The Kansas Highway Patrol is remembering its fallen troopers. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kshighwayPatrol">Kansas Highway Patrol Facebook page</a>:

John Bryant McMurray was born on February 22, 1936, in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from St. John's Military School in 1955 and attended the University of Iowa, where he studied mathematics and chemistry. McMurray served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1962.

McMurray joined the Kansas Highway Patrol on October 1, 1962, and attended Patrol School at the University of Kansas. Upon graduation, he was stationed in Manhattan.

On December 6, 1964, at 12:41 a.m., Trooper McMurray was working with Trooper Jay Locy and Trooper Donald Burns on a speed enforcement lane on K-18 between Manhattan and Ogden. The three Troopers had their patrol cars parked on the shoulder of K-18. McMurray was standing behind his car (the middle of the three patrol cars), putting his camera into the trunk.

A drunk driver, later found to have a Blood Alcohol Content of .168, passed the first patrol car then swerved onto the shoulder, striking McMurray and the rear of his car. McMurray suffered severe injuries in the collision.

McMurray died of his injuries on December 9, 1964, at the hospital. The drunk driver was convicted of Driving Under the Influence and Manslaughter.

Trooper McMurray was survived by his wife and daughter.

The Kansas Highway Patrol was formed and shaped by many men and women who came before each one of us. The legacy the Patrol enjoys today is due in part to the brave men and women who have answered the call for service, ten of whom made the ultimate sacrifice.

Today, we encourage you to think of Trooper John McMurray, his family members, and friends who were left behind. We should all be grateful for his service.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is remembering its fallen troopers. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kshighwayPatrol">Kansas Highway Patrol Facebook page</a>:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652451289479.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy&nbsp;

the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kshighwayPatrol">Kansas Highway Patrol Facebook page</a>" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy&nbsp;

the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kshighwayPatrol">Kansas Highway Patrol Facebook page</a></figcaption>
 </figure>John Bryant McMurray was born on February 22, 1936, in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from St. John's Military School in 1955 and attended the University of Iowa, where he studied mathematics and chemistry. McMurray served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1962. McMurray joined the Kansas Highway Patrol on October 1, 1962, and attended Patrol School at the University of Kansas. Upon graduation, he was stationed in Manhattan. On December 6, 1964, at 12:41 a.m., Trooper McMurray was working with Trooper Jay Locy and Trooper Donald Burns on a speed enforcement lane on K-18 between Manhattan and Ogden. The three Troopers had their patrol cars parked on the shoulder of K-18. McMurray was standing behind his car (the middle of the three patrol cars), putting his camera into the trunk. A drunk driver, later found to have a Blood Alcohol Content of .168, passed the first patrol car then swerved onto the shoulder, striking McMurray and the rear of his car. McMurray suffered severe injuries in the collision.McMurray died of his injuries on December 9, 1964, at the hospital. The drunk driver was convicted of Driving Under the Influence and Manslaughter. Trooper McMurray was survived by his wife and daughter.The Kansas Highway Patrol was formed and shaped by many men and women who came before each one of us. The legacy the Patrol enjoys today is due in part to the brave men and women who have answered the call for service, ten of whom made the ultimate sacrifice. Today, we encourage you to think of Trooper John McMurray, his family members, and friends who were left behind. We should all be grateful for his service. Trooper John McMurrayEnd of Watch: December 9, 1964#NeverForgotten#HonorTheFallen

KHP: Remembering Trooper McMurray, a St. John's Military grad

Salinans are ready for summer, which means the Smoky Hill River Festival and the start of the 2022 Festival Medallion Quest. 

The first Medallion Quest clue will be shared live from the steps of the Smoky Hill Museum, 211 West Iron Ave., at 4 p.m. on Wednesday by the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Arts Commissioners.

The Festival Medallion Quest was launched in 2009 by Salina Arts &amp; Humanities to demonstrate the creativity and connectivity that the River Festival embodies year-round.

Since the Medallion Quest’s inception, thousands have taken part. The Medallion is a unique object designed each year by an artist. The custom-designed Medallion looks different each time. It has been made from wood, paper, clay, resin, or plastic, designed by an artist to resemble a wide variety of objects to ensure a challenging hunt.

“The Quest parallels the vibrant spirit of the festival over its 46 years,” says SA&amp;H Director Brad Anderson. “It brings together friends and family to think creatively, problem-solve, and explore the world around them from a fresh perspective.”

For the second year, two different Festival Medallion Quest clues will be provided each day, at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The Festival Medallion Quest 2022 prize package includes:

●$2,000 in Festival Gift Certificates, to be used for purchases in the Fine Art and Craft Show or Art/Craft Demonstration Area, during the Festival weekend

●Four complimentary Festival admission wristbands

●One on-grounds Festival parking pass (weather permitting)

●An invitation for four to attend the evening PREMIERE Art Patron Party on Thursday, June 9th

●Four Smoky Hill River Festival t-shirts

There is no cost to participate in the Festival Medallion Quest. Participants must be 18 years of age to claim any prize. See complete Medallion Quest rules at <a href="http://festivalmedallionquest.com">festivalmedallionquest.com</a>.

For more information on the Festival Medallion Quest or the Smoky Hill River Festival, call 785-309-5770, visit <a href="http://riverfestival.com">riverfestival.com</a> or go to <a href="http://Facebook.com/SHRiverFestival">Facebook.com/SHRiverFestival</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652411550845.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Arts &amp; HumanitiesSalinans are ready for summer, which means the Smoky Hill River Festival and the start of the 2022 Festival Medallion Quest. The first Medallion Quest clue will be shared live from the steps of the Smoky Hill Museum, 211 West Iron Ave., at 4 p.m. on Wednesday by the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Arts Commissioners.The Festival Medallion Quest was launched in 2009 by Salina Arts &amp; Humanities to demonstrate the creativity and connectivity that the River Festival embodies year-round.Since the Medallion Quest’s inception, thousands have taken part. The Medallion is a unique object designed each year by an artist. The custom-designed Medallion looks different each time. It has been made from wood, paper, clay, resin, or plastic, designed by an artist to resemble a wide variety of objects to ensure a challenging hunt.“The Quest parallels the vibrant spirit of the festival over its 46 years,” says SA&amp;H Director Brad Anderson. “It brings together friends and family to think creatively, problem-solve, and explore the world around them from a fresh perspective.”For the second year, two different Festival Medallion Quest clues will be provided each day, at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.The Festival Medallion Quest 2022 prize package includes:●$1,000 in cash●$2,000 in Festival Gift Certificates, to be used for purchases in the Fine Art and Craft Show or Art/Craft Demonstration Area, during the Festival weekend●Four complimentary Festival admission wristbands●One on-grounds Festival parking pass (weather permitting)●An invitation for four to attend the evening PREMIERE Art Patron Party on Thursday, June 9th●Four Smoky Hill River Festival t-shirtsThere is no cost to participate in the Festival Medallion Quest. Participants must be 18 years of age to claim any prize. See complete Medallion Quest rules at <a href="http://festivalmedallionquest.com">festivalmedallionquest.com</a>.For more information on the Festival Medallion Quest or the Smoky Hill River Festival, call 785-309-5770, visit <a href="http://riverfestival.com">riverfestival.com</a> or go to <a href="http://Facebook.com/SHRiverFestival">Facebook.com/SHRiverFestival</a>.

