MEADE COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), with assistance from the Iola Police Department, the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP), and the Drug Enforcement Administration arrested two suspects who possessed two pounds of methamphetamine and approximately 2,500 pills presumed to contain fentanyl, according to a media release from the KBI.

In September 2023, information was developed by the Iola Police Department about methamphetamine being distributed in southeast Kansas by subjects in Wichita. The Iola Police Department and the KBI began investigating.

On Wednesday, Jan. 3, KBI agents located the subjects they believed were involved. KHP troopers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by the suspects. The traffic stop took place on U.S. Highway 54 in Meade County, Kansas. The fentanyl pills and methamphetamine were located soon after.

On Jan. 3, at approximately 8 a.m., Jeffrey A. Filley, 47, of Wichita and Theresa R. West, 32, of Wichita, were arrested on requested charges that incloude distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, distribution or possession of a controlled substance using a communication facility, and conspiracy. West was also booked for driving while suspended and for committing several traffic violations.

The suspects were booked into the Meade County Jail.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704332315677.png" alt="Filley-photo Meade Co." />
 <figcaption>Filley-photo Meade Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MEADE COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), with assistance from the Iola Police Department, the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP), and the Drug Enforcement Administration arrested two suspects who possessed two pounds of methamphetamine and approximately 2,500 pills presumed to contain fentanyl, according to a media release from the KBI.In September 2023, information was developed by the Iola Police Department about methamphetamine being distributed in southeast Kansas by subjects in Wichita. The Iola Police Department and the KBI began investigating.On Wednesday, Jan. 3, KBI agents located the subjects they believed were involved. KHP troopers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by the suspects. The traffic stop took place on U.S. Highway 54 in Meade County, Kansas. The fentanyl pills and methamphetamine were located soon after.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704332247132.png" alt="West-photo Meade County" />
 <figcaption>West-photo Meade County</figcaption>
 </figure>On Jan. 3, at approximately 8 a.m., Jeffrey A. Filley, 47, of Wichita and Theresa R. West, 32, of Wichita, were arrested on requested charges that incloude distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, distribution or possession of a controlled substance using a communication facility, and conspiracy. West was also booked for driving while suspended and for committing several traffic violations.The suspects were booked into the Meade County Jail.&nbsp;

Kansas couple accused of selling fentanyl and meth

NEW YORK (AP) — Amid great hype, a court began to release a new batch of previously secret court documents late Wednesday related to Jeffrey Epstein, the jet-setting financier who killed himself in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.

<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24253239-1324-epstein-documents-943-pages">Click here to read</a> the documents (caution: adult content)

Social media has been rife in recent weeks with posts speculating that the documents would include a list of rich and powerful men who were Epstein’s “clients” or “co-conspirators.”

There was no such list. The initial collection of around 40 documents made public largely contained material that had been released previously, or exhaustively been covered in nearly two decades’ worth of newspaper stories, TV documentaries, interviews, books about the Epstein scandal.

Still, the records — which included transcripts of interviews with some of Epstein’s victims — included reminders that Epstein surrounded himself with famous and powerful figures, including a few who have also been accused of misconduct.

They included mentions of Epstein’s past friendship with Bill Clinton — who is not accused of any wrongdoing — and of Britain’s Prince Andrew, who previously settled a lawsuit accusing him of having sex with a 17-year-old girl who traveled with Epstein.

The documents being unsealed are related to a lawsuit filed in 2015 by one of Epstein’s victims,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-entertainment-lifestyle-virginia-prince-andrew-60348f70fd605c26c26615ffc5ed5f14">Virginia Giuffre</a>. She is one of the dozens of women who sued Epstein saying he had abused them at his homes in Florida, New York, the U.S. Virgin Islands and New Mexico. This particular suit was against Epstein’s former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 of helping recruit Epstein’s victims and is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-jeffrey-epstein-sentencing-aeac127f9cc3811d975ce8e10d171260">serving a 20-year prison term</a>.

Epstein, a millionaire known for associating with celebrities, politicians, billionaires and academic stars, killed himself in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on a sex trafficking charge.

Giuffre’s lawsuit against Maxwell was settled in 2017, but the court had kept some court documents blacked-out or sealed because of concerns about the privacy rights of Epstein’s victims and other people whose names had come up during the legal battle.

Only around 40 of those documents were made public Wednesday. More will be released in the coming days.

The records included the depositions of several of Epstein's victims, many of whom have told their stories publicly previously.

Giuffre said the summer she turned 17, she was lured away from a job as a spa attendant at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club to become a “masseuse” for Epstein — a job that involved performing sexual acts.

She&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prince-andrew-virginia-giuffre-lawsuit-settlement-8b04c775aa46f761d81c05ef12e3a94f">settled a lawsuit against Prince Andrew</a>&nbsp;in 2022 in which she claimed he had sexually abused her during a trip to London. That same year, Giuffre withdrew an accusation she had made against Epstein’s former attorney, the law professor Alan Dershowitz, saying she “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-new-york-lawsuits-prince-andrew-jeffrey-epstein-2a7202e552c38ed03c5fe39d6a29721b">may have made a mistake</a>” in identifying him as an abuser.

The <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24253239-1324-epstein-documents-943-pages">records released Wednesday</a> included many references to Jean-Luc Brunel, a French modeling agent close to Epstein who was awaiting trial on charges that he raped underage girls when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-arts-and-entertainment-paris-jeffrey-epstein-edfbdb84c6cdd5f736ac7e1c2bac657b">killed himself in a Paris jail</a>&nbsp;in 2022. Giuffre was among the women who had accused Brunel of sexual abuse.

Clinton's name came up because Guiffre was questioned by Maxwell’s lawyers about inaccuracies in newspaper stories about her time with Epstein, including a story quoting her as saying she had ridden in a helicopter with Clinton and flirted with Donald Trump. Giuffre said neither of those things actually happened.

The judge said a handful of names should remain blacked out in the documents because they would identify people who were sexually abused. The Associated Press does not typically identify people who say they are victims of sexual assault unless they decide to tell their stories publicly, as Giuffre has done.

Even before the documents were released, misinformation about what was in them abounded.&nbsp;

The judge hasn’t set a target for when all of the documents should be made public, but more documents are expected to come in the next few days.

Here’s what we know about the documents:

A millionaire known for associating with celebrities, politicians, billionaires and academic stars, Epstein was initially arrested in Palm Beach, Florida, in 2005 after he was accused of paying a 14-year-old girl for sex.

Dozens of other underage girls described similar sexual abuse, but prosecutors ultimately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-florida-e2a4431f7319afd037023d9a586aa291">allowed the financier to plead guilty</a>&nbsp;in 2008 to a charge involving a single victim. He served 13 months in a jail work-release program.

Some famous acquaintances abandoned Epstein after his conviction, including former presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, but many did not. Epstein continued to mingle with the rich and famous for another decade, often through philanthropic work.

Reporting by the Miami Herald renewed interest in the scandal, and federal prosecutors in New York charged Epstein in 2019 with sex trafficking. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-suicide-department-of-justice-investigation-50c229b7953096f0301bfa1e7f0b7703">killed himself in jail</a>&nbsp;while awaiting trial.

The U.S. attorney in Manhattan then prosecuted Epstein’s former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, for helping recruit his underage victims. She was convicted in 2021 and is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-jeffrey-epstein-sentencing-aeac127f9cc3811d975ce8e10d171260">serving a 20-year prison term</a>.

The documents being unsealed are part of a lawsuit filed against Maxwell in 2015 by one of Epstein’s victims,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-entertainment-lifestyle-virginia-prince-andrew-60348f70fd605c26c26615ffc5ed5f14">Virginia Giuffre</a>. She is one of the dozens of women who sued Epstein saying he had abused them at his homes in Florida, New York, the U.S. Virgin Islands and New Mexico.

Giuffre also claimed she was pressured into having sex with men in Epstein's social orbit, most famously with Britain's Prince Andrew. All of those men said her accounts were fabricated. She&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prince-andrew-virginia-giuffre-lawsuit-settlement-8b04c775aa46f761d81c05ef12e3a94f">settled a lawsuit against Prince Andrew</a>&nbsp;in 2022. That same year, Giuffre withdrew an accusation she had made against Epstein's former attorney, the law professor Alan Dershowitz, saying she “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-new-york-lawsuits-prince-andrew-jeffrey-epstein-2a7202e552c38ed03c5fe39d6a29721b">may have made a mistake</a>&nbsp;” in identifying him as an abuser.

Giuffre’s lawsuit against Maxwell was settled in 2017, but the Miami Herald went to court to access court papers initially filed under seal, including transcripts of interviews the lawyers did with potential witnesses.

About 2,000 pages were unsealed by a court in 2019. Additional documents were released in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

This next batch of around 250 records had sections that were blacked out or were sealed entirely because of concerns about the privacy rights of Epstein’s victims and other people whose names had come up during the legal battle but weren’t complicit in his crimes.

U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska, who evaluated the documents to decide what should be unsealed, said in her December order that she was ordering the records released because much of the information within them is already public.

Some records have been released, either in part or in full, in other court cases. Much of the rest involve topics and people who have been exhaustively covered in nearly two decades' worth of newspaper stories, TV documentaries, interviews, books and testimony at Maxwell’s criminal trial.

The people named in the records include many of Epstein's accusers, members of his staff who told their stories to tabloid newspapers, people who served as witnesses at Maxwell's trial, people who were mentioned in passing during depositions but aren't accused of anything salacious, and people who investigated Epstein, including prosecutors, a journalist and a detective.

There are also boldface names of public figures known to have associated with Epstein over the years, but whose relationships with him have already been well documented elsewhere, the judge said.

