The Salina City Commission will hold its regular meeting on&nbsp;Monday November 10, 2025. The meeting will begin at&nbsp;4:00 pm&nbsp;inside&nbsp;Room 107&nbsp;of the&nbsp;City-County Building,&nbsp;300 West Ash Street.

For those who cannot attend the meeting, you can watch the livestream Monday, November 10 on YouTube at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.

1.&nbsp;Consider approval of the October 27, 2025, regular meeting minutes.

2.&nbsp;Consider approval of Resolution No. 25-8316 adopting Financial Policies for the City of Salina.

3.&nbsp;Consider authorizing the Mayor to accept a US Department of Justice Co-responder Grant in the amount of $350,000 for two years and sign an updated 2025 Co-responder MOU between the City, Saline County, and Central Kansas Mental Health Center (CKMHC).

4.&nbsp;Consider awarding the Community Development Block Grant Phase 1 contracts by project low bid and authorize the City Manager to sign all four contracts with Kansas Sand &amp; Construction, LLC.

1.&nbsp;Consider authorizing the purchase of a new Wheeled Tractor Elevating Scraper for the Landfill in the amount of $1,268,578.29.

2.&nbsp;Consider the recommended Traffic Control options for the 9th Street and Water Well Road Intersection by Kaw Valley Engineering.

3.&nbsp;Consider Authorizing the City Manager to renew an Agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas for Administrative Services for a Self-Funded Health and Prescription Benefit Plan and Individual and Aggregate Stop-Loss Coverage

4.&nbsp;Consider Authorizing the City Manager to execute a seasonal Facility Use Agreement with Salina Sports, LLC for Summer Collegiate League games at Dean Evans Stadium.

5.&nbsp;Consider an Initiative and Referendum Petition on Ordinance No. 25-11263 (Repealing Code Chapter 7, Article IX, Division 1 - Pit Bull Dogs).

6.&nbsp;Consider approval of Resolution No. 25-8320 determining that the City is considering an expansion of the Salina Downtown Redevelopment District and establishing the date and time of a public hearing.

Residents are invited to share their comments for 3 minutes with the commission.

For more information about each item listed, click&nbsp;<a href="https://agendasuite.org/iip/salina/meeting/details/1182">here</a>.

Commission to discuss pitbull petition and consider expansion of Salina Downtown Redevelopment District in Nov. 10 meeting

A victim of a scam is out $4,000 after befriending someone on Facebook.&nbsp;

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD), a 65-year old man befriended a female on Facebook back on the beginning of October. Reportedly, the woman told the man she had "inherited $1.6 million."

The man was advised he could obtain a portion of this amount. 

Afterwards, the man was contacted by an "attorney" stating he needed to provide fees and legal paperwork in order to receive this amount.

The victim then sent a total of $4,000 in Apple gift cards to pay for these "legal fees."&nbsp;

On Thursday, the victim contacted SPD stating he was scammed.

SPD would like to remind everyone if anybody by phone perceives to be a "lawyer, attorney or government official" and asks for gift cards, money or bitcoin, to NOT follow through with it.&nbsp;It is a scam.

Victim of scam out $4,000 after befriending someone on Facebook

Salina Police arrest and book two felons on several requested charges after a conducted traffic stop.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Thursday at around noon, an officer in the areas of Schilling and I-135 conducted a traffic stop on a black 2012 Ford Mustang that failed make a complete stop at a stop sign and driving improperly.

When the vehicle complied, a K9 with the officer indicated there were a possibility of illegal drugs present. During the search of the suspect vehicle, law enforcement located methamphetamine, a handgun and drug paraphernalia. 

Two suspects were then arrested from the vehicle.

Those suspects were identified as Dalton Freeze (29) and&nbsp;Carl Persinger (38) both from Salina.

Freeze and Persinger were booked into the Saline County Jail for the requested charges of:

Distribution of Opiates, Possession of Opiates, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Felon in Possession with a Firearm and two requested charges of No Drug Tax Stamp.

Additionally, Freeze had several driving infractions.

