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

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

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

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

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

Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Registration is now available for Spring soccer season as well.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Missing 15-year old from Abilene found, is safe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saline County Food Action Community Team

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The report evaluates six interconnected sectors of the food system: 

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

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

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

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

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

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Salina Post understands the importance of honoring the deceased and welcomes all submissions of obituaries with a full summary of their life, survivors, services, website of the funeral home and a photo.

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

If you have an issue outside of business hours, if your obituary has not been published within 24 business hours, or if have any questions, please email:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://newstips@salinapost.com/">newstips@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>

Recent obituaries and service times, how to submit an obituary

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 4 - February 6

Following is recent booking activity for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/Sheriff-Office/Online-search/Booking-Activities">Saline County Jail</a>, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

NAME:&nbsp;Allen,Benjamin Ecclesiastes

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Agg assault; w/ deadly weapon; Agg battery; Knowingly cause great body harm; Aggravated burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crime; Aggravated robbery; dangerous weapon

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; Driving while habitual violator; No Proof Of Insurance; Fail to yield at stop or yield sign

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Distr heroin/certain stim/fent;3.5 - &lt;100grams; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Unlawful to aquire proceeds from drug transaction; Value &lt; $5,000; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Poss para w/intent to manuf/plant/cult; Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance; Use communication facility; In the commission of a felony drug violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

*No image available for&nbsp;Larson,Joyce Darlene*

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Endangering a child; Poss of marijuana; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation; Viol protection order; Abuse order

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Distr heroin/certain stim/fent;3.5 - &lt;100grams; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Unlawful to aquire proceeds from drug transaction; Value &lt; $5,000; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Poss para w/intent to manuf/plant/cult; Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance; Use communication facility; In the commission of a felony drug violation

NAME:&nbsp;Riffle,Brian Christopher

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear; Driving While Suspended; Duty of driver to report; Unattended veh/prop;unkn; Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation

NAME:&nbsp;Santos Milan,Nicole Andreina

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit; No Proof Of Insurance; Operate a MV w/o a valid license

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, February 4

Greater Salina Community Foundation

As a local youth baseball coach, Jason Wells has seen families struggle to support their child’s love of the game, due to the rising cost of youth sports.

“Equipment, uniforms, league fees and tournament fees can make baseball an expensive youth sport,” said Wells. “Our team does whatever it can to keep costs reasonable, yet there has always been a significant fee per player to participate.”

In 2000, longtime youth baseball coach Larry Britegam wanted to help families who struggle with the financial demands of organized sports, so he established the Youth Baseball Fund at the Greater Salina Community Foundation. This fund, along with the community foundation’s Sunflower Softball Fund, provides support for local youth who want to participate in baseball or softball but are limited by a lack of funds. Grants may be used to cover registration fees, tournament fees, equipment, uniforms, and clinics.

“This fund truly has an impact on the kids that love baseball and need some financial help to participate,” Wells said. “While most of these kids will never earn a baseball scholarship, they may create experiences and friendships they will remember the rest of their lives.”

Since the baseball and softball funds were started, 364 young baseball and softball players in the Salina area have received a combined total of $99,018.12.

“I would like to thank all those who put forth the time and money to keep this fund going,” Wells said. “Thanks for helping kids in Salina have an opportunity to be a part of these teams.”

This season, $16,000 is available for baseball and more than $3,000 is available for softball. 

Applications open February 1, with deadlines of February 15, March 15, April 15 and May 15, 2026.

Funding will be awarded on a first come, first served basis and decisions will be announced after each grant deadline. 

<a href="http://gscf.org/search-apply-for-a-grant/">Apply online here.</a>

Youth baseball and softball grants available for 2026 season

Before you cast your vote on the mail-in ballot for the pitbull ban in Salina, here are some things to note.

- The last day to register to vote is Tuesday, February 3.

- If you registered to vote after January 26, you will need to request and fill out an application to receive a ballot.

- Anyone who registered before&nbsp;January 26, will receive a ballot in the mail.

