By NATE KING Salina Post

For years, students and business leaders across the country have been trained on what to do during emergency situations, such as a fire or tornado. On Feb. 15, 145 people&nbsp;representing churches, schools, first responders, businesses, and concerned community members, from across central Kansas, gathered for a different kind of training-- active shooter training.&nbsp;

The Saline County Office of Emergency Management hosted the free event and lunch was sponsored by Wilson Security Solutions LLC.

 Presenters included Chuck&nbsp;Clanahan, protective security advisor for Department of Homeland Security, Melissa McCoy, public information officer for Saline County, and Captain Jim&nbsp;Hughes from the Saline County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;

The all day exercise took place at the Webster Conference Center,&nbsp;2601 N. Ohio Street. Michelle Weis, director of Saline County emergency management, said that she was very surprised by the turnout.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I told Melissa that I wanted people to register so that way like if I knew there were only 45 people coming I could take some chairs out," Weis said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If anything, more chairs will be needed for the next active shooter training. Weis said event interest was so great there was a wait list of 15 additional people who wanted to attend the event.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As to why there was such an interest in learning about active shooter training and crisis management, Weis said the environment surrounding active shooter situations is becoming more common and more severe.&nbsp;

"Just like natural disasters, some become more severe depending on the climate," Weis said. "I think that unfortunately, the climate for active violence has shifted, and it's now the means for people to vent, whether that be they have mental health issues, or they're disgruntled in some aspect, people now feel like this is the way that they choose to express their feelings or discontent towards a firm, former employer or place of business or school."&nbsp;

Planning for the 2023&nbsp;Active&nbsp;Shooter&nbsp;Security Workshop began shortly after Saline County held its 2019 active shooter training workshop. Weiss said that she and her team at the county level wanted to ensure that they were proactive in providing training.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Planning for this year's active shooter security workshop began in 2020," Weiss said. "Chuck is the only one who does what he does in the state.&nbsp;I also didn't want to drag my feet so long, and then something happened. Then it looks like we were doing this workshop because something happened, I wanted people to know that we've been thinking about this and wanting to train on this before something happened."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Clanahan's presentation focused&nbsp;on the message, "See something say, something." His presentation included videos emphasizing the importance of community involvement in identifying threats and a Q&amp;A session where he asked event attendees hypothetical questions on what they or their business would do in the case of an active shooter.

Clanahan represented DHS's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). CISA's goal is to enhance incident preparedness through a "whole community" approach. Clanahan provided event attendees with materials and information to better prepare themselves and their businesses when dealing with an active shooter situation, focusing on behaviors that represent pre-incident red flags of active shooters, potential attack methods, how to develop emergency plans and what actions to take during an incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Clanahan reiterated multiple times during his presentation, that it isn't a matter of "if" an active shooter situation will occur, but "when."&nbsp;

According to the Gun Violence Archive, in 2022 there were 647 mass shootings.&nbsp;An&nbsp;active shooter&nbsp;is an individual who is engaged in killing, or attempting to kill, people in a confined and populated area. Active shooter incidents are often unpredictable. Amid the chaos, anyone can play an integral role in mitigating the impacts of an active shooter incident.&nbsp;

According to CISA's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/active_shooter_booklet.pdf" target="_blank">workshop materials</a>, in many cases, there is no pattern or method to the selection of victims by an active shooter, and these situations are by their very nature unpredictable and evolve quickly. Because active shooter situations are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.&nbsp;

DHS trained attendees on using the, "run, hide, fight" method when dealing with an active shooter situation&nbsp;

Evacuate/run&nbsp;If there is an accessible escape path. When attempting to evacuate the premises. Be sure to:&nbsp;

•&nbsp;Have an escape route and plan in mind&nbsp;&nbsp; • Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow&nbsp;&nbsp; • Leave your belongings behind&nbsp;&nbsp; • Help others escape, if possible&nbsp; •&nbsp;&nbsp;Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be • Keep your hands visible&nbsp; •&nbsp;&nbsp;Follow the instructions of any police officers&nbsp;&nbsp; • Do not attempt to move wounded people&nbsp;&nbsp; • Call 911 when you are safe&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hide&nbsp;If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you. Your hiding place should:&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Be out of the active shooter’s view&nbsp;&nbsp; • Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e., an office with a closed and locked door)&nbsp;

To prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place:&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Lock the door&nbsp;&nbsp; • Blockade the door with heavy furniture&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;How to respond when an active shooter is in your vicinity

If the active shooter is nearby:&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Lock the door&nbsp;&nbsp; • Silence your cell phone and/or pager&nbsp;&nbsp; • Turn off any source of noise (i.e., radios, televisions)&nbsp;&nbsp; • Hide behind large items (i.e., cabinets, desks)&nbsp;&nbsp; • Remain quiet&nbsp;&nbsp;

If evacuation and hiding out are not possible

• Remain calm&nbsp;&nbsp; • Dial 911, if possible, to alert police to the active shooter’s location&nbsp;&nbsp; • If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen&nbsp;&nbsp;

Take action against the active shooter

As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by:&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Acting as aggressively as possible against him/her&nbsp;&nbsp; • Throwing items and improvising weapons&nbsp;&nbsp; • Yelling&nbsp;&nbsp; • Committing to your actions&nbsp;&nbsp; • If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen&nbsp;&nbsp;

McCoy also spoke at the workshop. She conveyed to attendees the importance of establishing a crisis communication plan within their business.

In March of last year, Olathe East had an active shooter situation. In the hours that followed that frightful situation, USD 233 Superintendent Brent Yeager issued a statement. McCoy used <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ARSM3Uz7wY">his remarks</a> following the incident as an example of what businesses should do following a crisis situation.&nbsp;

McCoy also used an example of what businesses should not do following a crisis. The example video was an interview between a daycare administrator and a journalist in Memphis following a crisis situation where a drug dealer attempted to flee police and hide inside a daycare facility. The fleeing suspect knocked on the door of the facility and was let inside, no questions asked.&nbsp;

During the interview the administrator does not take responsibility and blames others, before walking out on the interview.&nbsp;

Both examples helped shine a light on how important a business or entity's message is following any crisis.

The workshop also included a presentation by Hughes on the importance of tactical first aid.

Five years ago, Hughes attended a tactical first aid training in Georgia where he met two instructors who also happened to be veterans. Hughes said that both of the instructors he met were combat veterans and both had were injured in combat. For one of the veterans, what saved his life was a $150 first aid kit he had received in training.&nbsp;

The two veterans Hughes mentioned, teamed up with the <a href="https://www.stopthebleed.org/">STOP THE BLEED </a>campaign and the federal government to create a tactical first aid class for law enforcement officers.&nbsp;

Hughes said that advances made by military medicine and research in hemorrhage control during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have better informed the medical community and first responders.

"Originally it was a class for cops in the field to apply while taking on gunfire," Hughes said "This class teaches cops how to both return gunfire and put a&nbsp;tourniquet, simultaneously."

Hughes said there are eight instructors in the Saline County Sheriff's Office who have been through this training and are qualified to give this training to others.

Hughes and other law enforcement officers in Saline County thought the public could also benefit from this training.&nbsp;

"We decided, to take out all the 'pew, pew' cop stuff and get this basic information out to other people in the community," Hughes said.&nbsp;

Hughes and members of the community got together and created a class based on the tactical first aid class, except designed to teach non-law enforcement individuals.&nbsp;

Hughes said that the tactical first aid training is different than what paramedics learn in their course work.&nbsp;

"We are not teaching people how to be a paramedic," Hughes said. "We are teaching you how to save your life and we are teaching you how to save someone else."

Hughes said that waiting during an active shooter situation for paramedics and EMTs to arrive, dress your wounds and save your life is futile.&nbsp;

"During an active shooter situation it is chaotic and there is a lot of gunfire. For the five to seven minutes that you are in that room, in 45 seconds you could bleed out through arterial bleeding," Hughes said. "'Who is going to be there to save your life?' You are. You are going to have to save your own life. They [paramedics] are not coming in until the threat is neutralized."