Festival Medallion Quest to begin with first clue on Wednesday

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

Smoky River Meats is seeking a full-time Customer Service Employee.

This position should be comfortable working on their feet, in a fast-paced environment, directly with customers, and preparing meat products for purchase.

The employee will work approximately 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday 8am to 5:30pm and every other Saturday from 7:45am to 1:00pm.

We are seeking a self-starter, excellent communicator, and someone who is responsible for handling a detailed workload. Customer service skills, basic math, and a willingness to learn are required. We offer vacation, sick, and personal time off for full-time employees.

Please apply in person and speak with our Manager, Dave at 215 West Kirwin Avenue, or call Dave at 785-827-1311.

Smoky River Meats is seeking a full-time Customer Service Employee.This position should be comfortable working on their feet, in a fast-paced environment, directly with customers, and preparing meat products for purchase.The employee will work approximately 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday 8am to 5:30pm and every other Saturday from 7:45am to 1:00pm.We are seeking a self-starter, excellent communicator, and someone who is responsible for handling a detailed workload. Customer service skills, basic math, and a willingness to learn are required. We offer vacation, sick, and personal time off for full-time employees.Please apply in person and speak with our Manager, Dave at 215 West Kirwin Avenue, or call Dave at 785-827-1311.

DAVE SAYS: It’s really about giving and putting others first

The Salina Police Department is investigating a series of catalytic converter thefts from multiple vehicles which occurred sometime between May 5 and May 10. 

The thefts occurred in the north part of town, near closed businesses. The catalytic converters were taken from Ford model vehicles and the value of theft and damages is estimated to be in excess of $5,000.

Reports have been taken in the following areas:

The converters were removed from the vehicles using a cutting device. Video surveillance from various businesses are being reviewed.

It is suggested that businesses who own or use these types of vehicles orient surveillance cameras towards their vehicles, park the vehicle(s) inside or in a well illuminated area, and call the police department to report any suspicious person or activity.

If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individuals involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You can also make an on—line tip at: <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, or Detective Constantino, case 2022-12975.

The Salina Police Department is investigating a series of catalytic converter thefts from multiple vehicles which occurred sometime between May 5 and May 10. The thefts occurred in the north part of town, near closed businesses. The catalytic converters were taken from Ford model vehicles and the value of theft and damages is estimated to be in excess of $5,000.Reports have been taken in the following areas:●500 block Reynolds Street●1000 block Hixson Drive●700 block N. 11th Street●500 block N. Santa Fe AvenueThe converters were removed from the vehicles using a cutting device. Video surveillance from various businesses are being reviewed.It is suggested that businesses who own or use these types of vehicles orient surveillance cameras towards their vehicles, park the vehicle(s) inside or in a well illuminated area, and call the police department to report any suspicious person or activity.If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individuals involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You can also make an on—line tip at: <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, or Detective Constantino, case 2022-12975.

Crimestoppers seeks tips about catalytic converter thefts

Today is Friday, May 13, the 133rd day of 2022. There are 232 days left in the year.

On May 13, 1981, Pope John Paul II was shot and seriously wounded in St. Peter's Square by Turkish assailant Mehmet Ali Agca.

In 1607, English colonists arrived by ship at the site of what became the Jamestown settlement in Virginia (the colonists went ashore the next day).

In 1914, heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis was born in Lafayette, Alabama.

In 1917, three shepherd children reported seeing a vision of the Virgin Mary near Fatima, Portugal; it was the first of six such apparitions that the children claimed to have witnessed.

In 1940, in his first speech as British prime minister, Winston Churchill told Parliament, "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat."

In 1972, 118 people died after fire broke out at the Sennichi Department Store in Osaka, Japan.

In 1973, in tennis' first so-called "Battle of the Sexes," Bobby Riggs defeated Margaret Court 6-2, 6-1 in Ramona, California. (Billie Jean King soundly defeated Riggs at the Houston Astrodome in September.)

In 1985, a confrontation between Philadelphia authorities and the radical group MOVE ended as police dropped a bomb onto the group's row house, igniting a fire that killed 11 people and destroyed 61 homes.

In 1994, President Bill Clinton nominated federal appeals Judge Stephen G. Breyer to the U.S. Supreme Court to replace retiring Justice Harry A. Blackmun; Breyer went on to win Senate confirmation.

In 2002, President George W. Bush announced that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin would sign a treaty to shrink their countries' nuclear arsenals by two-thirds.

In 2016, the Obama administration issued a directive requiring public schools to permit transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms consistent with their chosen gender identity.

In 2019, Doris Day, the sunny blond film star and singer who appeared in comedic roles opposite Rock Hudson and Cary Grant in the 1950s and 1960s, died at her California home at the age of 97.

In 2020, the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down Gov. Tony Evers' coronavirus stay-at-home order, ruling that his administration had overstepped its authority by extending the order for another month.

Ten years ago: The mutilated bodies of 49 people were found near Monterrey, Mexico, apparent victims of a drug cartel. Donald "Duck" Dunn, 70, the bassist who helped create the gritty Memphis soul sound at Stax Records in the 1960s as part of the legendary group Booker T. and the MGs, died in Tokyo while on tour.

Five years ago: Donald Trump used his first commencement address as president to urge graduates of Liberty University, a Christian school in Lynchburg, Virginia, to follow their convictions, prepare to face criticism and relish the opportunity to be an "outsider." Pope Francis, during a Mass in Fatima, Portugal, added two shepherd children to the roster of Catholic saints, honoring siblings Francisco and Jacinta Marto, who reported visions of the Virgin Mary 100 years earlier.

