By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

Every year, parents worldwide aim to fill the base of their family Christmas tree with colorful wrapped gifts for a memorable Christmas morning. 

Many parents stress getting their children gifts for Christmas, and in Salina, hundreds of families found some relief when budgeting for this holiday season.

Over the weekend, Voice of 99KG Shane McClintock hosted the annual Shane McClintock's Toyathon at Walmart in town and camped overnight until the community donated more than 5,000 toys.

"Anybody can donate food, pasta, or toys, too, but what's the focus behind it?" McClintock said. "I think there has to be a genuine intent that people have to believe in... so I think it's just unique."

The group began at 11 a.m. Saturday, hoisting up the large signs to inform visitors about the Toyathon's progress. 

McClintock, U.S. Marine Sgt. Brandon Uhrich and 910KINA Program Director Chris Cadle, also known as "Beaver" on 99KG, would count the toys and update the signs every hour. By 9 p.m., the group had raised more than half their goal on Saturday with 3,227 toys.

After counting the toys each hour, McClintock said the group would then load the toys into a semi provided by Doug Bradley Trucking to transport to local charity groups.

The Toyathon donates to <a href="https://www.bbbssalina.org/">Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina</a>, <a href="https://capsofsalina.org/">Child Advocacy Parenting Services</a>, <a href="https://ccnks.org/">Catholic Charities</a>, <a href="http://dvack.org/?page_id=26">Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas</a>, <a href="https://www.ashbyhouse.org/">The Ashby House</a>, the <a href="https://www.unitedwaysalina.org/">Salina Area United Way</a> and a few other local organizations.

McClintock began the Toyathon a decade ago, bringing the idea from Wichita to Salina when he started as a personality at 99KG. He said one of the most significant impacts for local agencies is the volume of toys the Toyathon provides.

"If agencies put on a toy drive, they'll probably get 30, 40 toys. We'll give them 1,000," McClintock said. "If they do a toy drive, they'll seriously get maybe 50 toys, and we'll give them to truckload — it's just a huge."

One of the agencies that receives toys from the donation event, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina, BBBS, can give toys to each of the families they serve in Saline County and often donate more to community members outside the organization.

Amanda Otto, CEO of BBBS, said after each of the 200 children involved with the agency gets a gift or a few, they open up their toy donation to all community members.

"The generous response that the Toyathon gets allows us to open that up to everybody and not have to select and choose which families in our program get to come grab a toy," Otto said. "We open up the Toyathon to where if we have a family that's not in our program that we know is struggling and just doesn't know where to go, we absolutely let them come pick out a toy because that's what it's all about."

Otto said BBBS does not budget each year for toys because the community response to the Toyathon allows the agency to spend the money on other community programs or help for families.

"We don't have any funding or budget line items that we designate for the toy giveaway," Otto said. "It's all based on the toys and the large number of donated toys during this time. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to do this."

The impact of the Toyathon spreads to not only the children of the community but also the parents, who find some relief during the stressful holiday season thanks to the Toyathon.

Cadle said that the donations impact parents just as much as the children on Christmas morning, with families sharing the season's joy.

"Getting a present is one thing, but giving that present — when your kid opens up a present, and you know you got it for them, and their face lights up, that is amazing," Cadle said. "I think that might be more so why I do it nowadays is not only for the kid but for the parents too because now their parents get to see their kid have that moment."

This week, local agencies will spread the toys across the community, bringing a bit of holiday joy to each family they help. The Toyathon distributed 5,162 toys to local organizations this year.

"I think it's something that we all take for granted," Otto said. "To be able to bring that sense of joy and that smile on the kid's face — I hope everybody that donates one toy really understands that that act did bring a smile to a kid's face."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703012145775.jpeg" alt="Toys fill the semi provided by Doug Bradley Trucking during Shane McClintock's Toyathon on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16 - 17 at Walmart in Salina. Courtesy Shane McClintock, 99KG radio personality" />
 <figcaption>Toys fill the semi provided by Doug Bradley Trucking during Shane McClintock's Toyathon on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16 - 17 at Walmart in Salina. Courtesy Shane McClintock, 99KG radio personality</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostEvery year, parents worldwide aim to fill the base of their family Christmas tree with colorful wrapped gifts for a memorable Christmas morning. Many parents stress getting their children gifts for Christmas, and in Salina, hundreds of families found some relief when budgeting for this holiday season.Over the weekend, Voice of 99KG Shane McClintock hosted the annual Shane McClintock's Toyathon at Walmart in town and camped overnight until the community donated more than 5,000 toys.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F99KGCountry%2Fvideos%2F237374426046178%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="476" 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>"Anybody can donate food, pasta, or toys, too, but what's the focus behind it?" McClintock said. "I think there has to be a genuine intent that people have to believe in... so I think it's just unique."The group began at 11 a.m. Saturday, hoisting up the large signs to inform visitors about the Toyathon's progress. McClintock, U.S. Marine Sgt. Brandon Uhrich and 910KINA Program Director Chris Cadle, also known as "Beaver" on 99KG, would count the toys and update the signs every hour. By 9 p.m., the group had raised more than half their goal on Saturday with 3,227 toys.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703011952208.jpeg" alt="Shopping carts line up to dump into the semi provided by Doug Bradley Trucking during Shane McClintock's Toyathon on Saturday, Dec. 16, at Walmart in Salina. Courtesy Shane McClintock, 99KG radio personality" />
 <figcaption>Shopping carts line up to dump into the semi provided by Doug Bradley Trucking during Shane McClintock's Toyathon on Saturday, Dec. 16, at Walmart in Salina. Courtesy Shane McClintock, 99KG radio personality</figcaption>
 </figure>After counting the toys each hour, McClintock said the group would then load the toys into a semi provided by Doug Bradley Trucking to transport to local charity groups.The Toyathon donates to <a href="https://www.bbbssalina.org/">Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina</a>, <a href="https://capsofsalina.org/">Child Advocacy Parenting Services</a>, <a href="https://ccnks.org/">Catholic Charities</a>, <a href="http://dvack.org/?page_id=26">Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas</a>, <a href="https://www.ashbyhouse.org/">The Ashby House</a>, the <a href="https://www.unitedwaysalina.org/">Salina Area United Way</a> and a few other local organizations.McClintock began the Toyathon a decade ago, bringing the idea from Wichita to Salina when he started as a personality at 99KG. He said one of the most significant impacts for local agencies is the volume of toys the Toyathon provides."If agencies put on a toy drive, they'll probably get 30, 40 toys. We'll give them 1,000," McClintock said. "If they do a toy drive, they'll seriously get maybe 50 toys, and we'll give them to truckload — it's just a huge."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703012024123.jpeg" alt="A truck filled with toys during Shane McClintock's Toyathon on Saturday, Dec. 16 at Walmart in Salina. Courtesy Shane McClintock, 99KG radio personality" />
 <figcaption>A truck filled with toys during Shane McClintock's Toyathon on Saturday, Dec. 16 at Walmart in Salina. Courtesy Shane McClintock, 99KG radio personality</figcaption>
 </figure>One of the agencies that receives toys from the donation event, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina, BBBS, can give toys to each of the families they serve in Saline County and often donate more to community members outside the organization.Amanda Otto, CEO of BBBS, said after each of the 200 children involved with the agency gets a gift or a few, they open up their toy donation to all community members."The generous response that the Toyathon gets allows us to open that up to everybody and not have to select and choose which families in our program get to come grab a toy," Otto said. "We open up the Toyathon to where if we have a family that's not in our program that we know is struggling and just doesn't know where to go, we absolutely let them come pick out a toy because that's what it's all about."Otto said BBBS does not budget each year for toys because the community response to the Toyathon allows the agency to spend the money on other community programs or help for families."We don't have any funding or budget line items that we designate for the toy giveaway," Otto said. "It's all based on the toys and the large number of donated toys during this time. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to do this."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703012477882.jpeg" alt="U.S. Marine Sgt. Brandon Uhrich changes the sign as they finish another count during Shane McClintock's Toyathon on Saturday, Dec. 16, at Walmart in Salina. Courtesy Shane McClintock, 99KG radio personality" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Marine Sgt. Brandon Uhrich changes the sign as they finish another count during Shane McClintock's Toyathon on Saturday, Dec. 16, at Walmart in Salina. Courtesy Shane McClintock, 99KG radio personality</figcaption>
 </figure>The impact of the Toyathon spreads to not only the children of the community but also the parents, who find some relief during the stressful holiday season thanks to the Toyathon.Cadle said that the donations impact parents just as much as the children on Christmas morning, with families sharing the season's joy."Getting a present is one thing, but giving that present — when your kid opens up a present, and you know you got it for them, and their face lights up, that is amazing," Cadle said. "I think that might be more so why I do it nowadays is not only for the kid but for the parents too because now their parents get to see their kid have that moment."This week, local agencies will spread the toys across the community, bringing a bit of holiday joy to each family they help. The Toyathon distributed 5,162 toys to local organizations this year."I think it's something that we all take for granted," Otto said. "To be able to bring that sense of joy and that smile on the kid's face — I hope everybody that donates one toy really understands that that act did bring a smile to a kid's face."

