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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salina cardiologist earns award for advancing cardiovascular care in Kansas

Kansas Corporation Commission&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salina Public Schools invites community to 2025 Building Bridges event

By TISA MASON FHSU president

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 7 - November 10

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Salina Post obituary policy (subject to change)

Salina Post understands the importance of honoring the deceased and welcomes all submissions of obituaries with a full summary of their life, survivors, services, website of the funeral home and a photo.

Salina Post accepts all obituaries&nbsp;free of charge&nbsp;and you can email all obituaries:&nbsp;<a href="https://newstips@salinapost.com/">newstips@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>&nbsp;and will be posted on the website within 24 business hours.

Recent obituaries and service times

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Salvation Army of Salina is calling on the community to help raise the final $500,000 needed to complete its building renovation project. 

Once finished, the facility will once again serve as a full community center, offering expanded programs and services for youth, families, and local groups.

“Our goal is to restore this building to its original purpose — a place where people of all ages can gather, learn, and grow,” said Lt. Luke Hursh, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army in Salina. “We want this to be more than just a church building — we want it to be a hub of hope for our community.”

Some renovation work has already begun, including foundation repairs and structural improvements, laying the groundwork for the next phase of construction. 

The Salvation Army hopes to begin the next stage in January, but how much can be completed will depend on how much funding is secured by the end of the year.

The renovations will allow The Salvation Army to host more youth programs, community events, and social service initiatives, while improving space for worship and outreach ministries. The updated facility will also give community partners a place to meet and serve together, strengthening the impact across Salina.

Once renovations are complete, the building will provide space for a wide variety of community-focused ministries and services, including:

· A daily feeding program that serves hot meals to those in need

· A large auditorium and gymnasium for community gatherings and youth recreation

· Meeting spaces for local groups and organizations

· Church services and worship gatherings

· Youth programs designed to build character and leadership and also youth nights to give youth in the community somewhere to go on the weekends

· Sports Programs like basketball or volleyball

· Social services offices to provide emergency financial and housing assistance

· SSVF (Supportive Services for Veterans and Families) to provide rapid housing and other support to local and area veterans.

· An emergency food pantry and other vital community resources

“These updates will allow us to serve the community more effectively and reach even more people,” Lt. Hursh added. “Every dollar given to this project is an investment in Salina’s future — helping us build a stronger, more connected community.”

Community members who wish to donate to the building fund can do so by sending contributions to: 

The Salvation Army of Salina 1137 N Santa Fe Ave. Salina, KS 67401 (Please designate “Building Fund” in the memo line.)

For more information about the project or upcoming holiday efforts, contact Lt. Hursh at (785) 823-2251 or visit <a href="https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usa-central-territory/kansas-and-western-missouri/">salina.salvationarmy.us</a>.

Salvation Army calling for community support to help raise final $500,000 towards building renovation project

Advantage Trust Company, recently named the "Best Financial Planning Services" and “Best Investment Firm” is further strengthening its team with the addition of three new hires: 

Jason Bird as Vice President and Investment Officer, Melissa Pivonka as Investment Operations Officer, and Kyler Sager as Trust and Real Estate Officer. 

These professionals will play an integral role in continuing to deliver the high-quality, personalized financial planning services that ATC is known for.

Jason Bird helps individuals, families, and institutions achieve their financial goals through thoughtful investment management and fiduciary guidance. With over a decade of experience in financial services and wealth management, Jason holds a Bachelor of Science in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University and maintains a deep commitment to his community. He currently serves on the City Council in Minneapolis, Kansas, and is active with organizations such as the Ottawa County Community Foundation and First Tee – Salina. Jason and his wife are proud parents of three children, and much of his time outside the office is spent with family—whether at ball games, school events, or simply enjoying time together.

Melissa Pivonka earned her Bachelor of Science from Kansas State University in 2006. Before joining the team, she worked at another financial institution in the Salina area for 5 years and has worked in the financial industry for over 18 years. Melissa has a niece and three nephews who keep her busy with their many activities. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, playing volleyball, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Kyler Sager, a Salina native, graduated from Southeast of Saline High School in 2015 and earned his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business from Kansas State University in 2019. Prior to joining ATC, Kyler was a Branch President/Lender at a local bank in Gypsum, KS. Kyler

and his wife Brooklyn have two children who keep them busy. Outside of work, Kyler enjoys anything outdoors and cheering on K-State and the Denver Broncos.

