Attorney General Kris Kobach has filed a lawsuit against Snapchat, for violating the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch50/050_006_0023.html">Kansas Consumer Protection Act</a>&nbsp;(KCPA).&nbsp;

According to Kobach, the KCPA imposes civil penalties on companies that deceive Kansas consumers by marketing a product with deceptive intent. Kobach added that Snapchat is being marketed as 'safe for kids 12 and older.'&nbsp;

However, he wants to make that change from 12 and older, to 18+ due to the type of content the app portrays.

"There is just a continuous amount of information that has sexual content, nudity, profanity and drug selling on the platform," said Kobach. "I would argue that is not good for an 18-year old, but it is certainly not good for a 12-year old."

The lawsuit was officially filed on Tuesday, September 23 at the Washington County District Court. Kobach added the argument they are stating in court.

"The argument we are making in court is that Snapchat, has falsely advertised this as being safe for 12-year olds, when they know darn well that it is not safe for 12-year olds," he said.

According to <a href="https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/8961631424020-How-We-Rank-Content-on-Discover">Snapchat Support</a>&nbsp;and their <a href="https://values.snap.com/policy/policy-community-guidelines/sexual-content">Community guidelines</a>, the company 'strives to protect' consumers from&nbsp;unsolicited sexual content or abuse. In the case of violence, Snapchat takes 'all instances of threats, violence and harm seriously,' and 'does not allow content that encourages, threatens, or graphically depicts violent or dangerous behavior, or content that glorifies or encourages self-harm.'

One of their <a href="https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/8961631424020-How-We-Rank-Content-on-Discover">policies</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;"How we rank content on Discover," states the app is set up in a way that makes 'content age and language appropriate.'

The following is a statement from Snapchat Support over <a href="https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/8961631424020-How-We-Rank-Content-on-Discover#:~:text=4.,is%20localized%20to%20your%20location.">'content age and language appropriate</a>':

We want to make sure that the content you see is appropriate for your age and the language you speak. To do this, we look at your country, your language, the age you provided when you created an account, and the age we think you may be, based on your friends and your activity. We use this information to group you with similar users in your age group. This way we can identify content that is appropriate for you, in the language that you speak, and is localized to your location.

Kobach shared that he is concerned as parent for his children, especially for his youngest daughters that are 10 and 13. He commented that on the app store, Snapchat has an age rate of 12+ and he thinks that should not be the case.

"That little bit of information has huge consequences, because I, as the parent may be deceived in saying, this looks okay for you," he said. "The parent does not sit there looking over the shoulder of the kid, while their child is on it scrolling for an half an hour, hour, or an hour and a half. As a parent, our best place to protect our kids is before they download the app, after that it is very hard. This lawsuit is about making Snapchat be honest with people and allowing Kansas parents to better protect their kids."

KBI Director shares the dangers of Snapchat

KBI Director, Tony Mattivi shared points they know about the dangers of Snapchat, unrelated to the lawsuit.

According to Mattivi, the app is used as a 'primary mechanism,' by which fentanyl dealers are selling fentanyl to children.

"We know that fentanyl dealers are targeting children under 18, they are using social media to do it and primarily Snapchat," said Mattivi. "I can give you example after example, of Kansas teenagers who have used Snapchat to buy fake pills that had fentanyl and killed them."

Mattivi added the other way Snapchat is being used, is by the transmission of child sexual abuse materials.

"Our message has been simple to all Kansans, do not ever take a pill that you did not get from a doctor's office or a pharmacy," said Kobach. "We are doing everything we can to try and stop this...We are working hard to protect Kansas parents and their children."

"My main message to parents would be, if you did not get that pill from a pharmacist yourself, then do not take it and do not let your kids take it," said Mattivi. "You have to educate your kids on that, one pill really can kill and that is not an embellishment."

According to Mattivi, fentanyl overdoses are the leading cause of death for Americans under 40.

Kobach and Mattivi also shared that a KBI agent lost his son due to a fentanyl exchange through Snapchat.

"People ask me all the time, what is the biggest myth about fentanyl? It is actually three. Can't happen in my community, can't happen to my family and can't happen to me," said Mattivi. "If we can have a career drug agent (KBI) lose their child to fentanyl poisoning, it can happen to anybody."&nbsp;

Kansas, now the 4th state to sue Snapchat

Following the lawsuit from the AG, Kansas is not first state to sue Snapchat. Kobach said states such as Utah, Florida and New Mexico have sued the social media company in the past.

