OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — A first-year Kansas lawmaker, who was reprimanded by his colleagues for abusive conduct before taking office, has been arrested on suspicion of domestic battery. 

Democratic state Rep. Aaron Coleman of Kansas City was arrested Saturday evening and Johnson County Jail records show he remains in custody Sunday afternoon.

The 21-year-old's arrest comes eight months after he received a written warning from a legislative committee about conduct before taking office that included abusive behavior toward young woman and girls.

 House Democratic leader Tom Sawyer says Coleman's constituents and the State of Kansas would be better served if he were to resign and get the help he badly needs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635804497310.png" alt="Coleman-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Coleman-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — A first-year Kansas lawmaker, who was reprimanded by his colleagues for abusive conduct before taking office, has been arrested on suspicion of domestic battery. Democratic state Rep. Aaron Coleman of Kansas City was arrested Saturday evening and Johnson County Jail records show he remains in custody Sunday afternoon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635710410061.png" alt="Image courtesy Johnson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Johnson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>The 21-year-old's arrest comes eight months after he received a written warning from a legislative committee about conduct before taking office that included abusive behavior toward young woman and girls.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">RELEASE: House Democratic Leader Responds to Representative’s Arrest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> <a href="https://t.co/p340E5QDAU">pic.twitter.com/p340E5QDAU</a>&mdash; Kansas House Democrats (@KSHouseDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSHouseDems/status/1454872735516086272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> House Democratic leader Tom Sawyer says Coleman's constituents and the State of Kansas would be better served if he were to resign and get the help he badly needs.

Kansas lawmaker arrested on domestic violence charge

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have a suspect in custody.

At 5:30 a.m. Saturday, police were working a call in the 1700 block of SW Clay in Topeka when they saw a disturbance in the 1800 block of SW Clay, according to Police Lt. Kelvin Johnson.

As the officers were approaching the disturbance, they heard gun shots&nbsp; saw people running. Two individuals were detained and found to be the victims of an aggravated assault.

Information led them to a residence on that block where the suspect had run back into. Police surrounded the house and they called the suspect out where he was eventually taken into custody.

The suspect was identified as Jerome C. Vetaw, 42 of Topeka. Police arrested and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Assault,&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal Possession of a Firearm and Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, according to Johnson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635627435322.png" alt="Vetaw photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Vetaw photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have a suspect in custody.At 5:30 a.m. Saturday, police were working a call in the 1700 block of SW Clay in Topeka when they saw a disturbance in the 1800 block of SW Clay, according to Police Lt. Kelvin Johnson.As the officers were approaching the disturbance, they heard gun shots&nbsp; saw people running. Two individuals were detained and found to be the victims of an aggravated assault.Information led them to a residence on that block where the suspect had run back into. Police surrounded the house and they called the suspect out where he was eventually taken into custody.The suspect was identified as Jerome C. Vetaw, 42 of Topeka. Police arrested and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Assault,&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal Possession of a Firearm and Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, according to Johnson.

Police catch suspect in Kan. drug deal shooting

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident during a high speed chase just before 11a.m. Friday in Montgomery County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Kia Optima driven by&nbsp; Justin Allen Frostad, 28, Neodesha, was&nbsp;eastbound on County Road 3875 approximately two miles east of U.S. 75.&nbsp;

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Department was in pursuit of the vehicle. Frostad lost control of the Kia after crossing railroad tracks. The KIA veered off the road to the north, rolled and came to rest on its top in a field north of the road.

&nbsp;Frostad was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Webb and Rodrick Chapel.

EMS transported a passenger identified as Shania Marie Parks, 20, South Coffeyville, to a hospital in Tulsa. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635554367409.png" alt="Justin Frostad had previous felony convictions for counterfeiting, aggravated endangering a child and for drugs, according to the Kan. Department of Corrections. Photo from an earlier arrest in Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Justin Frostad had previous felony convictions for counterfeiting, aggravated endangering a child and for drugs, according to the Kan. Department of Corrections. Photo from an earlier arrest in Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident during a high speed chase just before 11a.m. Friday in Montgomery County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Kia Optima driven by&nbsp; Justin Allen Frostad, 28, Neodesha, was&nbsp;eastbound on County Road 3875 approximately two miles east of U.S. 75.&nbsp;The Montgomery County Sheriff's Department was in pursuit of the vehicle. Frostad lost control of the Kia after crossing railroad tracks. The KIA veered off the road to the north, rolled and came to rest on its top in a field north of the road.&nbsp;Frostad was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Webb and Rodrick Chapel.EMS transported a passenger identified as Shania Marie Parks, 20, South Coffeyville, to a hospital in Tulsa. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Kan. man dead after rollover crash during high speed chase

PHILLIPS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a northwest Kansas man on child sex allegations.

On October 26, deputies arrested David C. Alexander, 19, Norton, at a residence in Agra following an investigation into an alleged rape that had been reported the previous week, according to the Phillips Co. Sheriff.

Alexander was arrested on requested charges of rape, aggravated indecent liberties with a child 14 to 16 years of age, blackmail, sexual exploitation of a child, fondling a child, distribution of marijuana, and aggravated intimidation of a witness/victim, the department said. He is being held on a $250,000 bond.

During his detention, Alexander allegedly attacked a deputy, leading to additional requested charges of&nbsp;aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and attempted aggravated escape from custody.

"The deputy received minor injuries and Alexander was transferred to a more secure facility," the department said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635531460731.jpeg" alt="Alexander is being held in Rooks Co." />
 <figcaption>Alexander is being held in Rooks Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PHILLIPS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a northwest Kansas man on child sex allegations.On October 26, deputies arrested David C. Alexander, 19, Norton, at a residence in Agra following an investigation into an alleged rape that had been reported the previous week, according to the Phillips Co. Sheriff.Alexander was arrested on requested charges of rape, aggravated indecent liberties with a child 14 to 16 years of age, blackmail, sexual exploitation of a child, fondling a child, distribution of marijuana, and aggravated intimidation of a witness/victim, the department said. He is being held on a $250,000 bond.During his detention, Alexander allegedly attacked a deputy, leading to additional requested charges of&nbsp;aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and attempted aggravated escape from custody."The deputy received minor injuries and Alexander was transferred to a more secure facility," the department said.

 Sheriff: Kan. child rape suspect also attacked detention deputy

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating theft from a store in Atchison have made an arrest.

On Wednesday, police arrested 40-year-old Carl D. Griffin, Jr., 40, St. Joseph, on a District Court warrant for theft in connection to the theft of two chainsaws from the Hardware Store, 609 Commercial, on August 31.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635432687395.png" alt="Griffin photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Griffin photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating theft from a store in Atchison have made an arrest.On Wednesday, police arrested 40-year-old Carl D. Griffin, Jr., 40, St. Joseph, on a District Court warrant for theft in connection to the theft of two chainsaws from the Hardware Store, 609 Commercial, on August 31.He remains in custody.

Missouri man jailed in Kansas for chainsaw thefts

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A 44-year-old man was sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for a crash that killed longtime Wichita radio host Don Hall. Ray Watkins was sentenced Friday for involuntary manslaughter. 

Police said Watkins ran a red light and hit Hall's car in April 2020. Evidence during Watkins' trial showed he had a blood alcohol content more than two times the legal limit at the time of the crash. 

Hall worked for more than 45 years in radio in Wichita. He was also the longtime arena announcer for Wichita State University basketball.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The jury trial of a man charged in a fatal DUI crash that killed a longtime radio host and Wichita State basketball announcer is underway, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Ray Watkins, 44, is charged with involuntary manslaughter&nbsp;while driving under the influence in the April 29, 2020 crash that killed&nbsp; 70-year-old Don Hall.

