As a friendly reminder, all Saline County/Salina offices will be closed on Thanksgiving (November 27) and Black Friday (November 28).

All offices and services will resume Monday, December 1.&nbsp;

The City of Salina's sanitation collections for Thursday and Friday will be delayed by one day. Regular collection will resume December 1st.

The City of Salina's Landfill will resume normal operating hours on Friday, November, 28 and Saturday, November 29.

The Salina Drive-thru Recycling Center will resume normal operating hours on Saturday, November 29.

For further information please call The City of Salina General Services at (785) 309-5750.

For the main contact of Saline County: (785) 309-5810

City/County offices closed Thanksgiving & Black Friday, resume Dec. 1

The Tyler J. Ritter Legacy Fund presented a check to its first recipient, the Central Kansas Foundation (CKF) Addiction Treatment facility in Salina.&nbsp;

Tyler J. Ritter grew up in Salina, where he attended Sacred Heart. There, he found a passion for basketball. He played the sport for many years, graduating from Sacred Heart in 2016. In 2017, however, Ritter fell and injured his wrists. His doctors prescribed opioids to help with the pain. This led Ritter down the road to his addiction.&nbsp;

Ritter entered rehab in 2020, and by November of 2022, Ritter had beaten his addiction and was sober and optimistic about the future. He returned to Salina with the intent of joining Kansas Wesleyan University's Basketball team. On December 1, 2022, Tyler J. Ritter passed away at age 24.&nbsp;

Tyler Ritter's father, Mark Ritter, started the Tyler J. Ritter Legacy Fund with the intention to save a life. Tyler Ritter always gave his all to others, and, with the help of the Greater Salina Community Foundation, Mark Ritter set up a fund that will live on in perpetuity, honoring his son's character and memory.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Now, the Tyler J Ritter Legacy Fund officially awarded its first check, paying for the treatment fees of a patient in need at CKF Addiction Treatment. Both the organization of CKF and the anonymous patient issued statements of gratitude for the Legacy Fund and the Ritter Family.

To visit the Greater Salina Community Foundation website, click&nbsp;<a href="https://gscf.org/">here</a>.&nbsp;

For more information on how you can donate to the Tyler J Ritter Legacy Fund, click <a href="https://gscf.org/giving/how-to-give/">here</a>.

Tyler J. Ritter Legacy Fund helps first recipient

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;Probation Violation

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

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Burglary; Non-dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crime; Criminal damage to property; Felony; Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500; Contribute to child misconduct; Encourage to commit a felony

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; DWS; 3rd or subs conv

Saline County Jail Bookings, November 26

<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, November 26 - November 28

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

Salina Post obituary policy (subject to change)

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

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

Recent obituaries and service times, how to submit an obituary

DICKINSON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 2a.m. Tuesday in Dickinson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Kenworth semi driven by Scott L.&nbsp;Graverholt, 42, Bellevue, Nebraska, was southbound on Kansas 15 near 3300 Avenue. The semi&nbsp;&nbsp;crossed the center line, entered the east ditch, stuck a cattle fence and entered private property The vehicle continued along the inside of the fence line, stuck a culvert and coming to rest south of the culvert.

EMS transported Graverholt to.&nbsp;Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills Campus. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after semi crash into cattle fence, culvert

The City of Salina has approved and announced a new strategy meant to achieve traffic safety, by eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

"Vision Zero," a strategy approved by Salina Commissioners meant to achieve the policy goal of eliminating all traffic&nbsp;fatalities and serious injuries, while increasing safe, healthy and equitable mobility for all.

Specifically the strategy is meant achieve the following:

• Actively working to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries on City streets within 10 years (by 2035).

• Collecting, analyzing, and using data to understand trends and potential effects of traffic deaths.

• Creating a Vision Zero Committee to develop and implement an action plan that is guided by community input.

• Prioritizing the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, scooter riders, and people with disabilities over the ease of use of personal automobiles.

The City stated it is an "ambitious and challenging goal, but achievable."

