A man who has been traveling across the country to acquire signatures for an iconic movie prop, is planning to stop in Salina to receive the last one from a well-renowned celebrity.

John Miller, acquired the original canoe of the very first “Friday the 13th” movie and has been traveling across the country to get signatures from all who have been apart of the iconic horror franchise.

Miller is planning on making a stop in Salina on Saturday, October 25 to get his last signature from Kevin Bacon, during "The Bacon Brothers" concert at the Stiefel Theatre. Bacon played as "Jack Burrell" in the 1980 film.

According to Miller, this canoe has the most signatures with 80 plus, than any other Friday the 13th movie prop in history. He has acquired other signatures from celebrities such as Robert Englund, Alice Cooper, Crispin Glover, all the actors who played Jason Voorhees and Corey Feldman.&nbsp;

Miller started this journey 5 years ago. As time progressed, he stated that he “put it in his will" to donate back to the original campsite of where the first movie of the franchise was filmed.

“Everytime a Friday the 13th person pops up that I don’t have, I go and get them,” said Miller. “It is very well known in the convention circuit, very well known around the country to Friday the 13th collectors, there has been YouTube videos done on it. It is a pretty big thing.”

He got the canoe by acquiring it from a junkyard in Iowa, after visiting the original Boy Scout camp in New Jersey, where the movie was filmed. He contacted the Boy Scout camp in Iowa to get the canoe.

When he arrived to Iowa, he was looking for a canoe that had the “#6.” He found it and officially acquired the original canoe of the first movie.

“We have had offers from people that were in Friday the 13th to buy this canoe, but I just can’t sell it, I can’t do it,” Miller said.

Miller added, he received an offer of $100,000, but declined.

Not only does he have the original canoe, but he also has collections like the “Nightmare on Elm Street” motorcycle and gas cans from the films. In his spare time outside of his fulltime job of being a social worker, he collects items from Friday the 13th or Nightmare on Elm Street.

Once Miller arrives to Salina, he invites all Friday the 13th fans to check out the canoe.&nbsp;

Man travels nationwide to acquire celebrity signatures for iconic Friday the 13th canoe, plans to stop in Salina

I am Dr. Trent Davis, and I’m running for re-election to the Salina City Commission.

I was born and raised in Washington, D.C. After high school, I planned to become a Lutheran minister—but life had other plans, and I was blessed instead to become a physician. I have called Salina my home since 1999 and am still actively practicing Neurology. I also serve as a Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at the KU School of Medicine–Salina, and I’ve been honored to serve on the City Commission since 2014.

My wife, Dr. Pamela B. Davis, is a Radiologist in Salina and also active in activities that build the social fabric of our community. Pam is the sister of Dr. Mace Braxton who started the heart surgery program at SRHC in 1998. We have a blended family of six children, one of whom we sadly lost in September 2024. Our three sons were raised here in Salina and graduated from Salina Central High School; their two older sisters live in the Washington, D.C. area. Our doggie is the famous Halle Berry, nine pounds of Pompoo royalty!

Our families have long emphasized character development, confidence, and education. Among our children are four physicians (three KU graduates!) and one MPH who was ordained a minister in 2024.

My introduction to civic engagement came in the early 2000s, when I helped lead the charge for Kansas’ first Clean Indoor Air Act—banning smoking in local businesses—an initiative that later became state law. Since then, I’ve served on the Salina–Saline County Board of Health (as its last chair before restructuring), as well as the Boards of Salina Community Access TV, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the NAACP, and as President of the SRHC Medical Staff. I also worked on the successful

petition to expand the Saline County Commission from three to five members. Other activities include the Church Council at St. John’s Lutheran Church and the Salina Downtown Lions Club.

Appointed to the City Commission in 2014, I’ve since been re-elected three times. To prepare for my term as Mayor in 2019, I completed KU’s Certified Public Management program to strengthen my communication and analytical skills while serving as Vice Mayor in 2018. I have ardently pushed for economic incentives that have resulted in expansion of Salina’s commercial air service and related aerospace industries.