Shane McClintock's Toyathon donates 5,000 toys to community

On Sunday afternoon between 3 and 4 p.m., a suspect stole a white 2018 Honda Accord from the Club Carwash at 655 S. Broadway Blvd. Later that same day, Salina Police Department officers found and arrested the car thief.

According to the Salina Police Department, the owner left their keys in the $28,000 vehicle and found it missing after 4 p.m.

The car owner reported the incident to SPD, and after reviewing surveillance footage, officers identified the thief as 42-year-old Salina resident Tony Nordahl.

"Just before six o'clock that same night, an officer was working a traffic collision at 1200 East Crawford when the [stolen] vehicle pulled up next to her," said SPD Capt. James Feldman. "The officer went to confront him, he did not follow instructions and ended up taking off running."

Feldman said the officer pursued Nordhal on foot and eventually deployed a stun gun that was ineffective. More SPD officers responded to the incident and eventually arrested the suspect after a short struggle.

Officers arrested Nordhal for felony theft of a vehicle, two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, obstruction of law enforcement and DUI.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702906431040.png" alt="Tony Nordahl" />
 <figcaption>Tony Nordahl</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostOn Sunday afternoon between 3 and 4 p.m., a suspect stole a white 2018 Honda Accord from the Club Carwash at 655 S. Broadway Blvd. Later that same day, Salina Police Department officers found and arrested the car thief.According to the Salina Police Department, the owner left their keys in the $28,000 vehicle and found it missing after 4 p.m.The car owner reported the incident to SPD, and after reviewing surveillance footage, officers identified the thief as 42-year-old Salina resident Tony Nordahl."Just before six o'clock that same night, an officer was working a traffic collision at 1200 East Crawford when the [stolen] vehicle pulled up next to her," said SPD Capt. James Feldman. "The officer went to confront him, he did not follow instructions and ended up taking off running."Feldman said the officer pursued Nordhal on foot and eventually deployed a stun gun that was ineffective. More SPD officers responded to the incident and eventually arrested the suspect after a short struggle.Officers arrested Nordhal for felony theft of a vehicle, two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, obstruction of law enforcement and DUI.

SPD find and arrest suspect the same day as vehicle theft on Sunday

The Saline County Commission meeting will take place in person at the City/County Building in Room 107 and streamed to YouTube Live. Commission meetings can be found on the Saline County YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@salinecountykansas3125/streams">https://www.youtube.com/@salinecountykansas3125/streams</a>.

If any assistance is needed to participate 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;leamerm@salinecountyks.gov&nbsp;before the scheduled meeting or event to request accommodations.

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6498">Health Department Workforce Development Grant Contract</a>

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6499">Approval of MOU and Talkgroup Authorization for Ottawa County Health Center</a>

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6516">Approval of ARPA Broadband Grant Agreement with Salina Grace Foundation</a>

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6517">Approval of ARPA Broadband Grant Agreement with Salina Public Library for Youth Robotics</a>

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6515">Approval of ARPA Broadband Grant Agreement with Salina Public Library for Hotspot Lending</a>

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6500">Fire Truck Purchase for Rural Fire District 1</a>

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6505">2024 Rural Fire District Board Appointments</a>

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6510">Air Service Incentive for RON Flight 2024</a>

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6507">Natural Gas Agreement for 2024</a>

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6511">ARPA Progress and Reallocation</a> Background: On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law. Among many other provisions, ARPA provides direct funding to each county in the United States through what is called the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (CLFRF). For Saline County, this amount is $10,532,376. After a public input process, the County adopted an initial plan for expenditure of CLFRF on August 31, 2021.

This plan has gone through numerous revisions as projects have been added, deleted or changed. Beginning in July 2023, the Commission identified a number of “backup” projects that could be substituted for projects that failed to materialize or came in under budget. The list of backup projects has also gone through several iterations, and on December 12, your Commission conducted a Concept Discussion about revising this list to reflect current priorities. 

At that time, staff was directed to bring back an item for your consideration, which reflected an increased emphasis on projects with the potential to position the County organization for future success and save costs.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/7de72111-cbd7-449b-b7f3-af60fc7670cb">Saline County provides consent for multimillion-dollar housing project</a>

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6514">Health Department Update</a>

<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 Saline County Commission meeting will take place in person at the City/County Building in Room 107 and streamed to YouTube Live. Commission meetings can be found on the Saline County YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@salinecountykansas3125/streams">https://www.youtube.com/@salinecountykansas3125/streams</a>.If any assistance is needed to participate 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;leamerm@salinecountyks.gov&nbsp;before the scheduled meeting or event to request accommodations.<h2>Consent Agenda</h2><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6498">Health Department Workforce Development Grant Contract</a><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6499">Approval of MOU and Talkgroup Authorization for Ottawa County Health Center</a><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6516">Approval of ARPA Broadband Grant Agreement with Salina Grace Foundation</a><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6517">Approval of ARPA Broadband Grant Agreement with Salina Public Library for Youth Robotics</a><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6515">Approval of ARPA Broadband Grant Agreement with Salina Public Library for Hotspot Lending</a><h2>Action Items</h2><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6500">Fire Truck Purchase for Rural Fire District 1</a><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6505">2024 Rural Fire District Board Appointments</a><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6510">Air Service Incentive for RON Flight 2024</a><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6507">Natural Gas Agreement for 2024</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702938192655.png" alt="Excerpt from ARPA funding allocation. Courtesy Saline County Commission" />
 <figcaption>Excerpt from ARPA funding allocation. Courtesy Saline County Commission</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6511">ARPA Progress and Reallocation</a> Background: On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law. Among many other provisions, ARPA provides direct funding to each county in the United States through what is called the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (CLFRF). For Saline County, this amount is $10,532,376. After a public input process, the County adopted an initial plan for expenditure of CLFRF on August 31, 2021. This plan has gone through numerous revisions as projects have been added, deleted or changed. Beginning in July 2023, the Commission identified a number of “backup” projects that could be substituted for projects that failed to materialize or came in under budget. The list of backup projects has also gone through several iterations, and on December 12, your Commission conducted a Concept Discussion about revising this list to reflect current priorities. At that time, staff was directed to bring back an item for your consideration, which reflected an increased emphasis on projects with the potential to position the County organization for future success and save costs.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/7de72111-cbd7-449b-b7f3-af60fc7670cb">Saline County provides consent for multimillion-dollar housing project</a><h2>Informational Items</h2><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6514">Health Department Update</a>

Saline County agenda to discuss Rural Fire District One new equipment and further use of ARPA funds

A bullet shot through one victim and struck another early Saturday morning during a domestic disturbance in town.

