The <a href="https://kansas.gop/">Kansas GOP</a>&nbsp;has provided details, following the concerns of what evidently presumed to be mailers from the Kansas Republican Party, amidst the Salina City Commission and USD 305 Board general election.

ORIGINAL: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ed63fa01-cbab-4b15-ac2a-38cf5702ae2e">Concerns emerge around Salina with perceived to be "endorsed" KS GOP mailers amidst general election: What to know</a>

According to Kansas GOP Treasurer Roger Lomshek, the Kansas Republican Party does not in general (and did not in this case), endorse candidates for local office amidst the election.

"Endorsements are not done lightly, or at random, and to break from our traditional practice would require extraordinary circumstances for the party to take a direct interest, and expend funds in a local race," said Lomshek.&nbsp;

Given the fact that the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ed63fa01-cbab-4b15-ac2a-38cf5702ae2e">indicia</a>&nbsp;lists who legally owns the permit of these mailers and in order for them to be distributed a candidate must pay three cents&nbsp;per mailer, the question becomes:

Since Mayor Greg Lenkiewicz stated he is "not responsible" for the mailers Salinans received throughout the election, the answer for who paid for them is unclear for now.

Lomshek commented, "KS GOP policy is that mailer requests are kept confidential, except as required by law."

He also added that "any registered Republican candidate or County Republican Party" are qualified for the mailers. Before the mailers can be sent out, it must be "reviewed and approved" according to Lomshek.

"Any registered Republican candidate or County Republican Party may contact the KS GOP Executive Director for guidance on use of this service. All mail pieces utilizing the Kansas Republican Party mail permit must be reviewed and approved by the Chair or the Executive Director of the Kansas Republican Party prior to printing," he said.

Furthermore, the mailers in no way were fraudulent and went through the standard KS GOP approval process.

"The mailers in question are not fraudulent and went through the standard approval process," Lomshek stated.

According to the Kansas Finance Act, managed by the Kansas Public Disclosure Commission, there are rules that both the candidate and the Party must report when it comes to all types of expenditures.

In the case a candidate spends over $1,000 in the event of an election, the candidate must file the expenses by the end of the 2025 year and be made available to the public. 

The Campaign Treasurer must disclose those expenditures received.

As per <a href="https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch25/025_041_0048.html">KSA 25-4148</a>, the reports will publically become available by January 10, 2026.

Salina Post will provide updates.

UPDATE: Kansas GOP provides details over perceived "endorsed" mailers for local election

The Saline County Sheriff's Office has released Salina's Most Wanted list for November 2025.&nbsp;

All photos provided are courtesy of the Saline County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;The current arrest number is 3,929.

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Poss. Opiate

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Criminal Threat / Agg. Domestic Battery

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony Bond Violation / Poss. Opiate / Poss. Para.

NAME:&nbsp;Fairchild, Zachary Ryan

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony / Agg. Non-Residential Burglary / Arson / Damage to Property

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Theft / DMG to PROP. / Theft by Decept. / False Info. / Poss. Opiate / Poss MJ / Poss. Para. / Inter. w/ LEO

NAME:&nbsp;Golde, Thomas Lee-Arthur III

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Poss. Opiate s x2 / Conspiracy Agg. Escape from Custody

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Poss. Opiates x3 / Poss. Marijuana x2 / Poss. Paraphernalia x2

NAME:&nbsp;Harwell, Richard Preston

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony Bond Viol. / Poss. Opiate / Poss. Para. / No Drug Tax Stamp / Recruit Gang Member / Crim. Threat / Int. w/ LEO

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony / Att Distribution of Methamphetamine / Paraphernalia / Possess Hydrocodone / Possess Marijuana / Use of cell phone in Felony / No drug tax stamp

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony / Forgery / Att. Forgery / Theft / Att. Theft

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony Bond Viol. / Flee &amp; Elude / Int. w/ LEO /Poss. MJ / Poss. Para. / Crim. DMG to Prop. / DWS / Duty to Report Acc.