My favorite color is cerulean blue, my favorite pastime is throwing a Frisbee on the beach, some of my favorite books are The Power of Positive Thinking and Leading When You’re Not in Charge. And, of course, my favorite football team—no surprise—is the Chiefs!

I am a modest person, and my life is full and rewarding, but because I love this city I want to continue the momentum and progress that make Salina such a special place.

Since 2014, I’ve been proud to help guide Salina’s downtown renaissance—from the early talks about a Downtown Fieldhouse, through growing pains, to the vibrant destination we now enjoy.

The Commission’s work often involves balancing big ideas and tough realities—supporting job growth, small business expansion, the arts, housing development, public safety, and infrastructure. Much of it’s work is reactive – issues brought to us, rather than from us -- from neighborhood concerns to complex social challenges like homelessness and public health. I have a calm, steady presence—quick to listen, slow to anger—to navigate it all.

A friend once suggested Salina’s motto could be “Salina … in the Middle of Everywhere.” That “everywhere” reflects more than geography: it’s our diversity,

opportunity, and drive to grow. Salina’s competition isn’t just nearby towns—it’s the world. We need leaders unafraid to engage it.

As I see it, the City Commission is like the old BASF ad: “We don’t make the products you use; we make them better.” Our role is to be the catalyst—helping the people and organizations who make Salina thrive. Government isn’t about grabbing the spotlight, but about creating the conditions where others can shine. And while rules are necessary to protect fairness and safety, it’s our job to recognize when they’re outdated and adapt them for the future.

I want to be your City Commissioner because Salina deserves steady leadership—someone experienced, patient, and committed to managing your tax dollars responsibly. This is a dynamic city, and the Commission faces a constant stream of new challenges. Experience matters and you deserve someone honorable and dependable.

We don’t need single-issue candidates or those quick to shout that their way is the only way. I believe in listening first, learning always, and respecting every viewpoint brought to the table. As my father-in-law wisely said:

“If you have to yell louder, you need a better argument.”

Salina’s future depends on investing wisely—not in a fantasy of “no taxes,” but in sustainable progress that exceeds the length of our terms and serves generations to come. I believe it’s time to focus on our human infrastructure:

· Keeping our kids in school and out of jail

I’ve been here, working with our community to make these goals real. I’d be honored to continue that work.

I appreciate your confidence and your vote—early or on November 4, 2025—to keep Salina moving forward.

Meet City Commission Candidate: Dr. Trent Davis

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with Doug Johnson, director of public relations at Colby Community College.

🎤 Forward Ever: Doug Johnson of Colby Community College

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

&nbsp;A Sedgwick County District Pro-Tem Judge will sentence Michael Gonzalez, 23, of Saline County, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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 day for extreme vandalism at Kansas church

<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, October 10 - October 12

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;Viol protection order; Abuse order

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

NAME:&nbsp;Cunningham, Nathan Michael

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGES: (2 requested charges)&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit;&nbsp;Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant

NAME:&nbsp;Higgins, Bastian Raymond Edwards

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

NAME:&nbsp;Holmes, Wallace Macintosh

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

*No image available for&nbsp;McClure, Heather Ann*

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor; Duty of driver to report; Unattended veh/prop;unkn; Use/poss drug paraphernalia/human body; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

NAME:&nbsp;Spillman, Garrett Clay

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear; Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;Wagoner, Michael Joseph

NAME:&nbsp;Yungeberg, Gavven Charles Emil

Saline County Jail Bookings, October 10

The Salina Police Department are currently seeking tips for a high in value Camaro that was reportedly stolen from the Long McArthur Ford dealership.

ORIGINAL:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/672a1af8-f86a-4a24-94e8-e73ed4176fb8">High in value Camaro stolen from Salina Ford dealership, investigation ongoing</a>

On Sunday, September 28, between 10:50 pm and 11:00 pm, an unknown suspect stole a red 2013 Chevrolet Camaro from the car lot of Long McArthur Ford (3450 S. 9th). 

