This edition of&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/salina-sees-you">Salina Sees You</a>, brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://local.demandforce.com/b/visionsource-drscoleandcooper">Drs. Cooper &amp; Banninger, LLC Family Vision Care</a>&nbsp;(1000 E. Cloud) presents:

Ellie Riekhof (Soprano),&nbsp;Mac Sheforgen (Tenor), Madison Berndt (Soprano),&nbsp;Wyatt Angell (Tenor) and Marcos Lira (Soprano) who will be performing at the historic Carnegie Hall in February 2026.&nbsp;

Legend says, a pedestrian on 57th Street sees a musician getting out of a cab and asks, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” Without pause, the artist replies wearily, “Practice.”&nbsp;

These five students have done exactly that.

Each of them share their thoughts, along with their music teacher of how they accomplished a once-and-a-lifetime dream to perform at the Big Apple, alongside musicians from across the world.

This is the first time a total of five students from Salina Central are heading to Carnegie Hall, which breaks the record of students from Central who have gone on this trip in the past.

All said they are super excited to head to New York, with a few of them being their first time ever to the Big Apple.

These students will be performing at the big stage where names such as Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, The Beatles and Jay-Z to name a few have performed there.

“I don't think it has even hit us yet, that we are going to New York and it is just unreal at this point," said Angell.

“It is nice to know that I am going to be up there with the best of the best, said Lira.

“I never thought I would get the opportunity, but here we are going to New York!” said Berndt

As part of the process of getting selected to perform at Carnegie Hall, the students took songs they have previously prepared and recorded it again before sending it to the <a href="https://theinternationalchoir.com/">International Choir</a>.

Additionally, the students added their accomplishments and a selection of musical pieces they have performed before they were selected to perform at the historical venue.

Before the students met the requirements, their music teacher Ryan Holmquist nominated the students he thought could have a good chance of being selected.

Holmquist stated this is most amount of students he has taught who are going to Carnegie Hall.

“It makes my job pretty easy, to work with students who really excel at what they do and they are pretty self-motivated," Holmquist said. "This is very special group of students.”

Around one student in 2019 and a couple of students, post COVID-19 pandemic have performed at Carnegie Hall under Holmquist. Holmquist is in his 21st year of teaching and 18 years being apart of the music department at Central.

The students stated what they are looking forward to the most about performing at Carnegie Hall.

“I am excited to see how that stage feels, because we all have never performed in front of crowd of that magnitude," said Lira.

“I mostly wonder how it will sound in there and I can’t wait to see all the lights and everything that is apart of the venue," said Berndt.

“I am sure once we get there it’s going to fully hit us that we are here, it’s pretty surreal," said&nbsp;Sheforgen.

This edition of Salina Sees You is brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://local.demandforce.com/b/visionsource-drscoleandcooper">Drs. Cooper &amp; Banninger, LLC Family Vision Care</a>&nbsp;(1000 E. Cloud). Call&nbsp;(785) 823-6391&nbsp;or visit today, to make an appointment.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, "a threefold cord is not quickly broken" in the context of when people work together, it creates a great reward.

The friendship of these students go way back to their middle school days. They have grown up and worked together in music for awhile. The students gave their comments on how it will feel going to the big stage with each other.

“I am excited to go with this group, I have been friends with them for a long time," said&nbsp;Sheforgen.&nbsp;

“Auditioning with this group, definitely made me more confident in myself, because constantly each and every one of us have just always lifted ourselves up," said Lira.

“It all contributes to a really special relationship we have with each other. It is going to be amazing and I can’t wait to spend this time with them," said Berndt.

The students will meet all the members of the International Choir and rehearse with a world-renowned conductor. They will then perform the concert in front of thousands towards the end of the first week of February 2026.

Riekhof is currently committed to play softball at St. Olaf College, and plans to be apart of the choir at St. Olaf. She also plans to pursue a music education and vocal education career as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sheforgen plans to attend college and study journalism. He is considering being apart of theatre and/or choir as well.

Berndt is committed to Kansas State University and plans to be apart of their choir program. She also plans to obtain a degree in media.

Angell plans on attending law school, but is considering being apart of a church choir when he gets older.

Lira plans to attend Bethany College to study being a History or English teacher, but will also consider choir and theatre as well.