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Poss. Opiate x2 / Poss. Marijuana / Interfere w/ LEO

NAME:&nbsp;Jenkins-Bolieu, Raesha Ann

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / PV / Poss. Opiates x2

NAME:&nbsp;Lynn, Katherine Elizabeth

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Poss. Opiates

NAME:&nbsp;McDowell, Tristian Pacey

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Poss. Opiates x2

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Child Support / Poss. Marijuana / Poss. Para. / Restricted DL / Exp. Veh. Reg.

NAME:&nbsp;Murdoch, Johnny Anthony

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Criminal Threat / Battery

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Forgery / Theft

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony / Burglary / Theft / Damage to Property

NAME:&nbsp;Stebbins, Christopher Joel

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Burglary / Theft / Crim. Damage to Property

NAME:&nbsp;Urich, Michael Dominick

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony / Poss. Meth / Poss. Para. / No Drug Tax Stamp / DWS / Leaving Scene of Accident / No POI / Exp. Reg. / Fail to Yield

Saline County Sheriff's Office Most Wanted — November 2025

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: Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Disorderly conduct; Unknown circumstance; Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circumstance

REQUESTED CHARGES: Failure to appear (3 requested charges); Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation Failure to appear (2 requested charges);&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalia/human body; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

Saline County Jail Bookings, November 4

SALINE COUNTY - A deer was reportedly poached and left headless in Saline County.

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office on Friday at around 11:40 am, a male resident near the 1900 block of North Kipp Road reported of finding a headless white-tailed deer.

The day before, the man heard a gunshot at around 4:30 pm. He then found tire tracks, which led him to find the headless deer.

According to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks,&nbsp;regular rifle season for deer in the state is December 3 through December 14, 2025.

Deer poached and left headless in Saline County outside of rifle season 

The largest marathon in Kansas will take over the streets of Salina this Saturday morning. With 5125 registered participants as of Monday morning, the Salina Crossroads Marathon is quickly approaching last year’s record of 5204 registrations. 

Visit Salina estimated that the 2024 Salina Crossroads Marathon generated $1,019,080 in economic impact for the Salina Community. 

There is still time to register to be a part of The Most Runner Friendly Marathon in Kansas. <a href="https://www.runsalinacrossroads.com">https://www.runsalinacrossroads.com</a>

This year the Salina Crossroads Marathon will need more than 400 volunteers. 

Volunteers can sign up for Salina Crossroads at <a href="https://salinacrossroadsmarathon.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=100689">https://salinacrossroadsmarathon.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=100689</a>.

Volunteer needs include course monitors, helping at aid stations, finish line and festival, and packet pickup. 

"Volunteers are what separate the very best marathons from other races. We were blown away by both the number of individuals who volunteered for last year's race as well as their passion and commitment to ensuring that every runner had an amazing experience. Right now our biggest need is for aid stations, race results, and course monitors," said Co-Race Director-Daniel Craig.

Key volunteer positions left to fill (check out the online registration form for additional volunteer opportunities)

· Aid stations: Handing out water, Gatorade and GU Gels to runners.

- Second shift: 10:30 am - 2:00 pm

· Race Results Volunteers: Help runners find their race results and getting them age group awards

The Salina Crossroads Marathon planning team would like to thank the community for your support of this year’s Salina Crossroads Marathon on November 8. The Salina Crossroads Marathon has more than 5115 registered runners from all 50 states, Canada, India, Mexico, Norway, Tanzania, and The United Kingdom. 

The Salina Crossroads Marathon will impact travel in the community so we hope this map will help you plan your travel on November 8. Last year’s race created a visitor economic impact of $1,019,080 and we provided $28,212 to the Salina Burn Track and Field Club, Salina Family YMCA, Kansas Youth Sports, Salina Area Youth Sportsmanship Initiative, and School Marathon Foundation. 

