The Saline County Sheriff's Office has announced four arrests have been made from <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/363099f8-b182-430a-87af-dd6fd394f5e2">February's most wanted list</a>.&nbsp;

To see the full list of the Saline County Sheriff's Office most wanted list for February 2026,<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/363099f8-b182-430a-87af-dd6fd394f5e2"> click here.</a>

<a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/Sheriff-Office/Online-Search/Housed-Inmates">To check who is currently booked in the Saline County Jail system, click here.</a>

Sheriff: Four arrested from February most wanted list

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) continues to monitor air quality across the state due to the recent wildland fires in western Kansas that began on February 17, due to high winds and dry conditions. 

Updates will be provided as Air Quality Index (AQI) results are made available.

Wildfires can&nbsp;release large amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants that can form ground-level ozone. Particulate matter and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy individuals. Common health problems include burning eyes, runny nose, coughing, and illnesses such as bronchitis. People with respiratory conditions and cardiovascular diseases, as well as children and elderly, are more vulnerable to experience symptoms.

Steps to protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community include:

For current air monitoring data in Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F300%2FAir-Monitoring-Data%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019c733bde0b-88ba7a88-c6c3-4df9-a039-eb54e6bc4abf-000000/tPi0YxZHeJzAAS1dV7Mcwa7eIModNxL9Y7XD4CRrL_8=445">Air Monitoring Data | KDHE, KS</a>.

Monitoring data and fire and smoke information can be accessed at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Ffire.airnow.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%236%2F41%2F-98/1/0100019c733bde0b-88ba7a88-c6c3-4df9-a039-eb54e6bc4abf-000000/pCRXAJVA8Lj-J7wJWglHIj2RlMsfTvUztBALVGeZQKE=445">AirNow Fire and Smoke Map</a>.

KDHE monitoring air quality after recent wildland fires 

LINDSBORG—&nbsp;In collaboration with Bethany College, Messiah Festival of the Arts, and Kansas State University’s Hale Library, the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery is pleased to host a viewing of and presentations about the Heritage Edition of&nbsp;The Saint John’s Bible&nbsp;on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Described in some circles as the American&nbsp;Book of Kells,&nbsp;The Saint John’s Bible&nbsp;is the first hand-written, hand-illuminated Bible, commissioned more than 500 years ago. Created using medieval techniques and calf-skin vellum,&nbsp;The Saint John’s Bible&nbsp;is a 14-year project completed by a team of calligraphers, artists, iconographers, theologians, and scholars. It contains more than 160 illuminations and an original script. The Heritage Edition of&nbsp;The Saint John’s Bible&nbsp;is a museum-quality replica of the original and a work of art on its own.

In addition to viewing, learn more about the process used in its creation and feel for yourself the wonder of this masterpiece that will be enjoyed for generations to come. The Bible is one of only 300 made and the only one in Kansas.

The Sandzén Gallery is located at 401 North First Street in Lindsborg. There is no charge for the event. For further information, please call the Gallery at 785-227-2220 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sandzengallery@gmail.com" target="_blank">sandzengallery@gmail.com</a>.&nbsp;

St. John’s Bible to be showcased at the Sandzén Gallery in Lindsborg

A Salina man under the influence was combative and made threats to several people before his arrest.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Wednesday at around 7:45 pm, officers were dispatched to a home in north Salina for the report of a man&nbsp;refusing to leave property in the area.

The man identified as 38-year old, Raymond Lawrence was allegedly&nbsp;was under the influence of an unknown substance and acting irregularly.

SPD stated they determined Lawrence attempted to confront a person in the area wanting to fight. However, no fight occurred and when Lawrence went towards the person, he tripped and fell on his own hitting his head on the ground. 

Officers at the scene were speaking with Lawrence, but he reportedly spit on an officer and yelled he was "going to kill the officer." 

Lawrence was then taken into custody and as he was being walked to a vehicle, he kicked an officer. He was then successfully detained.

Medics were called to check on Lawrence’s injuries and transported him to Salina Regional Health Center. En route to the hospital, Lawrence again spit on an officer inside the ambulance vehicle. While at the hospital, Lawrence attempted to kick hospital personnel and also threatened to kill hospital personnel. 

Once Lawrence was cleared by the hospital he was transported to the Saline County Jail where Lawrence continued to be combative towards officers, jail personnel and also threatened to kill jail personnel. 

