Salina is ready to welcome the 9th Kansas Burlington store next week with a grand opening.

<a href="https://www.burlington.com/">Burlington Stores Inc.</a>,&nbsp;a national discount retailer offering low prices every day on brand name merchandise for the entire family and home, is officially opening their doors in Salina on Friday, August 15th at the&nbsp;Mid State Plaza on 2450 S. 9th.&nbsp;The grand opening will be celebrated with a ribbon cutting event.

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, on&nbsp;Friday and Saturday August 15 &amp; 16&nbsp;the first 100 customers, aged 18 and up, enjoy a $10 Bonus Card to be used toward their purchase.

“Our goal is to continue to offer area residents tremendous value on brand name merchandise for the entire family and home,” said Michael O’Sullivan, CEO, Burlington Stores. “We’re continuing to expand our footprint across the country and are excited to be opening a new store in Salina. We look forward to giving local customers the chance to discover big savings on a wide range of products.”&nbsp;

Not only will Burlington offer great deals, but they will also donate $5,000 to a selected local high-needs school through their long-standing partnership with the national non-profit organization&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="about:blank">AdoptAClassroom.org</a>.

According to Burlington, the funds will be used to provide students with classroom materials they need to learn and succeed.&nbsp;The presentation of the donation to the local school community will take place at the ribbon cutting ceremony.&nbsp;

Those interested in working for the store are encouraged to visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://burlingtonstores.jobs/career-site-category/store-associate/position-category/new-store-openings/jobs/">BurlingtonStores.jobs</a>&nbsp;to apply online for a variety of exciting and rewarding positions.&nbsp;

For more information about Burlington, visit:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.burlington.com">www.burlington.com</a>.

Burlington Stores, Inc., headquartered in New Jersey, is a nationally recognized off-price retailer with Fiscal 2024 net sales of $10.6 billion. The Company is a Fortune 500 company and its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “BURL.” The Company operated 1,115 stores as of the end of the first quarter of Fiscal 2025 in 46 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, principally under the name Burlington Stores. The Company’s stores offer an extensive selection of in-season, high-quality branded merchandise at up to 60% off other retailers' prices, including fashion-focused women’s apparel, menswear, youth apparel, baby, beauty, footwear, accessories, home, toys, gifts and coats. &nbsp;

AdoptAClassroom.org&nbsp;believes every child deserves the tools and materials they need to learn and thrive in school. To achieve this, teachers are spending an average of $860 of their own money each year on their classrooms.&nbsp;AdoptAClassroom.org&nbsp;is a national nonprofit that funds PreK-12 teachers and schools across the U.S. to help equip more classrooms and students for success, and offset the financial burden on teachers. Since 1998,&nbsp;AdoptAClassroom.org&nbsp;has raised $73 million and equipped more than 7 million students across the U.S. 90% of all funded classrooms are considered high needs. The 501(c)(3) holds the highest 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and the highest transparency rating offered by Candid/GuideStar. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.adoptaclassroom.org&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=EJ8lPn3CS79b-sA4ljp-U4RsN8_iB80P3JvPEatNQQ0&amp;r=KKqONzuJ1EtCxdrC6yWThc23SEW7iIAUSSvJLOTLRPE&amp;m=aErK_yx6mP0ixilR0cd4bJ5hWCl0J9cJBYeYQHLezYHPTSPzfbH0rrn3hfqJ_rsi&amp;s=m7IbGOcHBZUzvLMPk5sMGiURICKHDbW_uxV40UtJcnU&amp;e=">www.adoptaclassroom.org</a>.

Burlington set to open in Salina

Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau

ABILENE - There’s still time for Kansas families to enjoy free admission to top attractions in Abilene through the Sunflower Summer program, which runs through Friday, August 8.

Participating attractions still available this week include: 

Abilene &amp; Smoky Valley Railroad

Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum&nbsp;

To date, nearly 7,000 tickets have been claimed at Abilene attractions through this year’s program.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Kansas Legislature for continuing to fund this program and to Kansas Tourism for administering it,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau. “The impact is twofold: supporting local tourism and providing Kansas kids with fun, educational, and family-friendly experiences.”

