By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

A line of storms with high winds was predicted to move across Kansas in the final hours leading into the Fourth of July holiday Thursday. Even so, the images displayed on radar were not particularly threatening around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday night at Wilson Lake. Chase resident Mackenzie Oberle and family were staying in the Wheatgrass Campground in the Hell Creek area of the lake. Just as the storm arrived, she moved from her parents' camper to a truck just a few feet away.

"It felt like the wind had come up underneath the truck and picked it up," she said. "Something loud hit what I thought was the truck, but it hit the boat. I didn't think anything of it but I looked back and I could see my parents' camper flipped over sideways so I got out and called 911."

Oberle, who has ridden out other storms from inside a camper, said nothing seemed unusual about the storm as it came in. Winds estimated at 70 miles an hour hit the area just as the rain began. Several campers from the packed campgrounds were damaged. One camper near Oberle's truck was blown across the road and completely destroyed. Fortunately, its occupants were able to walk away.

"There wasn't a rhyme or reason why some blew over and some didn't," Oberle said. "There were tiny campers that didn't blow over, and there big, heavy campers that did blow over."

Oberle's parents were able to crawl out of their camper without injury. Three people were transported by Russell County EMS to Russell Regional Hospital with injuries. Christopher Montoya, 64, of Holyrood, was found deceased in the Hell Creek Area of the park.

The storm gained strength as it approached Russell late Wednesday, prompting the National Weather Service out of Wichita to issue a Severe Thunderstorm Warning shortly before 11:30 p.m. More warnings were later issued for Ellsworth and Rice counties. 

Torrential rain fell in a short period with more than an inch recorded in Great Bend, 2.06 inches reported in one location near Larned, and up to 1.90 inches reported near Little River. Most locations near Lawrence later reported more than two inches of rain. Most wind reports out of Ellsworth and Russell counties indicate gusts between 68 and 70 mph. Saline County reported the highest gust at 82 mph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720195934565.jpeg" alt="Several campers at Lake Wilson were blown over by wind gusts shortly before midnight on July 3. Three people were transported to Russell Regional Hospital with injuries and a Holyrood man was found deceased. (photo courtesy of Mackenzie Oberle)" />
 <figcaption>Several campers at Lake Wilson were blown over by wind gusts shortly before midnight on July 3. Three people were transported to Russell Regional Hospital with injuries and a Holyrood man was found deceased. (photo courtesy of Mackenzie Oberle)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA line of storms with high winds was predicted to move across Kansas in the final hours leading into the Fourth of July holiday Thursday. Even so, the images displayed on radar were not particularly threatening around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday night at Wilson Lake. Chase resident Mackenzie Oberle and family were staying in the Wheatgrass Campground in the Hell Creek area of the lake. Just as the storm arrived, she moved from her parents' camper to a truck just a few feet away."It felt like the wind had come up underneath the truck and picked it up," she said. "Something loud hit what I thought was the truck, but it hit the boat. I didn't think anything of it but I looked back and I could see my parents' camper flipped over sideways so I got out and called 911."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720196040317.jpeg" alt="photo courtesy of Mackenzie Oberle" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy of Mackenzie Oberle</figcaption>
 </figure>Oberle, who has ridden out other storms from inside a camper, said nothing seemed unusual about the storm as it came in. Winds estimated at 70 miles an hour hit the area just as the rain began. Several campers from the packed campgrounds were damaged. One camper near Oberle's truck was blown across the road and completely destroyed. Fortunately, its occupants were able to walk away."There wasn't a rhyme or reason why some blew over and some didn't," Oberle said. "There were tiny campers that didn't blow over, and there big, heavy campers that did blow over."Oberle's parents were able to crawl out of their camper without injury. Three people were transported by Russell County EMS to Russell Regional Hospital with injuries. Christopher Montoya, 64, of Holyrood, was found deceased in the Hell Creek Area of the park.The storm gained strength as it approached Russell late Wednesday, prompting the National Weather Service out of Wichita to issue a Severe Thunderstorm Warning shortly before 11:30 p.m. More warnings were later issued for Ellsworth and Rice counties. Torrential rain fell in a short period with more than an inch recorded in Great Bend, 2.06 inches reported in one location near Larned, and up to 1.90 inches reported near Little River. Most locations near Lawrence later reported more than two inches of rain. Most wind reports out of Ellsworth and Russell counties indicate gusts between 68 and 70 mph. Saline County reported the highest gust at 82 mph.

Family escapes injury despite camper overturned in storm at Wilson Lake 

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a severe thunderstorm warning until 2:00 a.m. CDT for Marion County and southeastern Saline County in central Kansas.

At 12:59 a.m. CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Talmage to near Gypsum to 6 miles south of Lindsborg, moving east at 40 mph. The primary hazard associated with these storms is 70 mph wind gusts, as indicated by radar.

**Locations impacted include:** Hillsboro, Marion, Peabody, Florence, Goessel, Gypsum, Lincolnville, Ramona, Lehigh, Tampa, Durham, Lost Springs, Marion Lake, Bridgeport, Pilsen, and Kipp.

Residents in these areas are advised to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building for their protection. Stay tuned to local media outlets for further updates and safety instructions.

The National Weather Service has extended the severe thunderstorm warning until 1:15 a.m. CDT for Dickinson, western Geary, southwestern Riley, eastern Ottawa, and southern Clay counties.

At 12:48 a.m. CDT, severe thunderstorms were observed along a line extending from 7 miles southeast of Idana to near Talmage to near Gypsum, moving east at 45 mph. The primary hazard associated with these storms is 70 mph wind gusts, as indicated by radar.

Locations impacted include Junction City, Abilene, Herington, Grandview Plaza, Chapman, Solomon, Wakefield, Riley, Enterprise, Milford, Hope, Woodbine, Manchester, Longford, Carlton, Oak Hill, Talmage, Milford Lake, and Moonlight. This also includes Interstate 70 between mile markers 267 and 300.

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Saline County in central Kansas until 1:00 AM CDT.

At 12:06 AM CDT, severe thunderstorms were detected along a line extending from near Ada to 10 miles south of Beverly to 5 miles northeast of Lorraine, moving east at 55 mph. These storms pose significant hazards, including 70 mph wind gusts and penny-sized hail, as indicated by radar.

Residents should expect considerable tree damage, with likely damage to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

Locations impacted by the severe weather include Salina, Assaria, Gypsum, Brookville, Smolan, New Cambria, Falun, Glendale, Bridgeport, Salina Airport, and Kipp.

For your protection, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building and stay tuned to Salina Post for further updates.

A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect until 12:30 AM CDT for Lincoln and northern Ellsworth counties. At 12:01 AM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was reported 11 miles south of Lincoln, moving east at a speed of 60 mph.

The storm poses significant hazards, including wind gusts up to 70 mph and penny-sized hail, as indicated by radar. Considerable tree damage is expected, and there is likely to be damage to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

The affected locations include Ellsworth, Wilson, Kanopolis, Lincoln, Sylvan Grove, Beverly, Barnard, Ash Grove, Westfall, and Ellsworth Airport. Residents in these areas should take immediate precautions and seek shelter indoors away from windows. Stay tuned to Salina Post for further updates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718495464405.jpeg" alt="Severe Weather Sponsors" />
 <figcaption>Severe Weather Sponsors</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe class="ql-video" src="https://builder.zoomradar.net/zoomradar_weather_map/weather_page.php?key=M27PjLgsUcSFKko" width="100%" height="800px" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> 
 
 </div></div>NWS WICHITAThe National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a severe thunderstorm warning until 2:00 a.m. CDT for Marion County and southeastern Saline County in central Kansas.At 12:59 a.m. CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Talmage to near Gypsum to 6 miles south of Lindsborg, moving east at 40 mph. The primary hazard associated with these storms is 70 mph wind gusts, as indicated by radar.**Locations impacted include:** Hillsboro, Marion, Peabody, Florence, Goessel, Gypsum, Lincolnville, Ramona, Lehigh, Tampa, Durham, Lost Springs, Marion Lake, Bridgeport, Pilsen, and Kipp.Residents in these areas are advised to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building for their protection. Stay tuned to local media outlets for further updates and safety instructions.The National Weather Service has extended the severe thunderstorm warning until 1:15 a.m. CDT for Dickinson, western Geary, southwestern Riley, eastern Ottawa, and southern Clay counties.At 12:48 a.m. CDT, severe thunderstorms were observed along a line extending from 7 miles southeast of Idana to near Talmage to near Gypsum, moving east at 45 mph. The primary hazard associated with these storms is 70 mph wind gusts, as indicated by radar.Locations impacted include Junction City, Abilene, Herington, Grandview Plaza, Chapman, Solomon, Wakefield, Riley, Enterprise, Milford, Hope, Woodbine, Manchester, Longford, Carlton, Oak Hill, Talmage, Milford Lake, and Moonlight. This also includes Interstate 70 between mile markers 267 and 300.Residents in these areas are advised to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building for their protection. Stay tuned to local media outlets for further updates and safety instructions.The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Saline County in central Kansas until 1:00 AM CDT.At 12:06 AM CDT, severe thunderstorms were detected along a line extending from near Ada to 10 miles south of Beverly to 5 miles northeast of Lorraine, moving east at 55 mph. These storms pose significant hazards, including 70 mph wind gusts and penny-sized hail, as indicated by radar.Residents should expect considerable tree damage, with likely damage to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.Locations impacted by the severe weather include Salina, Assaria, Gypsum, Brookville, Smolan, New Cambria, Falun, Glendale, Bridgeport, Salina Airport, and Kipp.For your protection, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building and stay tuned to Salina Post for further updates.A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect until 12:30 AM CDT for Lincoln and northern Ellsworth counties. At 12:01 AM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was reported 11 miles south of Lincoln, moving east at a speed of 60 mph.The storm poses significant hazards, including wind gusts up to 70 mph and penny-sized hail, as indicated by radar. Considerable tree damage is expected, and there is likely to be damage to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.The affected locations include Ellsworth, Wilson, Kanopolis, Lincoln, Sylvan Grove, Beverly, Barnard, Ash Grove, Westfall, and Ellsworth Airport. Residents in these areas should take immediate precautions and seek shelter indoors away from windows. Stay tuned to Salina Post for further updates.

