Salina Adult Education Center (SAEC), USD 305, is part of a national network of literacy organizations offering adult education and family literacy programs to help Americans gain the basic literacy skills they need to be employable in today’s economy. 

Formerly "Little House Adult Learning Center," the program is celebrating it’s 45th year in the community as well as year ten of the <a href="https://www.305adulteducation.com/partners-4-success">Partners 4 Success</a> program.&nbsp;

According to the <a href="https://www.coabe.org/">Coalition on Adult Basic Education</a> (COABE), 28 million adults in the US lack the basic digital skills needed to use a computer. More than 30 million adults lack a high school diploma.

Kelly Mobray, Director of Adult Education, shares “We know that reading skills, digital literacy and a high school diploma are critical needs, regardless of the profession ones enters.”&nbsp;

September 15 - 19 is "Adult Education and Family Literacy Week," and is an important way for the Salina community to understand the importance of adult education. Beyond basic skills and earning a diploma, SAEC encourages students to continue with post-secondary options. COABE shares that over 4 in 10 GED graduates go on to high education. Nine in ten GED graduates who enter high education finish their degree/credential.

Mobray shares that having the adult ed center on the Salina Area Technical College (SATC) campus is a 'great motivator,' as it allows adult&nbsp;education students the opportunity to feel a part of a college environment, especially if they take advantage of co-enrolled opportunities that SAEC and SATC conduct.&nbsp;

Educating adults helps families break out of intergenerational poverty and creates stronger communities, including productive workplaces.&nbsp;

Low-skilled adults (source: COABE):&nbsp;

· 4x more likely to be in poor health&nbsp;

· 8x more likely to be incarcerated&nbsp;

“SAEC partners with entities across the community such as Community Corrections, DCF, Heartland Early Education and others to support adults in reaching educational goals and becoming as work ready as they possibly can,” said Mobray. “Our goal is not only to help our students, but to assist employers in our area to be able to hire individuals that are ready and able to navigate today’s employment and life challenges.”

Mobray shares that several Salina area employers are collaborating with SAEC to support adults on their employment journey. Some of those businesses include Salina Regional Health Center, Crestwood and Valmont Coatings.&nbsp;

SAEC is 5 years away from reaching its 50 year anniversary in 2030. Mobray hopes to keep receiving support and even more from state legislators.&nbsp;

She described SAEC advocates at a local, state and federal level. She hopes the support from state legislators can help spread awareness on the importance of the services they provide for adult education and most importantly, helping adults ultimately obtain and retain quality employment.

Furthermore, Mobray hopes to increase internships and apprenticeships programs as well. SAEC having partnerships with SATC and <a href="https://www.kansasworks.com/">KANSASWORKS</a>, helps individuals in adult education get the experience they need before entering into the workforce.

To celebrate SAEC’s 45th year, they will host a special art exhibit, at the Salina Art Center featuring several SAEC students, graduates, staff and community partners who participated in an initiative called "A Peace of My Mind" with photographer John Noltner.

This photography exhibit will release on&nbsp;January 7, 2026 - February 8, 2026&nbsp;at the Salina Art Center (242 S Santa Fe Ave.), along with a reception to celebrate SAEC's 45th anniversary/Partners 4 Success 10th year anniversary.

Afterwards, the exhibit will then&nbsp;disperse out into the Salina community.&nbsp;

The Partners 4 Success graduation will be on Thursday, November 20, 2025&nbsp;at the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce annex (120 W. Ash). The&nbsp;SAEC graduation will be on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

For more information about Salina Adult Education Center’s services, visit <a href="http://www.305adulteducation.com">www.305adulteducation.com</a> or call (785) 309-4660.

SAEC prepping for big events: Seeking continual support 

Here is the preview for the Saturday Morning Show with Dave Foor &amp; Nicolas Fierro on&nbsp;910 AM/107.5 FM KINA Salina for&nbsp;September 13:

- Sheila Alstatt, Salina Roboyotes&nbsp;

- Daniel Craig, Fe for a Cure (Tammy Walker Cancer Center)

- Brenda Gutierrez, Salina Area Technical College

All episodes are recorded and uploaded on the&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?CFID=05fb1ecb-7d68-4542-adb3-9b7c11d9b5e5&amp;CFTOKEN=0&amp;stationCallSign=KINA&amp;onDemandAutoStart=true&amp;p92136680=true&amp;relocateURL=true">910 AM and 107.5 FM KINA website</a>, under the 'KINA Saturday Mornings'&nbsp;tab.

