OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Welcome back, we’re glad to be getting Phase One underway, we’re going to do it very similar to how we’ve done it the last few years…which several of them are down with Patrick (Mahomes) in Texas. It gives the guys a little more time away from here, but at the same time getting some of their offseason evaluation work done and the opportunity to move forward into this next season. As far as Rashee Rice goes, his situation, I’m leaving that like we’ve done for most of these, just for the law enforcement part of it to take place, then we will go from there with that. I have had an opportunity to talk to Rashee (Rice) and I’m obviously not going to get into that. That part has been gone through. Anyways, really with that, time’s yours here.”

Q: Besides (Former Outside Linebackers coach) Ken Flajole retiring, are there any other changes to your coaching staff?

REID:&nbsp;“That’s a good point. (Former Outside Linebackers coach) Ken Flajole did retire. We were able to move (Outside Linebackers Coach) Rod Wilson into that position, (Defensive Quality Control Coach) Alex Whittingham likewise will have a little bit of a bigger role from his position and we hired Louie Addazio at (the) Quality Control position on defense. Louie has a bunch of experience coaching. He also has been an offensive coach, a line coach and at the major college level and he’ll give us some good productive information for the defense going forward so that we’re able to add good quality to the mix there.”

Q: What is Rashee Rice’s status during the offseason program?

REID:&nbsp;“There’s no real participation other than probably Zoom so he’ll (Rashee Rice) participate in that but other than that we don’t have anything going on here that he would be involved with. To answer your question, he’s participating in Zoom. Just a reminder on this, it’s voluntary as we go forward, that’s another part of this.”

Q: Do you anticipate him being there on-site when the next phase takes place?

REID:&nbsp;“We’re just going to take it day by day here as we go.”

Q: What did you like about Irv Smith and Hollywood Brown and what role do you think they’ll have on the team?

REID:&nbsp;“Hollywood Brown is a good speed receiver, he can play inside or outside and I stay away from saying a deep threat although he can do that, he can play within the offense and do all of the different routes that we asked. He’s a nice addition and he has some experience and production. Irv (Smith) is a tight end and kind of does everything pretty good. He’s a good solid football player, he’s a good receiver, good after the catch, good blocker, not necessarily the biggest guy but really plays a good physical game and I kind of like what he’s shown in the past. I think it’s important for both of these guys that they’re able to keep themselves healthy and rolling and that’ll be a part of it as we go forward here.”

Q: You’ve stated that this stage is more beneficial for the offense. What does the defense get out of Phase One of the offseason program?

REID:&nbsp;“On the being more productive on the offense – because they can actually go out and throw the ball around and do that part of it. Defensively, it’s hard to set up an offense and have an offense do whatever they do against you. I think this Phase One favors the offense in a way but at the same time, we go through this whole scheme evaluation in the offseason offensively, defensively and special teams and that’s where you benefit with being able to just do that on Zoom or likewise in person. On Zoom, you can get everything done that you need to do there with the video and/or new things that you may want to slip in there.”

Q: What was your message to Kadarius Toney in your exit interview and what will you be looking for from him during the season?

REID:&nbsp;“Kadarius (Toney) is arguably one of the most talented guys we have on the team. It’s just a matter of staying healthy and being able to stay on the field. You always hear about the reliability, accountability, all of those things that go into it so I’m expecting him to come back ripping and ready to go. It’s great that’s he’s down there working with Pat (Mahomes) and putting the work in so that’s a positive. Listen, we like Kadarius it’s just a matter of having him on the field.”

Q: What benefits have you seen from the offseason training that Patrick holds down in Texas?

REID:&nbsp;“A couple things, coming off of a 21 game season, it’s a short offseason as you guys know. It gives the guys an opportunity to stay away from here (and) maybe a little bit more relaxed atmosphere but at the same time get a ton of work done. Also, there’s a little comradery that goes with it which is important on the offensive side that the guys work and play together and kind of are on the same side. It gives Pat (Mahomes) an opportunity along with the quarterbacks to be able to kind of talk to the guys about what they see and at a little bit slowed down pace. It’s been effective for us, the guys have come back in great shape and come back knowing what their responsibilities are. At the same time, they’re getting that influx of new and our scheme evaluation from last year thrown at them by the coaches.”

Q: Can you explain the process on whether or not Rashee Rice will be able to participate in the next phase of offseason training?

REID:&nbsp;“We’ll just see how it goes, I want to keep gathering any information from the law enforcement people and we’ll just see where everything goes from there. Let the process take place.”

Q: On Louis Rees-Zammit transitioning to football.

REID:&nbsp;“He (Louis Rees-Zammit) was introduced to this when he was young because his dad played six years in the European League (English Football League) and so he’s somewhat familiar with the sport. He sure has had a lot of success with rugby and there are some similarities there, it’s a contact sport, he’s had to catch the ball and do those things and run with the ball. We’ll start him off at the running back position, get him to feel comfortable with that going forward here. He’s had an opportunity to also go down there to Dallas and work with Pat (Mahomes) and so again, he’ll get used to some of these calls and through our Zooms, the plays and then we’ll just see where it goes from there. (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Dave (Toub) will have an opportunity to have him on special teams and see where that goes. That’s not an easy transition but he seems to be wired…. he’s been playing competitive rugby professionally since he was 17 years old. He’s sitting there at 23 years old, he’s had a pretty good career with that and kind of understands the professional game and the mindset of playing at a professional level.”

Q: Do you see Louis Rees-Zammit being a return specialist?

REID:&nbsp;“Potentially. We just have to see how it goes here. You know how (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Dave (Toub) puts them all out there, they’re all out there working on returns before and during practice. We’ll just see what his feel is and where that goes.”

Q: Do you think there’s too much emphasis on first-round draft picks?

REID:&nbsp;“I’m not sure that I’ve seen as many mock drafts going on as there are right now. It’s an amazing amount of mock drafts out there. I got to give the guys credit, they’re all a little different, some guys are on to their third first-round mock draft doing that. (General Manager) Brett’s (Veach) had this whole thing up and does a nice job of making sure he’s got all the rounds covered. There is a tremendous amount of input that goes into this first-round pick. However, there’s like a 50% success rate over a period for these first-round picks, it’s a bit crazy for all the time that’s spent doing them. You’ve got to make sure you cover the other parts of the draft and you’re right, all the way to the point where your college free agents almost become your second highest percentage that make it on these teams over a five-year span so you’ve really got to stay intact with the whole board. How you layer the board is so important and stack it ends up being so important and that order can be – I mean you’re one guy off, that can be your Pro Bowl player just by one guy. Brett spends so much time with the scouts and going in there and bashing it out. I call it the ‘Lock Down,’ he locks them in there for two-week periods and they just beat it up in there and make sure that board is layered there, it’s a tribute to his dedication on that thing.”

Q: Due to the situation with Rashee Rice does your need at the wide receiver position increase? Are you looking for a veteran left tackle too?

REID:&nbsp;“Those are two positions that we are looking at, but I mean (General Manager) Brett (Veach) is looking at all of them. You’re sitting at pick 32 so it’s tough to tell you what’s going to take place there. It’s a great thing on one hand to be 32nd&nbsp;because you’ve done ok on the season before but that’s a long wait and you better really stay true to the board, what’s there and take the best player you possibly can at that spot. I’d tell you those two positions he’s looking at but he’s also going through everything so we’ve got spots and depth that we can use really everywhere and we’ll just see with the whole Rashee (Rice) thing how that goes. When it’s all said and done, we should have players in there ready to go.”

Q:&nbsp;Are you finding more value as we are approaching the 2024 Draft with what you have done in free agency? Are you finding more value in this upcoming draft than some of the free agents still available?

REID:&nbsp;“We feel comfortable with what we’ve done there with the free agency piece. (General Manager) Brett’s (Veach) always keeping his eyes open on that. (He) does a great job in that area. I would tell you this part, the ability that we’ve had to bring guys back here (and) the quality of the guys that we brought back here I think is a real tribute to Chris Shea in his new position now and his guys and then (General Manager) Brett (Veach) for going out and getting them. We always thank (Chairman &amp; CEO) Clark Hunt for this because it comes out of his wallet and he’s been – like I always mention, he gives us an opportunity to win in that area. So, Chris Jones, let’s not slight that one. That’s a pretty big one and (Mike) Danna is big in the same position there, (Derrick) Nnadi coming back. That strength up front, I think it all starts there and becomes very important for us as we go forward there.”

REID:&nbsp;“Well, yeah, listen, as long as he’s learned from it, that’s the important part of it. We’ll take it from there and see what takes place. Right now, we’re just kind of gathering everything and trying to make sure we have all the bases covered.”

Q:&nbsp;Can you give a breakdown of how you run your offseason training down in Texas?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“It’s kind of collaborative with the coaches and then with me and the players. In the morning, we get a workout in, just kind of get guys moving. There’s therapy there so guys can get whatever warmup they need to do if they don’t want to get an actual full workout and they (just) want to get some work in to get themselves ready to run routes. Then we get the routes in and right after that – it’s like two to three times a week depending on week and the plan with the coaches. Then we meet with the coaches at 12 o’ clock, so it’s pretty good, you kind of get everybody in and out before 2 o’ clock whenever the meetings end but it gets good work in.”

