A Miltonvale female was arrested, after she admitted to leaving an elderly woman inside her vehicle for 50 minutes when shopping.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Wednesday, August 20, at around 5:40 pm, SPD received a report regarding an unresponsive elderly woman sitting inside the passenger seat of a vehicle at the Kohl's parking lot (2580 S 9th St).

Reportedly, an individual noticed the woman in the vehicle and walked over to see if she was okay. The window of the vehicle was down and tried to speak with the woman, who did not respond. The individual then called 9-1-1 and officers, along with EMS immediately arrived to the scene.

SPD stated they identified the woman inside the vehicle, as a 94-year old Miltonvale resident. 

SPD Captain James Feldman said the woman was 'not fully coherent' when EMS was speaking with her. Feldman said the woman had been inside the vehicle for 50 minutes, before authorities arrived.&nbsp;

Officers identified the registered owner of the vehicle as 67-year old, Ava Darlene-Brown from Miltonvale. They found Darlene-Brown, who was shopping inside Kohl's during the investigation.

Darlene-Brown admitted to leaving the 94-year old woman inside the vehicle. It was also determined that Darlene-Brown and the woman are known associates.

Darlene-Brown was arrested for the requested charge of Mistreatment of a Dependent Adult.

The victim was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center for medical treatment.

According to Feldman, the heat index was 93 degrees at the time officers and EMS arrived to the scene.

Miltonvale female arrested after leaving an elderly woman inside her vehicle for 50 minutes

Kansas Department of Transportation

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the Federal Fiscal Year 2025-2028 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.&nbsp;

The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. 

The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.gov%2Fabout%2Fpublications-and-reports%2Fstate-transportation-improvement-program-stip%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010198ccdf8e8a-0b6dc351-9cdc-4a5a-bd39-80b97a1b3975-000000/35FzjR23VNooma-masPCRTKFlAysA0qvX9qEEk4Gz-Y=419">ksdot.gov/about/publications-and-reports/state-transportation-improvement-program-stip</a>.

The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes Thursday, September 4.

To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-2252.

This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).

KDOT requesting public comments on statewide improvement program for roadway projects

Cooler temperatures are looking to transpire with isolated storms for this upcoming weekend in Central Kansas.

According to the&nbsp;US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS) after Friday, August 22, temperatures are expected to drop, starting Saturday - Monday. Isolated storms are anticipated to occur in the event of the cooler weather this weekend.

Monday, August 25 is listed as the coolest day with highs only reaching to the mid 70's.

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>.

Cooler temps with isolated storms expected for the weekend in Central Kansas

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 CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

*No image available for&nbsp;Nondorf, Nicholas Allen*

NAME:&nbsp;Nondorf, Nicholas Allen

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Assault of LEO; Properly identified on duty; Driving While Suspended; Interf. w/LEO; obstr./resist/oppose misd. warrant; No Proof Of Insurance

Saline Couny Jail Bookings, August 21

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop in Dickinson County.

Earlier this month a KHP Trooper conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 70 in Dickinson County for speeding, according to a social media report from the KHP Troop C.

During the investigation, the driver was taken into custody for possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and transporting an open container of alcohol.

 A vial containing a suspected dose of PCP was also recovered and has been submitted to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation for further analysis. The passenger was arrested on a felony probation violation warrant originating from Kentucky related to stolen property, with nationwide extradition. The KHP did not release the names of the suspects.

"The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kshighwayPatrol?__cft__[0]=AZUgJdFuiinvY_bj2EAn6grHxhSRMsiS0EHGzQ5e5AUKUHzcmajLgYi4Si5OkkeNzjCkvHq1kU_GBeisLYtoZe_u0gO1Jg4BSLdm--qgleOU76qfw29eDG_z3QI6N2EB1bKr_oh4WmuRZ_oi5yl00nubnOd9DieEVf4CqtQTlxgybnrGp7Lm1ipCodkImGLjZW8&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Highway Patrol</a> remains focused on safeguarding Kansas roadways by removing dangerous substances and wanted individuals from our communities."

KHP finds PCP, meth during I-70 traffic stop for speeding

Both Taco John's restaurants in Salina are reportedly closing down permanently after confirmation from management.

According to management from both locations on Iron and Riffel, the reason was due to an "ownership decision."&nbsp;

The manager from the Iron location stated they were expecting to close down on Friday, but instead will close 'once they run out of products.'&nbsp;

The Riffel location is permanently closed as of now, as confirmed by the manager.

