Attorney General Kris Kobach has filed a lawsuit against Snapchat, for violating the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch50/050_006_0023.html">Kansas Consumer Protection Act</a>&nbsp;(KCPA).&nbsp;

According to Kobach, the KCPA imposes civil penalties on companies that deceive Kansas consumers by marketing a product with deceptive intent. Kobach added that Snapchat is being marketed as 'safe for kids 12 and older.'&nbsp;

However, he wants to make that change from 12 and older, to 18+ due to the type of content the app portrays.

"There is just a continuous amount of information that has sexual content, nudity, profanity and drug selling on the platform," said Kobach. "I would argue that is not good for an 18-year old, but it is certainly not good for a 12-year old."

The lawsuit was officially filed on Tuesday, September 23 at the Washington County District Court. Kobach added the argument they are stating in court.

"The argument we are making in court is that Snapchat, has falsely advertised this as being safe for 12-year olds, when they know darn well that it is not safe for 12-year olds," he said.

According to <a href="https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/8961631424020-How-We-Rank-Content-on-Discover">Snapchat Support</a>&nbsp;and their <a href="https://values.snap.com/policy/policy-community-guidelines/sexual-content">Community guidelines</a>, the company 'strives to protect' consumers from&nbsp;unsolicited sexual content or abuse. In the case of violence, Snapchat takes 'all instances of threats, violence and harm seriously,' and 'does not allow content that encourages, threatens, or graphically depicts violent or dangerous behavior, or content that glorifies or encourages self-harm.'

One of their <a href="https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/8961631424020-How-We-Rank-Content-on-Discover">policies</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;"How we rank content on Discover," states the app is set up in a way that makes 'content age and language appropriate.'

The following is a statement from Snapchat Support over <a href="https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/8961631424020-How-We-Rank-Content-on-Discover#:~:text=4.,is%20localized%20to%20your%20location.">'content age and language appropriate</a>':

We want to make sure that the content you see is appropriate for your age and the language you speak. To do this, we look at your country, your language, the age you provided when you created an account, and the age we think you may be, based on your friends and your activity. We use this information to group you with similar users in your age group. This way we can identify content that is appropriate for you, in the language that you speak, and is localized to your location.

Kobach shared that he is concerned as parent for his children, especially for his youngest daughters that are 10 and 13. He commented that on the app store, Snapchat has an age rate of 12+ and he thinks that should not be the case.

"That little bit of information has huge consequences, because I, as the parent may be deceived in saying, this looks okay for you," he said. "The parent does not sit there looking over the shoulder of the kid, while their child is on it scrolling for an half an hour, hour, or an hour and a half. As a parent, our best place to protect our kids is before they download the app, after that it is very hard. This lawsuit is about making Snapchat be honest with people and allowing Kansas parents to better protect their kids."

KBI Director shares the dangers of Snapchat

KBI Director, Tony Mattivi shared points they know about the dangers of Snapchat, unrelated to the lawsuit.

According to Mattivi, the app is used as a 'primary mechanism,' by which fentanyl dealers are selling fentanyl to children.

"We know that fentanyl dealers are targeting children under 18, they are using social media to do it and primarily Snapchat," said Mattivi. "I can give you example after example, of Kansas teenagers who have used Snapchat to buy fake pills that had fentanyl and killed them."

Mattivi added the other way Snapchat is being used, is by the transmission of child sexual abuse materials.

"Our message has been simple to all Kansans, do not ever take a pill that you did not get from a doctor's office or a pharmacy," said Kobach. "We are doing everything we can to try and stop this...We are working hard to protect Kansas parents and their children."

"My main message to parents would be, if you did not get that pill from a pharmacist yourself, then do not take it and do not let your kids take it," said Mattivi. "You have to educate your kids on that, one pill really can kill and that is not an embellishment."

According to Mattivi, fentanyl overdoses are the leading cause of death for Americans under 40.

Kobach and Mattivi also shared that a KBI agent lost his son due to a fentanyl exchange through Snapchat.

"People ask me all the time, what is the biggest myth about fentanyl? It is actually three. Can't happen in my community, can't happen to my family and can't happen to me," said Mattivi. "If we can have a career drug agent (KBI) lose their child to fentanyl poisoning, it can happen to anybody."&nbsp;

Kansas, now the 4th state to sue Snapchat

Following the lawsuit from the AG, Kansas is not first state to sue Snapchat. Kobach said states such as Utah, Florida and New Mexico have sued the social media company in the past.

