The Riley County Police Department will launch their new Citizen’s Academy. This eight-week program is designed to build understanding, strengthen relationships and create meaningful conversations between RCPD and the community.

You’ ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how the RCPD works to keep Manhattan and Riley County safe.

RCPD will start a Citizen's Academy

Abilene, Kan.&nbsp;-&nbsp;The Eisenhower Presidential Library will host the Lunch &amp; Learn program, "Alaska, Hawaii, and the Politics of Statehood," on March 26, 2026, at 12 p.m. CDT. The hybrid program will take place in the Library building indoor courtyard and will be available online via<a target="_blank" href="https://hcmbltcab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NpFK6tpivE1mZW7ZENd0_mN9EPDWC-a-kB0MejCvzKQQeOYQjzd9iOsDl0gaurqm6plh62GIC7zBxVMKARLnw3HMc2f2E98UBCN8G3CkOIrRO47qLlK9p1fh4Yt9Navh51err5db8oVpKXeqIyu-14iCxfV0krCcdGoTWi_jHOsKWIvmws-g7V7hsj_1mBcT&amp;c=7GmztVcsyeKXy1zuY58FtJRoOHdbnEfOhu70Y4cIZxHwt9mxcy8hfA==&amp;ch=6eDcvz5UuBW6yK-mWFuYs3GYMVwwZc_Hw6V0yqZBDKGGunkZPpaPdQ==">&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://hcmbltcab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NpFK6tpivE1mZW7ZENd0_mN9EPDWC-a-kB0MejCvzKQQeOYQjzd9iOsDl0gaurqm6plh62GIC7zBxVMKARLnw3HMc2f2E98UBCN8G3CkOIrRO47qLlK9p1fh4Yt9Navh51err5db8oVpKXeqIyu-14iCxfV0krCcdGoTWi_jHOsgsa0QbF30YvT0dxka7ixw&amp;c=7GmztVcsyeKXy1zuY58FtJRoOHdbnEfOhu70Y4cIZxHwt9mxcy8hfA==&amp;ch=6eDcvz5UuBW6yK-mWFuYs3GYMVwwZc_Hw6V0yqZBDKGGunkZPpaPdQ==">YouTube Livestream</a>. Guests attending in person should arrive by 11:45 a.m. The library will provide a light box-lunch on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dr. C. Lawrence Evans, the Newton Family Professor of Government at William &amp; Mary, will join the program virtually to discuss the political debate surrounding the admission of Alaska and Hawaii as states.

"The granting of statehood to Alaska and Hawaii constituted one of the definitive political disputes of the immediate post World War II era," Evans notes. The presentation will clarify why admission took nearly 15 years after strong public support emerged and will highlight President Eisenhower's pivotal role. Evans will also examine the implications for current statehood discussions regarding the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Alaska, Hawaii, and the Politics of Statehood﻿ ﻿Celebrating America 250! Lunch & Learn Series

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Riley County Arrest Report March 12

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=7570934572&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">Make It! Workshop</a>&nbsp;series is an opportunity for youth and adults to work together to build a unique take-home project. This program is designed for one youth and one adult to work together, learn new skills, and have fun in the process!&nbsp;

Cost is&nbsp;$20 for Flint Hills Discovery Center members, $25 for non-members&nbsp;and is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=c200f137c0&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">scholarship eligible</a>. Discounts applied at check out.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=a18a8c24e8&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">Pre-registration is required online</a>, by phone at 785-587-2726, or in person at the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=d95c311e2c&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">Flint Hills Discovery Center.</a>&nbsp;Spots are limited.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Make It! Workshop

SALINE COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 7:30a.m. Wednesday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Hyundai Elantra driven by&nbsp; Joseph Doss, 15, Junction City, was actively fleeing law enforcement in a stolen vehicle. The teen driver turned northbound onto Ohio from the Interstate 70 westbound entrance.&nbsp; The car continued northbound on Ohio one half mile North of Thatcher Road, where the asphalt turns to gravel. The driver&nbsp; lost control of the car. It traveled off the the roadway to the right, struck an embankment and rolled onto its&nbsp; top in the roadway.

