REXFORD, KANSAS — McCarty Family Farms is pleased to announce the official opening of McCarty Family Farms North, a state-of-the-art dairy farm along with the Judy McCarty Dairy Learning Center.

The new farming facilities have expanded north of their flagship dairy in Rexford and is designed to house and care for 10,000 milking cows. The new site includes two 120-cow milking carousels, the largest in the world, and eight freestall barns built for optimum cow comfort.

“Our family has had a longtime commitment to continuously improve.” Says Ken McCarty,” This expansion allows us to use new technologies to do even more to provide best-in-class cow care and environmental stewardship.”

The McCarty Family Farms milk condensing plant also received numerous upgrades to accommodate the farm expansion with added capabilities to better serve their customers.

The Judy McCarty Dairy Learning Center, which is a non-profit educational experience, was established to provide visitors with an immersive experience on the farm while allowing the McCarty Family to operate on a new level of transparency. The center is named in honor of Judy McCarty, the late mother of current farm owners Mike, Clay, Dave, and Ken McCarty to honor Judy’s passion for welcoming the public to their farm.

“We’ve always believed in farming transparently and through the learning center we can bring people in and let them see our work firsthand.” Says Tom McCarty, “Our family is looking forward to the Grand Opening and sharing Judy’s legacy as the original tour guide with our community.”

Visitors can get an up-close look at a real working dairy while interactive games and displays provide information about milk's journey from soil to yogurt cup, including information about cow care, water conservation, and regenerative farming.

To celebrate the completion of McCarty Family Farms North and the Grand Opening of the Judy McCarty Dairy Learning Center, the McCarty family is hosting a community open house on June 27 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.mccartyfamilyfarms.com/grandopening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718295156634.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSREXFORD, KANSAS — McCarty Family Farms is pleased to announce the official opening of McCarty Family Farms North, a state-of-the-art dairy farm along with the Judy McCarty Dairy Learning Center.The new farming facilities have expanded north of their flagship dairy in Rexford and is designed to house and care for 10,000 milking cows. The new site includes two 120-cow milking carousels, the largest in the world, and eight freestall barns built for optimum cow comfort.“Our family has had a longtime commitment to continuously improve.” Says Ken McCarty,” This expansion allows us to use new technologies to do even more to provide best-in-class cow care and environmental stewardship.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718295179775.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The McCarty Family Farms milk condensing plant also received numerous upgrades to accommodate the farm expansion with added capabilities to better serve their customers.The Judy McCarty Dairy Learning Center, which is a non-profit educational experience, was established to provide visitors with an immersive experience on the farm while allowing the McCarty Family to operate on a new level of transparency. The center is named in honor of Judy McCarty, the late mother of current farm owners Mike, Clay, Dave, and Ken McCarty to honor Judy’s passion for welcoming the public to their farm.“We’ve always believed in farming transparently and through the learning center we can bring people in and let them see our work firsthand.” Says Tom McCarty, “Our family is looking forward to the Grand Opening and sharing Judy’s legacy as the original tour guide with our community.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718295202575.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Visitors can get an up-close look at a real working dairy while interactive games and displays provide information about milk's journey from soil to yogurt cup, including information about cow care, water conservation, and regenerative farming.To celebrate the completion of McCarty Family Farms North and the Grand Opening of the Judy McCarty Dairy Learning Center, the McCarty family is hosting a community open house on June 27 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.mccartyfamilyfarms.com/grandopening.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718295218807.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Dairy farm in Rexford expands and opens learning center

HESSTON, Kan. — AGCO announced in a meeting on Wednesday that they are moving the Small Square Baler, Windrower Header, and Round Baler Lines to Mexico.

It is currently unknown what will happen to the employees of the line, but the company does not expect layoffs.

“To simplify and streamline operations at AGCO’s Hesston, Kansas, facility, the company is shifting some production to another AGCO plant. Hesston will continue to manufacture Massey Ferguson windrowers, large square balers, combines and combine headers using the more than $28 million in investments made in the Kansas facility since 2021. Those investments have focused on updating and modernizing Hesston’s systems and equipment. Production of small square balers, round balers and rotary mowers will move to its Querétaro, Mexico, facility beginning in 2025. By streamlining the Hesston portfolio, our goal is to secure a profitable future for the plant. AGCO expects the impact of this change on the overall workforce in Hesston to be accomplished through typical attrition.“

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718278218409.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HESSTON, Kan. — AGCO announced in a meeting on Wednesday that they are moving the Small Square Baler, Windrower Header, and Round Baler Lines to Mexico.It is currently unknown what will happen to the employees of the line, but the company does not expect layoffs.A statement from AGCO is below.“To simplify and streamline operations at AGCO’s Hesston, Kansas, facility, the company is shifting some production to another AGCO plant. Hesston will continue to manufacture Massey Ferguson windrowers, large square balers, combines and combine headers using the more than $28 million in investments made in the Kansas facility since 2021. Those investments have focused on updating and modernizing Hesston’s systems and equipment. Production of small square balers, round balers and rotary mowers will move to its Querétaro, Mexico, facility beginning in 2025. By streamlining the Hesston portfolio, our goal is to secure a profitable future for the plant. AGCO expects the impact of this change on the overall workforce in Hesston to be accomplished through typical attrition.“

AGCO Hesston moving some work to Mexico

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Thursday unanimously preserved access to a medication that was used in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pills-mifepristone-supreme-court-27d18f91242eb08c4d805880ddb5bb60">nearly two-thirds of all abortions</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. last year, in the court’s first abortion decision since conservative justices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;two years ago.

<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24743495-fda-v-alliance-for-hippocratic-medicine-opinion">The justices ruled</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;opponents lacked the legal right to sue over the federal Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the medication,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mifepristone-supreme-court-abortion-d451e14148ffbe6ce4811b1a37651480">mifepristone</a>, and the FDA's subsequent actions to ease access to it.

The case had threatened to restrict access to mifepristone across the country, including in states where abortion remains legal.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote for the court that “federal courts are the wrong forum for addressing the plaintiffs’ concerns about FDA’s actions." Kavanaugh was part of the majority to overturn Roe.

The high court is separately considering another abortion case, about whether&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-medical-emergencies-idaho-8ca89d7de0c1fa9256dcd27d1847e144">a federal law on emergency treatment</a>&nbsp;at hospitals overrides state abortion bans in rare emergency cases in which a pregnant patient’s health is at serious risk.

More than 6 million people have used mifepristone since 2000. Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone and primes the uterus to respond to the contraction-causing effect of a second drug, misoprostol.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation">The two-drug regimen</a>&nbsp;has been used to end a pregnancy through 10 weeks gestation.

Health care providers have said that if mifepristone is no longer available or is too hard to obtain, they would switch to using only misoprostol, which is somewhat less effective in ending pregnancies.

President Joe Biden’s administration and drug manufacturers had warned that siding with abortion opponents in this case could undermine the FDA’s drug approval process beyond the abortion context by inviting judges to second-guess the agency’s scientific judgments. The Democratic administration and New York-based Danco Laboratories, which makes mifepristone, argued that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mifepristone-abortion-pill-supreme-court-1d2221251197a391c9bca833918e4554">drug is among the safest</a>&nbsp;the FDA has ever approved.

The abortion opponents argued in court papers that the FDA’s decisions in 2016 and 2021 to relax restrictions on getting the drug were unreasonable and “jeopardize women’s health across the nation.”