Salina Police Department officers reported at 2:26 a.m. to the 500 block of Moon Drive for a dispute between 30-year-old Salina resident Victor Phanthakeo and one of his family members.

According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, while Phanthakeo and one of the victims argued, which escalated, causing a second victim to step in to try and calm the situation. 

Phanthakeo allegedly shot a 40-caliber handgun, which struck the first 26-year-old victim in the lower abdomen, traveled through, and hit the second 25-year-old victim in the arm.

"The victim who got shot in the abdomen took off running," Feldman said. "He was later taken by a family member to the hospital." 

Feldman said when officers arrived at the residence, they found and arrested Phanthakeo for attempted second-degree murder and aggravated battery.

Both victims sought treatment at Salina Regional Health Center later that day. According to Feldman, the victim with the abdomen wound will quickly recover from the gunshot.

No life-threatening injuries," Feldman said. "He got very lucky — they were kind of minor injuries for a gunshot wound."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702906852565.png" alt="Victor Phanthakeo" />
 <figcaption>Victor Phanthakeo</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostA bullet shot through one victim and struck another early Saturday morning during a domestic disturbance in town.Salina Police Department officers reported at 2:26 a.m. to the 500 block of Moon Drive for a dispute between 30-year-old Salina resident Victor Phanthakeo and one of his family members.According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, while Phanthakeo and one of the victims argued, which escalated, causing a second victim to step in to try and calm the situation. Phanthakeo allegedly shot a 40-caliber handgun, which struck the first 26-year-old victim in the lower abdomen, traveled through, and hit the second 25-year-old victim in the arm."The victim who got shot in the abdomen took off running," Feldman said. "He was later taken by a family member to the hospital." Feldman said when officers arrived at the residence, they found and arrested Phanthakeo for attempted second-degree murder and aggravated battery.Both victims sought treatment at Salina Regional Health Center later that day. According to Feldman, the victim with the abdomen wound will quickly recover from the gunshot.No life-threatening injuries," Feldman said. "He got very lucky — they were kind of minor injuries for a gunshot wound."

Single gunshot injures two victims during weekend domestic disturbance

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER and NATE KING Salina Post

Cathy Rider spreads a positive message by actively participating in the betterment of her local community. Many resilient heroes work diligently behind the scenes, shoulder to shoulder with family members, neighbors and friends.&nbsp;

Citizens benefit from the countless hours these community champions spend on tasks like garbage disposal, farming, volunteering and social work.&nbsp;

&nbsp;As we embark on this mission to thank the unthanked, we invite you to open your hearts and minds to the incredible stories of these unsung heroes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the 30 years she has worked for the city, Cathy Rider, a chemist at the Salina Wastewater Plant, witnessed wastewater management adapt as new challenges would flow into the facility and eventually her lab.

Rider samples the wastewater treatment process each day, testing every step before clearing it for discharge into the Smoky Hill River.

"I like the different tests and the variety," Rider said. "I might do the same test every day but it is never the same results every single day."&nbsp;

Rider, a Salina native and graduate of Salina South, attended Marymount College, where she majored in chemistry and minored in biology.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I didn't quite graduate from Marymount at first because I thought about changing my major," Rider said. "So I started working at Wilson Company. They were a commercial lab 40 years ago."&nbsp;

Rider worked in the commercial setting for a decade before returning to Marymount to complete her degree.&nbsp;

“I was in the final graduating class at Marymount," Rider said.

After achieving her degree, Rider began working for the City in 1993, which was upgrading its wastewater treatment plant for new types of contaminant removal.&nbsp;

When Rider started in the plant’s chemistry lab, they had just finished upgrading the plant to remove ammonia.

Ammonia is a common byproduct of organic material breaking down, which often ends up at the wastewater treatment facility due to sewage, agricultural operations or other environmental factors.

“We are due for another upgrade to eliminate nitrogen and phosphorus in our liquids,” Rider said. “The big push right now is for all Kansas wastewater plants to upgrade to biological nutrient removal.”

Biological nutrients are organic compounds that include nitrogen and phosphorus — removing them from wastewater keeps aquatic ecosystems healthy and helps prevent toxic algal blooms.

Rider’s role in the wastewater treatment process

Every day, Rider samples the wastewater through specialized sampling sites for various steps in the treatment process. She samples solid and liquid waste to test for PH levels, treatment effectiveness and unusual contaminants.

Wastewater treatment begins when raw sewage and storm drain run-off reaches the facility. According to Rider, it starts with clarifiers, a type of filtration that uses gravity to separate most solid wastes. Rider often calls the solid waste “sludge.”

After two clarification processes, the facility separates the sludge from the liquid waste for processing. The liquids undergo multiple disinfection steps while the system sends solids to digesters for further processing.

Digesters break down solid waste in a process similar to composting. A team of tiny organisms, often called microbes, biologically process the waste while plant staff monitor the digester tank’s temperature and other conditions.

Rider admitted that the samples from this process often smelled and looked foul, but she used to work with more dangerous samples for chemical analysis.

“I worked on EPA stuff, and oh my gosh, those samples are nasty and radioactive and full of tar and of who knows what else,” Rider said. “So when I got here, I said, ‘Well, this isn't too bad.’ Once you get over the initial smell, I look at it like it's just another sample.”

Protective equipment and gloves also help with the smelly sampling process.

“It didn’t take me long to get over it,” Rider said.

Some of the tests Rider uses to analyze the wastewater treatment process are quick, only taking one or two hours to complete. Others can take an entire workday to complete, like titration tests.

Titration is a chemistry technique to find how much of a compound is dissolved in a liquid. Rider said she often uses this technique to analyze PH levels in the waste solids during treatment.

“You have to run an alkalinity test, which involves titrating the sample to get the alkalinity result,” Rider said. “Then, on another part of the sample, you have to run an acidity test and get that result.”

Once she finishes the test, Rider records the results and analyzes them. If she finds anything off in her analysis, she informs the plant’s engineers so they can adjust the digesters accordingly.

Rider said it’s essential to test the solid waste for dangerous acidity or alkalinity levels since local farmers use the processed sludge for fertilizer. The Salina wastewater facility has provided this sludge to farmers for the past three decades.

“The fields like the nitrogen mostly,” Rider said. “We have to sample what’s going into the field as well as the fields themselves to make sure once they apply it, they can put crops on it.”

Initially, Rider aimed to work in the medical field with her chemistry degree. After she discovered the variety of jobs in the lab industry, she decided to pursue a career in environmental chemistry.

“I didn't care for the body parts or the medical side of things,” Rider said.

Rider said the chemistry field spans multiple industries outside medicine and environmental studies, including food, cosmetics and agricultural careers.

Just a few years after Rider started her career at the wastewater plant, Martha Tasker, the City of Salina utilities director, joined the team and continues working with Rider today.

“Rider is very, very familiar with every process at the field facility and all of the federal and state requirements, and she completes our monitoring reports,” Tasker said.

Tasker said the facility sends these meticulous reports to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for approval.

