By TIM ROGERS Salina Airport Authority Executive Director May Reporting Points

Wow! The headline even surprises me. I’ve had the pleasure and honor to serve as executive director for the Salina Airport Authority since January 1985. 

Over the years 61 of Salina’s best civic and business leaders have served on the Airport Authority board of directors. Those men and women have inspired me to achieve the Airport Authority’s funding goal to “replace jobs and payroll lost” with the closure of the former Schilling Air Force Base in 1965. 

Since base closure, the Airport Authority’s vision and mission has matured to “chart the course for global success and be a trusted leader propelling economic growth for aerospace business, industry, and military by strengthening partnerships.” Forward thinking board members have provided the guidance and resources for success. I’m grateful for their trust and confidence in me over the years.

A staff of dedicated and skilled Airport Authority employees have executed the Airport Authority’s vision and mission to build a dynamic and modern Airport and Airport Industrial Center that drives community economic growth. If there is a behind-the-scenes secret to the Airport Authority’s success it is a staff second to none. I have been most fortunate to work with staff members that excel at their jobs.

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Long standing partnerships with the City of Salina, Saline County, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, the Salina Community Economic Development Organization, K-State Salina, Salina Area Technical College, and Kansas Wesleyan University, the State of Kansas and federal agencies have enabled the Airport Authority to achieve goals that benefit residents of Salina, Saline County, and North Central Kansas. Collaboration among government agencies, civic organizations and community leaders is a cornerstone to the Salina community's enduring success.

I have been fortunate to work with board members, staff members and community partners that have shared a common vision for achievement and success. A former board member referred to the Salina Airport and Airport Industrial Center as a “diamond in the rough.”

It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the Salina Airport Authority’s executive director. I believe that the “diamond in the rough” is shining a bit brighter.

"The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The&nbsp;optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty." -&nbsp;Winston Churchill&nbsp;

The Salina Airport Authority invites the public to congratulate Tim Rogers on his retirement on Thursday, June 27 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Salina Regional Airport, Hangar H600, 2720 Arnold Ct., Salina, Kansas

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710179140025.jpeg" alt="Salina Airport Authority Executive Director Tim Rogers addresses the first class to graduate from the Aviation Innovation and Maintenance Center of Excellence, or AIM. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Airport Authority Executive Director Tim Rogers addresses the first class to graduate from the Aviation Innovation and Maintenance Center of Excellence, or AIM. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM ROGERS Salina Airport Authority Executive Director May Reporting PointsWow! The headline even surprises me. I’ve had the pleasure and honor to serve as executive director for the Salina Airport Authority since January 1985. Over the years 61 of Salina’s best civic and business leaders have served on the Airport Authority board of directors. Those men and women have inspired me to achieve the Airport Authority’s funding goal to “replace jobs and payroll lost” with the closure of the former Schilling Air Force Base in 1965. Since base closure, the Airport Authority’s vision and mission has matured to “chart the course for global success and be a trusted leader propelling economic growth for aerospace business, industry, and military by strengthening partnerships.” Forward thinking board members have provided the guidance and resources for success. I’m grateful for their trust and confidence in me over the years.A staff of dedicated and skilled Airport Authority employees have executed the Airport Authority’s vision and mission to build a dynamic and modern Airport and Airport Industrial Center that drives community economic growth. If there is a behind-the-scenes secret to the Airport Authority’s success it is a staff second to none. I have been most fortunate to work with staff members that excel at their jobs.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/dceab434-5a0f-431a-8951-c8413870c905">Salina City Commissioners 'OK' next steps for possible shade structure in Downtown Salina</a>Long standing partnerships with the City of Salina, Saline County, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, the Salina Community Economic Development Organization, K-State Salina, Salina Area Technical College, and Kansas Wesleyan University, the State of Kansas and federal agencies have enabled the Airport Authority to achieve goals that benefit residents of Salina, Saline County, and North Central Kansas. Collaboration among government agencies, civic organizations and community leaders is a cornerstone to the Salina community's enduring success.I have been fortunate to work with board members, staff members and community partners that have shared a common vision for achievement and success. A former board member referred to the Salina Airport and Airport Industrial Center as a “diamond in the rough.”It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the Salina Airport Authority’s executive director. I believe that the “diamond in the rough” is shining a bit brighter."The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The&nbsp;optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty." -&nbsp;Winston Churchill&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d1554.9063923234116!2d-97.64287187085301!3d38.79092600278627!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87bcc90447214e25%3A0x1d938b8555acae6c!2sHangar%20600!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1715791001659!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div><h2>Tim Rogers retirement celebration</h2>The Salina Airport Authority invites the public to congratulate Tim Rogers on his retirement on Thursday, June 27 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Salina Regional Airport, Hangar H600, 2720 Arnold Ct., Salina, KansasRSVP to wings@salair.org

Tim Rogers set to retire in July after 39 years with Salina Airport Authority

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina Post

When a Salina resident went to a residence in town to work on his motorcycle on Monday, June 24, he returned to find it missing from the workshop location.

Salina Police Department (SPD) Capt. James Feldman said at 4 p.m. Monday, a 37-year-old Salina man called dispatch and reported that his maroon and burgundy 2006 Yamaha SZ 600 was missing.

"He stated his motorcycle was stolen from the 700 block of North Santa Fe, but that's not where he lives, between the 22nd and the 24th," Feldman said. "He said that he was working on the bike, and then somebody stole it within that timeframe."

The motorcycle's owner said he left it there to continue working on it on Monday. Feldman said the Yamaha, valued at $2,500, had no tags and a black spray-painted windscreen.

SPD officers continue looking for suspects since the owner did not know who would have stolen the motorcycle.

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

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5391c5c5-24bf-43d7-948b-8c2ba6c2a046">Rush-hour fender bender turns into four-car crash</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574355645622.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostWhen a Salina resident went to a residence in town to work on his motorcycle on Monday, June 24, he returned to find it missing from the workshop location.Salina Police Department (SPD) Capt. James Feldman said at 4 p.m. Monday, a 37-year-old Salina man called dispatch and reported that his maroon and burgundy 2006 Yamaha SZ 600 was missing."He stated his motorcycle was stolen from the 700 block of North Santa Fe, but that's not where he lives, between the 22nd and the 24th," Feldman said. "He said that he was working on the bike, and then somebody stole it within that timeframe."The motorcycle's owner said he left it there to continue working on it on Monday. Feldman said the Yamaha, valued at $2,500, had no tags and a black spray-painted windscreen.SPD officers continue looking for suspects since the owner did not know who would have stolen the motorcycle.Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5391c5c5-24bf-43d7-948b-8c2ba6c2a046">Rush-hour fender bender turns into four-car crash</a>

Motorcycle stolen from downtown residence, SPD searches for suspects

Yesterday afternoon, a rush-hour fender bender turned into a four-car incident near the Ohio Street and Republic Avenue intersection after a driver rear-ended another car.

Salina Police Department (SPD) Sgt. Matt Gawith said at about 5:08 p.m., Tuesday, June 25, a 2017 Nissan Rogue heading southbound in the 900 block of Ohio Street struck the back of a 2024 Subaru Forester.

"The Forester went over the west curb line of Ohio and struck a sign," Gawith said. "The Nissan Rogue, after airbags deployed, careened in a southwest direction through the intersection of Ohio and Republic, went over the east curb line and struck a [utility] pole."

The pole struck by the Nissan Rogue fell into the parking lot on the intersection's southeast corner and hit a parked car. The Nissan Rogue also struck another parked car before coming to a stop.

Power became intermittent in the area due to the damaged utility pole.

Gawith said the Rogue's 51-year-old Salina woman driver had no injuries from the crash. The 56-year-old Salina man driving the Forester had minor injuries that did not require immediate medical attention.

