<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575410079384.png">Patterson photo Sedgwick County WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man who said he killed another man in self-defense was indicted this week on federal firearm and drug charges, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.&nbsp;Dalton Patterson, 26, Wichita, Kan., was charged in a superseding indictment with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and two counts of unlawful possession of firearms by a user of controlled substances.&nbsp;&nbsp;On October 18, 2019, Wichita police reported that Patterson shot and killed Charles Cunningham during a fight. Police said Cunningham physically attacked Patterson and Patterson shot him.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The federal charges allege that on the day of the shooting Patterson possessed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment also alleges that while Patterson was a user of controlled substances he unlawfully possessed a 9 mm Ruger handgun on Nov. 1, 2019, and a .380 caliber Cobra handgun on Nov. 8, 2019.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If convicted, he could face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison on the drug charge, not less than five years on the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and up to 10 years on each count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a user of controlled substances. The Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.

Indictment: Kan. man who fired fatal shot  was distributing meth

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575653502183.jpeg">Beaver fur shield SALINA, KAN. (AP) —&nbsp;Authorities are seeking help finding several Native American pieces that were stolen during a residential burglary near Salina. The Saline County Sheriff's Office released photos Friday of several of the items that were taken during the May heist in an effort to locate them. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575653560399.jpeg">The hawk leg dance stick The items include a hand-carved Malaysian mask, a moose jaw dream catcher, a beaver fur shield with a feather and a dance stick made from a hawk’s leg with a talon.The loss is estimated at nearly $15,000.

Kan. authorities seek help locating stolen Native American items

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575643939593.png">Thursday crash scene<a href="http://www.kake.com/story/41416294/car-slams-into-home-vehicles-after-chase" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> photo courtesy KAKE</a> <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575645284514.png">WESTENDORF photo Sedgwick County SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an auto theft and have a suspect in custody after a chase and crash. Just before 10p.m. Thursday police observed a 2010 Honda Fit in the area of 2000 South Bluff View that had been reported stolen, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;Police attempted a traffic stop but the driver identified as 24-year-old Heaven Westendorff accelerated and fled from the officers. During a short vehicle pursuit, the Honda collided with a Jeep parked in a driveway and an attached garage at a home in the 3100 Block of East Gilbert, according to Davidson. Police arrested Westendorff without further incident for felony evade and elude, reckless driving, theft and numerous traffic violations. There were three others in the vehicle.&nbsp;A 17-year-old boy who fled and was later found by officers and transported along with a 20-year-old man to a local hospital for treatment. A 19-year-old woman in the car was not injured. There were no injuries to those at the residence.------------ WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A driver crashed into a Kansas home while fleeing from police. KAKE-TV&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kake.com/story/41416294/car-slams-into-home-vehicles-after-chase" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 125, 165);">reports&nbsp;</a>that the chase ended around 9:30 p.m. Thursday in the southeast part of Wichita. Witnesses told the television station that officers were chasing a car when it crashed into two parked vehicles and the garage of a home. The suspect identified as 24-year-old Heaven Westendorf fled, and officers used a police dog to track her. She is being held on requested charges that include flee and elude and numerous traffic violations, according<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20024103" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> to online jail records.</a> No information was released about what led up to the crash or whether anyone was injured.

Update: Driver crashes into Kan. home while fleeing police

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575653664628.png">Scene of the Thursday night incident <a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/1-critically-injured-in-S-Wichita-hit-and-run-crash-565869911.html">photo courtesy KWCH</a> SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit and run accident and asking the public for help with information. Just before 8p.m. Thursday police responded to an unknown call for EMS near the intersection of Hydraulic and Indianapolis in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. Upon arrival, police found a 34-year-old man injured and lying in the street. EMS transported the man to a local hospital for treatment.&nbsp;Investigators have determined that as the&nbsp;man was crossing the street, he was struck by a northbound pickup that was turning westbound on Hydraulic, according to Davidson.&nbsp;The vehicle then fled the scene. The pickup is described as a light colored, late 90s to early 2000s regular cab pickup.&nbsp;Anyone with information is asked to call police. The victim remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Kan. man critically injured after hit and run accident

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575489324379.png">Mallatt photo Bates Co. Sheriff RICH HILL, Mo. (AP) — Relatives of a missing Kansas City -area mother say they are growing increasingly concerned after deputies found the woman's phone, backpack and shoes. Nicole Mallatt's belongings were found Thursday within 100 yards of her home in Bates County, about 70 miles south of Kansas City. Mallatt, 36, went missing two days before Thanksgiving. Her mother, Debbie Lewis, said her daughter had been planning a big meal. "We're just out here trying to find her and hoping that she's still alive, which doesn't look good after finding all of her things scattered everywhere. She would not do this. It's not Nicole." Sheriff Chad Anderson&nbsp;said hat the discovery of Mallat's belongings “does not necessarily mean that there is foul play,” although he described it as ‘’suspicious in nature.'' Nearly a dozen agencies are aiding in the search, which has expanded from Mallatt's home to neighboring farms. Authorities have been using cadaver dogs, sonar, dive teams, drones and volunteers.Anderson also had a message for Mallatt, if she is OK. “If you have just decided that you are done and you want to start a new life and left on your own free will, I have one question and a favor to ask: That you go to your nearest law enforcement agency, identify yourself, let them confirm you’re who you are, and we can give your family some answers.”

Missing KC-area woman's phone, shoes found during search

KANSAS CITY (AP) — About 110 Kansas City inmates housed in a rehabilitation center since this summer will be moved to new facilities because the center will lose its insurance in January. The city has been using Heartland Center for Behavioral Change as a jail since the Jackson County Detention Center stopped taking inmates. Heartland chief executive Kyle Mead told the city in November that the agency’s liability and workers compensation policies will be canceled, effective in January. The cancellation letter indicates Heartland’s insurer canceled the liability policy after it became a jail. The center primarily provides substance abuse treatment and was not designed to be a jail. The city started sending inmates — those arrested, awaiting trial or convicted of municipal charges — to Heartland after its previous arrangement with Jackson County lapsed. Since then, several inmates have escaped from Heartland and at least one died. Fifty inmates will go back to the Jackson County jail. Vernon County will house 70 inmates, Johnson County will take 45 inmates and six to 10 inmates with drug court charges will enter into rehabilitation programs. The average cost for each inmate per day is $76.95, an increase over past arrangements.

Kansas City looking for new homes for city inmates

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575569439552.png">Chaplin photo courtesy of Sedgwick County. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575631919234.png">Doorbell camera view image Wichita Police SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a package theft and have a suspect in custody. At approximately 2 p.m. on Monday, a 31-year-old homeowner reported an unknown female suspect later identified as Tammie Chaplin, 41, Wichita, of taking a package that was delivered to the home in the 3300 block of East Clark, according to officer Charley Davidson. The victim posted a RING video of the theft onto the RING.com Neighbors Portal, which provided access for officers to view the video.&nbsp;On Tuesday, officers were following up on the case and located Chaplin wearing the same clothes and riding the same bicycle as seen in the video of the theft.&nbsp;Officers contacted Chaplin and she was arrested without incident. She remains<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=6126" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> jailed on requested</a><a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=6126" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(45, 55, 72);"> </a>charges of theft, unlawful possession of methamphetamine and outstanding warrants, according to Davidson.&nbsp;The case will be presented to the City of Wichita Prosecutor's Office.

