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

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

Pawnee Mental Health has announced the promotion of Diane “Di” Hinrichs-Toburen to the position of Chief Advancement and Engagement Officer.

Hinrichs-Toburen has been an integral part of Pawnee’s leadership since 2016, when she was appointed to the Governing Board representing Pottawatomie County. In 2018, she joined the organization’s staff as Development Manager and, in 2019, was promoted to Director of Marketing and Development.

Before joining Pawnee Mental Health, Hinrichs-Toburen served as Director of Highland Community College – Wamego, business analyst at Washburn University, and held roles as Functional Reporting Analyst and Director of Donor Relations at the Kansas State University Foundation.

Since joining Pawnee Mental Health, Hinrichs-Toburen has overseen the growth of private and grant funding by millions of dollars, led the development of successful annual fundraising events, strengthened donor communications, and implemented standardized marketing strategies that have expanded the organization’s reach and impact.

In her new role, Hinrichs-Toburen will lead strategies to increase visibility, strengthen partnerships and drive sustainable philanthropic growth. She will oversee philanthropy, marketing and communications, grant and business development, donor relations, and internal process improvements to enhance Pawnee’s impact and client experience.

Pawnee Mental Health promotes Diane “Di” Hinrichs-Toburen to Chief Advancement and Engagement Officer

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 10

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a vehicle theft and crash.

Just before 11p.m. Sunday, officers filed a report of a stolen vehicle at in the 900 block of Moro, according to the Riley County Police Department Activity report.

 A 25-year-old man reported an unknown 22-year-old suspect, identified as Mateo Hyman, stole his 2007 Ford Focus and ran into other parked vehicles, before ultimately crashing and abandoning the vehicle. The total estimated loss associated with this is case is greater than $1,000.

Hyman is being held on a $20,000 in the Riley County Jail, according to the county arrest report.

RCPD: Suspect jailed after car theft and crash

Sunday at approximately 5:44 p.m. the Junction City Fire Department responded to reports of a structure fire at the West Ridge Apartments located at 1537 W. Ash St.

According to the Fire Chief, Jason Lankas, upon arrival, crews observed heavy smoke and visible flames coming from the rear of the building. The fire had extended into the attic space and was primarily isolated to the third-floor attic area.

Due to the size and complexity of the incident, mutual aid was requested from Fort Riley Fire Department for a ladder truck. Geary County Fire Department also responded with an additional engine to assist. Firefighters initiated an aggressive interior fire attack while additional crews conducted a primary search of the structure.

The fire was brought under control at approximately 6:19 p.m.

The building at 1537 W. Ash St. consists of six apartment units. All six units were affected by the fire, with four units determined to be a total loss. Thirteen occupants were displaced as a result of the incident. EMS personnel evaluated individuals on scene, and no serious injuries were reported.

The fire has been ruled accidental following an investigation conducted by the Junction City Fire Department.

Initial damage estimates are approximately $100,000 in fire and smoke damage. The estimated total value of the building is approximately $275,000.

The American Red Cross assisted displaced residents with temporary housing and essential needs

Apartment Structure Fire with No Serious Injuries

RILEY COUNTY–&nbsp; &nbsp;Law enforcement are investigating a Manhattan man for alleged child sex crimes.

Just after 5:30p.m. March 6. police arrested 48-year-old Joshua G. Taylor, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.

He was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for five counts of sexual exploitation of a child and possessing media of a child under the age of 18.&nbsp;

Taylor is being held on a $500,000 bond.&nbsp;

Manhattan man accused of multiple child sex crimes

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Friday in Manhattan.

A 2003 Jeep Liberty driven by Cory Wrolson, 22, of Manhattan struck a 2015 Ford Fusion driven by Adelle Francis, 21, of Manhattan,&nbsp;in the 2200 block of Claflin Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Riley County EMS transported a&nbsp;passenger from the Ford Fusion to Via Christi Hospital. Wrolson was issued a citation for inattentive driving.

