JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations.

Just before 12:30 a.m. March 6, a Sheriff's Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Mercedes SUV near 150th and Q. Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 A Jackson County Sheriff’s K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics within the vehicle. A search of the vehicle ended with the driver, Shantel Rene Simmons, 39, of Valley Falls, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741122155383.png" alt="Simmons photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Simmons photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations.Just before 12:30 a.m. March 6, a Sheriff's Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Mercedes SUV near 150th and Q. Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. A Jackson County Sheriff’s K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics within the vehicle. A search of the vehicle ended with the driver, Shantel Rene Simmons, 39, of Valley Falls, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Kansas woman was transporting meth 

BUTLER COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 7p.m. March 5, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2006 Fort Taurus for an alleged traffic violation in the 9800 Block of SW Santa Fe Lake Road, according to a media release.&nbsp;During the stop, the deputy developed probable cause for a vehicle search leading to the discovery and seizure of approximately 2.8 pounds of marijuana, 92 grams of methamphetamine, and 1 gram of fentanyl powder.

The deputy arrested the suspects identified as a 19-year-old from Wellington and a 33-year-old from Blackwell, Oklahoma. Both were booked into the Butler County Detention Facility on multiple drug related requested charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741259162974.png" alt="Photo Butler Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Butler Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 7p.m. March 5, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2006 Fort Taurus for an alleged traffic violation in the 9800 Block of SW Santa Fe Lake Road, according to a media release.&nbsp;During the stop, the deputy developed probable cause for a vehicle search leading to the discovery and seizure of approximately 2.8 pounds of marijuana, 92 grams of methamphetamine, and 1 gram of fentanyl powder.The deputy arrested the suspects identified as a 19-year-old from Wellington and a 33-year-old from Blackwell, Oklahoma. Both were booked into the Butler County Detention Facility on multiple drug related requested charges.

Kan. deputies seize fentanyl, meth and marijuana during traffic stop

Charges have been dropped against Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy. The District Attorney refused to file charges in the case.

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas —&nbsp; Sheriff's deputies in Texas arrested Kansas City Chiefs standout wide receiver Xavier Worthy on Friday.

The 21-year-old was booked into the&nbsp;&nbsp;Williamson County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; assaulting a family/house member by impeding their breathing or circulation, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

The charge is a third-degree felony in Texas, with a possible punishment of two to 10 years in prison.&nbsp;

Williamson County is just north of Austin where Worthy played college football at the University of Texas.&nbsp; Police have released no additional details on the arrest.

The Chiefs selected Worthy with their first pick in the 2024 NFL draft. He scored two touchdowns in the Chiefs'&nbsp;Super Bowl loss&nbsp;to Philadelphia.&nbsp;Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741449455694.png" alt="Worthy photo Williamson County Texas Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Worthy photo Williamson County Texas Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741483775149.png" alt="Court listing for Xavier Worthy has been updated to “dismissed/declined”" />
 <figcaption>Court listing for Xavier Worthy has been updated to “dismissed/declined”</figcaption>
 </figure>Charges have been dropped against Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy. The District Attorney refused to file charges in the case.------------WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas —&nbsp; Sheriff's deputies in Texas arrested Kansas City Chiefs standout wide receiver Xavier Worthy on Friday.The 21-year-old was booked into the&nbsp;&nbsp;Williamson County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; assaulting a family/house member by impeding their breathing or circulation, according to online jail records.&nbsp;The charge is a third-degree felony in Texas, with a possible punishment of two to 10 years in prison.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741449585493.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Williamson County is just north of Austin where Worthy played college football at the University of Texas.&nbsp; Police have released no additional details on the arrest.The Chiefs selected Worthy with their first pick in the 2024 NFL draft. He scored two touchdowns in the Chiefs'&nbsp;Super Bowl loss&nbsp;to Philadelphia.&nbsp;Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Texas DA refused to charge Chiefs star receiver after arrest

DALLAS (AP) — Once again, most Americans will set their clocks forward by one hour this weekend,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/daylight-saving-time-spring-forward-sleep-health-5d7b96c3bc1ed243dd6e41b17ec8ee25">losing perhaps a bit of sleep</a>&nbsp;but gaining more glorious sunlight in the evenings as the days warm into summer.

How we came to move the clock forward in the spring, and then push it back in the fall, is a tale that spans over more than a century — one that’s driven by two world wars, mass confusion at times and a human desire to bask in the sun for a long as possible.

There’s been plenty of debate over the practice, but about 70 countries — about 40% of those across the globe — currently use what Americans call daylight saving time.

While springing the clocks forward “kind of jolts our system,” the extra daylight gets people outdoors, exercising and having fun, says Anne Buckle, web editor at timeanddate.com, which features information on time, time zones and astronomy.

“The really, really awesome advantage is the bright evenings, right?” she says. “It is actually having hours of daylight after you come home from work to spend time with your family or activities. And that is wonderful.”

Here are some things to know so you’ll be conversant about the practice of humans changing time:

In the 1890s, George Vernon Hudson, an astronomer and entomologist in New Zealand, proposed a time shift in the spring and fall to increase the daylight. And in the early 1900s, British homebuilder William Willett, troubled that people weren’t up enjoying the morning sunlight, made a similar push. But neither proposal gained enough traction to be implemented.

Germany began using daylight saving time during World War I with the thought that it would save energy. Other countries, including the United States, soon followed suit. During World War II, the U.S. once again instituted what was dubbed “war time” nationwide, this time year-round.

In the United States today, every state except Hawaii and Arizona observes daylight saving time. Around the world, Europe, much of Canada and part of Australia also implement it, while Russia and Asia don’t currently.

After World War II, a patchwork of timekeeping emerged across the United States, with some areas keeping daylight saving time and others ditching it.

“You might have one town has daylight saving time, the neighboring town might have daylight saving time but start it and end it on different dates and the third neighboring town might not have it at all,” says David Prerau, author of the book “Seize the Daylight: The Curious and Contentious Story of Daylight Saving Time.”

At one point, if riders on a 35-mile (56-kilometer) bus ride from Steubenville, Ohio, to Moundsville, West Virginia, wanted their watches to be accurate, they’d need to change them seven times as they dipped in and out of daylight saving time, Prerau says.

So in 1966, the U.S. Congress passed the Uniform Time Act, which say states can either implement daylight saving time or not, but it has to be statewide. The act also mandates the day that daylight saving time starts and ends across the country.

Confusion over the time change isn’t just something from the past. In the nation of Lebanon last spring, chaos ensued when the government announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-daylight-savings-time-9aee80838f6dfd53fd3564981f9667a8">last-minute decision</a>&nbsp;to delay the start of daylight saving time by a month — until the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Some institutions made the change and others refused as citizens tried to piece together their schedules. Within days, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-daylight-saving-time-a85575b650af7fcc419e3fdb1b2090e8">decision was reversed</a>.

“It really turned into a huge mess where nobody knew what time it was,” Buckle says.

What would it be like if we didn’t change the clocks?

Changing the clocks twice a year leads to a lot of grumbling, and pushes to either use standard time all year, or stick to daylight saving time all year often crop up.

During the 1970s energy crisis, the U.S. started doing daylight saving time all year long, and Americans didn’t like it. With the sun not rising in the winter in some areas till around 9 a.m. or even later, people were waking up in the dark, going to work in the dark and sending their children to school in the dark, Prerau says.

”It became very unpopular very quickly,” Prerau says.

And, he notes, using standard time all year would mean losing that extra hour of daylight for eight months in the evenings in the United States.

In 1908, the Canadian city of Thunder Bay — then the two cities of Fort William and Port Arthur — changed from the central time zone to the eastern time zone for the summer and fall after a citizen named John Hewitson argued that would afford an extra hour of daylight to enjoy the outdoors, says Michael deJong, curator/archivist at the Thunder Bay Museum.

The next year, though, Port Arthur stayed on eastern time, while Fort William changed back to central time in the fall, which, predictably, “led to all sorts of confusion,” deJong says.

Today, the city of Thunder Bay is on eastern time, and observes daylight saving time, giving the area, “just delightfully warm, long days to enjoy” in the summer, says Paul Pepe, tourism manager for Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission.

