Saline County Health Department, Salina Regional Health Center

New and expectant parents in Saline County and surrounding areas are invited to attend the 'Salina Area Community Baby Shower' from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm&nbsp;on Tuesday, September 9th at Salina Regional Health Center&nbsp;(400 S. Santa Fe Ave) in Conference Rooms 6 and 7.

This free event will feature speakers sharing expert advice on newborn care, safe sleep practices, breastfeeding support, maternal mental health, smoking cessation and overall maternal wellness. The event is a designated KIDS SAFE Sleep event approved by the Kansas Infant Death and SIDS Network.

Attendees will have a chance to receive gift baskets, diapers, baby wipes and more. Several organizations will provide community resources and educational materials. Refreshments, including cookies and tea, will be served.

This marks the first year the baby shower is being hosted through a joint effort between the Saline County Health Department and Salina Regional Health Center.

To RSVP click&nbsp;<a href="https://nextcloud.srhc.com/index.php/apps/forms/s/B3P8eoDMYZ7xCpdjGKMjfZQD">here</a>.

“We are excited to be a part of the Salina Area Community Baby Shower this year,” said Lori Faerber, Women and Infants Services director at Salina Regional Health Center. “The event will provide vital resources, support and information that will positively impact families and child development.”

Sherri Poell, Maternal Child Health/Becoming A Mom coordinator at the Saline County Health Department, will be present information about safe sleep for newborns. “We are excited to share this important information with parents in our community,” Poell said. “Safe sleep practices may seem small, but they make a huge impact by protecting our babies, bringing peace of mind and supporting the health and well-being of the entire family.”

Attendees also will have the opportunity to tour the Salina Regional Health Center Birth Center and visit the Breast Milk Depot, a collection site that supports premature and critically ill infants by providing donated breast milk.

Saline County and Salina Regional Health Center hosting free community baby shower for new and expectant parents

Kansas Wesleyan has announced the names of the four musicians to be inducted into the second KWU Music Hall of Fame class. Loren Banninger ’77, Harry H. Huber, Eric Stein and Judy Weber will be honored at the Hall of Fame induction during the Homecoming concert at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, in Sams Chapel.

Banninger ’77 is a well-known figure in Salina’s music and community scenes. A 1970 graduate of Salina High School and of Kansas State University, with a Master of Science in Education, he worked as an educator and coach from 1980-2012 in the Salina School District.

A bassist, Banninger is a founder of The Blades, a nine-piece rock/horn ensemble known for its energetic shows. He’s also the longtime emcee for the Smoky Hill River Festival’s Eric Stein stage, a role he’s held for over 45 years.

A mentor to aspiring musicians, a champion of local arts and a dedicated family man, Banninger remains a pillar of Salina’s vibrant cultural scene. &nbsp;

Huber joined the KWU faculty as a piano instructor in the fall of 1947. He served twice as chairman of the Fine Arts Division. In the 1950s, he was chairman during the groundbreaking and completion of Sams Hall of Fine Arts. In 1952, he was recognized by the publishers of Directory of American Scholars and Who’s Who in the Mid-West, Methodism and International Music.

His wife, Sara, also served Kansas Wesleyan, in the dean’s office, then in the president’s office, serving six presidents.

Huber retired in 1979 and was awarded an honorary doctorate from Kansas Wesleyan. He continued to be a vital part of the university community, serving as the organist at University Methodist Church until 2009. He died in 2017.

Stein was involved in the musical fabric of central Kansas for more than 55 years. He began his career at the age of 22 in his native Ukraine as a conductor of opera and ballet. He came to the United States in 1949 and became a naturalized citizen.

He began his teaching career at Sacred Heart High School, moving to Marymount College in the early 1950’s. When that college closed in 1989, he taught at Bethany College before joining the Kansas Wesleyan Music Depart¬ment in the late ’90s. He retired from Kansas Wesleyan after the spring semester 2005.

Stein was associated with the Salina Municipal Band for more than 40 years, initially as a member of the trumpet section.

He founded the Salina Symphony in 1955. After his retirement from the symphony in 2002, he was named conductor emeritus in 2005.

Stein died in 2007. The Eric Stein stage in Oakdale Park was named for him.

Weber is a Nebraska native and a Salina resident since 1965. She received her bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the former Marymount College and her master’s degree from Kansas State University.