Kobach said the lawsuit also seeks financial penalties. 

The KCPA allows Kansas to recover up to $10,000 per incident.&nbsp;

Snapchat facing lawsuit after violating Kansas Consumer Protection Act 

After Attorney General, Kris Kobach sued the Kelly administration for not sending basic information of&nbsp;Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to the federal government, the Shawnee County District Court has granted a dismissal of the lawsuit.

According to the Kelly administration, the court granted the Governor a motion to dismiss AG Kobach's lawsuit regarding the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) SNAP data request on Tuesday. 

Governor Kelly issued the following statement:

“It is unfortunate that Attorney General Kobach decided to engage in low-rent political theater, wasting taxpayer dollars and spreading misinformation,”&nbsp;said Gov. Kelly.&nbsp;“I appreciate the court granting my administration’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit on the grounds that the Attorney General’s actions were premature as we continue through the USDA’s administrative review process and that my administration does not have a legal duty to turn over Kansans’ personal information at this time. Had the Attorney General met with my office prior to filing his lawsuit, as my office had requested, we could have explained the issue without having to go through the time and expense of the court. It is clear from the court’s order that the Attorney General’s arguments were without merit.”

ORIGINAL: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0ad24636-7369-4fc8-8b5e-855a301361ad">DCF in full support of not releasing personal info of SNAP recipients following lawsuit from Kobach</a>

The Kelly administration added that AG Kobach has 'made false claims' that Kansas has lost $10.4 million in SNAP funding.

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0ad24636-7369-4fc8-8b5e-855a301361ad"></a>"The Attorney General has, on multiple occasions, made false claims that the State of Kansas has lost $10.4 million in administrative funding for the SNAP program," said the Office of Governor Kelly.

According to the Kansas Department for Children and Families, the state 'has not lost any SNAP administrative funding' and will continue to operate as normal.

The following is a statement from AG Kobach:

“We disagree with the judge’s interpretation of ripeness and are considering an appeal. Regardless, the governor continues to defy Kansas law. Needy Kansans have now lost $10.4 million in food assistance because of her political theatrics. That money is not coming back. It is laughable to suggest that she will be able to persuade the USDA to change its decision. And now, because of the governor’s desire to thumb her nose at the Trump administration, needy Kansans will lose another $10.4 million of food assistance in December.”

UPDATE: Court grants Kelly administration motion to dismiss AG Kobach's SNAP lawsuit, comments from both sides

Governor Kelly has directed flags to be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds and facilities from sunup to sundown on Friday, October 3, in honor of Hays Police Sergeant Scott Heimann.

Sgt. Heimann was killed in the line of duty on Sunday, September 28.

“For nearly a decade, Sergeant Heimann was committed to protecting those in Hays, and he made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“His sacrifice is a debt that we will never forget or be able to repay. My sincere condolences go out to his family and loved ones as they mourn this tragedy, and to all Kansans as we grieve our state’s fourth line-of-duty death in the last three months.”

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/45c90b33-b465-4895-91a5-6a3500fa2d9f">Sergeant Heimann will be honored during services held on Friday, October 3.</a>

Flag directed at half-staff for fallen Hays officer on Friday

Kansas Law Enforcement and First Responders traveled through I-135 for the vehicle escort of fallen Hays Police Department officer,&nbsp;Sgt. Scott Heimann.

The escort started Tuesday afternoon in Wichita and traveled through I-135, past Salina.

Hays Memorial Chapel (1906 Pine Street) is the destination point.

Heimann was killed in the line of duty while responding to a barricaded subject incident. He was pronounced dead just after 4:00 am on Sunday, September 28.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Friday, October 3, at Gross Memorial Coliseum with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.haysmemorial.com/obituary/Scott-Heimann">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the full obituary

KS Law Enforcement and First Responders travel through Salina during escort for fallen Hays officer 

Victim of fraud recovers over $7,000 before nearly losing the amount by a scammer.&nbsp;

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Monday, a 74-year old woman was on her computer at home, when suddenly a fraudulent pop-up came across her browser. She then clicked on the pop-up and was provided a phone number to contact.

