Two men were hospitalized after an argument over a puppy turned violent.

According to Salina Police Captain James Feldman, on Tuesday, May 6th officers arrived to a residence in the 700 block of N. 8th. Allegedly, a 34-year old man reported that him and his roomate identified as Jeramy Hassler, got into an argument over the care of puppy.

The 34-year old male stated that the argument became violent, when Hassler took him to the ground and started to impede his breathing by applying pressure to his neck. The man was able to grab a nearby rubber mallet and used it to strike Hassler in the head, which released himself.

Afterwards, the 34-year old man called police and upon arrival both men were transported to Salina Regional Health Center for minor injuries.&nbsp;

Further investigation determined that Hassler would be booked into the Saline County Jail for Aggravated Domestic Battery.

Argument Over Puppy Turns Violent 

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Looking for a new podcast to keep you informed and connected within your local community? Look no further than Eagle Media's latest podcast, "King in the Community."&nbsp;

Join Eagle Media Salina News Director Nate King as he talks with local and regional government officials, first responders, non-profit leaders and unique individuals with fascinating stories from north central Kansas and beyond. Learn about how organizations in your neighborhood leverage their partnerships to create a more interconnected community.

Available on all your favorite platforms, including&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/king-in-the-community/id1687185014">Apple podcasts,</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kinginthecommunity.podbean.com/">Podbean</a>,<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZeCj4TK3kaOZEvgQaDlio">&nbsp;Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c78f2e2e-c714-4aaf-ad4c-4864a4038889">Amazon Audible</a>, TuneIn + Alexa,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/king-in-the-community-5324914">Podchaser,</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/62430">Boomplay</a>.&nbsp;

No matter what streaming service you use, we've got you covered with engaging discussions and insightful interviews that will help you understand the issues that matter most to you.&nbsp; So why wait? Tune in to the "King in the Community" podcast today and discover a new way to stay connected.

For a full list of episodes<a href="https://kinginthecommunity.podbean.com/page/2/">&nbsp;click here</a>. Thanks for listening!

🎙The latest from 'King in the Community' with Nate King

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our news tip email address. Have a breaking news story, a community event, or a feel-good story that deserves to be shared? 

Submit your news tips via email to <a href="http://newstips@salinapost.com">newstips@salinapost.com</a>

Whether you're a Salina local, a native Kansan, or have moved out of state, we want to hear from you. Your contributions help us keep our community informed and engaged. 

So, if you have a story to tell or a photo of breaking news we should know about, send it to newstips@salinapost.com.

Salina Post news tip email address

Salina Post is thrilled to announce an exciting update - we are now accepting letters to the editor from our readers. We believe that our community's voices deserve to be heard, and providing a platform for open dialogue and constructive discussions is essential to a strong free press.&nbsp;

With the new letters to the editor offering, we aim to create a space where readers can express their thoughts, concerns, and ideas on a wide range of local topics that impact their daily lives.&nbsp;

Submitting a letter to the editor is simple. Just email your letter to <a href="mailto:admin@salinapost.com">admin@salinapost.com</a>

Ensure that your letter is concise and respectful. We value thoughtful and constructive discussions, so please make sure to present your arguments in a clear and coherent manner.

While we appreciate and encourage diverse perspectives, we also have certain guidelines in place. Letters should be free from hate speech, name-calling or any form of discrimination. We believe in promoting a respectful and inclusive environment for all readers.

Our editorial team will review all submissions and select letters that align with our guidelines and contribute positively to the conversation. We may edit letters for clarity, grammar, and length, but we will strive to maintain the essence of your message.

We are excited about this new opportunity to amplify your voice and encourage you to take advantage of this platform.

So, whether you have a burning issue or an important message to share, we invite you to submit a letter to the editor. Let's come together, learn from each other, and build a stronger community through the power of words.

All letters must include the author's name. No anonymous letters to the editor will be published, but if you have a news tip or an issue you would like us to know about still reach out via email at newstips@salinapost.com

<a href="https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/advocacy/direct-action/letters-to-editor/main">Information Courtesy University of Kansas Community Toolbox</a>

You feel strongly about an issue, and you want to let people know what you think. You believe you can even influence people to take some action if you speak your mind. But, you want to reach an audience larger than just your friends or your group membership. Letters to the editor can be an effective way to get the word out.

