SEDGWICK COUNTY —A woman charged with driving under the influence in a crash that killed a woman is due back in court Friday afternoon.

Trisha Greer, 43, is scheduled for hearing before Judge Sean Hatfield, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 11p.m. May 14, Greer was driving without headlights at 55th Street South and Hoover, according to Sheriff's Lt Nathan Gibbs. The vehicle struck and killed 18-year-old Bethany Aillen Callista Leggio who was standing with a group of people at the location.

Greet was booked into jail just after 1a.m. the following morning, according to online jail records. She&nbsp;is free on bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717510102482.png" alt="Greer photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Greer photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A woman charged with driving under the influence in a crash that killed a woman is due back in court Friday afternoon.Trisha Greer, 43, is scheduled for hearing before Judge Sean Hatfield, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 11p.m. May 14, Greer was driving without headlights at 55th Street South and Hoover, according to Sheriff's Lt Nathan Gibbs. The vehicle struck and killed 18-year-old Bethany Aillen Callista Leggio who was standing with a group of people at the location.Greet was booked into jail just after 1a.m. the following morning, according to online jail records. She&nbsp;is free on bond.

Woman in crash that killed Kansas teen due back in court

By SALINA POST A Salina man was taken into custody Thursday following a standoff at Candlewood Suites that involved threats, property damage, and a confrontation with Salina Police Department officers.

According to Salina Police Captain James Feldman, officers responded to a report at 10 a.m. of a man attempting to force entry into Goodwill at 2640 Planet Avenue. The suspect, identified as Chase Mann, was reportedly using a knife to pry open the front door while yelling at employees, demanding clothing. Police said there was no damage to the door.

When officers arrived, Mann allegedly pulled a pocketknife and pointed it at an officer. After being given verbal commands, Mann fled the scene. An officer deployed a taser, but it was ineffective. &nbsp;Mann then entered Candlewood Suites, 2650 Planet Avenue, where police said he threatened employees and entered a room that was being cleaned by three workers.

Feldman said the workers, all females from Saline County, fled room after Mann allegedly threatened them with the knife. Inside the room, Mann reportedly caused more than $1,500 in damage by stabbing the walls and furniture.

Officers secured the room and attempted to negotiate with Mann, but he refused to surrender. Salina SWAT was deployed to assist. After negotiations failed, SWAT officers opened an exterior window and observed Mann lying on the bed. Verbal commands were issued, but Mann did not comply. Officers then used a less-lethal rubber projectile, which prompted Mann to surrender.

Mann was taken into custody at 11:58 a.m. and transported to a hospital for evaluation. He was later booked into the Saline County Jail on multiple charges, including aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, criminal threat, and felony damage to property.

No injuries were reported during the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736519096662.png" alt="Mann, Chase Lucrue" />
 <figcaption>Mann, Chase Lucrue</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POST A Salina man was taken into custody Thursday following a standoff at Candlewood Suites that involved threats, property damage, and a confrontation with Salina Police Department officers.According to Salina Police Captain James Feldman, officers responded to a report at 10 a.m. of a man attempting to force entry into Goodwill at 2640 Planet Avenue. The suspect, identified as Chase Mann, was reportedly using a knife to pry open the front door while yelling at employees, demanding clothing. Police said there was no damage to the door.When officers arrived, Mann allegedly pulled a pocketknife and pointed it at an officer. After being given verbal commands, Mann fled the scene. An officer deployed a taser, but it was ineffective. &nbsp;Mann then entered Candlewood Suites, 2650 Planet Avenue, where police said he threatened employees and entered a room that was being cleaned by three workers.Feldman said the workers, all females from Saline County, fled room after Mann allegedly threatened them with the knife. Inside the room, Mann reportedly caused more than $1,500 in damage by stabbing the walls and furniture.Officers secured the room and attempted to negotiate with Mann, but he refused to surrender. Salina SWAT was deployed to assist. After negotiations failed, SWAT officers opened an exterior window and observed Mann lying on the bed. Verbal commands were issued, but Mann did not comply. Officers then used a less-lethal rubber projectile, which prompted Mann to surrender.Mann was taken into custody at 11:58 a.m. and transported to a hospital for evaluation. He was later booked into the Saline County Jail on multiple charges, including aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, criminal threat, and felony damage to property.No injuries were reported during the incident.

Salina man arrested after standoff at hotel

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(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

Burglary; Vehicle to commit felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crime

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

Aggravated burglary; Non-dwelling for felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crime

Disorderly conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct to cause resentment

Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for misdemeanor case

Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500

Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

Theft by deception;&lt;$1500 3 business in 72 hrs

Giving a worthless check; Value &lt; $1,000

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/2025/1/1736517264444.jpeg" alt="Fears,Chelsey Unique" />
 <figcaption>Fears,Chelsey Unique</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Fears,Chelsey UniqueREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736517327891.jpeg" alt=" Hoffschneider,Nicole Lynn" />
 <figcaption> Hoffschneider,Nicole Lynn</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Hoffschneider,Nicole LynnREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appearBurglary; Vehicle to commit felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crimeTheft of prop/services;Value $1,500 to $25,000Contempt of Court; Direct<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736519096662.png" alt="Mann, Chase Lucrue" />
 <figcaption>Mann, Chase Lucrue</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; Mann,Chase LucrueREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Criminal damage to property; FelonyInterfere w/ LEO; unknown circ; felonyAgg assault of LEO; w/ deadly weaponAgg assault; w/ deadly weaponAggravated burglary; Non-dwelling for felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crimeCriminal threat; Unknown circumstanceDisorderly conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct to cause resentmentInterference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for misdemeanor caseTheft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736517448118.jpeg" alt=" McCarter,Christopher Lee" />
 <figcaption> McCarter,Christopher Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;McCarter,Christopher LeeREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appearFailure to appearFailure to appearFailure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736517516893.jpeg" alt=" Sherman,Cody James" />
 <figcaption> Sherman,Cody James</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Sherman,Cody JamesREQUESTED CHARGE(S): failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736517572828.jpeg" alt="Stiffler,Lisa Anne" />
 <figcaption>Stiffler,Lisa Anne</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Stiffler,Lisa AnneREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Theft by deception;&lt;$1500 3 business in 72 hrsGiving a worthless check; Value &lt; $1,000<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736517622649.jpeg" alt=" Vinardi,Amanda Gayle" />
 <figcaption> Vinardi,Amanda Gayle</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Vinardi,Amanda GayleREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Agg endangering a child; Reckless &lt;18Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human bodyPoss of marijuana

Saline County Jail Bookings, Jan. 10

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Dempsey, Ashley DeNay

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Contempt of Court; Direct

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Gard, Charlene Dawn

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Grajales, Isaiah Paul

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Imlay, Eric Charles

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Roberson, Darnell Alseno

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Schneider,Brandon Lee

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor, Robbery, Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty, Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant and Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Soto-Reyes, Christian