UPDATED — Severe weather updates July 3-4

Beatrice M. (Isbell) Ramsey November 10, 1946 ~ July 2, 2024

Beatrice M. Ramsey, 77, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024 in Salina, KS. She was born November 10, 1946 in Woodward, OK to Hugh and Anabel (Brown) Isbell. Beatrice married Kenneth Bailey in Vici, OK on August 23, 1964. She later married Jack Ramsey in Winfield, KS on September 10, 1983. She was a bookkeeper retiring from Furniture Factory Outlet. Living in Ellsworth since 2013, she was a member of the Smoky Hill Baptist Church and spent many hours working at the Ellsworth County Historical Society museum complex.

Beatrice is survived by her sons, Wade Bailey of Wichita, KS and Dale Bailey (Christi) of Ellsworth; daughter Karla Bailey of Gillette, WI; stepdaughters, Jackie Brown (Ron) of Ponca City, OK and Shelley Overbey (James) of Fayetteville, AR; 12 grandchildren and many great grandchildren; and brothers, Mike Isbell of Gillette, WI and Patrick Isbell of Riverside, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband Kenneth; second husband Jack; brothers, DeWayne Isbell and Darrell Isbell; sister Rose Bowman; and grandson Jordan Guesman.

Memorial service: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Parsons Funeral Home of Ellsworth. Graveside services will be at the Kaw City, OK cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Ellsworth County Historical Society, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439. Condolences can be left at parsonsfh.com.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/342abd61-b273-40e3-b992-60448669ff64">Fireworks for sale today — an interactive guide to prepare for Fourth of July</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720029277962.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Beatrice M. (Isbell) Ramsey November 10, 1946 ~ July 2, 2024Beatrice M. Ramsey, 77, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024 in Salina, KS. She was born November 10, 1946 in Woodward, OK to Hugh and Anabel (Brown) Isbell. Beatrice married Kenneth Bailey in Vici, OK on August 23, 1964. She later married Jack Ramsey in Winfield, KS on September 10, 1983. She was a bookkeeper retiring from Furniture Factory Outlet. Living in Ellsworth since 2013, she was a member of the Smoky Hill Baptist Church and spent many hours working at the Ellsworth County Historical Society museum complex.Beatrice is survived by her sons, Wade Bailey of Wichita, KS and Dale Bailey (Christi) of Ellsworth; daughter Karla Bailey of Gillette, WI; stepdaughters, Jackie Brown (Ron) of Ponca City, OK and Shelley Overbey (James) of Fayetteville, AR; 12 grandchildren and many great grandchildren; and brothers, Mike Isbell of Gillette, WI and Patrick Isbell of Riverside, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband Kenneth; second husband Jack; brothers, DeWayne Isbell and Darrell Isbell; sister Rose Bowman; and grandson Jordan Guesman.Memorial service: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Parsons Funeral Home of Ellsworth. Graveside services will be at the Kaw City, OK cemetery at a later date.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Ellsworth County Historical Society, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439. Condolences can be left at parsonsfh.com.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/342abd61-b273-40e3-b992-60448669ff64">Fireworks for sale today — an interactive guide to prepare for Fourth of July</a>

Beatrice M. (Isbell) Ramsey

Delma (Meall) Hitchcock April 17, 1934 ~ June 26, 2024

Delma was born April 17, 1934 at Beloit, Kansas to David Pace and Anna Moxter Meall. She was raised on the family farm on the Solomon River southeast of Cawker City, Kansas that had been homesteaded in 1871 by her great grandparents. After completing the elementary grades at Spring Creek country school, she attended Cawker City High School – graduating in 1952.

In the fall of 1952, Delma started college at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas. She graduated in 1957 with a degree in elementary education, including two years teaching on a “60-hour” teaching certificate. She was active in campus life and was honored as Miss Wesleyan her senior year. She graduated summa cum laude.

At Kansas Wesleyan, Delma met her husband Bert Hitchcock of Burlington, Colorado and made a circle of lifelong friends.&nbsp; Wesleyan events remained a focal point and the campus a gathering place for Bert and Delma and their college friends for the rest of their lives.&nbsp;

Delma married Albert E. “Bert” Hitchcock at Cawker City in 1956 and they shared fifty-six years of marriage until his death in 2012. They began their careers at Oakley, Kansas in 1957 and welcomed three children – Steve, Teri, and Jodi – during their time there. Delma taught second grade at Oakley until the arrival of her children and Bert was the junior high principal. The family moved to Ashland and then Russell, where the Hitchcock kids all graduated. At Russell, Delma was a reading specialist at Bickerdyke Elementary School for several years. The couple then moved to Ellsworth and Baldwin City where Bert served as superintendent in those districts and they retired in Baldwin City.

Delma was a lifelong active member of the United Methodist Church and served in various offices in the congregation and United Methodist Women. She was active in community groups in every community, most notably P.E.O., where she was a member for over 50 years. She also sewed over one hundred Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls for children of family and friends over the years. In retirement, she researched and preserved family history and genealogy.

She is survived by her children; Steve Hitchcock, Baldwin City, Teri Tankel (Ron), Overland Park, and Jodi Hitchcock, Lawrence, and grandchildren Jordan Ibarra (Joe), Merriam, and Sam Tankel, Denver. She is also survived by her brother Bryan Meall (Dee), Minneapolis, Kansas, niece Dani Walters (Chris), Shawnee, Kansas, nephew David Meall, Brooklyn, New York and several nieces and nephews on the Hitchcock side of the family.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Baldwin City on Saturday July 13 at 11 a.m. with a visitation at 10 a.m.&nbsp; Inurnment will be at Prairie Grove Cemetery in Cawker City, Kansas on a later date.

The family would like to thank the Visiting Nurses and Delma’s friends, especially Katie Skinner and Dallas Merritt for their help and comfort these past few weeks.

Memorial contributions may be made to Kansas Wesleyan University, First United Methodist Church of Baldwin City, and Visiting Nurses of Douglas County and sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 64, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Condolences may be sent to the family through&nbsp;www.lamb-roberts.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720029003531.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Delma (Meall) Hitchcock April 17, 1934 ~ June 26, 2024 Delma was born April 17, 1934 at Beloit, Kansas to David Pace and Anna Moxter Meall. She was raised on the family farm on the Solomon River southeast of Cawker City, Kansas that had been homesteaded in 1871 by her great grandparents. After completing the elementary grades at Spring Creek country school, she attended Cawker City High School – graduating in 1952.In the fall of 1952, Delma started college at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas. She graduated in 1957 with a degree in elementary education, including two years teaching on a “60-hour” teaching certificate. She was active in campus life and was honored as Miss Wesleyan her senior year. She graduated summa cum laude.At Kansas Wesleyan, Delma met her husband Bert Hitchcock of Burlington, Colorado and made a circle of lifelong friends.&nbsp; Wesleyan events remained a focal point and the campus a gathering place for Bert and Delma and their college friends for the rest of their lives.&nbsp;Delma married Albert E. “Bert” Hitchcock at Cawker City in 1956 and they shared fifty-six years of marriage until his death in 2012. They began their careers at Oakley, Kansas in 1957 and welcomed three children – Steve, Teri, and Jodi – during their time there. Delma taught second grade at Oakley until the arrival of her children and Bert was the junior high principal. The family moved to Ashland and then Russell, where the Hitchcock kids all graduated. At Russell, Delma was a reading specialist at Bickerdyke Elementary School for several years. The couple then moved to Ellsworth and Baldwin City where Bert served as superintendent in those districts and they retired in Baldwin City.Delma was a lifelong active member of the United Methodist Church and served in various offices in the congregation and United Methodist Women. She was active in community groups in every community, most notably P.E.O., where she was a member for over 50 years. She also sewed over one hundred Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls for children of family and friends over the years. In retirement, she researched and preserved family history and genealogy.She is survived by her children; Steve Hitchcock, Baldwin City, Teri Tankel (Ron), Overland Park, and Jodi Hitchcock, Lawrence, and grandchildren Jordan Ibarra (Joe), Merriam, and Sam Tankel, Denver. She is also survived by her brother Bryan Meall (Dee), Minneapolis, Kansas, niece Dani Walters (Chris), Shawnee, Kansas, nephew David Meall, Brooklyn, New York and several nieces and nephews on the Hitchcock side of the family.A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Baldwin City on Saturday July 13 at 11 a.m. with a visitation at 10 a.m.&nbsp; Inurnment will be at Prairie Grove Cemetery in Cawker City, Kansas on a later date.The family would like to thank the Visiting Nurses and Delma’s friends, especially Katie Skinner and Dallas Merritt for their help and comfort these past few weeks.Memorial contributions may be made to Kansas Wesleyan University, First United Methodist Church of Baldwin City, and Visiting Nurses of Douglas County and sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 64, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Condolences may be sent to the family through&nbsp;www.lamb-roberts.com.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/342abd61-b273-40e3-b992-60448669ff64">Fireworks for sale today — an interactive guide to prepare for Fourth of July</a>

