MCPHERSON COUNTY — IdeaTek is inviting graduating high school seniors across its service areas to apply for its first-ever Freedom Fighter Scholarship Program, a new initiative aimed at recognizing creativity, ambition and community impact.

The program will award three scholarships totaling $5,000. The top honor, the Visionary Award, will provide $2,500, followed by the Innovator Award at $1,500 and the Pioneer Award at $1,000.

Unlike many traditional scholarships, the Freedom Fighter program does not require a minimum GPA. Instead, IdeaTek is focusing on students who demonstrate passion, drive and a commitment to making a difference in their communities.

Applicants are asked to submit a five- to 10-minute video outlining their dreams, career goals and how they plan to give back. Additional requirements include one letter of recommendation and a senior photo.

The application deadline is 5 p.m. on April 10, 2026.

Eligibility is open to graduating seniors living in IdeaTek service areas, with priority given to students from IdeaTek subscriber families.

Students can apply online at <a href="http://ideatek.com/scholarship">ideatek.com/scholarship</a>.

IdeaTek officials say they hope the program not only supports students financially, but also highlights the ideas and stories of young people working to shape the future of their communities.

IdeaTek launches 'Freedom Fighter' Scholarship Program

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

As property taxes continue to frustrate Kansans, a tax policy expert says many of the relief options being discussed in Topeka have significant drawbacks.

Chris Courtwright, a member of Gov. Laura Kelly's Council on Tax Reform, spoke to Rotary attendees on Monday at the Venue in Hays. He is the author of "Kansas Tax Facts," a guide on Kansas state and local tax policy.&nbsp;

"There aren't any great solutions, regardless of what the politicians suggest," Courtwright said.

Courtwright retired after 34 years as the Kansas Legislature’s principal economist and a member of the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group. He is an author with the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/chris-w-courtwright/">Kansas Reflector</a>.

He began his presentation by citing the Kansas Constitution, which requires the Legislature to provide adequate and equitable funding for public schools.

Courtwright said about 40% of all property tax revenue goes to schools. While he supports funding education, he said the overall property tax burden still needs to be addressed.

He also provided background on the history of property taxes and why they have long been unpopular with taxpayers.

"The last time we amended the Kansas constitution in a meaningful way when it came to property taxes was the early 1990s. The taxes on our residential houses were about a third of all property taxes. It's now two-thirds of the property tax base," he said.

Courtwright said that reducing property taxes for one group often shifts the burden onto others. He compared it to squeezing a balloon; when one side shrinks, another side expands.

There are more than 4,000 property tax subdivisions in Kansas. Courtwright said state and local taxes combined are $21 billion, with local governments contributing about 42% and property taxes about 34%. Property taxes are about 80% of local taxes.

"Property taxes have always been the workhorse of local finances," Courtwright said. "Locals get all their money from property taxes. ... They're the bread and butter."

According to Courtwright, the median residential sales price in Ellis County is $230,000 for a house. As of January, the mean residential value is about $160,000.

Courtwright said the two kinds of relief are under discussion right now.

Option one is to reduce the statewide school property tax that helps fund public schools. Lowering that rate would decrease property taxes for all property owners, but the state would have to replace every dollar lost with money from the state general fund.

Option two would reduce property taxes specifically for homeowners by increasing the amount of a home’s value that is exempt from the statewide school property tax. Businesses, agriculture and other properties would not be included.

In 2024, lawmakers gave property tax relief exclusively to homeowners by keeping the mill levy at 20 mills while increasing the residential exemption from about $44,000 to $75,000.

Courtwright said the change only provided about a $71 tax cut for every home in the state valued at least $75,000.

He also cautioned against valuation caps, saying those policies can create inequities and may lead to higher taxes elsewhere over time.

"There are generational equity issues. It makes it harder for young people to buy homes. We become the land of aristocracy," he said.

"Doing this makes it that much harder for younger people to stay in the state and find housing. There are a bunch of reasons not to do this. The right-of-center Tax Foundation says don't do this," he said.

Courtwright said lawmakers are discussing putting a valuation cap on the ballot in 2026.

He emphasized property tax cuts involve trade-offs and money used to reduce property taxes could instead go toward priorities such as education, Medicaid expansion or social services.

