From the Kansas Department of Transportation Facebook page:

From the Kansas Department of Transportation Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKSDOTHQ%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02XM2USiooRYb4kW7iHp8GpyQQjpPfovanUcTQzy68j5kcbStknncPopQ7KUgmkj3rl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="587" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

KDOT reminds drivers to stop for school bus stop signs

Expect sunny skies and afternoon highs near 100 across the area today.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660405500900.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>National Weather ServiceExpect sunny skies and afternoon highs near 100 across the area today.

Max temps hovering around 100 Saturday

Kansas Wesleyan University has announced it is adopting SafeZone from CriticalArc to create a safer campus where students can continue to learn and thrive.

KWU encourages its students to engage with the local community and says it wants them to feel confident and safe wherever they are. Unlike a typical student safety and security system, SafeZone provides Safety Everywhere™, protecting students and staff whether they are on campus, off campus or traveling abroad. Many KWU students participate in athletics and academic events around the country. With SafeZone, they’ll be able to get help at the touch of a button, wherever they are, 24/7.

As soon as a user requests help using the app on a smartphone or wearable device, SafeZone precisely locates them, enabling dispatchers to coordinate and notify first responders about who needs assistance, where they are and the nature of the incident. This way, KWU can deliver a fast and efficient response to every emergency situation.

“It is reassuring to know that all our students and staff now have an easy way to get help, whenever and wherever they need it,” said Matt Thompson, KWU president. “In any emergency situation, we can direct the right people and resources to the right place without even needing to take a phone call.”

SafeZone combines safety, security, well-being and emergency management functions in a powerful, unified platform, enabling complete situational awareness and eliminating the costs of using multiple systems.

The university’s student success program will also be made more effective thanks to the well-being button. This feature removes obstacles for students reaching out, confidentially if they prefer, to request help for themselves or on behalf of a friend – whether they are struggling with a work assignment or need mental health or other assistance.

“With SafeZone, Kansas Wesleyan University can be confident of meeting its duty of care to all staff and students,” said Darren Chalmers-Stevens, chief operating officer, CriticalArc. “SafeZone will help ensure that studying and working at the university is the positive, inclusive and life-enhancing experience that it should be.”

KWUKansas Wesleyan University has announced it is adopting SafeZone from CriticalArc to create a safer campus where students can continue to learn and thrive.KWU encourages its students to engage with the local community and says it wants them to feel confident and safe wherever they are. Unlike a typical student safety and security system, SafeZone provides Safety Everywhere™, protecting students and staff whether they are on campus, off campus or traveling abroad. Many KWU students participate in athletics and academic events around the country. With SafeZone, they’ll be able to get help at the touch of a button, wherever they are, 24/7.As soon as a user requests help using the app on a smartphone or wearable device, SafeZone precisely locates them, enabling dispatchers to coordinate and notify first responders about who needs assistance, where they are and the nature of the incident. This way, KWU can deliver a fast and efficient response to every emergency situation.“It is reassuring to know that all our students and staff now have an easy way to get help, whenever and wherever they need it,” said Matt Thompson, KWU president. “In any emergency situation, we can direct the right people and resources to the right place without even needing to take a phone call.”SafeZone combines safety, security, well-being and emergency management functions in a powerful, unified platform, enabling complete situational awareness and eliminating the costs of using multiple systems.The university’s student success program will also be made more effective thanks to the well-being button. This feature removes obstacles for students reaching out, confidentially if they prefer, to request help for themselves or on behalf of a friend – whether they are struggling with a work assignment or need mental health or other assistance.“With SafeZone, Kansas Wesleyan University can be confident of meeting its duty of care to all staff and students,” said Darren Chalmers-Stevens, chief operating officer, CriticalArc. “SafeZone will help ensure that studying and working at the university is the positive, inclusive and life-enhancing experience that it should be.”

KWU prioritizes student well-being, adopts safety, security software

Following is recent booking activity for the Dickinson County Jail, as provided by law enforcement.&nbsp;Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Dickinson County Jail.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

NAME:&nbsp;CANNEFAX, DANIELLE GRACE; 20; Abilene

CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Arson; Intentional to dwelling of another without consent

NAME:&nbsp;COLLUM, JAMES CARL; 33; Palmer, Texas

CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Duty of governor to arrest person charged who has fled from justice

NAME:&nbsp;CRAWFORD, JAMES LEE; 60; Solomon

Disorderly conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct to cause resentment

Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt; $1000

Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon

NAME:&nbsp;HARCROW, HALEY ELIZABETH; 28; Abilene

CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Aggravated battery; Knowingly use weapon cause grt body harm/disfigure/death

NAME:&nbsp;WATERS, JADE ELIZABETH; 22; Abilene

Driving on right side of roadway required

NAME:&nbsp;WIGGINS, CORY JAMES; 34; Herington

Aggravated crim sodomy; With person/animal and victim physically powerless

Aggravated battery; Knowingly cause great bodily harm or disfigurement

NAME:&nbsp;WILLIAMS, ANDY WAYNE; 52; Abilene

Following is recent booking activity for the Dickinson County Jail, as provided by law enforcement.&nbsp;Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Dickinson County Jail.All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660398370927.jpeg" alt="CANNEFAX, DANIELLE GRACE" />
 <figcaption>CANNEFAX, DANIELLE GRACE</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;CANNEFAX, DANIELLE GRACE; 20; AbileneCHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Arson; Intentional to dwelling of another without consent<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660398464727.jpeg" alt="COLLUM, JAMES CARL" />
 <figcaption>COLLUM, JAMES CARL</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;COLLUM, JAMES CARL; 33; Palmer, TexasCHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Duty of governor to arrest person charged who has fled from justice<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660398556459.jpeg" alt="CRAWFORD, JAMES LEE" />
 <figcaption>CRAWFORD, JAMES LEE</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;CRAWFORD, JAMES LEE; 60; SolomonCHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Disorderly conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct to cause resentmentCriminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt; $1000Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660398710534.jpeg" alt="HARCROW, HALEY ELIZABETH" />
 <figcaption>HARCROW, HALEY ELIZABETH</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;HARCROW, HALEY ELIZABETH; 28; AbileneCHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Aggravated battery; Knowingly use weapon cause grt body harm/disfigure/death<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660398823249.jpeg" alt="WATERS, JADE ELIZABETH" />
 <figcaption>WATERS, JADE ELIZABETH</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;WATERS, JADE ELIZABETH; 22; AbileneCHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Vehicular homicideFailure to wear seatbeltReckless drivingBasic rule governing speed of vehiclesDriving on right side of roadway required<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660398957605.jpeg" alt="WIGGINS, CORY JAMES" />
 <figcaption>WIGGINS, CORY JAMES</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;WIGGINS, CORY JAMES; 34; HeringtonCHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Aggravated crim sodomy; With person/animal and victim physically powerlessAggravated battery; Knowingly cause great bodily harm or disfigurement<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660399052869.jpeg" alt="WILLIAMS, ANDY WAYNE" />
 <figcaption>WILLIAMS, ANDY WAYNE</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;WILLIAMS, ANDY WAYNE; 52; AbileneCHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Parole violationAggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon

Dickinson County Jail Booking Activity, Aug. 6-12

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail.