Lawrence was booked into the Saline County Jail in reference to 3 requested charges of Battery of a Law Enforcement Officer, Criminal Threat and Disorderly Conduct.

Salina man under the influence combative and makes threats to several people before arrest

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.

NAME:&nbsp;Burwell,Zachary Matthew

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Disorderly conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct to cause resentment

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Defective wipers/obstructed windshield; Display of license plate; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Poss of hallucinogenic drug; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

NAME:&nbsp;Lawrence,Raymond Monroe

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty; Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Disorderly conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct to cause resentment

REQUESTED CHARGE: Driving While Suspended

Saline County Jail Bookings, February 19

Salina Public Schools has announced new administration roles that have taken place.

Scott Chrisman becomes&nbsp;Executive Director of Human Resources

Scott Chrisman has become the Executive Director of Human Resources effective July 1, 2026.

Chrisman has 23 years of experience in education, with 18 years of experience in Salina Public Schools. He currently serves as the principal at Lakewood Middle School. His additional experience includes:

Chrisman earned his bachelor’s degree in social studies education from Kansas State University. He earned his master’s degree in educational administration from Emporia State University.

Tiffany Lowe becomes Central High School Principal

Tiffany Lowe has become Central High School's Principal effective July 1, 2026.

Lowe has 15 years of experience in Salina Public Schools and currently serves as the assistant principal at Central High School. Her additional experience includes:

Lowe earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary special education from Washburn University. She earned her master’s degree in educational leadership from Kansas State University.

USD 305 announces the appointment of new administration roles

The Kansas Department of Insurance (KDOI) are offering support to communities impacted by Tuesday's wildfires across the state, according to Commissioner Vicki Schmidt.&nbsp;

“If you have an issue with insurance, we want to know about it,” said Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. “The Department stands ready to help Kansans navigate the recovery process, file insurance claims, and work through any insurance issues.”

If you or someone you know is having trouble with an insurance claim, please contact the Kansas Department of Insurance’s Consumer Assistance Division for any claims-related questions or concerns by phone: 785-296-3071; by email at KDOI.complaints@ks.gov; or visit the Department online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.insurance.kansas.gov/home">insurance.kansas.gov</a>.

The Department is coordinating outreach with the Kansas Division of Emergency Management to remain in contact with local authorities in the impacted counties.

Department of Insurance offering support to communities impacted by wildfires

A successful turnout occurred at a recent biannual Kansas dogs judge training program held in Salina.

The <a href="https://www.kansas4-h.org/projects/animal-science/dog/#:~:text=The%20Kansas%204%2DH%20Dog%20Project%20is%20an,*%20**Intermediate**%20*%20Selecting%20nutritious%20dog%20foods">Central Kansas District 4-H Dog Project</a> recently hosted the biannual State 4-H Dog Project Judges Training, held January 31 to February 1 at the Saline County Expo Center.

Organized by the Kansas 4-H Project Partnership Team, the event succeeded thanks to 19 volunteer teams from the CKD/Saline, CKD/Ottawa, Dickinson, Reno, Republic, and Sedgwick 4-H programs, as well as the Salina, Hutchinson and Riley.

Participants were able to become trained and certified to judge the four dog phases of showmanship, obedience, agility and rally obedience in the Dog Care and Training Project. This training is appropriate for both leaders and potential judges.

Each participant needed to be 16-years and older to attend this certification and training.

Dog judges must certify every 4 years. Certification will be offered in even-numbered years beginning in 2026.&nbsp;All judges who need to recertify in 2026 or 2027 must recertify at this training.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kansas4-h.org/educational-experiences/project-based-events/trainings/dog-leader/">For more information, click here.</a>

Successful turnout at biannual State 4-H Dog Project Judges Training in Salina

Salina Police arrested a man for over 90 requested charges of violating a protection order.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Tuesday, officers were dispatched to a home in north Salina for the report of a male who had an outstanding Domestic Violence Battery warrant for his arrest.

Reportedly, 40-year old Juan Renteria-Cortez was connected to a domestic violence incident that occurred in the beginning of January.

When officers arrived to the home, they located and arrested Renteria-Cortez.&nbsp;

He was booked into the Saline County Jail for 96 requested charges of Violation of a Protection order, Harass by Telecommunication Device (1) and Felony Stalking (1).

Renteria-Cortez was arrested for these additional requested charges above for an incident that occurred on February 13. A 41-year old female victim reported she had a Protection from Abuse order against Renteria-Cortez, but he continuously emailed, texted and called the victim in the duration of two days.