Hughes said the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be ready to administer the three hour tactical first aid class in approximately two months.

"The tactical first aid class is not just for active shooter situations," Hughes said. "What if you are cutting wood and a chainsaw gets away from you. If you have a tactical first aid kit and know how to use it, it could save your life. What if you come across someone on the road who got in a car accident and they have a severed hand? We are going to teach you how best to respond to these types of situations."&nbsp;

Hughes said a Kansas trooper recently received an award for saving someone's life using a gun shot wound kit for an arterial wound that occurred during a car accident.&nbsp;

"When we teach this class to law enforcement officers, we add stress and we put soapy water on their hands to replicate blood," Hughes said "We put a little bit of stress into the situation. It isn't military bootcamp, but we show you can do all of that with some training and a tactical first aid kit."

Hughes told Salina Post the tactical first aid class, which will be offered to the public before the end of the year, is entirely hands on.

"By the time you complete the training you will be be able to put a tourniquet on yourself blindfolded," Hughes said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677268271002.jpeg" alt="Salina Emergency Management Active Shooter workshop. Photos by Nate King/Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>Salina Emergency Management Active Shooter workshop. Photos by Nate King/Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostFor years, students and business leaders across the country have been trained on what to do during emergency situations, such as a fire or tornado. On Feb. 15, 145 people&nbsp;representing churches, schools, first responders, businesses, and concerned community members, from across central Kansas, gathered for a different kind of training-- active shooter training.&nbsp;The Saline County Office of Emergency Management hosted the free event and lunch was sponsored by Wilson Security Solutions LLC. Presenters included Chuck&nbsp;Clanahan, protective security advisor for Department of Homeland Security, Melissa McCoy, public information officer for Saline County, and Captain Jim&nbsp;Hughes from the Saline County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;The all day exercise took place at the Webster Conference Center,&nbsp;2601 N. Ohio Street. Michelle Weis, director of Saline County emergency management, said that she was very surprised by the turnout.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I told Melissa that I wanted people to register so that way like if I knew there were only 45 people coming I could take some chairs out," Weis said.&nbsp;&nbsp;If anything, more chairs will be needed for the next active shooter training. Weis said event interest was so great there was a wait list of 15 additional people who wanted to attend the event.&nbsp;&nbsp;As to why there was such an interest in learning about active shooter training and crisis management, Weis said the environment surrounding active shooter situations is becoming more common and more severe.&nbsp;"Just like natural disasters, some become more severe depending on the climate," Weis said. "I think that unfortunately, the climate for active violence has shifted, and it's now the means for people to vent, whether that be they have mental health issues, or they're disgruntled in some aspect, people now feel like this is the way that they choose to express their feelings or discontent towards a firm, former employer or place of business or school."&nbsp;Planning for the 2023&nbsp;Active&nbsp;Shooter&nbsp;Security Workshop began shortly after Saline County held its 2019 active shooter training workshop. Weiss said that she and her team at the county level wanted to ensure that they were proactive in providing training.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Planning for this year's active shooter security workshop began in 2020," Weiss said. "Chuck is the only one who does what he does in the state.&nbsp;I also didn't want to drag my feet so long, and then something happened. Then it looks like we were doing this workshop because something happened, I wanted people to know that we've been thinking about this and wanting to train on this before something happened."&nbsp;&nbsp;Clanahan's presentation focused&nbsp;on the message, "See something say, something." His presentation included videos emphasizing the importance of community involvement in identifying threats and a Q&amp;A session where he asked event attendees hypothetical questions on what they or their business would do in the case of an active shooter.Clanahan represented DHS's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). CISA's goal is to enhance incident preparedness through a "whole community" approach. Clanahan provided event attendees with materials and information to better prepare themselves and their businesses when dealing with an active shooter situation, focusing on behaviors that represent pre-incident red flags of active shooters, potential attack methods, how to develop emergency plans and what actions to take during an incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clanahan reiterated multiple times during his presentation, that it isn't a matter of "if" an active shooter situation will occur, but "when."&nbsp;According to the Gun Violence Archive, in 2022 there were 647 mass shootings.&nbsp;An&nbsp;active shooter&nbsp;is an individual who is engaged in killing, or attempting to kill, people in a confined and populated area. Active shooter incidents are often unpredictable. Amid the chaos, anyone can play an integral role in mitigating the impacts of an active shooter incident.&nbsp;According to CISA's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/active_shooter_booklet.pdf" target="_blank">workshop materials</a>, in many cases, there is no pattern or method to the selection of victims by an active shooter, and these situations are by their very nature unpredictable and evolve quickly. Because active shooter situations are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.&nbsp;DHS trained attendees on using the, "run, hide, fight" method when dealing with an active shooter situation&nbsp;Evacuate/run&nbsp;If there is an accessible escape path. When attempting to evacuate the premises. Be sure to:&nbsp;•&nbsp;Have an escape route and plan in mind&nbsp;&nbsp; • Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow&nbsp;&nbsp; • Leave your belongings behind&nbsp;&nbsp; • Help others escape, if possible&nbsp; •&nbsp;&nbsp;Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be • Keep your hands visible&nbsp; •&nbsp;&nbsp;Follow the instructions of any police officers&nbsp;&nbsp; • Do not attempt to move wounded people&nbsp;&nbsp; • Call 911 when you are safe&nbsp;&nbsp;Hide&nbsp;If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you. Your hiding place should:&nbsp;&nbsp;• Be out of the active shooter’s view&nbsp;&nbsp; • Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e., an office with a closed and locked door)&nbsp;To prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place:&nbsp;&nbsp;• Lock the door&nbsp;&nbsp; • Blockade the door with heavy furniture&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How to respond when an active shooter is in your vicinityIf the active shooter is nearby:&nbsp;&nbsp;• Lock the door&nbsp;&nbsp; • Silence your cell phone and/or pager&nbsp;&nbsp; • Turn off any source of noise (i.e., radios, televisions)&nbsp;&nbsp; • Hide behind large items (i.e., cabinets, desks)&nbsp;&nbsp; • Remain quiet&nbsp;&nbsp;If evacuation and hiding out are not possible• Remain calm&nbsp;&nbsp; • Dial 911, if possible, to alert police to the active shooter’s location&nbsp;&nbsp; • If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen&nbsp;&nbsp;Take action against the active shooter As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by:&nbsp;&nbsp;• Acting as aggressively as possible against him/her&nbsp;&nbsp; • Throwing items and improvising weapons&nbsp;&nbsp; • Yelling&nbsp;&nbsp; • Committing to your actions&nbsp;&nbsp; • If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen&nbsp;&nbsp;McCoy also spoke at the workshop. She conveyed to attendees the importance of establishing a crisis communication plan within their business.In March of last year, Olathe East had an active shooter situation. In the hours that followed that frightful situation, USD 233 Superintendent Brent Yeager issued a statement. McCoy used <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ARSM3Uz7wY">his remarks</a> following the incident as an example of what businesses should do following a crisis situation.&nbsp;McCoy also used an example of what businesses should not do following a crisis. The example video was an interview between a daycare administrator and a journalist in Memphis following a crisis situation where a drug dealer attempted to flee police and hide inside a daycare facility. The fleeing suspect knocked on the door of the facility and was let inside, no questions asked.&nbsp;During the interview the administrator does not take responsibility and blames others, before walking out on the interview.&nbsp;Both examples helped shine a light on how important a business or entity's message is following any crisis.The workshop also included a presentation by Hughes on the importance of tactical first aid.Five years ago, Hughes attended a tactical first aid training in Georgia where he met two instructors who also happened to be veterans. Hughes said that both of the instructors he met were combat veterans and both had were injured in combat. For one of the veterans, what saved his life was a $150 first aid kit he had received in training.&nbsp;The two veterans Hughes mentioned, teamed up with the <a href="https://www.stopthebleed.org/">STOP THE BLEED </a>campaign and the federal government to create a tactical first aid class for law enforcement officers.&nbsp;Hughes said that advances made by military medicine and research in hemorrhage control during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have better informed the medical community and first responders."Originally it was a class for cops in the field to apply while taking on gunfire," Hughes said "This class teaches cops how to both return gunfire and put a&nbsp;tourniquet, simultaneously."Hughes said there are eight instructors in the Saline County Sheriff's Office who have been through this training and are qualified to give this training to others.Hughes and other law enforcement officers in Saline County thought the public could also benefit from this training.&nbsp;"We decided, to take out all the 'pew, pew' cop stuff and get this basic information out to other people in the community," Hughes said.&nbsp;Hughes and members of the community got together and created a class based on the tactical first aid class, except designed to teach non-law enforcement individuals.&nbsp;Hughes said that the tactical first aid training is different than what paramedics learn in their course work.&nbsp;"We are not teaching people how to be a paramedic," Hughes said. "We are teaching you how to save your life and we are teaching you how to save someone else."Hughes said that waiting during an active shooter situation for paramedics and EMTs to arrive, dress your wounds and save your life is futile.&nbsp;"During an active shooter situation it is chaotic and there is a lot of gunfire. For the five to seven minutes that you are in that room, in 45 seconds you could bleed out through arterial bleeding," Hughes said. "'Who is going to be there to save your life?' You are. You are going to have to save your own life. They [paramedics] are not coming in until the threat is neutralized."Hughes said the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be ready to administer the three hour tactical first aid class in approximately two months."The tactical first aid class is not just for active shooter situations," Hughes said. "What if you are cutting wood and a chainsaw gets away from you. If you have a tactical first aid kit and know how to use it, it could save your life. What if you come across someone on the road who got in a car accident and they have a severed hand? We are going to teach you how best to respond to these types of situations."&nbsp;Hughes said a Kansas trooper recently received an award for saving someone's life using a gun shot wound kit for an arterial wound that occurred during a car accident.&nbsp;"When we teach this class to law enforcement officers, we add stress and we put soapy water on their hands to replicate blood," Hughes said "We put a little bit of stress into the situation. It isn't military bootcamp, but we show you can do all of that with some training and a tactical first aid kit."Hughes told Salina Post the tactical first aid class, which will be offered to the public before the end of the year, is entirely hands on."By the time you complete the training you will be be able to put a tourniquet on yourself blindfolded," Hughes said.