Kansas woman accused of stealing porch packages

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575631645413.png"> Thursday night crash scene photo<a href="https://www.wibw.com/content/news/Wreck-closes-Hwy-75-near-Lyndon-565867932.html"> courtesy WIBW TV</a> OSAGE COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before 8p.m. Thursday in Osage County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Silverado driven by Darian A. Hess, 20, Topeka, was &nbsp;northbound on U.S. 75 just north of west 229th Street. The driver attempted to pass a commercial motor vehicle with insufficient clearance and struck a 2008 Dodge Durango driven by Amber M. Walters, 33, Lyndon, head-on EMS transported a passenger in the Chevy Jennarene S Hawkins, 24, Burlingame, Walters and three children in the Dodge Daymian M. Walters, 9; Serenity R. Qujnonez, 2 and Cherish P. Roney, 1, all of Lyndon to a Topeka Hospital where Hawkins died. EMS transported Hess to KU Medical Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hawkins and Daymian Walters were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Kan. woman dead, 3 children hospitalized after head-on crash

HAYS – Kansas Speaks Fall 2019, a survey on issues of importance and on the attitudes of Kansans about their state, was released today by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University. Kansas Speaks is the only regular survey of Kansans on issues and opinions. Among the questions presented to respondents was the performance of Gov. Laura Kelly, who is finishing up her first year in the governor’s mansion. “This was the first rating of Gov. Laura Kelly in a Kansas Speaks survey,” said Dr. Brett Zollinger, Docking director and a professor of sociology at Fort Hays State. “More than half are satisfied with the Governor’s overall performance, the highest satisfaction among the political figures and institutions rated,” he said. Specifically, 52.7 percent of respondents to the survey are satisfied so far with Gov. Kelly, and 26.4 percent are dissatisfied. On President Donald Trump, 44.1 percent are satisfied, and 44.3 percent are dissatisfied. The 2019 survey, conducted by Fort Hays State University’s Docking Institute of Public Affairs and released today, interviewed 352 Kansans by phone (land line and cell). The survey has a 5.2-percent margin of error. The Docking’s staff and team of Policy Fellows from across the state developed 24 questions in four areas: overall quality of life in Kansas; taxes and the economy; government and politicians; and public policy issues. The series began in 2009. One hot-button issue covered in this year’s survey was Medicaid expansion. The survey found wide support in Kansas. “Almost two-thirds – 62 percent – of Kansans support Medicaid expansion,” said Dr. Jian Sun, a professor of political science at FHSU and the Docking’s assistant director. Fifteen percent of survey respondents were neutral on the issue, and 23 percent did not support expansion. Other questions on Medicaid covered perceived benefits of expansion. “Over 60 percent agree that Medicaid expansion would help rural Kansas hospitals and agree that those who might obtain health insurance from the expansion deserve this benefit,” said Sun. “Clearly this issue is on the minds of Kansans, as only 22 percent give Medicaid expansion no thought at all as a current political issue.” Gun control and prisons were among the policy issues addressed. One question sought respondents’ sentiment on seven gun control issues: Background checks; an assault weapon ban; a ban on high-capacity magazines; preventing sales of firearms to people “who have been reported as dangerous to law enforcement by a mental health provider”; an age requirement of 21 or older to purchase guns; preventing firearms sales to people convicted of violent misdemeanors; and a mandatory three-day waiting period. “Over half of Kansans support each,” said Dr. Patrick Miller, a Docking Policy Fellow, “with support on these items ranging from 52 percent in support of banning assault-style weapons to 88 percent in support of requiring background checks on all gun sales.” Miller is an associate professor of political science at the University of Kansas. One question also asked respondents to rate the frontrunners in the presidential primary for the Democratic Party. “Bernie Sanders has the highest positive and highest negative ratings of any Democratic candidate,” said Dr. Michael Smith, Policy Fellow and a professor of political science at Emporia State University. “This likely reflects the fact that voters are already familiar with him, since he ran in 2016,” said Smith. “Pete Buttigieg has the lowest positive and negative, both likely reflecting that many voters are still not very familiar with him. Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren fall somewhere in between.” Two perennial questions on the survey sought the respondents’ attitudes toward Kansas as a place to live and on whether the state is on the right or wrong track. In 2019, the results are 53.7 who see the state as a “very good” or “excellent” place to live, and only 1.5 percent who found that the state is a “poor” or “very poor” place to live. The right-track-wrong-track ratio is 77.4 percent right, 22.6 percent wrong.&nbsp;The full report can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks</a>.

Docking survey: Most Kansans pleased with Gov. Kelly's performance

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575580291567.jpeg">Crum photo Reno County HUTCHINSON— A Kansas man convicted of aggravated criminal sodomy was sentenced Thursday to 16-plus years in prison.&nbsp; The attorney for Nathan Crum had asked for some type of probation while the state opposed. Wichita attorney Steve Osburn says that he doesn’t have a substantial criminal history and that an evaluation showed he could receive sex offender treatment locally but District Attorney Keith Schroeder argued that any treatment can be done in prison.&nbsp; &nbsp;Reno County District Judge Tim Chambers in his ruling stated that the legislature decided what the sentence should be and didn’t find any substantial and compelling reason to depart and ordered the sentence served.&nbsp; Crum was found guilty of sexually assaulting a Hutchinson woman while they watched a movie at his home. Crum admitted they had sex, but claims it was consensual. However, the evidence showed that she repeatedly said no and he ignored her wishes. The incident occurred Aug. 17, 2018 and apparently had a sexual relationship prior to this incident, broke up but then got back together. They had met on a dating website.&nbsp; The state had charged him with one count of rape, but the jury found Crum not guilty of that count. Crum has been in jail since the incident and will get credit for time served.&nbsp;

Kan. man sentenced for sex crime with woman he met online

THOMAS COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before noon Thursday in Thomas County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Ford Fusion driven by Shanelle M. Padilla, 24, Rexford, was eastbound on U.S. 24 three miles west of Colby. The Ford traveled left of center and struck a westbound Freightliner semi driven by Colton Judge Hackbart, 21, Seward, Nebraska. &nbsp;EMS transported Padilla and Hackbart to the hospital in Colby where Padilla died. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman dies after crash with a semi

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575546461755.png">Brown photo Sedgwick County SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have a third suspect in custody.Just after 7:30 a.m., on November 27, a passerby found a man identified as Christian Osvaldo Hernandez, 30, Wichita, lying next to the road in the 12000 block of east 45th Street North, according to Lt. Tim Myers. Responding deputies noticed a gunshot to the Hernandez body and he was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Authorities asked for assistance and were able to locate the white vehicle in the case. On Wednesday, authorities reported 40-year-old Dustyn Joe Brown was in custody in connection with the case. He is being held on a $150,000 bond on requested charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping and and criminal possession of a fire, according <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18715857" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(45, 55, 72);">to the Sedgwick County booking report.</a> Whitney Dukes, 28, arrested in connection with the case Tuesday is set for release, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=70924" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(45, 55, 72);">according to online jail records.</a><img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575316892512.png">Armstrong -photo Sedgwick CountyOn Monday, authorities reported the arrest of Thomas Ray Armstrong, 33, and Efrain Daniel Arroyo II, both of Wichita for Aggravated Kidnapping Aggravated Robbery, and Murder in the First Degree, according to Myers. They are being held on a bond of $500,000, according to online jail records. Arroyo made his first appearance in the case Wednesday, according to the Sedgwick County Attorney's office. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575317063410.png"> Efrain Daniel Arroyo II-photo Sedgwick County.

