SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman who admitted her role in the death of a 7-year-old boy learned her fate Thursday afternoon.

Judge William Wolley sentenced&nbsp;Tasha Diane Dillard, 25, Wichita to 37-months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office. The judge granted a defense motion for a downward sentence departure. She was sentenced below the minimum recommended sentence guideline, according to the district attorney's office.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman who admitted her role in the death of a 7-year-old boy is expected to learn her fate Thursday.

Tasha Diane Dillard, 25, Wichita, will attend a sentencing hearing in Judge William Wolley's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.

In early September she pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and aggravated child endangerment, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; She had been scheduled to face a trial starting on September 15.

Dillard had originally been charged with 1st degree murder and 7 counts of aggravated endangering a child, according to the District Attorney's office.

On March 16, police responded to a call of a shooting at an apartment in the 3700 block of E Ross Parkway, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses. The caller reported that someone had been shot and that a child was bleeding.

When officers arrived, they found 7-year-old Davion Gunter suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso. Davion was transported to a local hospital, where he was&nbsp; pronounced deceased.

At the scene, officers found seven other children and multiple adults. Wichita Police homicide investigators and the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit responded immediately, conducting interviews and gathered evidence.

As a result, police took Dillard into custody, and the children were placed in protective care. Dillard remains jailed on a  bond of $500,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742206494454.png" alt="DILLARD-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>DILLARD-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman who admitted her role in the death of a 7-year-old boy learned her fate Thursday afternoon.Judge William Wolley sentenced&nbsp;Tasha Diane Dillard, 25, Wichita to 37-months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office. The judge granted a defense motion for a downward sentence departure. She was sentenced below the minimum recommended sentence guideline, according to the district attorney's office.-------------SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman who admitted her role in the death of a 7-year-old boy is expected to learn her fate Thursday.Tasha Diane Dillard, 25, Wichita, will attend a sentencing hearing in Judge William Wolley's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.In early September she pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and aggravated child endangerment, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; She had been scheduled to face a trial starting on September 15.Dillard had originally been charged with 1st degree murder and 7 counts of aggravated endangering a child, according to the District Attorney's office.On March 16, police responded to a call of a shooting at an apartment in the 3700 block of E Ross Parkway, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses. The caller reported that someone had been shot and that a child was bleeding.When officers arrived, they found 7-year-old Davion Gunter suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso. Davion was transported to a local hospital, where he was&nbsp; pronounced deceased.At the scene, officers found seven other children and multiple adults. Wichita Police homicide investigators and the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit responded immediately, conducting interviews and gathered evidence.As a result, police took Dillard into custody, and the children were placed in protective care. Dillard remains jailed on a bond of $500,000.

Sentencing day for death of 7-year-old Kansas boy

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement have located the woman from the doorbell video.

Just after 3 p.m. Tuesday Wichita Police Investigators received a phone call, from a woman claiming to be the individual investigators were attempting to identify. Investigators immediately responded to her location, made contact, and transported her to City Hall so detectives could conduct a victim interview.

Investigators are conducting interviews and have identified the woman as a 35-year-old who lives in the area where the video was captured. At this stage of the investigation, police believe this incident is a case of domestic violence where the woman was victimized by her boyfriend. The woman does not have any significant injuries.

Police thanked the public for sharing the video and still images that generated additional attention about this incident, we do believe it led the woman to call and saying she was the person police were looking for.

Police stressed they do not have any reason to believe there is ongoing danger to the general public.

Police are continuing their investigation into the video and the case will be presented to the appropriate attorney’s office for formal charging consideration.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A $2,000 reward from Crimestoppers is now being offered for helping police identify a man and woman seen in a video of an alleged abduction that occurred in Wichita.

The Wichita Police Department continues asking for the community’s help in identifying and locating the woman in the video. She was last seen being taken by force on October 12, at approximately 2 AM., in the 1400 block of North Volutsia in Wichita.

Police worked throughout Monday on this investigation, following up on numerous leads. They also received 15 additional tips overnight Monday, according to a statement from Wichita Police during a Tuesday morning news conference.

At this time, police have not been able to identify the woman and man seen in the video. Exploring all options, police reached out to regional and federal law enforcement partners for additional assistance.

The Wichita Police team has processed the audio, reducing background noise, hoping that someone will recognize her voice. Please take a moment to review the video.

&nbsp;If you recognize her or have any information about her identity or whereabouts, please contact 911 immediately.

You may also reach out to WPD Investigations at 316-268-4407, or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement have located the woman from the doorbell video.Just after 3 p.m. Tuesday Wichita Police Investigators received a phone call, from a woman claiming to be the individual investigators were attempting to identify. Investigators immediately responded to her location, made contact, and transported her to City Hall so detectives could conduct a victim interview.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">We’ve worked throughout the day on this investigation, following up on numerous leads, and we appreciate the public&#39;s help. At this time, we have not been able to identify the female and male seen in the video. Exploring all options, we&#39;ve reached out to our regional and… <a href="https://t.co/APj14eTdRI">pic.twitter.com/APj14eTdRI</a>&mdash; Wichita Police (@WichitaPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/WichitaPolice/status/1977848955233869931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Investigators are conducting interviews and have identified the woman as a 35-year-old who lives in the area where the video was captured. At this stage of the investigation, police believe this incident is a case of domestic violence where the woman was victimized by her boyfriend. The woman does not have any significant injuries.Police thanked the public for sharing the video and still images that generated additional attention about this incident, we do believe it led the woman to call and saying she was the person police were looking for.Police stressed they do not have any reason to believe there is ongoing danger to the general public.Police are continuing their investigation into the video and the case will be presented to the appropriate attorney’s office for formal charging consideration.-------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —A $2,000 reward from Crimestoppers is now being offered for helping police identify a man and woman seen in a video of an alleged abduction that occurred in Wichita.The Wichita Police Department continues asking for the community’s help in identifying and locating the woman in the video. She was last seen being taken by force on October 12, at approximately 2 AM., in the 1400 block of North Volutsia in Wichita.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">We’ve worked throughout the day on this investigation, following up on numerous leads, and we appreciate the public&#39;s help. At this time, we have not been able to identify the female and male seen in the video. Exploring all options, we&#39;ve reached out to our regional and… <a href="https://t.co/APj14eTdRI">pic.twitter.com/APj14eTdRI</a>&mdash; Wichita Police (@WichitaPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/WichitaPolice/status/1977848955233869931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Police worked throughout Monday on this investigation, following up on numerous leads. They also received 15 additional tips overnight Monday, according to a statement from Wichita Police during a Tuesday morning news conference.At this time, police have not been able to identify the woman and man seen in the video. Exploring all options, police reached out to regional and federal law enforcement partners for additional assistance.The Wichita Police team has processed the audio, reducing background noise, hoping that someone will recognize her voice. Please take a moment to review the video.&nbsp;If you recognize her or have any information about her identity or whereabouts, please contact 911 immediately.

You may also reach out to WPD Investigations at 316-268-4407, or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

🎥Reward offered in search for Kansas abduction victim

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement&nbsp; investigating a fatal 2-vehicle crash that occurred just before 3a.m. Sunday in Wichita have identified the victim as&nbsp;18-year-old Kadrian Jackson, of Wichita, according to a media release from Wichita Police.

An SUV driven by a Jackson was westbound on Central Avenue through a green light at Hydraulic, according to Wichita Police spokesman Brad Wright.

A northbound motorcycle ran a red light at Central and struck the SUV’s left rear quarter panel. The collision caused Jackson to lose control of the SUV and overturn.&nbsp; The crash trapped the 18-year-old under the SUV.

Wichita Fire crews extricated Jackson, and he was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. He was later pronounced dead at 2:47 a.m., according to Wright. 

Two SUV passengers were also taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.The motorcyclist was transported to a medical center for treatment.

Preliminary investigation indicates suspected impairment by the 32-year-old motorcyclist may have been a factor in the crash. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for review, pending blood test results before possible charges.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal 2-vehicle crash that occurred just before 3a.m. Sunday in Wichita.

An SUV driven by an 18-year-old was westbound on Central Avenue through a green light at Hydraulic, according to Wichita Police spokesman Brad Wright. 

A northbound motorcycle ran a red light at Central and struck the SUV’s left rear quarter panel. The collision caused the SUV driver to lose control and overturn.&nbsp; The crash trapped the 18-year-old SUV driver under the vehicle.

Wichita Fire crews extricated him, and he was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. He was later pronounced dead at 2:47 a.m., according to Wright. Two SUV passengers were also taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.The motorcyclist was transported to a medical center for treatment.

