At The Bennington State Bank, our success has been built by our talented workforce.&nbsp; A workforce that values integrity, dependability, service, and mutual respect.

Bennington State Bank has full time and part time career opportunities at our Bennington, Minneapolis, Sylvan Grove and Lucas locations.

We are looking for employees who share our values.

Do you have ambition and ability to serve our customers?

Bennington State Bank offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package.

Check out&nbsp;<a href="http://bsbks.com/" target="_blank">bsbks.com</a>&nbsp;for current openings.

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 </figure>At The Bennington State Bank, our success has been built by our talented workforce.&nbsp; A workforce that values integrity, dependability, service, and mutual respect.Bennington State Bank has full time and part time career opportunities at our Bennington, Minneapolis, Sylvan Grove and Lucas locations.We are looking for employees who share our values.Do you have ambition and ability to serve our customers?Bennington State Bank offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package.Check out&nbsp;<a href="http://bsbks.com/" target="_blank">bsbks.com</a>&nbsp;for current openings.Equal Opportunity Employer.

🎤Forward Ever: Wilson Lake Marina owners Mike and Paige Kraus

The Saline County Health Department announced today its annual Community Flu Shot Clinic.

The clinic is scheduled for 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 5 at the 4H building in Salina's Kenwood Park.

Drive-through vaccinations are available for those aged 19 and&nbsp;older only. Walk-in appointments are available for all ages. Please wear short sleeves and a mask when&nbsp;receiving your vaccination.&nbsp;

Persons with the following health plans, who bring their cards, may be covered: BC/BS; Ambetter, United Healthcare, Aetna; Medicare Part B or Medicare Advantage Plan C; KanCare/Medicaid (Sunflower State Health Plan, Aetna Better Health of KS, United Healthcare Community Plan); UMR.

Out-of-network/no insurance is also available and payable at the time of service.

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 </figure>Saline County Health DepartmentThe Saline County Health Department announced today its annual Community Flu Shot Clinic.The clinic is scheduled for 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 5 at the 4H building in Salina's Kenwood Park.Drive-through vaccinations are available for those aged 19 and&nbsp;older only. Walk-in appointments are available for all ages. Please wear short sleeves and a mask when&nbsp;receiving your vaccination.&nbsp;Persons with the following health plans, who bring their cards, may be covered: BC/BS; Ambetter, United Healthcare, Aetna; Medicare Part B or Medicare Advantage Plan C; KanCare/Medicaid (Sunflower State Health Plan, Aetna Better Health of KS, United Healthcare Community Plan); UMR.Out-of-network/no insurance is also available and payable at the time of service.

Saline County Health Department flu shot clinic Oct. 5

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Police are looking for the person who stole a license plate from a 73-year-old Salina woman's minivan while the vehicle was parked at a store Tuesday afternoon.

The woman had gone into Dollar Tree, 1201 W. Crawford Street, leaving her 43-year-old daughter sitting in her 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. At approximately 3 p.m. Tuesday, a Hispanic male pulled in next to the vehicle in a black Dodge Caravan.

Forrester said the daughter saw the man get out of the black minivan, go to the back of her mother's minivan, and unscrew and take the license plate, which was Kansas 776HBX. He then got back in the black minivan and drove to nearby Club Carwash.

The daughter went into the store and told her mother what had happened. When they exited the store, a man approached the older woman and handed her a license plate, asking if it was hers. That license plate, Kansas 240PGM, was reported stolen out of Garden City, Forrester said.

When the woman asked the man whether he had stolen her license plate, he took off running. 

Forrester said the man was described as being Hispanic, 5'-8", and weighing 150 pounds. He was wearing all-black clothing and a black ball cap with a yellow brim.

Surveillance video from Club Carwash shows the man pull up next to the Salina woman's minivan. It also shows him unscrewing the license plate from her minivan, taking it, and then parking his black minivan at Club Carwash. Additionally, it shows him walking from Club Carwash to Dollar Tree and handing the woman the stolen license plate, Forrester said.

The man and the black minivan were last seen heading north on S. Broadway Boulevard.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostPolice are looking for the person who stole a license plate from a 73-year-old Salina woman's minivan while the vehicle was parked at a store Tuesday afternoon.The woman had gone into Dollar Tree, 1201 W. Crawford Street, leaving her 43-year-old daughter sitting in her 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. At approximately 3 p.m. Tuesday, a Hispanic male pulled in next to the vehicle in a black Dodge Caravan.Forrester said the daughter saw the man get out of the black minivan, go to the back of her mother's minivan, and unscrew and take the license plate, which was Kansas 776HBX. He then got back in the black minivan and drove to nearby Club Carwash.The daughter went into the store and told her mother what had happened. When they exited the store, a man approached the older woman and handed her a license plate, asking if it was hers. That license plate, Kansas 240PGM, was reported stolen out of Garden City, Forrester said.When the woman asked the man whether he had stolen her license plate, he took off running. Forrester said the man was described as being Hispanic, 5'-8", and weighing 150 pounds. He was wearing all-black clothing and a black ball cap with a yellow brim.Surveillance video from Club Carwash shows the man pull up next to the Salina woman's minivan. It also shows him unscrewing the license plate from her minivan, taking it, and then parking his black minivan at Club Carwash. Additionally, it shows him walking from Club Carwash to Dollar Tree and handing the woman the stolen license plate, Forrester said.The man and the black minivan were last seen heading north on S. Broadway Boulevard.The license plate was valued at $15.

Video records man stealing license plate in store parking lot Tuesday p.m.

A bicyclist received minor injuries when she was struck by a car that was exiting a parking lot in south Salina Tuesday.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that McKenzie Bowell, 30, of Salina, was southbound on a bicycle in the 1100 block of S. Ohio Street when she was struck by a 2011 Ford Fusion driven by Jose Chorro, 20, of Salina. 

According to Forrester, Chorro failed to yield when he exited a parking lot and struck Bowell.

The Fusion sustained minor front-end damage.

Forrester said Chorro was cited for failure to yield.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA bicyclist received minor injuries when she was struck by a car that was exiting a parking lot in south Salina Tuesday.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that McKenzie Bowell, 30, of Salina, was southbound on a bicycle in the 1100 block of S. Ohio Street when she was struck by a 2011 Ford Fusion driven by Jose Chorro, 20, of Salina. According to Forrester, Chorro failed to yield when he exited a parking lot and struck Bowell.Bowell suffered minor injuries. The Fusion sustained minor front-end damage.Forrester said Chorro was cited for failure to yield.

Car strikes bicyclist when pulling onto south Salina street

At Tuesday’s meeting, the SPS Board of Education heard that their district earned accreditation with the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation model (KESA) through 2027. To achieve accreditation, the district provided evidence of student performance growth, an intentional, quality growth process and compliance with the State Board of Education.

The State Board of Education determines accreditation upon a recommendation from the Accreditation Review Council (ARC). It reported, “Salina has had a sustained focus on continuous improvement and has worked diligently on their growth measures.”

The council noted growth in the district’s four-year graduation rate, increasing from 86 percent to 91 percent. Strategies supporting the increase include prioritizing Individual Plans of Study (IPS) for graduation and career plans, expanding credit recovery opportunities and creating a culture of belonging.

The ARC noted “outstanding growth in the enrollment in and completion of career pathways.” Their statement is based, in part, on the district’s increased career pathways. Pathway offerings grew from 14 to 20. As a result, the number of Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses grew.

Responding to the increased opportunity, students who completed CTE pathways increased by 251% - a growth of 624 students. The district also introduced 110 new dual credit college courses and continues to create partnerships with Salina businesses.

The ARC acknowledged another focus, kindergarten readiness. To build kindergarten readiness, the district works closely with Heartland Early Education. It also expanded preschool to all elementary schools, hired an early childhood family and community liaison and measures kindergarten readiness with assessments.

The ARC also noted that the district has created plans to work toward solutions for its challenges.

Aligning math resources and instruction for grades K-10 and implementing math diagnostic assessments are strategies aimed at raising academic performance. In addition, all elementary schools are using reading curriculum with embedded phonics and writing resources beginning this school year.

