Kansas State Department of Education

The Kansas State Board of Education has approved new cut scores for state assessments, reaffirming the state’s commitment to maintaining high academic expectations while ensuring a more accurate and fair measure of student achievement.

Kansas introduced a new assessment in 2025, and as is standard practice, cut scores were developed accordingly. 

Kansas educators coming together to set cut scores also afforded an opportunity to address what multiple measures have shown to be a long-standing misalignment between assessment scores and actual student performance.

Through an in-depth study comparing individual state assessment results with ACT scores, AP coursework, dual credit, graduation rates and postsecondary outcomes, educators found that previous performance levels did not accurately reflect student readiness.

“This process is about accuracy, fairness and alignment, not lowering expectations,” said Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson. “Kansas educators led this process, using their professional expertise and data to set cut scores that reflect what our students truly know and can do.”

The new cut scores provide a more precise, transparent and evidence-based measure of achievement.

Cut scores are specific points on a test’s scoring scale that separate different levels of student performance. They determine the minimum score a student must achieve to be placed into a particular performance category – Limited, Basic, Proficient, Advanced.&nbsp;

2025 State Assessment Performance Level Descriptors:

Kansas State Board of Education approves new state assessment cut scores

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.

*No image available&nbsp;Horacek, Gary Eugene*

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended

NAME:&nbsp;Katzenmeier, Dennis Ryan

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Obstructing apprehension or prosecution; Committed or charged with felony

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;DUI; 2nd conv.; blood or breath .08 or higher; Transporting an open container

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity

NAME:&nbsp;Sanchez-Gallegos, Jose Cristian

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Speeding; maximum limits; Transporting an open container

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, August 17

Kansas Wesleyan is proud to announce the selection of a trio of new members to the university’s Board of Trustees. Judge Angela (Angie) Coble ’94, Bob Meyer ’73 and Teresa (Teri) Schultz ’88 began stints on the board this past month.

“These three distinguished alumni each brings gifts, talents and experiences that will help set the direction of KWU,” said Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU president. “I look forward to working with them to shape our university and the future for the students we serve.”

Angela (Angie) Coble ’94 (Salina, Kan.)&nbsp;is a judge of the Kansas Court of Appeals in Topeka but maintains her residence in Salina. After growing up in western Kansas and graduating from Stockton High School, she earned her bachelor's degree at KWU with a degree in Criminal Justice, receiving the KWU Student Hall of Fame award in 1994. She later earned her law degree from Washburn University School of Law and practiced at a local law firm before spending a decade as a research attorney for two federal judges in Wichita. She was appointed to the Court of Appeals by Gov. Laura Kelly and confirmed by the Kansas Senate to her position in 2022. Coble has served the Salina community in numerous ways, as a volunteer at local schools, church and the Smoky Hill River Festival, and on the boards of organizations such as Salina Emergency Aid/Food Bank, Salina Airport Authority, and more than a decade at Salina Family Healthcare.

Bob Meyer ’73 (Olathe, Kan.)&nbsp;is a longtime leader of the KWU Foundation who recently completed eight years on that board, including a term as chair. Meyer worked alongside KWU leadership to foster continued improvements in the KWU endowment, which is now approaching $50 million. He spent 10 years utilizing his KWU Chemistry degree, working for an environmental laboratory in Salina. He transitioned to financial advising in 1984 and has continued in that career since. In addition to his work with KWU, Meyer has served in various leadership roles in his church and with other charitable organizations. Meyer’s late wife, Karen, attended KWU. They are proud of their long connection to the university.

Teresa (Teri) Schultz ’88 (Lawrence, Kan.)&nbsp;is a patent attorney currently serving as director of licensing for the University of Kansas Center for Technology Commercialization, supporting all of KU, including the KU Medical Center. In addition to more than 12 years of experience in academic technology transfer, Schultz worked in the legal department of a pharmaceutical company for 12 years, advising the company with respect to intellectual property matters, licensing and acquisitions.&nbsp; Teri obtained a B.S. in Chemistry from Kansas Wesleyan, a M.S. in Chemistry from the University of Arizona, and a J.D. from Washburn University School of Law. Numerous family members, including both parents, are alumni of KWU, and she is related to Henry M. Mayo, the first graduate of Kansas Wesleyan (1887), through her grandmother’s side of the family.

Former Kansas Gov. William “Bill” Graves ’76 and Jerry Norton ’59 were selected as trustee emeritus members of the board.