Police detained the motorcyclist. Early evidence suggests alcohol may have been a factor. Once testing and evidence collection are complete, the case will be forwarded to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charges.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the teen who died.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement&nbsp; investigating a fatal 2-vehicle crash that occurred just before 3a.m. Sunday in Wichita have identified the victim as&nbsp;18-year-old Kadrian Jackson, of Wichita, according to a media release from Wichita Police.An SUV driven by a Jackson was westbound on Central Avenue through a green light at Hydraulic, according to Wichita Police spokesman Brad Wright.A northbound motorcycle ran a red light at Central and struck the SUV’s left rear quarter panel. The collision caused Jackson to lose control of the SUV and overturn.&nbsp; The crash trapped the 18-year-old under the SUV.Wichita Fire crews extricated Jackson, and he was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. He was later pronounced dead at 2:47 a.m., according to Wright. Two SUV passengers were also taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.The motorcyclist was transported to a medical center for treatment.Preliminary investigation indicates suspected impairment by the 32-year-old motorcyclist may have been a factor in the crash. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for review, pending blood test results before possible charges.-------------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal 2-vehicle crash that occurred just before 3a.m. Sunday in Wichita.An SUV driven by an 18-year-old was westbound on Central Avenue through a green light at Hydraulic, according to Wichita Police spokesman Brad Wright. A northbound motorcycle ran a red light at Central and struck the SUV’s left rear quarter panel. The collision caused the SUV driver to lose control and overturn.&nbsp; The crash trapped the 18-year-old SUV driver under the vehicle.Wichita Fire crews extricated him, and he was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. He was later pronounced dead at 2:47 a.m., according to Wright. Two SUV passengers were also taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.The motorcyclist was transported to a medical center for treatment.Police detained the motorcyclist. Early evidence suggests alcohol may have been a factor. Once testing and evidence collection are complete, the case will be forwarded to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charges.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the teen who died.

Police: Alcohol a possible factor in fatal Kan. SUV, motorcycle crash

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday ordered Israel to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">stop bombing the Gaza Strip</a>&nbsp;after Hamas said it had accepted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-palestinians-peace-plan-ce2e84de8aa5fd308fe751ae9c3118e8">some elements of his plan</a>&nbsp;to end the nearly two-year war and return all the remaining hostages taken in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack.

Hamas said it was willing to release the hostages and hand over power to other Palestinians, but that other aspects of the plan require further consultations among Palestinians. Senior Hamas officials suggested there were still major disagreements that required further negotiations.

There was no immediate response from Israel, which is largely shut down for the Jewish Sabbath, and Hamas' response fell short of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demands that the group surrender and disarm.

But Trump welcomed Hamas' response, saying: “I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE."

“Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly! Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that. We are already in discussions on details to be worked out," he wrote on social media.

Hamas said aspects of the proposal touching on the future of the Gaza Strip and Palestinian rights should be decided on the basis of a “unanimous Palestinian stance” reached with other factions and based on international law.

The statement also made no mention of Hamas disarming, a key Israeli demand included in Trump’s proposal.

Trump's plan would end the fighting and return hostages

Trump appears keen to deliver on pledges to end the war and return dozens of hostages ahead of the second anniversary of the attack on Tuesday. His peace plan has been accepted by Israel and welcomed internationally, but key mediators Egypt and Qatar have said some elements need further negotiation.

Egypt welcomed the Hamas statement, saying that it shows that the Palestinians want to “end a dark period in the history of the region," and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-israel-palestinians-france-saudi-recognition-two-states-88f3a87f7d79df02311f09b3e45560e9">pave the way for a future state</a>, something Israel opposes.

Earlier, Trump had warned that Hamas must agree to the deal by Sunday evening, threatening an even greater military onslaught.

“If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas," Trump wrote Friday on social media. "THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.”

Under the plan, which Trump unveiled earlier this week alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-general-assembly-israel-netanyahu-speech-e53eee3b76dfa568e03ac584e46991a5">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>, Hamas would immediately release the remaining 48 hostages — around 20 of them believed to be alive. It would also give up power and disarm.

In return, Israel would halt its offensive and withdraw from much of the territory, release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and allow an influx of humanitarian aid and eventual reconstruction.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-gaza-resettlement-migration-trump-netanyahu-53cd2eb252a5d304006872c63772eee2">Plans to relocate much of Gaza's population</a>&nbsp;to other countries would be shelved.

The territory of some 2 million Palestinians would be placed under international governance, with Trump himself and former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/britain-tony-blair-mideast-gaza-trump-plan-76e663c132d73ba151ad70ebf6ac958c">British Prime Minister Tony Blair</a>&nbsp;overseeing it. The plan provides no path for eventual reunification with the Israeli-occupied West Bank in a future Palestinian state.

Palestinians long for an end to the war, but many view this and previous U.S. proposals as strongly favoring Israel.

Hamas officials air objections in TV interviews

Trump’s proposal “cannot be implemented without negotiations,” Mousa Abu Marzouk, a senior Hamas official based outside of Gaza, told the Al Jazeera network.

The Hamas statement said it was willing to return all remaining hostages according to the plan’s “formula,” likely referring to the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange. It also reiterated its longstanding openness to handing power over to a politically independent Palestinian body.

But Abu Marzouk said it might be difficult for Hamas to release all the hostages within 72 hours as the proposal dictates, because it could take days or weeks to locate the remains of some of the captives.

He said Hamas was willing to hand over its weapons to a future Palestinian body that runs Gaza, but there was no mention of that in the official statement.

Another Hamas official, Osama Hamdan, told Al Araby television that Hamas would refuse foreign administration of the Gaza Strip and that the entry of foreign forces would be “unacceptable.”

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas said Friday that it has accepted some elements of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the war in the Gaza Strip</a>, including giving up power and releasing all remaining hostages, but that others require further consultations among Palestinians.

The statement came hours after Trump said that Hamas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-palestinians-peace-plan-ce2e84de8aa5fd308fe751ae9c3118e8">must agree to the deal</a>&nbsp;by Sunday evening, threatening an even greater military onslaught nearly two years into the war sparked by the Oct. 7 attack into Israel. There was no immediate response from the United States or Israel, which is largely shut down for the Jewish Sabbath.

Hamas said it was willing to return all remaining hostages according to the plan’s “formula,” likely referring to the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange. It also reiterated its longstanding openness to handing power over to a politically independent Palestinian body.

But it said aspects of the proposal touching on the future of the Gaza Strip and Palestinian rights should be decided on the basis of a “unanimous Palestinian stance” reached with other factions and based on international law.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said that Hamas must agree to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-plan-gaza-israel-hamas-war-d5bb4097af1d46ba16ab20914d265ff7">a proposed peace deal</a>&nbsp;for Gaza by Sunday evening and threatened that the group will face more attacks if it doesn't.

“An Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, D.C. time,” Trump wrote Friday on social media. “Every Country has signed on! If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas. THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.”

The Republican president unveiled the plan alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week.

Trump’s proposal would place Gaza under control of a temporary governing committee led by Trump himself. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair would be involved as well.

Civilians would not be required to evacuate the territory, something that Trump had floated before. Hamas would be required to disarm and release any remaining hostages. Surviving fighters would be allowed to leave.

Hamas said Tuesday that it would study the proposal. Trump told reporters then that Hamas would have “three or four days” to respond.

Trump has struggled to force an end to the conflict, which began when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023</a>. His latest post on social media is another attempt to increase pressure on Hamas.