5th suspect jailed in connection with murder, kidnapping robbery

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Washburn University School of Law will be getting a new home. Washburn's Board of Regents on Wednesday approved the plan for a $33 million building on the Topeka campus. The university will begin working on the plans immediately. A completion date is not yet set. The current law school building dates back to 1968. The new building is part of Washburn's "150 Forward" campaign. The $13 million in private donations raised for the building is the largest amount for a single project in Washburn history. Washburn President Jerry Farley said declining enrollments nationwide prompted the school to project for 300 to 325 students, rather than 450. Farley says the biggest advantage of the new building will be technological upgrades that were not financially feasible in the current building. The current law building will be used for other university programs and offices.

New law school approved for Washburn University

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575585400126.png">Stephen Lee Contrerez photo Barton County BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities authorities are investigating a Kansas man after a high-speed chase in Barton County. Just before 5.a.m. Thursday, the Great Bend Police Department received a report of a stolen vehicle in the city, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir. A Great Bend police officer located the vehicle on 10th St. and attempted to stop the Chevrolet Traverse. The vehicle fled from the police department eastbound on 10th St. reaching speeds of approximately 112 MPH. The vehicle fled east from the City of Great Bend where Barton County Sheriff’s deputies became involved in the chase. The stolen vehicle went north on Kansas 156 Highway at speeds in excess of 100 miles an hour, at times shutting off its lights and driving left of center on the roadway. The chase continued into the northeast part of Barton County crossing Kansas 4, at one point entering a field and then coming back onto the roadway. At about 5:30 AM the suspect vehicle reached Northeast 180 Road near NE. 100th Ave. where the driver lost control. As a Sheriff’s patrol car approached the vehicle, the patrol unit was intentionally rammed by the suspect vehicle. Deputies were able to block the vehicle in and take the driver into custody approximately ½ mile west of Hitschmann, Kansas, according to Bellendir. The driver identified as Stephen Lee Contrerez 32, Great Bend, was arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked on charges of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, felony flee and elude of a law enforcement officer, driving with no lights when required, driving while suspended and multiple other traffic violations. The suspect was also charged by the Great Bend Police Department with the stolen vehicle case. Contrerez is being held in lieu of a $100,000 bond. The Sheriff’s office was assisted by the Great Bend Police Department, the Claflin Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Kan. man jailed after chase at speeds over 100mph

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575544344439.png">Google map MARION COUNTY — Authorities have classified the cause of a fatal fire residential fire in Marion as accidental, according to the Kansas State Fire Marshal. Just before 3p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a structure fire at 814 of east Lawrence or the intersection of Cedar and Lawrence in the City of Marion, according to a media release. Upon arrival the west side of the structure was fully engulfed in flames and heavy smoke. Once the fire was under control authorities located the body of Howard E. O'Connor, 47, within the west side of the structure. Authorities released no additional details ----------MARION COUNTY — Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fatal fire in Marion. Just before 3p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a structure fire at 814 of east Lawrence or the intersection of Cedar and Lawrence in the City of Marion, according to a media release. Upon arrival at the scene Officers attempted to locate any individuals that may be in the structure. The west side of the structure was fully engulfed in flames and heavy smoke, officers moved to a scene control and fire assistance role. Once the fire was under control a deceased male was located within the west side of the structure. The body was transferred to Frontier Forensics in Kansas City for identification. The Kansas State Fire Marshall’s Office was contacted to investigate the fire scene.

The Latest: Victim in fatal Kan. house fire identified 

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575577863987.jpeg">After three years as Johnson County's top election official, Election Commissioner Ronnie Metsker is resigning. He was appointed by former Secretary of State Kris Kobach. Andrea Tudhope / KCUR 89.3 file photo By ANDREA TUDHOPE<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/johnson-countys-top-election-official-abruptly-resigns#stream/0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kansas News Service</a> Johnson County's top election official, Ronnie Metsker, is resigning just over a year after former Secretary of State Kris Kobach appointed him to a new four-year term.&nbsp;Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab announced the resignation in a statement, but did not say why Metsker is stepping down. All requests for comment from Metsker were directed to the secretary of state's office. "Under his management, the Johnson County Election Office oversaw a new era of election administration with modern technology and the implementation of a new voting system," Schwab said. During his three years as election commissioner, Metsker was <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/johnson-county-promises-election-results-wont-be-late-time#stream/0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">scrutinized for serious delays in election results</a>. In the 2016 election, Johnson County was the last county in Kansas to report election results due to a <a href="http://www.kcur.org/post/huge-influx-ballots-johnson-county-delays-election-results#stream/0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">"huge influx" of advance ballots, voter registrations and higher voter turnout</a>, as well as old voting machines. In last year's primaries, even with new machines, Johnson County&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kcur.org/post/once-again-johnson-county-last-kansas-report-election-results#stream/0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">again the last to report results</a>&nbsp;to the point that several statewide results couldn't be called until the next morning. There were also concerns regarding Metsker's political ties: He had been chairman of the Johnson County GOP for seven years before his appointment. Plus, when Kobach ran for Kansas governor in 2018, he and Metsker communicated on the night of the primary, according to <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article217576410.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a Kansas City Star report. </a>That raised questions about whether Kobach, who as secretary of state would have overseen the elections, had any influence on the close race against opponent then-Gov. Jeff Colyer.&nbsp; Until a permanent replacement is named, the Johnson County Election Office will be jointly managed by county employees under the supervision of Schwab. He has appointed a six-member committee from his office and the county government to interview candidates. <a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsos.ks.gov%2FjobApp%2Fdefault.aspx&amp;data=02%7C01%7CKatie.Koupal%40ks.gov%7Cb404250c1a644b22e2df08d7799846ee%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637111567232665080&amp;sdata=LgZ5U73lA2nxHR2BE%2BZgFZetHbp445DwXm94k%2Blly4Q%3D&amp;reserved=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The application period ends on Jan. 6.&nbsp;</a> Andrea Tudhope is a reporter at KCUR 89.3. Email her at <a href="mailto:andreat@kcur.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">andreat@kcur.org</a>, and follow her on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/andreatudhope" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@andreatudhope</a>.

