After many years of neglect for the supply of quality drinking water for the residents of Sundowner West Mobile Home Park, there is still hope.&nbsp;

Last year, Sundowner got major publicity after recurring issues such as undrinkable water, inconsistent billing and lack of communication from Sundowner's water easement rights owner, Scott Kolling. 

Nonprofits such as the Salvation Army of Salina, stepped in to alleviate the situation by providing water bottles and food for the residents. 

Resident and spokesperson for the 'frustrated' residents of Sundowner, Misty Livingston-Holmes still has hope and states that she will not 'give up.'

Livingston-Holmes describes that as of 2025, there have still been 'ongoing issues' with how the water is functioning at the trailer park.

"It's okay, then it's not," said&nbsp;Livingston-Holmes. "Sometimes I will turn on my faucet and I will get a whole bunch of black stuff coming out."

Livingston-Holmes stated the water is not as bad as last year's fiasco, yet herself and the residents have still been facing the same recurring issues for the past several years.

Learn the full story: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fbf51323-7eb3-4f6c-8e69-37dea91cc2e6">Years of neglect causes water crisis at Sundowner Mobile Home and Trailer Park</a>

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fbf51323-7eb3-4f6c-8e69-37dea91cc2e6"></a>As Kolling is known to be the "one to blame" for the ongoing water crisis at the trailer park, there seems to be no course of action taking place from himself according to many State officials, county officials, residents of Sundowner and water well service companies.

Kolling took over as the overseer of the water pumps/utility infrastructure a few years back and Livingston-Holmes has stated that ever since Kolling took over the job, 'a lot of the problems began.'

Livingston-Holmes stated that her and the residents have still been facing the ongoing issues of 'inconsistent billing.' 

She commented that Kolling has been 'double-billing' and that whenever a bill is received, confusion arises with the differences of the current and previous balances.&nbsp;

Once the current balance is paid for,&nbsp;Livingston-Holmes states that she does not understand why&nbsp;she has a previous balance that is higher than the current. She commented that she does not pay for it,&nbsp;because she said that 'Kolling does not describe where it comes from.' 

Livingston-Holmes will then send a text to Kolling seeking an explanation on the billing, but said that he 'does not respond' or provide a possible solution.

"There's just random numbers that I don't even know where he is getting them from," said&nbsp;Livingston-Holmes.

Throughout the 'inconsistent billing,'&nbsp;Livingston-Holmes describes that she only uses the water to shower and do laundry.&nbsp;

"Pretty much that is the only way we consume the water that comes out and sadly we are forced to bathe in that kind of water," said Livingston-Holmes. "We don't brush our teeth with that water and showers are very quick."

Not only has the water been non-consumable, but it has also affected&nbsp;Livingston-Holmes' home. 

She stated that her toilet had to be replaced due to the water because it is 'disgusting.'

"The water is that poor, that you have to replace your appliances," said Livingston-Holmes. "We made replacements for our bathroom floor and appliances, as well as have sewer backup maintenance. We also have to resort to getting water from the store."

Although these recurring issues have been happening, actions have been taking place to solve the problem.

A lawsuit was filed against Kolling by the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) for a&nbsp;<a href="https://lsd.law/define/certificate-of-convenience-and-necessity">Certificate of Convenience and Necessity&nbsp;</a>,&nbsp;which would allow them to&nbsp;grant the services that is needed by the public and is in the public interest.

The current status of the lawsuit is not known at the moment, but Salina Post will provide updates once known.

Saline&nbsp;County Commissioner, Joe Hay is aware of the current situation, but has stated that ‘his hands are tied.’ Hay commented that he has discussed this issue with several different agencies and government bodies.&nbsp;

According to Hay a mortgage foreclosure notice has been filed against Kolling, after agencies such as <a href="https://rediclean.com/">Redi Clean Water Well Rehab (Little River, KS)</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://waterwiseenterprises.com/">WaterWise Enterprises (Oxford, KS)</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.waltonplumbingandheating.com/">Walton Plumbing and Heating</a> have not 'received any payments' for the well and sewage services conducted at Sundowner.

“I am very upset that the water is not drinkable and that it has not gotten any better," said Hay.

Don Teeters of Redi Clean stated that Sudowner has been issued several 'do not drink orders.' 