Salina Public Schools now enters a new five-year accreditation cycle through 2027. The process will involve yearly needs assessments and matching the KESA goals with the district’s Strategic Plan goals to increase students’ critical thinking, communication and social-emotional skills.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578755105849.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>USD 305At Tuesday’s meeting, the SPS Board of Education heard that their district earned accreditation with the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation model (KESA) through 2027. To achieve accreditation, the district provided evidence of student performance growth, an intentional, quality growth process and compliance with the State Board of Education.The State Board of Education determines accreditation upon a recommendation from the Accreditation Review Council (ARC). It reported, “Salina has had a sustained focus on continuous improvement and has worked diligently on their growth measures.”The council noted growth in the district’s four-year graduation rate, increasing from 86 percent to 91 percent. Strategies supporting the increase include prioritizing Individual Plans of Study (IPS) for graduation and career plans, expanding credit recovery opportunities and creating a culture of belonging.The ARC noted “outstanding growth in the enrollment in and completion of career pathways.” Their statement is based, in part, on the district’s increased career pathways. Pathway offerings grew from 14 to 20. As a result, the number of Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses grew.Responding to the increased opportunity, students who completed CTE pathways increased by 251% - a growth of 624 students. The district also introduced 110 new dual credit college courses and continues to create partnerships with Salina businesses.The ARC acknowledged another focus, kindergarten readiness. To build kindergarten readiness, the district works closely with Heartland Early Education. It also expanded preschool to all elementary schools, hired an early childhood family and community liaison and measures kindergarten readiness with assessments.The ARC also noted that the district has created plans to work toward solutions for its challenges.Aligning math resources and instruction for grades K-10 and implementing math diagnostic assessments are strategies aimed at raising academic performance. In addition, all elementary schools are using reading curriculum with embedded phonics and writing resources beginning this school year.Salina Public Schools now enters a new five-year accreditation cycle through 2027. The process will involve yearly needs assessments and matching the KESA goals with the district’s Strategic Plan goals to increase students’ critical thinking, communication and social-emotional skills.

USD 305 schools earn accreditation with Kansas Ed. Systems model

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher

Last spring my father-in-law purchased a handful of ewes to graze a pasture near his house. The pasture had not been grazed in a few years, and he liked the idea of having some animals on his farm after getting out of the cattle business about six years ago. He decided to purchase the ewes and make it a project with the grandkids.&nbsp; After the trailer of sheep arrived, each grandchild was allowed to pick out two ewes to claim as their own. Even before the sheep arrived, the kids helped their grandpa build the fencing and prepared the area for the animals. Since their arrival, the kids have attempted to help tame these ewes that were born and spent the early part of their lives in the Flint Hills. The grandkids have helped feed and vaccinate the ewes. Some days I’ve found one of the kids sitting on the fence talking to the ewes as they anxiously eat their grain before returning to the pasture. At the end of March, the kids watched as we turned out a ram with the flock. Soon blue chalk markings began appearing on the ewes.&nbsp; Fast forward to September where we are now on alert for lambs to begin arriving any day now. While the kids are simply excited to have some little lambs running around, my father-in-law is more focused on maintaining the health of the soon-to-arrive lambs and their mothers. I’m most concerned about how many lambs we could possibly bottle feed at once and being prepared with the supplies needed to ensure we can successfully feed multiple babies. It reminds me a lot of when I was pregnant with my two children and the different areas of concern people within my family focused on.&nbsp; While I know my concern is one that can easily be addressed with a quick trip to town, I still want to be ready for the scenario in which we have bottle babies. A handful of years ago my son was given a newborn calf whose mother had unexpectedly died on the coldest day of the year. My husband brought the tiny heifer home just a few hours after being born, and we quickly made adjustments to housing and bottle feeding the calf. In that scenario we weren’t even expecting a calf, but we were able to pivot quickly and begin caring for it.&nbsp; That calf is now Sunflower the cow, and she, too, is due to have her calf any day now. Although she is an experienced mama cow, my son and I are still on alert as we await her newest arrival. The anticipation of baby animals on the farm this fall is exciting, and to have my two children observe life through their animals is something I am so thankful to expose them to. As we patiently await and prepare for these new little additions on the farm, we have begun to embrace and understand the importance of the task of keeping watch.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2022 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim Baldwin. Photo courtesy Kansas Farm Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin. Photo courtesy Kansas Farm Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancherLast spring my father-in-law purchased a handful of ewes to graze a pasture near his house. The pasture had not been grazed in a few years, and he liked the idea of having some animals on his farm after getting out of the cattle business about six years ago. He decided to purchase the ewes and make it a project with the grandkids.&nbsp; After the trailer of sheep arrived, each grandchild was allowed to pick out two ewes to claim as their own. Even before the sheep arrived, the kids helped their grandpa build the fencing and prepared the area for the animals. Since their arrival, the kids have attempted to help tame these ewes that were born and spent the early part of their lives in the Flint Hills. The grandkids have helped feed and vaccinate the ewes. Some days I’ve found one of the kids sitting on the fence talking to the ewes as they anxiously eat their grain before returning to the pasture. At the end of March, the kids watched as we turned out a ram with the flock. Soon blue chalk markings began appearing on the ewes.&nbsp; Fast forward to September where we are now on alert for lambs to begin arriving any day now. While the kids are simply excited to have some little lambs running around, my father-in-law is more focused on maintaining the health of the soon-to-arrive lambs and their mothers. I’m most concerned about how many lambs we could possibly bottle feed at once and being prepared with the supplies needed to ensure we can successfully feed multiple babies. It reminds me a lot of when I was pregnant with my two children and the different areas of concern people within my family focused on.&nbsp; While I know my concern is one that can easily be addressed with a quick trip to town, I still want to be ready for the scenario in which we have bottle babies. A handful of years ago my son was given a newborn calf whose mother had unexpectedly died on the coldest day of the year. My husband brought the tiny heifer home just a few hours after being born, and we quickly made adjustments to housing and bottle feeding the calf. In that scenario we weren’t even expecting a calf, but we were able to pivot quickly and begin caring for it.&nbsp; That calf is now Sunflower the cow, and she, too, is due to have her calf any day now. Although she is an experienced mama cow, my son and I are still on alert as we await her newest arrival. The anticipation of baby animals on the farm this fall is exciting, and to have my two children observe life through their animals is something I am so thankful to expose them to. As we patiently await and prepare for these new little additions on the farm, we have begun to embrace and understand the importance of the task of keeping watch.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2022 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

INSIGHT: Keeping watch

McPHERSON – McPherson College is a great place to work, according to a new survey by the Great Colleges to Work For® program. The results, appearing in a special edition of The Chronicle of Higher Education, recognize McPherson College for the eighth year in a row. 

McPherson College is also on the survey’s Honor Roll for the seventh year.

The results are based on a survey of 212 colleges and universities. In all, just 68 of the 212 institutions achieved recognition on the list for specific practices and policies. Only 42 colleges were included on the Honor Roll, an elite group of institutions that are standouts within their enrollment size. McPherson College was recognized in all 10 categories and was the only Kansas school earning recognition on the list.

“Everyone at McPherson College works hard to make this a great place to work, and it’s special to be recognized again this year,” McPherson College President Michael Schneider said. “The fact that we have earned this distinction now for eight years running –&nbsp; and been named to the Honor Roll for seven years in a row – speaks to the strong, collaborative relationships among our faculty, staff, and administration.”

Schneider points to some basic practices, like the college’s health insurance plan, which has not had a premium increase for more than 10 years, and monthly all-campus meetings called “huddles,” as reasons why people like working for McPherson College. Additionally, involvement in programs like training from the Kansas Leadership Center, which develop adaptive problem-solving skills, and other significant professional development investments in the operating budget, sets McPherson College apart from other college campuses.

In a comment featured on the survey’s website, one McPherson College employee said, “People allow you to do your job in the manner it needs to be done to be successful. You are allowed to create an environment for students and staff that is enjoyable. Support in hard times is here.”

McPherson College was one of 16 institutions nationwide to earn top honors in all of the report’s 10 categories, including areas like compensation and benefits and work and life balance.

“Since I began working for McPherson College last year, people often ask me about the daily commute I make between Wichita and McPherson,” said Kristie Sojka, library director. “My response is always this: when you enjoy what you do and feel supported by your administration and coworkers, you don’t even notice the almost two hours spent on the road each day.”

Community is central to McPherson College’s identity, according to Schneider. 

