At around 3 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 14, a two-car crash occurred near Salina Central High School and Dental Care of Salina on Front Street and Crawford Avenue.

Salina Police Department Lt. Kyle Tonniges said an injury occurred due to the crash but did not provide further details. Multiple SPD officers reported to the incident, alongside the Salina Fire Department.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707948261460.jpeg" alt="Salina Police Department officers near Dental Care of Salina for a two-vehicle crash on Wednesday, Feb. 14. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Police Department officers near Dental Care of Salina for a two-vehicle crash on Wednesday, Feb. 14. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTAt around 3 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 14, a two-car crash occurred near Salina Central High School and Dental Care of Salina on Front Street and Crawford Avenue.Salina Police Department Lt. Kyle Tonniges said an injury occurred due to the crash but did not provide further details. Multiple SPD officers reported to the incident, alongside the Salina Fire Department.Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.

Two-vehicle crash leads to injury in central Salina

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

Spring often greets Kansas yearly with powerful storms, sending meteorologists on the road while residents take shelter indoors.&nbsp;

Many Kansans become accustomed to severe weather, but at Storm Fury on the Plains, National Weather Service meteorologists Robb Lawson and Kevin Darmofal reminded residents of how dangerous severe weather can be.

"You need to take it seriously; that's what we try to impart to people, especially here," Darmofal said. "It never happens to you until it does, and when it does, it's very tragic."

Storm Fury on the Plains held its first seminar this year at Kansas Wesleyan University Peters Science Hall, beginning a string of 25 different presentation locations across the state.

LISTEN MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eb9df953-96e5-4530-a4a8-9bf6344add0e">🎙King in the Community: State Rep. Steven Howe legislative update</a>

Lawson opened the presentation on Tuesday, Feb. 6, with varying storm structures, from squall line storms to photogenic supercells.

Squall lines are long lines of storms that often host dangerous wind gusts and hail, while supercells are isolated, rotating storms that regularly produce tornadoes and downpours of rain and hail.

In the presentation, Lawson pointed out various parts of a supercell and how to gauge its severity based on visual information and radar scanning.

As many residents and seasoned storm spotters listened in the audience, one attendee sat eager to learn more about something that scared him.

Rachael Walker and her 6-year-old son, Jaxson Walker, attended the presentation to learn more about storm safety and some new information about powerful storms.

Jaxson Walker once feared storms, but in recent years, he's learned more about severe weather, and now, according to Rachael Walker, it's become a significant interest in his life and something he strives to learn about.

"Especially when we have that fear, I feel like knowledge is power," Rachael Walker said. "I feel like that helps a lot with not being as fearful and just learning about stuff."

Once Jaxson learned more about severe weather, Rachael Walker said he grew confident about protecting himself during a storm and what to look for in the future.

When a powerful storm hits, Rachael Walker said she and her family enjoy taking quick looks out the window to view the squall, and once it's safe, they often venture out to look for rainbows.

Rachael Walker homeschools Jaxson and his two sisters, so teaching about storm safety became essential in the at-home classroom.

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Storm Fury on the Plains only reinforced Rachael Walker's teachings at home, with Darmofal stating that knowing about powerful storms leads to safer decisions while looking for safety.

"Know what to do, have a plan, and have that plan in advance, not waiting until the last minute, then you have multiple ways to receive weather information and warnings," Darmofal said. "Those are probably going to keep people safe."

An essential factor that weaved through the presentation for experienced storm chasers and residents was keeping two or more avenues to receive severe weather information.&nbsp;

Darmofal and Lawson stated the importance of having a weather radio on hand, alongside any other source for information, including a smartphone, another radio, or television.

The Saline County Emergency Management team helped facilitate the presentation in Peters Science Hall. The County Public Information Officer, Melissa McCoy, shared easy ways to remember critical storm safety tips.

"When the thunder roars, get indoors. Turn around, don't drown," McCoy said. "Number one, we want people to be safe."

Storm Fury on the Plains will continue its presentations across the state, teaching storm spotters new information on technologies or reporting techniques while informing everyday citizens on how to stay safe during severe storms.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707932699547.jpeg" alt="NWS Meteorologist Robb Lawson begins presenting on storm structure during the first Storm Fury on the Plains presentation on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at Kansas Wesleyan University Peters Science Hall. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>NWS Meteorologist Robb Lawson begins presenting on storm structure during the first Storm Fury on the Plains presentation on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at Kansas Wesleyan University Peters Science Hall. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostSpring often greets Kansas yearly with powerful storms, sending meteorologists on the road while residents take shelter indoors.&nbsp;Many Kansans become accustomed to severe weather, but at Storm Fury on the Plains, National Weather Service meteorologists Robb Lawson and Kevin Darmofal reminded residents of how dangerous severe weather can be."You need to take it seriously; that's what we try to impart to people, especially here," Darmofal said. "It never happens to you until it does, and when it does, it's very tragic."Storm Fury on the Plains held its first seminar this year at Kansas Wesleyan University Peters Science Hall, beginning a string of 25 different presentation locations across the state.LISTEN MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eb9df953-96e5-4530-a4a8-9bf6344add0e">🎙King in the Community: State Rep. Steven Howe legislative update</a>Lawson opened the presentation on Tuesday, Feb. 6, with varying storm structures, from squall line storms to photogenic supercells.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707932786015.jpeg" alt="NWS Meteorologist Robb Lawson presents on a Saline County tornado from June 1969 at the first Storm Fury on the Plains on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at Kansas Wesleyan University Peters Science Hall. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>NWS Meteorologist Robb Lawson presents on a Saline County tornado from June 1969 at the first Storm Fury on the Plains on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at Kansas Wesleyan University Peters Science Hall. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Squall lines are long lines of storms that often host dangerous wind gusts and hail, while supercells are isolated, rotating storms that regularly produce tornadoes and downpours of rain and hail.In the presentation, Lawson pointed out various parts of a supercell and how to gauge its severity based on visual information and radar scanning.As many residents and seasoned storm spotters listened in the audience, one attendee sat eager to learn more about something that scared him.Rachael Walker and her 6-year-old son, Jaxson Walker, attended the presentation to learn more about storm safety and some new information about powerful storms.Jaxson Walker once feared storms, but in recent years, he's learned more about severe weather, and now, according to Rachael Walker, it's become a significant interest in his life and something he strives to learn about."Especially when we have that fear, I feel like knowledge is power," Rachael Walker said. "I feel like that helps a lot with not being as fearful and just learning about stuff."Once Jaxson learned more about severe weather, Rachael Walker said he grew confident about protecting himself during a storm and what to look for in the future.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707932886263.jpeg" alt="Six-year-old Jaxson Walker wears his homemade tornado siren costume for Halloween in 2023. Image courtesy Rachael Walker" />
 <figcaption>Six-year-old Jaxson Walker wears his homemade tornado siren costume for Halloween in 2023. Image courtesy Rachael Walker</figcaption>
 </figure>When a powerful storm hits, Rachael Walker said she and her family enjoy taking quick looks out the window to view the squall, and once it's safe, they often venture out to look for rainbows.Rachael Walker homeschools Jaxson and his two sisters, so teaching about storm safety became essential in the at-home classroom.READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/98f3bbc9-4198-4302-80da-97a5d31c78b0">Salina's best-kept secret — PKM Steel helped construct Super Bowl LVIII Allegiant Stadium</a><h2>Preparedness leads to increased safety</h2>Storm Fury on the Plains only reinforced Rachael Walker's teachings at home, with Darmofal stating that knowing about powerful storms leads to safer decisions while looking for safety."Know what to do, have a plan, and have that plan in advance, not waiting until the last minute, then you have multiple ways to receive weather information and warnings," Darmofal said. "Those are probably going to keep people safe."An essential factor that weaved through the presentation for experienced storm chasers and residents was keeping two or more avenues to receive severe weather information.&nbsp;Darmofal and Lawson stated the importance of having a weather radio on hand, alongside any other source for information, including a smartphone, another radio, or television.The Saline County Emergency Management team helped facilitate the presentation in Peters Science Hall. The County Public Information Officer, Melissa McCoy, shared easy ways to remember critical storm safety tips."When the thunder roars, get indoors. Turn around, don't drown," McCoy said. "Number one, we want people to be safe."Storm Fury on the Plains will continue its presentations across the state, teaching storm spotters new information on technologies or reporting techniques while informing everyday citizens on how to stay safe during severe storms.