Q: Have you been throwing with Rashee this offseason?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, I’ve worked with Rashee (Rice) throughout the offseason just in general, so I’m sure we’ll continue that work as the legal process plays out.”

Q: What benefit have you seen from this offseason camp that you have been doing the past couple years?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I wouldn’t say that it’s too much different than being up at the facility, but at the same time just with the guys hearing it from me because you get the workouts in before the meetings, hearing how I explain things, how I explain the routes, what I’m thinking and then getting to go into the meeting room and hear the coaches and how they explain the stuff and how do we blend that together. I think it’s just that good one on one interaction with me. Sometimes, especially this time of the year, those lines get long with a lot of receivers, lot of tight ends, lot of running backs whatever it is. To be able to explain my thought process one on one, I think it gives guys a good intro into what the coaches are thinking and the coaches can really detail the details.”

Q: What has stood out about WR Hollywood Brown?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“With Hollywood (Brown), I think you obviously see the speed, you see the speed instantly. What I’ve liked so far is how hard he works, he’s been at the workouts, been at the route running and he wants more. He wants to continue to push himself more and more, and I think he has a hell of a great role in this offense the way he’s able to run routes, the way he’s able to stretch the field. I think he’ll be even different than you’ve seen him before because I think we can utilize him in different ways (than) I think he’s been utilized in yet.”

Q: What did you think about seeing Messi play on Saturday?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“As far as (Inter Miami CF Forward Lionel) Messi, I mean it’s awesome to see the guy at the top of the top in any league in the entire world, and I mean you saw the certain spots that he had where he wasn’t marked, or he wasn’t free where he got free. I mean he made stuff happen with the pass that he made, the division that had. Then the goal that he scored, it shows you what it is like when you have the top of the top playing in any profession.”

Q: What role do you see Hollywood Brown playing this season?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think everybody has seen his speed and the way he’s able to track a football down the field which we’ll obviously use, that’s something that’s huge and we need to continue to get better and better at this offense. I think the route running is what I’ve been pleasantly surprised by. Just the way he’s able to get in and out of his cuts, he has a good feel for space and like I said he wants to learn more and more, so I think as he gets within our offense and learns how with the freedom you have and the route running and your ability to find space I think we can utilize that over the middle of the field. I know he’s done that in the past but I think we utilize it at an even higher load so I think it’ll be something that we can really emphasize in our offense.”

Q: How do your training sessions in Texas help you?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think what helps me the most is that I get to hear what they are thinking, and when they’re really going. I think sometimes when the coaches are around they want to do exactly what the coach says which is the right thinking but whenever I can hear what they’re thinking whenever they’re running their route it helps me know where they’re going to be at and what their timing is going to be and that’s something that I try to do during the year but there’s kind of a lot of things that you’re worried about during the season or trying to do just how the coaches say. When I can hear them and we talk it through and we hear from the coaches, we can all be on the same page.”

Q: What do you enjoy most about starting anew each season and what do you find most difficult having a shorter offseason?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think what I find most enjoyable is building those relationships with the guys. Every single team is different and just getting the guys down here and seeing them outside the building, trying to do different things, trying to get dinner or whatever it is, you get to meet the guy. I think that’s what brings a team closer together, so that’s something that I enjoy most about this part of the year. At the same time, you win the Super Bowl, and it’s awesome but it makes the offseason shorter so trying to make sure I get time to myself and my family, that’s something that is important to me and so I still intertwine that with keeping my body in the right shape so that I can go out there and try to get the three-peat.”

Q: Now that you guys have won your second-straight Super Bowl, how much do you discuss a three-peat?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“It was something that was discussed more after we won the second one. Now that we’re kind of back and starting back from the beginning, that’s how you have to start, you have to start from the beginning, you have to go back to your fundamentals. I’ll be going over fronts and stuff today, stuff that might get a little tedious and stuff that I need to know. The coaches will get a laugh out of it because they know that it kind of irritates me sometimes. That’s how it is, you have to go back to the beginning, go back to your elementary school and learn from the beginning and I think that’s something that has kind of gotten us to where we’re at is that you can’t be satisfied at where we’re at, you have to learn and pick up one little different thing that you didn’t know the year before. That’s something that I will continue to work on throughout this offseason and prepare myself and then once we get to the season, we’ll try to make that run at it but it’s going to take a day-in, day-out type of mentality.”

Q: Have you shared your thoughts on this year’s draft picks with General Manager Brett Veach yet?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I’ve looked at some of the stuff. It’s cool that (General Manager Brett) Veach and (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid kind of let me in on all of the conversations that they have about players and I like that stuff. I like watching film and watching other guys from college and stuff like that. At the end of the day, we have the greatest of the greatest as far as GMs and head coach and the staffs that they build so I know they’re going to get great players in here and I’ll give my input but I trust that they’re going to do the work to get the great players in. You’ve seen our team, it seems like we get younger and younger every single year and that comes from drafting.”

Q: On running a play in the Super Bowl that the team hasn’t run since training camp.

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“It was really cool. That was something that we had worked on in training camp, we talked about it in years in the past about some of the blitz looks that the teams have shown us of getting to that check. We worked on it in training camp and of course all year long we just never got the look that we wanted. Then you get to the Super Bowl, a third down, a huge moment in the game and of course you get the exact look you’re thinking about. We probably ran it in practice maybe once every week or once every other week to kind of prepare ourselves. It speaks to the guys, I mean not only me of getting to the check but the guys, the offensive line knowing how to block and leave the right guy free, Jerick McKinnon being able to bluff the guy where we had the cross protection most of the game, he bluffs a guy and gets loose, then the receivers making the block out in space. You never know, it’s one of those plays that anybody can be in, it’s kind of a check at the line of scrimmage and so everybody was ready for the moment. That comes with, like I said, the tedious fundamentals from day one. We do this stuff to prepare ourselves for the Super Bowl but you have to do it on a day-in process.”

Q: What stood out about the other new guys who have been working out in Texas with you?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think what stood out is how hard the guys want to work. I think that’s always great; I say it and people take it for granted but you have to have guys that want it. I mean this is offseason, this time you can be anywhere in the world, spending it on vacation. These guys came in – I’m in my hometown, I’m in my house so it’s easy for me to go workout and throw but these guys are in hotels or AirBnBs and they’re down here getting work in and they want to be great and that’s awesome. Guys like Nikko (Remigio), Anthony Miller and Louis (Rees-Zammit), they’ve all done a great job of getting in here and learning from the guys in front of them, guys that have been here. I always enjoy guys like Skyy (Moore) and Kadarius (Toney), guys that are teaching too at the same time. I think it’s a healthy competition, that’s what you want on any team, and I think we have a great team for it. I’m excited to see these guys continue to evolve in this offense and get them on the field.”

Q: What do you think the linebacker room will look like with the changes that have been made?

BOLTON:&nbsp;“I think it’s going to be a lot different. We’re definitely going to miss (Saints LB) Willie (Gay), his energy that he brought to the locker room, especially to the LB room on a day-to-day basis. Drue (Tranquill) played phenomenal for us. I think he adds a little bit (of a) different flavor to our defense. He’s a smart guy, intelligent, finds the ball (and) on all intents where you need to be great in this league, he has it, so I’m going for him and I’m excited for the projections we have in the linebacker room. We have Leo (Chenal) as well, got a lot of young guys in there and we’re just staying in our roles, trying to get one percent better every single day and we’ll see where that takes us.”

Q: You’re eligible for an extension soon, have there been any discussions about that and would you be interested in staying?

BOLTON:&nbsp;“I’ve been in the state of Missouri going on seven years now, so it definitely feels like home. Fans, the community, open arms since I got here as an 18-year-old. Staying here would be a blessing, would be a dream come true if we could get that done in the foreseeable future, but I’m just trying to put my best foot forward and have our defense pick up where we left off last year and not regress. Just trying to get better than we were last year and it starts in two weeks from now.”

Q:&nbsp;How will you handle Phase One of the offseason program since it’s online and what has your offseason looked like?

BOLTON: “First off, I’m out in Arizona, I’m enjoying this heat a little bit. In terms of – I’m just managing my energy, just trying to make sure to stay ahead of stuff. I finished out the end of the season healthy, everything looked good going into the offseason. Now it’s just trying to get comfortable, get things as strong as they were (before), get compression on my hand, my wrist, getting everything even on both sides because I haven’t been lifting on my left hand for a little bit. Just working on those things, (Assistant Athletic Trainer) Julie (Frymyer) has done a hell of a job with a plan for me while I’ve been away from Kansas City and when I get back there, I’m going to be back working with her again. Our training staff does a great job of getting us prepared, giving us a plan, giving us options of things that we can do to make this a little better so I’m just trying to take advantage of that.”

