By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

The smell of funnel cakes and kettle corn filled the air in front of the Smoky Hill Museum on Saturday. The sounds of hammers striking iron and live music greeted hundreds of guests at the annual Smoky Hill Museum Street Fair.&nbsp;

The day began at 10 a.m. with history-themed floats downtown, followed by a chili cook-off, live music, food trucks and free entry to the Smoky Hill Museum.

"We've got some great music — all brand new bands this year," said the Smoky Hill Museum Director Susan Hawksworth. "We're just excited to see so many people here."

The musicians and bands who visited the fair's stage included Geff and Dawn Dawson, Ghost Town Revival, Jaron Bell and Nick Tayler.&nbsp;

At 2 p.m., Hawksworth announced the chili cook-off winners.&nbsp;

Out of the six stands, patrons of the fair chose Aliento de Vida BIC Church with Hector and Maribel De Leon, Xochitl Paez Cervantes, Juan Carlos and Daniel Ramos for the best chili.&nbsp;

Aliento de Vida won for the third year in a row.

The crowd chose Beans and Rolls for its best booth. Some comments about the winning booth included its design and the way the team interacted with chili tasters.&nbsp;

Besides the chili cook-off, the fair included Old West exhibits like archery, horseshoe smithing, knot tying and more.

"I like all the little activities like, I'm 26, and I want to go shoot a bow," said Katie Probst, a Salina resident who visited the street fair.

Miss Kansas High School Rodeo Queen Cheyanne Johnson helped young kids learn how to rope while volunteers taught children how to make rope by hand, allowing them to keep the cords they made.

The museum stayed open to visitors all day, and in the middle of the street, a large booth stood for children to paint small pumpkins and make paper crafts.&nbsp;

"(It's great to) see my daughter playing with all the different art stuff," said Salina resident Anderson Dugazon. "She's having a good time."

Geff and Dawn Dawson closed out the live music performances, and the Smoky Hill Museum kept its doors open until 5 p.m. with its featured exhibit —&nbsp;Fire: Embers of Discovery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695697279483.jpeg" alt="Smoky Hill Street Fair volunteers help children create paper crafts and paint pumpkins on Saturday, Sept. 23, during the Smoky Hill Street Fair in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Smoky Hill Street Fair volunteers help children create paper crafts and paint pumpkins on Saturday, Sept. 23, during the Smoky Hill Street Fair in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostThe smell of funnel cakes and kettle corn filled the air in front of the Smoky Hill Museum on Saturday. The sounds of hammers striking iron and live music greeted hundreds of guests at the annual Smoky Hill Museum Street Fair.&nbsp;The day began at 10 a.m. with history-themed floats downtown, followed by a chili cook-off, live music, food trucks and free entry to the Smoky Hill Museum."We've got some great music — all brand new bands this year," said the Smoky Hill Museum Director Susan Hawksworth. "We're just excited to see so many people here."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695697495679.jpeg" alt="Musicians Geff and Dawn Dawson perform on Saturday, Sept. 23 during the Smoky Hill Street Fair in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Musicians Geff and Dawn Dawson perform on Saturday, Sept. 23 during the Smoky Hill Street Fair in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>The musicians and bands who visited the fair's stage included Geff and Dawn Dawson, Ghost Town Revival, Jaron Bell and Nick Tayler.&nbsp;At 2 p.m., Hawksworth announced the chili cook-off winners.&nbsp;Out of the six stands, patrons of the fair chose Aliento de Vida BIC Church with Hector and Maribel De Leon, Xochitl Paez Cervantes, Juan Carlos and Daniel Ramos for the best chili.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695697826228.jpeg" alt="Smoky Hill Museum Street Fair chili cook-off winners from Aliento de Vida BIC church on Saturday, Sept. 23, during the Smoky Hill Museum Street Fair in Salina. Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>Smoky Hill Museum Street Fair chili cook-off winners from Aliento de Vida BIC church on Saturday, Sept. 23, during the Smoky Hill Museum Street Fair in Salina. Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>Aliento de Vida won for the third year in a row.The crowd chose Beans and Rolls for its best booth. Some comments about the winning booth included its design and the way the team interacted with chili tasters.&nbsp;Besides the chili cook-off, the fair included Old West exhibits like archery, horseshoe smithing, knot tying and more."I like all the little activities like, I'm 26, and I want to go shoot a bow," said Katie Probst, a Salina resident who visited the street fair.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695697650386.jpeg" alt="Miss Kansas High School Rodeo Queen Cheyenne Johnson teaches Salina resident Benjamin Busch, 11, how to properly rope on Saturday, Sept. 23, during the Smoky Hill Street Fair in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Miss Kansas High School Rodeo Queen Cheyenne Johnson teaches Salina resident Benjamin Busch, 11, how to properly rope on Saturday, Sept. 23, during the Smoky Hill Street Fair in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Miss Kansas High School Rodeo Queen Cheyanne Johnson helped young kids learn how to rope while volunteers taught children how to make rope by hand, allowing them to keep the cords they made.The museum stayed open to visitors all day, and in the middle of the street, a large booth stood for children to paint small pumpkins and make paper crafts.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695697367822.jpeg" alt="Smoky Hill Street Fair chili cook-off competitor Pete Jagel dips out some of his chili for a tester on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Smoky Hill Street Fair in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Smoky Hill Street Fair chili cook-off competitor Pete Jagel dips out some of his chili for a tester on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Smoky Hill Street Fair in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"(It's great to) see my daughter playing with all the different art stuff," said Salina resident Anderson Dugazon. "She's having a good time."Geff and Dawn Dawson closed out the live music performances, and the Smoky Hill Museum kept its doors open until 5 p.m. with its featured exhibit —&nbsp;Fire: Embers of Discovery.

Smoky Hill Street Fair teaches Salina about Wild West

The Saline County Commissioners will meet tomorrow at 9 a.m. for a study session and discuss Vision 2023, the county's strategy to combat issues in the Salina community.

Instead of at its normal location, the commission will meet at the Saline County Health Department conference room at 125 W. Elm St.

Some prioritized actions included building plans for workforce succession, building community trust and enhancing economic development.

County Workforce Strategy: Recruit high-quality employees Actions:&nbsp;Evaluate incentives to attract new employees and implement best-fit incentives. Continue to use all possible outreach efforts to communicate vacancies to potential candidates. Keep competitive salaries and benefits to attract the best candidates. Specific Tasks:&nbsp;Study the potential for County-provided childcare as an employee benefit

Strategy: Plan for Workforce Succession Actions:&nbsp; Prioritize retention of good employees by incentivizing attendance. Continuously re-evaluate departmental staffing needs to prepare for succession planning shift responsibilities at appropriate opportunities to make the department and workflows more efficient. Consider employee safety in building and policy design.

Strategy:&nbsp;Plan for knowledge transfer Actions:&nbsp;Examine job requirements to ensure there is a match with needed skills through a fluid review process and career ladders.

Communication and Outreach Strategy: Conduct outreach throughout the community and within the County organization Actions: Enhance relationships and build trust with media partners, and develop internal processes to build confidence in County staff to engage with the media.

Strategy:&nbsp;Build Community Trust Actions: Identify a tool(s) or method(s) that can be used to measure the community's perception of work completed by the Commissioners. Specific Tasks:&nbsp;Use agenda structure to facilitate Commission reports on community activities.

Working Relationships Strategy:&nbsp;Continue to improve relationships with key partner organizations Actions:&nbsp;Build coalitions to address housing needs in the community. Create an inventory of existing efforts by July 1, 2023, identify gaps in those efforts and potential partners to address those gaps by Aug. 31, 2023, and convene a group of partners by Nov. 30, 2023.

Strategy: Continue to develop relationships with staff Actions: Define the Commission culture. Specific Tasks:&nbsp;<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=5668">Create a policy on governance expectations and conduct.</a> Change the agenda to give Commissioners advanced notice of upcoming items.

Physical and Economic Community Health Strategy: Support public health Actions: Coordinating the response to the opioid crisis so we have ongoing data and a stronger understanding of the crisis in Saline County across all partners and service providers to make data-informed decisions.

Strategy: Enhance economic development Actions: Conduct research with community stakeholders to identify potential partnerships to expand childcare options in Saline County.

Strategy:&nbsp;Ensure that local taxes enhance and not distract from economic vitality Strategy:&nbsp;Plan for alternatives to incarceration

Service and Infrastructure Strategy:&nbsp;Provide high-quality customer service Actions:&nbsp;Program rehabilitation of County buildings and roads. Obtain a list of potential building and road/bridge projects to use alternate funding sources. Identify resources and plan for and implement clean-up litter on County roads. Additionally, consider alternatives for litter cleanup outside of Saline County staff. Specific Tasks: <a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=5730">Report back on the potential use of bond funding to support county infrastructure.</a> Strategy:&nbsp;Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement/efficiency Specific Tasks:&nbsp;Rewrite the purchasing policy and adopt a policy on seeking and managing grant funds.

