Kansas Wesleyan has received a $150,000 grant from the Wilson Family Charitable Trust to launch a revolutionary, top-notch Criminal Justice lab and learning center.

“This is a game-changing moment for those in our Criminal Justice major,” said Ken Oliver, executive vice president of advancement and university operations. “This lab will be one of the top criminal justice-focused facilities in the state, providing opportunities to our students that few in the region have. Pair that with the experience of our dedicated faculty, and it’s a great time to be a part of Kansas Wesleyan’s Criminal Justice program!”

The Jack Wilson Forensic CSI Lab and the Jack Wilson Criminal Justice Experiential Learning Center will include renovated study space and feature an elite simulator, designed to emulate situations that law enforcement officials (LEOs) could encounter in the field. This provides a safe space to practice real-life de-escalation and decision-making tactics. The simulator can also be used for other majors, including Social Work and Nursing, to practice responses in the field.

The two new spaces will be housed on the first floor of Peters Science Hall, in the same wing as the&nbsp;KWU&nbsp;Emergency Operations Center, and are expected to open early in the spring semester.

“This gift creates wonderful opportunities for our students,” said Kendra Pratt, chair of the department of criminal justice and emergency management. “Not only does it provide a great space for them to study and learn but it gives a safe space to practice real-life challenges that law enforcement officers face. We believe this enables us to better train the next generation of community LEOs.”

For more information on Kansas Wesleyan University, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kwu.edu/news" target="_blank">www.kwu.edu/news</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701016645030.jpeg" alt="Pioneer Hall at Kansas Wesleyan University during a snowstorm on Saturday, Nov. 25, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Pioneer Hall at Kansas Wesleyan University during a snowstorm on Saturday, Nov. 25, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedKansas Wesleyan has received a $150,000 grant from the Wilson Family Charitable Trust to launch a revolutionary, top-notch Criminal Justice lab and learning center.“This is a game-changing moment for those in our Criminal Justice major,” said Ken Oliver, executive vice president of advancement and university operations. “This lab will be one of the top criminal justice-focused facilities in the state, providing opportunities to our students that few in the region have. Pair that with the experience of our dedicated faculty, and it’s a great time to be a part of Kansas Wesleyan’s Criminal Justice program!”The Jack Wilson Forensic CSI Lab and the Jack Wilson Criminal Justice Experiential Learning Center will include renovated study space and feature an elite simulator, designed to emulate situations that law enforcement officials (LEOs) could encounter in the field. This provides a safe space to practice real-life de-escalation and decision-making tactics. The simulator can also be used for other majors, including Social Work and Nursing, to practice responses in the field.The two new spaces will be housed on the first floor of Peters Science Hall, in the same wing as the&nbsp;KWU&nbsp;Emergency Operations Center, and are expected to open early in the spring semester.“This gift creates wonderful opportunities for our students,” said Kendra Pratt, chair of the department of criminal justice and emergency management. “Not only does it provide a great space for them to study and learn but it gives a safe space to practice real-life challenges that law enforcement officers face. We believe this enables us to better train the next generation of community LEOs.”For more information on Kansas Wesleyan University, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kwu.edu/news" target="_blank">www.kwu.edu/news</a>.

KWU receives grant to fund new criminal justice lab and learning center

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

Two teachers, Salina USD 305 Public Schools, Caleb and Lacie Stewart, skipped this year's traditional Thanksgiving celebration.&nbsp;

While friends and family cooked turkey and stuffing, the Stewarts hung Christmas lights and decorations in the Oval Office and other important White House rooms.

Dozens of volunteers visited the White House to decorate, with Stewarts' group including 15 members to decorate the Oval Office, the Vice President's Office, the Cabinet Room and the Roosevelt Room.

As fellow volunteers milled about the White House, Caleb Stewart said he noticed the camaraderie while decorating.

"We were just there to all work together to decorate the people's house for Christmas," Caleb Stewart said. "The big thing I'm taking away is that it is still possible for everyone to get along and work together toward a common goal."

The Stewarts tune in to the "HGTV White House Christmas Special" each year to watch the process of decorating the White House. This year, they decided to get involved and turned in a volunteer application in September.

The pair nervously waited for a response, and in October, HGTV and White House staff told the couple to show up on Thanksgiving week.

On Wednesday, Nov. 22, the Stewarts arrived, celebrated Thanksgiving Day in Washington, D.C., and began decorating with dozens of other volunteers.

"We started our decorating shift on Friday," Caleb Stewart said. "We decorated all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and that was 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. all those days."

The Stewarts strung twinkling lights and decorated Christmas trees throughout their assigned rooms.&nbsp;

While working, Lacie Stewart said she thought of the history of the iconic building and how she had taught her third-grade class at Schilling Elementary about it just a few weeks before.

She teaches about government and American History through a reading unit that took the students on a virtual White House and Washington, D.C. tour.

"My kids were really excited to research that and know those places, and then a month later, I was like, 'Hey guys, remember that White House picture we showed you? We're actually going in there, and I'm going to tell you all about it,'" Lacie Stewart said. "It was really cool to make that connection."

Lacie and Caleb Stewart began teaching eight years ago in Salina, with Caleb starting his career at South Middle School and then moving on to teach high school English at Salina South for the past three years.&nbsp;

Lacie Stewart began teaching at Schilling Elementary eight years ago and continues to teach third grade there.

After returning from Washington, the couple told their students of the experience, from decorating in the Roosevelt Room to shaking hands with first lady and fellow educator Jill Biden.

"The day we got back, we actually put together a little slideshow presentation of some pictures," Caleb Stewart said.&nbsp;

The White House also provided volunteers with a children's book-style booklet that explained the decorations of each room, so the Stewarts shared that with students.

Lacie Stewart said her students excitedly absorbed the information, letting friends and family know about their teacher's accomplishment.

"They had lots of questions," Lacie Stewart said. "After the initial kind of enjoyment, they really kind of thought about it like 'Wow, my teacher did do this!'"

