TOPEKA— The&nbsp;Kansas Supreme Court Friday upheld two hard-50 life sentences and a felony theft sentence for a Florida man, 56-year-old Michael Fowler, who was convicted in the murder of a Kansas couple who were vendors at the Barton County Fair.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The matter of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kscourts.org/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Opinions/123820.pdf?ext=.pdf" target="_blank">Appeal No. 123,820:&nbsp;State of Kansas v. Michael A. Fowler</a>&nbsp;affirmed his sentence for two counts of first-degree murder and theft.

Following Fowler’s&nbsp;convictions&nbsp;for both counts of premeditated first-degree murder and one count of felony theft, Court records indicate the Barton Co. District Court denied Fowler’s motion for his sentence to be reduced.

In July of 2020, Fowler, who is from Sarasota, Fla., had originally received a sentence of two consecutive hard-50 life terms by District Court Judge Mike Keeley for the murders and one concurrent 21-month term for the theft.

On direct appeal, the Court said it affirmed Fowler’s sentence.

Fowler pleaded guilty to the charges in March 2019. Fowler was charged with the crimes in connection with the July 2018 deaths of Alfred “Sonny” Carpenter and Pauline Carpenter.

Their bodies&nbsp; were discovered in July in shallow graves near Van Buren, Arkansas. Prosecutors say the Carpenters were killed at the Barton County Fair, where they were vendors. Fowler and other suspects worked for the carnival company at the fair.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582210805867.png" alt="Police at the scene of the murder investigation near Van Buren Arkansas -photo courtesy KFSM TV" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the murder investigation near Van Buren Arkansas -photo courtesy KFSM TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA— The&nbsp;Kansas Supreme Court Friday upheld two hard-50 life sentences and a felony theft sentence for a Florida man, 56-year-old Michael Fowler, who was convicted in the murder of a Kansas couple who were vendors at the Barton County Fair.&nbsp;&nbsp;The matter of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kscourts.org/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Opinions/123820.pdf?ext=.pdf" target="_blank">Appeal No. 123,820:&nbsp;State of Kansas v. Michael A. Fowler</a>&nbsp;affirmed his sentence for two counts of first-degree murder and theft.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650653852708.png" alt="Fowler is being held in the El Dorado Correctional Facility&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Fowler is being held in the El Dorado Correctional Facility&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Following Fowler’s&nbsp;convictions&nbsp;for both counts of premeditated first-degree murder and one count of felony theft, Court records indicate the Barton Co. District Court denied Fowler’s motion for his sentence to be reduced.In July of 2020, Fowler, who is from Sarasota, Fla., had originally received a sentence of two consecutive hard-50 life terms by District Court Judge Mike Keeley for the murders and one concurrent 21-month term for the theft.On direct appeal, the Court said it affirmed Fowler’s sentence.Fowler pleaded guilty to the charges in March 2019. Fowler was charged with the crimes in connection with the July 2018 deaths of Alfred “Sonny” Carpenter and Pauline Carpenter.Their bodies&nbsp; were discovered in July in shallow graves near Van Buren, Arkansas. Prosecutors say the Carpenters were killed at the Barton County Fair, where they were vendors. Fowler and other suspects worked for the carnival company at the fair.

Court upholds sentence for murder of couple at Barton County Fair

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Black Kansas City police sergeant claims in a lawsuit that two officers racially profiled him when they stopped his car and falsely accused him of misconduct.

Sgt. Herb Robinson, a 30-year veteran of the Kansas City Police Department, said the two officers yelled at him as they approached his unmarked police car on March 11, 2021.

He alleges in the lawsuit that officers Cole Modeer, who is white, and Marco Olivas, who is Hispanic, stopped him because of his race, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article260624312.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>. They let him go after he stepped out of his car and identified himself.

Robinson, 59, who was a detective at the time he was stopped, is suing Olivas, Modeer and the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners, which oversees the department.

“If they treat one of their own this way, I’m afraid to see how they are treating minorities who are not cops,” Gerald Gray, an attorney representing Robinson, said Thursday.

The officers are also accused in the lawsuit of falsely accusing Robinson of misconduct and other violations, and urging others to do the same.

Robinson said he reported the encounter to the police department but no action was taken.

Capt. Leslie Foreman, a police spokeswoman, said the department generally does not comment on pending litigation.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Black Kansas City police sergeant claims in a lawsuit that two officers racially profiled him when they stopped his car and falsely accused him of misconduct.Sgt. Herb Robinson, a 30-year veteran of the Kansas City Police Department, said the two officers yelled at him as they approached his unmarked police car on March 11, 2021.He alleges in the lawsuit that officers Cole Modeer, who is white, and Marco Olivas, who is Hispanic, stopped him because of his race, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article260624312.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>. They let him go after he stepped out of his car and identified himself.Robinson, 59, who was a detective at the time he was stopped, is suing Olivas, Modeer and the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners, which oversees the department.“If they treat one of their own this way, I’m afraid to see how they are treating minorities who are not cops,” Gerald Gray, an attorney representing Robinson, said Thursday.The officers are also accused in the lawsuit of falsely accusing Robinson of misconduct and other violations, and urging others to do the same.Robinson said he reported the encounter to the police department but no action was taken.Capt. Leslie Foreman, a police spokeswoman, said the department generally does not comment on pending litigation.

Black KC Police sergeant sues police after traffic stop

The $1 million winning Mega Millions ticket from the 
June 1, 2021 drawing has finally been claimed. The winning numbers in 
the June 1, 2021, Mega Millions drawing were 7 – 11 – 33 – 58 – 63 Mega 
Ball 23.&nbsp;

The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, said they have a habit of 
forgetting to check their tickets the day after the drawing. That is how
 this winning ticket went unclaimed for so long.&nbsp;

“I stack my tickets up in the kitchen, and I can go months sometimes 
without remembering to check them if the jackpot isn’t hit,” the winner 
said. “Finally my sister got on my case about how the prizes could 
expire, so she went through and checked them for me. That’s when she 
found the big winning ticket.”&nbsp;

Time was starting to run out for the winner to claim their prize. For
 draw games like Mega Millions, players have 365 days from the date of 
the drawing to claim a prize. That means that the million-dollar prize 
would have expired in less than six weeks.

Luckily, the prize has now been claimed. All the winner has left to do is figure out what they wish to do with their winnings.

“We haven’t really talked too much about our plans yet, but I know we
 plan on giving some to the rest of the family and to some charities,” 
said the winner. “The rest will go into savings and retirement. We also 
might splurge a little and take a big family trip.”&nbsp;

The winning ticket was sold at Jump Start 14 at 2035 N. Andover 
Road in Andover. The retailer is eligible for a $1,000 selling bonus for
 selling the winning ticket.

