Saline County Commissioners have officially proclaimed September as "Recovery Month."

During the Saline County Commission meeting on Tuesday, August 12th,&nbsp;Kansas Certified Peer Mentor &amp; Harm Reduction Specialist for CKF Addiction Treatment, Justin Keen spoke to county commissioners about officially proclaiming September as "Recovery Month" across Saline County.

According to CKF, "Recovery Month" is a time to recognize the strength, resilience and hope found in recovery. It’s a chance to celebrate individuals and families who are healing and to raise awareness about the resources and support available in the community. CKF solely believes that recovery is possible and is committed to walking alongside those on that journey.

Keen stated that he is a person-in-recovery and emphasizes those who are currently struggling with addiction. He expressed the support he received from others during his recovery journey.

"I spent many years in addiction and I know what it is like to be there and to feel hopeless," said Keen. "One really important thing for me was the people who believed in me and loved me when I could not myself. This is why I love the work that I do at CKF."

With this proclamation, Keen hopes to 'break the stigma' when it comes the negative outlook people struggling with addiction may experience.

"Addicts are not horrible people, they are people who are stuck in a bad place," he said. "They may do bad things, but they are not bad people."

CKF will celebrate Recovery Month with a celebration on&nbsp;Saturday, September 6 at&nbsp;617 E. Elm Street from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm. The event will be a family-friendly evening full of music, food, memories and fun. Testimonies will have a chance to get shared and messages of hope as CKF and the community can come together in strength, remembrance and celebration.

During the event, CKF will honor&nbsp;the life and legacy of <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/76f9f196-673b-4542-ad4b-a3af40ae1ab3">Don Greene</a>, former Director of Pathfinder Recovery Services. Don Greene was a mentor, leader and friend whose belief in recovery helped shape CKF. He built lasting programs, guided many of us, and brought heart and humor to everything he did.

The event is open and free to the public and CKF encourages the community to attend, learn and connect. Lawn chairs are encouraged.

Link to make a donation to CKF:&nbsp;<a href="https://ckfaddictiontreatment.org/donation/">https://ckfaddictiontreatment.org/donation/</a>

Additionally, CKF will be expanding their services with a new youth-focused space coming soon to 509 E. Elm Street.

Designed for youth ages 12–17, this welcoming environment "The Nest at Pathfinder" will offer support, peer services, education, life skills, family support and more. Pathfinder Recovery Center is also rebranding as Pathfinder Community Center and relocating in 2025, with the same commitment to care and connection in a refreshed space.

For more information about CKF Addiction Treatment:&nbsp;<a href="https://ckfaddictiontreatment.org/">https://ckfaddictiontreatment.org/</a>

National Recovery Month Cause: Promote awareness of mental health and substance use recovery and reduce the stigma surrounding these disorders. 

National Recovery month&nbsp;is dedicated to supporting those in recovery from mental health and substance use disorders. Throughout September, organizations spread awareness, educate the public, and celebrate the achievements of people in recovery while reinforcing the message that treatment is effective, and recovery is possible. &nbsp;Why it is important: In 2023 alone, more than&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/addiction-statistics">54 million people</a>&nbsp;in the US needed treatment for substance abuse disorders. However, only&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/addiction-statistics">23% of those</a>&nbsp;received the treatment they needed due to cost, feelings of shame, or a lack of access to appropriate help. Even more worryingly, the relapse rate for substance use disorders is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/addiction-statistics">40-60%</a>.&nbsp;

National Recovery Month promotes understanding and support for individuals and families affected by mental health or substance use disorders and raises awareness of treatment options.&nbsp;

CKF celebrates proclamation of September as "Recovery Month"

SALINE COUNTY —Five teens were injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Tuesday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford Edge driven by Zackary L&nbsp;Vaughan, 17, Salina, was westbound on Interstate 70 and took exit for Interstate 135 southbound. The SUV was traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver was unable to negotiate the curve and the vehicle traveled into the ditch.

EMS transported Vaughan and passengers Xajavier J.&nbsp;Gray, 15;&nbsp; Chad R. Bennett, 15; Ray M. Jayden, 17, and Logan D&nbsp;Picking, 17, all of Salina to Salina Regional Health Center. All five were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Salina teens hospitalized after SUV travels into a ditch

After isolated scattered storms until Wednesday, heat indices are expected to reach back up to the 100's from Thursday and into the weekend in Central Kansas.