“Any work Cathy does is very well done and does not require checking. She is thorough and does an excellent job at everything,” Tasker said. “If I could clone Cathy twice, maybe three times, I'd love to do it, but she won't let me.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700701087801.png" alt="Salina Post Community Champion" />
 <figcaption>Salina Post Community Champion</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER and NATE KING Salina PostCathy Rider spreads a positive message by actively participating in the betterment of her local community. Many resilient heroes work diligently behind the scenes, shoulder to shoulder with family members, neighbors and friends.&nbsp;Citizens benefit from the countless hours these community champions spend on tasks like garbage disposal, farming, volunteering and social work.&nbsp;&nbsp;As we embark on this mission to thank the unthanked, we invite you to open your hearts and minds to the incredible stories of these unsung heroes.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702402719281.jpeg" alt="Cathy Rider, the chemist for Saline County Waste Water Management, stands in her lab where she tests samples for PH levels, contaminants and more. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Cathy Rider, the chemist for Saline County Waste Water Management, stands in her lab where she tests samples for PH levels, contaminants and more. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Cathy Rider</h2>In the 30 years she has worked for the city, Cathy Rider, a chemist at the Salina Wastewater Plant, witnessed wastewater management adapt as new challenges would flow into the facility and eventually her lab.Rider samples the wastewater treatment process each day, testing every step before clearing it for discharge into the Smoky Hill River."I like the different tests and the variety," Rider said. "I might do the same test every day but it is never the same results every single day."&nbsp;Rider, a Salina native and graduate of Salina South, attended Marymount College, where she majored in chemistry and minored in biology.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I didn't quite graduate from Marymount at first because I thought about changing my major," Rider said. "So I started working at Wilson Company. They were a commercial lab 40 years ago."&nbsp;Rider worked in the commercial setting for a decade before returning to Marymount to complete her degree.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702402798749.jpeg" alt="One of Cathy Rider's, the chemist for Saline County Waste Water management, sampling and testing stations. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>One of Cathy Rider's, the chemist for Saline County Waste Water management, sampling and testing stations. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>“I was in the final graduating class at Marymount," Rider said.After achieving her degree, Rider began working for the City in 1993, which was upgrading its wastewater treatment plant for new types of contaminant removal.&nbsp;When Rider started in the plant’s chemistry lab, they had just finished upgrading the plant to remove ammonia.Ammonia is a common byproduct of organic material breaking down, which often ends up at the wastewater treatment facility due to sewage, agricultural operations or other environmental factors.“We are due for another upgrade to eliminate nitrogen and phosphorus in our liquids,” Rider said. “The big push right now is for all Kansas wastewater plants to upgrade to biological nutrient removal.”Biological nutrients are organic compounds that include nitrogen and phosphorus — removing them from wastewater keeps aquatic ecosystems healthy and helps prevent toxic algal blooms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702402833015.jpeg" alt="Samples of solid matter separated from the liquid after testing at the Saline County Waste Water Management facility. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Samples of solid matter separated from the liquid after testing at the Saline County Waste Water Management facility. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Rider’s role in the wastewater treatment process</h2>Every day, Rider samples the wastewater through specialized sampling sites for various steps in the treatment process. She samples solid and liquid waste to test for PH levels, treatment effectiveness and unusual contaminants.Wastewater treatment begins when raw sewage and storm drain run-off reaches the facility. According to Rider, it starts with clarifiers, a type of filtration that uses gravity to separate most solid wastes. Rider often calls the solid waste “sludge.”After two clarification processes, the facility separates the sludge from the liquid waste for processing. The liquids undergo multiple disinfection steps while the system sends solids to digesters for further processing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702402755581.jpeg" alt="Cathy Rider, the Saline County Waste Water Management chemist, shows samples of before and after treatment. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Cathy Rider, the Saline County Waste Water Management chemist, shows samples of before and after treatment. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Digesters break down solid waste in a process similar to composting. A team of tiny organisms, often called microbes, biologically process the waste while plant staff monitor the digester tank’s temperature and other conditions.Rider admitted that the samples from this process often smelled and looked foul, but she used to work with more dangerous samples for chemical analysis.“I worked on EPA stuff, and oh my gosh, those samples are nasty and radioactive and full of tar and of who knows what else,” Rider said. “So when I got here, I said, ‘Well, this isn't too bad.’ Once you get over the initial smell, I look at it like it's just another sample.”Protective equipment and gloves also help with the smelly sampling process.“It didn’t take me long to get over it,” Rider said.Some of the tests Rider uses to analyze the wastewater treatment process are quick, only taking one or two hours to complete. Others can take an entire workday to complete, like titration tests.Titration is a chemistry technique to find how much of a compound is dissolved in a liquid. Rider said she often uses this technique to analyze PH levels in the waste solids during treatment.“You have to run an alkalinity test, which involves titrating the sample to get the alkalinity result,” Rider said. “Then, on another part of the sample, you have to run an acidity test and get that result.”Once she finishes the test, Rider records the results and analyzes them. If she finds anything off in her analysis, she informs the plant’s engineers so they can adjust the digesters accordingly.Rider said it’s essential to test the solid waste for dangerous acidity or alkalinity levels since local farmers use the processed sludge for fertilizer. The Salina wastewater facility has provided this sludge to farmers for the past three decades.“The fields like the nitrogen mostly,” Rider said. “We have to sample what’s going into the field as well as the fields themselves to make sure once they apply it, they can put crops on it.”Initially, Rider aimed to work in the medical field with her chemistry degree. After she discovered the variety of jobs in the lab industry, she decided to pursue a career in environmental chemistry.“I didn't care for the body parts or the medical side of things,” Rider said.Rider said the chemistry field spans multiple industries outside medicine and environmental studies, including food, cosmetics and agricultural careers.Just a few years after Rider started her career at the wastewater plant, Martha Tasker, the City of Salina utilities director, joined the team and continues working with Rider today.“Rider is very, very familiar with every process at the field facility and all of the federal and state requirements, and she completes our monitoring reports,” Tasker said.Tasker said the facility sends these meticulous reports to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for approval.“Any work Cathy does is very well done and does not require checking. She is thorough and does an excellent job at everything,” Tasker said. “If I could clone Cathy twice, maybe three times, I'd love to do it, but she won't let me.”

Salina Post's Community Champions Vol. 3 — Cathy Rider

The Salina City Commission meeting will take place in–person at the City/County Building in Room 107 on Dec. 18 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 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;

Citizens can also send written comments or questions to City Commissioners by visiting the City of Salina’s website at<a href="http://www.salina-ks.gov/" target="_blank">&nbsp;www.salina-ks.gov</a>&nbsp;and using the “Email City Commission” icon on the home page.&nbsp;

To see the full meeting packet for today,&nbsp;<a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=524351&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina&amp;cr=1">click here.</a>&nbsp;

Recognition of the Retirement of Fire Inspector Jeff Daily. Tony Sneidar, Jr., Chief of the Salina Fire Department, will read the proclamation.


Public Hearings and Items Scheduled

Award the bid for Project No. 23006, 2023 Broadway Medians, to Smoky Hill, LLC of Salina in the amount of $358,509.25 with a $17,925.46 (5%) construction contingency for a total project authorization not to exceed $376,434.71 and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Smoky Hill, LLC upon fulfillment of all prerequisites under the bid
documents. 

Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement for the purchase of 6 wastewater pumps from Environmental &amp; Process Systems, Inc. of Lenexa, Kansas.

Award the bid for Project No. 23036, Salina Downtown Water Treatment Chlorination Facility - Roof Replacement, to Meridian Roofing Solutions in the amount of $102,180 with a $10,218 (10% construction contingency for a total project authorization not to exceed $112,398 and authorize the City Manager execute a contract with Meridian Roofing Solutions upon fulfillment of all prerequisites under the bid documents.


Award the bid for Project No. 21030, Project No. 1 Water Main Replacement, to Smoky Hill, LLC in the amount of $1,996,886 with a $99,844 (5%) construction contingency for a total proiect authorization not to exceed $2,096,730 and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Smoky Hill, LLC upon fulfillment of all prerequisites under the bid
documents.


Approve Resolution No. 23-8179 amending Resolution No. 18-7559 to extend the 2018-
2023 Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Tax Rebate Program until January 22, 2023.
6. 