Two felons booked on several requested charges after traffic stop arrest

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;In transit

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Distribute opiate, opium, narcotic, certain stimulant; 3.5 - &lt; 100 grams; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Improper driving on laned roadway; Poss para w/intent to manuf contr subst; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Crim poss weap by felon; firearm not used in crime; Fail to yield at stop or yield sign

NAME:&nbsp;Lopez Ramirez, Jorge Javier

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Distribute opiate, opium, narcotic, certain stimulant; 3.5 - &lt; 100 grams; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Poss para w/intent to manuf contr subst; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Crim poss weap by felon; firearm not used in crime

*No image available for Pratt, Daniel Thomas*

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

Saline County Jail Bookings, November 7

David Battin, MD, cardiologist with the Heart Center at Salina Regional Health Center, has received the Trailblazer Award from the Kansas Chapter of the American College of Cardiology for his pioneering work expanding cardiovascular services across Kansas. 

The award was presented Saturday, October 25, in Olathe during the KSACC Cardiovascular Symposium. The Trailblazer Award recognizes physicians who have made significant contributions to building and advancing cardiovascular care in the state.

“It is our honor to recognize Dr. David Battin for his trail blazing work in Salina, Kansas,” Rakesh Gopinathannair, M.D. said. “Dr. Battin was instrumental in bringing several ‘big city’ cardiovascular procedures to Salina, Kansas including the Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (Watchman procedure)&nbsp;program and the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, TAVR, program at SRHC. He has been instrumental in bringing the medical community in Salina and its outlying areas together to create a team approach to provide excellent cardiovascular patient care that is paving the way for generations behind him. We applaud Dr. Battin for his groundbreaking, lifesaving work in Salina.”

Salina Regional Health Center serves a large rural region, where many patients may lack access to specialty care available in metropolitan areas. The expansion of structural heart and interventional cardiology programs in Salina allows patients to receive life-saving treatment close to home.

"Receiving the Kansas ACC Trailblazer Award is a profound honor, reflecting my dedication to advancing cardiovascular care in our state,” Battin said. “This award motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of interventional cardiology, ensuring that patients receive the most innovative and effective treatments. I am committed to mentoring future leaders in cardiology and improving heart health outcomes across Kansas."

Salina cardiologist earns award for advancing cardiovascular care in Kansas

Kansas Corporation Commission&nbsp;

The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) approved a unanimous settlement agreement creating a Large Load Power Service (LLPS) rate plan that is designed to serve electric customers requiring greater than 75 megawatts of peak power consumption.

The settlement was a collaborative effort focused on meeting the growing needs of the state’s largest electric users, including data centers and large manufacturers, while protecting other ratepayers from bearing an unfair portion of any incremental associated costs.

Participants in the negotiations included consumer interests (KCC Staff, Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board, Kansas Industrial Consumers), large company interests (Data Center Coalition, Google), the utility (Evergy), conservation interests (Sierra Club, National Resources Defense Council) and several school districts.

The new LLPS rates will apply to any new facility beginning service with a peak load forecast at 75 megawatts (75 MW) or more, or an existing customer expecting to expand by 75 MW. The contract term will be a minimum of 12 years, plus an optional load ramp period of up to 5 years, which most customers are expected to use, for a total contract length of 17 years.

Customers on the plan will pay a minimum monthly bill based on 80% of their contract demand, regardless of actual usage. They will also be required to provide collateral equal to two years of minimum monthly bills. If the contract is terminated early, an exit fee will apply that will require the customer to pay all minimum bills that would have been billed had the customer continued service.

Demand and energy rates in the LLPS plan are designed to cover Evergy’s incremental cost to serve large load customers, so existing customers are not subsidizing those users. In addition, any system upgrades that are necessary solely to serve the new/expanded customers will be directly assigned to the new/expanded customer.&nbsp; 

Network upgrades to the transmission system needed to bring the large loads online will be directed by the Southwest Power Pool, as regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which is responsible for ensuring that wholesale transmission costs are allocated in a fashion that is at least roughly commensurate to the benefits being received by those transmission upgrades.&nbsp;

Efforts were also made to design a plan that was competitive with other Large Load Tariffs throughout the country, so that Kansas can properly compete for the economic development benefits that these loads represent.&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Festar.kcc.ks.gov%2Festar%2FViewFile.aspx%2F25-315_Settlement_Agreement.pdf%3FId=f65c8223-c3d3-47a7-b83b-877f318cf355%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019a5a4a9fb3-255ec259-63e7-4756-8029-7fe97225629c-000000/BiOSBwpucGmbrkgjU6UksUy5-PIEuvRpwa5639Y9WCc=430">View the order</a>.