For more information on Kansas Wesleyan, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kwu.edu/news">www.kwu.edu/news</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KWU announces newest members of Board of Trustees

ABILENE - Roxie Yonkey, a best-selling author from Goodland, will discuss her newest book "Historic Kansas Roadsides," at the&nbsp;Abilene Public Library&nbsp; (209 NW 4th St.) at 6:30 pm on Thursday, August 21.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Historic Kansas Roadsides" outlines a dozen Kansas road trips. Yonkey will have all her Kansas books available for purchase.&nbsp;

Usually, Yonkey begins presentations by leading "Home on the Range," the Kansas state song. She will then highlight several topics from Historic Kansas Roadsides relating to Abilene, Dickinson County and surrounding counties.

Historic Kansas Roadsides&nbsp;is Yonkey's fifth published book. She wrote the bestseller "100 Things to Do in Kansas Before You Die," "Secret Kansas: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure" and the Kansas sections of&nbsp;Midwest Road Trip Adventures&nbsp;and&nbsp;Midwest State Park Adventures. 

Yonkey has written about Kansas for more than 35 years and has amassed numerous awards.

Best-selling author from Goodland to discuss Kansas road trips at Abilene library 

Volga German Sesquicentennial Action Committee

HAYS/ELLIS COUNTY — The <a href="https://ourpeopleourhome.org/">Volga German Sesquicentennial Action Committee</a> is calling on the community of Ellis County to help preserve Ellis County’s rich Volga German heritage by submitting historical photographs, documents and personal stories for a forthcoming 2026 commemorative publication.

The committee is gathering high-quality images and narratives that showcase all aspects of Volga German immigrant life, from the settlers’ arrival in the 1870s to the present day.

Organizers say contributions will celebrate 150 years of Volga German influence in the region, marking the official sesquicentennial of their arrival in western Kansas in 1876.

The public submissions can cover a broad range of subjects: 

People and family life, historic buildings and churches, cultural traditions, the German dialect spoken by descendants, recipes and foods or any other facet of Volga German life.

Personal stories and recollections are welcome in either first-person accounts or third-person narratives.

“We want to ensure this anniversary is celebrated not just with dates and facts, but with the voices and images of the families who built our communities,” said Amanda Rupp, executive director of the Ellis County Historical Society. “Preserving these family photos and stories is vital to understanding who we are as a community. It’s about capturing the everyday lives and traditions of the Volga German families that made this area their home.”

Submissions are being accepted through the project website, <a href="http://OurPeopleOurHome.org">OurPeopleOurHome.org</a> which was created to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Volga Germans arrival in Ellis County.

The site’s Submission Center allows users to upload images, videos or written stories and contributors are asked to include captions or descriptions for any photographs.

Submissions will be considered for use online, on social media and in the upcoming published book.

James Bell, publications chair for the Sesquicentennial Action Committee, said that materials from beyond Ellis County are welcome as well.

“We know the region’s Volga German story extends beyond Ellis County’s borders,” Bell said. “If families in surrounding counties have a shared heritage, we encourage them to contribute their stories and photos too. The more perspectives we include, the richer this collection will be.”

For those who have old prints, slides or artifacts that aren’t yet digitized, the committee is offering scanning assistance.&nbsp;Individuals with physical photographs, letters or other documents can contact organizers via the website to arrange use of scanning equipment or other help in converting items to a digital format.

“If you have a box of old photographs or letters in the attic, we want to help you share those,” Bell said. “We have resources to safely scan and digitize these treasures so they can be part of this preservation effort. Every family keepsake has the potential to tell a story.”

Organizers emphasized that all submitted materials should be original (or submitted with permission of the owner) so that the content can be published without legal issues.

Contributors will retain ownership of their originals; the committee requests only the right to include the material in the sesquicentennial project.

The 150th anniversary celebrations are expected to span throughout 2026, honoring the legacy of the Volga German settlers who first arrived in Ellis County in 1876.

Ellis County became a hub for these immigrants in the late 1870s, when German families who had previously settled in Russia’s Volga River region came to the United States seeking new opportunities.

They established a number of local villages, such as Liebenthal, Catherine, Herzog (now Victoria) and others, that still cherish their Volga German roots.

The upcoming sesquicentennial festivities will highlight this heritage through exhibits, cultural demonstrations and gatherings of descendants.