A letter to the editor is a written way of talking to a newspaper, magazine, or other regularly printed publication. Letters to the editor are generally found in the first section of the newspaper, or towards the beginning of a magazine, or in the editorial page. They can take a position for or against an issue, or simply inform, or both. They can convince readers by using emotions, or facts, or emotions and facts combined. 

Letters to the editor are usually short and tight, rarely longer than 300 words.

Using a few carefully placed letters, you can generate plenty of community discussion. You can also keep an issue going by preventing it from disappearing from the public eye. You can stimulate the interest of the news media and create more coverage for the matters you're working on. You can also send a "good news" letter to bring recognition to people who deserve it or acknowledge the success of an effort.

Salina Post accepting letters to the editor

The Salina League of Women Voters held its 2024 General Election Forum on Oct. 20 at 1:30 in the Watson Room at the Stiefel Theatre in Salina. 

Click the link above to watch the candidates answer questions from the media and the public. Candidates present at the forum included Senate District 24-John Baker, House District 69-Lori Blake, and Clarke Sanders; Saline County Commission District 2-Annie Grevas and Kathleen Malone Crouch.

Noticeably absent from the forum was State Senator J.R. Claeys, whose empty chair and name card can be seen on the far left of the table of candidates.&nbsp;

Check Salina Post for an article about the candidate's responses on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

2024 League of Women Voters General Election Candidate Forum

Due to damages from Sunday's severe weather, the bridge and road south of Wilson, Kansas will NOT be open by Memorial Day, May 27.&nbsp;

According to the Ellsworth County Highway Department, a date has not been set for the road/bridge to reopen.&nbsp;

Plan an alternate route if you plan to travel in the area.&nbsp;

READ MORE<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/3969fc82-b07d-4d4e-885d-fe75a7799560">:&nbsp;🎥UPDATED: Severe weather coverage May 19 — Salina Airport reports 100 mph winds</a>

River bridge, road project south of Wilson closed indefinetly 

Cope Notes is a text message-based service that provides individuals with randomly timed messages that contain anything from psychology facts to exercises and journaling prompts. Every subscriber’s text sequence is unique so that no two users ever receive the same message at the same time. 

Each <a href="https://copenotes.com/">Cope Notes</a> text must first undergo a thorough review process by a panel of peer-support advocates and mental health professionals, in order to ensure that the messages will have a positive effect on the subscriber’s health. The ultimate goal of the service is to train the brain to disrupt negative thoughts and promote a more positive pattern of thinking.

"We believe in the importance of mental health. We want to ensure our residents have access to the resources they need to stay healthy and thriving," said Saline County Health Officer Jason Tiller. "In my own personal experience with Cope Notes, I have found that the right messages seem to come at exactly the right time. It was been an uplifting experience for me, and I am thrilled we get to continue this service to our residents."

In 2022, Saline County initially offered the service for free to 300 residents. Because of the overwhelming response and in an effort to provide the service to more Saline County residents, the program is being offered at a 50 percent discount, according to information from the county.

To sign up for Cope Notes, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001scLNLAEK27GI7j38iOkmbBLY7glKLN0Wy6uF_d-8TLam2TPUzrfQlc9LS5oNICbDRUIbIxFeAe9F9t_3cBzqfldl0v4T9wLfMfxV5qLVYcHiyw0WBSsZFYJWzG17ByUTXv2fd3MbRsZWmxNokDZI85TAvv_DybpQ8u3RGpTS-VoOBpVKw3mIuQf0KEWbdEz2&amp;c=e8h8gccDrdCcdY1GLzjAyWQ83iic1YREdFKlJQ0cHZXKLBBGRtWzSA==&amp;ch=qH131SvBWUOQqWkIzjrjNennoWrg5mcmyLAePutxO-lGfSWshstgHw==" target="_blank">this link&nbsp;</a>and enter code&nbsp;SACOHALF&nbsp;and your credit or debit card information.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Saline County continues to offer Cope Notes at 50-percent discount

Not seeing precipitation totals from your area after a rain or snow event? Consider becoming a CoCoRaHS volunteer.

"CoCoRaHS is an acronym for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. CoCoRaHS is a unique, non-profit, community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail and snow). By using low-cost measurement tools, stressing training and education, and utilizing an interactive website, our aim is to provide the highest quality data for natural resource, education and research applications," the organization noted on its website.

After rain, hail, or snow storms, CoCoRaHS volunteers take precipitation measurements. Those totals are then recorded on the CoCoRaHS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/StateDailyPrecipReports.aspx?state=KS">website</a>&nbsp;(Kansas reporting).

