SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting on Halloween evening.

Just after 7:30 p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 2600 block of SE Pennsylvania in Topeka after report of a woman suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.

An ambulance transported the woman to a local hospital. Officers were on-scene trying to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident. Name of the victim has not been released and police have not reported an arrest.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting on Halloween evening.Just after 7:30 p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 2600 block of SE Pennsylvania in Topeka after report of a woman suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.An ambulance transported the woman to a local hospital. Officers were on-scene trying to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident. Name of the victim has not been released and police have not reported an arrest.

Kan. woman with life-threatening injury after Halloween shooting

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and after asking the public for help to locate two suspects have reported an arrest.

On Thursday, authorities in Seattle, Washington arrested&nbsp;31-year-old Latrelle Sheneice Praylow 

A second suspect Todge Anderson is still outstanding, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Just after 11:30a.m. October 3, police responded to a call for service at a home in the 300 Block of SW Polk in Topeka for a check welfare, according to&nbsp;LT Jerry Monasmith.

On arrival, officers found 38-year-old Christopher McMillon with what appeared to be a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

Praylow is being held without bond in King County until she is returned to Kansas.&nbsp;

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as&nbsp; Christopher McMillon, 38, of Topeka. 

Just after 11:30a.m. Saturday, police responded to a call for service at a home in the 300 Block of SW Polk for a check welfare, according to&nbsp;LT Jerry Monasmith.

On arrival, officers found McMillon with what appeared to be a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police released no additional details early Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603125505902.png" alt="Praylow has previous convictions for theft, forgery and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections -photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Praylow has previous convictions for theft, forgery and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections -photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and after asking the public for help to locate two suspects have reported an arrest.On Thursday, authorities in Seattle, Washington arrested&nbsp;31-year-old Latrelle Sheneice Praylow <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603125537277.png" alt="Anderson-photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Anderson-photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>A second suspect Todge Anderson is still outstanding, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.Just after 11:30a.m. October 3, police responded to a call for service at a home in the 300 Block of SW Polk in Topeka for a check welfare, according to&nbsp;LT Jerry Monasmith.On arrival, officers found 38-year-old Christopher McMillon with what appeared to be a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;Praylow is being held without bond in King County until she is returned to Kansas.&nbsp;---------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as&nbsp; Christopher McMillon, 38, of Topeka. Just after 11:30a.m. Saturday, police responded to a call for service at a home in the 300 Block of SW Polk for a check welfare, according to&nbsp;LT Jerry Monasmith.On arrival, officers found McMillon with what appeared to be a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police released no additional details early Sunday.-----------

Suspect wanted for Kan. man's murder jailed in Seattle

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp; —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have a shooting that fatally injured 34-year-old Stephen Muriithi of Wichita.

Just after 2 a.m. Friday, police responded to a shooting at an apartment complex in the 500 block of North Nims in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;

 Upon arrival, officers located 34-year-old Stephen Muriithi who had been shot.&nbsp; Officers began life-saving measures, but Muriithi succumbed to his injuries on the scene.

The investigation revealed a disturbance ensued at one of the apartments involving multiple individuals, stemming from an earlier physical disturbance.&nbsp; A shot was fired that struck Muriithi.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1604070334075.png" alt="Investigators on the scene of the shooting early Friday photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Investigators on the scene of the shooting early Friday photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp; —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have a shooting that fatally injured 34-year-old Stephen Muriithi of Wichita.Just after 2 a.m. Friday, police responded to a shooting at an apartment complex in the 500 block of North Nims in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located 34-year-old Stephen Muriithi who had been shot.&nbsp; Officers began life-saving measures, but Muriithi succumbed to his injuries on the scene.The investigation revealed a disturbance ensued at one of the apartments involving multiple individuals, stemming from an earlier physical disturbance.&nbsp; A shot was fired that struck Muriithi.Police have not reported an arrest.

Police: 34-year-old Kan. man died after reported fight

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent attack on woman and have made an arrest.

Just after 11a.m. Wednesday, police responded to an assault call at a residence in the 11300 block of East Lewis in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with a 64-year-old woman who was injured.&nbsp; EMS transported the woman to an area hospital for treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injures.&nbsp;

The investigation revealed an argument began between the woman and her boyfriend identified as 40-year-old Kenton Grubbs.&nbsp; 

During the argument, Grubbs strangled her multiple times, struck her with a baseball bat multiple times, battered and threatened her, according to Davidson.

Police contacted Grubbs at the scene and he battered an officer while being arrested.

Grubbs is being held on requested charges of attempted murder, aggravated kidnapping, and battery of a law enforcement officer, according to Davidson.

The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603990295790.png" alt="Grubbs photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Grubbs photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent attack on woman and have made an arrest.Just after 11a.m. Wednesday, police responded to an assault call at a residence in the 11300 block of East Lewis in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers made contact with a 64-year-old woman who was injured.&nbsp; EMS transported the woman to an area hospital for treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injures.&nbsp;The investigation revealed an argument began between the woman and her boyfriend identified as 40-year-old Kenton Grubbs.&nbsp; During the argument, Grubbs strangled her multiple times, struck her with a baseball bat multiple times, battered and threatened her, according to Davidson.Police contacted Grubbs at the scene and he battered an officer while being arrested.Grubbs is being held on requested charges of attempted murder, aggravated kidnapping, and battery of a law enforcement officer, according to Davidson.The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;

Kan. man allegedly attacked woman with baseball bat

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Black man who was wrongly arrested when he was 15 and held for three weeks without charge will be allowed to sue the two Kansas City officers who detained him, a federal appeals court has ruled.

A three-judge panel of the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 Wednesday that the officers violated the constitutional rights of Tyree Bell when they arrested him without probable cause on June 8, 2016.

Officers Peter Neukrich and Jonathan Munyan said they arrested Bell because he resembled another teen who had run away from officers earlier in the day, discarding a gun as he fled. Bell was walking home about a mile from where that happened when the officers stopped him.

The appeals court wrote that Bell’s only resemblance to the suspect was that he was Black, juvenile and male.

Police video showed Bell was taller, had a different hairstyle and was wearing different clothing than the original suspect. He also was breathing normally — unlike someone who had just run from police — and cooperated with the officers.

The officers argued that they watched dashcam video of the earlier event several times before arresting Bell and had reasonable belief that he was the suspect. But it wasn’t until June 29 that a detective watched the video and concluded Bell wasn't the suspect and should be released from detention.

Bell and his mother&nbsp;<a href="https://hosted.ap.org/semissourian/article/e748a624036ac6caac19dae3026a0265/12903e35dbd340c4bc1ca14b845ed130">sued</a>&nbsp;the police, plus several city and police department officials in 2017.

The lower court&nbsp;<a>dismissed&nbsp;</a>the lawsuit in March 2019 after finding the officers were entitled to qualified immunity, which protects government officials from being sued for actions in their official capacity unless they violate a legal or constitutional right.

“Given the glaring differences, there was not arguable probable cause to believe that Bell was the fleeing suspect,” Chief Judge Lavenski R. Smith wrote for the appeals court. “Bell’s right to be free from an arrest and detention under the circumstances was clearly established. It is an obvious case of insufficient probable cause.”

Bell’s lawyer, Arthur Benson, applauded the ruling in an email.

“Fifteen-year-old Black males walking home from school in the summer wearing dark shorts and a white tee shirt are not all criminal suspects to be arrested and jailed for three weeks," Benson wrote. "They do not all look alike, even though two untrained Kansas City police officers may think they do.”

Police spokesman Sgt. Jake Becchina said the department does not comment on pending litigation.

