The Missouri Attorney General’s Office argued that regulations like informed consent laws should remain because for most women, abortion is ‘against their moral beliefs’

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>

Missouri’s trigger law banning nearly all abortions remains in place. But at 12:01 a.m. Friday,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">Amendment 3&nbsp;</a>will go into effect.&nbsp;

The constitutional amendment, which received 51.6% of the nearly 3 million votes cast, prohibits the legislature from regulating abortion prior to the point of fetal viability — generally seen as the point at which a fetus can likely survive outside the womb without extraordinary measures.

Planned Parenthood officials said they have providers and staff prepared to start seeing patients for walk-in medication abortion appointments at three clinics — in Kansas City, St. Louis and Columbia —&nbsp;beginning Friday, followed later by scheduled surgical abortions.&nbsp;

But whether that happens depends on the outcome of a lawsuit that had its first hearing before a Jackson County judge Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

“What we don’t have are the abilities to overcome state restrictions and hurdles that were intended to deny care,” Emily Wales, President and CEO with Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said Wednesday evening.

Less than 24 hours after voters narrowly approved Amendment 3, the ACLU of Missouri, Planned Parenthood Great Plains and Planned Parenthood Great Rivers filed a lawsuit seeking to take down decades worth of overlapping restrictions and bans on abortion on the books in Missouri.&nbsp;

There was no disagreement between Planned Parenthood and the Missouri Attorney General’s office that Amendment 3 makes unconstitutional the trigger law that went into effect in June 2022 when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the right to abortion.&nbsp;

The disagreement instead revolves around more than a dozen “targeted regulation of abortion providers” laws, also known as TRAP laws, that previously made abortions all but inaccessible in Missouri prior to the total ban taking effect.

Planned Parenthood is asking a Jackson County judge to grant a preliminary injunction which would immediately declare the current ban and the TRAP laws&nbsp;unconstitutional.&nbsp;

“Every single day that Missourians cannot access their constitutional rights, they’re being denied critical care,” Wales said.

Solicitor General Josh Divine, who argued Wednesday’s hearing on behalf of the state,&nbsp; characterized the lawsuit as “unusually aggressive,” saying it would be more appropriate for the plaintiffs to challenge each TRAP law individually rather than all together “on a very short fuse.”&nbsp;

He added that preliminary injunctions should only be granted in “drastic, extraordinary circumstances.” The lawsuit at hand, he contended, does not apply because Missourians are still able to access abortion in Illinois to the east and Kansas to the west.

“Nobody’s actually going to be materially affected by what this court does,” Divine added.

A decade ago, more than 5,000 abortions were performed in Missouri, according to data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.&nbsp;

By 2020, two years before the abortion ban went into effect, that number dropped to 167 as a result of the TRAP laws.&nbsp;

Sam Lee, a longtime Missouri anti-abortion activist and lobbyist, said he’s been pleased by the attorney general’s defense of Missouri’s anti-abortion laws.

If the TRAP laws remain in effect, as Lee is hoping, “it may severely affect Planned Parenthood’s ability to do abortions, because they weren’t doing abortions when those laws were in effect some years ago.”

Judge Jerri Zhang, who is overseeing the case, did not immediately rule on the injunction when the hearing concluded late Wednesday evening.&nbsp;

She did, however, deny the state’s request to remove Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker as a defendant and move the case to Cole County. Earlier this year, a Cole County judge&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/20/missouri-supreme-court-opinions-amendment-3-abortion/">struck Amendment 3 from the ballot,</a>&nbsp;a decision that was quickly overridden by the Missouri Court of Appeals.

The attorney general’s office said they plan to appeal Zhang’s decisions, arguing that Peters Baker does not appropriately represent all statewide prosecutors because of her previous statements in support of abortion rights.

The Missouri Attorney General’s Office also posed a court challenge to the Planned Parenthood suit.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Petition.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3370878" target="_blank">This latest lawsuit,</a>&nbsp;filed last week in Cole County, questions Planned Parenthood Great Plains’ ability to sue the state, claiming a 2010 settlement agreement prevents them from doing so.&nbsp;

For decades, Missouri legislators have passed laws restricting abortion access and regulating the procedure.&nbsp;

“The voters have now changed all of that,” Eleanor Spottswood, an attorney with Planned Parenthood, argued before the court Wednesday.

Amendment 3 states, in part, that “the right to reproductive freedom shall not be denied, interfered with, delayed, or otherwise restricted unless the government demonstrates that such action is justifiable by a compelling governmental interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”&nbsp;

The litigation challenges numerous current laws, including a mandatory 72-hour waiting period between an initial appointment and the abortion procedure; requirements that abortion clinics must have admitting privileges at a hospital roughly 15 minutes away; and a requirement that the same physician who initially saw the patient also perform the abortion.&nbsp;

The lawsuit is also challenging the current law criminalizing physicians who perform abortions.

Spottswood argued that a failure to immediately strike down the TRAP laws would cause “irreparable harm” to Missourians because “patients and providers have to do twice the work to access abortion.”

Meanwhile, the attorney general’s office argued that striking down such laws would cause more harm.&nbsp;

Divine on multiple occasions cited an<a href="https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/020687Orig1s025Lbl.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;FDA label for mifepristone</a>, one of two medications used to induce a medication abortion, that shows that according to two U.S. studies of about 1,00 women, up to 5% of women who took mifepristone ended up in the emergency room. It did not specify if the emergency room visits were necessary.&nbsp;

The same FDA label says that across three studies of more than 14,000 women who took mifepristone, fewer than 0.6% were admitted to the hospital as a result of the medication.

Divine also noted that no individual women seeking abortions were named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit, arguing that’s because women don’t actually want abortions once given more information. He said this is why the state’s requirements that those seeking abortions first be given the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/living/families/womenshealth/pregnancyassistance/pdf/Mo.InformedConsentBooklet-Revisedpgs.12-15August2019jkOGCReviewed.pdf" target="_blank">informed consent booklet&nbsp;</a>should remain.&nbsp;

“It’s against their moral beliefs,” Divine said. “But they’re being pressured, often by an abusive partner, by parents, things of that nature, so what we’re trying to do is we’re trying to create a situation where those women can in fact make the choice that they want to do, and we know most of the time that’s childbirth.”&nbsp;

About&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/induced-abortion-united-states#:~:text=Approximately%20one%20in%20four%20women,45%2C%20given%202020%20abortion%20rates.&amp;text=According%20to%20data%20from%20the,14%20weeks'%20gestation%20or%20later." target="_blank">one in four women in the United States have an abortion</a>&nbsp;before the age of 45, according to 2020 data. In 2021, around 94% of abortions occurred before 14 weeks gestation. Abortions later than 20 weeks&nbsp; account for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/issue-brief/abortions-later-in-pregnancy-in-a-post-dobbs-era/#:~:text=Abortions%20at%20or%20after%2021,require%20travel%20and%20lost%20wages." target="_blank">fewer than 1% of all abortions in the United States</a>, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Divine, in his final arguments Wednesday, characterized the state’s TRAP laws as incidental, much like speeding laws or road construction that could delay someone getting to an abortion. But he said the TRAP laws don’t fall under the strict scrutiny requirement and therefore don’t require an immediate ruling.

Zhang asked if delaying an abortion through the required 72-hour waiting period would infringe on a patient’s autonomy, especially if the patient was a day or two shy of 10 weeks gestation, when procedures switch from medication to surgical abortions.

