Click the play button above to see a video taken from five miles northeast of Brookville on May 19, 2024, at approximately 5:20 p.m.&nbsp; Video by Olivia Bergmeier

Precipitation data courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/">CoCoRaHS</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">The National Weather Service</a>.

Following precipitation events, Salina Post will update this page with precipitation totals.&nbsp;

As of 05/20/2024 at 9:30 a.m.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-HiWu6ZxV08?si=i_LdIy_IGQ0mKmG3" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" ></iframe></div>Click the play button above to see a video taken from five miles northeast of Brookville on May 19, 2024, at approximately 5:20 p.m.&nbsp; Video by Olivia BergmeierBy SALINA POSTPrecipitation data courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/">CoCoRaHS</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">The National Weather Service</a>.Following precipitation events, Salina Post will update this page with precipitation totals.&nbsp;As of 05/20/2024 at 9:30 a.m.Salina —&nbsp; 1.40 inchesConcordia — 0.15 inchesEllsworth — 2.59 inchesLindsborg —&nbsp; 2.23 inchesAbilene —&nbsp; 2.78 inchesClay Center — 0.18 inchesMinneapolis — 1.27 inchesBeverly — 1.50 inchesMcPherson — 3.19 inchesGypsum — 1.57 inchesInman — 0.69 inchesPeabody — 1.95 inchesAssaria — 2.25 inches<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716216097390.png" alt="Lightning strikes near Brookville on May 19, 2024, at approximately 5:20 p.m. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Lightning strikes near Brookville on May 19, 2024, at approximately 5:20 p.m. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>

CoCoRahs 24-hour rain totals

Click the play button above to see video taken from five miles northeast of Brookville on May 19, 2024, at approximately 5:20 p.m. Video by Olivia Bergmeier

According to the Salina Airport the storm moving through Salina registered speeds of 100 mph at 5:59 p.m. on May 19.

Check Salina Post for new information as it becomes available and check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/pages/severe-weather">severe weather page</a>.&nbsp;

Saline County Emergency Management Director Michelle Weis said the majority of damage occurred near Brookville and in southern Saline County.&nbsp;

"Couple power lines down, some reports of limbs down, and one particular on the railroad tracks on Fourth Street," said Weis. " We called Union Pacific and let them know about that."

Weis said most of Salina did not see a disruption in their electricity. However in Brookville many residents continue to experience outages.&nbsp;

"Brookville has quite a few limbs and trees down, one of their main lines is down in the park area of brookville," Weis said. "Right now if there are people reporting lines down-please do not touch the power lines. Leave it alone."&nbsp;

Weis reminds Saline County residents that the County remains in a Flood Warning until 11:30 p.m.&nbsp;

Salina Post has received reports of several power outages inside city limits and in western Saline County.

To view outages in our area go to <a href="https://outagemap.evergy.com/?_ga=2.264504719.146141627.1716160221-659751731.1716160221">evergy.com</a>

If you would like to submit photos of your storm damage to Salina Post, send photos, your location and name to newstips@salinapost.com

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

FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 11:30 p.m. CDT THIS EVENING

WHAT Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.

WHERE A portion of Central Kansas, including the following counties, McPherson and Saline.

IMPACTS Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS At 6:18 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. Flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area.

Some locations that will experience flooding include Salina, Assaria, Gypsum, Brookville, Smolan, New Cambria,    Falun, Glendale, Salina Airport, Bridgeport and Kipp.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS Do not drive into flooded areas or go around barricades. Nearly two feet of water will carry most vehicles away. Turn around, don`t drown.

Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement and request they pass this information to the National Weather Service when you can do so safely.

Thunderstorm Warning issued in eastern Saline County&nbsp;

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Eastern Saline County in central Kansas until 6:45 p.m. CDT.

At 6:12 p.m. CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line  extending from near Niles to near New Cambria to Assaria, moving  east at 30 mph.

THESE ARE DESTRUCTIVE STORMS FOR EASTERN SALINE COUNTY

HAZARD 100 mph wind gusts and golf ball size hail.

IMPACT You are in a life-threatening situation. Flying debris may be deadly to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be destroyed. Expect considerable damage to homes and businesses. Expect extensive tree damage and power outages.

Locations impacted include Assaria, Gypsum, New Cambria, Bridgeport, and Kipp.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

This is an EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION with tornado like wind speeds expected. Mobile homes and high profile vehicles are especially susceptible to winds of this magnitude and may be overturned. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. These storms have the potential to cause serious injury and significant property damage.

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a severe Thunderstorm Warning for Western Dickinson County in central Kansas Southeastern Ottawa County in north central Kansas until 6:30 PM CDT.

At 5:42 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line  extending from 3 miles west of Bennington to 4 miles northwest of  Salina to 5 miles southwest of Smolan, moving east at 25 mph.

HAZARD 70 mph wind gusts and ping pong ball size hail.

IMPACT People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

Locations impacted include Abilene, Solomon, Bennington, Culver, Manchester, Carlton, Niles, and Talmage.

This includes Interstate 70 between mile markers 267 and 277.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

National Weather Service issues Severe Thunderstorm Warning in our area

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Central Ellsworth County in central Kansas, Saline County in central Kansas Until 6:15 p.m. CDT.

* 

At 5:13 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 6 miles west of
  Brookville, or 11 miles northeast of Kanopolis, moving east at 35
  mph.


