County commission declares local disaster following $3.5 million hail storm

Departments chip in to fund midyear human resources hire

Legislative wrap-up brings changes to county treasurer transaction fees

Health department reviews nine architectural proposals for facility renovation

Local child care licensing to shift to new state Office of Early Childhood

County leaders selected for national public health leadership initiative

Seven Saline County seniors awarded Oliver Hagg Memorial Scholarships

County approves routine contracts and agreements in consent agenda

County commission declares local disaster following $3.5 million hail storm

SALINA, Kan. — The Saline County Board of Commissioners approved a state of local disaster emergency following a recent hail storm that caused an estimated $3.5 million in preliminary damages. Emergency management director Michelle Weis reported the county easily surpassed its $264,000 damage threshold and is currently gathering assessments to pursue Small Business Administration or Economic Injury Disaster Loans for affected local businesses. Separately, county staff noted the storm damaged seven county vehicles and the road and bridge facilities.

Departments chip in to fund midyear human resources hire

SALINA, Kan. — In a show of inter-departmental cooperation, the sheriff's office, county treasurer and county appraiser volunteered portions of their vacant position savings to fund a midyear payroll support position for the human resources department. Human resources director Marilyn Leamer originally saw the position cut during the 2026 budget process, but $22,000 in combined contributions will allow the county to hire a payroll and benefits coordinator in early May without requesting additional taxpayer dollars.

Legislative wrap-up brings changes to county treasurer transaction fees

SALINA, Kan. — County administrator Matt Stiles delivered a legislative wrap-up, noting that while the governor vetoed major bills that would have altered the county budgeting process, Senate Bill 325 affecting the county treasurer's office was passed. The legislation allows the treasurer to convert the facilities charge into a transaction fee to better recoup the costs of running the tag office, potentially increasing the fee up to $5 without requiring commission approval.

Health department reviews nine architectural proposals for facility renovation

SALINA, Kan. — The Saline County Health Department has received nine proposals from architectural firms for the potential renovation of the current Salina Family Healthcare Center building next year. The facility will become available to the county health department once SFHC relocates to its new $60 million facility currently under construction. Health department director Jason Tiller informed the commission that a committee is currently reviewing the bids and conducting interviews, with plans to bring a formal request for action to the board on May 19 to award the contract and begin the planning phase.

Local child care licensing to shift to new state Office of Early Childhood

SALINA, Kan. — Saline County child care licensing and several maternal child health programs will transition from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to the governor's newly established Office of Early Childhood this July. Health department director Jason Tiller noted that operational impacts remain unclear, and the department likely will not know how the shift will affect reporting, grants and daily operations until late summer or early fall.

County leaders selected for national public health leadership initiative

SALINA, Kan. — Saline County commission vice chair Annie Grevas and health department deputy director Candice Sauers have been selected to participate in the National Association of Counties Public Health Leadership Initiative. Saline County is one of 12 counties in the spring 2026 cohort, highlighting the county's growing profile in public health administration and local government leadership.

Seven Saline County seniors awarded Oliver Hagg Memorial Scholarships

SALINA, Kan. — The Saline County Board of Commissioners recognized seven local high school seniors, including Lane Fritz of Southeast of Saline High School, as recipients of the 2026 Oliver Hagg Memorial Scholarship. The renewable $1,000 scholarships, funded by an 1,100-acre farm ground willed to the county more than 30 years ago for conservation and education, are awarded to students demonstrating a strong work ethic, community involvement and a desire to pursue post-secondary education in the fields of agriculture or business.

County approves routine contracts and agreements in consent agenda

SALINA, Kan. — The Saline County Commission approved its consent agenda, greenlighting several routine administrative and infrastructure items without debate. Approvals included a contract with Harbin Construction for the Department of Senior Services parking lot and roof, an annual Women, Infants and Children letter of understanding between Saline and Ellsworth counties, and a talk group agreement with Republic County EMS Rescue.

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