The Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Foundation has approved over $30,000 in Horizons Grants for one local artist and five non-profit organizations. The Foundation also authorized an additional $7,000 for Enrichment Grant applications in 2026.

Horizons Grants support initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to artistic excellence and community involvement by engaging audience members as active participants. Applicants are also encouraged to develop strategic partnerships to strengthen the reach of their local activities.

Organizational Project grants funded for 2026 are:

Salina Art Center, $6,000 for Tell Me What You Think of Me

Salina Art Center seeks funding for a new exhibition, “Tell Me What You Think of Me,” by Ann Resnick and curated by Dr. Ksenya Gurschtein, which will explore how we perceive and evaluate one another through a combination of art, psychology, and community participation. The funds will support artist honorariums, travel, lodging, marketing, and programming costs.

The Land Institute, $6,000 for Prairie Festival 2026

The Horizons grant will support community-centered arts programming for Prairie Festival 2026, The Land Institute’s 50th-anniversary gathering in Salina. Funding will help activate artist-led installations and gathering spaces through a call for proposal process curated by Prairie Festival Fellow and artist Kelly Yarbrough, fostering engagement between attendees, artists, and the Kansas landscape. In collaboration with regional partners, this project will expand opportunities for local residents and visitors to experience place-based art and dialogue about humanity’s relationship with the land.

Salina Symphony, $6,000 for Rach &amp; Rhapsody

The Salina Symphony will present a concert titled “Rach &amp; Rhapsody” in November of 2026 at the Stiefel Theatre. The program will feature Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Michael Schachter’s “Being

and Becoming: Rhapsody for Piano &amp; Orchestra,” both featuring guest artist Nachito Herrera. The Symphony will collaborate with McPherson College to broaden the project’s reach and strengthen its impact across the region. Herrera will serve as Guest Clinician for the McPherson College Jazz Festival and will perform a free Friday evening recital at McPherson College in partnership with the Lingenfelter Artist Series.

Salina Innovation Foundation, $3,000 for The Temple’s Historic Elevator Reimagined Sculpture Project

The Temple’s Historic Elevator Reimagined Sculpture Project will commission local artist Bob Peck to transform the Temple’s original 1927 elevator car into a permanent, interactive educational sculpture. The work will invite hands-on engagement—pressing buttons, turning the wheel, and discovering stories about the building’s history and its transformation. By preserving and reimagining this distinctive artifact rather than retiring it, the project advances its mission to honor the Temple’s legacy while engaging the community in its future. Grant funds will support artist commissioning, design and fabrication, and installation.

Salina Media Connection, $6,000 for Legacy on the Hill, The Marymount College Story

The project will tell the story of Marymount College, the campus, its students, its programs, their impact, and the College's legacy. Tom Fleming and Greg Stephens are the executive producers through Salina Media Connection, formerly Access Television of Salina, in collaboration with Method Productions. They plan to take photos of the buildings, interview alumni, research and use media artifacts, and include drone photography in the final production. When completed, we will screen the documentary at the Salina Art Center Cinema, show it at selected retirement/assisted living centers, and present it at the Sisters of St. Joseph Mother House in Concordia.

Lana Jordan Developing Artist grants funded for 2026 are:

Morgan Allred, $3,000 for Froze in Poetic Prose: an Anthological Production

Froze in Poetic Prose; an Anthological Production will be a short film that captures the spirit, struggles, and hopes of this era through the voices of Kansas poets. The project will bring together a local cinematographer, four Kansas poets, and Morgan as a poet and narrator, weaving everyone’s work into a visual anthology. This film will serve as both a cultural timepiece and an innovative exploration of poetry on screen, using cinematic storytelling to preserve and amplify Kansas voices for future generations.

Enrichment Grants available for application – February 1 through November 15:

The Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Foundation approved funding for Enrichment Grants for artists and organizations in Saline County, Kansas, in 2026. Salina Arts &amp; Humanities staff review Enrichment Grant applications on a rolling basis from February 1 through November 15 each year. For 2026, artist applicants may apply for up to $1,000 to support the presentation of work, study, training, artistic promotion, purchase of equipment, or travel. Non-profit organizations

are eligible to apply for up to $500. Enrichment Grant guidelines and applications are available online, <a href="https://www.salinaarts.com/horizons-grants-program/">https://www.salinaarts.com/horizons-grants-program/</a>.

