By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

The Kelly administration sees a bright future for Salina and its partnership with the community.

That's the word from Lieutenant Governor David Toland during an exclusive interview with Salina Post earlier this week.

Toland said the Kelly administration is proud of its partnership with the people of Salina. Toland noted not only the growth and vibrance of downtown Salina, but also the growth in local manufacturing and housing starts.

"We've been really proud, Governor Kelly and I, to have been partners with the Salina community in all of this growth, and we think that the future's very bright, and we're going to continue with the same approach and policy to economic development and to community development that we've had from the start," Toland said. "We think that that is going to continue to bring rich dividends for the Salina community."

Toland also talked about some of the accomplishments of the administration's first term.

"Since I work for the Education Governor, I would be remiss if I didn't start with fully funding our K-12 system for the last four years in a row and getting the state out of the cycle of litigation about underfunding that had really bedeviled us for over 20 years," Toland said.

"We're proud of the investments we've made in our K-12 system, but also in higher education, and that includes K-State Salina and the amazing programs that are happening there," he said.

Toland also noted new investments in the state's community colleges and technical colleges.

At the state level, there has been more than $14 billion of new investment that has occurred since Kelly took office in January of 2019, including 52,000 new and retained jobs, Toland said. 

"You look at Salina specifically, there have been over 1,300 new jobs created under the Kelly administration. That's 1,323 to be specific. And we've had $687.4 million of private business investment that has happened in Saline County since 2019," he said.

"When you look at the variety of things that have happened in Salina specifically, you know, from Schwans, where the largest frozen pizza plant in the world is going to open next week to Great Plains Manufacturing, which has taken over the Phillips Lighting facility, is just such a great opportunity to really grow the Kubota footprint in Kansas," Toland continued. "There's so much room for growth in that massive facility."

Toland also talked about 1 Vision Aviation at the Salina Regional Airport as an example of growth in Salina, noting how 1 Vision Aviation was able to utilize the assets of the airport in creating new jobs and new investment.

"It's so healthy to have this kind of diversity, from food processing to advanced manufacturing to maintenance, repair, and overhaul for aviation. It's really a good sign about the health of the Salina economy that you've had this kind of diversity of growth," he said.

Getting legislation passed to eliminate the state's sales tax on groceries is also listed among the Kelly administration's accomplishments.

"We're really proud that we were able to ax the food tax. And this is both an accomplishment and a to-do for January because axing the food tax got through, but it's on a schedule that takes it a couple of years out before it's actually eliminated, and that's because Derek Schmidt's allies in the legislature didn't want to give Governor Kelly a win in an election year, and so they were playing politics with people's grocery bills," Toland said. 

"And so, Priority One along with Medicaid expansion in our second term is going to be immediately axing the food tax so that it takes effect hopefully in January, so that we can give some relief to families that are really struggling and seniors in particular who are on fixed incomes," he said.

According to Toland, there are more than 1,000 highway construction projects that currently are underway across the state.

"You know, coming to Salina on I-70, there are an awful lot of orange barrels, and that's a good thing. It means that we've stopped the raid of the 'Bank of KDOT' that happened under the Brownback administration, all these transfers of money that Derek Schmidt supported, and we've been able to fully fund the infrastructure we need," Toland said. 

Additionally, as part of the IKE Transportation Plan through the Kansas Department of Transportation, funding is available to increase broadband internet offerings in the state.

"We're really proud that there are 55,000 new households and businesses that have been connected to high-speed internet in the last 18 months," he said.

"When you think about those kinds of investements, and then you think about how Derek Schmidt says he wants to get in and start slashing and cutting, you know, he's going to be cutting broadband. He's going to be cutting economic development. He's going to be cutting the highway program. And these are things that the voters have made clear are important to them and they don't want to see us go down that road again," Toland said. 

As campaigning for the upcoming election has progressed, a number of well-known Republicans have come out in support of the Kelly-Toland ticket. Those Republicans include former Kansas governors Bill Graves and Mike Hayden, former U.S. senators from Kansas Nancy Kassebaum and Sheila Frahm, former U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister, former Republican National Committee Committeewoman Alicia Salisbury, and former Kansas Attorney General Robert Stephan.

"I think it reflects who the governor and I are as people. We are centrist, concensus builders who work to find common ground and who don't worry so much about party labels. We worry about getting the public policy right and doing things that not only help people in the here and now, but really set up the next generation for success," Toland said.

He continued, "Ultimately, I think the reason we've got such strong Republican support across the state is that folks see that Governor Kelly is a middle-of-the-road governor who works to craft sound public policy and isn't worried about party labels. She's worried about getting it right."

Recently, the British tabloid The Daily Mail falsely claimed that the Kansas Department of Commerce and its Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC), provided funding for drag shows in Wichita. A poster for one of the shows included the Department of Commerce/KCAIC logo. 

Members of the GOP, including Kelly's gubernatorial opponent Derek Schmidt, expressed outrage over the alleged funding, which the Kelly administration quickly debunked as false.

READ: Kan. GOP seize on false report about drag show to attack Governor

When asked about the issue, Toland said, "It's just flat out not true. It didn't happen," calling the incident a "classic, late October political dirty trick."

