Vanessa Cowie, CEO of <a href="https://www.prairiepaws.org/">Prairie Paws</a> a private animal shelter with locations in Manhattan, Ottawa and Emporia discussed with Salina Post about their success and possible oversight of the Salina Animal Shelter.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@RealSalinaPost/videos">Link to the Salina Post YouTube page, click here.</a>

🎥 Prairie Paws CEO discusses formula of success, possible oversight of Salina Animal Shelter

DOWNS - The 32nd Annual Kansas Storytelling Festival is coming quickly this spring. The Festival will be held on Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25, 2026 in Downs, Kansas.

Known as the “Storytelling Capital of Kansas”, the small northcentral town of Downs welcomes you to a weekend of stories and unforgettable hospitality.

This celebration of the art of storytelling promises to be an event filled with laughter, wonder, and the timeless magic of storytelling. Nationally known festival favorites are invited, along with new voices for stories from all genres for all ages. Headlining storytellers are Kevin Kling, Geraldine Buckley, Rev. Robert B. Jones Sr., Ingrid Nixon, and Greg Victors (Wichita War Dancer).

Kevin Kling hails from Minneapolis, MN and has performed his stories in libraries, school gymnasiums, The Kennedy Center, Off-Broadway, regional theaters and storytelling festivals around the US. Kevin has been a frequent featured teller at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborogh, TN. Kevin’s international tours have included Australia, Europe and Thailand.

Geraldine Buckley is a British-born, internationally known, award-winning storyteller, speaker, and educator. She is known for her natural warmth and delightful sense of humor, as well as her wise, witty personal stories that make people laugh and think. She teaches workshops and tells stories in conferences, colleges, corporations, prisons, schools, house concerts, and festivals throughout America, and as far away as New Zealand. She has been featured several times at the National Storytelling Festival.

Rev. Robert B. Jones, Sr. is a renaissance man. He has been a professional musician for more than forty years and the National Blues Foundation recognized his work as a leading blues educator in 2007. He has been a Pastor for more than 20 years, and a nationally recognized storyteller for more than fifteen years. At the heart of his message is the belief that our cultural diversity tells a story that should celebrate, not just tolerate.

Ingrid Nixon is a professional storyteller and retired National Park Service ranger, who has worked in expedition tourism for over three decades, sharing stories of exploration, folklore, culture, and natural history while leading groups to all seven continents. Ingrid performs historical stories, myths, tall tales, folktales and more at events and festivals throughout the United States, including the National Storytelling Festival.

Greg Victors, is the World Champion Wichita War Dancer and is of the Tohono O'Odham and Ponca Nations. He has been a Native performer since childhood. He has a passion for not only performing but educating people about his culture and its beautiful history. He feels a deep responsibility to share and preserve the native culture through dancing, singing and storytelling. Stories, folklore and traditional teachings all play a significant role in learning about the first peoples of the Americas.

The professional storytellers will perform several times throughout the weekend. Listeners will also enjoy the Tall Tales Contest (Friday night), the local “Legends” Storytellers including Native American stories and the Master Storytellers (previous winners of 3 tall tales contests). Bring your own stories to tell during the Swappin’ Grounds session on Saturday afternoon. 

More information can be found <a href="https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/">https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasStorytellingFestival/">Kansas Storytelling on Facebook. </a>

There's something for everyone to enjoy at the 2026 Kansas Storytelling Festival on April 24 – 25, 2026.

Annual storytelling festival held in Downs features multiple participants 

ABILENE - An Abilene man along with several employees have been recognized by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).

KDOT expresses its appreciation for employees celebrating state service anniversaries in March. KDOT is proud to acknowledge them for the long-term dedication they have provided to the state of Kansas. Listed below are the employees and their hometowns.&nbsp;

- Patrick Haverkamp, Engineering Technician Supervisor,&nbsp;Seneca. 

- Brian Saragusa, Engineering Technician Senior,&nbsp;Leavenworth

- Clifford Ehrlich, Environment Program Administrator Supervisor,&nbsp;Topeka. 