Approve Ordinance No. 23-11190 on second reading amending the Zoning Ordinance to add group day care homes providing care for no more than twelve (12) children in an unoccupied dwelling to the list of conditional uses allowed in the RS (Single-Family Residential Suburban), R (Single-Family Residential), R-1 (Single-Family Residential), R-2 (Multiple-Family Residential), R-2.5 (Multiple-Family Residential), R-3 (Multiple-Family Residential), and MH-S (Manufactured Home Subdivision) zoning districts.


Approve Ordinance No. 23-11188 on second reading amending Chapter 2 of the Salina Code pertaining to administration by amending and repealing Article XII, Public
Improvement Procedures. 

Salina Community Theatre Association Expansion- Authorize the Mayor to execute a Special Warranty Deed with Covenants regarding the conveyance of real estate associated with the Salina Community Theatre Association for expansion of the theatre facility into Founders Park. Authorize the City Manager to execute an Amendment and Complete Restatement of the Community Theatre Maintenance and Operating Agreement with the Salina Community Theatre Association.


Approve Resolution No. 23-8180 designating the Official City Newspaper for the City of Salina to be the City of Salina, Kansas website and designating an alternative newspaper for those notices not required to be in the Official City Newspaper.
7

Background on Resolution No. 23-8180

The Kansas statutes have specific requirements that must be met for notices that are published in the Official City Newspaper. The City of Salina currently publishes a wide variety of notices. These notices include legal notices, notices of bond issuance, planning &amp; zoning related notices, budget hearing notices and a host of other notices. KSA 64-101 mandates that each city of the first class is required to designate by resolution a newspaper to be the official city newspaper.

In order to qualify to be an Official City newspaper under KSA 64-101 there are 4 criteria that the newspaper must meet:

⦁	They must publish at least weekly 50 times a year and must have been publishing for at least one year.

⦁	The newspaper must be a "periodical class mail matter". Periodical Class Mail is a class of mail consisting of magazines, newspapers or other publications that has the primary purpose of transmitting information. This means the newspaper can mail periodical class mail at a reduced rate.

⦁	They must have a paid circulation in the county in which it is located and not be a trade, religious or fraternal publication

⦁	The newspaper must be published in the county in which the city publishing the official publication is located. If there is no newspaper published in the county, the newspaper shall be published in Kansas and have general paid circulation in the county.

The Salina Journal is currently the official city newspaper for the City of Salina. Because KSA 64-101 does not treat cities uniformly, there was the option to "Charter Out" of its provisions.

 "Chartering Out" is a process whereby cities may adopt alternate provisions from the requirements of a statutory provision because the statute does not treat them all uniformly and thus violates their home rule authority. KSA 64-101 is not uniform since it explicitly only applies to cities of the first class. Discussions with legal counsel and bond counsel were undertaken during the review of the applicability of appropriate statutes.

 On August 14, 2023 the City Commission adopted Charter Ordinance Number 42 that removed these requirements in KSA 64-101 from applying to the designee of the City of Salina Official City Newspaper. The Kansas Attorney General has also recently issued an opinion that cities may Charter out of the provisions of KSA 64-101. 

The City of Salina was obligated to wait at least 60 days after the adoption of the Charter Ordinance to see if there was an appeal of the adoption of the Charter Ordinance. There was no appeal and the 60-day] period has passed.

The City of Salina may designate via resolution what it desires to be the Official City Newspaper. This designation of the Official City Newspaper may occur at any time.&nbsp;

The City of Salina went live with a new website on 8-1-2023 and with the adoption of Charter Ordinance 42 it now has the option to designate the city website at <a href="https://www.salina-ks.gov/">https://www.salina-ks.gov/</a> as the Official City Newspaper.

It is important to note that not all notices may be published solely on the city website. Only notices requiring publishing in the "Official City Newspaper" meet the required notice requirements by adoption of this Resolution. Other notice requirements in the Kansas Statutes require publishing in a "Newspaper of General Circulation" or just requiring "Notice" without any kind of definition of what this "Notice" is.

 However, since these statutory notice requirements that are not for the Official City Newspaper notices treat cities uniformly the city of Salina cannot charter out from them.

The City Commission may also designate via this resolution which newspaper they would like to publish notices that are not required to be published in the Official City newspaper. Staff has also undertaken research on the subscription rates for both the Salina Journal and Salina 311. The Salina Journal has 3,900 paid Sunday subscriptions and Salina 311 has 2,722 paid subscribers as of July 31, 2023. The Salina Journal is currently the official newspaper for the City of Salina. The following is the breakdown of costs for notice publication in the Salina Journal.

It is intended to publish all notices on the City website. However, those notices required to be in a "Newspaper of General Circulation" or just requiring "Notice" by statute will continue to be published in a newspaper to meet statutory requirements and out of an abundance of caution. The reason being that the City of Salina cannot "Charter Out' of all of these additional notice statutory requirements is because these statutory notice requirements do not treat classes of cities differentl

Consider the application submitted by Salina Destination Development, LLC and approve
Ordinance No. 23-11189 annexing a 41.92 acre tract of land located on the west side of Virginia Drive south of West Magnolia Road


Approve Resolution No. 23-8177 describing the corporate limits of the City of Salina for 2023.


Approve Ordinance No. 23-11191 amending Section 36-74 (a)(3)b. of the Subdivision Regulations to allow the City Commission to determine whether public sidewalks must be installed or may be deferred through approval of a development agreement in cases where an existing abutting street meets the interim street standard except for the existence of a public sidewalk abutting the proposed subdivision.

Accept offered street right-of-way and easement dedications from South Ohio Land, LLC to serve a proposed replat of Lot 5, Block 5 and Lots 1 and 2, Block 6 of the Corrected Plat of Liberty Addition No. 2, to create five (5) platted building lots on a 61.9 acre tract of land located on the west side of South Ohio Street south of Schilling Road (to be platted and known as Liberty Addition No. 3).


Authorize the Mayor to execute a Transferee Agreement with The Hive Salon and Spa, LLC and Salina2020, Inc.


Authorize the Mayor to execute a Transferee Agreement with 125 North Santa Fe, LLC and Salina2020, Inc.



