By NATE KING Salina Post

At its recent meeting, the Salina City Commission agreed to double the compensation for city commissioners. This is the first pay increase for commissioners since 1999.

<a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=546963&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">Under the new ordinance,</a> approved 5-0 by commissioners on September 9, city commissioners will receive $600 monthly, while the mayor will be compensated with $1,000 monthly.

Initially set at $100 per month in April 1963 ($150 for the mayor), the compensation for city commissioners has changed over the decades, with the last raise in May 1999 resulting in a $300 monthly salary for each commissioner, including the mayor

According to Jacob Wood, deputy city manager,&nbsp; the ordinance outlines a higher salary for the mayor because the mayor is expected to invest more time in their duties than other commissioners.

According to Jacob, the mayor spends a little more time preparing to run the meeting. He also said it is pretty common in local government that the mayor would receive a slightly higher amount of compensation.

The City of Salina has operated under a Commission-City Manager government since 1921. The City Commission consists of five members elected at-large. The top two vote-getters serve four-year terms, while the third-place candidate serves a two-year term. Each year, the city commission selects one member to serve as mayor.&nbsp;

Salina Assisting City Manager Shawn Henessee provided commissioners with an assessment of past salaries.&nbsp;

"When the salaries were set at $300 that $300 in 1999 would have a purchasing power equal to $567.76 as of July of 2024," Henessee said. 

Kansas law has historically dictated city official salaries through Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.) 12-1008, but with its repeal in 2015, the constraint is now removed. Salina, leveraging its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.lkm.org/page/Home_Rule">"home rule" capacity </a>extended by the Kansas Constitution, has used Charter Ordinances to independently regulate city salaries.

"What is a charter ordinance? A charter ordinance is something that when the Kansas statutes don't apply equally to all different cities, under the Home Rule authority, you have the ability to charter out of that. That very first charter ordinance was adopted in 1963 when the $100 City Commissioner pay rate was. Before that, the salaries were set by statute, and they vary depending upon the size of the city," Henessee said. 

In 2015 the Kansas Legislature removed the statutory section which set the different classes of pay rate for different sizes of cities.

"This would be the last time you would have to adopt the charter ordinance in order to adjust the pay rate; since that statute was repealed in 2015, adjustments in the future would just require an ordinance," Henessee said. 

There are several requirements for charter ordinance. It has to be passed by all five commissioners voting in the affirmative and there has to be a 16 day period after which there can be a petition filed to oppose the adoption of the charter ordinance. 

"The charter ordinance wouldn't go into effect until 61 days after its approval," Henessee said. "The ordinance itself, with adjusted salary, would have an effective date starting of January 1, 2025. Additionally, the ordinance envisions two additional items in the ordinance, which are present starting on January 1, 2026."

To address future cost-of-living adjustments, an annual COLA linked to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) will be adopted starting in 2026. This ensures salaries remain commensurate with inflation, enhancing the salaries' reflection of present-day living costs.

Commissioner Jerry Ivey Jr. said the increase could encourage more residents to run for public office.&nbsp;

"This could have the potential to bring in more candidates that are willing to run. This could helps supplement if they had to take vacation days or cut in pay in order to be here at commission meetings or other activities," said Commissioner Jerry Ivey Jr.

Commissioner Trent Davis and Mike Hopppock agreed that an amendment would be needed to ensure that the annual cost-of-living adjustments to the commissioner's pay would not exceed those of the city employees. Hoppock also said he wouldn't want the compensation to become the main reason why someone runs for city commission.&nbsp;

"As I have said from day one I ran for the fact that it is community service. If it stayed at $300 it wouldn't bother me. I know that we have other commissioners who would like to see this amount increased. I don't want it to be such a large amount that people are running for the wrong reasons."

"Every January 1, starting in 2026, an annual cost-of-living adjustment to the compensation for commissioners and the mayor shall occur in an amount equal to the cost-of-living adjustment for City of Salina employees that has been adopted for the current fiscal year."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704908562390.jpeg" alt="The Salina City Commission" />
 <figcaption>The Salina City Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostAt its recent meeting, the Salina City Commission agreed to double the compensation for city commissioners. This is the first pay increase for commissioners since 1999.<a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=546963&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">Under the new ordinance,</a> approved 5-0 by commissioners on September 9, city commissioners will receive $600 monthly, while the mayor will be compensated with $1,000 monthly.Initially set at $100 per month in April 1963 ($150 for the mayor), the compensation for city commissioners has changed over the decades, with the last raise in May 1999 resulting in a $300 monthly salary for each commissioner, including the mayorAccording to Jacob Wood, deputy city manager,&nbsp; the ordinance outlines a higher salary for the mayor because the mayor is expected to invest more time in their duties than other commissioners.According to Jacob, the mayor spends a little more time preparing to run the meeting. He also said it is pretty common in local government that the mayor would receive a slightly higher amount of compensation.The City of Salina has operated under a Commission-City Manager government since 1921. The City Commission consists of five members elected at-large. The top two vote-getters serve four-year terms, while the third-place candidate serves a two-year term. Each year, the city commission selects one member to serve as mayor.&nbsp;Salina Assisting City Manager Shawn Henessee provided commissioners with an assessment of past salaries.&nbsp;"When the salaries were set at $300 that $300 in 1999 would have a purchasing power equal to $567.76 as of July of 2024," Henessee said. Kansas law has historically dictated city official salaries through Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.) 12-1008, but with its repeal in 2015, the constraint is now removed. Salina, leveraging its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.lkm.org/page/Home_Rule">"home rule" capacity </a>extended by the Kansas Constitution, has used Charter Ordinances to independently regulate city salaries."What is a charter ordinance? A charter ordinance is something that when the Kansas statutes don't apply equally to all different cities, under the Home Rule authority, you have the ability to charter out of that. That very first charter ordinance was adopted in 1963 when the $100 City Commissioner pay rate was. Before that, the salaries were set by statute, and they vary depending upon the size of the city," Henessee said. In 2015 the Kansas Legislature removed the statutory section which set the different classes of pay rate for different sizes of cities."This would be the last time you would have to adopt the charter ordinance in order to adjust the pay rate; since that statute was repealed in 2015, adjustments in the future would just require an ordinance," Henessee said. There are several requirements for charter ordinance. It has to be passed by all five commissioners voting in the affirmative and there has to be a 16 day period after which there can be a petition filed to oppose the adoption of the charter ordinance. "The charter ordinance wouldn't go into effect until 61 days after its approval," Henessee said. "The ordinance itself, with adjusted salary, would have an effective date starting of January 1, 2025. Additionally, the ordinance envisions two additional items in the ordinance, which are present starting on January 1, 2026."To address future cost-of-living adjustments, an annual COLA linked to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) will be adopted starting in 2026. This ensures salaries remain commensurate with inflation, enhancing the salaries' reflection of present-day living costs.Commissioner Jerry Ivey Jr. said the increase could encourage more residents to run for public office.&nbsp;"This could have the potential to bring in more candidates that are willing to run. This could helps supplement if they had to take vacation days or cut in pay in order to be here at commission meetings or other activities," said Commissioner Jerry Ivey Jr.Commissioner Trent Davis and Mike Hopppock agreed that an amendment would be needed to ensure that the annual cost-of-living adjustments to the commissioner's pay would not exceed those of the city employees. Hoppock also said he wouldn't want the compensation to become the main reason why someone runs for city commission.&nbsp;"As I have said from day one I ran for the fact that it is community service. If it stayed at $300 it wouldn't bother me. I know that we have other commissioners who would like to see this amount increased. I don't want it to be such a large amount that people are running for the wrong reasons."The ordinance states the following:"Every January 1, starting in 2026, an annual cost-of-living adjustment to the compensation for commissioners and the mayor shall occur in an amount equal to the cost-of-living adjustment for City of Salina employees that has been adopted for the current fiscal year."

Salina City Commission approves cost-of-living pay raise for commissioners

On Friday, December 20, at 7:30 p.m., the world-renowned Canadian band LEAHY will bring their energetic and dynamic performance to the Stiefel Theatre in Salina. Known for their seamless blend of folk, Celtic, and world music, LEAHY captivates audiences with their outstanding musicianship, intricate French-Canadian step-dancing, and powerful sibling connection.

Tickets for the show, starting at $49, will be available for purchase starting Friday, September 13, at noon. Fans can buy tickets online at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a> or through the Stiefel Theatre box office by calling 785-827-1998, Monday through Friday from noon to 4:30 p.m.