Saturday Morning Show with Dave Foor & Nicolas Fierro preview, September 13

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Saline County man&nbsp; who admitted to vandalizing a&nbsp; church in Wichita was to learn his fate on Friday.

Sentencing was delayed for 23-year-old Michael Gonzalez, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp; The case was continued until October 10.

In July Gonzalez pleaded guilty to felony charges: of burglary and criminal desecration and two misdemeanor charges of theft and criminal damage to property.

Just after 8:30a.m. March 15, police responded to a reported burglary at St. Patrick Catholic Church, located in the 2000 block of N. Arkansas Street in Wichita, according to Wichita Police spokesman Brad Wright.

Officers discovered significant vandalism, including hate speech and damage to items such as statues, candles, and glass. Notably, a United States flag had been burned.

Recognizing the severity of this crime, Wichita Police and investigators—alongside federal law enforcement partners including the FBI and ATF—immediately launched a full-scale investigation. The Wichita Police dedicated Crime Scene Investigation team worked diligently to analyze evidence, leading to the swift identification of a suspect.

Officers from the Wichita Police Field Community Response Teams were provided with critical intelligence and began searching for the suspect. At approximately 2:20 a.m. March 16, officers located and arrested Gonzalez in the 2800 block of N. Hillside in Wichita without incident.

&nbsp;Gonzalez remains jailed on bonds totaling over $500,000, according to online jail records.

Sentencing delayed for extreme vandalism at Kansas church

In remembrance of Charlie Kirk, Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and all victims and survivors of political violence, Governor Kelly has directed flags throughout the State of Kansas to be lowered to half-staff effective immediately Friday, September 12 until sundown on Sunday, September 14.

“Our nation should not be a place where freedom of speech is silenced with political violence,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I call on all Kansans, and all Americans, to join in a movement to bring political violence to an end. We must stop the use of dangerous rhetoric and return to respectfully debating issues without threats, hate, or violence.”

Flag orders: Governor directs flags flown half staff after recent violent events, effective immediately

Sacred Heart Jr/Sr High School is proud to announce that senior&nbsp;Isaac Berndt&nbsp;has been recognized as a&nbsp;National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist—an honor earned by less than 1% of high school seniors nationwide.

This prestigious recognition is based on outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT, reflecting Isaac’s hard work, dedication and academic excellence. He now has the opportunity to continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships to be awarded next spring.

"We are just incredibly proud of Isaac for being recognized as a National Merit Scholar.&nbsp;This is truly a great&nbsp;honor for him and our school community.&nbsp; Isaac is an exceptional&nbsp;student who cares deeply about his studies, his school, and his community. He carries himself with quiet humility and the highest moral character, and we are indeed blessed to have him represent our school at the national level.”&nbsp;said Principal, Mr. John Krajicek.&nbsp;

“Isaac’s recognition as a National Merit Semifinalist is a reflection of both his dedication and his character. Alongside his remarkable academic achievements, Isaac stands out as a kind leader who never hesitates to take on a challenge, puts in the extra time, and is always willing to help others in our school community. He sets an example through his work ethic and generosity every day.” said School Counselor, Mr. John Hamilton.

The National Merit Scholarship Program honors the nation’s most academically talented students each year. Isaac’s recognition adds to Sacred Heart’s tradition of academic excellence and faith-based education.

To learn more about the National Merit Scholarship Program, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nationalmerit.org/s/1758/images/gid2/editor_documents/26_meritsemi.pdf?gid=2&amp;pgid=61&amp;sessionid=56e7307b-6819-46e5-b888-c0e20d155a7d&amp;cc=1">https://www.nationalmerit.org/s/1758/images/gid2/editor_documents/26_meritsemi.pdf?gid=2&amp;pgid=61&amp;sessionid=56e7307b-6819-46e5-b888-c0e20d155a7d&amp;cc=1</a>

Sacred Heart student named semifinalist for National Scholarship, earned by less than 1% nationwide

The Salina Police Department are now seeking tips for a suspect who allegedly stole an E-bike from a home.

ORIGINAL: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/66148ce5-5bfb-4cbf-be10-123a84aad365">E-bike valued over $2,000 stolen from home in South Salina, investigation ongoing</a>

According to SPD on&nbsp;Monday, September 1 at around 4:15 pm, a male suspect entered into an open garage at a home in the 100 block of Key. Reportedly, the suspect stole a lime green Wired electric bicycle from the garage.

