ATLANTA (AP) — Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis can prosecute&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-georgia-election-investigation-grand-jury-willis-d39562cedfc60d64948708de1b011ed3">Donald Trump on charges that he interfered with Georgia's 2020 election</a>&nbsp;now that a special prosecutor with whom she had a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-willis-wade-georgia-election-5d76abb5578308317306e7b2e610ac91">romantic relationship</a>&nbsp;has withdrawn from the case.

But the long-term impacts of allegations of impropriety that have roiled the case for weeks remain to be seen, with Trump and his allies certain to continue to attack the legitimacy of the prosecution against the former president and 18 others.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee ruled Friday that Willis could stay if special prosecutor Nathan Wade left. That was a partial victory for Willis, whom defense attorneys had pushed to have removed from the case over her relationship Wade.

But the judge also rebuked Willis for her “tremendous” lapse in judgment and questioned the truthfulness of Wade's and her testimony about the timing of their relationship.

It's an extraordinary decision in a case that in recent weeks has taken on a soap opera atmosphere as the prosecutors who pledged to hold Trump accountable had their own personal lives thrust into the spotlight.

Here are some major takeaways from the judge's ruling:

<a href="https://justthenews.com/sites/default/files/2024-03/JudgeRuling_0.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the full ruling

The judge's ruling threw it to Willis to decide whether she — and her entire office — would step aside or whether Wade would withdraw from the case. The judge said the prosecution couldn't move forward until one of those two actions was taken.

Several hours after the ruling came down, Wade offered his resignation and Willis accepted it.

If Willis had instead opted to step aside, the case would have been referred to the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council — a nonpartisan association of Georgia district attorneys — to be assigned to a different prosecutor.

That could have upended the entire prosecution. Another prosecutor could have continued on the track that Willis has taken, could have chosen to pursue only some charges or could have dropped the case altogether.

The defense attorney who first revealed the romantic relationship, Ashleigh Merchant, alleged that Willis paid Wade large sums for his work and then improperly benefited from the prosecution of the case when Wade used his earnings to pay for vacations for the two of them.

Willis and Wade argued that the district attorney received no financial benefit from the relationship and that she either paid for things herself or used cash to reimburse Wade for travel expenses.

Judge McAfee called it “concerning” that there were no documents to corroborate Willis' claim that she paid Wade back. But he said Willis' testimony “withstood direct contradiction” and was corroborated by other evidence, including her purchase of a flight for two in 2022. That led the judge to conclude that the claim “was not so incredible as to be inherently unbelievable.”

The judge said there was no way no know for sure that Willis and Wade's expenses were split evenly — and Willis “may well have received a net benefit of several hundred dollars.” But, McAfee said the defendants didn't provide sufficient evidence to prove that Willis financially benefited from hiring Wade.

Furthermore, McAfee concluded that enriching herself through her relationship with Wade was not a motivating factor in Willis' decision to bring the case.

The judge noted that Willis was not “financially destitute throughout this time or in any great need,” but was making more than $200,000 per year. He also said there was no indication she was trying to prolong the case to rake in more money, noting that prosecutors had initially wanted the case to go to trial less than six months after they brought the indictment.

Attorneys for Trump and others said Willis’ public statements about the case veered into the realm of misconduct, saying she expressed her belief in the guilt of the defendants.

McAfee noted that he had to consider whether the remarks were “part of a calculated plan” to prejudice the defendants in the minds of future jurors. He said the comments must be “egregiously” improper to justify disqualification.

The judge found that statements Willis made describing the charges in the indictment, her office’s conviction rates and personal anecdotes were not disqualifying. That extended to her “unorthodox decision” to speak on the record to authors of a book about the special grand jury investigation that preceded the indictment, he wrote.

A speech she gave at a historic Black church in Atlanta less than a week after the allegations of her relationship with Wade surfaced was a different matter, the judge wrote. Willis complained in those remarks that people had questioned her decision to hire Wade and questioned his qualifications, seeming to suggest the criticism arose from the fact that she and Wade are Black.

McAfee noted that the speech did not mention any defendant by name and did not address the merits of the charges in the case or disclose any sensitive or confidential evidence. He said he didn’t find that it crossed the line to the point that the defendants couldn’t have a fair trial.

“But it was still legally improper,” he wrote. “Providing this type of public comment creates dangerous waters for the District Attorney to wade further into.”

He noted that it may well be time for an order preventing prosecutors from mentioning a case in public to prevent prejudicial pretrial publicity, but he said that was not the issue currently before him.

McAfee has recently made his own public statements about the case.

He said in an interview on WSB Radio last week that he’d had a rough draft of his ruling ready before he knew that anyone planned to challenge him in a May election and that “the result is not going to change because of politics.” When a WSB-TV reporter snagged him on the sidelines of a Rotary Club lunch Thursday, McAfee said the ruling would be out Friday and that “no ruling of mine is ever going to be based on politics.”

McAfee was appointed to his seat by Georgia's Republican governor and faces two challengers in a May election. The race is nonpartisan, but Fulton County is a Democratic stronghold.

Wade was questioned on the stand about statements he had made in his divorce case that he hadn’t been romantically involved with anyone other than his wife during their marriage. His “patently unpersuasive explanation” for those inaccuracies “indicates a willingness on his part to wrongly conceal his relationship with the District Attorney,” McAfee wrote.

McAfee also found himself unable to determine the answer to a central question in the evidentiary hearing: whether Willis and Wade began their romantic relationship before she hired him. Neither side provided sufficient evidence to make a conclusive determination, he wrote.

But he said, “an odor of mendacity remains.” He wrote that “reasonable questions” about whether Willis and Wade testified truthfully about that timing “further underpin the finding of an appearance of impropriety and the need to make proportional efforts to cure it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708029546187.png" alt="-Fulton County DA Fani Willis during the hearing in February-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>-Fulton County DA Fani Willis during the hearing in February-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis can prosecute&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-georgia-election-investigation-grand-jury-willis-d39562cedfc60d64948708de1b011ed3">Donald Trump on charges that he interfered with Georgia's 2020 election</a>&nbsp;now that a special prosecutor with whom she had a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-willis-wade-georgia-election-5d76abb5578308317306e7b2e610ac91">romantic relationship</a>&nbsp;has withdrawn from the case.But the long-term impacts of allegations of impropriety that have roiled the case for weeks remain to be seen, with Trump and his allies certain to continue to attack the legitimacy of the prosecution against the former president and 18 others.Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee ruled Friday that Willis could stay if special prosecutor Nathan Wade left. That was a partial victory for Willis, whom defense attorneys had pushed to have removed from the case over her relationship Wade.But the judge also rebuked Willis for her “tremendous” lapse in judgment and questioned the truthfulness of Wade's and her testimony about the timing of their relationship.It's an extraordinary decision in a case that in recent weeks has taken on a soap opera atmosphere as the prosecutors who pledged to hold Trump accountable had their own personal lives thrust into the spotlight.Here are some major takeaways from the judge's ruling:<a href="https://justthenews.com/sites/default/files/2024-03/JudgeRuling_0.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the full ruling<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710529782555.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>THE JUDGE PUT THE BALL IN WILLIS' COURTThe judge's ruling threw it to Willis to decide whether she — and her entire office — would step aside or whether Wade would withdraw from the case. The judge said the prosecution couldn't move forward until one of those two actions was taken.Several hours after the ruling came down, Wade offered his resignation and Willis accepted it.If Willis had instead opted to step aside, the case would have been referred to the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council — a nonpartisan association of Georgia district attorneys — to be assigned to a different prosecutor.That could have upended the entire prosecution. Another prosecutor could have continued on the track that Willis has taken, could have chosen to pursue only some charges or could have dropped the case altogether.FINANCIAL CONCERNSThe defense attorney who first revealed the romantic relationship, Ashleigh Merchant, alleged that Willis paid Wade large sums for his work and then improperly benefited from the prosecution of the case when Wade used his earnings to pay for vacations for the two of them.Willis and Wade argued that the district attorney received no financial benefit from the relationship and that she either paid for things herself or used cash to reimburse Wade for travel expenses.Judge McAfee called it “concerning” that there were no documents to corroborate Willis' claim that she paid Wade back. But he said Willis' testimony “withstood direct contradiction” and was corroborated by other evidence, including her purchase of a flight for two in 2022. That led the judge to conclude that the claim “was not so incredible as to be inherently unbelievable.”The judge said there was no way no know for sure that Willis and Wade's expenses were split evenly — and Willis “may well have received a net benefit of several hundred dollars.” But, McAfee said the defendants didn't provide sufficient evidence to prove that Willis financially benefited from hiring Wade.Furthermore, McAfee concluded that enriching herself through her relationship with Wade was not a motivating factor in Willis' decision to bring the case.The judge noted that Willis was not “financially destitute throughout this time or in any great need,” but was making more than $200,000 per year. He also said there was no indication she was trying to prolong the case to rake in more money, noting that prosecutors had initially wanted the case to go to trial less than six months after they brought the indictment.WILLIS’ PUBLIC STATEMENTSAttorneys for Trump and others said Willis’ public statements about the case veered into the realm of misconduct, saying she expressed her belief in the guilt of the defendants.McAfee noted that he had to consider whether the remarks were “part of a calculated plan” to prejudice the defendants in the minds of future jurors. He said the comments must be “egregiously” improper to justify disqualification.The judge found that statements Willis made describing the charges in the indictment, her office’s conviction rates and personal anecdotes were not disqualifying. That extended to her “unorthodox decision” to speak on the record to authors of a book about the special grand jury investigation that preceded the indictment, he wrote.A speech she gave at a historic Black church in Atlanta less than a week after the allegations of her relationship with Wade surfaced was a different matter, the judge wrote. Willis complained in those remarks that people had questioned her decision to hire Wade and questioned his qualifications, seeming to suggest the criticism arose from the fact that she and Wade are Black.McAfee noted that the speech did not mention any defendant by name and did not address the merits of the charges in the case or disclose any sensitive or confidential evidence. He said he didn’t find that it crossed the line to the point that the defendants couldn’t have a fair trial.“But it was still legally improper,” he wrote. “Providing this type of public comment creates dangerous waters for the District Attorney to wade further into.”He noted that it may well be time for an order preventing prosecutors from mentioning a case in public to prevent prejudicial pretrial publicity, but he said that was not the issue currently before him.McAfee has recently made his own public statements about the case.He said in an interview on WSB Radio last week that he’d had a rough draft of his ruling ready before he knew that anyone planned to challenge him in a May election and that “the result is not going to change because of politics.” When a WSB-TV reporter snagged him on the sidelines of a Rotary Club lunch Thursday, McAfee said the ruling would be out Friday and that “no ruling of mine is ever going to be based on politics.”McAfee was appointed to his seat by Georgia's Republican governor and faces two challengers in a May election. The race is nonpartisan, but Fulton County is a Democratic stronghold.LACK OF CANDORWade was questioned on the stand about statements he had made in his divorce case that he hadn’t been romantically involved with anyone other than his wife during their marriage. His “patently unpersuasive explanation” for those inaccuracies “indicates a willingness on his part to wrongly conceal his relationship with the District Attorney,” McAfee wrote.McAfee also found himself unable to determine the answer to a central question in the evidentiary hearing: whether Willis and Wade began their romantic relationship before she hired him. Neither side provided sufficient evidence to make a conclusive determination, he wrote.But he said, “an odor of mendacity remains.” He wrote that “reasonable questions” about whether Willis and Wade testified truthfully about that timing “further underpin the finding of an appearance of impropriety and the need to make proportional efforts to cure it.”