The vehicle had an unknown dealer tag on at the time of the theft. There were no missing keys to the vehicle. 

The suspect may have been dropped off across the street from the business by a suspect driving a pick-up truck.

The vehicle left south on 9th street from the business. The vehicle has a 6.2L V8 Supercharged engine with a 6-speed manual transmission and is valued at $44,900.

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 2025-26789.

UPDATE: Salina Police seeking tips for stolen high value Camaro

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;October 11:

- Amy Paden, Packages for Warriors&nbsp;

- Kirsty Hartley, Local Food Works Foundation

- Eric Townsend, Executive Producer for Chiefs Radio Network

Saturday Morning Show with Dave Foor & Nicolas Fierro preview, October 11

Hello, I’m Greg Lenkiewicz. Thank you for your time and for allowing me the opportunity to share a bit about my background and experience. I am in the final year of my four-year term and currently have the privilege of serving as the Mayor of Salina. I am running for re-election to continue the work that was started in my first term.&nbsp;

I was born in 1972 and raised in Salina. I have also raised both of my children, Sam and Sophie, in this community. I attended school in the USD 305 District and Salina Catholic Schools, completing kindergarten through sixth grade at St. Mary’s. I graduated from Salina South High School in 1991. I then attended Washburn University and graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. I chose that course of study because of my desire to serve the public and make a positive difference.&nbsp;

After graduation, I worked security at the Kansas State Capitol under the Capitol Area Police and also as an armored truck driver in the Topeka area for PSI Armored. My career in law enforcement began several months later at the Kansas State University Police Department (KSUPD), where I primarily served on bike patrol. After a brief period with KSUPD in Manhattan, I moved to the Kansas City area to work in Johnson County, serving as a law enforcement officer for approximately four years—most of that time with the Merriam Police Department.&nbsp;

About a year after my son, Sam, was born, we moved back to Salina to be closer to family. I’ve lived in Salina since the late summer of 2000. Upon returning, I worked for a little over a year with the Salina Police Department before transitioning to the private sector as a property manager and real estate investor to help grow our family business, Lenkiewicz Rental Properties. A few years later, Lenkiewicz Property Management was established. I found the traditional work schedule far more conducive to raising a family, and helping expand our family’s business proved very fulfilling. Lenkiewicz Rentals tripled in size within just a few years. I have been fortunate to continue in that field and have been involved in investment real estate for nearly 25 years.&nbsp;

My interest in local politics began about ten years ago when I realized the public service component in my life was missing and wanted to find a way to contribute to the community once again. That opportunity came when I was appointed to the City of&nbsp;Salina’s Planning Commission, where I served for approximately five years before being elected to the City Commission in 2021.&nbsp;

During my four-year term as a City Commissioner, I have had the privilege of participating in numerous programs and projects that have supported continued development and economic growth in Salina. I am running for re-election with the goal of continuing that progress. I was motivated to run for office again because I found my time on both the Planning Commission and City Commission to be extremely rewarding, and I want to continue serving the people of Salina in that capacity. 

In my opinion, the most important issues currently facing the Salina community are: 

• Workforce development and recruitment&nbsp;• Challenges in providing services and support for our homeless population • Local economic development&nbsp;

Throughout my time on the Commission, I’ve found that we have excellent community partners who do an exemplary job collaborating with our governing body. The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce and the Salina Area Economic Development Organization (EDO) work closely with the City of Salina to proactively address workforce development and economic growth. These partnerships should continue and expand in the future.&nbsp;

Salina Grace and its partners are also doing commendable work serving our homeless population. For approximately two years, the City’s Community Relations Department has collaborated with Salina Grace, and the City of Salina has contributed financially—with Commission approval—to support their continued efforts. I believe that partnership should continue, with an emphasis on serving an even broader group of individuals, including those struggling with addiction and/or mental health issues.&nbsp;