Kobach said the lawsuit also seeks financial penalties. 

The KCPA allows Kansas to recover up to $10,000 per incident.&nbsp;

Snapchat facing lawsuit after violating Kansas Consumer Protection Act 

This fall, Kansans for Life launched AFTERMATH, a first-of-its-kind traveling memorial that is now making its way through communities across Kansas.

At each stop, visitors walk through a powerful display the size of a basketball court - 19,467 fetal models, each representing a child lost to abortion in Kansas in 2023. Visitors have described the memorial as sobering, emotional and unforgettable.

AFTERMATH was created in response to the surge of abortions in Kansas since the 2019 state Supreme Court ruling that declared abortion a constitutional right. That decision stripped away long-standing protections for women and their preborn children. The result has been devastating: thousands more abortions each year, families forever changed, and a human cost too often hidden from view. This memorial brings that reality into the light.

City after city, local churches and volunteers have stepped up to host, set up, greet visitors, and repack the display - making it possible for Kansans of every age and background to encounter the truth in a way statistics alone cannot express.

Beyond the display itself, the memorial gives visitors the chance to learn how Kansas arrived at this moment, reflect as they walk through, and respond. There will also be resources available for those who may have been personally impacted by abortion, as well as free pregnancy help across the state for families who need support.

And the journey is not finished. AFTERMATH will continue traveling in the weeks ahead, giving more Kansans the chance to walk through the memorial, reflect, and respond.

This Friday, October 3, AFTERMATH will be in Salina from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park. All are welcome to experience this powerful memorial.

Visit aftermathks.com for the upcoming tour schedule, volunteer opportunities, and resources to share with your church or community

AFTERMATH: Traveling memorial in response to abortions across Kansas arrives to Salina on Friday

Beginning this weekend, phones will be ringing across Salina USD 305 as a comprehensive survey of patrons’ opinion will begin.

School district officials say the survey will provide insight into what residents think about the district’s strengths, challenges and other important issues.

“This survey will give us an outstanding opportunity to hear from a cross-section of our patrons their opinions about our performance, and what they think about a variety of issues,” says Heath Hogan, superintendent. “We’ll hear from all geographic parts of the district, people of all different ages, and everyone from newcomers to long-term residents.”

The phone survey was designed by ExcellenceK12, a Kansas City-based market research firm that has worked with school districts across the Midwest.

The calling will be done by Market Research Associates, a Kansas City firm, which uses only professional researchers. Participants will be selected totally at random, and all responses will be kept completely confidential.

In general, calls will be placed between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm on weekdays, and noon to 6:00 pm on Saturdays.

The caller ID may show “Market Research Associates,” or it may simply show an 816 or 913 area code, because the company uses calling facilities in both Missouri and Kansas.

For those who are not contacted at random on the phone, an online version of the survey will be available on the <a href="https://www.usd305.com/">district’s website</a>. The online surveys will be open from October 3 through 12:00 am on October 17.&nbsp;

The survey process will take about two weeks to complete, and the district is asking patrons to listen for their phones to ring.

“We are very fortunate to live and serve in a community that values our schools,” Hogan says. “If you get called for the survey, please answer and give your honest feedback.”

USD 305 seeking public feedback from survey by phone or online starting this weekend

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;Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Crim damage to prop;w/o consent &lt;$1K

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalia/human body; No Proof Of Insurance; Poss of marijuana; Poss of stolen property;Value less than $1,500; Burglary; Dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence or sexually motivated crime

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

NAME:&nbsp;Kappelman, James Patrick

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Disorderly conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct to cause resentment

Saline County Jail Bookings, September 30

The Kansas Department of Agriculture has been awarded $324,059.17 through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. 

Funds for the program are awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. According to the USDA, specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.” Through a competitive application process, KDA has selected recipients to further utilize the funds.

The following is a list of Kansas projects that will be funded by the grant.

- Comprehensive Postharvest Hands-On Training for Kansas Specialty Crop Growers&nbsp;— Kansas State University will develop and deliver a tailored short course on postharvest management of specialty crops for Kansas growers. The overall goal of the project is to improve grower postharvest practices, reduce postharvest losses, and boost economic growth in the Kansas fruit and vegetable industry.

