JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at an apartment complex in Shawnee.

Just before 6p.m. Sunday, police responded to report of a medical emergency at at apartment in the 7400 Block of Flint, according to a media release from police.

At the scene, officers located a 25-year-old woman with gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; Officers took to into custody for questioning.

The Johnson County Sheriff's office crime scene investigations unit is assisting police.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at an apartment complex in Shawnee.Just before 6p.m. Sunday, police responded to report of a medical emergency at at apartment in the 7400 Block of Flint, according to a media release from police.At the scene, officers located a 25-year-old woman with gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; Officers took to into custody for questioning.The Johnson County Sheriff's office crime scene investigations unit is assisting police.

Police: 25-year-old Kan. woman found dead after shooting

TOPEKA (AP) — Federal prosecutors seeking to keep a former Kansas police detective in jail for allegedly preying on Black women and girls have revealed more details of the accusations against him, including complaints from seven more women.

Roger Golubksi, 69, faces a federal court hearing Monday during which prosecutors will argue he should remain in jail until his trial.

He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-kansas-city-indictments-civil-rights-violations-c465a1483c9295eb465847fb8c3463eb">arrested and charged</a>&nbsp;on Thursday on six counts of civil rights violations alleging that as an officer with the Kansas City, Kansas, police department, he sexually abused a Black woman and a teenager more than two decades ago. Five of the counts allege that Golubski kidnapped or tried to kidnap the victims.

Prosecutors filed a motion Friday that included graphic details of his encounters with the two victims and that added complaints from seven other females who say Golubski harassed and abused them. Golubski has not been charged in those seven cases, but prosecutors argued they provided more evidence that he is dangerous and has shown “nothing but utter contempt for the law.”

Golubski, who retired in 2010, has pleaded not guilty. He faces a possible life sentence on each of the six counts.

His attorney, Tom Lemon, did not respond to a message Monday seeking reaction to the new motion. Lemon argued last week that Golubski should be released before trial because he needs medical attention for several health issues, including failing kidneys, diabetes and recovering from quintuple bypass surgery.

Prosecutors responded in their motion that all of Golubski’s medical conditions could be treated in a detention facility.

“He has spent decades lording his power over his victims and the community by demonstrating how unbound by legal limits he feels,” prosecutors wrote. “The only way to assure community safety is detention.”

The motion alleges Golubski displayed his gun or hit some of his victims with it while demanding sex. He told the victims he would have them or their relatives imprisoned or killed if they ever told anyone what he did, prosecutors said.

The charges accuse Golubski of sexually assaulting a girl more than 10 times over about three years. He repeatedly told the girl, who was 13 when the abuse allegedly began, that he would kill her or her grandmother. He told her he would throw her in a river and sang a version of childhood song with the phrase, "where they won’t find her until she stank,” according to the motion.

The other victim in the charged case, Ophelia Williams, was raped and sexually assaulted several times over two or three years, according to the motion. He initially abused Williams shortly after her two sons were arrested, prosecutors said.

The Associated Press generally does not name alleged victims of sexual assault, but Williams has told her story publicly.

The seven other victims were abused or threatened by Golubski between 1980s and 2004, prosecutors said.

One woman said she called the Kansas City, Kansas, police internal affairs department to report her encounter with Golubski but was told “there was nothing they could do because it was (her) word against the defendant’s,” prosecutors wrote.

The Kansas City, Kansas, police department said Monday that Chief Karl Oakman would not have any comment on the motion. Mayor Tyrone Garner was out of the office Monday. He said in a statement released Thursday that he remained committed to pushing for improvements in police-community relations to restore trust.

Another victim said Golubski sexually assaulted and raped her periodically between the mid-1990s and 2004 while threatening to take away her children, prosecutors said. In 2016, the woman was in the hospital when Golubski showed up and said, “Long time no see,” according to the indictment, prompting her to change hospitals, according to the motion.

Civil rights groups for years sought an investigation into Golubski. The allegations gained attention after Lamont McIntyre,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-us-news-ap-top-news-kansas-city-ks-state-wire-3e379716ed9e4dba83412311eaadfd08">who spent 23 years in prison</a>&nbsp;for a double murder he didn’t commit,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-kansas-city-kansas-7b4c4af7410f67d20fd19cb2e9235aad">sued Golubski</a>&nbsp;and other Kansas City, Kansas, officers. McIntyre and his mother, Rose McIntyre, alleged that Golubski framed Lamont in 1994 because she refused the detective’s sexual demands.

The local government agreed in June to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-kansas-city-96f163ee13c721c0ab53899dcad05897">settle the lawsuit</a>&nbsp;for $12.5 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663616484786.png" alt="Golubski is being held in Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Golubski is being held in Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA (AP) — Federal prosecutors seeking to keep a former Kansas police detective in jail for allegedly preying on Black women and girls have revealed more details of the accusations against him, including complaints from seven more women.Roger Golubksi, 69, faces a federal court hearing Monday during which prosecutors will argue he should remain in jail until his trial.He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-kansas-city-indictments-civil-rights-violations-c465a1483c9295eb465847fb8c3463eb">arrested and charged</a>&nbsp;on Thursday on six counts of civil rights violations alleging that as an officer with the Kansas City, Kansas, police department, he sexually abused a Black woman and a teenager more than two decades ago. Five of the counts allege that Golubski kidnapped or tried to kidnap the victims.Prosecutors filed a motion Friday that included graphic details of his encounters with the two victims and that added complaints from seven other females who say Golubski harassed and abused them. Golubski has not been charged in those seven cases, but prosecutors argued they provided more evidence that he is dangerous and has shown “nothing but utter contempt for the law.”Golubski, who retired in 2010, has pleaded not guilty. He faces a possible life sentence on each of the six counts.His attorney, Tom Lemon, did not respond to a message Monday seeking reaction to the new motion. Lemon argued last week that Golubski should be released before trial because he needs medical attention for several health issues, including failing kidneys, diabetes and recovering from quintuple bypass surgery.Prosecutors responded in their motion that all of Golubski’s medical conditions could be treated in a detention facility.“He has spent decades lording his power over his victims and the community by demonstrating how unbound by legal limits he feels,” prosecutors wrote. “The only way to assure community safety is detention.”The motion alleges Golubski displayed his gun or hit some of his victims with it while demanding sex. He told the victims he would have them or their relatives imprisoned or killed if they ever told anyone what he did, prosecutors said.The charges accuse Golubski of sexually assaulting a girl more than 10 times over about three years. He repeatedly told the girl, who was 13 when the abuse allegedly began, that he would kill her or her grandmother. He told her he would throw her in a river and sang a version of childhood song with the phrase, "where they won’t find her until she stank,” according to the motion.The other victim in the charged case, Ophelia Williams, was raped and sexually assaulted several times over two or three years, according to the motion. He initially abused Williams shortly after her two sons were arrested, prosecutors said.The Associated Press generally does not name alleged victims of sexual assault, but Williams has told her story publicly.The seven other victims were abused or threatened by Golubski between 1980s and 2004, prosecutors said.One woman said she called the Kansas City, Kansas, police internal affairs department to report her encounter with Golubski but was told “there was nothing they could do because it was (her) word against the defendant’s,” prosecutors wrote.The Kansas City, Kansas, police department said Monday that Chief Karl Oakman would not have any comment on the motion. Mayor Tyrone Garner was out of the office Monday. He said in a statement released Thursday that he remained committed to pushing for improvements in police-community relations to restore trust.Another victim said Golubski sexually assaulted and raped her periodically between the mid-1990s and 2004 while threatening to take away her children, prosecutors said. In 2016, the woman was in the hospital when Golubski showed up and said, “Long time no see,” according to the indictment, prompting her to change hospitals, according to the motion.Civil rights groups for years sought an investigation into Golubski. The allegations gained attention after Lamont McIntyre,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-us-news-ap-top-news-kansas-city-ks-state-wire-3e379716ed9e4dba83412311eaadfd08">who spent 23 years in prison</a>&nbsp;for a double murder he didn’t commit,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-kansas-city-kansas-7b4c4af7410f67d20fd19cb2e9235aad">sued Golubski</a>&nbsp;and other Kansas City, Kansas, officers. McIntyre and his mother, Rose McIntyre, alleged that Golubski framed Lamont in 1994 because she refused the detective’s sexual demands.The local government agreed in June to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-kansas-city-96f163ee13c721c0ab53899dcad05897">settle the lawsuit</a>&nbsp;for $12.5 million.

More women accuse ex-Kansas police detective of sex crimes

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Recently, investigators with the Wichita Police Department Missing and Exploited Child Unit were made aware of two incidents of a suspicious nature involving adults attempting to contact young people as they were walking to or from school, according to a media release from police.

Just after 7a.m. September 12, a 14-year-old boy reported being approached by an older white male with gray hair in the 9200 block of E. Harry and offered a ride. 

The boy eported that the male claimed to have been sent by the child's parents. The juvenile, not believing this to be true, left the area and went back home where he reported the incident to a parent.

Just after 6:30p.m. on September 12, an 11-year-old girl reported walking home from school when she noticed a vehicle following her. She reported a man exited the vehicle and began following her on foot. She described the man as an older white male with white hair. 

She reported the male attempted to coerce her to get into his vehicle, which she reported was a black van with Texas plates. Sensing something was not right, the juvenile did not talk to the man and quickly walked to her home where she reported what happened to her parent.