"They were telling other students or parents, and I had a lot of parents after school ask me, 'Is it true that you really went to the White House?' and I was like, 'Your students aren't lying to you, it's true — I really did.'"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702071243946.jpeg" alt="White House Christmas decorating volunteers stand in front of the festive Presidential Mansion for the 2023 season. Photo courtesy Caleb and Lacie Stewart" />
 <figcaption>White House Christmas decorating volunteers stand in front of the festive Presidential Mansion for the 2023 season. Photo courtesy Caleb and Lacie Stewart</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostTwo teachers, Salina USD 305 Public Schools, Caleb and Lacie Stewart, skipped this year's traditional Thanksgiving celebration.&nbsp;While friends and family cooked turkey and stuffing, the Stewarts hung Christmas lights and decorations in the Oval Office and other important White House rooms.Dozens of volunteers visited the White House to decorate, with Stewarts' group including 15 members to decorate the Oval Office, the Vice President's Office, the Cabinet Room and the Roosevelt Room.As fellow volunteers milled about the White House, Caleb Stewart said he noticed the camaraderie while decorating."We were just there to all work together to decorate the people's house for Christmas," Caleb Stewart said. "The big thing I'm taking away is that it is still possible for everyone to get along and work together toward a common goal."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702071395262.jpeg" alt="Lacie and Caleb Stewart stand in front of one of the decorations in the White House. Photo courtesy Caleb and Lacie Stewart" />
 <figcaption>Lacie and Caleb Stewart stand in front of one of the decorations in the White House. Photo courtesy Caleb and Lacie Stewart</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Decorating the White House</h2>The Stewarts tune in to the "HGTV White House Christmas Special" each year to watch the process of decorating the White House. This year, they decided to get involved and turned in a volunteer application in September.The pair nervously waited for a response, and in October, HGTV and White House staff told the couple to show up on Thanksgiving week.On Wednesday, Nov. 22, the Stewarts arrived, celebrated Thanksgiving Day in Washington, D.C., and began decorating with dozens of other volunteers."We started our decorating shift on Friday," Caleb Stewart said. "We decorated all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and that was 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. all those days."<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H-m_TUT7zoY?si=WS106DCne13NvhgC" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The Stewarts strung twinkling lights and decorated Christmas trees throughout their assigned rooms.&nbsp;While working, Lacie Stewart said she thought of the history of the iconic building and how she had taught her third-grade class at Schilling Elementary about it just a few weeks before.She teaches about government and American History through a reading unit that took the students on a virtual White House and Washington, D.C. tour."My kids were really excited to research that and know those places, and then a month later, I was like, 'Hey guys, remember that White House picture we showed you? We're actually going in there, and I'm going to tell you all about it,'" Lacie Stewart said. "It was really cool to make that connection."<h2>Teachers for the community</h2>Lacie and Caleb Stewart began teaching eight years ago in Salina, with Caleb starting his career at South Middle School and then moving on to teach high school English at Salina South for the past three years.&nbsp;Lacie Stewart began teaching at Schilling Elementary eight years ago and continues to teach third grade there.After returning from Washington, the couple told their students of the experience, from decorating in the Roosevelt Room to shaking hands with first lady and fellow educator Jill Biden."The day we got back, we actually put together a little slideshow presentation of some pictures," Caleb Stewart said.&nbsp;The White House also provided volunteers with a children's book-style booklet that explained the decorations of each room, so the Stewarts shared that with students.Lacie Stewart said her students excitedly absorbed the information, letting friends and family know about their teacher's accomplishment."They had lots of questions," Lacie Stewart said. "After the initial kind of enjoyment, they really kind of thought about it like 'Wow, my teacher did do this!'""They were telling other students or parents, and I had a lot of parents after school ask me, 'Is it true that you really went to the White House?' and I was like, 'Your students aren't lying to you, it's true — I really did.'"

Salina teachers helped decorate the White House for 2023 holiday season

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

Hear highlights about community events, public affairs, and all things happening in Salina. Their approach is friendly, informative, and entertaining. They're committed to making a difference in their community and keeping listeners up-to-date with updates from new and returning guests.

To listen to past 910KINA Saturday Morning Shows head on over to the KINA podcast homepage&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KINA&amp;embedOpened=true&amp;embedOpenedApp=song&amp;embedOpenedSong=910683and6831076845683KINA&amp;embedOpenedArtist=&amp;embedOpenedAlbum=">here.</a>

9:05 a.m.&nbsp; Amanda Otto, Executive Director Big Brothers Big Sisters on Frosty Fun Run and Raffle.

9:30 a.m. Lt Luke Hirsh, Salina Salvation Army on need for more Bell Ringers and Christmas.

10:05 a.m. Olivia Bergmeier, Salina Post, "Woman on the Street"

10:30 a.m.&nbsp; Adrienne Allen, Executive Director Salina Symphony on the Christmas Concert and upcoming season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691172591916.png" alt="Dave and Sam" />
 <figcaption>Dave and Sam</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTJoin 910KINA's Saturday Morning Show hosts Dave and Sam this Saturday from 9-11 a.m. on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.910kina.com/">910AM 107.5 FM.</a>Hear highlights about community events, public affairs, and all things happening in Salina. Their approach is friendly, informative, and entertaining. They're committed to making a difference in their community and keeping listeners up-to-date with updates from new and returning guests.To listen to past 910KINA Saturday Morning Shows head on over to the KINA podcast homepage&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KINA&amp;embedOpened=true&amp;embedOpenedApp=song&amp;embedOpenedSong=910683and6831076845683KINA&amp;embedOpenedArtist=&amp;embedOpenedAlbum=">here.</a><h2>This week's lineup</h2>9:05 a.m.&nbsp; Amanda Otto, Executive Director Big Brothers Big Sisters on Frosty Fun Run and Raffle. 9:30 a.m. Lt Luke Hirsh, Salina Salvation Army on need for more Bell Ringers and Christmas. 10:05 a.m. Olivia Bergmeier, Salina Post, "Woman on the Street"10:30 a.m.&nbsp; Adrienne Allen, Executive Director Salina Symphony on the Christmas Concert and upcoming season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

910KINA Saturday Morning Show Lineup

A Falun resident returned home to a surprising discovery — his tan 2005 Ford Focus missing from the driveway.

According to Saline County Sheriff Rodger Soldan, the owner left the vehicle unlocked at his home in the 100 block of North Main Street on the north edge of Falun. 

The car was missing when the owner returned home at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6.

"He had missed a phone call from one of his buddies who had seen his vehicle parked along the ditch of Forsse Road," Soldan said. "Just north of Falun."

The car owner missed the call at around 6 p.m. and reported the crime at 7:05 p.m. to the Saline County Sheriff's Office.

Soldan said when deputies found the mud-covered vehicle, they saw the tracks showing the thief's "joy ride" in the area. Even with the vehicle recovered, the owner noticed something missing from the car's interior.

"The car was stolen and recovered with no damage other than being muddy," Soldan said. "But he's missing $2,700 in cash."

Deputies found no suspects in the area near the recovered Ford Focus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698873143602.png" alt="The Saline County Sheriff's Office located at 800 E. Pacific Avenue in Salina. " />
 <figcaption>The Saline County Sheriff's Office located at 800 E. Pacific Avenue in Salina. </figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostA Falun resident returned home to a surprising discovery — his tan 2005 Ford Focus missing from the driveway.According to Saline County Sheriff Rodger Soldan, the owner left the vehicle unlocked at his home in the 100 block of North Main Street on the north edge of Falun. The car was missing when the owner returned home at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6."He had missed a phone call from one of his buddies who had seen his vehicle parked along the ditch of Forsse Road," Soldan said. "Just north of Falun."The car owner missed the call at around 6 p.m. and reported the crime at 7:05 p.m. to the Saline County Sheriff's Office.Soldan said when deputies found the mud-covered vehicle, they saw the tracks showing the thief's "joy ride" in the area. Even with the vehicle recovered, the owner noticed something missing from the car's interior."The car was stolen and recovered with no damage other than being muddy," Soldan said. "But he's missing $2,700 in cash."Deputies found no suspects in the area near the recovered Ford Focus.

Falun vehicle stolen and recovered — owner missing $2,700 in cash from car

Soft holiday music played as residents and visitors milled around tables filled with local artisan goods at the Salina Art Center Warehouse for the second Holiday Art Market.

Salina Downtown Inc. and the Salina Art Center hosted the event for 22 local vendors on Saturday, Dec. 2, allowing new, hobbyist or seasoned artisans to sell their artwork.

The market included jewelry makers, wood carvers, leather workers, ceramic artists, sculptors and visual media artists — all selling their handmade works of art.

Dex Umekubo, a local singer and guitarist, sang Christmas songs between the classic holiday radio hits.

One of the almost two dozen artisans at the market included Nicholas Pahls, the owner of NAPCraft, who uses hand tools to carve wooden spoons, boxes and decorations.

