SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in his wife's murder made his first court appearance on Monday.

Craig Johnston,  43 of Sedgwick, is charged with 1st degree murder, rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, and aggravated sexual battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 9:00 a.m. Oct. 30, deputies were sent to 7910 E 109th Street North in rural Sedgwick County to assist EMS, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Lt. Benjamin Blick.

 When they arrived they found 40-year-old Amber Dawn Slankard with critical injuries. 

EMS transported her to Via Christi St. Francis and she later died of her injuries. 

The victim’s husband Craig Johnston, 42, was transported to Sheriff Investigations and later booked on requested charges of Second Degree Murder and violations of the Offender Registration Act, according to Blick.&nbsp;

 Johnston has a previous conviction from Illinois in 1997 for aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a victim between the age of 13-16, according to the Offender Registry.

He remains jailed on a $100,000 bond, according to the district attorney.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a woman and have made an arrest.

Shortly after 9:00 a.m. Friday, deputies were sent to 7910 E 109th Street North in rural Sedgwick County to assist EMS, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Lt. Benjamin Blick.

 When they arrived they found a 40-year-old woman with critical injuries. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603540130048.png" alt="Craig Johnston-photo Sedgwick County." />
 <figcaption>Craig Johnston-photo Sedgwick County.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in his wife's murder made his first court appearance on Monday.Craig Johnston, 43 of Sedgwick, is charged with 1st degree murder, rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, and aggravated sexual battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 9:00 a.m. Oct. 30, deputies were sent to 7910 E 109th Street North in rural Sedgwick County to assist EMS, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Lt. Benjamin Blick. When they arrived they found 40-year-old Amber Dawn Slankard with critical injuries. EMS transported her to Via Christi St. Francis and she later died of her injuries. The victim’s husband Craig Johnston, 42, was transported to Sheriff Investigations and later booked on requested charges of Second Degree Murder and violations of the Offender Registration Act, according to Blick.&nbsp; Johnston has a previous conviction from Illinois in 1997 for aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a victim between the age of 13-16, according to the Offender Registry.He remains jailed on a $100,000 bond, according to the district attorney.--------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a woman and have made an arrest.Shortly after 9:00 a.m. Friday, deputies were sent to 7910 E 109th Street North in rural Sedgwick County to assist EMS, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Lt. Benjamin Blick. When they arrived they found a 40-year-old woman with critical injuries. EMS transported her to Via Christi St. Francis and she later died of her injuries. The victim’s husband Craig Johnston, 42, was transported to Sheriff Investigations and later booked on requested charges of Second Degree Murder and violations of the Offender Registration Act, according to Blick.&nbsp; Johnston has a previous conviction from Illinois in 1997 for aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a victim between the age of 13-16, according to the Offender Registry.

Sex offender charged with wife's murder in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the Oct. 21 fatal shooting at a youth football game in Wichita have made an arrest.

On Tuesday morning, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, police arrested 26-year-old Maurice Hall without incident Tuesday during a vehicle stop at South Main Street and East Kellogg, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.

Hall was wanted in connection to the shooting death of 31-year-old Marquell Nolen of Wichita.

At approximately 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21, officers responded to an unknown call for police at the Stryker Sports Complex, located at 2999 N. Greenwich.&nbsp; Upon officers arriving, they heard multiple gunshots, and while on the scene, Nolen arrived at an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.&nbsp;

The investigation revealed Nolen was at the Sports Complex, and a verbal argument ensued between him and Hall on the west side of the stadium bleachers.&nbsp; During the argument, Hall pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking Nolen.&nbsp; Nolen was taken to the hospital in a private vehicle by two individuals with him at the Sports Complex, and Hall fled on foot.&nbsp; No one else was injured.

The incident was not random, and Hall and Nolen were known to each other.&nbsp; Additionally, the incident was not related to games being played or officiated.&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at a youth football game and requesting assistance in locating 23-year-old Maurice Hall of Garland, Texas.