The mifepristone case began five months after the Supreme Court overturned Roe. Abortion opponents initially won a sweeping ruling nearly a year ago from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-judge-matthew-kacsmaryk-abortion-pill-fda-75964b777ef09593a1ad948c6cfc0237">U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk</a>, a Trump nominee in Texas, which would have revoked the drug’s approval entirely. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals left intact the FDA’s initial approval of mifepristone. But it would reverse changes regulators made in 2016 and 2021 that eased some conditions for administering the drug.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680967457500.png" alt="Photo Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>Photo Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Thursday unanimously preserved access to a medication that was used in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pills-mifepristone-supreme-court-27d18f91242eb08c4d805880ddb5bb60">nearly two-thirds of all abortions</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. last year, in the court’s first abortion decision since conservative justices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;two years ago.<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24743495-fda-v-alliance-for-hippocratic-medicine-opinion">The justices ruled</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;opponents lacked the legal right to sue over the federal Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the medication,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mifepristone-supreme-court-abortion-d451e14148ffbe6ce4811b1a37651480">mifepristone</a>, and the FDA's subsequent actions to ease access to it.The case had threatened to restrict access to mifepristone across the country, including in states where abortion remains legal.Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote for the court that “federal courts are the wrong forum for addressing the plaintiffs’ concerns about FDA’s actions." Kavanaugh was part of the majority to overturn Roe.The high court is separately considering another abortion case, about whether&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-medical-emergencies-idaho-8ca89d7de0c1fa9256dcd27d1847e144">a federal law on emergency treatment</a>&nbsp;at hospitals overrides state abortion bans in rare emergency cases in which a pregnant patient’s health is at serious risk.More than 6 million people have used mifepristone since 2000. Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone and primes the uterus to respond to the contraction-causing effect of a second drug, misoprostol.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation">The two-drug regimen</a>&nbsp;has been used to end a pregnancy through 10 weeks gestation.Health care providers have said that if mifepristone is no longer available or is too hard to obtain, they would switch to using only misoprostol, which is somewhat less effective in ending pregnancies.President Joe Biden’s administration and drug manufacturers had warned that siding with abortion opponents in this case could undermine the FDA’s drug approval process beyond the abortion context by inviting judges to second-guess the agency’s scientific judgments. The Democratic administration and New York-based Danco Laboratories, which makes mifepristone, argued that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mifepristone-abortion-pill-supreme-court-1d2221251197a391c9bca833918e4554">drug is among the safest</a>&nbsp;the FDA has ever approved.The abortion opponents argued in court papers that the FDA’s decisions in 2016 and 2021 to relax restrictions on getting the drug were unreasonable and “jeopardize women’s health across the nation.”The mifepristone case began five months after the Supreme Court overturned Roe. Abortion opponents initially won a sweeping ruling nearly a year ago from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-judge-matthew-kacsmaryk-abortion-pill-fda-75964b777ef09593a1ad948c6cfc0237">U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk</a>, a Trump nominee in Texas, which would have revoked the drug’s approval entirely. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals left intact the FDA’s initial approval of mifepristone. But it would reverse changes regulators made in 2016 and 2021 that eased some conditions for administering the drug.

Unanimous: Supreme Court preserves access to abortion pill

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an attempted child abduction and have made an arrest.

Just after 1pm. Wednesday, police responded to a reported attempted child abduction outside of So Long Saloon in the 1100 block of Moro Street in Manhattan, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.

When officers arrived on the scene the manager identified the suspect as Jonathan Valentine, 43, of Manhattan. 

Witnesses reported the subject aggressively claimed a child did not belong to the child's guardian and attempted to forcibly take the 7-month-old, causing a minor injury to the child.

Officers quickly detained the Valentine and arrested him on a requested charge of attempted aggravated kidnapping. He is being held on a $50,000 bond.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an attempted child abduction and have made an arrest.Just after 1pm. Wednesday, police responded to a reported attempted child abduction outside of So Long Saloon in the 1100 block of Moro Street in Manhattan, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.When officers arrived on the scene the manager identified the suspect as Jonathan Valentine, 43, of Manhattan. Witnesses reported the subject aggressively claimed a child did not belong to the child's guardian and attempted to forcibly take the 7-month-old, causing a minor injury to the child.Officers quickly detained the Valentine and arrested him on a requested charge of attempted aggravated kidnapping. He is being held on a $50,000 bond.

Police: Baby injured, Kan. man jailed after attempted child abduction

Gov. Laura Kelly likes focus on property taxes, still negotiating with GOP leadership

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Outgoing state Sen. Tom Holland recommended Wednesday ahead of a special session of the Kansas Legislature a state tax reform bill highlighted by residential, commercial and agricultural property tax relief rather than offering a package emphasizing state income tax rate cuts.

Holland, a Baldwin City Democrat who decided not to seek reelection after 22 years in the Legislature, said during a news conference at the Capitol that he would urge lawmakers to increase state exemptions in all property tax classes and trim the state property tax mill levy for public schools. With inclusion of property tax relief for veterans, Holland’s approach would deliver nearly $200 million annually in property tax reductions.

“I am here to announce a tax proposal for next week’s special session that provides all Kansans with meaningful, significant tax relief that is fiscally sustainable,” Holland said. “Make no mistake, the number one hated tax in any state government or local government scheme is property tax.”

He referred to his strategy as the “Statehouse Kumbaya Tax Plan,” because contents were drawn from legislation receiving bipartisan support in the House and Senate. Overall, he said, his bill would offer an average $361 million annual reduction in state tax revenue through 2028. It would leave an estimated $600 million in the state treasury after four years, but that would be a significant reduction from the current surplus of $1.9 billion.

Under Holland’s bill, the state would adopt an income tax exemption on Social Security benefits that would cost the state $152 million in the first year by level off to about $125 million annually going forward. He didn’t propose a broad reduction in income tax rates, arguing it was impossible to make progress on property taxes if the Republican-led Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly devoted too much capital to lowering income taxes.

GOP legislative leaders and Kelly have tangled for the past two years on what would be an appropriate reduction in state income taxes, given the constitutional imperative to balance the state budget. GOP lawmakers say Kansas had sufficient cash reserves to make big income tax changes, especially for benefit of wealthy Kansans. Kelly has sought modest reductions that lower the risk of a budget quagmire over the next five years.

“I, like most legislators, have heard from many of my constituents regarding their tax burden,” Holland said. “Kansas property owners will be extremely pleased to hear that this plan provides approximately $1 billion, with a ‘b,’ in property tax relief over five years.”

Holland’s plan would nearly triple the state’s residential property tax exemption to $125,000 and shrink the state property tax mill levy for public schools from 20 mills to 18 mills. He said his bill would obligate state government to make up for reductions in property tax revenue for K-12 schools so that burden wouldn’t shift to local property taxpayers.

He said the interest among Kansas politicians in rolling back state income tax rates was problematic because legislation sent to the governor would torpedo the state budget. Rank-and-file legislators understand Kelly vetoed three tax bills in the 2024 legislative session because they weren’t sustainable, he said.

Grace Hoge, a spokeswoman for Kelly, said she appreciated Holland’s inclusion of significant property tax relief in his proposal.

“Kansans have been asking for property tax relief for months,” Hoge said. “There continues to be productive conversations with legislative leaders on responsible tax relief for all Kansans that does not threaten the state’s long-term fiscal stability.”

Members of the House and Senate expect to convene Monday for committee meetings dedicated to sorting through options for a new tax bill. Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, said Republican legislators would develop a fresh bill that made a priority of modifying income taxes.

In addition, both chambers plan to work during the special session on a bill outlining economic development incentives that might attract the Kansas City Chiefs or Kansas City Royals to new stadiums built in Kansas.

While there has been considerable legislative interest in making a deal on tax reform, the idea of issuing bonds for construction of professional sports stadiums in Wyandottee or Johnson counties hadn’t been vetted by legislators and could run into dedicated opposition.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718282389726.png" alt=" Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, proposed a five-year plan reducing the state’s tax burden by $361 million annually, but would concentrate on lowering property taxes rather than individual income tax rates. The Kansas Legislature convenes Tuesday for a special session to debate tax reform. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, proposed a five-year plan reducing the state’s tax burden by $361 million annually, but would concentrate on lowering property taxes rather than individual income tax rates. The Kansas Legislature convenes Tuesday for a special session to debate tax reform. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Gov. Laura Kelly likes focus on property taxes, still negotiating with GOP leadership</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Outgoing state Sen. Tom Holland recommended Wednesday ahead of a special session of the Kansas Legislature a state tax reform bill highlighted by residential, commercial and agricultural property tax relief rather than offering a package emphasizing state income tax rate cuts.Holland, a Baldwin City Democrat who decided not to seek reelection after 22 years in the Legislature, said during a news conference at the Capitol that he would urge lawmakers to increase state exemptions in all property tax classes and trim the state property tax mill levy for public schools. With inclusion of property tax relief for veterans, Holland’s approach would deliver nearly $200 million annually in property tax reductions.“I am here to announce a tax proposal for next week’s special session that provides all Kansans with meaningful, significant tax relief that is fiscally sustainable,” Holland said. “Make no mistake, the number one hated tax in any state government or local government scheme is property tax.”He referred to his strategy as the “Statehouse Kumbaya Tax Plan,” because contents were drawn from legislation receiving bipartisan support in the House and Senate. Overall, he said, his bill would offer an average $361 million annual reduction in state tax revenue through 2028. It would leave an estimated $600 million in the state treasury after four years, but that would be a significant reduction from the current surplus of $1.9 billion.Under Holland’s bill, the state would adopt an income tax exemption on Social Security benefits that would cost the state $152 million in the first year by level off to about $125 million annually going forward. He didn’t propose a broad reduction in income tax rates, arguing it was impossible to make progress on property taxes if the Republican-led Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly devoted too much capital to lowering income taxes.GOP legislative leaders and Kelly have tangled for the past two years on what would be an appropriate reduction in state income taxes, given the constitutional imperative to balance the state budget. GOP lawmakers say Kansas had sufficient cash reserves to make big income tax changes, especially for benefit of wealthy Kansans. Kelly has sought modest reductions that lower the risk of a budget quagmire over the next five years.“I, like most legislators, have heard from many of my constituents regarding their tax burden,” Holland said. “Kansas property owners will be extremely pleased to hear that this plan provides approximately $1 billion, with a ‘b,’ in property tax relief over five years.”Holland’s plan would nearly triple the state’s residential property tax exemption to $125,000 and shrink the state property tax mill levy for public schools from 20 mills to 18 mills. He said his bill would obligate state government to make up for reductions in property tax revenue for K-12 schools so that burden wouldn’t shift to local property taxpayers.He said the interest among Kansas politicians in rolling back state income tax rates was problematic because legislation sent to the governor would torpedo the state budget. Rank-and-file legislators understand Kelly vetoed three tax bills in the 2024 legislative session because they weren’t sustainable, he said.Grace Hoge, a spokeswoman for Kelly, said she appreciated Holland’s inclusion of significant property tax relief in his proposal.“Kansans have been asking for property tax relief for months,” Hoge said. “There continues to be productive conversations with legislative leaders on responsible tax relief for all Kansans that does not threaten the state’s long-term fiscal stability.”Members of the House and Senate expect to convene Monday for committee meetings dedicated to sorting through options for a new tax bill. Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, said Republican legislators would develop a fresh bill that made a priority of modifying income taxes.In addition, both chambers plan to work during the special session on a bill outlining economic development incentives that might attract the Kansas City Chiefs or Kansas City Royals to new stadiums built in Kansas.While there has been considerable legislative interest in making a deal on tax reform, the idea of issuing bonds for construction of professional sports stadiums in Wyandottee or Johnson counties hadn’t been vetted by legislators and could run into dedicated opposition.