Courtwright's recommendation to cut property taxes would be to lower the residential assessment rate in the Kansas Constitution from 11.5% to 9%. However, he noted passing such a change would be difficult because other property groups would likely oppose it.

"If you put that on the ballot, homeowners would vote for it, but then the balloon would get squeezed in a different direction. Some of the other classes of property... those lobbies aren't gonna let that get on the ballot," he said in response to a question about possible legislation that can balance residential property taxes.

Other ideas, he said, lawmakers could consider are&nbsp;

• Expanding “circuit breaker” or programs that give property tax refunds to seniors, disabled residents and low-income homeowners.

• Give local governments more types of taxes, such as liquor, cigarette or fuel taxes, so they rely less on property taxes.

When asked about proposals by some lawmakers to eliminate property taxes, Courtwright called the idea “a cruel hoax.”

"There is no way in so many areas of the state that it would work," he said. "It's absurd. They're just doing it because it's an election year and because they can't afford to do any of the stuff I've been talking about."

Courtwright also suggested if the state has extra money available for tax cuts, lawmakers should consider other types of tax relief rather than focusing solely on property taxes.

Tax expert outlines challenges of property tax relief in Kansas 

SALINA —A Salina man is in jail facing multiple allegations after a violent incident.&nbsp;

Just after 9:30p.m. Monday, police&nbsp;responded to a physical disturbance at 781 N. Broadway in Salina, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.

Officers made contact with a 24-year-old woman who reported 31-year-old Darin Stewart was arguing with another woman when the victim stepped in. 

Stewart, a known acquaintance, became angry with the victim and grabbed her, threatened to stab her, and then pushed her down on a bed. 

Stewart then grabbed the victim by the throat and applied pressure restricting her airway. The victim was able to free herself from Stewart where she went to a bathroom in the room and locked the door. 

Stewart kicked the door damaging it. The victim was seen by medics. Contact was made with Stewart on scene, and he was taken into custody without incident. 

Stewart is being held in the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Domestic Battery, Criminal Threat, Domestic Battery, and Damage to Property.

Salina man accused of violent attack on a woman

SALINE COUNTY—A Salina woman is in jail after an alleged fight with police during her arrest.

Just after 5:30p.m. Monday, police responded to a dispute between tenants at 1800 S. Broadway in Salina, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Captain James Feldman.

Residents indicated that a tenant, later identified as 35-year-old Ericka Barber had been verbally aggressive with other tenants. One tenant advised they were cleaning an apartment when Barber entered one of the apartments and stole a vacuum. 

The victim a 53-year-old man reported he recovered his vacuum from Barber’s residence prior to officers arriving on scene. When officers attempted to detain Barber, she failed to comply with their orders. As officers attempted to detain Barber she kicked an officer. She was taken into custody and placed in a body wrap. 

Barber was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charge of Burglary, Theft, Interference with LEO and Battery of a LEO.

Police: Salina woman arrested after altercation with officers

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;Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty; Burglary; Dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence or sexually motivated crime; Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for felony case

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant; Possess of firearm while under the influence

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg Domestic Battery: impede breathing/choke; Aggravated kidnapping; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor; Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 17

Salina Public Schools proudly announces the selection of Amanda Thacker as the Lakewood Middle School Principal effective July 1.

Thacker has 18 years of experience in education, with seven years of experience in Salina Public Schools. She currently serves as the assistant principal at Central High School. 

- High School Speech, Debate &amp; Forensics Coach. 

Thacker earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary English education from Kansas State University. She earned her master’s degree in educational administration from Emporia State University.

Central High School assistant principal to serve students in new role

ELLSWORTH COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Monday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 GMC Denali driven by Rosemary&nbsp;Nuss, 73, Dorrance,&nbsp;stopped on the westbound outside shoulder of Interstate 70 near the Kansas 156 exit. The driver attempted to make a U-turn and and struck a westbound 2008 Chevy Silverado driven by Dyllon Knox, 34, Wichita, as it drove past. After impact the pickup overturned and came to rest in the center median.

&nbsp;The KHP reported Nuss had a serious injury but did not report where she was transported and whether Knox was injured.&nbsp; A passenger in the Silverado and a passenger in the Denali were not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman injured after I-70 crash during a u-turn

A Salina woman is preparing to take on a Ragnar Trail,&nbsp;an overnight, team-based trail running event that comprises of running a 120-mile course.