A calendar of events for 2026 is being developed and will be published on <a href="http://OurPeopleOurHome.org">OurPeopleOurHome.org</a> website as plans are finalized.

The American Historical Society of Germans from Russia has again chosen Hays, KS to host its national conference in 2026, reflecting the area’s importance as a center of Volga German history.

The publication and events are an initiative of the Sesquicentennial Action Committee to engage the public in celebrating 150 years of Volga German contributions to the area.

Rupp said the success of the project depends on broad community participation.

“This project is truly about community collaboration,” she said. “Every photo album or family tale that gets shared brings us one step closer to preserving our history for the next generation.”

Community members can upload their materials via the Submit Materials page at <a href="https://ourpeopleourhome.org/">OurPeopleOurHome.org</a>.

Those needing assistance or more information may reach out through the site’s "Contact Us" form or call the Ellis County Historical Society.

The committee encourages early submissions as the commemorative publication will be compiled over the coming months in preparation for the 2026 festivities.

By contributing to <a href="https://ourpeopleourhome.org/">OurPeopleOurHome.org</a> local families can help paint a vibrant picture of Volga German life in Ellis County and ensure that our home and our people are remembered for generations to come.

For questions or more information email: ourpeople150yearsourhome@gmail.com.

Action Committee calling Ellis County members to support its rich history of Volga German heritage

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.

On August 14, deputies with the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office arrested Ryan Matthew Roth, 38, of Enterprise, Kansas on a warrant for aggravated internet trading in child pornography and sexual exploitation of a child.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In April, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office began the investigation after receiving tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.&nbsp; During the investigation, a search warrant was executed at a residence in the 500 Block of Court Street, Enterprise, Kansas. &nbsp;Additional search warrants were executed and the warrant was then issued for the arrest of Roth.&nbsp; Roth is being held on a $250,000 bond in the Dickinson County Detention Facility, according to online jail records.

Kansas man accused of trading child porn online

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;DUI; 3rd conv.; incapable of safely driving; Driving While Suspended; Duty of driver to report; Unattended veh./prop.;unkn.; Improper driving on laned roadway; No Proof Of Insurance; Transporting an open container

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Aggravated robbery; dangerous weapon; Agg. assault; w/ deadly weapon; Agg. battery; Knowingly use deadly weapon; Aggravated burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crime; Crim. poss. weapon by a convicted felon

REQUESTED CHARGE: Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Miller, Anthony Tramane

Saline County Jail Bookings, August 16

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information (LMI) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.8% in July. This is unchanged from 3.8% in June and an increase from 3.7% in July 2024. The labor force participation rate for Kansas decreased to 66.9% in July.

The unemployment rate in Saline County is up slightly from 3.6 percent in June to 3.8 percent in July. The rate in Dickinson County continues to climb from 3.7 percent in May to 4.3 percent in July.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 4,300 from June. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 700 over the month, while government decreased by 5,000. The largest job gains in the private sector were in trade, transportation and utilities (+1,300 jobs). The largest decrease was in leisure and hospitality&nbsp;(-900 jobs).

Since July 2024 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 3,300. This change is due to an increase of 5,100 private sector jobs and a decrease of 1,800 government jobs.

Jobless rate up slightly in Saline County, across the region

Salina Family Healthcare Center (SFHC) is proud to announce a $1 million leadership gift from Salina Regional Health Center and the Salina Regional Health Foundation’s, Community Health Investment Program (CHIP) to the Healthy Salina, Healthy Kansas campaign. 

The contribution supports the construction of a new, state-of-the-art facility that will expand access to care for underserved populations in Salina and strengthen health services across rural Kansas.

CHIP provides grants to organizations that, like the hospital, are working to improve the health of people in north central Kansas. The Foundation established the program in 1995 and has since awarded more than $16 million in grants to area community organizations.

This major investment reflects a shared vision between two anchor healthcare institutions dedicated to improving the health and well-being of North Central Kansas communities.

“Salina Family and Salina Regional are vital partners within the health ecosystem of north central Kansas. When one grows stronger, the entire region benefits,” said Joel Phelps, President and CEO of Salina Regional Health Center. “This investment represents our commitment to a more resilient, collaborative healthcare network.”

The new facility will dramatically increase SFHC’s capacity to deliver integrated services—including medical, dental, behavioral health, vision care, and pharmacy—and further deepen its collaboration with Salina Regional through the Smoky Hill Family Medicine Residency Program. 

