As the anticipation continues to boil for updates on the current lawsuit the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fc7ed532-a1ba-46b6-85c3-4ed867abb15a">Cozy Inn filed against the City of Salina</a>, the bench trial set for October 7 is reportedly canceled and an in-person status conference has been scheduled.

According to a docket entry from the United States District Court District of Kansas, on Thursday, August 21, both the Cozy Inn and the City of Salina participated in a telephone conference regarding the formerly scheduled bench trial for October 7.&nbsp;

The attorneys representing Cozy Inn during this conference was&nbsp;Samuel MacRoberts and Jeffrey Shaw. Attorneys representing the City of Salina was&nbsp;Todd Messenger, Amanda Jokerst and Aaron Martin.

As stated in the document, it was determined both parties agreed "that all the issues presented in the parties’ summary judgment papers are legal questions that can be resolved without a trial."

The statement continued stating "the parties’ remaining pretrial obligations are suspended and the current trial setting is cancelled."

Moreover, an&nbsp;in-person status conference is set to occur at 9:00 am on October 22, 2025 to address any remaining claims surviving the anticipated summary judgment ruling.

UPDATE: Bench trial canceled for Cozy Inn lawsuit, in-person status conference scheduled

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced a new round of funding totaling $341,000 is available through the Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) grant program. Now entering its fourth round, the SEED initiative continues to support economic development and quality-of-life improvements in Kansas’ smallest communities.

“Having strong communities is what draws families, businesses and travelers to our state,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “SEED funding empowers local leaders to invest in amenities that make their towns stand out — creating communities where businesses grow, families settle down, and visitors seek out as their next destination.”

Administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, SEED grants are available to communities in 78 eligible counties, with populations of 5,000 or fewer. Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded in the following categories:

Eligible applicants include local governments, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce and other community-based organizations in towns that have not received a SEED grant in the past year.

A 10% local match is required, and all funded projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving grant funds. Grants will be distributed in two installments: half at the start of the grant cycle and the remainder upon project completion.

SEED grant applications will open Friday, August 29, and close at 11:59 pm Tuesday, October 28. Grant awardees will be announced in December.

A webinar to learn more about this opportunity will take place at 10 am Thursday, August 28. Those interested in participating can register&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fus02web.zoom.us%2Fwebinar%2Fregister%2FWN_EJ0kPD6jS06JfOxtZq0SpA%23%2Fregistration/1/01010198d2f21bbd-4e823125-7e00-4d33-bab7-9e0889f6ae90-000000/5cAJUFVcU003lRrNPbATw1NmxCp9xKb735i_UpKwLU4=419">here</a>.

For information about program guidelines, the list of eligible counties or to view previous awardees, visit the SEED Grant webpage&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fseedgrants%2F/1/01010198d2f21bbd-4e823125-7e00-4d33-bab7-9e0889f6ae90-000000/ol7J8-RWH41sUPbcVENQc99A-SnQutrCHdSPSsviUiM=419">here</a>.

To further support applicants, there will be virtual office hours from 10 to 11 am September 4, September 18, October 2 and October 16.

To register, click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fus02web.zoom.us%2Fmeeting%2Fregister%2FcXXmjzU9Q8OjjEhaAWlYYw%23%2Fregistration/1/01010198d2f21bbd-4e823125-7e00-4d33-bab7-9e0889f6ae90-000000/EEbF3Hg5JIm9ZGQOiD0IWYXE-hRrV7K5TlIewpLmWwk=419">here</a>.

Commerce Secretary announces open applications for funding of over $300,000 to Kansas small communities 

On Friday, Governor Laura Kelly has directed for flags be lowered to half-staff at the State Capitol Complex and all court buildings and facilities to honor 18th&nbsp;Judicial District Division 10 Judge Bruce Brown.

“Judge Brown had a long career of service to his community and commitment throughout his tenure on the bench,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “On behalf of the State of Kansas, I thank him for his dedication to upholding the law. My sincere condolences go out to his family and friends.”

Judge Brown passed away on Thursday, August 21 and flags will remain half-staff until he is interred.

According to a biography from the <a href="https://www.dc18.org/division-10">18th Judicial District Court</a>, Judge Brown started his career as an Assistant D.A. in Woodward, OK from 1986-1987. In 1987 he went to work as an Assistant D.A. in Tulsa, OK until 1988. He worked as an Attorney for Pray, Walker, Jackman, et, al., in Tulsa, OK in 1989.