- Dustin Hardin, Construction Manager,&nbsp;Emporia. 

- Deborah Stanley, Administrative Specialist,&nbsp;Topeka

- Matthew Watkins, Highway Maintenance Superintendent,&nbsp;Whiting. 

- Gary Wirtz, SNICE Seasonal Temporary,&nbsp;Council Grove. 

- James Fulkerson, Highway Maintenance Worker IV,&nbsp;Benton. 

- Bradley Holzhey, Equipment Mechanic Specialist,&nbsp;Denton. 

- Jason Lawrence, Highway Maintenance Supervisor,&nbsp;Dighton

- Richard Dell, Highway Maintenance Worker I,&nbsp;Olathe. 

- Alan Vitt, Database Administrator III,&nbsp;Lawrence

- Jason Bonar, Applications Developer III,&nbsp;Topeka. 

- Marty Easley, Highway Maintenance Worker III,&nbsp;Independence. 

- Matthew Hermreck, Engineering Technician,&nbsp;El Dorado. 

- Julie Prather, Management Analyst III,&nbsp;Topeka. 

- Dallis Schober, Field Maintenance Coordinator,&nbsp;Vermillion. 

- Anthony Thomas, Highway Maintenance Worker IV,&nbsp;Prairie View

- Rockford Lindgren, Highway Maintenance Worker III,&nbsp;Abilene.

- Deborah Smith, Engineering Technician,&nbsp;Rose Hill

Abilene man recognized by KDOT for 10 years of state service work

The “Kansas Pioneer Patriots,” a 10-panel traveling exhibit, will be at The Temple, (336 S. Santa Fe) in downtown Salina from Monday, March 2 through Tuesday, March 10.

The exhibit highlights eight notable Kansans from across the Sunﬂower State, including President Dwight D. Eisenhower of Abilene and wartime journalist/correspondent Peggy Hull Deuell from nearby Bennington.

It is free admission and open to school groups, history buﬀs and anyone else interested.

“We are proud to be a host community for this enlightening exhibit,” says Mary Wade Strother chapter Regent, Kathy Laﬂen. “From celebrated Kansans like Ike to less well-known but equally impactful influencers who helped shaped Kansas across generations, there is much to learn from “Kansas Pioneer Patriots.”

Other notables featured in “Kansas Pioneer Patriots” include aviation-industry executive Olive Ann Beech, frontiersman Charles Jesse “Buﬀalo” Jones, Potawatomi tribal chief Minnie Evans and aviator Amelia Earhart. 

Hours the exhibit is open from March 2 to 10 are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday evening as part of the March’s First Friday Art Walk from 5 - 7 p.m., and Saturday, 1 to 3 p.m.

The exhibit opens to the public on Tuesday, March 2nd at 10 a.m. in the main lobby of The Temple.

Visitors should use The Temple’s main north-facing doors, unless otherwise posted. A DAR docent and an information table will be available during exhibit hours.

The local Mary Wade Strother Chapter was founded in 1922 and is part of state and national organizations. The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is one of the largest patriotic women's service organizations in the world. DAR has close to 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters across the country and several foreign countries. DAR members promote historic preservation, education and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service and more.

For additional information about DAR and its relevant mission, visit <a href="http://www.dar.org">www.dar.org</a>.

For more information on the traveling “Kansas Pioneer Patriots” exhibit or on local DAR activities, contact salinadar1922@gmail.com or visit <a href="https://tinyurl.com/Salina-NSDAR">https://tinyurl.com/Salina-NSDAR</a>.

The “Kansas Pioneer Patriots” is made possible by support from the Mary Wade Strother Chapter, Kansas Society DAR and the Temple of Salina. 

To learn about America 250! events and activities in your area, go to <a href="https://america250.org/">https://america250.org/</a>.

Ten-panel traveling exhibit to open at The Temple, highlighting notable Kansans 

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 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.