<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 on Dec. 18 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 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;Citizens can also send written comments or questions to City Commissioners by visiting the City of Salina’s website at<a href="http://www.salina-ks.gov/" target="_blank">&nbsp;www.salina-ks.gov</a>&nbsp;and using the “Email City Commission” icon on the home page.&nbsp;To see the full meeting packet for today,&nbsp;<a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=524351&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina&amp;cr=1">click here.</a>&nbsp;Awards and ProclamationsRecognition of the Retirement of Fire Inspector Jeff Daily. Tony Sneidar, Jr., Chief of the Salina Fire Department, will read the proclamation.
Public Hearings and Items Scheduled Public Hearing for 2023 Amended BudgetConsent AgendaAward the bid for Project No. 23006, 2023 Broadway Medians, to Smoky Hill, LLC of Salina in the amount of $358,509.25 with a $17,925.46 (5%) construction contingency for a total project authorization not to exceed $376,434.71 and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Smoky Hill, LLC upon fulfillment of all prerequisites under the bid
documents. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement for the purchase of 6 wastewater pumps from Environmental &amp; Process Systems, Inc. of Lenexa, Kansas.Award the bid for Project No. 23036, Salina Downtown Water Treatment Chlorination Facility - Roof Replacement, to Meridian Roofing Solutions in the amount of $102,180 with a $10,218 (10% construction contingency for a total project authorization not to exceed $112,398 and authorize the City Manager execute a contract with Meridian Roofing Solutions upon fulfillment of all prerequisites under the bid documents.
Award the bid for Project No. 21030, Project No. 1 Water Main Replacement, to Smoky Hill, LLC in the amount of $1,996,886 with a $99,844 (5%) construction contingency for a total proiect authorization not to exceed $2,096,730 and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Smoky Hill, LLC upon fulfillment of all prerequisites under the bid
documents.
Approve Resolution No. 23-8179 amending Resolution No. 18-7559 to extend the 2018-
2023 Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Tax Rebate Program until January 22, 2023.
6. AdministrationApprove Ordinance No. 23-11190 on second reading amending the Zoning Ordinance to add group day care homes providing care for no more than twelve (12) children in an unoccupied dwelling to the list of conditional uses allowed in the RS (Single-Family Residential Suburban), R (Single-Family Residential), R-1 (Single-Family Residential), R-2 (Multiple-Family Residential), R-2.5 (Multiple-Family Residential), R-3 (Multiple-Family Residential), and MH-S (Manufactured Home Subdivision) zoning districts.
Approve Ordinance No. 23-11188 on second reading amending Chapter 2 of the Salina Code pertaining to administration by amending and repealing Article XII, Public
Improvement Procedures. Salina Community Theatre Association Expansion- Authorize the Mayor to execute a Special Warranty Deed with Covenants regarding the conveyance of real estate associated with the Salina Community Theatre Association for expansion of the theatre facility into Founders Park. Authorize the City Manager to execute an Amendment and Complete Restatement of the Community Theatre Maintenance and Operating Agreement with the Salina Community Theatre Association.
Approve Resolution No. 23-8180 designating the Official City Newspaper for the City of Salina to be the City of Salina, Kansas website and designating an alternative newspaper for those notices not required to be in the Official City Newspaper.
7Background on Resolution No. 23-8180The Kansas statutes have specific requirements that must be met for notices that are published in the Official City Newspaper. The City of Salina currently publishes a wide variety of notices. These notices include legal notices, notices of bond issuance, planning &amp; zoning related notices, budget hearing notices and a host of other notices. KSA 64-101 mandates that each city of the first class is required to designate by resolution a newspaper to be the official city newspaper.In order to qualify to be an Official City newspaper under KSA 64-101 there are 4 criteria that the newspaper must meet:⦁	They must publish at least weekly 50 times a year and must have been publishing for at least one year.⦁	The newspaper must be a "periodical class mail matter". Periodical Class Mail is a class of mail consisting of magazines, newspapers or other publications that has the primary purpose of transmitting information. This means the newspaper can mail periodical class mail at a reduced rate.⦁	They must have a paid circulation in the county in which it is located and not be a trade, religious or fraternal publication⦁	The newspaper must be published in the county in which the city publishing the official publication is located. If there is no newspaper published in the county, the newspaper shall be published in Kansas and have general paid circulation in the county.The Salina Journal is currently the official city newspaper for the City of Salina. Because KSA 64-101 does not treat cities uniformly, there was the option to "Charter Out" of its provisions. "Chartering Out" is a process whereby cities may adopt alternate provisions from the requirements of a statutory provision because the statute does not treat them all uniformly and thus violates their home rule authority. KSA 64-101 is not uniform since it explicitly only applies to cities of the first class. Discussions with legal counsel and bond counsel were undertaken during the review of the applicability of appropriate statutes. On August 14, 2023 the City Commission adopted Charter Ordinance Number 42 that removed these requirements in KSA 64-101 from applying to the designee of the City of Salina Official City Newspaper. The Kansas Attorney General has also recently issued an opinion that cities may Charter out of the provisions of KSA 64-101. The City of Salina was obligated to wait at least 60 days after the adoption of the Charter Ordinance to see if there was an appeal of the adoption of the Charter Ordinance. There was no appeal and the 60-day] period has passed.The City of Salina may designate via resolution what it desires to be the Official City Newspaper. This designation of the Official City Newspaper may occur at any time.&nbsp;The City of Salina went live with a new website on 8-1-2023 and with the adoption of Charter Ordinance 42 it now has the option to designate the city website at <a href="https://www.salina-ks.gov/">https://www.salina-ks.gov/</a> as the Official City Newspaper.It is important to note that not all notices may be published solely on the city website. Only notices requiring publishing in the "Official City Newspaper" meet the required notice requirements by adoption of this Resolution. Other notice requirements in the Kansas Statutes require publishing in a "Newspaper of General Circulation" or just requiring "Notice" without any kind of definition of what this "Notice" is. However, since these statutory notice requirements that are not for the Official City Newspaper notices treat cities uniformly the city of Salina cannot charter out from them.The City Commission may also designate via this resolution which newspaper they would like to publish notices that are not required to be published in the Official City newspaper. Staff has also undertaken research on the subscription rates for both the Salina Journal and Salina 311. The Salina Journal has 3,900 paid Sunday subscriptions and Salina 311 has 2,722 paid subscribers as of July 31, 2023. The Salina Journal is currently the official newspaper for the City of Salina. The following is the breakdown of costs for notice publication in the Salina Journal.2021 $53,6002022 $42,0002023 $37,258.04 (12-14-23)It is intended to publish all notices on the City website. However, those notices required to be in a "Newspaper of General Circulation" or just requiring "Notice" by statute will continue to be published in a newspaper to meet statutory requirements and out of an abundance of caution. The reason being that the City of Salina cannot "Charter Out' of all of these additional notice statutory requirements is because these statutory notice requirements do not treat classes of cities differentlDevelopment BusinessConsider the application submitted by Salina Destination Development, LLC and approve
Ordinance No. 23-11189 annexing a 41.92 acre tract of land located on the west side of Virginia Drive south of West Magnolia Road
Approve Resolution No. 23-8177 describing the corporate limits of the City of Salina for 2023.
Approve Ordinance No. 23-11191 amending Section 36-74 (a)(3)b. of the Subdivision Regulations to allow the City Commission to determine whether public sidewalks must be installed or may be deferred through approval of a development agreement in cases where an existing abutting street meets the interim street standard except for the existence of a public sidewalk abutting the proposed subdivision.Accept offered street right-of-way and easement dedications from South Ohio Land, LLC to serve a proposed replat of Lot 5, Block 5 and Lots 1 and 2, Block 6 of the Corrected Plat of Liberty Addition No. 2, to create five (5) platted building lots on a 61.9 acre tract of land located on the west side of South Ohio Street south of Schilling Road (to be platted and known as Liberty Addition No. 3).
Authorize the Mayor to execute a Transferee Agreement with The Hive Salon and Spa, LLC and Salina2020, Inc.
Authorize the Mayor to execute a Transferee Agreement with 125 North Santa Fe, LLC and Salina2020, Inc.

Retirement proclamation, Theatre Salina expansion, official city newspaper designation on Salina City Comm. Agenda

People often discover blood drives as they come across the event, noticing the flyers and signing up for a donation. 

Teri Benfer, an American Red Cross account manager, said most donors don't think past the needle and snack to how that blood impacts people after it leaves the drive.

Many cancer patients receive critical blood transfusions during treatment, moving some patient family members to begin donating.

"Sometimes it takes a personal story that you're really connected to," Benfer said. "Kevin's family and friends came out and donated some of them for the first time at the first one we held in his memory."

The Red Cross will host its second Kevin Moyer Memorial Blood Drive from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Gypsum United Methodist Church.

Benfer said Moyer's wife, Ashley Moyer, approached her after Kevin Moyer passed after battling cancer for several years, but in high school, he was a regular blood donor during school drives.

"Because Kevin was a young man, people his age have been moved to come out and donate," Benfer said. "That's something we're missing right now because a lot of our regular donors are aging."