Strategy: Refine the role of the County

<a href="https://salinapost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Salina Post mobile app. <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/2c47aafe-6064-4b7c-88ca-bfdae4509967" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Salina Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695675567531.jpeg" alt="Saline County and Salina City Building, on Iron Street in Salina, KS. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Saline County and Salina City Building, on Iron Street in Salina, KS. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe Saline County Commissioners will meet tomorrow at 9 a.m. for a study session and discuss Vision 2023, the county's strategy to combat issues in the Salina community.Instead of at its normal location, the commission will meet at the Saline County Health Department conference room at 125 W. Elm St.Some prioritized actions included building plans for workforce succession, building community trust and enhancing economic development.<h2>Key Focus Areas</h2>County Workforce Strategy: Recruit high-quality employees Actions:&nbsp;Evaluate incentives to attract new employees and implement best-fit incentives. Continue to use all possible outreach efforts to communicate vacancies to potential candidates. Keep competitive salaries and benefits to attract the best candidates. Specific Tasks:&nbsp;Study the potential for County-provided childcare as an employee benefitStrategy: Plan for Workforce Succession Actions:&nbsp; Prioritize retention of good employees by incentivizing attendance. Continuously re-evaluate departmental staffing needs to prepare for succession planning shift responsibilities at appropriate opportunities to make the department and workflows more efficient. Consider employee safety in building and policy design.Strategy:&nbsp;Plan for knowledge transfer Actions:&nbsp;Examine job requirements to ensure there is a match with needed skills through a fluid review process and career ladders.Communication and Outreach Strategy: Conduct outreach throughout the community and within the County organization Actions: Enhance relationships and build trust with media partners, and develop internal processes to build confidence in County staff to engage with the media.Strategy:&nbsp;Build Community Trust Actions: Identify a tool(s) or method(s) that can be used to measure the community's perception of work completed by the Commissioners. Specific Tasks:&nbsp;Use agenda structure to facilitate Commission reports on community activities.Working Relationships Strategy:&nbsp;Continue to improve relationships with key partner organizations Actions:&nbsp;Build coalitions to address housing needs in the community. Create an inventory of existing efforts by July 1, 2023, identify gaps in those efforts and potential partners to address those gaps by Aug. 31, 2023, and convene a group of partners by Nov. 30, 2023.Strategy: Continue to develop relationships with staff Actions: Define the Commission culture. Specific Tasks:&nbsp;<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=5668">Create a policy on governance expectations and conduct.</a> Change the agenda to give Commissioners advanced notice of upcoming items.Physical and Economic Community Health Strategy: Support public health Actions: Coordinating the response to the opioid crisis so we have ongoing data and a stronger understanding of the crisis in Saline County across all partners and service providers to make data-informed decisions.Strategy: Enhance economic development Actions: Conduct research with community stakeholders to identify potential partnerships to expand childcare options in Saline County. Strategy:&nbsp;Ensure that local taxes enhance and not distract from economic vitality Strategy:&nbsp;Plan for alternatives to incarcerationService and Infrastructure Strategy:&nbsp;Provide high-quality customer service Actions:&nbsp;Program rehabilitation of County buildings and roads. Obtain a list of potential building and road/bridge projects to use alternate funding sources. Identify resources and plan for and implement clean-up litter on County roads. Additionally, consider alternatives for litter cleanup outside of Saline County staff. Specific Tasks: <a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=5730">Report back on the potential use of bond funding to support county infrastructure.</a> Strategy:&nbsp;Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement/efficiency Specific Tasks:&nbsp;Rewrite the purchasing policy and adopt a policy on seeking and managing grant funds. Strategy: Refine the role of the County<a href="https://salinapost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Salina Post mobile app. <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/2c47aafe-6064-4b7c-88ca-bfdae4509967" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Salina Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Saline County Commissioners discuss 2023 Vision in study session

CUNNINGHAM, KS&nbsp; — During some of Rev. Mathew Musyoki's first sermons in his new rural home 8,000 miles from where he grew up, he shared his life with the congregations of Cunningham and Penalosa Methodist churches.

In his sermons, Musyoki told his congregations of the hardships his village experienced and the collective action they would take to overcome each issue.

One of the community's most dire needs was clean drinking water.

Musyoki grew up in a small community in Kenya named Kakindu Village, where the closest water source ranged from 5 miles away in the rainy season to almost 15 miles during the dry months.

Community members in Kakindu Village had to walk these distances to gather water for general use.

The village women often performed this task every two to three days, filling up five-gallon barrels and hauling them back home, usually by hand.

Musyoki said each barrel can weigh around 50 lbs each.

"If you look at where they were getting this water some time back, in (some) places, they would go wait for hours — waiting for it to fill up," Musyoki said. "Taking the time, and then it's not very clean."

Two members of Musyoki's congregation in Cunningham decided to take action, offering to join the project and raise money within the community and beyond to help the small village.

After six years, Kakindu Village drilled its second well, providing clean drinking water to its almost 3,000 residents — through the joint efforts of hundreds of Kansans and the small Kenyan community.

In 2017, Musyoki's brother, Samuel Musyoki, began a survey to find a potential dig site for a well.&nbsp;

Samuel Musyoki contacted local engineer Charles Ngala Kithome, who found the prospect of a well in Kakindu village possible.

In 2020, after Musyoki arrived in Cunningham, Alan Albers and Don Hellar, two Cunningham Methodist Church members, joined the project.

Hellar offered 20 years of professional engineering experience, digging wells and participating in "all kinds of water projects across the state of Kansas," he said.&nbsp;

Albers focused on outreach and fund management in the community and beyond, reaching out to other churches and spreading the story of the now Kenya Water Project to the local area.

As the project picked up speed in the community late last year and early this year, Albers said more than 100 people mailed the project.

Albers sent a few informative updates to donors, and without asking for more, some would send back another donation.

"All I said was we were still trying to do more and more donations," Albers said. "It really gives you a good feeling about humans in general."

Albers said the Kenya Water Project fundraised almost $77,500 in the last two and a half years.

Major donors to the project include Penalosa Methodist Church contributed $10,000 and Pratt Methodist Church donated $8,000.

Cunningham United Methodist Church, with $8,000 and Greensburg Methodist Church, with $28,500. Individuals donated the rest of the cash.

The influx of funds allowed the project to make it through a few troubles on the first well in the village.

The Kenya Water Project finished its first well this summer, and on Friday, it finalized testing the drinking water from the second.

For most of the project, separated by 8,000 miles, both communities built trust to finish this substantial task.

Hellar said at first, he made plans to visit Kakindu Village to witness the work but changed his mind.

"After we started, I realized there was no reason for me to do that — they had things under control there," Hellar said. "We have relied entirely on Mathew's family and the organization they already had in place, and it has worked very well."

While digging the first well in spring this year, the project halted when the drill met a hard-stone layer at 500 ft deep, 100 ft short of access to water.

As the dry season grew closer, Albers, Hellar and Musyoki immediately saw the need for water. With support from local Kansans, the Kenya Water Project still provided clean water as it looked for a new dig site.

"We spent around $6,000 hauling water," Albers said. "We were paying for two truckloads of water a week."

Albers said hauling water was only possible with the pre-established work from the Kakindu community.&nbsp;

As the 3,500-gallon truckloads arrived, the community members stored the water in sizeable rain-catching drums already built by the community.

"None of these things would have ever worked if the people of Mathew's village and some of his family hadn't had the ball rolling years ago," Albers said.

In June, engineers found the second site for the first well, and as clean water gurgled from the pipe, Kakindu community members lined up to try their new water source.

Friday this week, villagers lined up once more as clean water bubbled to the surface near the village's Mikoongoni Secondary School, providing its students easy access to clean drinking water.

Musyoki said after integrating into the Cunningham and Penaloosa churches, he found that Kansan's are transparent and practical.

"In my stay here in Kansas, I have made many friends, and one of them has told me, 'there's no pretense in Kansas,'" Musyoki said. "They say what they do and do what they say... if they need to do something good, they do."