HAZARD Two inch hail and 70 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE Radar indicated. IMPACT People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail
 damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect
 considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to
 mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings. Locations impacted include Salina, Ellsworth, Kanopolis, Assaria, Gypsum, Brookville, Smolan,
 New Cambria, Falun, Glendale, Salina Airport, Ellsworth Airport,
 Kanopolis State Park, Kipp, and Kanopolis Lake.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

Check Salina Post for new information as it becomes available and check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/pages/severe-weather">severe weather page</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Flood Warning National Weather Service Wichita KS

5:28 P.M. CDT Sun May 19 2024 Ellsworth KS-Lincoln KS-Russell KS-5:28 P.M. CDT Sun May 19 2024

FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 11:30 PM CDT THIS EVENING

WHERE A portion of Central Kansas, including the following counties, Ellsworth, Lincoln and Russell.

At 5:28 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to    thunderstorms. Flooding is ongoing or expected to begin    shortly in the warned area. Between 2 and 3 inches of rain    have fallen.

Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in    the warned area.

Some locations that will experience flooding include: Russell, Ellsworth, Wilson, Kanopolis, Lincoln, Lucas, Gorham, Sylvan Grove, Dorrance, Beverly, Milberger, Bunker Hill, Wilson State Park, Wilson Lake, Ellsworth Airport, Russell Airport and Westfall.

In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for Lincoln County until 6:00 p.m.&nbsp;

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Lincoln County in central Kansas Northern Ellsworth County in central Kansas until 6:00 p.m. CDT.

At 4:58 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 6 miles southwest  of Beverly, or 7 miles southeast of Lincoln, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD 80 mph wind gusts and two inch hail.

IMPACT Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be heavily damaged. Expect considerable damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles. Extensive tree damage and power outages are likely.

Locations impacted include Wilson, Lincoln, Sylvan Grove, Beverly, Barnard, and Westfall.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the basement or small central room in a sturdy structure.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Ottawa County

Severe Thunderstorm Warning The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Southern Ottawa County in north central Kansas until 5:45 p.m. CDT.

At 4:39 p.m. CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 4 miles north of Lincoln to 11 miles north of Kanopolis to 3 miles west of Ellsworth, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD Golf ball size hail and 70 mph wind gusts.

IMPACT People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

Locations impacted include Minneapolis, Bennington, Tescott, Culver, Wells, and Niles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

Tornado Warning Lincoln until 5 p.m. and Tornado Warning in Northern Ellsworth Counties Remains in Effect until 5:15 p.m.&nbsp;

National Weather Service Wichita KS 4:37 p.m. CDT Sun May 19 2024 

🎥UPDATED: Severe weather coverage May 19 — Salina Airport reports 100 mph winds

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina Post

A Salina woman reported a storage unit burglary this week after returning to her unit and finding $3,800 in jewelry missing.

Salina Police Department (SPD) Capt. James Feldman said officers went to <a href="https://www.centralksselfstorage.com/">Salina Mini Storage</a> at about 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, after the 39-year-old woman reported the burglary from earlier in the week.

Feldman said that video evidence shows the burglary happened between 11 and 11:35 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14.

"They observed on video a four-door, dark-colored sedan," Feldman said. "What appeared to be a male subject wearing a green hoodie and blue jeans. [He] appears to be slim to a skinny-statured white male."

The suspect allegedly stole a jewelry box that contained a graduation ring, a wedding band and two sterling silver cross necklaces.

Officers have yet to identify a suspect in the burglary but continue investigating the crime.

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

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/31e6d3f4-e869-4b33-8b80-56b134ed7895">SFD uses Jaws of Life to help crash victim near Salina Central High School</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574569805735.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostA Salina woman reported a storage unit burglary this week after returning to her unit and finding $3,800 in jewelry missing.Salina Police Department (SPD) Capt. James Feldman said officers went to <a href="https://www.centralksselfstorage.com/">Salina Mini Storage</a> at about 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, after the 39-year-old woman reported the burglary from earlier in the week.Feldman said that video evidence shows the burglary happened between 11 and 11:35 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14."They observed on video a four-door, dark-colored sedan," Feldman said. "What appeared to be a male subject wearing a green hoodie and blue jeans. [He] appears to be slim to a skinny-statured white male."The suspect allegedly stole a jewelry box that contained a graduation ring, a wedding band and two sterling silver cross necklaces.Officers have yet to identify a suspect in the burglary but continue investigating the crime.Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/31e6d3f4-e869-4b33-8b80-56b134ed7895">SFD uses Jaws of Life to help crash victim near Salina Central High School</a>

SPD investigates storage unit burglary, $3,800 in jewelry stolen

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 <a href="http://910kina.com">here. </a>

9:05-9:30 a.m. Amy Banks, Letter Carrier Food Drive Coordinator for the Salina Post Office

9:30-10 a.m. John Armstrong and Bigg Vinny talk about the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a09a8b02-0db8-4d82-92a6-03763823f6a8">Salute to Our Veterans benefit performance</a>&nbsp;and dinner at the Tumbleweed on Saturday, May 18

10:00-10:30 a.m. Olivia Bergmeier, "Gal on the Street" at the kick-off for the Farm and Art Market in Downtown Salina&nbsp;

10:30-11:00 a.m. Jamie Doss, Saline County Clerk shares information about the upcoming 2024 Election

<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 <a href="http://910kina.com">here. </a>9:05-9:30 a.m. Amy Banks, Letter Carrier Food Drive Coordinator for the Salina Post Office9:30-10 a.m. John Armstrong and Bigg Vinny talk about the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a09a8b02-0db8-4d82-92a6-03763823f6a8">Salute to Our Veterans benefit performance</a>&nbsp;and dinner at the Tumbleweed on Saturday, May 1810:00-10:30 a.m. Olivia Bergmeier, "Gal on the Street" at the kick-off for the Farm and Art Market in Downtown Salina&nbsp;10:30-11:00 a.m. Jamie Doss, Saline County Clerk shares information about the upcoming 2024 Election

910 KINA Saturday Morning Lineup

Late yesterday evening, Salina Fire Department (SFD) firefighters responded to 650 East Crawford Street for a head-on collision that required the use of the Jaws of Life.