The city, located on Lake Superior, is far enough north that the sun sets at around 10 p.m. in the summer, Pepe says, and that helps make up for their cold dark winters. Residents, he says, tend to go on vacations in the winter and stay home in the summer: “I think for a lot of folks here, the long days, the warm summer temperatures, it’s a vacation in your backyard.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741384572584.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DALLAS (AP) — Once again, most Americans will set their clocks forward by one hour this weekend,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/daylight-saving-time-spring-forward-sleep-health-5d7b96c3bc1ed243dd6e41b17ec8ee25">losing perhaps a bit of sleep</a>&nbsp;but gaining more glorious sunlight in the evenings as the days warm into summer.Where did this all come from, though?How we came to move the clock forward in the spring, and then push it back in the fall, is a tale that spans over more than a century — one that’s driven by two world wars, mass confusion at times and a human desire to bask in the sun for a long as possible.There’s been plenty of debate over the practice, but about 70 countries — about 40% of those across the globe — currently use what Americans call daylight saving time.While springing the clocks forward “kind of jolts our system,” the extra daylight gets people outdoors, exercising and having fun, says Anne Buckle, web editor at timeanddate.com, which features information on time, time zones and astronomy.“The really, really awesome advantage is the bright evenings, right?” she says. “It is actually having hours of daylight after you come home from work to spend time with your family or activities. And that is wonderful.”Here are some things to know so you’ll be conversant about the practice of humans changing time:<h2>How did this all get started?</h2>In the 1890s, George Vernon Hudson, an astronomer and entomologist in New Zealand, proposed a time shift in the spring and fall to increase the daylight. And in the early 1900s, British homebuilder William Willett, troubled that people weren’t up enjoying the morning sunlight, made a similar push. But neither proposal gained enough traction to be implemented.Germany began using daylight saving time during World War I with the thought that it would save energy. Other countries, including the United States, soon followed suit. During World War II, the U.S. once again instituted what was dubbed “war time” nationwide, this time year-round.In the United States today, every state except Hawaii and Arizona observes daylight saving time. Around the world, Europe, much of Canada and part of Australia also implement it, while Russia and Asia don’t currently.<h2>Inconsistency and mass confusion</h2>After World War II, a patchwork of timekeeping emerged across the United States, with some areas keeping daylight saving time and others ditching it.“You might have one town has daylight saving time, the neighboring town might have daylight saving time but start it and end it on different dates and the third neighboring town might not have it at all,” says David Prerau, author of the book “Seize the Daylight: The Curious and Contentious Story of Daylight Saving Time.”At one point, if riders on a 35-mile (56-kilometer) bus ride from Steubenville, Ohio, to Moundsville, West Virginia, wanted their watches to be accurate, they’d need to change them seven times as they dipped in and out of daylight saving time, Prerau says.So in 1966, the U.S. Congress passed the Uniform Time Act, which say states can either implement daylight saving time or not, but it has to be statewide. The act also mandates the day that daylight saving time starts and ends across the country.Confusion over the time change isn’t just something from the past. In the nation of Lebanon last spring, chaos ensued when the government announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-daylight-savings-time-9aee80838f6dfd53fd3564981f9667a8">last-minute decision</a>&nbsp;to delay the start of daylight saving time by a month — until the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Some institutions made the change and others refused as citizens tried to piece together their schedules. Within days, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-daylight-saving-time-a85575b650af7fcc419e3fdb1b2090e8">decision was reversed</a>.“It really turned into a huge mess where nobody knew what time it was,” Buckle says.<h2>What would it be like if we didn’t change the clocks?</h2>Changing the clocks twice a year leads to a lot of grumbling, and pushes to either use standard time all year, or stick to daylight saving time all year often crop up.During the 1970s energy crisis, the U.S. started doing daylight saving time all year long, and Americans didn’t like it. With the sun not rising in the winter in some areas till around 9 a.m. or even later, people were waking up in the dark, going to work in the dark and sending their children to school in the dark, Prerau says.”It became very unpopular very quickly,” Prerau says.And, he notes, using standard time all year would mean losing that extra hour of daylight for eight months in the evenings in the United States.<h2>A nod to the early adopters</h2>In 1908, the Canadian city of Thunder Bay — then the two cities of Fort William and Port Arthur — changed from the central time zone to the eastern time zone for the summer and fall after a citizen named John Hewitson argued that would afford an extra hour of daylight to enjoy the outdoors, says Michael deJong, curator/archivist at the Thunder Bay Museum.The next year, though, Port Arthur stayed on eastern time, while Fort William changed back to central time in the fall, which, predictably, “led to all sorts of confusion,” deJong says.Today, the city of Thunder Bay is on eastern time, and observes daylight saving time, giving the area, “just delightfully warm, long days to enjoy” in the summer, says Paul Pepe, tourism manager for Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission.The city, located on Lake Superior, is far enough north that the sun sets at around 10 p.m. in the summer, Pepe says, and that helps make up for their cold dark winters. Residents, he says, tend to go on vacations in the winter and stay home in the summer: “I think for a lot of folks here, the long days, the warm summer temperatures, it’s a vacation in your backyard.”

Why clocks are set forward in the spring: Confusion and hunger for sunlight

The Salina Public Library is proud to announce this year’s Salina Reads program, a community-wide reading program designed to strengthen connections by broadening perspectives and fostering understanding through shared literature and discussions. 

This year's featured book is Charles Portis's classic novel,&nbsp;True Grit, a story that follows 14-year-old Mattie Ross as she embarks on a daring quest to avenge her father's murder. With themes of determination, justice, and resilience,&nbsp;True Grit&nbsp;offers an engaging and thought-provoking read for the entire community.

The program will kick off on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Salina Public Library with an exciting celebration of Native American culture and Kansas history. Attendees will experience Rhythms of Heritage, a Native American dance performance by Freddy Gipp, and explore Kansas history through interactive traveling trunks. 

A Cherokee basket weaving workshop will offer hands-on learning, while discussions on the Salina Indian Burial Pit and local Native history will provide insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage. The day’s festivities will also feature cowboy music, a scavenger hunt focused on Salina’s local history, Kaw language activities, stick horse races, roping, horseshoes, crafts and free book giveaways. This event promises a day filled with culture, history, and fun for all ages.

Throughout the month, the library will host a variety of themed events inspired by&nbsp;True Grit&nbsp;and the Wild West. Adventure seekers can test their problem-solving skills in a Wild West Escape Room, where teams will work together to unravel clues and "break out" before time runs out. History and outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to a Saline County Mounted Patrol and Boy Scout Cooking Demonstration, where they will see firsthand how frontier cooking and survival skills were essential to life in the Wild West. 

Additionally, a scavenger hunt exploring Salina’s local history will take participants on an engaging journey through Salina’s past, with chances to win exciting local prizes.

The program will conclude with a Finale: Songs, Stories, and Spirit of Saline County on Saturday, April 26, at 7 p.m. at the Salina Public Library. The evening will celebrate the theme "Where We Live" through music, poetry and storytelling, featuring cowboy musician Don Wagner, cowboy poet Jerry Jones, and local community members sharing their personal stories.

The 2025 Salina Reads program is funded in part by an NEA Big Read grant. NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

To find out more about Salina Public Library events <a href="https://salinapubliclibrary.org/">click here.</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741361644216.png" alt="“Where We Live The History and People of Salina”.png" />
 <figcaption>“Where We Live The History and People of Salina”.png</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Public LibraryThe Salina Public Library is proud to announce this year’s Salina Reads program, a community-wide reading program designed to strengthen connections by broadening perspectives and fostering understanding through shared literature and discussions. This year's featured book is Charles Portis's classic novel,&nbsp;True Grit, a story that follows 14-year-old Mattie Ross as she embarks on a daring quest to avenge her father's murder. With themes of determination, justice, and resilience,&nbsp;True Grit&nbsp;offers an engaging and thought-provoking read for the entire community.The program will kick off on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Salina Public Library with an exciting celebration of Native American culture and Kansas history. Attendees will experience Rhythms of Heritage, a Native American dance performance by Freddy Gipp, and explore Kansas history through interactive traveling trunks. A Cherokee basket weaving workshop will offer hands-on learning, while discussions on the Salina Indian Burial Pit and local Native history will provide insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage. The day’s festivities will also feature cowboy music, a scavenger hunt focused on Salina’s local history, Kaw language activities, stick horse races, roping, horseshoes, crafts and free book giveaways. This event promises a day filled with culture, history, and fun for all ages.Throughout the month, the library will host a variety of themed events inspired by&nbsp;True Grit&nbsp;and the Wild West. Adventure seekers can test their problem-solving skills in a Wild West Escape Room, where teams will work together to unravel clues and "break out" before time runs out. History and outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to a Saline County Mounted Patrol and Boy Scout Cooking Demonstration, where they will see firsthand how frontier cooking and survival skills were essential to life in the Wild West. Additionally, a scavenger hunt exploring Salina’s local history will take participants on an engaging journey through Salina’s past, with chances to win exciting local prizes.The program will conclude with a Finale: Songs, Stories, and Spirit of Saline County on Saturday, April 26, at 7 p.m. at the Salina Public Library. The evening will celebrate the theme "Where We Live" through music, poetry and storytelling, featuring cowboy musician Don Wagner, cowboy poet Jerry Jones, and local community members sharing their personal stories.The 2025 Salina Reads program is funded in part by an NEA Big Read grant. NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.To find out more about Salina Public Library events <a href="https://salinapubliclibrary.org/">click here.</a>&nbsp;

Salina Public Library set to kick off 'Salina Reads' community initiative

Gay E. Geisen left her earthly home on Monday, March 3, 2025, while living as a resident of the Ottawa County Health Center. Gay was born August 26, 1935, in Culver, KS.