OpenStudios, the sponsor of one of the Wichita events, also noted that no state funds were to be used for the event. In a post on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OpenStudiosICT">its Facebook page</a>, Open Studios wrote, "You may have noticed we had to erase a few posts about the event because of some (frustrating) marketing miscommunications. After a few inquiries, we’d like to clarify that the KCAIC is not sponsoring this event. Their logo was placed on former posters because of their relationship with Fisch Bowl Inc., who hosts the OpenStudios spaces at Towne West. No state funds were used in support of this event."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666922239896.jpeg" alt="Kansas Lieutenant Governor David Toland. Photo courtesy Kelly/Toland Campaign" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Lieutenant Governor David Toland. Photo courtesy Kelly/Toland Campaign</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostThe Kelly administration sees a bright future for Salina and its partnership with the community.That's the word from Lieutenant Governor David Toland during an exclusive interview with Salina Post earlier this week.Toland said the Kelly administration is proud of its partnership with the people of Salina. Toland noted not only the growth and vibrance of downtown Salina, but also the growth in local manufacturing and housing starts."We've been really proud, Governor Kelly and I, to have been partners with the Salina community in all of this growth, and we think that the future's very bright, and we're going to continue with the same approach and policy to economic development and to community development that we've had from the start," Toland said. "We think that that is going to continue to bring rich dividends for the Salina community."School fundingToland also talked about some of the accomplishments of the administration's first term."Since I work for the Education Governor, I would be remiss if I didn't start with fully funding our K-12 system for the last four years in a row and getting the state out of the cycle of litigation about underfunding that had really bedeviled us for over 20 years," Toland said."We're proud of the investments we've made in our K-12 system, but also in higher education, and that includes K-State Salina and the amazing programs that are happening there," he said.Toland also noted new investments in the state's community colleges and technical colleges.Economic developmentAt the state level, there has been more than $14 billion of new investment that has occurred since Kelly took office in January of 2019, including 52,000 new and retained jobs, Toland said. "You look at Salina specifically, there have been over 1,300 new jobs created under the Kelly administration. That's 1,323 to be specific. And we've had $687.4 million of private business investment that has happened in Saline County since 2019," he said."When you look at the variety of things that have happened in Salina specifically, you know, from Schwans, where the largest frozen pizza plant in the world is going to open next week to Great Plains Manufacturing, which has taken over the Phillips Lighting facility, is just such a great opportunity to really grow the Kubota footprint in Kansas," Toland continued. "There's so much room for growth in that massive facility."Toland also talked about 1 Vision Aviation at the Salina Regional Airport as an example of growth in Salina, noting how 1 Vision Aviation was able to utilize the assets of the airport in creating new jobs and new investment."It's so healthy to have this kind of diversity, from food processing to advanced manufacturing to maintenance, repair, and overhaul for aviation. It's really a good sign about the health of the Salina economy that you've had this kind of diversity of growth," he said.Axing the food taxGetting legislation passed to eliminate the state's sales tax on groceries is also listed among the Kelly administration's accomplishments."We're really proud that we were able to ax the food tax. And this is both an accomplishment and a to-do for January because axing the food tax got through, but it's on a schedule that takes it a couple of years out before it's actually eliminated, and that's because Derek Schmidt's allies in the legislature didn't want to give Governor Kelly a win in an election year, and so they were playing politics with people's grocery bills," Toland said. "And so, Priority One along with Medicaid expansion in our second term is going to be immediately axing the food tax so that it takes effect hopefully in January, so that we can give some relief to families that are really struggling and seniors in particular who are on fixed incomes," he said.InfrastructureAccording to Toland, there are more than 1,000 highway construction projects that currently are underway across the state."You know, coming to Salina on I-70, there are an awful lot of orange barrels, and that's a good thing. It means that we've stopped the raid of the 'Bank of KDOT' that happened under the Brownback administration, all these transfers of money that Derek Schmidt supported, and we've been able to fully fund the infrastructure we need," Toland said. Additionally, as part of the IKE Transportation Plan through the Kansas Department of Transportation, funding is available to increase broadband internet offerings in the state."We're really proud that there are 55,000 new households and businesses that have been connected to high-speed internet in the last 18 months," he said."When you think about those kinds of investements, and then you think about how Derek Schmidt says he wants to get in and start slashing and cutting, you know, he's going to be cutting broadband. He's going to be cutting economic development. He's going to be cutting the highway program. And these are things that the voters have made clear are important to them and they don't want to see us go down that road again," Toland said. Republican supportAs campaigning for the upcoming election has progressed, a number of well-known Republicans have come out in support of the Kelly-Toland ticket. Those Republicans include former Kansas governors Bill Graves and Mike Hayden, former U.S. senators from Kansas Nancy Kassebaum and Sheila Frahm, former U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister, former Republican National Committee Committeewoman Alicia Salisbury, and former Kansas Attorney General Robert Stephan."I think it reflects who the governor and I are as people. We are centrist, concensus builders who work to find common ground and who don't worry so much about party labels. We worry about getting the public policy right and doing things that not only help people in the here and now, but really set up the next generation for success," Toland said.He continued, "Ultimately, I think the reason we've got such strong Republican support across the state is that folks see that Governor Kelly is a middle-of-the-road governor who works to craft sound public policy and isn't worried about party labels. She's worried about getting it right."No drag party fundingRecently, the British tabloid The Daily Mail falsely claimed that the Kansas Department of Commerce and its Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC), provided funding for drag shows in Wichita. A poster for one of the shows included the Department of Commerce/KCAIC logo. Members of the GOP, including Kelly's gubernatorial opponent Derek Schmidt, expressed outrage over the alleged funding, which the Kelly administration quickly debunked as false.READ: Kan. GOP seize on false report about drag show to attack GovernorWhen asked about the issue, Toland said, "It's just flat out not true. It didn't happen," calling the incident a "classic, late October political dirty trick."OpenStudios, the sponsor of one of the Wichita events, also noted that no state funds were to be used for the event. In a post on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OpenStudiosICT">its Facebook page</a>, Open Studios wrote, "You may have noticed we had to erase a few posts about the event because of some (frustrating) marketing miscommunications. After a few inquiries, we’d like to clarify that the KCAIC is not sponsoring this event. Their logo was placed on former posters because of their relationship with Fisch Bowl Inc., who hosts the OpenStudios spaces at Towne West. No state funds were used in support of this event."

Salina's future bright, Lieutenant Governor David Toland says

A juvenile was injured in an accident just before 3:30 p.m. Thursday in Salina.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Dodge Charger driven by Gregory Arnold, 44, Salina, was southbound on Roach Street and began to make an eastbound turn onto Pentwood Drive. 

A juvenile on a bicycle was northbound on the east sidewalk, failed to yield and struck the passenger side fender of the Dodge.

The juvenile had minor injuries. Arnold was not injured. The KHP released no additional details.

A juvenile was injured in an accident just before 3:30 p.m. Thursday in Salina.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Dodge Charger driven by Gregory Arnold, 44, Salina, was southbound on Roach Street and began to make an eastbound turn onto Pentwood Drive. A juvenile on a bicycle was northbound on the east sidewalk, failed to yield and struck the passenger side fender of the Dodge.The juvenile had minor injuries. Arnold was not injured. The KHP released no additional details.

Juvenile on bicycle struck fender of car driven by Salina man

· Full, part time, and seasonal positions available.

· Floral experience preferred, on the job training available if needed.

· Knowledge of floral design, and a sense of color is needed.

· This is a way to show your creativity and artistic abilities with use of many different varieties of fresh flowers

· Apply in person at Pettle’s Flowers, 341 Center St., Salina

Pettle’s Flowers an Equal Opportunity Employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618973081997.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>· Full, part time, and seasonal positions available.· Floral experience preferred, on the job training available if needed.· Knowledge of floral design, and a sense of color is needed.· This is a way to show your creativity and artistic abilities with use of many different varieties of fresh flowers· Apply in person at Pettle’s Flowers, 341 Center St., SalinaPettle’s Flowers an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salvation Army announces application dates for Christmas assistance

Putting all its energy into the music, the group Classic Albums Live is bringing some Pink Floyd to Salina in January.