Saline Co. Emergency Management hosts active shooter training

The Southeast of Saline girls take on Hoisington in sub-state action from Russell tonight, and if you can't make it to the game, we have you covered!

The game is set to tip at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

You can listen to the game on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM). Devin Hanney has the call. You also can watch a live stream of the game right here on Salina Post, thanks to The Bennington State Bank!

Use the QR code or click the link below to watch the game Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677763949736.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Southeast of Saline girls take on Hoisington in sub-state action from Russell tonight, and if you can't make it to the game, we have you covered!The game is set to tip at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.You can listen to the game on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM). Devin Hanney has the call. You also can watch a live stream of the game right here on Salina Post, thanks to The Bennington State Bank!Use the QR code or click the link below to watch the game Thursday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677764104896.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z7QywKqQByc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎥Watch live tonight as the SES girls take on Hoisington

Called a "win-win for everyone," Salina's annual Match Madness giving day is set for March 23.

The 2023 Match Madness will be the 12th consecutive year for the donor event hosted by the Greater Salina Community Foundation (GSCF).

“This event is a win-win for everyone and a great example of community collaboration. Donations of all sizes are pooled together to provide long-term support for our charities, and the match given can be used instantly by the charities to meet urgent needs,” said Jessica Martin, GSCF executive director.

Indeed, since Match Madness' beginning in 2012, 6,416 donors have contributed a record-breaking total of $2,726,606.55 to 104 charities, according to information from GSCF. Additionally, during that time period, the events match and bonus grants have totaled $1,180,579.41 and the total impact to the community has been more than $3.9 million.

This year's Match Madness will include the option for people to donate to 92 participating charities. The list of participating charities can be found online at <a href="http://www.matchmadnessgscf.org">www.matchmadnessgscf.org</a>.

All donations made during Match Madness 2023 will go to each charity’s permanent endowed fund held at the Greater Salina Community Foundation. These funds are permanently invested to produce a steady stream of income that charities can count on every year, which eases the pressure to raise annual funds, the foundation noted.

Thanks to a group of private donors, Match Madness also will have $300,000 in matching funds. Those funds will be used to match proportionally up to 50 percent each donation made to one of the 92 participating charities. Those funds can be accessed instantly by the charities to help meet immediate needs, GSCF noted in a news release.

If you would like to donate during Match Madness on March 23, you have three options:

According to information from GSCF, Match Madness 2023 also will include the following.

●Bill Grevas Memorial Nonprofit Free Throw Contest, sponsored by Salina Regional Health Foundation, where nonprofit representatives will have one minute to shoot free throws for a chance to earn up to $100 in bonus cash for their organization. Competition starts at 11:30 a.m. and will run until 5 p.m. Come down to the fieldhouse and cheer on your favorite nonprofits.

●BE Wealth Half-Court Shot for Charity, where nonprofit representatives will attempt to make a shot from half-court, and the winner will receive an extra $1,000 for their organization. Competition starts at 5:30 p.m. Come down to the fieldhouse and cheer on all the nonprofits with emcee Cash Hollistah.

●Food trucks, including Saddle Jack’s BBQ, and Taco’s Food Truck will be serving food from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. outside of the Salina Fieldhouse.

●Nonprofit booths will be set up from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Visit the nonprofit booths and participate in the “Around the World” booth contest. Get a stamp at five or more booths and be entered to win a special prize at the end of the event.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677778121132.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTCalled a "win-win for everyone," Salina's annual Match Madness giving day is set for March 23.The 2023 Match Madness will be the 12th consecutive year for the donor event hosted by the Greater Salina Community Foundation (GSCF).“This event is a win-win for everyone and a great example of community collaboration. Donations of all sizes are pooled together to provide long-term support for our charities, and the match given can be used instantly by the charities to meet urgent needs,” said Jessica Martin, GSCF executive director.Indeed, since Match Madness' beginning in 2012, 6,416 donors have contributed a record-breaking total of $2,726,606.55 to 104 charities, according to information from GSCF. Additionally, during that time period, the events match and bonus grants have totaled $1,180,579.41 and the total impact to the community has been more than $3.9 million.This year's Match Madness will include the option for people to donate to 92 participating charities. The list of participating charities can be found online at <a href="http://www.matchmadnessgscf.org">www.matchmadnessgscf.org</a>. All donations made during Match Madness 2023 will go to each charity’s permanent endowed fund held at the Greater Salina Community Foundation. These funds are permanently invested to produce a steady stream of income that charities can count on every year, which eases the pressure to raise annual funds, the foundation noted.Thanks to a group of private donors, Match Madness also will have $300,000 in matching funds. Those funds will be used to match proportionally up to 50 percent each donation made to one of the 92 participating charities. Those funds can be accessed instantly by the charities to help meet immediate needs, GSCF noted in a news release.If you would like to donate during Match Madness on March 23, you have three options:<ul>
 <li>In-person from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Salina Fieldhouse, 140 N. Fifth Street.</li><li>Online at <a href="http://www.matchmadnessgscf.org">www.matchmadnessgscf.org</a> from midnight to 11:59 p.m.</li><li>Mail donations postmarked on March 23 to GSCF, PO Box 2876, Salina, KS 67402-2876</li>
 </ul>According to information from GSCF, Match Madness 2023 also will include the following.●Bill Grevas Memorial Nonprofit Free Throw Contest, sponsored by Salina Regional Health Foundation, where nonprofit representatives will have one minute to shoot free throws for a chance to earn up to $100 in bonus cash for their organization. Competition starts at 11:30 a.m. and will run until 5 p.m. Come down to the fieldhouse and cheer on your favorite nonprofits.●BE Wealth Half-Court Shot for Charity, where nonprofit representatives will attempt to make a shot from half-court, and the winner will receive an extra $1,000 for their organization. Competition starts at 5:30 p.m. Come down to the fieldhouse and cheer on all the nonprofits with emcee Cash Hollistah.●Food trucks, including Saddle Jack’s BBQ, and Taco’s Food Truck will be serving food from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. outside of the Salina Fieldhouse.●Nonprofit booths will be set up from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Visit the nonprofit booths and participate in the “Around the World” booth contest. Get a stamp at five or more booths and be entered to win a special prize at the end of the event.