Learn more at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.sunflowersummer.org/">www.SunflowerSummer.org</a>.

The Sunflower Summer program provides complimentary admission to more than 230 attractions across the state, has extending its program until&nbsp;Friday, August 8th.&nbsp;

Participating attractions include museums, discovery centers, historic sites, arboretums, zoos and more. The full list of attractions participating in the 2025 Sunflower Summer program can be found on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fsunflowersummer.org%2F/1/01010197eb450097-5520da5c-be16-443d-aee6-cd26ba30e7e1-000000/6iWXPonvYPpvvXiay0tPmIcijH-XT6uRT4CZeWVPqY4=412">SunflowerSummer.org</a>&nbsp;and on the mobile app.&nbsp;

The Sunflower Summer program is open to all Kansas school-aged students, pre-K through 12th grade, including public, private and homeschooled. Out-of-state students and families are not eligible to participate. The program covers admission costs for eligible students and one adult guardian per attraction, per season. Tickets can be claimed through the free Sunflower Summer app and redeemed at the venue upon arrival. You can download the Sunflower Summer app at the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fapps.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Fsunflower-summer%2Fid1574268821/1/01010197eb450097-5520da5c-be16-443d-aee6-cd26ba30e7e1-000000/lxOezytosbDVIdhQYVah2PF0bnplJ1lsAzJef2A6DzU=412">Apple App Store</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid=com.slcket.sunflower%26hl=en_US%26gl=US%26pli=1/1/01010197eb450097-5520da5c-be16-443d-aee6-cd26ba30e7e1-000000/Zhtt8dlFczKPsm-y6zYAOJc9AbKvg_roBJqiqXRahw4=412">Google Play Store</a>&nbsp;or at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fsunflowersummer.org%2F/2/01010197eb450097-5520da5c-be16-443d-aee6-cd26ba30e7e1-000000/Jg29JDaM5RfB1IKebpTcE0E1CxuYDp_R3qhH5InaeQ0=412">SunflowerSummer.org</a>.

To share your Sunflower Summer experiences on social media, use the hashtags&nbsp;#ToTheStarsKS&nbsp;and&nbsp;#SunflowerSummer&nbsp;as you post your travels.

Time to still experience Abilene's attractions through Sunflower Summer program 

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 obituary policy (subject to change)

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="mailto:admin@salinapost.com">admin@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.

Recent obituaries and service times

<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.

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 6 - August 8

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.

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Contempt of Court; Direct

NAME:&nbsp;Blaskowski, John Sylvester

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; Operate a MV w/o a valid license

NAME:&nbsp;Clark, Christopher TaeVyon

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss. drug paraphernalia/human body; Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity; Poss. of marijuana

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg. assault; w/ deadly weapon; Unsafe turning or stopping - Fail to Signal; Following too close; Reckless Driving

Saline County Jail Bookings, August 6

If you enjoy gardening, learning, and giving back as a volunteer, consider becoming an Extension Master Gardener in 2025.&nbsp; Central Kansas District K-State Research and Extension will be offering the 2025 Master Gardener Basic Training Course starting September 4th.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Classes begin September 4th and will run each Thursday through December 4th.&nbsp; This training will be held in a hybrid format online through zoom and will also include 5 in-person training days.&nbsp; Topics covered include: plant growth and development, soils, insects, diseases, pollinators, landscape maintenance, vegetables, growing fruit, turf management, native plants and biodiversity, annual and perennial flowers, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Master Gardeners are K-State Research &amp; Extension volunteers who enjoy cultivating their own plants and gardens while sharing their skills and knowledge with the community around them to help others grow.&nbsp; Volunteering as an Extension Master Gardener is a wonderful way to enrich your life and the lives of others.

The decision to become a Master Gardener can be very rewarding.&nbsp; It is a decision to take your horticulture knowledge to the next level and it is a commitment to find creative ways to make a difference in our community while sharing that knowledge with the people and places around you.