- Double Film Method for Large Scale Production of Vegetables in Winter Season Without Added Heat Source&nbsp;— Kansas State University will develop a method to grow vegetable crops in local subzero winter climate by studying a double layered low tunnel design using two films to control the micro climate of the inner tunnel. Temperature data will be recorded, and growth rates will be measured both in and out of the tunnels then detailed procedures including seeding, watering, fertilizing, growth duration and yield expectation will be formulated. The method will be further evaluated for its economic efficacy as well as food safety.

- Growing Community Through Kansas Specialty Crops&nbsp;— KC Farm School will increase awareness and consumption of Kansas-grown specialty crops through live farmers’ market cook-a-longs featuring specialty crops from regional farmers through their CSA co-op, Community Garden members, Let's Grow Wyandotte! members, the Wyandotte County Farmers Market Coalition, and the KC F.A.R.M.E.R.S Coalition.

- Increasing Consumption and Purchase of Specialty Crops Through the Expansion of Nutrition Education Programs to Children and Adults in Saline County&nbsp;— Prairieland Market will increase knowledge about the availability, purchase, preparation, cooking, and preservation of specialty crops by offering education programs to children and adults in Saline County. The classes will be promoted and offered twice per month to reach 60 children and 132 adults who will gain knowledge about specialty crops.

- Supporting Kansas Growers with Free Water Testing for Produce Safety Compliance&nbsp;— Kansas State University will provide free water testing for Kansas specialty crop growers to support compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule requirements. This work aims to address critical needs by continuing the free microbial testing of water samples for Kansas growers, a service that has been actively utilized since 2019. Offering free testing encourages growers to assess their water quality, thereby fostering a strong food safety culture.

- Weed Control in No-Till Dry Bean Production&nbsp;— Kansas State University will conduct research and develop recommendations for broadleaf weed control in pinto beans produced in no-till irrigated fields. They will communicate these recommendations to farmers and agronomy professionals through field days, grower meetings, and other outreach efforts.

In partnership with industry, the Kansas Department of Agriculture will also utilize Specialty Crop Block Grant funding to host a statewide conference in early 2027 focused on the business and production aspects of specialty crops in Kansas. The conference will be an educational event for specialty crop growers and stakeholders to gather, network, and grow in knowledge.

For more information, visit KDA’s Specialty Crop&nbsp;Block Grant webpage at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2FSpecialtyCropBlockGrant%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019986a228b7-a9afb8f1-95db-4563-be39-ef8340ddc019-000000/MDuKsZr9lvgBL0h7mwp-Ys58RcgVLcSMyJwpESch3Fw=424">agriculture.ks.gov/SpecialtyCropBlockGrant</a>.

Department of Ag awarded over $300,000 in Specialty Crop Block Grants: Enhances competitiveness of specialty crops 

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee – and U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) – a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee – introduced the&nbsp;Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act&nbsp;to help reduce burdensome regulations for seasonal agricultural drivers by allowing drivers to renew commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) online and updating classifications for farm equipment.

“Kansas farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers depend on reliable, efficient transportation to move harvested crops from the fields to grain elevators and markets,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“Our legislation would modernize the requirements for seasonal agricultural commercial driver’s licenses, making it easier for producers to renew their CDL and safely transport farm equipment and machinery during harvest.”

“When harvest season comes around, our farmers have enough on their plates – they shouldn’t have to spend valuable time navigating bureaucratic red tape that hinders their work in the field and on the roads,”&nbsp;said Sen. Ernst.&nbsp;“My Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act would update outdated regulations by ensuring seasonal restricted CDL registrations and renewals can be filed online, and providing more flexibility for folks driving vehicles specifically designed for the farm. Let’s hit the gas and remove these regulatory speed bumps to ensure Iowa farmers and agricultural suppliers can easily transport what they need to operate effectively.”

"This legislation addresses challenges faced by Kansas farmers and agricultural service providers by providing necessary updates to modernize the Seasonal Ag commercial driver's license program that is heavily relied on during peak application and harvest seasons,”&nbsp;said Ronald Seeber, President and CEO, Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association.&nbsp;“The proposed measures are critical to the continued success and viability of the agricultural industry."

“Kansas Farm Bureau believes making modern updates to the seasonal CDL program is sound government policy that recognizes the reality of what farmers and ranchers face every day trying to feed the country,” said Joe Newland, President, Kansas Farm Bureau.&nbsp;“I applaud Sen. Moran’s leadership in introducing this commonsense proposal to save time, cut costs and support smoother operations in rural Kansas and beyond.”