According to the US National Weather Service, isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms will remain possible areawide on Tuesday and over southeast Kansas till Wednesday. 

A return to triple digit heat indices is expected by Thursday and persisting through at least the weekend.

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>.

Central Kansas Weather Forecast: August 12 - August 16

The Salina Arts &amp; Humanities (SAH) Foundation announces that the application process is open for projects funded in 2026 in two categories of the Horizons Grants Program.

The Lana Jordan Developing Artist Grants, and the Organizational Project Grants are open for application with a deadline of November 1, 2025. These grants support artistic growth and special projects through Saline County’s cultural and nonprofit organizations and practicing artists.

Thanks to generous donors, Horizons grants assist Saline County artists and organizations in developing the artistic, cultural, and aesthetic resources of the community.

The Lana Jordan Developing Artist Grants (up to $3,000, requiring a 1:2 match) are available to any visual, performing, literary and interdisciplinary artist who has demonstrated seriousness to an art form. Artists living in Saline County, KS, for at least one year and who are 18 years or older are eligible to apply.

The purpose of the Lana Jordan Developing Artist Grant is to:

· strengthen the ability of artists to build partnerships

· implement a public component to engage the community

Organizational Project Grants (up to $6,000, requiring a 1:1 match) provide support for projects that place the arts at the heart of community development.

In either category, the grant application deadline is November 1, 2025, for projects that will occur during the 2026 grant cycle (February 1 - November 30, 2026.)

All new applicants for the Lana Jordan Developing Artists Grants or Organizational Project Grants must schedule a meeting with SAH staff by September 20, 2025.

All returning applicants must notify SAH staff of their intent to apply by October 4, 2025.

Additionally, Horizons Enrichment Grants (up to $1,000) are available on an ongoing basis, with applications submitted four to six weeks before the beginning of the proposed project.

Horizons Enrichment Grants are open until November 15, 2025, for projects that take place in 2025.

Grant Writing Workshop Scheduled for August 28

SAH will be hosting a grant writing workshop led by Sarah Bishop of Coneflower Consulting on Thursday, August 28 at 6:00 pm in the community room at the Smoky Hill Museum (211 W Iron Ave.)&nbsp;

This session will prepare attendees to begin writing a first draft of a grant application and is open to individuals of all interests and disciplines. The workshop is free, and registration is required through Eventbrite to participate at: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grant-writing-workshop-with-sarah-bishop-tickets-1538109118779?utm-campaign=social&amp;utm-content=attendeeshare&amp;utm-medium=discovery&amp;utm-term=listing&amp;utm-source=cp&amp;aff=ebdsshcopyurl">https://bit.ly/GrantWorkshop828l</a>

Visit <a href="https://www.salinaarts.com/horizons-grants-program/">https://www.salinaarts.com/horizons-grants-program/</a> for grant guidelines and applications.

Staff are available to assist applicants in formulating a successful grant proposal. 

If you or your organization is interested in applying, please call Anna Pauscher Morawitz at (785) 309-5770 or email anna.pauscher@salina.org to schedule an appointment to discuss a proposal.

Salina Arts & Humanities opens grant applications for local artists 

KANSAS CITY, MO - The Phil Collins Experience, hailed as “the most authentic Phil Collins tribute in the U.S.,” is thrilled to announce a unforgettable evening at The Folly Theater (300 W. 12th St., Kansas City, MO) on October 11th&nbsp;at 7:30 pm&nbsp;

This dynamic multimedia production celebrates the legendary music of Phil Collins and Genesis.

Fronted by Englishman Terry Adams Jr., KC Magazine’s “Best Male Vocalist,” the ensemble perfectly recaptures the look, sound, and feel of Phil Collins in his prime.

Adams performs with unmatched authenticity on a left-handed drum kit, backed by a world-class 12-piece band complete with horns and backing vocals that breathe life into every beloved hit, from “In the Air Tonight” and “Sussudio” to “Invisible Touch” and “That’s All.”

Launched in 2018, The Phil Collins Experience has toured the nation, delivering jaw-dropping performances at festivals, theaters, and private events, earning its reputation as a must-see production for fans everywhere.

