JACKSON COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just before 11p.m. Sunday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of suspicious individuals in the area of 110th and T. Roads in southeastern Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Deputies stopped a vehicle leaving the area near 126th and T. Roads.  Deputies arrested the driver, identified as 22-year-old Joshua Kenneth Funk Jr., of Valley Falls for driving under the influence, transporting an open container and possession of cocaine. 

 Funk was booked into the Jackson County Jail. The Hoyt Police Department assisted with the incident. Funk is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690899444029.png" alt="Funk-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Funk-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just before 11p.m. Sunday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of suspicious individuals in the area of 110th and T. Roads in southeastern Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Deputies stopped a vehicle leaving the area near 126th and T. Roads. Deputies arrested the driver, identified as 22-year-old Joshua Kenneth Funk Jr., of Valley Falls for driving under the influence, transporting an open container and possession of cocaine. Funk was booked into the Jackson County Jail. The Hoyt Police Department assisted with the incident. Funk is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Kansas man caught transporting cocaine

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a house fire and have made an arrest..

Just before 10p.m. Sunday, crews responded to a reported house fire located at 507 SW Taylor Street in Topeka, according to spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

First responders found smoke coming from the single-story house consisting of two apartments.&nbsp;&nbsp; All occupants were able to exit the structure, prior to the arrival of fire crews.

After a preliminary investigation the fire cause is classified as intentionally set. As a result of the investigation, Linda Ritchey, 61, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of of Aggravated Arson.

The origin of the fire was determined to have been on the first floor of the home. The total loss was estimated at $11,000, with $10,000 associated with structural loss and $1,000 associated with content loss.

The home did not have working smoke detectors, according to the fire department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690819669630.png" alt="Ritchey-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Ritchey-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a house fire and have made an arrest..Just before 10p.m. Sunday, crews responded to a reported house fire located at 507 SW Taylor Street in Topeka, according to spokesperson Rosie Nichols.First responders found smoke coming from the single-story house consisting of two apartments.&nbsp;&nbsp; All occupants were able to exit the structure, prior to the arrival of fire crews.After a preliminary investigation the fire cause is classified as intentionally set. As a result of the investigation, Linda Ritchey, 61, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of of Aggravated Arson.The origin of the fire was determined to have been on the first floor of the home. The total loss was estimated at $11,000, with $10,000 associated with structural loss and $1,000 associated with content loss.The home did not have working smoke detectors, according to the fire department.

Woman accused of setting Kansas house fire

This is day 16, the final day of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

The Kansas wheat harvest is finally drawing to a close with 95 percent of wheat harvest complete, according to the official statistics provided by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service in its crop progress report for the week ending July 30, 2023. That is still well behind last year’s 100 percent completion at this time and the five-year average of nearly 99 percent.

Ahead of the weekend, the last remaining farmers in the harvest field were cutting down toward the Oklahoma border, primarily so they could report numbers to crop insurance, according to Lawson Hemberger, MKC senior location manager of rail terminals who is based out of the Sumner County Terminal in Milan. Hemberger oversees both of MKC’s current terminal elevators as well as the one under construction near Sterling. The terminal in Milan covers Sumner County, southwest of Wichita, and into neighboring Harper and Cowley counties.

The terminal took in its first loads of wheat around June 8. While that makes the length of harvest very long in total, Hemberger noted the majority of acres were harvested by the Fourth of July. The area caught five to six inches of rain that week, forcing farmers out of the field and starting a cycle of every-other-day rain delays, increasing weed pressure and falling test weights.

“This is definitely the first year I’ve seen a wheat harvest go darn near two months long,” he said.

Hemberger noted the area was pretty decent on moisture compared to other areas of Kansas as the wheat came out of dormancy. The wheat was up and looking pretty average, but then the area went all the way to early May before finally catching rain.

Hemberger estimated abandonment ranged from 10 to 15 percent. Some of those planted acres were abandoned before harvest so farmers could plant a second crop, others were zeroed out during harvest when some producers could send the combine down and back once in the field and not even fill up a coffee can.

He noted he was holding his breath when the rains arrived — calling it the do-or-die moment — but the wheat was at the exact right stage to fill the kernels that it put on. Test weights were excellent during the first few weeks of harvest, right at 60 to 60.5 pounds per bushel.

Yields were widespread from five bushels per acre — primarily where crop insurance would not release acres ahead of harvest — up to 48 bushels per acre. For the early part of harvest ahead of the holiday, Hemberger estimated most farmers averaged about 20 bushels per acre.

Protein was exceptional — even higher than last year’s drought-stressed crop — with Hemberger estimating 80 percent of wheat coming in was at 13 percent protein or higher. He noted for wheat report readers that the protein levels are mostly locked in once the wheat matures, meaning the protein values do not drop significantly like test weight.

The Sumner County Terminal has four different pits, allowing MKC to set up a really good segregation plan. Hemberger explained that most of the time they have four to five protein breaks — so trying to separate every percentage point (10 percent, 11 percent, etc.). This year, the crop came in so much higher with protein content that they had to adjust that segregation plan every other day to continue separating the highest protein wheat. He noted they are putting higher protein wheat — 14 and higher — into long-term storage, stashing it away for another time when good protein wheat may not be as readily available as this year’s crop.

Hemberger reported the most consistently reported top wheat variety this year was AgriPro’s Bob Dole, which was developed by K-State. He noted producers also highlighted Larry, also developed at K-State, and Paradise from Polansky Seed, as varieties that performed well in the area this year.

After the big rains around July 4, however, the rain kept coming. As a result, damage has substantially increased on those tail-end acres and test weights dropped off and at the end of harvest were down to 56 to 57 pounds per bushel. Weeds were a whole other debacle as producers struggled to control late-season emergence options in order to harvest. Crop insurance ended up zeroing out some fields due to crabgrass that came in after pigweed was sprayed.

Even with the frustrating end of harvest, Hemberger reported this year’s harvest was better than expected.

“We figured we got about 60 to 65 percent compared to a normal year,” Hemberger said. “Looking back at where we were going into May, we didn’t think we would have a crop at all.”

Despite the challenges the rain caused for the wheat, the ample moisture means the fall crops are looking really good, even with the long period of triple-digit weather that is threatening the crop at a critical growth period. Hemberger noted a rain at the end of last week of 1.5 to 3 inches could not have come at a better time.

Now the challenge is to turn house quickly at the terminal to make space for those fall crops. Most of the wheat will be sent to local mills. The MKC terminal does have two train loaders, but with such a short crop, there is not a strong export market out of Kansas this year. Still, he noted they will load a few trains that were contracted back this spring.

Overall, this wheat harvest will be one for the record books, although not in the way that producers would prefer, according to Justin Gilpin, Kansas Wheat CEO. As of its last estimate, USDA predicted Kansas wheat production will total 208 million bushels on 6.5 million acres, the smallest crop since 1966.

Breaking down that overall number, however, average yields for 2023 are currently estimated at 32 bushels per acre compared to 19.5 bushels per acre in 1966. That gain is directly attributable to the improvement in available wheat genetics, recommended farming practices and decades of on-farm knowledge.

“What shouldn’t be lost in everything that’s going on is the gains that have been made through genetics to try and keep a disaster from being more of a disaster,” Gilpin said. “The 2023 wheat crop had more than its share of twists and turns, but overall, we’ve come a long way. Every year is a little bit different, but 2023 is probably going to be one of those years that does stand out for a long time on charts, and not just due to the overall challenges this crop faced. Combined with the market volatility and unprecedented geopolitical events — everything that is occurring simultaneously within the wheat market right now is pretty incredible.”

Learn more about Gilpin’s perspectives on this year’s harvest, supply-and-demand factors across wheat classes, end-use quality, international market influences and more in the latest episode of the “Wheat’s On Your Mind” podcast at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001IWM8VLBC0qICfIjJkUmKTJa95zUxiq6RWEMfAaMhOKUOsF8WGVfvOWcrlc5SP7ZpcQxXI137SA99AhfBowPXtFt2XQ1r_nkRNTFRSbtAgPyNFLxxh8qAGyZWWCc-Ha5fAmD-TQHAEpiwY0wSMJof9A==&amp;c=VdgotDc_FxtE1DYsBGeQS8KQrvDxRU2upxoCbBSLKDGbI5FU5_t_cQ==&amp;ch=tENeIJUPUyKWq1YYKDxnXbfuacqjeUmEmW3qNNHLrGnPpbA23E13VQ==" target="_blank">wheatsonyourmind.com</a>.