The suspect was described to be wearing a&nbsp;black shirt, black shorts, sunglasses, ball cap and grey sweatshirt&nbsp;draped over his shoulders.

If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS.

You can also make an online tip at: <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, case 2025-23619.

UPDATE: Salina PD seeking tips for suspect who stole E-bike

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.

NAME:&nbsp;Cisnero-Gonzales, Martin

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Theft of prop/services;Value $1,500 to $25,000; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Burglary; Vehicle to commit felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crime; Use/poss drug paraphernalia/human body; Poss of marijuana; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Shepherd, Mahala Nicole

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

Saline County Jail Bookings, September 12

Salina Police arrested a male suspect that tried to break into a home and was connected to stealing an Amazon package.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Wednesday, September 10, SPD received a call about an Amazon package that was not at its desired address. Officers got in contact with a man, whose information was on the package and confirmed that he did not receive it at his home.

Reportedly, the order had 3 sets of earbuds and a set of stainless-steel engine block studs.

The original caller stated there had been a man sleeping around the area where the package was initially at.

Then the next day on Thursday at around 9:00 am, officers were dispatched to the&nbsp;1300 block of E. Minneapolis, about a man who attempted to enter the residence of a 31-year old woman. SPD stated when the man found the door to be locked, he allegedly tried to get in a vehicle parked at the home. When&nbsp;he found the vehicle locked, he decided walk away from the area.

Shortly after, officers arrived to the scene and found the man a short distance away from the area. Officers arrested the man identified as&nbsp;19-year-old, Martin Cisnero-Gonzales.

SPD confirmed that Cisnero-Gonzales matched the description of the man, who was sleeping in the area of where the Amazon package was. During the arrest, officers found marijuana on him, along with one set of the earbuds from the package. 

Moreover, the two other sets of earbuds were found at Cisnero-Gonzales' home located on the&nbsp;1200 block of E. Cloud.

Cisnero-Gonzales was booked into the Saline County Jail on the following requested charges:&nbsp;

Attempted Burglary, 2 requested charges of Criminal Trespass, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Theft.

Salina PD arrest suspect connected to a stolen Amazon package

<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, September 12 - September 14

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="mailto:admin@salinapost.com">admin@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>&nbsp;and will be posted on the website within 24 business hours.

If you have an issue outside of business hours, if your obituary has not been published within 24 business hours, or if have any questions, please email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@salinapost.com">admin@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>

You can also contact: (785) 656-9856 during business hours.

Recent obituaries and service times

HUTCHINSON - Kansans for Life will debut "Aftermath," a traveling memorial highlighting the 19,467 lives lost to abortion in Kansas in 2023.

WHEN:&nbsp;Saturday, September 13, 2025&nbsp;9:00 am - 7:00 pm

WHERE:&nbsp;2631 Independence Rd, Hutchinson, KS 67502&nbsp;Near Gate 7 of the Kansas State Fair&nbsp;

The memorial will feature thousands of fetal models displayed together, creating a powerful visual impact. Visitors will be able to walk through the immersive exhibit, which spans the size of a basketball court.

Hutchinson is the first stop on a 12-city Kansas tour this fall. "Aftermath" is designed to create space for communities to reflect and respond to the human impact of abortion in Kansas. 

More information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.teVfZXWyEPZ8e72DiV3pMsOhuqJ-2F8-2BCF20UZgRkzTFTXUk7RJz34CWsJvn5i1h0eGbnk_IvIwffF0vyXZB-2BDobl6v3t0-2FogTUNFMh2Yjod3HyUO6KzARFx8ZO19Pe0s3gIh6m-2FaFulms5a24K7cFREIJ4i3Cb1-2FCzfx1sBI9C6UaiTZXAy45ckybT1euCs-2BlzJgVUYszqXFhGyz7xqi6A7sKNXshiFK7sPx8IzNBAtqprgvB97cV7PIIxUiSANKgt6drEttwubR42MLKATQ55udzZf90fZ0PLYBjdrQd6nOFW2pJ1hF1YW4aOuUPvsS2z4pwvTdB-2FhC3bcgwKFBwsmq0R3JcpU-2FfTzvHhLab-2BHllZApfSCh8otaMDVOgQlxwgbzAj7WjAl2p10HjVb5f4C5BCpKPpO4GuDRnD5rtHNUW5uUUEuA95rSKy9IjwdZVBtef2LvqoCdSOt7oLX-2BnQiA-2Bplg-3D-3D" target="_blank">www.aftermathks.com</a>

"Aftermath" traveling memorial debuts in Hutchinson Saturday

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 10 - September 12

The US National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Saline County, that has officially taken into effect now and will remain until Wednesday of this week.