“Most of the rest are surrounded and MILITARILY TRAPPED, just waiting for me to give the word, ‘GO,’ for their lives to be quickly extinguished," Trump said. "As for the rest, we know where and who you are, and you will be hunted down, and killed.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759172020282.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday ordered Israel to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">stop bombing the Gaza Strip</a>&nbsp;after Hamas said it had accepted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-palestinians-peace-plan-ce2e84de8aa5fd308fe751ae9c3118e8">some elements of his plan</a>&nbsp;to end the nearly two-year war and return all the remaining hostages taken in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/3dGpkSu0kW">pic.twitter.com/3dGpkSu0kW</a>&mdash; Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/1974221827984523702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Hamas said it was willing to release the hostages and hand over power to other Palestinians, but that other aspects of the plan require further consultations among Palestinians. Senior Hamas officials suggested there were still major disagreements that required further negotiations.There was no immediate response from Israel, which is largely shut down for the Jewish Sabbath, and Hamas' response fell short of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demands that the group surrender and disarm.But Trump welcomed Hamas' response, saying: “I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE."“Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly! Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that. We are already in discussions on details to be worked out," he wrote on social media.Hamas said aspects of the proposal touching on the future of the Gaza Strip and Palestinian rights should be decided on the basis of a “unanimous Palestinian stance” reached with other factions and based on international law.The statement also made no mention of Hamas disarming, a key Israeli demand included in Trump’s proposal.<h2>Trump's plan would end the fighting and return hostages</h2>Trump appears keen to deliver on pledges to end the war and return dozens of hostages ahead of the second anniversary of the attack on Tuesday. His peace plan has been accepted by Israel and welcomed internationally, but key mediators Egypt and Qatar have said some elements need further negotiation.Egypt welcomed the Hamas statement, saying that it shows that the Palestinians want to “end a dark period in the history of the region," and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-israel-palestinians-france-saudi-recognition-two-states-88f3a87f7d79df02311f09b3e45560e9">pave the way for a future state</a>, something Israel opposes.Earlier, Trump had warned that Hamas must agree to the deal by Sunday evening, threatening an even greater military onslaught.“If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas," Trump wrote Friday on social media. "THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.”Under the plan, which Trump unveiled earlier this week alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-general-assembly-israel-netanyahu-speech-e53eee3b76dfa568e03ac584e46991a5">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>, Hamas would immediately release the remaining 48 hostages — around 20 of them believed to be alive. It would also give up power and disarm.In return, Israel would halt its offensive and withdraw from much of the territory, release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and allow an influx of humanitarian aid and eventual reconstruction.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-gaza-resettlement-migration-trump-netanyahu-53cd2eb252a5d304006872c63772eee2">Plans to relocate much of Gaza's population</a>&nbsp;to other countries would be shelved.The territory of some 2 million Palestinians would be placed under international governance, with Trump himself and former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/britain-tony-blair-mideast-gaza-trump-plan-76e663c132d73ba151ad70ebf6ac958c">British Prime Minister Tony Blair</a>&nbsp;overseeing it. The plan provides no path for eventual reunification with the Israeli-occupied West Bank in a future Palestinian state.Palestinians long for an end to the war, but many view this and previous U.S. proposals as strongly favoring Israel.<h2>Hamas officials air objections in TV interviews</h2>Trump’s proposal “cannot be implemented without negotiations,” Mousa Abu Marzouk, a senior Hamas official based outside of Gaza, told the Al Jazeera network.The Hamas statement said it was willing to return all remaining hostages according to the plan’s “formula,” likely referring to the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange. It also reiterated its longstanding openness to handing power over to a politically independent Palestinian body.But Abu Marzouk said it might be difficult for Hamas to release all the hostages within 72 hours as the proposal dictates, because it could take days or weeks to locate the remains of some of the captives.He said Hamas was willing to hand over its weapons to a future Palestinian body that runs Gaza, but there was no mention of that in the official statement.Another Hamas official, Osama Hamdan, told Al Araby television that Hamas would refuse foreign administration of the Gaza Strip and that the entry of foreign forces would be “unacceptable.”DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas said Friday that it has accepted some elements of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the war in the Gaza Strip</a>, including giving up power and releasing all remaining hostages, but that others require further consultations among Palestinians.The statement came hours after Trump said that Hamas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-palestinians-peace-plan-ce2e84de8aa5fd308fe751ae9c3118e8">must agree to the deal</a>&nbsp;by Sunday evening, threatening an even greater military onslaught nearly two years into the war sparked by the Oct. 7 attack into Israel. There was no immediate response from the United States or Israel, which is largely shut down for the Jewish Sabbath.Hamas said it was willing to return all remaining hostages according to the plan’s “formula,” likely referring to the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange. It also reiterated its longstanding openness to handing power over to a politically independent Palestinian body.But it said aspects of the proposal touching on the future of the Gaza Strip and Palestinian rights should be decided on the basis of a “unanimous Palestinian stance” reached with other factions and based on international law.The statement also made no mention of Hamas disarming, a key Israeli demand included in Trump’s proposal.----------------WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said that Hamas must agree to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-plan-gaza-israel-hamas-war-d5bb4097af1d46ba16ab20914d265ff7">a proposed peace deal</a>&nbsp;for Gaza by Sunday evening and threatened that the group will face more attacks if it doesn't.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/XAn5KkGaZu">pic.twitter.com/XAn5KkGaZu</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1974115106104783135?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“An Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, D.C. time,” Trump wrote Friday on social media. “Every Country has signed on! If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas. THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.”The Republican president unveiled the plan alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week.Trump’s proposal would place Gaza under control of a temporary governing committee led by Trump himself. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair would be involved as well.Civilians would not be required to evacuate the territory, something that Trump had floated before. Hamas would be required to disarm and release any remaining hostages. Surviving fighters would be allowed to leave.Hamas said Tuesday that it would study the proposal. Trump told reporters then that Hamas would have “three or four days” to respond.Trump has struggled to force an end to the conflict, which began when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023</a>. His latest post on social media is another attempt to increase pressure on Hamas.“Most of the rest are surrounded and MILITARILY TRAPPED, just waiting for me to give the word, ‘GO,’ for their lives to be quickly extinguished," Trump said. "As for the rest, we know where and who you are, and you will be hunted down, and killed.”

Trump sets final deadline for Hamas to agree to peace deal

United Wireless Arena, managed by VenuWorks, is&nbsp;excited to announce that Randy Rogers Band, Casey Donahew, and Josh Abbott Band&nbsp;will be coming to Dodge City on Friday, December 5&nbsp;For their “Dodge City Takeover" concert.

Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. on December 5 and the concert will start at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets for Dodge City Takeover will&nbsp;go on sale Friday, October 3 at 10 a.m. CST.&nbsp; 

Tickets can be&nbsp;purchased at the United Wireless Arena box office or online through Ticketmaster.com. Ticket&nbsp;prices start at $55 for reserved seating, depending on location, plus applicable fees and taxes.

United Wireless Arena is an exclusive Ticketmaster facility and cannot guarantee tickets&nbsp;purchased as resale or through a third-party vendor.&nbsp;

Handicapped accessible seating must be arranged directly through the United Wireless Arena&nbsp;Ticket Office.

United Wireless Arena has a&nbsp;clear bag policy in place. Please check our website for more&nbsp;details.&nbsp;Please note that ice will be down and covered on the floor. The building will be colder than&nbsp;normal so please plan accordingly.

As Country music continues broadening its influence in every corner of the modern soundscape, the quickly growing 'Red Dirt' genre, which encapsulates the Western lifestyle and outlaw sound, is taking centerstage lead by acts such as the influential Randy Rogers Band. 

For over 20 years, the band's roster and traditional approach have remained unchanged and inspired the surge in a new generation of artists. Acts such as Parker McCollum, Koe Wetzel, Flatland Cavalry, and William Beckmann all began their musical careers on the building blocks set forth by Randy Rogers Band. 

The band's second album, Rollercoaster, is applauded as one of the most impactful collections in the Texas music scene. The influence of this record garnered the band bookings in venues once thought out of reach and made them a pillar of 'Red Dirt' Country music. 

In 2024, the record celebrated its 20th anniversary, and the Randy Rogers Band released a re-mastered/re-sequenced edition of Rollercoaster to commemorate the music that ignited their long-lasting journey as a staple Texas music act. 

Now, the band is back with brand new music after two years, kicking off 2025 with their track, “Break Itself,” off their upcoming EP, The Going, out on October 24th. The EP includes the band's other recent releases, "Is This Thing Workin” featuring Country superstar, Parker McCollum, and the EP title track, "The Going." The project is an updated sound that still anchors to the Red Dirt genre that made them one of the most influential bands out of Texas.&nbsp;

Texas Country Powerhouse and Fort Worth native, Casey Donahew—honored with his own “Casey Donahew Day” on October 22 and whose beloved song “Stockyards” was named the city’s official anthem—continues to define the sound of Texas country. 

Over more than two decades, Donahew has earned a devoted following by delivering vivid, relatable narratives that blend cowboy grit, love stories, and offbeat characters. 

His latest release, "Never Not Love You," a 17-track tour de force, underscores his ability to capture life’s highs and lows with a storyteller’s precision and a showman’s heart. With 12 albums and an astounding 29 singles reaching the top of the Texas charts, Donahew has proven himself a consistent hitmaker and one of the genre’s most durable voices. 

Known for writing the majority of his material solo, he maintains a deeply personal connection to his music, allowing fans to experience his unmistakable perspective. His songs have also crossed into mainstream culture, landing placements in hit television dramas including Yellowstone and Tulsa King, as well as the feature film Vengeance, further solidifying his reputation as one of country music’s most authentic storytellers. 

Beyond the studio and stage, Donahew has emerged as a creative entrepreneur. Alongside his wife Melinda, he founded the acclaimed Boots On The Beach festival in Cabo San Lucas, now in its ninth year and featuring a powerhouse roster of Texas and country stars. This annual event reflects Donahew’s dedication to fostering community, elevating fellow artists, and creating unforgettable fan experiences.

 With decades of chart-topping hits, acclaimed live performances, and a steadfast commitment to authenticity, Casey Donahew remains at the forefront of modern Texas country music.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For nearly two decades, Josh Abbott Band (JAB) have held strong as one of the most potent and vital forces in Texas country music. Fronted by singer/songwriter/guitarist Josh Abbott, the band has built an ardent following on the strengths of their fiery live show, wide-ranging instrumentation, relentless touring schedule, and seven acclaimed studio albums spotlighting their unique sound and honest songwriting. With three RIAA gold-certified singles, JAB has found success while staying true to their independent spirit.

JAB first formed at Texas Tech University in 2006 when Josh started playing with fraternity brother Austin Davis (banjo). Joining up soon after in 2008 was Edward Villanueva (drums, percussion) with others joining later down the road: David Fralin (2015, keys, mandolin), Jimmy Hartman (2018, bass, harmonies), Kris Farrow (2022, electric guitar, harmonies), Adam Hill (2022, fiddle, harmonies).

