SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as 39-year-old Louis Cantrell of Topeka.

Just before 1a.m. Tuesday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 200 Block SE Lawrence Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith. Upon arrival, officers located Cantrell suffering from a gunshot wound. An ambulance transported him to an area hospital. 

Medical personnel pronounced him deceased, according to Monasmith.&nbsp; Police released no additional details Tuesday afternoon.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.

Just before 1a.m. Tuesday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 200 Block SE Lawrence Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith. 

&nbsp;Upon arrival, officers located an adult suffering from a gunshot wound. An ambulance transported the victim to an area hospital. 

Medical personnel pronounced the victim deceased, according to Monasmith.&nbsp; Police released no additional details early Tuesday.

Medical personnel pronounced the victim deceased, according to Monasmith.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657034249250.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation early Tuesday -photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation early Tuesday -photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as 39-year-old Louis Cantrell of Topeka.Just before 1a.m. Tuesday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 200 Block SE Lawrence Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith. Upon arrival, officers located Cantrell suffering from a gunshot wound. An ambulance transported him to an area hospital. Medical personnel pronounced him deceased, according to Monasmith.&nbsp; Police released no additional details Tuesday afternoon.----------SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.Just before 1a.m. Tuesday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 200 Block SE Lawrence Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith. &nbsp;Upon arrival, officers located an adult suffering from a gunshot wound. An ambulance transported the victim to an area hospital. Medical personnel pronounced the victim deceased, according to Monasmith.&nbsp; Police released no additional details early Tuesday.Just before 1a.m. Tuesday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 200 Block SE Lawrence Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith. &nbsp;Upon arrival, officers located an adult suffering from a gunshot wound. An ambulance transported the victim to an area hospital. Medical personnel pronounced the victim deceased, according to Monasmith.&nbsp;&nbsp;----------------SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.Just before 1a.m. Tuesday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 200 Block SE Lawrence Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith. &nbsp;Upon arrival, officers located an adult suffering from a gunshot wound. An ambulance transported the victim to an area hospital. Medical personnel pronounced the victim deceased, according to Monasmith.&nbsp; Police released no additional details early Tuesday.

Homicide: Police ID Kansas man who died in shooting

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit-and-run accident and asking the public for help to locate a vehicle.

Just before 1a.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a pedestrian accident involving a 44-year-old man at the intersection of Fulton Street and 12th Street in Garden City, according to a media release.

Upon arrival, officers located the man lying in the roadway. The man was alert and able to speak to first responders.

The investigation revealed that the man had left El Patron Bar and was crossing Fulton Street when he was struck by a Chevrolet Silverado. 

Witnesses said that the Silverado was driving recklessly, and the vehicle fled the accident scene before officers arrived.&nbsp; EMS transported the man to St. Catherine Hospital for treatment. 

Officers are attempting to identify the driver of the vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.&nbsp; The victim's name has not been released.

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit-and-run accident and asking the public for help to locate a vehicle.Just before 1a.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a pedestrian accident involving a 44-year-old man at the intersection of Fulton Street and 12th Street in Garden City, according to a media release.Upon arrival, officers located the man lying in the roadway. The man was alert and able to speak to first responders.The investigation revealed that the man had left El Patron Bar and was crossing Fulton Street when he was struck by a Chevrolet Silverado. Witnesses said that the Silverado was driving recklessly, and the vehicle fled the accident scene before officers arrived.&nbsp; EMS transported the man to St. Catherine Hospital for treatment. Officers are attempting to identify the driver of the vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.&nbsp; The victim's name has not been released.

Police: 44-year-old man injured after SW Kan. hit-and-run

PRATT COUNTY—Two juveniles were injured after a weekend accident in rural Pratt County.

Just after 5p.m. Sunday, Pratt County EMS responded to 90294 SE 10th after report of a boy unresponsive at the scene of a UTV accident, according to Sheriff James White.

First responders found two injured boys. EMS transported them to Pratt Regional Medical Center. One victim had life threatening injuries and was later air-lifted to Wesley Medical Center.

The sheriff's office on Tuesday did not released an update on their condition. Their names have also not been released.

PRATT COUNTY—Two juveniles were injured after a weekend accident in rural Pratt County.Just after 5p.m. Sunday, Pratt County EMS responded to 90294 SE 10th after report of a boy unresponsive at the scene of a UTV accident, according to Sheriff James White.First responders found two injured boys. EMS transported them to Pratt Regional Medical Center. One victim had life threatening injuries and was later air-lifted to Wesley Medical Center.The sheriff's office on Tuesday did not released an update on their condition. Their names have also not been released.

Sheriff: 2 boys injured after rural Kansas UTV accident

By MARGARET MELLOTT <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/05/bob-and-elizabeth-dole-awarded-gerald-r-ford-medal-for-distinguished-public-service/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Kansas political icon Bob Dole was awarded the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74DsZhO7N90">2022 Gerald R. Ford medal for distinguished public service</a> alongside his wife and former North Carolina Sen. Elizabeth Dole.

Elizabeth Dole accepted the award on both of their behalf July 1. Bob Dole <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/05/bob-dole-kansas-political-icon-dies-at-98-after-battle-with-lung-cancer/">died in December</a>&nbsp;after battling lung cancer. He was 98.

“Awarding the Gerald R. Ford medal 
for distinguished public service to two individuals is not the norm,” 
said Roger Porter, trustee of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential 
Foundation. “This year’s award of the medal to Robert and Elizabeth is, 
however, an understandable and appropriate exception.”

Born and raised in Russell, Kansas, 
Bob Dole was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1968. During his time as a 
senator, he worked to pass legislation that improved the accessibility 
of food stamps and school lunches alongside former South Dakota Sen. 
George McGovern, a Democrat.

“This effort expanded school lunch 
programs; helped establish the Special Supplemental Food Program for 
Women, Infants, and Children; and created a federal assistance program 
for low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children under 
the age of five,” the award citation notes. “With McGovern, the Kansas 
senator led the effort to simplify eligibility requirements.”

Bob Dole was known for his friendliness and ability to work with anyone regardless of political affiliation, and “the title that meant most to him was veteran,” Porter said.

Before becoming the first female 
senator to represent North Carolina, in 2002, Elizabeth Dole was the 
first woman to be appointed as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation in 
1983.

“As U.S. secretary of Transportation,
 Elizabeth Dole worked with the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg and the late 
Sen. Richard Luger to ensure enactment of the 21-year-old drinking age,”
 the award citation notes. “At virtually the same time, she issued a 
landmark regulation, which is credited with widespread enactment of the 
first state safety belt laws and airbags in cars. These three actions 
have saved nearly 500,000 lives to date with a projected 20,000 lives 
saved per year going forward.”

As a political leader for women 
across the country, Porter said, Elizabeth Dole worked hard behind the 
scenes, often choosing for concrete accomplishments rather than awards.

“She saw a place for women in the 
ranks of those who would lead our country and build a land of which we 
could be proud,” Porter said. “Her healthy ambition, without a trace of 
arrogance, focused on getting things done, rather than accumulating 
awards and recognition.”

