TOPEKA — Emergency loans are available to help Kansans who had losses from storms last spring.

Last week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency designated 13 counties as natural disaster areas due to severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding on May 19.

The counties are Barton, Ellsworth, Harvey, Hodgeman, Lincoln, Morris, Ottawa, Pawnee, Reno, Russell, Stafford, Wabaunsee, and Wyandotte.

In additionn, neighboring counties Butler, Chase, Clay, Cloud, Dickinson, Edwards, Ellis, Finney, Ford, Geary, Johnson, Kingman, Leavenworth, Lyon, McPherson, Marion, Mitchell, Ness, Osage, Osborne, Pottawatomie, Pratt, Riley, Saline, Sedgwick, and Shawnee.

Contiguous counties of Platte, Clay and Jackson in Missouri are also eligible.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The loans can be used to meet various recovery needs, like replacing essential items, including equipment or livestock, reorganizing a farming operation, or refinancing certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.

This Presidential disaster declaration allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/emergency-farm-loans/index">emergency loans</a>. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.&nbsp;

On farmers.gov, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.farmers.gov/node/28989">Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.farmers.gov/sites/default/files/2021-09/fsa-disasterassistance-at-a-glance-sept.-2021.pdf">Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://lat.fpac.usda.gov/">Loan Assistance Tool</a>&nbsp;can help you determine program or loan options. To file a Notice of Loss or to ask questions about available programs, contact your local&nbsp;<a href="https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator">&nbsp;USDA Service Center</a>.FEMA offers different assistance programs for individual citizens, public groups including government agencies and private nonprofit organizations.&nbsp; To find the FEMA help you need following a disaster event, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/assistance">fema.gov/assistance</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732376315753.png" alt="Photo National Weather Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo National Weather Service</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Emergency loans are available to help Kansans who had losses from storms last spring.Last week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency designated 13 counties as natural disaster areas due to severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding on May 19.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732376290270.png" alt="Photo city of Russell" />
 <figcaption>Photo city of Russell</figcaption>
 </figure>The counties are Barton, Ellsworth, Harvey, Hodgeman, Lincoln, Morris, Ottawa, Pawnee, Reno, Russell, Stafford, Wabaunsee, and Wyandotte.In additionn, neighboring counties Butler, Chase, Clay, Cloud, Dickinson, Edwards, Ellis, Finney, Ford, Geary, Johnson, Kingman, Leavenworth, Lyon, McPherson, Marion, Mitchell, Ness, Osage, Osborne, Pottawatomie, Pratt, Riley, Saline, Sedgwick, and Shawnee.Contiguous counties of Platte, Clay and Jackson in Missouri are also eligible.&nbsp; &nbsp;The loans can be used to meet various recovery needs, like replacing essential items, including equipment or livestock, reorganizing a farming operation, or refinancing certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.This Presidential disaster declaration allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/emergency-farm-loans/index">emergency loans</a>. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.&nbsp;The deadline to apply is April 21, 2025.On farmers.gov, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.farmers.gov/node/28989">Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.farmers.gov/sites/default/files/2021-09/fsa-disasterassistance-at-a-glance-sept.-2021.pdf">Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://lat.fpac.usda.gov/">Loan Assistance Tool</a>&nbsp;can help you determine program or loan options. To file a Notice of Loss or to ask questions about available programs, contact your local&nbsp;<a href="https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator">&nbsp;USDA Service Center</a>.FEMA offers different assistance programs for individual citizens, public groups including government agencies and private nonprofit organizations.&nbsp; To find the FEMA help you need following a disaster event, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/assistance">fema.gov/assistance</a>.

FEMA designates 13 counties in Kansas as disaster areas

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/11/21/rural-kansas-needs-thousands-of-homes-per-year-to-address-shortage-lawmakers-hear/?emci=4131d139-84a8-ef11-88d0-6045bdd62db6&amp;emdi=6ca5279b-b8a8-ef11-88d0-6045bdd62db6&amp;ceid=115039">By ANNA KAMINSKI</a> Kansas Reflector

TOPEKA — Rural Kansas needs around 4,000 new homes per year to meet a growing population’s housing needs and address the state’s housing crisis.&nbsp;

From legislation enabling zoning reform at the local level to boosted tax credits for developers, Kansas legislators heard about a myriad of options this week to increase the state’s housing supply.&nbsp;

A major focus for state lawmakers is finding ways to increase the availability of affordable housing because a majority of low-income Kansans and about 27% of all Kansas residents are spending more than 30% of their income on housing costs such as rent payments, mortgages and utilities.

Erin Beckerman with Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, which administers housing-related programs for the state, told legislators Tuesday that an estimated 3,800-4,800 homes need to be built each year in rural Kansas to meet demand. That’s based on a 2021 statewide housing needs analysis, but it doesn’t include metro areas.

Topeka conducted its own analysis, which found it needed about 720 new homes annually, which includes affordable and workforce housing along with market-rate and special housing types. About 8,200 new housing units were&nbsp;<a href="https://ksdata.ku.edu/sdc/region.php?area=Kansas&amp;tab=2#HOUSE" target="_blank">created</a>&nbsp;in Kansas in 2023, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.&nbsp;

Federal funding sources, which are administered through the corporation, only stretch so far in Kansas. At the same time, relatively new state programs are filling gaps. They include housing investor tax credits, affordable housing tax credits and Reinvestment Housing Incentive Districts, which helps fund public infrastructure improvements through developers.

Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Stilwell Republican and chair of the 2024 special committee on available and affordable housing, said legislators have taken significant steps to address housing affordability and availability.&nbsp;

“We’ve got to be cognizant of the programs that we currently have before we start piling on new programs, and we got to make sure the ones we have work also,” he said Tuesday.

Analysts nationwide point to a lack of affordable and available homes as cause for the housing crisis across the country, and, according to Stan Longhofer, professor and founding director of Wichita State University’s Center for Real Estate, that lack is largely the result of a steady and prolonged decline in home construction after the 2008 financial crisis. Developers, too, have been plagued by rising construction costs, permitting delays and shifting markets.

Longhofer predicted a worsening of the housing crisis because of what wasn’t built in the 2010s, he told legislators Tuesday. Less housing is available to Kansans now than before the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

Jamie Sauder, the 2025 president of the Kansas Association of Realtors and an Emporia city commissioner, on Tuesday proposed that legislators reexamine a state statute that he said prevented an earlier effort from Emporia and Lyon County to change their zoning laws.

To Sauder, modifying&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch12/012_007_0053.html#:~:text=12%2D753.,manner%20provided%20by%20this%20act." target="_blank">a piece of a state law</a>&nbsp;that ties property use to zoning could have great effect.

Emporia needs about 250 new homes to be built annually to address the area’s housing needs, but the reality has turned out to be about 13 new units annually.&nbsp;

“What we’ve seen in rural areas is an erosion of profitability, and when you don’t have profitability, you’re not going to have development,” he said.

Emporia’s initial goal was to shift from a Euclidean zoning model, a customary type of zoning in the United States and one that typically ties one land use, such as single family residential development, to a single zone. It wanted to adopt form-based zoning codes, which regulate land development based on appearance instead of property use. Such a move could free up local governments to streamline and simplify land use, Sauder said.&nbsp; In turn, building housing, particularly in rural areas, can be approached differently.&nbsp;

Legislators ultimately agreed to take a look at state laws on the books that may restrict local governments’ ability to change their own zoning laws.

“What I would suggest is if there are things that we have in statute at the state level that make it difficult for local municipalities to have the flexibility regarding their zoning laws that we take a look at those,” said Sen. Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican, on Wednesday.

Sen. Tim Shallenburger, a Republican from Baxter Springs near the borders of Oklahoma and Missouri, voiced concerns over builders who aren’t attracted to build in small towns like his own. Small-town workers are forced to live outside of their communities because developers favor building in more profitable and populated areas, he said.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Shallenburger proposed to recommend to the 2025 legislature an idea from the city of Pittsburgh to allow homebuilders in cities smaller than 60,000 people to recoup certain costs from a single project through the increase in value that development spurs. It was met with unanimous agreement.

