One year after unveiling&nbsp;Re-Imagining Our Library, a bold vision to transform its Youth Services department, Salina Public Library is proud to announce:&nbsp;It’s happening!&nbsp;Construction is set to begin as soon as this winter, with a grand opening expected in the first half of 2026.

Backed by extraordinary community support and the belief that every child deserves a place to belong, this multimillion-dollar transformation is now just $350,000 away from the finish line.

Over the past year, the Re-Imagining Our Library campaign has gained remarkable momentum. Lead gifts from the&nbsp;McCune Foundation,&nbsp;Middlekauff Foundation,&nbsp;Earl Bane Foundation, and the&nbsp;Robert and Aileen Button Fund&nbsp;ignited the movement – each stepping up early in support of our community’s youth to become benefactor-level partners.

“Their generosity lit the spark,” said Allyson Walker, Head of Fundraising at SPL. “ These foundations helped transform our vision into something tangible that our whole community could rally around.”&nbsp;

That spark became a wildfire during the 2024 holiday season, with over 200 community members joining SPL’s lively Jingle Bingo Jam fundraiser, and&nbsp;Blue Beacon’s $20,000 matching challenge inspiring droves of new donors to give generously. To date, more than 250 community members have contributed to this vital project.

The re-imagined Youth Services space, developed in collaboration with&nbsp;Hutton, and shaped by extensive community feedback, will be a vibrant, inclusive and future-ready space. It will feature cozy reading nooks, playful early learning zones, and dynamic areas where tweens and teens can explore technology, creativity, and connection. Designed to grow with kids and meet families where they are, the space embodies the library’s commitment to developing strong, curious young minds.

“This project is one of the most meaningful things our community is doing for young people right now,” said Gretta Kontas, a member of the campaign’s steering committee. “It’s not just about a new space, it’s about saying to every child in Salina: you matter, you are welcome here, and this place was made for you to succeed.”

With the finish line just $350,000 away and construction set to begin this winter, Salina Public Library invites the community to help complete this transformational project.&nbsp; Every gift brings the vision closer to reality. Naming and recognition opportunities remain available for those seeking to make a lasting impact. 

To give or learn more, visit<a target="_blank" href="http://salinapubliclibrary.org/give">salinapubliclibrary.org/give</a>&nbsp;or contact Allyson at (785) 833-9211.

Salina Public Library ReleaseOne year after unveiling&nbsp;Re-Imagining Our Library, a bold vision to transform its Youth Services department, Salina Public Library is proud to announce:&nbsp;It’s happening!&nbsp;Construction is set to begin as soon as this winter, with a grand opening expected in the first half of 2026.Backed by extraordinary community support and the belief that every child deserves a place to belong, this multimillion-dollar transformation is now just $350,000 away from the finish line.Over the past year, the Re-Imagining Our Library campaign has gained remarkable momentum. Lead gifts from the&nbsp;McCune Foundation,&nbsp;Middlekauff Foundation,&nbsp;Earl Bane Foundation, and the&nbsp;Robert and Aileen Button Fund&nbsp;ignited the movement – each stepping up early in support of our community’s youth to become benefactor-level partners.“Their generosity lit the spark,” said Allyson Walker, Head of Fundraising at SPL. “ These foundations helped transform our vision into something tangible that our whole community could rally around.”&nbsp;That spark became a wildfire during the 2024 holiday season, with over 200 community members joining SPL’s lively Jingle Bingo Jam fundraiser, and&nbsp;Blue Beacon’s $20,000 matching challenge inspiring droves of new donors to give generously. To date, more than 250 community members have contributed to this vital project.The re-imagined Youth Services space, developed in collaboration with&nbsp;Hutton, and shaped by extensive community feedback, will be a vibrant, inclusive and future-ready space. It will feature cozy reading nooks, playful early learning zones, and dynamic areas where tweens and teens can explore technology, creativity, and connection. Designed to grow with kids and meet families where they are, the space embodies the library’s commitment to developing strong, curious young minds.“This project is one of the most meaningful things our community is doing for young people right now,” said Gretta Kontas, a member of the campaign’s steering committee. “It’s not just about a new space, it’s about saying to every child in Salina: you matter, you are welcome here, and this place was made for you to succeed.”With the finish line just $350,000 away and construction set to begin this winter, Salina Public Library invites the community to help complete this transformational project.&nbsp; Every gift brings the vision closer to reality. Naming and recognition opportunities remain available for those seeking to make a lasting impact. To give or learn more, visit<a target="_blank" href="http://salinapubliclibrary.org/give">salinapubliclibrary.org/give</a>&nbsp;or contact Allyson at (785) 833-9211.

Salina Public Library is set to expand their youth services with a transformation

The Granny Brigade will be accepting donations for the Grinnell and Plevna tornado victims this upcoming Saturday.

This Saturday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, the Granny Brigade will be in front of the Fountain Plaza on 2100 S. 9th St.,&nbsp;and in front of the 910 AM KINA/ 99AM KSKG radio station on 1825 S. Ohio.&nbsp;Members from the Granny Brigade will be at each location during that timeframe.

Cash or checks will be accepted. You can make checks payable to either one of the communities of your choice or both.&nbsp;

For the Plevna fund, make the check payable towards the United Way Reno County.&nbsp;For the&nbsp;Grinnell fund, payable towards the Gove County Community Foundation.

Salina PostThe Granny Brigade will be accepting donations for the Grinnell and Plevna tornado victims this upcoming Saturday.This Saturday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, the Granny Brigade will be in front of the Fountain Plaza on 2100 S. 9th St.,&nbsp;and in front of the 910 AM KINA/ 99AM KSKG radio station on 1825 S. Ohio.&nbsp;Members from the Granny Brigade will be at each location during that timeframe.Cash or checks will be accepted. You can make checks payable to either one of the communities of your choice or both.&nbsp;For the Plevna fund, make the check payable towards the United Way Reno County.&nbsp;For the&nbsp;Grinnell fund, payable towards the Gove County Community Foundation.

Granny Brigade accepting donations for Grinnell and Plevna tornado victims this Saturday

 The Department of Government Efficiency has canceled four National Science Foundation grants worth more than $4.3 million that were awarded to the University of Kansas and Kansas State University, citing the programs as “wasteful DEI grants.”

The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, announced the cancellations through its “savings” website, which listed terminations of three KU grants on April 25 and May 2, and one grant to K-State on May 2.

The decision is part of a larger effort by DOGE and the NSF to review and terminate what they describe as non-priority grants. In an April 18 post on X, formerly Twitter, the NSF said it was ending awards “not aligned with agency priorities” and reaffirmed its commitment to “creating opportunities for all Americans everywhere, without exclusion of any groups.”

DOGE claims the cancellations will save the federal government nearly $1.5 million, despite the total value of the grants exceeding $4.3 million. The move is part of a broader sweep that has resulted in the termination of hundreds of NSF-funded projects, many of them tied to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Two of the canceled grants — one each to KU and K-State — were part of the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation program. The LSAMP initiative aims to diversify the STEM workforce by increasing the number of underrepresented students earning degrees in science, technology, engineering and math.

The KU LSAMP grant supported a partnership with Pittsburg State University, the University of Nebraska, Southeast Community College, Johnson County Community College and Kansas City Kansas Community College. K-State’s grant, similarly aimed at building STEM pathways in Kansas, listed partners including Wichita State University and multiple community colleges across the state.

Another KU grant, awarded under the joint NSF-NIH SCISIPBIO initiative, focused on examining the career barriers faced by Black biomedical scientists. The study planned to build a dataset of more than 2 million individual faculty members to evaluate disparities in academic success metrics such as publications, citations and grant funding.