View the Unanimous Settlement Agreement&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Festar.kcc.ks.gov%2Festar%2FViewFile.aspx%2FS202508181202168915.pdf%3FId=9e907841-85a6-49d2-8321-59acf777cfd6%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019a5a4a9fb3-255ec259-63e7-4756-8029-7fe97225629c-000000/7kZh0p0gu20ci9-4oiWGxrZ7zo9y_2LyY7xHyUWC6jo=430">here</a>.

A recording of the Business Meeting featuring comments by Commissioners, is available&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Findex=5%26list=PL3bfgkxiuDtfTgzvAyG1ZOqDYAkXIk2uC%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26v=-MXY_2K3BUo/1/0101019a5a4a9fb3-255ec259-63e7-4756-8029-7fe97225629c-000000/o7u7Nz3beUor4D86rH48PzAIJZ2nQN2oAFQt8puuTGg=430">here.</a>

KCC approves unanimous settlement agreement serving state's largest electric users

Salina Public Schools (SPS) is proud to announce the 2025 Building Bridges event, taking place Tuesday, November 11, from 3:30 to 5:00 pm at South High School, 730 E. Magnolia Rd.

This free event is open to all and will bring together community members, business and industry representatives, families and educators to discuss Career and Technical Education (CTE).

“I’ve seen firsthand that strong CTE programs, supported by dedicated business and community partners, give students real-world skills, purpose and pathways to success. When schools, industry and the community work together, we don’t just prepare students for graduation, we prepare them for their future,” explained Heath Hogan, superintendent.

At the event, guests will experience a showcase of Salina Public Schools’ CTE facilities, featuring the learning environments, technology and tools that help students develop the skills needed for success in Salina’s future workforce. 

Guests will have the opportunity to engage with students from programs such as construction, animal science, welding, health science and marketing, view student projects, and learn about current activities and upcoming competitions from student CTE organizations. A variety of hors d’oeuvres, prepared by SPS Culinary Arts students, will be provided.

Building Bridges is a partnership between SPS, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce and Kansas WorkforceONE. This partnership is designed to continuously improve CTE services.

For more information, visit our website&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.usd305.com/">www.usd305.com</a>.

The USD 305 Board of Education has been invited; no official board action will take place.

Salina Public Schools invites community to 2025 Building Bridges event

By TISA MASON FHSU president

In the heart of our university lies a team that enables students to dream bigger, expect more, and achieve their educational aspirations: the Financial Aid Office. As the facilitators of access and affordability, these dedicated professionals navigate a complex landscape of federal regulations and ever-evolving technology. Their commitment goes beyond just numbers; it’s about creating opportunities for students who may otherwise encounter barriers to a college education.

Among these champions are three of the office’s most seasoned staff members—Chantelle Arnold, Robyn Hearne, and JoAnn Tomecek—who collectively boast 74 years of experience in financial aid. Their journeys illustrate resilience and an unwavering passion to serve students, with their close-knit team dynamics creating a supportive and collaborative work environment that extends across campus.

With 23 years of experience in financial aid and a degree in Communications, Robyn Hearne has formed a special bond with her colleagues. “I don’t have sisters. So, these people feel like my family,” she shared with heartfelt sincerity. What began as a role she never anticipated embracing has transformed into a fulfilling career that she describes as “addictive.” Each day on campus is a chance for Robyn to engage with students and provide them with the guidance they need to navigate the financial aid maze.