Kansas LotteryThe $1 million winning Mega Millions ticket from the 
June 1, 2021 drawing has finally been claimed. The winning numbers in 
the June 1, 2021, Mega Millions drawing were 7 – 11 – 33 – 58 – 63 Mega 
Ball 23.&nbsp;The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, said they have a habit of 
forgetting to check their tickets the day after the drawing. That is how
 this winning ticket went unclaimed for so long.&nbsp;“I stack my tickets up in the kitchen, and I can go months sometimes 
without remembering to check them if the jackpot isn’t hit,” the winner 
said. “Finally my sister got on my case about how the prizes could 
expire, so she went through and checked them for me. That’s when she 
found the big winning ticket.”&nbsp;Time was starting to run out for the winner to claim their prize. For
 draw games like Mega Millions, players have 365 days from the date of 
the drawing to claim a prize. That means that the million-dollar prize 
would have expired in less than six weeks.Luckily, the prize has now been claimed. All the winner has left to do is figure out what they wish to do with their winnings.“We haven’t really talked too much about our plans yet, but I know we
 plan on giving some to the rest of the family and to some charities,” 
said the winner. “The rest will go into savings and retirement. We also 
might splurge a little and take a big family trip.”&nbsp;The winning ticket was sold at Jump Start 14 at 2035 N. Andover 
Road in Andover. The retailer is eligible for a $1,000 selling bonus for
 selling the winning ticket.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

$1M Mega Millions ticket claimed in Kan. just before expiration

WASHINGTON (AP) — Applications for unemployment benefits inched down last week as the total number of Americans collecting aid fell to its lowest level in more than 50 years.

Jobless claims fell by 2,000 to 184,000 last week, the Labor Department said Thursday. The four-week average of claims, which levels out week-to-week volatility, rose by 4,500 to 177,250.

About 1.42 million Americans were collecting traditional unemployment benefits in the week of April 9, the fewest since February 21, 1970.

Two years after the coronavirus pandemic plunged the economy into a brief but devastating recession, American workers are enjoying extraordinary job security. Weekly applications for unemployment aid, which broadly track with layoffs, have remained consistently below the pre-pandemic level of 225,000.

Last year, employers added a record 6.7 million jobs, and they’ve added an average of 560,000 more each month so far in 2022. The unemployment rate, which soared to 14.7% in April 2020 in the depths of the COVID-19 recession, is now just 3.6%, barely above the lowest point in 50 years. And there is a record proportion of 1.7 job openings for every unemployed American.

The U.S. job market and overall economy has shown remarkable resiliency despite ongoing supply chain breakdowns, the economic consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the highest consumer inflation in 40 years.

“The Kansas unemployment rate held steady at 2.5% in March,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “Despite a slowdown in job growth this month, Kansas employers continue to show gains compared to last year.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650294285258.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Applications for unemployment benefits inched down last week as the total number of Americans collecting aid fell to its lowest level in more than 50 years.Jobless claims fell by 2,000 to 184,000 last week, the Labor Department said Thursday. The four-week average of claims, which levels out week-to-week volatility, rose by 4,500 to 177,250.About 1.42 million Americans were collecting traditional unemployment benefits in the week of April 9, the fewest since February 21, 1970.Two years after the coronavirus pandemic plunged the economy into a brief but devastating recession, American workers are enjoying extraordinary job security. Weekly applications for unemployment aid, which broadly track with layoffs, have remained consistently below the pre-pandemic level of 225,000.Last year, employers added a record 6.7 million jobs, and they’ve added an average of 560,000 more each month so far in 2022. The unemployment rate, which soared to 14.7% in April 2020 in the depths of the COVID-19 recession, is now just 3.6%, barely above the lowest point in 50 years. And there is a record proportion of 1.7 job openings for every unemployed American.The U.S. job market and overall economy has shown remarkable resiliency despite ongoing supply chain breakdowns, the economic consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the highest consumer inflation in 40 years.“The Kansas unemployment rate held steady at 2.5% in March,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “Despite a slowdown in job growth this month, Kansas employers continue to show gains compared to last year.”

Fewest Americans collecting jobless aid since 1970

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported </a>&nbsp;1,574 new coronavirus cases in Kansas since Friday April 15, for a total of 773,796 cases.

The state reported 73 additional COVID-19 deaths in the past week for a total of 8,597.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.

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

Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.

The state will continue to support access to free COVID-19 testing, work to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”

 The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Friday.

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported </a>&nbsp;1,574 new coronavirus cases in Kansas since Friday April 15, for a total of 773,796 cases.The state reported 73 additional COVID-19 deaths in the past week for a total of 8,597.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650646265277.png" alt="Friday April 22, 2022 -KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday April 22, 2022 -KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.The state will continue to support access to free COVID-19 testing, work to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.” The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Friday.

KDHE reports 73 additional COVID deaths, 1574 new cases

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating an October 2021 aggravated robbery and burglary where a handgun was used have made an arrest.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Marshals Service located 25-year-old Wesley James Tolbert in Lawrence, according to the Douglas County Sheriff.

He was taken into custody about 10 a.m. before being turned over to Sheriff’s Office deputies who booked him into the Douglas County Jail on the outstanding warrant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650622299866.png" alt="Tolbert-photo Douglas County" />
 <figcaption>Tolbert-photo Douglas County</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating an October 2021 aggravated robbery and burglary where a handgun was used have made an arrest.On Wednesday, the U.S. Marshals Service located 25-year-old Wesley James Tolbert in Lawrence, according to the Douglas County Sheriff.He was taken into custody about 10 a.m. before being turned over to Sheriff’s Office deputies who booked him into the Douglas County Jail on the outstanding warrant.

U.S. Marshals capture Kan. burglary suspect 7 months after crime

A new type of Dollar General is coming to the location of the former Save A Lot store on E. Iron Avenue.

The Dollar General Corporation announced Thursday that it plans to relocate its downtown Salina store from 140 S. Santa Fe Avenue to 511 E. Iron Avenue by early summer. The new location will be a DG Market, the first of its kind in Kansas, and will offer fresh meats and produce, as well as home décor and an expanded party preparation selection, in addition to the regular brands and products Dollar General is know to carry.

“We are excited to expand our offerings to Salina residents through our upcoming relocation, which includes the first DG Market in the Sunflower state,” said Matthew Simonsen, Dollar General’s senior vice president of real estate and store development. “At Dollar General, we are committed to serving our customers with a pleasant shopping experience and strive to be a good corporate citizen. Bringing the DG Market format to Salina aims to serve the community with affordable access to household essentials and healthier foods through a convenient location. Together with our developer partner Blue Beacon, we look forward to expanding our offerings in Saline County, and provide the community with closer access to fresh and healthier foods and a convenient location to purchase the items they want and need at everyday low prices. We hope our customers will enjoy the new store.”

The DG Market's produce section will include "the top 20 items typically sold in traditional grocery stores and covers approximately 80 percent of produce categories most grocery stores carry. It will include fresh fruits and vegetables including, tomatoes, onions, apples, strawberries, potatoes, sweet potatoes, lemons, limes, salad mixes, and more," Dollar General Corporation noted in a news release.

"The store will also continue to offer frozen and refrigerated food offerings in addition to the same categories, brands, and products that customers trust Dollar General to carry," the company noted.

The new DG Market store also will bring with it a commitment to the community.

