The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Salina at the Statehouse advocacy event on February 10, bringing together a broad coalition of business and community leaders to engage with state legislators on priorities critical to Salina and north central Kansas.&nbsp;

The delegation represented a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, housing, finance, workforce development, and small business, underscoring the diverse economic base that drives Salina and the surrounding region. Participants met with legislators to share a unified message focused on sustaining momentum through continued state investment.&nbsp;

The top priority for the Salina Area Chamber and community leaders this year is securing funding to retain the Kansas Highway Patrol Training Academy in Salina. A 2024 needs assessment directed by the State Legislature noted significant challenges with the current Marymount Campus location, and recommended reconfiguration to locations in West Salina, along with other KHP assets. The facility plays a vital role not only in public safety but also as a key economic driver for the community and&nbsp; region, supporting jobs, training, and long-term stability.&nbsp;

“Salina is the preferred location for the Kansas Highway Patrol’s Training Academy and Regional&nbsp; Troop Headquarters,” said Murl Riedel, Kansas Highway Patrol Chief of Staff, “Its central location, strong infrastructure, and community support enables us to train and deploy troopers efficiently statewide. Keeping the facility in Salina benefits public safety, supports workforce development, and represents the best path forward for KHP."

Central to the proposal for the training facility is its location on the Kansas State University-Salina campus. This partnership affords dual-use opportunities for auditoriums, cafeteria, residence halls, and gymnasium, which significantly reduces project costs. 

For KHP, the partnership&nbsp;provides accreditation potential for trooper trainees and access to a recruiting audience. For KSU-Salina, the&nbsp; partnership adds students to the campus and enhances public safety course offerings in areas such as aviation and drone training.

Initial estimates for building a new training facility were projected at $258 million. The proposal to locate the training facility on the KSU-Salina campus drops that project cost significantly.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Over the past five years, Salina has benefited from several significant investments by the Kansas State Legislature in areas such as housing, workforce development, healthcare, and economic development. During the advocacy event, local leaders emphasized how these strategic investments have strengthened Salina’s quality of life and economic resilience while also reinforcing its role as a regional hub serving north central Kansas.&nbsp;

“Salina’s success is directly tied to thoughtful, sustained partnerships with the State of Kansas,” said Renee Duxler, President and CEO of the Salina Area Chamber. “The return on investment extends far beyond our city limits, supporting workforce readiness, public safety, healthcare access, and economic growth across the entire region.”&nbsp;

As an example, the Magnolia Village housing development received a $25 million matching grant to construct 500 units of multifamily and workforce housing in south Salina. This investment—now exceeding $100 million—expanded the city’s housing inventory and attracted new employment candidates to fill recently created positions. Companies benefiting from this growth in the local talent pool include Great Plains Manufacturing/Kubota, Schwan’s, Vortex Companies, and many others&nbsp; throughout Salina.&nbsp;

“Addressing the housing shortage played a critical role in Kubota’s decision to bring new manufacturing opportunities to Salina,” said Jamie Hall, Director of Real Estate for Great Plains Manufacturing/Kubota. “Our recent expansions and new construction were supported by the State of Kansas’ ongoing investment in our community.”&nbsp;

The Salina Area Chamber remains committed to advocating for policies and investments that support a strong business climate, vibrant communities, and long-term regional prosperity. The Chamber&nbsp; partners with the City of Salina, Saline County, the Salina Community Economic Development&nbsp; Organization, the Salina Airport Authority, and Kansas State University-Salina in its government&nbsp; affairs efforts. This strong collaboration has been key to Salina’s success at the statehouse.&nbsp;

“When a community speaks with one clear, unified voice, it strengthens the case for state investment and helps deliver real results,” said Sen. Scott Hill, R-Abilene, “The collaboration has provided for a dynamic environment that will continue to foster the partnership between the City and State, propelling Salina to be the fastest growing economy in the region.”&nbsp;

Local community leaders gather in Topeka with state legislators to discuss priorities critical to Salina

Interstate 70 is closed in both directions between Colby and Oakley, extending to WaKeeney due to high winds and blowing dust causing reduced visibility.

Vehicle crashes blocking the roadway are also part of the closure.