Salina sees you,&nbsp;Riekhof,&nbsp;Sheforgen,&nbsp;Berndt,&nbsp;Angell and&nbsp;Lira.

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:&nbsp;nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com&nbsp;or&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com&nbsp;(during regular business hours).

You can also contact:&nbsp;(785) 656-9856&nbsp;(during regular business hours).

Salina Sees You: Five Salina Central seniors to perform at historic Carnegie Hall

LINDSBORG - The Red Barn Studio Museum in Lindsborg welcomes Megan Coleman-Watkin of New Orleans, Louisiana, as Artist-in-Residence from November 16 through December 7.

Working in writing, Megan will spend her residency creating a series of essays based on conversations with Lindsborg artists about their work, creativity, and how art contributes to healing and community.&nbsp;

Megan is a licensed mental health provider and lifelong artist who uses her background in psychology, social work, and the arts to explore how creative expression supports emotional well-being. Her residency project will combine written essays with recorded interviews to document the stories of Lindsborg artists and their connection to place.&nbsp;

For more information, contact raymer@redbarnstudio.org or call 785-227-2217.

Red Barn Studio Museum welcomes New Orleans artist, creating series of essays based on conversations with Lindsborg artists 

LINCOLN, NE - The Nebraska Ag Expo, a trailblazer in advancing agricultural innovation and host of Innovation Hub – a dynamic center for groundbreaking technologies and forward-thinking ag solutions – has invited 6 companies to compete for cash prizes during the Startup Showcase at Innovation After Hours.

The expo will take place on December 9-11&nbsp;at the Sandhills Global Event Center (4100 N 84th St.)

The times will be Tuesday-Wednesday (9:00 am - 4:00 pm).

Many people in the Saline County/Salina area have attended this expo in the past.

Innovation After Hours is an exclusive evening event showcasing talented innovation and technology entrepreneurs for venture capitalists. Attendees will connect with startups, investors, and executives from innovative ag companies, as well as partners from across the country and beyond.

Company (Headquarters) – Description (website)

• Agriwater (Tennessee) – Agriwater transforms livestock, dairy, hog, and feedlot manure into profit with a patent-pending mobile water treatment system. (<a href="https://www.agriwater.tech/">agriwater.tech</a>)

• DARO (Nebraska) – DARO provides whole-herd, non-invasive molecular pathogen and genomic strain surveillance, enabling early disease detection and outbreak prevention in livestock. (<a href="https://www.usedaro.com/">usedaro.com</a>)

• Landoption (Nebraska) – Landoption makes land recruitment more efficient for conservation, renewable energy, and agricultural programs by leveraging trusted networks, reducing costs and time, and ultimately enabling more competitive offers to landowners. (<a href="http://landoption.com">landoption.com</a>)

• Oaken (Indiana) – Oaken is a cloud-based software platform that streamlines farmland lease management and landowner relationships for agribusinesses. (<a href="http://oaken.ag">oaken.ag</a>)

• Picketa Systems (Canada) – Picketa Systems offers real-time plant analysis for precision nutrient management. (<a href="http://picketa.com">picketa.com</a>)

• Senseen (California) – Senseen builds real-time, in-field diagnostic tools to help farmers make better decisions. (<a href="https://www.senseen.us/">https://www.senseen.us/</a>)

Innovation After Hours is presented by Farm Credit Services of America, Iowa Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association, Grit Road Partners, Invest Nebraska, The Combine, and Nebraska Innovation Campus.

For more details about the Nebraska Ag Expo visit: <a href="https://nebraskaagexpo.com">https://nebraskaagexpo.com</a>

Nebraska Ag Expo calling all local agriculturalists to attend three-day event

After the breaking news surfaced that the US Federal Court ruled the Cozy Inn can keep their&nbsp;UFO-themed mural, Salina Commissioners "may" issue comments in the next city commission meeting.

"We’re not going to have any official comment other than the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/3465160f-9f32-4640-8781-f1bf6a57fcc7">city’s recent press release</a> regarding the case. That may change after our executive session this coming Monday," said Salina Mayor, Greg Lenkiewicz.

The current commissioners, Lenkiewicz, Jerry Ivey, Trent Davis, Bill Longbine and Michael Hoppock, along with the City of Salina, were named as defendants in the lawsuit that the Cozy Inn filed on February 2024.&nbsp;

The next Salina city commission meeting will take place on Monday, November 24 at&nbsp;4:00 pm&nbsp;inside&nbsp;Room 107&nbsp;of the&nbsp;City-County Building,&nbsp;300 West Ash Street.