"The Salina store provides the opportunity for schools, nonprofit organizations, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of the store to apply for Dollar General Literacy Foundation grants," Dollar General Corporation explained. "Since its inception in 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $203 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 14.8 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy or continued education."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650581655077.jpeg" alt="Location of the new DG Market -Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Location of the new DG Market -Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTA new type of Dollar General is coming to the location of the former Save A Lot store on E. Iron Avenue.The Dollar General Corporation announced Thursday that it plans to relocate its downtown Salina store from 140 S. Santa Fe Avenue to 511 E. Iron Avenue by early summer. The new location will be a DG Market, the first of its kind in Kansas, and will offer fresh meats and produce, as well as home décor and an expanded party preparation selection, in addition to the regular brands and products Dollar General is know to carry.“We are excited to expand our offerings to Salina residents through our upcoming relocation, which includes the first DG Market in the Sunflower state,” said Matthew Simonsen, Dollar General’s senior vice president of real estate and store development. “At Dollar General, we are committed to serving our customers with a pleasant shopping experience and strive to be a good corporate citizen. Bringing the DG Market format to Salina aims to serve the community with affordable access to household essentials and healthier foods through a convenient location. Together with our developer partner Blue Beacon, we look forward to expanding our offerings in Saline County, and provide the community with closer access to fresh and healthier foods and a convenient location to purchase the items they want and need at everyday low prices. We hope our customers will enjoy the new store.”The DG Market's produce section will include "the top 20 items typically sold in traditional grocery stores and covers approximately 80 percent of produce categories most grocery stores carry. It will include fresh fruits and vegetables including, tomatoes, onions, apples, strawberries, potatoes, sweet potatoes, lemons, limes, salad mixes, and more," Dollar General Corporation noted in a news release."The store will also continue to offer frozen and refrigerated food offerings in addition to the same categories, brands, and products that customers trust Dollar General to carry," the company noted.The new DG Market store also will bring with it a commitment to the community."The Salina store provides the opportunity for schools, nonprofit organizations, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of the store to apply for Dollar General Literacy Foundation grants," Dollar General Corporation explained. "Since its inception in 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $203 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 14.8 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy or continued education."

New version Dollar General opening first-in-state store in Salina

SHAWNEE COUNTY—A family pet died in a fire at a Kansas home on Thursday.

Just before 2p.m., fire crews were dispatched to a fire in a home at 5205 SW 32nd Street in Topeka, according to&nbsp;Interim Fire Marshal Dylan Smith.

Fire crews reported heavy fire involvement in the attached garage that was spreading to the interior of the residence.

The fire was extinguished, keeping it contained to the structure, with minor heat damage to the adjacent home west of the residence. 

A preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as Accidental; more likely than not associated with improper disposal of smoking related materials, according to Smith. 

The estimated total damage is $60,000 to the structure; $30,000 contents loss. The family's pet cat died in the fire. The occupants of the home were able to escape without injuries.

Working smoke detectors were present within the home, according to Smith.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650635933899.png" alt="The estimated total damage is $60,000 to the structure-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>The estimated total damage is $60,000 to the structure-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—A family pet died in a fire at a Kansas home on Thursday.Just before 2p.m., fire crews were dispatched to a fire in a home at 5205 SW 32nd Street in Topeka, according to&nbsp;Interim Fire Marshal Dylan Smith.Fire crews reported heavy fire involvement in the attached garage that was spreading to the interior of the residence.The fire was extinguished, keeping it contained to the structure, with minor heat damage to the adjacent home west of the residence. A preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as Accidental; more likely than not associated with improper disposal of smoking related materials, according to Smith. The estimated total damage is $60,000 to the structure; $30,000 contents loss. The family's pet cat died in the fire. The occupants of the home were able to escape without injuries.Working smoke detectors were present within the home, according to Smith.

Improper disposal of smoking materials: Pet dies in Kan. house fire

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Department leaders did not adequately discipline members of the Wichita Police Department who exchanged racist, sexist and homophobic texts and images, and mishandled their investigation of the incidents, according to a city report issued Thursday.

A committee appointed by Wichita City Manager Robert Layton said the department must crackdown on biased police officers, poor leadership, botched investigations and poor oversight, among other things, The Wichita Eagle&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/local/article260602267.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.

The committee was formed in response to an investigation by The Eagle that found some members of the department’s SWAT team joked about the use of force and exchanged biased texts, including an offensive image of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed by Minneapolis police.

The committee’s findings mirror those of the Wichita Citizen’s Review Board, a group of citizens that reviews investigative reports on police cases,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-violence-race-and-ethnicity-26e2c9105ce0bfd5ecb4d77eec15c96d">released earlier this month</a>.

The report released Thursday found that then-Police Chief Gordon Ramsay and his deputy chiefs mishandled an internal investigation into the allegations against the SWAT team members, did not appropriately discipline them and did not report their findings to federal or state prosecutors.

“Arguably, no discipline was administered to those officers who received ‘education-based discipline’ or ‘coaching and mentoring,’” the report says.

The report also calls for more training and says those “who have demonstrable biases should be systematically removed from the department.”

The text messages, which were sent from 2015 to 2021, were first discovered in April 2021 while investigators were searching the phone of a Sedgwick County deputy in an unrelated case.

Interim Police Chief Lemuel Moore said during a news conference that he would decide in the coming weeks how the officers could be disciplined, KSN-TV reported.

“The discipline itself does need to be reviewed and, from my perspective, more discipline may be issued, needs to be issued in this matter,” Moore said.

The report also recommended an independent review by a third party to determine the extent of bias in the police department. City officials at the news conference said Wichita is moving toward hiring an independent firm.

Moore said the police department has already taken steps to improve community trust with law enforcement.

For example, the U.S. Department of Justice will conduct three training sessions every Friday in May to talk to all the nearly 700 officers about racial discrimination and civil rights violations.

The Justice Department also will host meetings in the next 45-60 days that will bring officers and members of community groups together, Moore said. Panels of Black and Hispanic community members are being formed, with plans for LGBTQ and other groups next year, he said.

Moore said all officers are required to attend and that he would have stern instructions for them.

“You’re getting paid to listen, so sit there and be quiet, no matter how tough it is, no matter how wrong the person speaking to you may be. It’s important we have an ear and that we listen to the community,” he said.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Department leaders did not adequately discipline members of the Wichita Police Department who exchanged racist, sexist and homophobic texts and images, and mishandled their investigation of the incidents, according to a city report issued Thursday.(Click below to listen to the report)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eoDkJiSOxxk?start=143" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>A committee appointed by Wichita City Manager Robert Layton said the department must crackdown on biased police officers, poor leadership, botched investigations and poor oversight, among other things, The Wichita Eagle&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/local/article260602267.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.The committee was formed in response to an investigation by The Eagle that found some members of the department’s SWAT team joked about the use of force and exchanged biased texts, including an offensive image of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed by Minneapolis police.The committee’s findings mirror those of the Wichita Citizen’s Review Board, a group of citizens that reviews investigative reports on police cases,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-violence-race-and-ethnicity-26e2c9105ce0bfd5ecb4d77eec15c96d">released earlier this month</a>.The report released Thursday found that then-Police Chief Gordon Ramsay and his deputy chiefs mishandled an internal investigation into the allegations against the SWAT team members, did not appropriately discipline them and did not report their findings to federal or state prosecutors.“Arguably, no discipline was administered to those officers who received ‘education-based discipline’ or ‘coaching and mentoring,’” the report says.The report also calls for more training and says those “who have demonstrable biases should be systematically removed from the department.”The text messages, which were sent from 2015 to 2021, were first discovered in April 2021 while investigators were searching the phone of a Sedgwick County deputy in an unrelated case.Interim Police Chief Lemuel Moore said during a news conference that he would decide in the coming weeks how the officers could be disciplined, KSN-TV reported.“The discipline itself does need to be reviewed and, from my perspective, more discipline may be issued, needs to be issued in this matter,” Moore said.The report also recommended an independent review by a third party to determine the extent of bias in the police department. City officials at the news conference said Wichita is moving toward hiring an independent firm.Moore said the police department has already taken steps to improve community trust with law enforcement.For example, the U.S. Department of Justice will conduct three training sessions every Friday in May to talk to all the nearly 700 officers about racial discrimination and civil rights violations.The Justice Department also will host meetings in the next 45-60 days that will bring officers and members of community groups together, Moore said. Panels of Black and Hispanic community members are being formed, with plans for LGBTQ and other groups next year, he said.Moore said all officers are required to attend and that he would have stern instructions for them.“You’re getting paid to listen, so sit there and be quiet, no matter how tough it is, no matter how wrong the person speaking to you may be. It’s important we have an ear and that we listen to the community,” he said.