Taco John's restaurants in Hutchinson are reportedly closing as well.&nbsp;

Taco John's locations in Salina reportedly closing down permanently 

As Kansas State University fans prepare to cross the Atlantic to watch the 'Cats face off against the Iowa State Cyclones in Dublin's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/2024/6/13/Ireland2025Tickets">Aer Lingus College Football Classic</a>, a group of K-State business students is heading toward the Emerald Isle with another goal in mind: to partner with Cyclones and Irish professionals in an international business case competition.

Four students from K-State's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cba.k-state.edu/">College of Business Administration</a>&nbsp;will represent the university in the Leaders of Tomorrow challenge:

Adam Ackerman, senior in finance,&nbsp;Endicott, New York; Max Kice, senior in entrepreneurship and innovation,&nbsp;Wichita; Kiera Rader, senior in professional strategic selling,&nbsp;Overland Park; and Sara Smith, sophomore in management,&nbsp;Clay Center.

K-State is funding the students' travels, allowing them to focus on the competition instead of worrying about fundraising. The student leaders will also have the opportunity to interact with local Irish businesses and professionals during their trip, making the journey for these Wildcats one of competition, camaraderie and career development.

The competition pairs students from both universities with young professionals from two prominent Irish companies: Eversheds Sunderland and Grant Thornton.

Four teams — each consisting of one K-State student, one Iowa State student and two Irish professionals — will tackle a real-world challenge: developing market strategies for a U.S. agri-food or agri-tech company expanding into Ireland.

Each team must develop a comprehensive market strategy that addresses:

The competition culminates on Thursday, August 21, when the teams will present their strategies in a "Shark Tank" format — 12-minute pitches followed by eight-minute Q&amp;A sessions with industry judges. The winning team will be honored with a trophy presentation on Aviva Field at halftime of the football game on August 23.

Chad Jackson, Jack Vanier director of entrepreneurship at K-State, said the Leaders of Tomorrow experience gives students the chance to apply their business knowledge in a global context as they collaborate with peers and professionals across cultures to solve real-world challenges.

"It's a unique opportunity to engage in global teamwork, strengthen leadership skills and contribute to high-impact strategy work alongside industry leaders in Ireland," Jackson said. "This is a transformative experience that allows our students to lead and learn on an international stage."

Summer preparation: Building international collaboration skills

Throughout the summer, the teams have met virtually to share research, build financial models and prepare their presentations.

Rader has been reviewing relevant case studies, practicing presentations and staying up to date with industry trends in agriculture. Smith's team has been meeting weekly to prep their presentation.

"I hope to create new connections with other students and gain knowledge about international business during the Leaders of Tomorrow challenge," Smith said. "I'm really looking forward to meeting my team in person and getting to see K-State play in Ireland."

Ackerman said he looks forward to seeing how the ideas come together in person and how his team can adapt in a high-stakes, real-time setting. During a recent team meeting, his group had a lively debate about the risks of market saturation in Ireland's mushroom industry.

"It was a great moment where we all brought unique perspectives to the table and challenged each other to think differently," he said. "Experiences like that have shown me the power of cross-cultural collaboration, and I'm excited to continue learning and building those connections in Dublin."

From courses to competition: Academic foundation meets global application

The competition allows students to apply classroom learning in an international context. The Wildcats participating in the Leaders of Tomorrow competition can draw a direct connection from courses they've taken at K-State to the skills they need for this competition and for their futures.

Kice credits his foundational economics classes in the College of Arts and Sciences as being helpful when developing his research on the Irish market, and Ackerman said several College of Business Administration courses have set him up for success in the competition.

"My entrepreneurship courses have taught me how to develop and present strong business ideas, think creatively, and build confidence as a leader," Ackerman said. "My finance capstone, Cases in Finance, helped me approach complex business problems from multiple angles and strengthened my ability to make sound recommendations backed by data. These courses have played a big role in preparing me for this competition."

Rader highlighted how courses like Advanced Selling, Brand Marketing and Leadership Studies have strengthened her communication skills and strategic thinking about positioning and value, crucial abilities for fast-paced, collaborative environments like the Leaders of Tomorrow competition and the business workforce.

Beyond the classroom: Hands-on experience

The students bring a variety of practical experiences to the competition.

