BY NATE KING Salina Post

<a href="https://redfernbooksellers.com/">Red Fern Booksellers </a>held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday in partnership with the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.

The parking spaces on South Santa Fe Avenue filled up quickly as members of the community gathered from 10-10:30 a.m. to celebrate the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon and introducing the community to Salina's new bookstore.

Harley Hamilton, owner, welcomed community members and fellow downtown business owners who attended the event.&nbsp;

"Welcome to Red Fern Booksellers!  Our mission is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all members of our community in which to nurture a love of reading, engage in thoughtful conversations, and foster empathy," Hamilton said.&nbsp;

Hamilton's decision to open a bookstore in Salina was fueled both by his love of reading, and the recent revitalization of downtown Salina.

"I've been a pharmacist for a long time but have always loved to read. Whether it's 30 minutes or an hour reading every day," Hamilton said. "I also love bookstores and I was getting tired of driving to Wichita or Lawrence. We needed one [a bookstore], the downtown area in Salina has recently been renovated, and then this building became available. We love this building."

The store is located in the Teague Nelson Building, 106 South Santa Fe Avenue, which is also listed on the Kansas Register of Historic Places.&nbsp;

"I really can't put into words how much it warms my heart to see the community supporting us," Hamilton said.&nbsp;

In addition to a thoughtfully curated selection of thousands of titles, Red Fern Booksellers offers a variety of responsibly sourced artisanal goods including gift wrap, stationery, greeting cards, candles, puzzles, games, and art.&nbsp;

Grand Reopening&nbsp; DATE:06/24/2023 106 South Santa Fe Ave Salina, KS 67401-2810&nbsp;&nbsp; Have a cup of coffee from Ad Astra and browse Red Fern's selection of books from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. At 10:30 a.m. there will be a reading for the kiddos.

From 3-6 p.m. enjoy some appetizers from Yayas and stay for "Big Book Club" from 4-6 p.m. with music entertainment from 6-7 p.m.&nbsp;

When most people think of a typical book club they imagine a group of people who are all reading the same book. Big Open Book Club is not your typical book club.

"Big Open Book Club- there is no specific book to read," Hamilton said. "You just come hang out with other people who love books and talk about your favorite book, or what you are currently reading, and meet and mingle with other people who love to read."&nbsp;

“An independent bookstore is a vital resource for a community. It fosters the sharing of ideas, thoughtful dialogues, and a space for reflection. I am thrilled for the addition of Red Fern Booksellers to Downtown Salina!” -Katy

“I’m thrilled about the new activities the bookstore is bringing. Walking into the bookstore always makes me happy. Knowing I can go spend an hour just browsing for the newest read or always having a place to buy the perfect gift makes Salina more appealing to me. YAY!!” -Christi

“Having a local bookstore is a wonderful attribute to downtown Salina. I am so excited to take my kids to see what treasures we can find.” -Renee

"I'm so excited to have an independent bookstore in Downtown Salina.&nbsp; It is so nice to be able to browse a diverse selection of books and get recommendations from someone who is passionate about reading. &nbsp;It's the perfect addition to our beautiful downtown!" -Julie

Reviews pulled from Red Fern Bookseller's website

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687547622413.png" alt="Ribbon Cutting Red Fern Booksellers. Photos by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>Ribbon Cutting Red Fern Booksellers. Photos by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>BY NATE KING Salina Post<a href="https://redfernbooksellers.com/">Red Fern Booksellers </a>held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday in partnership with the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687545486221.png" alt="Red Fern Booksellers owner Harley Hamilton and Salina Chamber Event Coordinator Stephanie Gillig. Photos by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>Red Fern Booksellers owner Harley Hamilton and Salina Chamber Event Coordinator Stephanie Gillig. Photos by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>The parking spaces on South Santa Fe Avenue filled up quickly as members of the community gathered from 10-10:30 a.m. to celebrate the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon and introducing the community to Salina's new bookstore.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687547277401.png" alt="Red Fern Booksellers Ribbon Cutting Event." />
 <figcaption>Red Fern Booksellers Ribbon Cutting Event.</figcaption>
 </figure>Harley Hamilton, owner, welcomed community members and fellow downtown business owners who attended the event.&nbsp;"Welcome to Red Fern Booksellers! Our mission is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all members of our community in which to nurture a love of reading, engage in thoughtful conversations, and foster empathy," Hamilton said.&nbsp;Hamilton's decision to open a bookstore in Salina was fueled both by his love of reading, and the recent revitalization of downtown Salina.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687547328469.png" alt="Bestselling books on display at Red Fern Booksellers, located at 106 S. Santa Fe Avenue." />
 <figcaption>Bestselling books on display at Red Fern Booksellers, located at 106 S. Santa Fe Avenue.</figcaption>
 </figure>"I've been a pharmacist for a long time but have always loved to read. Whether it's 30 minutes or an hour reading every day," Hamilton said. "I also love bookstores and I was getting tired of driving to Wichita or Lawrence. We needed one [a bookstore], the downtown area in Salina has recently been renovated, and then this building became available. We love this building."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687552658101.jpeg" alt="Inside Red Fern Booksellers" />
 <figcaption>Inside Red Fern Booksellers</figcaption>
 </figure>The store is located in the Teague Nelson Building, 106 South Santa Fe Avenue, which is also listed on the Kansas Register of Historic Places.&nbsp;"I really can't put into words how much it warms my heart to see the community supporting us," Hamilton said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687547493394.png" alt="Stationary goods offered by Red Fern Booksellers." />
 <figcaption>Stationary goods offered by Red Fern Booksellers.</figcaption>
 </figure>In addition to a thoughtfully curated selection of thousands of titles, Red Fern Booksellers offers a variety of responsibly sourced artisanal goods including gift wrap, stationery, greeting cards, candles, puzzles, games, and art.&nbsp;<h2>Upcoming Red Fern Events</h2>Grand Reopening&nbsp; DATE:06/24/2023 106 South Santa Fe Ave Salina, KS 67401-2810&nbsp;&nbsp; Have a cup of coffee from Ad Astra and browse Red Fern's selection of books from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. At 10:30 a.m. there will be a reading for the kiddos. From 3-6 p.m. enjoy some appetizers from Yayas and stay for "Big Book Club" from 4-6 p.m. with music entertainment from 6-7 p.m.&nbsp;What is Big Open Book Club?When most people think of a typical book club they imagine a group of people who are all reading the same book. Big Open Book Club is not your typical book club.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687552723671.jpeg" alt="Children’s section." />
 <figcaption>Children’s section.</figcaption>
 </figure>"Big Open Book Club- there is no specific book to read," Hamilton said. "You just come hang out with other people who love books and talk about your favorite book, or what you are currently reading, and meet and mingle with other people who love to read."&nbsp;<h2>Local Red Fern Booksellers reviews</h2>“An independent bookstore is a vital resource for a community. It fosters the sharing of ideas, thoughtful dialogues, and a space for reflection. I am thrilled for the addition of Red Fern Booksellers to Downtown Salina!” -Katy“I’m thrilled about the new activities the bookstore is bringing. Walking into the bookstore always makes me happy. Knowing I can go spend an hour just browsing for the newest read or always having a place to buy the perfect gift makes Salina more appealing to me. YAY!!” -Christi“Having a local bookstore is a wonderful attribute to downtown Salina. I am so excited to take my kids to see what treasures we can find.” -Renee"I'm so excited to have an independent bookstore in Downtown Salina.&nbsp; It is so nice to be able to browse a diverse selection of books and get recommendations from someone who is passionate about reading. &nbsp;It's the perfect addition to our beautiful downtown!" -JulieReviews pulled from Red Fern Bookseller's website

Salina Chamber welcomes Red Fern Booksellers at ribbon cutting event

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two early morning shootings in Topeka and have identified a suspect.

Just after 5 a.m. Friday, police responded to a shooting in the area of the 1800 Block of SW Gage Blvd. in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

First responders found two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.

Then at 5:44 a.m., police responded to a shooting in&nbsp; the 1000 Block. of SW Plass Avenue. First responders found one individual&nbsp; suffering from gunshot wounds.

All three individuals were transported to a local area hospital, with two of these individuals injuries to be considered non-life threatening and one considered to be life threatening.

At this time the two incidents appear to be related and police identified a suspect and that individual is currently in police custody, being treated at a local hospital. 

Upon medical clearance, police&nbsp; will publicly identify the suspect, make an arrest and they will be booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687547641510.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation early Friday -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation early Friday -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two early morning shootings in Topeka and have identified a suspect.Just after 5 a.m. Friday, police responded to a shooting in the area of the 1800 Block of SW Gage Blvd. in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.First responders found two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.Then at 5:44 a.m., police responded to a shooting in&nbsp; the 1000 Block. of SW Plass Avenue. First responders found one individual&nbsp; suffering from gunshot wounds.All three individuals were transported to a local area hospital, with two of these individuals injuries to be considered non-life threatening and one considered to be life threatening.At this time the two incidents appear to be related and police identified a suspect and that individual is currently in police custody, being treated at a local hospital. Upon medical clearance, police&nbsp; will publicly identify the suspect, make an arrest and they will be booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

Police: Kansas suspect in two shooting incidents hospitalized

MIAMI COUNTY, Kansas —Law enforcement authorities investigating a&nbsp;deadly shooting at a Kansas State Park campground have arrested a suspect

Early Tuesday, emergency personnel were dispatched to the Pintail Point campground at the Hillsdale State Park near Paola for a report of a stabbing and a shooting, according to the Miami County Sheriff's office.

 One person suffered a fatal gunshot wound. The victim has been identified as&nbsp;43-year-old Bryan Hendrickson from Edgerton. Deputies also found one person with a non-life-threatening stab wound. That individual was transported to an area hospital for treatment and released, according to the sheriff's office.