According to SFD Deputy Chief Shane Pearson, just before 9:06 p.m., the driver of one vehicle crossed over the center line of Crawford Street and crashed head-on into another car.

"There were two [occupants] in that car, and they both&nbsp;were transported&nbsp;but no life-threatening injuries," Pearson said.&nbsp;

Pearson said local emergency services did not transport the other vehicle's occupants to Salina Regional Health Center.&nbsp;

LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eb9d6b20-de39-4216-9b0a-1c488dfeb1e6">🎙King in the Community — Crystal Hammerschmidt, Salina Arts and Humanities</a>

Still, firefighters used the Jaws of Life to extricate one of the passengers from the car that crossed over the centerline on Crawford.

"While they were getting one of the patients out of the cars, they did have to remove the passenger door," Pearson said. "It was off the car."

Salina Post contacted the Salina Police Department (SPD), and according to SPD Capt. James Feldman, officers are still working to complete the accident report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704473450444.jpeg" alt="Salina Fire Department One" />
 <figcaption>Salina Fire Department One</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostLate yesterday evening, Salina Fire Department (SFD) firefighters responded to 650 East Crawford Street for a head-on collision that required the use of the Jaws of Life.According to SFD Deputy Chief Shane Pearson, just before 9:06 p.m., the driver of one vehicle crossed over the center line of Crawford Street and crashed head-on into another car.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2586.7134079280054!2d-97.60363349759879!3d38.82586495888595!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87bcc5fd3db68b47%3A0x953f1c1fdb3389aa!2s650%20E%20Crawford%20St%2C%20Salina%2C%20KS%2067401!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1715960035719!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>"There were two [occupants] in that car, and they both&nbsp;were transported&nbsp;but no life-threatening injuries," Pearson said.&nbsp;Pearson said local emergency services did not transport the other vehicle's occupants to Salina Regional Health Center.&nbsp;LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eb9d6b20-de39-4216-9b0a-1c488dfeb1e6">🎙King in the Community — Crystal Hammerschmidt, Salina Arts and Humanities</a>Still, firefighters used the Jaws of Life to extricate one of the passengers from the car that crossed over the centerline on Crawford."While they were getting one of the patients out of the cars, they did have to remove the passenger door," Pearson said. "It was off the car."Salina Post contacted the Salina Police Department (SPD), and according to SPD Capt. James Feldman, officers are still working to complete the accident report.Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.

SFD uses Jaws of Life to help crash victim near Salina Central High School

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina Post

Late Tuesday evening, Salina Police Department (SPD) officers responded to a disturbance at a local inn after someone reported a woman allegedly swinging a baseball bat at another hotel guest.

According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, officers went to the Marifah Inn on North Ninth Street just before 8:11 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, and spoke with the victim.

The 33-year-old woman reported that 37-year-old Amanda Myers allegedly verbally assaulted her before threatening her later in the hotel lobby.

"Myers was yelling unknown things at her when the victim went to the lobby to report the issues of her being harassed by Amanda Myers when Myers walked into the lobby with a bat and ended up swinging at the victim," Feldman said. "The victim was scared for her safety, and several other people and workers there kept Myers away from the victim."

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eb9d6b20-de39-4216-9b0a-1c488dfeb1e6">🎙King in the Community — Crystal Hammerschmidt, Salina Arts and Humanities</a>

Once officers took the victim's report of events about the incident, they visited Myers' room at the inn to question her further.

Feldman said that after officers met Myers at the door to her room, she attempted to flee back into the room away from officers and gave some resistance against

There, Myers initially answered the door for the officers, but Feldman said she attempted to flee arrest and gave some resistance.

"She was taken&nbsp;into custody and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and interference with law enforcement, which is also a felony," Feldman said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574271818216.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostLate Tuesday evening, Salina Police Department (SPD) officers responded to a disturbance at a local inn after someone reported a woman allegedly swinging a baseball bat at another hotel guest.According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, officers went to the Marifah Inn on North Ninth Street just before 8:11 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, and spoke with the victim.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3106.242677100809!2d-97.61363662446179!3d38.8726892481624!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87bccf8751f716cd%3A0xf7735747c41daa69!2sMarifah%20Inn%20Salina!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1715913874804!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>The 33-year-old woman reported that 37-year-old Amanda Myers allegedly verbally assaulted her before threatening her later in the hotel lobby."Myers was yelling unknown things at her when the victim went to the lobby to report the issues of her being harassed by Amanda Myers when Myers walked into the lobby with a bat and ended up swinging at the victim," Feldman said. "The victim was scared for her safety, and several other people and workers there kept Myers away from the victim."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715774424910.jpeg" alt=" Myers, Amanda Sue Beatrice. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption> Myers, Amanda Sue Beatrice. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eb9d6b20-de39-4216-9b0a-1c488dfeb1e6">🎙King in the Community — Crystal Hammerschmidt, Salina Arts and Humanities</a>Once officers took the victim's report of events about the incident, they visited Myers' room at the inn to question her further.Feldman said that after officers met Myers at the door to her room, she attempted to flee back into the room away from officers and gave some resistance againstThere, Myers initially answered the door for the officers, but Feldman said she attempted to flee arrest and gave some resistance."She was taken&nbsp;into custody and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and interference with law enforcement, which is also a felony," Feldman said.

SPD arrest woman at local inn for allegedly threatening guest with baseball bat

With the budget at the forefront of most commissioners' minds, the Saline County Board of Commissioners met for its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 14, and began tackling its action item agenda, which included three items: two requests from Saline County Road and Bridge and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding management.