She taught orchestra and band at Salina South Middle School and elementary and beginning band at Kanopolis Middle School and at Happy Corner Elementary before retiring in 2005.

After retirement, Weber continued teaching and accompanying at Sacred Heart High School and was full-time accompanist at Kansas Wesleyan University for many years until she retired again. She still provides music for weddings, funerals, church services and Theatre Salina, and accompanies students for recitals and contests.

To learn more about Homecoming 2025, including the concert that will feature every KWU ensemble, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kwu.edu/homecoming2025">www.kwu.edu/homecoming2025</a>&nbsp;or call (785) 833-4392.

KWU to induct four musicians into the Music Hall of Fame on Homecoming 

With a generous gift of $2 million to the Kansas State University College of Education, Innes and John Hale of Kansas City, Missouri, have kick-started an effort to enhance English, speech and journalism education in Kansas through scholarships for future teachers in these fields. &nbsp;

The contribution is the largest single cash gift in college history and establishes the Luminary Fund for Literary, Performance and Journalistic Arts Teacher Education. For students pursuing a Kansas teaching license in English, journalism, speech and theater education through K-State's secondary education program, the fund is a uniquely tailored form of assistance.

"Scholarships will bookend the program, providing recruiting incentives for freshmen and also support during the student teaching semester at the end of their program," said Debbie Mercer, dean of the College of Education. "The fund also provides programmatic support, including teaching supplies and professional development support following graduation."

The Hales were inspired to give after learning that a little help can go a long way in getting secondary education students through commencement and establishing them in their careers. Both natives of small Kansas towns—Innes from Larned and John from Salina—the couple hopes the fund will attract students from the farther reaches of the state.

"We've long been supporters of the arts and education," John said. "When it was brought to our attention the need for support for future teachers, especially those coming from the western Kansas area, the Luminary Fund emerged as an excellent opportunity to honor our own rural roots while providing aspiring educators with the support they need to embark on a career that will truly make a difference."

The gift comes at a crucial time for Kansas, which is struggling to fill workforce needs for language arts educators.

"English language arts is among the top five areas of teacher need in Kansas," said Mercer. "Strong ELA teachers are vital for the next generation of lawyers, scientists and professors, and these funds help us support students from all parts of the state who want to make an impact on the lives of youth. This gift truly is transformative for our program and our students."

The Hales invite others who wish to support language arts educators to join the effort through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/52047/donations/new?">Luminary Fund</a>.&nbsp;

"Our gift is intended to provide seed money for the Luminary Fund, with hopes that others will be inspired to contribute and support this crucial part of our state's well-being now and into the future," Innes said. &nbsp;

As K-State's strategic partner for philanthropy, the KSU Foundation inspires and guides philanthropy toward university priorities to boldly advance K-State. 

Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ksufoundation.org/impact/category/release">ksufoundation.org/impact/category/release</a>&nbsp;for more information.

Generous donors, one from Salina gifts KSU $2 million for College of Education 

MCPHERSON - The McPherson Hospital’s Rural Health Clinic, McPherson Medical &amp; Surgical Associates, hosted its annual Sports Physical Night on August 7, bringing the community together in a record-breaking show of support for local athletes.

This year’s event served 133 athletes and students from McPherson Youth Football, McPherson Middle School, and McPherson High School, the highest turnout in the event’s history. Thanks to the dedication of providers and volunteers, the evening raised $4,655, with $1,890 donated to McPherson Youth Football and $2,765 to the McPherson Booster Club.

McPherson Booster Club Board Member, Jennifer Rink, shared, “By providing this sports physical night, the hospital is not only caring for our athletes, but also supporting programs like music, debate, and theater. Thank you for your dedication to McPherson youth.”

McPherson Youth Football Director and Coach, Milton Collins, added, “Your support will help us update medical bags and meet equipment needs this season. We are grateful for the care shown by all the providers and their teams at McPherson Center for Health.”

Special recognition goes to providers Autumn Wilgers, APRN, Malia Sullivan, APRN, Stephanie Pena, APRN, Nick Vogts, PA-C, Melisa Cooper, PA-C, and Tracy Sweat, PA-C, who conducted the physicals with care and efficiency. Their work, alongside nurses, registration staff, and clinic leadership, ensured a smooth and successful evening.

