WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;called late Thursday for the “immediate” release of the federal warrant the FBI used to search his Florida estate, hours after the Justice Department had asked a court to unseal the warrant, with Attorney General Merrick Garland citing the “substantial public interest in this matter.”

In messages posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Not only will I not oppose the release of documents ... I am going a step further by ENCOURAGING the immediate release of those documents.” He continued to assail the FBI search of Mar-a-Lago as “unAmerican, unwarranted and unnecessary.”

“Release the documents now!” he wrote.

The Justice Department request earlier Thursday is striking because such documents traditionally remain sealed during a pending investigation. But the department appeared to recognize that its silence since the search had created a vacuum for bitter verbal attacks by Trump and his allies, and that the public was entitled to the FBI's side about what prompted Monday's action at the former president's home.

“The public’s clear and powerful interest in understanding what occurred under these circumstances weighs heavily in favor of unsealing,” said a motion filed in federal court in Florida on Thursday.

Should the warrant be released — the request is now with the judge — it could disclose unflattering information about the former president and about FBI scrutiny of his handling of sensitive government documents right as he prepares for another run for the White House. During his successful 2016 campaign, he pointed frequently to an FBI investigation into his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b1f8075d21964477b9deae6134f8d022">over whether she mishandled classified information</a>.

It's unclear at this point how much information would be included in the documents, if made public, or if they would encompass an FBI affidavit that would presumably lay out a detailed factual basis for the search. The department specifically requested the unsealing of the warrant as well as a property receipt listing the items that were seized, along with two unspecified attachments.

To obtain a search warrant, federal authorities must prove to a judge that probable cause exists to believe that a crime was committed. Garland said he personally approved the warrant, a decision he said the department did not take lightly given that standard practice where possible is to select less intrusive tactics than a search of one's home.

In this case, according to a person familiar with the matter, there was substantial engagement with Trump and his representatives prior to the search warrant, including a subpoena for records and a visit to Mar-a-Lago a couple of months ago by FBI and Justice Department officials to assess how the documents were stored. The person was not authorized to discuss the matter by name and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Neither Trump nor the FBI has said anything about what documents the FBI might have recovered, or what precisely agents were looking for. But the former president complained anew Thursday about the search.

Trump, who for years has lambasted the FBI and sought to sow distrust among his supporters in its decisions, said the warrant was served and the search conducted despite his cooperation with the Justice Department over the search.

In a post to his Truth Social platform, Trump said that his “attorneys and representatives were cooperating fully” prior to the search, and that government officials “could have had whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted, if we had it."

The Justice Department has until Friday afternoon to alert the judge about whether Trump will object to the release.

FBI and Justice Department policy cautions against discussing ongoing investigations, both to protect the integrity of probes and to avoid unfairly maligning someone who is being scrutinized but winds up ultimately not being charged. That’s especially true in the case of search warrants, where supporting court papers are routinely kept secret as the investigation proceeds.

In this case, though, Garland cited the fact that Trump himself had provided the first public confirmation of the FBI search, “as is his right." The Justice Department, in its new filing, also said that disclosing information about it now would not harm the court's functions.

Even so, Garland, in a hastily scheduled public statement delivered from the Justice Department podium, appeared to acknowledge the unusual nature of the department's request as he declined to take questions or provide any substantive details about the FBI's investigation.

“Much of our work is by necessity conducted out of the public eye. We do that to protect the constitutional rights of all Americans and to protect the integrity of our investigations," he said. "Federal law, longstanding department rules and our ethical obligations prevent me from providing further details as to the basis of the search at this time.”

The Justice Department under Garland has been leery of public statements about politically charged investigations, or of confirming to what extent it might be investigating Trump as part of a broader probe into the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol and efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

The department has tried to avoid being seen as injecting itself into presidential politics, as happened in 2016 when then-FBI Director James Comey made an unusual public statement announcing that the FBI would not be recommending criminal charges against Clinton regarding her handling of email — and when he spoke up again just over a week before the election to notify Congress that the probe was being effectively reopened because of the discovery of new emails.

The Mar-a-Lago search warrant served Monday was part of an ongoing Justice Department investigation into the discovery of classified White House records recovered from Trump's home in Palm Beach, Florida, earlier this year. The National Archives had asked the department to investigate after saying 15 boxes of records it retrieved from the estate included classified records. Multiple federal laws govern the handling of classified information.

The attorney general also condemned verbal attacks on FBI and Justice Department personnel over the search. Some Republican allies of Trump have called for the FBI to be defunded. Large numbers of Trump supporters have called for the warrant to be released hoping they it will show that Trump was unfairly targeted.

“I will not stand by silently when their integrity is unfairly attacked,” Garland said of federal law enforcement agents, calling them “dedicated, patriotic public servants.”

Earlier Thursday, an armed man wearing body armor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-cincinnati-armed-man-b4701596a0eb9770e3b29e95328f5704">tried to breach a security screening area</a>&nbsp;at an FBI field office in Ohio, then fled and was later killed after a standoff with law enforcement. A law enforcement official briefed on the matter identified the man as Ricky Shiffer and said he is believed to have been in Washington in the days leading up to the attack on the Capitol and may have been there on the day it took place.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;called late Thursday for the “immediate” release of the federal warrant the FBI used to search his Florida estate, hours after the Justice Department had asked a court to unseal the warrant, with Attorney General Merrick Garland citing the “substantial public interest in this matter.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660299491275.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In messages posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Not only will I not oppose the release of documents ... I am going a step further by ENCOURAGING the immediate release of those documents.” He continued to assail the FBI search of Mar-a-Lago as “unAmerican, unwarranted and unnecessary.”“Release the documents now!” he wrote.The Justice Department request earlier Thursday is striking because such documents traditionally remain sealed during a pending investigation. But the department appeared to recognize that its silence since the search had created a vacuum for bitter verbal attacks by Trump and his allies, and that the public was entitled to the FBI's side about what prompted Monday's action at the former president's home.“The public’s clear and powerful interest in understanding what occurred under these circumstances weighs heavily in favor of unsealing,” said a motion filed in federal court in Florida on Thursday.Should the warrant be released — the request is now with the judge — it could disclose unflattering information about the former president and about FBI scrutiny of his handling of sensitive government documents right as he prepares for another run for the White House. During his successful 2016 campaign, he pointed frequently to an FBI investigation into his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b1f8075d21964477b9deae6134f8d022">over whether she mishandled classified information</a>.It's unclear at this point how much information would be included in the documents, if made public, or if they would encompass an FBI affidavit that would presumably lay out a detailed factual basis for the search. The department specifically requested the unsealing of the warrant as well as a property receipt listing the items that were seized, along with two unspecified attachments.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I2w26ecbq-Q?start=3" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>To obtain a search warrant, federal authorities must prove to a judge that probable cause exists to believe that a crime was committed. Garland said he personally approved the warrant, a decision he said the department did not take lightly given that standard practice where possible is to select less intrusive tactics than a search of one's home.In this case, according to a person familiar with the matter, there was substantial engagement with Trump and his representatives prior to the search warrant, including a subpoena for records and a visit to Mar-a-Lago a couple of months ago by FBI and Justice Department officials to assess how the documents were stored. The person was not authorized to discuss the matter by name and spoke on condition of anonymity.Neither Trump nor the FBI has said anything about what documents the FBI might have recovered, or what precisely agents were looking for. But the former president complained anew Thursday about the search.Trump, who for years has lambasted the FBI and sought to sow distrust among his supporters in its decisions, said the warrant was served and the search conducted despite his cooperation with the Justice Department over the search.In a post to his Truth Social platform, Trump said that his “attorneys and representatives were cooperating fully” prior to the search, and that government officials “could have had whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted, if we had it."The Justice Department has until Friday afternoon to alert the judge about whether Trump will object to the release.FBI and Justice Department policy cautions against discussing ongoing investigations, both to protect the integrity of probes and to avoid unfairly maligning someone who is being scrutinized but winds up ultimately not being charged. That’s especially true in the case of search warrants, where supporting court papers are routinely kept secret as the investigation proceeds.In this case, though, Garland cited the fact that Trump himself had provided the first public confirmation of the FBI search, “as is his right." The Justice Department, in its new filing, also said that disclosing information about it now would not harm the court's functions.Even so, Garland, in a hastily scheduled public statement delivered from the Justice Department podium, appeared to acknowledge the unusual nature of the department's request as he declined to take questions or provide any substantive details about the FBI's investigation.“Much of our work is by necessity conducted out of the public eye. We do that to protect the constitutional rights of all Americans and to protect the integrity of our investigations," he said. "Federal law, longstanding department rules and our ethical obligations prevent me from providing further details as to the basis of the search at this time.”The Justice Department under Garland has been leery of public statements about politically charged investigations, or of confirming to what extent it might be investigating Trump as part of a broader probe into the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol and efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.The department has tried to avoid being seen as injecting itself into presidential politics, as happened in 2016 when then-FBI Director James Comey made an unusual public statement announcing that the FBI would not be recommending criminal charges against Clinton regarding her handling of email — and when he spoke up again just over a week before the election to notify Congress that the probe was being effectively reopened because of the discovery of new emails.The Mar-a-Lago search warrant served Monday was part of an ongoing Justice Department investigation into the discovery of classified White House records recovered from Trump's home in Palm Beach, Florida, earlier this year. The National Archives had asked the department to investigate after saying 15 boxes of records it retrieved from the estate included classified records. Multiple federal laws govern the handling of classified information.The attorney general also condemned verbal attacks on FBI and Justice Department personnel over the search. Some Republican allies of Trump have called for the FBI to be defunded. Large numbers of Trump supporters have called for the warrant to be released hoping they it will show that Trump was unfairly targeted.“I will not stand by silently when their integrity is unfairly attacked,” Garland said of federal law enforcement agents, calling them “dedicated, patriotic public servants.”Earlier Thursday, an armed man wearing body armor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-cincinnati-armed-man-b4701596a0eb9770e3b29e95328f5704">tried to breach a security screening area</a>&nbsp;at an FBI field office in Ohio, then fled and was later killed after a standoff with law enforcement. A law enforcement official briefed on the matter identified the man as Ricky Shiffer and said he is believed to have been in Washington in the days leading up to the attack on the Capitol and may have been there on the day it took place.