With their deep-rooted tradition and modern creativity, LEAHY has earned widespread acclaim, including multiple awards and nominations from the Juno Awards and the Canadian Folk Music Awards. Their live performances are nothing short of exhilarating, blending traditional tunes with original songs that make each show a unique experience. Adding to the excitement, some of LEAHY’s own children—accomplished musicians in their own right—will join the band on stage, making this family affair even more memorable.

Larry Britegam, Regional President of Equity Bank, expressed his enthusiasm for LEAHY’s return to the Stiefel, describing them as one of his all-time favorite performers: “Extraordinary musicians, great folk/country/Celtic music, and dancing out of this world, you won’t want to miss a performance!”

Whether you're a fan of folk, Celtic, or world music, or simply looking for an inspiring and electrifying show, this performance is not to be missed!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725996351925.jpeg" alt="Leahy" />
 <figcaption>Leahy</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTOn Friday, December 20, at 7:30 p.m., the world-renowned Canadian band LEAHY will bring their energetic and dynamic performance to the Stiefel Theatre in Salina. Known for their seamless blend of folk, Celtic, and world music, LEAHY captivates audiences with their outstanding musicianship, intricate French-Canadian step-dancing, and powerful sibling connection.Tickets for the show, starting at $49, will be available for purchase starting Friday, September 13, at noon. Fans can buy tickets online at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a> or through the Stiefel Theatre box office by calling 785-827-1998, Monday through Friday from noon to 4:30 p.m.With their deep-rooted tradition and modern creativity, LEAHY has earned widespread acclaim, including multiple awards and nominations from the Juno Awards and the Canadian Folk Music Awards. Their live performances are nothing short of exhilarating, blending traditional tunes with original songs that make each show a unique experience. Adding to the excitement, some of LEAHY’s own children—accomplished musicians in their own right—will join the band on stage, making this family affair even more memorable.Larry Britegam, Regional President of Equity Bank, expressed his enthusiasm for LEAHY’s return to the Stiefel, describing them as one of his all-time favorite performers: “Extraordinary musicians, great folk/country/Celtic music, and dancing out of this world, you won’t want to miss a performance!”Whether you're a fan of folk, Celtic, or world music, or simply looking for an inspiring and electrifying show, this performance is not to be missed!

LEAHY brings dynamic celtic and folk performance to Stiefel Theatre on Dec. 20

By SALINA POST SALINE COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 3 p.m. Wednesday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Volvo semi driven by Abdifatah&nbsp;Hassan, 45, St. Cloud, Minnesota, and a 2022 Ram pickup driven by Dirk&nbsp;Speed, 66, Salina, were southbound at Interstate 135 at&nbsp;W Stimmel Road.

Hassan missed the exit onto Interstate 70 and made an illegal U-turn across the median, causing a collision with the&nbsp; pickup.

EMS transported Hassan and Speed to Salina Regional Health Center. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726098706999.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POST SALINE COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 3 p.m. Wednesday in Saline County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Volvo semi driven by Abdifatah&nbsp;Hassan, 45, St. Cloud, Minnesota, and a 2022 Ram pickup driven by Dirk&nbsp;Speed, 66, Salina, were southbound at Interstate 135 at&nbsp;W Stimmel Road.Hassan missed the exit onto Interstate 70 and made an illegal U-turn across the median, causing a collision with the&nbsp; pickup.EMS transported Hassan and Speed to Salina Regional Health Center. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Two hospitalized in Salina after semi driver makes illegal U-turn

During the 1 p.m. hour on Wednesday, Sept. 11, the northbound lanes of Santa Fe Avenue in downtown Salina were temporarily closed due to a leak in the carbonation system at the former Prickly Pear Grill and Cantina.

According to a statement from the Salina Fire Department, crews responded to 123 S. Santa-Fe for the reports of a CO2 alarm going off in the basement. 

Upon arrival, the Hazmat Engine crew found construction workers waiting outside. Crews entered the building and began monitoring the atmosphere inside the building. An additional Engine was requested by the hazmat engine to assist with ventilation and additional personnel. 

According to Battalion Chief Chris Stansberry,the crews were able to confirm a CO2 leak from the beverage dispensing system in the basement. Ventilation fans were used to ventilate the building, one was set at the front door and one in the basement entrance. 

Once the building was clear of the CO2 the building was turned back over to the construction crews. 

 No injuries were reported, and the street has since reopened to traffic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726080966098.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTDuring the 1 p.m. hour on Wednesday, Sept. 11, the northbound lanes of Santa Fe Avenue in downtown Salina were temporarily closed due to a leak in the carbonation system at the former Prickly Pear Grill and Cantina.According to a statement from the Salina Fire Department, crews responded to 123 S. Santa-Fe for the reports of a CO2 alarm going off in the basement. Upon arrival, the Hazmat Engine crew found construction workers waiting outside. Crews entered the building and began monitoring the atmosphere inside the building. An additional Engine was requested by the hazmat engine to assist with ventilation and additional personnel. According to Battalion Chief Chris Stansberry,the crews were able to confirm a CO2 leak from the beverage dispensing system in the basement. Ventilation fans were used to ventilate the building, one was set at the front door and one in the basement entrance. Once the building was clear of the CO2 the building was turned back over to the construction crews. No injuries were reported, and the street has since reopened to traffic.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726081001481.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

UPDATED: Carbonation leak temporarily shuts down northbound lane of Santa Fe Avenue

By SALINA POST The Salina Fire Department is pleased to announce the 3rd Annual Central Kansas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and 5K Family Fun Walk, “Steps of Hope,” at the Kansas Wesleyan University campus on Sunday, Sept. 29. The event will be held at JRI Stadium in the Graves Family&nbsp;Sports Complex. There will be two events leading up to the stair climb and a post-climb event, “Live from The&nbsp;Lot,” featuring great entertainment at Long McArthur Ford.

The Central Kansas 9/11 Stair Climb and 5K Family Fun Walk allows civic leaders and citizens from Salina and across Kansas to honor and remember the FDNY firefighters who gave their lives on September 11, 2001.

For 2024, SFD has partnered with the Love Chloe Foundation, which will receive a portion of the proceeds from the stair climb. The NFFF and Love Chloe are 501(c)(3) organizations.

This event presents a unique opportunity for the entire community to unite in honoring the memory of the heroes of 9/11.

“It's a chance to show support for families facing childhood cancer diagnosis by providingimmediate financial and family support, raising awareness, and contributing to the funding of childhood cancer&nbsp;research,” a release from SFD reads. SFD is extremely fortunate and thankful this year to have the support of Long McArthur Ford, which is hosting “Live from The Lot,” in support of the NFFF for 2024.&nbsp; “Live from the Lot”will follow the stair climb/walk, and the gates open at 4:00 p.m. on September 29. Additionally, Great Life Salina has been a great community partner and will host&nbsp;the “Evening to Always Remember.”

The Central Kansas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb &amp; 5K Family Fun Walk are not about competition. They are about the entire community—including firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, families, and friends coming together to honor and remember those who served and sacrificed that day.&nbsp; Each local and regional&nbsp;participant will honor the fallen by carrying the name badge of one of the 343 firefighters. Pre-registered&nbsp;participants will also receive a complimentary 9/11 Stair Climb / Family Fun Walk t-shirt to commemorate&nbsp;their time at the event.

There are two preceding events before the 2024&nbsp;Central Kansas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and 5K Family Fun Walk.

The first is on Wednesday, September 11, with a “Tribute to Heroes Memorial&nbsp;Service” at Fire Station 1, 222 W. Elm Street, at 8:00 a.m. Later that evening, SFD will hold an “EVENING TO&nbsp;ALWAYS REMEMBER” from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Great Life Golf &amp; Fitness, 1800 S. Marymount Rd., Salina,&nbsp;KS 67401. The cost is $10.00 with a cash bar.&nbsp;Martinelli’s Little Italy will provide the food, and Tony Bowell&nbsp;will provide music for attendees listening pleasure.

For stair climb details, visit <a href="https://nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/centralkansas24">https://nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/centralkansas24</a>.