Pahls was born and raised in Salina, where he grew up alongside the city's art community. Today, he teaches first grade at Coronado Elementary.&nbsp;

While chatting with visitors to his booth, Pahls would continue carving some works in progress with a widdling knife.

"I do that so people can ask questions about the process," Pahls said. "I think if they can see what you're doing, they're a lot more interested in one — buying something but two — just knowing what you're doing."

Often, customers don't understand the process of handmade goods, which Pahls said he enjoys taking the chance to educate.

Behind the finished works displayed on the NAPCraft table, tools like chisels, small adzes and wood planes decorated his station to show customers the process of wood carving.

"My favorite part is people who ask questions about what I do," Pahls said. "When you come to something like this [the Holiday Art Market] where it's all handmade stuff, it's important for people to see what that looks like when it's getting made."

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/7734a885-8646-4d3a-99d5-00fd16bb8662">43rd Santa's Gifts and Goodies Christmas market in Washington</a>

Anita Specht, a patron of the Holiday Market and neighbor to Pahls, said she enjoys seeing the community's creativity and supporting local artists.

As Specht approached Pahl's booth, he joked that she wasn't allowed to buy anything as neighbors. Specht assured him she was buying gifts for friends.

"Anita gets to hear me in my garage at 12 a.m.," Pahls said. "Anita's gifts come from her just allowing me to do that without complaining."

Specht laughed as she responded, "I don't know how he does it. Well, he doesn't complain when I don't rake my leaves."

"It's okay because I don't do it either," Pahls replied.

Specht heard about the Holiday Art Market through some friends attending the event, so she wanted to take the opportunity to support local artists.

The market allowed shoppers to find unique gifts for friends and family for the holidays, offering a memorable experience for Salina residents and visitors.

"I think it's wonderful. It opens up a lot of opportunities, especially for single people to get out and meet other folks," Specht said. "I think it makes life in Salina more pleasant and enjoyable."

Some of the vendors at the market include members of the Salina Art Center Warehouse, who visit to use ceramic and other art equipment.

Eddie Cheremond, a regular ceramic artist at the Warehouse, decided to take his hobby to the vendor stage, selling some of the artwork he made in the Warehouse.

LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/9b8ab6dc-b680-4187-afbf-d037cc1a4aec">🎙Leslie Bishop shares details for Salina Downtown holiday events</a>

His hobby began small, starting with the goal to make a few personal items before he became hooked on the craft.

"I wanted to replace all the bowls and cups I have at home with my own handmade," Cheremond said. "I started doing that, and it was very calming and soothing — so I kept doing it."

After replacing the store-bought ceramic items in his home and his stockpile of artwork grew, he took the opportunity to sell some of his work at the Art Market.

Salina Art Center Director of Education Darren Morawitz encouraged him to have a vendor table at the event, and Cheremond said he was glad he took the chance.&nbsp;

"Throwing, in general, for me, is a way to de-stress," Cheremond said. "To not think about anything else besides the work, for me, it's just really calming."

The Holiday Art Market concluded at 2 p.m., with the <a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/warehouse">Salina Art Center Warehouse</a> clearing for Tuesday's flow of local artists.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701910692104.jpeg" alt="Shoppers roam around the Salina Art Center Warehouse during the Salina Art Center Holiday Art Market on Saturday, Dec. 2, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Shoppers roam around the Salina Art Center Warehouse during the Salina Art Center Holiday Art Market on Saturday, Dec. 2, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostSoft holiday music played as residents and visitors milled around tables filled with local artisan goods at the Salina Art Center Warehouse for the second Holiday Art Market.Salina Downtown Inc. and the Salina Art Center hosted the event for 22 local vendors on Saturday, Dec. 2, allowing new, hobbyist or seasoned artisans to sell their artwork.The market included jewelry makers, wood carvers, leather workers, ceramic artists, sculptors and visual media artists — all selling their handmade works of art.Dex Umekubo, a local singer and guitarist, sang Christmas songs between the classic holiday radio hits.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSalinaArtCenter%2Fvideos%2F1681854449316395%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><h2>Behind the craft of handmade goods</h2>One of the almost two dozen artisans at the market included Nicholas Pahls, the owner of NAPCraft, who uses hand tools to carve wooden spoons, boxes and decorations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701910884064.jpeg" alt="Crystal Hammerschmidt, the arts services coordinator for Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, chats with Lauren Driscoll, director of community and development services at the City Of Salina, during the Salina Art Center Holiday Art Market on Saturday, Dec. 2 in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Crystal Hammerschmidt, the arts services coordinator for Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, chats with Lauren Driscoll, director of community and development services at the City Of Salina, during the Salina Art Center Holiday Art Market on Saturday, Dec. 2 in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Pahls was born and raised in Salina, where he grew up alongside the city's art community. Today, he teaches first grade at Coronado Elementary.&nbsp;While chatting with visitors to his booth, Pahls would continue carving some works in progress with a widdling knife."I do that so people can ask questions about the process," Pahls said. "I think if they can see what you're doing, they're a lot more interested in one — buying something but two — just knowing what you're doing."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701911059098.jpeg" alt="Nicholas Pahls, owner of NAPCraft and a vendor at the Holiday Art Market, tells customers Madeline Dubois and Riley Grant the process of his hand-made crafts during the Salina Art Center Holiday Art Market on Saturday, Dec. 2 in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Nicholas Pahls, owner of NAPCraft and a vendor at the Holiday Art Market, tells customers Madeline Dubois and Riley Grant the process of his hand-made crafts during the Salina Art Center Holiday Art Market on Saturday, Dec. 2 in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Often, customers don't understand the process of handmade goods, which Pahls said he enjoys taking the chance to educate.Behind the finished works displayed on the NAPCraft table, tools like chisels, small adzes and wood planes decorated his station to show customers the process of wood carving."My favorite part is people who ask questions about what I do," Pahls said. "When you come to something like this [the Holiday Art Market] where it's all handmade stuff, it's important for people to see what that looks like when it's getting made."READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/7734a885-8646-4d3a-99d5-00fd16bb8662">43rd Santa's Gifts and Goodies Christmas market in Washington</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701910982133.jpeg" alt="Nicholas Pahls, owner of NAPCraft and a vendor at the Holiday Art Market, carves a wooden utensil while chatting with customers during the Salina Art Center Holiday Art Market on Saturday, Dec. 2 in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Nicholas Pahls, owner of NAPCraft and a vendor at the Holiday Art Market, carves a wooden utensil while chatting with customers during the Salina Art Center Holiday Art Market on Saturday, Dec. 2 in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Anita Specht, a patron of the Holiday Market and neighbor to Pahls, said she enjoys seeing the community's creativity and supporting local artists.As Specht approached Pahl's booth, he joked that she wasn't allowed to buy anything as neighbors. Specht assured him she was buying gifts for friends."Anita gets to hear me in my garage at 12 a.m.," Pahls said. "Anita's gifts come from her just allowing me to do that without complaining."Specht laughed as she responded, "I don't know how he does it. Well, he doesn't complain when I don't rake my leaves.""It's okay because I don't do it either," Pahls replied.Specht heard about the Holiday Art Market through some friends attending the event, so she wanted to take the opportunity to support local artists.The market allowed shoppers to find unique gifts for friends and family for the holidays, offering a memorable experience for Salina residents and visitors."I think it's wonderful. It opens up a lot of opportunities, especially for single people to get out and meet other folks," Specht said. "I think it makes life in Salina more pleasant and enjoyable."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701911117531.jpeg" alt="Salina Art Center Warehouse regular Eddie Cheremond sells some of his ceramic work during the Salina Art Center Holiday Art Market on Saturday, Dec. 2 in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Art Center Warehouse regular Eddie Cheremond sells some of his ceramic work during the Salina Art Center Holiday Art Market on Saturday, Dec. 2 in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Some of the vendors at the market include members of the Salina Art Center Warehouse, who visit to use ceramic and other art equipment.Eddie Cheremond, a regular ceramic artist at the Warehouse, decided to take his hobby to the vendor stage, selling some of the artwork he made in the Warehouse.LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/9b8ab6dc-b680-4187-afbf-d037cc1a4aec">🎙Leslie Bishop shares details for Salina Downtown holiday events</a>His hobby began small, starting with the goal to make a few personal items before he became hooked on the craft."I wanted to replace all the bowls and cups I have at home with my own handmade," Cheremond said. "I started doing that, and it was very calming and soothing — so I kept doing it."After replacing the store-bought ceramic items in his home and his stockpile of artwork grew, he took the opportunity to sell some of his work at the Art Market.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701911197545.jpeg" alt="Salina Art Center regular Eddie Cheremond chats with a customer, Jill Werner, about his art during the Salina Art Center Holiday Art Market on Saturday, Dec. 2, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Art Center regular Eddie Cheremond chats with a customer, Jill Werner, about his art during the Salina Art Center Holiday Art Market on Saturday, Dec. 2, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Art Center Director of Education Darren Morawitz encouraged him to have a vendor table at the event, and Cheremond said he was glad he took the chance.&nbsp;"Throwing, in general, for me, is a way to de-stress," Cheremond said. "To not think about anything else besides the work, for me, it's just really calming."The Holiday Art Market concluded at 2 p.m., with the <a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/warehouse">Salina Art Center Warehouse</a> clearing for Tuesday's flow of local artists.

