Join Salina Post News Director Nate King as he interviews Kansas Wesleyan University President and CEO Dr. Matt Thompson. 

Listen in as they discuss the university's record-setting growth in enrollment and the successes in academic programs, athletics and community engagement. Dr. Thompson emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and reflects on the university's resilience following the loss of two faculty members.

The conversation also covers Kansas Wesleyan's rapid growth and commitment to excellence, with exciting new initiatives on the horizon. Additionally, they explore sustainable agriculture and the university's partnerships with local food systems, highlighting efforts to source food within a 30-mile radius.

Tune in to learn about the innovative steps Kansas Wesleyan University is making and their positive impact on the Salina community.

<div><iframe title="KWU President and CEO, Dr. Matt Thompson" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=82q7a-1648e29-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By SALINA POSTJoin Salina Post News Director Nate King as he interviews Kansas Wesleyan University President and CEO Dr. Matt Thompson. Listen in as they discuss the university's record-setting growth in enrollment and the successes in academic programs, athletics and community engagement. Dr. Thompson emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and reflects on the university's resilience following the loss of two faculty members.The conversation also covers Kansas Wesleyan's rapid growth and commitment to excellence, with exciting new initiatives on the horizon. Additionally, they explore sustainable agriculture and the university's partnerships with local food systems, highlighting efforts to source food within a 30-mile radius.Tune in to learn about the innovative steps Kansas Wesleyan University is making and their positive impact on the Salina community.<h2>More from King in the Community Podcast</h2><div><iframe title="King in the Community" allowtransparency="true" height="315" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:315px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=skmut-558a99-pbblog-playlist&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&order=episodic&limit=11&filter=publish_time&publish_start=&publish_end=2024-06-10&ss=e1fb7c3bd0252dc83d5fe95fd66449f7&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎙King in the Community — Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU President/CEO

Kansas weekly drought update and climate report for June 12–18, 2024

By MATTHEW SITTEL Assistant State Climatologist at Kansas State University

The warmest temperatures so far this year were observed during the past week. The average daily temperature across the Kansas Mesonet was above normal on all seven days of the period. The 13th was the hottest day, with the statewide average high temperature reaching 99°, and over half of the Mesonet sites registering highs of at least 100°. The co-operative observer in Hays recorded a high of 110° that afternoon. This stands as not only the week’s but also the year's hottest temperature to date. Notably, this was the earliest 110° reading at Hays on record, occurring 11 days earlier than the previous record set in 2012. A few daily records were set, including Minneapolis at 105° and Beloit at 104°. Lows were mostly in the 60s, with some warmer lows in the 70s. On the 17th, every Mesonet site in the state recorded a low in the 70s, a rare occurrence last seen nearly 18 years ago on July 30, 2006. Back in 2006, there were just 14 Mesonet sites in operation versus the present count of 85 sites.

The 7-day average temperature across Kansas was 80.3°, or 6.0° above normal. All nine climate divisions were above normal, with departures ranging from +4.7° in south-central to +7.9° in both northwest and west-central Kansas. There was an average of 186 growing degree days across the state, based on Kansas Mesonet data, which is 26 above normal. Divisional totals ranged from 178 in northwest to 196 in southeast Kansas, with departures ranging from +18 in south-central to +35 in northwest Kansas. For the growing season to date, which began on April 1st, there has been an average of 1238 growing degree days in Kansas, 115 above the normal total of 1123. Departures for the growing season range from +106 in northwest to +152 in south-central Kansas. There was an average of 53 corn stress degree days during the period across the state. The average since April 1 for the state is 88. Southwest Kansas has the highest average for the growing season to date at 149, while southeast Kansas’ average is the lowest at 33.

The most significant rainfall during the period fell from the 15th into the 16th in northeast Kansas, an area that has seen multiple rounds of heavy rain in the past month. At least one CoCoRaHS observer in seven different counties measured at least two inches of rain: Morris, Geary, Riley, Marshall, Pottawatomie, Nemaha, and Jackson. The highest total for the 24-hour period ending at 7 AM on the 16th was 3.58” in Pottawatomie County southeast of Blaine. Eight additional counties in the northeast quarter of the state had at least one report of over one inch of rain. Far southeastern Kansas was the driest area of the state during the period. All CoCoRaHS observers in Montgomery, Labette, Cherokee, Neosho, Crawford, Allen, and Bourbon Counties recorded no rainfall. Other parts of the state were dry as well, but totals in these areas varied somewhat. There was only a trace of rain in both Goodland and Olathe (Johnson County Industrial), and the official total for Wichita was just 0.01”. Other low totals include Winfield (0.02”), Lawrence (0.03”), Garden City (0.07”), and Emporia (0.10”).

There was one tornado during the period, the first reported in the state this month. The tornado was sighted in Ford County near Ensign. There were 85 reports of severe hail 1” or greater in diameter during the period, with 17 reports of significant hail at least 2” in diameter. The largest hail report was 3.5” in Manhattan (Riley County) on the 13th, causing damage to buildings and vehicles on the Kansas State University campus. There were 65 reports of severe wind gusts 58 mph or higher, with eight reports at or above hurricane force (74 mph). The highest gust was 83 mph, recorded by the Kansas Mesonet tower in Seward County near Satanta on the evening of the 18th.

The statewide average precipitation for the 7-day period was 0.61”, or 62% of the weekly normal amount of 0.98”. The highest divisional total was 2.00” in northeast Kansas, followed by 1.10” in north-central Kansas. These were the only two divisions with above normal precipitation this past week. Southeast Kansas was driest at 0.08”, followed by west-central (0.29”) and northwest (0.35”) Kansas. Since April 1st, the average precipitation across Kansas is 9.01”, or 90% of the normal amount of 10.05”. The three eastern divisions remain above normal, with southeast (+1.98”) and northeast (+1.90”) Kansas the most above normal. Southwest Kansas is the driest division (5.01”), but central Kansas remains the most below normal (-2.77”). Since January 1st, the average statewide precipitation is 12.28”, 89% of normal, or a departure of –1.52”. Four divisions are above normal for the year: the three eastern divisions plus northwest Kansas. West-central Kansas fell to below normal this week (98%, down 5%). Departures for the year to date range from -3.77” in south-central Kansas to +1.45” in southeast Kansas.

The average evapotranspiration for grass across the state, based on Kansas Mesonet data, for the week was 1.90”. This is slightly above the 10-year normal (2014 to 2023) of 1.82” for the 7-day period. Divisional averages ranged from 1.65” in east-central to 2.11” in southwest Kansas. The statewide average 2” soil temperature across the Kansas Mesonet for the period was 78.4°, or 1.2° above normal.

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

In this week’s US Drought Monitor update, there were a few small areas with one-category improvements in parts of southwest, west-central, and north-central Kansas. These improvements resulted in towns such as Johnson City, Leoti, and Clay Center returning to drought-free status. New areas of D0 were introduced in southeast Kansas as well as on the south side of the Kansas City metropolitan area, including Lawrence and Olathe. The statewide Drought Severity and Coverage Index (DSCI) fell 2 points to 97. A total of 45% of the state is now drought-free, an increase of 2% since last week. The percentage of Kansas in D2 or worse drought status is unchanged this week at 9%.