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Warhurst, Grant William

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severityTransporting an open container

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/2025/1/1736436689134.png" alt="Dempsey, Ashley DeNay" />
 <figcaption>Dempsey, Ashley DeNay</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Dempsey, Ashley DeNayREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Contempt of Court; Direct<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736436734233.png" alt="Gard, Charlene Dawn" />
 <figcaption>Gard, Charlene Dawn</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Gard, Charlene DawnREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736436794716.png" alt="Grajales, Isaiah Paul" />
 <figcaption>Grajales, Isaiah Paul</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Grajales, Isaiah PaulREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736436841354.png" alt=" Imlay, Eric Charles" />
 <figcaption> Imlay, Eric Charles</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Imlay, Eric CharlesREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736436895233.png" alt="Roberson, Darnell Alseno" />
 <figcaption>Roberson, Darnell Alseno</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Roberson, Darnell AlsenoREQUESTED CHARGE(S):Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736436943017.png" alt="Schneider, Brandon Lee" />
 <figcaption>Schneider, Brandon Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Schneider,Brandon LeeREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor, Robbery, Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty, Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant and Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736437008182.png" alt="Soto-Reyes, Christian" />
 <figcaption>Soto-Reyes, Christian</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Soto-Reyes, ChristianREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736437073200.png" alt="Warhurst, Grant William" />
 <figcaption>Warhurst, Grant William</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Warhurst, Grant WilliamREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severityTransporting an open container

Saline County Jail Bookings, Jan. 9

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two teens in connection with a convenience store robbery.

Just after 8p.m.&nbsp; January 5, 2025, near 8:00 p.m., police responded to a reported aggravated robbery attempt to the Kwik Shop, 746 NE Wabash Avenue in Topeka, according to Topeka Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

 Upon arrival officers learned that two individuals believed to be involved had already left the area.

A short time later, officers located the suspects near the area of the 800 block of NE Kellam Avenue. These individuals were taken into custody and transported to the Law Enforcement Center to speak with detectives.

As a result of the investigation, Kenyan M. Hooper, 18, and a juvenile male, 15, both of Topeka, were arrested. Hooper was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, and the juvenile was booked into the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections.

Hooper is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Attempted Aggravated Robbery and Aggravated Assault.

The juvenile is jailed on a requested charge of Attempted Aggravated Robbery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736172902304.png" alt="Hooper-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hooper-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two teens in connection with a convenience store robbery.Just after 8p.m.&nbsp; January 5, 2025, near 8:00 p.m., police responded to a reported aggravated robbery attempt to the Kwik Shop, 746 NE Wabash Avenue in Topeka, according to Topeka Police Lt. Edward Stanley. Upon arrival officers learned that two individuals believed to be involved had already left the area.A short time later, officers located the suspects near the area of the 800 block of NE Kellam Avenue. These individuals were taken into custody and transported to the Law Enforcement Center to speak with detectives.As a result of the investigation, Kenyan M. Hooper, 18, and a juvenile male, 15, both of Topeka, were arrested. Hooper was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, and the juvenile was booked into the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections.Hooper is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Attempted Aggravated Robbery and Aggravated Assault.The juvenile is jailed on a requested charge of Attempted Aggravated Robbery.

15-year-old accused of role in Kansas store robbery

Despite voicing opposition to abortion, most members of the Rolla City Council worried the ordinance would do little besides inspire costly litigation

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Less than a month after a state constitutional amendment legalizing abortion went into effect, a national movement to establish pockets of resistance is dividing one Missouri town.

Rolla, a town of about 20,000 people that sits 100 miles southwest of St. Louis, is being courted by<a href="https://sanctuarycitiesfortheunborn.org/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn</a>, an anti-abortion activist group out of Texas. If approved by the city council, it would be the first municipality in Missouri to adopt the title.&nbsp;

But during a public hearing Monday night, council members expressed concerns about adopting the ordinance, which uses a 150-year-old federal law to give local citizens the ability to sue any person or entity who provides abortion medication. The concern is it would do little besides put the town at the center of costly litigation and negative national press.

“Why are we doing this?” Rolla Mayor Louis Magdits IV asked during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X33Di5KfsRU" target="_blank">Monday’s meeting.&nbsp;</a>“What is out to be accomplished?”

Rolla is home to one of Missouri’s six remaining Planned Parenthood clinics. The rest are located in and around Democrat-leaning cities Columbia, Kansas City and St. Louis.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.warrencountyrecord.com/stories/wright-city-official-wont-back-local-push-to-ban-abortion,72627" target="_blank">Wright City,&nbsp;</a>a town of about 5,000 people just off Interstate 70, west of St. Louis, also considered becoming a sanctuary city for the unborn in 2023 but never made it official.&nbsp;

Missouri’s legal landscape around abortion has changed drastically since then.&nbsp;

Amendment 3, which was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">narrowly approved by voters in November,</a>&nbsp;made unconstitutional the state’s trigger law, which in June 2022 outlawed all abortions in the state, with exceptions only for medical emergencies.&nbsp;

Under Amendment 3, Missourians have a constitutional right to reproductive health care, including abortion up until the point of fetal viability.&nbsp;

Abortions have not yet re-started in Missouri, though. Planned Parenthood is currently suing the state in an effort to take down its existing laws regulating abortion that they say make it impossible for clinics to offer the procedure.

As the fight over Amendment 3 plays out in court, anti-abortion advocates hope to wage a separate campaign at the local level. And Rolla was their first stop.&nbsp;

Rolla City Councilman Joshua Vroman, who filed the “sanctuary city” ordinance, said it&nbsp;doesn’t question the validity of Amendment 3, but rather makes note of an 1873 federal law on the books that bans mailing obscene material, including for the use of abortion.&nbsp;

He worked on the latest draft of the ordinance with Brian Westbrook, with St. Louis-based Coalition Life, and Mark Lee Dickson, founder of Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn.

<a href="https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title18-section1461&amp;num=0&amp;edition=prelim" target="_blank">The Comstock Act&nbsp;</a>outlaws the mailing of “obscene or crime-inciting” materials, including&nbsp;“every article or thing designed, adapted, or intended for producing abortion, or for any indecent or immoral use.”

A number of Missouri elected officials,<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/06/missouri-abortion-access-planned-parenthood-lawsuit-amendment-3/">&nbsp;including U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MarkMaxwellTV/status/1853542335172546707" target="_blank">Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey,</a>&nbsp;have called on President Joe Biden to enforce the Comstock Act in regards to medication abortion. The Biden administration has refused.&nbsp;

A renewed push for enforcement is expected when Donald Trump takes office again later this month. Trump’s prior administration did not enforce the law.