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574355645622.jpeg" alt="SPD Salina Police green.jpg" />
 <figcaption>SPD Salina Police green.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostYesterday afternoon, a rush-hour fender bender turned into a four-car incident near the Ohio Street and Republic Avenue intersection after a driver rear-ended another car.Salina Police Department (SPD) Sgt. Matt Gawith said at about 5:08 p.m., Tuesday, June 25, a 2017 Nissan Rogue heading southbound in the 900 block of Ohio Street struck the back of a 2024 Subaru Forester."The Forester went over the west curb line of Ohio and struck a sign," Gawith said. "The Nissan Rogue, after airbags deployed, careened in a southwest direction through the intersection of Ohio and Republic, went over the east curb line and struck a [utility] pole."The pole struck by the Nissan Rogue fell into the parking lot on the intersection's southeast corner and hit a parked car. The Nissan Rogue also struck another parked car before coming to a stop.Power became intermittent in the area due to the damaged utility pole.Gawith said the Rogue's 51-year-old Salina woman driver had no injuries from the crash. The 56-year-old Salina man driving the Forester had minor injuries that did not require immediate medical attention.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5afa7698-82f3-4c7b-9df8-7aa78e480679">World’s Largest 'I Like Ike' Button Unveiled in Abilene</a>

Rush-hour fender bender turns into four-car crash

Early Monday morning, a New Cambria resident driving eastbound on East Old 40 Highway just west of Solomon swerved on the road to dodge a deer but lost control, toppling the car into the ditch.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said that at about 5:33 a.m., a 29-year-old New Cambria resident missed the deer but suffered several injuries from the subsequent crash.

"He swerved to miss the deer, went off the south side of the road and then overcorrected, went across the road in the north ditch where it rolled at least once," Soldan said. "[The 2001 Chevrolet Suburban] came to a rest on its wheels."

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0426ff33-1a9f-41e0-ab9e-b0628658137d">SPD arrests Salina man for attacking Kwik Shop employees with sticks while naked</a>

Soldan said once Saline County Sheriff's Office deputies arrived, EMS followed shortly after and transported the 29-year-old driver to Salina Regional Health Center for undocumented injuries.

The resident crashed in the 9600 block of East Old 40 Highway near 40 Highway and North Donmeyer Road.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719350949668.jpeg" alt="A 2001 Chevrolet Suburban damaged by an early-morning rollover crash on Monday, June 24, near Solomon, Kan. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>A 2001 Chevrolet Suburban damaged by an early-morning rollover crash on Monday, June 24, near Solomon, Kan. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostEarly Monday morning, a New Cambria resident driving eastbound on East Old 40 Highway just west of Solomon swerved on the road to dodge a deer but lost control, toppling the car into the ditch.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said that at about 5:33 a.m., a 29-year-old New Cambria resident missed the deer but suffered several injuries from the subsequent crash."He swerved to miss the deer, went off the south side of the road and then overcorrected, went across the road in the north ditch where it rolled at least once," Soldan said. "[The 2001 Chevrolet Suburban] came to a rest on its wheels."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719350967584.jpeg" alt="Another view of a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban damaged by an early-morning rollover crash on Monday, June 24, near Solomon, Kan. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Another view of a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban damaged by an early-morning rollover crash on Monday, June 24, near Solomon, Kan. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0426ff33-1a9f-41e0-ab9e-b0628658137d">SPD arrests Salina man for attacking Kwik Shop employees with sticks while naked</a>Soldan said once Saline County Sheriff's Office deputies arrived, EMS followed shortly after and transported the 29-year-old driver to Salina Regional Health Center for undocumented injuries.The resident crashed in the 9600 block of East Old 40 Highway near 40 Highway and North Donmeyer Road.

New Cambria resident transported to SRHC after early Monday morning crash

Early this morning at about 4:45 a.m., Kwik Shop employees from the gas station at 1727 West Crawford Street reported to Salina Police Department (SPD) officers that a man walked into the store naked and began battering employees with a stick in each hand.

SPD Capt. James Feldman said that the man assaulted three employees, the first at the back door of the convenience store and the second and third inside the local Kwik Shop.

When officers arrived at the store, employees had already subdued the subject, who SPD officers identified as 42-year-old Salina man Joshua Renfro.

The first employee Renfro allegedly assaulted was a 60-year-old employee Renfro pushed past to enter the store from the backdoor.

"There was a 55-year-old employee who heard a commotion in the business, and as he was at the back at the coolers, he observed the naked male who had two sticks in his hands," Feldman said. "This employee told the subject [Renfro] he needed to leave the business. Mr. Renfro then struck our victim several times in the head with one of the sticks and that employee suffered several cuts to his forehead and left eye."

Another employee, a 51-year-old woman, moved to assist her two coworkers when Renfro pushed her to the ground and caused an injury to her left elbow and an injury on her thigh.

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Emergency responders transported the 51-year-old woman to Salina Regional Health Center [SRHC] to treat the potentially broken elbow.

"Officers ended up wrapping the subject and transporting him to the hospital because they believe there's an influence of drugs," Feldman said. "I don't know if he's out [of the hospital], but he is going to be charged with two counts of aggravated battery and a count of simple battery."

Renfro did not attempt to steal any items at Kwik Shop — he only attacked employees in the convenience store. 

Once hospital staff finish treating Renfro, SPD officers will continue considering further charges for the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574569805735.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostEarly this morning at about 4:45 a.m., Kwik Shop employees from the gas station at 1727 West Crawford Street reported to Salina Police Department (SPD) officers that a man walked into the store naked and began battering employees with a stick in each hand.SPD Capt. James Feldman said that the man assaulted three employees, the first at the back door of the convenience store and the second and third inside the local Kwik Shop.When officers arrived at the store, employees had already subdued the subject, who SPD officers identified as 42-year-old Salina man Joshua Renfro.The first employee Renfro allegedly assaulted was a 60-year-old employee Renfro pushed past to enter the store from the backdoor."There was a 55-year-old employee who heard a commotion in the business, and as he was at the back at the coolers, he observed the naked male who had two sticks in his hands," Feldman said. "This employee told the subject [Renfro] he needed to leave the business. Mr. Renfro then struck our victim several times in the head with one of the sticks and that employee suffered several cuts to his forehead and left eye."Another employee, a 51-year-old woman, moved to assist her two coworkers when Renfro pushed her to the ground and caused an injury to her left elbow and an injury on her thigh.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c1d9e7b9-5d5b-4c12-b2f1-2fe1475d23a4">Dangerous heat impacts Kansas, 108-degree heat index predicted today</a>Emergency responders transported the 51-year-old woman to Salina Regional Health Center [SRHC] to treat the potentially broken elbow."Officers ended up wrapping the subject and transporting him to the hospital because they believe there's an influence of drugs," Feldman said. "I don't know if he's out [of the hospital], but he is going to be charged with two counts of aggravated battery and a count of simple battery."Renfro did not attempt to steal any items at Kwik Shop — he only attacked employees in the convenience store. Once hospital staff finish treating Renfro, SPD officers will continue considering further charges for the incident.Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.

SPD arrests Salina man for attacking Kwik Shop employees with sticks while naked

Election season 2024 is upon us, and the City of Salina has developed resources to help citizens observe the requirements of the Salina Municipal Code and Kansas Statutes while making their voices heard through the placement of temporary political signs.

On private property – an unlimited number of signs may be placed, none may exceed 8 sq. ft. in area or 6 ft. in height. On public right-of-way adjacent to your property – an unlimited number of signs may be placed, none may exceed 8 sq. ft. in area or 6 ft. in height.

Apartment Complexes, Nursing Homes, Commercial/Industrial Lots

On private property – up to two signs may be placed, each no more than 32 sq. ft. in area or 6 ft. in height.&nbsp; An unlimited number of signs, each having an area of 8 sq. ft. or less and a height of less than 6 ft., are allowed. On public right-of-way adjacent to your property – an unlimited number of signs may be placed, but none may exceed 8 sq. ft. in area or 6 ft. in height.