Deputies took Brian Meysenburg, 53, Overland Park, into custody and booked him into the Miami County Jail on a requested charge of second-degree murder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687477164803.png" alt="Meysenburg-photo Miami County" />
 <figcaption>Meysenburg-photo Miami County</figcaption>
 </figure>MIAMI COUNTY, Kansas —Law enforcement authorities investigating a&nbsp;deadly shooting at a Kansas State Park campground have arrested a suspectEarly Tuesday, emergency personnel were dispatched to the Pintail Point campground at the Hillsdale State Park near Paola for a report of a stabbing and a shooting, according to the Miami County Sheriff's office. One person suffered a fatal gunshot wound. The victim has been identified as&nbsp;43-year-old Bryan Hendrickson from Edgerton. Deputies also found one person with a non-life-threatening stab wound. That individual was transported to an area hospital for treatment and released, according to the sheriff's office.Deputies took Brian Meysenburg, 53, Overland Park, into custody and booked him into the Miami County Jail on a requested charge of second-degree murder.

Man accused of deadly Kansas Park campground attack

Rosalie Grace Ranker, Ellsworth, passed away on Monday, June 19, 95-years-old at the Ellinwood District Hospital where her granddaughter Courtney works. Rosalie was born March 3, 1928 in Ellsworth to Frank and Rosalie (Bohl) Panzer. She was the ninth of ten children born to the union.

Rosalie completed grammar school through eighth grade at Walnut Grove country school, having to walk two miles, to and from school, even during the Dust Bowl. She graduated from the school of hard knocks, raised on a farm outside of Ellsworth during the Great Depression. The family lost their patriarch when Rosalie was two-years-old, and her mother raised eight children by living off the land. The family would put out a big garden, can all the vegetables they could, butcher livestock and preserve the meat, using a smokehouse on the property for hams and bacon. The family had no machinery like other farmers, and would hoe a corn crop by hand, and harvest feed for the animals with a sickle. When Rosalie was eight-years-old, she lost her six-year-old sister, Edith, to polio. They were best buddies.

Rosalie was a skilled seamstress, often winning top awards at the Ellsworth County Fair and donating items to local fundraisers. She taught herself to sew, after hijacking her mother’s sewing machine one day when her mother had gone to town. Rosalie ripped one of her own skirts apart, making a blouse with the fabric, and getting into big trouble when her mother returned from town. After that, her mother let her use the family sewing machine, and Rosalie purchased patterns and honed her skills as a seamstress. She leaves a legacy of sewing, teaching her daughter, Trudy, to sew in high school, who passed the skill down to Rosalie’s granddaughters, and then to Rosalie’s great-grandchildren. Rosalie’s children, daughter-in-law, grandkids and great-grandkids were gifted with personally sewn clothing and quilts throughout the years. Rosalie continued to sew into her 90’s.

Rosalie began her work life serving tables at her aunt Charlotte’s cafe. She worked at different restaurants, to afford the rent and bills she had living on her own in a room in the building where the turret is in downtown Ellsworth. She can remember sitting in the turret with other ladies living in the building, and watching people come out of the bar late at night. Rosalie was working at the Tucker Hotel in the dining room when she met Harold “Peck” Ranker, who was working at Kanopolis Lake. The crew would come in every morning for breakfast before going to work. Eventually, Peck asked Rosalie to a movie.

They were married on June 1, 1950. To this union was born two children, Trudy Kay Ranker and Randy Ray Ranker. Rosalie was a stay-at-home mom, until the mid-60’s, when Peck and Rosalie, in partnership with Jack Wondra, purchased a plumbing and heating business. Rosalie kept the books for the business. Rosalie is preceded in death by her husband, Harold “Peck” Ranker; parents, Rosalie Slaight and Frank Panzer; sisters, Edith, Mabel, Irene, Adeline, Mae and Viola; brothers, Frank and Gilbert; son-in law, John Lund and step-great grandsons, Kenny and Kyler Conally.

Survivors include her sister, LaVern Stroede, Belleville; children, Randy (Marie) Ranker, Ellsworth and Trudy Lund, Assaria; grandchildren, Leslie Manning, Gypsum; Emalie (Matt)

Murdoch, Prairie Village; Joseph (Katie) Ranker, Ellsworth; Joshua (Amy) Ranker, Ellsworth and Courtney (Matt) Dillon, Ellinwood. Step grandchildren Jim Lund, Gypsum; Janelle (Andy) Thiel, Gypsum and Julie (Joey) Hanson, Salina; as well as 10 great-grandchildren, 10 step great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 10:00 Monday, June 26, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Ellsworth, Kansas. Visitation Sunday, June 25, Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, Kansas 6:00-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Ellinwood District Hospital or Immanuel Lutheran Church.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687528376762.jpeg" alt="Rosalie Grace Ranker" />
 <figcaption>Rosalie Grace Ranker</figcaption>
 </figure> Rosalie Grace Ranker, Ellsworth, passed away on Monday, June 19, 95-years-old at the Ellinwood District Hospital where her granddaughter Courtney works. Rosalie was born March 3, 1928 in Ellsworth to Frank and Rosalie (Bohl) Panzer. She was the ninth of ten children born to the union.Rosalie completed grammar school through eighth grade at Walnut Grove country school, having to walk two miles, to and from school, even during the Dust Bowl. She graduated from the school of hard knocks, raised on a farm outside of Ellsworth during the Great Depression. The family lost their patriarch when Rosalie was two-years-old, and her mother raised eight children by living off the land. The family would put out a big garden, can all the vegetables they could, butcher livestock and preserve the meat, using a smokehouse on the property for hams and bacon. The family had no machinery like other farmers, and would hoe a corn crop by hand, and harvest feed for the animals with a sickle. When Rosalie was eight-years-old, she lost her six-year-old sister, Edith, to polio. They were best buddies.Rosalie was a skilled seamstress, often winning top awards at the Ellsworth County Fair and donating items to local fundraisers. She taught herself to sew, after hijacking her mother’s sewing machine one day when her mother had gone to town. Rosalie ripped one of her own skirts apart, making a blouse with the fabric, and getting into big trouble when her mother returned from town. After that, her mother let her use the family sewing machine, and Rosalie purchased patterns and honed her skills as a seamstress. She leaves a legacy of sewing, teaching her daughter, Trudy, to sew in high school, who passed the skill down to Rosalie’s granddaughters, and then to Rosalie’s great-grandchildren. Rosalie’s children, daughter-in-law, grandkids and great-grandkids were gifted with personally sewn clothing and quilts throughout the years. Rosalie continued to sew into her 90’s.Rosalie began her work life serving tables at her aunt Charlotte’s cafe. She worked at different restaurants, to afford the rent and bills she had living on her own in a room in the building where the turret is in downtown Ellsworth. She can remember sitting in the turret with other ladies living in the building, and watching people come out of the bar late at night. Rosalie was working at the Tucker Hotel in the dining room when she met Harold “Peck” Ranker, who was working at Kanopolis Lake. The crew would come in every morning for breakfast before going to work. Eventually, Peck asked Rosalie to a movie.They were married on June 1, 1950. To this union was born two children, Trudy Kay Ranker and Randy Ray Ranker. Rosalie was a stay-at-home mom, until the mid-60’s, when Peck and Rosalie, in partnership with Jack Wondra, purchased a plumbing and heating business. Rosalie kept the books for the business. Rosalie is preceded in death by her husband, Harold “Peck” Ranker; parents, Rosalie Slaight and Frank Panzer; sisters, Edith, Mabel, Irene, Adeline, Mae and Viola; brothers, Frank and Gilbert; son-in law, John Lund and step-great grandsons, Kenny and Kyler Conally.Survivors include her sister, LaVern Stroede, Belleville; children, Randy (Marie) Ranker, Ellsworth and Trudy Lund, Assaria; grandchildren, Leslie Manning, Gypsum; Emalie (Matt)Murdoch, Prairie Village; Joseph (Katie) Ranker, Ellsworth; Joshua (Amy) Ranker, Ellsworth and Courtney (Matt) Dillon, Ellinwood. Step grandchildren Jim Lund, Gypsum; Janelle (Andy) Thiel, Gypsum and Julie (Joey) Hanson, Salina; as well as 10 great-grandchildren, 10 step great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 10:00 Monday, June 26, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Ellsworth, Kansas. Visitation Sunday, June 25, Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, Kansas 6:00-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Ellinwood District Hospital or Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Rosalie Grace Ranker

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a murder in New Mexico have made an arrest in Kansas.

Just before 4a.m. Monday, police responded to a residence in the 4300 block of Camino Alhambra in Santa Fe, New Mexico after a neighbor called 911 reporting a woman asked for help, said her mom was shot, and another person was dead, according to a media release.

 Officers arrived on scene and found a 56-year-old woman injured by gunfire.  Officers rendered aid until paramedics arrived and took over care.  She was transported to a local hospital.  Officers also located 27-year-old Raul Rene Montejano Jr. unconscious with an apparent injury.  Officers rendered aid until paramedics arrived and took over care. Montejano Jr. was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator.

Detectives and the Crime Scene Unit responded to the scene.  Through the course of the investigation, a suspect was identified. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for 29-year-old Francisco Javier Grado-Flores of Santa Fe on requested charges for Murder and Tampering with Evidence.

Early Wednesday, Police in Wichita arrested Grado-Flores on the arrest warrant.&nbsp; Grado-Flores was booked at the Sedgwick County Detention Center at approximately 2:31 a.m. and charged as a Fugitive from Justice.