The agency will again accept Organizational Project and Developing Artists Grant applications in November 2026. All grant guidelines and applications are available at <a href="http://salinaarts.org">salinaarts.org</a>.

Horizons Grants are made possible by private contributions from more than 50 individuals, foundations, and businesses in partnership with the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Foundation. The Foundation has provided more than one million dollars in support of more than 550 Horizons Grants since 1986. Salina Arts &amp; Humanities staff provide grant oversight and administration for Saline County artists and organizations.

For questions about Horizons Grants, please call Anna Pauscher Morawitz at Salina Arts &amp; Humanities at 785-309-5770 between 8:00 am - Noon and 1:00 – 5:00 pm. or email anna.pauscher@salina.org.

Salina Arts & Humanities announces 2026 Horizons Grants recipients and opens enrichment grant applications

The State of Kansas ends&nbsp;January&nbsp;2026&nbsp;with total tax collections at $988.2 million. That is $12.2&nbsp;million, or&nbsp;1.2%,&nbsp;above&nbsp;the estimate. Total tax collections were&nbsp;up 4.8% from&nbsp;January&nbsp;2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Over the past few years, the Legislature has spent more than Kansas has been taking in, creating a structural imbalance of&nbsp;hundreds of millions of dollars,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly.&nbsp;“My final budget puts Kansas on a&nbsp;path to rectify that unsustainable balance over time.”&nbsp;

Individual income tax collections were $542.3 million. That is $7.3 million, or 1.4% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 8.4% from January 2025. Corporate income tax collections were $86.2 million. That is $16.2 million, or 23.2% above the estimate, and up 18.1% from January 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $337.8&nbsp;million, which is&nbsp;$12.2 million,&nbsp;or 3.5%&nbsp;below&nbsp;the estimate, and down 3.2% from January 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FKSOG%2F2026%2F02%2F02%2Ffile_attachments%2F3541384%2F07_January_Revenue_FY2026_02-02-2026_Final.pdf/1/0101019c1ff64862-250d433d-791a-4172-9978-84812d3ee4dc-000000/6UbRePf6aIiYq1nNQkg_5W_7uRuNNQYxocZv62rtmnI=442">here</a>&nbsp;to view the&nbsp;January&nbsp;2026&nbsp;revenue numbers.&nbsp;

January total tax collections at $988.2 Million; 1.2% above estimate

LINCOLN COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Friday in Lincoln County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Chevy Camaro driven by Natina L.&nbsp;Mitchell, 28, Thedford, Nebraska, was westbound on Interstate 70 near the&nbsp;Beverly,&nbsp;Carneiro exit.&nbsp; The Camaro rear-ended a 2002 Chevy Silverado driven by Aaron M. Gray, 48, Russell.&nbsp; Both vehicles then pulled off onto the right shoulder.

EMS transported&nbsp; Gray and a passenger in the pickup Deanna J. Gray, 54, Russell, to the Ellsworth County Medical Center.&nbsp; Mitchell was not injured. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas couple hospitalized after I-70 rear-end crash

High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

Nex-Tech Wireless generously donated eleven up-to-date laptops to the Salina Area United Way's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for the 2026 tax season.

Nex-Tech and Salina Area United Way have been in partnership for 20 years, and this donation continues to further their partnership.

"Supporting the VITA program was an easy decision," said Dustin Schlaefli, VP of Customer Experience at Nex-Tech. "The Salina Area United Way gives so much back to the communities we serve, and we are proud to provide this equipment at no cost to help further their mission."&nbsp;

The <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/81ec4bb3-031f-4df3-8517-63f0582f734d">VITA program started on February 2,</a> and volunteers have already taken 150 tax returns. <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/da1e5685-8480-48b2-82fd-03f3b074a193">Last year's total tax returns were 830</a> for local individuals and families.

VITA intake will run through April 8, 2026, at The McKenzie Center (308 W Elm St., Salina, KS).

Services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and no appointments are made by phone — clients must come in person during intake hours.

<a href="https://unitedwaysalina.org/vita">Visit here for more information about the VITA program</a>&nbsp;or call (785) 827-1312.

Nex-Tech generously donates several laptops to further mission of United Way VITA program

Salina Area Technical College is kicking off Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month® with a major win for students and workforce development. 

