Salina - On Friday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), traveled across Kansas for a ribbon-cutting in Ottawa and remarks at a regional growth summit hosted by communities in the Flint Hills region. He also stopped by the newly renovated Salvation Army in Manhattan, received an update on major growth projects at Salina Regional Airport, and toured a child advocacy nonprofit in Salina.

Highlights from the visit include:

Ottawa Chamber Ribbon Cutting

Senator Marshall joined the Ottawa Chamber for a ribbon-cutting celebrating the newly renovated Ottawa Recreation Commission fitness center. The updated facility reflects the community's commitment to healthier living, with improvements driven by local feedback - including expanded free-weight space - is the first major renovation since the center opened. Senator Marshall praised Ottawa's investment in wellness and highlighted the importance of helping Americans stay active and prioritize their health.

Ottawa University

Senator Marshall also met with Ottawa University leadership to discuss the school's growing health sciences programs and the challenges small colleges face from federal policy changes. During the meeting, leaders highlighted new programs-including physician assistant and nursing pathways-and raised concerns about proposed Department of Education classifications that could limit federal student loan access for certain professional degrees. Senator Marshall reaffirmed his support for keeping higher education accessible, including protecting Pell Grants and pushing back on unnecessary regulatory burdens.

Flint Hills Regional Growth Summit

Senator Marshall also spoke at the Flint Hills regional chamber conference, focused on growth and development opportunities across the Kansas Flint Hills. With leaders from Junction City, Manhattan, Pottawatomie, and Wamego in attendance-alongside partners like Fort Riley, the Manhattan Regional Airport, and NBAF. Senator Marshall shared a federal legislative outlook centered on affordability, housing, healthcare, and regional growth. He highlighted recent wins for the region, including protecting Fort Riley's Irwin Army Hospital, supporting military families, and backing key community development and infrastructure priorities that strengthen the Flint Hills.

Manhattan Salvation Army

Senator Marshall also visited the Salvation Army's newly renovated Manhattan facility, which open in fall 2025 to better provides service for local families and individuals in need. The center focuses on donations and direct giveaways and provides critical support for those experiencing homelessness, including food and a safe place to stay. Senator Marshall thanked Salvation Army leaders and volunteers for their faith-driven work serving Kansans.

Salina Airport

Senator Marshall also toured the Salina Regional Airport to highlight its growing impact on the region's economy and transportation network. Since his last visit in June 2024, passenger traffic has surged-reaching 36,000 enplanements in 2025-and the airport's economic impact has grown to an estimated $1.62 billion, with jobs increasing sharply across the airport and industrial park. The Salina Airport Authority's Executive Director shared updates on major new investments, including an Amazon last-mile distribution center, SkyWest's new maintenance facility, a terminal expansion and other new aviation development projects that will bring additional jobs and services to Salina.

Salina Child Advocacy and Parenting Services (CAPS) Tour

Senator Marshall also toured Salina Child Advocacy and Parenting Services (CAPS), a local nonprofit dedicated to protecting children and strengthening families through education, support, and advocacy. During the visit, he learned more about Chris's Place Child Advocacy Center, which provides a safe, child-friendly space for children who may have experienced abuse and helps coordinate care with law enforcement and medical professionals. Senator Marshall also met with Executive Director Paul Forrester, a retired Salina Police Captain, to discuss CAPS's work supporting families and crime victims.

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