A separate KU grant targeted barriers faced by underserved, post-traditional engineering students — including those who are older, attend college part-time or support families. The research aimed to inform engineering programs about policy changes that could improve retention among such students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged and minority backgrounds.

The cancellation of these grants has raised concern among education advocates and researchers who argue that programs designed to support underrepresented communities in STEM are critical for long-term workforce development and innovation.

The cuts follow the recent resignation of the NSF director, raising further questions about the future direction of federal science funding and the role of diversity initiatives in higher education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738614192317.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure> The Department of Government Efficiency has canceled four National Science Foundation grants worth more than $4.3 million that were awarded to the University of Kansas and Kansas State University, citing the programs as “wasteful DEI grants.”The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, announced the cancellations through its “savings” website, which listed terminations of three KU grants on April 25 and May 2, and one grant to K-State on May 2.The decision is part of a larger effort by DOGE and the NSF to review and terminate what they describe as non-priority grants. In an April 18 post on X, formerly Twitter, the NSF said it was ending awards “not aligned with agency priorities” and reaffirmed its commitment to “creating opportunities for all Americans everywhere, without exclusion of any groups.”DOGE claims the cancellations will save the federal government nearly $1.5 million, despite the total value of the grants exceeding $4.3 million. The move is part of a broader sweep that has resulted in the termination of hundreds of NSF-funded projects, many of them tied to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.Two of the canceled grants — one each to KU and K-State — were part of the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation program. The LSAMP initiative aims to diversify the STEM workforce by increasing the number of underrepresented students earning degrees in science, technology, engineering and math.The KU LSAMP grant supported a partnership with Pittsburg State University, the University of Nebraska, Southeast Community College, Johnson County Community College and Kansas City Kansas Community College. K-State’s grant, similarly aimed at building STEM pathways in Kansas, listed partners including Wichita State University and multiple community colleges across the state.Another KU grant, awarded under the joint NSF-NIH SCISIPBIO initiative, focused on examining the career barriers faced by Black biomedical scientists. The study planned to build a dataset of more than 2 million individual faculty members to evaluate disparities in academic success metrics such as publications, citations and grant funding.A separate KU grant targeted barriers faced by underserved, post-traditional engineering students — including those who are older, attend college part-time or support families. The research aimed to inform engineering programs about policy changes that could improve retention among such students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged and minority backgrounds.The cancellation of these grants has raised concern among education advocates and researchers who argue that programs designed to support underrepresented communities in STEM are critical for long-term workforce development and innovation.The cuts follow the recent resignation of the NSF director, raising further questions about the future direction of federal science funding and the role of diversity initiatives in higher education.

DOGE cuts grants to KU, KSU claims $1.5M savings

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Saline County man arrested in connection with church vandalism in Wichita was back in court for an arraignment hearing on Wednesday.

&nbsp;Michael Gonzalez, 23,&nbsp; was arraigned on felony charges: of burglary and criminal desecration and two misdemeanor charges of theft and criminal damage to property, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Just after 8:30a.m. March 15, police responded to a reported burglary at St. Patrick Catholic Church, located in the 2000 block of N. Arkansas Street in Wichita, according to Wichita Police spokesman Brad Wright.

Officers discovered significant vandalism, including hate speech and damage to items such as statues, candles, and glass. Notably, a United States flag had been burned.

Recognizing the severity of this crime, Wichita Police and investigators—alongside federal law enforcement partners including the FBI and ATF—immediately launched a full-scale investigation. The Wichita Police dedicated Crime Scene Investigation team worked diligently to analyze evidence, leading to the swift identification of a suspect.

Officers from the Wichita Police Field Community Response Teams were provided with critical intelligence and began searching for the suspect. At approximately 2:20 a.m. March 16, officers located and arrested Gonzalez in the 2800 block of N. Hillside in Wichita without incident.

&nbsp;Gonzalez remains jailed on a $500,000 bond and is due back in court July 25, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742206082557.png" alt="Gonzalez -photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Gonzalez -photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Saline County man arrested in connection with church vandalism in Wichita was back in court for an arraignment hearing on Wednesday.&nbsp;Michael Gonzalez, 23,&nbsp; was arraigned on felony charges: of burglary and criminal desecration and two misdemeanor charges of theft and criminal damage to property, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkscathconf%2Fposts%2Fpfbid026eKsJvXV69VEGsohrDBXEqgNBZTzKu7Cj7ps1ZDko1i6pe3eG8iNdZ1LAwzeXr4Cl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="819" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Just after 8:30a.m. March 15, police responded to a reported burglary at St. Patrick Catholic Church, located in the 2000 block of N. Arkansas Street in Wichita, according to Wichita Police spokesman Brad Wright.Officers discovered significant vandalism, including hate speech and damage to items such as statues, candles, and glass. Notably, a United States flag had been burned.Recognizing the severity of this crime, Wichita Police and investigators—alongside federal law enforcement partners including the FBI and ATF—immediately launched a full-scale investigation. The Wichita Police dedicated Crime Scene Investigation team worked diligently to analyze evidence, leading to the swift identification of a suspect.Officers from the Wichita Police Field Community Response Teams were provided with critical intelligence and began searching for the suspect. At approximately 2:20 a.m. March 16, officers located and arrested Gonzalez in the 2800 block of N. Hillside in Wichita without incident.&nbsp;Gonzalez remains jailed on a $500,000 bond and is due back in court July 25, according to the district attorney's office.

Saline Co. man arraigned for alleged church vandalism

The Salina Art Center announces the opening of two new exhibitions on view May 28 through August 31, 2025. 

High Strangeness: Encounters with the Unexplained in Kansas and Beyond&nbsp;and&nbsp;Tales of Dakota Sandstone, with new work by photographer Terry Evans. Both exhibitions open to the public today, with a First Friday opening reception scheduled for Friday, June 6, from 5–7 PM.

High Strangeness: Encounters with the Unexplained in Kansas and Beyond

High Strangeness&nbsp;explores a wide array of people’s personal encounters with the unexplained through the work of two artists—Susan Hiller (1940–2019) and Hugo Zelada-Romero—whose practices investigate the limits of belief, perception, and trust.

The exhibition features&nbsp;Witnesses&nbsp;(2004), an audio installation by Hiller, who was among the first contemporary artists to approach the paranormal with conceptual seriousness. Her work presents firsthand accounts of unusual phenomena from around the world.

Kansas-based artist Hugo Zelada-Romero contributes photographs and multimedia pieces that explore documented UFO/UAP sightings and metaphysical practices across Kansas. His work delves into how cultural narratives shape our understanding of “high strangeness” and what it means to believe.

The exhibition is curated by independent curator Ksenya Gurshtein. A catalogue is available for sale at the Salina Art Center.

Public Programs for&nbsp;High Strangeness

June 6 | 5–7 PM —&nbsp;First Friday &amp; Opening Reception.&nbsp;

June 18 | 7 PM —&nbsp;Campfire Stories: Artist Talk and Tour with Hugo Zelada-Romero and curator Ksenya Gurshtein, followed by s’mores on the patio. 

June 18 &amp; July 16 | 12:15–12:30 PM —&nbsp;Art Byte: 30-minute interactive gallery conversations.

June 28 | 9 AM–5:30 PM | $65 —&nbsp;Summer Road Trip: A day-long excursion to Kansas art and oddities, including the Geneseo City Museum, which contains a fascinating collection of historic UFO memorabilia, Fly Boy Brewery, and Grassroots Art Center in Lucas, KS. Details and registration at&nbsp;<a href="http://SalinaArtCenter.org">SalinaArtCenter.org</a>.

June 29 | 3 PM — Lecture by philosopher Dr. James Madden: A deep dive into UFOs, consciousness, and belief. 

July 29 | 6 PM | at the Cinema —&nbsp;The Dundee Project&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Love &amp; Saucers&nbsp;film screenings. 