Kari Fear has zero fears, as the 52-year old Salinan looks to successfully complete the course in <a href="https://runragnar.com/pages/race-trail-zion">May 8-9, 2026 at Zion National Park in Utah.</a>

Fear grew up in Iowa and lived across the Midwest, who is a licensed clinical therapist. She moved to Salina in 2011 and started swimming for the first time recreationally. Four years later she met Amanda Wishaar in Salina, who encouraged her to do a triathlon.

"She (Amanda) was super supportive about trying a triathlon and thought she was kind of crazy," said Fear.

However that did not stop her because in 2021, Fear trained for a full Ironman and successfully completed the event that following year. Fear continued to push herself to the greatest heights, as she completed a half Ironman along with considering to participate in a Ragnar Trial.

Her first Ragnar Trail was the Texas Hill Country in 2024 and competed with a team of 8. This event is where she crossed paths with Wishaar unintentionally.&nbsp;Now she is currently preparing for the 2026 Ragnar Trail in Utah, where she will reunite with Wishaar on the same team.

Fear's team for this year's event is comprised of members from Virginia, Washington state, Arizona and Texas.

Fear decided to participate in Ragnar Trails by taking advantage of every opportunity to test herself and just say she "did it."

"When you just say yes to something, it just naturally leads to the next yes and so you just accomplishing all these things without even intending to."

For example, before she completed the Ironman (a long-distance endurance race comprising a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon run, totaling 140.6 miles) people had questioned if she really wanted to do it.&nbsp;

She told herself, "she could" and she was right.

Fear told Salina Post she was personally going through a rough patch during the Ironman in 2022.

"Genuinely my goal was for it to beat me. I thought if I can push for something and fail at it, it would actually feel pretty good. You just keep going and you end up getting stronger, so I did it."

When participating in the events, Fear said her favorite part about it is "finding out who you really are."

In her first Ragnar Trail, she enjoyed the team aspect, especially during the overnight hours and "soul searching" when running.

"You really just find out who you are when you are out there in the middle of nowhere, while getting to know people. I am a lone wolf runner, so I only ever run alone and Ragnar really allowed me to be apart of a team of like-minded people. But when you are out there at 2:00 am in the morning and there is nothing but you and the Milky Way, you just do that soul searching."

Mental approach before and during each event

Before each event, Fear is always anticipating finishing the race well for her team. During the event she pushes herself to complete the race, by putting her team first before herself.

"Ninety-five percent of the time I am thinking about my team, so that they are not waiting on you."

Fear still has plans of continuing to participate in more Ragnar events after Utah.

She hopes to assemble a full Salina Ragnar Trail team in the future.

"I would love to be apart of a Salina Ragnar team."

Zero fears: Salina woman preparing for 120 mile course with seven other runners across the country

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&nbsp;the&nbsp;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 16 - March 18

Power Hits 97.5 morning show DJ Rick Thomas (Scott Menzies) passed away Saturday after suffering an apparent heart attack. Eagle Radio Operations Director Dan Engle confirmed that Thomas had collapsed while shopping at a Dillon's Store in Manhattan Saturday afternoon. Emergency personnel could not revive him. 

Rick Thomas was the Kansas Association of Broadcasters 2024 Medium Market Air Personality of the Year.&nbsp;

Engle stated, "It was a huge loss for both Eagle and Kansas broadcasting. He was well loved and we will miss him a lot."

Prominent DJ Rick Thomas passes away

For the latest forecast updates, visit&nbsp;the&nbsp;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 13 - March 15

Saline County Emergency Management is warning the public of grassland fire dangers across central Kansas due to windy conditions.&nbsp;

According to the US National Weather Service in Wichita, a combination of strong southwest winds and above-normal temperatures will create elevated grassland fire danger across central Kansas on Thursday. 

A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for portions of central and south-central Kansas as conditions develop that could support rapid fire growth.

Dry vegetation combined with gusty winds can allow&nbsp;fires to spread quickly&nbsp;across open areas, fields, and ditches.&nbsp;Even small sparks can start fires under these conditions.