Wichita Police reminded parents to talk to their children about how to handle interactions with strangers. Both of these young people handled each situation like champs, and we want to make sure all children in Wichita are equipped with the knowledge to keep themselves safe. A few tips you can share with your kids include:- Don't accept rides from people you don't know.- Trust your instincts! If something feels off, it probably is.- Point out safe places such as schools, police stations, fire stations, etc.- Teach assertiveness. It's okay to say no to an adult.- Encourage your children to be in groups of friends.If you have any information on suspicious activity, don't hesitate to contact us by calling 911 or visiting one of our four patrol stations. Investigators with the WPD are actively looking into each of these reported incidents.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Recently, investigators with the Wichita Police Department Missing and Exploited Child Unit were made aware of two incidents of a suspicious nature involving adults attempting to contact young people as they were walking to or from school, according to a media release from police.Just after 7a.m. September 12, a 14-year-old boy reported being approached by an older white male with gray hair in the 9200 block of E. Harry and offered a ride. The boy eported that the male claimed to have been sent by the child's parents. The juvenile, not believing this to be true, left the area and went back home where he reported the incident to a parent.Just after 6:30p.m. on September 12, an 11-year-old girl reported walking home from school when she noticed a vehicle following her. She reported a man exited the vehicle and began following her on foot. She described the man as an older white male with white hair. She reported the male attempted to coerce her to get into his vehicle, which she reported was a black van with Texas plates. Sensing something was not right, the juvenile did not talk to the man and quickly walked to her home where she reported what happened to her parent.Wichita Police reminded parents to talk to their children about how to handle interactions with strangers. Both of these young people handled each situation like champs, and we want to make sure all children in Wichita are equipped with the knowledge to keep themselves safe. A few tips you can share with your kids include:- Don't accept rides from people you don't know.- Trust your instincts! If something feels off, it probably is.- Point out safe places such as schools, police stations, fire stations, etc.- Teach assertiveness. It's okay to say no to an adult.- Encourage your children to be in groups of friends.If you have any information on suspicious activity, don't hesitate to contact us by calling 911 or visiting one of our four patrol stations. Investigators with the WPD are actively looking into each of these reported incidents.

Police: Man approached children walking to and from school

LONDON (AP) — Britain and the world said a final goodbye to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-health-update-b2578aa91c3fef9c5d6ad4a557bf63e4">Queen Elizabeth II</a>&nbsp;at a state funeral Monday that drew presidents and kings, princes and prime ministers — and crowds who massed along the streets of London to honor a monarch whose 70-year reign defined an age.

Click below to watch on YouTube at 5a.m. CDT

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?522859-1/funeral-service-queen-elizabeth-ii&amp;live">or click here</a> to watch the replay of the funeral service

A day packed with events in London and Windsor began early when the doors of 900-year-old Westminster Hall were closed to mourners after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-london-6615990a69cfc706ce7ee64a4fa584e9">hundreds of thousands had filed in front of her flag-draped coffin</a>. Many had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-boris-johnson-london-united-kingdom-898f092ee58f7a74cea64fa9d3e42cad">waited for hours in line</a>, including through cold nights, to attend the lying in state in an outpouring of collective grief and respect.

“I felt like I had to come and pay my final respects to our majestic queen. She has done so much for us and just a little thank you really from the people,” said Tracy Dobson, who was among the last to join the line.

In a country&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-london-government-and-politics-f07d95ed1c9c0f745cfa148c4c7fae83">known for pomp and pageantry</a>, the first state funeral since Winston Churchill's was filled with spectacle: 142 Royal Navy sailors drew the gun carriage carrying Elizabeth’s coffin to Westminster Abbey, with King Charles III and his sons, Princes William and Harry, walking behind as bagpipers played. Pall bearers carried the coffin into the abbey, where around 2,000 people ranging from world leaders to health care workers gathered to mourn her. Ahead of the service, a bell tolled 96 times — once a minute for each year of her life.

“Here, where Queen Elizabeth was married and crowned, we gather from across the nation, from the Commonwealth, and from the nations of the world, to mourn our loss, to remember her long life of selfless service, and in sure confidence to commit her to the mercy of God our maker and redeemer,” the dean of the medieval abbey, David Hoyle, told the mourners, as the funeral opened.

It drew to a close with two minutes of silence observed across the United Kingdom. The attendees then sang the national anthem.

Monday has been declared a public holiday in honor of Elizabeth, who died Sept. 8 — and hundreds of thousands of people descended on central London to partake&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-funeral-live-coverage-177bed5e9415e00016b84983d03e310a">in the historic moment</a>. Long before the service began, city authorities said viewing areas along the route of the funeral's procession were full.

Millions more had been expected to tune into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-biden-king-charles-iii-health-covid-0229717aa9198a6120e66639cf5171bb">the funeral</a>&nbsp;live on television, and crowds flocked to parks and public spaces across the U.K. to watch it on screens. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby noted during the funeral that “few leaders receive the outpouring of love we have seen" for Elizabeth.

On the evening before, Charles issued a message of thanks to people in the U.K. and around the world, saying he and his wife Camilla, the queen consort, have been “moved beyond measure” by the large numbers of people who have turned out to pay their respects to the queen.

Following the funeral, the coffin — accompanied by units of the armed forces in dress uniforms and members of her family — was brought through the capital's streets.

At Wellington Arch near Hyde Park, it will be placed in a hearse to be driven to Windsor Castle — where Elizabeth spent much of her time — for another procession before a committal service in St. George’s Chapel. She will be laid to rest with her late husband, Prince Philip, at a private family service.

U.S. President Joe Biden was among leaders to pay their respects at the queen’s coffin on Sunday as thousands of police, hundreds of British troops and an army of officials made final preparations for the funeral.

Biden called Queen Elizabeth II “decent” and “honorable” and “all about service” as he signed the condolence book, saying his heart went out to the royal family.

People across Britain paused for a minute of silence at 8 p.m. Sunday in memory of the only monarch most have ever known. At Westminster Hall, the constant stream of mourners paused for 60 seconds as people observed the minute of reflection in deep silence.

In Windsor, rain began to fall as the crowd fell silent for the moment of reflection. Some camped overnight outside the castle in order to reserve the best spots to view the queen’s coffin.

Jilly Fitzgerald, who was in Windsor, said there was a sense of community among the mourners as they prepared to wait hours to see procession carrying the queen’s coffin.

“It’s good to be with all the people who are all feeling the same. It’s like a big family because everyone feels that … the queen was part of their family,” she said.

LONDON (AP) — Britain and the world are laying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-health-update-b2578aa91c3fef9c5d6ad4a557bf63e4">Queen Elizabeth II</a>&nbsp;to rest on Monday at a state funeral that is drawing presidents and kings, princes and prime ministers — and up to a million people lining the streets of London to say a final goodbye to a monarch whose 70-year reign defined an age.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?522859-1/funeral-service-queen-elizabeth-ii&amp;live">or click here</a> to watch

A day packed with funeral events in London and Windsor began early when the doors of 900-year-old Westminster Hall were closed to mourners after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-london-6615990a69cfc706ce7ee64a4fa584e9">hundreds of thousands had filed in front of her flag-draped coffin</a>. Many had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-boris-johnson-london-united-kingdom-898f092ee58f7a74cea64fa9d3e42cad">waited for hours in line</a>, including through cold nights, to see the lying in state in an outpouring of collective grief and respect.

In a country&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-london-government-and-politics-f07d95ed1c9c0f745cfa148c4c7fae83">known for pomp and pageantry</a>, the first state funeral since Winston Churchill's promised to be a spectacular display: 142 Royal Navy sailors drew the gun carriage carrying Elizabeth’s coffin to Westminster Abbey, with King Charles III and his sons Princes William and Harry walking behind as pipers played. At the Abbey, around 2,000 people ranging from world leaders to health care workers and volunteers have gathered to mourn her. One of the Abbey’s bells tolled 96 times — once a minute for each year of her life.

Monday has been declared a public holiday in honor of Elizabeth, who died Sept. 8 — and hundreds of thousands of people descended on central London to partake&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-funeral-live-coverage-177bed5e9415e00016b84983d03e310a">in the historic moment</a>. Long before the service was set to begin, city authorities said viewing areas along the route of the funeral's procession were full.

Millions more are expected to tune into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-biden-king-charles-iii-health-covid-0229717aa9198a6120e66639cf5171bb">the funeral</a>&nbsp;live on television, and crowds are flocking to parks and public spaces across the U.K. to watch it on screens.

“As we all prepare to say our last farewell, I wanted simply to take this opportunity to say thank you to all those countless people who have been such a support and comfort to my family and myself in this time of grief,” he said.

Following the funeral in the medieval abbey where Elizabeth was married and crowned, her coffin — ringed by units of the armed forces in dress uniforms and members of her family — will be brought through the capital's streets to Wellington Arch near Hyde Park.

There, it will be placed in a hearse to be driven to Windsor Castle — where Elizabeth spent much of her time — for another procession before a committal service in St. George’s Chapel. She will be laid to rest with her late husband, Prince Philip, at a private family service.

Mourners started arriving to take their seats about three hours ahead of the ceremony.

LONDON (AP) — Events surrounding Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral on Monday cap 10 days of national mourning and are expected to be watched by hundreds of thousands of people packed onto the streets of London and millions around the world. Those are just a few of the staggering array of numbers generated by the death of the 96-year-old monarch after a 70-year-reign.

— 2,000: Dignitaries and guests in Westminster Abbey for the the state funeral, ranging from King Charles III and other royals to world leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden to members of the British public who helped battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

— 800: Guests at a committal service later in the day at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.

— 5,949: Military personnel deployed throughout the meticulously choreographed operation that began with the queen's death on Sept. 8 at her Balmoral Estate in the Scottish Highlands. That number comprises 4,416 from the army, 847 from the navy and 686 from the air force. In addition, around 175 armed forces personnel from Commonwealth nations have been involved.