Through the latest Congressional Appropriations bill, Salina Tech has secured $200,000 in federal funding to support the college’s Industrial Maintenance and Automation (IMA) program.

The funding will be used to enhance hands-on training opportunities and help meet the growing demand for skilled workers in manufacturing and automation.

The announcement aligns with the national celebration of CTE Month® this February and highlights the college’s role in preparing a highly skilled workforce for Kansas's evolving manufacturing landscape.

Following the bill’s passage, U.S. Kan. Senator Jerry Moran personally contacted Salina Tech President Dr. Greg Nichols to confirm the funding. The college appreciates Senator Moran’s support and recognition of the importance of modern workforce development in the region’s economic growth.

“Congratulations to our staff and students who will benefit from this added funding,” said Dr. Greg Nichols. “This support helps us continue strengthening our programs, responding to workforce needs, and preparing students for successful careers in manufacturing right here in our community.”

While the IMA facility itself opened last fall, this federal funding supports the tools and resources that enhance hands-on learning within the program. The IMA center was designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application and includes advanced lab spaces and a 120-seat auditorium.

As regional manufacturers continue to adopt advanced automation and robotics, Salina Tech is evolving its curriculum and facilities to meet those demands. This investment further strengthens the college’s ability to prepare students for careers in a modern industrial environment.

For more information about the <a href="http://SalinaTech.edu">IMA program or other technical education opportunities, visit here</a>.

Salina Tech secures $200,000 in federal funding to support IMA program

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged theft.

Just after 4p.m. Thursday police arrested 38-year-old&nbsp;Kelli Wilson of Salina in the 400 block of E. Poyntz Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Wilson was arrested on a Pottawatomie County District Court warrant for one count of theft by threat; $1,500 or less from three businesses in 72 hours. 

This arrest stems from an original report filed in November 2025. Wilson is being held in the Pottawatomie County Jail.

Salina woman accused of theft from 3 businesses in 72-hours

Salina Area United Way is proud to announce the opening of Year 3 of its Early Childcare Initiative Fund (ECIF) grants for the 2026–2027 grant cycle, marking an exciting new chapter in the program’s growth.

This next phase—referred to as Phase 2 of ECIF, expands grant eligibility to child care providers in Ellsworth County and, for the first time, to in-home child care providers across the region.

Since launching the Early Childcare Initiative in 2023, Salina Area United Way has worked intentionally to strengthen the local child care system while listening closely to providers and families. Over the past two years, in-home providers have consistently shared their needs, challenges, and hopes for stronger support. Phase 2 reflects a direct response to those voices and expands the initiative’s reach to better support the full early childhood ecosystem.

“We heard you,” said Christina Small, Executive Director of Salina Area United Way. “In-home providers told us they needed more support, more resources, and a partner who truly understands their role in caring for children and supporting working families. This expansion is our way of showing up for them—with funding, tools, and genuine care.”

The Early Childcare Initiative was created to address critical child care shortages while strengthening providers and improving outcomes for children, families and employers. 

· Awarded more than $550,000 to early child care providers

· Created 229 new child care slots, including 49 infant slots

· Supported seven nonprofit child care centers

· Increased wages by an average of $2 per hour for center-based child care workers

· Grown the child care endowment to nearly $1.2 million in partnership with the Greater Salina Community Foundation and Thrivent

· Reduced staffing vacancies in the child care industry to less than half of what they were at the program’s start

As part of Phase 2, Salina Area United Way is also introducing a centralized child care administration hub. This hub will serve as a one-stop support system for providers—connecting them to resources, technical assistance, community partnerships, and ongoing guidance as the early childhood system continues to grow and evolve.

“This initiative has always been about more than funding,” said Small. “It’s about relationships, trust, and walking alongside providers. We are here to support them in every way we can—professionally, practically, and personally—because when providers thrive, children and families thrive.”

The 2026–2027 ECIF grant cycle opens Friday, February 6, 2026, at noon.

Eligible providers in Saline and Ellsworth counties—including in-home child care providers—are encouraged to apply. 

This year’s grants include wage supplements, non-traditional hours incentives, longevity incentives, gym memberships, bookkeeping support, and additional provider resources designed to strengthen long-term sustainability.

For more information about the Early Childcare Initiative or the application process, visit <a href="https://www.unitedwaysalina.org/childcareinitiative">Early Childcare Initiative</a> or contact Salina Area United Way 785-827-1312.

