Salina Police have arrested a man of being under the influence of drugs, after a call was made about him 'screaming with a gun' in a Salina neighborhood.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Monday, August 18 at around 1:40 pm, a 20-year old man contacted police and said someone was 'chasing after him.' 

However, SPD received another call shortly about a man 'screaming with a gun' in the area of Eastgate and Beloit Ave.

Afterwards, SPD and Kansas state authorities arrived to the area and located the man who was reportedly 'screaming with a gun.' Authorities took the man into custody, but did not locate a gun on him. 

SPD stated the man who was arrested, was the same 20-year old male who called about someone 'chasing after him.'

Authorities stated the man was 'under the influence of drugs' and transported him to Salina Regional Health Center to be medically evaluated.&nbsp;

Furthermore, officers located a duffel bag in the area where the arrest was made. SPD stated inside the bag they found cocaine and handgun magazines and ammunition. A handgun was later located in front of a residence around the area.

SPD believed the man was connected to the duffel bag and handgun.

According to SPD, the suspect is currently at the hospital. Once he is released, SPD will book him into the Saline County Jail for requested charges that include, Possession of drugs and possibly Intoxicated Possession of a Firearm.

SPD stated the name of the suspect cannot be released at this time, but will be once they officially press charges on him.&nbsp;

Salina PD arrest man of being under the influence of drugs and armed with a gun, pending requested charges 

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/josh-funk">JOSH FUNK</a>

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska announced plans Tuesday for an immigration detention center in the remote southwest corner of the state as President Donald Trump’s administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-immigration-kristi-noem-alligator-alcatraz-02daf485e8a499022491c35f7c656fe8">races to expand</a>&nbsp;the infrastructure necessary for increasing deportations.

The facility will be dubbed the “Cornhusker Clink,” a play on Nebraska’s nickname of the Cornhusker State and an old slang term for jail. The alliterative name follows in the vein of the previously announced “Alligator Alcatraz” and “Deportation Depot” detention centers in Florida and the “Speedway Slammer” in Indiana.

Republican Gov. Jim Pillen said he and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had agreed to use an existing minimum security prison work camp in McCook — a remote city of about 7,000 people in the middle of the wide-open prairies between Denver and Omaha — to house people awaiting deportation and being held for other immigration proceedings. It’s expected to be a Midwest hub for detainees from several states.

“This is about keeping Nebraskans – and Americans across our country – safe,” Pillen said in a statement.

The facility can accommodate 200 people with plans to expand to 300. McCook is about 210 miles (338 kilometers) west of Lincoln, the state capital.

“If you are in America illegally, you could find yourself in Nebraska’s Cornhusker Clink. Avoid arrest and self deport now using the CBP Home App,” Noem&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/08/19/cornhusker-clink-new-partnership-dhs-and-state-nebraska-expand-detention-space" target="_blank">said in a separate statement.</a>

Noem’s agency&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/dhsgov/status/1957931320044138759?s=46" target="_blank">posted a picture</a>&nbsp;on social media showing ears of corn wearing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement hats, standing in front of a prison fence.

The governor said later at a news conference in McCook that the center will have the advantage of being located at an existing facility and near a regional airport. He told reporters he didn’t know if the center would house women as well as men or if children could be held there. He said he first learned the federal government was interested in the facility on Friday.

Pillen also announced he would order the Nebraska National Guard to provide administrative and logistical support to Nebraska-based immigration agents. About 20 soldiers will be involved. And he said the Nebraska State Patrol would allow six troopers to help federal immigration agents make arrests.

Adding detention facilities to hold growing number of immigrants arrested

The Trump administration is adding new detention facilities across the country to hold the growing number of immigrants it has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/immigration">arrested and accused</a>&nbsp;of being in the country illegally. ICE centers were holding more than 56,000 immigrants in June, the most since 2019.

The new and planned facilities include the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-immigration-ice-trump-alligator-alcatraz-2edf0cd03409b3526f34d4d7b33074be">remote detention center in the Florida Everglades</a>&nbsp;known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alligator-alcatraz-immigration-detainees-florida-cc2fb9e34e760a50e97f13fe59cbf075">“Alligator Alcatraz,”</a>&nbsp;which opened last month. It’s designed to hold up to 3,000 detainees in temporary tent structures. When Trump toured it,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-everglades-immigrant-detention-facility-visit-5dc5568ec15534947c29c9149b773d1d">he suggested it could be a model</a>&nbsp;for future lockups nationwide.