Classic Albums Live: Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon is scheduled for 8 p.m. Jan. 27 in the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue.

Tickets start at $25 and go on sale at noon Friday. The Stiefel box office is open for walk-up sales from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You also can buy online at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">stiefeltheatre.org</a> or call the Stiefel at 785-827-1998.

About the artist courtesy Stiefel Theatre

Founded in 2003 by Craig Martin, Classic Albums Live takes the greatest albums and recreates them live on stage - note for note, cut for cut, using the best musicians. 

“Think of it as a recital,” said Martin, “These albums are historic and stand the test of time.” 

Forgoing costumes and impersonations, Classic Albums Live has found success in concentrating solely on the music. 

“We don’t dress up or wear any sort of costume. We just stand there and play. All of our energy is put into the music. We want the performance to sound exactly like the album,” said Martin. 

With 100+ shows a year across North America, Classic Albums Live has seen massive success.

“We created something that endures and connects. These albums are sacred to people. We deliver exactly what we promote - ‘note for note, cut for cut’ accuracy,” Martin said. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666840310544.jpeg" alt="Classic Albums Live is coming to Salina's historic Stiefel Theatre in January. Photos courtesy Stiefel Theatre" />
 <figcaption>Classic Albums Live is coming to Salina's historic Stiefel Theatre in January. Photos courtesy Stiefel Theatre</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTPutting all its energy into the music, the group Classic Albums Live is bringing some Pink Floyd to Salina in January.Classic Albums Live: Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon is scheduled for 8 p.m. Jan. 27 in the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue.Tickets start at $25 and go on sale at noon Friday. The Stiefel box office is open for walk-up sales from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You also can buy online at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">stiefeltheatre.org</a> or call the Stiefel at 785-827-1998.About the artist courtesy Stiefel TheatreFounded in 2003 by Craig Martin, Classic Albums Live takes the greatest albums and recreates them live on stage - note for note, cut for cut, using the best musicians. “Think of it as a recital,” said Martin, “These albums are historic and stand the test of time.” Forgoing costumes and impersonations, Classic Albums Live has found success in concentrating solely on the music. “We don’t dress up or wear any sort of costume. We just stand there and play. All of our energy is put into the music. We want the performance to sound exactly like the album,” said Martin. With 100+ shows a year across North America, Classic Albums Live has seen massive success.“We created something that endures and connects. These albums are sacred to people. We deliver exactly what we promote - ‘note for note, cut for cut’ accuracy,” Martin said.

Classic Albums Live: Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon' coming to Stiefel

DICKINSON COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating two Salina men in connection with theft and drug allegations.

On Tuesday, the Dickinson County Sheriff received a report of a suspicious Craigslist post that involved a John Deere 4044R tractor - valued at $36,645, according to a media release. Investigators learned the tractor had been stolen from Prairieland Partners in Abilene.

As the investigation continued, undercover officers made arrangements to purchase the tractor. The undercover officers met with the suspects in the 1000 block of 1700 Avenue and started to discuss the purchase of the tractor that was in possession of the suspects.

As a result, deputies arrested Alan T. Kosakowski and Joshua D. Baker, both of Salina, and recovered the tractor.

At the time of the arrest, the sheriff’s office utilized the&nbsp;Abilene Police Department K9 and determined the suspects were also in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.

Kosakowski and Baker are being held in the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges that include felony theft, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of marijuana.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666815143551.png" alt="Joshua D. Baker. Photo courtesy Dickinson County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Joshua D. Baker. Photo courtesy Dickinson County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating two Salina men in connection with theft and drug allegations.On Tuesday, the Dickinson County Sheriff received a report of a suspicious Craigslist post that involved a John Deere 4044R tractor - valued at $36,645, according to a media release. Investigators learned the tractor had been stolen from Prairieland Partners in Abilene.As the investigation continued, undercover officers made arrangements to purchase the tractor. The undercover officers met with the suspects in the 1000 block of 1700 Avenue and started to discuss the purchase of the tractor that was in possession of the suspects.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666815114685.png" alt="Alan T. Kosakowski. Photo courtesy Dickinson County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Alan T. Kosakowski. Photo courtesy Dickinson County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>As a result, deputies arrested Alan T. Kosakowski and Joshua D. Baker, both of Salina, and recovered the tractor.At the time of the arrest, the sheriff’s office utilized the&nbsp;Abilene Police Department K9 and determined the suspects were also in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.Kosakowski and Baker are being held in the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges that include felony theft, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of marijuana.&nbsp;

Undercover deputies arrest 2 Salina men, recover stolen tractor

A Salina man was cited after a two-vehicle accident Wednesday afternoon in the central part of the city.

Everett Burdett, 65, of Salina, was eastbound on W. Prescott Avenue in a 2014 Toyota Sienna when he failed to stop at the red light at S. Santa Fe Avenue and struck a northbound 2017 Dodge Charger driven by Kaitlynn Lawrence, 22, of Salina, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.

The airbags deployed in both vehicles and the drivers suffered minor injuries, but were not transported to the hospital, Forrester said. 

Both vehicles sustained front-end damage and were towed from the scene.

Forrester said Burdett was cited for failing to stop at the stoplight.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man was cited after a two-vehicle accident Wednesday afternoon in the central part of the city.Everett Burdett, 65, of Salina, was eastbound on W. Prescott Avenue in a 2014 Toyota Sienna when he failed to stop at the red light at S. Santa Fe Avenue and struck a northbound 2017 Dodge Charger driven by Kaitlynn Lawrence, 22, of Salina, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.The airbags deployed in both vehicles and the drivers suffered minor injuries, but were not transported to the hospital, Forrester said. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage and were towed from the scene.Forrester said Burdett was cited for failing to stop at the stoplight.

Drivers injured when car, minivan collide in central Salina

Keeping animals warm and comfortable this winter is the idea behind an upcoming straw bale giveaway.

The Friends of the Salina Animal Shelter is planning a Straw Bale Giveaway Day on Nov. 5. During the drive-through event, pet owners can get a free straw bale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Salina Animal Shelter, 329 N. Second. 

"Our animals rely on us to keep their areas filled with warm, comfortable straw during the cold winter months," the Friends of the Salina Animal Shelter noted in a news release.

One free straw bale per pet owner will be available while supplies last. Volunteers will be on hand to load one bale per pet owner during the drive-through event.

By SALINA POST Keeping animals warm and comfortable this winter is the idea behind an upcoming straw bale giveaway.The Friends of the Salina Animal Shelter is planning a Straw Bale Giveaway Day on Nov. 5. During the drive-through event, pet owners can get a free straw bale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Salina Animal Shelter, 329 N. Second. "Our animals rely on us to keep their areas filled with warm, comfortable straw during the cold winter months," the Friends of the Salina Animal Shelter noted in a news release.One free straw bale per pet owner will be available while supplies last. Volunteers will be on hand to load one bale per pet owner during the drive-through event.

