Expo operations, noxious-weed work and scholarships highlighted; Relay for Life proclamation approved

The Saline County commission heard an operations update from Expo and Noxious Weed Director David Flaherty and recognized two Oliver Hagg scholarship recipients before approving a Relay for Life proclamation.

Flaherty said the expo complex supported about 80 event days during the reporting period (March–May) including EcoFest, the Farm Show and new events such as Ducks Unlimited and a stock-horse show. Staff completed several facility repairs, installed speakers and AEDs in multiple expo buildings, set up a new aluminum demo horse stall, and hired an expo administrative aide. On the noxious-weed side, staff derentaterized spray equipment, started right-of-way spraying and handled complaints; the department reported a capital-outlay balance of $94,433.32 after purchase of a truck. Flaherty said expo operations have used about 32.56% of their budget and the Noxious Weed department about 30.41%.

Commissioners presented two Oliver Hagg Scholarships (renewable up to three additional years if recipients meet GPA and field-of-study requirements) to Valerie Van Zant — a Salina Central graduate bound for University of Minnesota Crookston in animal science/pre-veterinary studies — and Landon Albright, a Southeast of Saline graduate headed to Kansas State to study agronomy. Flaherty had earlier noted the scholarships were approved at a prior consent meeting and commissioners met the students.

Shandy Wicks, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life logistics coordinator, attended to receive a proclamation designating May 31, 2025, as Relay for Life Day in Saline County; the commission moved and approved the proclamation. Wicks outlined event timing (opening ceremony at 5:30 p.m., live music and vendors) and location (St. Francis Ministries Otis Campus) for the May 31 relay.

The commission formally approved the proclamation by voice vote.