Salina Crossroads Marathon organizers announced on Monday that Team Take Down, an African American running club with runners in all fifty states as well as other countries, has selected the Salina Crossroads Marathon as its 2024 USA Meetup Race.

In 2022, Daniel Craig, Co-Race Director of the Salina Crossroads Marathon, began developing relationships with more than 600 local running clubs, including large national clubs and smaller local clubs.

 Many of the runners on Team Take Down have a goal of running a half marathon or marathon in all fifty states and reaching that goal is easier when you have others to run with. Each year Team Take Down selects one race in the USA and one out of the country and put a call out to all their members. They typically have 100 or more participants in the marathon and up to 200 or more participants in the half marathon.

 “We are excited to welcome Team Take Down to the Salina Crossroads Marathon. We appreciate the opportunity to help support their efforts to bring greater representation and diversity to the sport of running. We look forward to working with Team Take Down to make the Salina Crossroads Marathon an amazing experience for their runners,” said Co-Race Director Daniel Craig.

The Salina Crossroads Marathon is excited to have easily surpassed their challenge goal of 2,000 registered runners by March 31. There are currently 2,409 runners registered from 45 states and 4 different countries. Even though the challenge goal has been met, the Salina Crossroads Marathon is offering steeply discounted entries through March 31. 

“For a third-year marathon having a national running club select you as their yearly meetup race is amazing. It is a tribute to the amazing support we have received from the City of Salina, Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, Salina Downtown Inc., our more than 50 sponsors including Vortex Companies our Title Sponsor, and the community of Salina.”

The cost to register prior to March 31 for any of the seven events (marathon, half marathon, half-mile kids fun run, 5k run, 5k walk, half marathon relay, and marathon relay) is $25.00 and runners can receive an additional discount by selecting “no shirt” during registration.

Runners can register via the website: <a href="http://runsalinacrossroads.com">runsalinacrossroads.com</a>. Separating out the race shirts from the entry fee is designed to provide runners with an extremely affordable race entry fee and helps to reduce the costs to put on the race.

The Salina Crossroads Marathon continues to provide 100% of the race entry fees to the Salina Family YMCA, Kansas Youth Sports, School Marathon Foundation, Salina Area Youth Sportsmanship Initiative, and Salina Burn Track and Field Club. All finishers receive a high-quality finisher’s medal.

Eric Montoy of Vortex Companies designed this year’s race medal.

The Salina Crossroads Marathon has a planning team of approximately 25 individuals, which includes local nonprofits, small and large businesses, as well as local runners. Anyone who has a passion for event planning and would like to help would be welcome. The Salina Crossroads Marathon will also need over 300 volunteers. Anyone interested in helping out can email the race directors at <a href="mailto:runsalinacrossroads@gmail.com">runsalinacrossroads@gmail.com</a>.

The Salina Crossroads Marathon is the "Most Runner Friendly Marathon" in Kansas. Salina Crossroads strives to achieve this by allowing registered runners the option to change their race distance at any time, defer entries to the following year, and offers race-day packet pickup. 

The Salina Crossroads Marathon leadership team would like to thank the community of Salina for your amazing support that has allowed the race to quickly grow into one of the premier marathons in the Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma regions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699202771741.jpeg" alt="Crossroads Marathon runners take off from the start line on Saturday, Nov. 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Crossroads Marathon runners take off from the start line on Saturday, Nov. 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POST Salina Crossroads Marathon organizers announced on Monday that Team Take Down, an African American running club with runners in all fifty states as well as other countries, has selected the Salina Crossroads Marathon as its 2024 USA Meetup Race.In 2022, Daniel Craig, Co-Race Director of the Salina Crossroads Marathon, began developing relationships with more than 600 local running clubs, including large national clubs and smaller local clubs. Many of the runners on Team Take Down have a goal of running a half marathon or marathon in all fifty states and reaching that goal is easier when you have others to run with. Each year Team Take Down selects one race in the USA and one out of the country and put a call out to all their members. They typically have 100 or more participants in the marathon and up to 200 or more participants in the half marathon. “We are excited to welcome Team Take Down to the Salina Crossroads Marathon. We appreciate the opportunity to help support their efforts to bring greater representation and diversity to the sport of running. We look forward to working with Team Take Down to make the Salina Crossroads Marathon an amazing experience for their runners,” said Co-Race Director Daniel Craig.The Salina Crossroads Marathon is excited to have easily surpassed their challenge goal of 2,000 registered runners by March 31. There are currently 2,409 runners registered from 45 states and 4 different countries. Even though the challenge goal has been met, the Salina Crossroads Marathon is offering steeply discounted entries through March 31. “For a third-year marathon having a national running club select you as their yearly meetup race is amazing. It is a tribute to the amazing support we have received from the City of Salina, Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, Salina Downtown Inc., our more than 50 sponsors including Vortex Companies our Title Sponsor, and the community of Salina.”The cost to register prior to March 31 for any of the seven events (marathon, half marathon, half-mile kids fun run, 5k run, 5k walk, half marathon relay, and marathon relay) is $25.00 and runners can receive an additional discount by selecting “no shirt” during registration. Runners can register via the website: <a href="http://runsalinacrossroads.com">runsalinacrossroads.com</a>. Separating out the race shirts from the entry fee is designed to provide runners with an extremely affordable race entry fee and helps to reduce the costs to put on the race.The Salina Crossroads Marathon continues to provide 100% of the race entry fees to the Salina Family YMCA, Kansas Youth Sports, School Marathon Foundation, Salina Area Youth Sportsmanship Initiative, and Salina Burn Track and Field Club. All finishers receive a high-quality finisher’s medal.Eric Montoy of Vortex Companies designed this year’s race medal.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709665567505.png" alt="2024 Salina Crossroads Marathon medal design. Image Courtesy Salina Crossroads Marathon" />
 <figcaption>2024 Salina Crossroads Marathon medal design. Image Courtesy Salina Crossroads Marathon</figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina Crossroads Marathon has a planning team of approximately 25 individuals, which includes local nonprofits, small and large businesses, as well as local runners. Anyone who has a passion for event planning and would like to help would be welcome. The Salina Crossroads Marathon will also need over 300 volunteers. Anyone interested in helping out can email the race directors at <a href="mailto:runsalinacrossroads@gmail.com">runsalinacrossroads@gmail.com</a>. The Salina Crossroads Marathon is the "Most Runner Friendly Marathon" in Kansas. Salina Crossroads strives to achieve this by allowing registered runners the option to change their race distance at any time, defer entries to the following year, and offers race-day packet pickup. The Salina Crossroads Marathon leadership team would like to thank the community of Salina for your amazing support that has allowed the race to quickly grow into one of the premier marathons in the Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma regions.

National African American Running Club selects Salina Crossroads as 2024 USA meetup race

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

Two suspects robbed a 25-year-old Salina man of more than $200 in clothing items on the street on Sunday afternoon.

According to Salina Police Department Capt. James Feldman, at about 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, SPD officers reported to Fifth Street and Crawford Avenue for a robbery.

Feldman said officers communicated with a 25-year-old Salina man who reported two individuals, later identified as&nbsp;19-year-old Pavyn Svendblad and 18-year-old Evan Sager, from Salina, who allegedly robbed him of a bag of clothes and a Paypal card.

"He indicated he was walking down the street when two subjects, each subject was in their own type of vehicle, stopped him in the 700 block of South Fifth Street and confronted him [the victim]," Feldman said.

After exiting their vehicles, the two suspects demanded that the 25-year-old victim owed them cash and to pay them immediately, first taking the victim's $150 tennis shoes that he was wearing.

During the confrontation, the two suspects took the victim's tennis shoes and various articles of clothing the victim was carrying at the time of the crime. In total, the victim lost about $221 from the robbery.