Storm Fury on the Plains presents critical storm safety information

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

Salina Police Department officers responded to a domestic disturbance after a concerned acquaintance reported violence they heard over a phone call.

At 12:11 p.m., Monday, Feb. 12, SPD officers reported to the 500 block of West Iron Avenue and spoke with a 35-year-old female victim at her residence with her 48-year-old boyfriend, Torick Patton. 

"In speaking with them, we learned that Torick was refusing to let her leave the residence and pushing her away from the door," said SPD Lt. Kyle Tonniges. "At one point, he also took off his belt, raised it above his head, threatening to strike her."

Tonniges said the victim told officers that two days before the domestic report, Patton had held her down in a bed and began to strangle her.

Officers reported finding visible evidence of injuries on the victim's neck and decided to arrest Patton with requested charges for aggravated domestic battery, domestic battery, assault and criminal restraint.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707832070960.png" alt="Patton, Torick Ticcell" />
 <figcaption>Patton, Torick Ticcell</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostSalina Police Department officers responded to a domestic disturbance after a concerned acquaintance reported violence they heard over a phone call.At 12:11 p.m., Monday, Feb. 12, SPD officers reported to the 500 block of West Iron Avenue and spoke with a 35-year-old female victim at her residence with her 48-year-old boyfriend, Torick Patton. "In speaking with them, we learned that Torick was refusing to let her leave the residence and pushing her away from the door," said SPD Lt. Kyle Tonniges. "At one point, he also took off his belt, raised it above his head, threatening to strike her."Tonniges said the victim told officers that two days before the domestic report, Patton had held her down in a bed and began to strangle her.Officers reported finding visible evidence of injuries on the victim's neck and decided to arrest Patton with requested charges for aggravated domestic battery, domestic battery, assault and criminal restraint.

Salina man arrested after officers find strangling injuries on victim

Salina Public Schools (SPS) recognized two Horizon Teachers at the February 13 Board of Education meeting. An elementary and a secondary teacher is selected each year for the Horizon Award and recognized for excellence during their first full year of teaching.

Elementary Horizon Award – Camdyn Schreiber, Fourth Grade Teacher

Camdyn teaches fourth grade at Sunset Elementary School. She is known as a highly reflective teacher, continuously striving to strengthen student relationships and enhance their lessons.

At the beginning of the school year, she gave each parent or guardian a card that read, “Handle with Care,” and included her email address and phone number. The parents and guardians were instructed to contact Camdyn if their child needed extra care, for any reason, during the school day. When they emailed or called to let her know of a child’s special need, Camdyn offered caring and compassion to her student. And, she followed up quickly, kindly and professionally after each contact with the adults.

In her classroom, Camdyn uses her students’ interests as a starting point to engage them in discussions. She makes sure to highlight important events in their lives and show that her classroom is a community where all of them experience a sense of belonging.

Camdyn received her bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University. She is currently working towards her master’s degree in Instructional Technology at Fort Hays State University.

Secondary Horizon Award – Josh Rubino, English Teacher

Josh is a second year English Language Arts teacher at Central High School (CHS), where he teaches 10th and 12th grade English.

Peer-teaching, where small groups of students become “experts” in a concept, is often used in Josh’s classes. While teacher lectures and individual work are part of the experience, collaboration is at the heart of his teaching strategies.

“When students are working with others to answer a question, solve a problem, or create something, they are being active learners while practicing valuable interpersonal skills,” explains Josh. He gives them options for learning the course material and prioritizes students discovering things on their own, rather than lecturing.

Josh graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in English and is currently earning his teaching certification through Fort Hays State University. He is an advocate for the humanities in education, and strives to help students find joy and meaning in reading and writing. In addition to his duties as a teacher, Josh is co-coach of the Mustang Scholar’s Bowl team and sponsor of the CHS Chess Club. Always trying new things, Josh hopes to role-model the pursuit of lifelong learning to his students.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694639848087.jpeg" alt="USD 305 Salina Public Schools District Office Building Photo by Olivia Bergmeier&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>USD 305 Salina Public Schools District Office Building Photo by Olivia Bergmeier&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedSalina Public Schools (SPS) recognized two Horizon Teachers at the February 13 Board of Education meeting. An elementary and a secondary teacher is selected each year for the Horizon Award and recognized for excellence during their first full year of teaching.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707922347437.jpeg" alt="Camdyn Schreiber" />
 <figcaption>Camdyn Schreiber</figcaption>
 </figure>Elementary Horizon Award – Camdyn Schreiber, Fourth Grade TeacherCamdyn teaches fourth grade at Sunset Elementary School. She is known as a highly reflective teacher, continuously striving to strengthen student relationships and enhance their lessons.At the beginning of the school year, she gave each parent or guardian a card that read, “Handle with Care,” and included her email address and phone number. The parents and guardians were instructed to contact Camdyn if their child needed extra care, for any reason, during the school day. When they emailed or called to let her know of a child’s special need, Camdyn offered caring and compassion to her student. And, she followed up quickly, kindly and professionally after each contact with the adults.In her classroom, Camdyn uses her students’ interests as a starting point to engage them in discussions. She makes sure to highlight important events in their lives and show that her classroom is a community where all of them experience a sense of belonging.Camdyn received her bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University. She is currently working towards her master’s degree in Instructional Technology at Fort Hays State University.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707922363281.jpeg" alt="Josh Rubino" />
 <figcaption>Josh Rubino</figcaption>
 </figure>Secondary Horizon Award – Josh Rubino, English TeacherJosh is a second year English Language Arts teacher at Central High School (CHS), where he teaches 10th and 12th grade English.Peer-teaching, where small groups of students become “experts” in a concept, is often used in Josh’s classes. While teacher lectures and individual work are part of the experience, collaboration is at the heart of his teaching strategies.“When students are working with others to answer a question, solve a problem, or create something, they are being active learners while practicing valuable interpersonal skills,” explains Josh. He gives them options for learning the course material and prioritizes students discovering things on their own, rather than lecturing.Josh graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in English and is currently earning his teaching certification through Fort Hays State University. He is an advocate for the humanities in education, and strives to help students find joy and meaning in reading and writing. In addition to his duties as a teacher, Josh is co-coach of the Mustang Scholar’s Bowl team and sponsor of the CHS Chess Club. Always trying new things, Josh hopes to role-model the pursuit of lifelong learning to his students.

Salina Public Schools Recognizes Horizon Teachers

A Salina resident discovered his car was stolen while working after deputies contacted him about his abandoned car in Wichita.

Salina Police Department Lt. Kyle Tonniges said while the victim was away from his residence in the 900 block of Ellsworth Avenue, an unknown suspect stole his tan 2005 Ford F-350 and drove it to Wichita.

According to Tonniges, the victim left his home at around 6:45 a.m. for work on Monday, Feb. 12, and by 1 p.m. that same day, the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office called him with the news.