You can email all obituaries:&nbsp;<a href="https://newstips@salinapost.com/">newstips@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;&nbsp;<a href="https://newstips@salinapost.com/">newstips@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>

Recent obituaries and service times, how to submit an obituary

<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, February 23 - February 25

Following is recent booking activity for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/Sheriff-Office/Online-search/Booking-Activities">Saline County Jail</a>, 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 CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; One-way glass or sun screen device; Windshield

NAME:&nbsp;Stanley Townsend,Elizabeth Grace

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, February 23

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Aggravated burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crime; Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant

Saline County Jail Bookings, February 22

Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau

Manhattan, KS / Philadelphia, PA — Internationally recognized orchid authority Arthur Chadwick, owner of Chadwick &amp; Son Orchids and author of the acclaimed book First Ladies and Their Orchids, will present a major feature exhibit at the 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, running February 28 through March 8 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Now in its 197th year, the Philadelphia Flower Show is the largest and longest-running horticultural event in the world, welcoming more than 250,000 visitors annually and drawing global attention for its immersive floral installations, world-class plant competitions, and innovative design.

Chadwick’s exhibit, titled “First Ladies and Their Orchids,” brings to life the historic relationship between America’s First Ladies and the iconic Cattleya orchid—a floral symbol long associated with elegance, diplomacy, and state affairs. The installation traces ten consecutive First Ladies, from Edith Wilson through Patricia Nixon, who embraced orchid corsages as part of their signature style.

Adding a strong Kansas presence to the international event is Sara Larson of Manhattan, Kansas, owner and lead designer of Wild &amp; Blooming Floral &amp; Events, who was selected by Chadwick to serve as the exhibit’s floral design collaborator.

Larson, whose studio is based in the heart of the Flint Hills, is known for refined, story-driven floral design and thoughtful event styling. Her work spans weddings, large-scale installations, and editorial projects throughout the Midwest and beyond. In 2024, Larson was also selected as a floral designer for the White House Christmas decorations, contributing to the nationally televised holiday showcase in Washington, D.C.

To bring the exhibit to life, Chadwick and Larson have collaborated closely on the design and curation, incorporating rare and historically significant orchids from Chadwick’s private collection. Together, they also worked directly with First Families to procure authentic memorabilia for the installation, including a special piece from the collection of Mamie Eisenhower, loaned by her granddaughter, Mary Jean Eisenhower.

The exhibit is an adaptation of Chadwick’s book of the same name and follows the success of his recent appearance at the Chelsea Flower Show in London, where his work earned a prestigious Silver-Gilt award and a visit from Queen Camilla.

The installation has received endorsements from the National First Ladies Museum &amp; Library, the Edith Bolling Wilson Foundation, and the National First Ladies Day Commission.

“Orchids were more than fashion accessories—they were symbols of grace, romance, and prestige,” said Chadwick.

Abilene resident, Mary Jean Eisenhower echoed that sentiment, noting, “My grandmother felt she would be underdressed if she wasn’t wearing an orchid corsage.”

For Larson, the project represents both a professional milestone and a point of pride for her hometown.

“Collaborating on this exhibit has been a rare opportunity to blend living history with floral design at the highest level,” Larson said. “To represent Kansas—and especially Manhattan—on an international stage like the Philadelphia Flower Show, following my experience designing for the White House, is incredibly meaningful.”

The exhibit will be centrally located within the show’s 2026 theme, “Rooted: Origins of American Gardening,” which explores how American history, culture, and horticulture intersect.

The Philadelphia Flower Show is open to the public, with VIP and group tours available.

Kansas florist selected to co-design major exhibit at 2026 Philadelphia Flower Show

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; No Proof Of Insurance; Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;Chaca,Shane Christopher

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; Driving while habitual violator; No Proof Of Insurance

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE: Driving While Suspended

Saline County Jail Bookings, February 21

Kansas Department of Transportation

Kansas’ first express lanes, built as part of the U.S. 69 Expansion and Modernization project (69Express), will open to traffic by 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 in Overland Park. The project included reconstruction of U.S. 69 between 103rd and 151st Streets, widening the highway with one northbound and one southbound express lane and interchange improvements at U.S. 69/167th Street.