The suspects stole a pair of tennis shoes, a $20 pair of sweatpants, a $50 pair of shorts, and $1 for the PayPal card. Feldman said during the crime, the suspects threatened the victim with violence if he didn't comply with their demands.

SPD officers found both Sager and Svendblad later, arrested both, and requested charges for robbery and criminal threat.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/545667ec-9de1-42b8-a488-9a7fe67bb89c">Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad announce expanded schedule</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574355645622.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostTwo suspects robbed a 25-year-old Salina man of more than $200 in clothing items on the street on Sunday afternoon.According to Salina Police Department Capt. James Feldman, at about 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, SPD officers reported to Fifth Street and Crawford Avenue for a robbery.Feldman said officers communicated with a 25-year-old Salina man who reported two individuals, later identified as&nbsp;19-year-old Pavyn Svendblad and 18-year-old Evan Sager, from Salina, who allegedly robbed him of a bag of clothes and a Paypal card.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709558148506.png" alt="Svendblad, Pavyn Shay" />
 <figcaption>Svendblad, Pavyn Shay</figcaption>
 </figure>"He indicated he was walking down the street when two subjects, each subject was in their own type of vehicle, stopped him in the 700 block of South Fifth Street and confronted him [the victim]," Feldman said.After exiting their vehicles, the two suspects demanded that the 25-year-old victim owed them cash and to pay them immediately, first taking the victim's $150 tennis shoes that he was wearing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709557875550.png" alt="Sager, Evan Tyler" />
 <figcaption>Sager, Evan Tyler</figcaption>
 </figure>During the confrontation, the two suspects took the victim's tennis shoes and various articles of clothing the victim was carrying at the time of the crime. In total, the victim lost about $221 from the robbery.The suspects stole a pair of tennis shoes, a $20 pair of sweatpants, a $50 pair of shorts, and $1 for the PayPal card. Feldman said during the crime, the suspects threatened the victim with violence if he didn't comply with their demands.SPD officers found both Sager and Svendblad later, arrested both, and requested charges for robbery and criminal threat.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/545667ec-9de1-42b8-a488-9a7fe67bb89c">Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad announce expanded schedule</a>

Salina man robbed on the street of his shoes and some clothing items

Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. 300 W Ash Room 107 Salina, Kansas 67401

Board of County Commissioners: Monte Shadwick - District 1 Robert Vidricksen II - District 2 Rodger Sparks - District 3 James Weese - District 4 Chairman, Joe Hay Jr. - District 5

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’s ADA Coordinator at (785) 309-5812 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:leamerm@salinecountyks.gov">leamerm@salinecountyks.gov</a>&nbsp;prior to the scheduled meeting or event to request accommodations.

Board of County Commissioners meetings are live-streamed on YouTube.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@salinecountykansas3125">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@salinecountykansas3125">For a library of past meetings, and to view this week's meeting, click here.&nbsp;</a>

Approval of Tax Roll Adjustments Approval of Accounts Payable Approval of Public Forum Agenda Approval of Addenda to Extend Time for Rural Water District 3 ARPA

Sanitarian of the Year Award Presentation

State of Local Disaster Emergency For Saline County, Kansas Bid Award for Rural Fire District #5 Station Generators Bid Award Rural Fire District #6 Station Addition OpenGov Maintenance Contract Renewal

Road &amp; Bridge Bi-Monthly Update Financial Projection Commissioner Comments Announcements

Discussion of County Role in Addressing Housing Needs Walking Tour of 203 N. Tenth &amp; 251 N. Tenth

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701016826196.jpeg" alt="Snow blankets the Salina City and Saline County building during a snowstorm on Saturday, Nov. 25, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Snow blankets the Salina City and Saline County building during a snowstorm on Saturday, Nov. 25, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. 300 W Ash Room 107 Salina, Kansas 67401Board of County Commissioners: Monte Shadwick - District 1 Robert Vidricksen II - District 2 Rodger Sparks - District 3 James Weese - District 4 Chairman, Joe Hay Jr. - District 5<h2>About the Meeting</h2>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’s ADA Coordinator at (785) 309-5812 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:leamerm@salinecountyks.gov">leamerm@salinecountyks.gov</a>&nbsp;prior to the scheduled meeting or event to request accommodations.Board of County Commissioners meetings are live-streamed on YouTube.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@salinecountykansas3125">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@salinecountykansas3125">For a library of past meetings, and to view this week's meeting, click here.&nbsp;</a><h2>Consent Agenda</h2>Approval of Tax Roll Adjustments Approval of Accounts Payable Approval of Public Forum Agenda Approval of Addenda to Extend Time for Rural Water District 3 ARPA<h2>Sanitarian of the Year Award Presentation</h2><h2>Action Items</h2>State of Local Disaster Emergency For Saline County, Kansas Bid Award for Rural Fire District #5 Station Generators Bid Award Rural Fire District #6 Station Addition OpenGov Maintenance Contract Renewal<h2>Informational Items</h2>Road &amp; Bridge Bi-Monthly Update Financial Projection Commissioner Comments Announcements<h2>Concept Discussion</h2>Discussion of County Role in Addressing Housing Needs Walking Tour of 203 N. Tenth &amp; 251 N. Tenth<h2>03/12/2024 Agenda Items</h2>Budget Priorities Discussion

Saline County Board of Commissioners March 5 meeting agenda

Officials investigating the cause of a large grass fire on Thursday in Saline County believe&nbsp;tire shredding from a vehicle as it was going down the I-70 is to blame, according to a social media report from&nbsp;Saline County District 3 Fire Chief Scott Abker.

The Fire started just after 1 p.m. on the south side of Interstate 70 between Muir and Headville Road and crossed the interstate prompting&nbsp; temporary evacuation.

Abker wrote, "I wanted to address the concerns that our fire Thursday was set by an arsonist. I don't believe that to be the case. I and an investigator from the State Fire Marshal Office walked that whole area along I-70. There were 6 separate fires within about a mile along the highway. Some were very small. Evidence in each of those areas most likely points to a tire shredding as it was going down the interstate."

Aerial drone footage captured by Olivia Bergmeier, Salina Post

"This is the most likely cause for the fire based on my experience. If it was one area of origin then smoking would be most likely. Cigarette butts were found by the dozens all along the highway, not just in areas that burned."

"The combination of high wind, low humidity and very dry grass all combined to start what often is a small, easily controlled fire into what we all saw Thursday."

"We appreciate the outpouring support and thanks our community has bestowed upon the Fire Service community in our area as well as the surrounding fire departments who all came to assist."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709240480246.jpeg" alt="Saline County and surrounding areas fire crews combat a grassfire just north of Interstate 70 near Hedville on Thursday, Feb. 29. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Saline County and surrounding areas fire crews combat a grassfire just north of Interstate 70 near Hedville on Thursday, Feb. 29. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Officials investigating the cause of a large grass fire on Thursday in Saline County believe&nbsp;tire shredding from a vehicle as it was going down the I-70 is to blame, according to a social media report from&nbsp;Saline County District 3 Fire Chief Scott Abker.The Fire started just after 1 p.m. on the south side of Interstate 70 between Muir and Headville Road and crossed the interstate prompting&nbsp; temporary evacuation.Abker wrote, "I wanted to address the concerns that our fire Thursday was set by an arsonist. I don't believe that to be the case. I and an investigator from the State Fire Marshal Office walked that whole area along I-70. There were 6 separate fires within about a mile along the highway. Some were very small. Evidence in each of those areas most likely points to a tire shredding as it was going down the interstate."<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/aN7qxyHo-ATjzBQNW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Grassfirecut" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Aerial drone footage captured by Olivia Bergmeier, Salina Post"This is the most likely cause for the fire based on my experience. If it was one area of origin then smoking would be most likely. Cigarette butts were found by the dozens all along the highway, not just in areas that burned."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709435726963.png" alt="Photo Kansas Forest Service. Engine 64, personnel, and Tanker 802 responded to the large fire in Saline County, south of the town of Culver." />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Forest Service. Engine 64, personnel, and Tanker 802 responded to the large fire in Saline County, south of the town of Culver.</figcaption>
 </figure>"The combination of high wind, low humidity and very dry grass all combined to start what often is a small, easily controlled fire into what we all saw Thursday.""We appreciate the outpouring support and thanks our community has bestowed upon the Fire Service community in our area as well as the surrounding fire departments who all came to assist."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709239509319.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C." />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C.</figcaption>
 </figure>

District Fire Chief determines cause of Saline Co. fire

While finalizing details of his mother's estate, a 79-year-old Salina resident received a phone call from an alleged scammer and lost $5,000 in gift card cash.