"We are proud to host an event that supports the health of our athletes and their programs,” said Carol Fickes, Chief of Provider and Clinic Operations at McPherson Hospital. “The turnout and fundraising success reflect the power of collaboration between healthcare, schools, and the community. Events like this remind us that it is about more than just physicals, it is about building strong, healthy, and supported athletes and students for the future.”

McPherson youth athletics raises thousands from annual event

<a target="_blank" href="http://salina.ksu.edu/">Kansas State University Salina</a>'s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://salina.k-state.edu/civic-lecture">Civic Lecture Series</a>&nbsp;returns for the 2025-2026 academic year with a discussion exploring adult education and how community collaboration can enhance outcomes for citizens, support employers and drive regional economic development.

The Civic Lecture Series aims to develop a more informed community committed to openly discussing topics of civic importance. 

For the first lecture of the year, Kelly Mobray and Emily Ryan, experts with multiple decades of experience in adult education at USD 305 Salina Public Schools, will present "The Hidden Potential of Our Hidden Workforce" at 11:30 am on&nbsp;Wednesday, September 10.

Mobray is the director of adult education for Salina Public Schools, and she oversees the Salina Adult Education Center, which offers a variety of programs to support adults who are looking to achieve high school diplomas, preparing for college classes, or learning to speak, read and write English.

Ryan is the "Partners 4 Success" facilitator at the Salina Adult Education Center, a 12-week employment training program for individuals who struggle to obtain and maintain gainful work.

See Mobray and Ryan present "The Hidden Potential of Our Hidden Workforce" lecture at 11:30 am on Wednesday, September 10 in the K-State Salina College Center Conference Room.

Admission is free, and guests can bring an outside lunch or purchase a meal from K-State Salina's Centennial Dining.

For more information, visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://salina.k-state.edu/civic-lecture">Civic Lecture Series website</a>.

KSU Salina's Civic Lecture Series returns: Adult education in Central Kansas

The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) held a ceremony on September 2 acknowledging the reclassification of law enforcement officers within the Capitol Police and Motor Carrier Inspection unit to State Troopers.

The reclassification ceremony marks a significant milestone for the agency, culminating years of thoughtful dialogue. With the change, all sworn officers within the KHP are now State Troopers for the first time since the agency's inception in 1937. The 25 officer positions affected by this reclassification come from Troop K-Capitol Police and the Troop I-Motor Carrier Inspection unit. Both units have a rich history in the Kansas government, with some positions existing prior to the creation of the KHP.

Though their uniforms have changed, the duties of these individuals remain the same. "This will make all of us better," said Colonel Erik Smith, KHP Superintendent. "It will provide an opportunity for everyone who wears this badge to enhance public safety, whether it's in the commercial vehicle space or in the capitol area complex". Adam Proffitt, Secretary of Administration, and Daniel Hawkins, Speaker of the House, also spoke at the event.

The Capitol Police Unit originated in 1955 under the Custodian of the State Capitol and was later part of the Department of Administration before the unit was transferred to KHP in 1976. The Motor Carrier Inspection unit, which was first established in 1933 under the State Highway Commission to combat bootlegging and bank robberies, was transferred from the Kansas Department of Revenue to KHP in 1988.

Kansas Highway Patrol holds reclassification ceremony: 25 officers reclassified to State Trooper

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Speeding; maximum limits

NAME:&nbsp;Johnson, Dvonte Shayron

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Return for court testimony

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Meadows, Theodore Clovis&nbsp;

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, September 6

The City of Salina will host a Free Landfill Day on Saturday, October 4, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Salina Municipal Solid Waste Landfill (4292 S. Burma Rd).&nbsp;

Saline County residents with a county license plate may dispose of residential trash at no cost. Vehicles from outside the county will be charged standard fees. Commercial haulers will receive priority (regular rates apply).&nbsp;

To prevent littering, all loads must be secured and/or tarped. Unsecured loads will be charged double the normal rate. Customers should expect lines and possible delays, follow staff instructions, obey signage and stay on approved roadways.&nbsp;

Not accepted: automobiles, batteries, hazardous or toxic waste, corrosive or reactive materials, explosives, flammable waste, liquids (including paint), machinery, storage tanks, and vehicle/equipment wreckage.&nbsp;

Accepted with standard fees: brick, concrete, rock, aggregates, commercial loads, Freon-containing items (with certification), roofing and construction materials, boats, sheds, trailers, tires, and waste requiring a KDHE Special Waste Permit. 

