By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

In the year's first three months, 16 structure fires have impacted businesses and families across Salina — leading the Salina Salvation Army staff to work overtime to help 12 families in town.

The Salvation Army assists families and individuals through their Emergency Disaster Services program with food, housing, clothing, and other programs after an emergency like a house fire.&nbsp;

Still, the staff faces another challenge besides helping so many families in such a short period.

"With our Christmas Kettles, we fell about $20,000 behind," said Salina Salvation Army Lieutenant Luke Hursh. "Because we fell $20,000 behind, and now we're having more fires, it affects our ability to help them as much as we want."

Last year, the Salina Salvation Army helped six families after a fire, so they have already doubled that this year.

A team consisting of Hursh, his wife, Capt. Patricia Hursh and two other staff members assist families and first responders during emergencies.&nbsp;

With the increased need this year, Hursh said the small team has continued but with a new plan moving forward — recruiting volunteers to staff an Emergency Disaster Services Team.

"We're trying to put together an Emergency Disaster Services Team of people on call who can get the training," Hursh said.

Volunteers can join the team by contacting or visiting the Salina Salvation Army, where Hursh said staff will give them the basic training, but volunteers can choose to do further training if requested.

Those who join the team could also travel with the Salina Salvation Army if called to another major disaster in the United States or beyond.

Beyond adding more Emergency Disaster Services Team staff, the Salina Salvation Army partnered with The Unreal Tour for a benefit concert in April to help remedy some lost funds from the Christmas Kettles.

"The benefit concert is hopefully going to help us raise those $20,000 plus some," Hursh said. "It's going to be money to help the community. It all goes directly back to the program. A lot of people don't realize that 86 cents of $1 goes to help programs, so that 14 cents is used for administrative costs."

Salvation Army staff looked for ways to raise more cash for their programs, especially with a higher demand this year, and The Unreal Tour happened to contact the organization.

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/776b3aef-8759-46f3-8f96-5864b2a0c031">The Unreal Tour visits Salina in April for The Salvation Army of Salina benefit concert</a>

Hursh said they contacted him and his staff, asking if they would like to host the concert in Salina. Hursh then inquired if it could be a benefit concert, to which they agreed.

The tour will feature Christian artists Sanctus Real, Unspoken and JJ Weeks at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 5, at Tony's Pizza Events Center, 800 The Midway, Salina, Kan.

"This is going to help us not just with our Emergency Disaster Services, but it will help us with our feeding program, our character building program and our youth music program," Hursh said. "It would help us possibly start other programs that we want to do."

Interested attendees can find tickets for the concert at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.tonyspizzaeventscenter.com/">Tony's Pizza Events Center</a>&nbsp;box office or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/the-unreal-tour-salina-kansas-04-05-2024/event/20006036E01717C0">Ticketmaster.com</a>. Ticket prices are $23, $33 and $45 for VIP, which includes a meet and greet with the artists.

Hursh said there are 800 regular tickets and 200 VIP tickets in total. On Monday, only 95 regular and 30 VIP tickets have sold for the concert.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655324775700.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostIn the year's first three months, 16 structure fires have impacted businesses and families across Salina — leading the Salina Salvation Army staff to work overtime to help 12 families in town.The Salvation Army assists families and individuals through their Emergency Disaster Services program with food, housing, clothing, and other programs after an emergency like a house fire.&nbsp;Still, the staff faces another challenge besides helping so many families in such a short period."With our Christmas Kettles, we fell about $20,000 behind," said Salina Salvation Army Lieutenant Luke Hursh. "Because we fell $20,000 behind, and now we're having more fires, it affects our ability to help them as much as we want."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703438283078.jpeg" alt="Raymond Brown, a Salvation Army bell ringer, holds out his red Salvation Army bell during his shift on Friday, Dec. 22, at the Salina Central Mall. Photo by Olivia Bermgier" />
 <figcaption>Raymond Brown, a Salvation Army bell ringer, holds out his red Salvation Army bell during his shift on Friday, Dec. 22, at the Salina Central Mall. Photo by Olivia Bermgier</figcaption>
 </figure>Last year, the Salina Salvation Army helped six families after a fire, so they have already doubled that this year.A team consisting of Hursh, his wife, Capt. Patricia Hursh and two other staff members assist families and first responders during emergencies.&nbsp;With the increased need this year, Hursh said the small team has continued but with a new plan moving forward — recruiting volunteers to staff an Emergency Disaster Services Team."We're trying to put together an Emergency Disaster Services Team of people on call who can get the training," Hursh said.Volunteers can join the team by contacting or visiting the Salina Salvation Army, where Hursh said staff will give them the basic training, but volunteers can choose to do further training if requested.Those who join the team could also travel with the Salina Salvation Army if called to another major disaster in the United States or beyond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710518833906.jpeg" alt="Unreal Tour. Graphic courtesy The Salvation Army of Salina" />
 <figcaption>Unreal Tour. Graphic courtesy The Salvation Army of Salina</figcaption>
 </figure>Beyond adding more Emergency Disaster Services Team staff, the Salina Salvation Army partnered with The Unreal Tour for a benefit concert in April to help remedy some lost funds from the Christmas Kettles."The benefit concert is hopefully going to help us raise those $20,000 plus some," Hursh said. "It's going to be money to help the community. It all goes directly back to the program. A lot of people don't realize that 86 cents of $1 goes to help programs, so that 14 cents is used for administrative costs."Salvation Army staff looked for ways to raise more cash for their programs, especially with a higher demand this year, and The Unreal Tour happened to contact the organization.READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/776b3aef-8759-46f3-8f96-5864b2a0c031">The Unreal Tour visits Salina in April for The Salvation Army of Salina benefit concert</a>Hursh said they contacted him and his staff, asking if they would like to host the concert in Salina. Hursh then inquired if it could be a benefit concert, to which they agreed.The tour will feature Christian artists Sanctus Real, Unspoken and JJ Weeks at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 5, at Tony's Pizza Events Center, 800 The Midway, Salina, Kan."This is going to help us not just with our Emergency Disaster Services, but it will help us with our feeding program, our character building program and our youth music program," Hursh said. "It would help us possibly start other programs that we want to do."Interested attendees can find tickets for the concert at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.tonyspizzaeventscenter.com/">Tony's Pizza Events Center</a>&nbsp;box office or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/the-unreal-tour-salina-kansas-04-05-2024/event/20006036E01717C0">Ticketmaster.com</a>. Ticket prices are $23, $33 and $45 for VIP, which includes a meet and greet with the artists.Hursh said there are 800 regular tickets and 200 VIP tickets in total. On Monday, only 95 regular and 30 VIP tickets have sold for the concert.

Salina Salvation Army benefit concert short of ticket sales amid financial struggles

Taco Bell employees at 1700 W. Crawford Ave. received a suspected scam caller parading as a corporate staff member who requested more than $1,500 in Bitcoin from the franchise in town.

Salina Police Department Capt. James Feldman said around 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, an unidentified employee received the scam call and first attempted to verify the reliability of the corporate staff member.

"The person [suspect] stated there was a financial discrepancy, and the business needed to pay in Bitcoin to fix the issue," Feldman said. "The employee asked multiple questions which the subject was able to answer and ended up going and purchasing Bitcoin."

Feldman said the employee made three transactions for the local Taco Bell franchise for $1,618 in Bitcoin. Later, around 6:30 p.m., the employees realized the scam and contacted SPD. 

Officers continue to investigate the crime, and there are no suspects. 

Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0d304eb2-2de9-424c-b43a-bcd5b389c563">Cash Hollistah to read in Salina Spring Poetry Series, Tuesday April 2</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574355645622.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostTaco Bell employees at 1700 W. Crawford Ave. received a suspected scam caller parading as a corporate staff member who requested more than $1,500 in Bitcoin from the franchise in town.Salina Police Department Capt. James Feldman said around 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, an unidentified employee received the scam call and first attempted to verify the reliability of the corporate staff member."The person [suspect] stated there was a financial discrepancy, and the business needed to pay in Bitcoin to fix the issue," Feldman said. "The employee asked multiple questions which the subject was able to answer and ended up going and purchasing Bitcoin."Feldman said the employee made three transactions for the local Taco Bell franchise for $1,618 in Bitcoin. Later, around 6:30 p.m., the employees realized the scam and contacted SPD. Officers continue to investigate the crime, and there are no suspects. Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0d304eb2-2de9-424c-b43a-bcd5b389c563">Cash Hollistah to read in Salina Spring Poetry Series, Tuesday April 2</a>

Local Taco Bell falls victim to alleged Bitcoin scam

Monte Shadwick - District 1Robert Vidricksen II - District 2

Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 9:00 a.m. 300 W Ash Room 107 Salina, Kansas 67401

County offices will be open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

If you need any assistance in participating in any meeting or event due to a disability as defined under ADA, please call the County'sCounty's ADA Coordinator at (785) 309-5812 or email&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="mailto:leamerm@salinecountyks.gov">leamerm@salinecountyks.gov</a>&nbsp;before the scheduled meeting or event to request accommodations.