Divine responded that the attorney general’s office believes Amendment 3 gives Missourians the right to an abortion, but doesn’t give them the right to a certain abortion procedure.&nbsp;

He also noted that Amendment 3 doesn’t specifically mention the legalization of mifepristone, alluding to future attempts by the incoming GOP administration to enforce the Comstock Act, an 1873 law that bans mailing obscene material, including for the use of abortion.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733401879071.png" alt=" Solicitor General Josh Divine called Planned Parenthood’s lawsuit seeking to unravel Missouri’s abortion restrictions “unusually aggressive” while speaking to media Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, outside the Jackson County Courthouse (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Solicitor General Josh Divine called Planned Parenthood’s lawsuit seeking to unravel Missouri’s abortion restrictions “unusually aggressive” while speaking to media Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, outside the Jackson County Courthouse (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The Missouri Attorney General’s Office argued that regulations like informed consent laws should remain because for most women, abortion is ‘against their moral beliefs’</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>Missouri’s trigger law banning nearly all abortions remains in place. But at 12:01 a.m. Friday,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">Amendment 3&nbsp;</a>will go into effect.&nbsp;The constitutional amendment, which received 51.6% of the nearly 3 million votes cast, prohibits the legislature from regulating abortion prior to the point of fetal viability — generally seen as the point at which a fetus can likely survive outside the womb without extraordinary measures.Planned Parenthood officials said they have providers and staff prepared to start seeing patients for walk-in medication abortion appointments at three clinics — in Kansas City, St. Louis and Columbia —&nbsp;beginning Friday, followed later by scheduled surgical abortions.&nbsp;But whether that happens depends on the outcome of a lawsuit that had its first hearing before a Jackson County judge Wednesday morning.&nbsp;“What we don’t have are the abilities to overcome state restrictions and hurdles that were intended to deny care,” Emily Wales, President and CEO with Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said Wednesday evening.Less than 24 hours after voters narrowly approved Amendment 3, the ACLU of Missouri, Planned Parenthood Great Plains and Planned Parenthood Great Rivers filed a lawsuit seeking to take down decades worth of overlapping restrictions and bans on abortion on the books in Missouri.&nbsp;There was no disagreement between Planned Parenthood and the Missouri Attorney General’s office that Amendment 3 makes unconstitutional the trigger law that went into effect in June 2022 when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the right to abortion.&nbsp;The disagreement instead revolves around more than a dozen “targeted regulation of abortion providers” laws, also known as TRAP laws, that previously made abortions all but inaccessible in Missouri prior to the total ban taking effect.Planned Parenthood is asking a Jackson County judge to grant a preliminary injunction which would immediately declare the current ban and the TRAP laws&nbsp;unconstitutional.&nbsp;“Every single day that Missourians cannot access their constitutional rights, they’re being denied critical care,” Wales said.Solicitor General Josh Divine, who argued Wednesday’s hearing on behalf of the state,&nbsp; characterized the lawsuit as “unusually aggressive,” saying it would be more appropriate for the plaintiffs to challenge each TRAP law individually rather than all together “on a very short fuse.”&nbsp;He added that preliminary injunctions should only be granted in “drastic, extraordinary circumstances.” The lawsuit at hand, he contended, does not apply because Missourians are still able to access abortion in Illinois to the east and Kansas to the west.“Nobody’s actually going to be materially affected by what this court does,” Divine added.A decade ago, more than 5,000 abortions were performed in Missouri, according to data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.&nbsp;By 2020, two years before the abortion ban went into effect, that number dropped to 167 as a result of the TRAP laws.&nbsp;Sam Lee, a longtime Missouri anti-abortion activist and lobbyist, said he’s been pleased by the attorney general’s defense of Missouri’s anti-abortion laws.If the TRAP laws remain in effect, as Lee is hoping, “it may severely affect Planned Parenthood’s ability to do abortions, because they weren’t doing abortions when those laws were in effect some years ago.”Judge Jerri Zhang, who is overseeing the case, did not immediately rule on the injunction when the hearing concluded late Wednesday evening.&nbsp;She did, however, deny the state’s request to remove Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker as a defendant and move the case to Cole County. Earlier this year, a Cole County judge&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/20/missouri-supreme-court-opinions-amendment-3-abortion/">struck Amendment 3 from the ballot,</a>&nbsp;a decision that was quickly overridden by the Missouri Court of Appeals.The attorney general’s office said they plan to appeal Zhang’s decisions, arguing that Peters Baker does not appropriately represent all statewide prosecutors because of her previous statements in support of abortion rights.The Missouri Attorney General’s Office also posed a court challenge to the Planned Parenthood suit.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Petition.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3370878" target="_blank">This latest lawsuit,</a>&nbsp;filed last week in Cole County, questions Planned Parenthood Great Plains’ ability to sue the state, claiming a 2010 settlement agreement prevents them from doing so.&nbsp;<h2>Missouri’s TRAP laws</h2>For decades, Missouri legislators have passed laws restricting abortion access and regulating the procedure.&nbsp;“The voters have now changed all of that,” Eleanor Spottswood, an attorney with Planned Parenthood, argued before the court Wednesday.Amendment 3 states, in part, that “the right to reproductive freedom shall not be denied, interfered with, delayed, or otherwise restricted unless the government demonstrates that such action is justifiable by a compelling governmental interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”&nbsp;The litigation challenges numerous current laws, including a mandatory 72-hour waiting period between an initial appointment and the abortion procedure; requirements that abortion clinics must have admitting privileges at a hospital roughly 15 minutes away; and a requirement that the same physician who initially saw the patient also perform the abortion.&nbsp;The lawsuit is also challenging the current law criminalizing physicians who perform abortions.Spottswood argued that a failure to immediately strike down the TRAP laws would cause “irreparable harm” to Missourians because “patients and providers have to do twice the work to access abortion.”Meanwhile, the attorney general’s office argued that striking down such laws would cause more harm.&nbsp;Divine on multiple occasions cited an<a href="https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/020687Orig1s025Lbl.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;FDA label for mifepristone</a>, one of two medications used to induce a medication abortion, that shows that according to two U.S. studies of about 1,00 women, up to 5% of women who took mifepristone ended up in the emergency room. It did not specify if the emergency room visits were necessary.&nbsp;The same FDA label says that across three studies of more than 14,000 women who took mifepristone, fewer than 0.6% were admitted to the hospital as a result of the medication.Divine also noted that no individual women seeking abortions were named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit, arguing that’s because women don’t actually want abortions once given more information. He said this is why the state’s requirements that those seeking abortions first be given the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/living/families/womenshealth/pregnancyassistance/pdf/Mo.InformedConsentBooklet-Revisedpgs.12-15August2019jkOGCReviewed.pdf" target="_blank">informed consent booklet&nbsp;</a>should remain.&nbsp;“It’s against their moral beliefs,” Divine said. “But they’re being pressured, often by an abusive partner, by parents, things of that nature, so what we’re trying to do is we’re trying to create a situation where those women can in fact make the choice that they want to do, and we know most of the time that’s childbirth.”&nbsp;About&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/induced-abortion-united-states#:~:text=Approximately%20one%20in%20four%20women,45%2C%20given%202020%20abortion%20rates.&amp;text=According%20to%20data%20from%20the,14%20weeks'%20gestation%20or%20later." target="_blank">one in four women in the United States have an abortion</a>&nbsp;before the age of 45, according to 2020 data. In 2021, around 94% of abortions occurred before 14 weeks gestation. Abortions later than 20 weeks&nbsp; account for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/issue-brief/abortions-later-in-pregnancy-in-a-post-dobbs-era/#:~:text=Abortions%20at%20or%20after%2021,require%20travel%20and%20lost%20wages." target="_blank">fewer than 1% of all abortions in the United States</a>, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Divine, in his final arguments Wednesday, characterized the state’s TRAP laws as incidental, much like speeding laws or road construction that could delay someone getting to an abortion. But he said the TRAP laws don’t fall under the strict scrutiny requirement and therefore don’t require an immediate ruling.Zhang asked if delaying an abortion through the required 72-hour waiting period would infringe on a patient’s autonomy, especially if the patient was a day or two shy of 10 weeks gestation, when procedures switch from medication to surgical abortions.Divine responded that the attorney general’s office believes Amendment 3 gives Missourians the right to an abortion, but doesn’t give them the right to a certain abortion procedure.&nbsp;He also noted that Amendment 3 doesn’t specifically mention the legalization of mifepristone, alluding to future attempts by the incoming GOP administration to enforce the Comstock Act, an 1873 law that bans mailing obscene material, including for the use of abortion.