Chiefs Quotes: 4-15-24

Submitted Lori Blake, Assaria, filed to run for the 69th seat in the Kansas House of Representatives on Friday, April 12. Blake is a lifetime resident of Saline County, serving most recently as the Executive Director at CAPS - Child Advocacy and Parenting Services.

According to Blake she is seeking this role to give voters a candidate who seeks solutions working with lawmakers across the aisle for lasting change felt by our neighbors.

Blake has built a career collaborating with community leaders as an advocate for&nbsp;all children and families.&nbsp;

“Over three decades as a small business owner and administrator in public education, disability supports and child abuse prevention, I have learned families are the foundation for society. When they thrive, we all do, but that’s not currently what’s happening. Many families are in survival mode.” Blake said.&nbsp;

During her three terms on the USD 306 School Board, she rose to be elected as the President of the Kansas Association of School Boards and is known as a public education advocate across the state. “We’ve made great gains in stabilizing the funding for public education and growing a rainy day fund, but our legislators have forgotten their duty. The legislature’s job is to fund the work, not continue passing policy that should be decided by our locally elected school board members and city and county commissioners who know our community values and needs,” Blake said.

Blake said she is also concerned about the loss of respect for public servants like our teachers, medical providers, and law enforcement officers; lack of universal access to quality health care; and government intrusion into an individual’s private life.

“I chose to stay and make a life in Central Kansas. My husband and I have raised three children here. I love this place and want to do all I can to leave it better than I found it. I hope the existing relationships I’ve had&nbsp;in&nbsp;my career and volunteer service will give me a head start to lift local issues,” Blake said.

After 10 years of being an unaffiliated registered voter, Blake filed as a Democrat.&nbsp;She wants to represent Saline County and create opportunities for unity instead of extreme division. She says her values, like most Kansans, live in the middle of the typical political spectrum.&nbsp; Blake says that she loves making connections with new people and working together. To demonstrate the importance of bipartisanship, she sought out John Quinley, a Republican from Salina, to serve as her Treasurer.&nbsp;

“The different experiences across humanity present challenges, but when we can listen and focus on the issue at hand, the group mind prevails with solutions that are often mutually beneficial. Just like sending my kids to Salina Area Technical College, KU and K-State, we have different options to meet different needs. What’s good for Kansans is good for&nbsp;Kansas,” Blake said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713181391094.jpeg" alt="Lori Blake candidate for 69th Kansas House District. Photo Courtesy Lori Blake&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Lori Blake candidate for 69th Kansas House District. Photo Courtesy Lori Blake&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted Lori Blake, Assaria, filed to run for the 69th seat in the Kansas House of Representatives on Friday, April 12. Blake is a lifetime resident of Saline County, serving most recently as the Executive Director at CAPS - Child Advocacy and Parenting Services. According to Blake she is seeking this role to give voters a candidate who seeks solutions working with lawmakers across the aisle for lasting change felt by our neighbors.Blake has built a career collaborating with community leaders as an advocate for&nbsp;all children and families.&nbsp;“Over three decades as a small business owner and administrator in public education, disability supports and child abuse prevention, I have learned families are the foundation for society. When they thrive, we all do, but that’s not currently what’s happening. Many families are in survival mode.” Blake said.&nbsp;During her three terms on the USD 306 School Board, she rose to be elected as the President of the Kansas Association of School Boards and is known as a public education advocate across the state. “We’ve made great gains in stabilizing the funding for public education and growing a rainy day fund, but our legislators have forgotten their duty. The legislature’s job is to fund the work, not continue passing policy that should be decided by our locally elected school board members and city and county commissioners who know our community values and needs,” Blake said.Blake said she is also concerned about the loss of respect for public servants like our teachers, medical providers, and law enforcement officers; lack of universal access to quality health care; and government intrusion into an individual’s private life.“I chose to stay and make a life in Central Kansas. My husband and I have raised three children here. I love this place and want to do all I can to leave it better than I found it. I hope the existing relationships I’ve had&nbsp;in&nbsp;my career and volunteer service will give me a head start to lift local issues,” Blake said.After 10 years of being an unaffiliated registered voter, Blake filed as a Democrat.&nbsp;She wants to represent Saline County and create opportunities for unity instead of extreme division. She says her values, like most Kansans, live in the middle of the typical political spectrum.&nbsp; Blake says that she loves making connections with new people and working together. To demonstrate the importance of bipartisanship, she sought out John Quinley, a Republican from Salina, to serve as her Treasurer.&nbsp;“The different experiences across humanity present challenges, but when we can listen and focus on the issue at hand, the group mind prevails with solutions that are often mutually beneficial. Just like sending my kids to Salina Area Technical College, KU and K-State, we have different options to meet different needs. What’s good for Kansans is good for&nbsp;Kansas,” Blake said.

Lori Blake announces her candidacy for the 69th seat in the Kansas House

With just 63 days left before the 48th <a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/first-time/">Smoky Hill River Festival</a> kicks off, Salina Arts &amp; Humanities announced Thursday, April 11, details for the epic arts festival, scheduled for June 13-16 in Oakdale Park.&nbsp;

The festival includes many <a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/food/">new food offerings</a>, activities for kids, new roving and mainstage entertainers, <a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/art-installations/">new art installations</a>, and new artists selling their work in the art show.

"For the last 14 months, our staff and committees have been working tirelessly to prepare for the 48th annual epic arts party," said Salina Arts and Humanities Operations and Developement Manager Anna Pauscher-Morawitz . "As of 8 a.m. this morning, our website <a href="http://riverfestival.com">riverfestival.com</a> is updated with entertainers, visual artists, food, and other details of the event. Keep your eyes out for a few additions as we get a little bit closer to June."

The Festival Medallion Quest will kick off at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, on the front steps of the Smoky Hill Museum. Arts and Humanities Commissioners will reveal the first clue for the $3,000 prize package. Twice daily, clues will be released at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. until the Medallion is found.

The Festival Medallion Quest began as a way to bring families together and out into the landscape to celebrate the arts differently and encourage patronage of the exhibiting artists.​ Over the years, families have searched side by side, solved riddles, and endeavored to find the ever-elusive Medallion. 

The Quest has grown larger each year, and now you can feel the collective buzz in the air as the first day of the Quest draws close. It marks the official countdown to the River Festival

Friday through Sunday, the Smoky Hill River Festival is fully engaged with three stages of live entertainment, the Fine Arts and Craft Show, Artyopolis for kids, and food vendors.

Gates will open at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, with 35 food booths, an art patron party, and the Festival Jam produced by S.M. Hanson Music. Festival Jam music starts at 5:45 p.m. and includes 21 bands playing for four hours.

Wristbands for the festival will go on sale starting Wednesday, May 1 through Tuesday, June 11. The cost to purchase a weekend wristband before the event is $15 and $20 at the gate. Children 11 and younger enter the festival free of charge. Daily wristbands will also be sold for $10.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/participating-retailers/">Wristbands will be available at around 40 local and 20 regional retailers</a> and the Salina&nbsp;	 Arts &amp; Humanities office, 211 W. Iron Ave.

Festival food – enjoy new and nostalgic food choices

With six new food vendors, there are plenty of new tastes to experience, including fruit pizza, churros, Brazillian cheese bread and coxinha, wiener schnitzel, hand pies, and more. See the complete list of food vendors on <a href="http://www.riverfestival.com">www.riverfestival.com</a>

As the featured print artist, Lori Stanziola created Festival Flow; her image shows the intersection of the river, the music, and the arts that make the Festival a special destination.

Anyone who donates $100 or more is eligible to pick up a copy at the Arts &amp; Humanities office any time before June 10 during office hours, 8 am - 5 pm.

Drawing on her experience as a designer, Lori revels in using graphic shapes and patterns to create richly layered works from hand-carved blocks.

Lori’s work is hand-printed in single or small-numbered editions, primarily using the techniques of relief printing and monotype.

You can learn more about Lori’s work process and see examples of her work at lskccreative.com. Visit Lori at her booth this year, #53, in the East Arts area.

This year’s t-shirt features the design work of Nick Perry of <a href="https://redlegger.com/">Redlegger Studio</a>&nbsp;in Topeka, KS.

Nick is a printmaker who is also joining for the second year as an exhibiting artist. His design incorporates all the elements of the event: music, food, art, and, of course, festival tents. Stop by and check out Nick’s work in the East Arts area at booth #23.

T-shirts are available in various sizes, t-shirts and tanks can be purchased at the SAH office, online, or on-site at the Festival Information Booths north of Eric Stein Stage and near Kenwood Bridge during the festival.

Salina Arts and Humanities is looking for groups and individuals to be part of this summer’s Epic Arts Party at the Smoky Hill River Festival inOakdale Park. The search for volunteers is a high priority.

 It takes about 2,000 dedicated, engaged, community-minded, and fun volunteers to make the Festival happen. Volunteers work all over the Festival on crews to support Festival staff, fans, sponsors, and artists to ensure everyone at the Festival has an unforgettable, exciting, fun, and safe time! Volunteers do anything from helping set up, assisting little ones, or even simply putting on a smile and greeting everyone as they come and go.

