Word around Salina has been spread about a Central High School student-led, anti-ICE protest/walkout.

According to a social media account on Instagram "ice.out.3.4.26" on February 14, a post announced that Salina Central High School's local Youth Protection Alliance will be hosting a walkout against ICE at 12:40 pm, March 4.

The most recent post was published on Tuesday, which announce an "alternative" for those who were not able to attend the protest. The post encouraged those who were unable to attend are to "wear the color red to school to show your support in the matter."

Salina Post reached out to USD 305 for a comment and gave a statement issued by the instititution.

Below is the following statement by USD 305:

Salina Public Schools is aware of recent social media posts and emails circulating regarding a potential student walkout.

These messages did not originate from official district communications channels and were not approved by the district. Salina Public Schools is not sponsoring, organizing or endorsing any walkout activities.

Salina Public Schools values and respects student perspectives and recognizes students’ constitutional right to express their views in a lawful and peaceful manner. However, walkouts are not sponsored, organized or endorsed by any member of the staff, school or district. Our staff’s role remains neutral, with a focus on supporting student safety and maintaining a quality educational environment.

Salina Public Schools will continue to abide by all state and federal laws and Board of Education policies. Ensuring the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority as we maintain a safe, quality learning environment and protect instructional time. The school day will proceed as usual and SPS expects all students to attend class, adhering to our attendance policy.

We encourage families to have thoughtful, open conversations with their students about civic engagement and expectations surrounding school attendance. We thank our parents, guardians and community for their partnership in maintaining a safe, conducive learning environment that supports student success.

Central high school students organize and plan anti-ICE walkout

Salina man with outstanding warrants and riding bicycle on wrong side of roadway, gives wrong name to law enforcement before arrest.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Sunday just before 7:00 pm, an officer on patrol in the 100 block of S. College conducted a traffic stop on a man riding a bicycle on the wrong side of the road.&nbsp;

Upon the stop, the man identified himself as the wrong person. The officer then identified him as 55-year old, Robert Webb who had outstanding warrants for his arrest.

The officer arrested Webb and found him to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Webb was booked into the Saline County Jail for the requested charges of:

Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia, Obstruction, Improper Driving on laned roadway and outstanding warrants for Probation Violation (Saline Co. District Court) and Failure to appear (Salina Municipal Court).

Salina man with outstanding warrants rides bike on wrong side of road and gives false name before arrest

A woman was scammed to send over $500 by an individual acting as an employee from a law enforcement agency.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Monday at around 9:00 am, a 36-year old female living outside city limits reported the incident.

SPD reported the woman stated that a known associate had been arrested on February 28. Later that same day she received a phonecall from an individual with a foreign accent, who claimed to be from the Saline County Sheriff's Office.

The caller indicated her associate, who was released from jail, "needed to obtain an ankle monitor and send money."

The woman then sent $300 to the caller via Venmo, but the individual stated the amount was not enough.

 She then sent an additional amount of $769 in gift cards to the caller.

SPD is reminding the public the Sheriff's Office will never ask or demand for a monetary transaction over the phone. If you receive a call like this, IT IS A SCAM.

Police: Bad actor scams woman to send over $500 over phone

An investigation is ongoing as two juveniles are suspects in damaging convenience stores and stealing over $1,000 worth of items.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Monday at around 11:00 pm, an officer on patrol received reports about two Rod's convenience stores being damaged, with one being being burglarized.

Reportedly, the glass door at Rod's 5 (680 S. Phillips) was damaged, but no entry was made.

However, the same incident occured at Rod's 1 (1401 S. Santa Fe) but was burglarized as $1,200 worth of vapes were stolen.

SPD has looked into surveillance video and determined two juveniles that committed the crimes.

Investigation ongoing: Two convenience stores damaged and over $1,000 of vapes stolen

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;Failure to appear; Battery; Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg Domestic Battery: impede breathing/choke; Agg intimidation of witness/victim; Threat; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm; Stalking; After served a protection order prohibiting contact; 2nd or subs; Viol protection order; Abuse order

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;Magee,Louis Norman Charles

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Smith,Brittney Cheyenne

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Contempt of Court; Direct; Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Distribute marijuana; &lt; 25 grams; Distribute opiate, opium, narcotic, certain stimulant; 3.5 - &lt; 100 grams; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circ; misd; Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 3

Statistics say colorectal cancer is the third-most common cancer found in both men and women. But fortunately, colorectal cancer found early is often highly curable.

