ABILENE - The former Director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library &amp; Museum, Todd Arrington has resigned after refusing to gift a sword to the Trump administration.

After President Trump's recent visit to London on Wednesday, September 17, where he visited&nbsp;Britain's King Charles III, Trump wanted to gift King Charles III a sword from the museum.&nbsp;The sword in particular belonged to former 34th President, Dwight D. Eisenhower that was meant to symbolize the US-UK relationship and highlight the two countries’ collaboration in WWII. 

Reportedly, the US Department of State Officials asked Arrington to gift the sword, but he advised that he could not because it is a historical artifact and part of 'gifts that belonged to the American people.'

Arrington was then told he needed to either "resign or be fired." 

On Thursday he officially resigned from being Director at the museum.

Arrington was a veteran of the United States Army and holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He received a master of arts in history from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor of arts in history from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania.

Arrington officially became Director on <a href="https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/press-releases/todd-arrington-appointed-director-dwight-d-eisenhower-presidential-library-and#:~:text=National%20Public%20Radio.-,Dr.,from%20Mansfield%20University%20of%20Pennsylvania.">June 2024</a>.

Former Eisenhower Library & Museum Director resigns after refusing to gift historic sword to Trump administration 

The City of Salina and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are scheduled to hold a public meeting on the Old Smoky Hill River Channel Restoration Project.

According to the City, on Tuesday, October 7 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at the Chamber Annex (218 N. 7th St.) will be the location of the meeting.

The City and USACE has completed its draft feasibility report on the Smoky Hill Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project, which is part of the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project.

The draft report concludes that the restoration project would not result in significant degradation to the environment.  The project will be overseen by USACE and includes dredging of built-up silt from the Old River Channel, reconstruction of the channel to include riffles, pools, runs and glides, construction of wetlands around Lakewood Lake and connecting the lake to the Old River Channel, trail improvements at Lakewood Lake, removal of the Western Star Mill weir and replacement with five step pools, and other improvements.

Public input will be received and are welcomed.

The draft study and associated documents may be viewed <a href="https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Media/Public-Notices/Planning-Public-Notices/Article/4308865/smoky-hill-draft-feasibility-study-and-integrated-environmental-assessment-ea-a/">here</a>.&nbsp;

If you cannot attend the meeting in-person, live video coverage will be available on the City of Salina’s YouTube channel at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/CityofSalinaKansas." target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/CityofSalinaKansas.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

The recording will be available to view after the event, and will also be shown several times on SalinaTV, Cox Cable Channel 20.

Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://salina-tv.com/" target="_blank">https://salina-tv.com/</a>&nbsp;for Channel 20 schedule information.

In addition to taking public comment at the meeting, USACE will accept comments via email and US Mail. &nbsp;

Please send comments via email to&nbsp;Katherine.E.Lynch@usace.army.mil, or mail comments to: US Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, ATTN: Planning Branch Environmental Resources Section (PMP-R), 601 East 12th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106.

Smoky Hill River Renewal Project public meeting scheduled 

Several Salina arts organizations invite the public to join them in celebrating their anniversaries through an engaging free community activity: “Passport to the Arts" from October 6 - 31st.

Participants are encouraged to visit the Salina Symphony, Theatre Salina, Salina Arts &amp; Humanities and the Smoky Hill Museum. 

By engaging with each organization, community members will collect unique hole punches on a designated punch card—each representing a successful visit to these cultural organizations.

Completion of the punch card enters you into a drawing for one of four exclusive gift packages. Each package contains special items or event tickets from two of the participating organizations, ensuring winners enjoy a variety of cultural experiences.

Each organization will draw a winner from the completed punch cards on November 5th. Must be 18+ to win. Winners will be announced and contacted shortly thereafter.

Addresses to each participating organization:

- Salina Symphony: 151 S Santa Fe Ave, Office Entrance, Second Floor, Salina, KS

- Theatre Salina: 303 E Iron Ave, Salina, KS

- Salina Arts &amp; Humanities: 211 W Iron Ave, Second Floor, Salina, KS

- Smoky Hill Museum: 211 W Iron Ave, Salina, KS

This activity provides an opportunity to deepen community engagement with Salina’s rich arts scene while celebrating the shared milestones of these storied organizations. The activity is also a celebration of National Arts &amp; Humanities Month (NAHM), a collective recognition of the importance of culture in America. Embrace the arts, explore shared history, and join the celebration!