For “Live from The Lot” tickets, visit <a href="http://www.longmcarthur.com">www.longmcarthur.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704473450444.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POST The Salina Fire Department is pleased to announce the 3rd Annual Central Kansas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and 5K Family Fun Walk, “Steps of Hope,” at the Kansas Wesleyan University campus on Sunday, Sept. 29. The event will be held at JRI Stadium in the Graves Family&nbsp;Sports Complex. There will be two events leading up to the stair climb and a post-climb event, “Live from The&nbsp;Lot,” featuring great entertainment at Long McArthur Ford.The Central Kansas 9/11 Stair Climb and 5K Family Fun Walk allows civic leaders and citizens from Salina and across Kansas to honor and remember the FDNY firefighters who gave their lives on September 11, 2001.For 2024, SFD has partnered with the Love Chloe Foundation, which will receive a portion of the proceeds from the stair climb. The NFFF and Love Chloe are 501(c)(3) organizations.This event presents a unique opportunity for the entire community to unite in honoring the memory of the heroes of 9/11.“It's a chance to show support for families facing childhood cancer diagnosis by providingimmediate financial and family support, raising awareness, and contributing to the funding of childhood cancer&nbsp;research,” a release from SFD reads. SFD is extremely fortunate and thankful this year to have the support of Long McArthur Ford, which is hosting “Live from The Lot,” in support of the NFFF for 2024.&nbsp; “Live from the Lot”will follow the stair climb/walk, and the gates open at 4:00 p.m. on September 29. Additionally, Great Life Salina has been a great community partner and will host&nbsp;the “Evening to Always Remember.”The Central Kansas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb &amp; 5K Family Fun Walk are not about competition. They are about the entire community—including firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, families, and friends coming together to honor and remember those who served and sacrificed that day.&nbsp; Each local and regional&nbsp;participant will honor the fallen by carrying the name badge of one of the 343 firefighters. Pre-registered&nbsp;participants will also receive a complimentary 9/11 Stair Climb / Family Fun Walk t-shirt to commemorate&nbsp;their time at the event.There are two preceding events before the 2024&nbsp;Central Kansas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and 5K Family Fun Walk.The first is on Wednesday, September 11, with a “Tribute to Heroes Memorial&nbsp;Service” at Fire Station 1, 222 W. Elm Street, at 8:00 a.m. Later that evening, SFD will hold an “EVENING TO&nbsp;ALWAYS REMEMBER” from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Great Life Golf &amp; Fitness, 1800 S. Marymount Rd., Salina,&nbsp;KS 67401. The cost is $10.00 with a cash bar.&nbsp;Martinelli’s Little Italy will provide the food, and Tony Bowell&nbsp;will provide music for attendees listening pleasure.For stair climb details, visit <a href="https://nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/centralkansas24">https://nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/centralkansas24</a>.For “Live from The Lot” tickets, visit <a href="http://www.longmcarthur.com">www.longmcarthur.com</a>.

SFD Third Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb & Family Fun Walk

&nbsp;By NATE KING Salina Post

A familiar name has launched a write-in campaign for the Saline County Commission. Kathleen Malone Crouch officially launched her write-in campaign for Saline County Commission District Two on August 19, by filing with Saline County Clerk Jamie Doss. 

Malone Crouch, who previously ran for the Republican nomination against Annie Grevas, lost the primary by only 17 votes following the August 6 election.

“I felt that with a 17 vote difference, I had too much of a chance. I think I have so much to offer the county," Malone Crouch told Salina Post. 

In total, 1,131 Saline County residents voted in the Saline County District Two election.&nbsp;According to the official results, a total of 4,090 Saline County residents voted in the August 6 Primary, representing just 16.7% of registered voters in the county.

Malone Crouch officially filed as a write-in candidate on Monday at 9:08 a.m. The primary election was close enough that she had the option of a recount, which she would have to pay for herself. Doss said a hand recount would likely cost a few hundred dollars.

READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6465d934-0f06-45f0-a7fc-e783eef14469">&nbsp;2024 Election: Candidate for Saline County Commission, Kathleen Malone Crouch</a>

"Our election staff are paid $10/hr, then it just depends on how long it would take them to count all District Two," Doss said.

Doss said Malone Crouch or any<a target="_blank" href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/election"> write-in candidate does not have to pay a fee to file.</a>&nbsp;Malone Crouch said although she did not have to pay to file for her write-in campaign, she did pay to file in Republican primary.

The deadline to file for a write-in campaign is October. 8.

Malone Crouch said she feels confident that voter turnout will increase in November. 

"Thinking that the November 5 election will bring out more voters because of the presidential race," Malone Crouch said. "I believe I have a great chance to win this, although I know I would be coming from behind as the underdog write-in, I'm going to give it my best."

Malone Crouch said she plans to hold additional meet-and-greet events at coffee shops around Salina, visit with residents in rural parts of District Two and attend public events as she would&nbsp;

"I have ordered write-in bumper stickers.&nbsp; I've ordered more signs and banners that say write-in," Malone Crouch said.

Malone Crouch, who participated in the League of Women Voters Speed Dating with the Candidate forum, the Granny Brigade forum and the Saline County Republicans forum, said she would be interested in participating in any additional candidate forums before Nov. 5.&nbsp;

"I will be present at meetings unless there's something life-threatening that I can't avoid and I will read about the issues before the meeting," Malone Crouch said. "I believe I do have the passion it takes to serve."

For more details about the November 5 General Election visit the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/election">Saline County Elections website here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699398880794.jpeg" alt="Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By NATE KING Salina PostA familiar name has launched a write-in campaign for the Saline County Commission. Kathleen Malone Crouch officially launched her write-in campaign for Saline County Commission District Two on August 19, by filing with Saline County Clerk Jamie Doss. Malone Crouch, who previously ran for the Republican nomination against Annie Grevas, lost the primary by only 17 votes following the August 6 election.“I felt that with a 17 vote difference, I had too much of a chance. I think I have so much to offer the county," Malone Crouch told Salina Post. In total, 1,131 Saline County residents voted in the Saline County District Two election.&nbsp;According to the official results, a total of 4,090 Saline County residents voted in the August 6 Primary, representing just 16.7% of registered voters in the county.Malone Crouch officially filed as a write-in candidate on Monday at 9:08 a.m. The primary election was close enough that she had the option of a recount, which she would have to pay for herself. Doss said a hand recount would likely cost a few hundred dollars.READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6465d934-0f06-45f0-a7fc-e783eef14469">&nbsp;2024 Election: Candidate for Saline County Commission, Kathleen Malone Crouch</a>"Our election staff are paid $10/hr, then it just depends on how long it would take them to count all District Two," Doss said.Doss said Malone Crouch or any<a target="_blank" href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/election"> write-in candidate does not have to pay a fee to file.</a>&nbsp;Malone Crouch said although she did not have to pay to file for her write-in campaign, she did pay to file in Republican primary. The deadline to file for a write-in campaign is October. 8.Malone Crouch said she feels confident that voter turnout will increase in November. "Thinking that the November 5 election will bring out more voters because of the presidential race," Malone Crouch said. "I believe I have a great chance to win this, although I know I would be coming from behind as the underdog write-in, I'm going to give it my best."Malone Crouch said she plans to hold additional meet-and-greet events at coffee shops around Salina, visit with residents in rural parts of District Two and attend public events as she would&nbsp;"I have ordered write-in bumper stickers.&nbsp; I've ordered more signs and banners that say write-in," Malone Crouch said.Malone Crouch, who participated in the League of Women Voters Speed Dating with the Candidate forum, the Granny Brigade forum and the Saline County Republicans forum, said she would be interested in participating in any additional candidate forums before Nov. 5.&nbsp;"I will be present at meetings unless there's something life-threatening that I can't avoid and I will read about the issues before the meeting," Malone Crouch said. "I believe I do have the passion it takes to serve."For more details about the November 5 General Election visit the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/election">Saline County Elections website here.</a>

Malone Crouch files write-in campaign for Saline Co. Comm. Second District

Salina Police Department officers responded to a call in the 300 block of Maple Street yesterday afternoon after it recieved a report of someone violating a protection order. 

According to Salina Police Cpt. James Feldman, the incident occurred around 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10.&nbsp;

"Contact was made with a 42-year-old female who lives in the 300 block of Maple Street. She indicated that a 44-year-old Tyson Marfise had showed up at the residence and refused to leave," Feldman said. "He then pushed his way past the victim, and entered the residence."

While Marfise remained at the residence, the victim went to a bedroom to get away from him.&nbsp;

"He kicked in the door of the bedroom, damaging the door, and he was present when officers arrived and took him into custody without incident," Feldman said.&nbsp;

Marfise now faces multiple charges, including violation of a protection order, aggravated burglary, domestic battery, criminal damage to property, and stalking. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726057284420.jpeg" alt="Marfise,Tyson Allen" />
 <figcaption>Marfise,Tyson Allen</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTSalina Police Department officers responded to a call in the 300 block of Maple Street yesterday afternoon after it recieved a report of someone violating a protection order. According to Salina Police Cpt. James Feldman, the incident occurred around 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10.&nbsp;"Contact was made with a 42-year-old female who lives in the 300 block of Maple Street. She indicated that a 44-year-old Tyson Marfise had showed up at the residence and refused to leave," Feldman said. "He then pushed his way past the victim, and entered the residence."While Marfise remained at the residence, the victim went to a bedroom to get away from him.&nbsp;"He kicked in the door of the bedroom, damaging the door, and he was present when officers arrived and took him into custody without incident," Feldman said.&nbsp;Marfise now faces multiple charges, including violation of a protection order, aggravated burglary, domestic battery, criminal damage to property, and stalking.

