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;

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;

Recent obituaries and service times

The JCB / Industrial Field Technician is responsible for
performing service work ranging from basic maintenance to complex diagnostics
on JCB agricultural and construction equipment. Repairs and maintenance will be
performed on both customer-owned, and dealer-owned, equipment, both remotely
and in the store. He / she is responsible for good customer communication as
needed, ensuring a clean and safe work environment, continually develop
technical skills with evolving products, including company sponsored training.

Job
Responsibilities (ranked in significance):

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Company
Values:&nbsp; Ensures all company values
are personally adhered to and promoted.&nbsp;
This would include leading by example and participation in employee
recognition programs.

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Service
Diagnostics:&nbsp; Performs basic /
complex diagnostics on JCB equipment, determining what repairs are needed
and/or recommended for future attention / maintenance. This can be for either
customer-owned equipment located at the shop or at customer’s site, or
dealer-owned equipment (inspections).

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Service
Repairs:&nbsp; Performs repairs on
equipment (electrical, hydraulic, mechanical) as assigned by the JCB Service
Writer.&nbsp; Accountable for performing
quality work and attaining stated goals for efficiency.

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Service
Paperwork: Completes all reports and forms for service operations in a
timely and accurate manner.&nbsp; This would
include inspection reports, warranty comments, work orders, etc.&nbsp; Uses computers / tablets for data entry as
required. Ensure supervisor is aware of any issues / surprises which can impact
customer billing or satisfaction.&nbsp;
Ensures accurate timekeeping for job costing.

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Service
Training / Development:&nbsp; Participates
in all requested job-related training and development, as well as taking an
active interest in improving skills with other training programs.

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Equipment
and Tools:&nbsp; Maintains good condition
and cleanliness of company vehicles inventory, tools, and equipment, including
return of tools to storage areas.

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Safety:&nbsp; Follows all company and common-sense safety
policies, while using all required personal safety equipment.&nbsp; Ensures a safe work environment in his bay;
reports any issues in bay or other service work areas to manager for follow up.

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Teamwork:&nbsp; Works collaboratively with other technicians,
parts, and sales personnel.&nbsp; Mentors
Service Technician Apprentices and junior Technicians as able.&nbsp; Works afterhours (daily or weekend) as
required.

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Communications:&nbsp; Ensures good communication within location,
and with other locations / employees.&nbsp;
Communicates appropriately with customers and conveys any operational
issues to manager.

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Technical degree in Agricultural or Construction
Mechanics, or High School Diploma or GED with 3-4 years of experience in
service operations.

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Proven knowledge of methods, materials, tools,
and techniques used in the repair of Ag / Construction / Outdoor power
equipment

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Outstanding knowledge of mechanical, electrical,
and hydraulic systems.

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Owns mechanic tool set appropriate for the work
required.

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Excellent skills in operating vehicles and
equipment used in service shops (diagnostic equipment, forklifts, hydraulic
lifts, etc.)

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Excellent communication and customer
relationship skills

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Expertise with computer systems, including MS
office and internet-based applications

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Ability to work extended hours during the week
and on weekends

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Ability to travel to company meetings and
training events as needed

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Ability to lift 75 pounds as required without
assistance

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Acceptable Motor Vehicle status, with current
driver’s license, and ability to operate motor vehicle

Apply Today <a href="https://www.kanequip.com/careers/">https://www.kanequip.com/careers/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671289496077.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Purpose:The JCB / Industrial Field Technician is responsible for
performing service work ranging from basic maintenance to complex diagnostics
on JCB agricultural and construction equipment. Repairs and maintenance will be
performed on both customer-owned, and dealer-owned, equipment, both remotely
and in the store. He / she is responsible for good customer communication as
needed, ensuring a clean and safe work environment, continually develop
technical skills with evolving products, including company sponsored training.Job
Responsibilities (ranked in significance):-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Company
Values:&nbsp; Ensures all company values
are personally adhered to and promoted.&nbsp;
This would include leading by example and participation in employee
recognition programs.-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Service
Diagnostics:&nbsp; Performs basic /
complex diagnostics on JCB equipment, determining what repairs are needed
and/or recommended for future attention / maintenance. This can be for either
customer-owned equipment located at the shop or at customer’s site, or
dealer-owned equipment (inspections). -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Service
Repairs:&nbsp; Performs repairs on
equipment (electrical, hydraulic, mechanical) as assigned by the JCB Service
Writer.&nbsp; Accountable for performing
quality work and attaining stated goals for efficiency.-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Service
Paperwork: Completes all reports and forms for service operations in a
timely and accurate manner.&nbsp; This would
include inspection reports, warranty comments, work orders, etc.&nbsp; Uses computers / tablets for data entry as
required. Ensure supervisor is aware of any issues / surprises which can impact
customer billing or satisfaction.&nbsp;
Ensures accurate timekeeping for job costing.-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Service
Training / Development:&nbsp; Participates
in all requested job-related training and development, as well as taking an
active interest in improving skills with other training programs.-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Equipment
and Tools:&nbsp; Maintains good condition
and cleanliness of company vehicles inventory, tools, and equipment, including
return of tools to storage areas.-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Safety:&nbsp; Follows all company and common-sense safety
policies, while using all required personal safety equipment.&nbsp; Ensures a safe work environment in his bay;
reports any issues in bay or other service work areas to manager for follow up.-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Teamwork:&nbsp; Works collaboratively with other technicians,
parts, and sales personnel.&nbsp; Mentors
Service Technician Apprentices and junior Technicians as able.&nbsp; Works afterhours (daily or weekend) as
required.-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Communications:&nbsp; Ensures good communication within location,
and with other locations / employees.&nbsp;
Communicates appropriately with customers and conveys any operational
issues to manager.Requirements:-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Technical degree in Agricultural or Construction
Mechanics, or High School Diploma or GED with 3-4 years of experience in
service operations.-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Proven knowledge of methods, materials, tools,
and techniques used in the repair of Ag / Construction / Outdoor power
equipment-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Outstanding knowledge of mechanical, electrical,
and hydraulic systems.-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Owns mechanic tool set appropriate for the work
required.-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Excellent skills in operating vehicles and
equipment used in service shops (diagnostic equipment, forklifts, hydraulic
lifts, etc.)-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Excellent communication and customer
relationship skills-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Expertise with computer systems, including MS
office and internet-based applications-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Ability to work extended hours during the week
and on weekends-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Ability to travel to company meetings and
training events as needed-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Ability to lift 75 pounds as required without
assistance-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Acceptable Motor Vehicle status, with current
driver’s license, and ability to operate motor vehicleApply Today <a href="https://www.kanequip.com/careers/">https://www.kanequip.com/careers/</a>

Today in History - December 17

Kansas Wesleyan honored its fall graduates Friday evening during its annual Fall Graduation Recognition Ceremony, which was held in&nbsp;Mabee&nbsp;Arena. 

Twenty graduates were recognized and Lesa Dunn, assistant professor of sport and exercise science and KWU’s 2021-22 exemplary teacher of the year, delivered the evening’s keynote address.

The following is a list of students who were eligible for fall graduation:

Nicholas&nbsp;Allsman&nbsp;(Belleville, Kan.)

Karen Cristine Alvarenga (Sao Bernardo do Campo, Brazil)

Jessyka&nbsp;Barten&nbsp;(Woodbine, Kan.)

