TOPEKA— The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has released its 2022 Civil Asset Forfeiture Report, showing law enforcement seized millions in cash and property last year. There were 522 civil asset seizures, with 54.2% of those made following some type of traffic stop.

TOPEKA — Republican legislators in Kansas have enacted what may be the most sweeping transgender bathroom law in the U.S. on Thursday, April 27th, overriding the Democratic governor’s veto of the measure without having a clear idea of how their new law will be enforced.

LAND COUNTY—In recent years, there have been numerous reports of people discovering folder one-dollar bills that contain illegal and potentially dangerous drugs, according to a statement from the Lane County Sheriff. “While using folder money or paper to transport drugs has long been a common practice, the emergence of substances like Fentanyl has made it exceptionally hazardous.” Recently a citizen contacted the on-duty deputy to report that they had found a folded one-dollar bill in their yard.

STERLING—Rucking is simply walking or hiking with a weighted rucksack or backpack. It is a great way to get in shape or to challenge oneself.

MANHATTAN—According to wildlife experts at Kansas State University, there have been at least 50 confirmed mountain lion sightings since 2007. In 2020 there were 15 confirmed sightings, but that number is deceptive.

RUSSELL—Eleven-year-old Kyleigh Funk of Russell is selling homemade cat and dog treats with fifty percent of the proceeds to benefit the Humane Society of the High Plains. Kyleigh, a fifth grader, bakes the treats in her home kitchen and sells the apple chicken or peanut butter dog treats for $7.00 a dozen.

OLATHE—An Olathe man has created a phone booth where people can go and speak to loved ones who passed. The concept of the “wind phone” comes from a Japanese practice used for processing grief.

LAWRENCE—The City of Lawrence continues to work on options to help those homeless in the community. The City is preparing to create a pallet shelter village, which will serve as an emergency shelter option for those currently experiencing homelessness.

DERBY—Students and Derby’s Park Hill Elementary School have raised more than $900.00 to help train a classmate’s service dog. Each student was asked to bring at least $1.00 to school for the privilege of getting to wear a hat to school.

KANSAS — Among dozens of Kansas education bills filed in 2023 are proposals to adjust how many hours public school students spend in the classroom. Most Kansas public school students attend classes for about 1,100 hours each school year, but Kansas House Bill 2224 would drastically increase that by about 40%.