EMS transported&nbsp;&nbsp;Doss and a passenger Landon L.&nbsp;Alexander, 18, Junction City, to Salina Regional Health Center. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; The Patrol did not report possible charges the teens face.

Junction City teens hospitalized after police chase, crash in stolen car

RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON THROUGH 8 PM THURSDAY.

THIS MEANS NO BURNS PERIOD.  NO BURNING OF TRASH, CONTROLLED BURNS, AND YOU SHOULD AVOID OUTDOOR FIRE PITS AND MORE IN GEARY COUNTY.

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 8 PM CDT THURSDAY FOR LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY, STRONG WIND GUSTS, AND DRY FUELS FOR NORTHEAST AND NORTH CENTRAL KS...

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a Red Flag

Warning for low relative humidity, strong wind gusts, and dry

fuels for northeast, north central, and portions of east central

KS, which is in effect from noon to 8 PM CDT Thursday. The Fire

Red Flag Warning for Thursday

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just after 2p.m. Tuesday, officers executed a search warrant in the 1700 block of Winne Drive, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

After their investigation, police arrested 25-year-old&nbsp;DeShell Patterson of Manhattan, was arrested at approximately 5:05 p.m. on requested charges that include three counts of possession of opiate/opium/narcotic or certain stimulant and one count each for distribution/possession with intent to distribute heroin/certain stimulants/fentanyl (3.5-100 grams), distribute material containing fentanyl, distribute or possess with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia for illegal use, use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, and aggravated endangering of a child.

&nbsp;Patterson is being held on a bond of $75,000.

Manhattan man accused of selling pills with fentanyl

RILEY COUNTY—Three people were injured in two separate accident on Tuesday in Riley County.

Just before 11:30a.m.,&nbsp;a 2023 Hyundai Tucson driven by Dennis Ortbals, 74, of Manhattan, struck a 2024 Nissan Sentra driven by Aubrey Heier-Gonzalez, 17, of Manhattan&nbsp;in the 400 block of E. Highway 24, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Pottawatomie County EMS transported Ortbals, and a passenger in the Hyundia, Marilyn Ortbals, 72, of Manhattan, to Via Christi Hospital. Dennis Ortbals was also issued a citation for failure to yield at a stop sign.

Just after 10:30p.m., a 2015 Chevy Impala driven by Alexis Trimble, 24, of Marysville, hit two guardrails in the 17000 block of Tuttle Creek Blvd. 

Trimble was transported to Via Christi Hospital by Riley County EMS for her injuries. The RCPD released no additional details.

3 hospitalized after 2 separate accidents in Riley County

Riley County Arrest Report March 11

Kansas lawmakers have approved legislation that would require schools across the state to limit student cell phone use during the school day.

The Kansas House on Tuesday passed House Bill 2299 by a vote of 84–39. The Kansas Senate previously approved the measure March 5 on a 32–4 vote. The bill now heads to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly for consideration.

If signed into law, the legislation would require Kansas school districts and accredited private schools to adopt policies restricting student cell phone use during school hours. Supporters say the move is aimed at reducing classroom distractions and improving student focus.

Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Republican from Sedgwick County, said the legislation is intended to address growing concerns about the impact smartphones and social media have on students’ learning and mental health.

House Majority Leader Chris Croft, a Republican from Johnson County, also voiced support for the bill, calling cell phone use a significant challenge for educators.

However, some lawmakers questioned whether the issue should be handled at the state level.

Rep. Jerry Stogsdill, a Democrat from Overland Park, said many school districts have already begun addressing student cell phone use through local policies.

Gov. Kelly can sign the bill into law, veto it or allow it to become law without her signature. If she vetoes the measure, lawmakers would need a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers to override the veto.

The proposal reflects a broader national trend as states and school districts consider stricter rules on student smartphone use in classrooms. Supporters say the policies help restore focus to learning environments, while critics argue local districts should retain flexibility in determining how to manage devices in schools.