Training is just one great benefit.&nbsp; Master Gardeners receive a 40-hour-plus horticulture training course from K-State Extension specialists and county Extension agents.&nbsp; The basic training provides a great starting point for those new to gardening, but is also in depth enough to apply to gardeners of any skill level.&nbsp; Other benefits of being a Master Gardener include the camaraderie of people who share similar passions, receiving ongoing horticulture training and support through K-State Research and Extension, and other local horticulture opportunities.

Once training is complete, Master Gardeners are encouraged to take their knowledge out to the community to share it with others in unique and meaningful ways.&nbsp; First year Master Gardeners volunteer 30 hours of time and during succeeding years have a commitment of just 20 hours to remain active.

Master Gardener volunteer time can be selected from current Master Gardener projects and can also be tailored to individual abilities and interests.&nbsp; Master Gardeners are encouraged to find their creativity in looking for ways to impact the community.&nbsp; A few activities many Master Gardeners enjoy volunteering on include: &nbsp;the demonstration garden, community gardens, county fairs, and educational garden tours and events.

Space for the course is limited and applications to join the course can be filled out online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.centralkansas.ksu.edu/">www.centralkansas.ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;and are due by August 31st, 2025.&nbsp; &nbsp;Any questions about the 2025 Master Gardener Basic Training Course can be directed to Central Kansas District Horticulture Extension Agent Jason Graves at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jlgraves@ksu.edu">jlgraves@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp; We look forward to hearing from you!&nbsp; K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

K-State Research & Extension announces open applications for Master Gardener training course 

Rolling Hills Zoo is celebrating the arrival of a new addax calf, born on August 2nd about 7:45 a.m. This marks the second calf for mother Felicity and the fifth calf sired by Ajax, the zoo’s resident male addax. This calf is a sibling to Fern, a female addax born to Felicity and Ajax in July 2023.

While confirmation is still pending on the sex of the calf, with this latest birth, Rolling Hills Zoo has now successfully welcomed nine addax calves as part of the ongoing conservation efforts for this species.

Guests hoping to catch a glimpse of the new calf might need a sharp eye as it will often lay low in shallow depressions made by the adults or along the fence line. This instinctive behavior is a natural survival strategy in the wild.

Though Kansas summers can be hot, addax are remarkably adapted to extreme desert climates. These animals can withstand temperatures over 100°F by storing heat during the day and releasing it at night, thanks to a natural cooling system that protects their brains from overheating.

Native to the Sahara Desert, the addax is currently listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is considered one of the most threatened hoofed mammals in the world. Wild populations have been decimated by overhunting, poaching with modern firearms, and the widespread use of off-road vehicles in fragile desert habitats.

This addax birth is an incredible win for this species, and Rolling Hills Zoo is thrilled to welcome another critically endangered addax to the population. With fewer than 100 addaxes left in the wild and just over 180 in managed care across Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited institutions, this species teeters on the brink of extinction. Rolling Hills Zoo is among only 21 AZA-accredited institutions with addaxes in their care and is one of the few places outside of Africa where they can be seen.

The new calf has not yet been named, but guests are invited to visit and see this rare and beautiful addition to the herd—an encouraging sign of hope for a species fighting for survival.

New addax calf arrives to the Rolling Hills Zoo

SALINE COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Tuesday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Chevy Avalanche driven by&nbsp;&nbsp;Ian Patrick&nbsp;Dipaolo, 22, Aurora, Colorado was northbound on Interstate 135 just south of State Street. The Avalanche rear-ended a 2016 GMC Acadia driven by Heather Elaine&nbsp;Chamoff, 45, Bennington, who was stopped due to traffic.&nbsp; The impact pushed the Acadia into a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Thomas Scott&nbsp;Dorland, 22, Castle Rock, Colorado.

EMS transported two passengers in the Avalanche identified as&nbsp;Darley, Baker Andrew Darley, 22, Centennial, Colorado and&nbsp;and Hailie Nicole Rodarte, Parker, Colorado, to Salina Regional Health Center.

There were no others transported for treatment. Rodarte was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

SALINE COUNTY - The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) has provided additional and updated information regarding the vehicle accidents that occurred on&nbsp;Interstate 135 north of Crawford.