According to Saline County Emergency Management, water levels for rivers and creeks have continued to rise from Monday's heavy rainfall. It was estimated between 4 to 10 inches of rain have already fallen across the county, leading to&nbsp;flooded roadways in Brookville&nbsp;and&nbsp;many rural routes that are waterlogged or impassable.

Additional rainfall is expected to occur late tonight (Monday, September 8) into Tuesday morning.&nbsp;Scattered showers and storms are possible, mainly east of Saline County.

Moreover, additional showers and storms are expected to develop from the west on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, bringing extra heavy rainfall.

Then late Wednesday night into Thursday morning, another round of storms are possible.

Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, allow extra time for commutes and use alternate routes where needed.

Expected to crest at 26.5 feet late tonight into Tuesday afternoon (Moderate Flood Stage). At this level, widespread agricultural flooding is expected. If high flow continues on the Saline River, water could back up on Mulberry Creek, flooding properties including the KOA campground.

Expected to crest at 26.6 feet late Wednesday morning or early afternoon (Minor Flood Stage).

UPDATE: Flood warning issued through Wednesday in Saline County

Storms from this morning throughout Central KS are expected to now continue past noon.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS) the scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout Central KS are expected to now continue past noon on Monday.

The National Weather Service also expects a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms to occur tonight in Salina.

Please be aware of the roads as localized flooding is possible.

UPDATE: Central KS storms continue past noon

W. Old 40 Highway between S. Reese and S. Wyman roads in Saline County, are reportedly closed due to flooding.

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has placed road-closed barricades on W. Old 40 Highway between S. Reese and S. Wyman due to flooding.

The Sheriff's Office will update Salina Post once the highway reopens.

Flooding causes Saline County highway to close

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 8 - September 10

Cold temperatures are expected during the evening hours this weekend, with lows in the 40s.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), after a cold front passed through Central Kansas on early Friday morning, evening lows for tonight and Saturday evening are expected to be from 48-56 degrees.

Temperatures tonight and Saturday evening drop 20-25 degrees below normal, with highs in the 60s for Friday.

Temperatures dropping to the 40s during the evening hours this weekend

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 5 - September 7

Possibilities of scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected to occur throughout Central Kansas this evening.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), these storms will gradually increase from the west later tonight and persist through early to mid-evening on Friday. Pockets of heavy rainfall are likely, with a few isolated storms capable of dime to nickel size hail.

Salina has a 68% chance of showers and thunderstorms for tonight.

Another round of thunderstorms anticipated throughout Central Kansas tonight

A round of severe storms are expected to occur later this evening on Wednesday, September 3 in Salina.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), widely scattered storms are anticipated to occur in Salina from the hours of 4:00 - 7:00 pm. These storms reportedly are expected to develop in Central Kansas, move south and east throughout the evening and nighttime hours.

Accordingly, +2 inch sized hail and 60-70 mph wind gusts are possible.&nbsp;

The US National Weather Service advises you to a plan ahead if you have outdoor activities late this afternoon or early this evening of Wednesday.

Severe storms expected Wednesday evening in Salina

FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) — A suspect on trial for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-gunshots-florida-f62f8378d3a8ce7b2e99d6a8fb40aba9">trying to assassinate</a>&nbsp;President Donald Trump while he played golf in South Florida last year forfeited his right to continue making an opening statement on Thursday when he veered off topic and talked about Adolf Hitler and the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-routh-assassination-attempt-ukraine-suspicions-florida-530098c668f283d8a38eb5dd5570f1b2">Ryan Routh</a>, who is representing himself, was warned by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon to stay on topic. The judge twice asked jurors to leave the courtroom so she could deal with the unconventional turn in Routh’s opening statement.

Both Routh and prosecutors had been given 40 minutes each to make opening statements, but Routh’s initial argument, read from a written statement, lasted less than 10 minutes before the judge said he had forfeited the right to continue because he was addressing unrelated matters.