To volunteer, go to <a href="http://riverfestival.com/volunteer.">riverfestival.com/volunteer.</a>

&nbsp;Tomorrow’s art patrons are today’s children; with this in mind, The Smoky Hill River Festival created the First Treasures tent. Young art enthusiasts, ages 4 to 13, can choose original artwork from River Festival artists at affordable prices of $5 or less.&nbsp;

"On Saturday morning of the festival at about 8:30 or 9 a.m. people will begin to line up at the Mulberry Bridge because it is the shortest distance from that entryway to the First Treasurers tent where kids get to, in some cases, purchase their first work of art," said Brad Anderson, director of Salina Arts and Humanities.&nbsp;

How does a child participate in First Treasures?

Entry-window tickets become available at the First Treasures tent at 10:00 am on Saturday of the festival. Supply depends on the number of artworks provided and, therefore, is limited in quantity.&nbsp;

Children can then meet their Festival artists on the grounds. If a child needs additional assistance in the tent or with check-out, please inform staff when you pick up their entrance time card.

<a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/attend/#fest-fam-first">Festival Families First </a>is a program fully underwritten by local businesses and organizations to provide Festival admission to families or individuals who might otherwise be unable to attend.

Individuals who qualify and are affiliated with any of the following participating organizations can take part in Festival Families First simply by asking that organization to participate:

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.salinahealth.org/">Salina Family Healthcare Center</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thriveoftheheartland.org/">Thrive of the Heartland</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ashbyhouse.org/">Ashby House</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://ccnks.org/">Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.305heartland.com/">Heartland Early Education</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbbssalina.org/">Big Brother Big Sisters</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://dvack.org/">DVACK</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://capsofsalina.org/">CAPS</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.pinnacleparkrehab.com/">Pinnacle Park</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/salina/">Salvation Army</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://indconnectinc.com/">Independent Connection</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://kansas.kvc.org/">KVC Kansas</a>

The Festival Families First program is made possible in part by:

<a target="_blank" href="https://bluebeacon.com/">Blue Beacon International Inc.</a>

<a target="_blank" href="http://healthmart.com/">Key Rexall Pharmacy</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://smokyhillconst.com/">Smoky Hill Construction LLC</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.srhc.com/">Salina Regional Health Foundation</a>

Ways to save at the Smoky Hill River Festival:

⦁ Enjoy the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.riverfestival.com/kids/">Artyopolis</a>&nbsp;kids’ area for children, families, and the young at heart!

	⦁ FREE airbrush tattoos and/or face painting at Paintchoo Plaza

	⦁ FREE make-and-take projects at Creation Crossing

	⦁ Hours of FREE family entertainment at Arty’s Stage

	⦁ Game Street has FREE family-friendly games

	⦁ Find shade and a place to feed/change your child at Baby Station

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.riverfestival.com/events/#first-treasures">⦁ First Treasures</a>&nbsp;purchases are $5 or less for children ages 4-13

⦁ Coolers are welcome – Bring your own food and drink - NO GLASS CONTAINERS

	⦁ Lots of art to see – Window shopping in the art show is encouraged

⦁ Many food vendors have a $4 food item on their menu, and menus	with prices are available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.riverfestival.com/food/">riverfestival.com/food</a>

	⦁ Visit other stages for FREE performances to listen to rock, jazz, reggae, funk, and more!

	⦁ Roving artists and art installations are EVERYWHERE! See if you can find them all.

On the morning of Saturday, June 15, the Salina Regional Health Center will host the 43rd Smoky Hill River Run. The event includes a two-mile walk, children’s races, and a two-mile and five-mile electronically timed race. Register online at <a href="https://srhc.com/riverrun/">https://srhc.com/riverrun/</a>.

Salina Arts &amp; Humanities has served a unique role in arts advocacy and support since 1966. The Smoky Hill River Festival, the Horizons Grants Program, the Smoky Hill Museum, and the Arts Infusion program are among the programs of this City of Salina division.

Smoky Hill River Festival:&nbsp;Connecting people through an arts experience celebrating the creative spirit.

The mission of&nbsp;Salina Arts &amp; Humanities&nbsp;is the cultivation of this place through the power of the arts and humanities to change lives and build community.&nbsp;

In 1976, a downtown Street Fair was held during Salina’s Bicentennial celebration. The event was such a hit that plans were soon underway to move the specially built gazebo to be part of the first-ever Smoky Hill River Festival, held in Oakdale in Park June 1977.

The River Festival added elements during its first 10 years, including a Fun Run, a children’s Art Participation area, a park-and-ride shuttle service, and the popular Festival Jam concert. The Mamas and the Papas headlined on Saturday night in June 1987, and the Big Band Dance began that year.

The festival’s second decade included expansion of the Fine Arts Show and Four Rivers Craft Market, Curt Krob’s popular, large-scale sand sculptures, and site-specific Artists In Action installations across the park. Festival Buttons were $4.The Oakdale Stage was built. In 1985, the Kenwood Bridge and the Bi-Center entrance bridges were opened.

During the ‘90s and into the new millennium,&nbsp;the Storytelling Stage was born, as was First Treasures, to develop young art collectors. The tented Stage II was first created in the mid-90s.&nbsp;An Arts Patron program began, featuring a Saturday morning breakfast in the Park’s formal garden. In 2000, Salina’s Community Art &amp; Design Program (CAD) was launched for the Festival’s 25th year. Its first public art piece was “Under a Canopy Of Hope” for the Salina Animal Shelter.&nbsp;The Eric Stein (Main) Stage was dedicated in 2006.

Since 2010, the River Festival has evolved by combining its two art shows and re-envisioning the&nbsp;PREMIERE&nbsp;art-patron party and program. “Dream Dragon Bridge” and other icon Art Installations were unveiled, and in 2014, the SHRF Legacy Fund endowment was born. Among popular stage acts of the decade were Steep Canyon Rangers, That1Guy, Jakubi, and Larkin Poe. 

Since its inception, the Smoky Hill River Festival has welcomed thousands of loyal locals and far-way guests, as well as appreciative food vendors, artists, and performers who had never experienced the arts Festival-style until they came to Salina.

The four-day arts celebration is unmatched in its on-grounds hospitality and community support and continues to evolve, reflecting Salina Arts &amp; Humanities’ passionate commitment to the arts.