🎥Committee criticizes Wichita police misconduct, racism

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; suspects following work by the&nbsp;&nbsp;the Shawnee County Drug Enforcement Task Force.

Officers served a search warrant&nbsp; in the 1900 block of SW Arrowhead Road in Shawnee County,&nbsp; according to Deputy Abigail Christian. &nbsp;A large amount of heroin was located inside the residence. Bradley L. Hanvy, 31, and Logan N. Martin, 28, both of Topeka, were arrested on requested charges of possession of an opiate with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Officers also conducted a traffic stop in the 4200 block of SW 6th Street in Topeka on a gray 2010 Dodge Caliber during their narcotics investigation.

During the traffic stop, illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia were located. Tara C. Pittman, 34, of Topeka was arrested on requested charges of possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Pittman, Hanvy and Martin were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

Officers conducted a traffic stop in the 4200 block of SW 6th Street on a gray 2010 Dodge Caliber during a narcotics investigation, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

The Shawnee County Drug Enforcement Task Force, consisting of the Topeka Police Department and Rossville Police Department, was also assisted by the Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Warrants Unit, Detectives Unit and Uniformed Patrol Unit. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650623181975.png" alt="Martin-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Martin-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; suspects following work by the&nbsp;&nbsp;the Shawnee County Drug Enforcement Task Force.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650623028678.png" alt="Hanvy photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hanvy photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers served a search warrant&nbsp; in the 1900 block of SW Arrowhead Road in Shawnee County,&nbsp; according to Deputy Abigail Christian. &nbsp;A large amount of heroin was located inside the residence. Bradley L. Hanvy, 31, and Logan N. Martin, 28, both of Topeka, were arrested on requested charges of possession of an opiate with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650622947994.png" alt="Pittman-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Pittman-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers also conducted a traffic stop in the 4200 block of SW 6th Street in Topeka on a gray 2010 Dodge Caliber during their narcotics investigation.During the traffic stop, illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia were located. Tara C. Pittman, 34, of Topeka was arrested on requested charges of possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia.Pittman, Hanvy and Martin were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.Officers conducted a traffic stop in the 4200 block of SW 6th Street on a gray 2010 Dodge Caliber during a narcotics investigation, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.During the traffic stop, illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia were located. Tara C. Pittman, 34, of Topeka was arrested on requested charges of possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia.The Shawnee County Drug Enforcement Task Force, consisting of the Topeka Police Department and Rossville Police Department, was also assisted by the Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Warrants Unit, Detectives Unit and Uniformed Patrol Unit.

Drug task force finds large amount of heroin at Kansas home

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden pledged an additional $1.3 billion Thursday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-europe-moscow-69f39ffb0c58c7fdbbf3154cca0a9230">for new weapons</a>&nbsp;and economic assistance to help Ukraine in its strong but increasingly difficult battle against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-kyiv-business-europe-f0e1cd893715eda1e6bef696d9c47db3">the Russian invasion</a>, and he promised to seek much more from Congress to keep the guns, ammunition and cash flowing.

The latest military aid, Biden said, will be sent “directly to the front lines of freedom.”

“Putin is banking on us losing interest,” Biden said. The Russian president is betting that “Western unity will crack ... and once again we’re going to prove him wrong.”

The new package includes $800 million in military aid for much-needed heavy artillery, 144,000 rounds of ammunition and drones for the escalating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-business-europe-moscow-67da12473ccd75fe02992f0eb751c5f4">battle in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine</a>. It builds on roughly $2.6 billion in military assistance that Biden previously approved.

There’s also a fresh&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-world-bank-wally-adeyemo-e471f2542b0a02836cc4a5b3c92507e7">$500 million in direct economic assistance t</a>&nbsp;o Ukraine for government salaries, pensions and other programs. That raises the total U.S. economic support to $1 billion since Russia’s invasion began nearly two months ago.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to the United States in his nightly address in Ukraine, saying the military aid was “just what we were waiting for.” Earlier in a virtual address to the World Bank meeting in Washington, he said his nation will also need up to $7 billion each month to make up for economic losses.

With tens of thousands of buildings damaged and key infrastructure in ruins, Ukraine “will need hundreds of billions of dollars to rebuild,” Zelenskyy said.

Biden underscored a need for the United States and Western allies to remain resolved in their support for Ukraine amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-europe-nato-3e68ceb4c389c84f395f6deecea3906d">signs that Americans may becoming more wary of the war</a>.

A poll published Thursday by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows Americans’ desire to get involved has waned somewhat. Some 32% say the U.S. should have a major role in the conflict. That’s ticked down from 40% last month, though it’s slightly higher than the 26% who said so in February. An additional 49% say the U.S. should have a minor role.

The president also announced that Russian-affiliated ships would be barred from U.S. ports, though that appeared to be largely symbolic. Russian ships bring a tiny amount of the cargo unloaded in the U.S., and “my guess is that ... a decent chunk of that was tankers transporting Russian oil which is now banned anyway,” said Colin Grabow, a research fellow who studies trade at the Cato Institute.

Overall, Biden said that $6.5 billion in security assistance that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-us-aid-package-41cc2e66c7714b37eca9d2bb8add53aa">Congress approved last month as part of a $13.6 billion package for Ukraine</a>&nbsp;could soon be “exhausted.” With the latest announcement, Biden has approved about $3.4 billion in military aid since Feb. 24. Congress’ overall total also included about $6.8 billion in direct economic assistance to care for refugees and provide economic aid to allies in the region impacted by the war — and additional funding for federal agencies to enforce economic sanctions against Russia and protect against cyber threats.

“Next week, I’m going to have to be sending to Congress a supplemental budget request to keep weapons and ammunition deployed without interruption,” Biden said.

Congress has signaled it is receptive to further requests and has been expecting there would be a need for further help for the Ukrainians. But the issue could become entwined with partisan fights over pandemic spending and immigration, complicating the pathway.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has expressed a willingness to consider more aid for Ukraine in recent weeks. “I think we need to say we want the Ukrainians to win, and we’re prepared to do everything we can to help them win,” McConnell said Monday in Shelbyville, Kentucky.

“We want to do more,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., told reporters at the Capitol, during an appearance with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. She said lawmakers would learn more about Biden’s latest funding request “in the next day or so, to be taken up as soon as we can. Next week.”

Biden has chosen retired Lt. Gen. Terry Wolff, a National Security Council official during the Obama administration, to oversee coordination of the security assistance to Ukraine, according to a White House official. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the yet to be formally announced appointment, said Wolff was brought to the White House National Security Council team in recent days.

Biden spoke on the new assistance, and more broadly about the situation in Ukraine, hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed victory in the strategic city of Mariupol. Putin, however, ordered his troops not to risk more losses by storming the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in the war’s iconic battleground.

Biden in an exchange with reporters following his remarks called Russia’s claim on Mariupol “questionable.”

Russian forces have destroyed much of southeastern port city, which has witnessed some of the fiercest fighting of the war. By Russian estimates, about 2,000 Ukrainian forces remain holed up in a sprawling steel plant, even as Russia continues to pound the industrial site and issue ultimatums for surrender.