Kan. Democratic senator pitches reform bill anchored by robust property tax relief

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement in Johnson County are investigating a shooting at Riverfront Park in Shawnee.

Around 11:47 p.m. on June 11, police responded to the 5500 block of Frisbie Road in the city of Shawnee to a report of an armed disturbance with shots fired, according to a media release.

A suspect fired into an occupied vehicle which shattered the rear window, of the victims’ vehicle. The occupants were not hit by gunfire. No injuries were reported.

The victims and suspect are known to each other. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 913-631-2150.&nbsp;

As a reminder, the undeveloped Riverfront Park is closed to the public after 10:00 p.m. All motorized vehicles and alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the park. Officers will increase patrols in the area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718214486523.png" alt="Photo Shawnee Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Shawnee Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement in Johnson County are investigating a shooting at Riverfront Park in Shawnee.Around 11:47 p.m. on June 11, police responded to the 5500 block of Frisbie Road in the city of Shawnee to a report of an armed disturbance with shots fired, according to a media release.A suspect fired into an occupied vehicle which shattered the rear window, of the victims’ vehicle. The occupants were not hit by gunfire. No injuries were reported.The victims and suspect are known to each other. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 913-631-2150.&nbsp;As a reminder, the undeveloped Riverfront Park is closed to the public after 10:00 p.m. All motorized vehicles and alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the park. Officers will increase patrols in the area.

Police: Suspect fired gun into occupied vehicle at Kansas park

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted Wednesday to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/garland-contempt-biden-classified-documents-justice-department-bc2fb71b225ae672eb257ee2055cfa67">contempt of Congress</a>&nbsp;for refusing to turn over audio of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-classified-documents-age-trump-2024-4791639cc06cc0affee55aba80c7e6b3">President Joe Biden’s interview in his classified documents</a>&nbsp;case, Republicans' latest and strongest rebuke of the Justice Department as partisan conflict over the rule of law animates the 2024 presidential campaign.

The 216-207 vote fell along party lines, with Republicans coalescing behind the contempt effort despite reservations among some of the party's more centrist members. Kansas GOP lawmakers Ron Estes, Jake LaTurner and Tracey Mann voted with the majority. Kansas Democrat congresswoman Sharice Davids voted against the bill.

<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24476201/biden1-copy.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;transcript of&nbsp;day 1 interview with President Biden.

<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24476203/biden-2-copy.pdf">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;transcript of day 2 interview with President Biden

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/storage/report-from-special-counsel-robert-k-hur-february-2024.pdf">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>the 345 page report following the interview

“We have to defend the Constitution. We have to defend the authority of Congress,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said at a press conference ahead of the vote. “We can’t allow the Department of Justice and Executive Branch to hide information from Congress.”

Garland is now the third attorney general to be held in contempt of Congress. Yet it is unlikely that the Justice Department — which Garland oversees — will prosecute him. The White House’s decision to exert executive privilege over the audio recording, shielding it from Congress, would make it exceedingly difficult to make a criminal case against Garland.

The White House and congressional Democrats have slammed Republicans’ motives for pursuing contempt and dismissed their efforts to obtain the audio as purely political. They also pointed out that Rep. Jim Jordan, the GOP chair of the House Judiciary Committee, defied his own congressional subpoena last session.

“This contempt resolution will do very little, other than smear the reputation of Merrick Garland, who will remain a good and decent public servant no matter what Republicans say about him today," New York Rep. Jerry Nadler, the top Democrat on Judiciary Committee, said during floor debate.

Garland has defended the Justice Department, saying officials have gone to extraordinary lengths to provide information to the committees about Special Counsel Robert&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-hur-biden-special-counsel-classified-documents-0f8e4a9d99f8b7d035f75f78e9b8d3d3">Hur’s</a>&nbsp;classified documents investigation, including a transcript of Biden’s interview with him.

“There have been a series of unprecedented and frankly unfounded attacks on the Justice Department,” Garland said in a press conference last month. “This request, this effort to use contempt as a method of obtaining our sensitive law enforcement files is just most recent.”

Republicans were incensed when Hur&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-hur-biden-special-counsel-classified-documents-0f8e4a9d99f8b7d035f75f78e9b8d3d3">declined to prosecute</a>&nbsp;Biden over his handling of classified documents and quickly opened an investigation. GOP lawmakers — led by Jordan and Rep. James Comer — sent a subpoena for audio of Hur’s interviews with Biden during the spring. But the Justice Department only turned over some of the records, leaving out audio of the interview with the president.

On the last day to comply with the Republicans' subpoena for the audio, the White House blocked the release by invoking executive privilege. It said that Republicans in Congress only wanted the recordings “to chop them up” and use them for political purposes.

Executive privilege gives presidents the right to keep information from the courts, Congress and the public to protect the confidentiality of decision-making, though it can be challenged in court.

Administrations of both political parties have long held the position that officials who assert a president’s claim of executive privilege can’t be prosecuted for contempt of Congress, a Justice Department official told Republicans last month.

Assistant Attorney General Carlos Felipe Uriarte cited a committee’s decision in 2008 to back down from a contempt effort after President George W. Bush asserted executive privilege to keep Congress from getting records involving Vice President Dick Cheney.

Before Garland, the last attorney general held in contempt was Bill Barr in 2019. That was when the Democratically controlled House voted to issue a referral against Barr after he refused to turn over documents related to a special counsel investigation into Trump.

Years before that, then-Attorney General Eric Holder was held in contempt related to the gun-running operation known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ab23eac5b2264f67a40b0c98ab17cdfd">Operation Fast and Furious</a>. In each of those instances, the Justice Department took no action against the attorney general.

The special counsel in Biden’s case, Hur, spent a year investigating the president’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-michael-pence-us-federal-bureau-of-investigation-9c2d7f472b8ff63f76f2c9fbb03dfde2">improper retention of classified documents</a>, from his time as a senator and as vice president. The result was a 345-page report that questioned Biden’s age and mental competence but recommended no criminal charges for the 81-year-old. Hur said he found insufficient evidence to successfully prosecute a case in court.

In March, Hur stood by his no-prosecution assessment in testimony before the Judiciary Committee, where he was grilled for more than four hours by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.

His defense did not satisfy Republicans, who insist that there is a politically motivated double standard at the Justice Department, which is prosecuting former President Donald Trump over his retention of classified documents at his Florida club after he left the White House.

But there are major differences between the two probes. Biden’s team returned the documents after they were discovered, and the president cooperated with the investigation by voluntarily sitting for an interview and consenting to searches of his homes.