Redi Clean, along with Walton Plumbing and Heating conducted water well services at Sundowner for manganese issues and Teeters commented that they never received any form of payment from Kolling.&nbsp;

Teeters stated that the foreclosure was decided to be put on Sundowner (Kolling) and the proceedings have already been taking place.&nbsp;

"Kolling would be out of a job if the foreclosure goes through," said Teeters. "Sundowner has had bad publicity for over 4 years and things may start be getting a little better."

A set court date for the foreclosure is set to occur on December 3, 2025.

Just recently on Sunday, November 16 a <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c66087d4-bd57-4f64-bbd3-1029c29b1b9b">boil advisory was issued at Sundowner.</a>

The&nbsp;Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issued the advisory due to a waterline break, which resulted in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.

According to the KDHE, the advisory will remain in effect, until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.

Salina Post will provide an update once the advisory is rescinded.

Hay stated the residents "seem to be doing okay," despite the advisory.&nbsp;

"We are moving forward, slowly," said Hay. "I really want to get this taken care of."

Salina Post has contacted Scott Kolling for a comment several times, and has not reached back out.

Stay connected with the Salina Post on this story, as we will continue to provide updates.

Promising future for Sundowner Mobile Home Park during its ongoing clean water crisis

Join Editors Leslie VonHolten and Tom Averill as they discuss their new book,&nbsp;Kansas Matters: 21st-Century Writers on the Sunflower State.&nbsp;

This anthology expands our state's stories through 35 poems, essays, and short fiction that explore the beauty of the land and the fight for its preservation, the division of identity and the belonging of home, the context of our history and our hopes for the future.

It is a complex, emotional, and inspiring assertion of why Kansas matters. 

Joining Leslie and Tom, are contributors Rex Buchanan, Wes Jackson, Rolf Potts, and Josh Svaty.&nbsp;

This event will take place at Red Fern Booksellers (106 S. Santa&nbsp;Fe) on&nbsp;Sunday, December 7 at&nbsp;2:00 pm.

Thomas Averill is professor emeritus of English at Washburn University&nbsp;in Topeka, Kansas, where he taught creative writing and Kansas studies.He is an O. Henry Award short-story winner and author of ten books.His introduction to&nbsp;What Kansas Means to Me: Twentieth Century Writerson the Sunflower State&nbsp;(1991) was titled “Afflicted with Affection,” and he&nbsp;remains so. In 2010 he created the Thomas Fox Averill Kansas Studies Collection&nbsp;at Washburn’s Mabee Library.

Leslie VonHolten writes about land and culture in the prairie and Great&nbsp;Plains regions. She is a 2022 Tallgrass Artist Residency fellow and long-time&nbsp;commentator on High Plains Public Radio in Garden City, Kansas. Her recent&nbsp;essays have been published in&nbsp;The New Territory,&nbsp;Literary Landscapes,and&nbsp;The Dark Mountain Project. She lives in Lawrence, Kansas.

Rolf Potts&nbsp;is the author of five books, including the bestseller&nbsp;Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel&nbsp;(Random House, 2003). His essays and reportage have appeared in the likes of&nbsp;National Geographic Traveler, Outside, The New Yorker, Sports Illustrated,&nbsp;National Public Radio, and the Travel Channel. He is based in north-central Kansas, where he keeps a small farmhouse on 30 acres with his wife, Kansas-born actress Kristen Bush.

Rex Buchanan&nbsp;grew up in Rice County, Kansas, on the edge of the Smoky Hills. He is director emeritus of the Kansas Geological Survey, based at the University of Kansas. He is the editor or co-author of five books, including&nbsp;Roadside Kansas, Kansas Geology,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Petroglyphs of the Kansas Smoky Hills,&nbsp;all published by the University Press of Kansas. He does occasional commentaries for Kansas Public Radio.

Joshua Svaty&nbsp;is a former legislator and State Secretary of Agriculture from rural Ellsworth, Kansas, where he and his family have been farming since the 1860s. He is married to Kimberly and they raise their four children in Topeka, where Joshua works with his wife in her firm, Gencur Svaty Public Affairs. Svaty speaks and advises nationally and internationally on matters related to agriculture, energy, and natural resources.