The victim and Renteria-Cortez are known.

Salina PD place over 90 requested charges on man for violating protection order

A Salina man was arrested after he threatened to shoot multiple family members.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Tuesday at around 10:15 am, an 80-year old woman reported she received a call from a 33-year old male relative who said he was "going to shoot multiple family members."

Reportedly, the woman and other family members found illegal contraband inside the man's backpack. They removed the items from the bag and the man identified as Dakkota Deister, threatened the family members when he found out.

Officers arrived to a home in south Salina where Deister was located and took him into custody without incident. He was booked into the Saline County Jail for three requested charges of Criminal Threat.

SPD are conducting a search warrant on a vehicle to obtain a firearm that is suspected to belong to Deister and more charges are pending.

According to Saline County jail records, Deister was booked on December 14 for the requested charges of&nbsp;Domestic Battery and operating a vehicle without a valid license.

Police: Salina man threatens to shoot multiple family members before arrest

31 student leaders in Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://engg.k-state.edu/">Carl R. Ice College of Engineering</a>&nbsp;have been selected to represent the college through the Engineering Ambassadors organization.

Engineering Ambassadors are current engineering students who are chosen to promote the engineering profession and act as hosts for the college. Each ambassador assists with recruitment initiatives that occur both on and off campus.

Students with strong academic and leadership records are eligible for membership and are selected after an application and interview process.

Leanne Reineman, assistant director of recruitment, and Craig Wanklyn, assistant dean for recruitment, serve as advisors to the ambassadors.

According to KSU, the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering is a highly ranked, 100-year-old engineering college named after alumnus and former <a href="https://www.bnsf.com/about-bnsf/index.page">BNSF Railway</a> CEO Carl R. Ice. It offers 12-15 undergraduate majors, graduate programs (master's/PhD), and is known for high graduate career placement, strong industry partnerships and research in sustainability and technology.

The following students are the 2026 Engineering Ambassadors:

Thomas Ashley, sophomore in computer science, Soren Barua, sophomore in computer science, and Karissa Worthington, senior in electrical engineering, all from&nbsp;Andover;Viv Nguyen, senior in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Dodge City;&nbsp;Jory Ratzlaff, junior in agricultural technology management,&nbsp;Galva;&nbsp;Yan Dologuin, senior in computer science,&nbsp;Goodland;&nbsp;Katelyn Kuckelman, junior in cybersecurity,&nbsp;Lenexa;&nbsp;Ava Hornung, senior in biomedical engineering, and Kaiser Wymer, freshman in biological systems engineering, both from&nbsp;Manhattan;&nbsp;Luke Claussen, freshman in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Olathe;&nbsp;Corissa Bandel, junior in biological systems engineering,&nbsp;Oskaloosa;&nbsp;Ryan Duewer, junior in computer engineering, Taylor Howard, junior in industrial engineering, and Eliot Wagner, senior in mechanical engineering, all from&nbsp;Overland Park;&nbsp;Brock Dolton, junior in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Salina;&nbsp;Tessa Gerber, freshman in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Silver Lake;&nbsp;Will Garberg, sophomore in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Stilwell;&nbsp;Allie Jones, junior in industrial engineering, and Parker Williams, junior in mechanical engineering, both from&nbsp;Topeka;&nbsp;and Cassidy Huynh, junior in biomedical engineering,&nbsp;Wichita.

From out of state: Connor Keogh, sophomore in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Phoenix, Arizona;&nbsp;Kate Dunham, senior in biomedical engineering,&nbsp;Colorado Springs, Colorado;&nbsp;Will Dannahower, sophomore in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Fort Collins, Colorado;&nbsp;Naomi Fuller, junior in industrial engineering, and Jesse Vu, sophomore in architectural engineering, both from&nbsp;Kansas City, Missouri;&nbsp;Ashlee Kelley, senior in industrial engineering,&nbsp;Parkville, Missouri;&nbsp;Kylee Bollinger, junior in architectural engineering,&nbsp;Smithville, Missouri;&nbsp;Nicholas Ancel, junior in mechanical engineering, and Andrew Wood, senior in chemical engineering, both from&nbsp;St. Louis, Missouri;&nbsp;Townes Mullinex, junior in biological systems engineering,&nbsp;Palmyra, Virginia;&nbsp;and Matthew Druffel, freshman in agricultural technology management,&nbsp;Pullman, Washington.

