Many stories in this world are untold, unrecognized, unheard and unseen. 

However, Salina Post is giving people a chance to tell stories about their personal lives as a way to inspire each reader.

"Salina Sees You" will be an edition of articles, that tell the stories of individuals who have conquered obstacles, battled and overcome stigmas/barriers, people currently facing unique circumstances and recognizing others for their tireless hours of local service work. This&nbsp;will not be confined to telling stories only in the Salina or Saline County area, but will be reached across the Central Kansas region!

Up first to kick off this special edition of stories will be: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ff26b439-5896-4f53-b3e1-1be7bc15d058">A 'man of the people' is beloved by the community through his service at the YMCA</a>

Every Thursday, an article will be published and click on the "Salina Sees You" option under the "Local" tab on <a href="https://salinapost.com/">salinapost.com</a>

If you would like to share your personal story or know anyone who may have a story that will inspire each reader, please email Salina Post News Director, Nicolas Fierro: nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com or&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com (during regular business hours)

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

The community of Salina "sees you."

Introducing: Salina Sees You

ABILENE - Memorial Health System (MHS) is proud to announce the official designation of the Salina Regional Health Center Outreach Clinic, now located on the second floor of Memorial Hospital in Abilene. 

The designated clinic location provides a centralized, convenient space for visiting specialists from Salina Regional Health Center.

Patients have already begun seeing Salina Regional general surgeons Jesse Grey, M.D., Leah Speaks, M.D., and Justin Klaassen, D.O., in the new clinic. This month, obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) services with Emily Budden, M.D., and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) care with Melissa Crawford, PA, also will see patients in the new location. 

In October, oncology and hematology specialists, Jeffrey Geitz, M.D., Peeran Sandhu, M.D., and endocrinologist Richard Gomendoza, M.D. also will join the clinic. More specialty services are anticipated to transition into the new clinic in the future.

Salina Regional Health Center’s goal is to improve access to care for patients close to home. Since affiliating with SRHC, MHS has welcomed a growing number of visiting specialists to Abilene, which has resulted in more procedures and follow-up care being done locally. This not only benefits patients and families, but also strengthens the entire community by keeping high-quality care accessible.

“Having a wide range of specialists visit Abilene is incredibly important for patients,” said Kim Haverly, MHS Administrator. “When patients can receive the services they need without traveling long distances, it’s better for their health, their families and their employers. It reduces time away from

work, limits stress and helps ensure that our most vulnerable populations have access to the care they need, close to home.”

A complete list of visiting specialists and scheduling information is available on the MHS website at: <a href="https://mhsks.org/providers/">https://mhsks.org/providers/</a>.

Memorial Health System in Abilene opens outreach clinic for Salina Regional Health Center visiting specialists 

The Saline County Sheriff's Office have made an arrest from the&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c9c2eaf5-ac85-4bd0-b09e-b1d074d89fb7">Most Wanted list for September 2025</a>.

According to the Sheriff's Office,&nbsp;Trenton Ponting was arrested and is currently being held in Sedgwick County.&nbsp;Ponting was taken into custody for the following requested charges:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Felony Failure to appear / Agg. Assault / Crim. Restraint / Att. Flee &amp; Elude / DUI / Interference w/ LEO / Poss. Marijuana x3 / Intimidate Witness.

View <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c9c2eaf5-ac85-4bd0-b09e-b1d074d89fb7">Saline County's Most Wanted list for September 2025</a>.

Arrest made from Saline County Sheriff's September Most Wanted list

A community health seminar meant to inform the public about the benefits of naturopathic practices, is set to occur in Salina this late September.

John and Deb Boesen from the Health Liberty Forum, are the co-hosts of this seminar. The Boesen's purpose for organizing this event is to inform community members about the benefits and cost-effective medical practices, naturopathy provides in holistic medicine. Holistic medicine focuses on treating the whole person by considering the interconnectedness of their physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual well-being, rather than just treating the symptoms of an illness.

This seminar will occur on Wednesday, September 24 at the Salina Public Library, Prescott room (301 W Elm St) from 6:00 pm - 7:45 pm. The seminar is free and open to the public, with donations.