Signs placed in the public right-of-way may NOT:

Exceed 8 sq. ft. in area or 6’ in height.. be placed in a clear sight triangle for any intersection of public or private streets, alleys, or driveways. &nbsp;**Temporary signs placed in the right-of-way must be removed by November 8, 2024. &nbsp;. 
be placed in street medians.

Be placed in right-of-way abutting parks or recreational facilities.

Be placed on utility poles, street light poles, permanent sign poles or posts, benches, or trees.

State of Kansas KSA 25-2430 prohibits political activities (including signs) within 250 feet of the entrance to a polling place on Election Day and advance voting locations during the advance voting period.&nbsp;

To view polling places in and near Salina, and the areas that are within 250 feet of their entrances, please see the Political Signs and Electioneering Map found at https://www.salina-ks.gov/maps.

The advance voting period for the 2024 primary election is from July 22, 2024 to August 5, 2024.

The advance voting period for the 2024 general election is from October 21, 2024 to November 4, 2024. The ONLY advance voting location for primary and general elections is the Saline County Clerk’s office at 300 W Ash St.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699398880794.jpeg" alt="Voting booths sit ready on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at the Salina Public Library McKenzie Center. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Voting booths sit ready on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at the Salina Public Library McKenzie Center. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>City of SalinaElection season 2024 is upon us, and the City of Salina has developed resources to help citizens observe the requirements of the Salina Municipal Code and Kansas Statutes while making their voices heard through the placement of temporary political signs.Single-Family Residential LotsOn private property – an unlimited number of signs may be placed, none may exceed 8 sq. ft. in area or 6 ft. in height. On public right-of-way adjacent to your property – an unlimited number of signs may be placed, none may exceed 8 sq. ft. in area or 6 ft. in height.Apartment Complexes, Nursing Homes, Commercial/Industrial LotsOn private property – up to two signs may be placed, each no more than 32 sq. ft. in area or 6 ft. in height.&nbsp; An unlimited number of signs, each having an area of 8 sq. ft. or less and a height of less than 6 ft., are allowed. On public right-of-way adjacent to your property – an unlimited number of signs may be placed, but none may exceed 8 sq. ft. in area or 6 ft. in height.Right-of-Way InformationSigns placed in the public right-of-way may NOT:Exceed 8 sq. ft. in area or 6’ in height.. be placed in a clear sight triangle for any intersection of public or private streets, alleys, or driveways. &nbsp;**Temporary signs placed in the right-of-way must be removed by November 8, 2024. &nbsp;. 
be placed in street medians.Be placed in right-of-way abutting parks or recreational facilities.Be placed on utility poles, street light poles, permanent sign poles or posts, benches, or trees. State of Kansas KSA 25-2430 prohibits political activities (including signs) within 250 feet of the entrance to a polling place on Election Day and advance voting locations during the advance voting period.&nbsp;To view polling places in and near Salina, and the areas that are within 250 feet of their entrances, please see the Political Signs and Electioneering Map found at https://www.salina-ks.gov/maps.The advance voting period for the 2024 primary election is from July 22, 2024 to August 5, 2024. The advance voting period for the 2024 general election is from October 21, 2024 to November 4, 2024. The ONLY advance voting location for primary and general elections is the Saline County Clerk’s office at 300 W Ash St.

City reminds residents of rules regarding temporary sign placement during election season

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina Post

Complete with the thrum of music from City Lights Stage and the chatter between vendors and visitors — Salina celebrated Juneteenth in downtown to uplift the spirit of freedom.

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, found out they were finally free after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, two years earlier.

In 2021, the United States Government solidified the memorialized day as a federal holiday, with towns and communities celebrating with city-wide parties, parades and gatherings.

"Seeing the community come together to celebrate not only a date that's important to us as African Americans but also a day that should be important to Americans in general, as it's a part of American history, not just Black history," said Margaret Dixon, Salina Juneteenth Committee president. "When I look out, and I see the diversity of the people, that makes my heart glad."

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6f4410ef-1bea-4e3a-a72f-ec176890dd8c">Inspiring artists through celebrating creativity — a walk through the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival</a>

About a dozen vendors and local advocacy groups surrounded City Lights Stage on Saturday, June 22, with rotating entertainment throughout the afternoon.

Salina City Mayor Bill Longbine also addressed the crowd to commemorate the day of celebration.

"Let us remember the history and significance of this day in 1865 when, on June 19, all African Americans were granted freedoms afforded to all Americans," Longbine said. "Our hope is by celebrating, future generations will learn and appreciate the history and legacy of the African American community."

Local Salina businesses like BeYOUtiful Creations by AS joined the celebration and sold Juneteenth-inspired apparel alongside other examples of her custom designs.

"I really enjoy the more recognition that it's getting, and the fact that we can come together as people and celebrate something that probably should have been celebrated by everybody," said Adria Smith, owner of BeYOUtiful Creations.

Click the arrows on the left and right of the window above to see photos from the 2024 Juneteenth Celebration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719170232996.jpeg" alt="The children of Dr. Brandon Cheeks and Ralita Cheeks perform for the 2024 Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 22, at City Lights Stage in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The children of Dr. Brandon Cheeks and Ralita Cheeks perform for the 2024 Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 22, at City Lights Stage in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostComplete with the thrum of music from City Lights Stage and the chatter between vendors and visitors — Salina celebrated Juneteenth in downtown to uplift the spirit of freedom.Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, found out they were finally free after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, two years earlier.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719170286032.jpeg" alt="A Juneteenth flag marking the area for the 2024 Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 22, at City Lights Stage in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>A Juneteenth flag marking the area for the 2024 Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 22, at City Lights Stage in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2021, the United States Government solidified the memorialized day as a federal holiday, with towns and communities celebrating with city-wide parties, parades and gatherings."Seeing the community come together to celebrate not only a date that's important to us as African Americans but also a day that should be important to Americans in general, as it's a part of American history, not just Black history," said Margaret Dixon, Salina Juneteenth Committee president. "When I look out, and I see the diversity of the people, that makes my heart glad."READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6f4410ef-1bea-4e3a-a72f-ec176890dd8c">Inspiring artists through celebrating creativity — a walk through the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719170330246.jpeg" alt="Salina Juneteenth Committee President Margaret Dixon addresses the crowd for the 2024 Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 22, at City Lights Stage in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Juneteenth Committee President Margaret Dixon addresses the crowd for the 2024 Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 22, at City Lights Stage in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>About a dozen vendors and local advocacy groups surrounded City Lights Stage on Saturday, June 22, with rotating entertainment throughout the afternoon.Salina City Mayor Bill Longbine also addressed the crowd to commemorate the day of celebration."Let us remember the history and significance of this day in 1865 when, on June 19, all African Americans were granted freedoms afforded to all Americans," Longbine said. "Our hope is by celebrating, future generations will learn and appreciate the history and legacy of the African American community."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719170388596.jpeg" alt="Dr. Daisy Kabagarama, a poet and performer based in Salina, brings multiple instruments and other props for the 2024 Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 22, at City Lights Stage in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Daisy Kabagarama, a poet and performer based in Salina, brings multiple instruments and other props for the 2024 Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 22, at City Lights Stage in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Local Salina businesses like BeYOUtiful Creations by AS joined the celebration and sold Juneteenth-inspired apparel alongside other examples of her custom designs."I really enjoy the more recognition that it's getting, and the fact that we can come together as people and celebrate something that probably should have been celebrated by everybody," said Adria Smith, owner of BeYOUtiful Creations.<div><a data-flickr-embed="true" data-footer="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/200778904@N03/albums/72177720318185809" title="Juneteenth 2024"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53809994097_7eaa912470_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Juneteenth 2024"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Click the arrows on the left and right of the window above to see photos from the 2024 Juneteenth Celebration.

Juneteenth unites community by celebrating historic moment for American freedom

Salina's first park transformed for the Smoky Hill River Festival weekend, with the familiar Oakdale covered by the colorful world of the 48th festival.

The murmur of more than 150 musical and artistic performances across three stages greeted thousands of visitors as they walked across Oakdale Park's decorated bridges.