SPD arrests Salina man for violating protection order, battery, stalking 

At 7:46 a.m. on the morning of September 11, 2024 Salina Fire Department firefighters saluted the lives of those lost on September 11, 2001.&nbsp;

In total nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in the terrorist attacks directed towards America on September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center in NYC, the Pentagon, and Somerset County, Pennsylvania.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/dad8a903-43f0-49eb-a046-52c8dca6d8a6">Salina Community to honor lives lost on 9/11 at ‘A Night of Remembrance’</a>

Earlier this week, New York officials revealed a sobering statistic. For the first time, more FDNY first responders have died from their exposure to toxins at Ground Zero (370) than were killed on the day of the attacks (343), including 28 in the past year. 

Union leaders are imploring Congress to extend funding for the World Trade Center Health Program, which runs out in 2028, through 2090, to ensure that every survivor is able to receive care.

The FDNY said urgency is needed before 9/11 fades from people’s memories: It soon plans to hire people born after Sept. 11, 2001.

<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsalinafire%2Fvideos%2F478184688386497%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>By SALINA POSTAt 7:46 a.m. on the morning of September 11, 2024 Salina Fire Department firefighters saluted the lives of those lost on September 11, 2001.&nbsp;In total nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in the terrorist attacks directed towards America on September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center in NYC, the Pentagon, and Somerset County, Pennsylvania.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/dad8a903-43f0-49eb-a046-52c8dca6d8a6">Salina Community to honor lives lost on 9/11 at ‘A Night of Remembrance’</a>Earlier this week, New York officials revealed a sobering statistic. For the first time, more FDNY first responders have died from their exposure to toxins at Ground Zero (370) than were killed on the day of the attacks (343), including 28 in the past year. Union leaders are imploring Congress to extend funding for the World Trade Center Health Program, which runs out in 2028, through 2090, to ensure that every survivor is able to receive care.The FDNY said urgency is needed before 9/11 fades from people’s memories: It soon plans to hire people born after Sept. 11, 2001.

🎥SFD salutes lives lost during the terrorist attacks on 9/11

The City of Salina announces the introduction of a new water usage tracking portal, designed to help Salina water customers easily monitor how much water they use.

“The new water usage tracking portal is a feature that customers will want to use frequently to keep track of their water usage, quickly detect unexpected increases in water usage, and help keep their water bills within their monthly budgets,” said Debbie Pack, Director of Finance and Administration for the City of Salina.

The water usage tracking portal contains several customer-friendly features:

- a dashboard showing billing cycle usage and data, as well as alerts;

- water usage details, including customizable graphs to show use by day, week, month, and year; and

- a section where a user can set alerts and be notified when usage exceeds certain levels over a day, week, month, or a specified period of time. To sign up for a free account, please visit <a href="https://www.salina-ks.gov/water-department">https://www.salina-ks.gov/water-department</a> and click on “Water Usage Tracking Portal”. Have your water billing account number and customer number handy. These can be found on your most recent water bill.

For questions or more information, please call the Salina Water Department at 785-309-5740. Choose option 3 to speak with a customer service representative

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717164495725.jpeg" alt="Water Image Courtesy City of Salina" />
 <figcaption>Water Image Courtesy City of Salina</figcaption>
 </figure>City of SalinaThe City of Salina announces the introduction of a new water usage tracking portal, designed to help Salina water customers easily monitor how much water they use.“The new water usage tracking portal is a feature that customers will want to use frequently to keep track of their water usage, quickly detect unexpected increases in water usage, and help keep their water bills within their monthly budgets,” said Debbie Pack, Director of Finance and Administration for the City of Salina.The water usage tracking portal contains several customer-friendly features:- a dashboard showing billing cycle usage and data, as well as alerts;- water usage details, including customizable graphs to show use by day, week, month, and year; and- a section where a user can set alerts and be notified when usage exceeds certain levels over a day, week, month, or a specified period of time. To sign up for a free account, please visit <a href="https://www.salina-ks.gov/water-department">https://www.salina-ks.gov/water-department</a> and click on “Water Usage Tracking Portal”. Have your water billing account number and customer number handy. These can be found on your most recent water bill.For questions or more information, please call the Salina Water Department at 785-309-5740. Choose option 3 to speak with a customer service representative

City of Salina introduces new water usage tracking portal

Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed announced today that 40 local and off-system bridge projects across the state will receive a combined total of $40.25 million as part of two local bridge improvement programs capitalizing on new revenue from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

“Kansas’ local bridges are critical to connecting communities and to economic opportunities,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “These projects increase infrastructure stability and safety across the state by enabling needed bridge maintenance, repair, and replacement.”

Combined with matching funds from the awarded cities and counties, the total project value is over $45.2 million. By reshaping the local bridge programs to take advantage of BIL, the Kansas Department of Transportation more than doubled its annual funding as part of the existing Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE).

There are more than 19,000 bridges on local road systems across Kansas. And nearly 5,000 of those bridges need updates for today’s standards.

“Local bridges play an important role in moving people and goods through our state,”&nbsp;Secretary Reed said.&nbsp;“With IKE, we have been able to increase the investment in local bridges and provide opportunities to improve these vital connections for our communities.”&nbsp;

KDOT is awarding $20.45 million through the Off-System Bridge program (OSB) in Fiscal Year 2026 to fund 21 projects across the state. About $19.8 million will be awarded by KDOT through the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program (KLBIP) in Fiscal Year 2025. The funds will go to 19 bridge replacement projects, and an additional four bridges will be permanently removed from local systems.

The OSB and KLBIP are targeted for city and county bridges in need of replacement or repair that are not on the state highway system. Funds for both programs are awarded through an application process and, in most cases, require a local contribution. KDOT uses selection criteria that include bridge condition, detour length, inability to carry legal loads, and past project history.

For this cycle of the local bridge programs, KDOT received a combined total of 170 applications requesting $162.3 million.

The list of recipients and project locations for KLBIP and OSB are below. A link to a map showing the projects can be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.gov%2FAssets%2Fwwwksdotorg%2FHeadquarters%2FPDF_Files%2Fpressrelease2024%2FKLBIP_26OSB_Combined_Map.pdf/1/01010191e1ed1462-802b5db6-7aff-4bb8-bbfd-71741dcdd0a8-000000/xlRt9iKDgHawh_-37w6Ly1CaYLtakGSV7ORIPdRAR9E=370">here</a>.