JoAnn Tomecek, a tenured veteran with 36 years’ experience and a degree in office administration, recognizes the responsibility that comes with their roles. “This is a good team. We’re here to serve the students,” she shared. The team’s mission is straightforward yet challenging: to ensure that each student receives their financial aid accurately and efficiently. They have tackled obstacles through a collaborative spirit, working to accelerate students towards their academic goals.

“Chantelle, Robyn, and I are all passionate about our jobs,” JoAnn continued. “We do all we can to understand the changes,” especially with evolving policies like federal FAFSA updates and new systems like Workday. Despite rapid changes in the financial aid landscape, JoAnn credited their adaptability and dedication to the success of their mission.

With her master’s degree in leadership, Chantelle Arnold emphasized the importance of student support systems, asserting their role as the final checkpoint before students embark on their college journey. The office has evolved significantly, streamlining communication methods and enhancing collaboration with other departments to make the financial aid process more integrated and efficient.

“Whether it be our immediate office family or our true families at home, students always come first,” Chantelle remarked. This strong sense of community fosters a healthy workplace environment where employee satisfaction translates to improved student service. The office also

mentors ten hardworking student employees who contribute to day-to-day functions, demonstrating that collaboration and teamwork are at the heart of their success.

Navigating federal regulations, changing demographics, and heightened technology demands is no small feat. “We just have to evolve with everything coming our way,” Robyn pointed out, acknowledging the need for continuous learning in their dynamic field. They face new challenges head-on, often digging “into the weeds of the regulations” to keep themselves and students well-informed about the financial aid landscape.

“We work well together,” Robyn summarized. “If there’s a problem, we talk about it, figure it out, and move on.” This proactive communication is vital to their collective success and, ultimately, to the students they serve.

Statistics do not just measure success in the Financial Aid Office, but also in the stories of perseverance that emerge from each cohort of graduates. The resilience and grace of Chantelle, Robyn, JoAnn, and their team underscore a truth that echoes across our university: financial aid is not just about funding education; it’s about forging pathways and nurturing dreams.

As students emerge from the barriers of financial uncertainty to embrace a brighter future, it is essential to recognize the heroes behind the scenes. The Financial Aid Office exemplifies the spirit of service that makes our university a place of opportunity for all, inviting students to chase their dreams, regardless of their financial background. Their unwavering commitment to excellence often goes unnoticed, but it makes all the difference for our students.

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 7 - November 10

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 obituary policy (subject to change)

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.

Salina Post accepts all obituaries&nbsp;free of charge&nbsp;and 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.

Recent obituaries and service times

ABILENE - The Public Library in Abilene, has announced of receiving a $10,000 grant from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.carnegie.org/">Carnegie Corporation of New York</a> (CCNY).

The grant comes from CCNY in celebration of America's upcoming 250th anniversary after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The library received this grant as its listed as a&nbsp;Carnegie Library.&nbsp;

According to a <a href="https://www.carnegie.org/news/articles/hundreds-of-carnegie-libraries-to-receive-10000-gifts-in-celebration-of-united-states-250th-anniversary/?utm_source=social_toolkit_share&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=CL250&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawN5xPhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFTcVhDN2pwS3VORVRqVWhQc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrG5xLnv0ukzn7PRChosh1eHHQbl1Px2N5XrjqEysI89JDUnxU89xAqCY_0O_aem_EIA4GeoT0gAisc3ap7gMVw">press release from CCNY</a>&nbsp;published on Oct. 22,&nbsp;Carnegie Libraries across America received a $10,000 gift to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence through a special initiative announced by CCNY.

Abilene's library is one of more than 1,200 Carnegie Libraries still serving communities nationwide.

For more information about the Abilene Public Library, click <a href="https://abilene.lib.nckls.org/">here</a>.

Abilene library receives $10,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, celebrating America's birth

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 5 - November 7

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 3 - November 5

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 31 - November 2

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 29 - October 31

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 27 - October 29

Four day weather forecast Salina, October 24 - October 27

The US National Weather Service has announced events of showers and thunderstorms are expected to return this weekend in Salina and throughout Central Kansas.

