By LISA RODRIGUEZ <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-28/as-operation-legend-gains-international-attention-civil-rights-groups-call-on-kansas-city-mayor-to-reject-federal-agents">Kansas News Service</a>

A coalition of civil rights organizations is calling on Kansas City 
Mayor Quinton Lucas to formally reject the presence of federal agents in
 the city after 200 agents arrived last week as part of Operation 
LeGend, an initiative aimed at tackling violent crime.

Legacy 
organizations such as the NAACP, the Urban League and the Southern 
Christian Leadership Conference joined other social justice groups like 
Black Rainbow, One Struggle KC, KC Tenants, the Sunrise Movement and 
Showing up for Racial Justice (SURJ) in signing an open letter to Lucas,
 saying that by inviting federal agents into Kansas City, Lucas opened 
the door to “undue civilian terror, functional martial law, and the 
obstruction of basic civil liberties.”

Ray Billis, who works with 
Black Rainbow, says the mere presence of federal agents has a negative 
effect on Black communities, which have historically been over-policed.

“We
 feel terrorized in our communities by these law enforcement officials, 
we feel brutalized, we feel bullied. We do not feel safe from law 
enforcement officials being in inside of our communities,” Billis says.

The
 groups are also calling for the mayor to redirect half of the Kansas 
City Police Department’s budget to housing, healthcare and education 
programs.

Billis says as the KCPD budget has grown steadily over the last five years, so has violent crime.

“It
 baffles me that that we continue to invest resources into this broken 
police institution that has no statistical proof that is does actually 
reduce crime rates,” Billis told KCUR. “And we have this other data and 
statistics that say increasing education does reduce crime rates.”

Inconsistent information about Operation LeGend

The
 letter also accuses Lucas of being a hypocrite, by first welcoming the 
federal aid and then signing onto a letter with several other mayors who
 have condemned the federal presence in their cities.

Operation LeGend has been controversial <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-08/kansas-city-to-get-federal-help-with-investigating-spike-in-fatal-shootings" target="_blank">since it was first announced</a> earlier this month.

While some advocates <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-10/protestors-call-for-resignation-of-kansas-city-police-chief-and-reject-federal-crime-intervention" target="_blank">say the city needs all the help it can get</a> to reduce violent crime, others have <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-10/protestors-call-for-resignation-of-kansas-city-police-chief-and-reject-federal-crime-intervention" target="_blank">accused the operation of “militarizing” the community</a>.

Lucas
 has said he welcomed federal assistance to help clear homicides but has
 also expressed grave concerns about the operation. His office did not 
immediately provide a statement regarding the letter, but Lucas has said
 repeatedly he does not support defunding the police.

Lucas told 
KCUR on Monday that he hoped the federal assistance would come in the 
form of data specialists and ballistic experts to help investigators and
 expressed skepticism after the initial arrest was for the illegal 
possession of a firearm — not directly tied to homicides. The U.S. 
Attorney announced Monday that they assisted Kansas City police in the 
arrest of a murder suspect who was charged over the weekend.

“One concern that, of course, I have is that given that this has now 
gotten significant political attention, there will be a goal to put 
points on the board and that the end of this 60-day period have a number
 of arrests and fugitives apprehended,” Lucas said.

The operation has generated international attention, particularly after the White House included Chicago and Albuquerque.

In
 an interview Tuesday with the BBC, Lucas sought to explain the 
difference between Operation LeGend and the civil unrest in Portland 
where protesters and federal agents have engaged in combative encounters
 for weeks during demonstrations. 

“I do understand Operation 
Legend and the operations in the Pacific Northwest are different things 
but they have the same somewhat Trojan horse type concern,” Lucas said. 
“How do we know that we can trust this administration long-term?”

Lucas has also faced questioning over when he first learned about the influx of federal agents.

While
 Lucas initially said he learned of the operation on Twitter the day it 
was announced by the White House, a Kansas City Star report revealed a 
letter was sent to the Justice Department from his office supporting the
 concept of federal assistance the day before.

Lucas <a href="https://www.kcur.org/podcast/up-to-date/2020-07-27/kansas-city-mayor-admits-his-office-learned-about-federal-operation-prior-to-national-announcement" target="_blank">explained to KCUR Monday</a>
 that staffers in his office knew about the federal government’s plan to
 send agents to Kansas City to help deal with a surge of violent crime, 
but neither they — nor he — knew the scope of the operation.

Attorney General Barr fuels confusion

Further
 adding to the confusion over the role of federal agents in Kansas City,
 U.S. Attorney General William Barr last week stated there had been more
 than 200 arrests under Operation LeGend.

But, under questioning 
today from House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler, a Democrat from New 
York, Barr admitted he “misspoke.” Nadler said perhaps Barr was confused
 and referring to a similar effort launched last year called Operation 
Relentless Pursuit.

“Operation LeGend appears to be little more 
than a repackaging of existing operations in these cities. So why all 
the drama,” Nadler said. “Why join the president, the White House, to 
announce a bold new operation that appears to be neither bold, nor new?”

Nadler
 pressed on, saying many Americans are suspicious of Barr’s motives, and
 he wondered aloud whether the federal surge of law enforcement was “to 
help with the President’s reelection efforts.”

“The President has 
made clear that he wants conflict between protesters and police to be a 
central claim, a central theme of this campaign,” Nadler said.

Barr
 defended his agency’s actions, saying Operation Relentless Pursuit was 
stopped by the pandemic, but  serious violent crime continued in these 
cities and mayors requested help.

“We saw violent crime continuing
 to rise and a lot of that was triggered after the death of George 
Floyd,” Barr said. “So we did reboot the program after COVID started 
breaking and we could commit the law enforcement resources to actually 
accomplish the mission, which is to reduce violent crime.”