The Kevin Moyer Memorial Blood Drive has only two open spots left, but to find out more information on the drive and other availabilities, visit <a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org">www.redcrossblood.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608510075334.jpeg" alt="Kevin Moyer" />
 <figcaption>Kevin Moyer</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostPeople often discover blood drives as they come across the event, noticing the flyers and signing up for a donation. Teri Benfer, an American Red Cross account manager, said most donors don't think past the needle and snack to how that blood impacts people after it leaves the drive.Many cancer patients receive critical blood transfusions during treatment, moving some patient family members to begin donating."Sometimes it takes a personal story that you're really connected to," Benfer said. "Kevin's family and friends came out and donated some of them for the first time at the first one we held in his memory."The Red Cross will host its second Kevin Moyer Memorial Blood Drive from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Gypsum United Methodist Church.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3113.567349658585!2d-97.4293644240724!3d38.70478137176584!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87bc959b5791aa3d%3A0x7c0f866d41daf954!2sUnited%20Methodist%20Church!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1702677237259!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>Benfer said Moyer's wife, Ashley Moyer, approached her after Kevin Moyer passed after battling cancer for several years, but in high school, he was a regular blood donor during school drives."Because Kevin was a young man, people his age have been moved to come out and donate," Benfer said. "That's something we're missing right now because a lot of our regular donors are aging."The Kevin Moyer Memorial Blood Drive has only two open spots left, but to find out more information on the drive and other availabilities, visit <a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org">www.redcrossblood.org</a>.

Gypsum Kevin Moyer Memorial Blood Drive inspires younger generations to donate

Salina Police Department officers reported to the Salina Public Library on Tuesday, Dec. 12, for a welfare check on a 28-year-old Salina woman.

The woman visited the library around noon, and after she walked past the security guard near the entrance, he noticed that she may need some help. 

Melanie Hedgespeth, the Salina Public Library executive director, said the guard offered to stay with the woman while he called SPD.

According to SPD Lt. Kyle Tonniges, when officers arrived at the library and began talking to the woman, they noticed bruises and other injuries on her.

The woman reported that her 34-year-old boyfriend, Antonio Vallejo, pinned her down during an argument and hit her in the face and lower abdomen.

"The victim actually happened to be pregnant," Tonniges said. "Officers were able to locate him, and he was arrested for robbery, domestic battery, criminal restraint, assault and criminal damage to property."

Tonniges said the victim reported that the attack happened at the 400 block of North Fifth Street in town.

Officers transported the victim to the Salina Regional Health Center and reported that she and her unborn child were safe and treated by medical professionals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702476654144.jpeg" alt="Antonio Vallejo" />
 <figcaption>Antonio Vallejo</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostSalina Police Department officers reported to the Salina Public Library on Tuesday, Dec. 12, for a welfare check on a 28-year-old Salina woman.The woman visited the library around noon, and after she walked past the security guard near the entrance, he noticed that she may need some help. Melanie Hedgespeth, the Salina Public Library executive director, said the guard offered to stay with the woman while he called SPD.According to SPD Lt. Kyle Tonniges, when officers arrived at the library and began talking to the woman, they noticed bruises and other injuries on her.The woman reported that her 34-year-old boyfriend, Antonio Vallejo, pinned her down during an argument and hit her in the face and lower abdomen."The victim actually happened to be pregnant," Tonniges said. "Officers were able to locate him, and he was arrested for robbery, domestic battery, criminal restraint, assault and criminal damage to property."Tonniges said the victim reported that the attack happened at the 400 block of North Fifth Street in town.Officers transported the victim to the Salina Regional Health Center and reported that she and her unborn child were safe and treated by medical professionals.

Woman seeks help at Salina Public Library after domestic abuse

Santa Claus visited downtown Salina this weekend and plans to return on Saturday, Dec. 16, for more Christmas lists.

Salina Downtown Inc. partnered with Salina Selfie Station for decorations and set the scene for anyone to visit for photos and selfies.

The next time to get your picture with Santa in Downtown Salina will be Saturday, December 16 from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://maps.google.com/?q=Campbell%20Plaza">Campbell Plaza</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702221971042.jpeg" alt="Santa Claus waits to hear children's Christmas lists with Salina Selfie Station and Salina Downtown Inc. on Saturday, Dec. 9, in Campbell Plaza in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Santa Claus waits to hear children's Christmas lists with Salina Selfie Station and Salina Downtown Inc. on Saturday, Dec. 9, in Campbell Plaza in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostSanta Claus visited downtown Salina this weekend and plans to return on Saturday, Dec. 16, for more Christmas lists.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702221769413.jpeg" alt="Santa Claus chats with Isaiah Wainscott, 8, on Saturday, Dec. 9, in Campbell Plaza in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Santa Claus chats with Isaiah Wainscott, 8, on Saturday, Dec. 9, in Campbell Plaza in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Downtown Inc. partnered with Salina Selfie Station for decorations and set the scene for anyone to visit for photos and selfies.The next time to get your picture with Santa in Downtown Salina will be Saturday, December 16 from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://maps.google.com/?q=Campbell%20Plaza">Campbell Plaza</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702221862629.jpeg" alt="Charlie the dog and his owner, Joe Bowden, pose next to Santa Clause during photos with Santa by Salina Selfie Station and Salina Downtown Inc. on Saturday, Dec. 9, in Campbell Plaza in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Charlie the dog and his owner, Joe Bowden, pose next to Santa Clause during photos with Santa by Salina Selfie Station and Salina Downtown Inc. on Saturday, Dec. 9, in Campbell Plaza in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702222018742.jpeg" alt="Salina Selfie Station decorated Campbell Plaza for residents and visitors to take pictures with Santa Claus on Saturday, Dec. 9, in Campbell Plaza in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Selfie Station decorated Campbell Plaza for residents and visitors to take pictures with Santa Claus on Saturday, Dec. 9, in Campbell Plaza in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702221817696.jpeg" alt="Charlie the dog meets young Lo'Quell Sanders, 3, while waiting for photos with Santa Claus by Salina Selfie Station and Salina Downtown Inc. on Saturday, Dec. 9, in Campbell Plaza in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Charlie the dog meets young Lo'Quell Sanders, 3, while waiting for photos with Santa Claus by Salina Selfie Station and Salina Downtown Inc. on Saturday, Dec. 9, in Campbell Plaza in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702221922396.jpeg" alt="Lo'Quell Sanders, 3, smiles with Santa Claus on Saturday, Dec. 9, in Campbell Plaza in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Lo'Quell Sanders, 3, smiles with Santa Claus on Saturday, Dec. 9, in Campbell Plaza in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>

Santa Claus in downtown Salina

Neighbors fought with fists and eventually one with a knife, sending the other to the Salina Regional Health Center for his injuries over the weekend.

On Sunday, Dec. 10, the Salina Police Department arrived at an apartment complex in the 1200 block of South Santa Fe Avenue. There, officers spoke with 37-year-old Xavier Valle, the neighbor who fought with a knife. 

According to SPD Lt. Kyle Tonniges, through questioning Valle, they discovered the other individual involved in the fight, a 40-year-old man, was at the Salina Regional Health Center getting treatment for his injuries.

"There have been some ongoing issues between them," Tonniges said. "One of them was leaving, the other coming home. They met on the front porch, and I guess all their frustrations just spilled out right there."

Tonniges said a confrontation between the neighbors escalated, and Valle stabbed the 40-year-old victim multiple times. Valle wounded the right side of the victim's abdomen, inflicted two lacerations on the left side of his head and bit him on the cheek.

SPD officers arrested Valle for aggravated battery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702303738796.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostNeighbors fought with fists and eventually one with a knife, sending the other to the Salina Regional Health Center for his injuries over the weekend.On Sunday, Dec. 10, the Salina Police Department arrived at an apartment complex in the 1200 block of South Santa Fe Avenue. There, officers spoke with 37-year-old Xavier Valle, the neighbor who fought with a knife. According to SPD Lt. Kyle Tonniges, through questioning Valle, they discovered the other individual involved in the fight, a 40-year-old man, was at the Salina Regional Health Center getting treatment for his injuries."There have been some ongoing issues between them," Tonniges said. "One of them was leaving, the other coming home. They met on the front porch, and I guess all their frustrations just spilled out right there."Tonniges said a confrontation between the neighbors escalated, and Valle stabbed the 40-year-old victim multiple times. Valle wounded the right side of the victim's abdomen, inflicted two lacerations on the left side of his head and bit him on the cheek.SPD officers arrested Valle for aggravated battery.