NAME:&nbsp;Carter, Candis Moncheal; 36; Salina

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

NAME:&nbsp;Casby, Timothy Clinton; 46; Salina

Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation

NAME:&nbsp;Cherry, Danielle Dean; 32; Moundridge

Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant

NAME:&nbsp;Cole, Hunter Elese; 23; Salina

CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500

NAME:&nbsp;Henry, Vincent Cody; 32;&nbsp;Hephzibah, Ga.

CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;Hokett, Kristopher Seoul; 19; Salina

Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown

NAME:&nbsp;Kado, Tiffiann Shurrie; 28; Brewster

CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;McCombs, Jacob Allen; 38; Salina

Crim damage to prop;w/o consent $1K-$25K	

Theft of prop/services;Value $1,500 to $25,000	

NAME:&nbsp;Sanders, John Henry; 46; no city listed

NAME:&nbsp;Swanson, Ali Kareem; 40; no city listed

Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance	

NAME:&nbsp;Vermillion, Shawn Dean; 42; Salina

CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

NAME:&nbsp;Williams, Christine Nickole; 32; Salina

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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660395484353.jpeg" alt="Carter, Candis Moncheal" />
 <figcaption>Carter, Candis Moncheal</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Carter, Candis Moncheal; 36; SalinaCHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660395577229.jpeg" alt="Casby, Timothy Clinton" />
 <figcaption>Casby, Timothy Clinton</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Casby, Timothy Clinton; 46; SalinaCHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;No Proof Of Insurance	Operate a MV w/o a valid license	Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660395735840.jpeg" alt="Cherry, Danielle Dean" />
 <figcaption>Cherry, Danielle Dean</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Cherry, Danielle Dean; 32; MoundridgeCHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Failure to appear	Failure to appear	Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660395835244.jpeg" alt="Cole, Hunter Elese" />
 <figcaption>Cole, Hunter Elese</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Cole, Hunter Elese; 23; SalinaCHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660395953442.jpeg" alt="Henry, Vincent Cody" />
 <figcaption>Henry, Vincent Cody</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Henry, Vincent Cody; 32;&nbsp;Hephzibah, Ga.CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660396063988.jpeg" alt="Hokett, Kristopher Seoul" />
 <figcaption>Hokett, Kristopher Seoul</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Hokett, Kristopher Seoul; 19; SalinaCHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Agg assault; w/ deadly weapon	Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660396197520.jpeg" alt="Kado, Tiffiann Shurrie" />
 <figcaption>Kado, Tiffiann Shurrie</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Kado, Tiffiann Shurrie; 28; BrewsterCHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660396277322.jpeg" alt="McCombs, Jacob Allen" />
 <figcaption>McCombs, Jacob Allen</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;McCombs, Jacob Allen; 38; SalinaCHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Crim damage to prop;w/o consent $1K-$25K	Theft of prop/services;Value $1,500 to $25,000	Theft of prop/services;Value $1,500 to $25,000	Theft of prop/services;Value $1,500 to $25,000<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660396374798.jpeg" alt="Sanders, John Henry" />
 <figcaption>Sanders, John Henry</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Sanders, John Henry; 46; no city listedCHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit	Outside warrant/NCIC hit	Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660396551836.jpeg" alt="Swanson, Ali Kareem" />
 <figcaption>Swanson, Ali Kareem</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Swanson, Ali Kareem; 40; no city listedCHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Criminal trespass; Unknown circumstance	Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance	Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660396644090.jpeg" alt="Vermillion, Shawn Dean" />
 <figcaption>Vermillion, Shawn Dean</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Vermillion, Shawn Dean; 42; SalinaCHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660396767638.jpeg" alt="Williams, Christine Nickole" />
 <figcaption>Williams, Christine Nickole</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Williams, Christine Nickole; 32; SalinaCHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Crim damage to prop;w/o consent $1K-$25K	Theft of prop/services;Value $1,500 to $25,000

Saline County Booking Activity, Aug. 13

By GENE POLICINSKI Freedom Forum

There may be no worse assault on our freedom of speech than a law that would permit the government to tell us to “shut up” when it comes to discussion and debate on a major social issue of our time – and to punish us if we don’t.

Freedom of speech under the First Amendment is rooted in the concept of a “marketplace of ideas,” where information and robust, uninhibited exchanges are protected to ensure all can speak and be heard.

As a concept, most everyone agrees with that approach, particularly those in the minority of the moment, who need protection from being silenced by what the nation’s founders saw as a potential “tyranny of the majority.”

The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade is producing yet another attempt to sabotage the marketplace approach to debate — to, in effect, tell us to “shut up or else.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wfae.org/politics/2022-08-01/draft-sc-abortion-bill-raises-eyebrows-among-some-first-amendment-experts" target="_blank">Proposed model legislation by the National Right to Life Committee</a>&nbsp;is being promoted to state legislatures with a goal of creating criminal and civil penalties for speech seen to be “aiding or abetting” abortions.

The vagueness of the proposed laws raises real constitutional questions. Would news reports about abortion that include comments by choice advocates, or that simply mentioned states where abortion remains lawful, spark legal action against journalists or news organizations that run afoul of this law?

Would academic papers or lectures about the issue that note pro-choice arguments place authors or speakers in jeopardy? Would websites that offer information to those merely investigating out-of-state abortion options draw prosecution or civil lawsuits simply for providing information without direct advocacy? What if those websites are operated by a person or organization in a state where abortion remains legal but are merely accessed by someone in a state where it is not?

The First Amendment demands that our laws are drafted with enough precision that we can understand whether what we say will get us in trouble. This is necessary to ensure that those in power don’t engage in arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement.

It’s an important protection because, unfortunately, our nation has a history of attempts to stifle the open discussion of ideas and proposals that challenge the status quo or that would solidify a temporary political advantage.

For example, in the era leading up to the Civil War, the U.S. Congress responded to annual abolitionist lobbying to outlaw slavery by adopting a ban in 1836 on such proposed legislation, rejecting the First Amendment’s rights of petition.

In some southern and border states, the action was even broader, adopting similar laws to one passed in 1837 in Missouri that banned any anti-slavery speech of any kind and imposed special taxes on abolitionist activities. In that same year, in Illinois – a free state – a mob killed newspaper editor&nbsp;Elijah Lovejoy&nbsp;and destroyed his printing press to silence the abolitionist’s voice.

There were efforts leading up to and during World War I to punish speech that was anti-war, opposed a wartime military draft or that promoted socialism or communism. Some efforts survived court challenges in the name of “national security.” So-called “Red Scare” periods followed both World Wars, with the McCarthy era and “blacklisting” running roughshod over First Amendment rights in the late 1940s and 1950s, fueled by an anti-communist fervor.

In more contemporary times, a lawsuit aimed at silencing civil rights advocates led to a historic U.S. Supreme Court decision in 1964, in The New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, protecting the right to free and unfettered discussion involving elected officials and later to include public figures, even when the speech involved some unintentional errors of fact.

In 2011, a Supreme Court decision rejected a challenge to the tactics of a small group known as the Westboro Baptist Church, which included vulgar attacks on gay people and others. Chief Justice&nbsp;John Roberts&nbsp;wrote: “Speech is powerful. It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and – as it did here – inflict great pain … We cannot react to that pain by punishing the speaker … as a nation we have chosen a different course – to protect even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate.”