<a href="https://files.constantcontact.com/55d47694801/a19d484a-4727-48f1-ba8c-ff0cf81d4269.pdf?rdr=true">Click here for more information about safety tips and helpful information.&nbsp;</a>

Weather: Elevated grassland fire danger expected throughout central Kansas

Three day weather forecast Salina, March 11 - March 13

Saline County Emergency Management

Saline County Emergency Management has notified the public of potential severe weather on Tuesday.

According to the US National Weather Service in Wichita, they are monitoring the potential for severe storms across central Kansas Tuesday afternoon and evening. 

Storms may begin developing after 4:00 pm, with more widespread activity possible after 7:00 pm and continuing overnight.&nbsp;

Storms may become strong, bringing up to golf ball-sized hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain.

<a href="https://files.constantcontact.com/55d47694801/0b463edf-523b-41ba-8837-207de1fd27db.pdf?rdr=true">Click here for more information about safety tips and helpful information.&nbsp;</a>

Weather: Severe storms expected throughout central Kansas Tuesday 

Three day weather forecast Salina, March 9 - March 11

The National Weather Service in Wichita reports that multiple rounds of thunderstorms are expected to move through Kansas today, with a higher risk of severe weather developing later this afternoon and evening.

A few storms may develop during the morning and early afternoon hours. 

These storms could produce wind gusts up to 50 mph, dime-size hail, and periods of heavy rainfall.

The main concern for Saline County arrives later today. 

Forecasters expect a second round of storms to redevelop across central Kansas during the afternoon and evening before moving southeast through the night. These storms could bring damaging winds up to 70 mph, hail as large as golf balls, heavy rainfall, and the possibility of a strong tornado.

Storms may begin impacting the area after 4 p.m. and could continue into the overnight hours.

Residents are encouraged to monitor weather conditions throughout the day and make preparations now in case warnings are issued.

- Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, especially if storms occur overnight.

- Review your shelter plan. The safest place during a tornado is a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.

- Secure outdoor items such as patio furniture and trash cans that could blow away in strong winds.

- Charge phones and devices so you can receive warnings and updates.

- Avoid travel during severe storms if possible.

<a href="https://files.constantcontact.com/55d47694801/09190bda-a7e3-40e0-b04b-c5f2b3aa3999.pdf?rdr=true">Click here to see the severe weather packet for more details on this weather report.</a>

Multiple rounds of t-storms expected in central Kansas 

Three day weather forecast Salina, March 6 - March 8

Three day weather forecast Salina, March 4 - March 6

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

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflecto</a>r

TOPEKA — A banking official told lawmakers Monday about an elderly customer who was scammed into giving tens of thousands of dollars to what she believed would be a scholarship honoring her dead husband.

Tony Weingartner, manager of the financial intelligence unit at Topeka-based Capitol Federal Savings Bank, said the bank engaged with the woman, and law enforcement and social workers met with her, but she “could not believe that that would occur illegitimately and that she was defrauded.”

“She couldn’t accept it,” he said. “And now, my understanding is, even with a conservator over her finances, she still believes that there’s a scholarship out there for her husband. There isn’t one.”

Weingartner used the anecdote to demonstrate the need for legislation that would hold telecommunications providers and social media platforms liable for fraudulent activity that results in losses for banks.

In another example, he said, the bank lost $45,000 last month after a customer was tricked by a fraudster who appeared by caller ID to be a bank employee. The customer provided account information.

The fraudster then convinced the victim’s phone service provider that the victim needed calls transferred to a new number. When the bank called to verify the legitimacy of checks from the victim’s account, fraudsters answered the phone and provided a green light.

Representatives for the banking industry appeared before a joint committee of House and Senate lawmakers to initiate conversation about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2648/" target="_blank">House Bill 2648</a>. The bill would require social media platforms such as Meta, which operates Facebook, to verify the identity of advertisers, give users a clear and conspicuous tool to report suspected fraud, and investigate reports of fraud within 72 hours.

Social media platforms would be liable for damages caused by fraudulent ads if they knowingly allow such ads on their platform or ignore credible reports of fraud.

The bill also would prohibit telecommunication companies from transmitting a call that falsely identifies a caller’s name or phone number.

Rep. Nick Hoheisel, a Wichita Republican who chairs the House Financial Institutions and Pensions Committee, said he wanted to hold an informational hearing on the bill, even though it won’t advance this year.