United Way launches Phase 2 of Early Childcare Initiative Grants, expanding support to Ellsworth County and in-home providers

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 CHARGE: Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Theft of prop/services;Value $1,500 to $25,000

NAME:&nbsp;Chard,Corrina Elizabeth

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Interfere w/ LEO; Conceal/destroy fel evidence; Poss of marijuana; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Criminal trespass; Unknown circumstance

NAME:&nbsp;Gillespie,Tristen Daniel

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;Hulse,Johnathan Michael

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circ; felony; Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Harass by telecom device; Transmit obscene comment/image/text; Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; DWS; 1st conviction; Unsafe turning or stopping - Fail to Signal; Flee or attempt to elude; drive into opposing lane; Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for felony case; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Traffic Control Signals; Vehicle emerging from alley/private drive; Fail to yield at stop or yield sign

NAME:&nbsp;McCarter,Christopher Lee

NAME:&nbsp;Mcdowell,Jasper Cameron

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity; License carried/exhibited; Speeding; maximum limits

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Oliphant,Maria Ann Elizabeth

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg endangering a child; Reckless &lt;18; DUI; 3rd in 10y;comp evidence blood/breath .08+; Driving While Suspended; Poss of marijuana; Speeding; maximum limits

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, February 6

The Salina Police Department are seeking tips for an ongoing investigation of a convenience store burglary.

Original: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/2bf7c942-8270-4ae4-acf0-005604bef6bb">Investigation ongoing: Two suspects steal over $5,000 in cash and products from convenience store</a>

On Saturday, January 31 at about 11:15 pm, two suspects broke out a window at Rod’s 1 Convenience Store (1401 S. Santa Fe). Once in the store, the suspects broke into a gaming machine, attempted to break into an ATM, stole a cash box and several cartons of Marlboro Blacks cigarettes.

Theft was valued at over $5000 and damage was valued at over $20,000.

If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You can also make an <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">online tip here</a>.

You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, case 2026-2337.

UPDATE: Salina PD seeking tips for ongoing investigation of convenience store burglary

A Facebook Marketplace transaction with a motorcycle goes wrong, as law enforcement arrest a Salina man.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Thursday afternoon, officers came in contact with a 20-year old male who reported the theft of his black 2017&nbsp;Ninja Kawasaki motorcycle valued at $1400.

Reportedly, the victim stated he was attempting to sell the bike on Facebook Marketplace. The suspect in this case, responded to the ad and asked to meet the victim in the&nbsp;100 block of Florida with the bike.

The suspect asked to test drive the bike and left an iPhone as collateral. However, the suspect did not return after about 10 minutes and the victim texted the suspect who responded the bike had broken down. 

The victim then attempted to find the suspect but could not and contacted law enforcement. An officer viewed the suspect's Facebook profile and identified the suspect as 25-year-old, Johnathan Hulse. 

Shortly after Hulse was identified, he was discovered in the 1100 block of Cloud Circle, where he crashed into a garage of a residence in the area. 

Officers at the scene secured a perimeter around the garage and obtained consent from the owner. After a short time of ordering Hulse out of the garage, he complied and was taken into custody. 

The motorcycle was recovered from the garage. 

Hulse was arrested and booked into the Saline County Jail in reference to Theft, a KDOC Parole Violation warrant, a Saline County Warrant for Flee and Elude, and Interference with Law Enforcement.&nbsp;

Facebook Marketplace transaction goes wrong, Salina man arrested

<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 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

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 28 - January 30

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 26 - January 28

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 23 - January 25

Saline County Emergency Management&nbsp;

The National Weather Service in Wichita reports an&nbsp;Arctic outbreak and winter weather&nbsp;will impact Saline County&nbsp;beginning Friday and continuing through Monday morning, bringing&nbsp;dangerous cold, hazardous travel conditions, and&nbsp;accumulating snow.

Arctic air is expected to move into the area early Friday morning and persist through the weekend, with&nbsp;dangerous wind chills between -10°F and -20°F&nbsp;likely from Friday morning through Monday morning. The coldest conditions are expected during the overnight and early morning hours.