Thanks to more than 50 sponsors/supporters, the Salina Crossroads Marathon is one of the only marathons in Kansas that provides 100% of the race entry fees to local nonprofit organizations. We appreciate your patience and understanding on race day that allows us to make this type of impact for our community. 

For those interested in participating or watching the race we encourage you to check out the 2025 Salina Crossroads Marathon Runner Guide on our website <a href="https://www.runsalinacrossroads.com">https://www.runsalinacrossroads.com</a>/. It contains important information on race day schedule, parking maps, a map of the course, and recommended spectator spots.

“We look forward to the visitor economic impact that having thousands of runners in our community will have and the opportunity to showcase what a beautiful city Salina is. We are proud to be a “Gold Standard” race and look forward to being able to provide 100% of the race entry fees to five local youth sports organizations again this year” said Co-Race Director Craig.

The Salina Crossroads Marathon would like to say a special thank you to the City of Salina, The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, Salina Downtown Inc., our amazing sponsors including our Title Sponsors: Vortex Companies and Schwan’s Companies as well as the 350+ volunteers that have helped the Salina Crossroads Marathon grow to be the largest marathon event in Kansas in just four years.

 “There is power in partnerships, people, and the Salina community coming together to support one another. This event is 100% volunteer driven, from the race committee to the supporters and volunteers throughout race weekend, and that spirit is what makes it so special. Every runner has their own story and their reason for running, and race day is their chance to celebrate that journey through the heart of Salina, surrounded by people who believe in them,” said Co-Race Director Chris Lehecka.

Why Do Runners Participate in the Salina Crossroads Marathon?

“I am a single mom of four and I do not get the opportunity to sign up for many races, because I do not have the extra money. So the low cost entries are very much appreciated.”

"You have all done remarkable work, culminating in Salina Crossroads becoming a premier race in the Midwest. Our running club will once again be back in force, with several Airbnb’s for two nights!"

“Just wanted to say thank you! For everything you are doing, thank you. Honestly, you are rewriting the game on how to run a race.”

“Thank you very much for deferring my entry. You care a whole lot more than the big city races do.”

Runner safety is a primary concern for the Salina Crossroads Marathon. A marathon requires preparation and planning by runners and event medical personnel. 

We work closely with city service agencies and Salina Family Healthcare Center to ensure we have medical teams led by physicians at the start, throughout the course, and at the finish for thorough coverage. 

The Safety Committee works closely with Dr. Andrew Westbrook at Mowery Clinic, Dr. Amanda Rhyne at Salina Family Healthcare Center, City of Salina Police Department, the City of Salina Street Superintendent, Saline County Emergency Management, Salina Fire Department EMS, National Weather Service, the co-race directors, and many amazing healthcare professionals and volunteers to create a safe environment for all participants and spectators.

 “It is always impressive how much the community rallies behind and supports the race. A lot of people put in a significant amount of time to make this event the premier marathon in Kansas. It is really special to be a part of,” said Co-Race Director Andrew Manley.

Friday, November 7th, 2025 10:00 am – 8:00 pm= Registration and Packet Pickup at Homewood Suites by Hilton (115 E. Mulberry).

Saturday, November 8th, 2025 6:00 am -7:45 am=&nbsp;Late registration/packet pickup at the Salina Fieldhouse (140 N. 5th St.)

-&nbsp;7:50 am National Anthem &amp; Announcements

- 8:00 am Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K, Full Relay, &amp; Half Relay races begin at 8:10 am&nbsp;

- 5K Fun Run/Walk begins 9:00 am 5K/10K Awards Ceremony (City Lights Stage) 10:45 am.

- Half Marathon &amp; Half Relay Awards Ceremony (City Lights Stage) 11:15 am.

- Kids Half-Mile race begins 12:15 pm.

- Marathon &amp; Full Relay Awards Ceremony (City Lights Stage) 2:00 pm.