Friends of Salina Animal Shelter giving away straw bales to pet owners

UPDATE 7:30 a.m. Thursday: The National Weather Service has adjusted rainfall chances for our area. That new information is reflected below.

Scattered showers look to develop over central Kansas today and move slowly eastward across the state into the night time hours. Rainfall amounts will range from a trace to three tenths of an inch.

UPDATE 7:30 a.m. Thursday: The National Weather Service has adjusted rainfall chances for our area. That new information is reflected below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666874372497.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>National Weather ServiceScattered showers look to develop over central Kansas today and move slowly eastward across the state into the night time hours. Rainfall amounts will range from a trace to three tenths of an inch.

UPDATE: NWS adjusts rain chances for our area Thursday

Today is Thursday, Oct. 27, the 300th day of 2022. There are 65 days left in the year.

On Oct. 27, 2018, a gunman shot and killed 11 congregants and wounded six others at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue in the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history; authorities said the suspect, Robert Bowers, raged against Jews during and after the rampage. (Bowers, whose trial is now set for April 2023, has pleaded not guilty; prosecutors are seeking a death sentence.)

In 1787, the first of the Federalist Papers, a series of essays calling for ratification of the United States Constitution, was published.

In 1904, the first rapid transit subway, the IRT, was inaugurated in New York City.

In 1914, author-poet Dylan Thomas was born in Swansea, Wales.

In 1941, the Chicago Daily Tribune dismissed the possibility of war with Japan, editorializing, "She cannot attack us. That is a military impossibility. Even our base at Hawaii is beyond the effective striking power of her fleet."

In 1954, U.S. Air Force Col. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. was promoted to brigadier general, the first Black officer to achieve that rank in the USAF.

In 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, a U-2 reconnaissance aircraft was shot down while flying over Cuba, killing the pilot, U.S. Air Force Maj. Rudolf Anderson Jr.

In 1971, the Democratic Republic of the Congo was renamed the Republic of Zaire (but it went back to its previous name in 1997).

In 1978, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin were named winners of the Nobel Peace Prize for their progress toward achieving a Middle East accord.

In 1995, a sniper killed one soldier and wounded 18 others at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. (Paratrooper William J. Kreutzer was convicted in the shootings, and condemned to death; the sentence was later commuted to life in prison.)

In 1998, Hurricane Mitch cut through the western Caribbean, pummeling coastal Honduras and Belize; the storm caused several thousand deaths in Central America in the days that followed.

In 2004, the Boston Red Sox won their first World Series since 1918, sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 4, 3-0.

In 2020, Amy Coney Barrett was formally sworn as the Supreme Court's ninth justice, her oath administered in private by Chief Justice John Roberts.

Ten years ago: The eastern United States braced for high winds, torrential rains, power outages and even snow from Hurricane Sandy, which was headed north from the Caribbean toward a merger with two wintry weather systems.

Five years ago: Spain fired Catalonia's regional government and dissolved its parliament, after a Catalan declaration of independence that flouted the country's constitution. Golfer Tiger Woods pleaded guilty to reckless driving, resolving charges from an arrest in which he was found passed out in his car with prescription drugs and marijuana in his system. The White House said federal officials had played no role in selecting a tiny Montana company from Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke's hometown for a $300 million contract to help restore Puerto Rico's power grid.

One year ago: The Department of Homeland Security said U.S. immigration authorities would no longer make routine immigration arrests at schools, hospitals or a range of other "protected" areas. Investigators in New Mexico said there was "some complacency" in how weapons were handled on a movie set where Alec Baldwin accidentally shot and killed a cinematographer and wounded another person. The State Department said the United States had issued its first passport with an 'X' gender designation for a person who does not identify as male or female. Starbucks said it would raise its U.S. employees' pay and making other changes to improve working conditions in its stores; the company said all of its U.S. workers would earn at least $15 - and up to $23 - per hour by the following summer.

