Salina Police arrested a man for over 90 requested charges of violating a protection order.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Tuesday, officers were dispatched to a home in north Salina for the report of a male who had an outstanding Domestic Violence Battery warrant for his arrest.

Reportedly, 40-year old Juan Renteria-Cortez was connected to a domestic violence incident that occurred in the beginning of January.

When officers arrived to the home, they located and arrested Renteria-Cortez.&nbsp;

He was booked into the Saline County Jail for 96 requested charges of Violation of a Protection order, Harass by Telecommunication Device (1) and Felony Stalking (1).

Renteria-Cortez was arrested for these additional requested charges above for an incident that occurred on February 13. A 41-year old female victim reported she had a Protection from Abuse order against Renteria-Cortez, but he continuously emailed, texted and called the victim in the duration of two days.

The victim and Renteria-Cortez are known.

Salina PD place over 90 requested charges on man for violating protection order

A successful turnout occurred at a recent biannual Kansas dogs judge training program held in Salina.

The <a href="https://www.kansas4-h.org/projects/animal-science/dog/#:~:text=The%20Kansas%204%2DH%20Dog%20Project%20is%20an,*%20**Intermediate**%20*%20Selecting%20nutritious%20dog%20foods">Central Kansas District 4-H Dog Project</a> recently hosted the biannual State 4-H Dog Project Judges Training, held January 31 to February 1 at the Saline County Expo Center.

Organized by the Kansas 4-H Project Partnership Team, the event succeeded thanks to 19 volunteer teams from the CKD/Saline, CKD/Ottawa, Dickinson, Reno, Republic, and Sedgwick 4-H programs, as well as the Salina, Hutchinson and Riley.

Participants were able to become trained and certified to judge the four dog phases of showmanship, obedience, agility and rally obedience in the Dog Care and Training Project. This training is appropriate for both leaders and potential judges.

Each participant needed to be 16-years and older to attend this certification and training.

Dog judges must certify every 4 years. Certification will be offered in even-numbered years beginning in 2026.&nbsp;All judges who need to recertify in 2026 or 2027 must recertify at this training.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kansas4-h.org/educational-experiences/project-based-events/trainings/dog-leader/">For more information, click here.</a>

Successful turnout at biannual State 4-H Dog Project Judges Training in Salina

A Salina man was arrested after he threatened to shoot multiple family members.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Tuesday at around 10:15 am, an 80-year old woman reported she received a call from a 33-year old male relative who said he was "going to shoot multiple family members."

Reportedly, the woman and other family members found illegal contraband inside the man's backpack. They removed the items from the bag and the man identified as Dakkota Deister, threatened the family members when he found out.

Officers arrived to a home in south Salina where Deister was located and took him into custody without incident. He was booked into the Saline County Jail for three requested charges of Criminal Threat.

SPD are conducting a search warrant on a vehicle to obtain a firearm that is suspected to belong to Deister and more charges are pending.

According to Saline County jail records, Deister was booked on December 14 for the requested charges of&nbsp;Domestic Battery and operating a vehicle without a valid license.

Police: Salina man threatens to shoot multiple family members before arrest

31 student leaders in Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://engg.k-state.edu/">Carl R. Ice College of Engineering</a>&nbsp;have been selected to represent the college through the Engineering Ambassadors organization.

Engineering Ambassadors are current engineering students who are chosen to promote the engineering profession and act as hosts for the college. Each ambassador assists with recruitment initiatives that occur both on and off campus.

Students with strong academic and leadership records are eligible for membership and are selected after an application and interview process.

Leanne Reineman, assistant director of recruitment, and Craig Wanklyn, assistant dean for recruitment, serve as advisors to the ambassadors.

According to KSU, the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering is a highly ranked, 100-year-old engineering college named after alumnus and former <a href="https://www.bnsf.com/about-bnsf/index.page">BNSF Railway</a> CEO Carl R. Ice. It offers 12-15 undergraduate majors, graduate programs (master's/PhD), and is known for high graduate career placement, strong industry partnerships and research in sustainability and technology.

