Watch the full public forum on the Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) ban that took place on February 3 at Salina Area Technical College.

*Video courtesy of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MeanDeanDJ/">Mean Dean Productions</a>*

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/681065fe-8d36-43fc-8a8a-85720811ebdc">Click here to learn more about the voting process and how to vote.</a>

To check voting status go to:&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView">Kansas Secretary of State’s Voter View Website</a>.

🎥 Watch: Public forum on Breed Specific Legislation ban in Salina

Here is the lineup for the Saturday Morning Show with Dave Foor &amp; Nicolas Fierro on&nbsp;910 AM/107.5 FM KINA for February 7, 2026:

Jamie Doss - Saline County Clerk Election Office: explaining pitbull ban voting process.

Dan Holiday - Meteorologist: Past winter weather and upcoming weather updates.

Mary Landes&nbsp;- The Temple: Innovation Kitchen Renovation Project.

&nbsp;Daniel Craig - Salina Race Series: Vision for 2026 year.

Patrick Parker - Ashby House: Emergency shelter project update.

All episodes are recorded and uploaded on the&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?CFID=05fb1ecb-7d68-4542-adb3-9b7c11d9b5e5&amp;CFTOKEN=0&amp;stationCallSign=KINA&amp;onDemandAutoStart=true&amp;p92136680=true&amp;relocateURL=true">910 AM and 107.5 FM KINA website</a>, under the 'KINA Saturday Mornings'&nbsp;tab.

Saturday Morning Show lineup with Dave Foor & Nicolas Fierro, February 7, 2026

On Wednesday, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://go.kansascourts.gov/l/OdffdVyI2hfpChMBEU1PGFxbWW6lzeCpxIkoz79rphmDYBgs4IbhsyHx-JiKMCHI8Z3RxHNLEJjhJKTJAY4MhKU89Zh7D1-decR0ZRJlI25VGT2sBo-ATy9WG57DEuObtS5NuWsCeqRd73dATKCYj3XP4VVerSVlDmMKRYpX_j8RlrBb79_uQXJd3Zxd5h7SfbNBGdWAQIuwqvy1d6UTbLAo4CumVCIP5kThfm-ZyarUWxK_QWTy1c9puGrKg73n">28th Judicial District Nominating Commission</a>&nbsp;sent the names of three nominees for district judge to Governor Laura Kelly, who has 60 days to decide who will fill the vacancy.

The judicial vacancy will be created when District Judge Paul Hickman retires May 1.

The 28th Judicial District is composed of Ottawa and Saline counties.

After serving one year in office, a new judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.

The 28th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Justice K.J. Wall as the nonvoting chair; David Stanley, Bennington; Lance Cochran, Robert German, Donald Merriman, Christine Ritter, and Russel Prophet, Salina; and Kathy Luthi, Soloman.

Salina attorney one of three final nominees to fill district judge vacancy position

The February&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://salina.k-state.edu/civic-lecture">Civic Lecture Series</a>&nbsp;discussion at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://salina.ksu.edu/">Kansas State University Salina</a>&nbsp;will explore how collective action, shared purpose and people-powered organizing can make a difference across Kansas communities.

On Wednesday, Feb. 11, K-State Salina's Civic Lecture Series will feature "The Power of People to Impact the Common Good," a community discussion about what is possible and how everyday people can move the common good forward, together.

Leading the discussion is Ben MacConnell, the Great Plains coordinator at the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thedartcenter.org/">Direct Action and Research Training, or DART, Center</a>. MacConnell has spent 25 years in the DART network in a variety of roles, most recently serving in Kansas and Nebraska, helping to establish and staff new organizations across both states.

MacConnell believes that change doesn't start with institutions — it starts with people. Across communities, the solutions to housing insecurity, gaps in health and mental health care, substance abuse, and over-incarceration already exist. 

The "Power of People to Impact the Common Good" lecture will take place at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, in the K-State Salina College Center Conference Room at 2310 Centennial Road.

Admission is free, and guests can bring an outside lunch or purchase a meal from K-State Salina's Centennial Dining. For more information, visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://salina.k-state.edu/civic-lecture">Civic Lecture Series website</a>.