Biden sought to make clear to Russians that plenty more military assistance for Ukraine would be coming.

“Sometimes we will speak softly and carry a large Javelin, because we’re sending a lot of those,” Biden said, paraphrasing Theodore Roosevelt and referring to an anti-tank missile system.

The new U.S. military assistance is to include 72 155mm howitzers, 144,000 artillery rounds, 72 vehicles used to tow to the howitzers onto battlefields, and over 121 Phoenix Ghost tactical drones, as well as field equipment and spare parts.

Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said the drones were developed by the Air Force and fit a specific need of Ukrainian forces in the battle for the Donbas. The drones are produced by a U.S. company, Aevex Aerospace, in a program that began before Russia invaded on Feb. 24. Kirby said the Phoenix Ghost is similar to the armed Switchblade kamikaze drones that the Pentagon already is providing to Ukraine.

The 72 howitzers are in addition to the 18 announced last week the U.S. was transferring to Ukraine.

Biden’s decision to quadruple the number pledged in an arms package announced just last week reflects what is shaping up as a major ground battle in the contested Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.

The Russians have been deploying additional artillery there in recent days as they aim to expand their offensive and attempt to take full control of the Donbas after retreating from a failed attempt to capture Kyiv, the capital. Heavy weaponry like artillery is expected to play a key role in the fighting in the relatively confined area where Ukrainian and Russian-backed separatists have been battling since 2014.

The announcements on new aid came against the backdrop of International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings this week dominated by how to manage the spillover from Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Ahead of his remarks, Biden met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal. The Ukrainian leader also met on Thursday with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen as well as Pelosi.

Yellen at a news conference said the economic aid the U.S. and allies have sent “is only the beginning of what Ukraine will need to rebuild.” She added that she’d be discussing efforts to further aid Ukraine with her Western counterparts this week.

“I think we stand united in recognizing we’ve got to find ways to meet Ukraine’s needs,” she said.

The Biden administration also announced a new program Thursday aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-immigration-covid-health-3f7893e2f47f4024b07bd897caf305a9">streamlining refugee applications for Ukrainians&nbsp;</a>and others fleeing the fighting, while they are still in Europe. The U.S. will no longer routinely grant entry to those who show up at the U.S.-Mexico border seeking asylum, as thousands have.

The U.S. expects to admit up to 100,000 refugees from Ukraine and about 15,000 have come, mostly through Mexico.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden pledged an additional $1.3 billion Thursday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-europe-moscow-69f39ffb0c58c7fdbbf3154cca0a9230">for new weapons</a>&nbsp;and economic assistance to help Ukraine in its strong but increasingly difficult battle against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-kyiv-business-europe-f0e1cd893715eda1e6bef696d9c47db3">the Russian invasion</a>, and he promised to seek much more from Congress to keep the guns, ammunition and cash flowing.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F511651257089093%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=143" width="560" height="314" 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>The latest military aid, Biden said, will be sent “directly to the front lines of freedom.”“Putin is banking on us losing interest,” Biden said. The Russian president is betting that “Western unity will crack ... and once again we’re going to prove him wrong.”The new package includes $800 million in military aid for much-needed heavy artillery, 144,000 rounds of ammunition and drones for the escalating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-business-europe-moscow-67da12473ccd75fe02992f0eb751c5f4">battle in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine</a>. It builds on roughly $2.6 billion in military assistance that Biden previously approved.There’s also a fresh&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-world-bank-wally-adeyemo-e471f2542b0a02836cc4a5b3c92507e7">$500 million in direct economic assistance t</a>&nbsp;o Ukraine for government salaries, pensions and other programs. That raises the total U.S. economic support to $1 billion since Russia’s invasion began nearly two months ago.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to the United States in his nightly address in Ukraine, saying the military aid was “just what we were waiting for.” Earlier in a virtual address to the World Bank meeting in Washington, he said his nation will also need up to $7 billion each month to make up for economic losses.With tens of thousands of buildings damaged and key infrastructure in ruins, Ukraine “will need hundreds of billions of dollars to rebuild,” Zelenskyy said.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fposts%2F304157638565030&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="609" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Biden underscored a need for the United States and Western allies to remain resolved in their support for Ukraine amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-europe-nato-3e68ceb4c389c84f395f6deecea3906d">signs that Americans may becoming more wary of the war</a>.A poll published Thursday by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows Americans’ desire to get involved has waned somewhat. Some 32% say the U.S. should have a major role in the conflict. That’s ticked down from 40% last month, though it’s slightly higher than the 26% who said so in February. An additional 49% say the U.S. should have a minor role.The president also announced that Russian-affiliated ships would be barred from U.S. ports, though that appeared to be largely symbolic. Russian ships bring a tiny amount of the cargo unloaded in the U.S., and “my guess is that ... a decent chunk of that was tankers transporting Russian oil which is now banned anyway,” said Colin Grabow, a research fellow who studies trade at the Cato Institute.Overall, Biden said that $6.5 billion in security assistance that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-us-aid-package-41cc2e66c7714b37eca9d2bb8add53aa">Congress approved last month as part of a $13.6 billion package for Ukraine</a>&nbsp;could soon be “exhausted.” With the latest announcement, Biden has approved about $3.4 billion in military aid since Feb. 24. Congress’ overall total also included about $6.8 billion in direct economic assistance to care for refugees and provide economic aid to allies in the region impacted by the war — and additional funding for federal agencies to enforce economic sanctions against Russia and protect against cyber threats.“Next week, I’m going to have to be sending to Congress a supplemental budget request to keep weapons and ammunition deployed without interruption,” Biden said.Congress has signaled it is receptive to further requests and has been expecting there would be a need for further help for the Ukrainians. But the issue could become entwined with partisan fights over pandemic spending and immigration, complicating the pathway.Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has expressed a willingness to consider more aid for Ukraine in recent weeks. “I think we need to say we want the Ukrainians to win, and we’re prepared to do everything we can to help them win,” McConnell said Monday in Shelbyville, Kentucky.“We want to do more,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., told reporters at the Capitol, during an appearance with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. She said lawmakers would learn more about Biden’s latest funding request “in the next day or so, to be taken up as soon as we can. Next week.”Biden has chosen retired Lt. Gen. Terry Wolff, a National Security Council official during the Obama administration, to oversee coordination of the security assistance to Ukraine, according to a White House official. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the yet to be formally announced appointment, said Wolff was brought to the White House National Security Council team in recent days.Biden spoke on the new assistance, and more broadly about the situation in Ukraine, hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed victory in the strategic city of Mariupol. Putin, however, ordered his troops not to risk more losses by storming the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in the war’s iconic battleground.Biden in an exchange with reporters following his remarks called Russia’s claim on Mariupol “questionable.”Russian forces have destroyed much of southeastern port city, which has witnessed some of the fiercest fighting of the war. By Russian estimates, about 2,000 Ukrainian forces remain holed up in a sprawling steel plant, even as Russia continues to pound the industrial site and issue ultimatums for surrender.Biden sought to make clear to Russians that plenty more military assistance for Ukraine would be coming.“Sometimes we will speak softly and carry a large Javelin, because we’re sending a lot of those,” Biden said, paraphrasing Theodore Roosevelt and referring to an anti-tank missile system.The new U.S. military assistance is to include 72 155mm howitzers, 144,000 artillery rounds, 72 vehicles used to tow to the howitzers onto battlefields, and over 121 Phoenix Ghost tactical drones, as well as field equipment and spare parts.Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said the drones were developed by the Air Force and fit a specific need of Ukrainian forces in the battle for the Donbas. The drones are produced by a U.S. company, Aevex Aerospace, in a program that began before Russia invaded on Feb. 24. Kirby said the Phoenix Ghost is similar to the armed Switchblade kamikaze drones that the Pentagon already is providing to Ukraine.The 72 howitzers are in addition to the 18 announced last week the U.S. was transferring to Ukraine.Biden’s decision to quadruple the number pledged in an arms package announced just last week reflects what is shaping up as a major ground battle in the contested Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.The Russians have been deploying additional artillery there in recent days as they aim to expand their offensive and attempt to take full control of the Donbas after retreating from a failed attempt to capture Kyiv, the capital. Heavy weaponry like artillery is expected to play a key role in the fighting in the relatively confined area where Ukrainian and Russian-backed separatists have been battling since 2014.The announcements on new aid came against the backdrop of International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings this week dominated by how to manage the spillover from Russia’s war in Ukraine.Ahead of his remarks, Biden met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal. The Ukrainian leader also met on Thursday with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen as well as Pelosi.Yellen at a news conference said the economic aid the U.S. and allies have sent “is only the beginning of what Ukraine will need to rebuild.” She added that she’d be discussing efforts to further aid Ukraine with her Western counterparts this week.“I think we stand united in recognizing we’ve got to find ways to meet Ukraine’s needs,” she said.The Biden administration also announced a new program Thursday aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-immigration-covid-health-3f7893e2f47f4024b07bd897caf305a9">streamlining refugee applications for Ukrainians&nbsp;</a>and others fleeing the fighting, while they are still in Europe. The U.S. will no longer routinely grant entry to those who show up at the U.S.-Mexico border seeking asylum, as thousands have.The U.S. expects to admit up to 100,000 refugees from Ukraine and about 15,000 have come, mostly through Mexico.___