The Weather Prediction Center’s 7-day precipitation forecast, valid for the period June 19th through the 25th, calls for below normal precipitation across most of the state. A stripe of near to slightly above normal precipitation extends from northeast to south-central Kansas, in conjunction with storms in progress at the end of the report period. Temperatures during the period are expected to average slightly above normal. The average daily high and low across Kansas for this period are 88° and 64°. Average 7-day precipitation is 0.69” in western Kansas, 0.93” in central Kansas, and 1.19” in eastern Kansas. The 8 to 14-day outlook, valid for the period June 26th through July 2nd, favors above normal temperatures statewide, with probabilities ranging from 60 to 70% across the state. There are slightly elevated chances of above normal precipitation in southeast Kansas, with near normal precipitation favored across the remainder of the state. Looking even further ahead, the outlook for the 14-day period from June 29th to July 12th suggests above normal temperatures will persist into next month, with near normal precipitation expected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718987181851.png" alt="Current weekly drought status. Graphic courtesy U.S. Drought Monitor" />
 <figcaption>Current weekly drought status. Graphic courtesy U.S. Drought Monitor</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Kansas weekly drought update and climate report for June 12–18, 2024</h2>By MATTHEW SITTEL Assistant State Climatologist at Kansas State UniversityThe warmest temperatures so far this year were observed during the past week. The average daily temperature across the Kansas Mesonet was above normal on all seven days of the period. The 13th was the hottest day, with the statewide average high temperature reaching 99°, and over half of the Mesonet sites registering highs of at least 100°. The co-operative observer in Hays recorded a high of 110° that afternoon. This stands as not only the week’s but also the year's hottest temperature to date. Notably, this was the earliest 110° reading at Hays on record, occurring 11 days earlier than the previous record set in 2012. A few daily records were set, including Minneapolis at 105° and Beloit at 104°. Lows were mostly in the 60s, with some warmer lows in the 70s. On the 17th, every Mesonet site in the state recorded a low in the 70s, a rare occurrence last seen nearly 18 years ago on July 30, 2006. Back in 2006, there were just 14 Mesonet sites in operation versus the present count of 85 sites.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718987063087.png" alt="Temperature, precipitation and wind extremes across Kansas from June 12 to 18. Graphic courtesy Matthew C. Sittel, assistant state climatologist at Kansas State University" />
 <figcaption>Temperature, precipitation and wind extremes across Kansas from June 12 to 18. Graphic courtesy Matthew C. Sittel, assistant state climatologist at Kansas State University</figcaption>
 </figure>The 7-day average temperature across Kansas was 80.3°, or 6.0° above normal. All nine climate divisions were above normal, with departures ranging from +4.7° in south-central to +7.9° in both northwest and west-central Kansas. There was an average of 186 growing degree days across the state, based on Kansas Mesonet data, which is 26 above normal. Divisional totals ranged from 178 in northwest to 196 in southeast Kansas, with departures ranging from +18 in south-central to +35 in northwest Kansas. For the growing season to date, which began on April 1st, there has been an average of 1238 growing degree days in Kansas, 115 above the normal total of 1123. Departures for the growing season range from +106 in northwest to +152 in south-central Kansas. There was an average of 53 corn stress degree days during the period across the state. The average since April 1 for the state is 88. Southwest Kansas has the highest average for the growing season to date at 149, while southeast Kansas’ average is the lowest at 33.The most significant rainfall during the period fell from the 15th into the 16th in northeast Kansas, an area that has seen multiple rounds of heavy rain in the past month. At least one CoCoRaHS observer in seven different counties measured at least two inches of rain: Morris, Geary, Riley, Marshall, Pottawatomie, Nemaha, and Jackson. The highest total for the 24-hour period ending at 7 AM on the 16th was 3.58” in Pottawatomie County southeast of Blaine. Eight additional counties in the northeast quarter of the state had at least one report of over one inch of rain. Far southeastern Kansas was the driest area of the state during the period. All CoCoRaHS observers in Montgomery, Labette, Cherokee, Neosho, Crawford, Allen, and Bourbon Counties recorded no rainfall. Other parts of the state were dry as well, but totals in these areas varied somewhat. There was only a trace of rain in both Goodland and Olathe (Johnson County Industrial), and the official total for Wichita was just 0.01”. Other low totals include Winfield (0.02”), Lawrence (0.03”), Garden City (0.07”), and Emporia (0.10”).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718987446613.png" alt="Total precipitation in inches from June 12 to 18. Graphic courtesy Midwestern Regional Climate Center" />
 <figcaption>Total precipitation in inches from June 12 to 18. Graphic courtesy Midwestern Regional Climate Center</figcaption>
 </figure>There was one tornado during the period, the first reported in the state this month. The tornado was sighted in Ford County near Ensign. There were 85 reports of severe hail 1” or greater in diameter during the period, with 17 reports of significant hail at least 2” in diameter. The largest hail report was 3.5” in Manhattan (Riley County) on the 13th, causing damage to buildings and vehicles on the Kansas State University campus. There were 65 reports of severe wind gusts 58 mph or higher, with eight reports at or above hurricane force (74 mph). The highest gust was 83 mph, recorded by the Kansas Mesonet tower in Seward County near Satanta on the evening of the 18th.The statewide average precipitation for the 7-day period was 0.61”, or 62% of the weekly normal amount of 0.98”. The highest divisional total was 2.00” in northeast Kansas, followed by 1.10” in north-central Kansas. These were the only two divisions with above normal precipitation this past week. Southeast Kansas was driest at 0.08”, followed by west-central (0.29”) and northwest (0.35”) Kansas. Since April 1st, the average precipitation across Kansas is 9.01”, or 90% of the normal amount of 10.05”. The three eastern divisions remain above normal, with southeast (+1.98”) and northeast (+1.90”) Kansas the most above normal. Southwest Kansas is the driest division (5.01”), but central Kansas remains the most below normal (-2.77”). Since January 1st, the average statewide precipitation is 12.28”, 89% of normal, or a departure of –1.52”. Four divisions are above normal for the year: the three eastern divisions plus northwest Kansas. West-central Kansas fell to below normal this week (98%, down 5%). Departures for the year to date range from -3.77” in south-central Kansas to +1.45” in southeast Kansas.The average evapotranspiration for grass across the state, based on Kansas Mesonet data, for the week was 1.90”. This is slightly above the 10-year normal (2014 to 2023) of 1.82” for the 7-day period. Divisional averages ranged from 1.65” in east-central to 2.11” in southwest Kansas. The statewide average 2” soil temperature across the Kansas Mesonet for the period was 78.4°, or 1.2° above normal.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718987262683.png" alt="Change in category over the past week for Kansas. Graphic courtesy U.S. Drought Monitor" />
 <figcaption>Change in category over the past week for Kansas. Graphic courtesy U.S. Drought Monitor</figcaption>
 </figure>LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eae10ec3-c65e-4809-9b6a-33c0ab90fe57">🎙King in the Community — Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU President/CEO</a>In this week’s US Drought Monitor update, there were a few small areas with one-category improvements in parts of southwest, west-central, and north-central Kansas. These improvements resulted in towns such as Johnson City, Leoti, and Clay Center returning to drought-free status. New areas of D0 were introduced in southeast Kansas as well as on the south side of the Kansas City metropolitan area, including Lawrence and Olathe. The statewide Drought Severity and Coverage Index (DSCI) fell 2 points to 97. A total of 45% of the state is now drought-free, an increase of 2% since last week. The percentage of Kansas in D2 or worse drought status is unchanged this week at 9%.The Weather Prediction Center’s 7-day precipitation forecast, valid for the period June 19th through the 25th, calls for below normal precipitation across most of the state. A stripe of near to slightly above normal precipitation extends from northeast to south-central Kansas, in conjunction with storms in progress at the end of the report period. Temperatures during the period are expected to average slightly above normal. The average daily high and low across Kansas for this period are 88° and 64°. Average 7-day precipitation is 0.69” in western Kansas, 0.93” in central Kansas, and 1.19” in eastern Kansas. The 8 to 14-day outlook, valid for the period June 26th through July 2nd, favors above normal temperatures statewide, with probabilities ranging from 60 to 70% across the state. There are slightly elevated chances of above normal precipitation in southeast Kansas, with near normal precipitation favored across the remainder of the state. Looking even further ahead, the outlook for the 14-day period from June 29th to July 12th suggests above normal temperatures will persist into next month, with near normal precipitation expected.

Drought update and climate report — recent rains show some drought improvement

Fungal diseases can affect the year’s tomato harvest, Domenghini says

By PAT&nbsp; MELGARES <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2024/06/horticulture-tomato-fungal-diseases.html">K-State Research and Extension News Service</a>

Anticipating the upcoming tomato harvest, gardeners need to stay on the lookout for a pair of fungi that threaten to rob the bounty, according to Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini.

Warm, humid weather and heavy rainfall — conditions witnessed in many parts of Kansas the past week — favor the development of Septoria leaf spot and early blight, she said.

“Septoria leaf spot appears initially as small, water-soaked spots on the lower leaves,” Domenghini said. “The centers of the spots turn light tan or gray, while the margins remain dark. Dark-colored fungal fruiting structures form in the spots, which are typically smaller and more numerous than early blight spots.”

Early blight symptoms appear as irregular, brown lesions or spots on the leaves up to one-half inch in diameter.

“The dark concentric rings in the lesions give the spots a target-like appearance,” Domenghini said. “This is a distinguishing symptom to identify the disease.”

She added that several lesions can merge together and cause the leaf to yellow, dry up and drop prematurely.

“Leaf drop reduces the plant’s ability to photosynthesize, thus reducing the energy and vigor of the plant,” Domenghini said. “It can also expose fruit to an increased risk of sunscald. Early blight lesions can develop on the stem and fruit, as well.”

Domenghini said that, in Kansas, Septoria leaf spot tends to be more common than early blight. More information on the two diseases is available in a publication available from the K-State Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources titled,&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/common-pest-problems/documents/Early%20Blight%20of%20Tomatoes.pdf">Early Blight and Septoria Leaf Spot</a>.

Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/horticulture-newsletter/">weekly Horticulture Newsletter</a>&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens.

Interested persons can subscribe to the newsletter, as well as send their garden and yard-related questions to Domenghini at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cdom@ksu.edu">cdom@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations/">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.

<div><div>
 <div style="position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;">
 
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n246KVcmZeU?si=I5zlXMU463sxxDxG" 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
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</div></div><h2>Fungal diseases can affect the year’s tomato harvest, Domenghini says</h2>By PAT&nbsp; MELGARES <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2024/06/horticulture-tomato-fungal-diseases.html">K-State Research and Extension News Service</a>Anticipating the upcoming tomato harvest, gardeners need to stay on the lookout for a pair of fungi that threaten to rob the bounty, according to Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini.Warm, humid weather and heavy rainfall — conditions witnessed in many parts of Kansas the past week — favor the development of Septoria leaf spot and early blight, she said.“Septoria leaf spot appears initially as small, water-soaked spots on the lower leaves,” Domenghini said. “The centers of the spots turn light tan or gray, while the margins remain dark. Dark-colored fungal fruiting structures form in the spots, which are typically smaller and more numerous than early blight spots.”Early blight symptoms appear as irregular, brown lesions or spots on the leaves up to one-half inch in diameter.“The dark concentric rings in the lesions give the spots a target-like appearance,” Domenghini said. “This is a distinguishing symptom to identify the disease.”LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eae10ec3-c65e-4809-9b6a-33c0ab90fe57">🎙King in the Community — Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU President/CEO</a>She added that several lesions can merge together and cause the leaf to yellow, dry up and drop prematurely.“Leaf drop reduces the plant’s ability to photosynthesize, thus reducing the energy and vigor of the plant,” Domenghini said. “It can also expose fruit to an increased risk of sunscald. Early blight lesions can develop on the stem and fruit, as well.”Domenghini said that, in Kansas, Septoria leaf spot tends to be more common than early blight. More information on the two diseases is available in a publication available from the K-State Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources titled,&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/common-pest-problems/documents/Early%20Blight%20of%20Tomatoes.pdf">Early Blight and Septoria Leaf Spot</a>.Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/horticulture-newsletter/">weekly Horticulture Newsletter</a>&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens.Interested persons can subscribe to the newsletter, as well as send their garden and yard-related questions to Domenghini at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cdom@ksu.edu">cdom@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations/">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.

K-State expert urges gardeners to be on lookout for Septoria leaf spot, early blight

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina Post

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

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

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

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

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

SPD officers continue investigating the car theft.

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

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

SPD officers investigating truck theft from Money Automotive

Fay Ann Sechtem February 3, 1939 ~ June 18, 2024

Fay Ann Sechtem, age 85, entered into rest on June 18, 2024, at Park Villa Nursing Home in Clyde, Kansas. She was born on February 3, 1939, in Omaha, Nebraska to Ernest and Olga (Hansen) Thomas. Fay was a graduate of Russell High School, Russell, Kansas, Class of 1957. She received her bachelor’s degree in education at Kearney State College in 1972.

Fay married Everett Sechtem, on March 30, 1959, in Russell, Kansas. To this union four children were born, Steve, Weston, Wendy, and Wade. In 1970, the family moved to Kearney, Nebraska, where Fay and Everett started their careers and bought their first home. In this home they raised their family, and Fay remained for 54 years. This home was filled with love and was surrounded by good caring neighbors whom mom adored and cherished. Fay worked as a teacher and then Director at Mid Nebraska Child Development Center until 1979. She worked as a social worker for Social Services until she retired in 1993.