“As our college community looks toward the future, faculty and staff are actively planning our current innovative strategic plan picking up where&nbsp;Community by Design&nbsp;left off.&nbsp;The strategic plan drove decision-making and much of the work we did over the last several years, and much of the work will continue as we focus on the future. In addition, we did all of it while balancing our operating budget and maintaining our overall enrollment and student retention.&nbsp;By working together,&nbsp;these plans will nurture the creative processes to sustain innovative academic ventures like the new Health Science program, continue supporting students to graduate with zero debt through the Student Debt Project, and transition MC from a traditional residential campus to a vibrant community,” he said.

The Great Colleges to Work For® survey is one of the country’s largest and most respected workplace recognition programs. The survey conducted by ModernThink — an organization committed to improving workplace quality — recognizes the colleges that get top ratings from their employees regarding workplace practices and policies. This year more than 49,000 faculty and staff responded to the survey.

McPherson CollegeMcPHERSON – McPherson College is a great place to work, according to a new survey by the Great Colleges to Work For® program. The results, appearing in a special edition of The Chronicle of Higher Education, recognize McPherson College for the eighth year in a row. McPherson College is also on the survey’s Honor Roll for the seventh year.The results are based on a survey of 212 colleges and universities. In all, just 68 of the 212 institutions achieved recognition on the list for specific practices and policies. Only 42 colleges were included on the Honor Roll, an elite group of institutions that are standouts within their enrollment size. McPherson College was recognized in all 10 categories and was the only Kansas school earning recognition on the list.“Everyone at McPherson College works hard to make this a great place to work, and it’s special to be recognized again this year,” McPherson College President Michael Schneider said. “The fact that we have earned this distinction now for eight years running –&nbsp; and been named to the Honor Roll for seven years in a row – speaks to the strong, collaborative relationships among our faculty, staff, and administration.”Schneider points to some basic practices, like the college’s health insurance plan, which has not had a premium increase for more than 10 years, and monthly all-campus meetings called “huddles,” as reasons why people like working for McPherson College. Additionally, involvement in programs like training from the Kansas Leadership Center, which develop adaptive problem-solving skills, and other significant professional development investments in the operating budget, sets McPherson College apart from other college campuses.In a comment featured on the survey’s website, one McPherson College employee said, “People allow you to do your job in the manner it needs to be done to be successful. You are allowed to create an environment for students and staff that is enjoyable. Support in hard times is here.”McPherson College was one of 16 institutions nationwide to earn top honors in all of the report’s 10 categories, including areas like compensation and benefits and work and life balance.“Since I began working for McPherson College last year, people often ask me about the daily commute I make between Wichita and McPherson,” said Kristie Sojka, library director. “My response is always this: when you enjoy what you do and feel supported by your administration and coworkers, you don’t even notice the almost two hours spent on the road each day.”Community is central to McPherson College’s identity, according to Schneider. “As our college community looks toward the future, faculty and staff are actively planning our current innovative strategic plan picking up where&nbsp;Community by Design&nbsp;left off.&nbsp;The strategic plan drove decision-making and much of the work we did over the last several years, and much of the work will continue as we focus on the future. In addition, we did all of it while balancing our operating budget and maintaining our overall enrollment and student retention.&nbsp;By working together,&nbsp;these plans will nurture the creative processes to sustain innovative academic ventures like the new Health Science program, continue supporting students to graduate with zero debt through the Student Debt Project, and transition MC from a traditional residential campus to a vibrant community,” he said.The Great Colleges to Work For® survey is one of the country’s largest and most respected workplace recognition programs. The survey conducted by ModernThink — an organization committed to improving workplace quality — recognizes the colleges that get top ratings from their employees regarding workplace practices and policies. This year more than 49,000 faculty and staff responded to the survey.

McPherson College named 'Great College to Work For'

Today is Wednesday, Sept. 14, the 257th day of 2022. There are 108 days left in the year.

On Sept. 14, 1901, President William McKinley died in Buffalo, New York, of gunshot wounds inflicted by an assassin; Vice President Theodore Roosevelt succeeded him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In 1991, the government of South Africa, the African National Congress and the Inkatha Freedom Party signed a national peace pact.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Five years ago: CIA Director Mike Pompeo canceled a planned appearance at Harvard University over the school's decision to name Chelsea Manning a visiting fellow. Former CIA deputy director Mike Morell resigned from his post at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government, saying he couldn't be part of an organization that "honors a convicted felon and leaker of classified information."

One year ago: The Justice Department said it was curtailing federal agents' use of "no-knock" warrants, and would also prohibit its agents from using chokeholds in most circumstances. South Carolina state police said Alex Murdaugh, a prominent lawyer, had tried to arrange his own death so that a son would get a $10 million life insurance payment, but that the planned fatal shot only grazed his head. (Murdaugh was later charged in the deaths of his wife and their younger son; he is also charged with stealing $8.5 million from people who hired him as an attorney.) Standup comic and former "Saturday Night Live" star Norm Macdonald died at 61; his management team said he'd had cancer for nine years, but kept it private. Signaling that Broadway was inching back to normalcy, three powerhouse shows — "The Lion King," "Hamilton" and "Wicked" — reopened to audiences at full capacity.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Walter Koenig is 86. Basketball Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown is 82. Singer-actor Joey Heatherton is 78. Actor Sam Neill is 75. Singer Jon "Bowzer" Bauman (Sha Na Na) is 75. Actor Robert Wisdom is 69. Rock musician Steve Berlin (Los Lobos) is 67. Country singer-songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman is 66. Actor Mary Crosby is 63. Singer Morten Harket (a-ha) is 63. Country singer John Berry is 63. Actor Melissa Leo is 62. Actor Faith Ford is 58. Actor Jamie Kaler is 58. Actor Michelle Stafford is 57. Rock musician Mike Cooley (Drive-By Truckers) is 56. Actor Dan Cortese is 55. Contemporary Christian singer Mark Hall is 53. Actor-writer-director-producer Tyler Perry is 53. Actor Ben Garant is 52. Rock musician Craig Montoya (Tri Polar) is 52. Actor Kimberly Williams-Paisley is 51. Actor Andrew Lincoln is 49. Rapper Nas is 49. Actor Austin Basis is 46. Country singer Danielle Peck is 44. Pop singer Ayo is 42. Chef/TV personality Katie Lee is 41. Actor Sebastian Sozzi is 40. Actor Adam Lamberg is 38. Singer Alex Clare is 37. Actor Chad Duell (TV: "General Hospital") is 35. Actor Jessica Brown Findlay is 35. Actor-singer Logan Henderson is 33. Actor Emma Kenney is 23.