All commissioners participated in the meeting, with District One Commissioner Monte Shadwick calling in online.

Board of County Commissioners present on Tuesday, May 14:

District One — Monte Shadwick District Two — Robert Vidricksen District Three — Rodger Sparks District Four — James Weese District Five — Chairman Joe Hay Jr.

Saline County Road and Bridge mulcher attachment

Saline County Road and Bridge Administrator Darren Fishel first presented a mulcher attachment purchase to commissioners, which includes a $73,385 price tag.

Fishel told commissioners that this purchase would account for an additional mulcher attachment for its two other tree management crews, completing the team with the third crew gaining its own mulcher.

"You said this is the last time we're going to hit this account for this year, so that means for the next eight months, you're not going to come to us for any more equipment. Can I count on that?" Vidricksen asked Fishel.

"Things happen sometimes — you can't predict what's either going to break or sometimes things become available to the secondary market that you say, 'Oh, we could upgrade some of our equipment,'" Fishel said. "I don't plan on any more [purchases] this year."&nbsp;

After a few further questions and comments from Vidricksen and Weese, Vidricksen said he saw the necessity for the purchase. Still, with the department already owning two other mulcher attachments, he had difficulty approving the purchase.

Chairman Joe Hay asked the commission for a motion, which Sparks moved. The vote passed 3-2, with Commissioner James Weese and Vidricksen voting against the purchase.

The following action item commissioners tackled was a Federal Fund Exchange Agreement for Saline County Road and Bridge, where each year, the department exchanges federal funds with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to make those dollars easier to use.

Justin Mader, the Saline County engineer, presented the topic to commissioners, stating that this year's exchange would continue the $0.90 for every $1.00 of federal funds, which for Saline County would mean turning in $232,629.76 of federal cash to KDOT for a $209,366.78 reimbursement.

"If you leave it as federal funds, we have to meet&nbsp;very strict&nbsp;requirements for a project," Mader said. "That usually drives the cost of a project up way more than the 10% we're losing doing this exchange."

Saline County Road and Bridge plans to use the funds for its annual asphalt repair as it had for years before.

After a few questions from commissioners, Hay asked for a motion, which Vidricksen moved with Sparks seconding, leading to the unanimous approval for the fund exchange.

READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a05bc894-a063-41dd-9189-2199c232e93f">&nbsp;Second Medallion Quest Clue announced</a>

ARPA Project Modifications and Update&nbsp;

Saline County Administrator Philip Smith-Hanes opened the conversation by telling commissioners that the county has continued to use and talk about the federal government's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for COVID-19 relief.

The initial amount sent to the county on March 11, 2021, included $10,532,376, which staff worked to allocate to various projects. The county has spent over $7.85 million of those funds.

ARPA dollars have an expiration date, with allocation required by the end of 2024 and cash spent by December 2025.

Smith-Hanes covered the various projects listed, and commissioners discussed how they would like ARPA funding to move through the next year and a half.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697467290838.jpeg" alt="The Saline County and Salina City building at 300 West Ash Street in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The Saline County and Salina City building at 300 West Ash Street in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostWith the budget at the forefront of most commissioners' minds, the Saline County Board of Commissioners met for its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 14, and began tackling its action item agenda, which included three items: two requests from Saline County Road and Bridge and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding management.All commissioners participated in the meeting, with District One Commissioner Monte Shadwick calling in online.Board of County Commissioners present on Tuesday, May 14:District One — Monte Shadwick District Two — Robert Vidricksen District Three — Rodger Sparks District Four — James Weese District Five — Chairman Joe Hay Jr.<h2>Saline County Road and Bridge mulcher attachment</h2>Saline County Road and Bridge Administrator Darren Fishel first presented a mulcher attachment purchase to commissioners, which includes a $73,385 price tag.Fishel told commissioners that this purchase would account for an additional mulcher attachment for its two other tree management crews, completing the team with the third crew gaining its own mulcher."You said this is the last time we're going to hit this account for this year, so that means for the next eight months, you're not going to come to us for any more equipment. Can I count on that?" Vidricksen asked Fishel.Fishel reluctantly replied, "No.""Things happen sometimes — you can't predict what's either going to break or sometimes things become available to the secondary market that you say, 'Oh, we could upgrade some of our equipment,'" Fishel said. "I don't plan on any more [purchases] this year."&nbsp;After a few further questions and comments from Vidricksen and Weese, Vidricksen said he saw the necessity for the purchase. Still, with the department already owning two other mulcher attachments, he had difficulty approving the purchase.Chairman Joe Hay asked the commission for a motion, which Sparks moved. The vote passed 3-2, with Commissioner James Weese and Vidricksen voting against the purchase.<h2>2024 Federal Fund Exchange Agreement</h2>The following action item commissioners tackled was a Federal Fund Exchange Agreement for Saline County Road and Bridge, where each year, the department exchanges federal funds with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to make those dollars easier to use.Justin Mader, the Saline County engineer, presented the topic to commissioners, stating that this year's exchange would continue the $0.90 for every $1.00 of federal funds, which for Saline County would mean turning in $232,629.76 of federal cash to KDOT for a $209,366.78 reimbursement."If you leave it as federal funds, we have to meet&nbsp;very strict&nbsp;requirements for a project," Mader said. "That usually drives the cost of a project up way more than the 10% we're losing doing this exchange."Saline County Road and Bridge plans to use the funds for its annual asphalt repair as it had for years before.After a few questions from commissioners, Hay asked for a motion, which Vidricksen moved with Sparks seconding, leading to the unanimous approval for the fund exchange.READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a05bc894-a063-41dd-9189-2199c232e93f">&nbsp;Second Medallion Quest Clue announced</a><h2>ARPA Project Modifications and Update&nbsp;</h2>Saline County Administrator Philip Smith-Hanes opened the conversation by telling commissioners that the county has continued to use and talk about the federal government's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for COVID-19 relief.The initial amount sent to the county on March 11, 2021, included $10,532,376, which staff worked to allocate to various projects. The county has spent over $7.85 million of those funds.ARPA dollars have an expiration date, with allocation required by the end of 2024 and cash spent by December 2025.Smith-Hanes covered the various projects listed, and commissioners discussed how they would like ARPA funding to move through the next year and a half.<h2>Informational Items</h2><ol>
 <li><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=7195">Human Resources Quarterly Update</a></li><li><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=7185">Expo, Weed, Farm Update</a></li><li><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=7196">Overview of Budget Requests for 2025</a></li><li>Commissioner Comments</li><li>Announcements</li>
 </ol><h2>Concept Discussion</h2><ol>
 <li>Expo Center Update and Discussion</li>
 </ol><h2>Executive Session</h2><ol>
 <li>Non-Elected Personnel</li>
 </ol><h2>05/21/2024 Agenda Items</h2><ol>
 <li>Study Session - Budget</li>
 </ol>