 Police said they believe Watkins ran a red light before the crash. He had minor injuries, but Hall died at the scene. Watkins was originally arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder.

An affidavit released in the case against Watkins said he had a 0.243 blood alcohol on the day of the crash.. The legal limit in Kansas is 0.08.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588158119316.png" alt="First responders at the accident scene -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the accident scene -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A 44-year-old man was sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for a crash that killed longtime Wichita radio host Don Hall. Ray Watkins was sentenced Friday for involuntary manslaughter. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588182421819.png" alt="Watkins photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Watkins photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Police said Watkins ran a red light and hit Hall's car in April 2020. Evidence during Watkins' trial showed he had a blood alcohol content more than two times the legal limit at the time of the crash. Hall worked for more than 45 years in radio in Wichita. He was also the longtime arena announcer for Wichita State University basketball.-----SEDGWICK COUNTY —The jury trial of a man charged in a fatal DUI crash that killed a longtime radio host and Wichita State basketball announcer is underway, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Ray Watkins, 44, is charged with involuntary manslaughter&nbsp;while driving under the influence in the April 29, 2020 crash that killed&nbsp; 70-year-old Don Hall. Police said they believe Watkins ran a red light before the crash. He had minor injuries, but Hall died at the scene. Watkins was originally arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder.An affidavit released in the case against Watkins said he had a 0.243 blood alcohol on the day of the crash.. The legal limit in Kansas is 0.08.

Man sentenced for DUI crash that killed Kansas radio host

NEMAHA COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested the man who was shot by law enforcement officers during an incident outside his residence in Sabetha.

Just before 5 p.m. Thursday, KBI agents arrested Kelly J. Hall, 38, of Sabetha, for aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer. Hall had been receiving medical treatment at Stormont Vail hospital in Topeka, and was arrested as he was released from the hospital.

Just before 8 p.m. Oct. 20, the Sabetha Police Department and the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a man who was threatening suicide, according to the KBI.

When officers arrived at 319 N. 9th Street in Sabetha, they tried to convince Hall to come outside so they could verify his welfare. He would not exit the house, so they attempted to communicate with him over their public announcement (PA) system.

During the incident officers heard several pops coming from inside the residence. Attempts to communicate continued until Hall stepped outside the front door holding an air-powered nail gun. Officers and deputies ordered him to drop the nail gun. Hall began firing nails in the direction of officers. A deputy from the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office and an officer from the Sabetha Police Department fired rounds at Hall, striking him. Shots were fired at around 9:45 p.m.

Hall retreated back into the residence. Officers and deputies entered the house and rendered aid to Hall. EMS responded and transported him to the Sabetha Community Hospital. He was later transferred to Stormont Vail in Topeka.

No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635513014441.png" alt="Hall is being held without bond" />
 <figcaption>Hall is being held without bond</figcaption>
 </figure>NEMAHA COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested the man who was shot by law enforcement officers during an incident outside his residence in Sabetha.Just before 5 p.m. Thursday, KBI agents arrested Kelly J. Hall, 38, of Sabetha, for aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer. Hall had been receiving medical treatment at Stormont Vail hospital in Topeka, and was arrested as he was released from the hospital.Just before 8 p.m. Oct. 20, the Sabetha Police Department and the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a man who was threatening suicide, according to the KBI.When officers arrived at 319 N. 9th Street in Sabetha, they tried to convince Hall to come outside so they could verify his welfare. He would not exit the house, so they attempted to communicate with him over their public announcement (PA) system.During the incident officers heard several pops coming from inside the residence. Attempts to communicate continued until Hall stepped outside the front door holding an air-powered nail gun. Officers and deputies ordered him to drop the nail gun. Hall began firing nails in the direction of officers. A deputy from the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office and an officer from the Sabetha Police Department fired rounds at Hall, striking him. Shots were fired at around 9:45 p.m.Hall retreated back into the residence. Officers and deputies entered the house and rendered aid to Hall. EMS responded and transported him to the Sabetha Community Hospital. He was later transferred to Stormont Vail in Topeka.No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

Kan. man who shot nail gun at officers moved from hospital to jail

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A woman is facing a dozen charges, including second-degree murder, after prosecutors said she went on a violent rampage that left one man dead and another woman hospitalized. The Wyandotte County prosecutors office said Alyssa Leanne Arreola began the rampage early Wednesday when she stole a vehicle in Kansas City, Kansas. 

In the next several hours, Arreola allegedly was involved in two hit-and-run crashes, broke into a woman's home and stabbed her, and then fatally shot a man before stealing his car. The stabbing victim remains hospitalized. Authorities have not said what prompted Arreola's actions.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Police in Kansas City, Kansas, say they've arrested a woman considered a person of interest in a violent rampage that saw a man fatally shot. Television station KCTV reports that the string of violence began around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, when a woman reportedly stole a vehicle from a store parking lot. 

A few hours later, police say that car was involved in two separate hit-and-run crashes before the woman fled on foot. Police say they then received reports of a woman breaking into an elderly woman's apartment and stabbing the older woman before fleeing. 

About a block away, a man was fatally shot in his driveway and his car stolen. Police say they later found the car with the woman driving it and arrested her.

JOHNSON COUNTY—Late Wednesday afternoon, police recovered the red Hyundai Tucson the suspect was reportedly driving. Officers found it in Kansas City, Missouri. 

A short time later, officers arrested a white female - matching the suspect's description - on unrelated charges. At this time, our detectives consider her a person interest. Officials released no additional details.

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.

On Wednesday afternoon, police in Kansas City, Kansas released a photo of a woman who is&nbsp;suspect in a homicide that took place shortly after 1p.m. in the 7900 block of Sandusky.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She is possibly armed and definitely dangerous. She was last seen eastbound on Interstate 70 in red Hyundai Tucson w Kansas Tag 237 NLE

 If you see her or the vehicle call 911.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635501503065.png" alt="Arreola-is being held in Jackson Co. Missouri&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Arreola-is being held in Jackson Co. Missouri&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A woman is facing a dozen charges, including second-degree murder, after prosecutors said she went on a violent rampage that left one man dead and another woman hospitalized. The Wyandotte County prosecutors office said Alyssa Leanne Arreola began the rampage early Wednesday when she stole a vehicle in Kansas City, Kansas. In the next several hours, Arreola allegedly was involved in two hit-and-run crashes, broke into a woman's home and stabbed her, and then fatally shot a man before stealing his car. The stabbing victim remains hospitalized. Authorities have not said what prompted Arreola's actions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635368127641.png" alt="Security camera images KCK&nbsp; police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera images KCK&nbsp; police</figcaption>
 </figure>------KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Police in Kansas City, Kansas, say they've arrested a woman considered a person of interest in a violent rampage that saw a man fatally shot. Television station KCTV reports that the string of violence began around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, when a woman reportedly stole a vehicle from a store parking lot. A few hours later, police say that car was involved in two separate hit-and-run crashes before the woman fled on foot. Police say they then received reports of a woman breaking into an elderly woman's apartment and stabbing the older woman before fleeing. About a block away, a man was fatally shot in his driveway and his car stolen. Police say they later found the car with the woman driving it and arrested her.----------JOHNSON COUNTY—Late Wednesday afternoon, police recovered the red Hyundai Tucson the suspect was reportedly driving. Officers found it in Kansas City, Missouri. A short time later, officers arrested a white female - matching the suspect's description - on unrelated charges. At this time, our detectives consider her a person interest. Officials released no additional details.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635368221797.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>----------JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.On Wednesday afternoon, police in Kansas City, Kansas released a photo of a woman who is&nbsp;suspect in a homicide that took place shortly after 1p.m. in the 7900 block of Sandusky.&nbsp;&nbsp;She is possibly armed and definitely dangerous. She was last seen eastbound on Interstate 70 in red Hyundai Tucson w Kansas Tag 237 NLE If you see her or the vehicle call 911.&nbsp;

Kansas woman charged after violent rampage that left 1 dead

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

Just before 6:30a.m. Wednesday police responded to the area of the Oak Hill Cemetery in the 200 block North 17th street in Atchison to investigate a suspicious person with a gun, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Officers located 26-year-old Chad M. Gorrell, Atchison,&nbsp; who was in possession of a firearm. Officers took him into custody on a requested charge of criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

He has previous convictions for burglary, obstruction, interference with law enforcement and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; He had been out of prison since 2019.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635351163327.png" alt="Gorrell photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Gorrell photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.Just before 6:30a.m. Wednesday police responded to the area of the Oak Hill Cemetery in the 200 block North 17th street in Atchison to investigate a suspicious person with a gun, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Officers located 26-year-old Chad M. Gorrell, Atchison,&nbsp; who was in possession of a firearm. Officers took him into custody on a requested charge of criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.He has previous convictions for burglary, obstruction, interference with law enforcement and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; He had been out of prison since 2019.