During her work years, she met her best friend, Jill Stump. Fay often talked about how in life you only need one true good friend to help you get through it and Jill was that friend. Their friendship has lasted over 50 years.

She is welcomed to her eternal life by her heavenly family, her husband, Everett, her parents, Ernest and Olga, her brother, Don, and her sons, Steve and Wade, and many more friends and family members.

She is survived by her son, Weston Sechtem, of Independence, MO, daughter Wendy (Bill) Genereux, of Clyde, KS, daughter-in-law CheriLea Sechtem, of Battlefield, MO, and grandchildren, Lacey, Jordan, Heather, Isaac, Emily, Owen, Thomas and 6 great grandchildren.

Her philosophy on life was “Keep It Simple.”

It only takes a few words to describe Fay..... strong, fiercely independent, practical, kind and loyal.

Celebration of Life Graveside Service will be held 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at the Russell City Cemetery, Russell Kansas with Pastor Teresa Sutherlin officiating.

Her beloved grandchildren honor her as Pallbearers: Lacey Cochrane, Jordan Sechtem, Heather Bachman, Isaac Sechtem, Emily Genereux, Owen Sechtem, Thomas Genereux

The family suggests memorials to the Park Villa Nursing Home, 114 S. High St., Clyde, Kansas 66938 in care of Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, PO Box 606, Concordia, KS 66901. For online condolences please visit, www.chaputbuoy.com.

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 </figure>Fay Ann Sechtem February 3, 1939 ~ June 18, 2024 Fay Ann Sechtem, age 85, entered into rest on June 18, 2024, at Park Villa Nursing Home in Clyde, Kansas. She was born on February 3, 1939, in Omaha, Nebraska to Ernest and Olga (Hansen) Thomas. Fay was a graduate of Russell High School, Russell, Kansas, Class of 1957. She received her bachelor’s degree in education at Kearney State College in 1972.Fay married Everett Sechtem, on March 30, 1959, in Russell, Kansas. To this union four children were born, Steve, Weston, Wendy, and Wade. In 1970, the family moved to Kearney, Nebraska, where Fay and Everett started their careers and bought their first home. In this home they raised their family, and Fay remained for 54 years. This home was filled with love and was surrounded by good caring neighbors whom mom adored and cherished. Fay worked as a teacher and then Director at Mid Nebraska Child Development Center until 1979. She worked as a social worker for Social Services until she retired in 1993.During her work years, she met her best friend, Jill Stump. Fay often talked about how in life you only need one true good friend to help you get through it and Jill was that friend. Their friendship has lasted over 50 years.She is welcomed to her eternal life by her heavenly family, her husband, Everett, her parents, Ernest and Olga, her brother, Don, and her sons, Steve and Wade, and many more friends and family members.She is survived by her son, Weston Sechtem, of Independence, MO, daughter Wendy (Bill) Genereux, of Clyde, KS, daughter-in-law CheriLea Sechtem, of Battlefield, MO, and grandchildren, Lacey, Jordan, Heather, Isaac, Emily, Owen, Thomas and 6 great grandchildren.Her philosophy on life was “Keep It Simple.”It only takes a few words to describe Fay..... strong, fiercely independent, practical, kind and loyal.Celebration of Life Graveside Service will be held 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at the Russell City Cemetery, Russell Kansas with Pastor Teresa Sutherlin officiating.Her beloved grandchildren honor her as Pallbearers: Lacey Cochrane, Jordan Sechtem, Heather Bachman, Isaac Sechtem, Emily Genereux, Owen Sechtem, Thomas GenereuxThe family suggests memorials to the Park Villa Nursing Home, 114 S. High St., Clyde, Kansas 66938 in care of Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, PO Box 606, Concordia, KS 66901. For online condolences please visit, www.chaputbuoy.com.LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eae10ec3-c65e-4809-9b6a-33c0ab90fe57">🎙King in the Community — Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU President/CEO</a>

Fay A. Sechtem

Catherine Jane Biehler January 22, 1949 ~ June 19, 2024

Cathy’s life began on January 22, 1949, in Herington. She was the daughter of Andrew John and Thelma Marie (Clore) Biehler. Cathy was a 1967 graduate of Herington High School and briefly attended beauty school. She was a professional seamstress, working for stores such as Kern’s Men’s Shop, and Henry’s Department Stores. Cathy is survived by her sister Carol (Marvin) Tajchman, brothers John Biehler, Vince (Cindy) Biehler, Tom (Kathy) Biehler and Brian (Jeanne) Biehler; nieces and nephews Terrill, Andy, and Ellen Biehler, Jerry and Clare Morrisey, Kevin, Donna, and Danica Dix, Todd and Clint Biehler, Toby and Troy Biehler, Jason, Scott and Angie Tajchman, and Aundrea, Cierra, and Bricen Biehler; 26 great nieces and nephews and 10 great great nieces and nephews. Cathy passed away on Wednesday June 19, 2024, at Holiday Resort in Emporia. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Linda and Don Dix, and sister Sharon and Doug Morrisey and sister-in-law Susan Biehler. Her family will gather with friends on Tuesday June 25, 2024, at 10 for rosary prayers at St. John’s Catholic Church in Herington with her Mass of Christian burial celebrated at 10:30 a.m. She will be laid to rest in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Herington. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in care of Yazel Megli Funeral Home, Herington. Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of Cathy at www.yazelmeglifh.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718979436254.jpeg" alt="Catherine J. Biehler" />
 <figcaption>Catherine J. Biehler</figcaption>
 </figure>Catherine Jane Biehler January 22, 1949 ~ June 19, 2024 Cathy’s life began on January 22, 1949, in Herington. She was the daughter of Andrew John and Thelma Marie (Clore) Biehler. Cathy was a 1967 graduate of Herington High School and briefly attended beauty school. She was a professional seamstress, working for stores such as Kern’s Men’s Shop, and Henry’s Department Stores. Cathy is survived by her sister Carol (Marvin) Tajchman, brothers John Biehler, Vince (Cindy) Biehler, Tom (Kathy) Biehler and Brian (Jeanne) Biehler; nieces and nephews Terrill, Andy, and Ellen Biehler, Jerry and Clare Morrisey, Kevin, Donna, and Danica Dix, Todd and Clint Biehler, Toby and Troy Biehler, Jason, Scott and Angie Tajchman, and Aundrea, Cierra, and Bricen Biehler; 26 great nieces and nephews and 10 great great nieces and nephews. Cathy passed away on Wednesday June 19, 2024, at Holiday Resort in Emporia. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Linda and Don Dix, and sister Sharon and Doug Morrisey and sister-in-law Susan Biehler. Her family will gather with friends on Tuesday June 25, 2024, at 10 for rosary prayers at St. John’s Catholic Church in Herington with her Mass of Christian burial celebrated at 10:30 a.m. She will be laid to rest in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Herington. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in care of Yazel Megli Funeral Home, Herington. Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of Cathy at www.yazelmeglifh.com.LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eae10ec3-c65e-4809-9b6a-33c0ab90fe57">🎙King in the Community — Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU President/CEO</a>

Catherine J. Biehler

Salina has a 10% chance for storms this afternoon, with a mostly dry weekend to follow.

According to U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS) meteorologists, Salina may see isolated showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. today. 

The weather will be mostly sunny, with a high temperature of 93 degrees. Wind gusts could reach 29 mph, but forecasters predict a breezy 11 to 18 mph throughout the day.

Tonight, forecasters predict the wind to slow with more cloud cover than throughout the day.

Tomorrow, Saturday, June 21, meteorologists predict warmer temperatures with a high of 96 degrees and sunshine for most of the day.

Saturday night has a 20% chance for showers and thunderstorms before the night rolls into the early hours of Sunday. Forecasters predict Sunday's high temperature of 96 degrees and breezy.

NWS Wichita meteorologists predict a quiet end to the hot and sunny weekend, with clear skies Sunday night and a low temperature of 73 degrees.

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">View the full seven-day U.S. NWS Wichita forecast.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718982571778.png" alt="The predicted forecast for Salina, Kan., by the U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita) on Friday, June 21. Graphic courtesy NWS Wichita" />
 <figcaption>The predicted forecast for Salina, Kan., by the U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS Wichita) on Friday, June 21. Graphic courtesy NWS Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTSalina has a 10% chance for storms this afternoon, with a mostly dry weekend to follow.According to U.S. National Weather Service Wichita (NWS) meteorologists, Salina may see isolated showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. today. The weather will be mostly sunny, with a high temperature of 93 degrees. Wind gusts could reach 29 mph, but forecasters predict a breezy 11 to 18 mph throughout the day.Tonight, forecasters predict the wind to slow with more cloud cover than throughout the day.Tomorrow, Saturday, June 21, meteorologists predict warmer temperatures with a high of 96 degrees and sunshine for most of the day.Saturday night has a 20% chance for showers and thunderstorms before the night rolls into the early hours of Sunday. Forecasters predict Sunday's high temperature of 96 degrees and breezy.NWS Wichita meteorologists predict a quiet end to the hot and sunny weekend, with clear skies Sunday night and a low temperature of 73 degrees.<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">View the full seven-day U.S. NWS Wichita forecast.</a>LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eae10ec3-c65e-4809-9b6a-33c0ab90fe57">🎙King in the Community — Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU President/CEO</a>

U.S. NWS Wichita three-day forecast

Lowell Robert Johannes April 16, 1943 ~&nbsp;June 19, 2024

Lowell Robert Johannes, 81, Hays, died Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at HaysMed&nbsp;after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born April 16, 1943 in Salina, the son of Francis Lawrence and Agnes (Breer) Johannes. &nbsp;Lowell was the youngest of five boys&nbsp;by 13 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;He graduated from Salina High School in 1961 and earned a Master’s Degree in Industrial Arts from Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;&nbsp;While attending Fort Hays State he met the love of his life, Janet Faye&nbsp;Gregg. &nbsp;Lowell and Janet were united in marriage on&nbsp;August 20, 1966, and their&nbsp;prayers were answered when they were blessed with two sons,&nbsp;Jason&nbsp;and Travis. &nbsp;

Lowell&nbsp;taught&nbsp;at several schools&nbsp;throughout Kansas&nbsp;and&nbsp;shared his passion for&nbsp;math and woodworking with others. &nbsp;He&nbsp;loved to fish, create wood projects for&nbsp;his&nbsp;family,&nbsp;and supervise renovations done by his son Travis. &nbsp;His other hobbies included&nbsp;going to garage sales with his brother-in-law Eldon Gregg, collecting clocks, and&nbsp;working&nbsp;on old cars.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lowell’s&nbsp;greatest joy was his family, a sentiment he was sure to let everyone know. &nbsp;His family will miss him dearly, but will find comfort in all the memories Lowell&nbsp;made&nbsp;sure to make with them.