Salina Commissioners 'may' give comments about Cozy Inn lawsuit ruling in next commission meeting

KWU announced Wednesday morning that the 2026 version of Night with the Yotes, one of the university's marquee events, will be held on Friday, Feb. 20. 

Tickets will go on sale in the near future.&nbsp;Last year, more than 600 people attended and 75 corporate sponsors helped the university raise in excess of $200,000. That set a new high water mark in the event's 14 years.&nbsp;

Continued sound and light upgrades to Sams Chapel, long-term planning for KWU's strength and conditioning areas and general upgrades for Art and Design, Theatre and DECA were among the specific areas supported.

For more information on Night with the Yotes 2026, stay tuned to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kwu.edu/NWTY26">www.kwu.edu/NWTY26</a>&nbsp;or call the university's Advancement Office at 785-833-4392. You can also contact KWU Advancement to donate or support the event.

KWU announces date for 2026 Night with the Yotes

After over a year and a half long case of the iconic UFO-themed mural that was put on hold at the Cozy Inn in Salina, the case has been decided.

ORIGINAL:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c2b8cce8-158c-43af-b5d3-ea1b14718b75">Cozy Inn phone conference cancelled, awaiting update on what will happen next</a>

The <a href="https://kansasjusticeinstitute.org/">Kansas Justice Institute</a> (KJI) who have been representing Cozy Inn owner, Steve Howard, has just announced that U.S. District Court Judge Toby Crouse, has ruled that the City of Salina violated the First Amendment by ordering the hamburger joint to stop painting its UFO-themed mural, marking a major legal victory for the century-old burger restaurant.

Samuel MacRoberts (attorney representing Howard), confirmed the case is final and Howard won the case.

According to a press release by the KJI, McRoberts stated "Salina’s officials don’t get to play art critic, picking&nbsp;and choosing which murals stay, and which go."

Click <a href="https://kansasjusticeinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Press-Release-Order-11-19-25.pdf">here</a> to view the full release.

“The ruling is clear, to the point, and correct. Salina’s officials don’t get to play art critic, picking and choosing which murals stay, and which go. The right to free speech doesn’t work that way and never has. At the end of the day though, because of Steve and The Cozy, Salina’s mural-scene just got a little bit better,” MacRoberts said.

“Salina is my hometown, I love it here,” said Howard. “I’m incredibly excited I get to finish my mural. The reason I love this community, this town, is because of all of the support everyone has given me. Thank you for standing behind me and supporting me through this."

Throughout the case, Judge Crouse stated Salina has shown that its sign ordinance is not "impermissibly vague." 

This warranted a summary judgment in Salina’s favor on the plaintiffs’ Fourteenth Amendment claim, after&nbsp;Howard and Cozy Inn alleged that Salina’s sign code "is impermissibly vague" in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment’s Due Process Clause.

However, Judge Crouse's final ruling was that Salina’s code violated the First Amendment, giving favor over to the Cozy Inn.

A per the ruling, the City cannot anymore enforce its current mural-sign distinction or indefinitely delay permit applications based on the content of a display.

Howard, filed the lawsuit with help from KJI in early 2024.&nbsp;

According to a press release from the the City of Salina, they are working with its attorneys to "evaluate the broader implications of the court’s order and potential next steps towards resolution of the matter."

This lawsuit has cost the City more than $500,000 in legal expenses.

There is no clear answer on if the City will appeal the ruling.

Click <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/079c42f4-9e0e-416d-876c-26c5aa59d510">here</a> to read how it all started.

UPDATE: Cozy Inn wins lawsuit, City of Salina violates First Amendment

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;Glover, Abraham William

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Lingle, Tyler Brandon

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;Moreno, Larry Gomez&nbsp;&nbsp;

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;White, Phillip Ray Ezekiel

Saline County Jail Bookings, November 19

The US National Weather Service (USNWS) has issued Saline County a "Dense Fog" advisory until 11:00 am Wednesday morning.

The USNWS posted on Facebook&nbsp;a screenshot from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), of dense fog along I-70 near mile marker 229, at Lincoln Hill in central KS at 7:46 am (see above).

Please be cautious on the roads and drive safely during this advisory.