Police: Kan. felon was wandering near cemetery with a gun

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Salina woman was arrested late Wednesday afternoon after she was found driving a pickup stolen downtown a few minutes earlier.

A 39-year-old Salina mah walked out of his place of employment in the 300 block of N. Fifth Street at approximately 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and found that his 2005 Chevrolet Colorado had been stolen, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester

A coworker saw a woman get into the pickup and drive away south on N. Fifth Street. The keys were in the pickup, Forrester said.

While officers were on their way, another officer spotted the stolen pickup near the intersection of S. Fifth Street/E. Mulberry Street. The officer stopped the pickup in the 200 block of S. Seventh Street and arrested the driver, Mary Willems, 25, of Salina, on a requested charge of felony theft. She allegedly had $25 in cash from the pickup in her pocket, according to Forrester.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635431077474.jpeg" alt="Willems-photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Willems-photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina woman was arrested late Wednesday afternoon after she was found driving a pickup stolen downtown a few minutes earlier.A 39-year-old Salina mah walked out of his place of employment in the 300 block of N. Fifth Street at approximately 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and found that his 2005 Chevrolet Colorado had been stolen, according to Salina Police Captain Paul ForresterA coworker saw a woman get into the pickup and drive away south on N. Fifth Street. The keys were in the pickup, Forrester said.While officers were on their way, another officer spotted the stolen pickup near the intersection of S. Fifth Street/E. Mulberry Street. The officer stopped the pickup in the 200 block of S. Seventh Street and arrested the driver, Mary Willems, 25, of Salina, on a requested charge of felony theft. She allegedly had $25 in cash from the pickup in her pocket, according to Forrester.

Police: Woman took Kansas man's pickup and cash

By SUZANNE PEREZ, JIM MCLEAN and BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-10-27/your-local-kansas-elections-are-getting-taken-over-by-bruising-dc-style-politics">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA — The notion of low-key elections in Kansas 
during odd-numbered years — largely spared the attack campaigns, 
mysterious money and blue-versus-red rancor — now feels so quaint.

Instead,
 school board races carry talking points about race and mask orders that
 would feel at home on Fox News or MSNBC. In one city in central Kansas,
 residents find themselves in an emotional battle over how much power 
local officials should have in the midst of a public health crisis. And 
voters in the state’s capital find one candidate on the ballot for city 
council with ties to a white supremacist group linked to the Jan. 6 
siege of the U.S. Capitol.

So now people running for local office —
 jobs where it can often prove hard to recruit volunteers to serve, much
 less withstand public attack — find themselves in increasingly 
partisan-like contests settled by an ever more polarized electorate.

School
 board meetings across Kansas have become a battleground for protests 
about mask mandates, critical race theory and other issues.

That 
means races for hundreds of school board seats — usually low-interest, 
low-turnout affairs — draw more attention than usual this year.

The <a href="https://1776projectpac.com/" target="_blank">Project 1776 PAC</a>, a New York-based political action committee, is backing dozens of candidates in seven states, including Kansas. The group has <a href="https://1776projectpac.com/endorsed-candidates/" target="_blank">endorsed 10 candidates</a> for school board races in Shawnee Mission, Blue Valley, Olathe and Lansing.

Project 1776 opposes the teaching of critical race theory or anything related to the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/1619-america-slavery.html" target="_blank">1619 Project</a>,
 a New York Times initiative that aims to reframe American history by 
focusing on the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black 
Americans.

In Wichita, the state’s largest school district has <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-10-19/your-guide-to-the-2021-wichita-school-board-elections" target="_blank">four seats up for grabs</a> — a board majority — on Tuesday.

Incumbents
 have faced criticism for more than a year over COVID-19 protocols, 
including decisions to start last school year with <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2020-08-20/wichita-school-board-votes-to-start-middle-and-high-school-students-remotely" target="_blank">remote-only classes for secondary students</a> and to require <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-08-23/wichita-boe-votes-to-mandate-masks-for-students-employees" target="_blank">masks in schools</a>.

They’re facing a slate of challengers recruited and endorsed by the Sedgwick County Republican Party who oppose mask mandates.

Both
 the incumbents and challengers in Wichita are campaigning as a group, 
which is unusual for school board races, and both are getting support 
from larger organizations.

A campaign flier for the incumbents was paid for by the <a href="https://bluestemkansas.com/" target="_blank">Bluestem Fund PAC</a>, which gets contributions from the National Education Association and other unions.

During
 a recent gathering at a parking lot in east Wichita, Republican state 
Rep. Patrick Penn rallied the challengers and their supporters. He said 
Kansas school districts will get more than $8 billion in federal funding
 for COVID relief, and they’re spending it on the wrong things.

“What
 kind of stuff am I talking about? I’m talking about critical race 
theory,” Penn said. “I’m talking about anything that can be associated 
with depression, anti-bullying — they call it social-emotional learning.
 That’s what the school board wants to push out there.”

Judith Deedy, executive director of <a href="https://gameonforkansasschools.com/" target="_blank">Game On For Kansas Schools</a>, says she’s troubled by the shift toward partisan elections all over the state.

“There’s
 a lot of anger and frustration, particularly with COVID, and so the 
more traditional school board members are maybe more susceptible to 
being picked off right now,” she said.“It’s misguided anger or 
misdirected anger at the people who’ve been in there and having to make 
some really difficult decisions.”

In
 Salina, a town of about 50,000 in the middle of the state, an effort to
 limit the emergency powers of the city commission is sparking heated 
debate.

A group of residents angered by a mask mandate and 
restrictions imposed on businesses during the height of the pandemic 
mounted a petition drive over the summer to get the question on the Nov.
 2 ballot.

“This is about a lot of citizens that feel like the government overreached,” said Kevin Korb, the leader of the group —<a href="https://salinafreedom.com/" target="_blank"> Salina Freedom </a>— during a recent<a href="https://www.ksal.com/ballot-question-debate-on-ksal/" target="_blank"> discussion of the issue </a>on Salina radio station KSAL.

“The city commissioners are there to represent us,” he said, “not rule over us like kings.”

A rival group, <a href="https://salinansforfacts.org/" target="_blank">Salinans for Facts,</a> is spearheading an effort to defeat the measure. It includes <a href="https://www.ksal.com/opinion-former-commissioners-mayors-urge-no-vote/" target="_blank">several former mayors and commissioners</a> who argue the proposed ordinance would usurp the home-rule powers granted the city in the Kansas Constitution.

“This
 isn’t about freedom,” said former Commissioner Jon Blanchard on the 
KSAL broadcast. “This is about how we best respond to public 
emergencies.”

Passage of the ordinance, Blanchard said, would tie the city’s hands when dealing with future health crises.