The Florida facility also been the subject of legal challenges by attorneys who allege violations of due process there, including the rights of detainees to meet with their attorneys, limited access to immigration courts and poor living conditions. Critics have been trying to stop further construction and operations until it comes into compliance with federal environmental laws.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-immigration-detention-center-desantis-dce8b6b8f634152a604eb06bfc2fb461">announced last week</a>&nbsp;that his administration is preparing to open a second facility, dubbed “Deportation Depot,” at a state prison in north Florida. It’s expected to have 1,300 immigration beds, though that capacity could be expanded to 2,000, state officials said.

Also last week, officials in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tennessee-immigration-detention-facility-a4cbf17febb9c345282d2fc33087fc2b">rural Tennessee town of Mason</a>&nbsp;voted to approve agreements to turn a former prison into an immigration detention facility operated by a private company, despite loud objections from residents and activists during a contentious public meeting.

And the Trump administration announced plans earlier this month for a 1,000-bed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-detention-indiana-prison-immigrants-f4af2d5ad5ece8481b0750dad53fb743">detention center in Indiana</a>&nbsp;that would be dubbed “Speedway Slammer,” prompting a backlash in the Midwestern state that hosts the Indianapolis 500 auto race.

Corrections director Rob Jeffreys said the 186 inmates currently at the McCook work camp will be transferred to other state facilities over the next 45 to 60 days. The repurposed facility will be run by the state but will be paid for by the federal government. He said it’s already set up and accredited to hold prisoners, so detainees won’t be housed in tents or other temporary quarters.

The Nebraska plan has already raised concerns

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/758115393643071" target="_blank">video</a>&nbsp;posted to social media, state Sen. Megan Hunt, an independent, blasted a lack of transparency about plans for a detention center, citing her unfulfilled request to the governor and executive branch for emails and other records.

She urged people to support local immigrant rights groups.

“The No. 1 thing we need to do is protect our neighbors, protect the people in our communities who are being targeted by these horrible people, these horrible organizations that are making choices to lock up, detain, disappear our neighbors and families and friends,” Hunt said.

Around a half-dozen protesters sat in the hallway outside the governor’s office Tuesday afternoon making signs that said, “No Nazi Nebraska” and “ICE = Gestapo.”

Maghie Miller-Jenkins of Lincoln said she doesn’t think an ICE detention center is a good idea, adding the state should tackle problems like child hunger and homelessness. “This state has numerous things they could focus on that would benefit the constituents,” she said.

Associated Press reporters Steve Karnowski in St. Paul, Minnesota, Jack Dura in Fargo, North Dakota, and Scott McFetridge in Des Moines, Iowa, contributed to this story.

‘Cornhusker Clink’ immigration detention center to open near NW Kansas

Central Kansas shoppers now have a brand-new way to score deals on jewelry, dining, entertainment, and more with the launch of&nbsp;<a href="http://SalinaMarketplace.com">SalinaMarketplace.com</a>.

The&nbsp;Salina Marketplace&nbsp;features over&nbsp;$10,000 worth of items and experiences, including restaurant gift cards, jewelry, zoo passes, concert tickets, advertising packages and unique gifts from local businesses. Shoppers can browse the catalog and&nbsp;pay what they want&nbsp;for each item.

From dinner-and-a-show packages at the Stiefel Theatre and Martinelli’s, to premium jewelry from Vernon Jewelers, to radio advertising campaigns and family experiences, there’s something for everyone.

But hurry—all Marketplace items close this Friday, August 22nd at 5:00 pm. Once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.salinamarketplace.com/">www.SalinaMarketplace.com</a>&nbsp;today to shop, save, and discover something new!

Saline County RFD 3 acquiring new equipment from a grant 100% funded by the grantor

Salina Animal Services are considering in bringing back a volunteer program.

According to Salina Animal Services Manager, Monique Hawley this volunteer program is only a consideration and has not been finalized on when it will come back. 