Outside the stages sat seemingly endless rows of exhibiting artists, selling their work created anywhere from down the road in town to states away. 

Even <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/01acc2b3-402f-446d-b131-92f0ceca2629">through two severe storm warnings and dozens of broken pieces of artwork</a>, many visitors took home one-of-a-kind handmade items. Many visitors said, "It wouldn't be the festival without some rain!" which many Kansas visitors seemed accustomed to.

Although rain, wind and small hail cut the SM Hanson Festival Jam short, bands continued performing throughout the weekend. Don Wagner &amp; Friends, the fourth of 17 groups, was the last band to play at Festival Jam.

Those who had the chance to perform before the storm hit town included Salina South Jazz Band, Visual Lies, Downtown Funk and Don Wagner &amp; Friends.

Lix, King Tones, Fed Up, Hey Radio, Soul Preachers, Drop Everything, Kyndred, HyWay 14, Bootleg Mercy, Dunebuggy, Love Like War, Steve Hanson &amp; Co. and The Blades missed their chance to play in front of the festival crowd.

Oakdale Park reopened the following day at 10 a.m., with Jane Anderson, the executive director of the Friends of the River Foundation, parading a young YMCA class around the park alongside their Smoky Hill River puppet crew.

As the young class paraded around the park, they saw sights of aspiring fiber artists using a loom for the first time, bands from across the country playing on the festival stages and artists selling their works to customers.

Nashville-based band Wildermiss was one of the 151 performances that entertained the Smoky Hill River Festival crowds.

"Our booking agent said, 'You should play this,' and we said, 'Yeah, we should!' and so it worked out because it's kind of the beginning of our tour," said Wildermiss lead singer Emma Cole. "I feel like [our sound] has a little bit of everything; with this last album we released, so much of it is touching on ethereal, ambient with indie, alternative rock, and then some bubble gum pop with some moody, heavy hitting ruby disco."

Cultivating creativity — a unique space for the youth

Artyopolis decorated the western edge of Oakdale Park, a space catered to inspiring creativity for young festival attendees.

LISTEN: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/df176786-0721-4298-8c69-b390ec66f798">🎙King in the Community Podcast — Susan Eberwein, Artyopolis coordinator</a>

Just north of Artyopolis and Arty's Stage, the exclusive First Treasures welcomed only children ages 4 to 13 to enter and purchase a piece of artwork without parental influence.

"It's a good opportunity for them because it allows kids to explore their imagination and do different things themselves," said Haley Beebe, a Salina resident attending the festival. "And [I got] to know what they like and don't like."

Beebe took Leah Smith, 13, and Edison Beebe, 7, this year to the First Treasures pavilion, where each purchased a piece of artwork donated by festival vendors for $5 or less.

"I love art, especially stuff similar to that [the painting she chose from First Treasures], and I think it's so amazing," Leah said. "It inspires me."

This year was Leah's first encounter with First Treasures, while Edison attended the event for the first time last year. 

Smoky Hill River Festival volunteers helped children navigate the experience and provided information about the artists who created the artwork they purchased.

"It's a good experience," Beebe said. "We went and saw his [Edison's] artist and got to take a picture with them."

Underneath the cool shade of an Oakdale Park pavilion, seven art and craft artists chatted with customers while creating new jewelry pieces, wooden utensils, ceramic pots and more.

This year, the Art and Craft Demonstrating Artists included Julie Cates from Salina, Vaughn Evans from Linwood, Tracey Musselwhite from Salina, Nicholas Pahls from Salina, Amethyst Sankey and Pam Pentico from Salina, Liz Bonney from Lawrence and Eleanor Carlson from Blue Rapids.

Throughout the festival, each artist demonstrated how they created their handmade items, answered questions for curious attendees and walked aspiring artists through different steps of their processes.

Musselwhite is a science teacher at Coronado Elementary in town but has enjoyed pottery since childhood and continues the practice today.

"I've had several students come through here, and some of them didn't realize that I did this," Musselwhite said. "They take such an interest in it, and I love seeing the kids excited about art."

Close by, with a small torch in hand, Carlson demonstrated her process of making jewelry with precious metals and gemstones of varying shapes.

Carlson said she attended <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/">Fort Hays State University</a> in western Kansas and participated in a national student exchange program at <a href="https://www.ric.edu/">Rhode Island College</a>, where she learned most of her silversmithing skills.

"I paid Fort Hays prices to go to Rhode Island College for a year, and that was fantastic," Carlson said. "That's where I learned a lot of my silver smithing and general introduction to fine metal smithing."

Once she returned from Rhode Island College, she discovered that Fort Hays did not have much support for fine metal smithing, but a sculpture professor strove to provide Carlson with a creative space.

"[Professor Toby Flores] did a great job of giving me a little corner in the studio, and I got to do jewelry work as much as I wanted," Carlson said. "I got to explore many different things and cast a lot of bigger bronze and iron things... and just had an amazing experience."

Carlson said she now renovated a part of her home for her jewelry studio in Blue Rapids, where she creates jewelry to sell at festivals and other vendor events.

Click the arrows on the left and right of the window above to see photos from the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival.

Concluding another Smoky Hill River Festival

On Sunday, June 16, eager attendees entered the park to attempt to find a glass Round-Tuit created by festival demonstrating artist Vaughn Evans. Children raced between bushes to look for the sparkling ember glass pieces inscribed with a bee on the bottom.

After attendees found a Round-Tuit, they could visit Evans at the demonstration pavilion to ask questions and view his other artwork.