Hall is wanted in connection to fatal Oct. 21, shooting at the Stryker Sports Complex, 2999 N. Greenwich Road in Wichita that killed 31-year-old Marquell Nolen of Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

At approximately 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 21, officers responded to an unknown call for police at the Sports Complex.&nbsp; Upon officers arriving, they heard multiple gunshots, and while on the scene, Nolen arrived at an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.&nbsp;

This was not a random incident, and Hall and Nolen were known to each other.&nbsp; Additionally, the incident was not related to games being played or officiated.&nbsp;

Through the examination of evidence, tips provided to Crime Stoppers, and tips provided to WPD from the community, investigators learned of Hall’s involvement in the shooting, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604494416890.png" alt="Hall photo Sedgwick County booking photo" />
 <figcaption>Hall photo Sedgwick County booking photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the Oct. 21 fatal shooting at a youth football game in Wichita have made an arrest.On Tuesday morning, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, police arrested 26-year-old Maurice Hall without incident Tuesday during a vehicle stop at South Main Street and East Kellogg, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.Hall was wanted in connection to the shooting death of 31-year-old Marquell Nolen of Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603385886052.png" alt="Suspect image courtesy Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Suspect image courtesy Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>At approximately 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21, officers responded to an unknown call for police at the Stryker Sports Complex, located at 2999 N. Greenwich.&nbsp; Upon officers arriving, they heard multiple gunshots, and while on the scene, Nolen arrived at an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.&nbsp;The investigation revealed Nolen was at the Sports Complex, and a verbal argument ensued between him and Hall on the west side of the stadium bleachers.&nbsp; During the argument, Hall pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking Nolen.&nbsp; Nolen was taken to the hospital in a private vehicle by two individuals with him at the Sports Complex, and Hall fled on foot.&nbsp; No one else was injured.The incident was not random, and Hall and Nolen were known to each other.&nbsp; Additionally, the incident was not related to games being played or officiated.&nbsp;--------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at a youth football game and requesting assistance in locating 23-year-old Maurice Hall of Garland, Texas.Hall is wanted in connection to fatal Oct. 21, shooting at the Stryker Sports Complex, 2999 N. Greenwich Road in Wichita that killed 31-year-old Marquell Nolen of Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603385886052.png" alt="Suspect at the scene of the Oct. 21 shooting photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Suspect at the scene of the Oct. 21 shooting photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>At approximately 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 21, officers responded to an unknown call for police at the Sports Complex.&nbsp; Upon officers arriving, they heard multiple gunshots, and while on the scene, Nolen arrived at an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.&nbsp;The investigation revealed Nolen was at the Sports Complex, and a verbal argument ensued between him and Hall on the west side of the stadium bleachers.&nbsp; During the argument, Hall pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking Nolen.&nbsp; Nolen was taken to the hospital in a private vehicle by two individuals with him at the Sports Complex, and Hall fled on foot.&nbsp; No one else was injured.This was not a random incident, and Hall and Nolen were known to each other.&nbsp; Additionally, the incident was not related to games being played or officiated.&nbsp;Through the examination of evidence, tips provided to Crime Stoppers, and tips provided to WPD from the community, investigators learned of Hall’s involvement in the shooting, according to Davidson.

Police arrest Kansas youth football game gunman

The Hays Police Department had an eventful night Saturday, with a handful of arrests being made, and numerous calls for more minor crimes.

"Halloween was a busy night," said Hays Police Department chief Don Scheibler.

During one incident, HPD officers took into custody a naked Hays man following an alleged assault.

At around 1:24 a.m. on Nov. 1, officers were dispatched to the 500 block of Ash following a report of a physical disturbance, Scheibler said.

The reporting party told police that a fight between a man and a woman was occurring, with the woman screaming "Let me go," he said.

When officers arrived, the man was located and was smeared with blood, Scheibler said.

He was also reported to be completely naked.

The suspect, later identified as&nbsp;Dustin Jay Kraft, 34, then attempted to flee on foot, as officers pursued.

He continued to resist, and officers deployed a taser, but the suspect continued to assault officers while also making threats upon the life of the officer, Scheibler said.

Officers would eventually detain Kraft under suspicion of domestic battery, criminal threat against a law enforcement officer, criminal threat, drug possession and drug paraphernalia.

Kraft has previous convictions including drug possession in Ellis County from an incident in 2017, as well as convictions for battery and obstructing a legal process in Norton County from an incident in 2019.

During an unrelated incident at a local bar the night of Halloween, a man described to be wearing a "shimmering gold mermaid outfit" was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct after refusing to leave a bar in downtown Hays, Scheibler said.

And another incident led to an individual being arrested on suspicion of aggravated battery and drug possession.

Between 2:30 a.m. and 2:40 a.m., a victim reported walking west on the 200 block of West 10th and being struck in the back of the head, which caused him to fall, Scheibler said.

He also reported being kicked in the face by the suspect and lost consciousness.

Following that incident, Cody Lohrding, 20, Hays, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated battery and drug possession.