Johnson County's top election official abruptly resigns 

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575576321672.png">Wednesday night crash Photo Barton County Sheriff BARTON COUNTY — Ten head of swine died in an accident just after 11:30p.m. Wednesday in Barton County. A 2008 Kenworth truck tractor and livestock semi-trailer loaded with 155 head of swine and driven by Eliseo Lozano, 26, Guymon, OK., was eastbound at the junction of U.S. 56 at Kansas 156 approximately 3 miles east of Great Bend, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. The truck overturned while the driver was attempting to make a turn. It appears the driver may have cut the turn to sharp, causing the livestock to shift and overturning the trailer, according to Belledir. The Sheriff’s office and other personnel were on the scene until approximately 2:30a.m. offloading the livestock to another truck. Approximately 10 head of swine were killed in the accident

Sheriff: Swine killed when semi overturns in Barton Co.

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575566363887.png">Wednesday night accident scene <a href="http://www.kake.com/story/41409000/one-in-critical-condition-after-wreck-in-west-wichita" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">photo courtesy KAKE</a> SEDGWICK COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just before 10:30p.m. Wednesday in Sedgwick County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Honda SUV driven by Matthew D. Reed, 25, Wichita, was northbound on Interstate 235 in northwest Wichita. The driver attempted to avoid a previous accident scene in the road.&nbsp;The Honda struck&nbsp;Daniel L. Ferris, 35, Wichita, who was out of the damaged vehicle from an earlier crash. EMS transported Ferris and Reed to a Wichita hospital.&nbsp;Ferris was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kan. man outside vehicle after crash struck by SUV

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575566813363.png">Photo courtesy Textron Aviation WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Textron Aviation says the company is laying off an undisclosed number of workers, with most of the layoffs at its headquarters in Wichita. The company announced the layoffs Thursday but did not say how many employees would be affected. Company spokeswoman Stephanie Harder said in a statement the job losses would be mostly in engineering and business support. She said the layoffs won’t involve the direct workforce, such as hourly manufacturing and customer support. The layoffs will be effective Dec. 31. &nbsp;Textron offered a voluntary retirement program for salaried exempt employees. Harder said Textron plans to continue hiring skilled advanced aviation manufacturing positions as they are needed.Textron Aviation employs nearly 10,000 people in Wichita.

Textron Aviation announces layoffs, most in Kansas

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575558079778.png"> Wedgeworth photo Barton Co. BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a drug bust in Barton County. Just before 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, police executed a narcotics search warrant at a residence located at 1200 9th Street in Great Bend, according to a media release. Upon arrival, police arrested Tiffany Wedgeworth, age 31, on a warrant for failure to appear through Great Bend Municipal Court. During a thorough search of the residence, police found methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Wedgeworth was arrested and transported to the Barton County Detention Center where she was booked in lieu of bond on the arrest warrant and multiple narcotics violations. She has four previous convictions that include drugs and for battery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections

Police find drugs, arrest Kansas felon in Great Bend

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575479199267.png">First responders on the scene Tuesday <a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/1-killed-in-north-Wichita-train-accident-565759842.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">night photo courtesy KWCH</a> SEDGWICK COUNTY — Authorities are investigating a fatal accident at a rail yard in Kansas and have identified the victim. Just after 6p.m. Tuesday, police responded to an individual stuck under a train at the Union Pacific Facility in the 2600 Block of North New York in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.First responders found 46-year-old Steven Seidl of McPherson, with critical injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators learned Seidl was working with a crew moving train cars for loading at the time of the accident. ------------SEDGWICK COUNTY — Authorities are investigating a fatal accident at a rail yard in Kansas Just after 6p.m. Tuesday, police responded to an individual stuck under a train at the Union Pacific Facility in the 2600 Block of North New York in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. First responders found a 46-year-old man from McPherson with critical injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators learned the man was working with a crew moving train cars for loading. He was struck and fatally injured. Davidson did not release the victim’s name.

Police identify Kansas man who died in railroad accident

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575554925834.png">House Speaker Pelosi during Thursday's announcement -image courtesy Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says the House is drafting articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.&nbsp; Watch the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NancyPelosi/videos/452401025692170/">Speaker's statement here.</a> She made the announcement in an unusual public statement Thursday morning. On Wednesday, Pelosi met behind closed doors with her Democratic caucus and asked whether they were ”ready." The answer was a resounding yes, according to those in the room. Democrats are charging toward a Christmastime vote on impeachment, a situation Pelosi hoped to avoid.&nbsp;.

Pelosi OKs drafting of impeachment articles against Trump

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575545813213.png">Photo courtesy Rep. Brandon Woodard OLATHE, Kan. (AP) The City of Olathe has approved a nondiscrimination ordinance to provide protections to LGBTQ residents.The city council's vote on Tuesday came after months of debate and before a packed meeting room. The ordinance prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. It includes exemptions for educational, religious and political institutions. Olathe is the last of the major cities in Johnson County to adopt such an ordinance.&nbsp;

Another Kansas community OKs nondiscrimination ordinance

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575489051907.png">Arlandez Drew photo Jackson County KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City man has been charged with killing his girlfriend's 2-month-old son. Twenty-eight-year-old Arlandez Drew was charged Tuesday with abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death. Charging documents say Jamarion Holland was rushed to a hospital in August. Drew told police he had been watching Jamarion when the baby appeared to convulse after he was fed formula. Drew said he found a neighbor who performed CPR until an ambulance arrived. The baby died two days later. Drew told police he didn't hurt the child. A medical examiner determined that the child's death was a homicide, caused by complications of head and neck trauma. A scan of the baby's brain showed bleeding in the brain and extreme swelling. Bond is set at $75,000. No attorney is listed for him in online court records.

Kansas City man charged in death of girlfriend's 2-month-old

&nbsp;<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575465839643.png"> Baker photo Shawnee County SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on multiple charges after a traffic stop. Just after 4p.m. Monday, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of SE Monroe for a registration violation on a Mercury Sable, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer. The Sable was occupied by three individuals.&nbsp;Through the investigation at the scene, the driver identified as Jayme L. Douglas, 35 and two occupants including Kimberly R. Baker, 50, and James McBride, 39, all of Topeka were arrested and transported to the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575466384731.png">McBride photo Shawnee County McBride is being held on requested charges that include Possession of methamphetamine, Felon in possession of a firearm, Defacing identification marks on a firearm, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of stolen property, a felony warrant for aggravated robbery, 2 misdemeanor warrants and Multiple other traffic violations. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575466441510.png">Douglas photo Shawnee Co. Baker is being held on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Possession of drug paraphernalia and No seat belt &nbsp;Douglas is being held on requested charges of Interference with law enforcement, Driving while revoked, Driving while habitual,&nbsp;No vehicle insurance and&nbsp;No vehicle registration

3 jailed on drug charges after Kan. traffic stop

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575482444560.png">Jackson photo Sedgwick County SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated robbery. Just before 1:30p.m. Tuesday police responded to report of a robbery at a home in the 2500 Block of west Wildwood in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. The suspects were reported in a silver Chevy Equinox. Police located the vehicle at Pawnee and Broadway and attempted a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop and a short pursuit began.&nbsp;The suspects fled the vehicle in the 2600 Block of South Minnesota. A backpack containing marijuana was thrown from the vehicle. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575482505885.png">Police located all three suspects and arrested 20-year-old Darius Jackson, 19-year-old Jaylin Young and 23-year-old Devontice Joe all of Wichita.&nbsp;They also recovered a pellet gun near the vehicle.&nbsp; <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575482588577.png">It is believed the robbery occurred over a drug transaction at the residence West Wildwood.&nbsp;The suspects reportedly entered the home, showed a handgun and&nbsp;demanded property and money, according to Davidson.