The 2023 Harvest Reports were brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690890009072.png" alt="Final Wheat Harvest Report" />
 <figcaption>Final Wheat Harvest Report</figcaption>
 </figure> By JULIA DEBESKansas WheatThis is day 16, the final day of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.The Kansas wheat harvest is finally drawing to a close with 95 percent of wheat harvest complete, according to the official statistics provided by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service in its crop progress report for the week ending July 30, 2023. That is still well behind last year’s 100 percent completion at this time and the five-year average of nearly 99 percent.Ahead of the weekend, the last remaining farmers in the harvest field were cutting down toward the Oklahoma border, primarily so they could report numbers to crop insurance, according to Lawson Hemberger, MKC senior location manager of rail terminals who is based out of the Sumner County Terminal in Milan. Hemberger oversees both of MKC’s current terminal elevators as well as the one under construction near Sterling. The terminal in Milan covers Sumner County, southwest of Wichita, and into neighboring Harper and Cowley counties.The terminal took in its first loads of wheat around June 8. While that makes the length of harvest very long in total, Hemberger noted the majority of acres were harvested by the Fourth of July. The area caught five to six inches of rain that week, forcing farmers out of the field and starting a cycle of every-other-day rain delays, increasing weed pressure and falling test weights.“This is definitely the first year I’ve seen a wheat harvest go darn near two months long,” he said.Hemberger noted the area was pretty decent on moisture compared to other areas of Kansas as the wheat came out of dormancy. The wheat was up and looking pretty average, but then the area went all the way to early May before finally catching rain.Hemberger estimated abandonment ranged from 10 to 15 percent. Some of those planted acres were abandoned before harvest so farmers could plant a second crop, others were zeroed out during harvest when some producers could send the combine down and back once in the field and not even fill up a coffee can.He noted he was holding his breath when the rains arrived — calling it the do-or-die moment — but the wheat was at the exact right stage to fill the kernels that it put on. Test weights were excellent during the first few weeks of harvest, right at 60 to 60.5 pounds per bushel.Yields were widespread from five bushels per acre — primarily where crop insurance would not release acres ahead of harvest — up to 48 bushels per acre. For the early part of harvest ahead of the holiday, Hemberger estimated most farmers averaged about 20 bushels per acre.Protein was exceptional — even higher than last year’s drought-stressed crop — with Hemberger estimating 80 percent of wheat coming in was at 13 percent protein or higher. He noted for wheat report readers that the protein levels are mostly locked in once the wheat matures, meaning the protein values do not drop significantly like test weight.The Sumner County Terminal has four different pits, allowing MKC to set up a really good segregation plan. Hemberger explained that most of the time they have four to five protein breaks — so trying to separate every percentage point (10 percent, 11 percent, etc.). This year, the crop came in so much higher with protein content that they had to adjust that segregation plan every other day to continue separating the highest protein wheat. He noted they are putting higher protein wheat — 14 and higher — into long-term storage, stashing it away for another time when good protein wheat may not be as readily available as this year’s crop.Hemberger reported the most consistently reported top wheat variety this year was AgriPro’s Bob Dole, which was developed by K-State. He noted producers also highlighted Larry, also developed at K-State, and Paradise from Polansky Seed, as varieties that performed well in the area this year.After the big rains around July 4, however, the rain kept coming. As a result, damage has substantially increased on those tail-end acres and test weights dropped off and at the end of harvest were down to 56 to 57 pounds per bushel. Weeds were a whole other debacle as producers struggled to control late-season emergence options in order to harvest. Crop insurance ended up zeroing out some fields due to crabgrass that came in after pigweed was sprayed.Even with the frustrating end of harvest, Hemberger reported this year’s harvest was better than expected.“We figured we got about 60 to 65 percent compared to a normal year,” Hemberger said. “Looking back at where we were going into May, we didn’t think we would have a crop at all.”Despite the challenges the rain caused for the wheat, the ample moisture means the fall crops are looking really good, even with the long period of triple-digit weather that is threatening the crop at a critical growth period. Hemberger noted a rain at the end of last week of 1.5 to 3 inches could not have come at a better time.Now the challenge is to turn house quickly at the terminal to make space for those fall crops. Most of the wheat will be sent to local mills. The MKC terminal does have two train loaders, but with such a short crop, there is not a strong export market out of Kansas this year. Still, he noted they will load a few trains that were contracted back this spring.Overall, this wheat harvest will be one for the record books, although not in the way that producers would prefer, according to Justin Gilpin, Kansas Wheat CEO. As of its last estimate, USDA predicted Kansas wheat production will total 208 million bushels on 6.5 million acres, the smallest crop since 1966.Breaking down that overall number, however, average yields for 2023 are currently estimated at 32 bushels per acre compared to 19.5 bushels per acre in 1966. That gain is directly attributable to the improvement in available wheat genetics, recommended farming practices and decades of on-farm knowledge.“What shouldn’t be lost in everything that’s going on is the gains that have been made through genetics to try and keep a disaster from being more of a disaster,” Gilpin said. “The 2023 wheat crop had more than its share of twists and turns, but overall, we’ve come a long way. Every year is a little bit different, but 2023 is probably going to be one of those years that does stand out for a long time on charts, and not just due to the overall challenges this crop faced. Combined with the market volatility and unprecedented geopolitical events — everything that is occurring simultaneously within the wheat market right now is pretty incredible.”Learn more about Gilpin’s perspectives on this year’s harvest, supply-and-demand factors across wheat classes, end-use quality, international market influences and more in the latest episode of the “Wheat’s On Your Mind” podcast at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001IWM8VLBC0qICfIjJkUmKTJa95zUxiq6RWEMfAaMhOKUOsF8WGVfvOWcrlc5SP7ZpcQxXI137SA99AhfBowPXtFt2XQ1r_nkRNTFRSbtAgPyNFLxxh8qAGyZWWCc-Ha5fAmD-TQHAEpiwY0wSMJof9A==&amp;c=VdgotDc_FxtE1DYsBGeQS8KQrvDxRU2upxoCbBSLKDGbI5FU5_t_cQ==&amp;ch=tENeIJUPUyKWq1YYKDxnXbfuacqjeUmEmW3qNNHLrGnPpbA23E13VQ==" target="_blank">wheatsonyourmind.com</a>.The 2023 Harvest Reports were brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

Day 16, Final Kansas Wheat Harvest Report

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for making an alleged false police report that generated a large police presence.&nbsp;

Just after 4 a.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a home in the 2900 block of SE Indiana Ave. in Topeka in reference what was reported as a hostage situation, according to a media release from police.

Given the nature of the call, significant police resources responded to the home.

During the course of the investigation, officers learned that there was no hostage situation at the home, and that a false police report was made.

Investigators quickly determined the swatting call originated from a nearby home in the same block on SE Indiana Avenue.

 The suspect, later identified as Veronica E. Freeby, 33 of Topeka, was taken into custody without incident, later arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Transmit/communicate false info to request emergency service; w/threat of violent activity ad aShawnee County warrant

Freeby and the involved parties are known to one another, and this is believed to have been an isolated incident. There were no injuries during this incident. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690556256910.png" alt="Freeby-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Freeby-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for making an alleged false police report that generated a large police presence.&nbsp;Just after 4 a.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a home in the 2900 block of SE Indiana Ave. in Topeka in reference what was reported as a hostage situation, according to a media release from police.Given the nature of the call, significant police resources responded to the home.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690556340872.png" alt="Given the nature of the call, significant police resources responded to the home.-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Given the nature of the call, significant police resources responded to the home.-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>During the course of the investigation, officers learned that there was no hostage situation at the home, and that a false police report was made.Investigators quickly determined the swatting call originated from a nearby home in the same block on SE Indiana Avenue. The suspect, later identified as Veronica E. Freeby, 33 of Topeka, was taken into custody without incident, later arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Transmit/communicate false info to request emergency service; w/threat of violent activity ad aShawnee County warrantFreeby and the involved parties are known to one another, and this is believed to have been an isolated incident. There were no injuries during this incident.

Kansas woman accused of reporting fake hostage situation

SHAWNEE COUNTY—The man accused in the fatal shooting of a 2-month-old in Topeka is now in a Kansas jail.

Early Thursday, 29-year-old Alfred A. Smith was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, according to online jail records. He is being held without bond.

On July 20, Smith was booked into the Greene County Missouri jail on unrelated charges, according to online booking records.

On July 14,&nbsp; police were&nbsp;dispatched to a Topeka hospital after a victim identified as 2-month-old Alonzoe K. Smith arrived with an apparent gunshot wound, according to Lt. Ronnie Connell.

The infant had arrived and was being treated for a life threatening injury. and later died.&nbsp; &nbsp; The shooting occurred in the 1000 Block of SW Mulvane Street.&nbsp; Soon after the child's death, police asked the public to locate Smith.&nbsp; Police have not indicated charges he faces in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689903649893.png" alt="Smith was captured in Missouri -photo Greene Co." />
 <figcaption>Smith was captured in Missouri -photo Greene Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—The man accused in the fatal shooting of a 2-month-old in Topeka is now in a Kansas jail.Early Thursday, 29-year-old Alfred A. Smith was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, according to online jail records. He is being held without bond.On July 20, Smith was booked into the Greene County Missouri jail on unrelated charges, according to online booking records.On July 14,&nbsp; police were&nbsp;dispatched to a Topeka hospital after a victim identified as 2-month-old Alonzoe K. Smith arrived with an apparent gunshot wound, according to Lt. Ronnie Connell.The infant had arrived and was being treated for a life threatening injury. and later died.&nbsp; &nbsp; The shooting occurred in the 1000 Block of SW Mulvane Street.&nbsp; Soon after the child's death, police asked the public to locate Smith.&nbsp; Police have not indicated charges he faces in the case.

Man accused in murder of 2-month-old moved to Kansas jail

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegations

On July 25, law enforcement officers with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit and Douglas County Sheriff’s Nexus Unit executed a narcotics related search warrant in the 400 block of SW Western Avenue in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 During the investigation, investigators found illegal narcotics including meth.

Tammi S. Moore, 57, and Jesse D. Jones, 31, both of Topeka, were arrested and booked into them Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Moore is being held on requested charges that include distribution of stimulants, possession of drug paraphernalia and use of a communication device in commission of a felony drug violation. Jones remains jailed on a requested charge of distribution of stimulants and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690464285105.png" alt="Jones-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Jones-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegationsOn July 25, law enforcement officers with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit and Douglas County Sheriff’s Nexus Unit executed a narcotics related search warrant in the 400 block of SW Western Avenue in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the investigation, investigators found illegal narcotics including meth.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690464195704.png" alt="Moore-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Moore-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Tammi S. Moore, 57, and Jesse D. Jones, 31, both of Topeka, were arrested and booked into them Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Moore is being held on requested charges that include distribution of stimulants, possession of drug paraphernalia and use of a communication device in commission of a felony drug violation. Jones remains jailed on a requested charge of distribution of stimulants and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Two Kansans accused of selling methamphetamine

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;faced new charges Thursday in a case accusing him of illegally possessing classified documents, with prosecutors alleging that he asked a staffer to delete camera footage at his Florida estate in an effort to obstruct a&nbsp;federal investigation into the records.

<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.flsd.648652/gov.uscourts.flsd.648652.85.0_2.pdf">Click here to read the</a> indictment released late Thursday

The indictment includes new counts of obstruction and willful retention of national defense information, adding fresh detail to an indictment issued last month against Trump and a close aide. The additional charges came as a surprise at a time of escalating anticipation of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-investigation-indictment-730455c2b7a684593e41362e4b661cb3">possible additional indictment in Washington</a>&nbsp;over his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The updated allegations make clear the vast — and unknown — scope of legal exposure faced by Trump as he seeks to reclaim the White House in 2024 while fending off criminal cases in multiple cities.

The new allegations from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jack-smith-special-counsel-prosecutor-donald-trump-garland-e1fdb71cfc258bc2be48a8b890a9269b">special counsel Jack Smith</a>&nbsp;center on surveillance footage at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, evidence that has long been vital to the case. Trump is alleged to have asked for the footage to be deleted after FBI and Justice Department investigators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-merrick-garland-government-and-politics-0486be7d750ae7546c6b9175f4952857">visited in June 2022</a>&nbsp;to collect classified documents he took with him after leaving the White House. The new indictment also charges him with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-trump-audio-recording-classified-documents-case-3f3963a35a5d8ccae407ea4ab9f93082">illegally holding onto a document he's alleged to have shown off to visitors in New Jersey</a>.

