Click the play button above to watch the latest episode of King in the Community with guest Salina City Manager Mike Schrage.

Join host Nate King and special guest Salina City Manager Mike Schrage for a discussion about the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/457e5416-2eab-4749-a306-a57491d4a422">Smoky Hill Revitalization Project</a>, increasing the amount of affordable housing, continued road improvements, new city commission meeting schedule and more.&nbsp;

Hear a brief update on the Cozy in versus the City of Salina civil suit reagarding the partial mural/sign displayed on the north wall of Cozy Inn Hamburgers in Salina, Kansas.

Tune in each month for an update from Salina City Manager Mike Schrage here on the King in the Community podcast.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Mike Schrage, Salina City Manager discusses Smoky Hill River Project, road improvements and more" allowtransparency="true" height="315" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:315px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=dhqhj-1615544-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Click the play button above to watch the latest episode of King in the Community with guest Salina City Manager Mike Schrage.By SALINA POSTJoin host Nate King and special guest Salina City Manager Mike Schrage for a discussion about the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/457e5416-2eab-4749-a306-a57491d4a422">Smoky Hill Revitalization Project</a>, increasing the amount of affordable housing, continued road improvements, new city commission meeting schedule and more.&nbsp;Hear a brief update on the Cozy in versus the City of Salina civil suit reagarding the partial mural/sign displayed on the north wall of Cozy Inn Hamburgers in Salina, Kansas.Tune in each month for an update from Salina City Manager Mike Schrage here on the King in the Community podcast.&nbsp;<h2>More from King in the Community</h2><div><iframe title="King in the Community" allowtransparency="true" height="315" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:315px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=skmut-558a99-pbblog-playlist&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&order=episodic&limit=10&filter=publish_time&publish_start=2023-11-01&publish_end=2024-05-16&ss=529e65f6691d9b7dddebedc34e283cbe&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎙King in the Community — Mike Schrage, Salina City Manager

TOPEKA, Kan. – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.8% in April. This is an increase from 2.7% in March and an increase from 2.7% in April 2023, according to a statement from the Kansas Department of Labor.

“The Kansas unemployment rate for April was 2.8%,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “The state has maintained an unemployment rate below 3.0% since October 2021.”

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 2,000 from March.

The unemployment rate in Saline County is down from 2.7 percent in March to 2.3 percent in April. The rate in Dickinson County dropped from 3.5 to 3 percent.&nbsp;

Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 1,700 over the month, while government increased by 300.

“Kansas continued to add jobs in April, with total nonfarm job estimates increasing by 2,000 jobs over the month,” said labor economist, Emilie Doerksen. “The state has experienced significant job growth over the past three months, with average monthly gains of 4,900 jobs.”

Since April 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 23,000. This change is due to an increase of 17,500 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,500 government jobs.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715954877089.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.8% in April. This is an increase from 2.7% in March and an increase from 2.7% in April 2023, according to a statement from the Kansas Department of Labor.“The Kansas unemployment rate for April was 2.8%,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “The state has maintained an unemployment rate below 3.0% since October 2021.”Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 2,000 from March.The unemployment rate in Saline County is down from 2.7 percent in March to 2.3 percent in April. The rate in Dickinson County dropped from 3.5 to 3 percent.&nbsp;Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 1,700 over the month, while government increased by 300.“Kansas continued to add jobs in April, with total nonfarm job estimates increasing by 2,000 jobs over the month,” said labor economist, Emilie Doerksen. “The state has experienced significant job growth over the past three months, with average monthly gains of 4,900 jobs.”Since April 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 23,000. This change is due to an increase of 17,500 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,500 government jobs.<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/vosnet/gsipub/documentView.aspx?enc=O+qpCkhjA+v3dzYVbAEMjQ==">Click here for complete</a> Kansas labor market information for April

Jobless rate continues to decline in Saline Co., across the region

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina Post

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

NAME:&nbsp;Allen,Emma Elyse REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation

NAME: Base,Claire Ivy REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Clark,Christopher Tae Vyon REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor, Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body, Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

NAME:&nbsp;Dodge,Callan Brooke REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Hirsch,James Cordell REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Ludes,Theodore John REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Marshall, Wyona Ruth REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Outland,Alazia Beyonce REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Schmeck,Connor Leroy REQUESTED CHARGE(S):

Unlawful discharge of firearm in city limits

NAME: Smith,Chloe Renee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Probation Violation

NAME: Wilson,Nicole Alphonsine Elaine REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Theft of prop/serv; mail&lt;$1500; 3 in 72 hrs

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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716034140447.jpeg" alt="Allen,Emma Elyse" />
 <figcaption>Allen,Emma Elyse</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Allen,Emma Elyse REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716034270282.jpeg" alt="Base,Claire Ivy" />
 <figcaption>Base,Claire Ivy</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Base,Claire Ivy REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716034314724.jpeg" alt="Clark,Christopher Tae Vyon" />
 <figcaption>Clark,Christopher Tae Vyon</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Clark,Christopher Tae Vyon REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor, Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body, Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716034359917.jpeg" alt="Dodge,Callan Brooke" />
 <figcaption>Dodge,Callan Brooke</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Dodge,Callan Brooke REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716034395035.jpeg" alt="Hirsch,James Cordell" />
 <figcaption>Hirsch,James Cordell</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Hirsch,James Cordell REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716034445889.jpeg" alt="Ludes,Theodore John" />
 <figcaption>Ludes,Theodore John</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Ludes,Theodore John REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716034485355.jpeg" alt="Marshall, Wyona Ruth" />
 <figcaption>Marshall, Wyona Ruth</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Marshall, Wyona Ruth REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716034532669.jpeg" alt="Outland,Alazia Beyonce" />
 <figcaption>Outland,Alazia Beyonce</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Outland,Alazia Beyonce REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716034560200.jpeg" alt="Picking,Matthew Scott" />
 <figcaption>Picking,Matthew Scott</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Picking,Matthew ScottREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716034592765.jpeg" alt="Schmeck,Connor Leroy" />
 <figcaption>Schmeck,Connor Leroy</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Schmeck,Connor Leroy REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Agg assault; w/ deadly weaponUnlawful discharge of firearm in city limits<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716034643087.jpeg" alt="Smith,Chloe Renee" />
 <figcaption>Smith,Chloe Renee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Smith,Chloe Renee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716034680041.jpeg" alt="Wilson,Nicole Alphonsine Elaine" />
 <figcaption>Wilson,Nicole Alphonsine Elaine</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Wilson,Nicole Alphonsine Elaine REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Theft of prop/serv; mail&lt;$1500; 3 in 72 hrs

Saline County Jail Bookings, May 18

<a href="mailto:melgares@ksu.edu" target="_blank">By PAT MELGARES </a>K-State Research and Extension news service

Late May and early June are an important period for one of home gardener’s favorite crops – tomatoes.

Kansas State University horticultural expert Cynthia Domenghini said tomatoes need support to remain upright. If left to grow on the ground, she notes, tomatoes receive less airflow and are at greater risk for disease.

“Support structures keep the fruit off the ground, which helps reduce contamination from contact with soil,” Domenghini said.

Is there a right or wrong way to support tomatoes? “Maybe…” Domenghini said.

For small, container tomatoes, traditional cages purchased at local stores can be effective. The cages often come in fun colors, but tend to be more expensive than building your own. “The support they provide is minimal and often insufficient for most tomato varieties,” Domenghini said.

She suggests home gardeners build their own cages using concrete reinforcing mesh.