Accordingly, showers and thunderstorms will overspread the area starting Thursday night, with the greatest coverage in southern Kansas. Temperatures will drop into the upper 40s and 50s throughout the area.

Forecast depicts that showers and thunderstorms are likely to occur throughout the span of this weekend, and into Monday, October 27.

Showers and thunderstorms expected to return to Salina this weekend

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 22 - October 24

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 20 - October 22

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of a violent attack on a teen, later identified as his girlfriend, will learn his fate Friday.

Dominic Thomas, who was 19 at the time of the crime is scheduled for sentencing in Judge William Wolley's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In November of 2024, a jury convicted him of attempted first-degree murder.

Just after 10 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2020 police responded to an assault report at a home in the 3900 block of North Litchfield in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson

Upon arrival, officers contacted a 17-year-old girl who was visibly shaken and wet. The investigation revealed 19-year-old Dominic Thomas and the victim were talking near a pond at 37th Street North and Sullivan when a disturbance occurred.

During the disturbance, Thomas battered the girl, drug her to a nearby pond and held her head under the water. Thomas then released her and fled. Officers later located Thomas, and he was arrested without further incident.

Sentencing Day: Kansas man tried to drown pregnant girlfriend

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">Shauneen Miranda</a>

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday allowed President Donald Trump’s administration to continue carrying out, for now, its policy requiring that passports only list a person’s sex assigned at birth.

The nation’s highest court paused a lower court order that temporarily barred the administration from enforcing the policy, codified in an executive order Trump signed in January.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government/" target="_blank">executive order</a>&nbsp;made it the “policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female” and called on the State Department to “implement changes to require that government-issued identification documents, including passports, visas, and Global Entry cards, accurately reflect the holder’s sex.”&nbsp;

Under then-President Joe Biden, the State Department&nbsp;<a href="https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/03/31/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-advances-equality-and-visibility-for-transgender-americans/" target="_blank">allowed</a>&nbsp;people to “select an ‘X’ as their gender marker on their U.S. passport application.”

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26219531-scotus-passports-11625/" target="_blank">the unsigned court order</a>, the majority noted that “displaying passport holders’ sex at birth no more offends equal protection principles than displaying their country of birth — in both cases, the Government is merely attesting to a historical fact without subjecting anyone to differential treatment.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented, indicating a 6-3 decision.

Jackson, who authored the dissent, wrote that the court “fails to spill any ink considering the plaintiffs, opting instead to intervene in the Government’s favor without equitable justification, and in a manner that permits harm to be inflicted on the most vulnerable party.”&nbsp;

“This Court has once again paved the way for the immediate infliction of injury without adequate (or, really, any) justification,” she wrote. “Because I cannot acquiesce to this pointless but painful perversion of our equitable discretion, I respectfully dissent.”&nbsp;

In February, the American Civil Liberties Union&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.280559/gov.uscourts.mad.280559.1.0_2.pdf" target="_blank">filed a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against the administration on behalf of seven transgender and nonbinary people over the suspension of the Biden-era policy.

A federal judge in Massachusetts in June temporarily blocked the administration from enforcing the policy. The judge had issued an earlier preliminary injunction in April that applied to six of the case’s plaintiffs.&nbsp;

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit kept in place the district court’s order in September, prompting the administration to ask the Supreme Court to intervene.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Supreme Court OKs for now Trump passport policy that targets trans people

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent crime.

Just after 9p.m. Nov. 4, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a disturbance in the area of the 2400 Block of Dike Road, in Great Bend, according to a media release.

Officers found a male victim with a large cut on his forehead. The victim stated that he had been at the river near the North Main bridge when he got into an argument with Tiara Mills-Dotson, 30. The victim stated that during the argument, Mills-Dotson charged at him and struck him in the head with an unknown object.

While speaking with a witness, it was determined that the object used was a butcher knife, which was located and recovered at the scene. Mills-Dotson was transported and booked into the Barton County jail on requested charges of Aggravated Battery and for Aggravated Assault.

Kansas man jailed for alleged attack with a butcher knife

WASHINGTON (AP)—Vice President JD Vance said Americans are “about to start suffering some very real consequences” at airports and with SNAP benefits because of the government shutdown, now in its 38th day.