Race Course Closure&nbsp;Lead Car/&nbsp;The lead car for the 2025 Salina Crossroads Marathon is a 1991 Porsche 964 Targa. Thank you to The Garage for providing this year's lead car!

· For 2025, Salina Crossroads Marathon has a new 10K race, enhanced start/finish line structure, and expanded food/drink options at the post-race celebration.

· This year there will be a November First Friday event. This final First Friday event will feature late shopping at over a dozen businesses, until 7 PM and artist receptions at 4 locations. Other events include “The Randy Baldwin Band” will be preforming in Campbell Plaza from 6 – 8.

· States with most registrations: Oklahoma-383, Missouri-381

· Cities in Kansas with most registrations: Wichita-376, Manhattan-279

· All participants will receive a slice of Edwards Pie courtesy of Schwan’s Company!

· Eric Montoy of Vortex Companies designed the Salina Crossroads Marathon logo, race shirts, banners, and medals!

· Salina Crossroads Marathon provides free finish line photos searchable by bib number!

The Salina Crossroads Marathon began when two local runners (Chris Lehecka and Daniel Craig) started visiting about what it would look like for Salina to have a high-quality marathon and half marathon race. The City of Salina helped develop a fun and scenic course that minimized disruptions to traffic and parking in Downtown Salina. The Salina Crossroads Marathon planning committee includes individuals in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors as well as local runners. Andrew Manley serves as a co-race director and treasurer for the Salina Crossroads Marathon. The goals of the Salina Crossroads Marathon are to have a high-quality race that can bring in runners from across the United States, provide 100% of the race entry fees to local organizations, and provide fun family friendly events so the entire community can come be a part of a USATF Certified and Boston Qualifying Marathon weekend.

For more information about the Salina Crossroads Marathon check out the website at <a href="https://www.runsalinacrossroads.com">https://www.runsalinacrossroads.com</a>/ or follow us on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1469896640070189">https://www.facebook.com/groups/1469896640070189</a>.

Salina gearing up for largest marathon in Kansas: What to know

Home burglary in north Salina prompts investigation as several items were reportedly stolen.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on October 31st at around 3:00 pm, a 66-year old male reported his home was burglarized.

The night before the reported burglary, the victim's basement caught on fire. The Salina Fire Department extinguished the fire and the cause of fire was unknown.

The man did not stay the night at his home, but returned the next day. Upon arrival, he noticed the home had been entered and certain items that went missing.

SPD stated the victim said, a 90s model Ibanez guitar, 90s model fender-precision bass guitar (along with its case),&nbsp;20-inch VIZIO TV and a Stanley battery jump box had been stolen.

Additionally, a safe inside the home was reportedly damaged.

The victim named a possible suspect and SPD are currently investigating the crime.

Several items stolen from north Salina home prompts investigation 

SALINE COUNTY - Two-vehicle accident in Saline County results in Abilene man medically transported, and his car destroyed after catching on fire.

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office on Sunday at around 6:00 pm, two vehicles were headed eastbound on I-70 milepost 251, when an accident occurred resulting in one of vehicles catching on fire.

Reportedly, a black 2014 Hyundai driven by Lucas Burleson (21) of Abilene rear-ended a gray 2009 Ford Escape driven by Theresa Bishop (56) of Salina.

After the crash, Burleson went off the road and his vehicle caught on fire in a grassy field. Rural Fire District 5 quickly extinguished the fire.

Burleson was transported to Salina Regional Health Center for a leg injury he sustained. 

Sheriff Roger Soldan stated Burleson was cited for Following Too Close and Unsafe Speed.

Soldan added Bishop received no injuries and there were no passengers in any of the vehicles.

Abilene man's vehicle catches on fire after accident in Saline Co.

Law enforcement are searching for a male suspect that reportedly broke into a business in north Salina.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Saturday at around 8:30 pm, the owner (male) of The Third Fairy Enchanted Brew Haven LLC (153 N. Broadway) reported a suspect who broke into the business.