The appeals court upheld the lower court’s dismissal of all the defendants except the two officers.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Black man who was wrongly arrested when he was 15 and held for three weeks without charge will be allowed to sue the two Kansas City officers who detained him, a federal appeals court has ruled.A three-judge panel of the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 Wednesday that the officers violated the constitutional rights of Tyree Bell when they arrested him without probable cause on June 8, 2016.Officers Peter Neukrich and Jonathan Munyan said they arrested Bell because he resembled another teen who had run away from officers earlier in the day, discarding a gun as he fled. Bell was walking home about a mile from where that happened when the officers stopped him.The appeals court wrote that Bell’s only resemblance to the suspect was that he was Black, juvenile and male.Police video showed Bell was taller, had a different hairstyle and was wearing different clothing than the original suspect. He also was breathing normally — unlike someone who had just run from police — and cooperated with the officers.The officers argued that they watched dashcam video of the earlier event several times before arresting Bell and had reasonable belief that he was the suspect. But it wasn’t until June 29 that a detective watched the video and concluded Bell wasn't the suspect and should be released from detention.Bell and his mother&nbsp;<a href="https://hosted.ap.org/semissourian/article/e748a624036ac6caac19dae3026a0265/12903e35dbd340c4bc1ca14b845ed130">sued</a>&nbsp;the police, plus several city and police department officials in 2017.The lower court&nbsp;<a>dismissed&nbsp;</a>the lawsuit in March 2019 after finding the officers were entitled to qualified immunity, which protects government officials from being sued for actions in their official capacity unless they violate a legal or constitutional right.“Given the glaring differences, there was not arguable probable cause to believe that Bell was the fleeing suspect,” Chief Judge Lavenski R. Smith wrote for the appeals court. “Bell’s right to be free from an arrest and detention under the circumstances was clearly established. It is an obvious case of insufficient probable cause.”Bell’s lawyer, Arthur Benson, applauded the ruling in an email.“Fifteen-year-old Black males walking home from school in the summer wearing dark shorts and a white tee shirt are not all criminal suspects to be arrested and jailed for three weeks," Benson wrote. "They do not all look alike, even though two untrained Kansas City police officers may think they do.”Police spokesman Sgt. Jake Becchina said the department does not comment on pending litigation.The appeals court upheld the lower court’s dismissal of all the defendants except the two officers.

Court revives Kansas City man's lawsuit in wrongful arrest

MARION –&nbsp; A Kansas man has been charged with first degree murder in connection with the disappearance and death of a Sedgwick County woman this spring, according to Kansas Attorney General&nbsp;Derek Schmidt.

Schmidt filed criminal charges against Robert Bruce Mans Jr., 48, of Wichita, in connection with the death of Shalan Niccole Gannon, 27, of Wichita. The charges were filed Wednesday in Marion County District Court, and Mans was arrested today in Wichita. 

Authorities allege Gannon was murdered on or about April 8. She was reported missing on April 11, and her body was found in June in the Ninnescah River in rural Sumner County. A copy of the complaint can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/35OFNoI">https://bit.ly/35OFNoI</a>.

The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Wichita Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion Police Department, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591985077348.png" alt="&nbsp;Shalan Niccole Gannon photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Shalan Niccole Gannon photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>MARION –&nbsp; A Kansas man has been charged with first degree murder in connection with the disappearance and death of a Sedgwick County woman this spring, according to Kansas Attorney General&nbsp;Derek Schmidt.Schmidt filed criminal charges against Robert Bruce Mans Jr., 48, of Wichita, in connection with the death of Shalan Niccole Gannon, 27, of Wichita. The charges were filed Wednesday in Marion County District Court, and Mans was arrested today in Wichita. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1604005781596.png" alt="Mans has previous convictions for burglary, theft and aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. He is being held in the Marion County, Kansas jail." />
 <figcaption>Mans has previous convictions for burglary, theft and aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. He is being held in the Marion County, Kansas jail.</figcaption>
 </figure>Authorities allege Gannon was murdered on or about April 8. She was reported missing on April 11, and her body was found in June in the Ninnescah River in rural Sumner County. A copy of the complaint can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/35OFNoI">https://bit.ly/35OFNoI</a>.The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Wichita Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion Police Department, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office.

Murder charge in connection with body found in Kan. river

By STEPHAN BISAHA <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/kansas-aims-400000-more-coronavirus-tests-years-end-rural-cases-surge">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA, Kansas — Amid a surge of coronavirus cases 
across rural Kansas, Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly provided details on her
 new statewide testing plan Wednesday, adding 400,000 more by the end of
 the year.

That's nearly double the amount of tests available 
now, with the goal of reaching a total of 1 million tests. The extra 
capacity is expected to go to schools and high-risk populations, like 
those living and working at nursing homes.

“This
 is especially important for populations at high risk but also for 
businesses across the state worried about keeping their workforces safe 
and their doors open,” Kelly said at a news conference.

Kansas 
reported about 3,400 new cases between Monday and Wednesday, including 
31 new deaths. About half of those new cases are due to an update to the
 Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s system. But even 
accounting for that, Kansas still added hundreds more cases in the time 
frame than it did the previous week.

Kelly plans on using federal
 funding for the increased testing, as well as expanding infrastructure 
like improving testing capacity at labs, better transportation of 
samples to labs and increasing data accuracy to better track coronavirus
 trends across the state.

The plan would also distribute more resources for isolating and quarantining, though Kelly did not provide details.

The highest rates of infection <a href="http://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">a</a><a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">re in rural counties</a>, especially in the western half of Kansas.&nbsp;

Norton County in northwest Kansas (population of about 5,500) has more than 550 cases, making it <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.html" target="_blank">one of the highest per-capita rates of infectio</a><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.html" target="_blank">n in the U.S.</a>&nbsp;Finney County, which includes Garden City, reports its positivity rate from two weeks ago reached 31%.

Lindsay
 Byrnes, the county health department’s medical director, emailed Garden
 City commission members this week asking for an immediate 
implementation of a mask mandate in the city itself. She said in the 
letter that the hospital there is “incredibly strained.”

But 
Finney County Commissioner Duane Drees said Wednesday that it isn’t the 
government’s job to force people to wear masks or socially distance. He 
also said that it isn’t realistic to expect the county’s large immigrant
 population to obey the guidelines because they like to have family 
gatherings.

Finney County Health Department Director Colleen 
Drees would not comment on whether her agency needs more help from the 
county government to make sure people are taking precautions.

The virus is spreading widely across the community, she added.

“I
 wouldn't say that there's any specific outbreaks that are causing it. 
We've had several people that have reported that they're not sure where 
they contracted COVID.”

Recently, the county commission Crawford 
County in far southeast Kansas issued a stricter mask ordinance that 
requires people to wear a mask in public.

Wichita also is seeing a <a href="https://sedgwickcounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/7b2b4364a5fa4ba3a015d52450acfe0d" target="_blank">steady increase in cases</a>,
 topping more than 11,300 on Wednesday. The city’s two-week 
percent-positive rate is up to 13.3%, which is approaching the peak of 
14.1% in July. Ascension Via Christi hospitals in Wichita are at 
capacity, and Wesley Medical Center is at 90% capacity, Sedgwick County 
Manager Tom Stoltz said about information he received from hospital 
administrators.

“They’re wanting to talk with us about some 
emergency funding,” Stolz said during a county commission meeting 
Wednesday. “They’re looking at options now for overflow patients and 
staffing concerns.”

Kelly and top Republicans <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/kelly-top-lawmakers-agree-no-kansas-mask-rule-now" target="_blank">agreed Tuesday to encourage Kansas counties to adopt local mask mandates</a>
 rather than impose a statewide rule. Most of the state’s counties opted
 out of the mandate, and mask-wearing is a political sticking point. In 
Wichita, <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/wichita-mayor-says-he-appreciates-community-support-after-he-threatened" target="_blank">police arrested a man</a> after he allegedly threatened the Democratic mayor because of the city’s mask mandate.

An analysis from the <a href="https://ipsr.ku.edu/covid19/images/Mask_Mandate_forJoCo.pdf" target="_blank">University of Kansas</a>
 found that of the 80 Kansas counties without mask orders, they’ve seen a
 significant increase in coronavirus case rates in recent months. 
Counties that require masks have had a relatively flat rate of new 
cases.

About a month after the pandemic began in Kansas, 
lawmakers and the governor have clashed over her response. Republicans 
were angered that she closed businesses statewide and in response <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-22/kansas-gov-kellys-emergency-powers-weakened-by-lawmakers-who-say-she-overreacted-to-covid-19" target="_blank">voted to restrict her emergency powers</a>.

Kelly ultimately <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-26/kansas-counties-in-charge-of-covid-19-restrictions-after-gov-kelly-vetoes-emergency-powers-bill" target="_blank">vetoed that bill</a>
 and called a special session, where legislative leaders reached a deal 
to extend the state’s coronavirus emergency order in exchange for Kelly 
giving up some of her powers to respond to the virus. That bill also 
gave counties the ability to opt out of her mask orders.