Read Judge's explosive ruling on DA in Trump's election fraud case

Kansas Wesleyan announced Friday that Dr. Rebecca Chopp ’74 will speak on Saturday, April 20, at 11 a.m. in Peters Science Hall 201. Chopp’s words will immediately follow the annual Best of KWU student presentations and will be part of Spring Alumni and Community Weekend 2024.&nbsp;

The presentation will be open to the public, and afterwards, Chopp will sign copies of her latest book, “Still Me: Accepting Alzheimer’s Without Losing Yourself,” which was published last month.&nbsp;

“It’s always a pleasure to welcome back one of a university’s most distinguished alumni,” said Ken Oliver, executive vice president of advancement and university operations. “Their presence shows students what’s possible and the true value of a liberal arts education. We are thankful that Dr. Chopp has agreed to share her story not only at the Scholarship Gala, but also with any community member who might wish to hear it.”

Chopp is, indeed, one of Kansas Wesleyan’s most distinguished alumni, having served as the first female chancellor of the University of Denver, 2014-19. She was also the first female president of Swarthmore College and Colgate University and held leadership positions at Emory and Yale universities.

The appearance will be Chopp’s first of two that Saturday, as the academic luminary will offer the keynote address at that evening’s Scholarship Gala. More information on the Gala is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kwu.edu/gala2024">www.kwu.edu/gala2024</a>.&nbsp;

The full Spring Alumni Weekend schedule will be released next week.&nbsp;

For more information on Kansas Wesleyan University, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kwu.edu/news">www.kwu.edu/news</a>.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6a550354-6897-43ad-9ea4-e99803bd1d61">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - the township of Hedville - Vol. 33</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710601940818.jpeg" alt="Dr. Rebecca Chopp. Image courtesy Kansas Wesleyan University" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Rebecca Chopp. Image courtesy Kansas Wesleyan University</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedKansas Wesleyan announced Friday that Dr. Rebecca Chopp ’74 will speak on Saturday, April 20, at 11 a.m. in Peters Science Hall 201. Chopp’s words will immediately follow the annual Best of KWU student presentations and will be part of Spring Alumni and Community Weekend 2024.&nbsp;The presentation will be open to the public, and afterwards, Chopp will sign copies of her latest book, “Still Me: Accepting Alzheimer’s Without Losing Yourself,” which was published last month.&nbsp;“It’s always a pleasure to welcome back one of a university’s most distinguished alumni,” said Ken Oliver, executive vice president of advancement and university operations. “Their presence shows students what’s possible and the true value of a liberal arts education. We are thankful that Dr. Chopp has agreed to share her story not only at the Scholarship Gala, but also with any community member who might wish to hear it.”Chopp is, indeed, one of Kansas Wesleyan’s most distinguished alumni, having served as the first female chancellor of the University of Denver, 2014-19. She was also the first female president of Swarthmore College and Colgate University and held leadership positions at Emory and Yale universities.The appearance will be Chopp’s first of two that Saturday, as the academic luminary will offer the keynote address at that evening’s Scholarship Gala. More information on the Gala is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kwu.edu/gala2024">www.kwu.edu/gala2024</a>.&nbsp;The full Spring Alumni Weekend schedule will be released next week.&nbsp;For more information on Kansas Wesleyan University, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kwu.edu/news">www.kwu.edu/news</a>.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6a550354-6897-43ad-9ea4-e99803bd1d61">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - the township of Hedville - Vol. 33</a>

Dr. Rebecca Chopp ’74 to speak, sign copies of latest book on campus in April

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

McDonald's employees called the Salina Police Department on Thursday evening after a resident allegedly kissed an employee's hand after repeatedly attempting to conversate with her.

Restaurant employees reported that the man, later identified as 41-year-old Aaron Werner, had been in the store for three to four hours.

Eventually, between 7 and 7:14 p.m., he approached a 20-year-old female employee and allegedly became disorderly.

"[Werner] kept trying to talk to her, shake her hand, and touch her — eventually, he grabbed her hand and kissed it. She said, 'Whoa,' that wasn't working for her," said SPD Capt. David Villanueva. Right before he left, he was belligerent, yelling in the store and becoming disorderly." 

Villanueva said that after employees had told Werner to leave the store, management called SPD. Werner then left McDonald's and crossed Planet Avenue, where officers found him shortly after.

READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6a550354-6897-43ad-9ea4-e99803bd1d61">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - the township of Hedville - Vol. 33</a>

After talking with Werner across the street, officers arrested him. They requested charges for battery, disorderly conduct and interference with a law enforcement officer for crossing the street away from the business.

"Even though it's a misdemeanor offense, the issue is with grabbing a female's hand and kissing it," Villanueva said. "Definitely wasn't welcome conduct or anything like that."  

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574271818216.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostMcDonald's employees called the Salina Police Department on Thursday evening after a resident allegedly kissed an employee's hand after repeatedly attempting to conversate with her.Restaurant employees reported that the man, later identified as 41-year-old Aaron Werner, had been in the store for three to four hours.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710507054822.jpeg" alt="Werner, Aaron Thomas. Image courtesy Saline County Jail Bookings" />
 <figcaption>Werner, Aaron Thomas. Image courtesy Saline County Jail Bookings</figcaption>
 </figure>Eventually, between 7 and 7:14 p.m., he approached a 20-year-old female employee and allegedly became disorderly."[Werner] kept trying to talk to her, shake her hand, and touch her — eventually, he grabbed her hand and kissed it. She said, 'Whoa,' that wasn't working for her," said SPD Capt. David Villanueva. Right before he left, he was belligerent, yelling in the store and becoming disorderly." Villanueva said that after employees had told Werner to leave the store, management called SPD. Werner then left McDonald's and crossed Planet Avenue, where officers found him shortly after.READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6a550354-6897-43ad-9ea4-e99803bd1d61">📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - the township of Hedville - Vol. 33</a> After talking with Werner across the street, officers arrested him. They requested charges for battery, disorderly conduct and interference with a law enforcement officer for crossing the street away from the business."Even though it's a misdemeanor offense, the issue is with grabbing a female's hand and kissing it," Villanueva said. "Definitely wasn't welcome conduct or anything like that."

Salina man arrested after allegedly becoming disorderly in McDonald's

BUTLER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teacher on sex crime allegations.

Just after 10p.m. Thursday,&nbsp;39-year-old Jelinda Keeling was booked into the Butler County jail, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Keeling is being held on requested charges of unlawful sexual relations: Teacher with Student 16+, according to jail staff.

Keeling is an algebra, geometry teacher in USD 490 El Dorado, according to her online profile. In 2022 she was named district teacher of the year and in 2024 she was nominated for Kansas Teacher of the year, according to the El Dorado High School web site.&nbsp; The school wrote,"It has been an honor to celebrate EHS Teacher Jelinda Keeling as USD 490's nominee for 2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year. Thank you for being such an amazing teacher and #PartOfThePride!"&nbsp; No bond is listed for her, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710527141514.png" alt="Keeling is being held in the Butler County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Keeling is being held in the Butler County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teacher on sex crime allegations.Just after 10p.m. Thursday,&nbsp;39-year-old Jelinda Keeling was booked into the Butler County jail, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Keeling is being held on requested charges of unlawful sexual relations: Teacher with Student 16+, according to jail staff.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710535339183.png" alt="Image USD 490" />
 <figcaption>Image USD 490</figcaption>
 </figure>Keeling is an algebra, geometry teacher in USD 490 El Dorado, according to her online profile. In 2022 she was named district teacher of the year and in 2024 she was nominated for Kansas Teacher of the year, according to the El Dorado High School web site.&nbsp; The school wrote,"It has been an honor to celebrate EHS Teacher Jelinda Keeling as USD 490's nominee for 2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year. Thank you for being such an amazing teacher and #PartOfThePride!"&nbsp; No bond is listed for her, according to online jail records.