"He went down there and retrieved his vehicle and then contacted us," Tonniges said. "Both the front and passenger side door handles were broken and the ignition had been drilled down."

The victim did not know how or when the unknown suspect stole the truck, but SPD continues investigating the vehicle theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574355645622.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostA Salina resident discovered his car was stolen while working after deputies contacted him about his abandoned car in Wichita.Salina Police Department Lt. Kyle Tonniges said while the victim was away from his residence in the 900 block of Ellsworth Avenue, an unknown suspect stole his tan 2005 Ford F-350 and drove it to Wichita.According to Tonniges, the victim left his home at around 6:45 a.m. for work on Monday, Feb. 12, and by 1 p.m. that same day, the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office called him with the news."He went down there and retrieved his vehicle and then contacted us," Tonniges said. "Both the front and passenger side door handles were broken and the ignition had been drilled down."The victim did not know how or when the unknown suspect stole the truck, but SPD continues investigating the vehicle theft.Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.

Salina resident recovers stolen car from Wichita, SPD still investigating

Between Wednesday, Feb. 7 and Friday, Feb. 9, two suspects burglarized an unoccupied house in the 4700 block of North Woodward Road and stole almost more than $1,000 in frozen beef and pork.

The house is an unoccupied structure in rural Saline County, but after the burglary last week, the owner installed security cameras for surveillance.

The Saline County Sheriff's Office began investigating the case over the weekend. At 5 a.m. on Monday, one of the suspects visited the same house and stole another $400 in various household items.

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"The security system was alerted to a presence at the property, and by the time we got there, there were no suspects on scene," said Sheriff's Office Capt. Jim Hughes. "The house had been entered again and an internet modem, a security camera and a suitcase with books were stolen. The loss of all that property is reported to be about $425."

Before the now-identified and arrested suspect, 54-year-old Wallace Holmes took down the security camera, Hughes said it captured footage that led to a search warrant for a residence in central Salina.

Deputies then conducted the search warrant on Monday and found items from the victim's property in the residence in Salina where Holmes and 51-year-old Andrea Randecker live.

The pair were not present while deputies searched, but deputies found them later and arrested them for the burglaries.

Hughes said deputies charged Holmes with two counts of burglary, theft, damage to property and trespass, while requested charges for Randecker include one count of burglary, theft and trespass. 

"While deputies were arresting Randecker, she was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and personal paraphernalia, so she picked up those two additional charges," Hughes said." 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664285463135.jpeg" alt="Holmes, Wallace Macintosh" />
 <figcaption>Holmes, Wallace Macintosh</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostBetween Wednesday, Feb. 7 and Friday, Feb. 9, two suspects burglarized an unoccupied house in the 4700 block of North Woodward Road and stole almost more than $1,000 in frozen beef and pork.The house is an unoccupied structure in rural Saline County, but after the burglary last week, the owner installed security cameras for surveillance.The Saline County Sheriff's Office began investigating the case over the weekend. At 5 a.m. on Monday, one of the suspects visited the same house and stole another $400 in various household items.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1798e494-1852-4954-884d-ca8a5a19b105">Mid America Farm Expo coming to Tony's Pizza Event Center March 20-22</a>"The security system was alerted to a presence at the property, and by the time we got there, there were no suspects on scene," said Sheriff's Office Capt. Jim Hughes. "The house had been entered again and an internet modem, a security camera and a suitcase with books were stolen. The loss of all that property is reported to be about $425."Before the now-identified and arrested suspect, 54-year-old Wallace Holmes took down the security camera, Hughes said it captured footage that led to a search warrant for a residence in central Salina.Deputies then conducted the search warrant on Monday and found items from the victim's property in the residence in Salina where Holmes and 51-year-old Andrea Randecker live.The pair were not present while deputies searched, but deputies found them later and arrested them for the burglaries.Hughes said deputies charged Holmes with two counts of burglary, theft, damage to property and trespass, while requested charges for Randecker include one count of burglary, theft and trespass. "While deputies were arresting Randecker, she was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and personal paraphernalia, so she picked up those two additional charges," Hughes said."

Deputies arrest meat thief that burglarized same property twice

Aviation stakeholders from across the state of Kansas will assemble to discuss jobs, infrastructure and emerging technologies as part of Aviation Day at the Capitol from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15. The event is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Commission on Aerospace Education.

Numerous organizations will be participating and have booths on the first floor of the rotunda with information and demonstrations for visitors. The event helps increase awareness of aviation industry opportunities across the state.

Presentations will begin at 10 a.m. and will also take place on the first floor. Keynote speakers include Joe Miniace, Federal Aviation Administration Central Region Administrator, and Pierre Harter, Associate Vice President for Industry and Defense Programs, Research Operations at Wichita State University. Harter also serves as Director of Research and Development at the National Institute for Aviation Research at the university.

Aviation Day sponsors and exhibitors include:

AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Associations)

Commemorative Air Force – Heart of America Wing

Federal Aviation Administration – Wichita Flight Standards District Office

KAAA (Kansas Agricultural Aviation Association)

Kansas State University – Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus

NIAR – Wichita State University National Institute for Aviation Research

For more information on Aviation Day, contact Rachel Adkins at 785-296-2553 or Rachel.adkins1@ks.gov.     

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688595174563.png" alt="kdot logo.png" />
 <figcaption>kdot logo.png</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedAviation stakeholders from across the state of Kansas will assemble to discuss jobs, infrastructure and emerging technologies as part of Aviation Day at the Capitol from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15. The event is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Commission on Aerospace Education.Numerous organizations will be participating and have booths on the first floor of the rotunda with information and demonstrations for visitors. The event helps increase awareness of aviation industry opportunities across the state.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704764170393.jpeg" alt="1 Vision Aviation Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>1 Vision Aviation Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Presentations will begin at 10 a.m. and will also take place on the first floor. Keynote speakers include Joe Miniace, Federal Aviation Administration Central Region Administrator, and Pierre Harter, Associate Vice President for Industry and Defense Programs, Research Operations at Wichita State University. Harter also serves as Director of Research and Development at the National Institute for Aviation Research at the university.<h2>Aviation Day sponsors and exhibitors include:</h2>1 Vision Aviation PLLCAOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Associations)Aviation Explorers Post 8Alfred Benesch &amp; CompanyBombardierBurns &amp; McDonnellButler National CorporationCommemorative Air Force – Heart of America WingCivil Air PatrolCombat Air MuseumFederal Aviation Administration – Wichita Flight Standards District OfficeGarmin InternationalGarverKAA (Kansas Association of Airports)KAAA (Kansas Agricultural Aviation Association)Kansas Aviation MuseumKansas Department of TransportationKansas State University – Salina Aerospace and Technology CampusLee Aerospace Inc.NIAR – Wichita State University National Institute for Aviation ResearchSpirit AeroSystemsTextron AviationWSU TechFor more information on Aviation Day, contact Rachel Adkins at 785-296-2553 or Rachel.adkins1@ks.gov.

KDOT announces Aviation Day at the Capitol

The Salina City Commission meeting will take place in–person at the City/County Building in Room 107 today at 4 p.m.&nbsp; and via Zoom.&nbsp;

Meetings can be viewed at the City of Salina YouTube channel,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.&nbsp;

To participate via Zoom, citizens will need to use the following link:&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587" target="_blank">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587</a>.&nbsp;

The meeting can also be accessed by phone at&nbsp;1-346-248-7799. Enter Meeting ID: 892 7598 4587 when prompted.&nbsp;

If citizens wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, citizens attending via Zoom must raise their hand so that the meeting host can allow them to speak. Those who attend the in-person meeting will have the opportunity to speak at the podium.&nbsp; Awards and Proclamations

Recognition of the week of February 18 through February 24, 2024 as Engineers Week. Libby Lorenson, P.E, President of the Smoky Valley Chapter of Professional Engineers will read the proclamation.