Throughout the festival, other artists painted facilities of Oakdale Park, wrapped trees with colorful crocheted pieces by local high school students and the roaming Flint Hill Fairies and their thrum of cheerful music.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719161991168.jpeg" alt="The Weave a Community booth encourages young 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival attendees to try new types of art mediums and create something new with the help of a creative volunteer on Sunday, June 16, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Kat Woods" />
 <figcaption>The Weave a Community booth encourages young 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival attendees to try new types of art mediums and create something new with the help of a creative volunteer on Sunday, June 16, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Kat Woods</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostSalina's first park transformed for the Smoky Hill River Festival weekend, with the familiar Oakdale covered by the colorful world of the 48th festival.The murmur of more than 150 musical and artistic performances across three stages greeted thousands of visitors as they walked across Oakdale Park's decorated bridges.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719161852498.jpeg" alt="Families and visitors pass through the walkways surrounded by rows and rows for more than 158 artist vendors selling various pieces of artwork on Saturday, June 15, at the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Kat Woods" />
 <figcaption>Families and visitors pass through the walkways surrounded by rows and rows for more than 158 artist vendors selling various pieces of artwork on Saturday, June 15, at the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Kat Woods</figcaption>
 </figure>Outside the stages sat seemingly endless rows of exhibiting artists, selling their work created anywhere from down the road in town to states away. Even <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/01acc2b3-402f-446d-b131-92f0ceca2629">through two severe storm warnings and dozens of broken pieces of artwork</a>, many visitors took home one-of-a-kind handmade items. Many visitors said, "It wouldn't be the festival without some rain!" which many Kansas visitors seemed accustomed to.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719161290180.jpeg" alt="Topeka artist Nick Perry's work on display at the East Side Art Show for the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival on Saturday, June 15, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Kat Woods" />
 <figcaption>Topeka artist Nick Perry's work on display at the East Side Art Show for the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival on Saturday, June 15, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Kat Woods</figcaption>
 </figure>Although rain, wind and small hail cut the SM Hanson Festival Jam short, bands continued performing throughout the weekend. Don Wagner &amp; Friends, the fourth of 17 groups, was the last band to play at Festival Jam.<h2>Festival Jam Bands</h2>Those who had the chance to perform before the storm hit town included Salina South Jazz Band, Visual Lies, Downtown Funk and Don Wagner &amp; Friends.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718331020619.jpeg" alt="The Salina South High School Jazz Band performs at the 2024 SM Hanson Festival Jam during the Smoky Hill River Festival on Thursday, June 13, in Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The Salina South High School Jazz Band performs at the 2024 SM Hanson Festival Jam during the Smoky Hill River Festival on Thursday, June 13, in Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Lix, King Tones, Fed Up, Hey Radio, Soul Preachers, Drop Everything, Kyndred, HyWay 14, Bootleg Mercy, Dunebuggy, Love Like War, Steve Hanson &amp; Co. and The Blades missed their chance to play in front of the festival crowd.Oakdale Park reopened the following day at 10 a.m., with Jane Anderson, the executive director of the Friends of the River Foundation, parading a young YMCA class around the park alongside their Smoky Hill River puppet crew.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718478120275.jpeg" alt="Friends of the River members lead YMCA kids through Oakdale Park during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival on Friday, June 14. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Friends of the River members lead YMCA kids through Oakdale Park during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival on Friday, June 14. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>As the young class paraded around the park, they saw sights of aspiring fiber artists using a loom for the first time, bands from across the country playing on the festival stages and artists selling their works to customers.Nashville-based band Wildermiss was one of the 151 performances that entertained the Smoky Hill River Festival crowds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719161428631.jpeg" alt="Wildermiss lead singer Emma Cole performs on the Eric Stein Stage on Friday, June 14, in Oakdale Park for the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Wildermiss lead singer Emma Cole performs on the Eric Stein Stage on Friday, June 14, in Oakdale Park for the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"Our booking agent said, 'You should play this,' and we said, 'Yeah, we should!' and so it worked out because it's kind of the beginning of our tour," said Wildermiss lead singer Emma Cole. "I feel like [our sound] has a little bit of everything; with this last album we released, so much of it is touching on ethereal, ambient with indie, alternative rock, and then some bubble gum pop with some moody, heavy hitting ruby disco."<h2>Cultivating creativity — a unique space for the youth</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719161809635.jpeg" alt="A display case with demonstrating artist Vaughn Evans' pieces of handmade glass artwork for sale on Sunday, June 16, at the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Kat Woods" />
 <figcaption>A display case with demonstrating artist Vaughn Evans' pieces of handmade glass artwork for sale on Sunday, June 16, at the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Kat Woods</figcaption>
 </figure>Artyopolis decorated the western edge of Oakdale Park, a space catered to inspiring creativity for young festival attendees.LISTEN: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/df176786-0721-4298-8c69-b390ec66f798">🎙King in the Community Podcast — Susan Eberwein, Artyopolis coordinator</a>Just north of Artyopolis and Arty's Stage, the exclusive First Treasures welcomed only children ages 4 to 13 to enter and purchase a piece of artwork without parental influence."It's a good opportunity for them because it allows kids to explore their imagination and do different things themselves," said Haley Beebe, a Salina resident attending the festival. "And [I got] to know what they like and don't like."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719162164820.jpeg" alt="Madelyn Soper, 11, from Salina, and August Mulryan, 4, from Kansas City, show off the items they purchased from First Treasures while making plans to visit the arts that created their new handmade items during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival on Saturday, June 15, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Madelyn Soper, 11, from Salina, and August Mulryan, 4, from Kansas City, show off the items they purchased from First Treasures while making plans to visit the arts that created their new handmade items during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival on Saturday, June 15, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Beebe took Leah Smith, 13, and Edison Beebe, 7, this year to the First Treasures pavilion, where each purchased a piece of artwork donated by festival vendors for $5 or less."I love art, especially stuff similar to that [the painting she chose from First Treasures], and I think it's so amazing," Leah said. "It inspires me."This year was Leah's first encounter with First Treasures, while Edison attended the event for the first time last year. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719162235671.jpeg" alt="First Treasures sits with a line of families ready to purchase a ticket for their children to get a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork for less than $5 during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival on Saturday, June 15, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>First Treasures sits with a line of families ready to purchase a ticket for their children to get a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork for less than $5 during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival on Saturday, June 15, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Smoky Hill River Festival volunteers helped children navigate the experience and provided information about the artists who created the artwork they purchased."It's a good experience," Beebe said. "We went and saw his [Edison's] artist and got to take a picture with them."<h2>Inspiration from the creative process</h2>Underneath the cool shade of an Oakdale Park pavilion, seven art and craft artists chatted with customers while creating new jewelry pieces, wooden utensils, ceramic pots and more.This year, the Art and Craft Demonstrating Artists included Julie Cates from Salina, Vaughn Evans from Linwood, Tracey Musselwhite from Salina, Nicholas Pahls from Salina, Amethyst Sankey and Pam Pentico from Salina, Liz Bonney from Lawrence and Eleanor Carlson from Blue Rapids.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719162313272.jpeg" alt="Amethyst Sankey and Pam Pentico's metalwork stands on display during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival on Sunday, June 16, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Kat Woods" />
 <figcaption>Amethyst Sankey and Pam Pentico's metalwork stands on display during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival on Sunday, June 16, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Kat Woods</figcaption>
 </figure>Throughout the festival, each artist demonstrated how they created their handmade items, answered questions for curious attendees and walked aspiring artists through different steps of their processes.Musselwhite is a science teacher at Coronado Elementary in town but has enjoyed pottery since childhood and continues the practice today."I've had several students come through here, and some of them didn't realize that I did this," Musselwhite said. "They take such an interest in it, and I love seeing the kids excited about art."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719162379421.jpeg" alt="Tracey Musselwhite shapes a small pot out of clay during a demonstration on Sunday, June 16, during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Tracey Musselwhite shapes a small pot out of clay during a demonstration on Sunday, June 16, during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Close by, with a small torch in hand, Carlson demonstrated her process of making jewelry with precious metals and gemstones of varying shapes.Carlson said she attended <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/">Fort Hays State University</a> in western Kansas and participated in a national student exchange program at <a href="https://www.ric.edu/">Rhode Island College</a>, where she learned most of her silversmithing skills."I paid Fort Hays prices to go to Rhode Island College for a year, and that was fantastic," Carlson said. "That's where I learned a lot of my silver smithing and general introduction to fine metal smithing."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719162983143.jpeg" alt="Blue Rapids-based jewelry artist Eleanor Carlson works at the Arts and Craft Demonstrating Artist Pavilion on Sunday, June 16, during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Blue Rapids-based jewelry artist Eleanor Carlson works at the Arts and Craft Demonstrating Artist Pavilion on Sunday, June 16, during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Once she returned from Rhode Island College, she discovered that Fort Hays did not have much support for fine metal smithing, but a sculpture professor strove to provide Carlson with a creative space."[Professor Toby Flores] did a great job of giving me a little corner in the studio, and I got to do jewelry work as much as I wanted," Carlson said. "I got to explore many different things and cast a lot of bigger bronze and iron things... and just had an amazing experience."Carlson said she now renovated a part of her home for her jewelry studio in Blue Rapids, where she creates jewelry to sell at festivals and other vendor events.<div><a data-flickr-embed="true" data-footer="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/200778904@N03/albums/72177720318163652" title="2024 Smoky Hill River Festival"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53811135785_db2b942aa2_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="2024 Smoky Hill River Festival"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Click the arrows on the left and right of the window above to see photos from the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival.<h2>Concluding another Smoky Hill River Festival</h2>On Sunday, June 16, eager attendees entered the park to attempt to find a glass Round-Tuit created by festival demonstrating artist Vaughn Evans. Children raced between bushes to look for the sparkling ember glass pieces inscribed with a bee on the bottom.After attendees found a Round-Tuit, they could visit Evans at the demonstration pavilion to ask questions and view his other artwork.Throughout the festival, other artists painted facilities of Oakdale Park, wrapped trees with colorful crocheted pieces by local high school students and the roaming Flint Hill Fairies and their thrum of cheerful music.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1507794956819513&width=500&show_text=true&height=572&appId" width="500" height="572" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Inspiring artists through celebrating creativity — a walk through the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival

Join 910KINA's Saturday Morning Show hosts Dave Foor and Nate King this Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. on 910AM 107.5 FM.