Legislators also recommended reviewing state law to examine barriers to local solutions to affordable housing, examining permit processes and exploring an appraisal process for community land trusts, which are nonprofits that can hold land and facilitate affordable housing development. Some attempted to recommend eviction law reforms and a review of the state’s Landlord Tenant Act, but they were met with pushback, particularly from Tarwater, who said he is a landlord. He warned that any addition of mandatory inspections wouldn’t be likely to reduce rental costs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732288789413.jpeg" alt="Rep. Sean Tarwater, R-Stilwell, is the chairman of the 2024 special committee on available and affordable housing, which met Nov. 20, 2024.&nbsp; Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Sean Tarwater, R-Stilwell, is the chairman of the 2024 special committee on available and affordable housing, which met Nov. 20, 2024.&nbsp; Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/11/21/rural-kansas-needs-thousands-of-homes-per-year-to-address-shortage-lawmakers-hear/?emci=4131d139-84a8-ef11-88d0-6045bdd62db6&amp;emdi=6ca5279b-b8a8-ef11-88d0-6045bdd62db6&amp;ceid=115039">By ANNA KAMINSKI</a> Kansas ReflectorTOPEKA — Rural Kansas needs around 4,000 new homes per year to meet a growing population’s housing needs and address the state’s housing crisis.&nbsp;From legislation enabling zoning reform at the local level to boosted tax credits for developers, Kansas legislators heard about a myriad of options this week to increase the state’s housing supply.&nbsp;A major focus for state lawmakers is finding ways to increase the availability of affordable housing because a majority of low-income Kansans and about 27% of all Kansas residents are spending more than 30% of their income on housing costs such as rent payments, mortgages and utilities.Erin Beckerman with Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, which administers housing-related programs for the state, told legislators Tuesday that an estimated 3,800-4,800 homes need to be built each year in rural Kansas to meet demand. That’s based on a 2021 statewide housing needs analysis, but it doesn’t include metro areas.Topeka conducted its own analysis, which found it needed about 720 new homes annually, which includes affordable and workforce housing along with market-rate and special housing types. About 8,200 new housing units were&nbsp;<a href="https://ksdata.ku.edu/sdc/region.php?area=Kansas&amp;tab=2#HOUSE" target="_blank">created</a>&nbsp;in Kansas in 2023, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.&nbsp;Federal funding sources, which are administered through the corporation, only stretch so far in Kansas. At the same time, relatively new state programs are filling gaps. They include housing investor tax credits, affordable housing tax credits and Reinvestment Housing Incentive Districts, which helps fund public infrastructure improvements through developers.Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Stilwell Republican and chair of the 2024 special committee on available and affordable housing, said legislators have taken significant steps to address housing affordability and availability.&nbsp;“We’ve got to be cognizant of the programs that we currently have before we start piling on new programs, and we got to make sure the ones we have work also,” he said Tuesday.Analysts nationwide point to a lack of affordable and available homes as cause for the housing crisis across the country, and, according to Stan Longhofer, professor and founding director of Wichita State University’s Center for Real Estate, that lack is largely the result of a steady and prolonged decline in home construction after the 2008 financial crisis. Developers, too, have been plagued by rising construction costs, permitting delays and shifting markets.Longhofer predicted a worsening of the housing crisis because of what wasn’t built in the 2010s, he told legislators Tuesday. Less housing is available to Kansans now than before the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.<h2>Rethinking paths to housing development</h2>Jamie Sauder, the 2025 president of the Kansas Association of Realtors and an Emporia city commissioner, on Tuesday proposed that legislators reexamine a state statute that he said prevented an earlier effort from Emporia and Lyon County to change their zoning laws.To Sauder, modifying&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch12/012_007_0053.html#:~:text=12%2D753.,manner%20provided%20by%20this%20act." target="_blank">a piece of a state law</a>&nbsp;that ties property use to zoning could have great effect.Emporia needs about 250 new homes to be built annually to address the area’s housing needs, but the reality has turned out to be about 13 new units annually.&nbsp;“What we’ve seen in rural areas is an erosion of profitability, and when you don’t have profitability, you’re not going to have development,” he said.Emporia’s initial goal was to shift from a Euclidean zoning model, a customary type of zoning in the United States and one that typically ties one land use, such as single family residential development, to a single zone. It wanted to adopt form-based zoning codes, which regulate land development based on appearance instead of property use. Such a move could free up local governments to streamline and simplify land use, Sauder said.&nbsp; In turn, building housing, particularly in rural areas, can be approached differently.&nbsp;Legislators ultimately agreed to take a look at state laws on the books that may restrict local governments’ ability to change their own zoning laws.“What I would suggest is if there are things that we have in statute at the state level that make it difficult for local municipalities to have the flexibility regarding their zoning laws that we take a look at those,” said Sen. Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican, on Wednesday.Sen. Tim Shallenburger, a Republican from Baxter Springs near the borders of Oklahoma and Missouri, voiced concerns over builders who aren’t attracted to build in small towns like his own. Small-town workers are forced to live outside of their communities because developers favor building in more profitable and populated areas, he said.&nbsp;On Wednesday, Shallenburger proposed to recommend to the 2025 legislature an idea from the city of Pittsburgh to allow homebuilders in cities smaller than 60,000 people to recoup certain costs from a single project through the increase in value that development spurs. It was met with unanimous agreement.Legislators also recommended reviewing state law to examine barriers to local solutions to affordable housing, examining permit processes and exploring an appraisal process for community land trusts, which are nonprofits that can hold land and facilitate affordable housing development. Some attempted to recommend eviction law reforms and a review of the state’s Landlord Tenant Act, but they were met with pushback, particularly from Tarwater, who said he is a landlord. He warned that any addition of mandatory inspections wouldn’t be likely to reduce rental costs.

Rural Kansas needs thousands of homes per year to address shortage, lawmakers hear

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Agg Battery; Unknown Circumstance

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body and Poss of marijuana

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732495146710.png" alt="Dean, Chelsey Renee" />
 <figcaption>Dean, Chelsey Renee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Dean, Chelsey ReneeREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732495199305.png" alt=" Denham, Erica Beth" />
 <figcaption> Denham, Erica Beth</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Denham, Erica BethREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732495246391.png" alt="Guzman, Diego" />
 <figcaption>Guzman, Diego</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Guzman, DiegoREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Agg Battery; Unknown Circumstance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732495286990.png" alt="Nichols, William Ashton" />
 <figcaption>Nichols, William Ashton</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Nichols, William AshtonREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body and Poss of marijuana

Saline County Jail Bookings, Nov. 24

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

If ever there had been a night for Southeast of Saline to lose a football game, this was it.

Yet despite suffering self-inflicted wounds, late-game adversity, and virtually insurmountable odds inside the closing minutes, the Trojans steeled their resolve and battled back to knock off Beloit on a walk-off game winner 34-30.

After building an early 14-6 lead things fell apart fast for SES, who allowed Beloit to march down and cut the deficit to two just before the halftime break.

Things did not improve in the third quarter as Evan Watkins had a punt blocked inside his own end zone on Southeast’s first drive, setting Beloit up for a Joel Rexroat touchdown run to take an 18-14 lead.

The two teams traded turnovers, but Beloit handed the ball back to Rexroat on the first play of their ensuing drive, and the tailback took it 76 yards to the house to extend the lead to 24-14.

For many teams, that would have been a knockout blow, but Southeast was far from finished, as Gannon Jacobson delivered a 33-yard beauty to Tucker Thaxton to put the game back within reach.

An SES stop to start the fourth quarter gave the ball back to the Trojans in purple and white, and on the very next play, Southeast responded on a screen play that Grady Gebhardt took 80 yards to paydirt to restore a 28-24 lead to SES.

While Southeast celebrated, those watching and on both sidelines knew this contes was still far from finished.

From the Southeast 42-yard line, Beloit flexed their muscle through the air as Jaxon Weston linked up with Jacob Hand on a deep ball to force yet another lead change and put Beloit in front 30-28.

SES was forced to punt but stood tall defensively and returned their offense to the field for one last 2:00 drill with a chance to win the game in the closing minutes.

Instead, Ryker Clark picked off Gannon Jacobson for his fourth interception of the season to line the nails around the SES coffin.