🎥 Trump calls for 'immediate' release of Mar-a-Lago warrant

RENO COUNTY —Crews were busy again fighting grass fires Thursday in Reno County.

Just after 1:30 p.m., Reno Kingman Joint Fire District # 1 was called to a grass fire in the area of K-14 and Pleasant Valley Road, according&nbsp; to Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar in a media release.

Residential structures were threatened, but none were damaged. Dry conditions contributed to rapid fire spread.

For a period of time K-14 between Fountain Green and Castleton was closed due to heavy smoke conditions across the highway. Reno County Sheriff's Office, Haven Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol provided traffic control.

The fire was finally brought under control at approximately 4 p.m. Units were still on the scene late into the afternoon and early evening for mop up. A Task Force was activated along with mutual aid units to assist in the fire including Reno Harvey Joint Fire District # 2, Reno County Fire District # 3, Reno County Fire District # 8, Reno County Fire District # 9, South Hutchinson Fire Department and Hutchinson Fire Department. Pretty Prairie EMS and Reno County Emergency Management.

A total of sixteen apparatus and support units responded along with 36 personnel. At the current time, it is estimated 80 acres burned. Farm machinery was the fire’s ignition source.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The second fire near Fun Valley was called in just before 2:30 p.m. That fire required extensive overhaul and chainsaw operations and crews were on scene there for about three hours.

A third call came in just before 4:30 p.m. to 3501 West 9th, where crews found multiple brush piles and debris on fire spreading through multiple yards. That fire was contained quickly, but required extensive overhaul.

No injuries were reported from any of the fires. Temperatures were in the 90s Thursday afternoon with relative humidity below 30%.

RENO COUNTY —Crews were busy again fighting grass fires Thursday in Reno County.Just after 1:30 p.m., Reno Kingman Joint Fire District # 1 was called to a grass fire in the area of K-14 and Pleasant Valley Road, according&nbsp; to Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar in a media release.Residential structures were threatened, but none were damaged. Dry conditions contributed to rapid fire spread.For a period of time K-14 between Fountain Green and Castleton was closed due to heavy smoke conditions across the highway. Reno County Sheriff's Office, Haven Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol provided traffic control.The fire was finally brought under control at approximately 4 p.m. Units were still on the scene late into the afternoon and early evening for mop up. A Task Force was activated along with mutual aid units to assist in the fire including Reno Harvey Joint Fire District # 2, Reno County Fire District # 3, Reno County Fire District # 8, Reno County Fire District # 9, South Hutchinson Fire Department and Hutchinson Fire Department. Pretty Prairie EMS and Reno County Emergency Management.A total of sixteen apparatus and support units responded along with 36 personnel. At the current time, it is estimated 80 acres burned. Farm machinery was the fire’s ignition source.&nbsp;&nbsp;The second fire near Fun Valley was called in just before 2:30 p.m. That fire required extensive overhaul and chainsaw operations and crews were on scene there for about three hours.A third call came in just before 4:30 p.m. to 3501 West 9th, where crews found multiple brush piles and debris on fire spreading through multiple yards. That fire was contained quickly, but required extensive overhaul.No injuries were reported from any of the fires. Temperatures were in the 90s Thursday afternoon with relative humidity below 30%.

80 acres burned in Reno County grass fire

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission this week announced it is rejecting the long-form applications of LTD Broadband and Starlink to receive support through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund program.  The Commission determined that these applications failed to demonstrate that the providers could deliver the promised service.  Funding these vast proposed networks would not be the best use of limited Universal Service Fund dollars to bring broadband to unserved areas across the United States, the Commission concluded.

“After careful legal, technical, and policy review, we are rejecting these applications.  Consumers deserve reliable and affordable high-speed broadband,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel.  “We must put scarce universal service dollars to their best possible use as we move into a digital future that demands ever more powerful and faster networks.  We cannot afford to subsidize ventures that are not delivering the promised speeds or are not likely to meet program requirements.”

“Starlink’s technology has real promise,” continued Rosenworcel.  “But the question before us was whether to publicly subsidize its still developing technology for consumer broadband—which requires that users purchase a $600 dish—with nearly $900 million in universal service funds until 2032.” 

In the initial auction results announced December 7, 2020, LTD Broadband won $1,320,920,718.60, and Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (Starlink) won $885,509,638.40.

Although LTD was a relatively small fixed wireless provider before the auction, it was the largest winning bidder in the auction, submitting winning bids in 15 states.  Subsequently, it failed to timely receive eligible telecommunications carrier status in seven states, rendering it ineligible in those states for support.  Ultimately, the FCC review concluded that LTD was not reasonably capable of deploying a network of the scope, scale, and size required by LTD’s extensive winning bids.

The Commission separately announced that is ready to authorize $21,112,263 in broadband funding to three companies to deploy gigabit service to almost 15,000 locations in four states Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.  

To date, the RDOF program has authorized more than $5 billion in funding to bring primarily fiber gigabit broadband service to over 3,000,000 locations in 47 states.  With support from this program, hundreds of carriers have already begun deploying these future-proof networks to connect unserved areas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660328523310.png" alt="A batch of 60 Starlink test satellites stacked atop a Falcon 9 rocket, close to be put in orbit. SpaceX photo / public domain" />
 <figcaption>A batch of 60 Starlink test satellites stacked atop a Falcon 9 rocket, close to be put in orbit. SpaceX photo / public domain</figcaption>
 </figure>FCCWASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission this week announced it is rejecting the long-form applications of LTD Broadband and Starlink to receive support through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund program. The Commission determined that these applications failed to demonstrate that the providers could deliver the promised service. Funding these vast proposed networks would not be the best use of limited Universal Service Fund dollars to bring broadband to unserved areas across the United States, the Commission concluded.“After careful legal, technical, and policy review, we are rejecting these applications. Consumers deserve reliable and affordable high-speed broadband,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “We must put scarce universal service dollars to their best possible use as we move into a digital future that demands ever more powerful and faster networks. We cannot afford to subsidize ventures that are not delivering the promised speeds or are not likely to meet program requirements.”“Starlink’s technology has real promise,” continued Rosenworcel. “But the question before us was whether to publicly subsidize its still developing technology for consumer broadband—which requires that users purchase a $600 dish—with nearly $900 million in universal service funds until 2032.” In the initial auction results announced December 7, 2020, LTD Broadband won $1,320,920,718.60, and Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (Starlink) won $885,509,638.40.Although LTD was a relatively small fixed wireless provider before the auction, it was the largest winning bidder in the auction, submitting winning bids in 15 states. Subsequently, it failed to timely receive eligible telecommunications carrier status in seven states, rendering it ineligible in those states for support. Ultimately, the FCC review concluded that LTD was not reasonably capable of deploying a network of the scope, scale, and size required by LTD’s extensive winning bids.The Commission separately announced that is ready to authorize $21,112,263 in broadband funding to three companies to deploy gigabit service to almost 15,000 locations in four states Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. To date, the RDOF program has authorized more than $5 billion in funding to bring primarily fiber gigabit broadband service to over 3,000,000 locations in 47 states. With support from this program, hundreds of carriers have already begun deploying these future-proof networks to connect unserved areas.

FCC rejects rural broadband funds for Musk's Starlink

OSAGE COUNTY —The Osage County Sheriff’s Office and the Osage City Police Department have created a joint task force to help eradicate the use and sale of narcotics in our communities, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

On Tuesday afternoon, the task force conducted a narcotics search warrant at 714 Market Street in Osage City. Two subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail facility.