Kan. teacher of the year nominee accused of sex with student

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for allegedly shooting at cars in Wichita.

Just after 1:30a.m. Friday, police&nbsp;responded to reports of a suspicious individual wielding a weapon in the vicinity of Interstate 235 and Central in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Lt. Aaron Moses.

Callers reported gunshots and observed a man walking along the median of the highway shooting a gun.

Simultaneously, officers were dispatched to an undisclosed accident scene near 1900 N Westdale, where they discovered a Gray Jeep Grand Cherokee involved in a single-vehicle collision, abandoned at the scene.

Upon arrival in the area, officers apprehended a 20-year-old man later identified as Kamil Lweno of&nbsp;&nbsp;Wichita, according to jail booking records, in the 1800 block of N. Interstate 235, matching the description of the suspected shooter. 

Police took him into custody without resistance. Subsequent investigation revealed the shooting suspect as the registered owner of the abandoned vehicle. 

Law enforcement officers recovered a firearm and multiple spent cartridge casings. During the investigation, officers identified three individuals who reported their vehicles being targets of gunfire during the incident. The victims, a 28-year-old man, an 18-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman, were unrelated to each other or the suspect. There were no reported injuries.

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=746886">Lweno was booked</a> into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Assault, three counts of Criminal Discharge of a Firearm into an Occupied Vehicle, and one count of Possession of Marijuana.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710522260952.png" alt="The highway was temporarily blocked early Friday while police investigated the shooting -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>The highway was temporarily blocked early Friday while police investigated the shooting -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for allegedly shooting at cars in Wichita.Just after 1:30a.m. Friday, police&nbsp;responded to reports of a suspicious individual wielding a weapon in the vicinity of Interstate 235 and Central in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Lt. Aaron Moses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710528928816.png" alt="Lweno-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Lweno-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Callers reported gunshots and observed a man walking along the median of the highway shooting a gun.Simultaneously, officers were dispatched to an undisclosed accident scene near 1900 N Westdale, where they discovered a Gray Jeep Grand Cherokee involved in a single-vehicle collision, abandoned at the scene.Upon arrival in the area, officers apprehended a 20-year-old man later identified as Kamil Lweno of&nbsp;&nbsp;Wichita, according to jail booking records, in the 1800 block of N. Interstate 235, matching the description of the suspected shooter. Police took him into custody without resistance. Subsequent investigation revealed the shooting suspect as the registered owner of the abandoned vehicle. Law enforcement officers recovered a firearm and multiple spent cartridge casings. During the investigation, officers identified three individuals who reported their vehicles being targets of gunfire during the incident. The victims, a 28-year-old man, an 18-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman, were unrelated to each other or the suspect. There were no reported injuries.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=746886">Lweno was booked</a> into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Assault, three counts of Criminal Discharge of a Firearm into an Occupied Vehicle, and one count of Possession of Marijuana.

Police: Kansas man was randomly shooting at cars on the highway 

Surrounded by friends, family and coworkers, Bob Wege retired from Propane Central last Friday after a 26-year career at the company. Long before that, though, Wege started his career driving gas trucks almost half a century ago.

Before Wege started his quarter-century-long career at Propane Central, he began hauling propane in Manhattan for a different company in 1977.

Eventually, he and his family moved to the Salina area to work for a company that would become Propane Central.

"I've been hauling gas for 47 years," Wege said. "I do know it's been that many years, same job — the company's just got a different name."

At his retirement celebration, staff and family members surprised Wege with hamburgers, bratwursts, cake, flowers, a signed wooden plaque and a wooden Propane Central model truck with his name.

Wege's grandaughter, Scarlett Bigney, 9, his wife Shirley Wege, and his other immediate family members joined the celebration on Friday, joining the group photos next to the Propane Central truck.

"This was nice," Wege said. "I wasn't expecting that I had it coming."

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/bfae00cf-9d5c-4084-a675-5f85ba625793">Friends of the Salina Public Library will host first 50-Cent Book Sale this weekend</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710433904962.jpeg" alt="Bob Wege sits in the break room at Propane Central for his retirement ceremony on Friday, March 8, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Bob Wege sits in the break room at Propane Central for his retirement ceremony on Friday, March 8, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostSurrounded by friends, family and coworkers, Bob Wege retired from Propane Central last Friday after a 26-year career at the company. Long before that, though, Wege started his career driving gas trucks almost half a century ago.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710434015977.jpeg" alt="Bob Wege, right and his granddaughter, Scarlett Bigney, 9, left, pose in front of a Propane Central truck for Wege's retirement celebration on Friday, March 8, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Bob Wege, right and his granddaughter, Scarlett Bigney, 9, left, pose in front of a Propane Central truck for Wege's retirement celebration on Friday, March 8, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Before Wege started his quarter-century-long career at Propane Central, he began hauling propane in Manhattan for a different company in 1977.Eventually, he and his family moved to the Salina area to work for a company that would become Propane Central."I've been hauling gas for 47 years," Wege said. "I do know it's been that many years, same job — the company's just got a different name."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710434050811.jpeg" alt="The gifts to Bob Wege for his retirement celebration on Friday, March 8, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The gifts to Bob Wege for his retirement celebration on Friday, March 8, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>At his retirement celebration, staff and family members surprised Wege with hamburgers, bratwursts, cake, flowers, a signed wooden plaque and a wooden Propane Central model truck with his name.Wege's grandaughter, Scarlett Bigney, 9, his wife Shirley Wege, and his other immediate family members joined the celebration on Friday, joining the group photos next to the Propane Central truck.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710434095976.jpeg" alt="Bob Wege stands with staff from Propane Central in front of one of their hauling trucks on Friday, March 8, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Bob Wege stands with staff from Propane Central in front of one of their hauling trucks on Friday, March 8, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"This was nice," Wege said. "I wasn't expecting that I had it coming."READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/bfae00cf-9d5c-4084-a675-5f85ba625793">Friends of the Salina Public Library will host first 50-Cent Book Sale this weekend</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710434155409.jpeg" alt="Bob Wege poses in front of a Propane Central company truck with his immediate family members during his retirement celebration on Friday, March 8, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Bob Wege poses in front of a Propane Central company truck with his immediate family members during his retirement celebration on Friday, March 8, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>

Propane Central celebrates retirement for 26-year employee

PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) — The father of a Michigan school shooter was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter Thursday, a second conviction against the teen’s parents who were accused of failing to secure a gun at home and doing nothing to address acute signs of his mental turmoil.

The jury verdict means James Crumbley has joined Jennifer Crumbley as a cause of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/oxford-high-school-shooting">killing of four students</a>&nbsp;at Oxford High School in 2021, even without pulling the trigger.

They had separate trials as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oxford-high-school-shooting-shootings-education-violence-crime-31b054a2e403275f119b5e919f7fbc43">first U.S. parents to be charged</a>&nbsp;in a mass school shooting committed by their child. Jennifer Crumbley was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oxford-high-school-mother-charged-01f336607a496c5f9ff0cb3a7434d073">convicted of involuntary manslaughter in February</a>.

The verdicts — one each for the four victims — were read around 7:15 p.m. at the end of a full day of deliberations in Oakland County court.

James Crumbley, 47, who heard the outcome through headphones because of a hearing problem, shook his head from side to side as the jury foreman said “guilty.”

Family of some of the fallen students wept quietly and gripped each other's hands in the second row of the courtroom.

Later at a news conference, county prosecutor Karen McDonald stood next to them and praised their “unwavering courage” through extraordinary tragedy and grief.

“This verdict does not bring back their children, but it does mark a moment of accountability and will hopefully be another step to address and end gun violence,” McDonald said.

Defense attorney Mariell Lehman said James Crumbley “obviously feels terrible” about what happened at the school. He and his wife each face a possible minimum sentence of as much as 10 years in prison when they return to court April 9.

“While we are disappointed with the verdict, we know that the jury had a very difficult task in front of them,” Lehman told The Associated Press.

Prosecutors focused on two key themes at the trial: the parents’ response to a morbid drawing on Ethan Crumbley’s math assignment a few hours before the shooting, and the teen’s access to a Sig Sauer 9 mm handgun purchased by James Crumbley only four days earlier.

Ethan, 15, made a ghastly drawing of a gun and a wounded man on a math assignment and added disturbing phrases, “The thoughts won’t stop. Help me. My life is useless.”

But James and Jennifer Crumbley declined to take Ethan home following a brief meeting at the school, and staff didn’t demand it. A counselor, concerned about suicidal ideations,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oxford-school-shooting-james-crumbley-4156bb0b1fc0596e03f872a4f9972af0">told them to seek help for the boy within 48 hours.</a>

Ethan had told counselor Shawn Hopkins that he was sad over the death of his dog and grandmother and the loss of a friend who had abruptly moved away. He said the drawing was simply his jottings for a video game and that he wasn’t planning to commit violence.

Neither he, nor his parents, told school officials about the gun they had just bought, according to trial testimony.

Hopkins had hoped Ethan would spend the day with his parents. But when that was ruled out, the counselor felt the teen would probably be safer around others at school.

Ethan later pulled the Sig Sauer from his backpack and began shooting that same day, killing Justin Shilling, 17; Madisyn Baldwin, 17; Hana St. Juliana, 14; and Tate Myre, 16. No one had checked the bag, though a school administrator had joked about its heaviness.

“James Crumbley is not on trial for what his son did,” McDonald told the jury Wednesday. “James Crumbley is on trial for what he did and for what he didn’t do.”

He “doesn’t get a pass because somebody else” actually pulled the trigger, she said.

Hopkins told the jury that James Crumbley showed empathy toward his son during the meeting about the drawing, but took no additional action.

When James Crumbley heard about the shooting, he rushed home from his DoorDash job and looked for the gun.

“I think my son took the gun,” he said in a frantic 911 call.