Kira&nbsp;Determan&nbsp;(Fort Calhoun, Neb.)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671248242267.jpeg" alt="Some of the participants in Kansas Wesleyan's Fall Graduation Recognition Ceremony Friday night in Mabee Arena.&nbsp;Photo courtesy KWU" />
 <figcaption>Some of the participants in Kansas Wesleyan's Fall Graduation Recognition Ceremony Friday night in Mabee Arena.&nbsp;Photo courtesy KWU</figcaption>
 </figure> KWUKansas Wesleyan honored its fall graduates Friday evening during its annual Fall Graduation Recognition Ceremony, which was held in&nbsp;Mabee&nbsp;Arena. Twenty graduates were recognized and Lesa Dunn, assistant professor of sport and exercise science and KWU’s 2021-22 exemplary teacher of the year, delivered the evening’s keynote address.The following is a list of students who were eligible for fall graduation:Katelynn Ade (Salina, Kan.)Nicholas&nbsp;Allsman&nbsp;(Belleville, Kan.)Artin&nbsp;Almary&nbsp;(Salina, Kan.)Karen Cristine Alvarenga (Sao Bernardo do Campo, Brazil)Jessyka&nbsp;Barten&nbsp;(Woodbine, Kan.)David Bellin (Berlin, Germany)Mary Berghuis (Salina, Kan.)Shaun Browder (Florissant, Mo.)Lauren Brown (Salina, Kan.)Lisa Burnett (Salina, Kan.)Carl Bush (Salina, Kan.)Nadir Cano (Palma De Mallorca, Spain)Nigel Davis (Playa Vista, Calif.)Kayla Deaver (Lees Summit, Mo.)Kira&nbsp;Determan&nbsp;(Fort Calhoun, Neb.)Trey Duffey (Topeka, Kan.)Zidane Forbes (Chicago, Ill.)Kirian&nbsp;Greer (Salina, Kan.)Cleon Hamilton (Hinesville, Ga.)Cortney Hanna (Lawrence, Kan.)Nolan Harris (Lexington, Mo.)Zacchaeus Haynes (Bryan, Texas)Brandon Henson (Tyler, Texas)Cajun Holland (Fernandina Beach, Fla.)Manuel Jimenez (Lexington, Neb.)Bilbare&nbsp;Jones (Memphis, Tenn.)Vernon Jordan (Nashville, Tenn.)Aaron Main (Tulsa, Okla.)Allisan&nbsp;McGowan (Pratt, Kan.)Miguel Millan (Lodi, Calif.)Viviana Ramirez (Whittier, Calif.)Hilta&nbsp;Ramos (Concordia, Kan.)Scott Sanchez (Kelseyville, Calif.)Terek Smith (Lyons, Kan.)Andrew Sorenson (Manhattan, Kan.)Trevor Watson (Coffeyville, Kan.)Christopher Young (Abilene, Kan.)Kayla Zimmerman (Grinnell, Kan.)

KWU honors fall graduates at Friday evening ceremony

SALINE COUNTY—A Salina woman was injured in an accident just after 12:30 p.m. Friday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Buick LeSabre driven by&nbsp;Tabatha N. Benson, 33, Salina, was eastbound on W. Watkins Road eleven miles northwest of Salina.

The car traveled off the roadway on the right. The driver overcorrected to the left and then overcorrected to the right. The car entered the south ditch and struck a concrete culvert.&nbsp;

EMS transported&nbsp;Benson to Salina Regional Health Center. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Post News NetworkSALINE COUNTY—A Salina woman was injured in an accident just after 12:30 p.m. Friday in Saline County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Buick LeSabre driven by&nbsp;Tabatha N. Benson, 33, Salina, was eastbound on W. Watkins Road eleven miles northwest of Salina.The car traveled off the roadway on the right. The driver overcorrected to the left and then overcorrected to the right. The car entered the south ditch and struck a concrete culvert.&nbsp; EMS transported&nbsp;Benson to Salina Regional Health Center. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Salina woman hospitalized after car strikes concrete culvert

By NATE KING Salina Post

Located in the Donna Vanier Children's complex at the corner of E. Ash Street and N. Oakdale Avenue is the Child Advocacy and Parental Services organization, commonly referred to as CAPS. This non-profit 501-c3 organization has been part of the Salina community for nearly 50 years. 

Salina Post sat down with the organization's executive director, Lori Blake, to learn more about CAPS and how this grassroots lead organization became a pioneer in Kansas child wellbeing services.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 1978, Salinans Wanda Macy and Ruby Reece learned that 10 children in their community had died as a result of child abuse. As a nurse in the mother-baby unit at the hospital, and as a mother, Macy felt she had to do something.

"She was part time because she had small children of her own so she picked up an extra shift at the hospital and had a hotline, telephone number installed in her kitchen," Blake said.&nbsp;

At the time there wasn't a statewide reporting system in place for victims or members of the community to report child abuse. Macy knew something needed to be done.&nbsp;

"They started promoting that telephone number across the community as a place where parents could call for information and support when they were feeling stress," Blake said. "What came of that were a couple of things. It reinforced the concept that parents didn't have the support they needed, and they didn't have the information that they needed when they felt stress. We know based on research that stress is the number one reason child abuse happens."&nbsp;

The phone number Macy and Reece created is still the phone number used to call CAPS for help.&nbsp; These two women, and the volunteers they organized, recognized that without education, advocacy and support, parents would resort to raising their families the way they had been raised themselves, perpetuating cycles of abuse normalized by their own family dynamics. Macy and Reece didn’t just acknowledge there was a problem; they took responsibility for their fellow citizens.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Wanda and Ruby assembled a team of volunteers that for the next 11 years, provided free childcare to families," Blake said. "Initially it literally was volunteers driving to these families homes, and picking these children up and providing those parents with a break. But it turned into, 'Let's find a place that we can use and provide drop in childcare," said Blake.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For several years, the location Macy and Reece utilized to provide childcare was First United Methodist Church in Salina, 122 N. Eighth Street. As word go out in the community, the program grew and became an official 501-C3 known as "Morning Out for Moms," which grew into CAPS' weekly respite care.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Parents of children ages 1 to 6 years and who are not enrolled in kindergarten may use one session each week. Three-to-four-hour morning or afternoon sessions are available, Monday through Friday. The trained and friendly staff at CAPS read, play games, and engage in fun learning activities while parents attend appointments, run errands, or simply take a break.&nbsp;

As the phone number connected more parents to Macy and Reece, it became clear that more needed to be done to support families, outside of just childcare.&nbsp;

&nbsp;"There were a lot of gaps because we're still talking, it's the early '80s and these are all volunteers who are trying to dance as best as they can while raising their own families and working," Blake said. "These telephone calls, a lot of times would result in Wanda reaching out to Social Rehabilitation Services, which is now the Department for Children and Families (DCF) where she established a great relationship with a man named Ted Minton."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Minton at the time was the chief of social services and had heard about the kinds of calls that Macy and Reece received relating to abuse and he thought that SRS&nbsp;resources&nbsp;could respond.&nbsp;

"There was no place at that time either for families or anyone in the community to report when child abuse was happening," Blake said. "That was the other thing that came out of making that hotline phone number known in our community as people started using that number for that purpose and it eventually turned into a regional hotline system that the state and DCF implemented and developed."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another social services gap that CAPS was able to bridge was the need for parental education classes - thanks to the help of Minton's wife, Margaret.&nbsp;

"Ted's wife, Marge, had retired from her professional social work career and saw an opportunity. At that time in the early '90s it was kind of like a Big Brothers, Big Sisters except for families," Blake said. "The idea was, let's pair up families that have been successful in raising their children, to keep them safe and healthy, contributing adults into society. Let's pair them up with families who have needs."&nbsp;&nbsp;

That program developed into the family mentoring and support program, which is still being offered to families&nbsp;today. During its first years, CAPS didn't have great sources of funding.  Margaret as a part-time licensed social worker was the only person in the organization being paid.