Donations to the Kakindu Village Water Project can be sent to the Cunningham Lions Club at P.O. Box 95, Cunningham, KS 67035. Checks can be addressed to Kenya Water.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694876151847.jpeg" alt="Cunningham Methodist Church in Cunningham, KS, with its pastor, Mathew Misyoki, next to its door talking to two congregates, Alan Albers (center) and Don Hellar (left). Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Cunningham Methodist Church in Cunningham, KS, with its pastor, Mathew Misyoki, next to its door talking to two congregates, Alan Albers (center) and Don Hellar (left). Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIERSalina PostCUNNINGHAM, KS&nbsp; — During some of Rev. Mathew Musyoki's first sermons in his new rural home 8,000 miles from where he grew up, he shared his life with the congregations of Cunningham and Penalosa Methodist churches.In his sermons, Musyoki told his congregations of the hardships his village experienced and the collective action they would take to overcome each issue.One of the community's most dire needs was clean drinking water.Musyoki grew up in a small community in Kenya named Kakindu Village, where the closest water source ranged from 5 miles away in the rainy season to almost 15 miles during the dry months.Community members in Kakindu Village had to walk these distances to gather water for general use.The village women often performed this task every two to three days, filling up five-gallon barrels and hauling them back home, usually by hand.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694875493981.jpeg" alt="A Kakindu Village woman walking back to the town with water. Courtesy Benjamin Musyoki" />
 <figcaption>A Kakindu Village woman walking back to the town with water. Courtesy Benjamin Musyoki</figcaption>
 </figure>Musyoki said each barrel can weigh around 50 lbs each."If you look at where they were getting this water some time back, in (some) places, they would go wait for hours — waiting for it to fill up," Musyoki said. "Taking the time, and then it's not very clean."Two members of Musyoki's congregation in Cunningham decided to take action, offering to join the project and raise money within the community and beyond to help the small village.After six years, Kakindu Village drilled its second well, providing clean drinking water to its almost 3,000 residents — through the joint efforts of hundreds of Kansans and the small Kenyan community.<div><div style="width:100%;height:480px;background-color:black;text-align:center;"> 
 <video style="height:100%;" controls> 
 <source src="https://video-downloads.googleusercontent.com/ADGPM2mS7BmGh_OC9ii19jZfc6dDEe5Di63a2HLjqvLPfzHZgeo5Ao3r6Qh5mJIAL3g3wQGCDqxxb4JjRV-Zo1jLh9inDv7dLTj0e4wA2rNzGAS8hn-_0zJOV1M325uJEcfbhkXOslbjWWLPYK2Ka4xF759lj-d8wMBDl-OBNvDSZX7_kdX49fBG4uxj1ruRMhP9_CzexXtIFgYMbXcDOlCXFWZQJP7ivUh_Ai0Ye1VTyIPih4hkkC5BEj_uBiRtHfw5dS1r-DwWjJMO26sNGVKQ2p0kKx1BcFY-LCxa_-oP_NYQWLFZdxzoVzEqo4NgSUTbV_yk_pfjHflb64QIvA7If2ClQLX8ml1iXFWe78wdek9lWFwUFDS9UN7qhv5_lJtYC5tbrDog3xhpXTNMp8Dk_0YWQg2PD03ULof2JEIQfiahsrQoHEv8FcBoJP1_RgDBpFskvpRYeX9JhRkTcLOPNqHDrVvCXXn6eaWWmkC5Qd7yMnSCzWhl7BCkhikjeGr177RYdgrjPWHsMWxJyjCp_BGU_1xcVsomP2ZHSkH9-sJxzAwtBsgFe2DaDN5wBzDPV0LI6euP0Lq1sra1h799Thz26y8PgYz4xndDlHN2i683JM2Ib5thJh91ZMlVHdfxGdhI4jooxv1rv7XWYaaJRIyqu-qfV8ZZnIY7P-dz_U68A4ukn7j3VRCf9C1fZBdXNgonp5MLcekvqHTkAsmPfhIVCNw5yLuvNSc2rsTPKTgjkJlZDLiIoEklpeHl08y40pD-RPTw9_OBLlyDG0QzrLWoo5r9ZgMTVbBQch-VJmQedpjJmluqxAmuCINRy049FLHbqPUyYZg91tgSXEkKx0wUuJ78zXEDNmXStT2-P4ULKlJDwaAwvjnuNHy1ZCedk32zuj2kkopx6APEAjH7cRAtxuabSeLjA0Fqi91vMPQQ7dyaytSHzUpmD7KJziQ88c2Uzki26GcJ9QttRCTgNBP915TuscBaBKFbfe8KKp6GCCxdcd093zVxzIhpJnYtertP2eF5HeXrC-IrRqwFeFVY5jYF1INN71LxYM7txAPFdKEkF_RPVyVL97djgy1kbIxod9txCvLumT2Mew2pSQ8B-8-A9CodVkT0NLnFXxpSzhW4d3HgBKfEal9iWAztEXYjsmqDBDpR_Qn5euHDaMCu6r4ddsxQEzrywwUQ_GN5JBRcieU?authuser=0" type="video/mp4"> 
 </video> 
</div>
</div><h2>How the Kenya Water Project began</h2>In 2017, Musyoki's brother, Samuel Musyoki, began a survey to find a potential dig site for a well.&nbsp;Samuel Musyoki contacted local engineer Charles Ngala Kithome, who found the prospect of a well in Kakindu village possible.In 2020, after Musyoki arrived in Cunningham, Alan Albers and Don Hellar, two Cunningham Methodist Church members, joined the project.Hellar offered 20 years of professional engineering experience, digging wells and participating in "all kinds of water projects across the state of Kansas," he said.&nbsp;Albers focused on outreach and fund management in the community and beyond, reaching out to other churches and spreading the story of the now Kenya Water Project to the local area.As the project picked up speed in the community late last year and early this year, Albers said more than 100 people mailed the project.Albers sent a few informative updates to donors, and without asking for more, some would send back another donation."All I said was we were still trying to do more and more donations," Albers said. "It really gives you a good feeling about humans in general."Albers said the Kenya Water Project fundraised almost $77,500 in the last two and a half years.Major donors to the project include Penalosa Methodist Church contributed $10,000 and Pratt Methodist Church donated $8,000.Cunningham United Methodist Church, with $8,000 and Greensburg Methodist Church, with $28,500. Individuals donated the rest of the cash.The influx of funds allowed the project to make it through a few troubles on the first well in the village.<h2>Drilling the wells</h2>The Kenya Water Project finished its first well this summer, and on Friday, it finalized testing the drinking water from the second.<div><div style="width:100%;height:480px;background-color:black;text-align:center;"> 
 <video style="height:100%;" controls> 
 <source src="https://video-downloads.googleusercontent.com/ADGPM2kagVFdV6Xmi44K5UJBrf9b-EYbZNDEwwFrPytALmWieHrM4kYVgGB3m6gBpYX2WZWJ_crDZLztmNQy8yHJeA5PzFHQRO5jHp-pWsAJ0tNGZ4mrt90ixpVQE3BSnLw6-6agXmAvlm_1KatKUz28RmiLiu4Xi-nG7vagwjWgeqlRk63hBceVWxhLB7RtZNvapLHRnwnL2ertKuKx8rBp-2iMcoj5LYSNQY5af-1WJv5FI1cwrlcHKthaTg" type="video/mp4"> 
 </video> 
</div></div>For most of the project, separated by 8,000 miles, both communities built trust to finish this substantial task.Hellar said at first, he made plans to visit Kakindu Village to witness the work but changed his mind."After we started, I realized there was no reason for me to do that — they had things under control there," Hellar said. "We have relied entirely on Mathew's family and the organization they already had in place, and it has worked very well."While digging the first well in spring this year, the project halted when the drill met a hard-stone layer at 500 ft deep, 100 ft short of access to water.As the dry season grew closer, Albers, Hellar and Musyoki immediately saw the need for water. With support from local Kansans, the Kenya Water Project still provided clean water as it looked for a new dig site."We spent around $6,000 hauling water," Albers said. "We were paying for two truckloads of water a week."Albers said hauling water was only possible with the pre-established work from the Kakindu community.&nbsp;As the 3,500-gallon truckloads arrived, the community members stored the water in sizeable rain-catching drums already built by the community."None of these things would have ever worked if the people of Mathew's village and some of his family hadn't had the ball rolling years ago," Albers said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694878426042.jpeg" alt="Drillers work on the second well next to the Mikangooni Secondary School as students watch from a safe distance on Aug. 30, 2023, in Kakindu Village, Kenya. Courtesy Benjamin Musyoki" />
 <figcaption>Drillers work on the second well next to the Mikangooni Secondary School as students watch from a safe distance on Aug. 30, 2023, in Kakindu Village, Kenya. Courtesy Benjamin Musyoki</figcaption>
 </figure>In June, engineers found the second site for the first well, and as clean water gurgled from the pipe, Kakindu community members lined up to try their new water source.Friday this week, villagers lined up once more as clean water bubbled to the surface near the village's Mikoongoni Secondary School, providing its students easy access to clean drinking water.Musyoki said after integrating into the Cunningham and Penaloosa churches, he found that Kansan's are transparent and practical.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694876378852.jpeg" alt="Cunningham Methodist Church members Don Hellar (left) Alan Albers (center), and Rev. Mathew Musyoki stand and chat in front of the doors to the Cunningham Methodist Church. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Cunningham Methodist Church members Don Hellar (left) Alan Albers (center), and Rev. Mathew Musyoki stand and chat in front of the doors to the Cunningham Methodist Church. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"In my stay here in Kansas, I have made many friends, and one of them has told me, 'there's no pretense in Kansas,'" Musyoki said. "They say what they do and do what they say... if they need to do something good, they do."Donations to the Kakindu Village Water Project can be sent to the Cunningham Lions Club at P.O. Box 95, Cunningham, KS 67035. Checks can be addressed to Kenya Water.

Kenyan Water wells established thanks to partnership with Kansas Churches

On Saturday, at 7:10 p.m., 34-year-old Salina resident Christopher Kilat failed to stop at a traffic light while driving west on Crawford Street at the intersection of Crawford and Ninth Streets.

In the intersection, Kilat's black 2005 Acura struck a gray 2007 Chevrolet Impala driven by 42-year-old Salina resident Jamie Tollison while she was heading south on Ninth Street.

"Once she was struck, that caused her vehicle to veer to the west and strike a vehicle that was stopped at the light eastbound," said Salina Police Department Sergeant Kyle Tonniges.&nbsp;

Driving the vehicle, a white Ford F150, was 88-year-old Dale Hoopes from Smolan, who experienced minor injuries from the wreck.

Tonniges said the police department is still investigating whether Kilat drove while under the influence. On-site, officers reported Kilat resisting arrest and threatening to strike an officer.