Reportedly, at about 7:45 pm that same day, the owner was notified that the cameras set up inside the business went offline. The owner then arrived the business and noticed a backpack and bike along the west side of the building.

Furthermore, the owner noticed a flashlight moving around inside the business. The owner then went inside and found a male described to be 5'8 - 5'9 in height and "skinny."

The owner then told the suspect he was going to call the police.&nbsp; The suspect then exited towards the back end of the business and ran away.

It was determined forced entry was made to the back door of the business and the suspect cut power off.

There were no reports of any items that were stolen.

Law enforcement investigating business burglary north of Salina

Male suspect threatens and slashes tire of a convenience store clerk, before arrest.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Saturday at around 7:00 pm, officers were dispatched to Pump Mart (1118 N 9th St.) for the report someone who made a threat to an employee.

Reportedly, a man identified as 46-year old, Walter Cook went inside the store, grabbed two packs of cigarettes and tried to leave without paying.

A male employee then stopped him from leaving, advising Cook he needed to pay for them. Cook then became upset and threatened the employee, stating he was going to "shoot him."&nbsp;

SPD stated, the employee and Cook are acquainted.

Subsequently, Cook left the store and slashed a tire of the employee's vehicle.&nbsp;

When officers arrived, they found Cook a couple blocks away from the store and arrested him without incident. He was booked into the Saline County Jail for the requested charges of:

Salina Police arrest male for threatening and slashing tire of convenience store clerk

Salina Police are currently searching for a stolen pickup truck, valued at $6,000.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Sunday at around 7:00 am, a 71-year old male reported his white 1999 Ford F350, 7 point 3 liter pickup truck was stolen from his home.

Sometime between Saturday at 5:30 pm (November 1st) and 7:00 am on Sunday (November 2nd) the truck was stolen.

The truck bears a KS tag,&nbsp;0687AEB.

Other descriptions of the truck includes:

- Kansas City Chiefs sticker&nbsp;on rear passenger window

- Yellow paint transfer on rear tailgate and rear right quarter panel

- Three yellow hazard lights on top of vehicle (one yellow hazard light on each side)

There were no keys inside the truck when it was stolen.

SPD stated the truck was last seen on Saturday, November 1st at 11:00 pm heading eastbound on I-70, between Junction City and Topeka.

Salina Police currently searching for stolen pickup truck valued at $6,000

Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://coe.k-state.edu/">College of Education</a>&nbsp;is strengthening rural school-community connections and advancing&nbsp;computer science education in Kansas thanks to a $2.9 million grant from the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pattersonfamilyfoundation.org/">Patterson Family Foundation</a>.

Teachers from 10 elementary schools in rural Kansas will have support integrating place-based education into their curriculum through school-community connection and collaboration in a project led by Karen Eppley, associate professor of education and director of K-State's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://coe.k-state.edu/academics/departments/rural-education-center/">Rural Education Center</a>.

"We're trying to bridge the gap between curriculum and community," Eppley said. "Rural places tend to be known as places where schools and communities are tightly knit, and we want to build on this by working with teachers to operationalize what they already know about their place and use it as a tool to engage students in learning about their communities."

The project also complements K-State's work through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/2025/02/engineering-offers-cyber-pipeline-high-school-computer-science-training.html">Cyber Pipeline program</a>&nbsp;by advancing computer science teaching and learning in these rural communities. Students will learn about Kansas history with computer science as a conduit for learning.

"We're offering computer science as a tool for learning about place," Eppley said. "The teachers can use whatever tools are most appropriate to teach about place, but we are offering computer science as a powerful tool for learning about their rural communities and rural Kansas history."

Eppley said this work is important for rural communities because it also helps develop economic vitality.

"If we can support teacher learning about computer science, then we'll have kids who are comfortable and excited about computer science, which opens doors to computer science careers that are particularly useful for rural communities," Eppley said. "Because&nbsp;a lot of computer science jobs are remote,&nbsp;it allows students to stay in place, make a good living wage and contribute to the local economy."

