By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina Post

A 65-year-old Salina woman found her 2006 Saturn Vue missing after someone known to her visited her home to help her with her dogs.

Salina Police Department (SPD) Capt. David Villanueva said that the victim reported that after waking up from a nap around 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 5, the keys to her $5,500 Saturn and the car were missing from her home in the 200 block of N. Second Street.

"Then we found the vehicle up by 1846 N. Main Street," Villanueva said. "They haven't identified [the suspect] yet, but we'll be checking for video there too. Luckily, we got the car back for the lady."

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/8bdf71db-697a-4b4f-94a6-a99474e9d780">38th Annual SM Hanson Festival Jam lineup announced</a>

Officers then returned the vehicle to the woman around 12:21 p.m., but the Saturn keys were still missing.

Villanueva said the woman had an idea of who the car thief could be, but SPD officers&nbsp;continue&nbsp;investigating the crime.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581972960097.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostA 65-year-old Salina woman found her 2006 Saturn Vue missing after someone known to her visited her home to help her with her dogs.Salina Police Department (SPD) Capt. David Villanueva said that the victim reported that after waking up from a nap around 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 5, the keys to her $5,500 Saturn and the car were missing from her home in the 200 block of N. Second Street."Then we found the vehicle up by 1846 N. Main Street," Villanueva said. "They haven't identified [the suspect] yet, but we'll be checking for video there too. Luckily, we got the car back for the lady."READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/8bdf71db-697a-4b4f-94a6-a99474e9d780">38th Annual SM Hanson Festival Jam lineup announced</a>Officers then returned the vehicle to the woman around 12:21 p.m., but the Saturn keys were still missing.Villanueva said the woman had an idea of who the car thief could be, but SPD officers&nbsp;continue&nbsp;investigating the crime.Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.

Vehicle stolen from 65-year-old Salina woman's home

Check this post for weather updates throughout the day and tune in to <a href="http://910kina.com">910kina.com</a> for continuous coverage courtesy of Randy Picking

Email storm related photos to newstips@salinapost.com please include the location of where the photo was taken, and who took the photo.

This video was captured at about 6 p.m. on May 6, 2024, approximately half of a mile south of Assaria, Kansas. Video by Salina Post Lead Reporter, Olivia Bergmeier.

By SALINA POST A number of severe storms swept through our area last night. See below for all May 6, 2024 storm watches and warnings for our coverage area.

Severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 9:30 p.m.&nbsp;(EXPIRED)

A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9:30 p.m. CDT FOR NORTH CENTRAL RILEY AND NORTHWESTERN POTTAWATOMIE COUNTIES.

At 9:00 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Tuttle Creek Lake, moving northeast at 45 mph.

THIS IS A DESTRUCTIVE STORM FOR northern Riley County and western Pottawatomie County.

HAZARD Baseball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE Public. At 8:45 p.m., public reported 2 inch hail 1 mile southeast of Riley.

IMPACT People and animals outdoors will be severely injured. Expect shattered windows, extensive damage to roofs, siding, and vehicles.

Locations impacted include: Blaine, Olsburg, Randolph, and Tuttle Creek Lake

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 11:00 p.m. CDT for northeastern

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Northwestern Geary County in east central Kansas, West central Riley County in northeastern Kansas, West central Pottawatomie County in northeastern Kansas, Southeastern Clay County in north central Kansas until 9:00 p.m.(EXPIRED)

At 8:34 p.m. a severe thunderstorm was located near Milford,
 moving northeast at 40 mph. THIS IS A DESTRUCTIVE STORM FOR locations near Milford Lake and
central Riley counties.

HAZARD Softball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts.
 SOURCE Emergency management At 8:30 p.m., Emergency Management
 reported softball-sized hail near Upland.

IMPACT People and animals outdoors will be severely injured.
 Expect shattered windows, and extensive damage to roofs,
 siding, and vehicles.

* This severe thunderstorm will be near...
 Riley and Leonardville around 8:40 p.m. CDT

TORNADO WARNING ISSUED FOR NORTHEASTERN DICKINSON, GEARY and RILEY COUNTIES&nbsp;(EXPIRED)

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a Tornado Warning for&nbsp; Northeastern Dickinson County in central Kansas, Northwestern Geary County in east central Kansas, Southwestern Riley County in northeastern Kansas, and Southeastern Clay County in north central Kansas until 8:45 p.m. CDT.

At 8:08 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado&nbsp;  was located near Moonlight, moving northeast at 45 mph.

HAZARD Tornado and half dollar size hail.

SOURCE Weather spotters reported a funnel cloud. At 8:06 p.m., trained spotters reported a funnel cloud 1 mile east of Abilene.

IMPACT Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without&nbsp; shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.&nbsp; Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree&nbsp; damage is likely.

Locations impacted include: Junction City, Abilene, Chapman, Wakefield, Milford, Milford Lake, and Moonlight.

This includes Interstate 70 between mile markers 275 and 288.

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest&nbsp;floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

Tornado Warning Issued for Dickinson County&nbsp;(EXPIRED)

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning for Northern Dickinson County effective until 815 p.m. CDT. At 7:47 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
 was located 7 miles south of Solomon, moving northeast at 35 mph. HAZARD Tornado and ping pong ball size hail.
 SOURCE Radar indicated rotation. IMPACT Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
 shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
 Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree
 damage is likely.

Locations impacted include Abilene, Enterprise, and Talmage.

This includes Interstate 70 between mile markers 268 and 283.
 PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS&nbsp;TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

According to the National Weather Service, the tornado warning issued for northern Dickinson County is canceled. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued May 6 at 7:01 p.m. CDT until May 6 at 7:30 p.m. CDT by NWS Topeka KS.

At 7:00 p.m. CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 3 miles east of Talmage to near Enterprise to 3 miles west of Ramona, moving northeast at 55 mph.

HAZARD 60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail.

SOURCE Trained weather spotters. At 6:57 p.m. , a trained spotter reported wind gusts of 60 mph in Abilene.

IMPACT Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

Locations impacted include: Junction City, Abilene, Herington, Grandview Plaza, Chapman,

Enterprise, White City, Hope, Woodbine, Latimer, and Moonlight.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 11:00 p.m. CDT for central Kansas.

Read below for additional May 6 weather updates

Tornado Warning Issued for Northern Dickinson County (EXPIRED)

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a Tornado Warning for&nbsp;Northern Dickinson County in central Kansas until 7:15 p.m. CDT. At 6:44 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
 was located 7 miles south of Solomon, moving northeast at 45 mph. HAZARD Tornado and quarter size hail.
 SOURCE Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
 shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
 Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree
 damage is likely. Locations impacted include Abilene, Chapman, Solomon, Enterprise, Moonlight, and Talmage.