Saline County Commission meetings are LIVE and streamed on the county's YouTube&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@salinecountykansas3125/streams">channel here.&nbsp;</a>

Approval of County Commission Minutes for March 19, 2024,&nbsp;

Approval of County Commission Minutes from March 25, 2024&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://salinecountyks.gov/media/Expo-Center/scholarshipapplication2023.pdf">Approval of Oliver Hagg Scholarship Awards&nbsp;</a>

Re-Appointment of Hannah Bett to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncrpc.org/procurement/hsprojects/">North Central Regional Homeland</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncrpc.org/procurement/hsprojects/">Security Council</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6992">2024 Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation 14 - 14</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6993">2024 Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation 15 - 15</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6994">2024 National County Government Month Proclamation 16 - 16</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6996">2024 National Public Health Week Proclamation 17 - 17</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6999">Dump Truck Purchase, 2024-50 18 - 44</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=7004">Broadband Community Assessment, 2024-54 45 - 86</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6998">Bid Award Roof Layover Court Services, 2024-53 87 - 88</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=7009">Bid Award for Lawn Mowing Services, 2024-56 89 - 90</a>

Engineering Quarterly Report - January to April 2024, 2024-52 91 - 94

County Administrator Update 040224 95 - 95

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697467290838.jpeg" alt="The Saline County and Salina City building at 300 West Ash Street in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The Saline County and Salina City building at 300 West Ash Street in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Board of County Commissioners:</h2>Monte Shadwick - District 1Robert Vidricksen II - District 2Rodger Sparks - District 3James Weese - District 4Chairman, Joe Hay Jr. - District 5<h2>About the Meeting</h2>Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 9:00 a.m. 300 W Ash Room 107 Salina, Kansas 67401County offices will be open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless otherwise noted.If you need any assistance in participating in any meeting or event due to a disability as defined under ADA, please call the County'sCounty's ADA Coordinator at (785) 309-5812 or email&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="mailto:leamerm@salinecountyks.gov">leamerm@salinecountyks.gov</a>&nbsp;before the scheduled meeting or event to request accommodations.Saline County Commission meetings are LIVE and streamed on the county's YouTube&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@salinecountykansas3125/streams">channel here.&nbsp;</a><h2>Call To Order</h2>Flag Salute and Moment of SilencePublic Forum<h2>Consent Agenda</h2>Approval of Tax Roll AdjustmentsApproval of Accounts PayableApproval of Public Forum AgendaApproval of County Commission Minutes for March 19, 2024,&nbsp;Approval of County Commission Minutes from March 25, 2024&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://salinecountyks.gov/media/Expo-Center/scholarshipapplication2023.pdf">Approval of Oliver Hagg Scholarship Awards&nbsp;</a>Re-Appointment of Hannah Bett to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncrpc.org/procurement/hsprojects/">North Central Regional Homeland</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncrpc.org/procurement/hsprojects/">Security Council</a>Exceptional Loss Plaque Presentation<h2>Action Items</h2><a target="_blank" href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6992">2024 Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation 14 - 14</a><a target="_blank" href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6993">2024 Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation 15 - 15</a><a target="_blank" href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6994">2024 National County Government Month Proclamation 16 - 16</a><a target="_blank" href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6996">2024 National Public Health Week Proclamation 17 - 17</a><a target="_blank" href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6999">Dump Truck Purchase, 2024-50 18 - 44</a><a target="_blank" href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=7004">Broadband Community Assessment, 2024-54 45 - 86</a><a target="_blank" href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6998">Bid Award Roof Layover Court Services, 2024-53 87 - 88</a><a target="_blank" href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=7009">Bid Award for Lawn Mowing Services, 2024-56 89 - 90</a><h2>Informational Items</h2>Engineering Quarterly Report - January to April 2024, 2024-52 91 - 94County Administrator Update 040224 95 - 95Commissioner Comments<h2>Announcements</h2>04/09/2024 Agenda ItemsEmergency Management Update2024 Chip Seal Bid Award

Saline County Commission April 2 meeting agenda 

For the families of 17-year-olds Vance McComber and Anthony Windell, the pair was unstoppable. 

The two best friends spent almost every day together, talking about cars or their incessant workout routine, even though some days, both boys worked more than 10 hours at their jobs at Club Car Wash in Salina.

On Thursday, March 28, dozens of friends and family visited the site of <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/9c740142-863b-46ac-96c9-5a064c3ae18c">the crash that ended their young lives</a> to grieve and share stories about the boys.

Jasmine Windell, Anthony Windell's sister, brought the pink megaphone she used to call for Anthony Windell each day at school pick-up to share stories about her brother.

"That's my brother, man — we grew up together," Jasmine Windell said. "He had my back, and I had his for sure. That's my guy."

John Windell, Anthony Windell's father, Jasmine Windell and Avery McComber, Vance McComber's sister, all shared stories about how the two were inseparable.

"He told me that I was definitely everybody's favorite, and I said, 'No, I think you have a monopoly on mom,' and he would say, 'I agree with you being the favorite because you're a pretty cool person," Avery McComber said. "I told him he was cool too — I don't think he realized how cool."

Kristina Rowland, Vance McComber's mother, shared how Vance McComber and Anthony Windell would chase their goals together with little to no hesitation.

"It was incredible to watch," Rowland said. "When they set a goal, they just did it."

John Windell mirrored this sentiment while talking about Anthony Windell's drive to earn all his things and his last purchase of a large Dodge Ram truck.