Tickets on sale now at: <a href="https://orders.follytheater.org/ChooseSeats/28402">https://orders.follytheater.org/ChooseSeats/28402</a>

For more information: <a href="http://thephilcollinsexperience.com">thephilcollinsexperience.com </a>

<a href="http://thephilcollinsexperience.com"></a>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/philcollinsexperience">https://www.facebook.com/philcollinsexperience</a>&nbsp;

The Folly Theater is a world-class theater. Her exterior is a marvel, her interior comfortable and elegant. Her acoustics have been compared to Carnegie Hall.

Today, the Folly is filled with the sounds of children’s giggles, thunderous applause for world-class performers, and the clink of toasting glasses. We invite you to share in the history and magic of the Folly Theater. Location &amp; Parking Info: https://follytheater.org/about/location-and-parking/

Tickets on sale now for The Phil Collins Experience in October

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) Community Health Promotion program has announced the recipients of this year’s Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) Community grant. 

In total, the State Fiscal Year 2026 CDRR program covers: 15 grantees, 25 counties and 1,972,817 Kansans (65.5 percent of the total Kansas population).&nbsp;

The CDRR Community Grant Program provides funding, training and technical assistance to communities to address chronic disease risk reduction through evidence-based strategies that impact tobacco use, physical activity and nutrition. 

Strategies include reducing secondhand smoke exposure, preventing youth from using tobacco, promoting tobacco treatment and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fkansas.quitlogix.org%2Fen-US%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001989f3a7f83-fa22eb86-78ed-4b29-a8d2-0df7a84f470f-000000/fJjwWvf9jfsKlomQn88cgV2MGPP6OCps8dYc2KxYkGw=418">Kansas Tobacco Quitline</a>, increasing physical activity, and improving community nutrition.&nbsp;

“This program helps grantees show the power of local partnerships in creating long-term health improvements,” Mende Barnett, KDHE Section Director for Community Health Promotion, said. “We’re excited to continue this work together to reduce chronic disease and strengthen communities.

The 2026 CDRR Grantees and the counties they cover include:

Learn more about the CDRR Community Grant Program at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F1063%2FChronic-Disease-Risk-Reduction-Community%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001989f3a7f83-fa22eb86-78ed-4b29-a8d2-0df7a84f470f-000000/MWDuVZbyPJ99U0XYNYqGx9qgJtflP_k2HzL4JV88jmw=418">kdhe.ks.gov/1063</a>

Tammy Walker Cancer Center receives grant to better address chronic disease risk reduction 

The Saline County Sheriff's Office has announced an arrest has been made from the&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/40a222d9-891c-48f4-8d5a-7152beb5d5d0">Most Wanted list for August.</a>

According to the Sheriff's Office, suspect, Jeffrey Harker was arrested on Tuesday, August 12. Harker was taken into custody and booked into the Saline County Jail on the following requested charges:

Failure to appear; Use/poss. drug paraphernalia/human body; Poss. of marijuana; Poss. of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant.

View&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/40a222d9-891c-48f4-8d5a-7152beb5d5d0">Saline County's Most Wanted list for August 2025</a>

Saline County Sheriff's Most Wanted suspect for August arrested 

Salina man was arrested after driving recklessly and avoiding medical treatment.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Monday, August 11 at around 5:30 am, an officer went to the area of 9th and Pleasanthill Rd., regarding a man complaining of an injury he sustained after being 'in a fight.'

Reportedly, the man was found in a parked car on the side of the road. Medical personnel was requested by the officer to attend the man's injury. However when medics arrived, the man decided to drive away from the scene.

SPD stated when the man drove away, he struck an electric pole at the corner of Pleasanthill and 9th. The officer at the scene then pursued the man, reaching top speeds of 55 mph.

The pursuit eventually came to a close after the man drove into a ditch in the 2400 block of N. 9th. The man was identified as 36-year old, Christopher Ebinger.

Ebinger was then arrested after the pursuit without incident. He is facing requested charges of:

Flee and elude, Reckless driving, Speeding, No headlights and&nbsp;Improper driving on laned roadway.

Salina man arrested after driving recklessly and avoiding medical treatment

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;Beckwith, Reagan Danyale

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation&nbsp;

NAME:&nbsp;Ebinger, Christopher Edward

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Defective headlamps' Flee or attempt to elude; reckless driving; Duty of driver to report; Unattended veh./prop.;unkn.; Improper driving on laned roadway

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Harass by telecom device; Transmit comment/image/text to abuse/threat/har.; Harass by telecom. device; Transmit obscene comment/image/text; Viol. protection order; Stalking/sex asslt./hmn. traf.