Survivors include his wife Janet of Hays, two sons, Jason Johannes and wife Sarah and Travis Johannes and wife Katelyn, all of Hays, a&nbsp;brother-in-law, Eldon Gregg of Hays, a&nbsp;sister-in-law,&nbsp;Jeannie Johannes of Salina, four grandchildren, Eryn Mazour and husband Darrick, Kelsey,&nbsp;Evelyn,&nbsp;and Lydia Johannes, two step-grandchildren, Maleena and Janell Carlyle, two great grandchildren, Bailey Mazour and Silas Johannes,&nbsp;twin&nbsp;great grandsons, Wesley and Wyatt Mazour,&nbsp;due any day,&nbsp;and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Gerald, Gene, Ron, and Vern Johannes, and two sisters-in-law, Carol&nbsp;Gregg&nbsp;and Glori Ann Johannes.

Graveside services will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at St. Joseph Cemetery&nbsp;in Hays,&nbsp;with Pastor Dustin Mulkey officiating.&nbsp;&nbsp;Memorials are suggested to the Cancer Council of Ellis County. &nbsp;Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of Lowell may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com

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

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718978678400.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Lowell Robert Johannes April 16, 1943 ~&nbsp;June 19, 2024 Lowell Robert Johannes, 81, Hays, died Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at HaysMed&nbsp;after a courageous battle with cancer.He was born April 16, 1943 in Salina, the son of Francis Lawrence and Agnes (Breer) Johannes. &nbsp;Lowell was the youngest of five boys&nbsp;by 13 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;He graduated from Salina High School in 1961 and earned a Master’s Degree in Industrial Arts from Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;&nbsp;While attending Fort Hays State he met the love of his life, Janet Faye&nbsp;Gregg. &nbsp;Lowell and Janet were united in marriage on&nbsp;August 20, 1966, and their&nbsp;prayers were answered when they were blessed with two sons,&nbsp;Jason&nbsp;and Travis. &nbsp;Lowell&nbsp;taught&nbsp;at several schools&nbsp;throughout Kansas&nbsp;and&nbsp;shared his passion for&nbsp;math and woodworking with others. &nbsp;He&nbsp;loved to fish, create wood projects for&nbsp;his&nbsp;family,&nbsp;and supervise renovations done by his son Travis. &nbsp;His other hobbies included&nbsp;going to garage sales with his brother-in-law Eldon Gregg, collecting clocks, and&nbsp;working&nbsp;on old cars.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lowell’s&nbsp;greatest joy was his family, a sentiment he was sure to let everyone know. &nbsp;His family will miss him dearly, but will find comfort in all the memories Lowell&nbsp;made&nbsp;sure to make with them.Survivors include his wife Janet of Hays, two sons, Jason Johannes and wife Sarah and Travis Johannes and wife Katelyn, all of Hays, a&nbsp;brother-in-law, Eldon Gregg of Hays, a&nbsp;sister-in-law,&nbsp;Jeannie Johannes of Salina, four grandchildren, Eryn Mazour and husband Darrick, Kelsey,&nbsp;Evelyn,&nbsp;and Lydia Johannes, two step-grandchildren, Maleena and Janell Carlyle, two great grandchildren, Bailey Mazour and Silas Johannes,&nbsp;twin&nbsp;great grandsons, Wesley and Wyatt Mazour,&nbsp;due any day,&nbsp;and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Gerald, Gene, Ron, and Vern Johannes, and two sisters-in-law, Carol&nbsp;Gregg&nbsp;and Glori Ann Johannes.Graveside services will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at St. Joseph Cemetery&nbsp;in Hays,&nbsp;with Pastor Dustin Mulkey officiating.&nbsp;&nbsp;Memorials are suggested to the Cancer Council of Ellis County. &nbsp;Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of Lowell may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.comLISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eae10ec3-c65e-4809-9b6a-33c0ab90fe57">🎙King in the Community — Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU President/CEO</a>

Lowell R. Johannes

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.

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/2024/6/1718809331843.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

Betty H. Grant November 30, 1925 ~ May 20, 2024

Betty H. Grant of rural Abilene, passed away at home in the presence of her family on Monday, May 20, 2024. Betty was a 1943 graduate of Taunton High School. She was the wife of the late William T. Grant, who she married in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Taunton, MA, in 1949. She was born to Ambrose and Sarah Taylor O’Neil on November 30, 1925 in Taunton. Betty was employed at Liggets Drug Store, Allen Walker Insurance, Metals and Control, Texas Instruments, and her final and favorite employment, the Gondola Restaurant where she retired after 31 years. Betty bought a home and moved to Abilene, Kansas in 2006 to be closer to her family. She was a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church, the Ladies of St. Andrews, and Red Hat Ladies. She was a master knitter and made many beautiful garments for family and friends. She enjoyed baking beautiful cakes especially for her great grandchildren. She believed it was an elderly person’s job to pray and she faithfully prayed 5 rosaries a day! She loved listening to the KC Chiefs, her ITunes playlist, and her great grands’ musical instruments. Betty is survived by her daughters Susan Randle (Craig) and Mary Grant of Abilene, her grandchildren; William (Joycelyn) Randle (Cole, Layton, Thomas) Chapman, KS, Duane (Tara) Randle (Eliza, Norah, Clara, Estelle, Victoria, Jeremiah) Osage Beach, MO., Kristina (Tony) Blanck (Emma, Natalie) Manhattan, KS, Sharon Grant-Healy (Devin Brown, Manhattan, KS, Alexandro Perotti, Adriano Perotti) Ocala , FL., Her nephews, Peter and Paul Crook, and nieces, Donna Wood and Audrey Mello, and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, her son-in-law, Robert F. Healy, her brother Daniel O’Neil, sister Sylvia O’Neil Crook and two nephews, Dan and Robbie O’Neil. A rosary at 10:30AM, followed by funeral Mass at 11AM will be held at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Abilene on Friday June 21, 2024. A Catholic graveside service will be held at St. Francis Cemetery in Taunton, MA at a later date, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband. Expressions of Sympathy in her honor may be made to Hospice of Dickinson County or St. Andrew’s Onward Building Campaign. Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718807972682.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Betty H. Grant November 30, 1925 ~ May 20, 2024 Betty H. Grant of rural Abilene, passed away at home in the presence of her family on Monday, May 20, 2024. Betty was a 1943 graduate of Taunton High School. She was the wife of the late William T. Grant, who she married in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Taunton, MA, in 1949. She was born to Ambrose and Sarah Taylor O’Neil on November 30, 1925 in Taunton. Betty was employed at Liggets Drug Store, Allen Walker Insurance, Metals and Control, Texas Instruments, and her final and favorite employment, the Gondola Restaurant where she retired after 31 years. Betty bought a home and moved to Abilene, Kansas in 2006 to be closer to her family. She was a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church, the Ladies of St. Andrews, and Red Hat Ladies. She was a master knitter and made many beautiful garments for family and friends. She enjoyed baking beautiful cakes especially for her great grandchildren. She believed it was an elderly person’s job to pray and she faithfully prayed 5 rosaries a day! She loved listening to the KC Chiefs, her ITunes playlist, and her great grands’ musical instruments. Betty is survived by her daughters Susan Randle (Craig) and Mary Grant of Abilene, her grandchildren; William (Joycelyn) Randle (Cole, Layton, Thomas) Chapman, KS, Duane (Tara) Randle (Eliza, Norah, Clara, Estelle, Victoria, Jeremiah) Osage Beach, MO., Kristina (Tony) Blanck (Emma, Natalie) Manhattan, KS, Sharon Grant-Healy (Devin Brown, Manhattan, KS, Alexandro Perotti, Adriano Perotti) Ocala , FL., Her nephews, Peter and Paul Crook, and nieces, Donna Wood and Audrey Mello, and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, her son-in-law, Robert F. Healy, her brother Daniel O’Neil, sister Sylvia O’Neil Crook and two nephews, Dan and Robbie O’Neil. A rosary at 10:30AM, followed by funeral Mass at 11AM will be held at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Abilene on Friday June 21, 2024. A Catholic graveside service will be held at St. Francis Cemetery in Taunton, MA at a later date, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband. Expressions of Sympathy in her honor may be made to Hospice of Dickinson County or St. Andrew’s Onward Building Campaign. Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/895f950d-3e88-4389-82a0-2b0f657953a0">Salina Juneteenth celebrations this week</a>

Betty H. Grant

Gary Lew Hale July 2, 1937 ~ June 15, 2024

Gary Lew Hale, a beloved husband, father, farmer, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2024, at the age of 86. Born in Concordia, Kansas, on July 2, 1937, to Wilbur and Alice Hale, Gary lived a life marked by kindness, service, and community spirit.

Gary spent his early years in Simpson, Kansas, where he attended high school. Known for his gentle demeanor and willingness to help others, Gary was a cherished member of his community from a young age.

In 1960, after serving two years in the US Army, Gary returned to Salina, Kansas, where he began a long and fulfilling career with Evans Grain Company. His dedication to his work and his colleagues was evident throughout his years of service.

On April 20, 1963, Gary married the love of his life, Joyce Heidrick. Their marriage, spanning over four decades, was a testament to their enduring love and partnership. Together, they raised two daughters, Alison Monsanto and Andrea Hale, who were the pride and joy of Gary's life.

Gary had a lifelong passion for high school and college basketball and football. He was often seen listening to one game on his FM Walkman while attending another game in person. His enthusiasm for sports extended beyond just watching the games; he actively volunteered at many tournament games held at the Salina Bicentennial Center. His contributions to the local sports community were greatly appreciated and will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

In his later years, Gary cherished his daily coffee outings with friends. These gatherings were a highlight of his day, filled with laughter, stories, and camaraderie.

Gary is remembered for his incredibly kind heart. He was the type of person who would do anything for anyone and never had a bad word to say about anyone. His positive outlook on life and his generosity of spirit touched the lives of many.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce, and their daughters, Alison Monsanto and Andrea Hale. Though his heart endured these profound losses, he continued to embody resilience and kindness.