Salina community creativity on display at Salina Art Center Holiday Art Market

Early Sunday at 3:16 a.m., Salina Police Department officers responded to the intersection of Georgetown Road and Seitz Road for a hit-and-run crash.

According to SPD Sergeant Kyle Tonniges, a red 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 parked on the west side of Seitz Road facing south was struck by a passing car. The caller who reported the crime did not witness the crash but saw the damage on the Dodge Ram.

After following a fluid trail from the crash scene, officers found a gold 2005 Toyota Camry.

"Officers searched the area and located the suspect vehicle," Tonniges said. "It was parked down the road in a tree line near the intersection of Melrose and Seitz."

Officers then attempted to contact the registered owner at the address listed with the vehicle's registration but learned the driver was at the Salina Regional Health Center.

There, SPD made contact with an allegedly intoxicated 21-year-old Salina resident, Kaiden Carter.

"Through their investigation, they ended up arresting him for DUI and duty of a driver to report an accident," Tonniges said. 

Through the officer's investigation, they arrested Carter for DUI and failure to report an accident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574094885919.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostEarly Sunday at 3:16 a.m., Salina Police Department officers responded to the intersection of Georgetown Road and Seitz Road for a hit-and-run crash.According to SPD Sergeant Kyle Tonniges, a red 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 parked on the west side of Seitz Road facing south was struck by a passing car. The caller who reported the crime did not witness the crash but saw the damage on the Dodge Ram.After following a fluid trail from the crash scene, officers found a gold 2005 Toyota Camry."Officers searched the area and located the suspect vehicle," Tonniges said. "It was parked down the road in a tree line near the intersection of Melrose and Seitz."Officers then attempted to contact the registered owner at the address listed with the vehicle's registration but learned the driver was at the Salina Regional Health Center.There, SPD made contact with an allegedly intoxicated 21-year-old Salina resident, Kaiden Carter."Through their investigation, they ended up arresting him for DUI and duty of a driver to report an accident," Tonniges said. Through the officer's investigation, they arrested Carter for DUI and failure to report an accident.

DUI hit-and-run early Sunday morning in Salina

The Salina Police Department arrested 28-year-old Salina resident Thomas Garrison after his significant other reported him for sexual violence.

At 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2, SPD officers reported to the 300 block of North Columbia Street, Garrison's residence, where the sexual assault took place.

According to SPD Sergeant Kyle Tonniges, the significant other reported the assault after she left Garrison's residence.

"As a result of what happened there, we arrested Thomas for rape, aggravated assault, criminal sodomy, aggravated kidnapping, domestic battery and violating a protective order," Tonniges said.

Garrison did not resist arrest by officers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701701404593.jpeg" alt="Garrison, Thomas Cole" />
 <figcaption>Garrison, Thomas Cole</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostThe Salina Police Department arrested 28-year-old Salina resident Thomas Garrison after his significant other reported him for sexual violence.At 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2, SPD officers reported to the 300 block of North Columbia Street, Garrison's residence, where the sexual assault took place.According to SPD Sergeant Kyle Tonniges, the significant other reported the assault after she left Garrison's residence."As a result of what happened there, we arrested Thomas for rape, aggravated assault, criminal sodomy, aggravated kidnapping, domestic battery and violating a protective order," Tonniges said.Garrison did not resist arrest by officers.

SPD arrests Salina man for sexual violence

Championship events for most mean fanfare and noise, but at Lakewood Middle School on Saturday, students quietly gathered around colorful tables preparing to compete for <a href="https://www.firstinspires.org/">First Lego League</a> Central Kansas Champion.

The <a href="https://oksef.org/">Oklahoma Science and Engineering Foundation</a>, or OKSEF, volunteered to manage the event at Lakewood Middle, providing tables and challenges for 13 middle and elementary teams.

The Championship Cup for the Central Kansas winner stays on the theme, made entirely from Lego bricks.

At a First Lego League competition, teams work together on complicated robotic and program systems for the challenges.&nbsp;

Tasks on the competition boards include navigating the table, flipping switches and moving other Lego pieces around.

The competition provided a practice table outside the gym in the middle school's cafeteria to make any final adjustments to their intricate systems.

Lakewood Middle School Lego Robotics Team, or the Mustang Megatrons, member Dylan Atteberry, 13, said she sees her group tackle challenges together.&nbsp;

"I want everyone to be able to work on everything and to learn about everything," Dylan said. "It's important to have feedback from other people and also having someone there to help you."

Dylan said she had a growing interest in coding since third grade, but a Lego Robotics team wasn't available to her until middle school.

In sixth grade, Dylan joined the Mustang Megatrons and began learning about real-world uses of computer engineering.

"It's really hard to figure out because you want it to go forward, but then you have to say that in code," Dylan said. "And it's kind of weird to get used to, but it's interesting."

Another team member, Marian Wright-Bayes, 12, said she approaches problems like a puzzle, including those between other teammates.

"I like trying to work out problems with communication," Marian said. "It gets really stressful, so I like making that into a puzzle that I have to solve."

Marian said her goal is to attend Harvard University and learn as much as possible from extracurricular activities.

"I'm kind of the average nerd," Marian said. "I like robotics, math — It's just stuff that I really like to do."

Lakewood Middle Seventh Grade Teacher and Lego Robotics Coach Jennifer Griffin pushes her students to work together through complex tasks.

Griffin said academic extracurricular activities like Lego Robotics teach students a unique type of teamwork compared to athletic extracurriculars.

"That cooperative learning piece has been huge — being able to work as a team has been huge," Griffin said. "Even in the last two or three years, we've seen a huge change in kids."