This includes Interstate 70 between mile markers 267 and 288. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS&nbsp;TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Mcpherson, Western Dickinson and Southeastern Saline Counties in effect until 7:00 p.m.&nbsp;(EXPIRED)

A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7:00 p.m. CDT
FOR MCPHERSON, WESTERN DICKINSON AND SOUTHEASTERN SALINE COUNTIES At 6:22 p.m. CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from near Assaria to near Lindsborg to near Mcpherson,
moving northeast at 50 mph.
 HAZARD 70 mph wind gusts and nickel size hail.
 SOURCE Radar indicated.
 IMPACT Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to mobile
 homes, roofs, and outbuildings.
 Locations impacted include Mcpherson, Lindsborg, Galva, Canton, Marquette, Assaria, Gypsum,
Smolan, Falun, Bridgeport, Roxbury, Western Dickinson County in central Kansas and Kipp PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 11:00 p.m. CDT for central
Kansas.

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

TORNADO WARNING ISSUED FOR PARTS OF WASHINGTON, CLAY AND CLOUD COUNTIES UNTIL 6:30 p.m. (NOW EXPIRED)

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a Tornado Warning for Southwestern Washington County in north central Kansas, Northwestern Clay County in north central Kansas, Eastern Cloud County in north central Kansas Until 6:30 p.m. CDT.&nbsp;

At 5:58 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
  was located 4 miles northeast of Miltonvale, moving northeast at 45
  mph.


HAZARD Tornado SOURCE Radar indicated rotation

IMPACT Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
 shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
 Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree
 damage is likely. Locations impacted include Clyde, Clifton, Miltonvale, Morganville, Palmer, and Vining PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

Tornado Warning including Clyde KS, Clifton KS and  Miltonvale KS until 6:30 p.m. CDT

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR OTTAWA COUNTY&nbsp;&nbsp;(EXPIRED)

Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Topeka KS

 The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Ottawa County in north central Kansas until 6:15 p.m. CDT.

At 5:50 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 5 miles south of
  Tescott, moving northeast at 50 mph.

&nbsp;HAZARD 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail.
 SOURCE Radar indicated. IMPACT Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
 to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include Minneapolis, Bennington, Tescott, Culver, and Wells. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 11:00 p.m. CDT for central and
north central Kansas.&nbsp;

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR MCPHERSON, RENO, RICE&nbsp;(EXPIRED)

Severe Thunderstorm Warning National Weather Service Wichita KS

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Southwestern McPherson County in central Kansas, North central Reno County in south-central Kansas, and Southeastern Rice County in central Kansas until 6:30 p.m. CDT.

At 5:24 p.m.&nbsp; CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 7 miles southwest of Sterling, moving northeast at 50 mph.

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

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

Locations impacted include Mcpherson, Lyons, Sterling, Inman, Nickerson, Little River, Alden, Windom, Willowbrook, and Mcpherson Airport.

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

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 7:00 p.m. CDT for central Kansas. A Tornado Watch also remains in effect until 1100 p.m. CDT for central and south central Kansas.

UPDATED — Severe Thunderstorm updates, May 6

The 14th Annual SculptureTour Salina took place on Saturday, March 4. In total 2o NEW sculptures line Santa Fe Avenue in Downtown Salina, Kansas.

Salina visitors and locals are encouraged to vote for the “People’s Choice” award. Ballots can be found in metal containers near the crosswalks along Santa Fe Avenue. After you select your favorite, place your ballot in the box located at one of the crosswalks in downtown. Voting closes on December 31.

In memoriam, the 2024 SculptureTour is dedicated to Sylvia Rice.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715017064649.jpeg" alt="Salina Sculpture Tour volunteer Riley Rundell unveils the "Going Home" sculpture by Nebraska artist Sondra Jonson on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Sculpture Tour volunteer Riley Rundell unveils the "Going Home" sculpture by Nebraska artist Sondra Jonson on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe 14th Annual SculptureTour Salina took place on Saturday, March 4. In total 2o NEW sculptures line Santa Fe Avenue in Downtown Salina, Kansas.Salina visitors and locals are encouraged to vote for the “People’s Choice” award. Ballots can be found in metal containers near the crosswalks along Santa Fe Avenue. After you select your favorite, place your ballot in the box located at one of the crosswalks in downtown. Voting closes on December 31.In memoriam, the 2024 SculptureTour is dedicated to Sylvia Rice.<h2>Photos from SculptureTour 2024</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715017175246.jpeg" alt=""The Melting of Indifference" by Kansas artist Tim Chapman sits exposed after volunteers unveiled the new sculpture during the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>"The Melting of Indifference" by Kansas artist Tim Chapman sits exposed after volunteers unveiled the new sculpture during the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715017242148.jpeg" alt=""Forward Motion" by Colorado artist Jodie Bliss sits in front of the Stiefel Theatre as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>"Forward Motion" by Colorado artist Jodie Bliss sits in front of the Stiefel Theatre as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715017378444.jpeg" alt=""Forward Motion" by Colorado artist Jodie Bliss sits in front of the Stiefel Theatre as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>"Forward Motion" by Colorado artist Jodie Bliss sits in front of the Stiefel Theatre as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><div><div class="flourish-embed flourish-photo-slider" data-src="visualisation/17851339"><script src="https://public.flourish.studio/resources/embed.js"></script></div></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715017484393.jpeg" alt="Colorado artist Damian Radice stands next to his sculpture "It's About Time" included in the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Colorado artist Damian Radice stands next to his sculpture "It's About Time" included in the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715017555491.jpeg" alt=""Something New for Otto" by Kansas artist James Bryant sits unveiled near The Temple as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>"Something New for Otto" by Kansas artist James Bryant sits unveiled near The Temple as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715017747590.jpeg" alt=""Plum Crazy" by Kansas artist Robert Peck sits on display near a crosswalk across Santa Fe Avenue as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>"Plum Crazy" by Kansas artist Robert Peck sits on display near a crosswalk across Santa Fe Avenue as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715017809355.jpeg" alt=""Honey Bee" by Nebraska artist Alex Shaw sits across from First Bank Kansas displayed as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>"Honey Bee" by Nebraska artist Alex Shaw sits across from First Bank Kansas displayed as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715018010304.jpeg" alt=""Soul Support" by Texas artist Ruth Burink stands on display as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>"Soul Support" by Texas artist Ruth Burink stands on display as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715018071621.jpeg" alt=""Brandie" by Kansas artist Rollin Karg is featured as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>"Brandie" by Kansas artist Rollin Karg is featured as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715018134684.jpeg" alt=""Ancestral Tree" by New York artist Glenn Zweygardt stands near the Stiefel Theatre on display as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>"Ancestral Tree" by New York artist Glenn Zweygardt stands near the Stiefel Theatre on display as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715018191585.jpeg" alt=""Free Falling" by Joe and Terry Malesky from Missouri stands near Campbell Plaza on display as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>"Free Falling" by Joe and Terry Malesky from Missouri stands near Campbell Plaza on display as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715018298415.jpeg" alt=""Hummingbird" by Nebraska artist Alex Shaw sits on display as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>"Hummingbird" by Nebraska artist Alex Shaw sits on display as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715018361701.jpeg" alt=""Stairs to Anywhere" by Colorado artist Jodie Bliss stands on display in downtown as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>"Stairs to Anywhere" by Colorado artist Jodie Bliss stands on display in downtown as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715018538165.jpeg" alt=""Forging the Future" by the USD 305 Art Club sits on display as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>"Forging the Future" by the USD 305 Art Club sits on display as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715020490151.jpeg" alt="Students in Mr. Dow’s welding class unveiled their art work “Forging the Future” at the Sculpture Tour Salina. Photo Courtesy USD 305" />
 <figcaption>Students in Mr. Dow’s welding class unveiled their art work “Forging the Future” at the Sculpture Tour Salina. Photo Courtesy USD 305</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715018563094.jpeg" alt=""Forging the Future" by the USD 305 Art Club sits on display as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>"Forging the Future" by the USD 305 Art Club sits on display as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715018637511.jpeg" alt=""Like a Fish Out of Water" by Missouri artists Joe and Terry Malesky sits on display in the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>"Like a Fish Out of Water" by Missouri artists Joe and Terry Malesky sits on display in the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715018730560.jpeg" alt=""Mr. Hatter's Pursuits In Becoming Human: 005 The Metamorphosis" by Kansas artist Brady Hatter sits on the corner of Elm Street and Santa Fe Avenue as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>"Mr. Hatter's Pursuits In Becoming Human: 005 The Metamorphosis" by Kansas artist Brady Hatter sits on the corner of Elm Street and Santa Fe Avenue as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715018790476.jpeg" alt=""Rising Scaffolding" by Kansas artist Rollin Karg sits on display after volunteers unveiled the sculpture as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>"Rising Scaffolding" by Kansas artist Rollin Karg sits on display after volunteers unveiled the sculpture as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715018855315.jpeg" alt=""Desert Trumpet" by Colorado Artist Reven Marie Swanson sits near the intersection of Ash Street and Santa Fe Avenue as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>"Desert Trumpet" by Colorado Artist Reven Marie Swanson sits near the intersection of Ash Street and Santa Fe Avenue as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715018907209.jpeg" alt=""Lucky Ducks Boy" by Texas artist Marianne Caroselli sits on display as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>"Lucky Ducks Boy" by Texas artist Marianne Caroselli sits on display as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715018944924.jpeg" alt=""Transpiration" by Kansas artist Conrad Snider sits on display as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>"Transpiration" by Kansas artist Conrad Snider sits on display as part of the 2024 Sculpture Tour Salina on Saturday, May 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>