Neighborhood dispute escalates from confrontation to stabbing

A neighborhood argument from a dispute over surveillance cameras turned violent on Friday last week, requiring police intervention.

The Salina Police Department reported to the 700 block of Smoky Hill Drive at 10:45 p.m. on Dec. 8 after the ongoing quarrel between neighbors escalated.

According to SPD Lt. Kyle Tonniges, 60-year-old Salina resident Erin Branting went to her 36-year-old neighbor's property and turned their surveillance cameras, breaking one in the process.

"While she was doing that, the resident pulled into the driveway and caught her," Tonniges said. "He got out of his car and went to confront her, and she decided to get into his car, and while he was trying to prevent her from leaving, she backed out and ran into him."

Tonniges said the 2014 gold Buick Regal did not injure Branting's neighbor — it only bumped into him.

Officers discovered Branting was intoxicated during the altercation. After arresting her, SPD requested charges for aggravated battery, criminal deprivation of property, DUI, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass and no ignition interlock device. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702388739575.png" alt="Erin Branting" />
 <figcaption>Erin Branting</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostA neighborhood argument from a dispute over surveillance cameras turned violent on Friday last week, requiring police intervention.The Salina Police Department reported to the 700 block of Smoky Hill Drive at 10:45 p.m. on Dec. 8 after the ongoing quarrel between neighbors escalated.According to SPD Lt. Kyle Tonniges, 60-year-old Salina resident Erin Branting went to her 36-year-old neighbor's property and turned their surveillance cameras, breaking one in the process."While she was doing that, the resident pulled into the driveway and caught her," Tonniges said. "He got out of his car and went to confront her, and she decided to get into his car, and while he was trying to prevent her from leaving, she backed out and ran into him."Tonniges said the 2014 gold Buick Regal did not injure Branting's neighbor — it only bumped into him.Officers discovered Branting was intoxicated during the altercation. After arresting her, SPD requested charges for aggravated battery, criminal deprivation of property, DUI, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass and no ignition interlock device.

Neighborhood argument turns violent — requires SPD intervention

The Salina Police Department responded to the Salina Regional Health Center on Friday around 1:05 a.m. for a stabbing victim. 

According to SPD Lt. Kyle Tonniges, the 32-year-old victim reported that the wound resulted from an escalated argument between him and his girlfriend at the 1400 block of Cheyenne Avenue.

"During this argument, she took a kitchen knife and stabbed him in the chest," Tonniges said. "Then, he was given a ride to the hospital by her, and then she left — we were able to locate her later on in the day Friday morning."

35-year-old Erica Wroten stabbed the victim near the heart, but according to Tonniges, the emergency room staff discharged him after treating his injury.

Officers located Wroten at the 500 block of Russell Avenue and arrested her for attempted first-degree murder, domestic battery, interference with law enforcement and violating a protection order.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697549423728.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostThe Salina Police Department responded to the Salina Regional Health Center on Friday around 1:05 a.m. for a stabbing victim. According to SPD Lt. Kyle Tonniges, the 32-year-old victim reported that the wound resulted from an escalated argument between him and his girlfriend at the 1400 block of Cheyenne Avenue."During this argument, she took a kitchen knife and stabbed him in the chest," Tonniges said. "Then, he was given a ride to the hospital by her, and then she left — we were able to locate her later on in the day Friday morning."35-year-old Erica Wroten stabbed the victim near the heart, but according to Tonniges, the emergency room staff discharged him after treating his injury.Officers located Wroten at the 500 block of Russell Avenue and arrested her for attempted first-degree murder, domestic battery, interference with law enforcement and violating a protection order.

Salinan attempts to murder boyfriend then drives him to ER

Suspicious driving led Salina Police Department officers to recover a stolen vehicle last week.

According to SPD Sergeant Kyle Tonniges, early Thursday at 4:20 a.m., an officer noticed a white 1999 Chevrolet Lumina driving suspiciously. After returning to the vehicle sometime later, it was unoccupied.

"He saw a subject walking away from the vehicle," Tonniges said. "It added to the officer's suspicions when it was 4:30 in the morning, and Sevijon [the subject] was wearing shorts."

Tonniges said the subject, 18-year-old Salina resident Sevijon Davis, gave officers a false name and birth date. It happened to be the name of a different subject with a warrant for arrest.

After learning Davis' true identity, officers checked the vehicle for registration and found the owner had just discovered the car's theft.

Tonniges said the car's owner believes it was stolen sometime after 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6, from the 500 block of State Street. 

Officers arrested Davis and requested charges of interference with law enforcement and vehicle theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574355645622.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostSuspicious driving led Salina Police Department officers to recover a stolen vehicle last week.According to SPD Sergeant Kyle Tonniges, early Thursday at 4:20 a.m., an officer noticed a white 1999 Chevrolet Lumina driving suspiciously. After returning to the vehicle sometime later, it was unoccupied."He saw a subject walking away from the vehicle," Tonniges said. "It added to the officer's suspicions when it was 4:30 in the morning, and Sevijon [the subject] was wearing shorts."Tonniges said the subject, 18-year-old Salina resident Sevijon Davis, gave officers a false name and birth date. It happened to be the name of a different subject with a warrant for arrest.After learning Davis' true identity, officers checked the vehicle for registration and found the owner had just discovered the car's theft.Tonniges said the car's owner believes it was stolen sometime after 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6, from the 500 block of State Street. Officers arrested Davis and requested charges of interference with law enforcement and vehicle theft.

False name turns up a warrant and leads SPD to arrest vehicle thief

The Mural at the Mill found itself in a tumultuous situation this week when the 100-foot-tall H.D. Lee Flour Mill and its three adjoining lots were listed for sale.

Wilson Realty and Auction Services listed the historic site on its website for $140,000, and according to Lonnie Wilson, the owner of Wilson Realty, the contract did not specify protection for the mural.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701983982705.jpeg" alt="H.D. Lee Flour Mill for sale. Photo courtesy Wilson Realty and Auction Services" />
 <figcaption>H.D. Lee Flour Mill for sale. Photo courtesy Wilson Realty and Auction Services</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostThe Mural at the Mill found itself in a tumultuous situation this week when the 100-foot-tall H.D. Lee Flour Mill and its three adjoining lots were listed for sale.Wilson Realty and Auction Services listed the historic site on its website for $140,000, and according to Lonnie Wilson, the owner of Wilson Realty, the contract did not specify protection for the mural.Even without specific protection while changing hands, the mural will likely be safe even when the property sells.Currently, BSQUARE L.L.C. owns the iconic building and listed it for sale.The flour mill's history spans more than a century, with H.D. Lee founding the large building and conjoining wooden structures and lots in the late 1800s.The mill shut down permanently in 2019, and in 2021, BOOM! Salina brought artwork to the mill's looming towers, creating an iconic scene for Salina's residents and visitors.Guido van Helten, an Australian-born artist, produced the Mural at the Mill, and according to Vortex President and CEO Travis Young, the founder of BOOM!, the mural is considered public art.Young said that multiple court cases set a precedent for protecting public arts, and before that, the mill's current owner plans to be selective about choosing the new owner."We were never too nervous about it changing or anything," Young said. "The owner has it [the mural] on his mind during this process."Though the mill may change hands soon, Young said the mural will remain an iconic part of the city.