Snow&nbsp;is expected to begin late Friday afternoon or Friday evening and continue through Saturday night, with&nbsp;slick roads&nbsp;and&nbsp;hazardous travel&nbsp;possible. While higher snowfall totals are more likely south of Saline County, confidence is high that snow will affect the area.&nbsp;Travel impacts are expected&nbsp;due to&nbsp;reduced visibility, slick roads,&nbsp;and&nbsp;prolonged cold conditions.

A&nbsp;Winter Storm Watch&nbsp;remains in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday night, and an&nbsp;Extreme Cold Watch&nbsp;has been issued for the entire forecast area through Monday morning. Confidence is high in the timing and severity of the cold, with medium confidence in exact snowfall amounts due to potential shifts in the heaviest snow band.&nbsp;

<a href="https://files.constantcontact.com/55d47694801/2b6fb17f-1676-4697-ac6f-7c32ed6b5928.pdf?rdr=true">Click here to view the full packet of the upcoming severe weather</a>

Arctic outbreak & winter weather to impact Saline Co. Friday - Monday

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 21 - January 23

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 19 - January 21

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/barbara-ortutay">BARBARA ORTUTAY</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/ed-white">ED WHITE</a> Associated Press

When Savannah Guthrie made a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-nancy-guthrie-mom-missing-88e8731270d05e6e667730d2ed8633d3">heart-wrenching plea</a>&nbsp;to the kidnapper of her 84-year-old mother to send “proof of life,” she addressed the possibility of people creating deepfakes.

“We live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated,” she said.

Before artificial intelligence tools proliferated — making it possible to realistically impersonate someone, in photos, sound and video — “proof of life” could simply mean sending a grainy image of a person who’s been abducted.

That’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/artificial-intelligence-deepfake-trump-espionage-hack-scammers-da90ad1e5298a9ce50c997458d6aa610">no longer true.</a>

“With AI these days you can make videos that appear to be very real. So we can’t just take a video and trust that that’s proof of life because of advancements in AI,” Heith Janke, the FBI chief in Phoenix, said at a news conference Thursday.

Hoaxes — whether high or low-tech — have long challenged law enforcement, especially when it comes to high-profile cases such as Nancy Guthrie’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-nancy-042abd04a6d87e14eecb22f0bc2893d1">disappearance last weekend</a>&nbsp;from her home in the Tucson area.

As technology has advanced, criminals have grown savvy and used it to their benefit, confusing police and the public and masking their identities. The FBI in December&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA251205" target="_blank">warned that people</a>&nbsp;posing as kidnappers can provide what appears to be a real photo or video of a loved one, along with demands for money.

Police have not said that they have received any deepfake images of Guthrie. At least three news organizations have reported receiving purported ransom notes that they have given to investigators, who said they are taking them seriously.

Investigators said they believe she’s “still out there,” but they have not identified any suspects.

Separately, a California man was charged Thursday with sending text messages to the Guthrie family seeking bitcoin after following the case on television. There’s no indication that he’s suspected of having a role in the disappearance, according to a court filing.

Savannah Guthrie appeared in an emotional video on Instagram, sitting between her sister and brother. Her voice cracked as she spoke directly to the kidnapper, saying the family is “ready to talk” and “ready to listen” but that they also want to know that their mother is alive. The brother, Camron Guthrie, posted a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-nancy-guthrie-mom-missing-2765f354b498e6146b955162c3b71d4f">similar video</a>&nbsp;on social media Thursday.

Images of Nancy Guthrie, publicly shared by family, could be used to create deepfakes, said former FBI agent Katherine Schweit.

She said ransom demands over history have evolved from phone calls and handwritten notes to email, texts and other digital tools. A century ago, ransom notes were analog. For example, when the toddler son of famous aviator Charles Lindbergh was kidnapped, a piece of paper demanding $50,000 was found on a windowsill.

“Investigative techniques accumulate over time,” Schweit said. “There’s never less to do as years go by; there’s more to do. Digital and forensic work is a perfect example. It just adds to the other shoe-leather work we would have done in years past. ... Nothing can be dismissed. Everything has to be run to ground.”

Schweit said directly addressing a kidnapper, like Savannah Guthrie did in her video, is a tactical move.

“The goal is to have the family or law enforcement speak directly to the victim and the perpetrator, and ask the perpetrator: What do you need? How can we solve this? Let’s move this forward,” she said.