The precipitation totals are used by various organizations and individuals, including the National Weather Service, other meteorologists, hydrologists, emergency managers, insurance adjusters, farmers and ranchers, and, of course, Salina Post.

For more information about CoCoRaHS and its March recruiting efforts or to sign up as a CoCoRaHS volunteer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/marchmadness.aspx">click here</a>.

Precipitation reporting organization seeks local, area volunteers

By ROSARIO MENDEZ Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

What’s worse than a bogus charity? A bogus charity with a dishonest fundraiser. The FTC has sued and stopped dishonest charity fundraisers that&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2020/09/spot-and-stop-dishonest-charity-fundraisers">called people</a>&nbsp;to get them to donate to fake charities. Some prey on your kindness and desire to help people impacted by weather emergencies or a disaster. But when you get a call from a charity fundraiser, how do you know the caller is telling you the truth?

Ask the caller specific questions.

What is the charity’s name, phone number, or address? Write these down so you can confirm them later. Keep in mind that many charity names sound alike, and that sham charities often use names that are sound and look like names of legitimate charities.

How much of your donation will go directly to the programs you want to support?

Will your donation be tax-deductible? Not every call seeking a donation is from a charity. Some calls might be from Political Action Committees or other groups where donations are not deductible. See more questions to ask here.

Resist the pressure to donate on the spot.

After you’ve listened to the caller, hang up the phone and think about what they said. Then, go online and do your own research:

Search for the organization’s name and phone number, plus the word “scam” or “complaint.” What you find might help you decide if you want to make that donation.

Look up the organization’s name and address. Does it show up? If it doesn’t, that could be a sign the caller was lying to you.

See what these rating organizations say about the charity: BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, and Candid.

If you get a donation request in the mail, do some research online before you donate. And if you spot a charity scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

If you get a donation request in the mail,&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/charity">do some research online</a>&nbsp;before you donate. And if you spot a charity scam, report it to the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2020/09/www.reportfraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

FTC: How to spot and stop dishonest charity fundraisers

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The start of a new school year is an expensive time for families. If you are struggling to pay for phone and internet services, there are programs to help you stay connected.

During Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week, the Kansas Corporation Commission joins utility regulators nationwide in encouraging those in need of assistance to apply for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program.&nbsp; Both programs help low-income individuals and families stay connected so they can access health care, attend classes, find employment, and call for help in an emergency.

Lifeline provides federal and state discounts up to $17.02 per month on phone service (wireless or residential) and broadband. Seven million Americans currently benefit from the program, including approximately 30,000 Kansans.

The Federal Communication Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Plan&nbsp; provides a monthly internet service discount of up to $30 and a one-time device discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer or tablet. According to FCC data, more than 20 million U.S. households are currently enrolled, including approximately 120,000 in Kansas.

Eligibility&nbsp;is based on income&nbsp;(at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for Lifeline and at or below 200% for Affordable Connectivity Plan)&nbsp;or participation in certain assistance programs&nbsp;such as:

•&nbsp;&nbsp;Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) •&nbsp; Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) •&nbsp; Federal Public Housing Assistance (FHPA) •&nbsp; Veterans Pensions &amp; Survivors Pension Benefit •&nbsp; Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance •&nbsp; Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families •&nbsp; Head Start Tribal Programs (income based) •&nbsp; Food Distribution Program on Tribal Lands&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anyone who qualifies for Lifeline is automatically eligible to participate in Affordable Connectivity Plan. Others may still qualify for the plan if they meet any of the following criteria:

• Are approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including the&nbsp;USDA Community Eligibility Provision.&nbsp; • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.&nbsp; • Meet the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income program.&nbsp;

Due to higher income maximums, Affordable Connectivity Plan  also has the potential to help families that may not qualify for other types of assistance. The maximum income for a family of four to qualify for the&nbsp; program is&nbsp;$60,000 per year compared to $40,500 for Lifeline. Both Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Plan offer additional discounts for subscribers living on tribal lands.

More information on income eligibility, participating providers, and the enrollment process is available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtjYy5rcy5nb3YvdGVsZWNvbW11bmljYXRpb25zL2xpZmVsaW5lP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTEuODIzOTEwMjEifQ.SgutPMf7jc8B89ZmFqxVxA5ZBkjKYdszBMiWwbYC7oo/s/1510803030/br/225606126077-l" target="_blank">KCC’s website</a>.