"This legislation, led by Senators Moran and Ernst, modernizes outdated regulations to help agricultural retailers operate more efficiently and strengthen the supply chain,”&nbsp;said Richard Gupton, Senior Vice President of Public Policy &amp; Counsel, Agricultural Retailers Association.&nbsp;“By allowing increased load capacities, it addresses driver shortages, reduces trips, and ensures timely delivery of essential goods—all while maintaining transportation safety."

The&nbsp;Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act&nbsp;is supported by a number of agricultural leaders, including the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Corn Growers Association, Kansas Grain and Feed Association, Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Sorghum Producers and Kansas Soybean Association.

Specifically, the legislation would:

- Allow Online Renewal of Farm-Related Commercial Driver’s Licenses –&nbsp;The legislation would authorize online renewal for restricted CDLs for farm-related service industries, streamlining the renewal process, reducing administrative regulatory burdens for seasonal agricultural drivers and expanding accessibility for workers in rural communities who may face challenges with in-person CDL renewal.

- Update Classification of Agricultural Tools and Vehicles Specifically Designed for Farm Use –&nbsp;The legislation reduces unnecessary restrictions and penalties on ag-related equipment by making certain these pieces of farm equipment (known as “Implements of Husbandry”) are not classified as commercial motor vehicles and do not contribute to the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) or Gross Weight Rating (GWR).

Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Tracey Mann (R-KS-01), Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02), Ron Estes (R-KS-04) and others.

Full text of the legislation can be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/9/2/92de6c4d-11ef-4c48-9ef0-02eaec1c4c54/2B5D8473C2931681212C925E518F759B8F38766E00E803977332BA5E0FEAE909.seasonal-agriculture-cdl-modernization-act.pdf">HERE</a>.

Sens. Moran, Ernst introduce bill to increase access to CDL's during harvest

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Salina Post obituary policy (subject to change)

Salina Post understands the importance of honoring the deceased and welcomes all submissions of obituaries with a full summary of their life, survivors, services, website of the funeral home and a photo.

Salina Post accepts all obituaries&nbsp;free of charge&nbsp;and you can email all obituaries:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@salinapost.com">admin@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>&nbsp;and will be posted on the website within 24 business hours.

If you have an issue outside of business hours, if your obituary has not been published within 24 business hours, or if have any questions, please email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@salinapost.com">admin@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>

Recent obituaries and service times

$19.00 to $20.00 Per Hour (depends on experience)

Full-Time (40 Hour) and Part-Time (28 Hour) Positions Available&nbsp;

- Full-Time Position Includes Health Benefit and Retirement Match

- have a personal relationship with Jesus

- be willing and able to serve our students in faith development

- be willing and able to provide academic support to our students

- occasional (not frequent) hours on weekends

- be a licensed driver with a good driving record

To apply, please call (785) 827-2028 or via email to office@thecityonthenet.com

VFW Post 1432 burglarized, investigation ongoing

Salina Police have identified and are actively searching for the suspect who broke into a home and assaulted a male victim, north of town.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Saturday, September 27 at around 2:00 am, officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of E. North regarding a home invasion. A 22-year old female reported, she and a 24-year old man, who does not live at the residence, were inside when suddenly they heard banging on the front door.

Subsequently, a window was shattered and the woman walked towards the front door. The door was then kicked in by a male suspect, who had a metal pipe in his hand. SPD stated the suspect used the pipe to hit the 24-year old man in the head, causing a laceration.

Afterwards, the suspect left the scene before officers arrived.

SPD has identified the suspect as a 5'4, 180 lb, white male, who is possibly not from Salina. Accordingly, the suspect could be known to the woman.

The male victim was sent to Salina Regional Health Center for treatment. Damage to the home was valued at about $250.

Salina Police searching for male suspect connected to home invasion 

Local Law Enforcement are looking for the suspect(s) that burglarized a bar in North Salina.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Friday, September 26, officers were dispatched at around 1:00 pm to the Bishop Street Tavern (717 Bishop) regarding a burglary.

Employees reported to police that an unknown suspect(s) forced opened a back door and stole a box containing 20 Jack &amp; Coke, Jack Daniels 12 oz bottles. $10 worth of quarters were also stolen from the bar.

