SEDGWICK COUNTY—Sheriff's deputies investigating a fatal accident at a Kansas home have identified the victim as 51-year-old Shane V. Shafer of Wichita.

Just before 8:30p.m. deputies responded to a home accident with a person trapped at&nbsp;1600 E. 87th Street South, according to Lt. Tim Myers.&nbsp; 

At the scene, deputies discovered Shafer unconscious in the back yard of the residence.&nbsp;

Deputies learned Shafer and his two teenage sons were in the process of moving a large press brake from a flatbed trailer. &nbsp;

During this process, the press brake fell from the trailer pushing Shafer to the ground; crushing him beneath it. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Shafer’s sons and a neighbor were able to use jacks to lift the press brake up enough to remove him from underneath it prior to the deputies arrival.

Shafer suffered major trauma to his back and torso and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Myers.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—One person died in an accident Monday at a home in Sedgwick County.

Just before 8:30p.m. deputies responded to a home in the 1600 Block of 87th Street South, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff's Lt. Tim Myers.

Upon arrival, they located a 51-year-old man unconscious, suffering from major trauma to his back and torso after a large piece of equipment fell on him.

The man and two teenage sons were moving a press brake machine from a trailer when the equipment fell on top of the man. First responders lifted the equipment off the man but he was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Myers. The man's name has not been released.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Sheriff's deputies investigating a fatal accident at a Kansas home have identified the victim as 51-year-old Shane V. Shafer of Wichita.Just before 8:30p.m. deputies responded to a home accident with a person trapped at&nbsp;1600 E. 87th Street South, according to Lt. Tim Myers.&nbsp; At the scene, deputies discovered Shafer unconscious in the back yard of the residence.&nbsp;Deputies learned Shafer and his two teenage sons were in the process of moving a large press brake from a flatbed trailer. &nbsp;During this process, the press brake fell from the trailer pushing Shafer to the ground; crushing him beneath it. &nbsp;&nbsp;Shafer’s sons and a neighbor were able to use jacks to lift the press brake up enough to remove him from underneath it prior to the deputies arrival.Shafer suffered major trauma to his back and torso and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Myers.------------SEDGWICK COUNTY—One person died in an accident Monday at a home in Sedgwick County.Just before 8:30p.m. deputies responded to a home in the 1600 Block of 87th Street South, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff's Lt. Tim Myers.Upon arrival, they located a 51-year-old man unconscious, suffering from major trauma to his back and torso after a large piece of equipment fell on him.The man and two teenage sons were moving a press brake machine from a trailer when the equipment fell on top of the man. First responders lifted the equipment off the man but he was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Myers. The man's name has not been released.

Sheriff IDs Kan. man who died after press brake falls on him

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/25/kansas-pandemic-purchases-include-gowns-that-were-trash-bags-with-holes-cut-for-arms/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas 
director of emergency management said Tuesday state purchases of $64 
million in personal protective equipment during the pandemic included 
substandard N95 respirator masks and bogus surgical gowns that were 
little more than plastic bags with openings for a person’s arms.

Maj. Gen. David Weishaar, 
adjutant general of the Kansas National Guard and the state director of 
emergency management, told an interim committee of the Kansas 
Legislature about the acquisition of flawed equipment acquired since the
 pandemic emerged in March. The disclosure, which apparently surfaced 
Monday during a closed meeting with legislators, came as the committee 
considered possible amendments to the state’s emergency management act.

Sen. Dennis Pyle, a 
Hiawatha Republican, said the volume of equipment purchased by local, 
state and federal government agencies in response to spread of COVID-19 
represented as an opportunity for fraud. He speculated greedy 
individuals may have an interest in perpetuating the pandemic to score 
big profits.

“Is that a real possibility?” Pyle said. “I have some real concerns.”

Weishaar said a portion of
 deficient or unusable supplies making it to Kansas went back to 
manufacturers or the federal government. The not-as-advertised N95 masks
 can be used in instances when a lower level of protection is required, 
he said.

Pyle picked up the 
wasteful-spending thread during testimony by Lee Norman, secretary of 
the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

“Are there any guidelines that have been established or put in place?” the senator said.

Norman said KDHE’s 
laboratory purchased only equipment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug 
Administration. KDHE decided in March not to invest millions of dollars 
in doses of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin, which were touted by 
politicians and other individuals as beneficial in dealing with 
COVID-19.

“We chose to take a pass on it at that time,” he said. “I think we were right. Time will tell.”

He said he referred to the
 attorney general’s office evidence a Kansas hospital was marketing an 
antibody test for COVID-19 that falsely concluded someone testing 
positive for the virus wouldn’t come down with it again.

KDHE has reported more 
than 38,000 positive tests, 426 fatalities and 2,100 hospitalizations 
related to the coronavirus in Kansas. Currently, KDHE says the rate of 
positive tests hovered at 10.3%, despite a national average of 5.3%.

Norman said 
hospitalizations and deaths were trending downward and that the capacity
 of Kansas hospitals had bed and ventilator capacity to deal with a 
surge. He also said KDHE had no plans to require Kansans to take a 
COVID-19 vaccine.

Rep. Eric Smith, the 
Burlington Republican, said he was frustrated by news reporting that 
declared people who visited a lake together and subsequently came down 
with COVID-19 acquired the virus at the lake. He said no one can 
definitively say those people were infected at the lake.

He said it would be 
wonderful if the state could test 60% or 70% of its 3 million residents 
for COVID-19 to determine more precisely status of the virus in Kansas. 
KDHE says the state’s testing capacity ranges from 8,500 to 9,000 tests 
per day.

Shawnee Republican Sen. 
Mike Thompson questioned the work of KDHE and pointed to the prevalence 
of false positives from coronavirus testing, the economic damage of 
temporarily closing Kansas businesses and the state’s burn through 
approximately $1 billion in unemployment benefits.

“In my estimation,” Thompson said, “we’re scaring people unnecessarily.”

During the hearing at the 
Capitol, Weishaar said he would appreciate the Legislature and Gov. 
Laura Kelly take steps to amend the emergency law to strike a provision 
granting the adjutant general authority to assume law enforcement duties
 in an emergency. He said it made sense for the adjutant general to 
assist local authorities in securing an area struck by disaster, such as
 the city of Greensburg after it was flattened by a tornado.

“To me, that doesn’t mean I’m going to write a speeding ticket,” he said. “I’m not a law enforcement authority.”

Rep. John Barker, 
Republican from Abilene, pushed back against the adjutant general’s 
recommendation. He said it made more sense for the state’s emergency 
response officials to possess broad authority during a crisis.