The SPD suspected charges of interference with law enforcement and assault on a law enforcement officer.

After SPD officers and first responders arrived, they transported Tollison to Salina Regional Health Center with non-lethal severe injuries.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695646689345.jpeg" alt="Kilat,Christopher Opio" />
 <figcaption>Kilat,Christopher Opio</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostOn Saturday, at 7:10 p.m., 34-year-old Salina resident Christopher Kilat failed to stop at a traffic light while driving west on Crawford Street at the intersection of Crawford and Ninth Streets.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m10!1m8!1m3!1d777.0535725003347!2d-97.61235731658503!3d38.827552938227825!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1695659561467!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>In the intersection, Kilat's black 2005 Acura struck a gray 2007 Chevrolet Impala driven by 42-year-old Salina resident Jamie Tollison while she was heading south on Ninth Street."Once she was struck, that caused her vehicle to veer to the west and strike a vehicle that was stopped at the light eastbound," said Salina Police Department Sergeant Kyle Tonniges.&nbsp;Driving the vehicle, a white Ford F150, was 88-year-old Dale Hoopes from Smolan, who experienced minor injuries from the wreck.Tonniges said the police department is still investigating whether Kilat drove while under the influence. On-site, officers reported Kilat resisting arrest and threatening to strike an officer.The SPD suspected charges of interference with law enforcement and assault on a law enforcement officer.After SPD officers and first responders arrived, they transported Tollison to Salina Regional Health Center with non-lethal severe injuries.&nbsp;

Three vehicle accident in Salina under investigation, one arrested

At Salina Stadium on Thursday evening, Salina South High School and Salina Central High School competed for the win.

Ultimately, Salina South won the match 9-0.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695480934812.jpeg" alt="Salina South High School sophomore Bret Jones fights for the ball against Salina Central High School senior Hunter Hall during the varsity soccer game on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina South High School sophomore Bret Jones fights for the ball against Salina Central High School senior Hunter Hall during the varsity soccer game on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostAt Salina Stadium on Thursday evening, Salina South High School and Salina Central High School competed for the win.Ultimately, Salina South won the match 9-0.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695480996189.jpeg" alt="Salina South High School and Salina Central High School soccer teams line up during the beginning of the varsity game on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina South High School and Salina Central High School soccer teams line up during the beginning of the varsity game on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695481497195.jpeg" alt="Salina South High School junior Luke Matto gives a thumbs up to his teammates during the varsity soccer game against Salina Central High School on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina South High School junior Luke Matto gives a thumbs up to his teammates during the varsity soccer game against Salina Central High School on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695481733115.jpeg" alt="Salina Central High School senior Christopher Ababio kicks the ball to gain control over the play during the varsity soccer game against Salina South on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Central High School senior Christopher Ababio kicks the ball to gain control over the play during the varsity soccer game against Salina South on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695481805231.jpeg" alt="Salina South junior Franklin Figueroa-Ramirez juggles the ball during the varsity soccer game against Salina Central High School on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina South junior Franklin Figueroa-Ramirez juggles the ball during the varsity soccer game against Salina Central High School on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695481254960.jpeg" alt="Salina South High School and Salina Central High School players jump for the ball during the varsity soccer game on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina South High School and Salina Central High School players jump for the ball during the varsity soccer game on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695481183446.jpeg" alt="Salina South High School sophomore Damon McDonald juggles the ball through two Salina Central players during the varsity game on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina South High School sophomore Damon McDonald juggles the ball through two Salina Central players during the varsity game on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695481905902.jpeg" alt="Salina Central senior Carson Abbott leaps for the ball while Salina South junior Rylan Snell competes for it during the varsity soccer game on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Central senior Carson Abbott leaps for the ball while Salina South junior Rylan Snell competes for it during the varsity soccer game on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695481431677.jpeg" alt="Salina South High School junior Rylan Snell prepares to pass to a fellow player during the varsity soccer game against Salina Central High School on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina South High School junior Rylan Snell prepares to pass to a fellow player during the varsity soccer game against Salina Central High School on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>

📸 Photos: SSHS vs. SCHS Thursday, Sept. 21

Students from Salina South High School paraded through downtown Salina on Wednesday evening. After the parade students met at Salina South's stadium for a pep rally and Homecoming candidate games.

Throughout the week, students participated in "Spirit Week," where students dressed up in various themes. On Friday, during the home game against Maize High School, a school staff will announce Homecoming King and Queen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695314021971.jpeg" alt="Members of Salina South High School's Black Student Union toss candy to children during the 2023 SSHS Homecoming Parade on Wednesday, Sept. 20, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Members of Salina South High School's Black Student Union toss candy to children during the 2023 SSHS Homecoming Parade on Wednesday, Sept. 20, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostStudents from Salina South High School paraded through downtown Salina on Wednesday evening. After the parade students met at Salina South's stadium for a pep rally and Homecoming candidate games.Throughout the week, students participated in "Spirit Week," where students dressed up in various themes. On Friday, during the home game against Maize High School, a school staff will announce Homecoming King and Queen.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695313928071.jpeg" alt="Salina South High School homecoming candidates Angelica Alvarado and Tristan Bernhardt follow after the SSHS Marching Band to begin the down Santa Fe for its 2023 Homecoming celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 20, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina South High School homecoming candidates Angelica Alvarado and Tristan Bernhardt follow after the SSHS Marching Band to begin the down Santa Fe for its 2023 Homecoming celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 20, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695314472710.jpeg" alt="Salina South High School homecoming candidates Ally Exline and Kaden Budke ride down Santa Fe Avenue during the 2023 SSHS Homecoming Parade on Wednesday, Sept. 20, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina South High School homecoming candidates Ally Exline and Kaden Budke ride down Santa Fe Avenue during the 2023 SSHS Homecoming Parade on Wednesday, Sept. 20, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695315045605.jpeg" alt="Salina South High School homecoming candidates Emily Steeter and Maddox Xaysongkham wave and smile at parade-goers during the SSHS 2023 Homecoming Parade on Wednesday, Sept. 20, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina South High School homecoming candidates Emily Steeter and Maddox Xaysongkham wave and smile at parade-goers during the SSHS 2023 Homecoming Parade on Wednesday, Sept. 20, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695314324848.jpeg" alt="Salina South High School homecoming candidates Lola McBride and Alex Davidson smile at the crowd while candidates Tierstyn Kershner and Quevon Purucker follow behind on Wednesday, Sept. 20, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina South High School homecoming candidates Lola McBride and Alex Davidson smile at the crowd while candidates Tierstyn Kershner and Quevon Purucker follow behind on Wednesday, Sept. 20, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695314095585.jpeg" alt="The Salina South High School parades through downtown Salina for tis 2023 Homecoming Celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 20. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The Salina South High School parades through downtown Salina for tis 2023 Homecoming Celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 20. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695314544743.jpeg" alt="The Salina South High School cheerleaders chant "SSHS Let's go Cougars!" while riding down Santa Fe Avenue during the 2023 SSHS Homecoming Parade on Wednesday, Sept. 20, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The Salina South High School cheerleaders chant "SSHS Let's go Cougars!" while riding down Santa Fe Avenue during the 2023 SSHS Homecoming Parade on Wednesday, Sept. 20, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695314860461.jpeg" alt="The Salina South High School football team rides as the last float during the school's 2023 Homecoming Parade on Wednesday, Sept. 20, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The Salina South High School football team rides as the last float during the school's 2023 Homecoming Parade on Wednesday, Sept. 20, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695314933410.jpeg" alt="Salina South High School students toss candy to children as they walk down Santa Fe Avenue during the 2023 SSHS Homecoming Parade on Wednesday, Sept. 20, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina South High School students toss candy to children as they walk down Santa Fe Avenue during the 2023 SSHS Homecoming Parade on Wednesday, Sept. 20, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>

📸 Photos: Salina South High School 2023 Homecoming Parade

Late Thursday evening, the Salina Poice Department responded to two young children who were taken from protective custody by 21-year-old Salinan Katherine Lynn, their mother, after she violated the custody order.

SPD sergeant Kyle Tonniges said officers arrested Lynn earlier in the day, leading police officers to take the two young children, aged 2 and 3, into police custody and eventually to a home in Salina.

At 10 p.m., Lynn appeared at the 1500 block of Dover Drive and "walked right in the house without any permission, took her kids and went home," Tonniges said.&nbsp;

Tonniges said officers located Lynn and took the children back into police custody. Requested charges for Lynn include aggravated burglary, two counts of violating a protection order, two of interference with parental custody, and two of child endangerment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695299053359.jpeg" alt="Katherine Lynn. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Department" />
 <figcaption>Katherine Lynn. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Department</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostLate Thursday evening, the Salina Poice Department responded to two young children who were taken from protective custody by 21-year-old Salinan Katherine Lynn, their mother, after she violated the custody order.SPD sergeant Kyle Tonniges said officers arrested Lynn earlier in the day, leading police officers to take the two young children, aged 2 and 3, into police custody and eventually to a home in Salina.At 10 p.m., Lynn appeared at the 1500 block of Dover Drive and "walked right in the house without any permission, took her kids and went home," Tonniges said.&nbsp;Tonniges said officers located Lynn and took the children back into police custody. Requested charges for Lynn include aggravated burglary, two counts of violating a protection order, two of interference with parental custody, and two of child endangerment.