Law Enforcement investigating burglary at bar in North Salina

<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, 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

Showers and thunderstorms expected to continue today and into Thursday throughout the Central Kansas region.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms have impacted central and north-central Kansas this morning. Locally heavy rainfall will be the primary hazard. However, activity should tend to gradually dissipate as the morning progresses.

A few strong to marginally severe thunderstorms are possible after 4:00 pm today, mainly along the west of Flint Hills.&nbsp;

These showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue into Thursday.

Showers and thunderstorms expected to continue into Thursday, heavy rainfall anticipated

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 17 - September 19

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/firemarshal.ks.gov?__cft__[0]=AZV27LE80Q-6MMo-gpH3SFQmDEBZsL6OGNGmYIx2V6om4ye_t4JSEuFXuoly6sQKryTOEsnG6YHDOPiTyiQ0wof8HY2iE-qWzv5LvmkDxRfItSjvu0mBdSa6asnZhVuALKeXhzug9jP8YeQuGwdezSeWtro8OME8l0J3g24zUdvbzYMgjbfE16CFjDGVKeXZ7Wk&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Fire Marshal</a>&nbsp; announced the availability of their newest team member, a human remains detection (HRD) dog, according to a social media report from the Fire Marshal's office.

K9 Gator, a year and one half-old Belgian Malinois, was imported from Mexico and purchased by the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office through <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HillCountryDogCenter?__cft__[0]=AZV27LE80Q-6MMo-gpH3SFQmDEBZsL6OGNGmYIx2V6om4ye_t4JSEuFXuoly6sQKryTOEsnG6YHDOPiTyiQ0wof8HY2iE-qWzv5LvmkDxRfItSjvu0mBdSa6asnZhVuALKeXhzug9jP8YeQuGwdezSeWtro8OME8l0J3g24zUdvbzYMgjbfE16CFjDGVKeXZ7Wk&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Hill Country Dog Center</a> in Pipe Creek, Texas.

Gator is assigned to his handler, Special Agent Melanie Miller, in the Investigation Division. Gator and S.A. Miller are certified through the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/unitedpolicek9?__cft__[0]=AZV27LE80Q-6MMo-gpH3SFQmDEBZsL6OGNGmYIx2V6om4ye_t4JSEuFXuoly6sQKryTOEsnG6YHDOPiTyiQ0wof8HY2iE-qWzv5LvmkDxRfItSjvu0mBdSa6asnZhVuALKeXhzug9jP8YeQuGwdezSeWtro8OME8l0J3g24zUdvbzYMgjbfE16CFjDGVKeXZ7Wk&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">United Police Work Dog Association</a> in Human Remains Detection on land and water, as well as obedience.

K9 Gator and S.A. Miller are currently working towards their FEMA dog team certifications and will be rostered on Kansas Task Force 1 after those certifications are completed. 

Gator and SA Miller will play a crucial role in providing closure to families and aiding search and rescue efforts. K9 Gator is currently available for mutual aid response through communication with the Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office.

Kan. Fire Marshal ads K9 certified in human remains detection

DALLAS (AP) — A second detainee shot in an attack on a Dallas immigration field office last week has died, his family said Tuesday.

In a statement shared by the League of United Latin American Citizens, the family confirmed that Miguel Ángel García-Hernández, 32, succumbed to his injuries after being removed from life support.

The Mexican man was one of three detainees shot in the Sept. 24 attack on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas. That attack left one man dead and two other detainees critically wounded. Officials previously identified the man who was killed in the attack as Norlan Guzman-Fuentes.

Authorities have said the gunman, 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, fired indiscriminately from a nearby rooftop. They said he hated the U.S. government and wanted to incite terror by killing federal agents. No ICE personnel were hurt in the shooting, and Jahn fatally shot himself following the assault.

The attack happened as heightened immigration enforcement has generated a backlash against ICE agents and stirred fear in immigrant communities across the country.

“My husband Miguel was a good man, a loving father, and the provider for our family,” Stephany Gauffeny said in the statement. “We had just bought our first home together, and he worked hard every single day to make sure our children had what they needed. His death is a senseless tragedy that has left our family shattered. I do not know how to explain to our children that their father is gone.”

Gauffeny is expecting their fifth child, LULAC said.

Family: 2nd detainee shot at a Dallas ICE facility has died

SEWARD COUNTY– The U.S. Marshals are seeking the public’s help and offering a reward of up to&nbsp;$5,000&nbsp;for information leading to the arrest of a Guatemalan man wanted in Seward County on multiple counts of crimes against children, according to a media release.