The scammer, posing as an AT&amp;T employee, called the victim on Wednesday and reported that the company would credit his mother's account $600 with some online assistance from the victim.

"This subject [suspect] had a foreign accent," said Salina Police Department Capt. James Feldman. "The subject [suspect] then instructed the victim to log into what was supposedly an AT&amp;T account and enter some information so they could credit it."

After entering information into the website, the victim reported the suspect then instructed him to enter the $600 into a text box, but the victim accidentally entered $6,000.

The suspect then redirected the victim to another suspect posing as an AT&amp;T employee to correct the victim's transaction error.

"He was directed to someone else to make arrangements to 'make the transaction right,'" Feldman said. "That person instructed the victim to go to the store and purchase $5,000 in gift cards, which he did."

According to Feldman, the victim purchased six $500 Nordstrom gift cards and four $500 CVS gift cards and gave the gift card information to the suspects posing as AT&amp;T employees.

The suspects then ended the call, and the victim reported the incident to SPD the following day, Thursday, Feb. 29.

"So, of course, no suspect information," Feldman said. "We want to remind everybody that if any business or government agency ever asks for gift cards, it's a scam."

Feldman said the victim did not provide any bank information to the scammers, but gift card transactions are more anonymous and difficult to track the cash receiver.

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/24b0a8be-0bef-43ac-8440-73935b0b99e6">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Belle Springs Creamery - Vol. 31</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574355645622.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostWhile finalizing details of his mother's estate, a 79-year-old Salina resident received a phone call from an alleged scammer and lost $5,000 in gift card cash.The scammer, posing as an AT&amp;T employee, called the victim on Wednesday and reported that the company would credit his mother's account $600 with some online assistance from the victim."This subject [suspect] had a foreign accent," said Salina Police Department Capt. James Feldman. "The subject [suspect] then instructed the victim to log into what was supposedly an AT&amp;T account and enter some information so they could credit it."After entering information into the website, the victim reported the suspect then instructed him to enter the $600 into a text box, but the victim accidentally entered $6,000.The suspect then redirected the victim to another suspect posing as an AT&amp;T employee to correct the victim's transaction error."He was directed to someone else to make arrangements to 'make the transaction right,'" Feldman said. "That person instructed the victim to go to the store and purchase $5,000 in gift cards, which he did."According to Feldman, the victim purchased six $500 Nordstrom gift cards and four $500 CVS gift cards and gave the gift card information to the suspects posing as AT&amp;T employees.The suspects then ended the call, and the victim reported the incident to SPD the following day, Thursday, Feb. 29."So, of course, no suspect information," Feldman said. "We want to remind everybody that if any business or government agency ever asks for gift cards, it's a scam."Feldman said the victim did not provide any bank information to the scammers, but gift card transactions are more anonymous and difficult to track the cash receiver.READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/24b0a8be-0bef-43ac-8440-73935b0b99e6">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Belle Springs Creamery - Vol. 31</a>

Salina resident loses $5,000 in gift card cash to scammers posing as AT&T employees

An evacuation notice was rescinded for all those within two miles of Hohneck and Watkins Roads, according to Saline County emergency officials. Fire crews worked a large grass fire roughly 5-7 miles northwest of Salina,&nbsp;according to the National Weather Service.

The fire that started on the south side of Interstate 70 between Muir and Hedville Road crossed the interstate and burned north toward Culver, prompting the evacuation.

According to Salina Fire Department Battalion Chief Chris Stansberry, one structural support, one brushfire maintenance, and one medical crew helped to put out the fire.&nbsp;

Fire crews from Kanopolis, Ellsworth, and Hedville also responded to the fire. Traffic was advised to avoid the interstate and take an alternate route for necessary travel.&nbsp;

Video courtesy Kansas Forest Service

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

This story was last updated on 03/01/24 at 2:30 p.m.

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/aN7qxyHo-ATjzBQNW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Grassfirecut" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Aerial drone footage captured by Olivia Bergmeier, Salina PostBy SALINA POSTAn evacuation notice was rescinded for all those within two miles of Hohneck and Watkins Roads, according to Saline County emergency officials. Fire crews worked a large grass fire roughly 5-7 miles northwest of Salina,&nbsp;according to the National Weather Service.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709239509319.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709240480246.jpeg" alt="Fire crews combat a grassfire just north of Interstate 70 near Hedville on Thursday, Feb. 29. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Fire crews combat a grassfire just north of Interstate 70 near Hedville on Thursday, Feb. 29. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>The fire that started on the south side of Interstate 70 between Muir and Hedville Road crossed the interstate and burned north toward Culver, prompting the evacuation.According to Salina Fire Department Battalion Chief Chris Stansberry, one structural support, one brushfire maintenance, and one medical crew helped to put out the fire.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709240678560.jpeg" alt="Fire crews combat a grassfire just north of Interstate 70 near Hedville on Thursday, Feb. 29. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Fire crews combat a grassfire just north of Interstate 70 near Hedville on Thursday, Feb. 29. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Fire crews from Kanopolis, Ellsworth, and Hedville also responded to the fire. Traffic was advised to avoid the interstate and take an alternate route for necessary travel.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709243245639.jpeg" alt="Kansas Forest Service Engine 64, personnel, and Tanker 802 from Minneapolis respond to a large fire in Saline County. Image Courtesy Kansas Forest Service" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Forest Service Engine 64, personnel, and Tanker 802 from Minneapolis respond to a large fire in Saline County. Image Courtesy Kansas Forest Service</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=458&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkansasforestservice%2Fvideos%2F375064468792440%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="458" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Video courtesy Kansas Forest ServiceSalina Post will update this story as new information becomes available.&nbsp;This story was last updated on 03/01/24 at 2:30 p.m.

🎥 Aerial footage of grass fire damage near Hedville

Local history is an integral piece of any community. There's no shortage of long-standing historical markers and buildings in Salina, but for some community members, parts of that tradition have only recently received recognition.

Those community members work tirelessly to compile and present that history to Salina residents today, and in 2022, a new historical marker found its home in Caldwell Plaza.

On June 18, 2022, the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XnaRnsgQZE">Dana Adams Project unveiled</a> a historical marker at Caldwell Plaza in town that told the story of 19-year-old African American man Dana Adams, lynched by a mob on April 20, 1893.

"Not to blame or shame anybody, but to recognize that this happened," said <a href="https://www.northsalina.org/">North Salina Community Development</a>&nbsp;board member Sandra Beverly. "You need to learn this because I don't care what happens in Washington D.C. — if you don't pay attention to your own community, You're not doing squat."

Beverly has remained active in the Salina community for decades — she has served several roles within the Salina NAACP, worked with Rev. Martha Murchison and Dee Williamson on the Dana Adams Project and continues to participate in North Salina Community Development projects.

During the commemoration ceremony at Caldwell Plaza, members of the Dana Adams Coalition told attendees that from 1865 to 1950, 23 young African American citizens lost their lives to a white mob committing a lynching.

Preserving and presenting local Black History

Beverly strived to gather and showcase local African American history to residents in her various community roles, ensuring the preservation of history surrounding local Black leaders and citizens.