Salina engineering student among 30 others representing KSU to recruit and promote profession

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 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.

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.

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

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 16 - February 18

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 13 - February 15

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 11 - February 13

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 9 - February 11

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

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, a panel made up of President Donald Trump's appointees, on Thursday approved his proposal to build a ballroom larger than the White House itself where the East Wing once stood.

The seven-member panel is one of two federal agencies that must approve Trump's plans for the ballroom. The National Capital Planning Commission, which has jurisdiction over construction and major renovation to government buildings in the region, is also reviewing the project.

Members of the fine arts commission originally had been scheduled to discuss and vote on the design after a follow-up presentation by the architect, and had planned to vote on final approval at next month's meeting. But after the 6-0 vote on the design, the panel's chairman, Rodney Mims Cook Jr., unexpectedly made another motion to vote on final approval.

Six of the seven commissioners — all appointed by the Republican president in January — voted once more in favor. Commissioner James McCrery did not participate in the discussion or the votes because he was the initial architect on the project before Trump replaced him.

The ballroom will be built on the site of the former East Wing, which Trump had demolished in October with little public notice. That drew an outcry from lawmakers, historians and preservationists who argued that the president should not have taken that step until the two federal agencies and Congress had reviewed and approved the project, and the public had a chance to provide comment.

The 90,000-square-foot ballroom would be nearly twice the size of the White House, which is 55,000-square-feet, and would accommodate about 1,000 people, Trump has said. The East Room, currently the largest room in the White House, can fit just over 200 people at most.

Commissioners offered mostly complimentary comments before the votes.

Cook echoed one of Trump's main arguments for adding a larger entertaining space to the White House: It would end the long-standing practice of erecting temporary structures on the South Lawn that Trump describes as tents to host visiting dignitaries for state dinners and other functions.

“Our sitting president has actually designed a very beautiful structure,” Cook said. “The United States just should not be entertaining the world in tents.”

The panel received mainly negative comments from the public

Members of the public were asked to submit written comment by a Wednesday afternoon deadline. Thomas Leubke, the panel’s secretary, said “over 99%” of the more than 2,000 messages it received in the past week from around the country were in opposition to the project.

Leubke tried to summarize the comments for the commissioners.

Some comments cited concerns about Trump’s decision to unilaterally tear down the East Wing, as well as the lack of transparency about who is paying for the ballroom or how contracts were awarded, Leubke said. Comments in support referenced concerns for the image of the United States on the world stage and the need for a larger entertaining space at the White House.

Trump has defended the ballroom in a recent series of social media posts that included drawings of the building. He said in one January post that most of the material needed to build it had been ordered “and there is no practical or reasonable way to go back. IT IS TOO LATE!”

The commission met Thursday over Zoom and heard from Shalom Baranes, the lead architect, and Rick Parisi, the landscape architect. Both described a series of images and sketches of the ballroom and the grounds as they would appear after the project is completed.

Trump has said the ballroom would cost about $400 million and be paid for with private donations. To date, the White House has only released an incomplete list of donors.

A lawsuit against the project is still pending

The National Trust for Historic Preservation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-ballroom-sued-preservationists-76dc3bbea28257e79f8becd487d2c4d7">has sued</a>&nbsp;in federal court to halt construction. A ruling in the case is pending.

In comments it submitted to the commission, the privately funded group recommended that the size of the ballroom be reduced to “accommodate and respect the primary historic importance of the original Executive Residence.”

At&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ballroom-white-house-east-wing-48c6630d2e81adad1793e25f8e447117">the commission's January meeting</a>, some commissioners had questioned Baranes, Trump's architect, about the “immense” design and scale of the project even as they broadly endorsed Trump's vision. On Thursday, Baranes described changes he has since made to the design, and the commissioners said they welcomed the adjustments.

The ballroom project is scheduled for additional discussion at a March 5 meeting of the National Capital Planning Commission, which is led by a top White House aide. This panel heard an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-ballroom-commission-review-3dd5e3c1b2475d1f39843b9193572576">initial presentation about the project</a>&nbsp;in January.

This story has been corrected to reflect that the ballroom was approved by six of the seven commissioners and that one commission did not vote because he was the initial architect on the project.