The following students are the 2026 Engineering Ambassadors:

Thomas Ashley, sophomore in computer science, Soren Barua, sophomore in computer science, and Karissa Worthington, senior in electrical engineering, all from&nbsp;Andover;Viv Nguyen, senior in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Dodge City;&nbsp;Jory Ratzlaff, junior in agricultural technology management,&nbsp;Galva;&nbsp;Yan Dologuin, senior in computer science,&nbsp;Goodland;&nbsp;Katelyn Kuckelman, junior in cybersecurity,&nbsp;Lenexa;&nbsp;Ava Hornung, senior in biomedical engineering, and Kaiser Wymer, freshman in biological systems engineering, both from&nbsp;Manhattan;&nbsp;Luke Claussen, freshman in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Olathe;&nbsp;Corissa Bandel, junior in biological systems engineering,&nbsp;Oskaloosa;&nbsp;Ryan Duewer, junior in computer engineering, Taylor Howard, junior in industrial engineering, and Eliot Wagner, senior in mechanical engineering, all from&nbsp;Overland Park;&nbsp;Brock Dolton, junior in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Salina;&nbsp;Tessa Gerber, freshman in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Silver Lake;&nbsp;Will Garberg, sophomore in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Stilwell;&nbsp;Allie Jones, junior in industrial engineering, and Parker Williams, junior in mechanical engineering, both from&nbsp;Topeka;&nbsp;and Cassidy Huynh, junior in biomedical engineering,&nbsp;Wichita.

From out of state: Connor Keogh, sophomore in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Phoenix, Arizona;&nbsp;Kate Dunham, senior in biomedical engineering,&nbsp;Colorado Springs, Colorado;&nbsp;Will Dannahower, sophomore in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Fort Collins, Colorado;&nbsp;Naomi Fuller, junior in industrial engineering, and Jesse Vu, sophomore in architectural engineering, both from&nbsp;Kansas City, Missouri;&nbsp;Ashlee Kelley, senior in industrial engineering,&nbsp;Parkville, Missouri;&nbsp;Kylee Bollinger, junior in architectural engineering,&nbsp;Smithville, Missouri;&nbsp;Nicholas Ancel, junior in mechanical engineering, and Andrew Wood, senior in chemical engineering, both from&nbsp;St. Louis, Missouri;&nbsp;Townes Mullinex, junior in biological systems engineering,&nbsp;Palmyra, Virginia;&nbsp;and Matthew Druffel, freshman in agricultural technology management,&nbsp;Pullman, Washington.

Salina engineering student among 30 others representing KSU to recruit and promote profession

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 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.

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.

If you have an issue outside of business hours, if your obituary has not been published within 24 business hours, or if have any questions, please email:&nbsp;&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>

Recent obituaries and service times, how to submit an obituary

<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, February 18 - February 20

Following is recent booking activity for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/Sheriff-Office/Online-search/Booking-Activities">Saline County Jail</a>, 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 CHARGES:&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact; Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Criminal threat; Unknown circumstance

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Following too close

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Child passenger safety; Defective tail lamps; Driving While Suspended; Ignition interlock device; Operate a car without a required device

NAME:&nbsp;Marfise,Morgan Elizabeth

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Renteria Cortez,Juan Antonio

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Harass by telecom device; Cause device to ring/activate to harass; Stalking; After served a protection order prohibiting contact; Viol protection order; Abuse order; Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor; Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harmViol protection order; Abuse order

NAME:&nbsp;Williams,Destiny Jasmine

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

Saline County Jail Bookings, February 18

Rolling Hills Zoo is thrilled to announce the birth of a male southern white rhinoceros calf on&nbsp;February 8.

The calf and his mother, Evey, are doing well and bonding as animal care staff continue to monitor the pair from a respectful distance.

Evey, 19, and the calf’s father, Kengele, 27, were both previously part of a 15-member white rhino herd, known as a “crash,” at The Wilds Safari Park and Conservation Center in Cumberland, Ohio. Evey arrived at Rolling Hills Zoo in 2020, and Kengele joined the Zoo in 2024. White rhino gestation lasts approximately 16 to 18 months.

Evey and Kengele’s pairing was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP), a cooperative population management program designed to ensure the long-term sustainability and genetic health of species in accredited zoos. 

Rolling Hills Zoo is proud to be an AZA-accredited institution, the gold standard for zoos, and an active participant in this important conservation work.

At this time, the rhino barn is closed to public viewing. 

The Zoo asks for patience and understanding as Evey and her calf are given time to bond and adjust. Animal care staff are entering the building only as necessary, and the pair is being closely monitored via camera.