"Prior to when I got here, we started getting some grant funding which turned into paid professional support," Blake said. "CAPS started hiring social workers and family support-- people that have training specifically in meeting the needs of children and families. It has evolved now into once a week 60 to 90 minute session. We serve anybody that walks through our door, there's no income guidelines, there's no racial definition, there's no at risk definition. If somebody walks through the door and they want the support, we will find a way to make that happen. And that is not universally the case elsewhere."&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 1992, the acronym CAPS still stood for Chill Abuse Prevention Services, which dates back to the phone hotline that Macy and Reece established. In 2006, CAPS made a commitment to do more to combat child abuse in the community. CAPS officially became Child Advocacy and Parental Services. By changing their name, CAPS was able to position themselves to more proactively respond to child abuse.&nbsp;

"In 2006, we made a commitment to hopping into more of the intervention and prevention services," Blake said "Family mentoring certainly provides intervention support for families in crisis, but to actually be supporting victims of child abuse, we really weren't targeting into that audience outside of these mentoring cases that would come to us after the abuse."&nbsp;&nbsp;

CAPS in the early 2000s, started looking at why sexual abuse cases&nbsp;weren't&nbsp;being prosecuted in Salina. What they discovered was that there wasn't a sexual assault nurse examining team in the region. Sexual assault victims were being sent to either Topeka or Wichita to have those&nbsp; medical examinations completed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Imagine if you've gone through an experience like that, driving an hour and a half and maybe longer in that day, because the speed limit was lower, to run to a place that you're not familiar with by yourself," Blake said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

That all changed in 2002 when Salina Regional Health Center took a leap of faith and made the commitment to provide the north-central Kansas region with a sexual assault response team (SART). This team of forensic evidence&nbsp;detectives partners with local law enforcement to establish a unified and efficient response when a victim comes forward with testimony of sexual assault.&nbsp;

In the early 2000s, CAPS became familiar with national research focused on how community resource organizations could better serve&nbsp; sexual assault victims, both children and adults--and they learned about child advocacy center (CAC) model.&nbsp;

"Most people when they hear child advocacy center and they think, 'Oh, that's a great place, That's the place where people care about kids, But child advocacy centers actually are nationally accredited centers that agree upon using this model of a community response to child abuse," Blake said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Without a CAC, a child may end up having to tell the worst story of his or her life over and over again, to doctors, cops, lawyers, therapists, investigators, judges, and others. They may have to talk about that traumatic experience in a police station where they think they might be in trouble, or may be asked the wrong questions by a well-meaning teacher or other adult that could hurt the case against the abuser.&nbsp;

&nbsp;When police or child protective services believe a child may be experiencing abuse, the child is brought to the CAC—a safe, child-focused environment—by a caregiver or other “safe” adult. At the CAC, the child tells their story once to a trained interviewer who knows the right questions to ask in a way that does not retraumatize the child.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A team that includes medical professionals, law enforcement, mental health, prosecution, child protective services, victim advocacy, and other professionals make decisions together about how to help the child based on the interview. CACs offer therapy and medical exams, plus courtroom preparation, victim advocacy, case management, and other services. This is called the multidisciplinary team (MDT) response and is a core part of the work of CACs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"What we know about brains that have experienced trauma is they don't remember things in the same way, and they remember things differently at different times as they continue to process what's happened to them," Blake said. "So you can imagine from a prosecutor's,&nbsp;standpoint, that's a nightmare to prosecute a case like that. So we, we record that interview, and all of those team members are at the table to hear the interview one&nbsp;time, and it's recorded, and then it's turned over to prosecution. That interview is conducted here at the CAPS CAC."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Blake also spoke about the interdepartmental and regional cooperation that is necessary to insure that no children fall through the cracks or fail to have their testimony heard.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We at CAPS have signed protocols to work with all of our local law enforcement officers, with the Department for Children and Families who are investigating these cases, with the hospital's sexual assault response team, with trauma focused therapists to help them recover from these experiences, the county prosecutor's office that are prosecuting the cases," Blake said. "We have a professional team of victim advocates that walk with the children and the families through those experiences, including the court cases. Those six disciplines come together every month to review the cases that are taking place in our community, make sure that kids are their needs are being met, and that they're not falling through the cracks."&nbsp;

CAPS strives to educate parents, nurture appropriate child development through loving interactions and to advocate for children who are victims of abuse and to support families in crises. These services provide 24-hour on-call counseling and referral to therapy; weekly in-home, case management and parenting education; and annual school-based programs to empower kids to protect their bodies and to stand up for each other when witnessing peer to peer abuse.&nbsp;

"Now&nbsp;we have research that that validates all our practices, and as you leave here you will see a little saying on the wall out there by Margaret Meade," Blake said. "'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.'"&nbsp;