Delma (Meall) Hitchcock

Earlier today, Kansas Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland, alongside leaders from across the state, unveiled the <a href="https://lovekansas.com/">"Love, Kansas"</a> talent attraction campaign. The initiative aims to boost Kansas' population by inviting past residents to choose the Sunflower State as their future home.

Wyatt Thompson, voice of the K-State Wildcats, hyped up the crowd of Kansans and served as emcee for the event held on Monday, July 1.&nbsp;

"Today we are launching a new campaign that is going to bring these people home to Kansas by helping them rediscover why this state is the best place to call home," Thompson said.&nbsp;

During the campaign launch at the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan, Lt. Gov. Toland shared his personal journey about coming back to Kansas after he was inspired by a phone call from a family friend.

"I am a 1995 graduate of Iola High School in Allen County. I have two degrees from KU, I married a girl at KU who is from Pittsburg and as soon as we finished graduate school, we moved out of the state," Toland said. "We went to the East Coast and we were there for the better part of a decade."

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e1179189-0804-48cd-9688-6ee8ab5892c7">Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad participating in Kansas Sunflower Summer program</a>

Toland said after the birth of their daughter Caroline, he and his wife decided to come back home to Kansas.

"Caroline was learning to walk in our 16-foot wide row house, when one night, I got a phone call from somebody back in Iola, a friend who said, 'I'm sure you've never considered this. It's kind of a crazy idea. You'd have to move.' and&nbsp; he said, 'Well, I wonder if you would ever consider coming back to Kansas, and specifically to Iola.'"

Toland, a seventh-generation Kansan, said he felt that Kansas has always been in his heart but wasn't always in his mind as a place that had opportunity.&nbsp;

"It wasn't until that phone call that it clicked and I realized that we should be back home. We should be building our life for our daughter back in Kansas," Toland said. "And that's just what we did. It's been 16 years, and that was the best decision we've ever made."

Click the play button above to learn more about the Love Kansas initiative.

Love Kansas' goal is to highlight Kansas as an exceptional place to live, work, and raise a family, with a special emphasis on "boomerangs" - individuals with previous ties to the state.

Love Kansas focuses on the state's abundant job opportunities, high quality of life, excellent education system and affordable communities. The campaign is locally driven but strategically targets key markets across the U.S., with a strong focus on digital and social media platforms. 

"It's simple: we need more humans in Kansas to keep up with the phenomenal economic growth our state is experiencing," Lt. Gov. Toland said. "The best way to do that is to first approach Kansans who left the state for economic opportunities elsewhere and invite them to build a life in a place they know and have connections to, whether in their hometown or elsewhere in the state. With the Love, Kansas campaign, we aren't just extending an invitation to those who once called Kansas home to come back--we re also inviting families from around the country to build their lives in the Sunflower State."

During the launch event, Toland announced that the first 50 communities to partner with Love Kansas will be eligible for a $5,000 grant to assist in their efforts to attract new residents to their community. Nineteen pilot communities and seven universities already joined the initiative and are planning events that align with the campaign's theme.

LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/67ca4f22-e961-4739-a30d-6e6ecf5bbaa2">🎙King in the Community — Kansas Lt. Gov./Secretary of Commerce, David Toland</a>

Salina Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Renee Duxler, Salina Downtown Inc. Executive Director Leslie Bishop, and Salina Community Economic Developement Coorporation Executive Director Mitch Robinson all attended the event. 

Duxler said the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce is working to create a local, grassroots collaborative in Saline County to bring this initiative to fruition.&nbsp;

"We're working on creating a collaborative among all of our community and organizations that includes Salina Downtown, Salina Community Economic Developement Organization, the City of Salina, Saline County," Duxler said. "We're all selling the same asset. We're going to have this collaborative marketing, that we will all be able to utilize."

Duxler said the $5,000 grant awarded to Salina from the Love Kansas program will be used to create marketing and outreach campaigns to target Salina's own boomerangs.

"It's easier, as the lieutenant governor said, than casting this wide net on everybody in the United States," Duxler said. "The people that we know are familiar with us [Kansas] and might want to come back to raise a family or be with their family."

Influencer and journalist engagement and targeted in-person events both within and outside of Kansas play a crucial role in reaching potential boomerangs.

Bishop, who is a boomerang resident herself, said she was encouraged and motivated by the enthusiasm and energy at the kick off event.

"It's incredible. I feel like Kansas is finally getting the recognition it deserves to be a great state to live in, work, play, raise your family," Bishop said. "I'm a boomerang resident, and I left and was never going to come back and here I am today. All of us who live here in Kansas, wherever you are, know how wonderful this state really is. We are not a flyover state anymore."

After graduating from Salina Central High School in 1982, Bishop moved to Park City, Utah, and was in the hotel business there for six years and lived in a ski resort town.

"Then I came back because my mom opened up a local business and my dad, had a local real estate office, "Bishop said. "It was great to be back and we raised our son here. There's a lot to do in Salina. We have a great community, there's work to be done. But together, we can do it."

 A primary goal for the campaign is for communities across the state to do direct outreach to past residents they have a personal connection with, inviting them to return home.

"The collaboration already on display between so many partners underscores the enthusiasm for this campaign," Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. "There are so many amazing things happening in Kansas right now; Love, Kansas gives us the chance to let people throughout the country know about them."

In his closing remarks at the announcement, Toland asked all Kansans to call up a friend or family member and make the pitch for them to return to the state they once called home.&nbsp;