During her acceptance speech, 
Elizabeth Dole talked fondly of her late husband, saying the award is 
“especially meaningful because I share it with Bob Dole, the man who was
 my soulmate and my own personal Rock of Gibraltar for 46 years.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657031358637.png" alt="Former U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole accepts the 2022 Gerald R. Ford medal for distinguished public service on Friday, July 1. Both her and her late husband, former Sen. Bob Dole, were recipients of the award. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation video)" />
 <figcaption>Former U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole accepts the 2022 Gerald R. Ford medal for distinguished public service on Friday, July 1. Both her and her late husband, former Sen. Bob Dole, were recipients of the award. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation video)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARGARET MELLOTT <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/05/bob-and-elizabeth-dole-awarded-gerald-r-ford-medal-for-distinguished-public-service/">Kansas Reflector</a>Kansas political icon Bob Dole was awarded the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74DsZhO7N90">2022 Gerald R. Ford medal for distinguished public service</a> alongside his wife and former North Carolina Sen. Elizabeth Dole.Elizabeth Dole accepted the award on both of their behalf July 1. Bob Dole <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/05/bob-dole-kansas-political-icon-dies-at-98-after-battle-with-lung-cancer/">died in December</a>&nbsp;after battling lung cancer. He was 98.“Awarding the Gerald R. Ford medal 
for distinguished public service to two individuals is not the norm,” 
said Roger Porter, trustee of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential 
Foundation. “This year’s award of the medal to Robert and Elizabeth is, 
however, an understandable and appropriate exception.”<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/74DsZhO7N90"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Born and raised in Russell, Kansas, 
Bob Dole was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1968. During his time as a 
senator, he worked to pass legislation that improved the accessibility 
of food stamps and school lunches alongside former South Dakota Sen. 
George McGovern, a Democrat.“This effort expanded school lunch 
programs; helped establish the Special Supplemental Food Program for 
Women, Infants, and Children; and created a federal assistance program 
for low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children under 
the age of five,” the award citation notes. “With McGovern, the Kansas 
senator led the effort to simplify eligibility requirements.”Bob Dole was known for his friendliness and ability to work with anyone regardless of political affiliation, and “the title that meant most to him was veteran,” Porter said.Before becoming the first female 
senator to represent North Carolina, in 2002, Elizabeth Dole was the 
first woman to be appointed as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation in 
1983.“As U.S. secretary of Transportation,
 Elizabeth Dole worked with the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg and the late 
Sen. Richard Luger to ensure enactment of the 21-year-old drinking age,”
 the award citation notes. “At virtually the same time, she issued a 
landmark regulation, which is credited with widespread enactment of the 
first state safety belt laws and airbags in cars. These three actions 
have saved nearly 500,000 lives to date with a projected 20,000 lives 
saved per year going forward.”As a political leader for women 
across the country, Porter said, Elizabeth Dole worked hard behind the 
scenes, often choosing for concrete accomplishments rather than awards.“She saw a place for women in the 
ranks of those who would lead our country and build a land of which we 
could be proud,” Porter said. “Her healthy ambition, without a trace of 
arrogance, focused on getting things done, rather than accumulating 
awards and recognition.”During her acceptance speech, 
Elizabeth Dole talked fondly of her late husband, saying the award is 
“especially meaningful because I share it with Bob Dole, the man who was
 my soulmate and my own personal Rock of Gibraltar for 46 years.”

Doles awarded Gerald R. Ford medal for distinguished public service

EMPORIA, Kan. (AP) — Brexten Green, a wide receiver on the Emporia State football team, died over the weekend in a cliff-diving accident at Grand Lake in Oklahoma, the university announced Tuesday.

The Grand River Dam Authority received an emergency around 6:30 p.m. Saturday about a man who jumped into Grand Lake around Dripping Springs and didn’t resurface, KFOR-TV reported. Rescue crews found his body in 31 feet of water.

Green came to Emporia State from Cashion High School in Cashion, Oklahoma. He was set to start his second year after redshirting last season and was seeking a business administration degree, University President Ken Hush wrote in a campus-wide email.

Hush said Emporia State’s counseling service was available to help anyone who needed it.

“It’s a terrible day for Emporia State football and just a devastating loss for the Green family,” football coach Garin Higgins said in a news release. “Brexten was a great teammate who cared so much about this football program. It showed in his competitive spirit, his work ethic and his willingness to be there for his teammates. He will always be a part of our Hornet football family.”

Green was an All-State selection by the Oklahoma Coaches Association for the 2020 Oklahoma Class A State Champion Wildcats. He was the District A-3 Player of the Year as a senior after gaining 1,720 receiving yards, 409 rushing yards and scoring 27 total touchdowns.

“He was committed to being the best player he could be and would have developed into a great player for us because of those characteristics," Higgins said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657042848637.png" alt="Brexten Green-photo courtesy ESU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Brexten Green-photo courtesy ESU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>EMPORIA, Kan. (AP) — Brexten Green, a wide receiver on the Emporia State football team, died over the weekend in a cliff-diving accident at Grand Lake in Oklahoma, the university announced Tuesday.The Grand River Dam Authority received an emergency around 6:30 p.m. Saturday about a man who jumped into Grand Lake around Dripping Springs and didn’t resurface, KFOR-TV reported. Rescue crews found his body in 31 feet of water.Green came to Emporia State from Cashion High School in Cashion, Oklahoma. He was set to start his second year after redshirting last season and was seeking a business administration degree, University President Ken Hush wrote in a campus-wide email.Hush said Emporia State’s counseling service was available to help anyone who needed it.“It’s a terrible day for Emporia State football and just a devastating loss for the Green family,” football coach Garin Higgins said in a news release. “Brexten was a great teammate who cared so much about this football program. It showed in his competitive spirit, his work ethic and his willingness to be there for his teammates. He will always be a part of our Hornet football family.”Green was an All-State selection by the Oklahoma Coaches Association for the 2020 Oklahoma Class A State Champion Wildcats. He was the District A-3 Player of the Year as a senior after gaining 1,720 receiving yards, 409 rushing yards and scoring 27 total touchdowns.“He was committed to being the best player he could be and would have developed into a great player for us because of those characteristics," Higgins said.Funeral arrangements are pending.

Emporia State football player dies in cliff-diving accident

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Salina woman was cited after multiple "VOTE YES!" signs were damaged on Sunday. The signs encourage people to vote in favor of the proposed Kansas constitutional amendment concerning abortion.

Between 7-8:30 p.m. Sunday, either the signs or sign stands in 1000 block of S. Ninth Street, 1800 block of Highland Avenue, 2000 block of Highland Avenue, 100 block of W. Wayne Avenue, 2000 block of Simmons Street, 500 block of W. Republic Avenue, 400 block of W. Republic Avenue and 2000 block of Starlight Drive were damaged, according to Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus.

Witnesses reported seeing a white minivan in the area of some of the damaged signs. Through the course of the investigation, police determined that Daphne M. Hass, 34, of Salina, allegedly was responsible for the damage to the signs.

Hanus said Hass was cited for a total of eight counts of damage to property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656082391177.png" alt="Kansas voters will decide whether to remove the last barrier to abortion rights in the state constitution during the Aug. 2 primary election. photo by Dylan Lysen / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Kansas voters will decide whether to remove the last barrier to abortion rights in the state constitution during the Aug. 2 primary election. photo by Dylan Lysen / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina woman was cited after multiple "VOTE YES!" signs were damaged on Sunday. The signs encourage people to vote in favor of the proposed Kansas constitutional amendment concerning abortion.Between 7-8:30 p.m. Sunday, either the signs or sign stands in 1000 block of S. Ninth Street, 1800 block of Highland Avenue, 2000 block of Highland Avenue, 100 block of W. Wayne Avenue, 2000 block of Simmons Street, 500 block of W. Republic Avenue, 400 block of W. Republic Avenue and 2000 block of Starlight Drive were damaged, according to Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus.Witnesses reported seeing a white minivan in the area of some of the damaged signs. Through the course of the investigation, police determined that Daphne M. Hass, 34, of Salina, allegedly was responsible for the damage to the signs.Hanus said Hass was cited for a total of eight counts of damage to property.

 Police: Kansas woman cited after 'VOTE YES!' signs damaged

The Centers for Disease Control and public health and regulatory officials in several other states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are collecting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/outbreaks/investigating-outbreaks/index.html">different types of data</a>&nbsp;to investigate a multi-state outbreak of&nbsp;Listeria monocytogenes&nbsp;infections, according to a statement from the agency.

<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/monocytogenes-06-22/index.html">Click here for additional details</a> on the food safety alert

Officials report 1 death, 22 hospitalizations in ten states including Kansas.&nbsp;Consumers who have Big Olaf Creamery brand ice cream at home should throw away any remaining product. Big Olaf Creamery brand ice cream is only sold in Florida.

As a result of this investigation, Big Olaf Creamery in Sarasota, FL, is voluntarily contacting retail locations to recommend against selling their ice cream products. Consumers who have Big Olaf Creamery brand ice cream at home should throw away any remaining product.