By NATE KING Salina PostLocated in the Donna Vanier Children's complex at the corner of E. Ash Street and N. Oakdale Avenue is the Child Advocacy and Parental Services organization, commonly referred to as CAPS. This non-profit 501-c3 organization has been part of the Salina community for nearly 50 years. Salina Post sat down with the organization's executive director, Lori Blake, to learn more about CAPS and how this grassroots lead organization became a pioneer in Kansas child wellbeing services.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668199912333.jpeg" alt="Located at the corner of E. Ash Street and N. Oakdale Avenue, is CAPS&nbsp; headquarters. The building was built thanks to gift made by Donna Vanier. Photos by Nate King/Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>Located at the corner of E. Ash Street and N. Oakdale Avenue, is CAPS&nbsp; headquarters. The building was built thanks to gift made by Donna Vanier. Photos by Nate King/Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>What is CAPS and how did it come to be?</h2>In 1978, Salinans Wanda Macy and Ruby Reece learned that 10 children in their community had died as a result of child abuse. As a nurse in the mother-baby unit at the hospital, and as a mother, Macy felt she had to do something."She was part time because she had small children of her own so she picked up an extra shift at the hospital and had a hotline, telephone number installed in her kitchen," Blake said.&nbsp;At the time there wasn't a statewide reporting system in place for victims or members of the community to report child abuse. Macy knew something needed to be done.&nbsp;"They started promoting that telephone number across the community as a place where parents could call for information and support when they were feeling stress," Blake said. "What came of that were a couple of things. It reinforced the concept that parents didn't have the support they needed, and they didn't have the information that they needed when they felt stress. We know based on research that stress is the number one reason child abuse happens."&nbsp;The phone number Macy and Reece created is still the phone number used to call CAPS for help.&nbsp; These two women, and the volunteers they organized, recognized that without education, advocacy and support, parents would resort to raising their families the way they had been raised themselves, perpetuating cycles of abuse normalized by their own family dynamics. Macy and Reece didn’t just acknowledge there was a problem; they took responsibility for their fellow citizens.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Wanda and Ruby assembled a team of volunteers that for the next 11 years, provided free childcare to families," Blake said. "Initially it literally was volunteers driving to these families homes, and picking these children up and providing those parents with a break. But it turned into, 'Let's find a place that we can use and provide drop in childcare," said Blake.&nbsp;&nbsp;For several years, the location Macy and Reece utilized to provide childcare was First United Methodist Church in Salina, 122 N. Eighth Street. As word go out in the community, the program grew and became an official 501-C3 known as "Morning Out for Moms," which grew into CAPS' weekly respite care.&nbsp;&nbsp;Parents of children ages 1 to 6 years and who are not enrolled in kindergarten may use one session each week. Three-to-four-hour morning or afternoon sessions are available, Monday through Friday. The trained and friendly staff at CAPS read, play games, and engage in fun learning activities while parents attend appointments, run errands, or simply take a break.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668200051291.jpeg" alt="One of the Kid Zones utilized by CAPS in their weekly respite care." />
 <figcaption>One of the Kid Zones utilized by CAPS in their weekly respite care.</figcaption>
 </figure>As the phone number connected more parents to Macy and Reece, it became clear that more needed to be done to support families, outside of just childcare.&nbsp;&nbsp;"There were a lot of gaps because we're still talking, it's the early '80s and these are all volunteers who are trying to dance as best as they can while raising their own families and working," Blake said. "These telephone calls, a lot of times would result in Wanda reaching out to Social Rehabilitation Services, which is now the Department for Children and Families (DCF) where she established a great relationship with a man named Ted Minton."&nbsp;&nbsp;Minton at the time was the chief of social services and had heard about the kinds of calls that Macy and Reece received relating to abuse and he thought that SRS&nbsp;resources&nbsp;could respond.&nbsp;"There was no place at that time either for families or anyone in the community to report when child abuse was happening," Blake said. "That was the other thing that came out of making that hotline phone number known in our community as people started using that number for that purpose and it eventually turned into a regional hotline system that the state and DCF implemented and developed."&nbsp;&nbsp;Another social services gap that CAPS was able to bridge was the need for parental education classes - thanks to the help of Minton's wife, Margaret.&nbsp;"Ted's wife, Marge, had retired from her professional social work career and saw an opportunity. At that time in the early '90s it was kind of like a Big Brothers, Big Sisters except for families," Blake said. "The idea was, let's pair up families that have been successful in raising their children, to keep them safe and healthy, contributing adults into society. Let's pair them up with families who have needs."&nbsp;&nbsp;That program developed into the family mentoring and support program, which is still being offered to families&nbsp;today. During its first years, CAPS didn't have great sources of funding. Margaret as a part-time licensed social worker was the only person in the organization being paid."Prior to when I got here, we started getting some grant funding which turned into paid professional support," Blake said. "CAPS started hiring social workers and family support-- people that have training specifically in meeting the needs of children and families. It has evolved now into once a week 60 to 90 minute session. We serve anybody that walks through our door, there's no income guidelines, there's no racial definition, there's no at risk definition. If somebody walks through the door and they want the support, we will find a way to make that happen. And that is not universally the case elsewhere."&nbsp;&nbsp;In 1992, the acronym CAPS still stood for Chill Abuse Prevention Services, which dates back to the phone hotline that Macy and Reece established. In 2006, CAPS made a commitment to do more to combat child abuse in the community. CAPS officially became Child Advocacy and Parental Services. By changing their name, CAPS was able to position themselves to more proactively respond to child abuse.&nbsp;"In 2006, we made a commitment to hopping into more of the intervention and prevention services," Blake said "Family mentoring certainly provides intervention support for families in crisis, but to actually be supporting victims of child abuse, we really weren't targeting into that audience outside of these mentoring cases that would come to us after the abuse."&nbsp;&nbsp;CAPS in the early 2000s, started looking at why sexual abuse cases&nbsp;weren't&nbsp;being prosecuted in Salina. What they discovered was that there wasn't a sexual assault nurse examining team in the region. Sexual assault victims were being sent to either Topeka or Wichita to have those&nbsp; medical examinations completed.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Imagine if you've gone through an experience like that, driving an hour and a half and maybe longer in that day, because the speed limit was lower, to run to a place that you're not familiar with by yourself," Blake said.&nbsp;&nbsp;That all changed in 2002 when Salina Regional Health Center took a leap of faith and made the commitment to provide the north-central Kansas region with a sexual assault response team (SART). This team of forensic evidence&nbsp;detectives partners with local law enforcement to establish a unified and efficient response when a victim comes forward with testimony of sexual assault.&nbsp;In the early 2000s, CAPS became familiar with national research focused on how community resource organizations could better serve&nbsp; sexual assault victims, both children and adults--and they learned about child advocacy center (CAC) model.&nbsp;"Most people when they hear child advocacy center and they think, 'Oh, that's a great place, That's the place where people care about kids, But child advocacy centers actually are nationally accredited centers that agree upon using this model of a community response to child abuse," Blake said.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668612793170.jpeg" alt="CAPS visitors are welcomed by statues of children playing." />
 <figcaption>CAPS visitors are welcomed by statues of children playing.</figcaption>
 </figure>Without a CAC, a child may end up having to tell the worst story of his or her life over and over again, to doctors, cops, lawyers, therapists, investigators, judges, and others. They may have to talk about that traumatic experience in a police station where they think they might be in trouble, or may be asked the wrong questions by a well-meaning teacher or other adult that could hurt the case against the abuser.&nbsp;&nbsp;When police or child protective services believe a child may be experiencing abuse, the child is brought to the CAC—a safe, child-focused environment—by a caregiver or other “safe” adult. At the CAC, the child tells their story once to a trained interviewer who knows the right questions to ask in a way that does not retraumatize the child.&nbsp;&nbsp;A team that includes medical professionals, law enforcement, mental health, prosecution, child protective services, victim advocacy, and other professionals make decisions together about how to help the child based on the interview. CACs offer therapy and medical exams, plus courtroom preparation, victim advocacy, case management, and other services. This is called the multidisciplinary team (MDT) response and is a core part of the work of CACs.&nbsp;&nbsp;"What we know about brains that have experienced trauma is they don't remember things in the same way, and they remember things differently at different times as they continue to process what's happened to them," Blake said. "So you can imagine from a prosecutor's,&nbsp;standpoint, that's a nightmare to prosecute a case like that. So we, we record that interview, and all of those team members are at the table to hear the interview one&nbsp;time, and it's recorded, and then it's turned over to prosecution. That interview is conducted here at the CAPS CAC."&nbsp;&nbsp;Blake also spoke about the interdepartmental and regional cooperation that is necessary to insure that no children fall through the cracks or fail to have their testimony heard.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We at CAPS have signed protocols to work with all of our local law enforcement officers, with the Department for Children and Families who are investigating these cases, with the hospital's sexual assault response team, with trauma focused therapists to help them recover from these experiences, the county prosecutor's office that are prosecuting the cases," Blake said. "We have a professional team of victim advocates that walk with the children and the families through those experiences, including the court cases. Those six disciplines come together every month to review the cases that are taking place in our community, make sure that kids are their needs are being met, and that they're not falling through the cracks."&nbsp;CAPS strives to educate parents, nurture appropriate child development through loving interactions and to advocate for children who are victims of abuse and to support families in crises. These services provide 24-hour on-call counseling and referral to therapy; weekly in-home, case management and parenting education; and annual school-based programs to empower kids to protect their bodies and to stand up for each other when witnessing peer to peer abuse.&nbsp;"Now&nbsp;we have research that that validates all our practices, and as you leave here you will see a little saying on the wall out there by Margaret Meade," Blake said. "'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.'"&nbsp;

After nearly 50 years, CAPS is still leading the way in child wellbeing services

GYPSUM - A small earthquake shook part of southeastern Saline County Friday morning.

The 2.3 magnitude quake struck at 4:14 a.m. Friday northwest of Gypsum, according to the Kansas Geological Survey. The earthquake was centered just north of E. Farrelly Road between S. Niles Road and S. Cunningham Road.

By SALINA POSTGYPSUM - A small earthquake shook part of southeastern Saline County Friday morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671221101522.jpeg" alt="The location of the 2.3 magnitude, 4:14 a.m. Friday Saline County earthquake. Map courtesy Kansas Geological Survey" />
 <figcaption>The location of the 2.3 magnitude, 4:14 a.m. Friday Saline County earthquake. Map courtesy Kansas Geological Survey</figcaption>
 </figure>The 2.3 magnitude quake struck at 4:14 a.m. Friday northwest of Gypsum, according to the Kansas Geological Survey. The earthquake was centered just north of E. Farrelly Road between S. Niles Road and S. Cunningham Road.