Smith and Rader are both members of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cba.k-state.edu/academics/departments/national-strategic-selling-institute/sales-ambassadors.html">Sales Ambassadors</a>&nbsp;organization — a group that assists with the retention and recruitment of K-State sales students and supports the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cba.k-state.edu/academics/departments/national-strategic-selling-institute/">National Strategic Selling Institute</a>&nbsp;— and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cba.k-state.edu/academics/departments/national-strategic-selling-institute/sales-team.html">K-State Sales Team</a>, which gives students the opportunity to compete in national sales competitions. These experiences allow students to enhance their skills and begin preparing for a career in any sales organization.

Smith, who's in the second year of her program at K-State, is also a real estate agent with Yellow Brick Realty. She says the experience has increased her sales abilities and analytical thinking.Ackerman and Kice have both gained experience from Wildcat Consulting, a student-run, faculty-led organization that works with small companies and entrepreneurs in Kansas to provide business insights.

"Through Wildcat Consulting, I've worked in small teams to solve real problems for Kansas businesses," Ackerman said. "That experience helped me become a stronger communicator, better teammate and more creative thinker. It also taught me how to manage ambiguity and deliver results on tight timelines, which has been relevant throughout this project."

Dawn Deeter-Schmelz, professor and director of the National Strategic Selling Institute, emphasized the connection between the competition and K-State's experiential learning approach.

"Our students' abilities to compete successfully in a competition such as this are a direct result of the outstanding hands-on learning opportunities provided by K-State's entrepreneurship program and the National Strategic Selling Institute," she said.

Looking ahead: Business and Wildcat pride

Beyond the competition, students anticipate building professional connections and exploring the international industry environment.

"While in Ireland, I plan to explore local businesses and learn more about international markets and cultural business practices," Rader said. "I am also hoping to connect with professionals in my field and use this experience to grow my global perspective — something that complements what I have studied at K-State and where I see my career heading. "This experience represents a unique convergence of academics, athletics and international collaboration, with Wildcat pride spanning both the business competition and the football field. "Outside of the competition, I'm excited to explore Ireland's business landscape and learn more about the agri-food sector from a global perspective," Ackerman said. "I'm also looking forward to cheering on K-State in the football game while we're there. Go 'Cats!"

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/2024/6/13/Ireland2025Tickets">Aer Lingus College Football Classic</a>&nbsp;kicks off at 11:00 am Central time on August 23, with coverage on ESPN. Watch for the recognition of the winning Leaders of Tomorrow team at halftime.

Four KSU students represent university for international business case competition in Ireland

The Fe For A Cure is one of the biggest, most fun and most affordable races in Salina! This year's race will be held on Saturday, September 20th and will start and finish at Tammy Walker Cancer Center.

The Fe For A Cure 5K race is one of only two running events in Salina that is USATF Certified (Salina Crossroads Marathon is the other certified event). In addition to the 5K a new one mile fun run was added in 2024. It makes the Fe For A Cure Race/Walk an event the entire family can participate in. 

The 5K race will be starting at 8:00 am with the one mile fun run following at 8:10 am Registration is $25.00 for anyone 12 and older and $10.00 for anyone 11 and younger and includes a race t-shirt and breakfast food provided by Salina Regional Health Center Food Services.

Last year's race had a record 834 registered participants.&nbsp;The Fe for a Cure is excited to have runners registered&nbsp;from 38 communities in Kansas and registrations are significantly higher than last year at this time.&nbsp;

“This year our theme is ‘Celebrating a Decade of Hope,’” said Marla McElderry, executive director at the Salina Regional Health Foundation. “The support for Fe for a Cure and the Tammy Walker Cancer Center continues to grow, and this event provides incredibly meaningful assistance for area cancer patients who are going through one of the most challenging periods of their lives.”

Nearly 6,500 people have participated in the event over the years and the event has raised $321,546 through entry fees and donations. Below are just a few of the ways our fundraising events help support patients at Tammy Walker Cancer Center.

Patients undergoing long chemotherapy infusions are offered a meal (lunch), Monday thru Thursday. The patient meal program started in November 2022 and over 3800 meals have been served. What an amazing gift to our patients! During the school year the patient meal program provides our Project Search interns the opportunity to learn work skills and business soft-skills with the goal of helping them gain employment. During the summer we have volunteers who help out.