Public health officials continue to interview people about the foods they ate in the month before they got sick. Of the 17 people interviewed, 14 (82%) reported eating ice cream. Among 13 people who remembered details about the type of ice cream they ate, six reported eating Big Olaf Creamery brand ice cream or eating ice cream at locations that might have been supplied by Big Olaf Creamery.

Products identified in this alert are part of an ongoing investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657030766255.png" alt="CDC map shows where people in this Listeria outbreak live.&nbsp;This outbreak may not be limited to the states listed" />
 <figcaption>CDC map shows where people in this Listeria outbreak live.&nbsp;This outbreak may not be limited to the states listed</figcaption>
 </figure>The Centers for Disease Control and public health and regulatory officials in several other states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are collecting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/outbreaks/investigating-outbreaks/index.html">different types of data</a>&nbsp;to investigate a multi-state outbreak of&nbsp;Listeria monocytogenes&nbsp;infections, according to a statement from the agency.<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/monocytogenes-06-22/index.html">Click here for additional details</a> on the food safety alertOfficials report 1 death, 22 hospitalizations in ten states including Kansas.&nbsp;Consumers who have Big Olaf Creamery brand ice cream at home should throw away any remaining product. Big Olaf Creamery brand ice cream is only sold in Florida.As a result of this investigation, Big Olaf Creamery in Sarasota, FL, is voluntarily contacting retail locations to recommend against selling their ice cream products. Consumers who have Big Olaf Creamery brand ice cream at home should throw away any remaining product.<h2>Epidemiologic Data</h2>Public health officials continue to interview people about the foods they ate in the month before they got sick. Of the 17 people interviewed, 14 (82%) reported eating ice cream. Among 13 people who remembered details about the type of ice cream they ate, six reported eating Big Olaf Creamery brand ice cream or eating ice cream at locations that might have been supplied by Big Olaf Creamery.Products identified in this alert are part of an ongoing investigation.

CDC: Kansas included in Listeria outbreak linked to ice cream 

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an auto theft and have a suspect in custody.

Just before 3:30p.m. July 1, police responded to the Fulton Convenience store, 601 East Fulton Street in Garden City, where a Dodge Grand Caravan had just been taken from the property, according to a media release.

A Finney County sheriff's deputy located the van near U.S. 83 and East Schulman Avenue and attempted a traffic stop. The driver identified as 39-year-old Richard Johnston, refused to stop.

A police officer located near U.S. 83 and East Spruce Street and the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted in the pursuit and it continued south into Haskell County.&nbsp; Ultimately the chase ended along Haskell County Road 140 where Johnston was arrested without further incident.

He is being held on requested charges of theft, flee and elude and interference with law enforcement. There were no injuries reported during or after the chase.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656793583763.png" alt="Johnston-photo Finne County" />
 <figcaption>Johnston-photo Finne County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an auto theft and have a suspect in custody.Just before 3:30p.m. July 1, police responded to the Fulton Convenience store, 601 East Fulton Street in Garden City, where a Dodge Grand Caravan had just been taken from the property, according to a media release.A Finney County sheriff's deputy located the van near U.S. 83 and East Schulman Avenue and attempted a traffic stop. The driver identified as 39-year-old Richard Johnston, refused to stop.A police officer located near U.S. 83 and East Spruce Street and the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted in the pursuit and it continued south into Haskell County.&nbsp; Ultimately the chase ended along Haskell County Road 140 where Johnston was arrested without further incident.He is being held on requested charges of theft, flee and elude and interference with law enforcement. There were no injuries reported during or after the chase.

SW Kan. man arrested after high-speed chase in stolen van

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two people are dead and four others were injured in separate overnight shootings in Kansas City, police said Monday.

One of the shootings left four people wounded shortly after midnight at 13th Street and Grand Boulevard near the Power &amp; Light District after a concert at the T-Mobile Center, according to Sgt. Jake Becchina, a Kansas City Police Department spokesman. The two who were killed were shot hours later elsewhere in the city, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article263157078.html">the Kansas City Star</a>.

None of the injuries from the post-concert shooting were considered life threatening, police said. It wasn't immediately clear what led to the shootings. Police said they had detained one person but were still investigating. Few other details were available.

The first fatal shooting was reported at 3:30 a.m. Monday, involving a man who was dropped off at the hospital. The man was declared dead a short time later.

The other fatal shooting happened about 15 minutes later. Police responded to sounds of gunfire and found a man at a home who had been shot. He was declared dead at the scene.

Beccina said there's no indication that the separate shootings were related.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657018355117.png" alt="None of the injuries from the post-concert shooting were considered life threatening, according to police -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>None of the injuries from the post-concert shooting were considered life threatening, according to police -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two people are dead and four others were injured in separate overnight shootings in Kansas City, police said Monday.One of the shootings left four people wounded shortly after midnight at 13th Street and Grand Boulevard near the Power &amp; Light District after a concert at the T-Mobile Center, according to Sgt. Jake Becchina, a Kansas City Police Department spokesman. The two who were killed were shot hours later elsewhere in the city, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article263157078.html">the Kansas City Star</a>.None of the injuries from the post-concert shooting were considered life threatening, police said. It wasn't immediately clear what led to the shootings. Police said they had detained one person but were still investigating. Few other details were available.The first fatal shooting was reported at 3:30 a.m. Monday, involving a man who was dropped off at the hospital. The man was declared dead a short time later.The other fatal shooting happened about 15 minutes later. Police responded to sounds of gunfire and found a man at a home who had been shot. He was declared dead at the scene.Beccina said there's no indication that the separate shootings were related.

Six people shot, including two killed, in overnight gun violence in KC

SALINE COUNTY—A Kansas woman died in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Monday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer driven by Robyn L. Schremmer, 51, Salina, was&nbsp; westbound on Kansas 140 one mile west of Interstate 135.

The SUV left the roadway, entered the north ditch and overturned.

Schremmer was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Ryan Mortuary. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

SALINE COUNTY—A Kansas woman died in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Monday in Saline County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer driven by Robyn L. Schremmer, 51, Salina, was&nbsp; westbound on Kansas 140 one mile west of Interstate 135.The SUV left the roadway, entered the north ditch and overturned.Schremmer was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Ryan Mortuary. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman dies after SUV overturns

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a Fourth of July fire in Topeka and another early Tuesday on Military Trail Road near St. George.

Just before 9a.m. Monday, crews&nbsp;responded to the report of a structure fire located at 715 SE Woodland Avenue, according to Fire Marshal Alan Stahl.

Upon arrival, crews found a 2 story home fully involved with fire. Fire crews began an offensive fire attack. A search of the structures revealed no one in the house at the time of the fire. Estimated dollar loss – $9470; all of which is associated with structural loss. No working smoke detectors were located within the home. There were no injuries, according to Stahl.

Just after midnight on Tuesday, crews from Pottawatomie County and Wamego worked to control a fire in a detached garage that had spread to the residence.&nbsp; The garage was destroyed. There were no injuries.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details early Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656969626642.png" alt="Crews on the scene of the Monday morning house fire photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Crews on the scene of the Monday morning house fire photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a Fourth of July fire in Topeka and another early Tuesday on Military Trail Road near St. George.Just before 9a.m. Monday, crews&nbsp;responded to the report of a structure fire located at 715 SE Woodland Avenue, according to Fire Marshal Alan Stahl.Upon arrival, crews found a 2 story home fully involved with fire. Fire crews began an offensive fire attack. A search of the structures revealed no one in the house at the time of the fire. Estimated dollar loss – $9470; all of which is associated with structural loss. No working smoke detectors were located within the home. There were no injuries, according to Stahl.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657002826557.jpeg" alt="Fire crews respond to structure fire near St. George-photo Becky Goff, Little Apple Post" />
 <figcaption>Fire crews respond to structure fire near St. George-photo Becky Goff, Little Apple Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after midnight on Tuesday, crews from Pottawatomie County and Wamego worked to control a fire in a detached garage that had spread to the residence.&nbsp; The garage was destroyed. There were no injuries.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details early Tuesday.

Crews busy with house fires in Kansas on the 4th and early Tuesday

DOUGLAS COUNTY —A Kansas man drown while swimming Monday at a lake in Douglas County.

Just after 6:30a.m., a boater notified deputies that they found a man unresponsive in the water at Lone Star Lake, according to a media release from the Douglas County Sheriff's office.