This nationally recognized program provides physician training at SFHC, with clinical rotations at Salina Regional and other local sites. Many Smoky Hill graduates go on to serve in central and western Kansas, helping to address critical rural healthcare workforce shortages.

“The residency program is a win-win,” said Dr. Robert Kraft, CEO of SFHC. “It provides aspiring physicians with exceptional hands-on training and delivers immediate value to Salina Regional and other area healthcare providers. It’s one of the most sustainable solutions we have for growing our rural workforce.”

The Healthy Salina, Healthy Kansas campaign is part of a $55 million plan to build a modern, integrated healthcare center at 1001 Edison Place. Once completed, the facility will serve thousands more patients annually and enhance the region’s healthcare infrastructure for generations to come.

With nearly 40% of the campaign’s $10 million local fundraising goal already committed, early gifts and enthusiastic community support have built strong momentum.

Salina Family Healthcare Center welcomes individuals, businesses and foundations to join Salina Regional in making this transformative investment in community health a reality.

To learn more, schedule a tour, or get involved, please contact Maddie Chandler at fundraising@salinahealth.org.

Salina Family Healthcare Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center providing high-quality, affordable healthcare services to residents of Salina and rural Kansas. With integrated services and a commitment to health equity, SFHC also trains future providers through the Smoky Hill Family Medicine Residency Program. <a href="https://salinahealth.org/">https://salinahealth.org/</a>

Salina Regional Health Center is a full-service acute care hospital dedicated to delivering outstanding health care quality and patient outcomes across north central Kansas and beyond. Affiliated with three Critical Access Hospitals located in Abilene, Concordia, and Lindsborg, Salina Regional forms the cornerstone of an integrated health system that includes more than 20 primary care and specialty clinics that provide outreach services in communities across the area. With a team of more than 2,550 skilled professionals – equipped with the latest medical technology – the system stands at the forefront of healthcare in the region providing a continuum of medical care and advanced, lifesaving services. <a href="https://www.srhc.com/">https://www.srhc.com/</a>

SFHC receives $1 million grant for new integrated healthcare center

The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition (KBC), with support from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, awarded over $9,000 in educational scholarships to support individuals by providing lactation support in their communities.

In Kansas, nearly 90% of families choose to breastfeed. Yet, breastfeeding rates amongst communities of color and rural communities are lower than the state average.

The KBC is committed to addressing racial and geographic inequities in breastfeeding by identifying and supporting breastfeeding advocates in new and innovative ways. 

In alignment with this goal, the KBC is pleased to award $9,500 in scholarships to support 11 aspiring lactation support providers in Atchison (1), Garden City (1), Hays (1), Hutchinson (1), Kansas City (1), Lawrence (2), Salina (1), Topeka (1) and Wichita (2).

These recipients provided written statements sharing their vision and passion for helping diverse families. They were selected by the review committee for their commitment to supporting their communities by pursuing further education in the lactation field.

“Breastfeeding is important for the health and well-being of both the parent and the child. We are excited to work with these individuals to build a diverse lactation support workforce so families in Kansas can receive culturally congruent care,” said Stephanne Rupnicki, Chair of the KBC Board of Directors and Co-Founder of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Breastfeeding Coalition.

The KBC will continue to support these scholarship recipients in the pursuit of their goals. The KBC hopes to find more ways to contribute to equity in breastfeeding for all Kansans.

If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to schedule an interview with Brenda Bandy, KBC Executive Director, call:&nbsp;(785) 477-4666 or email: bbandy@ksbreastfeeding.org

The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition is a non-profit organization that works collaboratively to promote, support, and protect breastfeeding to improve the health and well-being of Kansas families.

KBC awards over $9,000 in scholarships for lactation support to surrounding communities

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;DUI; 4th or subsequent conv.; drugs and alcohol

*No image available for&nbsp;Cole, Ethan Lane*

NAME:&nbsp;Greer, Annie Laura Love

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

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;DUI; 2nd conv.; comp. evidence of blood/breath .08+

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss. drug paraphernalia/human body; Lewd and lascivious; Exposing to person &lt;16; Poss. of marijuana

Saline County Jail Bookings, August 15

High temperatures and breezy winds are expected to occur throughout Central Kansas this weekend and into Monday, August 18.&nbsp;

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), heat indices are expected to reach as high as 105 in Central Kansas this weekend. Breezy conditions are anticipated to occur as well.

Hot and dry weather will remain through the weekend before chances rain return moving into next week on Monday.