&nbsp;Public Hearings&nbsp;

Salina Baseball Enterprises Agreement Amendment-&nbsp;a Public Hearing confirming the Naming Initiatives brought forth by Salina Baseball Enterprises for two facilities located at Berkley Family&nbsp;Recreational Area.

Consider the approval of Resolution No. 24-8188 ratifying the honorary naming of the field known as Tower Field as "Roger Wilbur Field" and for the philanthropic naming of the field currently named Roger Wilbur Field as "Pestinger Family Stadium" subject to the precondition of the certification of available funding for Phase One renovations to the current "Roger Wilbur Field" in accordance with the Municipal Facility Naming Guidelines&nbsp;Consider the approval to authorize the Mayor to Execute a First Amendment to the October 9, 2023 Agreement with Salina Baseball Enterprises relating to Wilbur&nbsp;Field and James Matson Field.

(5.1) Approve the minutes of the meeting of January 22, 2024.

 (5.2) Approve Resolution No. 24-8189 updating the City of Salina Personnel Manual

(5.3) Consider change orders no. 2 and 3 totaling $81,478.92 with T&amp;R Construction, Inc. for Project No. 20029, Centennial ditch water line adjustments and sewer line protection, increasing the previous project authorization by $27,976.96 to $1,450,201.17 and authorizing the City Manager to execute the change orders.

(5.4) Consider awarding the bid for Project No. 24005, 2024 Chip Seal, to Circle C Construction of Goddard in the amount of $327,872.88 with a $16,393.64 (5%) construction contingency for a total project authorization not to exceed $344,266.52 and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Circle C Construction of Goddard upon fulfillment of all prerequisites under the bid documents.

(5.5) Consider awarding the bid for Project No. 24004, 2024 Pavement Sealing to Circle C Construction of Goddard. Kansas in the amount of $498,544.87 with a $49,854.49 (10%) construction contingency for a total project authorization not to exceed $548,399.36 and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Circle C Construction of Goddard, Kansas upon fulfillment of all prerequisites under the bid documents.

(5.6) Approve Resolution No. 24-8190 appointing a member of the Planning Commission to serve on the Heritage Commission.

(5.7) Authorize rebuild of landfill compactor Unit #1842 through Foley's Equipment (Salina)
for an amount not to exceed $595,000.00.

(5.8) Approve Resolution No. 24-8082 authorizing the Mayor to sign a First Addendum to the Memorandum of Understanding among the City of Salina, Saline County, and Central Kansas Mental Health Center relating to the Mental Health Co-Responder Program.

(6.1) Approve Ordinance No. 24-11194 or No. 24-11195 modifying existing City of Salina code
sections regarding keeping of chickens within City limits. Ordinance No. 24-11194 incorporates directions from the City Commission. Ordinance No. 24-11195 incorporates further recommendations by the Animal Control Advisory and Appeals Board.

 (6.2) Authorize the purchase of a fire apparatus from Pierce Manufacturing through Conrad Fire
Equipment in the amount of $8,939,831.13 with a 5% contingency.

<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 POSTThe Salina City Commission meeting will take place in–person at the City/County Building in Room 107 today at 4 p.m.&nbsp; and via Zoom.&nbsp;Meetings can be viewed at the City of Salina YouTube channel,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.&nbsp;To participate via Zoom, citizens will need to use the following link:&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587" target="_blank">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587</a>.&nbsp;The meeting can also be accessed by phone at&nbsp;1-346-248-7799. Enter Meeting ID: 892 7598 4587 when prompted.&nbsp;If citizens wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, citizens attending via Zoom must raise their hand so that the meeting host can allow them to speak. Those who attend the in-person meeting will have the opportunity to speak at the podium.&nbsp; Awards and Proclamations Recognition of the week of February 18 through February 24, 2024 as Engineers Week. Libby Lorenson, P.E, President of the Smoky Valley Chapter of Professional Engineers will read the proclamation. &nbsp;Public Hearings&nbsp;Salina Baseball Enterprises Agreement Amendment-&nbsp;a Public Hearing confirming the Naming Initiatives brought forth by Salina Baseball Enterprises for two facilities located at Berkley Family&nbsp;Recreational Area.Consider the approval of Resolution No. 24-8188 ratifying the honorary naming of the field known as Tower Field as "Roger Wilbur Field" and for the philanthropic naming of the field currently named Roger Wilbur Field as "Pestinger Family Stadium" subject to the precondition of the certification of available funding for Phase One renovations to the current "Roger Wilbur Field" in accordance with the Municipal Facility Naming Guidelines&nbsp;Consider the approval to authorize the Mayor to Execute a First Amendment to the October 9, 2023 Agreement with Salina Baseball Enterprises relating to Wilbur&nbsp;Field and James Matson Field. Consent Agenda (5.1) Approve the minutes of the meeting of January 22, 2024. (5.2) Approve Resolution No. 24-8189 updating the City of Salina Personnel Manual(5.3) Consider change orders no. 2 and 3 totaling $81,478.92 with T&amp;R Construction, Inc. for Project No. 20029, Centennial ditch water line adjustments and sewer line protection, increasing the previous project authorization by $27,976.96 to $1,450,201.17 and authorizing the City Manager to execute the change orders.(5.4) Consider awarding the bid for Project No. 24005, 2024 Chip Seal, to Circle C Construction of Goddard in the amount of $327,872.88 with a $16,393.64 (5%) construction contingency for a total project authorization not to exceed $344,266.52 and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Circle C Construction of Goddard upon fulfillment of all prerequisites under the bid documents.(5.5) Consider awarding the bid for Project No. 24004, 2024 Pavement Sealing to Circle C Construction of Goddard. Kansas in the amount of $498,544.87 with a $49,854.49 (10%) construction contingency for a total project authorization not to exceed $548,399.36 and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Circle C Construction of Goddard, Kansas upon fulfillment of all prerequisites under the bid documents.(5.6) Approve Resolution No. 24-8190 appointing a member of the Planning Commission to serve on the Heritage Commission.(5.7) Authorize rebuild of landfill compactor Unit #1842 through Foley's Equipment (Salina)
for an amount not to exceed $595,000.00.(5.8) Approve Resolution No. 24-8082 authorizing the Mayor to sign a First Addendum to the Memorandum of Understanding among the City of Salina, Saline County, and Central Kansas Mental Health Center relating to the Mental Health Co-Responder Program. Administration (6.1) Approve Ordinance No. 24-11194 or No. 24-11195 modifying existing City of Salina code
sections regarding keeping of chickens within City limits. Ordinance No. 24-11194 incorporates directions from the City Commission. Ordinance No. 24-11195 incorporates further recommendations by the Animal Control Advisory and Appeals Board. (6.2) Authorize the purchase of a fire apparatus from Pierce Manufacturing through Conrad Fire
Equipment in the amount of $8,939,831.13 with a 5% contingency.

Chickens, proclamation, public hearing on Salina City Comm. agenda

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

With a bursting-at-the-seams animal shelter and discontent for some in the Salina community, a small group of residents challenged the Salina City Commission to make changes.

"Two-year-old Lilo, taken from Tanya, a legally blind woman, on 9/10/2022, held for 10 months and euthanized on July 6, 2023, because she wasn't placeable. She was already in a loving home and had done nothing wrong," said Debrah Corrales, a Salina resident, to commissioners. "It is time to stop putting the deeds of other dogs on the lives of good dogs based on their appearance."