"The most important thing for you to say might just be, 'Hey, there's good things happening in town and we miss you,'" Toland said. "We want you to come home. We want you to love Kansas. That's what's most important. Make that call. Send that text. Get out there and together we're gonna change Kansas."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719864760130.jpeg" alt="Volunteers dump balloons and empty letters on attendees of the kickoff event for the Love Kansas campaign that aims to bring Kansans back to the state who have moved away, on Monday, July 1, at the Flint Hills Discover Center in Manhattan, Kan. Following the announcement, event attendees wrote letters to previous residents of Kansas, asking them to move back to the state.&nbsp;Photo by Olivia Bergmeier " />
 <figcaption>Volunteers dump balloons and empty letters on attendees of the kickoff event for the Love Kansas campaign that aims to bring Kansans back to the state who have moved away, on Monday, July 1, at the Flint Hills Discover Center in Manhattan, Kan. Following the announcement, event attendees wrote letters to previous residents of Kansas, asking them to move back to the state.&nbsp;Photo by Olivia Bergmeier </figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTEarlier today, Kansas Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland, alongside leaders from across the state, unveiled the <a href="https://lovekansas.com/">"Love, Kansas"</a> talent attraction campaign. The initiative aims to boost Kansas' population by inviting past residents to choose the Sunflower State as their future home.Wyatt Thompson, voice of the K-State Wildcats, hyped up the crowd of Kansans and served as emcee for the event held on Monday, July 1.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719864954195.jpeg" alt="Wyatt Thompson, K-State Sports Voice of the Wildcats introduces the kick off event for the new Love Kansas campaign on Monday, July 1, at the Flint Hills Discover Center in Manhattan, Kan. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Wyatt Thompson, K-State Sports Voice of the Wildcats introduces the kick off event for the new Love Kansas campaign on Monday, July 1, at the Flint Hills Discover Center in Manhattan, Kan. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"Today we are launching a new campaign that is going to bring these people home to Kansas by helping them rediscover why this state is the best place to call home," Thompson said.&nbsp;During the campaign launch at the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan, Lt. Gov. Toland shared his personal journey about coming back to Kansas after he was inspired by a phone call from a family friend."I am a 1995 graduate of Iola High School in Allen County. I have two degrees from KU, I married a girl at KU who is from Pittsburg and as soon as we finished graduate school, we moved out of the state," Toland said. "We went to the East Coast and we were there for the better part of a decade."READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e1179189-0804-48cd-9688-6ee8ab5892c7">Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad participating in Kansas Sunflower Summer program</a>Toland said after the birth of their daughter Caroline, he and his wife decided to come back home to Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719864857581.jpeg" alt="Kansas Lieutenant Governor/Secretary of Commerce&nbsp;David Toland addresses the room of attendees to kick off the new Love Kansas campaign on Monday, July 1, at the Flint Hills Discover Center in Manhattan, Kan. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Lieutenant Governor/Secretary of Commerce&nbsp;David Toland addresses the room of attendees to kick off the new Love Kansas campaign on Monday, July 1, at the Flint Hills Discover Center in Manhattan, Kan. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"Caroline was learning to walk in our 16-foot wide row house, when one night, I got a phone call from somebody back in Iola, a friend who said, 'I'm sure you've never considered this. It's kind of a crazy idea. You'd have to move.' and&nbsp; he said, 'Well, I wonder if you would ever consider coming back to Kansas, and specifically to Iola.'"Toland, a seventh-generation Kansan, said he felt that Kansas has always been in his heart but wasn't always in his mind as a place that had opportunity.&nbsp;"It wasn't until that phone call that it clicked and I realized that we should be back home. We should be building our life for our daughter back in Kansas," Toland said. "And that's just what we did. It's been 16 years, and that was the best decision we've ever made."<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mPPk35Ld8hQ?si=720o5Gjt_8FiChgE" 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" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Click the play button above to learn more about the Love Kansas initiative.Love Kansas' goal is to highlight Kansas as an exceptional place to live, work, and raise a family, with a special emphasis on "boomerangs" - individuals with previous ties to the state.Love Kansas focuses on the state's abundant job opportunities, high quality of life, excellent education system and affordable communities. The campaign is locally driven but strategically targets key markets across the U.S., with a strong focus on digital and social media platforms. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719862504244.png" alt="Kansas by the numbers. Image Courtesy Kansas Department of Commerce" />
 <figcaption>Kansas by the numbers. Image Courtesy Kansas Department of Commerce</figcaption>
 </figure>"It's simple: we need more humans in Kansas to keep up with the phenomenal economic growth our state is experiencing," Lt. Gov. Toland said. "The best way to do that is to first approach Kansans who left the state for economic opportunities elsewhere and invite them to build a life in a place they know and have connections to, whether in their hometown or elsewhere in the state. With the Love, Kansas campaign, we aren't just extending an invitation to those who once called Kansas home to come back--we re also inviting families from around the country to build their lives in the Sunflower State."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719865112662.jpeg" alt="Representatives from rural pilot communities for the Love Kansas campaign cheer as Wyatt Thomspon, Voice of the K-State Wildcats, announce the name of their counties during the kickoff event for Love Kansas on Monday, July 1, at the Flint Hills Discover Center in Manhattan, Kan. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Representatives from rural pilot communities for the Love Kansas campaign cheer as Wyatt Thomspon, Voice of the K-State Wildcats, announce the name of their counties during the kickoff event for Love Kansas on Monday, July 1, at the Flint Hills Discover Center in Manhattan, Kan. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719876926456.jpeg" alt="Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School cheer squad. Front Row from left to right: Felis DeLaCruz, Breckyn Rush, Nell Goss, Brooklyn Legette, Abigail Taylor, Danica Hicks, Stacie Schmidt, Hadleigh Hicks, Leah Howard. Photo Courtesy Brittany Kasper" />
 <figcaption>Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School cheer squad. Front Row from left to right: Felis DeLaCruz, Breckyn Rush, Nell Goss, Brooklyn Legette, Abigail Taylor, Danica Hicks, Stacie Schmidt, Hadleigh Hicks, Leah Howard. Photo Courtesy Brittany Kasper</figcaption>
 </figure>During the launch event, Toland announced that the first 50 communities to partner with Love Kansas will be eligible for a $5,000 grant to assist in their efforts to attract new residents to their community. Nineteen pilot communities and seven universities already joined the initiative and are planning events that align with the campaign's theme. LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/67ca4f22-e961-4739-a30d-6e6ecf5bbaa2">🎙King in the Community — Kansas Lt. Gov./Secretary of Commerce, David Toland</a>Salina Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Renee Duxler, Salina Downtown Inc. Executive Director Leslie Bishop, and Salina Community Economic Developement Coorporation Executive Director Mitch Robinson all attended the event. Duxler said the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce is working to create a local, grassroots collaborative in Saline County to bring this initiative to fruition.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719870018091.jpeg" alt="Salina Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Renee Duxler (left) and Salina Downtown Inc., Executive Director Leslie Bishop (center) chat with Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland during the kickoff event for the Love Kansas Campaign at the Flint Hills Discover Center on Monday, July 1, in Manhattan, Kan. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Renee Duxler (left) and Salina Downtown Inc., Executive Director Leslie Bishop (center) chat with Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland during the kickoff event for the Love Kansas Campaign at the Flint Hills Discover Center on Monday, July 1, in Manhattan, Kan. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"We're working on creating a collaborative among all of our community and organizations that includes Salina Downtown, Salina Community Economic Developement Organization, the City of Salina, Saline County," Duxler said. "We're all selling the same asset. We're going to have this collaborative marketing, that we will all be able to utilize."Duxler said the $5,000 grant awarded to Salina from the Love Kansas program will be used to create marketing and outreach campaigns to target Salina's own boomerangs."It's easier, as the lieutenant governor said, than casting this wide net on everybody in the United States," Duxler said. "The people that we know are familiar with us [Kansas] and might want to come back to raise a family or be with their family."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719865031911.jpeg" alt="Mascots from the pilot schools for Love Kansas dance outside the Flint Hills Discover Center with the Topeka High School Drumline on Monday, July 1, at the Flint Hills Discover Center in Manhattan, Kan. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Mascots from the pilot schools for Love Kansas dance outside the Flint Hills Discover Center with the Topeka High School Drumline on Monday, July 1, at the Flint Hills Discover Center in Manhattan, Kan. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Influencer and journalist engagement and targeted in-person events both within and outside of Kansas play a crucial role in reaching potential boomerangs.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_aXdU0YTfDU?si=rZVpvB-X25wmYbWK" 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" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Bishop, who is a boomerang resident herself, said she was encouraged and motivated by the enthusiasm and energy at the kick off event."It's incredible. I feel like Kansas is finally getting the recognition it deserves to be a great state to live in, work, play, raise your family," Bishop said. "I'm a boomerang resident, and I left and was never going to come back and here I am today. All of us who live here in Kansas, wherever you are, know how wonderful this state really is. We are not a flyover state anymore."After graduating from Salina Central High School in 1982, Bishop moved to Park City, Utah, and was in the hotel business there for six years and lived in a ski resort town."Then I came back because my mom opened up a local business and my dad, had a local real estate office, "Bishop said. "It was great to be back and we raised our son here. There's a lot to do in Salina. We have a great community, there's work to be done. But together, we can do it."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719865154626.jpeg" alt="Kansas Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland inserts the first letter to a boomerang resident to kick off the Love Kansas campaign on Monday, July 1, at the Flint Hills Discover Center in Manhattan, Kan. Attendees were invited to send a letter, text or call a family member or friend and ask them to consider moving back to Kansas.&nbsp;Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland inserts the first letter to a boomerang resident to kick off the Love Kansas campaign on Monday, July 1, at the Flint Hills Discover Center in Manhattan, Kan. Attendees were invited to send a letter, text or call a family member or friend and ask them to consider moving back to Kansas.&nbsp;Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure> A primary goal for the campaign is for communities across the state to do direct outreach to past residents they have a personal connection with, inviting them to return home."The collaboration already on display between so many partners underscores the enthusiasm for this campaign," Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. "There are so many amazing things happening in Kansas right now; Love, Kansas gives us the chance to let people throughout the country know about them."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719866665325.jpeg" alt="Kansas State University mascot Willie the Wildcat encourages the crowd to yell, "K-S-U!" during the kickoff event for the Love Kansas campaign on Monday, July 1, at the Flint Hills Discover Center in Manhattan, Kan. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State University mascot Willie the Wildcat encourages the crowd to yell, "K-S-U!" during the kickoff event for the Love Kansas campaign on Monday, July 1, at the Flint Hills Discover Center in Manhattan, Kan. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>In his closing remarks at the announcement, Toland asked all Kansans to call up a friend or family member and make the pitch for them to return to the state they once called home.&nbsp;"The most important thing for you to say might just be, 'Hey, there's good things happening in town and we miss you,'" Toland said. "We want you to come home. We want you to love Kansas. That's what's most important. Make that call. Send that text. Get out there and together we're gonna change Kansas."