In addition to being KCUR's afternoon newscaster, Lisa Rodriguez covers city hall and other news around Kansas City. Follow her on Twitter @larodrig.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596036525777.png" alt="Several speakers and protesters called out Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas during the press conference held on the steps of the Kansas City Police Headquarters in July. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Several speakers and protesters called out Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas during the press conference held on the steps of the Kansas City Police Headquarters in July. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>By LISA RODRIGUEZ <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-28/as-operation-legend-gains-international-attention-civil-rights-groups-call-on-kansas-city-mayor-to-reject-federal-agents">Kansas News Service</a>A coalition of civil rights organizations is calling on Kansas City 
Mayor Quinton Lucas to formally reject the presence of federal agents in
 the city after 200 agents arrived last week as part of Operation 
LeGend, an initiative aimed at tackling violent crime.Legacy 
organizations such as the NAACP, the Urban League and the Southern 
Christian Leadership Conference joined other social justice groups like 
Black Rainbow, One Struggle KC, KC Tenants, the Sunrise Movement and 
Showing up for Racial Justice (SURJ) in signing an open letter to Lucas,
 saying that by inviting federal agents into Kansas City, Lucas opened 
the door to “undue civilian terror, functional martial law, and the 
obstruction of basic civil liberties.”Ray Billis, who works with 
Black Rainbow, says the mere presence of federal agents has a negative 
effect on Black communities, which have historically been over-policed.“We
 feel terrorized in our communities by these law enforcement officials, 
we feel brutalized, we feel bullied. We do not feel safe from law 
enforcement officials being in inside of our communities,” Billis says.The
 groups are also calling for the mayor to redirect half of the Kansas 
City Police Department’s budget to housing, healthcare and education 
programs.Billis says as the KCPD budget has grown steadily over the last five years, so has violent crime.“It
 baffles me that that we continue to invest resources into this broken 
police institution that has no statistical proof that is does actually 
reduce crime rates,” Billis told KCUR. “And we have this other data and 
statistics that say increasing education does reduce crime rates.”Inconsistent information about Operation LeGendThe
 letter also accuses Lucas of being a hypocrite, by first welcoming the 
federal aid and then signing onto a letter with several other mayors who
 have condemned the federal presence in their cities.Operation LeGend has been controversial <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-08/kansas-city-to-get-federal-help-with-investigating-spike-in-fatal-shootings" target="_blank">since it was first announced</a> earlier this month.While some advocates <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-10/protestors-call-for-resignation-of-kansas-city-police-chief-and-reject-federal-crime-intervention" target="_blank">say the city needs all the help it can get</a> to reduce violent crime, others have <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-10/protestors-call-for-resignation-of-kansas-city-police-chief-and-reject-federal-crime-intervention" target="_blank">accused the operation of “militarizing” the community</a>.Lucas
 has said he welcomed federal assistance to help clear homicides but has
 also expressed grave concerns about the operation. His office did not 
immediately provide a statement regarding the letter, but Lucas has said
 repeatedly he does not support defunding the police.Lucas told 
KCUR on Monday that he hoped the federal assistance would come in the 
form of data specialists and ballistic experts to help investigators and
 expressed skepticism after the initial arrest was for the illegal 
possession of a firearm — not directly tied to homicides. The U.S. 
Attorney announced Monday that they assisted Kansas City police in the 
arrest of a murder suspect who was charged over the weekend.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596036591400.png" alt="Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas stood with local faith leaders as he announced a push to return local control of the Kansas City Police Department. Lisa Rodriguez photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas stood with local faith leaders as he announced a push to return local control of the Kansas City Police Department. Lisa Rodriguez photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“One concern that, of course, I have is that given that this has now 
gotten significant political attention, there will be a goal to put 
points on the board and that the end of this 60-day period have a number
 of arrests and fugitives apprehended,” Lucas said.The operation has generated international attention, particularly after the White House included Chicago and Albuquerque.In
 an interview Tuesday with the BBC, Lucas sought to explain the 
difference between Operation LeGend and the civil unrest in Portland 
where protesters and federal agents have engaged in combative encounters
 for weeks during demonstrations. “I do understand Operation 
Legend and the operations in the Pacific Northwest are different things 
but they have the same somewhat Trojan horse type concern,” Lucas said. 
“How do we know that we can trust this administration long-term?”Lucas has also faced questioning over when he first learned about the influx of federal agents.While
 Lucas initially said he learned of the operation on Twitter the day it 
was announced by the White House, a Kansas City Star report revealed a 
letter was sent to the Justice Department from his office supporting the
 concept of federal assistance the day before.Lucas <a href="https://www.kcur.org/podcast/up-to-date/2020-07-27/kansas-city-mayor-admits-his-office-learned-about-federal-operation-prior-to-national-announcement" target="_blank">explained to KCUR Monday</a>
 that staffers in his office knew about the federal government’s plan to
 send agents to Kansas City to help deal with a surge of violent crime, 
but neither they — nor he — knew the scope of the operation.Attorney General Barr fuels confusionFurther
 adding to the confusion over the role of federal agents in Kansas City,
 U.S. Attorney General William Barr last week stated there had been more
 than 200 arrests under Operation LeGend.But, under questioning 
today from House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler, a Democrat from New 
York, Barr admitted he “misspoke.” Nadler said perhaps Barr was confused
 and referring to a similar effort launched last year called Operation 
Relentless Pursuit.“Operation LeGend appears to be little more 
than a repackaging of existing operations in these cities. So why all 
the drama,” Nadler said. “Why join the president, the White House, to 
announce a bold new operation that appears to be neither bold, nor new?”Nadler
 pressed on, saying many Americans are suspicious of Barr’s motives, and
 he wondered aloud whether the federal surge of law enforcement was “to 
help with the President’s reelection efforts.”“The President has 
made clear that he wants conflict between protesters and police to be a 
central claim, a central theme of this campaign,” Nadler said.Barr
 defended his agency’s actions, saying Operation Relentless Pursuit was 
stopped by the pandemic, but serious violent crime continued in these 
cities and mayors requested help.“We saw violent crime continuing
 to rise and a lot of that was triggered after the death of George 
Floyd,” Barr said. “So we did reboot the program after COVID started 
breaking and we could commit the law enforcement resources to actually 
accomplish the mission, which is to reduce violent crime.”In addition to being KCUR's afternoon newscaster, Lisa Rodriguez covers city hall and other news around Kansas City. Follow her on Twitter @larodrig.&nbsp;

Civil rights groups call on Kansas City mayor to reject federal agents

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 698 to a total of 26,870 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 698 to a total of 26,870 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 349<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596043797435.png" alt="July 29, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>July 29, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal weekend shooting at a business in Wichita have arrested Lamontae Lucas, 18, of Wichita,&nbsp;according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.

Investigators determined that just after 9p.m. Sunday, Lucas entered the Auto Zone store in the in the 900 Block of South Oliver in Wichita in an attempt to commit robbery, according to Stephens.

While in the store, Lucas shot and killed employee 40-year-old Nicholas Blue and then fled on foot.

Through community response to the security camera image of the suspect entering the store and diligent police work officers were able make the arrest.

Just before 10:30p.m. Tuesday, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20067128">police booked&nbsp; Lucas</a>&nbsp;a on a requested charge of First-Degree Murder, according Stephens.

The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; Police have not released details on whether Lucas was involved in three other armed robberies in area on Sunday night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting at a business in Wichita continue their search for a suspect and have asked&nbsp; the public for help to identify the person captured on security cameras.

Just after 9p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting at the Auto Zone in the in the 900 Block of South Oliver in Wichita, according to Captain Jason Stephens.

Upon arrival, police discovered store employee 40-year-old Nicholas Blue dead of a gunshot&nbsp; wound.

The investigation revealed an unknown suspect entered the business, pulled out a handgun and shot Blue. There were two other employees in the business at the time, in other parts of the store, and no customers.

The store was open for business at the time of the shooting, according to Stephens.

Police have not determined a motive for the shooting and on Monday afternoon released a security camera image of the alleged suspect.

If you know the identity of this suspect or saw anyone wearing the pictured clothing, please call 911, WPD detectives at 316-268-4407, or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111 immediately. This

The individual should be considered armed and dangerous.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596032625997.png" alt="Lucas photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Lucas photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal weekend shooting at a business in Wichita have arrested Lamontae Lucas, 18, of Wichita,&nbsp;according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.Investigators determined that just after 9p.m. Sunday, Lucas entered the Auto Zone store in the in the 900 Block of South Oliver in Wichita in an attempt to commit robbery, according to Stephens.While in the store, Lucas shot and killed employee 40-year-old Nicholas Blue and then fled on foot.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595873499101.png" alt="Security camera image courtesy Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image courtesy Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Through community response to the security camera image of the suspect entering the store and diligent police work officers were able make the arrest.Just before 10:30p.m. Tuesday, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20067128">police booked&nbsp; Lucas</a>&nbsp;a on a requested charge of First-Degree Murder, according Stephens.The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; Police have not released details on whether Lucas was involved in three other armed robberies in area on Sunday night.&nbsp;&nbsp;---------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting at a business in Wichita continue their search for a suspect and have asked&nbsp; the public for help to identify the person captured on security cameras.Just after 9p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting at the Auto Zone in the in the 900 Block of South Oliver in Wichita, according to Captain Jason Stephens.Upon arrival, police discovered store employee 40-year-old Nicholas Blue dead of a gunshot&nbsp; wound.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595856779122.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation late Sunday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation late Sunday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed an unknown suspect entered the business, pulled out a handgun and shot Blue. There were two other employees in the business at the time, in other parts of the store, and no customers.The store was open for business at the time of the shooting, according to Stephens.Police have not determined a motive for the shooting and on Monday afternoon released a security camera image of the alleged suspect.If you know the identity of this suspect or saw anyone wearing the pictured clothing, please call 911, WPD detectives at 316-268-4407, or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111 immediately. ThisThe individual should be considered armed and dangerous.---------

Police: Community tips led to arrest in Kan. auto parts store murder

HARVEY COUNTY—Authorities have released the identity of the woman who died in an accident south of Newton on Tuesday morning in Harvey County.

