquatic Park: A popular destination featuring water slides, pools, and family-friendly aquatic activities.&nbsp;Smoky Hill Museum: A museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and culture of the region. ​The Garage: An ever-changing collection of classic and custom cars, interactive exhibits, concessions, and a gift shop for your family to enjoy. It is a must-visit car museum in Salina, KS.<h2>How to Help</h2>Sign the Petition: <a href="https://savesunflowersummer.org/">Save Sunflower Summer. </a>Contact Your Legislators: <a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/">Find your state representative</a>With funding decisions happening now, public support is crucial to keep this program alive.

Sunflower Summer Program at risk – how to help

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Ahlvers,Tina Marie REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Anguiano,Braden Lee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor

NAME:&nbsp;Dionicio-Reyes,Christian Alberto REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Everett,Robert Thomas REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;

NAME:&nbsp;Lazo-Lozano,Jorge Luis REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;DUI; 3rd in 10y;comp evidence blood/breath .08+

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Matthews,Jeffery Wayne REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Nordahl,Tony Theodore REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Peterson,Michael Gale REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;

NAME:&nbsp;Simental-Ibarra,Armando REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;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 Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742044043834.jpeg" alt="Ahlvers,Tina Marie" />
 <figcaption>Ahlvers,Tina Marie</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Ahlvers,Tina Marie REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742044148081.jpeg" alt="Anguiano,Braden Lee" />
 <figcaption>Anguiano,Braden Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Anguiano,Braden Lee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742044175202.jpeg" alt="Dionicio-Reyes,Christian Alberto" />
 <figcaption>Dionicio-Reyes,Christian Alberto</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Dionicio-Reyes,Christian Alberto REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742044198266.jpeg" alt="Everett,Robert Thomas" />
 <figcaption>Everett,Robert Thomas</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Everett,Robert Thomas REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fightingInterfere w/ LEO; unknown circumstance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742044226035.jpeg" alt="Lazo-Lozano,Jorge Luis" />
 <figcaption>Lazo-Lozano,Jorge Luis</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Lazo-Lozano,Jorge Luis REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;DUI; 3rd in 10y;comp evidence blood/breath .08+<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742044262042.jpeg" alt="Matthews,Jeffery Wayne" />
 <figcaption>Matthews,Jeffery Wayne</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Matthews,Jeffery Wayne REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742044286756.jpeg" alt="Nordahl,Tony Theodore" />
 <figcaption>Nordahl,Tony Theodore</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Nordahl,Tony Theodore REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742044313794.jpeg" alt="Peterson,Michael Gale" />
 <figcaption>Peterson,Michael Gale</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Peterson,Michael Gale REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Failure to appearOutside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742044334922.jpeg" alt="Simental-Ibarra,Armando" />
 <figcaption>Simental-Ibarra,Armando</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Simental-Ibarra,Armando REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 15

A widespread power outage is affecting parts of Dickinson County, including Abilene and Solomon, according to an update from DSO Electric Cooperative.

In a social media post made shortly after 3 p.m., DSO Electric reported that both the Abilene and Solomon substations are down, leaving 100% of those connected to those substations without power. Crews have been dispatched to address the outage, but no estimated restoration time has been given.

Residents are urged to report any emergencies by calling 1-800-376-3533.

The outage comes as the region faces an extreme wildfire risk, with strong winds and dry conditions heightening the potential for fire spread. Officials are urging residents to use caution and avoid any activities that could spark a fire.

More updates will be provided as information becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741984980593.png" alt="Outage Map found on DSO's website.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Outage Map found on DSO's website.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTA widespread power outage is affecting parts of Dickinson County, including Abilene and Solomon, according to an update from DSO Electric Cooperative.In a social media post made shortly after 3 p.m., DSO Electric reported that both the Abilene and Solomon substations are down, leaving 100% of those connected to those substations without power. Crews have been dispatched to address the outage, but no estimated restoration time has been given.Residents are urged to report any emergencies by calling 1-800-376-3533.The outage comes as the region faces an extreme wildfire risk, with strong winds and dry conditions heightening the potential for fire spread. Officials are urging residents to use caution and avoid any activities that could spark a fire.More updates will be provided as information becomes available.