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear; Use/poss. drug paraphernalia/human body; Poss. of marijuana; Poss. of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

NAME:&nbsp;Montgomery, Makiah Louise

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, August 12

Salina Commissioners have approved the 2026 budget for the city after a city commission meeting on Monday.

During the city commission meeting, Director, Finance and Administrator Debbie Pack reviewed the process of the 2026 proposed budget, before Commissioners made a decision.

On June 23rd the city commission directed staff to prepare the 2026 budget using the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) of 28.568. This rate is a reduction of .849 mills from the City’s current mill levy rate of 29.417.

The RNR is the property tax rate that would generate the same amount of property tax revenue as the previous year, using the current year's total assessed valuation.&nbsp;

The final proposed 2026 budget excluding transfers and cash reserves includes total expenditures of $155,959,033. The comparable amount for 2025 was $151,892,094.

The overall 2026 budget is about 2.7% higher than the adopted 2025 budget.

Interim City Manager Jacob Wood talked about the proposed budget is not a 'dramatic increase from the prior years' and the 'baseline for the budget was to allow increases in pay for employees.'

"The baseline for the budget was to allow employee increase in pay, but we really held the line in just about everything else as far as operational costs," said Wood. "This is not a dramatic increase from the prior years. I have been working with the City just over six years, and I think this is just about as smooth as the budget process has gone in my tenure here."

Commissioner Mike Hoppock responded to the public after comments were made.

"We make decisions hoping to bring individuals outside of Salina and into the community," said Hoppock. "I am a big believer in sales tax versus property tax, because I like someone from out of county helping us pave our roads."

Hoppock stated that the sales tax has been 'going up' and that it is a testament about the good things that are happening in the community.

"I cannot argue whether the population is going up or down, all I can tell you is we continue to build homes and they continue to be filled," he said. "Our sales tax is increasing, which I think talks well about what is going on in our community."

He also mentioned the most recent established $23 million, 90,000 sq. foot&nbsp; retail seed/agricultural facility by <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5ede60e5-fdc5-4fa8-8a12-1249a4b8db7d">Beck's Hybrids</a>, will go into the 'tax roles' in the future.

"This commission along with the commission before us, made alot of what of, what I consider good decisions that have got us to where we are at now," said Hoppock. "I think our budget is balanced and I think we have done a good job at getting it where we need it to be."

Salina commissioners voted to&nbsp;adopt and appropriate the 2026 annual budget, along with&nbsp;adopting the 2026 Comprehensive Fee Schedule.

<a href="https://agendasuite.org/iip/salina/file/getfile/13593">2026&nbsp;Comprehensive Fee Schedule</a>

🎥 Salina Commissioners approve 2026 budget

The Saline County Sheriff's Office has announced an arrest has been made from the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/40a222d9-891c-48f4-8d5a-7152beb5d5d0">Most Wanted list for August.</a>

According to the Sheriff's Office, suspect, John Bennet was arrested on Monday, August 11. Bennet was taken into custody and booked into the Saline County Jail on the following requested charges:

Theft of prop./services; Value $1,500 to $25,000; ID card; display another's card; Interf. w/LEO; obstr./resist/oppose felony warrant; Outside warrant/NCIC hit (2 requested charges).

View <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/40a222d9-891c-48f4-8d5a-7152beb5d5d0">Saline County's Most Wanted list for August 2025</a>

Arrest made from Saline County Sheriff's August Most Wanted list

<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>

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 11 - August 13

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 8 - August 10

Temperatures are ramping back up after a dropdown last week in Central Kansas.

According the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), heat indices throughout the Central Kansas region are expected to reach over 100 degrees. 

Areas such as Salina, Russell, Hutchinson, Wichita, Harper and Winfield are under a heat advisory for Thursday, August 7 and Friday, August 8. 

Additional areas include Emporia, Eureka, Chanute and Coffeyville for Friday

US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS) advises everyone to take precaution during these times.