Check Salina Post for additional information regarding Smoky Hill River Festival art exhibits, food, and entertainment as the Smoky Hill River Festival draws closer.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712866248327.jpeg" alt="Smoky Hill River Festival. All images unless otherwise stated courtesy of Salina Arts and Humanities.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Smoky Hill River Festival. All images unless otherwise stated courtesy of Salina Arts and Humanities.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EvQ16hoYu5E?si=8L4qV40vhc7MIsvz" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>By SALINA POSTWith just 63 days left before the 48th <a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/first-time/">Smoky Hill River Festival</a> kicks off, Salina Arts &amp; Humanities announced Thursday, April 11, details for the epic arts festival, scheduled for June 13-16 in Oakdale Park.&nbsp;The festival includes many <a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/food/">new food offerings</a>, activities for kids, new roving and mainstage entertainers, <a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/art-installations/">new art installations</a>, and new artists selling their work in the art show."For the last 14 months, our staff and committees have been working tirelessly to prepare for the 48th annual epic arts party," said Salina Arts and Humanities Operations and Developement Manager Anna Pauscher-Morawitz . "As of 8 a.m. this morning, our website <a href="http://riverfestival.com">riverfestival.com</a> is updated with entertainers, visual artists, food, and other details of the event. Keep your eyes out for a few additions as we get a little bit closer to June."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712867395037.jpeg" alt="Salina Arts and Humanities Operations and Developement Manager, Anna Pauscher-Morawitz addresses attendees at the press conference announcing details of the 48th Smoky Hill River Festival. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Arts and Humanities Operations and Developement Manager, Anna Pauscher-Morawitz addresses attendees at the press conference announcing details of the 48th Smoky Hill River Festival. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Medallion Quest</h2>The Festival Medallion Quest will kick off at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, on the front steps of the Smoky Hill Museum. Arts and Humanities Commissioners will reveal the first clue for the $3,000 prize package. Twice daily, clues will be released at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. until the Medallion is found.The Festival Medallion Quest began as a way to bring families together and out into the landscape to celebrate the arts differently and encourage patronage of the exhibiting artists.​ Over the years, families have searched side by side, solved riddles, and endeavored to find the ever-elusive Medallion. The Quest has grown larger each year, and now you can feel the collective buzz in the air as the first day of the Quest draws close. It marks the official countdown to the River Festival<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686327760565.jpeg" alt="Ghost Town Revival band member Chris Cadle plays the harmonica alongside lead guitarist Brent Magathen and Mike Badders on drums during S.M. Hanson Festival Jam 2023. Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>Ghost Town Revival band member Chris Cadle plays the harmonica alongside lead guitarist Brent Magathen and Mike Badders on drums during S.M. Hanson Festival Jam 2023. Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>Friday through Sunday, the Smoky Hill River Festival is fully engaged with three stages of live entertainment, the Fine Arts and Craft Show, Artyopolis for kids, and food vendors.Gates will open at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, with 35 food booths, an art patron party, and the Festival Jam produced by S.M. Hanson Music. Festival Jam music starts at 5:45 p.m. and includes 21 bands playing for four hours.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712865502747.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Wristband Information</h2>Wristbands for the festival will go on sale starting Wednesday, May 1 through Tuesday, June 11. The cost to purchase a weekend wristband before the event is $15 and $20 at the gate. Children 11 and younger enter the festival free of charge. Daily wristbands will also be sold for $10.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/participating-retailers/">Wristbands will be available at around 40 local and 20 regional retailers</a> and the Salina&nbsp;	 Arts &amp; Humanities office, 211 W. Iron Ave.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712874400863.jpeg" alt="1/2 Slab Ribs with Cowboy Beans from Bucket List BBQ, one of the new food vendors at the 2024 Smoky River Festival" />
 <figcaption>1/2 Slab Ribs with Cowboy Beans from Bucket List BBQ, one of the new food vendors at the 2024 Smoky River Festival</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Festival food – enjoy new and nostalgic food choices</h2>With six new food vendors, there are plenty of new tastes to experience, including fruit pizza, churros, Brazillian cheese bread and coxinha, wiener schnitzel, hand pies, and more. See the complete list of food vendors on <a href="http://www.riverfestival.com">www.riverfestival.com</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712863775778.png" alt="As the featured print artist, Lori Stanziola created Festival Flow; her image shows the intersection of the river, the music, and the arts that make the Festival a special destination. " />
 <figcaption>As the featured print artist, Lori Stanziola created Festival Flow; her image shows the intersection of the river, the music, and the arts that make the Festival a special destination. </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>2024 Featured Print</h2>As the featured print artist, Lori Stanziola created Festival Flow; her image shows the intersection of the river, the music, and the arts that make the Festival a special destination.Anyone who donates $100 or more is eligible to pick up a copy at the Arts &amp; Humanities office any time before June 10 during office hours, 8 am - 5 pm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712863945971.png" alt="Lori is a Kansas City-based artist specializing in fine art printmaking. " />
 <figcaption>Lori is a Kansas City-based artist specializing in fine art printmaking. </figcaption>
 </figure>Drawing on her experience as a designer, Lori revels in using graphic shapes and patterns to create richly layered works from hand-carved blocks.Lori’s work is hand-printed in single or small-numbered editions, primarily using the techniques of relief printing and monotype.You can learn more about Lori’s work process and see examples of her work at lskccreative.com. Visit Lori at her booth this year, #53, in the East Arts area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712864318634.png" alt="This year’s t-shirt features the design work of Nick Perry of Redlegger Studio in Topeka, KS" />
 <figcaption>This year’s t-shirt features the design work of Nick Perry of Redlegger Studio in Topeka, KS</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Festival T-Shirt 2024</h2>This year’s t-shirt features the design work of Nick Perry of <a href="https://redlegger.com/">Redlegger Studio</a>&nbsp;in Topeka, KS. Nick is a printmaker who is also joining for the second year as an exhibiting artist. His design incorporates all the elements of the event: music, food, art, and, of course, festival tents. Stop by and check out Nick’s work in the East Arts area at booth #23.T-shirts are available in various sizes, t-shirts and tanks can be purchased at the SAH office, online, or on-site at the Festival Information Booths north of Eric Stein Stage and near Kenwood Bridge during the festival.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712872343510.jpeg" alt="Salina Arts and Humanities Staff gather for a photo celebrating the release of information for the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival. From left to right, Anna Pauscher Morawitz, Crystal Hammerschmidt, Sarah Keck, Amanda Morris, Maira Mota, Susan Eberwein, and Brad Anderson. Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>Salina Arts and Humanities Staff gather for a photo celebrating the release of information for the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival. From left to right, Anna Pauscher Morawitz, Crystal Hammerschmidt, Sarah Keck, Amanda Morris, Maira Mota, Susan Eberwein, and Brad Anderson. Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Volunteer Opportunities</h2>Salina Arts and Humanities is looking for groups and individuals to be part of this summer’s Epic Arts Party at the Smoky Hill River Festival inOakdale Park. The search for volunteers is a high priority. It takes about 2,000 dedicated, engaged, community-minded, and fun volunteers to make the Festival happen. Volunteers work all over the Festival on crews to support Festival staff, fans, sponsors, and artists to ensure everyone at the Festival has an unforgettable, exciting, fun, and safe time! Volunteers do anything from helping set up, assisting little ones, or even simply putting on a smile and greeting everyone as they come and go.To volunteer, go to <a href="http://riverfestival.com/volunteer.">riverfestival.com/volunteer.</a><h2>First Treasures</h2>&nbsp;Tomorrow’s art patrons are today’s children; with this in mind, The Smoky Hill River Festival created the First Treasures tent. Young art enthusiasts, ages 4 to 13, can choose original artwork from River Festival artists at affordable prices of $5 or less.&nbsp;"On Saturday morning of the festival at about 8:30 or 9 a.m. people will begin to line up at the Mulberry Bridge because it is the shortest distance from that entryway to the First Treasurers tent where kids get to, in some cases, purchase their first work of art," said Brad Anderson, director of Salina Arts and Humanities.&nbsp;<h2>How does a child participate in First Treasures?</h2>Entry-window tickets become available at the First Treasures tent at 10:00 am on Saturday of the festival. Supply depends on the number of artworks provided and, therefore, is limited in quantity.&nbsp;Children can then meet their Festival artists on the grounds. If a child needs additional assistance in the tent or with check-out, please inform staff when you pick up their entrance time card.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712867348433.jpeg" alt="An art installation from a past Smoky Hill River Festival" />
 <figcaption>An art installation from a past Smoky Hill River Festival</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Festival Families First</h2><a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/attend/#fest-fam-first">Festival Families First </a>is a program fully underwritten by local businesses and organizations to provide Festival admission to families or individuals who might otherwise be unable to attend. Individuals who qualify and are affiliated with any of the following participating organizations can take part in Festival Families First simply by asking that organization to participate:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.salinahealth.org/">Salina Family Healthcare Center</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thriveoftheheartland.org/">Thrive of the Heartland</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ashbyhouse.org/">Ashby House</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://ccnks.org/">Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.305heartland.com/">Heartland Early Education</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbbssalina.org/">Big Brother Big Sisters</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://dvack.org/">DVACK</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://capsofsalina.org/">CAPS</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.pinnacleparkrehab.com/">Pinnacle Park</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/salina/">Salvation Army</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://indconnectinc.com/">Independent Connection</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://kansas.kvc.org/">KVC Kansas</a><h2>The Festival Families First program is made possible in part by:</h2><a target="_blank" href="https://bluebeacon.com/">Blue Beacon International Inc.</a><a target="_blank" href="http://healthmart.com/">Key Rexall Pharmacy</a>Verla Nesbitt Joscelyn Foundation<a target="_blank" href="https://smokyhillconst.com/">Smoky Hill Construction LLC</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.srhc.com/">Salina Regional Health Foundation</a><h2>Ways to save at the Smoky Hill River Festival:</h2>⦁ Enjoy the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.riverfestival.com/kids/">Artyopolis</a>&nbsp;kids’ area for children, families, and the young at heart!	⦁ FREE airbrush tattoos and/or face painting at Paintchoo Plaza	⦁ FREE make-and-take projects at Creation Crossing	⦁ Hours of FREE family entertainment at Arty’s Stage	⦁ Hours of FREE fun at Lego Lane	⦁ Game Street has FREE family-friendly games	⦁ Find shade and a place to feed/change your child at Baby Station	<a target="_blank" href="https://www.riverfestival.com/events/#first-treasures">⦁ First Treasures</a>&nbsp;purchases are $5 or less for children ages 4-13	⦁ Coolers are welcome – Bring your own food and drink - NO GLASS CONTAINERS	⦁ Lots of art to see – Window shopping in the art show is encouraged	⦁ Many food vendors have a $4 food item on their menu, and menus	with prices are available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.riverfestival.com/food/">riverfestival.com/food</a>	⦁ Visit other stages for FREE performances to listen to rock, jazz, reggae, funk, and more!	⦁ Roving artists and art installations are EVERYWHERE! See if you can find them all.<h2>Smoky Hill River Run</h2>On the morning of Saturday, June 15, the Salina Regional Health Center will host the 43rd Smoky Hill River Run. The event includes a two-mile walk, children’s races, and a two-mile and five-mile electronically timed race. Register online at <a href="https://srhc.com/riverrun/">https://srhc.com/riverrun/</a>.<h2>History of the Smoky Hill River Festival</h2>Salina Arts &amp; Humanities has served a unique role in arts advocacy and support since 1966. The Smoky Hill River Festival, the Horizons Grants Program, the Smoky Hill Museum, and the Arts Infusion program are among the programs of this City of Salina division.Smoky Hill River Festival:&nbsp;Connecting people through an arts experience celebrating the creative spirit.The mission of&nbsp;Salina Arts &amp; Humanities&nbsp;is the cultivation of this place through the power of the arts and humanities to change lives and build community.&nbsp;In 1976, a downtown Street Fair was held during Salina’s Bicentennial celebration. The event was such a hit that plans were soon underway to move the specially built gazebo to be part of the first-ever Smoky Hill River Festival, held in Oakdale in Park June 1977.The River Festival added elements during its first 10 years, including a Fun Run, a children’s Art Participation area, a park-and-ride shuttle service, and the popular Festival Jam concert. The Mamas and the Papas headlined on Saturday night in June 1987, and the Big Band Dance began that year.The festival’s second decade included expansion of the Fine Arts Show and Four Rivers Craft Market, Curt Krob’s popular, large-scale sand sculptures, and site-specific Artists In Action installations across the park. Festival Buttons were $4.The Oakdale Stage was built. In 1985, the Kenwood Bridge and the Bi-Center entrance bridges were opened.During the ‘90s and into the new millennium,&nbsp;the Storytelling Stage was born, as was First Treasures, to develop young art collectors. The tented Stage II was first created in the mid-90s.&nbsp;An Arts Patron program began, featuring a Saturday morning breakfast in the Park’s formal garden. In 2000, Salina’s Community Art &amp; Design Program (CAD) was launched for the Festival’s 25th year. Its first public art piece was “Under a Canopy Of Hope” for the Salina Animal Shelter.&nbsp;The Eric Stein (Main) Stage was dedicated in 2006.Since 2010, the River Festival has evolved by combining its two art shows and re-envisioning the&nbsp;PREMIERE&nbsp;art-patron party and program. “Dream Dragon Bridge” and other icon Art Installations were unveiled, and in 2014, the SHRF Legacy Fund endowment was born. Among popular stage acts of the decade were Steep Canyon Rangers, That1Guy, Jakubi, and Larkin Poe. Since its inception, the Smoky Hill River Festival has welcomed thousands of loyal locals and far-way guests, as well as appreciative food vendors, artists, and performers who had never experienced the arts Festival-style until they came to Salina.The four-day arts celebration is unmatched in its on-grounds hospitality and community support and continues to evolve, reflecting Salina Arts &amp; Humanities’ passionate commitment to the arts.Check Salina Post for additional information regarding Smoky Hill River Festival art exhibits, food, and entertainment as the Smoky Hill River Festival draws closer.&nbsp;