Understanding that a first down would spell the end of their season, Southeast once again stood tall, stopping Beloit on three straight plays, using their final two timeouts, and forcing Beloit to punt one final time with 53 seconds remaining.

The final drive would require 80 yards in under a minute, but a completion to Evan Watkins, a scramble by Gannon Jacobson, and another completion to Kanyon Douglas for his first catch of the day put the Trojans at the 25-yard line.

With time for just one last play, Jacobson took the snap, stepped up in the pocket, and delivered a ball to the front corner of the end zone that fell right into the lap of a streaking Kanyon Douglas.

As the Trojan players and coaches rushed the field to celebrate the realization began to set in; for just the second time in program history, the Southeast of Saline Trojans will be playing for a state title.

“This is the way our kids are, they’re going to keep fighting and clawing. Could we have made some plays in the first half that would have made this easier? Sure, but our kids kept digging and even exhausted our guys found a way to get it done.”

The final hurdle will be a steep one in the form of the two-time defending state champion Nemaha Central Thunder (11-1), but with the wind of this win in their sails, Southeast of Saline will be amped and ready to come for the kings next Friday.

To watch the full broadcast of tonight’s game, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/n55bNFEtdI4">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732338906757.jpeg" alt="Southeast of Saline poses with their sub-state trophy after walking off the Beloit Trojans. Photo Courtesy of Tanner Colvin." />
 <figcaption>Southeast of Saline poses with their sub-state trophy after walking off the Beloit Trojans. Photo Courtesy of Tanner Colvin.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostIf ever there had been a night for Southeast of Saline to lose a football game, this was it.Yet despite suffering self-inflicted wounds, late-game adversity, and virtually insurmountable odds inside the closing minutes, the Trojans steeled their resolve and battled back to knock off Beloit on a walk-off game winner 34-30.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>After building an early 14-6 lead things fell apart fast for SES, who allowed Beloit to march down and cut the deficit to two just before the halftime break.Things did not improve in the third quarter as Evan Watkins had a punt blocked inside his own end zone on Southeast’s first drive, setting Beloit up for a Joel Rexroat touchdown run to take an 18-14 lead.The two teams traded turnovers, but Beloit handed the ball back to Rexroat on the first play of their ensuing drive, and the tailback took it 76 yards to the house to extend the lead to 24-14.For many teams, that would have been a knockout blow, but Southeast was far from finished, as Gannon Jacobson delivered a 33-yard beauty to Tucker Thaxton to put the game back within reach.An SES stop to start the fourth quarter gave the ball back to the Trojans in purple and white, and on the very next play, Southeast responded on a screen play that Grady Gebhardt took 80 yards to paydirt to restore a 28-24 lead to SES.While Southeast celebrated, those watching and on both sidelines knew this contes was still far from finished.From the Southeast 42-yard line, Beloit flexed their muscle through the air as Jaxon Weston linked up with Jacob Hand on a deep ball to force yet another lead change and put Beloit in front 30-28.SES was forced to punt but stood tall defensively and returned their offense to the field for one last 2:00 drill with a chance to win the game in the closing minutes.Instead, Ryker Clark picked off Gannon Jacobson for his fourth interception of the season to line the nails around the SES coffin.Understanding that a first down would spell the end of their season, Southeast once again stood tall, stopping Beloit on three straight plays, using their final two timeouts, and forcing Beloit to punt one final time with 53 seconds remaining.The final drive would require 80 yards in under a minute, but a completion to Evan Watkins, a scramble by Gannon Jacobson, and another completion to Kanyon Douglas for his first catch of the day put the Trojans at the 25-yard line.With time for just one last play, Jacobson took the snap, stepped up in the pocket, and delivered a ball to the front corner of the end zone that fell right into the lap of a streaking Kanyon Douglas.Ballgame.As the Trojan players and coaches rushed the field to celebrate the realization began to set in; for just the second time in program history, the Southeast of Saline Trojans will be playing for a state title.“This is the way our kids are, they’re going to keep fighting and clawing. Could we have made some plays in the first half that would have made this easier? Sure, but our kids kept digging and even exhausted our guys found a way to get it done.”The final hurdle will be a steep one in the form of the two-time defending state champion Nemaha Central Thunder (11-1), but with the wind of this win in their sails, Southeast of Saline will be amped and ready to come for the kings next Friday.To watch the full broadcast of tonight’s game, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/n55bNFEtdI4">HERE</a>.Photo courtesy of Tanner Colvin.

Southeast walks off Beloit to complete thrilling semifinal comeback

Austin Leroy Calp was arrested on Friday evening and booked into the Saline County Jail. The Saline County Sheriff Office issued a special 'Most Wanted Notice" for Calp for multiple counts of burglary and theft.

Requested charges for Calp include:&nbsp;

Burglary; Non-dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crime

Crim damage to prop;injure/defraud &lt;$1K

Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500

Theft of prop/services;Value $25,000 to $100,000

Salina Post will update this story as new information becomes available.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732372117981.jpeg" alt="Calp,Austin Leroy" />
 <figcaption>Calp,Austin Leroy</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTAustin Leroy Calp was arrested on Friday evening and booked into the Saline County Jail. The Saline County Sheriff Office issued a special 'Most Wanted Notice" for Calp for multiple counts of burglary and theft.Requested charges for Calp include:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hitProbation ViolationFailure to appearBurglary; Non-dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crimeCrim damage to prop;injure/defraud &lt;$1KTheft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500Theft of prop/services;Value $25,000 to $100,000Salina Post will update this story as new information becomes available.&nbsp;

Calp found, booked into Saline County Jail

NAME:&nbsp;Bouck,Gary Keith REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Burross,Michael Lee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;

NAME:&nbsp;Calp,Austin Leroy REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;

Theft of prop/services;Value over $100,000

NAME:&nbsp;Greene,Anthony Daniel REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;McClure,Heather Ann REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;

Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

NAME:&nbsp;McMillian,Jahlen Patrick REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Montgomery,Zia Connie Moeshae REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

NAME:&nbsp;Peterson,Michael Gale REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;

NAME:&nbsp;Rutz,Michelle Renee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Ryals,David Dwayne REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity

NAME:&nbsp;Shoemake,Darrell Lee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500&nbsp;

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732372098385.jpeg" alt="Bouck,Gary Keith" />
 <figcaption>Bouck,Gary Keith</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Bouck,Gary Keith REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732372108597.jpeg" alt="Burross,Michael Lee" />
 <figcaption>Burross,Michael Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Burross,Michael Lee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Failure to appearFailure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732372117981.jpeg" alt="Calp,Austin Leroy" />
 <figcaption>Calp,Austin Leroy</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Calp,Austin Leroy REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hitProbation ViolationFailure to appearBurglary; Non-dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crimeCrim damage to prop;injure/defraud &lt;$1KTheft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500Theft of prop/services;Value $25,000 to $100,000Theft of prop/services;Value over $100,000<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732372129294.jpeg" alt="Greene,Anthony Daniel" />
 <figcaption>Greene,Anthony Daniel</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Greene,Anthony Daniel REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732372148813.jpeg" alt="McClure,Heather Ann" />
 <figcaption>McClure,Heather Ann</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;McClure,Heather Ann REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by ownerOutside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732372159260.jpeg" alt="McMillian,Jahlen Patrick" />
 <figcaption>McMillian,Jahlen Patrick</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;McMillian,Jahlen Patrick REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732372168925.jpeg" alt="Montgomery,Zia Connie Moeshae" />
 <figcaption>Montgomery,Zia Connie Moeshae</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Montgomery,Zia Connie Moeshae REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732372183766.jpeg" alt="Peterson,Michael Gale" />
 <figcaption>Peterson,Michael Gale</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Peterson,Michael Gale REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hitFailure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732372196270.jpeg" alt="Rutz,Michelle Renee" />
 <figcaption>Rutz,Michelle Renee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Rutz,Michelle Renee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732372325368.jpeg" alt="Ryals,David Dwayne" />
 <figcaption>Ryals,David Dwayne</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Ryals,David Dwayne REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732372361991.jpeg" alt="Shoemake,Darrell Lee" />
 <figcaption>Shoemake,Darrell Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Shoemake,Darrell Lee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500&nbsp;