Afterwards, the woman contacted the phone number and connected with someone claiming they were from the "FDIC fraud division from Sunflower Bank." The caller advised that she needed to go to her bank, take $7,400 from her checking/savings account and transfer the amount over to the scammer.

The scammer gave instructions to the victim to say to the banktellers, she is needing the cash to "take a trip to Jamaica," if they expressed concerns of fraud. The victim then said the statement to the tellers and withdrew the full amount.

Furthermore, the scammer told the victim to turn the cash into Bitcoin. She then was able transfer the amount through Bitcoin Depot, which the funds were placed into a Bitcoin wallet.

Shortly after, the victim contacted SPD about concerns of her being scammed.

SPD was then able to contact Bitcoin Depot to freeze the victim's account, before the money was fully transferred.

The victim successfully recovered the full amount.

SPD Lt. Zeigler warned the public that it is a scam, if people tell you to lie to the bank and say you taking a trip somewhere you are not.

Fraud victim recovers over $7,000 before nearly losing the amount by a scammer

Two juveniles were arrested after committing multiple thefts at Target.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD), security of the Target store on 2939 Market Pl., detained two female juveniles ages 14 and 16 for shoplifting.&nbsp;

Reportedly, Target has been aware of the shoplifting since September 17 where the juveniles stole $96.99 of items. Moreover, on the 20th the juveniles stole $17 worth of items and on the 23rd, they stole $186.46 of items from the store.

Then on Monday, September 29 they stole a total of $66 of items.

SPD apprehended the juveniles from Target security and transported them to the Juvenile Detention Center in Junction City.

Furthermore, SPD added a third female suspect aged 13, was part of the shoplifting crimes, but was not present during the time of the arrest of the other two juveniles.&nbsp;

According to SPD Lt. Zeigler, the crimes are a Felony Theft.

Multiple Target store thefts results in two juvenile arrests

Salina authorities are investigating a theft of a pickup truck that was stolen from a car dealership.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) from Saturday, September 27 at 4:00 pm - the morning of Monday, September 29, Salina Used Cars (833 E. Crawford) reported a pickup truck was stolen from the business.

Employees reported a white 2017 Chevy Silverado, no tag with&nbsp;a distinctive bedliner was stolen from the lot.

The truck is&nbsp;and&nbsp;valued&nbsp;at $24,900.

Investigation ensues after stolen pickup truck from car dealership in East Salina

The Salina Police Department (SPD) has provided a full report regarding the suspect who burglarized the VFW Post 1432.

ORIGINAL:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c298e4b4-6190-41a1-861e-3cbe8a4d26d5">VFW Post 1432 burglarized, investigation ongoing</a>

According to SPD, at around 1:00 am on Monday a male suspect broke into VFW Post 1432. The suspect reportedly broke into 3 gaming machines, an electronic dart machine and stole a safe. He also attempted to break into an ATM machine.

The suspect stole a total of over $5,000 in cash.

UPDATE: SPD gives full report regarding VFW burglary

This fall, Kansans for Life launched AFTERMATH, a first-of-its-kind traveling memorial that is now making its way through communities across Kansas.

At each stop, visitors walk through a powerful display the size of a basketball court - 19,467 fetal models, each representing a child lost to abortion in Kansas in 2023. Visitors have described the memorial as sobering, emotional and unforgettable.

AFTERMATH was created in response to the surge of abortions in Kansas since the 2019 state Supreme Court ruling that declared abortion a constitutional right. That decision stripped away long-standing protections for women and their preborn children. The result has been devastating: thousands more abortions each year, families forever changed, and a human cost too often hidden from view. This memorial brings that reality into the light.

City after city, local churches and volunteers have stepped up to host, set up, greet visitors, and repack the display - making it possible for Kansans of every age and background to encounter the truth in a way statistics alone cannot express.

Beyond the display itself, the memorial gives visitors the chance to learn how Kansas arrived at this moment, reflect as they walk through, and respond. There will also be resources available for those who may have been personally impacted by abortion, as well as free pregnancy help across the state for families who need support.

And the journey is not finished. AFTERMATH will continue traveling in the weeks ahead, giving more Kansans the chance to walk through the memorial, reflect, and respond.