 Commission OK Trump's White House ballroom plan

President Trump nominates KBI Director for vacancy on U.S. District Court

The City of Hutchinson’s Downtown Revitalization Director was arrested twice this week, according to Reno County booking and court records.&nbsp;

Reno County Detention Center records show that Scott Andrew Cooley was first booked Sunday, Feb. 15, on requested charges of driving under the influence, second conviction; incapable of safely driving; and&nbsp;operating&nbsp;a motor vehicle without a required ignition interlock device during a restriction.&nbsp;

Cooley was booked again Wednesday after a probation arrest and detain warrant was issued. Court documents&nbsp;indicate&nbsp;the warrant was filed by his court services officer following the Feb. 15 arrest. The order alleges Cooley violated the terms of his probation by being arrested for DUI and by&nbsp;possessing&nbsp;a bottle of Seagram’s gin.&nbsp;

Cooley’s probation stemmed from a municipal appeal of a Dec. 12, 2023, conviction in Hutchinson Municipal Court, where he was found guilty of driving under the influence.&nbsp;

According to Reno County District Court records, Cooley entered into a plea agreement on Sept. 17, 2025. He was sentenced on Sept. 19,&nbsp;2025&nbsp;to&nbsp;90 days&nbsp;in the custody of the Reno County Detention Center, with five days to be served before probation due to a medical condition. The court also imposed a $1,250 fine&nbsp;for the charge&nbsp;and an&nbsp;additional&nbsp;$100 fine for interference with law enforcement. He was serving six months of probation at the time of the recent arrest.&nbsp;

The City of Hutchinson announced in January that Cooley had joined the city as its Downtown Revitalization Manager, effective Jan. 5. The position was created to provide focused leadership for the downtown area and to advance implementation of the city’s Downtown Master Plan.&nbsp;

In that role, Cooley&nbsp;was responsible for&nbsp;leading day-to-day downtown revitalization efforts, including business support, redevelopment, coordination and oversight of the city’s Kansas Main Street Program.&nbsp;

Hutch Post has requested the status of Cooly’s employment.&nbsp;City officials tell us that Cooley is no longer employed by the City of Hutchinson.&nbsp;

Hutchinson Downtown Revitalization Director arrested twice this week

The weather allowed both ground and aerial firefighting efforts to make good progress containing the fires in southwest Kansas and the Oklahoma panhandle on Wednesday, according to&nbsp;Mark Engholm,&nbsp;State Fire Marshal of Kansas.

On Thursday, the state has also pre-positioned a task force in southeast Kansas due to forecast Red Flag conditions.

State Fire Marshal: Good progress on containing wildfires in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas sheriff's office detective will be in court Thursday. Shawn McMahon, 57, will attend a preliminary hearing in the courtroom of Judge Tyler Rousch, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; The judge will determine if there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial.

In December 2024, the Wichita Police Department was requested to investigate the conduct of a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputy assigned to the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit who allegedly failed to thoroughly investigate criminal complaints while serving on a task force investigating internet crimes involving children.

Investigators from the WPD’s Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) carried out the investigation, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

As a result, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office charged Detective Shawn McMahon with two counts of Making a False Writing and one count of Interference with Law Enforcement. All of these charges are felonies.&nbsp;McMahon is currently suspended without pay.

Preliminary hearing: Kan. sheriff's detective charged with felony crimes

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Last week, Governor Laura Kelly vetoed House Substitute for Senate Bill 244 that requires those who use bathrooms in government buildings use the bathroom that match their biological sex at birth.   

 On February 18, the Legislature overrode the Governor’s veto.

The following statement is from Governor Kelly regarding the overriding of her veto of House Substitute for Senate Bill 244:

“As I said in my&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2FHome%2FComponents%2FNews%2FNews%2F920%2F55/1/0101019c71ebbca5-d080fc2d-91aa-4ca4-b5ce-faac5e5be697-000000/bAgEqd529f51Of2UCTGhmeXJPzQ2oP3HwC59m2beqIs=445">veto statement</a>, this is a poorly drafted bill with significant, far-reaching consequences.

“Not only will this bill keep brothers from visiting sisters’ dorms and husbands from wives’ shared hospital rooms, it will cost Kansas taxpayers millions of dollars to comply with this very vague legislation.

“It is nothing short of ridiculous that the Legislature is forcing the entire state, every city and town, every school district, every public university to spend taxpayer money on a manufactured problem. Kansans elected them to focus on education, job creation, housing, and grocery costs.”