📸 2024 SculptureTour Salina

A Salina resident doing construction work on a property in the 200 block of East Jewell Avenue returned to the home at about 5:18 p.m. on Friday, May 3, and found more than $4,800 in tools missing from the property.

Salina Police Department (SPD) Capt. David Villanueva said that sometime between 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, and the evening of May 3, an unknown suspect broke through a window to gain access to the "oodles of tools."

"A 43-year-old Salina male had apparantly bought this property and had been doing some work on this property," Villanueva said. "He found when he came back that there was a window in the back of the home that had been broken out and entry was made. Inside, he had just oodles of tools."

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0bff8d17-4692-4605-a56b-4ca82f54a227">UPDATED — local officials prepare for severe weather</a>

The total damage done by the unknown suspect amounted to $5,060, with $200 accounted for in the damage to the broken window and the remaining $4,860 as stolen tools.

Villanueva said the suspect stole power tools, levels, drills, saws, an air compressor, a leaf blower, a bandsaw and more from the property.

"To move that much product, you have to have a vehicle. I don't think you're going to be doing all that on foot," Villanueva said. "I would hope that somebody would be able to have some video in that area."

SPD officers continue investigating the burglary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574355645622.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostA Salina resident doing construction work on a property in the 200 block of East Jewell Avenue returned to the home at about 5:18 p.m. on Friday, May 3, and found more than $4,800 in tools missing from the property.Salina Police Department (SPD) Capt. David Villanueva said that sometime between 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, and the evening of May 3, an unknown suspect broke through a window to gain access to the "oodles of tools.""A 43-year-old Salina male had apparantly bought this property and had been doing some work on this property," Villanueva said. "He found when he came back that there was a window in the back of the home that had been broken out and entry was made. Inside, he had just oodles of tools."READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0bff8d17-4692-4605-a56b-4ca82f54a227">UPDATED — local officials prepare for severe weather</a>The total damage done by the unknown suspect amounted to $5,060, with $200 accounted for in the damage to the broken window and the remaining $4,860 as stolen tools.Villanueva said the suspect stole power tools, levels, drills, saws, an air compressor, a leaf blower, a bandsaw and more from the property."To move that much product, you have to have a vehicle. I don't think you're going to be doing all that on foot," Villanueva said. "I would hope that somebody would be able to have some video in that area."SPD officers continue investigating the burglary.Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.

Almost $5,000 in tools stolen from house under construction

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina Post

Eyecatching, colorful signs often accompany events and celebrations throughout Salina, decorating the sidewalks and street corners to announce "Congratulations!" to graduates or "Happy Birthday!" to a family member.

The woman behind these signs, Jacqueline Wood, owner of the Salina Area Sign Gypsies franchise, places each arrangement after designing and ordering them.

"It's just fun, and usually, it's a really big photo opportunity," Wood said. "It's also a good social media tool for businesses."

Wood purchased the business from Gina Turner last year, who began the franchise a few years prior.

The colorful signs often assist fundraisers and other events by helping patrons find their locations or draw new visitors who may not have heard of the celebration beforehand.

Wood said she enjoys uplifting other local events and that each customer greets her with smiles and excitement.

"It's&nbsp;really fun. There's&nbsp;really&nbsp;nothing bad about it," Wood said. "Everybody is happy to see me because they're celebrating, and&nbsp;so&nbsp;this is part of the celebration, too."

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5db96c90-39cb-4072-9d5b-dacc514eb3f7">99KG's path to the top — community, content and consistency</a>

The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce often works with Wood for events and promotions across town, and she said that,&nbsp;alongside the community support she receives, the Chamber acts as an additional resource and aid for her LLC.

"The Chamber is really helpful. I'm a member of the Chamber, and they're always willing to promote things that you want to promote and encourage you to get involved and network," Wood said.