This committee will work with the community, to develop an action plan for achieving the goals set for the strategy.&nbsp;

Moreover, the committee will increase government accountability through&nbsp; public participation and public reporting provisions.

Anyone from the public can join the committee and for those interested in joining can contact the City's Public Works Department at:&nbsp;(785) 309-5725

The strategy is designed to increase transparency and ensure accountability in the policymaking process.

The City clarified Vision Zero "cannot eliminate"&nbsp;all traffic fatalities and serious injuries or solve all traffic safety problems.&nbsp;This approach must work in tandem with other transportation policy and planning efforts, such as: 

Complete Streets policies, long-range planning, active transportation plans and new mobility policies. 

Collisions resulting in minor injuries; near misses; and issues related to enforcement and personal safety also affect people’s experiences with traffic safety and their perceptions of it.

To read the full item, click&nbsp;<a href="https://agendasuite.org/iip/salina/file/getfile/14699">here</a>.

Vision Zero was <a href="https://highways.dot.gov/sites/fhwa.dot.gov/files/2022-06/FHWA-SA-20-073_Lessons_Learned_from_Development_of_Vision_Zero_Action_Plans.pdf">first implemented in Sweden in the 1990s</a>. This strategy has proved successful across Europe — and since 2014 has been gaining momentum in the United States.

More than 50 US cities, counties, and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) have committed to the Vision Zero strategy.

Salina sets vision to achieve zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2035

Salina Police are currently searching for unknown suspect(s) that committed "Jackpotting" crimes at multiple banks.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Monday at around 10:30 am, officers were dispatched to Bennington State Bank (2130 S. Ohio) regarding a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.secretservice.gov/newsroom/releases/2018/01/secret-service-warns-sophisticated-atm-jackpotting-attack#:~:text=ATM%20jackpotting%20is%20a%20sophisticated,to%20international%20organized%20crime%20syndicates.">Jackpotting</a>&nbsp;theft.

ATM Jackpotting&nbsp;is a sophisticated crime in which thieves install malicious software and/or hardware at ATMs that force the machines to dispense huge volumes of cash on demand.&nbsp;

Reportedly at 8:00 pm the previous day on Sunday, unknown suspect(s) jackpotted the bank's ATM and&nbsp;were able to obtain an undisclosed amount of money.

The suspect(s) then went to another Bennington State Bank location (200 S. 9th), at about 1:00 am on Monday. The suspect(s) committed the same crime as well.

SPD stated the suspect(s)&nbsp;vehicle was a white Lincoln passenger car (see image above).

A Kansas tag was observed on the vehicle as well. 

Moreover, SPD confirmed the tag had been stolen between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm on Sunday from a vehicle in the 100 block of S. Phillips. 

It is suspected a Jackpotting incident which occurred in Wamego after the events in Salina, are connected. 

Jackpotting suspect(s) sought after committing crimes at multiple banks

NAME:&nbsp;Outland, Ernest James

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

Saline County Jail Bookings, November 25

OCCK Inc. Transportation is pleased to announce the addition of new stops on the 81 Connection route, expanding access and improving regional mobility for riders traveling between Belleville and Salina.&nbsp; 

The updated route will go into effect on December 1, 2025.

- Casey’s, 2087 N. 145th&nbsp;Road, Concordia

The new stops are designed to better connect riders to key destinations, improve convenience, and support growing transportation needs across North Central Kansas.&nbsp; 

“These improvements reflect our ongoing commitment to enhancing mobility options for the communities we serve,” said&nbsp;Trell Grinter, OCCK Transportation Director. “The new stops will offer riders greater flexibility and improved access to work, healthcare, education, and essential services along the corridor.”

Updated maps and schedules will be available soon.

For more information about OCCK, Inc., visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.occk.com/">www.occk.com</a>. For more information about CityGo and OCCK Transportation, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.salinacitygo.com/">www.salinacitygo.com</a>.

Or contact the OCCK Transportation Center at 785-826-1583.

OCCK announces new stops added towards 81 Connection to improve rideability

Salina is well known across Kansas for having some of the most affordable, fun, and best organized running events in the state. Earlier this year Salina race directors launched the first annual Run Salina Series. Run Salina Series is a collaborative effort of local organizations to encourage the community to participate in multiple Salina running events. 