Tanny L. Kendall, 62, of Osage City is being held on requested charges that include Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Possession of marijuana and Possession of drug paraphernalia

Shane A Kendall, 46, of Osage City is being held on requested charges that include&nbsp;Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; Tanny is married to Shane's brother, according to the Osage County Sheriff's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660163225444.png" alt="Kendall-photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Kendall-photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —The Osage County Sheriff’s Office and the Osage City Police Department have created a joint task force to help eradicate the use and sale of narcotics in our communities, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.On Tuesday afternoon, the task force conducted a narcotics search warrant at 714 Market Street in Osage City. Two subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail facility.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660163179644.png" alt="Kendall-photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Kendall-photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>Tanny L. Kendall, 62, of Osage City is being held on requested charges that include Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Possession of marijuana and Possession of drug paraphernaliaShane A Kendall, 46, of Osage City is being held on requested charges that include&nbsp;Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; Tanny is married to Shane's brother, according to the Osage County Sheriff's office.

Kansas man, sister-in-law accused of selling drugs

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A pursuit through the northern part of Salina ended early Thursday when a Salina Police Department K-9 caught up with the driver who fled a traffic stop on foot.

Just after 2 a.m. Thursday an officer noticed that a 2000 Cadillac without a license plate light failed to use a turn signal in the 700 block of N. 12th Street, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

 Before the officer could initiate a stop, the car accelerated away from the scene and the officer began a pursuit of the car through parts of north Salina.

Forrester said the maximum speed during the pursuit was 50 mph.

The car entered Thomas Park, 1525 N. Ninth Street, and traveled to the west end of the park, where the driver jumped out of the car and fled on foot into the woods, leaving the car in gear. The car struck a fence and then came to rest when it hit a tree, Forrester said. A male passenger was still in the car.

The pursuing officer deployed K-9 Tyrann, who chased the driver approximately 250 yards into the woods before apprehending him.

The driver, identified as Tyler Paxson, 32, of Salina, was found to have a suspended driver's license. He also was found to allegedly be in possession of methamphetamine, Forrester said. Additionally, the car had on it a license plate stolen from another vehicle.

Paxson was arrested on requested charges of Flee and elude, Felony interference with a law enforcement officer, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of stolen property, Driving while suspended, No proof of insurance and Multiple traffic violations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660230258741.jpeg" alt="Tyler Paxson. Photo Saline County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Tyler Paxson. Photo Saline County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA pursuit through the northern part of Salina ended early Thursday when a Salina Police Department K-9 caught up with the driver who fled a traffic stop on foot.Just after 2 a.m. Thursday an officer noticed that a 2000 Cadillac without a license plate light failed to use a turn signal in the 700 block of N. 12th Street, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. Before the officer could initiate a stop, the car accelerated away from the scene and the officer began a pursuit of the car through parts of north Salina.Forrester said the maximum speed during the pursuit was 50 mph.The car entered Thomas Park, 1525 N. Ninth Street, and traveled to the west end of the park, where the driver jumped out of the car and fled on foot into the woods, leaving the car in gear. The car struck a fence and then came to rest when it hit a tree, Forrester said. A male passenger was still in the car.The pursuing officer deployed K-9 Tyrann, who chased the driver approximately 250 yards into the woods before apprehending him.The driver, identified as Tyler Paxson, 32, of Salina, was found to have a suspended driver's license. He also was found to allegedly be in possession of methamphetamine, Forrester said. Additionally, the car had on it a license plate stolen from another vehicle.Paxson was arrested on requested charges of Flee and elude, Felony interference with a law enforcement officer, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of stolen property, Driving while suspended, No proof of insurance and Multiple traffic violations.

Sheriff's K-9 captures Kansas theft, drug suspect

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal jury convicted a Kansas veteran of wire fraud and theft of government funds in charges related to a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) out of disability benefits.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Bruce Hay, 53, of Greeley, a U.S. Army veteran and former Osawatomie resident, fraudulently misrepresented and exaggerated the extent of symptoms related to a purported conversion disorder diagnosis to receive VA disability benefits to which he was not entitled. Specifically, 

Hay claimed he had constant jerking movements, tremors, head-bobs, could walk only with the use of a walker, and could not engage in basic activities of daily living, such as bathing, toileting, dressing, and eating. During VA examinations, he faked and exaggerated physical symptoms—displaying a significant limp, muscle spasms, head bobs, and jerking movements. Immediately before and after these examinations, he used a walker that he didn’t normally use outside of VA facilities. 

The VA found that Hay was 100% disabled based on those fraudulent misrepresentations.

Information collected through surveillance, video footage, photographs, testimony from community members, and other evidence showed Hay’s claims of mobility limitations as false. He, without assistance, engaged in residential construction, threw hay bales on the back of moving trucks, hunted deer, drove regularly, and hauled more than a million pounds of scrap metal.

As a result of his misrepresentations, Hay fraudulently received more than $450,000 in VA benefits. A jury found Hay guilty of six counts of wire fraud and 10 counts of theft of government funds.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 27, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Julie A. Robinson. Hay faces a maximum of penalty of 20 years in federal prison. 

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal jury convicted a Kansas veteran of wire fraud and theft of government funds in charges related to a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) out of disability benefits.According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Bruce Hay, 53, of Greeley, a U.S. Army veteran and former Osawatomie resident, fraudulently misrepresented and exaggerated the extent of symptoms related to a purported conversion disorder diagnosis to receive VA disability benefits to which he was not entitled. Specifically, Hay claimed he had constant jerking movements, tremors, head-bobs, could walk only with the use of a walker, and could not engage in basic activities of daily living, such as bathing, toileting, dressing, and eating. During VA examinations, he faked and exaggerated physical symptoms—displaying a significant limp, muscle spasms, head bobs, and jerking movements. Immediately before and after these examinations, he used a walker that he didn’t normally use outside of VA facilities. The VA found that Hay was 100% disabled based on those fraudulent misrepresentations.Information collected through surveillance, video footage, photographs, testimony from community members, and other evidence showed Hay’s claims of mobility limitations as false. He, without assistance, engaged in residential construction, threw hay bales on the back of moving trucks, hunted deer, drove regularly, and hauled more than a million pounds of scrap metal.As a result of his misrepresentations, Hay fraudulently received more than $450,000 in VA benefits. A jury found Hay guilty of six counts of wire fraud and 10 counts of theft of government funds.Sentencing is scheduled for October 27, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Julie A. Robinson. Hay faces a maximum of penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

Jury: Kan. veteran faked illness, received $450K in disability benefits

MCPHERSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a phone scam that cost a man in McPherson County a lot of money.

On August 6,&nbsp; the McPherson Police Department learned the reporting party received a scam phone call from an individual who claimed to be a family member, according to a social media report from police.

The caller advised they needed $12,000 for a bond to get out of jail. The reporting party was then contacted by an individual who claimed to be an attorney who told them to call a bonds company in the area.

 The reporting party contacted Eagle Bail Bond’s and he was notified they did not have any information reference the family member being in jail. 

The reporting party went to the bank and retrieved the $12,000 in cash in $100 bills. The reporting party was later contacted by an individual who claimed to be an employee of Eagle Bail Bonds. 

The reporting party met with an unknown hispanic male, who went by the name of “Garcia”, who drove a 2005-2010 orange 4-door Sedan. The reporting party described the man to be approximately 18 years old with short hair. 

The reporting party gave the money to “Garcia” and watched him leave. The McPherson County Sheriff’s Office took a report of the similar incident with the same amount money being scammed. 

Anyone with information on this incident, is asked contact the McPherson County Crimestoppers (620)241-1122&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619452442605.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a phone scam that cost a man in McPherson County a lot of money.On August 6,&nbsp; the McPherson Police Department learned the reporting party received a scam phone call from an individual who claimed to be a family member, according to a social media report from police.The caller advised they needed $12,000 for a bond to get out of jail. The reporting party was then contacted by an individual who claimed to be an attorney who told them to call a bonds company in the area. The reporting party contacted Eagle Bail Bond’s and he was notified they did not have any information reference the family member being in jail. The reporting party went to the bank and retrieved the $12,000 in cash in $100 bills. The reporting party was later contacted by an individual who claimed to be an employee of Eagle Bail Bonds. The reporting party met with an unknown hispanic male, who went by the name of “Garcia”, who drove a 2005-2010 orange 4-door Sedan. The reporting party described the man to be approximately 18 years old with short hair. The reporting party gave the money to “Garcia” and watched him leave. The McPherson County Sheriff’s Office took a report of the similar incident with the same amount money being scammed. Anyone with information on this incident, is asked contact the McPherson County Crimestoppers (620)241-1122&nbsp;

Police: Kansas man lost $12,000 in bail bond scam

Few know about the process because courts don’t tell juries they have this power

By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-08-11/attorneys-argue-juries-should-know-they-dont-need-to-convict-on-unpopular-abortion-and-drug-laws">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA — Merely mentioning it in court could lead to a mistrial.