“With a roll 150 feet long and five feet tall, you can create multiple tomato cages and trellises to support climbing plants,” she said. “The openings between the wires are large enough to fit your hand through for harvesting and allow even large slicing tomatoes to slide through.”

To make your own tomato cage, cut the wire to the desired length and create a cylinder that will wrap around the plant. As an example, Domenghini notes that cutting wire to a length of six feet will make a cage that is almost two feet in diameter.

Wrap the cut wires around the other end of the panel to make a cylindrical shape. “To keep the cage in place, you will need at least one or two wooden stakes,” she said. “Hammer them into the soil several inches and attach the cage to them using wire or garden tape.”

Another support method is a trellising system known as ‘basketweave’ or ‘stake and weave.’ With plants in a row, place a t-post in the ground between every few plants, and a t-post at the beginning and end of each row.“When plants are about one foot tall, tie a strand of twine to the t-post at one end of the row,” Domenghini said. “Walk the length of the row holding the twine and wrapping it around each t-post as you pass.”

At the end of the row, she adds, wrap the twine around the t-post and return to the start while again wrapping the twine around each post.

“As you come upon plants, they should be carefully placed between the strings for support,” Domenghini said. “When you reach the starting point, cut the twine and secure it to the t-post. As the plants grow, add twine higher up on the posts in the same pattern. Twine should be added every 8-12 inches, or at least before the plants begin to droop.”

Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html">Horticulture Newsletter</a>&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens. The newsletter is available to&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html">view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.

Interested persons can also send their garden and yard-related questions to Domenghini at&nbsp;cdom@ksu.edu,&nbsp;or contact your&nbsp;local K-State Research and Extension office.

Does it matter when I put mulch around my tomato plants?

Great question! We know mulch is a temperature regulator. Typically, we think of it as a good thing, as it keeps the soil from getting too hot during the summer.

However, that also means that if applied early in the spring, it is going to slow down the soil from warming up when our warm season veggies really need it to. It may also retain too much moisture due to slower evaporation rates.

So, it is best to wait until the soil has warmed up, usually late-May to early-June, before adding mulch around tomato plants

Cynthia Domenghini Kansas State University Horticulturalist&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715962865308.png" alt="Image Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:melgares@ksu.edu" target="_blank">By PAT MELGARES </a>K-State Research and Extension news serviceLate May and early June are an important period for one of home gardener’s favorite crops – tomatoes.Kansas State University horticultural expert Cynthia Domenghini said tomatoes need support to remain upright. If left to grow on the ground, she notes, tomatoes receive less airflow and are at greater risk for disease.“Support structures keep the fruit off the ground, which helps reduce contamination from contact with soil,” Domenghini said.Is there a right or wrong way to support tomatoes? “Maybe…” Domenghini said.For small, container tomatoes, traditional cages purchased at local stores can be effective. The cages often come in fun colors, but tend to be more expensive than building your own. “The support they provide is minimal and often insufficient for most tomato varieties,” Domenghini said.She suggests home gardeners build their own cages using concrete reinforcing mesh.“With a roll 150 feet long and five feet tall, you can create multiple tomato cages and trellises to support climbing plants,” she said. “The openings between the wires are large enough to fit your hand through for harvesting and allow even large slicing tomatoes to slide through.”To make your own tomato cage, cut the wire to the desired length and create a cylinder that will wrap around the plant. As an example, Domenghini notes that cutting wire to a length of six feet will make a cage that is almost two feet in diameter.Wrap the cut wires around the other end of the panel to make a cylindrical shape. “To keep the cage in place, you will need at least one or two wooden stakes,” she said. “Hammer them into the soil several inches and attach the cage to them using wire or garden tape.”Another support method is a trellising system known as ‘basketweave’ or ‘stake and weave.’ With plants in a row, place a t-post in the ground between every few plants, and a t-post at the beginning and end of each row.“When plants are about one foot tall, tie a strand of twine to the t-post at one end of the row,” Domenghini said. “Walk the length of the row holding the twine and wrapping it around each t-post as you pass.”At the end of the row, she adds, wrap the twine around the t-post and return to the start while again wrapping the twine around each post.“As you come upon plants, they should be carefully placed between the strings for support,” Domenghini said. “When you reach the starting point, cut the twine and secure it to the t-post. As the plants grow, add twine higher up on the posts in the same pattern. Twine should be added every 8-12 inches, or at least before the plants begin to droop.”Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html">Horticulture Newsletter</a>&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens. The newsletter is available to&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html">view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.Interested persons can also send their garden and yard-related questions to Domenghini at&nbsp;cdom@ksu.edu,&nbsp;or contact your&nbsp;local K-State Research and Extension office.<h2>Question of the Week</h2>Does it matter when I put mulch around my tomato plants?Great question! We know mulch is a temperature regulator. Typically, we think of it as a good thing, as it keeps the soil from getting too hot during the summer.However, that also means that if applied early in the spring, it is going to slow down the soil from warming up when our warm season veggies really need it to. It may also retain too much moisture due to slower evaporation rates.So, it is best to wait until the soil has warmed up, usually late-May to early-June, before adding mulch around tomato plantsCynthia Domenghini Kansas State University Horticulturalist&nbsp;&nbsp;

KSRE Tomato Talk: Stake plants to keep fruit off ground, reduce risk of disease

By CHAD YOUNG Executive Director, <a href="https://salinarescuemission.com/">Salina Rescue Mission</a>/<a href="https://salinagrace.org/">Salina Grace Foundation</a>

Homelessness is a complex issue that affects communities across the globe, including Salina, Kansas. Unfortunately, misconceptions and myths about homelessness often prevail, leading to stigma, misunderstanding, and inaction.&nbsp;

In this article, we aim to debunk some common myths surrounding homelessness in Salina, shedding light on the realities faced by individuals experiencing homelessness in our community.

Myth 1: Everyone that appears to be homeless must be homeless

One prevalent misconception is that individuals who appear homeless may not truly be experiencing homelessness. Recognizing that homelessness manifests in various forms and may not always be immediately apparent is crucial.&nbsp;

For instance, there is a group that&nbsp;frequents an area of downtown. The assumption is that everyone who hangs out there&nbsp;is&nbsp;homeless.

While there is&nbsp;no&nbsp;denying there are some homeless individuals who hang out in that area, what is not widely&nbsp;known&nbsp;is that&nbsp;some of them who hang out live in&nbsp;downtown&nbsp;housing. &nbsp;Stereotyping based on appearance only perpetuates stigma and hinders efforts to address the root causes of homelessness.

Myth 2: The homeless are aggressive and create a danger to the community

Another&nbsp;common concern&nbsp;is that individuals experiencing homelessness are inherently aggressive and pose a danger to the community. This harmful stereotype oversimplifies a complex issue and unfairly demonizes a marginalized population.&nbsp;

While instances of aggression or disruptive behavior&nbsp;can&nbsp;occur, it's essential to recognize that such behavior is not exclusive to the homeless.&nbsp;People who live in homes are just as likely to be dangerous.&nbsp;

This&nbsp;is a societal problem that is not limited to&nbsp;the homeless. Mental health issues, substance abuse,&nbsp;and emotional instability&nbsp;can contribute to behavioral&nbsp;problems regardless of housing status.&nbsp;

However, the majority of individuals experiencing homelessness pose no threat to public safety.&nbsp;

Myth 3: All the homeless are coming to our town from other communities

A common misconception perpetuated in many communities, including Salina, is the belief that all individuals experiencing homelessness are outsiders who have migrated to the area seeking services or handouts.&nbsp;

While transient individuals may pass through Salina, it's essential to understand that many people experiencing homelessness are rooted in the community. Economic hardships, family breakdowns, mental health issues, and lack of affordable housing are among the myriad factors that can contribute to homelessness, impacting individuals from all walks of life.&nbsp;

Blaming outside forces overlooks the&nbsp;reality that the majority of those who are homeless in Salina are residents of our community.