Small quake shakes part of southeastern Saline County Friday

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=4pmny-133dea0-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.

🎤 Forward Ever: Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the award recipients for the new Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) grant program. 

Sixty-one recipients will receive nearly $2.7 million to invest in small communities across the state, including nine counties in our area. &nbsp;

“SEED grants provide funding for quality-of-life enhancements in some of our state’s smallest communities,”&nbsp;said Toland. “These investments will set the stage for future economic development success and prosperity across the state.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Awardees are located in communities with a population of 5,000 or less, as required by (KS Stat 9-2324 [2021]). They are required to provide a minimum 10-percent match as well as complete the projects within 12 months, according to information from the Kansas Department of Commerce. Projects must be focused on economic development and revitalization efforts through one of the following quality-of-life categories:&nbsp;

Childcare and senior programming – projects that support or enhance these services, such as building improvements, educational materials, supplies, and equipment.

Community vibrancy – projects that refresh, re-energize and unlock the attractiveness of rural communities, such as art installations, murals, and signage.

Food retail – projects that support access to food retail establishments, including development, renovation, and/or expansion.

Libraries – projects that support providing free and open access to a broad range of materials and services, including reading material, technology, furniture, and building improvements.&nbsp;

Funding for the SEED program, which is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is provided through the Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) Development and Expansion Fund. The TEFFI Act was enacted in 2021 through bipartisan legislation to promote economic development throughout the state.&nbsp;

The 2022 SEED grant recipients from our area, their categories, and requested amounts include the following.

Clay County&nbsp; Grow Clay County,&nbsp;community vibrancy, food retail, library&nbsp; $46,571

Cloud County&nbsp; The City of Clyde, community vibrancy $49,125

Ellsworth County Wilson Czech Opera House Corporation,&nbsp; community vibrancy&nbsp; $49,125

Jewell County City of Jewell, community vibrancy, library&nbsp; $37,040

Lincoln County Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation, childcare, community vibrancy, food retail, library&nbsp; $49,125&nbsp;

Marion County Peabody Township Library, community vibrancy, library&nbsp; $49,125

Mitchell County Mitchell County,&nbsp; childcare&nbsp; $49,125

Ottawa County Ottawa County Community Development Foundation, childcare, library&nbsp; $49,125

Republic County Belleville Chamber and Main Street, food retail&nbsp; $49,125&nbsp;

By SALINA POSTTOPEKA&nbsp;– Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the award recipients for the new Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) grant program. Sixty-one recipients will receive nearly $2.7 million to invest in small communities across the state, including nine counties in our area. &nbsp;“SEED grants provide funding for quality-of-life enhancements in some of our state’s smallest communities,”&nbsp;said Toland. “These investments will set the stage for future economic development success and prosperity across the state.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Awardees are located in communities with a population of 5,000 or less, as required by (KS Stat 9-2324 [2021]). They are required to provide a minimum 10-percent match as well as complete the projects within 12 months, according to information from the Kansas Department of Commerce. Projects must be focused on economic development and revitalization efforts through one of the following quality-of-life categories:&nbsp;Childcare and senior programming – projects that support or enhance these services, such as building improvements, educational materials, supplies, and equipment. Community vibrancy – projects that refresh, re-energize and unlock the attractiveness of rural communities, such as art installations, murals, and signage. Food retail – projects that support access to food retail establishments, including development, renovation, and/or expansion. Libraries – projects that support providing free and open access to a broad range of materials and services, including reading material, technology, furniture, and building improvements.&nbsp;Funding for the SEED program, which is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is provided through the Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) Development and Expansion Fund. The TEFFI Act was enacted in 2021 through bipartisan legislation to promote economic development throughout the state.&nbsp;The 2022 SEED grant recipients from our area, their categories, and requested amounts include the following.Clay County&nbsp; Grow Clay County,&nbsp;community vibrancy, food retail, library&nbsp; $46,571Cloud County&nbsp; The City of Clyde, community vibrancy $49,125Ellsworth County Wilson Czech Opera House Corporation,&nbsp; community vibrancy&nbsp; $49,125Jewell County City of Jewell, community vibrancy, library&nbsp; $37,040Lincoln County Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation, childcare, community vibrancy, food retail, library&nbsp; $49,125&nbsp;Marion County Peabody Township Library, community vibrancy, library&nbsp; $49,125Mitchell County Mitchell County,&nbsp; childcare&nbsp; $49,125Ottawa County Ottawa County Community Development Foundation, childcare, library&nbsp; $49,125Republic County Belleville Chamber and Main Street, food retail&nbsp; $49,125&nbsp;

Commerce: SEED Grant recipients supporting economic development

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Police are reviewing surveillance video in an attempt to identify the person who broke into a south Salina storage facility earlier this week.

Sometime between Sunday and Thursday, someone cut the lock off of a storage unit in the 2800 block of Foxboro Drive, and stole multiple items including the following, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.

●A silver-colored pocket watch with the name "Mason" engraved on it

Total loss was estimated at $1,800, Forrester said.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostPolice are reviewing surveillance video in an attempt to identify the person who broke into a south Salina storage facility earlier this week.Sometime between Sunday and Thursday, someone cut the lock off of a storage unit in the 2800 block of Foxboro Drive, and stole multiple items including the following, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.●A tattoo kit●Two HP laptops●Two DeWalt power drills●A silver-colored pocket watch with the name "Mason" engraved on itTotal loss was estimated at $1,800, Forrester said.

South Salina storage unit burgled; $1,800 worth of items stolen

A Saline County man who got caught up in a utility phone scam earlier this week is out nearly $1,500. 

The 49-year-old man reported to the Saline County Sheriff's Office that on Wednesday he received a call from someone claiming to be with Evergy. The recorded call claimed that Evergy was on the way to disconnect service at a property the man owns in Falun as it was 60 days past due, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning. 

The man was directed to stay on the line to talk with an Evergy representative. The man did so, as his son lives at the property and the man thought that, perhaps, his son had not paid the bill.

A person claiming to be an Evergy representative got on the call and told the man to download the Zelle app to make the $498.72 payment. Soldan said the man did so but was told the payment did not go through.

The man was then told to download the Venmo app to make the payment. He did so and tried it twice, as the first time supposedly didn't work.

In reality, the man paid the scammers $498.72 three times, Soldan said.

According to the <a href="https://www.evergy.com/community/safety/utility-scams">Evergy website</a>, "calls from Evergy requesting payment are never made the same day as the disconnection."

Additionally, Kansas' Cold Weather Rule is in effect. The Cold Weather Rule, designed to help Kansans who are behind on their utility payments avoid disconnection during the winter months, is in effect through March 31. 

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e5d34878-43c2-4efc-9991-cb02d1f055f2">Kansas Cold Weather Rule takes effect Tuesday</a>

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Saline County man who got caught up in a utility phone scam earlier this week is out nearly $1,500. The 49-year-old man reported to the Saline County Sheriff's Office that on Wednesday he received a call from someone claiming to be with Evergy. The recorded call claimed that Evergy was on the way to disconnect service at a property the man owns in Falun as it was 60 days past due, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning. The man was directed to stay on the line to talk with an Evergy representative. The man did so, as his son lives at the property and the man thought that, perhaps, his son had not paid the bill.A person claiming to be an Evergy representative got on the call and told the man to download the Zelle app to make the $498.72 payment. Soldan said the man did so but was told the payment did not go through.The man was then told to download the Venmo app to make the payment. He did so and tried it twice, as the first time supposedly didn't work.In reality, the man paid the scammers $498.72 three times, Soldan said.According to the <a href="https://www.evergy.com/community/safety/utility-scams">Evergy website</a>, "calls from Evergy requesting payment are never made the same day as the disconnection."Additionally, Kansas' Cold Weather Rule is in effect. The Cold Weather Rule, designed to help Kansans who are behind on their utility payments avoid disconnection during the winter months, is in effect through March 31. READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e5d34878-43c2-4efc-9991-cb02d1f055f2">Kansas Cold Weather Rule takes effect Tuesday</a>

Saline County man falls for utility scam, out nearly $1,500

Here's the lineup for this week's&nbsp;KINA Saturday Morning.