— 1,650: At least that number of military personnel will be involved in the pomp-filled procession of the queen's coffin from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch after her funeral. A further 1,000 will line the streets along the procession route When the coffin reaches Windsor, 410 military personnel will take part in the procession, 480 will line streets, 150 will be in a guard of honor and line steps and 130 more will fulfil other ceremonial duties.

— 142: Royal Navy ratings who will pull the state gun carriage carrying the queen's coffin on Monday when it leaves the Houses of Parliament for her funeral.

— More than 10,000: Police officers. Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy said the “hugely complex” policing operation is the biggest in the London force’s history, surpassing the London 2012 Olympics which saw up to 10,000 police officers on duty per day.

— 22: Miles of barriers erected in central London alone to control crowds and keep key areas around the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace secure.

— 1 million: The number of people London transport authorities expect to visit the capital on Monday. Around 250 extra rail services will run to move people in and out of the city.

— 5: Miles of people lining up to file past the queen's coffin in Westminster Hall. The mammoth queue stretched back from the Houses of Parliament along the south bank of the River Thames to Southwark Park. The number of people in the queue is unlikely to be known until after the lying-in-state closes early on Monday.

— 125: Movie theaters that will open their doors to broadcast Monday's funeral live.

— 2,868: Diamonds, along with 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 269 pearls, and 4 rubies, sparkle in the Imperial State Crown that rested on the queen's coffin as it lay in state.

— 2: Minutes of silence at the end of the funeral at Westminster Abbey.

— 1: Coffin. The silent eye in the days-long storm of pomp, pageantry and protection is a single, flag-draped oak coffin carrying the only monarch most Britons have ever known.

LONDON (AP) — Britain and the world said a final goodbye to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-health-update-b2578aa91c3fef9c5d6ad4a557bf63e4">Queen Elizabeth II</a>&nbsp;at a state funeral Monday that drew presidents and kings, princes and prime ministers — and crowds who massed along the streets of London to honor a monarch whose 70-year reign defined an age.Click below to watch on YouTube at 5a.m. CDT<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">⚫ The State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen at Westminster Abbey:&mdash; The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1571793720785125378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?522859-1/funeral-service-queen-elizabeth-ii&amp;live">or click here</a> to watch the replay of the funeral serviceA day packed with events in London and Windsor began early when the doors of 900-year-old Westminster Hall were closed to mourners after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-london-6615990a69cfc706ce7ee64a4fa584e9">hundreds of thousands had filed in front of her flag-draped coffin</a>. Many had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-boris-johnson-london-united-kingdom-898f092ee58f7a74cea64fa9d3e42cad">waited for hours in line</a>, including through cold nights, to attend the lying in state in an outpouring of collective grief and respect.“I felt like I had to come and pay my final respects to our majestic queen. She has done so much for us and just a little thank you really from the people,” said Tracy Dobson, who was among the last to join the line.In a country&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-london-government-and-politics-f07d95ed1c9c0f745cfa148c4c7fae83">known for pomp and pageantry</a>, the first state funeral since Winston Churchill's was filled with spectacle: 142 Royal Navy sailors drew the gun carriage carrying Elizabeth’s coffin to Westminster Abbey, with King Charles III and his sons, Princes William and Harry, walking behind as bagpipers played. Pall bearers carried the coffin into the abbey, where around 2,000 people ranging from world leaders to health care workers gathered to mourn her. Ahead of the service, a bell tolled 96 times — once a minute for each year of her life.“Here, where Queen Elizabeth was married and crowned, we gather from across the nation, from the Commonwealth, and from the nations of the world, to mourn our loss, to remember her long life of selfless service, and in sure confidence to commit her to the mercy of God our maker and redeemer,” the dean of the medieval abbey, David Hoyle, told the mourners, as the funeral opened.It drew to a close with two minutes of silence observed across the United Kingdom. The attendees then sang the national anthem.Monday has been declared a public holiday in honor of Elizabeth, who died Sept. 8 — and hundreds of thousands of people descended on central London to partake&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-funeral-live-coverage-177bed5e9415e00016b84983d03e310a">in the historic moment</a>. Long before the service began, city authorities said viewing areas along the route of the funeral's procession were full.Millions more had been expected to tune into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-biden-king-charles-iii-health-covid-0229717aa9198a6120e66639cf5171bb">the funeral</a>&nbsp;live on television, and crowds flocked to parks and public spaces across the U.K. to watch it on screens. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby noted during the funeral that “few leaders receive the outpouring of love we have seen" for Elizabeth.On the evening before, Charles issued a message of thanks to people in the U.K. and around the world, saying he and his wife Camilla, the queen consort, have been “moved beyond measure” by the large numbers of people who have turned out to pay their respects to the queen.Following the funeral, the coffin — accompanied by units of the armed forces in dress uniforms and members of her family — was brought through the capital's streets.At Wellington Arch near Hyde Park, it will be placed in a hearse to be driven to Windsor Castle — where Elizabeth spent much of her time — for another procession before a committal service in St. George’s Chapel. She will be laid to rest with her late husband, Prince Philip, at a private family service.U.S. President Joe Biden was among leaders to pay their respects at the queen’s coffin on Sunday as thousands of police, hundreds of British troops and an army of officials made final preparations for the funeral.Biden called Queen Elizabeth II “decent” and “honorable” and “all about service” as he signed the condolence book, saying his heart went out to the royal family.People across Britain paused for a minute of silence at 8 p.m. Sunday in memory of the only monarch most have ever known. At Westminster Hall, the constant stream of mourners paused for 60 seconds as people observed the minute of reflection in deep silence.In Windsor, rain began to fall as the crowd fell silent for the moment of reflection. Some camped overnight outside the castle in order to reserve the best spots to view the queen’s coffin.Jilly Fitzgerald, who was in Windsor, said there was a sense of community among the mourners as they prepared to wait hours to see procession carrying the queen’s coffin.“It’s good to be with all the people who are all feeling the same. It’s like a big family because everyone feels that … the queen was part of their family,” she said.--------LONDON (AP) — Britain and the world are laying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-health-update-b2578aa91c3fef9c5d6ad4a557bf63e4">Queen Elizabeth II</a>&nbsp;to rest on Monday at a state funeral that is drawing presidents and kings, princes and prime ministers — and up to a million people lining the streets of London to say a final goodbye to a monarch whose 70-year reign defined an age.Click below to watch on YouTube at 5a.m. CDT<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TN2vT_jpW1o"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?522859-1/funeral-service-queen-elizabeth-ii&amp;live">or click here</a> to watchA day packed with funeral events in London and Windsor began early when the doors of 900-year-old Westminster Hall were closed to mourners after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-london-6615990a69cfc706ce7ee64a4fa584e9">hundreds of thousands had filed in front of her flag-draped coffin</a>. Many had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-boris-johnson-london-united-kingdom-898f092ee58f7a74cea64fa9d3e42cad">waited for hours in line</a>, including through cold nights, to see the lying in state in an outpouring of collective grief and respect.“I felt like I had to come and pay my final respects to our majestic queen. She has done so much for us and just a little thank you really from the people,” said Tracy Dobson, who was among the last to join the line.In a country&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-london-government-and-politics-f07d95ed1c9c0f745cfa148c4c7fae83">known for pomp and pageantry</a>, the first state funeral since Winston Churchill's promised to be a spectacular display: 142 Royal Navy sailors drew the gun carriage carrying Elizabeth’s coffin to Westminster Abbey, with King Charles III and his sons Princes William and Harry walking behind as pipers played. At the Abbey, around 2,000 people ranging from world leaders to health care workers and volunteers have gathered to mourn her. One of the Abbey’s bells tolled 96 times — once a minute for each year of her life.Monday has been declared a public holiday in honor of Elizabeth, who died Sept. 8 — and hundreds of thousands of people descended on central London to partake&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-funeral-live-coverage-177bed5e9415e00016b84983d03e310a">in the historic moment</a>. Long before the service was set to begin, city authorities said viewing areas along the route of the funeral's procession were full.Millions more are expected to tune into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-biden-king-charles-iii-health-covid-0229717aa9198a6120e66639cf5171bb">the funeral</a>&nbsp;live on television, and crowds are flocking to parks and public spaces across the U.K. to watch it on screens.On the evening before, Charles issued a message of thanks to people in the U.K. and around the world, saying he and his wife Camilla, the queen consort, have been “moved beyond measure” by the large numbers of people who have turned out to pay their respects to the queen.“As we all prepare to say our last farewell, I wanted simply to take this opportunity to say thank you to all those countless people who have been such a support and comfort to my family and myself in this time of grief,” he said.Following the funeral in the medieval abbey where Elizabeth was married and crowned, her coffin — ringed by units of the armed forces in dress uniforms and members of her family — will be brought through the capital's streets to Wellington Arch near Hyde Park.There, it will be placed in a hearse to be driven to Windsor Castle — where Elizabeth spent much of her time — for another procession before a committal service in St. George’s Chapel. She will be laid to rest with her late husband, Prince Philip, at a private family service.U.S. President Joe Biden was among leaders to pay their respects at the queen’s coffin on Sunday as thousands of police, hundreds of British troops and an army of officials made final preparations for the funeral.Biden called Queen Elizabeth II “decent” and “honorable” and “all about service” as he signed the condolence book, saying his heart went out to the royal family.Mourners started arriving to take their seats about three hours ahead of the ceremony.People across Britain paused for a minute of silence at 8 p.m. Sunday in memory of the only monarch most have ever known. At Westminster Hall, the constant stream of mourners paused for 60 seconds as people observed the minute of reflection in deep silence.In Windsor, rain began to fall as the crowd fell silent for the moment of reflection. Some camped overnight outside the castle in order to reserve the best spots to view the queen’s coffin.Jilly Fitzgerald, who was in Windsor, said there was a sense of community among the mourners as they prepared to wait hours to see procession carrying the queen’s coffin.“It’s good to be with all the people who are all feeling the same. It’s like a big family because everyone feels that … the queen was part of their family,” she said.___LONDON (AP) — Events surrounding Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral on Monday cap 10 days of national mourning and are expected to be watched by hundreds of thousands of people packed onto the streets of London and millions around the world. Those are just a few of the staggering array of numbers generated by the death of the 96-year-old monarch after a 70-year-reign.— 2,000: Dignitaries and guests in Westminster Abbey for the the state funeral, ranging from King Charles III and other royals to world leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden to members of the British public who helped battle the COVID-19 pandemic.— 800: Guests at a committal service later in the day at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.— 5,949: Military personnel deployed throughout the meticulously choreographed operation that began with the queen's death on Sept. 8 at her Balmoral Estate in the Scottish Highlands. That number comprises 4,416 from the army, 847 from the navy and 686 from the air force. In addition, around 175 armed forces personnel from Commonwealth nations have been involved.— 1,650: At least that number of military personnel will be involved in the pomp-filled procession of the queen's coffin from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch after her funeral. A further 1,000 will line the streets along the procession route When the coffin reaches Windsor, 410 military personnel will take part in the procession, 480 will line streets, 150 will be in a guard of honor and line steps and 130 more will fulfil other ceremonial duties.— 142: Royal Navy ratings who will pull the state gun carriage carrying the queen's coffin on Monday when it leaves the Houses of Parliament for her funeral.— More than 10,000: Police officers. Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy said the “hugely complex” policing operation is the biggest in the London force’s history, surpassing the London 2012 Olympics which saw up to 10,000 police officers on duty per day.— 22: Miles of barriers erected in central London alone to control crowds and keep key areas around the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace secure.— 1 million: The number of people London transport authorities expect to visit the capital on Monday. Around 250 extra rail services will run to move people in and out of the city.— 5: Miles of people lining up to file past the queen's coffin in Westminster Hall. The mammoth queue stretched back from the Houses of Parliament along the south bank of the River Thames to Southwark Park. The number of people in the queue is unlikely to be known until after the lying-in-state closes early on Monday.— 125: Movie theaters that will open their doors to broadcast Monday's funeral live.— 2,868: Diamonds, along with 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 269 pearls, and 4 rubies, sparkle in the Imperial State Crown that rested on the queen's coffin as it lay in state.— 2: Minutes of silence at the end of the funeral at Westminster Abbey.— 1: Coffin. The silent eye in the days-long storm of pomp, pageantry and protection is a single, flag-draped oak coffin carrying the only monarch most Britons have ever known.___