Myth 4: All homeless live on the streets and are doing nothing to help themselves

Contrary to popular belief, not all individuals experiencing homelessness are living on the streets or are inactive in improving their situations.&nbsp;While there is a population of chronically homeless individuals that&nbsp;are often seen&nbsp;in the downtown area, this is a small portion of those experiencing homelessness.&nbsp;

Many seek assistance through local shelters, support programs, and community resources. These individuals are often engaged in efforts to secure stable housing, gain employment, and address underlying issues contributing to their homelessness.&nbsp;

It's&nbsp;important&nbsp;to recognize that most people&nbsp;experiencing homelessness&nbsp;do not want to be in the situation they are in and are very anxious to get their lives back in order.&nbsp;

Our role is&nbsp;to provide meaningful support to help them overcome obstacles and rebuild their lives.

Dispelling&nbsp;the misconceptions&nbsp;is essential&nbsp;so we can&nbsp;focus on bringing forward appropriate solutions. We need to collaborate,&nbsp;as a community, with our neighbors experiencing homelessness.&nbsp;

Until we as a society can successfully address the root cause issues that create homelessness (poverty, addiction, mental illness, trauma, affordable housing, etc.), we must commit to helping our brothers and sisters find their way to a better life.

It's time to move beyond stigma and towards compassion, recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every&nbsp;person, made in the image of God, regardless of their housing status. Let us unite to&nbsp;help our neighbors find stability and housing and make our community a better place.

Check Salina Post in the future for more articles from Chad Young and the Salina Rescue Mission/Salina Grace Foundation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664900130460.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CHAD YOUNG Executive Director, <a href="https://salinarescuemission.com/">Salina Rescue Mission</a>/<a href="https://salinagrace.org/">Salina Grace Foundation</a>Homelessness is a complex issue that affects communities across the globe, including Salina, Kansas. Unfortunately, misconceptions and myths about homelessness often prevail, leading to stigma, misunderstanding, and inaction.&nbsp;In this article, we aim to debunk some common myths surrounding homelessness in Salina, shedding light on the realities faced by individuals experiencing homelessness in our community.<h2>Myth 1: Everyone that appears to be homeless must be homeless</h2>One prevalent misconception is that individuals who appear homeless may not truly be experiencing homelessness. Recognizing that homelessness manifests in various forms and may not always be immediately apparent is crucial.&nbsp;For instance, there is a group that&nbsp;frequents an area of downtown. The assumption is that everyone who hangs out there&nbsp;is&nbsp;homeless.While there is&nbsp;no&nbsp;denying there are some homeless individuals who hang out in that area, what is not widely&nbsp;known&nbsp;is that&nbsp;some of them who hang out live in&nbsp;downtown&nbsp;housing. &nbsp;Stereotyping based on appearance only perpetuates stigma and hinders efforts to address the root causes of homelessness.<h2>Myth 2: The homeless are aggressive and create a danger to the community</h2>Another&nbsp;common concern&nbsp;is that individuals experiencing homelessness are inherently aggressive and pose a danger to the community. This harmful stereotype oversimplifies a complex issue and unfairly demonizes a marginalized population.&nbsp;While instances of aggression or disruptive behavior&nbsp;can&nbsp;occur, it's essential to recognize that such behavior is not exclusive to the homeless.&nbsp;People who live in homes are just as likely to be dangerous.&nbsp;This&nbsp;is a societal problem that is not limited to&nbsp;the homeless. Mental health issues, substance abuse,&nbsp;and emotional instability&nbsp;can contribute to behavioral&nbsp;problems regardless of housing status.&nbsp;However, the majority of individuals experiencing homelessness pose no threat to public safety.&nbsp;<h2>Myth 3: All the homeless are coming to our town from other communities</h2>A common misconception perpetuated in many communities, including Salina, is the belief that all individuals experiencing homelessness are outsiders who have migrated to the area seeking services or handouts.&nbsp;While transient individuals may pass through Salina, it's essential to understand that many people experiencing homelessness are rooted in the community. Economic hardships, family breakdowns, mental health issues, and lack of affordable housing are among the myriad factors that can contribute to homelessness, impacting individuals from all walks of life.&nbsp;Blaming outside forces overlooks the&nbsp;reality that the majority of those who are homeless in Salina are residents of our community.<h2>Myth 4: All homeless live on the streets and are doing nothing to help themselves</h2>Contrary to popular belief, not all individuals experiencing homelessness are living on the streets or are inactive in improving their situations.&nbsp;While there is a population of chronically homeless individuals that&nbsp;are often seen&nbsp;in the downtown area, this is a small portion of those experiencing homelessness.&nbsp;Many seek assistance through local shelters, support programs, and community resources. These individuals are often engaged in efforts to secure stable housing, gain employment, and address underlying issues contributing to their homelessness.&nbsp;It's&nbsp;important&nbsp;to recognize that most people&nbsp;experiencing homelessness&nbsp;do not want to be in the situation they are in and are very anxious to get their lives back in order.&nbsp;Our role is&nbsp;to provide meaningful support to help them overcome obstacles and rebuild their lives.Dispelling&nbsp;the misconceptions&nbsp;is essential&nbsp;so we can&nbsp;focus on bringing forward appropriate solutions. We need to collaborate,&nbsp;as a community, with our neighbors experiencing homelessness.&nbsp;Until we as a society can successfully address the root cause issues that create homelessness (poverty, addiction, mental illness, trauma, affordable housing, etc.), we must commit to helping our brothers and sisters find their way to a better life.It's time to move beyond stigma and towards compassion, recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every&nbsp;person, made in the image of God, regardless of their housing status. Let us unite to&nbsp;help our neighbors find stability and housing and make our community a better place.Check Salina Post in the future for more articles from Chad Young and the Salina Rescue Mission/Salina Grace Foundation.

Dispelling myths about homelessness in Salina

Bethany College Bethany College is thrilled to announce the appointment of Troy Robertson as Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities. Robertson, originally from Springfield, Missouri, and an Angeleno for the past four years, brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Bethany College Music Department.

Robertson holds a degree in Music Education from Missouri State University and a degree in Vocal Performance from UCLA. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Choral Conducting at UCLA. His versatile career as a conductor and educator has made him a highly sought-after professional in the field.

Robertson has conducted the Grammy Award-winning UCLA Chamber Singers, the UCLA Chorale, the UCLA Symphony, Tonality (LA’s foremost choir devoted to social action), and the Tesserae Baroque Orchestra. His conducting achievements reflect his dedication to excellence and his ability to inspire and lead diverse musical ensembles.

“Troy Robertson’s exceptional qualifications and diverse experiences make him an excellent fit for Bethany College,” said Leslie Mangrum, Assistant Professor of Music. “His talents and dedication will greatly benefit our students and the broader community.”

Interim Academic Dean Tash Smith added, “The music program at Bethany College is a cornerstone of our academic and cultural offerings. Troy will be a wonderful addition to this institution and to the Lindsborg community.”