If you have additional questions about the activity, please email sah@salina.org or call (785) 309-5770.

For needed accommodations, please call Salina Arts &amp; Humanities at (785) 309-5770,&nbsp;Monday – Thursday between the hours of 8:00 am - 6:00 pm. Every effort will be made to accommodate known disabilities. For material or speech access, please call at least five working days prior to the event.

Salina organizations celebrate anniversaries with free community event

The City of Salina announces that the US Army Corps of Engineers has completed its draft feasibility report on the Smoky Hill Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project, which is part of the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project, and will hold a public meeting to present its findings and take public input.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 7 from 5:50-7:30pm at the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Annex at 218 North Seventh Street, directly behind the Chamber of Commerce main building. All members of the public are invited to attend.

The draft study and associated documents may be viewed at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Media/Public-Notices/Planning-Public-Notices/Article/4308865/smoky-hill-draft-feasibility-study-and-integrated-environmental-assessment-ea-a/">https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Media/Public-Notices/Planning-Public-Notices/Article/4308865/smoky-hill-draft-feasibility-study-and-integrated-environmental-assessment-ea-a/</a>

The draft report concludes that the restoration project would not result in significant degradation to the environment. The project will be overseen by the Corps and includes dredging of built-up silt from the Old River Channel, reconstruction of the channel to include riffles, pools, runs and glides, construction of wetlands around Lakewood Lake and connecting the lake to the Old River Channel, trail improvements at Lakewood Lake, removal of the Western Star Mill weir and replacement with five step pools, and other improvements.

If you cannot attend the meeting in-person, live video coverage will be available on the City of Salina’s YouTube channel at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/CityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/CityofSalinaKansas</a>. The recording will be available to view after the event, and will also be shown several times on SalinaTV, Cox Cable Channel 20.

Please visit <a href="https://salina-tv.com/">https://salina-tv.com/</a> for Channel 20 schedule information.

In addition to taking public comment at the meeting, the Corps of Engineers will accept comments via email and US Mail. Please send comments via email to Katherine.E.Lynch@usace.army.mil, or mail comments to: US Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, ATTN: Planning Branch Environmental Resources Section (PMP-R), 601 East 12th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106.

City of Salina and US Army Corps of Engineers holding public meeting on Old Smoky Hill River Channel Restoration project

Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum

LINDSBORG - There are just three months left for Kansas taxpayers to take advantage of an opportunity to preserve a priceless historical treasure in Lindsborg, while also securing a tax credit worth 70% of their donation.

In 2024, the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum was named to receive $166,600 in Community Service Program (CSP) Tax Credits through the Kansas Department of Commerce, supporting total fundraising of up to $238,000. 

These credits have been used to enhance fundraising efforts for the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion Restoration &amp; Improvement Project, which in summer 2025 funded the completion of critical structural repairs that will ensure the Pavilion will remain standing.

The Pavilion is a center of Swedish-American culture in “Little Sweden USA” – as the venue or backdrop for multiple events throughout the year. Designed to last for just a year during the St. Louis World’s Fair, it marks its 121st anniversary in 2025. It is one of very few international buildings remaining from the St. Louis World’s Fair and the only remaining international fair building by premier architect Ferdinand Boberg.

Businesses and individuals subject to Kansas income tax are eligible to receive a tax credit through this program by donating to make repairs to the Pavilion. Donors giving at least $250 to the Pavilion Project may qualify for a 70% tax credit. For example, a donor making a $1,000 gift receives a $700 tax credit when they file their state taxes, making the net cost to the donor only $300.

However, there is still remaining capacity to accept donations under the grant, as 19% of the value of the grant still remains unclaimed by donors to the museum project – representing $45,839.75 in remaining donation capacity. (So far, $193,451.40 has been donated or pledged to the project). 

Time is running out for potential donors to take advantage of the opportunity, as all donations must be made before December 31, 2025, to qualify for tax credits.