Saline County Jail Bookings, Nov. 23

By JOHNNIE KELLER Salina Resident

Recently, I walked around one of the state's Technical College’s and I have noticed an increase in hostility towards people who hold conservative values on our campuses.&nbsp; Educators, even outside the classrooms, are not allowed to express their political opinions if the opinion is different from the leadership of that institution.&nbsp; In 2023, while teaching as an adjunct at a Kansas Community College, I saw where the student-led school paper always slanted to the left on the opinion page.&nbsp; I tried to get an answer as to why and was told that it's an opinion page and facts don’t matter.&nbsp;

One of the student writers openly attacked Jews and Christians in the paper, and I expressed my concerns to no avail.&nbsp; Eventually, a courageous student wrote an opposition opinion and expressed his faith and beliefs, which were based on Christianity.&nbsp; He was attacked and shamed for his opinion.&nbsp; I wrote him a letter and told him not to waver his beliefs and opinions.&nbsp; I told him not to cave in, just to fit in and that this was the whole problem in education, especially higher education.&nbsp; With tax dollars (both state and federal) providing much of the funding to schools, it is a direct violation of the First Amendment of our State and Federal Constitutions to restrict or attack freedom of speech and religion.&nbsp;

After all of this, I expressed my disgust and complained to my superior about this.&nbsp; I was surprised by his response, and I will paraphrase what he said: 

“You have three choices: One – fight it and get nowhere two - just move on to get along; three - you can leave.”&nbsp;

I was then asked to be an adjunct at a Kansas Technical College and accepted a part-time job (for something to do in retirement).&nbsp; This past fall, especially this last election cycle I noticed that the institution had “Go Vote” cards and flyers all over the school.&nbsp; At first, this looked like a great way to motivate students to vote.&nbsp; I took the information home, researched the information provided, and found that this was a left-leaning organization.&nbsp; There was not one bit of information that presented an opposing point of view, which would have provided information that allowed the voter to decide.

One day, while I was on campus and not teaching, I spoke with some of my students on break, and in our discussion, I stated my opinion on a presidential candidate.&nbsp; I then moved on to our conversation, which was not about politics.&nbsp; Within 10 minutes, my supervisor showed up and told me that I couldn’t talk about it, and I pointed out that there weren’t any opposing points of view or facts anywhere on the campus.&nbsp; I was then told again that I couldn’t talk about it.&nbsp; I informed my (former) supervisor that it violated my First Amendment rights, and I will not be quiet about this. I then went to the lab and informed one of the other teachers that my resignation would be forthcoming, and I quit working there.&nbsp;

I had the right to speak and the knowledge to speak with facts, and I was in a position where leaving wasn’t a big deal.&nbsp; Unfortunately, students don’t have that option, yet institutions take federal and state taxpayer money for their schools.&nbsp; Yet, these same schools promote agendas even if they are under most people's radar.&nbsp; Open hostility is rising in our country against people of opposing positions or opinions, which needs to be addressed.&nbsp; It is time for our federal and state legislators to look into our schools and take back our tax dollars if schools are pushing political agendas.&nbsp; If all sides are not recognized and equally represented, we, parents and taxpayers, need to withhold money from those schools.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHNNIE KELLER Salina ResidentRecently, I walked around one of the state's Technical College’s and I have noticed an increase in hostility towards people who hold conservative values on our campuses.&nbsp; Educators, even outside the classrooms, are not allowed to express their political opinions if the opinion is different from the leadership of that institution.&nbsp; In 2023, while teaching as an adjunct at a Kansas Community College, I saw where the student-led school paper always slanted to the left on the opinion page.&nbsp; I tried to get an answer as to why and was told that it's an opinion page and facts don’t matter.&nbsp;One of the student writers openly attacked Jews and Christians in the paper, and I expressed my concerns to no avail.&nbsp; Eventually, a courageous student wrote an opposition opinion and expressed his faith and beliefs, which were based on Christianity.&nbsp; He was attacked and shamed for his opinion.&nbsp; I wrote him a letter and told him not to waver his beliefs and opinions.&nbsp; I told him not to cave in, just to fit in and that this was the whole problem in education, especially higher education.&nbsp; With tax dollars (both state and federal) providing much of the funding to schools, it is a direct violation of the First Amendment of our State and Federal Constitutions to restrict or attack freedom of speech and religion.&nbsp;After all of this, I expressed my disgust and complained to my superior about this.&nbsp; I was surprised by his response, and I will paraphrase what he said: “You have three choices: One – fight it and get nowhere two - just move on to get along; three - you can leave.”&nbsp; I chose to leave.&nbsp; I was then asked to be an adjunct at a Kansas Technical College and accepted a part-time job (for something to do in retirement).&nbsp; This past fall, especially this last election cycle I noticed that the institution had “Go Vote” cards and flyers all over the school.&nbsp; At first, this looked like a great way to motivate students to vote.&nbsp; I took the information home, researched the information provided, and found that this was a left-leaning organization.&nbsp; There was not one bit of information that presented an opposing point of view, which would have provided information that allowed the voter to decide.One day, while I was on campus and not teaching, I spoke with some of my students on break, and in our discussion, I stated my opinion on a presidential candidate.&nbsp; I then moved on to our conversation, which was not about politics.&nbsp; Within 10 minutes, my supervisor showed up and told me that I couldn’t talk about it, and I pointed out that there weren’t any opposing points of view or facts anywhere on the campus.&nbsp; I was then told again that I couldn’t talk about it.&nbsp; I informed my (former) supervisor that it violated my First Amendment rights, and I will not be quiet about this. I then went to the lab and informed one of the other teachers that my resignation would be forthcoming, and I quit working there.&nbsp;I had the right to speak and the knowledge to speak with facts, and I was in a position where leaving wasn’t a big deal.&nbsp; Unfortunately, students don’t have that option, yet institutions take federal and state taxpayer money for their schools.&nbsp; Yet, these same schools promote agendas even if they are under most people's radar.&nbsp; Open hostility is rising in our country against people of opposing positions or opinions, which needs to be addressed.&nbsp; It is time for our federal and state legislators to look into our schools and take back our tax dollars if schools are pushing political agendas.&nbsp; If all sides are not recognized and equally represented, we, parents and taxpayers, need to withhold money from those schools.

OPINION: Freedom of speech in schools

DICKINSON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Friday in Dickinson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Freightliner semi hauling two trailer and driven by Troy D.&nbsp;Hilsdon, 56, Blue Springs, Missouri, was&nbsp;was eastbound on Interstate 70 two miles west of Abilene.

The semi traveled off the right shoulder into the south ditch and rolled onto&nbsp; its top. EMS transported&nbsp;Hilsdon to the hospital in Abilene. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

DICKINSON COUNTY —Traffic is backed up for drivers traveling eastbound on Interstate 70 in Dickson County.

A semi was involved in an accident and the vehicle was on the south side of the Interstate.&nbsp; The KHP has not reported any injuries as of 6:15p.m. Friday.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732321290380.png" alt="Image KanDrive" />
 <figcaption>Image KanDrive</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Friday in Dickinson County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Freightliner semi hauling two trailer and driven by Troy D.&nbsp;Hilsdon, 56, Blue Springs, Missouri, was&nbsp;was eastbound on Interstate 70 two miles west of Abilene.The semi traveled off the right shoulder into the south ditch and rolled onto&nbsp; its top. EMS transported&nbsp;Hilsdon to the hospital in Abilene. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.------------------DICKINSON COUNTY —Traffic is backed up for drivers traveling eastbound on Interstate 70 in Dickson County.A semi was involved in an accident and the vehicle was on the south side of the Interstate.&nbsp; The KHP has not reported any injuries as of 6:15p.m. Friday.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Driver hospitalized after semi overturns on Interstate 70

Just four teams remain in every classification of high school football across the state of Kansas and this week, Tyler and Devin broke each of the final four matchups down, taking a look at games in all classes from 6A to 6-Man.