In addition to his conducting accomplishments, Robertson also enjoys performing opera. His notable performances at UCLA include roles such as Figaro in&nbsp;Le nozze di Figaro, Nick Shadow inThe Rake’s Progress, Sy in&nbsp;Kay Rhie’s Quake, and Mr. Lucian in the premiere of Grammy Award-winning composer Richard Danielpour’s&nbsp;The Grand Hotel Tartarus.&nbsp;

Robertson is a devoted husband and new father to a baby boy named Levi. His family looks forward to becoming a part of the Bethany College community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715999161877.jpeg" alt="Troy Robertson" />
 <figcaption>Troy Robertson</figcaption>
 </figure>Bethany College Bethany College is thrilled to announce the appointment of Troy Robertson as Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities. Robertson, originally from Springfield, Missouri, and an Angeleno for the past four years, brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Bethany College Music Department. Robertson holds a degree in Music Education from Missouri State University and a degree in Vocal Performance from UCLA. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Choral Conducting at UCLA. His versatile career as a conductor and educator has made him a highly sought-after professional in the field.Robertson has conducted the Grammy Award-winning UCLA Chamber Singers, the UCLA Chorale, the UCLA Symphony, Tonality (LA’s foremost choir devoted to social action), and the Tesserae Baroque Orchestra. His conducting achievements reflect his dedication to excellence and his ability to inspire and lead diverse musical ensembles.“Troy Robertson’s exceptional qualifications and diverse experiences make him an excellent fit for Bethany College,” said Leslie Mangrum, Assistant Professor of Music. “His talents and dedication will greatly benefit our students and the broader community.”Interim Academic Dean Tash Smith added, “The music program at Bethany College is a cornerstone of our academic and cultural offerings. Troy will be a wonderful addition to this institution and to the Lindsborg community.”In addition to his conducting accomplishments, Robertson also enjoys performing opera. His notable performances at UCLA include roles such as Figaro in&nbsp;Le nozze di Figaro, Nick Shadow inThe Rake’s Progress, Sy in&nbsp;Kay Rhie’s Quake, and Mr. Lucian in the premiere of Grammy Award-winning composer Richard Danielpour’s&nbsp;The Grand Hotel Tartarus.&nbsp;Robertson is a devoted husband and new father to a baby boy named Levi. His family looks forward to becoming a part of the Bethany College community.

Bethany College welcomes Troy Robertson as assistant professor and choral director

By NATE KING Salina Post

The 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival Medallion Quest is officially over — the medallion has been found.&nbsp;

Salina Arts &amp; Humanities announced this evening that Salinan Mandy Copp found this year's medallion just hours ago in Centennial Park in Salina, Kansas.&nbsp;

"A great story of a team that worked hard to interpret most of the clues correctly to get to the correct space," said Brad Anderson, Director at Salina Arts and Humanities. "We've had people find it [the medallion] fast by misinterpreting clues, and still getting to the right place. They did pretty well at keying in on a couple we thought were obscure."&nbsp;

This year's medallion resembles a railroad spike that holds a railroad tie in place. It was made from hardware, including rebar and threaded pipe. A rolled piece of paper with the medallion information and the message 'You found it' was inside the hollow spike.&nbsp;

Mandy Copp found the medallion in a railroad tie outside the front door of the Friendship Center.

“I appreciated the positive exchanges people had on social media and the cooperative spirit that Medallion hunters showed," Anderson said. 

On Friday morning, Mandy and her husband Sean went to Centennial Park after they dropped their son Jacob off at school.&nbsp;

"We were pretty sure the 'south of The King' clue meant the Elvis statue in Spangles," Mandy Copp said at the press conference held on Friday evening. "I told Jacob, 'I'm so sure it is at Centennial Park. I'll pay you $50 to skip Play Day at school to go look for it,'" Mandy Copp said as the audience laughed along with her. "Jacob said,' No.''

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

Mandy's son Jacob had explored the area where the Medallion was found, laying on his stomach and poking his fingers in the holes of the railroad tie along the sidewalk. He was part of the reason Mandy Copp stayed in the area and started searching more thoroughly.

As 4:30 p.m. drew closer and the next clue was about to be revealed, Mandy and her crew of searchers went back to Centennial Park. They weren't alone — others had caught on and were looking South of the King and west of a wide path — Broadway Boulevard.&nbsp;

"Lots of people were in that area and there was a group of people specifically at the top of the steps where the railroad tie was when Jacob got there," Mandy Copp said. "When I found it everyone was super positive and congratulating us."

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

Mandy Copp found the medallion around 4:45 p.m. on Friday, May 17.

Mandy Copp said each year she looks for the medallion and thinks she is on the right track.&nbsp;

"Inevidably every year I'm like,'This is the year, this has got to be where it is," Mandy Copp said. "And then all the clues come out and I was nowhere close to where it was."

Mandy Copp said with the number of community members out looking for the medallion, she is confident it would've been found today. This year marks the 18th year the Smoky Hill River Festival has held the Medallion Quest.

“The Festival Medallion Quest celebrates our community's patronage of the arts. It is exciting to see how Questers explore and think differently about their city in search of the medallion as it leads up to the Smoky Hill River Festival,” said Visual Arts Coordinator Crystal Hammerschmidt. 

Mandy Copp received a prize package of $1,000 in cash and $2,000 in gift certificates for shopping at the Smoky Hill River Festival Fine Art and Craft Show. Additionally, they received four festival admission wristbands, a complimentary on-grounds VIP parking pass, an invitation for four to the Thursday evening PREMIERE Art Patron Party, and four 2024 River Festival t-shirts.

The prize package is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b89d6332-5e91-4fee-bd7d-db2bbd9b72d2">Wristbands for 48th Smoky Hill River Festival now on sale</a>

The 2024 Medallion Quest took just under 48 hours. To view the complete set of this year's&nbsp; Festival Medallion Quest clues, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://festivalmedallionquest.com/">festivalmedallionquest.com</a>&nbsp;and click on the Clues page.

The Smoky Hill River Festival, now in its 48th year, is the flagship event of Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, a department of the City of Salina. The River Festival draws many local residents and out-of-town guests each year to Salina to enjoy outdoor art installations, the Fine Art and Craft Show, three stages of live entertainment, the Artyopolis kid’s area, Festival food, and more. 

The River Festival generates approximately $3.5 million in revenue annually within the local community. Advance-price, four-day Festival Wristbands are available until late Tuesday, June 11, at 40 Salina locations and in 18 other regional cities. Children 11 and under get in FREE.