Legislature sends school cell phone use bill to governor's desk

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Monday in Riley County.

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report,&nbsp;a 2026 Chevy Colorado driven by Lily Dorio, 19, of Manhattan, struck a 2021 Kia Sorento driven by Kaleigh Evans, 30, of Junction City,&nbsp;near Casement Road and Hayes Drive.

Riley County EMS transported Evans to Via Christi Hospital. Dorio was issued a citation for failing to stop at a stop sign.

Junction City woman injured after 2-vehicle crash

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a>

Passengers at a handful of airports this week waited in hours-long security lines as the government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security dragged on.

Though Transportation Security Administration officers are required by law to work during a lapse in funding, more than usual have been absent after receiving only a partial paycheck during the most recent pay period. TSA officers will miss an entire paycheck this weekend if the shutdown is still in effect then.&nbsp;

No end to the shutdown appeared imminent Wednesday, as the U.S. Senate rejected a bill that would have funded TSA and other agencies in DHS that are not related to immigration enforcement.

In the meantime, TSA officers are not being paid.&nbsp;

Most live paycheck-to-paycheck, said Johnny Jones, the secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Government Employees Council 100, which represents TSA agents.

The lack of pay has contributed to absenteeism, Jones added. The union does not condone coordinated “sick-outs,” which are illegal.&nbsp;

But individual officers miss work for one of three reasons during a shutdown, he said: pre-planned time off, legitimate illness or personal emergencies, and those calling in sick but seeking other work to pay bills.

“If you’re normally receiving a paycheck, you wouldn’t have that third group,” he said.

Some of those who are working are going without lunch or making other sacrifices, Jones added. And he said two colleagues were evicted during the most recent shutdown last fall, which lasted for 43 days.

The U.S. war against Iran, which has an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trumps-iran-war-estimated-cost-billions-already-no-end-sight" target="_blank">estimated price</a>&nbsp;in the billions of dollars in just its first two weeks, has also driven resentment among TSA workers, Jones said.

“One of the things that I’ve heard from the colleagues is that, man, we got plenty of money to go fight wars and bomb Iran, but we can’t pay our own employees,” he said.

No exceptionally long wait times were reported Wednesday, but the previous few days saw several examples of snarled security lines.

Security lines&nbsp;<a href="http://houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/trending/article/government-shutdown-hobby-airport-21963811.php" target="_blank">topped three hours</a>&nbsp;at Houston’s William P. Hobby International Airport on Monday and Tuesday.&nbsp;

Lines at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport were up to two hours Monday and the airport’s social media drew a direct line to the shutdown.

“Due to impacts from the federal government’s partial shutdown, there continues to be a shortage of TSA workers at the security checkpoint … which is causing longer-than-average lines,” the airport’s X account&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/flyneworleans/status/2030952799811355119?s=20" target="_blank">posted</a>.

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport also urged passengers to leave extra time to account for factors including “TSA staffing constraints.”

CBS News&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tsa-absences-double-shutdown-300-quit-airport-security-lines/" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;Wednesday that more than 300 TSA agents have left their jobs since the shutdown began. TSA officials did not respond to messages seeking confirmation of that figure.

The top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Washington’s Patty Murray, sought unanimous consent Wednesday for the Senate to approve a bill that would fund all of DHS other than Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, and the secretary’s office.

Sen. Katie Britt, an Alabama Republican who chairs the subcommittee on Homeland Security funding, objected.

Murray’s bill “would effectively defund our law enforcement officers that are charged with keeping Americans safe,” Britt said.

Each party blamed the other for the impasse, which has been unbreachable since the department’s funding lapsed Feb. 14.

Following the January fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by immigration officers in Minneapolis, Democrats are demanding changes to immigration agencies’ conduct as a condition of funding the department.

Republicans have said they are willing to negotiate the issue, but the parties disagree on what to do for the department, which also includes the Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in the meantime.