Love Kansas campaign aims to draw past residents back to the Sunflower State

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a heat advisory effective from noon to 8 p.m. CDT on Friday, June 28, 2024. The advisory includes numerous counties and cities across central, south-central, and southeast Kansas.

Residents in the following areas should prepare for extreme heat conditions: Russell, Lincoln, Barton, Ellsworth, Saline, Rice, McPherson, Marion, Chase, Reno, Harvey, Butler, Greenwood, Woodson, Allen, Kingman, Sedgwick, Harper, Sumner, Cowley, Elk, Wilson, Neosho, Chautauqua, Montgomery, and Labette counties. Major cities affected include Wichita, Salina, Hutchinson, McPherson, El Dorado, and Great Bend.

What:&nbsp;Heat index values are expected to reach up to 109 degrees Fahrenheit. The highest heat indices are anticipated in south-central and southeast Kansas When:&nbsp;Friday, June 28, 2024, from noon to 8 PM CDT.. Impacts: High temperatures and humidity levels may lead to heat-related illnesses.

The NWS urges residents to take the following precautions to stay safe during the advisory:

Hydrate: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Stay Indoors: Remain in air-conditioned environments as much as possible. Avoid Sun Exposure: Limit outdoor activities to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Ensure that relatives and neighbors, particularly the elderly and those without air conditioning, are safe and hydrated.

The NWS emphasizes the importance of taking these precautions seriously to prevent heat-related health issues. Stay tuned to Salina Post and check our <a href="https://salinapost.com/category/weather">weather page</a> for updates.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1563272343983.png" alt="nws logo" />
 <figcaption>nws logo</figcaption>
 </figure>NWS-WichitaThe National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a heat advisory effective from noon to 8 p.m. CDT on Friday, June 28, 2024. The advisory includes numerous counties and cities across central, south-central, and southeast Kansas.Residents in the following areas should prepare for extreme heat conditions: Russell, Lincoln, Barton, Ellsworth, Saline, Rice, McPherson, Marion, Chase, Reno, Harvey, Butler, Greenwood, Woodson, Allen, Kingman, Sedgwick, Harper, Sumner, Cowley, Elk, Wilson, Neosho, Chautauqua, Montgomery, and Labette counties. Major cities affected include Wichita, Salina, Hutchinson, McPherson, El Dorado, and Great Bend.<h2>Advisory Details:</h2>What:&nbsp;Heat index values are expected to reach up to 109 degrees Fahrenheit. The highest heat indices are anticipated in south-central and southeast Kansas When:&nbsp;Friday, June 28, 2024, from noon to 8 PM CDT.. Impacts: High temperatures and humidity levels may lead to heat-related illnesses.<h2>Precautionary Measures:</h2>The NWS urges residents to take the following precautions to stay safe during the advisory:Hydrate: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Stay Indoors: Remain in air-conditioned environments as much as possible. Avoid Sun Exposure: Limit outdoor activities to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Ensure that relatives and neighbors, particularly the elderly and those without air conditioning, are safe and hydrated.The NWS emphasizes the importance of taking these precautions seriously to prevent heat-related health issues. Stay tuned to Salina Post and check our <a href="https://salinapost.com/category/weather">weather page</a> for updates.&nbsp;

NWS-Wichita issues heat advisory from noon to 8 p.m. today

TOPEKA, Kan. – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.9% in May. This is an increase from 2.8% in April and an increase from 2.6% in May 2023, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Labor.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 100 from April.

The unemployment rate in Saline County is up from 2.3 percent in April to 2.8 percent. The rate in Ellsworth and Dickinson Counties is also up.

Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 300 over the month, while government increased by 400.

“Preliminary estimates for May indicate little change over the month,” said labor economist, Emilie Doerksen. “Total nonfarm job estimates increased by 100, the unemployment rate edged up to 2.9%, and the labor force participation rate held steady at 66.1%.”

Since May 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 24,000. This change is due to an increase of 18,700 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,300 government jobs.

<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/vosnet/gsipub/documentView.aspx?enc=O+qpCkhjA+v3dzYVbAEMjQ==">Click here for the</a>&nbsp;complete Kansas labor market information for May.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718981035315.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.9% in May. This is an increase from 2.8% in April and an increase from 2.6% in May 2023, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Labor.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 100 from April.The unemployment rate in Saline County is up from 2.3 percent in April to 2.8 percent. The rate in Ellsworth and Dickinson Counties is also up.Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 300 over the month, while government increased by 400.“Preliminary estimates for May indicate little change over the month,” said labor economist, Emilie Doerksen. “Total nonfarm job estimates increased by 100, the unemployment rate edged up to 2.9%, and the labor force participation rate held steady at 66.1%.”Since May 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 24,000. This change is due to an increase of 18,700 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,300 government jobs.<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/vosnet/gsipub/documentView.aspx?enc=O+qpCkhjA+v3dzYVbAEMjQ==">Click here for the</a>&nbsp;complete Kansas labor market information for May.

Jobless rate up in Saline County and across the region

Richard "Dick" L. Janssen September 26, 1940 ~ June 12, 2024

Richard “Dick” Janssen, 83, passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at his home near Ellsworth, KS. He was born September 26, 1940 in Ellsworth to Herschel “Pete” Janssen and Marian (Craig) Janssen. Dick was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth County. He earned his B.S. in Animal Science and Industry Zoology from Kansas State University in 1964. While attending college, he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and Block and Bridle. He married Shelly Keener at the Ellsworth First Presbyterian Church on November 27, 1974. Dick was a member of Ellsworth First Presbyterian Church where he served many years as a deacon, elder, and Sunday school teacher. In his professional life, Dick was the owner and operator of Green Garden Angus Farm, a family farm established in 1932. He also served as president of the American Angus Association.

Dick is survived by his wife Shelly Janssen; daughter, Stacey Janssen and her children, Charles, Ellyn, and Andrew Gunya; daughter, Jacque Mingle (Steve) and her children, Atom and Dinah Mingle; daughter, Patricia Pratt and her children Henry and Stella Pratt; son, Ben Janssen (Anisha) and his children, Elliott and Sophie Janssen; daughter, Elizabeth Perkins (Dustin) and her children, Cassandra and William Duncan and Annabelle and Jane Perkins; and sisters, Arva Jo Walker and Joyce Janssen. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Arlo Janssen; sister Rachel Janssen; nieces, Shaunna Fox and Stephanie Brownlee; infant niece Tamra Boeken; brothers-in-law, Duane Walker and Donald Walker; and son-in-law Jeff Pratt.

Visitation: 6-8 p.m., Sunday, June 23, 2024 at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth. Family will be present to greet visitors.

Celebration of life: 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 24, 2024 at Ellsworth First Presbyterian Church followed by a reception at the church. A private family burial will take place at Kanopolis Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Ellsworth First Presbyterian Church or the Ellsworth County Food Bank, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.

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/2024/6/1718809404010.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Richard "Dick" L. Janssen September 26, 1940 ~ June 12, 2024Richard “Dick” Janssen, 83, passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at his home near Ellsworth, KS. He was born September 26, 1940 in Ellsworth to Herschel “Pete” Janssen and Marian (Craig) Janssen. Dick was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth County. He earned his B.S. in Animal Science and Industry Zoology from Kansas State University in 1964. While attending college, he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and Block and Bridle. He married Shelly Keener at the Ellsworth First Presbyterian Church on November 27, 1974. Dick was a member of Ellsworth First Presbyterian Church where he served many years as a deacon, elder, and Sunday school teacher. In his professional life, Dick was the owner and operator of Green Garden Angus Farm, a family farm established in 1932. He also served as president of the American Angus Association.Dick is survived by his wife Shelly Janssen; daughter, Stacey Janssen and her children, Charles, Ellyn, and Andrew Gunya; daughter, Jacque Mingle (Steve) and her children, Atom and Dinah Mingle; daughter, Patricia Pratt and her children Henry and Stella Pratt; son, Ben Janssen (Anisha) and his children, Elliott and Sophie Janssen; daughter, Elizabeth Perkins (Dustin) and her children, Cassandra and William Duncan and Annabelle and Jane Perkins; and sisters, Arva Jo Walker and Joyce Janssen. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Arlo Janssen; sister Rachel Janssen; nieces, Shaunna Fox and Stephanie Brownlee; infant niece Tamra Boeken; brothers-in-law, Duane Walker and Donald Walker; and son-in-law Jeff Pratt.Visitation: 6-8 p.m., Sunday, June 23, 2024 at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth. Family will be present to greet visitors.Celebration of life: 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 24, 2024 at Ellsworth First Presbyterian Church followed by a reception at the church. A private family burial will take place at Kanopolis Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Ellsworth First Presbyterian Church or the Ellsworth County Food Bank, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/895f950d-3e88-4389-82a0-2b0f657953a0">Salina Juneteenth celebrations this week</a>

Richard "Dick" L. Janssen

Jean Marie Boeken July 28, 1947 ~ June 3, 2024

Jean Marie “Jeanie” Boeken, 76, passed away peacefully Monday, June 3, 2024, in Wilson, Kansas. She was born July 28, 1947, in Ellsworth, Kansas to Dallas and Margaret Mary (Burrows) Boeken, both lifetime residents of Holyrood, Kansas.&nbsp;

Jeanie graduated from Holyrood High School, class of 1965. She attended college at Mary Mount University in Salina, Kansas and later went to cosmetology school in Texas and became a licensed cosmetologist.&nbsp;

Jeanie was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord and spoke of Him to anyone who would listen. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, visiting and playing card games, dice and dominoes. Jeanie also loved to take country cruises on the county blacktops, this was one of her favorite pastimes.