SPD arrests Salina woman for violating police protective custody

Audience members clapped along as 101-year-old Bob Delk played folk music and classic country songs alongside his group, "Bob Delk and Friends," on the Stiefel Theatre stage for the inaugural Sunflower Seniors Got Talent Show Monday evening.

The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (NC-FH AAA) kicked off its yearly celebration with a new addition — the Sunflower Seniors Got Talen Show, which featured musicians and artists ranging from age 65 to more than 100.

Some participants included 'Bob Delk and Friends,' the 'Pine Village Players,' 'Charming Chimers' and Hays musician Bob Dreiling. Dave Lewis, the host of NewsRadio's KMAN Morning Show, announced the talent show.

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/9184bf08-6c5b-49b2-aaee-6bd2992fb75d">Read: Seminar: Low-income housing options for older Kansans</a>

Each $10 ticket for the talent show fundraised for some of NC-FH AAA's programs like Friendship Meals, Medicare benefits, counseling and other services for older Kansans and caregivers.

Lewis, also the K-State Football announcer at Bill Snyder Family Stadium from 2006 - 2021, kicked off the show. 

"It's a great opportunity just to sit back and enjoy a night of really cheap entertainment," Lewis said.

After Julie Govert Walter, executive director of NC-FH AAA, informed the audience of NC-FH AAA's ongoing programs, the performance began with Bob Dreiling from Hays, KS, singing the National Anthem.

As the night continued, performances ranged from music to comedy acts, with the oldest performer, Bob Delk from 'Bob Delk and Friends' from Marion County, at 101.

"This sounded fun, and I'm geriatric too, so this interested me," said Bonnie Smith, a visitor from Pittsburg, KS. "It's been a good time."

On Tuesday, NC-FH AAA began the Sunflower Fair at Tony's Pizza Event Center, where speakers, informational exhibits, health screenings, auctions and live music performers entertained patrons of the event.

"What we produce with the Sunflower Fair is a one-day event that features trustworthy information presented in an easy-to-understand way," Walter said.

The last speaker to close out the event was Marci Penner, the executive director of the Kansas Sampler, who presented her second iteration of 'The Kansas Guidebook' at the Sunflower Fair.

Penner encouraged the audience to utilize the guidebook to create their own Kansas road trips and enjoy the journey.

"It's not just about getting to your destination — you have to enjoy the road there too," Penner said. "And there's plenty of stops to go out and see."

The Sunflower Fair provided 13 varied workshops throughout the day, covering topics like cybersecurity, information on Medicare benefits and gardening.

Alongside the workshops, NC-FH AAA invited trusted businesses in the region to inform patrons of their organizations' services.

"Our focus is on helping older Kansans and people living with disabilities and their caregivers," Walter said. "And anyone who helps celebrate many more birthdays, come to this place."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695249829397.jpeg" alt="'Bob Delk and Friends' perform at Sunflower Seniors Got Talent on Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, at the Stiefel Theatre. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>'Bob Delk and Friends' perform at Sunflower Seniors Got Talent on Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, at the Stiefel Theatre. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostAudience members clapped along as 101-year-old Bob Delk played folk music and classic country songs alongside his group, "Bob Delk and Friends," on the Stiefel Theatre stage for the inaugural Sunflower Seniors Got Talent Show Monday evening.The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (NC-FH AAA) kicked off its yearly celebration with a new addition — the Sunflower Seniors Got Talen Show, which featured musicians and artists ranging from age 65 to more than 100.Some participants included 'Bob Delk and Friends,' the 'Pine Village Players,' 'Charming Chimers' and Hays musician Bob Dreiling. Dave Lewis, the host of NewsRadio's KMAN Morning Show, announced the talent show.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695250359436.jpeg" alt="KMAN Morning Show host Dave Lewis and NC-FH AAA executive director Julie Govert Walter introduce the Sunflower Seniors Got Talent Show on Monday, Sept. 18, at the Stiefel Theatre in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>KMAN Morning Show host Dave Lewis and NC-FH AAA executive director Julie Govert Walter introduce the Sunflower Seniors Got Talent Show on Monday, Sept. 18, at the Stiefel Theatre in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/9184bf08-6c5b-49b2-aaee-6bd2992fb75d">Read: Seminar: Low-income housing options for older Kansans</a><h2>The Sunflower Seniors Got Talent Show</h2>Each $10 ticket for the talent show fundraised for some of NC-FH AAA's programs like Friendship Meals, Medicare benefits, counseling and other services for older Kansans and caregivers.Lewis, also the K-State Football announcer at Bill Snyder Family Stadium from 2006 - 2021, kicked off the show. "It's a great opportunity just to sit back and enjoy a night of really cheap entertainment," Lewis said.After Julie Govert Walter, executive director of NC-FH AAA, informed the audience of NC-FH AAA's ongoing programs, the performance began with Bob Dreiling from Hays, KS, singing the National Anthem.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695250252753.jpeg" alt="The 'Pine Village Players' perform a comedy titled "A Slight Misunderstanding," during the Sunflower Seniors Got Talent Show on Monday, Sept. 18 at the Stiefel Theatre in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The 'Pine Village Players' perform a comedy titled "A Slight Misunderstanding," during the Sunflower Seniors Got Talent Show on Monday, Sept. 18 at the Stiefel Theatre in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>As the night continued, performances ranged from music to comedy acts, with the oldest performer, Bob Delk from 'Bob Delk and Friends' from Marion County, at 101."This sounded fun, and I'm geriatric too, so this interested me," said Bonnie Smith, a visitor from Pittsburg, KS. "It's been a good time."<h2>The Sunflower Fair, Tuesday, Sept. 19</h2>On Tuesday, NC-FH AAA began the Sunflower Fair at Tony's Pizza Event Center, where speakers, informational exhibits, health screenings, auctions and live music performers entertained patrons of the event."What we produce with the Sunflower Fair is a one-day event that features trustworthy information presented in an easy-to-understand way," Walter said.The last speaker to close out the event was Marci Penner, the executive director of the Kansas Sampler, who presented her second iteration of 'The Kansas Guidebook' at the Sunflower Fair.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695250483053.jpeg" alt="Marci Penner, executive director of the Kansas Sampler Foundation and author of "The Kansas Guidebook" speaks to the Sunflower Fair audience on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at the Tony's Pizza Event Center. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Marci Penner, executive director of the Kansas Sampler Foundation and author of "The Kansas Guidebook" speaks to the Sunflower Fair audience on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at the Tony's Pizza Event Center. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Penner encouraged the audience to utilize the guidebook to create their own Kansas road trips and enjoy the journey."It's not just about getting to your destination — you have to enjoy the road there too," Penner said. "And there's plenty of stops to go out and see."The Sunflower Fair provided 13 varied workshops throughout the day, covering topics like cybersecurity, information on Medicare benefits and gardening.Alongside the workshops, NC-FH AAA invited trusted businesses in the region to inform patrons of their organizations' services."Our focus is on helping older Kansans and people living with disabilities and their caregivers," Walter said. "And anyone who helps celebrate many more birthdays, come to this place."

The 2023 NC-FH AAA Sunflower Fair kicked off with new Sunflower Seniors Got Talent Show

Salina and the surrounding region expect temperatures to remain around the mid-80s, with scattered rain and thunderstorms in the evenings for the next two weeks.

The most significant chance for thunderstorms will be Thursday night, with a %60 chance for precipitation in the Salina area. 

The Wichita National Weather Service predicted a chance of showers and thunderstorms late Thursday afternoon and evening, but after 1 a.m., Salina will likely receive showers and a thunderstorm.

Friday afternoon and evening have a %30 chance of thunderstorms, with the Wichita NWS stating storms will likely occur before 1 a.m. Friday night.

Low temperatures will remain around the mid-60s throughout the week and dip to the mid-50s over the weekend, staying there throughout the beginning of next week. 

High temperatures will sink to the low-80s by Sunday afternoon after a high of 88 on Saturday afternoon.

Find the <a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=38.8405&amp;lon=-97.6097">full two-week forecast</a> on the Wichita NWS website.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565273897600.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostSalina and the surrounding region expect temperatures to remain around the mid-80s, with scattered rain and thunderstorms in the evenings for the next two weeks.The most significant chance for thunderstorms will be Thursday night, with a %60 chance for precipitation in the Salina area. The Wichita National Weather Service predicted a chance of showers and thunderstorms late Thursday afternoon and evening, but after 1 a.m., Salina will likely receive showers and a thunderstorm.Friday afternoon and evening have a %30 chance of thunderstorms, with the Wichita NWS stating storms will likely occur before 1 a.m. Friday night.Low temperatures will remain around the mid-60s throughout the week and dip to the mid-50s over the weekend, staying there throughout the beginning of next week. High temperatures will sink to the low-80s by Sunday afternoon after a high of 88 on Saturday afternoon.Find the <a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=38.8405&amp;lon=-97.6097">full two-week forecast</a> on the Wichita NWS website.

Salina temperatures to sink to mid-80s for next two weeks

On Tuesday morning, the Saline County Commissioners discussed seven consent items and three action items, addressing accounts payable and some truck purchases for county use.