“I fail to see how that makes anybody more free and it certainly does not make people safer,” he said.

A
 court challenge could prevent the ordinance from taking effect even if 
voters approve it. Saline County District Court Judge Paul Hickman has 
heard arguments in the case earlier this month but is waiting until 
after the election to issue a ruling.

A candidate in Topeka’s city council race has deep-rooted connections to the Proud Boys.

Canada
 labeled the Proud Boys as a terrorist organization, and the group 
fundraised legal defense funds for people arrested in the Capitol 
insurrection.

Joel Campbell, who says he left the group, was a 
third-degree member with a tattoo professing his allegiance to the 
group. He is running against incumbent Neil Dobler for Topeka’s a 
district city council seat.

Campbell was previously investigated 
by the state’s highway patrol for threats against Gov. Laura Kelly. In a
 now-deleted video he, without evidence, linked Kelly to running a child
 trafficking ring out of a pizza shop in Salina.

“(Kelly) is 
wearing the red shoes,” Campbell said in the video. “They are literally 
throwing this (expletive) in our face. … The leader of Kansas, 
(expletive) Kansas’ governor, is in on this (expletive).”

Campbell’s social media also follows a “super straight" account.

A
 TikTok user coined the term super straight after saying they didn't 
want to date transgender people. The post then gained popularity and 
became closely tied with transphobic posts. It has since been banned 
from the social media app TikTok because it is “associated with hateful 
behavior.”

The
 Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, 
KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social 
determinants of health and their connection to public policy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635433578405.png" alt="The race for four seats on the Wichita school board has become a battle between the incumbents and a slate of challengers recruited by the county Republican Party. Suzanne Perez / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>The race for four seats on the Wichita school board has become a battle between the incumbents and a slate of challengers recruited by the county Republican Party. Suzanne Perez / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ, JIM MCLEAN and BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-10-27/your-local-kansas-elections-are-getting-taken-over-by-bruising-dc-style-politics">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA — The notion of low-key elections in Kansas 
during odd-numbered years — largely spared the attack campaigns, 
mysterious money and blue-versus-red rancor — now feels so quaint.Instead,
 school board races carry talking points about race and mask orders that
 would feel at home on Fox News or MSNBC. In one city in central Kansas,
 residents find themselves in an emotional battle over how much power 
local officials should have in the midst of a public health crisis. And 
voters in the state’s capital find one candidate on the ballot for city 
council with ties to a white supremacist group linked to the Jan. 6 
siege of the U.S. Capitol.So now people running for local office —
 jobs where it can often prove hard to recruit volunteers to serve, much
 less withstand public attack — find themselves in increasingly 
partisan-like contests settled by an ever more polarized electorate.School
 board meetings across Kansas have become a battleground for protests 
about mask mandates, critical race theory and other issues.That 
means races for hundreds of school board seats — usually low-interest, 
low-turnout affairs — draw more attention than usual this year.The <a href="https://1776projectpac.com/" target="_blank">Project 1776 PAC</a>, a New York-based political action committee, is backing dozens of candidates in seven states, including Kansas. The group has <a href="https://1776projectpac.com/endorsed-candidates/" target="_blank">endorsed 10 candidates</a> for school board races in Shawnee Mission, Blue Valley, Olathe and Lansing.Project 1776 opposes the teaching of critical race theory or anything related to the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/1619-america-slavery.html" target="_blank">1619 Project</a>,
 a New York Times initiative that aims to reframe American history by 
focusing on the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black 
Americans.In Wichita, the state’s largest school district has <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-10-19/your-guide-to-the-2021-wichita-school-board-elections" target="_blank">four seats up for grabs</a> — a board majority — on Tuesday.Incumbents
 have faced criticism for more than a year over COVID-19 protocols, 
including decisions to start last school year with <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2020-08-20/wichita-school-board-votes-to-start-middle-and-high-school-students-remotely" target="_blank">remote-only classes for secondary students</a> and to require <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-08-23/wichita-boe-votes-to-mandate-masks-for-students-employees" target="_blank">masks in schools</a>.They’re facing a slate of challengers recruited and endorsed by the Sedgwick County Republican Party who oppose mask mandates.Both
 the incumbents and challengers in Wichita are campaigning as a group, 
which is unusual for school board races, and both are getting support 
from larger organizations.A campaign flier for the incumbents was paid for by the <a href="https://bluestemkansas.com/" target="_blank">Bluestem Fund PAC</a>, which gets contributions from the National Education Association and other unions.During
 a recent gathering at a parking lot in east Wichita, Republican state 
Rep. Patrick Penn rallied the challengers and their supporters. He said 
Kansas school districts will get more than $8 billion in federal funding
 for COVID relief, and they’re spending it on the wrong things.“What
 kind of stuff am I talking about? I’m talking about critical race 
theory,” Penn said. “I’m talking about anything that can be associated 
with depression, anti-bullying — they call it social-emotional learning.
 That’s what the school board wants to push out there.”Judith Deedy, executive director of <a href="https://gameonforkansasschools.com/" target="_blank">Game On For Kansas Schools</a>, says she’s troubled by the shift toward partisan elections all over the state.“There’s
 a lot of anger and frustration, particularly with COVID, and so the 
more traditional school board members are maybe more susceptible to 
being picked off right now,” she said.“It’s misguided anger or 
misdirected anger at the people who’ve been in there and having to make 
some really difficult decisions.”<h2>Salina showdown</h2>In
 Salina, a town of about 50,000 in the middle of the state, an effort to
 limit the emergency powers of the city commission is sparking heated 
debate.A group of residents angered by a mask mandate and 
restrictions imposed on businesses during the height of the pandemic 
mounted a petition drive over the summer to get the question on the Nov.
 2 ballot.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635433656199.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“This is about a lot of citizens that feel like the government overreached,” said Kevin Korb, the leader of the group —<a href="https://salinafreedom.com/" target="_blank"> Salina Freedom </a>— during a recent<a href="https://www.ksal.com/ballot-question-debate-on-ksal/" target="_blank"> discussion of the issue </a>on Salina radio station KSAL.“The city commissioners are there to represent us,” he said, “not rule over us like kings.”A rival group, <a href="https://salinansforfacts.org/" target="_blank">Salinans for Facts,</a> is spearheading an effort to defeat the measure. It includes <a href="https://www.ksal.com/opinion-former-commissioners-mayors-urge-no-vote/" target="_blank">several former mayors and commissioners</a> who argue the proposed ordinance would usurp the home-rule powers granted the city in the Kansas Constitution.“This
 isn’t about freedom,” said former Commissioner Jon Blanchard on the 
KSAL broadcast. “This is about how we best respond to public 
emergencies.”Passage of the ordinance, Blanchard said, would tie the city’s hands when dealing with future health crises.“I fail to see how that makes anybody more free and it certainly does not make people safer,” he said.A
 court challenge could prevent the ordinance from taking effect even if 
voters approve it. Saline County District Court Judge Paul Hickman has 
heard arguments in the case earlier this month but is waiting until 
after the election to issue a ruling.<h2>Controversial candidate</h2>A candidate in Topeka’s city council race has deep-rooted connections to the Proud Boys.Canada
 labeled the Proud Boys as a terrorist organization, and the group 
fundraised legal defense funds for people arrested in the Capitol 
insurrection.Joel Campbell, who says he left the group, was a 
third-degree member with a tattoo professing his allegiance to the 
group. He is running against incumbent Neil Dobler for Topeka’s a 
district city council seat.Campbell was previously investigated 
by the state’s highway patrol for threats against Gov. Laura Kelly. In a
 now-deleted video he, without evidence, linked Kelly to running a child
 trafficking ring out of a pizza shop in Salina.“(Kelly) is 
wearing the red shoes,” Campbell said in the video. “They are literally 
throwing this (expletive) in our face. … The leader of Kansas, 
(expletive) Kansas’ governor, is in on this (expletive).”Campbell’s social media also follows a “super straight" account.A
 TikTok user coined the term super straight after saying they didn't 
want to date transgender people. The post then gained popularity and 
became closely tied with transphobic posts. It has since been banned 
from the social media app TikTok because it is “associated with hateful 
behavior.”The
 Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, 
KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social 
determinants of health and their connection to public policy.