Investigators found an empty gun case and empty ammunition box on the parents’ bed. A cable that could have locked the gun was still in a package, unopened.

Ethan told a judge when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pontiac-michigan-oxford-high-school-shooting-crime-shootings-ff69e26f96bb07af5dcb76bddc650bb4">he pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;to murder and terrorism that the gun was not locked when he stuffed it in his backpack before school.

Lehman, the defense lawyer, tried to emphasize to jurors that James Crumbley did not consent to any gun access by his son.

“He did not know he had to protect others from his son,” she said. “He did not know that it was reasonably foreseeable that his son would commit these offenses. He had no idea what his son was planning to do.”

There was no testimony from experts about Ethan’s mental health, and no records were introduced. The boy’s lawyers said before trial that he would invoke his right to remain silent if called to testify.

But the judge allowed the jury to see excerpts from the teen’s handwritten journal.

“I have zero help for my mental problems and it’s causing me to shoot up the ... school,” Ethan wrote. “I want help but my parents don’t listen to me so I can’t get any help.”

Now 17, he is serving a life sentence with no chance for parole.

After Judge Cheryl Matthews lifted a gag order that had prevented lawyers from speaking to reporters, Jennifer Crumbley's attorney Shannon Smith declined to comment Thursday night.

“We believe the victims, their families, and the community need and deserve the space and time to begin healing from this tragedy,” Smith said on Facebook.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638621716369.png" alt="James Crumbley as shown in his 2021 booking&nbsp; photo from Oakland County, Michigan" />
 <figcaption>James Crumbley as shown in his 2021 booking&nbsp; photo from Oakland County, Michigan</figcaption>
 </figure>PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) — The father of a Michigan school shooter was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter Thursday, a second conviction against the teen’s parents who were accused of failing to secure a gun at home and doing nothing to address acute signs of his mental turmoil.The jury verdict means James Crumbley has joined Jennifer Crumbley as a cause of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/oxford-high-school-shooting">killing of four students</a>&nbsp;at Oxford High School in 2021, even without pulling the trigger.They had separate trials as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oxford-high-school-shooting-shootings-education-violence-crime-31b054a2e403275f119b5e919f7fbc43">first U.S. parents to be charged</a>&nbsp;in a mass school shooting committed by their child. Jennifer Crumbley was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oxford-high-school-mother-charged-01f336607a496c5f9ff0cb3a7434d073">convicted of involuntary manslaughter in February</a>.The verdicts — one each for the four victims — were read around 7:15 p.m. at the end of a full day of deliberations in Oakland County court.James Crumbley, 47, who heard the outcome through headphones because of a hearing problem, shook his head from side to side as the jury foreman said “guilty.”Family of some of the fallen students wept quietly and gripped each other's hands in the second row of the courtroom.Later at a news conference, county prosecutor Karen McDonald stood next to them and praised their “unwavering courage” through extraordinary tragedy and grief.“This verdict does not bring back their children, but it does mark a moment of accountability and will hopefully be another step to address and end gun violence,” McDonald said.Defense attorney Mariell Lehman said James Crumbley “obviously feels terrible” about what happened at the school. He and his wife each face a possible minimum sentence of as much as 10 years in prison when they return to court April 9.“While we are disappointed with the verdict, we know that the jury had a very difficult task in front of them,” Lehman told The Associated Press.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638621694054.png" alt="Jennifer Crumbley as shown in his 2021 booking&nbsp; photo from Oakland County, Michigan" />
 <figcaption>Jennifer Crumbley as shown in his 2021 booking&nbsp; photo from Oakland County, Michigan</figcaption>
 </figure>Prosecutors focused on two key themes at the trial: the parents’ response to a morbid drawing on Ethan Crumbley’s math assignment a few hours before the shooting, and the teen’s access to a Sig Sauer 9 mm handgun purchased by James Crumbley only four days earlier.Ethan, 15, made a ghastly drawing of a gun and a wounded man on a math assignment and added disturbing phrases, “The thoughts won’t stop. Help me. My life is useless.”But James and Jennifer Crumbley declined to take Ethan home following a brief meeting at the school, and staff didn’t demand it. A counselor, concerned about suicidal ideations,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oxford-school-shooting-james-crumbley-4156bb0b1fc0596e03f872a4f9972af0">told them to seek help for the boy within 48 hours.</a>Ethan had told counselor Shawn Hopkins that he was sad over the death of his dog and grandmother and the loss of a friend who had abruptly moved away. He said the drawing was simply his jottings for a video game and that he wasn’t planning to commit violence.Neither he, nor his parents, told school officials about the gun they had just bought, according to trial testimony.Hopkins had hoped Ethan would spend the day with his parents. But when that was ruled out, the counselor felt the teen would probably be safer around others at school.Ethan later pulled the Sig Sauer from his backpack and began shooting that same day, killing Justin Shilling, 17; Madisyn Baldwin, 17; Hana St. Juliana, 14; and Tate Myre, 16. No one had checked the bag, though a school administrator had joked about its heaviness.“James Crumbley is not on trial for what his son did,” McDonald told the jury Wednesday. “James Crumbley is on trial for what he did and for what he didn’t do.”He “doesn’t get a pass because somebody else” actually pulled the trigger, she said.Hopkins told the jury that James Crumbley showed empathy toward his son during the meeting about the drawing, but took no additional action.When James Crumbley heard about the shooting, he rushed home from his DoorDash job and looked for the gun.“I think my son took the gun,” he said in a frantic 911 call.Investigators found an empty gun case and empty ammunition box on the parents’ bed. A cable that could have locked the gun was still in a package, unopened.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638551635768.png" alt="Ethan Crumbley as shown in his 2021 booking&nbsp; photo from Oakland County, Michigan" />
 <figcaption>Ethan Crumbley as shown in his 2021 booking&nbsp; photo from Oakland County, Michigan</figcaption>
 </figure>Ethan told a judge when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pontiac-michigan-oxford-high-school-shooting-crime-shootings-ff69e26f96bb07af5dcb76bddc650bb4">he pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;to murder and terrorism that the gun was not locked when he stuffed it in his backpack before school.Lehman, the defense lawyer, tried to emphasize to jurors that James Crumbley did not consent to any gun access by his son.“He did not know he had to protect others from his son,” she said. “He did not know that it was reasonably foreseeable that his son would commit these offenses. He had no idea what his son was planning to do.”There was no testimony from experts about Ethan’s mental health, and no records were introduced. The boy’s lawyers said before trial that he would invoke his right to remain silent if called to testify.But the judge allowed the jury to see excerpts from the teen’s handwritten journal.“I have zero help for my mental problems and it’s causing me to shoot up the ... school,” Ethan wrote. “I want help but my parents don’t listen to me so I can’t get any help.”Now 17, he is serving a life sentence with no chance for parole.After Judge Cheryl Matthews lifted a gag order that had prevented lawyers from speaking to reporters, Jennifer Crumbley's attorney Shannon Smith declined to comment Thursday night.“We believe the victims, their families, and the community need and deserve the space and time to begin healing from this tragedy,” Smith said on Facebook.___

Father, who bought gun used in school shooting, guilty of manslaughter 

The Salina Police Department SWAT team and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) High-Risk Warrant Team conducted five search warrants in central and west Salina yesterday and found multiple suspected drugs and illegal firearms.

SPD Capt. James Feldman said officers found 2,000 counterfeit pills during the operation. The teams sent them to KBI for further testing for their chemical components.

"This operation is a culmination of work by the I-70 I-135 Drug Task Force in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies," Feldman said. "The focus of the investigation was the distribution of fentanyl in and around Salina."

Feldman said during the search warrant operations, officers found other substances that they suspected were methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, THC wax and psilocybin mushrooms.

Officers also found multiple illegal firearms within the residences. The SPD Drug Task Force, SWAT team and KBI High-Risk Warrant Team are still investigating the searches.

"At the time, the investigation is still ongoing, and arrests are imminent," Feldman said. "The operation wasn't possible without the cooperation and assistance of residents of the Salina community."

Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/bfae00cf-9d5c-4084-a675-5f85ba625793">Friends of the Salina Public Library will host first 50-Cent Book Sale this weekend</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581972960097.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostThe Salina Police Department SWAT team and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) High-Risk Warrant Team conducted five search warrants in central and west Salina yesterday and found multiple suspected drugs and illegal firearms.SPD Capt. James Feldman said officers found 2,000 counterfeit pills during the operation. The teams sent them to KBI for further testing for their chemical components."This operation is a culmination of work by the I-70 I-135 Drug Task Force in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies," Feldman said. "The focus of the investigation was the distribution of fentanyl in and around Salina."Feldman said during the search warrant operations, officers found other substances that they suspected were methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, THC wax and psilocybin mushrooms.Officers also found multiple illegal firearms within the residences. The SPD Drug Task Force, SWAT team and KBI High-Risk Warrant Team are still investigating the searches."At the time, the investigation is still ongoing, and arrests are imminent," Feldman said. "The operation wasn't possible without the cooperation and assistance of residents of the Salina community."Salina Post will update the story as more information becomes available.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/bfae00cf-9d5c-4084-a675-5f85ba625793">Friends of the Salina Public Library will host first 50-Cent Book Sale this weekend</a>

SPD and KBI conduct five search warrants, finds 2,000 counterfeit pills

Lanny Eugene Morse January 20, 1943 ~ March 11, 2024

Lanny Eugene Morse (81) passed away March 11, 2024 at Lincoln County Hospital, Lincoln, Kansas. He was born January 20, 1943 in Minneapolis, Kansas to Garfield Raymond and Elva Rachel (Moore) Morse.