Jury
 nullification, where juries look the other way when someone breaks a 
law they find unjust, can help a defendant land an acquittal. That 
get-out-of-jail-free card is all but disappearing from courtrooms.

Defense
 attorneys want it back and some say the rise in laws criminalizing 
abortions or continued criminalization of marijuana — or other drug laws
 — could make the technique more prominent in the future.

Kirsten 
Tynan, executive director of the Fully Informed Jury Association, is 
usually scanning social media to find people talking about jury 
nullification. But the rare legal maneuver rarely popped up until the 
U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

“That topic blew up,” she said. “There is great potential for that to be something with broader applications.”

If
 it regains prominence, it will be a long and unlikely path back to 
courtrooms because juries are rarely told they have this power. The 
Kansas Supreme Court ruled there is no right to nullification and 
therefore no reason for judges to tell juries they can do this. Even as 
it railed against the process, the state’s high court said juries have 
the power to overlook the law. There is no law against a jury ignoring 
the law.

Opponents of jury nullification say it will push the legal system into chaos if used more often.

“We
 are a nation of laws,” Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett 
said in an email. “If citizens disagree with the laws to which they are 
subject, they are free to seek changes to existing law by lobbying their
 respective legislature(s), running for office or raising awareness.”

Bennett
 said allowing jurors to disregard the law and deliberate with feelings 
or political opinions will bring disproportionate convictions.

Jury
 nullifications have a long past. They helped citizens avoid prosecution
 during prohibition and some pre-civil war juries refused to convict 
people who helped people escape enslavement. But the tactic also allowed
 all-white juries to free defendants who killed Black people.

That’s
 why critics of jury nullification worry the practice leads to more 
random outcomes, ones that hinge on the makeup of a jury or shifting 
political moods in a community. Juries that stick to applying the facts 
they’re presented and applying them to the law, that side argues, 
ultimately produce something closer to justice.

Tynan with the 
Fully Informed Jury Association knows juries will acquit people she 
would convict. Those kinds of cases are worth the cost, to her, if it 
spares some people the injustice of an inflexible court system.

Tynan
 said prosecutors can decide whether to pursue charges or not. Judges 
can overturn some guilty verdicts and presidents or governors can pardon
 someone who was convicted of a crime. She argues juries deserve the 
same level of discretion other parts of the legal system enjoy.

“We
 have had over 800 years of common law legal systems with juries 
empowered to nullify, and we have yet to devolve into this anarchy I’m 
constantly told will happen at any moment,” Tynan said.

It isn’t 
clear how many Kansas cases end in nullification, though a Wichita trial
 in the early 2000s was retried because one juror voted not guilty 
because they felt the defendant was overcharged.

Lana Jackson, who
 was later found guilty in that case, was charged with felony murder 
after a drug deal she set up went wrong. The deal fell through and one 
person she was with killed the other. Jackson didn’t kill anyone and was
 found guilty because her actions indirectly led to someone else’s 
death.

Jackson is still in prison and could be released in 2024.

Micah
 Kubic, executive director of the ACLU of Kansas, said jury 
nullification is still relevant today even though it isn’t widely used.

Kubic
 said more people should know about nullification but stopped short of 
saying every jury should be told about it. He said there is no harm in 
letting more juries know about the power granted to them.

“Jury nullification is a tool like anything else that can be used for good or it can be used for ill,” he said.

Blaise
 Mesa reports on criminal justice and social services for the Kansas 
News Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter @Blaise_Mesa or 
email him at blaise@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660238853314.png" alt="Abortion bans split public opinion, and laws criminalizing the practice could split more juries. Blaise Mesa / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Abortion bans split public opinion, and laws criminalizing the practice could split more juries. Blaise Mesa / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Few know about the process because courts don’t tell juries they have this power</h2>By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-08-11/attorneys-argue-juries-should-know-they-dont-need-to-convict-on-unpopular-abortion-and-drug-laws">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA — Merely mentioning it in court could lead to a mistrial.Jury
 nullification, where juries look the other way when someone breaks a 
law they find unjust, can help a defendant land an acquittal. That 
get-out-of-jail-free card is all but disappearing from courtrooms.Defense
 attorneys want it back and some say the rise in laws criminalizing 
abortions or continued criminalization of marijuana — or other drug laws
 — could make the technique more prominent in the future.Kirsten 
Tynan, executive director of the Fully Informed Jury Association, is 
usually scanning social media to find people talking about jury 
nullification. But the rare legal maneuver rarely popped up until the 
U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.“That topic blew up,” she said. “There is great potential for that to be something with broader applications.”If
 it regains prominence, it will be a long and unlikely path back to 
courtrooms because juries are rarely told they have this power. The 
Kansas Supreme Court ruled there is no right to nullification and 
therefore no reason for judges to tell juries they can do this. Even as 
it railed against the process, the state’s high court said juries have 
the power to overlook the law. There is no law against a jury ignoring 
the law.Opponents of jury nullification say it will push the legal system into chaos if used more often.“We
 are a nation of laws,” Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett 
said in an email. “If citizens disagree with the laws to which they are 
subject, they are free to seek changes to existing law by lobbying their
 respective legislature(s), running for office or raising awareness.”Bennett
 said allowing jurors to disregard the law and deliberate with feelings 
or political opinions will bring disproportionate convictions.Jury
 nullifications have a long past. They helped citizens avoid prosecution
 during prohibition and some pre-civil war juries refused to convict 
people who helped people escape enslavement. But the tactic also allowed
 all-white juries to free defendants who killed Black people.That’s
 why critics of jury nullification worry the practice leads to more 
random outcomes, ones that hinge on the makeup of a jury or shifting 
political moods in a community. Juries that stick to applying the facts 
they’re presented and applying them to the law, that side argues, 
ultimately produce something closer to justice.Tynan with the 
Fully Informed Jury Association knows juries will acquit people she 
would convict. Those kinds of cases are worth the cost, to her, if it 
spares some people the injustice of an inflexible court system.Tynan
 said prosecutors can decide whether to pursue charges or not. Judges 
can overturn some guilty verdicts and presidents or governors can pardon
 someone who was convicted of a crime. She argues juries deserve the 
same level of discretion other parts of the legal system enjoy.“We
 have had over 800 years of common law legal systems with juries 
empowered to nullify, and we have yet to devolve into this anarchy I’m 
constantly told will happen at any moment,” Tynan said.It isn’t 
clear how many Kansas cases end in nullification, though a Wichita trial
 in the early 2000s was retried because one juror voted not guilty 
because they felt the defendant was overcharged.Lana Jackson, who
 was later found guilty in that case, was charged with felony murder 
after a drug deal she set up went wrong. The deal fell through and one 
person she was with killed the other. Jackson didn’t kill anyone and was
 found guilty because her actions indirectly led to someone else’s 
death.Jackson is still in prison and could be released in 2024.Micah
 Kubic, executive director of the ACLU of Kansas, said jury 
nullification is still relevant today even though it isn’t widely used.Kubic
 said more people should know about nullification but stopped short of 
saying every jury should be told about it. He said there is no harm in 
letting more juries know about the power granted to them.“Jury nullification is a tool like anything else that can be used for good or it can be used for ill,” he said.Blaise
 Mesa reports on criminal justice and social services for the Kansas 
News Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter @Blaise_Mesa or 
email him at blaise@kcur.org.

Attorneys: Kan. juries don't need to convict on abortion, drug laws

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department is asking a federal court to unseal the warrant the FBI used to search the Mar-a-Lago estate of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">former President Donald Trump</a>, Attorney General Merrick Garland said Thursday, acknowledging extraordinary public interest in the case about classified records.

The request is striking because such documents traditionally remain sealed during a pending investigation. But the Justice Department appeared to recognize that its silence since the search had created a vacuum for bitter verbal attacks by Trump and his allies and Garland wanted to provide the FBI's side for what led to the action.

“The public’s clear and powerful interest in understanding what occurred under these circumstances weighs heavily in favor of unsealing,” said a motion filed in federal court in Florida on Thursday seeking the unsealing.

Should the warrant be released — the request is now with the judge, and Trump can object — it could disclose potentially unflattering information about the former president and his handling of sensitive government documents right as he prepares for another run for the White House. During his successful 2016 campaign, he pointed frequently to an FBI investigation into his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, over whether she mishandled classified information.

It's unclear at this point how much information would be included in the documents, if made public, or if they would encompass an FBI affidavit that would presumably lay out a detailed factual basis for the search. To obtain a search warrant, federal authorities must prove to a judge that probable cause exists to believe that a crime was committed.

Neither Trump nor the FBI has said anything about what documents the FBI might have recovered. But the former president complained anew on Thursday about the search.