Throughout the next few weekends, Wood said she plans on placing celebratory signs at most of the graduations in Saline County, where dozens of students and their family members will pose in front of to capture memories of the day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714865557108.jpeg" alt="Salina Area Sign Gypsies owner Jacqueline Wood tapes some PVC pipe supports to the back of a "Congrats Grads!" sign outside of K-State Salina on Friday, May 3. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Area Sign Gypsies owner Jacqueline Wood tapes some PVC pipe supports to the back of a "Congrats Grads!" sign outside of K-State Salina on Friday, May 3. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostEyecatching, colorful signs often accompany events and celebrations throughout Salina, decorating the sidewalks and street corners to announce "Congratulations!" to graduates or "Happy Birthday!" to a family member.The woman behind these signs, Jacqueline Wood, owner of the Salina Area Sign Gypsies franchise, places each arrangement after designing and ordering them."It's just fun, and usually, it's a really big photo opportunity," Wood said. "It's also a good social media tool for businesses."Wood purchased the business from Gina Turner last year, who began the franchise a few years prior.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714865647379.jpeg" alt="Salina Area Sign Gypsies owner Jacqueline Wood puts together a "Congrats Grads!" sign in front of K-State Salina Student Life Center on Friday, May 3. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Area Sign Gypsies owner Jacqueline Wood puts together a "Congrats Grads!" sign in front of K-State Salina Student Life Center on Friday, May 3. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>The colorful signs often assist fundraisers and other events by helping patrons find their locations or draw new visitors who may not have heard of the celebration beforehand.Wood said she enjoys uplifting other local events and that each customer greets her with smiles and excitement."It's&nbsp;really fun. There's&nbsp;really&nbsp;nothing bad about it," Wood said. "Everybody is happy to see me because they're celebrating, and&nbsp;so&nbsp;this is part of the celebration, too."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713808072756.jpeg" alt="The 2024 Love, Chloe Family Fun Run sign near City Lights Stage on Saturday, April 20, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The 2024 Love, Chloe Family Fun Run sign near City Lights Stage on Saturday, April 20, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5db96c90-39cb-4072-9d5b-dacc514eb3f7">99KG's path to the top — community, content and consistency</a>The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce often works with Wood for events and promotions across town, and she said that,&nbsp;alongside the community support she receives, the Chamber acts as an additional resource and aid for her LLC."The Chamber is really helpful. I'm a member of the Chamber, and they're always willing to promote things that you want to promote and encourage you to get involved and network," Wood said.Throughout the next few weekends, Wood said she plans on placing celebratory signs at most of the graduations in Saline County, where dozens of students and their family members will pose in front of to capture memories of the day.

Salina Area Sign Gypsies brings creativity to supporting local business

Corrected at 2:01 p.m. on Thursday, May 2. Salina Police Department officers are not bound by the HIPAA privacy rule in matters of public safety.

Quotes from a ResCare employee were removed from this article.

Journalists collect and provide information for the public, and any information shared by medical staff to journalists is considered on the record unless the source identifies otherwise.

A ResCare resident pulled a fire alarm yesterday, Wednesday, May 1, after an employee delayed assisting him with a phone call.

Salina Police Department (SPD) Sgt.&nbsp;Kyle Tonniges said at 7:27 p.m., dispatch staff sent SPD officers to the 1200 block of North Fourth Street for the fire alarm and met with the resident&nbsp;—&nbsp;43-year-old Christopher Fortner.

"When we arrived, we spoke to one of the residents [Fortner] who said he pulled the fire alarm because he was upset," Tonniges said. "[A] staff member said he was upset because he wanted to use the phone and she was too busy to help him, so he had made some threats to kill her and then pulled the fire alarm."

Tonniges said after gathering the information from staff and other residents, SPD officers arrested Fortner for criminal threat and pulling a charge for falsely pulling the fire alarm.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/4927f8af-f0b2-43da-930b-9aaedc34154a">Saline County Commission approves new pretrial software, RFD Three land purchase</a>

All information contained in this article is courtesy Salina Police Department records.

The information below is from a Nov. 20, 2020 Forbes article by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/stephaniesarkis/">Stephanie Sarkis</a>&nbsp;titled "HIPAA Doesn’t Apply To The Media And Employers."

Who is not required to follow HIPAA? The list includes employers, school districts, state child protective services agencies, law enforcement agencies, and the media.

If medical staff disclosed health information to a reporter, and the medical staff did not have permission from the patient, the medical staff may have violated HIPAA, but the reporter has not. Reporters and journalists do have a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp" target="_blank">code</a>&nbsp;of ethics to follow. The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) states that ethical journalism is “accurate, fair, and thorough.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574355645622.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Corrected at 2:01 p.m. on Thursday, May 2. Salina Police Department officers are not bound by the HIPAA privacy rule in matters of public safety.Quotes from a ResCare employee were removed from this article.Journalists collect and provide information for the public, and any information shared by medical staff to journalists is considered on the record unless the source identifies otherwise.By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostA ResCare resident pulled a fire alarm yesterday, Wednesday, May 1, after an employee delayed assisting him with a phone call.Salina Police Department (SPD) Sgt.&nbsp;Kyle Tonniges said at 7:27 p.m., dispatch staff sent SPD officers to the 1200 block of North Fourth Street for the fire alarm and met with the resident&nbsp;—&nbsp;43-year-old Christopher Fortner."When we arrived, we spoke to one of the residents [Fortner] who said he pulled the fire alarm because he was upset," Tonniges said. "[A] staff member said he was upset because he wanted to use the phone and she was too busy to help him, so he had made some threats to kill her and then pulled the fire alarm."Tonniges said after gathering the information from staff and other residents, SPD officers arrested Fortner for criminal threat and pulling a charge for falsely pulling the fire alarm.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/4927f8af-f0b2-43da-930b-9aaedc34154a">Saline County Commission approves new pretrial software, RFD Three land purchase</a>All information contained in this article is courtesy Salina Police Department records.The information below is from a Nov. 20, 2020 Forbes article by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/stephaniesarkis/">Stephanie Sarkis</a>&nbsp;titled "HIPAA Doesn’t Apply To The Media And Employers."Who is not required to follow HIPAA? The list includes employers, school districts, state child protective services agencies, law enforcement agencies, and the media.If medical staff disclosed health information to a reporter, and the medical staff did not have permission from the patient, the medical staff may have violated HIPAA, but the reporter has not. Reporters and journalists do have a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp" target="_blank">code</a>&nbsp;of ethics to follow. The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) states that ethical journalism is “accurate, fair, and thorough.”

CORRECTION: Salina ResCare client arrested for allegedly pulling fire alarm and making threats

After a week's break for the Saline County Commission, all five commissioners tackled a lengthy agenda on Tuesday, April 23, not in action items but rather in information and budget requests.

Board of County Commissioners present on Tuesday, April 23: District One — Monte Shadwick District Two — Robert Vidricksen District Three — Rodger Sparks District Four — James Weese District Five — Chairman Joe Hay Jr.