In 1990 Judge Brown worked as an Attorney for the U.S. Army JAG Corps until he became a Prosecutor for the Salina Municipal Court in 1994. 1995 saw Judge Brown become a prosecutor for the Wichita Municipal Court until 1997, where he became a Judge of the Wichita Municipal Court serving until 2009.&nbsp; 

Judge Brown received his undergraduate degree from ORU receiving his B.A in 1983&nbsp;and his Juris Doctorate from the Pepperdine University School of Law in 1986.

This flag order will be updated when the date of interment is determined.&nbsp;

Governor directs flags lowered at half-staff in honor of Judge Bruce Brown, date TBA

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>

You can also call:&nbsp;(785) 656-9856 during business hours.

Recent obituaries and service times

No suspects were arrested after two vehicles were reportedly burglarized in Salina.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Thursday, August 21, two vehicle burglaries were reported to occur between the evening hours of Wednesday, August 20 and into early morning on Thursday.

Reportedly, the first burglary happened in the 1100 block of Harbor. SPD stated an unlocked parked vehicle was burglarized in the driveway of residence in the area. Stolen was a wallet,&nbsp;backpack containing miscellaneous documents and an iPad. Total loss was valued to be over $600.

The second reported burglary occurred in the 1200 block of Nautical. This burglary was to another unlocked parked vehicle in the same area. Stolen was a&nbsp;Playstation 4 and several small hand tools. Total loss was valued at over $300.

SPD confirmed the stolen iPad from the first burglarized vehicle was tracked to be in Lindsborg. The Lindsborg Police Department assisted SPD and located the vehicle to be at an apartment complex in Lindsborg.

No further information was provided and SPD stated they are currently&nbsp; investigating burglaries.

The Salina Police Department reminds community members to lock their vehicles and remove all valuables, ensuring nothing of value is left in plain sight. Taking these simple precautions can help prevent theft and protect your property.

ONGOING INVESTIGATION: No suspects arrested after two vehicles were reportedly burglarized

Salina Police are informing the public and seeking tips about an <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/9ccf5557-d44c-4c0d-8ae5-0496b27ccd65">armed suspect that robbed a Kwik Shop.</a>

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Friday, August 8 at around 10:30 pm, an armed robbery was reported at Kwik Shop (657 Fairdale). Reportedly, a store clerk was conducting job duties outside of the store, when an armed man demanded money.

The clerk was then forced back into the store, where the suspect stole an undisclosed amount of money before leaving Kwik Shop.

SPD are currently searching the suspect who is described to be about 5'7" and around 180 pounds. 

Surveillance video showed the suspect wearing an all black attire with gloves and a face mask.

ORIGINAL:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/9ccf5557-d44c-4c0d-8ae5-0496b27ccd65">Salina PD currently searching for suspect who allegedly robbed a convenience store</a>

If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You can also make an online tip at: <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>.

You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. 

Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, case 2025-21250.

UPDATE: Salina PD still searching for armed robbery suspect 

<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, August 22 - August 24

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;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Clark, Jaran Langdon Rayne

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Criminal restraint; Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

Saline County Jail Bookings, August 22

Thousands of vehicles will travel the Kansas roadways during the Labor Day weekend. Many families will head out for the long weekend as summer ends and the school year begins. 

"Safe Kids Kansas," which is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), State Farm Insurance and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), want to encourage families to buckle up and drive safely to protect their most important cargo, their families.

This year, from Monday,&nbsp;August 25 through Sunday, September 7, a safety belt awareness campaign called “Bucks for Buckles” will be held in 41 cities across Kansas. Local volunteers will distribute dollar bills to drivers who have all occupants buckled up securely in their vehicles.

Those riding unrestrained will receive educational materials about the effectiveness of seat belts and child safety seats in saving lives and reducing injuries.

“No one can predict when they will be involved in a motor vehicle crash, yet almost all of us will be involved in a crash in our lifetime. In 2024, 339 people lost their lives on Kansas roadways, and approximately 30 percent were unbuckled,”&nbsp;Cherie Sage, State Director for Safe Kids Kansas, said.&nbsp;“The single most effective means of protecting the lives of you and your passengers is wearing seat belts and using appropriate child safety seats every time you ride in the vehicle – even short distances.”