🎥First details released for 48th Smoky Hill River Festival

Join 910KINA's Saturday Morning Show hosts Dave Foor and Nate King this Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.910kina.com/">910AM 107.5 FM.</a>

Hear highlights about community events, public affairs, and all things happening in Salina. Their approach is friendly, informative, and entertaining. To listen to past 910KINA Saturday Morning Shows head on over to the KINA podcast homepage&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KINA&amp;embedOpened=true&amp;embedOpenedApp=song&amp;embedOpenedSong=910683and6831076845683KINA&amp;embedOpenedArtist=&amp;embedOpenedAlbum=">here.</a>&nbsp;

9:05-9:30 a.m. Michael Spicer, executive director of Theatre Salina to discuss expansion plans and ongoing productions at the theatre

9:30-10:00 a.m. Misty Livingston-Holmes, a resident at Sundowner Mobile Home community gives an update <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0e190734-6244-406a-bce5-9dc38e5c4bf1">regarding the water crisis at Sundowner</a>

10:00- 10:30 a.m. <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/783c1fe3-e015-41d1-a6c5-235764b2f91c">Heidi Feyerherm-Smith</a>, founder of the Love Chloe Foundation discusses the need to know information for the upcoming <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/444f1164-4dd8-4999-9a30-fa655c0e1dbc">2024 Love Chloe Family Fun Run&nbsp;</a>

10:30-11:00 a.m. Salina Optimist Club President, April Rickman stops by to share about the club's recent <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/279c9c48-892e-4a1c-bb42-83cc0f845352">Unsung Heroes banquet </a>and ongoing club activities

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591971280271.jpeg" alt="KINA New logo Blue Black" />
 <figcaption>KINA New logo Blue Black</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTJoin 910KINA's Saturday Morning Show hosts Dave Foor and Nate King this Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.910kina.com/">910AM 107.5 FM.</a>Hear highlights about community events, public affairs, and all things happening in Salina. Their approach is friendly, informative, and entertaining. To listen to past 910KINA Saturday Morning Shows head on over to the KINA podcast homepage&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KINA&amp;embedOpened=true&amp;embedOpenedApp=song&amp;embedOpenedSong=910683and6831076845683KINA&amp;embedOpenedArtist=&amp;embedOpenedAlbum=">here.</a>&nbsp;9:05-9:30 a.m. Michael Spicer, executive director of Theatre Salina to discuss expansion plans and ongoing productions at the theatre9:30-10:00 a.m. Misty Livingston-Holmes, a resident at Sundowner Mobile Home community gives an update <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0e190734-6244-406a-bce5-9dc38e5c4bf1">regarding the water crisis at Sundowner</a>10:00- 10:30 a.m. <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/783c1fe3-e015-41d1-a6c5-235764b2f91c">Heidi Feyerherm-Smith</a>, founder of the Love Chloe Foundation discusses the need to know information for the upcoming <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/444f1164-4dd8-4999-9a30-fa655c0e1dbc">2024 Love Chloe Family Fun Run&nbsp;</a>10:30-11:00 a.m. Salina Optimist Club President, April Rickman stops by to share about the club's recent <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/279c9c48-892e-4a1c-bb42-83cc0f845352">Unsung Heroes banquet </a>and ongoing club activities

910 KINA Saturday Morning Show lineup

Country music group BlackHawk is coming to Salina's Stiefel Theatre in August.&nbsp;

The American country music group is scheduled to perform at 7:30 p.m. August 2 in the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue.

Tickets start at $39 and go on sale at noon on Friday. Buy online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org/">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>.

For more than 20 years,&nbsp;BlackHawk&nbsp;has shared a unique sense of harmony with their voices, their songs and their fans. It’s a harmony that has sold over 7 million albums, scored some of the most distinctive country radio hits of the ‘90s, and still draws tens of thousands of fans to their electrifying live performances.

Today BlackHawk continues to honor its past as it forges its future, and does it all with a commitment that takes their music – and the harmony – to a whole new level.

“When we started our individual careers as writers and performers gave us somewhat of a more creative sensibility. We were three guys whose goal was to approach country with smart songs and unique harmonies for people who may not automatically like country,” said BlackHawk co-founder &amp; lead vocalist Henry Paul.

Paul had previously co-founded Southern Rock legends The Outlaws, as well as leading the popular ‘80s rockers The Henry Paul Band.&nbsp;Van Stephenson&nbsp;had mainstream pop success as an ‘80s singer-songwriter-guitarist (“Modern Day Delilah”). And&nbsp;Dave Robbins&nbsp;had written hits for Eric Clapton and Kenny Rogers while partnering with Stephenson to write a series of classic #1 hits for Restless Heart, including “The Bluest Eyes In Texas” and “Big Dreams In A Small Town”.

“Even though the three of us had a love and appreciation for traditional country music,” said Robbins. “We knew we weren’t going to be that. Henry was coming from Southern Rock, Van &amp; I were in Nashville, but were writing country songs with pop sensibilities. When it came to our vocals, we wanted the three of us to be up front in the choruses like Crosby, Stills &amp; Nash or The Eagles. What set us apart from the very beginning musically was being true to who we were individually.”

BlackHawk’s 1993 self-titled Arista debut album launched with the smash single “Goodbye Says It All”, followed by the Top 5 hits&nbsp;"Every Once in a While", "I Sure Can Smell the Rain", "Down in Flames" and "That's Just About Right". The album soon certified Double-Platinum, and the band received an ACM nomination as Best New Vocal Group Of The Year. 

BlackHawk followed up with the hit albums&nbsp;Strong Enough,&nbsp;Love &amp; Gravity&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sky’s The Limit, which collectively featured such hits as “I’m Not Strong Enough To Say No”, “Like There Ain’t No Yesterday”, “Big Guitar”, “Almost A Memory Now”, “There You Have It” and “Postmarked Birmingham”.

 It was an unprecedented run of hits for a band that never quite fit the standard country mold. 

“Getting a BlackHawk record on the radio was often a tough sell,” Paul said.&nbsp; “For the same reason country radio rejected bands like The Mavericks, The Dixie Chicks and Alison Krauss. But we were committed to smart, strong songs whether they fit the format or not. And the fans responded.”

But at the height of the trio’s success in 1999, Van Stephenson was diagnosed with an aggressive form of melanoma. 

“Van’s contribution to the group was enormous,” Paul said. “He could be a tremendously gifted songwriter and a deeply spiritual guy. We found ourselves at a crossroads as a band, and it would have been an easy time for country music to count us out.”

“Two days before Van passed away, Henry and I went to visit him,” Robbins said. “Van was in a wheelchair at this point, and we took him for a stroll around his neighborhood. We spent the morning just talking, reminiscing about our career and good times together. Towards the end of our visit, Van said ‘I’ve got two things to ask of you guys. First, do what you can to help raise awareness and find a cure for this thing. The other is, don’t quit. There’s still a lot of great music left in BlackHawk.’”