She was united in marriage to Clayton B. Geisen on October 23, 1956.

Gay worked as a secretary for Robins Sand and Gravel for 16 years and then for Dub Johnson and Sons for 18 years. She loved working in the front office of each business because she was able to greet each person as they entered the business or answered the phone with a cheerful hello. She was the secretary at the Golden Wheel and enjoyed spending time organizing activities and sharing smiles, jokes and laughter with all who came in to eat each day. She worked part time at Meall Income Tax

Gay enjoyed reading books and she proudly served on the Library Board for several terms. She loved doing crossword puzzles and the more difficult they were the better she liked them. She crocheted quilts for many new babies and newlyweds. She enjoyed helping with the monthly birthday parties at the Good Samaritan. Her quick wit and smile were enjoyed by her family and friends.

Gay was preceded in death by her parents Chester and Flossie (Larson) Dewey; her three brothers Freddie, Dean and Gary; as well as her husband Clayton Geisen.

She is survived by her daughter, Cyndi Geisen, of Atchison, KS; nephews Bob and Michael Dewey of Abilene and one niece Julie Dewhirst and one nephew, Jeff Dewey of Salina, KS

The family will receive friends from 4:00 P.M. to 5:30 P.M., Sunday, March 9, at Wilson Family Funeral Home, 405 Argyle Ave., Minneapolis, KS 67467. Graveside services will be at 11:00 A.M., Monday, March 10, at Highland Cemetery in Minneapolis. Memorials may be made to The Golden Wheel, the Minneapolis Public Library, or to a charity that is important to you and may be left in care of the funeral home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741356645973.jpeg" alt="GayG.jpg" />
 <figcaption>GayG.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Gay E. Geisen left her earthly home on Monday, March 3, 2025, while living as a resident of the Ottawa County Health Center. Gay was born August 26, 1935, in Culver, KS.She was united in marriage to Clayton B. Geisen on October 23, 1956.Gay worked as a secretary for Robins Sand and Gravel for 16 years and then for Dub Johnson and Sons for 18 years. She loved working in the front office of each business because she was able to greet each person as they entered the business or answered the phone with a cheerful hello. She was the secretary at the Golden Wheel and enjoyed spending time organizing activities and sharing smiles, jokes and laughter with all who came in to eat each day. She worked part time at Meall Income TaxGay enjoyed reading books and she proudly served on the Library Board for several terms. She loved doing crossword puzzles and the more difficult they were the better she liked them. She crocheted quilts for many new babies and newlyweds. She enjoyed helping with the monthly birthday parties at the Good Samaritan. Her quick wit and smile were enjoyed by her family and friends.Gay was preceded in death by her parents Chester and Flossie (Larson) Dewey; her three brothers Freddie, Dean and Gary; as well as her husband Clayton Geisen.She is survived by her daughter, Cyndi Geisen, of Atchison, KS; nephews Bob and Michael Dewey of Abilene and one niece Julie Dewhirst and one nephew, Jeff Dewey of Salina, KSThe family will receive friends from 4:00 P.M. to 5:30 P.M., Sunday, March 9, at Wilson Family Funeral Home, 405 Argyle Ave., Minneapolis, KS 67467. Graveside services will be at 11:00 A.M., Monday, March 10, at Highland Cemetery in Minneapolis. Memorials may be made to The Golden Wheel, the Minneapolis Public Library, or to a charity that is important to you and may be left in care of the funeral home.

Gay E. Geisen 

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement investigating a fatal gun fight have two suspects in custody in connection with the crime and continue asking the public for help to locate a third.

The Wichita Police Department is asking for information on the whereabouts of 20-year-old Jerry Johnson.&nbsp; The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office charged Johnson in reference to his involvement to a homicide that occurred on February 11.

Just before 6p.m. Feb. 11, police responded to reports of a shooting in the 1200 block of S. Bleckley in Wichita, according to Police Department spokesperson Brad Wright.

Officers arrived at the scene and found 23-year-old Manuel Roach with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a disturbance occurred involving Roach and three unidentified males dressed in all black. Following the incident, the suspects departed the scene in a white SUV before law enforcement arrival. The exact circumstances that led up to the shooting are still under investigation, according to Wright. Police do believe this was a targeted incident between individuals known to each other.

An 18-year-old identified as Sergio Clement arrived at a local hospital with a single gunshot wound to his lower extremity. Through the investigation, it was discovered that Clement and 21-year-old Alan Griffin, Jr. were involved in the fatal shooting of Roach. As a result, both were arrested and booked into Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp;

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact investigators at 316-268-4407, Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111, or See Something Say Something at 316-519-2282.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement investigating a fatal gun fight have two suspects in custody in connection with the crime and continue asking the public for help to locate a third.The Wichita Police Department is asking for information on the whereabouts of 20-year-old Jerry Johnson.&nbsp; The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office charged Johnson in reference to his involvement to a homicide that occurred on February 11.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739989718610.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 6p.m. Feb. 11, police responded to reports of a shooting in the 1200 block of S. Bleckley in Wichita, according to Police Department spokesperson Brad Wright.Officers arrived at the scene and found 23-year-old Manuel Roach with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Preliminary investigation indicates that a disturbance occurred involving Roach and three unidentified males dressed in all black. Following the incident, the suspects departed the scene in a white SUV before law enforcement arrival. The exact circumstances that led up to the shooting are still under investigation, according to Wright. Police do believe this was a targeted incident between individuals known to each other.An 18-year-old identified as Sergio Clement arrived at a local hospital with a single gunshot wound to his lower extremity. Through the investigation, it was discovered that Clement and 21-year-old Alan Griffin, Jr. were involved in the fatal shooting of Roach. As a result, both were arrested and booked into Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp;Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact investigators at 316-268-4407, Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111, or See Something Say Something at 316-519-2282.

Search continues for suspect in deadly Kansas gun fight

WASHINGTON (AP) — They start the day often as low-profile&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cabinet-promises-patel-kennedy-bessent-rollins-b86a6dd08ab08f4b54e1a4d18fce11be">Cabinet secretaries</a>. They end it that way, too, God willing.

But, when the rest of the government is gathered together for a big event, like President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;'s joint congressional address Tuesday night, a designated survivor is kept away to ensure someone in the line of presidential succession stays alive.

Picking a failsafe in case of a cataclysmic event that wipes out everyone else dates back to the Cold War. It's been dramatized in novels and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/8696f0dd99ec4e008e75a26ffc1d8b9b">an ABC series starring Kiefer Sutherland</a>&nbsp;that aired from 2016 to 2019.

Being the actual designated survivor brings extra adrenaline jolts and humbling thoughts about being unwittingly catapulted into the presidency and unthinkable tragedy — though the minute-to-minute details usually don't feature the high drama of fictional portrayals, those who have filled the role say.

“It focuses your mind. It also enhances your prayer that it doesn’t happen to you,” James Nicholson, who was President George W. Bush's veterans affairs secretary and designated survivor during the 2006 State of the Union, said of possibly becoming president after a cataclysmic event.

For Trump's address, Doug Collins — who is the current administration's veterans affairs secretary — was chosen as designated survivor. Historian and journalist Garrett M. Graff said the concept of designated survivor has long captivated people because it combines the public's inherent fascination with danger and the romance of an “everyman” being thrust into the presidency.

“The idea of, you’re just a random Cabinet official, and then something terrible happens and, all of a sudden, you’re president of the United States," said Graff, author of “Raven Rock: The Story of the U.S. Government’s Secret Plan to Save Itself — While the Rest of Us Die.”

Until the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, designated survivors had more control over where they went outside Washington. President Bill Clinton's energy secretary, the late Bill Richardson, was picked in 2000 and simply moved up a planned weekend trip with his wife to Oxford, Maryland, a waterfront town about 80 miles away, so he'd be there during the State of the Union.

When Dan Glickman, Clinton’s agriculture secretary, was tapped during the 1997 State of the Union, his hometown of Wichita, Kansas, was too far away, so he chose New York, where his daughter lived.

“I thought it was kind of exciting. But I wasn’t hyped up from a dangerous perspective,” Glickman said. “I don’t even think anybody told me to be careful.”

Alberto Gonzales, Bush's attorney general, was the designated survivor during the 2007 State of the Union. He said White House chief of staff Josh Bolten called a few days before and gave a couple of options for where he could hunker down.