As an elected official, I have always made an effort to view every issue through a nonpartisan and non-denominational lens. I believe all citizens are best served from that perspective, and that approach will not change if I am elected to another term.&nbsp;

Through my academic, professional, and public service experiences, I have had the opportunity to work with people from a wide variety of cultural, religious, and economic backgrounds. From my time in law enforcement to property management and now the City Commission, these experiences have greatly enhanced my ability to view issues objectively and serve the community with fairness and integrity.&nbsp;

I’m also pleased to report that the City of Salina, as a taxing entity, has been revenue neutral for both the 2025 and upcoming 2026 fiscal years. As a result, the mill levy is down 0.849 from 2025. 

Despite maintaining a revenue-neutral rate, the City of Salina remains fiscally strong, with a healthy fund balance supported by sound investments and strategic management.

Over the last four years, the Commission has proudly supported incremental and systematic improvements in infrastructure and public safety. My intent is to carry those ideals forward into my second term as a City Commissioner.&nbsp;

Thank you in advance for your support. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions I may answer.&nbsp;

Meet City Commission Candidate: Greg Lenkiewicz

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University president

Brennan Mills is not just a second-year graduate student pursuing his master’s in English online; he is a rising star in the Kansas City educational community. Brennan is currently teaching middle school English at Indian Woods Middle School in the Shawnee Mission School District, where he has made an indelible mark on his students and peers alike.

Having completed his undergraduate degree in May of 2022, he immersed himself in the joys of teaching. Brennan quickly fell in love with his role as an educator. “After the first week, I knew I was in the right spot. I had a great first year, and I was folded into a band of experienced teachers who were outstanding at their jobs,” he recalls. 

That first year was not just about teaching; it was a foundation built on collaboration. His passionate approach to English Education was quickly recognized, and his school nominated Brennan for the prestigious Kansas Horizon Award. This award recognizes promising first-year educators across the state, providing them with a platform to shine.

Brennan's thoughtful and innovative methodologies caught the eye of his principal, Lacy Warren, who praised him for his commitment to fostering connections with students and their families. His weekly communication with parents ensures they stay informed about their children's progress and learning, bridging the gap between home and school. “Mr. Mills goes above and beyond to communicate with families,” said Principal Warren. For Brennan, teaching is more than a job; it's about respect, understanding, and building a strong foundation for each student.

Following the recognition by his district, Brennan's accolades continued to grow. He triumphantly advanced through the congressional district and state levels, ultimately being celebrated at the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network (KEEN) conference. Reflecting on his accomplishments, he shares humbly, “Award or no award, I would have kept doing exactly what I did, but it’s nice to be recognized.”

Brennan’s dedication to education didn’t stem solely from his classroom experiences; it also flourished from his adventures abroad. During the summer of 2025, he embarked on a transformative journey to Alnwick Castle in England as part of a study abroad program.

FHSU Alnwick is a 3-week, on-site, short-term faculty-led study abroad program located at Alnwick Castle in Alnwick, England, Northumberland. Open to all FHSU undergraduate and graduate students with any major, the program includes a 4-week online summer course with the latter 3 weeks taught onsite at Alnwick Castle.

Home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle is steeped in history and significance. Built after the Norman conquest, the castle has undergone extensive renovations to accommodate educational residency programs while preserving its historical integrity. 

Renowned for its appearances in beloved films such as Harry Potter, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and Transformers: The Last Knight, the castle also offers visitors a chance to engage in activities like medieval craft demonstrations, Harry Potter broomstick flying lessons, and archery lessons.

Encouraged by FHSU professor Dr. Perry Harrison, Brennan enrolled in two memorable courses: “Outlaws through the Ages” and a travel writing course led by Lisa Bell, director of our writing center and instructor of English and Modern Languages. The latter was a significant challenge as he ventured outside his usual writing style. “It was a refreshing challenge and an informative dive into a new genre,” he remarked. 