Patients are able to get wigs, hats, scarves, and other items at no cost. Wigs and other items from the appearance center can help empower patients and help them feel more comfortable and confident as well as provide a sense of normalcy during treatment.&nbsp;

Transportation shouldn't be a roadblock to cancer treatment. Our partnership with OCCK allows us to offer transportation services to those who need it at no cost.

The Morrison House is a guest residence for those living outside Salina with a loved one who is a patient at Salina Regional Health Center and outpatients undergoing treatment at the Tammy Walker Cancer Center.

Fe for a Cure needs about 90 Road Guard Volunteers to direct participants, cheer on runners and re-route traffic at intersections along the race course. Volunteers will report for duty from 7:30 am to 9:30 am on race day (September 20).

To sign up to be a road guard register at the link <a href="https://feforacurevolunteers.srhc.com/volunteer-registration/">https://feforacurevolunteers.srhc.com/volunteer-registration/</a>

The Fe for a Cure&nbsp;could also use a few volunteers to help out with packet pickup on Friday, September 19th from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm (shifts are 7:00 - 10:00 am, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm and 2:00 - 6:00 pm) at Tammy Walker Cancer Center and on Saturday morning (shifts are 5:45 - 8:00 am and 8:00 - 10:30 am) to help with packet pickup and vendor set up/tear down.

If you are interested in helping out at packet pickup or vendor set up/tear down email Daniel Craig at dacraig@srhc.com and indicate which shift you prefer.

Want to participate or support cancer patients, but have a conflict? Register as a Couch Potato ($25 adults/$10 kids) and secure yourself a commemorative t-shirt from the event.

The Fe for a Cure is proud to be a part of the Run Salina Series.&nbsp;

Run Salina is a collaborative effort of local organizations to encourage the community to participate in multiple events. Events already held include Love, Chloe Fun Run, Smoky Hill River Run, and Run for the Hills. The Salina Crossroads Marathon on November 8th and Frosty Fun Run on November 22nd are the final races of the year.&nbsp;Participants who complete 4 of the 6 events will receive an exclusive Run Salina Series shirt.&nbsp;By participating in the Run Salina Series, you are making a big difference in the lives of many. Your participation turns into funding for these non-profits who help children and adults within our community.&nbsp;

Register at <a href="http://feforacure.com">feforacure.com</a>.

Registration open for annual Fe For a Cure in September, volunteers needed

Four suspects were arrested, after being connected to a home burglary that included several stolen power tools.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD), between the dates of August 12 - 13th, several suspects allegedly broke into a home under remodel, and stole an undisclosed amount of power/work tools in the 800 block of S. Santa Fe. The homeowner who was not at the house, reported to police about the incident.

Afterwards, SPD stated on Tuesday, August 19 a search warrant was conducted for the stolen power tools at a home in the 400 block of S. 11th. During the search warrant, authorities found four people and located some of the stolen tools. Those four individuals were arrested.

Moreover, further investigation indicated an unoccupied home in Northern Ottawa County possessed more of the stolen power tools. Minneapolis Police Department and Ottawa County Sheriff's Office assisted SPD for this investigation.

The suspects arrested are all facing requested charges of burglary, theft and possession of marijuana and methamphetamine.&nbsp;

Those suspects arrested were identified as:

Loss of value is currently listed at $2,000.

The investigation is currently ongoing, with more anticipated arrests and pending charges.

Four suspects arrested after being connected to home burglary, investigation ongoing

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.

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;<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>

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>

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 20 - August 22

After the high temperatures and over 100 heat indices, a possibility of rain is expected to occur throughout Central Kansas this week.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), an anticipation of showers and thunderstorms are expected to happen throughout Central Kansas. Reportedly, there is a better chance on Tuesday, August 19 and into the following day on Wednesday.

Slightly cooler weather is expected for Wednesday and Thursday with highs being in the range of 89-93.

Chances of showers and t-storms expected for Tuesday & Wednesday

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 18 - August 20

High temperatures and breezy winds are expected to occur throughout Central Kansas this weekend and into Monday, August 18.&nbsp;

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), heat indices are expected to reach as high as 105 in Central Kansas this weekend. Breezy conditions are anticipated to occur as well.

Hot and dry weather will remain through the weekend before chances rain return moving into next week on Monday.

High temps returning this weekend with breezy conditions, rain expected on Monday  

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 15 - August 17

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 13 - August 15

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.