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/2020/8/1598386034944.jpeg" alt="Sen. Dennis Pyle, a Hiawatha Republican, says he's disappointed state emergency management officials confirmed Tuesday the purchase of hospital gowns that turned out to be trash bags with arm holes cut in the corner. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Dennis Pyle, a Hiawatha Republican, says he's disappointed state emergency management officials confirmed Tuesday the purchase of hospital gowns that turned out to be trash bags with arm holes cut in the corner. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/25/kansas-pandemic-purchases-include-gowns-that-were-trash-bags-with-holes-cut-for-arms/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas 
director of emergency management said Tuesday state purchases of $64 
million in personal protective equipment during the pandemic included 
substandard N95 respirator masks and bogus surgical gowns that were 
little more than plastic bags with openings for a person’s arms.Maj. Gen. David Weishaar, 
adjutant general of the Kansas National Guard and the state director of 
emergency management, told an interim committee of the Kansas 
Legislature about the acquisition of flawed equipment acquired since the
 pandemic emerged in March. The disclosure, which apparently surfaced 
Monday during a closed meeting with legislators, came as the committee 
considered possible amendments to the state’s emergency management act.Sen. Dennis Pyle, a 
Hiawatha Republican, said the volume of equipment purchased by local, 
state and federal government agencies in response to spread of COVID-19 
represented as an opportunity for fraud. He speculated greedy 
individuals may have an interest in perpetuating the pandemic to score 
big profits.“Is that a real possibility?” Pyle said. “I have some real concerns.”Weishaar said a portion of
 deficient or unusable supplies making it to Kansas went back to 
manufacturers or the federal government. The not-as-advertised N95 masks
 can be used in instances when a lower level of protection is required, 
he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598386088642.jpeg" alt="Kansas National Guard Maj. Gen. David Weishaar told a joint committee of the Kansas Legislature that portions of personal protective equipment purchased by state emergency management staff was unusable or inferior. (Submitted/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas National Guard Maj. Gen. David Weishaar told a joint committee of the Kansas Legislature that portions of personal protective equipment purchased by state emergency management staff was unusable or inferior. (Submitted/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Pyle picked up the 
wasteful-spending thread during testimony by Lee Norman, secretary of 
the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.“Are there any guidelines that have been established or put in place?” the senator said.Norman said KDHE’s 
laboratory purchased only equipment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug 
Administration. KDHE decided in March not to invest millions of dollars 
in doses of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin, which were touted by 
politicians and other individuals as beneficial in dealing with 
COVID-19.“We chose to take a pass on it at that time,” he said. “I think we were right. Time will tell.”He said he referred to the
 attorney general’s office evidence a Kansas hospital was marketing an 
antibody test for COVID-19 that falsely concluded someone testing 
positive for the virus wouldn’t come down with it again.KDHE has reported more 
than 38,000 positive tests, 426 fatalities and 2,100 hospitalizations 
related to the coronavirus in Kansas. Currently, KDHE says the rate of 
positive tests hovered at 10.3%, despite a national average of 5.3%.Norman said 
hospitalizations and deaths were trending downward and that the capacity
 of Kansas hospitals had bed and ventilator capacity to deal with a 
surge. He also said KDHE had no plans to require Kansans to take a 
COVID-19 vaccine.Rep. Eric Smith, the 
Burlington Republican, said he was frustrated by news reporting that 
declared people who visited a lake together and subsequently came down 
with COVID-19 acquired the virus at the lake. He said no one can 
definitively say those people were infected at the lake.He said it would be 
wonderful if the state could test 60% or 70% of its 3 million residents 
for COVID-19 to determine more precisely status of the virus in Kansas. 
KDHE says the state’s testing capacity ranges from 8,500 to 9,000 tests 
per day.Shawnee Republican Sen. 
Mike Thompson questioned the work of KDHE and pointed to the prevalence 
of false positives from coronavirus testing, the economic damage of 
temporarily closing Kansas businesses and the state’s burn through 
approximately $1 billion in unemployment benefits.“In my estimation,” Thompson said, “we’re scaring people unnecessarily.”During the hearing at the 
Capitol, Weishaar said he would appreciate the Legislature and Gov. 
Laura Kelly take steps to amend the emergency law to strike a provision 
granting the adjutant general authority to assume law enforcement duties
 in an emergency. He said it made sense for the adjutant general to 
assist local authorities in securing an area struck by disaster, such as
 the city of Greensburg after it was flattened by a tornado.“To me, that doesn’t mean I’m going to write a speeding ticket,” he said. “I’m not a law enforcement authority.”Rep. John Barker, 
Republican from Abilene, pushed back against the adjutant general’s 
recommendation. He said it made more sense for the state’s emergency 
response officials to possess broad authority during a crisis.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;

Kan. pandemic purchases? Trash-bag gowns with holes cut for arms

Fulton, MO – Undergraduate researchers from Westminster College are making headlines after excavating and bringing to campus a 7-foot-long triceratops skull from the Badlands of South Dakota, according to a media release from the school.

“It was so exciting … we just didn’t believe it,” recalls David Schmidt, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Geology and Environmental Science, who led the group excavation this summer. “Now we’re just living the dream out.”

Schmidt is referring to a childhood dream that began at the age of 5 when he found himself face to face with a hadrosaurus skeleton at the University of Kansas National Historical Museum in Lawrence. The experience affected Schmidt so profoundly that it led to a lifelong career of searching for treasure ― and his enthusiasm is contagious.

Three current students and four alumni joined Schmidt in June and July for his seventh Westminster fossil expedition at the Grand River National Grassland. He says the annual dig is extremely popular among Westminster students. This year, however, COVID-19 derailed plans, and course credit could not be offered.

Students signed up for the excursion anyway.

“The Geoscience Field Course was canceled, but we were able to continue on a volunteer basis, camping safely outside the entire two months,” Schmidt explains.

During their field research, the Westminster group usually expects to find fragments of dinosaur bone and the occasional isolated, complete bone. But everything changed when a rancher discovered something unusual poking out of the earth along a slope as he repaired a fence in the summer of 2019.

The rancher alerted the National Forrest Service, and their officials immediately contacted Schmidt, who had just arrived with his research group for the annual Westminster expedition. Schmidt’s standing permit with the forest service gave him permission to excavate the area.

Schmidt concluded after careful examination that the object was the tip of a triceratops horn and would require months of careful excavation. He begrudgingly finished up his 2019 survey and made plans to return in the summer of 2020 after the Forest Service gave clearance for excavation.

Digging up the 3,000-pound triceratops skull — named “Shady” by students after community members of the nearby town of Shadehill, SD — made the student and alumni group giddy, begging to remain in the field this summer longer than the usual six to seven hours per day.

“They also just couldn’t wait to get out there each morning,” Schmidt adds.

Pick axes, shovels, a random telehandler, a backhoe, and a flatbed truck at long last brought Shady to the Westminster campus, where it is resting in a secure location until funds can be raised for restoration. The first order of business will be to enlarge the entrance to the Environmental Science laboratory in Coulter Science Center for Shady’s makeover. Other bones that remain in the South Dakota dirt will be dug up next summer.

Meanwhile, Schmidt is on sabbatical this semester and is antsy to return to the Badlands at the end of the year. He emphasizes that his students, not personal research or self-interest, are the ultimate focus of bringing Shady to Westminster.

He reflects, “The entire goal of this, at Westminster, is for students to use the fossil specimens for undergraduate research. So they have practical experiences and use learned skills in graduate school or in their career endeavors.”

Founded in 1851 and home of Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech, Westminster College in Fulton, MO, is ranked prestigiously by&nbsp;U.S. News &amp; World Report&nbsp;as a National Liberal Arts College. The institution is in the top 15 percent for graduate earnings and boasts a 98 percent placement rate. Westminster also is a&nbsp;Forbes&nbsp;Best Value College. Westminster focuses on educating and inspiring students to find the power in their purpose in order to become the world leaders of tomorrow.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598378866552.png" alt="Students made a huge discovery -photo courtesy Westminster college" />
 <figcaption>Students made a huge discovery -photo courtesy Westminster college</figcaption>
 </figure>Fulton, MO – Undergraduate researchers from Westminster College are making headlines after excavating and bringing to campus a 7-foot-long triceratops skull from the Badlands of South Dakota, according to a media release from the school.“It was so exciting … we just didn’t believe it,” recalls David Schmidt, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Geology and Environmental Science, who led the group excavation this summer. “Now we’re just living the dream out.”Schmidt is referring to a childhood dream that began at the age of 5 when he found himself face to face with a hadrosaurus skeleton at the University of Kansas National Historical Museum in Lawrence. The experience affected Schmidt so profoundly that it led to a lifelong career of searching for treasure ― and his enthusiasm is contagious.Three current students and four alumni joined Schmidt in June and July for his seventh Westminster fossil expedition at the Grand River National Grassland. He says the annual dig is extremely popular among Westminster students. This year, however, COVID-19 derailed plans, and course credit could not be offered.Students signed up for the excursion anyway.“The Geoscience Field Course was canceled, but we were able to continue on a volunteer basis, camping safely outside the entire two months,” Schmidt explains.During their field research, the Westminster group usually expects to find fragments of dinosaur bone and the occasional isolated, complete bone. But everything changed when a rancher discovered something unusual poking out of the earth along a slope as he repaired a fence in the summer of 2019.The rancher alerted the National Forrest Service, and their officials immediately contacted Schmidt, who had just arrived with his research group for the annual Westminster expedition. Schmidt’s standing permit with the forest service gave him permission to excavate the area.Schmidt concluded after careful examination that the object was the tip of a triceratops horn and would require months of careful excavation. He begrudgingly finished up his 2019 survey and made plans to return in the summer of 2020 after the Forest Service gave clearance for excavation.Digging up the 3,000-pound triceratops skull — named “Shady” by students after community members of the nearby town of Shadehill, SD — made the student and alumni group giddy, begging to remain in the field this summer longer than the usual six to seven hours per day.“They also just couldn’t wait to get out there each morning,” Schmidt adds.Pick axes, shovels, a random telehandler, a backhoe, and a flatbed truck at long last brought Shady to the Westminster campus, where it is resting in a secure location until funds can be raised for restoration. The first order of business will be to enlarge the entrance to the Environmental Science laboratory in Coulter Science Center for Shady’s makeover. Other bones that remain in the South Dakota dirt will be dug up next summer.Meanwhile, Schmidt is on sabbatical this semester and is antsy to return to the Badlands at the end of the year. He emphasizes that his students, not personal research or self-interest, are the ultimate focus of bringing Shady to Westminster.He reflects, “The entire goal of this, at Westminster, is for students to use the fossil specimens for undergraduate research. So they have practical experiences and use learned skills in graduate school or in their career endeavors.”Founded in 1851 and home of Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech, Westminster College in Fulton, MO, is ranked prestigiously by&nbsp;U.S. News &amp; World Report&nbsp;as a National Liberal Arts College. The institution is in the top 15 percent for graduate earnings and boasts a 98 percent placement rate. Westminster also is a&nbsp;Forbes&nbsp;Best Value College. Westminster focuses on educating and inspiring students to find the power in their purpose in order to become the world leaders of tomorrow.