The Rev.&nbsp;Martin Luther King Jr., in his final speech before his assassination in 1968, proclaimed the essential nature of First Amendment freedoms to a national debate over social justice: “Somewhere I read of the freedom of assembly. Somewhere I read of the freedom of speech. Somewhere I read of the freedom of press. Somewhere I read that the greatness of America is the right to protest for right.”

Those who would support laws intending to restrict or silence discussion and debate — by journalists, academics, advocates, or any other citizen — about abortion or any other social issues must understand that providing truthful information is not approval, and that the open exchange of ideas is fundamental to a democratic, self-governing system.

Gene Policinski is a Freedom Forum senior fellow for the First Amendment. You can reach Policinski at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660356205326.jpeg" alt="Gene Policinski. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum" />
 <figcaption>Gene Policinski. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>By GENE POLICINSKI Freedom ForumThere may be no worse assault on our freedom of speech than a law that would permit the government to tell us to “shut up” when it comes to discussion and debate on a major social issue of our time – and to punish us if we don’t.Freedom of speech under the First Amendment is rooted in the concept of a “marketplace of ideas,” where information and robust, uninhibited exchanges are protected to ensure all can speak and be heard.As a concept, most everyone agrees with that approach, particularly those in the minority of the moment, who need protection from being silenced by what the nation’s founders saw as a potential “tyranny of the majority.”The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade is producing yet another attempt to sabotage the marketplace approach to debate — to, in effect, tell us to “shut up or else.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wfae.org/politics/2022-08-01/draft-sc-abortion-bill-raises-eyebrows-among-some-first-amendment-experts" target="_blank">Proposed model legislation by the National Right to Life Committee</a>&nbsp;is being promoted to state legislatures with a goal of creating criminal and civil penalties for speech seen to be “aiding or abetting” abortions.The vagueness of the proposed laws raises real constitutional questions. Would news reports about abortion that include comments by choice advocates, or that simply mentioned states where abortion remains lawful, spark legal action against journalists or news organizations that run afoul of this law?Would academic papers or lectures about the issue that note pro-choice arguments place authors or speakers in jeopardy? Would websites that offer information to those merely investigating out-of-state abortion options draw prosecution or civil lawsuits simply for providing information without direct advocacy? What if those websites are operated by a person or organization in a state where abortion remains legal but are merely accessed by someone in a state where it is not?The First Amendment demands that our laws are drafted with enough precision that we can understand whether what we say will get us in trouble. This is necessary to ensure that those in power don’t engage in arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement.It’s an important protection because, unfortunately, our nation has a history of attempts to stifle the open discussion of ideas and proposals that challenge the status quo or that would solidify a temporary political advantage.For example, in the era leading up to the Civil War, the U.S. Congress responded to annual abolitionist lobbying to outlaw slavery by adopting a ban in 1836 on such proposed legislation, rejecting the First Amendment’s rights of petition.In some southern and border states, the action was even broader, adopting similar laws to one passed in 1837 in Missouri that banned any anti-slavery speech of any kind and imposed special taxes on abolitionist activities. In that same year, in Illinois – a free state – a mob killed newspaper editor&nbsp;Elijah Lovejoy&nbsp;and destroyed his printing press to silence the abolitionist’s voice.There were efforts leading up to and during World War I to punish speech that was anti-war, opposed a wartime military draft or that promoted socialism or communism. Some efforts survived court challenges in the name of “national security.” So-called “Red Scare” periods followed both World Wars, with the McCarthy era and “blacklisting” running roughshod over First Amendment rights in the late 1940s and 1950s, fueled by an anti-communist fervor.In more contemporary times, a lawsuit aimed at silencing civil rights advocates led to a historic U.S. Supreme Court decision in 1964, in The New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, protecting the right to free and unfettered discussion involving elected officials and later to include public figures, even when the speech involved some unintentional errors of fact.In 2011, a Supreme Court decision rejected a challenge to the tactics of a small group known as the Westboro Baptist Church, which included vulgar attacks on gay people and others. Chief Justice&nbsp;John Roberts&nbsp;wrote: “Speech is powerful. It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and – as it did here – inflict great pain … We cannot react to that pain by punishing the speaker … as a nation we have chosen a different course – to protect even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate.”The Rev.&nbsp;Martin Luther King Jr., in his final speech before his assassination in 1968, proclaimed the essential nature of First Amendment freedoms to a national debate over social justice: “Somewhere I read of the freedom of assembly. Somewhere I read of the freedom of speech. Somewhere I read of the freedom of press. Somewhere I read that the greatness of America is the right to protest for right.”Those who would support laws intending to restrict or silence discussion and debate — by journalists, academics, advocates, or any other citizen — about abortion or any other social issues must understand that providing truthful information is not approval, and that the open exchange of ideas is fundamental to a democratic, self-governing system.Gene Policinski is a Freedom Forum senior fellow for the First Amendment. You can reach Policinski at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>.

FIRST FIVE: Wrongness of letting government tell us to 'shut up - or else'

Today is Saturday, Aug. 13, the 225th day of 2022. There are 140 days left in the year.

On Aug. 13, 1961, East Germany sealed off the border between Berlin's eastern and western sectors before building a wall that would divide the city for the next 28 years.

In 1521, Spanish conqueror Hernando Cortez captured Tenochtitlan, present-day Mexico City, from the Aztecs.

In 1792, French revolutionaries imprisoned the royal family.

In 1846, the American flag was raised in Los Angeles for the first time.

In 1889, William Gray of Hartford, Connecticut, received a patent for a coin-operated telephone.

In 1910, Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, died in London at age 90.

In 1932, Adolf Hitler rejected the post of vice chancellor of Germany, saying he was prepared to hold out "for all or nothing."

In 1960, the first two-way telephone conversation by satellite took place with the help of Echo 1.

In 1995, Baseball Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle died at a Dallas hospital of rapidly spreading liver cancer; he was 63.

In 2003, Iraq began pumping crude oil from its northern oil fields for the first time since the start of the war. Libya agreed to set up a $2.7 billion fund for families of the 270 people killed in the 1988 Pan Am bombing.

In 2004, TV chef Julia Child died in Montecito, California, two days short of her 92nd birthday.

In 2011, seven people were killed when a stage collapsed at the Indiana State Fair during a powerful storm just before a concert was to begin. In eastern Pakistan, al-Qaida gunmen kidnapped an American development expert, Warren Weinstein. (Weinstein was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Jan. 2015.)

In 2020, in an interview on Fox Business Network, President Donald Trump acknowledged that he was starving the U.S. Postal Service of money in order to make it harder to process an expected surge of mail-in ballots. Israel and the United Arab Emirates announced that they were establishing full diplomatic relations in a deal brokered by the U.S.; it required Israel to halt its plan to annex occupied West Bank land sought by the Palestinians.

Ten years ago: A routine serving of an eviction notice to a man living near the Texas A&amp;M University campus turned deadly when the resident opened fire, leading to the death of a law enforcement officer and another man before the gunman was killed. Helen Gurley Brown, 90, the longtime editor of Cosmopolitan magazine, died in New York.

Five years ago: In a statement, the White House said President Donald Trump "very strongly" condemned individual hate groups such as "white supremacists, KKK and neo-Nazis;" the statement followed criticism of Trump for blaming the previous day's deadly violence at a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, on "many sides." Protesters decrying hatred and racism converged around the country, saying they felt compelled to respond to the white supremacist rally in Virginia. Actor, director and writer Joe Bologna died at the age of 82.