One of them is Jean-Luc Brunel, a French modeling agent close to Epstein who was awaiting trial on charges that he raped underage girls when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-arts-and-entertainment-paris-jeffrey-epstein-edfbdb84c6cdd5f736ac7e1c2bac657b">killed himself in a Paris jail</a>&nbsp;in 2022. Giuffre was among the women who had accused Brunel of sexual abuse.

Clinton and Trump both factor in the court file, partly because Giuffre was questioned by Maxwell's lawyers about inaccuracies in newspaper stories about her time with Epstein. One story quoted her as saying she had ridden in a helicopter with Clinton and flirted with Trump. Giuffre said neither of those things actually happened. She hasn't accused either former president of wrongdoing.

On Dec. 18, the judge gave the people whose names appear in the records 14 days to appeal, then directed the lawyers to confer, prepare the documents for unsealing and post them on the docket.

Two people whose name appears in the records have been given additional time to make arguments to the court as to why their names should stay redacted.

A small batch of documents was made available publicly on Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704330351229.png" alt="Jeffrey Epstein New York Sex Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Jeffrey Epstein New York Sex Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Amid great hype, a court began to release a new batch of previously secret court documents late Wednesday related to Jeffrey Epstein, the jet-setting financier who killed himself in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24253239-1324-epstein-documents-943-pages">Click here to read</a> the documents (caution: adult content)Social media has been rife in recent weeks with posts speculating that the documents would include a list of rich and powerful men who were Epstein’s “clients” or “co-conspirators.”There was no such list. The initial collection of around 40 documents made public largely contained material that had been released previously, or exhaustively been covered in nearly two decades’ worth of newspaper stories, TV documentaries, interviews, books about the Epstein scandal.Still, the records — which included transcripts of interviews with some of Epstein’s victims — included reminders that Epstein surrounded himself with famous and powerful figures, including a few who have also been accused of misconduct.They included mentions of Epstein’s past friendship with Bill Clinton — who is not accused of any wrongdoing — and of Britain’s Prince Andrew, who previously settled a lawsuit accusing him of having sex with a 17-year-old girl who traveled with Epstein.The documents being unsealed are related to a lawsuit filed in 2015 by one of Epstein’s victims,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-entertainment-lifestyle-virginia-prince-andrew-60348f70fd605c26c26615ffc5ed5f14">Virginia Giuffre</a>. She is one of the dozens of women who sued Epstein saying he had abused them at his homes in Florida, New York, the U.S. Virgin Islands and New Mexico. This particular suit was against Epstein’s former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 of helping recruit Epstein’s victims and is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-jeffrey-epstein-sentencing-aeac127f9cc3811d975ce8e10d171260">serving a 20-year prison term</a>.Epstein, a millionaire known for associating with celebrities, politicians, billionaires and academic stars, killed himself in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on a sex trafficking charge.Giuffre’s lawsuit against Maxwell was settled in 2017, but the court had kept some court documents blacked-out or sealed because of concerns about the privacy rights of Epstein’s victims and other people whose names had come up during the legal battle.Only around 40 of those documents were made public Wednesday. More will be released in the coming days.The records included the depositions of several of Epstein's victims, many of whom have told their stories publicly previously.Giuffre said the summer she turned 17, she was lured away from a job as a spa attendant at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club to become a “masseuse” for Epstein — a job that involved performing sexual acts.She&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prince-andrew-virginia-giuffre-lawsuit-settlement-8b04c775aa46f761d81c05ef12e3a94f">settled a lawsuit against Prince Andrew</a>&nbsp;in 2022 in which she claimed he had sexually abused her during a trip to London. That same year, Giuffre withdrew an accusation she had made against Epstein’s former attorney, the law professor Alan Dershowitz, saying she “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-new-york-lawsuits-prince-andrew-jeffrey-epstein-2a7202e552c38ed03c5fe39d6a29721b">may have made a mistake</a>” in identifying him as an abuser.The <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24253239-1324-epstein-documents-943-pages">records released Wednesday</a> included many references to Jean-Luc Brunel, a French modeling agent close to Epstein who was awaiting trial on charges that he raped underage girls when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-arts-and-entertainment-paris-jeffrey-epstein-edfbdb84c6cdd5f736ac7e1c2bac657b">killed himself in a Paris jail</a>&nbsp;in 2022. Giuffre was among the women who had accused Brunel of sexual abuse.Clinton's name came up because Guiffre was questioned by Maxwell’s lawyers about inaccuracies in newspaper stories about her time with Epstein, including a story quoting her as saying she had ridden in a helicopter with Clinton and flirted with Donald Trump. Giuffre said neither of those things actually happened.The judge said a handful of names should remain blacked out in the documents because they would identify people who were sexually abused. The Associated Press does not typically identify people who say they are victims of sexual assault unless they decide to tell their stories publicly, as Giuffre has done.Even before the documents were released, misinformation about what was in them abounded.&nbsp;The judge hasn’t set a target for when all of the documents should be made public, but more documents are expected to come in the next few days.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704331774729.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Here’s what we know about the documents:WHO IS JEFFREY EPSTEIN?A millionaire known for associating with celebrities, politicians, billionaires and academic stars, Epstein was initially arrested in Palm Beach, Florida, in 2005 after he was accused of paying a 14-year-old girl for sex.Dozens of other underage girls described similar sexual abuse, but prosecutors ultimately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-florida-e2a4431f7319afd037023d9a586aa291">allowed the financier to plead guilty</a>&nbsp;in 2008 to a charge involving a single victim. He served 13 months in a jail work-release program.Some famous acquaintances abandoned Epstein after his conviction, including former presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, but many did not. Epstein continued to mingle with the rich and famous for another decade, often through philanthropic work.Reporting by the Miami Herald renewed interest in the scandal, and federal prosecutors in New York charged Epstein in 2019 with sex trafficking. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-suicide-department-of-justice-investigation-50c229b7953096f0301bfa1e7f0b7703">killed himself in jail</a>&nbsp;while awaiting trial.The U.S. attorney in Manhattan then prosecuted Epstein’s former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, for helping recruit his underage victims. She was convicted in 2021 and is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-jeffrey-epstein-sentencing-aeac127f9cc3811d975ce8e10d171260">serving a 20-year prison term</a>.WHAT ARE THESE RECORDS ABOUT?The documents being unsealed are part of a lawsuit filed against Maxwell in 2015 by one of Epstein’s victims,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-entertainment-lifestyle-virginia-prince-andrew-60348f70fd605c26c26615ffc5ed5f14">Virginia Giuffre</a>. She is one of the dozens of women who sued Epstein saying he had abused them at his homes in Florida, New York, the U.S. Virgin Islands and New Mexico.Giuffre said the summer she turned 17, she was lured away from a job as a spa attendant at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club to become a “masseuse” for Epstein — a job that involved performing sexual acts.Giuffre also claimed she was pressured into having sex with men in Epstein's social orbit, most famously with Britain's Prince Andrew. All of those men said her accounts were fabricated. She&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prince-andrew-virginia-giuffre-lawsuit-settlement-8b04c775aa46f761d81c05ef12e3a94f">settled a lawsuit against Prince Andrew</a>&nbsp;in 2022. That same year, Giuffre withdrew an accusation she had made against Epstein's former attorney, the law professor Alan Dershowitz, saying she “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-new-york-lawsuits-prince-andrew-jeffrey-epstein-2a7202e552c38ed03c5fe39d6a29721b">may have made a mistake</a>&nbsp;” in identifying him as an abuser.Giuffre’s lawsuit against Maxwell was settled in 2017, but the Miami Herald went to court to access court papers initially filed under seal, including transcripts of interviews the lawyers did with potential witnesses.About 2,000 pages were unsealed by a court in 2019. Additional documents were released in 2020, 2021 and 2022.This next batch of around 250 records had sections that were blacked out or were sealed entirely because of concerns about the privacy rights of Epstein’s victims and other people whose names had come up during the legal battle but weren’t complicit in his crimes.WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE?U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska, who evaluated the documents to decide what should be unsealed, said in her December order that she was ordering the records released because much of the information within them is already public.Some records have been released, either in part or in full, in other court cases. Much of the rest involve topics and people who have been exhaustively covered in nearly two decades' worth of newspaper stories, TV documentaries, interviews, books and testimony at Maxwell’s criminal trial.The people named in the records include many of Epstein's accusers, members of his staff who told their stories to tabloid newspapers, people who served as witnesses at Maxwell's trial, people who were mentioned in passing during depositions but aren't accused of anything salacious, and people who investigated Epstein, including prosecutors, a journalist and a detective.There are also boldface names of public figures known to have associated with Epstein over the years, but whose relationships with him have already been well documented elsewhere, the judge said.One of them is Jean-Luc Brunel, a French modeling agent close to Epstein who was awaiting trial on charges that he raped underage girls when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-arts-and-entertainment-paris-jeffrey-epstein-edfbdb84c6cdd5f736ac7e1c2bac657b">killed himself in a Paris jail</a>&nbsp;in 2022. Giuffre was among the women who had accused Brunel of sexual abuse.Clinton and Trump both factor in the court file, partly because Giuffre was questioned by Maxwell's lawyers about inaccuracies in newspaper stories about her time with Epstein. One story quoted her as saying she had ridden in a helicopter with Clinton and flirted with Trump. Giuffre said neither of those things actually happened. She hasn't accused either former president of wrongdoing.The judge said a handful of names should remain blacked out in the documents because they would identify people who were sexually abused. The Associated Press does not typically identify people who say they are victims of sexual assault unless they decide to tell their stories publicly, as Giuffre has done.WHEN WILL THE DOCUMENTS BE MADE PUBLIC?On Dec. 18, the judge gave the people whose names appear in the records 14 days to appeal, then directed the lawyers to confer, prepare the documents for unsealing and post them on the docket.Two people whose name appears in the records have been given additional time to make arguments to the court as to why their names should stay redacted.A small batch of documents was made available publicly on Wednesday.