Group of college students unearth huge dinosaur skull

SEDGWICK COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Monday in Sedgwick County.

A Suzuki motorcycle driven by 40-year-old Quincy Thomas of Wichita was southbound in the 500 Block of North McLean Boulevard at a high rate of speed, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Thomas was ejected from the motorcycle when it struck a Hyundai Santa Fe driven by a 77-year-old man who was turning left onto North McLean from Vine.

First responders found Thomas in the street and despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Davidson.&nbsp; &nbsp;The SUV driver was treated for minor injuries.&nbsp;

Thomas was not wearing a helmet, according to Davidson. This is the 17th fatal accident in 2020 in Wichita and the 7th involving a motorcycle.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Monday in Sedgwick County.A Suzuki motorcycle driven by 40-year-old Quincy Thomas of Wichita was southbound in the 500 Block of North McLean Boulevard at a high rate of speed, according to officer Charley Davidson.Thomas was ejected from the motorcycle when it struck a Hyundai Santa Fe driven by a 77-year-old man who was turning left onto North McLean from Vine.First responders found Thomas in the street and despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Davidson.&nbsp; &nbsp;The SUV driver was treated for minor injuries.&nbsp;Thomas was not wearing a helmet, according to Davidson. This is the 17th fatal accident in 2020 in Wichita and the 7th involving a motorcycle.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation.

Police: Kansas man died after motorcycle, SUV crash

TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced Tuesday that one resident at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex (KJCC) has been identified as positive for COVID-19, according to a media release from the agency.

The resident at KJCC is a male over the age of 15 and was a new admission to KJCC. In order to protect the identity of the person, no other information will be released. Mandatory mask protocol was implemented on July 1 for both staff and residents.

The KDOC has been in consultation with officials from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on next steps to address these circumstances. As a result of that consultation with KDHE, the following steps were implemented:

<a>“With this recent admission, we are seeing that our screening protocols are working,” Zmuda said. “We were able to keep this individual isolated from others in hopes that no others will become infected with the virus.”&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598384053665.png" alt="ConfirmKansas Juvenile Correctional Complex-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>ConfirmKansas Juvenile Correctional Complex-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced Tuesday that one resident at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex (KJCC) has been identified as positive for COVID-19, according to a media release from the agency.The resident at KJCC is a male over the age of 15 and was a new admission to KJCC. In order to protect the identity of the person, no other information will be released. Mandatory mask protocol was implemented on July 1 for both staff and residents.The KDOC has been in consultation with officials from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on next steps to address these circumstances. As a result of that consultation with KDHE, the following steps were implemented:<ul>
 <li>The positive individual was moved to a negative air-flow room in the KJCC infirmary</li><li>The remainder of the living unit will quarantine in one-person rooms</li><li>Additional testing will take place as we continue to work to control the spread and KDOC will remain diligent in monitoring other staff and residents for symptoms</li>
 </ul><a>“With this recent admission, we are seeing that our screening protocols are working,” Zmuda said. “We were able to keep this individual isolated from others in hopes that no others will become infected with the virus.”&nbsp;</a>

COVID-19 case at Kan. Juvenile Correctional Complex

NEWTON, Kan. (AP) — Amtrak riders in Kansas will encounter reduced service starting in October as part of the rail passenger service’s nationwide cutback in routes because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Southwest Chief, which runs through Kansas from Chicago to Los Angeles, will reduce its service beginning Oct. 12, Amtrak said on its website. Nearly every Amtrak route across the country has been or will be reduced because of a “dramatic drop” in passengers during the pandemic, the company said.

Currently, the Southwest Chief operates seven days a week.

After Oct. 12, the Southwest Chief will leave Chicago on Monday, Thursday and Saturday. The train will leave Los Angeles on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The train currently serves Lawrence, Topeka, Newton, Hutchinson, Dodge City and Garden City.

Amtrak said it hoped to restore all services by June 30, 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592423924832.png" alt="photo courtesy Amtrak" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Amtrak</figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. (AP) — Amtrak riders in Kansas will encounter reduced service starting in October as part of the rail passenger service’s nationwide cutback in routes because of the coronavirus pandemic.The Southwest Chief, which runs through Kansas from Chicago to Los Angeles, will reduce its service beginning Oct. 12, Amtrak said on its website. Nearly every Amtrak route across the country has been or will be reduced because of a “dramatic drop” in passengers during the pandemic, the company said.Currently, the Southwest Chief operates seven days a week.After Oct. 12, the Southwest Chief will leave Chicago on Monday, Thursday and Saturday. The train will leave Los Angeles on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.The train currently serves Lawrence, Topeka, Newton, Hutchinson, Dodge City and Garden City.Amtrak said it hoped to restore all services by June 30, 2021.

Amtrak's Southwest Chief to reduce service through Kansas

WYANDOTTE COUNTY — A 19-year-old Kansas House candidate who had been disowned by some Democrats for his incendiary social media posts and because he abused girls online when he was 14 years old now says he has decided to stay in the race for the 37th District seat.&nbsp; 

On Sunday, Aaron Coleman announced he was dropping out of the race. On Tuesday morning, he issued the following statement:

"Last Monday, August 17th, I won my primary challenge against 7-term incumbent State Rep. Stan Frownfelter to become the Democratic Party nominee, and the only name on the General Election ballot, to represent Kansas’ 37th District in the State Legislature."

"I have never held elected office before. I am 19 years old. I grew up in poverty and today I work as a dishwasher. When I was a child I lived in a broken home and there were many times when there was no food in the house and I went hungry. My story is similar to that of countless others in my district. Voters do not throw out a 7-term incumbent for a person like myself unless they are deeply frustrated with their lack of representation and demanding a change."

&nbsp;"I won because voters decided that the policies I believe in - providing universal health care coverage through Medicare for All, stopping evictions and investing in public housing, taking action against polluters and funding a Green New Deal to create jobs, and fixing the broken school system that failed me - would improve their lives," Coleman's statement continued.

"I won because, along with my campaign volunteers, I spent months knocking on doors, talking to the people of my working-class community, and convincing them that I would do a better job of advocating policies to improve their lives than the corporate-funded incumbent who largely has ignored them and left them to struggle. That’s how democracy should work."

"From the moment I won, I have endured sustained attacks. These attacks against me were far more than I bargained for. I obviously did not expect to have my entire personal life, especially what I did in middle school, put under that kind of national microscope. Combined with the hardships my family is facing - my older brother committed suicide last year, my father is quite ill, and we all are under serious economic suffering from the Covid Great Depression - I decided it would be best for myself and my family not to put them through this any more, so I said I would withdraw."

"But since that announcement, I heard from many of the people who voted for me urging me not to drop out. They said that they did not vote for me expecting that I was a perfect person. They told me that all of us have sinned, and we all make mistakes. They said they voted for me because they believe I am committed to doing what politics is about: advocating policies that improve the lives of ordinary people, of working people, of those like me and those like them."