High Wind and Red Flag Warnings are in effect through the afternoon across much of northwest Kansas. Motorists are advised to consider delaying non-essential travel if possible.

For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.kandrive.gov%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019c6d2c8df6-0638a7d6-ac7f-4643-bdf5-2cbdbc567602-000000/94Kw5yb63L8KkrnqJ9WiJz13sFtIyfg6qrGkYpNqD08=444">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

Salina Post will provide updates.

Portions of I-70 closed due to high winds, blowing dust

The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced an upcoming virtual job fair, encouraging all&nbsp;jobseekers and employers to attend.

February’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Thursday, February 26.

The Virtual Job Fair format allows anyone searching for a new job to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.

This month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as they might be asked to engage in an interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. 

<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fapp.premiervirtual.com%2Fevents%2F0425b672-6f94-4c89-800d-a403780c9c1c%2Fkansasworks-virtual-statewide-job-fair-february-26,-2026/1/0101019c6ccb7ff6-df1bcdb1-f151-4e7e-b5d2-727ce46629ad-000000/slsY9yDvMkCVILJZ3maIpW_G6g7kDgfxLJjBfc-StXw=444">To register, click&nbsp;here.</a>

Department of Commerce encourages all jobseekers and employers to attend virtual job fair

A tire blow is suspected to blame for grassland fire near Hedville in Saline County.

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office on Sunday at around 4:45 pm, law enforcement and first responders were dispatched to 237 milepost on I-70 for the report of a grassland fire.

Rural Fire District #3 responded to the scene, just west of Hedville and extinguished the fire.

There were no witnesses to determine the cause of fire, but is suspected to be from a blown out tire.

Tire blow suspected to blame for grassland fire near Hedville

A Salina man was hospitalized after rolling over 12 times in his vehicle.

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office on Sunday at around 8:30 pm, deputies were dispatched to the area of Kipp Road, just north of Cloud Street for the report of a single-vehicle accident.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered a black 2007 Scion tC was being operated by an 18-year old male of Salina and had rolled over 12 times before coming to rest. Reportedly, the driver was going north on Kipp at a high rate of speed and left the roadway on Cloud.

The driver was able to call his friends after the accident occurred, according to the Sheriff's Office. Deputies were then called.

After the driver was properly restrained, he was transported to Salina Regional Health Center for injuries. The driver was wearing his seatbelt.

The Sheriff's Office are investigating to determine whether the driver will be issued with citation(s).

18-year old hospitalized after rolling over 12 times in crash

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.

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.

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>.

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

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 CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg battery; Knowingly cause great body harm; Aggravated kidnapping; Domestic Battery: rude physical contact 2nd

NAME:&nbsp;Herrington,Angelique Nichole

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg endangering a child; Reckless &lt;18; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Poss of marijuana

NAME:&nbsp;Larussa,Dylan Christian

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; Driving while habitual violator

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; No Proof Of Insurance

NAME:&nbsp;Wilson-Zuniga,Jennie Deborah

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;DWS; 2nd or subs conviction; Failure to appear

Saline County Jail Bookings, February 17

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) is currently on a statewide tour, "4 Corners, 50 Counties" to meet and highlight tax relief with Kansans.&nbsp;

Sen. Marshall started this tour on Friday and has visited&nbsp;local factories, small businesses, restaurants, senior centers and community gathering places. That same day he visited Salina and met with working people, families and seniors on the benefits of the Working Family Tax Cuts, as well as discuss about any other topic of discussion.

President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) on July 4, 2025 to implement major tax cuts and spending reforms. Also known as the Working Families Tax Cuts, which includes tax relief for working U.S. citizens, increase take-home pay, raising Child Tax Credits to $2,200, eliminating taxes on tips, allows eligible employees to deduct up to $12,500 on overtime pay ($25,000 for married filing jointly) and reducing taxes on Social Security benefits.

"Most people are starting to file their income tax and we think that most Kansas families will get an extra thousand-dollar refund this year and alot of other good things as well, so it is a good time to be back in the state," said Sen. Marshall.&nbsp;

Sen. Marshall told Salina Post about how the bill would positively effect rural hospitals as well with the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).&nbsp;

Kansas received&nbsp;a total of $221,898,008.