The southern white rhino is the second-largest land mammal after the elephant and represents one of conservation’s most remarkable comeback stories, having once been brought back from the brink of extinction. However, the species continues to face serious threats. A surge in poaching for rhino horn, particularly in South Africa, has led to record losses in recent years. As of 2025, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reported a 9.8% decrease in white rhino populations, bringing the global estimate to approximately 15,752 individuals in protected areas. The species is currently classified as Near Threatened.

“This birth is not only a joyful milestone for Rolling Hills Zoo, but also an important contribution to the conservation of this incredible species,” said Mark Echevarria, RHZ Curator. “Every calf born under AZA’s Species Survival Plan represents hope for the future of white rhinos and long-term sustainability of the animals within AZA facilities, while also maintaining their genetic diversity. Rolling Hills Zoo is very proud to be a part of and contributing to that mission.”

Rolling Hills Zoo will share updates, photos, and eventual public viewing information on its website and social media channels as the calf continues to grow and thrive.

For more information, visit <a href="http://www.rollinghillszoo.org">www.rollinghillszoo.org</a> or follow Rolling Hills Zoo on social media.

Rolling Hills Zoo announces birth of Southern White Rhino Calf

&nbsp;As of 5p.m. the eastbound lanes remained closed between Colby and Oakley. Westbound lanes were opened from WaKeeney to Colorado state line and eastbound lanes are open at Oakley

Interstate 70 is closed in both directions between Colby and Oakley, extending to WaKeeney due to high winds and blowing dust causing reduced visibility.

Vehicle crashes blocking the roadway are also part of the closure.

High Wind and Red Flag Warnings are in effect through the afternoon across much of northwest Kansas. Motorists are advised to consider delaying non-essential travel if possible.

For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.kandrive.gov%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019c6d2c8df6-0638a7d6-ac7f-4643-bdf5-2cbdbc567602-000000/94Kw5yb63L8KkrnqJ9WiJz13sFtIyfg6qrGkYpNqD08=444">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

KDOT: I-70 now open in both directions after dust storm

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management has staffed the State Emergency Operations Center with Emergency Support Function partners from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Kansas Forest Service, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Department of Transportation, and the National Weather Service in response to wildland fire threats across the state.

Blowing winds and possible wildfires are expected to continue this evening and into Wednesday. Motorists are advised to delay traveling as much as possible and to not drive into dust where visibility is restricted. Do not go into areas where active fires are being fought. Give emergency crews time and space to work.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is working alongside partner agencies in Southwest and Northwest Kansas to support wildfire response efforts through emergency response, evacuation assistance, traffic control, enforcement of safety closures, and securing affected areas. For emergencies, continue to dial *47(HP) while traveling on Kansas roadways, or *KTA (582) if traveling on the Kansas Turnpike."

The Kansas Department of Transportation closed portions of I-70 in northwest Kansas and U.S. 50 in southwest Kansas at times today that could continue tonight due to reduced visibility from blowing dust which has caused several crashes. &nbsp;Similar conditions and multiple crashes have also occurred in Colorado and Oklahoma and have closed highways. KDOT has sent water tenders to support fire suppression efforts in the Englewood and Ashland communities.

For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kandrive.gov/">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

The Kansas State Fire Marshal has sent an agent and the State Fire Marshal to Southwest Kansas to assist local responders. An agent will be sent to Northwest Kansas later today. Task Forces have been sent to different locations across the state. The Task Forces are from Johnson County, Sedgwick County, Dickinson County, Shawnee County and the Kansas National Guard.

Kansas Forest Service personnel are assisting with the wildfire outbreak in Kansas by providing subject-matter-expertise to local fire departments actively engaged in wildfire suppression operations which assist in determining priorities for limited resources statewide.

The Kansas National Guard has deployed a wildfire task force to western Kansas to help with fire suppression.

The American Red Cross is assisting counties impacted with mass care and human service’s needs.

Kansas Division of Emergency Management provides wildfire update

High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

Gusty winds and dry conditions throughout central Kansas resulting in extreme grassland fire danger on Tuesday

According to the US National Weather Service, these gusty southwest winds will result in extreme grassland fire danger in the afternoon and evening throughout central Kansas.

Salina is in the area of the extreme grassland fire danger.

West winds are expected to increase late in the day gusting to around 45 mph at times in the region. 