Janke suggested to reporters that the FBI may have had some influence on Guthrie’s decision to release a video message.

“We have an expertise when it comes to kidnappings, and when families want advice, consultation, expertise, we will provide that,” he said. “But the ultimate decisions — on what they say and how they put that out — rests with the family itself.”

Demand for mom's 'proof of life' is complicated in era of AI and deepfakes

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

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly put a signature to a bundled law enforcement bill Friday elevating consequences for conviction of buying sexual relations, misuse of a laser pointer and crimes of vehicle and gift-card theft.

The legislation was a holdover from the 2025 legislative session that required final negotiations by the House and Senate. The deal was passed in January by a 119-4 margin in the House and a vote of 39-0 in the Senate.

“This bipartisan&nbsp;bill&nbsp;takes reasonable steps to ensure that Kansans are safe and that crime is being addressed in our communities,” the Democratic governor said. “Enhancing public safety is essential to building a Kansas where businesses and families want to put down roots.”

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2347/" target="_blank">House Bill 2347</a>&nbsp;created the crime of unlawful use of a laser pointer so individuals could be charged with assault or battery if accused of knowingly directing a beam at law enforcement officers performing official duties or into the flight path or cabin of aircraft. Exemptions were added to the bill for aviation research, operations of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of Defense or for a person using a laser in an emergency.

A measure also increased criminal penalties for purchasing sexual relations and limited use by prosecutors and defendants of diversion agreements. The offense would be classified as a level nine felony, even on the first offense, and the minimum fine would rise from $1,200 to $2,000. Individuals convicted of the offense would be required after July 1, 2027, to participate in a treatment program approved by the office of the state attorney general.

Kansas statute was amended so gift cards would be on the list of financial cards for which a prosecutor could charge individuals for illegally obtaining money, goods or services.

The last piece of the bill, which was recommended by the Wichita Police Department, altered theft of a motor vehicle valued at $500 to $1,500 to target a person who “has reason to know” a vehicle was stolen rather than a person “knowing” the vehicle was stolen.

Rep. Dan Osman, D-Overland Park, said he supported the bipartisan legislation because it made broad reasonable changes to combat crime and make communities safer in Kansas.

Sen. Kenny Titus, R-Manhattan said the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;“will reduce the demand for human trafficking and allow for easier prosecution of scamsters using gift cards to take advantage of vulnerable Kansans.”

Gov. signs 4-piece crime bill raising penalty for buying sexual relations in Kansas

KANSAS CITY —A woman was rescued from a storm drain Wednesday near the Ameristar Casino in Kansas City. Fire crews released additional details on the pipe.

Just before 7:30p.m., Kansas City Fire Department crews&nbsp;responded to a reported confined space rescue at 3250 N. Ameristar Drive, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

On arrival crews reported a woman, in her forties, was stuck in a storm drain. She was trapped several hundred feet in the pipe.

KCFD's rescue division secured the scene and sent a team into the pipe to free and retrieve the victim.

After 90 minutes, at 9:30p.m. fire department crews were able to finally rescue the victim. The woman had been stuck for several hours and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. 

On Friday,&nbsp; the Rescue Chief returned to the location and measured the length of the pipe to the rescue location, and it was significantly further than originally reported. The actual distance was 764 feet from the entrance to where the rescuer made contact with the victim.&nbsp;

Officials still do not have any information as to why she entered the pipe, according to Hopkins.

New details on woman rescued from storm drain in Kansas City

WASHINGTON —President Donald Trump’s social media post featuring a video about election conspiracy theories and a racist depiction of former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-obama-racist-video-a48a6b8884a88f9ec30cd4913e352b51">primates in a jungle has been deleted</a>.

The Thursday night post was deleted Friday and blamed on a staffer after widespread backlash, from civil rights leaders to veteran Republican senators, for its treatment of the nation’s first Black president and first lady.

On his social media page, Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran was critical of the President's post.

The deletion of the post is a rare admission of a misstep by the White House and came hours after press secretary Karoline Leavitt said there was nothing offensive about the post. An Obama spokesperson said the former president, a Democrat, had no response.

The White House released audio of two statements from the Presdient on the controversy.

Trump said later Friday that he won’t apologize for the post. “I didn’t make a mistake,” he said.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

🎧Kan. U.S. Senator critical of Trump's racist post about Obamas 

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple drug allegations.