Read the unsealed Jeffrey Epstein court documents 

Thanks to a generous $5,000 grant from The Greater Salina Community Foundation the Saline County Health Department is delighted to announce the reestablishment of the "Incredible Years-Parents and Babies" program.

"We are incredibly thankful to The Greater Salina Community Foundation for their generous grant, which enables us to bring back the 'Incredible Years-Parents and Babies' program," said Sherri Dockter, Maternal Child Health/Becoming a Mom® Coordinator at the Saline County Health Department. "These parenting classes have been shown to improve parent-child bonding and interactions, by building positive relationships and attachment."

This evidence-based initiative, which had previously been initiated in 2018 but was discontinued in 2019 due to staffing changes and further delayed due to the pandemic, is now set to make a triumphant return to Saline County and surrounding communities.

The "Incredible Years-Parents and Babies" program is designed to provide hands-on learning opportunities for new parents and their infants. With a strong focus on fostering peer support networks and shared learning, the program equips parents with the knowledge and skills to create a loving and secure environment, nurturing their babies' physical and language development.

"Parents are the major influence on their children’s lives. Families are now under more pressure than ever before, facing an increasingly complex set of responsibilities and demands in our society today," explained Dockter. "We will be able to offer more program support through our current prenatal and postpartum services. We will be able to offer on-going case management services past the class participation end dates. Providing families with ongoing support and educational tools throughout their parenting journey is crucial."

The grant will funds will be allocated for class refreshments, developmental toys used during class, incentives for class completion, office supplies, and developmental books.

This revival aligns seamlessly with the Saline County Health Department's mission to build a healthy and equitable future for families and communities by providing education and care, supporting policy development, and growing partnerships to connect people with essential resources and services.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702670969458.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThanks to a generous $5,000 grant from The Greater Salina Community Foundation the Saline County Health Department is delighted to announce the reestablishment of the "Incredible Years-Parents and Babies" program."We are incredibly thankful to The Greater Salina Community Foundation for their generous grant, which enables us to bring back the 'Incredible Years-Parents and Babies' program," said Sherri Dockter, Maternal Child Health/Becoming a Mom® Coordinator at the Saline County Health Department. "These parenting classes have been shown to improve parent-child bonding and interactions, by building positive relationships and attachment."This evidence-based initiative, which had previously been initiated in 2018 but was discontinued in 2019 due to staffing changes and further delayed due to the pandemic, is now set to make a triumphant return to Saline County and surrounding communities.The "Incredible Years-Parents and Babies" program is designed to provide hands-on learning opportunities for new parents and their infants. With a strong focus on fostering peer support networks and shared learning, the program equips parents with the knowledge and skills to create a loving and secure environment, nurturing their babies' physical and language development."Parents are the major influence on their children’s lives. Families are now under more pressure than ever before, facing an increasingly complex set of responsibilities and demands in our society today," explained Dockter. "We will be able to offer more program support through our current prenatal and postpartum services. We will be able to offer on-going case management services past the class participation end dates. Providing families with ongoing support and educational tools throughout their parenting journey is crucial."The grant will funds will be allocated for class refreshments, developmental toys used during class, incentives for class completion, office supplies, and developmental books.This revival aligns seamlessly with the Saline County Health Department's mission to build a healthy and equitable future for families and communities by providing education and care, supporting policy development, and growing partnerships to connect people with essential resources and services.

Incredible Years- Parents and Babies program revived with grant dollars

WASHINGTON — Congress is staring down a funding cliff in mid-January and a second one in early February, but neither of those deadlines have inspired House and Senate leaders to broker agreement on the dozen bills that were supposed to become law by Oct. 1.

Appropriators are concerned the upcoming election year and competing legislative priorities have pushed their work to the back of the line, increasing the odds that Congress stumbles into a partial government shutdown in the new year.

The lawmakers who work on funding bills are equally frustrated that leaders may simply lean on a third stopgap spending bill to keep the government funded for the rest of the fiscal year, throwing months of work on the dozen full-year spending bills out the window.

Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray, D-Wash., said in mid-December that using a stopgap spending bill, also called a continuing resolution, to fund the government for the entire fiscal year would be “unprecedented and reckless.”

“We cannot just throw up our hands, act like nothing in the world has changed in the past 12 months, abdicate our responsibility to our constituents and box in our nation’s future by putting the government on autopilot,” Murray said.

Maine Sen. Susan Collins, the top Republican on the committee, has also rejected the idea of Congress using another continuing resolution, saying during a floor speech in late November the “temporary funding patches lead to harmful uncertainties, needless inefficiencies and wasted taxpayer dollars.”

“A year-long continuing resolution would simply fail to provide the resources needed to protect our nation,” Collins said.

A full-year stopgap spending bill would cut defense spending by $34.6 billion compared to what the Senate spending panel approved in its bipartisan bill, she said.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, said Tuesday that using a continuing resolution to fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year is “unacceptable.”

“It’s devastating, particularly for defense and we’ve got all of these wars going on,” McConnell said. “So we need to reach an agreement on the topline and get about getting an outcome as soon as possible.”

Congress and the Biden administration agreed to spending levels for fiscal year 2024, which began back on Oct. 1, as well as fiscal year 2025 when they brokered the debt limit deal last summer.

The Senate Appropriations Committee wrote all 12 of its annual government funding bills to roughly that level and the committee approved them all following broadly bipartisan votes.

The House spending panel, however, wrote its bills more than $100 billion below those levels and added in dozens of conservative policy changes that infuriated Democrats.

Those differing spending levels are among the many issues that have delayed the House and Senate from heading to conference committees to hammer out their differences.

Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, said before that chamber left for a three-week winter break that he agreed the spending bills should be written to the funding levels in the debt limit law. But he argued the Senate bills are above those numbers.

“We’re awaiting the other team, the other side, the other chamber to come forward with a number that we can agree upon that we write to,” Johnson said. “And that’s the impasse and that’s what we’re waiting on. But the law is the law.”

Collins said Tuesday that her preference would be for the final bills to reflect the topline spending level in the debt limit law “plus the side deal plus filling in with some emergency spending that” she and Chair Murray agreed to.

The stalemate has aggravated both Democrats and Republicans on the Senate and House committees, who say leadership needs to give them the green light to begin talks ahead of the Jan. 19 deadline for four spending bills and the Feb. 2 deadline for the other eight appropriations measures.

Arkansas Republican Rep. Steve Womack, chair of the Financial Services spending panel, said last week that congressional leaders should have told the committee weeks ago what the total spending level would be for the current fiscal year, known as the topline.

“We’re just in a bad spot. We’ve needed these topline numbers,” Womack said. “I’m anxious to go home for Christmas, but at the end of the day, I know if they gave us a topline today, we are just going to absolutely kill our staffs. These do not happen overnight.”

Maryland Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer, ranking member on the Financial Services spending panel, said January will be “chaotic” since the GOP leaders have “created a crisis.”

“They have created a chaotic, almost impossible situation for themselves and the country,” Hoyer said.

A shutdown, he said, is “more likely than it should be because of the timeframe and because of the irresolution and the deep division within the Republican Party.”

Kentucky Rep. Hal Rogers, the top Republican on the Commerce-Justice-Science spending subcommittee, said not having spending levels puts meeting the Jan. 19 and Feb. 2 deadlines in “severe jeopardy.”

Rogers said he believes Speaker Johnson understands the importance of getting agreement on the spending levels, but said that is challenging at the moment.

“I think he fully understands that,” Roger said. “But he’s got to put together the votes to make that happen.”

Montana Democratic Sen. Jon Tester, chair of the Defense spending subcommittee, said Congress should use the topline spending levels that were put in the debt limit law that Republicans and Democrats voted to approve.

“Toplines on appropriations, in my book, are set,” Tester said. “They were agreed to and the speaker of the House voted for them months ago. And to go back is really bad form, bad business, word is not your bond, very anti-Montanan.”

Tester said he would work to get agreement between the Republican House and Democratic Senate on his bill before funding expires on Feb. 2, but said he wasn’t sure that could happen.

“It’s got me very worried because there are no presents to open in January,” Tester said, alluding to the fact that Congress normally negotiates the bills ahead of the winter break.

The prospect of Congress using a stopgap spending bill to keep the government funded for the rest of the fiscal year doesn’t appeal to Tester, who said “God forbid” when asked about the possibility.

Oklahoma Republican Rep. Tom Cole, chair of the Transportation-HUD subcommittee, said using another stopgap spending bill, or a series of them, to fund the government — instead of passing the 12 full-year bills — is “very possible.”

“In some ways, it’s even the most likely, but it should not be the desired outcome,” Cole said.

The odds of a partial government shutdown beginning next year are low, Cole said, though he didn’t rule it out entirely.

Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin, chair of the Labor-HHS-Education spending subcommittee, said “there’s still nothing from the House” that would allow the chairs and ranking members to begin conference talks.