 Over the years, JAB has steadily raised their profile while elevating their artistry. Their 2010 sophomore album "She’s Like Texas" debuted on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and delivered gold-certified hits like its poignant title track and “Oh, Tonight”—a charming duet with Kacey Musgraves that marked their first song to chart on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs. 

After winning four awards at the inaugural Texas Regional Radio Music Awards (including both Album of the Year and Single of the Year), the band went on to release "Small Town Family Dream" (a 2012 LP that debuted on Top Country Albums and climbed to #15 on the all-genre Billboard 200), then returned several years later in 2015 with the critically acclaimed and intensely personal "Front Row Seat". 

Boasting standouts like the country radio hit “Wasn’t That Drunk” feat. Carly Pearce, Josh Abbott Band ascended to a new level of stardom and making their national television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, in addition to appearing on Conan the following year. From there, the band persisted on their upward trajectory with 2017’s unique "Until My Voice Goes Out" (a sonically adventurous album), 2020’s critically acclaimed "The Highway Kind" (featuring gold-certified hit “Settle Me Down”), and 2024’s bold "Somewhere Down The Road". 

The most recent release from JAB, 2025’s "The Encore", arrives as a celebration of the 10-year anniversary of their landmark album "Front Row Seat". Featuring “Even Girls Like You” and “Selfish,” the EP shines a spotlight on songs originally recorded during the Front Row Seat sessions but intentionally held back until the right moment.

With recent milestones including debuts at Stagecoach Festival, The Long Road Festival in England, and the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, JAB continues to make great strides in cementing their legacy as Texas country legends.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759498994683.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedUnited Wireless Arena, managed by VenuWorks, is&nbsp;excited to announce that Randy Rogers Band, Casey Donahew, and Josh Abbott Band&nbsp;will be coming to Dodge City on Friday, December 5&nbsp;For their “Dodge City Takeover" concert.Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. on December 5 and the concert will start at 7:00 p.m.Tickets for Dodge City Takeover will&nbsp;go on sale Friday, October 3 at 10 a.m. CST.&nbsp; Tickets can be&nbsp;purchased at the United Wireless Arena box office or online through Ticketmaster.com. Ticket&nbsp;prices start at $55 for reserved seating, depending on location, plus applicable fees and taxes.United Wireless Arena is an exclusive Ticketmaster facility and cannot guarantee tickets&nbsp;purchased as resale or through a third-party vendor.&nbsp;Handicapped accessible seating must be arranged directly through the United Wireless Arena&nbsp;Ticket Office.United Wireless Arena has a&nbsp;clear bag policy in place. Please check our website for more&nbsp;details.&nbsp;Please note that ice will be down and covered on the floor. The building will be colder than&nbsp;normal so please plan accordingly.ABOUT RANDY ROGERS BAND:As Country music continues broadening its influence in every corner of the modern soundscape, the quickly growing 'Red Dirt' genre, which encapsulates the Western lifestyle and outlaw sound, is taking centerstage lead by acts such as the influential Randy Rogers Band. For over 20 years, the band's roster and traditional approach have remained unchanged and inspired the surge in a new generation of artists. Acts such as Parker McCollum, Koe Wetzel, Flatland Cavalry, and William Beckmann all began their musical careers on the building blocks set forth by Randy Rogers Band. The band's second album, Rollercoaster, is applauded as one of the most impactful collections in the Texas music scene. The influence of this record garnered the band bookings in venues once thought out of reach and made them a pillar of 'Red Dirt' Country music. In 2024, the record celebrated its 20th anniversary, and the Randy Rogers Band released a re-mastered/re-sequenced edition of Rollercoaster to commemorate the music that ignited their long-lasting journey as a staple Texas music act. Now, the band is back with brand new music after two years, kicking off 2025 with their track, “Break Itself,” off their upcoming EP, The Going, out on October 24th. The EP includes the band's other recent releases, "Is This Thing Workin” featuring Country superstar, Parker McCollum, and the EP title track, "The Going." The project is an updated sound that still anchors to the Red Dirt genre that made them one of the most influential bands out of Texas.&nbsp;ABOUT CASEY DONAHEW:Texas Country Powerhouse and Fort Worth native, Casey Donahew—honored with his own “Casey Donahew Day” on October 22 and whose beloved song “Stockyards” was named the city’s official anthem—continues to define the sound of Texas country. Over more than two decades, Donahew has earned a devoted following by delivering vivid, relatable narratives that blend cowboy grit, love stories, and offbeat characters. His latest release, "Never Not Love You," a 17-track tour de force, underscores his ability to capture life’s highs and lows with a storyteller’s precision and a showman’s heart. With 12 albums and an astounding 29 singles reaching the top of the Texas charts, Donahew has proven himself a consistent hitmaker and one of the genre’s most durable voices. Known for writing the majority of his material solo, he maintains a deeply personal connection to his music, allowing fans to experience his unmistakable perspective. His songs have also crossed into mainstream culture, landing placements in hit television dramas including Yellowstone and Tulsa King, as well as the feature film Vengeance, further solidifying his reputation as one of country music’s most authentic storytellers. Beyond the studio and stage, Donahew has emerged as a creative entrepreneur. Alongside his wife Melinda, he founded the acclaimed Boots On The Beach festival in Cabo San Lucas, now in its ninth year and featuring a powerhouse roster of Texas and country stars. This annual event reflects Donahew’s dedication to fostering community, elevating fellow artists, and creating unforgettable fan experiences. With decades of chart-topping hits, acclaimed live performances, and a steadfast commitment to authenticity, Casey Donahew remains at the forefront of modern Texas country music.&nbsp;&nbsp;ABOUT JOSH ABBOTT BAND: For nearly two decades, Josh Abbott Band (JAB) have held strong as one of the most potent and vital forces in Texas country music. Fronted by singer/songwriter/guitarist Josh Abbott, the band has built an ardent following on the strengths of their fiery live show, wide-ranging instrumentation, relentless touring schedule, and seven acclaimed studio albums spotlighting their unique sound and honest songwriting. With three RIAA gold-certified singles, JAB has found success while staying true to their independent spirit. JAB first formed at Texas Tech University in 2006 when Josh started playing with fraternity brother Austin Davis (banjo). Joining up soon after in 2008 was Edward Villanueva (drums, percussion) with others joining later down the road: David Fralin (2015, keys, mandolin), Jimmy Hartman (2018, bass, harmonies), Kris Farrow (2022, electric guitar, harmonies), Adam Hill (2022, fiddle, harmonies). Over the years, JAB has steadily raised their profile while elevating their artistry. Their 2010 sophomore album "She’s Like Texas" debuted on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and delivered gold-certified hits like its poignant title track and “Oh, Tonight”—a charming duet with Kacey Musgraves that marked their first song to chart on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs. After winning four awards at the inaugural Texas Regional Radio Music Awards (including both Album of the Year and Single of the Year), the band went on to release "Small Town Family Dream" (a 2012 LP that debuted on Top Country Albums and climbed to #15 on the all-genre Billboard 200), then returned several years later in 2015 with the critically acclaimed and intensely personal "Front Row Seat". Boasting standouts like the country radio hit “Wasn’t That Drunk” feat. Carly Pearce, Josh Abbott Band ascended to a new level of stardom and making their national television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, in addition to appearing on Conan the following year. From there, the band persisted on their upward trajectory with 2017’s unique "Until My Voice Goes Out" (a sonically adventurous album), 2020’s critically acclaimed "The Highway Kind" (featuring gold-certified hit “Settle Me Down”), and 2024’s bold "Somewhere Down The Road". The most recent release from JAB, 2025’s "The Encore", arrives as a celebration of the 10-year anniversary of their landmark album "Front Row Seat". Featuring “Even Girls Like You” and “Selfish,” the EP shines a spotlight on songs originally recorded during the Front Row Seat sessions but intentionally held back until the right moment. With recent milestones including debuts at Stagecoach Festival, The Long Road Festival in England, and the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, JAB continues to make great strides in cementing their legacy as Texas country legends.&nbsp;

Randy Rogers Band, Casey Donahew, Josh Abbott Band coming to United Wireless Arena in Dodge City

WASHINGTON, D.C. — You might have heard that Amazon recently agreed to pay $2.5 billion to settle the Federal Trade Commission (FTC’s) charges that it enrolled millions of people in Prime subscriptions without their consent – and then made it hard for those unwilling Prime subscribers to cancel. Since $1.5 billion of that amount goes back to consumers, you might be wondering: who gets it? How? And what do I need to do?

Last question, first: right now, do nothing. The refunds are automatic and will go out by December 25, 2025.

Now for the answers to those other questions. If you meet all three of these requirements, you may be eligible for an automatic refund of your Prime membership fees, up to $51:

One more important thing. Scammers often use the names of well-known companies and big FTC settlements to contact people to “help” with your account or refund. How do you know it’s a scam? Because the FTC will&nbsp;never&nbsp;contact you about this refund. And no one from the FTC or Amazon will ask you for money to get a refund. And only scammers say they can get you special access or a guaranteed refund.