This Friday, October 3, AFTERMATH will be in Salina from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park. All are welcome to experience this powerful memorial.

Visit aftermathks.com for the upcoming tour schedule, volunteer opportunities, and resources to share with your church or community

AFTERMATH: Traveling memorial in response to abortions across Kansas arrives to Salina on Friday

Beginning this weekend, phones will be ringing across Salina USD 305 as a comprehensive survey of patrons’ opinion will begin.

School district officials say the survey will provide insight into what residents think about the district’s strengths, challenges and other important issues.

“This survey will give us an outstanding opportunity to hear from a cross-section of our patrons their opinions about our performance, and what they think about a variety of issues,” says Heath Hogan, superintendent. “We’ll hear from all geographic parts of the district, people of all different ages, and everyone from newcomers to long-term residents.”

The phone survey was designed by ExcellenceK12, a Kansas City-based market research firm that has worked with school districts across the Midwest.

The calling will be done by Market Research Associates, a Kansas City firm, which uses only professional researchers. Participants will be selected totally at random, and all responses will be kept completely confidential.

In general, calls will be placed between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm on weekdays, and noon to 6:00 pm on Saturdays.

The caller ID may show “Market Research Associates,” or it may simply show an 816 or 913 area code, because the company uses calling facilities in both Missouri and Kansas.

For those who are not contacted at random on the phone, an online version of the survey will be available on the <a href="https://www.usd305.com/">district’s website</a>. The online surveys will be open from October 3 through 12:00 am on October 17.&nbsp;

The survey process will take about two weeks to complete, and the district is asking patrons to listen for their phones to ring.

“We are very fortunate to live and serve in a community that values our schools,” Hogan says. “If you get called for the survey, please answer and give your honest feedback.”

USD 305 seeking public feedback from survey by phone or online starting this weekend

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

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Crim damage to prop;w/o consent &lt;$1K

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalia/human body; No Proof Of Insurance; Poss of marijuana; Poss of stolen property;Value less than $1,500; Burglary; Dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence or sexually motivated crime

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Viol protection order; Abuse order

NAME:&nbsp;Kappelman, James Patrick

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Disorderly conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct to cause resentment

Saline County Jail Bookings, September 30

<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 29 - October 1

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 26 - September 28

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/">weathe</a>

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 24 - September 26

As Tuesday morning's showers continue throughout Central Kansas,&nbsp; flooding remains a possibility.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS) the severity remains low for these scattered showers and storms throughout the region on Tuesday. However, heavy rainfall amounts and flooding are a possibility.&nbsp;

Please stay alert on the roadways and be safe while driving.

Flooding remains possible with Tuesday morning's showers 

The US National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita forecasts severe thunderstorms are expected to develop after midnight tonight and continue into Tuesday morning across Central Kansas.

According to NWS Wichita, these storms are likely to produce high rainfall rates, which may lead to flooding. Storms are expected to move in from the west after midnights, with most locations in Saline County after 3:00 am. The heaviest rainfall is likely between 4:00 am and noon Tuesday.

Saline County Emergency Management stated there is slightly lower confidence on how large hailstones may get, but the confidence is in the heavy rainfall and flooding potential has been increasing.

Severe storms with heavy rainfall amounts expected after midnight in Central Kansas

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 22 - September 24

Scattered storms are possible to develop this evening across Central Kansas.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), these storms have a chance of occurring late tonight with stronger storms capable of producing hail up to quarter size. However, the severity is marginal and chances are low throughout the region.

Scattered storms possible to occur late tonight in Central Kansas

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 19 - September 21

Showers and thunderstorms expected to continue today and into Thursday throughout the Central Kansas region.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms have impacted central and north-central Kansas this morning. Locally heavy rainfall will be the primary hazard. However, activity should tend to gradually dissipate as the morning progresses.

A few strong to marginally severe thunderstorms are possible after 4:00 pm today, mainly along the west of Flint Hills.&nbsp;

These showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue into Thursday.

Showers and thunderstorms expected to continue into Thursday, heavy rainfall anticipated

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 17 - September 19

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks coasted to the finish of their latest winning month on Tuesday, as Wall Street yawned at the potential&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-senate-schumer-thune-trump-health-care-b85fe6cdd5d8cdc3e3aa1f4ae889474f">shutdown of the U.S. federal government</a>&nbsp;that’s looming.