Gonzales chose to be in flight, and he arrived at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland to find “members of every major department and agency” there to ride with him. They carried thick binders stuffed with memos and protocol instructions, just in case.

He said there were a series of briefings that may have stretched right into Bush's speech, which he watched from the air.

“It was during that time that it sort of suddenly hit me, if something happened in the Capitol and everyone's killed, that I'd be president,” Gonzales said. "It's sort of sobering. And you wonder, would I be up to governing a wounded nation?”

In “Raven Rock,” Graff details how the designated survivor concept was formalized by the Carter and Reagan administrations amid fears that Soviet subs just off the Atlantic Coast could fire nuclear missiles and wipe out Washington with barely 10 minutes’ warning.

Beginning in April 1980, the White House Military Office tasked the Federal Emergency Management Agency with ensuring succession. An aide was directed to recommend to the president who should skip events when all possible successors were together outside the White House.

Officials still prepare for a massive attack or disaster. The military helicopter that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-crash-cebb142d24859ba0c4e0e4fd6c33773f">collided with a regional jet</a>&nbsp;outside Reagan National Airport in January was on a continuity of government mission — training to keep the federal government functioning in case of catastrophe.

The first time that a Cabinet member being kept away from a presidential speech to Congress was publicly divulged was President Ronald Reagan’s Education Secretary Terrel Bell in 1981. But Bell wasn’t identified until afterward.

Today, TV images from the House chamber allow political junkies to spot the missing Cabinet member within minutes.

Nicholson said Bush’s then-chief of staff, Andy Card, had asked him a few weeks before the State of the Union to take on the role. He was a natural fit given that his agency played an important role in continuity of government exercises due to its numerous hospitals and clinics nationwide.

Nicholson flew by helicopter to a destination only divulged once he was in the air, and later sat in a command center, where he underwent briefings before watching Bush’s speech.

He was served a “wonderful” dinner, prepared onsite by personnel from the White House mess, though he can't recall if it was T-bone steak or prime rib or something similar. “It made you think that, at least, if this awful thing happened, you’d be well fed," he said.

“The enormity of that job. You think about, remote as it is, this is something you might have to do,” he said of becoming president. Nicholson's wife was attending the State of the Union, meaning that if something happened, she could be among the victims, which only added to the pressure.

When it was over, Nicholson wasn't asked to fill in his predecessor in the role, Gonzales, or future designated survivors.

“We don’t have a club,” he laughed. "We should.”

Glickman recalls boarding an Air Force G-3 from Andrews along with Secret Service agents, a military official and a series of advisers not on his usual staff. A three-car motorcade later carried him from LaGuardia Airport to his daughter's apartment near Union Square in Manhattan.

She wanted to invite others to watch the speech with them, but Glickman nixed that. “This was not a party," he said.

It wasn't all serious, though. Glickman said he was told he didn't need to dress up, so he didn't wear a suit. Instructions not to study up spared him from reading briefing books or memorizing security protocols.

After the speech, the Secret Service asked if Glickman wanted a ride to the airport. He declined, saying he planned to have dinner with his daughter. It was sleeting when the motorcade left without him, making taxis scarce and the sudden return to real life especially abrupt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733831790352.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran and&nbsp; Collins during a meeting in January- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran and&nbsp; Collins during a meeting in January- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — They start the day often as low-profile&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cabinet-promises-patel-kennedy-bessent-rollins-b86a6dd08ab08f4b54e1a4d18fce11be">Cabinet secretaries</a>. They end it that way, too, God willing.But, when the rest of the government is gathered together for a big event, like President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;'s joint congressional address Tuesday night, a designated survivor is kept away to ensure someone in the line of presidential succession stays alive.Picking a failsafe in case of a cataclysmic event that wipes out everyone else dates back to the Cold War. It's been dramatized in novels and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/8696f0dd99ec4e008e75a26ffc1d8b9b">an ABC series starring Kiefer Sutherland</a>&nbsp;that aired from 2016 to 2019.Being the actual designated survivor brings extra adrenaline jolts and humbling thoughts about being unwittingly catapulted into the presidency and unthinkable tragedy — though the minute-to-minute details usually don't feature the high drama of fictional portrayals, those who have filled the role say.“It focuses your mind. It also enhances your prayer that it doesn’t happen to you,” James Nicholson, who was President George W. Bush's veterans affairs secretary and designated survivor during the 2006 State of the Union, said of possibly becoming president after a cataclysmic event.For Trump's address, Doug Collins — who is the current administration's veterans affairs secretary — was chosen as designated survivor. Historian and journalist Garrett M. Graff said the concept of designated survivor has long captivated people because it combines the public's inherent fascination with danger and the romance of an “everyman” being thrust into the presidency.“The idea of, you’re just a random Cabinet official, and then something terrible happens and, all of a sudden, you’re president of the United States," said Graff, author of “Raven Rock: The Story of the U.S. Government’s Secret Plan to Save Itself — While the Rest of Us Die.”Until the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, designated survivors had more control over where they went outside Washington. President Bill Clinton's energy secretary, the late Bill Richardson, was picked in 2000 and simply moved up a planned weekend trip with his wife to Oxford, Maryland, a waterfront town about 80 miles away, so he'd be there during the State of the Union.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623095759554.jpeg" alt="File photo Aspen Institute Dan Glickman&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>File photo Aspen Institute Dan Glickman&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>When Dan Glickman, Clinton’s agriculture secretary, was tapped during the 1997 State of the Union, his hometown of Wichita, Kansas, was too far away, so he chose New York, where his daughter lived.“I thought it was kind of exciting. But I wasn’t hyped up from a dangerous perspective,” Glickman said. “I don’t even think anybody told me to be careful.”Alberto Gonzales, Bush's attorney general, was the designated survivor during the 2007 State of the Union. He said White House chief of staff Josh Bolten called a few days before and gave a couple of options for where he could hunker down.Gonzales chose to be in flight, and he arrived at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland to find “members of every major department and agency” there to ride with him. They carried thick binders stuffed with memos and protocol instructions, just in case.He said there were a series of briefings that may have stretched right into Bush's speech, which he watched from the air.“It was during that time that it sort of suddenly hit me, if something happened in the Capitol and everyone's killed, that I'd be president,” Gonzales said. "It's sort of sobering. And you wonder, would I be up to governing a wounded nation?”In “Raven Rock,” Graff details how the designated survivor concept was formalized by the Carter and Reagan administrations amid fears that Soviet subs just off the Atlantic Coast could fire nuclear missiles and wipe out Washington with barely 10 minutes’ warning.Beginning in April 1980, the White House Military Office tasked the Federal Emergency Management Agency with ensuring succession. An aide was directed to recommend to the president who should skip events when all possible successors were together outside the White House.Officials still prepare for a massive attack or disaster. The military helicopter that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-crash-cebb142d24859ba0c4e0e4fd6c33773f">collided with a regional jet</a>&nbsp;outside Reagan National Airport in January was on a continuity of government mission — training to keep the federal government functioning in case of catastrophe.The first time that a Cabinet member being kept away from a presidential speech to Congress was publicly divulged was President Ronald Reagan’s Education Secretary Terrel Bell in 1981. But Bell wasn’t identified until afterward.Today, TV images from the House chamber allow political junkies to spot the missing Cabinet member within minutes.Nicholson said Bush’s then-chief of staff, Andy Card, had asked him a few weeks before the State of the Union to take on the role. He was a natural fit given that his agency played an important role in continuity of government exercises due to its numerous hospitals and clinics nationwide.Nicholson flew by helicopter to a destination only divulged once he was in the air, and later sat in a command center, where he underwent briefings before watching Bush’s speech.He was served a “wonderful” dinner, prepared onsite by personnel from the White House mess, though he can't recall if it was T-bone steak or prime rib or something similar. “It made you think that, at least, if this awful thing happened, you’d be well fed," he said.“The enormity of that job. You think about, remote as it is, this is something you might have to do,” he said of becoming president. Nicholson's wife was attending the State of the Union, meaning that if something happened, she could be among the victims, which only added to the pressure.When it was over, Nicholson wasn't asked to fill in his predecessor in the role, Gonzales, or future designated survivors.“We don’t have a club,” he laughed. "We should.”Glickman recalls boarding an Air Force G-3 from Andrews along with Secret Service agents, a military official and a series of advisers not on his usual staff. A three-car motorcade later carried him from LaGuardia Airport to his daughter's apartment near Union Square in Manhattan.She wanted to invite others to watch the speech with them, but Glickman nixed that. “This was not a party," he said.It wasn't all serious, though. Glickman said he was told he didn't need to dress up, so he didn't wear a suit. Instructions not to study up spared him from reading briefing books or memorizing security protocols.After the speech, the Secret Service asked if Glickman wanted a ride to the airport. He declined, saying he planned to have dinner with his daughter. It was sleeting when the motorcade left without him, making taxis scarce and the sudden return to real life especially abrupt.