A significant piece of that history also stems from the Dunbar School, the first segregated school in town after Salina became a first-class city in 1920.&nbsp;

According to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.dunbarschoolsalina.com/">Dunbar School Alumni Association, Inc</a>., secretary Jennifer Gordon, once Salina reached 15,000 residents, city commissioners allowed the citizens to vote on segregating or not segregating the schools in town.&nbsp;

Gordon said from a pool of 2,527 votes cast, citizens elected to segregate the schools, and in November 1922, the Dunbar School opened for enrollment for students from kindergarten through eighth grade.

Named for the famous poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, the school had six teachers and 72 students entering its inaugural academic year, with P.G. Porter as its first principal.

"It was built brand new. It was considered one of the finest facilities during the post-World War I growth boom in the Midwest," Gordon said. "They had a full curriculum where teachers taught home economics, they taught what was a manual training or shop class."

As the Dunbar School began teaching Salina's African American youth, it also provided an opportunity for young teachers graduating from Kansas Wesleyan University to start their careers locally.

Gordon said one of the teachers from Dunbar, Robert Caldwell, later became Salina's first Black mayor and eventually a Kansas state representative.

His teaching career began at Dunbar in 1939, and after a break to serve in the armed forces during World War II, he returned in 1946. In 1954, the Salina School Board appointed Caldwell as principal.

"He went on to be mayor of Salina and then also a representative, so he was well known and was an integral part of getting the Alumni Association organized," Gordon said.

Caldwell was also essential in organizing the Dunbar School Alumni Association's annual reunions before he died in 1999.

Dunbar School was also significant outside of education for the Black community in Salina. The school provided a community center for members to find support and understanding.

"It was an opportunity for African American children to be taught by African American teachers. Those teachers lived in the community, some of them were from the community, so they knew the students, families, parents — they may have even gone to the same churches," Gordon said. "When you look at an environment like that, you can say there were some positives about having a segregated school with teachers that really knew you and where you were from."

"It was really an active community center and focus."

Gordon did not attend Dunbar School herself, but her brother and mother attended and told countless stories of their education and how it created a sense of community for them.

One story she remembered from her mother was during the Dust Bowl in the 1920s. Her mother lived on Eighth Street near what used to be Longfellow School, today Salina Fire Department Station One, and had to walk past Longfellow to get to Dunbar School every day.

"Mom remembers walking to school with the dust everywhere getting in your eyes, ears and mouth, and instead of being able to stop at the corner and walk right into Longfellow, which would have been ideal at that time, especially with that weather, [she had to continue] tracking on east to get to Dunbar," Gordon said.

The Dunbar School closed in 1956, only two years after the Brown v. Board of Education ruling in 1954 due to declining enrollment.

After Dunbar School closed, the community center and spirit for Black and African American Salinans only evolved in town, with another significant social focus becoming the publication, The Black Word Is.

The Black American Citizens Organization of Salina, or BACOS, published a paper with some grant funding from 1971 to 1976. According to the Smoky Hill Museum, James Briscoe served as its editor from the publication's office on Mulberry and Third Streets.

James Briscoe served as editor from its office in the Washington Building on the northeast corner of Mulberry &amp; 3rd streets.

"They really kept a lot of things in the pulse on the community and how they can better do things for minorities in Salina and representation in public office," Gordon said.&nbsp;

James Briscoe served as the editor for The Black Word Is throughout the paper's lifetime.

The Carver Center was another community hub for many Black and African American residents in North Salina. Beverly recalled staff offering everything from sewing to photography classes, but she performed in a singing group through the center.

"When I was there, Carver Center used to be a set of bearings," Beverly said. "When other kids were flipping burgers on the weekend, I was traveling on the road singing. We practiced there [at the Carver Center], where everybody hung out."

The city then decided to build a new Carver Center, leaving the community that used it without a central hub for its neighborhood. Another Beverly spoke about was the Our Lady of Guadalupe community hub that disappeared in North Salina in the late 1900s.

Beverly is an active board member of the North Salina Community Development board, and through her experience, she said many amenities on the north edge of Salina have disappeared.

"I am originally from St. Louis, Missouri, and I know what it looks like when you just destroy and cut off a neighborhood," Beverly said. "there's no grocery store, no medical services. When they closed the school, I think that was the biggest blow."&nbsp;

Many residents may think back to the 1960s and 70s for race-related violence or slander, but the reality for many Black citizens in Salina is that prejudice continues in the 21st Century.

In 2013, then-commissioner Jim Gile used a racial slur to describe a hasty job during a public meeting, which the commission chairman met with little action.

"When you can have a county commissioner sit up in a public meeting and use the word n----- at least three times and not be corrected by the person that was the head of the commission, there's something wrong," Beverly said.&nbsp;

Beverly said that was one, yet very public, example of many residents and leaders having poor or little understanding of the challenges many African American and Black residents have encountered in their daily lives.

The north side of Salina was once a central hub for various minority communities, but today, it continues to see little development from the city.

Today, the most recent large-scale development in North Town was the new Saline County Sheriff's Office and Jail.

"This is the fire-breathing pit in my stomach right now — they built this $90 million jail, but there's nothing else at North Town," Beverly said. "The only reason Saline County built there was to put people from north Salina in it."

Through these modern-day challenges, Beverly said the Black community of Salina continues to share and celebrate its heritage throughout town in celebrations, events and historical tours.

Celebrations like the Daddy Bud Block Party, Juneteenth, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and more all provide a place for the community to gather and share stories about their lives in Salina.

"I think we do a good job of trying to keep our stories alive in the churches and our communities," Beverly said. "Just talking to each other, that's the most important thing, being open to those conversations."

The Dana Adams Project and similar organizations continue gathering historical information about impactful Black and African American Salina citizens to present to community members and visitors.

Throughout February, multiple organizations put together events to celebrate Black History Month, and at <a href="https://www.kwu.edu/">Kansas Wesleyan University</a>, they began a new tradition this year.

KWU held its first Black Leadership Symposium on Friday, Feb. 16, where local leaders gathered to share their experiences as a Black or African American people in leadership positions.

Dr. Marlene Carson was the keynote speaker for the event, but other local leaders included Stormont Vail Health Director of Health Equity and Policy Emersen Frazier, Pfizer Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist Clifford Bunville, NBH Bank Senior Vice President and Director of Credit Review Charles Spencer and three more leaders.

During the event, speakers Frazier and Bunville shared a little about their paths to success.