The Saline County Sheriff's Office closed Crawford Avenue for the vigil from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, allowing for friends and family to gather safely for the gathering.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711727595635.jpeg" alt="John Windell, Anthony Windell's father, shares a story about his son during a vigil on Thursday, March 28, on West Crawford Avenue near Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>John Windell, Anthony Windell's father, shares a story about his son during a vigil on Thursday, March 28, on West Crawford Avenue near Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostFor the families of 17-year-olds Vance McComber and Anthony Windell, the pair was unstoppable. The two best friends spent almost every day together, talking about cars or their incessant workout routine, even though some days, both boys worked more than 10 hours at their jobs at Club Car Wash in Salina.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711727659387.jpeg" alt="The images of Anthony Windell, left, and Vance McComber, right, at their roadside memorial on Thursday, March 28, on West Crawford Avenue near Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The images of Anthony Windell, left, and Vance McComber, right, at their roadside memorial on Thursday, March 28, on West Crawford Avenue near Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>On Thursday, March 28, dozens of friends and family visited the site of <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/9c740142-863b-46ac-96c9-5a064c3ae18c">the crash that ended their young lives</a> to grieve and share stories about the boys.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711727704171.jpeg" alt="Jasmine Windell, Anthony Windell's sister, speaks to the crowd during a vigil to remember the lives of the two young boys on Thursday, March 28, on West Crawford Avenue near Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Jasmine Windell, Anthony Windell's sister, speaks to the crowd during a vigil to remember the lives of the two young boys on Thursday, March 28, on West Crawford Avenue near Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Jasmine Windell, Anthony Windell's sister, brought the pink megaphone she used to call for Anthony Windell each day at school pick-up to share stories about her brother."That's my brother, man — we grew up together," Jasmine Windell said. "He had my back, and I had his for sure. That's my guy."John Windell, Anthony Windell's father, Jasmine Windell and Avery McComber, Vance McComber's sister, all shared stories about how the two were inseparable.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711727773405.jpeg" alt="John Windell, Anthony Windell's father, kneels at the roadside memorial for Anthony Windell and Vance McComber during a vigil on Thursday, March 28, on West Crawford Avenue near Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>John Windell, Anthony Windell's father, kneels at the roadside memorial for Anthony Windell and Vance McComber during a vigil on Thursday, March 28, on West Crawford Avenue near Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"He told me that I was definitely everybody's favorite, and I said, 'No, I think you have a monopoly on mom,' and he would say, 'I agree with you being the favorite because you're a pretty cool person," Avery McComber said. "I told him he was cool too — I don't think he realized how cool."Kristina Rowland, Vance McComber's mother, shared how Vance McComber and Anthony Windell would chase their goals together with little to no hesitation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711727831955.jpeg" alt="Friends and family of Vance McComber and Anthony Windell gather at the boys' roadside memorial for a vigil on Thursday, March 28, on West Crawford Avenue near Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Friends and family of Vance McComber and Anthony Windell gather at the boys' roadside memorial for a vigil on Thursday, March 28, on West Crawford Avenue near Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"It was incredible to watch," Rowland said. "When they set a goal, they just did it."John Windell mirrored this sentiment while talking about Anthony Windell's drive to earn all his things and his last purchase of a large Dodge Ram truck.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711727885073.jpeg" alt="Mufflers and other car parts placed at Vance McComber and Anthony Windell's roadside memorial during a vigil on Thursday, March 28, on West Crawford Avenue near Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Mufflers and other car parts placed at Vance McComber and Anthony Windell's roadside memorial during a vigil on Thursday, March 28, on West Crawford Avenue near Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>The Saline County Sheriff's Office closed Crawford Avenue for the vigil from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, allowing for friends and family to gather safely for the gathering.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711727949140.jpeg" alt="John Windell shares a story about his son, Anthony Windell, during a vigil on Thursday, March 28, on West Crawford Avenue near Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>John Windell shares a story about his son, Anthony Windell, during a vigil on Thursday, March 28, on West Crawford Avenue near Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711727992656.jpeg" alt="Friends and family gather at Vance McComber and Anthony Windell's roadside memorial during a vigil on Thursday, March 28, on West Crawford Avenue near Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Friends and family gather at Vance McComber and Anthony Windell's roadside memorial during a vigil on Thursday, March 28, on West Crawford Avenue near Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711728057408.jpeg" alt="John Windell stands in front of his son's and his best friend's, Anthony Windell and Vance McComber, roadside memorial during a vigil on Thursday, March 28, on West Crawford Avenue near Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>John Windell stands in front of his son's and his best friend's, Anthony Windell and Vance McComber, roadside memorial during a vigil on Thursday, March 28, on West Crawford Avenue near Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711728162173.jpeg" alt="Friends and family gather for a roadside memorial vigil for two boys, Anthony Windell and Vance McComber, on Thursday, March 28, on West Crawford Avenue near Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Friends and family gather for a roadside memorial vigil for two boys, Anthony Windell and Vance McComber, on Thursday, March 28, on West Crawford Avenue near Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>

📸 Friends and family of two local teens gather at roadside memorial for community vigil

Salina Police Department officers responded to a domestic disturbance Wednesday evening after a woman from Winfield, Kan., ran screaming from her vehicle away from her former boyfriend at the Rodeway Inn in Salina.

According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, a witness reported a domestic disturbance at the inn at 429 West Diamond Drive after the woman took off screaming for help.

"It was reported that a male was breaking out a car window with a hammer," Feldman said. "He wanted her [the 42-year-old victim] to exit her car, she refused, and he then went to his vehicle and got a hammer, then walked up and broke out the driver's door window and was supposed to have threatened her to hit her with the hammer."

The victim reported that the former boyfriend, later identified as 48-year-old Hays resident Jay Weigel, was following her around town until stopping in the Rodeway Inn parking lot.

After Weigel demanded that the victim exit the car, she did and took off from the scene. Feldman said Weigel then allegedly slashed the victim's driver-side tire and stole her cell phone and wallet from the car.

"The damage to the car was valued at $200, and the missing items were valued at over $1,100," Feldman said.

Officers took the victim's report and then began looking for the assailant. Instead of finding Weigel early the following morning on their own, a Salina resident called SPD at about 1:15 a.m., Thursday, to report someone following them in town.

After the resident described the car, officers then found the vehicle and discovered it was Weigel who had committed the assault the previous evening.

Feldman said officers then arrested Weigel without incident in the area of North College Avenue and West Elm Street and requested charges for aggravated assault, criminal threat, vehicle burglary, theft and damage to property.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c021ea1a-a465-4335-9db2-50a9948b80bf">SFD investigating another house fire in Central Salina</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574355645622.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostSalina Police Department officers responded to a domestic disturbance Wednesday evening after a woman from Winfield, Kan., ran screaming from her vehicle away from her former boyfriend at the Rodeway Inn in Salina.According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, a witness reported a domestic disturbance at the inn at 429 West Diamond Drive after the woman took off screaming for help."It was reported that a male was breaking out a car window with a hammer," Feldman said. "He wanted her [the 42-year-old victim] to exit her car, she refused, and he then went to his vehicle and got a hammer, then walked up and broke out the driver's door window and was supposed to have threatened her to hit her with the hammer."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711728062848.png" alt="Weigel&nbsp;Photo Courtesy Saline County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Weigel&nbsp;Photo Courtesy Saline County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>The victim reported that the former boyfriend, later identified as 48-year-old Hays resident Jay Weigel, was following her around town until stopping in the Rodeway Inn parking lot.After Weigel demanded that the victim exit the car, she did and took off from the scene. Feldman said Weigel then allegedly slashed the victim's driver-side tire and stole her cell phone and wallet from the car."The damage to the car was valued at $200, and the missing items were valued at over $1,100," Feldman said.Officers took the victim's report and then began looking for the assailant. Instead of finding Weigel early the following morning on their own, a Salina resident called SPD at about 1:15 a.m., Thursday, to report someone following them in town.After the resident described the car, officers then found the vehicle and discovered it was Weigel who had committed the assault the previous evening.Feldman said officers then arrested Weigel without incident in the area of North College Avenue and West Elm Street and requested charges for aggravated assault, criminal threat, vehicle burglary, theft and damage to property.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c021ea1a-a465-4335-9db2-50a9948b80bf">SFD investigating another house fire in Central Salina</a>

SPD arrests Hays man who threatened former girlfriend at Rodeway Inn

By NATE KING Salina Post

At their Monday study session meeting, Salina City Commissioners received an update regarding the groundwater clean-up efforts at the former Schilling Air Force Base. During the commission's regular meeting, they voted to award a bid to T&amp;R Construction to excavate a portion of the polluted area.

In April of 2021, the Salina City Commission approved the consulting and engineering contract with Dragun Corp., which drafted plans to clean up underground water plumes containing pollutants located at the former base.&nbsp;

According to the Salina Airport Authority, years of military use left behind several different forms of pollution, primarily from the solvent trichloroethylene, or TCE, in the soil and groundwater.

"In the 1940s, 1950s, and early 1960s, when the Schilling Air Force Base was here they weren't as cautious about contaminants as we are today," Tasker said. "Now we can test for PFAS [per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances] out at the airbase, and we test down to 70 parts per trillion."

TCE, a carcinogen, was used as a degreaser to wash aircraft and weapons at the base. Officials also determined the contamination was creeping, ever so slowly, to the northeast toward city water wells.

Tim Rogers, executive director for the Salina Airport Authority told commissioners the pollution was first discovered in the 1990s.&nbsp;

"The early work with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers began in the year 2000 so it has been a long process... actually at times a very adversarial process," Rogers said. "The Army Core of Engineers kind of wanted to walk away from this site and leave it up to the community to take care of&nbsp; it."

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/7068f395-a20b-49d1-9500-ce7d7041a7b2">U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran announces more than $33 million investment for K-State Salina</a>

Initial funding for the project came after a lawsuit was filed against the federal government by&nbsp;the Kansas Board of Regents, USD 305, the Salina Airport Authority, and the city of Salina. The lawsuit resulted in a settlement of $69.5 million.&nbsp;

With the settlement fund now on deposit, the Salina public entities can begin the clean-up at little to no cost to existing and future businesses located near the polluted areas.

There are a total of 11 underground polluted plumes located on the old grounds of Schilling Air Force Base. From southwest to northeast, these plumes stretch across Salina Airport Authority property with the nearest municipal water well 1.5 miles away.

"This solution and moving ahead on this process has been essential for the growth and developement of the airport industrial center," Rogers said. "Projects like the Schwan's expansion, GeoProbe and new construction at K-State...these projects and this capital investment and job creation does not occur without this project in place."