By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe Hays Police Department had an eventful night Saturday, with a handful of arrests being made, and numerous calls for more minor crimes."Halloween was a busy night," said Hays Police Department chief Don Scheibler.During one incident, HPD officers took into custody a naked Hays man following an alleged assault.At around 1:24 a.m. on Nov. 1, officers were dispatched to the 500 block of Ash following a report of a physical disturbance, Scheibler said.The reporting party told police that a fight between a man and a woman was occurring, with the woman screaming "Let me go," he said.When officers arrived, the man was located and was smeared with blood, Scheibler said.He was also reported to be completely naked.The suspect, later identified as&nbsp;Dustin Jay Kraft, 34, then attempted to flee on foot, as officers pursued.He continued to resist, and officers deployed a taser, but the suspect continued to assault officers while also making threats upon the life of the officer, Scheibler said.Officers would eventually detain Kraft under suspicion of domestic battery, criminal threat against a law enforcement officer, criminal threat, drug possession and drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604443597740.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kraft / Ellis Co. photoKraft has previous convictions including drug possession in Ellis County from an incident in 2017, as well as convictions for battery and obstructing a legal process in Norton County from an incident in 2019.During an unrelated incident at a local bar the night of Halloween, a man described to be wearing a "shimmering gold mermaid outfit" was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct after refusing to leave a bar in downtown Hays, Scheibler said.And another incident led to an individual being arrested on suspicion of aggravated battery and drug possession.Between 2:30 a.m. and 2:40 a.m., a victim reported walking west on the 200 block of West 10th and being struck in the back of the head, which caused him to fall, Scheibler said.He also reported being kicked in the face by the suspect and lost consciousness.Following that incident, Cody Lohrding, 20, Hays, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated battery and drug possession.

Kan. man jailed after alleged naked attack on busy Halloween 

Geary County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the 2500 block of Range Road for a single vehicle rollover accident on Monday morning. According to the Sheriff's Department, Justin Phemister, Milford, was traveling westbound in a Dodge Ram when&nbsp; the vehicle left the roadway. Minor injuries were reported&nbsp; Subsequently he was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol / drugs.

Geary County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the 2500 block of Range Road for a single vehicle rollover accident on Monday morning. According to the Sheriff's Department, Justin Phemister, Milford, was traveling westbound in a Dodge Ram when&nbsp; the vehicle left the roadway. Minor injuries were reported&nbsp; Subsequently he was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol / drugs.

Single vehicle rollover accident occurs

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after an incident at a mosque.

Just before 6p.m. on Friday, officers responded to a disturbance with a weapon call at the Masjid An Noor Mosque in the 3100 block of East 17th&nbsp;Street in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

 Upon arrival, officers contacted a 53-year-old man who reported that a suspect later identified as 26-year-old Dustin Arterburn yelled racially insensitive comments and displayed a handgun to him before leaving in his vehicle.

Through the investigation, officers learned that the same suspect had previously wrote on social media concerning posters around the Islamic Society of Wichita located in the 6600 block of East 34th&nbsp;Street North. The incident was reported around the same time.

Police arrested Arterburn without incident at a residence in Derby and booked him on requested charges of aggravated assault and disorderly conduct.

Arterburn acted alone in these incidents and is not part of any network, according to Davidson. The cases will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604351900874.png" alt="ARTERBURN-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>ARTERBURN-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after an incident at a mosque.Just before 6p.m. on Friday, officers responded to a disturbance with a weapon call at the Masjid An Noor Mosque in the 3100 block of East 17th&nbsp;Street in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. Upon arrival, officers contacted a 53-year-old man who reported that a suspect later identified as 26-year-old Dustin Arterburn yelled racially insensitive comments and displayed a handgun to him before leaving in his vehicle.Through the investigation, officers learned that the same suspect had previously wrote on social media concerning posters around the Islamic Society of Wichita located in the 6600 block of East 34th&nbsp;Street North. The incident was reported around the same time.Police arrested Arterburn without incident at a residence in Derby and booked him on requested charges of aggravated assault and disorderly conduct.Arterburn acted alone in these incidents and is not part of any network, according to Davidson. The cases will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s office.

Police: Man displayed gun outside Kan. mosque

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on numerous charges after a lengthy search for her by law enforcement. 

Just after 2p.m. Sunday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a woman who allegedly burglarized a farm truck near 11655 110th&nbsp;Road west of Hoyt, according to sheriff Tim Morse.

The reporting party stated the suspect later identified as&nbsp;Saleena Rae Masquat, 35, Mayetta, had taken items from the truck, and attempted to flee the field in a 2005 Ford Escape. 