&nbsp;An SUV driven by Amiee Baker, 33, of Sedgwick&nbsp; was northbound in the 5600 block of South Kansas Avenue when the vehicle rear-ended a semi truck that was stopped to make a delivery to a home, according to the sheriff's department.

The crash remains under investigation, according to the Sheriff's Department. The Kansas Highway Patrol’s Critical Highway Accident Response Team is assisting in the investigation.

Traffic was closed in both directions of South Kansas Avenue until 5:30p.m., according to the sheriff's department.

HARVEY COUNTY—One person died in an accident south of Newton on Tuesday morning in Harvey County.

&nbsp;An SUV driven by a woman in her mid-30s was northbound in the 5600 block of South Kansas Avenue when the vehicle rear-ended a semi truck that was stopped to make a delivery to a home, according to the sheriff's department.

The driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;

Traffic was closed in both directions of South Kansas Avenue.&nbsp;

The sheriff's office has not released the name of the victim.

Traffic was closed in both directions of South Kansas Avenue while&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595963620607.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the crash -photo courtesy Harvey Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the crash -photo courtesy Harvey Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY—Authorities have released the identity of the woman who died in an accident south of Newton on Tuesday morning in Harvey County.&nbsp;An SUV driven by Amiee Baker, 33, of Sedgwick&nbsp; was northbound in the 5600 block of South Kansas Avenue when the vehicle rear-ended a semi truck that was stopped to make a delivery to a home, according to the sheriff's department.Baker was pronounced dead at the scene.The crash remains under investigation, according to the Sheriff's Department. The Kansas Highway Patrol’s Critical Highway Accident Response Team is assisting in the investigation.Traffic was closed in both directions of South Kansas Avenue until 5:30p.m., according to the sheriff's department.--------------HARVEY COUNTY—One person died in an accident south of Newton on Tuesday morning in Harvey County.&nbsp;An SUV driven by a woman in her mid-30s was northbound in the 5600 block of South Kansas Avenue when the vehicle rear-ended a semi truck that was stopped to make a delivery to a home, according to the sheriff's department.The driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;Traffic was closed in both directions of South Kansas Avenue.&nbsp;The sheriff's office has not released the name of the victim.The driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;Traffic was closed in both directions of South Kansas Avenue while&nbsp;-------HARVEY COUNTY—One person died in an accident south of Newton on Tuesday morning in Harvey County.&nbsp;An SUV driven by a woman in her mid-30s was northbound in the 5600 block of South Kansas Avenue when the vehicle rear-ended a semi truck that was stopped to make a delivery to a home, according to the sheriff's department.The driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;Traffic was closed in both directions of South Kansas Avenue.&nbsp;The sheriff's office has not released the name of the victim.

Sheriff ID's Kansas woman who died after SUV rear-ends semi 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The body of a teenager who was swept away in the current of a Kansas City creek has been found, officials said.

Search crews found the body of Trevion Mcafee, 19, on Monday afternoon near a spot where he went under the water of Indian Creek.

Investigators said Mcafee had been with friends in the creek Sunday evening when he was caught by the creek’s swift current, went under the water and didn’t resurface. One of the friends with him told police they tried to help Mcafee, but couldn’t reach him. Mcafee’s family has said he couldn’t swim.

Mcafee was a sophomore at Metropolitan Community College and a Center High School graduate

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596036153568.png" alt="Search crews near the river on Tuesday photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Search crews near the river on Tuesday photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — The body of a teenager who was swept away in the current of a Kansas City creek has been found, officials said.Search crews found the body of Trevion Mcafee, 19, on Monday afternoon near a spot where he went under the water of Indian Creek.Investigators said Mcafee had been with friends in the creek Sunday evening when he was caught by the creek’s swift current, went under the water and didn’t resurface. One of the friends with him told police they tried to help Mcafee, but couldn’t reach him. Mcafee’s family has said he couldn’t swim.Mcafee was a sophomore at Metropolitan Community College and a Center High School graduate

Searchers find body of teen swept away by Kansas City creek

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/07/28/judge-dismisses-democrats-voting-lawsuit-against-sos-scott-schwab/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A district court 
judge tossed Tuesday a lawsuit brought by Democrats to force Secretary 
of State Scott Schwab to implement for the 2020 elections a law allowing
 voters to cast ballots from any polling station within their home 
county.

Schwab hailed dismissal of
 the suit by a Shawnee County District Court judge as evidence his 
office was faithfully executing its duty to develop rules and 
regulations necessary for consistent implementation of the balloting 
reform in Kansas.

In the suit, the Kansas 
Democratic Party and three national Democratic Party organizations 
contended Schwab was intentionally dragging his feet on the changes for 
partisan benefit.

“The hypocrisy of 
Democrats in demanding the implementation of vote centers while also 
advocating for the elimination of polling places through all-mail ballot
 elections is evidence of their systemic ignorance of election law and 
administration,” said Schwab, a Republican. “Major changes to the 
administration of our elections should not be rushed out of political 
impulse or expediency.”

Kansas Attorney General 
Derek Schmidt, also a Republican, said the decision by Shawnee County 
District Judge Thomas Luedke to dismiss a lawsuit made clear the action 
brought by Democrats was “about partisan politics, not about the law.”

In dismissing the case, 
however, Luedke said implementation of the Vote Anywhere act was in the 
“complete discretion of the county election officials” whether or not 
Schwab devised rules or regulations to guide them.

Vicki Hiatt, chairwoman of
 the Kansas Democratic Party, said she considered that portion of the 
judge’s ruling a victory because it articulated the right of county 
election officials to embrace the Vote Anywhere law. The primary 
election is next Tuesday and the general election is in November.

“County election officials
 cannot be barred from allowing expanded voting access to all Kansans,” 
she said. “The Kansas Democratic Party believes that our democracy 
depends on participation and we have remained committed to making sure 
as many people as possible can exercise their right to vote safely in 
this historic election year.”

In February, the national 
and state Democratic organizations filed suit against Schwab in his 
capacity as secretary of state and Kansas’ chief elections officer. The 
action alleged Schwab was thwarting implementation of the Vote Anywhere 
law passed by overwhelming margins in the Kansas Legislature. The 2019 
statute empowered county election officials to permit voters to cast 
ballots from any polling station in the county.

Sedgwick County was among 
the first jurisdictions to push for adoption, but Schwab said he 
wouldn’t complete the rules and regulations by the August primary nor 
the November general election. The plaintiffs said that was evidence of 
the secretary of state’s “dereliction of his clear legal duties.”

Democratic National 
Committee chairman Tom Perez said when the suit was filed that Schwab 
was a carbon copy of his controversial predecessor, Kris Kobach, based 
on actions designed to deter voting. Kansans “deserve better than 
Schwab’s thinly veiled strategy to suppress votes,” Perez said.