Local Kan. elections getting taken over by bruising DC-style politics

OSAGE COUNTY&nbsp; – Law enforcement authorities are conducting an investigation regarding the online solicitation of a child by an adult.

On October 26, Osage County Investigators and Jefferson County Deputies arrested Marcus L. Smith, 39, of Effingham, in Ozawkie on an Osage County arrest warrant, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells.

Smith was transported to the Jefferson County Jail where he was held on the warrant.

On Wednesday, Osage County deputies transported Smith to the Osage County Jail Facility where he is being held on requested charges of electronic solicitation and indecent solicitation of a minor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635416096432.png" alt="Smith photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Smith photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY&nbsp; – Law enforcement authorities are conducting an investigation regarding the online solicitation of a child by an adult.On October 26, Osage County Investigators and Jefferson County Deputies arrested Marcus L. Smith, 39, of Effingham, in Ozawkie on an Osage County arrest warrant, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells.Smith was transported to the Jefferson County Jail where he was held on the warrant.On Wednesday, Osage County deputies transported Smith to the Osage County Jail Facility where he is being held on requested charges of electronic solicitation and indecent solicitation of a minor.

Sheriff: Kansas man accused of online child sex crime

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A woman who was crossing a Kansas City street died after being hit by a vehicle that then fled the scene, police said.

The crash happened around 7 p.m. Wednesday on the south side of the city, Kansas City police said in a news release.

Investigators believe the 61-year-old woman was walking west and crossing Troost Avenue at 82nd Terrace when she was hit by a northbound vehicle. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police did not immediately release her name and have not announced any suspects or arrests in the case.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A woman who was crossing a Kansas City street died after being hit by a vehicle that then fled the scene, police said.The crash happened around 7 p.m. Wednesday on the south side of the city, Kansas City police said in a news release.Investigators believe the 61-year-old woman was walking west and crossing Troost Avenue at 82nd Terrace when she was hit by a northbound vehicle. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.Police did not immediately release her name and have not announced any suspects or arrests in the case.

Woman crossing Kansas City street killed in hit-and-run

WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Merrick Garland on Wednesday defended&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/McConnell,%20R-Ky.,%20was%20initially%20cool%20to%20a%20Walker%20candidacy.%20But%20by%20endorsing%20him%20now,%20McConnell%20can%20sidestep%20what%20could%20have%20been%20a%20messy%20intraparty%20fight%20with%20Trump%20that%20might%20have%20complicated%20the%20quest%20to%20retake%20a%20Senate%20majority." target="_blank">a memo aimed at combating threats against school officials nationwide</a>&nbsp;while Republicans insisted he rescind the directive. He signaled he had no plans to do so despite their criticism.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/page/file/1438986/download" target="_blank">The memo</a>&nbsp;took center stage as Garland appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee – his second congressional appearance in a week – and said it was meant to respond to violence and threats of violence directed against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-education-school-boards-940da42fac771366929fc2150c8acf4d">local school board officials</a>.

<a href="https://nsba.org/-/media/NSBA/File/nsba-letter-to-president-biden-concerning-threats-to-public-schools-and-school-board-members-92921.pdf">CLICK HERE </a>to read the full letter originally sent to the President by the National School Boards Assn.

The memo came out Oct. 4, less than a week after the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nsba.org/-/media/NSBA/File/nsba-federal-assistance-letter-9292021.pdf?la=en&amp;hash=430A3833A52FB1D2B8DF25160BCD8EFFBDE93CC2" target="_blank">National School Board Association</a>&nbsp;wrote the Biden administration about the threats to school officials and asked for help. Some school board meetings have devolved into shouting contests over issues such as how racial issues are taught, masks in schools, and COVID-19 vaccines and testing requirements.

Republicans say Garland went too far in instructing Justice Department divisions to coordinate with local law enforcement. In his memo Garland said there had been “a disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence against school administrators, board members, teachers, and staff who participate in the vital work of running our nation’s public schools.”

An&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-addresses-violent-threats-against-school-officials-and-teachers" target="_blank">accompanying news release</a>&nbsp;mentioned the FBI, the department’s criminal division, national security division, civil rights division and other parts.

“The obligation of the Justice Department is to protect the American people against violence and threats of violence and that particularly includes public officials,” Garland said.

Republicans on the Senate committee also seized on a memo from Leif Johnson, the acting U.S. attorney in Montana, to the state attorney general, county attorneys, sheriffs and school officials in the state. The memo spells out federal crimes that could be used in prosecutions for violence, harassment or intimidation of school board officials.

The Montana memo, obtained by The Associated Press, cites about a dozen federal statues from conspiracy to deprive someone of civil rights to stalking and “anonymous telephone harassment.” It instructs the recipients to contact the FBI “if you believe that a person has violated one of these statutes.”

Garland told senators he was never sent the U.S. attorney’s memo and did not know specifics about it. A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney’s office in Montana did not immediately respond to questions about whether Johnson had consulted senior Justice Department officials before issuing the memo.

“I’ve never seen that memo,” Garland said. “No one has sent me that memo, so I haven’t seen it.”

The National School Board Association has since said “we regret and apologize” for its letter, which asked for federal assistance to combat harassment and violence against school officials and said some of the acts could be “domestic terrorism.”

The original letter asked for the federal government to investigate cases where threats or violence could be handled as violations of federal laws protecting civil rights. The association asked for the Justice Department, FBI, Homeland Security and Secret Service to help monitor threat levels and assess risks to students, educators, board members and school buildings.

The letter documented more than 20 instances of threats, harassment, disruption, and acts of intimidation in California, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Ohio and other states. It cited the September arrest of an Illinois man for aggravated battery and disorderly conduct for allegedly striking a school official at a meeting. In Michigan, a meeting was disrupted when a man performed a Nazi salute to protest masking.

Garland has said parents have the right to express their concerns to school boards but his primary concern is if that devolves into violence or when threats emerge. During questioning Wednesday, Garland said that making a Nazi salute would be protected under the First Amendment. He also acknowledged that he did not have an accounting of the number of incidents.

At least two Republican senators – Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Josh Hawley of Missouri – called for Garland to resign over his handling of the memo.