According to the 2023 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Seat Belt Use Survey, 85 percent of Kansans surveyed were wearing their seat belts,, compared to the national average of 90 percent.&nbsp;Kansas saw a nearly 2 percent decline in seat belt usage from 2022 to 2023. Seat belts save more than 15,000 lives yearly and are the best defense against drunk, aggressive and distracted drivers.

“Seat belts reduce your chances of serious injury from a vehicle crash by as much as 50 percent,”&nbsp;Sage said. “It’s such a simple thing, so take your life into your own hands and buckle up.”

For more information about safety belts or child safety seat use, call (785) 296-1223 or visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.safekidskansas.org%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000198ce0218b8-a022dd25-0b42-4171-ac1d-87899b7f5283-000000/1pqJkZkDo3mhsZB7LYMn0Bwm5xFU0e37Mk8JD7fiYpk=419">SafeKidsKansas.org</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.safekids.org%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000198ce0218b8-a022dd25-0b42-4171-ac1d-87899b7f5283-000000/Qbfl28mIw7qjhDDPiXZKXhM10q_aF9fS1_in7i6GQkk=419">SafeKids.org</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsafekidskansas%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000198ce0218b8-a022dd25-0b42-4171-ac1d-87899b7f5283-000000/8N7j4cZ_8FsCLraOPzU5TgSWRM2JyYnYncQWZNmOHQY=419">Facebook.com/safekidskansas</a>.

"Safe Kids Kansas": Bucks rewarded to drivers who buckle up

Kansas Wesleyan’s endowment reached a historic financial milestone in recent weeks as it surpassed the $50 million mark for the first time in school history. The endowment, which provides a cornerstone of long-term stability for the institution, has more than doubled in the past decade and increased by more than $20 million since 2018.&nbsp;

“The KWU community continues to propel us to incredible heights,” said Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU president. “Ten years ago, this would have been difficult to fathom, but here we are! Reaching the $50 million level in our endowment provides us with a platform, a marker, that everyone can see — Kansas Wesleyan University is ready for the next chapter, the next steps and to lead this community into the future.”

Recent increases in the endowment are part of the Power of AND campaign, which is approaching $50 million, as well. The campaign has been crucial in sweeping improvements across campus, including new student housing (Coyote Village), new academic facilities (Bieber Hall, Nursing Education, Jack Wilson Criminal Justice labs) and the renovation of Sams Chapel, as well as the Bieber Dining Hall project.&nbsp;

“This is a tremendous moment for our institution,” said Ken Oliver, KWU executive vice president and foundation board administrator. “It is an indicator that, in a shifting landscape, our community, alumni and friends value what it means to be a Coyote. This figure is among the top private institutional endowments in the state. We are thankful for every individual, business and partner who has invested time, energy and financial support into helping provide this long-term stability to Kansas Wesleyan.

“KWU is fortunate to have both our Board of Trustees, the group that sets the overall direction of the institution, and our Foundation Board, which monitors and works to grow the endowment,” said Oliver. “This is a rarity among small colleges, but having different leaders — including Bob Meyer and Ken Ebert, past Foundation Board presidents — working toward these goals has proven to be a winning formula for Kansas Wesleyan. With the Scholarship Gala coming up in April, we know there’s more to come, but for now, we say thank you to everyone who got KWU to this point.”

Current KWU Foundation Board members are:&nbsp;

Steve Scofield ’65 (chair, finance committee)

For more information on Kansas Wesleyan, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kwu.edu/news">www.kwu.edu/news</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KWU endowment hits historic $50 million mark for first time

WICHITA - A new book from Wichita State University President Rick Muma, “Student Centered, Innovation Driven,” offers a behind-the-scenes look at the forward-thinking strategies and innovative vision that helped transform a regional institution into a national model of applied learning, industry collaboration and student success.&nbsp;

Published by the University Press of Kansas, Muma’s warts-and-all narrative traces Wichita State’s decade-long evolution, capturing the challenges and pivotal decisions that shaped the university’s trajectory to become a nationwide leader in applied learning, student success, business and industry partnerships and research.&nbsp;&nbsp;

From launching major initiatives like the Innovation Campus and Wichita Biomedical Campus to rethinking how universities align with workforce demands, Muma shares the story of an institution unafraid to challenge convention in pursuit of meaningful impact.&nbsp;

“Wichita State’s transformation didn’t happen overnight,” Muma writes. “It happened because we listened to students, built trust with our community and refused to let outdated systems hold us back.”&nbsp;

In a time of increasing skepticism about the value of higher education, “Student Centered, Innovation Driven” makes a compelling case for what’s possible when universities prioritize access and collaboration. 

