The Salina Post

Seventy volunteer and part-time fire departments across the state received funds this year through the Kansas Firefighter Recruitment and Safety Grant Program administered by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM). The grant awards will be used by fire departments for the purchase of safety gear, washer/extractor machines for cleaning bunker gear, start-up of Junior Firefighter programs and physical costs for firefighters with no insurance or ability to be reimbursed by their department. This year, over $1.3 million in requests from 79 departments were submitted. Fire departments received approximately $310,000 to be used for safety gear and $90,000 for 26 [...]

The University of Kansas Public Management Center has announced this year’s graduates of the Kansas Certified Public Manager program, who represent the 25th anniversary class. The graduation ceremony took place last month in the House Chamber at the Capitol in Topeka. The 85 graduates, who began their coursework in January, represent local, county, state or federal agencies from across Kansas. They participated in classes held in Topeka, Olathe and the KU Edwards Campus. Of these participants, 21 are graduates of the Law Enforcement Leadership Academy (LELA) Command School who completed their CPM certification through classroom instruction and online work. While they [...]

Wichita officials are pushing for Amtrak to restore rail service in the city that hasn’t had a passenger train service for nearly 40 years, but Sedgwick County officials aren’t ready to embrace the plan. Bringing back the rail service is near the top of the city’s lobbying agenda when the state legislative session begins next month. “Passenger rail is evolving as a key component for keeping and attracting young people as part of a strong workforce,” the legislative platform said. “In addition, it provides a safe travel option for an aging population.” But Sedgwick County didn’t even put Amtrak service on [...]

Saline County Commissioners will be asked Tuesday to consider a request to disburse money in a special tax fund.According to information in the commission meeting packet, “the 1979 Kansas Legislature established a 10% gross receipts tax on the sale of alcoholic liquor in clubs. The legislation required the revenue be distributed as follows: one-third to Special Parks and Recreation programs, one-third to Special Alcohol programs, and one-third to the County General Fund. “Monies in the Special Alcohol Fund are to be used ‘for the purchase, establishment, maintenance, or expansion of services or programs of alcoholism and drug abuse prevention and education, [...]

From Santa Fe being torn up and rebuilt to buildings being removed and new ones taking their places, the look of downtown Salina has been rapidly changing over the past months. The flurry of activity is part of a major downtown revitalization program that includes both private and governmental entities. And while some people continue to complain about the initiatives, many others are excited about the future possibilities for downtown Salina. Following are many of the enhancements planned, according to Salina 2020, the master developer for downtown Salina’s revitalization. (Read more: The Salina Post)

City crews have been working hard and around the clock doing snow removal. Don’t forget: Salina citizens also have a duty to remove snow and ice from public sidewalks. According to Section 35-252 of the City of Salina Code of Ordinances: It is hereby made the duty of the owner, occupant, or person in charge of any lot or piece of land abutting on any sidewalk to remove all snow and ice fallen or accumulated upon the sidewalk within twelve (12) hours after such snow has fallen or ice has accumulated. (Read more: The Salina Post)

Salina Post The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce is embarking on a five-year, $1.6 million initiative that will encompass workforce development and business expansion and retention, chamber officials announced Thursday morning. More than 50 business and civic leaders attended the news conference in the chamber’s Visit Salina Annex to hear about the privately funded “Imagine Salina, Turning ‘WHAT IF into WHAT IS'” program. The plan was developed by the chamber board with significant input from the business community. The core of Imagine Salina focuses on two main initiatives: workforce development and business expansion and retention. (Read more: The Salina Post)

Salina 2020, the master developer for downtown Salina’s revitalization, has announced the addition of YaYa’s Euro Bistro, a PB&J Restaurant Inc. concept, to downtown Salina. Located within the Homewood Suites by Hilton® hotel, currently under construction, YaYa’s will be the hotel’s premier restaurant partner, offering dining and catering options to travelers and residents alike. It is scheduled to open in late 2019. With 6000 sq. ft. of interior restaurant space, which includes two outdoor patios, guests will delight in an eclectic mix of YaYa’s Italian, French, and Greek cuisines. The Mediterranean mix of oak-fired pizzas, pastas and fresh seafood dishes share [...]

More than 100 people turned out Saturday morning for the dedication of the Salina Fire Department’s tribute plaza, including the unveiling of the statue at the heart of the plaza. They weren’t disappointed! People crowded around the northwest corner of Seventh and Elm, where the plaza is located at Station No. 1. The plaza is a tribute to current and past Salina firefighters and all they have done/do for Salinans and Saline County residents. The Salina Fire Department Honor Guard raised the United States flag and Robert Levis, Salina Fire Department Chaplain, offered a prayer. (Read more: The Salina Post)

A new survey says farmland prices are expected to continue their decline in parts of 10 Plains and Western states. The latest Rural Mainstreet survey shows that on average, bank CEOs in the region estimated farmland prices declined by 4 percent over the past 12 months. They expect farmland prices to fall by another 3.2 percent over the next 12 months. The overall economic index for the region increased slightly to 54.3 from 51.5 in September. That score still suggests growth because it is above 50, while any score below 50 indicates a shrinking economy. (Read more: The Salina Post)