- Ballots go out in the mail on February 4.

- Ballots are due at 12:00 pm on February 24.

In the case you receive a ballot with someone else's name not living at your home address, please write "return to sender" and place it back in the mailbox.

Ballots are to be dropped off at the Saline County Clerk’s Office, or deposited in the secure drop box outside the Salina City-County Building. No late ballots will be accepted.

Additionally, there will be a public forum on Tuesday, February 3 for those who want to learn more about the pitbull ban before casting in the "yes or no" vote on Wednesday, February 4.

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0573dbc9-d75c-4eba-8dc7-1a2a586317f4">Go here to learn more about Tuesday's public forum.</a>

To receive a ballot or if you have any questions visit the <a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/election">Saline County Election Office website</a>&nbsp;or call (785) 309-5820.

What to know about the mail-in ballot pitbull ban vote

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 1 - February 3

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 30 - February 1

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 28 - January 30

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 26 - January 28

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 23 - January 25

Saline County Emergency Management&nbsp;

The National Weather Service in Wichita reports an&nbsp;Arctic outbreak and winter weather&nbsp;will impact Saline County&nbsp;beginning Friday and continuing through Monday morning, bringing&nbsp;dangerous cold, hazardous travel conditions, and&nbsp;accumulating snow.

Arctic air is expected to move into the area early Friday morning and persist through the weekend, with&nbsp;dangerous wind chills between -10°F and -20°F&nbsp;likely from Friday morning through Monday morning. The coldest conditions are expected during the overnight and early morning hours.

Snow&nbsp;is expected to begin late Friday afternoon or Friday evening and continue through Saturday night, with&nbsp;slick roads&nbsp;and&nbsp;hazardous travel&nbsp;possible. While higher snowfall totals are more likely south of Saline County, confidence is high that snow will affect the area.&nbsp;Travel impacts are expected&nbsp;due to&nbsp;reduced visibility, slick roads,&nbsp;and&nbsp;prolonged cold conditions.

A&nbsp;Winter Storm Watch&nbsp;remains in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday night, and an&nbsp;Extreme Cold Watch&nbsp;has been issued for the entire forecast area through Monday morning. Confidence is high in the timing and severity of the cold, with medium confidence in exact snowfall amounts due to potential shifts in the heaviest snow band.&nbsp;

<a href="https://files.constantcontact.com/55d47694801/2b6fb17f-1676-4697-ac6f-7c32ed6b5928.pdf?rdr=true">Click here to view the full packet of the upcoming severe weather</a>

Arctic outbreak & winter weather to impact Saline Co. Friday - Monday

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 21 - January 23

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 19 - January 21

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 16 - January 18

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

Just before 7:30p.m., Kansas City Fire Department crews&nbsp;responded to a reported confined space rescue at 3250 N. Ameristar Drive, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

 On arrival crews reported a woman, in her forties, was stuck in a storm drain. She was trapped several hundred feet in the pipe. 

KCFD's rescue division secured the scene and sent a team into the pipe to free and retrieve the victim. 

After 90 minutes, at 9:30p.m. fire department crews were able to finally rescue the victim. The woman had been stuck for several hours and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. She was listed in stable condition, according to Hopkins. No other injuries were reported. There is no word on just how she became stuck in the drain.

Woman trapped for hours inside storm drain in Kansas City

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

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

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

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

Another Kan. school district cancels classes due to illness

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

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

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

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

The family posted the message after police conducted a search in and around Nancy Guthrie’s home for several hours Wednesday.

Kevin Adger, a spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, said investigators had been at the home earlier in the week for a couple of days and then turned it back over to the family with the understanding they could go back if they needed to.

“This is a follow up investigation,” he said in reference to officials returning Wednesday.

Adger said the sheriff’s department was not commenting on the video released by the family.

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

Savannah Guthrie was at times emotional during the recording, with her voice cracking. She smiled and looked into the camera when addressing her mother directly, saying that the family was praying for her and that people were looking for her.