The Boesen's are inviting naturopathic practitioner <a href="https://isom.ca/profile/ron-hunninghake/">Dr. Ron Hunninghake MD</a>, from Riordan Clinic in Wichita. Dr. Hunninghake&nbsp;specializes in the care of people with chronic disease, cancer, nutritional deficiency and mental health. He will be teaching event goers about the 'Evolution of Naturopathy to Integrative Medicine' during the seminar.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Naturopathy is a form of holistic medicine that emphasizes the body's natural healing abilities and uses natural remedies to treat and prevent disease.&nbsp;According to <a href="https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-naturopathic-medicine">WebMD</a>, the goal of naturopathic medicine is to treat the whole person -- that means mind, body and spirit. It also aims to heal the root causes of an illness -- not just stop the symptoms. Naturopathic medicine is used to treat health issues such as allergies, headaches, fertility issues, digestive problems, obesity, hormonal imbalances, chronic pain and chronic fatigue syndrome

John stated naturopathy throughout history has been 'suppressed.' Naturopathy from 1938-1978&nbsp;led to the legal and economic suppression and growth of allopathic medicine, fueled by the drug industry, even so far as naturopathic physicians were accused of ‘dishonest medical practices.’

John hopes the information brought forth at the seminar will help others be more aware of holistic practices.

“Alot of the&nbsp;holistic practices are coming back into use and we want to share the information with people,” said John.&nbsp;“We want to expand this practice into people’s lives, so they can find help that does not have as many costs or side effects as traditional allopathic medicine does.”

He added that many health professionals have stated they want to 'restore bodies' with naturopathic practices.

“We have access to professionals who are saying we need to restore our bodies health with good information and that we need to keep the predatory medical model from advancing, because it has proven that it does not work,” said Boesen. "We are excited to host Dr. Ron Hunninghake for this seminar."

For more information about event call (316) 617-3501&nbsp;or by email: health.libertyforum@yahoo.com&nbsp;and mention the “Community Health Seminar” by the Health Liberty Forum.

Community health seminar informing the public about naturopathic practices planned late September 

After another KS state fair, General Manager Bryan Schulz gave a recap of how the 112th annual fair went.

This year, the state fair welcomed a total of 300,784 attendees from the day it opened on September 5 - 14th. Schulz mentioned this number was down from last year's total. After 2020's cancellation due to COVID-19, which ended a 107 year streak since 1913, the following year in 2021 had a total of 278,000 people in attendance. In 2022, the fair welcomed 313,000. 2023 welcomed 330,000 and last year had 328,000 people.

The state fair had to resort to closing a few parking lots due to heavy rainfall. Shuttle routes were incorporated to accommodate fairgoers by transporting them to and from the fair. Schulz stated the heavy rainfall could have affected this year's total attendance numbers.&nbsp;

Schulz added that he and fair staff are looking into continuing and using the shuttle routes in a more effective way next year.

"This year we had an enormous amount of rain come through." said Schulz. "The water levels out in the parking lots and our fairgrounds were so high that there was no way people could have parked out there, but everything worked out fine."

On Saturday the fair was able to open back up to full parking.

According to Schulz, a study conducted by KSU showed that in 2017, the local economic impact for the city of Hutchinson, Reno County and the State of KS was about a $117 million. Schulz said they plan on receiving results of the local economic impact for this year's fair turnout. Schulz stated they should obtain those numbers closer to the end of fall or early winter of this year.

He commented they received alot of great feedback on the entertainment and food on the fairgrounds.

"Overall we heard alot of great compliments on all of the free stage entertainment and also heard alot of great things about the food as well," he said. "For our concert series, the numbers were up drastically from what they have been in the past. There was just so many different opportunities for everybody."

Next year marks the 250th anniversary since the US became an independent nation, along with 25 years since 9/11. Schulz said they plan on recognizing this for next year's fair.

GM Schulz gives recap of state fair 

Salina Police arrest a man after he allegedly stole a vehicle East of town.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Monday at around 6:00 pm, a victim reported their vehicle had been stolen from the 900 block of E. Prescott. The victim stated they could not find their vehicle, after they drove to work and were there for about 90 minutes.

The victim reported their 1998 Toyota Camry had been stolen from the area.

That same day at around 7:30 pm, SPD received a call from the Salina Rescue Mission (1716 Summers Rd.) about a man who showed up with a vehicle, which they knew the vehicle did not belong to him. Staff then took the keys from him and the man left scene. 

Staff also confirmed to police, the vehicle he arrived in was a Toyota Camry.