She explained this potential program would be separate from the discontinued "Friends of Salina Animal Shelter Group" that ended back in June 2024.

Hawley stated they have not yet decided on a plan to establish the new program.

"We have not sat down and talked about how those plans will look, but we will try and see what we can do to get something started," said Hawley.

She described some of the perks in having a volunteer program. Those being extra enrichment in care, entertainment and socialization for the animals and assistance with off-site activities.

Salina Animal Services considering bringing back volunteer program

Kansas Department of Transportation

The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to temporarily close a portion of I-135 starting at mile marker 82 in Saline County on two separate occasions. The closures are necessary to swing and place beams for the new K-4 bridge construction over I-135.

Southbound I-135 will close at 7:00 pm Friday, August 22 and reopen at 6:00 am on Saturday, August 23.

Northbound I-135 will close at 7:00 pm Monday, August 25 and reopen at 6:00 am on Tuesday, August 26.

Traffic will be diverted up and down the interchange ramps at exit 82 during the closures.

King Construction of Hesston is the prime contractor of the bridge replacement project which is scheduled to be open to traffic by November, with all work scheduled to be complete by December, conditions permitting.

KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approaching and driving through a highway work zone.&nbsp; 

To stay aware of all road construction projects across Kansas, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.kandrive.gov%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010198c2f079af-08ec8473-283a-43a5-a4d8-594cabd4afd8-000000/QJp_bO07nmOr11YyBzb-3DarLxK23dQeqCGNz4tGeb4=418">kandrive.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 5-1-1.

Portions of I-135 set to temporarily close in Saline County

Saline County Food Action Community Team

The Saline County Food Action Community Team (FACT) is reminding residents that two community listening sessions will take place&nbsp; Wednesday, August 20&nbsp;as part of the effort to create Saline County’s first comprehensive food system assessment.

The sessions are open to all community members and will help shape the future of food access, food security, and local food systems in the county.

Light refreshments will be provided, and all are welcome to attend. No registration is required.

“This is your chance to make your voice heard about food in Saline County,” said Michelle Coats, Chair of FACT. “Whether you’ve struggled with food access, use a food pantry, grow your own food, or just care about healthy food in our community, we want to hear from you.”

These sessions are the final step in building the Saline County Food Assessment, following a county-wide survey and a series of stakeholder interviews. Insights gathered will be included in the final report later this year.

This project is made possible through the generous support of the Salina Regional Health Foundation and the Kansas Health Foundation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Saline County Food Action Community Team (FACT)&nbsp;is a coalition of local organizations, businesses, and community members dedicated to improving food access and security in Saline County. FACT works collaboratively to identify food system challenges, support local food initiatives, and develop strategies that ensure all residents have access to healthy, affordable food. Through partnerships, advocacy, and community-driven solutions, FACT aims to strengthen the local food network, reduce food insecurity, and promote sustainable food practices across the county.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.eatwellsalinecounty.com/">www.eatwellsalinecounty.com</a>&nbsp;or email the Saline County Food Action Community Team at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:salinecountyfact@gmail.com">salinecountyfact@gmail.com</a>

Saline County Food Action hosting two community listening sessions on Wednesday

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;Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm

NAME:&nbsp;Curtis, Raelynne Elizebeth

REQUESTED CHARGE: Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Return for court testimony

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg. weapons violation by felon; 21-6301 a1-a3/21-6302 a1-a4 no expunge/pardon; Crim. carry weapon; Concealed billy/blackjack

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;Schimmel, Tevin Lawrence

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Contribute to child misconduct; Encourage to commit a felony; Contribute to a child misconduct; Shelter/conceal a runaway; Use/poss. drug paraphernalia/human body; Interf. w/LEO; obstr./resist/oppose felony warrant; Poss. of marijuana; Poss. of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

REQUESTED CHARGES: Failure to appear (2 requested charges)&nbsp;

NAME:&nbsp;Suenram, Benjamin Stroda

REQUESTED CHARGES: Failure to appear (3 requested charges);&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact; Interf. w/LEO; obstr./resist/oppose misd. warrant

Saline County Jail Bookings, August 19

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina is expanding its innovative mentoring initiative, Beyond School Walls, now entering its fourth year. 