A Trump spokesperson dismissed the new charges as “nothing more than a continued desperate and flailing attempt” by the Biden administration “to harass President Trump and those around him” and to influence the 2024 presidential race.

Prosecutors accuse Trump of scheming with his valet,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maralago-justice-department-classified-f5a7b87bbb0234d5504d1c1f92bc857e">Walt Nauta</a>, and a Mar-a-Lago property manager, Carlos De Oliveira, to conceal the footage from federal investigators after they issued a subpoena for it. Video from the property would ultimately play a significant role in the investigation because, prosecutors said, it captured Nauta moving boxes of documents in and out of a storage room — including one such incident a day before a Justice Department visit to the property.

According to the indictment, Nauta met with De Oliveira on June 25, 2022, at Mar-a-Lago, where they went to a security guard booth where surveillance video was displayed on monitors and walked with a flashlight through a tunnel where the storage room was located, observing and pointing out surveillance cameras.

Two days later, according to the indictment, De Oliveira walked with an unidentified Trump employee to an audio room, where De Oliveira asked how many days the server retained footage.

De Oliveira, prosecutors said, told the other employee “that ‘the boss’ wanted the server deleted" and asked, “What are we going to do?”

During a voluntary interview with the FBI last January, prosecutors say, De Oliveira lied when he said he “never saw nothing” with regard to boxes at Mar-a-Lago.

De Oliveira was added to the indictment, charged with obstruction and false statements related to an interview he gave the FBI earlier this year. His lawyer declined to comment Thursday evening.

The new charges were filed as Trump is bracing for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-jan-6-justice-department-charges-ab1ad197e9abcb3eb9095237b98bee7d">prospect of an additional indictment</a>&nbsp;related to his efforts to undo the 2020 election in the run-up to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. Last week, he revealed he had received a letter from the Justice Department informing him he was a target in that probe, suggesting that charges could be forthcoming, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-investigation-indictment-730455c2b7a684593e41362e4b661cb3">his lawyers met with prosecutors on Smith's office earlier Thursday</a>&nbsp;to discuss that case.

But despite the anticipation, the only charges filed Thursday were in Florida, not Washington.

The superseding indictment also charges Trump with an additional count of willfully retaining national defense information, relating to a document he showed off to visitors at his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club during an July 2021 interview for a memoir by his onetime chief of staff Mark Meadows. Prosecutors have described the document as a Pentagon plan of attack and Meadows, in his subsequent book, said the country it concerned was Iran.

According to the indictment, Trump returned that document, which was marked as top secret and not approved to show to foreign nationals, to the federal government on Jan. 17, 2022.

Trump has denied he had secret documents before him when he spoke.

“There wasn’t a document. I had lots of paper. I had copies of newspaper articles, I had copies of magazines, I had copies of everything,” he said in an interview with Fox News host Bret Baier.

The count was notable because prosecutors until now had mostly been focused on the records that Trump had refused to return in response to a Justice Department subpoena last year.

Both Trump and Nauta have pleaded not guilty to the original 38-count indictment. De Oliveira is due in court in Florida on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690507797310.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;faced new charges Thursday in a case accusing him of illegally possessing classified documents, with prosecutors alleging that he asked a staffer to delete camera footage at his Florida estate in an effort to obstruct a&nbsp;federal investigation into the records.<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.flsd.648652/gov.uscourts.flsd.648652.85.0_2.pdf">Click here to read the</a> indictment released late ThursdayThe indictment includes new counts of obstruction and willful retention of national defense information, adding fresh detail to an indictment issued last month against Trump and a close aide. The additional charges came as a surprise at a time of escalating anticipation of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-investigation-indictment-730455c2b7a684593e41362e4b661cb3">possible additional indictment in Washington</a>&nbsp;over his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The updated allegations make clear the vast — and unknown — scope of legal exposure faced by Trump as he seeks to reclaim the White House in 2024 while fending off criminal cases in multiple cities.The new allegations from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jack-smith-special-counsel-prosecutor-donald-trump-garland-e1fdb71cfc258bc2be48a8b890a9269b">special counsel Jack Smith</a>&nbsp;center on surveillance footage at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, evidence that has long been vital to the case. Trump is alleged to have asked for the footage to be deleted after FBI and Justice Department investigators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-merrick-garland-government-and-politics-0486be7d750ae7546c6b9175f4952857">visited in June 2022</a>&nbsp;to collect classified documents he took with him after leaving the White House. The new indictment also charges him with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-trump-audio-recording-classified-documents-case-3f3963a35a5d8ccae407ea4ab9f93082">illegally holding onto a document he's alleged to have shown off to visitors in New Jersey</a>.A Trump spokesperson dismissed the new charges as “nothing more than a continued desperate and flailing attempt” by the Biden administration “to harass President Trump and those around him” and to influence the 2024 presidential race.Prosecutors accuse Trump of scheming with his valet,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maralago-justice-department-classified-f5a7b87bbb0234d5504d1c1f92bc857e">Walt Nauta</a>, and a Mar-a-Lago property manager, Carlos De Oliveira, to conceal the footage from federal investigators after they issued a subpoena for it. Video from the property would ultimately play a significant role in the investigation because, prosecutors said, it captured Nauta moving boxes of documents in and out of a storage room — including one such incident a day before a Justice Department visit to the property.According to the indictment, Nauta met with De Oliveira on June 25, 2022, at Mar-a-Lago, where they went to a security guard booth where surveillance video was displayed on monitors and walked with a flashlight through a tunnel where the storage room was located, observing and pointing out surveillance cameras.Two days later, according to the indictment, De Oliveira walked with an unidentified Trump employee to an audio room, where De Oliveira asked how many days the server retained footage.De Oliveira, prosecutors said, told the other employee “that ‘the boss’ wanted the server deleted" and asked, “What are we going to do?”During a voluntary interview with the FBI last January, prosecutors say, De Oliveira lied when he said he “never saw nothing” with regard to boxes at Mar-a-Lago.De Oliveira was added to the indictment, charged with obstruction and false statements related to an interview he gave the FBI earlier this year. His lawyer declined to comment Thursday evening.The new charges were filed as Trump is bracing for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-jan-6-justice-department-charges-ab1ad197e9abcb3eb9095237b98bee7d">prospect of an additional indictment</a>&nbsp;related to his efforts to undo the 2020 election in the run-up to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. Last week, he revealed he had received a letter from the Justice Department informing him he was a target in that probe, suggesting that charges could be forthcoming, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-investigation-indictment-730455c2b7a684593e41362e4b661cb3">his lawyers met with prosecutors on Smith's office earlier Thursday</a>&nbsp;to discuss that case.But despite the anticipation, the only charges filed Thursday were in Florida, not Washington.The superseding indictment also charges Trump with an additional count of willfully retaining national defense information, relating to a document he showed off to visitors at his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club during an July 2021 interview for a memoir by his onetime chief of staff Mark Meadows. Prosecutors have described the document as a Pentagon plan of attack and Meadows, in his subsequent book, said the country it concerned was Iran.According to the indictment, Trump returned that document, which was marked as top secret and not approved to show to foreign nationals, to the federal government on Jan. 17, 2022.Trump has denied he had secret documents before him when he spoke.“There wasn’t a document. I had lots of paper. I had copies of newspaper articles, I had copies of magazines, I had copies of everything,” he said in an interview with Fox News host Bret Baier.The count was notable because prosecutors until now had mostly been focused on the records that Trump had refused to return in response to a Justice Department subpoena last year.Both Trump and Nauta have pleaded not guilty to the original 38-count indictment. De Oliveira is due in court in Florida on Monday.____

Read the new indictment against Trump in classified documents case

OSAGE COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect on drug allegations.

Just after noon Tuesday, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 75 H near Carbondale, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

During the stop, the deputy located illegal narcotics.

Two subjects in the vehicle were taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility. Crystal M. Watson, 43, of Eastland, Texas, was jailed on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Danielle J. Pennington, 47, of Gatesville, Texas, was booked on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Possession of marijuana.

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and the Topeka Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690310239398.png" alt="Pennington-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Pennington-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect on drug allegations.Just after noon Tuesday, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 75 H near Carbondale, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.During the stop, the deputy located illegal narcotics.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690310136563.png" alt="Watson-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Watson-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Two subjects in the vehicle were taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility. Crystal M. Watson, 43, of Eastland, Texas, was jailed on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia.Danielle J. Pennington, 47, of Gatesville, Texas, was booked on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Possession of marijuana.The Osage County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and the Topeka Police Department.

Sheriff: 2 Texas women transporting meth, marijuana in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump asked a staffer to delete camera footage at his Florida estate in an effort to obstruct the federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-classified-documents-indictment-miami-court-e9412bb71b63ab1b7cfb8e8b122e9809">investigation into his possession of classified documents</a>, according to an updated indictment unsealed Thursday that adds new charges against the former president and names an additional defendant.

The indictment includes new counts of obstruction and willful retention of national defense information, compounding Trump's legal jeopardy even as he braces for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-investigation-indictment-730455c2b7a684593e41362e4b661cb3">possible additional indictment in Washington</a>&nbsp;over his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The additional counts underscore the extent of the yearlong investigation into Trump that first produced charges last month in the form of a 38-count indictment against Trump and his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maralago-justice-department-classified-f5a7b87bbb0234d5504d1c1f92bc857e">valet, Walt Nauta</a>.

The classified records were taken by Trump to Mar-a-Lago after he left the White House in January 2021.

The superseding indictment charges Trump with an additional count of willfully retaining national defense information relating to the former president discussing U.S. military plans to attack another country during an interview in July 2021 at his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club. The interview was for a memoir being written by his onetime chief of staff, Mark Meadows, who in his subsequent book named the country as Iran.

According to the indictment, Trump returned that document, which was marked as top secret and not approved to show to foreign nationals, to the federal government on Jan. 17. 2022.

It marks a notable shift in the prosecution’s approach to Trump’s case, charging him for retaining a document it alleges the former president knew was highly sensitive after he left office — and not just for failing to return it to the government when asked.