Martha Tasker, Salina director of utilities, co-manages the project with Matt Schroeder senior environmental engineer at Dragun Corp.

At Monday's study session meeting, Schroeder presented a remediation update to commissioners, specifically outlining the clean-up at Plume B and future projects at the site.

"The idea for the remediation design was to address the highest risk areas first, and then over time, try and work on cleaning up the whole plume," Schroeder

During Schroeder's presentation, he outlined the different techniques specialized contractors use to return the polluted soil and groundwater to its original state. They are:

● Excavation and off-site disposal Physically removing contaminated soil and taking it to another location outside the county. Soil that is identified as non-hazardous would be sent to the local landfill and any soil deemed hazardous would be sent to a special facility.

● Thermal treatment The process of heating about 6,000 square feet of contaminated soil using heaters placed in underground steel pipes. Once the soil is heated, the contaminants will evaporate into gasses. The gasses are then collected, treated, and discharged. The thermal treatment plan would be completed in 160 days, and would cost $8.7 million.

● Permeable reactive barriers Walls of reactive materials installed underground that would react with contaminants in groundwater to form less toxic or harmless chemicals. These barriers would cost $14.6 million.

● Directed groundwater recirculation Wells built to extract and treat groundwater and reinject it back into the aquifer. This process is the most expensive part of the proposed remediation, for $54.5 million.

Excavation and off-site removal, dig and haul method, is the technique selected for remediation of Plume B. Tasker said this method would be used for very small areas that have an identified source point, or point where the pollutants are emanating from.&nbsp;

"Depending on what it is, you're going to travel some distance and they [waste disposal sites] come with a very expensive price tag," Tasker said.

City commissioners voted 5-0 in approval of awarding a bid to T &amp; R Construction to excavate, transport and dispose of polluted ground and water located in Plume B.&nbsp;

The start date for digging and hauling polluted materials from Plume B is anticipated to begin during the second quarter of 2024 and will cost $352,160. City staff said it will take five months to complete the work.&nbsp;

The total cost to clean up Plume B is $3.3 million. Money to pay for the remediation at the site comes from the Former Air Force Base Environmental Fund, which has a balance of $66,603,423.65 as of March 18, 2024

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697467290838.jpeg" alt="The Saline County and Salina City building at 300 West Ash Street in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The Saline County and Salina City building at 300 West Ash Street in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostAt their Monday study session meeting, Salina City Commissioners received an update regarding the groundwater clean-up efforts at the former Schilling Air Force Base. During the commission's regular meeting, they voted to award a bid to T&amp;R Construction to excavate a portion of the polluted area.In April of 2021, the Salina City Commission approved the consulting and engineering contract with Dragun Corp., which drafted plans to clean up underground water plumes containing pollutants located at the former base.&nbsp;According to the Salina Airport Authority, years of military use left behind several different forms of pollution, primarily from the solvent trichloroethylene, or TCE, in the soil and groundwater."In the 1940s, 1950s, and early 1960s, when the Schilling Air Force Base was here they weren't as cautious about contaminants as we are today," Tasker said. "Now we can test for PFAS [per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances] out at the airbase, and we test down to 70 parts per trillion."TCE, a carcinogen, was used as a degreaser to wash aircraft and weapons at the base. Officials also determined the contamination was creeping, ever so slowly, to the northeast toward city water wells.Tim Rogers, executive director for the Salina Airport Authority told commissioners the pollution was first discovered in the 1990s.&nbsp;"The early work with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers began in the year 2000 so it has been a long process... actually at times a very adversarial process," Rogers said. "The Army Core of Engineers kind of wanted to walk away from this site and leave it up to the community to take care of&nbsp; it."READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/7068f395-a20b-49d1-9500-ce7d7041a7b2">U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran announces more than $33 million investment for K-State Salina</a>Initial funding for the project came after a lawsuit was filed against the federal government by&nbsp;the Kansas Board of Regents, USD 305, the Salina Airport Authority, and the city of Salina. The lawsuit resulted in a settlement of $69.5 million.&nbsp;With the settlement fund now on deposit, the Salina public entities can begin the clean-up at little to no cost to existing and future businesses located near the polluted areas.There are a total of 11 underground polluted plumes located on the old grounds of Schilling Air Force Base. From southwest to northeast, these plumes stretch across Salina Airport Authority property with the nearest municipal water well 1.5 miles away."This solution and moving ahead on this process has been essential for the growth and developement of the airport industrial center," Rogers said. "Projects like the Schwan's expansion, GeoProbe and new construction at K-State...these projects and this capital investment and job creation does not occur without this project in place."Martha Tasker, Salina director of utilities, co-manages the project with Matt Schroeder senior environmental engineer at Dragun Corp.At Monday's study session meeting, Schroeder presented a remediation update to commissioners, specifically outlining the clean-up at Plume B and future projects at the site."The idea for the remediation design was to address the highest risk areas first, and then over time, try and work on cleaning up the whole plume," Schroeder<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679431555790.jpeg" alt="A map showing the locations of eleven plumes located at the Former Schilling Airforce Base. Plume B, as seen in the above image, will be the first plume to be removed via excavation and off-site disposal.&nbsp; Image Courtesy City of Salina" />
 <figcaption>A map showing the locations of eleven plumes located at the Former Schilling Airforce Base. Plume B, as seen in the above image, will be the first plume to be removed via excavation and off-site disposal.&nbsp; Image Courtesy City of Salina</figcaption>
 </figure>During Schroeder's presentation, he outlined the different techniques specialized contractors use to return the polluted soil and groundwater to its original state. They are:● Excavation and off-site disposal Physically removing contaminated soil and taking it to another location outside the county. Soil that is identified as non-hazardous would be sent to the local landfill and any soil deemed hazardous would be sent to a special facility.● Thermal treatment The process of heating about 6,000 square feet of contaminated soil using heaters placed in underground steel pipes. Once the soil is heated, the contaminants will evaporate into gasses. The gasses are then collected, treated, and discharged. The thermal treatment plan would be completed in 160 days, and would cost $8.7 million.● Permeable reactive barriers Walls of reactive materials installed underground that would react with contaminants in groundwater to form less toxic or harmless chemicals. These barriers would cost $14.6 million.● Directed groundwater recirculation Wells built to extract and treat groundwater and reinject it back into the aquifer. This process is the most expensive part of the proposed remediation, for $54.5 million.Excavation and off-site removal, dig and haul method, is the technique selected for remediation of Plume B. Tasker said this method would be used for very small areas that have an identified source point, or point where the pollutants are emanating from.&nbsp;"Depending on what it is, you're going to travel some distance and they [waste disposal sites] come with a very expensive price tag," Tasker said.City commissioners voted 5-0 in approval of awarding a bid to T &amp; R Construction to excavate, transport and dispose of polluted ground and water located in Plume B.&nbsp;The start date for digging and hauling polluted materials from Plume B is anticipated to begin during the second quarter of 2024 and will cost $352,160. City staff said it will take five months to complete the work.&nbsp;The total cost to clean up Plume B is $3.3 million. Money to pay for the remediation at the site comes from the Former Air Force Base Environmental Fund, which has a balance of $66,603,423.65 as of March 18, 2024

Salina City Commission votes to continue clean up efforts at Former Schilling Air Force Base

At 2:20 p.m. this afternoon, several Salina Fire Department vehicles responded to a residential fire at 322 Russell Avenue in Central Salina.

Salina Fire Department Deputy Chief Shane Pearson said the house was unoccupied when first responders arrived, and three engines, two ambulances, a ladder truck and heavy rescue reported to the incident. 

"No injuries to anyone, no injuries to firefighters," Pearson said. "It [the fire] is under investigation as of now."

Pearson said the fire began outside at the back of the house, but firefighters climbed onto the roof to access the attic to stamp out any hot spots from the blaze.

Salina Police Department officers and detectives roamed the scene and knocked on neighboring houses' doors for further investigation.