Plans available to help Kansans unable to pay for phone, internet services stay connected

ABILENE - A full day of learning history, enjoying great food and entertainment in dedication for Mother's day is set to occur this Saturday.

The Abilene &amp; Smoky Valley Railroad (ASSVR) is celebrating Mother's Day weekend with a trio of events that will start at 9:30 am on the Rock Island Depot on 200 SE. 5th St.&nbsp;

According to Steve Smethers of ASSVR, attendees will get the chance to experience the "roots of Kansas and the history of America" right in Abilene.

"We have alot to offer and this weekend will be a great opportunity for people to enjoy themselves," said Smethers.

Starting at 9:30 am will be the&nbsp;Flint Hills Express excursion train ride that will take off from Abilene’s 1887 Rock Island Depot. During the ride, participants can experience a two-hour mansion tour of the historic Seelye Mansion at 10:00 am. People will get to understand what the life of the Seelye's (A.B. and Jennie Seelye) was like.&nbsp;

This will then be followed by a tea party on the train, occuring at 1:00 pm. Food will be served which will consist of chicken salad finger sandwiches with a hit of curry, scones with Devonshire style cream, fruit salad, cheese puffs, devil's food cake with Seelye chocolate icing and old fashioned lemon bars. The tea party will also have some recreated dessert recipes that were made from Jennie Seelye. Black English breakfast tea or Seelye old fashioned fruit punch will also be served.

Tickets for 1 :00 pm train ride are only on sale until 1:00 pm on Thursday, May 8th.&nbsp;

Furthermore, a matinee performance "Steel Magnolias" will be held at Abilene's Great Plains Theater, starting at 2:00 pm on 215 N. Campbell St. Ended by a Mother's Day dinner at 6:00 pm in the ASSVR Limited Dinner Train. The dinner and theater package is $120 per person and can be purchased only through the Great Plains Theater site: <a href="https://www.greatplainstheatre.com/steel-magnolias">https://www.greatplainstheater.com/steel-magnolias.</a>

To purchase tickets go to,&nbsp;<a href="https://asvrr.org/rides/">https://asvrr.org/rides/&nbsp;</a>

Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad Hosting Multiple Events This Weekend

SALINE COUNTY — A jury found a Salina man guilty for a shooting death in 2021.

A Saline County jury found 38-year-old, Juan Doroteo-Morales guilty of first-degree, premeditated murder, aggravated assault and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon in the death of 25-year-old Camilo Renaldo Ramirez of Salina, according to the Kansas Attorney General's office.

In August 2021,&nbsp;Ramirez and his dog were shot near the intersection of Front Street and E. Iron Avenue. Police, who were dispatched to the area for the report of gunshots, found Ramirez in the street.&nbsp; He later died at a hospital.

According to information from police, surveillance videos near the shooting scene showed a vehicle circling the area. It then stopped and two people got out and began shooting.

A front window at Fresh Market, 511 E. Iron Avenue, and a nearby CityGo bus stop sign sustained damage from bullets during the shooting.

As part of the investigation, detectives learned that Ramirez was lured to the location by Morales and co-defendants&nbsp;Jaime Leos, Jacob Leos and Kiera Stewart.

Investigators found firearms used in the shooting in a drainage system a few blocks from a residence associated with the crime.

“Everyone involved in Camilo Ramirez’s murder has now been held accountable for their actions. I am pleased that justice was served,” said Jessica Domme, Deputy Attorney General.

Stewart entered guilty pleas to intentional murder in the second Degree, attempted aggravated robbery, and conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery on Oct. 18, 2022.&nbsp; Stewart testified during Morales’ trial.

Jaime Leos entered guilty pleas to voluntary manslaughter and conspiracy to commit murder in the second degree on July 29, 2024.

Jacob Leos entered guilty pleas to intentional murder in the second degree, conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree, and aggravated assault on May 2, 2024.

Stewart and Jaime Leos are scheduled to be sentenced on May 16. Jacob Leos is scheduled to be sentenced May 20.&nbsp;Morales will be sentenced in Saline County District Court on August 15th.

The Salina Police Department with the assistance of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.