The reporting party and the owner of the farm truck attempted to stop the Masquat by shutting the gate and blocking her in with another truck.

Masquat allegedly drove through the field trying to find a place to exit crashed into a fence post causing the airbags to deploy. 

She then allegedly backed up and drove through the gate. The vehicle continued east on 110th&nbsp;Road, and the reporting party followed behind as the Ford turned north on Q. Road. 

The vehicle appeared to be having mechanical issues when the Masquat stopped at a driveway between 126th&nbsp;and 118th&nbsp;Roads on Q Road and fled eastbound on foot.

 Jackson County deputies soon arrived in the area and used a Sheriff’s Office K-9 and a Sheriff’s Office Drone with a FLIR camera to track her into the wooded area. A KHP aircraft also searched the area. 

Various law enforcement agencies maintained a perimeter around the section of land. Deputies located Masquat hiding in a brush pile&nbsp; and she was taken into custody just after 3:30p.m. 

The Ford Escape Masquat had been operating was determined to have been stolen in Shawnee County, according to Morse.

&nbsp;Masquat had an outstanding warrant with the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation. She was also wanted by the Brown County Sheriff’s Office for criminal deprivation of property and by the Topeka Police Department for obstruction. 

Deputies transported Masquat to the Jackson County Jail and she is being held on burglary, theft and methamphetamine possession charges. Additional charges may be added to Masquat on Monday.

In August 2018, Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies arrested her in stolen van and she was charged with four burglaries, two of which took place in Whiting and two near 254th&nbsp;and P. Road, according to Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604326533754.png" alt="Masquat- has previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated escape from custody and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections -photo Jackson County.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Masquat- has previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated escape from custody and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections -photo Jackson County.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on numerous charges after a lengthy search for her by law enforcement. Just after 2p.m. Sunday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a woman who allegedly burglarized a farm truck near 11655 110th&nbsp;Road west of Hoyt, according to sheriff Tim Morse.The reporting party stated the suspect later identified as&nbsp;Saleena Rae Masquat, 35, Mayetta, had taken items from the truck, and attempted to flee the field in a 2005 Ford Escape. The reporting party and the owner of the farm truck attempted to stop the Masquat by shutting the gate and blocking her in with another truck.Masquat allegedly drove through the field trying to find a place to exit crashed into a fence post causing the airbags to deploy. She then allegedly backed up and drove through the gate. The vehicle continued east on 110th&nbsp;Road, and the reporting party followed behind as the Ford turned north on Q. Road. The vehicle appeared to be having mechanical issues when the Masquat stopped at a driveway between 126th&nbsp;and 118th&nbsp;Roads on Q Road and fled eastbound on foot. Jackson County deputies soon arrived in the area and used a Sheriff’s Office K-9 and a Sheriff’s Office Drone with a FLIR camera to track her into the wooded area. A KHP aircraft also searched the area. Various law enforcement agencies maintained a perimeter around the section of land. Deputies located Masquat hiding in a brush pile&nbsp; and she was taken into custody just after 3:30p.m. The Ford Escape Masquat had been operating was determined to have been stolen in Shawnee County, according to Morse.&nbsp;Masquat had an outstanding warrant with the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation. She was also wanted by the Brown County Sheriff’s Office for criminal deprivation of property and by the Topeka Police Department for obstruction. Deputies transported Masquat to the Jackson County Jail and she is being held on burglary, theft and methamphetamine possession charges. Additional charges may be added to Masquat on Monday.In August 2018, Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies arrested her in stolen van and she was charged with four burglaries, two of which took place in Whiting and two near 254th&nbsp;and P. Road, according to Morse.

Sheriff uses K9, drone to catch wanted Kansas woman

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on numerous charges after a Halloween standoff.

Just after 3:30 a.m., Saturday, an officer with the Great Bend Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the 2200 block of 28th Street on a 2004 Honda Odyssey for a traffic violation.

A passenger in the vehicle, identified as Andrew Taylor, 33, was known to the officer to have multiple arrest warrants from multiple agencies.

When the officer advised Taylor of the arrest warrants, he ran from the vehicle, towards a nearby residence. After a brief foot pursuit, the officer observed Taylor go into the residence in the 2200 block of 28th Street.

Responding officers created a perimeter around the residence to ensure Taylor was unable to leave undetected. Officers then entered the residence and located Taylor in a back bedroom under a bed. Taylor then told officers he had a gun and that was going to shoot himself if the officers did not leave the residence. Officers backed out of the residence, making sure the two other occupants of the residence made it out safely.&nbsp; The area around the residence was blocked off and additional officers and detectives were called to the scene.