🎥Queen Elizabeth II mourned at funeral by Britain and world

TOME, N.M. (AP) — A missing New Mexico woman has been found dead and her husband has been arrested in Kansas in connection with the case, according to authorities.

Valencia County Sheriff’s officials say <a href="https://www.dps.nm.gov/blog/2022/09/07/missing-endangered-advisory-valencia-county-sheriffs-office-karla-aguilera/">37-year-old Karla Aguilera</a> of Tome was reported missing by family members on Sept. 6.

Torrance County officials said a body was found Wednesday near the Mountainair and Highway 60 area and an autopsy confirmed it was Aguilera.

An arrest warrant was issued for 50-year-old Rosalio Aguilera-Gamboa and authorities said he was arrested Saturday about 440 miles away in Garden City, Kansas.

It was unclear Sunday if Aguilera-Gamboa has a lawyer yet who can speak on his behalf.

Valencia County authorities were expected to release more information about the case at a news conference Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663516163568.png" alt="Karla Aguilera photo New Mexico Department of Public Safety" />
 <figcaption>Karla Aguilera photo New Mexico Department of Public Safety</figcaption>
 </figure>TOME, N.M. (AP) — A missing New Mexico woman has been found dead and her husband has been arrested in Kansas in connection with the case, according to authorities.Valencia County Sheriff’s officials say <a href="https://www.dps.nm.gov/blog/2022/09/07/missing-endangered-advisory-valencia-county-sheriffs-office-karla-aguilera/">37-year-old Karla Aguilera</a> of Tome was reported missing by family members on Sept. 6.Torrance County officials said a body was found Wednesday near the Mountainair and Highway 60 area and an autopsy confirmed it was Aguilera.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663601570422.png" alt="Aguilera Gamboa-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Aguilera Gamboa-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>An arrest warrant was issued for 50-year-old Rosalio Aguilera-Gamboa and authorities said he was arrested Saturday about 440 miles away in Garden City, Kansas.It was unclear Sunday if Aguilera-Gamboa has a lawyer yet who can speak on his behalf.Valencia County authorities were expected to release more information about the case at a news conference Monday.

New Mexico woman found dead, husband arrested in Kansas

Money-flipping cons have long been <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/23322-bbb-scam-alert-this-get-rich-quick-con-promises-fast-money-on-cashapp" target="_blank">popular on Instagram and Twitter</a>.
 But as TikTok’s popularity grows, so do the con artists. Watch out for 
this TikTok scam, which promises to turn a few hundred dollars’ worth of
 cryptocurrency into thousands in no time at all. BBB is seeing many <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">new reports in BBB Scam Tracker</a> related to this money-flipping scam. Here’s what you need to know.

You are scrolling through <a href="https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/santa-monica/profile/mobile-apps/tiktok-1216-1074502" target="_blank">TikTok</a>
 when you come across a video showing a pile of cash. The creator says 
they earned the stack of money in just a few days by investing in 
cryptocurrency. You may not know much about cryptocurrency, but this 
“investor” can help you get the same kind of return for a modest fee. 
Better yet, they have a 100% guarantee that they can triple your money 
in less than a week.

When you contact the supposed investor, likely through WhatsApp, 
Telegram, or another messaging app, they will be polite and 
professional. They will ask you to send money – usually, a few hundred 
dollars to start – through a <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/13038-how-to-avoid-digital-wallet-scams-on-paypal-venmo-and-other-services" target="_blank">digital wallet service</a>
 like PayPal, Zelle or Venmo. They may even ask you to purchase the 
cryptocurrency yourself and send it to them. Then, they “invest” your 
money in the stock market, where it allegedly starts multiplying right 
away.

As always, the scam isn’t what it seems. When you try to get your 
money back, the scammer will claim you need to pay fees. At first, these
 amounts may seem harmless. Since your few hundred dollars now turned 
into a few thousand, what’s the harm in spending a couple hundred in 
fees, right?

Scammers try to extend this con for as long as possible to get as 
much money as they can. They may ask for fees several times, always 
promising you will get much more back than what you are spending. If you
 question them, they may resort to scare tactics, telling you that if 
you don’t pay, you’ll miss out on the giant return or that they can take
 legal action. Unfortunately, any money you send will end up in the 
scammer’s pockets. You won’t be getting a return on your investment, and
 you won’t be getting your initial deposit back either.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBMoney-flipping cons have long been <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/23322-bbb-scam-alert-this-get-rich-quick-con-promises-fast-money-on-cashapp" target="_blank">popular on Instagram and Twitter</a>.
 But as TikTok’s popularity grows, so do the con artists. Watch out for 
this TikTok scam, which promises to turn a few hundred dollars’ worth of
 cryptocurrency into thousands in no time at all. BBB is seeing many <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">new reports in BBB Scam Tracker</a> related to this money-flipping scam. Here’s what you need to know.<h2>How the scam works</h2>You are scrolling through <a href="https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/santa-monica/profile/mobile-apps/tiktok-1216-1074502" target="_blank">TikTok</a>
 when you come across a video showing a pile of cash. The creator says 
they earned the stack of money in just a few days by investing in 
cryptocurrency. You may not know much about cryptocurrency, but this 
“investor” can help you get the same kind of return for a modest fee. 
Better yet, they have a 100% guarantee that they can triple your money 
in less than a week.When you contact the supposed investor, likely through WhatsApp, 
Telegram, or another messaging app, they will be polite and 
professional. They will ask you to send money – usually, a few hundred 
dollars to start – through a <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/13038-how-to-avoid-digital-wallet-scams-on-paypal-venmo-and-other-services" target="_blank">digital wallet service</a>
 like PayPal, Zelle or Venmo. They may even ask you to purchase the 
cryptocurrency yourself and send it to them. Then, they “invest” your 
money in the stock market, where it allegedly starts multiplying right 
away.As always, the scam isn’t what it seems. When you try to get your 
money back, the scammer will claim you need to pay fees. At first, these
 amounts may seem harmless. Since your few hundred dollars now turned 
into a few thousand, what’s the harm in spending a couple hundred in 
fees, right?Scammers try to extend this con for as long as possible to get as 
much money as they can. They may ask for fees several times, always 
promising you will get much more back than what you are spending. If you
 question them, they may resort to scare tactics, telling you that if 
you don’t pay, you’ll miss out on the giant return or that they can take
 legal action. Unfortunately, any money you send will end up in the 
scammer’s pockets. You won’t be getting a return on your investment, and
 you won’t be getting your initial deposit back either.&nbsp;<h2>How to avoid money flipping scams&nbsp;</h2><ul>
 <li>Use good judgment. Get-rich-quick schemes and 
investments that are guaranteed to give you a huge return are nearly 
always scams. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. </li><li>Do your research. Before you contact someone 
through TikTok or another social media platform, look up their name, 
phone number, and company name (if they have one) online. If they have 
conned others, you’ll likely find complaints online about it. </li><li>Don’t give into scare tactics. If an “investor” 
contacts you, they may try to convince you the investment will only work
 if you act right now. Or, if you’ve already sent them funds, they may 
threaten you with legal action if you don’t pay their fees. In any case,
 don’t give in to scare tactics. Recognize them as the hallmarks of a 
scam. </li><li>Understand how digital wallet services work. Treat 
any money you send through a digital wallet service like cash. Once you 
send the money, there will be little you can do to get it back if it 
turns out you were scammed. It’s best to use these apps only with people
 you know and trust.</li>
 </ul>

Alert: Cryptocurrency investment scams take to TikTok

The Kansas Forest Service assisted in fighting a wildfire that started off of Interstate 70 in Ellsworth County and burned into Lincoln County Sunday evening. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kansasforestservice">Kansas Forest Service Facebook page</a>:

The Kansas Forest Service assisted in fighting a wildfire that started off of Interstate 70 in Ellsworth County and burned into Lincoln County Sunday evening. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kansasforestservice">Kansas Forest Service Facebook page</a>:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkansasforestservice%2Fvideos%2F1251034092329706%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

Kansas Forest Service battles wildfire in Ellsworth, Lincoln counties 

KANSAS CITY – Four Kansas City men who were part of 246, a violent street gang, were convicted by a federal jury for their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy, according to the United State's Attorney.