Given the time crunch, Baldwin said, the best option would be for the House to pass the dozen government funding bills the Senate Appropriations Committee approved earlier this year on broadly bipartisan votes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704223603619.png" alt="House Speaker Mike Johnson-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Mike Johnson-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — Congress is staring down a funding cliff in mid-January and a second one in early February, but neither of those deadlines have inspired House and Senate leaders to broker agreement on the dozen bills that were supposed to become law by Oct. 1.Appropriators are concerned the upcoming election year and competing legislative priorities have pushed their work to the back of the line, increasing the odds that Congress stumbles into a partial government shutdown in the new year.The lawmakers who work on funding bills are equally frustrated that leaders may simply lean on a third stopgap spending bill to keep the government funded for the rest of the fiscal year, throwing months of work on the dozen full-year spending bills out the window.Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray, D-Wash., said in mid-December that using a stopgap spending bill, also called a continuing resolution, to fund the government for the entire fiscal year would be “unprecedented and reckless.”“We cannot just throw up our hands, act like nothing in the world has changed in the past 12 months, abdicate our responsibility to our constituents and box in our nation’s future by putting the government on autopilot,” Murray said.Maine Sen. Susan Collins, the top Republican on the committee, has also rejected the idea of Congress using another continuing resolution, saying during a floor speech in late November the “temporary funding patches lead to harmful uncertainties, needless inefficiencies and wasted taxpayer dollars.”“A year-long continuing resolution would simply fail to provide the resources needed to protect our nation,” Collins said.A full-year stopgap spending bill would cut defense spending by $34.6 billion compared to what the Senate spending panel approved in its bipartisan bill, she said.Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, said Tuesday that using a continuing resolution to fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year is “unacceptable.”“It’s devastating, particularly for defense and we’ve got all of these wars going on,” McConnell said. “So we need to reach an agreement on the topline and get about getting an outcome as soon as possible.”<h2>Spending levels in debt limit deal</h2>Congress and the Biden administration agreed to spending levels for fiscal year 2024, which began back on Oct. 1, as well as fiscal year 2025 when they brokered the debt limit deal last summer.The Senate Appropriations Committee wrote all 12 of its annual government funding bills to roughly that level and the committee approved them all following broadly bipartisan votes.The House spending panel, however, wrote its bills more than $100 billion below those levels and added in dozens of conservative policy changes that infuriated Democrats.Those differing spending levels are among the many issues that have delayed the House and Senate from heading to conference committees to hammer out their differences.Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, said before that chamber left for a three-week winter break that he agreed the spending bills should be written to the funding levels in the debt limit law. But he argued the Senate bills are above those numbers.“We’re awaiting the other team, the other side, the other chamber to come forward with a number that we can agree upon that we write to,” Johnson said. “And that’s the impasse and that’s what we’re waiting on. But the law is the law.”Collins said Tuesday that her preference would be for the final bills to reflect the topline spending level in the debt limit law “plus the side deal plus filling in with some emergency spending that” she and Chair Murray agreed to.The stalemate has aggravated both Democrats and Republicans on the Senate and House committees, who say leadership needs to give them the green light to begin talks ahead of the Jan. 19 deadline for four spending bills and the Feb. 2 deadline for the other eight appropriations measures.Arkansas Republican Rep. Steve Womack, chair of the Financial Services spending panel, said last week that congressional leaders should have told the committee weeks ago what the total spending level would be for the current fiscal year, known as the topline.“We’re just in a bad spot. We’ve needed these topline numbers,” Womack said. “I’m anxious to go home for Christmas, but at the end of the day, I know if they gave us a topline today, we are just going to absolutely kill our staffs. These do not happen overnight.”<h2>‘Chaotic’ month predicted</h2>Maryland Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer, ranking member on the Financial Services spending panel, said January will be “chaotic” since the GOP leaders have “created a crisis.”“They have created a chaotic, almost impossible situation for themselves and the country,” Hoyer said.A shutdown, he said, is “more likely than it should be because of the timeframe and because of the irresolution and the deep division within the Republican Party.”Kentucky Rep. Hal Rogers, the top Republican on the Commerce-Justice-Science spending subcommittee, said not having spending levels puts meeting the Jan. 19 and Feb. 2 deadlines in “severe jeopardy.”Rogers said he believes Speaker Johnson understands the importance of getting agreement on the spending levels, but said that is challenging at the moment.“I think he fully understands that,” Roger said. “But he’s got to put together the votes to make that happen.”Montana Democratic Sen. Jon Tester, chair of the Defense spending subcommittee, said Congress should use the topline spending levels that were put in the debt limit law that Republicans and Democrats voted to approve.“Toplines on appropriations, in my book, are set,” Tester said. “They were agreed to and the speaker of the House voted for them months ago. And to go back is really bad form, bad business, word is not your bond, very anti-Montanan.”Tester said he would work to get agreement between the Republican House and Democratic Senate on his bill before funding expires on Feb. 2, but said he wasn’t sure that could happen.“It’s got me very worried because there are no presents to open in January,” Tester said, alluding to the fact that Congress normally negotiates the bills ahead of the winter break.The prospect of Congress using a stopgap spending bill to keep the government funded for the rest of the fiscal year doesn’t appeal to Tester, who said “God forbid” when asked about the possibility.Oklahoma Republican Rep. Tom Cole, chair of the Transportation-HUD subcommittee, said using another stopgap spending bill, or a series of them, to fund the government — instead of passing the 12 full-year bills — is “very possible.”“In some ways, it’s even the most likely, but it should not be the desired outcome,” Cole said.The odds of a partial government shutdown beginning next year are low, Cole said, though he didn’t rule it out entirely.Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin, chair of the Labor-HHS-Education spending subcommittee, said “there’s still nothing from the House” that would allow the chairs and ranking members to begin conference talks.Given the time crunch, Baldwin said, the best option would be for the House to pass the dozen government funding bills the Senate Appropriations Committee approved earlier this year on broadly bipartisan votes.

Congress faces 2 shutdown deadlines; no action yet on spending

SHAWNEE COUNTY —A man injured in a 2-vehicle crash last month in Topeka has died.

On Monday, police reported&nbsp; 29-year-old Joshua P. Harmer, 29, of Topeka died on December 22, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

Just after 11:30 p.m. Dec. 20, police responded to an injury crash involving a vehicle and a motorcycle near SW 29th Street and SW Topeka Blvd. in Topeka.

First responders found the two vehicles had crashed. An ambulance transported the driver of motorcycle later identified as Harmer to a local hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries and he died.

The driver of the other involved vehicle was identified as Shana L. Estes, 36, of Topeka. It was determined that she had a warrant for her arrest and she was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on that warrant.&nbsp; Police have not indicated whether Estes faces additional charges in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703284509788.png" alt="Estes-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Estes-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —A man injured in a 2-vehicle crash last month in Topeka has died.On Monday, police reported&nbsp; 29-year-old Joshua P. Harmer, 29, of Topeka died on December 22, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704285048561.png" alt="Police on the scene of the deadly crash -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the deadly crash -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 11:30 p.m. Dec. 20, police responded to an injury crash involving a vehicle and a motorcycle near SW 29th Street and SW Topeka Blvd. in Topeka.First responders found the two vehicles had crashed. An ambulance transported the driver of motorcycle later identified as Harmer to a local hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries and he died.The driver of the other involved vehicle was identified as Shana L. Estes, 36, of Topeka. It was determined that she had a warrant for her arrest and she was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on that warrant.&nbsp; Police have not indicated whether Estes faces additional charges in the case.

Motorcyclist injured in crash with wanted Kansas woman has died

June C. Schultz June 10, 1926 ~ December 24, 2023

June C. Schultz, 97, of Ottawa, KS passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023 at The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS.&nbsp; She was born June 10, 1926 in Rockport, MO the daughter of Clyde Andermann and Nina Mabel (Townsend) Andermann.&nbsp; She graduated from Rockport High School in Rockport, MO with the Class of 1944.&nbsp;

On June 17, 1945 she was united in marriage to V.O. “Red” Schultz at Marysville, KS.&nbsp; They shared over fifty-six years of married life together before Red’s passing on January 30, 2002.&nbsp;

June worked as a secretary at a Lumberyard in Rockport, MO.&nbsp; In 1951, June and her husband moved to Ottawa, KS.&nbsp; She owned and operated a children’s clothing store in downtown Ottawa called June’s from 1961 to 1981.&nbsp;

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Ottawa, KS.&nbsp; She enjoyed playing golf and liked to socialize and entertain with family and friends.&nbsp; She also enjoyed dancing, playing Bridge, reading books and traveling. She loved attending sporting events and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and her cats.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Red; a sister, Phyllis McGehee; and a brother, James Fredrick Andermann.