However, clouds may limit fire weather concerns further east in south central and southeast Kansas although a very high grassland fire danger is still expected.

Stay updated with local weather on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSWichita">US National Weather Service Wichita Kansas</a>&nbsp;Facebook page.

Gusty winds and dry conditions causing extreme grassland fire danger in central Kansas

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 16 - February 18

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 13 - February 15

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 11 - February 13

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 9 - February 11

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 6 - February 8

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 4 - February 6

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 1 - February 3

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 30 - February 1

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/"></a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Cellphones are one step closer to disappearing from Kansas classrooms after the House passed a bill that would require a daytime device ban to public and private schools.

Social connection, phone addiction and parental choice came into play in an hours-long debate Monday that involved Republicans and Democrats crossing the aisle to ultimately support a bill that would apply to public and private schools.

The bipartisan ban proposes a bell-to-bell prohibition on cellphone use, requiring schools to craft detailed policies to ensure devices are turned off and stored away during the school day and to enact disciplinary measures for students who violate a ban.

A cascade of changes as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb281/" target="_blank">House Substitute for Senate Bill 281</a>&nbsp;made its way through committee resulted in a bill that only mandated a ban in public schools and merely suggested one for private schools.

Republican Rep. Jill Ward of Wichita added a provision Monday to apply the mandate to both public and nonpublic schools. The bill itself drew mixed reactions from each party, and so did Ward’s amendment.

​​“These kids’ lives are just as negatively impacted by phones as those that attend public schools,” Ward said.

Students wouldn’t be allowed under the bill to use cellphones or other electronic communication devices, smartwatches and earbuds during the school day, which includes passing period and lunch time, unless the student is allowed to leave school grounds during lunch.

Rep. Kristey Williams, an Augusta Republican, said private schools should receive the same funding as public schools if the same rules must apply. She said she agreed with the need to address devices and their connection to mental health issues in children, but she said the bill, with Ward’s amendment, would be equivalent to a de facto state operation of private, religious schools.

She said many parents choose private schools because they don’t want to deal with state mandates.

Ward’s amendment passed with 68 voting in favor and 55 against.

Some Democrats opposed the bill entirely, favoring phones in school in the event of emergencies such as natural disasters or school shootings. Others didn’t think a one-size-fits-all policy was appropriate for schools with unique needs.

Rep. Carolyn Caiharr, a Republican from Edwardsville, attempted to strip the bill, re-adding language to make bans optional for private schools.

Some, like Republican Rep. Sean Tarwater of Stilwell, were torn. He said Monday that he couldn’t support Caiharr’s amendment, arguing that all children matter.

“In my opinion, children are children, mental health is mental health and suicide is suicide, no matter what school you go to,” Tarwater said. “Are we trying to help some children or all children here?”

Caiharr said Kansas has a long tradition of respecting educational diversity and removing private schools from the bill maintains that tradition.

Sixty seven representatives opposed her amendment, and 54 voted in favor, retaining the inclusion of private and public schools. The House voted on the bill Tuesday with 76 in favor and 45 against, forwarding it to the Senate.

The Senate unanimously passed a previous version of the bill, which applied to both public and private schools, but it must vote again in the wake of House changes.

Rep. Angela Martinez, a Wichita Democrat, said Tuesday a phone-free school day restores focus and encourages relationship building. Rep. Steven Howe, a Salina Republican, said a cellphone ban restores human connection and slackens the grip big tech companies have exercised over kids’ attention.

Rep. Samantha Poetter Parshall, a Paola Republican, said the bill leaves students helpless, eliminating a tool used to document bullying and removing a piece of parents’ rights.

Williams said Tuesday decisions for private school students should be up to parents and individual schools, not the state.

“This bill opens a door we should keep closed,” she said.

Kansas cellphone ban applying to both public and private schools clears House 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —&nbsp;Zachary Ramirez, 22, was sentenced on Tuesday for the July 2023 shooting deaths of two people in an Old Town parking garage in Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

During a hearing before Chief Judge Jeffrey Goering, Ramirez was sentenced to two consecutive "hard 25" life sentences. He also received 61 months with the Kansas Department of Corrections and six months in jail for additional counts, to be served concurrently with the life sentences.

In Kansas, a "hard 25" sentence is a mandatory life term that requires a defendant to serve a minimum of 25 years in prison before becoming eligible for parole. Because the court ordered the sentences to be served consecutively, Ramirez must serve at least 50 years before he is eligible for release.