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/70818b9b-cc76-4719-9dc6-420ef1b15a00">Two young Assaria residents set trashcans on fire at city park</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711660096375.jpeg" alt="Salina Fire Department crews respond to a house fire on Thursday, March 28, at 322 Russell Avenue in Central Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Fire Department crews respond to a house fire on Thursday, March 28, at 322 Russell Avenue in Central Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostAt 2:20 p.m. this afternoon, several Salina Fire Department vehicles responded to a residential fire at 322 Russell Avenue in Central Salina.Salina Fire Department Deputy Chief Shane Pearson said the house was unoccupied when first responders arrived, and three engines, two ambulances, a ladder truck and heavy rescue reported to the incident. "No injuries to anyone, no injuries to firefighters," Pearson said. "It [the fire] is under investigation as of now."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711660173873.jpeg" alt="Salina Fire Department firefighters climb up to an attic access point during a house fire on Thursday, March 28, at 322 Russell Avenue in Central Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Fire Department firefighters climb up to an attic access point during a house fire on Thursday, March 28, at 322 Russell Avenue in Central Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Pearson said the fire began outside at the back of the house, but firefighters climbed onto the roof to access the attic to stamp out any hot spots from the blaze.Salina Police Department officers and detectives roamed the scene and knocked on neighboring houses' doors for further investigation.READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/70818b9b-cc76-4719-9dc6-420ef1b15a00">Two young Assaria residents set trashcans on fire at city park</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711660238723.jpeg" alt="Salina Fire Department firefighters climb onto the roof to access hot spots in the attic during a house fire on Thursday, March 28, at 322 Russell Avenue in Central Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Fire Department firefighters climb onto the roof to access hot spots in the attic during a house fire on Thursday, March 28, at 322 Russell Avenue in Central Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>

SFD investigating another house fire in Central Salina

Two Assaria children lit trashcans on fire Tuesday evening, damaging a plastic waste receptacle valued at about $150.

A witness called the Assaria city clerk around 5:10 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, after they witnessed two young boys lighting a trashcan on fire in the city park.

The clerk reported this to the Assaria City Fire Department, which Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said successfully subdued the flames.

"They were dealing with that when they found there was actually a fire in another can," Soldan said. "The second one had been dragged into a concession stand at the park and lit on fire, that can suffered about $150 in damage, but it certainly could have been worse, could have burnt the concession stand down."

Once firefighters discovered the second plastic can in flames, they contacted the Saline County Sheriff's Office around 5:52 p.m. to report the alleged arson.

Soldan said firefighters witnessed two young boys running from the area, which deputies later located and identified as a 10-year-old Assaria resident and a 13-year-old Assaria resident.

"They were both questioned and charges are being referred for arson," Soldan said.

The second trashcan set ablaze was a plastic can, causing extensive damage from the heat. The first can was metal and did not suffer any damage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698873143602.png" alt="The Saline County Sheriff's Office located at 800 E. Pacific Avenue in Salina. " />
 <figcaption>The Saline County Sheriff's Office located at 800 E. Pacific Avenue in Salina. </figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostTwo Assaria children lit trashcans on fire Tuesday evening, damaging a plastic waste receptacle valued at about $150.A witness called the Assaria city clerk around 5:10 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, after they witnessed two young boys lighting a trashcan on fire in the city park.The clerk reported this to the Assaria City Fire Department, which Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said successfully subdued the flames."They were dealing with that when they found there was actually a fire in another can," Soldan said. "The second one had been dragged into a concession stand at the park and lit on fire, that can suffered about $150 in damage, but it certainly could have been worse, could have burnt the concession stand down."Once firefighters discovered the second plastic can in flames, they contacted the Saline County Sheriff's Office around 5:52 p.m. to report the alleged arson.Soldan said firefighters witnessed two young boys running from the area, which deputies later located and identified as a 10-year-old Assaria resident and a 13-year-old Assaria resident."They were both questioned and charges are being referred for arson," Soldan said.The second trashcan set ablaze was a plastic can, causing extensive damage from the heat. The first can was metal and did not suffer any damage.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/7068f395-a20b-49d1-9500-ce7d7041a7b2">U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran announces more than $33 million investment for K-State Salina</a>

Two young Assaria residents set trashcans on fire at city park

Dozens of Kansas agriculture-focused businesses and organizations gathered at the <a href="https://www.salinakansas.org/midamericafarmexpo.html">Mid America Farm Expo</a> last week, with visitors from across the state and some from outside American borders.

One business, <a href="https://farmada.net/">Farmada</a>, works with an agriculture conglomerate named <a href="https://ridne.com.ua/en/#">Ridne Consortium</a>, a Ukrainian coalition of more than 50,000 acres of farms working to bring humanitarian aid to people in the country.

A pair of consortium representatives visited the Farm Expo this year to promote their message of prioritizing Ukraine's economy throughout the war with Russia.

"We need to think about and develop the economy right now, not to wait until the end of the war, but we need to do it right now," said Sergii Kovalchuk, founder of the Ridne Consortium. "We need to work harder — we need to deepen connections, business connections between the U.S. and Ukraine."

Kovalchuk founded the consortium at the beginning of the war in March 2022 and recruited 25 small and medium-sized farms to participate. Most farms remain in western Ukraine, a part of the country relatively untouched by the conflict on its eastern borders.

Continuing business in Ukraine through the war is not an easy task.&nbsp;

As the war in Ukraine reached its two-year mark, Kovalchuk and another Ridne representative, Oleksii Khvorostianyi, said they now live their normal lives despite bomb sirens and missiles regularly threatening their homes in Kyiv.

"It's a unique experience. From the beginning of the war, we didn't know what the war was," Kovalchuk said. "We are not on the front line, so you see, we do not even understand what it's like to be in the war, but actually, we feel like living in Kyiv, we feel those rockets hitting, lots of missiles going, and bombings."

The danger didn't discourage Kovalchuk or his business partners in Ukraine or across the Atlantic in Kansas, which he and his team utilized for business advice and products for the Ukrainian farmers.

One business, Farmada, based in Salina, Kan., sells its products to the Ridne Consortium and its president, Daniel Rauchholz, continues close business connections with Kovalchuk and Khvorostianyi.

Rauchholz said that before Russia invaded Ukraine, Kovalchuk and Khvorostianyi worked with farmers to sell equipment and provide consulting services, but the war changed their entire business model.

"They got the farmers connected with the factories that needed the grain to produce it [food products], then worked with supermarkets to get it delivered," Rauchholz said. "They immediately switched to this mode to keep their businesses all up and running and bring everyone together and cooperate."

"It's an example of how the whole country has come together and how economically resilient they are as Ukrainian people."&nbsp;

Ridne farmers regularly purchase Farmada and other Kansas ag products, which began before the war.&nbsp;

Kovalchuk and Khvorostianyi said they have had meaningful connections with Kansas businesses before and throughout the war. Visiting the Mid America Farm Expo provided a platform for Ridne to continue its current business relationships alongside making new connections.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ba1d98ff-33f2-4a06-b243-58b751c8e8fc">From seed to store: Stutzmans pulls back curtain on growing process</a>

Cade Rensink, K-State Research and Extension district director and Mid America Farm Expo planning committee chair, said hosting the expo in Salina continues that tradition of collaboration for local farmers.

Each year, the planning committee looks for varying focus topics for each expo day. This year, the focuses included workforce readiness, market analysis, and women in agriculture.

The expo also provided an agronomy competition with Kansas FFA students alongside a presentation on Kansas flora and the invasive species that threaten pasturelands.

"It varies from year to year, but we try to keep our pulse on some of the new things that are happening," Rensink said. "We were kind of worried that maybe we were flooding the market, so to speak, with too many programs, but they proved to draw the crowd too. We got lucky this year and tended to hit on stuff people wanted to hear about."

Rensink said providing these spaces for public conversations is vital for farmers and ranchers in Kansas, and continuing the show alongside the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce continues these public forums.

The expo matched most years in numbers, but Rensink said that didn't stop the show from finding success for its attendees.

Many attendees approached Rensink throughout the show to share how they found a new supplier or discovered a new piece of technology to use at their agriculture operation.

"I think people still find value in getting together to socialize, and if they're like me, they learned just as much from each other as they do from the experts in front of the room," Rensink said. "But there's still that human interaction that's extremely valuable no matter what walk of life you come from."

Beyond the shared interest in agriculture, Kovalchuk said that Kansas businesses offer an insight into the small and medium-sized business spheres, allowing Kovalchuk and the Ridne team to compare and contrast various business practices for the consortium.

Khvorostianyi said that although larger businesses in Chicago or New York may have more significant assets and staff, working with Kansas businesses has allowed the Ridne Consortium to thrive.

"That's why we also have plans to use it to develop here as a business — for us, it is very, very valuable that we are close," Khvorostianyi said. "For us, in our strategy, [Kansas businesses] are much better, much more clever to make trade connections with."