Wes Jackson&nbsp;was born and raised on a farm near Topeka. He co-founded The Land Institute in 1976.&nbsp;Jackson is a 1992 MacArthur Fellow, renowned author, plant geneticist, and emeritus professor of Biology. He is widely recognized as one of the foremost figures in the international sustainable agriculture movement. He authored and co-authored numerous books, including the seminal&nbsp;New Roots for Agriculture, conceptualizing the idea of The Land Institute’s work on natural systems agriculture modeled on and inspired by the Kansas prairie. Jackson is also the author of the recent books&nbsp;Hogs Are Up: Stories of the Land, with Digressions, and&nbsp;An Inconvenient Apocalypse.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Two editors to discuss new book centralized on the state of Kansas

After the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinairishrb.com/">Salina&nbsp;Irish Road Bowling</a> (SIRB) event that occurred on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/4d6399fb-e4a4-41c6-bf6a-5cc13e31b15d">September 6, 2025</a>,&nbsp; planning members and volunteers for the&nbsp;2nd annual "Salina Irish Road Bowling Championship,"&nbsp; delivered to Kansas Wesleyan University President, Matt Thompson $2,500 and KWU Athletic Director, Miguel Paredes $500.

The larger amount will support KWU’s student hygiene  pantry scheduled to formally open in January, 2026.

The $500 will go to support the KWU Athletic Department. 

Recognizing past and ongoing support from the Salina Police Department (SPD), $100 had previously been donated to the SPD’s Foundation.&nbsp;

Funds were raised during the second Irish Road Bowling event held in Salina on September. A total of 20 teams competed in the unique and fun event traversing over, under, and around Indian Rock Park.&nbsp;

Imported from rural Ireland, the game has roots going back to the 1600s when Irish rebels stole cannonballs from British armories and rather than carry the 28-ounce cannonballs opted to roll them down Irish backroads spawning contests to determine who could roll the cannonballs&nbsp; (which came to be called “bullets”) the furthest.

 In the United States, teams of four alternate rolling the bullet around a designated course with the winner determined by the team who completes the course with the fewest number of rolls.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With a cadre of community volunteers planning, preparing, and participating, the event was greatly assisted by 30 KWU women’s basketball team members. They serve as volunteers helping with course management, chasing stray bullets, and serving as Caddies for each team. 

First year head coach, Harper Taylor was a prominent and active volunteer during the event.&nbsp;

The planning members also noted the tremendous support and help received from the Salina Park and Recreation Department in preparing and planning the event.&nbsp;

Local stage actor, Mary King, sang both the United States and Ireland&nbsp; national anthems. She performed Ireland’s Soldier Song in Gaelic. After&nbsp; greeting and thanking those in attendance, Renee Duxler, President and CEO&nbsp; of the Greater Salina Chamber of Commerce got the games underway&nbsp; throwing the ceremonial first roll.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thunder, a Special Olympians team who were the first team to roll off the start line this year.

Co-ed teams and players from a wide range of ages and abilities demonstrated it is as much a contest of strategy rather than strength.&nbsp;

Winning the competition while&nbsp;breaking the course record was the Good Old Guys,&nbsp;with 17 rolls finishing just ahead of last year’s championship team, the Blue Bloods, comprised of officers from SPD.&nbsp;

The Slinging Saints won the novice division with a solid 21 rolls. Braxton&nbsp; Blake with the Blake Family Bowlers completed the longest roll.

The SIRB Planning Group invites people to visit the <a href="https://www.salinairishrb.com/">website</a> and to “like” Salina Irish Road Bowling on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559836916589">Facebook</a>.

These two sites will provide information and updates leading to the next SIRB set for&nbsp;Saturday September 12, 2026, and the next time Salina will roll.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Salina Irish Road Bowling increases support for KWU Student Hygiene Pantry and additional funds to KWU athletics

MITCHELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Saturday in Mitchell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy Malibu driven by Dustin K.&nbsp;West, 31, Cawker City, was eastbound in the 800 block of Wisconsin Street in Cawker City. The struck a pedestrian, identified as LInda B. Clover, 81, Cawker City, who stepped into the roadway from the south curb.&nbsp;&nbsp;

EMS transported Clover to&nbsp;Mitchell County Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. West was properly restrained and not injured, according to the KHP.