Temperatures ramping back up in Central Kansas with heat indices over 100

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 6 - August 8

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 4 - August 6

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 1 - August 3

Three day weather forecast Salina

The US National Weather Service has announced the heat indices around the central Kansas region for Monday.

According to the US National Weather Service, heat index values during the afternoon and early evening for Monday and Tuesday, July 29th are expected to be in the 102 to 109 degree range. Salina is expected to reach a heat index of 106 for Monday, and 105 for Tuesday.

The US National Weather Service advises everyone to be sure to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activity during the afternoon hours.

Heat indices expected to reach over 100 in Central Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Monday that he expected to determine mere moments into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-trump-deadline-putin-423e6a28df5186a48b7383eae41c11c2">his meeting</a>&nbsp;with Russian leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/vladimir-putin">Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;this week whether it would be possible to work out a deal to halt the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war in Ukraine</a>.

“At the end of that meeting, probably the first two minutes, I’ll know exactly whether or not a deal can be made,” Trump said at a White House press conference that he called to announce plans for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">federal takeover of Washington's police force</a>&nbsp;to help combat crime.

He said he thought Friday's sitdown with Putin in Alaska would be "really a feel-out meeting." Trump added that “it’ll be good, but it might be bad” and predicted he may say, "lots of luck, keep fighting. Or I may say, we can make a deal.”

Putin wants to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-trump-summit-ukraine-war-2afea5988bdaca94cae39b7f86fa59ba">lock in Russia’s gains</a>&nbsp;since invading Ukraine in February 2022 as Trump presses for a ceasefire that has remained out of reach. Trump’s eagerness to reach a deal has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-ukraine-territory-russia-trump-putin-summit-5d2079bd13561edac7752d338ea7b93c">raised fears in Ukraine and Europe</a>&nbsp;about such an agreement favoring Russia, without sufficient input from Ukraine. Trump has alternately harshly criticized both leaders after promising — and so far failing — to swiftly end the conflict.

The Trump-Putin meeting so far isn't going to include Zelenskyy

Trump on Monday ducked repeated chances to say that he would push for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to take part in his discussions with Putin, and was especially dismissive of Zelenskyy and his need to be part of an effort to seek peace.

He said the Ukrainian president had been to “a lot of meetings” without managing to halt a war that Russia started. Trump also noted that Zelenskyy had been in power for the duration of the war and said “nothing happened” during that time. He contrasted that with Putin, who has wielded power in Russia for decades.

Trump said that, after his meeting with Putin, “The next meeting will be with Zelenskyy and Putin" but it could also be a meeting with “Putin and Zelenskyy and me.”

European allies have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-trump-putin-european-statement-084569cce3a6b383325b0a8efa37bc6e">pushed for Ukraine's involvement</a>, fearful that discussions could otherwise favor Moscow.

To that point, Trump said he would call Zelenskyy and European leaders after his discussion with Putin to “tell them what kind of a deal — I’m not going to make a deal. It’s not up to me to make a deal.”

Trump spent the early part of his administration decrying Zelenskyy, even suggesting he was a dictator because his country has not held elections during the war. Zelenskyy was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-zelenskyy-oval-office-ukraine-russia-blowup-8aa63e55c859e8fea963911478c376ee">hounded out of the Oval Office</a>&nbsp;in February after Trump and Vice President JD Vance suggested he hadn't been grateful enough for U.S. support.

More recently, Trump has expressed frustration with Putin that Russia hasn't appeared to take a push for a ceasefire more seriously, and softened his tone toward Zelenskyy. His comments Monday suggested he might have had another change of heart.

“President Putin invited me to get involved,” Trump said. He noted that he thought it was “very respectful” that Putin is coming to the U.S. for Friday's meeting, instead of insisting that Trump go to Russia.

“I’d like to see a ceasefire. I’d like to see the best deal that can be made for both parties," Trump said.

The president repeated that any major agreement could involve land swaps, without elaborating. He had threatened Moscow with more economic sanctions if more isn't done to work toward a ceasefire, but suggested Monday that, should Friday's meeting be successful, he could see a day when the U.S. and Russia normalize trade relations.

Putin is expected to be unwavering in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-trump-summit-ukraine-war-2afea5988bdaca94cae39b7f86fa59ba">demands</a>&nbsp;to keep all the territory his forces now occupy and to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO, with the long-term aim of returning it to Moscow’s sphere of influence.