Tensions between the governor and lawmakers have eased after Kelly said she has no intention of <a href="http://www.kmuw.org/post/republicans-extend-disaster-declaration-after-kansas-gov-kelly-promises-not-close-businesses" target="_blank">c</a><a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/republicans-extend-disaster-declaration-after-kansas-gov-kelly-promises-not-close-businesses" target="_blank">losing businesses again</a>.
 That convinced Republicans to extend the statewide emergency order, 
which must now be done monthly and is up for renewal again in 
mid-November.

Kansas News Service reporters Nomin Ujiyediin and Stephen Koranda contributed to this report.

Stephan Bisaha reports on education and young adult life for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/stevebisaha">@SteveBisaha</a>&nbsp;or email him at bisaha@kmuw.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603979139090.png" alt=" A drive-through coronavirus testing center in Wichita. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> A drive-through coronavirus testing center in Wichita. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEPHAN BISAHA <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/kansas-aims-400000-more-coronavirus-tests-years-end-rural-cases-surge">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA, Kansas — Amid a surge of coronavirus cases 
across rural Kansas, Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly provided details on her
 new statewide testing plan Wednesday, adding 400,000 more by the end of
 the year.That's nearly double the amount of tests available 
now, with the goal of reaching a total of 1 million tests. The extra 
capacity is expected to go to schools and high-risk populations, like 
those living and working at nursing homes.“This
 is especially important for populations at high risk but also for 
businesses across the state worried about keeping their workforces safe 
and their doors open,” Kelly said at a news conference.Kansas 
reported about 3,400 new cases between Monday and Wednesday, including 
31 new deaths. About half of those new cases are due to an update to the
 Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s system. But even 
accounting for that, Kansas still added hundreds more cases in the time 
frame than it did the previous week.Kelly plans on using federal
 funding for the increased testing, as well as expanding infrastructure 
like improving testing capacity at labs, better transportation of 
samples to labs and increasing data accuracy to better track coronavirus
 trends across the state.The plan would also distribute more resources for isolating and quarantining, though Kelly did not provide details.The highest rates of infection <a href="http://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">a</a><a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">re in rural counties</a>, especially in the western half of Kansas.&nbsp;Norton County in northwest Kansas (population of about 5,500) has more than 550 cases, making it <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.html" target="_blank">one of the highest per-capita rates of infectio</a><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.html" target="_blank">n in the U.S.</a>&nbsp;Finney County, which includes Garden City, reports its positivity rate from two weeks ago reached 31%.Lindsay
 Byrnes, the county health department’s medical director, emailed Garden
 City commission members this week asking for an immediate 
implementation of a mask mandate in the city itself. She said in the 
letter that the hospital there is “incredibly strained.”But 
Finney County Commissioner Duane Drees said Wednesday that it isn’t the 
government’s job to force people to wear masks or socially distance. He 
also said that it isn’t realistic to expect the county’s large immigrant
 population to obey the guidelines because they like to have family 
gatherings.Finney County Health Department Director Colleen 
Drees would not comment on whether her agency needs more help from the 
county government to make sure people are taking precautions.The virus is spreading widely across the community, she added.“I
 wouldn't say that there's any specific outbreaks that are causing it. 
We've had several people that have reported that they're not sure where 
they contracted COVID.”Recently, the county commission Crawford 
County in far southeast Kansas issued a stricter mask ordinance that 
requires people to wear a mask in public.Wichita also is seeing a <a href="https://sedgwickcounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/7b2b4364a5fa4ba3a015d52450acfe0d" target="_blank">steady increase in cases</a>,
 topping more than 11,300 on Wednesday. The city’s two-week 
percent-positive rate is up to 13.3%, which is approaching the peak of 
14.1% in July. Ascension Via Christi hospitals in Wichita are at 
capacity, and Wesley Medical Center is at 90% capacity, Sedgwick County 
Manager Tom Stoltz said about information he received from hospital 
administrators.“They’re wanting to talk with us about some 
emergency funding,” Stolz said during a county commission meeting 
Wednesday. “They’re looking at options now for overflow patients and 
staffing concerns.”Kelly and top Republicans <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/kelly-top-lawmakers-agree-no-kansas-mask-rule-now" target="_blank">agreed Tuesday to encourage Kansas counties to adopt local mask mandates</a>
 rather than impose a statewide rule. Most of the state’s counties opted
 out of the mandate, and mask-wearing is a political sticking point. In 
Wichita, <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/wichita-mayor-says-he-appreciates-community-support-after-he-threatened" target="_blank">police arrested a man</a> after he allegedly threatened the Democratic mayor because of the city’s mask mandate.An analysis from the <a href="https://ipsr.ku.edu/covid19/images/Mask_Mandate_forJoCo.pdf" target="_blank">University of Kansas</a>
 found that of the 80 Kansas counties without mask orders, they’ve seen a
 significant increase in coronavirus case rates in recent months. 
Counties that require masks have had a relatively flat rate of new 
cases.About a month after the pandemic began in Kansas, 
lawmakers and the governor have clashed over her response. Republicans 
were angered that she closed businesses statewide and in response <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-22/kansas-gov-kellys-emergency-powers-weakened-by-lawmakers-who-say-she-overreacted-to-covid-19" target="_blank">voted to restrict her emergency powers</a>.Kelly ultimately <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-26/kansas-counties-in-charge-of-covid-19-restrictions-after-gov-kelly-vetoes-emergency-powers-bill" target="_blank">vetoed that bill</a>
 and called a special session, where legislative leaders reached a deal 
to extend the state’s coronavirus emergency order in exchange for Kelly 
giving up some of her powers to respond to the virus. That bill also 
gave counties the ability to opt out of her mask orders.Tensions between the governor and lawmakers have eased after Kelly said she has no intention of <a href="http://www.kmuw.org/post/republicans-extend-disaster-declaration-after-kansas-gov-kelly-promises-not-close-businesses" target="_blank">c</a><a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/republicans-extend-disaster-declaration-after-kansas-gov-kelly-promises-not-close-businesses" target="_blank">losing businesses again</a>.
 That convinced Republicans to extend the statewide emergency order, 
which must now be done monthly and is up for renewal again in 
mid-November.Kansas News Service reporters Nomin Ujiyediin and Stephen Koranda contributed to this report.Stephan Bisaha reports on education and young adult life for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/stevebisaha">@SteveBisaha</a>&nbsp;or email him at bisaha@kmuw.org.