August 12 | 6 PM | at the Cinema —&nbsp;Shadows in the Desert: High Strangeness in the Borrego Triangle&nbsp;film screening with Q&amp;A with the filmmakers. 

August 28 | 6 PM | FREE | Location TBA —&nbsp;Live Performance: First-person UAP accounts shared in an immersive storytelling experience. Summer Film Series — Featuring&nbsp;Close Encounters of the Third Kind,&nbsp;Batteries Not Included, and&nbsp;Super 8. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://SalinaArtCenter.org">SalinaArtCenter.org/Cinema</a>&nbsp;for details.

Tales of Dakota Sandstone&nbsp;presents new work by renowned photographer Terry Evans, exploring a familiar pasture transformed by attention, curiosity, and time. What was once overlooked as overgrazed and unremarkable becomes a site of revelation—where ancient sandstone surfaces, remnants of prairie life, and traces of human intervention converge. Evans invites us to consider how deep time and close looking can shift perception. “I’d been looking at the surface of ground, prairie ecosystems, for almost fifty years,” she writes. “But now I wonder if looking at anything long enough and hard enough might reveal the structure of the universe.”

"Artist Talk with Terry Evan" starts June 27 | 5–7 PM — Join us for an evening with the artist to hear more about the stories behind her work.

High Strangeness: Encounters with the Unexplained in Kansas and Beyond&nbsp;was made possible in part by support from Vortex Companies, the National Institute for Aviation Research at Wichita State University, and Humanities Kansas. Humanities Kansas connects Kansans with stories, ideas, and each other to strengthen our communities.

Tales of Dakota Sandstone&nbsp;is sponsored by Corporate pARTner, Wedel Financial Group, and Friends Of Terry Evans:&nbsp;Sid &amp; Suzy Reitz, Dr. Brad Stuewe &amp; Dr. Paula Fried, Jamie &amp; Brigid Hall, Morrie &amp; Sydney Soderberg, Mark &amp; Carolyn Wedel, Heather &amp; Dr. Boyd Smith, Mike &amp; Debbie Berkley, and Saralyn Reece Hardy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727200367963.jpeg" alt="Salina Art Center" />
 <figcaption>Salina Art Center</figcaption>
 </figure>By: HANNAH CRICKMANSalina Art CenterThe Salina Art Center announces the opening of two new exhibitions on view May 28 through August 31, 2025. High Strangeness: Encounters with the Unexplained in Kansas and Beyond&nbsp;and&nbsp;Tales of Dakota Sandstone, with new work by photographer Terry Evans. Both exhibitions open to the public today, with a First Friday opening reception scheduled for Friday, June 6, from 5–7 PM.<h2>High Strangeness: Encounters with the Unexplained in Kansas and Beyond</h2>May 28–August 31, 2025High Strangeness&nbsp;explores a wide array of people’s personal encounters with the unexplained through the work of two artists—Susan Hiller (1940–2019) and Hugo Zelada-Romero—whose practices investigate the limits of belief, perception, and trust.The exhibition features&nbsp;Witnesses&nbsp;(2004), an audio installation by Hiller, who was among the first contemporary artists to approach the paranormal with conceptual seriousness. Her work presents firsthand accounts of unusual phenomena from around the world.Kansas-based artist Hugo Zelada-Romero contributes photographs and multimedia pieces that explore documented UFO/UAP sightings and metaphysical practices across Kansas. His work delves into how cultural narratives shape our understanding of “high strangeness” and what it means to believe.The exhibition is curated by independent curator Ksenya Gurshtein. A catalogue is available for sale at the Salina Art Center.Public Programs for&nbsp;High StrangenessJune 6 | 5–7 PM —&nbsp;First Friday &amp; Opening Reception.&nbsp;June 18 | 7 PM —&nbsp;Campfire Stories: Artist Talk and Tour with Hugo Zelada-Romero and curator Ksenya Gurshtein, followed by s’mores on the patio. June 18 &amp; July 16 | 12:15–12:30 PM —&nbsp;Art Byte: 30-minute interactive gallery conversations.June 28 | 9 AM–5:30 PM | $65 —&nbsp;Summer Road Trip: A day-long excursion to Kansas art and oddities, including the Geneseo City Museum, which contains a fascinating collection of historic UFO memorabilia, Fly Boy Brewery, and Grassroots Art Center in Lucas, KS. Details and registration at&nbsp;<a href="http://SalinaArtCenter.org">SalinaArtCenter.org</a>. June 29 | 3 PM — Lecture by philosopher Dr. James Madden: A deep dive into UFOs, consciousness, and belief. July 29 | 6 PM | at the Cinema —&nbsp;The Dundee Project&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Love &amp; Saucers&nbsp;film screenings. August 12 | 6 PM | at the Cinema —&nbsp;Shadows in the Desert: High Strangeness in the Borrego Triangle&nbsp;film screening with Q&amp;A with the filmmakers. August 28 | 6 PM | FREE | Location TBA —&nbsp;Live Performance: First-person UAP accounts shared in an immersive storytelling experience. Summer Film Series — Featuring&nbsp;Close Encounters of the Third Kind,&nbsp;Batteries Not Included, and&nbsp;Super 8. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://SalinaArtCenter.org">SalinaArtCenter.org/Cinema</a>&nbsp;for details.<h2>Tales of Dakota Sandstone | Terry Evans</h2>May 28–August 31, 2025Tales of Dakota Sandstone&nbsp;presents new work by renowned photographer Terry Evans, exploring a familiar pasture transformed by attention, curiosity, and time. What was once overlooked as overgrazed and unremarkable becomes a site of revelation—where ancient sandstone surfaces, remnants of prairie life, and traces of human intervention converge. Evans invites us to consider how deep time and close looking can shift perception. “I’d been looking at the surface of ground, prairie ecosystems, for almost fifty years,” she writes. “But now I wonder if looking at anything long enough and hard enough might reveal the structure of the universe.”"Artist Talk with Terry Evan" starts June 27 | 5–7 PM — Join us for an evening with the artist to hear more about the stories behind her work.High Strangeness: Encounters with the Unexplained in Kansas and Beyond&nbsp;was made possible in part by support from Vortex Companies, the National Institute for Aviation Research at Wichita State University, and Humanities Kansas. Humanities Kansas connects Kansans with stories, ideas, and each other to strengthen our communities.Tales of Dakota Sandstone&nbsp;is sponsored by Corporate pARTner, Wedel Financial Group, and Friends Of Terry Evans:&nbsp;Sid &amp; Suzy Reitz, Dr. Brad Stuewe &amp; Dr. Paula Fried, Jamie &amp; Brigid Hall, Morrie &amp; Sydney Soderberg, Mark &amp; Carolyn Wedel, Heather &amp; Dr. Boyd Smith, Mike &amp; Debbie Berkley, and Saralyn Reece Hardy.

Salina Art Center opens two new exhibitions to view from May through August

TOPEKA - Residents affected by recent severe weather in Saline County should contact the Kansas Department of Insurance (KDOI) if they have an issue with an insurance claim, Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt said.

The Department has been in contact with local authorities in Saline County and urges residents affected by the storm to contact the Department if they need assistance.

“Severe weather in Kansas often means storm damage and insurance claims,” Commissioner Schmidt said. “If you have any questions about your insurance coverage after the storm or have an issue with an insurance claim in the coming weeks, please contact the Department.”

If you or someone you know is having trouble with an insurance claim, contact the Kansas Department of Insurance’s Consumer Assistance Division (785) 296-3071, by email at <a href="http://KDOI.complaints@ks.gov">KDOI.complaints@ks.gov</a> or visit the Department online at <a href="http://insurance.kansas.gov">insurance.kansas.gov</a> for any claims-related questions or concerns.