While a search warrant was obtained for the residence, officers attempted to contact Taylor over a loudspeaker. Eventually Taylor contacted an officer via text message and began communicating. After approximately four hours, Taylor exited the residence and surrendered without incident.

Taylor was transported to the Barton County Detention Center where he received a mental health evaluation. Taylor was arrested on the four arrest warrants, on requested charges that include possession of a stolen firearm, interference with law enforcement and failure to appear.

Additionally, Taylor was charged with criminal possession of a firearm and interference with law enforcement. A search warrant was later executed at the residence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604345643252.png" alt="Taylor-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Taylor-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on numerous charges after a Halloween standoff.Just after 3:30 a.m., Saturday, an officer with the Great Bend Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the 2200 block of 28th Street on a 2004 Honda Odyssey for a traffic violation.A passenger in the vehicle, identified as Andrew Taylor, 33, was known to the officer to have multiple arrest warrants from multiple agencies.When the officer advised Taylor of the arrest warrants, he ran from the vehicle, towards a nearby residence. After a brief foot pursuit, the officer observed Taylor go into the residence in the 2200 block of 28th Street.Responding officers created a perimeter around the residence to ensure Taylor was unable to leave undetected. Officers then entered the residence and located Taylor in a back bedroom under a bed. Taylor then told officers he had a gun and that was going to shoot himself if the officers did not leave the residence. Officers backed out of the residence, making sure the two other occupants of the residence made it out safely.&nbsp; The area around the residence was blocked off and additional officers and detectives were called to the scene.While a search warrant was obtained for the residence, officers attempted to contact Taylor over a loudspeaker. Eventually Taylor contacted an officer via text message and began communicating. After approximately four hours, Taylor exited the residence and surrendered without incident.Taylor was transported to the Barton County Detention Center where he received a mental health evaluation. Taylor was arrested on the four arrest warrants, on requested charges that include possession of a stolen firearm, interference with law enforcement and failure to appear.Additionally, Taylor was charged with criminal possession of a firearm and interference with law enforcement. A search warrant was later executed at the residence.

Wanted Kan. man jailed after Halloween standoff

BY SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/02/topeka-men-fire-guns-at-five-teenagers-shooting-three-in-possible-confrontation-over-trump-signs/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Police say they 
are sorting through new information from witnesses about what happened 
Saturday night when two men apparently fired a handgun and rifle at a 
group of five teenagers, possibly in a confrontation over Donald Trump 
yard signs.

Three of the juveniles suffered gunshot wounds. None was considered to be life-threatening.

Incident reports filed by 
Topeka Police Officer Justin Good identify the men as Robert Sinner, 39,
 and Justin Sinner, 34. The names of five juveniles ranging in age from 
15 to 17 are redacted.

A man who answered the phone for a number listed for both men ended the call from Kansas Reflector without comment.

The officer filed separate
 reports reflecting conflicting allegations following the shooting at 
11:10 p.m. Saturday. One report lists the Sinners as victims of 
aggravated assault with a motor vehicle. The other report lists three of
 the children, ages 15, 16 and 17, as victims of aggravated battery. All
 five, including an additional 15- and 16-year-old, are listed as 
victims of criminal discharge of a handgun and rifle.

Early reports from police 
said one of the men shot three of the kids because he believed they were
 stealing his Donald Trump yard signs. One of the kids was found in a 
crashed vehicle suffering from serious wounds. Two more gunshot victims 
arrived at the hospital.

Gretchen Spiker, spokeswoman for TPD, wouldn’t say Monday what role, if any, the Trump signs may have played.

“The investigation into 
the circumstances surrounding this incident remains very active,” Spiker
 said. “With less than 48 hours into the investigation, detectives 
continue to conduct interviews with involved parties and witnesses. New 
information continues to be forthcoming.”

Spiker said no arrests 
have been made, but that arrests could be forthcoming. She asked for the
 community’s patience as investigators try to determine the facts of the
 case.