1 hospitalized, driver cited after 2-vehicle crash

Geary County Emergency Management said above normal temperatures are forecast on Monday with highs in the mid 70s to low 80s! Warm and dry conditions will create elevated fire danger Monday afternoon. Storms become likely by Tuesday evening. Some may be severe. It will be cooler behind the front on Wednesday.

Severe storms are possible Tuesday evening. Storms could form as early as the late afternoon. Storms will move out from west to east Wednesday morning.

Emergency Management provides a weather outlook

Riley County Arrest Report March 9

A Kansas Senate bill that would eventually eliminate property taxes in the state is scheduled for a public hearing on Tuesday.

The Kansas Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs will hold a hearing on Senate Bill 488 at 9:30 a.m. on March 10. The measure is titled the Kansas Property Tax Freedom Act of 2026.

The proposal would phase out property taxes over several years. Under the bill, local governments would be limited to 50% of their 2025 mill levy in tax year 2026 and 25% of the 2025 levy in 2027. Beginning in 2028, property taxes on real and personal property would be prohibited under the plan.

To replace lost revenue, the legislation would establish a “Kansas fair share purchase surcharge” beginning Jan. 1, 2027. Purchases of $20 or more would carry a flat $1.60 surcharge, while purchases under $20 would be charged 7.6% of the purchase price.

Revenue from the surcharge would be distributed primarily to local governments and schools, with 48% allocated to school districts and 35% to counties, cities and other local taxing entities. Additional funds would support the state general fund and a reserve fund intended to stabilize revenue and potentially provide taxpayer rebates if the balance exceeds $500 million.

The bill also outlines exemptions from the surcharge, including groceries eligible for SNAP, prescription drugs, motor fuel, utilities, child care services and K-12 tuition.

Even if approved by lawmakers, the plan would only take effect if Kansas voters pass a constitutional amendment prohibiting property taxes during a statewide election.

Kansas 'Property Tax Freedom Act' set for legislative hearing

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">Sherman Smith</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Douglas County District Judge James McCabria declined Tuesday to pause enforcement of a new state law that invalidated driver’s licenses and criminalizes bathroom use for transgender residents, saying he doesn’t have enough information yet and that he believes Kansans are tolerant.

In a six-page ruling — which includes a section titled “Who to believe?” — McCabria said attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union and Attorney General Kris Kobach provided no examples to support their claims that the law will harm transgender people or that the law makes bathrooms more secure.

“In hearing the arguments of each side, the Court is struck by a basic assumption each side makes about the other — that our ‘lesser angels’ drive our choices,” McCabria wrote. “Yet, the very paucity of actual examples that&nbsp;either side&nbsp;has put forward in&nbsp;any&nbsp;of the arguments suggests the opposite — that the vast majority of Kansans are tolerant, understanding, accepting and generally supportive of each other and that the vast majority of transgender persons have experienced this as Kansans.”

Two transgender men from Lawrence&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/27/trans-men-file-lawsuit-over-kansas-law-that-restricts-bathroom-use-and-invalidates-drivers-licenses/">filed a lawsuit Feb. 26</a>, the day the law took effect, arguing it violates their constitutional rights to due process, privacy, equality and expression. They also argue the law violates a constitutional requirement that bills passed by the Legislature contain only one subject.

Attorneys with the ACLU and the Philadelphia-based Ballard Spahr law firm represent the plaintiffs, who are identified by the pseudonyms Daniel Doe and Mathew Moe. They asked the court to issue a temporary restraining order, which would have paused enforcement of the law for 14 days, which a possible 14-day extension.

McCabria wrote in his decision that the request for a temporary restraining order requires plaintiffs to pass multiple legal tests: They have to demonstrate a likelihood of winning the case, show the law would cause immediate and irreparable harm, and show that a restraining order serves the public interest and no other remedy is available.