The Mid America Farm Expo provided another stage for the Ridne Consortium, which Kovalchuk and Khvorostianyi used to share their message about prioritizing Ukraine's economy, allowing its citizens to weather the war, and see the other side as a stronger nation.

"Everyone understands, realistically, that Russia is strong, that's simple statistics," Kovalchuk said. "But actually, we need to develop anyway — we need to create innovations and attract innovations. We need to grow more bushels of corn and wheat from every acre than Russia, for example. That's what we can do, we need to bring innovations to create more innovative industries."

The Ridne Consortium works with multiple partners like the Howard G. Buffet Foundation and World Vision to pay for Ridne’s products and disperse them across the country to provide humanitarian aid to those in need on Ukraine’s eastern borders.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711488837303.jpeg" alt="Daniel Rauchholz, president of Farmada, right, chats about some new innovations for their field equipment with Ridne Consortium founder Sergii Kovalchuk, left, Shield Ag Equipment owner Mike Bergmeier, middle left, and Ridne Consortium representative Oleksii Khvorostianyi, middle right, at the Mid America Farm Expo on Thursday, March 21, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Daniel Rauchholz, president of Farmada, right, chats about some new innovations for their field equipment with Ridne Consortium founder Sergii Kovalchuk, left, Shield Ag Equipment owner Mike Bergmeier, middle left, and Ridne Consortium representative Oleksii Khvorostianyi, middle right, at the Mid America Farm Expo on Thursday, March 21, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostDozens of Kansas agriculture-focused businesses and organizations gathered at the <a href="https://www.salinakansas.org/midamericafarmexpo.html">Mid America Farm Expo</a> last week, with visitors from across the state and some from outside American borders.One business, <a href="https://farmada.net/">Farmada</a>, works with an agriculture conglomerate named <a href="https://ridne.com.ua/en/#">Ridne Consortium</a>, a Ukrainian coalition of more than 50,000 acres of farms working to bring humanitarian aid to people in the country.A pair of consortium representatives visited the Farm Expo this year to promote their message of prioritizing Ukraine's economy throughout the war with Russia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711488949639.jpeg" alt="Ridne Consortium founder Sergii Kovalchuk, left, talks with Shield Ag Equipment owner Mike Bergmeier about various farm equipment to use on Ukrainian farmland on Thursday, March 21, at the Mid America Farm Expo in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Ridne Consortium founder Sergii Kovalchuk, left, talks with Shield Ag Equipment owner Mike Bergmeier about various farm equipment to use on Ukrainian farmland on Thursday, March 21, at the Mid America Farm Expo in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"We need to think about and develop the economy right now, not to wait until the end of the war, but we need to do it right now," said Sergii Kovalchuk, founder of the Ridne Consortium. "We need to work harder — we need to deepen connections, business connections between the U.S. and Ukraine."Kovalchuk founded the consortium at the beginning of the war in March 2022 and recruited 25 small and medium-sized farms to participate. Most farms remain in western Ukraine, a part of the country relatively untouched by the conflict on its eastern borders.Continuing business in Ukraine through the war is not an easy task.&nbsp;As the war in Ukraine reached its two-year mark, Kovalchuk and another Ridne representative, Oleksii Khvorostianyi, said they now live their normal lives despite bomb sirens and missiles regularly threatening their homes in Kyiv.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711489131638.jpeg" alt="Farmada's Elxir 66HD equipment on display on Thursday, March 21, at the Mid America Farm Expo in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Farmada's Elxir 66HD equipment on display on Thursday, March 21, at the Mid America Farm Expo in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"It's a unique experience. From the beginning of the war, we didn't know what the war was," Kovalchuk said. "We are not on the front line, so you see, we do not even understand what it's like to be in the war, but actually, we feel like living in Kyiv, we feel those rockets hitting, lots of missiles going, and bombings."The danger didn't discourage Kovalchuk or his business partners in Ukraine or across the Atlantic in Kansas, which he and his team utilized for business advice and products for the Ukrainian farmers.One business, Farmada, based in Salina, Kan., sells its products to the Ridne Consortium and its president, Daniel Rauchholz, continues close business connections with Kovalchuk and Khvorostianyi.Rauchholz said that before Russia invaded Ukraine, Kovalchuk and Khvorostianyi worked with farmers to sell equipment and provide consulting services, but the war changed their entire business model."They got the farmers connected with the factories that needed the grain to produce it [food products], then worked with supermarkets to get it delivered," Rauchholz said. "They immediately switched to this mode to keep their businesses all up and running and bring everyone together and cooperate.""It's an example of how the whole country has come together and how economically resilient they are as Ukrainian people."&nbsp;Ridne farmers regularly purchase Farmada and other Kansas ag products, which began before the war.&nbsp;Kovalchuk and Khvorostianyi said they have had meaningful connections with Kansas businesses before and throughout the war. Visiting the Mid America Farm Expo provided a platform for Ridne to continue its current business relationships alongside making new connections.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711489276739.jpeg" alt="The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the Mid America Farm Expo from March 20 - 22, 2024, at Tony's Pizza Events Center in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the Mid America Farm Expo from March 20 - 22, 2024, at Tony's Pizza Events Center in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ba1d98ff-33f2-4a06-b243-58b751c8e8fc">From seed to store: Stutzmans pulls back curtain on growing process</a><h2>A place for agriculture ideas</h2>Cade Rensink, K-State Research and Extension district director and Mid America Farm Expo planning committee chair, said hosting the expo in Salina continues that tradition of collaboration for local farmers.Each year, the planning committee looks for varying focus topics for each expo day. This year, the focuses included workforce readiness, market analysis, and women in agriculture.The expo also provided an agronomy competition with Kansas FFA students alongside a presentation on Kansas flora and the invasive species that threaten pasturelands."It varies from year to year, but we try to keep our pulse on some of the new things that are happening," Rensink said. "We were kind of worried that maybe we were flooding the market, so to speak, with too many programs, but they proved to draw the crowd too. We got lucky this year and tended to hit on stuff people wanted to hear about."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711489348322.jpeg" alt="Booths lined the Great Plains Convention Center for the Mid America Farm Expo on March 20 - 22, 2024, at Tony's Pizza Events Center in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Booths lined the Great Plains Convention Center for the Mid America Farm Expo on March 20 - 22, 2024, at Tony's Pizza Events Center in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Rensink said providing these spaces for public conversations is vital for farmers and ranchers in Kansas, and continuing the show alongside the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce continues these public forums.The expo matched most years in numbers, but Rensink said that didn't stop the show from finding success for its attendees.Many attendees approached Rensink throughout the show to share how they found a new supplier or discovered a new piece of technology to use at their agriculture operation."I think people still find value in getting together to socialize, and if they're like me, they learned just as much from each other as they do from the experts in front of the room," Rensink said. "But there's still that human interaction that's extremely valuable no matter what walk of life you come from."<h2>Bringing innovation to Ukraine</h2>Beyond the shared interest in agriculture, Kovalchuk said that Kansas businesses offer an insight into the small and medium-sized business spheres, allowing Kovalchuk and the Ridne team to compare and contrast various business practices for the consortium.Khvorostianyi said that although larger businesses in Chicago or New York may have more significant assets and staff, working with Kansas businesses has allowed the Ridne Consortium to thrive."That's why we also have plans to use it to develop here as a business — for us, it is very, very valuable that we are close," Khvorostianyi said. "For us, in our strategy, [Kansas businesses] are much better, much more clever to make trade connections with."The Mid America Farm Expo provided another stage for the Ridne Consortium, which Kovalchuk and Khvorostianyi used to share their message about prioritizing Ukraine's economy, allowing its citizens to weather the war, and see the other side as a stronger nation."Everyone understands, realistically, that Russia is strong, that's simple statistics," Kovalchuk said. "But actually, we need to develop anyway — we need to create innovations and attract innovations. We need to grow more bushels of corn and wheat from every acre than Russia, for example. That's what we can do, we need to bring innovations to create more innovative industries."The Ridne Consortium works with multiple partners like the Howard G. Buffet Foundation and World Vision to pay for Ridne’s products and disperse them across the country to provide humanitarian aid to those in need on Ukraine’s eastern borders.

Ukraine's Ridne Consortium visits Mid America Farm Expo to deepen international ties to Kansas

In a packed room at the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://salina.ksu.edu/">Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology</a>&nbsp;College Center, attendees anxiously waited for U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran to visit the podium and make a hearty announcement — more than $33.3 million is coming to the Salina campus.