Jury: Man guilty of Salina man's 2021 shooting death

CLOUD COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Wednesday in Cloud County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; Bobby Dwayne&nbsp;Heckman, 38, Tipton, was westbound on U.S. 24 Highway three miles east of U.S. 81. The pickup crossed the center line, entered the south ditch, struck a metal culvert at a field access drive, went airborne, struck a metal cattle panel section of fence while traveling over the fence and rolled&nbsp;

EMS transported&nbsp;Heckman&nbsp;North Central Kansas Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kan. man hospitalized after violent rollover accident

Made dinner plans yet? Maybe reconsider, because K-State Salina is inviting the community to support their Student Veterans Association at Freddy's tonight.

A Fundraiser dedicated to K-State Salina's Student Veterans Association will be happening from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Freddy's Frozen Custard &amp; Steakburgers on 2420 S. 9th.

According to the organization, all proceeds will help students attend the Student Veterans of America Regional Summit that will be occurring in Kansas City this summer.

When you go support say, "I'm here for the fundraiser" before you order your meal. Another way to support is by going online or using the Freddy's mobile app and use the promo code "GIVEBACK" when you place your order.

Fundraiser Supports K-State Student Veterans Association

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;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; Unsafe turning or stopping - Fail to Signal; FTY to Emergency vehicle; Circumvention of Ignition Interlock device; Poss. of marijuana

NAME:&nbsp;Edwards Wilson, Melynda Lanell

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Agg. Domestic Battery: impede breathing/choke

Saline County Jail Bookings, May 7

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Three advocacy organizations filed a lawsuit Monday in Douglas County District Court challenging the Kansas Legislature’s attempt to “arbitrarily” reject advance ballots of voters if the mail system fails to deliver them by Election Day.&nbsp;

Kansas Appleseed, Loud Light and Disability Rights Center of Kansas are asking the court to find&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb4/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 4</a>&nbsp;unconstitutional. Defendants are Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab and Douglas County Clerk Jamie Shew.

SB 4, which the Legislature passed this year, disqualifies any mail-in ballots not received by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Previously, mail-in ballots were counted if they were postmarked by Election Day and arrived within three days later.

Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed SB4 but that veto was overturned in both chambers, with votes falling along party lines.

In a statement, the three advocacy organizations called SB 4 a “deliberate and unconstitutional assault on Kansans’ fundamental right to vote.”

“This reckless law carelessly disregards the realities of postal delivery delays, which will disproportionately harm rural, elderly, and disabled voters,” the statement said. “Furthermore, this law deliberately undermines the will of Kansas voters who have increasingly chosen to vote by mail in recent election cycles.”&nbsp;

In the lawsuit, the advocacy organizations make a point that Kansans have been voting by mail ever since the Civil War. In 2017, the Legislature recognized that mail-in ballots arriving late deprived voters of their right to vote, and they instituted the three-day grace period.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During legislative debate on SB4, former Rep. Ann Mah, a Topeka Democrat, called the bill “pure partisan politics.” Statistics show&nbsp;<a href="https://elections-blog.mit.edu/articles/how-policy-influenced-partisan-divide-over-voting-mail" target="_blank">far more Democrats than Republicans use mail-in ballots</a>, and she noted the bill’s lack of funding for an education program that would inform citizens of the change.

More Democratic votes would be rejected than Republican votes, Mah said.

“If you make this change and do not fund an education program, you’re intentionally causing thousands of votes to be thrown out,” she said. “That’s voter suppression.”

The lawsuit said 32,000 mail-in ballots were received after Election Day in the 2020 general election during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the 2024 general election, 2,110 ballots arrived during the grace period.

In Douglas County, Shew said he rejected more than 200 ballots in the Aug. 6, 2024, primary for arriving after the grace period, even though they were postmarked in July, the lawsuit said.

“SB 4’s threat of disenfranchisement is particularly acute for some of Kansas’s most vulnerable populations,” the lawsuit said. “The elderly and Kansans with disabilities often have little to no choice but to vote by mail. And rural voters and voters who are temporarily out-of-state, such as many college students, will also be disproportionately affected because their mail is less likely to be delivered in a timely manner.”

The lawsuit said the state of Kansas mails its ballots just 20 days before elections, unlike other states that send them out 30-45 days in advance. Kansas ties with Iowa as the two states with the shortest turnaround time, the filing said.

SB4 is unconstitutional because it violates the equal protection clause that bans the state from arbitrarily rejecting voters’ ballots based on their geography and whether the post office did its job effectively, the lawsuit said.

“Its due process clause requires that Kansas establish adequate procedures to ensure that voters have a reliable, fair, and effective method to cast their ballots,” it said.