One year ago: Israel said it was massing troops along the Gaza frontier and calling up 9,000 reservists ahead of a possible ground invasion of the Hamas-ruled territory. Communal violence in Israel erupted for a fourth night, with Jewish and Arab mobs clashing in the flashpoint town of Lod. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eased mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings. Prosecutors said an active-duty Marine Corps officer who was seen on camera scuffling with a police officer and helping other members of a pro-Trump mob force their way into the Capitol on Jan. 6 had been charged in the riot; Maj. Christopher Warnagiris was the first active-duty member to be charged in the insurrection.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Buck Taylor is 84. Actor Harvey Keitel is 83. Author Charles Baxter is 75. Actor Zoe Wanamaker is 74. Actor Franklyn Ajaye is 73. Singer Stevie Wonder is 72. Former Ohio Gov. John Kasich is 70. Actor Leslie Winston is 66. Producer-writer Alan Ball is 65. Basketball Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman is 61. "Late Show" host Stephen Colbert is 58. Rock musician John Richardson is 58. Actor Tom Verica is 58. Singer Darius Rucker (Hootie and the Blowfish) is 56. Actor Susan Floyd is 54. Actor Brian Geraghty is 47. Actor Samantha Morton is 45. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., is 45. Former NBA player Mike Bibby is 44. Rock musician Mickey Madden (Maroon 5) is 43. Actor Iwan Rheon is 37. Actor-writer-director Lena Dunham is 36. Actor Robert Pattinson is 36. Actor Candice Accola King is 35. Actor Hunter Parrish is 35. Folk-rock musician Wylie Gelber (Dawes) is 34. NHL defenseman P.K. Subban is 34. Actor Debby Ryan 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 Friday, May 13, the 133rd day of 2022. There are 232 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On May 13, 1981, Pope John Paul II was shot and seriously wounded in St. Peter's Square by Turkish assailant Mehmet Ali Agca.On this date:In 1607, English colonists arrived by ship at the site of what became the Jamestown settlement in Virginia (the colonists went ashore the next day).In 1914, heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis was born in Lafayette, Alabama.In 1917, three shepherd children reported seeing a vision of the Virgin Mary near Fatima, Portugal; it was the first of six such apparitions that the children claimed to have witnessed.In 1940, in his first speech as British prime minister, Winston Churchill told Parliament, "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat."In 1972, 118 people died after fire broke out at the Sennichi Department Store in Osaka, Japan.In 1973, in tennis' first so-called "Battle of the Sexes," Bobby Riggs defeated Margaret Court 6-2, 6-1 in Ramona, California. (Billie Jean King soundly defeated Riggs at the Houston Astrodome in September.)In 1985, a confrontation between Philadelphia authorities and the radical group MOVE ended as police dropped a bomb onto the group's row house, igniting a fire that killed 11 people and destroyed 61 homes.In 1994, President Bill Clinton nominated federal appeals Judge Stephen G. Breyer to the U.S. Supreme Court to replace retiring Justice Harry A. Blackmun; Breyer went on to win Senate confirmation.In 2002, President George W. Bush announced that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin would sign a treaty to shrink their countries' nuclear arsenals by two-thirds.In 2016, the Obama administration issued a directive requiring public schools to permit transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms consistent with their chosen gender identity.In 2019, Doris Day, the sunny blond film star and singer who appeared in comedic roles opposite Rock Hudson and Cary Grant in the 1950s and 1960s, died at her California home at the age of 97.In 2020, the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down Gov. Tony Evers' coronavirus stay-at-home order, ruling that his administration had overstepped its authority by extending the order for another month.Ten years ago: The mutilated bodies of 49 people were found near Monterrey, Mexico, apparent victims of a drug cartel. Donald "Duck" Dunn, 70, the bassist who helped create the gritty Memphis soul sound at Stax Records in the 1960s as part of the legendary group Booker T. and the MGs, died in Tokyo while on tour.Five years ago: Donald Trump used his first commencement address as president to urge graduates of Liberty University, a Christian school in Lynchburg, Virginia, to follow their convictions, prepare to face criticism and relish the opportunity to be an "outsider." Pope Francis, during a Mass in Fatima, Portugal, added two shepherd children to the roster of Catholic saints, honoring siblings Francisco and Jacinta Marto, who reported visions of the Virgin Mary 100 years earlier.One year ago: Israel said it was massing troops along the Gaza frontier and calling up 9,000 reservists ahead of a possible ground invasion of the Hamas-ruled territory. Communal violence in Israel erupted for a fourth night, with Jewish and Arab mobs clashing in the flashpoint town of Lod. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eased mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings. Prosecutors said an active-duty Marine Corps officer who was seen on camera scuffling with a police officer and helping other members of a pro-Trump mob force their way into the Capitol on Jan. 6 had been charged in the riot; Maj. Christopher Warnagiris was the first active-duty member to be charged in the insurrection.Today's Birthdays: Actor Buck Taylor is 84. Actor Harvey Keitel is 83. Author Charles Baxter is 75. Actor Zoe Wanamaker is 74. Actor Franklyn Ajaye is 73. Singer Stevie Wonder is 72. Former Ohio Gov. John Kasich is 70. Actor Leslie Winston is 66. Producer-writer Alan Ball is 65. Basketball Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman is 61. "Late Show" host Stephen Colbert is 58. Rock musician John Richardson is 58. Actor Tom Verica is 58. Singer Darius Rucker (Hootie and the Blowfish) is 56. Actor Susan Floyd is 54. Actor Brian Geraghty is 47. Actor Samantha Morton is 45. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., is 45. Former NBA player Mike Bibby is 44. Rock musician Mickey Madden (Maroon 5) is 43. Actor Iwan Rheon is 37. Actor-writer-director Lena Dunham is 36. Actor Robert Pattinson is 36. Actor Candice Accola King is 35. Actor Hunter Parrish is 35. Folk-rock musician Wylie Gelber (Dawes) is 34. NHL defenseman P.K. Subban is 34. Actor Debby Ryan is 29.

Today in History - May 13

Don't forget: The two-day Mail Carriers Food Drive begins Friday!

This year you will have two opportunities to contribute non-perishable food items to the drive, which benefits the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank.

On Friday, Eagle Radio Salina personnel will be at the Salina Post Office, 211 E. Ash Street, where Day 1 of the food collection will take place from 8 a.m. to noon. During that time, you can drive up and drop off your items for the food drive.

If you can't make it on Friday, you can put non-perishable food items by your mailbox for collection on Saturday.