Kansas Department of InsuranceTOPEKA - Residents affected by recent severe weather in Saline County should contact the Kansas Department of Insurance (KDOI) if they have an issue with an insurance claim, Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt said.The Department has been in contact with local authorities in Saline County and urges residents affected by the storm to contact the Department if they need assistance.“Severe weather in Kansas often means storm damage and insurance claims,” Commissioner Schmidt said. “If you have any questions about your insurance coverage after the storm or have an issue with an insurance claim in the coming weeks, please contact the Department.”If you or someone you know is having trouble with an insurance claim, contact the Kansas Department of Insurance’s Consumer Assistance Division (785) 296-3071, by email at <a href="http://KDOI.complaints@ks.gov">KDOI.complaints@ks.gov</a> or visit the Department online at <a href="http://insurance.kansas.gov">insurance.kansas.gov</a> for any claims-related questions or concerns.

KDOI informs Saline County residents about solutions for insurance claims after last weekend's severe weather 

A surveying work tool valued over $9,000 was reported missing, after a Salina man dropped it when working.

According to the Salina Police Department on Tuesday, May 27th a 31-year old male called police about a black Trimble TSCT Data Collector survey tool that went missing.

The man told police that at around 1:00 pm, he was surveying the area of Mulberry and Walnut between S. 7th and S. 8th streets. He was carrying a large amount of work tools while conducting the survey.

Later on, the man realized he dropped the data collector survey tool as he was walking. He retraced his steps but could not find it.

The data collector tool was valued at $10,000.

By: NICOLAS FIERROSalina PostA surveying work tool valued over $9,000 was reported missing, after a Salina man dropped it when working.According to the Salina Police Department on Tuesday, May 27th a 31-year old male called police about a black Trimble TSCT Data Collector survey tool that went missing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748438795309.jpeg" alt="The missing black Trimble TSCT Data Collector survey tool; courtesy of the Salina Police Department" />
 <figcaption>The missing black Trimble TSCT Data Collector survey tool; courtesy of the Salina Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>The man told police that at around 1:00 pm, he was surveying the area of Mulberry and Walnut between S. 7th and S. 8th streets. He was carrying a large amount of work tools while conducting the survey.Later on, the man realized he dropped the data collector survey tool as he was walking. He retraced his steps but could not find it.The data collector tool was valued at $10,000.

Survey work tool valued over $9,000 went missing after a Salina man dropped it when working

A Salina woman's vehicle was stolen from her driveway and is currently missing.

According to the Salina Police Department on Tuesday, May 27th at around 11:00 am, a 28-year old female reported that her black 2012 Ford Fusion was stolen from her driveway on 1400 Winona St.

The woman stated that sometime on Tuesday between 1:00 am - 7:00 am, the theft occurred.&nbsp;

The Fusion bears a KS tag,&nbsp;259PKK and&nbsp;has&nbsp;damage on the driver's side hood.

By: NICOLAS FIERROSalina PostA Salina woman's vehicle was stolen from her driveway and is currently missing.According to the Salina Police Department on Tuesday, May 27th at around 11:00 am, a 28-year old female reported that her black 2012 Ford Fusion was stolen from her driveway on 1400 Winona St.The woman stated that sometime on Tuesday between 1:00 am - 7:00 am, the theft occurred.&nbsp;The Fusion bears a KS tag,&nbsp;259PKK and&nbsp;has&nbsp;damage on the driver's side hood.Total loss was valued at $3,500.

A Salina woman's vehicle went missing after it was stolen from her driveway, loss of value is over $3,000

The Salina Art Center Cinema will host a special limited engagement screening of&nbsp;The Last Rodeo, May 30 through June 2, in partnership with Angel Studios—its first collaboration with the faith- and family-focused studio.

Showtimes are Friday through Monday at 6:00 PM, with additional matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $8 for Art Center members, $10 for seniors, and $12 for general admission. Guests can also enjoy a full line of affordable concessions and premium amenities including 7.1 digital surround sound, laser projection, luxury seating, and a T-Coil hearing system for enhanced accessibility.

In&nbsp;The Last Rodeo, a retired rodeo legend risks it all to save his grandson. Haunted by a painful past and desperate to reconnect with his estranged daughter, he becomes the oldest contestant to enter a high-stakes bull-riding competition. The film delivers a powerful story about healing, legacy, and the strength of family.

“This film is a heartfelt story about resilience, redemption, and standing up for those you love,” said Misty Serene, executive director. “We’re thrilled to bill a new relationship with Angel Studios, and to bring this film to Salina audiences in a space that makes high-quality, meaningful cinema accessible for all.”

For showtimes, tickets and more information, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://prod5.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=492645~324e763b-503c-450c-8c59-54007b851949&amp;epguid=94c71b64-6119-436a-8b50-a5728e102d44&amp;mdy=5/30/2025&amp;">www.SalinaArtCenter.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748367399328.jpeg" alt="The Last Rodeo film poster; courtesy of&nbsp; Salina Art Center Cinema" />
 <figcaption>The Last Rodeo film poster; courtesy of&nbsp; Salina Art Center Cinema</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Art Center CinemaThe Salina Art Center Cinema will host a special limited engagement screening of&nbsp;The Last Rodeo, May 30 through June 2, in partnership with Angel Studios—its first collaboration with the faith- and family-focused studio.Showtimes are Friday through Monday at 6:00 PM, with additional matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $8 for Art Center members, $10 for seniors, and $12 for general admission. Guests can also enjoy a full line of affordable concessions and premium amenities including 7.1 digital surround sound, laser projection, luxury seating, and a T-Coil hearing system for enhanced accessibility.In&nbsp;The Last Rodeo, a retired rodeo legend risks it all to save his grandson. Haunted by a painful past and desperate to reconnect with his estranged daughter, he becomes the oldest contestant to enter a high-stakes bull-riding competition. The film delivers a powerful story about healing, legacy, and the strength of family.“This film is a heartfelt story about resilience, redemption, and standing up for those you love,” said Misty Serene, executive director. “We’re thrilled to bill a new relationship with Angel Studios, and to bring this film to Salina audiences in a space that makes high-quality, meaningful cinema accessible for all.”For showtimes, tickets and more information, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://prod5.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=492645~324e763b-503c-450c-8c59-54007b851949&amp;epguid=94c71b64-6119-436a-8b50-a5728e102d44&amp;mdy=5/30/2025&amp;">www.SalinaArtCenter.org</a>.

Salina Art Center Cinema premieres Angel Studios film “ The Last Rodeo” this upcoming weekend

Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Release

Salina Arts &amp; Humanities announces that the winner of the 2025 Festival Medallion Quest (FMQ) is Maddie Lytle. 

On Tuesday, Lytle and her mother, Susan Schreiber, took their lunch break together to search for the Medallion. The most recent clue, “clear your mind,” led them back to the trail behind the YMCA and nearby Central Kansas Mental Health, a spot they had searched multiple times this past weekend with clues like “behind brown and white” which they thought might represent a storage shed along the trail.

Today, while they searched, the pair said they could tell that the area had been searched by other questers. Lytle noticed a branch had fallen and the wood looked different than the rest of the wood in the area. She flipped it over and saw a Twix wrapper that appeared to be connected to the wood. 

She thought, at first, that maybe it was a geocache. She took the candy bar off the wood and peeled back the corner, revealing a message. It was then she realized she had found the Medallion. Lytle found the Medallion around noon on Tuesday, May 27th. She has been searching with her family for years and is the 19th winner of the Festival Medallion Quest, which was started in 2009 by the Smoky Hill River Festival. 