The goal of K-State Salina's Civic Lecture Series is to develop a more informed community committed to openly discussing topics of civic importance.

Public K-State Salina lecture to explore how everyday people can advance the common good

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.

NAME:&nbsp;Coleman,Casey Elizabeth

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Contempt of Court; Direct

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear; No Proof Of Insurance

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Disorderly conduct; Unknown circumstance; Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, February 5

Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau

ABILENE - The Kansas Recreation and Parks Association recognized Joe Minick of Abilene with the Distinguished Volunteer Award during its annual awards luncheon held last week in Topeka.

At 90 years young, Minick is widely regarded as one of Kansas’ most impactful volunteers, quietly shaping some of the state’s most beloved recreation and tourism assets through decades of hands-on service, mechanical skill, and community leadership.

A diesel and automotive mechanic by trade, Minick has been instrumental in launching and sustaining the Abilene &amp; Smoky Valley Railroad, now one of Kansas’ top heritage attractions. From engineering and maintenance to the massive restoration of the Santa Fe 3415 steam locomotive, Minick played a central role in transforming a dormant relic into a working engine that continues to delight riders from across the country.

His impact extends well beyond the rails. Minick helped bring the Hoffman Grist Mill in Enterprise to life as a working 1880s-style flour mill, restored the C.W. Parker Carousel steam engine, relocated and preserved the historic Volkman log cabin at the Dickinson County Heritage Center, and assisted with the recovery and restoration of the Steamboat Arabia steam engine, now displayed at the Arabia Steamboat Museum in Kansas City.

When communities across Kansas sought outdoor recreation opportunities during the pandemic, Minick once again stepped forward. As trail development costs soared, he helped create the Iron Horse Trail, a five-mile rail-trail completed for just $200,000. Today, it stands as the only rails-with-trails project in the Midwest and a model for community-driven recreation development.

Minick’s service also includes decades of volunteer leadership. He is a longtime board member of the Abilene &amp; Smoky Valley Railroad, a former Volunteer of the Year with the Abilene Area Chamber of Commerce, a recipient of Kansas Tourism’s Kansas’ Finest recognition, the Community Foundation of Dickinson County’s Quiet Hero award, and a past board member of the Dickinson County Heritage Center. Behind the scenes, he has also worked with youth completing court-mandated community service hours, offering guidance, purpose, and encouragement along the way.

“Joe Minick is proof that one person can make a lasting difference,” said representatives of the Kansas Recreation and Parks Association. “His work has strengthened communities, preserved Kansas history, and created places where people come together to learn, explore, and enjoy the outdoors.”

The Distinguished Volunteer Award honors individuals whose dedication has advanced recreation, parks, and quality of life across Kansas. For Minick, the recognition reflects a lifetime of service grounded in action, humility, and an enduring belief in community.

For more information about the Kansas Recreation and Parks Association, visit <a href="http://krpa.org">krpa.org</a>.

Kansas Recreation and Parks Association honors Abilene resident with distinguished volunteer award

Central Kansas United (CKU) soccer club put together their first ever annual fundraising-charity event in Salina, seeking to expand and impact local soccer athletes.

On Saturday, January 31 CKU hosted the "Night of the Champions" fundraising gala for the purpose of raising funds and providing helpful information about the soccer club.&nbsp;

At the end of the night, CKU raised nearly $30,000.

Sergio Correa and Victor Devora of CKU stated the club was not always on everyone's radar, but has now expanded reaching multiple athletes, parents and community partners.&nbsp;

"A few years ago, soccer was fading away in Salina and at one point we did not even have Pre-K soccer," said Devora. "We just could not get a clear direction of where we wanted to go and it all started with a conversation with our club founder and president, Juan Maldonado. This is where we agreed where the club should go and fast forward three years later, we now have 30 teams and 350 players."

Established in 2017, CKU has grown since then and plans to continue with many goals/visions in mind.

Their 30 teams and 350 players comprise of age groups from Pre-K to United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) college and adult athletes. Primarily the youth teams play at the Magnolia Soccer Complex in Salina, as the competitive teams (high school, college and adult) travel to play in various places including Wichita, Kansas City and out of state.

"The ultimate goal for us is not about the numbers, but having quality and giving the opportunity for the players to play," said Correa.