The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.4% to close out its fifth straight winning month after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-interest-rates-inflation-1b2f59b28860658af42d0ce003226cf7">setting a record last week</a>. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 81 points, or 0.2%, to set its own all-time high, and the Nasdaq composite ticked 0.3% higher.

The quiet trading came as a midnight deadline approached, when the U.S. government could shut down because of Washington’s latest political impasse. That’s because history has shown that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdowns-history-schumer-trump-f442ba1392fab3e7cab37756302e829c">past shutdowns</a>&nbsp;have had limited impact on the economy and stock market, and many economists and professional investors expect something similar this time around.

The S&amp;P 500 has climbed an average of 4.4% during past shutdowns and is positive over the last five, according to Monica Guerra, head of U.S. policy at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.

What could make this shutdown different, though, is that the White House may push&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-congress-government-shutdown-99d4cafe53209f6dc6ae5562c2ac79d2">for large-scale firings of federal workers</a>.

The broad stock market has been on a nearly relentless run since hitting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-tariffs-china-trump-b686ef0259c2f4894f9fcd1f3649a956">a low in April</a>&nbsp;on expectations that President Donald Trump’s tariffs won’t derail global trade and that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-jobs-inflation-powell-bccc5ad2114d0f9a19e0f6db4aeadf82">the Federal Reserve will cut</a>&nbsp;interest rates several times to boost&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-revisions-labor-department-f4a29a2b948f7bce0d6558824ffe0fd5">the slowing job market</a>.

Treasury yields wavered in the bond market but ultimately held relatively steady following mixed reports on the U.S. economy. One said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-confidence-conference-board-economy-jobs-591ce213dd6da917fd3ec0e1b2b053bf">consumers are feeling less confident</a>&nbsp;than economists expected, with many respondents in the Conference Board’s survey pointing to the job market and to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-inflation-trump-tariffs-prices-consumer-0a10b8f245eb90115c84026d7061d2b0">inflation that has remained higher</a>&nbsp;than anyone would like.

A second report suggested the job market may be remaining in its “low-hire, low-fire” state.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-jobs-openings-unemployment-inflation-federal-reserve-60b8f481cdbc56f96829817a2992e508">U.S. employers were advertising roughly the same number of job openings</a>&nbsp;at the end of August as the month before. The hope on Wall Street had been for a number that’s neither too high nor too low, one balanced enough to keep the Fed on track to continue cutting interest rates.

The Fed just delivered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-inflation-trump-2d05401d7c9cb2393925f494aac71d89">its first cut of the year</a>, and officials have penciled in more to give the job market a boost. But too-strong data on jobs could make the Fed less willing to cut rates, which would strengthen criticism that the U.S. stock market has become too expensive after prices ran so high. Too-weak numbers, meanwhile, could signal a coming recession, which would also hurt stock prices.

When Wall Street will get the next data reports on the job market is uncertain, though. A shutdown of the federal government would cause delays for several important reports, including Friday’s on how many jobs U.S. employers created and destroyed in September.

That could make Wall Street more twitchy when investors are already nervous about the state of the economy and what that means for the potential for cuts to rates. The Department of Labor has already said that the Bureau of Labor Statistics will completely cease operations if there’s a lapse.

On Wall Street, CoreWeave jumped 11.7% after saying Meta Platforms will pay up to $14.2 billion for a new order for cloud computing power made under its existing service agreement, with the potential for more.

Lamb Weston climbed 4.3% after the supplier of frozen French fries and other potato products reported a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected.

On the losing end of Wall Street was Spotify Technology, which sank 4.2%. The Stockholm-based streaming giant said its founder,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spotify-music-streaming-ceo-9a798d91c9aad8e8e8cb09f232339369">Daniel Ek, is stepping down as CEO</a>&nbsp;to become the executive chairman. Two of his lieutenants will replace him as co-CEOs: Chief Product and Technology Officer Gustav Söderström and Chief Business Officer Alex Norström.