Surviving family includes her daughter, Sheri Dieterich and her husband Dale of Ottawa, KS; a son, James Douglas Schultz of Collinsville, TX; five grandchildren, Jeff Dieterich and wife, Brooke of Richmond Hill, GA, Jennifer Dieterich of Chicago, IL, Lindsey Dieterich of Ottawa, KS, Marques Askins of Ottawa, KS, James Schultz and wife, Jill of Hickory Creek, TX and Meagan Tyler and husband, Billy of Collinsville, TX; and seven great-grandchildren, Zach, Leah, Evan, Carter, Trent, Shelby and Laura.&nbsp;

Graveside services and Inurnment will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, January 4, 2024 at the Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to the Franklin County Cancer Foundation Inc. or Prairie Paws Animal Shelter and may be sent in c/o the Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067.&nbsp; Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704215644843.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>June C. Schultz June 10, 1926 ~ December 24, 2023June C. Schultz, 97, of Ottawa, KS passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023 at The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS.&nbsp; She was born June 10, 1926 in Rockport, MO the daughter of Clyde Andermann and Nina Mabel (Townsend) Andermann.&nbsp; She graduated from Rockport High School in Rockport, MO with the Class of 1944.&nbsp;On June 17, 1945 she was united in marriage to V.O. “Red” Schultz at Marysville, KS.&nbsp; They shared over fifty-six years of married life together before Red’s passing on January 30, 2002.&nbsp;June worked as a secretary at a Lumberyard in Rockport, MO.&nbsp; In 1951, June and her husband moved to Ottawa, KS.&nbsp; She owned and operated a children’s clothing store in downtown Ottawa called June’s from 1961 to 1981.&nbsp;She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Ottawa, KS.&nbsp; She enjoyed playing golf and liked to socialize and entertain with family and friends.&nbsp; She also enjoyed dancing, playing Bridge, reading books and traveling. She loved attending sporting events and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and her cats.She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Red; a sister, Phyllis McGehee; and a brother, James Fredrick Andermann.Surviving family includes her daughter, Sheri Dieterich and her husband Dale of Ottawa, KS; a son, James Douglas Schultz of Collinsville, TX; five grandchildren, Jeff Dieterich and wife, Brooke of Richmond Hill, GA, Jennifer Dieterich of Chicago, IL, Lindsey Dieterich of Ottawa, KS, Marques Askins of Ottawa, KS, James Schultz and wife, Jill of Hickory Creek, TX and Meagan Tyler and husband, Billy of Collinsville, TX; and seven great-grandchildren, Zach, Leah, Evan, Carter, Trent, Shelby and Laura.&nbsp;Graveside services and Inurnment will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, January 4, 2024 at the Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to the Franklin County Cancer Foundation Inc. or Prairie Paws Animal Shelter and may be sent in c/o the Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067.&nbsp; Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.

June C. Schultz

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

NAME:&nbsp; Braden,Shela Colleen REQUESTED CHARGE(S):

Driving While Suspended, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant&nbsp;

NAME: Feldman,Tonya Marie REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation and Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Harris,Tyler Ray REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity

NAME:&nbsp;Huiett,Joseph Adam REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Inscho,Gage Allen REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Leo,Gregory Alexander REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear

NAME: Nobert,Darren Keith REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Penn,Amanda Nicole REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving While Suspended

NAME:&nbsp;Reeves,Sarah Danielle REQUESTED CHARGE(S): probation violation

NAME:&nbsp;Smith,Larry Gene REQUESTED CHARGE(S):

Agg battery; Knowingly cause great body harm, Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty, Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant&nbsp;

NAME:&nbsp;Branting,Erin J REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance

NAME:&nbsp;Richardson,Derrick REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;

Aggravated battery; Recklessly cause great bodily harm/disfigurement, Domestic Battery: rude physical contact, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant

NAME:Smith,Alvin J&nbsp; &nbsp; REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

NAME:&nbsp;Spotted War Bonnet,Charles William REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;Weber,Dana Laura REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Boyd,Brandon James REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Lewd and lascivious; Exposing to person =&gt;16

NAME: Garcia,Andres REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:Harvey,Briana Danyale REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor, Domestic Battery: rude physical contact, Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body, Poss of marijuana

NAME:&nbsp;Meier, Rodney Wayne REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Disorderly conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct to cause resentment, Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

NAME:&nbsp;Mickle,David Curtis REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME: Rice, Joshua Evans REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME: Walters-Shepherd,Mahala Nicole REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Unlawful abuse of toxic vapors

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail.All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law<h2>Saturday</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704204985664.jpeg" alt=" Braden,Shela Colleen" />
 <figcaption> Braden,Shela Colleen</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; Braden,Shela Colleen REQUESTED CHARGE(S):

Driving While Suspended, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704205035958.jpeg" alt="Feldman,Tonya Marie" />
 <figcaption>Feldman,Tonya Marie</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Feldman,Tonya Marie REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation and Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704205088471.jpeg" alt="Harris,Tyler Ray" />
 <figcaption>Harris,Tyler Ray</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Harris,Tyler Ray REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704205119476.jpeg" alt="Huiett,Joseph Adam" />
 <figcaption>Huiett,Joseph Adam</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Huiett,Joseph Adam REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704205178444.jpeg" alt="Inscho,Gage Allen" />
 <figcaption>Inscho,Gage Allen</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Inscho,Gage Allen REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704205200297.jpeg" alt="Leo,Gregory Alexander" />
 <figcaption>Leo,Gregory Alexander</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Leo,Gregory Alexander REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704205245791.jpeg" alt="Nobert,Darren Keith" />
 <figcaption>Nobert,Darren Keith</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Nobert,Darren Keith REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704205291117.jpeg" alt="Penn,Amanda Nicole" />
 <figcaption>Penn,Amanda Nicole</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Penn,Amanda Nicole REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving While Suspended<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704205319349.jpeg" alt="Reeves,Sarah Danielle" />
 <figcaption>Reeves,Sarah Danielle</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Reeves,Sarah Danielle REQUESTED CHARGE(S): probation violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704205337267.jpeg" alt="Smith,Larry Gene" />
 <figcaption>Smith,Larry Gene</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Smith,Larry Gene REQUESTED CHARGE(S):

Agg battery; Knowingly cause great body harm, Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty, Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant&nbsp;<h2>Sunday</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704205501884.jpeg" alt="Branting,Erin J" />
 <figcaption>Branting,Erin J</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Branting,Erin J REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704205546513.jpeg" alt="Richardson,Derrick" />
 <figcaption>Richardson,Derrick</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Richardson,Derrick REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;

Aggravated battery; Recklessly cause great bodily harm/disfigurement, Domestic Battery: rude physical contact, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704205609708.jpeg" alt="Smith,Alvin J" />
 <figcaption>Smith,Alvin J</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Smith,Alvin J&nbsp; &nbsp; REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704205662196.jpeg" alt="Spotted War Bonnet,Charles William" />
 <figcaption>Spotted War Bonnet,Charles William</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Spotted War Bonnet,Charles William REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704205701072.jpeg" alt="Weber,Dana Laura" />
 <figcaption>Weber,Dana Laura</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Weber,Dana Laura REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear<h2>Tuesday</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704206052295.jpeg" alt="Boyd,Brandon James" />
 <figcaption>Boyd,Brandon James</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Boyd,Brandon James REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Lewd and lascivious; Exposing to person =&gt;16<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704206093085.jpeg" alt="Garcia,Andres" />
 <figcaption>Garcia,Andres</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Garcia,Andres REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704206261538.jpeg" alt="Harvey,Briana Danyale" />
 <figcaption>Harvey,Briana Danyale</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Harvey,Briana Danyale REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor, Domestic Battery: rude physical contact, Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body, Poss of marijuana<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704206330396.png" alt="Meier,Rodney Wayne" />
 <figcaption>Meier,Rodney Wayne</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Meier, Rodney Wayne REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Disorderly conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct to cause resentment, Domestic Battery: rude physical contact<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704206429286.jpeg" alt="Mickle,David Curtis" />
 <figcaption>Mickle,David Curtis</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Mickle,David Curtis REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704206483472.jpeg" alt="Rice,Joshua Evans" />
 <figcaption>Rice,Joshua Evans</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Rice, Joshua Evans REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704206520405.jpeg" alt="Walters-Shepherd,Mahala Nicole" />
 <figcaption>Walters-Shepherd,Mahala Nicole</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Walters-Shepherd,Mahala Nicole REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Unlawful abuse of toxic vapors

Saline County Jail Activity, Dec. 30-Jan. 2

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVID%20A.%20LIEB%20and%20GEOFF%20MULVIHILL%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVID A. LIEB and GEOFF MULVIHILL</a>

KANSAS CITY (AP) —Fuzzy dice finally will be free to dangle in Illinois.

Starting Monday, police there no longer will be allowed to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=103-0032">pull over motorists</a>&nbsp;solely because they have something hanging from the rearview mirror of the windshield. That means air fresheners, parking placards and, yes, even those dice are fair game to hang.

The revised Illinois windshield rule is one of hundreds of new laws taking effect with the new year in states across the U.S. While some may seem a bit pedestrian, others have real practical effects or touch on controversial issues such as restrictions on weapons and medical treatments for transgender people.

Though the original Illinois windshield law was meant to improve roadway safety, it came to be seen by some as an excuse for pulling over drivers. The new law still prohibits objects that obstruct a driver's view but forbids law enforcement officers from conducting stops or searches solely because of suspected violations.

“With this new law, we are sending a powerful message that the state does not tolerate racial profiling or other forms of discrimination,” said Democratic state Sen. Christopher Belt, one of the bill's sponsors.

Another new Illinois law seeks to stifle a more modern form of distracted driving by prohibiting people from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=&amp;SessionId=112&amp;GA=103&amp;DocTypeId=HB&amp;DocNum=2431&amp;GAID=17&amp;LegID=147512&amp;SpecSess=&amp;Session=">participating in video conferences</a>&nbsp;or scanning social media while behind the wheel.

Several states have new laws regulating guns and online activity.

A Minnesota law will allow authorities to ask courts for “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gun-control-safety-minnesota-governor-f7f7d0276061b01890b623b535780fd6?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">extreme risk protection orders</a>&nbsp;” to temporarily take guns from people deemed to be an imminent threat to others or themselves. Minnesota will be at least the 20th state with such a red-flag law.

Colorado will become one of a dozen states&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghost-gun-firearm-mass-shootings-colorado-b4b2d51884ed09fafa1a8e2ccc8001fb?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">banning so-called ghost guns</a>. The new law prohibits firearms that are assembled at home or 3D-printed without serial numbers, practices that have allowed owners to evade background checks.