In response, Schwab said 
Democrats pushing the lawsuit didn’t recognize development of the rules 
required collaboration of vendors that had to share proprietary 
information as well as the involvement of Homeland Security officials. 
He said another challenge was making certain county election offices 
could deal with technological challenges necessary to synchronize the 
poll book with voters.

Schwab also said the 
stream of litigation inspired by the Democratic Party and the American 
Civil Liberties Union did little more than “weaponize our elections” and
 deplete taxpayer resources to operate elections.

Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596032048786.png" alt="Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab says he welcomed the decision by a Shawnee County District Court judge to dismiss a lawsuit brought by Democrats in an attempt to speed implementation of a voting reform law allowing people to cast ballots from any polling station in the county. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab says he welcomed the decision by a Shawnee County District Court judge to dismiss a lawsuit brought by Democrats in an attempt to speed implementation of a voting reform law allowing people to cast ballots from any polling station in the county. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/07/28/judge-dismisses-democrats-voting-lawsuit-against-sos-scott-schwab/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A district court 
judge tossed Tuesday a lawsuit brought by Democrats to force Secretary 
of State Scott Schwab to implement for the 2020 elections a law allowing
 voters to cast ballots from any polling station within their home 
county.Schwab hailed dismissal of
 the suit by a Shawnee County District Court judge as evidence his 
office was faithfully executing its duty to develop rules and 
regulations necessary for consistent implementation of the balloting 
reform in Kansas.In the suit, the Kansas 
Democratic Party and three national Democratic Party organizations 
contended Schwab was intentionally dragging his feet on the changes for 
partisan benefit.“The hypocrisy of 
Democrats in demanding the implementation of vote centers while also 
advocating for the elimination of polling places through all-mail ballot
 elections is evidence of their systemic ignorance of election law and 
administration,” said Schwab, a Republican. “Major changes to the 
administration of our elections should not be rushed out of political 
impulse or expediency.”Kansas Attorney General 
Derek Schmidt, also a Republican, said the decision by Shawnee County 
District Judge Thomas Luedke to dismiss a lawsuit made clear the action 
brought by Democrats was “about partisan politics, not about the law.”In dismissing the case, 
however, Luedke said implementation of the Vote Anywhere act was in the 
“complete discretion of the county election officials” whether or not 
Schwab devised rules or regulations to guide them.Vicki Hiatt, chairwoman of
 the Kansas Democratic Party, said she considered that portion of the 
judge’s ruling a victory because it articulated the right of county 
election officials to embrace the Vote Anywhere law. The primary 
election is next Tuesday and the general election is in November.“County election officials
 cannot be barred from allowing expanded voting access to all Kansans,” 
she said. “The Kansas Democratic Party believes that our democracy 
depends on participation and we have remained committed to making sure 
as many people as possible can exercise their right to vote safely in 
this historic election year.”In February, the national 
and state Democratic organizations filed suit against Schwab in his 
capacity as secretary of state and Kansas’ chief elections officer. The 
action alleged Schwab was thwarting implementation of the Vote Anywhere 
law passed by overwhelming margins in the Kansas Legislature. The 2019 
statute empowered county election officials to permit voters to cast 
ballots from any polling station in the county.Sedgwick County was among 
the first jurisdictions to push for adoption, but Schwab said he 
wouldn’t complete the rules and regulations by the August primary nor 
the November general election. The plaintiffs said that was evidence of 
the secretary of state’s “dereliction of his clear legal duties.”Democratic National 
Committee chairman Tom Perez said when the suit was filed that Schwab 
was a carbon copy of his controversial predecessor, Kris Kobach, based 
on actions designed to deter voting. Kansans “deserve better than 
Schwab’s thinly veiled strategy to suppress votes,” Perez said.In response, Schwab said 
Democrats pushing the lawsuit didn’t recognize development of the rules 
required collaboration of vendors that had to share proprietary 
information as well as the involvement of Homeland Security officials. 
He said another challenge was making certain county election offices 
could deal with technological challenges necessary to synchronize the 
poll book with voters.Schwab also said the 
stream of litigation inspired by the Democratic Party and the American 
Civil Liberties Union did little more than “weaponize our elections” and
 deplete taxpayer resources to operate elections.Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.&nbsp;

Judge dismisses Democrats’ voting lawsuit against Kan. SOS Schwab

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ child welfare agency balked at releasing records about a 3-year-old girl whose battered body was found this month, despite a 2018 law that aimed to make such documents more transparent.

That law says Kansas Department for Children and Families’ documents are public records in the event child abuse or neglect results in a child fatality or near fatality. However, the agency declined to release to The Associated Press records pertaining to Olivia Ann Jansen, saying it is still investigating whether Olivia’s death was a result of abuse or neglect. Prosecutors have charged Olivia’s father and his girlfriend with murder.

“Much to my dismay DCF continues to handle protective services as a confidential undertaking and it shouldn’t be,” said state Rep. John Carmichael, a Wichita Democrat. “The safety of our children is something all Kansans are entitled to know details and, if there has been malfeasance on the DCF, people need to know that.”

Olivia’s remains were found in a shallow grave on July 10, after her father, Howard Jansen III, 29, reported the Kansas City, Kansas, girl missing.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ddd6d421bf98c1b1cef6ff40e46539a1">According to a probable cause affidavit,</a>&nbsp;Olivia’s body was covered with bruises and she died of a brain bleed.

The girl’s grandparents said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/51ce115cfa9b845b540e732254ebbbb7">they had raised concerns&nbsp;</a>about her safety with child protective services. The AP filed a request with the Department of Children and Families on July 13 seeking copies of any records concerning reports of alleged abuse or neglect about the girl.

The agency told the AP in a July 27 email that the records are not open to the public because it has not completed its investigation of whether Olivia died as a result of child abuse or neglect.

Ron Keefover, president of the Kansas Sunshine Coalition for Open Government, called the refusal to release the records based on the agency’s own ongoing investigation “a shameful attempt to dodge public scrutiny.”

“Clearly, law enforcement, the district attorney, and a judge who signed the warrant in the court case have made a determination of child abuse,” Keefover said.

Department spokesman Mike Deines said in an email Monday that the agency is working with law enforcement to investigate. Deines said the Wyandotte County district attorney’s office just recently released redacted affidavits that the child welfare agency will use to complete its investigation and “render a finding in the very near future.”

If the agency makes a finding substantiating that Olivia’s death was the result of child abuse or neglect, the agency will release a summary and begin the process for the records release, he said.

“The intent (of the law) was to as quick as reasonably possible release that information so that we could do our best as a state to try to put in place procedures to prevent future cases of abuse and neglect,” said state Rep. Fred Patton, the Republican chairman of the Legislature’s judiciary committee.

Carmichael, who also serves on the judiciary committee, said it appears the agency is “stonewalling once again” and lawmakers can try next year to impose more strict legislation. The Legislature had passed the open records law after several high-profile deaths of children.

“It sounds like now we have a new bag of tricks and that even though law enforcement has brought charges the agency claims it has not completed its investigation,” Carmichael said.

“We thought we had solved the problem, but obviously we haven’t,” he said.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A 3-year-old Kansas girl whose remains were found earlier this month was covered in bruises and died of a brain bleed, investigators said.

The remains of Olivia Ann Jansen of Kansas City, Kansas, were discovered after her father, Howard Jansen III, reported her missing. The 29-year-old father and his 33-year-old girlfriend, Jacqulyn Kirkpatrick, have since been charged with felony murder and other crimes.

Her grandparents have said they had raised concerns about her safety with child protective services.