DSO Electric Cooperative reporting large outage in Dickinson County

With potential weather expected to begin early morning on Wednesday, March 19, the City of Salina will have salt trucks and staff on standby ready to deploy if the need arises to respond.

· As precipitation is arriving in the morning, there will be a brief chance for some light rain before a quick change to wet snow.

· Roads are expected to stay above freezing.

· Snow may be strong enough to produce minor slush on bridges &amp; elevated surfaces in Salina &amp; Manhattan.

· Strong northwest winds will reduce visibility to below 1 mile during the heaviest snow.

· Snow will taper off during the afternoon hours, ending by early evening.

· Still no refreeze concerns Wednesday night as gusty winds will quickly dry pavements in the evening.

For additional information on the storm or snow removal operations, please visit the City’s website at <a href="http://www.salina-ks.gov/">http://www.salina-ks.gov/</a>, the City’s Facebook page at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salina.ks.gov/">https://www.facebook.com/salina.ks.gov/</a> or call the General Services office at (785) 309-5750.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689115226278.jpeg" alt="City of Salina Logo" />
 <figcaption>City of Salina Logo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedWith potential weather expected to begin early morning on Wednesday, March 19, the City of Salina will have salt trucks and staff on standby ready to deploy if the need arises to respond.Wednesday Forecast Outlook:· As precipitation is arriving in the morning, there will be a brief chance for some light rain before a quick change to wet snow.· Roads are expected to stay above freezing.· Snow may be strong enough to produce minor slush on bridges &amp; elevated surfaces in Salina &amp; Manhattan.· Strong northwest winds will reduce visibility to below 1 mile during the heaviest snow.· Snow will taper off during the afternoon hours, ending by early evening.· Still no refreeze concerns Wednesday night as gusty winds will quickly dry pavements in the evening.For additional information on the storm or snow removal operations, please visit the City’s website at <a href="http://www.salina-ks.gov/">http://www.salina-ks.gov/</a>, the City’s Facebook page at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salina.ks.gov/">https://www.facebook.com/salina.ks.gov/</a> or call the General Services office at (785) 309-5750.

City of Salina preparing for potential snow event

Salina Police Department officers are investigating an aggravated assault with a weapon and an aggravated burglary that occurred Thursday afternoon in Salina at an apartment complex in the 2000 block of Hageman Avenue

According to SPD Capt. Mike Miller, officers were dispatched to the location around 12:05 p.m. after a female resident reported that a male suspect kicked in the front door and entered the residence while brandishing a handgun.

The suspect was looking for another male resident who was not present at the time. Authorities believe the confrontation was related to a property issue, though specific details about the dispute remain unclear.

According to Capt. Miller the report is not yet complete.

A second male, who was inside the apartment at the time, helped de-escalate the situation along with the female resident. Eventually, they persuaded the suspect to leave without further incident.

SPD say the suspect is known to the individuals involved and that officers are working to locate him.

The female resident appeared visibly shaken and was unable to provide full details about what was said during the encounter. No injuries were reported.

Authorities are continuing their investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592416874210.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTSalina Police Department officers are investigating an aggravated assault with a weapon and an aggravated burglary that occurred Thursday afternoon in Salina at an apartment complex in the 2000 block of Hageman AvenueAccording to SPD Capt. Mike Miller, officers were dispatched to the location around 12:05 p.m. after a female resident reported that a male suspect kicked in the front door and entered the residence while brandishing a handgun.The suspect was looking for another male resident who was not present at the time. Authorities believe the confrontation was related to a property issue, though specific details about the dispute remain unclear.According to Capt. Miller the report is not yet complete.A second male, who was inside the apartment at the time, helped de-escalate the situation along with the female resident. Eventually, they persuaded the suspect to leave without further incident.SPD say the suspect is known to the individuals involved and that officers are working to locate him.The female resident appeared visibly shaken and was unable to provide full details about what was said during the encounter. No injuries were reported.Authorities are continuing their investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210.