<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 Wednesday, Sept. 14, the 257th day of 2022. There are 108 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Sept. 14, 1901, President William McKinley died in Buffalo, New York, of gunshot wounds inflicted by an assassin; Vice President Theodore Roosevelt succeeded him.On this date:In 1814, Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the poem "Defence of Fort McHenry" (later "The Star-Spangled Banner") after witnessing the American flag flying over the Maryland fort following a night of British naval bombardment during the War of 1812.In 1847, during the Mexican-American War, U.S. forces under Gen. Winfield Scott took control of Mexico City.In 1861, the first naval engagement of the Civil War took place as the USS Colorado attacked and sank the Confederate private schooner Judah off Pensacola, Florida.In 1867, the first volume of "Das Kapital" by Karl Marx was published in Hamburg, Germany.In 1927, modern dance pioneer Isadora Duncan died in Nice, France, when her scarf became entangled in a wheel of the sports car she was riding in.In 1982, Princess Grace of Monaco, formerly film star Grace Kelly, died at age 52 of injuries from a car crash the day before; Lebanon's president-elect, Bashir Gemayel, was killed by a bomb.In 1991, the government of South Africa, the African National Congress and the Inkatha Freedom Party signed a national peace pact.In 1994, on the 34th day of a strike by players, Acting Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig announced the 1994 season was over.In 2001, Americans packed churches and clogged public squares on a day of remembrance for the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks. President George W. Bush prayed with his Cabinet and attended services at Washington National Cathedral, then flew to New York, where he waded into the ruins of the World Trade Center and addressed rescue workers in a flag-waving, bullhorn-wielding show of resolve.In 2009, death claimed "Dirty Dancing" star Patrick Swayze at 57; former White House press secretary Jody Powell at age 65; and comic character actor Henry Gibson at age 73.In 2012, fury over an anti-Muslim film ridiculing the Prophet Muhammad spread across the Muslim world, with deadly clashes near Western embassies in Tunisia and Sudan, an American fast-food restaurant set ablaze in Lebanon, and international peacekeepers attacked in the Sinai.In 2015, Rowan County, Kentucky, clerk Kim Davis returned to work for the first time since she was jailed for defying a federal court and announced that she would no longer block her deputies from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.Ten years ago: Fury over an anti-Muslim film ridiculing the Prophet Muhammad spread across the Muslim world, with deadly clashes near Western embassies in Tunisia and Sudan, an American fast-food restaurant set ablaze in Lebanon, and international peacekeepers attacked in the Sinai.Five years ago: CIA Director Mike Pompeo canceled a planned appearance at Harvard University over the school's decision to name Chelsea Manning a visiting fellow. Former CIA deputy director Mike Morell resigned from his post at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government, saying he couldn't be part of an organization that "honors a convicted felon and leaker of classified information."One year ago: The Justice Department said it was curtailing federal agents' use of "no-knock" warrants, and would also prohibit its agents from using chokeholds in most circumstances. South Carolina state police said Alex Murdaugh, a prominent lawyer, had tried to arrange his own death so that a son would get a $10 million life insurance payment, but that the planned fatal shot only grazed his head. (Murdaugh was later charged in the deaths of his wife and their younger son; he is also charged with stealing $8.5 million from people who hired him as an attorney.) Standup comic and former "Saturday Night Live" star Norm Macdonald died at 61; his management team said he'd had cancer for nine years, but kept it private. Signaling that Broadway was inching back to normalcy, three powerhouse shows — "The Lion King," "Hamilton" and "Wicked" — reopened to audiences at full capacity.Today's Birthdays: Actor Walter Koenig is 86. Basketball Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown is 82. Singer-actor Joey Heatherton is 78. Actor Sam Neill is 75. Singer Jon "Bowzer" Bauman (Sha Na Na) is 75. Actor Robert Wisdom is 69. Rock musician Steve Berlin (Los Lobos) is 67. Country singer-songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman is 66. Actor Mary Crosby is 63. Singer Morten Harket (a-ha) is 63. Country singer John Berry is 63. Actor Melissa Leo is 62. Actor Faith Ford is 58. Actor Jamie Kaler is 58. Actor Michelle Stafford is 57. Rock musician Mike Cooley (Drive-By Truckers) is 56. Actor Dan Cortese is 55. Contemporary Christian singer Mark Hall is 53. Actor-writer-director-producer Tyler Perry is 53. Actor Ben Garant is 52. Rock musician Craig Montoya (Tri Polar) is 52. Actor Kimberly Williams-Paisley is 51. Actor Andrew Lincoln is 49. Rapper Nas is 49. Actor Austin Basis is 46. Country singer Danielle Peck is 44. Pop singer Ayo is 42. Chef/TV personality Katie Lee is 41. Actor Sebastian Sozzi is 40. Actor Adam Lamberg is 38. Singer Alex Clare is 37. Actor Chad Duell (TV: "General Hospital") is 35. Actor Jessica Brown Findlay is 35. Actor-singer Logan Henderson is 33. Actor Emma Kenney is 23.

Today in History - September 14

LINDSBORG —Law enforcement authorities and USD 400 Smoky Valley Public Schools continue investigating an alleged school threat that took place Monday and one student is in custody, according to a media release from police.

Smoky Valley school officials were made aware of information about a potential threat made through social media towards Smoky Valley High School, 1 Viking Boulevard in Lindsborg.

Police were notified of the potential threat and immediately started an investigation into this incident. Through a collaborative effort between USD 400 officials, the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office and the Lindsborg Police Department that went late into the morning hours, a juvenile subject was identified and taken into custody without incident.

While the immediate incident has been resolved, the investigation remains active and ongoing. The Lindsborg Police Department takes these incidents seriously and will investigate them accordingly.

LINDSBORG —Law enforcement authorities and USD 400 Smoky Valley Public School are investigating an alleged school threat that took place Monday.

Late Monday, school district officials and Lindsborg Police Department were contacted&nbsp;with information about a potential threat made through social media towards Smoky Valley High School, 1 Viking Boulevard in Lindsborg, according to a statement from&nbsp; Superintendent Heath Hogan on the school district web site.

The Lindsborg Police Department immediately started an investigation into the incident and numerous people of interest are being interviewed by police.&nbsp;

Smoky Valley High School is holding classes on its regular schedule on Tuesday.&nbsp; There is an increased law enforcement presence.&nbsp; Anyone who has specific information related to this threat should contact the Lindsborg Police Department, 785-227-2988.

"The school and the district take every threat seriously and all with be investigated.&nbsp;&nbsp;The district encourages you to report any information about any school safety related incidents to administrators or staff at school, or to the Lindsborg Police Department," Hogan noted on the district's website.

LINDSBORG —Law enforcement authorities and USD 400 Smoky Valley Public Schools continue investigating an alleged school threat that took place Monday and one student is in custody, according to a media release from police.Smoky Valley school officials were made aware of information about a potential threat made through social media towards Smoky Valley High School, 1 Viking Boulevard in Lindsborg.Police were notified of the potential threat and immediately started an investigation into this incident. Through a collaborative effort between USD 400 officials, the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office and the Lindsborg Police Department that went late into the morning hours, a juvenile subject was identified and taken into custody without incident.While the immediate incident has been resolved, the investigation remains active and ongoing. The Lindsborg Police Department takes these incidents seriously and will investigate them accordingly.---------LINDSBORG —Law enforcement authorities and USD 400 Smoky Valley Public School are investigating an alleged school threat that took place Monday.Late Monday, school district officials and Lindsborg Police Department were contacted&nbsp;with information about a potential threat made through social media towards Smoky Valley High School, 1 Viking Boulevard in Lindsborg, according to a statement from&nbsp; Superintendent Heath Hogan on the school district web site.The Lindsborg Police Department immediately started an investigation into the incident and numerous people of interest are being interviewed by police.&nbsp;Smoky Valley High School is holding classes on its regular schedule on Tuesday.&nbsp; There is an increased law enforcement presence.&nbsp; Anyone who has specific information related to this threat should contact the Lindsborg Police Department, 785-227-2988."The school and the district take every threat seriously and all with be investigated.&nbsp;&nbsp;The district encourages you to report any information about any school safety related incidents to administrators or staff at school, or to the Lindsborg Police Department," Hogan noted on the district's website.

Police make arrest for alleged school threat in Lindsborg

World renowned muralists are coming to Salina in October for the first Boom! Salina Street Art and Mural Festival.

The festival is scheduled for Oct. 6-16 in downtown Salina. It is being conducted by the Salina Kanvas Project in cooperation with Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, the Stiefel Theatre, Theatre Salina, Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, The Salina Art Center, Salina 2020, and Salina Downtown, Inc.

"We are excited to have such a great line-up of artists joining us for this inaugural event. Their work will not only add to our communal landscape, but will make Salina downtown a major destination for those that want to be inspired by world-class public art," said Travis Young, Salina Kanvas Project co-founder. "We thank the building owners and financial donors for making this happen."

During the festival, artists will be painting murals at five locations throughout downtown Salina. In addition to the artists creating the murals, the festival also will include live music on Oct. 14-15 in Campbell Plaza.

The following muralists biographies are courtesy the <a href="https://www.boomsalina.art/">Boom! website</a>.

TelmoMiel is a Dutch artistic duo composed of Telmo Pieper (born in Rotterdam, 1989) and Miel Krutzmann (born in Amsterdam, 1984). They are famous for making impressive murals and paintings characterized by hyper-realistic as well as abstract elements. Telmo Pieper and Miel Krutzmann met at the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam where they studied from 2006 to 2010. Miel, who had been painting walls with spray paint for several years, initiated Telmo to muralism and spray painting. While studying, they created a graffiti crew named Codex Inferno with a third person. It was only in 2012 that they officially created the duo TelmoMiel. TelmoMiel’s work is characterised by its uniqueness, formed by the two different styles of the artists. The work of Miel is rather romantic with picturesque features whereas the work of Telmo is humorous and provocative. Their work also shows a mix of techniques, combining spray paint and paint to create photorealistic, surreal and abstract compositions. Both artists work separately and come together with the sketches to analyze what combinations can be made. The result shows a great sense of technique and style with great attention to perspective and details. Their compositions reference to the human and animal worlds, creating complex creatures and epic scenarios. Their impressive murals aim to bring across peace, humor and a touch of the romance.