Today's Birthdays: Actor-comedian John Cleese is 83. Author Maxine Hong Kingston is 82. Country singer Lee Greenwood is 80. Rock musician Garry Tallent (Bruce Springsteen &amp; the E Street Band) is 73. Author Fran Lebowitz is 72. Rock musician K.K. Downing is 71. TV personality Jayne Kennedy is 71. Actor-director Roberto Benigni is 70. Actor Peter Firth is 69. Actor Robert Picardo is 69. World Golf Hall of Famer Patty Sheehan is 66. Singer Simon Le Bon is 64. Country musician Jerry Dale McFadden (The Mavericks) is 58. Internet news editor Matt Drudge is 56. Rock musician Jason Finn (Presidents of the United States of America) is 55. Actor Sean Holland is 54. Actor Channon Roe is 53. Author Anthony Doerr is 49. Actor Sheeri Rappaport is 45. Actor David Walton is 44. Violinist Vanessa-Mae is 44. Actor-singer Kelly Osbourne is 38. Actor Christine Evangelista is 36. Actor Bryan Craig is 31. Actor Troy Gentile is 29.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Thursday, Oct. 27, the 300th day of 2022. There are 65 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Oct. 27, 2018, a gunman shot and killed 11 congregants and wounded six others at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue in the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history; authorities said the suspect, Robert Bowers, raged against Jews during and after the rampage. (Bowers, whose trial is now set for April 2023, has pleaded not guilty; prosecutors are seeking a death sentence.)On this date:In 1787, the first of the Federalist Papers, a series of essays calling for ratification of the United States Constitution, was published.In 1904, the first rapid transit subway, the IRT, was inaugurated in New York City.In 1914, author-poet Dylan Thomas was born in Swansea, Wales.In 1941, the Chicago Daily Tribune dismissed the possibility of war with Japan, editorializing, "She cannot attack us. That is a military impossibility. Even our base at Hawaii is beyond the effective striking power of her fleet."In 1954, U.S. Air Force Col. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. was promoted to brigadier general, the first Black officer to achieve that rank in the USAF.In 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, a U-2 reconnaissance aircraft was shot down while flying over Cuba, killing the pilot, U.S. Air Force Maj. Rudolf Anderson Jr.In 1971, the Democratic Republic of the Congo was renamed the Republic of Zaire (but it went back to its previous name in 1997).In 1978, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin were named winners of the Nobel Peace Prize for their progress toward achieving a Middle East accord.In 1995, a sniper killed one soldier and wounded 18 others at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. (Paratrooper William J. Kreutzer was convicted in the shootings, and condemned to death; the sentence was later commuted to life in prison.)In 1998, Hurricane Mitch cut through the western Caribbean, pummeling coastal Honduras and Belize; the storm caused several thousand deaths in Central America in the days that followed.In 2004, the Boston Red Sox won their first World Series since 1918, sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 4, 3-0.In 2020, Amy Coney Barrett was formally sworn as the Supreme Court's ninth justice, her oath administered in private by Chief Justice John Roberts.Ten years ago: The eastern United States braced for high winds, torrential rains, power outages and even snow from Hurricane Sandy, which was headed north from the Caribbean toward a merger with two wintry weather systems.Five years ago: Spain fired Catalonia's regional government and dissolved its parliament, after a Catalan declaration of independence that flouted the country's constitution. Golfer Tiger Woods pleaded guilty to reckless driving, resolving charges from an arrest in which he was found passed out in his car with prescription drugs and marijuana in his system. The White House said federal officials had played no role in selecting a tiny Montana company from Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke's hometown for a $300 million contract to help restore Puerto Rico's power grid.One year ago: The Department of Homeland Security said U.S. immigration authorities would no longer make routine immigration arrests at schools, hospitals or a range of other "protected" areas. Investigators in New Mexico said there was "some complacency" in how weapons were handled on a movie set where Alec Baldwin accidentally shot and killed a cinematographer and wounded another person. The State Department said the United States had issued its first passport with an 'X' gender designation for a person who does not identify as male or female. Starbucks said it would raise its U.S. employees' pay and making other changes to improve working conditions in its stores; the company said all of its U.S. workers would earn at least $15 - and up to $23 - per hour by the following summer.Today's Birthdays: Actor-comedian John Cleese is 83. Author Maxine Hong Kingston is 82. Country singer Lee Greenwood is 80. Rock musician Garry Tallent (Bruce Springsteen &amp; the E Street Band) is 73. Author Fran Lebowitz is 72. Rock musician K.K. Downing is 71. TV personality Jayne Kennedy is 71. Actor-director Roberto Benigni is 70. Actor Peter Firth is 69. Actor Robert Picardo is 69. World Golf Hall of Famer Patty Sheehan is 66. Singer Simon Le Bon is 64. Country musician Jerry Dale McFadden (The Mavericks) is 58. Internet news editor Matt Drudge is 56. Rock musician Jason Finn (Presidents of the United States of America) is 55. Actor Sean Holland is 54. Actor Channon Roe is 53. Author Anthony Doerr is 49. Actor Sheeri Rappaport is 45. Actor David Walton is 44. Violinist Vanessa-Mae is 44. Actor-singer Kelly Osbourne is 38. Actor Christine Evangelista is 36. Actor Bryan Craig is 31. Actor Troy Gentile is 29.

Today in History - October 27

By RON FIELDS Post News Network

As&nbsp;<a href="https://nextlinkinternet.com/">Nextlink Internet</a>&nbsp;prepares to expand its network across Kansas and Nebraska, legacy broadband companies are questioning the Dallas-based company's strategy to deploy mostly fixed wireless connectivity to rural residents.

On Aug. 31, Nextlink was awarded almost a half-billion dollars from the Federal Communications Commission to expand its service.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/90364494-09e3-468a-8103-8425c695fa4b">In both Kansas and Nebraska, more than $25 million</a>&nbsp;was dedicated to deploying a mix of fiber and fixed wireless connections to about 40,000 customers deemed to have substandard connectivity. The funding is part of the FCC's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund —&nbsp;RDOF.

Jimmy Todd, CEO of Lenora, Kan.-based&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nex-tech.com/">Nex-Tech</a>, contends the fixed wireless solution — which pipes a signal to customers via an access point on a tower or other high point —&nbsp;is not the solution.

"Fixed wireless is by no means the best option for them," he said. "The pandemic has taught us more than anything else how important it is to be connected. They're not going to get the same kind of service if those funds had gone to fiber providers."

Nextlink, which began a decade ago serving communities around the Dallas-Fort Worth area, also was awarded $281 million&nbsp;in 2018 as part of the FCC's Connect America Fund Phase II —&nbsp;CAF II —&nbsp;which fueled its expansion into five additional states. In the RDOF grant, Nextlink proposed expanding that footprint to 11 states.

The latest grant, Todd said, was a "quick reaction to an outgoing FCC leadership. With CAF II, before there was never any proof of whether or not that was good or not, they rolled out the first round of RDOF."

Both grant programs have percentage-completion milestones that must be met. Todd said several of those milestones were "punted during the pandemic."

Nextlink's Chief Strategy Officer Claude Aiken said the CAF II builds are ahead of the FCC's schedule — but Todd claimed in the more rural parts of Kansas, that is not the case.

"The completion percentages likely are based on population centers further east," he said. "When you're looking at numbers, it's easier to show a higher number of people connected versus a less densely populated area. Out where we're at, we haven't seen a lot of activity."

Aiken said recently the company actually is ahead of its 2022 milestone of 40 percent completion in Kansas, with that state's CAF II work actually 60 percent completed.

Todd admitted Nex-Tech saw strategic areas to expand its network, which currently serves over 30,000 customers and has in recent years expanded into Salina, Great Bend and Moundridge. At least some future fiber expansions could be off the table with Nextlink's plans.

"We'd hoped that we've have the opportunity to build fiber in these rural areas. (Nextlink) hasn't even built out to their CAF II obligations," he said. "Will customers even, four years from now, have any kind of coverage?

"Their arrival keeps you from being able to take fiber to those customers," he added. "The operational costs are so much less. It costs more to deploy, but the operational cost is going to be less."

Todd said, depending upon terrain, population density and other factors, fibers costs between $20,000 and $40,000 per mile to deploy. That's in addition to the approximately $3,000 per customer installation costs.

Daniel Friesen, co-founder and chief innovation officer of Buhler, Kan.-based&nbsp;<a href="https://ideatek.com/">Ideatek</a>, also said fiber is the best long-term solution.

"While IdeaTek also operates a fixed-wireless network to provide internet to remote, rural areas, fiber is the only real future-proof solution for Kansas," he said. "Investing more in fiber means there would be less state or federal spending on technology that has the tendency to become quickly outdated. Fiber is the only technology proven to serve the state's needs for decades to come."

Kansas and Nebraska have their own pools of dollars to help connect the unconnected — more than 80,000 in both Kansas and Nebraska lack broadband speeds of 25MB download/3MB upload.

"Nextlink does already offer service in parts of Nebraska, so any expansion of its services at least improves options for people, and in many cases, might be an option for service that was never available before," said Deb Collins, public information officer with the Nebraska Public Service Commission.