Commissioners also approved mechanic hiring incentives for the county and exterior electrical work for the county's buildings.

Later in the meeting, during the discussion of informational items, Community Corrections Director Michelle Callam introduced the commissioners to the Community Correction's newest employee, Crenshaw, the service dog.

Callam told the commission that an organization called Cares Incorporated trained Crenshaw and helped to integrate him into the program in Saline County.

"Crenshaw is making a huge impact on our office and courtroom. He goes to drug court every day; he has had interactions in our office with clients who are upset about things," Callam said. "He went to Ottawa County with us one day to meet them and interacted with a victim of a violent crime, and he was, I think, very helpful to her."

Crenshaw also assists children at the County Correction's juvenile facility, helping troubled or away-from-home children find peace during extenuating circumstances.

Another informational item the commission discussed was the county's use of more than 400 acres of land the county owns.

Read: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e74744c0-255e-453b-83b9-51557137da81">Saline County Commission: Proposal for possible 1,000 acre solar farm</a>

The commissioners discussed the 103 acre-property named after Cay Wood and another property with almost 850 acres named after Oliver Haag.

"I think the county needs to get out of the land business," said Robert Vidricksen, Saline County Commission Chairman. "I think we need to do proper due diligence and sell both properties."

Haag intended the land for agricultural education and experimentation, which the Oliver Haag Scholarship fulfills. Saline County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes informed commissioners about its discretion over the ownership and use of the Haag Land.

According to Smith-Hanes, the commissioners can ultimately decide what to do with the land, selling it or developing it. The board agreed to continue to deliberate on what to do with the acreage.

"Knowing Mr. Haag, personally, for quite a few years, he was a good neighbor," said Roger Sparks, Saline County Commissioner District Three. "I understand that in the fine print, it says we can do whatever we want, but his intention was, and knowing him, for us to be stewards of that land."

The commissioners took no action on the subject since it was part of the information items, but they intend to continue considering the use of the county lands.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584487791224.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostOn Tuesday morning, the Saline County Commissioners discussed seven consent items and three action items, addressing accounts payable and some truck purchases for county use.Commissioners also approved mechanic hiring incentives for the county and exterior electrical work for the county's buildings.Later in the meeting, during the discussion of informational items, Community Corrections Director Michelle Callam introduced the commissioners to the Community Correction's newest employee, Crenshaw, the service dog.Callam told the commission that an organization called Cares Incorporated trained Crenshaw and helped to integrate him into the program in Saline County."Crenshaw is making a huge impact on our office and courtroom. He goes to drug court every day; he has had interactions in our office with clients who are upset about things," Callam said. "He went to Ottawa County with us one day to meet them and interacted with a victim of a violent crime, and he was, I think, very helpful to her."Crenshaw also assists children at the County Correction's juvenile facility, helping troubled or away-from-home children find peace during extenuating circumstances.Another informational item the commission discussed was the county's use of more than 400 acres of land the county owns.Read: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e74744c0-255e-453b-83b9-51557137da81">Saline County Commission: Proposal for possible 1,000 acre solar farm</a>The commissioners discussed the 103 acre-property named after Cay Wood and another property with almost 850 acres named after Oliver Haag."I think the county needs to get out of the land business," said Robert Vidricksen, Saline County Commission Chairman. "I think we need to do proper due diligence and sell both properties."Haag intended the land for agricultural education and experimentation, which the Oliver Haag Scholarship fulfills. Saline County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes informed commissioners about its discretion over the ownership and use of the Haag Land.According to Smith-Hanes, the commissioners can ultimately decide what to do with the land, selling it or developing it. The board agreed to continue to deliberate on what to do with the acreage."Knowing Mr. Haag, personally, for quite a few years, he was a good neighbor," said Roger Sparks, Saline County Commissioner District Three. "I understand that in the fine print, it says we can do whatever we want, but his intention was, and knowing him, for us to be stewards of that land."The commissioners took no action on the subject since it was part of the information items, but they intend to continue considering the use of the county lands.

Saline County Commission speaks on property usage and welcomes new service dog

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

Salina South High School began celebrating its Homecoming Week on Monday, complete with daily themes, a parade on Wednesday, and a dance on Saturday evening to conclude the school spirit-filled week.

The spirit themes include "Barbieland" on Monday, "B.B.Q. Dad &amp; Soccer Mom" on Tuesday, "Little White Lies" on Wednesday, "Through the Decades" on Thursday and "Green &amp; Gold" on Friday.

Each day allows students to dress up within the theme, from all in pink for Barbieland day to a simple white shirt marked with a permanent marker for Little White Lies.

The themes allow any students to dress as they want within the school dress code, but on Thursday, the students will be divided by class.

Seniors will dress as cavemen — juniors will take inspiration from the 1950s, sophomores from the 1960s and freshmen from the 1980s.

On Wednesday, Salina South plans to parade through downtown, beginning at The Temple at 336 S. Santa Fe Ave. After the parade, the school will host a pep rally at its stadium at 7 p.m.

The royalty candidates will parade with other students, local businesses and organizations to show school spirit and excite students for the pep rally.

On Friday, Sept. 22, during the Salina South High School football game against Maize High School, staff will coronate the winners during halftime.

This year's queen candidates at Salina South include seniors Angelica Alvarado, Ally Exline, Tierstyn Kershner, Lola McBride and Emily Streeter.

Salina South's king candidates include Tristan Bernhardt, Kaden Budke, Alex Davidson, Quevon Purucker and Maddox Xaysongkham.&nbsp;

Each student stays involved in the school, varying from choral groups to sports.

Alvarado is the daughter of Jesus Alvarado and Lorena Hernandez. During high school, Alvarado played volleyball for two years, ran varsity track since her freshman year, participates in New Dawn for the last two years, and is currently involved in Relay 4 Life, HOSA, STUCO, and National Honors Society. Alvarado also enjoys volunteering through St. Elizabeth's church and coaching at the Salina FieldHouse for youth sports. When she isn't at school, she works as a barista at Scooter's Coffee and spends time with her friends and family. In the future, she plans to attend Kansas University to major in Biology.&nbsp;

"It's important to be a role model to whoever and be able to relate to whoever it may be in high school," Alvarado said. "High school can be a really fun time, and it can also be a difficult time for some students, so I definitely want to be able to be a person anyone can call a friend.

Bernhardt is the son of Derik Bernhardt and Nicolette Srack. While at Salina South High School, Bernhardt played baseball all four years, wrestled for two years, and played football for one year. He is involved in the National Honor Society, Relay for Life, and STUCO. When he isn't at school, Bernhardt enjoys hanging out with friends, spending time with family, and works for his Dad at Naturescape. After graduation, he hopes to attend Kansas State University to join the architecture program.&nbsp;

Exline is the daughter of Linn and Curt Exline. During high school, Exline has participated in volleyball, swimming &amp; diving, tennis, link crew, writing center, Kilt crew, National Honors Society, Relay For Life, be-longings committee, and STUCO. When she is not at school, she spends time with her family and friends, hangs out with her dogs, plays games, and works as a server at Chili's. In the future, she plans to go to K-State University with an undecided major.&nbsp;

Budke is the son of Chuck and Diane Budke. During high school, Budke participated in football his first two years and baseball all four years. Budke is a member of the National Honor Society, Kilt Krew, and a medical intern at Kansas PT Partners. Outside of school, Budke enjoys golfing, watching football, and spending time with friends. During the summer, Budke works at the Salina Municipal Golf Course in maintenance. After graduating, Budke plans to play collegiate baseball at a school that has yet to be decided.&nbsp;

"This is what everyone says, but I want to tell the underclassmen to enjoy your high school years because you obviously don't get them back, and it flies by," Budke said.

Kershner is the daughter of Kyle Stach and Tara Kershner. During high school, Kershner has been a part of South High cheerleading, girls' soccer, and HOSA. Kershner enjoys her medical internship at the Wound Care Clinic in Salina Regional Hospital and looks forward to the rest of her rotations. When not at school, she works as a CNA at Presbyterian Manor and enjoys spending time with family and friends. In the future, she wants to attend college and pursue nursing, but she is currently undecided on where she wants to attend college.&nbsp;

Davidson is the son of Todd and Mindi Davidson. While at South High, Davidson has played football and baseball for four years and has been involved in the National Honor Society and Student Council. Outside of school, he was an active participant in Relay for Life for three years and is a member of and serves in children's ministry at The Ark Church. Davidson enjoys fishing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. After high school, Davidson plans to study architecture at the University of Kansas or Kansas State University.&nbsp;

McBride is the daughter of Sean and Lacey McBride. While at South High, McBride has been a cheerleader for all four years, is a member of the National Honor Society, HOSA, and, in past years, a member of Link Crew. Outside of school, she is an active event leader for Relay for Life and a team captain for her grade for all four high school years. McBride also volunteers in kids ministry at The Ark Church. After graduation, McBride plans to major in Chemistry at Kansas State University.&nbsp;

Purucker is the son of Tayrn Purucker. While at South High, Purucker started on the varsity team for three years on the basketball team, lettered in track and field freshman and sophomore year, participated in the varsity choir for three years, is a part of the Belongings Committee, and is a member of the Kilt Krew. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with God, family, and friends. In the future, Purucker intends to continue playing basketball at an undecided college.&nbsp;

Streeter is the daughter of Kelly and Michele Streeter. She has been active within the school community through Drama Club, New Dawn, Band, NHS, STUCO, and Link Crew. Streeter is Drama Club president, twirling section leader, feature twirler for the Salina South High marching band, and a state thespian officer for Kansas Thespians. Outside of school, she twirls and coaches at Shannon's Stars. Streeter participates on the national, senior, select, and world teams for twirling and volunteers at Theatre Salina. In her limited free time, she enjoys thrifting and going to Sonic with friends because, let's be real, where else would they go? After high school, she plans to go to an undecided college to become a school counselor.&nbsp;

"Just get involved and put yourself out there," Streeter said. "Don't be afraid to walk in somewhere by yourself. You might end up having more fun than you thought you would have had."