(click below to listen to VP Vance's comments)

“After 30 days of this thing, 40 days of this thing, you’re going to start seeing very real travel delays. That’s because the Democrat government shut down,” Vance told reporters at the White House. “They should stop this charade and open up the government.”

Meanwhile, a federal judge Thursday ordered Trump’s administration to fully fund SNAP for November, three days after the government said it would only partially pay for the food aid program used by 1 in 8 Americans.

Judge John J. McConnell Jr. in Providence, Rhode Island, ruled that it must provide the money by Friday in response to a coalition of cities and nonprofit groups. The judge was one of two who said last week that the government couldn’t pause the program entirely this month because of the government shutdown.

“The defendants failed to consider the practical consequences associated with this decision to only partially fund SNAP,” McConnell said. “They knew that there would be a long delay in paying partial Snap payments and failed to consider the harms individuals who rely on those benefits would suffer.”

🎥Vice President critical of judge's ruling to fully fund SNAP

By JOSH FUNK and RIO YAMAT Associated Press

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/federal-aviation-administration">Federal Aviation Administration</a>&nbsp;'s unprecedented order to scale back flights nationwide because of the record-long government shutdown took effect Friday morning, with some passengers trying to figure out backup travel plans.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/faa-government-shutdown-flight-cuts-airports-list-a11237fe6d6e14bed0935930dffed72e">40 airports</a>&nbsp;selected by the FAA&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-reduced-flights-what-to-know-a7feaf54f65567d180ae5a232cb0bcb4">span more than two dozen states</a>&nbsp;and include hubs such as Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles and Charlotte, North Carolina, according to the order.

In some metropolitan areas, including New York, Houston, Chicago and Washington, multiple airports will be impacted, while the ripple effects could reach smaller airports as well.

Airlines scrambled to adjust their schedules and began canceling flights Thursday in anticipation of the FAA's official order, while travelers with plans for the weekend and beyond&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-airlines-passengers-cancellation-thanksgiving-523690be1f72b90b2a9e0676794f829d">waited nervously</a>&nbsp;to learn if their flights would take off as scheduled.

Airlines also planned cancellations into the weekend, directing passengers to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/airlines-passengers-flights-canceled-information-e8ae9a6a132a081d28f71cab8c54cec1">check apps to learn their flight status</a>.

Full list of airports affected by FAA service cuts

More than 815 flights have been called off nationwide, according to FlightAware. Delta Air Lines said it would scratch roughly 170 flights Friday, and American Airlines planned to cut 220 a day through Monday.

The FAA said the reductions would start at 4% and ramp up to 10% by Nov. 14. They are to be in effect between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. and impact all commercial airlines.

The agency said the cutbacks are necessary to relieve pressure on air traffic controllers who have been working without pay for more than a month. Many are pulling six-day work weeks with mandatory overtime, and increasing numbers of them have begun calling out as the financial strain and exhaustion mount.

“You can’t expect people to go in to work when they’re not getting a paycheck,” said Kelly Matthews of Flat Rock, Michigan, a frequent business traveler who has canceled most of her upcoming trips. “I mean it’s not a matter of them not wanting to do the job — but you can’t afford to pay for gas, your day care and everything else.”

The order comes as the Trump administration is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-democrats-trump-election-senate-2079f4008c87aeb71d2f3998c3c42901">ramping up pressure</a>&nbsp;on Democrats in Congress to end the shutdown.

Airlines said they would try to minimize&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-travel-delays-canceled-flights-38bd3f9d066b064b5f2aa248864fe13b">impact on customers</a>. Some planned to focus on slashing routes to and from small and medium-size cities.

Carriers are required to refund customers whose flights are canceled but not to cover secondary costs such as food and hotel accommodations unless a delay or cancellation results from a contributing factor that is within the control of the airlines, according to the Department of Transportation.

Industry analyst Henry Harteveldt warned that the reductions will “have a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-reduced-flights-what-to-know-a7feaf54f65567d180ae5a232cb0bcb4">noticeable impact across the U.S.</a>&nbsp;air transportation system.”