After his father passed away, Lanny’s family moved to Oregon. While in Oregon, Lanny quit school at the age of 15 to work on a chicken farm. After a short time, he moved back to Minneapolis, Kansas to work on a farm near Glasco. He then worked on the R.W. Robbins ranch in Belvidere, Kansas, as a cowboy, where he earned the nickname of “Hoss”. Lanny moved to Barnard, Kansas and was a truck driver for Barnard Manufacturing Company, delivering farm equipment and unloading the equipment by hand. It’s here where he met Arletta Sperry, who also worked for Barnard Manufacturing Company. They were united in marriage on December 16, 1967 at the Barnard Baptist Church, Barnard, Kansas. The couple welcomed their son, Raymond, while living in Barnard. The family moved to Tipton where Lanny worked for Hake Manufacturing. Their daughter, Patricia, was born while they lived in Tipton. Lanny obtained his GED in 1972. Throughout the years, Lanny worked as a meat cutter at Lincoln Grocery store in Lincoln, ran the Sylvan Café in Sylvan Grove, and then began his 26-year career with Farmway Co-op, first at the elevator, then transferring to the gas station. Lanny retired from Farmway Coop in March of 2007. Later in the year, he began driving for Cameron Compressions in Salina, delivering natural gas turbines. He traveled the United States, making friends and memories along the way. In 2021, he quit driving for Camerons, and was able to spend time tinkering in his garage. Lanny enjoyed listening to his multitude of 8-track tapes, driving his one-owner restored Corvair, delivering Meals on Wheels, playing cards at the Senior Center, fishing, volunteering, and helping others. He enjoyed visiting with family and friends and especially spoiling the grandchildren and great-grandchildren whenever he had the chance.

Lanny was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Garfield “Gary” Dale Morse. Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, Arletta, of the home; Children: Raymond Morse of Concordia and Patricia (Matthew) Winters of Lincoln; Grandchildren: Dakotah (Katelyn) Eidet of Minneapolis, Jacob (Madison) Winters of Liberal, Rebecca Morse of Haysville, Nicole Morse of Haysville, Alexander (Jessica) Winters of Ellsworth, Macy Winters of Hays, Marissa Winters of Lincoln and Ethan Morse of Concordia. Great-grandchildren; Daniel Haggerty, Raelynn Rector, Colter Rector, K’den Lunnin, Kotah Eidet, Gypsy Eidet, Adelynn Winters &amp; Matthew Winters; as well as numerous family members and friends.

Visitation: 4-7 p.m., Friday, March 15, 2024 at Hall Chapel in Lincoln. Family will be present 5-7 p.m.

Memorial service: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Salina Church of Christ, 1646 N. 9th St. Inurnment will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Salina Church of Christ or Lincoln Senior Center, c/o, Hall Chapel, PO Box 37, Lincoln, KS 67455.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710425938071.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lanny Eugene Morse January 20, 1943 ~ March 11, 2024 Lanny Eugene Morse (81) passed away March 11, 2024 at Lincoln County Hospital, Lincoln, Kansas. He was born January 20, 1943 in Minneapolis, Kansas to Garfield Raymond and Elva Rachel (Moore) Morse.After his father passed away, Lanny’s family moved to Oregon. While in Oregon, Lanny quit school at the age of 15 to work on a chicken farm. After a short time, he moved back to Minneapolis, Kansas to work on a farm near Glasco. He then worked on the R.W. Robbins ranch in Belvidere, Kansas, as a cowboy, where he earned the nickname of “Hoss”. Lanny moved to Barnard, Kansas and was a truck driver for Barnard Manufacturing Company, delivering farm equipment and unloading the equipment by hand. It’s here where he met Arletta Sperry, who also worked for Barnard Manufacturing Company. They were united in marriage on December 16, 1967 at the Barnard Baptist Church, Barnard, Kansas. The couple welcomed their son, Raymond, while living in Barnard. The family moved to Tipton where Lanny worked for Hake Manufacturing. Their daughter, Patricia, was born while they lived in Tipton. Lanny obtained his GED in 1972. Throughout the years, Lanny worked as a meat cutter at Lincoln Grocery store in Lincoln, ran the Sylvan Café in Sylvan Grove, and then began his 26-year career with Farmway Co-op, first at the elevator, then transferring to the gas station. Lanny retired from Farmway Coop in March of 2007. Later in the year, he began driving for Cameron Compressions in Salina, delivering natural gas turbines. He traveled the United States, making friends and memories along the way. In 2021, he quit driving for Camerons, and was able to spend time tinkering in his garage. Lanny enjoyed listening to his multitude of 8-track tapes, driving his one-owner restored Corvair, delivering Meals on Wheels, playing cards at the Senior Center, fishing, volunteering, and helping others. He enjoyed visiting with family and friends and especially spoiling the grandchildren and great-grandchildren whenever he had the chance.Lanny was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Garfield “Gary” Dale Morse. Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, Arletta, of the home; Children: Raymond Morse of Concordia and Patricia (Matthew) Winters of Lincoln; Grandchildren: Dakotah (Katelyn) Eidet of Minneapolis, Jacob (Madison) Winters of Liberal, Rebecca Morse of Haysville, Nicole Morse of Haysville, Alexander (Jessica) Winters of Ellsworth, Macy Winters of Hays, Marissa Winters of Lincoln and Ethan Morse of Concordia. Great-grandchildren; Daniel Haggerty, Raelynn Rector, Colter Rector, K’den Lunnin, Kotah Eidet, Gypsy Eidet, Adelynn Winters &amp; Matthew Winters; as well as numerous family members and friends.Visitation: 4-7 p.m., Friday, March 15, 2024 at Hall Chapel in Lincoln. Family will be present 5-7 p.m.Memorial service: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Salina Church of Christ, 1646 N. 9th St. Inurnment will take place at a later date.Memorial contributions can be made to the Salina Church of Christ or Lincoln Senior Center, c/o, Hall Chapel, PO Box 37, Lincoln, KS 67455.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/bfae00cf-9d5c-4084-a675-5f85ba625793">Friends of the Salina Public Library will host first 50-Cent Book Sale this weekend</a>

Lanny E. Morse

Rene R. Pennington November 18, 1938 ~ March 11, 2024

Rene R. Pennington, 85, passed away March 11, 2024 in Ellsworth. He was born November 18, 1938 to Orville E. and Josephine (Salazar) Pennington in Liberal, KS. He married Edith Schwerdtfeger in Liberal on June 16, 1962. For many years, he owned Mobile Home Specialist in Garden City. In his later years, he and Edith moved to Ellsworth where he worked at the Pines Apartments in Ellsworth, and for five years, he and Edith were camp hosts at Venango campground at Kanopolis Lake. He was a member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in rural Ellsworth, and he served his country in the US Navy. Rene was also an artist. His artwork could be seen in various places around Ellsworth.

Rene is survived by his wife, Edith Pennington of Ellsworth; daughter, Joanna Lago (Tony) of Ellsworth; grandsons, Ryan Johnston of Ellsworth and Kevin Johnston (Susannah) of Wichita; great-grandchildren, Johnathan Poirier and Madalynn Johnston; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lance, Gary, and Carlos Pennington; and grandmother, Byrdie Franklin.

Visitation: 1-8 p.m., Monday, March 18, 2024 at Parsons Funeral Home with family present from 6-8 p.m.

Funeral service: 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Parsons Funeral Home with burial following in the Ellsworth Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710531772975.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rene R. Pennington November 18, 1938 ~ March 11, 2024Rene R. Pennington, 85, passed away March 11, 2024 in Ellsworth. He was born November 18, 1938 to Orville E. and Josephine (Salazar) Pennington in Liberal, KS. He married Edith Schwerdtfeger in Liberal on June 16, 1962. For many years, he owned Mobile Home Specialist in Garden City. In his later years, he and Edith moved to Ellsworth where he worked at the Pines Apartments in Ellsworth, and for five years, he and Edith were camp hosts at Venango campground at Kanopolis Lake. He was a member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in rural Ellsworth, and he served his country in the US Navy. Rene was also an artist. His artwork could be seen in various places around Ellsworth.Rene is survived by his wife, Edith Pennington of Ellsworth; daughter, Joanna Lago (Tony) of Ellsworth; grandsons, Ryan Johnston of Ellsworth and Kevin Johnston (Susannah) of Wichita; great-grandchildren, Johnathan Poirier and Madalynn Johnston; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lance, Gary, and Carlos Pennington; and grandmother, Byrdie Franklin.Visitation: 1-8 p.m., Monday, March 18, 2024 at Parsons Funeral Home with family present from 6-8 p.m.Funeral service: 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Parsons Funeral Home with burial following in the Ellsworth Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/bfae00cf-9d5c-4084-a675-5f85ba625793">Friends of the Salina Public Library will host first 50-Cent Book Sale this weekend</a>

Rene R. Pennington

Terry "Goose" Ray Watkins October 12, 1952 ~ March 8, 2024

Terry Ray Watkins, 71 passed away peacefully on March 8th, 2024.

“Goose”, as he was known to his friends and family, was born in Salina, Kansas, on October 12th, 1952, to Carlos and Arlene Watkins. He was one of three brothers and grew up in Salina. He was in union with Judy Fisk for 30 years and had three children, Travis, Tami, and Tina. He had 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Carlos and Arlene.