"It seems like there is something in this bill for everyone one of these groups, no matter who you are talking to," he said.

According to Sen. Marshall, the bill would not effect essential services such as SNAP and Medicaid. He stated under the Trump Administration, there has been an increase on the spending of Medicaid about a $100 billion a year.&nbsp;

Moreover, he said when it comes to food programs the spending has tripled since he took place in Congress.

"We are encouraging people that can work, go to work. We are doing our best to preserve Medicaid for those who really need it, but if there is healthy adult males that are getting Medicaid, we would rather get them back to work," he said.

Sen. Marshall visits Salina to meet and talk tax relief with Kansans during statewide tour 

"Been a long time coming!!" said Misty Livingston-Holmes, resident of the Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park after learning the ownership of the water services has been turned over.

After five years of neglect causes a water crisis within the private mobile home park, residents of Sundowner are now rejoicing.&nbsp;

According to Saline County Commissioner, Joe Hay and Don Teeters of&nbsp;Redi Clean Water Well Rehab,&nbsp;the previous owner Scott Kolling who was "to blame" for the crisis, no longer has control. 

Ownership has officially been handed over to Pleasant Hill water company.

Pleasant Hill was started by the water well companies servicing Sundowner (Well Rehab, WaterWise and Walton Plumbing &amp; Heating), and was named after a street at the mobile home park.

The Pleasant Hill board of directors which consists of Teeters, Livingston-Holmes, Jenelle Summerow (WaterWise Enterprises), Scott Walton (Walton Plumbing &amp; Heating) and Curt Bigge (Midwest Assistance Program) will make decisions and have oversight on the services.

"We wanted Kolling out of there," said Teeters.

The ultimate goal is for the ownership to be handed over to the residents of Sundowner. Teeters said this may take up to 12-18 months before that happens.

"We are working on it and it will take some time," he said.

Read more: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1d4680bb-23b1-4a50-87fd-53ade37512e2">Promising future for Sundowner Mobile Home Park during its ongoing clean water crisis</a>

A lawsuit was filed against Kolling by the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) for a&nbsp;<a href="https://lsd.law/define/certificate-of-convenience-and-necessity">Certificate of Convenience and Necessity&nbsp;</a>,&nbsp;which would allow them to&nbsp;grant the services that is needed by the public and is in the public interest.&nbsp;

KCC was able to successfully receive the Certificate of Convenience of Necessity and therefore, removed Kolling from having ownership.

The court also ordered Bigge to receive ownership, which allows Pleasant Hill as a whole to conduct the services.

Attorneys representing both sides of Kolling and the water well companies have each signed off on the court order of appointment.

Moreover, the Saline County Commission plans to put Sundowner under an improvement district, which will allow the residents to get the enhanced services they need. 

However, the Pleasant Hill board of directors would need to make a petition and gather signatures from the residents of Sundowner in order for the improvement district to get started by the Commission.

The improvement district would then need to be approved by the KCC.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) would then conduct water testings and oversee any problems if any were to arise.

Before all this takes place, the water well companies, Saline County Commission, KDHE, KCC and Rep. Dawn Wolf (R-Kan. 107th District) will each meet with the residents to explain the process moving forward.

Each of the water well companies have still not received payments from Kolling on their past conducted services at Sundowner. 

However, they have vowed to still provide services without pay for the sake of the residents.

"We are doing it for the people, because it is the right thing to do," said Teeters.

Stay connected with the Salina Post on this story, as we will continue to provide updates.

"Been a long time coming!": Ownership of Sundowner water services turned over after 5 years of neglect

<a href="https://www.scotthillforkansas.com/">Kansas State Senator Scott Hill (R-Kan. 24th District)</a>&nbsp;has announced he is set to host a public town hall meeting on Saturday, February 21, inviting residents of Saline and Dickinson Counties to share concerns, ask questions and discuss issues affecting their communities.

The town hall will be held at Kansas Wesleyan University inside the Fitzpatrick Auditorium, 100 E. Claflin Ave.) starting at 10:00 am.

During this open forum town hall, constituents can engage directly with Sen. Hill about local priorities including economic growth, job training, education pathways and state policy decisions.