A complete fee schedule is available at <a href="http://salina-ks.gov/landfill">salina-ks.gov/landfill</a>.&nbsp;

The landfill will close promptly at 2:00 pm No entry will be allowed after closing, even if a line remains. 

Normal business hours and fees resume Monday, October 6. For questions, call (785) 826-7395.

City of Salina hosting free landfill day in October

Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau

ABILENE - A Volunteer Information Night for the new Friends of the Iron Horse Trail group will be held Wednesday, September 10, at 7:00 pm at the Abilene Civic Center (201 NW 2nd St).

Organizers say the group will focus on hands-on maintenance and care of the trail. 

“We’re starting with an information night, but this isn’t about endless meetings — it’s about rolling up your sleeves and helping out. If you love trails, nature, and lending a hand, this is your chance to make a difference,” organizers said.

The Iron Horse Trail provides a safe, scenic path for walkers, runners, cyclists, and families. Volunteers will help ensure it remains welcoming for years to come.

For more information, call (785) 263-2231 or visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/ironhorsetrailks?utm_source=chatgpt.com">facebook.com/ironhorsetrailks</a>

Community invited to join Iron Horse Trail volunteer group in Abilene

The Smoky Hill Museum Street Fair takes place on Saturday, September 27 in and around the Smoky Hill Museum (211 W. Iron Ave.) in downtown Salina.

The Street Fair has no entry cost and is a day to celebrate the Old West with a chili cook-off, music, activities, food vendors and, of course, the museum itself.

The Old West family fun starts with a parade down Santa Fe at 10:00 am between Elm and South Streets. Then down and around the Museum, there will be Old West activities, a wagon from McGilvray Farms, chili cook-off, historic demonstrators, free make-and-take crafts, caricaturists, Color Me Crazy airbrush tattoos and more.&nbsp;

After the parade, the fun heats up with the Boiling Pot Chili Cook-off at 10:30 am. Chili-tasting enthusiasts can sample all the chili for only $2.50. Tasting lasts until 1:30, or while supplies last. Then you can vote for your favorite chili with your ticket.&nbsp;The People’s Choice and Judges Choice&nbsp;

Winners will be announced at 2:00 pm from the main stage.&nbsp; The Christ Episcopal Cathedral women’s group is once again providing corn bread for each ticket purchased, while supplies last. A small bottle of water will also be provided.

Speaking of the main stage, this year’s entertainment has a new, soon-to-be favorite along with several returning favorites. 

11:00 am&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sally and The Hurts

Sally and The Hurts is an Americana Roots trio&nbsp;from north central&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;that brings&nbsp;beautifully-crafted violin, hauntingly melodic musical saw, and finger-picking guitar to the stage.&nbsp;

12:00 noon&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Don Wagner and Friends

The Don Wagner and Friends band is a local group of musicians. Due to their diverse musical backgrounds, the band arranges and performs a variety of musical genres ranging from folk and country to rock and blues as well as original compositions.

1:00 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Steel Skarecrow

Steel Skarecrow is a group of highly talented and experienced musicians from around the Wichita, Kansas area. The band has developed a unique sound, blending nineties country, modern country, red dirt, and southern soul into a distinct sound all their own.

2:00 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chili Cook-off Winners Announced

2:10 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nick Taylor

Nick Taylor is a local country artist. His high energy and passion for music have made him a fan favorite in the local music scene. With a gravelly voice as well as an ability to wail out heartbreak, he brings a whole new&nbsp;take on modern &amp; 90s country favorites.

3:00 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sally and The Hurts&nbsp;

To finish out the event, this new favorite band will perform an encore set.

In addition to the ever-popular make-and-take crafts, you can make your own rope, talk with some Buffalo Soldier reenactors, watch the Salina Wood Carvers, learn how to tie knots with Boy Scout Troop 1, Pack 4 and try your hand at some Old West carnival style activities with the Cowboy Catapult, bean bag toss and Crazy Cup Toss.