A probable cause affidavit filed in the criminal case, says the father reported the girl’s disappearance at 8:30 a.m. on July 10, saying he had seen her sleeping on a couch at 6 p.m. the night before.

Her body was found in a shallow grave in a wooded area on the same day she was reported missing.

Court papers said she was badly injured and it would have been apparent to anyone that saw her that she suffered great physical abuse. Her face, arms and legs were covered in bruises.

She also had a small cut on the back of her head, and an autopsy revealed significant bleeding on the back of her brain, which caused her death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594403105823.png" alt="Olivia Jansen " />
 <figcaption>Olivia Jansen </figcaption>
 </figure>BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ child welfare agency balked at releasing records about a 3-year-old girl whose battered body was found this month, despite a 2018 law that aimed to make such documents more transparent.That law says Kansas Department for Children and Families’ documents are public records in the event child abuse or neglect results in a child fatality or near fatality. However, the agency declined to release to The Associated Press records pertaining to Olivia Ann Jansen, saying it is still investigating whether Olivia’s death was a result of abuse or neglect. Prosecutors have charged Olivia’s father and his girlfriend with murder.“Much to my dismay DCF continues to handle protective services as a confidential undertaking and it shouldn’t be,” said state Rep. John Carmichael, a Wichita Democrat. “The safety of our children is something all Kansans are entitled to know details and, if there has been malfeasance on the DCF, people need to know that.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594468009097.png" alt="Howard Jansen III -photo Wyandotte County." />
 <figcaption>Howard Jansen III -photo Wyandotte County.</figcaption>
 </figure>Olivia’s remains were found in a shallow grave on July 10, after her father, Howard Jansen III, 29, reported the Kansas City, Kansas, girl missing.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ddd6d421bf98c1b1cef6ff40e46539a1">According to a probable cause affidavit,</a>&nbsp;Olivia’s body was covered with bruises and she died of a brain bleed.The girl’s grandparents said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/51ce115cfa9b845b540e732254ebbbb7">they had raised concerns&nbsp;</a>about her safety with child protective services. The AP filed a request with the Department of Children and Families on July 13 seeking copies of any records concerning reports of alleged abuse or neglect about the girl.The agency told the AP in a July 27 email that the records are not open to the public because it has not completed its investigation of whether Olivia died as a result of child abuse or neglect.Ron Keefover, president of the Kansas Sunshine Coalition for Open Government, called the refusal to release the records based on the agency’s own ongoing investigation “a shameful attempt to dodge public scrutiny.”“Clearly, law enforcement, the district attorney, and a judge who signed the warrant in the court case have made a determination of child abuse,” Keefover said.Department spokesman Mike Deines said in an email Monday that the agency is working with law enforcement to investigate. Deines said the Wyandotte County district attorney’s office just recently released redacted affidavits that the child welfare agency will use to complete its investigation and “render a finding in the very near future.”If the agency makes a finding substantiating that Olivia’s death was the result of child abuse or neglect, the agency will release a summary and begin the process for the records release, he said.“The intent (of the law) was to as quick as reasonably possible release that information so that we could do our best as a state to try to put in place procedures to prevent future cases of abuse and neglect,” said state Rep. Fred Patton, the Republican chairman of the Legislature’s judiciary committee.Carmichael, who also serves on the judiciary committee, said it appears the agency is “stonewalling once again” and lawmakers can try next year to impose more strict legislation. The Legislature had passed the open records law after several high-profile deaths of children.“It sounds like now we have a new bag of tricks and that even though law enforcement has brought charges the agency claims it has not completed its investigation,” Carmichael said.“We thought we had solved the problem, but obviously we haven’t,” he said.-------KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A 3-year-old Kansas girl whose remains were found earlier this month was covered in bruises and died of a brain bleed, investigators said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594468009097.png" alt="Jansen-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Jansen-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The remains of Olivia Ann Jansen of Kansas City, Kansas, were discovered after her father, Howard Jansen III, reported her missing. The 29-year-old father and his 33-year-old girlfriend, Jacqulyn Kirkpatrick, have since been charged with felony murder and other crimes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594490776368.png" alt="Kirkpatrick-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Kirkpatrick-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Her grandparents have said they had raised concerns about her safety with child protective services.A probable cause affidavit filed in the criminal case, says the father reported the girl’s disappearance at 8:30 a.m. on July 10, saying he had seen her sleeping on a couch at 6 p.m. the night before.Her body was found in a shallow grave in a wooded area on the same day she was reported missing.Court papers said she was badly injured and it would have been apparent to anyone that saw her that she suffered great physical abuse. Her face, arms and legs were covered in bruises.She also had a small cut on the back of her head, and an autopsy revealed significant bleeding on the back of her brain, which caused her death.

DCF balks at releasing records for slain Kansas girl

CHICAGO (AP) — The Trump administration said Tuesday that it will reject new applications and shorten renewal periods for an Obama-era program that shields young people from deportation, taking a defiant stance after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to let it be scrapped completely.

The move, detailed in a memo from Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf, ended a month of uncertainty about how the administration would respond to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4d9ce48241c4a881adea4849b50b7f83">its Supreme Court defeat&nbsp;</a>in an election year that has President Donald Trump looking for ways to energize his base.

Wolf said the administration may try to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program again, casting it as a law enforcement issue that could contribute to illegal immigration. He said the federal government needs more time to consider next steps, presenting the measures as a temporary change.

“DACA makes clear that, for certain large classes of individuals, DHS will at least tolerate, if not affirmatively sanction, their ongoing violation of the immigration laws,” Wolf wrote in the memo.

About 650,000 people are part of DACA, which allows young immigrants who were brought to the country illegally as children to work and shields them from deportation. Roughly 66,000 people meet age requirements to apply, according to the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute.

The government will deny all new applications, limit renewals to one year instead of two, and deny requests by DACA recipients to visit their home countries unless there are “exceptional circumstances.” Recipients may seek permission to return home for family events, such as funerals or weddings, and other reasons, though the Trump administration has generally denied them.

The Supreme Court ruled last month that Trump failed to follow rule-making procedures when he tried to end the program, but the justices kept a window open for him to try again.

The White House has been devising plans to make another push to end DACA, though it was not immediately clear whether he would make the politically sensitive move before November’s election. Democratic rival Joe Biden wants to keep DACA unconditionally.

A federal judge in Maryland ruled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5b777a116e297c63b8ee83ba2119eebf">earlier this month that the program&nbsp;</a>should be restored to its original form, but the administration was mum until Tuesday on whether it would start accepting new applications. The White House anticipates legal challenges.

The administration’s monthlong silence had unnerved many DACA recipients and those who wanted to join. U.S. District Judge Paul Grimm of Maryland, an appointee of President Barack Obama, has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5b777a116e297c63b8ee83ba2119eebf">given the administration until the end of Friday</a>&nbsp;to update the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ website and start adequately explaining why applications are rejected.

Legal experts were skeptical of the Trump administration’s authority to roll back parts of the program.

“This is a move that is in defiance of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling and a federal court ruling,” said Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia, an immigration law professor at Penn State Law in University Park, Pennsylvania. “It’s a lawless landscape that we are in.”

Immigrant rights advocates blasted the move as cruel.

The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition accused the administration of further marginalizing immigrants. The American Business Immigration Coalition called it economically harmful. And the American Civil Liberties Union vowed to continue its yearslong fight to prevent the program’s demise.

Laura Mendoza, a program manager at The Resurrection Project in Chicago, joined DACA in 2013 and will have to renew next year. She said the $495 annual renewal fee would be difficult for many to pay.