We also preview a busy weekend for Kansas Wesleyan, and break down a rematch between SES and Beloit in Class 2A.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4T7NS3rd1qY"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Just four teams remain in every classification of high school football across the state of Kansas and this week, Tyler and Devin broke each of the final four matchups down, taking a look at games in all classes from 6A to 6-Man.We also preview a busy weekend for Kansas Wesleyan, and break down a rematch between SES and Beloit in Class 2A.

Salina Post Sports Friday Night Preview: State Semifinal Round

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with former legislator, realtor, and Real Men Real Leaders executive director Reynaldo Mesa.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iN_WCBzYk-w?si=ZieSXJsrkZlPaifk" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with former legislator, realtor, and Real Men Real Leaders executive director Reynaldo Mesa.

🎤Forward Ever: Reynaldo Mesa, Real Men Real Leaders

Abilene's new Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites opened its doors Thursday evening, offering travelers a modern and convenient place to stay along Kansas I-70. 

The four-story, 65-room property located at&nbsp;103 East Lafayette Avenue in Abilene, Kansas

 features a 400-square-foot meeting space ideal for small to medium-sized groups, along with amenities like an indoor pool and fitness center.

“We are thrilled to bring this property to Abilene and its visitors,” said Anjan Ghosh Hajra, property owner. “We appreciate everyone’s patience during the construction delays and are confident travelers will love the finished hotel.”

This marks the Ghosh Hajra family’s second investment in Abilene. Their original Holiday Inn Express, built in 2000, is being rebranded as<a href="https://www.choicehotels.com/kansas/abilene/choice-hotels/ks250"> Abilene Inn &amp; Suites</a>, a Choice Hotels property.

“Abilene’s businesses, attractions, and visitors are grateful for the continued investment the Ghosh Hajra family has made in our community,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau. “The new Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites is a five-star property and now the nicest and newest hotel on Kansas I-70.”

Travelers can book accommodations at both properties online, ensuring options for every type of stay in Abilene.

"Details about a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be shared soon, offering the community an opportunity to celebrate this exciting addition to Abilene," added Ghosh Hajra.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732301279423.jpeg" alt="Holiday Inn Express - Abilene, KS" />
 <figcaption>Holiday Inn Express - Abilene, KS</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedAbilene's new Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites opened its doors Thursday evening, offering travelers a modern and convenient place to stay along Kansas I-70. The four-story, 65-room property located at&nbsp;103 East Lafayette Avenue in Abilene, Kansas

 features a 400-square-foot meeting space ideal for small to medium-sized groups, along with amenities like an indoor pool and fitness center.“We are thrilled to bring this property to Abilene and its visitors,” said Anjan Ghosh Hajra, property owner. “We appreciate everyone’s patience during the construction delays and are confident travelers will love the finished hotel.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732301318770.jpeg" alt="The lobby of the&nbsp; new hotel at 103 East Lafayette Avenue in Abilene, Kansas

" />
 <figcaption>The lobby of the&nbsp; new hotel at 103 East Lafayette Avenue in Abilene, Kansas

</figcaption>
 </figure>This marks the Ghosh Hajra family’s second investment in Abilene. Their original Holiday Inn Express, built in 2000, is being rebranded as<a href="https://www.choicehotels.com/kansas/abilene/choice-hotels/ks250"> Abilene Inn &amp; Suites</a>, a Choice Hotels property.“Abilene’s businesses, attractions, and visitors are grateful for the continued investment the Ghosh Hajra family has made in our community,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau. “The new Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites is a five-star property and now the nicest and newest hotel on Kansas I-70.”Travelers can book accommodations at both properties online, ensuring options for every type of stay in Abilene."Details about a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be shared soon, offering the community an opportunity to celebrate this exciting addition to Abilene," added Ghosh Hajra.

Abilene welcomes new Holiday Inn Express & Suites, former property rebranded

Governor Laura Kelly, joined by Kansas Secretary of Labor Amber Shultz, announced on Friday the launch of the Kansas Department of Labor’s (KDOL) new online system for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. The system is available through&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fkansasui.gov%2F/1/01010193550e4eca-bed262f0-f010-4d84-aeb6-29223a6be783-000000/WaWg8qx_6PkebA4cXzqo746Kd_sDN8bpeJrIeURfINI=380">KansasUI.gov</a>.

Governor Kelly prioritized enhancing KDOL’s outdated unemployment system and emphasized the need for a comprehensive upgrade to improve performance and reliability.

“The upgrade is the culmination of a three-year project to modernize our state’s UI system,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “The new system will transform the experience of Kansans who need UI benefits as well as the employers and state agencies who use the system. I commend KDOL for working through this process to improve service for all Kansans.”

Established in the late 1970s, the system has struggled to keep pace with the advances in modern technology and the demand for services. Because of its age, issues have included slow processing times, frequent technical glitches, and difficulties handling high claims volumes. These problems led to delays in benefits and frustration among claimants. These challenges were made even more significant during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansans applying for unemployment benefits will notice that the upgraded system uses easy-to-understand language and a modern interface. The system also offers more robust self-service options so claimants can file online and at their own pace, decreasing their need to call the UI Contact Center. Employers will find enhanced reporting capabilities and an improved interface. Both claimants and employers will appreciate heightened security measures to decrease fraud.

The launch of the Unemployment Insurance Technology Enhancement (UITE) project is a win for Kansas because it demonstrates the state’s dedication to responsive and effective workforce support.

“Launching KansasUI.gov demonstrates KDOL’s commitment to providing superior services,”&nbsp;Kansas Secretary of Labor Amber Shultz said. “We know adapting to the new system will take a little time, but we are confident that users will have a good experience, and our team is ready to respond to issues quickly and continue to improve.” &nbsp;

KDOL communicated changes to Kansas employers and current claimants through its website, email, social media, mail, and the news media. The agency sent 9,000 emails to active claimants and employers, mailed 80,000 postcards to employers, and emailed state agencies and legislators about the upgrade and to educate them about how to assist Kansans who have questions about the process. Human resources staff from across the state also had the opportunity to join a webinar hosted by the agency to learn about the UITE.&nbsp;

Claimants must set up an account with the new system and can find FAQs, tutorial videos, and other resources at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dol.ks.gov%2Funemployment%2Foverview/1/01010193550e4eca-bed262f0-f010-4d84-aeb6-29223a6be783-000000/ii-RjgqjkOVk1yBzTagvYpng9wM5IiN2BaxaGVka7pY=380">dol.ks.gov/unemployment/overview</a>.

Shultz said efforts to ensure the best service for Kansans will be ongoing.