The addition of these three new professionals underscores our commitment to innovation, excellence, and the long-term success of those we serve. “We are excited and couldn’t be happier to have Jason, Melissa and Kyler join our team,” says Advantage Trust Company CEO and Chairman of the Board Brian Boyer. “All three come to us with experience that will allow them to hit the ground running. Most importantly, they are anxious to meet and work with our clients and provide them with the type of customer service they deserve and should expect.”&nbsp;

For more information about Advantage Trust Company, go to:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.advantagetrustco.com/">https://www.advantagetrustco.com/</a>

Salina based independent financial services firm announces three new hires to further its services

Students at KSU Salina had the privilege of learning what it's like to drive with impaired vision, during a simulation with the Saline County Sheriff's Office.

Throughout this simulation called the&nbsp;Simulated Impaired Driving Experience, students were able to get a first-hand experience that portrayed the dangers of driving impaired. These occurrences can happen in people who have poor eyesight and/or under the influence.

This event also was a great opportunity for the students to build relationships and connections with local law enforcement.

KSU Salina junior, Cole Kramer gave his comments on what he took away from the simulation.

"At the event, we learned about the effects of alcohol and drugs and what it really takes to get a DUI," said KSU Salina junior, Cole Kramer. "We even got to try a go-kart that simulated drunk driving, used “drunk goggles” to try to walk a straight line, and tested a calculator showing how long alcohol stays in your system. The whole point was to remind us that it’s always better to just call an Uber than risk driving under the influence."

KSU Salina students learn dangers of driving with impaired vision in simulation 

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 5 - November 7

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 3 - November 5

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 31 - November 2

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 29 - October 31

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 27 - October 29

Four day weather forecast Salina, October 24 - October 27

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

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

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

Showers and thunderstorms expected to return to Salina this weekend

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 22 - October 24

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 20 - October 22

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some Republicans are uneasy with Caribbean campaign

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kan. woman injured after SUV strikes a KDOT truck

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

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

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

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

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

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

Counsel was appointed to represent Dinning and a Preliminary Hearing was scheduled for November 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m..

Dinning remains in custody at the Pawnee County Jail with bond set at $20,000 cash or surety. The Court has included a no contact order as a condition of bond.

Under Kansas Law, “Domestic Violence” means an act or threatened act of violence against a person with whom the offender is involved or has been involved in a dating relationship, or an act or threatened act of violence against a family or household member by a family or household member.

Kan. woman accused of using her vehicle as a weapon

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reported another deadly strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean.

Hegseth wrote on social media, "As we’ve said before, vessel strikes on narco-terrorists will continue until their the poisoning of the American people stops."

":On Thursday. at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization."

"The vessel was trafficking narcotics in the Caribbean and was struck in international waters. No U.S. forces were harmed in the strike, and three male narco-terrorists — who were aboard the vessel — were killed."

"To all narco-terrorists who threaten our homeland: if you want to stay alive, stop trafficking drugs. If you keep trafficking deadly drugs—we will kill you."

🎥US military kills 3 in new strike on drug-running boat

PHELPS COUNTY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announces criminal charges against Melvin J. Fincher, 39, of Rolla, MO. Fincher has pending charges in other counties which include Phelps, Dent, Polk, and Nodaway Counties.

On October 24, Fincher was arrested after an investigation conducted by the Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control Rural Crimes Investigation Unit with the assistance of area law enforcement.

In July of 2024, the Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control was made aware of suspicious activity involving the sale of livestock and farm equipment in Phelps County, Missouri.

Texas authorities informed investigators in Missouri of a cattle theft investigation, involving 42 head of cattle from a livestock market in Texas. 

The theft occurred between August 10 and 11, 2024, and the total value of the cattle was $71,078.00.&nbsp; After further investigation, it was determined the cattle were received by Melvin Fincher, a resident of Phelps County, Missouri.

During the investigation, and while searching property associated with Fincher, USDA livestock tags were located in the livestock pens on the premises. Identification numbers indicated the tags were issued to the livestock market in Texas where the cattle were originally stolen. 

Additional evidence was collected connecting Fincher to the theft of cattle in Texas.

On December 2, 2024, Fincher was formally charged by the Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney with one count of Stealing Livestock/Wildlife - Prior Offense. Fincher later pled guilty to this charge.