“It’s infuriating that we continue to be the punching bag for the administration,” she said of fellow DACA recipients. “The administration is slowly dismantling the program.”

Wolf, the Homeland Security chief, acknowledged that the $495 renewal fee will be a burden on DACA recipients who will have to apply annually instead of every other year, effectively doubling the cost. He said the department would consider lowering the fee.

Trump has tried unsuccessfully to work with Congress on a broader immigration package that would couple DACA with tougher enforcement measures. He has said lately that he would announce sweeping new steps on immigration, a promise he reiterated Tuesday.

“We’re going to work with a lot of people on DACA,” Trump told reporters. “And we’re also working on an immigration bill, a merit-based system, which is what I’ve wanted for a long time.”

Trump said he would make DACA recipients “happy” without saying how.

Top Democrats urged for a legislative solution that would allow for a pathway to U.S. citizenship.

“With the presidential election just three months away, it’s clear the president will do everything possible to rally his supporters at the expense of Dreamers,” according to a statement from U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, referring to the name often used for DACA recipients. “They shouldn’t have to live under the constant fear that DACA protections will be ripped away at any moment.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596018857437.png" alt="President Trump during Tuesday's press briefing -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during Tuesday's press briefing -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — The Trump administration said Tuesday that it will reject new applications and shorten renewal periods for an Obama-era program that shields young people from deportation, taking a defiant stance after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to let it be scrapped completely.The move, detailed in a memo from Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf, ended a month of uncertainty about how the administration would respond to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4d9ce48241c4a881adea4849b50b7f83">its Supreme Court defeat&nbsp;</a>in an election year that has President Donald Trump looking for ways to energize his base.Wolf said the administration may try to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program again, casting it as a law enforcement issue that could contribute to illegal immigration. He said the federal government needs more time to consider next steps, presenting the measures as a temporary change.“DACA makes clear that, for certain large classes of individuals, DHS will at least tolerate, if not affirmatively sanction, their ongoing violation of the immigration laws,” Wolf wrote in the memo.About 650,000 people are part of DACA, which allows young immigrants who were brought to the country illegally as children to work and shields them from deportation. Roughly 66,000 people meet age requirements to apply, according to the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute.The government will deny all new applications, limit renewals to one year instead of two, and deny requests by DACA recipients to visit their home countries unless there are “exceptional circumstances.” Recipients may seek permission to return home for family events, such as funerals or weddings, and other reasons, though the Trump administration has generally denied them.The Supreme Court ruled last month that Trump failed to follow rule-making procedures when he tried to end the program, but the justices kept a window open for him to try again.The White House has been devising plans to make another push to end DACA, though it was not immediately clear whether he would make the politically sensitive move before November’s election. Democratic rival Joe Biden wants to keep DACA unconditionally.A federal judge in Maryland ruled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5b777a116e297c63b8ee83ba2119eebf">earlier this month that the program&nbsp;</a>should be restored to its original form, but the administration was mum until Tuesday on whether it would start accepting new applications. The White House anticipates legal challenges.The administration’s monthlong silence had unnerved many DACA recipients and those who wanted to join. U.S. District Judge Paul Grimm of Maryland, an appointee of President Barack Obama, has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5b777a116e297c63b8ee83ba2119eebf">given the administration until the end of Friday</a>&nbsp;to update the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ website and start adequately explaining why applications are rejected.Legal experts were skeptical of the Trump administration’s authority to roll back parts of the program.“This is a move that is in defiance of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling and a federal court ruling,” said Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia, an immigration law professor at Penn State Law in University Park, Pennsylvania. “It’s a lawless landscape that we are in.”Immigrant rights advocates blasted the move as cruel.The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition accused the administration of further marginalizing immigrants. The American Business Immigration Coalition called it economically harmful. And the American Civil Liberties Union vowed to continue its yearslong fight to prevent the program’s demise.Laura Mendoza, a program manager at The Resurrection Project in Chicago, joined DACA in 2013 and will have to renew next year. She said the $495 annual renewal fee would be difficult for many to pay.“It’s infuriating that we continue to be the punching bag for the administration,” she said of fellow DACA recipients. “The administration is slowly dismantling the program.”Wolf, the Homeland Security chief, acknowledged that the $495 renewal fee will be a burden on DACA recipients who will have to apply annually instead of every other year, effectively doubling the cost. He said the department would consider lowering the fee.Trump has tried unsuccessfully to work with Congress on a broader immigration package that would couple DACA with tougher enforcement measures. He has said lately that he would announce sweeping new steps on immigration, a promise he reiterated Tuesday.“We’re going to work with a lot of people on DACA,” Trump told reporters. “And we’re also working on an immigration bill, a merit-based system, which is what I’ve wanted for a long time.”Trump said he would make DACA recipients “happy” without saying how.Top Democrats urged for a legislative solution that would allow for a pathway to U.S. citizenship.“With the presidential election just three months away, it’s clear the president will do everything possible to rally his supporters at the expense of Dreamers,” according to a statement from U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, referring to the name often used for DACA recipients. “They shouldn’t have to live under the constant fear that DACA protections will be ripped away at any moment.”___

DACA: Trump won't accept new applications for 'Dreamer' immigrants

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two new lawsuits allege that the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph covered up abuse by two priests who were known to be sexual predators.

The lawsuits, one filed Tuesday and the other on July 20, were announced by the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.

One of the priests died while the diocese was in the process of removing him from the priesthood and the other is no longer allowed to present himself as a priest, the diocese said.

The lawsuit filed July 20 alleges the Rev. Darvin Salazar sexually assaulted the victim in the rectory at Holy Cross Catholic Church and then prevented the plaintiff from leaving in July 2018.

The lawsuit says the Kansas City-St. Joseph diocese had reports about Salazar's “sexual predation” from at least five others but failed to remove him from service until after he committed sexual crimes against the plaintiff.

The diocese said all allegations against Salazar were presented to law enforcement, which declined to bring criminal charges.

The second lawsuit, filed Tuesday, alleges former priest John R. Tulipana assaulted a 13-year-old boy several times in 1977 while at Coronation of Our Lady Catholic Church in Grandview.

Tulipana was barred from the ministry in 1994. He died in 2012.

In 2008, the diocese agreed to a $10 million settlement with 47 plaintiffs who alleged sexual abuse by 12 priests, including Tulipana. In 2014, the diocese paid out another $10 million to settle sexual abuse lawsuits of 32 plaintiffs that involved 14 current and former priests — including Tulipana — in cases filed from September 2010 through February 2014.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two new lawsuits allege that the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph covered up abuse by two priests who were known to be sexual predators.The lawsuits, one filed Tuesday and the other on July 20, were announced by the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.One of the priests died while the diocese was in the process of removing him from the priesthood and the other is no longer allowed to present himself as a priest, the diocese said.The lawsuit filed July 20 alleges the Rev. Darvin Salazar sexually assaulted the victim in the rectory at Holy Cross Catholic Church and then prevented the plaintiff from leaving in July 2018.The lawsuit says the Kansas City-St. Joseph diocese had reports about Salazar's “sexual predation” from at least five others but failed to remove him from service until after he committed sexual crimes against the plaintiff.The diocese said all allegations against Salazar were presented to law enforcement, which declined to bring criminal charges.The second lawsuit, filed Tuesday, alleges former priest John R. Tulipana assaulted a 13-year-old boy several times in 1977 while at Coronation of Our Lady Catholic Church in Grandview.Tulipana was barred from the ministry in 1994. He died in 2012.In 2008, the diocese agreed to a $10 million settlement with 47 plaintiffs who alleged sexual abuse by 12 priests, including Tulipana. In 2014, the diocese paid out another $10 million to settle sexual abuse lawsuits of 32 plaintiffs that involved 14 current and former priests — including Tulipana — in cases filed from September 2010 through February 2014.