9:05 a.m. 99KG's Shane McClintock talking about the Toyathon

9:15 a.m.&nbsp; Nona Miller, education director at the Smoky Hill Museum, talking about the new fire exhibit

9:30 a.m.&nbsp; Bill Fekus and the Fekus Family Christmas Dinner

10:05 a.m.&nbsp; Mike Peterson, executive director of the Community Housing Development Organization, on Weatherization Program

10:30 a.m. USD 305 Superintendent Linn Exline talking about the latest survey and other happenings at USD 305.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591971280271.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Here's the lineup for this week's&nbsp;KINA Saturday Morning.9:05 a.m. 99KG's Shane McClintock talking about the Toyathon 9:15 a.m.&nbsp; Nona Miller, education director at the Smoky Hill Museum, talking about the new fire exhibit 9:30 a.m.&nbsp; Bill Fekus and the Fekus Family Christmas Dinner 10:05 a.m.&nbsp; Mike Peterson, executive director of the Community Housing Development Organization, on Weatherization Program 10:30 a.m. USD 305 Superintendent Linn Exline talking about the latest survey and other happenings at USD 305.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This week's 'KINA Saturday Morning' lineup

On Dec. 2 at 8:37 p.m., a citizen reported hearing multiple gunshots in the 2000 block of S. Ohio Street. 

The witness saw an unknown subject with a white stocking cap in the area. Responding officers did not locate the described person. 

On Dec. 3 at 09:30 a.m., officers with the Salina Police Department responded to Great Plains Federal Credit Union, 2061 S. Ohio Street in regard to a report of damaged property involving multiple gunshots which had been previously fired at the business. Employees arrived to work and discovered bullet holes in the ATM machine and the drive-through window. Ten spent shell casings were located in the area. 

Video from nearby businesses show a subject approach the business on foot from the south and discharge a firearm at the building.

If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individuals involved, call

Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You can also make an online tip at: <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, or the Detective Division, case 2022-35872.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671198392568.jpeg" alt="Great Plains Federal Credit Union at&nbsp;2061 S. Ohio Street. Photo courtesy Crimestoppers" />
 <figcaption>Great Plains Federal Credit Union at&nbsp;2061 S. Ohio Street. Photo courtesy Crimestoppers</figcaption>
 </figure>On Dec. 2 at 8:37 p.m., a citizen reported hearing multiple gunshots in the 2000 block of S. Ohio Street. The witness saw an unknown subject with a white stocking cap in the area. Responding officers did not locate the described person. On Dec. 3 at 09:30 a.m., officers with the Salina Police Department responded to Great Plains Federal Credit Union, 2061 S. Ohio Street in regard to a report of damaged property involving multiple gunshots which had been previously fired at the business. Employees arrived to work and discovered bullet holes in the ATM machine and the drive-through window. Ten spent shell casings were located in the area. Video from nearby businesses show a subject approach the business on foot from the south and discharge a firearm at the building.If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individuals involved, callCrimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You can also make an online tip at: <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, or the Detective Division, case 2022-35872.

Crimestoppers seeks tips about gunshots at south Salina credit union

Is it even worth it to buy a house these days? I’ve always been told buying a house is the adult thing to do and that it’s a great investment, but I can’t find anything decent and livable in my area for less than $350,000. My wife and I are debt-free, and we’re expecting our first baby in January. I was hoping to get your advice.

I can understand how things might feel a little hopeless in your current situation. You’re probably feeling the weight of the responsibility a new life brings to the picture. Things are getting real really fast, aren’t they? Believe me, I get it.

The truth is you may not be ready to buy a house today. And that’s okay. Having a new baby on the horizon doesn’t mean you have to run out and buy a home. That little boy or girl isn’t going to know the difference between a house and an apartment for a long time. Right now, giving your child a safe, loving environment is the most important thing.

Now, looking down the road, is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/real-estate/how-much-house-can-i-afford" target="_blank">owning a house</a>&nbsp;worth it? Yes. But it’s not worth doing it at the wrong time or in a stupid way. You first need to make sure the income is there. Then, you need an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses in place along with a strong down payment. So, what if you don’t buy a home for another two or three years? Home buying should always be done with patience and wisdom.

There are two or three things that make buying a home a great long-term investment versus renting your whole life:

A house is a great wealth-building tool, and it can also stabilize the biggest line item in your budget—housing.

Dave Ramsey&nbsp;is an eight-time national bestselling author, personal finance expert and host of “The Ramsey Show,” heard by more than 18 million listeners. He&nbsp;has appeared on “Good Morning America,” “CBS This Morning,” “Today,” Fox News, CNN, Fox Business and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth, and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO of Ramsey Solutions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635524005597.png" alt="Dave Ramsey" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey</figcaption>
 </figure>Dear Dave,Is it even worth it to buy a house these days? I’ve always been told buying a house is the adult thing to do and that it’s a great investment, but I can’t find anything decent and livable in my area for less than $350,000. My wife and I are debt-free, and we’re expecting our first baby in January. I was hoping to get your advice.CraigDear Craig,I can understand how things might feel a little hopeless in your current situation. You’re probably feeling the weight of the responsibility a new life brings to the picture. Things are getting real really fast, aren’t they? Believe me, I get it.The truth is you may not be ready to buy a house today. And that’s okay. Having a new baby on the horizon doesn’t mean you have to run out and buy a home. That little boy or girl isn’t going to know the difference between a house and an apartment for a long time. Right now, giving your child a safe, loving environment is the most important thing.Now, looking down the road, is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/real-estate/how-much-house-can-i-afford" target="_blank">owning a house</a>&nbsp;worth it? Yes. But it’s not worth doing it at the wrong time or in a stupid way. You first need to make sure the income is there. Then, you need an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses in place along with a strong down payment. So, what if you don’t buy a home for another two or three years? Home buying should always be done with patience and wisdom.There are two or three things that make buying a home a great long-term investment versus renting your whole life:<ol>
 <li>Rents go up every year. If you lock in a good, fixed-rate mortgage, that payment will stay the same.</li><li>The value of your home will increase. When you rent, you don’t own your residence, and you won’t benefit from the value of it going up.</li><li><a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/retirement/the-national-study-of-millionaires-research" target="_blank">Our study</a>&nbsp;of 10,000 millionaires showed that most say two things were integral parts of their ability to build wealth: Good retirement investments and a paid-off home.</li>
 </ol>A house is a great wealth-building tool, and it can also stabilize the biggest line item in your budget—housing.God bless you guys, Craig!DaveDave Ramsey&nbsp;is an eight-time national bestselling author, personal finance expert and host of “The Ramsey Show,” heard by more than 18 million listeners. He&nbsp;has appeared on “Good Morning America,” “CBS This Morning,” “Today,” Fox News, CNN, Fox Business and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth, and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO of Ramsey Solutions.