If you get an unexpected call, text, or email from someone who claims to be the FTC or Amazon, it’s probably a scam. Tell the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="http://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. And learn more about these refunds at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/refunds/amazon-refunds">ftc.gov/Amazon</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Federal Trade CommissionWASHINGTON, D.C. — You might have heard that Amazon recently agreed to pay $2.5 billion to settle the Federal Trade Commission (FTC’s) charges that it enrolled millions of people in Prime subscriptions without their consent – and then made it hard for those unwilling Prime subscribers to cancel. Since $1.5 billion of that amount goes back to consumers, you might be wondering: who gets it? How? And what do I need to do?Last question, first: right now, do nothing. The refunds are automatic and will go out by December 25, 2025.Now for the answers to those other questions. If you meet all three of these requirements, you may be eligible for an automatic refund of your Prime membership fees, up to $51:<ol>
 <li>You’re a US-based Amazon Prime customer.</li><li>You signed up for a Prime membership between June 23, 2019 and June 23, 2025 through one of the enrollment flows&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/09/ftc-secures-historic-25-billion-settlement-against-amazon">the FTC challenged in its case</a>&nbsp;OR you unsuccessfully tried to cancel your Amazon Prime membership between those same dates.</li><li>You used less than three Prime benefits, such as watching a Prime video or listening to Amazon Music, in any 12-month period after you enrolled in Prime.</li>
 </ol>One more important thing. Scammers often use the names of well-known companies and big FTC settlements to contact people to “help” with your account or refund. How do you know it’s a scam? Because the FTC will&nbsp;never&nbsp;contact you about this refund. And no one from the FTC or Amazon will ask you for money to get a refund. And only scammers say they can get you special access or a guaranteed refund.If you get an unexpected call, text, or email from someone who claims to be the FTC or Amazon, it’s probably a scam. Tell the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="http://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. And learn more about these refunds at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/refunds/amazon-refunds">ftc.gov/Amazon</a>.&nbsp;

FTC: Who’s eligible for a refund from Amazon?

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/didi-tang">DIDI TANG</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/josh-funk">JOSH FUNK</a>

MAGNOLIA, Ky. (AP) — The leafy soybean plants reach Caleb Ragland’s thighs and are ripe for harvest, but the Kentucky farmer is deeply worried. He doesn’t know where he and others like him will sell their crop because China has stopped buying.

Beijing, which traditionally has snapped up at least a quarter of all soybeans grown in the U.S., is in effect boycotting them in retaliation for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/trump-announces-sweeping-new-tariffs-to-promote-us-manufacturing-risking-inflation-and-trade-wars/" target="_blank">the high tariffs</a>&nbsp;President Donald Trump has imposed on Chinese goods and to strengthen its hand in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tiktok-china-b2621f7554d4a45eef83d05b4b958034">negotiations</a>&nbsp;over a new overall trade deal.

It has left American soybean farmers fretting over not only this year’s crop but the long-term viability of their businesses, built in part on China’s once-insatiable appetite for U.S. beans.

“This is a five-alarm fire for our industry,” said Ragland, who leads the American Soybean Association trade group.

The situation might even be enough to test farmers’ loyalty to Trump, although he still enjoys strong support throughout rural America. If no deal is reached soon, they hope the government will come through with aid as it did during Trump’s first term, but they see that only as a temporary solution. Trump said Thursday he is considering an aid package.

U.S. and Chinese officials have held&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-bessent-spain-china-trump-e70c554b5d34cd8f8de30093e9126d4f">four rounds of trade talks</a>&nbsp;between May and September, with another likely in the coming weeks. No progress on soybeans has been reported.

Getting closer to harvest, “I’m honestly getting worried that the time is running out,” said Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council.

After Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, China&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-fentanyl-tariffs-trump-f77abc5dc8cba277a07c0f2cddb9a9e9">responded with tariffs of its own</a>, which now total up to 34% on U.S. soybeans. That makes soybeans from other countries cheaper.

China’s retaliatory tariffs also hit U.S. growers of sorghum, corn and cotton, and even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/geoducks-china-us-tariffs-economy-849c8052fd0e679fa421c48d32ed1bc7">geoduck divers</a>&nbsp;have been affected. But soybeans stand out because of the crop’s outsized importance to U.S. agricultural exports. Soybeans are the top U.S. food export, accounting for about 14% of all farm goods sent overseas.

And China has been by far the largest foreign buyer. Last year, the U.S. exported nearly $24.5 billion worth of soybeans, and China accounted for more than $12.5 billion. That compared with $2.45 billion by the European Union, the second-largest buyer. This year, China hasn’t bought beans since May.

With U.S. farmers hurting, the Trump administration is under growing pressure to reach a deal with China. As talks drag on, Trump appears ready to help.

“We’re going to take some of the tariff money — relatively small amount, but a lot for the farmers — and we’re going to help the farmers out a little bit” during this transition period, Trump said.

The only way most farmers survived Trump’s trade war in his first term was with tens of billions of dollars in government payments. But that’s not what most farmers want.

“The American farmer, especially myself included, we don’t want aid payments,” said Brian Warpup, 52, a fourth-generation farmer from Warren, Indiana. “We want to work. We work the land, we harvest the land, the crop off the land. And the worst thing that we could ever want is a handout.”

Farmers are looking to Trump for a long-term solution.

“Overwhelmingly, farmers have been in President Trump’s corner,” said Ragland, the president of the soybean association. “And I think the message that our soybean farmers as a whole want to deliver is: ‘President Trump, we’ve had your back. We need you to have ours now.’”

He said farmers appreciate the willingness to provide some short-term relief, but what they ultimately need are strong, reliable markets. “Our priority remains seeing the United States secure lasting trade agreements — particularly with China — that allow farmers to sell their crops and build a sustainable future with long-term customers,” he said.

Ragland, 39, hopes his three sons will become the 10th generation to till his 4,500 acres in Magnolia, Kentucky. Unless something changes soon, he worries that thousands of farmers may not survive.

Coming into this year, many farmers were just hoping to break even because crop prices were weak while their costs had only increased. Trump’s tariffs, which helped make their crops uncompetitive around the world, drove prices down further. And tariffs on steel and fertilizer sent costs up even more.

Darin Johnson, president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, said he still has faith in the Trump administration to reach a good trade deal with China.

“I think where the patience is probably wearing thin is the time,” said Johnson, a fourth-generation farmer. “I don’t think anybody thought that we were going to take this much time because we were told 90 deals, 90 deals in 90 days.”

The U.S. soybean industry grew in response to Chinese demand starting back in the 1990s, when China began its rapid economic rise and turned to foreign producers to help feed its people. Protein-rich soybeans are an essential part of the diet.

While China relies on domestic crops for steamed beans and tofu, it needs far more soybeans for oil extraction and animal feed. In 2024, China produced 20 million metric tons of soybeans, while importing more than 105 million metric tons.

American farmers have come to count on China as their biggest customer, and this has “given the Chinese a point of leverage,” Sutter said. By holding off on buying U.S. soybeans, China is seen as trying to leverage that purchasing power in the trade talks.

“I think that’s the strategy,” said Sutter of the U.S. Soybean Export Council. “I think that’s why China is targeting soybeans and other agricultural products, because they know that farmers have a strong lobby and farmers are important to the U.S. government.”

Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, didn’t answer specific questions on soybean purchases but urged the U.S. to work with Beijing.

“The essence of China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation is mutual benefit and win-win,” Liu said.

China turned to Brazil when Trump launched his first trade war in 2018. Last year, Brazilian beans accounted for more than 70% of China’s imports, while the U.S. share was down to 21%, World Bank data shows. Argentina and other South American countries also are selling more to China, which has diversified to boost food security.

What American farmers are doing in response

U.S. farmers also are broadening their customer base, said Sutter, who recently traveled to Japan and Indonesia in search of new markets. Taiwan pledged to purchase $10 billion worth of soybeans, corn, wheat and beef in the next four years.

“There’s strong diversification efforts underway,” Sutter said. But “China is so big, it’s hard to replace them overnight.”

Farmers are working to boost consumption at home, too. Growth in biodiesel production has taken in some of the soybeans that were once exported. Others are crushed to produce soybean oil and soybean meal. The United Soybean Board is investing in research into the benefits of using soybeans to feed dairy cows and hogs.

But Iowa farmer Robb Ewoldt, a director with the Soybean Board, knows that such domestic uses are growing gradually.

“We cannot replace a China in one shot,” Ewoldt said. “It’s not going to happen. We need to be realistic in that.”