Participants who completed 4 of the 6 events receive an exclusive Run Salina Series shirt. Participation in local races turns into funding for these non-profits who help children and adults within our community.

The Run Salina Series is a product of Salina race directors meeting quarterly to identify ways to increase opportunities for running and walking in the community and this is the first of the ideas that were developed through those meetings. 

“Salina has a well deserved reputation for having some of the top races in Kansas” said Daniel Craig, a Co-Founder of the Salina Crossroads Marathon. “The race courses are flat, fast, and scenic and Salina races receive five star reviews on how friendly and passionate the volunteers are. We have some incredible organizations and race directors that put on our local races and it was exciting to see several Salina races have record-breaking registration totals this year. With our high school teams and Kansas Wesleyan University having awesome cross country seasons, increased participation in the Salina Running Club, and having some of the premier youth track and field clubs in the state Salina has quickly become one of the top running communities in Kansas. On behalf of the Run Salina Series I want to thank the City of Salina, Salina Downtown Inc., Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, all of the sponsors who help make our local races possible, and everyone who participated in or volunteered for Salina races this year.”

· Five races broke their registration records! (A sixth race had its second highest totals ever)

· Three races exceeded 1000 registered participants! Smoky Hill River Run: 1040, Fe for a Cure: 1214, and Salina Crossroads Marathon: 5416 (Prior to 2025 the Salina Crossroads Marathon was the only Salina race to have reached the 1000 registered runner mark.)

Runners who completed the Run Salina Series Challenge (participating in four of the six races) can email runsalinacrossroads@gmail.com with a list of races completed and Run Salina Series shirt size needed.

The Run Salina Series planning committee will be meeting in early December to plan a couple of potential pick up dates/locations. 

That information will be emailed out and also posted on Facebook. 

The Run Salina Series planning committee looks forward to continuing to grow Salina races in 2026.

Run Salina Series breaking records for 2025, what to know about the initiative that promotes running and walking within the community

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 24 - November 26

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 21 - November 24

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.

Saline County under "Dense Fog" advisory Wednesday morning

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 19 - November 21

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 17 - November 19

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 14 - November 17

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 12 - November 14

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 10 - November 12

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 7 - November 10

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two West Virginia National Guard members shot Wednesday near the White House have died, the state’s governor said.

Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed their deaths in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/wvgovernor/status/1993782336056357214?s=20">a social media post</a>.

"We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues," he said.

A suspect who was in custody also was shot and has injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement official not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity. One National Guard member was shot in the head, according to a person familiar with the details of the incident who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

The shooting happened at the corner of 17th and H Streets in the northwest quadrant of the city, roughly two blocks northwest of the White House.

Emergency medical responders transported all three victims to a hospital, according to Vito Maggiolo, the public information officer for the DC Fire and Emergency Services. The Joint DC Task Force confirmed they responded to the incident after reports of the shooting. The Metropolitan Police Department also said they were on-scene.

Police tape cordoned off the scene where emergency fire and police vehicles’ lights flashed and helicopter blades thudded overhead. Agents from the U.S. Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on scene, as National Guard troops stood sentry nearby. At least one helicopter landed on the National Mall.

President Donald Trump, who is in Florida celebrating Thanksgiving, warned in a statement on social media that the “animal” who shot the guardsmen “will pay a very steep price.”

“God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”

The presence of the National Guard in the nation’s capital has been a flashpoint issue for months, fueling a court fight and a broader public policy debate about the Trump administration’s use of the military to combat what officials cast as an out-of-control crime problem.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on social media that he was “closely monitoring” the shooting and that his “heart breaks for the victims of this horrific shooting.”

A spokesperson for Mayor Muriel Bowser said that local leaders were actively monitoring the situation. Bowser had spent the morning at a Thanksgiving event at the Convention Center and then held a press conference to explain why she was not seeking reelection.