The museum gallery is open 10 am – 5 pm for everyone to enjoy the special exhibit,&nbsp;Kansas: Battleground for Freedom.&nbsp;In addition, there is the popular hands-on interactive exhibit,&nbsp;The Curiosity Shop. The Museum Store is also open with selections of Kansas-made items and locally made artwork.

Smoky Hill Museum hosting fun annual downtown fair end of September

Single tickets are on sale now for all Salina Symphony concerts for the upcoming 70th Anniversary Season, Infinite Horizons.&nbsp;

This includes both Mainstage Concerts and Encore Performances. 

The Symphony will launch the landmark season Sunday, October 5 with "Beyond the Planets," a stellar multimedia concert that includes a trio of thrilling themes from Star Wars. The program culminates in a breathtaking performance of Holst’s majestic The Planets suite, featuring world renowned projection artist Camilla Tassi’s visual interpretation of the iconic score. 

Prepare for an unforgettable voyage that blends visual beauty and the sheer power of orchestral music.&nbsp;

Fireworks will be the theme for the Sunday, November 9 concert. Be among the first to experience the vibrant energy of Carolina Calvache’s new “Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra,” showcasing principal trombonist Dan Hinman. 

The concert concludes with the hypnotic crescendo of Ravel’s captivating “Bolero,” promising an unforgettable concert experience.&nbsp;

The Symphony’s cherished holiday tradition continues Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14 with the "Christmas Festival." Multi-talented vocalist, instrumentalist, and composer Andrew Lipke will return to Salina to conduct and perform. 

The concert will also feature festive song and&nbsp;dance from Iron Street Dance Company, Tamara Howe School of Dance, Salina Chorale, Kansas Wesleyan University Chorale and Salina Symphony Youth Choir.&nbsp;

Celebrate 250 years of the American Spirit Sunday, January 25, 2026 with this dynamic symphonic concert! Crowd favorite Samantha Rose Williams returns to sing Alan Fletcher’s “Three American Songs” and selections by Florence Price. 

The evening ends with the vibrant and iconic sounds of Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances” from West Side Story, a testament to the nation’s enduring artistic energy.&nbsp;

Experience the timeless magic of Rodgers and Hammerstein Sunday, March 8, 2026 at this unforgettable concert. Relive the heartwarming melodies from "The Sound of Music, Oklahoma!," "The King and I," and more! Join the Symphony for an evening filled with iconic songs that have captured hearts for generations.&nbsp;

The anniversary season will end Sunday, May 3 with Beethoven’s awe-inspiring Ninth Symphony. A cornerstone of classical music and a triumph of human spirit, this legendary work unites orchestra, chorus, and soloists in a powerful celebration of unity and hope. Encore Performances&nbsp;

Encore performances begin September 27 with Fiddle Fusion, an outdoor chamber music concert blending classical elegance with folk fire. Enjoy the timeless beauty of a Mozart string quartet and then kick up your heels to a lively set of traditional Scottish fiddle tunes and other surprises.&nbsp;

Bring your family to the Symphony for an afternoon of music and more on Jan. 24 with The Harmony Games, a story about four families who come together through the power of music. The concert will also feature wildly popular music from Wicked. Join us for a concert experience that is interactive, inspirational, and fun for all ages!&nbsp;

Out of the Box returns April 25 at Theatre Salina’s Black Box with the groundbreaking minimalism of Terry Riley’s In C, a mesmerizing and ever-evolving piece. With its hypnotic&nbsp;

rhythms and shifting textures, In C transforms each performance into a unique journey for the senses.&nbsp;

Single Tickets on Sale Now for All Concerts&nbsp;

Single tickets may be ordered by phone at (785) 827-1998, online at <a href="http://salinasymphony.org">salinasymphony.org</a>, or in person at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office.&nbsp;

Season Ticket BOGO Continues for New Subscribers&nbsp;

Season tickets to all six mainstage concerts are available starting at $225. The Symphony is once again offering buy-one, get-one free season tickets for first-time subscribers.&nbsp;

Season tickets may be ordered by phone at (785) 823-8309, online at <a href="http://salinasymphony.org">salinasymphony.org</a>, or in person at the Symphony Office, located on the second floor of the Stiefel Theatre.&nbsp;

The Salina Symphony is dedicated to enriching lives through artistic music performance and education. For more information, contact the Symphony Office at (785) 823-8309 or visit <a href="http://salinasymphony.org">salinasymphony.org</a>.

