Three new aviation businesses have 2014 off to a good start for the Salina Regional Airport. Avflight Salina, TDM Aero Tek and Sojka Aviation are welcomed additions to the KSLN flightline. Avflight Salina's FBO services are second to none nationally. Avflight's commitment to customer service only enhances KSLN's reputation as "America's Fuel Stop."

Tait Middleton and his father, Dave teamed up to launch TDM Aero Tek and provide KSLN increased aircraft maintenance and repair capabilities. As a K-State Salina Aviation graduate, Tait has already established a working relationship with one of the nation's leading aviation maintenance training programs for the benefit of his customers.

Sojka Aviation is led by Charlie Sojka and brings to KSLN enhanced flight training and aircraft rental opportunities. Learning to fly at KLSN just became easier for area residents. Advance flight training and flight reviews are available for licensed pilots.

The growth of aviation business activity at KLSN has resulted in better options for aircraft owners and pilots. The three new businesses also added new jobs at KSLN and are key contributors to a healthy local economy. Starting the New Year with three new KSLN businesses has been exciting and I foresee additional business growth during the course of the year.

A rehabilitated WWII hangar that started as a practice field for Salina's professional indoor football team, aptly named the Salina Bombers, has taken off into a full blown training and work out facility. 

"We are the largest public indoor field turf facility in the state," said Jake Sharp, The Indoor Hangar Complex president.  "Think of it as Salina Stadium indoors and 30 yards shorter.  It gives members the ability to play their favorite sports indoors, year-round, in a climate controlled environment."

While the facility is the official practice facility for the Salina Bombers, Sharp Performance offers a wide variety of training and fitness options for the general public.  Those opportunities include private and group training, speed training, Buz and Gunz Boot Camp, sport specific training and more.

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There are a variety of reasons why pilots take to the skies, and undoubtedly one of them is the enjoyment it brings. Although Drew Smith, an aviation professor at K-State Salina, loves to fly for the thrill of it, he often does it to bring others happiness. So when Smith's daughter, Jessica, asked for her dad's help with a special aviation project, he couldn't say no.

Smith drops candy overhead as fifth-graders at SES scramble to retrieve the goodies. Photo credits: Stephanie Harris, Diane Reece and Cindy Mueller.

Jessica Smith is a senior at Sterling College and a studentteacher at Southeast of Saline Elementary School. The fifth-graders she works with are currently reading a book called "Candy Bomber" - the story of a pilot that drops candy to children in Berlin post World War II. She thought it might be fun for the students to experience the same excitement as the kids in the book, so she asked her dad to play the part of the pilot. Although dropping candy at just the right time so it lands in just the right place might seem like a difficult task, Smith has had plenty of practice.

"I've actually dropped care packages to Jessica at school," Smith said. "Sterling College doesn't have a runway for me to land. So when her mom or I have something we want to bring her, I fly over to a designated area in Sterling and drop packages to her."

Smith talked to his friend Ron Chandler about borrowing a plane and on Jan. 22, he and his wife took off in a RANS S6S Coyote II. Smith battled moderate winds that day and made sure to stay a safe distance from the crowd of children, parents and teachers that gathered on the Southeast of Salina football field.

As soon as the plane flew over the 50-yard line, Smith told his wife to tip the bucket for the candy drop. The fifth-grade class squealed with glee as the small packages of goodies floated to the ground. One of the parents shot a video of the fly-over and Smith says the children's reactions are exactly why he wanted to take part in that day.

If you'd like to see the video, filmed by Kinsy McVay, visit K-State Salina's Facebook page or the Unified School District 306 Facebook page.

Haven't thought about Valentine's Day yet? February 14th may seem like its ages away, but this heart-filled holiday is truly just around the corner. Don't stress about finding the perfect last-minute gift for your sweetie this year; instead, check out our ideas for a romantic weekend getaway that the two of you will reminiscence about for years to come!

Kansas City, MO - Retro Romance

Take your honey to the Kansas City Power and Light District for a relaxing, retro weekend. After checking in at the Hilton President Kansas City, built in 1926, head off to catch a film at the gorgeous Alamo Drafthouse Mainstreet Theater.  Eat dinner at the theater's restaurant, The Chesterfield, where you two can really enjoy the jazz-age atmosphere. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll around the district's 50 shops, restaurant and other attractions, and pick up dessert (or the next day's breakfast!) at Mema's Old-Fashioned Bakery before heading back to the Hilton.

SE Alaska - Laid-back Luxury

Surprise your significant other with a flight into Juneau, AK  and stay at the Pearson's Pond Luxury Inn and Spa for a night. Bundle up and get a photo in front of Mendenhall Glacier after breakfast or lunch at B's Bakery, where they've been known to produce delicious creations like stuffed Challah french toast and The Frenchy, a panini made with brie, green apple, chicken and spinach. Take a little dessert back with you and wrap up the day with a relaxing dip in one of Pearson's Pond's outdoor hot tubs and a seafood dinner at one of Juneau's fabulous restaurants.

Portland, OR - Modern Spice

Your special someone will be pleasantly shocked when you whisk them off to a flavorful weekend in Portland. Spice things up with and early dinner or tapas at Andina in the Pearl District, Then head down to SE Portland for dancing at one of Portland's many dance locations, like the Viscount. After you work up a sweat shaking what your mother gave you, walk to the nearby Rum Club or Beaker and Flask for an old-fashioned adult beverage; if a speakeasy isn't your thing, end the evening with a trip to a Moonstruck Chocolates cafe. Don't forget to book a stay at a hip Portland hotel like the Hotel Modera or the Nines in the heart of Portland, where you cozy up for the night with that bottle of wine or champagne bought just for this romantic occasion.

Whatever you decide to do, places fill up fast on this highly-anticipated day of love, so don't forget to make your flight, hotel, and dinner reservations soon.