CKU is a nonprofit local soccer club and operate financially off of donations.

"This club is nothing without or community members," said Devora. "The biggest thing is we want to keep everything affordable."

For more information on how to become a sponsor, pricing or about CKU, <a href="https://www.centralkansassoccer.org/">visit their website</a>&nbsp;or email: centralkansasunited@gmail.com

Registration is now available for Spring soccer season as well.

Local soccer club holds first ever fundraising event, seeking to expand and impact athletes

The missing teen in Abilene has been found and is safe, according to Abilene Police Department social media page.

ABILENE - The Abilene Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing juvenile.

The following information is from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069239108579">Abilene Police Department's Facebook page</a>

Fifteen-year-old Tenley Smith was last seen leaving her residence in Abilene, Kansas, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at approximately 3:00 p.m. Tenley was last observed wearing black leggings, a gray hoodie with a bright pink logo, and carrying an orange duffel bag.

Anyone with information regarding Tenley’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Abilene Police Department non-emergency line at 785-263-1213 or the Dickinson County Communication Center at 785-263-1212.

Missing 15-year old from Abilene found, is safe

The Souper Bowl of Hope continues to collect soup for six local agencies serving our community: 

Salina Grace, DVACK, Salina Rescue Mission, The Ashby House, The Salvation Army, and the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank.

The first weekend of collections was impacted by severe winter weather. Due to snow and frigid temperatures, volunteers were instructed to stay home for safety, and we were unable to collect cash donations at Dillons locations. Even so, the generosity of Salina residents shined through, with canned soup donations still being left for the cause.

On Saturday, January 31, and Sunday, February 1, volunteers returned to Dillons stores and collected&nbsp;3,235 cans of soup and $1,689.23&nbsp;in cash donations. All soup donations are being distributed directly to the six agencies listed above. Cash donations will be held and made available later in the year so agencies can purchase soup as needs arise.

Volunteers will be at all three Dillons locations on&nbsp;Saturday, February&nbsp;7, from&nbsp;10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Because we were unable to collect cash donations the weekend of January 24, collection times have been extended.

Volunteers (as available) will also be at all three locations on:

Saturday, February 14&nbsp;| 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.Sunday, February 15&nbsp;| 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

If you miss the volunteers, donations can still be made in the following ways:

Mail checks (payable to Souper Bowl of Hope) to: Souper Bowl of Hope, PO Box 2861, Salina, KS 67402-2861.

Or drop off cash/check donations at Central National Bank at 454 S. Ohio (by Water’s True Value). 

Please place donations in an envelope marked “Kristina Litchman, Souper Bowl” and include the name of the business or individual making the donation so proper credit can be given. Donations may be dropped off via drive-through or inside the bank.

On behalf of the Project Salina Board, thank you for your continued support and generosity in helping feed the citizens of Salina. Your partnership truly makes a difference.

Cash and can donations still rising after winter weather halt: Project Salina provides updates on Souper Bowl of Hope

Saline County Food Action Community Team

The Saline County Food Action Community Team (FACT) has released the final Saline County Food System Assessment, a comprehensive, countywide report examining how food is produced, processed, distributed, accessed, consumed, and recovered across Saline County.

Conducted in partnership with Wichita State University’s Community Engagement Institute and Center for Applied Research and Evaluation, the assessment combines public data with extensive community input, including a countywide survey, interviews with producers and food businesses, and public listening sessions held in Salina. 

The goal is to better understand the local food system, identify strengths and gaps, and provide a foundation for coordinated community action.

· Access was identified as the greatest unmet need in Saline County’s food system, with cost cited as the primary barrier to healthy food.

· Half of the survey respondents reported struggling to stretch their food budget through the end of the month.

· Residents expressed strong personal value for healthy and local food, but perceived that community-wide support for local food is lower than individual interest.

· Participants consistently called for more education, stronger local food infrastructure, and increased affordability of healthy and locally produced foods.

The report evaluates six interconnected sectors of the food system: 

Produce, Process, Distribute, Access, Consume, and Recover, highlighting opportunities to strengthen local agriculture, improve access to nutritious food, reduce food waste, and better support producers and consumers alike.