Judge could allow Planned Parenthood to begin performing abortions in Missouri Friday

A routine cleaning at a Salina apartment turned violent on Tuesday afternoon, leading to the arrest of a 53-year-old woman.&nbsp;

Just after 3 p.m. Salina Police Department (SPD) officers responded to a disturbance at the apartments in the former Roosevelt-Lincoln Junior High School, 245 South Eighth Street. What began as a disagreement over bathroom items allegedly escalated into an assault that left a local cleaner injured.

The 39-year-old victim told officers that while she was cleaning the apartment, the resident, Patania Sumners, became irate over changes made in the bathroom.

"Sumners became irate and grabbed the victim by the hair and dragged her into the bathroom, struck her several times in the face with her fist," said Salina Police Captain James Feldman.&nbsp;

Police arrested Sumners at the scene and booked her into the Saline County Jail on charges of aggravated kidnapping and battery. The victim was treated at the scene by EMS for scrapes and scratches.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592411101112.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTA routine cleaning at a Salina apartment turned violent on Tuesday afternoon, leading to the arrest of a 53-year-old woman.&nbsp;Just after 3 p.m. Salina Police Department (SPD) officers responded to a disturbance at the apartments in the former Roosevelt-Lincoln Junior High School, 245 South Eighth Street. What began as a disagreement over bathroom items allegedly escalated into an assault that left a local cleaner injured.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733319179567.jpeg" alt="Sumners,Patania Lynn" />
 <figcaption>Sumners,Patania Lynn</figcaption>
 </figure>The 39-year-old victim told officers that while she was cleaning the apartment, the resident, Patania Sumners, became irate over changes made in the bathroom."Sumners became irate and grabbed the victim by the hair and dragged her into the bathroom, struck her several times in the face with her fist," said Salina Police Captain James Feldman.&nbsp;Police arrested Sumners at the scene and booked her into the Saline County Jail on charges of aggravated kidnapping and battery. The victim was treated at the scene by EMS for scrapes and scratches.

Salina woman arrested after alleged assault on apartment cleaner 

By NATE KING Salina Post

On Tuesday evening, at approximately 6:20 p.m., officers from the Salina Police Department and Salina Fire Department firefighters responded to a two-vehicle crash just north of the intersection of Broadway Avenue and Crawford Street in Salina.

According to Salina Police Seargent Matt Gawith, a Dodge pickup exited the Dollar General parking lot at 654 South Broadway and lost control, crossing into the northbound lane and colliding with a northbound Ford Taurus.

According to Gawith, the driver of the Taurus, an 85-year-old Salina resident, had to be extracted from the vehicle by Salina firefighters and was transported to Salina Regional Health Center with injuries.

The pickup driver, identified as 42-year-old Joshua Renfro, fled the scene on foot but was later located and arrested on Haven Avenue in the 1500 block. 

Renfro was booked into the Saline County Jail on the following requested charges, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Driving while suspended, failure to stop at an accident, injury or damage over $1000, no proof of insurance, failure to yield from a private road or driveway, reckless driving, no seat belt.&nbsp;

According to Saline County Jail records, Renfro was no longer being held at the jail as of 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 4.

The crash caused temporary traffic disruptions in the area as emergency crews worked to clear the scene.

Salina Post will update this article as new information becomes available.

By SALINA POST On Tuesday evening, emergency vehicles from the Salina Police Department and Salina Fire Department were dispatched to the area just north of the intersection of Broadway Avenue and Crawford Street.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:20 p.m. Witnesses reported seeing multiple police and fire vehicles on the scene. Authorities have not yet released details about the nature of the emergency or whether there were any injuries.

Drivers in the area experienced temporary traffic disruptions as emergency crews worked.

This is a developing story. Salina Post will provide updates as more information becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733272771950.jpeg" alt="Crews from the Salina Fire Department and Salina Police Department officers respond to an incident involving a pickup truck near the intersection of Broadway Avenue and Crawford Street on Sunday evening. No further details have been released." />
 <figcaption>Crews from the Salina Fire Department and Salina Police Department officers respond to an incident involving a pickup truck near the intersection of Broadway Avenue and Crawford Street on Sunday evening. No further details have been released.</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostOn Tuesday evening, at approximately 6:20 p.m., officers from the Salina Police Department and Salina Fire Department firefighters responded to a two-vehicle crash just north of the intersection of Broadway Avenue and Crawford Street in Salina.According to Salina Police Seargent Matt Gawith, a Dodge pickup exited the Dollar General parking lot at 654 South Broadway and lost control, crossing into the northbound lane and colliding with a northbound Ford Taurus.According to Gawith, the driver of the Taurus, an 85-year-old Salina resident, had to be extracted from the vehicle by Salina firefighters and was transported to Salina Regional Health Center with injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733319040795.jpeg" alt=" Renfro,Joshua Rey" />
 <figcaption> Renfro,Joshua Rey</figcaption>
 </figure>The pickup driver, identified as 42-year-old Joshua Renfro, fled the scene on foot but was later located and arrested on Haven Avenue in the 1500 block. Renfro was booked into the Saline County Jail on the following requested charges, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Driving while suspended, failure to stop at an accident, injury or damage over $1000, no proof of insurance, failure to yield from a private road or driveway, reckless driving, no seat belt.&nbsp;According to Saline County Jail records, Renfro was no longer being held at the jail as of 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 4.The crash caused temporary traffic disruptions in the area as emergency crews worked to clear the scene.Salina Post will update this article as new information becomes available.By SALINA POST On Tuesday evening, emergency vehicles from the Salina Police Department and Salina Fire Department were dispatched to the area just north of the intersection of Broadway Avenue and Crawford Street.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733272287243.jpeg" alt="Salina police and fire vehicles responded to an incident just north of Broadway Avenue and Crawford Street at approximately 6:20 p.m. on Sunday. Details are currently unavailable." />
 <figcaption>Salina police and fire vehicles responded to an incident just north of Broadway Avenue and Crawford Street at approximately 6:20 p.m. on Sunday. Details are currently unavailable.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733272445364.jpeg" alt="Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>The incident occurred at approximately 6:20 p.m. Witnesses reported seeing multiple police and fire vehicles on the scene. Authorities have not yet released details about the nature of the emergency or whether there were any injuries.Drivers in the area experienced temporary traffic disruptions as emergency crews worked.This is a developing story. Salina Post will provide updates as more information becomes available.