Mona Caron is a Swiss-born, San Francisco-based artist, using muralism, illustration and photography in both her art and artivism. Her focus is on community-informed and site-specific murals in public space. She has created large-scale murals in the US, Europe, South America and Asia, has delved into stop-motion animation as part of her "WEEDS" project, and co-creates visuals for street actions and outreach with social and environmental movements.

Manhattan, N.Y.-based mural and studio artist Tony "Rubin" Sjöman (b.1975) has painted all over the world and his works have been shown in galleries throughout the U.S. and Europe. Sjöman’s roots are in Finland and Sweden and he draws inspiration from his Scandinavian heritage for his complex abstract geometrical murals and studio works. Sjöman has become a staple of the art scene of New York City and beyond. His murals can be seen in a wide variety of spots in and around the city: on churches, in hotels and high-end boutiques, in luxury high-rises throughout Manhattan and on the 69th floor of WTC 4. Sjöman’s studio works are based on canvases, prints and installations and he is no stranger to painting on metal and wood. Rubin's studio works have been on display at Scope New York, Scope Miami and Art Miami during Art Basel, as well as in galleries throughout New York City, Miami and Los Angeles.

Joe Iurato is a multidisciplinary artist whose works are built on a foundation of stencils and aerosol. Falling somewhere in between simplistic and photorealistic, his multi-layer stencils offer a distinctly clean and illustrative aesthetic. While Iurato’s murals have adorned neighborhoods along the east coast United States for years, he’s more recently become noted for the unique placement and photography of miniature painted wood cutouts in public spaces. Utilizing the outdoor environment to create site-specific installations, Iurato creates windows into a narrative formed by personal experiences. Each individual work of art highlights the potential for interaction and storytelling within public space and transforms common land/cityscapes into carefully crafted scenes.

Logan Hicks is an American stencil artist, currently living and working in Los Angeles. His hand-cut stencil process involves cutting a separate stencil for each color, then layering each color upon the next until the final piece emerges, often hundreds of hours later, as a hyper-realistic masterpiece. Originally a screen printer, Logan sold off his equipment to finance his migration from the East Coast to the West Coast, turning to stenciling to re-invigorate his printing. Since then he has become renowned as one of the most meticulous stencil artists working today.

Youri Cansell aka Mantra is a consummate artist and naturalist. While equally adept at painting humans as animals, Mantra is especially fascinated by entomology, the world of insects. Mining memories of his childhood garden in France, he now paints exquisite murals, often of moths and butterflies, on urban surfaces where these ephemeral beings are seldom seen in the wild. With acute sensitivity to his surroundings, Mantra works to create organic relationships between his subjects and their environments. His renderings of infinitely varied species are always spectacularly beautiful and scientifically accurate to the last detail. Poignantly he usually depicts these creatures as lifeless specimens displayed in an exhibit case, a heartbreaking comment on lost biodiversity. From apartment buildings in New York City to an enormous dome in Mexico, I’ve seen Mantra persevere through extreme heat, major lift malfunctions and the usual distractions of creating art in public. His exceptional technical ability paired with his passion for nature and human experience not only enlivens our cities but alerts us to pressing global issues.

"Being visually stimulated is something people crave subconsciously, where they are and especially when they least expect it. With this festival we are trying to tap into a different wavelength that has broad appeal and of a caliber that will put Salina on the map," said Eric Montoy, Salina Kanvas Project co-founder.

Additionally, Martha Cooper, known as the godmother of street art photography, is scheduled to have an exhibition of her photographs at the Salina Art Center, 242 S. Santa Fe Avenue, from Wednesday to Oct. 23.

Cooper is a documentary photographer specializing in shooting urban vernacular art and architecture for more than 40 years, according to information on the <a href="https://www.boomsalina.art/">Boom! website</a>.

"In 1977, Martha moved from Rhode Island to New York City and worked as a staff photographer at the NY Post for three years. During that time she began to document graffiti and B-Boying, subjects which led to her extensive coverage of early Hip Hop as it emerged from the Bronx," the <a href="https://www.boomsalina.art/">Boom! website </a>noted.

In addition to the exhibition, the Salina Art Center Cinema, 150 S. Santa Fe Avenue, will screen a film about Cooper - Martha: A Picture Story - at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 12. A muralist panel discussion will follow.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663106754924.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kanvasproject">Salina Kanvas Project Facebook page</a>" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kanvasproject">Salina Kanvas Project Facebook page</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTWorld renowned muralists are coming to Salina in October for the first Boom! Salina Street Art and Mural Festival.The festival is scheduled for Oct. 6-16 in downtown Salina. It is being conducted by the Salina Kanvas Project in cooperation with Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, the Stiefel Theatre, Theatre Salina, Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, The Salina Art Center, Salina 2020, and Salina Downtown, Inc."We are excited to have such a great line-up of artists joining us for this inaugural event. Their work will not only add to our communal landscape, but will make Salina downtown a major destination for those that want to be inspired by world-class public art," said Travis Young, Salina Kanvas Project co-founder. "We thank the building owners and financial donors for making this happen."During the festival, artists will be painting murals at five locations throughout downtown Salina. In addition to the artists creating the murals, the festival also will include live music on Oct. 14-15 in Campbell Plaza.The following muralists biographies are courtesy the <a href="https://www.boomsalina.art/">Boom! website</a>.TelmoMielTelmoMiel is a Dutch artistic duo composed of Telmo Pieper (born in Rotterdam, 1989) and Miel Krutzmann (born in Amsterdam, 1984). They are famous for making impressive murals and paintings characterized by hyper-realistic as well as abstract elements. Telmo Pieper and Miel Krutzmann met at the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam where they studied from 2006 to 2010. Miel, who had been painting walls with spray paint for several years, initiated Telmo to muralism and spray painting. While studying, they created a graffiti crew named Codex Inferno with a third person. It was only in 2012 that they officially created the duo TelmoMiel. TelmoMiel’s work is characterised by its uniqueness, formed by the two different styles of the artists. The work of Miel is rather romantic with picturesque features whereas the work of Telmo is humorous and provocative. Their work also shows a mix of techniques, combining spray paint and paint to create photorealistic, surreal and abstract compositions. Both artists work separately and come together with the sketches to analyze what combinations can be made. The result shows a great sense of technique and style with great attention to perspective and details. Their compositions reference to the human and animal worlds, creating complex creatures and epic scenarios. Their impressive murals aim to bring across peace, humor and a touch of the romance.Mona CaronMona Caron is a Swiss-born, San Francisco-based artist, using muralism, illustration and photography in both her art and artivism. Her focus is on community-informed and site-specific murals in public space. She has created large-scale murals in the US, Europe, South America and Asia, has delved into stop-motion animation as part of her "WEEDS" project, and co-creates visuals for street actions and outreach with social and environmental movements.Tony SjömanManhattan, N.Y.-based mural and studio artist Tony "Rubin" Sjöman (b.1975) has painted all over the world and his works have been shown in galleries throughout the U.S. and Europe. Sjöman’s roots are in Finland and Sweden and he draws inspiration from his Scandinavian heritage for his complex abstract geometrical murals and studio works. Sjöman has become a staple of the art scene of New York City and beyond. His murals can be seen in a wide variety of spots in and around the city: on churches, in hotels and high-end boutiques, in luxury high-rises throughout Manhattan and on the 69th floor of WTC 4. Sjöman’s studio works are based on canvases, prints and installations and he is no stranger to painting on metal and wood. Rubin's studio works have been on display at Scope New York, Scope Miami and Art Miami during Art Basel, as well as in galleries throughout New York City, Miami and Los Angeles.Joe Iurato and Logan HicksJoe Iurato is a multidisciplinary artist whose works are built on a foundation of stencils and aerosol. Falling somewhere in between simplistic and photorealistic, his multi-layer stencils offer a distinctly clean and illustrative aesthetic. While Iurato’s murals have adorned neighborhoods along the east coast United States for years, he’s more recently become noted for the unique placement and photography of miniature painted wood cutouts in public spaces. Utilizing the outdoor environment to create site-specific installations, Iurato creates windows into a narrative formed by personal experiences. Each individual work of art highlights the potential for interaction and storytelling within public space and transforms common land/cityscapes into carefully crafted scenes.Logan Hicks is an American stencil artist, currently living and working in Los Angeles. His hand-cut stencil process involves cutting a separate stencil for each color, then layering each color upon the next until the final piece emerges, often hundreds of hours later, as a hyper-realistic masterpiece. Originally a screen printer, Logan sold off his equipment to finance his migration from the East Coast to the West Coast, turning to stenciling to re-invigorate his printing. Since then he has become renowned as one of the most meticulous stencil artists working today.MantraYouri Cansell aka Mantra is a consummate artist and naturalist. While equally adept at painting humans as animals, Mantra is especially fascinated by entomology, the world of insects. Mining memories of his childhood garden in France, he now paints exquisite murals, often of moths and butterflies, on urban surfaces where these ephemeral beings are seldom seen in the wild. With acute sensitivity to his surroundings, Mantra works to create organic relationships between his subjects and their environments. His renderings of infinitely varied species are always spectacularly beautiful and scientifically accurate to the last detail. Poignantly he usually depicts these creatures as lifeless specimens displayed in an exhibit case, a heartbreaking comment on lost biodiversity. From apartment buildings in New York City to an enormous dome in Mexico, I’ve seen Mantra persevere through extreme heat, major lift malfunctions and the usual distractions of creating art in public. His exceptional technical ability paired with his passion for nature and human experience not only enlivens our cities but alerts us to pressing global issues."Being visually stimulated is something people crave subconsciously, where they are and especially when they least expect it. With this festival we are trying to tap into a different wavelength that has broad appeal and of a caliber that will put Salina on the map," said Eric Montoy, Salina Kanvas Project co-founder.Additionally, Martha Cooper, known as the godmother of street art photography, is scheduled to have an exhibition of her photographs at the Salina Art Center, 242 S. Santa Fe Avenue, from Wednesday to Oct. 23.Cooper is a documentary photographer specializing in shooting urban vernacular art and architecture for more than 40 years, according to information on the <a href="https://www.boomsalina.art/">Boom! website</a>. "In 1977, Martha moved from Rhode Island to New York City and worked as a staff photographer at the NY Post for three years. During that time she began to document graffiti and B-Boying, subjects which led to her extensive coverage of early Hip Hop as it emerged from the Bronx," the <a href="https://www.boomsalina.art/">Boom! website </a>noted.In addition to the exhibition, the Salina Art Center Cinema, 150 S. Santa Fe Avenue, will screen a film about Cooper - Martha: A Picture Story - at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 12. A muralist panel discussion will follow.