Both Trump and Nauta have pleaded not guilty.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661941600753.jpeg" alt="This image contained in a court filing by the Department of Justice on Aug. 30, 2022, and redacted by in part by the FBI, shows a photo of documents seized during the Aug. 2022 search by the FBI of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.&nbsp; (Department of Justice via AP)" />
 <figcaption>This image contained in a court filing by the Department of Justice on Aug. 30, 2022, and redacted by in part by the FBI, shows a photo of documents seized during the Aug. 2022 search by the FBI of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.&nbsp; (Department of Justice via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump asked a staffer to delete camera footage at his Florida estate in an effort to obstruct the federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-classified-documents-indictment-miami-court-e9412bb71b63ab1b7cfb8e8b122e9809">investigation into his possession of classified documents</a>, according to an updated indictment unsealed Thursday that adds new charges against the former president and names an additional defendant.The indictment includes new counts of obstruction and willful retention of national defense information, compounding Trump's legal jeopardy even as he braces for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-investigation-indictment-730455c2b7a684593e41362e4b661cb3">possible additional indictment in Washington</a>&nbsp;over his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The additional counts underscore the extent of the yearlong investigation into Trump that first produced charges last month in the form of a 38-count indictment against Trump and his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maralago-justice-department-classified-f5a7b87bbb0234d5504d1c1f92bc857e">valet, Walt Nauta</a>.A Trump spokesperson dismissed the new charges as “nothing more than a continued desperate and flailing attempt” by the Biden administration “to harass President Trump and those around him” and to influence the 2024 presidential race.The classified records were taken by Trump to Mar-a-Lago after he left the White House in January 2021.The superseding indictment charges Trump with an additional count of willfully retaining national defense information relating to the former president discussing U.S. military plans to attack another country during an interview in July 2021 at his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club. The interview was for a memoir being written by his onetime chief of staff, Mark Meadows, who in his subsequent book named the country as Iran.According to the indictment, Trump returned that document, which was marked as top secret and not approved to show to foreign nationals, to the federal government on Jan. 17. 2022.It marks a notable shift in the prosecution’s approach to Trump’s case, charging him for retaining a document it alleges the former president knew was highly sensitive after he left office — and not just for failing to return it to the government when asked.Both Trump and Nauta have pleaded not guilty.

New accusations against Donald Trump in classified documents case

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have made an arrest.

Just after 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to an alarm at Calhoun’s Jewelers, 1801 SW Gage Blvd. in Topeka, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers found that an individual had forced entry into the business.

As a result of the investigation, Raymundo A. Martinez, 36, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary; Dwelling to commit felony, theft, DV, or sexually motivated crime and Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1,000 to $25,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690309886340.png" alt="Martinez-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Martinez-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have made an arrest.Just after 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to an alarm at Calhoun’s Jewelers, 1801 SW Gage Blvd. in Topeka, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers found that an individual had forced entry into the business.As a result of the investigation, Raymundo A. Martinez, 36, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary; Dwelling to commit felony, theft, DV, or sexually motivated crime and Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1,000 to $25,000.

Man accused of burglary at Kansas jewelry store

Four finalists have been selected for the 2023 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers, forestland owners, and other landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife resources in their care. &nbsp;

<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=JjyQUoVmYurjzTy6hCWthFikCPXJSr2afwkWWx2CThusX4mG-2B6iIMV8ur01IlqMunCR__nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OAeBmQKna7OdsrxC5q0L2CfW8pqc-2FA1XrKvy9exTA6XYM6v1szcKto6cBH6Tr7xOClK0o67VzYjppwd-2F6w24N9ArwSojdaQHC1xgD8o3poumDsg4i4LzoW81-2FiZ4xZTunouemqlpKKVSSYzsfXwxVCr1Ix0HGE4Gl7KbP2mw93zz" target="_blank">Sand County Foundation</a>&nbsp;and national sponsor&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=JjyQUoVmYurjzTy6hCWthJZjV-2B-2BoBMwgWKaYjFP7WN4-3D-CNE_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OOS8-2FsVYzQH0fkCs-2BBBnfllpbtJQslPLc9AJ2-2Be4cGH3NstjldV2rjiSdU5s0oQE8FWG6Snj7S5eegu1T0DFSQFgYpLvDvNEgS42v6AjnsJlfQ7LzWykm5B8UEra3OqJnczoffQpg2wO4DH6PaHI79edBCP9-2BXNSHcjRky5Gmy72" target="_blank">American Farmland Trust</a>&nbsp;present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 27 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Kansas the award is presented annually by&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0Tu10dIH13bXsbEER7PyikDm-2Bai-2BMzPN27xTIsB5pnGITyE10_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OARhsbqlVvNwLg2jyC0aGCzf9PCK5Wf0Ij-2BD-2BG9JY4rtknNvDpyPBqk2YVQGgqC4RyTXefmJQdS56yO9THOjOOPnuRlzahDBS49143P-2FMxOFxfDBamlcrkAdouGjNsUXlQhq0NuvRtSliubaC-2FHVWzrQF-2B1eKcRkX8PyCrmiUeQW" target="_blank">Sand County Foundation</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=JjyQUoVmYurjzTy6hCWthJZjV-2B-2BoBMwgWKaYjFP7WN4-3Dh9wt_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OKfUicLX5YfJUfvAaMKvJhPLlHlMewcrlY-2B3I2UdhJyGi4xXE55floYV0M7VdABVG6K7z3KcfcqO5xBF88f4JE7cHl5Vu7BBv7smdlsUUy9jnxiWvO0YvZ2KmJN6O37l9PMopZzvkpmmN2-2FxjWhjOVGc9e9VwFLQ37bIzgQ2rfvV" target="_blank">American Farmland Trust</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TlAh-2Fwkr9O-2FK9u-2BV2PzMW8ksV8YQtSwUDFFYOR-2BNK9bbIIcH_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OO38vdSHe9080LIxwFQy1eUSc5b7R-2Fr86-2B40U1wU6OY1o8RPAFdRunTvJ4VzsXnBs2XOKEQYjTAb-2FRbIoUj7zCnwuvU1J1jjbtxlAw12IvyBwrCnD6IQ6WKb-2F-2FH-2BMPiOdlS96o6pj8zIuCYBtyyRIQVSPUD5ho71Cl2wlIMq20JW" target="_blank">Kansas Association of Conservation Districts</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0ThlfF9uAiI46EhM-2BCWEvU2Zvco6lW3OMrNPzqzlv0fvNhTdT_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OLdMFebuY0ig5Shqohu5qM-2BM0jSWsnA34GHyevlGAKUe15Lco9GLJ-2F4uPeqVxtkARWkO5lPfh4KLv4QbKArjiE3Qmzm9t8tEOhqnm-2B98GixXxi2BFgg-2FIuM7mR9fWalJS9b-2BL2cgb1yqIszPYnD7Qf0Dh2Ryw424fWd663pZW1Sd" target="_blank">Ranchland Trust of Kansas</a>.

The Kansas Leopold Conservation Award will be presented at the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts’ 79th Annual Convention in Wichita in November. The award recipient will receive $10,000 and a crystal award.

Ray and Susan Flickner of Wichita. The Flickner family farms in McPherson, Hodgeman, Dickinson and Norton counties. They installed sub-surface drip irrigation technology to become more efficient with water and nutrient applications on crops. They experiment with cover crops to improve water infiltration and suppress weeds. Their Flickner Innovation Farm is a collaboration of university, industry, and agency partners where new methods to improve soil health and conserve water are demonstrated.

Kevin Karr Family of Emporia. The Karr family raises crops and hogs in Lyon County. To reduce soil erosion, Kevin began using no-till practices in the 1980s. He credits no-till with enhancing wildlife habitat and reducing his fuel use, while building better soil structure. Weeds are naturally suppressed by planting cover crops of rye, while beneficial insects are attracted to flowering cover crops. The combination of no-till and cover crops has bolstered the farm’s resilience to drought. &nbsp;

Janus Farms of Cherryvale. Dr. Phil Eastep has improved wildlife habitat and biodiversity on his Montgomery County farmland with prescribed burning, rotationally grazing beef cattle, and removing invasive species such as cedar and sumac. To prevent erosion and promote soil health he has planted more than 125,000 trees and constructed a riverbank stabilization project. He has hosted botanical and endangered wildlife studies at his farm, and established pollinator habitat of native flowering plants.

Glenn and Barbara Walker of Brookville. The Walkers are improving soil health, wildlife habitat and water distribution on their properties in Ellsworth, Lincoln, Rice, Russell and Saline counties. By using rotational grazing to feed their beef cattle, they are also managing grassland to improve habitat for greater prairie chickens, turkeys and deer. Their investment in removing invasive red cedar trees improves water resources. Several of their properties are enrolled in the Kansas Walk-in Hunting program. &nbsp;

The first Kansas Leopold Conservation Award recipient was selected in 2015. The 2022 recipient was Michael Thompson of Almena.

The Leopold Conservation Award in Kansas is made possible thanks to the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Kansas Association of Conservation Districts, Ranchland Trust of Kansas, Sand County Foundation, Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, ITC Great Plains, Evergy, Kansas Department of Agriculture (Division of Conservation), Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kansas Forest Service, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Kansas, Green Cover Seed, McDonald’s, The Nature Conservancy, and a Kansas Leopold Conservation Award recipient.

In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage, which he called “an evolutionary possibility and an ecological necessity.”

“Kansas Association of Conservation Districts is excited to recognize these outstanding landowners who are committed to conservation on their land,” said Dan Meyerhoff, KACD Executive Director. “We are proud to partner with Sand County Foundation and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas to give these families the recognition they deserve."

“Ranchland Trust of Kansas is proud to be part of recognizing Kansas ranchers and farmers for their stewardship of their land,” said Barth Crouch, Ranchland Trust of Kansas Chairman. “All of the finalists are deserving of the award which is really recognition of their management efforts and sacrifice to bring their land to its highest potential.”

“These award finalists are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO.