Salina Symphony single tickets on sale for all concerts

Cold temperatures are expected during the evening hours this weekend, with lows in the 40s.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), after a cold front passed through Central Kansas on early Friday morning, evening lows for tonight and Saturday evening are expected to be from 48-56 degrees.

Temperatures tonight and Saturday evening drop 20-25 degrees below normal, with highs in the 60s for Friday.

Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

Temperatures dropping to the 40s during the evening hours this weekend

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 5 - September 7

Possibilities of scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected to occur throughout Central Kansas this evening.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), these storms will gradually increase from the west later tonight and persist through early to mid-evening on Friday. Pockets of heavy rainfall are likely, with a few isolated storms capable of dime to nickel size hail.

Salina has a 68% chance of showers and thunderstorms for tonight.

Another round of thunderstorms anticipated throughout Central Kansas tonight

A round of severe storms are expected to occur later this evening on Wednesday, September 3 in Salina.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), widely scattered storms are anticipated to occur in Salina from the hours of 4:00 - 7:00 pm. These storms reportedly are expected to develop in Central Kansas, move south and east throughout the evening and nighttime hours.

Accordingly, +2 inch sized hail and 60-70 mph wind gusts are possible.&nbsp;

The US National Weather Service advises you to a plan ahead if you have outdoor activities late this afternoon or early this evening of Wednesday.

Severe storms expected Wednesday evening in Salina

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 3 - September 5

A series of showers and possible thunderstorms, along with mild temperatures are expected for this week.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS) showers are expected to occur throughout the morning of Tuesday, September 2nd, Wednesday, Thursday evening and into the morning of Friday.

Mild temperatures are anticipated as well. The hottest day of the week being Wednesday with highs ranging from 83-90 degrees. 

Highs of 72-80 are expected for Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Series of showers along with mild temperatures expected for this week

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 1 - September 3

Labor Day weekend weather forecast Salina, August 29 - September 1

Cool weather and isolated showers are expected to occur this Labor Day weekend in Central Kansas.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), the highs for this upcoming Labor Day weekend are only expected to reach 80 degrees in Central Kansas. Friday, August 29th is looking to only be around 75-79, with Saturday - Monday being 77-83 degrees.

Rain chances are anticipated to occur on Saturday and last into the start of next week.

Cool weather and isolated showers expected Labor Day weekend 

The US National Weather Service has issued a "Flood Watch" throughout parts of Central Kansas until Thursday afternoon.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), many locations in Central Kansas are expected to see heavy rainfall tonight (Wednesday, August 27) and into Thursday morning, with some areas likely observing over 2 inches.

Salina is listed to have a 77% chance of rainfall over 1 inch and low chance for it to be over 2 inches.

Wichita is listed to have 62% chance, while Hutchinson a 47% chance of rainfall to be over 2 inches.&nbsp;

Saline County Emergency Management is informing county residents to prepare for at least two rounds of thunderstorms. The first round this Wednesday afternoon is expected to be less severe. 

However, a stronger system is forecast to move in late tonight (Wednesday) through Thursday morning with a higher risk of heavy rainfall and localized flooding.

Safety tips by Saline County Emergency Management include:&nbsp;

"Flood Watch" issued throughout Central Kansas: Heavy rainfall expected Wednesday night into Thursday

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.

Just before 11:30p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 8200 block of Bannister Road in Kansas City, Missouri. on a shooting call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

On arrival officers were directed inside the business there where they located an adult male shooting victim unresponsive on the ground. Officers rendered aid to the victim and summoned EMS to the scene who declared the victim deceased.

Homicide detectives are investigating and canvassing for witnesses. Preliminary investigation indicates that the victim entered the business shortly before the shooting and had an interaction with one or more additional patrons that were also inside the business. That interaction escalated to gunfire and the victim was struck. There is no known suspect information at this time and no one is in custody.

KCPD: One dead in gas station shooting

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — In a rare moment of reprieve for U.S. health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as he faced&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/09/04/repub/rfk-jr-battles-with-members-of-us-senate-panel-over-vaccines-removal-of-cdc-director/">a grueling group of senators</a>&nbsp;Thursday, U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas gave him the opportunity to explain his views on vaccines and leadership.