"Create a mission and vision statement for yourself so that you can find out what's most important to you," Frazier said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709246259458.jpeg" alt="The Dana Adams plaque at Robert Caldwell Plaza near the Salina Public Library depicts the story of young African American Salina citizen Dana Adams who was lynched by a white mob in 1896. Today, it is an important piece of Black and African American history. Black and African American are described as two separate terms used to describe the members of the Black community, which can encompass many different ethnicities. African American is a term used to describe those of African descent living in America. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier " />
 <figcaption>The Dana Adams plaque at Robert Caldwell Plaza near the Salina Public Library depicts the story of young African American Salina citizen Dana Adams who was lynched by a white mob in 1896. Today, it is an important piece of Black and African American history. Black and African American are described as two separate terms used to describe the members of the Black community, which can encompass many different ethnicities. African American is a term used to describe those of African descent living in America. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier </figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostLocal history is an integral piece of any community. There's no shortage of long-standing historical markers and buildings in Salina, but for some community members, parts of that tradition have only recently received recognition.Those community members work tirelessly to compile and present that history to Salina residents today, and in 2022, a new historical marker found its home in Caldwell Plaza.On June 18, 2022, the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XnaRnsgQZE">Dana Adams Project unveiled</a> a historical marker at Caldwell Plaza in town that told the story of 19-year-old African American man Dana Adams, lynched by a mob on April 20, 1893."Not to blame or shame anybody, but to recognize that this happened," said <a href="https://www.northsalina.org/">North Salina Community Development</a>&nbsp;board member Sandra Beverly. "You need to learn this because I don't care what happens in Washington D.C. — if you don't pay attention to your own community, You're not doing squat."Beverly has remained active in the Salina community for decades — she has served several roles within the Salina NAACP, worked with Rev. Martha Murchison and Dee Williamson on the Dana Adams Project and continues to participate in North Salina Community Development projects.During the commemoration ceremony at Caldwell Plaza, members of the Dana Adams Coalition told attendees that from 1865 to 1950, 23 young African American citizens lost their lives to a white mob committing a lynching.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709246378124.jpeg" alt="Robert Caldwell Plaza near Salina City/Saline County offices and the Salina Public Library. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Robert Caldwell Plaza near Salina City/Saline County offices and the Salina Public Library. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Preserving and presenting local Black History</h2>Beverly strived to gather and showcase local African American history to residents in her various community roles, ensuring the preservation of history surrounding local Black leaders and citizens.A significant piece of that history also stems from the Dunbar School, the first segregated school in town after Salina became a first-class city in 1920.&nbsp;According to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.dunbarschoolsalina.com/">Dunbar School Alumni Association, Inc</a>., secretary Jennifer Gordon, once Salina reached 15,000 residents, city commissioners allowed the citizens to vote on segregating or not segregating the schools in town.&nbsp;Gordon said from a pool of 2,527 votes cast, citizens elected to segregate the schools, and in November 1922, the Dunbar School opened for enrollment for students from kindergarten through eighth grade.Named for the famous poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, the school had six teachers and 72 students entering its inaugural academic year, with P.G. Porter as its first principal."It was built brand new. It was considered one of the finest facilities during the post-World War I growth boom in the Midwest," Gordon said. "They had a full curriculum where teachers taught home economics, they taught what was a manual training or shop class."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709246475695.jpeg" alt="Dunbar School. Image courtesy Dunbar School Alumni Association" />
 <figcaption>Dunbar School. Image courtesy Dunbar School Alumni Association</figcaption>
 </figure>As the Dunbar School began teaching Salina's African American youth, it also provided an opportunity for young teachers graduating from Kansas Wesleyan University to start their careers locally.Gordon said one of the teachers from Dunbar, Robert Caldwell, later became Salina's first Black mayor and eventually a Kansas state representative.His teaching career began at Dunbar in 1939, and after a break to serve in the armed forces during World War II, he returned in 1946. In 1954, the Salina School Board appointed Caldwell as principal."He went on to be mayor of Salina and then also a representative, so he was well known and was an integral part of getting the Alumni Association organized," Gordon said.Caldwell was also essential in organizing the Dunbar School Alumni Association's annual reunions before he died in 1999.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709246517228.png" alt="Robert Caldwell teaching a class at Dunbar School. Image courtesy Dunbar School Alumni Association" />
 <figcaption>Robert Caldwell teaching a class at Dunbar School. Image courtesy Dunbar School Alumni Association</figcaption>
 </figure>Dunbar School was also significant outside of education for the Black community in Salina. The school provided a community center for members to find support and understanding."It was an opportunity for African American children to be taught by African American teachers. Those teachers lived in the community, some of them were from the community, so they knew the students, families, parents — they may have even gone to the same churches," Gordon said. "When you look at an environment like that, you can say there were some positives about having a segregated school with teachers that really knew you and where you were from.""It was really an active community center and focus."Gordon did not attend Dunbar School herself, but her brother and mother attended and told countless stories of their education and how it created a sense of community for them.One story she remembered from her mother was during the Dust Bowl in the 1920s. Her mother lived on Eighth Street near what used to be Longfellow School, today Salina Fire Department Station One, and had to walk past Longfellow to get to Dunbar School every day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709246585229.jpeg" alt="A large school picture at Dunbar School. Image courtesy Dunbar School Alumni Association" />
 <figcaption>A large school picture at Dunbar School. Image courtesy Dunbar School Alumni Association</figcaption>
 </figure>"Mom remembers walking to school with the dust everywhere getting in your eyes, ears and mouth, and instead of being able to stop at the corner and walk right into Longfellow, which would have been ideal at that time, especially with that weather, [she had to continue] tracking on east to get to Dunbar," Gordon said.The Dunbar School closed in 1956, only two years after the Brown v. Board of Education ruling in 1954 due to declining enrollment.<h2>Continuing the legacy</h2>After Dunbar School closed, the community center and spirit for Black and African American Salinans only evolved in town, with another significant social focus becoming the publication, The Black Word Is.The Black American Citizens Organization of Salina, or BACOS, published a paper with some grant funding from 1971 to 1976. According to the Smoky Hill Museum, James Briscoe served as its editor from the publication's office on Mulberry and Third Streets.James Briscoe served as editor from its office in the Washington Building on the northeast corner of Mulberry &amp; 3rd streets."They really kept a lot of things in the pulse on the community and how they can better do things for minorities in Salina and representation in public office," Gordon said.&nbsp;James Briscoe served as the editor for The Black Word Is throughout the paper's lifetime.The Carver Center was another community hub for many Black and African American residents in North Salina. Beverly recalled staff offering everything from sewing to photography classes, but she performed in a singing group through the center."When I was there, Carver Center used to be a set of bearings," Beverly said. "When other kids were flipping burgers on the weekend, I was traveling on the road singing. We practiced there [at the Carver Center], where everybody hung out."The city then decided to build a new Carver Center, leaving the community that used it without a central hub for its neighborhood. Another Beverly spoke about was the Our Lady of Guadalupe community hub that disappeared in North Salina in the late 1900s.Beverly is an active board member of the North Salina Community Development board, and through her experience, she said many amenities on the north edge of Salina have disappeared."I am originally from St. Louis, Missouri, and I know what it looks like when you just destroy and cut off a neighborhood," Beverly said. "there's no grocery store, no medical services. When they closed the school, I think that was the biggest blow."&nbsp;<h2>Modern-day Black History in Salina</h2>Many residents may think back to the 1960s and 70s for race-related violence or slander, but the reality for many Black citizens in Salina is that prejudice continues in the 21st Century.In 2013, then-commissioner Jim Gile used a racial slur to describe a hasty job during a public meeting, which the commission chairman met with little action."When you can have a county commissioner sit up in a public meeting and use the word n----- at least three times and not be corrected by the person that was the head of the commission, there's something wrong," Beverly said.&nbsp;Beverly said that was one, yet very public, example of many residents and leaders having poor or little understanding of the challenges many African American and Black residents have encountered in their daily lives.The north side of Salina was once a central hub for various minority communities, but today, it continues to see little development from the city.Today, the most recent large-scale development in North Town was the new Saline County Sheriff's Office and Jail."This is the fire-breathing pit in my stomach right now — they built this $90 million jail, but there's nothing else at North Town," Beverly said. "The only reason Saline County built there was to put people from north Salina in it."Through these modern-day challenges, Beverly said the Black community of Salina continues to share and celebrate its heritage throughout town in celebrations, events and historical tours.Celebrations like the Daddy Bud Block Party, Juneteenth, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and more all provide a place for the community to gather and share stories about their lives in Salina."I think we do a good job of trying to keep our stories alive in the churches and our communities," Beverly said. "Just talking to each other, that's the most important thing, being open to those conversations."The Dana Adams Project and similar organizations continue gathering historical information about impactful Black and African American Salina citizens to present to community members and visitors.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709246729263.jpeg" alt="Stormont Vail Health Director of Health Equity and Policy Emersen Frazier presents during the first Black Leadership Symposium on Friday, Feb. 16 at Kansas Wesleyan University Peters Science Hall. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Stormont Vail Health Director of Health Equity and Policy Emersen Frazier presents during the first Black Leadership Symposium on Friday, Feb. 16 at Kansas Wesleyan University Peters Science Hall. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Throughout February, multiple organizations put together events to celebrate Black History Month, and at <a href="https://www.kwu.edu/">Kansas Wesleyan University</a>, they began a new tradition this year.KWU held its first Black Leadership Symposium on Friday, Feb. 16, where local leaders gathered to share their experiences as a Black or African American people in leadership positions.Dr. Marlene Carson was the keynote speaker for the event, but other local leaders included Stormont Vail Health Director of Health Equity and Policy Emersen Frazier, Pfizer Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist Clifford Bunville, NBH Bank Senior Vice President and Director of Credit Review Charles Spencer and three more leaders.During the event, speakers Frazier and Bunville shared a little about their paths to success."Create a mission and vision statement for yourself so that you can find out what's most important to you," Frazier said.