The book is both a chronicle of Wichita State’s rise and a model for other institutions looking to reinvent themselves from the inside out.&nbsp;

"Student Centered, Innovation Driven" is available Tuesday,&nbsp;August 26 wherever books are sold.&nbsp;

WSU President to release book about strategies that produce institutional success

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.

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

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

DOUGLAS COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating a pedestrian accident that occurred just 5:30a.m. Friday in Douglas County.

A 27-year-old Lawrence man who was running eastbound on N 1400 Road&nbsp; suffered serious injuries when a westbound 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier struck him, according to Sheriff's Department spokesman George&nbsp;Diepenbrock.

The accident occurred in the 1900 block of N 1400 Road, between Lawrence and Eudora.

Medics transported the injured runner via ground ambulance to a Kansas City-area hospital. 

The driver of the Cavalier, a 70-year-old Eudora man, suffered injuries believed to be minor, and medics transported him to LMH Health, where he was later released.

Deputies closed the road in the area for the Douglas County Sheriff's Office&nbsp; Crash Reconstruction Team to examine the scene. They reopened the road at 9:25 a.m.

Runner seriously injured after struck by car on rural Kan. road 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is calling national security and privacy concerns related to TikTok and its Chinese parent company “highly overrated” and said Friday he’ll keep extending the deadline for the popular video-sharing platform until there’s a buyer.

Congress approved a U.S. ban on TikTok unless its parent company, ByteDance, sold its controlling stake. But Trump has so far extended the deadline&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-trump-delay-executive-order-3211a98113615be44cf92b32dca69a8e">three times</a>&nbsp;during his second term — with the next one coming up on Sept. 17.

“We’re gonna watch the security concerns,” Trump told reporters, but added, “We have buyers, American-buyers,” and “until the complexity of things work out, we just extend a little bit longer.”

The first extension was through an executive order on Jan. 20, his first day in office, after the platform went dark briefly when a national ban —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-fire-congressmans-office-wisconsin-a815e6592bea4c028b1c7748491461ed">approved by Congress</a>&nbsp;and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court — took effect. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tiktok-china-bytedance-social-media-tariffs-665e46fd5bb555e97c4d7301e07230df">second was in April</a>, when White House officials believed they were nearing a deal to spin off TikTok into a new company with U.S. ownership that fell apart after China backed out following Trump’s tariff announcement.

His comments follow the White House starting a TikTok account this week.

“I used TikTok in the campaign,” Trump said.

“I’m a fan of TikTok,” he said. “My kids like TikTok. Young people love TikTok. If we could keep it going.”

As the extensions continue, it appears less and less likely that TikTok will be banned in the U.S. any time soon. The decision to keep TikTok alive through an executive order has received some scrutiny, but the administration has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tiktok-ban-china-supreme-court-37284ac35241b1822c9f5da7c9d719d2">not faced a legal challenge in court</a>&nbsp;— unlike many of Trump’s other executive orders.

Americans are even more closely divided on what to do about TikTok than they were two years ago.

A recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/03/25/fewer-americans-now-support-tiktok-ban-see-the-platform-as-a-national-security-threat-than-in-spring-2023/" target="_blank">Pew Research Center survey</a>&nbsp;found that about one-third of Americans said they supported a TikTok ban, down from 50% in March 2023. Roughly one-third said they would oppose a ban, and a similar percentage said they weren’t sure.

Among those who said they supported banning the social media platform, about 8 in 10 cited concerns over users’ data security being at risk as a major factor in their decision, according to the report.

President Trump: I'm a fan of TikTok; he may delay the ban again

WICHITA, Kan. – A violent Kansas drug offender accused&nbsp; of ramming a Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputy's patrol vehicle will return to court Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

Thomas Torrez, 38, will attend a preliminary hearing in Judge Eric Williams courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 1a.m. May 4, Wichita Police officers were recovering a stolen vehicle in the 4800 block of E. 21st Street North. During the recovery, Torrez—an occupant of the vehicle—fled the scene in the stolen car. He was not located during the initial incident.

Just before 8p.m., a Sedgwick County deputy spotted the same stolen vehicle using a Flock license plate reader at a McDonald’s drive-thru in the 4800 block of S. Broadway in Wichita. Torrez was behind the wheel with a female passenger.