Gary Lew Hale is survived by his granddaughters, Haley Crossley and Mary Bondio, as well as his great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many friends and extended family members. His legacy of kindness, service, and community involvement will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.

A memorial service will be held&nbsp;on Saturday, June 29th&nbsp;at Sunrise Presbyterian Church in Salina, KS&nbsp;at 11 a.m.&nbsp;to celebrate Gary's remarkable life.

Gary's gentle soul and loving nature will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May he rest in peace.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718807427165.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Gary Lew Hale July 2, 1937 ~ June 15, 2024Gary Lew Hale, a beloved husband, father, farmer, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2024, at the age of 86. Born in Concordia, Kansas, on July 2, 1937, to Wilbur and Alice Hale, Gary lived a life marked by kindness, service, and community spirit.Gary spent his early years in Simpson, Kansas, where he attended high school. Known for his gentle demeanor and willingness to help others, Gary was a cherished member of his community from a young age.In 1960, after serving two years in the US Army, Gary returned to Salina, Kansas, where he began a long and fulfilling career with Evans Grain Company. His dedication to his work and his colleagues was evident throughout his years of service.On April 20, 1963, Gary married the love of his life, Joyce Heidrick. Their marriage, spanning over four decades, was a testament to their enduring love and partnership. Together, they raised two daughters, Alison Monsanto and Andrea Hale, who were the pride and joy of Gary's life.Gary had a lifelong passion for high school and college basketball and football. He was often seen listening to one game on his FM Walkman while attending another game in person. His enthusiasm for sports extended beyond just watching the games; he actively volunteered at many tournament games held at the Salina Bicentennial Center. His contributions to the local sports community were greatly appreciated and will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.In his later years, Gary cherished his daily coffee outings with friends. These gatherings were a highlight of his day, filled with laughter, stories, and camaraderie.Gary is remembered for his incredibly kind heart. He was the type of person who would do anything for anyone and never had a bad word to say about anyone. His positive outlook on life and his generosity of spirit touched the lives of many.Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce, and their daughters, Alison Monsanto and Andrea Hale. Though his heart endured these profound losses, he continued to embody resilience and kindness.Gary Lew Hale is survived by his granddaughters, Haley Crossley and Mary Bondio, as well as his great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many friends and extended family members. His legacy of kindness, service, and community involvement will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.A memorial service will be held&nbsp;on Saturday, June 29th&nbsp;at Sunrise Presbyterian Church in Salina, KS&nbsp;at 11 a.m.&nbsp;to celebrate Gary's remarkable life.Gary's gentle soul and loving nature will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May he rest in peace.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/895f950d-3e88-4389-82a0-2b0f657953a0">Salina Juneteenth celebrations this week</a>

Gary L. Hale

Debby Lee Anne Christensen December 15, 1969 ~ May 31, 2024

Debby’s life began on December 15, 1969, in El Paso, Texas. She is the daughter of Michael and Sharen (Sullivan) White. Debby graduated from high school in 1988 in Waynesville Missouri. She then went on to attend Cloud County Community College. Debby was a very hard worker and enjoyed working at The Family Dollar in Herington. Debby’s coworkers soon became like family. Debby also worked at Kay’s Pharmacy, Clark Lumber, and Barnes’ Grocery. &nbsp;When Debby wasn’t hard at work, she loved sitting outside and watching the animals. Debby loved all animals, but especially enjoyed the squirrels and buzzards. She also enjoyed watching the Red Birds visit. Debby could also be found listening to Harry Styles music.

Debby, at the age of 54, passed away on May 31, 2024, at her home in Herington. She is preceded in death by her father, Michael; and fur babies Wyatt and Riley. Debby is survived by her mother Sharen (Bruce Ballard) White; daughter, Hannah (Trevor Williams) Oswald; and fur baby Oliver.

Services for Debby will be held at a later date. Yazel Megli Funeral Home, Herington, is serving the family. Memorial contributions in Debby’s name may be directed to an Animal Related charity, as animals were a passion of Debby’s. Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of Debby at www.yazelmeglifh.com.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/7e26158f-be6a-4c99-91b4-2ee353cbaafe">Red Fern Booksellers hosting author talk and book signing event next week</a>

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718658675097.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Debby Lee Anne Christensen December 15, 1969 ~ May 31, 2024 Debby’s life began on December 15, 1969, in El Paso, Texas. She is the daughter of Michael and Sharen (Sullivan) White. Debby graduated from high school in 1988 in Waynesville Missouri. She then went on to attend Cloud County Community College. Debby was a very hard worker and enjoyed working at The Family Dollar in Herington. Debby’s coworkers soon became like family. Debby also worked at Kay’s Pharmacy, Clark Lumber, and Barnes’ Grocery. &nbsp;When Debby wasn’t hard at work, she loved sitting outside and watching the animals. Debby loved all animals, but especially enjoyed the squirrels and buzzards. She also enjoyed watching the Red Birds visit. Debby could also be found listening to Harry Styles music.Debby, at the age of 54, passed away on May 31, 2024, at her home in Herington. She is preceded in death by her father, Michael; and fur babies Wyatt and Riley. Debby is survived by her mother Sharen (Bruce Ballard) White; daughter, Hannah (Trevor Williams) Oswald; and fur baby Oliver.Services for Debby will be held at a later date. Yazel Megli Funeral Home, Herington, is serving the family. Memorial contributions in Debby’s name may be directed to an Animal Related charity, as animals were a passion of Debby’s. Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of Debby at www.yazelmeglifh.com.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/7e26158f-be6a-4c99-91b4-2ee353cbaafe">Red Fern Booksellers hosting author talk and book signing event next week</a>

 Debby Lee Anne Christensen

Charles “Chuck” Gregory Monroe March 6, 1954 ~ June 9, 2024

Charles “Chuck” Gregory Monroe, born on March 6, 1954, in Wichita, Kansas, passed away on June 9, 2024, in Salina, Kansas, after a long illness.

Chuck was the beloved son of Herb and Ima Jean Monroe (Prather).

Chuck, known to his friends and family as a vibrant and colorful soul, leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and creativity. He touched the hearts of some and will be deeply missed by the few who knew him.

Graduating from Emporia State University, Chuck embarked on a journey that led him through various roles within the cable television industry. His travels took him far and wide, but it was in Louisiana that he found a special place in his heart for the South. After retiring, he continued to explore the region, drawn to its charm and hospitality.

Before his retirement, Chuck owned and operated Vita Villa in Abilene and Salina, a colorful oasis that reflected his zest for life. His love for colors, textures, and patterns extended beyond his business to his home, the cabin at Red Bud Lake and his wardrobe, always seeking the unique and unconventional. Chuck's passion for the arts was evident in his frequent attendance at the Smoky Hill River Festival and various art shows across Wichita, Kansas City, and Santa Fe.

A devoted sports fan, Chuck enjoyed watching baseball and Kansas Cagerz basketball games with his dad, Herb. Always finding joy in the thrill of the game. He also had a fondness for gardening, nurturing his plants with care and dedication. An avid listener of audiobooks, Chuck's thirst for knowledge and simple curiosity accompanied him on his many adventures.

Chuck's love for animals was unwavering, and his companions Gepetto and later Murphy, his beloved golden retrievers, held a special place in his heart. His compassionate nature extended to supporting the Saline County Humane Society.

Chuck is preceded in death by his parents, Herb and Ima Jean Monroe, and his sister Cathy. He is survived by his niece, Amy Ankrum of Salina, as well as sons: Josh (Beth) Wineland, Chauncey (Brooke) Kuhl and Kelly (Megan) Kuhl . Grandchildren: Sawyer, Whitney, Cali and Fin Wineland, Tillie Kuhl and soon to be, Maxxwel Kuhl.

A celebration of Chuck's life will be held at Ryan Mortuary &amp; Crematory on 137 North 8th Street in Salina, KS, on June 21, 2024, from 9:00-11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Chuck’s memory can be made to the Saline County Humane Society.

Chuck Monroe's private and quiet life, led to many walks with his dogs, with Amy accompanying him occasionally. He enjoyed his solitude and his travels, sometimes chatting up the errant passerby.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718654591167.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Charles “Chuck” Gregory Monroe March 6, 1954 ~ June 9, 2024Charles “Chuck” Gregory Monroe, born on March 6, 1954, in Wichita, Kansas, passed away on June 9, 2024, in Salina, Kansas, after a long illness.Chuck was the beloved son of Herb and Ima Jean Monroe (Prather).Chuck, known to his friends and family as a vibrant and colorful soul, leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and creativity. He touched the hearts of some and will be deeply missed by the few who knew him.Graduating from Emporia State University, Chuck embarked on a journey that led him through various roles within the cable television industry. His travels took him far and wide, but it was in Louisiana that he found a special place in his heart for the South. After retiring, he continued to explore the region, drawn to its charm and hospitality.Before his retirement, Chuck owned and operated Vita Villa in Abilene and Salina, a colorful oasis that reflected his zest for life. His love for colors, textures, and patterns extended beyond his business to his home, the cabin at Red Bud Lake and his wardrobe, always seeking the unique and unconventional. Chuck's passion for the arts was evident in his frequent attendance at the Smoky Hill River Festival and various art shows across Wichita, Kansas City, and Santa Fe.A devoted sports fan, Chuck enjoyed watching baseball and Kansas Cagerz basketball games with his dad, Herb. Always finding joy in the thrill of the game. He also had a fondness for gardening, nurturing his plants with care and dedication. An avid listener of audiobooks, Chuck's thirst for knowledge and simple curiosity accompanied him on his many adventures.Chuck's love for animals was unwavering, and his companions Gepetto and later Murphy, his beloved golden retrievers, held a special place in his heart. His compassionate nature extended to supporting the Saline County Humane Society.Chuck is preceded in death by his parents, Herb and Ima Jean Monroe, and his sister Cathy. He is survived by his niece, Amy Ankrum of Salina, as well as sons: Josh (Beth) Wineland, Chauncey (Brooke) Kuhl and Kelly (Megan) Kuhl . Grandchildren: Sawyer, Whitney, Cali and Fin Wineland, Tillie Kuhl and soon to be, Maxxwel Kuhl.A celebration of Chuck's life will be held at Ryan Mortuary &amp; Crematory on 137 North 8th Street in Salina, KS, on June 21, 2024, from 9:00-11:00 AM.In lieu of flowers, donations in Chuck’s memory can be made to the Saline County Humane Society.Chuck Monroe's private and quiet life, led to many walks with his dogs, with Amy accompanying him occasionally. He enjoyed his solitude and his travels, sometimes chatting up the errant passerby.May you continue on your journey, Chuck.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/7e26158f-be6a-4c99-91b4-2ee353cbaafe">Red Fern Booksellers hosting author talk and book signing event next week</a>

Charles “Chuck” G. Monroe

The next generation of Kansas scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians needs quality experiences and knowledgeable teachers, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Salina</a>&nbsp;has helped lead the way through several recent STEM educational opportunities to support K-12 educators.