UPDATED: Two-vehicle crash near Broadway/Crawford in Salina leads to injury and arrest

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.

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

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor, Driving While Suspended, Failure to stop at accident; Injury or damage over $1000, No Proof Of InsuranceFail to yield from private road or drive, Reckless Driving, No seat belt (18+)

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

Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner

Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

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/2024/12/1733318897963.jpeg" alt="Hartman,Veronica Lynn" />
 <figcaption>Hartman,Veronica Lynn</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Hartman,Veronica LynnREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733318949654.jpeg" alt=" Mathews,Phillip Edgar" />
 <figcaption> Mathews,Phillip Edgar</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; Mathews,Phillip EdgarREQUESTED CHARGE(S): in transit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733318989285.jpeg" alt=" Miller,Colten Allen" />
 <figcaption> Miller,Colten Allen</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Miller,Colten AllenREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human bodyPoss of marijuanaTheft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733319040795.jpeg" alt=" Renfro,Joshua Rey" />
 <figcaption> Renfro,Joshua Rey</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Renfro,Joshua ReyREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor, Driving While Suspended, Failure to stop at accident; Injury or damage over $1000, No Proof Of InsuranceFail to yield from private road or drive, Reckless Driving, No seat belt (18+)<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733319129314.jpeg" alt="Sherbert,Tyrae Lynn" />
 <figcaption>Sherbert,Tyrae Lynn</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Sherbert,Tyrae LynnREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733319179567.jpeg" alt="Sumners,Patania Lynn" />
 <figcaption>Sumners,Patania Lynn</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Sumners,Patania LynnREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Aggravated kidnappingBattery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733319250007.jpeg" alt=" Svendblad-Valladares,Napoleon" />
 <figcaption> Svendblad-Valladares,Napoleon</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Svendblad-Valladares,NapoleonREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human bodyDriving While SuspendedDriving while habitual violatorPoss of marijuanaPoss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733319302533.jpeg" alt="Young,Daniel Alden" />
 <figcaption>Young,Daniel Alden</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Young,Daniel AldenREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Outside warrant

Saline County Jail Bookings Dec. 4

A Salina man faces multiple charges following a disturbance at a residence in the 200 block of North Penn late Sunday evening, according to Salina Police Capt. James Feldman.

Officers were dispatched to the home around 10 p.m. on Dec. 1, after receiving reports of a conflict involving a man identified as Derek Lee Smith, 38.

According to the residents—a 33-year-old man and woman—Smith had been speaking with the female resident on the phone when the male resident intervened, telling Smith not to communicate with her. The two men agreed to fight, during which Smith allegedly threatened to bring a gun and put it to the male’s head.

Smith reportedly arrived at the residence, and when he appeared to reach for his waistband, the male resident punched him, fearing Smith was reaching for a weapon. Officers arrived shortly after and took Smith into custody on a charge of criminal threat.

Smith was transported to the hospital to be medically cleared before being booked into the Saline County Jail. While at the hospital, he allegedly urinated on the floor, leading to an additional charge of disorderly conduct.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592411101112.jpeg" alt="Salina Police SPD Stock 1 1024x683.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Salina Police SPD Stock 1 1024x683.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTA Salina man faces multiple charges following a disturbance at a residence in the 200 block of North Penn late Sunday evening, according to Salina Police Capt. James Feldman.Officers were dispatched to the home around 10 p.m. on Dec. 1, after receiving reports of a conflict involving a man identified as Derek Lee Smith, 38.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733144841249.jpeg" alt="Smith,Derek Lee" />
 <figcaption>Smith,Derek Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>According to the residents—a 33-year-old man and woman—Smith had been speaking with the female resident on the phone when the male resident intervened, telling Smith not to communicate with her. The two men agreed to fight, during which Smith allegedly threatened to bring a gun and put it to the male’s head.Smith reportedly arrived at the residence, and when he appeared to reach for his waistband, the male resident punched him, fearing Smith was reaching for a weapon. Officers arrived shortly after and took Smith into custody on a charge of criminal threat.Smith was transported to the hospital to be medically cleared before being booked into the Saline County Jail. While at the hospital, he allegedly urinated on the floor, leading to an additional charge of disorderly conduct.

Salina man arrested after disturbance, charged with criminal threat, disorderly conduct

By GARY DEMUTH Salina Symphony

The holiday classic “The Nutcracker” has become a family tradition for many Salina residents.

This year’s Salina Symphony and Ballet Salina collaboration will involve more than 80 dancers from multiple studios in the region.

“Some of the dancers have participated in several productions of ‘The Nutcracker,’” said Tamara Howe, owner and operator of Ballet Salina, a division of Tamara Howe School of Dance. “Once they have performed one role, they’re excited to see what the next role up can be. Children grow up with it, and you see them positively influenced by the older dancers.”

The Salina Symphony and Ballet Salina will present two performances of “The Nutcracker”: Sat., Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 15, at 4 p.m. at the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts, 151 S. Santa Fe.

Participants in this year’s production include dancers from Salina’s Tamara Howe School of Dance, Theatre Salina’s Center for Theatre Arts, and Della’s Dance Studio as well as ArtisTree (Hutchinson), Dancing Bird Studio (Minneapolis), and Activated Arts (Junction City).

The production also will feature select members from the Salina Symphony Youth Choir performing the “Snow Chorus”. Before each show, vocal music students from Kansas Wesleyan University will sing Christmas carols in the Stiefel Theatre lobby.

The student dancers have been rehearsing for the production every Saturday morning since the beginning of the school year, said Howe, who is choreographing the ballet with Ballet Salina artistic director Mara Klenda, based on original choreography created by Marius Petipa.

“Every time we present it, we change it a little bit to keep it fresh and exciting,” Howe said.

This is the second Salina production of “The Nutcracker” to be conducted by Salina Symphony music director Yaniv Segal, who said the ballet has “become synonymous with the holiday season” because of the holiday setting, lavish costumes and most importantly, the timeless music.

“Tchaikovsky has a gift for melody, and this particular score is remarkable, moving the story along and capturing characters in an amazing way,” he said. “The story is also fun and something everyone can understand.”

As a conductor, Segal said he has to keep a close eye on the dancers and how they move during each performance.

“I need to pay attention to whether they’re comfortable and able to move with grace,” he said. “I shouldn’t even be looking at the orchestra.”

Performing “The Nutcracker” with a live symphony orchestra is “how the show should be done,” Segal said.

“The dancers are so happy that we’re doing it with live music,” he said. “This is the kind of holiday show that brings people together. Concerts like this help create special memories.”

Guest artists for this year’s production will be Lucas Segovia, who will dance the role of the Cavalier, and Molly Groeschl, who dances the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Lucas is a former principal with the Joffrey Ballet and Molly performed principal roles with the Madison Ballet.

Professional dancers are contracted to portray the Cavalier and Sugar Plum Fairy because of the physical and technical challenges of the roles, Howe said.

This year will feature two “beautiful” performers, she said, who also happen to be “wonderful teachers.”

“Kids will have an opportunity to take a master class from them during their stay,” she said.

Howe said it’s been a thrill to watch the show come together during the last several months.