Ladele D. Smith, also known as “Dellio” and “Dog,” 35; David J. Duncan, IV, also known as “Deej” or “DJ,” 33; Roy Franklin, Jr., 31; and Gary O. Toombs, 42, were found guilty of participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana from Jan. 1, 2011, to Oct. 1, 2019. Smith, Duncan, and Franklin were also convicted of multiple counts that charged them with various drug-trafficking and firearms crimes, to include drive-by shooting and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.&nbsp; Toombs was convicted of multiple counts that charged him with various drug-trafficking and firearms crimes as well.&nbsp;

The investigation into the 246 street gang, operating in the Kansas City metropolitan area, began in June 2017. The gang is an alliance of gang members from the 24th, 43rd, and 68th&nbsp;streets of Kansas City, Mo. Smith was identified as a leader of the gang, and Duncan, Franklin and Toombs as members of the gang.

Smith and Duncan are local rap artists who often posted to social media platforms, such as YouTube, with references to the 246 gang. In some of the videos, Smith and others show firearms and large amounts of cash. The social media posts also portrayed Smith and others wearing expensive jewelry, watches, hats, clothing and plate carrying vests that depicted 246 gang affiliation.

Members of the 246 gang used a residence in the 4400 block of Kensington, which is within 1,000 feet of George Washington Carver Dual Language School, a public elementary school, for gang and drug-trafficking business. No one utilized the house as a primary or permanent residence. On Oct. 2, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the house and seized heroin as well as two assault rifles and a stolen vehicle &nbsp;that had been used in a drive-by shooting. Officers also found a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a Century Arms International 7.62x39mm pistol under the couch in the living room and a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on the kitchen cabinet.

Smith was arrested at his apartment on Oct 2, 2019. Officers searched his residence and found codeine, $31,601 in cash, and jewelry valued at over $40,000.

Duncan was also arrested at his apartment on Oct. 2, 2019. Officers searched his residence and found a Zastava 7.62 x 39mm rifle, a Norinco 7.62 x 39mm rifle, a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol, two loaded rifle magazines, and a loaded handgun magazine under the bed in a bedroom. Officers found $7,100 in cash and four bags of pills that contained oxycodone in the living room.

Smith, Franklin and Toombs also were found guilty of participating in a conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

Smith also was found guilty of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, one count of distributing marijuana, one count of distributing marijuana near a school (within 1,000 feet of George Washington Carver Dual Language School), four counts of distributing heroin, and four counts of distributing heroin near a school (within 1,000 feet of George Washington Carver Dual Language School).

Franklin also was found guilty of two counts of distributing marijuana and two counts of distributing marijuana near a school (within 1,000 feet of George Washington Carver Dual Language School).

Duncan also was found guilty of possessing oxycodone the intent to distribute, one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and five counts of money laundering related to the purchases of money orders with drug-trafficking proceeds.

Toombs also was found guilty of maintaining a residence for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing, and using controlled substances.

Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for about six hours over two days before returning guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge Greg Kays, ending a trial that began Aug. 29, 2022.

Eleven co-defendants in this case have pleaded guilty and been sentenced.

Sirrico L. Franklin, 31, of Raytown, Mo., was sentenced on May 31, 2022, to five years and eight months in federal prison without parole. Terrance Garner, 36, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on June 21, 2022, to 10 years in federal prison without parole. Joshua Marchbanks, 32, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on May 24, 2022, to three years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Carleeon D. Lockett, 30, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on May 31, 2022, to six years and eight months in federal prison without parole. Kenneth D. Scott, 26, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on March 24, 2021, to three years and six months in federal prison without parole. Cordell Edwards, 34, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on March 7, 2022, to five years in federal prison without parole. Michael E. Sims, 36, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on June 28, 2022, to five years and five months in federal prison without parole. Cordarrel L. Scott, 36, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on Dec. 15, 2020, to 18 months in federal prison without parole. Marco R. Maddox, 38, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on May 27, 2022, to three years and five months in federal prison without parole. Cornelius Phelps, 36, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., was sentenced on April 27, 2022, to three years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Herman G. Bell, 67, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on June 22, 2022, to three years of probation.

Co-defendant Martin C. Garner, 35, of St. Louis, Mo., pleaded guilty on May 26, 2022, to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and awaits sentencing.

Under federal statutes, Smith, Duncan, Franklin and Toombs each are subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663429114378.png" alt="Ladele D. Smith, also knows as Dellio and Dog as seen from one of his rap videos" />
 <figcaption>Ladele D. Smith, also knows as Dellio and Dog as seen from one of his rap videos</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY – Four Kansas City men who were part of 246, a violent street gang, were convicted by a federal jury for their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy, according to the United State's Attorney.Ladele D. Smith, also known as “Dellio” and “Dog,” 35; David J. Duncan, IV, also known as “Deej” or “DJ,” 33; Roy Franklin, Jr., 31; and Gary O. Toombs, 42, were found guilty of participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana from Jan. 1, 2011, to Oct. 1, 2019. Smith, Duncan, and Franklin were also convicted of multiple counts that charged them with various drug-trafficking and firearms crimes, to include drive-by shooting and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.&nbsp; Toombs was convicted of multiple counts that charged him with various drug-trafficking and firearms crimes as well.&nbsp;The investigation into the 246 street gang, operating in the Kansas City metropolitan area, began in June 2017. The gang is an alliance of gang members from the 24th, 43rd, and 68th&nbsp;streets of Kansas City, Mo. Smith was identified as a leader of the gang, and Duncan, Franklin and Toombs as members of the gang.Smith and Duncan are local rap artists who often posted to social media platforms, such as YouTube, with references to the 246 gang. In some of the videos, Smith and others show firearms and large amounts of cash. The social media posts also portrayed Smith and others wearing expensive jewelry, watches, hats, clothing and plate carrying vests that depicted 246 gang affiliation.Members of the 246 gang used a residence in the 4400 block of Kensington, which is within 1,000 feet of George Washington Carver Dual Language School, a public elementary school, for gang and drug-trafficking business. No one utilized the house as a primary or permanent residence. On Oct. 2, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the house and seized heroin as well as two assault rifles and a stolen vehicle &nbsp;that had been used in a drive-by shooting. Officers also found a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a Century Arms International 7.62x39mm pistol under the couch in the living room and a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on the kitchen cabinet.Smith was arrested at his apartment on Oct 2, 2019. Officers searched his residence and found codeine, $31,601 in cash, and jewelry valued at over $40,000.Duncan was also arrested at his apartment on Oct. 2, 2019. Officers searched his residence and found a Zastava 7.62 x 39mm rifle, a Norinco 7.62 x 39mm rifle, a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol, two loaded rifle magazines, and a loaded handgun magazine under the bed in a bedroom. Officers found $7,100 in cash and four bags of pills that contained oxycodone in the living room.Smith, Franklin and Toombs also were found guilty of participating in a conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.Smith also was found guilty of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, one count of distributing marijuana, one count of distributing marijuana near a school (within 1,000 feet of George Washington Carver Dual Language School), four counts of distributing heroin, and four counts of distributing heroin near a school (within 1,000 feet of George Washington Carver Dual Language School).Franklin also was found guilty of two counts of distributing marijuana and two counts of distributing marijuana near a school (within 1,000 feet of George Washington Carver Dual Language School).Duncan also was found guilty of possessing oxycodone the intent to distribute, one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and five counts of money laundering related to the purchases of money orders with drug-trafficking proceeds.Toombs also was found guilty of maintaining a residence for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing, and using controlled substances.Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for about six hours over two days before returning guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge Greg Kays, ending a trial that began Aug. 29, 2022.Eleven co-defendants in this case have pleaded guilty and been sentenced.Sirrico L. Franklin, 31, of Raytown, Mo., was sentenced on May 31, 2022, to five years and eight months in federal prison without parole. Terrance Garner, 36, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on June 21, 2022, to 10 years in federal prison without parole. Joshua Marchbanks, 32, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on May 24, 2022, to three years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Carleeon D. Lockett, 30, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on May 31, 2022, to six years and eight months in federal prison without parole. Kenneth D. Scott, 26, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on March 24, 2021, to three years and six months in federal prison without parole. Cordell Edwards, 34, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on March 7, 2022, to five years in federal prison without parole. Michael E. Sims, 36, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on June 28, 2022, to five years and five months in federal prison without parole. Cordarrel L. Scott, 36, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on Dec. 15, 2020, to 18 months in federal prison without parole. Marco R. Maddox, 38, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on May 27, 2022, to three years and five months in federal prison without parole. Cornelius Phelps, 36, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., was sentenced on April 27, 2022, to three years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Herman G. Bell, 67, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on June 22, 2022, to three years of probation.Co-defendant Martin C. Garner, 35, of St. Louis, Mo., pleaded guilty on May 26, 2022, to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and awaits sentencing.Under federal statutes, Smith, Duncan, Franklin and Toombs each are subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office.