Before the commission's regular consent agenda consideration, the county celebrated seven students as the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=373s">Oliver Haag Scholarship</a> recipients.

Two Southeast of Saline students, two Ell-Saline Junior/Senior High School students, two Salina South High School students and a Salina Central High School student received the scholarship, representing each public school in the county.

"Very proud of these students. I know that Oliver Haag would be very, very proud that they're carrying on his wishes," Hay said. "So again, congratulations and apply next year."

The Oliver Haag scholarship is a renewing scholarship for students, so each year, students can reapply to continue funding their college educations.

Commissioners unanimously passed the consent agenda with approval for regular payroll and tax adjustments, alongside approving multiple contract agreements.

Some of those contracts included an agreement with ARD Mowing, LLC, for lawn care at the Saline County Court Services, another for Design Nine's Broadband Community Assessment and two community corrections agreements.

The first of only two action items for the day was considering a new court systems software titled Catalis Pretrial Software. Saline County Community Corrections Director Michelle Callam presented the software to commissioners.

Callam provided the history of the young Community Corrections Pretrial Program, with the department first utilizing another pretrial information software system that did not suit the office's needs.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b2e10a55-53f6-4da6-88f1-364adf170d59">Meet Crenshaw — 28th Judicial District's newest employee</a>

"We had a software program that we tried out, but it didn't work out for us," Callam said. "When we got rid of that, we had to go back to the old way of gathering data and documenting what was going on with our clients,&nbsp;which is&nbsp;a series of about 15 Excel spreadsheets."

After several meetings between the Pretrial Program Director Cory Ward, Callam, the IT staff and staff from Catalis, Community Corrections decided to pursue the software and ask for the Commissioners' approval.

The software engineers behind Catalis built a program specifically for pretrial information, and Callam said it would allow the program to do more with the data it already collects.

Callam said the software's total cost would be $12,000 per year, and the&nbsp;remainder of the office's Justice Assistance Grant will fund the new software, but past the end of the Federal fiscal year, the county would continue paying the bill.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=972s">Commissioners deliberated the subject </a>but ultimately passed Callam's request 4-1, with Weis voting against it.

The next action item included a land purchase from the City of Brookville for Rural Fire District (RFD) Three in town. RFD Three Chief Scott Abker presented the approval request to commissioners.

Abker said the City of Brookville agreed to sell 42,989 square feet of property in the northeast corner of Anderson and Meier streets to the RFD for $10,750.

LISTEN MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0e853368-4ed4-4804-a343-83affd806ce2">🎙King in the Community: Rebecca Seeman, Saline County Registrar of Deeds</a>

The first question on the topic came from Hay. He asked when construction might begin for the project after the purchase, which remains undetermined while RFD Three continues to plan.

"We've had three meetings with the architect already, and we're in the process of trying to finalize our building so we can determine what our costs will be," Abker said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=1742s">Vidricksen commented next</a>, referencing an earlier statement that the county's spending has increased about 35% since he began his seat on the commission board.

"I wanted to continue to emphasize that the cost through the Rural Fire Districts does not cost the county any money," Vidricksen said. "The tax money is from the district&nbsp;that they&nbsp;live in&nbsp;and&nbsp;that's where that money comes from. Although it was ARPA [American Rescue Plan Act] money that we granted to you, I think it's a pretty good expenditure of that money."

The pool of cash that RFD Three will use is from a $95,000 allocation of ARPA dollars, and with the added cost of title insurance and deed recording fees, that cost jumps to a maximum of about $30,000 total.

Vidricksen pointed out that about $60,000 will not be enough to build a new fire station. Still, Abker reported that his office is currently working on grant applications and communicating with future donors to help fund the new building.

Commissioners approved the purchase request 5-0.

The first informational item commissioners tackled was a quarterly <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=2162s">update from Saline County Senior Services</a>. Rosie Walter, the department director, provided the update.

Walter reported a few accomplishments, including the total number of meals the department served senior residents from January to March 2024, 28,501.&nbsp;

In 2022, the department served 25,503 meals in that same period.

After Walter's update, multiple organizations visited the podium to ask for budget allocations, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=2556s">including the City of Salina</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=2768s">Community Corrections</a>, the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=3556s">Kansas Horse Council</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=4289s">Salina Area Chamber of Commerce with the Military Affairs Council</a>, the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=4761s">Tri-Rivers Fair Board</a> and the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=5257s">North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging</a>.

Once each organization presented the various programs for which they sought funding, Saline County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes presented the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=5731s">First Quarter Budget Update</a> to commissioners.

Smith-Hanes reported that the first quarter of the 2024 budget compared similarly to the 2023 budget.

The commissioners then held a concept <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=6099s">discussion of elected officials' pay</a> and moved into executive session for a meeting with non-elected personnel.