With the structural repairs now completed, the museum is now in the “Raise the Roof” portion of the campaign – with donated funds going to funding a new roof for the Swedish Pavilion. The Pavilion currently has a more than 30-year-old asphalt roof (which, additionally, is not historically accurate) that is starting to show serious signs of its age. There are often leaks after heavy rain or snow, threatening the long-term viability of the 121-year-old structure.

A new pavilion roof that will prevent leaks and be more historically accurate. Current plans are to re-roof the Pavilion with composite Brava “Spanish Barrel” tile roofing in antique clay color. Closely matching the original style of the Pavilion when built in 1904, the composite tiles will have all the beauty and warmth of traditional clay material, but with less weight and a significantly longer expected lifespan – on the order of up to up to half a century with inherent UV protection to prevent degradation and the ability to withstand winds of 188 mph or more.

While finishing out the tax credits grant will go along way toward fundraising for the new roof, additional fundraising will be needed beyond that. To further incentivize giving to “Raise the Roof,” the museum is offering special recognition rewards to anyone who gives at specific tiers to re-roof the Pavilion – whether they qualified to receive tax credits or not.

- All donations of $100 or more will receive an invitation to a VIP recognition reception to celebrate the new roof, as well as listing on our website and in the reception program.

- Donations of $1,000 or more will receive the VIP invitation and program listing AND recognition on a special “Honor Wall” to be placed in the Swedish Pavilion. 

- For every $1,000 donated, you will have the option for a custom 3D-printed “roof tile,” a ¼ scale replica of the actual “Brava” tiles that will be used on the roof. It’s the perfect way to have a lasting testament to your personal love of history and Swedish culture, to put up a permanent message in memory of a loved one, or to recognize a special event in your life – such as a new baby, milestone birthday, or anniversary.

To take advantage of this special opportunity, interested donors can contact one of the museum staff at (785) 227-3595 or oldmillmuseum@gmail.com.

They will assist with customizing a commemorative tile or to answer any questions.

For more information about the tax credits, the Raise the Roof campaign, or the Swedish Pavilion, please visit <a href="http://www.oldmillmuseum.org/raise-the-roof">www.oldmillmuseum.org/raise-the-roof</a>.

Historical Lindsborg museum using final 20% of tax credits grant to finish Swedish Pavilion

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner

NAME:&nbsp;Chanminaraj, Christopher Michael

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Crim discharge of firearm;land/water no permiss

NAME:&nbsp;Geissert, Keenan Michael

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Viol protection order; Abuse order

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Return for court testimony; Use/poss drug paraphernalia/human body; Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant; Poss of marijuana; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear; Burglary; Vehicle to steal firearm; Theft of prop/serv;Firearm &lt;$25,000

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Waggoner, Mark Douglas

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption

Saline County Jail Bookings, October 4

As part of a nationwide effort to reduce home fires, the Salina Fire Department (SFD) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week™ campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home”.

The annual campaign runs from October 5th-11th&nbsp;and emphasizes the importance of using, charging and disposing of lithium-ion batteries safely.

While lithium-ion batteries power many everyday items including phones, tablets, e-bikes, and laptops, they can overheat and cause a fire or explode if damaged or not used correctly. Fire officials across the country have reported an increasing number of fires related to these batteries.

“Lithium-ion batteries have become a routine part of our lives, which is why it is so important that residents understand the fire risks and how to minimize them,” said Matt Rittel, Salina Fire Department Prevention Officer. “By following the NFPA’s safety tips, we can all take charge of our own fire safety and prevent a potential tragedy.”

The “Charge into Fire Safety” campaign focuses on three key actions for residents:

- Purchase and use only devices and chargers that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory, such as UL or ETL.

- When replacing a battery, get an exact replacement recommended by the manufacturer.

- Avoid knock-off or counterfeit charging products, which may not meet safety standards.

- Always use the charging cable that came with the product.

- Never leave devices charging unattended, especially overnight or while you are away.

- Charge devices on a hard, non-combustible surface, and never under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch.

- Unplug devices once they are fully charged.

- Keep batteries and chargers at room temperature and away from heat and direct sunlight.