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust, celebrates the hard work and dedication of the Kansas award finalists,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0Tpr6xNhpzmLJpqwqrRiSYSlnTnPI7aaF-2FPGfuoj2SYxXYY8BnU-2FL0EynhQUdYclEwQ-3D-3DhVUO_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OBqkIi9QpNLwQ-2FASIShSvsLBZCvoHjRptd8Ad8lhmnzIw5b9uXk4QVp5UP3j6lutcGHIij1Qh0jgXWJ-2FadQf-2BdUD1yQOXpo-2FcIfKkbtczJ6OSpRzWH0XwiXmrEGzA-2BOOreOKr2LhusbWZQp2AJIwqe7o0eGeGMY8KC5Kgl02u-2BMR" target="_blank">www.leopoldconservationaward.org</a>.&nbsp;

LEOPOLD CONSERVATION AWARD PROGRAM

The Leopold Conservation Award is a competitive award that recognizes landowner achievement in voluntary conservation. Sand County Foundation presents the award in California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont).&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0Tpr6xNhpzmLJpqwqrRiSYSlnTnPI7aaF-2FPGfuoj2SYxXYY8BnU-2FL0EynhQUdYclEwQ-3D-3DifYj_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OPG-2BtPtvoDFdImcYfp6MZL1VS6iJ306Xg9dnUuS6ahJ7F5WOh11Kwf23wEpWssH8879zqm3Zv-2B6c95sZMR94xFk2Orc-2FdS-2BeuCfxuWPWrtuI4UN7j10itdrwbPaaSFlG0mnsmKJoKtH8x9Bw5zZvoDxQZloV-2F-2FVfFinK2lslR6Qg" target="_blank">www.leopoldconservationaward.org</a>

American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through its No Farms, No Food message. Since its founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and supported thousands of farm families.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TqEHgcPfa7g-2BDEhyzls7YCdmsLE-2FBr6lWioHaASJelZKSJVK_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OK15fI5eS-2Fr3zlvjO8KZZUTIwMqXLW1EH3DGT9yQCkGLlZ9njspGFhyOPQ3tY-2FDGVcMjK7zFr3ACQya1uLDixqqr6lYD5m8FgY4-2Bk0-2BM14lam09qrTOQqZ0DWhxhZYRCXnQYZJ1ycxP6theZlAct9UkKU5zHGCOIKtmK-2BKn4EaY9" target="_blank">www.farmland.org</a>

KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS

The Kansas Association of Conservation Districts is a voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit, incorporated organization composed of members from the conservation districts located throughout Kansas’ 105 counties. Through partnerships with federal, state, and local entities, the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts has brought together groups that share the common goal of wise and efficient conservation practices that protect Kansas’ natural resources. The Kansas Association of Conservation Districts promotes and supports the establishment of programs dedicated to conservation and the organized development of Kansas land, water, and related resources.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TqQ0uIE7ER9WCJ8HWUyLYHg-3D-I_P_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OD4fDsgzorcg12P2eGm3pHQfVcboe1J3PuC4NFgBd-2FnicbYBfsttLjKKXt-2BcuVC138UhcAZ5YA3et2G-2BGNhjTk88wXUcrdu7-2F3yaw2slyEATtX2A0I-2FK-2Bd-2BKU2-2BggS9E3Anq4z4Ha2Mnu-2BK7lY8u7eL5so0XOgB9Wy92l-2FdYmp7T" target="_blank">www.kacdnet.org</a>

The Ranchland Trust of Kansas is a private, non-profit organization founded by members of the Kansas Livestock Association in 2003. The organization was created to provide assistance to ranchers and landowners who desire to conserve their land with conservation easements. Guided by their mission to preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes, the Ranchland Trust of Kansas values a commitment to conservation, respect for private landownership, integrity, organizational excellence and collaboration with those who share their values. The Ranchland Trust of Kansas remains an affiliate of the Kansas Livestock Association.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0ThlfF9uAiI46EhM-2BCWEvU2ZAspG1lDjO2WLTM8b-2BpAJ8A1rz_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OBJ7HIG0ZsRz65XUsf-2FrsCzdR8POH2AwQ2QsXN7ghda3a9-2FwpouMFgyhN-2FjqcQzJsrFAezF-2F5PBz92e-2Fj14yFPSE4rm3NrwXx5oEJif8Gqs0kIRAurTHtT8tLAaEscZnufVExp2v5DT3toJTYnDj9yAUy5H7rfwg-2FWWZqX8IB8fl" target="_blank">www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org</a>

SAND COUNTY FOUNDATION&nbsp;

Sand County Foundation inspires and empowers a growing number of private landowners to ethically manage natural resources in their care, so future generations have clean and abundant water, healthy soil to support agriculture and forestry, plentiful habitat for wildlife and opportunities for outdoor recreation.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TqhLZzLyiSya1CF0bWNXKIKdXQVEpg0tu0UghQLfDEM3ivoa_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OBgs-2Bh-2FQ-2Bpourj9g2TcTE9aLiBPgd4fv1-2BBfFhQiPWhSwtgDZ5L8omYRs7UImMFQ0aLDK2vzKfogsuFiUj5d3-2FnR5MApb772Vz1uwxz04k7kfsg-2BAhyqE4j7l7BvwujLzCxzv5yQzqzdr9lzIYc37HvNxuZuaORnBx2U1aU9aWfu" target="_blank">www.sandcountyfoundation.org</a>