Lilo was a pit bull type dog, a type of dog banned in the city since 2004 because of a severe attack on a young child by two canines identified as pit bulls.

Since then, Salina has continued the ban for two decades, causing the city to spend thousands of dollars on dogs that often end up euthanized.&nbsp;

This wasn't the first time Corrales stood before the City Commission with this statement — for the last decade, Corrales has attended multiple Salina City Commission meetings to plead for most of these dogs' lives.

Corrales said the primary reason behind her activism is saving dogs' lives from the shelter and promoting good ownership of all animals. Another aspect she spreads awareness about too is how much cash the Salina Animal Shelter spends on DNA testing due to the ban.

"They have spent over $7,000 DNA'ing these dogs and then killing them or giving them away," Corrales said.

Corrales, Rose Base, the previous shelter director, Michelle Timson, an Ottawa County resident, and Laura Currie, a Salina resident, spoke to the commission recently, renewing the push this year to repeal the legislation.

On Monday, Jan. 22, the small group attended the meeting and shared an update from the shelter, complete with recent euthanasia and transfers.

Before any members spoke to the commission, Salina Mayor Bill Longbine prefaced the conversation with a statement for the city commissioners.

"Our shelter is full of dogs that are not adoptable, and anyway you look at it, we have no plan going forward, and it's not sustainable to just hold these dogs forever," Longbine said during the meeting. "I think as a commission, this is something we need to take on this year, sooner rather than later."

After Longbine finished his statement to the commission, Timson stood up and spoke first, setting up some biology facts about domesticated dogs.

According to the City of Salina, dog breeds banned within the city include the American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, and any other breed with a predominant appearance and characteristics of pit bull-type dogs.

Michelle Timson, a Salina resident, said cities often ban pit bull-type breeds due to a "locking jaw" and an incredible bite force, but in reality, pit bull breeds have no unique anatomy that allows them to lock on once they bite.

"Powerful breeds are measured by the psi of their bite force," Timson said to commissioners. "The Dutch shepherd is 224 psi; the American pit bull is 235; the Australian shepherd, for Mayor Longbine, is 238. The Rottweiler is 328, a wolf dog is 400, a mastiff is 556, a cane corso is 700, and a Kangal Anatolian is 743. So the pit bull is obviously in the lower end — any dog can be a dangerous dog."

Timson shared her experience with dogs, as she grooms pets just north of Saline County. In her experience, any unsocialized, abused or neglected dog can be an aggressive animal, and that does not depend on breed but rather the owners.

She found another issue BSL causes for the larger Salina community — dumped pets.

"I have recently found another pit bull that has been dumped in Ottawa County close to my home this last week," Timson said. "This makes two pit bulls within a year and a half that I've seen dumped. So how many more out there that have been disregarded like trash outside of the county?"

Timson pushed the commission to begin holding owners responsible rather than the dog since dogs become aggressive due to mishandling or abuse.

LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/search?search=listen">🎙King in the Community: 'You're a Good Man Charlie Brown the Musical'</a>

Base also spoke to commissioners during the meeting, telling commissioners her experience with the animal shelter and how it causes challenges for the service.

"I really think it's time that it gets repealed — our animal shelter is in a dire crisis. It has been for some time now," Base said to commissioners. "I know there's been talk about building extra kennels, but that isn't the answer. Holding these dogs, it's just not the answer. We need to get these animals out of the shelter and treat them on a case-by-case basis."

A member of the Salinans against BSL group, Tyler Colt Sartain, is a delivery driver in Saline County, and he often sees dogs across the county when on his delivery route.

Sartain said he had been bitten on deliveries twice, and both were from German shepherds.

One aspect Sartain said matters to him is the loss of personal freedom when living in a city with BSL restrictions and that it isn't effective in keeping pit bull breeds out of Salina.

"These dogs are banned right now, but guess what? There are thousands of them in town right now, and if they were really that bad of a breed, we'd be seeing attacks on the news every night," Sartain said. "It's all fear-mongering and bad information — people really need to get their facts checked and allow people to have their freedoms."

In 2021, Abilene repealed its ban on the breed, and with effective animal control strategies before 2021, yearly bite rates have decreased since 2018.

According to Michael Ragsdale, the Abilene Police Department community services officer, in 2018, Abilene reported 33 dog bites, 2019 had 20, 2020 had 17, 2021 had 13, 2022 had 10, and 2023 increased slightly with 15 bites.

"Each vicious or nuisance case is different, and while we charge out these offenses the same, the solutions to prevent future issues can be unique to the situation," Ragsdale said. "Police department staff work with the city prosecutor and animal owner to reach an outcome that is suitable to help ensure the safety of our community. This could be requiring the dog to wear a muzzle when outside, fencing repairs, additional stop gaps, having the dog rehomed, or, in extreme situations, the dog euthanized."

The most significant threat to animal control staff is the unknown factors of each call, with the unpredictability of animals and their owners causing the most challenges.

Other towns like Overland Park and Junction City have also repealed the ban in recent years, with many citing the same issues that Salina currently faces with BSL in place.

Base, Timson, and Corrales agreed that repealing the ban would lead to more effective animal management and efficient shelter space for all rescued animals.

Some in the community still feel like a ban is necessary for safety, though, and Longbine said he has heard both sides from residents and city staff.

"I felt there was not support from the Commission to make changes, nor is there support from the public," Longbine said. "What's happening now is just not sustainable, and we need to come up with something."