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>.

High temps returning this weekend with breezy conditions, rain expected on Monday  

<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>

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 15 - August 17

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 13 - August 15

After isolated scattered storms until Wednesday, heat indices are expected to reach back up to the 100's from Thursday and into the weekend in Central Kansas.

According to the US National Weather Service, isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms will remain possible areawide on Tuesday and over southeast Kansas till Wednesday. 

A return to triple digit heat indices is expected by Thursday and persisting through at least the weekend.

Central Kansas Weather Forecast: August 12 - August 16

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 11 - August 13

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 8 - August 10

Temperatures are ramping back up after a dropdown last week in Central Kansas.

According the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), heat indices throughout the Central Kansas region are expected to reach over 100 degrees. 

Areas such as Salina, Russell, Hutchinson, Wichita, Harper and Winfield are under a heat advisory for Thursday, August 7 and Friday, August 8. 

Additional areas include Emporia, Eureka, Chanute and Coffeyville for Friday

US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS) advises everyone to take precaution during these times.

Temperatures ramping back up in Central Kansas with heat indices over 100

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 6 - August 8

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 4 - August 6

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 1 - August 3

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement in southwest Kansas have a homicide suspect in custody after an incident at a motel.

Just after 5:30 p.m., August 13, police &nbsp;responded to a business assist call at the Best Western – Emerald Inn &amp; Suites, 2412 E. Kansas Avenue in Garden City, according to a media release from police. 

Motel staff reported that a man was refusing to leave and requested he be criminally trespassed. After arriving, officers made contact with 61-year-old &nbsp;James Eaton. During the investigation, police discovered Eaton had an outstanding felony warrant out of Maryland for failing to appear in court on multiple charges, including homicide. 

Eaton was taken into custody and remains in the Finney County Jail for the out-of-state warrant. &nbsp;Police released no additional details on the charges against Eaton.

Maryland homicide suspect jailed in SW Kansas

KANSAS CITY – A Kansas City man was sentenced in federal court for distributing fentanyl, which resulted in three overdose deaths in Belton and Raymore, Missouri as part of a drug-trafficking conspiracy, according to the United State's Attorney.

Tiger Dean Draggoo, 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 40 years in federal prison without parole.

On Oct. 16, 2024, Draggoo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and three counts of distributing fentanyl resulting in death.

Draggoo admitted that during his fentanyl distribution conspiracy, on three separate occasions the fentanyl he sold caused the death of the purchaser, one of which was a juvenile.

“This case is a sad reminder of the horrific damage and destruction that fentanyl can have in our community.&nbsp; It is also a stern reminder to those who seek to make a profit off dealing fentanyl will be vigorously investigated, prosecuted, and incarcerated,” R. Matthew Price United States Attorney.&nbsp; “I want to express my condolences to the family members of the victims and thank our law enforcement partners and United States Attorney’s Office staff who worked on this case.&nbsp; I know that the sentence does not bring back their loved ones but hope that the lengthy sentence brings some measure of peace that justice was served for the individual responsible for providing the drug that killed their loved one.”

"Armed, violent criminals who traffic deadly fentanyl into our communities and prey on the most vulnerable pose an immediate threat to everyone’s safety,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bernard Hansen. “We are grateful for our partnership with the Jackson County Drug Task Force and the United States Attorney’s Office, whose collaborative work not only delivered justice, but has put an end to this devastating path."

“This case further highlights the terrible effect fentanyl continues to have on public safety. The FBI is dedicated to work with all our local, state and federal partners to crush those that supply and sell fentanyl and other drugs within our communities,” said Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Stephen Cyrus.

Draggoo also admitted that the investigation established that he was responsible for distributing or possessing at least 22,364 pills that contained a total of 2,460 grams of fentanyl.&nbsp; As part of the investigation, during a search of Tiger Draggoo’s apartment, law enforcement found 17 firearms, including two machine guns, ammunition of various calibers, $246,769 in cash, a ballistic vest with plates, a money counter, numerous pills that contained fentanyl, eight suspected LSD tabs, and marijuana. The 17 firearms included a Del-Ton 5.56-caliber rifle (converted into a machine gun), a Glock switch (used to convert a Glock pistol into a machine gun), three Marlin .22-caliber rifles, a Norinco 7.62-caliber rifle, a Mosin-Nagant rifle, an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 .223-caliber rifle, a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun, an Armscorp USA .308-caliber rifle, a Century Arms 7.62-caliber rifle, a Herbert Schmidt .22-caliber revolver, a New England Firearms .22-caliber revolver, a Kimber 9mm pistol, a Glock 9mm pistol, a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol, and a Metro Arms .45-caliber pistol.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brad K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Belton, Mo., Police Department, the Raymore, Mo., Police Department, the Cass County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the FBI.