Nextlink's Aiken said the Kansas pool of money to fund broadband projects is "significantly oversubscribed."

"There are way more applications for funding than money to go around," he said. "Is the contention we should be double-funding these areas to do the same thing? ... This is going to enable people who might have otherwise not have had service to receive it."

But the fixed wireless technology — and the promise it can deliver reliable 100MB-by-20MB speeds at minimum — leaves Todd dubious, especially when it comes to the radio spectrum the wireless signals travel on from tower to home.

"They just don't have the licensed spectrum to do it. They own some, but they're not going to get to gigabit speeds through that. It's subject to too much noise," he said.

And distance from the source signal makes a difference, he said, noting the similarities to a stronger signal while being near a home router.

"The radios are going to have to be in such close proximity. (You can) use higher spectrum radio signals ... but the higher the spectrum, the shorter the distance it travels," Todd said. "Technology has come a long way to improve this, but only to a point."

Aiken said the company is doing a trial run of speed tests for submission to the FCC, noting Nextlink has thousands of customers already using fixed wireless — and getting promised high-speed rates.

"Our chief technology officer has the next-generation gear that we've been deploying in areas that offer up to 500-by-100," Aiken said. "I would certainly hope if our chief technology officer is getting higher than 100-by-20 at his residence, we can certainly do that for other folks."

While Friesen said he disagreed with Nextlink's reliance upon fixed wireless, he said the ambitious deployment plan is well-intentioned.

"How can you not be impressed by the enormous plans companies like NextLink have? They've made a huge commitment to underserved Kansans," he said. "Their wireless plans are highly ambitious, something not yet seen at scale in the market, but we respect any innovation and creativity in the broadband space if it accomplishes the mission of serving the underserved.

"We can support any mission that serves underserved Kansans, even if we disagree on the technological path forward."

Aiken is confident Nextlink's plan of a mix of fiber and fixed wireless will provide the promised high-speed connectivity.

"We do our best to educate the rest of the world on what we can do, regardless of the technology," he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662136805159.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RON FIELDS Post News NetworkAs&nbsp;<a href="https://nextlinkinternet.com/">Nextlink Internet</a>&nbsp;prepares to expand its network across Kansas and Nebraska, legacy broadband companies are questioning the Dallas-based company's strategy to deploy mostly fixed wireless connectivity to rural residents.On Aug. 31, Nextlink was awarded almost a half-billion dollars from the Federal Communications Commission to expand its service.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/90364494-09e3-468a-8103-8425c695fa4b">In both Kansas and Nebraska, more than $25 million</a>&nbsp;was dedicated to deploying a mix of fiber and fixed wireless connections to about 40,000 customers deemed to have substandard connectivity. The funding is part of the FCC's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund —&nbsp;RDOF.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iBphp1RILuA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Jimmy Todd, CEO of Lenora, Kan.-based&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nex-tech.com/">Nex-Tech</a>, contends the fixed wireless solution — which pipes a signal to customers via an access point on a tower or other high point —&nbsp;is not the solution."Fixed wireless is by no means the best option for them," he said. "The pandemic has taught us more than anything else how important it is to be connected. They're not going to get the same kind of service if those funds had gone to fiber providers."Nextlink, which began a decade ago serving communities around the Dallas-Fort Worth area, also was awarded $281 million&nbsp;in 2018 as part of the FCC's Connect America Fund Phase II —&nbsp;CAF II —&nbsp;which fueled its expansion into five additional states. In the RDOF grant, Nextlink proposed expanding that footprint to 11 states.The latest grant, Todd said, was a "quick reaction to an outgoing FCC leadership. With CAF II, before there was never any proof of whether or not that was good or not, they rolled out the first round of RDOF."Both grant programs have percentage-completion milestones that must be met. Todd said several of those milestones were "punted during the pandemic."Nextlink's Chief Strategy Officer Claude Aiken said the CAF II builds are ahead of the FCC's schedule — but Todd claimed in the more rural parts of Kansas, that is not the case."The completion percentages likely are based on population centers further east," he said. "When you're looking at numbers, it's easier to show a higher number of people connected versus a less densely populated area. Out where we're at, we haven't seen a lot of activity."Aiken said recently the company actually is ahead of its 2022 milestone of 40 percent completion in Kansas, with that state's CAF II work actually 60 percent completed.Todd admitted Nex-Tech saw strategic areas to expand its network, which currently serves over 30,000 customers and has in recent years expanded into Salina, Great Bend and Moundridge. At least some future fiber expansions could be off the table with Nextlink's plans."We'd hoped that we've have the opportunity to build fiber in these rural areas. (Nextlink) hasn't even built out to their CAF II obligations," he said. "Will customers even, four years from now, have any kind of coverage?"Their arrival keeps you from being able to take fiber to those customers," he added. "The operational costs are so much less. It costs more to deploy, but the operational cost is going to be less."Todd said, depending upon terrain, population density and other factors, fibers costs between $20,000 and $40,000 per mile to deploy. That's in addition to the approximately $3,000 per customer installation costs.Daniel Friesen, co-founder and chief innovation officer of Buhler, Kan.-based&nbsp;<a href="https://ideatek.com/">Ideatek</a>, also said fiber is the best long-term solution."While IdeaTek also operates a fixed-wireless network to provide internet to remote, rural areas, fiber is the only real future-proof solution for Kansas," he said. "Investing more in fiber means there would be less state or federal spending on technology that has the tendency to become quickly outdated. Fiber is the only technology proven to serve the state's needs for decades to come."Kansas and Nebraska have their own pools of dollars to help connect the unconnected — more than 80,000 in both Kansas and Nebraska lack broadband speeds of 25MB download/3MB upload."Nextlink does already offer service in parts of Nebraska, so any expansion of its services at least improves options for people, and in many cases, might be an option for service that was never available before," said Deb Collins, public information officer with the Nebraska Public Service Commission.Nextlink's Aiken said the Kansas pool of money to fund broadband projects is "significantly oversubscribed.""There are way more applications for funding than money to go around," he said. "Is the contention we should be double-funding these areas to do the same thing? ... This is going to enable people who might have otherwise not have had service to receive it."But the fixed wireless technology — and the promise it can deliver reliable 100MB-by-20MB speeds at minimum — leaves Todd dubious, especially when it comes to the radio spectrum the wireless signals travel on from tower to home."They just don't have the licensed spectrum to do it. They own some, but they're not going to get to gigabit speeds through that. It's subject to too much noise," he said.And distance from the source signal makes a difference, he said, noting the similarities to a stronger signal while being near a home router."The radios are going to have to be in such close proximity. (You can) use higher spectrum radio signals ... but the higher the spectrum, the shorter the distance it travels," Todd said. "Technology has come a long way to improve this, but only to a point."Aiken said the company is doing a trial run of speed tests for submission to the FCC, noting Nextlink has thousands of customers already using fixed wireless — and getting promised high-speed rates."Our chief technology officer has the next-generation gear that we've been deploying in areas that offer up to 500-by-100," Aiken said. "I would certainly hope if our chief technology officer is getting higher than 100-by-20 at his residence, we can certainly do that for other folks."While Friesen said he disagreed with Nextlink's reliance upon fixed wireless, he said the ambitious deployment plan is well-intentioned."How can you not be impressed by the enormous plans companies like NextLink have? They've made a huge commitment to underserved Kansans," he said. "Their wireless plans are highly ambitious, something not yet seen at scale in the market, but we respect any innovation and creativity in the broadband space if it accomplishes the mission of serving the underserved."We can support any mission that serves underserved Kansans, even if we disagree on the technological path forward."Aiken is confident Nextlink's plan of a mix of fiber and fixed wireless will provide the promised high-speed connectivity."We do our best to educate the rest of the world on what we can do, regardless of the technology," he said.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