"My withdrawal would immediately return to power the same corporatist, out-of-touch 7-term incumbent that voters just rejected. They did not only vote for me but they voted for my platform and for change for our community. We cannot undo democracy because I am a flawed individual who has made mistakes. That is not fair to those voters. They deserve to have a choice this November."

"So I’m staying on the ballot, and staying in the race as the Democratic nominee. I will spend the rest of the time until the election talking to the people in my community about what they need, and how I can serve."

"If anyone is interested in helping, to make a statement against corporatist politics and these kinds of attacks against working class people who challenge it, please visit my ActBlue page. The corporate interests have vowed to pour a lot of money into the incumbent’s write-in campaign, and I will need support to bring my message to voters, who deserve to hear all sides, not just the side of the rich. Ultimately this race will not be decided by the New York Times, or by party bosses in Topeka, and certainly not by affluent white collar professionals on the coasts who couldn’t care less if working people in Kansas have their decision to throw out a corrupt incumbent ignored. This race will be decided by the voters of Kansas’ 37th District this November. I will do everything I can to earn their support and improve their lives."

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A 19-year-old Kansas House candidate who had been disowned by some Democrats for his incendiary social media posts and because he abused girls online when he was 14 years old announced Sunday that he is dropping out of the race.

In a series of&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Aaron4KS37/status/1297616490166915072" target="_blank">tweets</a>, Aaron Coleman said he was abandoning his campaign. Earlier this month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f48e9e7b7f82aa29c0dae0fd62cc9d6d">he defeated veteran Rep. Stan Frownfelter</a>&nbsp;in the Democratic primary by 14 votes in their Kansas City, Kansas, district.

Coleman tweeted that he “made the decision to withdraw as the Democratic nominee for HD 37 so I can focus on caring for my family.” Coleman also said his father is hospitalized.

Coleman confirmed to The Associated Press that he was dropping out, but he declined to answer questions. He instead pointed to an interview with the&nbsp;<a href="http://wyandottedaily.com/" target="_blank">Wyandotte Daily newspaper</a>&nbsp;in which he said he would submit a letter to the Kansas secretary of state withdrawing from the race because of medical hardship.

Heather Scanlon, chief of staff to House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer of Wichita, said there was a “sense of relief” that Coleman was ending his campaign.

Coleman garnered headlines for a social media post suggesting he would “laugh and giggle” if a former GOP state lawmaker died of COVID-19 and another post endorsing abortion up to the moment of birth. He apologized for the comments afterward.

In a Facebook post in June, he said allegations that he engaged in online bullying, blackmail and revenge porn were true. He said his past behavior targeting several middle-school girls was that of “a sick and troubled” 14-year-old.

After losing in the primary, Frownfelter said he was launching a write-in campaign to retain the seat he has held since 2007. No Republican candidate is on the ballot.

Local Democratic Party officials will choose Coleman’s replacement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597491942776.png" alt="Photo courtesy Aaron Coleman for Kansas." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Aaron Coleman for Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY — A 19-year-old Kansas House candidate who had been disowned by some Democrats for his incendiary social media posts and because he abused girls online when he was 14 years old now says he has decided to stay in the race for the 37th District seat.&nbsp; On Sunday, Aaron Coleman announced he was dropping out of the race. On Tuesday morning, he issued the following statement:"Last Monday, August 17th, I won my primary challenge against 7-term incumbent State Rep. Stan Frownfelter to become the Democratic Party nominee, and the only name on the General Election ballot, to represent Kansas’ 37th District in the State Legislature.""I have never held elected office before. I am 19 years old. I grew up in poverty and today I work as a dishwasher. When I was a child I lived in a broken home and there were many times when there was no food in the house and I went hungry. My story is similar to that of countless others in my district. Voters do not throw out a 7-term incumbent for a person like myself unless they are deeply frustrated with their lack of representation and demanding a change."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597492154851.png" alt="Rep. Stan Frownfelter said last week he'd run a write-in campaign after a narrow primary loss to Coleman by only 14 votes." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Stan Frownfelter said last week he'd run a write-in campaign after a narrow primary loss to Coleman by only 14 votes.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;"I won because voters decided that the policies I believe in - providing universal health care coverage through Medicare for All, stopping evictions and investing in public housing, taking action against polluters and funding a Green New Deal to create jobs, and fixing the broken school system that failed me - would improve their lives," Coleman's statement continued."I won because, along with my campaign volunteers, I spent months knocking on doors, talking to the people of my working-class community, and convincing them that I would do a better job of advocating policies to improve their lives than the corporate-funded incumbent who largely has ignored them and left them to struggle. That’s how democracy should work.""From the moment I won, I have endured sustained attacks. These attacks against me were far more than I bargained for. I obviously did not expect to have my entire personal life, especially what I did in middle school, put under that kind of national microscope. Combined with the hardships my family is facing - my older brother committed suicide last year, my father is quite ill, and we all are under serious economic suffering from the Covid Great Depression - I decided it would be best for myself and my family not to put them through this any more, so I said I would withdraw.""But since that announcement, I heard from many of the people who voted for me urging me not to drop out. They said that they did not vote for me expecting that I was a perfect person. They told me that all of us have sinned, and we all make mistakes. They said they voted for me because they believe I am committed to doing what politics is about: advocating policies that improve the lives of ordinary people, of working people, of those like me and those like them.""My withdrawal would immediately return to power the same corporatist, out-of-touch 7-term incumbent that voters just rejected. They did not only vote for me but they voted for my platform and for change for our community. We cannot undo democracy because I am a flawed individual who has made mistakes. That is not fair to those voters. They deserve to have a choice this November.""So I’m staying on the ballot, and staying in the race as the Democratic nominee. I will spend the rest of the time until the election talking to the people in my community about what they need, and how I can serve.""If anyone is interested in helping, to make a statement against corporatist politics and these kinds of attacks against working class people who challenge it, please visit my ActBlue page. The corporate interests have vowed to pour a lot of money into the incumbent’s write-in campaign, and I will need support to bring my message to voters, who deserve to hear all sides, not just the side of the rich. Ultimately this race will not be decided by the New York Times, or by party bosses in Topeka, and certainly not by affluent white collar professionals on the coasts who couldn’t care less if working people in Kansas have their decision to throw out a corrupt incumbent ignored. This race will be decided by the voters of Kansas’ 37th District this November. I will do everything I can to earn their support and improve their lives."-----------------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A 19-year-old Kansas House candidate who had been disowned by some Democrats for his incendiary social media posts and because he abused girls online when he was 14 years old announced Sunday that he is dropping out of the race.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After talking with my family and my supporters, I’ve made the decision to withdraw as the Democratic nominee for HD 37 so I can focus on caring for my family. Now our party can pick a new nominee. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> <a href="https://t.co/CwmR6aQwl9">https://t.co/CwmR6aQwl9</a>&mdash; Aaron Coleman 🌹 (@Aaron4KS37) <a href="https://twitter.com/Aaron4KS37/status/1297616490166915072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a series of&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Aaron4KS37/status/1297616490166915072" target="_blank">tweets</a>, Aaron Coleman said he was abandoning his campaign. Earlier this month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f48e9e7b7f82aa29c0dae0fd62cc9d6d">he defeated veteran Rep. Stan Frownfelter</a>&nbsp;in the Democratic primary by 14 votes in their Kansas City, Kansas, district.Coleman tweeted that he “made the decision to withdraw as the Democratic nominee for HD 37 so I can focus on caring for my family.” Coleman also said his father is hospitalized.Coleman confirmed to The Associated Press that he was dropping out, but he declined to answer questions. He instead pointed to an interview with the&nbsp;<a href="http://wyandottedaily.com/" target="_blank">Wyandotte Daily newspaper</a>&nbsp;in which he said he would submit a letter to the Kansas secretary of state withdrawing from the race because of medical hardship.Heather Scanlon, chief of staff to House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer of Wichita, said there was a “sense of relief” that Coleman was ending his campaign.Coleman garnered headlines for a social media post suggesting he would “laugh and giggle” if a former GOP state lawmaker died of COVID-19 and another post endorsing abortion up to the moment of birth. He apologized for the comments afterward.In a Facebook post in June, he said allegations that he engaged in online bullying, blackmail and revenge porn were true. He said his past behavior targeting several middle-school girls was that of “a sick and troubled” 14-year-old.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597492154851.png" alt="Rep. Stan Frownfelter " />
 <figcaption>Rep. Stan Frownfelter </figcaption>
 </figure>After losing in the primary, Frownfelter said he was launching a write-in campaign to retain the seat he has held since 2007. No Republican candidate is on the ballot.Local Democratic Party officials will choose Coleman’s replacement.