Hear highlights about community events, public affairs, and all things happening in Salina. Their approach is friendly, informative, and entertaining. To listen to past 910KINA Saturday Morning Shows head on over to the KINA podcast homepage&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/">here.</a>&nbsp;

9:05-9:30 a.m. Kara Marlow, HIV Medical Case Manager, Saline County Health Department

9:30-10 a.m. Salina Fire Chief Tony Sneidar, Baby Safe Haven Box initiative in Salina&nbsp;

10-10:30 a.m.&nbsp;Tom Basgall, Kansas Honor Flight fundraising

10:30-11 a.m. Olivia Bergmeier shares information about Juneteenth

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591971280271.jpeg" alt="KINA New logo Blue Black" />
 <figcaption>KINA New logo Blue Black</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTJoin 910KINA's Saturday Morning Show hosts Dave Foor and Nate King this Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. on 910AM 107.5 FM.Hear highlights about community events, public affairs, and all things happening in Salina. Their approach is friendly, informative, and entertaining. To listen to past 910KINA Saturday Morning Shows head on over to the KINA podcast homepage&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/">here.</a>&nbsp;9:05-9:30 a.m. Kara Marlow, HIV Medical Case Manager, Saline County Health Department9:30-10 a.m. Salina Fire Chief Tony Sneidar, Baby Safe Haven Box initiative in Salina&nbsp;10-10:30 a.m.&nbsp;Tom Basgall, Kansas Honor Flight fundraising10:30-11 a.m. Olivia Bergmeier shares information about Juneteenth

910 KINA Saturday Morning Show Lineup

Salina Police Department (SPD) officers continue investigating a car theft after a local automotive business reported the truck missing on Thursday, June 20.

According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, shortly after 4 p.m. Thursday, Money Automotive reported that sometime between Saturday, June 15, and Thursday this week, someone stole a white 2016 Chevrolet Silverado.

"No tag, of course, valued at $42,900, and they have no suspects," Feldman said. "They said they checked with everything they could, shops or places they send it or loan it to, and they're saying they don't have it. They [Money Automotive] have the keys still."

Money Automotive at 2222 N. 9th Street did not have video footage of the lot with the pickup truck.

"It's even harder that you have almost a week's timeframe," Feldman said. "They just realized it was missing."

SPD officers continue investigating the car theft.

LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eae10ec3-c65e-4809-9b6a-33c0ab90fe57">🎙King in the Community — Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU President/CEO</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574569805735.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostSalina Police Department (SPD) officers continue investigating a car theft after a local automotive business reported the truck missing on Thursday, June 20.According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, shortly after 4 p.m. Thursday, Money Automotive reported that sometime between Saturday, June 15, and Thursday this week, someone stole a white 2016 Chevrolet Silverado."No tag, of course, valued at $42,900, and they have no suspects," Feldman said. "They said they checked with everything they could, shops or places they send it or loan it to, and they're saying they don't have it. They [Money Automotive] have the keys still."Money Automotive at 2222 N. 9th Street did not have video footage of the lot with the pickup truck."It's even harder that you have almost a week's timeframe," Feldman said. "They just realized it was missing."SPD officers continue investigating the car theft.Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eae10ec3-c65e-4809-9b6a-33c0ab90fe57">🎙King in the Community — Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU President/CEO</a>

SPD officers investigating truck theft from Money Automotive

On Monday afternoon, someone concerned for a person they knew called Salina Police Department (SPD) officers and requested a welfare check at a residence in the 400 block of Montrose Street. 

SPD Capt. James Feldman said once officers arrived, the 63-year-old female victim reported that 61-year-old Anthony Bowman allegedly threatened her with a hammer.

"She reported that there was a disturbance between her and a relative and during that disturbance, they got into an argument over 'trivial things,' is what she said," Feldman said. "[Bowman], who lives at the residence, threatened that he was going to strike her with a hammer, and he displayed the hammer to her."

Officers then talked to Bowman for further information, and after determining that he had threatened the victim, officers took him into custody. Upon further investigation into the home, Feldman said officers found a hammer in Bowman's bedroom.

After arrest, officers requested charges for aggravated assault and criminal threat.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0a418dd4-fac8-4d3c-98c5-cbee62a34f06">Fire destroys shed on Hedville property, other buildings spared</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574569805735.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostOn Monday afternoon, someone concerned for a person they knew called Salina Police Department (SPD) officers and requested a welfare check at a residence in the 400 block of Montrose Street. SPD Capt. James Feldman said once officers arrived, the 63-year-old female victim reported that 61-year-old Anthony Bowman allegedly threatened her with a hammer."She reported that there was a disturbance between her and a relative and during that disturbance, they got into an argument over 'trivial things,' is what she said," Feldman said. "[Bowman], who lives at the residence, threatened that he was going to strike her with a hammer, and he displayed the hammer to her."Officers then talked to Bowman for further information, and after determining that he had threatened the victim, officers took him into custody. Upon further investigation into the home, Feldman said officers found a hammer in Bowman's bedroom.After arrest, officers requested charges for aggravated assault and criminal threat.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0a418dd4-fac8-4d3c-98c5-cbee62a34f06">Fire destroys shed on Hedville property, other buildings spared</a>

SPD arrests Salina man for threatening relative with hammer

A Hedville resident called for help on Monday, June 17, after returning to his property to find his shed engulfed in fire.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said the resident called for help at about 1:36 p.m., with Rural Fire Districts (RFD) Three and Seven arriving at the property at 1500 North Hedville Road shortly after.

"The owner said that last Thursday, June 13, he had a brush pile burned, and he's guessing between the wind and the heat, it must have rekindled and spread to the shed, which caused about $10,000 worth of damage," Soldan said.

The shed was completely destroyed, but Soldan said the property owner reported that he had nothing stored in the structure.

RFD Three and Seven firefighters subdued and contained the fire to only the shed, sparing the rest of the buildings and surrounding area from flames.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/895f950d-3e88-4389-82a0-2b0f657953a0">Salina Juneteenth celebrations this week</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718824188657.jpeg" alt="Rural Fire Districts Three and Seven firefighters stamp out the last few embers after subduing the flames that engulfed and destroyed a shed on Monday, June 17, at 1500 North Hedville Road in Hedville. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Rural Fire Districts Three and Seven firefighters stamp out the last few embers after subduing the flames that engulfed and destroyed a shed on Monday, June 17, at 1500 North Hedville Road in Hedville. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostA Hedville resident called for help on Monday, June 17, after returning to his property to find his shed engulfed in fire.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said the resident called for help at about 1:36 p.m., with Rural Fire Districts (RFD) Three and Seven arriving at the property at 1500 North Hedville Road shortly after."The owner said that last Thursday, June 13, he had a brush pile burned, and he's guessing between the wind and the heat, it must have rekindled and spread to the shed, which caused about $10,000 worth of damage," Soldan said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718824432609.jpeg" alt="Smoke and a few dots of fire still smolder after Rural Fire Districts Three and Seven firefighters subdued the flames that engulfed the shed on Monday, June 17, at 1500 North Hedville Road in Hedville. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Smoke and a few dots of fire still smolder after Rural Fire Districts Three and Seven firefighters subdued the flames that engulfed the shed on Monday, June 17, at 1500 North Hedville Road in Hedville. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>The shed was completely destroyed, but Soldan said the property owner reported that he had nothing stored in the structure.RFD Three and Seven firefighters subdued and contained the fire to only the shed, sparing the rest of the buildings and surrounding area from flames.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/895f950d-3e88-4389-82a0-2b0f657953a0">Salina Juneteenth celebrations this week</a>

Fire destroys shed on Hedville property, other buildings spared

Early Tuesday morning, a young family called Salina Police Department (SPD) officers after hearing three to four gunshots outside their apartment, and one shot caused the family's window to shatter.