A glimpse into Black and African American history in Salina

Two community corrections officers flagged down a Salina Police Department officer on patrol for assistance with an allegedly violent juvenile client on Tuesday.

SPD Capt. James Feldman said at about 3:40 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, a pair of corrections officers stopped an SPD officer on patrol in the 900 block of Hancock Street to ask for assistance.

According to the community corrections officers, as they attempted to make contact with a 14-year-old male client, he became violent, causing the corrections officers to look for aid.

"While the officer was speaking with one corrections officer, he observed the juvenile swing a PVC pipe at the other corrections officer," Feldman said. "The officer, along with the corrections officers, then attempted to subdue the juvenile — he did kick the officer."

The child did not injure any of the three officers, though, Feldman said.&nbsp;

Officers then arrested the child and requested charges of aggravated assault, battery of a law enforcement officer and interference with law enforcement.

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/39bd6fb5-57c3-4293-83ba-7562d21e1bf0">Salina City Commission approves $11 million for new Fire Station Four</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574355645622.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostTwo community corrections officers flagged down a Salina Police Department officer on patrol for assistance with an allegedly violent juvenile client on Tuesday.SPD Capt. James Feldman said at about 3:40 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, a pair of corrections officers stopped an SPD officer on patrol in the 900 block of Hancock Street to ask for assistance.According to the community corrections officers, as they attempted to make contact with a 14-year-old male client, he became violent, causing the corrections officers to look for aid."While the officer was speaking with one corrections officer, he observed the juvenile swing a PVC pipe at the other corrections officer," Feldman said. "The officer, along with the corrections officers, then attempted to subdue the juvenile — he did kick the officer."The child did not injure any of the three officers, though, Feldman said.&nbsp;Officers then arrested the child and requested charges of aggravated assault, battery of a law enforcement officer and interference with law enforcement.READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/39bd6fb5-57c3-4293-83ba-7562d21e1bf0">Salina City Commission approves $11 million for new Fire Station Four</a>

Allegedly violent minor arrested after striking community corrections officers

Yesterday evening, a Salina resident attempted to run into a burning house and threatened firefighters at the scene who were combatting the flames.

At about 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, Salina Police Department officers reported to 254 N. Penn Ave. to assist Salina Fire Department staff with scene security, according to SPD Capt. James Feldman, once officers arrived, firefighters called for their help immediately.

While firefighters attempted to suppress an active fire in the residence, a man, later identified as 33-year-old James Dylan Coffman, tried to enter the home regardless of firefighter's warning him.

"The firefighters refused Coffman entry into the residence as they fought the fire," Feldman said. "Coffman removed his shirt and began telling the firefighters he would beat them up."

Officers then located Coffman in the residence's backyard in a recreational vehicle described by Feldman as a camper.&nbsp;

When officers instructed Coffman to exit the camper, Coffman allegedly threatened to shoot officers while inside the trailer.&nbsp;

"He continued to not comply with orders and was advised he was under arrest," Feldman said. "As officers went to enter the camper, Coffman approached them, and a Taser was deployed and was effective."

Feldman said as officers attempted to restrain Coffman, he continued to resist arrest. During the altercation, Coffman received a minor injury to his head, but medical staff later treated him at Salina Regional Health Center.

Coffman continued threatening officers while at the hospital. After treatment, officers transported him to the Saline County Jail and requested charges for unlawful interference with firefighters while in the performance of their duty and interference with law enforcement.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e2e9ec4b-0389-4a03-a22a-5530f426a410">SPD officers conduct high-risk stop after resident steals his girlfriend's Jeep</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701092064618.png" alt="Coffman, James Dylan, from an earlier arrest" />
 <figcaption>Coffman, James Dylan, from an earlier arrest</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostYesterday evening, a Salina resident attempted to run into a burning house and threatened firefighters at the scene who were combatting the flames.At about 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, Salina Police Department officers reported to 254 N. Penn Ave. to assist Salina Fire Department staff with scene security, according to SPD Capt. James Feldman, once officers arrived, firefighters called for their help immediately.While firefighters attempted to suppress an active fire in the residence, a man, later identified as 33-year-old James Dylan Coffman, tried to enter the home regardless of firefighter's warning him."The firefighters refused Coffman entry into the residence as they fought the fire," Feldman said. "Coffman removed his shirt and began telling the firefighters he would beat them up."Officers then located Coffman in the residence's backyard in a recreational vehicle described by Feldman as a camper.&nbsp;When officers instructed Coffman to exit the camper, Coffman allegedly threatened to shoot officers while inside the trailer.&nbsp;"He continued to not comply with orders and was advised he was under arrest," Feldman said. "As officers went to enter the camper, Coffman approached them, and a Taser was deployed and was effective."Feldman said as officers attempted to restrain Coffman, he continued to resist arrest. During the altercation, Coffman received a minor injury to his head, but medical staff later treated him at Salina Regional Health Center.Coffman continued threatening officers while at the hospital. After treatment, officers transported him to the Saline County Jail and requested charges for unlawful interference with firefighters while in the performance of their duty and interference with law enforcement.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e2e9ec4b-0389-4a03-a22a-5530f426a410">SPD officers conduct high-risk stop after resident steals his girlfriend's Jeep</a>

SPD officers arrest allegedly violent man at residential fire

Starting on Wednesday, February 28, and continuing through Friday, March 1, Circle C Paving &amp; Construction of Goddard, Kansas will begin work on the City of Salina’s annual pavement crack sealing project by sealing cracks on the following streets, weather permitting.

The work will take place generally between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Access to properties within work zones will be maintained at all times. “Road Work Ahead” signs will be placed in advance of work zones, and temporary single-lane closures are to be expected. 

Motorists are asked to proceed with caution when approaching work zones for the safety of the crews performing the work.

The annual crack and joint sealing program is an important and costeffective preventive maintenance component of the City of Salina’s annual street repair program. 

Crack sealing the pavement helps prevent water from penetrating into the pavement structure or sub-base material and aids in reducing a number of pavement problems which include: crack spreading; formation of voids under pavement; swelling and shrinking of sub-base materials; freeze-thaw action; alligator cracking; potholing; and complete failure. 

Because of its importance and costeffectiveness, the Department of Public Works strives to seal each asphalt street in Salina no less often than every seven years.