Kansas aims for 400,000 more virus tests as rural cases surge

Carlos Juan Roman, 77, of Junction City, KS, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2020 at Select Specialty Hospital in Kansas City, KS. Carlos will lie in state on Friday, November 6, 2020 from 5-7 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home.&nbsp; A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, November 7, 2020, at the St. Xavier Catholic Church in Junction City with Fr. Gnanasekar Kulandai officiating. Burial will follow the service at St. Mary's Cemetery. Memorial contributions have been designated to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Friends of Animals. Carlos was born June 28, 1943 in San Juan, Puerto Rico to Basilio and Celia (Carreras) Roman. At the age of 4 his family moved to New York City, where he remained until graduation from Haaren High School in 1961. After a couple years in the civilian work force, he was drafted into the U S Army and served 20 months in Germany, 26 months in Vietnam and the rest of his time was served at Fort Riley, KS where he was honorably discharged. During his military career he received two Purple Hearts, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Unit Presidential Award. During his first year back in the civilian work force, he worked at Westside Dairy for 7 months and then for Bill Haslett tree service for 4 months. In October 1973 he joined the Junction City Police Department as the Animal Control Officer as well as being a member of the police reserves. In June 1975 he became a full-time police officer on street patrol and in February 1981 he was promoted to detective. He retired from the Junction City Police Department in June 1994 and went to work for the Geary County Sheriff Department, where he was promoted to Detective Sergeant in February 1996. In January 2001 he became the Undersheriff for Sheriff James Jensen as well as being the department K-9 handler and supervised the K-9 unit. He retired from law enforcement in February 2011. During his law enforcement career, he obtained his associates degree in criminology and successfully completed many seminars and classes to include those with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He received the Merit Award for Excellent Arrests and Outstanding Commendation Award, both from the American Police Hall of Fame as well as certificates and awards from the Heart of America Police Association. Carolos is survived by his wonderful wife of 42 years, Joan Roman; brother, George (Dolores) Roman of Norwalk, CT; sister, Carmen (Luis) Rivera of Columbus, GA; sisters in law, Cathie Fultz and Paula Fultz of Junction City, KS and Virginia (Howard) Baum of Brandon, FL. He is also survived by nieces, Maria Jimenez of Mahopac, NY, Denise Roman of NYC, Leslie (Donald) VanPatten of Brandon, FL, Keely Fultz and Savannah Holley of Junction City, KS; nephews, Ivan Roman of NYC, Brandon Baum of Brandon, FL, Eric Holley and Melinda Leblanc of Junction City and Zentavious Leblanc of Junction City, KS.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Carlos Juan Roman, 77, of Junction City, KS, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2020 at Select Specialty Hospital in Kansas City, KS. Carlos will lie in state on Friday, November 6, 2020 from 5-7 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home.&nbsp; A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, November 7, 2020, at the St. Xavier Catholic Church in Junction City with Fr. Gnanasekar Kulandai officiating. Burial will follow the service at St. Mary's Cemetery. Memorial contributions have been designated to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Friends of Animals. Carlos was born June 28, 1943 in San Juan, Puerto Rico to Basilio and Celia (Carreras) Roman. At the age of 4 his family moved to New York City, where he remained until graduation from Haaren High School in 1961. After a couple years in the civilian work force, he was drafted into the U S Army and served 20 months in Germany, 26 months in Vietnam and the rest of his time was served at Fort Riley, KS where he was honorably discharged. During his military career he received two Purple Hearts, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Unit Presidential Award. During his first year back in the civilian work force, he worked at Westside Dairy for 7 months and then for Bill Haslett tree service for 4 months. In October 1973 he joined the Junction City Police Department as the Animal Control Officer as well as being a member of the police reserves. In June 1975 he became a full-time police officer on street patrol and in February 1981 he was promoted to detective. He retired from the Junction City Police Department in June 1994 and went to work for the Geary County Sheriff Department, where he was promoted to Detective Sergeant in February 1996. In January 2001 he became the Undersheriff for Sheriff James Jensen as well as being the department K-9 handler and supervised the K-9 unit. He retired from law enforcement in February 2011. During his law enforcement career, he obtained his associates degree in criminology and successfully completed many seminars and classes to include those with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He received the Merit Award for Excellent Arrests and Outstanding Commendation Award, both from the American Police Hall of Fame as well as certificates and awards from the Heart of America Police Association. Carolos is survived by his wonderful wife of 42 years, Joan Roman; brother, George (Dolores) Roman of Norwalk, CT; sister, Carmen (Luis) Rivera of Columbus, GA; sisters in law, Cathie Fultz and Paula Fultz of Junction City, KS and Virginia (Howard) Baum of Brandon, FL. He is also survived by nieces, Maria Jimenez of Mahopac, NY, Denise Roman of NYC, Leslie (Donald) VanPatten of Brandon, FL, Keely Fultz and Savannah Holley of Junction City, KS; nephews, Ivan Roman of NYC, Brandon Baum of Brandon, FL, Eric Holley and Melinda Leblanc of Junction City and Zentavious Leblanc of Junction City, KS.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Carlos Juan Roman

MONTGOMERY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) released an update related to the officer-involved shooting that took place on Oct. 23.

The autopsy of 32-year-old Wesley Jordan has been completed. It indicated Jordan died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to a media release from the agency. This determination is consistent with investigative findings.

Just before 1 p.m.Friday, a victim called 911 to report being robbed at gunpoint at the Regal Inn in Coffeyville, according to a media release from the KBI.

At approximately 1:15 p.m., a KHP trooper observed a vehicle near 3600 Road, in Independence, Kan., that matched the vehicle connected to the robbery. He and another KHP trooper who responded to assist, initiated a car stop on the silver 2006 Chrysler Town and Country minivan occupied by a female driver later identified as Kristina K. Smith, 26, Coffeyville, and a male passenger later identified as 32-year-old Wesley Jordan of Hot Springs, Arkansas.

As the troopers attempted the traffic stop, Jordan fired at the troopers.

A trooper returned fire and the subjects fled, prompting a police pursuit. Near the intersection of 3600 Road. and 3900 Road., a deputy from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office intercepted the minivan and fired at Jordan.

The minivan continued west on 3600 Road., another 1/4 mile, until it came to a stop. Then a KHP trooper fired at Jordan when he exited the minivan.

Jordan was pronounced deceased at the scene by Montgomery County EMS. No law enforcement officers were injured during this incident.

Deputies took Smith into custody for questioning, and she was later arrested by the Coffeyville Police Department and is being held on requested of armed w/ dangerous weapon, Attempted FelonyTheft of prop/services,&nbsp; Aggravated battery. Knowingly use physical contact in angry/rude manner w/weapon, Aggravated assault and Use of a deadly weapon, according to online booking records.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place Friday afternoon in rural Montgomery County.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) released an update related to the officer-involved shooting that took place on Oct. 23.The autopsy of 32-year-old Wesley Jordan has been completed. It indicated Jordan died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to a media release from the agency. This determination is consistent with investigative findings.Just before 1 p.m.Friday, a victim called 911 to report being robbed at gunpoint at the Regal Inn in Coffeyville, according to a media release from the KBI.At approximately 1:15 p.m., a KHP trooper observed a vehicle near 3600 Road, in Independence, Kan., that matched the vehicle connected to the robbery. He and another KHP trooper who responded to assist, initiated a car stop on the silver 2006 Chrysler Town and Country minivan occupied by a female driver later identified as Kristina K. Smith, 26, Coffeyville, and a male passenger later identified as 32-year-old Wesley Jordan of Hot Springs, Arkansas.As the troopers attempted the traffic stop, Jordan fired at the troopers.A trooper returned fire and the subjects fled, prompting a police pursuit. Near the intersection of 3600 Road. and 3900 Road., a deputy from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office intercepted the minivan and fired at Jordan.The minivan continued west on 3600 Road., another 1/4 mile, until it came to a stop. Then a KHP trooper fired at Jordan when he exited the minivan.Jordan was pronounced deceased at the scene by Montgomery County EMS. No law enforcement officers were injured during this incident.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603551132843.png" alt="Kristina Smith-photo Montgomery County." />
 <figcaption>Kristina Smith-photo Montgomery County.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies took Smith into custody for questioning, and she was later arrested by the Coffeyville Police Department and is being held on requested of armed w/ dangerous weapon, Attempted FelonyTheft of prop/services,&nbsp; Aggravated battery. Knowingly use physical contact in angry/rude manner w/weapon, Aggravated assault and Use of a deadly weapon, according to online booking records.---------MONTGOMERY COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place Friday afternoon in rural Montgomery County.Just before 1 p.m.Friday, a victim called 911 to report being robbed at gunpoint at the Regal Inn in Coffeyville, according to a media release from the KBI.At approximately 1:15 p.m., a KHP trooper observed a vehicle near 3600 Road, in Independence, Kan., that matched the vehicle connected to the robbery. He and another KHP trooper who responded to assist, initiated a car stop on the silver 2006 Chrysler Town and Country minivan occupied by a female driver later identified as Kristina K. Smith, 26, Coffeyville, and a male passenger later identified as 32-year-old Wesley Jordan of Hot Springs, Arkansas.As the troopers attempted the traffic stop, Jordan fired at the troopers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603551132843.png" alt="Kristina Smith photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Kristina Smith photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>A trooper returned fire and the subjects fled, prompting a police pursuit. Near the intersection of 3600 Road. and 3900 Road., a deputy from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office intercepted the minivan and fired at Jordan.The minivan continued west on 3600 Road., another 1/4 mile, until it came to a stop. Then a KHP trooper fired at Jordan when he exited the minivan.Jordan was pronounced deceased at the scene by Montgomery County EMS. No law enforcement officers were injured during this incident.Deputies took Smith into custody for questioning, and she was later arrested by the Coffeyville Police Department and is being held on requested of armed w/ dangerous weapon, Attempted FelonyTheft of prop/services,&nbsp; Aggravated battery. Knowingly use physical contact in angry/rude manner w/weapon, Aggravated assault and Use of a deadly weapon, according to online booking records.

Update: 1 dead, 1 jailed after Kan. officer-involved shooting

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Kansas man accused in the death of a woman whose body was found at a motel made his first court appearance in the case Tuesday.

Ricky Hollins, Jr., 40, Wichita, was charged with&nbsp;first-degree murder and buying sexual relations, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. 