Republican leaders sought to pass a short-term continuing resolution to fund the entire department, but Democrats rejected it, saying it would allow the operation of immigration agencies without adding accountability measures.

“Right now, TSA agents are going without pay because Republicans and the White House have decided they would rather shut down all of DHS than pass some very basic reforms to rein in ICE and Border Patrol,” Murray said. “We also want TSA and FEMA funded, but we are not going to be blackmailed into cutting a blank check for ICE to get it done.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, of South Dakota, said Democrats have stopped negotiating on DHS funding in a bid to keep the issue alive for the November midterm elections.&nbsp;

“The American people are tired,” he said. “Lines get longer at the airports because TSA isn’t funded. The American people want us to do our jobs. Republicans are at the table. We’re ready to work toward a solution. Democrats have walked away.”

Jones, the AFGE member and TSA officer, declined to say which approach to short-term funding was preferable, but said it was Congress’ job to fund the federal government.

“We all swear the same oath to the same Constitution,” he said. “Now my job function is a little different than theirs, so they need to do theirs so I can do mine.”

Long security lines pop up at airports as TSA officers go without pay

SEDGWICK COUNTY.—A man jailed on federal crime allegations who was arrested after a chase and crash will return to court Thursday.

Erik Harper, 37, is scheduled to attend a preliminary hearing in Judge Rodger Woods, courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In December, Wichita police, with help from the Kansas Highway Patrol and the U.S. Marshals Service, arrested Harper who was wanted on federal and state warrants after a pursuit and crash.

Just after 2p.m. December 30, officers spotted Harper driving a stolen 2004 GMC Sierra near East Central Avenue and North Oliver Avenue in Wichita, according to a media release from police.

Harper was wanted on a federal warrant and a felony state warrant for aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault. Officers followed the truck and requested assistance from the KHP Air Support Unit.

A Kansas Highway Patrol unit equipped with a grappler attempted a traffic stop near East Central Avenue and North Edgemoor Street. The grappler was deployed to prevent the suspect vehicle from fleeing, but Harper escaped. Shortly afterward, the Haper's vehicle collided with a 2024 Subaru Impreza in the westbound lanes near the 6800 block of East Central Avenue.

Officers took Harper into custody at 4:53 p.m.

The Subaru’s occupants, a 72-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman, were taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Harper was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail and later transferred to Butler County Jail. He was charged with robbery, eluding police and aggravated battery.

Preliminary hearing for Kan. man captured after chase, crash

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/"><i>Kansas Reflector</i></a>

TOPEKA — Kansas legislators’ lineup of property tax relief legislation could chip away at state and local revenue, but some see the proposals as course correction, making up for years of rising property taxes.

One bill would phase out Kansans’ property taxes in favor of added sales taxes, and another would exempt seniors from paying property taxes that go toward funding school districts.

But legislators, who have eagerly pursued tax relief legislation in recent years, were conflicted about the proposals.

Sen. Mike Murphy, a Sylvia Republican, said Tuesday that the Legislature needs to look at property tax relief differently. Past measures haven’t made much of a dent, he said, and he often hears from constituents who are struggling to pay their property taxes.

“I look at property tax as a Titanic that’s hit the iceberg, and it’s going down,” Murphy said. “We can rearrange the deck chairs. We can ask the band director to play a little bit peppier song, but I don’t think it’s going to — we’re not going to be able to fix it.”

He propped up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb488/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 488</a>, or the “Kansas property tax freedom act of 2026,” as a potential solution. The bill would phase out property tax payments over the next two years and eliminate property tax levies beginning in the 2028 tax year. Taxing jurisdictions such as school districts, counties and cities would make up for the lost revenue through sales tax surcharges on medicine, fuel, rent and mortgage payments, utilities, child care and K-12 tuition.

Murphy acknowledged during the Tuesday hearing before the Senate’s tax committee that the bill, as written, didn’t work.

Sen. Jeff Klemp, a Lansing Republican, agreed.