Designated survivor during Presidential Address to Congress included Kansan

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent crime.

Just after 5p.m. March 1, police responded to a Topeka hospital after a victim arrived non-life-threatening wounds from an alleged knife attack that occurred in the 600 block of S.W. Taylor Street, according to a media release.

After an investigation, police arrested 29-year-old Nicole Elizabeth Henneke of Topeka and booked her into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of aggravated battery; domestic battery; and criminal restraint. She met the requirement of a $100,000 bond and was released from jail Monday night, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741032148850.png" alt="Henneke photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Henneke photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent crime.Just after 5p.m. March 1, police responded to a Topeka hospital after a victim arrived non-life-threatening wounds from an alleged knife attack that occurred in the 600 block of S.W. Taylor Street, according to a media release.After an investigation, police arrested 29-year-old Nicole Elizabeth Henneke of Topeka and booked her into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of aggravated battery; domestic battery; and criminal restraint. She met the requirement of a $100,000 bond and was released from jail Monday night, according to online jail records.

Kansas woman accused of violent knife attack

StartUp Salina&nbsp;is announcing&nbsp;that applications are now open for the&nbsp;4th&nbsp;Annual Charlie Walker&nbsp;Pitch&nbsp;Challenge&nbsp;to be held&nbsp;Wednesday, March&nbsp;26, at&nbsp;Kansas State University-Salina.&nbsp; The Challenge is open to start-up businesses as well as young businesses who have been operating for three years or less&nbsp;and offers an opportunity to win up to $6,000&nbsp;in cash prizes.

<a></a>Last year’s event&nbsp;gave out $16,000&nbsp;in&nbsp;prizes to&nbsp;the five&nbsp;top place finishers.&nbsp;2024’s&nbsp;top prize winner,&nbsp;The Refillery, has utilized their funding to&nbsp;purchase their first season’s worth of product, POS equipment, and market booth equipment.&nbsp;

“Participating in the Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge was the turning point that transformed my business dreams into a tangible reality. It was the spark that ignited my vision and set the trajectory for success, proving that one opportunity can change everything.&nbsp;If you find yourself unable to stack enough acorns aside or too impatient to wait five more years until you’ve hit a financial goal, this challenge is the seed you need to start moving boldly toward your next big goal.”Morgan Baughman, owner of&nbsp;The Refillery, said.&nbsp;

“Participating in the Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge not only sharpened my pitch skills but also reaffirmed something far greater—that all the education, workshops, books, podcasts, and countless hours spent learning about my business and industry were worth it. It was a powerful reminder that I am the expert on my dream, my business, and my vision—and that the knowledge I’ve cultivated is truly valuable,” Baughman said.&nbsp;

This year’s event is again&nbsp;presented&nbsp;by&nbsp;Bennington State Bank&nbsp;and JRI Hospitality&nbsp;and offers cash prizes for the top five finishers: $6,000 for 1st&nbsp;place, $4,000 for 2nd&nbsp;place, $3,000 for 3rd&nbsp;place, $2,000 for 4th&nbsp;place, and $1,000 for 5th&nbsp;place.&nbsp;Other sponsors include Network Kansas and&nbsp;VentureDash.&nbsp;

Initial application includes submitting a business plan as well as a short&nbsp;2–3-minute&nbsp;video&nbsp;introducing the business&nbsp;idea. &nbsp;Deadline to submit is&nbsp;March&nbsp;12th,&nbsp;2025,&nbsp;at 11:59pm. &nbsp;There is no charge to apply, and includes residents of&nbsp;Saline County, as well as Dickinson, Ellsworth, McPherson, and Ottawa counties. &nbsp;

All applications will then be&nbsp;scored, and ten (10) applicants will be chosen to move on to the in-person event and pitch competition.

The pitch competition will take place on&nbsp;Wednesday, March&nbsp;26,&nbsp;2025,at&nbsp;Kansas State University-Salina. Competitors will be given&nbsp;seven&nbsp;(7)minutes to pitch their business plan to a group of judges,&nbsp;like&nbsp;what is seen on popular shows like ‘Shark Tank.’ &nbsp;The judges will then have some time to ask&nbsp;questions and&nbsp;will&nbsp;score the businesses. &nbsp;At the end of the night, scores will be&nbsp;tabulated,&nbsp;and the top five finishers will be announced.&nbsp;

The Entrepreneurial Challenge is named in honor of the iconic Salina businessman, Charlie Walker, who founded&nbsp;several&nbsp;companies,&nbsp;largestamong them Salina-based Blue Beacon International (known for its truck and RV washes), and the Rolling Hills Zoo near Hedville.&nbsp;Walker died in 2012, but his family has continued his commitment by spearheading&nbsp;several&nbsp;civic causes in the Salina community.

“We have some generous business owners in this community who are eager and interested in supporting the next generation of small business for the area,”&nbsp;Renee Duxler, CEO &amp; President of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce said. “This event has evolved from a group of them, to include the Walker Family, wanting to encourage&nbsp;entrepreneurship in a&nbsp;fun&nbsp;and educational way. &nbsp;This&nbsp;pitch competition really&nbsp;does achieve&nbsp;that.”

StartUp Salina will be offering a&nbsp;‘How&nbsp;To&nbsp;Pitch Your Business’workshop&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tuesday, February&nbsp;11th&nbsp;at Kansas State University-Salina&nbsp;for any competitors that are interested.&nbsp;To register for the workshop, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://projectopensalina.com/training/">https://projectopensalina.com/training/</a>.

To find out more information and to apply for the challenge,&nbsp;visit<a href="https://goventuredash.com/competitions/684">https://goventuredash.com/competitions/684</a>&nbsp;You can also get more information by emailing&nbsp;Jaclyn Crow&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jcrow@salinakansas.org">jcrow@salinakansas.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712004594636.jpeg" alt="Morgan Baughman, owner of The Refillery, stands with the Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge judges, Megan Browne, left, John Gunn, behind, and Darren Gregg, right, with her first-place prize of $6,000 on Friday, March 22, 2024 at K-State Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Morgan Baughman, owner of The Refillery, stands with the Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge judges, Megan Browne, left, John Gunn, behind, and Darren Gregg, right, with her first-place prize of $6,000 on Friday, March 22, 2024 at K-State Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedStartUp Salina&nbsp;is announcing&nbsp;that applications are now open for the&nbsp;4th&nbsp;Annual Charlie Walker&nbsp;Pitch&nbsp;Challenge&nbsp;to be held&nbsp;Wednesday, March&nbsp;26, at&nbsp;Kansas State University-Salina.&nbsp; The Challenge is open to start-up businesses as well as young businesses who have been operating for three years or less&nbsp;and offers an opportunity to win up to $6,000&nbsp;in cash prizes.<a></a>Last year’s event&nbsp;gave out $16,000&nbsp;in&nbsp;prizes to&nbsp;the five&nbsp;top place finishers.&nbsp;2024’s&nbsp;top prize winner,&nbsp;The Refillery, has utilized their funding to&nbsp;purchase their first season’s worth of product, POS equipment, and market booth equipment.&nbsp;“Participating in the Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge was the turning point that transformed my business dreams into a tangible reality. It was the spark that ignited my vision and set the trajectory for success, proving that one opportunity can change everything.&nbsp;If you find yourself unable to stack enough acorns aside or too impatient to wait five more years until you’ve hit a financial goal, this challenge is the seed you need to start moving boldly toward your next big goal.”Morgan Baughman, owner of&nbsp;The Refillery, said.&nbsp;“Participating in the Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge not only sharpened my pitch skills but also reaffirmed something far greater—that all the education, workshops, books, podcasts, and countless hours spent learning about my business and industry were worth it. It was a powerful reminder that I am the expert on my dream, my business, and my vision—and that the knowledge I’ve cultivated is truly valuable,” Baughman said.&nbsp;This year’s event is again&nbsp;presented&nbsp;by&nbsp;Bennington State Bank&nbsp;and JRI Hospitality&nbsp;and offers cash prizes for the top five finishers: $6,000 for 1st&nbsp;place, $4,000 for 2nd&nbsp;place, $3,000 for 3rd&nbsp;place, $2,000 for 4th&nbsp;place, and $1,000 for 5th&nbsp;place.&nbsp;Other sponsors include Network Kansas and&nbsp;VentureDash.&nbsp;Initial application includes submitting a business plan as well as a short&nbsp;2–3-minute&nbsp;video&nbsp;introducing the business&nbsp;idea. &nbsp;Deadline to submit is&nbsp;March&nbsp;12th,&nbsp;2025,&nbsp;at 11:59pm. &nbsp;There is no charge to apply, and includes residents of&nbsp;Saline County, as well as Dickinson, Ellsworth, McPherson, and Ottawa counties. &nbsp;All applications will then be&nbsp;scored, and ten (10) applicants will be chosen to move on to the in-person event and pitch competition.The pitch competition will take place on&nbsp;Wednesday, March&nbsp;26,&nbsp;2025,at&nbsp;Kansas State University-Salina. Competitors will be given&nbsp;seven&nbsp;(7)minutes to pitch their business plan to a group of judges,&nbsp;like&nbsp;what is seen on popular shows like ‘Shark Tank.’ &nbsp;The judges will then have some time to ask&nbsp;questions and&nbsp;will&nbsp;score the businesses. &nbsp;At the end of the night, scores will be&nbsp;tabulated,&nbsp;and the top five finishers will be announced.&nbsp;The Entrepreneurial Challenge is named in honor of the iconic Salina businessman, Charlie Walker, who founded&nbsp;several&nbsp;companies,&nbsp;largestamong them Salina-based Blue Beacon International (known for its truck and RV washes), and the Rolling Hills Zoo near Hedville.&nbsp;Walker died in 2012, but his family has continued his commitment by spearheading&nbsp;several&nbsp;civic causes in the Salina community.“We have some generous business owners in this community who are eager and interested in supporting the next generation of small business for the area,”&nbsp;Renee Duxler, CEO &amp; President of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce said. “This event has evolved from a group of them, to include the Walker Family, wanting to encourage&nbsp;entrepreneurship in a&nbsp;fun&nbsp;and educational way. &nbsp;This&nbsp;pitch competition really&nbsp;does achieve&nbsp;that.”StartUp Salina will be offering a&nbsp;‘How&nbsp;To&nbsp;Pitch Your Business’workshop&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tuesday, February&nbsp;11th&nbsp;at Kansas State University-Salina&nbsp;for any competitors that are interested.&nbsp;To register for the workshop, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://projectopensalina.com/training/">https://projectopensalina.com/training/</a>.To find out more information and to apply for the challenge,&nbsp;visit<a href="https://goventuredash.com/competitions/684">https://goventuredash.com/competitions/684</a>&nbsp;You can also get more information by emailing&nbsp;Jaclyn Crow&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jcrow@salinakansas.org">jcrow@salinakansas.org</a>.