The College of Education will host an on-campus kickoff event for the project on Thursday, November 13 to meet and establish relationships with the enrolled teachers.

Eppley, who joined the university in August, said the project's ultimate goal is to prioritize ongoing professional development and to create a repository of lessons about rural Kansas that can be available for use by future teachers.

"I care deeply about rural schools and teachers, and my passion is connecting them to resources and professional development," Eppley said. "To be able to make this happen at a place like K-State so early in my tenure here has been tremendous. I can't wait to get started."

KSU College of Education supporting rural schools thanks to over $2 million grant

<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, 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

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 17 - October 19

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 15 - October 17

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a business burglary in Manhattan.

Just after 8a.m. Monday, officers filed a report of burglary in the 100 block of S. Seth Child Road, accoding to the Riley County Police Department acitivity report.

 Mead Lumber reported an unknown suspect broke into the business and took money from the register and various tools from the store. The estimated total loss associated with this case is $2,100. 

Anyone with information, contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward up to $1,000.

Police: Kan. lumber yard lost $2,100 in burglary

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Police have completed a criminal investigation into a use of force incident involving Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputy Brett Anderson, according to a media release from Wichita Police.

At the request of Sheriff Jeff Easter, the WPD Alert Team conducted the investigation following a supervisory review of body-worn camera footage by the Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred on September 11, at a local hospital, where a handcuffed man was struck several times by Deputy Anderson during an encounter.

WPD investigators presented the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, which has charged Deputy Anderson with one count of misdemeanor battery. Deputy Anderson, a six-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, was immediately placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal case.

Kan. deputy charged after hitting handcuffed man at hospital

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dick Cheney, the hard-charging conservative who became one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents in U.S. history and a leading advocate for the invasion of Iraq, has died at age 84.

Cheney died Monday night due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, according to a statement from his family.

“For decades, Dick Cheney served our nation, including as White House Chief of Staff, Wyoming’s Congressman, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President of the United States,” the statement said. "“Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing. We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country. And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man.”

The quietly forceful Cheney served father and son presidents, leading the armed forces as defense chief during the Persian Gulf War under President George H.W. Bush before returning to public life as vice president under Bush’s son, George W. Bush.

Cheney was, in effect, the chief operating officer of the younger Bush’s presidency. He had a hand, often a commanding one, in implementing decisions most important to the president and some of surpassing interest to himself — all while living with decades of heart disease and, post-administration, a heart transplant. Cheney consistently defended the extraordinary tools of surveillance, detention and inquisition employed in response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Years after leaving office, he became a target of President Donald Trump, especially after daughter Liz Cheney became the leading Republican critic and examiner of Trump’s desperate attempts to stay in power after his election defeat and his actions in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol.

“In our nation’s 246-year history, there has never been an individual who was a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump,” Cheney said in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-presidential-wyoming-election-2020-33ab8e7df6a6fe46661130a410487b97">a television ad for his daughter</a>. “He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He is a coward.”

In a twist the Democrats of his era could never have imagined, Dick Cheney said last year he was voting for their candidate, Kamala Harris, for president against Trump.

A survivor of five heart attacks, Cheney long thought he was living on borrowed time and declared in 2013 he now awoke each morning “with a smile on my face, thankful for the gift of another day,” an odd image for a figure who always seemed to be manning the ramparts.

His vice presidency defined by the age of terrorism, Cheney disclosed that he had had the wireless function of his defibrillator turned off years earlier out of fear terrorists would remotely send his heart a fatal shock.

In his time in office, no longer was the vice presidency merely a ceremonial afterthought. Instead, Cheney made it a network of back channels from which to influence policy on Iraq, terrorism, presidential powers, energy and other cornerstones of a conservative agenda.

Fixed with a seemingly permanent half-smile -- detractors called it a smirk -- Cheney joked about his outsize reputation as a stealthy manipulator.

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