"Their self-worth is definitely increasing — they feel more comfortable talking to others, and I would say they're willing to step out."&nbsp;

During the competition, students use their minds instead of their arms or legs in tandem with one another to accomplish the task.&nbsp;

Scott Taylor, director of OKSEF, travels around the central region of the U.S., managing events with volunteers for each Lego League competition.

"Watching those kids light up after an accomplishment — it's that "Aha!" moment," Taylor said. "And you get to watch that through all the matches, and it's incredible."

Taylor said he witnessed students from elementary to college accomplish intricate tasks set by the program, each working with their teammates toward the goal.

First Lego League allows students to apply the knowledge gained from the classroom to their understanding of the world around them.

"Doing math just for the sake of doing math is terrible," Taylor said. "Doing math to make the robot run, they go, 'Oh! Now I see why I need this stuff!'"

"All of a sudden, everything starts to turn around for those kids that didn't think they needed anything that was going on in the classroom."

Lego Robotics allows students to understand the world around them better, learn to work as a team and teaches them to push through challenges.

Lakewood Middle Lego Robotics team member Gage Martin, 13, sees valuable connections with his teammates while gaining knowledge to use now and for his future goals.

"When something works, it's seeing everyone celebrate it and getting that feeling of lightness and satisfaction," Gage said. "And seeing that what you did worked, everyone can celebrate it with you."

The Mustang Megatrons' second team <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vT8odfkzY6_ZuDnxZI77xVpEFdRYJ6kdVwOScVT9-Pcxwy_T8w6HmaUMRfNN-ny0DOqsGLWZyqZoGFg/pubhtml?gid=0&amp;single=true">placed seventh, while the first team placed 12th</a>. The Megatrons won first place for Core Values for the First Lego League Central Kansas, which Lakewood Middle School celebrated with a pep rally on Monday.

First Lego League team number 32368, or the Beach Boys, won the First Lego League Central Kansas Championship on Saturday.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701830532351.jpeg" alt="Lucas Cosens, left, 12, and Charlie Williams, right, 12, watch the Mustang Megatrons' robot perform tasks during the First Lego League Central Kansas Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Lakewood Middle School. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Lucas Cosens, left, 12, and Charlie Williams, right, 12, watch the Mustang Megatrons' robot perform tasks during the First Lego League Central Kansas Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Lakewood Middle School. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostChampionship events for most mean fanfare and noise, but at Lakewood Middle School on Saturday, students quietly gathered around colorful tables preparing to compete for <a href="https://www.firstinspires.org/">First Lego League</a> Central Kansas Champion.The <a href="https://oksef.org/">Oklahoma Science and Engineering Foundation</a>, or OKSEF, volunteered to manage the event at Lakewood Middle, providing tables and challenges for 13 middle and elementary teams.The Championship Cup for the Central Kansas winner stays on the theme, made entirely from Lego bricks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701831096332.jpeg" alt="Championship cups sit behind the Lego Robotics competition tables during the First Lego League Central Kansas Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Lakewood Middle School. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Championship cups sit behind the Lego Robotics competition tables during the First Lego League Central Kansas Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Lakewood Middle School. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>First Lego League competitions</h2>At a First Lego League competition, teams work together on complicated robotic and program systems for the challenges.&nbsp;Tasks on the competition boards include navigating the table, flipping switches and moving other Lego pieces around.The competition provided a practice table outside the gym in the middle school's cafeteria to make any final adjustments to their intricate systems.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701830569901.jpeg" alt="Challenge tables stand ready in the gym during the First Lego League Central Kansas Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Lakewood Middle School. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Challenge tables stand ready in the gym during the First Lego League Central Kansas Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Lakewood Middle School. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Lakewood Middle School Lego Robotics Team, or the Mustang Megatrons, member Dylan Atteberry, 13, said she sees her group tackle challenges together.&nbsp;"I want everyone to be able to work on everything and to learn about everything," Dylan said. "It's important to have feedback from other people and also having someone there to help you."Dylan said she had a growing interest in coding since third grade, but a Lego Robotics team wasn't available to her until middle school.In sixth grade, Dylan joined the Mustang Megatrons and began learning about real-world uses of computer engineering."It's really hard to figure out because you want it to go forward, but then you have to say that in code," Dylan said. "And it's kind of weird to get used to, but it's interesting."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701830818000.jpeg" alt="Henry Peterson, left, 12, and Drake Lewis, right, 12, cheer for their robot as it finishes at task for the Wichita DaVinci's Droids during the First Lego League Central Kansas Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Lakewood Middle School. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Henry Peterson, left, 12, and Drake Lewis, right, 12, cheer for their robot as it finishes at task for the Wichita DaVinci's Droids during the First Lego League Central Kansas Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Lakewood Middle School. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Another team member, Marian Wright-Bayes, 12, said she approaches problems like a puzzle, including those between other teammates."I like trying to work out problems with communication," Marian said. "It gets really stressful, so I like making that into a puzzle that I have to solve."Marian said her goal is to attend Harvard University and learn as much as possible from extracurricular activities."I'm kind of the average nerd," Marian said. "I like robotics, math — It's just stuff that I really like to do."<h2>Understanding math in the real world</h2>Lakewood Middle Seventh Grade Teacher and Lego Robotics Coach Jennifer Griffin pushes her students to work together through complex tasks.Griffin said academic extracurricular activities like Lego Robotics teach students a unique type of teamwork compared to athletic extracurriculars."That cooperative learning piece has been huge — being able to work as a team has been huge," Griffin said. "Even in the last two or three years, we've seen a huge change in kids.""Their self-worth is definitely increasing — they feel more comfortable talking to others, and I would say they're willing to step out."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701831193982.jpeg" alt="Mustang Megatron teammates Lucas Cosens, left, 12, and Charlie Williams, right, 12, make final adjustments before the competition begins during the First Lego League Central Kansas Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Lakewood Middle School. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Mustang Megatron teammates Lucas Cosens, left, 12, and Charlie Williams, right, 12, make final adjustments before the competition begins during the First Lego League Central Kansas Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Lakewood Middle School. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>During the competition, students use their minds instead of their arms or legs in tandem with one another to accomplish the task.&nbsp;Scott Taylor, director of OKSEF, travels around the central region of the U.S., managing events with volunteers for each Lego League competition."Watching those kids light up after an accomplishment — it's that "Aha!" moment," Taylor said. "And you get to watch that through all the matches, and it's incredible."Taylor said he witnessed students from elementary to college accomplish intricate tasks set by the program, each working with their teammates toward the goal.First Lego League allows students to apply the knowledge gained from the classroom to their understanding of the world around them."Doing math just for the sake of doing math is terrible," Taylor said. "Doing math to make the robot run, they go, 'Oh! Now I see why I need this stuff!'"<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701830856666.jpeg" alt="A challenge table stands ready in the gym during the First Lego League Central Kansas Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Lakewood Middle School. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>A challenge table stands ready in the gym during the First Lego League Central Kansas Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Lakewood Middle School. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"All of a sudden, everything starts to turn around for those kids that didn't think they needed anything that was going on in the classroom."Lego Robotics allows students to understand the world around them better, learn to work as a team and teaches them to push through challenges.Lakewood Middle Lego Robotics team member Gage Martin, 13, sees valuable connections with his teammates while gaining knowledge to use now and for his future goals."When something works, it's seeing everyone celebrate it and getting that feeling of lightness and satisfaction," Gage said. "And seeing that what you did worked, everyone can celebrate it with you."The Mustang Megatrons' second team <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vT8odfkzY6_ZuDnxZI77xVpEFdRYJ6kdVwOScVT9-Pcxwy_T8w6HmaUMRfNN-ny0DOqsGLWZyqZoGFg/pubhtml?gid=0&amp;single=true">placed seventh, while the first team placed 12th</a>. The Megatrons won first place for Core Values for the First Lego League Central Kansas, which Lakewood Middle School celebrated with a pep rally on Monday.First Lego League team number 32368, or the Beach Boys, won the First Lego League Central Kansas Championship on Saturday.&nbsp;

First Lego League challenges students in programming and engineering

Early Tuesday morning, a 13-year-old child from Assaria drove a Chevrolet Aveo to Salina, where he crashed into some of Atwood Home and Ranch's property on Broadway Boulevard and South Street.&nbsp;

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office, a deputy patrolling the 200 block of Broadway Boulevard at 4:39 a.m. witnessed the Aveo reaching speeds of 59 mph in the southbound lanes.