This $498,000 project is part of the City's $5.9 million 2024 street maintenance program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701016826196.jpeg" alt="Snow blankets the Salina City and Saline County building during a snowstorm on Saturday, Nov. 25, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Snow blankets the Salina City and Saline County building during a snowstorm on Saturday, Nov. 25, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedStarting on Wednesday, February 28, and continuing through Friday, March 1, Circle C Paving &amp; Construction of Goddard, Kansas will begin work on the City of Salina’s annual pavement crack sealing project by sealing cracks on the following streets, weather permitting.• Arnold• Bailey• Berschel• General Jim• Jumper• Kneubuhl• Rogers• Sutherland• SummersThe work will take place generally between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Access to properties within work zones will be maintained at all times. “Road Work Ahead” signs will be placed in advance of work zones, and temporary single-lane closures are to be expected. Motorists are asked to proceed with caution when approaching work zones for the safety of the crews performing the work.The annual crack and joint sealing program is an important and costeffective preventive maintenance component of the City of Salina’s annual street repair program. Crack sealing the pavement helps prevent water from penetrating into the pavement structure or sub-base material and aids in reducing a number of pavement problems which include: crack spreading; formation of voids under pavement; swelling and shrinking of sub-base materials; freeze-thaw action; alligator cracking; potholing; and complete failure. Because of its importance and costeffectiveness, the Department of Public Works strives to seal each asphalt street in Salina no less often than every seven years.This $498,000 project is part of the City's $5.9 million 2024 street maintenance program.

Salina begins pavement sealing project

Cities across the state face an elevated risk of wildfires today due to extreme temperatures and high winds for this early in the year.

For Salina, yesterday's temperatures broke the 1896 record of 78 degrees by 2:34 p.m., and by 2:53 p.m., Salina Municipal Airport reported 81 degrees for the city.

"We were nearly 30 degrees above that yesterday, and we will be below that tomorrow," said Wichita National Weather Service Meteorologist Kelly Butler. "We have a high right now for 46 [on Wednesday]."

According to Butler, the record-high temperatures mixed with the winds of a cold front coming through north central Kansas made a recipe for dangerous wildfire conditions.

In town, forecasts show the temperature dropping to the mid-40s by this evening, with possible windchills in the single digits tomorrow morning.

"We're going to have rapidly dropping dew points likely as well, so we're still expecting a fire threat up there in Salina," Butler said. "You want to definitely be really careful with any open flames or anything that might cause a spark — cigarette butts, chains hanging down from a vehicle, anything like that."

Many performed prescribed burns yesterday due to the favorable weather conditions, light winds and warm air temperatures. 

With today's high winds and 20- to 30-degree temperature departures from usual, Butler said some prescribed burns may rekindle into uncontrolled wildfires.

"In Kansas, people need to burn parts of their land for good reason, and there's only a certain number of days a year where that's a good time to do it," Butler said. "They know they won't be able to do it the next day."

Butler said forecasts show that after the dip in temperature tomorrow, the warming trend will start on Thursday and go into the weekend for high temperatures on Saturday and Sunday, hovering in the mid to upper 70s.

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/640f28fa-2796-4cf9-acdd-a7422d4d5665">Severe weather looms; make plans now to stay safe, says K-State climatologist</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709056912864.jpeg" alt="Warm, dry, and windy conditions will drive the potential for elevated to critical fire weather conditions on Tues afternoon. Graphic courtesy National Weather Service Wichita" />
 <figcaption>Warm, dry, and windy conditions will drive the potential for elevated to critical fire weather conditions on Tues afternoon. Graphic courtesy National Weather Service Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostCities across the state face an elevated risk of wildfires today due to extreme temperatures and high winds for this early in the year.For Salina, yesterday's temperatures broke the 1896 record of 78 degrees by 2:34 p.m., and by 2:53 p.m., Salina Municipal Airport reported 81 degrees for the city."We were nearly 30 degrees above that yesterday, and we will be below that tomorrow," said Wichita National Weather Service Meteorologist Kelly Butler. "We have a high right now for 46 [on Wednesday]."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709057013300.jpeg" alt="A strong cold front is expected to arrive in the afternoon, dropping temperatures for Wednesday with AM wind chills in single digits to lower teens. Graphic courtesy National Weather Service Wichita" />
 <figcaption>A strong cold front is expected to arrive in the afternoon, dropping temperatures for Wednesday with AM wind chills in single digits to lower teens. Graphic courtesy National Weather Service Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>According to Butler, the record-high temperatures mixed with the winds of a cold front coming through north central Kansas made a recipe for dangerous wildfire conditions.In town, forecasts show the temperature dropping to the mid-40s by this evening, with possible windchills in the single digits tomorrow morning."We're going to have rapidly dropping dew points likely as well, so we're still expecting a fire threat up there in Salina," Butler said. "You want to definitely be really careful with any open flames or anything that might cause a spark — cigarette butts, chains hanging down from a vehicle, anything like that."Many performed prescribed burns yesterday due to the favorable weather conditions, light winds and warm air temperatures. With today's high winds and 20- to 30-degree temperature departures from usual, Butler said some prescribed burns may rekindle into uncontrolled wildfires."In Kansas, people need to burn parts of their land for good reason, and there's only a certain number of days a year where that's a good time to do it," Butler said. "They know they won't be able to do it the next day."Butler said forecasts show that after the dip in temperature tomorrow, the warming trend will start on Thursday and go into the weekend for high temperatures on Saturday and Sunday, hovering in the mid to upper 70s.READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/640f28fa-2796-4cf9-acdd-a7422d4d5665">Severe weather looms; make plans now to stay safe, says K-State climatologist</a>

NWS meteorologist warns about extreme fire danger after Salina breaks 1896 high-temp record

A domestic situation turned into a robbery Saturday evening that eventually led Salina Police Department officers to conduct a high-risk traffic stop on a resident.

On Saturday, Feb. 24, in the 1200 block of Crescent Drive, a woman reported to SPD officers that her boyfriend, 40-year-old Jerome Terrance Citizen, robbed the keys to her 2021 Jeep Wrangler from a lanyard around her neck and took the vehicle.

"Through our flock system, we were able to locate the vehicle much later, did a high-risk stop on it, and took him into custody," said SPD Capt. Mike Miller.

A high-risk traffic stop includes multiple patrol vehicles arriving on the scene with guns drawn, where officers will order suspects out of their cars with their backs facing toward law enforcement officers.

Officers will then instruct suspects to walk backward toward the patrol vehicles and have them kneel with their hands placed on or above their heads.

Miller said SPD officers located Citizen on Sunday afternoon around 1:45 p.m. at the Casey's on South Ninth Street and Magnolia Road. After arresting Citizen, officers requested charges for robbery and felony theft.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/21aa8ed7-086d-4127-9ec4-d7b1eadf6f28">SPD officers recover more than 200 oxycodone pills during traffic stop</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708955618279.jpeg" alt="Citizen, Jerome Terrance" />
 <figcaption>Citizen, Jerome Terrance</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostA domestic situation turned into a robbery Saturday evening that eventually led Salina Police Department officers to conduct a high-risk traffic stop on a resident.On Saturday, Feb. 24, in the 1200 block of Crescent Drive, a woman reported to SPD officers that her boyfriend, 40-year-old Jerome Terrance Citizen, robbed the keys to her 2021 Jeep Wrangler from a lanyard around her neck and took the vehicle."Through our flock system, we were able to locate the vehicle much later, did a high-risk stop on it, and took him into custody," said SPD Capt. Mike Miller.A high-risk traffic stop includes multiple patrol vehicles arriving on the scene with guns drawn, where officers will order suspects out of their cars with their backs facing toward law enforcement officers.Officers will then instruct suspects to walk backward toward the patrol vehicles and have them kneel with their hands placed on or above their heads.Miller said SPD officers located Citizen on Sunday afternoon around 1:45 p.m. at the Casey's on South Ninth Street and Magnolia Road. After arresting Citizen, officers requested charges for robbery and felony theft.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/21aa8ed7-086d-4127-9ec4-d7b1eadf6f28">SPD officers recover more than 200 oxycodone pills during traffic stop</a>

SPD officers conduct high-risk stop after resident steals his girlfriend's Jeep

Early Saturday morning, Salina Police Department officers reported to the Pilot Travel Center on North Ninth Street for an Abilene resident lying unconscious outside the business.

Around 8:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 24, SPD officers found 24-year-old Dylan Wade Woodcox asleep outside the travel center. 