Sherman Smith has written award-winning news stories about the instability of the Kansas foster care system, misconduct by government officials, sexual abuse, technology, education, and the Legislature.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604237650206.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation Saturday&nbsp; -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation Saturday&nbsp; -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>BY SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/02/topeka-men-fire-guns-at-five-teenagers-shooting-three-in-possible-confrontation-over-trump-signs/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Police say they 
are sorting through new information from witnesses about what happened 
Saturday night when two men apparently fired a handgun and rifle at a 
group of five teenagers, possibly in a confrontation over Donald Trump 
yard signs.Three of the juveniles suffered gunshot wounds. None was considered to be life-threatening.Incident reports filed by 
Topeka Police Officer Justin Good identify the men as Robert Sinner, 39,
 and Justin Sinner, 34. The names of five juveniles ranging in age from 
15 to 17 are redacted.A man who answered the phone for a number listed for both men ended the call from Kansas Reflector without comment.The officer filed separate
 reports reflecting conflicting allegations following the shooting at 
11:10 p.m. Saturday. One report lists the Sinners as victims of 
aggravated assault with a motor vehicle. The other report lists three of
 the children, ages 15, 16 and 17, as victims of aggravated battery. All
 five, including an additional 15- and 16-year-old, are listed as 
victims of criminal discharge of a handgun and rifle.Early reports from police 
said one of the men shot three of the kids because he believed they were
 stealing his Donald Trump yard signs. One of the kids was found in a 
crashed vehicle suffering from serious wounds. Two more gunshot victims 
arrived at the hospital.Gretchen Spiker, spokeswoman for TPD, wouldn’t say Monday what role, if any, the Trump signs may have played.“The investigation into 
the circumstances surrounding this incident remains very active,” Spiker
 said. “With less than 48 hours into the investigation, detectives 
continue to conduct interviews with involved parties and witnesses. New 
information continues to be forthcoming.”Spiker said no arrests 
have been made, but that arrests could be forthcoming. She asked for the
 community’s patience as investigators try to determine the facts of the
 case.Sherman Smith has written award-winning news stories about the instability of the Kansas foster care system, misconduct by government officials, sexual abuse, technology, education, and the Legislature.

Police investigate shooting in possible confrontation over Trump signs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A man was fatally shot in northeastern Kansas City, Missouri, on Sunday.

Kansas City Police Department spokeswoman Officer Donna Drake said the shooting was reported near the intersection of Independence and Monroe avenues shortly before 9 a.m. Sunday.

Officers found a man with gunshot wounds near a sidewalk. He died at the scene of the shooting. The victim's name wasn't immediately released.

Police did not report any arrests in connection with the shooting Sunday morning.

The fatal shooting was the 161st homicide of the year in Kansas City.&nbsp; That is well above the 125 homicides that were reported at this time last year.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A man was fatally shot in northeastern Kansas City, Missouri, on Sunday.Kansas City Police Department spokeswoman Officer Donna Drake said the shooting was reported near the intersection of Independence and Monroe avenues shortly before 9 a.m. Sunday.Officers found a man with gunshot wounds near a sidewalk. He died at the scene of the shooting. The victim's name wasn't immediately released.Police did not report any arrests in connection with the shooting Sunday morning.The fatal shooting was the 161st homicide of the year in Kansas City.&nbsp; That is well above the 125 homicides that were reported at this time last year.

Police investigate Kansas City's 161st homicide of 2020

“Did You Know This About Geary County History?”

Geary County Historical Society Board Member

“A Mystery In 1868” – Part 3 of 3

	In Part 2 of this mystery, we learned that John Sanderson had been charged with the murder of Thomas Reynolds and a warrant issued for Sanderson’s arrest. A gun battle took place and Sanderson escaped into the bush.

	When news of this reached Junction City, citizens were soon mounted and headed in pursuit. The posse soon found the trail of Sanderson’s brother, Jonathan, who was following his brother John with a horse and supplies.  The next morning the posse found their man hiding in a small stone house north of Solomon City.

	News of the capture preceded the posse back to town and by the time the train arrived carrying the fugitives an angry mob of 300 or so men had gathered at the depot. John Sanderson was, however, safely taken to the courthouse and kept there until the next day.

	The next morning the prisoner was taken to the residence of Judge Wallace for arraignment. However, the magistrate was gone and not expected to return until later that day.  During the wait, groups of armed and angry citizens gathered and when the attorneys and a group of officers emerged from the house, the crowd rushed upon Sanderson.  

	John’s two brothers, Jonathan and George, ran to aid him. Jonathan begged John to make a confession in order that John’s life might be saved.  John ran and 50 or 60 shots were fired. John Sanderson was killed.  The mob then turned on the brothers. However, they were spared on the condition they would leave the state.  