At around 10:30 pm, SPD found a man in the area of S. 9th and Broadway that matched the description staff from the Rescue Mission reported. Officers went to the man and arrested 35-year old Justin Chappell.&nbsp;

Chappell was booked into the Saline County Jail and was charged with Felony Theft.

SPD stated the victim left the car key on the door handle, key lock. SPD is reminding everyone to make sure in securing your property before leaving it unoccupied.

Suspect arrested after stealing a vehicle in East Salina

A Motorcyclist was injured after crashing into a deer on the K-4 Highway.

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office on Monday, September 15 at around 8:20 pm, deputies were dispatched to the 6000 block of K-4 Highway for the report of a motorcycle crash. Reportedly, deputies found a 1993&nbsp;Harley Davidson, with no driver and dead deer on the scene.

Later on at around 8:50 pm, a family member of the motorcyclist told authorities they were headed to a medical facility in town with 49-year old, Derek Blaha (Gypsum) who reportedly was the driver of the motorcycle.

The Sheriff's Office stated Blaha was going westbound on K-4 when he struck a deer, ejecticing him off the motorcycle. Blaha suffered non-life threatening injuries that included, scrapes/abrasions on his body and stitches to the forehead. 

It was reported that Blaha was not wearing a helmet.

Motorcyclist injured after crashing into deer on K-4 Highway

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

NAME:&nbsp;Ambrosio Ruiz, Rigobero

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Operate a MV w/o a valid license

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; Driving while habitual violator

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

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;McMillin, Shane Douglas

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Contempt of Court; Direct; Failure to appear (2 requested charges)

&nbsp;NAME:&nbsp;Meadows, Theodore Clovis

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Reimler, Austen Michael

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; No Proof Of Insurance; Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear; Outside warrant/NCIC hit (2 requested charges)&nbsp;

*No image available for&nbsp;Rose, Justin Michael*

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Crim damage to prop;without consent &gt;$25K; Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting

Saline County Jail Bookings, September 16

GEARY COUNTY— Two people were injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Monday in Geary County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Ram 2500 driven by Sean Anthony&nbsp;Cole, 18, Chapman, was southbound on U.S. 77 at Kansas 57 with a green traffic light.&nbsp; A 2016 Toyota Tacoma driven by Christian Alonso Hernandez, 28, McKinney, texas was westbound on U.S. 57 with a red traffic light. The vehicles collided in the intersection.

EMS transported both drivers to Stormont Vail. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas teen hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash

SALINE COUNTY —A well known Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper used social media to announce his retirement Monday evening.

KHP Trooper Ben Gardner wrote he was deeply fatigued after 26-years with the Patrol.&nbsp; The news comes after the Patrol earlier this month was forced to issue a statement involving&nbsp;confusion over a personal social media post by Gardner. The KHP wrote, "The KHP is aware of a social media post by an employee who appears to be either soliciting or accepting donations in furtherance of personal travel."

On his private social media page September 1, <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/55d07e51-697f-4176-9206-a43710f4937a">Gardner wrote that he was</a> driving his Jeep back and forth to Michigan and using a lot of gas. He wrote, "folks had already reached out, so he shared ways that others could help."

Not everyone believed the post was actually from beloved Trooper Ben.

The Kansas Highway Patrol responded, "Because the employee's private posts are often difficult to distinguish from their professional posts, the messages can be confusing and are neither approved by nor associated with KHP business."

On Monday night, Gardner wrote about his retirement.

"Of all the posts I’ve ever made, this one may be the most important. A significant shift from what life has been…"

"This evening, I sat at my laptop and typed the words that made it real. I sent the email. My official notice of retirement.For years, I’ve struggled with this decision. Do I hold on longer, or do I take the step forward?

"So many of us wait.Wait until 5 PM.Wait for Friday.Wait for summer.Wait for adulthood. Wait for happiness.Always waiting for the right moment. But in the waiting, we miss living in the now."

"After over 26 years of service, I am fatigued. Deeply fatigued…That fatigue does not come from the people of Kansas or the countless lives I’ve had the honor of serving."

"Being a servant has been one of the greatest joys of my life.The strain has come from within. From the inner spaces I’ve devoted myself to. Spaces I have deeply loved, but also where I have faced some of my greatest challenges.Through my entire career, I’ve always tried to make decisions that were about purpose, not paycheck. I never sought promotion. I rarely looked for overtime."