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>.

Saline County under "Dense Fog" advisory Wednesday morning

The Kansas Impact Coalition (KIC) is inviting the community to a "Community&nbsp;Swap Meet Fundraiser," meant to bring&nbsp;neighbors together, support local families and kick off an evening of downtown festivities.

This event will occur on&nbsp;Saturday, November 22, from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm at&nbsp;The Temple (336 S. Santa Fe).

KIC has provided details on how to participate:

- Donate $2 at the door or bring a canned good.

Once inside, attendees can explore a lively mix of selling, trading and bartering. Community members will be offering a variety of items, talents, skills, and collections making every table a little different and full of surprises.

Guests are welcome to enjoy nachos, a 50/50 raffle and good company as KIC will be building momentum for the downtown parade at 6:00 pm.&nbsp;

All proceeds support KIC'S work in community outreach, advocacy and year-round support services.

For more information, vendor questions or to get involved, please contact Kansas Impact Coalition at&nbsp;785-342-2638 kansasimpactcoalition@gmail.com

For their website, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasimpactcoalition.com/">https://www.kansasimpactcoalition.com/</a>

Kansas Impact Coalition inviting community for "Swap Meet Fundraiser" at The Temple

<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>

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 19 - November 21

Kansas Wesleyan’s Music Department will launch its “Holiday Magic” concert series Wednesday night with a special percussion ensemble event, beginning at 7 p.m. The performance will begin a six-event stretch during the next two-plus weeks, culminating in Dec. 7’s “Christmas by Candlelight.”

“We’re excited about changing our holiday performance schedule,” said Michelle Dolan, executive director of Music. “A series like this provides community members and supporters a chance to see all of our ensembles in a short span of time, helping to showcase all that’s great about KWU Music. We hope to see large crowds at all the events!”

Following Wednesday night’s percussion concert, Dr. Caitlin Jones will come to campus for a guest artist percussion event Nov. 21. All are welcome to the 7 p.m. performance. Daniel Albertson, KWU’s percussion instructor, will offer a recital Dec. 1 to continue the series, and the orchestra, wind ensemble and jazz band will team up the following night for a concert event. A vocal student recital is set for Dec. 4, as well.&nbsp;

“Holiday Magic” wraps up Dec. 7 with “Light Born of Light,” this year’s “Christmas by Candlelight” event. The performance is at 6 p.m., a change from previous years, but no tickets are required.&nbsp;

All concerts except the Dec. 4 recital will be held in Sams Chapel. Dec. 4’s event will take place at University United Methodist Church.

For more information on Kansas Wesleyan University, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kwu.edu/news">www.kwu.edu/news</a>.&nbsp;

KWU Music Dept. ready to launch beloved holiday concert series 

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 17 - November 19

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 14 - November 17

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 12 - November 14

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 10 - November 12

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 7 - November 10

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 5 - November 7

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 3 - November 5

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 31 - November 2

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas felon accused in the accidental shooting of his 1-year-old daughter is due back in court Thursday.

Michael Tejeda, 25 of Wichita, will appear in&nbsp;Judge Chrystal Krier's courtroom for an arraignment hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In March, he was charged with 1st degree murder, two counts of aggravated endangering a child and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the District Attorney's office.

Just after 8:30p.m. Feb. 28, police responded to a shooting inside a home in the 2200 block of S Santa Fe in Wichita, according to Wichita Police spokesman Andrew Ford. First responders discovered a 1-year-old girl who had sustained a gunshot wound to the upper body.

EMS transported the child to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 9:27p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Following an investigation, police arrested&nbsp; Tejeda.

Another child in the home at the time of the incident was placed in police protective custody, according to Ford. Police interviewed the mother of the children and she was not home at the time of the incident and was released by police.&nbsp; Tejeda remains jailed on a $500,000 bond.

 Kan. man due back in court for  death of 1-year-old daughter

NEW HAVEN, CT —&nbsp; Brian Baker, 48, of Scott City, Kansas, was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for trafficking firearms into Connecticut, according to the United State's Attorney's office.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2023, members of the FBI Waterbury Safe Streets Task Force conducted three controlled purchases of a total of nine firearms, and one controlled purchase of cocaine, from Luis Perez in Waterbury.&nbsp; An expanded investigation revealed that Perez was acquiring numerous firearms, most of which were purchased, at Baker’s direction, by individuals from licensed gun dealers in Kansas and then shipped through the U.S. Mail to a stash location maintained by Perez’s associate, Algelly Diaz, in Hartford.&nbsp; Perez then sold the firearms, which included assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, to others throughout Connecticut.