“The conclusion became self-evident — this Court simply does not have the information the law requires to enter a Temporary Restraining Order at this stage of the proceedings,” he wrote.

Plaintiffs can continue to provide evidence and arguments in support of an injunction, which would block enforcement of the law while the case is being litigated. McCabria scheduled a case management conference for March 18.

“This is a devastating, but hopefully temporary, setback for our clients and transgender people across the state of Kansas,” said Harper Seldin, a senior staff attorney for the ACLU. “The harm of this law has already had sweeping impacts on the lives of transgender people like our clients, threatening their ability to hold a job, go to school, or go about their daily lives.”

The GOP-led Kansas Legislature this year fast-tracked&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 244</a>, limiting public input and debate at every step. The Legislature overrode Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of the bill on Feb. 18, and the law took effect as soon as paperwork could be finalized.

Under the law, individuals in public buildings must use bathrooms and other private spaces, such as locker rooms, that align with their sex assigned at birth, rather than their gender. It isn’t clear how governments, schools, universities, libraries and other entities are supposed to ensure proper bathroom use, but failure to do so will result in a $25,000 fine on first offense and $125,000 fines on subsequent offenses.

Individuals who use the “wrong” bathroom will receive a warning on first offense, a $1,000 fine for breaking the law on subsequent offenses, and be charged with a Class B misdemeanor crime on third and subsequent violations. They also are subject to civil lawsuits from anyone “aggrieved” by their bathroom choice.

Proponents said the law will make it safer for cisgender women to use the bathroom, even though there is no evidence to support the claim. They ignore the reality that the law now requires transgender men, who look and sound like men, to use the women’s bathroom.

In his ruling, McCabria said he rejected the assumption “that every restroom visit is fraught with the potential for violence or embarrassment if this law is not immediately suspended. Or, especially, to assume the Legislature intended to promote such negative experiences when the law was passed.”

The law also requires that gender markers on driver’s licenses and birth certificates match an individual’s sex assigned at birth.

Shortly before the law took effect, the Kansas Department of Revenue sent letters to 275 residents who had changed their gender markers to let them know their driver’s licenses had been invalidated.

Kobach said during a court hearing Friday that 138 of the 275 individuals who were affected by the law had already gotten a new driver’s license.

“You can’t take it seriously, the impossibility of complying, when so many already have,” Kobach said.

Trans Liberty, a national advocacy group, announced Monday it was launching Operation Lifeboat to serve transgender Kansans who need support. The organization previously issued a statewide evacuation warning for transgender people.

Operation Lifeboat provides&nbsp;<a href="https://www.translifeboat.org/" target="_blank">an online portal</a>&nbsp;for trans people to request help with transportation, packing, hauling and getting settled somewhere else, breaking leases, emergency financial aid, legal guidance, DMV escorts and other assistance. Allies can offer to help as drivers, hosts, movers and donors.

“Our goal is to meet this moment with both urgency and compassion,” said Brandon Callahan, an incident commander for the operation. “This operation is built to provide real support to people who need it while coordinating the many individuals and organizations stepping forward to help.”

Kansas judge rejects attempt to block law that restricts bathroom use, invalidates driver’s licenses

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces multiple charges for a 2023 murder in Kansas City, Missouri.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2819/Canady-RED-COMPLAINT-TC">Terry W. Canady</a>, 33,&nbsp;&nbsp;faces 2nd Degree Murder, three counts of Armed Criminal Action, two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Shooting at a Person and Exhibiting), and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2820/Canady-RED-PC-TCRedacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to a shooting on March 31, 2023, and located the victim on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Video footage captured two suspects, one later identified as Canady approaching the victim near a vehicle. One of the suspects had their arms extended, holding a firearm. A flash was observed between Canady and the victim and then gunfire was exchanged as both suspects fled. A dark-colored Chevrolet Traverse was observed driving away from the crime scene at a high rate of speed.&nbsp;

Canady later arrived at a hospital in a black Chevrolet Traverse with a gunshot wound. Detectives collected a buccal swab from Canady and it matched the blood found at the crime scene.&nbsp;

Detectives are working to identify the second suspect.