The sentencing follows an April 2024 trial in which a Sedgwick County jury convicted Ramirez of several charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, two alternative counts of second-degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, aggravated battery, and two counts of battery. The case had been pending sentencing while the court considered the outcome of several post-trial motions.

The charges stem from an incident on July 27, 2023. At approximately 4 a.m., Wichita police responded to a parking garage in the 300 block of North Moore after a street sweeper operator discovered two victims inside a vehicle. Josephina Lerma-Dominguez, 20, and Bryan Lara-Hernandez, 21, both of Wichita, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators used surveillance footage and the FLOCK license plate reader system to identify and apprehend Ramirez shortly after the shooting.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Jason Roach and Senior Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Jameson.

"We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Wichita Police Department for their thorough and diligent work on this investigation," the District Attorney’s Office said in a statement. "Their commitment to the case ensured that justice could be served for the victims and their families."

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man convicted&nbsp; of killing two people in a parking garage in&nbsp;Old Town in Wichita is scheduled to learn his fate Tuesday.

&nbsp;Zachary Ramirez, 21, will appear at a sentencing hearing in Judge Jeffry Goering's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In April of 2024, a jury found him guilty on two counts of first-degree murder, two alternative counts of second-degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, aggravated battery and two counts of battery in the deaths of 20-year-old Josephina Lerma-Dominguez and 21-year-old Bryan Lara-Hernandez both of Wichita, according to the district attorney's office.

Just before&nbsp; 4a.m. July 27, 2023, police responded to the 300 block of North Moore after a a street sweeper operator saw two gunshot victims in a vehicle in a parking garage in Wichita's Old Town and called 911, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

EMS&nbsp; arrived on the scene and attempted life-saving measures Lerma-Dominguez and Lara-Hernandez died at the scene.&nbsp;

Maximum sentence for killing Kansas couple in parking garage

CLARK COUNTY— The wild fire in southwest Kansas is contained but not out, according to Clark County Attorney Clay Kuhns. Approximately 150,000 acres have burned and the fire continues along the state line in Clark County.&nbsp; Two injured firefighter were transported to Wichita for treatment, according to Kuhns.

Earlier Wednesday, evacuation orders for residents in Englewood and Ashland were lifted.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Tuesday night, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and his team traveled to Ashland to deliver water and thank first responders for their work protecting homes, ranches, and livestock.

2 firefighters injured fighting southwest Kansas wildfire 

SEWARD COUNTY —Liberal, Kansas, took the gold medal. Hannah McCarter secured victory in the 2026 International Pancake Day Race

&nbsp;McCarter crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 1:03.78, according to a media release from the International Pancake Day social media page.

This year’s competition was a trans-Atlantic showdown between Liberal, Kansas, and Olney, England. While Olney’s top runner finished with a strong time of 1:05, it wasn’t enough to catch McCarter, who led Liberal to another historic victory.

With this latest win, Liberal continues to dominate the long-standing international rivalry:

🎥Kansas wins 77th International Pancake Day race

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

TOPEKA — The Kansas Senate overrode Gov Laura Kelly’s veto on Tuesday, putting the state one step closer to forcing people to use bathrooms in government buildings that match their biological sex at birth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Substitute for House Bill 244</a>&nbsp;was overturned by the Senate, with votes falling along party lines.&nbsp;

As the vote was finalized in the Senate, Rabbi Moti Rieber shouted in anger from the gallery.&nbsp;

“First they came for the trans people, and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t trans,” he yelled.&nbsp;

Rieber was referring to a&nbsp;<a href="https://hmd.org.uk/resource/first-they-came-by-pastor-martin-niemoller/" target="_blank">well-known writing</a>&nbsp;by a German minister after the Holocaust.&nbsp;

As he was escorted out, Rieber continued to shout, telling the Senate, “Shame on you.”&nbsp;

Sen. Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa, said the bill is the result of a “culture war” and does not serve Kansans well.&nbsp;

“Issues like this bill make us a less attractive place for businesses to relocate and start,” she said. “We are poised to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup in just over 100 days. The World Cup is supposed to bring millions of dollars to our region, and we should not be putting that economic impact at risk by playing political games in fighting culture wars.”