In recognition of national Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, the Tammy Walker Cancer Center at Salina Regional Health Center is leading an initiative to provide 800 free colorectal cancer screening kits to anyone ages 45 to 75. 

The screening is recommended for those who have not had a recent colonoscopy. Kits can be picked up at all Salina, Abilene, Concordia, Minneapolis and Lindsborg pharmacies while supplies last.

“The screening uses an advanced fecal blood test that requires only one sample and has no food or drug restrictions,” said Daniel Craig, cancer outreach coordinator at the Tammy Walker Cancer Center. “Once completed, the samples can then be mailed to the Cancer Center for lab analysis using a pre-paid postage envelope provided. Results of the test will be returned to both the patient and their primary care physician.”

Participants in the screening should return their samples for analysis by May 30. Health officials recommend all men and women have a colonoscopy at age 45 to screen for colorectal cancer. Between colonoscopies patients can screen with a fecal blood test. 

Other tests may also be recommended by your physician. Those with a family history of the disease should consider screening at a younger age. African-Americans are also known to be at an increased risk for colorectal cancer.

Pharmacies distributing the screening kits include:

B&amp;K Prescription Shop, CVS Pharmacy, Dillons Pharmacy-Crawford Street, Dillons Pharmacy-Planet Avenue, Dillons Pharmacy-Cloud Street, Patterson Key Rexall, Sam's Club Pharmacy, Walgreens Pharmacy, Walmart Pharmacy, Salina Regional Health Center Pharmacy and Salina Family Healthcare Pharmacy. 

Auburn Pharmacy, Patterson Healthcare Pharmacy and Harvey Drug. 

The screening kits also can be picked up at the Saline County Health Department. Grant funding from the Salina Charities League and Salina Regional Health Foundation is helping to underwrite the screening.

For more information about the free colorectal cancer screening kits contact Daniel Craig by calling (785) 452-4848 or email dacraig@srhc.com. Kits can also be mailed to interested participants by contacting Craig.

Free colorectal cancer screening kits available in March throughout central Kansas

Salina Presbyterian Manor has proudly received a generous equipment donation from Jeff Bieber, providing meaningful support to campus operations and resident services—especially during the community’s ongoing renovation project.

Jeff personally funded the purchase of a customized John Deere Gator utility vehicle for the community. He collaborated closely with Prairieland Partners John Deere, including Sales Representative Wyatt Travnicek, and the Presbyterian Manor team to ensure the vehicle was tailored to meet the specific needs of the campus.

The new utility vehicle will support daily grounds maintenance, transportation across campus, and essential operational needs. With construction currently underway, the Gator will be especially valuable for navigating work zones while maintaining safety and efficiency.

Matt, the community’s groundskeeper, plays a vital role in creating and maintaining a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for residents. This new equipment will significantly enhance his ability to continue that work during this important season of growth.

“Jeff’s generosity comes at a pivotal time for our community,” said Melissa Brumbaugh, Executive Director of Salina Presbyterian Manor. “As we work through renovations, this gift allows our team to move efficiently and safely throughout campus. It directly supports the work our staff does every day to make sure our residents receive the highest quality of care, and we are deeply grateful.”

Jenni Jones, Director of Giving, also shared her appreciation.

 “We are truly thankful to Jeff Bieber for this thoughtful gift. The John Deere Gator is more than just a vehicle—it strengthens our ability to care for our beautiful campus and the residents who call it home. This donation meets a real and meaningful need, and it reflects the spirit of compassion and community that makes Salina so special.”

Prairieland Partners John Deere proudly serves communities across Kansas with 15 locations, offering equipment, parts, and expert service to customers statewide.

Presbyterian Manor receives generous gift meeting essential maintenance needs

Starting March 7 the Stutzmans gardening show will be back live on 910 AM/107.5 FM KINA.