The cuts could also slow package service as two airports on the list are major distribution centers for delivery companies: FedEx in Memphis, Tennessee, and UPS in Louisville, Kentucky, the site of this week’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ups-plane-crash-explosion-kentucky-victims-12188ae7c9eae6411aa72fec223e742c">deadly cargo plane crash</a>.

Associated Press journalists Hallie Golden in Seattle, Safiyah Riddle in Montgomery, Alabama, and Wyatte Grantham-Philips in New York contributed.

FAA's order to cut flights nationwide due to gov't shutdown is in effect

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement continue investigating and searching for a suspect in a fatal shooting that occurred October 23 at Dr. Glen Dey Park, located at 2801 N. Grove in Wichita. During a press conference on Oct. 28, police announced&nbsp; Crime Stoppers is now offering a $5,000 reward in the case.&nbsp; Police also indicated they have only received three tips on the investigation since the crime occurred.

(Click below to watch the Oct. 28, police briefing on the shooting)

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

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

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

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

Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $5,00 reward for information leading to an arrest in the shooting.

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

Suspect in killing at Kan. youth football game still at large

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans voted to reject legislation Thursday that would have put a check on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;ability to launch an attack against Venezuela, as Democrats pressed Congress to take a stronger role in Trump’s high-stakes campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Lawmakers, including top Republicans, have demanded that the Trump administration provide them with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">more information on the U.S. military strikes</a>&nbsp;against alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. But Thursday’s vote, on legislation that would essentially forestall an attack on Venezuelan soil without congressional authorization, suggested Republicans are willing to give Trump leeway to continue his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-buildup-caribbean-venezuela-ships-troops-810f6181371f53536c723ea562c5277c">buildup of naval forces</a>&nbsp;in the region.

“President Trump has taken decisive action to protect thousands of Americans from lethal narcotics,” said Sen. Jim Risch, the Republican chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Still, the vote allowed Democrats to press their GOP colleagues on Trump’s threats against Venezuela. The legislation failed to advance 49-51, with Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska the only Republicans voting in favor. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marhsll voted against the legislation.

The U.S. is assembling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-buildup-caribbean-venezuela-ships-troops-810f6181371f53536c723ea562c5277c">an unusually large force</a>, including its most&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aircraft-carriers-trump-venezuela-middle-east-a458b9c4f1a5690e19d7c532dd6b7fd7">advanced aircraft carrier</a>, in the Caribbean Sea, leading many to conclude that Trump intends to go beyond just intercepting cocaine-running boats. The campaign so far has killed at least 66 people in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-petro-colombia-drugs-us-aid-c3955b2ce351737119920741178e0567">16 known strikes</a>.

“It’s really an open secret that this is much more about potential regime change,” said Sen. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat who pushed the resolution. “If that’s where the administration is headed, if that’s what we’re risking — involvement in a war — then Congress needs to be heard on this.”

Some Republicans are uneasy with Caribbean campaign

Republican leadership pressed Thursday to make sure the legislation failed, but several senators still carefully considered their vote.

Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, another Republican who voted against the resolution, said that he still has doubts about the campaign. He pointed out that it was expensive to change the deployment location for an aircraft carrier and questioned whether those funds could be better used at the U.S.-Mexico border to stop fentanyl trafficking.

Tillis said that if the campaign continues for several months more, “then we have to have a real discussion about whether or not we’re engaging in some sort of hybrid war.”

Sen. Todd Young, an Indiana Republican, said in a statement that he voted against the legislation because he didn’t believe it was “necessary or appropriate at this time.”

But he added that he was “troubled by many aspects and assumptions of this operation and believe it is at odds with the majority of Americans who want the U.S. military less entangled in international conflicts.”

As the Trump administration has reconfigured U.S. priorities overseas, there has been a growing sense of frustration among lawmakers, including some Republicans, who are concerned about recent moves made by the Pentagon.