One year ago: The Taliban completed their sweep of Afghanistan's south, taking four more provincial capitals in a lightning offensive that brought them closer to Kabul, just weeks before the U.S. was set to officially end its two-decade war. U.S. weather officials said the average global temperature in July made it the hottest month ever recorded. Grammy-winning folk singer-songwriter Nanci Griffith died at 68.

Today's Birthdays: Former U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders is 89. Actor Kevin Tighe is 78. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is 76. Opera singer Kathleen Battle is 74. High wire aerialist Philippe Petit is 73. Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Clarke is 73. Golf Hall of Famer Betsy King is 67. Movie director Paul Greengrass is 67. Actor Danny Bonaduce is 63. TV weatherman Sam Champion is 61. Actor Dawnn Lewis is 61. Actor John Slattery is 60. Actor Debi Mazar is 58. Actor Quinn Cummings is 55. Actor Seana Kofoed is 52. Country singer Andy Griggs is 49. Actor Gregory Fitoussi is 46. Country musician Mike Melancon (Emerson Drive) is 44. Actor Kathryn Fiore is 43. Former White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders is 40. Actor Sebastian Stan is 40. Actor Eme Ikwuakor is 38. Pop-rock singer James Morrison is 38. Actor Lennon Stella is 23.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Saturday, Aug. 13, the 225th day of 2022. There are 140 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Aug. 13, 1961, East Germany sealed off the border between Berlin's eastern and western sectors before building a wall that would divide the city for the next 28 years.On this date:In 1521, Spanish conqueror Hernando Cortez captured Tenochtitlan, present-day Mexico City, from the Aztecs.In 1792, French revolutionaries imprisoned the royal family.In 1846, the American flag was raised in Los Angeles for the first time.In 1889, William Gray of Hartford, Connecticut, received a patent for a coin-operated telephone.In 1910, Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, died in London at age 90.In 1932, Adolf Hitler rejected the post of vice chancellor of Germany, saying he was prepared to hold out "for all or nothing."In 1960, the first two-way telephone conversation by satellite took place with the help of Echo 1.In 1995, Baseball Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle died at a Dallas hospital of rapidly spreading liver cancer; he was 63.In 2003, Iraq began pumping crude oil from its northern oil fields for the first time since the start of the war. Libya agreed to set up a $2.7 billion fund for families of the 270 people killed in the 1988 Pan Am bombing.In 2004, TV chef Julia Child died in Montecito, California, two days short of her 92nd birthday.In 2011, seven people were killed when a stage collapsed at the Indiana State Fair during a powerful storm just before a concert was to begin. In eastern Pakistan, al-Qaida gunmen kidnapped an American development expert, Warren Weinstein. (Weinstein was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Jan. 2015.)In 2020, in an interview on Fox Business Network, President Donald Trump acknowledged that he was starving the U.S. Postal Service of money in order to make it harder to process an expected surge of mail-in ballots. Israel and the United Arab Emirates announced that they were establishing full diplomatic relations in a deal brokered by the U.S.; it required Israel to halt its plan to annex occupied West Bank land sought by the Palestinians.Ten years ago: A routine serving of an eviction notice to a man living near the Texas A&amp;M University campus turned deadly when the resident opened fire, leading to the death of a law enforcement officer and another man before the gunman was killed. Helen Gurley Brown, 90, the longtime editor of Cosmopolitan magazine, died in New York.Five years ago: In a statement, the White House said President Donald Trump "very strongly" condemned individual hate groups such as "white supremacists, KKK and neo-Nazis;" the statement followed criticism of Trump for blaming the previous day's deadly violence at a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, on "many sides." Protesters decrying hatred and racism converged around the country, saying they felt compelled to respond to the white supremacist rally in Virginia. Actor, director and writer Joe Bologna died at the age of 82.One year ago: The Taliban completed their sweep of Afghanistan's south, taking four more provincial capitals in a lightning offensive that brought them closer to Kabul, just weeks before the U.S. was set to officially end its two-decade war. U.S. weather officials said the average global temperature in July made it the hottest month ever recorded. Grammy-winning folk singer-songwriter Nanci Griffith died at 68.Today's Birthdays: Former U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders is 89. Actor Kevin Tighe is 78. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is 76. Opera singer Kathleen Battle is 74. High wire aerialist Philippe Petit is 73. Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Clarke is 73. Golf Hall of Famer Betsy King is 67. Movie director Paul Greengrass is 67. Actor Danny Bonaduce is 63. TV weatherman Sam Champion is 61. Actor Dawnn Lewis is 61. Actor John Slattery is 60. Actor Debi Mazar is 58. Actor Quinn Cummings is 55. Actor Seana Kofoed is 52. Country singer Andy Griggs is 49. Actor Gregory Fitoussi is 46. Country musician Mike Melancon (Emerson Drive) is 44. Actor Kathryn Fiore is 43. Former White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders is 40. Actor Sebastian Stan is 40. Actor Eme Ikwuakor is 38. Pop-rock singer James Morrison is 38. Actor Lennon Stella is 23.

Today in History - August 13

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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Recent obituaries and service times

Student Support Services Coordinator or Social Worker

Twin Valley USD 240 is accepting applications for a Student Support Services Coordinator or Social Worker for K-12 beginning the 22-23 school year. Preferred is a qualified applicant with teaching, counseling, or social work experience. A Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) certificate is not required.

The successful candidate will be an advocate for our students, be willing to work with multiple programs to reach our entire student body, as well as being able to work with parents/guardians, staff and administration to facilitate programs and address student needs.

The district offers a health insurance fringe benefit package, KPERS, a matching annuity, and a 125 plan with supplemental insurance offerings.

Salary is based on years of experience and degree.

To apply, please complete the required Certified Employment Application. Additional credentials are needed to apply and may be sent to Lisa Everhart,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:leverhart@usd240.org" target="_blank">leverhart@usd240.org</a>&nbsp;or call 785-488-3325 ext 403. Send a cover letter, resume, transcript, copy of license (if applicable), and three letters of recommendation.

Questions about the position may be directed to Superintendent Pam Irwin,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pirwin@usd240.org" target="_blank">pirwin@usd240.org</a>.

Link to our Certified Application:<a href="https://fs19.formsite.com/dbettstwinvalleynet/certempapp/index.html" target="_blank">https://fs19.formsite.com/dbettstwinvalleynet/certempapp/index.html</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660061833076.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Student Support Services Coordinator or Social WorkerTwin Valley USD 240 is accepting applications for a Student Support Services Coordinator or Social Worker for K-12 beginning the 22-23 school year. Preferred is a qualified applicant with teaching, counseling, or social work experience. A Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) certificate is not required.The successful candidate will be an advocate for our students, be willing to work with multiple programs to reach our entire student body, as well as being able to work with parents/guardians, staff and administration to facilitate programs and address student needs.The district offers a health insurance fringe benefit package, KPERS, a matching annuity, and a 125 plan with supplemental insurance offerings.Salary is based on years of experience and degree. To apply, please complete the required Certified Employment Application. Additional credentials are needed to apply and may be sent to Lisa Everhart,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:leverhart@usd240.org" target="_blank">leverhart@usd240.org</a>&nbsp;or call 785-488-3325 ext 403. Send a cover letter, resume, transcript, copy of license (if applicable), and three letters of recommendation.Questions about the position may be directed to Superintendent Pam Irwin,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pirwin@usd240.org" target="_blank">pirwin@usd240.org</a>.Link to our Certified Application:<a href="https://fs19.formsite.com/dbettstwinvalleynet/certempapp/index.html" target="_blank">https://fs19.formsite.com/dbettstwinvalleynet/certempapp/index.html</a>

Goo Goo Dolls to perform in Stiefel Theatre this November

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Police are investigating the theft of a briefcase from an SUV parked at a Salina health club.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that a 56-year-old Salina woman walked out of Genesis Health Club, 1820 S. Ninth Street at approximately 6 p.m. Thursday to find that someone had broken out the rear passenger window of her Toyota Venza and stolen a leather briefcase valued at $200. 