81-year-old Kansas woman hospitalized after struck by a car

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

NAME:&nbsp;Burnett, Caitlyn Danielle

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Improper turn on approach

NAME:&nbsp;Carmichael, Adrian Fred

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Viol protection order; Pre-trial order; Probation Violation; Viol protection order; Pre-trial order; Stalking; Reckless conduct causing fear to person or family; Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Fairchild, Zachary Ryan

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Aggravated burglary; Locked non-dwelling for felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexual motivate; Arson; Intentional to non-dwelling of another without consent; Crim damage to prop;w/o consent &lt;$1K

NAME:&nbsp;Phommachanh, William Kao

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant; Failure to appear

Saline County Jail Bookings, November 22

With fewer than 500 Amur tigers left in the wild, Rolling Hills Zoo is proud to announce the building of a groundbreaking new exhibit — Tiger Falls — a bold, immersive habitat designed to ensure a healthy future for Amur tigers and other endangered Asian species.

Tiger Falls will offer a state-of-the-art environment that mirrors the natural habitats these majestic animals need to thrive. Designed with both animal welfare and guest experience in mind, this innovative habitat will accommodate up to six Amur tigers, as well as snow leopards, providing them with the space, enrichment, and stimulation essential for promoting natural behaviors and enhancing their overall care.

“As one of central Kansas’ top destinations, Rolling Hills Zoo continues to raise the bar for animal care, conservation, and education,” said Ryan VanZant, Executive Director of Rolling Hills Zoo. “Tiger Falls will give guests unforgettable, up-close experiences with one of the world’s most endangered big cats, while deepening their understanding of the critical need for wildlife conservation.”

Visitors will have the rare opportunity to observe tiger training sessions, an interactive component of the exhibit that highlights how these incredible animals participate in their own healthcare — a key element of modern zoo animal management and welfare.

In addition to Amur tigers and snow leopards, Tiger Falls will also become home to red pandas, another beloved and threatened Asian species. Two red pandas have already been selected for transfer to Rolling Hills Zoo and will be among the first to join the new Tiger Falls area upon its completion.

At the heart of Tiger Falls lies Rolling Hills Zoo’s commitment to conservation and education. The exhibit’s flexible design and emphasis on enrichment will not only set a new standard in animal care but also serve as a powerful platform for raising awareness about endangered species and their survival. Building this one-of-a-kind habitat is a monumental effort — made possible through the generosity of donors, foundations, and grants.

In preparation for the main construction to begin this spring, the zoo’s female Amur tiger, Viktoria, is being relocated to the Louisville Zoo in Kentucky. This move comes at the recommendation of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) — part of the Association of Zoos &amp; Aquariums (AZA), under which Rolling Hills Zoo is proudly accredited. The SSP oversees the management and breeding of endangered species across accredited zoos to ensure healthy, genetically diverse populations. Viktoria will be paired with Louisville Zoo’s male tiger for breeding purposes, supporting the long-term survival of the Amur tiger species.

Guests will still be able to visit the snow leopards, Sherman and Bettina, through the end of November before the tiger loop is officially closed for construction preparations.

Upon the completion of Tiger Falls, Rolling Hills Zoo will welcome new Amur tigers, also recommended by the SSP for breeding. The new habitat’s design will support future generations of these critically endangered cats, fostering natural behaviors and reproductive success.

Rolling Hills Zoo invites the community to be part of this exciting new chapter in conservation by supporting Tiger Falls and helping create an experience that will inspire generations to come.

Rolling Hills Zoo announces groundbreaking of new exhibit to ensure the safety of endangered species

&nbsp;Salina Regional Health Center&nbsp;

The Rebecca A. Morrison House at Salina Regional Health Center, 513 S. Eighth&nbsp; Street, Salina, invites the community to an open house from noon to 2 p.m., Monday, November 24, in&nbsp; celebration of its 32nd birthday.