<a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/">To find out more about the festival click here.&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715991985498.jpeg" alt="2024 Festival Medallion Quest Winner Mandy Copp. Image Courtesy Salina Arts and Humanities" />
 <figcaption>2024 Festival Medallion Quest Winner Mandy Copp. Image Courtesy Salina Arts and Humanities</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostThe 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival Medallion Quest is officially over — the medallion has been found.&nbsp;Salina Arts &amp; Humanities announced this evening that Salinan Mandy Copp found this year's medallion just hours ago in Centennial Park in Salina, Kansas.&nbsp;"A great story of a team that worked hard to interpret most of the clues correctly to get to the correct space," said Brad Anderson, Director at Salina Arts and Humanities. "We've had people find it [the medallion] fast by misinterpreting clues, and still getting to the right place. They did pretty well at keying in on a couple we thought were obscure."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715991074200.jpeg" alt="Salina Arts and Humanities Director Brad Anderson addresses attendeees at the Medallion Quest Press Conference on May 17, 2024. Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>Salina Arts and Humanities Director Brad Anderson addresses attendeees at the Medallion Quest Press Conference on May 17, 2024. Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>This year's medallion resembles a railroad spike that holds a railroad tie in place. It was made from hardware, including rebar and threaded pipe. A rolled piece of paper with the medallion information and the message 'You found it' was inside the hollow spike.&nbsp;Mandy Copp found the medallion in a railroad tie outside the front door of the Friendship Center.“I appreciated the positive exchanges people had on social media and the cooperative spirit that Medallion hunters showed," Anderson said. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715990738749.jpeg" alt="The 2024 Medallion Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>The 2024 Medallion Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>How the Medallion was Found</h2>On Friday morning, Mandy and her husband Sean went to Centennial Park after they dropped their son Jacob off at school.&nbsp;"We were pretty sure the 'south of The King' clue meant the Elvis statue in Spangles," Mandy Copp said at the press conference held on Friday evening. "I told Jacob, 'I'm so sure it is at Centennial Park. I'll pay you $50 to skip Play Day at school to go look for it,'" Mandy Copp said as the audience laughed along with her. "Jacob said,' No.''LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eb9d6b20-de39-4216-9b0a-1c488dfeb1e6">🎙King in the Community — Crystal Hammerschmidt, Salina Arts and Humanities</a>Mandy's son Jacob had explored the area where the Medallion was found, laying on his stomach and poking his fingers in the holes of the railroad tie along the sidewalk. He was part of the reason Mandy Copp stayed in the area and started searching more thoroughly.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715990926871.jpeg" alt="From left: Jacob Copp, 2024 Medallion Winner Mandy Copp, Sean Copp and their family friend Jon Loader. Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>From left: Jacob Copp, 2024 Medallion Winner Mandy Copp, Sean Copp and their family friend Jon Loader. Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>As 4:30 p.m. drew closer and the next clue was about to be revealed, Mandy and her crew of searchers went back to Centennial Park. They weren't alone — others had caught on and were looking South of the King and west of a wide path — Broadway Boulevard.&nbsp;"Lots of people were in that area and there was a group of people specifically at the top of the steps where the railroad tie was when Jacob got there," Mandy Copp said. "When I found it everyone was super positive and congratulating us."READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b7840647-570e-46c9-b3db-a74fa03752e1">🎥First details released for 48th Smoky Hill River Festival</a>Mandy Copp found the medallion around 4:45 p.m. on Friday, May 17.Mandy Copp said each year she looks for the medallion and thinks she is on the right track.&nbsp;"Inevidably every year I'm like,'This is the year, this has got to be where it is," Mandy Copp said. "And then all the clues come out and I was nowhere close to where it was."Mandy Copp said with the number of community members out looking for the medallion, she is confident it would've been found today. This year marks the 18th year the Smoky Hill River Festival has held the Medallion Quest.“The Festival Medallion Quest celebrates our community's patronage of the arts. It is exciting to see how Questers explore and think differently about their city in search of the medallion as it leads up to the Smoky Hill River Festival,” said Visual Arts Coordinator Crystal Hammerschmidt. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715981702021.jpeg" alt="The five clues that led Mandy to find the medallion in Centennial Park. Photo by Oliva Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The five clues that led Mandy to find the medallion in Centennial Park. Photo by Oliva Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Mandy Copp received a prize package of $1,000 in cash and $2,000 in gift certificates for shopping at the Smoky Hill River Festival Fine Art and Craft Show. Additionally, they received four festival admission wristbands, a complimentary on-grounds VIP parking pass, an invitation for four to the Thursday evening PREMIERE Art Patron Party, and four 2024 River Festival t-shirts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716000460891.jpeg" alt="medallion quest" />
 <figcaption>medallion quest</figcaption>
 </figure>The prize package is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b89d6332-5e91-4fee-bd7d-db2bbd9b72d2">Wristbands for 48th Smoky Hill River Festival now on sale</a>The 2024 Medallion Quest took just under 48 hours. To view the complete set of this year's&nbsp; Festival Medallion Quest clues, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://festivalmedallionquest.com/">festivalmedallionquest.com</a>&nbsp;and click on the Clues page.The Smoky Hill River Festival, now in its 48th year, is the flagship event of Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, a department of the City of Salina. The River Festival draws many local residents and out-of-town guests each year to Salina to enjoy outdoor art installations, the Fine Art and Craft Show, three stages of live entertainment, the Artyopolis kid’s area, Festival food, and more. The River Festival generates approximately $3.5 million in revenue annually within the local community. Advance-price, four-day Festival Wristbands are available until late Tuesday, June 11, at 40 Salina locations and in 18 other regional cities. Children 11 and under get in FREE.<a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/">To find out more about the festival click here.&nbsp;</a>

UPDATED: The Festival Medallion has been found, winner announced

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8_QapUV_xYo?si=MR_64btnWHxJsyzR" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall.

🎤Forward Ever: U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall

The 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival Medallion Quest is underway!

The first clue was revealed this afternoon at the Smoky Hill Museum. It is:

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

· Four complimentary Festival admission wristbands

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

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

· Four Smoky Hill River Festival t-shirts

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

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

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

No purchase is necessary to participate or win.

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

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

Clues WILL NOT be given over the phone or via email

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715981702021.jpeg" alt="Photo by Oliva Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Oliva Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival Medallion Quest is underway!The first clue was revealed this afternoon at the Smoky Hill Museum. It is:Clue No. Five: Step, walk, step.<h2>Medallion Quest 2024 prize package</h2>· $1,000 in cash· $2,000 in Festival Gift Certificates, to be used for purchases in the Fine Art and Craft Show or Art/Craft Demonstration Area during the Festival weekend· Four complimentary Festival admission wristbands· One on-grounds Festival parking pass (weather permitting)· An invitation for four to attend the evening PREMIERE Art Patron Party on Thursday, June 13· Four Smoky Hill River Festival t-shirts“The Festival Medallion Quest is the perfect way to kick off the festival season,” said Salina Arts and Humanities Director Brad Anderson. “Thousands of searchers get to see the town with new eyes as they interpret clues and get creative trying to find the Medallion.”READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b7840647-570e-46c9-b3db-a74fa03752e1">🎥First details released for 48th Smoky Hill River Festival</a>Clues will be released at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily on the Quest website,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.festivalmedallionquest.com/" target="_blank">www.festivalmedallionquest.com</a>,&nbsp;beginning at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, on the steps of the Smoky Hill Museum.The clues will also be posted outside the west doors on Eighth Street at the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities office on the corner of Eighth and Iron Ave.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Medallion Quest Rules</h2>No purchase is necessary to participate or win.Employees of Salina Arts &amp; Humanities or SAH Foundation Board members and their families are not eligible to win.Participants assume all risk and release the City of Salina, Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, and the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Foundation from liability for any injuries or damages to themselves.Clues WILL NOT be given over the phone or via emailThe Medallion will be easy to remove from its location and WILL NOT require climbing, digging, tools or ladders, or the destruction of property.The objects are located on public property within the Salina city limits, which may include City parks.&nbsp;Curfews hours for all City parks remain in effect during the Quest and are posted at each park.NOTHING will be hidden:At Kenwood or Oakdale ParksOn Private PropertyOn Salina Airport Authority PropertyThe Medallion will be easy to identify because it will have a message and contact information attached or written directly on it.DO NOT&nbsp;post any photos of an object on social media until it has been officially confirmed to be genuine.Once the Medallion has been confirmed as found, the public will be notified of the time and place where the official press conference and award presentation will take place.Notification will be posted on the Festival Medallion Quest and Smoky Hill River Festival websites, through participating local media partners, and physically outside the west entrance of the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Office at 211 W. Iron Ave.