Investigators learned that an 81-year-old Lawrence man was part of a group that regularly swims at the lake. He had broken off from the group to return to shore and was found a short time later was located unresponsive in the water.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656969310843.png" alt="Lone Star Lake-photo Douglas County" />
 <figcaption>Lone Star Lake-photo Douglas County</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —A Kansas man drown while swimming Monday at a lake in Douglas County.Just after 6:30a.m., a boater notified deputies that they found a man unresponsive in the water at Lone Star Lake, according to a media release from the Douglas County Sheriff's office.Investigators learned that an 81-year-old Lawrence man was part of a group that regularly swims at the lake. He had broken off from the group to return to shore and was found a short time later was located unresponsive in the water.

Sheriff: Kansas man dies while swimming on 4th of July

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A registered sex offender entered a guilty plea to&nbsp; murder and sex crimes in connection with his wife's death in 2020.

&nbsp;Just before his trial was to begin, Craig Johnston, 44,&nbsp; pleaded guilty last week to reckless second-degree murder, attempted rape, attempted aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated sexual battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.&nbsp;

On October 23, 2020, deputies responded to the report of an injured woman at a home in the 7900 block of West 109th in Sedgwick, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

When they arrived they found 40-year-old Amber Dawn Slankard with critical injuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;EMS transported her to Via Christi St. Francis and she later died of her injuries.

Deputies transported her husband Craig Johnston to Sheriff Investigations and later booked him on requested charges of Second Degree Murder and violations of the Offender Registration Act, according to Blick.&nbsp;

Johnston has a previous conviction from Illinois in 1997 for aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a victim between the age of 13-16, according to the Offender Registry. Johnston is scheduled to be sentenced on August 12, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656773771864.png" alt="Johnston-photo KBI offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Johnston-photo KBI offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A registered sex offender entered a guilty plea to&nbsp; murder and sex crimes in connection with his wife's death in 2020.&nbsp;Just before his trial was to begin, Craig Johnston, 44,&nbsp; pleaded guilty last week to reckless second-degree murder, attempted rape, attempted aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated sexual battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.&nbsp;On October 23, 2020, deputies responded to the report of an injured woman at a home in the 7900 block of West 109th in Sedgwick, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.When they arrived they found 40-year-old Amber Dawn Slankard with critical injuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;EMS transported her to Via Christi St. Francis and she later died of her injuries.Deputies transported her husband Craig Johnston to Sheriff Investigations and later booked him on requested charges of Second Degree Murder and violations of the Offender Registration Act, according to Blick.&nbsp;Johnston has a previous conviction from Illinois in 1997 for aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a victim between the age of 13-16, according to the Offender Registry. Johnston is scheduled to be sentenced on August 12, according to the district attorney's office.

Sex offender enters plea in wife's murder at their Kan. home

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man has been sentenced to a total of 295 months in prison for drug trafficking crimes, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, in March 2022, a federal jury convicted Travis Vontress, 45, of Wichita on one count each for conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine; one count of maintaining a drug involved premises;&nbsp;two counts of use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking crime;&nbsp;one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; and&nbsp;one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

He is currently being held in the Harvey County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656449113852.png" alt="Vontress is being held in Harvey County" />
 <figcaption>Vontress is being held in Harvey County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man has been sentenced to a total of 295 months in prison for drug trafficking crimes, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, in March 2022, a federal jury convicted Travis Vontress, 45, of Wichita on one count each for conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine; one count of maintaining a drug involved premises;&nbsp;two counts of use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking crime;&nbsp;one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; and&nbsp;one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.He is currently being held in the Harvey County Jail.

Kan. man sentenced for cocaine, heroin conspiracy

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/29/sfc-approves-state-worker-pay-raises-digs-into-bonuses-for-child-care-providers/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court waded into a simmering dispute Friday in the appraisal industry on valuing real property of big-box retails stores by overturning lower court decisions rejecting Johnson County’s evaluation of nine Walmart Inc. and two Sam’s Club stores.

The state’s highest court unanimously reversed a 2021 decision of the Kansas Court of Appeals and previous action by the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals that found the county overvalued the retailers’ property by tens of millions of dollars. The lower jurisdictions said the buildings should have been valued at what each would sell for if vacant or “dark” rather than at values that reflected earnings through lucrative lease agreements associated with those businesses.

Walmart took legal action to challenge methods used by Johnson County that resulted in 2016 and 2017 appraisals nearly double 2015 tax values for the properties. The case raised questions about whether standards set forth in law by the Kansas Legislature were appropriately applied.

After receiving Johnson County’s appraised value of the 11 properties, Walmart sought intervention by the state board of Tax Appeals. BOTA lowered valuations of each property and ordered Johnson County to refund overpayments for the 2016 and 2017 tax years.

Johnson County appealed to the state Court of Appeals by claiming BOTA incorrectly interpreted state law. The divided Court of Appeals, however, determined BOTA appropriately adhered to Kansas law. That took the case to the state Supreme Court, which issued an opinion instructing BOTA to reconsider the case by fully reviewing the county’s evidence on property appraisals.

Ed Eilert, chairman of the Johnson County Commission, said the state Supreme Court’s reversal of the Court of Appeals in the dark-store case would enable consideration of all evidence of market value.

“A Kansas Supreme Court decision on the valuation of big-box retailers is critical for local governments across the state of Kansas,” Eilert said. “This case has been about equity for taxpayers. Every property owner in Kansas, from the large retailer to the homeowner, should be treated equally as the Kansas Constitution requires. Equity is an important factor in property appraisal.”

Walmart spokesman Randy Hargrove said the company would again make its case to BOTA in light of the state Supreme Court’s decision.

“While we disagree with the decision,” he said, “we look forward to asking the Board of Tax Appeals to reaffirm its prior findings about the proper assessed values of Walmart’s stores.”

Alan Cobb, president of the Kansas Chamber, expressed confidence BOTA would subsequently conclude Johnson County “overstepped its authority by drastically increasing big-box valuations.”

He said it was clear Johnson County’s government leaders and the county appraiser’s office disregarded state law when it “concocted the imaginary fairy-tale” theory of imposing property taxes on these retailers.

“Their absolute dishonesty in claiming that these companies did not want to pay their fair share of property taxes is particularly appalling,” Cobb said. “To blame retail businesses for skirting the law or their tax obligations is entirely false. It’s this type of deceitful behavior that leaves the public doubting the competency of some public officials.”

Justice Dan Biles, writing for the state Supreme Court, said the highly contested issue boiled down to deciding whether appraisals relying on build-to-suit lease data was admissible in Kansas. BOTA, relying on a 2012 state Court of Appeals decision in the Prieb Properties case, determined rental rates from commercial leases weren’t reflective of market conditions.

“We (state Supreme Court) hold Prieb’s rationale invades BOTA’s longstanding province as the fact finder in the statutory process for appraising real property at its fair market value,” Biles wrote. “By following Prieb, BOTA imposed an exclusionary rule on the county’s evidence rather than simply considering its weight and credibility.”

The state Supreme Court remanded the case to BOTA and instructed that board to evaluate the county’s evidence without Prieb’s constraints.