The Salina Animal Shelter is a no-kill shelter, but in January 2024, Corrales shared that through requested documents, she found that six dogs were euthanized in January, and five were identified as pit bulls.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707346612592.jpeg" alt="Salina resident Debrah Corrales stands in front of the Salina City Commission on Monday, Jan. 22, to request commissioners look into the Breed Specific Legislation on pit bulls once more at the Saline County/City of Salina building. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina resident Debrah Corrales stands in front of the Salina City Commission on Monday, Jan. 22, to request commissioners look into the Breed Specific Legislation on pit bulls once more at the Saline County/City of Salina building. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostWith a bursting-at-the-seams animal shelter and discontent for some in the Salina community, a small group of residents challenged the Salina City Commission to make changes."Two-year-old Lilo, taken from Tanya, a legally blind woman, on 9/10/2022, held for 10 months and euthanized on July 6, 2023, because she wasn't placeable. She was already in a loving home and had done nothing wrong," said Debrah Corrales, a Salina resident, to commissioners. "It is time to stop putting the deeds of other dogs on the lives of good dogs based on their appearance."Lilo was a pit bull type dog, a type of dog banned in the city since 2004 because of a severe attack on a young child by two canines identified as pit bulls.Since then, Salina has continued the ban for two decades, causing the city to spend thousands of dollars on dogs that often end up euthanized.&nbsp;This wasn't the first time Corrales stood before the City Commission with this statement — for the last decade, Corrales has attended multiple Salina City Commission meetings to plead for most of these dogs' lives.Corrales said the primary reason behind her activism is saving dogs' lives from the shelter and promoting good ownership of all animals. Another aspect she spreads awareness about too is how much cash the Salina Animal Shelter spends on DNA testing due to the ban."They have spent over $7,000 DNA'ing these dogs and then killing them or giving them away," Corrales said.Corrales, Rose Base, the previous shelter director, Michelle Timson, an Ottawa County resident, and Laura Currie, a Salina resident, spoke to the commission recently, renewing the push this year to repeal the legislation.On Monday, Jan. 22, the small group attended the meeting and shared an update from the shelter, complete with recent euthanasia and transfers.<h2>The effort to repeal BSL</h2>Before any members spoke to the commission, Salina Mayor Bill Longbine prefaced the conversation with a statement for the city commissioners."Our shelter is full of dogs that are not adoptable, and anyway you look at it, we have no plan going forward, and it's not sustainable to just hold these dogs forever," Longbine said during the meeting. "I think as a commission, this is something we need to take on this year, sooner rather than later."After Longbine finished his statement to the commission, Timson stood up and spoke first, setting up some biology facts about domesticated dogs.According to the City of Salina, dog breeds banned within the city include the American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, and any other breed with a predominant appearance and characteristics of pit bull-type dogs.Michelle Timson, a Salina resident, said cities often ban pit bull-type breeds due to a "locking jaw" and an incredible bite force, but in reality, pit bull breeds have no unique anatomy that allows them to lock on once they bite."Powerful breeds are measured by the psi of their bite force," Timson said to commissioners. "The Dutch shepherd is 224 psi; the American pit bull is 235; the Australian shepherd, for Mayor Longbine, is 238. The Rottweiler is 328, a wolf dog is 400, a mastiff is 556, a cane corso is 700, and a Kangal Anatolian is 743. So the pit bull is obviously in the lower end — any dog can be a dangerous dog."Timson shared her experience with dogs, as she grooms pets just north of Saline County. In her experience, any unsocialized, abused or neglected dog can be an aggressive animal, and that does not depend on breed but rather the owners.She found another issue BSL causes for the larger Salina community — dumped pets."I have recently found another pit bull that has been dumped in Ottawa County close to my home this last week," Timson said. "This makes two pit bulls within a year and a half that I've seen dumped. So how many more out there that have been disregarded like trash outside of the county?"Timson pushed the commission to begin holding owners responsible rather than the dog since dogs become aggressive due to mishandling or abuse.LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/search?search=listen">🎙King in the Community: 'You're a Good Man Charlie Brown the Musical'</a>Base also spoke to commissioners during the meeting, telling commissioners her experience with the animal shelter and how it causes challenges for the service."I really think it's time that it gets repealed — our animal shelter is in a dire crisis. It has been for some time now," Base said to commissioners. "I know there's been talk about building extra kennels, but that isn't the answer. Holding these dogs, it's just not the answer. We need to get these animals out of the shelter and treat them on a case-by-case basis."A member of the Salinans against BSL group, Tyler Colt Sartain, is a delivery driver in Saline County, and he often sees dogs across the county when on his delivery route.Sartain said he had been bitten on deliveries twice, and both were from German shepherds.One aspect Sartain said matters to him is the loss of personal freedom when living in a city with BSL restrictions and that it isn't effective in keeping pit bull breeds out of Salina."These dogs are banned right now, but guess what? There are thousands of them in town right now, and if they were really that bad of a breed, we'd be seeing attacks on the news every night," Sartain said. "It's all fear-mongering and bad information — people really need to get their facts checked and allow people to have their freedoms."<h2>What does repealing the ban look like?</h2>In 2021, Abilene repealed its ban on the breed, and with effective animal control strategies before 2021, yearly bite rates have decreased since 2018.According to Michael Ragsdale, the Abilene Police Department community services officer, in 2018, Abilene reported 33 dog bites, 2019 had 20, 2020 had 17, 2021 had 13, 2022 had 10, and 2023 increased slightly with 15 bites."Each vicious or nuisance case is different, and while we charge out these offenses the same, the solutions to prevent future issues can be unique to the situation," Ragsdale said. "Police department staff work with the city prosecutor and animal owner to reach an outcome that is suitable to help ensure the safety of our community. This could be requiring the dog to wear a muzzle when outside, fencing repairs, additional stop gaps, having the dog rehomed, or, in extreme situations, the dog euthanized."The most significant threat to animal control staff is the unknown factors of each call, with the unpredictability of animals and their owners causing the most challenges.Other towns like Overland Park and Junction City have also repealed the ban in recent years, with many citing the same issues that Salina currently faces with BSL in place.Base, Timson, and Corrales agreed that repealing the ban would lead to more effective animal management and efficient shelter space for all rescued animals.Some in the community still feel like a ban is necessary for safety, though, and Longbine said he has heard both sides from residents and city staff."I felt there was not support from the Commission to make changes, nor is there support from the public," Longbine said. "What's happening now is just not sustainable, and we need to come up with something."The Salina Animal Shelter is a no-kill shelter, but in January 2024, Corrales shared that through requested documents, she found that six dogs were euthanized in January, and five were identified as pit bulls.

Salinans Against BSL group requests change for an over-capacity Animal Shelter

The popcorning sound of welders alongside the whirs of large overhead cranes moving heavy pieces of steel around the shop is a typical Tuesday for the workers at PKM Steel Service, INC.

Blue light cast against the welders' masks, and each took pride knowing that this American steel would be part of Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev.&nbsp;

Before 2019, PKM Steel began work on more than 400 tons of American-made steel for part of the giant stadium, and in just a few short days, it will be the stage for Superbowl LVIII.

"405 tons took 11,630 hours of shop labor," said PKM Project Manager Todd Crissman. "That's us, production control, parts, beam line, cutting and fitting, welding, blasting, painting, and then loading it on the truck and out the door."

By 2019, PKM Steel finished shipping its section of Allegiant Stadium, and the stadium opened in 2020.

The company also constructed the steel for the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters and Training Facility Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center in Henderson, Nev.&nbsp;

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/128611bc-b8f3-4cb8-9667-5b9fa764a124">Salinans Against BSL group requests change for an over-capacity Animal Shelter</a>

PKM Steel, the best-kept secret of Salina

The now-global steel production business began small, with Founder Paul Mai, a German immigrant from Schweinfurt, Germany, beginning his career as a young man in the post-war landscape of Europe.&nbsp;

He soon moved to the United States in 1958 with only about $20 in his pocket and no way to speak English. This didn't stop Mai from completing various jobs around Central Kansas until 1962 when he set up shop in Salina.

According to the <a href="https://www.pkmsteel.com/">PKM Steel Service website</a>, he opened a one-person welding shop in the southern industrial area of town. His first contract was the Roosevelt-Lincoln Middle School Gymnasium.

Sometime later, Mai contracted with Fort Riley to build the Bombing Range observation towers, and business began growing from there.

"Our founder built a heck of a facility all those years ago," said PKM Steel Project Manager Richard Roland. "We have an 80-ton crane lifting capacity, a 12-foot by five-foot blaster, and very good welders that can do complicated structures."

Roland said much of the company's success stems from Mai's initial business structure, gaining customers based on the worker's merit and dedication to steel fabrication.

In 1988, PKM Steel Service Inc. established itself as a permanent feature of Salina's industrial region. PKM has 290,000 square feet of fabrication space today and multiple additional companies, including MSS Transport Inc., <a href="https://salinasteel.com/">Salina Steel Supply Inc.</a> and <a href="https://www.maicoind.com/">Maico Industries Inc.</a>

Many of its customers know the company for consistent work and complicated welding capabilities. The Allegiant Stadium was a recent example of how complex welding can become in steel fabrication.

"This was a very complicated project. It was a lot of heavy welding," Roland said. "It was quite a bit of man hours per ton — we have some [projects] that are 1,600 tons that only take 8,000 man hours."

The Allegiant Stadium project had 28.7 hours of labor per ton of steel, which Crissman said was primarily due to the complicated welding required for the stadium.

LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eb9df953-96e5-4530-a4a8-9bf6344add0e">🎙King in the Community: State Rep. Steven Howe gives legislative update</a>

PKM Steel was only one of about 20 different steel fabrication companies in the U.S. that worked on the stadium, so they built just one portion of the larger structure.

Before any steel arrives at PKM, they source it from a foundry, often in the United States, to fabricate it for large projects like stadiums and arenas.