The deputy positioned his patrol vehicle to block the stolen car, but Torrez accelerated, ramming the patrol unit. He then reversed into the building, drove over a curb and landscaping, and fled onto 47th Street. The deputy’s vehicle was disabled from the impact, and he was unable to pursue. The deputy sustained minor injuries as a result.

The deputy was “put out in trouble,” and charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer were broadcast to responding units.

While responding with lights and sirens, a second deputy collided with a civilian vehicle at the intersection of 47th Street and Hydraulic. The civilian vehicle was carrying five people—a 37-year-old man, a 29-year-old woman, and three children ages 6, 8, and 10. All suffered minor injuries and were treated at a local hospital. No officers were actively pursuing the stolen vehicle at the time of the crash. This deputy sustained minor injuries that did not require medical attention.

Shortly after fleeing McDonald’s, the female passenger escaped the vehicle near Laura Street, north of 47th. She was located by officers and cooperated with the investigation. According to her statement, she tried to surrender during the initial stop and attempted multiple times to exit the vehicle, even using mace on Torrez.

Torrez later abandoned the stolen vehicle near 44th and Pattie and fled on foot. He then stole a second vehicle from a mobile home park in the 1000 block of E. MacArthur and led deputies on a brief pursuit, driving off-road in the area of O.J. Watson Park.

During his escape, Torrez caused a hit-and-run crash near Harry and McLean. The victim followed him to the area of Water and Zimmerly, where Torrez ditched the second vehicle and fled on foot.

On Tuesday, May 6, after extensive efforts by the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Investigations Division and Fugitive Warrant Section, deputies identified Torrez at a multi-family housing unit in the 2500 block of N. Park Place, a location previously associated with him. Entry was made into the residence, where Torrez was found barricaded inside a refrigerator.

Despite multiple commands to surrender, Torrez refused to comply. A Sheriff's Office K-9 unit was deployed, which facilitated his apprehension. Following medical treatment, Torrez was booked into the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility.

Torrez was taken into custody on original felony warrants for failing to register as an offender and a probation violation related to criminal possession of a weapon. He also faces new charges related to the incidents on May 4 and May 6, including aggravated burglary, kidnapping, attempting to elude law enforcement, criminal damage to property, interference with law enforcement officers, and aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.

Torrez has been listed as a violent drug offender following three felony convictions that include for selling illegal drugs and aggravated assault; use of a deadly weapon, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Kan. offender who rammed patrol vehicle is due back in court

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. (AP) — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Friday opened the door ever so slightly to lowering a key interest rate in the coming months but gave no hint on the timing of a move and suggested the central bank will proceed cautiously as it continues to evaluate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/asia-tariffs-trump-china-trade-78d11d9d8ab4eb66898e12fdbd5aa9b4">the impact of tariffs</a>&nbsp;and other policies on the economy.

In a high-profile speech closely watched at the White House and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-powell-trump-2fcc29096ecaec4fff8fa555e4fda967">on Wall Street</a>, Powell said that there are risks of both rising unemployment and stubbornly higher inflation. Yet he suggested that with hiring sluggish, the job market could weaken further.

“The shifting balance of risks may warrant adjusting our policy stance,” he said, a reference to his concerns about weaker job gains and a more direct sign that the Fed is considering a rate cut than he has made in previous comments.

Still, Powell’s remarks suggest the Fed will proceed carefully in the coming months and will make its rate decisions based on how inflation and unemployment evolve. The Fed has three more meetings this year, including next month, in late October, and in December, and it's not clear whether the Fed will cut at all those meetings.

“The stability of the unemployment rate and other labor market measures allows us to proceed carefully as we consider changes to our policy stance,” Powell said. That suggests the Fed will continue to evaluate jobs and inflation data as it decides whether to cut rates.

The stock market jumped in response to Powell's remarks, with the broad S&amp;P 500 index rising 1.6% in midday trading.

Powell spoke with the Fed under unprecedented&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-federal-reserve-4821bb5d0baa9980c4c69ab26fab3ab4">public scrutiny</a>&nbsp;from the White House, as President Donald Trump has repeatedly insulted Powell and has urged him to cut rates, arguing there is “no inflation” and saying that a cut would lower the government’s interest payments on its $37 trillion in debt.