Tang reported from Washington, and Funk from Omaha, Nebraska. Associated Press journalists Dylan Lovan in Magnolia, Kentucky, Obed Lamy in Warren, Indiana, and Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759021668596.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/didi-tang">DIDI TANG</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/josh-funk">JOSH FUNK</a>MAGNOLIA, Ky. (AP) — The leafy soybean plants reach Caleb Ragland’s thighs and are ripe for harvest, but the Kentucky farmer is deeply worried. He doesn’t know where he and others like him will sell their crop because China has stopped buying.Beijing, which traditionally has snapped up at least a quarter of all soybeans grown in the U.S., is in effect boycotting them in retaliation for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/trump-announces-sweeping-new-tariffs-to-promote-us-manufacturing-risking-inflation-and-trade-wars/" target="_blank">the high tariffs</a>&nbsp;President Donald Trump has imposed on Chinese goods and to strengthen its hand in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tiktok-china-b2621f7554d4a45eef83d05b4b958034">negotiations</a>&nbsp;over a new overall trade deal.It has left American soybean farmers fretting over not only this year’s crop but the long-term viability of their businesses, built in part on China’s once-insatiable appetite for U.S. beans.“This is a five-alarm fire for our industry,” said Ragland, who leads the American Soybean Association trade group.The situation might even be enough to test farmers’ loyalty to Trump, although he still enjoys strong support throughout rural America. If no deal is reached soon, they hope the government will come through with aid as it did during Trump’s first term, but they see that only as a temporary solution. Trump said Thursday he is considering an aid package.U.S. and Chinese officials have held&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-bessent-spain-china-trump-e70c554b5d34cd8f8de30093e9126d4f">four rounds of trade talks</a>&nbsp;between May and September, with another likely in the coming weeks. No progress on soybeans has been reported.Getting closer to harvest, “I’m honestly getting worried that the time is running out,” said Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council.<h2>Political pressure is growing</h2>After Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, China&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-fentanyl-tariffs-trump-f77abc5dc8cba277a07c0f2cddb9a9e9">responded with tariffs of its own</a>, which now total up to 34% on U.S. soybeans. That makes soybeans from other countries cheaper.China’s retaliatory tariffs also hit U.S. growers of sorghum, corn and cotton, and even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/geoducks-china-us-tariffs-economy-849c8052fd0e679fa421c48d32ed1bc7">geoduck divers</a>&nbsp;have been affected. But soybeans stand out because of the crop’s outsized importance to U.S. agricultural exports. Soybeans are the top U.S. food export, accounting for about 14% of all farm goods sent overseas.And China has been by far the largest foreign buyer. Last year, the U.S. exported nearly $24.5 billion worth of soybeans, and China accounted for more than $12.5 billion. That compared with $2.45 billion by the European Union, the second-largest buyer. This year, China hasn’t bought beans since May.With U.S. farmers hurting, the Trump administration is under growing pressure to reach a deal with China. As talks drag on, Trump appears ready to help.“We’re going to take some of the tariff money — relatively small amount, but a lot for the farmers — and we’re going to help the farmers out a little bit” during this transition period, Trump said.The only way most farmers survived Trump’s trade war in his first term was with tens of billions of dollars in government payments. But that’s not what most farmers want.<h2>What farmers expect from Trump</h2>“The American farmer, especially myself included, we don’t want aid payments,” said Brian Warpup, 52, a fourth-generation farmer from Warren, Indiana. “We want to work. We work the land, we harvest the land, the crop off the land. And the worst thing that we could ever want is a handout.”Farmers are looking to Trump for a long-term solution.“Overwhelmingly, farmers have been in President Trump’s corner,” said Ragland, the president of the soybean association. “And I think the message that our soybean farmers as a whole want to deliver is: ‘President Trump, we’ve had your back. We need you to have ours now.’”He said farmers appreciate the willingness to provide some short-term relief, but what they ultimately need are strong, reliable markets. “Our priority remains seeing the United States secure lasting trade agreements — particularly with China — that allow farmers to sell their crops and build a sustainable future with long-term customers,” he said.Ragland, 39, hopes his three sons will become the 10th generation to till his 4,500 acres in Magnolia, Kentucky. Unless something changes soon, he worries that thousands of farmers may not survive.Coming into this year, many farmers were just hoping to break even because crop prices were weak while their costs had only increased. Trump’s tariffs, which helped make their crops uncompetitive around the world, drove prices down further. And tariffs on steel and fertilizer sent costs up even more.Darin Johnson, president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, said he still has faith in the Trump administration to reach a good trade deal with China.“I think where the patience is probably wearing thin is the time,” said Johnson, a fourth-generation farmer. “I don’t think anybody thought that we were going to take this much time because we were told 90 deals, 90 deals in 90 days.”<h2>China’s negotiating strategy</h2>The U.S. soybean industry grew in response to Chinese demand starting back in the 1990s, when China began its rapid economic rise and turned to foreign producers to help feed its people. Protein-rich soybeans are an essential part of the diet.While China relies on domestic crops for steamed beans and tofu, it needs far more soybeans for oil extraction and animal feed. In 2024, China produced 20 million metric tons of soybeans, while importing more than 105 million metric tons.American farmers have come to count on China as their biggest customer, and this has “given the Chinese a point of leverage,” Sutter said. By holding off on buying U.S. soybeans, China is seen as trying to leverage that purchasing power in the trade talks.“I think that’s the strategy,” said Sutter of the U.S. Soybean Export Council. “I think that’s why China is targeting soybeans and other agricultural products, because they know that farmers have a strong lobby and farmers are important to the U.S. government.”Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, didn’t answer specific questions on soybean purchases but urged the U.S. to work with Beijing.“The essence of China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation is mutual benefit and win-win,” Liu said.China turned to Brazil when Trump launched his first trade war in 2018. Last year, Brazilian beans accounted for more than 70% of China’s imports, while the U.S. share was down to 21%, World Bank data shows. Argentina and other South American countries also are selling more to China, which has diversified to boost food security.<h2>What American farmers are doing in response</h2>U.S. farmers also are broadening their customer base, said Sutter, who recently traveled to Japan and Indonesia in search of new markets. Taiwan pledged to purchase $10 billion worth of soybeans, corn, wheat and beef in the next four years.“There’s strong diversification efforts underway,” Sutter said. But “China is so big, it’s hard to replace them overnight.”Farmers are working to boost consumption at home, too. Growth in biodiesel production has taken in some of the soybeans that were once exported. Others are crushed to produce soybean oil and soybean meal. The United Soybean Board is investing in research into the benefits of using soybeans to feed dairy cows and hogs.But Iowa farmer Robb Ewoldt, a director with the Soybean Board, knows that such domestic uses are growing gradually.“We cannot replace a China in one shot,” Ewoldt said. “It’s not going to happen. We need to be realistic in that.”___Tang reported from Washington, and Funk from Omaha, Nebraska. Associated Press journalists Dylan Lovan in Magnolia, Kentucky, Obed Lamy in Warren, Indiana, and Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis contributed to this report.

Trump's trade battle with China puts US farmers in peril

WASHINGTON, D.C. — It’s a good day for any federal or state government agency when they can say kids are safer, and it's that day for the Federal Trade Commission and the Utah Division of Consumer Protection. Together, they&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/09/ftc-takes-action-against-operators-pornhub-other-pornographic-sites-deceiving-users-about-efforts">announced a settlement</a>&nbsp;with Aylo, a collection of companies managing more than 100 porn sites (including Pornhub, YouPorn, and Redtube) over their distribution of child sex abuse materials, as well as non-consensual images and video.

Among other things, the Pornhub settlement requires Aylo to give you an easy way to report these kinds of illegal content. Each site will have a “Content Removal Request” where anyone can flag any illegal content they see. Aylo has to suspend the identified content and, if they find the content to be illegal, they must take it down. If they find that content includes children, Aylo has to ban whoever posted it and report the content to the&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.missingkids.org%2Fgethelpnow%2Fcybertipline&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2025%2F09%2Fprotecting-kids-and-adults-online%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">National Center for Missing and Exploited&nbsp;Children</a>.

The order also requires that Aylo give a case manager to anyone going through the removal of their images, if you ask. That case manager will help keep you informed about the process.

For the FTC, keeping illegal sexually explicit materials off the internet is a priority. In fact, starting in May 2026, the FTC will use its civil law enforcement authority to start enforcing parts of the Take It Down Act, while the Department of Justice brings criminal enforcement. Stay tuned for more.

Meanwhile, learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/online-privacy-and-security">protecting your online privacy</a>. And if you think Aylo or another website or app is violating your privacy or security, tell the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757423693199.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Federal Trade Commission WASHINGTON, D.C. — It’s a good day for any federal or state government agency when they can say kids are safer, and it's that day for the Federal Trade Commission and the Utah Division of Consumer Protection. Together, they&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/09/ftc-takes-action-against-operators-pornhub-other-pornographic-sites-deceiving-users-about-efforts">announced a settlement</a>&nbsp;with Aylo, a collection of companies managing more than 100 porn sites (including Pornhub, YouPorn, and Redtube) over their distribution of child sex abuse materials, as well as non-consensual images and video.Among other things, the Pornhub settlement requires Aylo to give you an easy way to report these kinds of illegal content. Each site will have a “Content Removal Request” where anyone can flag any illegal content they see. Aylo has to suspend the identified content and, if they find the content to be illegal, they must take it down. If they find that content includes children, Aylo has to ban whoever posted it and report the content to the&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.missingkids.org%2Fgethelpnow%2Fcybertipline&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2025%2F09%2Fprotecting-kids-and-adults-online%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">National Center for Missing and Exploited&nbsp;Children</a>.The order also requires that Aylo give a case manager to anyone going through the removal of their images, if you ask. That case manager will help keep you informed about the process.For the FTC, keeping illegal sexually explicit materials off the internet is a priority. In fact, starting in May 2026, the FTC will use its civil law enforcement authority to start enforcing parts of the Take It Down Act, while the Department of Justice brings criminal enforcement. Stay tuned for more.Meanwhile, learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/online-privacy-and-security">protecting your online privacy</a>. And if you think Aylo or another website or app is violating your privacy or security, tell the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

FTC: Protecting kids, adults online

Deborah Peterson has been located and she is safe, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.