“This is shameful,” Cotton exclaimed. “You should resign in disgrace.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635370077745.png" alt="Attorney General Merrick Garland during Wednesday's Senate hearing-image courtesy CSPAN." />
 <figcaption>Attorney General Merrick Garland during Wednesday's Senate hearing-image courtesy CSPAN.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Merrick Garland on Wednesday defended&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/McConnell,%20R-Ky.,%20was%20initially%20cool%20to%20a%20Walker%20candidacy.%20But%20by%20endorsing%20him%20now,%20McConnell%20can%20sidestep%20what%20could%20have%20been%20a%20messy%20intraparty%20fight%20with%20Trump%20that%20might%20have%20complicated%20the%20quest%20to%20retake%20a%20Senate%20majority." target="_blank">a memo aimed at combating threats against school officials nationwide</a>&nbsp;while Republicans insisted he rescind the directive. He signaled he had no plans to do so despite their criticism.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">AG Derek Schmidt to Biden administration: Withdraw directive for federal monitoring of local school board meetings <a href="https://t.co/ZzcNfWLnpq">https://t.co/ZzcNfWLnpq</a>&mdash; Kansas AG&#39;s Office (@KSAGOffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSAGOffice/status/1453470308392849410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/page/file/1438986/download" target="_blank">The memo</a>&nbsp;took center stage as Garland appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee – his second congressional appearance in a week – and said it was meant to respond to violence and threats of violence directed against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-education-school-boards-940da42fac771366929fc2150c8acf4d">local school board officials</a>.<a href="https://nsba.org/-/media/NSBA/File/nsba-letter-to-president-biden-concerning-threats-to-public-schools-and-school-board-members-92921.pdf">CLICK HERE </a>to read the full letter originally sent to the President by the National School Boards Assn.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633090424533.png" alt="The first of the of the six page letter to President Biden from the National School Board Assn." />
 <figcaption>The first of the of the six page letter to President Biden from the National School Board Assn.</figcaption>
 </figure>The memo came out Oct. 4, less than a week after the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nsba.org/-/media/NSBA/File/nsba-federal-assistance-letter-9292021.pdf?la=en&amp;hash=430A3833A52FB1D2B8DF25160BCD8EFFBDE93CC2" target="_blank">National School Board Association</a>&nbsp;wrote the Biden administration about the threats to school officials and asked for help. Some school board meetings have devolved into shouting contests over issues such as how racial issues are taught, masks in schools, and COVID-19 vaccines and testing requirements.Republicans say Garland went too far in instructing Justice Department divisions to coordinate with local law enforcement. In his memo Garland said there had been “a disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence against school administrators, board members, teachers, and staff who participate in the vital work of running our nation’s public schools.”An&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-addresses-violent-threats-against-school-officials-and-teachers" target="_blank">accompanying news release</a>&nbsp;mentioned the FBI, the department’s criminal division, national security division, civil rights division and other parts.“The obligation of the Justice Department is to protect the American people against violence and threats of violence and that particularly includes public officials,” Garland said.Republicans on the Senate committee also seized on a memo from Leif Johnson, the acting U.S. attorney in Montana, to the state attorney general, county attorneys, sheriffs and school officials in the state. The memo spells out federal crimes that could be used in prosecutions for violence, harassment or intimidation of school board officials.The Montana memo, obtained by The Associated Press, cites about a dozen federal statues from conspiracy to deprive someone of civil rights to stalking and “anonymous telephone harassment.” It instructs the recipients to contact the FBI “if you believe that a person has violated one of these statutes.”Garland told senators he was never sent the U.S. attorney’s memo and did not know specifics about it. A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney’s office in Montana did not immediately respond to questions about whether Johnson had consulted senior Justice Department officials before issuing the memo.“I’ve never seen that memo,” Garland said. “No one has sent me that memo, so I haven’t seen it.”The National School Board Association has since said “we regret and apologize” for its letter, which asked for federal assistance to combat harassment and violence against school officials and said some of the acts could be “domestic terrorism.”The original letter asked for the federal government to investigate cases where threats or violence could be handled as violations of federal laws protecting civil rights. The association asked for the Justice Department, FBI, Homeland Security and Secret Service to help monitor threat levels and assess risks to students, educators, board members and school buildings.The letter documented more than 20 instances of threats, harassment, disruption, and acts of intimidation in California, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Ohio and other states. It cited the September arrest of an Illinois man for aggravated battery and disorderly conduct for allegedly striking a school official at a meeting. In Michigan, a meeting was disrupted when a man performed a Nazi salute to protest masking.Garland has said parents have the right to express their concerns to school boards but his primary concern is if that devolves into violence or when threats emerge. During questioning Wednesday, Garland said that making a Nazi salute would be protected under the First Amendment. He also acknowledged that he did not have an accounting of the number of incidents.At least two Republican senators – Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Josh Hawley of Missouri – called for Garland to resign over his handling of the memo.“This is shameful,” Cotton exclaimed. “You should resign in disgrace.”

Kan. AG to Biden: Withdraw directive on monitoring of local school board meetings

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Federal prosecutors allege eight people connected to a&nbsp;Kansas-based organization conspired to provide unpaid child labor to businesses across the country and physically abused them for years.

The organization, formerly known as the United Nation of Islam and the Value Creators, was labeled a cult by a federal judge in the District of Kansas in 2018.

In an indictment unsealed Tuesday, prosecutors alleged the Kansas City group beat children, imposed severe dietary restrictions and forced children, some as young as 8, to work without pay.

Royall Jenkins had been a member of the Nation of Islam until 1978, when he founded the separate United Nation of Islam. He persuaded his followers that he was shown the proper way to rule the Earth after being “taken through the galaxy by aliens on a spaceship,” according to the indictment. At one point, the group had hundreds of followers.

Eight leaders of the organization, including three of Jenkins’ “many wives,” were named in the indictment after they were arrested in cities across the U.S. They are Randolph Hadley, Jacelyn Greenwell, Etinia Kinnard, Dana Peach, Daniel Jenkins, James Staton, Yunus Rassoul and Kaaba Majeed.

They are accused of conspiracy to commit forced labor and forced labor. None of the defendants had an attorney listed in federal court records.

Prosecutors allege that beginning in October 2000, the organization ran businesses such as gas stations, bakeries and restaurants in several states using unpaid labor from group members and their children, some as young as 8.

Parents were encouraged to send their children to an unlicensed school in Kansas City, Kansas, called the University of Arts and Logistics of Civilization, which did not provide appropriate instruction in most subjects.

The indictment said those who didn't attend the school were forced to work instead.

Some of the child victims worked in businesses in Kansas City, while others were trafficked to businesses in other states, including&nbsp;New Jersey,&nbsp;New York,&nbsp;Ohio,&nbsp;Maryland,&nbsp;Georgia&nbsp;and&nbsp;North Carolina, the indictment alleges.

Prosecutors said the victims also lived in “overcrowded dormitories, barracks, or households of adult members who were not related,” and many were forced to work up to 16 hours per day. Their diet consisted of bean soup, salad, and occasionally fruit, and frequent cleanses were ordered that included only consuming lemon juice for days.

Physical abuse mentioned in the indictment included routine “Fruit of Islam Beatdowns” organized by three of the defendants to punish male members for violating its code by such offenses as stealing food.

The indictment names 10 children who were forced to work for the organization between October 2000 and November 2012. Some worked for 12 years without pay, the indictment says.

In May 2018, U.S. Judge Daniel Crabtree called the group a cult and ordered it to pay $8 million to Kendra Ross, who said she spent 10 years performing unpaid labor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635365692259.png" alt="Royall Jenkins-image from the organization's Youtube page" />
 <figcaption>Royall Jenkins-image from the organization's Youtube page</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Federal prosecutors allege eight people connected to a&nbsp;Kansas-based organization conspired to provide unpaid child labor to businesses across the country and physically abused them for years.The organization, formerly known as the United Nation of Islam and the Value Creators, was labeled a cult by a federal judge in the District of Kansas in 2018.In an indictment unsealed Tuesday, prosecutors alleged the Kansas City group beat children, imposed severe dietary restrictions and forced children, some as young as 8, to work without pay.Royall Jenkins had been a member of the Nation of Islam until 1978, when he founded the separate United Nation of Islam. He persuaded his followers that he was shown the proper way to rule the Earth after being “taken through the galaxy by aliens on a spaceship,” according to the indictment. At one point, the group had hundreds of followers.Eight leaders of the organization, including three of Jenkins’ “many wives,” were named in the indictment after they were arrested in cities across the U.S. They are Randolph Hadley, Jacelyn Greenwell, Etinia Kinnard, Dana Peach, Daniel Jenkins, James Staton, Yunus Rassoul and Kaaba Majeed.They are accused of conspiracy to commit forced labor and forced labor. None of the defendants had an attorney listed in federal court records.Prosecutors allege that beginning in October 2000, the organization ran businesses such as gas stations, bakeries and restaurants in several states using unpaid labor from group members and their children, some as young as 8.Parents were encouraged to send their children to an unlicensed school in Kansas City, Kansas, called the University of Arts and Logistics of Civilization, which did not provide appropriate instruction in most subjects.The indictment said those who didn't attend the school were forced to work instead.Some of the child victims worked in businesses in Kansas City, while others were trafficked to businesses in other states, including&nbsp;New Jersey,&nbsp;New York,&nbsp;Ohio,&nbsp;Maryland,&nbsp;Georgia&nbsp;and&nbsp;North Carolina, the indictment alleges.Prosecutors said the victims also lived in “overcrowded dormitories, barracks, or households of adult members who were not related,” and many were forced to work up to 16 hours per day. Their diet consisted of bean soup, salad, and occasionally fruit, and frequent cleanses were ordered that included only consuming lemon juice for days.Physical abuse mentioned in the indictment included routine “Fruit of Islam Beatdowns” organized by three of the defendants to punish male members for violating its code by such offenses as stealing food.The indictment names 10 children who were forced to work for the organization between October 2000 and November 2012. Some worked for 12 years without pay, the indictment says.In May 2018, U.S. Judge Daniel Crabtree called the group a cult and ordered it to pay $8 million to Kendra Ross, who said she spent 10 years performing unpaid labor.