Trump, who for years has lambasted the FBI and sought to sow distrust among his supporters in its decisions, said the warrant was served and the search conducted despite his cooperation with the Justice Department.

In this case, though, Garland cited the fact that Trump himself had provided the first public confirmation of the FBI search, “as his right." The Justice Department, in its new filing, also said that disclosing information about it now would not harm the court's functions.

He said he personally approved the search warrant, a step he said was part of an ongoing Justice Department investigation into the discovery of classified White House records recovered from Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach, Florida, earlier this year. The National Archives had asked the department to investigate after saying that classified records were found in 15 boxes of records that it retrieved from the estate.

The attorney general condemned verbal attacks on FBI and Justice Department personnel over the search. Some Republican allies of Trump have called for the FBI to be defunded.

Earlier Thursday, an armed man wearing body armor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-cincinnati-armed-man-b4701596a0eb9770e3b29e95328f5704">tried to breach a security screening area</a>&nbsp;at an FBI field office in Ohio, then fled and was injured in an exchange of gunfire in a standoff with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660245518847.png" alt="Garland cited the “substantial public interest in this matter” in announcing the request at a hastily scheduled Justice Department news conference-photo U.S. Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Garland cited the “substantial public interest in this matter” in announcing the request at a hastily scheduled Justice Department news conference-photo U.S. Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department is asking a federal court to unseal the warrant the FBI used to search the Mar-a-Lago estate of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">former President Donald Trump</a>, Attorney General Merrick Garland said Thursday, acknowledging extraordinary public interest in the case about classified records.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I2w26ecbq-Q?start=3" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The request is striking because such documents traditionally remain sealed during a pending investigation. But the Justice Department appeared to recognize that its silence since the search had created a vacuum for bitter verbal attacks by Trump and his allies and Garland wanted to provide the FBI's side for what led to the action.“The public’s clear and powerful interest in understanding what occurred under these circumstances weighs heavily in favor of unsealing,” said a motion filed in federal court in Florida on Thursday seeking the unsealing.Should the warrant be released — the request is now with the judge, and Trump can object — it could disclose potentially unflattering information about the former president and his handling of sensitive government documents right as he prepares for another run for the White House. During his successful 2016 campaign, he pointed frequently to an FBI investigation into his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, over whether she mishandled classified information.It's unclear at this point how much information would be included in the documents, if made public, or if they would encompass an FBI affidavit that would presumably lay out a detailed factual basis for the search. To obtain a search warrant, federal authorities must prove to a judge that probable cause exists to believe that a crime was committed.Neither Trump nor the FBI has said anything about what documents the FBI might have recovered. But the former president complained anew on Thursday about the search.Trump, who for years has lambasted the FBI and sought to sow distrust among his supporters in its decisions, said the warrant was served and the search conducted despite his cooperation with the Justice Department.In a post to his Truth Social platform, Trump said that his “attorneys and representatives were cooperating fully” prior to the search, and that government officials “could have had whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted, if we had it."FBI and Justice Department policy cautions against discussing ongoing investigations, both to protect the integrity of probes and to avoid unfairly maligning someone who is being scrutinized but winds up ultimately not being charged. That’s especially true in the case of search warrants, where supporting court papers are routinely kept secret as the investigation proceeds.In this case, though, Garland cited the fact that Trump himself had provided the first public confirmation of the FBI search, “as his right." The Justice Department, in its new filing, also said that disclosing information about it now would not harm the court's functions.Even so, Garland, in a hastily scheduled public statement delivered from the Justice Department podium, appeared to acknowledge the unusual nature of the department's request as he declined to take questions or provide any substantive details about the FBI's investigation.“Much of our work is by necessity conducted out of the public eye. We do that to protect the constitutional rights of all Americans and to protect the integrity of our investigations," he said. "Federal law, longstanding department rules and our ethical obligations prevent me from providing further details as to the basis of the search at this time.”He said he personally approved the search warrant, a step he said was part of an ongoing Justice Department investigation into the discovery of classified White House records recovered from Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach, Florida, earlier this year. The National Archives had asked the department to investigate after saying that classified records were found in 15 boxes of records that it retrieved from the estate.The attorney general condemned verbal attacks on FBI and Justice Department personnel over the search. Some Republican allies of Trump have called for the FBI to be defunded.Earlier Thursday, an armed man wearing body armor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-cincinnati-armed-man-b4701596a0eb9770e3b29e95328f5704">tried to breach a security screening area</a>&nbsp;at an FBI field office in Ohio, then fled and was injured in an exchange of gunfire in a standoff with law enforcement.“I will not stand by silently when their integrity is unfairly attacked,” Garland said of federal law enforcement agents, calling them “dedicated, patriotic public servants.”

🎥 Justice Dept. seeks to unseal search warrant of Trump home

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/85-million-rural-medical-school-at-university-of-nebraska-at-kearney-projected-to-open-in-2025/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

Construction of an $85 million rural 
medical school at the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus is 
expected to begin in the fall of 2023 and open two years later.

Thursday, the University of Nebraska 
Board of Regents approved details such as the construction budget and 
program statement for that second phase of the UNK-University of 
Nebraska Medical Center health science education complex.

The project timeline follows previous
 approval from the Nebraska Legislature of $50 million in federal 
American Rescue Plan Act funding for capital construction, plus $10 
million for iEXCEL technology startup costs.

The Legislature also committed 
operational funds to support faculty and staff. The university has 
committed $35 million in private funding for construction, according to a
 UNMC statement.

The Omaha-based UNMC has had a 
facility at UNK since 2015 that offers nursing and a variety of health 
profession training programs. The second phase will allow expansion of 
those and also launch new programs to train physicians, pharmacists and 
public health professionals.

A Regents statement said the new 
building advances the UNMC mission, as Nebraska’s only public academic 
health science center, to train and build the state’s health care 
workforce.

“Adding a second health science 
focused building at UNK creates opportunities for students who want to 
both pursue, and practice, their health careers closer to home, which 
help us build a stronger rural workforce, increase access to rural care 
and help communities thrive,” said Jeffrey Gold, chancellor of the UNMC.
 “It will transform lives for generations.”

Gold presented an overview of the 
healthcare workforce across Nebraska’s 93 counties and future need 
projections. He said ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and other factors shows
 an increasing gap, <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/despite-some-gains-health-professionals-still-lacking-in-rural-areas-of-nebraska/">especially in rural communities.</a>

University leaders say the goal is to address urgent needs in rural 
Nebraska’s health care workforce. They say 14 counties in the state, for
 example, do not have a primary care physician.

Chancellor Doug Kristensen said the 
construction project was “fundamental” to rural Nebraska and the 
survival of many communities. “Only the university can solve this 
problem,” he said. “We’re on the verge of doing something that nobody 
else in the United States is doing, and that’s educating healthcare 
workers and professionals in rural areas.”

The new facility is to include 
extensive simulation and clinical skills laboratories for preclinical 
education and complex clinical scenarios. A Master of Health 
Administration degree is to be added to UNK’s undergraduate program. 
Discussion is underway for the UNMC college of Pharmacy to offer a joint
 degree program with UNK.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660249285588.png" alt="Rendering of the UNK-UNMC rural medical school (on the right) to be built on the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus. (Courtesy of University of Nebraska Medical Center, UNK)" />
 <figcaption>Rendering of the UNK-UNMC rural medical school (on the right) to be built on the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus. (Courtesy of University of Nebraska Medical Center, UNK)</figcaption>
 </figure>By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/85-million-rural-medical-school-at-university-of-nebraska-at-kearney-projected-to-open-in-2025/">Nebraska Examiner</a>Construction of an $85 million rural 
medical school at the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus is 
expected to begin in the fall of 2023 and open two years later.Thursday, the University of Nebraska 
Board of Regents approved details such as the construction budget and 
program statement for that second phase of the UNK-University of 
Nebraska Medical Center health science education complex.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660249366797.jpeg" alt=" Artist’s rendering of the $85 million medical school proposed at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. (Courtesy of University of Nebraska Medical Center, UNK)" />
 <figcaption> Artist’s rendering of the $85 million medical school proposed at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. (Courtesy of University of Nebraska Medical Center, UNK)</figcaption>
 </figure>The project timeline follows previous
 approval from the Nebraska Legislature of $50 million in federal 
American Rescue Plan Act funding for capital construction, plus $10 
million for iEXCEL technology startup costs.The Legislature also committed 
operational funds to support faculty and staff. The university has 
committed $35 million in private funding for construction, according to a
 UNMC statement.The Omaha-based UNMC has had a 
facility at UNK since 2015 that offers nursing and a variety of health 
profession training programs. The second phase will allow expansion of 
those and also launch new programs to train physicians, pharmacists and 
public health professionals.A Regents statement said the new 
building advances the UNMC mission, as Nebraska’s only public academic 
health science center, to train and build the state’s health care 
workforce.“Adding a second health science 
focused building at UNK creates opportunities for students who want to 
both pursue, and practice, their health careers closer to home, which 
help us build a stronger rural workforce, increase access to rural care 
and help communities thrive,” said Jeffrey Gold, chancellor of the UNMC.
 “It will transform lives for generations.”Gold presented an overview of the 
healthcare workforce across Nebraska’s 93 counties and future need 
projections. He said ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and other factors shows
 an increasing gap, <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/despite-some-gains-health-professionals-still-lacking-in-rural-areas-of-nebraska/">especially in rural communities.</a>University leaders say the goal is to address urgent needs in rural 
Nebraska’s health care workforce. They say 14 counties in the state, for
 example, do not have a primary care physician.Chancellor Doug Kristensen said the 
construction project was “fundamental” to rural Nebraska and the 
survival of many communities. “Only the university can solve this 
problem,” he said. “We’re on the verge of doing something that nobody 
else in the United States is doing, and that’s educating healthcare 
workers and professionals in rural areas.”The new facility is to include 
extensive simulation and clinical skills laboratories for preclinical 
education and complex clinical scenarios. A Master of Health 
Administration degree is to be added to UNK’s undergraduate program. 
Discussion is underway for the UNMC college of Pharmacy to offer a joint
 degree program with UNK.