When the deputy attempted to stop the Aveo, the driver tried to turn west on South Street at high speeds and jumped the curb into the front lot of Atwoods.

"He hit a telephone pole junction box, an Atwoods hiring sign and a dog crate," said Saline County Sheriff Rodger Soldan. "The driver tried to correct the vehicle, but he overcorrected and spun out in the parking lot — when it came to a stop, the driver got out of the car and took off running."

Soldan said deputies later found the driver, with help from Salina Police Department officers, a 13-year-old boy from Assaria. 

"Turned out to be a 13-year-old kid from rural Assaria that had taken his parents' vehicle without permission," Soldan said. 

The child also had a pack of cigarettes with him when deputies and officers found him. Soldan said deputies took him to juvenile intake at the Saline County Sheriff's Office.

Requested charges for the child include — flee and elude, interference with law enforcement officers, driving without a license and minor in possession.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698873143602.png" alt="The Saline County Sheriff's Office located at 800 E. Pacific Avenue in Salina. " />
 <figcaption>The Saline County Sheriff's Office located at 800 E. Pacific Avenue in Salina. </figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostEarly Tuesday morning, a 13-year-old child from Assaria drove a Chevrolet Aveo to Salina, where he crashed into some of Atwood Home and Ranch's property on Broadway Boulevard and South Street.&nbsp;According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office, a deputy patrolling the 200 block of Broadway Boulevard at 4:39 a.m. witnessed the Aveo reaching speeds of 59 mph in the southbound lanes.When the deputy attempted to stop the Aveo, the driver tried to turn west on South Street at high speeds and jumped the curb into the front lot of Atwoods."He hit a telephone pole junction box, an Atwoods hiring sign and a dog crate," said Saline County Sheriff Rodger Soldan. "The driver tried to correct the vehicle, but he overcorrected and spun out in the parking lot — when it came to a stop, the driver got out of the car and took off running."Soldan said deputies later found the driver, with help from Salina Police Department officers, a 13-year-old boy from Assaria. "Turned out to be a 13-year-old kid from rural Assaria that had taken his parents' vehicle without permission," Soldan said. The child also had a pack of cigarettes with him when deputies and officers found him. Soldan said deputies took him to juvenile intake at the Saline County Sheriff's Office.Requested charges for the child include — flee and elude, interference with law enforcement officers, driving without a license and minor in possession.

13-year-old from Assaria causes second accident this week at Broadway and South

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

Early Sunday morning, three suspects violently robbed and battered a 24-year-old Salina man, breaking his nose.

According to SPD Sergeant Kyle Tonniges, the victim knew the three men who robbed him. 

The men approached the victim at his residence near the 1200 block of North Seventh Street and demanded the victim to empty his pockets. 

"When he refused, they battered him and broke his nose," Tonniges said. "They were able to get a vape and a lighter from him — that was all he had."

Tonniges said he then called SPD at 3:08 to report the robbery. The requested charges for the three suspects are aggravated robbery and aggravated battery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574355645622.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostEarly Sunday morning, three suspects violently robbed and battered a 24-year-old Salina man, breaking his nose.According to SPD Sergeant Kyle Tonniges, the victim knew the three men who robbed him. The men approached the victim at his residence near the 1200 block of North Seventh Street and demanded the victim to empty his pockets. "When he refused, they battered him and broke his nose," Tonniges said. "They were able to get a vape and a lighter from him — that was all he had."Tonniges said he then called SPD at 3:08 to report the robbery. The requested charges for the three suspects are aggravated robbery and aggravated battery.SPD is still looking for the suspects.

Three men violently attack and rob Salina man, breaking his nose

The Salina Police Department arrested 25-year-old Simon Crowder after he violated a stalking protective order by leaving "gifts" for the victim.

At 10:22 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, SPD officers arrived at the 100 block of South Front Street after the stalking victim contacted officers about the "gifts" left by Crowder.

SPD Sergeant Kyle Tonniges said when officers attempted to arrest Crowder at his residence, he resisted.

"When officers attempted to arrest him, he fled back into the house and slammed the door on them, hitting one of the officers with the door in the process," Tonniges said. "The officers forced entry into the home and were able to arrest Simon [Crowder.] He was so uncooperative, so [officers] had to place him in a body wrap."

According to Tonniges, officers did not use a warrant in the arrest due to the report from the victim sparking probable cause. SPD arrested Crowder and requested charges of protection order violation and interference with a law enforcement officer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574271818216.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostThe Salina Police Department arrested 25-year-old Simon Crowder after he violated a stalking protective order by leaving "gifts" for the victim.At 10:22 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, SPD officers arrived at the 100 block of South Front Street after the stalking victim contacted officers about the "gifts" left by Crowder.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701701366118.jpeg" alt="Crowder, Simon Avery" />
 <figcaption>Crowder, Simon Avery</figcaption>
 </figure>SPD Sergeant Kyle Tonniges said when officers attempted to arrest Crowder at his residence, he resisted."When officers attempted to arrest him, he fled back into the house and slammed the door on them, hitting one of the officers with the door in the process," Tonniges said. "The officers forced entry into the home and were able to arrest Simon [Crowder.] He was so uncooperative, so [officers] had to place him in a body wrap."According to Tonniges, officers did not use a warrant in the arrest due to the report from the victim sparking probable cause. SPD arrested Crowder and requested charges of protection order violation and interference with a law enforcement officer.

SPD arrests stalker after he leaves "gifts" for victim

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

The City Commission will hold a study on Dec. 6 at 6:00 p.m. at the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Annex Building,&nbsp;218 N. Seventh Street, Salina.

Approve the minutes of the meeting of November 20, 2023.

Approve Resolution No. 23-8170 adopting the Financial Policies for the City of Salina (5.3)  Approve the minutes of the special meeting of November 30, 2023

Consider the request by RAM Contracting and Dirt Works of Salina, Kansas to withdraw its bid and award the bid for project number 23011, 2023 Sidewalk Ramps, to Morgan Brothers Construction, Inc. of La Crosse, Kansas in the amount of $108,616.30 with a $5,430.82 (5%) construction contingency for a total project authorization not to exceed $114,047.12 and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Morgan Brothers Construction, Inc. of La Crosse, Kansas upon fulfillment of all prerequisites under the bid documents.