🎥U.S. dramatically ramps up delivery of artillery guns to Ukraine

HAVEN, Kan. — A special consulting firm that deals with crisis and emergency management with fire disasters has been hired by Haven Midstream to help with the investigation and recovery from last week's explosion and fire at its gas facility near Haven.

IFO Group out of The Woodlands, Texas, is on-hand to assist Haven Midstream in helping mitigate any potential danger from the accident as well as consult recovery efforts.

It is unknown how long IFO Group will be at the site or what plans are to get operations back up and running. So far, the cause of the fire is undetermined by the State Fire Marshal's Office.

The April 14 explosions and fire injured two people and forced the evacuation of the town of Haven overnight Thursday. Residents were allowed to return to their homes early Friday morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650572392111.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — A special consulting firm that deals with crisis and emergency management with fire disasters has been hired by Haven Midstream to help with the investigation and recovery from last week's explosion and fire at its gas facility near Haven.IFO Group out of The Woodlands, Texas, is on-hand to assist Haven Midstream in helping mitigate any potential danger from the accident as well as consult recovery efforts.It is unknown how long IFO Group will be at the site or what plans are to get operations back up and running. So far, the cause of the fire is undetermined by the State Fire Marshal's Office.The April 14 explosions and fire injured two people and forced the evacuation of the town of Haven overnight Thursday. Residents were allowed to return to their homes early Friday morning.

Special consulting group to address Reno Co. gas explosion

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — The trial for a former Kansas police officer charged with shooting a man to death in 2017 has ended in a mistrial. 

The mistrial was declared Wednesday after a jury in Leavenworth could reach a unanimous verdict in the trial of Matthew Harrington. Harrington was charged with involuntary manslaughter after shooting 47-year-old Antonio Garcia Jr. in July 2017 while he was sitting inside a vehicle in Leavenworth. 

Prosecutrors said Garcia had a knife but didn't threaten Harrington. He was fired from the Leavenworth force after a department investigation found he had violated policies on use of deadly force. A hearing is scheduled for May 4 to determine if a second trial will be held.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A former Leavenworth police officer who fatally shot a man in a vehicle in 2017 cannot claim legal immunity, a ruling that leaves it to a jury to decide whether his actions were justified as self defense.

Leavenworth County Judge Michael Gibbens found that the force used by then officer Matthew Harrington was not statutorily justified as self defense, clearing the way for the involuntary manslaughter case to proceed.

Harrington was indicted in August 2018 for the death of Antonio Garcia Jr., who was shot multiple times while sitting in an SUV. Harrington was fired for violating policy.

The judge ruled in May that a “reasonable person” would not believe use of force was necessary or that the SUV Garcia was in could be considered a weapon.

“Dismissal at this early stage would have been an extremely rare outcome considering the State’s low burden of proof,” defense attorney Morgan Roach said in a statement. “Although we believe dismissal was warranted, we are confident that Matt will be exonerated at trial.”

Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson declined to comment.

Garcia’s family settled in November a wrongful death and civil right’s lawsuit against Harrington and the city of Leavenworth for $1 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1572909716608.png" alt=" Matthew Harrington-photo Leavenworth County" />
 <figcaption> Matthew Harrington-photo Leavenworth County</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — The trial for a former Kansas police officer charged with shooting a man to death in 2017 has ended in a mistrial. The mistrial was declared Wednesday after a jury in Leavenworth could reach a unanimous verdict in the trial of Matthew Harrington. Harrington was charged with involuntary manslaughter after shooting 47-year-old Antonio Garcia Jr. in July 2017 while he was sitting inside a vehicle in Leavenworth. Prosecutrors said Garcia had a knife but didn't threaten Harrington. He was fired from the Leavenworth force after a department investigation found he had violated policies on use of deadly force. A hearing is scheduled for May 4 to determine if a second trial will be held.-----------LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A former Leavenworth police officer who fatally shot a man in a vehicle in 2017 cannot claim legal immunity, a ruling that leaves it to a jury to decide whether his actions were justified as self defense.Leavenworth County Judge Michael Gibbens found that the force used by then officer Matthew Harrington was not statutorily justified as self defense, clearing the way for the involuntary manslaughter case to proceed.Harrington was indicted in August 2018 for the death of Antonio Garcia Jr., who was shot multiple times while sitting in an SUV. Harrington was fired for violating policy.The judge ruled in May that a “reasonable person” would not believe use of force was necessary or that the SUV Garcia was in could be considered a weapon.“Dismissal at this early stage would have been an extremely rare outcome considering the State’s low burden of proof,” defense attorney Morgan Roach said in a statement. “Although we believe dismissal was warranted, we are confident that Matt will be exonerated at trial.”Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson declined to comment.Garcia’s family settled in November a wrongful death and civil right’s lawsuit against Harrington and the city of Leavenworth for $1 million.

Mistrial: Ex-Kansas police officer charged in deadly shooting

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after a late night traffic stop and chase.

Just after 11 p.m. Tuesday, a deputy observed a red 1994 Mercury Cougar with a Kansas temporary license plate that did not belong to that vehicle near NE Meriden Road and NE Grantville Road, according to Sheriff Brian Hill.

 The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver failed to stop and initiated a pursuit heading south through North Topeka. 

The vehicle stopped in the 2200 block of NE Grantville Road when two tires were deflated crossing the railroad tracks. The driver and passenger fled from the vehicle on foot.

Multiple law enforcement officers from the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, Topeka Police Department and Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) searched the area. With the assistance of the KHP aircraft, the driver and passenger were located.