According to KHP, just after 4:00 pm the Highway Patrol were notified about a multi-vehicle, non-injury crash on I-135 north of Crawford. Then shortly after, another multi-vehicle crash happened in the same area on the 93 mile marker road. This crash however, resulted in injuries that were non-life threatening.

Furthermore, a third non-injury crash took place on the same road further down from the previous two. 

Then sometime after 5:00 pm, the KHP was notified about an additional non-injury crash that occurred on the southbound side of I-135.

The KHP stated the roads on I-135 north of Crawford are currently starting to open back up.

Salina Post will provide any additional details and updates as they become available.

SALINE COUNTY —First responders are working at least two accident scenes on Interstate 135 north of Crawford.

Northbound traffic is being diverted and is backed up for several miles. There are no initial reports of injuries.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

UPDATE: 2 hospitalized after 3-vehicle crash on I-135

The City of Salina Commissioners have officially announced the finalists for the hiring of the new city manager position and the location of the public meet &amp; greet that will occur on Monday, August 11th.

ORIGINAL: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/9acbf5a2-8179-46a6-8768-08a6082f98e8">City of Salina getting closer to hiring a new city manager, meet &amp; greet next week</a>

According to the City of Salina, the meet &amp; greet will take place at the Stiefel Theatre Watson Room, 151 S. Santa Fe Ave. on Monday from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. This is a great opportunity for people of the community to ask questions, meet and spark meaningful conversations with each of the city manager finalists.&nbsp;

Darrin Tangeman (Orleans, Massachusetts)

Michael Tremblay&nbsp;(Fort George G. Meade, Maryland)

The City of Salina also provided biographies courtesy of&nbsp;Government Professional Solutions:

Darrin&nbsp;Tangeman has over 11 years of executive local government experience, serving as Chief Administrative Officer, City Manager and Town Manager for municipalities in Massachusetts and Colorado. 

Before Tangeman began his local government career, he served as a United States Army Special Forces Officer in the revered Green Berets for 11 years. Darrin has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, a Master of Science in Defense Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado and a third Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Kansas. 

He also has successfully completed the Harvard University Senior Executive in State and Local Government Program. Darrin has been an active member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and has earned the ICMA-Credentialed Manager status. As a member of ICMA, Darrin was a Co-Founder of the ICMA Veterans Local Government Management Fellowship, which he served as the Inaugural Chair.

&nbsp;Michael Tremblay has served in the United States Army since 1995. His more recent assignments have been the CEO of Talent Management for the 1st Brigade as Commander, Chief of Staff at Fort Benning and as Garrison Commander, which is the equivalent as a City Manager, at USAG located in South Korea. 

Tremblay has two master’s degrees. The first is a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College. The second is a Master of Science in Administration/Organizational Leadership from Central Michigan University.

Jacob Wood has over 13 years of executive local government experience, serving as an Assistant City Manager, Deputy City Manager, City Administrator and Interim City Manager with multiple municipalities in Kansas. During that time, he has also served as a Logistics Officer with the United States Army Reserve for 19 years. Wood has a&nbsp;Bachelor of Science and a Master of Public Administration from Kansas State University. 

Wood has also been an active member of the Kansas Association of City/County Managers since 2009, and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) since 2008, where he has earned the ICMA-Credentialed Manager status.

On Tuesday, August 12th&nbsp;the finalists will have closed interviews with the Salina City Commission.

UPDATE: City Manager finalists and location of public meet & greet announced

The Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson

The Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson is thrilled to announce Heather Neuhofel as the inaugural Site Director of the brand-new Boys &amp; Girls Club of Salina. 

With more than a decade of experience in youth development, Heather steps into a historic role—leading the first-ever Club site in Salina and helping to shape what will become a cornerstone for youth and families in the community.

Heather’s career spans work with children from infancy through high school, with a majority of her experience rooted in service through Boys &amp; Girls Clubs across the country. Her work has supported military families, rural communities, and urban populations alike—each time reinforcing her commitment to safe, enriching, and inclusive environments that foster growth through arts, education, sports, and wellness.

Since relocating to Salina in 2021 from the Pacific Northwest, Heather has continued that mission, bringing with her not only a wealth of expertise but also a deep personal understanding of the power of community—shaped by her own upbringing in a military family.