Approve Resolution No. 23-8175 along with awarding the bid for project number 23037, 2023 New Sidewalk Construction, to RAM Contracting and Dirt Works of Salina, Kansas in the amount of $124,479 with a $6,223.95 (5%) construction contingency for a total project authorization not to exceed $130,702.95 and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with RAM upon fulfillment of all prerequisites under the bid documents.

Authorize Publication of the Notice of Budget Hearing for the 2023 Amended Budget which sets December 18, 2023 as the date for public hearing on the 2023 Amended Budget and establishes the maximum limits of the 2023 Amended Budget.

Consider the Salina Airport Authority's request and Salina Community Economic Development Organization Board of Directors' recommendation regarding the City of Salina's participation in the funding of a proposed agreement with SkyWest Airlines for resumption of overnight flight scheduling of Denver flights.

Approve Ordinance No. 23-11187 on first reading relating to prohibitions against any person obstructing in public places pedestrian traffic, vehicular traffic or marked vehicular parking.

(6.6)  City Commission Meeting Schedule and Ordinance Passage Amendments

(6.6a) Approve Resolution No. 23-8174 amending the Rules of Procedure and Order of Business for conducting meetings of the Board of Commissioners regarding when regular meetings are held and the manner in which ordinances are adopted.

(6.6b) Approve Ordinance No. 23-11186 on first reading amending Section 1-5.l of the Salina Code regarding consideration of ordinances.

Approve Ordinance No. 23-11185 on first reading authorizing the City of Salina, Kansas to issue taxable Multi-Family Bonds, Series 2023 (Cedarhurst Project) in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $15,000,000 for the purpose of the acquisition, construction and equipping of a commercial facility and authorizing certain other related documents and actions.

Approve Ordinance No. 23-11184 on first reading authorizing the City of Salina, Kansas to issue taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds, Series 2023 (Dominion Project) in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $3,729,417.31 for the purpose of financing the acquisition, construction and equipping of an additional manufacturing facility addition in the City of Salina and authorizing certain other related documents and actions and for the exemption of sales tax for material used in the construction of the project and a 10 year property tax exemption.

Approve Ordinance No. 23-11183 on first reading updating and modifying where alcoholic beverages may be consumed on public property in the City of Salina and restricting open containers at the same locations that are public property

<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 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;<h2>Study Session</h2>The City Commission will hold a study on Dec. 6 at 6:00 p.m. at the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Annex Building,&nbsp;218 N. Seventh Street, Salina.<h2>CONSENT AGENDA</h2>Approve the minutes of the meeting of November 20, 2023.Approve Resolution No. 23-8170 adopting the Financial Policies for the City of Salina (5.3) Approve the minutes of the special meeting of November 30, 2023<h2>Administration</h2>Consider the request by RAM Contracting and Dirt Works of Salina, Kansas to withdraw its bid and award the bid for project number 23011, 2023 Sidewalk Ramps, to Morgan Brothers Construction, Inc. of La Crosse, Kansas in the amount of $108,616.30 with a $5,430.82 (5%) construction contingency for a total project authorization not to exceed $114,047.12 and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Morgan Brothers Construction, Inc. of La Crosse, Kansas upon fulfillment of all prerequisites under the bid documents.Approve Resolution No. 23-8175 along with awarding the bid for project number 23037, 2023 New Sidewalk Construction, to RAM Contracting and Dirt Works of Salina, Kansas in the amount of $124,479 with a $6,223.95 (5%) construction contingency for a total project authorization not to exceed $130,702.95 and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with RAM upon fulfillment of all prerequisites under the bid documents.Authorize Publication of the Notice of Budget Hearing for the 2023 Amended Budget which sets December 18, 2023 as the date for public hearing on the 2023 Amended Budget and establishes the maximum limits of the 2023 Amended Budget.Consider the Salina Airport Authority's request and Salina Community Economic Development Organization Board of Directors' recommendation regarding the City of Salina's participation in the funding of a proposed agreement with SkyWest Airlines for resumption of overnight flight scheduling of Denver flights.Approve Ordinance No. 23-11187 on first reading relating to prohibitions against any person obstructing in public places pedestrian traffic, vehicular traffic or marked vehicular parking.(6.6) City Commission Meeting Schedule and Ordinance Passage Amendments(6.6a) Approve Resolution No. 23-8174 amending the Rules of Procedure and Order of Business for conducting meetings of the Board of Commissioners regarding when regular meetings are held and the manner in which ordinances are adopted.(6.6b) Approve Ordinance No. 23-11186 on first reading amending Section 1-5.l of the Salina Code regarding consideration of ordinances.Approve Ordinance No. 23-11185 on first reading authorizing the City of Salina, Kansas to issue taxable Multi-Family Bonds, Series 2023 (Cedarhurst Project) in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $15,000,000 for the purpose of the acquisition, construction and equipping of a commercial facility and authorizing certain other related documents and actions.Approve Ordinance No. 23-11184 on first reading authorizing the City of Salina, Kansas to issue taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds, Series 2023 (Dominion Project) in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $3,729,417.31 for the purpose of financing the acquisition, construction and equipping of an additional manufacturing facility addition in the City of Salina and authorizing certain other related documents and actions and for the exemption of sales tax for material used in the construction of the project and a 10 year property tax exemption.Approve Ordinance No. 23-11183 on first reading updating and modifying where alcoholic beverages may be consumed on public property in the City of Salina and restricting open containers at the same locations that are public property

SkyWest proposal, IRBs, alcoholic beverage consumption on public property on Salina City Comm. agenda

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER and NATE KING Salina Post

Steve Heiser spreads a positive message by actively participating in the betterment of his local community. This resilient hero works diligently behind the scenes, shoulder to shoulder with neighbors and friends.

People in north central Kansas benefit greatly from the countless hours that community champions spend on tasks like picking up the garbage, farming the land, volunteering, nursing the sick, and maintaining our roads and electrical grid.&nbsp;

As we embark on this mission to thank the seldomly thanked, Salina Post invites you to open your hearts to the incredible stories of these unsung heroes — these Community Champions.

Steve Heiser, a snowplow driver for the Saline County Road and Bridge Department, arrives early on snow days to work, prepared to tackle slushy, snow-packed roads.&nbsp;

On a weather event day, he usually beats his coworkers to the shop and prepares snowplow 19-10, filling its tanks with hundreds of tons of salt and, sometimes, thousands of gallons of magnesium chloride for bitter-cold days.

"I'm usually one of the first ones here," Heiser said. "I'm just itching to get out there and start."

Heiser began snowplowing for Saline County a decade ago, but his experience stretches another decade before that.&nbsp;

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a6d2ec15-94c2-437b-acf0-936983dcfcad">Salina Post's Community Champions Vol. 1 — David Svaty</a>

He first started snowplowing in Tulsa, OK, and after five years there, he moved to Kansas and snowplowed for the Kansas Department of Transportation across the state for another five years.

Heiser started at Saline County Road and Bridge in 2013.

"I love it," Heiser said. "I look forward to the accomplishment of doing my job, how well I can do it, and help the public be safe."

Long before he began scraping snow and ice off roads, Heiser was born and raised in Lincoln, KS, and joined the United States Army after high school for 24 years. Heiser said he served in Iraq and Saudi Arabia while in the Army.

After leaving military service, he moved to Oklahoma, where he lived for 20 years before returning to Kansas.

The Saline County community named all of Road and Bridge’s snowplows last winter, and Snowplow 19-10, Heiser’s snowplow, is called “Subzero Swiffer.”