Saline County Commissioners focus on budget, continues to next meeting agenda

Salina Police Department (SPD) officers chased a Salina resident to Lincoln County yesterday evening, requiring officers to ask Saline County Sheriff's Office deputies for assistance.

According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, at about 5:20 p.m. Wednesday, in the 400 block of South College Avenue, an officer saw a black 2004 Pontiac GTO without headlights on in the rain, alongside faulty brake lights.

"The officer attempted to pull over the vehicle, but it failed to stop, and a pursuit&nbsp;was initiated," Feldman said. "The vehicle first went north on College to Iron, east on Iron to Ninth Street, south back to Crawford Street and then out into the county where the pursuit continued on multiple county roads."&nbsp;

Once the Pontiac's driver reached Lincoln County, Saline County Sheriff's deputies joined the chase. Feldman said that speeds on Lincoln County roads reached up to 130 mph.

The driver eventually stopped near the intersection of Navajo Drive and 250th Road, and officers identified the Salina resident driver as 33-year-old Deric Bell.

"He was taken&nbsp;into custody for felony flee and elude, felony interference with law enforcement, driving while revoked, habitual violator, reckless driving and numerous other driving issues," Feldman said.

Feldman said Bell had a passenger in the Pontiac, who SPD officers discovered was actually the vehicle's owner. Officers then cited the woman for allowing Bell to drive the car.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715861445709.jpeg" alt="Deric Bell" />
 <figcaption>Deric Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostSalina Police Department (SPD) officers chased a Salina resident to Lincoln County yesterday evening, requiring officers to ask Saline County Sheriff's Office deputies for assistance.According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, at about 5:20 p.m. Wednesday, in the 400 block of South College Avenue, an officer saw a black 2004 Pontiac GTO without headlights on in the rain, alongside faulty brake lights."The officer attempted to pull over the vehicle, but it failed to stop, and a pursuit&nbsp;was initiated," Feldman said. "The vehicle first went north on College to Iron, east on Iron to Ninth Street, south back to Crawford Street and then out into the county where the pursuit continued on multiple county roads."&nbsp;Once the Pontiac's driver reached Lincoln County, Saline County Sheriff's deputies joined the chase. Feldman said that speeds on Lincoln County roads reached up to 130 mph.READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a05bc894-a063-41dd-9189-2199c232e93f">&nbsp;Second Medallion Quest Clue announced</a>The driver eventually stopped near the intersection of Navajo Drive and 250th Road, and officers identified the Salina resident driver as 33-year-old Deric Bell."He was taken&nbsp;into custody for felony flee and elude, felony interference with law enforcement, driving while revoked, habitual violator, reckless driving and numerous other driving issues," Feldman said.Feldman said Bell had a passenger in the Pontiac, who SPD officers discovered was actually the vehicle's owner. Officers then cited the woman for allowing Bell to drive the car.

SPD and Saline County SO arrest Salina resident after 130 mph chase into Lincoln County

The 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival Medallion Quest is underway!

The Festival Medallion Quest 2024 prize package includes the following:

· $2,000 in Festival Gift Certificates, to be used for purchases in the Fine Art and Craft Show or Art/Craft Demonstration Area during the Festival weekend

· Four complimentary Festival admission wristbands

· One on-grounds Festival parking pass (weather permitting)

· An invitation for four to attend the evening PREMIERE Art Patron Party on Thursday, June 13

· Four Smoky Hill River Festival t-shirts

“The Festival Medallion Quest is the perfect way to kick off the festival season,” said Salina Arts and Humanities Director Brad Anderson. “Thousands of searchers get to see the town with new eyes as they interpret clues and get creative trying to find the Medallion.”

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b7840647-570e-46c9-b3db-a74fa03752e1">🎥First details released for 48th Smoky Hill River Festival</a>

Clues will be released at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily on the Quest website,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.festivalmedallionquest.com/" target="_blank">www.festivalmedallionquest.com</a>,&nbsp;beginning at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, on the steps of the Smoky Hill Museum.&nbsp;

The clues will also be posted outside the west doors on Eighth Street at the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities office on the corner of Eighth and Iron Ave.&nbsp;&nbsp;

No purchase is necessary to participate or win.

Employees of Salina Arts &amp; Humanities or SAH Foundation Board members and their families are not eligible to win.

Participants assume all risk and release the City of Salina, Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, and the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Foundation from liability for any injuries or damages to themselves.