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

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

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

Guthrie was flanked by her sister Annie and her brother Camron who both also spoke. Annie called their mother their beacon and said they need her.

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

Authorities on Wednesday offered no detailed update on their search. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos' office said detectives still were speaking with anyone who had contact with Nancy Guthrie last weekend but that no suspect or person of interest had been identified.

Nanos suggested there was video from some cameras, though he didn’t elaborate, adding: “That’s all been submitted and we’re doing our best with the companies that own those cameras or built those cameras.”

There were signs of forced entry at the home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood. Guthrie has limited mobility, and officials do not believe she left on her own. A sheriff's dispatcher talking to deputies during a search Sunday indicated that she has high blood pressure, a pacemaker and heart issues, according to audio from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.broadcastify.com/">broadcastify.com</a>.

Jim Mason, longtime commander of a search-and-rescue posse in Maricopa County, isn't involved in the search for Guthrie but said desert terrain can make looking for missing people difficult. He said it can be hard to peer into areas that are dense with mesquite trees, cholla cactus and other desert brush.

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

A couple hundred people attended an evening vigil for Nancy Guthrie at a Tucson church where they heard prayers and placed lit candles on an altar. A priest prayed for God to comfort Guthrie and to bring her home to those she loves.

Afterward, Jeremy Thacker had tears in his eyes as he described the heartbreak and helplessness he was experiencing over Guthrie's disappearance. He worked with Savannah Guthrie at a local news station and they shared losing their fathers at a young age. His own sister was kidnapped when he was young.

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

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

On the other side of the country, Victory Church in Albany, New York, said it’s offering a $25,000 reward for information that leads to finding Nancy Guthrie.

“Me and my wife, we watch Savannah every single morning. We’ve heard of her faith. We’ve heard of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-nancy-042abd04a6d87e14eecb22f0bc2893d1">her mom’s faith</a>. And she’s got such a sweet spirit,” Pastor Charlie Muller said.

The White House said President Donald Trump called and spoke with Savannah Guthrie on Wednesday.

“I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family’s, and Local Law Enforcement’s, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. "We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely.”

For a third day, “Today” opened with Guthrie’s disappearance, but Savannah Guthrie was not at the anchor’s desk. NBC Sports said Tuesday that she will not be covering the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics “as she focuses on being with her family during this difficult time.”

The “Today” host grew up in Tucson, graduated from the University of Arizona and previously worked as a reporter and anchor at Tucson television station KVOA. Her parents settled in Tucson in the 1970s when she was a young child. The youngest of three siblings, she credits her mom with holding their family together after her father died of a heart attack at 49, when Savannah was just 16.

Billeaud reported from Phoenix. Associated Press writers Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu, Hallie Golden in Seattle, Michael Hill in Albany, New York, Darlene Superville in Washington and Julie Walker in New York contributed.

🎥'Today' show host asks kidnapper to provide proof mother is alive

Port-au-Prince —At the direction of the Secretary of War, three U.S. warships including the USS Stockdale, USCGC Stone and USCGC Diligence have arrived in the Bay of Port-au-Prince as part of Operation Southern Spear, according to a statement from the U.S. Embassy Haiti.

"Their presence reflects the United States’ unwavering commitment to the security, stability, and a brighter future for the Republic of Haiti. The U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard reaffirm their partnership and support to ensure a safer and more prosperous Haiti."

US Warships arrive off Haiti in campaign against drug traffickers

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a shooting in Wichita have a suspect in custody.

Just before 1 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a reported shooting in the 900 block of S. Rutan, according to a media release.

Officers arrived and found a 40-year-old man who received multiple gunshot wounds. EMS transported him to a local hospital with serious injuries.

The suspect, identified from Sedgwick County booking records as 55-year-old Gary M. Scott, ran from the area after the shooting but was apprehended by Officers. Scott was later booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of of aggravated burglary and aggravated battery.&nbsp; He is being held on bonds totaling over $575,000, according to online jail records.