Local start-ups, businesses invited to apply for 4th annual Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge

The Salina Public Library announced the opening of applications for its Summer 2025 VolunTEEN program, inviting enthusiastic teens aged 13-18 to contribute their time and skills during the bustling summer months.

The VolunTEEN program offers teen participants the opportunity to assist with various library tasks, including organizing and shelving books, supporting children's events, managing the library book drop, and undertaking other assigned duties. Through their involvement, teens will gain valuable job skills, understand workplace values, and make a meaningful impact in their community.

Applications for the Summer 2025 session are open&nbsp;until March 31.&nbsp;Interested teens are encouraged to apply promptly to secure a spot in the program.

Additionally, participants in the VolunTEEN program can apply for the Joe McKenzie Youth Scholarship awarded by the Friends of Salina Public Library. Eligible high school seniors may receive scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,500, with applications available every February.

For more information or to apply, please visit the Salina Public Library's website at&nbsp;<a href="http://salinapubliclibrary.org/summer-volunteen">salinapubliclibrary.org/summer-volunteen</a>&nbsp;or call&nbsp;785-825-4624.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634353835637.jpeg" alt="SPL Salina Public Library front building.jpg" />
 <figcaption>SPL Salina Public Library front building.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Salina Public Library announced the opening of applications for its Summer 2025 VolunTEEN program, inviting enthusiastic teens aged 13-18 to contribute their time and skills during the bustling summer months.The VolunTEEN program offers teen participants the opportunity to assist with various library tasks, including organizing and shelving books, supporting children's events, managing the library book drop, and undertaking other assigned duties. Through their involvement, teens will gain valuable job skills, understand workplace values, and make a meaningful impact in their community.Eligibility Criteria:<ul>
 <li>Ages 13-18</li><li>Ability to commit to a minimum of 16 volunteer hours during the summer</li><li>Parental or guardian permission</li><li>Reliable transportation to and from the library</li>
 </ul>Applications for the Summer 2025 session are open&nbsp;until March 31.&nbsp;Interested teens are encouraged to apply promptly to secure a spot in the program.Additionally, participants in the VolunTEEN program can apply for the Joe McKenzie Youth Scholarship awarded by the Friends of Salina Public Library. Eligible high school seniors may receive scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,500, with applications available every February.For more information or to apply, please visit the Salina Public Library's website at&nbsp;<a href="http://salinapubliclibrary.org/summer-volunteen">salinapubliclibrary.org/summer-volunteen</a>&nbsp;or call&nbsp;785-825-4624.&nbsp;

Salina Public Library Accepting Applications for Summer 2025 VolunTEEN Program

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two Indiana men on drug allegations.&nbsp;

Shortly before 9p.m. Feb. 28, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2016 Ford F-150 pickup for a traffic infraction near 134th on U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Kameron Lee Chapman, 25, of South Bend, Indiana. &nbsp;The passenger was identified as Sean Austin Rader, 26, of Mishawaka, Indiana. Following a probable cause search of the vehicle both subjects were arrested.

&nbsp;Chapman was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug and drug paraphernalia. Rader was arrested, and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741005658928.png" alt="Rader photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Rader photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two Indiana men on drug allegations.&nbsp;Shortly before 9p.m. Feb. 28, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2016 Ford F-150 pickup for a traffic infraction near 134th on U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741005617784.png" alt="Chapman photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Chapman photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver of the vehicle was identified as Kameron Lee Chapman, 25, of South Bend, Indiana. &nbsp;The passenger was identified as Sean Austin Rader, 26, of Mishawaka, Indiana. Following a probable cause search of the vehicle both subjects were arrested.&nbsp;Chapman was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug and drug paraphernalia. Rader was arrested, and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Two from Indiana caught transporting illegal drugs in Kansas

UPDATE: The hearing scheduled on March 3 was continued.  According to court records, Barrioz's next court date is set for March 31.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A woman accused of driving a stolen vehicle that was involved in a crash that killed a Hutchinson woman has made is due back in court Monday afternoon.

Katelyn Elizabeth Barrioz, 24, Wichita, is schedule for a preliminary hearing before Judge Seth Rundle, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In November she was charged with First-Degree Felony Murder, Second-Degree Murder – Reckless, Felony Flee and Elude, Aggravated Burglary, Auto Theft and Criminal Damage to Property, according to Wichita Police spokesman Andrew Ford.

On October 27, police located an occupied stolen vehicle at the Riverwalk Apartments, according to Officer Kris Gupilan. Officers monitored the vehicle using unmarked cars, and air support was requested from the Kansas Highway Patrol.

&nbsp;The vehicle stopped at Walmart, 29th and Rock Road in Wichita. Officers deployed spike strips to prevent the vehicle from leaving, successfully deflating two tires.

Despite this, the suspect later identified as Barrioz, fled the Walmart parking lot, striking a police vehicle.

Officers did not pursue the vehicle, but KHP air support continued to track it from above. The vehicle proceeded to a business on North Webb Road, where two individuals exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

One individual was apprehended, while&nbsp; Barrioz stole the van from the business and fled south on Webb, then west on 29th Street, according to Gupilan.

KHP Air maintained surveillance of the stolen vehicle, which, at 29th and Wilderness, collided with a&nbsp; Chevy Cobalt.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the stolen 2024 Ford Transit Van driven by Barrioz, 24, Wichita, was westbound in the eastbound lanes in the&nbsp;8700 block of E 29th St N in Wichita traveling in the inside lane.

The van struck an eastbound 2010 Chevy Cobalt driven by Mandy Lynn&nbsp;Buckwalter, 43, Hutchinson, head-on.

Buckwalter was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Barrioz to Wesley Medical Center for treatment. She was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on Tuesday evening, according to online jail records. Police presented their case to the district attorney on Thursday.