“My family has a group where we share clues and strategy, and we work on the Quest together,” said Lytle. The Quest took six days and twelve clues. The clues were shared online at <a href="http://festivalmedallionquest.com">festivalmedallionquest.com</a> and posted outside the Eighth Street Salina Arts &amp; Humanities office doors, and on Facebook.

The 2025 Medallion was hidden along the river trail that runs along the back of the YMCA. What appeared to be an unopened Twix candy bar was secured in the underside of an aged log. Inside the wrapper was a fake chocolate “QUEST” bar, along with a golden ticket with directions for the winner to claim their prize, also hidden inside the wrapper.

The 2025 Quest winner receives a prize package of $1,000 in cash and $2,000 in Gift Certificates for shopping at the River Festival 2025 Art Show, including East, West, and Demonstration artists’ booths. Other prizes include four Festival admission wristbands, a complimentary on-grounds VIP parking pass, an invitation for four to the Thursday evening Art Patron Premiere party, and four River Festival 2025 T-shirts.

“One of the best parts of the Medallion Quest is that participants get to be artists for a week. Creative problem-solving is fun and everyone gets to see parts of the town they might never have seen,” said Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Executive Director Brad Anderson.

“The Festival Medallion Quest celebrates our community's patronage of the arts and is a neat way to hype the upcoming Festival Art Show. It’s fun to see how Questers explore, and the excitement and competitive nature of the hunt is palpable,” said Visual Arts Coordinator Crystal Hammerschmidt. 

The River Festival generates approximately $3.5 million in revenue annually within the local community. Advance-price, four-day Festival Wristbands are available until late Tuesday, June 10, at 40 Salina locations and in 18 other regional cities. 

Children 11 and under get in free.For more information on the Festival Medallion Quest or the Smoky Hill River Festival, call (785) 309-5770 or visit <a href="http://riverfestival.com">riverfestival.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748388504924.jpeg" alt="2025 Festival Medallion Quest Winner, Maddie Lytle (left) with her husband, Brandon Lytle (right); photo by Nicolas Fierro, Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>2025 Festival Medallion Quest Winner, Maddie Lytle (left) with her husband, Brandon Lytle (right); photo by Nicolas Fierro, Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Arts &amp; Humanities ReleaseSalina Arts &amp; Humanities announces that the winner of the 2025 Festival Medallion Quest (FMQ) is Maddie Lytle. On Tuesday, Lytle and her mother, Susan Schreiber, took their lunch break together to search for the Medallion. The most recent clue, “clear your mind,” led them back to the trail behind the YMCA and nearby Central Kansas Mental Health, a spot they had searched multiple times this past weekend with clues like “behind brown and white” which they thought might represent a storage shed along the trail.Today, while they searched, the pair said they could tell that the area had been searched by other questers. Lytle noticed a branch had fallen and the wood looked different than the rest of the wood in the area. She flipped it over and saw a Twix wrapper that appeared to be connected to the wood. She thought, at first, that maybe it was a geocache. She took the candy bar off the wood and peeled back the corner, revealing a message. It was then she realized she had found the Medallion. Lytle found the Medallion around noon on Tuesday, May 27th. She has been searching with her family for years and is the 19th winner of the Festival Medallion Quest, which was started in 2009 by the Smoky Hill River Festival. “My family has a group where we share clues and strategy, and we work on the Quest together,” said Lytle. The Quest took six days and twelve clues. The clues were shared online at <a href="http://festivalmedallionquest.com">festivalmedallionquest.com</a> and posted outside the Eighth Street Salina Arts &amp; Humanities office doors, and on Facebook.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748388767768.jpeg" alt="Close up image of the 2025 Medallion Quest prize; photo by Nicolas Fierro, Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>Close up image of the 2025 Medallion Quest prize; photo by Nicolas Fierro, Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The 2025 Medallion was hidden along the river trail that runs along the back of the YMCA. What appeared to be an unopened Twix candy bar was secured in the underside of an aged log. Inside the wrapper was a fake chocolate “QUEST” bar, along with a golden ticket with directions for the winner to claim their prize, also hidden inside the wrapper.The 2025 Quest winner receives a prize package of $1,000 in cash and $2,000 in Gift Certificates for shopping at the River Festival 2025 Art Show, including East, West, and Demonstration artists’ booths. Other prizes include four Festival admission wristbands, a complimentary on-grounds VIP parking pass, an invitation for four to the Thursday evening Art Patron Premiere party, and four River Festival 2025 T-shirts.“One of the best parts of the Medallion Quest is that participants get to be artists for a week. Creative problem-solving is fun and everyone gets to see parts of the town they might never have seen,” said Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Executive Director Brad Anderson.“The Festival Medallion Quest celebrates our community's patronage of the arts and is a neat way to hype the upcoming Festival Art Show. It’s fun to see how Questers explore, and the excitement and competitive nature of the hunt is palpable,” said Visual Arts Coordinator Crystal Hammerschmidt. The River Festival generates approximately $3.5 million in revenue annually within the local community. Advance-price, four-day Festival Wristbands are available until late Tuesday, June 10, at 40 Salina locations and in 18 other regional cities. Children 11 and under get in free.For more information on the Festival Medallion Quest or the Smoky Hill River Festival, call (785) 309-5770 or visit <a href="http://riverfestival.com">riverfestival.com</a>.

Winner announced for the 2025 Smoky Hill River Festival Medallion Quest

The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) has submitted the reporting period for this past 2025 Memorial Day weekend.&nbsp;The reporting period ran from 6:00 pm on Friday, May 23 through 11:59 pm on Monday, May 26, 2025.

According to KHP, personnel assisted 590 motorists, worked&nbsp;four fatal non-DUI related crashes and seven non-DUI related fatalities during the holiday weekend.

To see a table comparison over data from this year and the 2023/2024 reporting period, go to the <a href="https://kansashighwaypatrol.gov/khp-2025-08-patrol-reports-memorial-day-weekend-holiday-activity/?utm_source=mailpoet&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source_platform=mailpoet&amp;utm_campaign=khp-2022-26-kansas-highway-patrol-to-mobilize-for-operation-clear-track-159">KHP database</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718469324090.png" alt="KHP" />
 <figcaption>KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina PostThe Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) has submitted the reporting period for this past 2025 Memorial Day weekend.&nbsp;The reporting period ran from 6:00 pm on Friday, May 23 through 11:59 pm on Monday, May 26, 2025.According to KHP, personnel assisted 590 motorists, worked&nbsp;four fatal non-DUI related crashes and seven non-DUI related fatalities during the holiday weekend.To see a table comparison over data from this year and the 2023/2024 reporting period, go to the <a href="https://kansashighwaypatrol.gov/khp-2025-08-patrol-reports-memorial-day-weekend-holiday-activity/?utm_source=mailpoet&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source_platform=mailpoet&amp;utm_campaign=khp-2022-26-kansas-highway-patrol-to-mobilize-for-operation-clear-track-159">KHP database</a>.

Kansas Highway Patrol releases reports from the 2025 Memorial Day weekend

The Saline County Sheriff's Office has released Salina's Most Wanted list for June 2025. According to the Saline Co. Sheriff's Office, the current total of arrests is 3,886.

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Agg. Burg. / Interf. w/ LEO / Batt. On LEO x3 / Theft / Agg. Endanger Child x2 / DUI / Batt. / Theft / DMG. To Prop. / Crim. Tress.

NAME:&nbsp;Carson, Christopher Brian

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Criminal Threat / Aggravated Assault

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA /Dist. Heroin, Certain Stimulants / Poss. Para. w/ Intent to Manufacture / Poss. MJ x2 / Poss. Depress. / Poss. Para.

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Poss. Opiate / Interf. w/ LEO

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV Aggravated Battery / Battery on LEO / Interference w/ LEO / Aggravated Intimidation of a witness / Reckless Driving

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Interfere w/ LEO x2 / Theft of Prop. Of Services x2

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony Bond Violation / Poss. Opiate / Poss. Para.