She holds extensive training in youth safety, trauma-informed practices, mental health first aid, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and social-emotional learning frameworks. Heather’s passion lies in creating spaces where young people feel connected and confident—and where families know their children truly belong.

“I am honored and thrilled to bring my experience and passion for the movement to help make the vision of the first ever Boys &amp; Girls Club of Salina a reality,”&nbsp;said Neuhofel.&nbsp;“It’s a privilege to support and help shape the future of this incredible leadership team and community.”

Heather’s appointment marks a milestone for the city of Salina. "As the very first Site Director of the new Salina Club, Heather is in a unique and exciting position to build something lasting from the ground up."&nbsp;shared Lance Patterson. "We are privileged to welcome her to our team and confident that her leadership will positively impact both the Club and the broader Salina community for years to come."

For more information about the upcoming Club opening in Salina, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bgcsalina.com">www.bgcsalina.com</a>

Heather Neuhofel named first-ever Site Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Salina

Saline County authorities are investigating a possible theft of a vehicle, after discovering the car had been abandoned, damaged and burned.

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office on Monday, August 4th, the sheriff's office received a call about an abandoned vehicle parked in the middle of the road with its door open on the 4500 block of E. North St. 

Deputies arrived to the scene and found a 2016 Hyundai Sonata with damage to the windshield and a burnt interior.

Deputies contacted the owner of the vehicle, and the owner stated they lent the car over to a friend. Authorities then contacted the friend and stated they arrived to a home they were visiting on Riverside Dr. in Salina. 

Moreover, the friend said they left the car running in the street outside of the home they were visiting. When they came back outside, the car was gone.

The Sheriff's Office stated the car appeared to have been stolen.

Saline County authorities investigating abandoned, damaged and burned car 

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 4 - August 6

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, 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

3-day weather forecast Salina

Salina will be under a 'Flood Watch' that takes into effect Thursday evening and into Friday, July 25.

According to the US National Weather Service, on Thursday Salina has been a issued a 'Flood Watch' for this evening. Reportedly, heavy rainfall is expected to develop into the afternoon and becoming more widespread overnight, with rainfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour possible.

Be aware on the roads as 'Flash Flooding' is likely, according to the US National Weather Service.&nbsp;The highest flooding risk period will occur from late this afternoon through Friday morning.&nbsp;If water begins rising near your location,&nbsp;immediately seek higher ground. 

Saline County Emergency Management states that the main concerns are low water crossings and low-lying areas, where it's difficult to see the shoulder of the road. Drivers should exercise extreme caution, especially in areas known to flood frequently.

Saline County Emergency Management has listed the flood stages for certain areas:

Mulberry Creek near Salina:&nbsp;Forecasted to crest above flood stage at 24.75 feet overnight. Exercise extreme caution around waterways and low-lying areas.

Smoky Hill River near Mentor:&nbsp;Expected crest at 17.87 feet, nearing moderate flood levels. Avoid areas prone to flooding.

Smoky Hill River near New Cambria:&nbsp;Projected crest at 23.59 feet tonight, causing minor flooding. Monitor conditions and be prepared to move to higher ground.

Everyone is encouraged to stay alert and monitor weather conditions closely.

'Flood Watch' issued in Salina for Thursday evening, heavy rainfall expected in the afternoon

Another round of storms are anticipated to occur on Wednesday evening, after the flooding from Monday evening.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), a round of storms are anticipated for Wednesday evening with the best chances occurring across central Kansas. Reportedly, the strongest storms may produce wind gusts near 60 mph and heavy rainfall.

Salina is depicted to have a 30-60% chance of storms for Wednesday night.

Another round of storms anticipated for Wednesday evening across Central Kansas

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflecto</a>r

LENEXA — Melanie Arroyo lives in two worlds.

There’s the one where the Lenexa City Council member has to “assimilate and perform” like her white counterparts, she said. Then there’s the authentic world, where she is aware of how vulnerable she is in this country, “simply because I’m brown and because I have an accent.”