The April 23 meeting marked the fourth County Commission meeting for the month, so the next Saline County meeting will be Tuesday, May 7, at its regular time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697467290838.jpeg" alt="The Saline County and Salina City building at 300 West Ash Street in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The Saline County and Salina City building at 300 West Ash Street in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostAfter a week's break for the Saline County Commission, all five commissioners tackled a lengthy agenda on Tuesday, April 23, not in action items but rather in information and budget requests.Board of County Commissioners present on Tuesday, April 23: District One — Monte Shadwick District Two — Robert Vidricksen District Three — Rodger Sparks District Four — James Weese District Five — Chairman Joe Hay Jr.Before the commission's regular consent agenda consideration, the county celebrated seven students as the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=373s">Oliver Haag Scholarship</a> recipients.Two Southeast of Saline students, two Ell-Saline Junior/Senior High School students, two Salina South High School students and a Salina Central High School student received the scholarship, representing each public school in the county."Very proud of these students. I know that Oliver Haag would be very, very proud that they're carrying on his wishes," Hay said. "So again, congratulations and apply next year."The Oliver Haag scholarship is a renewing scholarship for students, so each year, students can reapply to continue funding their college educations.Commissioners unanimously passed the consent agenda with approval for regular payroll and tax adjustments, alongside approving multiple contract agreements.Some of those contracts included an agreement with ARD Mowing, LLC, for lawn care at the Saline County Court Services, another for Design Nine's Broadband Community Assessment and two community corrections agreements.<h2>Catalis Pretrial Software</h2>The first of only two action items for the day was considering a new court systems software titled Catalis Pretrial Software. Saline County Community Corrections Director Michelle Callam presented the software to commissioners.Callam provided the history of the young Community Corrections Pretrial Program, with the department first utilizing another pretrial information software system that did not suit the office's needs.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b2e10a55-53f6-4da6-88f1-364adf170d59">Meet Crenshaw — 28th Judicial District's newest employee</a>"We had a software program that we tried out, but it didn't work out for us," Callam said. "When we got rid of that, we had to go back to the old way of gathering data and documenting what was going on with our clients,&nbsp;which is&nbsp;a series of about 15 Excel spreadsheets."After several meetings between the Pretrial Program Director Cory Ward, Callam, the IT staff and staff from Catalis, Community Corrections decided to pursue the software and ask for the Commissioners' approval.The software engineers behind Catalis built a program specifically for pretrial information, and Callam said it would allow the program to do more with the data it already collects.Callam said the software's total cost would be $12,000 per year, and the&nbsp;remainder of the office's Justice Assistance Grant will fund the new software, but past the end of the Federal fiscal year, the county would continue paying the bill.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=972s">Commissioners deliberated the subject </a>but ultimately passed Callam's request 4-1, with Weis voting against it.<h2>Rural Fire District Three Land Purchase</h2>The next action item included a land purchase from the City of Brookville for Rural Fire District (RFD) Three in town. RFD Three Chief Scott Abker presented the approval request to commissioners.Abker said the City of Brookville agreed to sell 42,989 square feet of property in the northeast corner of Anderson and Meier streets to the RFD for $10,750.LISTEN MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0e853368-4ed4-4804-a343-83affd806ce2">🎙King in the Community: Rebecca Seeman, Saline County Registrar of Deeds</a>The first question on the topic came from Hay. He asked when construction might begin for the project after the purchase, which remains undetermined while RFD Three continues to plan."We've had three meetings with the architect already, and we're in the process of trying to finalize our building so we can determine what our costs will be," Abker said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=1742s">Vidricksen commented next</a>, referencing an earlier statement that the county's spending has increased about 35% since he began his seat on the commission board."I wanted to continue to emphasize that the cost through the Rural Fire Districts does not cost the county any money," Vidricksen said. "The tax money is from the district&nbsp;that they&nbsp;live in&nbsp;and&nbsp;that's where that money comes from. Although it was ARPA [American Rescue Plan Act] money that we granted to you, I think it's a pretty good expenditure of that money."The pool of cash that RFD Three will use is from a $95,000 allocation of ARPA dollars, and with the added cost of title insurance and deed recording fees, that cost jumps to a maximum of about $30,000 total.Vidricksen pointed out that about $60,000 will not be enough to build a new fire station. Still, Abker reported that his office is currently working on grant applications and communicating with future donors to help fund the new building.Commissioners approved the purchase request 5-0.<h2>Informational items</h2>The first informational item commissioners tackled was a quarterly <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=2162s">update from Saline County Senior Services</a>. Rosie Walter, the department director, provided the update.Walter reported a few accomplishments, including the total number of meals the department served senior residents from January to March 2024, 28,501.&nbsp;In 2022, the department served 25,503 meals in that same period.After Walter's update, multiple organizations visited the podium to ask for budget allocations, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=2556s">including the City of Salina</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=2768s">Community Corrections</a>, the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=3556s">Kansas Horse Council</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=4289s">Salina Area Chamber of Commerce with the Military Affairs Council</a>, the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=4761s">Tri-Rivers Fair Board</a> and the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=5257s">North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging</a>.Once each organization presented the various programs for which they sought funding, Saline County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes presented the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=5731s">First Quarter Budget Update</a> to commissioners.Smith-Hanes reported that the first quarter of the 2024 budget compared similarly to the 2023 budget.The commissioners then held a concept <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR0LkEZ-Q84&amp;t=6099s">discussion of elected officials' pay</a> and moved into executive session for a meeting with non-elected personnel.The April 23 meeting marked the fourth County Commission meeting for the month, so the next Saline County meeting will be Tuesday, May 7, at its regular time.<h2>05/07/2024 Meeting Agenda</h2><ol>
 <li>Agency Budget Request Presentations</li><li>Road and Bridge Update</li><li>Audit Presentation</li><li>HMA Overlay Bid Award</li><li>Forestry Mulcher Attachment Bid Award</li><li>2024 Pipe Lining Bid Award</li>
 </ol>

Saline County Commission approves new pretrial software, RFD Three land purchase

Salina Police Department (SPD) officers began investigating a scam after a 65-year-old Salina resident reported multiple calls from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) throughout the weekend.

On Monday, April 29, a Salina resident called SPD officers after receiving multiple calls from alleged scammers veiled as several government organizations.

The calls began on Friday, April 26, after attempting to reach a customer service desk for online shopping.

"She was trying to reach Amazon customer service, so she called the number she found online. It turns out that that was a scammer she called," SPD Sgt. Kyle Tonniges said. "In the call, they transferred her to&nbsp;who&nbsp;they claimed was the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC told her that she was under investigation and had to withdraw $50,000 from her account."

Tonniges said she then visited her bank to withdraw the $50,000 from her account, and a bank employee informed her that it seemed to be a scam, so she decided not to withdraw the cash.

Later that afternoon, scammers continued to call the 65-year-old victim by spoofing or impersonating the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) and other authority organizations.

"That person said she had a warrant because she wasn't cooperating with the FTC," Tonniges said.&nbsp;"She&nbsp;got a call&nbsp;the next day&nbsp;from somebody claiming to be the FTC.&nbsp;She&nbsp;got another call&nbsp;later that day&nbsp;from the FTC, then got a call from somebody claiming to be with the Kansas State University Police Department."

"The scammer was very persistent, although she was not out any money thanks to the bank."

After three days of persistent scam calls, the victim reported the scam activity to the police on Monday, which SPD officers continue investigating.

LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/aaca2ed1-857d-4744-b012-194270a75e26">🎙King in the Community — Michelle Weis, Saline County Emergency Management Director</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574569805735.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostSalina Police Department (SPD) officers began investigating a scam after a 65-year-old Salina resident reported multiple calls from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) throughout the weekend.On Monday, April 29, a Salina resident called SPD officers after receiving multiple calls from alleged scammers veiled as several government organizations.The calls began on Friday, April 26, after attempting to reach a customer service desk for online shopping."She was trying to reach Amazon customer service, so she called the number she found online. It turns out that that was a scammer she called," SPD Sgt. Kyle Tonniges said. "In the call, they transferred her to&nbsp;who&nbsp;they claimed was the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC told her that she was under investigation and had to withdraw $50,000 from her account."Tonniges said she then visited her bank to withdraw the $50,000 from her account, and a bank employee informed her that it seemed to be a scam, so she decided not to withdraw the cash.Later that afternoon, scammers continued to call the 65-year-old victim by spoofing or impersonating the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) and other authority organizations."That person said she had a warrant because she wasn't cooperating with the FTC," Tonniges said.&nbsp;"She&nbsp;got a call&nbsp;the next day&nbsp;from somebody claiming to be the FTC.&nbsp;She&nbsp;got another call&nbsp;later that day&nbsp;from the FTC, then got a call from somebody claiming to be with the Kansas State University Police Department.""The scammer was very persistent, although she was not out any money thanks to the bank."After three days of persistent scam calls, the victim reported the scam activity to the police on Monday, which SPD officers continue investigating.Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/aaca2ed1-857d-4744-b012-194270a75e26">🎙King in the Community — Michelle Weis, Saline County Emergency Management Director</a>

Scammers impersonate FTC, demands $50,000 from Salina resident

Salina Police Department (SPD) officers caught a stolen car from Wichita utilizing the Flock camera system at multiple points in town.&nbsp;

After finding and questioning the vehicle's driver, he claimed someone had given him the car free of charge.