A Jackson County judge set Canady's bond to $150,000 cash only.&nbsp;

Hospital swab linked suspect to Kansas City killing 

WICHITA, Kan. —&nbsp;Stephen R. Langa was sentenced Friday in Sedgwick County District Court for a series of robberies that targeted the community over a five-day period in late 2024.

District Judge Sean Hatfield sentenced Langa to 198 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections, followed by 24 months of post-release supervision.

The sentencing follows a conviction on seven counts of robbery, each classified as a severity level 5 person felony. The charges stemmed from incidents occurring between Sept. 24, 2024, and Sept. 28, 2024. During this window, the defendant engaged in a series of robberies that prompted an intensive investigation by the Wichita Police Department.

Prosecutors argued that the frequency and nature of the crimes warranted a significant prison term to ensure public safety and provide justice for the victims involved.

Lengthy prison sentence for 5-day Kansas robbery spree

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal hit-and-run and have made an arrest.

Just after 10p.m. Monday, police responded to a report of an injury accident at the intersection of SW 6th Street and SW Horne Street in Topeka, according to a media release.

Officers learned that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police did not release the name of the pedestrian.

As a result of the investigation, it was determined that the incident involved a hit-and-run crash. The vehicle driver, Elizabeth A. Neal, 38, of Topeka, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and remains jailed on requested charges of Driving While License Suspended, Failure to Stop at an Accident Resulting in Death, Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer; Conceal/Alter/Destroy Evidence, Vehicular Homicide

Kansas woman accused of hit-and-run that killed pedestrian

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

TOPEKA — Rabbi Moti Rieber sat on the tiled floor, legs akimbo, in front of the arched passage leading to the Kansas Senate chamber with at least 20 people behind him and more lining the walls with handmade signs.

“We are here because when injustice becomes law, then resistance is necessary,” Rieber said. “We are here as moral witnesses.”

Clergy members led a sit-in protest Tuesday in opposition to a recently passed anti-trans law. The Republican-controlled Legislature used tactics to avoid public input and overrode the governor’s veto to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 244</a>, requiring people in public buildings to use the bathroom that coincides with their biological sex and also mandating driver’s licenses include a person’s biological sex instead of their gender.

Sergeants-at-arms looked on from behind the group, and Kansas Highway Patrol troopers soon joined. But it wasn’t until the group prevented Sen. Tim Shallenburger, R-Baxter Springs, from entering the chamber that troopers grabbed people by the arms to clear a path.

As troopers hoisted activists up from their seats, encouraging them to disperse, the group sang in harmony: “No one is getting left behind this time. No one is getting left behind. No one is getting left behind this time. We get there together or never get there at all.”

At one point, a trooper knocked a woman to the ground as she tried to pass through the crowd, appearing to mistake her as part of the demonstration. Protesters responded with chants of “Shame!”

The woman declined to be identified or comment but told Kansas Reflector she was OK.

Rieber, executive director of Kansas Interfaith Action, said while sitting on the floor, addressing the crowd, that the process to pass SB 244 was “crooked.”

The law has already been challenged in Douglas County District Court, and a judge’s decision on pausing the order was expected as soon as Tuesday. The state sent letters to 275 Kansans shortly before the law went into effect, telling them their driver’s licenses were invalid. Some&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/03/05/new-kansas-bathroom-law-likely-to-harm-mental-health-increase-risks-for-trans-people-experts-say/">experts say laws targeting trans people can harm</a>&nbsp;their mental health and increase the likelihood of discrimination.

The Rev. Mandy Todd, pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lindsborg, said SB 244 is hurtful, targeted and part of a culture war. She said the group is “disgusted by this Legislature’s treatment of trans people.”

The bill stokes fear and anxiety, she said.