He had apparent injuries when he was located by law enforcement and claimed he sustained those injuries in a fight.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687449958690.png" alt="GRADO-FLORES-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>GRADO-FLORES-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a murder in New Mexico have made an arrest in Kansas.Just before 4a.m. Monday, police responded to a residence in the 4300 block of Camino Alhambra in Santa Fe, New Mexico after a neighbor called 911 reporting a woman asked for help, said her mom was shot, and another person was dead, according to a media release. Officers arrived on scene and found a 56-year-old woman injured by gunfire. Officers rendered aid until paramedics arrived and took over care. She was transported to a local hospital. Officers also located 27-year-old Raul Rene Montejano Jr. unconscious with an apparent injury. Officers rendered aid until paramedics arrived and took over care. Montejano Jr. was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator.Detectives and the Crime Scene Unit responded to the scene. Through the course of the investigation, a suspect was identified. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for 29-year-old Francisco Javier Grado-Flores of Santa Fe on requested charges for Murder and Tampering with Evidence.Early Wednesday, Police in Wichita arrested Grado-Flores on the arrest warrant.&nbsp; Grado-Flores was booked at the Sedgwick County Detention Center at approximately 2:31 a.m. and charged as a Fugitive from Justice.He had apparent injuries when he was located by law enforcement and claimed he sustained those injuries in a fight.

New Mexico murder suspect captured in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A former southern Kansas sheriff’s deputy who shot and killed a man with a defective beanbag has been stripped of his peace officer certification.

Virgil Brewer, a former Barber County deputy, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-kansas-city-c6bb7857c0de89305ee07eddb3e8439d">found not guilty</a>&nbsp;of involuntary manslaughter in the Oct. 6, 2017, death of 42-year-old Steven Myers, who died after Brewer shot him with the beanbag during a confrontation at Myers' home in Sun City.

The Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training reviewed the shooting last month and revoked Brewer's license, KSHB-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/former-kansas-sheriffs-deputy-loses-peace-officer-certification-after-deadly-bean-bag-shooting">reported</a>.

The commission's report noted that body camera video of the confrontation showed Myers complying with conflicting commands from Brewer and another deputy when he exited a shed on his property.

He was not informed he was under arrest or that the beanbag would be used before Brewer fired the shot, according to the report.

The peace officers commission described Brewer’s conduct as “unprofessional” and lacking “good moral character”.

Brewer shot Myers with his own shotgun with a beanbag that he received at a previous job in Texas, and had not been trained to use it before the shooting, according to testimony at the trial. The ammunition had been discontinued for several years because it could cause penetrating injuries.

Prosecutor Melissa Gay Johnson with the Kansas attorney general’s office charged Brewer in October 2018. A Wyandotte County jury acquitted him in November 2022.

Myers' widow filed a federal lawsuit over his death and Kansas officials agreed to a $3.5 million settlement in 2020.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591026923971.png" alt="Brewer's original Barber Co. booking photo" />
 <figcaption>Brewer's original Barber Co. booking photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A former southern Kansas sheriff’s deputy who shot and killed a man with a defective beanbag has been stripped of his peace officer certification.Virgil Brewer, a former Barber County deputy, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-kansas-city-c6bb7857c0de89305ee07eddb3e8439d">found not guilty</a>&nbsp;of involuntary manslaughter in the Oct. 6, 2017, death of 42-year-old Steven Myers, who died after Brewer shot him with the beanbag during a confrontation at Myers' home in Sun City.The Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training reviewed the shooting last month and revoked Brewer's license, KSHB-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/former-kansas-sheriffs-deputy-loses-peace-officer-certification-after-deadly-bean-bag-shooting">reported</a>.The commission's report noted that body camera video of the confrontation showed Myers complying with conflicting commands from Brewer and another deputy when he exited a shed on his property.He was not informed he was under arrest or that the beanbag would be used before Brewer fired the shot, according to the report.The peace officers commission described Brewer’s conduct as “unprofessional” and lacking “good moral character”.Brewer shot Myers with his own shotgun with a beanbag that he received at a previous job in Texas, and had not been trained to use it before the shooting, according to testimony at the trial. The ammunition had been discontinued for several years because it could cause penetrating injuries.Prosecutor Melissa Gay Johnson with the Kansas attorney general’s office charged Brewer in October 2018. A Wyandotte County jury acquitted him in November 2022.Myers' widow filed a federal lawsuit over his death and Kansas officials agreed to a $3.5 million settlement in 2020.

Former Kan. deputy involved in beanbag shooting death loses certification

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon said Tuesday that it overestimated the value of the weapons it has sent to Ukraine by $6.2 billion over the past two years — about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-costs-war-russia-weapons-884a9eefe32eee9ec611771cfe2a4642">double early estimates</a>&nbsp;— resulting in a surplus that will be used for future security packages.

Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said a detailed review of the accounting error found that the military services used replacement costs rather than the book value of equipment that was pulled from Pentagon stocks and sent to Ukraine. She said final calculations show there was an error of $3.6 billion in the current fiscal year and $2.6 billion in the 2022 fiscal year, which ended last Sept. 30.

As a result, the department now has additional money in its coffers to use to support Ukraine as it pursues its counteroffensive against Russia. And it come as the fiscal year is wrapping up and congressional funding was beginning to dwindle.

“It’s just going to go back into the pot of money that we have allocated” for the future Pentagon stock drawdowns," said Singh.

The revelation comes as Ukraine moves ahead with the early stages its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nuclear-plant-reactor-dam-flooding-a961ad87eff34fa0bc7cfbb7223cb422">counteroffensive</a>, in an effort to dislodge the Kremlin’s forces from territory they’ve occupied since a full-scale invasion in February 2022. The counteroffensive has come up against heavily mined terrain and reinforced defensive fortifications, according to Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the commander in chief of Ukraine’s armed forces.

Russia, meanwhile, has been bombarding the Kyiv region with dozens of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-iran-military-cooperation-d982dd3faf78fbb17dfc8b9c1cb9dae7">Shahed exploding drones</a>, in an assault that has exposed gaps in the country’s air protection after almost 16 months of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war</a>. Officials said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-air-defenses-3f0a918c617534251e53da4a93121c42">Ukrainian air defenses</a>&nbsp;downed 32 of 35 drones that were launched by Russia early Tuesday.

The Pentagon has repeatedly used presidential drawdown authority to pull weapons, ammunition and other equipment off the shelves, so that it can get to Ukraine far more quickly than going through a purchase process.

Based on previous estimates announced June 13, the U.S. had committed more than $40 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded. Using the new calculation, the U.S. has actually provided less than $34 billion in aid.

Officials have not been able to give exact totals for the amount of money that remains for the drawdowns or for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which provides longer-term funding to purchase weapons, including some of the larger air defense systems.

The U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-us-republican-party-texas-michael-mccaul-114e61bdd752d387a3df813638dab68a">has approved four rounds of aid</a>&nbsp;to Ukraine in response to Russia’s invasion, totaling about $113 billion, with some of that money going toward replenishment of U.S. military equipment that was sent to the frontlines. Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-nancy-pelosi-ed54dbd327c4362ee052f851f497fcd4">approved the latest round of aid</a>&nbsp;in December, totaling roughly $45 billion for Ukraine and NATO allies. While the package was designed to last through the end of the fiscal year in September, much depends upon events on the ground, particularly as the new counteroffensive ramps up.

President Joe Biden and his senior national security leaders have repeatedly stated that the United States will help Ukraine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/putin-zelenskyy-washington-4d5fc23be5518e689fbbcac334769d59">“as long as it takes”</a>&nbsp;to repel the Russian forces. Privately, administration officials have warned Ukrainian officials that there is a limit to the patience of a narrowly divided Congress — and American public — for the costs of a war with no clear end.

Members of Congress have repeatedly pressed Defense Department leaders on how closely the U.S. is tracking its aid to Ukraine to ensure that it is not subject to fraud or ending up in the wrong hands. The Pentagon has said it has a “robust program” to track the aid as it crosses the border into Ukraine and to keep tabs on it once it is there, depending on the sensitivity of each weapons system.