Zelenskyy insists he will never consent to any formal Russian annexation of Ukrainian territory or give up a bid for NATO membership.

Putin believes he has the advantage on the ground as Ukrainian forces struggle to hold back Russian advances along the 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front. On the front lines, few Ukrainian soldiers believe there’s an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-attack-front-lines-52263396fbecbcad8138c6af0ba39cca">end in sight to the war</a>.

Europeans will prepare with a virtual meeting on Ukraine this week

With the Europeans and Ukrainians so far not invited to the summit, Germany sought to prepare by inviting Trump, Zelenskyy, the NATO chief and several other European leaders for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-ukraine-territory-russia-trump-putin-summit-5d2079bd13561edac7752d338ea7b93c">virtual meeting on Wednesday</a>.

The German chancellery said the talks would seek additional ways to pressure Russia and prepare for peace negotiations and “related issues of territorial claims and security.”

Steffen Meyer, spokesperson for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, said the German government “has always emphasized that borders must not be shifted by force” and that Ukraine should decide its own fate “independently and autonomously."

Earlier, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Ukrainian</a>&nbsp;drone attack killed one person and wounded two others in a region some 260 miles (418 kilometers) east of Moscow.

Russia's Defense Ministry said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed a total of 39 Ukrainian drones overnight and Monday morning over several Russian regions as well as over the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014.

🎥Trump explains how he'll know if Putin wants a peace deal with Ukraine

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement continue to make arrests for those involved in sideshows and related activity in Kansas City.

Last weekend police caught suspects running red lights, driving the wrong way into oncoming traffic and performing stunts on Kansas City streets, according to a social media report from the KCPD. "We're cracking down on this illegal behavior."

On Saturday night, police arrested nine suspects, towed eight vehicles, including ATVs on city streets, recovered a&nbsp;stolen vehicle, issued 51 citations, and broke up two sideshows in the making. This resulted from officers assigned to stop lawlessness on the streets and those in the Entertainment District plan.&nbsp; The Clay County Sheriff's Deputies, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Johnson County Sheriff's Deputies and Independence Police assisted.

KCPD makes more arrests for sideshows

SEDGWICK COUNTY — The search for a Kansas man on parole who was wanted in connection with a a&nbsp;fatal shooting outside Wesley Medical Center in Wichita on Monday night is over.

Robert Schoenberger, 47, died of self-inflicted gunshot wound following a standoff with police in Wichita on Tuesday afternoon, according to Police spokesman Andrew Ford.

Just after 2p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the 2300 block of North Somerset after they&nbsp;received information that Schoenberger was inside an apartment in the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A SWAT team was unable to get Schoenberger outside. A drone was deployed inside the apartment and found Schoenberger with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at 4:47 p.m., according to Ford.

On Monday night a rolling disturbance between a female victim and Schoenberger, who had cut off his ankle monitor, occurred while they were in a vehicle together. 

The victim, who was driving, stopped in front of Wesley Medical Center, got out, and tried to get away from Schoenberger.&nbsp; He was still in the passenger seat, opened fire—striking the victim in the upper body.

The victim was rushed into surgery but later died from her injuries. During the gunfire, Wesley Medical Center was also struck.

Witnesses reported seeing Schoenberger running from the area with a firearm.&nbsp;

Police: Suspect wanted for killing woman outside Kan. hospital is dead

MEADE COUNTY —&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorities believe a heat burst spread a wildfire in in southwest Kansas last weekend at&nbsp;Meade State Park.

On August 9, Kansas Forest Service personnel were requested to respond to a wildfire on Meade State Park,&nbsp;southwest of the city of Meade, according to a social media report from the Kansas Forest Service.

The wildfire started around 1:00 am and spread very actively due to a "Heat Burst." A heat burst is a rare meteorological phenomenon characterized by a sudden, localized increase in air temperature typically occurring during the late evening or nighttime hours. 

It is often associated with decaying thunderstorms and is marked by strong gusty winds and a sharp drop in humidity. Heat bursts can cause extreme temperature increases, which was the case in Meade County as temperatures at 12:00 am exceeded 100°F, with wind gusts exceeding 60mph.