Xaysongkham is the son of Sonny Xaysongkham. While at South High, Xaysongkham has golfed for four years, participated in football, and played basketball. Xaysongkham enjoys spending his free time golfing, being with friends, and going to the gym. After graduation, he hopes to continue his golfing career in college. His college is undecided as of now.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695151845928.jpeg" alt="Salina South High School 2023 Spirit Week" />
 <figcaption>Salina South High School 2023 Spirit Week</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostSalina South High School began celebrating its Homecoming Week on Monday, complete with daily themes, a parade on Wednesday, and a dance on Saturday evening to conclude the school spirit-filled week.The spirit themes include "Barbieland" on Monday, "B.B.Q. Dad &amp; Soccer Mom" on Tuesday, "Little White Lies" on Wednesday, "Through the Decades" on Thursday and "Green &amp; Gold" on Friday.Each day allows students to dress up within the theme, from all in pink for Barbieland day to a simple white shirt marked with a permanent marker for Little White Lies.The themes allow any students to dress as they want within the school dress code, but on Thursday, the students will be divided by class.Seniors will dress as cavemen — juniors will take inspiration from the 1950s, sophomores from the 1960s and freshmen from the 1980s.<h2>The Parade</h2>On Wednesday, Salina South plans to parade through downtown, beginning at The Temple at 336 S. Santa Fe Ave. After the parade, the school will host a pep rally at its stadium at 7 p.m.The royalty candidates will parade with other students, local businesses and organizations to show school spirit and excite students for the pep rally.On Friday, Sept. 22, during the Salina South High School football game against Maize High School, staff will coronate the winners during halftime.<h2>The Queen and King Candidates</h2>This year's queen candidates at Salina South include seniors Angelica Alvarado, Ally Exline, Tierstyn Kershner, Lola McBride and Emily Streeter.Salina South's king candidates include Tristan Bernhardt, Kaden Budke, Alex Davidson, Quevon Purucker and Maddox Xaysongkham.&nbsp;Each student stays involved in the school, varying from choral groups to sports.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695152204063.jpeg" alt="Salina South High School 2023 Homecoming candidates — left to right — Lola McBride, Alex Davidson, Angelica Alvarado, Tristian Bernhardt, Tierstyn Kershner, Quevon Purucker, Emily Steeter, Kaden Budke, Ally Exline and&nbsp;Maddox Xaysongkham." />
 <figcaption>Salina South High School 2023 Homecoming candidates — left to right — Lola McBride, Alex Davidson, Angelica Alvarado, Tristian Bernhardt, Tierstyn Kershner, Quevon Purucker, Emily Steeter, Kaden Budke, Ally Exline and&nbsp;Maddox Xaysongkham.</figcaption>
 </figure>Angelica AlvaradoAlvarado is the daughter of Jesus Alvarado and Lorena Hernandez. During high school, Alvarado played volleyball for two years, ran varsity track since her freshman year, participates in New Dawn for the last two years, and is currently involved in Relay 4 Life, HOSA, STUCO, and National Honors Society. Alvarado also enjoys volunteering through St. Elizabeth's church and coaching at the Salina FieldHouse for youth sports. When she isn't at school, she works as a barista at Scooter's Coffee and spends time with her friends and family. In the future, she plans to attend Kansas University to major in Biology.&nbsp;"It's important to be a role model to whoever and be able to relate to whoever it may be in high school," Alvarado said. "High school can be a really fun time, and it can also be a difficult time for some students, so I definitely want to be able to be a person anyone can call a friend.Tristan BernhardtBernhardt is the son of Derik Bernhardt and Nicolette Srack. While at Salina South High School, Bernhardt played baseball all four years, wrestled for two years, and played football for one year. He is involved in the National Honor Society, Relay for Life, and STUCO. When he isn't at school, Bernhardt enjoys hanging out with friends, spending time with family, and works for his Dad at Naturescape. After graduation, he hopes to attend Kansas State University to join the architecture program.&nbsp;Ally ExlineExline is the daughter of Linn and Curt Exline. During high school, Exline has participated in volleyball, swimming &amp; diving, tennis, link crew, writing center, Kilt crew, National Honors Society, Relay For Life, be-longings committee, and STUCO. When she is not at school, she spends time with her family and friends, hangs out with her dogs, plays games, and works as a server at Chili's. In the future, she plans to go to K-State University with an undecided major.&nbsp;Kaden BudkeBudke is the son of Chuck and Diane Budke. During high school, Budke participated in football his first two years and baseball all four years. Budke is a member of the National Honor Society, Kilt Krew, and a medical intern at Kansas PT Partners. Outside of school, Budke enjoys golfing, watching football, and spending time with friends. During the summer, Budke works at the Salina Municipal Golf Course in maintenance. After graduating, Budke plans to play collegiate baseball at a school that has yet to be decided.&nbsp;"This is what everyone says, but I want to tell the underclassmen to enjoy your high school years because you obviously don't get them back, and it flies by," Budke said.Tierstyn KershnerKershner is the daughter of Kyle Stach and Tara Kershner. During high school, Kershner has been a part of South High cheerleading, girls' soccer, and HOSA. Kershner enjoys her medical internship at the Wound Care Clinic in Salina Regional Hospital and looks forward to the rest of her rotations. When not at school, she works as a CNA at Presbyterian Manor and enjoys spending time with family and friends. In the future, she wants to attend college and pursue nursing, but she is currently undecided on where she wants to attend college.&nbsp;Alex DavidsonDavidson is the son of Todd and Mindi Davidson. While at South High, Davidson has played football and baseball for four years and has been involved in the National Honor Society and Student Council. Outside of school, he was an active participant in Relay for Life for three years and is a member of and serves in children's ministry at The Ark Church. Davidson enjoys fishing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. After high school, Davidson plans to study architecture at the University of Kansas or Kansas State University.&nbsp;Lola McBrideMcBride is the daughter of Sean and Lacey McBride. While at South High, McBride has been a cheerleader for all four years, is a member of the National Honor Society, HOSA, and, in past years, a member of Link Crew. Outside of school, she is an active event leader for Relay for Life and a team captain for her grade for all four high school years. McBride also volunteers in kids ministry at The Ark Church. After graduation, McBride plans to major in Chemistry at Kansas State University.&nbsp;Quevon PuruckerPurucker is the son of Tayrn Purucker. While at South High, Purucker started on the varsity team for three years on the basketball team, lettered in track and field freshman and sophomore year, participated in the varsity choir for three years, is a part of the Belongings Committee, and is a member of the Kilt Krew. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with God, family, and friends. In the future, Purucker intends to continue playing basketball at an undecided college.&nbsp;Emily StreeterStreeter is the daughter of Kelly and Michele Streeter. She has been active within the school community through Drama Club, New Dawn, Band, NHS, STUCO, and Link Crew. Streeter is Drama Club president, twirling section leader, feature twirler for the Salina South High marching band, and a state thespian officer for Kansas Thespians. Outside of school, she twirls and coaches at Shannon's Stars. Streeter participates on the national, senior, select, and world teams for twirling and volunteers at Theatre Salina. In her limited free time, she enjoys thrifting and going to Sonic with friends because, let's be real, where else would they go? After high school, she plans to go to an undecided college to become a school counselor.&nbsp;"Just get involved and put yourself out there," Streeter said. "Don't be afraid to walk in somewhere by yourself. You might end up having more fun than you thought you would have had."Maddox XaysongkhamXaysongkham is the son of Sonny Xaysongkham. While at South High, Xaysongkham has golfed for four years, participated in football, and played basketball. Xaysongkham enjoys spending his free time golfing, being with friends, and going to the gym. After graduation, he hopes to continue his golfing career in college. His college is undecided as of now.&nbsp;

Salina South High School Homecoming Schedule and 2023 Candidates

As ocean surface temperatures shift, it could change Kansas's winter normals throughout its core months.

This week, the Wichita National Weather Service predicted that southern portions of Kansas will receive rain and possibly a few scattered thunderstorms.

NWS meteorologist Kevin Darmofal said as fall continues, the state may receive above-normal amounts of precipitation.

"It looks like there's a better-than-average chance that we may be seeing above-normal precipitation as we go through the fall and maybe the very beginning of meteorological winter (December 1)," Darmofal said.

As winter approaches, the impact of the El Niño weather pattern will begin to affect most of the United States, usually meaning below-normal precipitation and temperatures.