Central Kansas Weather Forecast: August 12 - August 16

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 11 - August 13

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 8 - August 10

By MIKE CATALINI and HOLLY MEYER Associated Press

Dr.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/94982d52cefc48babc242fb0e3853a43">James Dobson</a>, a politically influential child psychologist who started a radio show counseling Christians on how to be good parents, founded the conservative ministry Focus on the Family and was long a campaigner against abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, died on Thursday. He was 89.

His death was confirmed by the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.

Born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dobson started a radio show counseling Christians on how to be good parents and in 1977 founded Focus on the Family. At its peak, the organization had more than 1,000 employees and gave Dobson a platform to weigh in on legislation and serve as an adviser to five presidents.

He became a force in the 1980s for pushing conservative Christian ideals in American politics alongside fundamentalist giants like Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson. He campaigned for bringing religious conservatives into the political mainstream, and in 1989, Falwell called Dobson a rising star. Decades later, he served on a board of evangelical leaders that advised President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;in 2016. He supported Trump in all three of his presidential campaigns.

He celebrated the 2022 overturning of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;— including Trump’s conservative appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court credited with the landmark decision that allowed states to ban abortion.

“Whether you like Donald Trump or not, whether you supported or voted for him or not, if you are supportive of this Dobbs decision that struck down Roe v. Wade, you have to mention in the same breath the man who made it possible,” he said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.drjamesdobson.org/broadcasts/a-historic-victory-for-life-dr-dobson-reacts-to-the-reversal-of-roe-v-wade-part-1/">ministry broadcast</a>.

Dobson left Focus on the Family in 2010 and founded the institute that bears his name. He continued with the Family Talk radio show, which is nationally syndicated and is carried by 1,500 radio outlets with more than half a million listeners weekly, according to the institute.

“Dr. Dobson’s impact endures through the many lives he touched, the families he strengthened, and the unshakable faith he proclaimed,” his family said in a statement announcing his death.

Gary Bauer, a senior vice president at Dobson’s institute, called him a “pioneer” who helped families in a world of shifting values. Dobson interviewed President Ronald Reagan in the Oval Office in 1985, thanking him for concentrating on issues important to families.

Dobson's radio program promoted guests who said they abandoned their homosexuality and instead embraced Christianity.

Dobson was not just an influential voice that helped lead the rise of the Christian, conservative movement to today, where such a large portion of Republican voters consider themselves evangelical conservatives. He was also mentor to today’s leading Christian conservative voices.

Dobson, as a board member on Family Research Council, approached Tony Perkins, then a Louisiana state legislator, to become president of the organization. That was after Perkins grew up in his family church, watching Dobson’s films and following his lead with his own work in the Louisiana Legislature.

In Perkins’ first week as president, he and Dobson stood on the steps of the Alabama Supreme Court to support the installation of a monument to the Ten Commandments in the building. The action led to a court case and the monument’s removal.

Dobson belongs on the “Mount Rushmore” of the Christian conservatives, Perkins said, notably for leading an evangelical church-driven counter-movement to a family and parenting ethos of the 1960s embodied in the progressive teachings of Dr. Benjamin Spock.

“Very few people have had such a positive impact in the shaping of the American family, from what we would describe as a biblical standpoint,” said Perkins, who remains the group’s president. “While his passing is sad and it leaves a vacancy, he has a legacy that will live on.”

After developing a following of millions, Dobson considered running for president in the 2000 election, following in the footsteps of former television minister Pat Robertson’s surprise success in 1988.

“He had a big audience. He was not afraid to speak out. He became a very important voice and there was even talk that he might run for president,” said Ralph Reed, a Christian conservative political organizer and lobbyist who founded the Faith and Freedom Coalition. “If Jim had decided to run, he would have been a major force.”

Reed’s organization presented Dobson with a lifetime achievement award in 2017.

Despite their close association later in life, Reed’s enduring memory was as a younger political organizer traveling through rural America with Dobson’s voice as his sole companion.

“I’d be out there somewhere, and I could go to the AM dial and there was never a time, day or night when I couldn’t find that guy,” Reed said. “There will probably never be another one like him.”

An anti-pornography crusader, Dobson recorded a video interview with serial killer Ted Bundy the day before his January 24, 1989, execution in Florida. Bundy told Dobson that exposure to pornography helped fuel his sexual urges to a point that he looked for satisfaction by mutilating, killing and raping women.