PKM initially sourced its steel from Belgium, but it began sourcing the metal worldwide once production became demanding.

Most of the steel arrives by train or truck in large beams or sheets, where welders and engineers at PKM will then cut, clean and construct various parts of the overall build to prepare for shipping.

According to PKM Project Manager Mike Whittecar, workers fit each part together before shipping the final product to customers.&nbsp;

Today, the President of PKM Steel, Frieda Mai-Weis, is the daughter of Paul Mai, and she continues his legacy with Whittecar, Roland, and Crissman, citing her leadership skills as a contributor to the company's global success.

"That sense of pride is a big thing," Crissman said. "Small-town guys putting steel together that goes nationwide — coast-to-coast and around the world."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707489113753.jpeg" alt="The finished Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev. Image courtesy PKM Steel Service Inc." />
 <figcaption>The finished Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev. Image courtesy PKM Steel Service Inc.</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostThe popcorning sound of welders alongside the whirs of large overhead cranes moving heavy pieces of steel around the shop is a typical Tuesday for the workers at PKM Steel Service, INC.Blue light cast against the welders' masks, and each took pride knowing that this American steel would be part of Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev.&nbsp;Before 2019, PKM Steel began work on more than 400 tons of American-made steel for part of the giant stadium, and in just a few short days, it will be the stage for Superbowl LVIII.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707489410482.jpeg" alt="Construction on the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev. Image courtesy PKM Steel Service Inc. " />
 <figcaption>Construction on the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev. Image courtesy PKM Steel Service Inc. </figcaption>
 </figure>"405 tons took 11,630 hours of shop labor," said PKM Project Manager Todd Crissman. "That's us, production control, parts, beam line, cutting and fitting, welding, blasting, painting, and then loading it on the truck and out the door."By 2019, PKM Steel finished shipping its section of Allegiant Stadium, and the stadium opened in 2020.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707433496184.jpeg" alt="Construction workers mill about under the large awning of what would become part of the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters and Training Facility Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center in Henderson, Nev. Image courtesy PKM Steel Service Inc." />
 <figcaption>Construction workers mill about under the large awning of what would become part of the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters and Training Facility Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center in Henderson, Nev. Image courtesy PKM Steel Service Inc.</figcaption>
 </figure>The company also constructed the steel for the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters and Training Facility Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center in Henderson, Nev.&nbsp;READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/128611bc-b8f3-4cb8-9667-5b9fa764a124">Salinans Against BSL group requests change for an over-capacity Animal Shelter</a><h2>PKM Steel, the best-kept secret of Salina</h2>The now-global steel production business began small, with Founder Paul Mai, a German immigrant from Schweinfurt, Germany, beginning his career as a young man in the post-war landscape of Europe.&nbsp;He soon moved to the United States in 1958 with only about $20 in his pocket and no way to speak English. This didn't stop Mai from completing various jobs around Central Kansas until 1962 when he set up shop in Salina.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707431536691.jpeg" alt="PKM Steel Service Inc. Project Manager Mike Whittecar chats on the phone in one section of the PKM fabrication shops on Monday, Feb. 5, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>PKM Steel Service Inc. Project Manager Mike Whittecar chats on the phone in one section of the PKM fabrication shops on Monday, Feb. 5, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>According to the <a href="https://www.pkmsteel.com/">PKM Steel Service website</a>, he opened a one-person welding shop in the southern industrial area of town. His first contract was the Roosevelt-Lincoln Middle School Gymnasium.Sometime later, Mai contracted with Fort Riley to build the Bombing Range observation towers, and business began growing from there."Our founder built a heck of a facility all those years ago," said PKM Steel Project Manager Richard Roland. "We have an 80-ton crane lifting capacity, a 12-foot by five-foot blaster, and very good welders that can do complicated structures."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707431633156.jpeg" alt="PKM Steel Service Inc., first founded in 1962, is one of the top steel fabrication businesses in the United States. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>PKM Steel Service Inc., first founded in 1962, is one of the top steel fabrication businesses in the United States. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Roland said much of the company's success stems from Mai's initial business structure, gaining customers based on the worker's merit and dedication to steel fabrication.In 1988, PKM Steel Service Inc. established itself as a permanent feature of Salina's industrial region. PKM has 290,000 square feet of fabrication space today and multiple additional companies, including MSS Transport Inc., <a href="https://salinasteel.com/">Salina Steel Supply Inc.</a> and <a href="https://www.maicoind.com/">Maico Industries Inc.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707490947332.jpeg" alt="A complicated joint comprised of different pieces of steel welded together by PKM Steel Service Inc. workers. Image courtesy PKM Steel Service Inc." />
 <figcaption>A complicated joint comprised of different pieces of steel welded together by PKM Steel Service Inc. workers. Image courtesy PKM Steel Service Inc.</figcaption>
 </figure>Many of its customers know the company for consistent work and complicated welding capabilities. The Allegiant Stadium was a recent example of how complex welding can become in steel fabrication."This was a very complicated project. It was a lot of heavy welding," Roland said. "It was quite a bit of man hours per ton — we have some [projects] that are 1,600 tons that only take 8,000 man hours."The Allegiant Stadium project had 28.7 hours of labor per ton of steel, which Crissman said was primarily due to the complicated welding required for the stadium.LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eb9df953-96e5-4530-a4a8-9bf6344add0e">🎙King in the Community: State Rep. Steven Howe gives legislative update</a>PKM Steel was only one of about 20 different steel fabrication companies in the U.S. that worked on the stadium, so they built just one portion of the larger structure.Before any steel arrives at PKM, they source it from a foundry, often in the United States, to fabricate it for large projects like stadiums and arenas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707431699108.jpeg" alt="Stacks of steel sit in the PKM Steel Service Inc. holding bay, close to the railroad tracks just outside its large doors, on Monday, Feb. 5, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Stacks of steel sit in the PKM Steel Service Inc. holding bay, close to the railroad tracks just outside its large doors, on Monday, Feb. 5, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>PKM initially sourced its steel from Belgium, but it began sourcing the metal worldwide once production became demanding.Most of the steel arrives by train or truck in large beams or sheets, where welders and engineers at PKM will then cut, clean and construct various parts of the overall build to prepare for shipping.According to PKM Project Manager Mike Whittecar, workers fit each part together before shipping the final product to customers.&nbsp;Today, the President of PKM Steel, Frieda Mai-Weis, is the daughter of Paul Mai, and she continues his legacy with Whittecar, Roland, and Crissman, citing her leadership skills as a contributor to the company's global success."That sense of pride is a big thing," Crissman said. "Small-town guys putting steel together that goes nationwide — coast-to-coast and around the world."

Salina's best-kept secret — PKM Steel helped construct Super Bowl LVIII Allegiant Stadium

Early Tuesday morning, Saline County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a vehicle fire on the northwest side of Salina.

At 5:59 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, the Sheriff's Office received a call about an SUV engulfed in flames on West North Street shortly west of North Tressin Road.

Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander said due to muddy road conditions, deputies did not reach the scene until around 6:15 a.m. When they arrived, most of its identifiable characteristics had already burned away. 

"It is burnt so bad that he described it as being either dark purple, silver, black or red," Melander said. "We do think that it is a Jeep SUV four-door; right now, it's silver in color because of the fire."

Saline County Rural Fire District Seven subdued the blaze and allowed deputies to look closer at the vehicle. They didn't locate anyone around the car, and the fire burned away the Vehicle Identification Number or VIN on the windshield.

Melander said it seemed as though the Jeep likely had gotten stuck in the muddy conditions of the dirt road and overheated when the driver attempted to free the vehicle.