Additionally, Sen. Hill is told Salina Post he open to speak to his constituents about any topic.

Sen. Hill set to host public town hall meeting inviting all Saline and Dickinson county residents

<a target="_blank" href="http://salina.ksu.edu/">Kansas State University Salina</a>&nbsp;professional pilot program students, now have a specialized opportunity for early-career success with Delta Air Lines.

K-State Salina has been selected by Delta — one of the largest airline employers in the United States — to participate in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.delta.com/us/en/careers/pilots/propel">Delta Propel Career Pathway Program</a>, a university-industry partnership that streamlines students' paths to commercial pilot careers.

K-State Salina is one of 38&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aabi.aero/">Aviation Accreditation Board International</a>&nbsp;(AABI) accredited universities selected. Once students have completed flight training and are actively instructing as certified flight instructors, or CFIs, they are eligible to apply. If selected, they will receive a conditional job offer to Delta's wholly owned regional carrier,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.endeavorair.com/content/endeavor-air/en_us/home.html">Endeavor Air</a>, putting them on a guaranteed path toward a career as a Delta pilot.

"This partnership embodies the K-State Salina vision, preparing industry-ready aviation professionals through hands-on education, strong partnerships and a commitment to safety and teamwork," said Tysen Pina, K-State Salina aviation department head. "We are proud to collaborate with one of the largest airlines in the world to expand meaningful opportunities to our students."

In addition to training, instruction and travel-document criteria, applicants must also be within 12 months of completing their airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate. Normally requiring 1,500 flight hours for completion, K-State Salina students are eligible to receive a restricted ATP after completing 1,000 flight hours, thanks to the campus's AABI accreditation.

This significant time and cost reduction, paired with elite industry partnerships such as the Propel program, allows K-State graduates to secure high-paying aviation careers sooner than ever.

K-State Salina's renowned&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/academics/degree-options/professional-pilot/">professional pilot bachelor's degree</a>&nbsp;— boasting a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/academic-success-student-affairs/campus-resources/flight-training/sln.html">premium fleet of more than 30 aircraft and flight training devices</a>, elite instruction, world-class runways and proximity to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.salinaairport.com/">Salina Regional Airport</a>&nbsp;— has helped thousands of pilots begin their aviation journey.

In addition to bachelor's degrees, aviation students have continued education opportunities through the program's CFI training, positioning them to train the next generation of K-State pilots.

KSU Salina pilot students now have opportunity for early-career success with one of largest airline in U.S.

<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>

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

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 6 - February 8

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 4 - February 6

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 1 - February 3

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 30 - February 1

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 28 - January 30

&nbsp;WASHINGTON —Officers arrested a person with a gun near the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Building on Tuesday afternoon, according to an online statement from the U.S. Capitol Police.

Maryland Avenue was temporarily closed between First and Third Streets, SW, while officers investigated

At this time, there does not appear to be any other suspects or ongoing threat. Out of an abundance of caution, Capitol police asked the public to stay away from the area while they investigate and collect evidence.&nbsp;

🎥Man with loaded shotgun arrested after running toward the US Capitol

Both sides agree 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, needs regulation, but opponents say kratom shouldn’t be included

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A bill heard Monday would list kratom as a Schedule 1 drug, moving the previously unclassified substance into the same category as methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin.&nbsp;

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb497/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 497</a>&nbsp;classifies both Kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, as controlled substances. Proponents and opponents Monday before the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee agreed that 7-OH — the opioid-like compound derived from kratom — is hurting Kansans, but opponents argued the bill wrongly equates the two substances.&nbsp;

Several proponents came from state organizations. One was Sara Hortenstine, youth services division chief for the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.&nbsp;

“If we continue to allow widespread retail access to substances that act like opioids, we will see opioid-type consequences that include more addiction and overdoses and preventable deaths in our state,” Hortenstine said.&nbsp;

David Kuntz works for the Clinical Reference Laboratory in Lenexa. He said he’s seen more 7-OH recently than oxycodone, hydrocodone and fentanyl combined.&nbsp;