What Kan. governor said after her veto of bathroom bill  was overridden

LONDON (AP) — U.K. police arrested&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/britain-epstein-andrew-former-prince-arrested-1eabcfff09626fbed29a5920ffe506f9">Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor</a>&nbsp;on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Thames Valley Police, an agency that covers areas west of London, including Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home, said it was “assessing” reports that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-andrew-prince-mountbatten-windsor-friend-7fa8aadad792e66963a1d18d9039235b">former Prince Andrew</a>&nbsp;sent trade reports to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2010.

The assessment followed the release of millions of pages of documents connected to a U.S. investigation of Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-andrew-prince-mountbatten-windsor-friend-7fa8aadad792e66963a1d18d9039235b">features a number of times</a>&nbsp;in the documents.

The police force did not name Mountbatten-Windsor, as is normal under U.K. law. But when asked if he had been arrested, the force pointed to a statement saying that they had arrested a man in his 60s. Mountbatten-Windsor is 66.

“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,’’ the statement said. “We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in his relationship with Epstein. Last fall, King Charles III&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/andrew-scandal-king-charles-monarchy-epstein-33ec8ff4508ef1b36aad7532181245e8">stripped Andrew of his royal titles</a>, including the right to be called a prince, as he tried to insulate the monarchy from the continuing revelations about his younger brother’s relationship with Epstein. Those revelations have tarnished the royal family for more than a decade.

Images circulated online appeared to show unmarked police cars at Mountbatten-Windsor's home, Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, with plainclothes officers appearing to gather outside.

Ex-Prince Andrew arrested over Epstein-linked allegations

KANSAS CITY —When the call came in Sunday afternoon for someone drowning in a lake near Pittman Road and E 43rd, Officers Manley and Hawley raced to the scene, according to a social media report from the Kansas City Missouri Police Department.

The officers found two people in the water, with one deep in the lake, struggling for survival.

Manley and Hawley shed their gear and entered the water, rescuing a young woman.

Manley has been with the department 26 years, while Hawley started her KCPD career four years ago.

🎥KCPD officers rescue woman from drowning 

WASHINGTON – Carter Camacho, 18,&nbsp; of Smyrna, Georgia,&nbsp;was charged in a complaint Wednesday with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm within the United States Capitol Buildings or Grounds in connection to carrying a loaded shotgun onto federal property, according to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

Camacho made his first appearance in U.S. District Court Wednesday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey who scheduled a detention hearing for March 2, 2026.

According to the charging documents, on Feb. 17, 2026, Camacho parked a white Mercedes SUV on Maryland Ave. SE, between First and Third Streets. About 12:07 p.m., Camacho exited the vehicle and ran toward the United States Capitol carrying a firearm while wearing a tactical-style vest and camouflage-style clothing.

Camacho reached the steps on the western side of the Capitol. A uniformed officer with the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) asked Camacho what he was carrying. Camacho produced the firearm. The officer ordered Camacho to halt and lie down on the ground.

Once Camacho was on the ground, USCP officers recovered a Mossberg Model 88 12-gauge shotgun loaded with seven rounds in the tube and one in the chamber, with the safety off. An additional 17 rounds of ammunition were held in a carrier attached to the shotgun’s stock.

Officers placed Camacho in handcuffs. Camacho told USCP officers that he was just there to talk to a Member of Congress.

USCP officers traced Camacho’s path to the white Mercedes SUV and located a fixed blade knife on the ground about forty feet from the vehicle.

WASHINGTON —United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers surrounded and arrested a man who ran toward the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun on Tuesday. The arrest happened shortly after noon on the Lower West Terrace, according to a media release from U.S. Capitol Police.

The suspect also had multiple rounds of ammunition and a tactical style vest. USCP officers found the suspect’s SUV in front of the U.S. Botanic Garden on Maryland Avenue, SW. A gas mask and helmet were spotted inside the vehicle.&nbsp;

Thanks to the quick actions of the officers, no one was hurt.

“Just last summer, we held an active threat exercise on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol – in the very location where today’s officers stopped the suspect,” said U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan. “These now routine exercises are planned monthly and in different areas of the Capitol Complex to keep our officers ready for potential threats just like this.”

The suspect, 18-year-old Carter Camacho of Smyrna, GA, was arrested on requested charges of Unlawful Activities, Carrying a Rifle without a License, Unregistered Firearm, and Unregistered Ammunition.&nbsp;

The USCP’s Threat Assessment Section is investigating to determine the suspect’s motive. He was not on file with the USCP.