Lawsuit challenges ‘unconstitutional’ Kansas law cutting grace period for mail-in ballots

UPCOMING GAMES: Baseball: Chapman at Abilene - 5/6 at 4:30pm.

High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

Candidate Doug Billings wants to implement DOGE framework in Topeka

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Conservative podcaster and MAGA enthusiast Doug Billings is the lone person to formally file as a candidate for the Kansas Republican Party’s nomination for governor in 2026.

Billings, not a household name in Kansas politics, said in an interview Monday that he was a reluctant candidate in a GOP field that could grow substantially as Secretary of State Scott Schwab, Senate President Ty Masterson, state Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, former Gov. Jeff Colyer, former Johnson County Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara and others make decisions to join the ballot or stay on the sideline. No Democrat has officially entered the race.

“The truth is, honest to God, I don’t want to run,” Billings said. “We need a strong conservative governor in that office. We need a politician who’s going to tell the truth.”

Billings, who worked in human resources before starting “The Right Side” podcast five years ago in Olathe, said he would implement at the state level the federal DOGE framework embraced by President Donald Trump and adviser Elon Musk. He said the state’s economy would flourish by cutting unnecessary spending and by diminishing income and businesses taxes, including the potentially unconstitutional property tax.

“Through the Kansas Department of Government Efficiency, I will root out fraud, waste and bureaucracy across state agencies,” he said.

Targets of his budget ax would include administrative costs in public schools, fraud in poverty and unemployment benefit programs, transportation project cost overruns, ill-advised economic development incentives and operational inefficiency in prisons. He vowed to scan state agencies large and small for waste.

Billings said his Catholic values required that he provide leadership in the movement to curtail abortion rights in Kansas. He would expand the state’s support for anti-abortion pregnancy resource centers and faith-based adoption agencies as well as enact policies reflecting a “shared commitment to the dignity of every human life.” At minimum, he said, the state ought to enact and enforce a law forbidding abortion after detection of a fetal heartbeat.

The Kansas Supreme Court declared a woman’s decision to terminate a pregnancy a fundamental right anchored in the Bill of Rights of the Kansas Constitution. In 2022, voters in Kansas rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have nullified the state Supreme Court’s opinion on abortion. Abortion remains legal in Kansas despite the U.S. Supreme Court decision striking the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide.

Billings said he would strive as governor to restore Christian values that inspired the nation’s Founding Fathers and to breath new life into founding documents written by those men. He said school classes would start with a moment of private prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, which would reinforce “our unity under God.”

“Kansas must return to its roots as a society grounded in faith, morality and reverence for God,” he said. “Not as a theocracy, but as a republic that honors its Christian heritage with pride and conviction.”

He said his administration would be a bulwark against attempts to erode the “God-given” right to bear arms. He would oppose burdensome regulations, excessive fees and bureaucratic red tape that infringed on the ability of law-abiding citizens to possess firearms.

Diversity, equity and inclusion programs or “woke” agendas in K-12 schools would be eliminated to avoid advocacy for “divisive ideologies,” Billings said. The state should invest tax dollars in ways that supported decisions of parents to send their children to public, private or home schools, he said.

In terms of election security, Billings said he would order the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to launch inquiries into past election “irregularities” and decisions that undercut election fraud investigations.

Secretary of State Schwab, who said he would run for the GOP nomination for governor, has repeatedly contended Kansas elections were fair and accurate. However, Billings said “anyone telling you that we don’t have election integrity issues in Kansas is either vastly uninformed or is lying to you.”

“I will work to eliminate electronic voting machines, which are vulnerable to manipulation and erode public confidence,” Billings said. “In their place, I will implement watermarked paper ballots.”

In January, Schwab was the first Republican to confirm plans to seek the August 2026 nomination for governor. He was elected the state’s top election official in 2018 and won reelection in 2022. He served 14 years in the Kansas House representing an Olathe district. In March, Schwab said he had been diagnosed with cancer in the lung. He said the cancer was detected at an early stage and surgery would be relied on to combat the health threat.

Schwab said his campaign would concentrate on necessity of the state to bring property assessments and taxation under control. He expressed alarm the 2025 Legislature did little to moderate state property tax collections, despite bipartisan promises after the 2024 session to tackle the issue.

“When it came time to lead, both the governor and leadership came up short,” he said.