Sykes yielded to Sen. Cindy Holscher, D-Overand Park, taking away the chance for Republicans to “call the question,” a term that would stop debate and put the bill directly to a vote.&nbsp;

Someone from the Republican side of the Senate called the question after Sykes began talking, but Senate President Ty Masterson said she could continue.&nbsp;

Holscher challenged the Republican-led majority to show evidence that sexual assaults occur in bathrooms by trans people. She quoted various studies to back up her calculations that Kansans have a .00083% chance of being assaulted by a trans person in a restroom.&nbsp;

“You are eight times more likely to get struck by lightning,” Holscher said. “You’re 50 times more likely to die in a car crash, you’re 100 times more likely to be killed by gun violence, and you are 3,500 times more likely to be sexually assaulted by a man.”

Sens. Pat Pettey, D-Kansas City, and David Haley, D-Kansas City, both Democrats from Wyandotte County that will host the World Cup, said they are concerned about economic development impacts.&nbsp;

“This body continues to debate and pass legislation that places a heavy financial burden on our communities without providing them with additional resources,” Pettey said. “We are hosting the World Cup this summer. We are being put in a global spotlight. The Kansas Legislature should be focused on job creation, strengthening our workforce and attracting and retaining top talent. Where one goes to the bathroom does not grow our economy.”

Sen. Kellie Warren, R-Leawood, closed the short debate expressing concerns about children seeing someone of the opposite sex in the bathroom or locker room.&nbsp;

“That’s what this bill is about. It’s not about economic impact,” she said.

In a statement, Senate President Ty Masterson said the Senate “restored sanity” in overturning Kelly’s veto.&nbsp;

“Kansas Democrats are for They/Them,” he said.&nbsp;

After the veto was overturned, Rieber expressed his frustration at the danger he believes the bill creates for trans people. He referred to a section of the bill that requires all gender markers on driver’s licenses and birth certificates to match a person’s biological sex at birth.

“This bill is gratuitous. This bill is absolutely unnecessary,” he said. “Think about when you take out your driver’s license — at the liquor store, when you’re cashing a check, voting, if a cop pulls you over. You’re outing yourself every time somebody sees your driver’s license. It’s very dangerous for trans people to be outed, and we’re putting them at risk.”

Kansas Senate overrides governor’s veto of anti-trans ‘bathroom bill’

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a series of homicides over the past week in Kansas City, Missouri

Just before 2p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to the VA hospital in Kansas City on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.

Upon officers arrival, they contacted several individuals who had stated the shooting occurred in the 2900 block of Brighton Avenue. The victim, later identified as 46-year-old Richard Ennis was transported by private conveyance to the VA hospital for medical treatment. VA hospital staff advised officers he was pronounced deceased.

Preliminary information provided by a witness stated that she was inside of her residence when she heard several sounds of shots outside of her home. She exited the residence and located Ennis lying in the street suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. An adult male suspect was seen entering an unknown vehicle and left the area in an unknown direction.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest.

Just after 2a.m. Sunday Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies were in the area of 28th and Southwest Boulevard working off duty for a nightclub/bar business there when they heard the sound of gunfire inside the bar, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

At the same time 911 received calls for a shooting inside the business.&nbsp;On arrival officers were led inside the business where they located 3 adult female shooting victims.&nbsp;

Officers began rendering aid and called for EMS to come in.&nbsp;EMS declared one shooting victim deceased at the scene. EMS&nbsp; then transported the other two victims to the hospital for treatment. At the hospital one of the two victims was declared deceased, and the other victim has what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries, according to Becchina.&nbsp; The women who died have been identified as 29-year-old Eboni Silas and 24-year-old Tishauna Ballard, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

While officers were at the scene they were notified of a 4th shooting victim, an adult male, who arrived at the hospital by private vehicle. That victim was reported to be in critical condition.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates the victims were inside the business when there was an interaction with one or more suspects that escalated and led to shots being fired which struck the victims.&nbsp; Police have not released any details on a possible suspect.

Just after 5:30p.m. Feb 12, police were dispatched to 20th and Monroe on a sound of shots call in the area. 911 received multiple additional calls of sound of shots and eventually one call reporting a shooting victim down in a wooded area of a series of vacant lots in the 2000 block of Monroe.