One outreach project consisted of a drone racing competition designed for middle school students. K-State Salina's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/research-training/applied-aviation-research-center/" target="_blank">Applied Aviation Research Center</a>, or AARC, provided training for each school's instructor to help students compete in drone design, engineering, overall speed and skill of flying the drone. Students then competed from their respective schools around the state, including in Salina, Great Bend, Gypsum, Kansas City and Topeka.

LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/2a3112e7-837c-4f7e-a311-df8dc6cf0aba">🎙King in the Community: K-State Salina Dean and CEO Alysia Starkey</a>

"STEM education is an important emphasis in many assets in life and helps build a promising future for any student," Kurt Carraway, K-State Salina uncrewed aircraft systems department head and AARC executive director said. "As a leader in drone education, safety and research, we take great pride in sharing our expertise with our fellow educators from around Kansas. Our industry is one that is constantly evolving as technology progresses. It is important to be able to prepare the next generation to have a base knowledge of uncrewed aircraft operations and regulations."

K-State Salina also partnered with the&nbsp;<a href="https://coe.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Education</a>, which is leading&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/stem-career-education/about/leapes.html" target="_blank">Project LEAPES</a>. The initiative — which is an acronym for Learning, Exploration and Application for Prospective Engineering Students —seeks to improve rural education in Kansas by offering free training and thousands of dollars in resources for teachers.

Through this project, K-State Salina hosted on-campus learning in STEM-related courses, including training in areas of expertise that include robotics, aviation, uncrewed aircraft systems and computer science. Faculty experts from the campus provided collegiate-level training and knowledge to instructors.

"We are excited to collaborate with the College of Education on the Project LEAPES Virtual Camp. Our campus is committed to supporting education outreach for all Kansans," said Troy Harding, department head of K-State Salina integrated studies. "These trainings and camps get technology into the hands of K-12 educators and their students. We hope this will ignite a passion in students leading to science and engineering careers."

As K-State Salina continues to support the university's mission of becoming a next-generation land-grant, the campus continues to focus on expanding its offering of these engagement programs to help the university increase its annual impact in the community, region and state.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718631429771.jpeg" alt="K-State Salina has provided numerous STEM training opportunities through its expertise in technology and engineering to Kansas K-12 students and educators. Photo Courtesy K-State Salina Communications and Marketing " />
 <figcaption>K-State Salina has provided numerous STEM training opportunities through its expertise in technology and engineering to Kansas K-12 students and educators. Photo Courtesy K-State Salina Communications and Marketing </figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe next generation of Kansas scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians needs quality experiences and knowledgeable teachers, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Salina</a>&nbsp;has helped lead the way through several recent STEM educational opportunities to support K-12 educators.One outreach project consisted of a drone racing competition designed for middle school students. K-State Salina's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/research-training/applied-aviation-research-center/" target="_blank">Applied Aviation Research Center</a>, or AARC, provided training for each school's instructor to help students compete in drone design, engineering, overall speed and skill of flying the drone. Students then competed from their respective schools around the state, including in Salina, Great Bend, Gypsum, Kansas City and Topeka.LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/2a3112e7-837c-4f7e-a311-df8dc6cf0aba">🎙King in the Community: K-State Salina Dean and CEO Alysia Starkey</a>"STEM education is an important emphasis in many assets in life and helps build a promising future for any student," Kurt Carraway, K-State Salina uncrewed aircraft systems department head and AARC executive director said. "As a leader in drone education, safety and research, we take great pride in sharing our expertise with our fellow educators from around Kansas. Our industry is one that is constantly evolving as technology progresses. It is important to be able to prepare the next generation to have a base knowledge of uncrewed aircraft operations and regulations."K-State Salina also partnered with the&nbsp;<a href="https://coe.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Education</a>, which is leading&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/stem-career-education/about/leapes.html" target="_blank">Project LEAPES</a>. The initiative — which is an acronym for Learning, Exploration and Application for Prospective Engineering Students —seeks to improve rural education in Kansas by offering free training and thousands of dollars in resources for teachers.Through this project, K-State Salina hosted on-campus learning in STEM-related courses, including training in areas of expertise that include robotics, aviation, uncrewed aircraft systems and computer science. Faculty experts from the campus provided collegiate-level training and knowledge to instructors."We are excited to collaborate with the College of Education on the Project LEAPES Virtual Camp. Our campus is committed to supporting education outreach for all Kansans," said Troy Harding, department head of K-State Salina integrated studies. "These trainings and camps get technology into the hands of K-12 educators and their students. We hope this will ignite a passion in students leading to science and engineering careers."As K-State Salina continues to support the university's mission of becoming a next-generation land-grant, the campus continues to focus on expanding its offering of these engagement programs to help the university increase its annual impact in the community, region and state.

K-State Salina brings no-cost STEM training for K-12 educators

Smoky Hill River Festival officials made an announcement at 3:45 p.m. on Saturday about a temporary suspension of programming due to lightning, rain, and gusty winds that could affect the area at 4 p.m. The park remained open, but all programming ceased at that time. At approximately 4:15 p.m. significant wind and light to moderate rain fell. Estimated 70+ mph winds caused damage to some trees in the park.

"About eight artist booths suffered structural damage and loss of product," according to a statement from Salina Arts and Humanities. "Additionally, some tree damage in the park occurred. A full assessment of the damage is underway. Some minor injuries occurred but no one requested treatment."

Salina Post will provide an update as new information becomes available.

By COLETTE STRASNER Salina Post Contributor

This weekend’s Smoky Hill River Festival provides an amazing venue for artists of all kinds to gather and present their work in Salina. Salina Post sat down with several of the event artists to give you a closer look into the individuals behind the works presented at the event.

Devin Johnson, artist, and owner of Makeshift Accessories, traveled all the way from Northfield, Minn. to participate in the festival. This year marked Johnson’s first time joining in the Smoky Hill River Festival.

Makeshift Accessories started in 2008, with a unique concept of forging art and accessories by recycling industrial and cultural artifacts: antique bronze machinery, copper wire, and century-old harness leather, just to name a few. The event stuck out to Johnson for its variety of attractions as well as a large turnout for an urban center.

“One thing that’s different about it is that it’s by far the biggest thing going on in the entire town right now,” said Johnson.&nbsp;

Johnson made note of the excitement and chatter surrounding the event as he went out to dinner after Thursday’s festivities.&nbsp;

“That’s all anyone was talking about at the bar,” Johnson said.

Jen Unekis, winner of the Smoky Hill River Festival’s purchase award and artist from Lawrence, KS, spoke of her experience with the event as well. This year’s event was her fourth time participating in the Smoky Hill River Festival.&nbsp;

“I think Salina has just a really great art community, everybody seems to come out and your volunteers are amazing … I coordinate Art in the Park in Lawrence, so I see it from the backside. It’s really, really cool to just see how well organized it is,” Unekis said.&nbsp;

Currently located in Lawrence, Unekis moved to the state from California. Her father moved them to a farmhouse in rural Kansas when she was just four years old. When she was in high school, Unekis' art teacher told her that she was not college material.

READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0ebdb0d0-3981-471c-8571-1f1e0d5174e0">&nbsp;📸 SM Hanson Festival Jam 2024</a>

Despite her teacher’s discouragement, Unekis got her start as an artist studying ceramics before moving to multimedia assemblage pieces. She eventually came full circle, painting her works on ceramics, specifically Venetian plaster.&nbsp;

Her pieces are painted with several different tools, from airbrushes to glass pencils, to capture the inspiration she feels from children’s drawings. Unekis uses these mediums as well as recognizable shapes in an abstract way to capture a unique feeling of nostalgia in her work.

While artists connected with patrons and community members, musicians jammed out on three stages at the festival.&nbsp;

Becky Bliss, member of the band Barnaby Bright, shared some details on her band’s history. Based out of the Kansas City area, Barnaby Bright is an indie folk-rock group that performed Friday night on the Eric Stein Stage.

While Bliss described her group’s sound as indie folk-rock, she also felt that was simplifying things.

“Americana is what we’re deeply rooted in, but we’d like to push the boundaries a little bit,” Bliss said.

Barnaby Bliss released their first album in 2009 and their most recent record, a Christmas album, in 2020. 

“Well, if you want to check us out, it’s <a href="http://barnabybright.com">barnabybright.com</a>, and Barnaby Bright is actually the medieval English word for the summer solstice, June 21," Bliss said.&nbsp;

The group came to the Smoky Hill River Festival at the recommendation of long-time event participant Brandon Draper, a member of other groups, Draper Family Band and Drum Safari.

LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d65fcc61-d99e-4df1-9ab9-a2ec97d8cc73">🎙King in the Community — Sarah Keck, Smoky Hill River Festival</a>

Originally from Houston, Texas, musician Scott Mulvahill wowed audience members with his unconventional approach to playing the bass. Despite his extensive background in jazz bass from college, he initially wrote songs influenced by those who used guitar and piano.

"I was doing a tour with Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby, and I was playing bass in the band, and this was like ten years ago, but I asked Bruce, 'Hey, would you listen to some of the songs I'm working on. And Bruce was like, 'Sure, man,'" Mulvahill said. " I wasn't even playing bass. because most of my heroes wrote songs on guitar and piano and stuff.

Mulvahill said that after his conversation with Hornsby, Mulvahill started writing songs on the bass.

"When we had that conversation, he [Hornsby] was like, 'Man, you should really like to try to reach for something more you,'" Mulvahill said. "I already had been writing songs and already been singing, but I kind of had two careers in a way that was like two personalities. I was the Bass Player side guy and then and then I liked writing songs, but I didn't put the two together until after that conversation. It was like a lightbulb thing."

The many talented artists and musicians at the Smoky Hill River Festival are a driving force for people to come out to the event. Salina Post spoke with brothers Nathaniel and Atticus Reynolds, on their relationship with the festival.