Oil-related companies weighed on the market as the price of crude fell again as traders see too much oil washing around the world. Baker Hughes sank 3.6%, and Schlumberger fell 2.1%.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 27.25 points to 6,688.46. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 81.82 to 46,397.89, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 68.86 to 22,660.01.

In stock markets abroad, indexes ticked higher in Europe following a mixed finish in Asia.

In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury held steady at 4.15%, where it was late Monday.

Wall Street yawns at DC's looming shutdown as the Dow sets another record

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflecto</a>r

TOPEKA — Ty Theurer resigned Monday as superintendent of Comanche County schools amid public outrage over allegations he sexually harassed and inappropriately touched a student.

School board member Dean Yoder confirmed the board accepted Theurer’s resignation at a special meeting and named Michael Baldwin as the interim superintendent.

Baldwin previously served as superintendent and was given a two-year deal, Yoder said.

“Everyone’s familiar with him, and it just kind of a calming aspect to maybe put everyone at a little bit of ease now and move forward,” Yoder said.

Earlier this month,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/09/02/a-kansas-student-reported-her-coach-for-harassment-and-touching-school-leaders-kept-it-quiet/">Kansas Reflector reported</a>&nbsp;on Theurer’s behavior during the spring semester in his capacity as the South Central High School golf coach. Theurer admitted in a signed statement, obtained by Kansas Reflector, that he told a girl to grip a club like a penis and that he had held the back of her thigh, hips, waist and shoulder — purportedly to improve her golf posture.

Theurer, who faced additional allegations from other students, stepped down as golf coach but remained as district superintendent. School board president Kelly Herd and others tried to protect Theurer, despite law enforcement and Title IX investigations.

Kansas Reflector reported that Herd tried to quash community backlash by refusing to let a parent speak about the allegations at a school board meeting and by instructing other board members that they should stay quiet on the subject. Yoder was an outlier among board members in voicing his concerns.

On Sept. 3, a day after Kansas Reflector published its investigative report, more than 100 community members&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/09/04/outraged-parents-demand-action-as-kansas-school-board-places-superintendent-on-administrative-leave/">packed a school board meeting</a>&nbsp;in the small, southwest Kansas town of Coldwater and loudly criticized the board’s handling of the students’ complaints. The board placed Theurer on paid administrative leave during that meeting.

Several weeks later, on Sept. 21,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/09/22/southwest-kansas-school-board-presidents-unoccupied-vehicle-struck-by-10-gunshots/">10 bullets were fired</a>&nbsp;into Herd’s unoccupied vehicle while it was parked in front of her home.

Yoder said 10-15 people attended the school board’s special meeting Monday night. He wouldn’t talk about the details of Theurer’s resignation, which the board discussed during a closed session.

“Healing,” Yoder said. “We try and earn the community’s trust back. I’m not sure we can do it, but we’re trying to get their trust back.”

Superintendent resigns from Kan. school district after allegations of sexual harassment, touching

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicole-kidman">Nicole Kidman</a>&nbsp;has filed for divorce from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/keith-urban">Keith Urban</a>&nbsp;after 19 years of marriage, bringing a surprising end to a long and seemingly successful union that brought together two superstars from the worlds of movies and music.

The 58-year-old Oscar-winning actor petitioned on Tuesday to end her marriage to the 57-year-old Grammy winning country singer in a Nashville court. The documents state the couple has undergone “marital difficulties and irreconcilable differences.”

Kidman and Urban, two of the biggest stars to come out of Australia in recent decades, have been red carpet fixtures throughout their two-decade relationship, with Urban joining his wife at the Oscars and Kidman attending music events like the Academy of Country Music Awards.

The filings include a marriage dissolution and childcare plan agreed on by the couple and submitted for a judge's approval.

“The mother and father will behave with each other and each child so as to provide a loving, stable, consistent and nurturing relationship with the child even though they are divorced,” says the permanent parenting plan, using language common in the state's divorces. “They will not speak badly of each other or the members of the family of the other parent. They will encourage each child to continue to love the other parent and be comfortable in both families.”

The plan asks that Kidman be the primary residential parent to the couple's two daughters, ages 17 and 14, having them for 306 days per year with Urban taking them for the other 59.

The girls have lived in Nashville all their lives, and the documents give no indication that will change.

The filing states that each parent earns more than $100,000 per month and neither will need childcare or spousal support.