Since Van’s death on April 8th, 2001, the band and its fans have raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars for <a href="https://www.blackhawklive.com/vans-charity">The Van Stephenson Memorial Cancer Fund </a>at Nashville’s Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

Henry and Dave regrouped and soon returned to the album charts with their&nbsp;Greatest Hits&nbsp;– dedicated to Van and featuring his final track “Ships Of Heaven” – as well as 2002’s&nbsp;Spirit Dancer&nbsp;and 2011’s&nbsp;Down From The Mountain, along with a touring schedule that brought the music to fans like never before.

“Our audiences today are often full of 18 to 30 years olds,” Robbins said. “They listened to us as kids, and still have a love for the music we made. That’s a big part of what propels us to keep creating as writers and performers.”

For the fans, for the music and for the brotherhood of Henry and Dave, harmony remains a powerful force. BlackHawk continues to record new music – including their well-received 2015&nbsp;Brothers Of The Southland&nbsp;album, a forthcoming Christmas record and an acoustic greatest hits album – and deliver stellar live shows, backed by an all-star band of veteran country and southern rock players.

“BlackHawk has a 20-year history of a certain kind of song craft as well as a quality of performance,” Paul said. “People have always come to our shows expecting a concert that is emotionally and musically engaging, and the band still sounds even better than the records, night after night, show after show. When we take the stage, we work as hard as we ever have. We owe it the music, we owe it to ourselves, and Van, and we owe it to the fans. Now more than ever, that’s the true legacy of BlackHawk.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699384815089.png" alt="Stiefel Theatre Salina Post Photo" />
 <figcaption>Stiefel Theatre Salina Post Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTCountry music group BlackHawk is coming to Salina's Stiefel Theatre in August.&nbsp;The American country music group is scheduled to perform at 7:30 p.m. August 2 in the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue.Tickets start at $39 and go on sale at noon on Friday. Buy online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org/">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712773518591.jpeg" alt="Henry Paul (left) and Dave Robbins, the core duo of country rock group BlackHawk.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Henry Paul (left) and Dave Robbins, the core duo of country rock group BlackHawk.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>BlackHawk</h2>For more than 20 years,&nbsp;BlackHawk&nbsp;has shared a unique sense of harmony with their voices, their songs and their fans. It’s a harmony that has sold over 7 million albums, scored some of the most distinctive country radio hits of the ‘90s, and still draws tens of thousands of fans to their electrifying live performances.Today BlackHawk continues to honor its past as it forges its future, and does it all with a commitment that takes their music – and the harmony – to a whole new level.“When we started our individual careers as writers and performers gave us somewhat of a more creative sensibility. We were three guys whose goal was to approach country with smart songs and unique harmonies for people who may not automatically like country,” said BlackHawk co-founder &amp; lead vocalist Henry Paul.Paul had previously co-founded Southern Rock legends The Outlaws, as well as leading the popular ‘80s rockers The Henry Paul Band.&nbsp;Van Stephenson&nbsp;had mainstream pop success as an ‘80s singer-songwriter-guitarist (“Modern Day Delilah”). And&nbsp;Dave Robbins&nbsp;had written hits for Eric Clapton and Kenny Rogers while partnering with Stephenson to write a series of classic #1 hits for Restless Heart, including “The Bluest Eyes In Texas” and “Big Dreams In A Small Town”.“Even though the three of us had a love and appreciation for traditional country music,” said Robbins. “We knew we weren’t going to be that. Henry was coming from Southern Rock, Van &amp; I were in Nashville, but were writing country songs with pop sensibilities. When it came to our vocals, we wanted the three of us to be up front in the choruses like Crosby, Stills &amp; Nash or The Eagles. What set us apart from the very beginning musically was being true to who we were individually.”BlackHawk’s 1993 self-titled Arista debut album launched with the smash single “Goodbye Says It All”, followed by the Top 5 hits&nbsp;"Every Once in a While", "I Sure Can Smell the Rain", "Down in Flames" and "That's Just About Right". The album soon certified Double-Platinum, and the band received an ACM nomination as Best New Vocal Group Of The Year. BlackHawk followed up with the hit albums&nbsp;Strong Enough,&nbsp;Love &amp; Gravity&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sky’s The Limit, which collectively featured such hits as “I’m Not Strong Enough To Say No”, “Like There Ain’t No Yesterday”, “Big Guitar”, “Almost A Memory Now”, “There You Have It” and “Postmarked Birmingham”. It was an unprecedented run of hits for a band that never quite fit the standard country mold. “Getting a BlackHawk record on the radio was often a tough sell,” Paul said.&nbsp; “For the same reason country radio rejected bands like The Mavericks, The Dixie Chicks and Alison Krauss. But we were committed to smart, strong songs whether they fit the format or not. And the fans responded.”But at the height of the trio’s success in 1999, Van Stephenson was diagnosed with an aggressive form of melanoma. “Van’s contribution to the group was enormous,” Paul said. “He could be a tremendously gifted songwriter and a deeply spiritual guy. We found ourselves at a crossroads as a band, and it would have been an easy time for country music to count us out.”“Two days before Van passed away, Henry and I went to visit him,” Robbins said. “Van was in a wheelchair at this point, and we took him for a stroll around his neighborhood. We spent the morning just talking, reminiscing about our career and good times together. Towards the end of our visit, Van said ‘I’ve got two things to ask of you guys. First, do what you can to help raise awareness and find a cure for this thing. The other is, don’t quit. There’s still a lot of great music left in BlackHawk.’” Since Van’s death on April 8th, 2001, the band and its fans have raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars for <a href="https://www.blackhawklive.com/vans-charity">The Van Stephenson Memorial Cancer Fund </a>at Nashville’s Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.Henry and Dave regrouped and soon returned to the album charts with their&nbsp;Greatest Hits&nbsp;– dedicated to Van and featuring his final track “Ships Of Heaven” – as well as 2002’s&nbsp;Spirit Dancer&nbsp;and 2011’s&nbsp;Down From The Mountain, along with a touring schedule that brought the music to fans like never before. “Our audiences today are often full of 18 to 30 years olds,” Robbins said. “They listened to us as kids, and still have a love for the music we made. That’s a big part of what propels us to keep creating as writers and performers.”For the fans, for the music and for the brotherhood of Henry and Dave, harmony remains a powerful force. BlackHawk continues to record new music – including their well-received 2015&nbsp;Brothers Of The Southland&nbsp;album, a forthcoming Christmas record and an acoustic greatest hits album – and deliver stellar live shows, backed by an all-star band of veteran country and southern rock players. “BlackHawk has a 20-year history of a certain kind of song craft as well as a quality of performance,” Paul said. “People have always come to our shows expecting a concert that is emotionally and musically engaging, and the band still sounds even better than the records, night after night, show after show. When we take the stage, we work as hard as we ever have. We owe it the music, we owe it to ourselves, and Van, and we owe it to the fans. Now more than ever, that’s the true legacy of BlackHawk.”

BlackHawk to perform at Stiefel Theatre in August

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

Sometime between Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning this week, an unknown suspect stole almost $3,000 in Milwaukee tools from a local contracting company's van near the Salina Regional Airport.

<a href="https://scmsks.com/">Superior Contracting and Manufacturing Services Company</a> parked a white Chevrolet 2500 van at a job site in the 2700 block of Tim Rogers Court for construction work and left it overnight between April 8 and 9.

Sometime between 4 p.m. Monday and 7 a.m. on Tuesday, an unknown suspect visited the site, broke out the van's windows and stole multiple Milwaukee tools.

"Our loss value will be $1,000 in damage to the van and $2,900 lost in the stolen tools," said Salina Police Department Capt. David Villanueva. "We're searching the area for videos or any type of evidence."

The suspect broke out five windows on the van, causing extensive damage. Villanueva said the suspect stole multiple tools, including batteries, hand staplers, a <a href="https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Electrical-Installation/Knockout">Knock Out Set</a> and a <a href="https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Drilling/Right-Angle-Drills">Hole Hawg</a>.

The Milwaukee Knock Out set includes hydraulic presses, and the Hole Hawg is a tool for drilling holes into wood or other materials.

Villanueva said officers continue to investigate the case, and there are no suspects at this time.