If the bill passes, Kansas would join a&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/08/11/kratom-faces-increasing-scrutiny-from-states-and-the-feds/" target="_blank">growing number of states</a>&nbsp;in banning kratom or 7-OH. Kratom and 7-OH aren’t considered a controlled substance in Kansas, but there have been regional bans.&nbsp;

On Thursday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2026-02-13/kansas-city-kratom-ban-7oh-addiction-gas-station-drugs" target="_blank">Kansas City, Missouri barred</a>&nbsp;the sale of synthetic kratom — known as 7-OH — and restricted kratom sales to adults older than 21.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/hb2230_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">House Bill 2230</a>&nbsp;from last session would have taken a similar path in Kansas, but was never heard by the House.&nbsp;

Kratom&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/in-depth/kratom/art-20402171" target="_blank">is marketed as</a>&nbsp;a stimulant if used in low dosages, and a sedative at higher ones. It’s also been used to ease the symptoms of withdrawal from opioids. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom" target="_blank">Food and Drug Administration&nbsp;</a>said 7-OH naturally occurs in trace amounts in kratom, but when synthesized it acts more like an opioid, and increases the chance of addiction.&nbsp;

Kelly Gray owns two shops that sell kratom in Salina and Derby. He broke his back 10 years ago, and was prescribed opioids. He became addicted and decided to quit.&nbsp;

“I was still going through daily pain with my back as well as my hips being bone on bone when I heard about and tried kratom, after much research. It completely changed my life for the better,” Gray said.

Jason Todack runs a similar business in Topeka. He also uses kratom.

“I’ve seen addicts from fentanyl. I’ve seen alcoholics use it. I’ve seen people hooked on pain pills,” Todack said. “This is an all-natural, whole leaf product, this product gives people choices and options to be able to get off of these other heinous drugs that are out there. I see this literally every day.”&nbsp;

Nearly every opponent asked legislators not to lump kratom and 7-OH in the same group.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-restrict-7-oh-opioid-products-threatening-american-consumers" target="_blank">FDA recommended</a>&nbsp;scheduling 7-OH as a controlled substance, and specified they are “not focused on natural kratom leaf products.”&nbsp;

Mac Haddow, a senior fellow on public policy for the American Kratom Association based in Virginia, said the bill should be amended to focus solely on 7-OH.&nbsp;

Bob Stuart is an executive officer for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. He said it’s difficult for KBI officers to differentiate between the two substances. Haddow disagreed.

Kansas bill would label kratom a Schedule 1 drug alongside heroin, meth and cocaine 

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man convicted&nbsp; of killing two people in a parking garage in&nbsp;Old Town in Wichita is scheduled to learn his fate Tuesday.

&nbsp;Zachary Ramirez, 21, will appear at a sentencing hearing in Judge Jeffry Goering's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In April of 2024, a jury found him guilty on two counts of first-degree murder, two alternative counts of second-degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, aggravated battery and two counts of battery in the deaths of 20-year-old Josephina Lerma-Dominguez and 21-year-old Bryan Lara-Hernandez both of Wichita, according to the district attorney's office.

Just before&nbsp; 4a.m. July 27, 2023, police responded to the 300 block of North Moore after a a street sweeper operator saw two gunshot victims in a vehicle in a parking garage in Wichita's Old Town and called 911, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

EMS&nbsp; arrived on the scene and attempted life-saving measures Lerma-Dominguez and Lara-Hernandez died at the scene.&nbsp;

Sentencing day: Man killed Kansas couple in parking garage 

JOHNSON COUNTY —Last week, a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper attempted to stop a driver on Interstate 70 around Turner Diagonal, according to a social media report from Troop A. The trooper was stopping the driver for displaying a tag that belonged on a Dodge Charger; however, it was being displayed on a GMC truck.

The driver fled east on I-70.  The trooper was joined by another trooper equipped with a Grappler.  The trooper successfully deployed the Grappler on Interstate 70 just east of 18th Street.  

The driver was taken into custody.  It was discovered the driver had multiple felony warrants through multiple jurisdictions and was in possession of methamphetamine.&nbsp; The patrol released no additional details including the name of the suspect.