Please join the family for a Celebration of Life gathering, held on Saturday, March 23rd, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St, Salina, KS.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Legion, The VFW, and / or Boys State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710425592200.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Terry "Goose" Ray Watkins October 12, 1952 ~ March 8, 2024 Terry Ray Watkins, 71 passed away peacefully on March 8th, 2024.“Goose”, as he was known to his friends and family, was born in Salina, Kansas, on October 12th, 1952, to Carlos and Arlene Watkins. He was one of three brothers and grew up in Salina. He was in union with Judy Fisk for 30 years and had three children, Travis, Tami, and Tina. He had 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.He is preceded in death by his parents, Carlos and Arlene.Please join the family for a Celebration of Life gathering, held on Saturday, March 23rd, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St, Salina, KS.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Legion, The VFW, and / or Boys State.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/bfae00cf-9d5c-4084-a675-5f85ba625793">Friends of the Salina Public Library will host first 50-Cent Book Sale this weekend</a>

Terry "Goose" R. Watkins

Helen LaVerne (Spohrer) Nelson September 26, 1935 ~&nbsp;March 12, 2024

Helen LaVerne (Spohrer) Nelson,&nbsp;88, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2024&nbsp;in Salina, KS. She was born, the&nbsp;daughter of Roy P. and Nellie&nbsp;(Dolan)&nbsp;Spohrer, Sept. 26, 1935, in Norton,&nbsp;KS.

Helen attended school at New Almelo and graduated from St. John’s Beloit High School in 1953. Her class was the first graduating class at St. John’s. On May 26, 1956, she married Martin Andrew Nelson at Concordia, KS. To this union two daughters were born.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Martin, who passed away April 17, 2012; her parents; brothers, Aaron&nbsp;M.&nbsp;(Margaret);&nbsp;Leroy&nbsp;J.&nbsp;(Lucille);&nbsp;and&nbsp;sisters, Fern&nbsp;O.&nbsp;(Joseph) Reinert; Anna Maria&nbsp;(Robert) Brummer.

She is survived by daughters, Terri Ann Black and husband, Larry; Tamra Aileen Budreau and husband, Scott; grandchildren, Cheryl Lynn Mason and husband, Greg;&nbsp;David Allen Black and wife, Christina;&nbsp;Danielle Elizabeth Ruda and husband, Daniel;&nbsp;and Jennifer Marie Gottschalk and husband, Jerome; great-grandchildren, Jillian Marie Mason, Aiden Kane Black, Waylon Abram Black, Dominic Dean Ruda, Lucas Michael Ruda, and Julian Reid Gottschalk; brother, Albert Joe (Sharleen); and sister-in-law, Doreen Nelson; nieces, nephews family, and friends.

Helen was retired from banking. She enjoyed family, playing board games, and&nbsp;especially playing cards.

Visitation:&nbsp;Friday,&nbsp;March 15&nbsp;at 6:00&nbsp;p.m., followed by a&nbsp;7:00&nbsp;p.m.&nbsp;rosary at&nbsp;St. Patrick’s Catholic Church&nbsp;in Lincoln.

Memorial mass:&nbsp;Saturday,&nbsp;March 16 at&nbsp;10:30&nbsp;a.m.&nbsp;at&nbsp;St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Burial&nbsp;will&nbsp;follow at the Lincoln City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St Patrick’s Catholic Church or Gentiva Hospice, c/o, Hall Chapel, PO Box 37, Lincoln, KS 67455.&nbsp;Condolences can be left at&nbsp;hallchapel.com.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710425472634.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Helen LaVerne (Spohrer) Nelson September 26, 1935 ~&nbsp;March 12, 2024 Helen LaVerne (Spohrer) Nelson,&nbsp;88, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2024&nbsp;in Salina, KS. She was born, the&nbsp;daughter of Roy P. and Nellie&nbsp;(Dolan)&nbsp;Spohrer, Sept. 26, 1935, in Norton,&nbsp;KS.Helen attended school at New Almelo and graduated from St. John’s Beloit High School in 1953. Her class was the first graduating class at St. John’s. On May 26, 1956, she married Martin Andrew Nelson at Concordia, KS. To this union two daughters were born.Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Martin, who passed away April 17, 2012; her parents; brothers, Aaron&nbsp;M.&nbsp;(Margaret);&nbsp;Leroy&nbsp;J.&nbsp;(Lucille);&nbsp;and&nbsp;sisters, Fern&nbsp;O.&nbsp;(Joseph) Reinert; Anna Maria&nbsp;(Robert) Brummer.She is survived by daughters, Terri Ann Black and husband, Larry; Tamra Aileen Budreau and husband, Scott; grandchildren, Cheryl Lynn Mason and husband, Greg;&nbsp;David Allen Black and wife, Christina;&nbsp;Danielle Elizabeth Ruda and husband, Daniel;&nbsp;and Jennifer Marie Gottschalk and husband, Jerome; great-grandchildren, Jillian Marie Mason, Aiden Kane Black, Waylon Abram Black, Dominic Dean Ruda, Lucas Michael Ruda, and Julian Reid Gottschalk; brother, Albert Joe (Sharleen); and sister-in-law, Doreen Nelson; nieces, nephews family, and friends.Helen was retired from banking. She enjoyed family, playing board games, and&nbsp;especially playing cards.Visitation:&nbsp;Friday,&nbsp;March 15&nbsp;at 6:00&nbsp;p.m., followed by a&nbsp;7:00&nbsp;p.m.&nbsp;rosary at&nbsp;St. Patrick’s Catholic Church&nbsp;in Lincoln.Memorial mass:&nbsp;Saturday,&nbsp;March 16 at&nbsp;10:30&nbsp;a.m.&nbsp;at&nbsp;St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Burial&nbsp;will&nbsp;follow at the Lincoln City Cemetery.Memorials may be made to St Patrick’s Catholic Church or Gentiva Hospice, c/o, Hall Chapel, PO Box 37, Lincoln, KS 67455.&nbsp;Condolences can be left at&nbsp;hallchapel.com.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/bfae00cf-9d5c-4084-a675-5f85ba625793">Friends of the Salina Public Library will host first 50-Cent Book Sale this weekend</a>

Helen L. (Spohrer) Nelson

The Central Kansas Extension District will host an&nbsp;Upland Game Bird Biology and Management program on Wednesday, April 10&nbsp;in the Saline County 4-H Building in Salina.&nbsp;This informational session is an opportunity for land managers and wildlife enthusiasts who have an interest in developing habitat and enhancing game populations to learn about the various programs, services, and resources that are available to help them meet their goals.

Starting at&nbsp;5:30 p.m.,&nbsp;the Central Kansas District 4-H Shooting Sports project members will be serving a BBQ dinner&nbsp;by freewill donation. &nbsp;Youth will also be selling raffle tickets for various&nbsp;prize drawings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds will go to support&nbsp;4-H&nbsp;youth enrolled in the shotgun, archery, bb gun, air rifle, muzzleloader, and hunting skills disciplines.

Dr. Drew Ricketts, K-State Research&nbsp;and&nbsp;Extension Wildlife Specialist,&nbsp;will begin the&nbsp;educational&nbsp;program&nbsp;at 6:30 p.m.&nbsp;with a presentation on the biology, habitat requirements and general management&nbsp;of&nbsp;pheasant, quail and other upland game birds in Kansas. &nbsp;Following will be Pat Riese, Wildlife Biologist with Kansas Department of Wildlife &amp; Parks. &nbsp;He&nbsp;will highlightnumerous technical assistance and financial resources&nbsp;including&nbsp;cost-share and incentive programs&nbsp;available throughout the state. &nbsp;Additionally,&nbsp;an outlook and forecast&nbsp;on game bird populations and strategy&nbsp;will&nbsp;be offered.

To get an accurate count for the meal, registrations&nbsp;are requested by Wednesday, April 3. &nbsp;For more information&nbsp;or to RSVP, please contact the CKD Extension Office in&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;at (785) 309-5850.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710424355987.jpeg" alt="A pair of pheasants. Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension" />
 <figcaption>A pair of pheasants. Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State Research and ExtensionThe Central Kansas Extension District will host an&nbsp;Upland Game Bird Biology and Management program on Wednesday, April 10&nbsp;in the Saline County 4-H Building in Salina.&nbsp;This informational session is an opportunity for land managers and wildlife enthusiasts who have an interest in developing habitat and enhancing game populations to learn about the various programs, services, and resources that are available to help them meet their goals.Starting at&nbsp;5:30 p.m.,&nbsp;the Central Kansas District 4-H Shooting Sports project members will be serving a BBQ dinner&nbsp;by freewill donation. &nbsp;Youth will also be selling raffle tickets for various&nbsp;prize drawings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds will go to support&nbsp;4-H&nbsp;youth enrolled in the shotgun, archery, bb gun, air rifle, muzzleloader, and hunting skills disciplines.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710424434971.jpeg" alt="Upland Game Bird Biology and Management flyer. Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension" />
 <figcaption>Upland Game Bird Biology and Management flyer. Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Drew Ricketts, K-State Research&nbsp;and&nbsp;Extension Wildlife Specialist,&nbsp;will begin the&nbsp;educational&nbsp;program&nbsp;at 6:30 p.m.&nbsp;with a presentation on the biology, habitat requirements and general management&nbsp;of&nbsp;pheasant, quail and other upland game birds in Kansas. &nbsp;Following will be Pat Riese, Wildlife Biologist with Kansas Department of Wildlife &amp; Parks. &nbsp;He&nbsp;will highlightnumerous technical assistance and financial resources&nbsp;including&nbsp;cost-share and incentive programs&nbsp;available throughout the state. &nbsp;Additionally,&nbsp;an outlook and forecast&nbsp;on game bird populations and strategy&nbsp;will&nbsp;be offered.To get an accurate count for the meal, registrations&nbsp;are requested by Wednesday, April 3. &nbsp;For more information&nbsp;or to RSVP, please contact the CKD Extension Office in&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;at (785) 309-5850.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/bfae00cf-9d5c-4084-a675-5f85ba625793">Friends of the Salina Public Library will host first 50-Cent Book Sale this weekend</a>

4-H Shooting Sports fundraiser featuring upland game bird program to be held in Salina

The Friends of the Salina Public Library will host another book sale this weekend, but with a twist — all books and media will cost only 50 cents.