“We’re pointing to the Comstock Act saying ‘here’s the law, you have to work within the confines of this law, and here is the enforcement mechanism,’” Vroman said.&nbsp;

Magdits asked who would enforce the Rolla ordinance.&nbsp;

“The citizens will enforce,”&nbsp;Vroman said, drawing several outbursts of laughter from the crowd followed by a call for decorum.

Dickson, in an interview with The Independent, said law enforcement could not apply the ordinance, nor could a woman who receives and takes the medication be found liable under this ordinance.&nbsp;

It would rely solely on citizens suing any person or organization who provides abortion medication.&nbsp;

For example, he said, if an organization mailed abortion medication to a Rolla teenager, her parents could then sue the entity that mailed the medication.&nbsp;

And if Planned Parenthood again began prescribing drugs for medication abortions, an individual could sue Planned Parenthood.&nbsp;

The FDA has approved two medications —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation" target="_blank">mifepristone and misoprostol&nbsp;</a>— for use in the first 10 weeks or pregnancy. The availability of both are under threat under the Comstock Act. Abortions performed after 10 weeks are done surgically.&nbsp;

In the six months after the Dobbs decision, the number of&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/25/more-than-26000-self-managed-abortions-may-have-occurred-post-dobbs-study-shows/">self-managed medication abortions rose by more than 26,000</a>&nbsp;across the U.S. according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jama.2024.4266?utm_campaign=articlePDF%26utm_medium=articlePDFlink%26utm_source=articlePDF%26utm_content=jama.2024.4266" target="_blank">study</a>&nbsp;published in JAMA, the American Medical Association’s journal. The medication is mailed everywhere in the U.S., including Missouri.

Vroman&nbsp;said the ordinance would only apply to elective abortions, not medically-necessary abortions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The ACLU of Missouri disagrees, saying in a written statement that the ordinance would also leave hospitals and providers vulnerable to lawsuits, including when treating miscarriages, which are medically documented as abortions and are often treated using mifepristone or misoprostol, both of which can be used to induce labor or stop hemorrhaging after childbirth.&nbsp;

At one point during Monday night’s meeting, council members called upon Dr. Jenny Pennycook, an OB-GYN in Rolla, to explain her interpretation of the ordinance. She said she was trained at a Catholic Jesuit institution and has never been an abortion provider.&nbsp;

Asked by council members if she believed the ordinance could create hurdles for miscarriage care, Pennycook said yes.

Prior to the U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned the constitutional right to an abortion in June 2022, Pennycook said she never had issues prescribing mifepristone or misoprostol.

Since then, Pennycook said she’s had numerous patients turned away from pharmacies, leaving her needing to call to clear up that the medication was not for abortion so her patient could access it.

“When pharmacists are scared about the Comstock Act and enforcement and whether or not they can dispense these medications, it makes it harder for patients to get these medications,” she said. “Untreated missed miscarriages can result in hemorrhage or infection and women can lose their uterus and never get pregnant again or even die.”

In a town that touts itself as “the middle of everywhere,” residents are wary of what could turn their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rollacity.org/info/cd/comp2024-Rolla%20Initial%20Economic%20Indicators.pdf" target="_blank">recent economic and population growth</a>&nbsp;against them.&nbsp;

“We did not simply pick Rolla out of a hat,” Westbrook told the council after multiple members accused him and Dickson of targeting the town. “We were invited, specifically for the things that you guys are discussing today.”

Councilman Matt Fridley said while he opposes abortion, he doesn’t think it’s the responsibility of Rolla to resolve a state issue.&nbsp;

“I understand from a philosophical or a moral compass where you’re coming from for this, but I don’t believe the city should fight for this,” he said. “ … It creates negative press. It creates problems where individuals may go, ‘I don’t want to live in this community.’”&nbsp;

A few hours earlier, the council received a letter from the ACLU of Missouri that Magdits said he interpreted to mean: “this is a shot across the bow, and we’re watching what you’re doing.”

The letter, signed by Tori Schafer, an attorney who helped steer Amendment 3 to victory, threatened “costly litigation.”&nbsp;

“Rejecting this ordinance would demonstrate the city’s commitment to upholding the law and prioritizing the health and wellbeing of its community,” Schafer wrote. “Attempting to impose such a measure would invite expensive legal challenges, divert valuable city resources, and, most importantly, cause unnecessary harm and delay to individuals in need of critical health care.”&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/09/01/texas-abortion-highways/" target="_blank">Some Texas towns have also expressed concerns over litigation costs</a>&nbsp;when considering similar ordinances. In Rolla, Dickson proposed a workaround: a pro-bono attorney.

Dickson said former solicitor general of Texas Jonathan Mitchel has agreed to represent the city of Rolla pro-bono if they are sued. But that’s only if the city agreed, and it would not cover the cost of additional legal representation.

Much of the council’s confusion also centered around who could bring a lawsuit and where it would be litigated.&nbsp;

Nathan Nickolaus, the city attorney, said he believes the ordinance would allow a citizen to sue anyone who they believe helped get abortion medication to a person in Rolla.

“We’re saying you can’t do this in a state that says you can do this in a country that says you can’t do this,” Nickolaus said.

&nbsp;That suit would likely end up in municipal court, he said, “which is woefully inadequate a place to hear this kind of case. No offense to anyone in the city — I used to be a municipal prosecutor — municipal court is kind of the McDonalds of the judicial system. It’s light kind of stuff.”&nbsp;

Magdits on multiple occasions said the issue wasn’t whether or not the council opposes abortion. It was about legal repercussions.

When he was called to the podium for public comments at the end of the meeting, Dickson said the issue at hand absolutely was abortion.

“This really is a pro-life issue,” he said. “ … Are we going to stand with the attorney general of Missouri, or are we going to stand with the ACLU?”

Magdits asked if the ordinance specified what kind of medication use would be subject to litigation.&nbsp;

“It’s about abortion-causing drugs that cause abortion,” Westbrook said.

“That’s a slick answer,” Magdits said, before concluding: “Go fight this somewhere else.”

Dickson has spent much of the past few years of his life driving across the south pitching Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn to receptive audiences. But on Monday, as he ventured a bit further north, he received an icy response.&nbsp;

It took him more than an hour to scrape the ice off his car. Then, he was greeted by a barrage of Rolla citizens who addressed him as a “carpetbagger.”&nbsp;

Despite an ice and winter storm passing through the town less than 24 hours earlier, the meeting happened as planned. Some residents during public comments took note of the small crowd, blaming the council for holding the meeting on the same day the public school district called off classes.

<a href="https://www.weareplannedparenthoodaction.org/a/pack-rolla-city-council" target="_blank">Planned Parenthood Great Rivers Action</a>&nbsp;called on citizens to show up wearing pink to protest the ordinance.&nbsp;

“These bills intimidate abortion seekers and their loved ones, and waste taxpayers’ time and money just to score political points,” the release said.