Nickel Road, 2.0 miles east of Belleville

M Road, 2.0 miles south and 3.0 miles west of Smith Center

Maximum Funds Awarded:&nbsp;$1,000,000

1900 Avenue, 2.0 miles south and 1.6 miles east of Abilene

Broughton Road over Finney Creek south of 17th Road

Total Funds Awarded:&nbsp;$1,100,000

Arapaho Road, 3.0 miles south and 0.5 miles west of Inman

Avenue J, 0.5 miles east and 1.3 miles south of Black Wolf

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726073118052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedGovernor Laura Kelly and Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed announced today that 40 local and off-system bridge projects across the state will receive a combined total of $40.25 million as part of two local bridge improvement programs capitalizing on new revenue from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).“Kansas’ local bridges are critical to connecting communities and to economic opportunities,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “These projects increase infrastructure stability and safety across the state by enabling needed bridge maintenance, repair, and replacement.”Combined with matching funds from the awarded cities and counties, the total project value is over $45.2 million. By reshaping the local bridge programs to take advantage of BIL, the Kansas Department of Transportation more than doubled its annual funding as part of the existing Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE).There are more than 19,000 bridges on local road systems across Kansas. And nearly 5,000 of those bridges need updates for today’s standards.“Local bridges play an important role in moving people and goods through our state,”&nbsp;Secretary Reed said.&nbsp;“With IKE, we have been able to increase the investment in local bridges and provide opportunities to improve these vital connections for our communities.”&nbsp;KDOT is awarding $20.45 million through the Off-System Bridge program (OSB) in Fiscal Year 2026 to fund 21 projects across the state. About $19.8 million will be awarded by KDOT through the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program (KLBIP) in Fiscal Year 2025. The funds will go to 19 bridge replacement projects, and an additional four bridges will be permanently removed from local systems.The OSB and KLBIP are targeted for city and county bridges in need of replacement or repair that are not on the state highway system. Funds for both programs are awarded through an application process and, in most cases, require a local contribution. KDOT uses selection criteria that include bridge condition, detour length, inability to carry legal loads, and past project history.For this cycle of the local bridge programs, KDOT received a combined total of 170 applications requesting $162.3 million.The list of recipients and project locations for KLBIP and OSB are below. A link to a map showing the projects can be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.gov%2FAssets%2Fwwwksdotorg%2FHeadquarters%2FPDF_Files%2Fpressrelease2024%2FKLBIP_26OSB_Combined_Map.pdf/1/01010191e1ed1462-802b5db6-7aff-4bb8-bbfd-71741dcdd0a8-000000/xlRt9iKDgHawh_-37w6Ly1CaYLtakGSV7ORIPdRAR9E=370">here</a>.<h2>Projects in our listening area:</h2><h2>Republic County</h2>Nickel Road, 2.0 miles east of BellevilleLocal Contribution: $62,791Local Cost Percentage: 8.1%Maximum Funds Awarded: $800,000<h2>Smith County</h2>M Road, 2.0 miles south and 3.0 miles west of Smith CenterLocal Contribution:&nbsp;$54,601Local Cost Percentage:&nbsp;6.0%Maximum Funds Awarded:&nbsp;$1,000,000<h2>Dickinson County</h2>1900 Avenue, 2.0 miles south and 1.6 miles east of AbileneLocal Contribution:&nbsp;$186,922Local Percentage Match:&nbsp;10%KDOT Match Funds: $1,230,000Funds for Bridge Removal:$170,000Total Funds Awarded: $1,400,000<h2>Clay County</h2>Broughton Road over Finney Creek south of 17th RoadLocal Contribution:&nbsp;$188,374Local Percentage Match:&nbsp;10%KDOT Match Funds:&nbsp;$1,100,000Funds for Bridge Removal:Total Funds Awarded:&nbsp;$1,100,000<h2>McPherson County</h2>Arapaho Road, 3.0 miles south and 0.5 miles west of InmanLocal Contribution: $209,953Local Percentage Match: 15%KDOT Match Funds: $950,000Total Funds Awarded: $950,000<h2>Ellsworth County</h2>Avenue J, 0.5 miles east and 1.3 miles south of Black WolfLocal Contribution: $136,776Local Percentage Match: 5%KDOT Match Funds: $1,250,000Total Funds Awarded: $1,250,000

Gov. Kelly announces 40 bridge projects receive more than $40M

Movie lovers are in for a treat at the <a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/nowplaying">Salina Art Center Cinema</a>, 150 S Santa Fe Avenue this week, with multiple exciting films on the lineup.

The cinema will first offer a free showing of the 1985 adventure-comedy classic The Goonies tonight Thursday, September 12 as part of its “Throwback Thursday” series.&nbsp; 

Admission is free and a donation to the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank is encouraged making it a perfect opportunity for families and fans to relive the beloved tale of a group of kids on a treasure hunt, while also helping a local non-profit.&nbsp;

Stay for the Late Night Arthouse Retrospective at 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 13 for “The Outsiders” sponsored by Red Fern Booksellers.

A teen gang in rural Oklahoma, the Greasers are perpetually at odds with the Socials, a rival group. When Greasers Ponyboy (C. Thomas Howell) and Johnny (Ralph Macchio)&nbsp;get into a brawl that ends in the death of a Social member, the boys are forced to go into hiding. Soon Ponyboy and Johnny, along with the intense Dallas (Matt Dillon) and their other Greaser buddies, must contend with the consequences of their violent lives. While some Greasers try to achieve redemption, others meet tragic ends.

Following the nostalgic throwback, the cinema will debut Good One, a highly anticipated indie drama, running from September 13 to 18. Directed by India Donaldson, the film delves into the complexities of family dynamics, focusing on the strained relationship between teenage daughter Sam (Lily Collias) and her distant father Chris (James Le Gros).

Set during a camping trip in the Catskills, Good One explores how humor and sarcasm act as barriers between people who should be closest. The film tackles themes of broken relationships and miscommunication, particularly between parents and children. The presence of Chris’ carefree friend Matt (Danny McCarthy) further complicates the father-daughter dynamic, adding tension to an already fragile bond.

With stunning cinematography by Wilson Cameron, Good One uses the expansive wilderness setting to emphasize the emotional isolation of its characters. The performances, particularly Collias’ portrayal of 17-year-old Sam, have been lauded as authentic and deeply affecting. While Sam’s vulnerability and struggles with her identity are central to the story, Chris and Matt are portrayed with nuance, making for a powerful exploration of missed connections and unspoken tensions.

Good One is rated R for profanity. Tickets are available on the Salina Art Center Cinema website.

For more information on both screenings and ticket prices for Good One, visit the Salina Art Center Cinema’s website <a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/">here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726155299964.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy Salina Art Center Cinema" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy Salina Art Center Cinema</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTMovie lovers are in for a treat at the <a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/nowplaying">Salina Art Center Cinema</a>, 150 S Santa Fe Avenue this week, with multiple exciting films on the lineup. The cinema will first offer a free showing of the 1985 adventure-comedy classic The Goonies tonight Thursday, September 12 as part of its “Throwback Thursday” series.&nbsp; Admission is free and a donation to the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank is encouraged making it a perfect opportunity for families and fans to relive the beloved tale of a group of kids on a treasure hunt, while also helping a local non-profit.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726155559169.jpeg" alt="The Outsiders" />
 <figcaption>The Outsiders</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The Outsiders</h2>Stay for the Late Night Arthouse Retrospective at 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 13 for “The Outsiders” sponsored by Red Fern Booksellers.About “The Outsiders”A teen gang in rural Oklahoma, the Greasers are perpetually at odds with the Socials, a rival group. When Greasers Ponyboy (C. Thomas Howell) and Johnny (Ralph Macchio)&nbsp;get into a brawl that ends in the death of a Social member, the boys are forced to go into hiding. Soon Ponyboy and Johnny, along with the intense Dallas (Matt Dillon) and their other Greaser buddies, must contend with the consequences of their violent lives. While some Greasers try to achieve redemption, others meet tragic ends.Rated PG | 114 min<h2>Good One</h2>Sept. 13- Sept. 18&nbsp;<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sfgjVKoMb4M?si=HfRQz4EmBBXhCxXi" 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>Following the nostalgic throwback, the cinema will debut Good One, a highly anticipated indie drama, running from September 13 to 18. Directed by India Donaldson, the film delves into the complexities of family dynamics, focusing on the strained relationship between teenage daughter Sam (Lily Collias) and her distant father Chris (James Le Gros).Set during a camping trip in the Catskills, Good One explores how humor and sarcasm act as barriers between people who should be closest. The film tackles themes of broken relationships and miscommunication, particularly between parents and children. The presence of Chris’ carefree friend Matt (Danny McCarthy) further complicates the father-daughter dynamic, adding tension to an already fragile bond.With stunning cinematography by Wilson Cameron, Good One uses the expansive wilderness setting to emphasize the emotional isolation of its characters. The performances, particularly Collias’ portrayal of 17-year-old Sam, have been lauded as authentic and deeply affecting. While Sam’s vulnerability and struggles with her identity are central to the story, Chris and Matt are portrayed with nuance, making for a powerful exploration of missed connections and unspoken tensions.Good One is rated R for profanity. Tickets are available on the Salina Art Center Cinema website.For more information on both screenings and ticket prices for Good One, visit the Salina Art Center Cinema’s website <a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/">here</a>.&nbsp;

Salina Art Center Cinema to feature throwback classic, indie drama and more this weekend

Hello and happy Wednesday, everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine…

On Tuesday Seth Lugo struck out 10 in seven masterful innings and Salvador Perez hit two run-scoring singles to reach 100 RBIs for the second time as the Kansas City Royals beat the New York Yankees 5-0.

Tommy Pham homered and Bobby Witt Jr. had an RBI single for the Royals, who began the night trailing first-place Cleveland by 3 1/2 games in the AL Central. They held a 2 1/2-game edge over Minnesota for the second AL wild card.

Earlier this week we also got updated Big 12 kickoff times as it was announced that In a rematch of the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, the Kansas Jayhawks return to Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, to host the UNLV Rebels on Friday night, Sept. 13.

Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. on ESPN with Anish Shroff, Andre Ware and Paul Carcaterra on the call.

Meanwhile K-states’ Big 12-opening contest at BYU on September 21 will kick at 9:30 p.m., and will be televised by ESPN. It will be the Wildcats’ first game to kick off past 9 p.m. (CT) since a contest at UCLA in 2009.

This will be the ninth all-time meeting between the Wildcats and Cougars and the first since the 1997 (post-1996 season) Cotton Bowl.