Salina's Match Madness 2023 set for March 23

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

One driver was cited and the other transported to the hospital after an SUV-motorcycle wreck in south Salina Wednesday afternoon.

Peggy Dean, 84, of Salina, was southbound on Century Plaza Drive and stopped at the stop sign at W. Magnolia Road in a 2016 GMC Acadia. H. Irving, 74, of Salina, was westbound on W. Magnolia Road on a 2000 Honda motorcycle when Dean pulled out in front of the motorcycle, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. Although Irving was able to lay down the motorcycle, it still collided with the SUV.

The wreck occurred at approximately 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Irving, who was wearing a helmet, suffered injuries and was transported to Salina Regional Health Center, Forrester said. Dean and a 65-year-old male passenger in the SUV were not injured, he said.

The SUV sustained front-end damage but was removed by the driver. The motorcycle also sustained front-end damage and was removed by wrecker.

Forrester said Dean was cited for failure to yield the right-of-way when leaving a stop sign.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677774776573.png" alt="The location of the wreck. Map courtesy Google Maps" />
 <figcaption>The location of the wreck. Map courtesy Google Maps</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostOne driver was cited and the other transported to the hospital after an SUV-motorcycle wreck in south Salina Wednesday afternoon.Peggy Dean, 84, of Salina, was southbound on Century Plaza Drive and stopped at the stop sign at W. Magnolia Road in a 2016 GMC Acadia. H. Irving, 74, of Salina, was westbound on W. Magnolia Road on a 2000 Honda motorcycle when Dean pulled out in front of the motorcycle, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. Although Irving was able to lay down the motorcycle, it still collided with the SUV.The wreck occurred at approximately 1 p.m. Wednesday.Irving, who was wearing a helmet, suffered injuries and was transported to Salina Regional Health Center, Forrester said. Dean and a 65-year-old male passenger in the SUV were not injured, he said.The SUV sustained front-end damage but was removed by the driver. The motorcycle also sustained front-end damage and was removed by wrecker.Forrester said Dean was cited for failure to yield the right-of-way when leaving a stop sign.

Local man injured when SUV, motorcycle collide in south Salina

Peaceful Body Wellness Retreat, 148 S. Santa Fe Avenue, is continuing the First Friday tradition with a reception for artist Michael Florian Jilg from 5-7 p.m. Friday. The event is open to the public.

Peaceful Body Wellness Retreat, 148 S. Santa Fe Avenue, is continuing the First Friday tradition with a reception for artist Michael Florian Jilg from 5-7 p.m. Friday. The event is open to the public.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677725301713.jpeg" alt="Poster courtesy Salina Downtown, Inc." />
 <figcaption>Poster courtesy Salina Downtown, Inc.</figcaption>
 </figure>

March First Friday to feature reception for artist Michael Florian Jilg

In its 39th year, the 2023 Salina Spring Poetry Series features a lineup of socially minded poets who will read in downtown Salina. 

In-person readings are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesdays in April at Ad Astra Books &amp; Coffee House, 135 N. Santa Fe Avenue.

The series is sponsored by Salina Arts &amp; Humanities and was curated by Huascar Medina, Kansas Poet Laureate Emeritus. Medina selected poets with a broad range of perspectives featuring the perspectives of a migrant farm worker, an award-winning spoken word poet, a poet whose work is centered on comics and graphic novels, and the current Kansas Poet Laureate. Admission to each reading will be $5 at the door and free for students with ID.

"Thank you, Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, for spotlighting poetry. What a gift it is to see poets shine,” said Medina. “The Salina Spring Poetry Series continues to be a poetic lighthouse across Kansas, and this year will be one of the most radiant to date.”

The lineup of poets for the 2023 Salina Poetry Series is as follows.

Traci Brimhall is the author of four poetry collections: Come the Slumberless from the Land of Nod (Copper Canyon); Saudade (Copper Canyon); Our Lady of the Ruins (W.W. Norton), winner of the Barnard Women Poets Prize; and Rookery (Southern Illinois University Press), winner of the Crab Orchard Series in Poetry First Book Award. Her poems have appeared in The New Yorker, Poetry, The Believer, The New Republic, Orion, New York Times Magazine, and Best American Poetry. She’s received fellowships from the Wisconsin Institute for Creative Writing and the National Endowment for the Arts. She currently serves as Poet Laureate of Kansas. Brimhall is scheduled to perform April 4.

Born and raised in Topeka, Gary Jackson is the author of the poetry collections origin story (University of New Mexico Press, 2021) and Missing You, Metropolis (Graywolf Press, 2010), which received the 2009 Cave Canem Poetry Prize. He’s also the co-editor of The Future of Black: Afrofuturism, Black Comics, and Superhero Poetry (Blair Publishing, 2021). His poems have appeared in numerous journals including Callaloo, The Sun, Los Angeles Review of Books, and Copper Nickel. He’s received fellowships and residencies from Cave Canem, Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, and Art Omi. He’s published work in Shattered: The Asian American Comics Anthology and was featured in the 2013 New American Poetry Series by the Poetry Society of America. He’s an associate professor in English and creative writing at the College of Charleston where he’s currently the Director of Undergraduate Creative Writing and teaches in the MFA program and serves as the Poetry editor of swamp pink. Jackson is scheduled to perform April 11.

Miguel M. Morales grew up in Texas working as a migrant and seasonal farmworker. He is a Lambda Literary Fellow and an alum of VONA/Voices and of the Macondo Writers Workshop. Morales’ work appears in Imaniman: Poets Writing in the Anzaldúan Borderlands, Primera Página: Poetry from the Latino Heartland, Cuentos del Centro: Stories from the Latino Heartland, From Macho to Mariposa: New Gay Latino Fiction, The (Other) F Word: A Celebration of the Fat &amp; Fierce, in Duende Journal, Acentos Review, Green Mountains Review, Texas Poetry Review, Hawai’i Review, and World Literature Today among others. Morales is the co-editor of Pulse/Pulso: In Remembrance of Orlando and of Fat &amp; Queer: An Anthology of Queer and Trans Bodies and Lives, which was named the 2021 Book of the Year by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). Morales has earned several awards, including the Society of Professional Journalists First Amendment Award. He is currently co-editing a portfolio of farmworker writing for The Common Magazine’s Fall 2023 print edition. Morales is schedule to perform April 18.