The 69Express lanes allow the Kansas Department of Transportation to manage congestion on the highway using tolls that vary based on traffic levels and time of day to keep express lane trips congestion-free. Drivers can choose to pay a toll to use the express lanes for a more reliable travel time through the corridor. The two general-purpose lanes in each direction on U.S. 69 will remain toll-free.

Drivers will be able to enter and exit the express lanes at three points on 69Express: 103rd&nbsp;Street, Blue Valley Parkway and 151st Street. Dynamic messaging signs at these entry points show the current toll rate to the driver’s destination. Rates shown on the sign apply to drivers with two-axle vehicles and a KTAG or compatible transponder. These drivers will pay the lowest toll rate on 69Express — expected to range from a baseline of $0.35 during low-traffic periods to approximately $1.50 during peak congestion — which is 50% lower than the rate for vehicles without a KTAG.

Express lanes will be separated from the general-purpose lanes by a 4-foot-wide buffer marked with solid white lines. Drivers should never cross the solid, double-white lines and should only enter or exit the express lanes at designated points marked with dashed white lines. Overland Park police will continue to enforce speed limits, unsafe lane changes, unlawful entering or exiting of the express lanes, distracted driving and other citable traffic violations on U.S. 69.

The Kansas Turnpike Authority is KDOT’s tolling partner for 69Express. Drivers are encouraged to visit DriveKS.com, Kansas’ toll payment system, to set up their accounts and order a free KTAG for use on 69Express and all other Kansas toll facilities, as well as on compatible systems in Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas and Florida.

Additional information about using the express lanes is available on the 69Express project website,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2F69express.ksdot.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019c7be3e1bc-e05a971d-2c02-4bbf-921b-0e145490a515-000000/4EWvxMcB8AcFzfPmyQS8E1boXEoRSo_mPdS5y-oQmTE=445">69express.org</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F69ExpressKS%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019c7be3e1bc-e05a971d-2c02-4bbf-921b-0e145490a515-000000/eXVSnzsDhD_MJ-Mtn4dZbjrPX5IBwOBWVWv7yDaD_Go=445">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2F69ExpressKS%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019c7be3e1bc-e05a971d-2c02-4bbf-921b-0e145490a515-000000/_OMdBZMAy6BJJpyO7Fkbyui_qVGaogLtTLDeZcqTFsk=445">X</a>.

Kansas’ first express lanes officially open to traffic 

According to the US National Weather Service, light snow will impact much of the central Kansas area Friday evening.&nbsp;Between 1-2 inches of snow is expected across central Kansas, with locally higher amounts possible.&nbsp;

Salina is in the area where it could receive 1 - 2 inches of snow. 

Use extra caution if traveling tonight as slick spots are possible, especially on elevated surfaces.

Additionally, wind chills are are expected to be in the single digits across central Kansas. 

Salina's chills could get as low as 5, with a 23 degree low temperature.

Stay updated with local weather on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSWichita">US National Weather Service Wichita Kansas</a>&nbsp;Facebook page.

Single digit wind chills, light snow across central Kansas Friday evening 

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 20 - February 22

Thursday's cold front is expected to cause flurries and wintry mix for Friday across Kansas.

According to the US National Weather Service, light snow or flurries will impact central Kansas Friday night with a rain/snow mix further south. 

Snow accumulations up to a dusting are possible as well.

Furthermore, the cold front that moved across the region Thursday will lead to much cooler temperatures and even a chance for some light snow. Friday's highs will generally be in the 40s and lows in the upper teens and 20s.

Weather: Cold front expected to cause flurries and wintry mix across Kansas 

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 18 - February 20

Gusty winds and dry conditions throughout central Kansas resulting in extreme grassland fire danger on Tuesday

According to the US National Weather Service, these gusty southwest winds will result in extreme grassland fire danger in the afternoon and evening throughout central Kansas.

Salina is in the area of the extreme grassland fire danger.

West winds are expected to increase late in the day gusting to around 45 mph at times in the region. 

However, clouds may limit fire weather concerns further east in south central and southeast Kansas although a very high grassland fire danger is still expected.