Trump, by contrast, is accused of enlisting the help of aides and lawyers to conceal the documents from the government and of seeking to have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-classified-documents-justice-department-special-counsel-2025feb3f0f4e3820d14387c67ce4316">potentially incriminating evidence</a>&nbsp;destroyed.

__ Associated Press writers Kevin Freking and Alanna Durkin Richer contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635370077745.png" alt="Attorney General Merrick Garland-Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Attorney General Merrick Garland-Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted Wednesday to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/garland-contempt-biden-classified-documents-justice-department-bc2fb71b225ae672eb257ee2055cfa67">contempt of Congress</a>&nbsp;for refusing to turn over audio of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-classified-documents-age-trump-2024-4791639cc06cc0affee55aba80c7e6b3">President Joe Biden’s interview in his classified documents</a>&nbsp;case, Republicans' latest and strongest rebuke of the Justice Department as partisan conflict over the rule of law animates the 2024 presidential campaign.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">House GOP built a record of evidence proving that President Biden knew about and benefited from his family’s &amp; associate’s shady business deals. No one is above the law. I voted to hold AG Garland accountable for refusing to comply w/ subpoenas regarding our impeachment inquiry.&mdash; Tracey Mann (@RepMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMann/status/1801242799293047232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The 216-207 vote fell along party lines, with Republicans coalescing behind the contempt effort despite reservations among some of the party's more centrist members. Kansas GOP lawmakers Ron Estes, Jake LaTurner and Tracey Mann voted with the majority. Kansas Democrat congresswoman Sharice Davids voted against the bill.<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24476201/biden1-copy.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;transcript of&nbsp;day 1 interview with President Biden.<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24476203/biden-2-copy.pdf">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;transcript of day 2 interview with President Biden<a href="https://www.justice.gov/storage/report-from-special-counsel-robert-k-hur-february-2024.pdf">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>the 345 page report following the interview“We have to defend the Constitution. We have to defend the authority of Congress,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said at a press conference ahead of the vote. “We can’t allow the Department of Justice and Executive Branch to hide information from Congress.”Garland is now the third attorney general to be held in contempt of Congress. Yet it is unlikely that the Justice Department — which Garland oversees — will prosecute him. The White House’s decision to exert executive privilege over the audio recording, shielding it from Congress, would make it exceedingly difficult to make a criminal case against Garland.The White House and congressional Democrats have slammed Republicans’ motives for pursuing contempt and dismissed their efforts to obtain the audio as purely political. They also pointed out that Rep. Jim Jordan, the GOP chair of the House Judiciary Committee, defied his own congressional subpoena last session.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715865284940.png" alt="In a letter last month, Garland advised Biden that the audio falls within the scope of executive privilege. Garland told the Democratic president that the “committee's needs are plainly insufficient to outweigh the deleterious effects that the production of the recordings would have on the integrity and effectiveness of similar law enforcement investigations in the future."" />
 <figcaption>In a letter last month, Garland advised Biden that the audio falls within the scope of executive privilege. Garland told the Democratic president that the “committee's needs are plainly insufficient to outweigh the deleterious effects that the production of the recordings would have on the integrity and effectiveness of similar law enforcement investigations in the future."</figcaption>
 </figure>“This contempt resolution will do very little, other than smear the reputation of Merrick Garland, who will remain a good and decent public servant no matter what Republicans say about him today," New York Rep. Jerry Nadler, the top Democrat on Judiciary Committee, said during floor debate.Garland has defended the Justice Department, saying officials have gone to extraordinary lengths to provide information to the committees about Special Counsel Robert&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-hur-biden-special-counsel-classified-documents-0f8e4a9d99f8b7d035f75f78e9b8d3d3">Hur’s</a>&nbsp;classified documents investigation, including a transcript of Biden’s interview with him.“There have been a series of unprecedented and frankly unfounded attacks on the Justice Department,” Garland said in a press conference last month. “This request, this effort to use contempt as a method of obtaining our sensitive law enforcement files is just most recent.”Republicans were incensed when Hur&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-hur-biden-special-counsel-classified-documents-0f8e4a9d99f8b7d035f75f78e9b8d3d3">declined to prosecute</a>&nbsp;Biden over his handling of classified documents and quickly opened an investigation. GOP lawmakers — led by Jordan and Rep. James Comer — sent a subpoena for audio of Hur’s interviews with Biden during the spring. But the Justice Department only turned over some of the records, leaving out audio of the interview with the president.On the last day to comply with the Republicans' subpoena for the audio, the White House blocked the release by invoking executive privilege. It said that Republicans in Congress only wanted the recordings “to chop them up” and use them for political purposes.Executive privilege gives presidents the right to keep information from the courts, Congress and the public to protect the confidentiality of decision-making, though it can be challenged in court.Administrations of both political parties have long held the position that officials who assert a president’s claim of executive privilege can’t be prosecuted for contempt of Congress, a Justice Department official told Republicans last month.Assistant Attorney General Carlos Felipe Uriarte cited a committee’s decision in 2008 to back down from a contempt effort after President George W. Bush asserted executive privilege to keep Congress from getting records involving Vice President Dick Cheney.Before Garland, the last attorney general held in contempt was Bill Barr in 2019. That was when the Democratically controlled House voted to issue a referral against Barr after he refused to turn over documents related to a special counsel investigation into Trump.Years before that, then-Attorney General Eric Holder was held in contempt related to the gun-running operation known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ab23eac5b2264f67a40b0c98ab17cdfd">Operation Fast and Furious</a>. In each of those instances, the Justice Department took no action against the attorney general.The special counsel in Biden’s case, Hur, spent a year investigating the president’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-michael-pence-us-federal-bureau-of-investigation-9c2d7f472b8ff63f76f2c9fbb03dfde2">improper retention of classified documents</a>, from his time as a senator and as vice president. The result was a 345-page report that questioned Biden’s age and mental competence but recommended no criminal charges for the 81-year-old. Hur said he found insufficient evidence to successfully prosecute a case in court.In March, Hur stood by his no-prosecution assessment in testimony before the Judiciary Committee, where he was grilled for more than four hours by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.His defense did not satisfy Republicans, who insist that there is a politically motivated double standard at the Justice Department, which is prosecuting former President Donald Trump over his retention of classified documents at his Florida club after he left the White House.But there are major differences between the two probes. Biden’s team returned the documents after they were discovered, and the president cooperated with the investigation by voluntarily sitting for an interview and consenting to searches of his homes.Trump, by contrast, is accused of enlisting the help of aides and lawyers to conceal the documents from the government and of seeking to have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-classified-documents-justice-department-special-counsel-2025feb3f0f4e3820d14387c67ce4316">potentially incriminating evidence</a>&nbsp;destroyed.__ Associated Press writers Kevin Freking and Alanna Durkin Richer contributed to this report.

Kan. GOP lawmakers vote to hold AG in contempt of Congress

EDITOR'S NOTE: Just before 10a.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Sheriff's office reported the victim's last name is Cline-Rookstool.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal accident that occurred just after 10a.m. Wednesday in Shawnee County have identified the woman who died as Rita M. Cline Rookstool of Topeka, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.

Investigators determined, while assisting a friend that was backing up a UTV,&nbsp;  Rookstool&nbsp;was struck and became trapped under what was originally reported as a tractor.&nbsp;

The friend immediately called 911. Deputies and fire personnel arrived and removed the UTV from Cline's body. CPR was attempted until American Medical Response arrived on scene.&nbsp; Rookstool&nbsp;was pronounced deceased at the scene. This accident is still under investigation by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 10a.m.&nbsp; Wednesday in Shawnee County.

Deputies and emergency crews responded to a 911 call regarding an individual trapped under a tractor in the 3200 block of SW 93rd Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Firs responders found an individual suffering from significant injuries. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;This incident is still under investigation.

Check the Post for additional information as it is released.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Just before 10a.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Sheriff's office reported the victim's last name is Cline-Rookstool.SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal accident that occurred just after 10a.m. Wednesday in Shawnee County have identified the woman who died as Rita M. Cline Rookstool of Topeka, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.Investigators determined, while assisting a friend that was backing up a UTV,&nbsp; Rookstool&nbsp;was struck and became trapped under what was originally reported as a tractor.&nbsp;The friend immediately called 911. Deputies and fire personnel arrived and removed the UTV from Cline's body. CPR was attempted until American Medical Response arrived on scene.&nbsp; Rookstool&nbsp;was pronounced deceased at the scene. This accident is still under investigation by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office-------------------SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 10a.m.&nbsp; Wednesday in Shawnee County.Deputies and emergency crews responded to a 911 call regarding an individual trapped under a tractor in the 3200 block of SW 93rd Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Firs responders found an individual suffering from significant injuries. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;This incident is still under investigation.Check the Post for additional information as it is released.