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628996386096.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>News releaseFour finalists have been selected for the 2023 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers, forestland owners, and other landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife resources in their care. &nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=JjyQUoVmYurjzTy6hCWthFikCPXJSr2afwkWWx2CThusX4mG-2B6iIMV8ur01IlqMunCR__nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OAeBmQKna7OdsrxC5q0L2CfW8pqc-2FA1XrKvy9exTA6XYM6v1szcKto6cBH6Tr7xOClK0o67VzYjppwd-2F6w24N9ArwSojdaQHC1xgD8o3poumDsg4i4LzoW81-2FiZ4xZTunouemqlpKKVSSYzsfXwxVCr1Ix0HGE4Gl7KbP2mw93zz" target="_blank">Sand County Foundation</a>&nbsp;and national sponsor&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=JjyQUoVmYurjzTy6hCWthJZjV-2B-2BoBMwgWKaYjFP7WN4-3D-CNE_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OOS8-2FsVYzQH0fkCs-2BBBnfllpbtJQslPLc9AJ2-2Be4cGH3NstjldV2rjiSdU5s0oQE8FWG6Snj7S5eegu1T0DFSQFgYpLvDvNEgS42v6AjnsJlfQ7LzWykm5B8UEra3OqJnczoffQpg2wO4DH6PaHI79edBCP9-2BXNSHcjRky5Gmy72" target="_blank">American Farmland Trust</a>&nbsp;present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 27 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Kansas the award is presented annually by&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0Tu10dIH13bXsbEER7PyikDm-2Bai-2BMzPN27xTIsB5pnGITyE10_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OARhsbqlVvNwLg2jyC0aGCzf9PCK5Wf0Ij-2BD-2BG9JY4rtknNvDpyPBqk2YVQGgqC4RyTXefmJQdS56yO9THOjOOPnuRlzahDBS49143P-2FMxOFxfDBamlcrkAdouGjNsUXlQhq0NuvRtSliubaC-2FHVWzrQF-2B1eKcRkX8PyCrmiUeQW" target="_blank">Sand County Foundation</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=JjyQUoVmYurjzTy6hCWthJZjV-2B-2BoBMwgWKaYjFP7WN4-3Dh9wt_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OKfUicLX5YfJUfvAaMKvJhPLlHlMewcrlY-2B3I2UdhJyGi4xXE55floYV0M7VdABVG6K7z3KcfcqO5xBF88f4JE7cHl5Vu7BBv7smdlsUUy9jnxiWvO0YvZ2KmJN6O37l9PMopZzvkpmmN2-2FxjWhjOVGc9e9VwFLQ37bIzgQ2rfvV" target="_blank">American Farmland Trust</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TlAh-2Fwkr9O-2FK9u-2BV2PzMW8ksV8YQtSwUDFFYOR-2BNK9bbIIcH_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OO38vdSHe9080LIxwFQy1eUSc5b7R-2Fr86-2B40U1wU6OY1o8RPAFdRunTvJ4VzsXnBs2XOKEQYjTAb-2FRbIoUj7zCnwuvU1J1jjbtxlAw12IvyBwrCnD6IQ6WKb-2F-2FH-2BMPiOdlS96o6pj8zIuCYBtyyRIQVSPUD5ho71Cl2wlIMq20JW" target="_blank">Kansas Association of Conservation Districts</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0ThlfF9uAiI46EhM-2BCWEvU2Zvco6lW3OMrNPzqzlv0fvNhTdT_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OLdMFebuY0ig5Shqohu5qM-2BM0jSWsnA34GHyevlGAKUe15Lco9GLJ-2F4uPeqVxtkARWkO5lPfh4KLv4QbKArjiE3Qmzm9t8tEOhqnm-2B98GixXxi2BFgg-2FIuM7mR9fWalJS9b-2BL2cgb1yqIszPYnD7Qf0Dh2Ryw424fWd663pZW1Sd" target="_blank">Ranchland Trust of Kansas</a>.The Kansas Leopold Conservation Award will be presented at the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts’ 79th Annual Convention in Wichita in November. The award recipient will receive $10,000 and a crystal award.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689970477789.jpeg" alt="The Ray and Susan Flickner family. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The Ray and Susan Flickner family. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The finalists are:Ray and Susan Flickner of Wichita. The Flickner family farms in McPherson, Hodgeman, Dickinson and Norton counties. They installed sub-surface drip irrigation technology to become more efficient with water and nutrient applications on crops. They experiment with cover crops to improve water infiltration and suppress weeds. Their Flickner Innovation Farm is a collaboration of university, industry, and agency partners where new methods to improve soil health and conserve water are demonstrated.Kevin Karr Family of Emporia. The Karr family raises crops and hogs in Lyon County. To reduce soil erosion, Kevin began using no-till practices in the 1980s. He credits no-till with enhancing wildlife habitat and reducing his fuel use, while building better soil structure. Weeds are naturally suppressed by planting cover crops of rye, while beneficial insects are attracted to flowering cover crops. The combination of no-till and cover crops has bolstered the farm’s resilience to drought. &nbsp;Janus Farms of Cherryvale. Dr. Phil Eastep has improved wildlife habitat and biodiversity on his Montgomery County farmland with prescribed burning, rotationally grazing beef cattle, and removing invasive species such as cedar and sumac. To prevent erosion and promote soil health he has planted more than 125,000 trees and constructed a riverbank stabilization project. He has hosted botanical and endangered wildlife studies at his farm, and established pollinator habitat of native flowering plants.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689970600995.jpeg" alt="Glenn and Barbara Walker of Brookville. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Glenn and Barbara Walker of Brookville. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Glenn and Barbara Walker of Brookville. The Walkers are improving soil health, wildlife habitat and water distribution on their properties in Ellsworth, Lincoln, Rice, Russell and Saline counties. By using rotational grazing to feed their beef cattle, they are also managing grassland to improve habitat for greater prairie chickens, turkeys and deer. Their investment in removing invasive red cedar trees improves water resources. Several of their properties are enrolled in the Kansas Walk-in Hunting program. &nbsp;The first Kansas Leopold Conservation Award recipient was selected in 2015. The 2022 recipient was Michael Thompson of Almena.The Leopold Conservation Award in Kansas is made possible thanks to the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Kansas Association of Conservation Districts, Ranchland Trust of Kansas, Sand County Foundation, Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, ITC Great Plains, Evergy, Kansas Department of Agriculture (Division of Conservation), Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kansas Forest Service, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Kansas, Green Cover Seed, McDonald’s, The Nature Conservancy, and a Kansas Leopold Conservation Award recipient.In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage, which he called “an evolutionary possibility and an ecological necessity.”ACCOLADES“Kansas Association of Conservation Districts is excited to recognize these outstanding landowners who are committed to conservation on their land,” said Dan Meyerhoff, KACD Executive Director. “We are proud to partner with Sand County Foundation and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas to give these families the recognition they deserve."“Ranchland Trust of Kansas is proud to be part of recognizing Kansas ranchers and farmers for their stewardship of their land,” said Barth Crouch, Ranchland Trust of Kansas Chairman. “All of the finalists are deserving of the award which is really recognition of their management efforts and sacrifice to bring their land to its highest potential.”“These award finalists are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO.“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust, celebrates the hard work and dedication of the Kansas award finalists,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0Tpr6xNhpzmLJpqwqrRiSYSlnTnPI7aaF-2FPGfuoj2SYxXYY8BnU-2FL0EynhQUdYclEwQ-3D-3DhVUO_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OBqkIi9QpNLwQ-2FASIShSvsLBZCvoHjRptd8Ad8lhmnzIw5b9uXk4QVp5UP3j6lutcGHIij1Qh0jgXWJ-2FadQf-2BdUD1yQOXpo-2FcIfKkbtczJ6OSpRzWH0XwiXmrEGzA-2BOOreOKr2LhusbWZQp2AJIwqe7o0eGeGMY8KC5Kgl02u-2BMR" target="_blank">www.leopoldconservationaward.org</a>.&nbsp;LEOPOLD CONSERVATION AWARD PROGRAMThe Leopold Conservation Award is a competitive award that recognizes landowner achievement in voluntary conservation. Sand County Foundation presents the award in California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont).&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0Tpr6xNhpzmLJpqwqrRiSYSlnTnPI7aaF-2FPGfuoj2SYxXYY8BnU-2FL0EynhQUdYclEwQ-3D-3DifYj_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OPG-2BtPtvoDFdImcYfp6MZL1VS6iJ306Xg9dnUuS6ahJ7F5WOh11Kwf23wEpWssH8879zqm3Zv-2B6c95sZMR94xFk2Orc-2FdS-2BeuCfxuWPWrtuI4UN7j10itdrwbPaaSFlG0mnsmKJoKtH8x9Bw5zZvoDxQZloV-2F-2FVfFinK2lslR6Qg" target="_blank">www.leopoldconservationaward.org</a>AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUSTAmerican Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through its No Farms, No Food message. Since its founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and supported thousands of farm families.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TqEHgcPfa7g-2BDEhyzls7YCdmsLE-2FBr6lWioHaASJelZKSJVK_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OK15fI5eS-2Fr3zlvjO8KZZUTIwMqXLW1EH3DGT9yQCkGLlZ9njspGFhyOPQ3tY-2FDGVcMjK7zFr3ACQya1uLDixqqr6lYD5m8FgY4-2Bk0-2BM14lam09qrTOQqZ0DWhxhZYRCXnQYZJ1ycxP6theZlAct9UkKU5zHGCOIKtmK-2BKn4EaY9" target="_blank">www.farmland.org</a>KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTSThe Kansas Association of Conservation Districts is a voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit, incorporated organization composed of members from the conservation districts located throughout Kansas’ 105 counties. Through partnerships with federal, state, and local entities, the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts has brought together groups that share the common goal of wise and efficient conservation practices that protect Kansas’ natural resources. The Kansas Association of Conservation Districts promotes and supports the establishment of programs dedicated to conservation and the organized development of Kansas land, water, and related resources.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TqQ0uIE7ER9WCJ8HWUyLYHg-3D-I_P_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OD4fDsgzorcg12P2eGm3pHQfVcboe1J3PuC4NFgBd-2FnicbYBfsttLjKKXt-2BcuVC138UhcAZ5YA3et2G-2BGNhjTk88wXUcrdu7-2F3yaw2slyEATtX2A0I-2FK-2Bd-2BKU2-2BggS9E3Anq4z4Ha2Mnu-2BK7lY8u7eL5so0XOgB9Wy92l-2FdYmp7T" target="_blank">www.kacdnet.org</a>RANCHLAND TRUST OF KANSASThe Ranchland Trust of Kansas is a private, non-profit organization founded by members of the Kansas Livestock Association in 2003. The organization was created to provide assistance to ranchers and landowners who desire to conserve their land with conservation easements. Guided by their mission to preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes, the Ranchland Trust of Kansas values a commitment to conservation, respect for private landownership, integrity, organizational excellence and collaboration with those who share their values. The Ranchland Trust of Kansas remains an affiliate of the Kansas Livestock Association.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0ThlfF9uAiI46EhM-2BCWEvU2ZAspG1lDjO2WLTM8b-2BpAJ8A1rz_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OBJ7HIG0ZsRz65XUsf-2FrsCzdR8POH2AwQ2QsXN7ghda3a9-2FwpouMFgyhN-2FjqcQzJsrFAezF-2F5PBz92e-2Fj14yFPSE4rm3NrwXx5oEJif8Gqs0kIRAurTHtT8tLAaEscZnufVExp2v5DT3toJTYnDj9yAUy5H7rfwg-2FWWZqX8IB8fl" target="_blank">www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org</a>SAND COUNTY FOUNDATION&nbsp;Sand County Foundation inspires and empowers a growing number of private landowners to ethically manage natural resources in their care, so future generations have clean and abundant water, healthy soil to support agriculture and forestry, plentiful habitat for wildlife and opportunities for outdoor recreation.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TqhLZzLyiSya1CF0bWNXKIKdXQVEpg0tu0UghQLfDEM3ivoa_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OBgs-2Bh-2FQ-2Bpourj9g2TcTE9aLiBPgd4fv1-2BBfFhQiPWhSwtgDZ5L8omYRs7UImMFQ0aLDK2vzKfogsuFiUj5d3-2FnR5MApb772Vz1uwxz04k7kfsg-2BAhyqE4j7l7BvwujLzCxzv5yQzqzdr9lzIYc37HvNxuZuaORnBx2U1aU9aWfu" target="_blank">www.sandcountyfoundation.org</a>

Finalists for 2023 KS Leopold Conservation Award include area ag producers

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple charges after he fled a weekend traffic stop.

Just after 2 a.m. on Sunday, police on patrol spotted a vehicle that had been reported stolen near SW 21st Street and Wanamaker Road in Topeka, according to a media release.

When officers attempted to pull the driver, later identified as 25-year-old Christian M. Gruber of Topeka, over, he refused to stop.

The driver finally was forced to stop after the vehicle crashed into a business in the 2800 Block SW Wanamaker Road.&nbsp; Officers found Gruber inside and he was allegedly in possession of illegal drugs.

EMS transported Gruber to local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and then arrested and booked into jail on requested charges of possession of stolen property, possession of opiates, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and interference with law enforcement.

Gruber has previous convictions that include burglary, aggravated battery and flee or attempted to elude law enforcement.

He is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690287554020.png" alt="Gruber-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Gruber-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple charges after he fled a weekend traffic stop.Just after 2 a.m. on Sunday, police on patrol spotted a vehicle that had been reported stolen near SW 21st Street and Wanamaker Road in Topeka, according to a media release.When officers attempted to pull the driver, later identified as 25-year-old Christian M. Gruber of Topeka, over, he refused to stop.The driver finally was forced to stop after the vehicle crashed into a business in the 2800 Block SW Wanamaker Road.&nbsp; Officers found Gruber inside and he was allegedly in possession of illegal drugs.EMS transported Gruber to local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and then arrested and booked into jail on requested charges of possession of stolen property, possession of opiates, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and interference with law enforcement.Gruber has previous convictions that include burglary, aggravated battery and flee or attempted to elude law enforcement.He is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records.

Kansas felon jailed after crash while fleeing  traffic stop

LAWRENCE —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a bomb threat on the University of Kansas campus.

Just after 3p.m Monday, University of Kansas Police responded to bomb threat made against KU Football facilities, according to a statement from interim Deputy Chief Damon Tucker.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Anderson Family Football Complex, Beatty Family Pavilion and David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium were evacuated and checked by law enforcement officers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Investigators found no devices and police issued an all-clear at approximately 8 p.m..&nbsp;

Police identified and arrested a suspect for making the threats, according to Tucker. Law enforcement did not release a name.&nbsp; Online jail records indicate 21-year-old Joseph Michael Krause was booked into the Douglas County Jail just before 7p.m. Monday on requested charges of Aggravated criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption.

Krause is a red-shirt sophomore offensive lineman from Prairie Village, Kansas, <a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/season/2023-24/player/joe-krause/">according to the KU football</a> roster.&nbsp; Authorities have not officially linked Krause to the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690292402056.png" alt="Investigators found no devices and police issued an all-clear at approximately 8 p.m..-Google image" />
 <figcaption>Investigators found no devices and police issued an all-clear at approximately 8 p.m..-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a bomb threat on the University of Kansas campus.Just after 3p.m Monday, University of Kansas Police responded to bomb threat made against KU Football facilities, according to a statement from interim Deputy Chief Damon Tucker.Out of an abundance of caution, the Anderson Family Football Complex, Beatty Family Pavilion and David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium were evacuated and checked by law enforcement officers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Investigators found no devices and police issued an all-clear at approximately 8 p.m..&nbsp;Police identified and arrested a suspect for making the threats, according to Tucker. Law enforcement did not release a name.&nbsp; Online jail records indicate 21-year-old Joseph Michael Krause was booked into the Douglas County Jail just before 7p.m. Monday on requested charges of Aggravated criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690281535043.png" alt="Krause-photo University of Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Krause-photo University of Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Krause is a red-shirt sophomore offensive lineman from Prairie Village, Kansas, <a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/season/2023-24/player/joe-krause/">according to the KU football</a> roster.&nbsp; Authorities have not officially linked Krause to the incident.