Police chase, catch Kansas home robbery suspects

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574774017605.png">Photo courtesy Rep. Watkins TOPEKA —Authorities plan to investigate whether a freshman Kansas congressman broke state laws by listing a UPS Inc. store as his address on a voter registration form and for obtaining a mail-in ballot in a November election. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575500685589.png">The UPS store Rep. Watkins used-google image In an email, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office reported they had been in consultation with the District Attorney’s Office and had been made aware of the allegations against Congressman Watkins. "As with any alleged violation of state law occurring in Shawnee County, this office will undertake an investigation of the matter. Investigators will review the facts thoroughly and objectively and submit a completed investigation for prosecution review," the email message said. Rep. Steve Watkins' spokesman said Wednesday that the Republican congressman's use of the UPS store's address in southwest Topeka was an inadvertent mistake that will be corrected.&nbsp; But his actions raised a question of whether Watkins improperly cast a vote in a local City Council race Nov. 5. The local district attorney said he has asked the sheriff's department to investigate.&nbsp;

Kansas GOP congressman faces probe of voter registration

WASHINGTON —(AP) Hundreds of thousands of Americans who rely on the federal food stamp program will lose their benefits under a new Trump administration rule that will tighten work requirements for recipients. The rule announced Wednesday will limit the ability of states to exempt work-eligible adults from having to obtain steady employment in order to receive benefits. ﻿USDA officials say the rule would save roughly $5.5 billion over five years and cut benefits for about 688,000 recipients. Congressional Democrats and advocates for the poor were quick to condemn the administration's actions.&nbsp;

668,000 will lose food stamp benefits under new work rules

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575427815403.png"> Dukes photo Sedgwick County SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have a third suspect in custody.Just after 7:30 a.m., on November 27, a passerby found a man identified as Christian Osvaldo Hernandez, 30, Wichita, lying next to the road in the 12000 block of east 45th Street North, according to Lt. Tim Myers. Responding deputies noticed a gunshot to the Hernandez body and he was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Authorities asked for assistance and were able to locate the white vehicle in the case. On Tuesday, Myers confirmed that 28-year-old Whitney Dukes was in custody in connection with the case. She is being held on a $150,000 bond on requested charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping and for failure to appear, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=70924" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(45, 55, 72);">according to online jail records.</a><img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575316892512.png">Armstrong -photo Sedgwick CountyOn Monday, authorities reported the arrest of Thomas Ray Armstrong, 33, and Efrain Daniel Arroyo II, both of Wichita for Aggravated Kidnapping Aggravated Robbery, and Murder in the First Degree, according to Myers. They are being held on a bond of $500,000, according to online jail records. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575317063410.png"> Efrain Daniel Arroyo II-photo Sedgwick County. On Monday, authorities reported the arrest of Thomas Ray Armstrong, 33, and Efrain Daniel Arroyo II, both of Wichita for Aggravated Kidnapping Aggravated Robbery, and Murder in the First Degree, according to Myers. They are being held on a bond of $500,000, according to online jail records.

Sheriff: Kan. woman jailed in connection with murder, kidnapping robbery

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575404210576.jpeg">By CRISTINA JANNEYHays Post PLAINVILLE — After waiting 10 months for payment, the ranchers who sold cattle through the Plainville Livestock Commission are finally receiving payment. A settlement agreement was filed in federal court on Nov. 11. The court ordered the cattlemen to receive their full claim amounts less the payments the producers have already received through bond payments made by Hartford Insurance. Hartford will also receive a portion of the settlement for the payments it paid on the bond. Only one cattlemen is yet to be paid, Jerry Roy. A hearing is to be set in that case for the amount of $26,000. Derek Stockman, a rancher, said he had to restructure his loans as he waited for payment in the case and lost about $2,000 in interest as his payment from the Feb. 5 auction was being held by the courts. "It added a lot of financial stress ... and tension with the bankers and stuff like that," he said. "I didn’t expect that we would get it all." Stockman said he received his final check on the sale Friday. The Almena State Bank held the custodial account for the Plainville Livestock Commission. Tyler Gillum, a cattle market agent, allegedly tried to move money from the custodial account, which is by law established to hold sellers funds for the cattle, to the company's general operating account at the bank. At that time, the Almena Bank froze the account and filed an interpleader case to determine whom the money in the custodial account belonged. The court had been holding $916,652 from the custodial account as it determined who was owed money from the Livestock Commission's sale on Feb. 5. During the investigation into the interpleader case, the court determined Almena Bank was holding an additional $1.3 million that was owed to cattlemen and other parties to the sale. Stockman said he was looking forward to paying loans at the bank and getting his operation back to normal. However, he holds both the Gillums and Almena State Bank both responsible for the hardship that the case caused him and other ranchers. "All I have to say is the people who are are responsible need to held accountable," he said. "They need to pay. ... Justice needs to be served. They need to make an example of them that makes a statement." Stockman said he intends to be much more careful about where he takes his cattle for sale in the future. Neither Plainville Livestock Commission nor Almena State Bank admitted to wrongdoing in the settlement. <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/05/31/indictment-plainville-couple-stole-millions-in-check-kiting-scheme-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64);">Tyler Gillum, 47, and his wife, Camden Gillum, 50, were charged in May in federal court with carrying out a check-kiting scheme that cost banks millions of dollars.</a> The couple is charged with 31 counts of bank fraud, one count of making a false statement to the Small Business Administration in an application for a $1.5 million loan, and one count of making a false statement to Almena State Bank in an application for a $500,000 line of credit. The indictment alleges investigators examined unfunded checks and wire transfers totaling more $2 billion sent by Tyler Gillum as part of the scheme. The criminal case is still making its way through the court system. <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/06/28/bank-caught-up-in-plainville-livestock-check-kiting-scheme-under-fdic-scrutiny/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(64, 64, 64);">Almena State Bank</a><a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/06/28/bank-caught-up-in-plainville-livestock-check-kiting-scheme-under-fdic-scrutiny/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64);"> stipulated to a consent order with the FDIC in March to correct what court records called “unsafe and unsound banking practices and violations of laws and regulations.”</a> Plainville Livestock Commission also filed for bankruptcy, and its equipment was sold at auction in June. The commission's real property was sold to Flatland Holding LLC for $850,000. According to bankruptcy court documents, Plainville Livestock Commission debt was listed at almost $14.5 million. Almena Bank was listed as being owed $3.49 million in secured debt. Landmark Bank of Manhattan is listed as an unsecured creditor with the commission owing $8 million. The bankruptcy case is still making its way through the court system. Hays Post attempted to contact an attorney for Gillum; attorneys for Almena State Bank; the attorney for Hartford Fire Insurance; Michael Morris, attorney for the cattle sellers; and the U.S. Attorney's Office in the District of Kansas, but had not received return calls as of the time this story was published.