Sheriff IDs Kansas woman who died after trapped under UTV

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The hard work of an employee couple at Hays Trio Tap House has paid off as they have become the new owners.

Clay and Claudia Gilbert have worked at the tap house, 1106 E. 27th St. Suite 10, for about nine years and are now stepping up to run the steakhouse.

The newlyweds first crossed paths while holding various positions at the restaurant, including server, bartender, supervisor and manager.

"That's where we first met was through working there. We didn't start dating or become a couple until 2019," Clay said.

Established 10 years ago, Trio Tap House was owned by Mario Gutierrez, who had long planned to step away from the business.

Discussions about changing ownership began in 2023 when Mario approached Clay with his and Claudia's dream offer.

"I went home and told Claudia, and she was ecstatic. She was ready to go," Clay said.

With the purchase finalized on May 15, Clay and Claudia plan to maintain the restaurant, making only minor changes by introducing new dishes.

"What we're trying to do is not change what's been working but bring in some different things," Claudia said.

The current menu features handcrafted salads, prime steaks, seafood, burgers and an array of sandwiches and cocktails.

As employees, Clay and Claudia yearned to have their own restaurant or take over one of Mario's locations in Hays.

"We were excited. It was one of those surreal moments like it could actually be happening after all those years of joking around," Clay said.

Mario's second location, <a href="https://www.gutzmex.com/">Gutierrez Mexican Restaurant</a> at 1106 E. 27th St., originated in Russell in 1972 before relocating to Hays in 1984.

Trio Tap House is named after Mario's three sons, each of whom has found success outside the culinary industry, from running a boat company in Texas to pursuing an acting career in New York City.

After entrusting his business to Clay and Claudia, Mario remains committed to helping the couple manage his former eatery.

"We've always been entrepreneurs in the community and we just want to back off and pass the torch to the next people...," Mario said.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for later this year, but no official date is set. Clay and Claudia celebrated their first anniversary on May 27 after purchasing the tap house.

"He offered us this opportunity, and it was everything we had been talking about and praying for," Claudia said.

Mario and his wife, Karen Gutierrez, hope to focus more on their family. Their three sons and one daughter live outside Hays.

"We're looking to take time to do things we want to do," Mario said. "Mainly spend more time with our grandchildren and our own children," Mario said.

Trio Tap House is open: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.Thursday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday

You can visit Trio Tap House's website <a href="https://www.triotaphouse.com/">here</a> and follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TRIOHays/">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718214767730.jpeg" alt="The outside of Trio Tap House and Gutierrez Mexican Restaurants sign. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The outside of Trio Tap House and Gutierrez Mexican Restaurants sign. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe hard work of an employee couple at Hays Trio Tap House has paid off as they have become the new owners.Clay and Claudia Gilbert have worked at the tap house, 1106 E. 27th St. Suite 10, for about nine years and are now stepping up to run the steakhouse.The newlyweds first crossed paths while holding various positions at the restaurant, including server, bartender, supervisor and manager."That's where we first met was through working there. We didn't start dating or become a couple until 2019," Clay said.Established 10 years ago, Trio Tap House was owned by Mario Gutierrez, who had long planned to step away from the business.Discussions about changing ownership began in 2023 when Mario approached Clay with his and Claudia's dream offer."I went home and told Claudia, and she was ecstatic. She was ready to go," Clay said.With the purchase finalized on May 15, Clay and Claudia plan to maintain the restaurant, making only minor changes by introducing new dishes."What we're trying to do is not change what's been working but bring in some different things," Claudia said.The current menu features handcrafted salads, prime steaks, seafood, burgers and an array of sandwiches and cocktails.As employees, Clay and Claudia yearned to have their own restaurant or take over one of Mario's locations in Hays."We were excited. It was one of those surreal moments like it could actually be happening after all those years of joking around," Clay said.Mario's second location, <a href="https://www.gutzmex.com/">Gutierrez Mexican Restaurant</a> at 1106 E. 27th St., originated in Russell in 1972 before relocating to Hays in 1984.Trio Tap House is named after Mario's three sons, each of whom has found success outside the culinary industry, from running a boat company in Texas to pursuing an acting career in New York City.After entrusting his business to Clay and Claudia, Mario remains committed to helping the couple manage his former eatery."We've always been entrepreneurs in the community and we just want to back off and pass the torch to the next people...," Mario said.A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for later this year, but no official date is set. Clay and Claudia celebrated their first anniversary on May 27 after purchasing the tap house."He offered us this opportunity, and it was everything we had been talking about and praying for," Claudia said.Mario and his wife, Karen Gutierrez, hope to focus more on their family. Their three sons and one daughter live outside Hays."We're looking to take time to do things we want to do," Mario said. "Mainly spend more time with our grandchildren and our own children," Mario said.Trio Tap House is open: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.Thursday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday You can visit Trio Tap House's website <a href="https://www.triotaphouse.com/">here</a> and follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TRIOHays/">Facebook</a>.

Former employees new owners of Hays' Trio Tap House

STERLING, Kan. — “Forever Plaid” celebrates the magic of music in Sterling this upcoming weekend at the Sterling High School Betsy Dutton Theater June 14, 15 and 16th.

“Nothing on this planet compares to the feeling of being inside a good tight chord. We hold on to that last note - a perfect chord - one perfect moment! That’s all anyone has the right to ask for.” Those are the words of Frankie, the lead singer in the singing quartet known as “The Plaids.”

That sentiment is shared by the four actual cast members playing “The Plaids” in the musical Forever Plaid which is being presented by the Sterling Community Theatre Troupe on Friday and Saturday, June 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, June 16 at 2:00 p.m. in Sterling. 

The show celebrates the music and friendship along with moments of perfection and magic, particularly the experience of being in sync with others to create a perfect chord. 

Forever Plaid is the story of four high schoolers who formed their own singing group and were preparing to really “hit it big” when they were killed in a car crash before ever having the chance. This show is their return to earth to get their one chance at their “big break.”

The musical makes a feast of the lush harmonies of “golden oldies” with songs such as "Three Coins in the Fountain," "Moments to Remember," "Sixteen Tons," "Chain Gang," "Heart and Soul," "Lady of Spain," "Shangri-La," "Rags to Riches," and of course, "Love is a Many-Splendored Thing."

The Sterling quartet in “Plaid” already have the chemistry of four buddies down because they are. Luke Harding, Caleb Brownlee, Noah Svaty – all are Sterling High School alumni. The fourth is Robbie Stansbury, from Lyons High School. All four have been close friends through their experiences in music and theatre at Sterling College. 

They started singing Barbershop music on their own over a year ago and discovered Forever Plaid about the same time. Harding said, “We all absolutely love harmonies. When I found out there was an entire show centered around a singing male quartet, I knew we needed to do it.”

Brownlee said, “The tight knit four person chords that grow and shrink and the precise choreography and comedy make this show uniquely enjoyable. Plus, all our voices blend well together, and our shared bond is beyond acting. That connection will come through on stage.”

Svaty adds, “There’s just something magical about singing these tight harmonies with this group of guys. We try to savor every moment. It’s something we will all remember fondly, and we hope our audiences will, too.”

“This is definitely their show,” said Dennis Dutton, Director of the Sterling Community Theatre Troupe. “They came to me last fall and asked about doing it through the Troupe. They are taking the leadership. They have divided roles. Luke is music director and is doing the blocking (stage movement), Noah is handling the choreography and the set/lighting design, Caleb is handling props and Robbie publicity. They love the music, they love the show, they love performing together. This will be a great production for everyone who sees it, I’m sure.”

The show emphasizes music and comedy. Brownlee said, “There is a lot of humor in the show but also lots of growth between characters. Packing 20 songs into 90 minutes makes sure that there are no moments that are barren. Younger generations, such as us, will enjoy this show for the personality of the characters and the precision of song and movement.”

“With the names of the characters making up ‘The Plaids’ - Frankie, Smudge, Jinx, and Sparky you can tell this is an incredibly sweet, slightly nerdy group of guys,” Dutton said.&nbsp; “Though most of the tunes are about love, in that innocent pre-rock 'n' roll way and is light-hearted, there are some songs that are deeper than others. Then they turn around and use plumbers helpers in place of microphones since they were used to rehearsing it in the back of Smudge’s family hardware store."

Stansbury said, “This show has established a camaraderie that I have not experienced in other shows. There are only four guys on stage, and each actor must work to enhance the quartet's sound and appearance - for the quartet's sake, not their own. It is much more of a team effort than a personal one. A Plaid takes care of his fellow Plaid!”