Just after 10a.m. October 22, police responded to a call of an unresponsive woman in a room at the Budget Motel in the 1300 Block of South Broad in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;A staff member of the motel located&nbsp;33-year-old Stephanie Duran of Wichita in the room and called the police.

She was pronounced dead at the scene. The following evening, police arrested and booked Hollins into the Sedgwick County Jail, according to online jail records. He remains jailed on $200,000 bond.&nbsp;

Kansas Department of Corrections records show Hollins has prior drug convictions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603833413290.png" alt="Hollins photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Hollins photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Kansas man accused in the death of a woman whose body was found at a motel made his first court appearance in the case Tuesday.Ricky Hollins, Jr., 40, Wichita, was charged with&nbsp;first-degree murder and buying sexual relations, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. Just after 10a.m. October 22, police responded to a call of an unresponsive woman in a room at the Budget Motel in the 1300 Block of South Broad in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;A staff member of the motel located&nbsp;33-year-old Stephanie Duran of Wichita in the room and called the police.She was pronounced dead at the scene. The following evening, police arrested and booked Hollins into the Sedgwick County Jail, according to online jail records. He remains jailed on $200,000 bond.&nbsp;Kansas Department of Corrections records show Hollins has prior drug convictions.

Kan. man charged for woman's murder while buying sex

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Wichita.

Just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday, a police officer on patrol in the area of 4200 East Boston in Wichita recognized a Chevy Tahoe that was part of an alert sent on Monday, according to&nbsp;Sgt. Daniel Harty with the Wichita police department's homicide division.

The alert also indicated a 38-year-old known male suspect had been involved in two incidents with police within the past couple of days.

On Saturday night, the Mulvane police department had been involved in a chase with the vehicle. During that pursuit, the suspect fired four shots at officers, according to Harty.&nbsp;

Sedgwick County Sheriff's deputies were involved in a chase with the suspect on Sunday night. At that time the suspect was able to avoid arrest.

When the officer on patrol recognized that this was the vehicle he'd read about, he attempted to make a traffic stop in the 4400 Block of East Harry in Wichita, according to Harty.

The suspect driver refused to stop, accelerated and fled. The pursuit last approximately 7 minutes in various neighborhoods in the Hilltop area at speeds of 60-70 miles per hours.

 The suspect eventually stopped in a backyard in the 4400 Block of East Bailey. He produced a handgun and fired at the officers.&nbsp; The bullet struck a home behind the officers. Five officers at the scene returned fire and the suspect was hit multiple times, according to Harty.

Officers then gave life-saving assistance, including the use of a tourniquet on the suspect's leg. EMS transported the suspect to a local hospital where he remains in stable condition, according to Harty. The suspect was alone and no officers were injured.&nbsp;As soon as the suspect is released from the hospital, he will be taken to jail.

The suspect's handgun was reported stolen during a home burglary in Sedgwick County in September.&nbsp; He has extensive criminal history, according to Harty.&nbsp; Police arrested him in 2012 on drug and gun charges after a lengthy pursuit where he fired shots at officers.&nbsp; He was on parole. Harty did not release his name. The KBI is assisting with the investigation.

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Police officers shot and wounded a man in an exchange of gunfire while attempting to arrest him because he is suspected of firing at an officer from a nearby town last week, according to Wichita Police.

Police reported on social media that the suspect fled Tuesday night before coming to a stop and firing at officers. The officers returned fire, striking the man. 

EMS transported the man to a hospital with serious injuries. No one else was in the car with the suspect, and no officers were injured. 

Police described the man as a “violent felon” and said he is suspected of shooting a Mulvane police officer during a vehicle pursuit. Police are expected to release more on the shooting investigation during a Wednesday afternoon news conference, according to officer Charley Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603914305229.png" alt="The stolen gun used in the exchange of gunfire and a diagram of the neighborhood where the shooting occurred-image Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>The stolen gun used in the exchange of gunfire and a diagram of the neighborhood where the shooting occurred-image Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Wichita.Just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday, a police officer on patrol in the area of 4200 East Boston in Wichita recognized a Chevy Tahoe that was part of an alert sent on Monday, according to&nbsp;Sgt. Daniel Harty with the Wichita police department's homicide division.The alert also indicated a 38-year-old known male suspect had been involved in two incidents with police within the past couple of days.On Saturday night, the Mulvane police department had been involved in a chase with the vehicle. During that pursuit, the suspect fired four shots at officers, according to Harty.&nbsp;Sedgwick County Sheriff's deputies were involved in a chase with the suspect on Sunday night. At that time the suspect was able to avoid arrest.When the officer on patrol recognized that this was the vehicle he'd read about, he attempted to make a traffic stop in the 4400 Block of East Harry in Wichita, according to Harty.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603903455211.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect driver refused to stop, accelerated and fled. The pursuit last approximately 7 minutes in various neighborhoods in the Hilltop area at speeds of 60-70 miles per hours. The suspect eventually stopped in a backyard in the 4400 Block of East Bailey. He produced a handgun and fired at the officers.&nbsp; The bullet struck a home behind the officers. Five officers at the scene returned fire and the suspect was hit multiple times, according to Harty.Officers then gave life-saving assistance, including the use of a tourniquet on the suspect's leg. EMS transported the suspect to a local hospital where he remains in stable condition, according to Harty. The suspect was alone and no officers were injured.&nbsp;As soon as the suspect is released from the hospital, he will be taken to jail.The suspect's handgun was reported stolen during a home burglary in Sedgwick County in September.&nbsp; He has extensive criminal history, according to Harty.&nbsp; Police arrested him in 2012 on drug and gun charges after a lengthy pursuit where he fired shots at officers.&nbsp; He was on parole. Harty did not release his name. The KBI is assisting with the investigation.---------SEDGWICK COUNTY— Police officers shot and wounded a man in an exchange of gunfire while attempting to arrest him because he is suspected of firing at an officer from a nearby town last week, according to Wichita Police.Police reported on social media that the suspect fled Tuesday night before coming to a stop and firing at officers. The officers returned fire, striking the man. EMS transported the man to a hospital with serious injuries. No one else was in the car with the suspect, and no officers were injured. Police described the man as a “violent felon” and said he is suspected of shooting a Mulvane police officer during a vehicle pursuit. Police are expected to release more on the shooting investigation during a Wednesday afternoon news conference, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Update: Suspect shot during Kan. chase, exchange of gunfire

LYONS, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas has man has been charged with attempted capital murder in the shooting of a central Kansas police officer, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Wednesday.

Adam Hrabik, 40, was also charged with aggravated assault after a Lyons High School teacher was seriously injured in the crossfire.

Lyons Police Sgt. Cory Ryan, 36, was critically injured when he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-police-kansas-wichita-7487584f520b84e877e95dca78ee84b7">shot</a>&nbsp;Oct. 19 when he responded to a man who reported he had been threatened with a gun, investigators said.

Two bystanders who saw the shooting drove the officer to a hospital and he was later transported to a Wichita hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ryan was recovering and preparing to leave the hospital Wednesday.

Lyons teacher Brian Friess was seriously injured when he was caught in crossfire during the confrontation, police said. His condition on Wednesday wasn’t immediately available.

After the shooting, Hrabik went inside a home and was arrested after a long standoff.

Lyons is about 81 miles northwest of Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603932778315.png" alt="Adam Hrabik photo Rice County" />
 <figcaption>Adam Hrabik photo Rice County</figcaption>
 </figure>LYONS, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas has man has been charged with attempted capital murder in the shooting of a central Kansas police officer, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Wednesday.Adam Hrabik, 40, was also charged with aggravated assault after a Lyons High School teacher was seriously injured in the crossfire.Lyons Police Sgt. Cory Ryan, 36, was critically injured when he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-police-kansas-wichita-7487584f520b84e877e95dca78ee84b7">shot</a>&nbsp;Oct. 19 when he responded to a man who reported he had been threatened with a gun, investigators said.Two bystanders who saw the shooting drove the officer to a hospital and he was later transported to a Wichita hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ryan was recovering and preparing to leave the hospital Wednesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602896609117.png" alt="Police on the scene of the standoff&nbsp; Oct. 19-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the standoff&nbsp; Oct. 19-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Lyons teacher Brian Friess was seriously injured when he was caught in crossfire during the confrontation, police said. His condition on Wednesday wasn’t immediately available.After the shooting, Hrabik went inside a home and was arrested after a long standoff.Lyons is about 81 miles northwest of Wichita.