KHP used Grappler to capture wanted suspect on I-70

GRANT COUNTY —USD 214 Ulysses gave students the day off Tuesday due to the forecast sustained high winds and wind gusts exceeding 60 mph producing reduced visibility and blowing dust.

A high wind warning and red flag warning is in effect for Tuesday, according to National Weather Service in Dodge City.

The status of scheduled night activities for the school district are yet to be determined.

Wind warning prompts Kan. district to cancel school Tuesday

Group makes case by drawing upon dystopian horror of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</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>

TOPEKA — Five people walked through the Kansas Capitol on Monday shrouded in long, red cloaks and with faces concealed from view by wing-like white bonnets.

The intent was to catch the attention of legislators and lobbyists, who complied with puzzled looks as they tried to comprehend the scene.

Why the outfits? Were they part of a cult? Might they be nuns? What do they want? Could they be dangerous?

Christy Allen, among the women dressed as characters from the dystopian novel and film “The Handmaid’s Tale,” said the group chose the distinctive wardrobe to emphasize frustration with the direction of state government in Kansas and Missouri as well as the dismantling of political norms by President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C.

Allen and her peers carried small cloth signs that summarized their message to politicians. It said, simply: “Shame.” They were told they would be asked to leave if they displayed the signs inside the Kansas Senate chamber.

“I’m tired of people putting party over people,” Allen said. “I feel with the erosion of all people’s rights, the United States becomes a theocracy. Our uniform, and it is a uniform, and we are an army, stands for the subjugation of all people’s rights, and that’s what’s happening with the hypocrisy right now. It’s carrying over into Kansas. We are free staters, right, and we should stick with that.”

The 1985 novel by Canadian author Margaret Atwood and a more recent television series based on the book described a world where fertility rates plunged and fertile women were enslaved to bear children for the ruling class. Civil war in the United States produced a totalitarian, Christian form of government led by power-hungry leaders who relied on a divine law to control women. In the Handmaid world, female residents were forced to survive under laws forbidding them from owning property, handling money or reading and writing.

Angela Korbin, another member of the Handmaid group, said she was in Topeka to protest how democracy was under attack for the benefit of white, evangelical men.

“I want people to know that women’s rights are trans rights and trans rights are human rights,” she said.

She was referencing Senate Bill 244, an anti-transgender bill passed by the Republican-led House and Senate but vetoed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

Under the legislation, Kansans using public restrooms would be required to make use of facilities aligned with their sex declaration at birth rather than respect a person’s gender identity. It would establish a mechanism for people who claimed they were offended to seek $1,000 bounties from violators of the law. Government agencies not in compliance could be hit with a $25,000 fine on a first offense or $125,000 fines for subsequent incidents.

“It’s punitive,” Allen said. “Actions say a lot.”

The Handmaid contingent also voiced objections to public policy decisions in Kansas on immigration, health care, education and elections.

Outside the Capitol on Monday, a couple hundred people with colorful signs and flags conducted a protest on Presidents Day that was labeled “Not My President.” It was organized by Kansas 50501, which promotes nonviolent protests in Topeka that build relationships among people eager to defend the Constitution, respect coequal branches of government and deliver on the promise of equal rights for all.

Much of the anger on the south steps of the Statehouse centered Trump’s alleged campaign to violate rights of Americans by directing federal agents to, organizers said, “kill us.”

Teresa Gorby of Ottawa was on hand with a sign that declared “Stop ICE Now.”

“I’m here for my country,” she said. “We need funding for health care, things that help our people not rich guys.”

Topeka residents Duane and Kathy Dahm carried signs that urged people to respect the Constitution and to remind people that “silence kills democracy.”

“We’re just tired and fed up with everything that’s going on,” Duane Dahm said. “All the illegal stuff (Trump’s) doing.”

Other signs registered other concerns: “We’re not being governed, we’re being lied and looted,” “No dictator, no crown. We the people won’t kneel down” and “The darkness has got to give.”

Doug McGaw, a Vietnam veteran who earned a Purple Heart and taught at Emporia State University, said the people had to compel the three branches of the federal government to bring order to chaos.

“We have a corrupt government that will not obey the law,” he said. “We need to stiffen the spine of people who are responsible for our laws and justice system.”