Jeanie is survived by her two daughters, Ramona Blakley (Fredrick) of Granbury, Texas and Crystal Podlena of Kanopolis, Kansas; her brother, Dallas E. Boeken II (Karen) of Great Bend, Kansas; three grandchildren, Donald Peterman, Jacque Peterman, and James Behnke; and two great grandchildren, Hazel and William Peterman. She is preceded in death by both her parents and her brothers, Clark and Rocky Boeken.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 19, 2024, from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Parsons Funeral Home in Ellsworth. Family will be present 6:00-8:00 p.m. to greet visitors.

Graveside Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery. Reception at the Ellsworth Library following graveside services.&nbsp;

Memorial contributions can be made to the family, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718809331843.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jean Marie Boeken July 28, 1947 ~ June 3, 2024Jean Marie “Jeanie” Boeken, 76, passed away peacefully Monday, June 3, 2024, in Wilson, Kansas. She was born July 28, 1947, in Ellsworth, Kansas to Dallas and Margaret Mary (Burrows) Boeken, both lifetime residents of Holyrood, Kansas.&nbsp;Jeanie graduated from Holyrood High School, class of 1965. She attended college at Mary Mount University in Salina, Kansas and later went to cosmetology school in Texas and became a licensed cosmetologist.&nbsp;Jeanie was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord and spoke of Him to anyone who would listen. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, visiting and playing card games, dice and dominoes. Jeanie also loved to take country cruises on the county blacktops, this was one of her favorite pastimes.Jeanie is survived by her two daughters, Ramona Blakley (Fredrick) of Granbury, Texas and Crystal Podlena of Kanopolis, Kansas; her brother, Dallas E. Boeken II (Karen) of Great Bend, Kansas; three grandchildren, Donald Peterman, Jacque Peterman, and James Behnke; and two great grandchildren, Hazel and William Peterman. She is preceded in death by both her parents and her brothers, Clark and Rocky Boeken.Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 19, 2024, from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Parsons Funeral Home in Ellsworth. Family will be present 6:00-8:00 p.m. to greet visitors.Graveside Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery. Reception at the Ellsworth Library following graveside services.&nbsp;Memorial contributions can be made to the family, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/895f950d-3e88-4389-82a0-2b0f657953a0">Salina Juneteenth celebrations this week</a>

Jean M. Boeken

Last updated at 9:00 p.m.&nbsp; By SALINA POST

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northeastern McPherson County and Saline County in central Kansas. The warning is in effect until 9:30 PM CDT.

At 8:55 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were detected along a line extending from near Culver to near Smolan to Lindsborg, moving east at 35 mph. The primary hazards associated with these storms include 60 mph wind gusts. The storms have been confirmed by radar.

Residents should expect potential damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Areas expected to be impacted include Salina, Lindsborg, Assaria, Gypsum, Smolan, New Cambria, Bridgeport, Salina Airport, Roxbury, and Kipp.

The National Weather Service advises all residents in the affected areas to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building for protection.

Stay tuned for further updates and take necessary precautions to stay safe.

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Severe thunderstorm warning for Northwestern McPherson County in central Kansas, Southeastern Lincoln County in central Kansas, Eastern Ellsworth County in central Kansas and Saline County in central Kansas until 9:00 p.m.

At 8:15 p.m. CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 9 miles southwest of Lincoln to near Kanopolis to near Lorraine, moving east at 40 mph.

Hazard60 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.

ImpactExpect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

Salina, Lindsborg, Kanopolis, Marquette, Assaria, Brookville,

Smolan, Falun, Glendale, Westfall, Salina Airport, Bridgeport,

Kanopolis Lake, and Kanopolis State Park.

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

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 10:00 p.m. for the following Kansas counties: Barber, Barton, Clark, Comanche, Edwards, Ellis, Ellsworth, Finney, Ford, Grant, Gray, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kiowa, Lane, Lincoln, McPherson, Meade, Morton, Ness, Pawnee, Pratt, Reno, Rice, Rush, Russell, Saline, Seward, Stafford, Stevens, Trego.

A cold front over north central Kansas plans to track slowly southeast this evening, bringing storms late this afternoon to most of the state.

U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita) forecasters predict storms to begin between 4 and 11 p.m. today. The severe conditions may produce quarter-sized hail, downburst winds of 65 mph and heavy rain that may cause localized flooding.

As severe weather reaches the area, Salina Post will continue to provide updates as storms appear. Check back later for further weather updates.

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/2023/6/1687443913856.png" alt="NWS LOGO" />
 <figcaption>NWS LOGO</figcaption>
 </figure>Last updated at 9:00 p.m.&nbsp; By SALINA POSTThe National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northeastern McPherson County and Saline County in central Kansas. The warning is in effect until 9:30 PM CDT.At 8:55 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were detected along a line extending from near Culver to near Smolan to Lindsborg, moving east at 35 mph. The primary hazards associated with these storms include 60 mph wind gusts. The storms have been confirmed by radar.Residents should expect potential damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Areas expected to be impacted include Salina, Lindsborg, Assaria, Gypsum, Smolan, New Cambria, Bridgeport, Salina Airport, Roxbury, and Kipp.The National Weather Service advises all residents in the affected areas to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building for protection.Stay tuned for further updates and take necessary precautions to stay safe.The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Severe thunderstorm warning for Northwestern McPherson County in central Kansas, Southeastern Lincoln County in central Kansas, Eastern Ellsworth County in central Kansas and Saline County in central Kansas until 9:00 p.m.At 8:15 p.m. CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 9 miles southwest of Lincoln to near Kanopolis to near Lorraine, moving east at 40 mph.Hazard60 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.SourceRadar indicated.ImpactExpect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.	•	Locations impacted include:Salina, Lindsborg, Kanopolis, Marquette, Assaria, Brookville,Smolan, Falun, Glendale, Westfall, Salina Airport, Bridgeport,Kanopolis Lake, and Kanopolis State Park.Precautionary/preparedness actions:For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a house or building.A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 10:00 p.m. for the following Kansas counties: Barber, Barton, Clark, Comanche, Edwards, Ellis, Ellsworth, Finney, Ford, Grant, Gray, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kiowa, Lane, Lincoln, McPherson, Meade, Morton, Ness, Pawnee, Pratt, Reno, Rice, Rush, Russell, Saline, Seward, Stafford, Stevens, Trego.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718726044902.jpeg" alt="A graphic of where storms may occur today, Tuesday, June 18, and overnight. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)" />
 <figcaption>A graphic of where storms may occur today, Tuesday, June 18, and overnight. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)</figcaption>
 </figure>A cold front over north central Kansas plans to track slowly southeast this evening, bringing storms late this afternoon to most of the state.U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita) forecasters predict storms to begin between 4 and 11 p.m. today. The severe conditions may produce quarter-sized hail, downburst winds of 65 mph and heavy rain that may cause localized flooding.As severe weather reaches the area, Salina Post will continue to provide updates as storms appear. Check back later for further weather updates.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/084399fd-492f-4212-95b9-e21a2219c1e6">Saline County SO responds to house fire near Hedville</a>

UPDATED: Severe Weather Updates June 18

ELLSWORTH COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Monday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Subaru Outback driven by Timothy C.&nbsp;Hindman, 54, Edwards, Colorado, was eastbound on Interstate 70 seven miles east of Wilson.

The SUV rear-ended a 2008 Chevy Express van driven by Omar&nbsp;barra-Barrientos, 32, Fort Worth, Texas, who was slowing down due to reduced visibility caused by blowing dust.

EMS transported a passenger on the van identified as Alberto&nbsp;Gonzalez, 29, Wichita, to the Ellsworth County Medical Center. The drivers and two other passengers on the van were not injured. One passenger on the van Omar&nbsp;Hernandez-Gine, 40, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

ELLSWORTH COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Monday in Ellsworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Subaru Outback driven by Timothy C.&nbsp;Hindman, 54, Edwards, Colorado, was eastbound on Interstate 70 seven miles east of Wilson.The SUV rear-ended a 2008 Chevy Express van driven by Omar&nbsp;barra-Barrientos, 32, Fort Worth, Texas, who was slowing down due to reduced visibility caused by blowing dust.EMS transported a passenger on the van identified as Alberto&nbsp;Gonzalez, 29, Wichita, to the Ellsworth County Medical Center. The drivers and two other passengers on the van were not injured. One passenger on the van Omar&nbsp;Hernandez-Gine, 40, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

One hospitalized after SUV rear-ends van in blowing dust

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Wind Advisory from noon to 9 p.m. Monday.&nbsp;

South winds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts up to 45 mph are expected in Barton, Ellsworth, Lincoln, McPherson, Rice, Russell, Saline, Harvey, and Reno Counties.

Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718637944479.jpeg" alt="WindAdvisory2" />
 <figcaption>WindAdvisory2</figcaption>
 </figure>NWS-WichitaThe National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Wind Advisory from noon to 9 p.m. Monday.&nbsp;South winds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts up to 45 mph are expected in Barton, Ellsworth, Lincoln, McPherson, Rice, Russell, Saline, Harvey, and Reno Counties.Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

NWS issues wind advisory for our area

Last updated June 13, at 6:11 p.m.&nbsp;

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Southeastern Lincoln County in central Kansas, Northeastern Ellsworth County in central Kansas, Northwestern Saline County in central Kansas until 6:45 p.m. CDT. 

At 5:50 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Beverly, or
 10 miles east of Lincoln, moving southeast at 20 mph.
 HAZARD 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail SOURCE Radar indicated IMPACT Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
 to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include Beverly, Glendale, and Westfall.&nbsp;

NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK

At 4:40 p.m. on June 13 the National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm watch #410 in effect until 11:00 p.m.&nbsp;

BARBER BARTON BUTLER CHASE CLARK CLAY CLOUD COMANCHE DICKINSON DOUGLAS EDWARDS ELLIS ELLSWORTH FINNEY &nbsp;FORD GEARY GOVE GRANT GRAY GREELEY HARVEY HASKELL HODGEMAN KEARNY KINGMAN KIOWA LANE LINCOLN LOGAN LYON MARION MARSHALL MCPHERSON MEADE MORRIS NESS OSAGE OTTAWA PAWNEE POTTAWATOMIE PRATT RENO RICE RILEY RUSH RUSSELL SALINE SCOTT SEDGWICK SEWARD SHAWNEE STAFFORD STEVENS TREGO WABAUNSEE WALLACE &nbsp;WICHITA

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705856741613.jpeg" alt="nws logo" />
 <figcaption>nws logo</figcaption>
 </figure>Last updated June 13, at 6:11 p.m.&nbsp;By SALINA POST The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Southeastern Lincoln County in central Kansas, Northeastern Ellsworth County in central Kansas, Northwestern Saline County in central Kansas until 6:45 p.m. CDT. At 5:50 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Beverly, or
 10 miles east of Lincoln, moving southeast at 20 mph.
 HAZARD 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail SOURCE Radar indicated IMPACT Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
 to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include Beverly, Glendale, and Westfall.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718315874901.jpeg" alt="NWS Wichita" />
 <figcaption>NWS Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OKAt 4:40 p.m. on June 13 the National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm watch #410 in effect until 11:00 p.m.&nbsp;Kansas Counties included are:BARBER BARTON BUTLER CHASE CLARK CLAY CLOUD COMANCHE DICKINSON DOUGLAS EDWARDS ELLIS ELLSWORTH FINNEY &nbsp;FORD GEARY GOVE GRANT GRAY GREELEY HARVEY HASKELL HODGEMAN KEARNY KINGMAN KIOWA LANE LINCOLN LOGAN LYON MARION MARSHALL MCPHERSON MEADE MORRIS NESS OSAGE OTTAWA PAWNEE POTTAWATOMIE PRATT RENO RICE RILEY RUSH RUSSELL SALINE SCOTT SEDGWICK SEWARD SHAWNEE STAFFORD STEVENS TREGO WABAUNSEE WALLACE &nbsp;WICHITA

UPDATED: June 13 weather updates 

Powerful supercell thunderstorms erupted along a cold front across Central Kansas during the early evening hours of Wednesday, June 11 2008. 

These storms quickly became severe as they tracked east producing several tornadoes along with extremely large hail. Tornadoes with damage were first reported across the Northeast portion of Barton County, around 8 miles north-northwest of Claflin around 6:40 p.m.

 Initial reports are that there was roof damage along with damage to rural homes and outbuildings. This same storm tracked through Ellsworth County causing damage to trees and power poles. A few hours later another intense thunderstorm developed and tracked through Saline County around 9:40 p.m. producing a tornado. This tornado moved east-northeast with a path length of about 14 miles and a maximum intensity of EF-3.

The tornado first touched down just west of I-135 and just south of the Salina Airport. 

It then traveled  along the southeast outskirts of Salina where it damaged several homes, outbuildings, trees and power lines. EF-3 damage was noted near the intersection of East Shilling Road and South Holmes Road.

The tornado continued east of Salina with some EF-2 damage near East Crawford Street and South Whitmore Road. The tornado continued northeast before crossing into Dickinson County, just south of Solomon. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries.

Along with tornadoes, these powerful storms also produced extremely large  hail, some to the size of softballs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718121939044.jpeg" alt="Tornado about 2-3 miles southeast of Wilson, Ellsworth County, at around 7 p.m. on June 11, 2008. Picture courtesy of Henry Diehl.	" />
 <figcaption>Tornado about 2-3 miles southeast of Wilson, Ellsworth County, at around 7 p.m. on June 11, 2008. Picture courtesy of Henry Diehl.	</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718121687426.jpeg" alt="Map of tornado touchdowns across Barton County on June 11, 2008. Photos/Images Courtesy NWS-Wichita" />
 <figcaption>Map of tornado touchdowns across Barton County on June 11, 2008. Photos/Images Courtesy NWS-Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>NWS-WichitaPowerful supercell thunderstorms erupted along a cold front across Central Kansas during the early evening hours of Wednesday, June 11 2008. These storms quickly became severe as they tracked east producing several tornadoes along with extremely large hail. Tornadoes with damage were first reported across the Northeast portion of Barton County, around 8 miles north-northwest of Claflin around 6:40 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718121753462.png" alt="Radar image of the storm as it affected Northeast Barton County.	" />
 <figcaption>Radar image of the storm as it affected Northeast Barton County.	</figcaption>
 </figure> Initial reports are that there was roof damage along with damage to rural homes and outbuildings. This same storm tracked through Ellsworth County causing damage to trees and power poles. A few hours later another intense thunderstorm developed and tracked through Saline County around 9:40 p.m. producing a tornado. This tornado moved east-northeast with a path length of about 14 miles and a maximum intensity of EF-3.The tornado first touched down just west of I-135 and just south of the Salina Airport. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718121791261.jpeg" alt="Map showing the tornado path through Saline County." />
 <figcaption>Map showing the tornado path through Saline County.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718121850696.jpeg" alt="Damage to a machine shed 5 miles east of Salina." />
 <figcaption>Damage to a machine shed 5 miles east of Salina.</figcaption>
 </figure>It then traveled along the southeast outskirts of Salina where it damaged several homes, outbuildings, trees and power lines. EF-3 damage was noted near the intersection of East Shilling Road and South Holmes Road.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718121894876.jpeg" alt="Tornado damage near the intersection of East Shilling Road and South Holmes Road. 	" />
 <figcaption>Tornado damage near the intersection of East Shilling Road and South Holmes Road. 	</figcaption>
 </figure>The tornado continued east of Salina with some EF-2 damage near East Crawford Street and South Whitmore Road. The tornado continued northeast before crossing into Dickinson County, just south of Solomon. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries.Along with tornadoes, these powerful storms also produced extremely large hail, some to the size of softballs.

Today in weather history — June 11, 2008 central Kansas tornadoes

Storms continue tracking across western Kansas tonight, with possible wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph and quarter-sized hail, according to the U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita).

Stay updated with the latest watches and warnings by visiting the <a target="_blank" href="https://salinapost.com/pages/severe-weather">Salina Post Severe Weather page.&nbsp;</a>

NWS Wichita meteorologists recommend keeping two or more communication devices, such as a smartphone, radio, television or other device, to stay updated on the most recent severe weather information.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/09dc28b7-e3f5-48b7-a7ce-b6180532097a">Storm Fury on the Plains presents critical storm safety information</a>

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Kansas until 3 a.m. CDT.

U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita) meteorologists have narrowed down further details of tonight's system, with chances for severe weather&nbsp;

Numerous north-central Kansas communities received almost an inch of rain from yesterday's late-night system, and tonight, some residents could see another round of severe weather.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center (NOAA SPC), forecasters predict storms to form in western Kansas and march across the state, bringing along strong 75-85 mph west of central Kansas.

Once storms reach counties like Ellsworth, Saline, Ottawa, McPherson and neighboring communities, SPC forecasters predict a lower chance of severe winds.

Storms will likely reach the Salina area late this evening, with thunderstorm chances rising near town around midnight to 4 a.m.

<a href="https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html">Complete NOAA SPC Forecast for Kansas</a>

Large to very large hail will be a risk with this more discrete convection. But, upscale growth into an intense bowing cluster appears likely across parts of far eastern CO into western/central KS by late afternoon/early evening as a low-level jet gradually strengthens.