Street art and mural festival coming to downtown Salina

ABILENE - The Abilene Police Department has a graduate of the&nbsp;FBI National Academy. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069239108579">Abilene Police Department Facebook page</a>:

The Abilene Police Department is proud to congratulate Assistant Chief Jason Wilkins on his graduation from the 283rd FBI National Academy Session.

The FBI National Academy is a 10-week program that provides coursework in intelligence theory, terrorism, terrorist mindsets, management science, law, behavioral science, law enforcement communication, and forensic science. It improves the administration of justice in police departments and agencies at home and abroad and raises law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation worldwide.

Assistant Chief Wilkins also achieved his "Yellow Brick" by completing the Yellow Brick Road fitness challenge, which is a grueling 6.1-mile run through a hilly, wooded trail built by the U.S. Marines. Along the way, participants must climb over walls, run through creeks, jump through simulated windows, scale rock faces with ropes, crawl under barbed wire in muddy water, maneuver across a cargo net, and more.

If you see Assistant Chief Wilkins around town, please congratulate him on his accomplishment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ABILENE - The Abilene Police Department has a graduate of the&nbsp;FBI National Academy. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069239108579">Abilene Police Department Facebook page</a>:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663098284842.jpeg" alt="Photos courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069239108579">Abilene Police Department Facebook page</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069239108579">Abilene Police Department Facebook page</a></figcaption>
 </figure>The Abilene Police Department is proud to congratulate Assistant Chief Jason Wilkins on his graduation from the 283rd FBI National Academy Session.The FBI National Academy is a 10-week program that provides coursework in intelligence theory, terrorism, terrorist mindsets, management science, law, behavioral science, law enforcement communication, and forensic science. It improves the administration of justice in police departments and agencies at home and abroad and raises law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation worldwide.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663098366152.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Assistant Chief Wilkins also achieved his "Yellow Brick" by completing the Yellow Brick Road fitness challenge, which is a grueling 6.1-mile run through a hilly, wooded trail built by the U.S. Marines. Along the way, participants must climb over walls, run through creeks, jump through simulated windows, scale rock faces with ropes, crawl under barbed wire in muddy water, maneuver across a cargo net, and more.If you see Assistant Chief Wilkins around town, please congratulate him on his accomplishment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Abilene PD's Wilkins graduates from FBI National Academy

Congratulations to Zachary Chaput of Junction City, the Week 1 winner&nbsp;

in Salina Pain Clinic's Gridiron Glory contest!

Zachary, who scored 12 of 15 points, wins two tickets and a parking pass to the Kansas City Chiefs home opener Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers.

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

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

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

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6457a6fe-ce1b-48df-a651-5d8582b478f7?contestid=3#registration/login">Click here to register for Gridiron Glory</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662062091203.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations to Zachary Chaput of Junction City, the Week 1 winner&nbsp;

in Salina Pain Clinic's Gridiron Glory contest!Zachary, who scored 12 of 15 points, wins two tickets and a parking pass to the Kansas City Chiefs home opener Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers.Although the season has begun, you still have time to win!<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6457a6fe-ce1b-48df-a651-5d8582b478f7?contestid=3#registration/login">Sign up today</a> to make your picks for a chance to win great weekly prizes, including cash,&nbsp;gift cards, concert tickets, and Chiefs tickets.&nbsp;If you pick well, you'll also be in the running for the local season prize of $1,000 and a national season prize of a trip to Hawaii!Don't miss out on the state's best pro football pick'em contest!&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6457a6fe-ce1b-48df-a651-5d8582b478f7?contestid=3#registration/login">Click here to register for Gridiron Glory</a>

Gridiron Glory: Congratulations Zachary Chaput!

APAC Kansas, Incorporated, has been building the heartland from the ground up for more than a century.

From the supply of aggregate materials, hot mix asphalt, and concrete to the construction of roads and bridges, we do it all. You've seen our trucks and now, we want to hire you!

APAC-Salina is growing and we are hiring for all positions. From truck drivers to mechanics to construction laborers, APAC has your next career.

We offer great pay and benefits. APAC Kansas, Incorporated, is an equal opportunity employer.

<a href="https://jobs.crh.com/search/?searchby=location&amp;q=Shears&amp;locationsearch=Kansas">Click here to see available positions and apply</a>!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617672336149.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>APAC Kansas, Incorporated, has been building the heartland from the ground up for more than a century.From the supply of aggregate materials, hot mix asphalt, and concrete to the construction of roads and bridges, we do it all. You've seen our trucks and now, we want to hire you!APAC-Salina is growing and we are hiring for all positions. From truck drivers to mechanics to construction laborers, APAC has your next career.We offer great pay and benefits. APAC Kansas, Incorporated, is an equal opportunity employer.<a href="https://jobs.crh.com/search/?searchby=location&amp;q=Shears&amp;locationsearch=Kansas">Click here to see available positions and apply</a>!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

SES vs. Minneapolis game free thanks to Bennington State Bank

More than 1,000 military personnel are set to converge on Salina and the surrounding area for the next couple of weeks to participate in the joint-service exercise, Jaded Thunder. 

The exercise will include joint forces integration by members of Air Force, Marine, Navy and Army units, as well as representatives of the U.S. Special Operations Command.

The Salina Regional Airport's close proximity to the Smoky Hill Weapons Range is key for this type of training. Operating from the Salina Airport, military units get realistic and efficient training. The less time pilots spend in the air getting to the training venue, the more time, and fuel, they can spend over the range training with personnel on the ground. The availability of the Smoky Hill Weapons Range, coupled with a supportive community, make the Salina Airport a preferred location for military training. 