“Though BOTA may reach the same result on remand, that decision must be based on its own determinations of the facts and witness credibility,” Biles wrote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Kansas-Supreme-Court-group-pic-1024x547.png" alt="-he Kansas Supreme Court issued a ruling Friday in a legal dispute about how Johnson County appraised for property tax purposes Walmart and Sam’s Club retail stores. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Supreme Court website)" />
 <figcaption>-he Kansas Supreme Court issued a ruling Friday in a legal dispute about how Johnson County appraised for property tax purposes Walmart and Sam’s Club retail stores. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Supreme Court website)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/29/sfc-approves-state-worker-pay-raises-digs-into-bonuses-for-child-care-providers/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court waded into a simmering dispute Friday in the appraisal industry on valuing real property of big-box retails stores by overturning lower court decisions rejecting Johnson County’s evaluation of nine Walmart Inc. and two Sam’s Club stores.The state’s highest court unanimously reversed a 2021 decision of the Kansas Court of Appeals and previous action by the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals that found the county overvalued the retailers’ property by tens of millions of dollars. The lower jurisdictions said the buildings should have been valued at what each would sell for if vacant or “dark” rather than at values that reflected earnings through lucrative lease agreements associated with those businesses.Walmart took legal action to challenge methods used by Johnson County that resulted in 2016 and 2017 appraisals nearly double 2015 tax values for the properties. The case raised questions about whether standards set forth in law by the Kansas Legislature were appropriately applied.After receiving Johnson County’s appraised value of the 11 properties, Walmart sought intervention by the state board of Tax Appeals. BOTA lowered valuations of each property and ordered Johnson County to refund overpayments for the 2016 and 2017 tax years.Johnson County appealed to the state Court of Appeals by claiming BOTA incorrectly interpreted state law. The divided Court of Appeals, however, determined BOTA appropriately adhered to Kansas law. That took the case to the state Supreme Court, which issued an opinion instructing BOTA to reconsider the case by fully reviewing the county’s evidence on property appraisals.Ed Eilert, chairman of the Johnson County Commission, said the state Supreme Court’s reversal of the Court of Appeals in the dark-store case would enable consideration of all evidence of market value.“A Kansas Supreme Court decision on the valuation of big-box retailers is critical for local governments across the state of Kansas,” Eilert said. “This case has been about equity for taxpayers. Every property owner in Kansas, from the large retailer to the homeowner, should be treated equally as the Kansas Constitution requires. Equity is an important factor in property appraisal.”Walmart spokesman Randy Hargrove said the company would again make its case to BOTA in light of the state Supreme Court’s decision.“While we disagree with the decision,” he said, “we look forward to asking the Board of Tax Appeals to reaffirm its prior findings about the proper assessed values of Walmart’s stores.”Alan Cobb, president of the Kansas Chamber, expressed confidence BOTA would subsequently conclude Johnson County “overstepped its authority by drastically increasing big-box valuations.”He said it was clear Johnson County’s government leaders and the county appraiser’s office disregarded state law when it “concocted the imaginary fairy-tale” theory of imposing property taxes on these retailers.“Their absolute dishonesty in claiming that these companies did not want to pay their fair share of property taxes is particularly appalling,” Cobb said. “To blame retail businesses for skirting the law or their tax obligations is entirely false. It’s this type of deceitful behavior that leaves the public doubting the competency of some public officials.”Justice Dan Biles, writing for the state Supreme Court, said the highly contested issue boiled down to deciding whether appraisals relying on build-to-suit lease data was admissible in Kansas. BOTA, relying on a 2012 state Court of Appeals decision in the Prieb Properties case, determined rental rates from commercial leases weren’t reflective of market conditions.“We (state Supreme Court) hold Prieb’s rationale invades BOTA’s longstanding province as the fact finder in the statutory process for appraising real property at its fair market value,” Biles wrote. “By following Prieb, BOTA imposed an exclusionary rule on the county’s evidence rather than simply considering its weight and credibility.”The state Supreme Court remanded the case to BOTA and instructed that board to evaluate the county’s evidence without Prieb’s constraints.“Though BOTA may reach the same result on remand, that decision must be based on its own determinations of the facts and witness credibility,” Biles wrote.

Kan. court reverses property tax decisions favorable to Walmart, Sam’s Club

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The Wichita Police Department has promoted an officer who killed an unarmed man in a “swatting” incident.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/Shane%20Gaskell,%2023,%20pleaded%20guilty%20Tuesday%20in%20federal%20court%20to%20wire%20fraud%20in%20case%20that%20drew%20national%20attention%20to%20%E2%80%9Cswatting,%E2%80%9D%20during%20which%20a%20caller%20falsely%20reports%20a%20crime%20that%20is%20dangerous%20enough%20to%20send%20a%20SWAT%20team%20to%20the%20location,%20The%20Wichita%20Eagle%20reported.">The Wichita Eagle reported</a>&nbsp;Sunday that Justin Rapp was promoted to detective on June 25. Interim Chief Lem Moore said Rapp qualified for promotion based on written and oral examinations. He added that the killing didn’t disqualify Rapp for promotion since he wasn’t disciplined.

Rapp shot 28-year-old Andrew Finch in December 2017 while responding to a fake call of a hostage situation at Finch’s address. Rapp initially told detectives that he thought Finch had a gun but testified later that he didn’t see a weapon and shot him based on his hand motions.

Prosecutors declined to file charges against Rapp. City officials said the department followed procedures that night and Rapp was forced to make a split-second decision after the fake call led him to believe Finch had taken hostages and had killed at least one person.

Finch's death drew national attention to “swatting,” a form of retaliation in which someone reports a false emergency to get authorities, particularly a SWAT team, to descend on an address.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592601982960.png" alt="Police&nbsp; bodycamera view of the&nbsp; fatal shooting - photo Wichita PD" />
 <figcaption>Police&nbsp; bodycamera view of the&nbsp; fatal shooting - photo Wichita PD</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The Wichita Police Department has promoted an officer who killed an unarmed man in a “swatting” incident.<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/Shane%20Gaskell,%2023,%20pleaded%20guilty%20Tuesday%20in%20federal%20court%20to%20wire%20fraud%20in%20case%20that%20drew%20national%20attention%20to%20%E2%80%9Cswatting,%E2%80%9D%20during%20which%20a%20caller%20falsely%20reports%20a%20crime%20that%20is%20dangerous%20enough%20to%20send%20a%20SWAT%20team%20to%20the%20location,%20The%20Wichita%20Eagle%20reported.">The Wichita Eagle reported</a>&nbsp;Sunday that Justin Rapp was promoted to detective on June 25. Interim Chief Lem Moore said Rapp qualified for promotion based on written and oral examinations. He added that the killing didn’t disqualify Rapp for promotion since he wasn’t disciplined.Rapp shot 28-year-old Andrew Finch in December 2017 while responding to a fake call of a hostage situation at Finch’s address. Rapp initially told detectives that he thought Finch had a gun but testified later that he didn’t see a weapon and shot him based on his hand motions.Prosecutors declined to file charges against Rapp. City officials said the department followed procedures that night and Rapp was forced to make a split-second decision after the fake call led him to believe Finch had taken hostages and had killed at least one person.Finch's death drew national attention to “swatting,” a form of retaliation in which someone reports a false emergency to get authorities, particularly a SWAT team, to descend on an address.

Police promote Kansas officer in fatal swatting incident

By LILY O'SHEA BECKER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/29/brother-and-sister-recount-very-traumatizing-amtrak-derailment-in-missouri/">Kansas Reflector</a>

A mother aboard a train derailment in
 Mendon, Missouri, on Monday climbed on top of the wreckage and went 
from train car to train car, yelling into each window while searching 
for her three children, according to her son, Dax McDonald.&nbsp;

The Amtrak train was traveling from 
Los Angeles to Chicago when it struck a dump truck approximately 100 
miles northeast of Kansas City, Missouri. Seven cars derailed with 
hundreds of passengers inside. Four passengers were killed and 150 
others were injured, with some in critical condition, according to a 
news briefing Wednesday from the University of Kansas Health System.&nbsp;

“I honestly thought at first it would
 just be a large delay,” McDonald said during the briefing. “I’ve heard 
of trains hitting cars before, but then when I started to feel the train
 start to tip, I saw the car in front of us start to turn, or fall over.
 That’s when I kind of knew that this went from a delay to a 
life-or-death situation.”

McDonald, from Phoenix, Arizona, was 
traveling with his mother and two sisters from Arizona to Iowa to visit 
family for the Fourth of July, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/dax-samantha-mcdonald-describe-missouri-amtrak-trail-derailment/40451980">KMBC-TV reported</a>.
 While McDonald was sitting on the right side of the train and emerged 
from the derailment virtually unscathed, his sister, Samantha McDonald, 
was sitting on the left side of the train.

“When the crash happened,” she said, 
“I was on the left side of the train car that we were in, and I was 
thrown to the other side of the train car, hitting my head and scraping 
my face and hitting the right side of my body against the train car. … 
So because of that, I was bleeding from the right side of my face.”&nbsp;

She was taken to Moberly Regional Medical Center in Moberly, Missouri, for a CT scan and X-rays for her knee.&nbsp;

“Everything cleared up. I’m OK, obviously — just a little banged up,” Samantha McDonald said.