Kan. candidate who admitted to revenge porn now staying in race

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A driver was killed when a carjacking suspect ran a stop sign as he fled Kansas City police and hit another vehicle, police said.

The crash happened late Monday night after officers spotted a vehicle they believed had been carjacked earlier in the evening, police spokesman Jake Becchina said in a news release.

Officers tried to stop the suspected stolen vehicle, but the driver fled, leading police on a chase. A short distance later, the driver ran a stop sign just east of Ashland Square Park and hit another vehicle, Becchina said.

The man driving the vehicle that was hit died at the scene, Becchina said, and a passenger with him was injured.

Three other people were arrested at the scene and also taken to the hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening, Becchina said.

Police are investigating the crash and the carjacking, he said.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A driver was killed when a carjacking suspect ran a stop sign as he fled Kansas City police and hit another vehicle, police said.The crash happened late Monday night after officers spotted a vehicle they believed had been carjacked earlier in the evening, police spokesman Jake Becchina said in a news release.Officers tried to stop the suspected stolen vehicle, but the driver fled, leading police on a chase. A short distance later, the driver ran a stop sign just east of Ashland Square Park and hit another vehicle, Becchina said.The man driving the vehicle that was hit died at the scene, Becchina said, and a passenger with him was injured.Three other people were arrested at the scene and also taken to the hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening, Becchina said.Police are investigating the crash and the carjacking, he said.

Car-jacker running from KC police crashes, kills driver

McPHERSON COUNTY— The McPherson&nbsp; County Sheriff's Department released the names of the two victims of Monday’s fatality accident northwest of McPherson.

Ryder Martin, 24, of McPherson was northbound on 9th Avenue just after midnight Monday when he lost control of the vehicle which entered the ditch and rolled at the intersection with Pioneer Road, according to McPherson County Deputy Dean Scott.

Martin and one passenger, 25-year-old Austin Bickford of McPherson were ejected from the vehicle. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. 

EMS transported a second passenger identified as 25-year-old Bryson Hall of Salina to a local hospital where he was treated and released. Hall was wearing a seatbelt, according to Scott.

Speed is believed to have been a factor in the crash which is still under investigation.

MCPHERSON COUNTY — Two men in their 20s died in an accident just after 12 a.m. Monday in McPherson County.

&nbsp;A car with three occupants was northbound in northwest McPherson County when the driver lost control at&nbsp; the intersection of Ninth Avenue and Pioneer Road, according to McPherson County Deputy Dean Scott.

The car traveled into a ditch, rolled and two occupants were ejected.&nbsp; Those men were pronounced dead at the scene. They were not wearing seat belts, according to Scott.

The third occupants was wearing a seat belt. EMS transported him to a local hospital were he was treated and released.

Speed was a possible factor in the crash, according to the sheriff's office.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation.

McPHERSON COUNTY— The McPherson&nbsp; County Sheriff's Department released the names of the two victims of Monday’s fatality accident northwest of McPherson.Ryder Martin, 24, of McPherson was northbound on 9th Avenue just after midnight Monday when he lost control of the vehicle which entered the ditch and rolled at the intersection with Pioneer Road, according to McPherson County Deputy Dean Scott.Martin and one passenger, 25-year-old Austin Bickford of McPherson were ejected from the vehicle. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported a second passenger identified as 25-year-old Bryson Hall of Salina to a local hospital where he was treated and released. Hall was wearing a seatbelt, according to Scott.Speed is believed to have been a factor in the crash which is still under investigation.----------MCPHERSON COUNTY — Two men in their 20s died in an accident just after 12 a.m. Monday in McPherson County.&nbsp;A car with three occupants was northbound in northwest McPherson County when the driver lost control at&nbsp; the intersection of Ninth Avenue and Pioneer Road, according to McPherson County Deputy Dean Scott.The car traveled into a ditch, rolled and two occupants were ejected.&nbsp; Those men were pronounced dead at the scene. They were not wearing seat belts, according to Scott.The third occupants was wearing a seat belt. EMS transported him to a local hospital were he was treated and released.Speed was a possible factor in the crash, according to the sheriff's office.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation.

UPDATE: 2 dead after ejected in Kan. rollover crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as 33-year-old Joe Wheeler III of Wichita.

Just after 9p.m. Monday police responded to a shooting at Baby Dolls in the 4900 Block of North Arkansas in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Jason Stephens.

As the scene, police found Wheeler dead of a gunshot wound in a vehicle.

Investigators have learned there was a disturbance in the club that spilled out into the parking lot.&nbsp; Wheeler was shot while inside his car which was parked in the back business parking area, according to Stephens.&nbsp;

Police are interviewing witnesses and have identified a person of interest in the case, according to Stephens.&nbsp; He did not release additional details due to the ongoing investigation.

The death is 39th homicide of the year in Wichita and the 35th criminal homicide, according to officer Charley Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598367893158.png" alt="Police on the scene of the fatal shooting investigation on Monday night outside a Wichita night club-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the fatal shooting investigation on Monday night outside a Wichita night club-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as 33-year-old Joe Wheeler III of Wichita.Just after 9p.m. Monday police responded to a shooting at Baby Dolls in the 4900 Block of North Arkansas in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Jason Stephens.As the scene, police found Wheeler dead of a gunshot wound in a vehicle.Investigators have learned there was a disturbance in the club that spilled out into the parking lot.&nbsp; Wheeler was shot while inside his car which was parked in the back business parking area, according to Stephens.&nbsp;Police are interviewing witnesses and have identified a person of interest in the case, according to Stephens.&nbsp; He did not release additional details due to the ongoing investigation.The death is 39th homicide of the year in Wichita and the 35th criminal homicide, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Police ID Kan. man who died in shooting outside nightclub 

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas man was charged in a federal indictment unsealed Monday with growing thousands of poppy plants at his home in Clay County in an effort to manufacture heroin, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Matthew Pfeiffer, 43, Morganville, Kan., is charged with one count of attempting to manufacture opium, one count of manufacturing thebaine (a constituent of opium) and one count of using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking.

The indictment alleges that the investigation began when the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Riley County Police Department received information that Pfeiffer was growing poppies and planning to manufacture heroin. On June 4, 2020, law enforcement officers served a search warrant at Pfeiffer’s home in Morganville, where they seized more than 4,000 poppy plants. The poppies were identified as&nbsp;Papaver somniferum, a plant from which opium is derived.

“Opium poppies are an unfamiliar sight in Kansas,” McAllister said, “and we want to keep it that way. It is unlawful to grow poppies for the purpose of producing opiates.”

“The cultivation of poppy plants, for the purpose of making opium paste for heroin production is extremely rare in the United States,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. Callahan, head of the St. Louis Division, which covers Kansas.&nbsp;

“The DEA along with our law enforcement partners, thwarted this attempt to produce heroin, and we will continue to stand in the way of violators who seek to harm our communities. This case should serve as an example and a warning that the DEA is as committed to preventing further harm caused by the opioid crisis in rural America, as we are in major cities.”