- Stop using a battery immediately if you notice signs of failure, such as excessive heat, swelling, leaking, or a strange odor.

- Do not throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins, as they can cause fires at waste facilities.

- Recycle batteries responsibly at a designated battery recycling location. 

Visit <a href="https://www.call2recycle.org/">www.call2recycle.org</a> to find a nearby drop-off spot.

SFD encourages all residents to check their smoke alarms and practice their home escape plans during Fire Prevention Week. 

In addition, the Salina Fire Department Prevention Division will be conducting grade school visits to Saline County 4th grade classrooms, with the fire safety trailer, to practice escaping in the event of a fire during Fire Prevention Week.

Since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been the longest-running public health observance in the U.S., commemorated annually during the week of October 9th to remember the Great Chicago Fire.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit the NFPA website at <a href="http://www.fpw.org">www.fpw.org</a>.

Salina FD promoting national campaign to reduce home fires October 5-11

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (KVDL) at Kansas State University in collaboration with Bavarian Nordic and the One Health Commission Bat Rabies Education Team (BRET), are hosting a poster contest to educate children about rabies prevention in Kansas.

Kansas students from kindergarten to 12th grade are encouraged to participate.

Winning submissions will receive a donation to their school as well as a personal prize. Submissions are due January 30, 2026. More information can be found on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fksvdl.org%2Fworld-rabies-day%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001999b5b69b9-0d00b905-c5c9-4bbc-a282-999618a42a86-000000/4g0A-YvwNzyp9U-zBOg0KC5ppCkdgynGH1PvYgid0_o=425">KVDL website.</a>

This contest aims to raise awareness about rabies, the impacts it can have on ecosystems and how to prevent rabies transmission. Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease that can be transmitted to people by infected mammals. Wildlife such as bats, which are the origin of most human rabies cases in the United States, still play an integral role in the Kansas ecosystem through pollination and eating crop-destroying insects.

Not all wild animals have rabies, but recognizing the potential for wildlife rabies reservoirs to transmit rabies to humans and pets is crucial for rabies transmission prevention.

By following the theme, “Act Now: You, Me, Community,” the posters submitted for this contest should highlight how individuals and communities can work together to prevent rabies.

For more information on rabies in Kansas, visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F1497%2FRabies%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001999b5b69b9-0d00b905-c5c9-4bbc-a282-999618a42a86-000000/ICVF9kKD3lKs7Sfi1ohV5d37Yi1kDwq8Sj9ETk89dDo=425">KDHE rabies webpage</a>.

KDHE, KVDL calling all KS students to participate in upcoming World Rabies Day Poster Competition

Christ Cathedral clergy and members invite the community to the church’s annual "St. Francis Blessing of the Animals Service" on Sunday, October 5 at 4:00 pm , at 138 S. 8th Street in downtown Salina.

Christ Cathedral’s annual St. Francis Blessing of the Animals Service welcomes all safe, well-behaved animals who are on a leash or in a carrier or tank. Less social animals can be blessed using a hard-copy photograph or digital image.

Each animal is blessed by the presiding priest with a personal prayer and a light sprinkle of holy water. Every pet in attendance receives a St. Francis medal for its collar and a baggie of pet treats. If you have lost a pet in the last year, please bring a picture of them and join us that day, as we will remember all fur family members who have passed over the rainbow bridge.

A renowned friar from Assisi, Italy, St. Francis is said to have spoken to a wolf and preached to birds. Born to affluence, St. Francis dedicated his life in ministry to the most vulnerable of God’s creatures. He is the founder of the religious Order of St. Francis.

The Pet Blessing is held in the Cathedral’s shaded, fenced Gazebo Park directly south of the education building and parish hall. Pet owners are welcome to take their own pictures during and after the Blessing service.

Special invited guests this year will include local service animals and canine partners from local law-enforcement agencies and USD 305. Cash donations will be accepted that day to benefit the shared City-County Salina Animal Services/Shelter.

 No RSVP is needed; arrive 10 minutes in advance to give you and your pet ample space alongside other guests.

Christ Cathedral is “the church in the heart of the city, with a heart for the city.” Established in 1906, the Cathedral is the largest, most active congregation in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Kansas, that stretches from Salina to the Colorado border.