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostPolice are investigating the theft of a briefcase from an SUV parked at a Salina health club.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that a 56-year-old Salina woman walked out of Genesis Health Club, 1820 S. Ninth Street at approximately 6 p.m. Thursday to find that someone had broken out the rear passenger window of her Toyota Venza and stolen a leather briefcase valued at $200. Window damage was estimated at $2,000.

Briefcase stolen from SUV at south Salina health club

A Salina woman walked out of the Salina Family YMCA Thursday afternoon to find that someone had shot the driver's side window of her car.

The 71-year-old woman walked out of the YMCA, 570 YMCA Drive, at approximately 4:20 p.m. and discovered a shattered window on her 2020 Lexus ES 350, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. The window had possibly been shot with a BB, he said.

Forrester said police were waiting on security video to see if they could determine who fired the shot.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina woman walked out of the Salina Family YMCA Thursday afternoon to find that someone had shot the driver's side window of her car.The 71-year-old woman walked out of the YMCA, 570 YMCA Drive, at approximately 4:20 p.m. and discovered a shattered window on her 2020 Lexus ES 350, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. The window had possibly been shot with a BB, he said.Damage was estimated at $1,500.Forrester said police were waiting on security video to see if they could determine who fired the shot.

Police hope video sheds light on who shot car window at YMCA

A teen was injured when he lost control of a pickup in a single-vehicle crash east of Salina Thursday afternoon.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that a 15-year-old Saline County boy was northbound on S. Whitmore Road, just south of E. Cloud Street, when he lost control of the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac he was driving. The pickup went into the east ditch and then rolled up over E. Cloud Street, coming to rest on the passenger side of the vehicle, Soldan said.

The crash occurred at approximately 4:23 p.m. Thursday.

The boy complained of back pain and was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center, Soldan said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660333260725.jpeg" alt="What's left of the pickup in the north ditch of E. Cloud Street. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>What's left of the pickup in the north ditch of E. Cloud Street. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA teen was injured when he lost control of a pickup in a single-vehicle crash east of Salina Thursday afternoon.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that a 15-year-old Saline County boy was northbound on S. Whitmore Road, just south of E. Cloud Street, when he lost control of the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac he was driving. The pickup went into the east ditch and then rolled up over E. Cloud Street, coming to rest on the passenger side of the vehicle, Soldan said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660333419879.jpeg" alt="Tire tracks can be seen going off the east side of S. Whitmore Road. In the distance, the pickup can be seen on its side along E. Cloud Street" />
 <figcaption>Tire tracks can be seen going off the east side of S. Whitmore Road. In the distance, the pickup can be seen on its side along E. Cloud Street</figcaption>
 </figure>The crash occurred at approximately 4:23 p.m. Thursday.The boy complained of back pain and was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center, Soldan said.The pickup was heavily damaged.

Teenage boy injured in single-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon

The Salina Symphony Youth Education program will hold auditions for the 2022 fall semester later this month.

Auditions will be in the Salina Symphony Rehearsal Hall, 132 S. Fifth Street.

Auditions for the Salina Youth Choir will be held Aug. 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students in grades 4-8 are invited to audition. Students should come prepared to sing the first verse of “My Country Tis of Thee” or “Amazing Grace” as well as “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” in canon. Please register online at <a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org">www.salinasymphony.org</a> for an audition time.

The Salina Youth Choir is directed by Jenna Eshleman and rehearses Tuesday evenings throughout the school year. The Youth Choir performs several concerts each season, including this season’s performance of “The Nutcracker.”

Auditions for the Salina Youth Symphony ensembles will be held Aug. 28, from 3-5 p.m. Students from elementary through high school are invited to audition. Students should come prepared to play a solo of their choice. They will also be asked to play scales and sight read. Please register online at <a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org">www.salinasymphony.org</a> for an audition time.

The Salina Youth Symphony features a full orchestra of advanced musicians under the direction of Henry Littich. The Youth String Ensemble is an intermediate orchestra performing under the baton of Leonardo Rosario. The Youth Wind Ensemble is an intermediate wind, brass and percussion ensemble directed by Adam Keller. The Preparatory Orchestra, a beginning string orchestra, is conducted by Michael Harbaugh. Members of each ensemble rehearse Saturday mornings throughout the school year and perform two concerts each year at the Stiefel Theatre.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660272956697.jpeg" alt="Auditions for the&nbsp;Salina Youth Choir are scheduled for Aug. 27. Photos by&nbsp;Karen Bonar/Heartland Photography courtesy Salina Symphony" />
 <figcaption>Auditions for the&nbsp;Salina Youth Choir are scheduled for Aug. 27. Photos by&nbsp;Karen Bonar/Heartland Photography courtesy Salina Symphony</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina SymphonyThe Salina Symphony Youth Education program will hold auditions for the 2022 fall semester later this month.Auditions will be in the Salina Symphony Rehearsal Hall, 132 S. Fifth Street.Auditions for the Salina Youth Choir will be held Aug. 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students in grades 4-8 are invited to audition. Students should come prepared to sing the first verse of “My Country Tis of Thee” or “Amazing Grace” as well as “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” in canon. Please register online at <a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org">www.salinasymphony.org</a> for an audition time.The Salina Youth Choir is directed by Jenna Eshleman and rehearses Tuesday evenings throughout the school year. The Youth Choir performs several concerts each season, including this season’s performance of “The Nutcracker.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660273281797.jpeg" alt="Salina Youth Symphony auditions are scheduled for Aug. 28." />
 <figcaption>Salina Youth Symphony auditions are scheduled for Aug. 28.</figcaption>
 </figure>Auditions for the Salina Youth Symphony ensembles will be held Aug. 28, from 3-5 p.m. Students from elementary through high school are invited to audition. Students should come prepared to play a solo of their choice. They will also be asked to play scales and sight read. Please register online at <a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org">www.salinasymphony.org</a> for an audition time.The Salina Youth Symphony features a full orchestra of advanced musicians under the direction of Henry Littich. The Youth String Ensemble is an intermediate orchestra performing under the baton of Leonardo Rosario. The Youth Wind Ensemble is an intermediate wind, brass and percussion ensemble directed by Adam Keller. The Preparatory Orchestra, a beginning string orchestra, is conducted by Michael Harbaugh. Members of each ensemble rehearse Saturday mornings throughout the school year and perform two concerts each year at the Stiefel Theatre.

Audition dates set for Salina Youth Choir, Salina Youth Symphony

Police are looking for a gray SUV believed to be involved in a hit-and-run collision in south Salina early this morning.