According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, at about 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, an officer saw a gray 2009 Nissan Quest in the 300 block of North Ninth Street and identified it as the stolen vehicle from Wichita.

"He ended up confronting the driver, who&nbsp;was identified&nbsp;as Paul Hurt, a 30-year-old male from Salina," Feldman said. "Mr. Hurt informed the officer that he didn't know the vehicle&nbsp;was stolen&nbsp;even though he had been given it for free."

Hurt told officers that a person he only knew by his first name gave him the Nissan two to three days before Sunday.

Feldman said officers&nbsp;then&nbsp;arrested Hurt and requested charges for possession of stolen property and driving while suspended.

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/08c469d5-63c7-46be-8106-8e76e6a18c17">Kansas woman hospitalized in Salina after I-135 crash</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573750784898.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostSalina Police Department (SPD) officers caught a stolen car from Wichita utilizing the Flock camera system at multiple points in town.&nbsp;After finding and questioning the vehicle's driver, he claimed someone had given him the car free of charge.According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, at about 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, an officer saw a gray 2009 Nissan Quest in the 300 block of North Ninth Street and identified it as the stolen vehicle from Wichita."He ended up confronting the driver, who&nbsp;was identified&nbsp;as Paul Hurt, a 30-year-old male from Salina," Feldman said. "Mr. Hurt informed the officer that he didn't know the vehicle&nbsp;was stolen&nbsp;even though he had been given it for free."Hurt told officers that a person he only knew by his first name gave him the Nissan two to three days before Sunday.Feldman said officers&nbsp;then&nbsp;arrested Hurt and requested charges for possession of stolen property and driving while suspended.READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/08c469d5-63c7-46be-8106-8e76e6a18c17">Kansas woman hospitalized in Salina after I-135 crash</a>

SPD arrests Salina man driving stolen vehicle from Wichita

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina Post&nbsp;

Groups of Salina residents ventured up and down the Smoky Hill River tucked&nbsp;closely&nbsp;to the Salina Family YMCA on Saturday, with teams armed with trash pickers with a shared goal — taking time to beautify their community.

Along the new <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/906c8f8f-c324-4d67-a9f8-eeffe7be794a">Friends of the River Foundation trail</a>, dozens of Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU) students used pruning sheers to cut down and remove heaps of invasive Asian bush honeysuckle.

Hundreds of KWU students volunteered to help at the trail for the community Spring Spruce-Up event in town, with most representing various sporting teams at the university.

Three KWU women's volleyball team members, Abigail Palmer, Emma Massey and Laney Carlin, balanced carefully on a fallen log across the Smoky Hill River near the trail while using trash pickers to snag bits of plastic bags and other waste.

"The Salina community does such a good job supporting us.&nbsp;Our games&nbsp;are always packed&nbsp;in the stands&nbsp;and&nbsp;so they donate so much and do so much for us," Palmer said.&nbsp;"We just think it's important to also do that for them."

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0b6ed3d7-288a-4fa9-9385-5db4b1afbb16">AJ Honey Farms, LLC, celebrates storefront with Salina Area Chamber of Commerce</a>

Carlin began her first year at KWU in the fall of 2023.&nbsp;She said learning&nbsp;about the local community and its interest in agriculture inspired her to help create a healthier environment.

"[I want to help] make sure that they've got the ability to do those things and create a healthier environment for us," Carlin said. "I think it's a small way of giving back, and if people around town see college students doing this or high schoolers, students, it sets the standard."

Volunteers gathered across town for the community event, with several donating time at the Ashby House, Downtown Salina, North Town, The Temple and more.

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/nMUJ36os-ATjzBQNW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="2024 Friends of the River Foundation Spring Spruce-Up" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina Post&nbsp;Groups of Salina residents ventured up and down the Smoky Hill River tucked&nbsp;closely&nbsp;to the Salina Family YMCA on Saturday, with teams armed with trash pickers with a shared goal — taking time to beautify their community.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714324361127.jpeg" alt="Kansas Wesleyan University students use pruning sheers to cut down and remove clumps invasive Asian bush honeysuckle during the 2024 Spring Spruc-Up event at the Friends of the River Foundation Trail on Saturday, April 27, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Wesleyan University students use pruning sheers to cut down and remove clumps invasive Asian bush honeysuckle during the 2024 Spring Spruc-Up event at the Friends of the River Foundation Trail on Saturday, April 27, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Along the new <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/906c8f8f-c324-4d67-a9f8-eeffe7be794a">Friends of the River Foundation trail</a>, dozens of Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU) students used pruning sheers to cut down and remove heaps of invasive Asian bush honeysuckle.Hundreds of KWU students volunteered to help at the trail for the community Spring Spruce-Up event in town, with most representing various sporting teams at the university.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714324478497.jpeg" alt="Groups of volunteers use trash pickers and black garbage bags to pick up and remove bits of waste like plastic sacks, and according to Friends of the River Foundation Executive Director Jane Anderson, a large amount of fast food waste. These volunteers gathered along the Smoky Hill River for the 2024 Spring Spruce-Up community event on Saturday, April 27, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Groups of volunteers use trash pickers and black garbage bags to pick up and remove bits of waste like plastic sacks, and according to Friends of the River Foundation Executive Director Jane Anderson, a large amount of fast food waste. These volunteers gathered along the Smoky Hill River for the 2024 Spring Spruce-Up community event on Saturday, April 27, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Three KWU women's volleyball team members, Abigail Palmer, Emma Massey and Laney Carlin, balanced carefully on a fallen log across the Smoky Hill River near the trail while using trash pickers to snag bits of plastic bags and other waste.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714324571724.jpeg" alt="Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU) women's volleyball player Abigail Palmer reaches for a piece of plastic trash during the 2024 Spring Spruce-Up on Saturday, April 27, on the banks of the Smoky Hill River in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU) women's volleyball player Abigail Palmer reaches for a piece of plastic trash during the 2024 Spring Spruce-Up on Saturday, April 27, on the banks of the Smoky Hill River in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"The Salina community does such a good job supporting us.&nbsp;Our games&nbsp;are always packed&nbsp;in the stands&nbsp;and&nbsp;so they donate so much and do so much for us," Palmer said.&nbsp;"We just think it's important to also do that for them."READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0b6ed3d7-288a-4fa9-9385-5db4b1afbb16">AJ Honey Farms, LLC, celebrates storefront with Salina Area Chamber of Commerce</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714324680791.jpeg" alt="Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU) women's basketball player Payten Devold carries a bundle of Asian bush honeysuckle shrubs after removing the invasive species from the Friends of the River Foundation trail during the 2024 Spring Spruce-Up on Saturday, April 27, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU) women's basketball player Payten Devold carries a bundle of Asian bush honeysuckle shrubs after removing the invasive species from the Friends of the River Foundation trail during the 2024 Spring Spruce-Up on Saturday, April 27, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Carlin began her first year at KWU in the fall of 2023.&nbsp;She said learning&nbsp;about the local community and its interest in agriculture inspired her to help create a healthier environment."[I want to help] make sure that they've got the ability to do those things and create a healthier environment for us," Carlin said. "I think it's a small way of giving back, and if people around town see college students doing this or high schoolers, students, it sets the standard."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714324811731.jpeg" alt="Friends of the River Foundation Executive Director Jane Anderson carries a bundle of chopped-down Asian bush honeysuckle branches after Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU) students removed the invasive species from the Friends of the River Foundation trail on Saturday, April 27, in Salina. These volunteers gathered for the 2024 Spring Spruce-Up. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Friends of the River Foundation Executive Director Jane Anderson carries a bundle of chopped-down Asian bush honeysuckle branches after Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU) students removed the invasive species from the Friends of the River Foundation trail on Saturday, April 27, in Salina. These volunteers gathered for the 2024 Spring Spruce-Up. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714324909210.jpeg" alt="Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU) men's volleyball player Barry Neff stuffs Asian bush honeysuckle branches into the back of a pickup truck after other KWU students cut down and removed the invasive bush from the Friends of the River Foundation trail during the 2024 Spring Spruce-Up on Saturday, April 27, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU) men's volleyball player Barry Neff stuffs Asian bush honeysuckle branches into the back of a pickup truck after other KWU students cut down and removed the invasive bush from the Friends of the River Foundation trail during the 2024 Spring Spruce-Up on Saturday, April 27, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Volunteers gathered across town for the community event, with several donating time at the Ashby House, Downtown Salina, North Town, The Temple and more.<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/EB0V2VrO-ATjzBQNW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="2024 Spring Spruce-Up Full" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>