FACT emphasizes that this assessment is not intended to be a static document, but a living resource to inform policy discussions, guide grant funding, support collaboration, and shape future initiatives aimed at building a healthier, more equitable food system in Saline County. 

<a href="http://bit.ly/SaCoFood25">To view the full Saline County Food Assessment, visit here. </a>

To stay updated on FACT initiatives and activities, and learn how to get involved, visit <a href="http://eatwellsalinecounty.com">eatwellsalinecounty.com</a>.

Saline County Food Action Community Team releases final food system assessment, identifying strengths and gaps

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.

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

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 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

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 16 - January 18

SEDGWICK COUNTY —On Thursday morning, the Sedgwick County Zoo reported a&nbsp;wild bird showing potential signs of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) had been found on zoo grounds, according to the a social media report from the zoo.

The zoo sent samples out for conclusive testing.

Out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of their birds, the zoo is increasing their HPAI biosecurity protocols while awaiting the final results.

What this means for your visit: The Australia/South America walk-through habitat is temporarily closed

 Flamingos, storks, cranes, and penguins will not be visible as often. 

"The health and safety of our animals is always our top priority. We'll keep you updated as we learn more. We appreciate your understanding and support as we prioritize animal welfare."

Signs of bird flu reported at zoo in Kansas 

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Investigators believe the missing mother of “Today” show host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/savannah-guthrie">Savannah Guthrie</a>&nbsp;is “still out there,” but they have not identified any suspects, a sheriff in Arizona said Thursday.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos also said DNA tests showed blood found on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-nancy-042abd04a6d87e14eecb22f0bc2893d1">Nancy Guthrie</a>&nbsp;’s porch came back a match to her. Authorities think she was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-0d6b55fd24f54b2526fd5f8894a52ff2">taken from her home</a>&nbsp;in Tucson against her will over the weekend.

“Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home,” Nanos said at a news conference five days after she was reported missing. The sheriff, however, acknowledged that authorities have no proof she is still alive.

A day earlier, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released an emotional&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-nancy-guthrie-mom-missing-88e8731270d05e6e667730d2ed8633d3">message to her 84-year-old mother’s kidnapper</a>, but there has been no public sign of a response.

Savannah Guthrie said her family is ready to talk but wants proof their mom is still alive. In the heart-wrenching video posted on social media Wednesday, she acknowledged hearing media reports about a ransom letter.

“We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated,” Savannah Guthrie said while reading from a prepared statement. “We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us.”

She was last seen Saturday night when she was dropped off at her Tucson home by family after having dinner with them, the sheriff’s department said.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-74d845b070fefe2d94cb92d655308e91">She was reported missing</a>&nbsp;about 14 hours later on Sunday after she didn’t show up at a church.

Guthrie has limited mobility, and officials don’t believe she left on her own. A sheriff’s dispatcher said during the search Sunday that Guthrie has high blood pressure, a pacemaker and heart issues, according to audio from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.broadcastify.com/">broadcastify.com</a>.

The neighborhood’s desert terrain can make looking for people difficult, said Jim Mason, longtime commander of a search-and-rescue team in Maricopa County that isn’t involved in the search. He said it can be hard to see into areas dense with mesquite trees, cholla cactus and desert brush.

“Some of it is so thick you can’t drive through it,” Mason said.

At least three media organizations have reported receiving purported ransom notes that they handed over to investigators. The sheriff’s department has said it was taking the notes and other tips seriously but declined to comment further.

A note emailed Monday to the KOLD-TV newsroom in Tucson included information that only the abductor would know, anchor Mary Coleman told CNN. It also included a dollar amount and a deadline, she said.

“When we saw some of those details, it was clear after a couple of sentences that this might not be a hoax,” she said in an interview aired Wednesday.

The family posted their plea after police searched in and around Nancy Guthrie’s home for several hours Wednesday.

Investigators returned for the follow-up investigation after being at the home earlier in the week for a couple of days, said Kevin Adger, a spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. He said the sheriff’s department was not commenting on the family's video message.

The Guthrie siblings' message to their mother

Savannah Guthrie was emotional during the recording, with her voice cracking. She addressed her mother directly, saying the family was praying for her and that people were looking for her.

“Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God’s precious daughter,” she said.