Officers transported Woodcox to Salina Regional Health Center for treatment. SPD Capt. Mike Miller said as officers were attempting to determine the subject's identity, they allegedly found evidence of drug use.

"Officers located a baggie of methamphetamine and another baggie of some unknown substance," Miller said. "At the hospital, the subject was going to be released, so officers went to take him into custody — they put a handcuff on him, a fight broke out, and he ended up running from the hospital in possession of a set of police department handcuffs."

After a short four-block chase, officers arrested Woodcox in the 600 block of South 10th Street. Miller said the handcuffs stolen from officers were also damaged, adding to Woodcox's requested charges.

SPD took Woodcox into custody and requested charges for possession of a narcotic, interference with a law enforcement officer, robbery, possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal property damage.

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/21aa8ed7-086d-4127-9ec4-d7b1eadf6f28">SPD officers recover more than 200 oxycodone pills during traffic stop</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708871414689.jpeg" alt="Woodcox, Dylan Wade" />
 <figcaption>Woodcox, Dylan Wade</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostEarly Saturday morning, Salina Police Department officers reported to the Pilot Travel Center on North Ninth Street for an Abilene resident lying unconscious outside the business.Around 8:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 24, SPD officers found 24-year-old Dylan Wade Woodcox asleep outside the travel center. Officers transported Woodcox to Salina Regional Health Center for treatment. SPD Capt. Mike Miller said as officers were attempting to determine the subject's identity, they allegedly found evidence of drug use."Officers located a baggie of methamphetamine and another baggie of some unknown substance," Miller said. "At the hospital, the subject was going to be released, so officers went to take him into custody — they put a handcuff on him, a fight broke out, and he ended up running from the hospital in possession of a set of police department handcuffs."After a short four-block chase, officers arrested Woodcox in the 600 block of South 10th Street. Miller said the handcuffs stolen from officers were also damaged, adding to Woodcox's requested charges.SPD took Woodcox into custody and requested charges for possession of a narcotic, interference with a law enforcement officer, robbery, possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal property damage.READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/21aa8ed7-086d-4127-9ec4-d7b1eadf6f28">SPD officers recover more than 200 oxycodone pills during traffic stop</a>

SPD arrests Abilene resident who fled with handcuffs from hospital in Salina

County offices will be open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

Board of County Commissioners meetings are live-streamed on YouTube.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@salinecountykansas3125"> </a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@salinecountykansas3125">For a library of past meetings, and to view this week's meeting, click here.&nbsp;</a>

Approval of Tax Roll Adjustments Approval of Accounts Payable Approval of Public Forum Agenda Approval of Payroll Approval of County Commission Minutes for February 13, 2024 Approval of Addenda to Extend Time for Rural Water District 1 ARPA Projects

Approval of Addenda to Extend Time for Rural Water District 8 ARPA Projects

Discussion of Repairs to Old Sheriff's Office &amp; Jail Facility

March 5 County Commission meeting agenda items

Road and Bridge Update Financial Projection RFD #6 Station Bid Award Concept Discussion on Housing

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701016826196.jpeg" alt="Snow blankets the Salina City and Saline County building during a snowstorm on Saturday, Nov. 25, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Snow blankets the Salina City and Saline County building during a snowstorm on Saturday, Nov. 25, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTTuesday, February 27, 2024, 9:00 a.m.300 W Ash Room 107 Salina, Kansas 67401Board of County Commissioners:Monte Shadwick - District 1Robert Vidricksen II - District 2Rodger Sparks - District 3James Weese - District 4Chairman, Joe Hay Jr. - District 5<h2>About the Meeting</h2>County offices will be open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m.– 5:00 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’s ADA Coordinator at (785) 309-5812 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:leamerm@salinecountyks.gov">leamerm@salinecountyks.gov</a>&nbsp;prior to the scheduled meeting or event to request accommodations.Board of County Commissioners meetings are live-streamed on YouTube.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@salinecountykansas3125"> </a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@salinecountykansas3125">For a library of past meetings, and to view this week's meeting, click here.&nbsp;</a><h2>Consent Agenda</h2>Approval of Tax Roll Adjustments Approval of Accounts Payable Approval of Public Forum Agenda Approval of Payroll Approval of County Commission Minutes for February 13, 2024 Approval of Addenda to Extend Time for Rural Water District 1 ARPA ProjectsApproval of Addenda to Extend Time for Rural Water District 8 ARPA Projects<h2>Informational&nbsp;</h2>Commissioner CommentsAnnouncements<h2>Concept Discussion</h2>Discussion of Repairs to Old Sheriff's Office &amp; Jail Facility<h2>March 5 County Commission meeting agenda items</h2>Road and Bridge Update Financial Projection RFD #6 Station Bid Award Concept Discussion on Housing<h2>Adjournment</h2>

Saline County Board of Commissioners Feb. 27 meeting agenda

During a regular traffic stop on Sunday, Feb. 25, Salina Police Department officers found almost 250 undocumented oxycodone pills.

According to SPD Capt. Mike Miller, at about 3:30 p.m. Sunday, officers made a traffic stop after witnessing a 2011 gold Dodge Ram 3500 pickup truck failing to yield at a stop sign near the 1200 block of West Crawford Street.

Once SPD officers stopped the vehicle in a parking lot, a K-9 officer alerted on the truck, indicating the presence of narcotics.

"Officers did a search on the vehicle and located two pill bottles," Miller said. "One of them had 208 oxycodone pills, and the other bottle had an additional 33 oxycodone pills."

Miller said during past arrests, some officers recovered pills that looked near-identical with oxycodone but turned out to be fentanyl or oxycodone dupes laced with fentanyl. 

Since the pills lacked a drug tax stamp or any other documentation, officers arrested 34-year-old Jacob Wayne Thompson. Miller said due to the pills' unknown maker or distributor, SPD sent the tablets to a lab to test for fentanyl.

Thompson also allegedly had a 9-year-old child traveling in the truck with him when officers conducted the traffic stop. SPD requested charges for aggravated endangerment of a child, distribution of a stimulant, lack of drug tax stamp and drug paraphernalia.

Miller said Thompson also required an interlock device to drive legally, which Thompson had in the truck, but it was not correctly connected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708955722935.jpeg" alt="Thompson, Jacob Wayne" />
 <figcaption>Thompson, Jacob Wayne</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostDuring a regular traffic stop on Sunday, Feb. 25, Salina Police Department officers found almost 250 undocumented oxycodone pills.According to SPD Capt. Mike Miller, at about 3:30 p.m. Sunday, officers made a traffic stop after witnessing a 2011 gold Dodge Ram 3500 pickup truck failing to yield at a stop sign near the 1200 block of West Crawford Street.Once SPD officers stopped the vehicle in a parking lot, a K-9 officer alerted on the truck, indicating the presence of narcotics."Officers did a search on the vehicle and located two pill bottles," Miller said. "One of them had 208 oxycodone pills, and the other bottle had an additional 33 oxycodone pills."Miller said during past arrests, some officers recovered pills that looked near-identical with oxycodone but turned out to be fentanyl or oxycodone dupes laced with fentanyl. Since the pills lacked a drug tax stamp or any other documentation, officers arrested 34-year-old Jacob Wayne Thompson. Miller said due to the pills' unknown maker or distributor, SPD sent the tablets to a lab to test for fentanyl.Thompson also allegedly had a 9-year-old child traveling in the truck with him when officers conducted the traffic stop. SPD requested charges for aggravated endangerment of a child, distribution of a stimulant, lack of drug tax stamp and drug paraphernalia.Miller said Thompson also required an interlock device to drive legally, which Thompson had in the truck, but it was not correctly connected.READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/21c2c990-3994-4388-ac87-6b951bab4516">Suspect steals almost $5,000 in copper wires from Grantville business</a>