The home will offer public tours, cookies and conversation about the&nbsp; service that provides a home-away-from-home for loved ones of patients at the hospital and outpatients&nbsp; receiving treatment at the Tammy Walker Cancer Center.&nbsp;

A fundraising campaign also is being held with a goal of raising $32,000 to celebrate 32 years of&nbsp; service supporting patients and families. Thanks to generous friends of the Morrison House, all gifts&nbsp; given for the campaign will be matched dollar for dollar up to $16,000. Community support is needed to&nbsp; leverage each matching dollar and meet the $32,000 fundraising goal.&nbsp;

There is no charge for guests to stay at the Morrison House. The service is supported entirely by&nbsp; donations. Over the years, nearly 30,000 guests have stayed at the Morrison House who have been&nbsp; provided with more than 130,000 nights of accommodations. Guests have come from all 50 states, 18&nbsp; foreign countries and 453 Kansas communities. A majority of guests come from north central Kansas.&nbsp;

“We hear every day from guests what a tremendous gift the Morrison House is for families and&nbsp; patients facing difficult times,” said Lisa Hoffman, Morrison House manager. “Our location – right next&nbsp; door to the hospital – keeps families and patients together when they need it most.”&nbsp;

The Morrison House is operated by the Salina Regional Health Foundation. You can learn more&nbsp; about the Morrison House and support the fundraising campaign by visiting the Foundation’s website at srhealthfoundation.com.

Morrison House to celebrate 32nd birthday with open house to support fundraising campaign 

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TOPEKA&nbsp;—Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;has sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency requesting a major presidential disaster for the Public Assistance Program due to damages caused by severe thunderstorms, straight-line winds, torrential rainfall and flooding during the period of Sept. 8-10, 2025, according to a media release from the Kansas Adjutant General’s Office.

“It is important to have federal support available to these counties to assist in rebuilding their infrastructure,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly&nbsp;said. “Damages sustained will require long-term recovery and these funds will go a long way to help these communities rebuild.”

Counties included in this request are Ellsworth, Lincoln, Ottawa, and Saline.

 Gov. requests a declaration of major presidential disaster for Sept. storm

Salina Police have arrested a man for allegedly possessing <a href="https://www.justice.gov/d9/2023-06/child_sexual_abuse_material_2.pdf">CSAM</a> material on a laptop.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) officers were dispatched to a home in Salina, for the report where a household member had been accessing a laptop that other family members had access to.

Reportedly, members of the home discovered "suspicious material" on the laptop relating to under aged children.

Lt. Andrew Zeigler called the "suspicious material"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/d9/2023-06/child_sexual_abuse_material_2.pdf">CSAM</a>, which is an acronym for&nbsp;Child Sexual Abuse Material.

Officers confirmed the material was CSAM and further made contact with the suspect, who is a male. When officers questioned the suspect, he admitted to being responsible for the crime(s).

All items were seized from SPD, which would be sent for further examination according to Lt. Zeigler.

Arrested was Cody Pacheco (41). Pacheco was booked into the Saline County Jail on the following requested charges:

Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Possession of Media Child (less than 18), Unlawful Visual Depiction of a Child.

The investigation is ongoing as further charges could arise, according to SPD.

Salina Police arrest man for allegedly possessing CSAM material on laptop

The Salina Police Department (SPD) are seeking tips regarding a business burglary.

ORIGINAL: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a4a25d4b-6eb5-4249-9acc-a756409abc7a">Law enforcement investigating business burglary north of Salina</a>

According to SPD on Saturday, November 1, at about 7:45 pm,&nbsp;a burglary occurred at the Third Fairy business (153 N. Broadway).

The owner of the business had received an alert that the businesses cameras had gone "offline." The owner arrived to the business and discovered a bike and backpack along the west side of the building.&nbsp; 

The owner then entered the business and saw what he described as a&nbsp;"white male, approximately 5’8”, skinny, with possibly longer dark hair."

After the owner confronted, the suspect exited the building and left the area on his bicycle. It did not appear any items were taken. 

The suspect gained entry by damaging the back door of the business.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS.

You can also make an online tip at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</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 2025-29791.

UPDATE: Law enforcement seeking tips regarding business burglary in north Salina

<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>.

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

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 5 - November 7

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 3 - November 5

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a fatal shooting in Topeka.

Just before 1a.m. Saturday, police responded to several reports of gunshots around SE 37th Street and SE Adams Street in Topeka, according to Topeka Police  LT Jason Schumacher.

 While officers were investigating that area, they received information on a victim arriving at a local hospital by private vehicle with apparent gunshot wounds. That individual was later pronounced deceased. Police released no additional details.

Police: Kansas shooting victim died at the hospital

Sen. Jerry Moran seeks to insulate FAA; Rep. Ron Estes hunts CBO transparency

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 — U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas joined five dozen colleagues requesting a House vote on legislation extending federal tax credits set to expire at the end of December that were implemented to moderate Affordable Care Act insurance costs.