🎥 Legacy providers: Fiber, not fixed wireless, the broadband solution

Safety advocates offer tips to protect your children this Halloween

TOPEKA –&nbsp;On Halloween, ghosts and ghouls may make your blood run cold but real dangers, like pedestrian accidents, falls, burns and poisonings are a scary reality. Safe Kids Kansas, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Kansas Highway Patrol remind families to make safety part of your fall festivity planning.

On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a vehicle and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Drivers need to slow down and be extra alert, especially in neighborhoods, as there will be more children on the streets and sidewalks – and those kids may be focused on gathering candy and the excitement of the holiday rather than being careful while crossing streets.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/23fe627f-21aa-4e69-9d4b-dd8f0d17e44e">Salina, area Halloween happenings</a>

Review safety rules with your kids before they leave the house. Trick-or-treaters are often out when it’s dark and more difficult for drivers to see them. Children younger than age 12 should not be crossing streets alone on Halloween without an adult or responsible teenager.

“While it’s a good idea for children to have a cell phone with them in case of an emergency, remind them to pay attention to their surroundings,” said Cherie Sage with Safe Kids Kansas. “Don’t be distracted from hazards because you are texting or talking on the phone.”

Parents and kids should also be careful with candy. It’s hard to resist the temptation to dive right into treats, but it is best to check sweets before children are allowed to eat them. Only eat treats in original and unopened wrappers.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of home structure fires happened because decorations were too close to a heat source. Most of these incidents were started by candles. Play it safe and use battery powered candles or lights.

“Halloween monsters may give you a fright, but fire is something truly scary. Make sure your family has working smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside and outside every sleeping room,” said Doug Jorgensen, State Fire Marshal. “Along with a home fire escape plan, they are both essential in saving lives.”

With Halloween just a week away, follow these tips to ensure your trick-or-treaters have a fun and safe holiday.

●Choose costumes and decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.

●Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.

●Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.

●Have kids carry glow sticks and flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.

●When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

●Keep flammable materials such as hay bales, corn stalks and paper decorations away from heat and flame sources, like candles, light bulbs and heaters.

●Keep exits clear of decorations and props so nothing blocks escape routes and have working smoke alarms and a home fire escape plan.

●Use battery-operated candles in jack-o-lanterns and when decorating pathways and yards.

●Set a reminder to blow out any candles and unplug lights at the end of the evening.

●Talk to your teens who may be attending parties and haunted houses to look for the exits and have a way out in case of an emergency.

●Always walk on sidewalks or paths. Don’t walk through neighbors’ yards, as there may be a hazard you can’t see.

●If there are no sidewalks along your street, walk on the road facing traffic as far to left as possible.

●Always stop and look before you cross the street, and cross at corners using signals and crosswalks whenever possible.

●Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

●Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.

●Make eye contact and wave to drivers before crossing in front of them.

Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit, stick to a pre-planned route and trick-or-treat in groups.

●Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.

●Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

●Watch out for pedestrians when turning at intersections. Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.

●Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

For more tips on how to keep kids safe on Halloween and throughout the year, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMjYuNjU3MTUwNTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnNhZmVraWRzLm9yZz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.iS-9lv6U_5KDrz0-LVfQvHSVWQguEQQEAIzX_9sij0o/s/1305935158/br/146781475164-l" target="_blank">safekids.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666811343479.jpeg" alt="Children younger than age 12 should not be crossing streets alone on Halloween without an adult or responsible teenager.&nbsp;

Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/es/@haleyephelps?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Haley Phelps</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/trick-or-treating?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>" />
 <figcaption>Children younger than age 12 should not be crossing streets alone on Halloween without an adult or responsible teenager.&nbsp;

Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/es/@haleyephelps?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Haley Phelps</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/trick-or-treating?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Safety advocates offer tips to protect your children this Halloween</h2>TOPEKA –&nbsp;On Halloween, ghosts and ghouls may make your blood run cold but real dangers, like pedestrian accidents, falls, burns and poisonings are a scary reality. Safe Kids Kansas, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Kansas Highway Patrol remind families to make safety part of your fall festivity planning.On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a vehicle and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Drivers need to slow down and be extra alert, especially in neighborhoods, as there will be more children on the streets and sidewalks – and those kids may be focused on gathering candy and the excitement of the holiday rather than being careful while crossing streets.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/23fe627f-21aa-4e69-9d4b-dd8f0d17e44e">Salina, area Halloween happenings</a>Review safety rules with your kids before they leave the house. Trick-or-treaters are often out when it’s dark and more difficult for drivers to see them. Children younger than age 12 should not be crossing streets alone on Halloween without an adult or responsible teenager.“While it’s a good idea for children to have a cell phone with them in case of an emergency, remind them to pay attention to their surroundings,” said Cherie Sage with Safe Kids Kansas. “Don’t be distracted from hazards because you are texting or talking on the phone.”Parents and kids should also be careful with candy. It’s hard to resist the temptation to dive right into treats, but it is best to check sweets before children are allowed to eat them. Only eat treats in original and unopened wrappers.According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of home structure fires happened because decorations were too close to a heat source. Most of these incidents were started by candles. Play it safe and use battery powered candles or lights.“Halloween monsters may give you a fright, but fire is something truly scary. Make sure your family has working smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside and outside every sleeping room,” said Doug Jorgensen, State Fire Marshal. “Along with a home fire escape plan, they are both essential in saving lives.”With Halloween just a week away, follow these tips to ensure your trick-or-treaters have a fun and safe holiday.<h2>Costume safety</h2>●Choose costumes and decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.●Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.●Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.●Have kids carry glow sticks and flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.●When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.<h2>Decorate safely</h2>●Keep flammable materials such as hay bales, corn stalks and paper decorations away from heat and flame sources, like candles, light bulbs and heaters.●Keep exits clear of decorations and props so nothing blocks escape routes and have working smoke alarms and a home fire escape plan.●Use battery-operated candles in jack-o-lanterns and when decorating pathways and yards.●Set a reminder to blow out any candles and unplug lights at the end of the evening.●Talk to your teens who may be attending parties and haunted houses to look for the exits and have a way out in case of an emergency.<h2>Walk safely</h2>●Remind kids to walk; don’t run.●Always walk on sidewalks or paths. Don’t walk through neighbors’ yards, as there may be a hazard you can’t see.●If there are no sidewalks along your street, walk on the road facing traffic as far to left as possible.●Always stop and look before you cross the street, and cross at corners using signals and crosswalks whenever possible.●Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.●Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.●Make eye contact and wave to drivers before crossing in front of them.<h2>Trick or treat safely</h2>Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit, stick to a pre-planned route and trick-or-treat in groups.<h2>Drive safely</h2>●Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.●Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.●Watch out for pedestrians when turning at intersections. Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.●Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.For more tips on how to keep kids safe on Halloween and throughout the year, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMjYuNjU3MTUwNTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnNhZmVraWRzLm9yZz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.iS-9lv6U_5KDrz0-LVfQvHSVWQguEQQEAIzX_9sij0o/s/1305935158/br/146781475164-l" target="_blank">safekids.org</a>.