Perez coordinated the purchase of the firearms through Baker in Kansas and Fernando Soto, Jr. in California.&nbsp; Baker, a convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history, used straw purchasers to purchase the firearms and then shipped them to Connecticut, or to Soto, who then shipped them to Connecticut and elsewhere.

Between August 2020 and May 2023, one of Baker’s straw purchasers, Ramon Pichardo, purchased at least 73 firearms from a licensed gun dealer in Deerfield, Kansas.

Baker and others involved in the conspiracy were arrested on May 19, 2023.&nbsp; On that date, investigators executed search warrants at locations in Connecticut, Kansas, and California.&nbsp; A search of Perez’s residence and vehicle revealed nine firearms; more than 200 rounds of ammunition; distribution quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl/heroin; items used to process and package narcotics for street sale; and more than $7,000 in cash.&nbsp; In addition, a search of Diaz’s residence revealed approximately 90 rounds of ammunition, and a search of a package that was shipped to Diaz and seized from the mail stream revealed an additional three firearms.

To date, approximately 34 of the trafficked firearms have been recovered by law enforcement in Connecticut and elsewhere, including one that recovered on August 27, 2022, in San Bernardino, California, at the scene of the homicide of a juvenile.

Baker has been detained since his arrest.&nbsp; On March 26, 2025, he pleaded guilty to one count of firearms trafficking conspiracy, two counts of firearms trafficking, and two counts of mailing nonmailable firearms.

On March 19, 2025, Perez pleaded guilty to one count of firearms trafficking conspiracy, three counts of firearms trafficking, two counts of mailing nonmailable firearms, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.&nbsp; On April 4, 2025,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/waterbury-man-guilty-firearm-offense-related-gun-trafficking-operation">a jury found him guilty</a>&nbsp;of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.&nbsp; He awaits sentencing.

Diaz pleaded guilty and, on February 4, 2025,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/hartford-man-sentenced-4-years-federal-prison-role-gun-trafficking-ring">was sentenced</a>&nbsp;to 48 months of imprisonment.

Soto and Pichardo have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Connecticut State Police; and the Waterbury, Meriden, Hartford, Manchester, East Hartford, West Hartford, and Chino (Calif.) Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Christopher J. Lembo through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

Prison for Kansas man for role in nationwide gun trafficking ring

NEW YORK (AP) — The top prize of entertainer of the year at the 2025&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cma-award-nominations-2025-bd8fa2bc6a641fb6bfaa7e0ad0c86840">Country Music Association Awards</a>&nbsp;went to none other than Lainey Wilson, who hosted, performed and barely left the stage Wednesday night.

“It takes a village,” she said in her acceptance speech. “We about to party.” She beat out Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and Morgan Wallen,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cma-awards-morgan-wallen-post-malone-32859c3a9f19a64df6fbffe1ff20b302">last year’s winner in the category</a>.

Earlier in the night, she won album of the year for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lainey-wilson-interview-whirlwind-9659b6919f25ff037f732e42a4ef0c74">“Whirlwind” —</a>&nbsp;marking her second career win in the category — and earned the trophy for female vocalist of the year. It was her fourth time winning that title.

She celebrated other women in country music — and had a few choice words for those who don’t.

“For the folks that are sitting at home, in your mama’s basement, eating your Cheetos, trying to pit women against each other,” she concluded her speech. “Y’all need to find something better to do.”

In some ways, it echoed 2023's award show, where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cma-awards-2023-country-music-d1a3807afd13cd394cb41134dc7fbce8">Wilson took home five trophies</a>&nbsp;including entertainer of the year.

But it wasn't just Lainey celebrating at the 59th annual CMA Awards, which aired live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. It was also a big night for Ella Langley and Riley Green from the jump. The duo's retro radio hit, “You Look Like You Love Me,” took home both single and song of the year at the 2025&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cma-award-nominations-2025-bd8fa2bc6a641fb6bfaa7e0ad0c86840">Country Music Association Awards</a>&nbsp;Wednesday night.

“This song is the gift that keeps on giving,” Langley said.