The Cathedral houses a flourishing Montessori School, leads the Welcome Table daily lunch program provided at Salina Grace on Broadway, and offers programs including Bible studies, Book Club, musical outreach and more. 

For more information, contact Mo. Shay Craig at christcathedral@ChristCathedralSalina.org, call (785) 827-4440 or visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/christcathedralsalina">https://www.facebook.com/christcathedralsalina</a>.

Christ Cathedral church invites community to bring their pets for the "St. Francis Blessing of the Animals" 

Kansas Wesleyan University Admissions will host "Saline County Private Schools Visit Week," a time of focus on future Coyotes from Sacred Heart High School and Cornerstone Classical School. 

The event will be held November 3-7 on campus.

“Community is such an important part of everything we do at Kansas Wesleyan,” said Levi Thomas, assistant vice president of enrollment. “We’ve been able to develop some great relationships with schools throughout the area, and hope that announcements like this one strengthen and deepen those relationships. We hope to see numerous students from these schools on campus soon!”

Please note that any student may schedule a KWU visit at any time, so public or home school students are welcome this week, as private school students are at others.

A full listing of admissions events can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kwu.edu/admissionsevents">www.kwu.edu/admissionsevents</a>.

For more information on Kansas Wesleyan, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kwu.edu/news">www.kwu.edu/news</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KWU to host visit week for Saline County Private Schools

High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 3 - October 5

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 1 - October 3

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 29 - October 1

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 26 - September 28

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weathe</a>

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 24 - September 26

As Tuesday morning's showers continue throughout Central Kansas,&nbsp; flooding remains a possibility.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS) the severity remains low for these scattered showers and storms throughout the region on Tuesday. However, heavy rainfall amounts and flooding are a possibility.&nbsp;

Please stay alert on the roadways and be safe while driving.

Flooding remains possible with Tuesday morning's showers 

The US National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita forecasts severe thunderstorms are expected to develop after midnight tonight and continue into Tuesday morning across Central Kansas.

According to NWS Wichita, these storms are likely to produce high rainfall rates, which may lead to flooding. Storms are expected to move in from the west after midnights, with most locations in Saline County after 3:00 am. The heaviest rainfall is likely between 4:00 am and noon Tuesday.

Saline County Emergency Management stated there is slightly lower confidence on how large hailstones may get, but the confidence is in the heavy rainfall and flooding potential has been increasing.

Severe storms with heavy rainfall amounts expected after midnight in Central Kansas

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 22 - September 24

Scattered storms are possible to develop this evening across Central Kansas.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), these storms have a chance of occurring late tonight with stronger storms capable of producing hail up to quarter size. However, the severity is marginal and chances are low throughout the region.

Scattered storms possible to occur late tonight in Central Kansas

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 19 - September 21

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mayasmith/">Maya Smith</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

LAWRENCE — Lawrence firefighters union president Seamus Albritton says the community might have to wait longer for emergency responses as a result of budget cuts.

The Lawrence City Commission recently cut the Lawrence Fire-Medical Department budget by $1.5 million. The department’s response times already exceed six minutes for arrival to structured fires, above the National Fire Protection Association standard of four minutes or less for career departments.

“We have the data that support that we’re already understaffed at the number of fire trucks that we have now,” Albritton said. “They’re choosing to cut the core services of the city. Your core services keep the citizens safe, and they choose to fund things beyond public safety.”

This cut will eliminate one truck from Lawrence Station No. 5, right next to the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

Lawrence is not alone in cutting fire-medical budgets. Amid budget shortfalls across the state, public safety departments are facing cuts. And service providers are sounding alarms about the impact those cuts could have, especially in rural communities.

“When people dial 911, they expect a response,” state fire management officer Bill Waln said. “The mission of any emergency response organization is to make sure that their response is timely, safe, and effective. Significant cuts can make that more challenging, not because the commitment of the emergency responder changes, but because resources are what allow us to meet the public’s expectations.”

Kansas communities rely on federal grants that provide funding for small fire departments’ training, maintaining equipment and funding jobs. For rural communities, Waln said, federal grants can be a lifeline.