Trump issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">emergency order</a>&nbsp;in August that federalized the local police force and sent in National Guard troops from eight states and the District of Columbia. The order expired a month later but the troops remained.

The soldiers have patrolled neighborhoods, train stations and other locations, participated in highway checkpoints and also have been assigned to trash pickup and to guard sports events.

Last week, a federal judge ordered an end to the deployment but also put her order on hold for 21 days to allow the Trump administration time to either remove the troops or appeal the decision.

Associated Press reporters Konstantin Toropin, Seung Min Kim, Safiyah Riddle, Matt Brown, Mike Balsamo, Eric Tucker and Jesse Bedayn contributed.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-shooting-dc-c5785dd8920d2d1ac7d71fab769faf5f" target="_blank">WASHINGTON (AP) —Two National Guard members were shot</a>&nbsp;Wednesday near the White House and are in critical condition, according to a law enforcement official not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

A suspect, now in custody, was also shot and has injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, the source said.

Emergency medical responders transported all three victims to a hospital, according to Vito Maggiolo, the public information officer for the DC Fire and Emergency Services.

President Donald Trump was at his West Palm Beach golf course when the shooting took place.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A suspect is in custody in the shooting of National Guard members in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, police said.

Two guard soldiers were shot near the White House and their conditions aren’t immediately known, according to two law enforcement officials not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

Emergency vehicles were seen responding to the area and at least one helicopter landed on the National Mall.

The Joint DC Task Force confirmed they were responding to an incident in the vicinity of the White House in the movements after reports of the shooting. However, the spokesperson wouldn’t immediately confirm or deny if any National Guard members had been shot.

The Metropolitan Police Department said they were responding to a shooting but didn’t immediately provide more information.

A spokesperson for Mayor Muriel Bowser said that local leaders were actively monitoring the situation. The mayor was in the city when the incident occurred.

“The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Hundreds of National Guard members&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-trump-deployment-washington-cbae3a840cec29b0d361413fbe162e14">from the district</a>&nbsp;and several states have been patrolling the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump in August issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">emergency order</a>&nbsp;in the capital, federalizing the local police force and sending in the guard from eight states and the District of Columbia.

Two National Guard soldiers shot near the White House have died

&nbsp;DOUGLAS COUNTY—The board of directors of the Lawrence Old Fashioned Christmas Parade, Inc., made the difficult decision this week to cancel the 2025 parade scheduled for December 6, due to the current outbreak of equine herpesvirus (EHV) affecting horses in multiple states, according to a statement from the board.

EHV is a highly contagious virus among horses. Veterinarians and equine health experts recommend limiting travel and avoiding large gatherings of horses during active outbreaks. The virus poses no risks to humans, but it can spread quickly between horses making this precautionary action necessary.

"The health and safety of the horses and our community come first, always," said Marty Kennedy, president of the Lawrence Old Fashioned Christmas Parade, Inc. "Cancelling this year's parade was an extremely difficult decision but it is the responsible one."

Although the parade is cancelled, visitors can still enjoy all the shopping, dining and other holiday events planned in downtown Lawrence.

Annual Christmas parade in Kansas canceled due to horse virus 

ATLANTA (AP) — The prosecutor who recently took over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-georgia-election-investigation-grand-jury-willis-d39562cedfc60d64948708de1b011ed3">Georgia election interference case</a>&nbsp;against President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and others said in a court filing Wednesday that he has decided not to pursue the case further.

Pete Skandalakis, the executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, took over the case last month from Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who was removed over an “appearance of impropriety” created by a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fani-willis-georgia-election-indictment-removed-0aa6db3b7abed22eb08ed9323f687972">romantic relationship</a>&nbsp;with the special prosecutor she chose to lead the case.

After Skandalakis’ filing, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee issued a one-paragraph order dismissing the case in its entirety.

<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/26303252/23sc188947-request-for-dead-docketnolle-prosequi-by-district-attorney.pdf">Click here to read the full</a> motion document

It was unlikely that legal action against Trump could have moved forward while he is president. But 14 other defendants still faced charges, including former New York mayor and Trump attorney&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rudy-giuliani-dominion-voting-2020-election-trump-fb964cb109a66338f2d594c732f5d2f1">Rudy Giuliani</a>&nbsp;and former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.