DAVE SAYS: Wait until the time is right

By COLLEEN TRESSLER FTC, Division of Consumer and Business Education

We’ve all been there. During the holidays you order something online and anxiously await its arrival. But then your package doesn’t come when the seller said it would. And worse, you hear nothing. Your happy anticipation is turning to anger and frustration. So now what?

●First,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/solving-customer-problems-returns-refunds-and-other-resolutions">contact the seller</a>. Most businesses will work with you to resolve the problem and keep you as a customer.

●If that doesn’t work, you still didn’t get your order and the charge shows up on your credit card statement,&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/disputing-credit-card-charges">dispute</a> the&nbsp;charge.

●If you paid by debit card, contact your debit card company (often your bank or credit union). Ask if they can help you. This&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/sample-letter-disputing-credit-debit-card-charges#sample">sample letter</a>&nbsp;for disputing debit card charges can help.

Sometimes, you can head problems off by doing some research before buying from an unfamiliar online store.

●<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0020-shopping-online">Check out the company</a>&nbsp;or product. Search online for the name plus words like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” See what other people say about it. And read the seller's description of the product carefully. If they offer name-brand goods at steeply discounted prices, they might be fakes.

●<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0221-billed-merchandise-you-never-received">Pay by credit card</a>. You’ll get protections under federal law, so you don’t have to pay for things you ordered but didn’t get.

A word on timing, as the holidays approach: online sellers have to ship when they (or their ads) say they will. (The law says so.) If they don’t ship then, they have to tell you (and give you a chance to cancel and get a full refund). If they don’t give a shipping date, they have 30 days to ship from the date of your order.

If you suspect a scam, report it to the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671159959379.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLLEEN TRESSLER FTC, Division of Consumer and Business EducationWe’ve all been there. During the holidays you order something online and anxiously await its arrival. But then your package doesn’t come when the seller said it would. And worse, you hear nothing. Your happy anticipation is turning to anger and frustration. So now what?If you didn’t get your stuff:●First,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/solving-customer-problems-returns-refunds-and-other-resolutions">contact the seller</a>. Most businesses will work with you to resolve the problem and keep you as a customer.●If that doesn’t work, you still didn’t get your order and the charge shows up on your credit card statement,&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/disputing-credit-card-charges">dispute</a> the&nbsp;charge.●If you paid by debit card, contact your debit card company (often your bank or credit union). Ask if they can help you. This&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/sample-letter-disputing-credit-debit-card-charges#sample">sample letter</a>&nbsp;for disputing debit card charges can help.Sometimes, you can head problems off by doing some research before buying from an unfamiliar online store.●<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0020-shopping-online">Check out the company</a>&nbsp;or product. Search online for the name plus words like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” See what other people say about it. And read the seller's description of the product carefully. If they offer name-brand goods at steeply discounted prices, they might be fakes.●<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0221-billed-merchandise-you-never-received">Pay by credit card</a>. You’ll get protections under federal law, so you don’t have to pay for things you ordered but didn’t get.A word on timing, as the holidays approach: online sellers have to ship when they (or their ads) say they will. (The law says so.) If they don’t ship then, they have to tell you (and give you a chance to cancel and get a full refund). If they don’t give a shipping date, they have 30 days to ship from the date of your order.If you suspect a scam, report it to the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.&nbsp;

FTC: What to do if your online order never arrives

SALINE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5:30 p.m. Thursday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Kenworth semi driven by Mathiwos G. Gifawessen, 38, Aurora, Colo., was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of Solomon Road.

The semi left the roadway to the left, traveled through the guardrail and down the embankment onto the railroad tracks underneath the interstate and to rest against embankment on the other side of the tracks.

EMS transported&nbsp;Gifawessen to a hospital in Wichita. The KHP did not have seat belt usage information.

Post News NetworkSALINE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5:30 p.m. Thursday in Saline County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Kenworth semi driven by Mathiwos G. Gifawessen, 38, Aurora, Colo., was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of Solomon Road.The semi left the roadway to the left, traveled through the guardrail and down the embankment onto the railroad tracks underneath the interstate and to rest against embankment on the other side of the tracks.EMS transported&nbsp;Gifawessen to a hospital in Wichita. The KHP did not have seat belt usage information.

Driver hospitalized after violent I-70 semi crash

From the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SalinaE3Coord/">City of Salina's Environmental Education and Enforcement Coordinator Facebook page</a>:

I wanted to thank all of our great citizens that attended and donated to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafoodbank/?__cft__[0]=AZUsWDqm-RovXs-SMeMqMpwiaooDXZjVNQOzVIt7KrXoeL3hyPXKZkjghqhc7ig8YNQ_T6fUsLGBepphtPc6Yz4fmrEIKrUhUvekZcgRSlDH5WTbKXzbbOh-nPKsuTri-KNumsrXrskdu2so3HfFzlz-Lv1wUOTbBbYDDiKHFWwKd733ZKnK40LXcF_zwswS_Eo&amp;__tn__=kK-R">Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SalinaAnimalShelter?__cft__[0]=AZUsWDqm-RovXs-SMeMqMpwiaooDXZjVNQOzVIt7KrXoeL3hyPXKZkjghqhc7ig8YNQ_T6fUsLGBepphtPc6Yz4fmrEIKrUhUvekZcgRSlDH5WTbKXzbbOh-nPKsuTri-KNumsrXrskdu2so3HfFzlz-Lv1wUOTbBbYDDiKHFWwKd733ZKnK40LXcF_zwswS_Eo&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Salina Animal Services</a> during the Recycling Generosity Donation Drive on Saturday Dec. 3rd at the SDRC.

Salina’s generosity at the event was humbling and made me proud to be a resident &amp; representative of our great city.

Last year at this same event Salina donated: 571 food items and over $140 in cash to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafoodbank/?__cft__[0]=AZUsWDqm-RovXs-SMeMqMpwiaooDXZjVNQOzVIt7KrXoeL3hyPXKZkjghqhc7ig8YNQ_T6fUsLGBepphtPc6Yz4fmrEIKrUhUvekZcgRSlDH5WTbKXzbbOh-nPKsuTri-KNumsrXrskdu2so3HfFzlz-Lv1wUOTbBbYDDiKHFWwKd733ZKnK40LXcF_zwswS_Eo&amp;__tn__=kK-R">Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank</a>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafoodbank/?__cft__[0]=AZUsWDqm-RovXs-SMeMqMpwiaooDXZjVNQOzVIt7KrXoeL3hyPXKZkjghqhc7ig8YNQ_T6fUsLGBepphtPc6Yz4fmrEIKrUhUvekZcgRSlDH5WTbKXzbbOh-nPKsuTri-KNumsrXrskdu2so3HfFzlz-Lv1wUOTbBbYDDiKHFWwKd733ZKnK40LXcF_zwswS_Eo&amp;__tn__=kK-R"></a>&amp;

230 food items, 10 toys, and over $180 to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SalinaAnimalShelter?__cft__[0]=AZUsWDqm-RovXs-SMeMqMpwiaooDXZjVNQOzVIt7KrXoeL3hyPXKZkjghqhc7ig8YNQ_T6fUsLGBepphtPc6Yz4fmrEIKrUhUvekZcgRSlDH5WTbKXzbbOh-nPKsuTri-KNumsrXrskdu2so3HfFzlz-Lv1wUOTbBbYDDiKHFWwKd733ZKnK40LXcF_zwswS_Eo&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Salina Animal Services</a>.Very generous, indeed.

The following graphic shows just how generous Salina was this year!