At Tuesday night’s city council meeting, which was packed with residents who were upset about last week’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-07-31/released-immigration-raids-el-toro-loco-restaurant-lenexa-kansas-city-homeland-security" target="_blank">raid by federal authorities</a>&nbsp;at El Toro Loco restaurants in Lenexa and Kansas City, Kansas, Arroyo revealed that city police had recently investigated her citizenship status and required her to prove her citizenship.

It started with someone complaining to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation about testimony Arroyo submitted in February to a state Senate committee in opposition to a bill that would eliminate in-state tuition for immigrants. The individual — whom the KBI declined to identify — questioned whether Arroyo was a U.S. citizen and eligible to hold public office.

The KBI referred the complaint to Lenexa police, who questioned Arroyo. She hired an attorney and presented documentation from her 2018 naturalization. Police closed the case last week, two days before the El Toro Loco raids.

For Arroyo, the police inquiry was a painful reminder that a single disgruntled resident can disrupt her life by making a false allegation.

Arroyo told Kansas Reflector she decided to talk about her experience after the unrelated federal raid in Lenexa, which raised questions about whether agents had violated the rights of workers who were detained without regard for whether they had committed a crime, had a lawful immigration status, or were U.S. citizens.

Arroyo said the two situations were connected only by the underlying motive, “which is xenophobia.”

“I felt like I had this obligation to come forward with my story, to let people know in Kansas City that everybody needs to wake the f*** up,” Arroyo said. “You guys are still living in 2024, thinking that our judicial processes are intact, and they’re not. I’m living in the summer of 2025, being directly impacted by this, and so we need to adapt to the circumstances that we’re in. And I don’t know what that looks like. I don’t know what the solutions are.”

Those who attended Tuesday night’s council meeting gasped when Arroyo revealed the police inquiry. They responded to her remarks with a standing ovation that lasted 20 seconds before Mayor Julie Sayers restored order with her gavel.

Councilwoman Courtney Eiterich expressed solidarity with Arroyo. Eiterich said her husband is an immigrant and that they have had conversations about whether he needs to keep naturalization papers with him.

In Lenexa and across the country, Eiterich said, authorities carrying out President Donald Trump’s campaign promise of mass deportations are violating constitutional rights with the support of federal courts.

“I teach high school government, and this is really difficult for me to wrap my head around and try to explain to my students how this is happening and what is our role in trying to fix it. And I don’t have any answers,” Eiterich said.

Lenexa city attorney Sean McLaughlin defended the police investigation of Arroyo.

He said Arroyo’s testimony before the Legislature indicated she had overstayed her visa and didn’t acknowledge her naturalization. He pointed to a city ordinance that requires office holders to be citizens.

“We felt we had no choice but to investigate the matter because it is the city’s obligation to ensure compliance with our own ordinances,” McLaughlin told the council.

“We stand behind our actions,” he added.

Arroyo submitted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/committees/ctte_s_fed_st_1/documents/testimony/20250227_25.pdf" target="_blank">written testimony</a>&nbsp;in opposition to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb254/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 254</a>, which was supported by Republican Attorney General Kris Kobach. A Senate committee held&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/03/kansas-republicans-punt-immigration-bill-after-kicking-opponents-out-of-hearing/">a contentious hearing on the proposal</a>&nbsp;in February and advanced the bill in March, but the full Senate never gave it consideration.

The testimony describes her experience growing up as “an undocumented immigrant girl” in the Kansas City area who didn’t speak fluent English. She said she was able to enroll in Kansas universities “with the condition that I resolved my immigration status.” She studied studio art and psychology at the University of Saint Mary and Johnson County Community College, then earned master’s degrees in clinical counseling and art therapy at Emporia State University.

Melissa Underwood, a spokeswoman for the KBI, said a Johnson County resident referenced Arroyo’s testimony in a voicemail left at the agency’s Lenexa office. The KBI referred the matter to city police, Underwood said, because the state agency typically doesn’t investigate immigration-related matters. Underwood said the complaint didn’t come from Kobach.

“The information was sent to the Lenexa Police Department for follow-up as they deemed appropriate,” Underwood said.