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Felony Theft

NAME:&nbsp;Geist, Rodney Allen Jr.

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony Stalking and Violation of Protective Order

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Dist. Opiate / Poss. MJ / Drive on Left in No Passing Area / Improper Turn / Traffic Control Devices

NAME:&nbsp;Harwell, Richard Preston

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Possess Opiate/ Paraphernalia / No Drug Tax Stamp / Recruiting criminal street gang membership

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony Att Distribution of Methamphetamine / Paraphernalia / Possess Hydrocodone / Possess Marijuana / Use of cell phone in Felony / No drug tax stamp

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony Forgery / Att. Forgery / Theft / Att. Theft

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Poss. Opiate x2 / Poss. MJ / Interf. w/ LEO

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA Att. Kidnapping / Agg. Assault

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Forgery / Att. Theft of Prop.

NAME:&nbsp;Lopez Moncada, Cristofer Josue

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Aggravated Battery

NAME:&nbsp;Martinez, Amanda Nicole

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Poss. Opiate

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony Criminal Threat / Stalking / Harassment by Telecommunication Device

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Poss. Opiate / Poss. MJ / Theft of Prop./Services

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Forgery / Theft of Prop. Or Services

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Agg. Batt. / Agg. Dom. Batt. / Crim. Threat / Crim. Restraint / Agg. Intim. Witness / Poss. Opiate

The Saline County Sheriff's Office has released Salina's Most Wanted list for June 2025. According to the Saline Co. Sheriff's Office, the current total of arrests is 3,886.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748376889733.jpeg" alt="Bastin, Tyler Layne" />
 <figcaption>Bastin, Tyler Layne</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Bastin, Tyler LayneREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Agg. Burg. / Interf. w/ LEO / Batt. On LEO x3 / Theft / Agg. Endanger Child x2 / DUI / Batt. / Theft / DMG. To Prop. / Crim. Tress.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748377842619.jpeg" alt="Carson, Christopher Brian" />
 <figcaption>Carson, Christopher Brian</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Carson, Christopher BrianREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Criminal Threat / Aggravated Assault<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748377875558.jpeg" alt="Cole, Ethan Lane" />
 <figcaption>Cole, Ethan Lane</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Cole, Ethan LaneREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA /Dist. Heroin, Certain Stimulants / Poss. Para. w/ Intent to Manufacture / Poss. MJ x2 / Poss. Depress. / Poss. Para.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748377908647.jpeg" alt="Crowder, Michael Lee" />
 <figcaption>Crowder, Michael Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Crowder, Michael Lee REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Poss. Opiate / Interf. w/ LEO<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748378135219.jpeg" alt="Crowder, Simon Avery" />
 <figcaption>Crowder, Simon Avery</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Crowder, Simon AveryREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV Aggravated Battery / Battery on LEO / Interference w/ LEO / Aggravated Intimidation of a witness / Reckless Driving<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748378164007.jpeg" alt="Davis, Sevijon Taurice" />
 <figcaption>Davis, Sevijon Taurice</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Davis, Sevijon TauriceREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Interfere w/ LEO x2 / Theft of Prop. Of Services x2<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748378193178.jpeg" alt="Dempsey, Ashley DeNay" />
 <figcaption>Dempsey, Ashley DeNay</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Dempsey, Ashley DeNayREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony Bond Violation / Poss. Opiate / Poss. Para.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748378221016.jpeg" alt="Fisher, Teasha Lurae" />
 <figcaption>Fisher, Teasha Lurae</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Fisher, Teasha LuraeREQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Felony Theft<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748378247736.jpeg" alt="Geist, Rodney Allen Jr." />
 <figcaption>Geist, Rodney Allen Jr.</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Geist, Rodney Allen Jr.REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony Stalking and Violation of Protective Order<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748378277209.jpeg" alt="Gonzalez, Ivan Israel" />
 <figcaption>Gonzalez, Ivan Israel</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Gonzalez, Ivan IsraelREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Dist. Opiate / Poss. MJ / Drive on Left in No Passing Area / Improper Turn / Traffic Control Devices<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748378307031.jpeg" alt="Harwell, Richard Preston" />
 <figcaption>Harwell, Richard Preston</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Harwell, Richard PrestonREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Possess Opiate/ Paraphernalia / No Drug Tax Stamp / Recruiting criminal street gang membership<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748378334435.jpeg" alt="Heller, Josey Collette" />
 <figcaption>Heller, Josey Collette</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Heller, Josey ColletteREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony Att Distribution of Methamphetamine / Paraphernalia / Possess Hydrocodone / Possess Marijuana / Use of cell phone in Felony / No drug tax stamp<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748378378276.jpeg" alt="Heskett, Monica Lee" />
 <figcaption>Heskett, Monica Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Heskett, Monica LeeREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony Forgery / Att. Forgery / Theft / Att. Theft<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748378436251.jpeg" alt="Imlay, Eric Charles" />
 <figcaption>Imlay, Eric Charles</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Imlay, Eric CharlesREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Poss. Opiate x2 / Poss. MJ / Interf. w/ LEO<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748378465308.jpeg" alt="Jackson, Michael Wayne" />
 <figcaption>Jackson, Michael Wayne</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Jackson, Michael WayneREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA Att. Kidnapping / Agg. Assault<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748378572460.jpeg" alt="Kruse, Cheri Jean" />
 <figcaption>Kruse, Cheri Jean</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Kruse, Cheri JeanREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Forgery / Att. Theft of Prop.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748378603132.jpeg" alt="Lopez Moncada, Cristofer Josue" />
 <figcaption>Lopez Moncada, Cristofer Josue</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Lopez Moncada, Cristofer JosueREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Aggravated Battery<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748378630369.jpeg" alt="Martinez, Amanda Nicole" />
 <figcaption>Martinez, Amanda Nicole</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Martinez, Amanda NicoleREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Poss. Opiate<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748378658457.jpeg" alt="McBride, London Blake" />
 <figcaption>McBride, London Blake</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;McBride, London BlakeREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony Criminal Threat / Stalking / Harassment by Telecommunication Device<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748378727769.jpeg" alt="Nelson, Jeremy Leo" />
 <figcaption>Nelson, Jeremy Leo</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Nelson, Jeremy LeoREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Poss. Opiate / Poss. MJ / Theft of Prop./Services<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748378756323.jpeg" alt="Nelson, Jessica Lynn" />
 <figcaption>Nelson, Jessica Lynn</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Nelson, Jessica LynnREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Forgery / Theft of Prop. Or Services<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748378784843.jpeg" alt="Stanley, Bradley Scott" />
 <figcaption>Stanley, Bradley Scott</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Stanley, Bradley ScottREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Agg. Batt. / Agg. Dom. Batt. / Crim. Threat / Crim. Restraint / Agg. Intim. Witness / Poss. Opiate

Saline County Sheriff's Office Most Wanted — June 2025

SM Hanson Music will be celebrating their 40th annual Festival Jam with a full lineup of bands appearing from across the state.

On Thursday, June 12th the Festival Jam will be held at the Eric Stein Stage in Oakdale Park, as a "pre-festival event," which has become the highest attended event of the Smoky Hill River Festival. The festival jam will consist of four hours of music, played by a total of 17 bands&nbsp;for 12 minutes.&nbsp;

This year, the festival will host 5 new bands with a mix of other past performers. The music changes every 15 minutes on the quarter hour.

5:45 pm:&nbsp;Abie-Laine Invitation band – Talented jazz ensemble featuring teachers and students from the Abilene area.&nbsp;

6:00 pm:&nbsp;The Radicles 4-pc rock band from Salina and Lindsborg.