In the letter signed by 59 lawmakers and sent to House Speaker Mike Johnson, the coalition said a bill preserving the tax credit would allow more than 24 million Americans in the ACA to avoid substantial premium increases in 2026. Sky-high premiums could prompt as many as 4 million people to drop health coverage.

Davids said 160,000 Kansans relied on federal tax credits last year to save an average of $700 annually on health care premiums.

“Families in Kansas and across the country are staring down massive health care price hikes because Congress hasn’t done its job,” said Davids, the Democrat representing the 3rd District in the Kansas City area. “Republican leadership in the Senate has already promised a vote to extend ACA tax credits. There is no excuse for the House to stall any longer.”

Davids said a bipartisan majority in the House support action to mitigate rising health care costs. While Democrats have sought a tax-credit extension, Republicans complained the credits were costly to the government and helped boost insurance company profits. The Congressional Budget Office estimated it would cost the $350 billion in the next decade if the subsidy were extended.

“Inaction here will decimate millions of Americans’ budgets and force impossible decisions between receiving necessary care and other basic needs,” the letter said.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, chairman of the Senate Aviation, Space and Innovation Subcommittee, said the 43-day government shutdown inhibited operation of the Federal Aviation Administration, caused widespread flight delays and interrupted an estimated $6 billion in travel spending.

Moran convened a Senate hearing to lay the groundwork for legislation capable of shielding the industry during government shutdowns.

“We convened this hearing because of the importance of the aviation and travel industry, a vital component of our nation’s economy,” Moran said. “We must do our part to enable the FAA and the Department of Transportation to make certain that America remains the standard for aviation and air safety.”

In March, the Kansas Republican introduced a bill that would insulate the FAA by making emergency funding available for critical operations and to pay air traffic controllers.

“When Congress fails to act, the FAA and the aviation industry suffer,” Moran said. “The people who work in the airports and in aviation cannot further afford the instability and chaos.”

The U.S. Travel Association reported more than $6 billion in travel spending was lost because of the inability of aircraft to fly as a result of the shutdown.

Moran said he was pleased the problem with flight delays had eased ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. A record 31 million passengers were expected to fly from Nov. 21 to Dec. 1. The busiest days were expected to be Sunday Nov. 30 and Monday Dec. 1.

U.S. Rep. Ron&nbsp;Estes, a Kansas Republican serving the Wichita area, said transparency and accuracy of the Congressional Budget Office was essential to the federal legislative process.

During a House budget committee hearing, Estes told CBO director Phillip Swagel that reports issued by the office had a dramatic impact on bills in the House and Senate. CBO, which operates as designated budget scorekeeper, influenced public perception of legislation, Estes said.

“We need to make sure that CBO works to improve scores, to actually make sure that they align with reality,” Estes said. “Unfortunately, as we’ve talked about previously in the committee room, CBO sometimes falls short of making those good estimates that help us make decisions.”

Estes said an example was the CBO’s estimate on the 2022 Inflation Adjustment Act, which focused on health care, climate and taxes, and was signed by President Joe Biden. Estes and GOP U.S. Reps. Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner of Kansas voted against the bill. Davids voted for it.

Estes said the CBO’s initial report said the energy and climate provisions of the bill would cost $391 billion. Credit Suisse concluded the cost was closer to $800 billion, he said.

“My struggle, and I think a lot of our struggle, is that we’re literally making trillion-dollar decisions based on this information, so we want to make sure it’s the best possible,” he said.

Rep. Sharice Davids encourages House vote on extending tax credit for health insurance

BOSTON (AP) —John F. Kennedy's granddaughter disclosed Saturday that she has terminal cancer, writing in an essay in “The New Yorker” that one of her doctors said she might live for about another year and criticizing policies pushed by her cousin, Health and Human Services Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-rfk-jr-maha-summit-199786933b09fc610feb9c08695cbfc8">Robert F. Kennedy Jr</a>.

Tatiana Schlossberg, the daughter of Kennedy's daughter, Caroline Kennedy, and Edwin Schlossberg, said she was diagnosed in May 2024 at 34. After the birth of her second child, her doctor noticed her white blood cell count was high. It turned out to be acute myeloid leukemia with a rare mutation, mostly seen in older people.