Juan Ralios-Batz, (estimated age) 30, is wanted on three counts of rape of a child, one count of aggravated kidnapping, one count of aggravated human trafficking, and one count of abuse of a child.

Batz and his sister are alleged to have sponsored a 13-year-old unaccompanied alien child and, over a two-year-period, Batz allegedly raped the child and forced the child to do manual labor. &nbsp;The child eventually became pregnant and has a child with Batz. When Batz became aware of his wanted status, his family allegedly helped him escape to Fremont, Nebraska, to evade the charges against him. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Batz is a white or Hispanic man, stands 5-feet-1 inch and weighs approximately 115 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair and a tattoo of the letter J on his right arm.&nbsp;

Batz, who is in the U.S. illegally, is known to use multiple aliases, including Juan Ralios, Juan Batz, Randy Guerro, Juan Ramos-Batz, Juan Ramos and Omar Gonzalez.&nbsp;

Anyone with information regarding his location is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at&nbsp;1-877-WANTED-2&nbsp;or send tip information via the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usmarshals.gov/what-we-do/fugitive-investigations/submitting-a-tip">USMS Tips App</a>.

Still hiding: Man in U.S. illegally is wanted for child sex crimes in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Family and friends are working to raise funds for a Kansas teacher wounded in a shooting Saturday night in Wichita.

Officers responded to the&nbsp;400 block of South Vassar and found two male victims 30-year-old Kevin Norfleet, who teaches at Maize High School and a 15-year-old both suffering from gunshot wounds, according to Officer Kris Gupilan. EMS transported both to a local hospital where they remain in critical condition.

Investigators learned Norfleet, identified from an online fundraiser, went outside after seeing the 15-year-old rummaging through his vehicle. The 15-year-old then fired a weapon, striking Norfleet. He returned fire, hitting the 15-year-old.

<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/donations-for-kevin-norfleet-and-family">Click here to view</a> the online fundraiser that provides more details on the incident. "Kevin is a beloved husband, father, and son. He's a high school teacher here in town and is loved by so many."

"On Saturday night, September 27th, Kevin was shot multiple times by someone attempting to break into his car at his home in Wichita."

"Kevin is receiving excellent care in a surgical intensive care unit in town. There have been multiple surgeries already performed to save his life and more surgery ahead once he is more stable. His doctors say it will be weeks before he leaves the hospital, and even longer before he can go home to his wife and son, as he'll need extensive rehab."

"All funds raised here will go directly to his wife and son, to support them through this time and especially to pay future medical bills, which are sure to be astronomical. Any help is truly appreciated."

Online fundraiser IDs Kan. teacher injured in gunfight with boy

Democratic and Republican congressional leaders met at the White House with President Donald Trump on Monday to try to prevent a government shutdown. They made no progress. If the two sides don't reach a deal and have it signed by the President on Tuesday night, the government will shut down.

On social media, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote, "Republicans are committed to keeping the government funded — but not at the cost of reckless spending."

"Dems are quick to blame Republicans for the healthcare crisis—skyrocketing costs and rural hospitals shutting down. Newsflash: This mess is the direct result of dem policies in action."

Kansas U.S. Senator's statement on government shutdown fight

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Two days after four teenage girls were found murdered in a burning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-yogurt-shop-1991-murders-solved-1bc45a19a8fe021bde015794de9a5865">Austin yogurt shop</a>&nbsp;in 1991, a man with a pistol in a stolen car was arrested at a border checkpoint west of El Paso.

Nearly 34 years later, cold case detectives have now connected that man and the weapon to the horrific killings that stunned Texas’ capital city. The case frustrated investigators for decades and previously led to the convictions of two men who were sent to prison, one of them to death row.

Investigators on Monday outlined how advanced DNA testing technology and a fresh look at old ballistics testing from the crime scene, led them to to identify Robert Eugene Brashers as the likely killer. Brashers, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-f713abeb28824e1d89a66459da465972">died in 1999</a>&nbsp;when he shot himself in a standoff with police in 1999, has been linked to similar violent crimes in multiple other states.

“Austin lost its innocence the night those young souls became victims. ... Today was a long time coming,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said at a news conference attended by several members of the victims’ families, where police outlined the rapid cascade of new evidence that developed over the past few months.