Barrioz remains jailed on a bond of $1.2 million.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730458850794.png" alt="The red dot from a laser pointer used by Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan shows Barrioz driving the wihite van just before the fatal head-on crash" />
 <figcaption>The red dot from a laser pointer used by Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan shows Barrioz driving the wihite van just before the fatal head-on crash</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE: The hearing scheduled on March 3 was continued. According to court records, Barrioz's next court date is set for March 31.&nbsp;&nbsp;SEDGWICK COUNTY — A woman accused of driving a stolen vehicle that was involved in a crash that killed a Hutchinson woman has made is due back in court Monday afternoon.Katelyn Elizabeth Barrioz, 24, Wichita, is schedule for a preliminary hearing before Judge Seth Rundle, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In November she was charged with First-Degree Felony Murder, Second-Degree Murder – Reckless, Felony Flee and Elude, Aggravated Burglary, Auto Theft and Criminal Damage to Property, according to Wichita Police spokesman Andrew Ford.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730284905956.png" alt="Barrioz photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Barrioz photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>On October 27, police located an occupied stolen vehicle at the Riverwalk Apartments, according to Officer Kris Gupilan. Officers monitored the vehicle using unmarked cars, and air support was requested from the Kansas Highway Patrol.&nbsp;The vehicle stopped at Walmart, 29th and Rock Road in Wichita. Officers deployed spike strips to prevent the vehicle from leaving, successfully deflating two tires.Despite this, the suspect later identified as Barrioz, fled the Walmart parking lot, striking a police vehicle.Officers did not pursue the vehicle, but KHP air support continued to track it from above. The vehicle proceeded to a business on North Webb Road, where two individuals exited the vehicle and fled on foot.One individual was apprehended, while&nbsp; Barrioz stole the van from the business and fled south on Webb, then west on 29th Street, according to Gupilan.KHP Air maintained surveillance of the stolen vehicle, which, at 29th and Wilderness, collided with a&nbsp; Chevy Cobalt.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the stolen 2024 Ford Transit Van driven by Barrioz, 24, Wichita, was westbound in the eastbound lanes in the&nbsp;8700 block of E 29th St N in Wichita traveling in the inside lane.The van struck an eastbound 2010 Chevy Cobalt driven by Mandy Lynn&nbsp;Buckwalter, 43, Hutchinson, head-on.Buckwalter was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Barrioz to Wesley Medical Center for treatment. She was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on Tuesday evening, according to online jail records. Police presented their case to the district attorney on Thursday.Barrioz remains jailed on a bond of $1.2 million.&nbsp;

Plea hearing for stolen vehicle crash that killed Kansas woman

Sarah Anne (Toburen) Lindblad, 85, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2025, in Lindsborg, Kansas.  Born on June 9, 1939, in Orlando, Oklahoma, Sarah grew up in a home filled with faith as the daughter of a preacher. Her upbringing instilled in her a deep love for the church and a steadfast devotion to her beliefs. Her faith provided strength during difficult times, moments of joyous celebration, and a sense of community throughout it all.

Sarah dedicated her life to teaching and nurturing young minds. She began her career at Grace E. Stewart Elementary School, where she taught until the birth of her second child, Jason. Later, when her daughter Jenny was in school, she returned to teaching at Southeast of Saline, where she remained until her retirement. She was a beloved educator who touched the lives of countless students and fellow teachers with her kindness and passion for learning.

Music was an integral part of Sarah’s life. She was an active choir member throughout college at Kansas Wesleyan University and carried that love forward by leading children’s choirs in Sunday school and Bible school. She also directed and participated in the adult church choir, sharing her gift of music with those around her.

Sarah’s warmth and generosity were evident in every aspect of her life. She radiated kindness with a beautiful smile and was always ready to offer one of her famous hugs. The friendships she formed were abundant. There were very few things she valued more than the love of her friends.

She is survived by her daughter Jenny Casey and son-in-law Tom; cherished grandsons Caleb and Joshua; as well as her in-laws Winona, Dodie, Shirley, and David, along with several nieces and nephews who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years, James Lindblad; son Jason Lindblad; parents Les Toburen and Lily (Mengedoth) Toburen; stepmother Cecil Toburen; and brothers Gerald (Toby) and Les Jr.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on March 15, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Assaria Lutheran Church, 124 W First St., Assaria, Kansas. A light meal will be served in the community life room following the service, with a private interment to follow.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Sarah’s memory are encouraged to share a smile with a stranger, embrace loved ones with a warm hug, support a teacher by providing classroom supplies or books, play a song that touches the soul, plant something beautiful in her honor, or worship in whatever way brings peace—just as Sarah would have wanted. Donations may also be made in her honor to Assaria Lutheran Church or the KWU Philharmonic Choir.

Sarah’s legacy of love, faith, and kindness will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741011778813.jpeg" alt="Sarah Anne (Toburen) Lindblad" />
 <figcaption>Sarah Anne (Toburen) Lindblad</figcaption>
 </figure>Sarah Anne (Toburen) Lindblad, 85, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2025, in Lindsborg, Kansas. Born on June 9, 1939, in Orlando, Oklahoma, Sarah grew up in a home filled with faith as the daughter of a preacher. Her upbringing instilled in her a deep love for the church and a steadfast devotion to her beliefs. Her faith provided strength during difficult times, moments of joyous celebration, and a sense of community throughout it all.Sarah dedicated her life to teaching and nurturing young minds. She began her career at Grace E. Stewart Elementary School, where she taught until the birth of her second child, Jason. Later, when her daughter Jenny was in school, she returned to teaching at Southeast of Saline, where she remained until her retirement. She was a beloved educator who touched the lives of countless students and fellow teachers with her kindness and passion for learning.Music was an integral part of Sarah’s life. She was an active choir member throughout college at Kansas Wesleyan University and carried that love forward by leading children’s choirs in Sunday school and Bible school. She also directed and participated in the adult church choir, sharing her gift of music with those around her.Sarah’s warmth and generosity were evident in every aspect of her life. She radiated kindness with a beautiful smile and was always ready to offer one of her famous hugs. The friendships she formed were abundant. There were very few things she valued more than the love of her friends.She is survived by her daughter Jenny Casey and son-in-law Tom; cherished grandsons Caleb and Joshua; as well as her in-laws Winona, Dodie, Shirley, and David, along with several nieces and nephews who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years, James Lindblad; son Jason Lindblad; parents Les Toburen and Lily (Mengedoth) Toburen; stepmother Cecil Toburen; and brothers Gerald (Toby) and Les Jr.A Celebration of Life service will be held on March 15, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Assaria Lutheran Church, 124 W First St., Assaria, Kansas. A light meal will be served in the community life room following the service, with a private interment to follow.In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Sarah’s memory are encouraged to share a smile with a stranger, embrace loved ones with a warm hug, support a teacher by providing classroom supplies or books, play a song that touches the soul, plant something beautiful in her honor, or worship in whatever way brings peace—just as Sarah would have wanted. Donations may also be made in her honor to Assaria Lutheran Church or the KWU Philharmonic Choir.Sarah’s legacy of love, faith, and kindness will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Sarah Anne (Toburen) Lindblad

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY–Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

Just after 10a.m. Feb. 28, sheriff's deputies executed a a narcotics search warrant on the residence located at 215 Dakota Avenue in Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

During the search, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and firearms were recovered.&nbsp; The two occupants of the residence, Scott Allen Strube, 55, of Holton and Sindee Lynn Holcomb, 59, of Holton were arrested.

Scott Allen Strube was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine,&nbsp;possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal possession of a firearm.

Sindee Lynn Holcomb was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Holton Police Department assisted with the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740692339815.png" alt="Strube photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Strube photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY–Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.Just after 10a.m. Feb. 28, sheriff's deputies executed a a narcotics search warrant on the residence located at 215 Dakota Avenue in Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.During the search, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and firearms were recovered.&nbsp; The two occupants of the residence, Scott Allen Strube, 55, of Holton and Sindee Lynn Holcomb, 59, of Holton were arrested.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740692396381.png" alt="Holcomb photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Holcomb photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Scott Allen Strube was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine,&nbsp;possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal possession of a firearm.Sindee Lynn Holcomb was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.The Holton Police Department assisted with the incident.

Deputies recover firearms and illegal drugs from Kansas home

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The most extensive database on Vietnam War causalities was the passion of a man from Hays.

The late Richard Coffelt, a longtime Hays attorney, spent years and his own money researching and amassing the <a href="https://www.coffeltdatabase.org/">Coffelt Database</a>, which is now available for free through the National Archives.

Although others contributed to the database and Coffelt wanted the record source named something more accessible, the database was named in honor of him.

Jo Ann Jennings, Coffelt's wife, recounted information about the database during a lecture at the Hays VFW on Feb. 16.

Coffelt was a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Korean War. He had no connection with the Vietnam War.

However, in 1980, he became acquainted with the mother of&nbsp;Gary Lee Binder of Hays. Gary Binder, who served with the Navy, was killed in action in 1967 in Vietnam, and Coffelt wanted to learn more about the circumstances of Binder's death.

Jennings explained this was before the rise of personal computing and Google, which meant hours spent at libraries, especially the&nbsp;Presidential Library of Lyndon Baines Johnson in Austin, Texas. She said she spent many vacations accompanying Richard on research trips, sometimes at his side in study rooms.

Johnson sent a letter of condolence to every family of a service member killed in Vietnam during his administration. Those letters included the unit numbers of the service members, which made them valuable in Coffelt's research.