“I gave you one more chance and you continued to read what has no relevance for this case,” Cannon said.

During the prosecution’s opening statement, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Shipley told jurors that Routh wanted to make sure that Trump wasn’t re-elected to the White House.

“This plot was carefully crafted and deadly serious,” Shipley said.

Routh has pleaded not guilty to charges of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fbi-assassination-attempt-indictment-b4c956e1a126e4acfb3c4eae0c06ddb1">attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate</a>, assaulting a federal officer and several firearm violations.

<a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7Tv2j59PwNEyqGCi1y" target="_blank">▶ Stay up to date with the latest U.S. news by signing up to our WhatsApp channel.</a>

Prosecutors have said Routh, 59, methodically plotted to kill Trump for weeks before aiming a rifle through the shrubbery as Trump played golf on Sept. 15, 2024, at his West Palm Beach country club. A Secret Service agent spotted Routh before Trump came into view. Officials said Routh aimed his rifle at the agent, who opened fire, causing Routh to drop his weapon and flee without firing a shot.

Just nine weeks earlier, Trump had survived&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-butler-assassination-attempt-anniversary-crooks-d18804b0e1382003bbb91449638c721c">another attempt</a>&nbsp;on his life while campaigning in Pennsylvania. That gunman had fired eight shots, with one bullet grazing Trump’s ear, before being shot by a Secret Service counter sniper.

Five witnesses testified Thursday, including two Secret Service agents, two FBI agents and a witness who followed Routh in his car after the shooting so he could write down his license plate.

Tommy McGee, the witness, testified that he was driving by the golf course when he heard the gunshot and saw a man running out of bushes into the street, almost hitting his car. McGee said the suspect looked at him straight in the eye. Once the suspect jumped in a car and fled, McGee said, he followed him out of a desire to help the police, not realizing that Trump was involved.

Routh asked only a few questions of the witnesses on cross-examination, and when he did he referred to himself in the third-person, leading to some awkward exchanges with Secret Service Agent Robert Fercano, who had spotted him in the bushes. Routh asked the agent if he had been harmed by what happened, and Fercano replied, “I wasn’t physically harmed, but I was mentally harmed from you pointing a gun at me.”

Fercano described being in a golf cart only five feet (1.5 meters) from Routh when he saw him pointing a gun from the bushes.

The trial began nearly a year after prosecutors say Fercano thwarted the attempt to shoot the Republican presidential nominee. It’s expected to run two or three weeks. The trial’s start comes as police&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/charlie-kirk-shooting-response-updates">search for the gunman</a>&nbsp;who killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">conservative influencer Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;at a campus in Utah on Wednesday in what political leaders are calling an assassination.

Cannon is a Trump-appointed judge who drew scrutiny for her handling of a criminal case accusing Trump of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-indictment-classified-documents-miami-8315a5b23c18f27083ed64eef21efff3">illegally storing classified documents</a>&nbsp;at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach.

Routh was a North Carolina construction worker who in recent years had moved to Hawaii. A self-styled mercenary leader, Routh spoke out to anyone who would listen about his dangerous, sometimes violent plans to insert himself into conflicts around the world, witnesses have told The Associated Press.

In the early days of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ukraine">war in Ukraine</a>, Routh tried to recruit soldiers from Afghanistan, Moldova and Taiwan to fight the Russians. In his native Greensboro, North Carolina, he was arrested in 2002 for eluding a traffic stop and barricading himself from officers with a fully automatic machine gun and a “weapon of mass destruction,” which turned out to be an explosive with a 10-inch (25.4-cm) fuse.

Wild opening statement in Trump assassination attempt trial

President Donald Trump&nbsp;has granted&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly’s&nbsp;request for a federal disaster declaration for the state due to damages caused by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding during the period of June 3-7, 2025.

Due to severe storms and flooding multiple counties sustained damage to utility infrastructure, roads, and bridges.

“These federal funds will go a long way in supporting the restoration work by those in counties impacted by the storms”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;said.

The declaration allows state and local levels of government, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations that provide vital and essential services, such as rural electric cooperatives, to apply for Public Assistance funds for emergency and permanent work for the repair or replacement of infrastructure damaged by the disaster.

Counties named in the declaration are Barber, Butler, Chase, Coffey, Cowley, Franklin, Greenwood, Harper, Hodgeman, Kingman, Lyon, Morris, Osage, Stanton, Sumner, and Wallace.