The foursome is making plans to take the show “on the road” – all the way to Alaska. Harding said, “I was born in Alaska, and I go back to my hometown of Cordova every summer. I've brought all three of these guys to Cordova at some point, and they all loved it. We wanted an excuse to get back there, all together. Plus, they don't get a lot of things like this in Cordova, but the town loves the arts. So, I think it will be something we really can bless the city with. We’re all super excited to take it to that community.”

Tickets for the Sterling production of Forever Plaid are $15.00 for adults and $5.00 for students and will be available at the door before each performance June 14, 15, and 16.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718186492925.jpeg" alt="Forever Plaid opens Friday at Sterling High School" />
 <figcaption>Forever Plaid opens Friday at Sterling High School</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Theatre KansasSTERLING, Kan. — “Forever Plaid” celebrates the magic of music in Sterling this upcoming weekend at the Sterling High School Betsy Dutton Theater June 14, 15 and 16th.“Nothing on this planet compares to the feeling of being inside a good tight chord. We hold on to that last note - a perfect chord - one perfect moment! That’s all anyone has the right to ask for.” Those are the words of Frankie, the lead singer in the singing quartet known as “The Plaids.”That sentiment is shared by the four actual cast members playing “The Plaids” in the musical Forever Plaid which is being presented by the Sterling Community Theatre Troupe on Friday and Saturday, June 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, June 16 at 2:00 p.m. in Sterling. The show celebrates the music and friendship along with moments of perfection and magic, particularly the experience of being in sync with others to create a perfect chord. Forever Plaid is the story of four high schoolers who formed their own singing group and were preparing to really “hit it big” when they were killed in a car crash before ever having the chance. This show is their return to earth to get their one chance at their “big break.”The musical makes a feast of the lush harmonies of “golden oldies” with songs such as "Three Coins in the Fountain," "Moments to Remember," "Sixteen Tons," "Chain Gang," "Heart and Soul," "Lady of Spain," "Shangri-La," "Rags to Riches," and of course, "Love is a Many-Splendored Thing."The Sterling quartet in “Plaid” already have the chemistry of four buddies down because they are. Luke Harding, Caleb Brownlee, Noah Svaty – all are Sterling High School alumni. The fourth is Robbie Stansbury, from Lyons High School. All four have been close friends through their experiences in music and theatre at Sterling College. They started singing Barbershop music on their own over a year ago and discovered Forever Plaid about the same time. Harding said, “We all absolutely love harmonies. When I found out there was an entire show centered around a singing male quartet, I knew we needed to do it.”Brownlee said, “The tight knit four person chords that grow and shrink and the precise choreography and comedy make this show uniquely enjoyable. Plus, all our voices blend well together, and our shared bond is beyond acting. That connection will come through on stage.”Svaty adds, “There’s just something magical about singing these tight harmonies with this group of guys. We try to savor every moment. It’s something we will all remember fondly, and we hope our audiences will, too.”“This is definitely their show,” said Dennis Dutton, Director of the Sterling Community Theatre Troupe. “They came to me last fall and asked about doing it through the Troupe. They are taking the leadership. They have divided roles. Luke is music director and is doing the blocking (stage movement), Noah is handling the choreography and the set/lighting design, Caleb is handling props and Robbie publicity. They love the music, they love the show, they love performing together. This will be a great production for everyone who sees it, I’m sure.”The show emphasizes music and comedy. Brownlee said, “There is a lot of humor in the show but also lots of growth between characters. Packing 20 songs into 90 minutes makes sure that there are no moments that are barren. Younger generations, such as us, will enjoy this show for the personality of the characters and the precision of song and movement.”“With the names of the characters making up ‘The Plaids’ - Frankie, Smudge, Jinx, and Sparky you can tell this is an incredibly sweet, slightly nerdy group of guys,” Dutton said.&nbsp; “Though most of the tunes are about love, in that innocent pre-rock 'n' roll way and is light-hearted, there are some songs that are deeper than others. Then they turn around and use plumbers helpers in place of microphones since they were used to rehearsing it in the back of Smudge’s family hardware store."Stansbury said, “This show has established a camaraderie that I have not experienced in other shows. There are only four guys on stage, and each actor must work to enhance the quartet's sound and appearance - for the quartet's sake, not their own. It is much more of a team effort than a personal one. A Plaid takes care of his fellow Plaid!”The foursome is making plans to take the show “on the road” – all the way to Alaska. Harding said, “I was born in Alaska, and I go back to my hometown of Cordova every summer. I've brought all three of these guys to Cordova at some point, and they all loved it. We wanted an excuse to get back there, all together. Plus, they don't get a lot of things like this in Cordova, but the town loves the arts. So, I think it will be something we really can bless the city with. We’re all super excited to take it to that community.”Tickets for the Sterling production of Forever Plaid are $15.00 for adults and $5.00 for students and will be available at the door before each performance June 14, 15, and 16.

Forever Plaid opens this weekend in Sterling

Professional rider Louie Cortese will be at the new Bike Park in Hutchinson at Carey Park at 1600 South Elm on Saturday, June 15 giving demos at 11 a.m. 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Riders will be able to do a meet and greet with Louie. He'll be available for autographs and photo opportunities throughout the event.

Also, the Hutchinson youth mountain bike team, the Disciples of Dirt, will be hosting a fundraiser to support their program. Swing by their booth to grab refreshing drinks, delicious hotdogs, and snacks.

Music will be provided by B. Epic Events. Snow cones will be available from&nbsp;Salt City Chiller.&nbsp;

There will be designated times for riding, but please note that to accommodate demonstrations and ensure everyone's safety, we may need to temporarily close the track. 

We appreciate your understanding as we strive to create a fun and inclusive environment for all attendees.

Whether you ride a bike, skateboard, or scooter, you're invited to join in the fun! Please note that motorized vehicles will not be permitted at the event.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718199260863.jpeg" alt="Louie Cortese-Photo via Instagram" />
 <figcaption>Louie Cortese-Photo via Instagram</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HutchinsonProfessional rider Louie Cortese will be at the new Bike Park in Hutchinson at Carey Park at 1600 South Elm on Saturday, June 15 giving demos at 11 a.m. 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Riders will be able to do a meet and greet with Louie. He'll be available for autographs and photo opportunities throughout the event.Also, the Hutchinson youth mountain bike team, the Disciples of Dirt, will be hosting a fundraiser to support their program. Swing by their booth to grab refreshing drinks, delicious hotdogs, and snacks.Music will be provided by B. Epic Events. Snow cones will be available from&nbsp;Salt City Chiller.&nbsp;There will be designated times for riding, but please note that to accommodate demonstrations and ensure everyone's safety, we may need to temporarily close the track. We appreciate your understanding as we strive to create a fun and inclusive environment for all attendees.Whether you ride a bike, skateboard, or scooter, you're invited to join in the fun! Please note that motorized vehicles will not be permitted at the event.

City of Hutchinson to show off new Bike Park Saturday

ABOARD THE USS LABOON IN THE RED SEA (AP) — Yemen's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-ship-attack-israel-hamas-war-f72e5a614ba04254031de5b8aaa26f2f">Houthi rebels launched a boat-borne bomb attack</a>&nbsp;against a commercial ship in the Red Sea on Wednesday, authorities said, the latest escalation despite a U.S.-led campaign trying to protect the vital waterway.

The use of a boat loaded with explosives raised the specter of 2000's USS Cole attack, a suicide assault by al-Qaida on the warship when it was at port in Aden, killing 17 on board. Associated Press journalists saw the Cole in the Red Sea on Wednesday, now taking part in the U.S. campaign while visiting one of her sister ships, the USS Laboon.

Yemen's military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack, identifying the vessel targeted as the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier Tutor. He described the attack as using a “drone boat,” as well as drones and ballistic missiles.

In a warning to shippers, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center described the vessel as being hit in its stern by a small white craft southwest of the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeida.

The captain “reports the vessel is taking on water, and not under command of the crew,” the UKMTO said. He also “reports the vessel was hit for a second time by an unknown airborne projectile."

The U.S. military's Central Command also acknowledged the attack, saying the Tutor “most recently docked in Russia.”

“The impact of the (drone boat) caused severe flooding and damage to the engine room,” it added.

The U.S. military separately destroyed three anti-ship cruise missile launchers in Houthi-held Yemen, as well as one rebel drone over the Red Sea. The Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles over the Red Sea, but they caused no damage, Central Command said.

The Houthis, who seized Yemen’s capital nearly a decade ago and have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition since shortly after, have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-attacks-iran-503de70230fba0cd7c992558e2d1b83a">targeting shipping throughout the Red Sea corridor</a>&nbsp;over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip.