Gusty winds and dry conditions causing extreme grassland fire danger in central Kansas

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 16 - February 18

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 13 - February 15

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 11 - February 13

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 9 - February 11

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States has ordered nonessential diplomats and their family members at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut to leave Lebanon, a State Department official said Monday, as tensions over Iran rise with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-russia-drill-nuclear-talks-aircraft-carrier-0456903e0d7a24cfcdc33d53732dee2f">the threat of a potentially imminent military strike</a>.

he official said a continuous assessment of the regional security environment determined it was “prudent” to draw down the U.S. Embassy’s footprint so that only essential personnel remain at their posts.

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the move had not yet been formally announced, said that it is a temporary measure and that the embassy will remain operational.

Lebanon has been the site of numerous Iran-related retaliatory attacks against U.S. facilities, interests and personnel for decades given Tehran's support for and influence with the Hezbollah militant group, which is held responsible for the deadly bombings of the Marine barracks in Beirut in 1983 and an embassy annex in 1984.

As such, changes in the staffing status of the embassy in Beirut have often been seen as a bellwether for potential U.S. or Israeli military action in the region, particularly against Iran. A similar ordered departure was imposed for Beirut and other embassies in the region, including in Iraq, shortly before President Donald Trump ordered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-nuclear-talks-geneva-news-06-21-2025-a7b0cdaba28b5817467ccf712d214579">military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities</a>&nbsp;last June.

It was unclear if other American embassies in the Middle East would implement similar orders.

Tensions have escalated between the U.S. and Iran as Trump has built up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-middle-east-iran-protests-b7a56659d708f2f11f66a18135f44c40">the largest military presence in the Middle East in decades</a>&nbsp;and repeatedly threatened action if Tehran does not negotiate a deal to constrain its nuclear program.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-aircraft-carrier-military-8db3fab10476949acda8b973be416204">A second aircraft carrier</a>&nbsp;is heading to the region to join a surge of other American warships and aircraft, offering the Republican president several options for a potential strike even as talks may continue.

Oman’s foreign minister, Badr al-Busaidi, said the U.S. and Iran plan to hold&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-protests-khamenei-universities-tehran-trump-military-dd81a3d1e464975c56f02b729e742014">their next round of nuclear talks</a>&nbsp;Thursday in Geneva.

Iran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, told CBS on Sunday that he expected to meet U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff then and said a “good chance” remained for a diplomatic solution on the nuclear issue.

Araghchi has said a proposed deal would be ready to share within days, and he told CBS that Iran was still working on it.

Asked Friday whether the U.S. could take limited military action as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-nuclear-talks-iaea-dbed41b78ce2ddabc8a04349e72abeba">the countries negotiate</a>, Trump said, “I guess I can say I am considering that.” He also told reporters later that Iran “better negotiate a fair deal.”

Indirect talks between the longtime adversaries in recent weeks have made little visible progress. Beyond the nuclear program, Iran has refused to discuss wider U.S. and Israeli&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-trump-netanyahu-nuclear-talks-fa5be8069deb4b1b01cdf30d3e3525e7">demands that it scale back its missile program</a>&nbsp;and sever ties to armed groups.

Tensions with Iran soar: U.S. orders some diplomats to leave Lebanon

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;said Monday that it will hear from oil and gas companies trying to block lawsuits seeking to hold the industry liable for billions of dollars in damage linked to climate change.

The conservative-majority court agreed to take up a case from Boulder, Colorado, among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-climate-change-oil-gas-companies-7548dbfe5cb38a9174330602cbef42c2">a series of lawsuits</a>&nbsp;alleging the companies deceived the public about how fossil fuels contribute to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/climate-and-environment">climate change</a>.

Governments around the country have sought damages totaling billions of dollars, arguing it's necessary to help pay for rebuilding after wildfires, rising sea levels and severe storms worsened by climate change. The lawsuits come amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/youth-climate-change-lawsuit-montana-7c4b6261f610d504995743f7320533e8">a wave of legal actions</a>&nbsp;in states including California, Hawaii and New Jersey&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5534fe18ac5352ba43c74c9a64d6a20a">and worldwide</a>&nbsp;seeking to leverage action through the courts.

