U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran says Kansas communities, farmers and businesses have been impacted by widespread drought. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

States, Native American tribes and local communities could get help accessing federal funds for water infrastructure projects in drought-stricken areas under new U.S. Senate legislation.

The Water Project Navigators Act — sponsored by U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran and John Hickenlooper and Reps. Brittany Pettersen and Juan Ciscomani — would create a program in the Bureau of Reclamation to place “navigator” positions in local, state and tribal communities. Navigators would help connect communities to resources.

In a news release announcing the legislation, Moran, a Kansas Republican, said federal resources to help preserve water can be difficult to access.

“Widespread drought is impacting many communities across Kansas, hurting family farms, local municipalities and businesses,” Moran said.

Hickenlooper, a Colorado Democrat, said the same.

“Rural and Tribal communities deserve their fair share of federal funds to address drought, but all too often are left out,” Hickenlooper said.

Fellow Coloradoan Pettersen said water scarcity is felt throughout Colorado, but rural communities struggle to respond.

“It is critical that we invest in these areas to strengthen and protect our water resources and help communities draw down federal dollars,” Pettersen said.

Kansas and Colorado — along with Ciscomani’s home state of Arizona — struggle with continual drought and limited access to water. As of last week, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, more than 51% of Kansas is in some level of drought, mostly moderate or severe. Almost 5% of Arizona is in extreme drought. Colorado is currently the least affected with about 12% of the state in some level of drought.

“In Arizona, water is our most precious resource,” said Ciscomani, a Republican. “As the drought worsens in the West, it is now more important than ever that impacted communities have the necessary tools to secure federal dollars for critical multi-benefit water infrastructure projects.” 

The legislation is backed by conservation groups, according to the news release, along with the Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

WICHITA —Trevawn Strong Jr. has been located and is safe with the Wichita Police Department, according to the KBI. The Amber Alert is canceled.  Law enforcement also located the suspect 30-year-old Trevawn Strong Sr.  Police released no additional details.

———

WICHITA —The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has issued an Amber Alert for a. missing 

At 4:56 p.m., Trevawn Strong Jr. was forcibly taken from his mother by his father Trevawn Strong Sr. utilizing a knife and firearm during a domestic incident at their residence at 2025 S. Grove, Wichita, according to police.

 Strong  threatened to kill his son, stabbed his mother, and took the child. Strong is a black male, 30-years-old with long dark hair, facial hair, and tattoos on his arms, chest, neck and under his eye. Strong is 5 ft. 8 inches tall and weighs around 175 pounds. He was last known wearing a white t-shirt, gray shorts and red shoes. 

Trevawn Jr. is in imminent danger. The suspect left in a vehicle, but that vehicle has been recovered in the 1900 block of N. Woodlawn in Wichita, Kansas.

The child was last seen wearing wearing a white t-shirt, black shorts, black shoes and his hair is in a ponytail.

Call 911 immediately if you have seen the missing child or suspect. If you have other information on the missing child, call 911 or 316-383-4661

The Clemson Tigers have quite a bit of talent on their roster, but there aren’t a ton of players being projected as potential top draft picks in the 2025 NFL draft.

However, there is one player who is trending in that direction.

Barrett Carter has become the leader of the team’s defense. He is a playmaker and one of the most consistent linebackers in the nation.

Now, he’s starting to receive the hype he deserves from the media.

CBS Sports recently released a new mock draft in which Carter was taken with the final pick in the first round. Of course, the Kansas City Chiefs were the team projected to have that pick.

“The Chiefs add more speed and pure athleticism to the linebacker room with the Clemson star.”

Carter hasn’t put up great numbers through the first two games of the season. He has just three tackles with no other stats to note.

However, back in 2023, he was an absolute superstar for Clemson. Carter ended up totaling 62 tackles, 3.5 sacks, an interception, and five defended passes.

Those numbers show why he’s starting to receive some first-round pick hype.

NFL Draft Buzz provided a brief breakdown of Carter’s game. They view him as a high-upside linebacker at the next level.

“Barrett Carter projects as a high-upside, three-down linebacker in the NFL. His sideline-to-sideline range and coverage skills fit the mold of the modern linebacker. In sub-packages, Carter can match up with tight ends and running backs, while his blitzing ability adds another dimension to his game. His instincts in zone coverage and route recognition should translate well to the next level.”

Joining the Chiefs would be a perfect scenario for Carter. He would instantly be on a Super Bowl contender and within a very good defensive scheme run by Steve Spagnuolo.

His full skill-set would be utilized and he would be put into positions to succeed. It would be the best possible outcome he could have.

All of that being said, the 2025 NFL draft is a long time from now, so a lot could change.

However, if Carter keeps playing at a high level, he has a very good chance to play his way into the first round.

Don’t be surprised if Kansas City is one of the teams with interest in him when the 2025 draft comes.