“We thank our partners at Tata Consultancy Services for their work in designing a vastly improved UI system for Kansas and helping us implement it in record time. We are also grateful to Governor Kelly and the Kansas Legislature for their support and, of course, to members of our KDOL team who have worked tirelessly to help implement and communicate the changes. However, we know our task isn’t complete because maintaining the efficiency and reliability of an updated system will require continued investment of time and resources,”&nbsp;Shultz said. “We are proud that the system is streamlined, more efficient, easier to use, and more secure. We look forward to more improvements in the coming months.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732299193450.jpeg" alt="Kansas Department of Labor Team with Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly. Photo Courtesy Office of the Governor." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Department of Labor Team with Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly. Photo Courtesy Office of the Governor.</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedGovernor Laura Kelly, joined by Kansas Secretary of Labor Amber Shultz, announced on Friday the launch of the Kansas Department of Labor’s (KDOL) new online system for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. The system is available through&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fkansasui.gov%2F/1/01010193550e4eca-bed262f0-f010-4d84-aeb6-29223a6be783-000000/WaWg8qx_6PkebA4cXzqo746Kd_sDN8bpeJrIeURfINI=380">KansasUI.gov</a>.Governor Kelly prioritized enhancing KDOL’s outdated unemployment system and emphasized the need for a comprehensive upgrade to improve performance and reliability.“The upgrade is the culmination of a three-year project to modernize our state’s UI system,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “The new system will transform the experience of Kansans who need UI benefits as well as the employers and state agencies who use the system. I commend KDOL for working through this process to improve service for all Kansans.”Established in the late 1970s, the system has struggled to keep pace with the advances in modern technology and the demand for services. Because of its age, issues have included slow processing times, frequent technical glitches, and difficulties handling high claims volumes. These problems led to delays in benefits and frustration among claimants. These challenges were made even more significant during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansans applying for unemployment benefits will notice that the upgraded system uses easy-to-understand language and a modern interface. The system also offers more robust self-service options so claimants can file online and at their own pace, decreasing their need to call the UI Contact Center. Employers will find enhanced reporting capabilities and an improved interface. Both claimants and employers will appreciate heightened security measures to decrease fraud.The launch of the Unemployment Insurance Technology Enhancement (UITE) project is a win for Kansas because it demonstrates the state’s dedication to responsive and effective workforce support.“Launching KansasUI.gov demonstrates KDOL’s commitment to providing superior services,”&nbsp;Kansas Secretary of Labor Amber Shultz said. “We know adapting to the new system will take a little time, but we are confident that users will have a good experience, and our team is ready to respond to issues quickly and continue to improve.” &nbsp;KDOL communicated changes to Kansas employers and current claimants through its website, email, social media, mail, and the news media. The agency sent 9,000 emails to active claimants and employers, mailed 80,000 postcards to employers, and emailed state agencies and legislators about the upgrade and to educate them about how to assist Kansans who have questions about the process. Human resources staff from across the state also had the opportunity to join a webinar hosted by the agency to learn about the UITE.&nbsp;Claimants must set up an account with the new system and can find FAQs, tutorial videos, and other resources at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dol.ks.gov%2Funemployment%2Foverview/1/01010193550e4eca-bed262f0-f010-4d84-aeb6-29223a6be783-000000/ii-RjgqjkOVk1yBzTagvYpng9wM5IiN2BaxaGVka7pY=380">dol.ks.gov/unemployment/overview</a>.Shultz said efforts to ensure the best service for Kansans will be ongoing.“We thank our partners at Tata Consultancy Services for their work in designing a vastly improved UI system for Kansas and helping us implement it in record time. We are also grateful to Governor Kelly and the Kansas Legislature for their support and, of course, to members of our KDOL team who have worked tirelessly to help implement and communicate the changes. However, we know our task isn’t complete because maintaining the efficiency and reliability of an updated system will require continued investment of time and resources,”&nbsp;Shultz said. “We are proud that the system is streamlined, more efficient, easier to use, and more secure. We look forward to more improvements in the coming months.”

Gov. Kelly announces launch of modernized unemployment benefits system

Between Monday afternoon, November 18, 2024 and Tuesday morning, November 19,2024, unknown suspect(s), gained entry to a residence under construction in the 2900 block of Malibu, Salina, Kansas. The suspect(s) then stole multiple tools from the job site.

The stolen tools included the following Milwaukee tools: a Milwaukee tool box, a drywall gun, a drywall cut tool, a nail gun and a sawzall. DeWalt tools were taken: a DeWalt tool bag, jig saw, circular saw, router and batteries. 

Also taken were a Metabo grinder, Bosch laser measurer, and Zircon stud finder. The total loss was valued at more than $2,500.

If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual 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, case 2024-34597.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593708592684.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Between Monday afternoon, November 18, 2024 and Tuesday morning, November 19,2024, unknown suspect(s), gained entry to a residence under construction in the 2900 block of Malibu, Salina, Kansas. The suspect(s) then stole multiple tools from the job site.The stolen tools included the following Milwaukee tools: a Milwaukee tool box, a drywall gun, a drywall cut tool, a nail gun and a sawzall. DeWalt tools were taken: a DeWalt tool bag, jig saw, circular saw, router and batteries. Also taken were a Metabo grinder, Bosch laser measurer, and Zircon stud finder. The total loss was valued at more than $2,500.If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual 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, case 2024-34597.

Stolen tools from construction site is this week's Crimestoppers

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant

NAME:&nbsp;Rivera-Santoyo,Asael Alejandro

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;DUI; 2nd conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+

Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm

Intimidation of witness/victim; Prevent reporting

Interfere w/ LEO; False report to obstruct

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732282223826.jpeg" alt=" Greer, Annie Laura Love" />
 <figcaption> Greer, Annie Laura Love</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Greer, Annie Laura LoveREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation ViolationFailure to appearInterfere w/ LEO; unknown circumstance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732282293723.jpeg" alt=" Klubben,Miranda Sue" />
 <figcaption> Klubben,Miranda Sue</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Klubben,Miranda SueREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732282332969.jpeg" alt=" Perdue,Michael Eugene" />
 <figcaption> Perdue,Michael Eugene</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Perdue,Michael EugeneREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation ViolationInterf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrantOperate a MV w/o a valid license<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732282397259.jpeg" alt=" Rivera-Santoyo,Asael Alejandro" />
 <figcaption> Rivera-Santoyo,Asael Alejandro</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Rivera-Santoyo,Asael AlejandroREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;DUI; 2nd conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732282461600.jpeg" alt=" Salgado,Alan Gabriel" />
 <figcaption> Salgado,Alan Gabriel</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Salgado,Alan GabrielREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Criminal restraintDomestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harmIntimidation of witness/victim; Prevent reporting<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732282513990.jpeg" alt=" Schnell,Jaimie Lynne" />
 <figcaption> Schnell,Jaimie Lynne</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Schnell,Jaimie LynneREQUESTED CHARGE(S):Probation ViolationInterfere w/ LEO; False report to obstruct

Saline County Jail Bookings, Nov. 22

CORRECTION: For the 2024 Giveaway, the Ark Church of Salina is giving out groceries to 800 vehicles. The original story said the event would only hand out groceries to 600 cars.&nbsp; By SALINA POST

Approximately 800 families will receive free groceries this Thanksgiving, thanks to a generous giveaway hosted by <a href="https://www.thearksalina.com/about-us">The Ark Church</a> in Salina. The event will take place on Saturday morning, Nov. 23, at Dean Evans Stadium, 851 Markley Road.

Each participating car will receive a variety of groceries, including chicken tenders, chicken nuggets, cereal, potatoes, bread, peanut butter, ground beef, pizzas, canned corn, peaches, bottled water, and more.

2023 Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway Video Courtesy <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thearkchurchsalina">The Ark Church Salina Youtube Channel.&nbsp;</a>

The initiative is part of The Ark Church’s mission to serve the community and live out the words of Isaiah 58:10: "Feed the hungry and help those in trouble."

Paisley Millspaugh, the Operations Director at The Ark Church, said the decision to increase the giveaway from 600 to 800 vehicles is a testament to the congregation, church Pastors John Huseman and his wife, Lindsay.&nbsp;

"Last year, unfortunately, we did have to turn some cars away. It just broke our hearts to see us turn cars away. Pastor John told our congregation this year, 'We want to do 800 cars. We believe we can do this.' And we were able to get enough funds to pay for 800 vehicles," Millspaugh said.&nbsp;

It costs roughly $120 to sponsor two weeks' worth of groceries. Millspaugh said the church purchases through a food wholesaler. In total, the giveaway is expected to benefit 4,000 people. With the help of congregation members at The Ark Church of Salina, the church raised the roughly $96,000 needed to purchase food for 800 vehicles.&nbsp;

About 500 volunteers will meet at 8:00 a.m. to bless the food and gather before staffing their stations. Millspaugh said finding volunteers for this giveaway is not difficult.

"We opened up our app for volunteers to sign up, and it shows all the different volunteer opportunities. There are 500 spots. They were filled in under a week," Millspaugh said. "Pastors John and Lindsay love the community so much, and that is seen in everything that they do and say. I think the congregation has learned from them, but they also want to love our community just as well. That desire is a little bit contagious. This is not something you hear of or see often in our communities, especially outreaches of this size."

Food distribution will begin at 8:45 a.m. with 20 serving stations. Event organizers recommend arriving before 8:45 a.m. because the line will grow in length quickly.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It's just so amazing to see all the volunteers gather and we huddle, and then they just start walking to their lines. We have had people say. 'It gives me chills to see that and see the group dispersed that way,'" Millspaugh said. "If you're in need, and you see all these people show up to help you and stand out in the cold or stand out in the rain or the snow, or whatever the case may be, because we're there rain or shine — that there's a level of hope. It so much more than food."

