By SALINA POST
As the new year approaches, it is a time of reflection.
As we close out the year and look ahead to 2025, here is a look back at the top 10 local Salina Post stories from 2024.
10. Wichita shoplifters arrested for stealing from two Salina businesses
Two Wichita men, Demarcus Hoover, 42, and Manuel Moya, 35, were arrested Tuesday after allegedly stealing $1,274 worth of Nike apparel from Dick's Sporting Goods in Salina back in February.
According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, one suspect distracted a store employee while the other pushed out a cart of clothing. A Saline County deputy later stopped their vehicle on I-135, where a search uncovered the stolen Nike items along with other goods taken from Walmart, including a pressure washer and necklaces. Both men were booked into Saline County Jail on property theft charges.
9. Compensation mission expands Vietnam vets say Agent Orange effects have spread to offspring
In October, the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Salina Chapter 809 held a Veterans Town Hall Meeting to shed light on the generational impact of Agent Orange exposure. The event, held at The Temple in downtown Salina, brought attention to the herbicide’s devastating effects on veterans and their descendants, including cancer, birth defects, and disabilities.
Keynote speaker Maynard Kaderlik, a Vietnam veteran, shared his personal story of battling cancer and his family’s struggles with severe learning disabilities and autism in his children and grandchildren. He urged continued advocacy for federal recognition of these generational effects and encouraged veterans and families to document and report their experiences.
This story was brought to Salina Post courtesy of Tim Unruh.
8. Salina's former Ambassador Hotel
The fate of the Ambassador Hotel at 1616 West Crawford Street was sealed in late October when the Salina City Commission voted to demolish the deteriorating structure. Once a thriving Holiday Inn Holidome in the 1980s, the hotel faced years of neglect, safety violations, and failed redevelopment plans. Property owner Joshua Joseph’s repeated attempts to secure funding for revitalization fell short, prompting the commission to move forward with demolition.
The building is currently under demolition.
7. Dangerous June heat wave
In late June, Salina experienced a punishing multi-day heat wave, with temperatures peaking at a 108-degree heat index on June 25. The U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita) warned that this early-season heat wave could rival historical records due to its unusually early timing. Residents were urged to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, from 1 to 7 p.m., and to stay hydrated to avoid heat-related illnesses.
6. Drug Task Force, KBI arrests Salina suspect and find multiple pounds of drugs
On June 3, a joint operation by the Salina Drug Task Force and Kansas Bureau of Investigation uncovered over three pounds of drugs, including hallucinogenic mushrooms, marijuana products, and methamphetamine, during a search of a Central Salina residence. Kristoff Lindgren, 33, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of drug distribution and possession of paraphernalia. Authorities described the operation as part of a lengthy investigation, marking one of the year’s most significant drug seizures.
5. Salina man arrested after alleged school shooting threat
On Sept. 13, a 37-year-old Salina man, Johnny Baldwin, was arrested after allegedly making alarming statements about plans to "shoot up a school" while standing in line at Casey's convenience store on West Schilling Road. A concerned customer reported Baldwin's comments, prompting Salina Police Department officers to respond quickly.
Baldwin was taken into custody without incident, and no weapons were found at the scene.
4. 📸 Friends and family of two local teens gather at roadside memorial for community vigil
On March 28, friends and family gathered for a roadside vigil to honor the lives of Vance McComber and Anthony Windell, two 17-year-old best friends who died in a car crash on West Crawford Avenue near Salina. The vigil drew dozens of people who shared stories about the boys' close bond, love of cars and shared dedication to their goals.
Family members, including Anthony's sister Jasmine and Vance's sister Avery, spoke about the boys' unwavering friendship and ability to inspire those around them. The roadside memorial, adorned with mufflers and car parts, symbolized their passion for vehicles and their shared connection.
The Saline County Sheriff's Office temporarily closed the road to allow the community to gather safely, reflecting the widespread grief and support for the families.
3. Iconic restaurant, The Cozy Inn, sues Salina over right to paint a one-of-a-kind mural
In 2024, Salina’s iconic Cozy Inn became the center of a federal lawsuit when city officials halted work on a mural featuring flying saucer-shaped hamburgers. The city classified the artwork as a “regulated sign,” citing local code violations, while owner Steve Howard and the Kansas Justice Institute (KJI) argued the restriction violated First Amendment protections.
KJI filed a lawsuit challenging the city’s sign code, emphasizing the mural’s role in downtown Salina’s artistic identity. The city defended its enforcement, highlighting the complexity of balancing fair signage regulations with artistic freedom. The case sparked discussions about policy changes to address public art and signage regulations and remains an ongoing point of debate in Salina.
The case is scheduled to go to trial in September of 2025.
2. Kansas Corporation Commission orders Sundowner, LLC owner to remove meter locks immediately
A months-long investigation into water quality and billing issues at Sundowner West Mobile Home Park saw the resemblance of action when the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) ordered Sundowner, LLC, owner Scott Kolling, to remove locks on water meters and address violations as a public utility. Kolling’s failure to obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COC) and other regulatory oversights left residents with inconsistent water quality, including black water with sediment and over-chlorinated water.
Residents, led by longtime tenant Misty Livingston-Holmes, voiced their frustrations with faulty billing, unreliable water service, and damaged appliances due to water contamination. Livingston-Holmes reported water bills exceeding $1,000 for minimal use, sparking concerns among residents and state representatives. Saline County officials and State Representative Susan Concannon worked to escalate the issue to state agencies, including the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.
The KCC report outlined significant regulatory gaps and recommended a “Show Cause” order for Kolling to justify why Sundowner should operate without a COC. Meanwhile, residents continue to endure compromised living conditions as state agencies work to resolve the crisis. The Sundowner case remains a stark example of the challenges rural communities face with privately owned utilities.
Since the order in March, the Sundowner community has faced inconsistent water billing, low water quality and regular boil and do not drink advisories.
Salina Post contacted the Kansas Attorney General's office multiple times but was not given an update on the case.
1. UPDATED: SPD discover professor deceased in Pioneer Hall
On February 8, Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU) was struck by the tragic and unexpected passing of Dr. Eileen St. John, head of the teacher education department. Dr. St. John was a devoted educator and campus leader known for her dedication to her students and her family-centered approach to life.
"Scriptures say to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Today is a time of mourning, the likes of which our campus has not seen in some time," a statement from KWU President Matt Thompson read.
In response, university officials canceled classes and campus activities, including athletics, through the weekend to allow students, faculty, and staff time to grieve. Chaplains and counselors were also available across campus and through community partnerships to support those processing the loss.
Thompson emphasized that there was no danger to the campus at any time, and Pioneer Hall was temporarily closed to provide privacy and reflection. As the community mourned together, university leaders encouraged patience, kindness, and grace among all as they navigated the difficult days ahead.