Savannah Guthrie described her mother as a “kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light” and said she was funny, spunky and clever.

“Talk to her and you’ll see,” she said.

Guthrie was flanked by her sister Annie and her brother Camron.

“Mamma, If you’re listening, we need you to come home. We miss you,” Annie Guthrie said.

President Donald Trump posted on social media that he was directing federal authorities to help where they can, after the White House said he spoke with Savannah Guthrie on Wednesday.

A couple hundred people prayed and placed lit candles on an altar during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/vigil-held-at-tucson-church-for-kidnapped-mother-of-nbc-today-show-host-savannah-guthrie-7139ba07fe7b4c1c978b70d24a9e9e0a">a vigil at a Tucson church</a>.

Jeremy Thacker had tears in his eyes as he described the heartbreak and helplessness. He worked with Savannah Guthrie at an Arizona news station. They shared losing their fathers at a young age, and his own sister was kidnapped when he was young.

Thacker said he knew Nancy Guthrie to be sharp, grounded and earnest.

“We’re all holding our breath,” Thacker said.

Sheriff: No suspects, 'Today' show host missing mother 'is still out there'

RILEY COUNTY —The Riley County Police Department has received multiple calls regarding possible Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the Manhattan area on Thursday morning, according to a social media statement from police.

The Riley County Police Department confirms there were operations that were conducted. RCPD was not involved in these operations. 

The RCPD advised the public to refer all questions to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Police issue statement on ICE operations underway in Manhattan

DAMASCUS – U.S. forces conducted five strikes against multiple ISIS targets across Syria, Jan. 27 – Feb. 2, as partner forces continue to apply military pressure to ensure the enduring defeat of the terrorist network, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

CENTCOM forces located and destroyed an ISIS communication site, critical logistics node, and weapons storage facilities with 50 precision munitions delivered by fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned aircraft.

“Striking these targets demonstrates our continued focus and resolve for preventing an ISIS resurgence in Syria,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. “Operating in coordination with coalition and partner forces to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS makes America, the region and the world safer.”

U.S. and partner forces launched Operation Hawkeye Strike in response to a Dec. 13 attack on U.S. and Syrian forces in Palmyra. The ISIS ambush resulted in the death of two U.S. service members and an American interpreter.

After nearly two months of targeted operations, more than 50 ISIS terrorists have been killed or captured. CENTCOM forces killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim during a deliberate strike in northwest Syria on Jan. 16. The terrorist leader was directly connected with the ISIS gunman responsible for the Dec. 13 attack.

U.S. forces strike more ISIS targets in Syria

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A suspect charged in connection with a violent abduction shown on a doorbell video in Wichita was back in court Wednesday for a preliminary hearing. Daniel T. Espitia Guevara, 22., was sentenced to a year of probation, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

He pleaded no contest to charges of aggravated domestic battery and misdemeanor counts of domestic battery and  criminal restraint.

Espita Guevara is also on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold.

On October 12, the Wichita Police Department asked for the community’s help in identifying and locating a woman in a doorbell video who was seen being taken by force on October 12, at approximately 2 AM., in the 1400 block of North Volutsia in Wichita.

Just after 3p.m. October 14, Wichita Police Investigators received a phone call, from a woman claiming to be the individual investigators were attempting to identify. Investigators immediately responded to her location, made contact, and transported her to City Hall so detectives could conduct a victim interview. Police confirmed the identity of the woman as a 35-year-old who lives in the area where the video was captured. Police determined the incident is a case of domestic violence where the woman was victimized by her boyfriend. The woman did not have any significant injuries.

Just after 7 p.m. October 14, officers with the Wichita Police Domestic Intervention and Violence Reduction team (DIVRT) located and arrested Guevara and booked him into jail.

Espita Guevara faces a separate trial for the immigration accusations, according to the district attorney's office.

Kan. doorbell camera abduction video suspect learns his fate

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://statesnewsroom.com/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — A federal judge this week closed the lawsuit Planned Parenthood filed last summer after Republicans’ “big, beautiful” law blocked Medicaid patients from visiting its clinics for any health care appointments for one year.&nbsp;

Planned Parenthood filed notice with the court Friday that it had dismissed “without prejudice all claims against” the Trump administration in the case. Massachusetts District Court Judge Indira Talwani issued an electronic order Monday closing the case “Pursuant to Plaintiffs’ Notice of Voluntary Dismissal without Prejudice.”