Atticus, 14, from Salina, has been coming to the Smoky Hill River Festival since he was four years old. His favorite band this weekend was Draper Family Band, a father-and-son group led by Salina natives Paul and Brandon Draper.&nbsp;

The Drapers have a unique musical sound that combines blues, rock, funk and alt-country. Their 30 years of performances led to Draper Family Band being inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame in 2020.

Nathaniel, 12, from Salina, particularly enjoys walking around the festival to view the artist booths. Together, the brothers enjoy experiencing the Smoky Hill River Festival with their friends as well.

Salina residents weren't the only ones soaking in the rays and wide variety of food and music. Fred Beissner, 27, and Sofia Fiscal, 28, a couple from Los Angeles, flew into Kansas this week so they could attend the Smoky Hill River Festival.

"My dad grew up here and he has a house here within walking distance of the park," Beissner said. "We're also visiting with some family while we are here."

This year marks Fred's fifth festival, and Sofia's first.

"I would say the food vendors and all the art definitely is my favorite part of the festival," Beissner said.&nbsp;

Saturday, June 15 marks the third day of the Smoky Hill River Festival. There are still plenty of performances, food, and art to experience before the festival closes at the end of the day on Sunday, June 16.&nbsp;

Don’t miss this chance to take part in the some of the best that Salina has to offer.

For more information check out <a href="http://riverfestival.com">riverfestival.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718490905483.jpeg" alt="Storm damage across the artist tents at the Smoky Hill River Festival on Saturday, June 15 at Oakdale Park in Salina. Image courtesy Saline County Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Storm damage across the artist tents at the Smoky Hill River Festival on Saturday, June 15 at Oakdale Park in Salina. Image courtesy Saline County Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>Updated 6/15/24 at 6:43 p.m.Salina Arts and HumanitiesSmoky Hill River Festival officials made an announcement at 3:45 p.m. on Saturday about a temporary suspension of programming due to lightning, rain, and gusty winds that could affect the area at 4 p.m. The park remained open, but all programming ceased at that time. At approximately 4:15 p.m. significant wind and light to moderate rain fell. Estimated 70+ mph winds caused damage to some trees in the park."About eight artist booths suffered structural damage and loss of product," according to a statement from Salina Arts and Humanities. "Additionally, some tree damage in the park occurred. A full assessment of the damage is underway. Some minor injuries occurred but no one requested treatment."Festival programming resumed at 6 p.m.Salina Post will provide an update as new information becomes available.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718490645894.jpeg" alt="Photos from Saline County Emergency Management via NWS Wichita. 77mph wind gust at Salina Regional Airport at 4:08 pm. Evergy power outage map showed 371 electric customers without power from 22 outages in Salina. Trees, power poles down in town according NWS report from Saline County Emergency Management. Blowing dust caused visibility issues on Interstate 135 causing a semi to roll onto its side on I-135 near the Magnolia Street exit." />
 <figcaption>Photos from Saline County Emergency Management via NWS Wichita. 77mph wind gust at Salina Regional Airport at 4:08 pm. Evergy power outage map showed 371 electric customers without power from 22 outages in Salina. Trees, power poles down in town according NWS report from Saline County Emergency Management. Blowing dust caused visibility issues on Interstate 135 causing a semi to roll onto its side on I-135 near the Magnolia Street exit.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718478120275.jpeg" alt="Friends of the River Foundation Executive Director Jane Anderson and her puppet pal Bella Beaver lead YMCA kids through Oakdale Park during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival on Friday, June 14. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Friends of the River Foundation Executive Director Jane Anderson and her puppet pal Bella Beaver lead YMCA kids through Oakdale Park during the 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival on Friday, June 14. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLETTE STRASNER Salina Post ContributorThis weekend’s Smoky Hill River Festival provides an amazing venue for artists of all kinds to gather and present their work in Salina. Salina Post sat down with several of the event artists to give you a closer look into the individuals behind the works presented at the event.Devin Johnson, artist, and owner of Makeshift Accessories, traveled all the way from Northfield, Minn. to participate in the festival. This year marked Johnson’s first time joining in the Smoky Hill River Festival.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718479014802.jpeg" alt="Devin Johnson, owner of Makeshift Accessories from Northfield, Minn., chats with a customer, Peyton Ott from Kansas City, during the Smoky Hill River Festival on Friday, June 14, in Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Devin Johnson, owner of Makeshift Accessories from Northfield, Minn., chats with a customer, Peyton Ott from Kansas City, during the Smoky Hill River Festival on Friday, June 14, in Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Makeshift Accessories started in 2008, with a unique concept of forging art and accessories by recycling industrial and cultural artifacts: antique bronze machinery, copper wire, and century-old harness leather, just to name a few. The event stuck out to Johnson for its variety of attractions as well as a large turnout for an urban center.“One thing that’s different about it is that it’s by far the biggest thing going on in the entire town right now,” said Johnson.&nbsp;Johnson made note of the excitement and chatter surrounding the event as he went out to dinner after Thursday’s festivities.&nbsp;“That’s all anyone was talking about at the bar,” Johnson said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718479332148.jpeg" alt="Jen Unekis, an artist from Lawrence, Kan., sits ready for customers to browse and buy her abstract art on Friday, June 14, during the Smoky Hill River Festival at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Jen Unekis, an artist from Lawrence, Kan., sits ready for customers to browse and buy her abstract art on Friday, June 14, during the Smoky Hill River Festival at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Jen Unekis, winner of the Smoky Hill River Festival’s purchase award and artist from Lawrence, KS, spoke of her experience with the event as well. This year’s event was her fourth time participating in the Smoky Hill River Festival.&nbsp;“I think Salina has just a really great art community, everybody seems to come out and your volunteers are amazing … I coordinate Art in the Park in Lawrence, so I see it from the backside. It’s really, really cool to just see how well organized it is,” Unekis said.&nbsp;Currently located in Lawrence, Unekis moved to the state from California. Her father moved them to a farmhouse in rural Kansas when she was just four years old. When she was in high school, Unekis' art teacher told her that she was not college material.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718479513196.jpeg" alt="Katie Brown paints the bathrooms near the entrance to Oakdale Park as one of the performing artists during the Smoky Hill River Festival on Friday, June 14. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Katie Brown paints the bathrooms near the entrance to Oakdale Park as one of the performing artists during the Smoky Hill River Festival on Friday, June 14. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0ebdb0d0-3981-471c-8571-1f1e0d5174e0">&nbsp;📸 SM Hanson Festival Jam 2024</a>Despite her teacher’s discouragement, Unekis got her start as an artist studying ceramics before moving to multimedia assemblage pieces. She eventually came full circle, painting her works on ceramics, specifically Venetian plaster.&nbsp;Her pieces are painted with several different tools, from airbrushes to glass pencils, to capture the inspiration she feels from children’s drawings. Unekis uses these mediums as well as recognizable shapes in an abstract way to capture a unique feeling of nostalgia in her work.While artists connected with patrons and community members, musicians jammed out on three stages at the festival.&nbsp;Becky Bliss, member of the band Barnaby Bright, shared some details on her band’s history. Based out of the Kansas City area, Barnaby Bright is an indie folk-rock group that performed Friday night on the Eric Stein Stage.While Bliss described her group’s sound as indie folk-rock, she also felt that was simplifying things.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718479188566.jpeg" alt="The Superfonicos performs on the Eric Stein Stage during the Smoky Hill River Festival on Friday, June 14, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The Superfonicos performs on the Eric Stein Stage during the Smoky Hill River Festival on Friday, June 14, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>“Americana is what we’re deeply rooted in, but we’d like to push the boundaries a little bit,” Bliss said.Barnaby Bliss released their first album in 2009 and their most recent record, a Christmas album, in 2020. “Well, if you want to check us out, it’s <a href="http://barnabybright.com">barnabybright.com</a>, and Barnaby Bright is actually the medieval English word for the summer solstice, June 21," Bliss said.&nbsp;The group came to the Smoky Hill River Festival at the recommendation of long-time event participant Brandon Draper, a member of other groups, Draper Family Band and Drum Safari.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718479247616.jpeg" alt="Fruit Pizzas and custom drinks sit ready for customers at Honey &amp; Rue's during the Smoky Hill River Festival on Friday, June 14, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Fruit Pizzas and custom drinks sit ready for customers at Honey &amp; Rue's during the Smoky Hill River Festival on Friday, June 14, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d65fcc61-d99e-4df1-9ab9-a2ec97d8cc73">🎙King in the Community — Sarah Keck, Smoky Hill River Festival</a>Originally from Houston, Texas, musician Scott Mulvahill wowed audience members with his unconventional approach to playing the bass. Despite his extensive background in jazz bass from college, he initially wrote songs influenced by those who used guitar and piano."I was doing a tour with Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby, and I was playing bass in the band, and this was like ten years ago, but I asked Bruce, 'Hey, would you listen to some of the songs I'm working on. And Bruce was like, 'Sure, man,'" Mulvahill said. " I wasn't even playing bass. because most of my heroes wrote songs on guitar and piano and stuff.Mulvahill said that after his conversation with Hornsby, Mulvahill started writing songs on the bass."When we had that conversation, he [Hornsby] was like, 'Man, you should really like to try to reach for something more you,'" Mulvahill said. "I already had been writing songs and already been singing, but I kind of had two careers in a way that was like two personalities. I was the Bass Player side guy and then and then I liked writing songs, but I didn't put the two together until after that conversation. It was like a lightbulb thing."The many talented artists and musicians at the Smoky Hill River Festival are a driving force for people to come out to the event. Salina Post spoke with brothers Nathaniel and Atticus Reynolds, on their relationship with the festival.Atticus, 14, from Salina, has been coming to the Smoky Hill River Festival since he was four years old. His favorite band this weekend was Draper Family Band, a father-and-son group led by Salina natives Paul and Brandon Draper.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718479584645.jpeg" alt="Visitors browse the East Art Show at the Smoky Hill River Festival on Friday, June 14, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Visitors browse the East Art Show at the Smoky Hill River Festival on Friday, June 14, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>The Drapers have a unique musical sound that combines blues, rock, funk and alt-country. Their 30 years of performances led to Draper Family Band being inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame in 2020.Nathaniel, 12, from Salina, particularly enjoys walking around the festival to view the artist booths. Together, the brothers enjoy experiencing the Smoky Hill River Festival with their friends as well.Salina residents weren't the only ones soaking in the rays and wide variety of food and music. Fred Beissner, 27, and Sofia Fiscal, 28, a couple from Los Angeles, flew into Kansas this week so they could attend the Smoky Hill River Festival.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718476813309.jpeg" alt="Fred Beissner, 27, and Sofia Fiscal, 28, a couple from Los Angeles, flew into Kansas this week so they could attend the Smoky Hill River Festival. Photo by Kat Woods, Salina Post contributor" />
 <figcaption>Fred Beissner, 27, and Sofia Fiscal, 28, a couple from Los Angeles, flew into Kansas this week so they could attend the Smoky Hill River Festival. Photo by Kat Woods, Salina Post contributor</figcaption>
 </figure>"My dad grew up here and he has a house here within walking distance of the park," Beissner said. "We're also visiting with some family while we are here."This year marks Fred's fifth festival, and Sofia's first."I would say the food vendors and all the art definitely is my favorite part of the festival," Beissner said.&nbsp;Saturday, June 15 marks the third day of the Smoky Hill River Festival. There are still plenty of performances, food, and art to experience before the festival closes at the end of the day on Sunday, June 16.&nbsp;Don’t miss this chance to take part in the some of the best that Salina has to offer.For more information check out <a href="http://riverfestival.com">riverfestival.com</a><div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/200778904@N03/albums/72177720317926820" title="Smoky Hill River Festival Day Two"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53793719650_423a3cf5a2_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Smoky Hill River Festival Day Two"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Musicians, artists share their creativity at the 48th Smoky Hill River Festival