4 guilty in massive Kansas City drug, street gang conspiracy

TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Topeka returned an indictment charging a man with one count of murder in the second degree, according to the United State's Attorney.&nbsp;

Stryder Dane Keo, 34, is accused of shooting and killing&nbsp;William Blacksmith, 35, Whiting, a member of the Kickapoo tribe on the Kickapoo Reservation in July 2022. 

The federal government has jurisdiction over the offense because the offense occurred within Indian country. The FBI is investigating the case.

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting on the Kickapoo Reservation, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.

Just after 7:30 a.m. Sunday, the sheriff’s office received a call of a possible shooting in the 1300 Block of Firefly on the Reservation. First responders found a victim identified as William&nbsp;Blacksmith, 35, Whiting who was unresponsive in the yard near that address with multiple gunshot wounds.

A short time later, the suspect, Stryder Dane Keo, 32, was arrested without incident at his home on the reservation.

Keo was booked into the Brown County Jail just before 9 a.m. Sunday. He is being held without bond on requested charges of of Murder in the 1st Degree.&nbsp; The incident is being investigated by the Brown County Sheriff's Office, coordinated with the Brown County Attorney and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658145480978.png" alt="Keo-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Keo-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Topeka returned an indictment charging a man with one count of murder in the second degree, according to the United State's Attorney.&nbsp;Stryder Dane Keo, 34, is accused of shooting and killing&nbsp;William Blacksmith, 35, Whiting, a member of the Kickapoo tribe on the Kickapoo Reservation in July 2022. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658173612717.png" alt="Kickapoo Reservation in Kansas -Google map" />
 <figcaption>Kickapoo Reservation in Kansas -Google map</figcaption>
 </figure>The federal government has jurisdiction over the offense because the offense occurred within Indian country. The FBI is investigating the case.----------BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting on the Kickapoo Reservation, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.Just after 7:30 a.m. Sunday, the sheriff’s office received a call of a possible shooting in the 1300 Block of Firefly on the Reservation. First responders found a victim identified as William&nbsp;Blacksmith, 35, Whiting who was unresponsive in the yard near that address with multiple gunshot wounds.A short time later, the suspect, Stryder Dane Keo, 32, was arrested without incident at his home on the reservation.Keo was booked into the Brown County Jail just before 9 a.m. Sunday. He is being held without bond on requested charges of of Murder in the 1st Degree.&nbsp; The incident is being investigated by the Brown County Sheriff's Office, coordinated with the Brown County Attorney and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kan. man accused of murder on Kickapoo Reservation

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp; Crime Stoppers of Wichita-Sedgwick County has approved a $2,500 reward for an anonymous tipster whose information led to the arrest of wholesale fentanyl dealers in Wichita.

On August 11, police in Wichita arrested 21-year-old Chandra Bray, 26-year-old, Michael Parker and 25-year-old Matthew Lewis – all of Wichita – after a search warrant was conducted at their home in the 6100 block of E. Boston in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

 The three were all booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested drug and paraphernalia charges.

The arrests come after an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers reported drugs being sold from the home. Through diligent follow-up work, officers located over 1,000 suspected fentanyl pills, powders, drug paraphernalia, and several stolen firearms.

"This is a great example of the collaboration between Crime Stoppers and our local law enforcement agencies," said Macy, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. 

"We rely on the great follow-up work from officers to corroborate the information received through Crime Stoppers, and in this case, it led to something significant."

A $2,500 reward was approved at Monday's Crime Stoppers board meeting. This reward coincides with Crime Stoppers new efforts to combat the ongoing fentanyl crisis in the Wichita/Sedgwick County community

"We're actively targeting fentanyl dealers in Sedgwick County," said Macy. "So if someone has information about a person with large quantities of these pills, they can send that into Crime Stoppers and expect an increased reward if it leads to their arrest."

The Crime Stoppers fentanyl campaign offers up to $2,500 rewards to tipsters whose information leads to an arrest of a fentanyl wholesaler – or anyone with more than one thousand pills in their possession, intending to sell.

"I think it sends a strong message to the community and the dealers that we won't tolerate this happening here in Sedgwick County," Macy said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663340799051.png" alt="Lewis-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Lewis-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp; Crime Stoppers of Wichita-Sedgwick County has approved a $2,500 reward for an anonymous tipster whose information led to the arrest of wholesale fentanyl dealers in Wichita.On August 11, police in Wichita arrested 21-year-old Chandra Bray, 26-year-old, Michael Parker and 25-year-old Matthew Lewis – all of Wichita – after a search warrant was conducted at their home in the 6100 block of E. Boston in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663340714627.png" alt="Bray-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Bray-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure> The three were all booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested drug and paraphernalia charges.The arrests come after an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers reported drugs being sold from the home. Through diligent follow-up work, officers located over 1,000 suspected fentanyl pills, powders, drug paraphernalia, and several stolen firearms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663341042332.png" alt="Parker" />
 <figcaption>Parker</figcaption>
 </figure>"This is a great example of the collaboration between Crime Stoppers and our local law enforcement agencies," said Macy, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "We rely on the great follow-up work from officers to corroborate the information received through Crime Stoppers, and in this case, it led to something significant."A $2,500 reward was approved at Monday's Crime Stoppers board meeting. This reward coincides with Crime Stoppers new efforts to combat the ongoing fentanyl crisis in the Wichita/Sedgwick County community"We're actively targeting fentanyl dealers in Sedgwick County," said Macy. "So if someone has information about a person with large quantities of these pills, they can send that into Crime Stoppers and expect an increased reward if it leads to their arrest."The Crime Stoppers fentanyl campaign offers up to $2,500 rewards to tipsters whose information leads to an arrest of a fentanyl wholesaler – or anyone with more than one thousand pills in their possession, intending to sell."I think it sends a strong message to the community and the dealers that we won't tolerate this happening here in Sedgwick County," Macy said.

Anonymous tip led to arrest of fentanyl dealers at Kansas home

By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/16/community-divided-over-kansas-school-district-book-ban-push/">Kansas Reflector</a>

The Gardner Edgerton School District 
has made news recently with a transgender student policy that the Kansas
 American Civil Liberties Union <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/13/a-traumatic-and-fatal-conclusion-kansas-school-district-debates-potential-transgender-policy/">condemned as potentially unlawful</a>.
 With the policy still under discussion and a vote delayed, it seemed as
 though things were finally settling down for the district.

But the newest issue to come up is 
censorship. Parents are demanding that a book be banned from the school 
curriculum. Sherman Alexie’s “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time 
Indian” has been on the classroom curriculum for years as an upper-level
 English class reading assignment.&nbsp;

Two parents have taken the lead in 
trying to take the book out of school circulation. Bud Campbell, father 
of four children in the district, said he found out about the book in 
August from a Facebook group. Though he hasn’t read the full novel,&nbsp; he 
didn’t approve of the excerpts he had read. Campbell hopes to get it 
banned from the curriculum and library.&nbsp;

While his 16-year-old has not been 
assigned the book, and he has not talked with the teenager about the 
novel, Campbell said he was concerned about other students in the high 
school reading questionable material.&nbsp;

Campbell started by emailing the 
principal of the school about “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time 
Indian,” and the “The Handmaid’s Tale,” which he had heard was available
 for student reading. “The Handmaid’s Tale” was taken out of the school,
 though it was a donation accepted by a teacher and not part of the 
library or assigned reading, Campbell said.&nbsp;

He and fellow parent Carrie Schmidt filled out forms requesting an evaluation of the book, meeting with Gardner
 Edgerton School District Superintendent Brian Huff. Campbell said he 
wanted to be the one teaching his children about topics like sexuality 
and race.

“I think I’m one of those people that
 think schools are trying to take too much from the parents. Things that
 we’re not really asking them to teach our kids,” Campbell said.

Kristen Schultz, a former school 
board member, said she was extremely tired of all of the rancor. Schultz
 has lived in the area since 1995 and served on the school board for 
nearly eight years, with all three of her kids graduating from the 
district.&nbsp;

She said parental outrage started 
with the Johnson County mask mandates and snowballed from there. Schultz
 believes just a few ultra-conservative parents have dominated the 
entire school discussion.&nbsp;

“It began there,” Schultz said. “And 
since then, in just the nine short months since the new school board has
 taken over, we’ve had complaints about the transgender issue, which is a
 very heated topic right now. And then just falling into this book 
banning thing. So it’s almost like they’re following the 
ultra-conservative recipe. First we have masks. Now we have trans kids 
and LGBTQ kids and now book banning.”

Schultz said her children had read 
the book with no problems, and that excerpts read by parents for shock 
value were taken out of context, with explicit material occurring in 
less than a dozen pages.