KU football player charged in connection with alleged bomb threat

After nine short weeks, the Salina Public Library wrapped up a successful summer season. From prizes to parties to programs, their ultimate summer goal is to encourage the community to read. 

This year’s community reading goal was 15,000 books with a simple premise: read books and submit the number of books you read. The community blew the goal out of the water, finishing with 20,953 books read. Ninety lucky patrons won prizes for reading and submitting their books.&nbsp;

“We are ecstatic that the community far exceeded the summer reading goals of 15,000 books! Reading provides opportunities for people of all ages to explore the world and enrich their lives, but it is especially important for supporting the academic skills of our students,” said Amy Adams, Assistant Director.&nbsp; “Thank you, Salina, for showing you are readers.”

Not only did the library see increased participation with the reading goal, but the summer learning packets for grades K-8 were also very popular with over 5,000 packets completed. These learning packets help students prevent the “summer slide” (learning regression) during the summer months. Each packet completed earns the child a prize ticket. Summer learning packets can still be completed and turned in to the Technology Center for a prize ticket until July 31. Prize drawings will be on August 1.&nbsp;

Youth Programs Coordinator Heather Mettlen shared what summer looked like for Youth Services. “Summer at the Salina Public Library is our busiest time of the year for youth services staff. This summer we have had art programs, STEM classes and read lots of books. We welcomed a Mad Scientist, a fire-twirling juggler and a musician into our programs. We handed out over 800 free lunches to the youth in our community in partnership with St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church. Our goal during the summer is to keep kids having fun, continuing to learn, offering a safe environment, and helping them prepare for the next school year!”&nbsp;

The library is looking forward to the upcoming Fall season with many new programs for all age groups. Fall calendars can be picked up in the library or viewed online&nbsp;<a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/296d8420-a162-444c-bf92-2478013d11df" target="_blank">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690309662397.jpeg" alt="Summer at the Library. Image Courtesy Salina Public Library" />
 <figcaption>Summer at the Library. Image Courtesy Salina Public Library</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Public LibraryAfter nine short weeks, the Salina Public Library wrapped up a successful summer season. From prizes to parties to programs, their ultimate summer goal is to encourage the community to read. This year’s community reading goal was 15,000 books with a simple premise: read books and submit the number of books you read. The community blew the goal out of the water, finishing with 20,953 books read. Ninety lucky patrons won prizes for reading and submitting their books.&nbsp;“We are ecstatic that the community far exceeded the summer reading goals of 15,000 books! Reading provides opportunities for people of all ages to explore the world and enrich their lives, but it is especially important for supporting the academic skills of our students,” said Amy Adams, Assistant Director.&nbsp; “Thank you, Salina, for showing you are readers.”Not only did the library see increased participation with the reading goal, but the summer learning packets for grades K-8 were also very popular with over 5,000 packets completed. These learning packets help students prevent the “summer slide” (learning regression) during the summer months. Each packet completed earns the child a prize ticket. Summer learning packets can still be completed and turned in to the Technology Center for a prize ticket until July 31. Prize drawings will be on August 1.&nbsp;Youth Programs Coordinator Heather Mettlen shared what summer looked like for Youth Services. “Summer at the Salina Public Library is our busiest time of the year for youth services staff. This summer we have had art programs, STEM classes and read lots of books. We welcomed a Mad Scientist, a fire-twirling juggler and a musician into our programs. We handed out over 800 free lunches to the youth in our community in partnership with St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church. Our goal during the summer is to keep kids having fun, continuing to learn, offering a safe environment, and helping them prepare for the next school year!”&nbsp; The library is looking forward to the upcoming Fall season with many new programs for all age groups. Fall calendars can be picked up in the library or viewed online&nbsp;<a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/296d8420-a162-444c-bf92-2478013d11df" target="_blank">here</a>.

Salina Public Library summer reading program exceeds goal of 15,000 books

BILLINGS, Montana (AP) — Wildlife workers put out bear traps for a third night Monday as they try to capture a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/grizzly-bear-attack-yellowstone-montana-d1ecb3cb3539751422196fc0ce61bb27">grizzly bear that killed</a>&nbsp;a woman who was traveling alone on a forest trail near Yellowstone National Park.

Amie Adamson, 48, Derby, Kansas, died in Saturday's fatal mauling near the Montana-Idaho border, the Gallatin County Coroner's Office said. The victim was a marathon runner, and officials said she was likely running or walking at the time of the attack.

Officials ruled out a rare&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-montana-wildlife-chico-a8c0b75ae1390130fce3834157ea1dc8">predatory attack</a>, which suggests Adamson instead died following a chance bear encounter as she traveled by herself in a wooded area frequented by grizzly and black bears.

She was killed a few hundred yards from a trailhead and a private campground and RV park, said Morgan Jacobsen with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The bear was traveling with one or more cubs, and there were no indications that it tried to eat the victim.

Authorities have not decided whether they would kill the adult bear if it’s captured or whether they would relocate it, Jacobsen said.

Adamson is a former English teacher who left the classroom in 2015 to backpack across much of the U.S. and later wrote a book, “Walking Out,” about her career and experiences.

The victim's mother described her as a hiker, marathon runner and “just a beautiful free spirit." KWCH-TV in Wichita reported.

“She lived for experiences,” Janet Adamson said, adding that her daughter did not care about material possessions and died “doing what she loved."

A hiker found her body around 8 a.m. Saturday. The cause of death was excessive blood loss caused by a bear mauling, the coroner’s office said.

Adamson was wearing running shoes and did not have bear spray, a deterrent that wildlife experts recommend people carry in areas frequented by bears, Jacobsen said.

She had been working nearby and often ran or walked on the trail in the early morning, according to officials and local residents.

“This person was likely out for a morning jog along the trail, and that's when this happened,” said Jacobsen.

Tracks of a grizzly bear and at least one cub were found at the scene of the attack, which occurred near the Buttermilk Trailhead 8 miles (13 kilometers) west of West Yellowstone, a busy summer tourist town and gateway to the national park.

The trail is used by hikers, horseback riders and people in off-road vehicles.

Rangers issued an emergency closure for areas of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. It did not include Yellowstone National Park.

Local resident Bill Youngwirth said people in the area were aware of the mauling and the forest closure, but they weren't panicked over the attack because the bear could have struck out defensively after being surprised when the victim came around a corner.

The attack happened about a mile (1.6 kilometers) from several vacation homes that Youngwirth rents adjacent to the forest.

“I tell everybody, ‘Better take bear spray and know how to use it,’" he said. “And the big thing is, don't go alone."

A trail camera captured an image of a grizzly bear with two cubs in the area on Saturday night. There have been no sightings since, Jacobsen said. Traps set for the bears on Saturday and Sunday nights came up empty, and attempts to locate the bears from an aircraft were unsuccessful.

As time goes by, he added, trapping becomes less effective as chances increase of catching a bear that wasn’t involved in the attack.

Laura Skinner, who co-owns West Yellowstone Rodeo and Creek Side Trail Rides, said the attack did not interrupt its horseback rides on private property or its nightly rodeos.

“We have bears all the time. The only precaution we’re taking is we’re checking trails. We send a rider out first to check to make sure there’s nothing there,” she said.

“I’m pretty sure with all the activity with them tracking it and trying to hunt it down, it’s probably nowhere near here,” she added.

Grizzly bear populations in the northern U.S. Rocky Mountains grew significantly over the past several and the animals in recent years have been showing up in places they hadn't been seen for generations. Since 2010, grizzlies in and around Yellowstone have killed at least nine people. Attacks remain relatively rare in the region, which draws several million tourists each summer.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/general-news-environment-and-nature-bb6affb5e4b5e0a8ad177e334c7453a1">backcountry guide was killed near</a>&nbsp;West Yellowstone two years ago when he was mauled by a large grizzly bear that wildlife officials said was probably defending a nearby moose carcass. And a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/montana-billings-bears-livingston-7da5ab6a9c2f0f0df726cba561466284">hiker was killed</a>&nbsp;north of Yellowstone park last year in a suspected grizzly encounter in a remote area of the Absaroka Mountains south of Livingston, Montana.

Encounters with humans can prove deadly for bears, too: A five-year-old female grizzly in Glacier National Park was euthanized last week after officials said it got used to eating food from campgrounds and was becoming increasingly aggressive.

Grizzlies are protected under federal law outside of Alaska. Elected officials in the Yellowstone region are pushing to lift protections and allow grizzly hunting.

State officials last week warned visitors and residents of grizzly bear sightings throughout the state, “particularly in areas between the Northern Continental Divide and the Greater Yellowstone ecosystems.”