By NATE KING Salina Post

An Abilene custom meat processing and craft butcher shop held an open house event on Wednesday, June 12, to showcase its innovative mobile animal harvesting unit.

Midwest Meats, 610 S. Buckeye Ave. Abilene, Kan., is a family-owned and operated business specializing in custom-processing beef, bison, hog, lamb, goat, and elk.

"We just really believe the more local you can get your food supply- first of all, the healthier it is and second of all, the healthier economy," said Midwest Meats owner Troy Leith. "If we were gonna do that in Dickinson County we needed to be in Abilene — the economic center to get that done."

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a7ab0d2d-a695-4033-bc32-af76bab9455e">Danger near the bird feeder? K-State wildlife expert urges caution</a>

Rooted in traditional methods of animal harvesting, Midwest Meats' mobile harvesting unit aims to make meat processing more accessible for small and medium-sized ranch operations. Unveiled in March of last year, the mobile unit is capable of processing up to 20 head of livestock per week. 

The unit offers onsite slaughter services intended to reduce the stress associated with transporting animals to traditional slaughter facilities. According to Midwest Meats, this approach aims to improve animal welfare and enhance the quality of meat products.

"Abilene, like many small towns, zoned out for slaughter in town. So we ended up with the trailer," Leith said. "We're currently working on getting an inspector to come to the farm with us. It's new and innovative, people say, but how many of you remember when on the farm this was the way it was done."

The unit is designed to enhance flexibility and efficiency in livestock processing, particularly for less domesticated specialty breeds such as Bison and farm-raised Elk, which pose challenges in terms of loading and transportation.

Matthew Steele, CEO and executive director of the Kansas Cattleman Association, attended the event on Wednesday. 

"As Troy is working through the regulatory side of it showcasing and perfecting the equipment, it opens up the local market for everyone across the state and the nation," Steele said. "Working so that way both producers and consumers benefit as they get the regulatory things worked out that increases the reach of the product."

Midwest Meats is in the process of working with state and federal regulators like the Kansas Department of Agriculture and USDA to get the stamp of approval. 

"Troy has worked really hard on it [the mobile unit]," Steele said. "It's good to know that we've got one in place. It's working, and is being accepted and supported by the industry, the producer, Troy and his family and the consumer. It's just a matter of time."

With many counties zoning out slaughter and packing faccilties, Troy said Midwest Meats was presented with a unique opportunity.

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

"Lots of small towns and even counties have zoned out slaughter. I believe it happened because everybody saw the big packinghouses going in and said, 'I wouldn't want that in my backyard.' So let's zone it out," Leith said. "I'm not even saying it's a bad call for a community to do that, but they forgot about the small guy downtown."

Troy continued, "If we can get the whole inspection system to come alongside us and figure this out, we can reach out to all the small producers or medium-sized producers. We can put in a local source craft butcher shop in any town because we're not dealing with zoning and being able to kill. Whether it's a static location on multiple farms or how we do that."

Currently Midwest Meats transports locally sourced animals to a state-inspected facility for slaughter. 

"We're still getting over that hump of an inspected kill on the farm," Troy said. "Our building here, we're all under inspection and license; the only thing we're lacking ourselves is what we would call the stamp carcus. Currently, we're hauling locally sourced animals to a state-inspected facility, having them killed, and then picking them up with our trailer."

Midwest Meats is a family operation. Troy's wife, Wendy, and their children, Bryan and Morgan, all work at the store in various roles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718386370876.jpeg" alt="The Midwest Meats mobile animal harvesting unit. Photo Courtesy Midwest Meats" />
 <figcaption>The Midwest Meats mobile animal harvesting unit. Photo Courtesy Midwest Meats</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostAn Abilene custom meat processing and craft butcher shop held an open house event on Wednesday, June 12, to showcase its innovative mobile animal harvesting unit.Midwest Meats, 610 S. Buckeye Ave. Abilene, Kan., is a family-owned and operated business specializing in custom-processing beef, bison, hog, lamb, goat, and elk.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718383121128.jpeg" alt="Farmers and ranchers from north central Kansas listen to Troy Leith, owner of Midwest Meats explains how loading the animal in it natural enviroment reduces stress on the animal and improves the overall quality of the meat. Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>Farmers and ranchers from north central Kansas listen to Troy Leith, owner of Midwest Meats explains how loading the animal in it natural enviroment reduces stress on the animal and improves the overall quality of the meat. Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>"We just really believe the more local you can get your food supply- first of all, the healthier it is and second of all, the healthier economy," said Midwest Meats owner Troy Leith. "If we were gonna do that in Dickinson County we needed to be in Abilene — the economic center to get that done."READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a7ab0d2d-a695-4033-bc32-af76bab9455e">Danger near the bird feeder? K-State wildlife expert urges caution</a>Rooted in traditional methods of animal harvesting, Midwest Meats' mobile harvesting unit aims to make meat processing more accessible for small and medium-sized ranch operations. Unveiled in March of last year, the mobile unit is capable of processing up to 20 head of livestock per week. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718386255122.jpeg" alt="Inside the mobile animal harvesting unit. Photo Courtesy Midwest Meats" />
 <figcaption>Inside the mobile animal harvesting unit. Photo Courtesy Midwest Meats</figcaption>
 </figure>The unit offers onsite slaughter services intended to reduce the stress associated with transporting animals to traditional slaughter facilities. According to Midwest Meats, this approach aims to improve animal welfare and enhance the quality of meat products."Abilene, like many small towns, zoned out for slaughter in town. So we ended up with the trailer," Leith said. "We're currently working on getting an inspector to come to the farm with us. It's new and innovative, people say, but how many of you remember when on the farm this was the way it was done."The unit is designed to enhance flexibility and efficiency in livestock processing, particularly for less domesticated specialty breeds such as Bison and farm-raised Elk, which pose challenges in terms of loading and transportation.Matthew Steele, CEO and executive director of the Kansas Cattleman Association, attended the event on Wednesday. "As Troy is working through the regulatory side of it showcasing and perfecting the equipment, it opens up the local market for everyone across the state and the nation," Steele said. "Working so that way both producers and consumers benefit as they get the regulatory things worked out that increases the reach of the product."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718386152487.jpeg" alt=" Midwest Meats owner Troy Leith speaks with Kansas cattleman Larry Kendig of Osborne, Kansas. Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption> Midwest Meats owner Troy Leith speaks with Kansas cattleman Larry Kendig of Osborne, Kansas. Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>Midwest Meats is in the process of working with state and federal regulators like the Kansas Department of Agriculture and USDA to get the stamp of approval. "Troy has worked really hard on it [the mobile unit]," Steele said. "It's good to know that we've got one in place. It's working, and is being accepted and supported by the industry, the producer, Troy and his family and the consumer. It's just a matter of time."With many counties zoning out slaughter and packing faccilties, Troy said Midwest Meats was presented with a unique opportunity.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ca5ca2ef-5430-436e-8ab0-86d6165069e4">Day 3, Kansas Wheat Harvest Report</a>"Lots of small towns and even counties have zoned out slaughter. I believe it happened because everybody saw the big packinghouses going in and said, 'I wouldn't want that in my backyard.' So let's zone it out," Leith said. "I'm not even saying it's a bad call for a community to do that, but they forgot about the small guy downtown."Troy continued, "If we can get the whole inspection system to come alongside us and figure this out, we can reach out to all the small producers or medium-sized producers. We can put in a local source craft butcher shop in any town because we're not dealing with zoning and being able to kill. Whether it's a static location on multiple farms or how we do that."Currently Midwest Meats transports locally sourced animals to a state-inspected facility for slaughter. "We're still getting over that hump of an inspected kill on the farm," Troy said. "Our building here, we're all under inspection and license; the only thing we're lacking ourselves is what we would call the stamp carcus. Currently, we're hauling locally sourced animals to a state-inspected facility, having them killed, and then picking them up with our trailer."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718384050475.jpeg" alt="Troy's son Bryan pulls a cast iron pot filled with small portion meat cuts for visitors to try. Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>Troy's son Bryan pulls a cast iron pot filled with small portion meat cuts for visitors to try. Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>Midwest Meats is a family operation. Troy's wife, Wendy, and their children, Bryan and Morgan, all work at the store in various roles."Bryan is our main meat cutter and butcher, he runs it," Troy said. "He has an older brother in Des Moines, and they have both been in the meat cutting room since they got out of high school."Morgan and Bryan's girlfriend Kinsey both work in the retail space in the store, and Wendy manages human resources and employee assistance. Along with providing consumers with high-quality custom meat cuts and helping ranchers get their animals to market, Troy said he hopes to see Midwest Meats handed down to the next generation."We expect once we get everything done, it should last two, three or more generations and past that with luck," Troy said. "The family-size farm or ranch needs all the help it can get, and part of our mission is to fill that gap."