Keep your trick-or-treaters safe from scary injuries

A Salina man was arrested on multiple requested drug charges after an incident late Tuesday afternoon in central Salina.

Officers were sent to a residence in the 700 block of S. Second Street at approximately 5 p.m. Tuesday for the report of a domestic dispute.

A woman and her boyfriend, identified as Jayden Smith, 21, of Salina, were arguing, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. Smith allegedly broke a mirror off of the woman's 2016 Ford Fiesta. 

The woman called her mother, who went to the residence and ordered Smith to leave. Smith also was told to get rid of the illegal drugs he allegedly had in the residence. Instead, he allegedly discarded them on the floor outside the bedroom, Forrester said.

Those items were turned over to police and included the following, according to Forrester.

Additionally, Smith allegedly broke a candle and put a hole in a door, Forrester said. Damage to the mirror, candle, and door was estimated at $300.

Smith was arrested on the following requested charges, Forrester said.

●Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute within a thousand feet of a school

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man was arrested on multiple requested drug charges after an incident late Tuesday afternoon in central Salina.Officers were sent to a residence in the 700 block of S. Second Street at approximately 5 p.m. Tuesday for the report of a domestic dispute.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666791075135.jpeg" alt="Jayden Smith. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Jayden Smith. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>A woman and her boyfriend, identified as Jayden Smith, 21, of Salina, were arguing, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. Smith allegedly broke a mirror off of the woman's 2016 Ford Fiesta. The woman called her mother, who went to the residence and ordered Smith to leave. Smith also was told to get rid of the illegal drugs he allegedly had in the residence. Instead, he allegedly discarded them on the floor outside the bedroom, Forrester said.Those items were turned over to police and included the following, according to Forrester.●80 grams of raw marijuana●Drug paraphernalia●A number of marijuana cigarettesAdditionally, Smith allegedly broke a candle and put a hole in a door, Forrester said. Damage to the mirror, candle, and door was estimated at $300.Smith was arrested on the following requested charges, Forrester said.●Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute within a thousand feet of a school●Possession of marijuana●Possession of drug paraphernalia●No drug tax stamp●Criminal damage to property

Argument leads to arrest of Salina man on requested drug charges

Two people were injured in a two-vehicle wreck Tuesday evening in south Salina.

Joseph Embers, 44, of Topeka, was eastbound on W. Water Well Road in a 2014 Ford C-Max when he failed to yield at the S. Ninth Street stop sign and collided with a southbound 1991 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Robbie Watson, 57, of Bridgeport, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.

The wreck occurred at approximately 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Both drivers suffered minor injuries and were transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center. An 18-year-old female passenger in the pickup was not injured.

The C-Max sustained extensive driver-side damage and the pickup sustained extensive front-end damage. Both vehicles were removed by wrecker.

Forrester said Embers was cited for failure to yield.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostTwo people were injured in a two-vehicle wreck Tuesday evening in south Salina.Joseph Embers, 44, of Topeka, was eastbound on W. Water Well Road in a 2014 Ford C-Max when he failed to yield at the S. Ninth Street stop sign and collided with a southbound 1991 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Robbie Watson, 57, of Bridgeport, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.The wreck occurred at approximately 7 p.m. Tuesday.Both drivers suffered minor injuries and were transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center. An 18-year-old female passenger in the pickup was not injured.The C-Max sustained extensive driver-side damage and the pickup sustained extensive front-end damage. Both vehicles were removed by wrecker.Forrester said Embers was cited for failure to yield.

Drivers injured, one cited in two-vehicle wreck in south Salina

Another skimmer has been found on a gas pump in north Salina.

On Monday, shortly before an alarm went off on a pump at Flying J Travel Center, 2250 N. Ohio Street, something similar happened at Pilot Travel Center, 1944 N. Ninth Street.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/979ef06f-01a6-4441-9c1a-3c9dbe54ea11">Skimmers found on pumps at north Salina travel center</a>

Employees at Pilot reported to police on Tuesday morning that at 11:20 p.m. Monday, an alarm on one of Pilot's pumps went off. That was approximately 10 minutes before a pump alarm went off at Flying J.

Forrester said that when the alarm activated at Pilot, employees saw a male subject walking from the pump and leaving in a gray tractor pulling a while trailer with a blue stripe down the side. When they went out to the pump, they found the same style skimmer as the two found at Flying J.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostAnother skimmer has been found on a gas pump in north Salina.On Monday, shortly before an alarm went off on a pump at Flying J Travel Center, 2250 N. Ohio Street, something similar happened at Pilot Travel Center, 1944 N. Ninth Street.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/979ef06f-01a6-4441-9c1a-3c9dbe54ea11">Skimmers found on pumps at north Salina travel center</a>Employees at Pilot reported to police on Tuesday morning that at 11:20 p.m. Monday, an alarm on one of Pilot's pumps went off. That was approximately 10 minutes before a pump alarm went off at Flying J.Forrester said that when the alarm activated at Pilot, employees saw a male subject walking from the pump and leaving in a gray tractor pulling a while trailer with a blue stripe down the side. When they went out to the pump, they found the same style skimmer as the two found at Flying J.Just under $1,000 worth of damage was done to the pump, Forrester said.

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