Jennings said Richard spent countless hours taking notes on yellow legal pads.

Coffelt saw the need to connect soldiers with other soldiers. The men who served wanted to know what had happened to their buddies.

Jennings said Coffelt was interested in working on the research because the federal government didn't keep track of the units the men who were killed in action were from.

He said having a unit designation was the most important thing to know if you wanted to know what happened to your friend.

“I felt that if I just looked long enough, hard enough, I would hit the mother lode,” Coffelt was quoted as saying in a story published in the February 2012 edition of the VVA Veteran magazine. 

“I still felt that there had to be some government source that would have all this information. It became kind of a game to try and locate the information in some government repository somewhere.”

In 1993-94, after PCs had become commonplace, Tom Holloway (Emory University, Atlanta) changed the landscape by obtaining the Department of Defense's casualty database and the Army Adjutant General's database in digital form, according to the database's website.

"Using the university's mainframe computers to read the reel-to-reel computer tapes,&nbsp;Holloway integrated the two databases and converted the information into a commonly used small-computer format. The "Holloway Database" effectively became the public's sole source of information regarding all American Vietnam dead," the database website said.

The database website said that in the late 1990s, others joined Coffelt's effort, contributing information and collating the collected material into digital form using the Holloway database as a baseline, the database said.

"The additional resources allowed the project's scope to expand to include units of assignment information for all service branches," according to the database's website. "In 2002, an early version of the Coffelt Database was deeded to the National Archives, which made it available online as a searchable database," the database said.

Jennings said Coffelt amassed a library that filled a room floor to ceiling with more than 300 books on Vietnam. She said her husband had read every book.

She said her husband had an almost photographic memory of the information. She recalled a person from Australia writing Coffelt, asking him if he might know what happened to his uncle.&nbsp;

Without the need to look at any source, Coffelt was able to write him a page of the entire account of the battle in which the man's uncle was killed and what happened in that battle.

"He had super-detailed information just from his remembrance," Jennings said.

A Vietnam veteran who worked on the database with Coffelt spoke at his funeral and said, "Richard knew more about what happened in Vietnam than any soldier that was there, and he wasn't there."

Today, the database contains more than 60,000 names and more than 1 million pieces of information. Gary L. Noller, Co. B, 1/46th Infantry, Vietnam 1970-71, called the database a gift to and for Vietnam veterans and their families.

He said in a letter on the database, often, the child or grandchild of a Vietnam casualty wishes to contact a veteran who served with their deceased family member.

Prior to the Coffelt Database, a search of this kind was often overwhelming. The official record listed casualties by unit at the division or brigade level,&nbsp;Noller said in his letter.

Coffelt's research expanded the casualty database to list the company and battalion-level casualties, Noller said.

"This effectively reduced the search for a veteran from a magnitude of 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 100. It can be said that the Coffelt Database made the search at least 100 times easier to conduct,"&nbsp;Noller said.

Vietnam veteran Dick Arnold worked on the database with Coffelt.&nbsp;

In a 2011 letter published on the database's website, he said, "I consider my participation in the creation and continued improvement of The Coffelt Database to be one of the proudest parts of my life. I also consider it a singular honor to have known and worked with Richard these last few years. All of us Vietnam veterans owe him a huge debt ..."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740765066874.png" alt="Richard Coffelt Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Richard Coffelt Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post The most extensive database on Vietnam War causalities was the passion of a man from Hays.The late Richard Coffelt, a longtime Hays attorney, spent years and his own money researching and amassing the <a href="https://www.coffeltdatabase.org/">Coffelt Database</a>, which is now available for free through the National Archives.Although others contributed to the database and Coffelt wanted the record source named something more accessible, the database was named in honor of him.Jo Ann Jennings, Coffelt's wife, recounted information about the database during a lecture at the Hays VFW on Feb. 16.Coffelt was a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Korean War. He had no connection with the Vietnam War.However, in 1980, he became acquainted with the mother of&nbsp;Gary Lee Binder of Hays. Gary Binder, who served with the Navy, was killed in action in 1967 in Vietnam, and Coffelt wanted to learn more about the circumstances of Binder's death.Jennings explained this was before the rise of personal computing and Google, which meant hours spent at libraries, especially the&nbsp;Presidential Library of Lyndon Baines Johnson in Austin, Texas. She said she spent many vacations accompanying Richard on research trips, sometimes at his side in study rooms.Johnson sent a letter of condolence to every family of a service member killed in Vietnam during his administration. Those letters included the unit numbers of the service members, which made them valuable in Coffelt's research.Jennings said Richard spent countless hours taking notes on yellow legal pads.Coffelt saw the need to connect soldiers with other soldiers. The men who served wanted to know what had happened to their buddies.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740519068072.png" alt="Richard Coffelt when he was in the service. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Richard Coffelt when he was in the service. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Jennings said Coffelt was interested in working on the research because the federal government didn't keep track of the units the men who were killed in action were from.He said having a unit designation was the most important thing to know if you wanted to know what happened to your friend.“I felt that if I just looked long enough, hard enough, I would hit the mother lode,” Coffelt was quoted as saying in a story published in the February 2012 edition of the VVA Veteran magazine. “I still felt that there had to be some government source that would have all this information. It became kind of a game to try and locate the information in some government repository somewhere.”In 1993-94, after PCs had become commonplace, Tom Holloway (Emory University, Atlanta) changed the landscape by obtaining the Department of Defense's casualty database and the Army Adjutant General's database in digital form, according to the database's website."Using the university's mainframe computers to read the reel-to-reel computer tapes,&nbsp;Holloway integrated the two databases and converted the information into a commonly used small-computer format. The "Holloway Database" effectively became the public's sole source of information regarding all American Vietnam dead," the database website said.The database website said that in the late 1990s, others joined Coffelt's effort, contributing information and collating the collected material into digital form using the Holloway database as a baseline, the database said."The additional resources allowed the project's scope to expand to include units of assignment information for all service branches," according to the database's website. "In 2002, an early version of the Coffelt Database was deeded to the National Archives, which made it available online as a searchable database," the database said.Jennings said Coffelt amassed a library that filled a room floor to ceiling with more than 300 books on Vietnam. She said her husband had read every book.She said her husband had an almost photographic memory of the information. She recalled a person from Australia writing Coffelt, asking him if he might know what happened to his uncle.&nbsp;Without the need to look at any source, Coffelt was able to write him a page of the entire account of the battle in which the man's uncle was killed and what happened in that battle."He had super-detailed information just from his remembrance," Jennings said.A Vietnam veteran who worked on the database with Coffelt spoke at his funeral and said, "Richard knew more about what happened in Vietnam than any soldier that was there, and he wasn't there."Today, the database contains more than 60,000 names and more than 1 million pieces of information. Gary L. Noller, Co. B, 1/46th Infantry, Vietnam 1970-71, called the database a gift to and for Vietnam veterans and their families.He said in a letter on the database, often, the child or grandchild of a Vietnam casualty wishes to contact a veteran who served with their deceased family member.Prior to the Coffelt Database, a search of this kind was often overwhelming. The official record listed casualties by unit at the division or brigade level,&nbsp;Noller said in his letter.Coffelt's research expanded the casualty database to list the company and battalion-level casualties, Noller said."This effectively reduced the search for a veteran from a magnitude of 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 100. It can be said that the Coffelt Database made the search at least 100 times easier to conduct,"&nbsp;Noller said.Vietnam veteran Dick Arnold worked on the database with Coffelt.&nbsp;In a 2011 letter published on the database's website, he said, "I consider my participation in the creation and continued improvement of The Coffelt Database to be one of the proudest parts of my life. I also consider it a singular honor to have known and worked with Richard these last few years. All of us Vietnam veterans owe him a huge debt ..."Although Coffelt and the others who contributed to the database were offered money to privatize the data, Coffelt and his fellow researchers insisted the database remain a free, open-source of information, Jennings said.By 2009, Coffelt developed Lewy body dementia. He died on Jan. 25, 2012.Hays VVA Chapter 939&nbsp;dedicated a plaque at the Hays Regional Airport to honor Coffelt's work in creating the database.Not only is the Coffelt database still available and in use today. But a story on the database sparked an unlikely friendship between Jennings and a WWII veteran who read a story on the database in a veterans magazine.Frank Malizia, who was 92 at the time, read that story and recognized Hays as a familiar place. He had been stationed in Great Bend during the war and was familiar with Hays and Ellis County. This led him to contact Jennings.Read more on Malizia and Jennings' long friendship and correspondents at&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/74f5a4c8-b37b-458a-b1a8-ddb7a744b869">NWester: WWII soldier laid to rest next to 'love of his life' in Antonino</a>.You can access the Coffelt Database online for free. <a href="https://www.coffeltdatabase.org/">Click here for a link</a>.