“It’s not ready for prime time on all the aspects of it, but I think it warrants a conversation, and I’m glad you brought it up,” Klemp said.

Both chambers would need to pass a resolution and a majority of voters would have to approve an amendment to the state constitution to phase out and eventually prohibit property tax levies before the act could go into effect.

For supporters, the bill was a silver bullet solution that they believed could provide near immediate property tax relief.

Tatum Lee, a former state legislator who represented a west-central district, said the bill was crucial to maintaining affordability for generations.

“It doesn’t matter if you live on a farm or if you live in a house. Your home is where the heart is and we should not have to be renting from the government year after year,” Lee said.

Sen. Marci Francisco, a Lawrence Democrat, asked Murphy whether the proposal would disproportionately benefit the wealthy. Murphy didn’t directly answer the question, saying a response would depend upon individual properties’ circumstances.

Charlotte O’Hara, a Johnson County commissioner and Republican candidate for governor, said the property tax burdens of today are a symptom of the 1986 voter-approved constitutional amendment that created the current annual property appraisal system.

“For 40 years we have been busy eviscerating our tax base,” O’Hara said.

Simultaneously, voters approved another amendment in 1986 to allow cities and counties to offer 10-year property tax breaks to new or expanding businesses that added employment opportunities.

“We have a two-tier tax regimen in Kansas: Those who lobby and can get favors and the rest of us,” O’Hara said.

People are fed up, she said, and Band-Aids will no longer work.

A fiscal assessment attached to the bill estimated the state would lose nearly $3.8 billion in fiscal year 2027, $5.8 billion in 2028 and $7.9 billion in 2029.

The bill outlined a plan beginning in 2027 to impose a state surcharge of $1.60 per transaction worth $20 or more. For transactions less than $20, the state would impose a surcharge worth 7.6% of the transaction total. Pending local voter approval, taxing entities such as counties, cities and school districts would also be able to add on a local surcharge within their boundaries to debt service payments on general obligation bonds for capital improvements. The bill did not define amount limits for local surcharges.

Even with the surcharge reimbursements, the Kansas Department of Revenue estimates the state would lose $14 billion over the next three years.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/scr1625/" target="_blank">Senate Concurrent Resolution 1625</a>, another proposed constitutional amendment, would exempt residential property from school district tax levies if the property’s owner is above the age of 60.

Rep. Ken Corbet, a Topeka Republican, presented the bill to the Senate tax committee Wednesday.

“As we go door to door, people are always asking, ‘I don’t have any kids at school. Why am I paying these frickin’&nbsp;school taxes?’ Or, maybe they never had kids at all and they’ve been paying for 40 years,” Corbet said at a Wednesday hearing.

Nearly a quarter of Kansas’ population is over 60 years old, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, and that age group makes up an estimated 30% of the state’s taxpaying population. The bill, however, did not include a cost assessment.

“Remember, if you’ve got enough money for Panasonic and the Chiefs, this is pencil dust,” Corbet said.

He said school property taxes are “out of control,” and seniors are being taxed for a product they do not use.&nbsp;

Francisco, the Lawrence Democrat, said taxes allocated to school districts are retroactive payments for the education older generations received years ago.

Sen. Ethan Corson challenged Corbet’s argument, calling it circular logic.

“If I haven’t checked out a book from the library, should I have to pay for the library? If I haven’t gone to a particular park, should I have to pay for parks?” he asked.

He added: “There are just some things that are part of the community that are a shared responsibility.”

Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican and chair of the Senate tax committee, said she doesn’t think seniors mind paying for education.

“But when we’re starting to carpet football fields and other things, I think they see that when they’re trying to decide whether they buy their medicine, pay their property tax or buy food,” she said.