Kansas shooting suspect jailed after he ran from crime scene

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after an encounter with a sheriff's deputy on a northeast Kansas highway.

Just after 4 p.m. Jan. 31, that Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report that a person was slumped over the wheel in a Ford Edge in the intersection of 118th&nbsp;and U.S. Highway, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 The reporting party attempted to wake the person up by using his horn in his vehicle. Deputies arrived on the scene to find the driver and passenger both asleep in the vehicle.&nbsp; One of the deputies reported what allegedly appeared to be a methamphetamine pipe in the hand of the driver.&nbsp; The driver and passenger were arrested.

The driver, Lloyd Allan Wabaunsee, 36, of Mayetta and the passenger, Raven Marie Barber, 44, of Mayetta were transported to the Jackson County Jail. Wabaunsee was booked into the Jail on requested charges of possession of methampehtamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of controlled substances, unlawful possession of a hallucinogenic drug, unlawful distribution of controlled substances, driving under the influence, possession of weapon by a felon, criminal possession of a weapon and no drug tax stamp.

Barber was booked into the Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, distribution of controlled substances, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, criminal use of a weapon and no drug tax stamp.

Sheriff: Kan. drug suspects were passed out in SUV on the highway

TYLER, Texas (AP) — The father of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been arrested in Texas after authorities said he violated his probation from a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patrick-mahomes-father-guilty-dwi-447e2f0c6a93b308b0bbd3871ed8d1a1">conviction for driving while intoxicated.</a>

<a href="https://portal.smith-county.com/app/JailSearch/#/search">Click here to view</a> arrest details

Patrick “Pat” Mahomes Sr., 55, was arrested Tuesday during a meeting with his probation officer after a warrant was obtained for a probation violation, authorities said. He remained in Smith County jail in Tyler on Wednesday. His attorney did not immediately return a call from The Associated Press.

The elder Mahomes was sentenced to five years probation after pleading guilty in August 2024 to a DWI charge. On Jan. 1, he had a high alcohol reading on his ankle monitor, according to a probation violation report.

Mahomes Sr.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cfcca2814d423c6411948c30e38d98cf">had been arrested</a>&nbsp;on the DWI charge in February 2024, a little more than a week before his son led the Chiefs to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/366151ee795360fbc8d3e4d029a394a6">second straight Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;championship with a win over San Francisco.

Smith County jail records show multiple DWI arrests over the years for the elder Mahomes.

Mahomes Sr. is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for six teams during an 11-year major league career that ended in 2003, according to Baseball Reference.

Patrick Mahomes' dad is back in jail for alleged probation violation

Washington&nbsp;– On Tuesday, President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026," into law. The legislation advances several key healthcare priorities long championed by Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, according to a statement from his office.

“The legislation provides $418 million for rural health, strengthens our healthcare workforce, maintains critical funding for Community Health Centers, and extends telehealth and hospital-at-home flexibilities that Kansans rely on,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“It also invests in maternal and child health, mental health services, and life-saving medical research, while cutting over $100 million in unnecessary HHS bureaucracy.”

Senator Marshall also emphasized that Republicans stepped in to prevent Medicaid spending from continuing on an unsustainable trajectory that threatened the program’s future.&nbsp;

Prior proposals would have allowed unchecked growth, threatening long-term access for the most vulnerable. This package introduces responsible reforms that protect beneficiaries while ensuring Medicaid remains viable for future generations.

“Medicaid was on a path to bust – crowding out care for the truly vulnerable and burdening states and taxpayers,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“Republicans fought to protect this vital safety-net program by improving oversight, targeting resources appropriately, and ensuring Medicaid remains available for those who need it most today and for generations to come.”

Labor, Health and Human Services (L/HHS) Appropriations Highlights

The package provides a&nbsp;discretionary total of $116.6 billion&nbsp;for the Department of Health and Human Services while reducing unnecessary federal bureaucracy by&nbsp;over $100 million.

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