By SALINA POSTDon't forget: The two-day Mail Carriers Food Drive begins Friday!This year you will have two opportunities to contribute non-perishable food items to the drive, which benefits the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank.On Friday, Eagle Radio Salina personnel will be at the Salina Post Office, 211 E. Ash Street, where Day 1 of the food collection will take place from 8 a.m. to noon. During that time, you can drive up and drop off your items for the food drive.If you can't make it on Friday, you can put non-perishable food items by your mailbox for collection on Saturday.

Friday is first day of Mail Carriers Food Drive for local food bank

LAWRENCE — The Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas has announced the 2022 recipients of the Jack &amp; Lavon Brosseau Creativity Awards. Established by benefactor Lavon Brosseau in 2011, the awards honor innovative and risk-taking creative work in the categories of writing and diverse media from KU undergraduate students in any area of study.

Submissions included glass work, installations, textiles, photography, poetry, printmaking and textiles. They represented a range of disciplines, including English, visual art, classical humanities, art history, religious studies and creative writing.

In the writing category, Joshua Rubino, of Salina, was recognized for his poetry collection “small significant things,” which is part of his departmental honors thesis. Rubino’s poems consider the mystery of small things while connecting with nature and using evocative language and experiential metaphors. Rubino said he hoped the poems “show that existence is much messier than one might admit, and that it is precisely this messiness that makes it beautiful.” Rubino is a senior in English with a minor in religious studies.

In the diverse media category, MJ Johnson, of McLouth, and Emma Hug, of Lenexa, were recognized for their experiential artwork “Fast.” This immersive installation explores the lived experience and lasting impact of trauma and sexism. Johnson said a goal of the work was to “remove the weight off of the shoulders of survivors.” Johnson is a junior in visual arts, and Hug is a senior in fine arts; both are minoring in the history of art.

An honorable mention in the diverse media category went to a collaborative work by Rubino and Connor O’Neill, of Overland Park, for their book “Since I Was A Boy,” which combines poetic explorations of masculinity with conceptual bookmaking. O’Neill is a junior in visual communication.

More information about the awards and excerpts from the recipients’ projects are available&nbsp;<a href="https://spencerart.ku.edu/brosseau-awards">online</a>.

LAWRENCE — The Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas has announced the 2022 recipients of the Jack &amp; Lavon Brosseau Creativity Awards. Established by benefactor Lavon Brosseau in 2011, the awards honor innovative and risk-taking creative work in the categories of writing and diverse media from KU undergraduate students in any area of study.Submissions included glass work, installations, textiles, photography, poetry, printmaking and textiles. They represented a range of disciplines, including English, visual art, classical humanities, art history, religious studies and creative writing.In the writing category, Joshua Rubino, of Salina, was recognized for his poetry collection “small significant things,” which is part of his departmental honors thesis. Rubino’s poems consider the mystery of small things while connecting with nature and using evocative language and experiential metaphors. Rubino said he hoped the poems “show that existence is much messier than one might admit, and that it is precisely this messiness that makes it beautiful.” Rubino is a senior in English with a minor in religious studies.In the diverse media category, MJ Johnson, of McLouth, and Emma Hug, of Lenexa, were recognized for their experiential artwork “Fast.” This immersive installation explores the lived experience and lasting impact of trauma and sexism. Johnson said a goal of the work was to “remove the weight off of the shoulders of survivors.” Johnson is a junior in visual arts, and Hug is a senior in fine arts; both are minoring in the history of art.An honorable mention in the diverse media category went to a collaborative work by Rubino and Connor O’Neill, of Overland Park, for their book “Since I Was A Boy,” which combines poetic explorations of masculinity with conceptual bookmaking. O’Neill is a junior in visual communication.More information about the awards and excerpts from the recipients’ projects are available&nbsp;<a href="https://spencerart.ku.edu/brosseau-awards">online</a>.

Salina's Rubino receives Spencer Museum's Brosseau Award

UPDATE 8:15 p.m. Thursday: The Jewell County Sheriff's Office announced on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jewellcountysheriffsoffice">Facebook page</a> that the man it was seeking has been located.

MANKATO - The Jewell County Sheriff's Office seeks the public's help in identifying a person in connection to a theft case. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jewellcountysheriffsoffice">Jewell County Sheriff's Office Facebook page</a>:

The Jewell County Sheriff's Office would like help in the identification of this individual. We would like speak with them concerning a theft case at the Dollar General in Mankato Kansas.

UPDATE 8:15 p.m. Thursday: The Jewell County Sheriff's Office announced on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jewellcountysheriffsoffice">Facebook page</a> that the man it was seeking has been located.MANKATO - The Jewell County Sheriff's Office seeks the public's help in identifying a person in connection to a theft case. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jewellcountysheriffsoffice">Jewell County Sheriff's Office Facebook page</a>:The Jewell County Sheriff's Office would like help in the identification of this individual. We would like speak with them concerning a theft case at the Dollar General in Mankato Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652392542155.jpeg" alt="Surveillance video still image courtesy&nbsp;Jewell County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Surveillance video still image courtesy&nbsp;Jewell County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>

UPDATE: Jewell County Sheriff's Office IDs, locates man

It’s not too late for Salina area high school students to sign up for a two-week musical theater workshop planned in July.

From July 18-29, incoming freshmen through outgoing college freshmen will create and perform an original musical production during the in-person Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts workshop at the Salina Community Theatre.

In just 10 days, participating students will conceive, write, choreograph, compose, design, rehearse and perform an original piece of musical theater in collaboration with a staff of professional artists. Salina students had a previous opportunity to work with Lovewell staff during a song-writing workshop in March.

No previous music or theater experience is required. To make the production come together, the process needs writers, actors, poets, dancers, singers, dreamers, visual artists, musicians, composers, designers, and creative students of ALL kinds.

The first eight days of the workshop are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The ninth day is from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the 10th day (performance day) is from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

One-week workshops are also being held in Hays, Phillipsburg, Colby, Hoxie and Concordia during June and July. Students are encouraged to participate in a workshop closest to them. For more information or to register, visit <a href="http://lovewell.org">lovewell.org</a>, and click on Apply, and then Kansas.

This is the fifth summer the Dane G. Hansen Foundation has sponsored the program in Kansas. Each student can participate in the Salina workshop for a significantly discounted fee of $100. Scholarships are available.