SCR 1625 and SB 488 are just two of many proposals targeting property taxes that are snaking through the Legislature. The Senate advanced&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/scr1616/" target="_blank">Senate Concurrent Resolution 1616</a>&nbsp;on Feb. 25, which would<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/26/kansas-senate-approves-cap-on-property-valuations-despite-questions-on-real-tax-savings/">&nbsp;cap annual property valuation increases</a>, but critics are&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/14/kansas-republicans-home-assessed-value-cap-may-or-may-not-reduce-property-taxes/">skeptical the bill would provide immediate relief</a>. The House passed provisions last month that creates a pathway for voters to file<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/25/kansas-house-dramatically-amends-bill-aimed-at-constraining-local-property-tax-increases/">&nbsp;protest petitions if local governments raise property taxes</a>&nbsp;more than 3% annually.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/03/10/kansas-senate-reverses-self-to-kill-budget-proviso-using-safety-net-funds-for-property-tax-cuts/">Tyson tried to divert a tranche of state lottery revenue</a>&nbsp;to replace property tax revenue collected for K-12 schools. Republican Rep. Blake Carpenter also pitched an idea for next year’s Legislature, which involves&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/19/kansas-republican-envisions-freedom-fund-to-eliminate-state-property-tax-without-cutting-services/">cutting sales tax exemptions to replace</a>&nbsp;the state levy to fund public schools.

Kansas property tax system is akin to ‘Titanic that’s hit the iceberg,’ lawmaker says

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Police have arrested a suspect&nbsp;after investigating two incidents at Gordon Parks Academy,&nbsp;2201 E 25th Street N. Wichita, in which he entered the school and made unauthorized contact with a 13-year-old girl, according to a media release from Wichita Police.

Detectives booked the suspect identified in county booking records as 36-year-old<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/inmatesearch/Details.aspx?Id=359071"> Michael D. Arnold </a>into the Sedgwick County Jail on a stalking charge.

The first incident happened around 9:30 a.m. Monday, March 9, at Gordon Parks Academy. Investigators learned Arnold gained access to the building and had contact with the 13-year-old girl speaking with her without parental authorization.

The second incident happened Tuesday, March 10, when Arnold returned to the school entered the building where school staff told him to leave immediately and called police.

Detectives with the Wichita Police Department’s Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit worked the case and at 3:05 p.m., Wednesday, officers took Arnold into custody and transported him to the Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp;

USD 259 has banned Arnold from all district schools.

Investigators will present the facts of the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration.

Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan said, “Our concern is first and foremost with this young girl and her family. This incident is deeply troubling, and I know it has also caused concern throughout the school community and across Wichita. Any situation involving the safety of a child demands our full attention. I am grateful for the officers whose work brought this man into custody. I want the family, the school, and the public to know that our Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit and our entire department remains committed to protecting children and ensure the individual involved in this incident is held accountable.”

Kan. man arrested after 'unauthorized contact' with student at school

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran's unrelenting attacks on shipping traffic and energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf pushed oil back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oil-stocks-markets-iran-crude-trump-45f78a8cfe9a5c7e1a2279150a2f90f1">above $100 a barrel</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, as American and Israeli strikes pounded the Islamic Republic with no sign of an end to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">the war</a>&nbsp;in sight.

Iran is trying to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-israel-war-attrition-analysis-5d7e50c3a6da57414bbf4a5e255e4a7e">inflict enough global economic pain</a>&nbsp;to pressure the United States and Israel to halt their bombardment, which started the war on Feb. 28. Iran's president said its attacks would continue until Iran gets security guarantees against another assault, indicating that even a ceasefire or U.S. declaration of victory might not halt the conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump has meanwhile promised to “finish the job,” even though he claimed Iran is “virtually destroyed.”

Iran-backed Hezbollah militants meanwhile launched some 200 rockets from Lebanon at northern Israel while sirens rang out and loud booms from the interception of Iranian missiles could be heard in other areas. Israel launched another wave of attacks on Tehran and in Lebanon, where 11 people were killed.

The U.N. refugee agency said up to 3.2 million people in Iran have been displaced by the ongoing war. It said most have fled from Tehran and other major cities toward the north of the country or rural areas. It says at least 759,000 people have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/lebanon-shelter-hezbollah-israel-war-487792d7f62cfc2c5d9d20a2fd62fea1">internally displaced in Lebanon</a>.