Schultz believes there are plenty of 
options for disgruntled parents. An opt-out option is given for assigned
 books in the district, and parents can choose to have their child read 
something else if they object to the material on any grounds.&nbsp;

She worries that important issues, 
such as bolstering the district’s special education program or helping 
overworked teachers, are getting ignored in favor of political talking 
points.&nbsp;

“Our district is trying. I take 
nothing away from our district, our district administration, they’re 
trying to focus on these things, but every time someone throws a wrench 
like a book banning into the works, it removes the focus from where it 
should be and wastes both time and resources,” Schultz said.&nbsp;

Schultz’s daughter, Taylor Farwell, 
taught at Gardner Edgerton High School for seven years. She said she had
 never experienced difficulty with the book as either a student or a 
teacher, with her students responding positively to “The Absolutely True
 Diary of a Part-Time Indian.”&nbsp;

“It was one of the few books that I think all of our students were really engaged with,” Farwell said.

Farwell believes the novel is age appropriate, and that students are able to handle topics including masturbation and racism.&nbsp;

“We’re expecting these young adults 
to carry responsibilities like getting behind the wheel of a car,” 
Farwell said. “But yet they’re not mature responsible enough to read a 
book that talks about sex? That has you know, words about sex. That’s 
just silly to me.”&nbsp;

When Schmidt was asked about her 
children’s thoughts on the novel and whether they would opt out, she 
said she wanted to keep them out of the discussion.

“It’s not about them necessarily 
individually,” Schmidt said. “It’s about our children, everyone in the 
district, all the kids in the district.”

&nbsp;She, like Campbell, feels the opt-out option isn’t enough.

“Kids should not be reading this 
information or these words,” Schmidt said. “It’s horrible, in my 
opinion. There is so much sex that is being pushed down our kids’ throat
 outside of the school. Why are we bringing it inside of the school?”

A committee decision on the book will
 be made in October, before the Oct. 10 Board of Education meeting. The 
committee, which includes the high school principal, students, teachers,
 parents and district officials, will have the ultimate decision on 
whether the book is kept or removed, according to district spokesman Ben
 Boothe.&nbsp;

The evaluation comes in the wake of 
other Kansas school book removals. Goddard Public Schools and Derby 
Public Schools both banned “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time 
Indian” in 2021. Goddard removed more than two dozen books from the 
district’s school libraries in November 2021 before reversing the 
decision, and students in the North Kansas City School District to 
campaigned to get novels dealing with sexuality and gender put back on 
the shelves.&nbsp;

Randy Watson, commissioner of the 
Kansas State Department of Education since 2014, said challenges to 
school books available to students were appropriately handled by the 
elected local school board, in a statement to the Kansas Reflector.&nbsp;

“I think local school districts have 
policies on that,” said Watson, who has visited all 286 of the state’s 
public school districts. “I think they handle it well.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663530759424.jpeg" alt="Carrie Schmidt speaks against a required reading novel at the September meeting of the Gardner Edgerton Board of Education. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Gardner Edgerton school board video)" />
 <figcaption>Carrie Schmidt speaks against a required reading novel at the September meeting of the Gardner Edgerton Board of Education. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Gardner Edgerton school board video)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/16/community-divided-over-kansas-school-district-book-ban-push/">Kansas Reflector</a>The Gardner Edgerton School District 
has made news recently with a transgender student policy that the Kansas
 American Civil Liberties Union <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/13/a-traumatic-and-fatal-conclusion-kansas-school-district-debates-potential-transgender-policy/">condemned as potentially unlawful</a>.
 With the policy still under discussion and a vote delayed, it seemed as
 though things were finally settling down for the district.But the newest issue to come up is 
censorship. Parents are demanding that a book be banned from the school 
curriculum. Sherman Alexie’s “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time 
Indian” has been on the classroom curriculum for years as an upper-level
 English class reading assignment.&nbsp;Two parents have taken the lead in 
trying to take the book out of school circulation. Bud Campbell, father 
of four children in the district, said he found out about the book in 
August from a Facebook group. Though he hasn’t read the full novel,&nbsp; he 
didn’t approve of the excerpts he had read. Campbell hopes to get it 
banned from the curriculum and library.&nbsp;While his 16-year-old has not been 
assigned the book, and he has not talked with the teenager about the 
novel, Campbell said he was concerned about other students in the high 
school reading questionable material.&nbsp;Campbell started by emailing the 
principal of the school about “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time 
Indian,” and the “The Handmaid’s Tale,” which he had heard was available
 for student reading. “The Handmaid’s Tale” was taken out of the school,
 though it was a donation accepted by a teacher and not part of the 
library or assigned reading, Campbell said.&nbsp;He and fellow parent Carrie Schmidt filled out forms requesting an evaluation of the book, meeting with Gardner
 Edgerton School District Superintendent Brian Huff. Campbell said he 
wanted to be the one teaching his children about topics like sexuality 
and race.“I think I’m one of those people that
 think schools are trying to take too much from the parents. Things that
 we’re not really asking them to teach our kids,” Campbell said.Kristen Schultz, a former school 
board member, said she was extremely tired of all of the rancor. Schultz
 has lived in the area since 1995 and served on the school board for 
nearly eight years, with all three of her kids graduating from the 
district.&nbsp;She said parental outrage started 
with the Johnson County mask mandates and snowballed from there. Schultz
 believes just a few ultra-conservative parents have dominated the 
entire school discussion.&nbsp;“It began there,” Schultz said. “And 
since then, in just the nine short months since the new school board has
 taken over, we’ve had complaints about the transgender issue, which is a
 very heated topic right now. And then just falling into this book 
banning thing. So it’s almost like they’re following the 
ultra-conservative recipe. First we have masks. Now we have trans kids 
and LGBTQ kids and now book banning.”Schultz said her children had read 
the book with no problems, and that excerpts read by parents for shock 
value were taken out of context, with explicit material occurring in 
less than a dozen pages.Schultz believes there are plenty of 
options for disgruntled parents. An opt-out option is given for assigned
 books in the district, and parents can choose to have their child read 
something else if they object to the material on any grounds.&nbsp;She worries that important issues, 
such as bolstering the district’s special education program or helping 
overworked teachers, are getting ignored in favor of political talking 
points.&nbsp;“Our district is trying. I take 
nothing away from our district, our district administration, they’re 
trying to focus on these things, but every time someone throws a wrench 
like a book banning into the works, it removes the focus from where it 
should be and wastes both time and resources,” Schultz said.&nbsp;Schultz’s daughter, Taylor Farwell, 
taught at Gardner Edgerton High School for seven years. She said she had
 never experienced difficulty with the book as either a student or a 
teacher, with her students responding positively to “The Absolutely True
 Diary of a Part-Time Indian.”&nbsp;“It was one of the few books that I think all of our students were really engaged with,” Farwell said.Farwell believes the novel is age appropriate, and that students are able to handle topics including masturbation and racism.&nbsp;“We’re expecting these young adults 
to carry responsibilities like getting behind the wheel of a car,” 
Farwell said. “But yet they’re not mature responsible enough to read a 
book that talks about sex? That has you know, words about sex. That’s 
just silly to me.”&nbsp;When Schmidt was asked about her 
children’s thoughts on the novel and whether they would opt out, she 
said she wanted to keep them out of the discussion.“It’s not about them necessarily 
individually,” Schmidt said. “It’s about our children, everyone in the 
district, all the kids in the district.”&nbsp;She, like Campbell, feels the opt-out option isn’t enough.“Kids should not be reading this 
information or these words,” Schmidt said. “It’s horrible, in my 
opinion. There is so much sex that is being pushed down our kids’ throat
 outside of the school. Why are we bringing it inside of the school?”A committee decision on the book will
 be made in October, before the Oct. 10 Board of Education meeting. The 
committee, which includes the high school principal, students, teachers,
 parents and district officials, will have the ultimate decision on 
whether the book is kept or removed, according to district spokesman Ben
 Boothe.&nbsp;The evaluation comes in the wake of 
other Kansas school book removals. Goddard Public Schools and Derby 
Public Schools both banned “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time 
Indian” in 2021. Goddard removed more than two dozen books from the 
district’s school libraries in November 2021 before reversing the 
decision, and students in the North Kansas City School District to 
campaigned to get novels dealing with sexuality and gender put back on 
the shelves.&nbsp;Randy Watson, commissioner of the 
Kansas State Department of Education since 2014, said challenges to 
school books available to students were appropriately handled by the 
elected local school board, in a statement to the Kansas Reflector.&nbsp;“I think local school districts have 
policies on that,” said Watson, who has visited all 286 of the state’s 
public school districts. “I think they handle it well.”

Community divided over Kansas school district book ban push 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 6p.m. Saturday in Shawnee County.

A 2015 Ford Taurus was westbound on NW 46th Street at Landon Road north of Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The car traveled off the road to the south and caught on fire.&nbsp;

The male driver and only occupant was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not released the name of the driver or additional details.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 6p.m. Saturday in Shawnee County.A 2015 Ford Taurus was westbound on NW 46th Street at Landon Road north of Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The car traveled off the road to the south and caught on fire.&nbsp;The male driver and only occupant was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not released the name of the driver or additional details.

Sheriff: Kansas man dead after car crash and fire

By ROSE CONLON <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2022-09-09/black-babies-infant-mortality-kansas-pandemic">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA, Kansas — For years, Black babies in Kansas faced an 
outsized chance of dying before their first birthday. Then the COVID-19 
pandemic hit, and things got even worse.

Now, a Black baby is 
nearly three and a half times as likely to die in the state as a white 
baby. While the nationwide rate of infant mortality <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db427.htm" target="_blank">dropped</a> between 2019 and 2020, the rate in Kansas swelled <a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15354/2020-Annual-Summary-Full-Report-PDF?bidId=" target="_blank">about 19%</a> — and for Black children, it surged nearly 58%.

That
 means that for every 1,000 Black children born, nearly 17 died within 
their first year of life. For white children, the rate is fewer than 
five out of every 1,000.