Steve Sadow, Trump’s lead attorney in Georgia, applauded the case’s dismissal: “The political persecution of President Trump by disqualified DA Fani Willis is finally over. This case should never have been brought. A fair and impartial prosecutor has put an end to this lawfare.”

After the Georgia Supreme Court in September declined to hear&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fani-willis-appeal-georgia-supreme-court-trump-7be50feee272612484490b53592e7e08">Willis’ appeal</a>&nbsp;of her disqualification, it fell to the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council to find a new prosecutor. Skandalakis said last month that he reached out to several prosecutors, but they all declined to take on the case. McAfee set a Nov. 14 deadline for the appointment of a new prosecutor, so Skandalakis chose to appoint himself rather than allow the case to be dismissed right away.

He said Willis’ office had only recently delivered the case file — 101 boxes and an eight-terabyte hard drive — and he hadn’t had a chance to review everything yet. Citing the public’s “legitimate interest in the outcome of this case,” he said he wanted to assess the evidence and decide on the appropriate next steps.

Skandalakis, who has led the small, nonpartisan council since 2018, said in a court filing last month that he will get no extra pay for the case but that Fulton County will reimburse expenses. He previously spent about 25 years as the elected Republican district attorney for the Coweta Judicial Circuit, southwest of Atlanta.

Willis announced the sprawling indictment against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-georgia-indictment-meadows-guiliani-084efc6796becef3714196cee3854cf6">Trump and 18 others</a>&nbsp;in August 2023, using the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-trump-election-investigation-indictment-rico-willis-2b18a1c1ed6a4ce22b1a2ca88ea861e3">anti-racketeering law</a>&nbsp;to allege a wide-ranging conspiracy to illegally overturn Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-georgia-elections-bb997641ca36805c0f53f406a3529d87">narrow loss</a>&nbsp;to Democrat Joe Biden in Georgia.

Defense attorneys sought Willis’ removal after one revealed in January 2024 that Willis had a romantic relationship with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-willis-wade-georgia-election-5d76abb5578308317306e7b2e610ac91">Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor</a>&nbsp;she hired to lead the case. The defense attorneys alleged a conflict of interest and said Willis profited from the case when Wade used his earnings to pay for vacations the pair took.

During&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fani-willis-hearing-trump-case-potential-conflict-c37fcf993ac33c150f3cb3e4a7a888db">an extraordinary hearing</a>&nbsp;the following month, Willis and Wade testified about the intimate details of their relationship. They said the romance didn’t begin until after Wade was hired and that they split the costs for vacations and other outings.

The judge rebuked Willis for a “tremendous lapse in judgment” but found no disqualifying conflict of interest, ruling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fani-willis-wade-trump-georgia-election-takeaways-150a46abe71ee76da2c0050798a5d93e">she could stay on</a>&nbsp;the case if Wade resigned,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-election-indictment-fani-willis-trump-60b7dd9642fc9ef7c03d75980692334c">which he did</a>&nbsp;hours later.

Defense attorneys appealed, and the Georgia Court of Appeals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fani-willis-georgia-election-indictment-removed-0aa6db3b7abed22eb08ed9323f687972">removed Willis from the case</a>&nbsp;in December 2024, citing an “appearance of impropriety.” The state Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fani-willis-appeal-georgia-supreme-court-trump-7be50feee272612484490b53592e7e08">declined to hear Willis’ appeal</a>.

Read the ruling: Trump's criminal case in Georgia dismissed

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a homicide that occurred November 24,in the 1200 block of N 77th Street in Kansas City, Kansas.

Just after 8:30p.m. November 24, police were dispatched a report of a shooting.&nbsp; Officers went to a local hospital where they located a man who was transported to the hospital with a life-threatening gunshot wound.  He was pronounced deceased at the hospital.  Detectives have not released the name of the victim or possible suspect details.