Alongside his wife, Brennan spent three weeks exploring the depths of English culture and heritage, traveling from the historic Stonehenge to the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland.

As he balances his responsibilities as a full-time educator and a student, Brennan appreciates the support from Fort Hays State University. He focuses on old British literature and has taken several courses with Perry Harrison. He has also enjoyed his courses with Dr. Leuschner and Lisa Bell. “It has been rigorous but also par for the course. Having a full-time job, teaching from 8 to 4, and then coming home and working on graduate coursework. The professors have been super accommodating.”

His students are fortunate to have a dedicated teacher who enjoys engaging in discussions. Brennan introduces “Philosophy Fridays” in his 8th-grade English class, where students tackle big ideas through the lens of classical philosophers like Plato. “It’s a highlight of my week. It’s a way to engage with students on a deeper level,” he explains. He believes that middle schoolers possess incredible potential and curiosity, making them uniquely suited for exploring life’s profound questions.

Brennan Mills stands out as a dedicated educator and an inspirational figure for future teachers. With aspirations to continue teaching middle school English, he emphasizes the importance of the journey. “They are on the brink of everything, and the possibilities are limitless,” he says about his students. As he forges ahead in his career and studies, this remarkable educator's future clearly holds great promise.

Embarking on this exciting chapter of his life, Brennan Mills remains deeply committed to shaping the minds of his students and influencing the future of education. Understanding educators' pivotal role in igniting curiosity and building resilience, he states, “I hope to inspire future teachers to embrace their unique voices and foster environments where students feel safe to explore their potential. Education transcends mere knowledge; it is about nurturing critical thinkers and empathetic individuals.”

With a focus on collaboration, creativity, and the limitless possibilities ahead, Brennan aspires to create a legacy that empowers educators and students to dream boldly and strive for excellence. Through his dedication, he embodies the promise of education—a commitment to growth, learning, and the transformative power of knowledge.

Meet City Commission Candidate: Keith Cooper

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 8 - October 10

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 6 - October 8

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 3 - October 5

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 1 - October 3

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

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House budget office said Friday that mass firings of federal workers have started in an attempt to exert more pressure on Democratic lawmakers in the ongoing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-trump-health-care-54b2a584657a0b619bc8326708a05604">government shutdown</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-doge-russell-vought-project-2025-f403174299933b7e3a3b6ebd779c146c">Russ Vought</a>, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, said on the social media site X that the “RIFs have begun,” referring to reduction-in-force plans aimed at reducing the size of the federal government.

A spokesperson for the budget office said the reductions are “substantial” but did not offer more immediate details.

The Education Department is among the agencies hit by new layoffs, a department spokesperson said Friday without providing more details. The department had about 4,100 employees when Trump took office in January, but its workforce was nearly halved amid mass layoffs in the Republican administration’s first months. At the start of the shutdown, it had about 2,500 employees.

The White House previewed that it would pursue the aggressive layoff tactic shortly before the government shutdown began on Oct. 1, telling all federal agencies to submit their reduction-in-force plans to the budget office for its review. It said reduction-in-force plans could apply for federal programs whose funding would lapse in a government shutdown, are otherwise not funded and are “not consistent with the President’s priorities.”

This goes far beyond what usually happens in a government shutdown, which is that federal workers are furloughed but restored to their jobs once the shutdown ends.

Democrats have tried to call the administration’s bluff, arguing the firings could be illegal, and seemed bolstered by the fact the White House had yet to carry out the firings.

But President Donald Trump had said earlier this week that he would soon have more information about how many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-government-shutdown-firings-layoffs-vought-1fd57313272ec4db5984f653b095be33">federal jobs</a>&nbsp;would be eliminated.

“I’ll be able to tell you that in four or five days if this keeps going on,” he said Tuesday in the Oval Office as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/canada-trump-carney-white-house-59b735b719247c7063777c1edcb10328">he met with Canada's prime minister</a>, Mark Carney. “If this keeps going on, it’ll be substantial, and a lot of those jobs will never come back.”

Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-johnson-government-shutdown-grijalva-526647b57faa2710382674646dfd2b37">the halls of the Capitol were quiet</a>&nbsp;on Friday, then 10th day of the shutdown, with both the House and the Senate out of Washington and both sides digging in for a protracted shutdown fight. Senate Republicans have tried repeatedly to cajole Democratic holdouts to vote for a stopgap bill to reopen the government, but Democrats have refused as they hold out for a firm commitment to extend health care benefits.

There was no sign that the top Democratic and Republican Senate leaders were even talking about a way to solve the impasse. Instead, Senate Majority Leader John Thune continued to try to peel away centrist Democrats who may be willing to cross party lines as the shutdown pain dragged on.

“It’s time for them to get a backbone,” Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said during a news conference.

AP Education Writer Collin Binkley contributed to this report.

Government shutdown: Mass firings of federal workers begins

LONDON (AP) — John Lodge, the singer and bassist of British rock band The Moody Blues for more than 50 years, has died. He was 82.

<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/john-lodge-obituary?pid=210066954">Click here to read the full obituary</a>

In a statement Friday, his family said “with the deepest sadness” that Lodge died “suddenly and unexpectedly.” It added that Lodge “peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.”

Birmingham-born Lodge joined the band in 1966, two years after its formation, along with fellow singer Justin Hayward, following the departure of Denny Laine and Clint Warwick. He remained with it until it stopped performing live in 2018.

Lodge featured on some of the band’s best-known work, including 1967’s psychedelic album “Days Of Future Passed,” which is widely regarded as one of rock’s first concept albums, and its follow-up a year later, “In Search Of The Lost Chord.”

Lodge also featured on the 1977 album “Octave,” which saw The Moody Blues embrace a more pop-oriented sound.

He continued to make records with the group until their final studio album in 2003, “December,” a collection of Christmas songs.

The group continued to perform live until 2018, the same year the band was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

Moody Blues singer and bassist John Lodge dead at 82

RILEY COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Thursday in Riley County.

A 2017 Buick Encore driven by Sharon Sando, 74, Leonardville was traveling&nbsp; in the 12000 block of Green-Randolph Road, according to the Riley County Police Department Activity report. The SUV veered off the road and rolled into a ditch. 

Sando was pronounced dead at the scene. The RCPD released no additional details.

Kansas woman dies in SUV rollover accident

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — University of Kansas indigenous studies director Alex Red Corn said a $1.5 million grant would allow a five-year collaboration with tribal nations and school districts in three states to broaden the pipeline of K-12 teachers working in schools serving Native American students.

The difficulty of attracting and retaining teachers to serve Native American students has been fueled from insufficient funding, isolation of rural communities and lack of job-market recruiting.

KU was awarded the grant from the Office of Indian Education in the U.S. Department of Education. The program involves&nbsp;the Southern Plains American Indian Teaching Pathways Project, which is a partnership that included Haskell Indian Nations University, or HINU, in Lawrence.

The goal is to work with Native Nations and school districts in Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma to prepare and mentor 15 teachers in elementary or secondary education.

“We look forward to getting started recruiting folks from Native communities and offer them a funded pathway to full teacher licensure through&nbsp;KU&nbsp;and Haskell and continuing to grow our longstanding partnership with Haskell in new and exciting ways,” said Red Corn, an Osage member, the lead principal investigator on the project and a KU associate professor.

Under the program, researchers plan to recruit individuals who earned or were approaching completion of an associate’s degree and want to pursue teaching certification by earning a bachelor’s degree at HINU or KU.

Upon graduation, these certified teachers would be required to work in Native-serving schools, where they would receive career mentorship from experienced teachers and cultural leaders.

KU officials said students involved in the program would be eligible for financial support in the form of tuition and fees, monthly living stipends, books, laptops and academic conference travel.