On October 27, 2025, Fincher was sentenced to 10 years incarceration with the Missouri Department of Corrections. The sentence was suspended in execution of sentence, and Fincher is currently serving five years of supervised probation.

Fincher is also facing numerous charges in Dent, Polk, and Nodaway Counties for other related criminal offenses including identify theft, livestock theft, and farm equipment theft

&nbsp;The total value of damages involving these cases exceeds $219,000.00.

If you have any further information regarding these cases, please contact DDCC at 573-526-6122.

Man admits to livestock theft, other rural crimes

NEW YORK (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/richest-billionaires-musk-ellison-oracle-tesla-bloomberg-forbes-e90a3cab2a0b256923ca55814893f9fe">world’s richest man</a>&nbsp;was just handed a chance to become history’s first trillionaire.

Elon Musk won a shareholder vote on Thursday that would give the Tesla CEO stock worth $1 trillion if he hits certain performance targets over the next decade. The vote followed weeks of debate over his management record at the electric car maker and whether anyone deserved such unprecedented pay, drawing heated commentary from small investors to giant pension funds and even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-leo-birthday-be5daf80146bcff66b564c91dfaf87e8">the pope</a>.

In the end, more than 75% of voters approved the plan as shareholders gathered in Austin, Texas, for their annual meeting.

“Fantastic group of shareholders,” Musk said after the final vote was tallied, adding “Hang on to your Tesla stock.”

The vote is a resounding victory for Musk showing investors still have faith in him as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-tesla-spacex-doge-boycott-robots-robotaxi-60d1d3c903414ba0fedc8b0fc856bfef">Tesla struggles</a>&nbsp;with plunging sales, market share and profits in no small part due to Musk himself. Car buyers fled the company this year as he has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-doge-donald-trump-962778979dd35ea79d6092df9cb2cb56">ventured into politics</a>&nbsp;both in the U.S. and Europe, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-donald-trump-doge-b21b74f56f30012a6450a629e7232a1a">trafficked in conspiracy theories</a>.

The vote came just three days after a report from Europe showing Tesla car sales plunged again last month, including a 50% collapse in Germany.

Still, many Tesla investors consider Musk as a sort of miracle man capable of stunning business feats, such as when he pulled Tesla from the brink of bankruptcy a half-dozen years ago to turn it into one of the world’s most valuable companies.

The vote clears a path for Musk to become a trillionaire by granting him new shares, but it won’t be easy. The board of directors that designed the pay package require him to hit several ambitious financial and operational targets, including increasing the value of the company on the stock market nearly six times its current level.

Musk also has to deliver 20 million Tesla electric vehicles to the market over 10 years amid new, stiff competition, more than double the number since the founding of the company. He also has to deploy 1 million of his human-like robots that he has promised will transform work and home — he calls it a “robot army” — from zero today.

Musk could add billions to his wealth in a few years by partly delivering these goals, according to various intermediate steps that will hand him newly created stock in the company as he nears the ultimate targets.

That could help him eventually top what is now considered America’s all-time richest man, John D. Rockefeller. The railroad titan is estimated by Guinness World Records to have been worth $630 billion, in current dollars, at his peak wealth more than 110 years ago. Musk is worth $493 billion, as estimated by Forbes magazine.

Musk’s win came despite opposition from several large funds, including CalPERS, the biggest U.S. public pension, and Norway’s sovereign wealth fund. Two corporate watchdogs, Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis, also blasted the package, which so angered Musk he took to calling them “corporate terrorists” at a recent investor meeting.

Critics argued that the board of directors was too beholden to Musk, his behavior too reckless lately and the riches offered too much.

“He has hundreds of billions of dollars already in the company and to say that he won’t stay without a trillion is ridiculous,” said Sam Abuelsamid, an analyst at research firm Telemetry who has been covering Tesla for nearly two decades. “It’s absurd that shareholders think he is worth this much.”

Supporters said that Musk needed to be incentivized to focus on the company as he works to transform it into an AI powerhouse using software to operate hundreds of thousands of self-driving Tesla cars — many without steering wheels — and Tesla robots deployed in offices, factories and homes doing many tasks now handled by humans.

“This AI chapter needs one person to lead it and that’s Musk,” said financial analyst Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities. “It’s a huge win for shareholders.”

Investors voting for the pay had to consider not only this Musk promise of a bold, new tomorrow, but whether he could ruin things today: He had threatened to walk away from the company, which investors feared would tank the stock.

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