“How cool is it that a song with talking verses wins song of the year,” added Green.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/vince-gill">legendary Vince Gill</a>&nbsp;was presented with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, serenaded with his classic “When I Call Your Name” by Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless.

“His guitar playing is amazing. His songwriting is amazing. His singing is amazing,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-strait">George Strait.</a>&nbsp;He handed the award to Gill, his friend, and said there was none more deserving. “He's just an immense talent. And oh, yeah, he plays with The Eagles."

Gill joked throughout his acceptance speech. First, about his high vocal tone, and later, that he might be the only person to win the award “that's never smoked any weed,” a nod to its namesake and his friend Nelson.

<a href="https://apnews.com/music-50f085c74a414b96ac31effe381f252a">Brooks &amp; Dunn</a>&nbsp;won vocal duo of the year, their 16th victory in the category. “I heard earlier tonight, ‘Man, y’all ever get sick of this?’” Kix Brooks said in his acceptance speech. “Hell no!”

Male vocalist of the year went to Cody Johnson, his first win in the category.

Combs opened the show with a fiery rendition of his single “Back in the Saddle,” setting the stage for Wilson to launch into a spirited medley. She was joined by a star-studded crew of surprise collaborators,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/little-big-town">Little Big Town</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://apnews.com/hub/keith-urban">Keith Urban</a>&nbsp;among them.

Performances arrived fast and fierce from there: Moroney, Stapleton, Kelsea Ballerini, The Red Clay Strays, Stephen Wilson, Jr. and Kenny Chesney shined, one after another. Old Dominion performed on a small stage in the middle of the audience, working their way through a medley of “Break Up with Him," “Memory Lane," “One Man Band," “Hotel Key” and “Snapback.”

Shaboozey brought some much needed depth; Wilson's funky “Ring Finger” further proved she can do it all. Langley, Green, Tucker Wetmore and rapper BigXThaPlug held it down for a new generation of country music fans. The latter was especially noteworthy: Combs joined the Texas MC for their duet “Pray Hard,” further confirmation of country and rap's crossover.

Zach Top, who performed his ode to six-strings, “Guitar,” early in the show, took home the trophy for new artist of the year. “I can't remember if I was supposed to put my beer down first or not,” he joked in his speech before taking a swig. It was his first CMA Award.

The CMA Awards are nominated and voted on by members of the Country Music Association, which includes music executives, artists, publicists, songwriters and other industry professionals.

The CMA Awards were broadcast live on ABC and will be available to stream Thursday on Hulu.

Big night for Lainey Wilson at 2025 CMA Awards

MIAMI (AP) — U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida has been indicted on charges accusing her of stealing $5 million in federal disaster funds and using some of the money to aid her 2021 campaign, the Justice Department said Wednesday.

The Democrat is accused of stealing Federal Emergency Management Agency overpayments that her family health care company had received through a federally funded COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract, federal prosecutors said. A portion of the money was then funneled to support her campaign through candidate contributions, prosecutors allege.

“Using disaster relief funds for self-enrichment is a particularly selfish, cynical crime,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement. “No one is above the law, least of all powerful people who rob taxpayers for personal gain. We will follow the facts in this case and deliver justice.”

A phone message left at Cherfilus-McCormick’s Washington office was not immediately returned.

Cherfilus-McCormick was first elected to Congress in 2022 in the 20th District, representing parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties, in a special election after Rep. Alcee Hastings died in 2021.

In December 2024, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-cherfilus-mccormick-congress-ethics-lawsuit-8a2226a13d6724d25c08b352c2a37c50">Florida state agency sued</a>&nbsp;a company owned by Cherfilus-McCormick’s family, saying it overcharged the state by nearly $5.8 million for work done during the pandemic and wouldn’t give the money back.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management said it made a series of overpayments to Trinity Healthcare Services after hiring it in 2021 to register people for COVID-19 vaccinations. The agency says it discovered the problem after a single $5 million overpayment drew attention.

Cherfilus-McCormick was the CEO of Trinity at the time.

The Office of Congressional Ethics said in&nbsp;<a href="https://ethics.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/OCE-Report-and-Findings.pdf" target="_blank">a January report</a>&nbsp;that Cherfilus-McCormick’s income in 2021 was more than $6 million higher than in 2020, driven by nearly $5.75 million in consulting and profit-sharing fees received from Trinity Healthcare Services.