6:15 pm:&nbsp;Fed Up Local Salina rock band – 5-pc

6:30 pm: Motorco: This 3-pc band is based in Beloit. Playing Alt Rock.

6:45 pm: Phiya: NEW band from Wichita. 3-pc band playing rock

7:00 pm: Lix Classic Rock band from Salina – they have been together for 40+ years.

7:15 pm: Urban Spelunkers: NEW band – playing Americana 4-pc from Kansas City area. Guitar, banjo, violin, and bass.

7:30 pm: The Ghost Racket: NEW band from Manhattan. 3-pc playing rock

7:45 pm: Hey Radio High Energy from Wichita – a favorite 5-pc band – exciting skate/party/pop-punk music.

8:00 pm: Don Wagner These guys play country, bluegrass, and folk. 4-pc band from Salina and Bennington

8:15 pm: HyWay 14: NEW to Festival Jam. 4pc from Hutchinson. Describe their music as grunge-rock/red-dirt country.

8:30 pm: Soul Preachers Classic Rock 3pc band from Salina.

8:45 pm: Love Like War: NEW to Festival Jam. Central Kansas roots – 5pc band playing Alt Rock.

9:00 pm: Cash Hollistah Hip-Hop with guitars, drums, vocals, and DJ – last seen at Festival Jam in 2018

9:15 pm: Bootleg Mercy This 4pc band calls McPherson, Hutchinson, and Salina home. – playing Rock/Grunge

9:30 pm: Steve Hanson &amp; Co. The founder of SM Hanson Music. Always a variety – always great.

9:45 pm: The Blades A Salina favorite. You gotta love a rock/pop/funk band with horns!

Gates open at 4:00 pm on Thursday, June 12th in Oakdale Park,&nbsp;with music beginning at 5:45 pm. Single Day or Weekend wristbands for 12 years and up are your admission. SM Hanson Music and many other local/regional merchants have wristbands for sale today.

To purchase the wristbands in advance go to:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.riverfestival.com/participating-retailers/">https://www.riverfestival.com/participating-retailers/</a>

The advance sales run through Tuesday June 10th.

1985 was the 1st year for the SM Hanson Festival Jam. It was created by Steve and Rick Hanson, as an opportunity for local &amp; regional bands to play to a large audience.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718331158036.jpeg" alt="Visual Lies performs on Eric Stein Stage during the 2024 SM Hanson Festival Jam at the Smoky Hill River Festival on Thursday, June 13, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>Visual Lies performs on Eric Stein Stage during the 2024 SM Hanson Festival Jam at the Smoky Hill River Festival on Thursday, June 13, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By: NICOLAS FIERROSalina PostSM Hanson Music will be celebrating their 40th annual Festival Jam with a full lineup of bands appearing from across the state.On Thursday, June 12th the Festival Jam will be held at the Eric Stein Stage in Oakdale Park, as a "pre-festival event," which has become the highest attended event of the Smoky Hill River Festival. The festival jam will consist of four hours of music, played by a total of 17 bands&nbsp;for 12 minutes.&nbsp;This year, the festival will host 5 new bands with a mix of other past performers. The music changes every 15 minutes on the quarter hour.The lineup will be as followed:&nbsp;5:45 pm:&nbsp;Abie-Laine Invitation band – Talented jazz ensemble featuring teachers and students from the Abilene area.&nbsp;6:00 pm:&nbsp;The Radicles 4-pc rock band from Salina and Lindsborg.6:15 pm:&nbsp;Fed Up Local Salina rock band – 5-pc6:30 pm: Motorco: This 3-pc band is based in Beloit. Playing Alt Rock.6:45 pm: Phiya: NEW band from Wichita. 3-pc band playing rock7:00 pm: Lix Classic Rock band from Salina – they have been together for 40+ years.7:15 pm: Urban Spelunkers: NEW band – playing Americana 4-pc from Kansas City area. Guitar, banjo, violin, and bass.7:30 pm: The Ghost Racket: NEW band from Manhattan. 3-pc playing rock7:45 pm: Hey Radio High Energy from Wichita – a favorite 5-pc band – exciting skate/party/pop-punk music.8:00 pm: Don Wagner These guys play country, bluegrass, and folk. 4-pc band from Salina and Bennington8:15 pm: HyWay 14: NEW to Festival Jam. 4pc from Hutchinson. Describe their music as grunge-rock/red-dirt country.8:30 pm: Soul Preachers Classic Rock 3pc band from Salina.8:45 pm: Love Like War: NEW to Festival Jam. Central Kansas roots – 5pc band playing Alt Rock.9:00 pm: Cash Hollistah Hip-Hop with guitars, drums, vocals, and DJ – last seen at Festival Jam in 20189:15 pm: Bootleg Mercy This 4pc band calls McPherson, Hutchinson, and Salina home. – playing Rock/Grunge9:30 pm: Steve Hanson &amp; Co. The founder of SM Hanson Music. Always a variety – always great. 9:45 pm: The Blades A Salina favorite. You gotta love a rock/pop/funk band with horns! Gates open at 4:00 pm on Thursday, June 12th in Oakdale Park,&nbsp;with music beginning at 5:45 pm. Single Day or Weekend wristbands for 12 years and up are your admission. SM Hanson Music and many other local/regional merchants have wristbands for sale today.To purchase the wristbands in advance go to:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.riverfestival.com/participating-retailers/">https://www.riverfestival.com/participating-retailers/</a>The advance sales run through Tuesday June 10th.1985 was the 1st year for the SM Hanson Festival Jam. It was created by Steve and Rick Hanson, as an opportunity for local &amp; regional bands to play to a large audience.

UPDATED: Full lineup of bands from across Kansas to perform at Festival Jam

A one-year was transported to the hospital, after a car accident that occurred in Salina this past weekend.

According to the Salina Police Department on Sunday, May 25th at 4:00 pm a car accident occured with two vehicles on the intersection of Broadway and Cloud.&nbsp;

Police state that a Jeep Cherokee was heading north on Broadway and was making a turn to go west on Cloud, but collided into a Toyota Tundra that was traveling south on Broadway. First responders arrived to the scene and both drivers/passengers were injured.

The Jeep Cherokee driver had a one-year child passenger that needed medical attention after the accident. 

The child was transported to Salina Regional Health Center and was then taken to a hospital in Kansas City, due to the severity of the injuries.

Salina Police are actively the investigating the accident.

By: NICOLAS FIERROSalina PostA one-year was transported to the hospital, after a car accident that occurred in Salina this past weekend.According to the Salina Police Department on Sunday, May 25th at 4:00 pm a car accident occured with two vehicles on the intersection of Broadway and Cloud.&nbsp;Police state that a Jeep Cherokee was heading north on Broadway and was making a turn to go west on Cloud, but collided into a Toyota Tundra that was traveling south on Broadway. First responders arrived to the scene and both drivers/passengers were injured.The Jeep Cherokee driver had a one-year child passenger that needed medical attention after the accident. The child was transported to Salina Regional Health Center and was then taken to a hospital in Kansas City, due to the severity of the injuries.Salina Police are actively the investigating the accident.

One-year old taken to the hospital after a two-vehicle crash in Salina

A Salina woman received medical attention after falling out of a vehicle, when trying to get her phone back from a suspect who stole it.

According to the Salina Police Department on Friday, May 23rd a 26-year old female and a 26-year old male by the name of Brady Hawk, got into a domestic argument on 500 E. Ellsworth Ave.&nbsp;

During the argument, the woman reported that Hawk forcibly grabbed her phone from her hand. When she tried to get it back, Hawk left the house and got into his vehicle to drive away. As he was driving away with the windows down, the woman dove into the vehicle through the window with her body partially hanging out.