Democrats and Republicans alike expressed their distaste and concern for Kennedy’s decisions as leader of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services during a roughly three-hour hearing before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee. Kennedy defended staff turnover, the erosion of vaccine investment and funding stalls.

But Marshall spent his allotted five minutes leveling with the secretary.

“One of your themes for the CDC is transparency,” Marshall said.

Part of that transparency, he said, is sharing what Kennedy and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention know about vaccines so parents can be better equipped to make decisions. An aide standing behind Marshall held a large sign containing a graphic depicting the current CDC recommendations for vaccinations for children.

“By the time they’re 18 months, they’ve had 18 jabs,” Marshall said. “By the time they get to be old enough to vote, they have 76 jabs.”

An aide moved the sign with the graphic to the side to reveal another sign, which read in bright red type, “76 JABS!”

Marshall, a former OB-GYN who said he’s delivered 5,000 babies, also said he doesn’t understand why newborns are given a hepatitis vaccine if a mother has no risk factors. The hepatitis vaccine is typically the first vaccine a newborn receives.

Hepatitis B is most commonly transmitted from mother to child at birth, and an estimated 1.1 million people died from hepatitis B infections in 2022, according to the World Health Organization.

Marshall said vaccines should be treated like medication and asked how Kennedy uses transparency to do just that.

Kennedy agreed with Marshall, confronting accusations that he is anti-vaccine.

“Saying I’m anti-vaccine is like saying I’m anti-medicine,” Kennedy said. “I’m pro-medicine, but I understand some medicines harm people. Some of them have risks. Some of them have benefits that outweigh those risks for some populations.”

Marshall said he and Kennedy are fighting to empower parents to make their own decisions surrounding vaccines.

“I guess before the press labels me wrong, I’m not anti-vaccine either,” Marshall said, expressing support for the MMR, DPT, polio and smallpox vaccines.

Marshall also gave Kennedy time to clear up any confusion about his stance on the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 vaccines.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, which Kennedy oversees, more than 1.2 million deaths have been attributed to COVID-19 as of Aug. 30. In an estimated 87% of those deaths, COVID-19 was the underlying cause of death, and it was listed as a contributing cause in the remaining deaths.

Earlier in the hearing, Kennedy said he didn’t know the total COVID-19 death toll in the U.S., refuting existing estimates of both the death toll and vaccine efficacy rates. He blamed “data chaos” at the CDC, which he also oversees.

Marshall agreed with Kennedy, articulating the difference between the number of people dying from COVID and the number of those who died with COVID.

“The calculus is different and it’s complicated,” Kennedy said, “and, you know, if you want to just turn everything into a sound bite, it makes it — you can’t have a grown-up conversation.”

RFK Jr., Kan. U.S. senator find common ground on vaccines at contentious hearing

JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas police K9 returned to work last week after being stabbed while assisting during an arrest last month.

 After a full recovery and medical clearance, K9 Dagger returned to full duty, according to a social media report from the Shawnee Police Department.&nbsp;

Just before 4a.m. August 5, the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department was dispatched to disturbance at a home in the 900 block of Riverview, according to a media release.

At the home, officers spoke with the caller who said a family member had returned to the. home after an earlier assault involving a knife. When officers approached the home to talk to the man, he barricaded himself inside.

The Shawnee Police Department assisted and brought K9 Dagger, a Belgian Malinois, to the scene. When officers went inside the home to take make an arrest, the suspect stabbed the K9 officer.

Dagger was transported to a local veterinarian and was expected to make a full recovery. Dagger has been with the Shawnee Police Department since 2023.

At 7:30 a.m., the suspect surrendered and was arrested.&nbsp;

In 2024 the Kansas legislature passed&nbsp; “Bane’s Law,” that increases penalties for inflicting harm on law enforcement animals, including horses. The felony crime is now punishable by a minimum of 90 days in jail and a minimum fine of $10,000.

Governor Kelly vetoed the bill but on was overridden 105-20 in the House and 29-10 in the Senate.

Kansas police K-9 returns to full time duty after being stabbed

HUTCHINSON —The Cottonwood Building at the Kansas State Fair was evacuated due to a gas leak on Saturday, according to a media release from the Kansas Fire Marshal's office.&nbsp; 

Local

Region

Sports

Weather