The Lovewell Institute is a not-for-profit organization based in Florida, but its roots are in Salina. Lovewell’s professional artists offer workshops across the United States and internationally. Learn more at www.lovewell.org

Dane G. Hansen FoundationIt’s not too late for Salina area high school students to sign up for a two-week musical theater workshop planned in July.From July 18-29, incoming freshmen through outgoing college freshmen will create and perform an original musical production during the in-person Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts workshop at the Salina Community Theatre.In just 10 days, participating students will conceive, write, choreograph, compose, design, rehearse and perform an original piece of musical theater in collaboration with a staff of professional artists. Salina students had a previous opportunity to work with Lovewell staff during a song-writing workshop in March.No previous music or theater experience is required. To make the production come together, the process needs writers, actors, poets, dancers, singers, dreamers, visual artists, musicians, composers, designers, and creative students of ALL kinds.The first eight days of the workshop are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The ninth day is from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the 10th day (performance day) is from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.One-week workshops are also being held in Hays, Phillipsburg, Colby, Hoxie and Concordia during June and July. Students are encouraged to participate in a workshop closest to them. For more information or to register, visit <a href="http://lovewell.org">lovewell.org</a>, and click on Apply, and then Kansas.This is the fifth summer the Dane G. Hansen Foundation has sponsored the program in Kansas. Each student can participate in the Salina workshop for a significantly discounted fee of $100. Scholarships are available.The Lovewell Institute is a not-for-profit organization based in Florida, but its roots are in Salina. Lovewell’s professional artists offer workshops across the United States and internationally. Learn more at www.lovewell.org

Salina area HS students: Register for musical theatre workshop

UPDATE 9:07 p.m. Thursday: The below severe thunderstorm watches have been extended to 11 p.m.

Severe thunderstorm watches have been issued for counties in our area.

The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., has issued a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 9 p.m. for the following counties in our area.

Additionally, the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., has issued a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 9 p.m. for the following counties in our area.

UPDATE 9:07 p.m. Thursday: The below severe thunderstorm watches have been extended to 11 p.m.Severe thunderstorm watches have been issued for counties in our area.The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., has issued a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 9 p.m. for the following counties in our area.Clay CountyCloud CountyEllsworth CountyLincoln CountyOttawa CountyRepublic CountyAdditionally, the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., has issued a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 9 p.m. for the following counties in our area.Jewell CountyMitchell County

UPDATE: Severe thunderstorm watches have expired

McPHERSON – Elmer O. Dalke, a long-time McPherson resident who passed away in 2002, gifted $2.6 million through his charitable foundation to expand career-focused learning opportunities for McPherson College students. 

The gift is a major contribution to the McPherson College&nbsp;Building Community&nbsp;campaign, which has received more than $25 million in donations and commitments, making it the largest campaign in school history.

The Elmer Dalke Center for Career and Experiential Learning will be a prominent part of the future Campus Commons building planned for construction on the campus of McPherson College. Additionally, the Dalke Endowment for Career and Experiential Learning will be created to ensure students are career-ready when they graduate.

“Elmer’s legacy has supported hundreds of students finding and navigating their pathway through college and into the workforce. This gift will permanently enhance the career-oriented student experience at McPherson College,” said McPherson College President Michael Schneider.

Dalke had a tremendous impact on McPherson College students who worked alongside him. He was a mentor to many McPherson College students employed at the McPherson Dillons grocery store, where he served as the store manager for 40 years. He not only provided part-time jobs for students to fund their tuition, but he also helped them develop important career skills they could use after graduation. He was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church where he was a Sunday school teacher and led Bible study groups. He was also a member of the Baptist Church Foundation serving as both a deacon and trustee.

“Elmer was a gentle giant of a man who was kind and considerate. He worked in the food and produce industry managing the McPherson Dillons store for many years. His family experienced tragedy with the loss of a son in 1967 when his Air Force jet crashed, but he didn’t let it discourage him. Instead, he continued to work hard and focused on offering a helping hand to others,” said Rodger Swanson, Dalke Charitable Foundation trustee. “Elmer didn’t seek attention, and if he was with us today, he would humbly but preferably without fanfare, accept the accolades for his personal and charitable foundation gifting. He was always a gentleman, and it was my honor to represent him along with his long-time friends and attorneys, Bob Wise and Randee Koger.”

Over the years, the Dalke Charitable Foundation has provided thousands of dollars to support McPherson College students on their pathway to careers and graduate school. These gifts have fueled a transformation at McPherson College by providing funding for numerous internship programs in the areas of service- learning and entrepreneurship, as well as career preparation activities at various businesses and organizations in the McPherson area. The programs supported by Dalke funding have encouraged increases in graduation rates and job placement rates at McPherson College that lead the nation.

McPHERSON – Elmer O. Dalke, a long-time McPherson resident who passed away in 2002, gifted $2.6 million through his charitable foundation to expand career-focused learning opportunities for McPherson College students. The gift is a major contribution to the McPherson College&nbsp;Building Community&nbsp;campaign, which has received more than $25 million in donations and commitments, making it the largest campaign in school history.The Elmer Dalke Center for Career and Experiential Learning will be a prominent part of the future Campus Commons building planned for construction on the campus of McPherson College. Additionally, the Dalke Endowment for Career and Experiential Learning will be created to ensure students are career-ready when they graduate.“Elmer’s legacy has supported hundreds of students finding and navigating their pathway through college and into the workforce. This gift will permanently enhance the career-oriented student experience at McPherson College,” said McPherson College President Michael Schneider.Dalke had a tremendous impact on McPherson College students who worked alongside him. He was a mentor to many McPherson College students employed at the McPherson Dillons grocery store, where he served as the store manager for 40 years. He not only provided part-time jobs for students to fund their tuition, but he also helped them develop important career skills they could use after graduation. He was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church where he was a Sunday school teacher and led Bible study groups. He was also a member of the Baptist Church Foundation serving as both a deacon and trustee.“Elmer was a gentle giant of a man who was kind and considerate. He worked in the food and produce industry managing the McPherson Dillons store for many years. His family experienced tragedy with the loss of a son in 1967 when his Air Force jet crashed, but he didn’t let it discourage him. Instead, he continued to work hard and focused on offering a helping hand to others,” said Rodger Swanson, Dalke Charitable Foundation trustee. “Elmer didn’t seek attention, and if he was with us today, he would humbly but preferably without fanfare, accept the accolades for his personal and charitable foundation gifting. He was always a gentleman, and it was my honor to represent him along with his long-time friends and attorneys, Bob Wise and Randee Koger.”Over the years, the Dalke Charitable Foundation has provided thousands of dollars to support McPherson College students on their pathway to careers and graduate school. These gifts have fueled a transformation at McPherson College by providing funding for numerous internship programs in the areas of service- learning and entrepreneurship, as well as career preparation activities at various businesses and organizations in the McPherson area. The programs supported by Dalke funding have encouraged increases in graduation rates and job placement rates at McPherson College that lead the nation.