Sheri Purpose Hall is an award-winning spoken word artist, author, radio personality, actress, educator, and minister who uses her work to provide perspective and engage conversational empathy. She has four books: a book of poetry, epistles, and essays titled Black Girl Shattered (2017); two poetry chapbooks Mélange du Femme Noir (2019) and Chosen for Both (2015); and a workbook/workshop Writing Wrongs: Writing to Heal (2016) which won an award from Bike for the Brain, a non-profit organization that works to reduce mental health stigma. She is the founder of Arsyn Spit Fire, East of Red ArtHouse, and PenFire Publishing; executive director of poetry for Personal Power. Hall is scheduled to perform April 25.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677721455901.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy Salina Arts &amp; Humanities" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Salina Arts &amp; Humanities</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Arts &amp; HumanitiesIn its 39th year, the 2023 Salina Spring Poetry Series features a lineup of socially minded poets who will read in downtown Salina. In-person readings are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesdays in April at Ad Astra Books &amp; Coffee House, 135 N. Santa Fe Avenue.The series is sponsored by Salina Arts &amp; Humanities and was curated by Huascar Medina, Kansas Poet Laureate Emeritus. Medina selected poets with a broad range of perspectives featuring the perspectives of a migrant farm worker, an award-winning spoken word poet, a poet whose work is centered on comics and graphic novels, and the current Kansas Poet Laureate. Admission to each reading will be $5 at the door and free for students with ID."Thank you, Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, for spotlighting poetry. What a gift it is to see poets shine,” said Medina. “The Salina Spring Poetry Series continues to be a poetic lighthouse across Kansas, and this year will be one of the most radiant to date.”The lineup of poets for the 2023 Salina Poetry Series is as follows.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677721960267.png" alt="Traci Brimhall. Photos courtesy Salina Arts &amp; Humanities unless otherwise noted" />
 <figcaption>Traci Brimhall. Photos courtesy Salina Arts &amp; Humanities unless otherwise noted</figcaption>
 </figure>Traci Brimhall is the author of four poetry collections: Come the Slumberless from the Land of Nod (Copper Canyon); Saudade (Copper Canyon); Our Lady of the Ruins (W.W. Norton), winner of the Barnard Women Poets Prize; and Rookery (Southern Illinois University Press), winner of the Crab Orchard Series in Poetry First Book Award. Her poems have appeared in The New Yorker, Poetry, The Believer, The New Republic, Orion, New York Times Magazine, and Best American Poetry. She’s received fellowships from the Wisconsin Institute for Creative Writing and the National Endowment for the Arts. She currently serves as Poet Laureate of Kansas. Brimhall is scheduled to perform April 4.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677722019088.png" alt="Gary Jackson. Photo by Sebastian Stuertz" />
 <figcaption>Gary Jackson. Photo by Sebastian Stuertz</figcaption>
 </figure>Born and raised in Topeka, Gary Jackson is the author of the poetry collections origin story (University of New Mexico Press, 2021) and Missing You, Metropolis (Graywolf Press, 2010), which received the 2009 Cave Canem Poetry Prize. He’s also the co-editor of The Future of Black: Afrofuturism, Black Comics, and Superhero Poetry (Blair Publishing, 2021). His poems have appeared in numerous journals including Callaloo, The Sun, Los Angeles Review of Books, and Copper Nickel. He’s received fellowships and residencies from Cave Canem, Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, and Art Omi. He’s published work in Shattered: The Asian American Comics Anthology and was featured in the 2013 New American Poetry Series by the Poetry Society of America. He’s an associate professor in English and creative writing at the College of Charleston where he’s currently the Director of Undergraduate Creative Writing and teaches in the MFA program and serves as the Poetry editor of swamp pink. Jackson is scheduled to perform April 11.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677722060645.png" alt="Miguel M. Morales" />
 <figcaption>Miguel M. Morales</figcaption>
 </figure>Miguel M. Morales grew up in Texas working as a migrant and seasonal farmworker. He is a Lambda Literary Fellow and an alum of VONA/Voices and of the Macondo Writers Workshop. Morales’ work appears in Imaniman: Poets Writing in the Anzaldúan Borderlands, Primera Página: Poetry from the Latino Heartland, Cuentos del Centro: Stories from the Latino Heartland, From Macho to Mariposa: New Gay Latino Fiction, The (Other) F Word: A Celebration of the Fat &amp; Fierce, in Duende Journal, Acentos Review, Green Mountains Review, Texas Poetry Review, Hawai’i Review, and World Literature Today among others. Morales is the co-editor of Pulse/Pulso: In Remembrance of Orlando and of Fat &amp; Queer: An Anthology of Queer and Trans Bodies and Lives, which was named the 2021 Book of the Year by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). Morales has earned several awards, including the Society of Professional Journalists First Amendment Award. He is currently co-editing a portfolio of farmworker writing for The Common Magazine’s Fall 2023 print edition. Morales is schedule to perform April 18.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677722096852.png" alt="Sheri Purpose Hall" />
 <figcaption>Sheri Purpose Hall</figcaption>
 </figure>Sheri Purpose Hall is an award-winning spoken word artist, author, radio personality, actress, educator, and minister who uses her work to provide perspective and engage conversational empathy. She has four books: a book of poetry, epistles, and essays titled Black Girl Shattered (2017); two poetry chapbooks Mélange du Femme Noir (2019) and Chosen for Both (2015); and a workbook/workshop Writing Wrongs: Writing to Heal (2016) which won an award from Bike for the Brain, a non-profit organization that works to reduce mental health stigma. She is the founder of Arsyn Spit Fire, East of Red ArtHouse, and PenFire Publishing; executive director of poetry for Personal Power. Hall is scheduled to perform April 25.

Salina Arts & Humanities announces Spring Poetry Series lineup

Today is Thursday, March 2, the 61st day of 2023. There are 304 days left in the year.

On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors in a game against the New York Knicks, an NBA record that still stands. Philadelphia won the game, 169-147.

In 1861, the state of Texas, having seceded from the Union, was admitted to the Confederacy.

In 1877, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes was declared the winner of the 1876 presidential election over Democrat Samuel J. Tilden, even though Tilden had won the popular vote.

In 1917, actor, producer, director and bandleader Desi Arnaz was born in Santiago de Cuba.

In 1932, the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, which moved the date of the presidential inauguration from March 4 to Jan. 20, was passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification.

In 1939, John Ford's classic Western "Stagecoach," starring Claire Trevor and John Wayne, opened in New York.

In 1943, the three-day Battle of the Bismarck Sea began in the southwest Pacific during World War II; U.S. and Australian warplanes were able to inflict heavy damage on an Imperial Japanese convoy.

In 1955, nine months before Rosa Parks' famous act of defiance, Claudette Colvin, a Black high school student in Montgomery, Alabama, was arrested after refusing to give up her seat on a public bus to a white passenger.

In 1985, the government approved a screening test for AIDS that detected antibodies to the virus, allowing possibly contaminated blood to be excluded from the blood supply.

In 1989, representatives from the 12 European Community nations agreed to ban all production of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), the synthetic compounds blamed for destroying the Earth's ozone layer, by the end of the 20th century.

In 1990, more than 6,000 drivers went on strike against Greyhound Lines Inc. (The company, later declaring an impasse in negotiations, fired the strikers.)

In 1995, the Internet search engine website Yahoo! was incorporated by founders Jerry Yang and David Filo.

In 2011, the Supreme Court ruled, 8-1, that a grieving father's pain over mocking protests at his Marine son's funeral had to yield to First Amendment protections for free speech in a decision favoring the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas.

In 2012, Some 40 people were killed by tornadoes that struck Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.

Ten years ago: The day after $85 billion in across-the-board federal spending cuts went into effect, President Barack Obama and congressional Republicans refused to concede any culpability for failing to stave off the sequester. Alaska's 41st Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race kicked off with a festive ceremonial start in Anchorage.

Five years ago: At a funeral before an invitation-only crowd of approximately 2,000 in Charlotte, North Carolina, the children of the Rev. Billy Graham remembered "America's Pastor" as a man devoted to spreading the Gospel, and one who lived his life at home as he preached it in stadiums. A nor'easter pounded the Atlantic coast with hurricane-force winds and sideways rain and snow, grounding flights and leaving more than 2 million homes and businesses without power from North Carolina to Maine.

One year ago: Russian forces laid siege to two strategic Ukrainian seaports and pressed their bombardment of the country's second-biggest city, while the huge armored column threatening Kyiv appeared to be stalled outside the capital. Moscow's isolation deepened as most of the world lines up against it at the United Nations. Autherine Lucy Foster, the first Black student to enroll at the University of Alabama, died at age 92.