Again, Thank you Salina! Have a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

Brent Curtis Salina E3 Coordinator&nbsp;&nbsp;

From the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SalinaE3Coord/">City of Salina's Environmental Education and Enforcement Coordinator Facebook page</a>:Good morning Salina,I wanted to thank all of our great citizens that attended and donated to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafoodbank/?__cft__[0]=AZUsWDqm-RovXs-SMeMqMpwiaooDXZjVNQOzVIt7KrXoeL3hyPXKZkjghqhc7ig8YNQ_T6fUsLGBepphtPc6Yz4fmrEIKrUhUvekZcgRSlDH5WTbKXzbbOh-nPKsuTri-KNumsrXrskdu2so3HfFzlz-Lv1wUOTbBbYDDiKHFWwKd733ZKnK40LXcF_zwswS_Eo&amp;__tn__=kK-R">Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SalinaAnimalShelter?__cft__[0]=AZUsWDqm-RovXs-SMeMqMpwiaooDXZjVNQOzVIt7KrXoeL3hyPXKZkjghqhc7ig8YNQ_T6fUsLGBepphtPc6Yz4fmrEIKrUhUvekZcgRSlDH5WTbKXzbbOh-nPKsuTri-KNumsrXrskdu2so3HfFzlz-Lv1wUOTbBbYDDiKHFWwKd733ZKnK40LXcF_zwswS_Eo&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Salina Animal Services</a> during the Recycling Generosity Donation Drive on Saturday Dec. 3rd at the SDRC. Salina’s generosity at the event was humbling and made me proud to be a resident &amp; representative of our great city.Last year at this same event Salina donated: 571 food items and over $140 in cash to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafoodbank/?__cft__[0]=AZUsWDqm-RovXs-SMeMqMpwiaooDXZjVNQOzVIt7KrXoeL3hyPXKZkjghqhc7ig8YNQ_T6fUsLGBepphtPc6Yz4fmrEIKrUhUvekZcgRSlDH5WTbKXzbbOh-nPKsuTri-KNumsrXrskdu2so3HfFzlz-Lv1wUOTbBbYDDiKHFWwKd733ZKnK40LXcF_zwswS_Eo&amp;__tn__=kK-R">Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafoodbank/?__cft__[0]=AZUsWDqm-RovXs-SMeMqMpwiaooDXZjVNQOzVIt7KrXoeL3hyPXKZkjghqhc7ig8YNQ_T6fUsLGBepphtPc6Yz4fmrEIKrUhUvekZcgRSlDH5WTbKXzbbOh-nPKsuTri-KNumsrXrskdu2so3HfFzlz-Lv1wUOTbBbYDDiKHFWwKd733ZKnK40LXcF_zwswS_Eo&amp;__tn__=kK-R"></a>&amp;230 food items, 10 toys, and over $180 to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SalinaAnimalShelter?__cft__[0]=AZUsWDqm-RovXs-SMeMqMpwiaooDXZjVNQOzVIt7KrXoeL3hyPXKZkjghqhc7ig8YNQ_T6fUsLGBepphtPc6Yz4fmrEIKrUhUvekZcgRSlDH5WTbKXzbbOh-nPKsuTri-KNumsrXrskdu2so3HfFzlz-Lv1wUOTbBbYDDiKHFWwKd733ZKnK40LXcF_zwswS_Eo&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Salina Animal Services</a>.Very generous, indeed.The following graphic shows just how generous Salina was this year!Again, Thank you Salina! Have a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!Brent Curtis Salina E3 Coordinator&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671164251490.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Recycling Generosity Donation Drive proves successful

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

MANHATTAN – The calendar says the first day of winter is Dec. 21. Chip Redmond is not so sure you ought to get locked in on just that date.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671160776271.jpeg" alt="Winter scenes in Kansas can be beautiful, but temperatures and conditions can also be treacherous. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Winter scenes in Kansas can be beautiful, but temperatures and conditions can also be treacherous. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAT MELGARES K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;MANHATTAN – The calendar says the first day of winter is Dec. 21. Chip Redmond is not so sure you ought to get locked in on just that date.&nbsp;“Winter conditions in Kansas can change rapidly,” said Redmond, a meteorologist and manager of the&nbsp;<a href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas Mesonet</a>, a network of weather monitoring stations that has its headquarters at Kansas State University.&nbsp;In Kansas, he said, “we can have a cold front come through that drops temperatures 50 degrees (Fahrenheit) in just a couple hours. Or, we can go from clear skies to heavy snow very quickly.”&nbsp;While Kansans can’t do anything about the weather, Redmond says they can prepare themselves to withstand brutal conditions – and keep themselves safe.&nbsp;Cold temperatures&nbsp;“The first thing that comes to my mind for winter weather safety is the cold, which brings different dangers – just as heat does in the summer,” Redmond said.&nbsp;“Our bodies just aren’t prepared to take cold for long periods of time. The cold can quickly have negative effects, especially when we factor in wind chill.”&nbsp;Redmond urges people to dress in layers and wear a stocking cap and mittens anytime they must face outdoor cold. He said frostbite or hypothermia happen very quickly.&nbsp;“It can be less than even a few minutes, when you get cold and add wind,” Redmond said. “That’s why we look at things like closing schools once temperatures drop below zero or negative-10 with the wind chill. Those conditions produce a much higher risk, so we have to take more proactive steps and try to avoid outdoor activity as much as possible.”&nbsp;Stocking caps help to keep heat from releasing through the head and “keeps the overall ambient temperature of your body warmer,” according to Redmond. Mittens are preferred over gloves because it maintains warmth by keeping the fingers closely together.&nbsp;Travel safety&nbsp;The State of Kansas regularly updates road conditions on the website,&nbsp;<a href="https://kandrive.org/" target="_blank">https://kandrive.org</a>. Redmond encourages those planning travel to check the forecast along the path they will drive, including road conditions.&nbsp;Redmond also suggests keeping an emergency kit in a car in case the vehicle gets stalled while traveling. In addition to warm clothing, he suggests such items as:&nbsp;●Snow brush and ice scraper.●Jumper cables or jumpstarter.●Blankets.●Cell phone charger.●Snack foods.●Water, or other liquid such as electrolyte drinks.●Flashlight.●Sand in a small container.●Chains or other items to help in pulling a vehicle out of a ditch.&nbsp;“Some people have tire chains; that may be a bit extravagant,” Redmond said. “If you need tire chains in Kansas, you probably shouldn’t be out on the road to begin with. But sand is useful to help you get out of an area where you don’t have much traction.”&nbsp;A car’s tires may need some extra air in the winter because they shrink when they get cold, Redmond said. “If you have underinflated tires,” he said, “you’re not going to optimize the grip of that rubber, so you’re going to slip and slide a lot more.”&nbsp;Safety at home&nbsp;It’s been a few years since Kansas has been hit by a widespread ice storm, but Redmond says current indications for a colder than normal winter increases the probability of damaging ice this year.&nbsp;“Trees are probably the most likely to be damaged in an ice storm,” he said. “Be aware of weakened trees and that you’re going to lose branches. It takes about one-quarter inch of ice to see really big impacts.”&nbsp;Roads don’t normally accumulate one-quarter inch of ice, “so it’s not as big of a problem for travelers,” Redmond said. “But anything that is standing and tall – such as power lines and trees and gutters – are at risk of falling.”&nbsp;Redmond also urges homeowners to use caution when removing snow from driveways and sidewalks.&nbsp;“It’s very demanding physically,” he said. “One of the leading causes of winter heart attacks is shoveling snow because of the stress of pushing that snow - especially when it is heavy and wet, formed with temperatures near freezing or when it becomes packed.”&nbsp;For those who own a snowblower, Redmond recommends making sure it has been serviced before first use, “and don’t wait until the last minute” to do so.&nbsp;More information on Kansas weather conditions, including up-to-date forecasts, is available online from the&nbsp;<a href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas Mesonet.</a>

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