Originally launched in 2022 as a pilot in partnership with Vortex and Salina Public Schools, the program connects high school students with professional mentors to help prepare them for future careers. Since its inception, the initiative has gained momentum, welcoming partners including Great Plains Manufacturing, the Salina Family YMCA, and the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.

Beyond School Walls was created in response to a growing workforce challenge—nearly 40% of employers globally struggle to find candidates with the skills they need. By fostering one-to-one mentoring relationships within professional settings, the program equips students with practical skills and career exposure while helping businesses enhance employee engagement.

Through regular visits to participating businesses, students gain firsthand experience in professional environments and explore career paths ranging from financial literacy to STEM fields. These experiences not only broaden their horizons but also build lasting, supportive relationships with mentors who help guide them toward post-graduation success.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters creates life-changing relationships, and at Vortex, we understand how vital that is, not only for the youth being mentored, but for the mentors, too. When we support programs like this, we’re investing in stronger individuals, stronger families, and ultimately a stronger community," said Travis Young, CEO of Vortex.

“The Beyond Schools Walls program has been great for our employees and the students. We get to incorporate them into our workdays. They can see what local companies and the community have to offer for future career options," said Slade Spratlen, Manufacturing Recruiter/Human Resources of Great Plains Manufacturing.

"We’re thrilled to team up with Big Brothers Big Sisters to help more kids in our community find the support and encouragement they deserve. The Beyond School Walls program is such a powerful idea, it brings mentorship right into the spaces where kids already feel safe and supported. Our Y staff is genuinely excited to be part of this and can’t wait to build real connections with the youth we serve. We’re thankful to be included in something that’s making a real difference, and we’ve got the people, the heart, and the energy to help it grow," said&nbsp; Chris Lehecka, President &amp; CEO of Salina Family YMCA.

“Beyond School Walls was developed to reach more young people and build a stronger, more connected community,” said Amanda Otto, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina. “We’re thrilled to see this program grow and expand its impact, helping even more youth find the support they need. Our goal is for every student to graduate with a clear path forward—and a mentor whose influence stays with them for life. We couldn’t do this amazing work without the dedicated business partners, volunteers and our generous community.”

To learn more, contact Amanda Otto at amandao@bbbssalina.org or (785) 825-5509.

BBBS of Salina expands workplace mentoring program for the future careers of high school students 

The Salina Police Department (SPD) are currently investigating and awaiting the results of a final forensic pathologist report  for a 7-week old infant who died late July.

According to the SPD, they are staying updated with Kansas City medical examiners on the cause of death.

SPD stated once they receive an update, they will release that information as soon as received.

Salina Post will follow up on more information once received.

SPD awaiting final forensic reports on the death of a 7-week old infant

After the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5106497e-8227-4adb-9d83-5c279472700b">public meet &amp; greet and&nbsp;closed interviews with the Salina City Commission</a>, the decision on a new City Manager is still pending.

The decision on the fulfillment of the City Manager position for Salina has yet to be announced. Finalists <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5106497e-8227-4adb-9d83-5c279472700b">Jacob Wood</a>, <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5106497e-8227-4adb-9d83-5c279472700b">Darrin Tangeman</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5106497e-8227-4adb-9d83-5c279472700b">Michael Tremblay</a> each made an appearance at the public meet &amp; greet that took place at the Stiefel Theatre on Monday, August 11.

According to the Human Resources Director for the City of Salina, Natalie Fischer, after closed interviews the Commissioners conducted with the finalists on Tuesday, August 12th, no decision was made. 

Fischer mentioned City of Salina staff are currently awaiting a decision from the Commissioners.

Fischer is unsure of the Commissioner's timeline on a decision.

Salina Post will provide updates and the decision on the new City Manager once received.

UPDATE: Decision on Salina City Manager still pending

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.

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>.

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

<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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 6 - August 8

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The halls of Hays High School were bustling with curious students the last two days as students were allowed a sneak peek of their new school.

Today is the first day of school for all Hays USD 489 students, and the first full day of classes for the new $100 million high school.

Mario Hernandez, a junior, was there with other members of the student council serving as ambassadors for the new school.

Hernandez, a football player, said he is excited for the new athletic facilities.