Trump also says a cut would boost the moribund housing market. A rate cut by the Fed often leads to lower borrowing costs for mortgages, car loans, and business borrowing, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-powell-fed-inflation-tariffs-recession-e698dca7ceddf382c1b030e7bf1bd202">it doesn't always</a>.

While Powell spoke, Trump elevated his attacks, telling reporters in Washington, D.C. that he would fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook if she did not step down over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-federal-reserve-rates-354ddf9b0b2a78eabbe7ebd361bf2e05">allegations from an administration official</a>&nbsp;that she committed mortgage fraud.

If Cook is removed, that would give Trump an opportunity to put a loyalist on the Fed's governing board. The Fed has long been considered independent from day-to-day politics. The president can't fire a Fed governor over disagreements on interest rate policy, but he can do so “for cause,” which is generally seen as malfeasance or neglect of duty.

Powell spoke at the Fed’s annual economic symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a conference with about 100 academics, economists, and central bank officials from around the world. He was given a standing ovation before he spoke.

In his remarks, the Fed chair underscored that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-consumer-prices-jerome-powell-fed-interest-rates-7956da9c097730929b12c269f8c08399">tariffs are lifting inflation</a>&nbsp;and could push it higher in the coming months.

“The effects of tariffs on consumer prices are now clearly visible. We expect those effects to accumulate over coming months, with high uncertainty about timing and amounts,” Powell said.

Inflation has crept higher in recent months though it is down from a peak of 9.1% three years ago. Tariffs have not spurred inflation as much as some economists worried, but they are starting to lift the prices of heavily imported goods such as furniture, toys, and shoes.

Consumer prices rose 2.7%&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-consumer-prices-jerome-powell-fed-interest-rates-7956da9c097730929b12c269f8c08399">in July from a year ago</a>, above the Fed’s target of 2%. Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, core prices rose 3.1%.

Powell added that higher prices from tariffs could cause a one-time shift to prices, rather than an ongoing bout of inflation. Other Fed officials have said that is the most likely outcome and as a result the central bank can cut rates to boost the job market.

The Fed chair said it is largely up to the central bank to ensure that tariffs don’t lead to sustained inflation.

“Come what may, we will not allow a one-time increase in the price level to become an ongoing inflation problem,” he said, suggesting deep rate cuts, as Trump has demanded, are unlikely.

Regarding the job market, Powell noted that even as hiring has slowed sharply this year, the unemployment rate remains low. He added that with immigration falling sharply, fewer jobs are needed to keep unemployment in check.

Yet with hiring sluggish, the risks of a sharper downturn, with rising layoffs, has risen, Powell said.

Powell also suggested the Fed would continue to set its interest-rate policy free from political pressure.

Fed officials “will make these decisions, based solely on their assessment of the data and its implications for the economic outlook and the balance of risks. We will never deviate from that approach.”

Powell dedicated the second half of his speech to announcing changes to the Fed's policy framework that was issued in August 2020. The framework, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1.c_RomerRomer.pdf">has been blamed</a>&nbsp;for delaying the Fed’s response to the pandemic inflation spike, provides guidelines on how the Fed would respond to changes in inflation and employment.

In 2020, after a decade of low inflation and low interest rates following the financial crisis and Great Recession in 2008-2009, the Fed changed its framework to allow inflation to top its 2% target temporarily, so that inflation would average 2% over time.

And after unemployment fell to a half-century low in 2018, without pushing up inflation, the 2020 framework said that the Fed would focus only on “shortfalls” in employment, rather than “deviations.” That meant it would cut rates if unemployment rose, but wouldn’t necessarily raise them if it fell.

The Fed reviewed its framework this year and concluded that it was tied too closely to the pre-pandemic economy, which has since shifted. Inflation spiked to a four-decade high in 2022 and the Fed rapidly boosted interest rates afterward.

“A key objective has been to make sure that our framework is suitable across a broad range of economic conditions,” Powell said.

🎥 Good news for borrowers: Fed hints it will lower interest rates

By MORGAN LEE and AUDREY McAVOY Associated Press

An apparent accident at a dairy in a rural&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/farming-">farming</a>&nbsp;community in Colorado involving exposure to gas killed six people, including a high school student, authorities said Thursday.

Investigators are looking into what kind of gases may have played a role in the deaths Wednesday at Prospect Valley Dairy in Keenesburg, about 35 miles (55 kilometers) northeast of Denver. Crews recovered the bodies in a confined space at the dairy, the Southeast Weld Fire Protection District said.