Fifth Medallion Quest Clue revealed

Salina Post proudly presents Flashback Friday in partnership with the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.smokyhillmuseum.org/">Smoky Hill Museum</a>. Enjoy a weekly tidbit of local history from the staff at Salina Post and the Smoky Hill Museum as we present "Salina-Flashback Fridays."&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I consider myself a feminist, very much so.&nbsp;I&nbsp;just&nbsp;feel like women should get to be what&nbsp;they're destined&nbsp;to be and do what they have the opportunities and abilities to do.&nbsp;And they should be paid equally."

​– Mary Virginia "Ginny" Bevan, Contact, 2019

Legislation such as the Civil Rights Act, Equal Rights Amendment and Title IX provided more opportunities for women. They also&nbsp;helped transform many educational institutions.&nbsp;

Title IX states that no person in the United States shall,&nbsp;on the basis of&nbsp;sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or&nbsp;be subjected&nbsp;to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/8b4c1c8a-289a-4d1a-8517-02c5e5b0661c">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Amy Rasher - Vol. 41</a>

Before Title IX in 1972, athletic opportunities for&nbsp;women students were minimal at best.&nbsp;If&nbsp;there was any&nbsp;kind of a&nbsp;program, there certainly was no funding.&nbsp;

Coaches often provided the budget themselves. Female scholarships&nbsp;certainly&nbsp;did not exist, nor&nbsp;did recruiting. Athletes faced an ongoing stigma of doing activities not considered appropriate for women at the time.

Ginny Bevan helped pioneer the Title IX movement in Kansas. Title IX called for equity for women in programs and activities that received Federal funding.

Bevan taught physical education at Kansas Wesleyan University. As head coach, she led the basketball, volleyball, softball, tennis and track for all the women's teams.&nbsp;

She worked with other women collegiate coaches in Kansas. Together they help begin and achieve intercollegiate sports for women.&nbsp;

Before Title IX in the late 1960s, Bevan was a founding member of the Kansas Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women. This organization provided rules and regulations for equity in athletics for women.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1932b0e4-25bd-4267-b5c5-903235581bd3">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Irene Nelson Carlson - Vol. 40</a>

Find out more about Bevan's story and the legacies of other remarkable Salina women at the Smoky Hill Museum's newest exhibit titled,&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e1b0971b-8be5-4964-89a2-426f265584aa" target="_blank">"Step up to the Task"</a>&nbsp;running from April 12 - Oct. 5

All exhibits at the Smoky Hill Museum are free to the public.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691164615840.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTSalina Post proudly presents Flashback Friday in partnership with the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.smokyhillmuseum.org/">Smoky Hill Museum</a>. Enjoy a weekly tidbit of local history from the staff at Salina Post and the Smoky Hill Museum as we present "Salina-Flashback Fridays."&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712951451743.png" alt="Step up to the Task" />
 <figcaption>Step up to the Task</figcaption>
 </figure>"I consider myself a feminist, very much so.&nbsp;I&nbsp;just&nbsp;feel like women should get to be what&nbsp;they're destined&nbsp;to be and do what they have the opportunities and abilities to do.&nbsp;And they should be paid equally."​– Mary Virginia "Ginny" Bevan, Contact, 2019<h2>Equal Opportunity?</h2>Legislation such as the Civil Rights Act, Equal Rights Amendment and Title IX provided more opportunities for women. They also&nbsp;helped transform many educational institutions.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715977517926.jpeg" alt="Mary "Ginny" Zook Bevan" />
 <figcaption>Mary "Ginny" Zook Bevan</figcaption>
 </figure>Title IX states that no person in the United States shall,&nbsp;on the basis of&nbsp;sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or&nbsp;be subjected&nbsp;to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/8b4c1c8a-289a-4d1a-8517-02c5e5b0661c">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Amy Rasher - Vol. 41</a>Before Title IX in 1972, athletic opportunities for&nbsp;women students were minimal at best.&nbsp;If&nbsp;there was any&nbsp;kind of a&nbsp;program, there certainly was no funding.&nbsp;Coaches often provided the budget themselves. Female scholarships&nbsp;certainly&nbsp;did not exist, nor&nbsp;did recruiting. Athletes faced an ongoing stigma of doing activities not considered appropriate for women at the time.Ginny Bevan helped pioneer the Title IX movement in Kansas. Title IX called for equity for women in programs and activities that received Federal funding.Bevan taught physical education at Kansas Wesleyan University. As head coach, she led the basketball, volleyball, softball, tennis and track for all the women's teams.&nbsp;She worked with other women collegiate coaches in Kansas. Together they help begin and achieve intercollegiate sports for women.&nbsp;Before Title IX in the late 1960s, Bevan was a founding member of the Kansas Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women. This organization provided rules and regulations for equity in athletics for women.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1932b0e4-25bd-4267-b5c5-903235581bd3">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Irene Nelson Carlson - Vol. 40</a>Find out more about Bevan's story and the legacies of other remarkable Salina women at the Smoky Hill Museum's newest exhibit titled,&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e1b0971b-8be5-4964-89a2-426f265584aa" target="_blank">"Step up to the Task"</a>&nbsp;running from April 12 - Oct. 5All exhibits at the Smoky Hill Museum are free to the public.&nbsp;

📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Mary "Ginny" Zook Bevan - Vol. 42

By DAVID NORLIN Resident of Salina

Local government meetings, at their finest, are places where real issues can be hashed out, commissioners thoughtfully examine issues, well-researched staff help them arrive at decisions for all citizens’ best interests, and those same citizens have the right to be seen and heard.  Ideally, it works out that way.

On Monday, May 13, however, it did not.   The Salina City Commission was not at its finest.  The sticky issue was, get this, proclamations.  

Proclamations!  For years, they and the flag salute have been standard opening exercises.  Monday’s proclamations provided a good sample of the usual.  Mental Health month, Police week, EMS week, public works week.  

Innocuous stuff, yet important signals that the city recognizes and encourages regular people’s activities and work.  These bring attention and signal the city’s support.  These rituals knit the community together.  

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/05/11/commencement-isnt-just-about-degrees-cancellations-leave-students-disconnected-disillusioned/?emci=60730075-3d0f-ef11-96f3-6045bdd9e096&amp;emdi=9de3ead8-740f-ef11-96f3-6045bdd9e096&amp;ceid=123513">As a noted anthropologist said recently,</a> “Depriving people of meaningful rituals can lead to disillusionment and social disengagement.” Further, “people unconsciously perceive ritual actions to cause actual changes in the world. This is why even minor changes in protocol may leave the impression of failure.”&nbsp;

READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/585a3d07-4b71-443a-97b3-fe686dd8004c">&nbsp;Salina Post now accepting letters to the editor</a>

The stuck craw of one commissioner, however, was the source of one of the city’s most cowardly, nonsensical, and bureaucratese-laden actions in many years.  The commissioner in question: Bill Longbine, now acting as mayor.  The proclamation: National Pride Month.  The proclamation recognized the LGBTQ community’s many contributions to the public welfare and long history of seeking full recognition as human beings with protected class status, including the right to marry, work, and live full lives without discrimination.  

This commission was a leader in the state by granting those rights to LGBTQ folks.  Oh, excuse me, not THIS commission.  The commission of over 10 years ago.

Now, retreating from an honorable past, Longbine not only refused to sign the proclamation but walked out, accompanied by members of his fan club, so as to not be sullied with hearing the words or shaking the presenter’s hand, it would seem. 