Clues WILL NOT be given over the phone or via email

The Medallion will be easy to remove from its location and WILL NOT require climbing, digging, tools or ladders, or the destruction of property.

The objects are located on public property within the Salina city limits, which may include City parks.&nbsp;Curfews hours for all City parks remain in effect during the Quest and are posted at each park.

The Medallion will be easy to identify because it will have a message and contact information attached or written directly on it.

DO NOT&nbsp;post any photos of an object on social media until it has been officially confirmed to be genuine.

Once the Medallion has been confirmed as found, the public will be notified of the time and place where the official press conference and award presentation will take place. 

Notification will be posted on the Festival Medallion Quest and Smoky Hill River Festival websites, through participating local media partners, and physically outside the west entrance of the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Office at 211 W. Iron Ave.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715872239956.jpeg" alt="Medallion Clues are revealed daily at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on the Eighth Street entrance to the Smoky Hill Museum. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Medallion Clues are revealed daily at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on the Eighth Street entrance to the Smoky Hill Museum. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival Medallion Quest is underway!Clue No. 2: Some are not spikedThe Festival Medallion Quest 2024 prize package includes the following:· $1,000 in cash· $2,000 in Festival Gift Certificates, to be used for purchases in the Fine Art and Craft Show or Art/Craft Demonstration Area during the Festival weekend· Four complimentary Festival admission wristbands· One on-grounds Festival parking pass (weather permitting)· An invitation for four to attend the evening PREMIERE Art Patron Party on Thursday, June 13· Four Smoky Hill River Festival t-shirts“The Festival Medallion Quest is the perfect way to kick off the festival season,” said Salina Arts and Humanities Director Brad Anderson. “Thousands of searchers get to see the town with new eyes as they interpret clues and get creative trying to find the Medallion.”READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b7840647-570e-46c9-b3db-a74fa03752e1">🎥First details released for 48th Smoky Hill River Festival</a>Clues will be released at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily on the Quest website,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.festivalmedallionquest.com/" target="_blank">www.festivalmedallionquest.com</a>,&nbsp;beginning at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, on the steps of the Smoky Hill Museum.&nbsp;The clues will also be posted outside the west doors on Eighth Street at the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities office on the corner of Eighth and Iron Ave.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715808130992.jpeg" alt="Medallion Quest 2024" />
 <figcaption>Medallion Quest 2024</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Medallion Quest Rules</h2>No purchase is necessary to participate or win.Employees of Salina Arts &amp; Humanities or SAH Foundation Board members and their families are not eligible to win.Participants assume all risk and release the City of Salina, Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, and the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Foundation from liability for any injuries or damages to themselves.Clues WILL NOT be given over the phone or via emailThe Medallion will be easy to remove from its location and WILL NOT require climbing, digging, tools or ladders, or the destruction of property.The objects are located on public property within the Salina city limits, which may include City parks.&nbsp;Curfews hours for all City parks remain in effect during the Quest and are posted at each park.NOTHING will be hidden:At Kenwood or Oakdale ParksOn Private PropertyOn Salina Airport Authority PropertyThe Medallion will be easy to identify because it will have a message and contact information attached or written directly on it.DO NOT&nbsp;post any photos of an object on social media until it has been officially confirmed to be genuine.Once the Medallion has been confirmed as found, the public will be notified of the time and place where the official press conference and award presentation will take place. Notification will be posted on the Festival Medallion Quest and Smoky Hill River Festival websites, through participating local media partners, and physically outside the west entrance of the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Office at 211 W. Iron Ave.

Second Medallion Quest Clue announced

Dozens of students, four large wind tunnels and hand-built turbines filled The Temple in downtown Salina on Saturday, April 13, for the 2024 Kansas KidWind State Finals. Last week, four Kansas teams traveled to Minneapolis, Minnesota, for the 2024 World KidWind Challenge.

KidWind is a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics- or STEM-focused program where students from across the country participate, focusing on renewable energy and bringing the engineering behind fields of turbines to the classroom.

Kurt Foley, an energy specialist at the Kansas Energy Program, which&nbsp;is&nbsp;housed&nbsp;under the Kansas State University Engineering Extension, helps with the<a href="https://www.kcc.ks.gov/energy-education/kidwind"> Kansas KidWind Challenge</a> each year.

"It's just giving the students a hands-on project. It's something that I've always preferred, getting to work with my hands," Foley said.&nbsp;"[It gives students] life experience out of it — getting to challenge yourself and&nbsp;to&nbsp;grow as a learner and&nbsp;as a&nbsp;person."

The renewable energy-focused challenges begin at each school, with a $7 KidWind generator and various materials for students to create turbines.

Each team participates in regional championships that push the top two teams in each division to the state-wide challenge.

Students then design and engineer these turbines and perform various challenges, including knowledge tests, putting the student-made turbines into a wind tunnel to test how much power they generate and an instant challenge designed to flex the students' problem-solving skills.

Foley said that students often become incredibly creative with their turbine designs or only focus on maximizing the energy produced by the turbine with a simple design.

"We have wind tunnels that we bring to the competitions, and we also loan them out to schools so they can test their designs before coming to a competition," Foley said.

The Temple was a new stage for the Kansas KidWind Challenge, allowing western Kansas teams to travel a shorter distance than to its previous venue in Topeka.

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>

There, 25 teams from 15 Kansas KidWind teams faced off to advance to the World KidWind Challenge in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Four teams in two divisions topped the charts and headed north for the challenge.

Kansas KidWind Challenge has two age divisions — one for fourth through eighth-grade students and another for ninth through 12th-grade students.

Christie Fouts, the KidWind Coach for Beloit Jr/Sr High School, said she brought KidWind to Beloit's schools in&nbsp;2018 and enjoys assisting students in the hands-on program.