"The choices I made were always about moments where I could make a meaningful impact with the people around me. To break the mold a little.To blaze a trail.To show what I believe the service of this position was always meant to be.￼To leave the space I held better than when I received it.I have full faith that I have done just that.It seems that so many individuals in this profession exit long before they ever make it to retirement."

And standing here now, I can understand why. It has been such an honor to serve as I have over these last 26 years. Pride, laughter, fear, embarrassment, and deep sadness have all been part of my journey."

"After traveling to Michigan for my dad’s graveside ceremony, I found some clarity."

"Being there reminded me that the time we have is so, so valuable.This will work out. It might be bumpy for a little bit, but eventually we grow past the tightness, the worry, and the fatigue of trying to fit in."

"It’s my belief, two weeks is what I have left of this career. It’s hard. It’s emotional. But it’s time." 

"The past will always be part of me, but the future is calling. And I’m choosing to live it now.When the time is right, I want to be more transparent. To share more openly about what I have experienced throughout my career, and especially over these last five years leading up to retirement.  In that moment, you will see my heart more clearly than ever before."

"What I haven’t shared over the last five years… I will.To those who have openly supported me, cheered for me, and defended me when I wasn’t around, thank you. You have carried me further than you know."

Well known State Trooper makes emotional announcement

The Saline County Sheriff's Office has released Salina's Most Wanted list for August 2025.&nbsp;

All photos provided are courtesy of the Saline County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Brown, Robert Todd

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Poss. Opiate

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Criminal Threat / Agg. Domestic Battery

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Aggravated Battery / Battery on LEO / Interference w/ LEO / Aggravated Intimidation of a witness / Reckless Driving

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony Bond Violation / Poss. Opiate / Poss. Para.

NAME:&nbsp;Dyson, Michael Dewayne Jr.

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony / Poss. Opiate / Interfere w/ LEO / Contribute to Child Misconduct x2 / Poss. Marijuana / Poss. Para.

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Agg. Domestic Batt.

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony / Att Distribution of Methamphetamine / Paraphernalia / Possess Hydrocodone / Possess Marijuana / Use of cell phone in Felony / No drug tax stamp

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony / Forgery / Att. Forgery / Theft / Att. Theft

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Poss. Opiate x2 / Poss. Marijuana / Interfere w/ LEO

NAME:&nbsp;Jones, Darryl Dowan Jr.

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony Bond Violation / Agg. DV / Criminal Threat / DV / Poss. Opiate / DUI / Operate MV w/o DL

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Forgery / Att. Theft of Prop.

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Att. Agg. Burglary

NAME:&nbsp;Martinez, Amanda Nicole

NAME:&nbsp;Murdoch, Johnny Anthony

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Criminal Threat / Battery

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Making False Info.

NAME:&nbsp;Stebbins, Christopher Joel

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp; Felony PV / Burglary / Theft / Crim. Damage to Property

Saline County Sheriff's Office Most Wanted — September 2025

<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 15 - September 17

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 12 - September 14

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 10 - September 12

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UPDATE: Flood warning issued through Wednesday in Saline County

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

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

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

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

UPDATE: Central KS storms continue past noon

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

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

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

Flooding causes Saline County highway to close

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 8 - September 10

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

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

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

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

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 5 - September 7

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

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

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

Another round of thunderstorms anticipated throughout Central Kansas tonight

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Trump is warning Hamas not to use hostages as 'human shields'

This comes as Israel’s ground offensive targeting Gaza City begins.

“I hear Hamas is trying to use the old human shield deal,” U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on Tuesday as he prepared to leave for the United Kingdom. “And if they do that, they’re going to be in big trouble.”

On Monday, Trump posted his Truth Social platform that he had read a news report indicating Hamas would use the captives as “human shields.”

🎥Trump warns Hamas if hostages are used as human shields

PROVO, Utah (AP) — Tyler Robinson, the man accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;at a Utah university, was charged on Tuesday with aggravated murder.

<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26098852-tyler-robinson-indictment/">Click here to read the full indictment&nbsp;</a>

The charge means Robinson could face the death penalty if convicted of killing Kirk last week at Utah Valley University in Orem, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City.