 At about 10:15a.m. Thursday, a community member observed Peterson’s vehicle along the street in a north Salina neighborhood and contacted the Salina Police Department. Peterson was subsequently located at a residence in the area.&nbsp;

The Salina Police Department (SPD) is asking for the public's assistance in locating a 59-year-old Kansas woman.

On Wednesday, a family member reported 59-year-old Deborah Peterson of Tescott went missing.

The family member reported their last contact with Peterson was on&nbsp;Monday, September 22, at about&nbsp;4:30a.m. when Peterson left the family member’s residence, located in Central Salina. It was believed Peterson was driving back to her residence in the Tescott area. Peterson left behind important medications.

Family members also reported Peterson being in mental health crisis recently.&nbsp;

Peterson was driving a&nbsp;white Volkswagen Golf four door bearing Kansas tag 794RCX.

The vehicle has a distinguishable green hatchback with a bumper sticker that states, “I identify as a green Volkswagen."&nbsp; The vehicle was last seen in&nbsp;Salina northbound on Ohio at Pacific on Monday, September 22, at about&nbsp;12:30 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Peterson is described as a&nbsp;59-year-old white female, approximately&nbsp;5-foot-5,&nbsp;200 pounds, with&nbsp;brown hair&nbsp;and&nbsp;brown eyes.

"We have no leads right now," said Salina Police Captain James Feldman. "Any help from the community would be wonderful." Peterson is entered nationally as a missing person.

If anyone has any information in reference to Deborah Peterson, please contact the Salina Police Department&nbsp;(785) 826-7210&nbsp;or your local law enforcement agency.&nbsp;

If you think there is an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758812138765.png" alt="Deborah Peterson photo Salina Police" />
 <figcaption>Deborah Peterson photo Salina Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Deborah Peterson has been located and she is safe, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman. At about 10:15a.m. Thursday, a community member observed Peterson’s vehicle along the street in a north Salina neighborhood and contacted the Salina Police Department. Peterson was subsequently located at a residence in the area.&nbsp;------------------------The Salina Police Department (SPD) is asking for the public's assistance in locating a 59-year-old Kansas woman.On Wednesday, a family member reported 59-year-old Deborah Peterson of Tescott went missing.The family member reported their last contact with Peterson was on&nbsp;Monday, September 22, at about&nbsp;4:30a.m. when Peterson left the family member’s residence, located in Central Salina. It was believed Peterson was driving back to her residence in the Tescott area. Peterson left behind important medications.Family members also reported Peterson being in mental health crisis recently.&nbsp;Peterson was driving a&nbsp;white Volkswagen Golf four door bearing Kansas tag 794RCX.The vehicle has a distinguishable green hatchback with a bumper sticker that states, “I identify as a green Volkswagen."&nbsp; The vehicle was last seen in&nbsp;Salina northbound on Ohio at Pacific on Monday, September 22, at about&nbsp;12:30 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;Peterson is described as a&nbsp;59-year-old white female, approximately&nbsp;5-foot-5,&nbsp;200 pounds, with&nbsp;brown hair&nbsp;and&nbsp;brown eyes."We have no leads right now," said Salina Police Captain James Feldman. "Any help from the community would be wonderful." Peterson is entered nationally as a missing person.If anyone has any information in reference to Deborah Peterson, please contact the Salina Police Department&nbsp;(785) 826-7210&nbsp;or your local law enforcement agency.&nbsp;If you think there is an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.

Police: Missing Kansas woman located and is safe

September is Suicide Prevention Month, an important time to raise awareness about coping strategies when people may be feeling especially restless or anxious. When you’re stuck in your feelings, there’s one simple, approachable and free thing you can do: go for a walk.

The research-backed mental health benefits of walking show it reduces the risk of depression and anxiety, improves sleep, boosts energy levels, enhances cognitive performance and memory, decreases stress and tension, and releases mood-boosting chemicals.

If you don’t know where to go for your walk, <a href="https://www.cambermentalhealth.org/locations/hays/">Camber Mental Health</a>,&nbsp;3000 New Way Blvd., Hays, has a list of options on our<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cambermentalhealth.org/2025/09/10/walking-for-mental-health/">&nbsp;blog</a>, with several walking trails in each of the communities we serve. Camber staff also created four different&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cambermentalhealth.org/2025/07/23/playlists-for-mental-health/">Spotify playlists</a>&nbsp;to support your mental health, with different soundtracks for different moods.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758728028247.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Camber Mental HealthSeptember is Suicide Prevention Month, an important time to raise awareness about coping strategies when people may be feeling especially restless or anxious. When you’re stuck in your feelings, there’s one simple, approachable and free thing you can do: go for a walk.The research-backed mental health benefits of walking show it reduces the risk of depression and anxiety, improves sleep, boosts energy levels, enhances cognitive performance and memory, decreases stress and tension, and releases mood-boosting chemicals.If you don’t know where to go for your walk, <a href="https://www.cambermentalhealth.org/locations/hays/">Camber Mental Health</a>,&nbsp;3000 New Way Blvd., Hays, has a list of options on our<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cambermentalhealth.org/2025/09/10/walking-for-mental-health/">&nbsp;blog</a>, with several walking trails in each of the communities we serve. Camber staff also created four different&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cambermentalhealth.org/2025/07/23/playlists-for-mental-health/">Spotify playlists</a>&nbsp;to support your mental health, with different soundtracks for different moods.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Hays' Camber Mental Health offers coping strategy during Suicide Prevention Month

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BUNKER HILL – Smoky Hills PBS is proud to announce the return of Cottonwood Connections for its seventh season. This season of Cottonwood Connections takes a look at how Kansas and the Great Plains have been integral in shaping our country and our world.

Kicking off the season is an episode on wheat, exploring the history and traditions of Kansas as the Wheat State. Throughout the season, viewers will also experience engaging stories on:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758294914765.png" alt="Smoky Hills PBS" />
 <figcaption>Smoky Hills PBS</figcaption>
 </figure>Smoky Hills PBSBUNKER HILL – Smoky Hills PBS is proud to announce the return of Cottonwood Connections for its seventh season. This season of Cottonwood Connections takes a look at how Kansas and the Great Plains have been integral in shaping our country and our world.Kicking off the season is an episode on wheat, exploring the history and traditions of Kansas as the Wheat State. Throughout the season, viewers will also experience engaging stories on:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758294747866.png" alt="cottonwood connections.png" />
 <figcaption>cottonwood connections.png</figcaption>
 </figure>

Smoky Hills PBS premieres Season 7 of 'Cottonwood Connections'

By JULIE TOLLESON KU News Service

LAWRENCE—The Kansas Geological Survey has released a new full-color geologic map of Jewell County, where an ancient inland sea left rocks rich in fossils, time and erosion created a striking landscape, and excavations reveal evidence of prehistoric people.

Authors of the map are William C. Johnson, professor emeritus, Department of Geography &amp; Atmospheric Science, and Terri Lee Woodburn, director of the Environmental Assessment Professional Science master’s program and associate teaching professor, University of Kansas. KGS cartographers John Dunham and Emily Bunse contributed map layout and database design.

Jewell County lies in the Smoky Hills physiographic region of the state along the Nebraska border. The new map shows the type and age of rock layers found at or near the surface in the north-central Kansas county and identifies deposits of rocks and other materials of economic importance for construction and roads.

The county’s surface and near surface sedimentary bedrock formed during the Cretaceous geologic period 100 to 80 million years ago when the Western Interior Seaway covered the present-day Great Plains.&nbsp;

The rocks found in the county today are rich in marine fossils, including Inoceramus and Ostrea shells, turtles, rays and mosasaurs. A sandstone within the Dakota Formation known as the “shark-tooth conglomerate” contains teeth from several species of shark. In 1874, Benjamin Mudge, the first director of the Kansas Geological Survey, discovered a plesiosaur — a large, swimming reptile — in the Fort Hays Limestone Member in Jewell County.

Excavations at Lovewell Reservoir uncovered the bones of several mammoths associated with the Last Glacial Maximum, the last time glaciers reached their maximum extent, 20,000-26,000 years ago during the Pleistocene. A collection of other Pleistocene fossils discovered in the area, called the Lovewell Local Fauna, include camels, dire wolves, horses, llamas, sloths, and small mammals, toads, snakes, fish and birds.