Hays High has never played a home football game at its own facility. For years, the district has leased Fort Hays State University's Lewis Field. The Indians will play their first home game on Friday, Sept. 5.

"We have a beautiful new field, a new weight room. It's great," he said.

Kamden McBride, junior, said he is excited about the new performing arts center on campus. He said driving to another location was cumbersome. He's looking forward to the first performances of the chorus, band and orchestra in the new building.

"The whole school is amazing. I'm not into football, but having the view of the football field is beautiful."

The former Hays High School did not have an auditorium. Students either had to use the 12th Street auditorium, which was built more than 70 years ago and is in disrepair, or lease space at FHSU.

The new performing arts center seats 800 people, has an attached dressing room, costume shop and set workshop.

Alex Underwood, chorus teacher, noted the auditorium was designed with special attention to acoustics and rigging for scenery.

McBride said he wasn't too concerned about navigating the new school. He said finding classes was easy once you oriented yourself with the commons. He said he thought it was easier to navigate than the former Hays High.&nbsp;

The building is color-coded. Math and science are green, ground floor west. Music, performing arts and social studies are beige, ground floor east. Math, science, ag, business and the media center are light blue, second floor west. Art, English and world language are dark blue, second floor east.

The athletics wing is in the southwest portion of the building and painted with Hays High Indians logos in maroon and gold.

Avery Arias, junior, said, "The classrooms are bigger, and it allows for more space. There is new equipment and arts supplies and new culinary stuff. It opens up a lot of new opportunities for students in all areas, sports, art, business, everything."

&nbsp;Teachers are looking forward to their new spaces as well.

Maleigha&nbsp;Albers,&nbsp;English teacher, said&nbsp;the new extra space will help with her interactions with students.

"I love it. I love the room. Last year, I couldn't walk to the back of my room because it was so congested. I can move. I can help my kids better. I can maneuver the classroom a little bit better," she said.

Kathy Wagoner, English teacher, said, "It's an exciting time. I'm just thankful that the community has given us this opportunity to help kids grow. I love the extra space. It's an incredible building."

Wagoner said she taught for 34 years in a classroom with no windows. The new classrooms have many windows, which allow in natural light.

Many of the classrooms have class sliding doors that open into halls with flexible seating so students can work in small groups.

Wagoner said the design will allow for better supervision. In the old classrooms with the wooden doors, it was challenging to monitor both students working in the hall and the classroom.&nbsp;

"You were stuck in the doorway, and you had to look back and forth," she said.

Kayla Brown, chemistry teacher, said of her new classroom, "It's fabulous. More room to move around. Being able to use the desk as a class desk and dual lab benches is great. They are on casters, so it's easy to move them around."&nbsp;

She said the room has additional storage and it's more accessible.&nbsp;

A public ribbon cutting for the new high school will be at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, followed by the Maroon and Gold scrimmage. The public will be allowed to tour the building at that time.

🎙 New $100 million high school opens for classes in Hays

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement on Tuesday shared a unique video of an arrest after a chase following a crash on a Kansas highway.

On Monday night, sheriff's deputies used a drone to locate a suspect in a field near the unincorporated Douglas County community of Vinland, according to the Douglas County Sheriff.

He had fled from a crash into a ditch in a vehicle that identified as involved in an earlier pursuit with another agency.

🎥 Kan. deputies use a drone to capture suspect hiding in a field

JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a large house fire in Johnson County.

Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, crews responded to a home near 119th and Cherokee lane in Leawood after a 911 caller reported smoke in the area, according to the Leawood Fire Department.

First arriving crews found heavy smoke coming from the eaves of a large home. Fire moved into the attic and burned through the roof. Overland Park fire crews also responded to assist.

Two firefighters were injured. One was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The other was treated on the scene. There was nobody home at the time of the fire.

119th Street was closed at Cherokee for several hours while crews battled the blaze and investigated.

Two firefighters injured battling  large Kansas house fire

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States is deploying three Aegis guided-missile destroyers to the waters off Venezuela as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;effort to combat threats from Latin American drug cartels, according to a U.S. official briefed on the planning.

The USS Gravely, the USS Jason Dunham and the USS Sampson are expected to arrive soon, said the official, who was not authorized to comment and spoke Tuesday on the condition of anonymity.