This year, one of her teams, the Beloit Breeze, competed in the fourth through eighth grade age division and placed second, prompting the team to the KidWind World competition stage.

KidWind World Challenge sees competitors from across the country and further beyond U.S. borders, with teams from Mexico, The Phillipines&nbsp;

Fouts said that although the state competitions are intense, they only intensify at the World Challenge, and that's what the Beloit Breeze experienced in Minneapolis.

"It's a super competitive competition, and you&nbsp;really&nbsp;have to do extremely well in every single event if you want to be competitive in the top two," Fouts said. "They [The Beloit Breeze] felt good about all their instant challenges and their judging and quiz bowl, but we don't have results yet&nbsp;for those. They were most happy with their fast tunnel."

Judges provide three different wind tunnels at the challenge — a slow, a turning-style and a fast tunnel.

The turning style tests the turbines' ability to yaw from side to side with the wind and stay facing into the wind like large turbines do in the field.

Although Beloit Breeze did not win at the World Challenge, Fouts said the students felt incredibly proud of their performance and can't wait to apply their experiences to next year's competitions.

"It was all about problem-solving, collaborating and all those skills&nbsp;that they&nbsp;need," Fouts said. "Not everything goes&nbsp;the way&nbsp;you want it to when you get there, so there's a lot of thinking on the spot."&nbsp;

"My students had to make changes at the actual event multiple times just to try to adjust to the tunnels there, and they were happy with their results."

The results from the KidWind World Challenge have yet to reach Beloit's mailbox, but Fouts said she and the team eagerly await the results.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715800484055.jpeg" alt="The Kansas KidWind Challenge begins by presentations and last-minute adjustments on Saturday, April 13, at The Temple in Salina. Image courtesy Kansas Electric, Inc." />
 <figcaption>The Kansas KidWind Challenge begins by presentations and last-minute adjustments on Saturday, April 13, at The Temple in Salina. Image courtesy Kansas Electric, Inc.</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostDozens of students, four large wind tunnels and hand-built turbines filled The Temple in downtown Salina on Saturday, April 13, for the 2024 Kansas KidWind State Finals. Last week, four Kansas teams traveled to Minneapolis, Minnesota, for the 2024 World KidWind Challenge.KidWind is a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics- or STEM-focused program where students from across the country participate, focusing on renewable energy and bringing the engineering behind fields of turbines to the classroom.Kurt Foley, an energy specialist at the Kansas Energy Program, which&nbsp;is&nbsp;housed&nbsp;under the Kansas State University Engineering Extension, helps with the<a href="https://www.kcc.ks.gov/energy-education/kidwind"> Kansas KidWind Challenge</a> each year."It's just giving the students a hands-on project. It's something that I've always preferred, getting to work with my hands," Foley said.&nbsp;"[It gives students] life experience out of it — getting to challenge yourself and&nbsp;to&nbsp;grow as a learner and&nbsp;as a&nbsp;person."The renewable energy-focused challenges begin at each school, with a $7 KidWind generator and various materials for students to create turbines.Each team participates in regional championships that push the top two teams in each division to the state-wide challenge.Students then design and engineer these turbines and perform various challenges, including knowledge tests, putting the student-made turbines into a wind tunnel to test how much power they generate and an instant challenge designed to flex the students' problem-solving skills.Foley said that students often become incredibly creative with their turbine designs or only focus on maximizing the energy produced by the turbine with a simple design."We have wind tunnels that we bring to the competitions, and we also loan them out to schools so they can test their designs before coming to a competition," Foley said.The Temple was a new stage for the Kansas KidWind Challenge, allowing western Kansas teams to travel a shorter distance than to its previous venue in Topeka.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>There, 25 teams from 15 Kansas KidWind teams faced off to advance to the World KidWind Challenge in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Four teams in two divisions topped the charts and headed north for the challenge.Kansas KidWind Challenge has two age divisions — one for fourth through eighth-grade students and another for ninth through 12th-grade students.<h2>Beloit Breeze visits the world stage</h2>Christie Fouts, the KidWind Coach for Beloit Jr/Sr High School, said she brought KidWind to Beloit's schools in&nbsp;2018 and enjoys assisting students in the hands-on program.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715800580671.jpeg" alt="The Beloit Breeze including Colby Albert, Tripp Stillwell, Brylee Lepon and Rilee Lundine, await their wind tunnel test during the Kansas KidWind Challenge on Saturday, April 13, at The Temple in Salina. Image courtesy Kansas Electric, Inc." />
 <figcaption>The Beloit Breeze including Colby Albert, Tripp Stillwell, Brylee Lepon and Rilee Lundine, await their wind tunnel test during the Kansas KidWind Challenge on Saturday, April 13, at The Temple in Salina. Image courtesy Kansas Electric, Inc.</figcaption>
 </figure>This year, one of her teams, the Beloit Breeze, competed in the fourth through eighth grade age division and placed second, prompting the team to the KidWind World competition stage.KidWind World Challenge sees competitors from across the country and further beyond U.S. borders, with teams from Mexico, The Phillipines&nbsp;Fouts said that although the state competitions are intense, they only intensify at the World Challenge, and that's what the Beloit Breeze experienced in Minneapolis."It's a super competitive competition, and you&nbsp;really&nbsp;have to do extremely well in every single event if you want to be competitive in the top two," Fouts said. "They [The Beloit Breeze] felt good about all their instant challenges and their judging and quiz bowl, but we don't have results yet&nbsp;for those. They were most happy with their fast tunnel."Judges provide three different wind tunnels at the challenge — a slow, a turning-style and a fast tunnel.The turning style tests the turbines' ability to yaw from side to side with the wind and stay facing into the wind like large turbines do in the field.Although Beloit Breeze did not win at the World Challenge, Fouts said the students felt incredibly proud of their performance and can't wait to apply their experiences to next year's competitions."It was all about problem-solving, collaborating and all those skills&nbsp;that they&nbsp;need," Fouts said. "Not everything goes&nbsp;the way&nbsp;you want it to when you get there, so there's a lot of thinking on the spot."&nbsp;"My students had to make changes at the actual event multiple times just to try to adjust to the tunnels there, and they were happy with their results."The results from the KidWind World Challenge have yet to reach Beloit's mailbox, but Fouts said she and the team eagerly await the results.