Kansas Forest Service personnel worked alongside local responders to contain the wildfire. Western Kansas' vegetation continues to dry out due to a lack of rainfall and windy conditions. Please remain vigilant during outdoor activities.&nbsp;

Forest Service: Heat burst spread Kansas wildfire

WASHINGTON (AP) —Mexico is expelling 26 high-ranking cartel figures to the United States in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cartels-trump-administration-bondi-justice-department-712bdb8f99522ee72ec357492cfa393b">latest major deal</a>&nbsp;with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;’s administration, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The cartel leaders and other prominent figures were being flown from Mexico to the U.S. on Tuesday, the person said. They spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the operation that was still ongoing.

Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office and Security ministry confirmed the transfers, which were carried out after a promise from the U.S. Justice Department that U.S. officials would not seek the death penalty in any of the cases.

Expelled cartel figures include leader of group aligned with notorious cartel CJNG

Those being handed over to U.S. custody include Abigael González Valencia, the brother-in-law of CJNG leader&nbsp;<a href="https://www.state.gov/nemesio-ruben-oseguera-cervantes-el-mencho-2">Nemesio Rubén “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes</a>, a top target of the U.S. government. He was arrested in February 2015 in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, and had been fighting extradition to the United States since then.

Alongside his two brothers, Valencia led “Los Cuinis,” which financed the founding and growth of the CJNG, one of the most powerful and dangerous cartels in Mexico. CJNG traffics hundreds of tons of cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States and other countries and is known for extreme violence, murders, torture and corruption.

Another person, Roberto Salazar, is accused of participating in the 2008 killing of a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The Trump administration made dismantling dangerous drug cartels a key priority, designating CJNG and seven other Latin American organized crime groups&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gangs-cartels-sinaloa-aragua-trump-terrorist-organizations-b223f4eb513105fb8d965f80a6cecfeb">foreign terrorist organizations.</a>

Transfers of cartel leaders come ahead of US tariffs on Mexico

The transfers come days before 25%&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-canada-mexico-exemption-969a4cfb03638ce9d6c0ffad2b98b4b1">tariffs on Mexican imports</a>&nbsp;are to take effect. Late last month, Trump spoke with Mexican President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-claudia-sheinbaum-woman-president-aa24527fc05dafa9e30b28e4bb40ccbd">Claudia Sheinbaum</a>&nbsp;and agreed to put off threatened 30%&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trade-tariffs-china-deadline-ad2c003e9a709a1dfdfc9a9fd3798baf">tariffs</a>&nbsp;for another 90 days to allow for negotiations.

Sheinbaum has shown a willingness to cooperate more on security than her predecessor, specifically being more aggressive in pursuit of Mexico’s cartels.

But she has drawn a clear line when it comes to Mexico’s sovereignty, rejecting suggestions by Trump and others of intervention by the U.S. military.

Fugitives wanted for violent crimes returned to the U.S. from Mexico 

MEADE COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Tuesday in Meade County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Polaris ATV driven by&nbsp; Timothy Neal&nbsp; Beckerman, 63, Inman, was eastbound on a private property field road in the 22000 Block of B Road in Fowler. The driver accelerated, the ATV struck a tree and he was thrown off the vehicle on impact.

Beckerman was pronounced dead at the scene and transported Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary.

Kansas man dies after ATV strikes a tree

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City area man faces charges for that fatal shooting that occurred in northeast Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson .

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2701/Arel-Dawkins-RED-COMPLAINT-AD">Arel Dawkins</a>, 36,&nbsp;faces 1st Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2700/Arel-Dawkins-RED-PC-AD">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to a residence on Morrell Avenue in the northeast neighborhood in Kansas City on August 6 and located the victim on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced deceased on the scene.&nbsp;

Based on eyewitness testimony and surveillance footage, Dawkins ran over the victim with his Ford F-150, then got out and shot her multiple times at close range while she was on the ground after premeditation. He walked toward the street, turned back, and fired at her again. After reloading his weapon, he returned and shot her again before driving away.&nbsp;

Dawkins' cell phone also pinged in the area of the crime scene just prior to the homicide.&nbsp;

Court records: Suspect ran over victim with pickup and shot her

SHAWNEE COUNTY– Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas Sex Offender on drug allegations after a traffic stop

Just before 3:30p.m., August 8, a K-9 Unit with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a black 1997 Ford F-150 pickup truck in the 3400 block of NW Frontage Road for an improper turn, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, the deputy found illegal narcotics.

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