	In 1995, local resident, Earl Brown, recalled when he “was a boy riding along Highway 57 with his grandfather, whose family had homesteaded on Humboldt Creek. Brown‘s grandfather pointed out a heavy stand of timber down in the bottoms near the creek.  He said that in the early days of Davis County (Geary County) this was where a gang of horse thieves hid the horses until they could move them to Fort Riley and sell them to the Army.”

	Earl’s grandfather told him that “nobody ever went into that area without first calling out and identifying who they were and why they were coming through or they were likely to get shot. Brown’s grandfather also said most people who lived out there knew what was going on, but some prominent citizens were part of the ring.  They would steal horses from farms and ranches all over the area and then alter or disguise the brands or markings and sell them in herds to the government.  Thomas Reynolds apparently knew of these activities and was lynched to keep him quiet or to throw authorities off their trail. Earl Brown’s grandfather also speculated that Samuel Orr could have easily been a part of this group.” 

	Was Thomas Reynolds killed because of his political views? Was he robbed then killed or did he know too much about the illegal activity going on in the area? We may never know!

“Business Relationships With Fort Riley in 1903“

	There were 6-8,000 visitors who were entertained during the Fort Riley Army and National Guard maneuvers in 1903.  This was almost twice as many as had come the previous year.  Most of the people who were attracted to the maneuvers planned to stay a day or two at Fort Riley.  However, they were disappointed because there were no accommodations for them.  

	Several weeks before the maneuvers, a Mr. Tyler, who was the President of the electric railway, sent out over a hundred advertisements to as many newspapers in the state as he could.  His ploy was to be sure that those who were coming for the maneuvers knew that Junction City was the closest town near to the fort and was the only place in the vicinity of the big camp that had accommodations.  Besides advertising in the newspapers, Mr. Tyler had thousands of posters printed and sent them to all the towns in central Kansas.  He spent his own money for the printing of the posters and newspaper ads, which benefitted his electric streetcar company in the end.  Those who visited or stayed in town rode Mr. Tyler’s cars back and forth to the post.  Junction City businesses also profited from his investment.  

	Many farmers in Geary County leased their land to the government in 1903 for use during the big military maneuvers.  Landowners were said to be pleased with the way the Army made settlements with them for damages resulting from the troops going over their land.  One farmer said he had just finished planting wheat over 20 acres and when the Army crossed the field, they destroyed practically all the planting.  