Todd, the director of engagement for Kansas Interfaith Action, said trans people in her community have felt the immediate effects of SB 244. The closest driver’s license office is in the next town, which Todd said has hamstrung one Lindsborg woman, who now cannot legally drive to sort out her invalid license.

Pastor Charles McKinzie II of Grace United Methodist Church in Winfield is confident the law, which he said was flawed in process and in substance, will make its way to the Kansas Supreme Court to be overturned.

“In the meantime, people are hurting, and people need to know that they are seen,” McKinzie said.

Conversations about the effects of SB 244 aren’t limited to a courtroom. They are taking place in churches, synagogues and other small group settings across the state, McKinzie said, and the sit-in was meant as a show of nonviolence “to shed light on a violent system.”

Master Trooper Scott Whitsell said Tuesday afternoon, about an hour after the protest, that no one from the group had been cited or arrested to his knowledge. The only law the protestors broke was blocking an entryway, he said.

Clergy-led activists block entry into Kansas Senate in protest over bathroom law

By&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/konstantin-toropin">KONSTANTIN TOROPIN</a> Associated Press

The Pentagon says about 140 U.S. service members have been wounded in conflict with Iran.

“The vast majority of these injuries have been minor, and 108 service members have already returned to duty,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in an emailed statement. Eight are currently “severely injured,” Parnell added.

These numbers are the first insight into the broader toll of injuries sustained by U.S. troops after a barrage of retaliatory rocket and drone strikes from Iran that also killed seven soldiers in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Pentagon:  About 140 US troops wounded in Iran war, 8 severely

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Several people including two police officers were injured after an overnight house fire in Bonner Springs.

Late Monday, Kansas City, Kansas fire crews responded on automatic aid to assist the Bonner Springs Fire Department with a house fire in the 500 block of Allcutt Avenue, according to a media release.

Bonner Springs Police officers were the first to arrive and immediately entered the home after learning people were still inside. They assisted in removing the occupants until firefighters arrived.

Two patients were transported in critical condition, and a citizen who stopped to help is listed in stable condition. Two Bonner Springs Police officers were also treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.

Situations like this are exactly why regional cooperation between public safety agencies exists. Last night could have been much worse without the quick actions of officers, firefighters, and citizens working together.

Two hospitalized after fire at Kansas home

Sen. Caryn Tyson apologizes for misrepresenting amendment, opposes repeal

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Sen. Caryn Tyson, who labels herself “Tax Cutting Tyson,” successfully pitched to fellow senators a budget amendment creating a state revenue lockbox dedicated to reducing the property tax mill levy supporting K-12 public schools.

No one in the Kansas Senate inquired about details of her amendment, which was quickly approved last week amid debate on two dozen ideas for tweaking&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/sb315_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">Senate Bill 315</a>. The special account would allow the Legislature to chip away at the 20-mill annual property tax for schools, she said.

“We’re going to establish a property tax relief fund,” said Tyson, a Parker Republican who chairs the Senate’s tax committee. “There’s no money in it. So, there’s no fiscal cost.”

The Senate agreed without objection to drop her proposal into the bill.

That’s the way things stood for 2½ hours until Sen. Stephen Owens, R-Hesston, surprised senators with his discovery that Tyson’s amendment earmarked millions of dollars in online state lottery revenue for the new property tax fund. Tyson’s amendment actually reappropriated lottery revenue that was promised for care of mentally ill adults and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as the frail and elderly population.

“We often hear in here there’s no such thing as a simple bill,” Owens said. “Well, it turns out there is no such thing as a simple amendment.”

Owens said he regretted not pressing Tyson for details of the amendment embedding a property tax relief fund in the state budget. He blamed his passivity on an inherent trust in a legislative process obligating lawmakers to present accurate information about proposed amendments.

Unbeknownst to senators when they voted to pass Tyson’s amendment, the measure required all state iLottery proceeds above $80 million per year to be deposited in the special fund to replace property taxes collected to fund schools.