There is no delivery or holding back of groceries if someone does not have a car

Those interested in sponsoring a family can find more information through the <a href="https://www.thearksalina.com/about-us">church's website</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheArkSalina">social media channels</a>. <a href="https://pushpay.com/g/thearksalina?src=hpp&amp;r=monthly">Donations</a> of $120 are being accepted to sponsor a family, helping to cover the cost of the groceries provided.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700504542282.jpeg" alt="More than 600 cars line up in Salina waiting for free groceries during the 2023 Ark Church Grocery Giveaway on Saturday, Nov. 18 2023. This year there will be 800 vehicles served.&nbsp;Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>More than 600 cars line up in Salina waiting for free groceries during the 2023 Ark Church Grocery Giveaway on Saturday, Nov. 18 2023. This year there will be 800 vehicles served.&nbsp;Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>CORRECTION: For the 2024 Giveaway, the Ark Church of Salina is giving out groceries to 800 vehicles. The original story said the event would only hand out groceries to 600 cars.&nbsp; By SALINA POST Approximately 800 families will receive free groceries this Thanksgiving, thanks to a generous giveaway hosted by <a href="https://www.thearksalina.com/about-us">The Ark Church</a> in Salina. The event will take place on Saturday morning, Nov. 23, at Dean Evans Stadium, 851 Markley Road.Each participating car will receive a variety of groceries, including chicken tenders, chicken nuggets, cereal, potatoes, bread, peanut butter, ground beef, pizzas, canned corn, peaches, bottled water, and more.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700504637646.jpeg" alt="Kaysi Armstrong, right, and Pillup Klause, left, place groceries in the back of a pickup truck during the 2023 Ark Church Grocery Giveaway on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Kaysi Armstrong, right, and Pillup Klause, left, place groceries in the back of a pickup truck during the 2023 Ark Church Grocery Giveaway on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2CLYs9b3B2U?si=ttXMymfl7LBzEk4v" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>2023 Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway Video Courtesy <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thearkchurchsalina">The Ark Church Salina Youtube Channel.&nbsp;</a>The initiative is part of The Ark Church’s mission to serve the community and live out the words of Isaiah 58:10: "Feed the hungry and help those in trouble."Paisley Millspaugh, the Operations Director at The Ark Church, said the decision to increase the giveaway from 600 to 800 vehicles is a testament to the congregation, church Pastors John Huseman and his wife, Lindsay.&nbsp;"Last year, unfortunately, we did have to turn some cars away. It just broke our hearts to see us turn cars away. Pastor John told our congregation this year, 'We want to do 800 cars. We believe we can do this.' And we were able to get enough funds to pay for 800 vehicles," Millspaugh said.&nbsp;It costs roughly $120 to sponsor two weeks' worth of groceries. Millspaugh said the church purchases through a food wholesaler. In total, the giveaway is expected to benefit 4,000 people. With the help of congregation members at The Ark Church of Salina, the church raised the roughly $96,000 needed to purchase food for 800 vehicles.&nbsp;About 500 volunteers will meet at 8:00 a.m. to bless the food and gather before staffing their stations. Millspaugh said finding volunteers for this giveaway is not difficult."We opened up our app for volunteers to sign up, and it shows all the different volunteer opportunities. There are 500 spots. They were filled in under a week," Millspaugh said. "Pastors John and Lindsay love the community so much, and that is seen in everything that they do and say. I think the congregation has learned from them, but they also want to love our community just as well. That desire is a little bit contagious. This is not something you hear of or see often in our communities, especially outreaches of this size."Food distribution will begin at 8:45 a.m. with 20 serving stations. Event organizers recommend arriving before 8:45 a.m. because the line will grow in length quickly.&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's just so amazing to see all the volunteers gather and we huddle, and then they just start walking to their lines. We have had people say. 'It gives me chills to see that and see the group dispersed that way,'" Millspaugh said. "If you're in need, and you see all these people show up to help you and stand out in the cold or stand out in the rain or the snow, or whatever the case may be, because we're there rain or shine — that there's a level of hope. It so much more than food."<h2>Need to Knows about the giveaway:</h2>Only one portion of groceries per carThere is no delivery or holding back of groceries if someone does not have a carThose interested in sponsoring a family can find more information through the <a href="https://www.thearksalina.com/about-us">church's website</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheArkSalina">social media channels</a>. <a href="https://pushpay.com/g/thearksalina?src=hpp&amp;r=monthly">Donations</a> of $120 are being accepted to sponsor a family, helping to cover the cost of the groceries provided.

The Ark Church in Salina continues Thanksgiving tradition with grocery giveaway

Downtown Salina is set to turn pink on Friday, Nov. 22, as local businesses participate in "Pink Friday," a nationwide event encouraging shoppers to support small and local businesses. Held annually the Friday before Black Friday, Pink Friday aims to shift attention to community-centered shopping and celebrate small businesses.

Leslie Bishop, executive director of Salina Downtown Inc., emphasized the importance of shopping small and supporting local businesses.

"The best gift you can give is to shop small and support our local businesses in downtown Salina," Bishop said. "For every one dollar spent locally, 70 cents stays local."

Shoppers are invited to visit a variety of participating stores in downtown Salina, each offering unique products and experiences. Featured businesses include Redefine Nutrition, Apron Strings, Red Fern Booksellers, Blushe Boutique, and many more, all of which will have special offerings for the event.

This year’s theme, “Pink is the New Black,” highlights the importance of supporting local establishments and keeping holiday spending within the community. 

Make sure to "Think Pink First" and explore what Salina’s downtown has to offer.

Pink Friday participating businesses:

Lauren Quinn Flower Boutique - 129 S Santa Fe

Salina Art Center Gift Gallery - 242 S Santa Fe

Find out more about Salina Downtown events by visiting their website <a href="https://www.salinadowntown.org/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=downtownsalinasem&amp;utm_content=downtowngeneralhomepage&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAire5BhCNARIsAM53K1jgTtnqCPu9leTr0bwvXYIuhHjUIGYVRCu_IkjUH2UCBlyCtSq_cjIaAvxhEALw_wcB">here.&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731094308409.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTDowntown Salina is set to turn pink on Friday, Nov. 22, as local businesses participate in "Pink Friday," a nationwide event encouraging shoppers to support small and local businesses. Held annually the Friday before Black Friday, Pink Friday aims to shift attention to community-centered shopping and celebrate small businesses.Leslie Bishop, executive director of Salina Downtown Inc., emphasized the importance of shopping small and supporting local businesses."The best gift you can give is to shop small and support our local businesses in downtown Salina," Bishop said. "For every one dollar spent locally, 70 cents stays local."Shoppers are invited to visit a variety of participating stores in downtown Salina, each offering unique products and experiences. Featured businesses include Redefine Nutrition, Apron Strings, Red Fern Booksellers, Blushe Boutique, and many more, all of which will have special offerings for the event.This year’s theme, “Pink is the New Black,” highlights the importance of supporting local establishments and keeping holiday spending within the community. Make sure to "Think Pink First" and explore what Salina’s downtown has to offer.Pink Friday participating businesses:Redefine Nutrition - 204 E IronApron Strings - 143 B S Santa FeRed Fern Booksellers - 106 S Santa FeBlushe Boutique - 128 S Santa FeThe Bath Pub - 109 S Santa FeFlipping Fabulous - 127 N Santa FeLauren Quinn Flower Boutique - 129 S Santa FeEccentricity - 104 N Santa FeRebecca Janes - 115 N Santa FeTrue Betty - 108 N Santa FeSanity - 135 S Santa FeVernon Jewelers - 123 N Santa FeSalina Art Center Gift Gallery - 242 S Santa FeAromatic Massage - 232 S Santa FeThe Cellar - 134 S Santa Fe #B200Find out more about Salina Downtown events by visiting their website <a href="https://www.salinadowntown.org/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=downtownsalinasem&amp;utm_content=downtowngeneralhomepage&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAire5BhCNARIsAM53K1jgTtnqCPu9leTr0bwvXYIuhHjUIGYVRCu_IkjUH2UCBlyCtSq_cjIaAvxhEALw_wcB">here.&nbsp;</a>