Around 2:20 a.m. at 737 Fairdale Road, a 23-year-old Salina man with his 24-year-old wife and 1-year-old child reported that while sleeping in their bedroom, the family heard rounds of gunshots.

"He heard multiple gunshots, and then his window shattered," said SPD Capt. James Feldman. "Looks like he may have been on the second floor, and then the vehicle sped off."

Feldman said the victim reported that he did not have any quarrels with anyone in town, and didn't understand why someone would drive to the apartment complex and shoot a few rounds from a gun.

SPD officers scanned the area for shell casings or rounds of ammunition but didn't find anything in or around the apartments.

"There were other subjects in the apartment complex who had also heard the gunshots," Feldman said. "No shell casings were found in the area, so we don't have much on that. No car description or anything like that."

SPD officers continue investigating the crime. 

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/084399fd-492f-4212-95b9-e21a2219c1e6">Saline County SO responds to house fire near Hedville</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574569805735.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostEarly Tuesday morning, a young family called Salina Police Department (SPD) officers after hearing three to four gunshots outside their apartment, and one shot caused the family's window to shatter.Around 2:20 a.m. at 737 Fairdale Road, a 23-year-old Salina man with his 24-year-old wife and 1-year-old child reported that while sleeping in their bedroom, the family heard rounds of gunshots."He heard multiple gunshots, and then his window shattered," said SPD Capt. James Feldman. "Looks like he may have been on the second floor, and then the vehicle sped off."Feldman said the victim reported that he did not have any quarrels with anyone in town, and didn't understand why someone would drive to the apartment complex and shoot a few rounds from a gun.SPD officers scanned the area for shell casings or rounds of ammunition but didn't find anything in or around the apartments."There were other subjects in the apartment complex who had also heard the gunshots," Feldman said. "No shell casings were found in the area, so we don't have much on that. No car description or anything like that."SPD officers continue investigating the crime. Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/084399fd-492f-4212-95b9-e21a2219c1e6">Saline County SO responds to house fire near Hedville</a>

Unknown suspect fires shots near apartment complex, shatters window early Tuesday

Early yesterday &nbsp;morning, while staying at the Airliner Motel at 781 North Broadway Avenue, a man reported to Salina Police Department (SPD) officers that two men had entered his room, beaten him and stole some personal items before leaving.

SPD Capt. James Feldman said that a 23-year-old man reported that at about 2:30 a.m., the woman he went to meet at the motel let in a 44-year-old masked man into their room armed with a handgun.

"A black male wearing a ski mask and armed with a handgun entered the room," Feldman said. "He pointed the gun at the victim, made him lie down... and once he lied down, he was struck multiple times in the head, and then the second subject entered the room and took property from him."

Feldman said the second subject allegedly took the victim's wallet and car keys. SPD officers withheld further information on the amount of cash or type of car keys until further investigation was complete.

Once the second subject took the items, the two men and the woman the victim met at the hotel left. The 23-year-old victim contacted SPD officers and reported the incident around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 18.

Later the same day, Feldman said a Saline County Sheriff's Office deputy patrolling the area of North Seventh Street and West Pacific Avenue saw a man matching the description of one of the suspects from the motel.

"He took off running and ended up throwing a backpack but was later caught in the area of Seventh and Hamilton," Feldman said. "A K-9 located the tossed backpack, and inside was a handgun and some marijuana."

Law enforcement authorities identified the suspect as 44-year-old Antwon Pierce from Salina, arrested him and requested charges for kidnapping, aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, criminal possession of a weapon, interference with law enforcement, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The victim described the woman as a 5 feet 4 inches tall with dark hair and did not have a good description of the second suspect. The kidnapping charge stems from the act of forcing the victim to lie down while taking the property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574569805735.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostEarly yesterday &nbsp;morning, while staying at the Airliner Motel at 781 North Broadway Avenue, a man reported to Salina Police Department (SPD) officers that two men had entered his room, beaten him and stole some personal items before leaving.SPD Capt. James Feldman said that a 23-year-old man reported that at about 2:30 a.m., the woman he went to meet at the motel let in a 44-year-old masked man into their room armed with a handgun."A black male wearing a ski mask and armed with a handgun entered the room," Feldman said. "He pointed the gun at the victim, made him lie down... and once he lied down, he was struck multiple times in the head, and then the second subject entered the room and took property from him."Feldman said the second subject allegedly took the victim's wallet and car keys. SPD officers withheld further information on the amount of cash or type of car keys until further investigation was complete.Once the second subject took the items, the two men and the woman the victim met at the hotel left. The 23-year-old victim contacted SPD officers and reported the incident around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 18.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/084399fd-492f-4212-95b9-e21a2219c1e6">Saline County SO responds to house fire near Hedville</a>Later the same day, Feldman said a Saline County Sheriff's Office deputy patrolling the area of North Seventh Street and West Pacific Avenue saw a man matching the description of one of the suspects from the motel."He took off running and ended up throwing a backpack but was later caught in the area of Seventh and Hamilton," Feldman said. "A K-9 located the tossed backpack, and inside was a handgun and some marijuana."Law enforcement authorities identified the suspect as 44-year-old Antwon Pierce from Salina, arrested him and requested charges for kidnapping, aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, criminal possession of a weapon, interference with law enforcement, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.The victim described the woman as a 5 feet 4 inches tall with dark hair and did not have a good description of the second suspect. The kidnapping charge stems from the act of forcing the victim to lie down while taking the property.SPD officers continue the investigation.Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.

SPD arrests one of three suspects in local motel aggravated robbery

Late Friday evening, some property owners in Hedville were enjoying a night visiting a neighbor when someone notified them that they saw smoke emitting from a home they were remodeling.

According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan, at about 9:03 p.m. Friday, June 14, Sheriff's Office (SO) deputies reported to a residence at 7297 West Railroad Avenue near Hedville to assist with the burning building.

Once they arrived, smoke poured from the windows, and Saline County Rural Fire Districts Three, Six and Seven staff helped subdue the blaze.

"They did have a pretty good fire in the house, and there was quite a bit of damage," Soldan said. "They estimated about $250,000 worth of damage due to all the things they had in the house and remodeling that had already been done."

Soldan said Rural Fire District staff members could not determine the cause of the fire, but due to the state of the remodel, the house had multiple tools, cables and other devices strewn around the building.

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1b04e3d9-cddb-4b34-a70e-c865ab9b0f9d">Combine fire destroys 80 acres of wheat in rural Saline County</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718653474637.jpeg" alt="Saline County Rural Fire District staff work to subdue a late-night house fire on Friday, June 14, at 7297 West Railroad Avenue in Hedville. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Saline County Rural Fire District staff work to subdue a late-night house fire on Friday, June 14, at 7297 West Railroad Avenue in Hedville. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostLate Friday evening, some property owners in Hedville were enjoying a night visiting a neighbor when someone notified them that they saw smoke emitting from a home they were remodeling.According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan, at about 9:03 p.m. Friday, June 14, Sheriff's Office (SO) deputies reported to a residence at 7297 West Railroad Avenue near Hedville to assist with the burning building.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718653559577.jpeg" alt="Smoke pours from a window at a home with Saline County Rural Fire District staff containing the blaze outside on Friday, June 14, at 7297 West Railroad Avenue in Hedville. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Smoke pours from a window at a home with Saline County Rural Fire District staff containing the blaze outside on Friday, June 14, at 7297 West Railroad Avenue in Hedville. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Once they arrived, smoke poured from the windows, and Saline County Rural Fire Districts Three, Six and Seven staff helped subdue the blaze."They did have a pretty good fire in the house, and there was quite a bit of damage," Soldan said. "They estimated about $250,000 worth of damage due to all the things they had in the house and remodeling that had already been done."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718653589968.jpeg" alt="Saline County Rural Fire District staff work to subdue a late-night house fire on Friday, June 14, at 7297 West Railroad Avenue in Hedville. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Saline County Rural Fire District staff work to subdue a late-night house fire on Friday, June 14, at 7297 West Railroad Avenue in Hedville. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Soldan said Rural Fire District staff members could not determine the cause of the fire, but due to the state of the remodel, the house had multiple tools, cables and other devices strewn around the building.Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1b04e3d9-cddb-4b34-a70e-c865ab9b0f9d">Combine fire destroys 80 acres of wheat in rural Saline County</a>

Saline County SO responds to house fire near Hedville

This time of year combines and other types of farming equipment are making their way through fields, down highways, roads, and local streets.