SPD searching for suspect in aggravated assault, burglary incident

According to Saline County Sheriff's Office Capt. Fruits, Vinardi was transported to Miracles Inc. facility in Wichita,&nbsp;not Mirror as had been originally reported by Salina Post.&nbsp;

By SALINA POST Saline County Sheriff's Deputies and law enforcement in Wichita are searching for a woman facing felony drug charges in Salina after she walked away from a court-ordered assessment center and treatment facility in Wichita before entering.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan, 42-year-old Amanda Vinardi was arrested in Wichita on Jan. 9 on a Saline County District Court warrant connected to a case investigated by the Salina Police Department. She was transported to Saline County Jail before being court-ordered to a facility in Wichita.&nbsp;

Vinardi was facing multiple charges, including:

Possession of methamphetamine Possession of marijuana Possession of drug paraphernalia Aggravated endangering a child

Vinardi is now facing an additional charge of escape from custody. A warrant has been issued for her arrest, and Wichita Police Officers and Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office have been notified.

According to Saline County Sheriff's Office Capt. Fruits, Vinardi was transported to Miracles Inc. facility in Wichita, not Mirror as had been originally reported by Salina Post.

Capt. Fruits said that Vinardi was transported from the Saline County Jail to a treatment facility in Wichita on February 19 under a court order. On March 4, she failed to attend a required class, and staff later determined she had walked away from the facility.

 Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the Saline County Sheriff's Office at (785) 826-6500.  

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736517622649.jpeg" alt=" Vinardi,Amanda Gayle" />
 <figcaption> Vinardi,Amanda Gayle</figcaption>
 </figure>According to Saline County Sheriff's Office Capt. Fruits, Vinardi was transported to Miracles Inc. facility in Wichita,&nbsp;not Mirror as had been originally reported by Salina Post.&nbsp;By SALINA POST Saline County Sheriff's Deputies and law enforcement in Wichita are searching for a woman facing felony drug charges in Salina after she walked away from a court-ordered assessment center and treatment facility in Wichita before entering.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan, 42-year-old Amanda Vinardi was arrested in Wichita on Jan. 9 on a Saline County District Court warrant connected to a case investigated by the Salina Police Department. She was transported to Saline County Jail before being court-ordered to a facility in Wichita.&nbsp;Vinardi was facing multiple charges, including:Possession of methamphetamine Possession of marijuana Possession of drug paraphernalia Aggravated endangering a childVinardi is now facing an additional charge of escape from custody. A warrant has been issued for her arrest, and Wichita Police Officers and Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office have been notified.According to Saline County Sheriff's Office Capt. Fruits, Vinardi was transported to Miracles Inc. facility in Wichita, not Mirror as had been originally reported by Salina Post. Capt. Fruits said that Vinardi was transported from the Saline County Jail to a treatment facility in Wichita on February 19 under a court order. On March 4, she failed to attend a required class, and staff later determined she had walked away from the facility. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the Saline County Sheriff's Office at (785) 826-6500. Salina Post will update this story as new information becomes available.&nbsp;

CORRECTION: Woman facing felony charges walks away from Wichita treatment center

On Monday, March 10, 2025, Salina Police Department Officers responded to Pack Rat Smokes, 695 S. Broadway, Salina, Kansas, in reference to a business burglary.

Surveillance video from the business showed, during the overnight hours, two subjects breaking out the glass door and making entry into the business. It appears both subjects are wearing hooded sweatshirts and sweatpants. One of the subjects is wearing a mask.

The suspects then steal over $2,000 worth of tobacco products prior to leaving the business. Damage was valued at $800.

If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You can also make an on—line tip at:

<a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, case 2025-6414.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741959156693.png" alt="Crimestoppers" />
 <figcaption>Crimestoppers</figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday, March 10, 2025, Salina Police Department Officers responded to Pack Rat Smokes, 695 S. Broadway, Salina, Kansas, in reference to a business burglary.Surveillance video from the business showed, during the overnight hours, two subjects breaking out the glass door and making entry into the business. It appears both subjects are wearing hooded sweatshirts and sweatpants. One of the subjects is wearing a mask.The suspects then steal over $2,000 worth of tobacco products prior to leaving the business. Damage was valued at $800.If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You can also make an on—line tip at:<a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, case 2025-6414.