Singh said the accounting mistake won't affect the ongoing delivery of aid to Ukraine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687304849422.png" alt="Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said a detailed review of the accounting error found that the military services used replacement costs rather than the book value of equipment-photo Defense Dept." />
 <figcaption>Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said a detailed review of the accounting error found that the military services used replacement costs rather than the book value of equipment-photo Defense Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon said Tuesday that it overestimated the value of the weapons it has sent to Ukraine by $6.2 billion over the past two years — about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-costs-war-russia-weapons-884a9eefe32eee9ec611771cfe2a4642">double early estimates</a>&nbsp;— resulting in a surplus that will be used for future security packages.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">LIVE: <a href="https://twitter.com/DepPentPressSec?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DepPentPressSec</a> Sabrina Singh holds a news briefing at the Pentagon. <a href="https://t.co/0TLRhX6OQQ">https://t.co/0TLRhX6OQQ</a>&mdash; Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofDefense/status/1671220904695562242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said a detailed review of the accounting error found that the military services used replacement costs rather than the book value of equipment that was pulled from Pentagon stocks and sent to Ukraine. She said final calculations show there was an error of $3.6 billion in the current fiscal year and $2.6 billion in the 2022 fiscal year, which ended last Sept. 30.As a result, the department now has additional money in its coffers to use to support Ukraine as it pursues its counteroffensive against Russia. And it come as the fiscal year is wrapping up and congressional funding was beginning to dwindle.“It’s just going to go back into the pot of money that we have allocated” for the future Pentagon stock drawdowns," said Singh.The revelation comes as Ukraine moves ahead with the early stages its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nuclear-plant-reactor-dam-flooding-a961ad87eff34fa0bc7cfbb7223cb422">counteroffensive</a>, in an effort to dislodge the Kremlin’s forces from territory they’ve occupied since a full-scale invasion in February 2022. The counteroffensive has come up against heavily mined terrain and reinforced defensive fortifications, according to Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the commander in chief of Ukraine’s armed forces.Russia, meanwhile, has been bombarding the Kyiv region with dozens of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-iran-military-cooperation-d982dd3faf78fbb17dfc8b9c1cb9dae7">Shahed exploding drones</a>, in an assault that has exposed gaps in the country’s air protection after almost 16 months of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war</a>. Officials said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-air-defenses-3f0a918c617534251e53da4a93121c42">Ukrainian air defenses</a>&nbsp;downed 32 of 35 drones that were launched by Russia early Tuesday.The Pentagon has repeatedly used presidential drawdown authority to pull weapons, ammunition and other equipment off the shelves, so that it can get to Ukraine far more quickly than going through a purchase process.Based on previous estimates announced June 13, the U.S. had committed more than $40 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded. Using the new calculation, the U.S. has actually provided less than $34 billion in aid.Officials have not been able to give exact totals for the amount of money that remains for the drawdowns or for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which provides longer-term funding to purchase weapons, including some of the larger air defense systems.The U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-us-republican-party-texas-michael-mccaul-114e61bdd752d387a3df813638dab68a">has approved four rounds of aid</a>&nbsp;to Ukraine in response to Russia’s invasion, totaling about $113 billion, with some of that money going toward replenishment of U.S. military equipment that was sent to the frontlines. Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-nancy-pelosi-ed54dbd327c4362ee052f851f497fcd4">approved the latest round of aid</a>&nbsp;in December, totaling roughly $45 billion for Ukraine and NATO allies. While the package was designed to last through the end of the fiscal year in September, much depends upon events on the ground, particularly as the new counteroffensive ramps up.President Joe Biden and his senior national security leaders have repeatedly stated that the United States will help Ukraine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/putin-zelenskyy-washington-4d5fc23be5518e689fbbcac334769d59">“as long as it takes”</a>&nbsp;to repel the Russian forces. Privately, administration officials have warned Ukrainian officials that there is a limit to the patience of a narrowly divided Congress — and American public — for the costs of a war with no clear end.Members of Congress have repeatedly pressed Defense Department leaders on how closely the U.S. is tracking its aid to Ukraine to ensure that it is not subject to fraud or ending up in the wrong hands. The Pentagon has said it has a “robust program” to track the aid as it crosses the border into Ukraine and to keep tabs on it once it is there, depending on the sensitivity of each weapons system.Singh said the accounting mistake won't affect the ongoing delivery of aid to Ukraine.

U.S. accounting error provides extra $6.2 billion for Ukraine military aid

Salina Public Schools (SPS)&nbsp;is hosting a Summer Kindergarten Roundup&nbsp;on Tuesday, June 27&nbsp;to help parents and guardians of incoming kindergartners get ready for the start of school.&nbsp; The event will take place&nbsp;from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.&nbsp;and&nbsp;from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.at the District Office,&nbsp;1511 Gypsum Avenue.&nbsp;

“Summer Roundup will allow families from any Salina neighborhood to register their child for kindergarten at one central location,”explained Krista Linenberger, director of elementary programs. “Families who missed the April roundups can register their child early instead of waiting until elementary schools re-open after the break.”&nbsp;

At the event, parents/guardians will receive free books, information about health requirements for entering school and resources, details about the SPS handwriting curriculum and helpful tips to get children ready for kindergarten. Materials and resources from the Salina Public Library and the Kansas Sunflower Summer program will be available as well.

The event is free and open to families of unregistered kindergarten-age children who reside within the Salina School District boundaries. Children must be five years old by&nbsp;August 31&nbsp;to enroll.

An interpreter will be available for Spanish-speaking families. For more information or questions about Summer Kindergarten Roundup, please call&nbsp;785-309-4671&nbsp;or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd305.com/for_parents/kindergarten_roundup/">https://www.usd305.com/for_parents/kindergarten_roundup/</a>. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to get your child ready for their first year of school!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578755105849.jpeg" alt="Salina USD 305" />
 <figcaption>Salina USD 305</figcaption>
 </figure>USD 305&nbsp; Salina Public Schools (SPS)&nbsp;is hosting a Summer Kindergarten Roundup&nbsp;on Tuesday, June 27&nbsp;to help parents and guardians of incoming kindergartners get ready for the start of school.&nbsp; The event will take place&nbsp;from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.&nbsp;and&nbsp;from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.at the District Office,&nbsp;1511 Gypsum Avenue.&nbsp;“Summer Roundup will allow families from any Salina neighborhood to register their child for kindergarten at one central location,”explained Krista Linenberger, director of elementary programs. “Families who missed the April roundups can register their child early instead of waiting until elementary schools re-open after the break.”&nbsp;At the event, parents/guardians will receive free books, information about health requirements for entering school and resources, details about the SPS handwriting curriculum and helpful tips to get children ready for kindergarten. Materials and resources from the Salina Public Library and the Kansas Sunflower Summer program will be available as well.The event is free and open to families of unregistered kindergarten-age children who reside within the Salina School District boundaries. Children must be five years old by&nbsp;August 31&nbsp;to enroll.An interpreter will be available for Spanish-speaking families. For more information or questions about Summer Kindergarten Roundup, please call&nbsp;785-309-4671&nbsp;or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd305.com/for_parents/kindergarten_roundup/">https://www.usd305.com/for_parents/kindergarten_roundup/</a>. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to get your child ready for their first year of school!

Get Ready for School: Summer Kindergarten Roundup June 27

Salina Public Library Ah, summer! A magical time for school-aged kids to finally relax, enjoy more free time, maybe hit the swimming pool and…risk losing 20-to-27 percent of their reading and math skills from the recent school year.&nbsp;

Core reading skills are built in the early elementary years, where kids grow from phonetics and alphabetic recognition to decoding words and basic comprehension. While skill retention through regular practice is particularly critical for the Kindergarten through 3rd-grade set, whose foundational skills are still developing, it remains important for older elementary students as well. As kids grow into the “middle grades” (4th-6th grades), the acceleration of their learning actually levels off. They are still acquiring plenty of knowledge, but the intensity at which they are learning slows, as most are building upon previous learning. However, the risk of skill loss can increase for this age group, especially if any fundamental skills introduced in their early school years didn’t fully cement. In other words, if they don’t use it, they risk losing it.&nbsp;

But, when private tutors aren’t always feasible and seemingly endless commitments make long summer days seem short, how do you fit it all in? Here are a few suggestions:&nbsp;

Ahem, not to brag, but public libraries are a great place to start. We are known for the books, but we have many other engaging things to do…and we have air conditioning! With offerings in everything from crafts to robots to classes facilitated by a licensed teacher to online learning programs and take-and-make activities for the introverts, you are likely to find something to keep your little brainiacs active this summer. Not to mention the contests and prizes for kids participating in the Salina Public Library Summer Reading Program.

Grab a book, or two, or three. See&nbsp;What’s New&nbsp;at SPL. The Library has planned a summer full of learning fun! Check out a program on our&nbsp;Events Calendar&nbsp;and register.

 Pick up the Summer Learning Packets in the Technology Center available for grades K-8. The more packets completed the more prizes you could win.

If you know your child’s last measured reading level (if you don’t, your child’s teacher could help), you can find books your child can read confidently. There are also book-finding methods for reluctant readers and those not yet in school.&nbsp;

Leveled BooksSchool districts use different reading programs, so if you don’t know your child’s program, reach out to the school or last school year’s teacher. Chances are it is one of four most common programs:&nbsp; Guided Reading Level (GRL), Lexile Measures, Developmental Reading Assessment (DRL), or Accelerated Reader (AR). Ask a librarian for help or, for the more self-sufficient, use one of several downloadable book leveling apps or websites, such as Scholastic’s&nbsp;Book Wizard&nbsp;or Accelerated Reader’s&nbsp;Book Finder. Using an app on a portable device, you can scan book barcodes and view reading levels.

TestFinding the just-right book is as easy as picking a book and counting to five.1. Pick a book.2. Have your child read one page.3. Hold up one finger for every error and use the following chart:

2 – 3 = Just Right (challenging but can be read independently)

4 – 5 = Too Hard (can be read with a friend or adult)

The end goal of reading is comprehension. To help beginning or struggling readers, books with pictures or artwork help to bridge connections between the decoding of words and their meaning.&nbsp; For older kids apprehensive about reading, graphic novels often hit the mark for both practice and kids’ preference.