The series of federal grants would jumpstart the long-awaited vision of K-State Salina's staff to put their town and campus on the international aviation stage.

K-State Salina Dean and CEO Alysia Starkey first excitedly greeted the audience about the upcoming announcement.&nbsp;

"We are here this afternoon to celebrate a significant milestone in supporting the university and the campus's strategic vision," Starkey said. "Which also benefits the workforce, the students, and most importantly, our student experience here."

Once Starkey finished her remarks, she introduced Moran to make the then-unknown announcement. Moran spoke about Salina Campus's history, how it began as the Kansas Technical Institute and its involvement with federal agencies like NASA and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.noaa.gov/">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a>, or NOAA.&nbsp;

Moran serves on four committees in Washington, D.C., and he said his position on three of those, the Senate Appropriations, Intelligence and Commerce, Science and Transportation Committees, has aided the push for federal funding at K-State Salina.

"We've tried to use all three of those positions not only for Salina to have commercial air service, which is important, but to see if we can get defense, NASA and the private sector interested in doing work and training their employees at K-State Salina," Moran said. "If we only educate and train our children and our students at K-State Salina, but they have no future in Kansas, we only modestly change the future of our state."

The most significant portion of the $33 million is a $28 million grant for the Aerospace Education Hub that would provide a central and accessible location for many K-State Salina facilities and programs.&nbsp;

"This investment marks the next phase in K-State Salina's continuous growth," said Alysia Starkey, CEO and dean of K-State Salina. "As we develop this new, state-of-the-art space for our uncrewed aircraft systems, composites and aviation maintenance programs, we are also establishing the future of aerospace education."

Another $5.5 million grant will fund new aviation training equipment for the school's pilot training partnership with NOAA.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d95087e4-3197-40b1-831d-bdd637042cf8">Ukraine's Ridne Consortium visits Mid America Farm Expo to deepen international ties to Kansas</a>

"Somehow, NOAA is looking for training pilots to hunt hurricanes," Moran said. "We're working to get NOAA all the tools to train their workforce in Salina, Kansas... and they chose us because of the capabilities of K-State Salina, the dean, the faculty and the students."

In October 2022, General Atomics gifted the K-State Salina Campus $10 million for the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1a79300c-4439-4e81-993f-ed045a45e324">General Atomics Aerospace Innovation Ramp</a> as the first phase of the school's revitalization plan for portions of what used to be Schilling Air Force Base.

The new Aerospace Education Hub is part of the second revitalization phase and would complement the Aerospace Innovation Ramp.

Three new facilities would be part of the education hub, including the Kansas AAM Flight Test and Training Center, the Advanced Composites Laboratory and the Aviation Maintenance Training Center.

"This partnership actually extends out to what's needed to create the space and the facilities at the Salina Regional Airport that will accommodate future employers that will locate here because of this excellent investment," said Tim Rogers, executive director of the Salina Airport Authority.

A piece of equipment the grants would fund to build is a full-motion flight simulator to help train students for future careers in organizations like the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.omao.noaa.gov/noaa-corps/about-noaa-corps">NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps</a>.

Rogers, Starkey and KSU President Richard Linton all referenced the deep connections between Salina and Moran's work with aviation. The announcement on Tuesday only added to Moran's continued vision for the city and region.&nbsp;

Moran and Rogers shared a mentor, former State Sen. Ben Vidricksen, early in their respective careers, so they met while Moran was still a state senator for nearby western Kansas.

"I remember this very clearly — he just said, 'I'm Jerry Moran,' reached out his hand and asked, 'How can I help?' and you [Moran] have lived up to that," Rogers said. "Your support has been essential to make this a successful day."

K-State Salina faculty anticipates construction on campus to begin within the next five to 10 years, with the beginning phases including planning and schematics.

"We often say that what's good for Kansas State is good for Kansas — what's good for Kansas is good for Kansas State," Linton said. "When you power research, innovation and discovery and connect it directly to a critical industry like this one, [aerospace] you not only lift up our state on a national stage, but more importantly, you take care of our people. That's what the land grant university is all about."

K-State Salina published a press release with additional details about each new facility planned with the grant cash.

• K-State Salina's&nbsp;Applied Aerospace Research Center&nbsp;is nationally recognized for its work in promoting the commercialization of uncrewed aircraft systems. In addition to its current work, the new facility allows the center to expand its scope to include emerging aerospace technologies in advanced air mobility and commercial space applications. The new&nbsp;Kansas AAM Flight Test and Training Center&nbsp;will focus on providing regional air mobility and autonomous vehicle usage in the air transport of passengers and goods.

• When completed, the new&nbsp;Advanced Composites Laboratory&nbsp;will be an innovative educational facility that delivers holistic education on composite materials, including immersive and industry-driven learning experiences for learners and valuable research and knowledge for industry partners.