Iranian officials dismiss any notion of backing down

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian suggested online Thursday that for the war to end, the world would need to recognize Iran’s “legitimate rights,” pay reparations and offer guarantees against future attacks.

In addition to attacking energy infrastructure around the region, Iran has a stranglehold on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/strait-hormuz-iran-energy-war-5b60e82ef2fc68e2b43aa570a32404dd">Strait of Hormuz</a>, the waterway leading from the Persian Gulf toward the Indian Ocean through which a fifth of the world's oil is transported.

Amid speculation that the U.S. might target Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf, Iran’s main oil terminal, Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf threatened in a social media post that any attempt to take Iranian islands would “make the Persian Gulf run with the blood of invaders.”

With traffic in the strait effectively stopped, the price of Brent crude oil, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-oil-europe-reserve-release-eaf0cf9988cd7e06f0dc2a8ee800762e">international standard</a>, rose another 9% to more than $100 a barrel, up some 38% over what it cost when the war started. Prices have swung back and forth in recent days, at one point surging to around $120 a barrel.

Iran and Hezbollah launch multiple attacks on Israel

It was a sleepless night for many Israelis as Hezbollah launched some 200 rockets at the country’s north and deeper into Israel, according to the Israeli military.

“The noise was extraordinary, it was really scary,” said Naama Porat, a resident of the rural community of Klil, some 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the Lebanese border. As the sound of explosions and interceptions rang out, she dashed with her son to a shelter and spent the night there.

No serious injuries were reported, but the extent of the fire shook residents of the north, who have repeatedly been told by their leaders that Hezbollah was dealt a devastating blow in 2024 during its last war with Israel.

“They have stocks of weapons and it just doesn’t end. We don’t know how much and what to expect,” Porat said.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Lebanon that if its government does not prevent Hezbollah from attacking, Israel “will take the territory and do it ourselves.”

More than 20 killed in strikes on Lebanon and Iran

Israel, meantime, hit a car in a seaside area of Lebanon's capital where dozens of displaced people have been sheltering, killing eight and wounding 31, the Lebanese Health Ministry said. The Israeli military said it was “not aware” of a strike at that location.

The Israeli military said it struck a nuclear facility in Iran in recent days. Israel had destroyed the “Taleghan 2” site in an airstrike in October 2024. Earlier this year satellite photos raised concerns that Iran was working to restore the facility.

The U.S. and Israel say that destroying whatever remains of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-nuclear-timeline-war-146b4072f1f6cc43cfd3bde740313a5c">Iran's nuclear program</a>&nbsp;is one of the central aims of the war. They have long suspected Iran seeks nuclear weapons, while the Islamic Republic says its nuclear program is peaceful.

In Tehran, security force checkpoints came under attack for the first time on Wednesday night, the semiofficial Fars news agency reported. At least 10 people were killed in the suspected drone assaults.

Israel and the U.S. military did not immediately respond to requests for comment over whether they were behind the attacks.

Iran fires at Gulf Arab countries and hits ship in Persian Gulf

Iran’s latest attacks on its Gulf neighbors flouted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-march-11-2026-oil-prices-24243b5c1e1f32ea8ff52b9a02822396">a U.N. Security Council resolution</a>&nbsp;approved Wednesday.

Early Thursday, a container ship was hit with a projectile off the coast of Dubai, sparking a small fire, according to British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center. It said the crew were safe.

An Iranian attack sparked a major fire on Muharraq Island, home to Bahrain's international airport. Kuwait authorities said an Iranian drone smashed into a residential building, wounding two people, and that a drone attack on Kuwait International Airport had caused damage but no casualties.

The UAE said it had activated air defenses twice to protect the futuristic city of Dubai from attacks, and firefighters extinguished a blaze at a tower after a drone hit.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, said it shot down a drone targeting the diplomatic quarter in its capital, Riyadh, and other drones in the east, including at least one trying to target its Shaybah oil field.