$85M medical school at U of Nebraska at Kearney to open in '25

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas massage therapist accused of sexual assault by three women is scheduled to return to court Thursday.

Zachary Sample, 32 of Belle Plaine, is charged with three misdemeanor counts of sexual battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

On May 23, police received a report from a 38-year-old woman that a male massage therapist had sexually assaulted her during a massage at an East Wichita massage establishment, according to Office Trevor Macy.

The suspect was identified as 32-year-old Zachary Sample of Belle Plaine who was an employee of the business at that time.

Two additional victims – a 29-year-old woman and a 26-year-old woman – reported being sexually assaulted by Sample during the month of May.

After extensive follow-up by detectives, a warrant was issued for Sample’s arrest through the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office. Police located and arrested Sample on the warrant Thursday night.

&nbsp;The massage establishment where the crimes were alleged to have happened has cooperated with the investigation and Sample is no longer employed there, according to Macy. He posted bond and is no longer in custody, according online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659732152030.png" alt="Sample-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Sample-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas massage therapist accused of sexual assault by three women is scheduled to return to court Thursday.Zachary Sample, 32 of Belle Plaine, is charged with three misdemeanor counts of sexual battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;On May 23, police received a report from a 38-year-old woman that a male massage therapist had sexually assaulted her during a massage at an East Wichita massage establishment, according to Office Trevor Macy.The suspect was identified as 32-year-old Zachary Sample of Belle Plaine who was an employee of the business at that time.Two additional victims – a 29-year-old woman and a 26-year-old woman – reported being sexually assaulted by Sample during the month of May.After extensive follow-up by detectives, a warrant was issued for Sample’s arrest through the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office. Police located and arrested Sample on the warrant Thursday night.&nbsp;The massage establishment where the crimes were alleged to have happened has cooperated with the investigation and Sample is no longer employed there, according to Macy. He posted bond and is no longer in custody, according online jail records.

Kan. massage therapist accused of sexual battery due back in court

Documents assert former St. Francis IT employee submitted bogus expense claims

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/11/fbi-seizing-bank-deposits-in-alleged-10-million-fraud-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-saint-francis-ministries/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Federal prosecutors 
acting on disclosures of a whistleblower moved to seize $700,000 in a 
civil asset forfeiture case alleging a former information technology 
employee defrauded Saint Francis Ministries of millions of dollars while
 the nonprofit was under contract with the state of Kansas to provide 
foster care and adoption services.

Federal court documents allege William Whymark, owner of WMK 
Research, ripped off Saint Francis Ministries from January 2018 to July 
2021 by exaggerating IT work performed and expenses incurred on behalf 
of Saint Francis Ministries. The scam purportedly involved fraudulent 
invoices submitted to the nonprofit organization serving Kansas families
 in about half the state, court records show.

The legal action targeted cash held in three bank accounts controlled
 by Whymark, who has an opportunity to challenge the seizure in U.S. 
District Court. The seizure process was initiated with consent of Judge 
Eric Melgren of the U.S. District Court&nbsp; in Wichita.

A Federal Bureau of Investigation agent said in court filings there 
was probable cause to believe Whymark, president of WMK Research of 
Mount Kisco, New York, engaged in a multiyear scheme netting $10.73 
million from Saint Francis Ministries.

The FBI inquiry revealed discrepancies between Whymark’s billing of 
Saint Francis Ministries, or SFM, and documents from two companies, 
Pinnacle Seven Technologies and QubeRoot Analytics, that were IT 
subcontractors hired by Whymark.

“Whymark received these funds through the submission of false and 
fraudulent invoices to SFM,” FBI agent Kevin Mills said in an affidavit 
supporting the seizure claim. “Whymark’s scheme to defraud included the 
submission of fraudulent invoices claiming that personnel had performed 
work for SFM, when according to QubeRoot and Pinnacle records, they did 
not.”

For example, the affidavit said, QubeRoot billed Whymark $1.1 million
 from 2018 to 2021. Whymark allegedly ballooned that billing to $3.7 
million when submitting claims to Saint Francis Ministries. In 2018, 
Pinnacle billed Whymark for $245,000 in IT work. Whymark reportedly 
inflated that to $1.2 million when submitting claims to Saint Francis 
Ministries.

Former Saint Francis Ministries chief executive officer Robert Smith 
hired Whymark in 2018 under a contract paying $164,000 annually in 
addition to 10% of any IT cost efficiencies achieved. The federal 
investigation indicated Smith was responsible for approving Whymark’s 
invoices.

The civil action filed last week sought seizure of $700,000 in New 
Jersey and South Dakota bank accounts. The accounts were held by Jessica
 and William Whymark and William Whymark’s company.

Cash from the Saint Francis Ministries scheme was traced by the FBI 
to bank accounts controlled by the Whymarks and acquisition of a $3.75 
million home near New York City. Movement of $2 million tied to the 
Kansas scheme was transferred in 2021 by Whymark in what could amount to
 wire fraud, the FBI said.

During the period covered by the investigation, Saint Francis 
Ministries provided adoption, foster care, family preservation and 
behavioral health services under contract with the Kansas Department of 
Children and Families. DCF’s $71.5 million contract with Saint Francis 
Ministries expires in June 2023.

Saint Francis Ministries, based in Salina, contracted to deliver 
adoption and foster care services in other states. In 2021, Saint 
Francis Ministries used $10 million earned from work in Kansas to cover 
losses on a contract with Nebraska. Nebraska officials agreed to send 
the $10 million back to Kansas.