The law prevents people on Medicaid from being seen at Planned Parenthood facilities through early July, when the one-year period would expire.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America President and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson wrote in a statement released last week that President Donald Trump “and his allies in Congress have weaponized the federal government to target Planned Parenthood at the expense of patients —&nbsp; stripping people of the care they rely on.&nbsp;

“Through every attack, Planned Parenthood has never lost sight of its focus: ensuring patients can get the care they need from the provider they trust. That will never change. Care continues, as does our commitment to fighting for everyone’s freedom to make their own decisions about their bodies, lives, and futures.”

The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment from States Newsroom.&nbsp;

Talwani&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/one-big-beautiful-law-provision-planned-parenthood-funding-partly-blocked-judge" target="_blank">originally ruled for Planned Parenthood</a>&nbsp;in the case, temporarily blocking the defunding provision from taking effect. But an appeals court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/appeals-court-allows-provision-freezing-medicaid-funding-planned-parenthood" target="_blank">later overturned that decision</a>, allowing the Trump administration to legally withhold Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood.&nbsp;

Talwani was nominated by former President Barack Obama.

The provision in Republicans’ “big, beautiful” law that blocks all Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood was originally slated to last for a decade, but the final version covered one year.&nbsp;

Federal law for decades has barred spending from covering abortions with limited exceptions for rape, incest, or the woman’s life.&nbsp;

So the new language prevented Medicaid patients from scheduling appointments at Planned Parenthood for other types of health care, like annual physicals, cancer screenings, or birth control appointments.&nbsp;

Shireen Ghorbani, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/planned-parenthood-sues-trump-administration-officials-over-defunding-provision-budget-bill" target="_blank">filed the lawsuit</a>&nbsp;along with Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts and Planned Parenthood Federation of America, wrote in a statement that its health care providers would “continue to see patients and deliver on our mission to provide high-quality care and education to everyone who needs it, no matter where they live or how much money they make.”&nbsp;

A Planned Parenthood spokesperson, who did not want to comment on the record, said that certain clinics may choose to cover the cost of treating Medicaid patients, even though the clinic will not receive reimbursement from the federal government under the law.&nbsp;

Angela Vasquez-Giroux, vice president of communications at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, wrote in a statement that the organization’s “health centers initially shielded the overwhelming majority of patients who rely on Medicaid from the harm of this cruel law. Unfortunately, the consequences for patients will worsen considerably over time as health centers close, costs rise, and access to their trusted provider is pushed further out of reach.”

Planned Parenthood ends suit against Trump admin. over serving Medicaid patients

KANSAS CITY —A woman was rescued from a storm drain Wednesday near the Ameristar Casino in Kansas City.

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. She was listed in stable condition, according to Hopkins. No other injuries were reported. There is no word on just how she became stuck in the drain.

Woman trapped for hours inside storm drain in Kansas City

MARION COUNTY—A third Kansas school district in less than a month is canceling classes and other activities due to illness.

On Wednesday, Centre School District USD 397 announced they will not have class the rest of the week due to illness, according to the school district social media page.&nbsp;The district includes students in pre-k through 12th grade.&nbsp;

On Monday, USD 511 Attica reported there would be no school or other activities due to sickness. The district expects to hold classes and participate other activities starting Thursday, according to the district's social media page.

On January 14, Fairfield USD 310 canceled classes and participation in activities due to illness.

Another Kan. school district cancels classes due to illness

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — NBC “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie sent a public message to her 84-year-old mother’s kidnapper on Wednesday saying that her family is ready to talk but wants proof that she is alive.

Guthrie said in a recorded video posted on social media that her family has heard media reports about a ransom letter for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-0d6b55fd24f54b2526fd5f8894a52ff2">Nancy Guthrie</a>, who authorities believe was taken from her home in Arizona against her will.

She was last seen around 9:45 p.m. Saturday, when she was dropped off at home by family after having dinner with them, the sheriff’s department said. She was reported missing midday Sunday after she didn’t appear at a church.

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