In a brief interview after the city council meeting, McLaughlin acknowledged there was no evidence to support a complaint about Arroyo’s citizenship status.

But, he said, “just because evidence doesn’t exist doesn’t mean we don’t investigate.”

Two dozen community members voiced concerns to the council about the investigation of Arroyo and the raid on a local restaurant.

They included Kansas Rep. Susan Ruiz, LGBTQ+ activist Jae Moyer, immigration attorney Anne Parelkar, two pastors, and Roeland Park City Council member Jen Hill, who was Arroyo’s 8th grade English teacher in 2005.

Even then, Hill said, Arroyo’s “voice carried strength, clarity and purpose.”

“It’s because I know her so well that I’m both saddened and outraged by the recent false allegations questioning her citizenship,” Hill said. “These claims are not only entirely unfounded, they are a blatant attempt to discredit her based on her ethnicity, rather than recognizing the immense value of her service and her character.”

Sara Rohleder told the council this was the first local government meeting she had ever attended, and “that’s saying a lot.” She referenced the approximately 150 people who attended the meeting and pointed out that many of them were in the 18-25 age range.

“I’m very concerned,” Rohleder&nbsp; said. “I don’t know what future I have. I don’t know what future my cousins have, who are younger than me. I think this sets a very dangerous precedent. I think this is very, very serious, and I really strongly feel — I honestly feel comfort in knowing that it’s not just me who’s feeling this, because it’s a very isolating time. Look at all these people. Everyone’s here because they care about what’s going on.”

Muñeca Nieves described herself as a proud Afro-Caribbean woman who works for the federal government. She said she had lost 40 pounds by walking to work every day, but&nbsp;“I don’t do it anymore, because I’m brown.”

“Every time a black SUV comes by, I get scared,” Nieves said.

She also said she was “extremely disappointed” in the Lenexa city attorney’s insistence that police were just “following the rules” when they investigated Arroyo.

“Those rules equate to racial profiling,” Nieves said, “which is against the law.”

Lenexa Police Chief Dawn Layman addressed the council at the end of the meeting and&nbsp;acknowledged the hurt expressed by Arroyo.

“I apologize if I made you feel that way,” Layman told her.

Layman said Homeland Security Investigations notified her a week in advance that they would execute a criminal search warrants, authorized by a federal judge, at the El Toro Loco in Lenexa. They mutually agreed that Lenexa police officers would not be on site, she said.

She said the federal raids were related to an ongoing investigation into labor exploitation.

Layman said her department is focused on public safety and serving all who live, work and visit Lenexa, regardless of immigration status.

“Our responsibility is to protect the public, uphold the law, maintain public order and serve our community with honor, integrity and professionalism, and that is in regardless of our personal beliefs or opinion,” Layman said.

In an interview, Arroyo said Layman was unaware of the political and historical weight of asking someone for their papers. But Arroyo also stressed that she doesn’t think Lenexa police are the problem.

“My concern is that we are not aware of the times that we’re living in,” Arroyo said, “and we’re failing to meet the moment.”

Police investigate a Kansas city council member’s citizenship after a complaint left via voicemail

FORT STEWART, Ga. (AP) — An Army sergeant opened fire at Fort Stewart on Wednesday, shooting five soldiers and prompting a brief lockdown at one the country’s largest Army bases, officials said.

Few details were immediately available about what led to the gunfire, but the suspect is an Army sergeant, according to a U.S. official. The official was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

The injured soldiers are stable and recovering, said Brig Gen. John Lubas. The Army won’t release names pending notification of family members and they won’t speculate on motive, Lt. Col. Angel Tomko said at a news conference.

Officials identified the shooter as logistics Sgt. Quornelius Radford. A telephone number listed for Radford in public records rang unanswered on Wednesday.

The shooter opened fire at his workplace, officials said. Soldiers in the area who witnessed the shooting “immediately and without hesitation” tackled the shooter, Lubas said.

This latest act of violence on a U.S. military installation — sites that are supposed to be among the most secure in the country — again raised concerns about safety and security within the armed forces’ own walls.