“I do think we need to have an open and transparent discussion about where those funds are coming from and where they’re being redirected,” Owens said.

Throughout Owens’ remarks, Tyson stood at her desk on the Senate floor waiting to speak. She apologized in her speech for failing to accurately describe the amendment that had won Senate approval.

“I would never try to mislead this body — ever,” Tyson said. “I grabbed the wrong amendment. I thought that I had the amendment that was only going to establish the property tax relief fund.”

Tyson said she inadvertently presented the Senate with a more ambitious amendment that withdrew millions of dollars from safety net programs. She said her intent was to merely create an account for property tax buydowns. She planned to propose later in the legislative session a series of amendments that transferred state dollars, including iLottery revenue, to the fund for property tax relief.

She said another idea for generating cash for property tax relief would be a new state tax on production of renewable energy, such as wind or solar.

“We’re actually going to have a tax trailer bill, if you will, that would compel the buydown,” Tyson said.

Sen. Rick Billinger, a Goodland Republican and chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, said he opposed Tyson’s proposal to alter appropriations of iLottery revenue.

He said the first $8 million above the $80 million iLottery baseline would support a voluntary network of support for adults with serious mental illness. He said the Senate bill would free up $10 million to reserve 240 beds at six hospitals for patients with mental disorders.

In addition, Billinger said, the bill depended on iLottery dollars to help people with disabilities land jobs. The bill set aside cash to provide in-home care for frail or elderly people so they had a greater chance of avoiding placement in a nursing home, he said.

“What we were trying to do here was use the excess lottery (for) good intentions,” Billinger said.

Tyson responded to Billinger by arguing against Owens’ bid to repeal the amendment she had submitted in error. Tyson said the Legislature should take the unexpected opportunity to begin building the property tax fund. She said every $45 million set aside in the account could eliminate 1 mill of the state property tax for schools.

“It’s these feel-good funds that were just talked about versus actual property tax relief to buy down the 20 mill. This is real relief for your constituents,” Tyson said.

The Senate passed Owens’ motion to strike Tyson’s amendment from the bill. He said taking iLottery revenue from Kansans reliant on safety net programs wasn’t the way to address property taxes.

“From my perspective, I would not balance the budget or reduce property taxes on their backs,” Owens said.

Before the Senate completed work on&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/03/04/kansas-senate-budget-seeks-to-pry-state-funding-from-wine-and-cheese-crowd/">the budget bill</a>, Tyson proposed and the Senate accepted an amendment that merely established the property tax fund.

Kansas Senate reverses self to kill budget proviso using safety net funds for property tax cuts

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement in Salina are investigating a shooting have made an arrest.

Just before 5p.m. Monday, police responded to the 1100 block of W. Republic in Salina after reports of 10-20 shots had been fired, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Lt. Andrew Ziegler.

Witnesses saw a gray Dodge Charger fleeing the scene. A tag for that vehicle was developed, and the FLOCK System was utilized. It was determined the vehicle was near 9th Street and Interstate 70.

Saline County Deputies arrived in the area and located the vehicle at the Pilot Gas Station, 1944 N 9th. Street.

The driver of that vehicle, 26-year-old Alex Ramos-Guebara of Salina, was taken into custody without incident.

The victim, a 21-year-old man, who was an occupant of a residence in the 1100 block of W. Republic was transported to the Salina Regional Health Center by private vehicle for treatment of two non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to his lower body.

Police with the assistance of the Saline County Sheriff’s Office were able to determine through the course of the investigation that Ramos-Guebara arrived at the residence, where he kicked in the door.

The victim, who does not live at the residence, along with other occupants pushed Ramos-Guebara out of the residence.&nbsp; Ramos-Guebara then retrieved a gun from his vehicle and approached the victim.

Ramos-Guebara began to aim the gun at the victim, who grabbed the gun as Ramos-Guebara began firing. The victim was shot twice in the lower body, as most of the shots went into the ground. Police recovered the&nbsp;gun at the scene.