Kansas protesters argue for fundamental reform of government in both style and substance

CHICAGO (AP) — The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and two-time presidential candidate who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after the revered leader's assassination, died Tuesday. He was 84.

His daughter, Santita Jackson, confirmed that Jackson died at home, surrounded by family.

As a young organizer in Chicago, Jackson was called to meet with King&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-ap-top-news-voting-rights-memphis-north-america-a5fa959c9c3a418d9f5eb1b1badb8db2">at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis</a>&nbsp;shortly before King was killed and he publicly positioned himself thereafter as King's successor.

Jackson led a lifetime of crusades in the United States and abroad, advocating for the poor and underrepresented on issues from voting rights and job opportunities to education and health care. He scored diplomatic victories with world leaders, and through his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, he channeled cries for Black pride and self-determination into corporate boardrooms,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0cfc7e215c604452be78493c000ec5c8">pressuring executives</a>&nbsp;to make America a more open and equitable society.

And when he declared, “I am Somebody,” in a poem he often repeated, he sought to reach people of all colors. “I may be poor, but I am Somebody; I may be young; but I am Somebody; I may be on welfare, but I am Somebody,” Jackson intoned.

It was a message he took literally and personally, having risen from obscurity in the segregated South to become America’s best-known civil rights activist since King.

“Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” the Jackson family said in a statement posted online. “We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/8f3f24a221ed47b79ee04b47a789d35a">Despite profound health challenges</a>&nbsp;in his final years including a rare brain disorder that affected his ability to move and speak, Jackson continued protesting against racial injustice into the era of Black Lives Matter. In 2024, he appeared at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and at a City Council meeting to show support for a resolution backing a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-israel-hamas-resolution-ceasefire-7f210b4ed091347d4137810999bdc536">ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war</a>.

“Even if we win,” he told marchers in Minneapolis before the officer whose knee kept&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd">George Floyd</a>&nbsp;from breathing was convicted of murder, “it’s relief, not victory. They’re still killing our people. Stop the violence, save the children. Keep hope alive.”

Calls to action, delivered in a memorable voice

Jackson’s voice, infused with the stirring cadences and powerful insistence of the Black church, demanded attention. On the campaign trail and elsewhere, he used rhyming and slogans such as: “Hope not dope” and “If my mind can conceive it and my heart can believe it then I can achieve it,″ to deliver his messages.

Jackson had his share of critics, both within and outside of the Black community. Some considered him a grandstander, too eager to seek out the spotlight. Looking back on his life and legacy, Jackson told The Associated Press in 2011 that he felt blessed to be able to continue the service of other leaders before him and to lay a foundation for those to come.

“A part of our life’s work was to tear down walls and build bridges, and in a half century of work, we’ve basically torn down walls,” Jackson said. “Sometimes when you tear down walls, you’re scarred by falling debris, but your mission is to open up holes so others behind you can run through.”

In his final months, as he received 24-hour care, he lost his ability to speak, communicating with family and visitors by holding their hands and squeezing.

“I get very emotional knowing that these speeches belong to the ages now,” his son, Jesse Jackson Jr., told the AP in October.

A student athlete drawn to the Civil Rights Movement

Jesse Louis Jackson was born on Oct. 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, the son of high school student Helen Burns and Noah Louis Robinson, a married man who lived next door. Jackson was later adopted by Charles Henry Jackson, who married his mother.

Jackson was a star quarterback on the football team at Sterling High School in Greenville, and accepted a football scholarship from the University of Illinois. But after he reportedly was told Black people couldn’t play quarterback, he transferred to North Carolina A&amp;T in Greensboro, where he became the first-string quarterback, an honor student in sociology and economics, and student body president.

Arriving on the historically Black campus in 1960 just months after students there launched sit-ins at a whites-only diner, Jackson immersed himself in the blossoming Civil Rights Movement.

By 1965, he joined the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-business-alabama-martin-luther-king-jr-race-and-ethnicity-b0d6202cf702d3ae1e487e9c0329083c">voting rights march</a>&nbsp;King led from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. King dispatched him to Chicago to launch Operation Breadbasket, a Southern Christian Leadership Conference effort to pressure companies to hire Black workers.

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