Suncor Energy and ExxonMobil appealed to the Supreme Court after Colorado’s highest court let the Boulder case proceed. The companies argue emissions are a national issue that should be heard in federal court, where similar suits have been tossed out.

“The use of state law to address global climate change represents a serious threat to one of our Nation’s most critical sectors,” attorneys wrote.

President Donald Trump's administration weighed in to support the companies and urge the justices to reverse the Colorado Supreme Court decision, saying it would mean “every locality in the country could sue essentially anyone in the world for contributing to global climate change.”

Trump, a Republican, has criticized the lawsuits in an executive order, and the Justice Department has sought to head some off in court.

Attorneys for Boulder had agued that the litigation is still in early stages and should stay in state court. “There is no constitutional bar to states addressing in-state harms caused by out-of-state conduct, be it the negligent design of an automobile or sale of asbestos,” they wrote.

Supreme Court to hear oil companies' plea to end climate change lawsuits

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.

Just after 9a.m.&nbsp; February 20, police arrested 27-year-old Tyrea Stewart of Junction City in the 100 block of Courthouse Plaza in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. 

Stewart is being without bond for two Riley County District Court warrants for probation violation. The arrest stems from original charges of endangering a child, driving under the influence, improper child passenger safety restraint and transportation of liquor in an open container.&nbsp;

Police: Kan. man accused of DUI with child in the car

HARVEY COUNTY —The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office has released the name of the man who died in a farming accident in Harvey County over the weekend.

Mark Klaassen, 37, of Newton, was shifting soybeans Saturday inside a grain bin on a farm in the 2100 block of South Spencer Road, according to a media release from the sheriff's office. The contents suddenly shifted, trapping and injuring Klaassen.

Emergency responders were dispatched to the incident at 2:30 p.m. Klaassen was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other men were working alongside Klaassen. They did not request medical treatment. The death was ruled accidental.

Sheriff IDs Kansas man who died in grain bin accident

SHAWNEE COUNTY —A man wanted in connection with the November shooting death of a 16-year-old Kansas boy is in custody. Just before 9p.m. Sunday, police booked 20-year-old&nbsp; Nassir Tiriq Gill into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Police have not released details on the circumstances of his arrest.

On Friday, police asked the public for help to locate him in connection with the November killing of 16-year-old Kingston Scott.

Just before 1a.m. November 22, 2025,&nbsp; police responded to several reports of gunshots around SE 37th Street and SE Adams Street in Topeka. While officers were investigating that area, they received information on a subject arriving at a local hospital by private vehicle with apparent gunshot wounds. The victim later identified as Kingston Scott of Topeka was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;

As a result of the investigation police have already arrested two 16-year-old boys from Topeka on&nbsp;&nbsp;charges including murder, Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied vehicle with great bodily harm and Aggravated Assault; Use of a deadly weapon.

&nbsp;Gill is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Murder in the 1st degree; Intentional and premeditated, Murder in the 1st degree; In the commission of a felony. Murder in the 1st degree; Intentional and premeditated, Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied vehicle w great bodily harm, Criminal discharge of firearm; Recklessly at occupied dwelling and Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt; $1000, according to online jail records.

Suspect in murder of 16-year-old Kan. boy is in custody

SOCORRO, Texas (AP) — In a Texas town at the edge of the Rio Grande and a tall metal border wall, rumors swirled that federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/immigration">immigration</a>&nbsp;officials wanted to purchase three hulking warehouses to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigrant-detention-warehouses-ice-trump-51ad28e6b1e1c3fa60a38029d932aeeb">transform into a detention center.</a>

As&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigrant-detention-warehouses-ice-trump-a4a71226409cd9fedc9aa5de5ec90654">local officials scrambled</a>&nbsp;to find out what was happening, a deed was filed showing the Department of Homeland Security had already inked a $122.8 million deal for the 826,000-square-foot (76,738-square-meter) warehouses in Socorro, a bedroom community of 40,000 people outside El Paso.