Dalke Foundation gifts $2.6 million to McPherson College

By TIM UNRUH For Saline County, Kansas

Help has been on a slow gallop from Washington, D.C. to middle America since the worst months of a worldwide pandemic swarmed the United States.

Saline County officials, along with some hired professional helpers, have been working for more than a year to effectively divvy up millions of dollars from the federal government. It was gifted to Saline County last spring.

“That’s a great thing,” said Jim Weese, chairman of the Saline County Commission.

“It’s local tax money from the federal government, going back into the local economy,” Weese said. “The best thing is that it gives local governments the opportunity to decide where the biggest need is, and how the money could be best used, instead of the state or federal government mandating how it must be spent.”

There are some general guidelines for use of the money that is part of the the $2.2 trillion American Rescue Plan Act, aimed to ease economic, governmental and personal effects of COVID-19.

A portion of $65.1 billion was sent to every county in America; $10.532 million of that was Saline County’s share.

“We had to come up with a plan. It’s the proverbial flying the plane as you build it,” said Phillip Smith-Hanes, Saline County administrator.

The first half, $5.266 million, showed up in the county’s coffers last May from the United States Treasury. The rest is slated to arrive by early June.

“At first there was no guidance. Some (regulations) came in mid-May, and the treasury received hundreds of thousands of comments,” he said.

Rules were finalized and distributed this past January.

“Until then, we operated on assumptions,” he said.

Results from a county survey last July, and a public meeting at the Saline County 4-H Building, provided the first public input on what to do with the influx of cash. Other public input followed.

“There were high-level things, such as public health, economic recovery, water, wastewater and broadband infrastructure,” Smith-Hanes recalled. “The community said, ‘We agree with economic recovery. Give the biggest chunks to local businesses.’ ”

One of those lots of cash is $3.5 million for business and nonprofits recovery.

“The next priority is housing,” he said.

While much has happened in job creation and upgrades in Salina and Saline County over the past seven to 10 years, housing is lacking, particularly workforce housing.

One target to fill that void is using $1 million to convert the former Ambassador Hotel at 1616 W. Crawford Street into affordable apartments, Smith-Hanes said, while another $500,000 has been earmarked to renovate other housing in the community.

The treasury is using the U.S. Census Bureau map of low income census tracts to target “economically distressed areas,” he said, and identifying projects in these areas might result in added grant funding.

A goal is to “prove how COVID impacted economic circumstances,” Smith-Hanes said.

The county is constantly on the lookout for other monies that will augment assistance in a number of categories. 

One area that stands out for Weese is the $500,000 designated for water and wastewater improvements within the county. The county awarded 11 grants to eight water agencies.

“It gives the opportunity for a lot of water districts to provide better quality water to their patrons, that they might not have been able to do,” he said.

Because of the interest in the program, the county dedicated half of the money it set aside for other community investments to additional water and waste water projects, with the remainder going to community mental health, Smith-Hanes said.

Among areas of need is air travel. Early plans were to help the Salina Airport Authority develop a roundtrip flight to Houston, he said, but a massive pilot shortage shelved those efforts in mid-March. Commercial air service out of Salina still includes flights to Chicago and Denver.

“We had committed $1.64 million to the airport authority, but the Houston flight never happened,” he said. “That frees up that money to do other things.”

Among the possibilities is investing $750,000 into another flight simulator for Kansas State University Aerospace and Technology Campus, which sports a pilot training program that’s ranked among to top five in the United States.

The county is working with Tim Rogers, executive director of the airport authority, to enhance commercial air service.

“The critical need for assistance is pilot training. Saline County is in a unique position to offer an air service partner financial assistance with a custom-designed pilot pathway program at K-State Salina.” he said. “K-State Salina has the capability to quickly train pilots to an airline’s specific requirements.”

The county aims to invest in a program that would allow consumers to link their credit cards to a computer application with incentives to promote buying local.

“When you patronize participating Saline County businesses, you get Saline Stars (the county’s exclusive local point system), which are equal to one U.S. dollar,” Smith-Hanes said. “Right now, we are recruiting businesses to participate and to redeem. Once we reach a critical mass of businesses, we are ready to launch the app.”

A spotlight has been trained on communities becoming safer and healthier with a $250,000 grant for criminal justice and public safety. Applications are being accepted.

Another program was developed to assist law enforcement in dealing with mental health issues in the field. It has been approved by the commissioners, Smith-Hanes said, but a partnership with the county, Salina Police Department and Central Kansas Mental Health Center, is still under development.

The “end goal” is adding mental health co-responders in Salina/Saline County, said Captain Paul Forrester of the Salina Police Department Support Division.

SPD tracked calls for service over the past year, “dealing with subjects in some sort of mental health crisis,” he said.

During that span, the police department responded to approximately 500 calls, or an average of more than one per day, Forrester said.

“The hope with mental health co-responders is to provide the best service to our citizens and provide the necessary resources to these folks,” he said.

SPD’s plan is to connect persons in need with mental health assistance.

“The goal is to provide services and not have to arrest these individuals and keep them out of our jail,” Forrester said. “The other goal is to reduce the possibility of having to use force against these folks when we do respond, by having mental health professionals on scene to be able to communicate with these individuals in hopes to get them the proper services they need without law enforcement action.”

The county has also invested $35,964 for 300 yearlong subscriptions to Cope Notes, an online service that sends daily text messages at random times, to boost mental and emotional health.

“I look forward to it every day,” wrote one person who subscribes, and commented on the county’s Facebook page.

“I love it! Keep it up,” according to another.

Others included comments such as “pretty cool,” and “This is great.”

One of the original intents of the federal legislation was to support local government workforces, Smith-Hanes said.

“In some parts of the country, people got laid off during the pandemic. That didn’t happen here, but we still want to support essential workers, and we’ve done that in several different ways,” he said.

County workers were provided additional sick leave, and incentives to get vaccinated.

“The biggest way we’re supporting the local government workforce is to give them a payment to bring their salary in line with inflation,” Smith-Hanes added.

• $185,000 to Salina Technical College for truck driver training

• $180,000 to Kansas Wesleyan University to help Salina police and Saline County Sheriff’s officers complete bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice

• $133,000 to Kansas State University Aerospace and Technology Campus to enhance airframe and power plant mechanic training 

There are plans for $1 million to target other important local needs, Smith-Hanes said.