Beloit Breeze competes on the international stage for KidWind World Challenge

Surrounded by community members, fellow officers and local officials, Salina's local authorities visited Jerry Ivey Memorial Park early this morning for a solemn ceremony — the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony.

The memorial began beneath the Salina Fire Department's giant American flag near the Jerry Ivey memorial site in the park.

Local Salina Police Department officers, Saline County Sheriff's Office deputies, Kansas Highway Patrol troopers and Salina Fire Department firefighters joined the ceremony, representing the various authorities in and around Salina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715816377596.jpeg" alt="Salina Police Department Chief C. J. Wise welcomes the audience to the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony Wednesday morning at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park. The memorial ceremony remembered the 137 fallen officers in 2023 alongside the four officers the Salina community has lost throughout the years. "Whenever you lose an officer, it's devastating to a family. It's devastating to a community, it's devastating to a police department," Wise said. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Police Department Chief C. J. Wise welcomes the audience to the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony Wednesday morning at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park. The memorial ceremony remembered the 137 fallen officers in 2023 alongside the four officers the Salina community has lost throughout the years. "Whenever you lose an officer, it's devastating to a family. It's devastating to a community, it's devastating to a police department," Wise said. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostSurrounded by community members, fellow officers and local officials, Salina's local authorities visited Jerry Ivey Memorial Park early this morning for a solemn ceremony — the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony.The memorial began beneath the Salina Fire Department's giant American flag near the Jerry Ivey memorial site in the park.Local Salina Police Department officers, Saline County Sheriff's Office deputies, Kansas Highway Patrol troopers and Salina Fire Department firefighters joined the ceremony, representing the various authorities in and around Salina.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715816858994.jpeg" alt="The Salina Fire Department brought its giant U.S. flag to mark the entrance to the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The Salina Fire Department brought its giant U.S. flag to mark the entrance to the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>At the ceremony, the Salina Police Honor Guard presented a "Table Setting for the Fallen," with each member piecing it together while Cpl. Timothy Wymore spoke on each piece of the table.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715818293023.jpeg" alt="Salina Police Department officers and Saline County Sheriff's Office deputies line up in Jerry Ivey Memorial Park during the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Police Department officers and Saline County Sheriff's Office deputies line up in Jerry Ivey Memorial Park during the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715817272254.jpeg" alt="Salina Police Honor Guard Officer Lonna Savage salutes after setting a single rose on the table setting, symbolizing "the danger our fallen officers went through," said Salina Police Honor Guard Cpl. Timothy Wymore during the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Police Honor Guard Officer Lonna Savage salutes after setting a single rose on the table setting, symbolizing "the danger our fallen officers went through," said Salina Police Honor Guard Cpl. Timothy Wymore during the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>The rest of the pieces included a Bible, a blue ribbon, a lemon with salt and an inverted wine glass."The first item placed on the table will be The Bible, open to Psalms 91. The protection Psalms represents the strength gained through our faith in God who sustains and protects us," Wymore said.The rose symbolizes the danger faced by fallen officers; the blue ribbon represents trust and loyalty to fellow officers; the lemon slice with salt represents "the bitter taste" of losing service members; and the inverted wine glass represents the inability of fallen service members to participate in future toasts.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><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715817894590.jpeg" alt="Bagpipe player Terry Ferguson plays "Amazing Grace" after the "Table Setting for the Fallen" presentation during the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Bagpipe player Terry Ferguson plays "Amazing Grace" after the "Table Setting for the Fallen" presentation during the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>City of Salina Mayor Bill Longbine spoke to the audience about the community focus of the local authorities once Terry Ferguson finished "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes."Officers are asked to have the utmost level of restraint and self-control while being able to make split-second decisions to save the lives of those around them as well as their own," Longbine said. "Last year, there were 118 law enforcement officers killed. Even though this is a 49% reduction from 2022, it is still 118 too many."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715818567197.jpeg" alt="City of Salina Mayor Bill Longbine addresses the audience at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park during the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>City of Salina Mayor Bill Longbine addresses the audience at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park during the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715818672213.jpeg" alt="Salina Police Honor Guard members shoot blanks as a salute to fallen officers during the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Police Honor Guard members shoot blanks as a salute to fallen officers during the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Saline County Sheriff's Office Lt. Mike Smith presented the Roll Call of the Fallen, naming each officer killed in the line of duty in Salina.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715818755892.jpeg" alt="Gary Keil plays "Taps," concluding the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Gary Keil plays "Taps," concluding the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>The ceremony coincides with National Police Week, where communities celebrate and memorialize local authorities across the United States.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715818887358.jpeg" alt="Salina Police Department officers, Saline County Sheriff's Office deputies and Kansas Highway Patrol troopers bow their heads while Smoky Valley Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Quigley offers a prayer during the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, at Jerry Ivey Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Police Department officers, Saline County Sheriff's Office deputies and Kansas Highway Patrol troopers bow their heads while Smoky Valley Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Quigley offers a prayer during the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, at Jerry Ivey Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
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