At the time, Dobson’s Focus on the Family program was broadcast daily on 1,200 radio stations.

Months after the execution, Bundy’s attorney James Coleman downplayed the Dobson exchange in an interview with The Associated Press.

“I think that was a little bit of Ted telling the minister what he wanted to hear and Ted offering an explanation that would exonerate him personally,” Coleman told The Associated Press in 1989. “I had heard that before and I told Ted I never accepted it.”

Dobson is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley, as well as their children, Danae and Ryan, daughter-in-law Laura, and two grandchildren, his family's statement said.

Catalini reported from Trenton, New Jersey, and Meyer from Nashville, Tennessee. Associated Press writer Tom Beaumont in Des Moines, Iowa, contributed.

Legendary evangelical leader Dr. James Dobson dead at 89

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Firefighters are urging caution with air fryers after&nbsp; three kitchen fires linked to the appliances in Derby year, according to a social media report from Derby Fire and Rescue.

Fire crews responded to the 800 block of Westview Drive in the city of Derby for a reported appliance fire. Crews found an an air fryer burning on a glass cooktop. Prior to fire crews arrival, the resident had acted quickly with a kitchen fire extinguisher before evacuating with their child, limiting damage until firefighters arrived to ensure the fire was fully out. There were no injuries reported.

This is the third air fryer fire in Derby this year resulting in moderate kitchen/appliance damage. A common factor in all three: the air fryer was on top of the stove, either in use or being stored there.

Derby Fire provided these air fryers safety tips.

Place and ventilate: Set it on a stable countertop with clearance, never on a stovetop or directly under cabinets. 

  Power and supervise: Plug directly into a wall outlet (no power strips/extension cords) and stay nearby while it’s running. 

  Grease and emergencies: Clean crumbs/grease trays regularly. If it smokes or flames, unplug and keep the basket closed to smother, never use water.A big thank-you to the resident for their prompt, safe response. Having a fire extinguisher and knowing how to use it makes a difference.

Three  air fryer kitchen fires in Kansas community this year

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jeff-amy">JEFF AMY</a> Associated Press

Jamel Bishop is seeing a big change in his classrooms as he begins his senior year at Doss High School in Louisville, Kentucky, where cellphones are now banned during instructional time.

In previous years, students often weren’t paying attention and wasted class time by repeating questions, the teenager said. Now, teachers can provide “more one-on-one time for the students who actually need it.”

Kentucky is one of 17 states and the District of Columbia starting this school year with new restrictions, bringing the total to 35 states with laws or rules limiting phones and other electronic devices in school. This change has come remarkably quickly:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-schools-cell-phone-ban-social-media-89b0c8bdad325fb9a776f4384602a1a1">Florida became the first state</a>&nbsp;to pass such a law in 2023.

Both&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-school-cellphone-phone-ban-tennessee-utah-f633d3001a9d634269aa68db258184ee">Democrats and Republicans</a>&nbsp;have taken up the cause, reflecting a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-cell-phone-ban-extracurricular-afterschool-4d89f5b7fd7c8f1d5903f8c04f26da54">growing consensus</a>&nbsp;that phones are bad for kids’ mental health and take their focus away from learning, even as some researchers say the issue is less clear-cut.

“Anytime you have a bill that’s passed in California and Florida, you know you’re probably onto something that’s pretty popular,” Georgia state Rep. Scott Hilton, a Republican, told a forum on cellphone use last week in Atlanta.

Phones are banned throughout the school day in 18 of the states and the District of Columbia, although Georgia and Florida impose such “bell-to-bell” bans only from kindergarten through eighth grade. Another seven states ban them during class time, but not between classes or during lunch. Still others, particularly those with traditions of local school control, mandate only a cellphone policy, believing districts will take the hint and sharply restrict phone access.

For students, the rules add new school-day rituals, like putting phones in magnetic pouches or special lockers.

Students have been locking up their phones during class at McNair High School in suburban Atlanta since last year. Audreanna Johnson, a junior, said “most of them did not want to turn in their phones” at first, because students would use them to gossip, texting “their other friends in other classes to see what’s the tea and what’s going on around the building.”

That resentment is “starting to ease down” now, she said. “More students are willing to give up their phones and not get distracted.”

But there are drawbacks — like not being able to listen to music when working independently in class. “I’m kind of 50-50 on the situation because me, I use headphones to do my schoolwork. I listen to music to help focus,” she said.