• $500,000 to improve childcare in Salina and Saline County. Lori Blake executive director of CAPS (Child Advocacy and Parenting Services of Salina) leads the Saline County Childcare Workforce Development work group that is exploring how to make the most of the allocation. The work group is a committee of PIECE (Partners in Early Childhood Education) a public/private community collaboration of more than 20 local organizations.

“We’re waiting to hear how half a million dollars could help,” Smith-Hanes said.

The situation today, Blake said, is a “three legged stool” with problems for childcare services, families, and employers.

“Providers and teachers can’t afford to stay and families can’t afford to pay,” she said. “Public investment is the way.”

With an influx of workers expected to take jobs available from a number of companies, chief among them the sizable Great Plains/Kubota and Schwan’s expansions in Salina, childcare could be among the obstacles of filling job voids.

• $500,000 to improve rural broadband. A task force of internet providers and county citizens is forming to advise leaders on the issue of enhancing service to underserved areas.

There are a number of construction projects in the works “to accommodate a post-COVID environment,” Smith-Hanes said.

Few of the programs are final, he added. The monies are still rather fluid; still subject to change.

“As we have moved through the plan and discovered new areas of need, or areas where the need was higher or lower than anticipated, the commission has approved adjustments to the target amounts,” Smith-Hanes said.

County leaders plan to release a number of other feature stories to provide more specific details about how the federal money will be spent.

“It’s gonna be exciting to see how the second round of funding will be allocated, and where’s it’s going,” Weese said. “I applaud Phil. He’s had surveys out there for the public to comment, and give direction about how the community would like to see it spent. Decisions by commissioners are in alignment with those discussions.”

Big plans and positive results are ahead for the counties and communities.

“It’s a really exciting time in Salina and Saline County,” Smith-Hanes said, “because it seems like this is a good time to be here.”

By TIM UNRUH For Saline County, KansasHelp has been on a slow gallop from Washington, D.C. to middle America since the worst months of a worldwide pandemic swarmed the United States.Saline County officials, along with some hired professional helpers, have been working for more than a year to effectively divvy up millions of dollars from the federal government. It was gifted to Saline County last spring.“That’s a great thing,” said Jim Weese, chairman of the Saline County Commission.But he doesn’t see it as a gift.“It’s local tax money from the federal government, going back into the local economy,” Weese said. “The best thing is that it gives local governments the opportunity to decide where the biggest need is, and how the money could be best used, instead of the state or federal government mandating how it must be spent.”There are some general guidelines for use of the money that is part of the the $2.2 trillion American Rescue Plan Act, aimed to ease economic, governmental and personal effects of COVID-19.A portion of $65.1 billion was sent to every county in America; $10.532 million of that was Saline County’s share.Amounts were determined by population.“We had to come up with a plan. It’s the proverbial flying the plane as you build it,” said Phillip Smith-Hanes, Saline County administrator.The first half, $5.266 million, showed up in the county’s coffers last May from the United States Treasury. The rest is slated to arrive by early June.“At first there was no guidance. Some (regulations) came in mid-May, and the treasury received hundreds of thousands of comments,” he said.Rules were finalized and distributed this past January.“Until then, we operated on assumptions,” he said.Results from a county survey last July, and a public meeting at the Saline County 4-H Building, provided the first public input on what to do with the influx of cash. Other public input followed.“There were high-level things, such as public health, economic recovery, water, wastewater and broadband infrastructure,” Smith-Hanes recalled. “The community said, ‘We agree with economic recovery. Give the biggest chunks to local businesses.’ ”One of those lots of cash is $3.5 million for business and nonprofits recovery.“The next priority is housing,” he said.While much has happened in job creation and upgrades in Salina and Saline County over the past seven to 10 years, housing is lacking, particularly workforce housing.One target to fill that void is using $1 million to convert the former Ambassador Hotel at 1616 W. Crawford Street into affordable apartments, Smith-Hanes said, while another $500,000 has been earmarked to renovate other housing in the community.The treasury is using the U.S. Census Bureau map of low income census tracts to target “economically distressed areas,” he said, and identifying projects in these areas might result in added grant funding.A goal is to “prove how COVID impacted economic circumstances,” Smith-Hanes said.The county is constantly on the lookout for other monies that will augment assistance in a number of categories. One area that stands out for Weese is the $500,000 designated for water and wastewater improvements within the county. The county awarded 11 grants to eight water agencies.“It gives the opportunity for a lot of water districts to provide better quality water to their patrons, that they might not have been able to do,” he said.Because of the interest in the program, the county dedicated half of the money it set aside for other community investments to additional water and waste water projects, with the remainder going to community mental health, Smith-Hanes said.Among areas of need is air travel. Early plans were to help the Salina Airport Authority develop a roundtrip flight to Houston, he said, but a massive pilot shortage shelved those efforts in mid-March. Commercial air service out of Salina still includes flights to Chicago and Denver.“We had committed $1.64 million to the airport authority, but the Houston flight never happened,” he said. “That frees up that money to do other things.”Among the possibilities is investing $750,000 into another flight simulator for Kansas State University Aerospace and Technology Campus, which sports a pilot training program that’s ranked among to top five in the United States.The county is working with Tim Rogers, executive director of the airport authority, to enhance commercial air service.“The critical need for assistance is pilot training. Saline County is in a unique position to offer an air service partner financial assistance with a custom-designed pilot pathway program at K-State Salina.” he said. “K-State Salina has the capability to quickly train pilots to an airline’s specific requirements.”The county aims to invest in a program that would allow consumers to link their credit cards to a computer application with incentives to promote buying local.“When you patronize participating Saline County businesses, you get Saline Stars (the county’s exclusive local point system), which are equal to one U.S. dollar,” Smith-Hanes said. “Right now, we are recruiting businesses to participate and to redeem. Once we reach a critical mass of businesses, we are ready to launch the app.”A spotlight has been trained on communities becoming safer and healthier with a $250,000 grant for criminal justice and public safety. Applications are being accepted.Another program was developed to assist law enforcement in dealing with mental health issues in the field. It has been approved by the commissioners, Smith-Hanes said, but a partnership with the county, Salina Police Department and Central Kansas Mental Health Center, is still under development.The “end goal” is adding mental health co-responders in Salina/Saline County, said Captain Paul Forrester of the Salina Police Department Support Division.SPD tracked calls for service over the past year, “dealing with subjects in some sort of mental health crisis,” he said.During that span, the police department responded to approximately 500 calls, or an average of more than one per day, Forrester said.“The hope with mental health co-responders is to provide the best service to our citizens and provide the necessary resources to these folks,” he said.SPD’s plan is to connect persons in need with mental health assistance.“The goal is to provide services and not have to arrest these individuals and keep them out of our jail,” Forrester said. “The other goal is to reduce the possibility of having to use force against these folks when we do respond, by having mental health professionals on scene to be able to communicate with these individuals in hopes to get them the proper services they need without law enforcement action.”The county has also invested $35,964 for 300 yearlong subscriptions to Cope Notes, an online service that sends daily text messages at random times, to boost mental and emotional health.“I look forward to it every day,” wrote one person who subscribes, and commented on the county’s Facebook page.“I love it! Keep it up,” according to another.Others included comments such as “pretty cool,” and “This is great.”One of the original intents of the federal legislation was to support local government workforces, Smith-Hanes said.“In some parts of the country, people got laid off during the pandemic. That didn’t happen here, but we still want to support essential workers, and we’ve done that in several different ways,” he said.County workers were provided additional sick leave, and incentives to get vaccinated.“The biggest way we’re supporting the local government workforce is to give them a payment to bring their salary in line with inflation,” Smith-Hanes added.The federal money went to many sources.For economic and workforce development:• $185,000 to Salina Technical College for truck driver training• $180,000 to Kansas Wesleyan University to help Salina police and Saline County Sheriff’s officers complete bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice• $133,000 to Kansas State University Aerospace and Technology Campus to enhance airframe and power plant mechanic training There are plans for $1 million to target other important local needs, Smith-Hanes said.• $500,000 to improve childcare in Salina and Saline County. Lori Blake executive director of CAPS (Child Advocacy and Parenting Services of Salina) leads the Saline County Childcare Workforce Development work group that is exploring how to make the most of the allocation. The work group is a committee of PIECE (Partners in Early Childhood Education) a public/private community collaboration of more than 20 local organizations.“We’re waiting to hear how half a million dollars could help,” Smith-Hanes said.The situation today, Blake said, is a “three legged stool” with problems for childcare services, families, and employers.“Providers and teachers can’t afford to stay and families can’t afford to pay,” she said. “Public investment is the way.”With an influx of workers expected to take jobs available from a number of companies, chief among them the sizable Great Plains/Kubota and Schwan’s expansions in Salina, childcare could be among the obstacles of filling job voids.• $500,000 to improve rural broadband. A task force of internet providers and county citizens is forming to advise leaders on the issue of enhancing service to underserved areas.There are a number of construction projects in the works “to accommodate a post-COVID environment,” Smith-Hanes said.Few of the programs are final, he added. The monies are still rather fluid; still subject to change.“As we have moved through the plan and discovered new areas of need, or areas where the need was higher or lower than anticipated, the commission has approved adjustments to the target amounts,” Smith-Hanes said.County leaders plan to release a number of other feature stories to provide more specific details about how the federal money will be spent.“It’s gonna be exciting to see how the second round of funding will be allocated, and where’s it’s going,” Weese said. “I applaud Phil. He’s had surveys out there for the public to comment, and give direction about how the community would like to see it spent. Decisions by commissioners are in alignment with those discussions.”Big plans and positive results are ahead for the counties and communities.“It’s a really exciting time in Salina and Saline County,” Smith-Hanes said, “because it seems like this is a good time to be here.”