“It’s fun to see everyone’s hard work pay off,” she said. “It’ll be great for the community to see such a collaborative show, to see so many people on stage, so many faces of the community.”

“The Nutcracker” tells the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a nutcracker soldier as a Christmas present during a festive holiday gathering. When she falls asleep later in the evening, she enters a dream world where toys come to life and wage battle against an army of mice, headed by the fearsome Mouse King.

Clara and her nutcracker, who has been transformed into a prince, travel into the Land of Sweets, ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy, before she awakens and finds it has all been a dream.

“The Nutcracker” ballet was inspired by the book “The Story of the Nutcracker” by French author Alexandre Dumas, which itself was an adaptation of the dark fairy tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” written in 1816 by E.T.A. Hoffman.

The original ballet adaptation was created by Marius Petipa and Len Ivanov, with original music by the great Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It was first performed in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1892, and since its premiere has become a perennial holiday classic staged in theaters and concert halls throughout the world.

Tickets are selling fast for this year’s production of “The Nutcracker,” which is being sponsored by Bennington State Bank, JRI Hospitality and Salina Regional Health Center.

Tickets for each performance are $42 and $45 for adults and $25 for children and students. This concert is recommended for children ages 3 and above.

Adult tickets may be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre box office, by calling (785) 827-1998 or online at www.salinasymphony.org. Student tickets must be purchased through the Stiefel Theatre box office.

Attending “The Nutcracker,” Howe said, is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.

“By the time you leave, you’ll be ready for Christmas,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733245021307.jpeg" alt="Eden Ward plays the role of Clara in The Salina Symphony and Ballet Salina performances of “The Nutcracker”: Sat., Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 15, at 4 p.m. at the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts, 151 S. Santa Fe. Photo Courtesy Heartland Photography" />
 <figcaption>Eden Ward plays the role of Clara in The Salina Symphony and Ballet Salina performances of “The Nutcracker”: Sat., Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 15, at 4 p.m. at the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts, 151 S. Santa Fe. Photo Courtesy Heartland Photography</figcaption>
 </figure>By GARY DEMUTH Salina SymphonyThe holiday classic “The Nutcracker” has become a family tradition for many Salina residents.This year’s Salina Symphony and Ballet Salina collaboration will involve more than 80 dancers from multiple studios in the region.“Some of the dancers have participated in several productions of ‘The Nutcracker,’” said Tamara Howe, owner and operator of Ballet Salina, a division of Tamara Howe School of Dance. “Once they have performed one role, they’re excited to see what the next role up can be. Children grow up with it, and you see them positively influenced by the older dancers.”The Salina Symphony and Ballet Salina will present two performances of “The Nutcracker”: Sat., Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 15, at 4 p.m. at the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts, 151 S. Santa Fe.Participants in this year’s production include dancers from Salina’s Tamara Howe School of Dance, Theatre Salina’s Center for Theatre Arts, and Della’s Dance Studio as well as ArtisTree (Hutchinson), Dancing Bird Studio (Minneapolis), and Activated Arts (Junction City).The production also will feature select members from the Salina Symphony Youth Choir performing the “Snow Chorus”. Before each show, vocal music students from Kansas Wesleyan University will sing Christmas carols in the Stiefel Theatre lobby.The student dancers have been rehearsing for the production every Saturday morning since the beginning of the school year, said Howe, who is choreographing the ballet with Ballet Salina artistic director Mara Klenda, based on original choreography created by Marius Petipa.“Every time we present it, we change it a little bit to keep it fresh and exciting,” Howe said.<h2>Live orchestra</h2>This is the second Salina production of “The Nutcracker” to be conducted by Salina Symphony music director Yaniv Segal, who said the ballet has “become synonymous with the holiday season” because of the holiday setting, lavish costumes and most importantly, the timeless music.“Tchaikovsky has a gift for melody, and this particular score is remarkable, moving the story along and capturing characters in an amazing way,” he said. “The story is also fun and something everyone can understand.”As a conductor, Segal said he has to keep a close eye on the dancers and how they move during each performance.“I need to pay attention to whether they’re comfortable and able to move with grace,” he said. “I shouldn’t even be looking at the orchestra.”Performing “The Nutcracker” with a live symphony orchestra is “how the show should be done,” Segal said.“The dancers are so happy that we’re doing it with live music,” he said. “This is the kind of holiday show that brings people together. Concerts like this help create special memories.”<h2>Guest artists involved</h2>Guest artists for this year’s production will be Lucas Segovia, who will dance the role of the Cavalier, and Molly Groeschl, who dances the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Lucas is a former principal with the Joffrey Ballet and Molly performed principal roles with the Madison Ballet.Professional dancers are contracted to portray the Cavalier and Sugar Plum Fairy because of the physical and technical challenges of the roles, Howe said.This year will feature two “beautiful” performers, she said, who also happen to be “wonderful teachers.”“Kids will have an opportunity to take a master class from them during their stay,” she said.Howe said it’s been a thrill to watch the show come together during the last several months.“It’s fun to see everyone’s hard work pay off,” she said. “It’ll be great for the community to see such a collaborative show, to see so many people on stage, so many faces of the community.”<h2>Story of the Nutcracker</h2>“The Nutcracker” tells the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a nutcracker soldier as a Christmas present during a festive holiday gathering. When she falls asleep later in the evening, she enters a dream world where toys come to life and wage battle against an army of mice, headed by the fearsome Mouse King.Clara and her nutcracker, who has been transformed into a prince, travel into the Land of Sweets, ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy, before she awakens and finds it has all been a dream.“The Nutcracker” ballet was inspired by the book “The Story of the Nutcracker” by French author Alexandre Dumas, which itself was an adaptation of the dark fairy tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” written in 1816 by E.T.A. Hoffman.The original ballet adaptation was created by Marius Petipa and Len Ivanov, with original music by the great Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It was first performed in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1892, and since its premiere has become a perennial holiday classic staged in theaters and concert halls throughout the world.<h2>Tickets selling fast</h2>Tickets are selling fast for this year’s production of “The Nutcracker,” which is being sponsored by Bennington State Bank, JRI Hospitality and Salina Regional Health Center.Tickets for each performance are $42 and $45 for adults and $25 for children and students. This concert is recommended for children ages 3 and above.Adult tickets may be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre box office, by calling (785) 827-1998 or online at www.salinasymphony.org. Student tickets must be purchased through the Stiefel Theatre box office.Attending “The Nutcracker,” Howe said, is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.“By the time you leave, you’ll be ready for Christmas,” she said.

Tickets going fast — Salina Symphony and Ballet Salina presents, 'The Nutcracker' 

Red Fern Booksellers will host Kansas Poet Laureate Traci Brimhall for a book signing on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. at 106 S. Santa Fe Ave., Salina.

Brimhall, a professor of creative writing and narrative medicine at Kansas State University, will sign copies of her latest poetry collection, Love Prodigal. Published in November by Copper Canyon Press, the collection explores themes of resilience and embracing second chances.