This action mirrored his last year’s response. <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/10/in-a-local-dispute-over-pride-month-profound-questions-about-faith-and-government-in-kansas/">Evidently a year has not been sufficient for him to reconsider and repent. </a>

The city’s solution, however, was even more egregious.  Longbine’s actions were long-established, grounded in prejudice and bigotry.  Yet the Commission, to its everlasting shame, accommodated him.  

In so doing, it removed consideration for its LGBTQ citizens.   This is in stark contrast to their granting, in the same meeting, an indefinite stay of city road standard regulations for one developer.    Double standards, indeed.

Here’s what it did for Longbine:  It created a separate video-recorded session on the first and third off-weeks. The commission meets only twice a month since Longbine arrived, on the second and fourth Mondays. This separate session consists only of the proclamations, completely separate from regular commission action. A session available on the city website and Youtube channel, if anyone cares to dig in and find it. 

In short, a session essentially buried from public notice.  Along with the perception that the commission is there for all its citizens.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fc2ac686-5617-4e33-b33d-ff4de6c96215">Fourth Medallion Quest Clue announced</a>

What is really shameful about this charade, however, is the lead-up, more-than-two-and-one-half-hour-long study session last meeting.  All of it was devoted to Commission hand-wringing about Longbine’s hand-washing from any trace of LGBTQ approval.

They allowed Longbine to put them in a Long-bind.  Even though the problem was met this time by having the Vice-Mayor sign off and do the proclamation, they passed it off to staff to come up with a more damaging long-term ‘solution’ to this non-existent problem. 

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fyk8xJQVLb8">You should watch it yourself</a>, for entertainment or frustration, at, starting about 3 hours, 19 minutes in.

It’s worthy of a Saturday night live satire. Picture them in white wigs as barristers, seeking to put more and more lipstick on this pig.  Enough lipstick spread for all citizens to see red. The City Commission could regain some honor and rescind this policy.

  If you want to see this done, email them at bill.longbine@salina.org, greglenkiewicz@gmail.com, mike@landtitlesalina.com, acsjerry@live.com, and trent.davis@salina.org.  

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Communications.

The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID NORLIN Resident of SalinaLocal government meetings, at their finest, are places where real issues can be hashed out, commissioners thoughtfully examine issues, well-researched staff help them arrive at decisions for all citizens’ best interests, and those same citizens have the right to be seen and heard. Ideally, it works out that way.On Monday, May 13, however, it did not. The Salina City Commission was not at its finest. The sticky issue was, get this, proclamations. Proclamations! For years, they and the flag salute have been standard opening exercises. Monday’s proclamations provided a good sample of the usual. Mental Health month, Police week, EMS week, public works week. Innocuous stuff, yet important signals that the city recognizes and encourages regular people’s activities and work. These bring attention and signal the city’s support. These rituals knit the community together. <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/05/11/commencement-isnt-just-about-degrees-cancellations-leave-students-disconnected-disillusioned/?emci=60730075-3d0f-ef11-96f3-6045bdd9e096&amp;emdi=9de3ead8-740f-ef11-96f3-6045bdd9e096&amp;ceid=123513">As a noted anthropologist said recently,</a> “Depriving people of meaningful rituals can lead to disillusionment and social disengagement.” Further, “people unconsciously perceive ritual actions to cause actual changes in the world. This is why even minor changes in protocol may leave the impression of failure.”&nbsp;READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/585a3d07-4b71-443a-97b3-fe686dd8004c">&nbsp;Salina Post now accepting letters to the editor</a>The stuck craw of one commissioner, however, was the source of one of the city’s most cowardly, nonsensical, and bureaucratese-laden actions in many years. The commissioner in question: Bill Longbine, now acting as mayor. The proclamation: National Pride Month. The proclamation recognized the LGBTQ community’s many contributions to the public welfare and long history of seeking full recognition as human beings with protected class status, including the right to marry, work, and live full lives without discrimination. This commission was a leader in the state by granting those rights to LGBTQ folks. Oh, excuse me, not THIS commission. The commission of over 10 years ago.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="opinion sq.png" />
 <figcaption>opinion sq.png</figcaption>
 </figure>Now, retreating from an honorable past, Longbine not only refused to sign the proclamation but walked out, accompanied by members of his fan club, so as to not be sullied with hearing the words or shaking the presenter’s hand, it would seem. This action mirrored his last year’s response. <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/10/in-a-local-dispute-over-pride-month-profound-questions-about-faith-and-government-in-kansas/">Evidently a year has not been sufficient for him to reconsider and repent. </a>The city’s solution, however, was even more egregious. Longbine’s actions were long-established, grounded in prejudice and bigotry. Yet the Commission, to its everlasting shame, accommodated him. In so doing, it removed consideration for its LGBTQ citizens. This is in stark contrast to their granting, in the same meeting, an indefinite stay of city road standard regulations for one developer. Double standards, indeed.Here’s what it did for Longbine: It created a separate video-recorded session on the first and third off-weeks. The commission meets only twice a month since Longbine arrived, on the second and fourth Mondays. This separate session consists only of the proclamations, completely separate from regular commission action. A session available on the city website and Youtube channel, if anyone cares to dig in and find it. Fat chance.In short, a session essentially buried from public notice. Along with the perception that the commission is there for all its citizens.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fc2ac686-5617-4e33-b33d-ff4de6c96215">Fourth Medallion Quest Clue announced</a>What is really shameful about this charade, however, is the lead-up, more-than-two-and-one-half-hour-long study session last meeting. All of it was devoted to Commission hand-wringing about Longbine’s hand-washing from any trace of LGBTQ approval.They allowed Longbine to put them in a Long-bind. Even though the problem was met this time by having the Vice-Mayor sign off and do the proclamation, they passed it off to staff to come up with a more damaging long-term ‘solution’ to this non-existent problem. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fyk8xJQVLb8">You should watch it yourself</a>, for entertainment or frustration, at, starting about 3 hours, 19 minutes in.It’s worthy of a Saturday night live satire. Picture them in white wigs as barristers, seeking to put more and more lipstick on this pig. Enough lipstick spread for all citizens to see red. The City Commission could regain some honor and rescind this policy. If you want to see this done, email them at bill.longbine@salina.org, greglenkiewicz@gmail.com, mike@landtitlesalina.com, acsjerry@live.com, and trent.davis@salina.org. The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Communications.The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.

OPINION: Pride, or a price for prejudice?

Join the Tumbleweed for an intimate acoustic show featuring three singer-songwriters from Nashville.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jason Michael Carroll &amp; Craig Campbell, accompanied by the bigger-than-life Bigg Vinny!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Doors and bar&nbsp;open at 5 p.m.&nbsp; The show starts at 6 p.m.&nbsp; There will be a silent auction during the music with a live auction following.&nbsp;&nbsp;All proceeds will be split between the American Legion, VFW Post 1432, and Kansas Honor Flight.&nbsp;

VIP ticket holders:&nbsp; Dinner provided by Buffalo Wild Wings from 5-6 p.m. with a&nbsp;meet and greet&nbsp;and Q &amp; A&nbsp;with all the artists.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.tickettailor.com/events/tumblweedllc/1178366">For tickets and information click here.</a>&nbsp;