Hawk continued to drive further and the woman eventually fell off the vehicle. He then stopped and the woman was able to get her phone back without any restraint.&nbsp;

Afterwards, the woman called police about the incident and Hawk was still in the area when officers arrived. Hawk was then arrested for aggravated battery and robbery.

The woman received medical treatment for her injuries she suffered on her leg.

By: NICOLAS FIERROSalina PostA Salina woman received medical attention after falling out of a vehicle, when trying to get her phone back from a suspect who stole it.According to the Salina Police Department on Friday, May 23rd a 26-year old female and a 26-year old male by the name of Brady Hawk, got into a domestic argument on 500 E. Ellsworth Ave.&nbsp;During the argument, the woman reported that Hawk forcibly grabbed her phone from her hand. When she tried to get it back, Hawk left the house and got into his vehicle to drive away. As he was driving away with the windows down, the woman dove into the vehicle through the window with her body partially hanging out.Hawk continued to drive further and the woman eventually fell off the vehicle. He then stopped and the woman was able to get her phone back without any restraint.&nbsp;Afterwards, the woman called police about the incident and Hawk was still in the area when officers arrived. Hawk was then arrested for aggravated battery and robbery.The woman received medical treatment for her injuries she suffered on her leg.

Salina Police arrest male suspect after an argument led to a stolen phone and a woman needing medical attention

Salina Police are searching an unknown suspect(s) who stole items from a male victim's home.

According to the Salina Police Department on Sunday, May 25th at around 9:30 am a 27-year old male reported that their home was burglarized on 300 E. Jewell Ave. The man told police he was not currently staying at the house because the home was being renovated.

He stated that from Saturday, May 24th at 1:30 pm to Sunday at 9:00 am, items were stolen from his house. Those items included a DeWalt chop saw, Kobalt table saw, Kobalt sawzall, Kobalt multi-tool and a shower head.

During the investigation, officers determined there was no forced entry at the home. 

Loss of value was listed to be over $2,500.&nbsp;

By: NICOLAS FIERROSalina PostSalina Police are searching an unknown suspect(s) who stole items from a male victim's home.According to the Salina Police Department on Sunday, May 25th at around 9:30 am a 27-year old male reported that their home was burglarized on 300 E. Jewell Ave. The man told police he was not currently staying at the house because the home was being renovated.He stated that from Saturday, May 24th at 1:30 pm to Sunday at 9:00 am, items were stolen from his house. Those items included a DeWalt chop saw, Kobalt table saw, Kobalt sawzall, Kobalt multi-tool and a shower head.During the investigation, officers determined there was no forced entry at the home. Loss of value was listed to be over $2,500.&nbsp;

Salina Police investigating home burglary, suspects are not known 

Salina Police are actively searching for two known suspects who stole currency from a safe at a hotel.

According to the Salina Police Department on Sunday, May 25th an employee from the Comfort Inn &amp; Suites on 1949 N. 9th, reported that they discovered a safe that held cash and checks was burglarized.

Allegedly, the employee was completing their morning duties at around 6:00 am. When they went to an office area that contained the safe, they noticed the crime took place.

The amount stolen was undetermined, but the suspects are known to police. The gender of the suspects was not given.

By: NICOLAS FIERROSalina PostSalina Police are actively searching for two known suspects who stole currency from a safe at a hotel.According to the Salina Police Department on Sunday, May 25th an employee from the Comfort Inn &amp; Suites on 1949 N. 9th, reported that they discovered a safe that held cash and checks was burglarized.Allegedly, the employee was completing their morning duties at around 6:00 am. When they went to an office area that contained the safe, they noticed the crime took place.The amount stolen was undetermined, but the suspects are known to police. The gender of the suspects was not given.

Salina Police are searching for two suspects who stole currency from a hotel

Salina Police arrested a male suspect after inquiring about a woman's well-being.

According to the Salina Police Department on Saturday, May 24th at around 11:00 pm, a concerned individual called officers to conduct a welfare check for a woman that was sitting on the side of the road on Broadway and Franklin.

Upon arrival, police came in contact with a 39-year old female who stated she got into an argument with a 36-year old male by the name of Eric Strait, at a home on 900 Osage Ave.

The woman stated that during the argument, Strait grabbed her by the throat and physically harmed her as she received injuries to the side of her body. Damages were made around the house as well.

Afterwards, officers went to the home and located Strait inside. He was then arrested for the testimony of the woman and was charged with aggravated battery, domestic battery, criminal damage to property and violation of a protection order.

By: NICOLAS FIERROSalina PostSalina Police arrested a male suspect after inquiring about a woman's well-being.According to the Salina Police Department on Saturday, May 24th at around 11:00 pm, a concerned individual called officers to conduct a welfare check for a woman that was sitting on the side of the road on Broadway and Franklin.Upon arrival, police came in contact with a 39-year old female who stated she got into an argument with a 36-year old male by the name of Eric Strait, at a home on 900 Osage Ave.The woman stated that during the argument, Strait grabbed her by the throat and physically harmed her as she received injuries to the side of her body. Damages were made around the house as well.Afterwards, officers went to the home and located Strait inside. He was then arrested for the testimony of the woman and was charged with aggravated battery, domestic battery, criminal damage to property and violation of a protection order.

Welfare check leads to the arrest of a Salina man

This weekend to end the month of May, Relay for Life of Saline County will hold a fundraiser event for the battle of cancer.

On Saturday, May 31st Relay for Life is inviting the community for an unforgettable night full of&nbsp;live music, dance performances, food trucks, silent auction and most importantly, to raise funds for cancer patients. Saint Francis Ministries on&nbsp;110 W. Otis Ave.&nbsp;will be the location for event, starting at&nbsp;4:00 pm to 10:30 pm.

Relay for Life encourages all participants to raise funds, as the fundraiser's goal is $55,000 for the benefit of cancer patients.

According to Relay for Life, cancer continues to impact millions of lives each year. In 2025, more than 2 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer and over 618,000 will lose their lives. Relay For Life has raised nearly $7 billion since 1985, funding research, patient support and advocacy that lead to real, life-saving progress.&nbsp;Every dollar helps fund breakthroughs in treatment, supports families navigating cancer, fuels programs that bring care and resources to those who need them most.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595003480542.jpeg" alt="Relay for Life" />
 <figcaption>Relay for Life</figcaption>
 </figure>By: NICOLAS FIERROSalina PostThis weekend to end the month of May, Relay for Life of Saline County will hold a fundraiser event for the battle of cancer.On Saturday, May 31st Relay for Life is inviting the community for an unforgettable night full of&nbsp;live music, dance performances, food trucks, silent auction and most importantly, to raise funds for cancer patients. Saint Francis Ministries on&nbsp;110 W. Otis Ave.&nbsp;will be the location for event, starting at&nbsp;4:00 pm to 10:30 pm.Relay for Life encourages all participants to raise funds, as the fundraiser's goal is $55,000 for the benefit of cancer patients.According to Relay for Life, cancer continues to impact millions of lives each year. In 2025, more than 2 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer and over 618,000 will lose their lives. Relay For Life has raised nearly $7 billion since 1985, funding research, patient support and advocacy that lead to real, life-saving progress.&nbsp;Every dollar helps fund breakthroughs in treatment, supports families navigating cancer, fuels programs that bring care and resources to those who need them most.This event will highlight a special survivor celebration, a dessert bar for survivors and the heartfelt luminaria ceremony as well.For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://secure.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY25NOR?pg=entry&amp;fr_id=110077">https://secure.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY25NOR?pg=entry&amp;fr_id=110077</a>You can also contact&nbsp;Event Co-Lead, Jen Wicks at: (785) 452-5677 or email:&nbsp;<a href="http://salinecoteams@gmail.com">salinecoteams@gmail.com</a>