Cattlemen paid in full in Plainville Livestock case; bank ordered to pay $1.3M

WASHINGTON —The House Judiciary Committee is going to hear from constitutional scholars on the issue of what's an impeachable offense. <a href="https://www.c-span.org/networks/?channel=c-span-3">Click to watch the hearing </a> The committee&nbsp;is responsible for drafting articles of impeachment. It's prepared on Wednesday for its first hearing since Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee released a report that found “serious misconduct” by President Donald Trump.&nbsp; Democrats say the Republican president misused the power of his office for personal political gain and obstructed Congress' investigation. The full House will decide whether Trump's actions in his dealings with Ukraine rose to the constitutional level of “high crimes and misdemeanors" warranting impeachment. Trump has denied doing anything wrong.

Watch: Judiciary hearing on impeachment

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575468277975.png">Police on the scene of the investigation photo <a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/kcpd-investigating-officer-involved-shooting-in-4100-block-of-college/30108353">courtesy KBMC TV</a> KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City police say a detective shot and killed a man at a home on the city’s east side. Spokesman Tim Hernandez said Tuesday’s confrontation began after officers were investigating a disturbance between two vehicles. When a police helicopter tracked one of the vehicles to a home, a detective approached a man sitting inside a vehicle and eventually shot him. Hernandez said the detective was “put in position where he had to discharge his firearm” but he did not provide further details. He said the man’s hand was hanging out of the car and a handgun was found on the ground in that area.No officers were injured. The second vehicle involved in the initial disturbance was stopped at another location. Police say everyone involved is in custody.

KC Police: Detective fatally shot man, gun found

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Authorities have used ground-penetrating radar to search for evidence in a 20-year-old missing person case. Kansas City, Kansas, police said in a news release that officers searched Monday on an empty lot and found an anomaly in an area that once contained a home where Star Boomer stayed off and on with her boyfriend. The release says the images don’t show exactly what is under the soil, but that the investigation will continue as police work to “bring an end to this cold case and hopefully some closure to the family. Boomer was last seen in February 1999 at a bar in the area. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575390325110.png">Two Kansas City, Kansas, men were charged in her disappearance in October 1999. The case was dismissed after witnesses refused to testify. Detectives reopened the cold case in 2017.

Police search for evidence in 20-year-old Kan. cold case

REPUBLIC COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal Thanksgiving Day crash and have identified those involved. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1994 Toyota passenger vehicle driven by Jennifer Dawn Lovelace, 38, Tularosa, New Mexico, was northbound on 30th Road eight miles north of Courtland. The driver lost control of the vehicle and left the west side of the roadway. It rolled and came to rest on its top submerged in a pond. Lovelace and passengers Paul E. Bannister, 38, Alamogordo, New Mexico, were transported to the hospital in Belleville. He was not seriously injured. Ronald T.S. Hyde, 12; Travis E. Hyde, 9; Aidan M.L. Lovelace, 4, and Axton H Beck, 9 months, all of Tularosa, New Mexico were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Bachelor-Faulkner-Dart-Surber Funeral Home. Bannister and the Hyde brothers were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

The latest: 4 children killed in Thanksgiving Day crash 

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575323537627.png"> Kittle photo Shawnee County SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect caught in a stolen pickup. Just after 6a.m. Monday, a deputy located a stolen Chevy Colorado Truck, in the 100 Block of NW Walnut Grove, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer. The driver, Christopher D. Kittle, 34, of Topeka, was arrested and transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Poss of Opiate/Narcotic, Use/Poss Drug Paraphernalia, Felony Possession of Stolen Property, Driving While Suspended along with Misdemeanor Warrants for Shawnee and Douglas Counties&nbsp;and Other Traffic Charges, according to Stallbaumer.

Kan. deputies catch man in reported stolen truck

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575394268931.png">Tobble photo Sedgwick County SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an armed robbery and have a suspect in custody after a chase and crash. Just after 8:30p.m. Monday, police responded to an armed robbery call at Best Buy, 2100 Block of North Rock Road in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. The suspect left the scene in a red Chevy HHR. Police located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop at 13th and Hillside.&nbsp;The driver, later identified as Rodrecus Tobble, 31, Wichita, stopped, refused to exit the vehicle and sped away from officers. Police chased and near the intersection of Pawnee and Hydraulic, a 2003 Chevy Silverado occupied by 2 adults and four children struck the Chevy HHR.&nbsp;Tobble and the occupants of the Silverado sustained non-life-threatening injuries, according to Davidson. Investigators learned Tobble entered the Best Buy, displayed a knife, demanded and took headphones, a charger, a garman and a cell phone. Tobble is being held on requested charges of aggravated robbery, flee and attempt to elude, battery of a law enforcement officer and six counts of aggravated battery. Police also recovered the stolen electronics, according to Davidson.

Police: Kan. man used knife to do holiday shopping

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575302227384.png"><a href="https://apnews.com/a137c9cada1a421bbda8ea0d5c046d0d" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 125, 165); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Bo Dana Rupert</a> photo Montgomery County <a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22ROXANA%20HEGEMAN%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(28, 167, 218); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">By ROXANA HEGEMAN </a> WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A man who claims he was banished from Kansas as a condition of a plea deal could be allowed back in the state under an agreement reached Monday, although a county prosecutor disputes that he was ever banned from returning.The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas said in a news release that it has agreed to drop a civil lawsuit brought on behalf of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a137c9cada1a421bbda8ea0d5c046d0d" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(28, 167, 218);">Bo Dana Rupert</a>&nbsp;in exchange for an amended Montgomery County plea agreement in a related criminal case against him. Court transcripts show Rupert pleaded no contest in 2017 to three felony counts of making a criminal threat and three misdemeanor counts of filing a false report. He was sentenced to 12 months of probation, and the judge accepted a plea agreement under which Rupert agreed to leave Kansas and never return. It is unclear from the court transcript whether the judge intended to specifically include that provision as part of his sentence. That 2017 plea agreement explicitly stated Rupert was not to return to Kansas: “If the defendant does return to Kansas then the terms of this agreement have been violated and the County Attorney may consider filing all other charges for additional offenses not filed now.” But on Monday, Montgomery County Attorney Larry Markle vehemently pushed back against the ACLU’s claim that Rupert was banished. Markle shared with The Associated Press a sworn affidavit from Rupert’s criminal defense attorney stating it was Rupert who came up with the idea to put a stipulation in the plea agreement that he transfer his probation to another state and not return to Kansas, or risk new charges.“The bottom line is that Rupert was not ‘BANISHED,’” Markle said in an email. Rupert left Kansas the day after his sentencing and has never returned, according to the ACLU. The group said in its filing that his then attorney advised him: "Don't still be here tomorrow when the sun comes up." That attorney, Heath Lampson, disputes ever giving him that advice. Two weeks after he was sentenced, Montgomery County issued an arrest warrant for Rupert stating he had violated the terms of his probation by not attending his probation meetings in Kansas. The ACLU said in a court filing that the banishment was reminiscent of punishments in the days of the Wild West, when convicted criminals were dropped at the state line and warned to never return in a practice called "sundown probation;" and in ancient Greece, where people convicted of homicide or embarrassing military defeat were sent into exile. Rupert contends in a court filing that he has been unable to return to Kansas for fear of violating the plea agreement.Under the civil settlement, Markle agreed not to prosecute Rupert for being an absconder. Markle said court probation officers were ready to testify under oath that they specifically told Rupert he could not leave the state until the interstate process had been completed for his probation. He released to AP a recording in which Rupert can be heard telling a law enforcement official that he was leaving Kansas for a good-paying job in Texas, but that he felt he was being run out of town by police harassment. “The ACLU either failed to properly investigate this case before filing suit and/or failed to educate themselves on criminal procedure before filing suit, which contains numerous false allegations against the Montgomery County Attorney’s office,” Markle wrote. “The ACLU is more concerned with headlines than the truth.” “We hope attorneys on both sides will think twice before adding stipulations like this one to ... agreements in the future,” Lauren Bonds, legal director for the ACLU of Kansas, said in a news release. “This was an unusual situation, to say the least.” In court filings, Markle argued that Rupert never claimed that the county attorney had ever tried to enforce the offending provision.The ACLU issued a news release stating it was Lampson who prepared the “problematic terms of the plea agreement, not Markle.”Lampson did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Man who says he was banned from Kansas may return after deal