Following an attack on Iraq's Basra port Wednesday that killed at least one person, officials said Thursday that operations were halted at all the country's oil terminals.

In the UAE, Citibank said it would close all but one of its branches due to an Iranian threat — not yet realized — to target financial institutions in the region.

Melzer reported from Mitzpe Hila, Israel and Rising from Bangkok. Associated Press writer Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut contributed to this report.

Iran not backing down as oil prices soar again

The Salina Police Department reported to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) that 75-year-old Yvonne Pereirra-Mcwhorter has been located safe in WaKeeney, according to a statement from the KBI.

SALINE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Salina Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Salina woman.

The whereabouts of 75-year-old Yvonne Pereirra-Mcwhorter, of Salina, are unknown and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her, according to a media release from the KBI.

Pereirra-Mcwhorter is likely driving a blue 2025 Nissan Pathfinder bearing Texas tag 6YGPZ. She was last spotted north of Norton, Kan., on Thursday morning, March 12.

Pereirra-Mcwhorter is a female who is around 5 foot 4 inches tall and weighs approximately 185 pounds. She has brown hair, brown eyes, and is known to wear a medical ID bracelet. She is wearing a splint on her right hand.

If you see Yvonne Pereirra-Mcwhorter, or her vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, please call the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210.

 Silver Alert canceled, missing Kansas woman found

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating animal cruelty in Northeast Kansas have identified a suspect.

Tips from members of the community helped Bonner Springs Police and Animal Control Officers ID the suspect, according to a media release on Wednesday.&nbsp;The suspect, whose name has not been released, is facing animal abandonment charges.

On March 6, Bonner Springs Animal Control shared photos of a plastic storage tote left near the animal care center at 104 Forest Ave. The tote had been taped shut and left outside during a storm. Inside the tote was a puppy who required immediate medical attention.

In addition to the puppy in the tote, two additional puppies were surrendered to animal control officers. All three animals are now receiving veterinary evaluation and care.

  This pup appears to have a rectal prolapse which will be addressed ASAP by our veterinary partner.If you have any information, please call 913-422-7800 extension 1579 (please leave a message), or 913-596-3000

Police ID Kan. suspect accused of abandoning puppy in storage tote

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 21-year-old&nbsp;Richaud Conley.

Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the area of 55th and Chestnut Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

When officers arrived, they located Conley lying in a grassy area, unresponsive, and suffering from gunshot trauma. He was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. Officers on scene were updated later Conley was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Detectives continue working to determine what led up to the shooting. Police have not reported an arrest and did not release the name of the victim.

&nbsp;This incident is being investigated as a homicide at this time and is ongoing.&nbsp;

If anyone was in the area and heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

Police: Latest Kansas City homicide victim was 21-year-old

&nbsp;By Lisa Mascaro<br>Associated Press

The first week of the war with Iran const the US $11.3 billion.

The Pentagon provided the estimate to Congress in a briefing earlier this week, according to a person familiar with the situation who was granted anonymity to discuss the private meeting.

That comes after it reported spending $5 billion on munitions alone over the first weekend of the war.

The Trump administration had previously indicated it would be sending Congress a request for supplemental funding for the war, but that appears to have cooled, for now.

Sen. Roger Wicker, the GOP chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Wednesday that he was not expecting the supplemental request this month.

Billions of dollars: What the first week of war with Iran cost US

CLARK COUNTY —Crews were busy fighting another grass fire in southwest Kansas on Wednesday.

According to a social media report from the Ashland Fire Department, crews battled&nbsp; a grass fire on U.S. 160 at the Meade-Clark County line. 

Together with Minneola Fire, Englewood Fire, Fowler Fire, Meade Fire, and Ford County Fire, crews were able stop a fast-moving fire. 

They also thanked the Clark County Road and Bridge Department for "always helping with their blades."&nbsp; There were no injuries reported.&nbsp; There is no confirmation on the number of acres burned.

On February 17, the Ranger Road fire, which started in Oklahoma spread into southwest Kansas counties and burned more than 300,000 acres in both states. 

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