“We knew that (the pandemic) was going to
 impact Black infant mortality,” said Sapphire Garcia-Lies, a 
Wichita-based doula and the founder of Kansas Birth Justice Society, a 
nonprofit working to lower racial disparities around maternal and infant
 health. “But I don’t think any of us knew that it would be that bad.”

Black
 families run into more barriers in accessing health care before, during
 and after pregnancy, said Sharla Smith, a professor at the University 
of Kansas Medical Center who directs the Kansas Birth Equity Network. 
And the care those families get, she said, is often worse than what 
white families can expect.

“We see a lot of discrimination,” Smith said. “We’re also hearing from our parents that they’re not listened to.”

She said part of that stems from systemic racism in the health care system, including a dearth of Black and brown doctors.

Questions
 remain about what’s behind the increase in deaths in 2020. But Smith 
said that the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on Black communities — 
including higher rates of infection and death from the virus and job and
 income loss — likely played a role.

Black people experienced higher rates of COVID-19 and <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2792031" target="_blank">initial</a> <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanam/article/PIIS2667-193X(21)00019-3/fulltext" target="_blank">studies</a>
 suggest that infection during pregnancy correlates with a higher risk 
of preterm birth. Premature birth is one of the leading causes of infant
 mortality.

In its report on the 2020 data, the Kansas Department 
of Health and Environment cautioned that a relatively small number of 
infant deaths, just 224 statewide, means the data can fluctuate year to 
year without necessarily reflecting a larger trend. Of the 2,369 births 
of Black babies, 40 died in their first year.

But researchers say such a dramatic jump in Black infant deaths is worrying.

“Yes,
 we should look at the numbers with some level of caution,” said Cari 
Schmidt, a professor at KU School of Medicine-Wichita and the director 
of the Center for Research for Infant Birth and Survival (CRIBS). “But I
 also think that we shouldn’t ignore the jump — because it could be an 
indication of the start of a trend.”

Or the continuation of a 
trend that Smith, the director of the Kansas Birth Equity Network, said 
has played out in the differences between the health of white and Black 
children for decades in the state.

“We need to pay attention,” 
said Smith. “Otherwise we’re never going to decrease these disparities, 
because we’re always going to say that it’s going to get better on its 
own — and it doesn’t get better on its own.”

<a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10419/2019-Infant-Mortality-and-Stillbirth-Report-PDF" target="_blank">The leading cause</a>
 of white and Hispanic infant death in Kansas is birth defects. For 
Black babies, the leading cause is complications related to preterm 
birth and low birth weight — which experts say is often tied to social 
and environmental factors.

“Racism is a fundamental factor,” said 
Dawn Misra, a professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Michigan 
State University. “It affects things like segregation of housing, which 
affects neighborhood environments. It might affect the quality of health
 care you’re getting.”

She said racism also impacts maternal 
mental health and parental relationships that can make survival tougher 
for children. Racism, for instance, can play a role in depression. And 
depression can be related to premature births.

“Racism does relate
 to depressive symptoms,” Misra said. “Black men are experiencing a lot 
of strain in the U.S. as well … and then the (mother-father) 
relationship may have that stressor added onto it.”

Experts agree that focusing on mothers helps their children.

“You
 have to have a healthy woman to have a healthy baby,” said Christy 
Schunn, executive director of the Kansas Infant Death and SIDS Network. 
“There’s just no two ways around it.”

Kansas made a limited 
expansion of Medicaid for mothers for up to 12 months after giving 
birth. Previously, coverage ended after two months.

Meanwhile, 
grassroots initiatives like a free doula program offered by the Kansas 
Birth Justice Society hope to make a difference. Parenting classes 
offered in Black churches by CRIBS and the Wichita Black Nurses 
Association also aim to give infants a better start.

But CRIBS director Schmidt said there’s a long way to go.

“We
 need to have healthy families, healthy relationships, healthy persons 
prior to the pregnancy,” she said. “And we need to address those social 
determinants of health such as poverty.”

Rose Conlon reports on
 health for KMUW and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on 
Twitter at @rosebconlon or email her at conlon@kmuw.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662999563645.png" alt="Black infant mortality in Kansas rose nearly 58% between 2019 and 2020. Chris Neal / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Black infant mortality in Kansas rose nearly 58% between 2019 and 2020. Chris Neal / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROSE CONLON <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2022-09-09/black-babies-infant-mortality-kansas-pandemic">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA, Kansas — For years, Black babies in Kansas faced an 
outsized chance of dying before their first birthday. Then the COVID-19 
pandemic hit, and things got even worse.Now, a Black baby is 
nearly three and a half times as likely to die in the state as a white 
baby. While the nationwide rate of infant mortality <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db427.htm" target="_blank">dropped</a> between 2019 and 2020, the rate in Kansas swelled <a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15354/2020-Annual-Summary-Full-Report-PDF?bidId=" target="_blank">about 19%</a> — and for Black children, it surged nearly 58%.That
 means that for every 1,000 Black children born, nearly 17 died within 
their first year of life. For white children, the rate is fewer than 
five out of every 1,000.“We knew that (the pandemic) was going to
 impact Black infant mortality,” said Sapphire Garcia-Lies, a 
Wichita-based doula and the founder of Kansas Birth Justice Society, a 
nonprofit working to lower racial disparities around maternal and infant
 health. “But I don’t think any of us knew that it would be that bad.”Black
 families run into more barriers in accessing health care before, during
 and after pregnancy, said Sharla Smith, a professor at the University 
of Kansas Medical Center who directs the Kansas Birth Equity Network. 
And the care those families get, she said, is often worse than what 
white families can expect.“We see a lot of discrimination,” Smith said. “We’re also hearing from our parents that they’re not listened to.”She said part of that stems from systemic racism in the health care system, including a dearth of Black and brown doctors.Questions
 remain about what’s behind the increase in deaths in 2020. But Smith 
said that the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on Black communities — 
including higher rates of infection and death from the virus and job and
 income loss — likely played a role.Black people experienced higher rates of COVID-19 and <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2792031" target="_blank">initial</a> <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanam/article/PIIS2667-193X(21)00019-3/fulltext" target="_blank">studies</a>
 suggest that infection during pregnancy correlates with a higher risk 
of preterm birth. Premature birth is one of the leading causes of infant
 mortality.In its report on the 2020 data, the Kansas Department 
of Health and Environment cautioned that a relatively small number of 
infant deaths, just 224 statewide, means the data can fluctuate year to 
year without necessarily reflecting a larger trend. Of the 2,369 births 
of Black babies, 40 died in their first year.But researchers say such a dramatic jump in Black infant deaths is worrying.“Yes,
 we should look at the numbers with some level of caution,” said Cari 
Schmidt, a professor at KU School of Medicine-Wichita and the director 
of the Center for Research for Infant Birth and Survival (CRIBS). “But I
 also think that we shouldn’t ignore the jump — because it could be an 
indication of the start of a trend.”Or the continuation of a 
trend that Smith, the director of the Kansas Birth Equity Network, said 
has played out in the differences between the health of white and Black 
children for decades in the state.“We need to pay attention,” 
said Smith. “Otherwise we’re never going to decrease these disparities, 
because we’re always going to say that it’s going to get better on its 
own — and it doesn’t get better on its own.”<a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10419/2019-Infant-Mortality-and-Stillbirth-Report-PDF" target="_blank">The leading cause</a>
 of white and Hispanic infant death in Kansas is birth defects. For 
Black babies, the leading cause is complications related to preterm 
birth and low birth weight — which experts say is often tied to social 
and environmental factors.“Racism is a fundamental factor,” said 
Dawn Misra, a professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Michigan 
State University. “It affects things like segregation of housing, which 
affects neighborhood environments. It might affect the quality of health
 care you’re getting.”She said racism also impacts maternal 
mental health and parental relationships that can make survival tougher 
for children. Racism, for instance, can play a role in depression. And 
depression can be related to premature births.“Racism does relate
 to depressive symptoms,” Misra said. “Black men are experiencing a lot 
of strain in the U.S. as well … and then the (mother-father) 
relationship may have that stressor added onto it.”Experts agree that focusing on mothers helps their children.“You
 have to have a healthy woman to have a healthy baby,” said Christy 
Schunn, executive director of the Kansas Infant Death and SIDS Network. 
“There’s just no two ways around it.”Kansas made a limited 
expansion of Medicaid for mothers for up to 12 months after giving 
birth. Previously, coverage ended after two months.Meanwhile, 
grassroots initiatives like a free doula program offered by the Kansas 
Birth Justice Society hope to make a difference. Parenting classes 
offered in Black churches by CRIBS and the Wichita Black Nurses 
Association also aim to give infants a better start.But CRIBS director Schmidt said there’s a long way to go.“We
 need to have healthy families, healthy relationships, healthy persons 
prior to the pregnancy,” she said. “And we need to address those social 
determinants of health such as poverty.”Rose Conlon reports on
 health for KMUW and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on 
Twitter at @rosebconlon or email her at conlon@kmuw.org.

Black infant mortality rate in Kan. worsened by pandemic

OSAGE COUNTY&nbsp; —A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Todd James Lewis, 54, of Carbondale, on seven counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of theft of government funds, according to the United State's Attorney.

The FBI and the U.S. Department of Labor are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney is prosecuting the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663355390136.png" alt="Lewis-from a previous arrest in Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Lewis-from a previous arrest in Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY&nbsp; —A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Todd James Lewis, 54, of Carbondale, on seven counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of theft of government funds, according to the United State's Attorney.The FBI and the U.S. Department of Labor are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney is prosecuting the case.