Rolla resident Britt Giger said she was used to the council’s “embarrassing, crazy, chaotic” meetings, but said Monday’s events could cause national embarrassment.&nbsp;

“I don’t want to scroll TikTok and see this meeting,” she said, adding: “Imagine how university growth could be impacted if women don’t want to come here anymore.”

She was followed by&nbsp;Jenny Cunningham&nbsp;who held her husband’s hand as she explained that they moved to Rolla about a year ago in the hopes of starting a family. When Amendment 3 passed, they breathed a sigh of relief. But news of this ordinance puts women back in the “crosshairs,” she said.

“This is a bounty hunter law,”&nbsp;Cunningham&nbsp;said. “This turns citizen against citizen during the most terrible and tragic times that people can face in their lives.”&nbsp;

Joe Dalton, founder and CEO of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/prcrolla" target="_blank">Pregnancy Resource Center of Rolla</a>, testified in support of the ordinance, emphasizing that Rolla citizens have access to abortion medication by mail despite the local Planned Parenthood currently being unable to prescribe it.&nbsp;

He was followed by a registered nurse who works in Rolla in a labor and delivery unit who also supported the ordinance.&nbsp;

“This would save the lives of countless children,” she implored the council.

Pamela Timson, a resident of Rolla for more than 40 years, urged the council to set the ordinance aside for good, sharing her own story of a medical condition that made childbirth dangerous.

She found it outrageous that Rolla would attempt to qualify a constitutional amendment so soon out of the gates.&nbsp;

“We haven’t even given our state government a chance to qualify it yet,” she said.

The council ultimately decided not to officially put the ordinance on the agenda for its next meeting. But Vroman still has the opportunity to bring his revised ordinance before the council during council comments later this month.

Vroman brought the initial ordinance forward in November before recruiting Westbrook and Dickson to help him write a revised draft.&nbsp;

At a Dec. 16 council meeting, Dominic Barceleau of the Missouri Attorney General’s office testified that state law does not prohibit Rolla from enacting such an ordinance.

“It’s the intent of the legislature to regulate abortion to the fullest extent of the law,” Barceleau said. “The attorney general’s position is that doesn’t prevent concurrent municipal regulation that’s also consistent with the legislature’s intent to regulate abortion.”

Dickson, who also drove up from Texas for that meeting, told council members the target of the ordinance was not just Planned Parenthood, but also pharmacies.&nbsp;

“So when cities do this, it really is doing as much as we possibly can to push back, to align ourselves with the attorney general’s office and to put tools in our tool belts to prevent this from getting out of hand, because what the Biden administration has done in a multitude of different categories is create mass chaos,” he said before devolving into a short rant about the border wall.

The mayor remained skeptical from the start.&nbsp;

“It’s not clear to me why Rolla needs to carry this banner when the problem, whether it’s the attorney general, the governor or whoever the hell else is up there, they need to sort this out,” Magdits said last month. “I don’t think it’s Rolla, Missouri’s responsibility to lead this charge.”

His opinion seemed to change little on Monday.&nbsp;

In fact, Dickson said after the meeting, Magdits “threatened to cut my nuts off” after he accused Magdits of siding with Planned Parenthood, even though Magdits during the meeting expressed frustration that Amendment 3 even made it on the ballot.

The Independent could not immediately reach the mayor for comment, but Rolla City Administrator John Butz confirmed he overheard part of the conversation.&nbsp;

“I was there and I heard it,” Butz said. “I think in the context the mayor wasn’t threatening him per se with that, I think it was in the side conversation the two of them were having. So I’ll leave it up to them to comment on the intent or the context of what was said.”

The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 21. Dickson said he’s not yet decided if he will be there. But he’s also not giving up.