Salina Police Captian Paul Forrester said this morning that at approximately 2:15 a.m. Friday, a gray SUV-style vehicle made a wide turn off of Carl Avenue onto northbound Roach Street and struck a parked 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, causing damage on the driver's side. 

A witness gave a description of the vehicle to police and noted that the SUV continued north before turning west on E. Cloud Street.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostPolice are looking for a gray SUV believed to be involved in a hit-and-run collision in south Salina early this morning.Salina Police Captian Paul Forrester said this morning that at approximately 2:15 a.m. Friday, a gray SUV-style vehicle made a wide turn off of Carl Avenue onto northbound Roach Street and struck a parked 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, causing damage on the driver's side. A witness gave a description of the vehicle to police and noted that the SUV continued north before turning west on E. Cloud Street.

Gray SUV sought in south Salina hit-and-run collision

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/12/kansas-foster-care-provider-suing-former-leaders-for-alleged-financial-misconduct/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The former CEO, chief 
counsel and IT director for Saint Francis Ministries used their 
positions to enrich themselves and their friends as the charity neared 
financial insolvency, according to allegations made in state and federal
 lawsuits.

The Salina-based foster care provider in court documents accused the 
trinity of overbilling for IT and legal services and misusing company 
funds to support a lavish lifestyle. <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/11/fbi-seizing-bank-deposits-in-alleged-10-million-fraud-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-saint-francis-ministries/">Federal authorities identified $10.73 million in fraudulent billing</a> for IT services and moved to seize bank accounts.

Meanwhile, the former CEO filed a counterclaim against Saint Francis 
officials for alleged defamation based on quotes and documented evidence
 reported by Kansas Reflector.

The legal fallout raises questions about the level of care the 
organization provides to foster children, as well as renewed interest in
 examining whether taxpayer funds should be repaid to state agencies in 
Kansas and Nebraska.

Teresa Woody, litigation director for Kansas Appleseed, said it was 
appalling that millions of dollars meant to provide foster care went out
 the door and were not accounted for. Kansas Appleseed <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/08/20/judge-orders-kansas-to-pay-nearly-2-3-million-in-legal-fees-and-expenses-in-child-welfare-lawsuit/">settled a lawsuit last year</a> to require improvements in the foster care system, which is administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families.

“I think DCF should look at all this and take a very hard look at 
whether they’re an appropriate entity to be trying to help foster 
children in Kansas,” Woody said.

Saint Francis Ministries quietly filed a civil lawsuit in January in 
Saline County District Court against its former CEO, Robert “Father 
Bobby” Smith, IT director William Whymark, chief counsel David Schaffer,
 and the law firm where Schaffer worked in Chicago. The lawsuit 
identifies Schaffer as Smith’s friend and Whymark’s brother. Saint 
Francis is seeking repayment for legal malpractice and breach of 
fiduciary duties.

The former Saint Francis leadership resigned in November 2020 after a
 newly hired financial officer alerted the board to alleged financial 
misconduct.

They worked together to place their own financial interests above the
 nonprofit, failed to disclose conflicts of interest, misappropriated 
resources, overbilled for services, and concealed material facts, Saint 
Francis claimed in an amended complaint filed Aug. 5.

Accusations made in state and federal court documents are consistent with an internal investigation, <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/20/kansas-foster-care-leader-charged-469k-to-credit-cards-hid-financial-losses/">first reported by Kansas Reflector in December 2020</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/23/audit-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-scrutinizes-financial-controls-it-costs-ceo-travel-ppp-loan/">an audit released by DCF</a> in December 2021.

Smith, an Episcopal priest, began working as CEO for Saint Francis in
 July 2014. Smith hired Schaffer as chief counsel in October 2014. 
Schaffer, according to the lawsuit filed in Saline County, urged Saint 
Francis to hire his brother to provide IT services, even though Schaffer
 knew Whymark wasn’t qualified for the job.

Smith charged $442,276.17 to Saint Francis credit cards between 2017 
and 2020, mostly funding “lavish meals, entertainment, travel and gifts 
for him and his family,” the lawsuit said. He also spent $57,125.42 in 
Saint Francis funds to pay for travel, “the majority of which had no 
legitimate business purpose or was grossly excessive.”

The lawsuit reveals previously undisclosed allegations against Schaffer.

The attorney billed Saint Francis for more than $1 million in legal 
fees between June 2015 and June 2019 through his law firm. He billed 
Saint Francis for an additional $500,000 between February 2018 and 
October 2020 that was paid to him personally. There were at least eight 
months in which Schaffer billed Saint Francis both through his law firm 
and as an individual.

According to the lawsuit, the legal fees were “grossly excessive for 
the services they allegedly performed, but Schaffer knew the invoices 
would be approved and paid by his friend.” The state audit last year 
said Smith approved expenses within minutes of receiving them.

Schaffer allegedly outsourced hundreds of thousands of dollars in 
legal work to friends and lawyers at other firms that should have been 
performed by him.

Schaffer allegedly billed Saint Francis for legal fees on matters 
unrelated to his job as general counsel. When Schaffer gave a deposition
 in May 2019 in a case brought against his former law firm by its former
 landlord, he directed his attorneys to bill Saint Francis for $6,000. 
Schaffer then approved the payment in his capacity as general counsel 
for Saint Francis.

Schaffer allegedly billed Saint Francis nearly $4,000 for moving and 
storage expenses for office furniture in his Chicago law practice.

Between June 2019 and October 2020, Schaffer allegedly charged about 
$60,000 on a Saint Francis company credit card. Many of the charges, 
Saint Francis said in its lawsuit, served no legitimate business 
purpose.

Saint Francis employed Schaffer’s brother, Whymark, as its chief 
information officer and paid Whymark’s company, WMK Research, more than 
$11 million between January 2018 and February 2021.

“WMK’s services were grossly deficient and overpriced,” Saint Francis said in its lawsuit.

Saint Francis paid WMK more than $6 million to build a software 
system that failed to function. Whymark outsourced most of the work 
without telling Saint Francis, according to federal and state court 
documents, while inflating the cost of actual services. When the IT 
system crashed in the fall of 2019, Whymark wiped the hard drives on the
 crashed server, claiming it was necessary to reuse the server. At the 
time, Saint Francis was in the middle of a financial audit.

“The crash halted the audit for months and delayed the discovery of 
defendants’ self-dealing,” Saint Francis said in its lawsuit.

Saint Francis estimated it overpaid in excess of $7 million to WMK, 
and the cost to repair WMK’s work was estimated at $3.2 million.

Federal authorities, in a court filing Aug. 1, moved to seize more 
than $700,000 in cash held in three bank accounts controlled by Whymark.
 The action was based on an FBI investigation that found probable cause 
to believe Whymark, of Mount Kisco, New York, ripped off Saint Francis 
for $10.73 million.

An interim financial officer warned Smith and Schaffer in January 
2020 that Saint Francis was in dire financial condition and could be 
completely out of cash by March 2020.

The Saint Francis lawsuit said Smith and Schaffer never disclosed the financial condition to their board of directors.

The organization avoided financial collapse because it received the 
maximum $10 million loan through the federal Paycheck Protection 
Program. A state auditor later discovered the organization wasn’t 
eligible for the loan, although it was forgiven anyway by the Small 
Business Administration.

The lawsuit said Smith and Schaffer were advised to reserve funds 
from the PPP loan to gain liquidity. Instead, Schaffer allegedly said 
the obligations to his brother’s company would be taken care of first.