The chairman of Saint Francis Ministries’ board of directors said the
 board learned of the contract with Whymark after allegations surfaced 
through a “whistleblower” complaint. In 2020, Saint Francis Ministries 
avoided insolvency as Smith and chief operating officer Tom Blythe 
allegedly misled the board about investments in technology and 
agriculture. Smith and Blythe left the organization in November 2020.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660235142998.png" alt="Federal prosecutors moved to seize bank assets in a $10 million fraud investigation involving a former employee of Saint Francis Ministries, a Salina-based organization providing foster care and adoption services under a contract with the state of Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Federal prosecutors moved to seize bank assets in a $10 million fraud investigation involving a former employee of Saint Francis Ministries, a Salina-based organization providing foster care and adoption services under a contract with the state of Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Documents assert former St. Francis IT employee submitted bogus expense claims</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/11/fbi-seizing-bank-deposits-in-alleged-10-million-fraud-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-saint-francis-ministries/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Federal prosecutors 
acting on disclosures of a whistleblower moved to seize $700,000 in a 
civil asset forfeiture case alleging a former information technology 
employee defrauded Saint Francis Ministries of millions of dollars while
 the nonprofit was under contract with the state of Kansas to provide 
foster care and adoption services.Federal court documents allege William Whymark, owner of WMK 
Research, ripped off Saint Francis Ministries from January 2018 to July 
2021 by exaggerating IT work performed and expenses incurred on behalf 
of Saint Francis Ministries. The scam purportedly involved fraudulent 
invoices submitted to the nonprofit organization serving Kansas families
 in about half the state, court records show.The legal action targeted cash held in three bank accounts controlled
 by Whymark, who has an opportunity to challenge the seizure in U.S. 
District Court. The seizure process was initiated with consent of Judge 
Eric Melgren of the U.S. District Court&nbsp; in Wichita.A Federal Bureau of Investigation agent said in court filings there 
was probable cause to believe Whymark, president of WMK Research of 
Mount Kisco, New York, engaged in a multiyear scheme netting $10.73 
million from Saint Francis Ministries.The FBI inquiry revealed discrepancies between Whymark’s billing of 
Saint Francis Ministries, or SFM, and documents from two companies, 
Pinnacle Seven Technologies and QubeRoot Analytics, that were IT 
subcontractors hired by Whymark.“Whymark received these funds through the submission of false and 
fraudulent invoices to SFM,” FBI agent Kevin Mills said in an affidavit 
supporting the seizure claim. “Whymark’s scheme to defraud included the 
submission of fraudulent invoices claiming that personnel had performed 
work for SFM, when according to QubeRoot and Pinnacle records, they did 
not.”For example, the affidavit said, QubeRoot billed Whymark $1.1 million
 from 2018 to 2021. Whymark allegedly ballooned that billing to $3.7 
million when submitting claims to Saint Francis Ministries. In 2018, 
Pinnacle billed Whymark for $245,000 in IT work. Whymark reportedly 
inflated that to $1.2 million when submitting claims to Saint Francis 
Ministries.Former Saint Francis Ministries chief executive officer Robert Smith 
hired Whymark in 2018 under a contract paying $164,000 annually in 
addition to 10% of any IT cost efficiencies achieved. The federal 
investigation indicated Smith was responsible for approving Whymark’s 
invoices.The civil action filed last week sought seizure of $700,000 in New 
Jersey and South Dakota bank accounts. The accounts were held by Jessica
 and William Whymark and William Whymark’s company.Cash from the Saint Francis Ministries scheme was traced by the FBI 
to bank accounts controlled by the Whymarks and acquisition of a $3.75 
million home near New York City. Movement of $2 million tied to the 
Kansas scheme was transferred in 2021 by Whymark in what could amount to
 wire fraud, the FBI said.During the period covered by the investigation, Saint Francis 
Ministries provided adoption, foster care, family preservation and 
behavioral health services under contract with the Kansas Department of 
Children and Families. DCF’s $71.5 million contract with Saint Francis 
Ministries expires in June 2023.Saint Francis Ministries, based in Salina, contracted to deliver 
adoption and foster care services in other states. In 2021, Saint 
Francis Ministries used $10 million earned from work in Kansas to cover 
losses on a contract with Nebraska. Nebraska officials agreed to send 
the $10 million back to Kansas.The chairman of Saint Francis Ministries’ board of directors said the
 board learned of the contract with Whymark after allegations surfaced 
through a “whistleblower” complaint. In 2020, Saint Francis Ministries 
avoided insolvency as Smith and chief operating officer Tom Blythe 
allegedly misled the board about investments in technology and 
agriculture. Smith and Blythe left the organization in November 2020.

FBI moves to seize bank deposits in alleged $10M fraud of Kan. foster care provider

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating vandalism that costs the city of Wichita thousands of dollars.

The week of July 4, the air conditioning unit at Hyde Park Community Facility,&nbsp; 201 S Greenwood in Wichita, was stripped of copper rendering it useless, according to a social media report from the city of Wichita.

The community facility was unable to maintain a cool temperature during the triple digit heat wave to offer programing or rentals to the public for an entire month.&nbsp; The damages exceeded $25,000. 

A new unit was purchased and installed on August 8 with the intent of opening programming and rentals back up. However the plan was deterred due to the new unit being vandalized again in less than 24-hours of installation. 

At this time the community facility is being shut down until late fall due to the damage caused from the vandalism. Earlier in the year, the location had several glass windows shattered throughout the building. 

With multiple crimes at Hyde Park, Wichita Park &amp; Recreation will end up spending over $65,000 in repairs.

Authorities want to encourage everyone, if you see something, say something. Call Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111 to report a crime and possibly receive a reward. Tips can also be submitted online at <a href="http://www.stopcrime316.com/?fbclid=IwAR29eigSKXTzjlu2jdnJVBfnhQ2MJmjDT3iDHYIlxHrbLLbSwLngAhyfWXQ" target="_blank">www.stopcrime316.com.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660233755574.png" alt="Photo courtesy city of Wichits" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy city of Wichits</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating vandalism that costs the city of Wichita thousands of dollars.The week of July 4, the air conditioning unit at Hyde Park Community Facility,&nbsp; 201 S Greenwood in Wichita, was stripped of copper rendering it useless, according to a social media report from the city of Wichita.The community facility was unable to maintain a cool temperature during the triple digit heat wave to offer programing or rentals to the public for an entire month.&nbsp; The damages exceeded $25,000. A new unit was purchased and installed on August 8 with the intent of opening programming and rentals back up. However the plan was deterred due to the new unit being vandalized again in less than 24-hours of installation. At this time the community facility is being shut down until late fall due to the damage caused from the vandalism. Earlier in the year, the location had several glass windows shattered throughout the building. With multiple crimes at Hyde Park, Wichita Park &amp; Recreation will end up spending over $65,000 in repairs.Authorities want to encourage everyone, if you see something, say something. Call Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111 to report a crime and possibly receive a reward. Tips can also be submitted online at <a href="http://www.stopcrime316.com/?fbclid=IwAR29eigSKXTzjlu2jdnJVBfnhQ2MJmjDT3iDHYIlxHrbLLbSwLngAhyfWXQ" target="_blank">www.stopcrime316.com.</a>

AC unit at Kan. park vandalized, replaced, vandalized again

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — There is a wide spread between gas price averages in central Kansas, depending on where you go to fill up.

"Reno County is $3.65, Harvey County $3.28, that's a big difference between neighboring counties, Sedgwick County $3.42, Rice County $3.61 and Kingman County $3.71."

In McPherson and Newton, prices are already below $3 a gallon. The best way to figure out if it's worth your time to drive to fill up is to know your car's gas mileage.

"Newer cars can give you at least some reasonable estimate of what your gas mileage is on the dashboard readout," Steward said. "Older cars, you obviously have to do that calculation on your own. Keeping your car in good working shape is important."

If you're already headed to an area with less expensive gas, topping off the tank can help some, but generally, it's not cost effective to travel out of your way solely to buy fuel. Also, the fundamentals behind the prices are dropping, so it appears more relief is coming.

"Back in June, we were looking at $130 a barrel crude oil prices," Steward said. "Today, we're in the mid 90s per barrel, so that significant drop has translated to falling prices at the pumps."

Before the pandemic, the fall would traditionally be a time of lower gasoline demand and therefore lower pump prices overall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657123077767.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — There is a wide spread between gas price averages in central Kansas, depending on where you go to fill up."Reno County is $3.65, Harvey County $3.28, that's a big difference between neighboring counties, Sedgwick County $3.42, Rice County $3.61 and Kingman County $3.71."In McPherson and Newton, prices are already below $3 a gallon. The best way to figure out if it's worth your time to drive to fill up is to know your car's gas mileage."Newer cars can give you at least some reasonable estimate of what your gas mileage is on the dashboard readout," Steward said. "Older cars, you obviously have to do that calculation on your own. Keeping your car in good working shape is important."If you're already headed to an area with less expensive gas, topping off the tank can help some, but generally, it's not cost effective to travel out of your way solely to buy fuel. Also, the fundamentals behind the prices are dropping, so it appears more relief is coming."Back in June, we were looking at $130 a barrel crude oil prices," Steward said. "Today, we're in the mid 90s per barrel, so that significant drop has translated to falling prices at the pumps."Before the pandemic, the fall would traditionally be a time of lower gasoline demand and therefore lower pump prices overall.

AAA: Gas prices vary wildly, but are likely headed down

JOHNSON COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested an Edgerton man Wednesday morning following an investigation by the Northeast Child Victim Task Force (NECVTF) and the Collin County, Texas Sheriff’s Office, according to a media release from the KBI.

Just before 8a.m. Wednesday, agents from the NECVTF, assisted by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a search warrant at 207 E. 6th&nbsp;St. in Edgerton, Kansas. 

During the execution of the warrant,&nbsp; agents arrested Tony L. Hamer, 57, of Edgerton on a Texas warrant for suspected solicitation of prostitution of a person younger than 18-years-old.

Following the arrest, Hamer was booked into the Johnson County Jail. Extradition proceedings are expected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660243644351.png" alt="Hamer-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hamer-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested an Edgerton man Wednesday morning following an investigation by the Northeast Child Victim Task Force (NECVTF) and the Collin County, Texas Sheriff’s Office, according to a media release from the KBI.Just before 8a.m. Wednesday, agents from the NECVTF, assisted by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a search warrant at 207 E. 6th&nbsp;St. in Edgerton, Kansas. During the execution of the warrant,&nbsp; agents arrested Tony L. Hamer, 57, of Edgerton on a Texas warrant for suspected solicitation of prostitution of a person younger than 18-years-old.Following the arrest, Hamer was booked into the Johnson County Jail. Extradition proceedings are expected.

Kan. man accused of solicitation of teen prostitute in Texas

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/08/11/nebraska-native-returns-home-to-shoot-film-about-youthful-days-in-nebraska-city/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A Nebraska native has 
returned home to film a Nebraska story, in large part because of a new 
state grant program for filmmaking.