As El Niño shifts from La Niña, ocean surface temperatures change in the eastern tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean. El Niño is the warming of those surface waters.

Darmofal described this weather pattern as affecting the two jet streams that encompass most of the U.S., the Polar and Subtropical Jetstreams. 

This change in the jetstreams typically looks like the Subtropical and Polar Jetstreams dipping south, bringing cold, dry air to the central portion of the U.S.

Occasionally, during El Niño phases, the Subtropical Jetstream can "stick" further north, bringing wetter air to Kansas and other midwestern states.

"If it does average a little colder and a little below normal, we can still have some pretty mild days, and we could get a big snowstorm in there, too," Darmofal said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695057322688.jpeg" alt="National Weather Service NWS 09/18 - 09/19 Forecast" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service NWS 09/18 - 09/19 Forecast</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostAs ocean surface temperatures shift, it could change Kansas's winter normals throughout its core months.This week, the Wichita National Weather Service predicted that southern portions of Kansas will receive rain and possibly a few scattered thunderstorms.NWS meteorologist Kevin Darmofal said as fall continues, the state may receive above-normal amounts of precipitation."It looks like there's a better-than-average chance that we may be seeing above-normal precipitation as we go through the fall and maybe the very beginning of meteorological winter (December 1)," Darmofal said.As winter approaches, the impact of the El Niño weather pattern will begin to affect most of the United States, usually meaning below-normal precipitation and temperatures.As El Niño shifts from La Niña, ocean surface temperatures change in the eastern tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean. El Niño is the warming of those surface waters.Darmofal described this weather pattern as affecting the two jet streams that encompass most of the U.S., the Polar and Subtropical Jetstreams. This change in the jetstreams typically looks like the Subtropical and Polar Jetstreams dipping south, bringing cold, dry air to the central portion of the U.S.Occasionally, during El Niño phases, the Subtropical Jetstream can "stick" further north, bringing wetter air to Kansas and other midwestern states."If it does average a little colder and a little below normal, we can still have some pretty mild days, and we could get a big snowstorm in there, too," Darmofal said.

NWS Predictions: El Niño and shifting weather patterns

At 10:27 p.m. on Friday, Salina Police officers were dispatched to Kraft Manor Apartments at 1801 S. Ninth St., Salina, for a domestic dispute. When the two SPD officers arrived on the scene, they made contact with 24-year-old Donovan Green, a Salina resident.

According to Salina Police Department Sergeant Kyle Tonniges, Green became argumentative and combative with officers, causing the officers to attempt an arrest.

"He fights back, and this happened outside the apartment door on a (second-floor) balcony," Tonniges said. "The officer gets pushed up against the railing of that balcony to the point where this officer thinks he's going to be thrown off."

Tonniges said the officer managed to escape from the balcony, continued the altercation inside the apartment and eventually apprehended Green.

The second officer utilized a taser during the arrest.

The Saline Police Department charged Green with aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, interference with a law enforcement officer, domestic battery and criminal property damage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574094885919.jpeg" alt="Salina Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Salina Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostAt 10:27 p.m. on Friday, Salina Police officers were dispatched to Kraft Manor Apartments at 1801 S. Ninth St., Salina, for a domestic dispute. When the two SPD officers arrived on the scene, they made contact with 24-year-old Donovan Green, a Salina resident.According to Salina Police Department Sergeant Kyle Tonniges, Green became argumentative and combative with officers, causing the officers to attempt an arrest."He fights back, and this happened outside the apartment door on a (second-floor) balcony," Tonniges said. "The officer gets pushed up against the railing of that balcony to the point where this officer thinks he's going to be thrown off."Tonniges said the officer managed to escape from the balcony, continued the altercation inside the apartment and eventually apprehended Green.The second officer utilized a taser during the arrest.The Saline Police Department charged Green with aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, interference with a law enforcement officer, domestic battery and criminal property damage.

SPD officer responding to domestic dispute nearly pushed off balcony

On Saturday at 9:29 p.m., the Salina Police Department sent officers to The Voo at 249 N. Santa Fe, after patrons called about a man threatening other individuals in the bar with a weapon.

At first, victims were unsure if the man, identified as 53-year-old Salina resident Micheal Mehl, had a gun or a knife.

 "While in the bar, there was an argument between Mehl and some other patrons there," SPD Sergeant Kyle Tonniges said this morning.&nbsp;

"During the course of the argument, Mehl told people he was going to kill them while pulling up his shirt and displaying two knives on his waistband," Tonniges said.

Officers found Mehl a short distance from The Voo and apprehended him.&nbsp;

Criminal use of weapons; poss w/ intent to use, Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting, Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695055306859.jpeg" alt="Michael Mehl" />
 <figcaption>Michael Mehl</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostOn Saturday at 9:29 p.m., the Salina Police Department sent officers to The Voo at 249 N. Santa Fe, after patrons called about a man threatening other individuals in the bar with a weapon.At first, victims were unsure if the man, identified as 53-year-old Salina resident Micheal Mehl, had a gun or a knife. "While in the bar, there was an argument between Mehl and some other patrons there," SPD Sergeant Kyle Tonniges said this morning.&nbsp;"During the course of the argument, Mehl told people he was going to kill them while pulling up his shirt and displaying two knives on his waistband," Tonniges said.Officers found Mehl a short distance from The Voo and apprehended him.&nbsp;SPD requested charges for Mehl:Criminal use of weapons; poss w/ intent to use, Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting, Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption

SPD arrest Salina man after he allegedly threatened bar patrons

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

The Saline County Commission approved multiple items during its meeting on Tuesday morning, including a proclamation, funding usage and policy revisions.

Archie Riggs from the North-Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging, or NCFH AAA, brought the first action item to the commission — a proclamation for Sept. 18 - 23 as Seniors Week, which commissioners approved.

"It is a long-held value and a strong Kansas tradition to honor and celebrate the lives and service of older Americans," Riggs said. "If each of us is fortunate, we will live to become older Kansans and want to continue to enrich our own lives and the lives of others."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695675567531.jpeg" alt="Saline County and Salina City Building, on Iron Street in Salina, KS. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Saline County and Salina City Building, on Iron Street in Salina, KS. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostThe Saline County Commission approved multiple items during its meeting on Tuesday morning, including a proclamation, funding usage and policy revisions.Archie Riggs from the North-Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging, or NCFH AAA, brought the first action item to the commission — a proclamation for Sept. 18 - 23 as Seniors Week, which commissioners approved."It is a long-held value and a strong Kansas tradition to honor and celebrate the lives and service of older Americans," Riggs said. "If each of us is fortunate, we will live to become older Kansans and want to continue to enrich our own lives and the lives of others."Read More: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/50475ec5-caa9-49c3-ab10-c3fe79089c77">The 2023 NC-FH AAA Sunflower Fair Kicked off with new Sunflower Seniors Got Talent Show</a>Phillip Smith-Hanes, the County Administrator, informed commissioners about how Saline County has used American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA, funds since August 2021. Saline County allocated that cash into its Coronavirus Local Fiscal Relief Fund or CLFRF. These funds totaled more than $10.5 million, which the commission used for various disaster and community relief projects."On July 11, 2023, the commission approved the most recent reallocation of funds, which included development and prioritization of a 'backup list' of projects to be funded with any freed-up funds," Smith-Hanes said.The 'backup list' included 75 action lines divided into 10 categories — housing, economic and workforce development and broadband infrastructure.Smith-Hanes said the U.S. Department of Treasury made a final ruling on these funding projects, which included an option to use CLFRF dollars for surface transportation.Justin Mader, Saline County Engineers, reported $700,000 in gravel road projects that currently do not have funding options, among other unfinished transportation projects."Staff is seeking your commission's guidance on whether Saline County's ARPA Framework Plan should be amended to include a new category of Surface Transportation projects and those placed on the 'backup list,'" Smith-Hanes said.The commission decided to amend its ARPA framework to include these 'backup list' items and prioritize some of the county's projects that have yet to progress since the funds reached Saline County.These projects include the Partner with City of Salina on New Multi-Family Housing project and a study of the county's broadband needs.Smith-Hanes suggested cutting two items from the 'backup list' that have not progressed since their addition — the Health Equity project, a partnership project by the Saline County Health Department, and the SHICK Counseling project, a grant request from NC-FH AAA.The commission voted to amend the CLFRF funding allocations, freeing up $80,000 to move to other programs.Read More: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/57247fbb-9f62-4307-a38b-3a8d427343d8">Centennial Road between Rose Hill Road and Sundgren Road closed</a>Dave Sommerfeld, Assistant Fire Chief of Rural Fire District #2, requested commissioners approve the purchase of cancer and heart health insurance policies for the county's firefighters.Family Heritage, a division of Globe Life, offers CancerCare Plus and CardiacCare Plus, which the Saline County Board of Trustees recommended."Statistics show that firefighters have a higher risk of getting and or dying from cancer than the public," Sommerfeld said. "Cancer and heart attacks or cardiac disease are the top killers of firefighters."Sommerfeld said the policy covers all claims regardless of other insurances provided by the department and acts as a portable form of coverage, allowing firefighters to continue the insurance policy.Commissioners approved the action item as presented.The commission also approved an early hire for the County Health Department, creating a policy to address donations and sponsorships and approved an expense reimbursement amendment.