And finally don’t forget to tune into KINA this evening at 6:00 for the third installment of the Kansas Wesleyan Coaches show ahead of a contest with Southwestern this Saturday.

That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIK7gBVEerc"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY SALINA POST(Transcript)Hello and happy Wednesday, everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine…_________On Tuesday Seth Lugo struck out 10 in seven masterful innings and Salvador Perez hit two run-scoring singles to reach 100 RBIs for the second time as the Kansas City Royals beat the New York Yankees 5-0.Tommy Pham homered and Bobby Witt Jr. had an RBI single for the Royals, who began the night trailing first-place Cleveland by 3 1/2 games in the AL Central. They held a 2 1/2-game edge over Minnesota for the second AL wild card._________Earlier this week we also got updated Big 12 kickoff times as it was announced that In a rematch of the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, the Kansas Jayhawks return to Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, to host the UNLV Rebels on Friday night, Sept. 13.Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. on ESPN with Anish Shroff, Andre Ware and Paul Carcaterra on the call.Meanwhile K-states’ Big 12-opening contest at BYU on September 21 will kick at 9:30 p.m., and will be televised by ESPN. It will be the Wildcats’ first game to kick off past 9 p.m. (CT) since a contest at UCLA in 2009.This will be the ninth all-time meeting between the Wildcats and Cougars and the first since the 1997 (post-1996 season) Cotton Bowl._________And finally don’t forget to tune into KINA this evening at 6:00 for the third installment of the Kansas Wesleyan Coaches show ahead of a contest with Southwestern this Saturday._________That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

910 KINA Sports Headlines — September 11

Central Kansas Mental Health Center Central Kansas Mental Health Center (CKMHC) is joining organizations across the country in recognizing September as National Suicide Prevention Month. This month-long observance serves as a vital opportunity to raise awareness about suicide prevention, educate the public about the warning signs of suicide, and promote the importance of behavioral health care.

At CKMHC, we are dedicated to fostering the behavioral health and well-being of the communities we serve. We strive to deliver compassionate, comprehensive care to individuals facing behavioral health challenges, and throughout September, we are intensifying our outreach to ensure that everyone is aware of the support and resources available to them.

“We&nbsp;have been working diligently over the last year&nbsp;to expand our crisis&nbsp;services and&nbsp;reduce barriers in accessing care in our communities,” said Crisis Director Esther&nbsp;Kency.&nbsp;"This includes not only enhancingCKMHC’s&nbsp;mobile crisis and 24/7 services but also strengthening partnerships across the region. We also want to raise awareness of valuable resources&nbsp;such as&nbsp;the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the Veterans Crisis Line, the Trevor Project, and the Farm Aid Lifeline. Help is available whenever and wherever it&nbsp;is&nbsp;needed."

Understanding the Warning Signs of Suicide

Throughout National Suicide Prevention Month, CKMHC will be sharing important information on recognizing the warning signs of suicide, which may include:

•Talking about wanting to die or expressing feelings of hopelessness•Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities•Displaying extreme mood swings or sudden changes in behavior•Increased use of alcohol or drugs•Engaging in risky or self-destructive behavior

It’s crucial to take these signs seriously and act quickly. If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs, don’t wait—reach out to a behavioral health professional&nbsp;for support.

CKMHC's Ongoing Commitment to Suicide Prevention

As a leading provider of behavioral health services, CKMHC is dedicated to suicide prevention through various programs and initiatives, including:

•24/7 Crisis Services: Our crisis team is available around the clock to provide immediate assistance to individuals in distress.•Community Education and Outreach: We offer speaking and training opportunities,includingMental Health First Aid ,to educate the community about behavioral health, suicide prevention, and how to support those in crisis.•Coordination of Care: CKMHC integrates behavioral health services with primary care to provide holistic support to those at risk.

CKMHC encourages&nbsp;our communities&nbsp;to participate in National Suicide Prevention Month by learning more about suicide prevention, sharing resources, and supporting those who may be struggling. Together, we can break the stigma surrounding behavioral health and ensure that everyone has access to the care they need.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Contact CKMHC&nbsp;24/7 crisis services&nbsp;at&nbsp;785-823-6322.&nbsp;You can also call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support anytime, anywhere.

Crisis and Support Hotlines:&nbsp;

•988 Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate support 24/7 for anyone experiencing a mental health or suicidal crisis.•Farm Aid Hotline: Call 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243) for assistance with farm-related financial, legal, and crisis support.•Veterans Crisis Line: Call988and press 1to connect with a trained responder for veteran-specific crisis support.•National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) or text "START" to 88788 for confidential support and resources for those affected by domestic violence.•The Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386, text "START" to 678678, or chat online at <a href="http://thetrevorproject.org">thetrevorproject.org</a> for LGBTQ+ youth in crisis.•Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis support via text messaging.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726058560260.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy CKMHC" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy CKMHC</figcaption>
 </figure>Central Kansas Mental Health Center Central Kansas Mental Health Center (CKMHC) is joining organizations across the country in recognizing September as National Suicide Prevention Month. This month-long observance serves as a vital opportunity to raise awareness about suicide prevention, educate the public about the warning signs of suicide, and promote the importance of behavioral health care.At CKMHC, we are dedicated to fostering the behavioral health and well-being of the communities we serve. We strive to deliver compassionate, comprehensive care to individuals facing behavioral health challenges, and throughout September, we are intensifying our outreach to ensure that everyone is aware of the support and resources available to them.“We&nbsp;have been working diligently over the last year&nbsp;to expand our crisis&nbsp;services and&nbsp;reduce barriers in accessing care in our communities,” said Crisis Director Esther&nbsp;Kency.&nbsp;"This includes not only enhancingCKMHC’s&nbsp;mobile crisis and 24/7 services but also strengthening partnerships across the region. We also want to raise awareness of valuable resources&nbsp;such as&nbsp;the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the Veterans Crisis Line, the Trevor Project, and the Farm Aid Lifeline. Help is available whenever and wherever it&nbsp;is&nbsp;needed."Understanding the Warning Signs of SuicideThroughout National Suicide Prevention Month, CKMHC will be sharing important information on recognizing the warning signs of suicide, which may include:•Talking about wanting to die or expressing feelings of hopelessness•Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities•Displaying extreme mood swings or sudden changes in behavior•Increased use of alcohol or drugs•Engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviorIt’s crucial to take these signs seriously and act quickly. If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs, don’t wait—reach out to a behavioral health professional&nbsp;for support.CKMHC's Ongoing Commitment to Suicide PreventionAs a leading provider of behavioral health services, CKMHC is dedicated to suicide prevention through various programs and initiatives, including:•24/7 Crisis Services: Our crisis team is available around the clock to provide immediate assistance to individuals in distress.•Community Education and Outreach: We offer speaking and training opportunities,includingMental Health First Aid ,to educate the community about behavioral health, suicide prevention, and how to support those in crisis.•Coordination of Care: CKMHC integrates behavioral health services with primary care to provide holistic support to those at risk.How You Can Get InvolvedCKMHC encourages&nbsp;our communities&nbsp;to participate in National Suicide Prevention Month by learning more about suicide prevention, sharing resources, and supporting those who may be struggling. Together, we can break the stigma surrounding behavioral health and ensure that everyone has access to the care they need.If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Contact CKMHC&nbsp;24/7 crisis services&nbsp;at&nbsp;785-823-6322.&nbsp;You can also call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support anytime, anywhere.Crisis and Support Hotlines:&nbsp;•988 Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate support 24/7 for anyone experiencing a mental health or suicidal crisis.•Farm Aid Hotline: Call 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243) for assistance with farm-related financial, legal, and crisis support.•Veterans Crisis Line: Call988and press 1to connect with a trained responder for veteran-specific crisis support.•National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) or text "START" to 88788 for confidential support and resources for those affected by domestic violence.•The Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386, text "START" to 678678, or chat online at <a href="http://thetrevorproject.org">thetrevorproject.org</a> for LGBTQ+ youth in crisis.•Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis support via text messaging.

Central Kansas Mental Health Center Recognizes September as National Suicide Prevention Month

K-State Salina <a href="http://salina.ksu.edu/">Kansas State University Salina</a>&nbsp;is hosting a community discussion about free expression as part of the campus's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/about/visitor-information/civic-lecture/">Civic Lecture Series</a>. The community is invited to attend&nbsp;"Free Expression: What it is, how it applies and practical tips for navigating difficult conversations"&nbsp;at 11:30 a.m.&nbsp;Thursday, September 12, to&nbsp;explore the principles and history underlying the First Amendment and how it applies&nbsp;to&nbsp;public college campuses. The discussion, held in K-State Salina's College Center Conference Room,&nbsp;will have tips for engaging in difficult conversations and responding to offensive speech in communities.&nbsp; Erin Sommer Good, K-State senior associate general counsel, and Corey Williamson, K-State assistant vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, are the featured speakers,&nbsp;and both&nbsp;have&nbsp;extensive experience navigating how the&nbsp;First&nbsp;Amendment applies in everyday life. Good advises K-State administrators on a wide array of legal issues. The First Amendment and free expression are of particular interest because of Good's background as a journalist.&nbsp;Williamson also serves as&nbsp;chair of K-State's Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Campus Center.