A Defense Department official confirmed that the military assets have been assigned to the region in support of counter narcotics efforts. The official, who was not authorized to comment about military planning, said the vessels would be deployed “over the course of several months.”

The deployment of U.S. destroyers and personnel comes as Trump has pushed for using the U.S. military to thwart cartels he blames for the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into American communities and for perpetuating violence in some U.S. cities.

Trump has also pressed Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to cooperate more on security than her predecessor, specifically being more aggressive in pursuit of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cartels-trump-administration-bondi-justice-department-712bdb8f99522ee72ec357492cfa393b">Mexico’s cartels</a>. But she has drawn a clear line when it comes to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-us-drug-cartels-terrorist-organizations-8f010b9762964417039b65a10131ff64">Mexico’s sovereignty</a>, rejecting suggestions by Trump and others of intervention by the U.S. military.

Trump in February&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-foreign-terrorist-organizations-eb35567b69fc66f13f7f79fb90906a50">designated</a>&nbsp;Venezuela’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tren-de-aragua-gang-venezuela-trump-40ec0390047c2b17e961dd029da02e65">Tren de Aragua</a>, MS-13 in El Salvador and six groups based in Mexico as foreign terrorist organizations. His Republican administration has also stepped up immigration enforcement against alleged gang members.

The designation is normally reserved for groups like al-Qaida or the Islamic State group that use violence for political ends — not for money-focused crime rings such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/drug-cartels">the Latin American cartels</a>.

But the Trump administration argues the international connections and operations of the groups — including drug trafficking, migrant smuggling and violent pushes to extend their territory — warrant the designation.

Earlier this month, the Trump government announced it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-fbi-bondi-justice-department-0e618369ca68b79b1a2143a95955344a">doubling to $50 million</a>&nbsp;a reward for the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, accusing him of being one of the world’s largest narco-traffickers and working with cartels to flood the U.S. with fentanyl-laced cocaine.

The press office of Venezuela’s government did not respond to a request for comment from the AP on the deployment of the destroyers. But without mentioning the ships, Foreign Minister Yvan Gil in a statement Tuesday characterized the U.S. government’s drug-trafficking accusations against Venezuela.

“Washington’s accusing Venezuela of drug trafficking reveals its lack of credibility and the failure of its policies in the region,” Gil said. “While Washington threatens, Venezuela steadily advances in peace and sovereignty, demonstrating that true effectiveness against crime is achieved by respecting the independence of its peoples. Every aggressive statement confirms the inability of imperialism to subdue a free and sovereign people.”

The statement was followed by the government’s decision to temporarily ban the purchase, sale and operation of drones in Venezuela’s airspace. In 2018, drones armed with explosives detonated near Maduro&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-ba6e6ef53ea34030b1e1b4c5fca79a6d">in an apparent assassination attempt</a>&nbsp;while he was delivering a speech to hundreds of soldiers being broadcast live on television.

On Monday, Maduro said the U.S. had increased its threats against Venezuela and announced the planned deployment of more than 4.5 million militia members around the country. The militias were created by then-President Hugo Chávez to incorporate volunteers who could assist the armed forces in the defense of external and domestic attacks.

“The empire has gone mad and has renewed its threats to Venezuela’s peace and tranquility,” Maduro said at an event in Caracas, without mentioning any specific action.

Maduro was indicted in a New York federal court in 2020, during the first Trump presidency, along with several close allies on federal charges of narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine. Back then, the U.S. offered a $15 million reward for his arrest.

Rueda reported from Caracas, Venezuela. Associated Press writer Regina Garcia Cano contributed to this report from Mexico City.

US deploys warships near Venezuela to pressure drug cartels

The Kansas City Missouri Police Department is seeking information to help identify suspects in an aggravated assault that occurred in the area of 27th Street and Indiana Ave on August 16.

 A large group riding ATV’s and dirt bikes followed the victim from E 18th and Grand Ave to E 27th St and Indiana Avenue where one of the riders shot into the vehicle, in which two children were riding in, striking two adults, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

If you have any information, please contact the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS or the Assault Unit at 816-234-5227.

KCPD: Group of ATVs, bikes shot into car with children inside

JOHNSON COUNTY — A man admitted his role in a drug overdose death.

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