“When properly educated, the majority of council, I think, is going to want to pass this ordinance,” Dickson said. “… We’re going to keep on keeping on.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736336053027.png" alt=" Mark Lee Dickson, founder of Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn based in Texas, spoke before the Rolla City Council on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, about an ordinance that would outlaw the mailing of abortion medication in the Missouri town (Screenshot/City of Rolla Youtube page)." />
 <figcaption> Mark Lee Dickson, founder of Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn based in Texas, spoke before the Rolla City Council on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, about an ordinance that would outlaw the mailing of abortion medication in the Missouri town (Screenshot/City of Rolla Youtube page).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Despite voicing opposition to abortion, most members of the Rolla City Council worried the ordinance would do little besides inspire costly litigation</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Less than a month after a state constitutional amendment legalizing abortion went into effect, a national movement to establish pockets of resistance is dividing one Missouri town.Rolla, a town of about 20,000 people that sits 100 miles southwest of St. Louis, is being courted by<a href="https://sanctuarycitiesfortheunborn.org/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn</a>, an anti-abortion activist group out of Texas. If approved by the city council, it would be the first municipality in Missouri to adopt the title.&nbsp;But during a public hearing Monday night, council members expressed concerns about adopting the ordinance, which uses a 150-year-old federal law to give local citizens the ability to sue any person or entity who provides abortion medication. The concern is it would do little besides put the town at the center of costly litigation and negative national press.“Why are we doing this?” Rolla Mayor Louis Magdits IV asked during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X33Di5KfsRU" target="_blank">Monday’s meeting.&nbsp;</a>“What is out to be accomplished?”Rolla is home to one of Missouri’s six remaining Planned Parenthood clinics. The rest are located in and around Democrat-leaning cities Columbia, Kansas City and St. Louis.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.warrencountyrecord.com/stories/wright-city-official-wont-back-local-push-to-ban-abortion,72627" target="_blank">Wright City,&nbsp;</a>a town of about 5,000 people just off Interstate 70, west of St. Louis, also considered becoming a sanctuary city for the unborn in 2023 but never made it official.&nbsp;Missouri’s legal landscape around abortion has changed drastically since then.&nbsp;Amendment 3, which was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">narrowly approved by voters in November,</a>&nbsp;made unconstitutional the state’s trigger law, which in June 2022 outlawed all abortions in the state, with exceptions only for medical emergencies.&nbsp;Under Amendment 3, Missourians have a constitutional right to reproductive health care, including abortion up until the point of fetal viability.&nbsp;Abortions have not yet re-started in Missouri, though. Planned Parenthood is currently suing the state in an effort to take down its existing laws regulating abortion that they say make it impossible for clinics to offer the procedure.As the fight over Amendment 3 plays out in court, anti-abortion advocates hope to wage a separate campaign at the local level. And Rolla was their first stop.&nbsp;Rolla City Councilman Joshua Vroman, who filed the “sanctuary city” ordinance, said it&nbsp;doesn’t question the validity of Amendment 3, but rather makes note of an 1873 federal law on the books that bans mailing obscene material, including for the use of abortion.&nbsp;He worked on the latest draft of the ordinance with Brian Westbrook, with St. Louis-based Coalition Life, and Mark Lee Dickson, founder of Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn.<a href="https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title18-section1461&amp;num=0&amp;edition=prelim" target="_blank">The Comstock Act&nbsp;</a>outlaws the mailing of “obscene or crime-inciting” materials, including&nbsp;“every article or thing designed, adapted, or intended for producing abortion, or for any indecent or immoral use.”A number of Missouri elected officials,<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/06/missouri-abortion-access-planned-parenthood-lawsuit-amendment-3/">&nbsp;including U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MarkMaxwellTV/status/1853542335172546707" target="_blank">Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey,</a>&nbsp;have called on President Joe Biden to enforce the Comstock Act in regards to medication abortion. The Biden administration has refused.&nbsp;A renewed push for enforcement is expected when Donald Trump takes office again later this month. Trump’s prior administration did not enforce the law.“We’re pointing to the Comstock Act saying ‘here’s the law, you have to work within the confines of this law, and here is the enforcement mechanism,’” Vroman said.&nbsp;Magdits asked who would enforce the Rolla ordinance.&nbsp;“The citizens will enforce,”&nbsp;Vroman said, drawing several outbursts of laughter from the crowd followed by a call for decorum.Dickson, in an interview with The Independent, said law enforcement could not apply the ordinance, nor could a woman who receives and takes the medication be found liable under this ordinance.&nbsp;It would rely solely on citizens suing any person or organization who provides abortion medication.&nbsp;For example, he said, if an organization mailed abortion medication to a Rolla teenager, her parents could then sue the entity that mailed the medication.&nbsp;And if Planned Parenthood again began prescribing drugs for medication abortions, an individual could sue Planned Parenthood.&nbsp;The FDA has approved two medications —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation" target="_blank">mifepristone and misoprostol&nbsp;</a>— for use in the first 10 weeks or pregnancy. The availability of both are under threat under the Comstock Act. Abortions performed after 10 weeks are done surgically.&nbsp;In the six months after the Dobbs decision, the number of&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/25/more-than-26000-self-managed-abortions-may-have-occurred-post-dobbs-study-shows/">self-managed medication abortions rose by more than 26,000</a>&nbsp;across the U.S. according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jama.2024.4266?utm_campaign=articlePDF%26utm_medium=articlePDFlink%26utm_source=articlePDF%26utm_content=jama.2024.4266" target="_blank">study</a>&nbsp;published in JAMA, the American Medical Association’s journal. The medication is mailed everywhere in the U.S., including Missouri.Vroman&nbsp;said the ordinance would only apply to elective abortions, not medically-necessary abortions.&nbsp;&nbsp;The ACLU of Missouri disagrees, saying in a written statement that the ordinance would also leave hospitals and providers vulnerable to lawsuits, including when treating miscarriages, which are medically documented as abortions and are often treated using mifepristone or misoprostol, both of which can be used to induce labor or stop hemorrhaging after childbirth.&nbsp;At one point during Monday night’s meeting, council members called upon Dr. Jenny Pennycook, an OB-GYN in Rolla, to explain her interpretation of the ordinance. She said she was trained at a Catholic Jesuit institution and has never been an abortion provider.&nbsp;Asked by council members if she believed the ordinance could create hurdles for miscarriage care, Pennycook said yes.Prior to the U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned the constitutional right to an abortion in June 2022, Pennycook said she never had issues prescribing mifepristone or misoprostol.Since then, Pennycook said she’s had numerous patients turned away from pharmacies, leaving her needing to call to clear up that the medication was not for abortion so her patient could access it.“When pharmacists are scared about the Comstock Act and enforcement and whether or not they can dispense these medications, it makes it harder for patients to get these medications,” she said. “Untreated missed miscarriages can result in hemorrhage or infection and women can lose their uterus and never get pregnant again or even die.”<h2>Threat of ‘costly litigation’</h2>In a town that touts itself as “the middle of everywhere,” residents are wary of what could turn their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rollacity.org/info/cd/comp2024-Rolla%20Initial%20Economic%20Indicators.pdf" target="_blank">recent economic and population growth</a>&nbsp;against them.&nbsp;“We did not simply pick Rolla out of a hat,” Westbrook told the council after multiple members accused him and Dickson of targeting the town. “We were invited, specifically for the things that you guys are discussing today.”Councilman Matt Fridley said while he opposes abortion, he doesn’t think it’s the responsibility of Rolla to resolve a state issue.&nbsp;“I understand from a philosophical or a moral compass where you’re coming from for this, but I don’t believe the city should fight for this,” he said. “ … It creates negative press. It creates problems where individuals may go, ‘I don’t want to live in this community.’”&nbsp;A few hours earlier, the council received a letter from the ACLU of Missouri that Magdits said he interpreted to mean: “this is a shot across the bow, and we’re watching what you’re doing.”The letter, signed by Tori Schafer, an attorney who helped steer Amendment 3 to victory, threatened “costly litigation.”&nbsp;“Rejecting this ordinance would demonstrate the city’s commitment to upholding the law and prioritizing the health and wellbeing of its community,” Schafer wrote. “Attempting to impose such a measure would invite expensive legal challenges, divert valuable city resources, and, most importantly, cause unnecessary harm and delay to individuals in need of critical health care.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/09/01/texas-abortion-highways/" target="_blank">Some Texas towns have also expressed concerns over litigation costs</a>&nbsp;when considering similar ordinances. In Rolla, Dickson proposed a workaround: a pro-bono attorney.Dickson said former solicitor general of Texas Jonathan Mitchel has agreed to represent the city of Rolla pro-bono if they are sued. But that’s only if the city agreed, and it would not cover the cost of additional legal representation.Much of the council’s confusion also centered around who could bring a lawsuit and where it would be litigated.&nbsp;Nathan Nickolaus, the city attorney, said he believes the ordinance would allow a citizen to sue anyone who they believe helped get abortion medication to a person in Rolla.“We’re saying you can’t do this in a state that says you can do this in a country that says you can’t do this,” Nickolaus said.&nbsp;That suit would likely end up in municipal court, he said, “which is woefully inadequate a place to hear this kind of case. No offense to anyone in the city — I used to be a municipal prosecutor — municipal court is kind of the McDonalds of the judicial system. It’s light kind of stuff.”&nbsp;Magdits on multiple occasions said the issue wasn’t whether or not the council opposes abortion. It was about legal repercussions.When he was called to the podium for public comments at the end of the meeting, Dickson said the issue at hand absolutely was abortion.“This really is a pro-life issue,” he said. “ … Are we going to stand with the attorney general of Missouri, or are we going to stand with the ACLU?”Magdits asked if the ordinance specified what kind of medication use would be subject to litigation.&nbsp;“It’s about abortion-causing drugs that cause abortion,” Westbrook said.“That’s a slick answer,” Magdits said, before concluding: “Go fight this somewhere else.”<h2>An icy greeting</h2>Dickson has spent much of the past few years of his life driving across the south pitching Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn to receptive audiences. But on Monday, as he ventured a bit further north, he received an icy response.&nbsp;It took him more than an hour to scrape the ice off his car. Then, he was greeted by a barrage of Rolla citizens who addressed him as a “carpetbagger.”&nbsp;Despite an ice and winter storm passing through the town less than 24 hours earlier, the meeting happened as planned. Some residents during public comments took note of the small crowd, blaming the council for holding the meeting on the same day the public school district called off classes.<a href="https://www.weareplannedparenthoodaction.org/a/pack-rolla-city-council" target="_blank">Planned Parenthood Great Rivers Action</a>&nbsp;called on citizens to show up wearing pink to protest the ordinance.&nbsp;“These bills intimidate abortion seekers and their loved ones, and waste taxpayers’ time and money just to score political points,” the release said.Rolla resident Britt Giger said she was used to the council’s “embarrassing, crazy, chaotic” meetings, but said Monday’s events could cause national embarrassment.&nbsp;“I don’t want to scroll TikTok and see this meeting,” she said, adding: “Imagine how university growth could be impacted if women don’t want to come here anymore.”She was followed by&nbsp;Jenny Cunningham&nbsp;who held her husband’s hand as she explained that they moved to Rolla about a year ago in the hopes of starting a family. When Amendment 3 passed, they breathed a sigh of relief. But news of this ordinance puts women back in the “crosshairs,” she said.“This is a bounty hunter law,”&nbsp;Cunningham&nbsp;said. “This turns citizen against citizen during the most terrible and tragic times that people can face in their lives.”&nbsp;Joe Dalton, founder and CEO of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/prcrolla" target="_blank">Pregnancy Resource Center of Rolla</a>, testified in support of the ordinance, emphasizing that Rolla citizens have access to abortion medication by mail despite the local Planned Parenthood currently being unable to prescribe it.&nbsp;He was followed by a registered nurse who works in Rolla in a labor and delivery unit who also supported the ordinance.&nbsp;“This would save the lives of countless children,” she implored the council.Pamela Timson, a resident of Rolla for more than 40 years, urged the council to set the ordinance aside for good, sharing her own story of a medical condition that made childbirth dangerous.She found it outrageous that Rolla would attempt to qualify a constitutional amendment so soon out of the gates.&nbsp;“We haven’t even given our state government a chance to qualify it yet,” she said.<h2>Vote stalled for now</h2>The council ultimately decided not to officially put the ordinance on the agenda for its next meeting. But Vroman still has the opportunity to bring his revised ordinance before the council during council comments later this month.Vroman brought the initial ordinance forward in November before recruiting Westbrook and Dickson to help him write a revised draft.&nbsp;At a Dec. 16 council meeting, Dominic Barceleau of the Missouri Attorney General’s office testified that state law does not prohibit Rolla from enacting such an ordinance.“It’s the intent of the legislature to regulate abortion to the fullest extent of the law,” Barceleau said. “The attorney general’s position is that doesn’t prevent concurrent municipal regulation that’s also consistent with the legislature’s intent to regulate abortion.”Dickson, who also drove up from Texas for that meeting, told council members the target of the ordinance was not just Planned Parenthood, but also pharmacies.&nbsp;“So when cities do this, it really is doing as much as we possibly can to push back, to align ourselves with the attorney general’s office and to put tools in our tool belts to prevent this from getting out of hand, because what the Biden administration has done in a multitude of different categories is create mass chaos,” he said before devolving into a short rant about the border wall.The mayor remained skeptical from the start.&nbsp;“It’s not clear to me why Rolla needs to carry this banner when the problem, whether it’s the attorney general, the governor or whoever the hell else is up there, they need to sort this out,” Magdits said last month. “I don’t think it’s Rolla, Missouri’s responsibility to lead this charge.”His opinion seemed to change little on Monday.&nbsp;In fact, Dickson said after the meeting, Magdits “threatened to cut my nuts off” after he accused Magdits of siding with Planned Parenthood, even though Magdits during the meeting expressed frustration that Amendment 3 even made it on the ballot.The Independent could not immediately reach the mayor for comment, but Rolla City Administrator John Butz confirmed he overheard part of the conversation.&nbsp;“I was there and I heard it,” Butz said. “I think in the context the mayor wasn’t threatening him per se with that, I think it was in the side conversation the two of them were having. So I’ll leave it up to them to comment on the intent or the context of what was said.”The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 21. Dickson said he’s not yet decided if he will be there. But he’s also not giving up.“When properly educated, the majority of council, I think, is going to want to pass this ordinance,” Dickson said. “… We’re going to keep on keeping on.”