Bring your little ones to play and meet new friends at the beloved playspot in Youth Services at the Salina Public Library. If regular trips to the Library aren’t feasible, try to keep the kids off the electronics and into the outdoors as much as possible. Yes, this is easier said than done, yet worth trying (and putting up with any kid-sized objections). Creative play leads to better problem-solving abilities, social &amp; emotional skill building, and improved concentration and attention, amongst many more benefits.&nbsp;

Whatever this summer brings you and your kids, the Library is here to help!&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634353835637.jpeg" alt="SPL Salina Public Library front building.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>SPL Salina Public Library front building.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By Sarah WeisSalina Public Library Ah, summer! A magical time for school-aged kids to finally relax, enjoy more free time, maybe hit the swimming pool and…risk losing 20-to-27 percent of their reading and math skills from the recent school year.&nbsp;Core reading skills are built in the early elementary years, where kids grow from phonetics and alphabetic recognition to decoding words and basic comprehension. While skill retention through regular practice is particularly critical for the Kindergarten through 3rd-grade set, whose foundational skills are still developing, it remains important for older elementary students as well. As kids grow into the “middle grades” (4th-6th grades), the acceleration of their learning actually levels off. They are still acquiring plenty of knowledge, but the intensity at which they are learning slows, as most are building upon previous learning. However, the risk of skill loss can increase for this age group, especially if any fundamental skills introduced in their early school years didn’t fully cement. In other words, if they don’t use it, they risk losing it.&nbsp;But, when private tutors aren’t always feasible and seemingly endless commitments make long summer days seem short, how do you fit it all in? Here are a few suggestions:&nbsp;Use Your ResourcesAhem, not to brag, but public libraries are a great place to start. We are known for the books, but we have many other engaging things to do…and we have air conditioning! With offerings in everything from crafts to robots to classes facilitated by a licensed teacher to online learning programs and take-and-make activities for the introverts, you are likely to find something to keep your little brainiacs active this summer. Not to mention the contests and prizes for kids participating in the Salina Public Library Summer Reading Program.Grab a book, or two, or three. See&nbsp;What’s New&nbsp;at SPL. The Library has planned a summer full of learning fun! Check out a program on our&nbsp;Events Calendar&nbsp;and register. Pick up the Summer Learning Packets in the Technology Center available for grades K-8. The more packets completed the more prizes you could win.Level UpIf you know your child’s last measured reading level (if you don’t, your child’s teacher could help), you can find books your child can read confidently. There are also book-finding methods for reluctant readers and those not yet in school.&nbsp;Info to know:Leveled BooksSchool districts use different reading programs, so if you don’t know your child’s program, reach out to the school or last school year’s teacher. Chances are it is one of four most common programs:&nbsp; Guided Reading Level (GRL), Lexile Measures, Developmental Reading Assessment (DRL), or Accelerated Reader (AR). Ask a librarian for help or, for the more self-sufficient, use one of several downloadable book leveling apps or websites, such as Scholastic’s&nbsp;Book Wizard&nbsp;or Accelerated Reader’s&nbsp;Book Finder. Using an app on a portable device, you can scan book barcodes and view reading levels.Goldilocks TestFinding the just-right book is as easy as picking a book and counting to five.1. Pick a book.2. Have your child read one page.3. Hold up one finger for every error and use the following chart:0 – 1 = Too Easy (pleasure read)2 – 3 = Just Right (challenging but can be read independently)4 – 5 = Too Hard (can be read with a friend or adult)Picture it!The end goal of reading is comprehension. To help beginning or struggling readers, books with pictures or artwork help to bridge connections between the decoding of words and their meaning.&nbsp; For older kids apprehensive about reading, graphic novels often hit the mark for both practice and kids’ preference.Imagination StationBring your little ones to play and meet new friends at the beloved playspot in Youth Services at the Salina Public Library. If regular trips to the Library aren’t feasible, try to keep the kids off the electronics and into the outdoors as much as possible. Yes, this is easier said than done, yet worth trying (and putting up with any kid-sized objections). Creative play leads to better problem-solving abilities, social &amp; emotional skill building, and improved concentration and attention, amongst many more benefits.&nbsp;Whatever this summer brings you and your kids, the Library is here to help!&nbsp;

Use it or lose it, Salina Library shares tips for summertime learning

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating meth smuggling at the Barton County jai.

Over the course of several days last week, Barton County jail staff and Sheriff’s Office detectives became aware of a plan to smuggle methamphetamine into the Barton County Jail, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

Detectives had identified an individual who was serving weekends to fulfill his sentence who had been recruited to smuggle contraband into the jail. 

He was to pass the drugs to other inmates. On June 16, Sheriff’s Office detectives and jail staff discovered suspected methamphetamine sewn into the seam of his undergarments when the individual reported Friday evening.

Detectives arrested Craig Gowdy, 47 of Great Bend and booked him on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and trafficking contraband into a correctional facility. He is being held on a $50,000 bond.

An inmate currently in jail, identified as Matthew Cooley, 36 of Great Bend, was also arrested and booked on the same requested charges. Cooley was being held on two probation violation charges and now has additional trafficking and distribution charges. He now has an additional $50,000 bond.

The Sheriff’s Office believes there were additional co-conspirators in this case and will be seeking arrest warrants in the very near future.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687187831750.jpeg" alt="Craig Gowdy-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Craig Gowdy-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating meth smuggling at the Barton County jai.Over the course of several days last week, Barton County jail staff and Sheriff’s Office detectives became aware of a plan to smuggle methamphetamine into the Barton County Jail, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.Detectives had identified an individual who was serving weekends to fulfill his sentence who had been recruited to smuggle contraband into the jail. He was to pass the drugs to other inmates. On June 16, Sheriff’s Office detectives and jail staff discovered suspected methamphetamine sewn into the seam of his undergarments when the individual reported Friday evening.Detectives arrested Craig Gowdy, 47 of Great Bend and booked him on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and trafficking contraband into a correctional facility. He is being held on a $50,000 bond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687187849862.jpeg" alt="Matthew Cooley" />
 <figcaption>Matthew Cooley</figcaption>
 </figure>An inmate currently in jail, identified as Matthew Cooley, 36 of Great Bend, was also arrested and booked on the same requested charges. Cooley was being held on two probation violation charges and now has additional trafficking and distribution charges. He now has an additional $50,000 bond.The Sheriff’s Office believes there were additional co-conspirators in this case and will be seeking arrest warrants in the very near future.

Sheriff: Kansas inmate had meth sewn into his underwear

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor

The Salina Liberty battled but ultimately fell short in Champions Bowl VIII at the hands of the Omaha Beef, who capped off their undefeated season with a 50-30 win at the Slaughterhouse.

Omaha wasted no time jumping on the Liberty early, collecting a rogue point on the opening kickoff, before picking off Ed Crouch twice to bookend a touchdown on the ground and take an early 8-0 lead.

As the Beef looked to extend their advantage Salina forced a fumble that rolled into the end zone, and got on the board with a made field goal in the closing minutes of the first.

From there, the two teams traded punches, and the Liberty even found a lead thanks to a 32-yard hookup from Crouch to Anthony Love, but the Beef battled back and took a 17-12 lead into the intermission.

Out of the break, Omaha once again delivered a haymaker in the form of a kickoff return for a touchdown, but Salina bounced right back as Tracy Brooks took a handoff to the outside and ran 40 yards to the house to cut the deficit back to six.

After trading another set of scores, Omaha trotted out their kicker who hit a colossal 43-yard field goal to give the Beef a two-possession lead going into the fourth.

With their backs to the wall, Salina set out to trim the deficit once more, but a third interception by the Omaha secondary and a subsequent touchdown would put the game out of reach as the Beef went on to win 50-30.

Two of those crucial interceptions belonged to league leader Dreko Statham, who closed out his campaign with 15 picks in just 12 games.

With this, the book closes on yet another bittersweet Liberty campaign, that saw Salina rack up nine more wins and make a fourth-consecutive Champions Bowl, but fail to secure a second title.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617387097958.png" alt="Coverage of Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina Liberty battled but ultimately fell short in Champions Bowl VIII at the hands of the Omaha Beef, who capped off their undefeated season with a 50-30 win at the Slaughterhouse.Omaha wasted no time jumping on the Liberty early, collecting a rogue point on the opening kickoff, before picking off Ed Crouch twice to bookend a touchdown on the ground and take an early 8-0 lead.As the Beef looked to extend their advantage Salina forced a fumble that rolled into the end zone, and got on the board with a made field goal in the closing minutes of the first.From there, the two teams traded punches, and the Liberty even found a lead thanks to a 32-yard hookup from Crouch to Anthony Love, but the Beef battled back and took a 17-12 lead into the intermission.Out of the break, Omaha once again delivered a haymaker in the form of a kickoff return for a touchdown, but Salina bounced right back as Tracy Brooks took a handoff to the outside and ran 40 yards to the house to cut the deficit back to six.After trading another set of scores, Omaha trotted out their kicker who hit a colossal 43-yard field goal to give the Beef a two-possession lead going into the fourth.With their backs to the wall, Salina set out to trim the deficit once more, but a third interception by the Omaha secondary and a subsequent touchdown would put the game out of reach as the Beef went on to win 50-30.Two of those crucial interceptions belonged to league leader Dreko Statham, who closed out his campaign with 15 picks in just 12 games.With this, the book closes on yet another bittersweet Liberty campaign, that saw Salina rack up nine more wins and make a fourth-consecutive Champions Bowl, but fail to secure a second title.

Liberty fall to Beef in Champions Bowl VIII

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting at a funeral and have made an arrested as 18-year-old&nbsp;Demetrius Carter of Wichita.

Just after 2:00 pm, Friday, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 1100 block of North Oliver in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

First responders encountered a chaotic scene and a crowd of more than 50 people running in different directions. During the initial response officers located an 18-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to his right forearm and provided life-saving measures. The 18-year-old victim later identified as Carter was treated for his serious but not life-threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed that several suspects arrived at the parking lot of a local church and confronted a large group of people attending a funeral right outside the main door.

After a brief verbal altercation between both groups, an unknown number of people from both groups started to shoot at each other. After initial interviews, officers arrested Carter and transported him to investigations for further questioning. He is being held requested charges of eight counts of aggravated assault.