Kelly VanZwoll, of the Kansas Bankers Association, introduced the bill in early February. She told the joint committee that banks have been on the front lines of protecting consumers, and they want regulators and industry to work with them.

“It really is a team sport,” she said. “We can’t do it alone, and that’s what we need your help.”

She presented information she attributed to reporting by the Wall Street Journal and Reuters news service about fraudulent ads on Meta: 50% of scams for one large bank were traced to Meta, 70% of new Meta advertisers are flagged for fraud, and 96% of valid user scam reports are ignored. Additionally, she said, Meta earned $16 billion — 10% of its 2024 revenue — from ads that were scams or for banned goods. When Meta detects fraud, she said, the penalty is to charge bad actors a higher rate.

A Meta representative didn’t immediately respond to a request to comment for this story.

Megan Stokes, state policy director for the Computer and Communications Industry Association, of which Meta is a member, said in written testimony that the bill is unconstitutional because it regulates interstate services that are under federal domain and would criminalize protected free expression in violation of the First Amendment.

She objected to a private right of action in the bill that would allow individuals to sue companies for violations. She predicted courthouses would be flooded with “frivolous claims with little evidence of actual injury.”

Gerry Keegan, who represents CTIA, a trade association for the wireless industry, said telecommunication providers share a goal of protecting residents from fraud. They are actively developing new technology, he said, including an effective framework called “STIR/SHAKEN,” to combat bad actors.

“This legislation would impractically and improperly establish that providers of voice and messaging services would be liable for the actions of bad actors on their networks,” Keegan said. “While well-intentioned, this legislation would do little to deter bad actors who are already violating existing laws and would instead impose new requirements on law-abiding companies who are hard at work in the fight against unwanted and illegal robocalls and texts.”

Kansas banking officials ask lawmakers to hold social media, phone companies liable for fraud

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A suspect accused of sneaking into a school and making unauthorized with a 13-year-old girl made his first court appearance in the case on Monday.&nbsp;

Michael D. Arnold, 36, was charged with stalking, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; He remains jailed on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records.

Police have arrested Arnold after investigating two incidents at Gordon Parks Academy,&nbsp;2201 E 25th Street N. Wichita, in which he entered the school and made unauthorized contact with a 13-year-old girl, according to a media release from Wichita Police.

The first incident happened around 9:30 a.m. Monday, March 9, at Gordon Parks Academy. Investigators learned Arnold gained access to the building and had contact with the 13-year-old girl speaking with her without parental authorization.

The second incident happened Tuesday, March 10, when Arnold returned to the school entered the building where school staff told him to leave immediately and called police.

Detectives with the Wichita Police Department’s Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit worked the case and took Arnold into custody March 12.

USD 259 has banned Arnold from all district schools.

Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan said, “Our concern is first and foremost with this young girl and her family. This incident is deeply troubling, and I know it has also caused concern throughout the school community and across Wichita. Any situation involving the safety of a child demands our full attention. I am grateful for the officers whose work brought this man into custody. I want the family, the school, and the public to know that our Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit and our entire department remains committed to protecting children and ensure the individual involved in this incident is held accountable.”

Kan. man faces a judge for 'unauthorized contact' with student at school

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating the death of a couple found dead in a Kansas City apartment have identified the victims as&nbsp;

22-year-old Yasmene Herrera and 21-year-old Victor Campos, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Just before 4:30a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shoosting in the 2600 block of NE. 42nd Street in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.

At the scene, officers heard the sound of a gunshot coming from inside an upstairs apartment. Officers made entry inside of the residence to search for any victims and render any necessary medical aid. An adult male was located suffering from gunshot trauma. He was unresponsive. An additional adult female was located. She unresponsive and suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS responded to the scene and declared both individuals deceased.&nbsp;The case is now being investigated as an apparent murder-suicide.

Police ID couple found dead in Kansas City apartment

The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responding to an incident involving a fuel tank on a commercial barge at Tuttle Creek Lake. The contractor involved is expected to begin work on Tuesday to recover the tank.

According to a a media release from Corp of Engineers, the incident occurred just before 2p.m. Sunday when a fuel cell holding approximately 1,800 gallons of diesel fuel became submerged in 20 feet of water.