“We’re very appreciative of this opportunity from the Office of Indian Education, which is such a critical resource for tribal nations looking to advance sovereignty in education,” Red Corn said.

He said tribe and school partners in the region were eager to participate in work on a sustained program to bolster the teacher-development pipeline.

Project partners on the grant application included HINU, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Osage Nation, Quapaw Nation, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes.

Other partners in the teacher development effort would be&nbsp;Royal Valley Schools and South Brown County Schools as well as Daposka Ahnkodapi (Osage Nation School), Darlington Public Schools, Umoⁿhoⁿ Nation Public School and the Tribal Education Departments National Assembly.&nbsp;

University of Kansas collaborates on $1.5M grant to train teachers for Native-serving schools

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A teen murder suspect, captured on June 17, after hiding from police for weeks will will return to court Friday.

Jaden Watts, 19, is scheduled for an arraignment hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He may be asked to enter a plea for charges of second-degree murder in the March shooting death of 24-year-old Demarc Burgess.

In August, Judge Tyler Roush rejected a motion from Watt's attorney to dismiss the case because the fatal shooting was in self defense, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; &nbsp;

In March, police issued a felony pick-up for Watts in connection with the shooting of Burgess&nbsp;at a residence in the 14000 block of E. Twinlake Drive in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Reboledo.&nbsp; EMS transported Burgess to a local hospital where he died.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident occurred during a gathering at the residence, where a disturbance broke out between Watts and Burgess, which ultimately led to the shooting.&nbsp; 

Wichita police and U.S. Marshals took Watts into custody June 17 in the area of 700 S Hunter in Wichita, according to a statement from Wichita Police. He remains jailed&nbsp;on bonds totaling over $500,000.

Plea hearing: Kan. murder suspect who hid from police for weeks

OSLO, Norway (AP) — Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, winning recognition as a woman “who keeps the flame of democracy burning amid a growing darkness.”

The former opposition presidential candidate was lauded for being a “key, unifying figure” in the once deeply divided opposition to President Nicolás Maduro’s government, said Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel committee.

“In the past year, Ms. Machado has been forced to live in hiding,” Watne Frydnes said. Despite serious threats against her life, she has remained in the country, a choice that has inspired millions. When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognize courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist.”

He told the AP that the committee was able to reach Machado just before the announcement and “it came as a surprise.”

Machado’s ally, Edmundo González, who lives in exile in Spain, posted a short video of himself speaking by phone with Machado.

“I am in shock,” she said, adding, “I cannot believe it.”

González celebrated Machado’s Nobel win in a post on X, calling it a “very well-deserved recognition for the long fight of a woman and of a whole people for our freedom and democracy.”

Maduro’s government has routinely targeted its real or perceived opponents.

Machado, who turned 58 this week, was set to run against Maduro, but the government disqualified her. González, who had never run for office before, took her place. The lead-up to the election saw widespread repression, including disqualifications, arrests and human rights violations.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-election-maduro-opposition-human-rights-abuses-dd6d0b103adbf88f00fe60b0d781a873">crackdown on dissent only increased</a>&nbsp;after the country’s National Electoral Council, which is stacked with Maduro loyalists, declared him the winner despite credible evidence to the contrary.

The election results announced by the Electoral Council sparked protests across the country to which the government responded with force that ended with more than 20 people dead. They also prompted an end to diplomatic relations between Venezuela and various foreign countries, including Argentina.

Machado went into hiding and has not been seen in public since January. A Venezuelan court issued an arrest warrant for González over the publication of election results. He went into exile in Spain and was granted asylum.

Before dawn in Caracas, with few vehicles out yet on the Venezuelan capital’s usually crowded streets, some people heading to work expressed disbelief at the news of Machado’s win.

“I don’t know what can be done to improve the situation, but she deserves it,” said Sandra Martínez, 32, as she waited at a bus stop. “She’s a great woman.”

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