2 new lawsuits filed against Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Steve Watkins of Kansas gave seemingly contradictory answers when questioned Tuesday about an incorrect voting registration form that led to three felony charges against him.

Watkins, a Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article244541302.html" target="_blank">told&nbsp;</a>The Kansas City Star that he did not tell a criminal investigator that a staff member filed a voting registration form that listed a postal box in Topeka as his home address for part of 2019. But Watkins later said the voter registration form was completed as “collegial effort” with his staff.

Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f633ee2e7c2aa0f94b86607da66ecc71">filed the charges</a>&nbsp;against Watkins, said in a court filing the first-term congressman lied to a detective who was investigating the allegations about the incorrect address.

Watkins acknowledged he voted in the wrong district in a Topeka City Council race in 2019 but said that was “a mistake not a felony.”

“I wasn’t hiding the ball,” Watkins said. “I know that my address is public, so if I were to claim to live somewhere that I actually don’t why on Earth would I choose a retail location where you can’t possibly live? I would choose a residential location.”

When pressed on whether he told the investigator a staff member submitted the incorrect form on his behalf, Watkins said his comment was taken out of context.

“My office is like every other office, the product that we produce is a collegial effort between more than one person. That’s all I was saying. It was taken out of context,” Watkins said.

Watkins is running for re-election in the Kansas 2nd Congressional District. In the GOP primary, he will face State Treasurere Jake LaTurner and Dennis Taylor, who served in several roles in the administrations of Republican Govs. Mike Hayden and Sam Brownback.

In the interview, Watkins repeatedly blamed LaTurner and Kagay for colluding to bring the felony case against him. He also said the case will not influence his re-election chances.

“Kansas voters are smart. They can see through these bogus allegations and they see that there’s a blatant donor and consultant link between the DA and LaTurner,” Watkins said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591476738251.png" alt="Rep. Steve Watkins" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Steve Watkins</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Steve Watkins of Kansas gave seemingly contradictory answers when questioned Tuesday about an incorrect voting registration form that led to three felony charges against him.Watkins, a Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article244541302.html" target="_blank">told&nbsp;</a>The Kansas City Star that he did not tell a criminal investigator that a staff member filed a voting registration form that listed a postal box in Topeka as his home address for part of 2019. But Watkins later said the voter registration form was completed as “collegial effort” with his staff.Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f633ee2e7c2aa0f94b86607da66ecc71">filed the charges</a>&nbsp;against Watkins, said in a court filing the first-term congressman lied to a detective who was investigating the allegations about the incorrect address.Watkins acknowledged he voted in the wrong district in a Topeka City Council race in 2019 but said that was “a mistake not a felony.”“I wasn’t hiding the ball,” Watkins said. “I know that my address is public, so if I were to claim to live somewhere that I actually don’t why on Earth would I choose a retail location where you can’t possibly live? I would choose a residential location.”When pressed on whether he told the investigator a staff member submitted the incorrect form on his behalf, Watkins said his comment was taken out of context.“My office is like every other office, the product that we produce is a collegial effort between more than one person. That’s all I was saying. It was taken out of context,” Watkins said.Watkins is running for re-election in the Kansas 2nd Congressional District. In the GOP primary, he will face State Treasurere Jake LaTurner and Dennis Taylor, who served in several roles in the administrations of Republican Govs. Mike Hayden and Sam Brownback.In the interview, Watkins repeatedly blamed LaTurner and Kagay for colluding to bring the felony case against him. He also said the case will not influence his re-election chances.“Kansas voters are smart. They can see through these bogus allegations and they see that there’s a blatant donor and consultant link between the DA and LaTurner,” Watkins said.

Kansas congressman says he didn't lie about voting form

ELWOOD, Kan. (AP) — A Missouri woman is suing a northeastern Kansas city and one of its former police officers who pleaded guilty to sexual battery for groping her during an arrest two years ago.

The woman is suing the city of Elwood and former Officer Aaron Newberry for an undisclosed amount. The lawsuit accuses them of negligent infliction of emotional distress.

The Associated Press generally doesn’t name victims of sexual assault.

The lawsuit says the woman was at a party in Elwood in July 2018 when Newberry arrested her for having a small amount of marijuana. Newberry handcuffed and placed her in the front seat of his patrol car.

On the way to the Doniphan County Jail, Newberry called the woman a “beautiful girl” and later asked if her breasts were real, the lawsuit says. When she didn’t answer, he reached under her shirt and groped her as she pleaded with him to stop, according to the lawsuit.

The woman immediately reported the assault, and Newberry was later fired and charged with two counts. He pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated sexual battery and is now a registered sex offender.

An attorney for the city of Elwood, Joel Euler, did not immediately return a message left Tuesday by The Associated Press seeking comment. A phone number for Newberry could not be found Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595960322677.png" alt="Newberry photo Doniphan Co." />
 <figcaption>Newberry photo Doniphan Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ELWOOD, Kan. (AP) — A Missouri woman is suing a northeastern Kansas city and one of its former police officers who pleaded guilty to sexual battery for groping her during an arrest two years ago.The woman is suing the city of Elwood and former Officer Aaron Newberry for an undisclosed amount. The lawsuit accuses them of negligent infliction of emotional distress.The Associated Press generally doesn’t name victims of sexual assault.The lawsuit says the woman was at a party in Elwood in July 2018 when Newberry arrested her for having a small amount of marijuana. Newberry handcuffed and placed her in the front seat of his patrol car.On the way to the Doniphan County Jail, Newberry called the woman a “beautiful girl” and later asked if her breasts were real, the lawsuit says. When she didn’t answer, he reached under her shirt and groped her as she pleaded with him to stop, according to the lawsuit.The woman immediately reported the assault, and Newberry was later fired and charged with two counts. He pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated sexual battery and is now a registered sex offender.An attorney for the city of Elwood, Joel Euler, did not immediately return a message left Tuesday by The Associated Press seeking comment. A phone number for Newberry could not be found Tuesday.

Woman sues city, ex-Kansas cop who groped her

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Following an FBI investigation, a Kansas man is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for alleged distribution of child pornography.

Antonio Lawrence, 31, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of producing child pornography, two counts of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.

 The crimes are alleged to have occurred during 2019 in Topeka. Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000, for production of the porn, not less than five years and not more than 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count for distribution

He also faces up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 for possession.

The FBI and the Topeka Police Department investigated.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595585898741.png" alt="Lawrence-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Lawrence-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY— Following an FBI investigation, a Kansas man is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for alleged distribution of child pornography.Antonio Lawrence, 31, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of producing child pornography, two counts of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. The crimes are alleged to have occurred during 2019 in Topeka. Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000, for production of the porn, not less than five years and not more than 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count for distributionHe also faces up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 for possession.The FBI and the Topeka Police Department investigated.&nbsp;

Kansas man accused of producing, distributing child porn

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City man has been charged with fatally shooting a woman as she rode on an all-terrain vehicle.

Prosecutors announced Monday that 38-year-old Glenn Darren Rucker is charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the July 1 shooting of 41-year-old Sharon Heifner-Douglas.

Witnesses told police she was riding the ATV with her dog walking alongside her in the grass when a sport utility vehicle pulled up and fired shots at her. The witnesses said they did not hear or see any conflict between anyone in the vehicle and Heifner-Douglas.

An SUV matching the description of the one from the scene later was spotted at a car wash with Rucker inside. He was taken into custody for an outstanding warrant.