The announcement that Brashers was the suspect came amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-yogurt-shop-1991-murders-solved-fc86a1997a8895224f6cd213be3f4321">renewed attention</a>&nbsp;on the case with the release last month of “The Yogurt Shop Murders,” an HBO documentary series.

On Dec. 6, 1991, Amy Ayers, 13; Eliza Thomas, 17; and sisters Jennifer and Sarah Harbison, ages 17 and 15, were bound, gagged and shot in the head at the “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt” store where two of them worked. The building was then set on fire.

Investigators have said that around closing time, someone was either in the store or entered through the back door, attacked the girls and set the fire. The bodies were found by firefighters who were still battling the blaze, and the efforts to put out the fire badly damaged the crime scene.

Detectives chased thousands of leads, including multiple confessions, before the case went cold for years. Then in 1999, police arrested four men who were juveniles at the time of the crime. Two of them, Robert Springsteen and Michael Scott, confessed and implicated each other, but later recanted and said their statements were coerced by police.

Springsteen and Scott were convicted. Springsteen was sent to death row before the sentence was reduced to life in prison. Both convictions were later overturned, and the charges were dropped in 2009 when new DNA evidence told detectives they were looking for a previously unknown male at the crime scene.

Authorities had identified Brashers as a killer who left a deadly trail across several states before he was connected to the yogurt shop murders.

In 2018, Missouri authorities said DNA evidence linked him to the strangulation of a South Carolina woman in 1990, and the shooting of a mother and daughter in Missouri in 1998. The evidence also connected Brashers to the 1997 rape of a 14-year-old girl in Tennessee.

In June, Austin cold case detective Daniel Jackson resubmitted to a federal system the ballistics findings on a shell casing from a .380 caliber handgun taken from the yogurt shop that was used to kill Ayers. It came back as a match to an unsolved 1998 crime in Kentucky. Jackson would not detail the Kentucky case but said it has similarities to the crime in Austin.

And in August, South Carolina officials told Austin detectives that advanced DNA tests on a sample taken from under Ayers’ fingernail came back as a match to Brashers from the 1990 murder in South Carolina.

“Amy’s final moments on this Earth were to solve this case for us,” Jackson said. “It’s because of her fighting back.”

Police said they don’t know why Brashers would have been in Austin the night of the murders but noted the stop near El Paso just two days later. He was driving to visit his father in Arizona in a truck reported stolen in Georgia. He tried to flee when stopped, but was eventually detained and arrested on charges of auto theft and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The gun found on Brashers that day was confiscated, but it was eventually returned to his father, who may have given it back to him. Jackson said the gun is the same .380 caliber make and model Brashers used it to kill himself in the standoff with police in 1999 in Missouri.

Prosecutor says evidence points to 1 killer

Police said the case remains open for now and asked for help from anyone who could connect Brashers to Austin at the time. Brashers could be a suspect in other unsolved killings, Jackson said.

Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza said the “overwhelming weight of the evidence points to the guilt of one man” and the innocence of the men previously arrested and convicted.

“If the conclusions of APD’s investigation are confirmed, as it appears that they will be, I will say: I am sorry, though I know that that will never be enough,” Garza said.

“This case stole decades of my life, but the truth has finally come to light,” Scott said in a statement issued by his attorney, who said Scott deserves a full exoneration.

“It must happen very soon. This is a long, hard battle for justice,” attorney Tony Diaz said. Springsteen’s trial attorney did not respond to requests for comment.

“We never wanted anyone to go to jail or be charged with anything that they didn’t do,” said Barbara Wilson, mothers of the Harbison sisters. “Vengeance was never it. It was always the truth.”

Police noted similarities in the yogurt shop case to Brasher’s other crimes — including that the victims were tied up with their own clothing, sexually assaulted and some crime scenes were set on fire. Jackson also noted Brashers was known to carry multiple weapons and act alone.

“At this point there is no evidence he had an accomplice,” in the Austin killings, Jackson said.

Sonora Thomas, sister of Eliza Thomas, said she thought she would die not knowing what happened and had to come to terms with that.

“I now know what happened, and that does ease my suffering,” she said.

Serial killer with Missouri victims linked to 30-year-old cold case

MORGAN COUNTY, Missouri—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Sunday at Lake of the Ozarks.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Yamaha Viking driven by a 59-year-old Overland Park woman was southbound on Viewside Drive near Memory Lane at Lake of the Ozarks. The driver lost control of the UTV in a turn. The vehicle traveled off the left side of the road, overturned and struck a ditch.

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