“When those grants are cut, departments don’t lose their dedication, but they may lose the tools or people they need to meet the public’s expectation when they dial 911,” Waln said. “For emergency responders, that translates into longer hours, more stress, and in some cases greater risk on the job. They carry a tremendous weight, knowing the community depends on them no matter what.”

Beyond the cost of equipment and facilities, some small communities struggle to have enough manpower to cover their county’s emergencies.

Rural counties are heavily reliant on volunteer firefighters, with 78.6% of departments across the state being volunteer, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://klcjournal.com/the-volunteer-fire-departments-protecting-rural-kansas-face-an-emergency-finding-enough-joiners/#:~:text=But%20the%20state%20is%20disproportionately%20reliant%20on,another%2011.4%25%20rate%20as%20%E2%80%9Cmostly%20volunteer%E2%80%9D%20departments." target="_blank">the National Fire Department Registry.</a>

“We have 65- and 70-year-olds in the line of duty,” said Andover Fire Chief Chad Russell. “ This is an incredibly physically demanding job.  The fire doesn’t care what your paycheck is. Old men and women still serving simply because they want to serve their community — and there’s no one coming in to take over for them is really a travesty in my opinion.”

With fewer volunteers, rural counties rely on neighboring counties to take on emergency response — putting rural communities at risk of first responders arriving too late.&nbsp;

“Instead of seven minutes, they get there in 27 minutes,” Russell said. “They’re there to help clean up — to put out the ashes.”

Response times highlight the broader issues within fire-medical departments, from staffing shortages to the politics involved with the budget making process, ultimately leading to first responders being stretched too thin, Waln said.

“When reductions affect emergency response organizations, I hope leaders fully recognize the potential impact,” Waln said. “Citizens expect that when they call for help, the response is quick, safe, and effective. Any decision that changes that expectation carries very real consequences for safety, trust, and the wellbeing of those on the front lines.”

From budget cuts to lack of volunteers, Kansas counties face increased fire response times

JERUSALEM (AP) Hamas says it is willing to return all remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza and the bodies of the dead in accordance with President Donald&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hamas-israel-gaza-war-mideast-bba524e6ac9cc9877e71fefc804cb602">Trump’s peace plan</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-plan-gaza-israel-hamas-war-d5bb4097af1d46ba16ab20914d265ff7">Under the plan</a>, Hamas would release the remaining 48 hostages — around 20 of them believed to be alive — within three days. It would also give up power and disarm.

In delivering its response to Trump’s plan, the militant group said it was ready to release the hostages and give up power but made no reference to disarming and made clear there was still much more to negotiate.

Israel said on Saturday that it would start preparations for implementation of the first phase of Trump’s plan and the hostages’ release.

Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostages in the Oct. 7 attack. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">ensuing war</a>&nbsp;has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, Gaza’s Health Ministry said Saturday. The ministry doesn’t distinguish between civilians and combatants.

Total hostages captured during Oct. 7 attack: 251

Hostages taken before the Oct. 7 attack: four (two who entered Gaza in 2014 and 2015 and the bodies of two soldiers killed in the 2014 war)

Hostages released in exchanges or other deals: 148, of whom eight were dead

Bodies of hostages retrieved by Israeli forces: 51

Hostages still in captivity: 48, of which the Israeli military believes 20 are still alive

Non-Israeli hostages in captivity: four (two&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-ceasefire-hostages-thai-dccc8d8da8c56d5122a21a6b89c7175d">Thai</a>&nbsp;nationals and one Tanzanian who have been confirmed dead, and one Nepalese national)

A look at the hostages taken to Gaza, by the numbers

KANSAS CITY. – A Kansas City man pleaded guilty in federal court to being in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, according to the United State's Attorney.

Donnique H. Kelley, 36, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to participating in a conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

According to court documents, between the dates of Dec. 14, 2022 and March 23, 2023, Kelley and others sold methamphetamine and fentanyl to law enforcement officials on at least seven separate occasions.&nbsp;

On Sept. 12, 2023, following a car stop on East 63rd Street, Kansas City, Mo., a co-conspirator and source of supply of fentanyl and methamphetamine for the conspiracy was found in possession of 4.45 kilograms of methamphetamine, 2.02 kilograms of marijuana, and $14,382.