Today's birthdays: Actor John Cullum is 93. Actor Barbara Luna is 84. Author John Irving is 81. Actor Cassie Yates is 72. Actor and comedian Laraine Newman (Saturday Night Live) is 71. Former Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., is 70. Former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is 68. Singer Jay Osmond is 68. Pop musician John Cowsill (The Cowsills) is 67. Former tennis player Kevin Curren is 65. Country singer Larry Stewart (Restless Heart) is 64. Rock singer Jon Bon Jovi is 61. Blues singer-musician Alvin Youngblood Hart is 60. Actor Daniel Craig is 55. Actor Richard Ruccolo is 51. Rock singer Chris Martin (Coldplay) is 46. Actor Heather McComb is 46. Actor Rebel Wilson is 43. Actor Bryce Dallas Howard is 42. Former NFL quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is 41. Actor Robert Iler is 38. Actor Nathalie Emmanuel is 34. Country singer Luke Combs is 33. Singer-rapper-actor Becky G is 26.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Thursday, March 2, the 61st day of 2023. There are 304 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors in a game against the New York Knicks, an NBA record that still stands. Philadelphia won the game, 169-147.On this date:In 1861, the state of Texas, having seceded from the Union, was admitted to the Confederacy.In 1877, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes was declared the winner of the 1876 presidential election over Democrat Samuel J. Tilden, even though Tilden had won the popular vote.In 1917, actor, producer, director and bandleader Desi Arnaz was born in Santiago de Cuba.In 1932, the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, which moved the date of the presidential inauguration from March 4 to Jan. 20, was passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification.In 1939, John Ford's classic Western "Stagecoach," starring Claire Trevor and John Wayne, opened in New York.In 1943, the three-day Battle of the Bismarck Sea began in the southwest Pacific during World War II; U.S. and Australian warplanes were able to inflict heavy damage on an Imperial Japanese convoy.In 1955, nine months before Rosa Parks' famous act of defiance, Claudette Colvin, a Black high school student in Montgomery, Alabama, was arrested after refusing to give up her seat on a public bus to a white passenger.In 1985, the government approved a screening test for AIDS that detected antibodies to the virus, allowing possibly contaminated blood to be excluded from the blood supply.In 1989, representatives from the 12 European Community nations agreed to ban all production of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), the synthetic compounds blamed for destroying the Earth's ozone layer, by the end of the 20th century.In 1990, more than 6,000 drivers went on strike against Greyhound Lines Inc. (The company, later declaring an impasse in negotiations, fired the strikers.)In 1995, the Internet search engine website Yahoo! was incorporated by founders Jerry Yang and David Filo.In 2011, the Supreme Court ruled, 8-1, that a grieving father's pain over mocking protests at his Marine son's funeral had to yield to First Amendment protections for free speech in a decision favoring the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas.In 2012, Some 40 people were killed by tornadoes that struck Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.Ten years ago: The day after $85 billion in across-the-board federal spending cuts went into effect, President Barack Obama and congressional Republicans refused to concede any culpability for failing to stave off the sequester. Alaska's 41st Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race kicked off with a festive ceremonial start in Anchorage.Five years ago: At a funeral before an invitation-only crowd of approximately 2,000 in Charlotte, North Carolina, the children of the Rev. Billy Graham remembered "America's Pastor" as a man devoted to spreading the Gospel, and one who lived his life at home as he preached it in stadiums. A nor'easter pounded the Atlantic coast with hurricane-force winds and sideways rain and snow, grounding flights and leaving more than 2 million homes and businesses without power from North Carolina to Maine.One year ago: Russian forces laid siege to two strategic Ukrainian seaports and pressed their bombardment of the country's second-biggest city, while the huge armored column threatening Kyiv appeared to be stalled outside the capital. Moscow's isolation deepened as most of the world lines up against it at the United Nations. Autherine Lucy Foster, the first Black student to enroll at the University of Alabama, died at age 92.Today's birthdays: Actor John Cullum is 93. Actor Barbara Luna is 84. Author John Irving is 81. Actor Cassie Yates is 72. Actor and comedian Laraine Newman (Saturday Night Live) is 71. Former Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., is 70. Former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is 68. Singer Jay Osmond is 68. Pop musician John Cowsill (The Cowsills) is 67. Former tennis player Kevin Curren is 65. Country singer Larry Stewart (Restless Heart) is 64. Rock singer Jon Bon Jovi is 61. Blues singer-musician Alvin Youngblood Hart is 60. Actor Daniel Craig is 55. Actor Richard Ruccolo is 51. Rock singer Chris Martin (Coldplay) is 46. Actor Heather McComb is 46. Actor Rebel Wilson is 43. Actor Bryce Dallas Howard is 42. Former NFL quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is 41. Actor Robert Iler is 38. Actor Nathalie Emmanuel is 34. Country singer Luke Combs is 33. Singer-rapper-actor Becky G is 26.

Today in History - March 2

Sunflower Bank, N.A. has announced the launch of a new small business lending platform in partnership with SmartBiz, the leading AI-powered small business financing platform. 

Through a new end-to-end online portal, small businesses in Sunflower Bank, N.A.’s branch footprint now have access to a streamlined process to apply for conventional small business loans from $25,000-$350,000. Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) and Express Line loan products will be available beginning in second quarter 2023.

“SmartBiz aligns with our relationship banking approach, as well as our ambitious growth plans through its combination of technology and live support,” said Matt Fitch, managing director of business banking and SBA at Sunflower Bank, N.A. “We are very excited to be able to meet the needs of more small business customers together and look forward to a long and productive partnership.”

SmartBiz CEO Evan Singer said: “Our mission at SmartBiz is to equip every entrepreneur with reliable access to the capital they need. We are thrilled to partner with Sunflower Bank, N.A. to ensure their clients can grow and strengthen their businesses with the right capital at the right time.”

Sunflower Bank, N.A. operates as Sunflower Bank and First National 1870 with 65 branches throughout Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas. By leveraging the leading-edge technology and experienced small business loan specialists available from SmartBiz, Sunflower Bank, N.A. has added efficiency along with individualized support throughout the entire loan application and approval process.

Sunflower BankSunflower Bank, N.A. has announced the launch of a new small business lending platform in partnership with SmartBiz, the leading AI-powered small business financing platform. Through a new end-to-end online portal, small businesses in Sunflower Bank, N.A.’s branch footprint now have access to a streamlined process to apply for conventional small business loans from $25,000-$350,000. Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) and Express Line loan products will be available beginning in second quarter 2023.“SmartBiz aligns with our relationship banking approach, as well as our ambitious growth plans through its combination of technology and live support,” said Matt Fitch, managing director of business banking and SBA at Sunflower Bank, N.A. “We are very excited to be able to meet the needs of more small business customers together and look forward to a long and productive partnership.”SmartBiz CEO Evan Singer said: “Our mission at SmartBiz is to equip every entrepreneur with reliable access to the capital they need. We are thrilled to partner with Sunflower Bank, N.A. to ensure their clients can grow and strengthen their businesses with the right capital at the right time.”Sunflower Bank, N.A. operates as Sunflower Bank and First National 1870 with 65 branches throughout Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas. By leveraging the leading-edge technology and experienced small business loan specialists available from SmartBiz, Sunflower Bank, N.A. has added efficiency along with individualized support throughout the entire loan application and approval process.

Sunflower Bank, SmartBiz partner for small business lending

SALINE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Wednesday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Colorado driven by Natasha D. Peters, 40, Wichita, was eastbound on Interstate 70 ten miles east of Salina.

The pickup entered the center median and the driver lost control of the vehicle. The pickup traveled back across the eastbound lanes, struck a guardrail, a bridge railing and overturned.

EMS transported Peters to Salina Regional Health Center. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SALINE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Wednesday in Saline County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Colorado driven by Natasha D. Peters, 40, Wichita, was eastbound on Interstate 70 ten miles east of Salina.The pickup entered the center median and the driver lost control of the vehicle. The pickup traveled back across the eastbound lanes, struck a guardrail, a bridge railing and overturned.EMS transported Peters to Salina Regional Health Center. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kan. woman hospitalized in Salina after I-70 crash

On Thursday and Friday, APAC Shears, Salina Division will be repairing pavement on Ray Avenue at Benjamin Terrace.

Southbound Ray Avenue traffic will be maintained around the work zone. Northbound Ray Avenue traffic will be detoured around the work zone via Tasker Lane or Berkley Lane. Through traffic is encouraged to avoid the area altogether if possible or reduce their speeds around the work zones for their safety and the safety of the workers.