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575398772052.png">President Trump in London Tuesday -White House courtesy photo LONDON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he would talk to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about running for an open Senate seat in Kansas if Republicans appeared at risk of losing it next year.Trump’s comments to reporters Tuesday during a NATO meeting in London came as Pompeo dismissed speculation about his seeking the seat held by retiring GOP Sen. Pat Roberts. Trump said if he thought Republicans might lose their first Senate race in Kansas since 1932, “I would have to talk to Mike.”Pompeo is a former Kansas congressman. Republicans have speculated for months that he will run for the Senate. Some Republicans fear that ex-Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach will capture the party’s nomination and put the seat in play after losing the Kansas governor’s race last year.

Trump would talk to Pompeo if GOP risks losing in Kansas

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575412381011.png">Frick photo Rawlins County ATWOOD – A Kansas man was sentenced Tuesday to more than 12 years in prison for child sex crimes, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt. Kyle C. Frick, 41, Atwood, pleaded guilty in October to one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, one count of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Chief Judge Kevin N. Berens on Tuesday sentenced Frick to 151 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections. Frick is also subject to lifetime post-release supervision and sex offender registration. The crimes occurred in January. The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Rawlins County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Attorney General Melissa Johnson of Schmidt’s office.&nbsp;

NW Kansas man sentenced for child sex crimes

CHEROKEE COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 7a.m. Tuesday in Cherokee County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Kia Sorento driven by Danra Kayette Green, 43, Quapaw, OK., was &nbsp;westbound on U.S. 166 three miles east of Baxter Springs. The vehicle rear-ended a USD 404 Riverton Blue Bird school bus driven by Jeffrey T. Adams, 55, Baxter Springs, that had stopped to pickup a student. EMS transported Green and one of the 13 students on the bus identified as Christian Smith, 13, Riverton, to the hospital in Joplin.&nbsp; ﻿Green was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP. The patrol said the bus and the vehicle both were severely damaged.

Kan. school bus crash injures student, vehicle driver

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and need the public’s help with information. Just before 2:30a.m Tuesday., police responded to a 911 call in the 2400 Block of East Parkmont in Wichita, according to Captain Brent Allred. At the scene, officers located a 31-year-old man later identified as Robert Junior of Wichita with gunshot wounds. The neighbor who called 911 found the Junior outside the duplex near a driveway.&nbsp; EMS transported the Junior to a local hospital in critical condition and he died, according to officer Charley Davidson. Investigators are working to learn what occurred. Police do not believe this is a random incident or that drugs were involved.&nbsp;--------SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and need the public’s help with information. Just before 2:30a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a 911 call in the 2400 Block of East Parkmont in Wichita, according to Captain Brent Allred. At the scene, officers located a 31-year-old man with gunshot wounds. The neighbor who called 911 found the victim outside the duplex near a driveway.&nbsp; EMS transported the man to a local hospital in critical condition and he remains hospitalized, according to Allred. Investigators are working to learn what occurred. Police do not believe this is a random incident or that drugs were involved.&nbsp;

The Latest: Kan. man finds neighbor with critical gunshot wound

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575312092617.jpeg">Researchers at K-State and other universities envision an online hub with massive amounts of state data that would make it easier to compare policies about education, health and more across the country. Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service By CELIA LLOPIS-JENSEN<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/k-state-host-massive-research-data-hub-everything-marijuana-education#stream/0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kansas News Service</a> TOPEKA — What if researchers could go to a single hub for vast deposits of information on a range of issues from water quality to court rulings to the medicinal powers of marijuana? Armed with all that existing research, they might begin to draw conclusions that apply across the country. They might also avoid repeating the work of other researchers.Two professors at Kansas State University, Nathaniel Birkhead and Audrey Joslin, have begun construction on that online, open-source data hub. They’re teaming with colleagues at Rochester University, University of Notre Dame, University of Virginia, University of North Carolina, Charlotte and North Carolina A&amp;T State University.That open-knowledge network — one that non-computer-savvy researchers anywhere could tap into — could make available state data on everything from Supreme Court decisions to preschool access to water quality. The website’s built-in data visualization tools would let people scour for links between those many data sets to understand what influences public health and more. “The whole point is to make it something that’s accessible,” said Birkhead, a political scientist, “that people can come to without having to have computer programming skills.” Experts from political science, geography, ethics and other fields teamed up to create the data hub, which isn’t yet viewable to the public. The project, still in its infancy, won money from the National Science Foundation. The team hopes to secure more funding from the NSF after finishing work to demonstrate how the data hub could be used to explore topics like opioids, the environment and medical marijuana. Already, researchers across the country put painstaking hours into gathering state or regional data for their work. And though they increasingly upload it online, it’s not centralized in a way that stops others from wasting time hunting down the exact same thing. Joslin, a geographer who studies conservation policies, knows what it’s like putting together hard-to-get information, such as the wildfire data that she works with.“A lot of this isn’t easily accessible,” she said. “You have to contact individual — either state, federal or local — governments.” Smarter online access could help everyone from public policymakers and nonprofit groups to journalists and private citizens. “If we’re able to create a place where we could put all this stuff and make it accessible to everybody,” Joslin said, “then everybody sort of wins.” Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@Celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org. The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on the health and well-being of Kansans, their communities and civic life.