Missouri town rejects initial anti-abortion push to become ‘sanctuary city for the unborn’

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Disney, Timothy Scott

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Contempt of Court; Direct and Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance

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/2024/10/1728563137016.jpeg" alt=" Disney, Timothy Scott -from an October arrest" />
 <figcaption> Disney, Timothy Scott -from an October arrest</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Disney, Timothy ScottREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Contempt of Court; Direct and Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance

Saline County Jail Bookings, Jan. 8

By LISA NEWMAN K-State Research and Extension – Central Kansas District Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent

Did you set a New Year’s resolution this year?

As the calendar flips to a new year, millions resolve to make big changes: eat healthier, exercise regularly, save more money, or spend more time with loved ones. Yet, by mid-February, many struggle to stick to these ambitious goals. Why do resolutions often fail, and how can we make this year different? The answer might lie in the groundbreaking insights from BJ Fogg's book, Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything.

Fogg, a behavioral scientist at Stanford University, argues that the key to sustainable change isn’t grand gestures but tiny, manageable actions.

 "The essence of tiny habits," Fogg writes, "is to start small, anchor new behaviors to existing routines, and celebrate even the tiniest victories."

 Many New Year’s resolutions falter because they rely on willpower or unrealistic expectations. For instance, committing to an hour-long workout every morning might seem inspiring at first, but the demands of daily life can make it hard to maintain. Instead, Fogg suggests starting with something so small it feels almost effortless. For example, if you want to get fit, start with one or two push-ups a day.

 These micro-actions bypass the brain’s resistance to change and build momentum over time.

 A cornerstone of Fogg’s method is anchoring—connecting a new habit to an existing routine. For example, if you want to practice mindfulness, you might decide to take three deep breaths each time you sit down at your desk. If you aim to drink more water, place a glass next to your coffee maker and take a sip while your coffee brews.

Anchoring ensures the new habit fits seamlessly into your day. Over time, these small actions snowball into more significant changes.

Celebration is another critical ingredient in Fogg’s method. Rather than waiting for a big milestone to celebrate, Fogg encourages acknowledging every small win. A fist pump, a smile, or even saying, “I’m awesome!” can reinforce the positive emotions tied to the habit, making you more likely to repeat it.