In a survey of 125 Georgia school districts by Emory University researchers, parental resistance was cited as the top obstacle to regulating student use of social and digital media.

Johnson’s mother, Audrena Johnson, said she worries most about knowing her children are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-school-shooting-cellphone-bans-cb68f601be5193bfeb62e9fd065978a1">safe from violence at school</a>. School messages about threats can be delayed and incomplete, she said, like when someone who wasn’t a McNair student got into a fight on school property, which she learned about when her daughter texted her during the school day.

“My child having her phone is very important to me, because if something were to happen, I know instantly,” Johnson said.

Many parents echo this — generally supporting restrictions but wanting a say in the policymaking and better communication, particularly about safety — and they have a real need to coordinate schedules with their children and to know about any problems their children may encounter, said Jason Allen, the national director of partnerships for the National Parents Union.

“We just changed the cellphone policy, but aren’t meeting the parents’ needs in regards to safety and really training teachers to work with students on social emotional development,” Allen said.

Some researchers say it’s not yet clear what types of social media may cause harm, and whether restrictions have benefits, but teachers “love the policy,” according to Julie Gazmararian, a professor of public health at Emory University who does surveys and focus groups to research the effects of a phone ban in middle school grades in the Marietta school district near Atlanta.

“They could focus more on teaching,” Gazmararian said. “There were just not the disruptions.”

Another benefit: More positive interactions among students. “They were saying that kids are talking to each other in the hallways and in the cafeteria,” she said. “And in the classroom, there is a noticeably lower amount of discipline referrals.”

Gazmararian is still compiling numbers on grades and discipline, and cautioned that her work may not be able to answer whether bullying has been reduced or mental health improved.

Social media use clearly correlates with poor mental health, but research can’t yet prove it causes it, according to Munmun De Choudhury, a Georgia Tech professor who studies this issue.

“We need to be able to quantify what types of social media use are causing harm, what types of social media use can be beneficial,” De Choudhury said.

Some state legislatures are bucking the momentum.

Wyoming’s Senate in January rejected requiring districts to create some kind of a cellphone policy after opponents argued that teachers and parents need to be responsible.

And in the Michigan House in July, a Republican-sponsored bill directing schools to ban phones bell-to-bell in grades K-8 and during high school instruction time was defeated in July after Democrats insisted on upholding local control. Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, among multiple governors who made restricting phones in schools a priority this year, is still calling for a bill to come to her desk.

Associated Press writers Isabella Volmert in Lansing, Michigan, and Dylan Lovan in Louisville, Kentucky, contributed.

Students face new cellphone restrictions in 17 states as school year begins

KANSAS CITY —An adult with a laboratory-confirmed infection of Naegleria fowleri has died, according to a statement from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The patient died on Tuesday in a St. Louis area hospital.

&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/naegleria/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/index.html">Naegleria fowleri</a>&nbsp;is a microscopic single-celled free-living ameba that can cause a rare deadly infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), also known as “brain-eating” infection. Typically, fewer than 10 people a year in the United States get PAM.

The ameba is common and naturally present in warm freshwater such as lakes, rivers and ponds; however, PAM is extremely rare. Between 1962 and 2024, there were 167 reported cases of PAM in the United States.

The source of the patient’s exposure is still under investigation by public health officials. While not confirmed, preliminary information implies the patient may have been water skiing at the Lake of the Ozarks days prior to becoming ill. Recreational water users should assume that&nbsp;Naegleria fowleri&nbsp;is present in warm freshwater across the United States; however, infection remains very rare.

&nbsp;No additional suspected cases of PAM are being investigated in Missouri.

Although a rare occurrence, people become infected by&nbsp;Naegleria fowleri&nbsp;when water containing the ameba enters the body through the nose from freshwater sources. The&nbsp;Naegleria fowleri&nbsp;ameba then travels up the nose to the brain where it damages the brain tissue. This infection cannot be spread from one person to another, and it cannot be contracted by swallowing contaminated water.

People can take actions to reduce the risk of infection by limiting the amount of water going up the nose. These actions could include:

Those who experience the following symptoms after swimming in any warm body of water should contact their health care provider immediately as the disease progresses rapidly:

Information about recreational water safety in Missouri is available&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/recreationalwater/index.php" target="_blank">on the DHSS website.</a>

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