Her essay was published on the 62nd anniversary of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jfk-assassination-files-released-trump-4e82e40715312f68b4f1f0d0592a8c42">her grandfather's assassination.</a>

Schlossberg, an environmental journalist, wrote she has undergone rounds of chemotherapy and two stem cell transplants, the first using cells from her sister and the next from an unrelated donor, and participated in clinical trials. During the latest trial, she wrote, her doctor told her “he could keep me alive for a year, maybe.”

Schlossberg also said policies backed by RFK could hurt cancer patients like her. Caroline Kennedy urged&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26293924-ruling-in-irs-case/">senators to reject</a>&nbsp;his confirmation.

“As I spent more and more of my life under the care of doctors, nurses, and researchers striving to improve the lives of others, I watched as Bobby cut nearly a half billion dollars for research into mRNA vaccines, technology that could be used against certain cancers,” the essay reads.

Schlossberg wrote about her fears that her daughter and son won't remember her. She feels cheated and sad that she won't get to keep living “the wonderful life” she had with her husband, George Moran. While her parents and siblings try to hide their pain from her, she said she feels it every day.

“For my whole life, I have tried to be good, to be a good student and a good sister and a good daughter, and to protect my mother and never make her upset or angry,” she said. “Now I have added a new tragedy to her life, to our family’s life, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.”

JFK's granddaughter reveals terminal cancer diagnosis

WILSON COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 3p.m. Saturday in Wilson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a pedestrian identified as 21-year-old Angel M.&nbsp;Stephens of Altoona, was walking westbound on 7th Street in Altoona.&nbsp; She accidentally walked in front of and was struck by a northbound train.&nbsp;

Stephens was pronounced dead at the scene. It is believed that she did not see or hear the train, according to the KHP.

She was transported to&nbsp;Countryside Funeral Home in Fredonia.&nbsp;

KHP: 21-year-old did not see or hear train in fatal accident

KANSAS CITY—A man was sentenced in federal court this week for his involvement in an armed assault against a member of a rival motorcycle club.

Brandon S. Hodge, also known as “Youngblood,” 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 57 months in federal prison without parole for assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, according to the United State's Attorney.

On Sept. 17, 2022, Hodge and 12 other members of the Pagan’s and their support club chased and forced a lone rival gang member from the road in Blue Springs, Mo.&nbsp; Various members of the Pagan’s and their support club were armed with firearms and at least one axe handle.&nbsp; Hodge, who was a Pagan’s prospect at the time, and the others confronted the victim on the side of the roadway and ultimately, the victim was shot seven times, with wounds to their knee, thigh, forearm, biceps, buttocks, and back of their leg.&nbsp;Hodge and several others fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.

Following this event, several members, including Hodge, were awarded club patches for their participation.

Motorcycle club member going to prison for armed assault of rival

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday night in Basehor, Kansas.

Just before 9p.m., deputies from the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 16900 block of Dempsey Road where a resident reported being threatened, according to a media release from the KBI.&nbsp; The reporting party provided a description of the suspect’s vehicle, which was a white Honda SUV.

Preliminary information indicates deputies located the Honda nearby, and attempted to stop the SUV, when the driver fled. While the Honda traveled eastbound in the 17000 block of Dempsey Road, gunshots were fired from the SUV toward the pursuing patrol vehicle. Near N. 147th&nbsp;and Parallel Road, in Basehor, gunshots were again fired from the Honda, and the responding deputy crashed his patrol vehicle.

The pursuit continued to the area of N. 156th&nbsp;and Parallel Road, where the Honda collided with a passenger car. As a deputy pulled behind the Honda, a male subject, later identified as Andrew M. Amundsen, 33, of Leavenworth, exited the passenger side, and fired several rounds. The deputy returned fire. The driver of the vehicle, Mariah Huggins, 29, of Kansas City, Kansas, was taken into custody at the crash site.

Amundsen fled on foot. In an attempt to hide, he broke a basement window of an area home, entered the residence, but then exited and continued to flee. Sheriff's deputies located him hiding in a truck bed in the area of N. 157th&nbsp;and Cedar Street and took him into custody. Amundsen was uninjured, and later booked into the Leavenworth County Jail on an outstanding arrest warrant.