In addition to her work as a poet laureate, Brimhall is the author of five poetry collections, and her work has appeared in The New Yorker, The New Republic, The Nation, Poetry, and The New York Times Magazine. Her accolades include National Endowment for the Arts and National Parks Service fellowships. She has also studied Amelia Earhart’s lost poem drafts through a unique fellowship from Purdue Library.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733238753114.png" alt="Traci Brimhall Headshot.PNG" />
 <figcaption>Traci Brimhall Headshot.PNG</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTRed Fern Booksellers will host Kansas Poet Laureate Traci Brimhall for a book signing on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. at 106 S. Santa Fe Ave., Salina.Brimhall, a professor of creative writing and narrative medicine at Kansas State University, will sign copies of her latest poetry collection, Love Prodigal. Published in November by Copper Canyon Press, the collection explores themes of resilience and embracing second chances.In addition to her work as a poet laureate, Brimhall is the author of five poetry collections, and her work has appeared in The New Yorker, The New Republic, The Nation, Poetry, and The New York Times Magazine. Her accolades include National Endowment for the Arts and National Parks Service fellowships. She has also studied Amelia Earhart’s lost poem drafts through a unique fellowship from Purdue Library.

Kansas Poet Laureate Traci Brimhall to hold book signing at Red Fern Booksellers

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects in connection with&nbsp;two separate domestic disturbances over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Just after midnight November 29, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center received notification regarding a domestic disturbance in the 3400 block of SE Skylark Drive, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. A 36-year-old female victim was transported by American Medical Response (AMR) to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Benjamin J. Garay-Astorga, 33, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Aggravated battery and Aggravated assault.

Just before 1 a.m. Nov. 29, deputies were dispatched to another domestic disturbance in the 7600 block of SW Oxfordshire Road. A 39-year-old female victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Rick C. Jackson II, 39, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the SNDOC on requested charges of Aggravated domestic battery

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733177095417.png" alt="Jackson photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Jackson photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects in connection with&nbsp;two separate domestic disturbances over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.Just after midnight November 29, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center received notification regarding a domestic disturbance in the 3400 block of SE Skylark Drive, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. A 36-year-old female victim was transported by American Medical Response (AMR) to a local hospital with serious injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733177039703.png" alt="Garay-Astorga photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Garay-Astorga photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Benjamin J. Garay-Astorga, 33, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Aggravated battery and Aggravated assault.Just before 1 a.m. Nov. 29, deputies were dispatched to another domestic disturbance in the 7600 block of SW Oxfordshire Road. A 39-year-old female victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries.Rick C. Jackson II, 39, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the SNDOC on requested charges of Aggravated domestic battery

Two Kan. men accused of Thanksgiving weekend violence against women

Ronald Eugene Currie, age 77, entered into rest on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at the Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation in KC, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ronald was the first child of Merle E. &amp; Helen (Regnier) Currie.&nbsp;

He attended his first five years of grade school at District 28 rural school, where his great grandfather lived.&nbsp;&nbsp;He graduated from Hopewell rural school and was a 1965 graduate of Concordia High School and went on to graduate from Cloud County Community College in the first graduating class.&nbsp;

He drove a school bus while attending CCCC and then worked for the US Post Office for 12 years and farmed with his father.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 1979, he built an underground home near his parents, and in October 1981, he moved to Kansas City, where he was employed by J&amp;L Construction.&nbsp;&nbsp;He then owned and operated his own construction company called C&amp;R Construction.&nbsp;

Ron enjoyed playing pool and cards, mostly pitch.&nbsp;

He is survived by his sister, Sheryl Williams (Dennis), Concordia, KS; nieces &amp; nephew, Jason Williams (Nancy) and their children, Jace Williams (Allexis Menghini) &amp; Josie Armstrong (Brooks); Julie Redden (Stephen) and their children, Garrett, Brooks &amp; Sydney and Jana Roush (Corey) and their children, Tyson, Taryn &amp; Jaylin and a host of cousins, other family and friends.&nbsp;

Friends may sign the register book&nbsp;from 1-5 pm, Thursday, December 5, 2024&nbsp;at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, KS.&nbsp;

Memorial services will be&nbsp;at 11:00 am, Friday, December 6, 2024&nbsp;at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, Kansas, with Pastor David Redmond officiating. Family inurnment will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Concordia, Kansas at a later date.&nbsp;

The family suggests memorials to Appl Orchard Hospice,&nbsp;7730 Hedge Ln Terrace, Shawnee, KS 66227&nbsp;or in care of Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home,&nbsp;PO Box 606, Concordia, KS 66901.&nbsp; For online condolences please visit,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chaputbuoy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.chaputbuoy.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733233311975.jpeg" alt="Ronald Eugene Currie" />
 <figcaption>Ronald Eugene Currie</figcaption>
 </figure>Ronald Eugene Currie, age 77, entered into rest on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at the Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation in KC, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ronald was the first child of Merle E. &amp; Helen (Regnier) Currie.&nbsp;He attended his first five years of grade school at District 28 rural school, where his great grandfather lived.&nbsp;&nbsp;He graduated from Hopewell rural school and was a 1965 graduate of Concordia High School and went on to graduate from Cloud County Community College in the first graduating class.&nbsp;He drove a school bus while attending CCCC and then worked for the US Post Office for 12 years and farmed with his father.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 1979, he built an underground home near his parents, and in October 1981, he moved to Kansas City, where he was employed by J&amp;L Construction.&nbsp;&nbsp;He then owned and operated his own construction company called C&amp;R Construction.&nbsp;Ron enjoyed playing pool and cards, mostly pitch.&nbsp;He is survived by his sister, Sheryl Williams (Dennis), Concordia, KS; nieces &amp; nephew, Jason Williams (Nancy) and their children, Jace Williams (Allexis Menghini) &amp; Josie Armstrong (Brooks); Julie Redden (Stephen) and their children, Garrett, Brooks &amp; Sydney and Jana Roush (Corey) and their children, Tyson, Taryn &amp; Jaylin and a host of cousins, other family and friends.&nbsp;He was preceded by his parents.&nbsp;Friends may sign the register book&nbsp;from 1-5 pm, Thursday, December 5, 2024&nbsp;at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, KS.&nbsp;Memorial services will be&nbsp;at 11:00 am, Friday, December 6, 2024&nbsp;at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, Kansas, with Pastor David Redmond officiating. Family inurnment will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Concordia, Kansas at a later date.&nbsp;The family suggests memorials to Appl Orchard Hospice,&nbsp;7730 Hedge Ln Terrace, Shawnee, KS 66227&nbsp;or in care of Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home,&nbsp;PO Box 606, Concordia, KS 66901.&nbsp; For online condolences please visit,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chaputbuoy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.chaputbuoy.com</a>.

Ronald Eugene Currie

Geraldine “Gerri” Wehrli, formerly of Stockton, Kansas, passed away on November 26, 2024, at the Phillips County Retirement Center in Phillipsburg, Kansas, at the age of 95. She was born on November 8, 1929, to James “Jim” and Bonnie (Montgomery) Lantz in Claremore, Oklahoma. She was married to John L. Wehrli on August 14,&nbsp;1947,&nbsp;in Russell, Kansas. He passed away on September 4, 2018.

Gerri grew up in&nbsp;Keifer, Oklahoma&nbsp;and graduated from&nbsp;Bunker Hill&nbsp;High School in&nbsp;1947.&nbsp;After completing her education,&nbsp;she&nbsp;worked for&nbsp;several&nbsp;years at the Rooks County Treasurer’s office&nbsp;and&nbsp;many years for E. Charles Hageman at H. C. Sweet Abstract Co. in Stockton.&nbsp;She was known for her diligent work ethic and dedication.