“The murder of Charlie Kirk is an American tragedy,” Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said in announcing the charges. He said Robinson's DNA was found on the trigger of the gun used to kill Kirk.

Kirk was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-things-to-know-dcde3f792f4d6636d44fb9f4fa53569c">gunned down</a>&nbsp;on Sept. 10 as he spoke with students and died soon after. Prosecutors allege Robinson shot Kirk in the neck with a bolt-action rifle from the roof of a nearby campus building.

A Utah Valley University police officer was watching the crowd from an “elevated position” and identified the roof of the Losee Center as a potential position for a shooter, Gray said. The officer found evidence on the roof immediately, he said, and spurred officers to direct their attention to surveillance video leading to the roof.

Robinson, 22, also was charged with felony discharge of a firearm, punishable by up to life in prison, and obstructing justice, punishable by up to 15 years in prison. He was scheduled to appear on camera for a virtual court hearing Tuesday afternoon.

It was unclear whether Robinson had an attorney who could speak on his behalf, and his family has declined to comment to The Associated Press.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-tyler-robinson-suspect-d893cc16fb0937d507283c710c551ef0">Robinson was arrested</a>&nbsp;late Thursday near St. George, the southern Utah community where he grew up.

Investigators have spoken to Robinson’s relatives and carried out a search warrant at his family’s home in Washington, Utah, about 240 miles (390 kilometers) southwest of where the shooting happened.

Kirk, a dominant figure in conservative politics, became&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-utah-university-republicans-8357c3d102de09e3320fde761258131a">a confidant of President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;after founding Arizona-based Turning Point USA, one of the nation’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-turning-point-trump-cf2a68e4303c5628299ffe383d09c1e9">largest political organizations</a>. He brought young, conservative evangelical Christians into politics. His shooting raised fears about increasing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/political-violence-assassination-minnesota-trump-3c750cff0749633872ab6101bfa23b23">political violence in a deeply polarized United States</a>.

While authorities say Robinson hasn’t been cooperating with investigators, they say his family and friends have been talking.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spencer-cox-unity-speech-kirk-political-violence-17a8c23ba06428cbbc413a673cd0f986">Utah Gov. Spencer Cox</a>&nbsp;said over the weekend that those who know Robinson say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-cox-robinson-assassination-aef9fe8dc82d218a36d078536717d95d">his politics shifted left</a>&nbsp;in recent years and he spent a lot of time in the “dark corners of the internet.”

FBI Director&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-patel-russia-epstein-c3e70633befef64b60613709c9919b0c">Kash Patel</a>&nbsp;said Monday on the Fox News Channel show “Fox &amp; Friends” that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-dna-fbi-patel-92a643a3f16bce587fd34896ca7f4f76">DNA evidence has linked Robinson</a>&nbsp;to a towel wrapped around a rifle found near the Utah Valley campus and a screwdriver recovered from the rooftop where the fatal shot was fired.

Before the shooting, Robinson wrote in a note that he had an opportunity to take out Kirk and was going to do it, according to Patel.

The FBI also is looking at “anyone and everyone” who was involved in a gaming chatroom on the social media platform Discord with Robinson, Patel said Tuesday during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patel-fbi-charlie-kirk-senate-hearing-048c7a7c575472b8a1a7d4ed6fb32b69">a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing</a>&nbsp;in Washington. The chatroom involved “a lot more” than 20 people, he said.

“We are investigating Charlie’s assassination fully and completely and running out every lead related to any allegation of broader violence,” Patel said in response to a question about whether the Kirk shooting was being treated as part of a broader trend of violence against religious groups.

Investigators are working on finding a motive for the attack, Utah’s governor said Sunday, adding that more information may come out once Robinson appears for his initial court hearing.

Cox said Robinson’s romantic partner was transgender, which some politicians have pointed to as a sign the suspect was targeting Kirk for his anti-transgender views. But authorities have not said whether that played a role. Kirk was shot while taking a question that touched on mass shootings, gun violence and transgender people.

Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said Monday that Robinson’s partner has been cooperative. He said investigators believe Robinson acted alone during the shooting, but they also are looking at whether anyone knew of his plans beforehand.

In the days since Kirk’s assassination, Americans have found themselves&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-killing-america-divided-violence-politics-9b75c05301668fa033f9b4cc98b046c9">facing questions</a>&nbsp;about rising&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/political-violence-assassination-minnesota-trump-3c750cff0749633872ab6101bfa23b23">political violence</a>, the deep divisions that brought the nation here and whether anything can change.