UPDATED: 🎥 Hundreds of volunteers gather for the 2024 Spring Spruce-Up at Smoky Hill River 

Late Saturday night, a black Honda Civic drove across the intersection of Seventh and Ash streets and struck a 75-year-old Salina resident crossing the street in a crosswalk before driving away from the scene of the incident.

Salina Police Department Capt. James Feldman said just after 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, someone reported the alleged hit-and-run, but&nbsp;the report did not record if it was a witness or the victim.

"A vehicle that&nbsp;was stopped&nbsp;at the intersection proceeded forward and struck him [the victim] and then left the area," Feldman said.

Due to the low speeds of the incident, the victim had minor injuries like skin abrasions, and emergency services transported him to Salina Regional Health Center for treatment.

Feldman said the report described the Honda Civic as a 2020 or newer model with a male driver.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1391c8e4-58d3-44d6-acd2-55406cf65759">Hundreds of volunteers gather for the 2024 Spring Spruce-Up at Smoky Hill River</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574355645622.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostLate Saturday night, a black Honda Civic drove across the intersection of Seventh and Ash streets and struck a 75-year-old Salina resident crossing the street in a crosswalk before driving away from the scene of the incident.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m10!1m8!1m3!1d860.0196363220906!2d-97.61071285070565!3d38.842927343809!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1714404924871!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>Salina Police Department Capt. James Feldman said just after 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, someone reported the alleged hit-and-run, but&nbsp;the report did not record if it was a witness or the victim."A vehicle that&nbsp;was stopped&nbsp;at the intersection proceeded forward and struck him [the victim] and then left the area," Feldman said.Due to the low speeds of the incident, the victim had minor injuries like skin abrasions, and emergency services transported him to Salina Regional Health Center for treatment.Feldman said the report described the Honda Civic as a 2020 or newer model with a male driver.Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1391c8e4-58d3-44d6-acd2-55406cf65759">Hundreds of volunteers gather for the 2024 Spring Spruce-Up at Smoky Hill River</a>

Late night hit-and-run near Salina City/Saline County building

The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce visited AJ Honey Honey Farms, LLC, on Friday, April 26, to celebrate a ribbon cutting for joining the chamber and the business's brick-and-mortar location on Ninth Street.

AJ Honey Farms co-owner Allen Stovall told the packed storefront of visitors his and his wife's, co-owner Judy Stovall, journey to opening AJ Honey Farms.

Allen Stovall also shared his passion for helping other beekeepers and spreading awareness and education about the benefits and conservation that stem from beekeeping.

"We always want to see new beekeepers coming in. We're happy to teach it and of course we do not charge to teach something we do because we enjoy helping people learn this trade," Allen Stovall said. "So teaching is a large part of this."

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/468bc8ee-a938-49e5-aa9d-286e2f02e11d">AJ Honey Farms — leading local beekeepers toward success</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714240606251.jpeg" alt="AJ Honey Farms, LLC, celebrates a ribbon cutting with the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce on Friday, April 26, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>AJ Honey Farms, LLC, celebrates a ribbon cutting with the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce on Friday, April 26, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostThe Salina Area Chamber of Commerce visited AJ Honey Honey Farms, LLC, on Friday, April 26, to celebrate a ribbon cutting for joining the chamber and the business's brick-and-mortar location on Ninth Street.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714241210929.jpeg" alt="AJ Honey Farms, LLC, owners Judy and Allen Stovall share about their business and their focus on beekeeping education in the region during a Ribbon ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, April 26, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>AJ Honey Farms, LLC, owners Judy and Allen Stovall share about their business and their focus on beekeeping education in the region during a Ribbon ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, April 26, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>AJ Honey Farms co-owner Allen Stovall told the packed storefront of visitors his and his wife's, co-owner Judy Stovall, journey to opening AJ Honey Farms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714241383997.jpeg" alt="Visitors pack the storefront of AJ Honey Farms, LLC, to celebrate a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, April 26, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Visitors pack the storefront of AJ Honey Farms, LLC, to celebrate a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, April 26, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Allen Stovall also shared his passion for helping other beekeepers and spreading awareness and education about the benefits and conservation that stem from beekeeping."We always want to see new beekeepers coming in. We're happy to teach it and of course we do not charge to teach something we do because we enjoy helping people learn this trade," Allen Stovall said. "So teaching is a large part of this."READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/468bc8ee-a938-49e5-aa9d-286e2f02e11d">AJ Honey Farms — leading local beekeepers toward success</a>