The $916,000 project was a major component of the City of Salina's $4.7 million 2022 maintenance capital improvement program

City of SalinaOn Thursday and Friday, APAC Shears, Salina Division will be repairing pavement on Ray Avenue at Benjamin Terrace.Southbound Ray Avenue traffic will be maintained around the work zone. Northbound Ray Avenue traffic will be detoured around the work zone via Tasker Lane or Berkley Lane. Through traffic is encouraged to avoid the area altogether if possible or reduce their speeds around the work zones for their safety and the safety of the workers.The $916,000 project was a major component of the City of Salina's $4.7 million 2022 maintenance capital improvement program

City of Salina announces street work on Ray Avenue

Enrollment in The Salina Art Center's spring ceramics program has proven to be popular.

Ceramics classes are held at the art center's warehouse facility located at 149 S. Fourth Street. 

"We've had the warehouse for some time, but we renovated it in 2020 to become a makerspace," said Misty Serene, executive director. "Thanks to donations from the City of Salina and Kansas Wesleyan University, we were able to put in a fully functioning ceramic studio with wheels and kilns and that has just been extremely popular."&nbsp;

The ceramics program is broken down into three classes: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. All classes meet on Saturdays for a 12-week period of time. The cost to enroll in one of the ceramics programs is $225.

Serene said that all classes are currently at full enrollment, but there will be ceramics workshops in the future. For a full list of Salina Art Center events, click <a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/events-1?view=calendar&amp;month=02-2023">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677615209235.png" alt="Photos by Stafford Thompson/Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>Photos by Stafford Thompson/Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostEnrollment in The Salina Art Center's spring ceramics program has proven to be popular.Ceramics classes are held at the art center's warehouse facility located at 149 S. Fourth Street. "We've had the warehouse for some time, but we renovated it in 2020 to become a makerspace," said Misty Serene, executive director. "Thanks to donations from the City of Salina and Kansas Wesleyan University, we were able to put in a fully functioning ceramic studio with wheels and kilns and that has just been extremely popular."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677615043612.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The ceramics program is broken down into three classes: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. All classes meet on Saturdays for a 12-week period of time. The cost to enroll in one of the ceramics programs is $225.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677615112239.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Serene said that all classes are currently at full enrollment, but there will be ceramics workshops in the future. For a full list of Salina Art Center events, click <a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/events-1?view=calendar&amp;month=02-2023">here</a>.

Salina Art Center sees nearly full enrollment in spring ceramics program

By PAT MELGARES K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN – It may not have crossed Emma Littich’s mind when she first enrolled in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas4-h.org/" target="_blank">Kansas 4-H program</a>&nbsp;at age 7, but the world was about to open up to her.&nbsp;

More than 10 years later, there she was: Leading Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on a tour of the Kansas State Fair and advocating for the Kansas 4-H program.&nbsp;

And a few months after that, standing before a Kansas House of Representatives committee explaining the virtues of the state’s largest youth organization to the government’s lawmakers.&nbsp;

Kansas 4-H “has taught me things that I wouldn’t have otherwise learned from any other organization,” said Littich, who was recently elected president of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas4-h.org/4-h-programs/teen-leadership-opportunities/youth-leadership-council/" target="_blank">Kansas 4-H Youth Leadership Council</a>.&nbsp;

Beth Hinshaw, a Kansas 4-H youth development specialist, said the council is made up of a group of young leaders who work to “improve their leadership skills and inspire all youth through project work, state events and relationships.”&nbsp;

“They believe in sharing their passion (for 4-H) with other Kansas youth by helping them find their spark and overcoming hard challenges that will enhance their growth and develop life skills,” Hinshaw said.&nbsp;

Littich, from Lindsborg, is currently a freshman at Kansas State University majoring in elementary education with a minor in leadership studies.&nbsp;

Now 18 years old, she first enrolled in the Smoky View 4-H Club at age 7, and over the years participated in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas4-h.org/projects" target="_blank">numerous 4-H projects</a>: citizenship, clothing construction and buymanship, foods and nutrition, foods preservation, health and wellness, leadership, performing arts, poultry, visual arts, shooting sports, home environment, and wildlife.&nbsp;

“As a future educator, the Kansas 4-H Youth Leadership Council has provided me with opportunities to work with youth in several different capacities,” Littich said. “Throughout these experiences, I have learned that everyone is different, but together – with all our different strengths – we can achieve anything.”&nbsp;

In addition to Littich, the Kansas 4-H Youth Leadership Council’s newly elected officers include vice president Jaden Huehl of Sylvan Grove; secretary Channing Dillinger of Hugoton, and public relations chair Claire Helsel of Sharon Springs. Each was elected for a one-year term.&nbsp;

In addition, 12 other Kansas youth were selected to serve as members of the Kansas 4-H Youth Leadership Council for 2023. By hometown, they include the following.

“Our goal is to provide opportunities for the youth of Kansas to grow in their project work and develop and enhance life skills,” Littich said. “Through state events, regional events, social media and many other forms of outreach, we hope to reach as many youth as possible.”&nbsp;

Hinshaw noted that some of the events in which the council will be directly involved include Citizenship in Action (held in mid-February), 48 Hours of 4-H Community Service, the Kansas Youth Leadership Forum, and the Kansas State Fair.&nbsp;

More information on the Kansas 4-H Youth Leadership Council and numerous 4-H activities is available online from the Kansas 4-H office. Interested persons can also contact their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html" target="_blank">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.&nbsp;

“I have been a 4-Her since I was 7, and I would not be the person I am today without it,” Littich said. “4-H has taught me so many skills and provided me with countless opportunities that I would not have otherwise had. I am forever grateful for every moment I have spent in 4-H.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677704799719.jpeg" alt="The 2023 Kansas 4-H Youth Leadership Council includes (front row, from left) Brooke Slipke, Sukesh Kamesh, Carson Fouard, Ian Dunn, Gabe Schenk and president Emma Littich; (back row, from left) Eve Rider, Kierra Eck, Ellie Seeger, Kaylen Langhofer, vice president Jaden Huehl, secretary Channing Dillinger, public relations chair Claire Helsel, Grace Schmeidler, Emilia Wilkerson and Kylee Barlett. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>The 2023 Kansas 4-H Youth Leadership Council includes (front row, from left) Brooke Slipke, Sukesh Kamesh, Carson Fouard, Ian Dunn, Gabe Schenk and president Emma Littich; (back row, from left) Eve Rider, Kierra Eck, Ellie Seeger, Kaylen Langhofer, vice president Jaden Huehl, secretary Channing Dillinger, public relations chair Claire Helsel, Grace Schmeidler, Emilia Wilkerson and Kylee Barlett. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAT MELGARES K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;MANHATTAN – It may not have crossed Emma Littich’s mind when she first enrolled in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas4-h.org/" target="_blank">Kansas 4-H program</a>&nbsp;at age 7, but the world was about to open up to her.&nbsp;More than 10 years later, there she was: Leading Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on a tour of the Kansas State Fair and advocating for the Kansas 4-H program.&nbsp;And a few months after that, standing before a Kansas House of Representatives committee explaining the virtues of the state’s largest youth organization to the government’s lawmakers.&nbsp;Kansas 4-H “has taught me things that I wouldn’t have otherwise learned from any other organization,” said Littich, who was recently elected president of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas4-h.org/4-h-programs/teen-leadership-opportunities/youth-leadership-council/" target="_blank">Kansas 4-H Youth Leadership Council</a>.&nbsp;Beth Hinshaw, a Kansas 4-H youth development specialist, said the council is made up of a group of young leaders who work to “improve their leadership skills and inspire all youth through project work, state events and relationships.”&nbsp;“They believe in sharing their passion (for 4-H) with other Kansas youth by helping them find their spark and overcoming hard challenges that will enhance their growth and develop life skills,” Hinshaw said.&nbsp;Littich, from Lindsborg, is currently a freshman at Kansas State University majoring in elementary education with a minor in leadership studies.&nbsp;Now 18 years old, she first enrolled in the Smoky View 4-H Club at age 7, and over the years participated in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas4-h.org/projects" target="_blank">numerous 4-H projects</a>: citizenship, clothing construction and buymanship, foods and nutrition, foods preservation, health and wellness, leadership, performing arts, poultry, visual arts, shooting sports, home environment, and wildlife.&nbsp;“As a future educator, the Kansas 4-H Youth Leadership Council has provided me with opportunities to work with youth in several different capacities,” Littich said. “Throughout these experiences, I have learned that everyone is different, but together – with all our different strengths – we can achieve anything.”&nbsp;In addition to Littich, the Kansas 4-H Youth Leadership Council’s newly elected officers include vice president Jaden Huehl of Sylvan Grove; secretary Channing Dillinger of Hugoton, and public relations chair Claire Helsel of Sharon Springs. Each was elected for a one-year term.&nbsp;In addition, 12 other Kansas youth were selected to serve as members of the Kansas 4-H Youth Leadership Council for 2023. By hometown, they include the following.El Dorado: Kylee BarlettHays: Grace SchmeidlerIndependence: Gabe SchenkKingman: Sukesh KameshMoundridge: Ellie SeegerNess City: Eve RiderNetawaka: Brooke SlipkePlains: Kaylen LanghoferRussell: Kierra EckSalina: Carson FouardSt. John: Ian DunnWamego: Emilia Wilkerson“Our goal is to provide opportunities for the youth of Kansas to grow in their project work and develop and enhance life skills,” Littich said. “Through state events, regional events, social media and many other forms of outreach, we hope to reach as many youth as possible.”&nbsp;Hinshaw noted that some of the events in which the council will be directly involved include Citizenship in Action (held in mid-February), 48 Hours of 4-H Community Service, the Kansas Youth Leadership Forum, and the Kansas State Fair.&nbsp;More information on the Kansas 4-H Youth Leadership Council and numerous 4-H activities is available online from the Kansas 4-H office. Interested persons can also contact their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html" target="_blank">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.&nbsp;“I have been a 4-Her since I was 7, and I would not be the person I am today without it,” Littich said. “4-H has taught me so many skills and provided me with countless opportunities that I would not have otherwise had. I am forever grateful for every moment I have spent in 4-H.”&nbsp;