The organization’s financial hardships were complicated by winning <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/01/25/kansas-foster-care-provider-asks-nebraska-for-immediate-funding-boost-to-maintain-services/">a severely underbid contract</a> in 2019 to provide foster care services in the Omaha, Nebraska, area. The state of Nebraska <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/14/kansas-foster-care-provider-agrees-to-leave-nebraska-after-months-of-scrutiny/">severed ties with Saint Francis</a> earlier this year because of extensive performance problems.

Nebraska Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, who <a target="_blank" href="https://www.noiseomaha.com/news-now/2021/3/24/investigative-committee-approved-to-review-foster-care-management-group-and-involved-nebraska-state-government-departmentsnbspnbspnbsp?rq=cavanaugh">spearheaded an investigation</a> into her state’s dealings with Saint Francis, said the revelations in court filings were upsetting.

“I think you can draw a correlation between defrauding the 
organization and the outcomes that are coming out,” Cavanaugh said. “I 
mean, any organization is only as good as its weakest link, as people 
say, and if you have this toxic, corrupt mentality at the very top of 
the organization, then you’re not going to be a high-performing, 
high-quality organization. It doesn’t matter how many wonderful people 
you hire underneath that person. That’s where you’re starting from. 
That’s the cornerstone of the organization, and that toxicity and that 
lack of integrity in the work that you’re doing will trickle down.”

Cavanaugh said Saint Francis was short staffed in Nebraska and had a 
high turnover rate. Employees didn’t receive adequate training. As a 
result, children ended up in the system longer than they should have, 
and there were concerns about the accuracy of caseworker reports.

Cavanaugh also said it was time to “revisit the conversation” about 
whether Nebraska should recoup money the state invested in Saint 
Francis.

“We clearly were defrauded, and I think the children of Nebraska 
deserve us to advocate on their behalf,” Cavanaugh said. “By not going 
after the money, not going after the people that ultimately hurt these 
children, I think it’s us just continuing to fail these children.”

In March of this year, Smith filed a counterclaim for defamation by 
current Saint Francis leadership for “numerous false and defamatory 
statements” made about Smith and his wife in reports published by Kansas
 Reflector.

Smith said his former employer “knowingly and/or recklessly provided”
 an internal investigation report to Kansas Reflector, which published 
articles based on “unsubstantiated, false and defamatory statements” 
made within the investigation report.

“Smith has been suffered economic, reputational damages, personal 
humiliation, mental anguish, and loss of consortium damages,” the 
counterclaim said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660312960289.png" alt="The Salina-based Saint Francis Ministries, which provides foster care services, sued its former leadership in January for alleged legal malpractice and breach of fiduciary duties. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The Salina-based Saint Francis Ministries, which provides foster care services, sued its former leadership in January for alleged legal malpractice and breach of fiduciary duties. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/12/kansas-foster-care-provider-suing-former-leaders-for-alleged-financial-misconduct/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The former CEO, chief 
counsel and IT director for Saint Francis Ministries used their 
positions to enrich themselves and their friends as the charity neared 
financial insolvency, according to allegations made in state and federal
 lawsuits.The Salina-based foster care provider in court documents accused the 
trinity of overbilling for IT and legal services and misusing company 
funds to support a lavish lifestyle. <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/11/fbi-seizing-bank-deposits-in-alleged-10-million-fraud-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-saint-francis-ministries/">Federal authorities identified $10.73 million in fraudulent billing</a> for IT services and moved to seize bank accounts.Meanwhile, the former CEO filed a counterclaim against Saint Francis 
officials for alleged defamation based on quotes and documented evidence
 reported by Kansas Reflector.The legal fallout raises questions about the level of care the 
organization provides to foster children, as well as renewed interest in
 examining whether taxpayer funds should be repaid to state agencies in 
Kansas and Nebraska.Teresa Woody, litigation director for Kansas Appleseed, said it was 
appalling that millions of dollars meant to provide foster care went out
 the door and were not accounted for. Kansas Appleseed <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/08/20/judge-orders-kansas-to-pay-nearly-2-3-million-in-legal-fees-and-expenses-in-child-welfare-lawsuit/">settled a lawsuit last year</a> to require improvements in the foster care system, which is administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families.“I think DCF should look at all this and take a very hard look at 
whether they’re an appropriate entity to be trying to help foster 
children in Kansas,” Woody said.Saint Francis Ministries quietly filed a civil lawsuit in January in 
Saline County District Court against its former CEO, Robert “Father 
Bobby” Smith, IT director William Whymark, chief counsel David Schaffer,
 and the law firm where Schaffer worked in Chicago. The lawsuit 
identifies Schaffer as Smith’s friend and Whymark’s brother. Saint 
Francis is seeking repayment for legal malpractice and breach of 
fiduciary duties.<h2>The accusations</h2>The former Saint Francis leadership resigned in November 2020 after a
 newly hired financial officer alerted the board to alleged financial 
misconduct.They worked together to place their own financial interests above the
 nonprofit, failed to disclose conflicts of interest, misappropriated 
resources, overbilled for services, and concealed material facts, Saint 
Francis claimed in an amended complaint filed Aug. 5.Accusations made in state and federal court documents are consistent with an internal investigation, <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/20/kansas-foster-care-leader-charged-469k-to-credit-cards-hid-financial-losses/">first reported by Kansas Reflector in December 2020</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/23/audit-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-scrutinizes-financial-controls-it-costs-ceo-travel-ppp-loan/">an audit released by DCF</a> in December 2021.Smith, an Episcopal priest, began working as CEO for Saint Francis in
 July 2014. Smith hired Schaffer as chief counsel in October 2014. 
Schaffer, according to the lawsuit filed in Saline County, urged Saint 
Francis to hire his brother to provide IT services, even though Schaffer
 knew Whymark wasn’t qualified for the job.Smith charged $442,276.17 to Saint Francis credit cards between 2017 
and 2020, mostly funding “lavish meals, entertainment, travel and gifts 
for him and his family,” the lawsuit said. He also spent $57,125.42 in 
Saint Francis funds to pay for travel, “the majority of which had no 
legitimate business purpose or was grossly excessive.”The lawsuit reveals previously undisclosed allegations against Schaffer.The attorney billed Saint Francis for more than $1 million in legal 
fees between June 2015 and June 2019 through his law firm. He billed 
Saint Francis for an additional $500,000 between February 2018 and 
October 2020 that was paid to him personally. There were at least eight 
months in which Schaffer billed Saint Francis both through his law firm 
and as an individual.According to the lawsuit, the legal fees were “grossly excessive for 
the services they allegedly performed, but Schaffer knew the invoices 
would be approved and paid by his friend.” The state audit last year 
said Smith approved expenses within minutes of receiving them.Schaffer allegedly outsourced hundreds of thousands of dollars in 
legal work to friends and lawyers at other firms that should have been 
performed by him.Schaffer allegedly billed Saint Francis for legal fees on matters 
unrelated to his job as general counsel. When Schaffer gave a deposition
 in May 2019 in a case brought against his former law firm by its former
 landlord, he directed his attorneys to bill Saint Francis for $6,000. 
Schaffer then approved the payment in his capacity as general counsel 
for Saint Francis.Schaffer allegedly billed Saint Francis nearly $4,000 for moving and 
storage expenses for office furniture in his Chicago law practice.Between June 2019 and October 2020, Schaffer allegedly charged about 
$60,000 on a Saint Francis company credit card. Many of the charges, 
Saint Francis said in its lawsuit, served no legitimate business 
purpose.<h2>IT problems</h2>Saint Francis employed Schaffer’s brother, Whymark, as its chief 
information officer and paid Whymark’s company, WMK Research, more than 
$11 million between January 2018 and February 2021.“WMK’s services were grossly deficient and overpriced,” Saint Francis said in its lawsuit.Saint Francis paid WMK more than $6 million to build a software 
system that failed to function. Whymark outsourced most of the work 
without telling Saint Francis, according to federal and state court 
documents, while inflating the cost of actual services. When the IT 
system crashed in the fall of 2019, Whymark wiped the hard drives on the
 crashed server, claiming it was necessary to reuse the server. At the 
time, Saint Francis was in the middle of a financial audit.“The crash halted the audit for months and delayed the discovery of 
defendants’ self-dealing,” Saint Francis said in its lawsuit.Saint Francis estimated it overpaid in excess of $7 million to WMK, 
and the cost to repair WMK’s work was estimated at $3.2 million.Federal authorities, in a court filing Aug. 1, moved to seize more 
than $700,000 in cash held in three bank accounts controlled by Whymark.
 The action was based on an FBI investigation that found probable cause 
to believe Whymark, of Mount Kisco, New York, ripped off Saint Francis 
for $10.73 million.<h2>Financial ruin</h2>An interim financial officer warned Smith and Schaffer in January 
2020 that Saint Francis was in dire financial condition and could be 
completely out of cash by March 2020.The Saint Francis lawsuit said Smith and Schaffer never disclosed the financial condition to their board of directors.The organization avoided financial collapse because it received the 
maximum $10 million loan through the federal Paycheck Protection 
Program. A state auditor later discovered the organization wasn’t 
eligible for the loan, although it was forgiven anyway by the Small 
Business Administration.The lawsuit said Smith and Schaffer were advised to reserve funds 
from the PPP loan to gain liquidity. Instead, Schaffer allegedly said 
the obligations to his brother’s company would be taken care of first.The organization’s financial hardships were complicated by winning <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/01/25/kansas-foster-care-provider-asks-nebraska-for-immediate-funding-boost-to-maintain-services/">a severely underbid contract</a> in 2019 to provide foster care services in the Omaha, Nebraska, area. The state of Nebraska <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/14/kansas-foster-care-provider-agrees-to-leave-nebraska-after-months-of-scrutiny/">severed ties with Saint Francis</a> earlier this year because of extensive performance problems.<h2>Nebraska impact</h2>Nebraska Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, who <a target="_blank" href="https://www.noiseomaha.com/news-now/2021/3/24/investigative-committee-approved-to-review-foster-care-management-group-and-involved-nebraska-state-government-departmentsnbspnbspnbsp?rq=cavanaugh">spearheaded an investigation</a> into her state’s dealings with Saint Francis, said the revelations in court filings were upsetting.“I think you can draw a correlation between defrauding the 
organization and the outcomes that are coming out,” Cavanaugh said. “I 
mean, any organization is only as good as its weakest link, as people 
say, and if you have this toxic, corrupt mentality at the very top of 
the organization, then you’re not going to be a high-performing, 
high-quality organization. It doesn’t matter how many wonderful people 
you hire underneath that person. That’s where you’re starting from. 
That’s the cornerstone of the organization, and that toxicity and that 
lack of integrity in the work that you’re doing will trickle down.”Cavanaugh said Saint Francis was short staffed in Nebraska and had a 
high turnover rate. Employees didn’t receive adequate training. As a 
result, children ended up in the system longer than they should have, 
and there were concerns about the accuracy of caseworker reports.Cavanaugh also said it was time to “revisit the conversation” about 
whether Nebraska should recoup money the state invested in Saint 
Francis.“We clearly were defrauded, and I think the children of Nebraska 
deserve us to advocate on their behalf,” Cavanaugh said. “By not going 
after the money, not going after the people that ultimately hurt these 
children, I think it’s us just continuing to fail these children.”<h2>Counterclaim</h2>In March of this year, Smith filed a counterclaim for defamation by 
current Saint Francis leadership for “numerous false and defamatory 
statements” made about Smith and his wife in reports published by Kansas
 Reflector.Smith said his former employer “knowingly and/or recklessly provided”
 an internal investigation report to Kansas Reflector, which published 
articles based on “unsubstantiated, false and defamatory statements” 
made within the investigation report.“Smith has been suffered economic, reputational damages, personal 
humiliation, mental anguish, and loss of consortium damages,” the 
counterclaim said.