Adam Rehmeier, now a Michigan-based 
screenwriter and director, has been shooting his coming-of-age comedy, 
“Snack Shack,” in his hometown of Nebraska City for the past two weeks 
as part of a six-week shooting schedule.

&nbsp;The
 film is based on Rehmeier’s youthful experience running the concession 
stand at age 14 at the Steinhart Park Pool in the Missouri River 
community.

Up to 65 actors and crew members a 
day have been working on the film. The crew has shot scenes at the 
Nebraska City pool, its movie theater, the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha and
 Horseman’s Park in Omaha.

“It’s a real win for Nebraska City. It’s
 good for the local economy, it’s&nbsp; good for the local people,” said 
Rehmeier’s father, retired District Judge Randall Rehmeier.

“I’m glad Adam decided to do it here,” the judge added.

The decision to shoot the film, which has a $4.5 million budget, in Nebraska was aided by a new state filmmaking incentive.

Last year, state lawmakers set aside $1 million in state grants for 
films and TV productions that feature Nebraska-based stories and 
locales, employ the services of Nebraska film crew members and have 
budgets of at least $1 million.

Snack Shack received a $200,000 grant. A project from Omaha-based producer/director Dana
 Altman, “Going For Two,” got $400,000. And the planned film “I Am a 
Man” — about the trial of Ponca Chief Standing Bear that gave legal 
recognition of Native Americans as “people” — received $400,000.

State Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln, who proposed the film incentive 
legislation, said she is excited to see the funding “put to good use” — 
supporting the Nebraska film industry and telling Nebraska stories “to 
the world.”

“This is exactly what I had in mind,” she said.

Production of “I Am a Man” got an additional $5 million allocation of
 federal funds through an economic recovery bill sponsored by Omaha Sen.
 Justin Wayne. Filming of that movie is expected to begin this fall.

Jordan Foley, the Los Angeles-based producer of “Snack Shack,” said 
the movie would have likely been shot elsewhere if not for the state 
grant, along with $50,000 in funding from the City of Nebraska City.

Rehmeier told the city council last month that film incentives may be
 better in states like Georgia and Ohio, but Nebraska City is where the 
film “needs to be to make it special,” according to News Channel Nebraska.&nbsp;

“These three films will definitely be engaging and entertaining,” said Laurie Richards, director of the Nebraska Film Office.&nbsp;

Several Nebraska City residents have been enlisted as extras or for 
bit parts. For instance, the city administrator, Lou Leone, was cast as 
the city park director, and two Peru State College students got roles as
 “party girls.”

Leone said his teenage daughter also got some career advice from cast members about working as an art director for a film.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660223922765.png" alt="Filming of the independent movie, “Snack Shack” — complete with clothes and vehicles from the ’90s — continues in Nebraska City in part thanks to a new state film incentive program. (Courtesy of Lou Leone) " />
 <figcaption>Filming of the independent movie, “Snack Shack” — complete with clothes and vehicles from the ’90s — continues in Nebraska City in part thanks to a new state film incentive program. (Courtesy of Lou Leone) </figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/08/11/nebraska-native-returns-home-to-shoot-film-about-youthful-days-in-nebraska-city/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A Nebraska native has 
returned home to film a Nebraska story, in large part because of a new 
state grant program for filmmaking.Adam Rehmeier, now a Michigan-based 
screenwriter and director, has been shooting his coming-of-age comedy, 
“Snack Shack,” in his hometown of Nebraska City for the past two weeks 
as part of a six-week shooting schedule.&nbsp;The
 film is based on Rehmeier’s youthful experience running the concession 
stand at age 14 at the Steinhart Park Pool in the Missouri River 
community.<h2>‘A real win’</h2>Up to 65 actors and crew members a 
day have been working on the film. The crew has shot scenes at the 
Nebraska City pool, its movie theater, the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha and
 Horseman’s Park in Omaha.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660223973267.jpeg" alt="Writer/director Adam Rehmeier (Courtesy of Randall Rehmeier)" />
 <figcaption>Writer/director Adam Rehmeier (Courtesy of Randall Rehmeier)</figcaption>
 </figure>“It’s a real win for Nebraska City. It’s
 good for the local economy, it’s&nbsp; good for the local people,” said 
Rehmeier’s father, retired District Judge Randall Rehmeier.“I’m glad Adam decided to do it here,” the judge added.The decision to shoot the film, which has a $4.5 million budget, in Nebraska was aided by a new state filmmaking incentive.Last year, state lawmakers set aside $1 million in state grants for 
films and TV productions that feature Nebraska-based stories and 
locales, employ the services of Nebraska film crew members and have 
budgets of at least $1 million.<h2>Three films got grants</h2>Snack Shack received a $200,000 grant. A project from Omaha-based producer/director Dana
 Altman, “Going For Two,” got $400,000. And the planned film “I Am a 
Man” — about the trial of Ponca Chief Standing Bear that gave legal 
recognition of Native Americans as “people” — received $400,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660224007414.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln (Courtesy of Unicameral Information Office)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln (Courtesy of Unicameral Information Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>State Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln, who proposed the film incentive 
legislation, said she is excited to see the funding “put to good use” — 
supporting the Nebraska film industry and telling Nebraska stories “to 
the world.”“This is exactly what I had in mind,” she said.Production of “I Am a Man” got an additional $5 million allocation of
 federal funds through an economic recovery bill sponsored by Omaha Sen.
 Justin Wayne. Filming of that movie is expected to begin this fall.Jordan Foley, the Los Angeles-based producer of “Snack Shack,” said 
the movie would have likely been shot elsewhere if not for the state 
grant, along with $50,000 in funding from the City of Nebraska City.Rehmeier told the city council last month that film incentives may be
 better in states like Georgia and Ohio, but Nebraska City is where the 
film “needs to be to make it special,” according to News Channel Nebraska.&nbsp;“These three films will definitely be engaging and entertaining,” said Laurie Richards, director of the Nebraska Film Office.&nbsp;<h2>Locals cast in parts</h2>Several Nebraska City residents have been enlisted as extras or for 
bit parts. For instance, the city administrator, Lou Leone, was cast as 
the city park director, and two Peru State College students got roles as
 “party girls.”Leone said his teenage daughter also got some career advice from cast members about working as an art director for a film.“The town itself has been quite upbeat about it,” he said.In addition, the filming will result 
in increased sales and lodging tax revenue, Leone said, and is good 
publicity for Nebraska City, a river town known for its museums, apple 
orchards and annual AppleJack Festival.&nbsp;Some adjustments have been made in Nebraska City to turn the clock 
back to 1991, when the Snack Shack was run by the filmmaker and his 
friend. Clothing and vehicles had to match that period, and some signs 
in town have been altered to make it seem like it was 30 years ago. A 
new snack shack was built. And few cell phones existed in 1991.<h2>Father had to sign off</h2>The elder Rehmeier said he had to “sign off” on the proposal to the 
city by his then 14-year-old son and a buddy to run the concession stand
 at the Steinhart Park Pool.“To be honest with you, we thought to some extent it was a joke. But they wanted to make some money,” Rehmeier said. “Adam has always been kind of a right-brain kind of person — thinking outside the box. He’s creative and artsy,” his father said. “He figured, ‘Why can’t we do this?’ “He said that he and his wife and 
other parents assisted in running the concession stand, and the two boys
 made more money than they could at other jobs, especially in the first 
of two years.<h2>A prolific writer</h2>The retired judge, who also served on the Nebraska Board of Parole 
and now does mediation work, said he hasn’t read the script of the 
movie, thinking his son wants to keep that as a surprise.The producers of the film are also not talking about who plays the 
lead characters. That, Foley said, will be released later as part of a 
publicity campaign.Adam Rehmeier, who was a prolific writer as a youth, has done well in
 the movie business. He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for 
two years before transferring to Columbia College in Chicago, which 
specializes in fine arts and cinematography.He worked on low-budget, independent films for several years and 
served as a documentarian for the jam band Phish. He composed the music 
for a 2011 movie, “The Bunny Game,” and was the cinematographer for 
“Jonas” in 2013.He was the writer, editor and director of the 2020 film “Dinner in 
America,”&nbsp; which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won several
 awards at other international film competitions.“He’s the real deal,” Foley said.<h2>Long hours</h2>Rehmeier is working 12- to- 14-hour days shooting the movie, and his 
crew was filming Friday in a house next door, according to his father.But his son was able to visit some on Friday, which was his 46th birthday.Foley, a Minnesota native, said the film crew has received a lot of “Nebraska nice” while shooting here.He said that if all goes well, the movie should be ready by next 
summer, when it will be shown at film festivals in hopes of being picked
 up, as “Dinner in America” was, for wider distribution.“We have to wait and see what will happen,” Foley said.