Salina residents shouldn't worry if they hear any loud noise coming from the weapons range. The military will be using training ordnance during the exercise. The airports FAA air traffic control tower will work with all military aircraft to maintain safe operations in the skies over Salina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663013594453.jpeg" alt="A variety of fixed wing aircraft and helicopters will be seen in the skies over Salina during Jaded Thunder. Photo courtesy Salina Airport Authority" />
 <figcaption>A variety of fixed wing aircraft and helicopters will be seen in the skies over Salina during Jaded Thunder. Photo courtesy Salina Airport Authority</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Airport AuthorityMore than 1,000 military personnel are set to converge on Salina and the surrounding area for the next couple of weeks to participate in the joint-service exercise, Jaded Thunder. The exercise will include joint forces integration by members of Air Force, Marine, Navy and Army units, as well as representatives of the U.S. Special Operations Command.The Salina Regional Airport's close proximity to the Smoky Hill Weapons Range is key for this type of training. Operating from the Salina Airport, military units get realistic and efficient training. The less time pilots spend in the air getting to the training venue, the more time, and fuel, they can spend over the range training with personnel on the ground. The availability of the Smoky Hill Weapons Range, coupled with a supportive community, make the Salina Airport a preferred location for military training. Salina residents shouldn't worry if they hear any loud noise coming from the weapons range. The military will be using training ordnance during the exercise. The airports FAA air traffic control tower will work with all military aircraft to maintain safe operations in the skies over Salina.

Jaded Thunder returns to Salina

Police are investigating multiple damage to property incidents after initials were spray painted at several north Salina locations overnight.

Police were notified about the spray painting at 3:30 a.m. Tuesday.

The initials "TVL" were spray painted in red at five locations. "TVL" is an abbreviation in the gang world for the Traveling Vice Lords, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.

Locations that got tagged include the following, Forrester said.

●Budget King, 809 N. Broadway Boulevard

●Arrow Printing, 115 W. Woodland Avenue

Damage was estimated at $250 for each location, he said.

Forrester declined to speculate whether actual gang members had done the tagging.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostPolice are investigating multiple damage to property incidents after initials were spray painted at several north Salina locations overnight.Police were notified about the spray painting at 3:30 a.m. Tuesday.The initials "TVL" were spray painted in red at five locations. "TVL" is an abbreviation in the gang world for the Traveling Vice Lords, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.Locations that got tagged include the following, Forrester said.●Budget King, 809 N. Broadway Boulevard●Salina Appliance, 740 N. Ninth Street●Trejo Repair, 800 N. Ninth Street●Hawthorne Park, 715 N. Ninth Street●Arrow Printing, 115 W. Woodland AvenueDamage was estimated at $250 for each location, he said.Forrester declined to speculate whether actual gang members had done the tagging.

Multiple north Salina locations get tagged with gang initials

Police are looking for a known suspect in the battering of three people at a southwest Salina residence early Tuesday.

Officers were sent to the 1400 block of Derby Street at approximately 2:30 a.m. Tuesday for the report of people being battered, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. All persons involved in the incident work together and had gone to a local bar after work, he said. They then went to the residence of a co-worker.

While there, one of the coworkers, described as a 23-year-old white male,  allegedly began arguing with others and punched a 26-year-old Salina man in the face. He then allegedly shoved the man and both went through a three-foot by five-foot living room window, Forrester said. 

The Salina man suffered a bloody lip, bruising on the right side of his face, several cuts, and a piece of glass stuck in his right calf.

The suspect then allegedly punched two female co-workers in the face before leaving.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostPolice are looking for a known suspect in the battering of three people at a southwest Salina residence early Tuesday.Officers were sent to the 1400 block of Derby Street at approximately 2:30 a.m. Tuesday for the report of people being battered, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. All persons involved in the incident work together and had gone to a local bar after work, he said. They then went to the residence of a co-worker.While there, one of the coworkers, described as a 23-year-old white male, allegedly began arguing with others and punched a 26-year-old Salina man in the face. He then allegedly shoved the man and both went through a three-foot by five-foot living room window, Forrester said. The Salina man suffered a bloody lip, bruising on the right side of his face, several cuts, and a piece of glass stuck in his right calf.The window was valued at $600.The suspect then allegedly punched two female co-workers in the face before leaving.

Suspect sought after coworkers battered in southwest Salina

Kansas Wesleyan University has added a new event to its 2022 Homecoming festivities: a veterans recognition ceremony.

The ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. Oct. 21&nbsp;on Bevan Green outside the Student Activities Center. 

The ceremony will honor area veterans and active-duty military, with each receiving a custom patriotic pin from President Matt Thompson. Kansas Wesleyan student musicians will perform The Star-Spangled Banner and echo taps during the proceedings. The ceremony also will feature Kansas Wesleyan’s new Air Force ROTC program serving as color guard.

All veterans and active-duty military are welcome to take part, with representatives from more than 10 local veteran and law enforcement organizations already expected to attend.

“Kansas Wesleyan recognizes the importance of veterans in America today,” said Ken Oliver, KWU executive vice president of advancement &amp; university operations. “Not only should they be honored for their courage, bravery and sacrifice, but they also bring unique skill sets to the fields they enter after their service. It is our pleasure to recognize their contributions, both to our military and to our community as a whole.”

At least four veterans, including two who direct their particular areas, work on the Kansas Wesleyan campus. Kansas Wesleyan’s Memorial Library is named in recognition of the 24 casualties of World War II who were either from Saline County or attended Kansas Wesleyan.

RSVPs to the Oct. 21 event are not required, but those planning to attend may coordinate through their invited local veterans service organization. Outdoor seating will be provided.

KWUKansas Wesleyan University has added a new event to its 2022 Homecoming festivities: a veterans recognition ceremony.The ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. Oct. 21&nbsp;on Bevan Green outside the Student Activities Center. The ceremony will honor area veterans and active-duty military, with each receiving a custom patriotic pin from President Matt Thompson. Kansas Wesleyan student musicians will perform The Star-Spangled Banner and echo taps during the proceedings. The ceremony also will feature Kansas Wesleyan’s new Air Force ROTC program serving as color guard.All veterans and active-duty military are welcome to take part, with representatives from more than 10 local veteran and law enforcement organizations already expected to attend.“Kansas Wesleyan recognizes the importance of veterans in America today,” said Ken Oliver, KWU executive vice president of advancement &amp; university operations. “Not only should they be honored for their courage, bravery and sacrifice, but they also bring unique skill sets to the fields they enter after their service. It is our pleasure to recognize their contributions, both to our military and to our community as a whole.”At least four veterans, including two who direct their particular areas, work on the Kansas Wesleyan campus. Kansas Wesleyan’s Memorial Library is named in recognition of the 24 casualties of World War II who were either from Saline County or attended Kansas Wesleyan.RSVPs to the Oct. 21 event are not required, but those planning to attend may coordinate through their invited local veterans service organization. Outdoor seating will be provided.

KWU adds veterans recognition ceremony to Homecoming

By KATHY HAGEMAN Dickinson County public information coordinator

If there’s one situation that keeps Dickinson County Administrator Brad Homman up at night it’s worrying about whether or not the county’s Emergency Medical Service (EMS) has enough staff to respond at night.

“If someone calls about a pothole, we can wait on that. But I can’t live with the fact that somebody had a heart attack and we didn’t have enough people to send out an ambulance,” Homman said.

In recent years, attracting and keeping paramedics and EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) has been a challenge, but recently the lack of applicants – particularly for paramedic positions – has become a problem.

“John (Hultgren, EMS/Health Department director) has expressed frustration and concern about our open EMS positions and not getting any applicants. There’s two vacancies that have been open for months,” Homman told commissioners.

After a lengthy discussion about the problem and solution, Dickinson County Commissioners on Aug. 25 approved a salary increase for paramedics, Advanced EMTs and EMTs. The increase will bring the starting salary for a paramedic up to approximately $62,000 with overtime.

With a shortage of certified people and nearly every agency needing people, EMS services nationwide have only one alternative – poaching staff from other agencies. Not surprisingly, agencies offering the top salaries are winning.

“Right now, salaries are the thing that attracts people. It’s not surprising in this competitive environment,” Homman explained. “Today, we not only need to be competitive, we need to be attractive.”

When it comes to certified emergency medical first responders, Dickinson County is competing for staff with the City of Salina and Junction City - which have both fire and EMS, Manhattan EMS and even Newton EMS, Homman said. In reality, however, Dickinson County is competing with every agency in the state because of EMS’ unique work schedule.