During the incident, several vehicles, and residences around and in front of the church’s parking lot were hit with gunfire. Police also recovered several firearms from the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686967298655.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting at a funeral and have made an arrested as 18-year-old&nbsp;Demetrius Carter of Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687013150860.png" alt="Blurry booking photo of Carter provided by Sedgwick County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Blurry booking photo of Carter provided by Sedgwick County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 2:00 pm, Friday, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 1100 block of North Oliver in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.First responders encountered a chaotic scene and a crowd of more than 50 people running in different directions. During the initial response officers located an 18-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to his right forearm and provided life-saving measures. The 18-year-old victim later identified as Carter was treated for his serious but not life-threatening injuries.The investigation revealed that several suspects arrived at the parking lot of a local church and confronted a large group of people attending a funeral right outside the main door.After a brief verbal altercation between both groups, an unknown number of people from both groups started to shoot at each other. After initial interviews, officers arrested Carter and transported him to investigations for further questioning. He is being held requested charges of eight counts of aggravated assault.During the incident, several vehicles, and residences around and in front of the church’s parking lot were hit with gunfire. Police also recovered several firearms from the scene.

Police ID Kan. teen arrested after gun fight outside funeral

NEW YORK (AP) — To its members, it’s a grassroots army of “joyful warriors” who “don’t co-parent with the government.”

To anti-hate researchers, it’s a well-connected extremist group that attacks inclusion in schools.

And to Republicans vying for the presidency, it has become a potential key partner in the fight for the 2024 nomination.

Moms for Liberty didn't exist during the last presidential campaign, but the Florida-based nonprofit that champions “parental rights” in education has rapidly become a major player for 2024, boosted in part by GOP operatives, politicians and donors.

The group that has been at the forefront of the conservative movement targeting books that reference race and gender identity and electing right-wing candidates to local school boards nationwide is hosting one of the next major gatherings for Republican&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2023">presidential primary contenders</a>. At least four are listed as speakers at the Moms for Liberty annual summit in Philadelphia later this month.

Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-2024-updates-cd5339d48064a149527e8f9a1aa7614e">Donald Trump</a>, Florida Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-2024-presidential-election-live-updates-0495d567326db1e760179d01f1f7c45e">Ron DeSantis</a>, former U.N. Ambassador&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nikki-haley-2024-presidential-campaign-formal-launch-bb059ae113e39152f5007864b4d139ae">Nikki Haley</a>&nbsp;and biotech entrepreneur and “anti-woke” activist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-and-politics-united-states-government-2022-midterm-elections-ohio-e1c1cbe47763bd979b6b47557aee043d">Vivek Ramaswamy</a>&nbsp;have announced they will speak at the meeting at the end of June.

The group said it is in talks to bring others to the conference, including Republican Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tim-scott-2024-presidential-race-4a73e00db2295afbc4b07d1c6bb64811">Tim Scott</a>&nbsp;of South Carolina and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-biden-president-2024-democrat-dd9d6ecf17b54f4b32e7b17778540431">Robert F. Kennedy Jr</a>., a fringe Democrat known for pushing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-kennedy-jr-presidential-campaign-9fb5ed5c8e1fd31d2a4458d44b086593">anti-vaccine conspiracy theories</a>.

The high interest in the event underscores how fights surrounding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-texas-pennsylvania-campaigns-elections-5bb0f7fb8c162d9f4da5c935271bc255">gender</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-critical-race-theory-08f5d0a0489c7d6eab7d9a238365d2c1">race</a>&nbsp;have become core issues for Republican voters. It also spotlights Republicans' eagerness to embrace a group that has drawn backlash for spreading anti-LGBTQ+ ideas and stripping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/book-bans-american-library-association-f84ac6fe3f8e3238fc54931bc1a5e054">libraries</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lgbtq-book-bans-91b2d4c086eb082cbecfdda2800ef29a">classrooms</a>&nbsp;of diverse material.

The group was founded in 2021 by Tiffany Justice, Tina Descovich and Bridget Ziegler, all current and former school board members in Florida who were unhappy with student mask and quarantine policies during the pandemic.

In two years, the organization has ballooned to 285 chapters across 44 states, Justice said. The group claims 120,000 active members.

It has expanded its activism in local school districts to target&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lgbtq-book-bans-91b2d4c086eb082cbecfdda2800ef29a">books it says are inappropriate</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/16W9grkwSFsIPRQOSpQfnAHNJzvDH5Bkk/view">“anti-American,”</a>&nbsp;ban instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity, require teachers to disclose students’ pronouns to parents, and remove diversity, equity and inclusion programs from schools.

The group also has sought to elect like-minded candidates to school boards. In 2022, just over half the 500 candidates it endorsed for school boards nationwide won their races, Justice said.

Moms for Liberty pitches itself as a nonpartisan, grassroots effort started by passionate parents who call themselves “joyful warriors." Yet the group's close ties to Republican organizations, donors and politicians raise questions about partisanship and doubts over how grassroots it really is.

Co-founder Ziegler, who stepped down from the board in late 2021 but remains supportive of the group, is married to the chairman of the Florida Republican Party. Still a school board member in Sarasota County, she also is a&nbsp;<a href="https://leadershipinstitute.org/contactUS/staff/?staff=7000711">director</a>&nbsp;at the Leadership Institute, a conservative organization that regularly trains Moms for Liberty members.

Marie Rogerson, who took Ziegler's place on the Moms for Liberty board, is an experienced political strategist who had previously managed the 2018 campaign of Florida state Rep. Randy Fine, a Republican.

The group also has quickly gained a close ally in DeSantis. In 2021, he signed Florida’s “Parents Bill of Rights,” which identified parents' rights to direct their kids' education and health care and was used to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-florida-coronavirus-pandemic-tallahassee-78a7d4b5117369eb37e8cb19c5ead0b2">fight local student mask mandates</a>. In 2022, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-lifestyle-education-florida-ron-desantis-322e0a40da909f48954b8b1bd9190750">signed a law</a>&nbsp;barring instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through the third grade, a ban opponents had labeled the “Don't Say Gay” bill and which has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dont-say-gay-desantis-florida-gender-d3a9c91f4b5383a5bf6df6f7d8ff65b6">since been extended</a>&nbsp;through 12th grade. Moms for Liberty had loudly advocated both pieces of legislation.

Ziegler appeared behind DeSantis in photographs of the latter bill's signing ceremony. When the group held its inaugural summit in Tampa last year, it hosted speeches by DeSantis and his wife, Casey, presenting the governor with a “liberty sword.”

And though the group is a 501(c)4 nonprofit that doesn’t have to disclose its donors, there are other glimpses of how powerful Republicans have helped fuel its rise.

Its summit sponsors, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.momsforliberty.org/summit-23-sponsorship-opportunities/">paid tens of thousands of dollars</a>&nbsp;for those slots, include the Leadership Institute, the conservative Heritage Foundation and Patriot Mobile, a far-right Christian cellphone company whose PAC&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-elections-education-school-boards-teaching-059f2465829ab009394469b95c8cc94a">has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars</a>&nbsp;in an effort to take over Texas school boards.

Maurice Cunningham, a former political science professor at the University of Massachusetts-Boston who has tracked Moms for Liberty's growth and relationships, said its ability to draw so many top Republican candidates to its second annual summit is a testament to its establishment support.

“Yes, there are certainly moms that live in their communities and so forth who are active,” Cunningham said. “But this is a top down, centrally controlled operation with big-money people at the top and political professionals working for them.”

Justice said the group's work with conservative organizations and DeSantis shows they take interest in the group's cause, but doesn't mean it isn't grassroots.

Even as Moms for Liberty has aligned with establishment Republicans, researchers say its activism is part of a new wave of far-right anti-student inclusion efforts around the country.

The Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate and extremism around the country, designated Moms for Liberty as an “anti-government extremist” group in its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.splcenter.org/year-hate-extremism-2022">annual report</a>&nbsp;released last week, along with 11 other groups it said use&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-education-gender-identity-0e2ca2cf0ef7d7bc6ef5b125f1ee0969">parents' rights</a>&nbsp;as a vehicle to attack public education and make schools less welcoming for minority and LGBTQ+ students.

The label comes after some of the group's leaders and chapter chairs have been accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/Report/MdjDocketSheet?docketNumber=MJ-60302-NT-0000079-2023&amp;dnh=S1aGVy3jfcq%2FBom1A%2BLguw%3D%3D">harassing community members</a>&nbsp;and amplifying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-target-swimsuits-transgender-pride-collection-892500330955">false claims related to gender controversies</a>.

Justice said calling Moms for Liberty's activities extremist is “alarming” and that the group’s efforts to fund and endorse school board races show it is not anti-government.

She said the group removes chapter chairs who break its code of conduct and that it has members and leaders who are gay, including one member of its national leadership team.

A growing coalition of local organizations that promote inclusivity in education has begun to mobilize against Moms for Liberty and are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.change.org/p/help-me-stop-marriott-pennsylvania-from-hosting-a-hate-group-conference">petitioning Marriott</a>&nbsp;to stop the upcoming conference. Defense of Democracy, a New York organization founded in direct opposition to Moms for Liberty, plans to bring members to Philadelphia to protest in person.

“They’re so loud and so aggressive that people are kind of scared into silence,” Defense of Democracy founder Karen Svoboda said of Moms for Liberty. "You know, if you see bigotry and homophobia, there is a civic responsibility to speak out against it."

Moms for Liberty, in turn, said it will increase security for its meeting. Marriott hasn't responded to the petition, and the Southern Poverty Law Center's “extremist” designation hasn't deterred any Republican candidate who plans to speak.

Haley responded by tweeting, “If @Moms4Liberty is a ‘hate group,’ add me to the list.” Ramaswamy went onstage for a Thursday town hall with Justice and tweeted that SPLC stands for “Selling Political Lies to Corporations.”

Those responses are unsurprising to Cunningham, who said in today's climate, the “extremist” label is “almost a badge of honor” within the GOP.

Moms for Liberty, for its part, is fundraising off it. After the SPLC report was public, Justice said the group quickly raised $45,000, an amount a larger donor has agreed to match.