Admission is free, and guests can bring an outside lunch or purchase a meal from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/academic-success-student-affairs/housing/dining/">K-State Salina's Centennial Dining</a>.For more information, visit the&nbsp;<a href="http://salina.k-state.edu/civic-lecture">Civic Lecture Series website</a>.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726058335228.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>K-State Salina <a href="http://salina.ksu.edu/">Kansas State University Salina</a>&nbsp;is hosting a community discussion about free expression as part of the campus's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/about/visitor-information/civic-lecture/">Civic Lecture Series</a>. The community is invited to attend&nbsp;"Free Expression: What it is, how it applies and practical tips for navigating difficult conversations"&nbsp;at 11:30 a.m.&nbsp;Thursday, September 12, to&nbsp;explore the principles and history underlying the First Amendment and how it applies&nbsp;to&nbsp;public college campuses. The discussion, held in K-State Salina's College Center Conference Room,&nbsp;will have tips for engaging in difficult conversations and responding to offensive speech in communities.&nbsp; Erin Sommer Good, K-State senior associate general counsel, and Corey Williamson, K-State assistant vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, are the featured speakers,&nbsp;and both&nbsp;have&nbsp;extensive experience navigating how the&nbsp;First&nbsp;Amendment applies in everyday life. Good advises K-State administrators on a wide array of legal issues. The First Amendment and free expression are of particular interest because of Good's background as a journalist.&nbsp;Williamson also serves as&nbsp;chair of K-State's Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Campus Center.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726058252253.jpeg" alt="Corey Williamson, K-State assistant vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, is a featured speaker at the upcoming Civic Lecture Series discussion " />
 <figcaption>Corey Williamson, K-State assistant vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, is a featured speaker at the upcoming Civic Lecture Series discussion </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726058169184.jpeg" alt="Erin Sommer Good" />
 <figcaption>Erin Sommer Good</figcaption>
 </figure> Admission is free, and guests can bring an outside lunch or purchase a meal from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/academic-success-student-affairs/housing/dining/">K-State Salina's Centennial Dining</a>.For more information, visit the&nbsp;<a href="http://salina.k-state.edu/civic-lecture">Civic Lecture Series website</a>.

K-State Salina kicks off fall Civic Lecture Series with discussion about free expression

The Salina community will gather on September 11, 2024, to honor the lives lost and affected by the tragic events of September 11, 2001. A special memorial event, "A Night of Remembrance," will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Great Life Salina, located at 1800 S. Marymount Road.

The event will pay tribute to the first responders, civilians, and military personnel who bravely responded to the attacks. Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on the nearly 3,000 lives lost and honor the survivors, their families, and the heroes who selflessly risked their own lives to save others.

Local musician Tony Bowell will provide live music, creating a poignant atmosphere for reflection and unity. Food will be generously donated by Martinelli's Little Italy to attendees.&nbsp;

Admission to the event is $10 per person, with all proceeds benefiting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

This memorial event serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength displayed in the face of tragedy, ensuring that the heroic sacrifices made on that day are forever enshrined in our nation’s history.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576278537018.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina community will gather on September 11, 2024, to honor the lives lost and affected by the tragic events of September 11, 2001. A special memorial event, "A Night of Remembrance," will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Great Life Salina, located at 1800 S. Marymount Road.The event will pay tribute to the first responders, civilians, and military personnel who bravely responded to the attacks. Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on the nearly 3,000 lives lost and honor the survivors, their families, and the heroes who selflessly risked their own lives to save others.Local musician Tony Bowell will provide live music, creating a poignant atmosphere for reflection and unity. Food will be generously donated by Martinelli's Little Italy to attendees.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725905806821.jpeg" alt="Remeber" />
 <figcaption>Remeber</figcaption>
 </figure>Admission to the event is $10 per person, with all proceeds benefiting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.This memorial event serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength displayed in the face of tragedy, ensuring that the heroic sacrifices made on that day are forever enshrined in our nation’s history.&nbsp;

Salina Community to honor lives lost on 9/11 at ‘A Night of Remembrance’

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.

NAME:&nbsp;Hall,Ricky Lee JamesREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;

Theft of prop/services;Value $1,500 to $25,000

NAME:&nbsp;Lester,Jason Isaiah REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;

NAME:&nbsp;Marfise,Tyson AllenREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance

NAME:&nbsp;Payton,Brittany Lee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;

NAME:&nbsp;Runyan,Ethan DKauthREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

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/2024/9/1726057137141.jpeg" alt=" Hall,Ricky Lee James" />
 <figcaption> Hall,Ricky Lee James</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Hall,Ricky Lee JamesREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving While SuspendedTheft of prop/services;Value $1,500 to $25,000<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726057184903.jpeg" alt=" Lester,Jason Isaiah" />
 <figcaption> Lester,Jason Isaiah</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Lester,Jason Isaiah REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appearOutside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726057284420.jpeg" alt="Marfise,Tyson Allen" />
 <figcaption>Marfise,Tyson Allen</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Marfise,Tyson AllenREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726057348891.jpeg" alt="Payton,Brittany Lee" />
 <figcaption>Payton,Brittany Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Payton,Brittany Lee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation ViolationOutside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726057384628.jpeg" alt="Runyan,Ethan DKauth" />
 <figcaption>Runyan,Ethan DKauth</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Runyan,Ethan DKauthREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, Sept. 11

Join host Nate King and guest Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab on the latest episode of the "King in the Community" podcast as they discuss Kansas’ election security laws and important dates/deadlines for the upcoming Primary and General elections this year.&nbsp;

Schwab emphasizes his office's robust security measures to prevent fraud and reiterates his appreciation and commendation of the work being done by county clerks to ensure elections run smoothly at the local level.

In this episode, you'll learn from Schwab how difficult it is to vote illegally in Kansas.&nbsp;

Believe it or not, overseeing statewide elections is just a small part of what Schwab does as Secretary of State. In addition to serving as the state's Chief Elections Officer, Schwab is also in charge of maintaining business filings.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Kansas Secretary of State, Scott Schwab" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=gzntm-161abef-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By SALINA POSTJoin host Nate King and guest Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab on the latest episode of the "King in the Community" podcast as they discuss Kansas’ election security laws and important dates/deadlines for the upcoming Primary and General elections this year.&nbsp;Schwab emphasizes his office's robust security measures to prevent fraud and reiterates his appreciation and commendation of the work being done by county clerks to ensure elections run smoothly at the local level.In this episode, you'll learn from Schwab how difficult it is to vote illegally in Kansas.&nbsp;Believe it or not, overseeing statewide elections is just a small part of what Schwab does as Secretary of State. In addition to serving as the state's Chief Elections Officer, Schwab is also in charge of maintaining business filings.&nbsp;<h2>More podcast episodes</h2><div><iframe title="King in the Community" allowtransparency="true" height="315" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:315px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=skmut-558a99-pbblog-playlist&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&order=episodic&limit=10&filter=publish_time&publish_start=2023-11-01&publish_end=2024-05-16&ss=529e65f6691d9b7dddebedc34e283cbe&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</div>

🎙King in the Community — Kansas Secretary of State, Scott Schwab

The Fe for A Cure 5K Race/Walk is one of the biggest, most fun, and most affordable races in Salina and it is just around the corner. 

The 2024 Fe for A Cure race will be held on Saturday, September 21 and will start and finish at Tammy Walker Cancer Center. The race planning committee has set a goal of being the second race in Salina to have 1,000 registered participants.

Registration is $25.00 for anyone 12 and older and $10.00 for anyone 11 and younger and includes a race t-shirt and breakfast food provided by Salina Regional Health Center Food Services. Register at <a href="http://feforacure.com">feforacure.com</a>.

New One Mile Fun Run Option &amp; New Start Time

This year the Fe for A Cure will be offer a 1-Mile Fun Run. This was the number one recommendation from last year's post-race survey results and will make the Fe for A Cure 5K Race Walk an event the entire family can participate in. 

The 1-Mile Fun Run race also starts at 8:00 a.m. which will provide cooler temperatures for participants and make it easier for participants and volunteers to get to youth sporting events and other activities. 