They say the attacks are aimed at stopping the war and supporting the Palestinians, though the attacks often&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-attacks-iran-503de70230fba0cd7c992558e2d1b83a">target vessels that have nothing to do with the conflict</a>.

The war in Gaza has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians there, while hundreds of others have been killed in Israeli operations in the West Bank. It&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">began after Hamas-led militants</a>&nbsp;attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthis have launched more than 50 attacks</a>&nbsp;on shipping, killed three sailors, seized one vessel and sunk another since November, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. A U.S.-led airstrike campaign has targeted the Houthis since January, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-war-us-british-airstrikes-israel-hamas-12f99b7afc389a703f8dd333f2376b20">a series of strikes May 30</a>&nbsp;killing at least 16 people and wounding 42 others, the rebels say.

Associated Press journalists on an embark with the U.S. Navy were interviewing Cmdr. Eric Blomberg, the commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer Laboon, when the alert came in on the attack. Blomberg took multiple calls from sailors on board the vessel, giving updates on the apparent attack.

The Laboon is one of the destroyers accompanying the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier and both has shot down Houthi fire and escorted vessels through the region. Though Blomberg and others stressed they were still investigating the attack, he said it appeared the vessel targeted had nothing to do with the Israel-Hamas war.

The Houthis “hit ships that are completely not associated or tied to the U.S. or Israel at all,” Blomberg said.

“These are just innocent merchant sailors carrying goods through the Red Sea, trying to get it through the least-expensive route, and they're paying for it,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710291193776.png" alt="File Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>ABOARD THE USS LABOON IN THE RED SEA (AP) — Yemen's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-ship-attack-israel-hamas-war-f72e5a614ba04254031de5b8aaa26f2f">Houthi rebels launched a boat-borne bomb attack</a>&nbsp;against a commercial ship in the Red Sea on Wednesday, authorities said, the latest escalation despite a U.S.-led campaign trying to protect the vital waterway.The use of a boat loaded with explosives raised the specter of 2000's USS Cole attack, a suicide assault by al-Qaida on the warship when it was at port in Aden, killing 17 on board. Associated Press journalists saw the Cole in the Red Sea on Wednesday, now taking part in the U.S. campaign while visiting one of her sister ships, the USS Laboon.Yemen's military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack, identifying the vessel targeted as the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier Tutor. He described the attack as using a “drone boat,” as well as drones and ballistic missiles.In a warning to shippers, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center described the vessel as being hit in its stern by a small white craft southwest of the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeida.The captain “reports the vessel is taking on water, and not under command of the crew,” the UKMTO said. He also “reports the vessel was hit for a second time by an unknown airborne projectile."The U.S. military's Central Command also acknowledged the attack, saying the Tutor “most recently docked in Russia.”“The impact of the (drone boat) caused severe flooding and damage to the engine room,” it added.The U.S. military separately destroyed three anti-ship cruise missile launchers in Houthi-held Yemen, as well as one rebel drone over the Red Sea. The Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles over the Red Sea, but they caused no damage, Central Command said.The Houthis, who seized Yemen’s capital nearly a decade ago and have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition since shortly after, have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-attacks-iran-503de70230fba0cd7c992558e2d1b83a">targeting shipping throughout the Red Sea corridor</a>&nbsp;over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip.They say the attacks are aimed at stopping the war and supporting the Palestinians, though the attacks often&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-attacks-iran-503de70230fba0cd7c992558e2d1b83a">target vessels that have nothing to do with the conflict</a>.The war in Gaza has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians there, while hundreds of others have been killed in Israeli operations in the West Bank. It&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">began after Hamas-led militants</a>&nbsp;attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthis have launched more than 50 attacks</a>&nbsp;on shipping, killed three sailors, seized one vessel and sunk another since November, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. A U.S.-led airstrike campaign has targeted the Houthis since January, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-war-us-british-airstrikes-israel-hamas-12f99b7afc389a703f8dd333f2376b20">a series of strikes May 30</a>&nbsp;killing at least 16 people and wounding 42 others, the rebels say.Associated Press journalists on an embark with the U.S. Navy were interviewing Cmdr. Eric Blomberg, the commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer Laboon, when the alert came in on the attack. Blomberg took multiple calls from sailors on board the vessel, giving updates on the apparent attack.The Laboon is one of the destroyers accompanying the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier and both has shot down Houthi fire and escorted vessels through the region. Though Blomberg and others stressed they were still investigating the attack, he said it appeared the vessel targeted had nothing to do with the Israel-Hamas war.The Houthis “hit ships that are completely not associated or tied to the U.S. or Israel at all,” Blomberg said.“These are just innocent merchant sailors carrying goods through the Red Sea, trying to get it through the least-expensive route, and they're paying for it,” he said.

Rebels launch bomb attack against Greek-owned ship in Red Sea

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged sex ctimes.

On Monday, police responded to St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City for a reported rape, according to a media release.

Through the investigation, it was learned that 50-year-old Willie Clay, Jr.,&nbsp; allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted the victim at his residence earlier that day. 

Police arrested Clay at the Finney County Law Enforcement Center. He is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Rape and Aggravated Criminal Sodomy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718146737641.png" alt="Clay photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Clay photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged sex ctimes.On Monday, police responded to St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City for a reported rape, according to a media release.Through the investigation, it was learned that 50-year-old Willie Clay, Jr.,&nbsp; allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted the victim at his residence earlier that day. Police arrested Clay at the Finney County Law Enforcement Center. He is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Rape and Aggravated Criminal Sodomy.

SW Kan. man allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted victim

DOUGLAS COUNTY– Police are investigating a homicide that occurred Tuesday night during a fight.

Just after 10:30p.m. law enforcement responded to a report from witnesses who observed two men in a physical fight at intersection of E 25th Terrace and Franklin Road in Lawrence, according to a media release.

A deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office was first on scene in the immediate aftermath of the altercation and observed both individuals on the ground, one of them unconscious. 

Responding deputies and officers quickly detained one man and began rendering aid to the unresponsive other man. Despite extensive life-saving efforts by law enforcement and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical, the victim later identified as 43-year-old&nbsp; Christopher Allen Lickteig was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect identified as 34-year-old George Luke Miller was taken to Lawrence Police Headquarters for questioning, and subsequently arrested on a requested charge of first-degree murder.

Lickteig and Miller were staying at the Lawrence Community Shelter.

The events and circumstances of the evening, including whether the two men knew each other, are still being investigated. At this early stage of the investigation, detectives do not believe weapons were involved, nor did they recover one at the scene. Police have already interviewed several witnesses and will continue to gather evidence and track down leads to determine what led up to the event.

Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to call the Douglas County Emergency Communications Center at (785)832-7509, or information may be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County at (785) 843-TIPS (8477).

DOUGLAS COUNTY– Police are investigating a homicide that occurred Tuesday night during a fight.Just after 10:30p.m. law enforcement responded to a report from witnesses who observed two men in a physical fight at intersection of E 25th Terrace and Franklin Road in Lawrence, according to a media release.A deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office was first on scene in the immediate aftermath of the altercation and observed both individuals on the ground, one of them unconscious. Responding deputies and officers quickly detained one man and began rendering aid to the unresponsive other man. Despite extensive life-saving efforts by law enforcement and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical, the victim later identified as 43-year-old&nbsp; Christopher Allen Lickteig was pronounced dead at the scene.The suspect identified as 34-year-old George Luke Miller was taken to Lawrence Police Headquarters for questioning, and subsequently arrested on a requested charge of first-degree murder.Lickteig and Miller were staying at the Lawrence Community Shelter.The events and circumstances of the evening, including whether the two men knew each other, are still being investigated. At this early stage of the investigation, detectives do not believe weapons were involved, nor did they recover one at the scene. Police have already interviewed several witnesses and will continue to gather evidence and track down leads to determine what led up to the event.Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to call the Douglas County Emergency Communications Center at (785)832-7509, or information may be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County at (785) 843-TIPS (8477).

Police ID Kansas man killed during street fight

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Southern Baptists narrowly rejected a proposal Wednesday to enshrine a ban on churches with women pastors in the denomination’s constitution after opponents argued it was unnecessary because the denomination already has a way of ousting such churches.

The vote received support from 61% of the delegates, but it failed to get the required two-thirds supermajority. The action reversed a preliminary vote last year in favor of the official ban.

But it still leaves the Southern Baptist Convention with its official doctrinal statement saying the office of pastor is limited to men. Even the opponents of the ban said they favored that doctrinal statement but didn’t think it was necessary to reinforce it in the constitution.