Tobacco thief is this week's Crimestoppers

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a Wind Advisory and a Red Flag Warning for several counties in central and south-central Kansas due to hazardous weather conditions expected throughout Friday.

The Wind Advisory, in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., warns of southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. The affected counties include Barton, Ellsworth, Saline, Rice, McPherson, Marion, Reno, Harvey, Kingman, and Harper. The following towns are within the advisory area:

Ellsworth, McPherson, Newton, Wilson, Marion, Peabody, Anthony, Salina, Kingman, Harper, Attica, Hillsboro, Hutchinson, Sterling, Great Bend, and Lyons.

The NWS cautions that the strong winds could blow around unsecured objects, down tree limbs, and cause scattered power outages. High-profile vehicles, such as trucks and RVs, may experience difficult driving conditions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741956738951.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a Wind Advisory and a Red Flag Warning for several counties in central and south-central Kansas due to hazardous weather conditions expected throughout Friday.The Wind Advisory, in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., warns of southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. The affected counties include Barton, Ellsworth, Saline, Rice, McPherson, Marion, Reno, Harvey, Kingman, and Harper. The following towns are within the advisory area:Ellsworth, McPherson, Newton, Wilson, Marion, Peabody, Anthony, Salina, Kingman, Harper, Attica, Hillsboro, Hutchinson, Sterling, Great Bend, and Lyons.The NWS cautions that the strong winds could blow around unsecured objects, down tree limbs, and cause scattered power outages. High-profile vehicles, such as trucks and RVs, may experience difficult driving conditions.Simultaneously, a Red Flag Warning has been issued for the same time frame, covering an expanded area that includes Russell and Lincoln counties in addition to those under the wind advisory. The warning signifies extreme grassland fire danger, with low humidity levels dropping to 20% combined with strong winds. These conditions make any outdoor burning highly dangerous, as fires can spread rapidly and become difficult to contain.Counties included in the Red Flag Warning are Russell, Lincoln, Barton, Ellsworth, Saline, Rice, McPherson, Marion, Reno, Harvey, Kingman, and Harper. Towns within the warning area include:Russell, Lincoln, Ellsworth, McPherson, Newton, Wilson, Marion, Peabody, Anthony, Salina, Kingman, Harper, Attica, Hillsboro, Hutchinson, Sterling, Great Bend, and Lyons.The NWS strongly advises against any open burning and urges officials and fire crews to remain on high alert. Residents are encouraged to secure loose objects, exercise caution while driving, and avoid any activities that could ignite fires. Saline County is under Extreme Fire Volatility on Friday, March 14, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. due to low humidity (20-30%) and strong southwest winds (30-40 mph, gusting 45-55 mph).According to Saline County residents are urged to take precautions:⦁ Check past burns to ensure no smoldering embers remain⦁ Secure trailer chains to prevent sparks from dragging metal⦁ Do not discard cigarettes out of vehicle windows⦁ Avoid any outdoor burning⦁ A single spark can start a wildfire. Stay alert and help prevent fires.Vanessa Pearce, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Wichita, explained that Salina’s fire risk level was upgraded from "very high" to "extreme" due to a combination of factors, including dry conditions, intensifying strong winds, and low humidity.<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/Generic_State_County_GFDI">The Grassland Fire Danger Index</a> assesses wildfire risk by evaluating factors such as dry vegetation, wind speed, humidity, and temperature to classify areas into different wildfire severity levels. Temperatures are expected to reach 80 degrees today, with Friday’s highs in the lower 70s.&nbsp;“We’ll see sustained winds of 25 to 30 miles per hour, with gusts reaching up to 45 to 50 miles per hour. The strongest winds will likely peak around the noon hour and continue through the afternoon," Pearce said. "Later in the day, we’ll have a cold front moving in from the northwest, which will bring even drier air and a shift in wind direction.”Pearce emphasized fire prevention, advising farmers, ranchers, and travelers to avoid activities that could cause sparks, such as welding near dry grass or dragging chains.Winds will shift with the passing cold front in the evening, around 6-7 p.m., but fire risks will remain throughout the day due to dry conditions and high winds.