• An expanded&nbsp;Aviation Maintenance Training Center&nbsp;doubles the current space allocated for K-State Salina's aviation maintenance training program. The center provides educational opportunities at all levels, from technical certification to bachelor's degree credentials.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711572124069.jpeg" alt="U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran speaks to the crowd during an announcement of $33 million in grant funds slated for Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus on Tuesday, March 26, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran speaks to the crowd during an announcement of $33 million in grant funds slated for Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus on Tuesday, March 26, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostIn a packed room at the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://salina.ksu.edu/">Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology</a>&nbsp;College Center, attendees anxiously waited for U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran to visit the podium and make a hearty announcement — more than $33.3 million is coming to the Salina campus.The series of federal grants would jumpstart the long-awaited vision of K-State Salina's staff to put their town and campus on the international aviation stage.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711572203834.jpeg" alt="Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus Dean Alysia Starkey shakes hands with U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran on Tuesday, March 26, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus Dean Alysia Starkey shakes hands with U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran on Tuesday, March 26, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State Salina Dean and CEO Alysia Starkey first excitedly greeted the audience about the upcoming announcement.&nbsp;"We are here this afternoon to celebrate a significant milestone in supporting the university and the campus's strategic vision," Starkey said. "Which also benefits the workforce, the students, and most importantly, our student experience here."Once Starkey finished her remarks, she introduced Moran to make the then-unknown announcement. Moran spoke about Salina Campus's history, how it began as the Kansas Technical Institute and its involvement with federal agencies like NASA and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.noaa.gov/">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a>, or NOAA.&nbsp;Moran serves on four committees in Washington, D.C., and he said his position on three of those, the Senate Appropriations, Intelligence and Commerce, Science and Transportation Committees, has aided the push for federal funding at K-State Salina.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711572297516.jpeg" alt="Kansas State University President Richard Linton, left, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, middle left, Salina Airport Authority Executive Director Tim Rogers, middle right, and K-State Salina Dean Alysia Starkey hold up the Power Cat symbol on Tuesday, March 26, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State University President Richard Linton, left, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, middle left, Salina Airport Authority Executive Director Tim Rogers, middle right, and K-State Salina Dean Alysia Starkey hold up the Power Cat symbol on Tuesday, March 26, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"We've tried to use all three of those positions not only for Salina to have commercial air service, which is important, but to see if we can get defense, NASA and the private sector interested in doing work and training their employees at K-State Salina," Moran said. "If we only educate and train our children and our students at K-State Salina, but they have no future in Kansas, we only modestly change the future of our state."The most significant portion of the $33 million is a $28 million grant for the Aerospace Education Hub that would provide a central and accessible location for many K-State Salina facilities and programs.&nbsp;"This investment marks the next phase in K-State Salina's continuous growth," said Alysia Starkey, CEO and dean of K-State Salina. "As we develop this new, state-of-the-art space for our uncrewed aircraft systems, composites and aviation maintenance programs, we are also establishing the future of aerospace education."Another $5.5 million grant will fund new aviation training equipment for the school's pilot training partnership with NOAA.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711572390765.jpeg" alt="U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran speaks with the crowd at Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus on Tuesday, March 26, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran speaks with the crowd at Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus on Tuesday, March 26, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d95087e4-3197-40b1-831d-bdd637042cf8">Ukraine's Ridne Consortium visits Mid America Farm Expo to deepen international ties to Kansas</a>"Somehow, NOAA is looking for training pilots to hunt hurricanes," Moran said. "We're working to get NOAA all the tools to train their workforce in Salina, Kansas... and they chose us because of the capabilities of K-State Salina, the dean, the faculty and the students."In October 2022, General Atomics gifted the K-State Salina Campus $10 million for the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1a79300c-4439-4e81-993f-ed045a45e324">General Atomics Aerospace Innovation Ramp</a> as the first phase of the school's revitalization plan for portions of what used to be Schilling Air Force Base.The new Aerospace Education Hub is part of the second revitalization phase and would complement the Aerospace Innovation Ramp.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711572509282.jpeg" alt="Salina Airport Authority Executive Director Tim Rogers speaks to the crowd at Kansas State University Salina Aviation and Technology Campus about U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran's announcement of $33 million in grants slated for the school on Tuesday, March 26, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Airport Authority Executive Director Tim Rogers speaks to the crowd at Kansas State University Salina Aviation and Technology Campus about U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran's announcement of $33 million in grants slated for the school on Tuesday, March 26, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Three new facilities would be part of the education hub, including the Kansas AAM Flight Test and Training Center, the Advanced Composites Laboratory and the Aviation Maintenance Training Center."This partnership actually extends out to what's needed to create the space and the facilities at the Salina Regional Airport that will accommodate future employers that will locate here because of this excellent investment," said Tim Rogers, executive director of the Salina Airport Authority.A piece of equipment the grants would fund to build is a full-motion flight simulator to help train students for future careers in organizations like the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.omao.noaa.gov/noaa-corps/about-noaa-corps">NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps</a>.Rogers, Starkey and KSU President Richard Linton all referenced the deep connections between Salina and Moran's work with aviation. The announcement on Tuesday only added to Moran's continued vision for the city and region.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711572651677.jpeg" alt="Kansas State University President Richard Linton speaks to the crowd at K-State Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus on Tuesday, March 26, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State University President Richard Linton speaks to the crowd at K-State Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus on Tuesday, March 26, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Moran and Rogers shared a mentor, former State Sen. Ben Vidricksen, early in their respective careers, so they met while Moran was still a state senator for nearby western Kansas."I remember this very clearly — he just said, 'I'm Jerry Moran,' reached out his hand and asked, 'How can I help?' and you [Moran] have lived up to that," Rogers said. "Your support has been essential to make this a successful day."K-State Salina faculty anticipates construction on campus to begin within the next five to 10 years, with the beginning phases including planning and schematics."We often say that what's good for Kansas State is good for Kansas — what's good for Kansas is good for Kansas State," Linton said. "When you power research, innovation and discovery and connect it directly to a critical industry like this one, [aerospace] you not only lift up our state on a national stage, but more importantly, you take care of our people. That's what the land grant university is all about."K-State Salina published a press release with additional details about each new facility planned with the grant cash.• K-State Salina's&nbsp;Applied Aerospace Research Center&nbsp;is nationally recognized for its work in promoting the commercialization of uncrewed aircraft systems. In addition to its current work, the new facility allows the center to expand its scope to include emerging aerospace technologies in advanced air mobility and commercial space applications. The new&nbsp;Kansas AAM Flight Test and Training Center&nbsp;will focus on providing regional air mobility and autonomous vehicle usage in the air transport of passengers and goods.• When completed, the new&nbsp;Advanced Composites Laboratory&nbsp;will be an innovative educational facility that delivers holistic education on composite materials, including immersive and industry-driven learning experiences for learners and valuable research and knowledge for industry partners.• An expanded&nbsp;Aviation Maintenance Training Center&nbsp;doubles the current space allocated for K-State Salina's aviation maintenance training program. The center provides educational opportunities at all levels, from technical certification to bachelor's degree credentials.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran announces more than $33 million investment for K-State Salina

A Salina woman was charged with arson after she allegedly set clothes on fire while she was inside her apartment.

On Monday, March 25 at about 9:50 a.m. Salina Police Officers and Salina Firefighters responded to the 1800 Block of S. Broadway Ave. for reports of an apartment fire with a person still inside the building.

When SFD firefighters arrived they found a 62-year-old female, located in a closet within her apartment.

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c6c06c25-773a-449d-83ae-30b708553017">Salina Fire shares fire prevention and safety measures, 14 structure fires this year</a>

"When they went to remove her, she became combative with firefighters and an officer assisted in securing her," SPD Captain James Feldman said. "She was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation and an evaluation."

 It was determined she had allegedly intentionally set the clothing on fire in the apartment. Feldman said several other apartments were occupied at the time of the fire. 

SPD is referring this case to the Saline County Attorney’s office with the requested charge of aggravated arson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711559141145.jpeg" alt="Salina Firefighters and EMS respond to an alleged arson at the corner of Broadway Ave. and Cloud Street in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Salina Firefighters and EMS respond to an alleged arson at the corner of Broadway Ave. and Cloud Street in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostA Salina woman was charged with arson after she allegedly set clothes on fire while she was inside her apartment.On Monday, March 25 at about 9:50 a.m. Salina Police Officers and Salina Firefighters responded to the 1800 Block of S. Broadway Ave. for reports of an apartment fire with a person still inside the building.When SFD firefighters arrived they found a 62-year-old female, located in a closet within her apartment.READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c6c06c25-773a-449d-83ae-30b708553017">Salina Fire shares fire prevention and safety measures, 14 structure fires this year</a>"When they went to remove her, she became combative with firefighters and an officer assisted in securing her," SPD Captain James Feldman said. "She was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation and an evaluation." It was determined she had allegedly intentionally set the clothing on fire in the apartment. Feldman said several other apartments were occupied at the time of the fire. SPD is referring this case to the Saline County Attorney’s office with the requested charge of aggravated arson.

Salina woman charged with alleged aggravated arson

Road rage turned to shots fired early Sunday morning. A Salina resident reported that a truck followed him home around 1:20 a.m. on Sunday, March 24 and fired multiple shots before fleeing.

According to Salina Police Department Capt. James Feldman, the suspect, later identified as 22-year-old Anthony Nava, said that the 32-year-old victim "cut him off" on the roadway, leading to his aggression.

Nava allegedly followed the victim into the 1600 block of West Republic Avenue and began threatening him after exiting his Chevrolet Silverado truck.

"The victim thought he wanted to fight and tried to drive from the area," Feldman said. "As he passed the vehicle, he observed that the subject was armed and then [Nava] fired a handgun multiple times."

Feldman said a witness reported that they observed the vehicle leave the area at high speeds. Officers arrived in the area later and found multiple shell casings on the roadway and, after some investigation, located Nava's truck in the 500 block of Saturn Avenue.

Once officers began inquiring about the incident with Nava, Feldman said he admitted to unlawfully discharging a 9mm handgun and told officers that road rage caused his aggression.

Nava had discarded the gun near the shell casings in the north ditch of Republic Avenue. Officers arrested Nava and requested charges of aggravated assault and criminal discharge of a firearm.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fc20c7b7-c557-46ec-aef8-c60c487d7f39">Community invited to K-State Salina's annual Purple Egg Hunt</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581972960097.jpeg" alt="Salina Police Department entrance" />
 <figcaption>Salina Police Department entrance</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostRoad rage turned to shots fired early Sunday morning. A Salina resident reported that a truck followed him home around 1:20 a.m. on Sunday, March 24 and fired multiple shots before fleeing.According to Salina Police Department Capt. James Feldman, the suspect, later identified as 22-year-old Anthony Nava, said that the 32-year-old victim "cut him off" on the roadway, leading to his aggression.Nava allegedly followed the victim into the 1600 block of West Republic Avenue and began threatening him after exiting his Chevrolet Silverado truck."The victim thought he wanted to fight and tried to drive from the area," Feldman said. "As he passed the vehicle, he observed that the subject was armed and then [Nava] fired a handgun multiple times."Feldman said a witness reported that they observed the vehicle leave the area at high speeds. Officers arrived in the area later and found multiple shell casings on the roadway and, after some investigation, located Nava's truck in the 500 block of Saturn Avenue.Once officers began inquiring about the incident with Nava, Feldman said he admitted to unlawfully discharging a 9mm handgun and told officers that road rage caused his aggression.Nava had discarded the gun near the shell casings in the north ditch of Republic Avenue. Officers arrested Nava and requested charges of aggravated assault and criminal discharge of a firearm.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fc20c7b7-c557-46ec-aef8-c60c487d7f39">Community invited to K-State Salina's annual Purple Egg Hunt</a>