8 members of religious group tied to Kan. charged with child abuse

BARTON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and the Hoisington Police Department are investigating a shooting death that occurred early Wednesday morning in Hoisington, according to a media release from the agency.

Just after 3a.m., the Hoisington Police Department received a 911 call reporting a shooting at 405 E. 2nd&nbsp;St. in Hoisington. 

When officers arrived they located a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. He was later identified as Chase Anderson, 22, of Hoisington. EMS arrived and attempted life-saving measures. A short time later Anderson was pronounced dead.

Preliminary information revealed that Anderson was shot in the chest with a handgun. His acquaintance, 32-year-old Adam Sullivan, of Hoisington, was also in the residence at the time of the shooting.

At approximately 10:40 a.m. Wednesday, Sullivan was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked into the Barton County Jail.

At this time charges have not been filed related to Anderson’s death. An autopsy will be performed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635367438814.png" alt="Sullivan photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Sullivan photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and the Hoisington Police Department are investigating a shooting death that occurred early Wednesday morning in Hoisington, according to a media release from the agency.Just after 3a.m., the Hoisington Police Department received a 911 call reporting a shooting at 405 E. 2nd&nbsp;St. in Hoisington. When officers arrived they located a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. He was later identified as Chase Anderson, 22, of Hoisington. EMS arrived and attempted life-saving measures. A short time later Anderson was pronounced dead.Preliminary information revealed that Anderson was shot in the chest with a handgun. His acquaintance, 32-year-old Adam Sullivan, of Hoisington, was also in the residence at the time of the shooting.At approximately 10:40 a.m. Wednesday, Sullivan was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked into the Barton County Jail.At this time charges have not been filed related to Anderson’s death. An autopsy will be performed.

KBI: Suspect arrested after shooting death in Hoisington

WASHINGTON (AP) — Relatives of more than two dozen American hostages and wrongful detainees held overseas told President Joe Biden in a letter this week that they questioned his administration’s commitment to bringing their loved ones home.

In the letter, obtained by The Associated Press, the family members complained that the administration seemed to be getting “bogged down in burdensome processes or policy debates that keep our loved ones from coming home and keep us uninformed of what you can and cannot do to help us.”

“We need to be shown that the promises of your administration to prioritize the return of our family members are not empty. Now is the time for action. Now we need you to bring our fellow Americans home,” the letter states.

The letter reflects growing concerns within the hostage community that the Biden administration’s foreign policy agenda does not prioritize the release of hostages, and that legal and political actions have complicated rather than advanced efforts to get captives released. In some cases, the letter to Biden asserts, the families feel as if they’re in a “worse” situation now than eight months ago.

In addition, 17&nbsp;missionaries&nbsp;from the U.S. and Canada are being held hostage in Haiti after they were kidnapped this month by the 400 Mawozo gang. The group’s leader has&nbsp;threatened to kill them&nbsp;if their ransom demand for $1 million per hostage is not met.

The U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan without bringing home Mark Frerichs, an American contractor abducted there in early 2020. Six American oil executives who’d been under house arrest in Venezuela were ordered back to jail this month following the extradition to the U.S. on corruption charges of a businessman who prosecutors say was a major conduit for corruption by President Nicolás Maduro’s inner circle.

The Biden team has been short on high-profile detainee and hostages releases so far. It was an area of keen interest to President Donald Trump, who in keeping with his unconventional approach to foreign policy appeared open to outside-the-box machinations with regard to hostage negotiations, such as a high-level but ultimately unsuccessful trip by administration officials to Damascus aimed at getting journalist Austin Tice home. He also invited American captives who’d been freed during his administration to appear with him at the 2020 Republican National Convention.

The families note in the letter that they were optimistic following a February call with Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Since then, though, they say they have been unable to meet with Biden or with his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, “which leads us to believe that your administration is not prioritizing negotiations and other methods to secure their release.

“When we do meet with other officials we feel we are being kept in the dark about what the U.S. government intends to do to free our loved ones,” the letter says.

Asked about the letter, a White House National Security Council spokesperson said, “The safe and prompt release of U.S. hostages and wrongful detainees will always be a top priority, never an afterthought, in all of our foreign policy decisions.”

The letter was signed by family members of 26 American hostages and detainees held in countries across the world. That includes the mother of Trevor Reed, a Marine imprisoned in Moscow on charges of assaulting a police officer in Russia; the sister of Frerichs; and the wife of Jeffrey Woodke, an aid worker taken from his home in Niger in 2016.

“We have heard a lot of positive talk about making Mark and the other cases a national priority, but we are not seeing actions to bring them home,” Frerichs’s sister, Charlene Cakora, said in a statement to the AP. “There are solutions for many of these cases – including my brother’s, which could have been solved last summer – but we are not sensing any urgency on the part of the White House. For families, every second a loved one is kept detained is an eternity.”

Others who signed include the families of nine Americans detained in Venezuela, who joined together more than a week ago in a separate critical letter of the White House approach to their cases.

The lack of urgency is especially troubling to the family of José Pereira, the former president of Houston-based CITGO, a subsidiary of Venezuela’s state owned oil company. Over the weekend, Pereira was rushed from jail to a private clinic in Caracas for emergency treatment for a cardiac condition that his family says hasn’t received medical treatment since his detention four years ago.

John Pereira said that although the Biden administration isn’t to blame for his father’s arrest, he expected more from the new U.S. president.

“Our feeling is that they can do more,” said Pereira, who along with the families of eight other American detainees in Caracas sent their own letter to Biden a week ago urging U.S. officials to sit down and talk directly with Maduro’s government.