Trump approves Kan. request for major presidential disaster declaration

OREM, Utah (AP) — The suspect in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-assassinated-utah-university-shooter-search-b0acf4797f57f3436d8f8d0843dbea43">the Charlie Kirk assassination</a>&nbsp;has been captured, President Donald Trump said Friday in an announcement representing a significant breakthrough in the investigation into a targeted killing that raised fresh alarms about political violence in the United States.

“With a high degree of certainty, we have him,” Trump announced in a live interview on Fox News Chanel. He said a minister also involved with law enforcement turned the suspect in to authorities.

“Somebody that was very close to him said, ‘Hmm, that’s him,’” Trump said.

Tyler Robinson, 22, had become “more political” in the run-up to the shooting and had indicated to a family friend afterward that he was responsible, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said. Cox also cited as key pieces of evidence engravings on bullets found in a rifle believed used in the attack as well as chatting app messages attributed to the shooting suspect that a roommate shared with law enforcement.

Cox, a Republican, called Kirk's killing an “attack on the American experiment,” and he urged a new generation to “choose a different path.”

Robinson is believed to have acted alone, and the investigation is ongoing, Cox said.

Robinson's arrest early Friday morning was disclosed by President Donald Trump, who said in a Fox News Channel interview that, “With a high degree of certainty, we have him.”

Calls to telephone numbers listed for Robinson in public records rang unanswered.

News of the arrest came hours after the FBI and state officials had pleaded for public help by releasing additional photographs of the suspect, a move that seemed to indicate that law enforcement was uncertain of the person's whereabouts.

Kirk was killed by a single shot in what police said was a targeted attack and Utah’s governor called a political assassination. Kirk co-founded the nonprofit political organization&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-charlie-kirk-turning-point-afb64a04493ddf44df3b7338536a6524">Turning Point USA</a>, based in Arizona.

Authorities recovered a high-powered, bolt-action rifle near the scene of the shooting and had said the shooter jumped off a roof and vanished into the nearby woods afterward.

Kirk had been speaking at a debate hosted by Turning Point at Utah Valley University at the time of Wednesday's shooting. He was taken to a local hospital and was pronounced dead hours later.

“He wanted to help young people, and he didn’t deserve this,” Trump said Friday. “He was really a good person.”

Federal investigators and state officials on Thursday had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-assassinated-utah-university-shooter-search-b0acf4797f57f3436d8f8d0843dbea43">released photos and a video</a>&nbsp;of the person they believe is responsible. Kirk&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-assassination-turning-point-utah-c8192d8eda83312aabf4cf0a3cd6e5f1">was shot as he spoke to a crowd</a>&nbsp;gathered in a courtyard at the university in Orem.

More than 7,000 leads and tips had poured in, officials said. Authorities have yet to cite a motive in the killing,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-killing-america-divided-violence-politics-9b75c05301668fa033f9b4cc98b046c9">the latest act of political violence</a>&nbsp;to convulse the United States.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said the suspect had indicated to a family friend that he was connected to the shooting. Cox, a Republican, said the suspect had grown more political and was opposed to Kirk’s beliefs

The suspect in custody in connection with Kirk's killing is a 22-year-old from Utah, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press. Authorities have identified the suspect as Tyler Robinson, said the official, who was not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The FBI and the Justice Department did not immediately comment, but a news conference in Utah, where the killing took place on a college campus this week, was planned for later Friday. News of the arrest came hours after the FBI and state officials had pleaded for public help by releasing additional photographs of the suspect, a move that seemed to indicate that law enforcement was uncertain of the person's whereabouts.

🎥New details on capture of Charlie Kirk murder suspect

FINNEY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 4a.m. Friday in Finney County.

According to Garden City police, a vehicle driven by 24-year-old Jaeden Nelson struck a power line post in&nbsp;the 3700 block of E. Mary Street in northeast Garden City.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nelson was pronounced dead at the scene. Firefighter safely extricated the children from the car, and both were transported to the hospital for treatment. One child was later taken to a Wichita hospital due to the extent of their injuries.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The Finney County Sheriff's office,&nbsp; Garden City Fire Department and Finney County EMS assisted police at the scene.

Kansas woman dead, children injured after car strikes power pole

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man charged in the death of his pregnant girlfriend returned to court Thursday.