K-State to host massive data hub on everything from marijuana to education 

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573731093925.png">Narwhal from his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/macthepitbull/posts/2572118142869139" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">facebook page</a> JACKSON, Mo. (AP) -&nbsp;A dog that drew international attention because of a tail-like growth on his face will remain with the founder of a group that rescued him. The dog, named Narwhal the Little Magical Furry Unicorn, was rescued in November by Mac’s Mission in southeast Missouri. When the beagle-mix puppy’s picture hit social media, the mission received more than 300 offers to adopt him. But the dog also drew some unwelcome attention, including death threats. Mac’s Mission’s founder Rochelle Steffen said those two factors - plus Narwhal’s cute personality and loving nature - convinced her to keep the dog. Steffen said she was concerned her small rescue group couldn’t properly vet people who wanted to adopt Narwhal, and she wanted to be sure he stays with people who had his best interests at heart.----------- JACKSON, Mo. (AP) — A rescued puppy is attracting a lot of attention because of his resemblance to a unicorn.The nearly 10-week-old puppy, named Narwhal, has a tail-like appendage growing from his forehead. Narwhal was rescued over the weekend and sent to Mac’s Mission in Jackson, which specializes in fostering animals with special needs.Mac’s Mission founder Rochelle Steffen says Narwhal doesn’t notice the extra tail and is otherwise a happy, healthy puppy. Although it looks like a tail, Narwhal&nbsp;cannot wag&nbsp;it. Steffen says the rescue group has been flooded with requests from people wanting to adopt Narwhal since his picture hit social media. But he’ll remain at Mac’s Mission so his caretakers can be sure the tail doesn’t grow out of proportion to his face and cause him problems.

Popular unicorn puppy finds home

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575321728000.png"> Abdul Jalil Hussein photo Douglas County LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A 36-year-old Lawrence man who shot at a police officer has been sentenced to more than 17 years in prison.Abdul Jalil Hussein was sentenced Monday after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6c0c06965b0246958443472dcafa7656" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(28, 167, 218);">he shot</a>&nbsp;at an officer in June 2018 at his home in northwest Lawrence. Several cases against him were resolved when he pleaded no contest to attempted murder and aggravated burglary. Hussein was accused of exchanging gunfire with the officer outside his home. Neither man was injured. He also had been charged after an hours-long police standoff in December 2017 and violent incidents at his mother's home. Hussein’s mother, Grace Torko, said Monday the family tried unsuccessfully to get help for him from mental health groups and the police in the months before the shooting.

Kansas man sentenced for shooting at officer

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575285023935.png">Andrus photo courtesy Inman Police MCPHERSON COUNTY — A missing man from Inman, the subject of a statewide Silver Alert has been found and is safe. The Inman Police Department reported that 70-year-old Richard W. Andrus was located safely overnight in Rice County Authorities released no additional details. --------MCPHERSON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Inman Police Department requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Inman man.&nbsp;The whereabouts of Richard W. Andrus, 70, are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him. Andrus is a 70-year-old white male, 5 ft. 11 in., 193 lbs. He is bald and has blue eyes. Andrus was&nbsp;last seen wearing a green jacket and jeans.&nbsp;He was last known to be driving a red 2013 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, with Vietnam Veteran tag 5123, heading in an unknown direction. Last point of contact with Andrus was at his home in Inman, Kan. at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1. Andrus did possibly use his credit card at a Casey’s convenience store in Ellsworth, Kan. on Sunday evening. He does suffer from dementia. If you see Richard Andrus, or his vehicle, please immediately call 620-245-1266.

Police: Missing Kansas man found safe

WICHITA, KAN. -&nbsp;The former operator of the water system in Garden Plain, Kan., was sentenced Monday to a year on federal probation and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine for falsifying a report on the quality of the city's drinking water, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister. Arthur Wolfe, 64, Norwich, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of a making a false statement in a report to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment that was required by the Environmental Protection Agency. Wolfe certified a bacteriological report that falsely represented water samples taken at the water treatment plant as samples taken at other locations. McAllister commended the Environmental Protection Agency and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.

Former water operator in Kan. sentenced for false report 

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575290365814.png">Soliman photo Sedgwick County SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have a suspect in custody. Just before 6 a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting call at a residence in the 1200 block of South Main in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. Upon arrival, officers located 24-year-old John Buess-Wheeler of Augusta inside of the residence with a gunshot wound to his chest. Buess was transported to an area hospital where he died, according to Davidson. A short time later, officers learned that a second victim, a 25-year-old man, drove himself to an area hospital. He was treated for non-life threatening injuries. The investigation revealed there was a physical disturbance between a suspect identified as 20-year-old Carver Soliman, Buess-Wheeler and the 25-year-old man who are known to each other. During the disturbance, Soliman fired a handgun, fatally wounding Buess and striking the 25-year-old victim in the arm. Soliman was located inside the residence by officers and was arrested without incident. The shooting was not a random incident and is believed to be drug-related, according to Soliman. He is being held on a $250,000 bond for second-degree murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20064278" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">according to online jail records.</a>

Kan. man held on $250K bond for weekend murder

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575374136408.png">Fire crews on the scene Monday photo <a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/1-dies-in-west-Wichita-house-fire-565697812.html">courtesy KWCH</a> WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Wichita woman died in a house fire after she became trapped on the home’s second floor. Fire Marshal Stuart Bevis said the woman’s husband discovered the fire when he came home Monday but was unable to make it up the stairs because of the smoke and fire. Firefighters got the woman out of the house but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Bevis said the woman had mobility issues and wasn’t able to leave the house on her own. He said smoke alarms were going off when firefighters arrived.The cause of the fire is under investigation but Bevis said oxygen tanks may have contributed to the blaze.

Kan. woman dies in fire after being trapped upstairs

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575323125433.png">Morris photo Shawnee CountySHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have a suspect in custody. On Saturday, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office received information on the possible location of stolen items from a previous aggravated burglary, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer. Sheriff Hill, who was at the Law Enforcement Center, along with a detective, followed up on leads that lead to a search warrant being served at a residence in the 800 block of SE Rice Road. Authorities seized methamphetamine, stolen property from the aggravated burglary, a stolen assault rifle, and a handgun. They also arrested Shawn K. Morris, 48, of Topeka, on requested charges that include Criminal Possession of a Firearm by Felon, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Stolen Property.

Kan. burglary suspect caught, stolen property recovered

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575346398902.jpeg">Kenneth Reitcheck. Photo courtesySalina Police Department The Salina Police Department (SPD) has issued a statewide Silver Alert for the following individual.&nbsp;Kenneth “Kenny” Reitcheck has not been seen since Nov. 4, 2019.&nbsp;According to information provided by SPD, he is known to suffer from diminished mental health capabilities and is on disability. Reitcheck has not attempted to access his disability funds since before he was last seen.&nbsp; Reitcheck is known to frequent the Salina area but may have family in northwest Kansas, possibly the Colby area, SPD noted.&nbsp;Reitcheck does not have a phone, vehicle, or any identification.&nbsp;Name:&nbsp;Kenneth Frances ReitcheckAKA: Kenneth Frances BrownAge: 69&nbsp;Sex: Male&nbsp;Race: WhiteHeight: 5'9"Weight: 175&nbsp;Eyes: Blue&nbsp;Hair: GrayIf located or you have information, please contact the Salina Police Department at 785-826-7210.