The U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-semiautomatic-weapon-ammunition-ban-gun-rights-2b1a3e9795814ba9c05ea8720cbb6f4d?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">declined to block</a>&nbsp;an Illinois law from taking effect Monday that bans high-powered semiautomatic rifles and high-capacity magazines. But a federal judge recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-gun-laws-concealed-carry-c7ebb8506ed99f41b59455350647c0b6?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">blocked a California law</a>&nbsp;that would have banned carrying concealed guns in many public places.

Several state laws delve into acceptable online activities. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/2023/ACT/PA/PDF/2023PA-00056-R00SB-00003-PA.PDF">new Connecticut law</a>&nbsp;requires online dating operators to adopt policies for handling harassment reports by or between users.

A North Carolina law will require pornographic website operators to confirm viewers are at least 18 years old by using a commercially available database. The law lets parents sue companies if their children were allowed to access the pornography. Another new Illinois law will allow lawsuits from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/deepfake-porn-celebrities-dalle-stable-diffusion-midjourney-ai-e7935e9922cda82fbcfb1e1a88d9443a?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">victims of deepfake pornography</a>, in which videos or images are manipulated without their consent.

Over the past few years, there has been a major push by conservatives to restrict access to gender-affirming treatments for transgender minors. Bans are on the books in 22 states, including some where judges have paused enforcement as they consider challenges to the policies.

New bans on access for minors to puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgery, which is rare, are scheduled to take effect Jan. 1 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-care-ban-kids-idaho-d17ca5b1549509bb4b21ec26e2691968?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">Idaho</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-ban-veto-override-louisiana-gender-affirming-5c0291d146ce4db1ff601d26650ad9af?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">Louisiana</a>&nbsp;and West Virginia.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/west-virginia-governor-gender-affirming-care-de63a9232fcea329081f667fdf0c24ab?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">The West Virginia law</a>&nbsp;contains an exception: Teens could still access treatment with parental consent and a diagnosis of severe gender dysphoria from two doctors.

While many Republican-led legislatures have imposed restrictions, many Democrat-dominated states have responded with transgender protections. A law taking effect Monday in Hawaii requires new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2023/bills/GM1282_.PDF">marriage certificates</a>&nbsp;to be issued to people who request to change how their sex is listed. The state also is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2023/bills/GM1263_.PDF">replacing gender-specific terms</a>&nbsp;in state law; “mother” is being replaced with “birthing parent” and “father” with “non-birthing parent.”

In Colorado,&nbsp;<a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb23-1057">new buildings</a>&nbsp;wholly or partly owned by government entities will be required to have on every floor where there are public restrooms at least one that does not specify the gender of the users.

The conservative push on LGBTQ+ policies also has come with efforts to keep certain books out of school or public libraries.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/indiana-schools-public-libraries-books-ban-f3bad5e3c4ef05267a46a74d72c604b7?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">An Indiana law</a>&nbsp;taking effect makes it easier for parents and others to challenge books in school libraries. By contrast,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/book-ban-library-lgbtq-illinois-f5516941473e474712eaaafda084de76?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">a new Illinois law</a>&nbsp;would block state funding for public libraries that ban or restrict books.

The new year brings a variety of new laws on taxes and wages — perennial issues for state governments.

More than 20 states will raise minimum wages for workers, further widening the gap between state requirements and the federal minimum, which has been static at $7.25 an hour since July 2009. In several states, the new minimum wage will more than double that rate.

Maryland's minimum wage will be set at $15 an hour. In New Jersey, it will be $15.13 an hour for most employees. In Connecticut, $15.69 per hour. In New York City, $16 an hour, though it will be $15 in most of the rest of the state. California's statewide minimum wage also will rise to $16 per hour. And in Washington, the minimum rate will be $16.28.

Residents in some states will gain money by paying less in taxes, continuing a three-year trend in which nearly every state has reduced, rebated or suspended some type of broad-based tax.

In Kansas, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-topeka-04c238396da6305b90de6b7bb6283876?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">sales tax on groceries</a>&nbsp;will drop from 4% to 2% in its next step toward eventual elimination, producing a savings of $208 annually for a family spending an average of $200 weekly on groceries.

About 1 million tax filers are expected to benefit from Connecticut's first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/connecticut-general-assembly-budget-tax-cut-94f4b37c4d2dadf783ef5f3812a7c7c9?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">income tax rate reduction</a>&nbsp;since the mid-1990s. Lower-income workers and retirees also stand to benefit from expanded tax breaks.

Missouri also will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-corporate-taxes-missouri-columbia-government-and-politics-0f1b81cef03a49fbe16199f24b5e22bd?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">reduce its income tax rate</a>&nbsp;while expanding tax exemptions for Social Security benefits and military training pay. Businesses will be able to claim tax credits for hiring interns or apprentices.

Alabama will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-legislature-overtime-pay-tax-cut-da1c1b17042a0a84d37674453cc8e351?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">exempt overtime pay</a>&nbsp;from the state's income tax, though that lasts only until June 2025 unless renewed by lawmakers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668724103112.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVID%20A.%20LIEB%20and%20GEOFF%20MULVIHILL%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVID A. LIEB and GEOFF MULVIHILL</a>KANSAS CITY (AP) —Fuzzy dice finally will be free to dangle in Illinois.Starting Monday, police there no longer will be allowed to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=103-0032">pull over motorists</a>&nbsp;solely because they have something hanging from the rearview mirror of the windshield. That means air fresheners, parking placards and, yes, even those dice are fair game to hang.The revised Illinois windshield rule is one of hundreds of new laws taking effect with the new year in states across the U.S. While some may seem a bit pedestrian, others have real practical effects or touch on controversial issues such as restrictions on weapons and medical treatments for transgender people.Though the original Illinois windshield law was meant to improve roadway safety, it came to be seen by some as an excuse for pulling over drivers. The new law still prohibits objects that obstruct a driver's view but forbids law enforcement officers from conducting stops or searches solely because of suspected violations.“With this new law, we are sending a powerful message that the state does not tolerate racial profiling or other forms of discrimination,” said Democratic state Sen. Christopher Belt, one of the bill's sponsors.Another new Illinois law seeks to stifle a more modern form of distracted driving by prohibiting people from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=&amp;SessionId=112&amp;GA=103&amp;DocTypeId=HB&amp;DocNum=2431&amp;GAID=17&amp;LegID=147512&amp;SpecSess=&amp;Session=">participating in video conferences</a>&nbsp;or scanning social media while behind the wheel.GUNS AND PORNOGRAPHYSeveral states have new laws regulating guns and online activity.A Minnesota law will allow authorities to ask courts for “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gun-control-safety-minnesota-governor-f7f7d0276061b01890b623b535780fd6?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">extreme risk protection orders</a>&nbsp;” to temporarily take guns from people deemed to be an imminent threat to others or themselves. Minnesota will be at least the 20th state with such a red-flag law.Colorado will become one of a dozen states&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghost-gun-firearm-mass-shootings-colorado-b4b2d51884ed09fafa1a8e2ccc8001fb?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">banning so-called ghost guns</a>. The new law prohibits firearms that are assembled at home or 3D-printed without serial numbers, practices that have allowed owners to evade background checks.The U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-semiautomatic-weapon-ammunition-ban-gun-rights-2b1a3e9795814ba9c05ea8720cbb6f4d?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">declined to block</a>&nbsp;an Illinois law from taking effect Monday that bans high-powered semiautomatic rifles and high-capacity magazines. But a federal judge recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-gun-laws-concealed-carry-c7ebb8506ed99f41b59455350647c0b6?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">blocked a California law</a>&nbsp;that would have banned carrying concealed guns in many public places.Several state laws delve into acceptable online activities. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/2023/ACT/PA/PDF/2023PA-00056-R00SB-00003-PA.PDF">new Connecticut law</a>&nbsp;requires online dating operators to adopt policies for handling harassment reports by or between users.A North Carolina law will require pornographic website operators to confirm viewers are at least 18 years old by using a commercially available database. The law lets parents sue companies if their children were allowed to access the pornography. Another new Illinois law will allow lawsuits from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/deepfake-porn-celebrities-dalle-stable-diffusion-midjourney-ai-e7935e9922cda82fbcfb1e1a88d9443a?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">victims of deepfake pornography</a>, in which videos or images are manipulated without their consent.LGBTQ+ ISSUESOver the past few years, there has been a major push by conservatives to restrict access to gender-affirming treatments for transgender minors. Bans are on the books in 22 states, including some where judges have paused enforcement as they consider challenges to the policies.New bans on access for minors to puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgery, which is rare, are scheduled to take effect Jan. 1 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-care-ban-kids-idaho-d17ca5b1549509bb4b21ec26e2691968?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">Idaho</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-ban-veto-override-louisiana-gender-affirming-5c0291d146ce4db1ff601d26650ad9af?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">Louisiana</a>&nbsp;and West Virginia.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/west-virginia-governor-gender-affirming-care-de63a9232fcea329081f667fdf0c24ab?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">The West Virginia law</a>&nbsp;contains an exception: Teens could still access treatment with parental consent and a diagnosis of severe gender dysphoria from two doctors.While many Republican-led legislatures have imposed restrictions, many Democrat-dominated states have responded with transgender protections. A law taking effect Monday in Hawaii requires new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2023/bills/GM1282_.PDF">marriage certificates</a>&nbsp;to be issued to people who request to change how their sex is listed. The state also is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2023/bills/GM1263_.PDF">replacing gender-specific terms</a>&nbsp;in state law; “mother” is being replaced with “birthing parent” and “father” with “non-birthing parent.”In Colorado,&nbsp;<a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb23-1057">new buildings</a>&nbsp;wholly or partly owned by government entities will be required to have on every floor where there are public restrooms at least one that does not specify the gender of the users.The conservative push on LGBTQ+ policies also has come with efforts to keep certain books out of school or public libraries.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/indiana-schools-public-libraries-books-ban-f3bad5e3c4ef05267a46a74d72c604b7?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">An Indiana law</a>&nbsp;taking effect makes it easier for parents and others to challenge books in school libraries. By contrast,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/book-ban-library-lgbtq-illinois-f5516941473e474712eaaafda084de76?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">a new Illinois law</a>&nbsp;would block state funding for public libraries that ban or restrict books.TAXES AND WAGESThe new year brings a variety of new laws on taxes and wages — perennial issues for state governments.More than 20 states will raise minimum wages for workers, further widening the gap between state requirements and the federal minimum, which has been static at $7.25 an hour since July 2009. In several states, the new minimum wage will more than double that rate.Maryland's minimum wage will be set at $15 an hour. In New Jersey, it will be $15.13 an hour for most employees. In Connecticut, $15.69 per hour. In New York City, $16 an hour, though it will be $15 in most of the rest of the state. California's statewide minimum wage also will rise to $16 per hour. And in Washington, the minimum rate will be $16.28.Residents in some states will gain money by paying less in taxes, continuing a three-year trend in which nearly every state has reduced, rebated or suspended some type of broad-based tax.In Kansas, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-topeka-04c238396da6305b90de6b7bb6283876?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">sales tax on groceries</a>&nbsp;will drop from 4% to 2% in its next step toward eventual elimination, producing a savings of $208 annually for a family spending an average of $200 weekly on groceries.About 1 million tax filers are expected to benefit from Connecticut's first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/connecticut-general-assembly-budget-tax-cut-94f4b37c4d2dadf783ef5f3812a7c7c9?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">income tax rate reduction</a>&nbsp;since the mid-1990s. Lower-income workers and retirees also stand to benefit from expanded tax breaks.Missouri also will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-corporate-taxes-missouri-columbia-government-and-politics-0f1b81cef03a49fbe16199f24b5e22bd?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">reduce its income tax rate</a>&nbsp;while expanding tax exemptions for Social Security benefits and military training pay. Businesses will be able to claim tax credits for hiring interns or apprentices.Alabama will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-legislature-overtime-pay-tax-cut-da1c1b17042a0a84d37674453cc8e351?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">exempt overtime pay</a>&nbsp;from the state's income tax, though that lasts only until June 2025 unless renewed by lawmakers.