They implored those camping and visiting parks to carry bear spray, store their food while outside and tend to their garbage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690248696605.png" alt="Amie Adamson-photo courtesy Janet Adamson" />
 <figcaption>Amie Adamson-photo courtesy Janet Adamson</figcaption>
 </figure>BILLINGS, Montana (AP) — Wildlife workers put out bear traps for a third night Monday as they try to capture a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/grizzly-bear-attack-yellowstone-montana-d1ecb3cb3539751422196fc0ce61bb27">grizzly bear that killed</a>&nbsp;a woman who was traveling alone on a forest trail near Yellowstone National Park.Amie Adamson, 48, Derby, Kansas, died in Saturday's fatal mauling near the Montana-Idaho border, the Gallatin County Coroner's Office said. The victim was a marathon runner, and officials said she was likely running or walking at the time of the attack.Officials ruled out a rare&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-montana-wildlife-chico-a8c0b75ae1390130fce3834157ea1dc8">predatory attack</a>, which suggests Adamson instead died following a chance bear encounter as she traveled by herself in a wooded area frequented by grizzly and black bears.She was killed a few hundred yards from a trailhead and a private campground and RV park, said Morgan Jacobsen with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The bear was traveling with one or more cubs, and there were no indications that it tried to eat the victim.Authorities have not decided whether they would kill the adult bear if it’s captured or whether they would relocate it, Jacobsen said.Adamson is a former English teacher who left the classroom in 2015 to backpack across much of the U.S. and later wrote a book, “Walking Out,” about her career and experiences.The victim's mother described her as a hiker, marathon runner and “just a beautiful free spirit." KWCH-TV in Wichita reported.“She lived for experiences,” Janet Adamson said, adding that her daughter did not care about material possessions and died “doing what she loved."A hiker found her body around 8 a.m. Saturday. The cause of death was excessive blood loss caused by a bear mauling, the coroner’s office said.Adamson was wearing running shoes and did not have bear spray, a deterrent that wildlife experts recommend people carry in areas frequented by bears, Jacobsen said.She had been working nearby and often ran or walked on the trail in the early morning, according to officials and local residents.“This person was likely out for a morning jog along the trail, and that's when this happened,” said Jacobsen.Tracks of a grizzly bear and at least one cub were found at the scene of the attack, which occurred near the Buttermilk Trailhead 8 miles (13 kilometers) west of West Yellowstone, a busy summer tourist town and gateway to the national park.The trail is used by hikers, horseback riders and people in off-road vehicles.Rangers issued an emergency closure for areas of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. It did not include Yellowstone National Park.Local resident Bill Youngwirth said people in the area were aware of the mauling and the forest closure, but they weren't panicked over the attack because the bear could have struck out defensively after being surprised when the victim came around a corner.The attack happened about a mile (1.6 kilometers) from several vacation homes that Youngwirth rents adjacent to the forest.“I tell everybody, ‘Better take bear spray and know how to use it,’" he said. “And the big thing is, don't go alone."A trail camera captured an image of a grizzly bear with two cubs in the area on Saturday night. There have been no sightings since, Jacobsen said. Traps set for the bears on Saturday and Sunday nights came up empty, and attempts to locate the bears from an aircraft were unsuccessful.As time goes by, he added, trapping becomes less effective as chances increase of catching a bear that wasn’t involved in the attack.Laura Skinner, who co-owns West Yellowstone Rodeo and Creek Side Trail Rides, said the attack did not interrupt its horseback rides on private property or its nightly rodeos.“We have bears all the time. The only precaution we’re taking is we’re checking trails. We send a rider out first to check to make sure there’s nothing there,” she said.“I’m pretty sure with all the activity with them tracking it and trying to hunt it down, it’s probably nowhere near here,” she added.Grizzly bear populations in the northern U.S. Rocky Mountains grew significantly over the past several and the animals in recent years have been showing up in places they hadn't been seen for generations. Since 2010, grizzlies in and around Yellowstone have killed at least nine people. Attacks remain relatively rare in the region, which draws several million tourists each summer.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/general-news-environment-and-nature-bb6affb5e4b5e0a8ad177e334c7453a1">backcountry guide was killed near</a>&nbsp;West Yellowstone two years ago when he was mauled by a large grizzly bear that wildlife officials said was probably defending a nearby moose carcass. And a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/montana-billings-bears-livingston-7da5ab6a9c2f0f0df726cba561466284">hiker was killed</a>&nbsp;north of Yellowstone park last year in a suspected grizzly encounter in a remote area of the Absaroka Mountains south of Livingston, Montana.Encounters with humans can prove deadly for bears, too: A five-year-old female grizzly in Glacier National Park was euthanized last week after officials said it got used to eating food from campgrounds and was becoming increasingly aggressive.Grizzlies are protected under federal law outside of Alaska. Elected officials in the Yellowstone region are pushing to lift protections and allow grizzly hunting.State officials last week warned visitors and residents of grizzly bear sightings throughout the state, “particularly in areas between the Northern Continental Divide and the Greater Yellowstone ecosystems.”They implored those camping and visiting parks to carry bear spray, store their food while outside and tend to their garbage.

Traps set for grizzly bear that killed Kan. woman near Yellowstone National Park

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man who led deputies on a high-speed chase.

Just after 2p.m. July 20, a Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a black Mustang southeast of Holton&nbsp; for allegedly exceeding the speed limit excessively, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 The driver of the vehicle later identified as 25-year-old Brennen Michael Bosh of Valley Falls, failed to stop and continued eastbound on K-16 Highway at speeds over 100 mph, according to Morse. The deputy lost sight of the Mustang near Valley Falls and discontinued the pursuit.&nbsp; A KHP helicopter assisted in trying to locate the suspect. 

On Friday, with the assistance of the Valley Falls Police Department and further investigation, deputies arrested Bosh in Valley Falls and booked him into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of felony fleeing and eluding law enforcement, and reckless driving. Deputies from Jefferson County assisted with the arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690036434921.png" alt="Bosh-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Bosh-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man who led deputies on a high-speed chase.Just after 2p.m. July 20, a Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a black Mustang southeast of Holton&nbsp; for allegedly exceeding the speed limit excessively, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. The driver of the vehicle later identified as 25-year-old Brennen Michael Bosh of Valley Falls, failed to stop and continued eastbound on K-16 Highway at speeds over 100 mph, according to Morse. The deputy lost sight of the Mustang near Valley Falls and discontinued the pursuit.&nbsp; A KHP helicopter assisted in trying to locate the suspect. On Friday, with the assistance of the Valley Falls Police Department and further investigation, deputies arrested Bosh in Valley Falls and booked him into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of felony fleeing and eluding law enforcement, and reckless driving. Deputies from Jefferson County assisted with the arrest.

Sheriff: Kansas man arrested day after 100mph chase

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on child sex charges.

Just before 6a.m. Saturday, police booked 23-year-old Elijah McCray and&nbsp; <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=741489">38-year-old Sinora Wilson</a>&nbsp;into the Sedgwick County jail on requested charges of aggravated human trafficking involving a minor, according to online jail records.

They were arrested at a motel in the 8500 Block of Kellogg in Wichita, according to the daily arrest report.

Sinora is also being for an alleged parole violation and possession of drug paraphernalia. McCray, who is no longer in custody, faces a contempt of court charges. Police released no additional details over the weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690216983893.png" alt="McCray-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>McCray-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on child sex charges.Just before 6a.m. Saturday, police booked 23-year-old Elijah McCray and&nbsp; <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=741489">38-year-old Sinora Wilson</a>&nbsp;into the Sedgwick County jail on requested charges of aggravated human trafficking involving a minor, according to online jail records.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690216964441.png" alt="Wilson-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Wilson-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>They were arrested at a motel in the 8500 Block of Kellogg in Wichita, according to the daily arrest report.Sinora is also being for an alleged parole violation and possession of drug paraphernalia. McCray, who is no longer in custody, faces a contempt of court charges. Police released no additional details over the weekend.

Two jailed in Kansas for alleged human trafficking involving minor

By NATE KING Salina Post

Conceived by the original book by Jeff Whitty, based on the "Arcadia" by Sir Philip Sidney, this laugh-out-loud love story is set to the music of the iconic 1980’s all-female rock band The Go-Go’s, including the hit songs, “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “Vacation,” Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven is a Place on Earth” and “Mad About You."

Adapted by James Magruder, Head Over Heels is the bold new musical comedy from the visionaries that rocked Broadway with Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Avenue Q, and Spring Awakening.&nbsp;

A hilarious, exuberant celebration of love, Head Over Heels follows the escapades of a royal family on an outrageous journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction—only to discover the key to their realm’s survival lies within each of their own hearts.

<div><iframe title="Head Over Heels the Musical, Maggie Spicer Brown, Center For Theatre Arts" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=6hhqu-145fc73-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By NATE KING Salina PostConceived by the original book by Jeff Whitty, based on the "Arcadia" by Sir Philip Sidney, this laugh-out-loud love story is set to the music of the iconic 1980’s all-female rock band The Go-Go’s, including the hit songs, “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “Vacation,” Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven is a Place on Earth” and “Mad About You."Adapted by James Magruder, Head Over Heels is the bold new musical comedy from the visionaries that rocked Broadway with Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Avenue Q, and Spring Awakening.&nbsp;A hilarious, exuberant celebration of love, Head Over Heels follows the escapades of a royal family on an outrageous journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction—only to discover the key to their realm’s survival lies within each of their own hearts.<h2>Videos From The Center For Theatre Arts</h2><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCenterForTheatreArts%2Fvideos%2F1300544167218256%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCenterForTheatreArts%2Fvideos%2F1355579185308042%2F&show_text=false&width=476&t=0" width="476" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe>
</div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCenterForTheatreArts%2Fvideos%2F588525236787931%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe>
</div><h2>Showtimes</h2>Friday, July 21-&nbsp;Doors open at 6:30, show starts at 7:30Saturday, July 22-&nbsp;Doors open at 6:30,&nbsp;show starts at&nbsp;7:30 p.m.Sunday, June 23-&nbsp;Matinee at 2:00 p.m.All performances will be held in the Kephart Theatre,&nbsp;303 E. Iron Avenue, Salina.<a href="https://www.etix.com/ticket/o/5237/salina-community-theatre-kephart-theatre">Purchase tickets here.</a><h2>The cast of Head Over Heels, the Musical</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689954873878.jpeg" alt="The cast of Head Over Heels The Musical. CTA Photo and Videos" />
 <figcaption>The cast of Head Over Heels The Musical. CTA Photo and Videos</figcaption>
 </figure>PAMELA –&nbsp;Chloe HighsmithMOPSA –&nbsp;Kaydence Dickson*PHILOCLEA –&nbsp;Brynn ShaftMUSIDORUS –&nbsp;Zander Flener*BASILIUS –&nbsp;Blaise AldersonGYNECIA –&nbsp;Audrey JagodzinskePYTHIO/ORACLE –&nbsp;Carley PierceDAMETAS –&nbsp;Jaxson Rutz*ENSEMBLE/OWL/Pythio Understudy –&nbsp;Wyatt AngellENSEMBLE/Mopsa Understudy –&nbsp;Sloan HomelvigENSEMBLE/Gynecia Understudy –&nbsp;Mara MondtENSEMBLE/Dametas Understudy –&nbsp;Joseph Zepeda*ENSEMBLE/Musidorus Understudy –&nbsp;Gabriel FreelandENSEMBLE/Basilius Understudy –&nbsp;Elias TorresENSEMBLE/Dance Captain –&nbsp;Andrew GraberENSEMBLE/Philoclea Understudy –&nbsp;Mari Brown-MerelesENSEMBLE/Pamela Understudy –&nbsp;Katie MorganENSEMBLE –&nbsp;Mackenzie Martinez*ENSEMBLE –&nbsp;Addilyn JagodzinskeENSEMBLE –&nbsp;Isabelle Christensen** Making their Theatre Salina / CTA performance debut.NEXT TIME IT COULD BE YOU!Visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://salinatheatre.com/get-involved/" target="_blank">Audition Page</a>&nbsp;for more information!Narrative by BroadwayLicensing.com