Paramedics and EMTs work 24-hour shifts, so they only work 10 days a month.

“That allows them a lot of freedom other departments don’t have - the freedom to live elsewhere and come here and work,” Homman said. “We have people living in Newton, Salina, Hutchinson, Manhattan, Junction City. They come here and spend their 24 hours in the (EMS) quarters 10 times a month.

Even though the county offers good benefits and other perks, salaries are the big drawing card. In years’ past, salaries were only part of the picture. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case -especially for younger people who do not see the need for insurance at that point in their lives.

“People do this job because they want to. It’s in their hearts. But EMS is kind of a young person’s occupation. It involves lifting and sometimes they can get into some difficult situations so it is challenging. Not everybody is cut out to do this,” Homman explained. “But at this stage in their lives, salary is the thing that attracts them.”

He referred to several advertisements for EMS services across Kansas which are offering more than $62,000 for paramedics to start. Starting pay in Leavenworth is $62,969; Dodge City and Ford County is $19 per hour; Wichita in Sedgwick County is $20.63.

Some also are offering sign-on bonuses after 60 days.

Dickinson County’s starting pay for a paramedic is $51,247.

“So, we’re about $10,000 to $12,000 light compared to other counties,” commented Commission Chairman Lynn Peterson. “Obviously, the starting salary needs to be consistent or competitive with other counties.

“But the reality is, if we raise our level, all the others will raise theirs,” Peterson added.

“Something that came as a shocker to us was when we heard Marion County raised their starting salary for a paramedic to $62,000 for same reason – to get applicants,” Homman replied.

Despite the lower salary, Dickinson County EMS has a reputation as a good place to work, with newer facilities and up-to-date equipment, and it offers something other nearby agencies do not, Homman said.

“In Salina or Junction City, the job is EMS/firefighter. Here, we are just EMS. A lot of people don’t want to be firefighters, so we attract people from other services because of that,” he said.

Dickinson County EMS has 21 positions, including the director, assistant director and billing clerk, nine paramedics (the highest level of certification), three Advanced-EMTs and six EMTs.

“We try to have a paramedic on each group, so when a truck goes out we have one paramedic and one EMT, so they can provide all the advanced life support services we can,” Homman said.

Unfortunately, Dickinson County has been on the losing side of the battle when it comes to keeping paramedics.

By KATHY HAGEMAN Dickinson County public information coordinatorIf there’s one situation that keeps Dickinson County Administrator Brad Homman up at night it’s worrying about whether or not the county’s Emergency Medical Service (EMS) has enough staff to respond at night.“If someone calls about a pothole, we can wait on that. But I can’t live with the fact that somebody had a heart attack and we didn’t have enough people to send out an ambulance,” Homman said.In recent years, attracting and keeping paramedics and EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) has been a challenge, but recently the lack of applicants – particularly for paramedic positions – has become a problem.“John (Hultgren, EMS/Health Department director) has expressed frustration and concern about our open EMS positions and not getting any applicants. There’s two vacancies that have been open for months,” Homman told commissioners.After a lengthy discussion about the problem and solution, Dickinson County Commissioners on Aug. 25 approved a salary increase for paramedics, Advanced EMTs and EMTs. The increase will bring the starting salary for a paramedic up to approximately $62,000 with overtime.Poaching from othersWith a shortage of certified people and nearly every agency needing people, EMS services nationwide have only one alternative – poaching staff from other agencies. Not surprisingly, agencies offering the top salaries are winning.“Right now, salaries are the thing that attracts people. It’s not surprising in this competitive environment,” Homman explained. “Today, we not only need to be competitive, we need to be attractive.”When it comes to certified emergency medical first responders, Dickinson County is competing for staff with the City of Salina and Junction City - which have both fire and EMS, Manhattan EMS and even Newton EMS, Homman said. In reality, however, Dickinson County is competing with every agency in the state because of EMS’ unique work schedule.Paramedics and EMTs work 24-hour shifts, so they only work 10 days a month.“That allows them a lot of freedom other departments don’t have - the freedom to live elsewhere and come here and work,” Homman said. “We have people living in Newton, Salina, Hutchinson, Manhattan, Junction City. They come here and spend their 24 hours in the (EMS) quarters 10 times a month.Even though the county offers good benefits and other perks, salaries are the big drawing card. In years’ past, salaries were only part of the picture. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case -especially for younger people who do not see the need for insurance at that point in their lives.“People do this job because they want to. It’s in their hearts. But EMS is kind of a young person’s occupation. It involves lifting and sometimes they can get into some difficult situations so it is challenging. Not everybody is cut out to do this,” Homman explained. “But at this stage in their lives, salary is the thing that attracts them.”He referred to several advertisements for EMS services across Kansas which are offering more than $62,000 for paramedics to start. Starting pay in Leavenworth is $62,969; Dodge City and Ford County is $19 per hour; Wichita in Sedgwick County is $20.63.Some also are offering sign-on bonuses after 60 days.Dickinson County’s starting pay for a paramedic is $51,247.“So, we’re about $10,000 to $12,000 light compared to other counties,” commented Commission Chairman Lynn Peterson. “Obviously, the starting salary needs to be consistent or competitive with other counties.“But the reality is, if we raise our level, all the others will raise theirs,” Peterson added.“Something that came as a shocker to us was when we heard Marion County raised their starting salary for a paramedic to $62,000 for same reason – to get applicants,” Homman replied.Attractive positionDespite the lower salary, Dickinson County EMS has a reputation as a good place to work, with newer facilities and up-to-date equipment, and it offers something other nearby agencies do not, Homman said.“In Salina or Junction City, the job is EMS/firefighter. Here, we are just EMS. A lot of people don’t want to be firefighters, so we attract people from other services because of that,” he said.Dickinson County EMS has 21 positions, including the director, assistant director and billing clerk, nine paramedics (the highest level of certification), three Advanced-EMTs and six EMTs.“We try to have a paramedic on each group, so when a truck goes out we have one paramedic and one EMT, so they can provide all the advanced life support services we can,” Homman said.Unfortunately, Dickinson County has been on the losing side of the battle when it comes to keeping paramedics.“Not to minimize an EMTs role by any means, but the requirements to be a paramedic are much more strenuous. The difference is tremendous,” Homman said, explaining the demand for paramedics.Typically, Dickinson County EMS has between 2,400 to 2,500 calls a year, but that number has increased each year. Staff transport patients to nearby facilities in Salina, Manhattan and Topeka, but in recent years, also to places in North Kansas City, Mo., Lawrence, Newton, Overland Park and others.“The hospitals arrange those transports, we don’t. But we’re going to places we’ve never seen before,” Homman said.Advanced trainingDickinson County EMS gives employees who wish to attain a higher certification the opportunity to attend the paramedic training center at Hutchinson Community College.“We have paid the tuition for some of our employees with the agreement that, number one, they have to pass; and number two, they have to give us a minimum of two years of service,” Homman said.“That has worked pretty well for us, but what we’re hearing now is that some agencies are sending their students to paramedic class and paying their tuition, expenses to stay there and paying them a salary while they are there so it’s just like going to the law enforcement academy.“I’m not saying we need to do that at this point,” he added.IncreaseThe proposal approved by the commission increased the current base salary for an EMT from $38,205 to $48,189; AEMT from $41,262 to $51,251; and paramedic from $51,247 to $62,000, amounting to an approximate $3 per hour raise, according to Assistant County Administrator/Budget Director Janelle Dockendorf.Commissioner Craig Chamberlin asked how the increase would affect the current and 2023 budgets.Dockendorf said the current budget (running through Dec. 31) could absorb the increase, but next year’s will be tight.“Obviously, we’re going to have to prioritize what we are doing,” Dockendorf said.Despite the challenge to the budget, commissioners agreed that keeping EMS staffed is necessary.“We need to be rather aggressive with this,” Commissioner Peterson said. “It’s not something we can push into next year.”Homman said he worries that the county will receive a 911 call and there will not be enough staff available to respond.“So far, we’ve been able to cover all the shifts with overtime, but we’re taxing our staff and they’re getting tired. We’ve got a couple who worked a lot of overtime because they are team players, but they are to the point where they don’t want so much overtime.”

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