While harvesting a wheat field on Saturday, June 15, the driver of one of the four combines working the lot noticed a spark of flames between the wheat stalks. 

Quickly afterward, fire engulfed a farm machine in the 4400 block of East Meadow Road. Saline County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the field at 12:35 p.m., according to Sheriff Roger Soldan.

"They were cutting wheat when one of them noticed a fire in the wheat, so they went to cut around it, trying to isolate it, and the combine stalled," Soldan said. "Which resulted in the loss of the combine too."

"It may have been the machine that had an issue — they just didn't know at the time."

Soldan said the charred combine was a John Deere S670. With the fire spreading to about 80 acres of wheat, the total loss was more than&nbsp; $200,000.

Soldan said no one was injured as a result of the fire.&nbsp;

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ca5ca2ef-5430-436e-8ab0-86d6165069e4">Day 3, Kansas Wheat Harvest Report</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718642543178.jpeg" alt="A John Deere S670 engulfed flames on Saturday, June 15, in the 4400 block of East Mentor Road in rural Saline County. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office." />
 <figcaption>A John Deere S670 engulfed flames on Saturday, June 15, in the 4400 block of East Mentor Road in rural Saline County. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office.</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostThis time of year combines and other types of farming equipment are making their way through fields, down highways, roads, and local streets.While harvesting a wheat field on Saturday, June 15, the driver of one of the four combines working the lot noticed a spark of flames between the wheat stalks. Quickly afterward, fire engulfed a farm machine in the 4400 block of East Meadow Road. Saline County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the field at 12:35 p.m., according to Sheriff Roger Soldan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718642900141.jpeg" alt="The remains of the John Deere S670 farming equipment on Saturday, June 15. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>The remains of the John Deere S670 farming equipment on Saturday, June 15. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>"They were cutting wheat when one of them noticed a fire in the wheat, so they went to cut around it, trying to isolate it, and the combine stalled," Soldan said. "Which resulted in the loss of the combine too.""It may have been the machine that had an issue — they just didn't know at the time."Soldan said the charred combine was a John Deere S670. With the fire spreading to about 80 acres of wheat, the total loss was more than&nbsp; $200,000.Soldan said no one was injured as a result of the fire.&nbsp;READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ca5ca2ef-5430-436e-8ab0-86d6165069e4">Day 3, Kansas Wheat Harvest Report</a>

Combine fire destroys 80 acres of wheat in rural Saline County

On June 4 Gov. Laura Kelly announced that Kansas has been added to the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program.

The CCBHC model, first implemented in eight demonstration states in 2017, enhances access to crisis, behavioral health, and substance use services in communities. In 2021, Kansas became the first state to pass legislation (Senate Substitute for House Bill 2208) recognizing the CCBHC model as a solution to the mental health and substance use crisis. Following a SAMHSA CCBHC planning grant last year, Kansas joins nine other new states in the CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration Program, which provides sustainable funding to expand access to these vital services.

Central Kansas Mental Health Center (CKMHC) began transitioning to the CCBHC model in 2021 as one of the first six Community Mental Health Centers in Kansas to receive a SAMHSA CCBHC Expansion grant. CKMHC received full CCBHC certification from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services earlier this year.

“The establishment of the CCBHC model of care and service delivery in Kansas is the biggest change to mental health care systems in over 30 years,” said Jennifer Kaufman, CCBHC Project Director at CKMHC. “CKMHC is proud of the hard work put forth by all of our staff and community partners to fully support the comprehensive health needs of our communities.”

As a CCBHC, CKMHC has implemented required services to increase access and provide whole-person care, including comprehensive care coordination and expanded crisis services. Since the transition, CKMHC has added over 50 new staff members and expanded access and capacity to provide needed care, with the number of patients served increasing by 7% year over year.

One successful CCBHC initiative is the expansion of CKMHC’s Same Day Access clinic, which allows for individuals to walk in for an intake and initial assessment. 

In 2024, an average of 200 individuals per month initiated their care through Same Day Access. Additionally, CKMHC has expanded crisis services and formed more meaningful community partnerships to provide holistic care and no-wrong-door access. Partnerships include collaborations with Salina Family Healthcare Center, CKF Addiction Treatment, OCCK Inc., homeless support services, and local law enforcement.

Nationally, the original eight CCBHC demonstration states successfully increased access to mental health and substance use care through same-day appointments, extended hours of operation, increased staffing, and targeted outreach to underserved groups. CKMHC anticipates similar benefits as Kansas joins this program, further enhancing our ability to serve the community.

The mission of CKMHC is to make life better in our communities by providing excellent mental health services, education, and integrated care, that exceeds patients’ expectations.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711056735888.jpeg" alt="Cynthia Panuco, left and Paulette Collier, right, chat at the Central Kansas Mental Health Center booth during the Greater Salina Community Foundation Match Madness on Thursday, March 21, at the Salina Field House. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Cynthia Panuco, left and Paulette Collier, right, chat at the Central Kansas Mental Health Center booth during the Greater Salina Community Foundation Match Madness on Thursday, March 21, at the Salina Field House. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTOn June 4 Gov. Laura Kelly announced that Kansas has been added to the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program.The CCBHC model, first implemented in eight demonstration states in 2017, enhances access to crisis, behavioral health, and substance use services in communities. In 2021, Kansas became the first state to pass legislation (Senate Substitute for House Bill 2208) recognizing the CCBHC model as a solution to the mental health and substance use crisis. Following a SAMHSA CCBHC planning grant last year, Kansas joins nine other new states in the CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration Program, which provides sustainable funding to expand access to these vital services.Central Kansas Mental Health Center (CKMHC) began transitioning to the CCBHC model in 2021 as one of the first six Community Mental Health Centers in Kansas to receive a SAMHSA CCBHC Expansion grant. CKMHC received full CCBHC certification from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services earlier this year.“The establishment of the CCBHC model of care and service delivery in Kansas is the biggest change to mental health care systems in over 30 years,” said Jennifer Kaufman, CCBHC Project Director at CKMHC. “CKMHC is proud of the hard work put forth by all of our staff and community partners to fully support the comprehensive health needs of our communities.”As a CCBHC, CKMHC has implemented required services to increase access and provide whole-person care, including comprehensive care coordination and expanded crisis services. Since the transition, CKMHC has added over 50 new staff members and expanded access and capacity to provide needed care, with the number of patients served increasing by 7% year over year.One successful CCBHC initiative is the expansion of CKMHC’s Same Day Access clinic, which allows for individuals to walk in for an intake and initial assessment. In 2024, an average of 200 individuals per month initiated their care through Same Day Access. Additionally, CKMHC has expanded crisis services and formed more meaningful community partnerships to provide holistic care and no-wrong-door access. Partnerships include collaborations with Salina Family Healthcare Center, CKF Addiction Treatment, OCCK Inc., homeless support services, and local law enforcement.Nationally, the original eight CCBHC demonstration states successfully increased access to mental health and substance use care through same-day appointments, extended hours of operation, increased staffing, and targeted outreach to underserved groups. CKMHC anticipates similar benefits as Kansas joins this program, further enhancing our ability to serve the community.The mission of CKMHC is to make life better in our communities by providing excellent mental health services, education, and integrated care, that exceeds patients’ expectations.&nbsp;CKMHC is a nonprofit provider and delivers services based on medical necessity, regardless of age, race, color, national origin, disability or ability to pay. In addition to the main campus in Salina, satellite offices are located in Abilene, Ellsworth, Lincoln, and Minneapolis.