Man charged in shooting of Lyons police officer, teacher

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A retired firefighter who is charged with threatening to kidnap and kill the mayor of Wichita because he was upset about the city’s mask ordinance had been texting an acquaintance on the city council for more than a month before his arrest, newly released court records show.

The document were released Tuesday in the case against 59-year-old Meredith Dowty, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-kansas-wichita-topeka-13c2ec68539f8ba62d0237d83a94fbb4">charged</a>&nbsp;last week three counts of criminal threat. They say Wichita City Council member James Clendenin started receiving texts from Dowty on Sept. 9, when Dowty wrote that he wanted to know where the mayor eats, sleeps and buys food and gas.

Clendenin, who voted against the mask mandate, said Dowty might have felt they were “kindred spirits” because of his stance.

Court documents say Dowty also texted about people needing to be “hung by their necks” on Sept. 24 and then described the mayor as “traitorous” in a Sept. 25 message. Clendenin said he didn’t feel the conversation went beyond “venting” until Oct. 16, when Dowty allegedly wrote that the “Mayor and all those who bankrupt us” are “viable targets for elimination.”

That’s when he reported the messages to police. Dowty said Clendenin is his friend and that he didn’t mean the texts as threats, court document say.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602897809399.png" alt="Meredith Dowty photo Sedgwick County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Meredith Dowty photo Sedgwick County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A retired firefighter who is charged with threatening to kidnap and kill the mayor of Wichita because he was upset about the city’s mask ordinance had been texting an acquaintance on the city council for more than a month before his arrest, newly released court records show.The document were released Tuesday in the case against 59-year-old Meredith Dowty, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-kansas-wichita-topeka-13c2ec68539f8ba62d0237d83a94fbb4">charged</a>&nbsp;last week three counts of criminal threat. They say Wichita City Council member James Clendenin started receiving texts from Dowty on Sept. 9, when Dowty wrote that he wanted to know where the mayor eats, sleeps and buys food and gas.Clendenin, who voted against the mask mandate, said Dowty might have felt they were “kindred spirits” because of his stance.Court documents say Dowty also texted about people needing to be “hung by their necks” on Sept. 24 and then described the mayor as “traitorous” in a Sept. 25 message. Clendenin said he didn’t feel the conversation went beyond “venting” until Oct. 16, when Dowty allegedly wrote that the “Mayor and all those who bankrupt us” are “viable targets for elimination.”That’s when he reported the messages to police. Dowty said Clendenin is his friend and that he didn’t mean the texts as threats, court document say.

Man charged in threat over masks had been texting councilman

STAFFORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a drug bust on a rural Kansas home.

During the course that investigation in Stafford County it was discovered that an individual may be in possession of drugs and unlawful weapons and a search warrant was obtained for a residence in rural northwestern Stafford County, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

Just after 1p.m. Tuesday,&nbsp; multiple law enforcement agencies arrived at 1331 NW. 80th Avenue in Stafford County and executed the warrant. Barton County deputies participated at the request of Stafford County officials.

Law enforcement seized suspected heroin, marijuana and what are believed to be multiple full automatic firearms. A sawed-off shotgun was also located. No federal paperwork was located for the automatic weapons. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has been notified, according to Bellendir.

Deputies arrested 32-year-old Allen E. Standish on requested charges of distribution of marijuana, criminal use of a firearm while addicted to drugs, criminal use of a firearm and possession of methamphetamine. 

Standish is being held in lieu of a $50,000 bond on that case. In a related incident from the day before Standish was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer when he allegedly swerved his vehicle at a detective conducting surveillance operations. He is being held on an additional $20,000 bond related to that charge, according to Bellendir.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603913453605.jpeg" alt="Deputies at the scene of the drug bust -photo courtesy Barton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Deputies at the scene of the drug bust -photo courtesy Barton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>STAFFORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a drug bust on a rural Kansas home.During the course that investigation in Stafford County it was discovered that an individual may be in possession of drugs and unlawful weapons and a search warrant was obtained for a residence in rural northwestern Stafford County, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.Just after 1p.m. Tuesday,&nbsp; multiple law enforcement agencies arrived at 1331 NW. 80th Avenue in Stafford County and executed the warrant. Barton County deputies participated at the request of Stafford County officials.Law enforcement seized suspected heroin, marijuana and what are believed to be multiple full automatic firearms. A sawed-off shotgun was also located. No federal paperwork was located for the automatic weapons. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has been notified, according to Bellendir.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603913501478.png" alt="Standish" />
 <figcaption>Standish</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies arrested 32-year-old Allen E. Standish on requested charges of distribution of marijuana, criminal use of a firearm while addicted to drugs, criminal use of a firearm and possession of methamphetamine. Standish is being held in lieu of a $50,000 bond on that case. In a related incident from the day before Standish was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer when he allegedly swerved his vehicle at a detective conducting surveillance operations. He is being held on an additional $20,000 bond related to that charge, according to Bellendir.

Deputies seize automatic weapons, drugs at Kan. home

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas mother whose estranged husband is charged with killing the couple's two sons before fleeing with their two daughters is thanking the people who helped track down the girls nearly 400 miles away in Oklahoma.

Tara Jackson's attorney, Gary Nelson, also described the deaths of 14-year-old Logan Jackson and 12-year-old Austin Jackson as “traumatic" in a statement released Wednesday. He asked for privacy “during the next very few hard few weeks and months that Tara and her family have ahead of them."

The Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office said she went to the home of Donny Ray Jackson Jr., 40, on Saturday with the children's paternal grandmother after one of the siblings didn't show up for a soccer game. They found one of the boys dead, and law enforcement then discovered the other body.

The boys' younger sisters, 3-year-old Aven Jackson and 7-year-old Nora Jackson, were found unharmed near Erick, Oklahoma, after a massive search. And their father was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-oklahoma-kansas-leavenworth-4f619ac3b5fc3d46e2030cae5fb462f0">charged&nbsp;</a>Tuesday with capital murder and two alternative counts of first-degree murder.

Nelson said there are “a lot of unanswered questions" regarding what happened the day of the killing and in the preceding months. But he said he couldn't answer further questions because the investigation is ongoing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603742787603.png" alt="The Jackson children photo -GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>The Jackson children photo -GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas mother whose estranged husband is charged with killing the couple's two sons before fleeing with their two daughters is thanking the people who helped track down the girls nearly 400 miles away in Oklahoma.Tara Jackson's attorney, Gary Nelson, also described the deaths of 14-year-old Logan Jackson and 12-year-old Austin Jackson as “traumatic" in a statement released Wednesday. He asked for privacy “during the next very few hard few weeks and months that Tara and her family have ahead of them."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603712471699.png" alt="Donny Jackson remains jailed in Beckham Co. Oklahoma following his arrest on Saturday evening" />
 <figcaption>Donny Jackson remains jailed in Beckham Co. Oklahoma following his arrest on Saturday evening</figcaption>
 </figure>The Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office said she went to the home of Donny Ray Jackson Jr., 40, on Saturday with the children's paternal grandmother after one of the siblings didn't show up for a soccer game. They found one of the boys dead, and law enforcement then discovered the other body.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603573521812.png" alt="Aven and Nora Jackson -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Aven and Nora Jackson -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The boys' younger sisters, 3-year-old Aven Jackson and 7-year-old Nora Jackson, were found unharmed near Erick, Oklahoma, after a massive search. And their father was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-oklahoma-kansas-leavenworth-4f619ac3b5fc3d46e2030cae5fb462f0">charged&nbsp;</a>Tuesday with capital murder and two alternative counts of first-degree murder.Nelson said there are “a lot of unanswered questions" regarding what happened the day of the killing and in the preceding months. But he said he couldn't answer further questions because the investigation is ongoing.

Mother of slain Kan. boys expresses thanks, asks for privacy

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man accused of killing his two sons and taking his two daughters from their home before being stopped in Oklahoma was charged Tuesday with capital murder in the boys’ deaths.

Donny Ray Jackson Jr., 40, was also charged Tuesday with two alternative counts of first-degree murder, Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said at a news conference.

The capital murder count covers both boys’ deaths and, if Jackson is convicted, could result either in the death penalty or life in prison without parole. Thompson said his office is still considering whether to seek the death penalty.

Thompson said he had discussed the charges with the children’s family, who he said were “doing as well as can be expected.”