The driver identified as 22-year-old&nbsp; Zachary A. Ford of Topeka, was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for three warrants for his arrest including two misdemeanor warrants and one felony warrant including requested charges of felony flee or attempt to elude, interference with law enforcement, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and displaying a license plate not assigned to that vehicle.

The passenger 29-year-old Michael R. P. Wilkins of Topeka, was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for a felony warrant and requested charges of felony interference with law enforcement and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650543462227.png" alt="Ford-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Ford-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after a late night traffic stop and chase.Just after 11 p.m. Tuesday, a deputy observed a red 1994 Mercury Cougar with a Kansas temporary license plate that did not belong to that vehicle near NE Meriden Road and NE Grantville Road, according to Sheriff Brian Hill. The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver failed to stop and initiated a pursuit heading south through North Topeka. The vehicle stopped in the 2200 block of NE Grantville Road when two tires were deflated crossing the railroad tracks. The driver and passenger fled from the vehicle on foot.Multiple law enforcement officers from the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, Topeka Police Department and Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) searched the area. With the assistance of the KHP aircraft, the driver and passenger were located.The driver identified as 22-year-old&nbsp; Zachary A. Ford of Topeka, was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for three warrants for his arrest including two misdemeanor warrants and one felony warrant including requested charges of felony flee or attempt to elude, interference with law enforcement, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and displaying a license plate not assigned to that vehicle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650543770940.png" alt="Wilkins-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Wilkins-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The passenger 29-year-old Michael R. P. Wilkins of Topeka, was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for a felony warrant and requested charges of felony interference with law enforcement and possession of drug paraphernalia.

KHP aircraft helps deputies catch suspects who fled traffic stop

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.

Just after 6p.m. Wednesday, a police officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 2400 block of Main Street in Great Bend for expired registration, according to a media release.

The officer contacted the driver of the vehicle, identified as Nathan Manley, age 47. During the officers investigation, it was determined Manley did not have a valid driver’s license, the vehicle did not have insurance and the registration expired two years prior.

K9 Menta did a free air sniff of the vehicle. Menta indicated to the odor of illegal narcotics coming from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle produced methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Manley was placed under arrest and transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked.&nbsp;Manley has previous convictions for theft, burglary and drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650559531184.png" alt="Manley has previous convictions for theft, burglary and drugs, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Manley has previous convictions for theft, burglary and drugs, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.Just after 6p.m. Wednesday, a police officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 2400 block of Main Street in Great Bend for expired registration, according to a media release.The officer contacted the driver of the vehicle, identified as Nathan Manley, age 47. During the officers investigation, it was determined Manley did not have a valid driver’s license, the vehicle did not have insurance and the registration expired two years prior.K9 Menta did a free air sniff of the vehicle. Menta indicated to the odor of illegal narcotics coming from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle produced methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Manley was placed under arrest and transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked.&nbsp;Manley has previous convictions for theft, burglary and drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Police: Kan. felon driving without a license, insurance and with drugs

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal crash into the Arkansas River and have identified the victim as 58-year-old Christopher Cotter of Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

Just before 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a vehicle submersion in the 2300 block of south McLean in Wichita. Upon arrival, officers located Cotter in a Lexus ES250 unconscious. 

EMS transported him to an area hospital where he would later be pronounced deceased. The investigation revealed Cotter was driving&nbsp; eastbound on Pawnee when he had a medical emergency and the vehicle crashed into the river.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650565417111.png" alt="photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal crash into the Arkansas River and have identified the victim as 58-year-old Christopher Cotter of Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.Just before 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a vehicle submersion in the 2300 block of south McLean in Wichita. Upon arrival, officers located Cotter in a Lexus ES250 unconscious. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he would later be pronounced deceased. The investigation revealed Cotter was driving&nbsp; eastbound on Pawnee when he had a medical emergency and the vehicle crashed into the river.

Police ID Kansas man who died after crash into river

FORD COUNTY —A firefighter and one occupant were treated for injuries after apartment complex fire in Dodge City.&nbsp;

Just before 2:30a.m. Thursday, fire crews responded to a fire at an apartment complex on E. Brier in Dodge City, according to a media release.

When crews arrived the fire was already well established within the void spaces of the floor joists between the first and second floor as well as the attic of the building. 

&nbsp;Dodge City Police Department assisted by evacuating the building as well as the apartment buildings next door. 

 The structural integrity of the building began to fail quickly. This forced fire personnel to withdrew from the apartments and into defensive mode to try to stop the fire from the outside of the building. 

One firefighter fell through a floor sustaining minor injuries and was treated at the scene.&nbsp; One of the occupants of the building was also treated on scene for smoke inhalation. 

 No other injuries were reported. There was extensive fire damage to a significant portion of the building and smoke and water damage throughout the rest of the structure. 

There were 6 families that lost their homes in this fire as the building is a total loss. 

The American Red Cross arrived on scene to help families who were displaced. It took around 3 hours for firefighters to bring the fire under control. Cause of the fire remains under&nbsp;investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650568300702.png" alt="Cause of the apartment fire remains under investigation -Photo courtesy Dodge City Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Cause of the apartment fire remains under investigation -Photo courtesy Dodge City Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY —A firefighter and one occupant were treated for injuries after apartment complex fire in Dodge City.&nbsp;Just before 2:30a.m. Thursday, fire crews responded to a fire at an apartment complex on E. Brier in Dodge City, according to a media release.When crews arrived the fire was already well established within the void spaces of the floor joists between the first and second floor as well as the attic of the building. &nbsp;Dodge City Police Department assisted by evacuating the building as well as the apartment buildings next door. The structural integrity of the building began to fail quickly. This forced fire personnel to withdrew from the apartments and into defensive mode to try to stop the fire from the outside of the building. One firefighter fell through a floor sustaining minor injuries and was treated at the scene.&nbsp; One of the occupants of the building was also treated on scene for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported. There was extensive fire damage to a significant portion of the building and smoke and water damage throughout the rest of the structure. There were 6 families that lost their homes in this fire as the building is a total loss. The American Red Cross arrived on scene to help families who were displaced. It took around 3 hours for firefighters to bring the fire under control. Cause of the fire remains under&nbsp;investigation.

6 families displaced, firefighter injured in SW Kansas fire

HUTCHINSON — Amtrak has made some major improvements to the Hutchinson train station.&nbsp;

The most noticeable improvement was raising and rebuilding the platform. The change brings the platform up to the level of the entryways to the passenger cars eliminating the need to step up or down from the train. It also allows easier loading for diaabled passengers.

The platform also has new lighting which was not available before and the building’s exterior has been renovated although the inside is still as it was. The improvements also include ADA parking and new curbing and fencing adjacent to the platform.

Amtrak operates one train per day in each direction and is currently operating five days per week. About 5,000 passengers use the Hutchinson train station each year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650553437021.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON — Amtrak has made some major improvements to the Hutchinson train station.&nbsp;The most noticeable improvement was raising and rebuilding the platform. The change brings the platform up to the level of the entryways to the passenger cars eliminating the need to step up or down from the train. It also allows easier loading for diaabled passengers.The platform also has new lighting which was not available before and the building’s exterior has been renovated although the inside is still as it was. The improvements also include ADA parking and new curbing and fencing adjacent to the platform.Amtrak operates one train per day in each direction and is currently operating five days per week. About 5,000 passengers use the Hutchinson train station each year.

Amtrak station renovation completed in Hutchinson

By CLARK KAUFFMAN <a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/easter-bunny-listed-prosecutor-hundreds-iowa-court-cases">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>

The Easter Bunny is representing the prosecution in several hundred Polk County criminal cases.