Just after 10:30p.m. Feb. 8,&nbsp;&nbsp;a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2015 Dodge Journey for multiple alleged traffic violations on U.S. Highway 75 near 118th&nbsp;Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

&nbsp; The driver of the vehicle identified himself as Irving Dawayne Edwards, 26, of Topeka and the passenger was identified as Juantario Isia Roberts, 22, of Topeka.&nbsp;

During the course of the traffic stop, a Jackson County Sheriff’s K-9 (PSD) alerted to the presence of illegal drugs within the vehicle. A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted and resulted in the discovery of illegal drugs and narcotics.

Edwards was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested&nbsp; charges of Distribute Certain Stimulant; &lt;3.5 grams, Distribute Marijuana; 25&nbsp;-&lt; 450 grams, Distribute or possess with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia for illegal use, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of Marijuana; 1 prior conviction, Possession of Drug paraphernalia, Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or controlled substance, Driving while suspended, Driving without vehicle insurance and License plates; Unlawful display; material affecting visibility or reflectivity.

Juantario was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of Distribute Certain Stimulant; &lt;3.5 grams, Distribute Marijuana; 25&nbsp;-&lt; 450 grams, Distribute or possess with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia for illegal use, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of Marijuana; 1 prior conviction, Possession of Drug paraphernalia and taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or controlled substance

Sheriff: 2 suspects accused of selling drugs in Kansas

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — “West Wing” and “Field of Dreams” actor Timothy Busfield has been indicted by a grand jury on four counts of criminal sexual contact with a child under age 13, a New Mexico prosecutor announced Friday.

The allegations are tied to Busfield's work as a director on the set of the TV series “The Cleaning Lady” from 2022 to 2024.

Busfield has denied the allegations, initially filed in court by police, and a defense attorney on Friday said he would “fight these charges at every stage.”

Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman announced the indictment in a social media post.

Busfield had turned himself in to authorities in January on related charges by police and was released from jail by a judge who found no pattern of criminal conduct or similar allegations involving children in Busfield's past. The grand jury indictment allows the case against Busfield to proceed toward possible trial without a preliminary courtroom hearing on evidence.

Larry Stein, an attorney for Busfield, did not comment directly on the sexual contact charge in the indictment but said the grand jury declined to endorse grooming charges sought by prosecutors. Prosecutors declined to comment on what accusations it brought before the grand jury.

Stein said in a statement that a detention hearing already “exposed fatal weaknesses in the state’s evidence — gaps that no amount of charging decisions can cure.”

“Mr. Busfield will fight these charges at every stage and looks forward to testing the State’s case in open court,” the statement said.

An investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department said a boy reported that Busfield touched his private areas over his clothing when he was 7 years old and again when he was 8, according to the initial criminal complaint from police. The boy’s twin told authorities he was also touched by Busfield, but he didn’t say anything right away because he didn’t want to get in trouble, the complaint said.

The indictment — filed Friday in state District Court — reiterates allegations that Busfield “touched or applied force to the intimate parts” of one of the boys on several occasions.

At a detention hearing last month, Busfield’s attorneys pointed out that the children initially said during interviews with police that Busfield didn’t touch them inappropriately. Busfield’s attorneys then accused the boys’ parents of coaching their children toward incriminating statements after the boys lost lucrative roles on the show.

But Assistant District Attorney Savannah Brandenburg-Koch has called evidence of abuse against Busfield strong and specific, with support from medical findings and the boys' therapist. She also said witnesses expressed fear about potential retaliation and professional harm.

Prosecutors have outlined what they said was grooming behavior and abuse of power by Busfield over three decades.

Each count in the indictment against Busfied carries a possible penalty of six years in prison that can be enhanced if it involves a sexual offense, according to prosecutors.

In freeing Busfield on Jan. 20, state District Court Judge David Murphy said that while the crimes Busfield is accused of inherently are dangerous and involve children, prosecutors didn’t prove the public wouldn’t be safe if he’s released.

West Wing actor  indicted on 4 counts of sexual contact with a child

WASHINGTON (AP) — A key participant in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f3424346447545a1835453d82efc6de2">the deadly 2012 attack</a>&nbsp;on the U.S. compound in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four Americans has been taken into custody and will be prosecuted in their deaths, Attorney General Pam Bondi said Friday

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