If convicted, Pfeiffer could face a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on the charges of attempting to manufacture controlled substances, and up to four years and a fine up to $250,000 on the telephone count.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598298213660.png" alt="Matthew Pfeiffer-photo Clay County" />
 <figcaption>Matthew Pfeiffer-photo Clay County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas man was charged in a federal indictment unsealed Monday with growing thousands of poppy plants at his home in Clay County in an effort to manufacture heroin, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.Matthew Pfeiffer, 43, Morganville, Kan., is charged with one count of attempting to manufacture opium, one count of manufacturing thebaine (a constituent of opium) and one count of using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking.The indictment alleges that the investigation began when the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Riley County Police Department received information that Pfeiffer was growing poppies and planning to manufacture heroin. On June 4, 2020, law enforcement officers served a search warrant at Pfeiffer’s home in Morganville, where they seized more than 4,000 poppy plants. The poppies were identified as&nbsp;Papaver somniferum, a plant from which opium is derived.“Opium poppies are an unfamiliar sight in Kansas,” McAllister said, “and we want to keep it that way. It is unlawful to grow poppies for the purpose of producing opiates.”“The cultivation of poppy plants, for the purpose of making opium paste for heroin production is extremely rare in the United States,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. Callahan, head of the St. Louis Division, which covers Kansas.&nbsp;“The DEA along with our law enforcement partners, thwarted this attempt to produce heroin, and we will continue to stand in the way of violators who seek to harm our communities. This case should serve as an example and a warning that the DEA is as committed to preventing further harm caused by the opioid crisis in rural America, as we are in major cities.”If convicted, Pfeiffer could face a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on the charges of attempting to manufacture controlled substances, and up to four years and a fine up to $250,000 on the telephone count.

Indictment: Kan. man planted poppies to manufacture heroin

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Police in Kansas City, Kansas, say crews have pulled the body of an 11-year-old girl from the Kansas River, where she went missing over the weekend. 

Police said in a news release that the body of Rebecca Van Sui Par was found Monday evening after a boater spotted a body along the river's shoreline. 

Authorities have said the girl was pulled under the water while trying to retrieve a beach ball a family had been batting around on a sand bar. Officials say an adult and two other minors tried to save the girl, but ended up having to be rescued.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Emergency crews from Kansas City, Kansas, continued over the weekend to search the Kansas River for an 11-year-old girl who went missing in its waters and is presumed to have drowned.

Several boats and at least 10 firefighters searched the river Sunday, a day after witnesses said the girl was pulled under the water while trying to retrieve a beach ball.

A family had been playing with the ball near a sand bar on the river near Interstate 435 and Woodend Avenue when the incident happened, officials said. An adult and two other minors tried to save the girl, but ended up also having to be rescued, Assistant Fire Chief Scott Hawley said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598275281179.png" alt="Search crews on the Kansas River Sunday photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Search crews on the Kansas River Sunday photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Police in Kansas City, Kansas, say crews have pulled the body of an 11-year-old girl from the Kansas River, where she went missing over the weekend. Police said in a news release that the body of Rebecca Van Sui Par was found Monday evening after a boater spotted a body along the river's shoreline. Authorities have said the girl was pulled under the water while trying to retrieve a beach ball a family had been batting around on a sand bar. Officials say an adult and two other minors tried to save the girl, but ended up having to be rescued.--------KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Emergency crews from Kansas City, Kansas, continued over the weekend to search the Kansas River for an 11-year-old girl who went missing in its waters and is presumed to have drowned.Several boats and at least 10 firefighters searched the river Sunday, a day after witnesses said the girl was pulled under the water while trying to retrieve a beach ball.A family had been playing with the ball near a sand bar on the river near Interstate 435 and Woodend Avenue when the incident happened, officials said. An adult and two other minors tried to save the girl, but ended up also having to be rescued, Assistant Fire Chief Scott Hawley said.

Police ID 11-year-old girl who drowned in Kansas River

LANCASTER COUNTY, NE.—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect following a high speed interstate chase on Monday.

Just before 12:30a.m. Monday, a state trooper observed a westbound Chevrolet Camaro speeding on Interstate 80 in Lincoln, according to a media release. The trooper clocked the vehicle traveling at 128 miles per hour in the 65 miles per hour zone. The trooper attempted to perform a traffic stop, but the vehicle increased speed and fled.

The trooper initiated a pursuit as the Camaro fled westbound on.&nbsp; After a short time, troopers were able to successfully deploy stop sticks to slow the vehicle. The Camaro then came to a stop near Milford. The driver identified as 33-year-old Mamell Martinez, Hinesville, Georgia, was immediately taken into custody.

The entire pursuit lasted less than ten minutes. During the pursuit, the Camaro reached speeds in excess of 155 miles per hour.

The driver, Jamell Martinez, 33, of Hinesville, Georgia, was arrested on requested charges of willful reckless driving, flight to avoid arrest, and traffic violations. He remains in the Lancaster County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598300639140.png" alt="Martinez -photo Lancaster Co." />
 <figcaption>Martinez -photo Lancaster Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>LANCASTER COUNTY, NE.—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect following a high speed interstate chase on Monday.Just before 12:30a.m. Monday, a state trooper observed a westbound Chevrolet Camaro speeding on Interstate 80 in Lincoln, according to a media release. The trooper clocked the vehicle traveling at 128 miles per hour in the 65 miles per hour zone. The trooper attempted to perform a traffic stop, but the vehicle increased speed and fled.The trooper initiated a pursuit as the Camaro fled westbound on.&nbsp; After a short time, troopers were able to successfully deploy stop sticks to slow the vehicle. The Camaro then came to a stop near Milford. The driver identified as 33-year-old Mamell Martinez, Hinesville, Georgia, was immediately taken into custody.The entire pursuit lasted less than ten minutes. During the pursuit, the Camaro reached speeds in excess of 155 miles per hour.The driver, Jamell Martinez, 33, of Hinesville, Georgia, was arrested on requested charges of willful reckless driving, flight to avoid arrest, and traffic violations. He remains in the Lancaster County Jail.

Driver clocked going 155 mph during interstate chase

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;There could be some federal help coming for the Kansas State Fair, according to Kansas First District Congressman Dr. Roger Marshall.

"COVID has impacted the State Fair like most every business," Marshall said. "What we're suggesting is we use the agriculture marketing service, that's part of USDA. Typically, those funds are used for say, down in Mexico or perhaps in Japan or South Korea, trying to sell more beef, more wheat, more pork to those folks. When I think of the State Fair, of course, there's so many fun things. I think of all things fried food and the concerts, but really, its the best agriculture education piece that we do in the state of Kansas."

The Agricultural Fairs Rescue Act will provide $500 million in grant funding for agricultural fairs across the U.S. to ensure the continuation of agriculture-related events and competitions.

"They do a great job marketing and educating consumers," Marshall said. "Consumers want to know where their food comes from. We can share our conservation stories and so many great things."

Local, county and state fairs would all be eligible for funding assistance.

"We'll see where it goes," Marshall said. "We'll do our best. We'll keep fighting for it, but I think it's a great match. This is very bipartisan. We're out now trying to get more legislators to sponsor the bill. We need Democrats and Republicans across the country to do this. I'm fairly optimistic that we can get something like this done."

The Kansas State Fair is holding small events and livestock competitions, but the full-scale fair is off until 2021.

By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;There could be some federal help coming for the Kansas State Fair, according to Kansas First District Congressman Dr. Roger Marshall."COVID has impacted the State Fair like most every business," Marshall said. "What we're suggesting is we use the agriculture marketing service, that's part of USDA. Typically, those funds are used for say, down in Mexico or perhaps in Japan or South Korea, trying to sell more beef, more wheat, more pork to those folks. When I think of the State Fair, of course, there's so many fun things. I think of all things fried food and the concerts, but really, its the best agriculture education piece that we do in the state of Kansas."The Agricultural Fairs Rescue Act will provide $500 million in grant funding for agricultural fairs across the U.S. to ensure the continuation of agriculture-related events and competitions."They do a great job marketing and educating consumers," Marshall said. "Consumers want to know where their food comes from. We can share our conservation stories and so many great things."Local, county and state fairs would all be eligible for funding assistance."We'll see where it goes," Marshall said. "We'll do our best. We'll keep fighting for it, but I think it's a great match. This is very bipartisan. We're out now trying to get more legislators to sponsor the bill. We need Democrats and Republicans across the country to do this. I'm fairly optimistic that we can get something like this done."The Kansas State Fair is holding small events and livestock competitions, but the full-scale fair is off until 2021.

Rep. Marshall: Kansas State Fair could get USDA money

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect wanted on a felony warrant in Missouri on multiple charges after a traffic stop in Kansas.