NEW YORK (AP) — To its members, it’s a grassroots army of “joyful warriors” who “don’t co-parent with the government.”To anti-hate researchers, it’s a well-connected extremist group that attacks inclusion in schools.And to Republicans vying for the presidency, it has become a potential key partner in the fight for the 2024 nomination.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMoms4Liberty%2Fvideos%2F131447996588665%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Moms for Liberty didn't exist during the last presidential campaign, but the Florida-based nonprofit that champions “parental rights” in education has rapidly become a major player for 2024, boosted in part by GOP operatives, politicians and donors.The group that has been at the forefront of the conservative movement targeting books that reference race and gender identity and electing right-wing candidates to local school boards nationwide is hosting one of the next major gatherings for Republican&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2023">presidential primary contenders</a>. At least four are listed as speakers at the Moms for Liberty annual summit in Philadelphia later this month.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMoms4Liberty%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02bzcnSBgW6nxrGvrq1UyASLhrsXqwcERjw2tF245CmWyrgmEy8L45j4wYikGPgFuCl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="672" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-2024-updates-cd5339d48064a149527e8f9a1aa7614e">Donald Trump</a>, Florida Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-2024-presidential-election-live-updates-0495d567326db1e760179d01f1f7c45e">Ron DeSantis</a>, former U.N. Ambassador&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nikki-haley-2024-presidential-campaign-formal-launch-bb059ae113e39152f5007864b4d139ae">Nikki Haley</a>&nbsp;and biotech entrepreneur and “anti-woke” activist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-and-politics-united-states-government-2022-midterm-elections-ohio-e1c1cbe47763bd979b6b47557aee043d">Vivek Ramaswamy</a>&nbsp;have announced they will speak at the meeting at the end of June.The group said it is in talks to bring others to the conference, including Republican Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tim-scott-2024-presidential-race-4a73e00db2295afbc4b07d1c6bb64811">Tim Scott</a>&nbsp;of South Carolina and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-biden-president-2024-democrat-dd9d6ecf17b54f4b32e7b17778540431">Robert F. Kennedy Jr</a>., a fringe Democrat known for pushing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-kennedy-jr-presidential-campaign-9fb5ed5c8e1fd31d2a4458d44b086593">anti-vaccine conspiracy theories</a>.The high interest in the event underscores how fights surrounding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-texas-pennsylvania-campaigns-elections-5bb0f7fb8c162d9f4da5c935271bc255">gender</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-critical-race-theory-08f5d0a0489c7d6eab7d9a238365d2c1">race</a>&nbsp;have become core issues for Republican voters. It also spotlights Republicans' eagerness to embrace a group that has drawn backlash for spreading anti-LGBTQ+ ideas and stripping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/book-bans-american-library-association-f84ac6fe3f8e3238fc54931bc1a5e054">libraries</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lgbtq-book-bans-91b2d4c086eb082cbecfdda2800ef29a">classrooms</a>&nbsp;of diverse material.The group was founded in 2021 by Tiffany Justice, Tina Descovich and Bridget Ziegler, all current and former school board members in Florida who were unhappy with student mask and quarantine policies during the pandemic.In two years, the organization has ballooned to 285 chapters across 44 states, Justice said. The group claims 120,000 active members.It has expanded its activism in local school districts to target&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lgbtq-book-bans-91b2d4c086eb082cbecfdda2800ef29a">books it says are inappropriate</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/16W9grkwSFsIPRQOSpQfnAHNJzvDH5Bkk/view">“anti-American,”</a>&nbsp;ban instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity, require teachers to disclose students’ pronouns to parents, and remove diversity, equity and inclusion programs from schools.The group also has sought to elect like-minded candidates to school boards. In 2022, just over half the 500 candidates it endorsed for school boards nationwide won their races, Justice said.Moms for Liberty pitches itself as a nonpartisan, grassroots effort started by passionate parents who call themselves “joyful warriors." Yet the group's close ties to Republican organizations, donors and politicians raise questions about partisanship and doubts over how grassroots it really is.Co-founder Ziegler, who stepped down from the board in late 2021 but remains supportive of the group, is married to the chairman of the Florida Republican Party. Still a school board member in Sarasota County, she also is a&nbsp;<a href="https://leadershipinstitute.org/contactUS/staff/?staff=7000711">director</a>&nbsp;at the Leadership Institute, a conservative organization that regularly trains Moms for Liberty members.Marie Rogerson, who took Ziegler's place on the Moms for Liberty board, is an experienced political strategist who had previously managed the 2018 campaign of Florida state Rep. Randy Fine, a Republican.The group also has quickly gained a close ally in DeSantis. In 2021, he signed Florida’s “Parents Bill of Rights,” which identified parents' rights to direct their kids' education and health care and was used to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-florida-coronavirus-pandemic-tallahassee-78a7d4b5117369eb37e8cb19c5ead0b2">fight local student mask mandates</a>. In 2022, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-lifestyle-education-florida-ron-desantis-322e0a40da909f48954b8b1bd9190750">signed a law</a>&nbsp;barring instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through the third grade, a ban opponents had labeled the “Don't Say Gay” bill and which has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dont-say-gay-desantis-florida-gender-d3a9c91f4b5383a5bf6df6f7d8ff65b6">since been extended</a>&nbsp;through 12th grade. Moms for Liberty had loudly advocated both pieces of legislation.Ziegler appeared behind DeSantis in photographs of the latter bill's signing ceremony. When the group held its inaugural summit in Tampa last year, it hosted speeches by DeSantis and his wife, Casey, presenting the governor with a “liberty sword.”And though the group is a 501(c)4 nonprofit that doesn’t have to disclose its donors, there are other glimpses of how powerful Republicans have helped fuel its rise.Its summit sponsors, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.momsforliberty.org/summit-23-sponsorship-opportunities/">paid tens of thousands of dollars</a>&nbsp;for those slots, include the Leadership Institute, the conservative Heritage Foundation and Patriot Mobile, a far-right Christian cellphone company whose PAC&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-elections-education-school-boards-teaching-059f2465829ab009394469b95c8cc94a">has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars</a>&nbsp;in an effort to take over Texas school boards.Maurice Cunningham, a former political science professor at the University of Massachusetts-Boston who has tracked Moms for Liberty's growth and relationships, said its ability to draw so many top Republican candidates to its second annual summit is a testament to its establishment support.“Yes, there are certainly moms that live in their communities and so forth who are active,” Cunningham said. “But this is a top down, centrally controlled operation with big-money people at the top and political professionals working for them.”Justice said the group's work with conservative organizations and DeSantis shows they take interest in the group's cause, but doesn't mean it isn't grassroots.Even as Moms for Liberty has aligned with establishment Republicans, researchers say its activism is part of a new wave of far-right anti-student inclusion efforts around the country.The Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate and extremism around the country, designated Moms for Liberty as an “anti-government extremist” group in its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.splcenter.org/year-hate-extremism-2022">annual report</a>&nbsp;released last week, along with 11 other groups it said use&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-education-gender-identity-0e2ca2cf0ef7d7bc6ef5b125f1ee0969">parents' rights</a>&nbsp;as a vehicle to attack public education and make schools less welcoming for minority and LGBTQ+ students.The label comes after some of the group's leaders and chapter chairs have been accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/Report/MdjDocketSheet?docketNumber=MJ-60302-NT-0000079-2023&amp;dnh=S1aGVy3jfcq%2FBom1A%2BLguw%3D%3D">harassing community members</a>&nbsp;and amplifying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-target-swimsuits-transgender-pride-collection-892500330955">false claims related to gender controversies</a>.Justice said calling Moms for Liberty's activities extremist is “alarming” and that the group’s efforts to fund and endorse school board races show it is not anti-government.She said the group removes chapter chairs who break its code of conduct and that it has members and leaders who are gay, including one member of its national leadership team.A growing coalition of local organizations that promote inclusivity in education has begun to mobilize against Moms for Liberty and are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.change.org/p/help-me-stop-marriott-pennsylvania-from-hosting-a-hate-group-conference">petitioning Marriott</a>&nbsp;to stop the upcoming conference. Defense of Democracy, a New York organization founded in direct opposition to Moms for Liberty, plans to bring members to Philadelphia to protest in person.“They’re so loud and so aggressive that people are kind of scared into silence,” Defense of Democracy founder Karen Svoboda said of Moms for Liberty. "You know, if you see bigotry and homophobia, there is a civic responsibility to speak out against it."Moms for Liberty, in turn, said it will increase security for its meeting. Marriott hasn't responded to the petition, and the Southern Poverty Law Center's “extremist” designation hasn't deterred any Republican candidate who plans to speak.Haley responded by tweeting, “If @Moms4Liberty is a ‘hate group,’ add me to the list.” Ramaswamy went onstage for a Thursday town hall with Justice and tweeted that SPLC stands for “Selling Political Lies to Corporations.”Those responses are unsurprising to Cunningham, who said in today's climate, the “extremist” label is “almost a badge of honor” within the GOP.Moms for Liberty, for its part, is fundraising off it. After the SPLC report was public, Justice said the group quickly raised $45,000, an amount a larger donor has agreed to match.

Moms for Liberty rises as power player in GOP politics

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a chase and arrest.&nbsp;

Just after 3:30a.m. Friday, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop near SW 29th Street and SW Topeka Boulevard on a green2007 Kia Sportage that had been reported stolen through the Topeka Police Department, according to Deputy Shayna Anderson.

The driver, later identified as&nbsp;Michelle L. Baker, 36, of Topeka, failed to stop and initiated a pursuit. During the pursuit, the driver drove through multiple yards, striking a mailbox in the 3300 block of SE Bryant Street. The pursuit ended in the 3300 block of SE Adams Street where she was taken into custody.