At a hearing in the Senate Armed Services Committee earlier Thursday, Sen. Roger Wicker, the Republican chair, said that many senators have “serious concerns about the Pentagon’s policy office” and that Congress was not being consulted on recent actions like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-zelenskyy-russia-ukraine-a15a459c9a3a393d040478ebbe250a9e">putting a pause on Ukraine security assistance</a>, reducing the number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nato-eastern-flank-us-troops-drawdown-russia-40a1c731a866ce84d5c7721fe12c380e">U.S. troops in Romania</a>&nbsp;and the formulation of the National Defense Strategy.

GOP senators have directed their ire at the Department of Defense’s policy office, which is led by Elbridge Colby, an official who has advocated for the U.S. to step down its involvement in international alliances.

“It just seems like there’s this pigpen-like mess coming out of the policy shop,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, during another Armed Services hearing earlier this week.

As pushback has mounted on Capitol Hill, the Trump administration has stepped up its outreach to lawmakers. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-congress-6163b24e940dd74005fc3cb78751f92a">classified briefing for congressional leaders Wednesday</a>. The officials gave details on the intelligence that is used to target the boats and allowed senators to review the legal rationale for the attacks, but did not discuss whether they would launch an attack directly against Venezuela, according to lawmakers in the meeting.

Still, Democrats have tested the unease among Republicans by forcing the vote on the potential for an attack on Venezuela under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which was intended to reassert congressional power over the declaration of war. A previous war powers vote pertaining to the strikes against boats in international waters also failed last month on a 48-51 vote, but Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, who pushed the legislation, said he still plans to force more votes.

“We should not be going to war without a vote of Congress. The lives of our troops are at stake,” Kaine said in a floor speech.

Democrats also argued that the Trump administration was using a flimsy legal defense for an expansive military campaign that is putting U.S. troops and the nation’s reputation at risk. Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Armed Services panel, charged that Trump is engaging in “violence without a strategic objective” while failing to take actions that would actually address fentanyl smuggling.

“You cannot bomb your way out of a drug crisis,” he said.

Moran, Marshall help Senate vote down legislation to limit attacks on Venezuela

HARVEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Thursday in Harvey County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Toyota 4Runner driven by&nbsp; Yamilena&nbsp;Zambrano Galue, 24, Wichita, was southbound on Interstate 135 one mile south of Lincoln Boulevard.&nbsp;The SUV struck a KDOT 2023 Freightliner 108SD driven by Charlene&nbsp;Harvey, 40,&nbsp; Newton, who was doing maintenance on the Interstate and was partially in the left lane.

EMS transported Zambrano to Wesley Medial Center.&nbsp; The truck driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kan. woman injured after SUV strikes a KDOT truck

PAWNEE COUNTY — Faith Ann Dinning, 31 of Garfield, Kansas, made her formal First Appearance Wednesday in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff before Pawnee Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell on a three&nbsp; count domestic violence Criminal Complaint, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

Dinning is charged with one count of Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, one count of Domestic Battery, and one count of Disorderly Conduct. All charges have been designated as Domestic Violence Offenses.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department after deputies were dispatched to a possible automobile accident occurring in the City of Garfield the morning of October 31. 

Law enforcement dispatch received the accident report from an automated Life360 accident notification. Subsequent to Life360 notification, emergency dispatch received a concerned citizen call reporting a domestic altercation at a place of business in Garfield involving Dinning and one of their employees. The reporting party also advised dispatch the parties in question had left the business in separate vehicles, but that a T-bone vehicle accident occurred almost immediately thereafter approximately a block north of the business.

Upon arrival, deputies encountered Dinning with her incapacitated vehicle. The second vehicle involved had left the scene prior to law enforcement’s arrival. No serious injuries were reported. It was later determined that Dinning’s significant other had been driving the second vehicle. Based in part on the tire impressions and skid marks in the gravel road, and estimated rate of speed, law enforcement arrested Dinning without incident for intentionally driving her vehicle into the other vehicle.

Deputies also arrested the second party based on the sheriff’s department’s domestic violence mandatory arrest policy. After reviewing the case reports, however, the Pawnee County Attorney’s Office declined to file formal criminal charges against Dinning’s significant other.

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