Numerous severe wind gusts, some potentially significant (up to 75-85 mph), should occur with this bow through at least late evening as it moves quickly eastward over KS.

Latest guidance continues to show the greatest large hail and severe wind threat in/near the Enhanced Risk, so only small expansions have been made to the greater wind probabilities in southwest/central KS with this update.

<a href="https://salinapost.com/pages/recent-precipitation">Recent Precipitation</a>

LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e5c8aeaf-d181-4198-ac4e-dd23ca350811">🎙King in the Community — Salina Police Chief, C.J. Wise</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717907180865.jpeg" alt="Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)" />
 <figcaption>Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTStorms continue tracking across western Kansas tonight, with possible wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph and quarter-sized hail, according to the U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita).Stay updated with the latest watches and warnings by visiting the <a target="_blank" href="https://salinapost.com/pages/severe-weather">Salina Post Severe Weather page.&nbsp;</a>NWS Wichita meteorologists recommend keeping two or more communication devices, such as a smartphone, radio, television or other device, to stay updated on the most recent severe weather information.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/09dc28b7-e3f5-48b7-a7ce-b6180532097a">Storm Fury on the Plains presents critical storm safety information</a>By SALINA POST<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717903845820.jpeg" alt="Thunderstorm watch until 3 a.m. Sunday June 9. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)" />
 <figcaption>Thunderstorm watch until 3 a.m. Sunday June 9. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)</figcaption>
 </figure>A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Kansas until 3 a.m. CDT.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717881282965.jpeg" alt="Storms are expected to move in from the west tonight and start affecting west-central Kansas generally after 10 pm and southeast Kansas generally after 2 a.m. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)" />
 <figcaption>Storms are expected to move in from the west tonight and start affecting west-central Kansas generally after 10 pm and southeast Kansas generally after 2 a.m. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)</figcaption>
 </figure>Updated 06/08/2024 4:20 p.m.By SALINA POSTU.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita) meteorologists have narrowed down further details of tonight's system, with chances for severe weather&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717881624769.jpeg" alt="Storms will move-in from the west late tonight. Strong to severe storms are likely, with the main threats 60 to 80 mph straight-line winds along with heavy rain and potential flooding. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)" />
 <figcaption>Storms will move-in from the west late tonight. Strong to severe storms are likely, with the main threats 60 to 80 mph straight-line winds along with heavy rain and potential flooding. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717874908321.jpeg" alt="Scattered to numerous thunderstorms will increase from the west this evening. Strong to severe storms are likely, with the greatest severe weather threat generally west of the Flint Hills before 1 a.m. Thunderstorm chances this evening through tonight, Saturday, June 8. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)" />
 <figcaption>Scattered to numerous thunderstorms will increase from the west this evening. Strong to severe storms are likely, with the greatest severe weather threat generally west of the Flint Hills before 1 a.m. Thunderstorm chances this evening through tonight, Saturday, June 8. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTNumerous north-central Kansas communities received almost an inch of rain from yesterday's late-night system, and tonight, some residents could see another round of severe weather.According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center (NOAA SPC), forecasters predict storms to form in western Kansas and march across the state, bringing along strong 75-85 mph west of central Kansas.Once storms reach counties like Ellsworth, Saline, Ottawa, McPherson and neighboring communities, SPC forecasters predict a lower chance of severe winds.Storms will likely reach the Salina area late this evening, with thunderstorm chances rising near town around midnight to 4 a.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717878327423.png" alt="National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center (NOAA SPC) Categorical Outlook on Saturday, June 8. Graphic courtesy NOAA SPC" />
 <figcaption>National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center (NOAA SPC) Categorical Outlook on Saturday, June 8. Graphic courtesy NOAA SPC</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html">Complete NOAA SPC Forecast for Kansas</a>Excerpt from the forecastLarge to very large hail will be a risk with this more discrete convection. But, upscale growth into an intense bowing cluster appears likely across parts of far eastern CO into western/central KS by late afternoon/early evening as a low-level jet gradually strengthens. Numerous severe wind gusts, some potentially significant (up to 75-85 mph), should occur with this bow through at least late evening as it moves quickly eastward over KS. Latest guidance continues to show the greatest large hail and severe wind threat in/near the Enhanced Risk, so only small expansions have been made to the greater wind probabilities in southwest/central KS with this update.<a href="https://salinapost.com/pages/recent-precipitation">Recent Precipitation</a>LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e5c8aeaf-d181-4198-ac4e-dd23ca350811">🎙King in the Community — Salina Police Chief, C.J. Wise</a>

UPDATED: Thunderstorms with possible 60-80 mph developing in central Kansas

A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect until 1115 PM CDT for Lincoln, Ellsworth and northeastern Barton counties.

At 10:06 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 6 miles north of Ellsworth, moving east at 55 mph.

Hazard 70 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.

Impact Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

Locations impacted include Ellsworth, Wilson, Claflin, Kanopolis, Lincoln, Holyrood, Sylvan Grove, Beverly, Lorraine, Barnard, Ash Grove, Westfall, Ellsworth Airport, Kanopolis Lake, Kanopolis State Park, Odin, and Wilson State Park.

Precautionary/Preparedness Actions: For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Southeastern Russell and North Central Barton Counties

At 1003 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Wilson, moving east at 30 mph.

Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

Dorrance, Wilson State Park, and Wilson Lake.

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

At 9:49 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Dorrance, or near Wilson, moving southeast at&nbsp;30 mph. An&nbsp;81 mph&nbsp;gust was observed at Russell Airport.

Hazard80 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail.

ImpactFlying 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 Russell, Lucas, Dorrance, Milberger, Bunker Hill, Susank, Wilson State Park, Wilson Lake, and Russell Airport.

Precautionary/preparedness actionsFor your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

Thunderstorm damage threatDestructive

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska until 11 p.m. CDT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717816213774.jpeg" alt="NWS" />
 <figcaption>NWS</figcaption>
 </figure>A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect until 1115 PM CDT for Lincoln, Ellsworth and northeastern Barton counties.At 10:06 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 6 miles north of Ellsworth, moving east at 55 mph.Hazard 70 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.Source Radar indicated.Impact Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.Locations impacted include Ellsworth, Wilson, Claflin, Kanopolis, Lincoln, Holyrood, Sylvan Grove, Beverly, Lorraine, Barnard, Ash Grove, Westfall, Ellsworth Airport, Kanopolis Lake, Kanopolis State Park, Odin, and Wilson State Park.Precautionary/Preparedness Actions: For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717815354072.jpeg" alt="NWS" />
 <figcaption>NWS</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POST Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Southeastern Russell and North Central Barton CountiesAt 1003 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Wilson, moving east at 30 mph.Heading: Hazard70 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.Heading: SourceRadar indicated.Heading: ImpactHail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.Locations ImpactedDorrance, Wilson State Park, and Wilson Lake.Precautionary/Preparedness ActionsFor your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.At 9:49 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Dorrance, or near Wilson, moving southeast at&nbsp;30 mph. An&nbsp;81 mph&nbsp;gust was observed at Russell Airport.This is a destructive storm!Hazard80 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail.SourceRadar indicated.ImpactFlying 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 Russell, Lucas, Dorrance, Milberger, Bunker Hill, Susank, Wilson State Park, Wilson Lake, and Russell Airport.Precautionary/preparedness actionsFor your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.Thunderstorm damage threatDestructiveHail threatRadar indicatedMax hail size1.00 inWind threatObservedMax wind gust80 mph<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717813633695.jpeg" alt="A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska until 11 PM CDT. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)" />
 <figcaption>A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska until 11 PM CDT. Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)</figcaption>
 </figure>A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska until 11 p.m. CDT.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717813770581.jpeg" alt="Vigilancia de Tormenta Severa ha sido emitida para partes de Iowa, Kansas, Missouri y Nebraska hasta las 11 PM CDT. Gráfico cortesía del Servicio Meteorológico Nacional de Estados Unidos Wichita" />
 <figcaption>Vigilancia de Tormenta Severa ha sido emitida para partes de Iowa, Kansas, Missouri y Nebraska hasta las 11 PM CDT. Gráfico cortesía del Servicio Meteorológico Nacional de Estados Unidos Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>Vigilancia de Tormenta Severa ha sido emitida para partes de Iowa, Kansas, Missouri y Nebraska hasta las 11 p.m. CDT.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717813820413.jpeg" alt="Severe storms have developed across portions of northwest Kansas and are moving southeast this evening.&nbsp;Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)" />
 <figcaption>Severe storms have developed across portions of northwest Kansas and are moving southeast this evening.&nbsp;Graphic courtesy U.S. National Weather Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita)</figcaption>
 </figure>If storm can make it to portions of central Kansas, half-dollar sized hail 60-70 mph wind gusts are possible. Make sure to have multiple ways to receive warnings and weather information tonight.