Baker was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of stolen property, felony flee and elude, reckless driving, criminal damage to property, operating a vehicle without a valid license, and numerous traffic violations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687004252926.png" alt="Baker-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Baker-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a chase and arrest.&nbsp;Just after 3:30a.m. Friday, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop near SW 29th Street and SW Topeka Boulevard on a green2007 Kia Sportage that had been reported stolen through the Topeka Police Department, according to Deputy Shayna Anderson.The driver, later identified as&nbsp;Michelle L. Baker, 36, of Topeka, failed to stop and initiated a pursuit. During the pursuit, the driver drove through multiple yards, striking a mailbox in the 3300 block of SE Bryant Street. The pursuit ended in the 3300 block of SE Adams Street where she was taken into custody.Baker was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of stolen property, felony flee and elude, reckless driving, criminal damage to property, operating a vehicle without a valid license, and numerous traffic violations.

Kansas woman jailed after chase in reported stolen SUV

GEARY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman's drug overdose and have made an arrest.

Just before midnight Wednesday, police were responded to the 1400 block of N. Calhoun Street in Junction City the report of a possible overdose, according to a media release.

First responders found a 40-year-old female suffering from an apparent overdose. The Junction City Fire Department transported the woman to the Stormont Vail Flint Hills Campus and then on to Stormont Vail in Topeka where she is in critical condition.

Following an investigation, Junction City Drug Task Force Detectives served a search warrant at a residence in the 300 block of W. 13th Street in Junction City.

During the search detectives found cocaine, fentanyl pills, marijuana, 9 firearms and approximately $17,000 in US Currency. They also arrested 40-year-old Alex D. Schooler, of Junction City in connection with the overdose.&nbsp;

Schooler was booked into the Geary County Detention Center on requested charges of Distribution of a controlled substance causing great bodily harm or death, Distribution of certain stimulants within 1000 feet of a school, Criminal use of a weapon by a prohibited person, Distribution of opiates within 1000 feet of a school, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Acquisition of drug proceeds

Schooler is being held without bond, at the Geary County Detention Facility, while he awaits his first appearance in the Geary County District Court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686846316601.jpeg" alt="Alex Djuane Schooler-photo Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Alex Djuane Schooler-photo Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman's drug overdose and have made an arrest.Just before midnight Wednesday, police were responded to the 1400 block of N. Calhoun Street in Junction City the report of a possible overdose, according to a media release.First responders found a 40-year-old female suffering from an apparent overdose. The Junction City Fire Department transported the woman to the Stormont Vail Flint Hills Campus and then on to Stormont Vail in Topeka where she is in critical condition.Following an investigation, Junction City Drug Task Force Detectives served a search warrant at a residence in the 300 block of W. 13th Street in Junction City.During the search detectives found cocaine, fentanyl pills, marijuana, 9 firearms and approximately $17,000 in US Currency. They also arrested 40-year-old Alex D. Schooler, of Junction City in connection with the overdose.&nbsp;Schooler was booked into the Geary County Detention Center on requested charges of Distribution of a controlled substance causing great bodily harm or death, Distribution of certain stimulants within 1000 feet of a school, Criminal use of a weapon by a prohibited person, Distribution of opiates within 1000 feet of a school, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Acquisition of drug proceedsSchooler is being held without bond, at the Geary County Detention Facility, while he awaits his first appearance in the Geary County District Court.

Kan. man jailed after investigation of woman's drug overdose

JUNCTION CITY - The Junction City Police Department was called out to the 1400 block of N. Calhoun Street at just before 11:45pm on Wednesday, June 14th, on the report of a possible overdose.

When officers arrived on scene, they found a 40-year-old female suffering from an apparent overdose. The Junction City Fire Department transported the woman to the Stormont Vail Flint Hills Campus and then on to Stormont Vail in Topeka where she is in critical condition.

After the search detectives arrested 40-year-old, Alex D. Schooler, of Junction City in connection with the overdose.&nbsp;

Schooler was booked into the Geary County Detention Center on requested charges of:&nbsp; -Distribution of a controlled substance causing great bodily harm or death -Distribution of certain stimulants within 1000 feet of a school -Criminal use of a weapon by a prohibited person -Distribution of opiates within 1000 feet of a school -Possession of marijuana -Possession of drug paraphernalia -Acquisition of drug proceeds&nbsp;&nbsp;

Detectives found cocaine, fentanyl pills, marijuana, 9 firearms and approximately $17,000 in US Currency.

JCPD will release no further details at this time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686846316601.jpeg" alt="Alex Djuane Schooler" />
 <figcaption>Alex Djuane Schooler</figcaption>
 </figure>JUNCTION CITY - The Junction City Police Department was called out to the 1400 block of N. Calhoun Street at just before 11:45pm on Wednesday, June 14th, on the report of a possible overdose.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2881.1652798072987!2d-96.84549192432907!3d39.0366709716946!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87bc4ea9d5bc7769%3A0x4284f2884819f9ef!2s1400%20N%20Calhoun%20St%2C%20Junction%20City%2C%20KS%2066441!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1686860549474!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>When officers arrived on scene, they found a 40-year-old female suffering from an apparent overdose. The Junction City Fire Department transported the woman to the Stormont Vail Flint Hills Campus and then on to Stormont Vail in Topeka where she is in critical condition.Following an investigation, Junction City Drug Task Force Detectives served a search warrant at a residence in the 300 block of W. 13th Street in Junction City.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2881.2061227556096!2d-96.83590482432916!3d39.035552971694834!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87bc4955183ed2b7%3A0xe12d45ffba079fa5!2s300%20W%2013th%20St%2C%20Junction%20City%2C%20KS%2066441!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1686861042918!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>After the search detectives arrested 40-year-old, Alex D. Schooler, of Junction City in connection with the overdose.&nbsp;Schooler was booked into the Geary County Detention Center on requested charges of:&nbsp; -Distribution of a controlled substance causing great bodily harm or death -Distribution of certain stimulants within 1000 feet of a school -Criminal use of a weapon by a prohibited person -Distribution of opiates within 1000 feet of a school -Possession of marijuana -Possession of drug paraphernalia -Acquisition of drug proceeds&nbsp;&nbsp;Detectives found cocaine, fentanyl pills, marijuana, 9 firearms and approximately $17,000 in US Currency.Schooler is being held without bond, at the Geary County Detention Facility, while he awaits his first appearance in the Geary County District Court.JCPD will release no further details at this time.

Police: JCPD arrest 40yo man, 40yo woman hospitalized for overdose

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp; multiple car burglaries at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel located at 2033 SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka have made an arrest. 

Just after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Topeka police investigators identified a vehicle involved in the incident in the 2400 block of SE 25th Street, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols

 A short time later, officers located the driver, identified as Travis D. Munsell, 33, of Topeka., Munsell was determined to have been involved, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charge that include Possession of stolen property, Burglary; Vehicle to commit felony, theft or sexually motivated crime, Theft and Criminal Use Of A Financial Card.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773425903.png" alt="Munsell-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Munsell-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp; multiple car burglaries at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel located at 2033 SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka have made an arrest. Just after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Topeka police investigators identified a vehicle involved in the incident in the 2400 block of SE 25th Street, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols A short time later, officers located the driver, identified as Travis D. Munsell, 33, of Topeka., Munsell was determined to have been involved, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charge that include Possession of stolen property, Burglary; Vehicle to commit felony, theft or sexually motivated crime, Theft and Criminal Use Of A Financial Card.

Kansas man accused of multiple car burglaries at hotel

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects for allegedly driving under the influence and one who was involved in an accident with a police officer.

Just after 2a.m. Wednesday, a Traffic Officer was investigating a suspected DUI at West and University in Wichita when his vehicle was rear ended by another suspected DUI, according to a media release.

 Both the initial DUI involving Ruben D. Roble and the driver identified as Dallas Marques Ligons that rear-ended the police car&nbsp; were arrested on multiple traffic allegations.

The Police vehicle had significant damage and had to be towed from the scene.  There were no injuries involved during the crash.&nbsp;

Roble was arrested on requested charge of: DRIVING UNDER THE INFL
OF DRUGS/ALCOHOL; 1ST CONV;COMPETENT EVIDENCE OF BLOOD/BREATH .08+ and driving without a license, according to police booking records.

Ligons was booked on requested charges of&nbsp;DRIVING
UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS/ALC; 1ST CONV; INCAPABLE OF SAFELY Driving, Driving while suspended and VEHICLE
LIABILITY INSURANCE REQUIRED, according to police booking records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686760168415.png" alt="Roble-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Roble-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects for allegedly driving under the influence and one who was involved in an accident with a police officer.(click below to watch)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWichitaPolice%2Fvideos%2F769454641534515%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Just after 2a.m. Wednesday, a Traffic Officer was investigating a suspected DUI at West and University in Wichita when his vehicle was rear ended by another suspected DUI, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686760234186.png" alt="Ligons-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Ligons-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure> Both the initial DUI involving Ruben D. Roble and the driver identified as Dallas Marques Ligons that rear-ended the police car&nbsp; were arrested on multiple traffic allegations.The Police vehicle had significant damage and had to be towed from the scene. There were no injuries involved during the crash.&nbsp;Roble was arrested on requested charge of: DRIVING UNDER THE INFL
OF DRUGS/ALCOHOL; 1ST CONV;COMPETENT EVIDENCE OF BLOOD/BREATH .08+ and driving without a license, according to police booking records.Ligons was booked on requested charges of&nbsp;DRIVING
UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS/ALC; 1ST CONV; INCAPABLE OF SAFELY Driving, Driving while suspended and VEHICLE
LIABILITY INSURANCE REQUIRED, according to police booking records.