Dax McDonald recalled the person in 
front of him having a seizure and people immediately calling for help 
with broken limbs or unable to move.&nbsp;

Dax McDonald said he was looking for a way to get out.

“We kind of realized that both exits 
on the front and back of the train weren’t usable anymore,” he said. 
“The only real exits, we realized after a while, were straight up from 
us.”

Survivors who were able to get out of the train stood on top of the derailed cars and helped pull others out through windows.&nbsp;

“I just remember the man that was 
able to help me climb my way up out of the train was actually, his 
entire face was scratched up, kind of like the side of my face,” 
Samantha McDonald said. “It was very, very traumatizing to see that in 
person and see that actually happening in real life.”&nbsp;

Matt Daugherty, director of business 
development for Life Flight, said because Mendon is rural, many of the 
first responders were nearby volunteer firefighters who left their day 
jobs to help assist.&nbsp;

Daugherty said 11 helicopters 
responded to the derailment, with the first one arriving within 20 
minutes to help assist those who were most injured.&nbsp;

According to Daugherty, most injuries included head wounds, broken bones and cuts from debris.&nbsp;

Dan Manley, assistant fire chief for 
Lee’s Summit, Missouri, helped coordinate resources and response to the 
derailment. He said several agencies in the region are equipped to 
respond to derailments because they have received special passenger rail
 rescue training.&nbsp;

“I’m so thankful for the entire 
community of Mendon who came out,” Dax McDonald said. “We went to the 
high school — they already had drinks and food and water. They had the 
whole gymnasium set up. The whole town basically came out.”

Dax McDonald said he saw farmers 
drive a tractor through a field toward the train to help people. He said
 the community brought crowbars and ladders to help people out of the 
train.&nbsp;

Samantha McDonald, who is a pre-med 
student at the University of Arizona, was asked whether this event has 
changed her mind on joining the medical field.

“I think if anything, this kind of 
reignites the fire for being a part of the teams that are able to come 
out there and were on scene and were absolutely outstanding,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656361752974.png" alt="An image courtesy a video posted by Robert Nightingale, who was a passenger aboard the Amtrak train that derailed on Monday, June 27, in Mendon, Missouri." />
 <figcaption>An image courtesy a video posted by Robert Nightingale, who was a passenger aboard the Amtrak train that derailed on Monday, June 27, in Mendon, Missouri.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LILY O'SHEA BECKER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/29/brother-and-sister-recount-very-traumatizing-amtrak-derailment-in-missouri/">Kansas Reflector</a>A mother aboard a train derailment in
 Mendon, Missouri, on Monday climbed on top of the wreckage and went 
from train car to train car, yelling into each window while searching 
for her three children, according to her son, Dax McDonald.&nbsp;The Amtrak train was traveling from 
Los Angeles to Chicago when it struck a dump truck approximately 100 
miles northeast of Kansas City, Missouri. Seven cars derailed with 
hundreds of passengers inside. Four passengers were killed and 150 
others were injured, with some in critical condition, according to a 
news briefing Wednesday from the University of Kansas Health System.&nbsp;McDonald said he first heard a bang.“I honestly thought at first it would
 just be a large delay,” McDonald said during the briefing. “I’ve heard 
of trains hitting cars before, but then when I started to feel the train
 start to tip, I saw the car in front of us start to turn, or fall over.
 That’s when I kind of knew that this went from a delay to a 
life-or-death situation.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656536759084.png" alt=" Dax and Samantha McDonald describe the Amtrak train derailment in Mendon, Missouri, during a news briefing Wednesday by the University of Kansas Health System. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from KU Health briefing)" />
 <figcaption> Dax and Samantha McDonald describe the Amtrak train derailment in Mendon, Missouri, during a news briefing Wednesday by the University of Kansas Health System. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from KU Health briefing)</figcaption>
 </figure>McDonald, from Phoenix, Arizona, was 
traveling with his mother and two sisters from Arizona to Iowa to visit 
family for the Fourth of July, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/dax-samantha-mcdonald-describe-missouri-amtrak-trail-derailment/40451980">KMBC-TV reported</a>.
 While McDonald was sitting on the right side of the train and emerged 
from the derailment virtually unscathed, his sister, Samantha McDonald, 
was sitting on the left side of the train.“When the crash happened,” she said, 
“I was on the left side of the train car that we were in, and I was 
thrown to the other side of the train car, hitting my head and scraping 
my face and hitting the right side of my body against the train car. … 
So because of that, I was bleeding from the right side of my face.”&nbsp;She was taken to Moberly Regional Medical Center in Moberly, Missouri, for a CT scan and X-rays for her knee.&nbsp;“Everything cleared up. I’m OK, obviously — just a little banged up,” Samantha McDonald said.Dax McDonald recalled the person in 
front of him having a seizure and people immediately calling for help 
with broken limbs or unable to move.&nbsp;Dax McDonald said he was looking for a way to get out.“We kind of realized that both exits 
on the front and back of the train weren’t usable anymore,” he said. 
“The only real exits, we realized after a while, were straight up from 
us.”Survivors who were able to get out of the train stood on top of the derailed cars and helped pull others out through windows.&nbsp;“I just remember the man that was 
able to help me climb my way up out of the train was actually, his 
entire face was scratched up, kind of like the side of my face,” 
Samantha McDonald said. “It was very, very traumatizing to see that in 
person and see that actually happening in real life.”&nbsp;Matt Daugherty, director of business 
development for Life Flight, said because Mendon is rural, many of the 
first responders were nearby volunteer firefighters who left their day 
jobs to help assist.&nbsp;Daugherty said 11 helicopters 
responded to the derailment, with the first one arriving within 20 
minutes to help assist those who were most injured.&nbsp;According to Daugherty, most injuries included head wounds, broken bones and cuts from debris.&nbsp;Dan Manley, assistant fire chief for 
Lee’s Summit, Missouri, helped coordinate resources and response to the 
derailment. He said several agencies in the region are equipped to 
respond to derailments because they have received special passenger rail
 rescue training.&nbsp;“I’m so thankful for the entire 
community of Mendon who came out,” Dax McDonald said. “We went to the 
high school — they already had drinks and food and water. They had the 
whole gymnasium set up. The whole town basically came out.”Dax McDonald said he saw farmers 
drive a tractor through a field toward the train to help people. He said
 the community brought crowbars and ladders to help people out of the 
train.&nbsp;Samantha McDonald, who is a pre-med 
student at the University of Arizona, was asked whether this event has 
changed her mind on joining the medical field.“I think if anything, this kind of 
reignites the fire for being a part of the teams that are able to come 
out there and were on scene and were absolutely outstanding,” she said.

Brother and sister recount ‘traumatizing’ Amtrak derailment

LAWRENCE — Opinion remains divided regarding how guns should factor into American society, especially those weapons designed for military warfare.

But what do actual soldiers think about this subject?

The surprising answers are explored in a new article titled&nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ssqu.13145">“How Do Veterans View Gun Policies? Evidence from the Guns in American Life Survey.”</a>&nbsp;It appears in Social Science Quarterly.

“Many observers might expect veterans to be less supportive of gun control than other Americans since they are relatively conservative in terms of political identity,”&nbsp;said Margaret Kelley, professor of American studies at the University of Kansas.

“On average, vets — primarily those who have experienced combat — tend to be more receptive to some forms of gun control, such as restrictions on civilian access to military-style semiautomatic rifles and so-called ‘high-capacity’ magazines. They are also open to an extended waiting period of up to 14 days for the purchase of new handguns,” she said.

Co-written with Christopher Ellison and Pablo Gonzalez of the University of Texas at San Antonio and David Leal of the University of Texas, the article utilizes data gathered from Kelley and Ellison’s Guns in American Life Survey of 2018. This Qualtrics-run survey featuring input from more than 3,000 respondents explores numerous considerations that shape experiences and attitudes concerning firearms.

“The survey had lots of questions about gun experiences and lifestyles, social attitudes and firearm policy preferences, and it took about 30 minutes to complete online,” said Kelley, who noted the assessment is unique due to the amount of female gun owners involved.