Ramos-Guebara is being in the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree and Aggravated Burglary.

The case is still under investigation. More arrests are possible, according to Ziegler.

Police: Suspect kicked in door of Kansas home, shot victim

Charges have been filed in connection with a fatal rollover crash north of Hutchinson that left a 19-year-old man dead last year.

According to the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, deputies, along with the Hutchinson Fire Department, Reno County EMS and the Kansas Highway Patrol, were dispatched at approximately 3:06 p.m. on Aug. 27 to the 6100 block of North Plum Street for a report of a single-vehicle rollover crash with entrapment.

First responders located a 2010 Chevrolet Corvette in the east ditch after it had struck a tree and overturned. The driver, identified as Kaden J. Marcum, 19, of Hutchinson, was trapped inside the vehicle.

Emergency crews extricated Marcum and began life-saving measures before transporting him to a Wichita hospital in critical condition. Marcum later died from his injuries.

Investigators determined a second vehicle, a 2012 Dodge Charger driven by 20-year-old Ethan Kellen Goble of Plevna, was also involved in the crash. Goble sustained minor injuries and was transported by private vehicle to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.

Authorities said both vehicles were traveling north on Plum Street when the Charger attempted to overtake the Corvette. The vehicles collided, causing the Corvette to leave the roadway, strike a tree and overturn. Investigators believe speed was a factor in the crash.

On Jan. 2, 2026, the Reno County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against Goble, including involuntary manslaughter, a level 5 felony, and reckless driving, a misdemeanor.

Kansas man charged in fatal crash that killed teen

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — AJ Dybantsa had 40 points, nine rebounds and six assists, and No. 10 seed BYU use a big second-half run to break open a close game with No. 15 seed Kansas State and roll to a 105-91 victory in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament on Tuesday night.

Robert Wright III added 14 points and six assists, and Kennard Davis Jr. had 15 points for the Cougars (22-10), who set a single-game tournament scoring record while advancing to play seventh-seeded West Virginia on Wednesday night.

P.J. Haggerty matched Dybantsa into the second half and finished with 27 points for the Wildcats (12-20), who played their final game for interim coach Matthew Driscoll, who had taken control of the program after the firing of Jerome Tang last month.

Nate Johnson had 19 points for Kansas State. Khamari McGriff finished with 13.

The fact that BYU was playing at all Tuesday night was somewhat surprising.

Dybantsa could be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft this year. Wright has been a star in his own right. At one point early in the season, the Cougars were ranked seventh in the AP Top 25 and living up to the lofty expectations of their expensive lineup.

But things went sideways beginning with a four-game skid in January and February, and floor leader Richie Saunders was lost for the rest of the season to a torn ACL. The Cougars lost three of their last four games, and tiebreakers put them at the No. 10 seed.

They jumped out to a quick lead Tuesday night, though, as Haggerty and Dybantsa began to duel. And while they led just 50-49 at the break, the Cougars went on a 17-2 run beginning with about 9 1/2 minutes to play that allowed them to pull away.

The Cougars march on to face West Virginia, which beat them 79-71 a couple of weeks ago.

Kansas State turns its focus toward hiring its next permanent coach.

🏀 Despite 27 from P.J. Haggerty K-State falls to BYU in Big 12 Tournament

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Junior guard P.J. Haggerty was named to the All-Big 12 Honorable Mention Team, as the conference announced its annual men’s basketball awards on Monday (March 9).

It marked the third time in Haggerty’s career that he earned all-conference honors after being an All-AAC Third Team selection at Tulsa in 2023-24 and a unanimous All-AAC First Team pick at Memphis in 2024-25. He was also the AAC’s Player of the Year in 2024-25 and the league's Freshman of the Year in 2023-24.