Law enforcement officers went to the family home&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-kansas-leavenworth-c03f7c571db80021218b3f96f4b21c72">Saturday afternoon</a>&nbsp;in Leavenworth after one of the siblings didn’t show up for a soccer game. The bodies of 14-year-old Logan Jackson and 12-year-old Austin Jackson were found and their two younger sisters, 3-year-old Aven Jackson and 7-year-old Nora Jackson, were missing.

After an Amber Alert was issued, Jackson was arrested Saturday night near Erick, Oklahoma, and the girls were returned to their family.

Jackson remained jailed in Beckham County, Oklahoma, Tuesday awaiting extradition proceedings.

Thompson declined to discuss any details of the case, including a possible motive, how the boys were killed or where Jackson might have been heading when he was stopped.

“In fairness to the justice system, the defendant has a right to have the facts presented to a jury and we would hate to taint that,” he said in an interview.

There are no charges related to the girls’ abduction because law enforcement is seeking to determine whether Jackson had legal custody of the children when they were taken from the home, authorities said.

Maj. James Sherley, of the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Department, said Monday that Jackson and his wife were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-us-news-4eda8ef4a3153d355abc27941dd89ad4">going through a divorce</a>&nbsp;and Donny Jackson had “on-again, off-again access to the children.”

Gary Nelson, the attorney handling the divorce for the children’s mother, Tara Jackson, didn’t immediately respond to an email message from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Jackson was stopped in Oklahoma after a truck driver notified Beckham County authorities that he was following a car with tags mentioned in the Amber Alert.

Officer Jonathan Burrow, with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, said he spotted the car a short time later and was able to pull over the driver and call for backup, KFOR-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://kfor.com/news/national/kansas-man-accused-of-murder-kidnapping-in-oklahoma-jail-awaiting-extradition/" target="_blank">reported</a>.

“I feel happy that the girls are safe. That was my main thing the day that it happened,” Burrow said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603742787603.png" alt="The Jackson children photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>The Jackson children photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH COUNTY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man accused of killing his two sons and taking his two daughters from their home before being stopped in Oklahoma was charged Tuesday with capital murder in the boys’ deaths.Donny Ray Jackson Jr., 40, was also charged Tuesday with two alternative counts of first-degree murder, Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said at a news conference.The capital murder count covers both boys’ deaths and, if Jackson is convicted, could result either in the death penalty or life in prison without parole. Thompson said his office is still considering whether to seek the death penalty.Thompson said he had discussed the charges with the children’s family, who he said were “doing as well as can be expected.”Law enforcement officers went to the family home&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-kansas-leavenworth-c03f7c571db80021218b3f96f4b21c72">Saturday afternoon</a>&nbsp;in Leavenworth after one of the siblings didn’t show up for a soccer game. The bodies of 14-year-old Logan Jackson and 12-year-old Austin Jackson were found and their two younger sisters, 3-year-old Aven Jackson and 7-year-old Nora Jackson, were missing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603573521812.png" alt="Aven and Nora Jackson photo courtesy KBI" />
 <figcaption>Aven and Nora Jackson photo courtesy KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>After an Amber Alert was issued, Jackson was arrested Saturday night near Erick, Oklahoma, and the girls were returned to their family.Jackson remained jailed in Beckham County, Oklahoma, Tuesday awaiting extradition proceedings.Thompson declined to discuss any details of the case, including a possible motive, how the boys were killed or where Jackson might have been heading when he was stopped.“In fairness to the justice system, the defendant has a right to have the facts presented to a jury and we would hate to taint that,” he said in an interview.There are no charges related to the girls’ abduction because law enforcement is seeking to determine whether Jackson had legal custody of the children when they were taken from the home, authorities said.Maj. James Sherley, of the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Department, said Monday that Jackson and his wife were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-us-news-4eda8ef4a3153d355abc27941dd89ad4">going through a divorce</a>&nbsp;and Donny Jackson had “on-again, off-again access to the children.”Gary Nelson, the attorney handling the divorce for the children’s mother, Tara Jackson, didn’t immediately respond to an email message from The Associated Press seeking comment.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603712471699.png" alt="Donny Jackson-photo Beckham County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Donny Jackson-photo Beckham County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Jackson was stopped in Oklahoma after a truck driver notified Beckham County authorities that he was following a car with tags mentioned in the Amber Alert.Officer Jonathan Burrow, with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, said he spotted the car a short time later and was able to pull over the driver and call for backup, KFOR-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://kfor.com/news/national/kansas-man-accused-of-murder-kidnapping-in-oklahoma-jail-awaiting-extradition/" target="_blank">reported</a>.“I feel happy that the girls are safe. That was my main thing the day that it happened,” Burrow said._____

Kan. Amber Alert suspect charged with murder in sons’ deaths

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a 3-hour standoff at a home in Topeka.

Just after 5p.m. Monday,&nbsp;the United States Marshals Service responded to a residence in the 500 block of SE Lamar Street in Topeka on a report of a suspect with multiple felony warrants who they had been trying to locate, according to Topeka Lt. John Trimble.

After making multiple attempts to speak with the suspect identified as Logan Bartley, 21, Topeka, the suspect barricaded himself inside a home.

At the request of the US Marshals Service, the Topeka Police Department’s Crisis Negotiators and Response Team responded to the scene and made contact with Bartley.

After over 3 hours, negotiators were able to peacefully talk him out of the home. Officers then took Bartley into custody without incident at around 8:30 p.m.

Bartley was later arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, Felony Obstruction, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and 2 Felony Warrants, according to Trimble. He has a previous theft conviction from 2018, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603803197275.png" alt="Bartley photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Bartley photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a 3-hour standoff at a home in Topeka.Just after 5p.m. Monday,&nbsp;the United States Marshals Service responded to a residence in the 500 block of SE Lamar Street in Topeka on a report of a suspect with multiple felony warrants who they had been trying to locate, according to Topeka Lt. John Trimble.After making multiple attempts to speak with the suspect identified as Logan Bartley, 21, Topeka, the suspect barricaded himself inside a home.At the request of the US Marshals Service, the Topeka Police Department’s Crisis Negotiators and Response Team responded to the scene and made contact with Bartley.After over 3 hours, negotiators were able to peacefully talk him out of the home. Officers then took Bartley into custody without incident at around 8:30 p.m.Bartley was later arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, Felony Obstruction, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and 2 Felony Warrants, according to Trimble. He has a previous theft conviction from 2018, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

U.S. Marshals catch wanted Kan. man after 3-hour standoff

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A man accused of abducting his two daughters from a Kansas home where their two brothers were killed has been going through a divorce with the children’s mother, authorities said Monday.

Maj. James Sherley, of the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Department, said 40-year-old Donny Jackson and his wife are estranged and that he had “on-again, off-again access to the children.”

The investigation began at around 1:30 p.m. Saturday after one of the siblings didn’t show up for a soccer game, leading the children’s mother and paternal grandmother to go to Jackson’s home in Leavenworth, which is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of Kansas City, Kansas. The bodies of 14-year-old Logan Jackson and 12-year-old Austin Jackson were then found — one by the family and the other by law enforcement. Sherley declined to release the cause of death or comment on motive.

An Amber Alert was issued for their younger sisters, 3-year-old Aven Jackson and 7-year-old Nora Jackson. A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper spotted the girls with Jackson after pulling over his car near Kansas’ border with Oklahoma for a traffic infraction shortly before the discovery of the boys’ bodies. That helped law enforcement expand the Amber Alert, which Sherley said worked “flawlessly” and led to a flood of tips.

Jackson was arrested later that night near Erick, Oklahoma. The girls were taken from him unharmed and were returned to their mother over the weekend. Sherley said he didn’t know where Jackson was headed.

Jackson is jailed in Oklahoma while awaiting extradition to Kansas. Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said he is waiting for the investigation to be complete before making a charging decision. He said he didn’t know whether Jackson had an attorney who could speak on his behalf.

Marisa Clausen, who <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-for-tara-and-the-jackson-girls">created a GoFundMe </a>account to support the children’s mother, whom she identified as Tara Jackson, declined an interview request and asked that the family be given privacy, The Wichita Eagle&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/local/crime/article246706991.html" target="_blank">reports</a>. She didn’t immediately reply to a message from The Associated Press.

The next status hearing in the couple’s divorce had been scheduled for Nov. 12, court records show.