High winds and wave action from the lake are suspected to be the cause of the incident. No foul play is suspected. 

The Corp of Engineers activated their emergency response plan and are working closely with the contractor who owns the barge, the National Response Center and the state of Kansas to assess and contain the situation.

Response crews and equipment, including a dive team, are deploying to the site to mitigate any potential environmental impact. 

The public is advised to avoid boating in Tuttle Creek Cove until further notice.We are committed to providing timely and transparent updates as more information becomes available. "The safety of the public and the protection of the environment are our top priorities," the Corp reminded.

Work continues to recover fuel tank that fell into Tuttle Creek Lake

WASHINGTON (AP) — Legislation that would require&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/midterms-voting-laws-photo-id-citizenship-republicans-feecb51a6efa41cf32d18fe4b15c08ce">proof of U.S. citizenship</a>&nbsp;for new voters has become a rallying cry for President Donald Trump, who claims that passage of the bill will “guarantee the midterms” for his Republican Party in November.

The bill, which the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-trump-midterms-citizenship-republican-filibuster-b83df9d9d92f82aded39c0859750ae9f">Senate will take up as early as Tuesday</a>, would require voters to provide proof of citizenship when they register and to present approved identification when they go to the polls, among other new rules that Trump and his most loyal supporters are pushing as part of an effort to assert more federal control over elections.

Federal law already requires that voters in national elections be U.S. citizens. But the legislation would lay out strict new requirements for voters to prove their status.

Democrats are uniformly opposed to the legislation and expected to block its passage through the Senate. They say the legislation would disenfranchise millions of American voters who don’t have birth certificates or other documents readily available — both Republicans and Democrats who would be newly registering to vote.

Despite the long odds of success, Trump has been pushing Senate Majority Leader John Thune to move ahead with the bill and suggested Republicans eliminate the filibuster or find another workaround to pass it. Thune has repeatedly said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-save-america-act-congress-voting-midterms-e4223827fff131d9b8f0afabccd56325">there isn’t enough support in the Senate to do that</a>.

Instead, Republicans plan to hold an extended debate on the bill for a week or more, an effort to try and appease Trump and make Democrats defend their position.

The bill would “require Americans to demonstrate that they’re eligible to vote,” Thune said last week. “And that they are who they say they are.”

Proof of citizenship would be needed for new voters

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-save-act-citizenship-voting-elections-a37c139461d11eb5f82086680b67ffe7">Safeguard American Voter Eligibility</a>, or SAVE America Act, would force Americans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/save-act-documents-requirements-citizenship-voting-congress-dfb43bcdd0255d3665da588a60286b4e">prove they are citizens when they register to vote</a>, mostly through a valid U.S. passport or birth certificate.

Driver's licenses in many states would not be enough. The legislation says that the identification must be compliant with new REAL ID rules and also indicate that the applicant is a citizen of the United States — which few state licenses do.

A person registering to vote could also present a passport or a birth certificate. U.S. military members could present a military ID along with a record of service that shows where they were born.

Most people registering to vote would have to present the documents in person at an elections office, including people who vote by mail. Advocacy groups that oppose the legislation say that the bill would crush voter registration efforts ahead of this year's elections.

The bill would create new penalties for election officials who register applicants who have not presented documentary proof of citizenship. Opponents say that provision could potentially scare workers into turning away valid applicants while also discouraging people from working or volunteering at polling locations. It would also allow private individuals to sue election officials in some circumstances.

Voter identification expansion would include mail-in ballots

While federal law requires that voters are U.S. citizens, there is not currently a nationwide requirement that voters must show identification when they go to vote. Currently, 36 states have voter identification laws in place, some stricter than others, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The bill would require voters in all states to present valid identification, and those voting by mail would have to send a photocopy. Overseas military and some qualified disabled individuals would be exempt from those rules.

Republican supporters most frequently highlight this section of the bill when pushing for its passage. Thune said last week that if you have to show an ID to get a library card, “it’s not too much to ask voters to show ID to vote in federal elections.”

States would be required to share their voter rolls

The legislation would require states to share voters' information with the Department of Homeland Security as a way to verify the citizenship of the names on the voter rolls — giving the federal government unprecedented access to state voter data. Many states are already embroiled in legal fights with the Trump administration over demands that they provide voter information.

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