Just after 11:15 p.m. Sunday, a deputy conducted a traffic stop near SE 29th&nbsp;and Croco Road in Shawnee County on a 2005 Volkswagen Jetta for an equipment violation, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.&nbsp;

The driver, Diandre L. Spates, Sr., 47, Topeka, was arrested and booked into jail on requested charges of&nbsp; felony possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony interference with a law enforcement officer and the felony warrant from Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598282868693.png" alt="Spates photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Spates photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect wanted on a felony warrant in Missouri on multiple charges after a traffic stop in Kansas.Just after 11:15 p.m. Sunday, a deputy conducted a traffic stop near SE 29th&nbsp;and Croco Road in Shawnee County on a 2005 Volkswagen Jetta for an equipment violation, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.&nbsp;The driver, Diandre L. Spates, Sr., 47, Topeka, was arrested and booked into jail on requested charges of&nbsp; felony possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony interference with a law enforcement officer and the felony warrant from Missouri.

Suspect wanted in Missouri captured after Kansas traffic stop

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Health authorities are working through more positive COVID-19 test results at another county jail in Kansas.

On August 20, officials in Douglas County were notified that a staff member at the County Correctional Facility received a positive test result for COVID-19. Inmates in minimum classification had contact with this staff member, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.

As part of their pandemic plan, inmates in minimum housing were moved to an area of the facility that allowed for each of them to be quarantined individually.

Officers and deputies at the facility worked immediately to deep-clean and disinfect the entire exposed area and to wash all laundry in the facility.

COVID-19 tests provided by Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health were administered by the jail medical staff to all inmates in the minimum classification unit and staff members that were in contact with the individual who tested positive.

Over the weekend Douglas County officials learned that d a second staff member at the correctional facility received a positive test result for COVID-19. This individual’s exposure to the virus happened outside of the work environment. All inmates and staff at the facility not tested on Friday are now being tested. This second individual has not been at the facility since it was deep-cleaned and disinfected on Thursday.

All employees at the correctional facility are required to wear PPE at all times and were doing so when in contact with the two individuals who reported positive test results.

All inmates are provided PPE each week, more often if requested. Wearing the PPE was previously a choice inmates were allowed to make. Until further notice all inmates will now be required to wear PPE outside of their individual housing units. Most inmates who had contact with the staff reporting positive cases were wearing PPE.

While not all test results have been returned, officials have not yet received any additional positive results. We will continue to be transparent with the public should any results come back positive.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Health authorities are working through more positive COVID-19 test results at another county jail in Kansas.On August 20, officials in Douglas County were notified that a staff member at the County Correctional Facility received a positive test result for COVID-19. Inmates in minimum classification had contact with this staff member, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.As part of their pandemic plan, inmates in minimum housing were moved to an area of the facility that allowed for each of them to be quarantined individually.Officers and deputies at the facility worked immediately to deep-clean and disinfect the entire exposed area and to wash all laundry in the facility.COVID-19 tests provided by Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health were administered by the jail medical staff to all inmates in the minimum classification unit and staff members that were in contact with the individual who tested positive.Over the weekend Douglas County officials learned that d a second staff member at the correctional facility received a positive test result for COVID-19. This individual’s exposure to the virus happened outside of the work environment. All inmates and staff at the facility not tested on Friday are now being tested. This second individual has not been at the facility since it was deep-cleaned and disinfected on Thursday.All employees at the correctional facility are required to wear PPE at all times and were doing so when in contact with the two individuals who reported positive test results.All inmates are provided PPE each week, more often if requested. Wearing the PPE was previously a choice inmates were allowed to make. Until further notice all inmates will now be required to wear PPE outside of their individual housing units. Most inmates who had contact with the staff reporting positive cases were wearing PPE.While not all test results have been returned, officials have not yet received any additional positive results. We will continue to be transparent with the public should any results come back positive.

All inmates, staff getting virus tests at another Kan. jail

TOPEKA&nbsp;– A ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the 10th&nbsp;Circuit has reaffirmed the authority of states to maintain sex offender registries to inform the public and rejected the claim that registries are a form of punishment, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Monday.

The appellate ruling last week reversed a 2017 lower court decision striking down the Colorado sex offender registry as unconstitutional. The case&nbsp;involved a claim brought by three individuals against the director of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;

“While the offender registry laws in the states differ, the appellate court recognized the sovereign state interests in these laws and applied a legal test that reaffirms the states’ ability to notify Kansans of this important public safety information,” Schmidt said. “We will remain diligent to protect the Kansas law from legal attacks.”

Kansas joined Oklahoma, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming in a brief arguing to the federal appellate court that Colorado’s sex offender registry laws serve a compelling state interest by informing the public and were not punitive in nature or excessive requirements. A three-judge panel of the 10th&nbsp;Circuit agreed, reversing the lower court ruling and upholding the state law as constitutional.

Schmidt said the ruling is significant because any future challenge to the Kansas offender registry law would be governed by the precedent established by the 10th&nbsp;Circuit in the Colorado challenge.

The federal decision in Millard v. Camper is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ca10.uscourts.gov/opinions/17/17-1333.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.ca10.uscourts.gov/opinions/17/17-1333.pdf</a>.

Schmidt’s office previously successfully defended the Kansas offender registration law in state court against challenges to its constitutionality.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– A ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the 10th&nbsp;Circuit has reaffirmed the authority of states to maintain sex offender registries to inform the public and rejected the claim that registries are a form of punishment, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Monday.The appellate ruling last week reversed a 2017 lower court decision striking down the Colorado sex offender registry as unconstitutional. The case&nbsp;involved a claim brought by three individuals against the director of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;“While the offender registry laws in the states differ, the appellate court recognized the sovereign state interests in these laws and applied a legal test that reaffirms the states’ ability to notify Kansans of this important public safety information,” Schmidt said. “We will remain diligent to protect the Kansas law from legal attacks.”Kansas joined Oklahoma, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming in a brief arguing to the federal appellate court that Colorado’s sex offender registry laws serve a compelling state interest by informing the public and were not punitive in nature or excessive requirements. A three-judge panel of the 10th&nbsp;Circuit agreed, reversing the lower court ruling and upholding the state law as constitutional.Schmidt said the ruling is significant because any future challenge to the Kansas offender registry law would be governed by the precedent established by the 10th&nbsp;Circuit in the Colorado challenge.The federal decision in Millard v. Camper is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ca10.uscourts.gov/opinions/17/17-1333.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.ca10.uscourts.gov/opinions/17/17-1333.pdf</a>.Schmidt’s office previously successfully defended the Kansas offender registration law in state court against challenges to its constitutionality.

Court opinion affirms states’ authority to require sex offender registries

When the U.S. government extended pandemic hardship loans to thousands of religious institutions, Jim Bakker and Morningside USA, his ministry in Blue Eye, Missouri, were among the most high-profile recipients.

On April 28, the pastor received approval for an amount between $650,000 and $1.7 million in Paycheck Protection Program funds.

Weeks before, the Missouri attorney general filed a complaint, the New York attorney general sent a cease-and-desist warning and the Federal Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission sent warning letters alleging Bakker engaged in deceptive practices by touting purported health benefits of a silver product on The Jim Bakker Show — including a suggestion it could be used to treat or prevent COVID-19 infection, something the FDA says is false. In June, the Arkansas attorney general’s office followed with its own lawsuit.

Applicants seeking PPP loans were asked to certify they weren’t engaged in any activity that is illegal under federal, state or local law. The question is whether Bakker’s involvement in ongoing litigation and fraud allegations will rise to the level of a Small Business Administration review.

It’s likely, according to attorney Daniel Grooms, a former federal prosecutor who worked in the Justice Department for 15 years. “There is every reason to think that an entity, led by a person with the profile he has, given his history, and given the ongoing fraud issues surrounding the product he was selling, that those ongoing investigations and the ongoing attention ... it would be realistic to think that would lead to further investigation of his PPP loans,” Grooms said.

An SBA spokesperson refused to comment on any specific loan recipient. However, he provided an explanation about how the loan program was administered, saying the agency made no eligibility determinations during the approval process. After the fact, the SBA will review organizations and companies to identify those that may have submitted inaccurate self-certifications. The agency may seek repayment with the potential for civil or criminal penalties if a fraudulent application was submitted.