Big 12 regular season champion Arizona headlined the individual awards, as senior Jaden Bradley was the league Player of the Year and senior Tobe Awaka was the Sixth Man of the Year, while head coach Tommy Lloyd was named the Coach of the Year for the first time. Kansas had both the Defensive Player of the Year (Flory Bidunga) and Newcomer of the Year (Melvin Council Jr.), while BYU’s AJ Dybantsa was the Freshman of the Year and Texas Tech’s Christian Anderson was Most Improved. Iowa State’s Tamin Lipsey was the Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

The All-Big 12 awards are selected by league’s 16 coaches, who are not allowed to vote for their own players.

The nation’s No. 4 scorers at 23.3 points per game, Haggerty has scored in double figures in all 30 games he has played this season, which includes 22 games of 20 or more points and five games of 30 or more points. He is the first Wildcat since Jacob Pullen in 2009-10 to score in double figures in 30 consecutive&nbsp; games, while his 698 points are the fifth-most in a single season.

Haggerty’s 22 games of 20 or more points tied the legendary Bob Boozer (1958-59) for the second-most in school history, while his five 30-point games are the fifth-most in school history and the most since Michael Beasley set the school record with 13 in 2007-08.

Haggerty reached a career milestone at Houston on Feb. 14 when he became the fifth current Division I player to eclipse 2,000 career points.

For the season, Haggerty is averaging 23.3 points per game on 49.3 percent (263-of-534) shooting, including 34.5 percent (38-of-110) from 3-point range, with 5.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 steals in 35.1 minutes per game.

Haggerty and the Wildcats are the No. 15 seed at this week’s Phillips 66 Big 12 Tournament and will face 10-seed BYU (21-10, 9-9 Big 12) at 6 p.m., CT on Tuesday at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. The winner will get No. 7 seed West Virginia (18-13, 9-9 Big 12) at 6 p.m., CT on Wednesday.

2026 Phillips 66 All-Big 12 Men's Basketball Awards

Player of the Year: Jaden Bradley, Arizona

Defensive Player of the Year: Flory Bidunga, Kansas

Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State

Newcomer of the Year: Melvin Council Jr., Kansas

Most Improved: Christian Anderson, Texas Tech

A tie resulted in an extra position on the team

🏀 Haggerty Named to All-Big 12 Honorable Mention Team

2026 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament Schedule

Game 1: No. 12 Arizona State vs. No. 13 Baylor (ESPN+) — 11:30 a.m. Game 2: No. 9 Cincinnati vs. No. 16 Utah (ESPN+) — 2 p.m. Game 3: No. 10 BYU vs. No. 15 Kansas State (ESPN+) — 6 p.m.&nbsp; Game 4: No. 11 Colorado vs. No. 14 Oklahoma State (ESPN+) — 8:30 p.m.

Game 5: No. 5 Iowa State vs. Game 1 winner (ESPN/ESPN2) — 11:30 a.m. Game 6: No. 8 UCF vs. Game 2 winner (ESPNU) — 2 p.m. Game 7: No. 7 West Virginia vs. Game 3 winner (ESPNU) — 6 p.m. Game 8: No. 6 TCU vs. Game 4 winner (ESPN2/ESPNU) — 8:30 p.m.

Game 9: No. 4 Texas Tech vs. Game 5 winner (ESPN/ESPN2) — 11:30 a.m. Game 10: No. 1 Arizona vs. Game 6 winner (ESPN/ESPN2) — 2 p.m. Game 11: No. 2 Houston vs. Game 7 winner (ESPN/ESPN2) — 6 p.m. &nbsp;Game 12: No. 3 Kansas vs. Game 8 winner (ESPN/ESPN2) — 8:30 p.m.

Game 13: Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner (ESPN/ESPN2) — 6 p.m. Game 14: Game 11 winner vs. Game 12 winner (ESPN/ESPN2) — 8:30 p.m.

Game 15: Game 13 winner vs. Game 14 winner (ESPN) — 5 p.m.

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