The Army said it's investigating the shooting. There were still many unanswered questions, including the condition of the soldiers, the scope of their injuries, the name of the shooter as well as any possible motive.

The injured were treated and then moved to Winn Army Community Hospital, base officials said in a Facebook post, adding there's no threat to the community.

Some of the wounded were also taken to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, said spokesperson Bryna Gordon. The hospital is the top-level trauma center for coastal Georgia. Gordon said she didn’t know how many people were being taken to the hospital or what their conditions are.

Law enforcement was sent to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team complex shortly before 11 a.m. Wednesday. The shooter was arrested at 11:35 a.m., officials said.

The lockdown lasted about an hour. After it was lifted, cars began to move through the normal security checkpoint at the fort’s main gate.

The Army’s 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team was created in 2016 when the service added more than 200 vehicles to an infantry unit of roughly 4,200 soldiers. Also known as the “Spartan Brigade,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.army.mil/article/259944/us_armys_most_modern_brigade_hosts_the_great_engagement">the Army has called the unit</a>&nbsp;its “most modern land fighting force.”

Located about 40 miles (64 kilometers) southwest of Savannah, Fort Stewart is the largest Army post east of the Mississippi River. It’s home to thousands of soldiers assigned to the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division and family members.

White House and Defense Department officials said President Donald Trump and Secretary Pete Hegseth had been briefed on the shooting.

The FBI was at the fort to help investigate, said Deputy Director Dan Bongino.

Among the deadliest acts of violence on U.S. military bases was a 2009 attack.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-2872311eb6694d219f7fa5aeb0c233fc">A U.S. Army psychiatrist killed 13 people</a>&nbsp;in a shooting that left more than 30 wounded at Fort Hood, a military installation in Texas.

<a href="https://apnews.com/046ace2b312e41c4beb9fb2cf9fd0728">In 2013</a>, a defense contract worker and former Navy reservist killed 12 people at Washington Navy Yard. He was then killed in a gun battle with police.

<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-b090b70067c84749abc9a3e26205bc49">In 2014</a>, a soldier opened fire on his fellow service members at Fort Hood, killing three people and wounding more than a dozen others before the gunman killed himself.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-shootings-terrorism-us-news-ap-top-news-3206b3f41ae2ccf4b1c6ad0ba9b3185e">In 2019</a>, an aviation student opened fire in a classroom at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida, killing three people and injuring another dozen people including two sheriff’s deputies. Just&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2dec5ee8ce885061fe25c699a43eb71b">days earlier, a U.S. Navy sailor shot</a>&nbsp;two people to death before killing himself at Pearl Harbor, the Naval station in Hawaii.

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — Five soldiers were shot on Wednesday at the Army’s Fort Stewart in Georgia before a shooter was arrested.

Parts of Fort Stewart in southeast Georgia were locked down after a shooter was reported on the sprawling Army post, a spokesperson said. The army said the shooter has been arrested and there’s no threat to the community.

A post on Fort Stewart’s Facebook page told all personnel in the locked down area to “stay inside, close and lock all windows and doors.”

The shooter was in the area of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, the fort said online.

The fort’s three elementary schools were also on lockdown, Community Superintendent Brian Perry told WTOC-TV. The schools have nearly 1,400 students, according to the Department of Defense.

Three schools just outside the base took steps similar to a lockdown “out of an abundance of caution,” the Liberty County School System said online.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is in contact with responding law enforcement, he said in a statement. U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, whose district includes Fort Stewart, said in an online post that he's monitoring the developments.

FORT STEWART, Georgia– Five Soldiers were shot Wednesday in an active shooter incident in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area, according to a media release from the base. All Soldiers were treated on-site and moved to Winn Army Community Hospital for further treatment. There was no active threat to the community. 

Law enforcement was dispatched for a possible shooting in the 2nd ABCT complex at 10:56 a.m. The shooter was apprehended at 11:35 a.m.

The installation was locked down at 11:04 a.m. and Fort Stewart lifted the lockdown of the main cantonment area at 12:10 p.m. 2nd ABCT complex is still locked down.

 Emergency medical personnel were dispatched to treat the wounded Soldiers at 11:09 a.m.

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