Every Saturday starting March 7 from 7:30 am - 8:00 am, this 30 minute live show will provide each listener with essential information and tips on gardening throughout the season.&nbsp;

"This has been a wonderful program for us and you can look at this show as a information highway for gardening," said Ben Miller, owner of Stutzmans. "You are dealing with the number one hobby in the world."

Furthermore, the Stutzmans gardening store in Salina is set to open at the Central Mall this upcoming April.

Tune in this Saturday, March 7 on 910 AM/107.5 FM KINA,

<a href="https://910kina.com/">Click here to listen live on your digital device.</a>

Stutzmans live gardening show back on KINA providing essential info and tips throughout the season

One suspect connected to stealing a vehicle from the Goodwill parking lot has been identified and is scheduled to appear in court, who was also booked for stabbing a woman multiple times

Original: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/499cc210-11de-4144-a57e-9cf520d1e40b">Ongoing investigation: Salina woman missing personal belongings and vehicle since Jan. 11</a>

According to the Salina Police Department 42-year old, Alesha&nbsp;Martinez-Reavis has been has been identified to be connected in the vehicle theft of a 58-year old female victim back on January 11.

Martinez-Reavis was arrested on February 9 for the theft of the victim's vehicle. She is scheduled to appear in Saline County District Court on March 30 for the vehicle theft.

She was later then arrested on February 24 for allegedly stabbing a woman multiple times at her home.

A male is also a suspect in this case and has not yet been identified, according to SPD.&nbsp;

The search for the male suspect is currently ongoing, according to SPD.

Salina Post will continue to provide updates regarding this case.

UPDATE: One suspect to appear in court regarding vehicle theft from Goodwill parking lot

Kansas Trails Inc. (KTI), the statewide leader in trail development, coordination, and advocacy, invites Kansans from across the state to celebrate Trail Appreciation Day at the Kansas State Capitol Rotunda on Thursday, March 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Trail Appreciation Day is a day-long celebration of the people, places, and partnerships that make trails a vital part of Kansas communities. Trail advocates, enthusiasts, local organizations, and policymakers will come together to highlight how trails support health, economic development, tourism, and quality of life across the state.

The event will feature interactive exhibits from trail systems and trail organizations representing communities throughout Kansas, offering attendees the opportunity to learn about trail projects, success stories, and future plans. The program will also include a keynote presentation by Kansas State Representative Tobias Schlingensiepen, along with visits from Kansas State Senators and Representatives who support outdoor recreation and community infrastructure.

“Trails connect more than places- they connect people, communities, and opportunities,” said Mike Scanlon, Executive Director of Kansas Trails Inc. “Trail Appreciation Day is a chance to showcase the incredible work happening across Kansas and to elevate the importance of continued investment in trails for generations to come.”

Trail Appreciation Day is open to the public, but registration is required. 

Community members, trail users, nonprofit organizations, planners, elected officials, and anyone passionate about trails are encouraged to attend.

Kansas Trails to host Trail Appreciation Day at State Capitol, featuring interactive exhibits and keynote speaker

Kynan Gibson of B&amp;K Prescription Shop in Salina has been in various conversations with state representatives and senators about the negative effects Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) have on local independent pharmacies and their consumers.

PBMs are&nbsp;a third-party administrator that acts as a "middleman" in the prescription drug supply chain, negotiating between drug manufacturers, pharmacies and insurance companies. 

They provide real-time prescription drug prices, that pharmacies communicate with their consumers. PBMs decide which medications are covered, controlling the negotiation of drug manufacturer rebates, development of pharmacy networks, creation of drug formularies and the processing of claims for insurers and employers.

PBMs started in the 1960s and was created for the purpose of assisting insurance companies and employers manage costs of prescription drugs.

However, PBMs have been criticized for taking advantage of patients by making profit for themselves. Not only that, but prescription drug prices have skyrocketed in the past.