Bakker’s attorneys argue no laws were violated and provided this statement: “We strongly believe that Morningside’s offering of a legal product, sold by stores across the country, did not violate any laws; a fact underscored by the FDA taking no action against Morningside and issuing its letter closing the warning letter process on July 14th. The allegations made by the Missouri and Arkansas attorneys general concern only this product, and Morningside had suspended its offering of that product prior to the date of its PPP loan application.”

Bakker gained notoriety in the late 1980s and 1990s as a result of his trial and financial fraud conviction relating to Heritage USA, his TV studio, Christian-oriented theme park and water park attraction with shopping, hotels and condominiums in Fort Mill, South Carolina. After serving five years in federal prison, he shifted from preaching the prosperity gospel to an apocalyptic end-times message.

“We’ve gone through quite a year,” a tearful Bakker told his TV congregants this month.

On Feb. 12, before any governor had ordered a coronavirus lockdown, Bakker touted the health benefits of Silver Solution on his show. Bakker was joined by guest Sherrill Sellman, who practices naturopathic medicine and is not a licensed physician.

“This influenza that is now circling the globe, you’re saying that Silver Solution would be effective,” he said, holding a bottle throughout the TV segment.

Sellman explained that the silver product, previously promoted on the show and sold through its online store, had not been tested against COVID-19, “but it’s been tested on other strains of the coronavirus and has been able to eliminate it in 12 hours — totally eliminate it. It kills it. Deactivates it,” she said.

What followed was a succession of cease-and-desist orders, warning letters, multiple state complaints and a request for a temporary restraining order to stop promoting or selling the product.

Bakker’s co-counsel is Jay Nixon, a former four-term Missouri attorney general and two-term Democratic governor. Nixon has framed this as a First Amendment and religious freedom fight.

Nixon says the pastor and his family use silver products in gel, lozenge and liquid form. He said Bakker complied immediately with orders to stop offering Silver Solution on his show and website.

“What we’re trying to do is to show that this is a targeting of a pastor for work said in his church as opposed to some sort of massive consumer issue that they’ve been after for a long time, which they have not,” Nixon said.

Bakker’s legal team filed a suit against the Arkansas state attorney’s office to prevent the pursuit of his congregation’s personal information as part of its investigation.

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge pushes back on framing the lawsuit as a religious freedom infringement. She wrote in a statement to the AP, “I have a long track record of protecting the First Amendment and religious liberties for Arkansans and all Americans. What I will not tolerate are the illegal schemes used by Mr. Bakker that directly relate to harming Arkansas consumers financially or physically. By using his celebrity status to peddle fraudulent COVID-19 cures — stealing over $60,000 — Bakker has historically cloaked his illegal action in the name of religion, yet he continues to deceive Arkansans for his own glory and wealth.”

Bakker, wife Lori and daughter Maricela Bakker Woodall, who serves as president of Morningside Church Productions, appealed for donations during a show which aired April 20. They referenced financial difficulties, and Bakker singled out “enemies” who were behind their problems. “The only way that we can stay on is if you help me. It’s just sad to see what’s happening to America. We are living in the final days, and if we go the wrong direction, America is through,” he said. “Don’t let me have to file for bankruptcy.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588705366986.png" alt="Jim Baker courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Jim Baker courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALLY STAPLETON, Associated PressWhen the U.S. government extended pandemic hardship loans to thousands of religious institutions, Jim Bakker and Morningside USA, his ministry in Blue Eye, Missouri, were among the most high-profile recipients.On April 28, the pastor received approval for an amount between $650,000 and $1.7 million in Paycheck Protection Program funds.Weeks before, the Missouri attorney general filed a complaint, the New York attorney general sent a cease-and-desist warning and the Federal Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission sent warning letters alleging Bakker engaged in deceptive practices by touting purported health benefits of a silver product on The Jim Bakker Show — including a suggestion it could be used to treat or prevent COVID-19 infection, something the FDA says is false. In June, the Arkansas attorney general’s office followed with its own lawsuit.Applicants seeking PPP loans were asked to certify they weren’t engaged in any activity that is illegal under federal, state or local law. The question is whether Bakker’s involvement in ongoing litigation and fraud allegations will rise to the level of a Small Business Administration review.It’s likely, according to attorney Daniel Grooms, a former federal prosecutor who worked in the Justice Department for 15 years. “There is every reason to think that an entity, led by a person with the profile he has, given his history, and given the ongoing fraud issues surrounding the product he was selling, that those ongoing investigations and the ongoing attention ... it would be realistic to think that would lead to further investigation of his PPP loans,” Grooms said.An SBA spokesperson refused to comment on any specific loan recipient. However, he provided an explanation about how the loan program was administered, saying the agency made no eligibility determinations during the approval process. After the fact, the SBA will review organizations and companies to identify those that may have submitted inaccurate self-certifications. The agency may seek repayment with the potential for civil or criminal penalties if a fraudulent application was submitted.Bakker’s attorneys argue no laws were violated and provided this statement: “We strongly believe that Morningside’s offering of a legal product, sold by stores across the country, did not violate any laws; a fact underscored by the FDA taking no action against Morningside and issuing its letter closing the warning letter process on July 14th. The allegations made by the Missouri and Arkansas attorneys general concern only this product, and Morningside had suspended its offering of that product prior to the date of its PPP loan application.”Bakker gained notoriety in the late 1980s and 1990s as a result of his trial and financial fraud conviction relating to Heritage USA, his TV studio, Christian-oriented theme park and water park attraction with shopping, hotels and condominiums in Fort Mill, South Carolina. After serving five years in federal prison, he shifted from preaching the prosperity gospel to an apocalyptic end-times message.“We’ve gone through quite a year,” a tearful Bakker told his TV congregants this month.On Feb. 12, before any governor had ordered a coronavirus lockdown, Bakker touted the health benefits of Silver Solution on his show. Bakker was joined by guest Sherrill Sellman, who practices naturopathic medicine and is not a licensed physician.“This influenza that is now circling the globe, you’re saying that Silver Solution would be effective,” he said, holding a bottle throughout the TV segment.Sellman explained that the silver product, previously promoted on the show and sold through its online store, had not been tested against COVID-19, “but it’s been tested on other strains of the coronavirus and has been able to eliminate it in 12 hours — totally eliminate it. It kills it. Deactivates it,” she said.What followed was a succession of cease-and-desist orders, warning letters, multiple state complaints and a request for a temporary restraining order to stop promoting or selling the product.Bakker’s co-counsel is Jay Nixon, a former four-term Missouri attorney general and two-term Democratic governor. Nixon has framed this as a First Amendment and religious freedom fight.Nixon says the pastor and his family use silver products in gel, lozenge and liquid form. He said Bakker complied immediately with orders to stop offering Silver Solution on his show and website.“What we’re trying to do is to show that this is a targeting of a pastor for work said in his church as opposed to some sort of massive consumer issue that they’ve been after for a long time, which they have not,” Nixon said.Bakker’s legal team filed a suit against the Arkansas state attorney’s office to prevent the pursuit of his congregation’s personal information as part of its investigation.Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge pushes back on framing the lawsuit as a religious freedom infringement. She wrote in a statement to the AP, “I have a long track record of protecting the First Amendment and religious liberties for Arkansans and all Americans. What I will not tolerate are the illegal schemes used by Mr. Bakker that directly relate to harming Arkansas consumers financially or physically. By using his celebrity status to peddle fraudulent COVID-19 cures — stealing over $60,000 — Bakker has historically cloaked his illegal action in the name of religion, yet he continues to deceive Arkansans for his own glory and wealth.”Bakker, wife Lori and daughter Maricela Bakker Woodall, who serves as president of Morningside Church Productions, appealed for donations during a show which aired April 20. They referenced financial difficulties, and Bakker singled out “enemies” who were behind their problems. “The only way that we can stay on is if you help me. It’s just sad to see what’s happening to America. We are living in the final days, and if we go the wrong direction, America is through,” he said. “Don’t let me have to file for bankruptcy.”A week later, Arvest Bank, as the lender, released three PPP loans to Bakker’s church management, production and retreat entities.Bakker declined to comment, but Woodall responded in an email via the attorneys: The PPP program, she said, “has been another blessing for our ministry, and for so many other ministries and small businesses.”__