Police: Man hospitalized after Kan. shooting has died

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

CEDAR CREST — The best gift Statehouse Republicans could give Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly this holiday season is collaboration to resolve Kansas’ water issues, she said Tuesday at the annual Christmas tree donation at Cedar Crest.

“Recognizing that that is not a political win or loss for anybody, but absolutely essential for the future in this state,” Kelly said.&nbsp;

In August Kelly elevated water to her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.governor.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/732/55" target="_blank">highest priority</a>. She’s concerned with creating a long-term sustainable strategy that recognizes the falling levels in the Ogallala Aquifer.&nbsp;

“I hadn’t really thought about what the Democrats themselves could give me,” Kelly said. “There’s probably not a lot in this upcoming session. What they could do is get some really good candidates for November 2026, break that supermajority so that regardless of who the next governor is there will be an absolute need to work together to get anything done.”&nbsp;

Republicans currently have a supermajority in both the House and Senate, enough to override the governor’s vetoes.

Charlotte Cooper, granddaughter of Dave Bruton — the Kansas Forest Service liaison with the Kansas Christmas Tree Growers Association — isn’t entirely sure what she wants this holiday season either. Lucky for Cooper, Santa’s elves encouraged him to make business cards, so her mom can e-mail Santa with her list. She even got the chance to talk to Santa at Tuesday’s event.&nbsp;

“This is a good group,” Santa said. “Santa always likes to reward the good people, and tell the others they have time —”

“Do you live in the North Pole?” Cooper interjected.&nbsp;

“Most of the time. When I’m not living down here, checking up on children,” Santa said.&nbsp;

Santa, Cooper and others rode in a replica of a Wells Fargo stagecoach up to the governor’s mansion to deliver the donated Christmas decorations.

Two six-year-old&nbsp;Percheron&nbsp;horses carried the stagecoach. They replaced&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/24/one-kansas-tradition-goes-on-as-usual-this-year-bess-and-betty-do-their-job/">Bess and Betty</a>, who carried the stagecoach for years before. The ceremony was the horses’ first large crowd, and they acted “about what you would guess,” according to Robin Dunn of Dunn’s Landing farm near Wellsville.&nbsp;

When asked if the new horses would be able to replace Bess and Betty, Dunn responded with a swift “no.” Then she paused.&nbsp;

“Well, I don’t know,” Dunn said. “It’ll take about 15 years. In 15 years ask me that question again.”

On top of the stagecoach was an 8½-foot tall Scotch pine grown on the Strawberry Hill Christmas Tree&nbsp;Farm in Lawrence. Each year one farm from the Kansas Christmas Tree Association donates the tree.

According to Mark Walther, part of the family who runs Strawberry Hill, his late brother Mitch volunteered.

“Well, it’s kind of a sad story,” Walther said. “So Mitch stepped up and unfortunately passed away. So then it’s like, well, shoot, because he didn’t tell me which tree it was.”&nbsp;

Mitch died unexpectedly in July. When the time came, the family went to the field and chose the tree with the nicest height and shape.

This is the third year that Chris Seets from Chris’s Tree Lodge in Abilene presented a wreath.&nbsp;

“Hopefully, this is the first time I get to actually meet the governor. I’ve always handed it to lieutenant governors in the past,” Seets said shortly before the presentation.&nbsp;

Perhaps Santa overheard her comment, because Seets was called up to present her wreath to Kelly in front of the mansion.

“I was just so excited. I think I spoke to her. I don’t know, I’m not sure,” Seets said after.&nbsp;

After the carriage rolled in and Seets presented her wreath, the group entered the mansion to watch the tree be placed in a corner. Kelly adorned it with an ornament that recognized Charles Robinson, Kansas’ first governor.&nbsp;

Kelly thanked the farmers, volunteers, and families who made the event happen. Cooper responded with a toothless grin.&nbsp;

“When did you lose that?” Kelly asked.&nbsp;

“When my mom was out of town,” Cooper said.

Kansas governor’s holiday tradition comes with a push for water solutions 

ATCHISON COUNTY—A Kansas school bus driver is in custody after an incident on Tuesday in Atchison.