Outside her professional life, Gerri had a wide range of interests that brought her joy. She was an avid reader, always with a book in hand, and had a passion for learning and exploring new stories. Her competitive spirit&nbsp;was evident&nbsp;in her love of games, whether playing pitch, dominos, or Yahtzee, she found great enjoyment in friendly competition. One of her favorite pastimes was playing Chinese checkers with her father, where she delighted in the challenge of trying to win against him.

Gerri is survived by her son, Gerald (Pat) Wehrli&nbsp;of Plainville;daughter, Dereth “DJ” Claycamp of Goodland; brother, Don Lantz&nbsp;of&nbsp;Olathe;&nbsp;three&nbsp;grandchildren,&nbsp;Christopher (Jackie) Wehrli,&nbsp;Lonnie Claycamp and Adam (Michelle) Wehrli;&nbsp;three&nbsp;great-grandchildren, Savannah Wehrli, and twins, Cole&nbsp;Wehrliand Riggins Wehrli;&nbsp;and many nieces and nephews in Oklahoma.&nbsp;

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Bonnie;husband, John;&nbsp;brother, Jack Lantz;&nbsp;and sister, Mary Jane Lantz. &nbsp;

Funeral service will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 2:00 PM,&nbsp;with visitation at 1:00 PM until service time at the&nbsp;Main Street&nbsp;Christian Church in Stockton.&nbsp;Burial will follow at the Stockton Cemetery.&nbsp;

Memorials are suggested to Phillips County Retirement Center, Hospice Services of Northwest Kansas or&nbsp;Main Street&nbsp;Christian Church and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease&nbsp;Funeral Home, 723 N 1st&nbsp;Street, Stockton, KS 67669.&nbsp;

Online condolences may be left for the family at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.plumeroverlease.com/">www.plumeroverlease.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733233128230.jpeg" alt="Geraldine “Gerri” Wehrli" />
 <figcaption>Geraldine “Gerri” Wehrli</figcaption>
 </figure>Geraldine “Gerri” Wehrli, formerly of Stockton, Kansas, passed away on November 26, 2024, at the Phillips County Retirement Center in Phillipsburg, Kansas, at the age of 95. She was born on November 8, 1929, to James “Jim” and Bonnie (Montgomery) Lantz in Claremore, Oklahoma. She was married to John L. Wehrli on August 14,&nbsp;1947,&nbsp;in Russell, Kansas. He passed away on September 4, 2018.Gerri grew up in&nbsp;Keifer, Oklahoma&nbsp;and graduated from&nbsp;Bunker Hill&nbsp;High School in&nbsp;1947.&nbsp;After completing her education,&nbsp;she&nbsp;worked for&nbsp;several&nbsp;years at the Rooks County Treasurer’s office&nbsp;and&nbsp;many years for E. Charles Hageman at H. C. Sweet Abstract Co. in Stockton.&nbsp;She was known for her diligent work ethic and dedication.Outside her professional life, Gerri had a wide range of interests that brought her joy. She was an avid reader, always with a book in hand, and had a passion for learning and exploring new stories. Her competitive spirit&nbsp;was evident&nbsp;in her love of games, whether playing pitch, dominos, or Yahtzee, she found great enjoyment in friendly competition. One of her favorite pastimes was playing Chinese checkers with her father, where she delighted in the challenge of trying to win against him.Gerri is survived by her son, Gerald (Pat) Wehrli&nbsp;of Plainville;daughter, Dereth “DJ” Claycamp of Goodland; brother, Don Lantz&nbsp;of&nbsp;Olathe;&nbsp;three&nbsp;grandchildren,&nbsp;Christopher (Jackie) Wehrli,&nbsp;Lonnie Claycamp and Adam (Michelle) Wehrli;&nbsp;three&nbsp;great-grandchildren, Savannah Wehrli, and twins, Cole&nbsp;Wehrliand Riggins Wehrli;&nbsp;and many nieces and nephews in Oklahoma.&nbsp;She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Bonnie;husband, John;&nbsp;brother, Jack Lantz;&nbsp;and sister, Mary Jane Lantz. &nbsp;Funeral service will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 2:00 PM,&nbsp;with visitation at 1:00 PM until service time at the&nbsp;Main Street&nbsp;Christian Church in Stockton.&nbsp;Burial will follow at the Stockton Cemetery.&nbsp;Memorials are suggested to Phillips County Retirement Center, Hospice Services of Northwest Kansas or&nbsp;Main Street&nbsp;Christian Church and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease&nbsp;Funeral Home, 723 N 1st&nbsp;Street, Stockton, KS 67669.&nbsp;Online condolences may be left for the family at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.plumeroverlease.com/">www.plumeroverlease.com</a>

Geraldine “Gerri” Wehrli

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

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/2024/12/1733231770898.jpeg" alt="Brown,Shaun Michael" />
 <figcaption>Brown,Shaun Michael</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Brown,Shaun MichaelREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733231826058.jpeg" alt="Ebinger,Casey Allan" />
 <figcaption>Ebinger,Casey Allan</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Ebinger,Casey AllanREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733231963615.jpeg" alt=" McDowell,Tristian Pacey" />
 <figcaption> McDowell,Tristian Pacey</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;McDowell,Tristian PaceyREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation ViolationFailure to appearProbation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733232031365.jpeg" alt=" Velasco,Eliseo" />
 <figcaption> Velasco,Eliseo</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Velasco,EliseoREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, Dec. 3

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas teen on multiple allegations in connection an incident involving a gun.

Just before 3p.m. Saturday, police responded to the area of the 1700 block of SE 29th street in Topeka in reference to a subject possibly threatening others with a firearm.

Upon arrival officers developed information that 18-year-old&nbsp; Jairus Lyles Jr., had been armed with a firearm and had threatened several people in the area.&nbsp;

Police found Lyles at his home in the area arrested him and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Three counts of Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Criminal Threat and&nbsp;&nbsp;Aggravated Endangerment of a child.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733151513424.png" alt="Lyles photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Lyles photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas teen on multiple allegations in connection an incident involving a gun.Just before 3p.m. Saturday, police responded to the area of the 1700 block of SE 29th street in Topeka in reference to a subject possibly threatening others with a firearm.Upon arrival officers developed information that 18-year-old&nbsp; Jairus Lyles Jr., had been armed with a firearm and had threatened several people in the area.&nbsp;Police found Lyles at his home in the area arrested him and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Three counts of Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Criminal Threat and&nbsp;&nbsp;Aggravated Endangerment of a child.

Kan. teen accused of threatening victims with a gun

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating two women on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 10:30p.m. Saturday, a sheriff's deputy arrested two women following a traffic stop near 142nd&nbsp;and U.S. Hwy 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 Deputies arrested the driver of the vehicle, Janis Ann Myrick 49, of Topeka, and the passenger, Lori Price, 58 of Topeka on drug charges.

Myrick booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and for an outstanding warrant from Jewell County, Kansas.

Price was&nbsp; booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony interference with law enforcement. The Kansas Highway Patrol assisted with the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733174594082.png" alt="Myrick-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Myrick-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating two women on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 10:30p.m. Saturday, a sheriff's deputy arrested two women following a traffic stop near 142nd&nbsp;and U.S. Hwy 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733174701797.png" alt="Price-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Price-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Deputies arrested the driver of the vehicle, Janis Ann Myrick 49, of Topeka, and the passenger, Lori Price, 58 of Topeka on drug charges.Myrick booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and for an outstanding warrant from Jewell County, Kansas.Price was&nbsp; booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony interference with law enforcement. The Kansas Highway Patrol assisted with the incident.