Attendees will have the chance to browse through the Friends of the SPL donated inventory in the lower levels of the library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 16. 

SPL Head of Marketing Katie Zey said The Friends of the SPL regularly host book sales in the library. For this event, everything from the donated inventory, including books, CDs, movies, and other media, will be on sale for only 50 cents.

Zey said she posted a Facebook event on the SPL page [LINK], and many followers were interested in the new event.

"I think it says about 1,300 people have responded to the event, which is more than we've ever had respond to any of our events, ever," Zey said. "There's no limit to how much people can buy, and it includes all of the audio books, they have music, CDs, movies, books, anything that they [Friends of the SPL] have in their collection."

The Friends of the Library collects donations from community members and some books and media from the SPL. Still, any visitor can donate to the collection for the book sales.

Friends of the Library Board President Greta Kontas said the funds from each book sale usually have a program that the cash is for, and for the 50-Cent Book Sale, the money will help the library's summer reading programs.

"We would love to see a big turnout and to have people find something exciting to read," Kontas said. "We've got almost anything, any genre you'd want we have a sampling of."

Any visitor can participate in the book sale — Zey said attendees do not need a library card to purchase from the collection of donated media.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5c035236-8057-4520-af42-1a6c07aee2a3">UPDATED: Severe weather moving into Kansas, Salina at front of dangerous system</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701877207420.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy Friends of the Salina Library" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy Friends of the Salina Library</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostThe Friends of the Salina Public Library will host another book sale this weekend, but with a twist — all books and media will cost only 50 cents.Attendees will have the chance to browse through the Friends of the SPL donated inventory in the lower levels of the library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 16. SPL Head of Marketing Katie Zey said The Friends of the SPL regularly host book sales in the library. For this event, everything from the donated inventory, including books, CDs, movies, and other media, will be on sale for only 50 cents.Zey said she posted a Facebook event on the SPL page [LINK], and many followers were interested in the new event."I think it says about 1,300 people have responded to the event, which is more than we've ever had respond to any of our events, ever," Zey said. "There's no limit to how much people can buy, and it includes all of the audio books, they have music, CDs, movies, books, anything that they [Friends of the SPL] have in their collection."The Friends of the Library collects donations from community members and some books and media from the SPL. Still, any visitor can donate to the collection for the book sales.Friends of the Library Board President Greta Kontas said the funds from each book sale usually have a program that the cash is for, and for the 50-Cent Book Sale, the money will help the library's summer reading programs."We would love to see a big turnout and to have people find something exciting to read," Kontas said. "We've got almost anything, any genre you'd want we have a sampling of."Any visitor can participate in the book sale — Zey said attendees do not need a library card to purchase from the collection of donated media.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5c035236-8057-4520-af42-1a6c07aee2a3">UPDATED: Severe weather moving into Kansas, Salina at front of dangerous system</a>

Friends of the Salina Public Library will host first 50-Cent Book Sale this weekend

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a standoff at a rural Kansas residence.

Just before noon March 7, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a concerned citizen residing north and east of Caney, Kansas, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

The caller reported a suspected burglary after discovering the door to their home had been forcibly opened while they were away. The homeowner retreated and promptly notified law enforcement. Deputies, alongside the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kshighwayPatrol?__cft__[0]=AZVi9lh_elMtAUFXk4snFxjsVgibJWfEtBlNKGlZ5CWm5rCS1sg2CIO9Me8BWZ2LqKbWxSJgD7mNM0uxMTAVsOUDm2_CBWe6JtHswFmZwcrFn7f590Z9CaBWvgdrs4zjPWRQXU0gqNL3MGqrI8fvr9FL2q346RnhDo0ls9aa66LpdVLNEN7GtF77FpYAedlhzcM&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Highway Patrol</a>, responded to the scene.&nbsp;

Upon arrival, law enforcement observed a man within the residence attempting to evade detection by closing blinds. Despite verbal commands to surrender, the suspect, later identified as 37-year-old Andrew F. Cook of Coffeyville, Kansas, refused to comply.

Following an hour-long negotiation Cook eventually exited the residence but persisted in defying law enforcement orders. To ensure a peaceful resolution, deputies utilized less-lethal methods to secure Cook's compliance. He was safely taken into custody without further incident and booked on requested charges including Burglary, attempted theft, interference with law enforcement, and criminal damage. 

The case is now under review by the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office for proper charging.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710273114107.png" alt="Cook remains jailed in Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Cook remains jailed in Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a standoff at a rural Kansas residence.Just before noon March 7, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a concerned citizen residing north and east of Caney, Kansas, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.The caller reported a suspected burglary after discovering the door to their home had been forcibly opened while they were away. The homeowner retreated and promptly notified law enforcement. Deputies, alongside the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kshighwayPatrol?__cft__[0]=AZVi9lh_elMtAUFXk4snFxjsVgibJWfEtBlNKGlZ5CWm5rCS1sg2CIO9Me8BWZ2LqKbWxSJgD7mNM0uxMTAVsOUDm2_CBWe6JtHswFmZwcrFn7f590Z9CaBWvgdrs4zjPWRQXU0gqNL3MGqrI8fvr9FL2q346RnhDo0ls9aa66LpdVLNEN7GtF77FpYAedlhzcM&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Highway Patrol</a>, responded to the scene.&nbsp;Upon arrival, law enforcement observed a man within the residence attempting to evade detection by closing blinds. Despite verbal commands to surrender, the suspect, later identified as 37-year-old Andrew F. Cook of Coffeyville, Kansas, refused to comply.Following an hour-long negotiation Cook eventually exited the residence but persisted in defying law enforcement orders. To ensure a peaceful resolution, deputies utilized less-lethal methods to secure Cook's compliance. He was safely taken into custody without further incident and booked on requested charges including Burglary, attempted theft, interference with law enforcement, and criminal damage. The case is now under review by the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office for proper charging.&nbsp;

Homeowner finds burglary suspect in rural Kansas home

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after noon Sunday, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 75 in southern Jackson County on a 2000 Chevy S-10 pickup truck, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver was suspected of driving without a valid driver’s license. During the course of the vehicle stop, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Office K-9 indicated the presence of drugs and or narcotics within the vehicle. A search was done and revealed items of drug contraband inside the vehicle.

The driver, David Douglas Friend, 52, of Meriden, Kansas, was arrested on requested charges of&nbsp; distribution of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a narcotic, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving with no valid license. Friend was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710164560710.png" alt="Friend-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Friend-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just after noon Sunday, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 75 in southern Jackson County on a 2000 Chevy S-10 pickup truck, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The driver was suspected of driving without a valid driver’s license. During the course of the vehicle stop, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Office K-9 indicated the presence of drugs and or narcotics within the vehicle. A search was done and revealed items of drug contraband inside the vehicle.The driver, David Douglas Friend, 52, of Meriden, Kansas, was arrested on requested charges of&nbsp; distribution of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a narcotic, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving with no valid license. Friend was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

Kan. sheriff's K9 found meth man had for sale

<a href="https://www.equifestofks.com/">EquiFest of Kansas</a> is returning to Salina this Thursday. An entire lineup of clinicians and presentations will be held in the Tony's Pizza Event Center (TPEC) Arena, alongside workshops and more in the nearby Ag Hall Arena.

Those aiming to view the shows and see the hundreds of vendors can purchase wristbands at the box offices on both the north and south sides of TPEC.

Wristbands will go on sale on Thursday, March 14, with single-day wristbands costing $25 and three-day wristbands at $60. Sunday will have free entry due to the short lineup of events.

EquiFest workshops and presentations will occur in two locations this year, with some on the 4-H Building stage or in the workshop rooms upstairs in TPEC.&nbsp;

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5c035236-8057-4520-af42-1a6c07aee2a3">Multiple weather systems moving into Kansas bring chances of severe storms</a>

• Trail Riding Tips from the Trailmeister with Robert Eversole • Finding Your Dream Horse with Julie Goodnight • Fitness for Equestrians with Ifa Simmonds • Riding In College with Sally Batton • Special Coffee Talk Discussions, an informal but entertaining discussion session

Vendors will set up shop in Tony's Pizza Events Center around the arena concourse and in the Great Plains Manufacturing and Convention Hall. More shops will be in the Saline County Expo Center alongside some outdoors in front of the Ag Hall.

This year, attendees can ride in a carriage at one of the vendors near Barn Two. Food trucks will line up outside of the Ag Hall, but attendees can find more food at the TPEC concession stands on both sides of the concourse.

TPEC Arena will host clinicians alongside multiple shows and presentations from equestrians across the state and some from across the United States.

For the kids, a Kids Corral will be set up on the north end of the TPEC Arena concourse, where children can entertain themselves alongside learning from some displays and available games.

