Good Afternoon,

This morning, Saline County received word from Colu, the Choose Saline County app developer, that the Choose Saline County app will be discontinued June 1, 2024.

This unexpected turn of events does not lessen Saline County's commitment to supporting local businesses and those who shop there. We have already begun discussions about ways to continue this kind of support and expect to be able to make an announcement later this month.

We are sure you have questions about what this means for you and your Saline Stars. So here are some important dates to keep in mind to make the most of the time we have left with the Choose Saline County app.

• Friday, May 17, will be the final day to earn Saline Stars by making purchases with your linked cards at participating local merchants.
• Friday, May 31, will be the final day to redeem Saline Stars for free-to-you goods and services at redeeming merchants. Remember, your redemptions allow those businesses to be reimbursed using the County's American Rescue Plan Act funds. Any unused Stars in your wallet will expire at midnight.
• Saturday, June 1, the Choose Saline County app will be removed from the app store.

Users currently have over $93,000 worth of Stars in their wallets. So this program has a lot of benefit left to give and one month to give it. If you find yourself at the end of the month with dollars in your wallet, please considering donating them to one of the nonprofits on the app.

We are so proud of what this app has been able to accomplish over the last two years. Users have earned more than $300,000 worth of stars by shopping at local businesses generating an estimated economic impact of over $5.6 million.

This success is exactly what this app set out to achieve and why we are committed to bringing a similar program in to fill the void. 

Please reach out if you have any questions. And we look forward to updating you later this month.

Q: When will the Saline County app shut down?

The last day for users to redeem Stars is on May 31st, 2024, at 11:59 pm. The app will officially be taken down on June 1st, 2024.

Q: What happens to unused Stars?

Any unused stars in your wallet after 11:59 pm on May 31st, 2024, will expire. Those funds will be returned to the County for use in the future program.

Q: Can I still earn Stars as Choose Saline County transitions?

Yes, until May 17th, 2024.

Q: Where can I redeem my Stars?

Just open the Choose Saline County app and click on the “Redeem” button at the bottom of your screen to discover nearby businesses that accept Stars. Remember that in addition to purchasing goods and services at local businesses, you can also donate Stars to select local non-profits.

Q: How do I redeem my Stars at a business that accepts them?

When you are checking out at a business that accepts Stars, let the cashier know that you would like to use your Stars to pay for part or all of your purchase. You will need to confirm in the app and with the cashier.

Q: I deleted the app but still have Stars in my wallet. Can I redeem them?

Absolutely! Download the app and log in to your account and your Stars will be waiting there for you.

Q: What if I have more questions?

You can reach out to Saline County Public Information Officer Melissa McCoy at mccoym@salinecountyks.gov anytime or directly to Colu at ChooseSaline@Colu.com until May 31.