Two Kansas women accused of transporting meth

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500

Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity

Duty of driver to report; Unattended veh/prop;unkn

Liquor; Purch/poss/consume 18-20 yrs; unkn conv

Disorderly conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct to cause resentment

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/2024/12/1733144695372.jpeg" alt="Blue,Breanna Ashley" />
 <figcaption>Blue,Breanna Ashley</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Blue,Breanna AshleyREQUESTED CHARGE(S):Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733144729962.jpeg" alt="Franklin,Nicole Danielle" />
 <figcaption>Franklin,Nicole Danielle</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Franklin,Nicole DanielleREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733148334976.png" alt="Mcmullen, Daniel Houston" />
 <figcaption>Mcmullen, Daniel Houston</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Mcmullen,Daniel HoustonREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severityDuty of driver to report; Unattended veh/prop;unknImproper backing;UnknownLiquor; Purch/poss/consume 18-20 yrs; unkn conv<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733144841249.jpeg" alt="Smith,Derek Lee" />
 <figcaption>Smith,Derek Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Smith,Derek LeeREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Disorderly conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct to cause resentmentCriminal threat; Unknown circumstance

Saline County Jail Bookings, Dec. 2

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Gonzalez, John David

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Driving While Suspended

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Nobert, Darren Keith

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Wells, Jimmy Ray

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Driving While Suspended, Flee or attempt to elude; drive into opposing lane Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for felony case, No Proof Of Insurance and Reckless Driving

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Money, Michael John

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Failure to dim headlights and Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor

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/2024/12/1733059929522.png" alt="Gonzalez, John David" />
 <figcaption>Gonzalez, John David</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Gonzalez, John DavidREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Driving While Suspended<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733059970639.png" alt="Nobert, Darren Keith" />
 <figcaption>Nobert, Darren Keith</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Nobert, Darren KeithREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733060013139.png" alt="Wells, Jimmy Ray" />
 <figcaption>Wells, Jimmy Ray</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Wells, Jimmy RayREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Driving While Suspended, Flee or attempt to elude; drive into opposing lane Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for felony case, No Proof Of Insurance and Reckless Driving<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734029388406.jpeg" alt="Money, Michael John" />
 <figcaption>Money, Michael John</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Money, Michael JohnREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Failure to dim headlights and Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor

Saline County Jail Bookings, Dec. 1

President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has filled the key posts for his second term in office, prioritizing loyalty to him after he felt bruised and hampered by internal squabbling during his first term.

Some of his choices could face difficult confirmation fights in the Senate, even with Republicans in control, and one candidate has already withdrawn from consideration.

Trump would turn a former critic into an ally as the nation's top diplomat.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marco-rubio-trump-latin-america-secretary-of-state-87aff0ce93f638fb69e30b067ecd84fb">Rubio</a>, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate before the slot went to JD Vance. Rubio is vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

His selection punctuates the hard pivot&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-marco-rubio-secretary-of-state-25664371f80dcf3332838352165e4d48">Rubio</a>&nbsp;has made with Trump, whom the senator once called a “con man" during his own unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-defense-secretary-pentagon-2d8030921ecef933778cf92afd40ec72">Hegseth</a>, 44, was a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox and Friends Weekend” and had been a contributor with the network since 2014. He developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-pete-hegseth-trump-defense-secretary-2e2bdd16c8e90f5d037f763cfadbde94">Hegseth</a>&nbsp;served in the Army National Guard from 2002 to 2021, deploying to Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2011 and earning two Bronze Stars. He lacks senior military and national security experience and would oversee global crises ranging from Europe to the Middle East.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-assault-allegations-police-report-trump-e6ebec0a1a5c7fb51cb5e2198f5e12a5">A woman told police that she was sexually assaulted</a>&nbsp;in 2017 by Hegseth after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a detailed investigative report recently made public. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and has denied any wrongdoing.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-election-scott-bessent-trump-e4df1ef61309ee78f2affc2d9eabeff1">Bessent</a>, 62, is a former money manager for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-soros">George Soros</a>, a big Democratic donor, and an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/budget-deficit-trump-harris-kamala-debt-1ee3ff65e22ccf19d19b792ee22c46da">advocate for deficit reduction</a>. He founded the hedge fund Key Square Capital Management after having worked on and off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, Bessent would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary.

He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending.

Director of national intelligence: Tulsi Gabbard

Gabbard, 43, is a former Democratic House member from Hawaii who has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tulsi-gabbard-intelligence-director-russia-putin-0f661dd39bd16e248b16c049e6aa26c5">accused of echoing Russian propaganda.</a>&nbsp;She unsuccessfully sought the party’s 2020 presidential nomination and left the party in 2022. Gabbard endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-gabbard-director-national-intelligence-466dfdfe2f949ea20bc2f4ef13e21438">Gabbard</a>&nbsp;has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades and deployed to Iraq and Kuwait. If confirmed she would come to the role as an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, spent several years in top national security and intelligence positions.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaetz-trump-fbi-justice-department-248b46ba0c882dd46d661568e8bd3bd7">Bondi</a>, 59, was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020.

Considered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/things-to-know-pam-bondi-eec1d16075c7debda62223b475e3977d">a loyalist</a>, Bondi also has served with the America First Policy Institute, a Trump-allied group that has helped lay the groundwork for his future administration.

Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush-money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appeared on Fox News and has been critical of the criminal cases against him.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cabinet-labor-secretary-lori-chavezderemer-feaa4672efac644aa60722d3a3215df1">Republican U.S. House member</a>&nbsp;narrowly lost her reelection bid on Nov. 5 but had received strong backing from union members in her district.

As a potential labor secretary, Chavez-DeRemer would oversee the department's workforce and budget and put forth priorities that affect workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities.

Chavez-DeRemer is one of a few House Republicans to endorse&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3c776a12a97468341bcfe8178638f127">the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act</a>&nbsp;that would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and penalize companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws in more than half the states.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/howard-lutnick-trump-crypto-economy-elon-musk-a03d95e323f7d2d4b722184d83e7b388">Lutnick</a>&nbsp;heads the brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and is a cryptocurrency enthusiast. He is co-chair of Trump's transition operation, charged along with Linda McMahon, a former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration, with helping the president-elect fill key jobs in his second administration.

As secretary, Lutnick would play a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. He would oversee a sprawling Cabinet department whose oversight ranges from funding new computer chip factories and imposing trade restrictions to releasing economic data and monitoring the weather.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-transition-white-house-staff-huckabee-f51121db5b18814bbab014e872c2a736">Noem</a>&nbsp;is a well-known conservative who used her two terms as South Dakota's governor to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions like other states, instead declaring South Dakota “open for business.” More recently,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-immigration-trump-homeland-security-border-60d998d6c973411c020fd5824456c860">Noem</a>&nbsp;faced sharp criticism for writing in her memoir about shooting and killing her dog.

She is set to lead a department crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda as well as other missions. Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ratcliffe-cia-e5fe61f5e79206357085932f1252a852">Ratcliffe</a>, a former U.S. House member from Texas, was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump’s first term. He led U.S. government’s spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. If confirmed, Ratcliffe will have held the highest intelligence positions in the U.S.