Opponents noted that the SBC already can oust churches that assert women can serve as pastors — as it did&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southern-baptists-saddleback-vote-women-pastors-new-orleans-7ee6606b57d0bf0c4c7ed91316af12b1">last year</a>&nbsp;and again&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southern-baptist-annual-meeting-indianapolis-women-pastors-politics-f1f43f93947fda83119c761c06ea18f0">Tuesday night</a>.

The vote was perhaps the most highly anticipated of the annual meeting, reflecting years of debate in the United States’ largest Protestant denomination. It is the final day of the SBC’s two-day annual meeting in Indianapolis.

Since 2000, the SBC’s nonbinding statement of faith has declared that only men are qualified for the role of pastor. It’s interpreted differently across the denomination, with some believing it doesn’t apply to associate pastors so long as the senior pastor is male.

The proposed amendment, which received preliminary approval last year, would formally exclude churches that have women in any pastoral positions, from lead pastor to associates, or even affirms them in that role. Supporters believe it is biblically necessary, estimating hundreds of Southern Baptist churches have women in those roles.

The rejected amendment would have said any church deemed in “friendly cooperation” — the official term for SBC affiliation — must be one that “affirms, appoints, or employs only men as any kind of pastor or elder as qualified by Scripture.”

Opponents argued the convention already has the power to remove churches over this issue, and the amendment will have unintended consequences, including disproportionately affecting Black Southern Baptist congregations, which tend to have women on their pastoral staffs.

But the motion went swiftly to a vote after only brief debate.

Ryan Fullerton, pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, said the measure is “not about preventing women from exercising their gifts” in the church, in roles on church staff such as “children’s ministers.” But he said the Bible is clear that the office of pastor is for men.

He said there is “confusion about gender” in the wider culture and cited what he called “the ravages of the LGBTQIA agenda.”

But Spence Shelton, pastor of Mercy Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, argued that it was unnecessary.

He said there is no doubt that Southern Baptists are “complementarian,” as they describe the view that men and women have equal value but different roles that complement one another.

But he noted that the convention voted to affirm the ouster of a historic Virginia church Tuesday and two other churches last year, including the California megachurch Saddleback, which all have women pastors and affirmed they could hold top pastoral positions.

The reason for ousting them was that they don’t have a faith and practice consistent with the Baptist Faith and Message, the document approved in 2000 that includes the affirmation that the pastoral position is reserved for men.

“Y’all, we have shown the mechanisms we currently have are sufficient to deal with this question,” Shelton said.

Mike Law, pastor of Arlington Baptist Church in Virginia and author of the amendment, cited a report that there are about 1,800 women pastors working in the denomination. He cited Bible verses limiting the pastoral office to men.

“Our culture may see this prohibition as harsh, but our God is all wise, and wrote this word for the flourishing of both men and women,” he said.

“This amendment is not about women in ministry,” Law added. “It’s specifically about women in the pastoral office.” He did not spell out the difference in his brief floor speech.

The denomination can’t tell its independent churches what to do or whom to appoint as a pastor. But they can say which churches are in and which are out.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718210618422.png" alt="Image courtesy Southern Baptist&nbsp; Convention Executive Committee" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Southern Baptist&nbsp; Convention Executive Committee</figcaption>
 </figure>INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Southern Baptists narrowly rejected a proposal Wednesday to enshrine a ban on churches with women pastors in the denomination’s constitution after opponents argued it was unnecessary because the denomination already has a way of ousting such churches.The vote received support from 61% of the delegates, but it failed to get the required two-thirds supermajority. The action reversed a preliminary vote last year in favor of the official ban.But it still leaves the Southern Baptist Convention with its official doctrinal statement saying the office of pastor is limited to men. Even the opponents of the ban said they favored that doctrinal statement but didn’t think it was necessary to reinforce it in the constitution.Opponents noted that the SBC already can oust churches that assert women can serve as pastors — as it did&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southern-baptists-saddleback-vote-women-pastors-new-orleans-7ee6606b57d0bf0c4c7ed91316af12b1">last year</a>&nbsp;and again&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southern-baptist-annual-meeting-indianapolis-women-pastors-politics-f1f43f93947fda83119c761c06ea18f0">Tuesday night</a>.The vote was perhaps the most highly anticipated of the annual meeting, reflecting years of debate in the United States’ largest Protestant denomination. It is the final day of the SBC’s two-day annual meeting in Indianapolis.Since 2000, the SBC’s nonbinding statement of faith has declared that only men are qualified for the role of pastor. It’s interpreted differently across the denomination, with some believing it doesn’t apply to associate pastors so long as the senior pastor is male.The proposed amendment, which received preliminary approval last year, would formally exclude churches that have women in any pastoral positions, from lead pastor to associates, or even affirms them in that role. Supporters believe it is biblically necessary, estimating hundreds of Southern Baptist churches have women in those roles.The rejected amendment would have said any church deemed in “friendly cooperation” — the official term for SBC affiliation — must be one that “affirms, appoints, or employs only men as any kind of pastor or elder as qualified by Scripture.”Opponents argued the convention already has the power to remove churches over this issue, and the amendment will have unintended consequences, including disproportionately affecting Black Southern Baptist congregations, which tend to have women on their pastoral staffs.But the motion went swiftly to a vote after only brief debate.Ryan Fullerton, pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, said the measure is “not about preventing women from exercising their gifts” in the church, in roles on church staff such as “children’s ministers.” But he said the Bible is clear that the office of pastor is for men.He said there is “confusion about gender” in the wider culture and cited what he called “the ravages of the LGBTQIA agenda.”But Spence Shelton, pastor of Mercy Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, argued that it was unnecessary.He said there is no doubt that Southern Baptists are “complementarian,” as they describe the view that men and women have equal value but different roles that complement one another.But he noted that the convention voted to affirm the ouster of a historic Virginia church Tuesday and two other churches last year, including the California megachurch Saddleback, which all have women pastors and affirmed they could hold top pastoral positions.The reason for ousting them was that they don’t have a faith and practice consistent with the Baptist Faith and Message, the document approved in 2000 that includes the affirmation that the pastoral position is reserved for men.“Y’all, we have shown the mechanisms we currently have are sufficient to deal with this question,” Shelton said.Mike Law, pastor of Arlington Baptist Church in Virginia and author of the amendment, cited a report that there are about 1,800 women pastors working in the denomination. He cited Bible verses limiting the pastoral office to men.“Our culture may see this prohibition as harsh, but our God is all wise, and wrote this word for the flourishing of both men and women,” he said.“This amendment is not about women in ministry,” Law added. “It’s specifically about women in the pastoral office.” He did not spell out the difference in his brief floor speech.The denomination can’t tell its independent churches what to do or whom to appoint as a pastor. But they can say which churches are in and which are out.Last year, Southern Baptists refused to take back Saddleback, one of the convention’s largest congregations, and a small Kentucky church over the issue.Both churches, which had women in top pastoral positions, appealed their ouster to the 2023 annual meeting and were overwhelmingly rejected by the delegates. A similar scenario played out in Indianapolis on Tuesday, when messengers voted overwhelmingly to kick out First Baptist Church of Alexandria in Virginia, which has a woman in an associate position and also asserted that women can hold the top job.Supporters of the amendment say it probably won’t result in an immediate, large-scale purge, but opponents expressed concern it would burden SBC volunteers and staffs with numerous investigations of churches.Delegates also elected a North Carolina pastor and longtime denominational statesman to be the next president of their convention in a contest between six candidates that went into two run-off votes.Clint Pressley, who is senior pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, will be the next Southern Baptist Convention president after winning 56% of votes in the final run-off race.The SBC president — one of the most prominent faces of the conservative evangelical network of churches — presides over the annual meeting and appoints members to the denomination’s committees.Pressley’s nearest opponent, Tennessee pastor, Dan Spencer, received 44 percent of the votes after four other candidates were eliminated in earlier rounds.Pressley has said he favors a measure being voted on later Wednesday to amend the SBC constitution to ban churches with women pastors.Pressley earned a master of divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisiana, one of the SBC’s official seminaries. He has led Hickory Grove since 2011 after pastoring churches in Alabama and Mississippi. Pressley was first vice president of the SBC in 2014-15 and served on numerous other denominational boards.Messengers early Wednesday rejected a proposal to abolish the SBC’s public policy agency, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. The measure reflected the views of some that the the staunchly conservative commission wasn’t conservative enough.<h2>___</h2>Meyer reported from Nashville, Tennessee.<h2>___</h2>Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ap-twir" target="_blank">collaboration</a>&nbsp;with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.