Saint Francis Ministries suit alleges financial mismanagement

On Aug. 10, officers with the Salina Police Department responded to Little Caesars Pizza, 645 E. Crawford Street in regard to a burglary. 

An employee arrived to open the business and discovered the front door was unlocked. The employee discovered unknown suspect(s) entered the closed business overnight and gained access to the safe. U.S. currency and the store’s surveillance system were stolen.

If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individuals 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, or Det. Jones, case 2022-23195.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660306193735.jpeg" alt="Little Caesars in Salina. Photo courtesy Crimestoppers" />
 <figcaption>Little Caesars in Salina. Photo courtesy Crimestoppers</figcaption>
 </figure>CrimestoppersOn Aug. 10, officers with the Salina Police Department responded to Little Caesars Pizza, 645 E. Crawford Street in regard to a burglary. An employee arrived to open the business and discovered the front door was unlocked. The employee discovered unknown suspect(s) entered the closed business overnight and gained access to the safe. U.S. currency and the store’s surveillance system were stolen.If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individuals 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, or Det. Jones, case 2022-23195.

Crimestoppers seeks tips about burglary at Little Caesars

The Smoky Hill Museum is seeking teams to enter the Chili Cook-off contest at the Street Fair which takes place on Sept. 24.

Entries are being sought to cook up their own unique brand of chili. The first six teams to enter will compete for the People’s Choice Award and best-decorated booth. Winners will receive a combination of cash and prizes valued at $150. The deadline to enter is Aug. 31, 2022.

Smoky Hill MuseumThe Smoky Hill Museum is seeking teams to enter the Chili Cook-off contest at the Street Fair which takes place on Sept. 24.Entries are being sought to cook up their own unique brand of chili. The first six teams to enter will compete for the People’s Choice Award and best-decorated booth. Winners will receive a combination of cash and prizes valued at $150. The deadline to enter is Aug. 31, 2022.Entrants must prepare a minimum of five gallons of chili. Public sampling begins at noon. In order to make this less of a burden, the Museum will provide ingredients to help each team get off to a good start. Teams will receive a generous starting kit of ingredients that includes 15 lbs. of beef, and a mess of onions and tomatoes. From there, each team can add their own unique ingredients to make the chili something special.Online or printable entry forms and a complete set of rules and regulations may be found at www.smokyhillmuseum.org under the Chili Cook-off link. To have a copy mailed to you call 785-309-5776 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:museum@salina.org" target="_blank">museum@salina.org</a>.&nbsp;Completed applications and a $25 application fee must be postmarked or hand-delivered by Aug. 31, 2022, to the Smoky Hill Museum at 211 West Iron Avenue. The application fee is non-refundable.

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