In July, the House Ethics Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ethics-ocasiocortez-kelly-cherfilusmccormick-cuellar-20e022c458f96af9ef46264e5f29104a">unanimously voted</a>&nbsp;to reauthorize an investigative subcommittee to examine allegations involving Cherfilus-McCormick.

Congresswoman accused of stealing $5M in disaster funds

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a hit-and-run pedestrian incident and continue looking for a black 2008-2014 Cadillac CTS with damage to the driver’s side.


 
On November 16, the Wichita police department responded to a vehicle-versus-pedestrian accident in the 700 block of North St. Paul Avenue, according to a social media report from Wichita Police.

First responders found a 42-year-old man in the street with head injuries, who was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. He remains in critical condition.
 
Officers learned that the 42-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman were walking northbound on St. Paul Avenue when a vehicle struck the victim and left the scene.


 
Evidence indicates that the victim was struck by a 2008-2014 black Cadillac CTS. The vehicle will have damage to the driver’s side.


If you see or know this vehicle, don't hesitate to get in touch with Detectives at 316-350-3685 or submit an anonymous tip through <a href="https://x.com/crimestoppers">@crimestoppers</a> at 316-267-2111.

Police: Kansas hit-and-run victim still in critical condition

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;signed legislation Wednesday that compels his administration to release files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, bowing to political pressure from his own party after initially resisting those efforts.

Trump could have chosen to release many of the files on his own months ago.

“Democrats have used the ‘Epstein’ issue, which affects them far more than the Republican Party, in order to try and distract from our AMAZING Victories,” Trump said in a social media post as he announced he had signed the bill.

Now, the bill requires the Justice Department to release all files and communications related to Epstein, as well as any information about the investigation into his death in a federal prison in 2019, within 30 days. It allows for redactions about Epstein’s victims for ongoing federal investigations, but DOJ cannot withhold information due to “embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity.”

It was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-congress-trump-house-297a66ce48bd2a67c571bc643e32ef71">remarkable turn of events</a>&nbsp;for what was once a farfetched effort to force the disclosure of case files from an odd congressional coalition of Democrats, one GOP antagonist of the president, and a handful of erstwhile Trump loyalists. As recently as last week, the Trump administration even summoned one Republican proponent of releasing the files, Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, to the Situation Room to discuss the matter, although she did not change her mind.

But over the weekend,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-trump-congress-c858fcd7d587bb61d1b73753487b0ee1">Trump did a sharp U-turn</a>&nbsp;on the files once it became clear that congressional action was inevitable. He insisted the Epstein matter had become a distraction to the GOP agenda and indicated he wanted to move on.

“I just don’t want Republicans to take their eyes off all of the Victories that we’ve had,” Trump said in a social media post Tuesday afternoon, explaining the rationale for his abrupt about-face.

The House passed the legislation on a 427-1 vote, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/clay-higgins-epstein-files-124f8e8104f7d39b0b57d0e8b8305386">Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., being the sole dissenter</a>. He argued that the bill’s language could lead to the release of information on innocent people mentioned in the federal investigation. The Senate later approved it unanimously, skipping a formal vote.

It’s long been established that Trump had been friends with Epstein, the disgraced financier who was close to the world’s elite. But the president has consistently said he did not know of Epstein’s crimes and had cut ties with him long ago.

Before Trump returned to the White House for a second term, some of his closest political allies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-conspiracy-theories-bondi-bongino-fbi-a143076353acbc1193cb9697e7fc4a90">helped fuel conspiracy theories</a>&nbsp;about the government’s handling of the Epstein case, asserting a cover-up of potentially incriminating information in those files.

Trump rips Dems as he signs bill to release Jeffrey Epstein case files

JOHNSON COUNTY —A former school paraprofessional who admitted having a sexual relationship with a student was sentenced last week.

Judge Jacquelyn Rokusek sentenced 28-year-old Kassidy Alexander of De Soto to 34 months in prison for unlawful sexual relations. Alexander was later placed on probation for 36 months, according to court documents filed Thursday.&nbsp; She must also register as a sex offender, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

In August, Alexander was charged with unlawful sexual relations, according to online jail records in Johnson County.&nbsp; She is a former USD 232 Desoto school district employee at&nbsp;Lexington Trails Middle School.

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