Saline County aims to make most of federal aid

●Fraud &amp; Loss Prevention Analyst II

To apply, go to:&nbsp;<a href="https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/5b273a87-9d89-4524-a01c-ea292c036c32/Sunflower-Bank-NA">Sunflower Bank NA - Job Opportunities (paylocity.com)</a>

The competitive benefits package is designed to attract and retain quality and long-term associates.&nbsp;Benefits Include:

●Supplemental Insurance /Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

●Voluntary Accidental Death &amp; Dismemberment Insurance

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649107337156.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Job Opportunities in Salina:●Staff Auditor I●Quality Assurance Specialist●TEMP Quality Assurance Specialist●Fraud &amp; Loss Prevention Analyst II●BSA Due Diligence Analyst I●Application EngineerTo apply, go to:&nbsp;<a href="https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/5b273a87-9d89-4524-a01c-ea292c036c32/Sunflower-Bank-NA">Sunflower Bank NA - Job Opportunities (paylocity.com)</a>The competitive benefits package is designed to attract and retain quality and long-term associates.&nbsp;Benefits Include:●Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance●Supplemental Insurance /Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)●Group Term Life Insurance●Long-term Disability Insurance●Voluntary Life Insurance●Voluntary Accidental Death &amp; Dismemberment Insurance●401k Plan●Paid Time Off (PTO)●Short-term Disability Insurance●Volunteer/Parenting Leave●Holiday Leave●Tuition Reimbursement

Chris Delay named principal at Ellsworth Elementary School

UPDATE 2:20 p.m. Thursday: The Salina Police Department now reports that Bair "has been located in Salina and is ok."

UPDATE 2:01 p.m. Thursday: The Salina Police Department has canceled the Silver Alert for Joyce Bair. In a brief statement, the department wrote that Bair had been found. No other information was provided.

UPDATE 1:27 p.m. Wednesday: The Salina Police Department has updated the information about the vehicle Joyce Bair was believed to have been driving. It is a black Ford Fusion. That information has been updated in the story below.

UPDATE 2:20 p.m. Thursday: The Salina Police Department now reports that Bair "has been located in Salina and is ok."UPDATE 2:01 p.m. Thursday: The Salina Police Department has canceled the Silver Alert for Joyce Bair. In a brief statement, the department wrote that Bair had been found. No other information was provided.UPDATE 1:27 p.m. Wednesday: The Salina Police Department has updated the information about the vehicle Joyce Bair was believed to have been driving. It is a black Ford Fusion. That information has been updated in the story below.UPDATE 10 a.m. Wednesday: The Salina Police Department has provided two photos of Joyce Bair, the subject of the department's issued Silver Alert Tuesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652282540057.jpeg" alt="Joyce Bair. Photos courtesy Salina Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Joyce Bair. Photos courtesy Salina Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652282354343.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Police DepartmentThe Salina Police Department has issued a statewide Silver Alert for the following individual:Name: Joyce BairDOB: Sept. 20, 1943Age: 78Sex: femaleRace: WhiteHeight: 5'02"Weight: 150Eye: BlueHair: GraySubject has not been seen since Sunday and has been without her needed medications. She was last seen enroute from Junction City and supposed to be enroute to Salina but never arrived. She was known to be in a black Ford Fusion LIC 631MBD.If located or you have information, please contact the Salina Police Department at 785‐826‐7210.

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