O’Hara, a former Johnson County Commission member and one-term Kansas House member, said in February that she would campaign for governor because it was time to have a “true, proven conservative” leading the Republican supermajority in the Legislature. She vowed to deal with wasteful state spending and “ludicrous corporate welfare” in the form of business subsidies, ban DEI in government institutions and “get schools back on track.”

“I cannot stand silent and watch small businesses and homeowners be destroyed through high property taxes or watch our children drown in the sewer of wokeism in our schools,” she said.

O’Hara lost a 2024 reelection campaign for county commission to a Democrat after objecting to COVID-19 restrictions and opposing vaccination mandates.

Kansas podcaster seeks GOP gubernatorial nomination to copy Trump crusade at state level

SALINA — Police are investigating a reported accidental shooting in Salina.

Just after 6:30.m. Monday, police were dispatched to Salina Regional Health Center in reference a report of an accidental shooting, according to Salina Police Officer James Feldman.

Police made contact with a 25-year-old Salina man who had an apparent gunshot to his foot. 

Through the investigation it was learned the man had gone to the 1500 block of Osborne at about 6:00 AM to speak with a known associate. While outside, the two&nbsp; began verbally arguing when they bumped each other and a gun the second subject was holding went off and shot the man in the foot. 

Another associate of the injured man drove him to the hospital. He was admitted to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

Salina police investigate reported accidental shooting

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Hansen, Matthew Edwin Lloyd

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Navarro-Fields, Maliya Lee

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Contempt of Court; Direct, Distrib heroin/certain stim/fentanyl; &lt; 1 gram, Driving While Suspended, No Proof Of Insurance, Poss para w/intent to manuf/plant/cult, Poss of substance in KSA 65-4105(h), N/A No seat belt, Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, May 6

WICHITA - Kansas Wesleyan Baseball placed nine student-athletes on the 2025 All-KCAC Baseball teams as announced by the conference office. The All-KCAC Baseball teams are voted by the conference coaches.

KWU had three first-team selections, one second-team selection and five third-team picks. KWU also had one honoree on the KCAC Gold Glove team, which honors excellence in the field.

Earning spots on the first-team were catcher <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a37e07ad-d5ec-43ca-b347-252dc3e0d3a9?elinkdata=26428">Tyler Favretto</a>, starting pitcher <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a2c9c80e-486e-4140-aa10-af5f7b34e014?elinkdata=26428">Brett Maddock</a> and relief pitcher <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9703c3cf-bf16-42c6-a75d-5f35b1c8f18c?elinkdata=26428">Ritter Steinmann</a>.

Favretto was a first-team selection a year ago and was unanimous pick this year. He led the Coyotes with a .430 batting average in conference play, which ranked fourth best in the conference among all players. His 55 hits ranked third best in the league and his 49 RBI ranked seventh best in the KCAC. He led the KCAC in walks with 46 coming in conference play, and tied for the NAIA lead with 61 free passes during the entire season.

Maddock went 8-1 during KCAC play in 11 starts for the Coyotes. He had a 4.58 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP in 70.2 innings pitched. He struck out a team best 55 batters against only 20 walks. Opposing hitters hit .277 against him during the conference season. He ranked seventh in the KCAC in ERA, and eighth among starting pitchers in the conference in WHIP. He ranked ninth in strikeouts.

Steinmann led the KCAC in saves with five during conference play with a 3.71 ERA which ranked 12th in the KCAC among pitchers who threw at least 10 innings in conference play. He also posted a 3-1 record in the conference in 34 innings pitched in 16 conference appearances and had a .231 batting average against.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/81cf1085-1aa2-44ab-b5b7-c764938f0296?elinkdata=26428">Riley Gwin</a> was the lone second-team selection for the Coyotes as a relief pitcher.

Gwin had a 1.25 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP in 16 conference appearances as a middle reliever for the Coyotes, throwing 36 innings. He had 34 strikeouts and opposing batters hit .224 against him in conference play. His 1.25 ERA in conference play ranked second among all pitchers in the conference, and led the KCAC among pitchers who pitched at least one inning per team game in conference play. He ranked sixth in the KCAC in WHIP among pitchers who faced at least 100 batters during the conference season.