Despite calls for greater civility, some who opposed Kirk’s provocative statements about gender, race and politics criticized him after his death. Many Republicans have led the push to punish anyone they believe dishonored him, causing both public and private workers to lose their jobs or face other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kirk-trump-cancel-culture-assassination-4d69649e382ea46d8dcf794150a1d3c9">consequences at work</a>

🎥 Read the charges announced against accused Charlie Kirk killer

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 2025 Kansas State Fair drew 300,784 visitors over 10 days, a weather-affected total that trailed the 328,714 reported in 2024 and 330,044 in 2023, organizers said.

The Fair opened Sept. 5 under misty skies, followed by a strong weekend before heavy rain on Monday snarled parking. To keep the grounds accessible, officials rolled out shuttle service from Hutchinson Community College, the Hutchinson Uptown Mall and Bold 3PL.

“We are grateful to the Hutchinson community and our emergency response partners for helping us make these adjustments quickly and safely,” General Manager Bryan Schulz said. “Our staff, Fair Board, and countless supporters worked tirelessly to make this year’s Fair a success despite the weather.”

Grandstand highlights included Ludacris (6,600), Jeff Dunham (just under 6,000), Josiah Queen with Ben Fuller (5,700) and The Fray with Plain White T’s (4,400).

Kansas State Fair attendance down due to wet weather

By:<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/michelle/">Michelle Griffith</a> <a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/">Minnesota Reformer</a>

Gov. Tim Walz typically treats the Minnesota State Fair like his personal Super Bowl — trying new foods (this year the Uncrustaburger), touting one of his favorite rides (the Ye Old Mill) and making the rounds at TV and radio station booths for softball interviews.

Walz’s State Fair interviews this year centered around one question: Will you run for reelection? The governor was coy and reserved. He said he was taking his time assessing what was best for Minnesotans. Also, he said, the June death of his friend and close governing ally Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman weighed on him and delayed his reelection announcement.

“This one about broke me,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jks8AaxqbXY" target="_blank">Walz told WCCO</a>&nbsp;at the fair on Aug. 24, referring to Hortman’s death.

Nine days later, Walz was&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/09/02/walz-to-call-special-session-on-gun-control-propose-assault-weapons-ban/">speaking in front of Deerwood Elementary School</a>&nbsp;in Eagan. This time, he seemed more determined and animated, promising he was going to make Minnesota safer for children by pushing for gun control measures like a ban on so-called assault weapons.

What happened in those nine days? Yet another crisis that Walz had to manage, this time the killing of two children and wounding of 21 others in the&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/08/27/minnesota-gov-tim-walz-horrific-act-of-violence-at-south-minneapolis-school/">Church of the Annunciation mass shooting.</a>

The second-term DFL governor announced Tuesday that he’ll seek a third term, launching a campaign that will require him to convince Minnesotans that he’s been a steadying hand in the face of the multiple crises that have enveloped the state in recent years, including a once-in-a-century pandemic, civil unrest after the police murder of George Floyd, emerging fiscal instability and shocking political violence.

“We’re not done yet. And that’s why I’m running for reelection. I want to make Minnesota a place where everyone has a chance to succeed — in every corner of the state,” Walz said in his&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Tim_Walz/status/1967936393747063151" target="_blank">campaign launch video.</a>

Another crisis has been state government’s own making: A wave of fraud in public programs is sure to be a centerpiece of the Republican campaign against him.

He’ll also need to persuade skeptical Minnesotans that he has a vision for another four years — a June KSTP poll found that just 43% of Minnesotans surveyed say Walz should r<a href="https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/kstp-surveyusa-results-gov-walz-to-testify-before-congress/" target="_blank">un for a third term even though he remains broadly popular.</a>&nbsp;The last time Minnesota voters were faced with a governor seeking a third term, they rejected Iron Range Democrat Gov. Rudy Perpich in 1990.

West metro Republican Rep. Kristin Robbins, 2022 GOP nominee for governor Scott Jensen and Kendall Qualls, an army veteran and health care executive, are challenging Walz. If they can raise money and blanket the media, they’ll have plenty to work with to attack Walz’s nearly eight years in office, from flagging school test scores to fraud-riddled public programs.

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