“Nobody from the federal government bothered to pick up the phone or even send us any type of correspondence letting us know what’s about to take place,” said Rudy Cruz Jr., the mayor of the predominantly Hispanic town of low-slung ranch homes and trailer parks, where orchards and irrigation ditches share the landscape with strip malls, truck stops, recycling plants and distribution warehouses.

Socorro is among at least 20 communities with large warehouses across the U.S. that have become stealth targets for Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s $45-billion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-detention-louisiana-trump-3db72b138d1a6ee8a7bb5388669a1666">expansion of detention centers</a>.

As&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-ice-minneapolis-deportation-42aff472ccf1ecd7b92ba0c90469c9e7">public support</a>&nbsp;for the agency and President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-republicans-minnesota-immigration-homeland-ice-5fe9c40236203703751c6274f8da435f">sags,</a>&nbsp;communities are objecting to mass detentions and raising concerns that the facilities could strain water supplies and other services while reducing local tax revenue. In many cases, mayors, county commissioners, governors and members of Congress learned about ICE’s ambitions only after the agency bought or leased space for detainees, leading to shock and frustration even in areas that have backed Trump.

“I just feel,” said Cruz, whose wife was born in Mexico, “that they do these things in silence so that they don’t get opposition.”

ICE, which is part of DHS, has purchased at least seven warehouses in Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Texas, signed deeds show. Other deals have been announced but not yet finalized, though buyers scuttled sales in eight locations.

DHS objected to calling the sites warehouses, stressing in a statement that they would be “very well structured detention facilities meeting our regular detention standards.”

The process has been chaotic at times. ICE this past week acknowledged it made a “mistake” when it announced warehouse purchases in Chester, New York, and Roxbury, New Jersey. Roxbury then announced Friday that the sale there had closed.

DHS has confirmed it is looking for more detention space but hasn’t disclosed individual sites ahead of acquisitions. Some cities learned that ICE was scouting warehouses through reporters. Others were tipped off by a spreadsheet circulating online among activists whose source is unclear.

It wasn’t until Feb. 13 that the scope of the warehouse project was confirmed, when the governor’s office in New Hampshire, where there is backlash to a planned 500-bed processing center, released a document from ICE showing the agency plans to spend $38.3 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-detention-facilities-expansion-warehouses-c61c3e23c4246e94a760b4d979cb9c48">to boost detention capacity to 92,000 beds</a>.

Since Trump took office, the number of people detained by ICE has increased to 75,000 from 40,000, spread across more than 225 sites.

ICE could use the warehouses to consolidate and to increase capacity. The document describes a project that includes eight large-scale detention centers, capable of housing 7,000 to 10,000 detainees each, and 16 smaller regional processing centers. The document also refers to the acquisition of 10 existing “turnkey” facilities.

The project is funded through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-sign-tax-cut-bill-july-4-3804df732e461a626fd8c2b43413c3f0">the big tax and spending cuts bill</a>&nbsp;passed by Congress last year that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-immigration-ice-deportation-budget-be983b14f60a5cdfc17af7cf0307f1c9">nearly doubled DHS’ budget.</a>&nbsp;To build the detention centers, the Trump administration is using military contracts.

Those contracts allow a lot of secrecy and for DHS to move quickly without following the usual processes and safeguards, said Charles Tiefer, a professor emeritus of law at the University of Baltimore Law School.

Socorro facility could be among the largest

In Socorro, the ICE-owned warehouses are so large that 4 1/2 Walmart Supercenters could fit inside, standing in contrast to the remnants of the austere Spanish colonial and mission architecture that defines the town.

At a recent City Council meeting, public comments stretched for hours. “I think a lot of innocent people are getting caught up in their dragnet,” said Jorge Mendoza, an El Paso County retiree whose grandparents immigrated from Mexico.

Many speakers invoked concerns about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-immigration-detention-death-texas-f04b5cb76f175255e58b947f0e14bc12">three recent deaths</a>&nbsp;at an ICE detention facility at the nearby Fort Bliss Army base.

Even communities that backed Trump in 2024 have been caught off guard by ICE’s plans and have raised concerns.