Happy New Year: States enact new laws on guns, porn and taxes 

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured a food delivery driver in Kansas City.

Just after 5:30 p.m. Dec. 20, police responded to a shooting at a Kansas City residence. First responders found a man suffering from non-life-threatening gunshot wound, according to court documents.

 After surrounding the home and calling all occupants out, 27-year-old Marissa Leonard came out and and told officers that she had to shoot into the ground because she was frightened that the victim was trying to force his way into the residence.

The injured man, a DoorDash delivery driver, told officers he saw a woman in her mid-to-late 40s on the porch. He walked up on the porch and handed her the food, and said he told the woman he needed to take a picture to prove the food was delivered; part of the DoorDashstandard operating procedure.

Leonard told investigators her mom went outside and told the driver he did not need a picture and to leave their property. She told investigators that she thought the driver was attempting to come into the home and told him to go away while informing him that they were armed. Shortly after, Leonard said she sent a warning shot into the ground to the right of the driver.

Court documents said the woman told the man he was drunk and walked back into the residence. The man “turned to walk off the porch and heard a gunshot and felt pain in his lower leg.” The man said he saw Leonard in the doorway after the gunshot was fired and said she was the only person outside when he was shot.&nbsp;

Leonard was booked into the Jackson County jail on requested charges of second-degree assault and armed criminal action.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703762148512.png" alt="Leonard-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Leonard-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured a food delivery driver in Kansas City.Just after 5:30 p.m. Dec. 20, police responded to a shooting at a Kansas City residence. First responders found a man suffering from non-life-threatening gunshot wound, according to court documents. After surrounding the home and calling all occupants out, 27-year-old Marissa Leonard came out and and told officers that she had to shoot into the ground because she was frightened that the victim was trying to force his way into the residence.The injured man, a DoorDash delivery driver, told officers he saw a woman in her mid-to-late 40s on the porch. He walked up on the porch and handed her the food, and said he told the woman he needed to take a picture to prove the food was delivered; part of the DoorDashstandard operating procedure.Leonard told investigators her mom went outside and told the driver he did not need a picture and to leave their property. She told investigators that she thought the driver was attempting to come into the home and told him to go away while informing him that they were armed. Shortly after, Leonard said she sent a warning shot into the ground to the right of the driver.Court documents said the woman told the man he was drunk and walked back into the residence. The man “turned to walk off the porch and heard a gunshot and felt pain in his lower leg.” The man said he saw Leonard in the doorway after the gunshot was fired and said she was the only person outside when he was shot.&nbsp;Leonard was booked into the Jackson County jail on requested charges of second-degree assault and armed criminal action.

Kansas City woman accused of shooting food delivery driver 

Shirley Marihugh, age 82, of Esbon, Kansas, went to be with Jesus on Monday, December 25, 2023. She was surrounded by her family at her daughter’s home in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She loved Christmas morning and what a perfect day to be welcomed into Heaven.     

Shirley was born on June 25, 1941 in Long Branch, New Jersey to Arthur and Doris (Dey) Hughes. Growing up mere blocks from the Atlantic Ocean, jumping over crashing waves and digging her toes in the sand, she sought the joy of the sea throughout her life.

As a 1959 graduate of Long Branch High School, Shirley developed a love of learning that continued  throughout her lifetime. Her intellectual prowess, near-photographic memory, and love of history earned her the titles of family crossword puzzle solver, Jeopardy queen, and general fount of wisdom–“go-ask-Mom, she’ll know.” Her mantra was “you’re never bored if you have a book.”    

As a teenager, Shirley and her parents loved to rollerskate. It was at the skating rink where she met a young man from Kansas who was stationed at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. Thus began a love story spanning nearly 60 years. She was united in marriage on June 27, 1959 to Glenn E. Marihugh. Five children were welcomed to this union: Brenda Kay, Karen Kay, Sandra Kay, Scott Andrew, and Mark Howard. They raised their young family in New Jersey before moving to the Marihugh family hometown of Esbon, Kansas in 1974. What a cultural adaptation that must have been for Shirley and her parents, who also joined in the adventure! She quickly added new and unfamiliar farm-life roles such as wheat truck driver and meals-to-the-field delivery service, to her already vast homemaking skills.   

Shirley was a life-long Christian who exemplified faith, hope, and love, which she considered the foundation of her life. She was baptized and confirmed at the Oakhurst United Methodist Church, Oakhurst, NJ. She was an active member of the Esbon Community Church, led Bible studies, and was a lay speaker for many years. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, PEO, Odessa EHU, and as many bridge/card clubs as possible. She and her mother operated Esbon Ceramic Studio in their home for years. She loved to read, knit, crochet, bake, host family and friends, and play all types of card or board games.

Together Glenn and Shirley had a life filled with incredible experiences and accomplishments as they raised a strong, close, loving family. They shared a love of travel, including road trips across the country with five kids in tow, summers in New Hampshire as proprietors of “Cozy Cabins,” and graduation trips with grandchildren (and their parents, if they were lucky!).

Rejoicing in what she called her most important job–being a mom, grandma and great-grandma, Shirley became known to family and friends alike by her grandma nickname, “Bobbie.” Bobbie was interested in every activity of every grandchild, and though she wasn’t raised around sports, she became an enthusiastic fan if it meant being a part of family gatherings or tailgating opportunities. She was often heard telling her family “it is my life to love you all.”

In 1996, Shirley was invited to join childhood friends in Mazatlán, Mexico. This was the beginning of over 25 years of winter trips to this sunny city on the Pacific coast. Numerous lasting friendships grew from these yearly treks, and she reveled in the opportunity to put her feet in the sand once again. In later years, Glenn and Shirley branched out to international travel which she was determined to continue, even after Glenn’s passing. Trips included visiting Barcelona with family, embarking on two South African safaris, riverboat cruises, shopping European Christmas markets, a trip to Russia, and celebrating her 81st birthday in Zermatt, Switzerland. Wherever Shirley went, whether in her own small community or around the world, she knew the language of friendship and she practiced it well.

She is survived by four of her five children, Brenda Seaman (Lon), Downs, KS; Karen Loeffelman (Eduard), Festus, MO; Sandra Zabel (Steven), Chattanooga, TN;  Mark Marihugh (Kathy), McPherson KS; grandchildren, Jeremy Long (Katie), Julie de Graaf (Derek), Chad Seaman, Candace Seaman (Alfred Jackson), Clark Seaman (Sharla), Cory Loeffelman (Jordan), Melanie Byrd (Keaton), Andrew Zabel (Rebecca Brannon), Sam Zabel, Lily Zabel, Cody Marihugh, Trevor Marihugh (Ina), Bree Marihugh, Lynnea Marihugh, Rhys Marihugh (Hailey Gehle), Trey Marihugh, Brittney Miller (Andrew), Jacob Senger (Jodeci Constantino), Shawn Marihugh, Tiffani Marihugh (Dylan Williams); honorary grandson, Guim Pallas (Elisa), numerous great grandchildren, extended family, and a community of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Doris Hughes, her husband Glenn, and her beloved son, Scott.  

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 6th, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Esbon Community Church, Esbon, Kansas with Pastor Rod Rose officiating. Burial will follow in the Odessa Cemetery, Rural Esbon, Kansas.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 5th, 2023 from 1:00-8:00 p.m., at Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, with family receiving guests from 5-7 p.m.