“This goes beyond politics. It’s a humanitarian issue. They have to sit down to talk.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Relatives of more than two dozen American hostages and wrongful detainees held overseas told President Joe Biden in a letter this week that they questioned his administration’s commitment to bringing their loved ones home.In the letter, obtained by The Associated Press, the family members complained that the administration seemed to be getting “bogged down in burdensome processes or policy debates that keep our loved ones from coming home and keep us uninformed of what you can and cannot do to help us.”“We need to be shown that the promises of your administration to prioritize the return of our family members are not empty. Now is the time for action. Now we need you to bring our fellow Americans home,” the letter states.The letter reflects growing concerns within the hostage community that the Biden administration’s foreign policy agenda does not prioritize the release of hostages, and that legal and political actions have complicated rather than advanced efforts to get captives released. In some cases, the letter to Biden asserts, the families feel as if they’re in a “worse” situation now than eight months ago.In addition, 17&nbsp;missionaries&nbsp;from the U.S. and Canada are being held hostage in Haiti after they were kidnapped this month by the 400 Mawozo gang. The group’s leader has&nbsp;threatened to kill them&nbsp;if their ransom demand for $1 million per hostage is not met.The U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan without bringing home Mark Frerichs, an American contractor abducted there in early 2020. Six American oil executives who’d been under house arrest in Venezuela were ordered back to jail this month following the extradition to the U.S. on corruption charges of a businessman who prosecutors say was a major conduit for corruption by President Nicolás Maduro’s inner circle.The Biden team has been short on high-profile detainee and hostages releases so far. It was an area of keen interest to President Donald Trump, who in keeping with his unconventional approach to foreign policy appeared open to outside-the-box machinations with regard to hostage negotiations, such as a high-level but ultimately unsuccessful trip by administration officials to Damascus aimed at getting journalist Austin Tice home. He also invited American captives who’d been freed during his administration to appear with him at the 2020 Republican National Convention.The families note in the letter that they were optimistic following a February call with Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Since then, though, they say they have been unable to meet with Biden or with his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, “which leads us to believe that your administration is not prioritizing negotiations and other methods to secure their release.“When we do meet with other officials we feel we are being kept in the dark about what the U.S. government intends to do to free our loved ones,” the letter says.Asked about the letter, a White House National Security Council spokesperson said, “The safe and prompt release of U.S. hostages and wrongful detainees will always be a top priority, never an afterthought, in all of our foreign policy decisions.”The letter was signed by family members of 26 American hostages and detainees held in countries across the world. That includes the mother of Trevor Reed, a Marine imprisoned in Moscow on charges of assaulting a police officer in Russia; the sister of Frerichs; and the wife of Jeffrey Woodke, an aid worker taken from his home in Niger in 2016.“We have heard a lot of positive talk about making Mark and the other cases a national priority, but we are not seeing actions to bring them home,” Frerichs’s sister, Charlene Cakora, said in a statement to the AP. “There are solutions for many of these cases – including my brother’s, which could have been solved last summer – but we are not sensing any urgency on the part of the White House. For families, every second a loved one is kept detained is an eternity.”Others who signed include the families of nine Americans detained in Venezuela, who joined together more than a week ago in a separate critical letter of the White House approach to their cases.The lack of urgency is especially troubling to the family of José Pereira, the former president of Houston-based CITGO, a subsidiary of Venezuela’s state owned oil company. Over the weekend, Pereira was rushed from jail to a private clinic in Caracas for emergency treatment for a cardiac condition that his family says hasn’t received medical treatment since his detention four years ago.John Pereira said that although the Biden administration isn’t to blame for his father’s arrest, he expected more from the new U.S. president.“Our feeling is that they can do more,” said Pereira, who along with the families of eight other American detainees in Caracas sent their own letter to Biden a week ago urging U.S. officials to sit down and talk directly with Maduro’s government.“This goes beyond politics. It’s a humanitarian issue. They have to sit down to talk.”____

Hostage families to Biden: 'Bring our fellow Americans home'

Police arrested a Kansas man Tuesday after he was allegedly found to be in possession of a a pickup stolen from a Salina business in July.

On Tuesday, an officer spotted the gray Chevrolet pickup at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 834 N. 11th Street in Salina, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

 The pickup had a license plate belonging to a Ford F150. The officer ran the vehicle identification number and learned that the pickup was one reported stolen from Ferco Rental, 264 S. Broadway Boulevard in Salina on July 26. It was valued at $7,500.

Eric Goldberg, 43, of Salina, approached the officer. Goldberg allegedly had the pickup keys hanging out of his jacket pocket. During a search, the officer allegedly located methamphetamine inside the pickup.

Goldberg was arrested on requested charges of Felony possession of stolen property, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Possession of a controlled substance. The pickup was released to Ferco Rental.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635338705192.jpeg" alt="Eric Goldberg has previous convictions for drugs and fleeing from law enforcement, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections- photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Eric Goldberg has previous convictions for drugs and fleeing from law enforcement, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections- photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostPolice arrested a Kansas man Tuesday after he was allegedly found to be in possession of a a pickup stolen from a Salina business in July.On Tuesday, an officer spotted the gray Chevrolet pickup at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 834 N. 11th Street in Salina, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The pickup had a license plate belonging to a Ford F150. The officer ran the vehicle identification number and learned that the pickup was one reported stolen from Ferco Rental, 264 S. Broadway Boulevard in Salina on July 26. It was valued at $7,500.Eric Goldberg, 43, of Salina, approached the officer. Goldberg allegedly had the pickup keys hanging out of his jacket pocket. During a search, the officer allegedly located methamphetamine inside the pickup.Goldberg was arrested on requested charges of Felony possession of stolen property, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Possession of a controlled substance. The pickup was released to Ferco Rental.

Police find Kansas felon with pickup reported stolen in July

LYON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with multiple crimes including bank robbery.

Just before 8:30a.m. Monday, a Lyon County resident called in a theft of fuel from Road 110 and South Highway 99, according to&nbsp;Detective Sergeant Jacob Welsh.

The suspect’s vehicle was described as a White Dodge truck with an Oklahoma license plate. Deputies located the truck northbound in the 700 block of South Weaver Street.

 Deputies initiated a traffic stop however the suspect fled eastbound on Logan Avenue into the county and ultimately came back into Emporia on East Logan Avenue.

 The suspect drove northbound on Commercial Street and failed to navigate a turn eastbound&nbsp;on Norton Street. The suspect’s vehicle struck an Evergy power pole.

The suspect later identified as 43-year-old Jerry Brown of Bixby, Oklahoma, exited his vehicle and continued fleeing on foot and was shortly captured in the area of 302 S. Commercial Street.

Deputies arrested Brown for the theft of fuel, and additional requested charges that include criminal damage, felony flee and elude, leaving the scene of an accident and several other traffic related charges.&nbsp;

During the investigation, it was discovered that Brown was involved in a felony flee and elude around 3:30a.m. Monday in Nowata, OK. It was also discovered that Brown is pending trial for two bank robberies out of Oklahoma.

Detectives are working with Oklahoma authorities to determine if any other crimes have been committed, according to Welsh

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635192951054.png" alt="Brown photo Lyon County" />
 <figcaption>Brown photo Lyon County</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with multiple crimes including bank robbery.Just before 8:30a.m. Monday, a Lyon County resident called in a theft of fuel from Road 110 and South Highway 99, according to&nbsp;Detective Sergeant Jacob Welsh.The suspect’s vehicle was described as a White Dodge truck with an Oklahoma license plate. Deputies located the truck northbound in the 700 block of South Weaver Street. Deputies initiated a traffic stop however the suspect fled eastbound on Logan Avenue into the county and ultimately came back into Emporia on East Logan Avenue. The suspect drove northbound on Commercial Street and failed to navigate a turn eastbound&nbsp;on Norton Street. The suspect’s vehicle struck an Evergy power pole.The suspect later identified as 43-year-old Jerry Brown of Bixby, Oklahoma, exited his vehicle and continued fleeing on foot and was shortly captured in the area of 302 S. Commercial Street.Deputies arrested Brown for the theft of fuel, and additional requested charges that include criminal damage, felony flee and elude, leaving the scene of an accident and several other traffic related charges.&nbsp;During the investigation, it was discovered that Brown was involved in a felony flee and elude around 3:30a.m. Monday in Nowata, OK. It was also discovered that Brown is pending trial for two bank robberies out of Oklahoma.Detectives are working with Oklahoma authorities to determine if any other crimes have been committed, according to Welsh