Police were notified on Tuesday morning of an argument that had occurred between a bus driver identified as 68-year-old Paul G. Detherage of Atthison and a student on a school bus, according to. Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; During the argument, the bus driver allegedly made threatening statements. 

Just before 8a.m. Tuesday, police took Detherage into custody after he returned to the USD 409 school bus barn in the 2600 Block of Industrial Road, according to Wilson. He is being held on a requested charge of criminal threat.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kan. school bus driver jailed for allegedly threatening student

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a social media video urging U.S. troops to defy “illegal orders” say the FBI has contacted them to begin scheduling interviews, signaling a possible inquiry into the matter.

It would mark the second investigation tied to the video, coming a day after the Pentagon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-mark-kelly-troop-investigation-4882f76b05dcdfa3060c284c2c84dd12">said it was reviewing</a>&nbsp;Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona over potential violations of military law. The FBI and Pentagon actions come after President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-military-traitors-sedition-illegal-orders-c5fc3c5bd2fbc6b1204550e4203c24b2">accused the lawmakers of sedition</a>&nbsp;and said it is “punishable by DEATH” in a social media post.

Together, the inquiries mark an extraordinary escalation for federal law enforcement and military institutions that traditionally steer clear of partisan clashes. They also underscore the administration’s willingness to push legal limits against its critics, even when they are sitting members of Congress. Lawmakers in the video urge troops to reject any illegal orders from their superiors, something they are already duty-bound to do.

“President Trump is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass Members of Congress,” a group of four Democratic House members said in a statement Tuesday. “Yesterday, the FBI contacted the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms requesting interviews.”

Democrats call inquiry a ‘scare tactic’

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/slotkin-democratic-response-text-trump-congress-6ba1012264201e715c290da1b8f45bc4">Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin</a>, one of the six Democratic lawmakers in the video, told reporters Tuesday that “last night the counterterrorism division at the FBI sent a note to the members of Congress, saying they are opening what appears to be an inquiry against the six of us.” Slotkin called it a “scare tactic by” Trump.

“Whether you agree with the video or don’t agree with the video, the question to me is: is this the appropriate response for a president of the United States to go after and seek to weaponize the federal government against those he disagrees with?” said Slotkin.

The group of four Democratic House members said in their statement that “no amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our Constitution.”

All six of the Democratic lawmakers in the video have served in the military or intelligence community.

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska criticized both inquiries on social media, saying that accusing the lawmakers “of treason and sedition for rightfully pointing out that servicemembers can refuse illegal orders is reckless and flat-out wrong.”

“The Department of Defense and FBI surely have more important priorities than this frivolous investigation,” wrote Murkowski.

FBI provides no insight into interview requests

The FBI went through the top security officials for the House and Senate to request interviews with each of the six lawmakers. The lawmakers said they had no further information and the FBI has not made clear on what basis they were seeking the interviews.

The FBI declined to comment Tuesday, but Director Kash Patel, in an interview with journalist Catherine Herridge, described it as an “ongoing matter” in explaining why he could not discuss details.

Asked for his reaction to the video, Patel said, “What goes through my head is the same thing that goes through my head in any case: is there a lawful predicate to open up an inquiry and investigation, or is there not? And that decision will be made by the career agents and analysts here at the FBI.”

In the video, lawmakers said they needed troops to “stand up for our laws … our Constitution.” Kelly, who was a fighter pilot before becoming an astronaut and then retiring at the rank of captain, told troops that “you can refuse illegal orders.”

After the Pentagon announced the investigation into Kelly on Monday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth referred it to the Navy on Tuesday and requested a briefing by Dec. 10.

The lawmakers didn’t mention specific circumstances in the video. But at an event Tuesday in Michigan, Slotkin pointed to the Trump administration ordering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d">the military to blow up small boats</a>&nbsp;in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean accused of ferrying drugs and continued attempts at deploying National Guard troops into U.S. cities despite some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-judge-ruling-dc-washington-national-guard-1be5c3744e35f8dd68a6a12fa4583186">legal setbacks</a>.

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