The family suggests memorials to the Esbon Community Church in care of the Melby Mortuary.

For online condolences, please visit www.melbymortuary.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703871048922.jpeg" alt="Shirley Marihugh " />
 <figcaption>Shirley Marihugh </figcaption>
 </figure>Shirley Marihugh, age 82, of Esbon, Kansas, went to be with Jesus on Monday, December 25, 2023. She was surrounded by her family at her daughter’s home in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She loved Christmas morning and what a perfect day to be welcomed into Heaven. Shirley was born on June 25, 1941 in Long Branch, New Jersey to Arthur and Doris (Dey) Hughes. Growing up mere blocks from the Atlantic Ocean, jumping over crashing waves and digging her toes in the sand, she sought the joy of the sea throughout her life.As a 1959 graduate of Long Branch High School, Shirley developed a love of learning that continued throughout her lifetime. Her intellectual prowess, near-photographic memory, and love of history earned her the titles of family crossword puzzle solver, Jeopardy queen, and general fount of wisdom–“go-ask-Mom, she’ll know.” Her mantra was “you’re never bored if you have a book.” As a teenager, Shirley and her parents loved to rollerskate. It was at the skating rink where she met a young man from Kansas who was stationed at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. Thus began a love story spanning nearly 60 years. She was united in marriage on June 27, 1959 to Glenn E. Marihugh. Five children were welcomed to this union: Brenda Kay, Karen Kay, Sandra Kay, Scott Andrew, and Mark Howard. They raised their young family in New Jersey before moving to the Marihugh family hometown of Esbon, Kansas in 1974. What a cultural adaptation that must have been for Shirley and her parents, who also joined in the adventure! She quickly added new and unfamiliar farm-life roles such as wheat truck driver and meals-to-the-field delivery service, to her already vast homemaking skills. Shirley was a life-long Christian who exemplified faith, hope, and love, which she considered the foundation of her life. She was baptized and confirmed at the Oakhurst United Methodist Church, Oakhurst, NJ. She was an active member of the Esbon Community Church, led Bible studies, and was a lay speaker for many years. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, PEO, Odessa EHU, and as many bridge/card clubs as possible. She and her mother operated Esbon Ceramic Studio in their home for years. She loved to read, knit, crochet, bake, host family and friends, and play all types of card or board games.Together Glenn and Shirley had a life filled with incredible experiences and accomplishments as they raised a strong, close, loving family. They shared a love of travel, including road trips across the country with five kids in tow, summers in New Hampshire as proprietors of “Cozy Cabins,” and graduation trips with grandchildren (and their parents, if they were lucky!).Rejoicing in what she called her most important job–being a mom, grandma and great-grandma, Shirley became known to family and friends alike by her grandma nickname, “Bobbie.” Bobbie was interested in every activity of every grandchild, and though she wasn’t raised around sports, she became an enthusiastic fan if it meant being a part of family gatherings or tailgating opportunities. She was often heard telling her family “it is my life to love you all.”In 1996, Shirley was invited to join childhood friends in Mazatlán, Mexico. This was the beginning of over 25 years of winter trips to this sunny city on the Pacific coast. Numerous lasting friendships grew from these yearly treks, and she reveled in the opportunity to put her feet in the sand once again. In later years, Glenn and Shirley branched out to international travel which she was determined to continue, even after Glenn’s passing. Trips included visiting Barcelona with family, embarking on two South African safaris, riverboat cruises, shopping European Christmas markets, a trip to Russia, and celebrating her 81st birthday in Zermatt, Switzerland. Wherever Shirley went, whether in her own small community or around the world, she knew the language of friendship and she practiced it well.She is survived by four of her five children, Brenda Seaman (Lon), Downs, KS; Karen Loeffelman (Eduard), Festus, MO; Sandra Zabel (Steven), Chattanooga, TN; Mark Marihugh (Kathy), McPherson KS; grandchildren, Jeremy Long (Katie), Julie de Graaf (Derek), Chad Seaman, Candace Seaman (Alfred Jackson), Clark Seaman (Sharla), Cory Loeffelman (Jordan), Melanie Byrd (Keaton), Andrew Zabel (Rebecca Brannon), Sam Zabel, Lily Zabel, Cody Marihugh, Trevor Marihugh (Ina), Bree Marihugh, Lynnea Marihugh, Rhys Marihugh (Hailey Gehle), Trey Marihugh, Brittney Miller (Andrew), Jacob Senger (Jodeci Constantino), Shawn Marihugh, Tiffani Marihugh (Dylan Williams); honorary grandson, Guim Pallas (Elisa), numerous great grandchildren, extended family, and a community of friends.She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Doris Hughes, her husband Glenn, and her beloved son, Scott. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 6th, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Esbon Community Church, Esbon, Kansas with Pastor Rod Rose officiating. Burial will follow in the Odessa Cemetery, Rural Esbon, Kansas.Visitation will be held Friday, January 5th, 2023 from 1:00-8:00 p.m., at Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, with family receiving guests from 5-7 p.m.The family suggests memorials to the Esbon Community Church in care of the Melby Mortuary.For online condolences, please visit www.melbymortuary.com.

Shirley Marihugh

When it comes to pursuing goals, Kansas State University family resource management specialist Elizabeth Kiss thinks even a little progress means a lot.

"Often when it comes to goal-setting, we think it’s all or nothing," Kiss said. "We think, 'I have to do this' or 'I have to be focused…' That is not necessarily the best or most successful way to achieve what you’re looking for."

Instead, she said, take the long view on goals.

"Think about this: there are 168 hours in a week," Kiss said. "How much of that time do we actually need to achieve our personal, financial, health or other goals? Some things only take about an hour a week. You can make a big amount of progress on a project by spending an hour or two a week on a regular basis."

Put into practice, Kiss notes a couple examples: If you want to read a book, but feel overwhelmed, spend just 5-10 minutes a day reading. Or if a goal is to get in better physical shape, dedicate 15-20 minutes a few times a week as an entry point.

Kiss said: "Take a kinder, more gentler approach to your goals."

In her job, Kiss spends a good deal of time helping individuals and families use their family’s resources – including money – to achieve their goals. Her approach to goal-setting works when managing the family’s finances, too.

"If you want to increase your family’s emergency fund…what you could to do is plan to put aside a small amount each month, perhaps as little as $10 per month," she said. "That might not seem like a lot, but over a year, that’s $120 for your emergency fund that you didn’t have previously."

Kiss encourages families to talk about goals, particularly when it comes to spending money. When appropriate, involve kids, she says, particularly as they grow older and transition into helping with such expenses as vehicles, insurance, weddings and more.

"Many of us are fearful that we will out-live our money; we wonder how we are going to stay active, interested, curious…all of those things," Kiss said. "That all has to do with family resource management. I always say that successful money management is that you get to the end of your life and you have some money left…and you’re meeting your goals, whatever they are."

K-State Research and Extension has an online publication titled,&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF2721.pdf">How Are You Doing? A Financial Checkup</a>, to help keep people on path to meet their life’s goals. The publication is available online from the&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/">K-State Research and Extension bookstore</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703863916847.jpeg" alt="Successful money management "is that you get to the end of your life and you have some money left...and you're meeting your goals," says K-State family resource management specialist Elizabeth Kiss." />
 <figcaption>Successful money management "is that you get to the end of your life and you have some money left...and you're meeting your goals," says K-State family resource management specialist Elizabeth Kiss.</figcaption>
 </figure>BY KSREWhen it comes to pursuing goals, Kansas State University family resource management specialist Elizabeth Kiss thinks even a little progress means a lot."Often when it comes to goal-setting, we think it’s all or nothing," Kiss said. "We think, 'I have to do this' or 'I have to be focused…' That is not necessarily the best or most successful way to achieve what you’re looking for."Instead, she said, take the long view on goals."Think about this: there are 168 hours in a week," Kiss said. "How much of that time do we actually need to achieve our personal, financial, health or other goals? Some things only take about an hour a week. You can make a big amount of progress on a project by spending an hour or two a week on a regular basis."Put into practice, Kiss notes a couple examples: If you want to read a book, but feel overwhelmed, spend just 5-10 minutes a day reading. Or if a goal is to get in better physical shape, dedicate 15-20 minutes a few times a week as an entry point.Kiss said: "Take a kinder, more gentler approach to your goals."In her job, Kiss spends a good deal of time helping individuals and families use their family’s resources – including money – to achieve their goals. Her approach to goal-setting works when managing the family’s finances, too."If you want to increase your family’s emergency fund…what you could to do is plan to put aside a small amount each month, perhaps as little as $10 per month," she said. "That might not seem like a lot, but over a year, that’s $120 for your emergency fund that you didn’t have previously."Kiss encourages families to talk about goals, particularly when it comes to spending money. When appropriate, involve kids, she says, particularly as they grow older and transition into helping with such expenses as vehicles, insurance, weddings and more."Many of us are fearful that we will out-live our money; we wonder how we are going to stay active, interested, curious…all of those things," Kiss said. "That all has to do with family resource management. I always say that successful money management is that you get to the end of your life and you have some money left…and you’re meeting your goals, whatever they are."K-State Research and Extension has an online publication titled,&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF2721.pdf">How Are You Doing? A Financial Checkup</a>, to help keep people on path to meet their life’s goals. The publication is available online from the&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/">K-State Research and Extension bookstore</a>."Sometimes – whatever goals you're setting – you don't take your intended actions," Kiss said. "Don't beat yourself up. Wherever you're at, just keep thinking ahead. Share your goals, write them down and review them periodically; but don’t obsess over them."More information on personal well-being, including family resource management, is also available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local extension offices in Kansas</a>.