According to <a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/prescription-drugs-other-medical-products/price-transparency#:~:text=Changes%20in%20the%20List%20Prices%20of%20Prescription%20Drugs%2C%202017%2D2023&amp;text=Drug%20manufacturers%20may%20change%20the,to%20$590%20per%20drug%20product.">price transparency from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services</a> ,&nbsp;Over the period from January 2022 to January 2023, more than 4,200 drug products had price increases, of which 46 percent were larger than the rate of inflation.&nbsp;The average drug price increase over the course of the period was 15.2 percent, which translates to $590 per drug product.

PMBs are known to make money by&nbsp;multiple&nbsp;ways which includes:

Senator Scott Hill (R-Salina) called it&nbsp;“unfair marketing”&nbsp;when PBMs initiate the pricing for prescription drugs. 

The big three PBMs include&nbsp;CVS Caremark, Express Scripts (Cigna), and OptumRx (UnitedHealth), as they control roughly 80-90% of of U.S. prescription drug claims.

PBMs are also known to partake in vertical integration, where they gain control over multiple aspects.

For example, CVS Health owns the insurer, (Aetna) PBM (CVS Caremark), which allows them to control formulary placement, negotiate manufacturer rebates and channel prescriptions to their own pharmacies.

Their control of rebate spread pricing, means they can collect $1,000 in rebates and only pass $500 to the payer or plan, as an example.

Gibson told Salina Post about a Kansas employer case study done by a pharmacist, Mike Burns who owns AuBurn pharmacies across the state, Oklahoma and Missouri. Burns a cancer patient, was told by his insurer he needed to go to their specialty pharmacy to get a drug in order for it to be covered. Burns however, knew he could have received that drug at a lower price at his own pharmacy for $2,300 for a 6 month supply, as opposed to the retailer which would have costed him $13,000 more.

“If you go to CVS or B&amp;K, what your insurance pays is different,” said Gibson. You can go to CVS and the PBM will pay the insurance company more money just because they are owned by CVS.”

Gibson stated he wants audits to be less evasive, being able to see how PBMs are charging insurers, reimbursements that is fair and be included in networks such as Express Scripts.

Kansas has had over 130 independent pharmacies close since 2015, with around 16 in 2025 alone due to low reimbursements.

End of February, a bipartisan majority in the Kansas Senate passed <a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/supp_note_sb360_02_0000.pdf">SB 360</a> increasing oversight of prescription drug middlemen companies accused of manipulating lax regulations to promote anti-competitive practices, monopolize the market for maximum profit, undermine local pharmacies and raise costs for consumers.

According to Kansas Reflector, the bill would require transparency from PBMs in terms of pharmacy reimbursement and drug pricing. It would deal with PBMs giving their own retailers better deals by requiring all Kansas pharmacies to be reimbursed at or above the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost. A pharmacy dispensing fee would be implemented to better cover costs incurred by local or independent pharmacies, especially in rural communities.

Local pharmacy speaks on negative effects of PBMs, Senate Bill passes requiring transparency from "middlemen"

<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, March 2 - March 4

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 27 - March 1

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 25 - February 27

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 23 - February 25

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

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Police have released the names of the victims in Sunday’s early morning two-vehicle crash at 10th and Quindaro.

Tiera Laster, 30 and Ashli McGough, 37, both residents of Kansas City, Kan., died from their injuries, according to a statement from Kansas City, Kansas Police.

Based on video obtained from the scene, the driver of the eastbound vehicle on Quindaro Boulevard crossed the double yellow line into the west bound lane and struck the vehicle driven by Laster. The driver and sole occupant of the eastbound vehicle and three passengers from Laster’s vehicle remain hospitalized in serious to critical condition.

This incident remains under investigation by the KCKPD Traffic Division. 

Police ID two Kansas women who died in wrong-way crash

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">Sherman Smith</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

LAWRENCE — Attorneys will argue Friday in court over whether a judge should delay enforcement of a state law that invalidates driver’s licenses and birth certificates for those who changed their gender marker and restricts bathroom use based on sex assigned at birth.

Two trans men from Lawrence&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/27/trans-men-file-lawsuit-over-kansas-law-that-restricts-bathroom-use-and-invalidates-drivers-licenses/">filed a lawsuit last week</a>&nbsp;in Douglas County District Court to challenge&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 244</a>, which took effect Feb. 26. The unnamed plaintiffs say the law violates constitutional rights to personal autonomy, privacy, equity, due process and expression, could subject them to harassment and violence, and would jeopardize their mental health and employment.

Attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union and the Philadelphia-based Ballard Spahr law firm, which represent the plaintiffs, appeared by Zoom for a scheduling conference Tuesday in Douglas County District Court with Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and other attorneys for the state. Journalists from Kansas Reflector and the Kansas City Star and an attorney from the University of Kansas observed the hearing from an otherwise empty courtroom.

Douglas County District Judge James McCabria told attorneys they needed to find a time this week to hold oral arguments on a motion by plaintiffs for a temporary restraining order, which would block enforcement of the law. He set the hearing for Friday afternoon.

McCabria could rule quickly on the motion. He acknowledged a restraining order would be an “extraordinary remedy” for a law that has “broad application.” He noted the ruling would not be “a determination of final merits” in the case, and that he could continue to “weigh things later.”

The plaintiffs in the case are identified in court documents as Daniel Doe and Matthew Moe. During Tuesday’s hearing, the judge questioned Kobach about the use of pseudonyms. Kobach said it wasn’t typical but that he wouldn’t object, “just to make this thing move along.”

McCabria, who was appointed to the bench by Gov. Sam Brownback in 2014, said the use of pseudonyms “raises some questions,” and that he was concerned about the public’s right to know. He said he would wait until Friday to see if a news outlet objects to the plaintiffs’ request to proceed unnamed.

“I do see a reasonable and articulated reason for the request,” McCabria said.

The GOP-led Legislature fast-tracked passage of the law this year while bending rules to avoid public input and silence debate. Every Republican except Emporia Rep. Mark Schreiber voted to pass the law and to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto, despite objections from Democrats about the cost to local governments, harm to transgender people, unclear provisions in the law, and constitutional problems.

Republicans argued, without evidence, that the bathroom provision of the law was necessary to ensure the safety of women. They ignored the reality that the law now requires trans men to use women’s facilities.

The law contains a bounty-style provision that allows individuals who feel “aggrieved” by someone’s bathroom use to sue the individuals for monetary gain. Any public entity that fails to properly police bathrooms could be subject to a $25,000 fine on first offense and $125,000 fines on subsequent offenses.

The Kansas Department of Revenue&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/26/trans-kansans-struggle-with-reality-of-legislatures-cruelty-as-drivers-licenses-are-invalidated/">sent a letter to trans people</a>&nbsp;shortly before the law took effect to inform them their driver’s licenses were invalid. However,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thehandbasket.co/p/kansas-republicans-sb-244-trans-drivers-licenses" target="_blank">independent journalist Marisa Kabas</a>&nbsp;reported&nbsp;<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ejihld4sywvvqwe67cdkn4jq/post/3mfucyhno7s2z" target="_blank">an internal KDOR memo</a>&nbsp;to DMVs says no records have been invalidated.

The memo also says the agency sent a letter to 300 Kansans, although the agency has publicly said 1,700 records were affected.

Zach Denney, a KDOR spokesman, told Kansas Reflector that while the new law invalidates licenses immediately,&nbsp;agency employees must look at each record to determine why the gender marker was changed, as some could have been changed because of data entry errors. He encouraged individuals to check their status on the KDOR website.

“The KDOR driver’s license status check page accurately reflects KDOR’s internal system, and what law enforcement entities will see if they check a license,” he said. “The system is being updated, and as it is, the status check website will reflect changes made within the system.”

Kansas judge orders Friday hearing on whether to tap brakes on anti-trans law

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man accused of sexually assaulting a teen while she was waiting for a school bus in Wichita is due back in court Tuesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Gonzalo Ramirez, 31, will appear in Judge Rodger Woods courtroom for a preliminary hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney' office.

He was charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent solicitation of a child..&nbsp; The judge will determine if there is evidence to move the case forward.

Just before 6a.m. on Sept. 15, police were dispatched to a report of a sexual assault of a minor that occurred in the 1500 block of South Kansas in Wichita, according to a media release.