“We are investigating these deaths as the possible consequence of gas exposure in a confined space,” said Jolene Weiner, chief deputy coroner for Weld County.

The identities of those who died, all Hispanic males, were being withheld pending notification of the families, Weiner said. A local school district said a high school student was among those who died.

Weld County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Melissa Chesmore said her agency didn't find anything indicating a crime took place.

“It looks like an accident,” she said, declining to elaborate or say where exactly the bodies were found, referring questions to occupational safety regulators.

Chauntra Rideaux, a U.S. Department of Labor spokesperson, said in an email that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration was investigating. The farm is a member of the Dairy Farmers of America, the group said.

"We are deeply saddened by this incident, and our thoughts and most sincere condolences go out to the friends and families of the deceased. At this early stage, we have no further details,” the farmer-owned cooperative said in a statement.

County tax records say the property is owned by Prospect Valley Dairy LLC and list a Bakersfield, California, address for the owners. Phone messages left for a number at the California address were not immediately returned.

Weld County is a major agricultural producer. Three-quarters of its land is devoted to farming and raising livestock. It's Colorado's leading dairy producer and the state's biggest source of beef cattle, grain and sugar beets.

Census data from 2020 shows 30% of the county was Hispanic or Latino, compared to 22% for the state overall.

Lee reported from Santa Fe, New Mexico and McAvoy reported from Honolulu. Associated Press Writer Corey Williams contributed from Detroit.

Sheriff: 6 including teen found dead at a Colorado dairy

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man who admitted to a deadly knife attack will learn his fate on Friday.

Judge William Woolley will sentence William Ball, 24 of Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

In June he pleaded guilty to charges of 2nd degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

On March 10, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a report of a stabbing in the 4100 block of East Whitney Lane, according to Wichita Police Lt. Aaron Moses. The caller reported someone had been stabbed in the street.

Officers from the Wichita Police Department responded to the scene and located 51- year-old Brian Edwards from Wichita suffering from stab wound to the torso.&nbsp; EMS transported Edwards to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Officers at the scene quickly identified a suspect in this case and took William Ball into custody without incident. There were multiple individuals at the scene who were later interviewed by Wichita Police Department Homicide investigators.

&nbsp;Police booked Ball into the Sedgwick County Jail&nbsp; and he remains jailed on a $250,000 bond.&nbsp; This was the third criminal homicide in Wichita in 2025.

Sentencing day for deadly Kansas knife attack

The Kansas State Wildcats open the college football season Saturday against Iowa State at Aviva Stadium as part of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall challenged Iowa U.S. Senator Joni Ernst on Farmageddon or more like "Farm O'Gedden in Dublin, Ireland.

🎥Kansas and Iowa U.S. Senators make 'Farm O'Gedden' football wager

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City area elementary school teacher has been charged in federal court for child pornography offenses, according to the United State's Attorney.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/media/1411761/dl?inline">Click here to read </a>the charging documents

Dennis Adlai Hernandez, 28, was charged in a three-count federal criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. today.&nbsp; Hernandez is charged with transportation of child pornography, production and attempted production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.

Hernandez was arrested at his home during the execution of a federal search warrant.&nbsp; He remains in custody and is scheduled for his initial appearance today before a federal magistrate.

The complaint affidavit alleges that on Aug. 19, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigations received 19 CyberTipline Reports (“Cybertips”) from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NCMEC”).&nbsp; NCMEC made the referral after it received disclosures from Google on August 18th&nbsp;indicating that multiple files of apparent child sexual abuse material had been uploaded to google photos by a particular account that had identifying information consistent with/to Hernandez.&nbsp;The affidavit further alleges that based upon the Cybertips, agents with the FBI sought and obtained a federal search warrant which was executed on the morning of August 20th.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Under federal statutes, transportation of child pornography carries a minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, production and attempted production of child pornography carries a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment, and possession of child pornography carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment.&nbsp; The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

The FBI is seeking to identify potential victims of Hernandez.&nbsp; If you or your child believes they were a victim of Hernandez, please call 1-800-CALL-FBI. If you are under the age of 18, please have your parent/guardian call on your behalf. Your responses are voluntary. Based on your responses, you may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information.

The FBI is legally mandated to identify victims of federal crimes it investigates. Victims may be eligible for certain services, restitution, and rights under federal and/or state law.

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