KC man going to prison for 3 fentanyl overdose deaths

The U.S. Military had the opportunity to perform just before the start of the historic summit on Friday in Alaska. &nbsp;The performance lasted just a moment but certainly made an impression on those who saw it.

When President Donald Trump welcomed Russian leader Vladimir Putin to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, a B-2 bomber from Whiteman Air Force Base &nbsp;and four F35 fighter jets flew over the base.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The flyover was among the most successful portions of the historic meeting.&nbsp;Whiteman is located approximately 70 miles southeast of Kansas City.

🎥B-2 stealth bomber flyover at Trump-Putin summit

BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/collin-binkley">COLLIN BINKLEY</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — Teachers, social workers, nurses and other public workers would be cut off from a popular&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-public-service-trump-145f6a07a477e5c82f4374bc89e1eea7">student loan cancellation program</a>&nbsp;if the Trump administration finds their employer engaged in activities with a “substantial illegal purpose,” under a new federal proposal released on Friday.

The Education Department took aim at nonprofits or government bodies that work with immigrants and transgender youth, releasing plans to overhaul the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-cancellation-forgiveness-debt-774b0ee69f911f68f646a066031ee604">Public Service Loan Forgiveness program</a>. Opponents fear the new policy would turn the loan forgiveness benefit into a tool of political retribution.

The proposal would give the education secretary the final say in deciding whether a group or government entity should be excluded from the program, which was created by Congress in 2007 to encourage more college graduates to enter lower-paying public service fields. The proposal says illegal activity includes the trafficking or “chemical castration” of children, illegal immigration and supporting foreign terrorist organizations. “Chemical castration” is defined as using hormone therapy or drugs that delay puberty —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-gender-affirming-care-lawsuit-hospitals-dfc156f4bffcf4b6136658207488d17d">gender-affirming care</a>&nbsp;common for transgender children or teens.

President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-service-student-loan-forgiveness-trump-457a24f8dba3c52dfe58f1e72ba61fa4">ordered the changes</a>&nbsp;in March, saying the loan forgiveness program was steering taxpayer money to “activist organizations” that pose a threat to national security and do not serve the public.

The public will be given 30 days to weigh in on the proposal before it can be finalized. Any changes would take effect in July 2026.

Under current rules, government employees and many nonprofit workers can get their federal student loans canceled after they’ve made 10 years of payments. The program is open to government workers, including teachers, firefighters and employees of public hospitals, along with nonprofits that focus on certain areas.

The new proposal would exclude employees of any organization tied to an activity deemed illegal. The Education Department predicts that fewer than 10 organizations would be deemed ineligible per year. It doesn’t expect a “significant reduction” in the percentage of borrowers who would be granted forgiveness under the program, according to the proposal.

Yet the agency acknowledges that not all industries would be affected evenly. Schools, universities, health care providers, social workers and legal services organizations are among those most likely to have their eligibility jeopardized, the department wrote.&nbsp;

It did not give more specifics about what “illegal” actions those groups were taking that could bar them from the program. But the proposal suggests that performing gender-affirming care in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-care-minors-ban-supreme-court-tennessee-2222e833fdbb51d5afb93a09fd47fc43">27 states that outlaw it</a>&nbsp;would be enough.&nbsp;

If a state or federal court rules against an employer, that could lead to its expulsion from the program, or if the employer is involved in a legal settlement that includes an admission of wrongdoing.

Even without a legal finding, however, the education secretary could determine independently that an organization should be ejected.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/linda-mcmahon-trump-education-secretary-wwe-613016d0c164b89765af761404cbb123">The secretary</a>&nbsp;could judge whether an organization participated in illegal activity by using a legal standard known as the “preponderance of the evidence” — meaning it’s more likely than not that an accusation is true.

Once an organization is barred from the program, its workers’ future loan payments would no longer count toward cancellation. They would have to find work at another eligible employer to keep making progress toward forgiveness. A ban from the Education Department would last 10 years or until the employer completed a “corrective action plan” approved by the secretary.