The investigation revealed that a minor was waiting for the school bus when they were approached by a 31-year-old male suspect, not known to her.&nbsp; The suspect, identified according to Sedgwick County booking records as Gonzalo Ramirez, lured the minor into a vehicle and committed the assault.

Officers quickly located Ramirez who was taken into custody and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp; He remains in custody on a $500,000.00 bond, according to online jail records.

Preliminary hearing for suspect in Kan. school bus stop sex assault

WINDER, Ga. (AP) — A Georgia man who gave his teenage son the gun he's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-high-school-lockdown-3969d34cf6a7adc787facf21c469ef4d">accused of using to kill two students and two teachers</a>&nbsp;at a high school was convicted of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter on Tuesday.

Jurors took less than two hours to find Colin Gray guilty of all charges in the September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, northeast of Atlanta. Gray now joins a growing number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-parents-charged-bbe07bf6f882fd44f893639dc36c0825">parents being held responsible in court after children were accused</a>&nbsp;in shootings across the country.

Colin Gray was found guilty of second-degree murder in the deaths of two 14-year-old students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo. Georgia law defines second-degree murder as causing the death of a child by committing the crime of cruelty to children. Gray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the killings of teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53.

Another teacher and eight other students were wounded. Gray was also convicted of multiple counts of reckless conduct and cruelty to children.

He showed little emotion as the verdict was read and each juror was polled by the judge. Deputies then handcuffed him behind his back as he stood at the defense table, consulting with his lawyer. He will be sentenced at a later date. Second-degree murder is punishable by at least 10 but no more than 30 years in prison, while involuntary manslaughter carries a penalty of one to 10 years in prison.

Some relatives of victims wept as the verdicts were read. They declined to comment after court. Gray’s defense lawyers left without speaking to reporters.

“We talk a lot about rights in our country,” Barrow County District Attorney Brad Smith said after the verdict. “But God gave us a duty to protect our children, and I hope that we remember that, as parents, as community members, to protect our children because that is our God-given duty.”

The teen's mother, Marcee Gray, wasn't charged.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-school-shooting-trial-colin-gray-82af44f531a374c3480b4fd6aaac6454">She testified that she had urged her estranged husband</a>&nbsp;to take any guns and lock them inside his truck so they would not be not accessible to their son. She and Colin Gray were separated in the months leading up to the shooting, and Colt lived mostly with his father during that time. She declined to comment when reached by phone after the verdict.

Prosecutors said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apalachee-high-school-colin-colt-gray-04346f61a8fc8cba2520343866c56eb6">Gray gave his son, Colt, the gun as a Christmas gift</a>&nbsp;and allowed him access to it along with ammunition despite the boy's deteriorating mental health. They said he had “sufficient warning that Colt Gray would harm and endanger” other people.

Fourteen at the time of the shooting, Colt Gray pleaded not guilty to a total of 55 counts, including murder. His judge set a status hearing for mid-March.

Investigators said Colt Gray carefully planned the Sept. 4, 2024, shooting at the school attended by 1,900 students.

He boarded the school bus with a semiautomatic, assault-style rifle in his book bag, the barrel sticking out and wrapped in poster board, investigators said. He left his second-period class and emerged from a bathroom with the gun and then shot people in a classroom and hallways, investigators said.

Colin Gray knew his son was obsessed with school shooters, even having a shrine in his bedroom to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nikolas-cruz">Nikolas Cruz</a>, the shooter in the 2018 massacre at Florida's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, prosecutors said.

“It wasn’t like one parent missed one warning,” Smith told reporters. “This was multiple warnings over a lengthy period of time and, like we said, you just had to do one thing — take that rifle away and this would have been prevented.”

Jennifer and James Crumbley, the first U.S. parents held criminally responsible for a mass school shooting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pontiac-michigan-oxford-high-school-shooting-crime-shootings-ff69e26f96bb07af5dcb76bddc650bb4">committed by a child,</a>&nbsp;are serving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/james-crumbley-jennifer-crumbley-oxford-school-shooting-e5888f615c76c3b26153c34dc36d5436">10-year prison terms</a>&nbsp;for involuntary manslaughter after their son Ethan killed four students and wounded others in Michigan in 2021.