At least that’s what Iowa Courts Online, the court system’s official,
 statewide web-based repository of court records, indicates.

On April 4, the online docket sheets for hundreds of Polk County 
cases – primarily misdemeanors and drunken-driving cases – were revised 
to indicate the prosecution of those cases had been transferred from one
 particular assistant county attorney, Kailey Gray, to another 
“prosecutor” in the county attorney’s office by the name of “Easter 
Santa Bunny.”

And that’s where the cases remained as of Thursday morning.

Bret Lucas, an assistant county attorney, said Thursday the situation
 stems from a recent realignment of cases within the county attorney’s 
office. Gray took over a colleague’s cases, and Iowa Courts Online 
accurately reflects the transfer of those cases. But Gray’s old cases, 
he said, were “transferred” to the Easter Bunny until all of the work on
 the digital case transfer could be completed.

“We had contacted the Judicial Branch and they worked with their 
information technology department to facilitate the mass transfer of 
cases,” Lucas said. “Apparently, the Judicial Branch and the IT 
department decided to put that placeholder in there because, obviously, 
no one else would have that name… So they were all aware of that, and it
 sounds like they must still be in the middle of that transfer process.”

Stacy Curtis, a supervisor for the criminal division of the Polk 
County Clerk of Court’s Office, said the references to the Easter Bunny 
should not be visible to the public either through a name search or in 
the docket sheets for the individual cases. She said the office “took 
extra steps” to make sure members of the public didn’t see any reference
 to the Easter Bunny and only clerks, lawyers, judges and others with 
higher security clearance could see it. It appears that the opposite may
 have occurred, as the Easter Bunny references could be seen by members 
of the public who weren’t even logged into the site.

“This has been a nightmare for me,” Curtis said. “We moved everything
 from Kaylie to the Easter Bunny, and those should have all been cleaned
 up so you wouldn’t be able to see that.”

Many of the cases that were publicly “assigned” to the Easter Bunny 
are open, active cases, but hundreds of others are dormant, though not 
technically closed because of probationary sentences that have yet to be
 completed or fines that have yet to be paid.

The only practical effect of the Easter Bunny designation is that 
some defendants may see that information online and not know who to 
contact at the county attorney’s office about their case.

After being contacted by the Iowa Capital Dispatch on Thursday, court
 officials were working to erase from the website any mention of the 
Easter Bunny, and by late afternoon it appeared they had succeeded.

The Easter Bunny cases are not the only criminal matters listed on 
the court system’s official website to have featured nonexistent lawyers
 or defendants. In what appear to be training exercises for clerical 
staff, fictitious “test cases” are sometimes created and then posted to 
the public website but never removed.

For example, a December 1997 case shows Santa Claus being convicted 
of felony burglary and kidnapping, with a charge of assault on a peace 
officer dismissed by the court. The court records indicate a sentence of
 999 years in prison was imposed.

As part of that same test case, the court imposed a no-contact order 
prohibiting Santa from having any contact with Mickey Mouse. Santa’s 
bail – listed as “one million bucks” in a possible punning reference to 
Santa’s reindeer — is stated to have been “posted by Rudolph.”

In 2014, Santa Claus was charged with second-degree robbery in Scott 
County, according to the Iowa Courts Online site. Although there’s no 
record of a conviction in that case, Claus’ right to carry a gun was 
revoked.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650575439511.png" alt="The Easter Bunny is representing the prosecution in several hundred Polk County criminal cases. At least that’s what Iowa Courts Online, the court system’s official, statewide web-based repository of court records, indicates. (Court documents are from Iowa Courts Online.) " />
 <figcaption>The Easter Bunny is representing the prosecution in several hundred Polk County criminal cases. At least that’s what Iowa Courts Online, the court system’s official, statewide web-based repository of court records, indicates. (Court documents are from Iowa Courts Online.) </figcaption>
 </figure>By CLARK KAUFFMAN <a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/easter-bunny-listed-prosecutor-hundreds-iowa-court-cases">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>The Easter Bunny is representing the prosecution in several hundred Polk County criminal cases.At least that’s what Iowa Courts Online, the court system’s official,
 statewide web-based repository of court records, indicates.On April 4, the online docket sheets for hundreds of Polk County 
cases – primarily misdemeanors and drunken-driving cases – were revised 
to indicate the prosecution of those cases had been transferred from one
 particular assistant county attorney, Kailey Gray, to another 
“prosecutor” in the county attorney’s office by the name of “Easter 
Santa Bunny.”And that’s where the cases remained as of Thursday morning.Bret Lucas, an assistant county attorney, said Thursday the situation
 stems from a recent realignment of cases within the county attorney’s 
office. Gray took over a colleague’s cases, and Iowa Courts Online 
accurately reflects the transfer of those cases. But Gray’s old cases, 
he said, were “transferred” to the Easter Bunny until all of the work on
 the digital case transfer could be completed.“We had contacted the Judicial Branch and they worked with their 
information technology department to facilitate the mass transfer of 
cases,” Lucas said. “Apparently, the Judicial Branch and the IT 
department decided to put that placeholder in there because, obviously, 
no one else would have that name… So they were all aware of that, and it
 sounds like they must still be in the middle of that transfer process.”Stacy Curtis, a supervisor for the criminal division of the Polk 
County Clerk of Court’s Office, said the references to the Easter Bunny 
should not be visible to the public either through a name search or in 
the docket sheets for the individual cases. She said the office “took 
extra steps” to make sure members of the public didn’t see any reference
 to the Easter Bunny and only clerks, lawyers, judges and others with 
higher security clearance could see it. It appears that the opposite may
 have occurred, as the Easter Bunny references could be seen by members 
of the public who weren’t even logged into the site.“This has been a nightmare for me,” Curtis said. “We moved everything
 from Kaylie to the Easter Bunny, and those should have all been cleaned
 up so you wouldn’t be able to see that.”Many of the cases that were publicly “assigned” to the Easter Bunny 
are open, active cases, but hundreds of others are dormant, though not 
technically closed because of probationary sentences that have yet to be
 completed or fines that have yet to be paid.The only practical effect of the Easter Bunny designation is that 
some defendants may see that information online and not know who to 
contact at the county attorney’s office about their case.After being contacted by the Iowa Capital Dispatch on Thursday, court
 officials were working to erase from the website any mention of the 
Easter Bunny, and by late afternoon it appeared they had succeeded.<h2>Santa bailed out by Rudolph</h2>The Easter Bunny cases are not the only criminal matters listed on 
the court system’s official website to have featured nonexistent lawyers
 or defendants. In what appear to be training exercises for clerical 
staff, fictitious “test cases” are sometimes created and then posted to 
the public website but never removed.For example, a December 1997 case shows Santa Claus being convicted 
of felony burglary and kidnapping, with a charge of assault on a peace 
officer dismissed by the court. The court records indicate a sentence of
 999 years in prison was imposed.As part of that same test case, the court imposed a no-contact order 
prohibiting Santa from having any contact with Mickey Mouse. Santa’s 
bail – listed as “one million bucks” in a possible punning reference to 
Santa’s reindeer — is stated to have been “posted by Rudolph.”In 2014, Santa Claus was charged with second-degree robbery in Scott 
County, according to the Iowa Courts Online site. Although there’s no 
record of a conviction in that case, Claus’ right to carry a gun was 
revoked.The court system’s website also shows that in 2014, Mickey Mouse filed a small claims case against Donald Duck in Marion County.