The road conditions also delayed Saline County's response since most responders had to use North Tressin Road to reach the scene since some of West North Street was impassible at the time.

Through further investigation, deputies located another VIN stamp and found its driver, which confirmed the initial speculation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707487648286.jpeg" alt="The charred husk of a Jeep SUV on Tuesday, Feb. 6, near the 2600 block of West North Street in Salina. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>The charred husk of a Jeep SUV on Tuesday, Feb. 6, near the 2600 block of West North Street in Salina. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostEarly Tuesday morning, Saline County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a vehicle fire on the northwest side of Salina.At 5:59 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, the Sheriff's Office received a call about an SUV engulfed in flames on West North Street shortly west of North Tressin Road.Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander said due to muddy road conditions, deputies did not reach the scene until around 6:15 a.m. When they arrived, most of its identifiable characteristics had already burned away. "It is burnt so bad that he described it as being either dark purple, silver, black or red," Melander said. "We do think that it is a Jeep SUV four-door; right now, it's silver in color because of the fire."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707487685288.jpeg" alt="A closer look at the charred remains of a Jeep SUV on Tuesday Feb. 6, near the 2600 block of West North Street in Salina. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>A closer look at the charred remains of a Jeep SUV on Tuesday Feb. 6, near the 2600 block of West North Street in Salina. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Saline County Rural Fire District Seven subdued the blaze and allowed deputies to look closer at the vehicle. They didn't locate anyone around the car, and the fire burned away the Vehicle Identification Number or VIN on the windshield.Melander said it seemed as though the Jeep likely had gotten stuck in the muddy conditions of the dirt road and overheated when the driver attempted to free the vehicle.The road conditions also delayed Saline County's response since most responders had to use North Tressin Road to reach the scene since some of West North Street was impassible at the time.Through further investigation, deputies located another VIN stamp and found its driver, which confirmed the initial speculation.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/128611bc-b8f3-4cb8-9667-5b9fa764a124">Salinans Against BSL group requests change for an over-capacity Animal Shelter</a>

Jeep catches on fire after getting stuck in mud on W. North Street

Updated at 12:16 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 8 By SALINA POST

Kansas Wesleyan University staff released a statement with further information on this morning's death on campus.

According to the statement from KWU President Matthew R. Thompson, Teacher Education Department Head Eileen St. John was found deceased in her office located inside Pioneer Hall.

"Dr. St. John was a leader on campus and a family-oriented individual who gave her all to her students every day. She will be truly missed," Thompson said in the online statement. "We will post additional information remembering her life and her effect on KWU in the very near future."

Chaplains are available for students across campus alongside some additional community support from USD 305 counselors and other organizations.

Staff have canceled or postponed all academic and athletic events from today until Sunday and closed Pioneer Hall for the day.

Thompson also reiterated in the statement that students were not in danger and no further danger was presented due to the incident.

---------------------------------------------------------

On Thursday morning, at 7:48 a.m., Salina Police Officers were dispatched to Kansas Wesleyan University, 100 E. Claflin, in regards to a person who was reportedly injured in one of the buildings.&nbsp;

According to a statement from the Salina Police Department, when officers arrived and secured the scene the person was declared deceased.

There is no indication that there is any further danger to any facility, staff, or students at KWU.

SPD detectives are working with campus security and an investigation is ongoing.&nbsp;

Kansas Wesleyan University released the following statement to students, faculty, and staff informing them classes had been canceled for Thursday, Feb. 8.&nbsp;

"Many of you may have noticed police and EMT presence on campus this morning. There is no danger to the community. However, there has been a significant tragedy on campus this morning. All classes are cancelled for the day. Leadership will brief different segments of campus at 9 a.m."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707405887183.jpeg" alt="SPD officers respond to a deceased person found at KWU. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>SPD officers respond to a deceased person found at KWU. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Updated at 12:16 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 8 By SALINA POSTKansas Wesleyan University staff released a statement with further information on this morning's death on campus.According to the statement from KWU President Matthew R. Thompson, Teacher Education Department Head Eileen St. John was found deceased in her office located inside Pioneer Hall."Dr. St. John was a leader on campus and a family-oriented individual who gave her all to her students every day. She will be truly missed," Thompson said in the online statement. "We will post additional information remembering her life and her effect on KWU in the very near future."Chaplains are available for students across campus alongside some additional community support from USD 305 counselors and other organizations.Staff have canceled or postponed all academic and athletic events from today until Sunday and closed Pioneer Hall for the day.Thompson also reiterated in the statement that students were not in danger and no further danger was presented due to the incident.---------------------------------------------------------By SALINA POSTOn Thursday morning, at 7:48 a.m., Salina Police Officers were dispatched to Kansas Wesleyan University, 100 E. Claflin, in regards to a person who was reportedly injured in one of the buildings.&nbsp;According to a statement from the Salina Police Department, when officers arrived and secured the scene the person was declared deceased.There is no indication that there is any further danger to any facility, staff, or students at KWU.SPD detectives are working with campus security and an investigation is ongoing.&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan University released the following statement to students, faculty, and staff informing them classes had been canceled for Thursday, Feb. 8.&nbsp;"Many of you may have noticed police and EMT presence on campus this morning. There is no danger to the community. However, there has been a significant tragedy on campus this morning. All classes are cancelled for the day. Leadership will brief different segments of campus at 9 a.m."Salina Post will update this story as more information becomes available.

UPDATED: SPD discover professor deceased in Pioneer Hall

Updated 10:42 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 By OLIVIA BERGMEIER

Early Monday morning, a driver struck a pedestrian crossing at a crosswalk near the Salina YMCA.

According to Sgt. Chad McCary, 66-year-old Salina resident Orville Mann, driving a 2018 Jeep Cherokee, struck 18-year-old Salinan Allison Cole while she walked across YMCA Drive away from the exercise facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707150046365.png" alt="An 18-year-old pedestrian was struck by a vehicle near the Salina YMCA located at 570 YMCA Drive. Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>An 18-year-old pedestrian was struck by a vehicle near the Salina YMCA located at 570 YMCA Drive. Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>Updated 10:42 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 By OLIVIA BERGMEIEREarly Monday morning, a driver struck a pedestrian crossing at a crosswalk near the Salina YMCA.According to Sgt. Chad McCary, 66-year-old Salina resident Orville Mann, driving a 2018 Jeep Cherokee, struck 18-year-old Salinan Allison Cole while she walked across YMCA Drive away from the exercise facility.Mann left the YMCA parking lot and turned northbound onto YMCA Drive, where he struck Cole."She had severe head trauma consisting of a fractured skull from falling or hitting the ground," McCary said. "She was alert and conscious the whole time that we were there. EMS arrived and transported her to the hospital."McCary said detectives are currently reviewing video footage of the incident, but foggy conditions did not seem to be a factor in the strike. "We are still looking at some evidence to determine culpability on one or both's responsibilities," McCary said.---------------------------------------------------------By NATE KING Salina PostToday at 7:24 a.m. Salina Police and EMS received a call regarding a pedestrian-vehicle accident near the Salina YMCA.According to Salina Police Department Sgt. Chad McCary, a vehicle driven by a 66-year-old Salina man was traveling northbound on YMCA Drive when his car hit an 18-year-old pedestrian walking towards the YMCA. Sgt. McCary said the pedestrian was walking in the crosswalk at the time of the accident.&nbsp;Salina EMS transported the 18-year-old victim to Salina Regional Health Center with unspecified injuries.&nbsp;"It was foggy and dark this morning. We are working to determine the cause of the accident," McCary said.&nbsp;Salina Post will update this story as more information becomes available.&nbsp;