Under federal statutes, Kelley is subject to a sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Kansas City man sold fentanyl, meth to law enforcement officers

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa’s largest school district said they filed a lawsuit Friday against the consulting company it hired to identify superintendent candidates, alleging it did not properly vet Ian Roberts, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-des-moines-superintendent-ian-roberts-b52a9ea28d002d27832c67513403368e">arrested by immigration authorities</a>&nbsp;last week.

Des Moines Public Schools hired JG Consulting in 2022 to facilitate the leadership search, which led to the hiring of Roberts the following year.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements officials have said the Guyana native was in the U.S. illegally and had no work authorization. Federal prosecutors&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ian-roberts-ice-superintendent-arrested-immigration-iowa-9f095fd0dd8b8ab93f6e03231231cac3">charged Roberts</a>&nbsp;on Thursday with possessing four firearms while in the U.S. illegally, including one authorities said was wrapped in a towel inside the Jeep Cherokee he was driving when agents pulled him over, according to court filings.

The district’s complaint accused the search firm of breach of contract and negligence, and school board chair Jackie Norris said the focus is on recouping taxpayer dollars and addressing reputational damage.

“The firm failed its duty to properly vet candidates. Ian Roberts should have never been presented as a finalist,” Norris said. “If we knew what we knew now, he would never have been hired.”

James Guerra, president and CEO of Texas-based JG Consulting, did not immediately respond to phone calls or messages seeking comment Friday. A phone call to JG Consulting’s customer service line went unanswered.

The arrest of Roberts after he ran from a traffic stop has shocked and confused the community. Students have walked out of their classrooms in protest. Community members have gathered to pose questions to Roberts’ lawyers, trying to reconcile the vibrant man who engaged with students and staff with the man at the center of a scandal that has grabbed national attention. The Des Moines school board has said it was “a victim of deception” throughout his tenure.

Roberts, who is in federal custody in Des Moines,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ian-roberts-ice-superintendent-arrested-immigration-iowa-105449edfeb37ee2d3d635de9df52a64">resigned as superintendent</a>&nbsp;this week after a state education board revoked his license.

Federal authorities said Roberts had a final removal order that was issued last year, and an immigration judge denied a motion to reopen Roberts’ immigration case this April. Roberts’ attorney, Alfredo Parrish, has said Roberts was under the impression from a prior attorney that his immigration case was “resolved successfully.”

The contract between the district and JG Consulting, which has long been available on the district’s website, said the company was responsible for advertising, recruitment, application and resume review, public domain search and complete reference checks, as well as the presentation of qualified candidates.

Roberts has two decades of experience in education and used a doctorate title well before earning a doctoral degree from Trident University International in 2021.

Roberts&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ian-roberts-superintendent-ice-doctorate-d719dac9a6cffd5b8dc93725441fdebc">falsely claimed on a resume</a>&nbsp;he submitted with his application that he earned a doctorate in urban educational leadership from Morgan State University in 2007, according to documents The Associated Press obtained through a public records request.

Although Roberts was enrolled in that doctorate program from 2002 to 2007, the school’s public relations office confirmed in an email that he didn’t receive that degree. A background check during the hiring process said the same, flagging the discrepancy with the resume, according to the district.

The district said the full school board only saw a resume that was revised to indicate he had not completed his dissertation, which is necessary for the degree. But the board did have access to the background check alerting members to the initial variance.

The consulting company was required to bring all information, positive or negative, to the board’s attention but failed to do so, Norris said. “This is about accountability.”

School district sues search firm that vetted superintendent arrested by ICE

JOHNSON COUNTY —Earlier this week, officers responded to reports of car burglaries in progress near K-10 and Canyon Creek Parkway, according to a social media report from Lenexa Police.

Witnesses saw a suspect running from the area as officers arrived.

"Thanks to great teamwork between the Lenexa Police drone operator, K9, and patrol units on foot, officers were guided straight to where the suspect was hiding."

 The suspect, accused of breaking into several vehicles and arriving in a stolen car, quickly surrendered.

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