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

LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a4ae1628-a59c-4277-9c43-642e9d31c303">🎙King in the Community: Susan Hawksworth, Smoky Hill Museum director</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574569805735.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostSometime between Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning this week, an unknown suspect stole almost $3,000 in Milwaukee tools from a local contracting company's van near the Salina Regional Airport.<a href="https://scmsks.com/">Superior Contracting and Manufacturing Services Company</a> parked a white Chevrolet 2500 van at a job site in the 2700 block of Tim Rogers Court for construction work and left it overnight between April 8 and 9. Sometime between 4 p.m. Monday and 7 a.m. on Tuesday, an unknown suspect visited the site, broke out the van's windows and stole multiple Milwaukee tools."Our loss value will be $1,000 in damage to the van and $2,900 lost in the stolen tools," said Salina Police Department Capt. David Villanueva. "We're searching the area for videos or any type of evidence."The suspect broke out five windows on the van, causing extensive damage. Villanueva said the suspect stole multiple tools, including batteries, hand staplers, a <a href="https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Electrical-Installation/Knockout">Knock Out Set</a> and a <a href="https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Drilling/Right-Angle-Drills">Hole Hawg</a>.The Milwaukee Knock Out set includes hydraulic presses, and the Hole Hawg is a tool for drilling holes into wood or other materials.Villanueva said officers continue to investigate the case, and there are no suspects at this time.Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a4ae1628-a59c-4277-9c43-642e9d31c303">🎙King in the Community: Susan Hawksworth, Smoky Hill Museum director</a>

Almost $3,000 in Milwaukee tools stolen from local contractor early this week

Early this morning, Wednesday, April 10, Saline County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a travel trailer on fire in the rural western part of the county.

After investigating the blaze, the Sheriff's Office deemed it suspicious.

Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander said at about 2:35 a.m., a witness called emergency services after noticing the fire in the 1800 block of West North Street.

"When we arrived, we found what we think to be an 1987 travel trailer, or a pull-behind travel trailer that was fully engulfed in flames," Melander said. "It was parked next to a building that was used as a workshop area, and it appears someone was staying there as well."

Melander said the person staying at the workshop building, a 65-year-old man, safely exited the structure since the flames began to spread to the workshop.

Saline County Rural Fire District Seven responded and subdued the fire, preventing the fire from engulfing the building nearby.

The trailer's owner used it as storage space, so most of the items lost in the fire were personal belongings and clothes.

Due to the ongoing investigation, deputies had not identified the dollar amount of damages from the blaze. The person staying at the workshop had permission to be there but did not own the building.&nbsp;

The investigation continued after sunrise today, with deputies working on verifying the trailer's owner alongside speaking with the workshop building's owner. The Kansas State Fire Marshal's Investigating Unit is assisting with the county's investigation.

"The fire appears to be suspicious in nature," Melander said. "We'll have more information released later."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712764462349.jpeg" alt="The remains of the 1987 pull-behind travel trailer during the early-morning hours of Wednesday, April 10, in rural Saline County. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office." />
 <figcaption>The remains of the 1987 pull-behind travel trailer during the early-morning hours of Wednesday, April 10, in rural Saline County. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office.</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostEarly this morning, Wednesday, April 10, Saline County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a travel trailer on fire in the rural western part of the county.After investigating the blaze, the Sheriff's Office deemed it suspicious.Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander said at about 2:35 a.m., a witness called emergency services after noticing the fire in the 1800 block of West North Street."When we arrived, we found what we think to be an 1987 travel trailer, or a pull-behind travel trailer that was fully engulfed in flames," Melander said. "It was parked next to a building that was used as a workshop area, and it appears someone was staying there as well."Melander said the person staying at the workshop building, a 65-year-old man, safely exited the structure since the flames began to spread to the workshop.Saline County Rural Fire District Seven responded and subdued the fire, preventing the fire from engulfing the building nearby.The trailer's owner used it as storage space, so most of the items lost in the fire were personal belongings and clothes.Due to the ongoing investigation, deputies had not identified the dollar amount of damages from the blaze. The person staying at the workshop had permission to be there but did not own the building.&nbsp;The investigation continued after sunrise today, with deputies working on verifying the trailer's owner alongside speaking with the workshop building's owner. The Kansas State Fire Marshal's Investigating Unit is assisting with the county's investigation."The fire appears to be suspicious in nature," Melander said. "We'll have more information released later."Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a4ae1628-a59c-4277-9c43-642e9d31c303">🎙King in the Community: Susan Hawksworth, Smoky Hill Museum director</a>

Travel trailer found in flames, Saline County Sheriff’s Office deems it suspicious

Ruth Eileen Phillips June 15, 1927 ~ April 9, 2024

Ruth Eileen Phillips, 96, passed away April 9th at The Village Manor, Abilene, KS.She was born June 15, 1927, on a farm in the Gypsum community, to Roy A. and Velma (Beetch) Woods.

After the sudden accidental death of her father in 1932, the family was moved to the Carlton community. She attended the local school and graduated from Abilene High School with the class of 1945. She worked for the American Telephone Company upon graduation.

On May 7th, 1950, she was united in marriage with Dale Walter Phillips in the Carlton Presbyterian Church. To this union three children were born. Dalene Marie, Steven Leroy, and Gerald Duane.

Most of their married life was spent in the Carlton area. She took over the farm as her husband’s health failed, and she also served as a receptionist at Brown Memorial Home later in her life and volunteered with Hospice.

The two most important things in her life were her family and her church, where she was an active lifelong member. While she would have loved to have had her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren live closer, she was proud of the achievements they made as productive citizens and in their business careers.

She is survived by her daughter Dalene Judd, Hayward, WI, her son Jerry and his wife Jean, Austin, TX, and her daughter in law, Sharon Phillips Dowell, Knoxville, TN. She is survived by 6 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dale, son Steve, her parents, her sister Elsie Viola, sister Rose Michau, and brother Carl.

Services are at Martin-Becker-Carlson funeral home, with the viewing and visitation on April 12th from 5:00-7:00pm and the funeral service at the funeral home at 10:30 on Saturday, April 13th. Burial will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery outside of Carlton.

In lieu of flowers, feel free to contribute to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN or the Carlton First Presbyterian Church Memorial Scholarship Fund at The Community Foundation of Dickinson County, Inc.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712757977780.jpeg" alt="Ruth E. Phillips" />
 <figcaption>Ruth E. Phillips</figcaption>
 </figure>Ruth Eileen Phillips June 15, 1927 ~ April 9, 2024 Ruth Eileen Phillips, 96, passed away April 9th at The Village Manor, Abilene, KS.She was born June 15, 1927, on a farm in the Gypsum community, to Roy A. and Velma (Beetch) Woods.After the sudden accidental death of her father in 1932, the family was moved to the Carlton community. She attended the local school and graduated from Abilene High School with the class of 1945. She worked for the American Telephone Company upon graduation.On May 7th, 1950, she was united in marriage with Dale Walter Phillips in the Carlton Presbyterian Church. To this union three children were born. Dalene Marie, Steven Leroy, and Gerald Duane.Most of their married life was spent in the Carlton area. She took over the farm as her husband’s health failed, and she also served as a receptionist at Brown Memorial Home later in her life and volunteered with Hospice.The two most important things in her life were her family and her church, where she was an active lifelong member. While she would have loved to have had her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren live closer, she was proud of the achievements they made as productive citizens and in their business careers.She is survived by her daughter Dalene Judd, Hayward, WI, her son Jerry and his wife Jean, Austin, TX, and her daughter in law, Sharon Phillips Dowell, Knoxville, TN. She is survived by 6 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her husband Dale, son Steve, her parents, her sister Elsie Viola, sister Rose Michau, and brother Carl.Services are at Martin-Becker-Carlson funeral home, with the viewing and visitation on April 12th from 5:00-7:00pm and the funeral service at the funeral home at 10:30 on Saturday, April 13th. Burial will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery outside of Carlton.In lieu of flowers, feel free to contribute to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN or the Carlton First Presbyterian Church Memorial Scholarship Fund at The Community Foundation of Dickinson County, Inc.LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a4ae1628-a59c-4277-9c43-642e9d31c303">🎙King in the Community: Susan Hawksworth, Smoky Hill Museum director</a>

Ruth E. Phillips

Lester Leroy Mockerman October 16, 1934 ~ April 9, 2024

Lester Leroy Mockerman, 89, of Holyrood, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, April 9th, 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712757597077.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lester Leroy Mockerman October 16, 1934 ~ April 9, 2024 Lester Leroy Mockerman, 89, of Holyrood, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, April 9th, 2024.Lester was born in Tescott, Kansas on October 16, 1934, a son of Josephine (Meurisse) and Adam Mockerman.He attended most of his school years at Brookville, where he played on the 1952 winning basketball championship team.Lester served in the United States Army in Germany from 1957 - 1959.On March 12, 1961, Lester married Pauline McDowell and to this union, they were blessed with their children, Scott and Tammy.He worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator for Saline County.Survivors include his wife, Pauline, his children, Scott Mockerman (B.J.) and Tammy Mockerman, 8 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild.Lester is also survived by his sister, Della Smith, and brother, Victor Mockerman (Myrna).He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Linford Mockerman; and sister, Rose Myers.Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Thursday, April 11th at Carlson - Geisendorf Funeral Home, Salina. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PMFuneral Services will be at 10:00 AM, Friday, April 12th at Carlson - Geisendorf Funeral Home with Rev. Jason Hutchinson officiating.Burial will follow at Brookville Cemetery, Brookville, Kansas.Donations may be made to Cornerstone Free Methodist Church, in care of the funeral home.LISTEN: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a4ae1628-a59c-4277-9c43-642e9d31c303">🎙King in the Community: Susan Hawksworth, Smoky Hill Museum director</a>