Critics blasted the proposal as an illegal attempt to weaponize student loan cancellation. Kristin McGuire, CEO of the nonprofit Young Invincibles, which advocates for loan forgiveness, called it a political stunt designed to confuse borrowers.

“By using a distorted and overly broad definition of ‘illegal activities,’ the Trump administration is exploiting the student loan system to attack political opponents,” McGuire said in a statement.

The Education Department sketched out its plans for the overhaul during a federal rulemaking process that began in June. The agency gathered a panel of experts to help hash out the details — a process known as negotiated rulemaking. But the panel failed to reach a consensus, which freed the department to move forward with a proposal of its own design.

The proposal released on Friday included some changes meant to ease concerns raised by the expert panel. Some had worried the department would ban organizations merely for supporting transgender rights, even if they have no direct involvement in gender-affirming care. The new proposal clarifies that the secretary would not expel organizations for exercising their First Amendment rights.

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/" target="_blank">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/" target="_blank">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Some would be excluded from student loan forgiveness program for ‘illegal’ activity

ELIS COUNTY—One person is dead following a police standoff in Hays.

At approximately 11:40 p.m., Saturday, police responded to a report of domestic violence at a residence in Hays, according to a media release.

The report was made by a child inside the home, claiming a physical altercation was underway between and a man and woman, and that the man was in possession of a firearm. Two other minors were identified to be inside.

After initial contact with the man, he refused to exit, or allow others to exit, and the immediate area was secured by responding officers.

The Hays Police Special Situational Response Team, along with Kansas Highway Patrol Special Response Team, including a crisis negotiator, were called to assist.

Following negotiations with the subject, the adult woman was allowed to exit the residence at around 1:22 a.m., Sunday Aug. 17. She was found to have trauma to the head and was taken to HaysMed for evaluation. She was later transferred to a Wichita hospital.

At around 6:42 a.m. the minors were allowed to exit. They were not found to have been physically harmed and have been released to family.

As negotiations continued, a gunshot was heard by officers.

Electronic surveillance was used to investigate inside. Officers then made entry. The subject was found to have what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was declared deceased on the scene at around 8:15 a.m., by responding EMS.

Pending notification to the family, the name of the subject, and location of the incident will not be released at this time.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigations has been requested to assist with the ongoing investigation.

Police: Man dead, woman injured after standoff in Hays

TOPEKA — The lesser prairie chicken, a dancing grouse that has long teetered between threatened and endangered classifications, lost its federal protections in court in a victory for Great Plains petroleum and cattle industries.

In a Tuesday decision from a Texas federal court, the lesser prairie chicken was stripped of any endangered or threatened species protections, which were established through a Biden-era ruling.

The Trump administration challenged that ruling, arguing it contained mistakes, and the lesser prairie chicken would be adequately protected without endangered or threatened classifications.

U.S. District Judge David Counts, a Trump appointee, agreed, denying a slate of motions in a 15-page omnibus order that reversed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/17/federal-wildlife-officials-list-lesser-prairie-chicken-as-threatened-in-kansas/">2022</a>&nbsp;classifications.

The lesser prairie chicken forages on what’s widely considered to be prime ranching and drilling land in the grasslands and brush of southwestern Kansas, southeastern Colorado, eastern New Mexico, western Oklahoma and the panhandle and south plains of Texas. The bird was first protected in 2014, a decision that was overturned a year later.&nbsp;

In the 2022 classifications, the bird’s populations were divided into a southern range in New Mexico and the southwest Texas Panhandle, where it was listed as endangered, and a northern range in Kansas, Oklahoma and the northeast Texas Panhandle, where it was listed as threatened.

More than 70% of the estimated lesser prairie chicken population resides in Kansas.

Fish and Wildlife Service admitted in the case that it erred in creating two distinct populations of lesser prairie chickens, and it failed to justify the classification of the two distinct population segments — northern and southern, Counts said.

He added that “the later endangered and threatened findings have no leg to stand on.”

“Fish and Wildlife is unable to correct this square one error without engaging in an entirely new analysis,” he said.

Counts reasoned that any “disruptive consequences” of removing protections “are short-lived and minimized by the sixteen existing voluntary conservation programs and efforts in place across the range of the lesser prairie-chicken.”

Many of those programs, which are administered by federal, state and private groups, existed before the 2022 listing decision and were designed to mitigate threats to the lesser prairie chicken and its habitat, Counts said.

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