The marriage dissolution plan lays out a roughly equal division of joint assets, with each keeping all the assets that are in their own name, including the copyrights and royalties for their artistic work.

The detailed agreements suggests that the divorce had been in the works for well over a month at the least. Urban signed the parenting plan on Aug. 29, Kidman on Sept. 6.

It will take at least 90 days for the divorce to become final under Tennessee law.

Representatives for Kidman and Urban did not respond to emailed requests for comment on Tuesday.

Both raised in Australia, Kidman and Urban met in 2005 at a Los Angeles event honoring Australians and were married in Sydney the following year.

The marriage was the first for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/keith-urban-high-album-57d69f7f303c6043123bc24da7e980ad">Urban</a>&nbsp;and the second for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/nicole-kidman-talks-supporting-women-behind-the-camera-feb07d0b30c24472b207e0556e57a44d">Kidman</a>, who was married to Tom Cruise from 1990 to 2001. Kidman also has two older children with Cruise.

The couple had publicly but lovingly described some marital difficulties, but there were still few if any signs they were headed for divorce. Media reports of their separation came just a day before the divorce filing.

Last year at the premiere of the Netflix series&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/nicole-kidman-television-london-eve-hewson-jack-reynor-8e786be525b64dd68c5cf9b8c511696a">“The Perfect Couple,” Kidman</a>&nbsp;told The Associated Press the term didn’t apply to her and Urban.

“You’re heading for trouble if you consider yourselves the perfect couple,” she said. “I’m not a believer in perfect.”

A few months earlier,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nicole-kidman-afi-award-meryl-reese-witherspoon-31c5ea6dd66ba4d14b17deda3559b031">Urban paid tribute to Kidman</a>, and brought her to tears, when she received the AFI Life Achievement Award.

Urban said she showed him “what love in action really looks like” when his substance abuse problems emerged almost immediately after they wed in 2006.

“Four months into our marriage, I’m in rehab for three months,” Urban said. “Nic pushed through every negative voice, I’m sure even some of her own, and she chose love. And here we are 18 years later.”

Kidman’s film roles have included “Days of Thunder,” “Eyes Wide Shut,” “Moulin Rouge” and “The Hours,” for which she won an Academy Award for playing author Virginia Woolf. She has more recently worked in television, including the series “Nine Perfect Strangers” and “Big Little Lies,” for which she won Emmys as both actor and producer.

Urban has been a major country star since the 1990s, with hits including “Somebody Like You” and “Blue Ain’t Your Color.” He has won four Grammy Awards and more than a dozen ACM Awards.

Nicole Kidman files for divorce from Keith Urban after 19 years of marriage

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson High School,&nbsp;810 E 13th Avenue in Hutchinson, was placed on lockdown Tuesday after police received a threat that investigators later determined was not credible.

Just after 11:30a.m., Hutchinson Police received a call about the threat, according to a media release. Officers and sheriff’s deputies responded to the school, setting up a perimeter while administrators initiated lockdown protocols.

As a precaution, Graber Elementary,&nbsp;1600 N Cleveland Street and the Transitional Learning Center, 700, East 13th Avenue also went into secure mode and kept students indoors.

Police said a sweep of the high school found no credible threat, and the lockdown was lifted with classes resuming later in the day.

Investigators believe the incident was a case of swatting, where a false report is made to provoke a police response. No students were found to be involved.

“Hutchinson Police Department and Hutchinson Public Schools take all threats seriously and appreciate the cooperation during this incident,” the agencies said in a joint statement.

Police: Hutchinson High School threat was a swatting incident

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Fort Hays State University assistant professor defended her Facebook posts about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Nuchelle Chance of the psychology department posted a TikTok video Monday saying she is being targeted online by Libs of TikTok, an X account with 4.4 million followers, and other online accounts.

On Sept. 10, the day Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a debate at Utah Valley University, Chance posted the following the same day:

"In my post, I just stated that there's karma," Chance said in the TikTok video. "There's irony associated with that, and that's by no means to celebrate someone's death."

Chance added when she thinks of karma and irony, she thinks of it in a scientific sense rather than a mythical one. Chance compared the death of Kirk to Newton's laws of physics, saying that energy is not destroyed.&nbsp;

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