Her article discusses how guns are fundamentally “demystified” for those in the military, which may account for their being perceived more as a tool than as an object of empowerment.

“Demystified means, among other things, setting aside the politics of guns and allowing someone to focus on gaining practical knowledge and becoming a competent user,” she said.

“Soldiers learn at least the basics about firearms when they enlist, even if their service does not require regular use or combat. Veterans leave service with vastly different experiences, but this minimum training is ensured. While it is recommended by firearms instructors that gun owners practice and seek out training on an ongoing basis, civilians are not required by law to do so,” she said.

Kelley found several factors accounting for why veterans were more prone to embrace certain rifle/magazine bans and extended waiting periods.

“While they support these limits, combat veterans also tend to be more supportive of expanded gun-carrying rights for civilians, including what is called 'constitutional carry' — or permit-less — that we have in Kansas and a growing number of other states,” she said.

Although the reasons for this seeming paradox are unclear, Kelley speculated that significant numbers of veterans may see public safety benefits to restricting widespread civilian access to powerful, highly destructive weapons, at least without proper vetting.

“At the same time, it is likely that they have learned, witnessed and practiced the safe and responsible carrying of firearms,” she said. “They have also put their lives on the line to defend America and our Constitution, including the Second Amendment. They may be reluctant to surrender those rights upon returning to civilian life.”&nbsp;

Now in her seventh year at KU, Kelley is not a military veteran— but her father was.

“My dad was drafted into the Army and stationed in Germany for two years, followed by six years in the reserves. As kids, we used to sleep in his Army-issued pup tent in the backyard until it finally fell apart. It wasn’t until after he died that I learned he earned sharpshooter qualification in the Army,” she said.

The professor is tapping her Guns in American Life Survey research for a larger book project specifically focusing on the average woman firearm user in middle America.

“I think we have to ask, 'Why do some Americans love guns so much?'” she said.

“Some Americans love guns, and some hate them. Some connect them to individual freedom, and others are more interested in the sport of guns. Others believe we should get rid of all guns. Concerns about self-defense can be universal, meaning that anyone can have that need, and increasing numbers of people are acquiring guns for that reason,” Kelley said. “There are just so many narratives. From some of my research, I would say that for most owners, guns are just one part of life, not a core identity, and not something they love but something they value.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://news.ku.edu/sites/news.ku.edu/files/images/general/2022_news/june/Veterans%20and%20Guns.jpg" alt="A U.S. soldier provides perimeter security outside an Iraqi police station in the Tarmiya Province of Iraq in this 2008 image from the Department of Defense. The soldier was not involved with the KU study. (Photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense)" />
 <figcaption>A U.S. soldier provides perimeter security outside an Iraqi police station in the Tarmiya Province of Iraq in this 2008 image from the Department of Defense. The soldier was not involved with the KU study. (Photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense)</figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — Opinion remains divided regarding how guns should factor into American society, especially those weapons designed for military warfare.But what do actual soldiers think about this subject?The surprising answers are explored in a new article titled&nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ssqu.13145">“How Do Veterans View Gun Policies? Evidence from the Guns in American Life Survey.”</a>&nbsp;It appears in Social Science Quarterly.“Many observers might expect veterans to be less supportive of gun control than other Americans since they are relatively conservative in terms of political identity,”&nbsp;said Margaret Kelley, professor of American studies at the University of Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655758064202.jpeg" alt="Margaret Kelley (Photo by KU)" />
 <figcaption>Margaret Kelley (Photo by KU)</figcaption>
 </figure>“On average, vets — primarily those who have experienced combat — tend to be more receptive to some forms of gun control, such as restrictions on civilian access to military-style semiautomatic rifles and so-called ‘high-capacity’ magazines. They are also open to an extended waiting period of up to 14 days for the purchase of new handguns,” she said.Co-written with Christopher Ellison and Pablo Gonzalez of the University of Texas at San Antonio and David Leal of the University of Texas, the article utilizes data gathered from Kelley and Ellison’s Guns in American Life Survey of 2018. This Qualtrics-run survey featuring input from more than 3,000 respondents explores numerous considerations that shape experiences and attitudes concerning firearms.“The survey had lots of questions about gun experiences and lifestyles, social attitudes and firearm policy preferences, and it took about 30 minutes to complete online,” said Kelley, who noted the assessment is unique due to the amount of female gun owners involved.Her article discusses how guns are fundamentally “demystified” for those in the military, which may account for their being perceived more as a tool than as an object of empowerment.“Demystified means, among other things, setting aside the politics of guns and allowing someone to focus on gaining practical knowledge and becoming a competent user,” she said.“Soldiers learn at least the basics about firearms when they enlist, even if their service does not require regular use or combat. Veterans leave service with vastly different experiences, but this minimum training is ensured. While it is recommended by firearms instructors that gun owners practice and seek out training on an ongoing basis, civilians are not required by law to do so,” she said.Kelley found several factors accounting for why veterans were more prone to embrace certain rifle/magazine bans and extended waiting periods.“While they support these limits, combat veterans also tend to be more supportive of expanded gun-carrying rights for civilians, including what is called 'constitutional carry' — or permit-less — that we have in Kansas and a growing number of other states,” she said.Although the reasons for this seeming paradox are unclear, Kelley speculated that significant numbers of veterans may see public safety benefits to restricting widespread civilian access to powerful, highly destructive weapons, at least without proper vetting.“At the same time, it is likely that they have learned, witnessed and practiced the safe and responsible carrying of firearms,” she said. “They have also put their lives on the line to defend America and our Constitution, including the Second Amendment. They may be reluctant to surrender those rights upon returning to civilian life.”&nbsp;Now in her seventh year at KU, Kelley is not a military veteran— but her father was.“My dad was drafted into the Army and stationed in Germany for two years, followed by six years in the reserves. As kids, we used to sleep in his Army-issued pup tent in the backyard until it finally fell apart. It wasn’t until after he died that I learned he earned sharpshooter qualification in the Army,” she said.The professor is tapping her Guns in American Life Survey research for a larger book project specifically focusing on the average woman firearm user in middle America.So why do Americans love guns so much?“I think we have to ask, 'Why do some Americans love guns so much?'” she said.“Some Americans love guns, and some hate them. Some connect them to individual freedom, and others are more interested in the sport of guns. Others believe we should get rid of all guns. Concerns about self-defense can be universal, meaning that anyone can have that need, and increasing numbers of people are acquiring guns for that reason,” Kelley said. “There are just so many narratives. From some of my research, I would say that for most owners, guns are just one part of life, not a core identity, and not something they love but something they value.”

Research: Vets often favor more restrictive gun control legislation than civilians

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Given the Supreme Court's holding in West Virginia v. EPA, a conservative policy advocate's call to be sure that advocates for energy don't pile on to already tough issues by increasing taxes seems like an idea worth further scrutiny.

They just cannot conceive of an energy plan, that, whatever else it contains, and it may have a lot of meritorious things, has some nod to climate change in it. For whatever reason, they've decided the least bad thing would be a tax, according to&nbsp; Free market policy expert Phil Kerpen with American Commitment.

The American Petroleum Institute’s climate committee approved a surcharge on gasoline and other fossil fuels to discourage greenhouse-gas emissions. Given that the Supreme Court just held that the EPA can't do greenhouse gas regulation on its own, this is an issue that's likely to come before Congress. Reuters also reported last week that France's Emanuel Macron told President Biden that the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are almost at the capacity of what they can do.

"We should be producing two or three more million barrels a day than we are," Kerpen said. "We have most of the world's swing capacity. The whole rest of the world is like, what the heck is going on? They're like going crazy that we have such insane policies that the entire world is suffering economically as a consequence of."

There is an idea floating around to tax only imported oil, but right now the American energy industry has a confidence problem.

"Even if they came out tomorrow and said, we're calling off the dogs at the EPA and Interior and the SEC and Treasury and we're going to call a truce on all this global warming stuff, how do you get these companies and the markets to believe you enough to invest billions of dollars into assets that need to have a 40 year life, when they kind of know that your real plan is to shut them down in the medium term after they survive politically?"