On arrival officers made their way into the vacant lots and located a male shooting victim later identified as 25-year-old Terrion M. Johnson. unresponsive there. Officers rendered aid and called for EMS. EMS responded and took over aid. They eventually declared the victim deceased here at the scene.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Preliminary indication indicates the shooting occurred on 20th street between Askew and Monroe and Johnson ran to the south where he was located.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Just after 8p.m. Feb. 11, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a shooting in 1500 block of E 59th Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.&nbsp; The caller advised there was a person outside that appeared to be injured and needed help.&nbsp;

On arrival officers located a victim later identified as 28-year-old&nbsp;Jamon Norfleet in front of a residence there. Norfleet told officers he had been shot at a nearby location near an apartment complex in the 6000 block of Blue Hills Road.

The victim was unable to provide any additional information regarding suspects.&nbsp;Officers called for EMS who transported the victim to the hospital with life threatening injuries.&nbsp;

Additional officers responded to the area described by the victim in the 6000 block of Blue Hills Road and located evidence of a crime scene at that location.&nbsp;

Detectives and Crime Scene investigators began conducing investigation and processing the scene for evidence.&nbsp;Later in the evening detectives were notified from the hospital that&nbsp;Jamon Norfleet had died.

At 9:30p.m. Feb. 10, police were dispatched to the 1300 block of E. Armour Blvd. in Kansas City, Missouri, on a sound of shots call, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.

Multiple callers reported the sound of gunfire from behind an apartment building there. On arrival officers were directed to a parking lot in the back of an apartment building where they located a vehicle with shooting victims identified as 26-year-old Brittnee McMillon and and 28-year-old Jerrell Westmoreland.unresponsive inside.&nbsp;

Officers called for EMS who declared both victims deceased at the scene.&nbsp;Homicide detectives responded to the scene to conduct their investigation along with crime scene investigators processed the scene for available evidence.&nbsp; Police have not released details on possible suspects.

KCPD: 7 dead after violent week in Kansas City

Firefighters across Kansas were very busy Tuesday. Many fires were suppressed without state assistance. Kansas Forest Service and partners assisted with the following fires. 

Burned from Texas Co Ok into Seward Co. Located southwest of Liberal, forward progress is stopped for now and crews are actively working to extinguish hot spots. 

Located southeast Liberal is actively burning. Johnson County Task Force and KFS DFMO Williams is engaged with the local fire departments. The head fire is approaching Meade Co. 

This fire continues to burn actively and Kansas Forest Service DFMO Brad Ilonummi and other state resources are working with local responders on this fire.

Continues to burn actively moving east and is located south of Protection, KS. 

The Sedgwick Co Task Force is engaged on this fire along with KFS Assistant Fire Management Officer Dennis Carlson. 

Aviation and additional Kansas Task Forces will be available Wednesday to assist the local fire departments. 

Kansas Forest Service update on wildfires in Kansas

THOMAS COUNTY —One person died in a multi-vehicle accident during a dust storm just after 1p.m. Tuesday in Thomas County.

&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Volvo semi driven by Ihor Batiuk, 53, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was eastbound on Interstate 70 approximately four miles west of the U.S. 83 exit in the right lane. The driver entered a blowing dust storm crossing the interstate from south to north. This storm caused little to zero visibility across the roadway. Due to the low visibility, the driver slowed his speed down.

A 2023 Toyota Highlander driven by Craig I. Goodman, 70, Ness City rear-ended the semi. After impact, the semi continued to the J&amp;J Truck Stop. The Toyota stopped in the right lane of travel.&nbsp; An eastsbound 2024 Freightliner semi driven by Dennis E. Graham, 65,&nbsp; Henryetta, Oklahoma, was behind the Toyota. The Freightliner's on-board forward crash detection sensor stopped the semi&nbsp; prior to impacting the vehicles in front involved in a separate collision and disabled in the roadway.

A eastbound 2014 Ford Explorer driven by Gary L&nbsp;Stoll, 75, Oakley, rear-ended the Freightliner. After impact the Explorer traveled to the left and stopped in the median facing south.

The Freightliner's rear end protection was damaged in the crash. An eastbound 2026 Acura MDX driven by Bradley A. Stout, 65, Wichita, struck the rear of the Freightliner's trailer. The Acura under-rode the trailer. An eastbound 2022 Subaru Ascent driven by William J.&nbsp;Burt, 66, Springdale, Arkansas, struck the Acura.

EMS transported Stoll to Citizen's Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.

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