The fleet of snowplows also includes 17-2 or “Dwight D. Icenplower,” 232 or “The Big LaPlowski,” 230 or “Scoop Dog,” 238 or “Betty White Out,” 19-1 or “Snow Daddy,” 263 or “Darth Blader,” and 22-4 or “Snowy McSnowface.” 

On snowy days, the Road and Bridge website provides a <a href="https://portal.snowpaths.com/public/983282/983283">live map tracking each snowplow’s location</a>.

Before the fleet leaves the shop during snow events, Saline County Road Superintendent Ted Sears makes decisions based on the weather.

“Once I make the decision and get everybody called in, the trucks have assigned routes,” Sears said. “Everybody knows where they’re going, so they just get loaded up and get going. We’ve got predetermined amounts of salt to put down based on the storm.”

Heiser covers the sixth route, which stretches from Assaria to Falun and to the county line. On Saturday, Nov. 25, Heiser helped with another course due to one of the other snowplows breaking down.

“I did mostly all the north, northwest and south, southwest,” Heiser said. “Saturday, I put in 220 miles and on Sunday, 180.”

For each mile, snowplows will usually spread around 250 to 300 pounds of salt per mile on a single-lane road and about 400 to 500 pounds on double-lane highways. When the weather is more severe, Sears said they will use around 800 pounds of salt per mile and use magnesium chloride alongside.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700701087801.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER and NATE KING Salina PostSteve Heiser spreads a positive message by actively participating in the betterment of his local community. This resilient hero works diligently behind the scenes, shoulder to shoulder with neighbors and friends.People in north central Kansas benefit greatly from the countless hours that community champions spend on tasks like picking up the garbage, farming the land, volunteering, nursing the sick, and maintaining our roads and electrical grid.&nbsp;As we embark on this mission to thank the seldomly thanked, Salina Post invites you to open your hearts to the incredible stories of these unsung heroes — these Community Champions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701367205519.jpeg" alt="Steve Heiser, a snowplow driver for the Saline County Road and Bridge Department, stands in front of truck 17-2, or "Dwight D. Icenplower," before taking it apart at the shop on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023, at the Saline County Road and Bridge office in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Steve Heiser, a snowplow driver for the Saline County Road and Bridge Department, stands in front of truck 17-2, or "Dwight D. Icenplower," before taking it apart at the shop on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023, at the Saline County Road and Bridge office in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Steve Heiser</h2>Steve Heiser, a snowplow driver for the Saline County Road and Bridge Department, arrives early on snow days to work, prepared to tackle slushy, snow-packed roads.&nbsp;On a weather event day, he usually beats his coworkers to the shop and prepares snowplow 19-10, filling its tanks with hundreds of tons of salt and, sometimes, thousands of gallons of magnesium chloride for bitter-cold days."I'm usually one of the first ones here," Heiser said. "I'm just itching to get out there and start."Heiser began snowplowing for Saline County a decade ago, but his experience stretches another decade before that.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701367316453.jpeg" alt="Steve Heiser, a snowplow driver for Saline County Road and Bridge, describes the various switches and tools he uses during a winter weather event on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the Saline County Road and Bridge office in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Steve Heiser, a snowplow driver for Saline County Road and Bridge, describes the various switches and tools he uses during a winter weather event on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the Saline County Road and Bridge office in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a6d2ec15-94c2-437b-acf0-936983dcfcad">Salina Post's Community Champions Vol. 1 — David Svaty</a>He first started snowplowing in Tulsa, OK, and after five years there, he moved to Kansas and snowplowed for the Kansas Department of Transportation across the state for another five years.Heiser started at Saline County Road and Bridge in 2013."I love it," Heiser said. "I look forward to the accomplishment of doing my job, how well I can do it, and help the public be safe."Long before he began scraping snow and ice off roads, Heiser was born and raised in Lincoln, KS, and joined the United States Army after high school for 24 years. Heiser said he served in Iraq and Saudi Arabia while in the Army.After leaving military service, he moved to Oklahoma, where he lived for 20 years before returning to Kansas.<h2>More than just clearing roads</h2>The Saline County community named all of Road and Bridge’s snowplows last winter, and Snowplow 19-10, Heiser’s snowplow, is called “Subzero Swiffer.”The fleet of snowplows also includes 17-2 or “Dwight D. Icenplower,” 232 or “The Big LaPlowski,” 230 or “Scoop Dog,” 238 or “Betty White Out,” 19-1 or “Snow Daddy,” 263 or “Darth Blader,” and 22-4 or “Snowy McSnowface.” On snowy days, the Road and Bridge website provides a <a href="https://portal.snowpaths.com/public/983282/983283">live map tracking each snowplow’s location</a>.Before the fleet leaves the shop during snow events, Saline County Road Superintendent Ted Sears makes decisions based on the weather.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701367364705.jpeg" alt="Steve Heiser, a snowplow driver for Saline County Road and Bridge, points at the various switches that help him clear roads during a winter weather event on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the Saline County Road and Bridge office in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Steve Heiser, a snowplow driver for Saline County Road and Bridge, points at the various switches that help him clear roads during a winter weather event on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the Saline County Road and Bridge office in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>“Once I make the decision and get everybody called in, the trucks have assigned routes,” Sears said. “Everybody knows where they’re going, so they just get loaded up and get going. We’ve got predetermined amounts of salt to put down based on the storm.”Heiser covers the sixth route, which stretches from Assaria to Falun and to the county line. On Saturday, Nov. 25, Heiser helped with another course due to one of the other snowplows breaking down.“I did mostly all the north, northwest and south, southwest,” Heiser said. “Saturday, I put in 220 miles and on Sunday, 180.”For each mile, snowplows will usually spread around 250 to 300 pounds of salt per mile on a single-lane road and about 400 to 500 pounds on double-lane highways. When the weather is more severe, Sears said they will use around 800 pounds of salt per mile and use magnesium chloride alongside.On Saturday and Sunday, Sears said they used 300 pounds of salt per mile, meaning Heiser likely spread about 60 tons across West Saline County and cleared 400 miles of blacktop throughout the weekend.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701367686289.jpeg" alt="Saline County Road and Bridge Snowplow Driver Steve Heiser opens the cab to truck 17-2 or "Dwight D. Icenplower" to climb inside on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the Saline County Road and Bridge office in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Saline County Road and Bridge Snowplow Driver Steve Heiser opens the cab to truck 17-2 or "Dwight D. Icenplower" to climb inside on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the Saline County Road and Bridge office in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>One aspect Heiser said he enjoys is his coworkers and leadership, citing the team's camaraderie. According to Sears, Heiser has a positive impact on the entire fleet.“It’s easier for me to have people that want to come to work,” Sears said. “Amazingly enough, most of the guys want to come to work no matter how much they bellyache about it.”&nbsp;“It gets infectious when people want to come in early, they see somebody coming in and they’ll want to come in, and it’s just a trickle-up effect.”The Saline County Road and Bridge Department is currently hiring, looking for more snowplow drivers like Heiser to join the fleet. <a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/roadbridge">Visit the Saline County Road and Bridge website</a> to learn more about available positions.&nbsp;If one of these Community Champions in your life deserves a shout-out, Salina Post encourages you to nominate an everyday champion who has positively impacted you, your family, or your local community.Nominations can be made by messaging Salina Post's Facebook page, or by emailing <a href="mailto:admin@salinapost.com">admin@salinapost.com</a>Please include the name of the person you wish to nominate and a brief statement explaining why they are a champion in their community.&nbsp;