Charging documents said that the Kansas City Crime Lab found that shell casings collected at the homicide scene had been fired from a handgun found in the vehicle.

Prosecutors requested a $150,000 bond. Rucker is being held in federal custody. No attorney is listed for him in online court records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595936606764.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy Fox4Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy Fox4Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City man has been charged with fatally shooting a woman as she rode on an all-terrain vehicle.Prosecutors announced Monday that 38-year-old Glenn Darren Rucker is charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the July 1 shooting of 41-year-old Sharon Heifner-Douglas.Witnesses told police she was riding the ATV with her dog walking alongside her in the grass when a sport utility vehicle pulled up and fired shots at her. The witnesses said they did not hear or see any conflict between anyone in the vehicle and Heifner-Douglas.An SUV matching the description of the one from the scene later was spotted at a car wash with Rucker inside. He was taken into custody for an outstanding warrant.Charging documents said that the Kansas City Crime Lab found that shell casings collected at the homicide scene had been fired from a handgun found in the vehicle.Prosecutors requested a $150,000 bond. Rucker is being held in federal custody. No attorney is listed for him in online court records.

Kansas City man charged in shooting of woman riding an ATV

TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced Tuesday that one staff member at the Topeka Correctional Facility (TCF) died on Saturday, July 25, due to complications from COVID-19.

This is the third staff death related to the virus with the first two being at the Lansing Correctional Facility, according to a media release from the KDOC.

Richard Rose, 74, had more than 17 years of dedicated service to the KDOC. He served as a Facility Maintenance Supervisor, spending most of his time offsite.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to Richard’s family and to those who served alongside him for so many years,” Zmuda said. “The KDOC family is a tight-knit group and these deaths, and those of our residents, have been extremely difficult.”

The KDOC Peer Support Team will be available for any staff members who need additional support in dealing with this loss.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of too many hard-working Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Richard was a dedicated public servant and I extend my condolences to both his family, friends, and those who worked alongside him.”

<a>The Topeka Correctional Facility is Kansas’ only all-female prison with a capacity of 948. The facility houses minimum, medium, special management and maximum custody residents.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595973192627.png" alt="Richard Rose" />
 <figcaption>Richard Rose</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced Tuesday that one staff member at the Topeka Correctional Facility (TCF) died on Saturday, July 25, due to complications from COVID-19.This is the third staff death related to the virus with the first two being at the Lansing Correctional Facility, according to a media release from the KDOC.Richard Rose, 74, had more than 17 years of dedicated service to the KDOC. He served as a Facility Maintenance Supervisor, spending most of his time offsite.“We extend our deepest sympathy to Richard’s family and to those who served alongside him for so many years,” Zmuda said. “The KDOC family is a tight-knit group and these deaths, and those of our residents, have been extremely difficult.”The KDOC Peer Support Team will be available for any staff members who need additional support in dealing with this loss.“The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of too many hard-working Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Richard was a dedicated public servant and I extend my condolences to both his family, friends, and those who worked alongside him.”<a>The Topeka Correctional Facility is Kansas’ only all-female prison with a capacity of 948. The facility houses minimum, medium, special management and maximum custody residents.</a>

3rd Kansas Dept. of Corrections employee dies from  coronavirus

WICHITA—After a second inmate tested positive last week for coronavirus at the Sedgwick County Jail, an additional 22 have now tested positive for the virus, according to Colonel Brian White.

Currently 27 inmates are still quarantined under the guidance of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the jail's onsite medical vendor to insure they remain symptom free. The jail has just over 1400 inmates as of Tuesday, according to White.

The quarantined inmates either have already tested negative or results are still pending. 23 inmates are in medical isolation due to testing positive or presumed to be possibly positive while we await results.

Since the COVID-19 testing began, a total number of 24 inmates have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility.

All of the staff members tested last week had negative test results.

WICHITA —The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office was notified Wednesday that a second inmate has tested positive for COVID19, according to Lt. Tim Myers.&nbsp; This case is not related to the previous case reported on July 20.

This inmate reported he was sick on July 18. The inmate was immediately placed in quarantine pending the results of the COVID19 test.&nbsp; The inmate was tested by the contracted medical provider of the Sedgwick County Detention Facility on July 20, 2020, because he was symptomatic.&nbsp;&nbsp; The inmate was informed of the positive results today and was instructed to quarantine at home prior to being released from the Sedgwick County Detention Facility.

We contacted the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for their recommendations in regards to further testing for staff and inmates.&nbsp; Based on their advice, the contracted medical provider will offer testing to 12 staff members and 49 inmates that had possible contact with the inmate.&nbsp; 

Forty-seven inmates will be quarantined until they are medically cleared.&nbsp; Two inmates who reported symptoms of COVID19 today were placed in isolation.&nbsp;

Three inmates were released from the Sedgwick County Detention Facility prior to the inmate receiving the positive test results.&nbsp; KDHE will be contacting those individuals.&nbsp;

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office will also be contacting judges, members of the DA’s office, and defense attorneys about the positive test result.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595954982785.png" alt="Colonel Brian White answers questions during Tuesday's press briefing. He is in charge of the Sedgwick County Detention Facility." />
 <figcaption>Colonel Brian White answers questions during Tuesday's press briefing. He is in charge of the Sedgwick County Detention Facility.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA—After a second inmate tested positive last week for coronavirus at the Sedgwick County Jail, an additional 22 have now tested positive for the virus, according to Colonel Brian White.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSedgwickCountySheriff%2Fvideos%2F208664303880940%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Currently 27 inmates are still quarantined under the guidance of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the jail's onsite medical vendor to insure they remain symptom free. The jail has just over 1400 inmates as of Tuesday, according to White.The quarantined inmates either have already tested negative or results are still pending. 23 inmates are in medical isolation due to testing positive or presumed to be possibly positive while we await results.Since the COVID-19 testing began, a total number of 24 inmates have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility.All of the staff members tested last week had negative test results.---------------WICHITA —The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office was notified Wednesday that a second inmate has tested positive for COVID19, according to Lt. Tim Myers.&nbsp; This case is not related to the previous case reported on July 20.This inmate reported he was sick on July 18. The inmate was immediately placed in quarantine pending the results of the COVID19 test.&nbsp; The inmate was tested by the contracted medical provider of the Sedgwick County Detention Facility on July 20, 2020, because he was symptomatic.&nbsp;&nbsp; The inmate was informed of the positive results today and was instructed to quarantine at home prior to being released from the Sedgwick County Detention Facility.We contacted the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for their recommendations in regards to further testing for staff and inmates.&nbsp; Based on their advice, the contracted medical provider will offer testing to 12 staff members and 49 inmates that had possible contact with the inmate.&nbsp; Forty-seven inmates will be quarantined until they are medically cleared.&nbsp; Two inmates who reported symptoms of COVID19 today were placed in isolation.&nbsp;Three inmates were released from the Sedgwick County Detention Facility prior to the inmate receiving the positive test results.&nbsp; KDHE will be contacting those individuals.&nbsp;The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office will also be contacting judges, members of the DA’s office, and defense attorneys about the positive test result.&nbsp;Jail staff is continuing to maintain sanitization standards to take care of&nbsp; staff and inmates which include issuing extra soap, and having disinfectant available as needed, according to Myers.All staff members have been issued masks to wear, and all inmates have been issued face coverings for the last several months.&nbsp; We also have a full medical staff on site. Additionally we have employed a contractor to sterilize the facility.If more inmates need to be quarantined or isolated, we already have an established plan to minimize further exposure to staff and inmates.&nbsp;&nbsp;