To kick off the annual event, a Celebrate Equifest World of Horses presentation will be held in the main arena&nbsp;at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 14. Throughout the festival, staff can provide stall barn tours for those who want a closer look at all the horses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710266216975.jpeg" alt="EquiFest of Kansas logo. Image courtesy EquiFest" />
 <figcaption>EquiFest of Kansas logo. Image courtesy EquiFest</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POST<a href="https://www.equifestofks.com/">EquiFest of Kansas</a> is returning to Salina this Thursday. An entire lineup of clinicians and presentations will be held in the Tony's Pizza Event Center (TPEC) Arena, alongside workshops and more in the nearby Ag Hall Arena.Those aiming to view the shows and see the hundreds of vendors can purchase wristbands at the box offices on both the north and south sides of TPEC.Wristbands will go on sale on Thursday, March 14, with single-day wristbands costing $25 and three-day wristbands at $60. Sunday will have free entry due to the short lineup of events.EquiFest workshops and presentations will occur in two locations this year, with some on the 4-H Building stage or in the workshop rooms upstairs in TPEC.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710266134658.jpeg" alt="2024 EquiFest map of events. Graphic courtesy EquiFest" />
 <figcaption>2024 EquiFest map of events. Graphic courtesy EquiFest</figcaption>
 </figure>READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5c035236-8057-4520-af42-1a6c07aee2a3">Multiple weather systems moving into Kansas bring chances of severe storms</a>Check out a few of these:• Trail Riding Tips from the Trailmeister with Robert Eversole • Finding Your Dream Horse with Julie Goodnight • Fitness for Equestrians with Ifa Simmonds • Riding In College with Sally Batton • Special Coffee Talk Discussions, an informal but entertaining discussion sessionVendors will set up shop in Tony's Pizza Events Center around the arena concourse and in the Great Plains Manufacturing and Convention Hall. More shops will be in the Saline County Expo Center alongside some outdoors in front of the Ag Hall.This year, attendees can ride in a carriage at one of the vendors near Barn Two. Food trucks will line up outside of the Ag Hall, but attendees can find more food at the TPEC concession stands on both sides of the concourse.TPEC Arena will host clinicians alongside multiple shows and presentations from equestrians across the state and some from across the United States.For the kids, a Kids Corral will be set up on the north end of the TPEC Arena concourse, where children can entertain themselves alongside learning from some displays and available games.To kick off the annual event, a Celebrate Equifest World of Horses presentation will be held in the main arena&nbsp;at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 14. Throughout the festival, staff can provide stall barn tours for those who want a closer look at all the horses.The Foundation Silent Auction will be available to patrons throughout the event. Funds from the auction will go toward scholarships for young equestrians in the state.<h2>2024 Clinicians for Equifest</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710265839742.jpeg" alt="Guy McLean. Image courtesy EquiFest" />
 <figcaption>Guy McLean. Image courtesy EquiFest</figcaption>
 </figure>GUY McLEANGuy McLean started his life and subsequently his career with horses by working at his family’s 1660-acre Homestead Resort in the Queensland Bush, where he would be responsible for 50 plus trail riding horses. From training horses to becoming suited trail horses for guests with no riding experience to being head trail boss looking after horse and rider on 2.5 hour rides through the bush.Guy’s dream was to share these amazing animals with a larger audience, but how would this shy boy do that? An opportunity presented itself when Guy’s father, Norm, found out about Guy’s love for bush poetry and wanted him to recite the ‘Man from Snowy River’ poem for 100 travel agents that were going to be staying at the Homestead. Guy only agreed to it if he could have his horse with him which gave him the strength and confidence to make it his own. So, Guy’s entertaining career began with riding his stallion, Nugget, bridleless and saddleless into the middle of his father’s restaurant, reciting poetry for 1 hour for 100 people at a time. The word had gotten out about the “Horseman from Susan River” on his stallion and they soon started performing at festivals, on music stages, and leading street parades. Since then, Guy now has three amazing liberty performance teams on two continents demonstrating his complete and utter dedication to everything that is horse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710265875024.jpeg" alt="Julie Goodnight. Image courtesy EquiFest" />
 <figcaption>Julie Goodnight. Image courtesy EquiFest</figcaption>
 </figure>JULIE GOODNIGHTJulie Goodnight established a connection with horses at a young age, and after a successful run as a youth rider on jumping horses, she galloped her way through college riding racehorses. For nearly four decades, she’s been at home in the Colorado Rockies, pursuing wilderness sports and riding cow horses. Founding her training business in 1985, Julie’s reputation as a horse trainer grew far and wide.In 2008, she began producing Horse Master with Julie Goodnight, a popular how-to horse training series that aired weekly for more than a decade with 260 episodes. She now travels the world to produce compelling horse TV, and educates horse owners everywhere through her online training programs at <a href="http://JulieGoodnight.com/Academy">JulieGoodnight.com/Academy</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710265904408.jpeg" alt="Sally Batton. Image courtesy EquiFest" />
 <figcaption>Sally Batton. Image courtesy EquiFest</figcaption>
 </figure>SALLY BATTONSally Batton was Director of Riding at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH, and head coach of the Varsity Equestrian Team for 30 years. She was named the American Riding Instructor’s Association 2008 Instructor of the Year, was awarded the 2013 Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) Lifetime Achievement Award, was inducted in the 2020 IHSA Hall of Fame class and is the Founder of the Athletic Equestrian League. In 2022, Sally Batton’s book, The Athletic Equestrian, was published. Whether competing in the show ring or riding at home on the trail, every rider wants to be more secure and balanced in the saddle. This innovative guide uses highly effective exercises honed over Coach Sally’s 35-year coaching career.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710265935191.jpeg" alt="Jerry Diaz. Image courtesy EquiFest" />
 <figcaption>Jerry Diaz. Image courtesy EquiFest</figcaption>
 </figure>JERRY DIAZGerardo "Jerry" Diaz comes from the exciting world of Mexican horsemanship and rodeo. A true Charro, Diaz makes his living following the grand tradition of his heritage in Mexico. He performs his horsemanship skills and rope artistry at rodeos around the country, producing and directing Mexican Rodeo Extravaganzas and equestrian events for special entertainment. Jerry Diaz embodies all of the qualifications of the Charro's strict code of honor including chivalry, high ethics, expert horsemanship, and dedication to family and Charro traditions. He has earned the Federation of Charros' Golden Spur Award for his outstanding contributions and commitment to the Charro tradition. Famed for his expertise with the maguey rope, Jerry is a renowned crowd-pleaser. Unaided by swivels or gimmicks, he spins the rope with ease while on foot, riding, or standing atop his horse. He was inducted into the Texas Trail of Fame, Cowboys of Color in Fort Worth, and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710265959275.jpeg" alt="Nicolas Diaz. Image courtesy EquiFest" />
 <figcaption>Nicolas Diaz. Image courtesy EquiFest</figcaption>
 </figure>NICOLAS DIAZNicolas Diaz is a fifth-generation horseman. He is the son of horseman Charro Jerry Diaz and horsewoman Staci Anderson Diaz. Horsemanship runs deep in his blood. His father, Jerry Diaz, carried him atop his first horse when he was only 3 days old. Nicolas has continued to ride ever since that day. He has been a very successful trainer and competitor. He has won over 20 national champion titles. In 2022, Nicolas was awarded the “Youth Horseman of the Year” award. In 2022 and 2023 he was awarded the “Elite Horseman of the Year” Award. He has performed at some of the most prestigious shows and rodeos in the world. Including the National Western Stock Show, Fort Worth Stock Show, Equine Affaire, Ponoka Stampede, Houston Rodeo, Rolex Jump Offs, and the Pennsylvania Horse Expo just to name a few. Nicolas is riding Jalon pronounced Halon, a 12-year-old black Andalusian stallion imported from Barcelona, Spain. The horse has won four national titles and has been training with Nicolas for 6 years and been performing for the past 3 years. Jalon is used for breeding at the Diaz Ranch and has produced beautiful offspring.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710265987475.jpeg" alt="Staci Anderson-Diaz. Image courtesy EquiFest" />
 <figcaption>Staci Anderson-Diaz. Image courtesy EquiFest</figcaption>
 </figure>STACI ANDERSON-DIAZStaci Anderson-Diaz has entertained audiences all across the US at some of the most prestigious shows. She has performed in her father’s Wild West Shows, rodeos, fairs and circuses since she was 3 years old. She is a third generation performer and artist mostly known for her Roman Riding six up team of horses, driving horses in tandem while standing atop the back team, dancing horses, trick riding and stunt doubling in several movies. Passed down through generations, Staci comes from a family who has a history with Liberty and Dancing/High Schooled trained Horses. Both her parents and grandparents were equine and animal trainers and performers. Watch Staci interact with this beautiful black Andalusian stallion Conquisto while working at Liberty. With their thundering hooves and flowing manes, horses are one of God's most majestic creatures. The horse’s beauty unsurpassed, strength and immeasurable grace unlike any other.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710266022708.jpeg" alt="Patrick Sullivan. Image courtesy EquiFest" />
 <figcaption>Patrick Sullivan. Image courtesy EquiFest</figcaption>
 </figure>PATRICK SULLIVANAt 26 years old, Patrick took his first horsemanship lesson in March 2015. He did not grow up around horses, nor was he passionate about them until much later in life. Patrick grew up in Dallas, TX but was not involved with horses, instead had a passion for soccer. He played high school, collegiate, and professional soccer. Patrick coached collegiate soccer for 4 years starting in 2011 and was the head soccer coach for a high school. In 2015, Patrick graduated with his MBA in International Management from the University of Houston-Victoria. Once Patrick found horses in 2015, he was hooked. He was constantly learning and wanting to develop his skills. Over the past 8 years, he has accomplished as much as he could have ever imagined in such a short period of time. He has developed a passion for liberty horsemanship and the power it has to transform the horse-human connection. During the 8 years, Patrick has done the following: studied and interned with Ryan Rose, professional Brooklyn, WI, and worked with Dan James, of Double Dan Horsemanship from 2019 to 2021. Since then, he has competed in the Mustang Makeover (TX), finishing Top 20 and second in the newcomers. He finished second in the Freestyle Pro Division in the ILHA Championships 2020. He started a non-profit called Gamilah Unbridled that helps provide liberty horsemanship to youth and rescue horses. Through Gamilah Unbridled, Patrick accomplished the following: Riding 2500 miles from California Kentucky completely bridleless. Visited 20 non-profits. Rescue Horse Project – transforming seven of the toughest rescue horses in the country using only liberty techniques. The Extra Mile – turning some of the most challenging rescue horses into advanced liberty horses. Upon completion, they were working in four-horse liberty teams. Earned the Grand Champion title in the 2022 Appalachian Trainer Face Off professional division.