KWU had five third-team selections. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/00b7c008-3955-4e92-a5c6-8981ac303513?elinkdata=26428">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> earned the honor at first base, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/83e496ac-0946-44db-956e-032417c13c54?elinkdata=26428">Joe Finder</a> at second base, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/159194b5-f0a6-46ed-9132-22d7e9c1fb52?elinkdata=26428">Jacob Williamson</a> in the outfield, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3f29c835-f7a4-4769-94a7-9a5a60b0c762?elinkdata=26428">Carter Allen</a> at designated hitter and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/79f651e3-0b55-4b99-ad1d-580b80f478f1?elinkdata=26428">Nathan Righi</a> at starting pitcher.

Ruvalcaba hit .358 for the Coyotes during the conference portion of the season, really coming on in the later half of the season. His average ranked No. 26 in the KCAC during the conference season. His 48 hits ranked 11th in the KCAC, and his 50 RBI ranked second highest in the conference during conference play. He ranked second in the KCAC in extra base hits with 24 during conference play, which included 14 homeruns, the second highest total in the league and 10 doubles.

Finder ranked 16th in the KCAC in average, hitting .345 during the conference season. He ranked 21st in the conference in slugging average at .689. He ranked 35th in the KCAC in hits with 41, and 44th with 29 RBI. He ranked eighth in the KCAC in doubles with 11, and 30th in homeruns with eight.

Williamson hit .288 for the Coyotes during the conference season with 45 hits that ranked No. 31 in the conference. He drove in 39 runs which ranked No. 18 in the conference. He finished eighth in extra base hits with 23, and was tied for second in the KCAC in homeruns with 14. He had 13 stolen bases during conference play which ranked 10th in the conference.

Allen ranked seventh in the KCAC in hits in conference play with 54, and drove in 49 runs on the season which ranked seventh in the KCAC. His .732 slugging average ranked No. 15 in the KCAC. He ranked eighth in the KCAC in extra base hits with 23, which included 13 homeruns that tied for fourth in the KCAC.

In conference play, Righi made 11 starts and had a 6-2 record with a 6.30 ERA in 50 innings pitched. He had a WHIP of 1.54 which ranked No. 19 in the KCAC. He struck out 53 which ranked No. 10 in the KCAC and his 9.54 strikeouts per nine innings ranked ninth in the conference. His 50 innings pitched ranked No. 11 in the KCAC.

Favretto was also recognized for his excellence in the field, earning the KCAC Gold Glove at catcher. He had a .993 fielding percentage in 269 chances which ranked third best in the conference among players with 200 or more chances in the field. He committed only two errors, and allowed only three passed balls.

Kansas Wesleyan University and Oklahoma Wesleyan University were the KCAC Co-Champions, each with a 30-6 record in conference play. Both teams will represent the conference with automatic berths in the NAIA Baseball National Championship Opening Round as OKWU was the No. 1 seed in the KCAC Tournament, and KWU came away with the conference tournament win with a 7-4 win over Tabor on Sunday.

Oklahoma Wesleyan had three of the four individual award winners selected by the conference coaches. Evan Foor was selected as the KCAC Pitcher of the Year, Ravaughn Morgan was the Player of the Year, and Kirk Kelley was named as the KCAC Coach of the Year by his peers. Jaden Hensley of Southwestern College was named as the Freshman of the Year.

Foor went 9-0 in 10 starts for the Eagles and had a 3.84 ERA, a 1.26 WHIP, and a .264 batting average against in 70.1 innings pitched. He had 67 strikeouts against just 15 walks during conference play. He led the KCAC in wins with nine, ranked second in the conference in WHIP and ranked fourth in strikeouts.

Morgan ranked eighth in the KCAC in batting average, hitting .417 for the Eagles. He ranked second in the conference in hits with 60 and tied for fourth in RBI with 50. He third for second in extra base hits with 27 and was third with 14 doubles.

Kelley led the Eagles to the No. 1 seed in the KCAC Tournament after sharing the conference title with Kansas Wesleyan, both teams with 30-6 records in league play. OKWU went 2-1 in the series with KWU to earn the No. 1 seed. He led the Eagles to a 43-7 regular season record overall, and the Eagles are 46-9 heading into the NAIA Postseason.

Hensley had a 2-3 record in five starts and 14 appearances for the Southwestern Moundbuilders as a true freshman. He threw 42 innings with a 5.57 ERA, a 1.62 WHIP, and struck out 34 during the overall season. He had 30 strikeouts in the conference season and ranked No. 14 in the conference in ERA at 5.68. He three 38 innings in conference play in 12 appearances and five starts.

KWU Baseball places nine on All-KCAC teams

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

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