The economy is likely to be a primary issue in the midterm Congressional races this fall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581346070421.png" alt="Kerpen" />
 <figcaption>Kerpen</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Given the Supreme Court's holding in West Virginia v. EPA, a conservative policy advocate's call to be sure that advocates for energy don't pile on to already tough issues by increasing taxes seems like an idea worth further scrutiny.They just cannot conceive of an energy plan, that, whatever else it contains, and it may have a lot of meritorious things, has some nod to climate change in it. For whatever reason, they've decided the least bad thing would be a tax, according to&nbsp; Free market policy expert Phil Kerpen with American Commitment.The American Petroleum Institute’s climate committee approved a surcharge on gasoline and other fossil fuels to discourage greenhouse-gas emissions. Given that the Supreme Court just held that the EPA can't do greenhouse gas regulation on its own, this is an issue that's likely to come before Congress. Reuters also reported last week that France's Emanuel Macron told President Biden that the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are almost at the capacity of what they can do."We should be producing two or three more million barrels a day than we are," Kerpen said. "We have most of the world's swing capacity. The whole rest of the world is like, what the heck is going on? They're like going crazy that we have such insane policies that the entire world is suffering economically as a consequence of."There is an idea floating around to tax only imported oil, but right now the American energy industry has a confidence problem."Even if they came out tomorrow and said, we're calling off the dogs at the EPA and Interior and the SEC and Treasury and we're going to call a truce on all this global warming stuff, how do you get these companies and the markets to believe you enough to invest billions of dollars into assets that need to have a 40 year life, when they kind of know that your real plan is to shut them down in the medium term after they survive politically?"The economy is likely to be a primary issue in the midterm Congressional races this fall.

Kerpen: Energy policy needs to be midterm issue

BUTLER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged child sex crimes.

On June 30, the El Dorado Police Department, executed a search warrant on a home in El Dorado as part of an investigation reported by way of a cyber tip, received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), alleging the sexual exploitation of children through the use of electronic devices, according to a media release.

This search warrant led to the arrest of 29-year-old Adam Mefford of El Dorado, and charges have been filed through the Butler County District Court. 

The El Dorado Police Department is now an affiliate with the Internet Crimes Against Children task force. This will greatly benefit the community in addressing this particular heinous crime. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656711351129.png" alt="Mefford" />
 <figcaption>Mefford</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged child sex crimes.On June 30, the El Dorado Police Department, executed a search warrant on a home in El Dorado as part of an investigation reported by way of a cyber tip, received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), alleging the sexual exploitation of children through the use of electronic devices, according to a media release.This search warrant led to the arrest of 29-year-old Adam Mefford of El Dorado, and charges have been filed through the Butler County District Court. The El Dorado Police Department is now an affiliate with the Internet Crimes Against Children task force. This will greatly benefit the community in addressing this particular heinous crime.

Cyber tip leads to arrest of Kan. man for alleged child sex crimes

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a traffic stop.

Just before 12:30p.m. Thursday, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop just north of the U.S. 75, Kansas 268, Kansas 31 highway roundabout for a traffic violation, according to a media release.

During the stop, deputies found illegal narcotics and stolen property.

A passenger in the vehicle, Jason V. Spaniol, 44, of Lawrence, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of possession of stolen property, possession of heroin, methamphetamine&nbsp; and drug paraphernalia and and a Kansas Department of Corrections parole violation warrant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656708328916.png" alt="Spaniol-photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Spaniol-photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a traffic stop.Just before 12:30p.m. Thursday, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop just north of the U.S. 75, Kansas 268, Kansas 31 highway roundabout for a traffic violation, according to a media release.During the stop, deputies found illegal narcotics and stolen property.A passenger in the vehicle, Jason V. Spaniol, 44, of Lawrence, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of possession of stolen property, possession of heroin, methamphetamine&nbsp; and drug paraphernalia and and a Kansas Department of Corrections parole violation warrant.

Wanted Kansas man caught with heroin, stolen property

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-06-29/your-employer-is-trying-to-wrestle-the-health-care-industry-it-is-losing">Kansas News Service</a>

One Topeka engineering firm does what it can to fight the ballooning cost of health care for its workers.

Bartlett &amp; West — owned by its 350 employees across seven states — is trying a slew of approaches.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656515264618.png" alt="Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-06-29/your-employer-is-trying-to-wrestle-the-health-care-industry-it-is-losing">Kansas News Service</a>One Topeka engineering firm does what it can to fight the ballooning cost of health care for its workers.Bartlett &amp; West — owned by its 350 employees across seven states — is trying a slew of approaches.It
 has a wellness program. It tries to make preventive care easy to get. 
It pays its employees’ medical bills itself, rather than buying coverage
 from insurance companies.And yet, year after year, its premiums climb.“My
 fear is that the company will not be able to continue to absorb as much
 of that cost,” human resources benefits partner at Bartlett &amp; West, Kim Walker, said at a forum this month on employers and health care, hosted 
by the Kansas Health Institute.Updated July 20 to correct Walker's title.“I envision that, unfortunately, 
we’re going to have to reduce benefits,” she said, “and most especially 
pass on more costs to our employee-owners and their families.”Employers in Kansas struggle to offer affordable health insurance. It gets harder and harder.A <a href="https://www.khi.org/policy/article/22-24" target="_blank">new report</a>
 finds premiums for health plans through private-sector jobs rose nearly
 40% from 2010 to 2020. That’s twice as fast as general inflation.Average
 yearly premiums in the state were nearly $12,000 as of 2020, the Kansas
 Health Institute report says. That’s typical across the country, but it
 takes a bigger bite out of paychecks here, where wages run below the 
national average.(The institute receives funding from the Kansas Health Foundation, a funder of the Kansas News Service.)Workers
 now shoulder a bigger share of their premiums than they did a decade 
ago, too. Fewer are even bothering to enroll in their employer’s health 
plans.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601308401778.png" alt="This story is part of the series, Bills of Health. Do you have a medical bill from Kansas that you want to share with a reporter? Email celia@kcur.org." />
 <figcaption>This story is part of the series, Bills of Health. Do you have a medical bill from Kansas that you want to share with a reporter? Email celia@kcur.org.</figcaption>
 </figure>Phillip Steiner, a senior analyst at the institute, said premiums 
could rise even faster now that we’ve moved out of a low-inflation 
economy.“If anything, it’s going up faster,” he said. “Now we’re in a very high-inflation environment.”The more employees spend on premiums, the less they can sock away from their paychecks or put toward out-of-pocket costs.A recent Commonwealth report ranks Kansas and Missouri in the five states where people with work-based insurance face combined <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/health/2022-01-24/yes-more-and-more-of-your-paycheck-goes-to-health-care-in-kansas-and-missouri-heres-why" target="_blank">premiums and deductibles that top $9,000 a year on average.</a>The
 growing costs facing Kansas employers and employees illustrate the 
stakes in U.S. health care, where annual spending grows much faster than
 broader economic inflation.Research pins much of the blame on plain old <a href="https://healthcostinstitute.org/images/pdfs/HCCI_2019_Health_Care_Cost_and_Utilization_Report.pdf" target="_blank">hikes in the prices</a> that doctors, hospitals, labs and the pharmaceutical supply chain charge for their services.Those
 hikes mean the health care sector consumes an ever bigger slice of 
America’s economic pie. Public and private employers alike struggle to 
get much leverage against the industry.In 1980, U.S. health spending was 9% of gross domestic national product. By 2000, it hit 13%. In 2018, it was <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/health-expenditures.htm" target="_blank">nearly 18%</a>.The upshot often comes in the form of higher deductibles.Just this year, Bartlett &amp; West added a high-deductible health plan with a <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/health-savings-account-hsa/" target="_blank">health savings account</a>, Walker said.Currently, it’s just one choice
 available to employees. But the goal is to help them get familiar with 
the plan design — because high deductibles may soon become the only option.“We
 think that that could be a future for all of our employees,” Walker 
said. “And we don’t want to have to implement a type of plan like that 
and not prepare them for what that is and what that would involve.”Celia Llopis-Jepsen is a reporter for the Kansas News Service. You 
can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.