“Cancer has touched us all in some way. Fe for a Cure not only raises funds to help those in the midst of their battle but also gives us the opportunity to show our support for cancer patients and their families,” said Marla McElderry, Executive Director at the Salina Regional Health Foundation.

The USATF Certified 5K begins and ends at the Tammy Walker Cancer Center on Santa Fe Avenue. The course takes runners north on Santa Fe, with a turnaround between Elm and Pine Streets leading runners back south on Santa Fe. Runners then turn onto Walnut Street leading to Oakdale Park. A loop in the park leads runners to Mulberry Street, then they take a left back onto Santa Fe Avenue to finish at the Cancer Center.

Volunteer forms for Fe for A Cure are available by emailing Daniel Craig at <a href="mailto:dacraig@srhc.com">dacraig@srhc.com</a>. Volunteers are needed along the course to help block entrances and exits, provide pedestrians/runners with course direction, and encourage participants along the course. Volunteers are also need to help with registration and event setup. Volunteers will receive a volunteer shirt and instructions/contact information for key race personnel. Most volunteer shifts are two hours or less and volunteers are welcome to enjoy the great food provided by Salina Regional Food Services after their shift is complete.

"Volunteers are what separate the very best races from other events. We were blown away by both the number of individuals who volunteered for last year's race as well as their passion and commitment to ensuring that every runner had an amazing experience," said Daniel Craig, volunteer coordinator Fe for A Cure.

USATF Certified Races Bring Runners to the Community

Being USATF Certified means that the course has been accurately measured (multiple times) by an approved USATF Certifier to ensure the distance. Many runners like to compare performances run on different courses, and such comparisons are difficult if course distances are not reliable. According to race organizers, runners cannot truly establish a personal best if the course distance is not accurate. The 2022 Fe for A Cure 5K Race/Walk was the first ever USATF Certified event held in Salina. Being USATF Certified is a great way to bring runners from other communities to Salina. In 2023, the Fe for A Cure had 228 registered participants from outside of Salina with 791 total registered participants.

Want to participate or support cancer patients, but have a conflict? Register as a Couch Potato ($25 adults/$10 kids) and secure yourself a commemorative t-shirt from the event. Register at <a href="http://feforacure.com">feforacure.com</a>.

100% of entry fees support patients at TWCC

Last year there were 791 registered participants in the Fe for a Cure, which made it the second largest running event in Salina! The event raised $26,260 through registrations, donations, and ribbons sales. An anonymous donor also contributed $30,000, bringing the total raised to a record $56,260! 

Here are just a few of the ways fundraising events help support patients at Tammy Walker Cancer Center.

· Patient meal program-Patients undergoing long chemotherapy infusions are offered a meal (lunch), Monday thru Thursday. The patient meal program started on November 28 and over 2000 meals have been served. What an amazing gift to our patients! During the school year, the patient meal program provides our Project Search interns the opportunity to learn work skills and business soft-skills with the goal of helping them gain employment. During the summer, we have volunteers who help.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695228529262.png" alt="A photo from the 2023 Tammy Walker Cancer Center Fe For a Cure Mural created by Colin Benson. Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>A photo from the 2023 Tammy Walker Cancer Center Fe For a Cure Mural created by Colin Benson. Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe Fe for A Cure 5K Race/Walk is one of the biggest, most fun, and most affordable races in Salina and it is just around the corner. The 2024 Fe for A Cure race will be held on Saturday, September 21 and will start and finish at Tammy Walker Cancer Center. The race planning committee has set a goal of being the second race in Salina to have 1,000 registered participants. Registration is $25.00 for anyone 12 and older and $10.00 for anyone 11 and younger and includes a race t-shirt and breakfast food provided by Salina Regional Health Center Food Services. Register at <a href="http://feforacure.com">feforacure.com</a>.New One Mile Fun Run Option &amp; New Start TimeThis year the Fe for A Cure will be offer a 1-Mile Fun Run. This was the number one recommendation from last year's post-race survey results and will make the Fe for A Cure 5K Race Walk an event the entire family can participate in. The 1-Mile Fun Run race also starts at 8:00 a.m. which will provide cooler temperatures for participants and make it easier for participants and volunteers to get to youth sporting events and other activities. “Cancer has touched us all in some way. Fe for a Cure not only raises funds to help those in the midst of their battle but also gives us the opportunity to show our support for cancer patients and their families,” said Marla McElderry, Executive Director at the Salina Regional Health Foundation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715632794675.jpeg" alt="And we're off! Racers in a previous Fe for a Cure set off from the starting line.&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo courtesy Salina Regional Health Foundation" />
 <figcaption>And we're off! Racers in a previous Fe for a Cure set off from the starting line.&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo courtesy Salina Regional Health Foundation</figcaption>
 </figure>The CourseThe USATF Certified 5K begins and ends at the Tammy Walker Cancer Center on Santa Fe Avenue. The course takes runners north on Santa Fe, with a turnaround between Elm and Pine Streets leading runners back south on Santa Fe. Runners then turn onto Walnut Street leading to Oakdale Park. A loop in the park leads runners to Mulberry Street, then they take a left back onto Santa Fe Avenue to finish at the Cancer Center.Volunteers Needed Volunteer forms for Fe for A Cure are available by emailing Daniel Craig at <a href="mailto:dacraig@srhc.com">dacraig@srhc.com</a>. Volunteers are needed along the course to help block entrances and exits, provide pedestrians/runners with course direction, and encourage participants along the course. Volunteers are also need to help with registration and event setup. Volunteers will receive a volunteer shirt and instructions/contact information for key race personnel. Most volunteer shifts are two hours or less and volunteers are welcome to enjoy the great food provided by Salina Regional Food Services after their shift is complete. "Volunteers are what separate the very best races from other events. We were blown away by both the number of individuals who volunteered for last year's race as well as their passion and commitment to ensuring that every runner had an amazing experience," said Daniel Craig, volunteer coordinator Fe for A Cure.USATF Certified Races Bring Runners to the CommunityBeing USATF Certified means that the course has been accurately measured (multiple times) by an approved USATF Certifier to ensure the distance. Many runners like to compare performances run on different courses, and such comparisons are difficult if course distances are not reliable. According to race organizers, runners cannot truly establish a personal best if the course distance is not accurate. The 2022 Fe for A Cure 5K Race/Walk was the first ever USATF Certified event held in Salina. Being USATF Certified is a great way to bring runners from other communities to Salina. In 2023, the Fe for A Cure had 228 registered participants from outside of Salina with 791 total registered participants.Can’t join us?Want to participate or support cancer patients, but have a conflict? Register as a Couch Potato ($25 adults/$10 kids) and secure yourself a commemorative t-shirt from the event. Register at <a href="http://feforacure.com">feforacure.com</a>.100% of entry fees support patients at TWCCLast year there were 791 registered participants in the Fe for a Cure, which made it the second largest running event in Salina! The event raised $26,260 through registrations, donations, and ribbons sales. An anonymous donor also contributed $30,000, bringing the total raised to a record $56,260! Here are just a few of the ways fundraising events help support patients at Tammy Walker Cancer Center.· Patient meal program-Patients undergoing long chemotherapy infusions are offered a meal (lunch), Monday thru Thursday. The patient meal program started on November 28 and over 2000 meals have been served. What an amazing gift to our patients! During the school year, the patient meal program provides our Project Search interns the opportunity to learn work skills and business soft-skills with the goal of helping them gain employment. During the summer, we have volunteers who help.· Appearance center-Patients are able to get wigs, hats, scarves, and other items at no cost. Wigs and other items from the appearance center can help empower patients and help them feel more comfortable and confident as well, as provide a sense of normalcy during treatment.· Transportation Assistance-Transportation should not be a roadblock to cancer treatment. Our partnership with OCCK allows us to offer transportation services to those who need it at no cost.· Morrison House-The Morrison House is a guest residence for those living outside Salina with a loved one who is a patient at Salina Regional Health Center and outpatients undergoing treatment at the Tammy Walker Cancer Center.Who was Tammy Walker?Tammy Walker, of Salina, died of lung cancer in 1973 at the young age of 11. The fifth child of the late Charlie Walker and Margie Walker, Tammy was a friendly, lively child who loved school and animals—especially her horse and her dog. The Walker family was pleased to honor Tammy’s memory with the lead gift for the construction of the Tammy Walker Cancer Center.The 2024 Fe for a Cure is organized and put on by Salina Regional Health Foundation, Meridian Media, and North Salina Community Development. Those who would like more information about the race or the Tammy Walker Cancer Center can contact Craig at 785-452-4848 or dacraig@srhc.com