“Emotions create habits,” Fogg explains. “The more positive the experience, the more the brain will want to do it again.” 

This year, instead of crafting a daunting list of goals, try a Tiny Habits approach:

1. Pick a small starting point. Want to exercise more? Begin by putting on your workout shoes each morning.

2. Anchor it. Link your habit to something you already do, like brushing your teeth or checking your phone.

3. Celebrate. Cheer yourself on after completing even the most minor step.

Big transformations can start with tiny steps. By scaling down resolutions into bite-sized actions, success becomes attainable and enjoyable. Here’s to making 2025 a year of meaningful progress, one tiny habit at a time! Remember, the key is to start small, stay consistent, and celebrate your wins – no matter how small they may seem. You’ve got this! For more resources and support, visit K-State Research and Extension – Central Kansas District at <a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu.">https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu. </a>

<a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu."></a>We’re here to help you turn your resolutions into lasting success.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729864143137.jpeg" alt="Lisa&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Lisa&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By LISA NEWMAN K-State Research and Extension – Central Kansas District Family and Community Wellness Extension AgentDid you set a New Year’s resolution this year?As the calendar flips to a new year, millions resolve to make big changes: eat healthier, exercise regularly, save more money, or spend more time with loved ones. Yet, by mid-February, many struggle to stick to these ambitious goals. Why do resolutions often fail, and how can we make this year different? The answer might lie in the groundbreaking insights from BJ Fogg's book, Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything.Fogg, a behavioral scientist at Stanford University, argues that the key to sustainable change isn’t grand gestures but tiny, manageable actions. "The essence of tiny habits," Fogg writes, "is to start small, anchor new behaviors to existing routines, and celebrate even the tiniest victories."<h2> Why Tiny Habits Work</h2> Many New Year’s resolutions falter because they rely on willpower or unrealistic expectations. For instance, committing to an hour-long workout every morning might seem inspiring at first, but the demands of daily life can make it hard to maintain. Instead, Fogg suggests starting with something so small it feels almost effortless. For example, if you want to get fit, start with one or two push-ups a day. These micro-actions bypass the brain’s resistance to change and build momentum over time.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736264156328.jpeg" alt="KSRE Photo" />
 <figcaption>KSRE Photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2> Anchoring New Habits</h2> A cornerstone of Fogg’s method is anchoring—connecting a new habit to an existing routine. For example, if you want to practice mindfulness, you might decide to take three deep breaths each time you sit down at your desk. If you aim to drink more water, place a glass next to your coffee maker and take a sip while your coffee brews.Anchoring ensures the new habit fits seamlessly into your day. Over time, these small actions snowball into more significant changes.<h2>Celebrate Success </h2>Celebration is another critical ingredient in Fogg’s method. Rather than waiting for a big milestone to celebrate, Fogg encourages acknowledging every small win. A fist pump, a smile, or even saying, “I’m awesome!” can reinforce the positive emotions tied to the habit, making you more likely to repeat it.“Emotions create habits,” Fogg explains. “The more positive the experience, the more the brain will want to do it again.” <h2>Resolutions that Stick </h2>This year, instead of crafting a daunting list of goals, try a Tiny Habits approach:1. Pick a small starting point. Want to exercise more? Begin by putting on your workout shoes each morning.2. Anchor it. Link your habit to something you already do, like brushing your teeth or checking your phone.3. Celebrate. Cheer yourself on after completing even the most minor step.Big transformations can start with tiny steps. By scaling down resolutions into bite-sized actions, success becomes attainable and enjoyable. Here’s to making 2025 a year of meaningful progress, one tiny habit at a time! Remember, the key is to start small, stay consistent, and celebrate your wins – no matter how small they may seem. You’ve got this! For more resources and support, visit K-State Research and Extension – Central Kansas District at <a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu.">https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu. </a><a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu."></a>We’re here to help you turn your resolutions into lasting success.

A fresh start: Achieving New Year’s resolutions with tiny habits

A Salina man was arrested Monday evening after allegedly assaulting a woman and leading Salina Police Department (SPD) officers on a chase through snowy streets.

According to Salina Police Captain James Feldman, officers responded to a domestic disturbance in the 1600 block of Beverly Drive at approximately 3:15 p.m. on January 6. When they arrived, they spoke with a woman from Kansas City, Missouri, who said she had been involved in an argument with Mauro Roman, 29 of Salina,&nbsp; a resident of the home.

The victim reported that Roman became enraged when she informed him she planned to return to her residence in Kansas City. During the altercation, Roman allegedly grabbed her by the throat, restricting her breathing, and covered her nose. He also reportedly kicked and spit on her and threatened to kill her.

Another individual at the residence contacted SPD, prompting Roman to flee the scene.

Later that evening, at approximately 7 p.m., an associate of Roman alerted officers that Roman was at a home in the 2700 block of Brett Avenue. When officers arrived, Roman fled out the back of the residence.

SPD officers pursued Roman on foot, tracking his footprints in the snow to a van parked in the 2600 block of Colonial Avenue. Officers found Roman hiding inside the van, which police say he had no ties to—Roman was taken into custody without further incident.

The victim declined medical treatment at the scene.

Roman was arrested and booked into the Saline County Jail on Aggravated Domestic Battery, Criminal Threat, Felony Interference, and Vehicle Burglary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736257177869.png" alt="Roman, Mauro" />
 <figcaption>Roman, Mauro</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTA Salina man was arrested Monday evening after allegedly assaulting a woman and leading Salina Police Department (SPD) officers on a chase through snowy streets.According to Salina Police Captain James Feldman, officers responded to a domestic disturbance in the 1600 block of Beverly Drive at approximately 3:15 p.m. on January 6. When they arrived, they spoke with a woman from Kansas City, Missouri, who said she had been involved in an argument with Mauro Roman, 29 of Salina,&nbsp; a resident of the home.The victim reported that Roman became enraged when she informed him she planned to return to her residence in Kansas City. During the altercation, Roman allegedly grabbed her by the throat, restricting her breathing, and covered her nose. He also reportedly kicked and spit on her and threatened to kill her.Another individual at the residence contacted SPD, prompting Roman to flee the scene.Later that evening, at approximately 7 p.m., an associate of Roman alerted officers that Roman was at a home in the 2700 block of Brett Avenue. When officers arrived, Roman fled out the back of the residence.SPD officers pursued Roman on foot, tracking his footprints in the snow to a van parked in the 2600 block of Colonial Avenue. Officers found Roman hiding inside the van, which police say he had no ties to—Roman was taken into custody without further incident.The victim declined medical treatment at the scene.Roman was arrested and booked into the Saline County Jail on Aggravated Domestic Battery, Criminal Threat, Felony Interference, and Vehicle Burglary.

