By SHARON MONTAGUE

Salina Journal

Although Audrey Boyer awoke about 8 a.m. Saturday to find snow covered roads and blizzard-like conditions, the Tescott woman wasn't about to change her plans.

She and her husband, Matt, hadn't purchased a single Christmas gift yet, and they had to drive to Salina for their annual spree.

"He's got a big truck," Audrey Boyer said. "I knew we could make it."

And make it they did.

Despite the 4 inches or so of snow that fell in the Salina area -- and the wind that blew the snow and reduced visibility to zero at times -- the Boyers made their way around Salina. By mid-afternoon, Matt Boyer was resting on a bench outside Old Navy at Central Mall, surrounded by packages.

They weren't the only shoppers hitting the stores during the snowstorm.

Parking lots at both malls, Wal-Mart and Target were overflowing, and lots were nearly full at several strip malls, including Kraft Manor.

"There's lots of people out and about," said Lt. Gerald Shaft of the Salina Police Department.

Motorists in the city weren't having many problems, he said, despite the snow-packed roads.

"At this point, we've worked four accidents," Shaft said shortly after 1 p.m. "They've been just minor."

There were several crashes, though, on Interstate Highway 70.

Tammie L. Judy, 48, Salina, was in good condition at Salina Regional Health Center Saturday evening after being hurt in a two vehicle crash.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that Judy was driving west on I-70 at 9:30 a.m. when she lost control of her car. The car crossed the median and hit an eastbound semi truck driven by John L. Parker II, 39, Trenton, Ill. The semi was pulling two trailers.

Parker and his passenger, who were wearing seat belts, were not injured. Judy was not wearing a seat belt, according to the report.

Three people were taken to Geary County Hospital after a two vehicle crash at 10:45 a.m. on I-70 six miles east of the Dickinson/Geary county line in Geary County.

According to the highway patrol, Randall G. Batman, 24, Topeka, was driving west on I-70 and lost control. His car crossed the median and hit an eastbound car driven by Spencer B. Stone, 24, Junction City.

Batman and a passenger in his car, Sara R. Batman, 24, Topeka, were taken to Geary County Hospital, as was Stone. Their conditions were not available.

According to the patrol report, all three were wearing seat belts.

Ryan J. Linnick, 19, Lee's Summit, Mo., was taken to Abilene Memorial Hospital after the sport utility vehicle he was driving east on I-70, about three miles east of Solomon Road, hit a patch of ice and rolled in the ditch. He was wearing a seat belt.

In Salina, roads were snow packed in some areas and slushy in others, making for slick traveling.

But that didn't seem to deter shoppers.

Teresa and Allan Bingham drove into Salina from Bennington with their two children, two grandchildren and a niece. The Binghams are moving from Plainville to Salina, and they stayed Friday night with relatives in Bennington.

The highway was snow packed and slick in spots, and the blowing snow made it difficult to see at times, but the family didn't consider staying put.

"We needed to get our shopping done," Teresa Bingham said.

By mid-afternoon, they'd already been from one end of town to the other, hitting every jewelry store, Allan Bingham said. They were having a late lunch at Central Mall, then planned to do more shopping.

"We're doing pretty good," Teresa Bingham said.

Their daughter and son-in-law, DeAmbra and Gaylin Meyer, who plan to meet the family in Salina, were having an interesting drive Saturday from Lawton, Okla. Allan Bingham said it took the couple an hour and a half to drive to the first toll booth -- a trip that normally takes about 25 minutes.

People who delayed their shopping Saturday because of the weather should encounter better conditions today, but there's a chance for more snow later in the week -- possibly even a white Christmas.

Kevin Darmofal, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Wichita office, said there's a chance for snow again in the Salina area Tuesday night or Wednesday, and another chance at the end of the week.

"We're in a pretty active pattern right now," Darmofal said.

nReporter Sharon Montague can be reached at 822-1411 or by e-mail at smon tague@salina.com.