“Archaeological excavations have indicated that prehistoric peoples occupied Jewell County, with the most extensive cultural activity apparently adjacent to Lovewell Reservoir and the rest of White Rock Creek valley,” Johnson said.&nbsp;

“The most prominent geological feature in Jewell County is the Niobrara Escarpment, which becomes apparent as you travel northwest from the plains in the southeastern part of the county toward the town of Mankato,” Woodburn said. “Erosion beneath the Fort Hays Limestone Member of the Niobrara Chalk reveals the distinctive Blue Hill Shale Member of the Carlile Shale, with its bluish-black coloring. This exposure creates a striking and unexpected landscape.”

Where the Blue Hill Shale Member is visible, large septarian nodules often can be found. These unusual rocks are concretions composed of brown calcite and cemented sediment.&nbsp;

The Jewell County map identifies sources of rocks and other materials used in construction and road development.

“Historically, the geologic resources of Jewell County have included sand and gravel, limestone, the post-rock building stone, chalk, ceramic clays, volcanic ash and lignite (a type of coal),” Johnson said. In the late 1800s and first half of the 1900s, residents mined lignite from the Dakota Formation for heating and cooking, fence-post limestone from the top of the Greenhorn Limestone for fencing and building construction, and volcanic ash for use in abrasives, ceramics, concrete and paint, among others.

Today, the main resources found in Jewell County are limestone from the Fort Hays Limestone Member, exposed along the Niobrara Escarpment, and the Greenhorn Limestone; sand and gravel from river deposits; and sandstone and shale from the Dakota Formation along Buffalo Creek.

The 62-inch by 49.5-inch “Surficial Geology of Jewell County, Kansas” contains the map; a report on the geography, geology, water and mineral resources, and paleontology of the county; a cross section; and an illustrated stratigraphic column. Shaded relief provides a three-dimensional quality that accentuates the hills and valleys. The cross section depicts a vertical slice of subsurface rock layers along a line running west to east across the county. The stratigraphic column shows the order in which rock units were deposited over time and a description of each unit. 

Towns, roads (from highways to unimproved roadways), elevation contours at 25-foot intervals, and township and range boundaries also appear on the map. 

The scale is 1:50,000, so that one inch on the map equals about three-quarters of a mile of actual distance.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kgs.ku.edu/General/Geology/County/ghj/jewell.html">The map can be accessed online</a>.

Geographic information systems (GIS) data for the map will be available for download from the&nbsp;<a href="https://hub.kansasgis.org/">Kansas Data Access and Support Center</a>&nbsp;(DASC), housed at the KGS, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ngm-bin/ngm_compsearch.pl">U.S. Geological Survey National Geologic Map Database catalog</a>. GIS data helps geologists visualize, analyze and interpret the geology of a mapped area.

Paper copies of “Surficial Geology of Jewell County, Kansas” may be purchased by contacting the&nbsp;<a href="https://kgs.ku.edu/kgs-publications-sales">KGS publication sales office</a>&nbsp;at 1930 Constant Ave., Lawrence, KS 66047-3724 (phone 785-864-3965 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kgs-publications@ku.edu">kgs-publications@ku.edu</a>) or the KGS’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kgs.ku.edu/kgsr">Kansas Geologic Sample Repository</a>&nbsp;at 4150 W. Monroe St., Wichita, KS 67209-2640 (phone 316-943-2343 ext. 200 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kgsr@ku.edu">kgsr@ku.edu</a>). The cost is $20 plus shipping and handling and, for Kansas residents, sales tax.

More information about county geologic maps and other KGS products is available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://kgs.ku.edu/">KGS website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757698224350.jpeg" alt="Surficial geology of Jewell County, Kansas. Kansas Geological Survey" />
 <figcaption>Surficial geology of Jewell County, Kansas. Kansas Geological Survey</figcaption>
 </figure>By JULIE TOLLESON KU News ServiceLAWRENCE—The Kansas Geological Survey has released a new full-color geologic map of Jewell County, where an ancient inland sea left rocks rich in fossils, time and erosion created a striking landscape, and excavations reveal evidence of prehistoric people.Authors of the map are William C. Johnson, professor emeritus, Department of Geography &amp; Atmospheric Science, and Terri Lee Woodburn, director of the Environmental Assessment Professional Science master’s program and associate teaching professor, University of Kansas. KGS cartographers John Dunham and Emily Bunse contributed map layout and database design.Jewell County lies in the Smoky Hills physiographic region of the state along the Nebraska border. The new map shows the type and age of rock layers found at or near the surface in the north-central Kansas county and identifies deposits of rocks and other materials of economic importance for construction and roads.The county’s surface and near surface sedimentary bedrock formed during the Cretaceous geologic period 100 to 80 million years ago when the Western Interior Seaway covered the present-day Great Plains.&nbsp;The rocks found in the county today are rich in marine fossils, including Inoceramus and Ostrea shells, turtles, rays and mosasaurs. A sandstone within the Dakota Formation known as the “shark-tooth conglomerate” contains teeth from several species of shark. In 1874, Benjamin Mudge, the first director of the Kansas Geological Survey, discovered a plesiosaur — a large, swimming reptile — in the Fort Hays Limestone Member in Jewell County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757698311175.jpeg" alt="Inoceramus shell fossil. Photo by William C. Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Inoceramus shell fossil. Photo by William C. Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>Excavations at Lovewell Reservoir uncovered the bones of several mammoths associated with the Last Glacial Maximum, the last time glaciers reached their maximum extent, 20,000-26,000 years ago during the Pleistocene. A collection of other Pleistocene fossils discovered in the area, called the Lovewell Local Fauna, include camels, dire wolves, horses, llamas, sloths, and small mammals, toads, snakes, fish and birds.“Archaeological excavations have indicated that prehistoric peoples occupied Jewell County, with the most extensive cultural activity apparently adjacent to Lovewell Reservoir and the rest of White Rock Creek valley,” Johnson said.&nbsp;<h2>Unique geology</h2>“The most prominent geological feature in Jewell County is the Niobrara Escarpment, which becomes apparent as you travel northwest from the plains in the southeastern part of the county toward the town of Mankato,” Woodburn said. “Erosion beneath the Fort Hays Limestone Member of the Niobrara Chalk reveals the distinctive Blue Hill Shale Member of the Carlile Shale, with its bluish-black coloring. This exposure creates a striking and unexpected landscape.”Where the Blue Hill Shale Member is visible, large septarian nodules often can be found. These unusual rocks are concretions composed of brown calcite and cemented sediment.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757698383918.jpeg" alt="Septarian nodules. Photo by William C. Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Septarian nodules. Photo by William C. Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>The Jewell County map identifies sources of rocks and other materials used in construction and road development.“Historically, the geologic resources of Jewell County have included sand and gravel, limestone, the post-rock building stone, chalk, ceramic clays, volcanic ash and lignite (a type of coal),” Johnson said. In the late 1800s and first half of the 1900s, residents mined lignite from the Dakota Formation for heating and cooking, fence-post limestone from the top of the Greenhorn Limestone for fencing and building construction, and volcanic ash for use in abrasives, ceramics, concrete and paint, among others.Today, the main resources found in Jewell County are limestone from the Fort Hays Limestone Member, exposed along the Niobrara Escarpment, and the Greenhorn Limestone; sand and gravel from river deposits; and sandstone and shale from the Dakota Formation along Buffalo Creek.<h2>About the map</h2>The 62-inch by 49.5-inch “Surficial Geology of Jewell County, Kansas” contains the map; a report on the geography, geology, water and mineral resources, and paleontology of the county; a cross section; and an illustrated stratigraphic column. Shaded relief provides a three-dimensional quality that accentuates the hills and valleys. The cross section depicts a vertical slice of subsurface rock layers along a line running west to east across the county. The stratigraphic column shows the order in which rock units were deposited over time and a description of each unit. Towns, roads (from highways to unimproved roadways), elevation contours at 25-foot intervals, and township and range boundaries also appear on the map. The scale is 1:50,000, so that one inch on the map equals about three-quarters of a mile of actual distance.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kgs.ku.edu/General/Geology/County/ghj/jewell.html">The map can be accessed online</a>.Geographic information systems (GIS) data for the map will be available for download from the&nbsp;<a href="https://hub.kansasgis.org/">Kansas Data Access and Support Center</a>&nbsp;(DASC), housed at the KGS, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ngm-bin/ngm_compsearch.pl">U.S. Geological Survey National Geologic Map Database catalog</a>. GIS data helps geologists visualize, analyze and interpret the geology of a mapped area.Paper copies of “Surficial Geology of Jewell County, Kansas” may be purchased by contacting the&nbsp;<a href="https://kgs.ku.edu/kgs-publications-sales">KGS publication sales office</a>&nbsp;at 1930 Constant Ave., Lawrence, KS 66047-3724 (phone 785-864-3965 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kgs-publications@ku.edu">kgs-publications@ku.edu</a>) or the KGS’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kgs.ku.edu/kgsr">Kansas Geologic Sample Repository</a>&nbsp;at 4150 W. Monroe St., Wichita, KS 67209-2640 (phone 316-943-2343 ext. 200 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kgsr@ku.edu">kgsr@ku.edu</a>). The cost is $20 plus shipping and handling and, for Kansas residents, sales tax. More information about county geologic maps and other KGS products is available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://kgs.ku.edu/">KGS website</a>.

Misc