Colin Gray was the first such parent to be charged in Georgia. Smith said Marcee Gray had seen what happened in Michigan and asked her husband to remove the weapons as a result. “So Michigan was able to move the needle to the point that it almost stopped this tragedy,” he said. “We hope we’ve moved the needle a little further.”

Associated Press writer Kate Brumback in Atlanta contributed reporting.

History: Father who gave gun to school shooting suspect convicted of murder

NEW YORK (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elections">2026 midterm season</a>&nbsp;begins in earnest on Tuesday with two of the nation's most consequential Senate primaries playing out in Texas, a political behemoth that Democrats have been fighting to flip for decades.

Is this the year? Republican leaders in Washington openly fret that a victory by conservative firebrand Ken Paxton over four-term incumbent Sen. John Cornyn would give Democrats a rare shot of winning the seat come November. The contest has already cost Republicans tens of millions of dollars, and there will be much more spent ahead of a May 26 runoff if no one gets 50% in the three-way primary that also includes Rep. Wesley Hunt.

Democrats, meanwhile, are picking between two rising stars with conflicting styles. There's U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who made a name for herself through confrontation, and state Rep. James Talarico, a former middle school teacher who is working toward a divinity degree.

Primaries are also taking place in North Carolina and Arkansas. Voting comes just days after President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;launched a major&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">military campaign against Iran</a>, injecting an urgent foreign policy component in races otherwise focused on domestic issues.

Is the Democrats’ Texas threat for real this time?

Democrats have been raising the prospect of a Texas upset for decades. And yet the party hasn't won a Senate race there since Lloyd Bentsen's reelection in 1988.

Both sides believe this could be the year that things change. But much depends on Tuesday's results.

Some Republican leaders in Washington, including key allies of Trump, warn that a victory by Paxton, who has well-documented&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ken-paxton-impeachment-texas-547f46284c7858905b067fefa2c48f0b">personal baggage</a>, would undermine their chances in November. If he's the nominee, the party would need to divert tens of millions of dollars from other states to protect the seat.

Paxton could finish first on Tuesday, although he's not expected to earn the 50% needed to avoid a May 26 runoff election against the second-place finisher. For now, Cornyn is most likely to claim that position, while Hunt has made an aggressive case as well.

The runoff could get even uglier for a party that has already spent more than $100 million on the nomination fight, making it the most expensive primary in state history.

Democrats have a tough choice on their side as they decide what kind of fighter it wants to run against Trump's Republican Party.

Privately, Republicans say they're most worried about Talarico. The 36-year-old Democrat blends progressive politics with biblical fluency in a way that is uncommon among many national Democratic figures.

Talarico denounces “politics as a blood sport” and says people want “a return to more timeless values of sincerity and honesty and compassion and respect.”

On the other side is 44-year-old Crocket, a former civil rights attorney who has feuded with Republicans and drawn Trump's scorn. One of her advertisements boasts that she “drives the president crazy.” Another has the tagline “Crockett fights for us.”

Former Vice President Kamala Harris backed Crockett in a recorded call that went out across the state over the weekend.

“Texas has the chance to send a fighter like Jasmine Crockett to the United States Senate,” Harris said.

The primary elections come just three days after the U.S., in coordination with Israel, launched a major attack against Iran. Trump has suggested the military campaign could take at least four weeks. At least six U.S. soldiers have already been killed and the president predicts more deaths.

Foreign policy rarely shapes U.S. elections, although the timing of the conflict could certainly help shift voters' attention in primaries that have largely focused on issues at home. Texas, after all, is home to many military families.

The Republican candidates have overwhelmingly aligned themselves with Trump and his “America First” movement. The president's aggressive interventions overseas could complicate that message and force his allies to answer difficult questions.

So far,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/john-cornyn">Cornyn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ken-paxton">Paxton</a>&nbsp;have been quick to line up behind Trump. “Hopefully lives will not be lost needlessly, but this always entails risk,” Cornyn said Saturday.

The president sits at the very center of Tuesday's contests whether he is on the ballot or not.

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