In rural Pennsylvania’s Berks County, commissioner Christian Leinbach called the district attorney, the sheriff, the jail warden and the county’s head of emergency services when he first heard ICE might buy a warehouse in Upper Bern Township, 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) from his home.

A few days later, a local official in charge of land records informed him that ICE had bought the building —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.loopnet.com/viewer/pdf?file=https%3a%2f%2fimages1.loopnet.com%2fd2%2f7i2RZgAWTM0ps1PuIY386PsUTrc8NDygNcAeBSipteA%2fMarketing%2520BrochureFlyer.pdf" target="_blank">promoted</a>&nbsp;by developers as a “state-of-the art logistics center” — for $87.4 million.

“There was absolutely no warning,” Leinbach said during a meeting in which he raised concerns that turning the warehouse into a federal facility means a loss of more than $800,000 in local tax dollars.

ICE has touted the income taxes its workers would pay, though the facilities themselves will be exempt from property taxes.

A Georgia detention center could house twice the population of the city where it’s located

In Social Circle, Georgia, which also strongly supported Trump in 2024, officials were stunned by ICE’s plans for a facility that could hold 7,500 to 10,000 people after first learning about it through a reporter.

The city, which has a population of just 5,000 and worries about the infrastructure needs for such a detention center, only heard from DHS after the $128.6 million sale of a 1 million-square-foot (92,900-square-meter) warehouse was completed. Like Socorro and Berks County, Social Circle questioned whether the water and sewage system could keep up.

ICE has said it did due diligence to ensure the sites don’t overwhelm city utilities. But Social Circle said the agency’s analysis relied on a yet-to-be built sewer treatment plant.

“To be clear, the City has repeatedly communicated that it does not have the capacity or resources to accommodate this demand, and no proposal presented to date has demonstrated otherwise,” the city said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.socialcirclega.gov/Home/Components/News/News/241/16" target="_blank">a statement</a>.

And in the Phoenix suburb of Surprise, officials sent a scathing letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after ICE without warning bought a massive warehouse in a residential area about a mile from a high school. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat, raised the prospect of going to court to have the site declared a public nuisance.

Back in Socorro, people waiting to speak against the ICE facility spilled out of the City Council chambers, some standing beside murals paying tribute to the World War II-era Braceros Program that allowed Mexican farmworkers to be guest workers in the U.S. The program stoked Socorro’s economy and population before President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-deportations-immigration-gop-147d96fd00aa4c56e2cbe6074eceb874">in the 1950s</a>&nbsp;began mass deportations aimed at people who had crossed the border illegally.

Eduardo Castillo, formerly an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, told city officials it is intimidating but “not impossible” to challenge the federal government.

“If you don’t at least try,” he said, “you will end up with another inhumane detention facility built in your jurisdiction and under your watch.”

Hollingsworth reported from Kansas City, Missouri. Holly Ramer in Concord, New Hampshire, and Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, also contributed.

ICE quietly buying warehouses for detention centers and leaving local officials out of the loop

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement continue investigating and searching for a suspect in a fatal shooting that occurred October 23 at Dr. Glen Dey Park, located at 2801 N. Grove in Wichita.&nbsp; Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward in the case.  Police indicated they have only received very few tips on the investigation since the crime occurred.

At approximately 7:03 p.m. an off-duty WPD detective working secondary employment at&nbsp; the park heard multiple gunshots from another area of the park. The detective immediately ran toward the scene and found 32-year-old Travon Stewart suffering from gunshot wounds.

The detective called for backup and emergency medical services, then began life-saving measures until EMS arrived. Stewart was transported to a local hospital in extremely critical condition and later died from his injuries.

Preliminary findings indicate that around 200 to 300 people were in attendance at the football games. Stewart was at the park selling concessions as a fundraiser for a football team not affiliated with the Wichita Junior Football League.

Homicide investigators responded to the scene and interviewed witnesses who remained in the area. Detectives believe this was a targeted shooting and not connected to the youth football games.

Anyone who attended the games or may have information is urged to contact the Wichita Police Department Investigations Section at 316-268-4407.&nbsp;

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