Country music hit-maker Jason Michael Carroll from Youngsville, North Carolina, rose to fame after being discovered at a local talent competition in 2004 and later signed to the Arista Nashville label in 2006, releasing his debut album Waitin’ In The Country. The album produced three Top 40 hits including “Alyssa Lies,” “Livin’ Our Love Song,” and “I Can Sleep When I’m Dead” and soared to number one on the US Country charts, selling nearly half a million copies. Both of Carroll’s following albums, Growing Up Is Getting Old and Numbers have charted on the Billboard Top 200.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715963681482.png" alt="Salute to our veterans" />
 <figcaption>Salute to our veterans</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTJoin the Tumbleweed for an intimate acoustic show featuring three singer-songwriters from Nashville.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jason Michael Carroll &amp; Craig Campbell, accompanied by the bigger-than-life Bigg Vinny!&nbsp;&nbsp;Doors and bar&nbsp;open at 5 p.m.&nbsp; The show starts at 6 p.m.&nbsp; There will be a silent auction during the music with a live auction following.&nbsp;&nbsp;All proceeds will be split between the American Legion, VFW Post 1432, and Kansas Honor Flight.&nbsp;VIP ticket holders:&nbsp; Dinner provided by Buffalo Wild Wings from 5-6 p.m. with a&nbsp;meet and greet&nbsp;and Q &amp; A&nbsp;with all the artists.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tickettailor.com/events/tumblweedllc/1178366">For tickets and information click here.</a>&nbsp;<h2>Jason Michael Carroll</h2>Country music hit-maker Jason Michael Carroll from Youngsville, North Carolina, rose to fame after being discovered at a local talent competition in 2004 and later signed to the Arista Nashville label in 2006, releasing his debut album Waitin’ In The Country. The album produced three Top 40 hits including “Alyssa Lies,” “Livin’ Our Love Song,” and “I Can Sleep When I’m Dead” and soared to number one on the US Country charts, selling nearly half a million copies. Both of Carroll’s following albums, Growing Up Is Getting Old and Numbers have charted on the Billboard Top 200.He has opened for Brooks &amp; Dunn, Trace Adkins, and Alan Jackson, and was a featured part of Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride’s 2008 tour. He was also performed on Good Morning America, thrilled the crowds at the CMA Music Festival, and has graced the Grand Ole Opry stage on multiple occasions.Jason Michael Carroll is a consummate songwriter and continues to write and release new material. Carroll remains humble and optimistic about the future, stating, “I don’t take for granted what I’m doing, and I thank God and my fans every day I have the chance to keep doing it.”<h2>Craig Campbell</h2>The magic of the keys brought him his hunger for music as a child. The good ole’ down home boy grew up playing his mother’s piano and singing in church. After graduating high school, he took a job as a corrections officer in his hometown of Lyons, Georgia. But music never left his side. Taking a cue from the sounds of classic country and idols like Travis Tritt and Randy Travis, Campbell started a band and played local and national bar gigs. When the guitar player quit, Campbell took that as a sign to chase his dreams all the way to Nashville, Tennessee.With two rolls of quarters and a roll of dimes given to him by his mother for gas money, Campbell barely made it into town. Starting in 2002, the young hopeful would spend the next several years paying his dues the old fashioned way. A demo singer by day and Lower Broadway gigger by night, Campbell was eventually connected to a soon to be signed artist who needed a keyboard player. He and fellow South Georgia native Luke Bryan hit it off and Campbell got the job. A year and a half long keyboard stint with Tracy Byrd soon followed, and on his non travel days, he took over as bandleader down at The Stage on Tuesday nights. His smooth chops and hot blooded stage presence soon caught the eye of industry execs and in 2009, Campbell signed with Bigger Picture Group.His first single, the sentimental ballad “Family Man”, hit the top 15 on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart in 2011. “Outta My Head” also cracked the top 15, while the catchy tune “Fish” garnered more than 10 million on demand streams. His 2014 breakout hit “Keep Them Kisses Comin’” was on its way up the charts when Campbell got the unexpected call that after two albums and a string of hits, Bigger Picture had closed. However, Campbell and his devoted team continued to press radio stations around the country, so much so that the single ended an impressive run well inside the Top 10, which is unheard of for a song with no financial backing.Another door opened for Campbell in the form of Red Bow Records, a division of the Broken Bow umbrella. “Tomorrow Tonight” made it into the top 40, followed by perhaps his most poignant and well known work to date, “Outskirts of Heaven.” “Outskirts” took on a life of its own, showcasing Campbell’s vulnerability and deep rooted faith. The uplifting and remarkably personal ballad was praised by&nbsp;Rolling Stoneand&nbsp;Taste of Country, among others.The impact of “Outskirts” prompted media appearances and memorable performances at nationally televised NFL games, the TODAY show, CMA Fest, and the Grand Ole Opry, the latter of which he has made over 50 appearances to date. And in a full circle moment, the down home Georgia boy reunited with buddy Luke Bryan on his highly successful 2017 Huntin’, Fishin’, and Lovin’ Every Day Tour.In the summer of 2018, Campbell released his first new music in five years with his “See You Try” EP on Broken Bow. The title track became an instant crowd pleaser with its confident, flirty lyrics and boot stompin’ melody. The EP also found a home for both an electric and acoustic version of “Outskirts of Heaven.” But by August of 2018, Campbell and Broken Bow had mutually parted ways, leaving the door wide open for a long awaited, yet nearly missed opportunity.“Since August, I’ve been recording and producing music MY way, and that includes things I’ve never done before, like playing piano and producing. I just think the title of the song is perfect because it really is ABOUT TIME for THIS song in particular to be shared,” Campbell said.&nbsp;First recorded by Campbell in 2013, “It’s About Time” was slated to become the lead single off Campbell’s pending third album after the success of “Keep Those Kisses Comin”. When Bigger Picture closed, Campbell took it with him to BBR and pitched it to his circle of producers over a four year time frame, which resulted in a resounding “no.” But Campbell’s gut wrenching conviction and the listeners’ unwavering approval finally paved the way for Campbell to recut and completely own the current version. And he learned a few strong life and career lessons in the process.“From now on, I’m not gonna even entertain the idea of recording any song if it doesn’t give me chills. I have to be proud of it. I have to answer for it and it has to get me fired up! But this is why I’m so excited for what this new music sounds like because I get to put my hands on it and be a part of it, not just sing it. I love not having to ask for permission,” Campbell said in his deep-rooted Southern accent. “Man, oh man . . . . I love where I am.”<h2>Big Vinny, Vincent Van-Zant Hickerson</h2>With his band&nbsp;Trailer Choir,&nbsp;has hit&nbsp;The Top 40 Billboard Hot Country&nbsp;Chart with 5 singles. Best known for the&nbsp;CMT Award-nominated "ROCKIN THE BEERGUT"&nbsp;that has sold over 800k downloads. Vinny and his group were signed to&nbsp;Toby Keith’s Showdog Universal Records&nbsp;in June of 2007. Because of the high energy show and infectiously fun songs, Toby wasted no time and immediately put the group on his&nbsp;"Bigg Dog Daddy Tour."&nbsp;Based on fan reaction, radio success, and record sales, Toby decided to keep the band on his tour for 3 straight years which led to their own headlining tour in 2010.<h2>As Seen On:</h2>The Biggest Loser, The CMT Awards,&nbsp;Major Motion picture BEER FOR MY HORSES, Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader, Day Jobs, Hosted&nbsp;CMT top 20 countdown,&nbsp;Hosted&nbsp;GAC top 20 countdown, Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight, Country Fried Flicks,&nbsp;and&nbsp;many more!<h2>Artists Performed With:</h2>Toby Keith, ZZ TOP, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Trace Adkins, Kenny Chesney, Montgomery Gentry, Kid Rock, Big and Rich, Alan Jackson, Chris Young, and so&nbsp;many more.