Salina celebrates 'Pink Friday' with local shopping event today

Tonight Clear, with a low around 26. North northwest wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the evening. Friday Sunny, with a high near 55. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 35. South wind around 7 mph. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. South wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tonight Clear, with a low around 26. North northwest wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the evening. Friday Sunny, with a high near 55. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 35. South wind around 7 mph. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. South wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NWS weekend weather forecast

OCCK, Inc. Transportation, including Salina CityGo, 81 Connection, Regional Paratransit, GoAbilene, GoConcordia, KanConnect, and OCCK OnDemand public transportation, will be closed on Thursday, November 28, 2024, for Thanksgiving.&nbsp;

<a>CityGo service will resume on Black Friday, November 29, 2024, with hours of operation from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.&nbsp; Peak routes will not be running.&nbsp;</a>

Regional Paratransit, GoAbilene, and GoConcordia services will be running reduced trips on Friday.&nbsp;

81 Connection, KanConnect, and OCCK OnDemand will be running regular routes on Friday.

Transportation services will resume normal operating hours on Saturday, November 30th.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609819801425.png" alt="OCCK transportation logo thumbnail.png" />
 <figcaption>OCCK transportation logo thumbnail.png</figcaption>
 </figure>OCCK, Inc. Transportation, including Salina CityGo, 81 Connection, Regional Paratransit, GoAbilene, GoConcordia, KanConnect, and OCCK OnDemand public transportation, will be closed on Thursday, November 28, 2024, for Thanksgiving.&nbsp;<a>CityGo service will resume on Black Friday, November 29, 2024, with hours of operation from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.&nbsp; Peak routes will not be running.&nbsp;</a>Regional Paratransit, GoAbilene, and GoConcordia services will be running reduced trips on Friday.&nbsp;81 Connection, KanConnect, and OCCK OnDemand will be running regular routes on Friday.Transportation services will resume normal operating hours on Saturday, November 30th.&nbsp;

OCCK, INC. Transportation announces holiday schedule

The Salina Art Center Cinema has an exciting lineup of films for the end of November, offering compelling dramas and family-friendly classics.

Blitz, directed by Steve McQueen, combines epic spectacle, suspenseful drama, and social commentary. The film follows Rita (Saoirse Ronan), a single mother navigating life in wartime London while searching for her missing son, George (Elliott Heffernan), during the German air raids of World War II. The film explores themes of resilience, racial tensions, and the civilian experience during the Blitz, offering a unique perspective rarely seen in World War II films. Rated PG-13, this cinematic masterpiece has been likened to classic Oscar-winning epics.

They Call Her Death, a Kansas-made feature shot entirely on 16mm film, will debut with a Q&amp;A session following the screening. This gripping tale of revenge set on the American frontier has received accolades, including "Best Feature Film" at the 2024 Austin Horror Film Festival and "Outstanding Art Direction" at the 2024 Tallgrass Film Festival. Don’t miss this unique cinematic experience exploring themes of identity and justice.

The Polar ExpressNovember 23 at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. November 24 at 10 a.m.

Perfect for families, The Polar Express will be shown for free on&nbsp; This holiday favorite tells the magical story of a boy’s journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. In celebration of the Salina Downtown Holiday Festival, attendees are invited to join a holiday card-making session at the Warehouse Education Studio following the screenings.

They Call Her Death: November 22 at 9 p.m. (Includes Q&amp;A).

 The Polar Express: November 23-24 (Free showings, followed by holiday card-making activities).

For more information and tickets, visit the<a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/cinema"> Salina Art Center Cinema website.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700662807328.jpeg" alt="Salina Art Center Cinema.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Salina Art Center Cinema.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe Salina Art Center Cinema has an exciting lineup of films for the end of November, offering compelling dramas and family-friendly classics.<h2>BlitzShowing November 22-27</h2><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iZwykQK9aZo?si=tmQ-z_L25oxwfCQi" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Blitz, directed by Steve McQueen, combines epic spectacle, suspenseful drama, and social commentary. The film follows Rita (Saoirse Ronan), a single mother navigating life in wartime London while searching for her missing son, George (Elliott Heffernan), during the German air raids of World War II. The film explores themes of resilience, racial tensions, and the civilian experience during the Blitz, offering a unique perspective rarely seen in World War II films. Rated PG-13, this cinematic masterpiece has been likened to classic Oscar-winning epics.<h2>They Call Her DeathNovember 22 at 9 p.m.</h2><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gtp05nQLWA8?si=HcsgA9BGbRt7i16q" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>They Call Her Death, a Kansas-made feature shot entirely on 16mm film, will debut with a Q&amp;A session following the screening. This gripping tale of revenge set on the American frontier has received accolades, including "Best Feature Film" at the 2024 Austin Horror Film Festival and "Outstanding Art Direction" at the 2024 Tallgrass Film Festival. Don’t miss this unique cinematic experience exploring themes of identity and justice.<h2>The Polar ExpressNovember 23 at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. November 24 at 10 a.m.</h2><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f0oyHtZiJJs?si=C9IKqM2dB1O-tYpF" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Perfect for families, The Polar Express will be shown for free on&nbsp; This holiday favorite tells the magical story of a boy’s journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. In celebration of the Salina Downtown Holiday Festival, attendees are invited to join a holiday card-making session at the Warehouse Education Studio following the screenings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732300455364.png" alt="showtimes-7.png" />
 <figcaption>showtimes-7.png</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Special Events:</h2>They Call Her Death: November 22 at 9 p.m. (Includes Q&amp;A). The Polar Express: November 23-24 (Free showings, followed by holiday card-making activities).For more information and tickets, visit the<a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/cinema"> Salina Art Center Cinema website.</a>

Upcoming film showtimes at Salina Art Center Cinema

A slow-speed pursuit through Salina neighborhoods Wednesday evening ended with the arrest of a 22-year-old man suspected of being involved in a recent hit-and-run accident.

At approximately 6 p.m. on November 20, a Salina Police Department (SPD) officer spotted a blue Buick LeSabre connected to a minor hit-and-run that happened on November 13 near Ohio Street and Prescott Avenue. When the officer attempted to make a traffic stop in the parking lot of 1118 North Ninth Street, the vehicle continued driving.

The driver, later identified as 22-year-old Colton Allen Miller of Salina, led SPD officers on a low-speed pursuit through residential streets, never exceeding 30 mph. 

According to Salina Police Department Cpt. James Feldman, Miller stopped at all stop signs and used turn signals before eventually pulling into a parking stall at 1846 North Ninth Street, where he was arrested without incident.

Miller faces charges for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle and driving while suspended. He was also found to have two active warrants for failure to appear and probation violation. Miller denied knowledge of the November 13 hit-and-run, which remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592845113438.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTA slow-speed pursuit through Salina neighborhoods Wednesday evening ended with the arrest of a 22-year-old man suspected of being involved in a recent hit-and-run accident.At approximately 6 p.m. on November 20, a Salina Police Department (SPD) officer spotted a blue Buick LeSabre connected to a minor hit-and-run that happened on November 13 near Ohio Street and Prescott Avenue. When the officer attempted to make a traffic stop in the parking lot of 1118 North Ninth Street, the vehicle continued driving.The driver, later identified as 22-year-old Colton Allen Miller of Salina, led SPD officers on a low-speed pursuit through residential streets, never exceeding 30 mph. According to Salina Police Department Cpt. James Feldman, Miller stopped at all stop signs and used turn signals before eventually pulling into a parking stall at 1846 North Ninth Street, where he was arrested without incident.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732194212620.jpeg" alt="Miller,Colten Allen" />
 <figcaption>Miller,Colten Allen</figcaption>
 </figure>Miller faces charges for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle and driving while suspended. He was also found to have two active warrants for failure to appear and probation violation. Miller denied knowledge of the November 13 hit-and-run, which remains under investigation.The November 13 hit-and-run involved a 2014 Ford Taurus driven by a 75-year-old woman from Sylvan Grove. Feldman said the Buick struck the Taurus from behind, and both vehicles pulled into the Braum’s parking lot. The male driver of the Buick, allegedly Miller, reportedly asked the woman not to contact law enforcement before leaving the scene without providing his information.No injuries were reported, and the Taurus sustained only minor damage.&nbsp;

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