Matthew Wayne Criscenzo, 20,&nbsp; pleaded not guilty in Judge Jeffrey Goering's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; He was&nbsp; charged with 1st degree murder and aggravated battery, in the shooting death of 20-year-old Naomi Oglesby.

On May 25, police arrested&nbsp; Criscenzo in the 700 Block of Laura Street in Wichita in connection with the shooting death. At the time of the incident,&nbsp;Oglesby was pregnant, according to Officer Rick Pena. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, she was pronounced deceased.

Doctors were able to deliver her infant who was transported to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at a Wichita hospital.&nbsp; &nbsp;A jury trial status hearing in the case is scheduled for October 8. 

Kan. man accused of killing pregnant girlfriend enters plea 

’Honestly, it’s not for everyone’ tagline earned awards but also detractors as a ‘mockery’

Paul Hamme <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/07/wall-of-shame-still-used-by-nebraska-to-convince-delinquent-taxpayers-to-pay-up/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN – John Ricks, the state tourism director who deployed the edgy and controversial marketing pitch “Nebraska. Honestly, it’s not for everyone,” has resigned.

Ricks, who was paid $133,838-a-year, could not immediately be reached for comment. His resignation was accepted Thursday by the State Tourism Commission, which has since appointed Deputy Director Heather Hogue as interim executive director, as was reported first by the Nebraska Rural Radio Network.

While Ricks got mixed reviews on the tourism pitch, an official with the Nebraska Travel Association said he played a key role in helping increase tourism in the state, citing a 26.4% growth rate in state lodging taxes from 2019-2022 compared to only 2.5% nationally.

“Ricks is to be commended for putting Nebraska on the tourism map,” said Kerri Rempp, president of the state travel association.

Hired in 2016 by then Gov. Pete Ricketts, Ricks had worked as an associate director in Colorado’s state tourism office before taking the Nebraska job. His hiring was touted as bringing a fresh perspective to a state that had been rated by one group as the “least likely” for tourists to visit.

That led to the new “Nebraska: Honestly, it’s not for everyone” marketing pitch, which included advertising emphasizing off-beat adventures in Nebraska, from floating down a river in a horse tank to hop-scotching across Badlands-like formations in Toadstool Park.

The self-deprecating pitch grabbed national attention, and, in 2022, won a national award for best integrated marketing and messaging. According to the State Tourism Commission, it also raised Nebraska’s tourism profile from last to 45th.

But some state leaders, including Gov. Jim Pillen and then Nebraska Department of Economic Development Director Tony Goins, disliked the motto, which was coined by a marketing firm from Colorado. Goins said it “made a mockery” of the DED’s pitchline for new residents: “The Good Life is Calling.”

By 2024, the “not for everyone” tagline was dropped by the Tourism Commission and state legislators passed a bill seeking to better coordinate marketing pitches between the independent commission, also known as “Visit Nebraska” and state economic development officials.

The Nebraska Travel Association, in a press release this week, urged the State Tourism Commission to “act swiftly” to replace Ricks.

The tourism agency is funded by lodging taxes paid on motel and hotel bills. Its budget this year is $10.1 million to promote an industry that generates $4.5 billion in spending annually and supports over 41,000 jobs throughout Nebraska.

Nebraska tourism director who deployed ‘not for everyone’ marketing pitch resigns

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department&nbsp; investigating a homicide near Bank of Labor in Kansas City have identified the man who died as 44-year-old&nbsp;as Tequan Davis of Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.

Just before 3:30p.m. September 4, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 800 block of State Avenue. First responders located Davis in the parking lot suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.  He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; The person of interest in this case has been questioned and is cooperating with law enforcement but no charges have been filed.

This incident remains under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.&nbsp;

Police ID man killed outside Kansas bank

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement and USD 266 officials are investigating two students in connection with a gun brought to school on Thursday.

According to a statement from the school district, multiple students at Maize High School reported a possible firearm at the school,&nbsp;11600 W 45th St N, in Maize.

 Maize Police and school administrators worked immediately and collaboratively to locate and confiscate a gun found in a backpack.&nbsp; Police arrested two students. There were no injuries.

Gun found in backpack at Kansas high school

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a building fire in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just after 1:30p.m. Thursday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported building fire in the 500 block of Walnut in the City Market area, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.. Crews reported light smoke and fire visible on arrival of a three-story commercial mixed-use building. 

Local

Region

Sports

Weather