The Jackson girls have been recovered and the suspect detained, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol located the suspect vehicle near Erick, Oklahoma.&nbsp; Troopers detained Donny Jackson and the kids were recovered.&nbsp;

Authorities released no additional details.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY—Authorities issued an Amber Alert Saturday afternoon for two girls in Kansas.

The KBI is looking for 7-year-old Nora Jackson and 3-year-old Aven Jackson. They were last seen in the 14900 block of Hillside Road in Leavenworth.

The 911 call that began this incident was made by an adult that discovered the homicide scene, so the actual time of the abduction and homicide is unknown, according to the KBI.

At 4:30pm, we learned that the Kansas Highway Patrol made an unrelated car stop on the suspect’s vehicle on Highway 169 near the OK border today at approximately 12:35 p.m.  The abducted children were in the vehicle.  It is now believed Jackson may be traveling in Oklahoma, Texas or Arkansas.

At 5:05p.m., the Arkansas State Police agreed to launch an Arkansas AMBER Alert to assist in the recovery of the abducted children, due to the proximal sighting at the OK / KS border.

Nora has blonde-brown shoulder-length hair, a slender build and blue or hazel eyes. It's unknown what she was last seen wearing. Aven also has blonde hair, blue eyes and a slender build.

Just after 1p.m. Saturday, the Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office responded to a call in the 14900 block of Hillside and deputies located a two deceased boys in a home and the girls were mising, according to a media release.

The girls' father, Donny Jackson, is suspected in the abduction. Donny Jackson, 40, is 5-foot-11 and weighs 190 pounds. He has long brown hair with a slight red color and blue eyes. He also has a full beard.&nbsp;

There is no known direction of travel, but&nbsp; Jackson drives a black 2008 Honda Accord with Kansas license 266MXB.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603742787603.png" alt="GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A man accused of abducting his two daughters from a Kansas home where their two brothers were killed has been going through a divorce with the children’s mother, authorities said Monday.Maj. James Sherley, of the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Department, said 40-year-old Donny Jackson and his wife are estranged and that he had “on-again, off-again access to the children.”The investigation began at around 1:30 p.m. Saturday after one of the siblings didn’t show up for a soccer game, leading the children’s mother and paternal grandmother to go to Jackson’s home in Leavenworth, which is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of Kansas City, Kansas. The bodies of 14-year-old Logan Jackson and 12-year-old Austin Jackson were then found — one by the family and the other by law enforcement. Sherley declined to release the cause of death or comment on motive.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603573521812.png" alt="Aven and Nora Jackson" />
 <figcaption>Aven and Nora Jackson</figcaption>
 </figure>An Amber Alert was issued for their younger sisters, 3-year-old Aven Jackson and 7-year-old Nora Jackson. A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper spotted the girls with Jackson after pulling over his car near Kansas’ border with Oklahoma for a traffic infraction shortly before the discovery of the boys’ bodies. That helped law enforcement expand the Amber Alert, which Sherley said worked “flawlessly” and led to a flood of tips.Jackson was arrested later that night near Erick, Oklahoma. The girls were taken from him unharmed and were returned to their mother over the weekend. Sherley said he didn’t know where Jackson was headed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603712471699.png" alt="Donny Jackson photo Beckham County, OK., Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Donny Jackson photo Beckham County, OK., Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Jackson is jailed in Oklahoma while awaiting extradition to Kansas. Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said he is waiting for the investigation to be complete before making a charging decision. He said he didn’t know whether Jackson had an attorney who could speak on his behalf.Marisa Clausen, who <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-for-tara-and-the-jackson-girls">created a GoFundMe </a>account to support the children’s mother, whom she identified as Tara Jackson, declined an interview request and asked that the family be given privacy, The Wichita Eagle&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/local/crime/article246706991.html" target="_blank">reports</a>. She didn’t immediately reply to a message from The Associated Press.The next status hearing in the couple’s divorce had been scheduled for Nov. 12, court records show.---------The Jackson girls have been recovered and the suspect detained, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.The Oklahoma Highway Patrol located the suspect vehicle near Erick, Oklahoma.&nbsp; Troopers detained Donny Jackson and the kids were recovered.&nbsp;Authorities released no additional details.--------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603573521812.png" alt="Aven and Nora Jackson" />
 <figcaption>Aven and Nora Jackson</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH COUNTY—Authorities issued an Amber Alert Saturday afternoon for two girls in Kansas.The KBI is looking for 7-year-old Nora Jackson and 3-year-old Aven Jackson. They were last seen in the 14900 block of Hillside Road in Leavenworth.The 911 call that began this incident was made by an adult that discovered the homicide scene, so the actual time of the abduction and homicide is unknown, according to the KBI.At 4:30pm, we learned that the Kansas Highway Patrol made an unrelated car stop on the suspect’s vehicle on Highway 169 near the OK border today at approximately 12:35 p.m. The abducted children were in the vehicle. It is now believed Jackson may be traveling in Oklahoma, Texas or Arkansas.At 5:05p.m., the Arkansas State Police agreed to launch an Arkansas AMBER Alert to assist in the recovery of the abducted children, due to the proximal sighting at the OK / KS border.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603572994719.png" alt="Aven Jackson" />
 <figcaption>Aven Jackson</figcaption>
 </figure>Nora has blonde-brown shoulder-length hair, a slender build and blue or hazel eyes. It's unknown what she was last seen wearing. Aven also has blonde hair, blue eyes and a slender build.Just after 1p.m. Saturday, the Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office responded to a call in the 14900 block of Hillside and deputies located a two deceased boys in a home and the girls were mising, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603573485901.png" alt="Donny Jackson" />
 <figcaption>Donny Jackson</figcaption>
 </figure>The girls' father, Donny Jackson, is suspected in the abduction. Donny Jackson, 40, is 5-foot-11 and weighs 190 pounds. He has long brown hair with a slight red color and blue eyes. He also has a full beard.&nbsp;There is no known direction of travel, but&nbsp; Jackson drives a black 2008 Honda Accord with Kansas license 266MXB.

Father in Kansas Amber Alert remains in Oklahoma jail

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man arrested in connection with a July murder made his first court appearance in the case Friday.

Lawrence Bailey, 33, Wichita, was charged with&nbsp;1st degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated battery, and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.  

In a separate case, Bailey is charged with aggravated burglary, aggravated kidnapping, 2 counts of kidnapping, and 2 counts of aggravated robbery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On July 2, a citizen reported a possible criminal homicide occurring at a home in the 800 block of South San Pablo in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

Police began investigating and on Monday, July 6, they located the body of 47-year-old Roy Hayden of Wichita inside a vehicle in the 1500 block of North Broadway.

Through further investigation, it was determined that Hayden’s death was related to the information received of the criminal homicide on San Pablo, and three other suspects Ariana Cook 21, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20025626">Matthew Small, </a>35, and&nbsp;19-year-old <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20067589">Carlos Delgado </a>all of Wichita were involved, according to Officer Davidson.&nbsp; Police arrested the other three suspects in September.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603464191587.png" alt="Bailey photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Bailey photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man arrested in connection with a July murder made his first court appearance in the case Friday.Lawrence Bailey, 33, Wichita, was charged with&nbsp;1st degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated battery, and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. In a separate case, Bailey is charged with aggravated burglary, aggravated kidnapping, 2 counts of kidnapping, and 2 counts of aggravated robbery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On July 2, a citizen reported a possible criminal homicide occurring at a home in the 800 block of South San Pablo in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.Police began investigating and on Monday, July 6, they located the body of 47-year-old Roy Hayden of Wichita inside a vehicle in the 1500 block of North Broadway.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599148239408.png" alt="Ariana Cook-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Ariana Cook-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Through further investigation, it was determined that Hayden’s death was related to the information received of the criminal homicide on San Pablo, and three other suspects Ariana Cook 21, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20025626">Matthew Small, </a>35, and&nbsp;19-year-old <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20067589">Carlos Delgado </a>all of Wichita were involved, according to Officer Davidson.&nbsp; Police arrested the other three suspects in September.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599064385103.png" alt="Small-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Small-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police booked Bailey early Thursday. He is now being held on a <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=72896">$250,000 bond,</a> according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603465679950.png" alt="Delgado-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Delgado-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Small and Delgado also remain in custody in Sedgwick County while Cook was transferred to another facility, according to online jail records.Bailey has previous convictions for aggravated burglary, theft, aggravated assault and criminal threat, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections. His&nbsp;next scheduled court appearance is November 5.