Salina man arrested after domestic disturbance, chase through snow

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Agg Domestic Battery: impede breathing/choke, Burglary; Non-dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crime and Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm

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/2025/1/1736257177869.png" alt="Roman, Mauro" />
 <figcaption>Roman, Mauro</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Roman, MauroREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Agg Domestic Battery: impede breathing/choke, Burglary; Non-dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crime and Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736257232852.png" alt="Dinning, Trevor Eugene" />
 <figcaption>Dinning, Trevor Eugene</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Dinning, Trevor EugeneREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm

Saline County Jail Bookings, Jan. 7

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a dangerous situation involving a weapon.

Just after 6:30a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a disturbance involving gunfire near the intersection of 13th Street North and Estelle, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

An individual made an initial 911 call to report that his friend, a female victim, had reached out to him for help because she was afraid for her safety. While on the phone with her, he heard gunshots in the background. He informed the 911 dispatchers that a male suspect, later identified as 46-year-old William McCoy was walking around the residence and shooting a gun.

Officers were able to identify the location as being in the 1300 block of N. Estelle after hearing additional gunfire coming from the area.

WPD officers quickly established a perimeter as gunshots were periodically heard coming from inside the home. Meanwhile, the victim provided updates to her friend via phone, which were then relayed to 911 dispatchers. These updates included critical information about when the suspect reloaded his firearm, allowing officers to coordinate their actions more effectively.

Eventually, McCoy exited the home with the victim's assistance as she opened the door. Officers issued commands that McCoy followed, leading to his arrest without further incident.

KHP troopers played a crucial role in this operation by helping to establish a perimeter and clearing

McCoy who is prohibited from possessing a firearm and was wearing an ankle monitor, has been booked on multiple requested charges related to this incident.

McCoy has previous convictions for burglary, robbery and driving while habitual violator, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Wichita Chief of Police Joe Sullivan praised the professionalism and restraint everyone involved in the incident demonstrated. He stated, “This situation could have ended in tragedy, but thanks to the exceptional work and collaboration between the Wichita Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol, it was resolved without any injuries. The de-escalation techniques and the restraint shown by the responding officers and troopers reflect their training and commitment to protecting our community. I want to commend everyone involved for their outstanding efforts personally.”

Wichita Police thanked the Sedgwick County 911 Dispatchers for maintaining an open line and relaying critical information and updates to the officers on the scene. Police also appreciated the Kansas Highway Patrol for their partnership in helping us safely resolve this incident. This case highlights the importance of collaboration between agencies and the dedication of law enforcement professionals to ensure the safety of our community. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736174138009.png" alt="McCoy has previous convictions for burglary, robbery and driving while habitual violator, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections -photo Sedgwick County Jail" />
 <figcaption>McCoy has previous convictions for burglary, robbery and driving while habitual violator, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections -photo Sedgwick County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a dangerous situation involving a weapon.Just after 6:30a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a disturbance involving gunfire near the intersection of 13th Street North and Estelle, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.An individual made an initial 911 call to report that his friend, a female victim, had reached out to him for help because she was afraid for her safety. While on the phone with her, he heard gunshots in the background. He informed the 911 dispatchers that a male suspect, later identified as 46-year-old William McCoy was walking around the residence and shooting a gun.Officers were able to identify the location as being in the 1300 block of N. Estelle after hearing additional gunfire coming from the area.WPD officers quickly established a perimeter as gunshots were periodically heard coming from inside the home. Meanwhile, the victim provided updates to her friend via phone, which were then relayed to 911 dispatchers. These updates included critical information about when the suspect reloaded his firearm, allowing officers to coordinate their actions more effectively.Eventually, McCoy exited the home with the victim's assistance as she opened the door. Officers issued commands that McCoy followed, leading to his arrest without further incident.KHP troopers played a crucial role in this operation by helping to establish a perimeter and clearingMcCoy who is prohibited from possessing a firearm and was wearing an ankle monitor, has been booked on multiple requested charges related to this incident.McCoy has previous convictions for burglary, robbery and driving while habitual violator, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.Wichita Chief of Police Joe Sullivan praised the professionalism and restraint everyone involved in the incident demonstrated. He stated, “This situation could have ended in tragedy, but thanks to the exceptional work and collaboration between the Wichita Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol, it was resolved without any injuries. The de-escalation techniques and the restraint shown by the responding officers and troopers reflect their training and commitment to protecting our community. I want to commend everyone involved for their outstanding efforts personally.”Wichita Police thanked the Sedgwick County 911 Dispatchers for maintaining an open line and relaying critical information and updates to the officers on the scene. Police also appreciated the Kansas Highway Patrol for their partnership in helping us safely resolve this incident. This case highlights the importance of collaboration between agencies and the dedication of law enforcement professionals to ensure the safety of our community.

 Kan. felon jailed after 911 call reports him firing gun outside home

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Gordon, Darin Daniel

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/2025/1/1736172737619.png" alt="Gordon, Darin Daniel" />
 <figcaption>Gordon, Darin Daniel</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Gordon, Darin DanielREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to Appear

Saline County Jail Bookings, Jan. 6

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

On December 30, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Nissan Altima for a traffic infraction on 150th and Q. Road in rural Jackson County, according to sheriff Tim Morse.

 The driver, Dennis Gene Lindsay Jr., 37, of Topeka, was arrested at the scene and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include distribute certain depressant; &lt; 3.5 grams, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735751711476.png" alt="Lindsay-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Lindsay-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.On December 30, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Nissan Altima for a traffic infraction on 150th and Q. Road in rural Jackson County, according to sheriff Tim Morse. The driver, Dennis Gene Lindsay Jr., 37, of Topeka, was arrested at the scene and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include distribute certain depressant; &lt; 3.5 grams, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Kansas man accused of selling drugs

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circ; misd, Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant, Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

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

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/2025/1/1736085426356.png" alt="Gugenhan, Alivia Grace" />
 <figcaption>Gugenhan, Alivia Grace</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;Gugenhan, Alivia GraceREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circ; misd, Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant, Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736085480806.png" alt="Nicholson, Keith Lamar" />
 <figcaption>Nicholson, Keith Lamar</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;Nicholson, Keith LamarREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736085522857.png" alt="Nunez, Cristian Joel" />
 <figcaption>Nunez, Cristian Joel</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;Nunez, Cristian JoelREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

Saline County Jail Bookings, Jan. 5

Just after 8:30a.m. Dec. 31, a&nbsp;Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a vehicle stop for traffic infractions on U.S. Hwy 75 near 150th on a Dodge Charger, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The Deputy arrested the driver, Destiny Marie Hibbs, 31, of Holton.

  Hibbs was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of cocaine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735751786360.png" alt="Hibbs-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hibbs-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just after 8:30a.m. Dec. 31, a&nbsp;Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a vehicle stop for traffic infractions on U.S. Hwy 75 near 150th on a Dodge Charger, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The Deputy arrested the driver, Destiny Marie Hibbs, 31, of Holton. Hibbs was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of cocaine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.