Littich reflects on 4-H; local, area members on Youth Leadership Council

ABILENE - Hospice of Dickinson County is looking for compassionate individuals who want to make a difference in our community, and join the dedicated team of volunteers.&nbsp;New hospice volunteer training for those interested in becoming a volunteer has been scheduled. Anyone in Dickinson County is welcome to attend.

The class in Abilene will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday at the Home Health and Hospice office, 1111 N. Brady. 

The training is for individuals who would like to help support hospice patients and their families, and will include how the program works and how volunteers are an important part of the hospice program.

There are many ways in which hospice volunteers can lend their time and unique talents. Whether helping support patients, caregivers, and families directly, or by assisting with administrative work, there is a special place for you on the hospice volunteer team. Volunteers do not provide any medical or hands-on care; they simply spend time with the patient and family.

To sign-up (not required, walk-ins welcome) or request more information, contact Home Health and Hospice of Dickinson County Volunteer Coordinator Adrianne Unruh at (785) 263-6630, email at: <a href="mailto:adunruh@mhsks.org">adunruh@mhsks.org</a>.

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 </figure>Memorial Health SystemABILENE - Hospice of Dickinson County is looking for compassionate individuals who want to make a difference in our community, and join the dedicated team of volunteers.&nbsp;New hospice volunteer training for those interested in becoming a volunteer has been scheduled. Anyone in Dickinson County is welcome to attend.The class in Abilene will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday at the Home Health and Hospice office, 1111 N. Brady. The training is for individuals who would like to help support hospice patients and their families, and will include how the program works and how volunteers are an important part of the hospice program.There are many ways in which hospice volunteers can lend their time and unique talents. Whether helping support patients, caregivers, and families directly, or by assisting with administrative work, there is a special place for you on the hospice volunteer team. Volunteers do not provide any medical or hands-on care; they simply spend time with the patient and family.To sign-up (not required, walk-ins welcome) or request more information, contact Home Health and Hospice of Dickinson County Volunteer Coordinator Adrianne Unruh at (785) 263-6630, email at: <a href="mailto:adunruh@mhsks.org">adunruh@mhsks.org</a>.

Dickinson Co. Hospice offering volunteer training in Abilene

The spread of the Ku Klux Klan in Kansas is the topic of the next First Thursday presentation at Salina's Smoky Hill Museum.

The presentation is scheduled for 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Smoky Hill Museum, 211 W. Iron Avenue. The presentation also will be available remotely via Zoom. To request the Zoom link, go to www.smokyhillmuseum.org.

In his first presentation, Tom Fleming explored the cultural, political, and economic reasons for the KKK’s rise in Central Kansas during the 1920s. Back by popular demand, Fleming will expand on this important topic. He’ll talk about the spread of the KKK throughout Kansas, focusing on individual towns and communities, and he’ll discuss the causes of its eventual downfall, the museum noted in a news release. 

In addition to being an author, Fleming has also taught at Bethany College. He has studied, as well as lectured and written about central Kansas history.

By SALINA POSTThe spread of the Ku Klux Klan in Kansas is the topic of the next First Thursday presentation at Salina's Smoky Hill Museum.The presentation is scheduled for 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Smoky Hill Museum, 211 W. Iron Avenue. The presentation also will be available remotely via Zoom. To request the Zoom link, go to www.smokyhillmuseum.org.In his first presentation, Tom Fleming explored the cultural, political, and economic reasons for the KKK’s rise in Central Kansas during the 1920s. Back by popular demand, Fleming will expand on this important topic. He’ll talk about the spread of the KKK throughout Kansas, focusing on individual towns and communities, and he’ll discuss the causes of its eventual downfall, the museum noted in a news release. In addition to being an author, Fleming has also taught at Bethany College. He has studied, as well as lectured and written about central Kansas history.

Smoky Hill Museum presentation to look at spread of KKK in Kansas

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Salina Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;Salina Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families.

Recent obituaries and service times

TSA is hiring Transportation Security Officers at Salina Regional Airport starting at $17.64 per hour! These positions include excellent federal medical, dental and retirement plans, as well as other benefits for you and for your family. Also included is paid on-the-job training, weekend and holiday pay and even a potential pay raise after just six months. And no previous security experience is required.

If you have ever considered federal employment, this is a perfect time to make your move.

You’ll enjoy stability and can take advantage of rapid advancement and long-term career possibilities.

You’ll also be serving a cause much greater than yourself in a mission that matters—ensuring safe travels. Our team of dedicated Transportation Security Officers is helping protect the nation’s transportation system.

Join a mission that matters and visit&nbsp;<a href="http://jobs.tsa.gov/TSO">JOBS.TSA.GOV/TSO</a>.

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 </figure>TSA is hiring Transportation Security Officers at Salina Regional Airport starting at $17.64 per hour! These positions include excellent federal medical, dental and retirement plans, as well as other benefits for you and for your family. Also included is paid on-the-job training, weekend and holiday pay and even a potential pay raise after just six months. And no previous security experience is required.If you have ever considered federal employment, this is a perfect time to make your move.You’ll enjoy stability and can take advantage of rapid advancement and long-term career possibilities.You’ll also be serving a cause much greater than yourself in a mission that matters—ensuring safe travels. Our team of dedicated Transportation Security Officers is helping protect the nation’s transportation system.Join a mission that matters and visit&nbsp;<a href="http://jobs.tsa.gov/TSO">JOBS.TSA.GOV/TSO</a>.U.S. citizenship required.

Free colorectal cancer screening kits available in Salina, Lindsborg, Abilene

A powerful storm system will spread a large area of rain across the region for Thursday afternoon through Friday morning. 

Late Thursday night, some snow will start to mix in with the rain and may cause some travel impacts. In addition, strong north winds are also expected that may gust to between 45 and 50 mph.

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 </figure>National Weather ServiceA powerful storm system will spread a large area of rain across the region for Thursday afternoon through Friday morning. Late Thursday night, some snow will start to mix in with the rain and may cause some travel impacts. In addition, strong north winds are also expected that may gust to between 45 and 50 mph.