Man who charged U.S. Capitol with loaded shotgun faces a judge

WICHITA, Kan. — Pursuant to K.S.A. 25-2435, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office announces the conclusion of the investigation into potential criminal culpability arising from the issuance of a mailer the week of January 26, 2026 which contained inaccurate details regarding the March 3 Wichita Sales Tax special election, according to a media release from the DA's office.

As has been previously reported, on Monday, February 2, 2026, the Office of the District Attorney, 18th Judicial District, was contacted by Laura Rainwater, Sedgwick County Election Commissioner, regarding a mailer sent to Wichita voters the previous week by the group, “Wichita Forward.”

The mailer contained the following inaccurate statements:

1. Under “Step 3” the mailer informed readers that advance ballots had to be received by the election office by February 24th. That was incorrect. Advance ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on the date of the election, March 3.

2. At the bottom of the mailer, under the section entitled “Vote In Person,” the mailer states

that polls are open from 6:00 a.m. until 7 p.m. That was incorrect. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Wichita Forward issued an apology and clarification on Saturday, January 31, 2026, acknowledging the misstatements and clarifying with accurate information.

The political consulting group, Cato Consulting, was retained by Wichita Forward to handle marketing associated with the March 3 special election. Cato Consulting then contracted with Hexcode Marketing, a private vendor, to design the mailer in question. 

Both Cato Consulting and Hexcode Marketing provided written communications detailing the process by which the mailer came to be finalized. Both parties assert that the errors contained in the mailer were identified by Cato Consulting in writing before the mailer was sent to the printer.

Hexcode Marketing sent the incorrect mailer on to be printed without taking corrective action to fix the mailer, which the company attributes to human error while attending to other tasks.

Various laws were considered, including K.S.A. 25-2433, Advance Voting Suppression, which prohibits “knowingly, which intent to impede, obstruct or exert undue influence on the election process,” “(d) exercising undue influence upon an advance voter in applying for, delivering ormarking an advance voting ballot”; and K.S.A. 25-2415, Intimidation of Voters, which prohibits “(a)(2) mailing, publishing, broadcasting, telephoning or transmitting by any means false information intended to keep one or more voters from casting a ballot or applying for or returning an advance voting ballot.”

There is no evidence that the goal of the marketing vendor or the consultant was to impede voters or prevent the casting of votes. Rather than uncovering evidence of the requisite criminal intent necessary to charge a crime, the investigation revealed that the inaccuracies in the mailer appear to have been the result of human error.

There is no evidence of the criminal intent necessary to support criminal charges in this matter. 

DA rules on criminal intent in Wichita sales tax mailer 

Kansas Wesleyan Men's Basketball honored its 2025-26 seniors prior to the start of Wednesday's home finale against the arch-rival Bethany Swedes inside Mabee Arena.

Once the ball went up for the opening tip, the seniors and the rest of the Coyote lineup did their part to make sure the final home game of the season was a good one.

The Coyotes shot 50 percent from the field, outrebounded the Swedes by 30 and had 14 players score in the game as KWU obliterated Bethany 101-65 in front of a large and raucous crowd.

The victory also keeps the Coyotes in the hunt for the eighth and final playoff spot in the KCAC Tournament which starts next week. The Coyotes are tied with Avila at 11-10 in conference play, but Avila holds the tiebreaker on the Coyotes by winning the earlier season match-up between the teams.

KWU needs to beat Ottawa on Saturday in Ottawa and then become giant Tabor College fans as Avila faces Tabor in Hillsboro on Saturday.

Wesleyan raced out to an 11-2 lead and never looked back, the Swedes getting no closer than six points after that at 13-7 with 14:37 left in the first half. A 15-3 run by the Coyotes made it 28-10 Coyotes with 9:20 left in the first.

Bethany got it within 13 at 28-15, but another Coyote spurt, a 9-0 run made it 37-15 with 6:51 to go in the first.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bfe1c57f-a639-4f9c-8570-94de8267584f?elinkdata=38199">Matthew Garber's</a> 3-pointer with 1:22 left in the first half gave the Coyotes a 53-25 lead and it was a 53-27 difference at the half.

Bethany got within 19 with 14:25 left in the game, but got no closer.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c593047a-597e-4110-b2aa-d07077ba525f?elinkdata=38199">Evens Appolon's</a> dunk with 9:03 left put the Coyotes up 30 at 79-49 and the only question left on the table was would the Coyotes get to 100 points in the game.

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