	When the officers came around to settle for the damage, the farmer was allowed 25 bushels of wheat to the acre and was paid a rate of 60 cents a bushel.  He could not have wished for a better settlement.  The gentleman did not have to cut or thrash the wheat and did not even have to worry about the failure of the crop.  Another farmer from the northern part of the county reported that he had sold $105.00 worth of apples and honey at the camp and was getting 15 cents a pound for his chickens.  He said that no one could tell him that the maneuvers were not a good thing for the farmers in our area.  Indeed, the Army was a good friend to farmers and businesses in 1903 and still is. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585327394484.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Did You Know This About Geary County History?”By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member“A Mystery In 1868” – Part 3 of 3	In Part 2 of this mystery, we learned that John Sanderson had been charged with the murder of Thomas Reynolds and a warrant issued for Sanderson’s arrest. A gun battle took place and Sanderson escaped into the bush.	When news of this reached Junction City, citizens were soon mounted and headed in pursuit. The posse soon found the trail of Sanderson’s brother, Jonathan, who was following his brother John with a horse and supplies. The next morning the posse found their man hiding in a small stone house north of Solomon City.	News of the capture preceded the posse back to town and by the time the train arrived carrying the fugitives an angry mob of 300 or so men had gathered at the depot. John Sanderson was, however, safely taken to the courthouse and kept there until the next day.	The next morning the prisoner was taken to the residence of Judge Wallace for arraignment. However, the magistrate was gone and not expected to return until later that day. During the wait, groups of armed and angry citizens gathered and when the attorneys and a group of officers emerged from the house, the crowd rushed upon Sanderson. 	John’s two brothers, Jonathan and George, ran to aid him. Jonathan begged John to make a confession in order that John’s life might be saved. John ran and 50 or 60 shots were fired. John Sanderson was killed. The mob then turned on the brothers. However, they were spared on the condition they would leave the state. 	In 1995, local resident, Earl Brown, recalled when he “was a boy riding along Highway 57 with his grandfather, whose family had homesteaded on Humboldt Creek. Brown‘s grandfather pointed out a heavy stand of timber down in the bottoms near the creek. He said that in the early days of Davis County (Geary County) this was where a gang of horse thieves hid the horses until they could move them to Fort Riley and sell them to the Army.”	Earl’s grandfather told him that “nobody ever went into that area without first calling out and identifying who they were and why they were coming through or they were likely to get shot. Brown’s grandfather also said most people who lived out there knew what was going on, but some prominent citizens were part of the ring. They would steal horses from farms and ranches all over the area and then alter or disguise the brands or markings and sell them in herds to the government. Thomas Reynolds apparently knew of these activities and was lynched to keep him quiet or to throw authorities off their trail. Earl Brown’s grandfather also speculated that Samuel Orr could have easily been a part of this group.” 	Was Thomas Reynolds killed because of his political views? Was he robbed then killed or did he know too much about the illegal activity going on in the area? We may never know!“Business Relationships With Fort Riley in 1903“	There were 6-8,000 visitors who were entertained during the Fort Riley Army and National Guard maneuvers in 1903. This was almost twice as many as had come the previous year. Most of the people who were attracted to the maneuvers planned to stay a day or two at Fort Riley. However, they were disappointed because there were no accommodations for them. 	Several weeks before the maneuvers, a Mr. Tyler, who was the President of the electric railway, sent out over a hundred advertisements to as many newspapers in the state as he could. His ploy was to be sure that those who were coming for the maneuvers knew that Junction City was the closest town near to the fort and was the only place in the vicinity of the big camp that had accommodations. Besides advertising in the newspapers, Mr. Tyler had thousands of posters printed and sent them to all the towns in central Kansas. He spent his own money for the printing of the posters and newspaper ads, which benefitted his electric streetcar company in the end. Those who visited or stayed in town rode Mr. Tyler’s cars back and forth to the post. Junction City businesses also profited from his investment. 	Many farmers in Geary County leased their land to the government in 1903 for use during the big military maneuvers. Landowners were said to be pleased with the way the Army made settlements with them for damages resulting from the troops going over their land. One farmer said he had just finished planting wheat over 20 acres and when the Army crossed the field, they destroyed practically all the planting. 	When the officers came around to settle for the damage, the farmer was allowed 25 bushels of wheat to the acre and was paid a rate of 60 cents a bushel. He could not have wished for a better settlement. The gentleman did not have to cut or thrash the wheat and did not even have to worry about the failure of the crop. Another farmer from the northern part of the county reported that he had sold $105.00 worth of apples and honey at the camp and was getting 15 cents a pound for his chickens. He said that no one could tell him that the maneuvers were not a good thing for the farmers in our area. Indeed, the Army was a good friend to farmers and businesses in 1903 and still is.

Our Past is Present

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for an incident involving a weapon.

Just after 3a.m. Friday, deputies were&nbsp; dispatched to the residence of 11 Autumn Road in rural Arkansas City, Kansas for a subject shooting a rifle, according to Undersheriff Christina McDonald.

The reporting party stated Darin Jake Pinion, 37, was shooting his rifle out the front door of the the residence and they were scared for their safety. 

Deputies made contact with Pinion in the front yard of the residence. Pinion advised he was trying to scare someone off his property and was giving warning shots. 

There was another home approximately 20-30 yards away that was occupied at the time of the shooting. 

Damage was located on a tree in front of the home. No persons were harmed. Pinion was arrested and remains in the Cowley County Jail on a $10,000.00 bond.&nbsp; Authorities have not released details on possible charges.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1604085498999.png" alt="Pinion photo Cowley County" />
 <figcaption>Pinion photo Cowley County</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for an incident involving a weapon.Just after 3a.m. Friday, deputies were&nbsp; dispatched to the residence of 11 Autumn Road in rural Arkansas City, Kansas for a subject shooting a rifle, according to Undersheriff Christina McDonald.The reporting party stated Darin Jake Pinion, 37, was shooting his rifle out the front door of the the residence and they were scared for their safety. Deputies made contact with Pinion in the front yard of the residence. Pinion advised he was trying to scare someone off his property and was giving warning shots. There was another home approximately 20-30 yards away that was occupied at the time of the shooting. Damage was located on a tree in front of the home. No persons were harmed. Pinion was arrested and remains in the Cowley County Jail on a $10,000.00 bond.&nbsp; Authorities have not released details on possible charges.&nbsp;

Sheriff: Kan. man fired warning shots, is arrested

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have two suspects detained.

Just after 11p.m. Saturday, police responded to a report of multiple shots being fired in the area of the 1300 block of NW Eugene in Topeka, according to&nbsp;LT John Trimble.

Officers in the area and found evidence of shots being fired. While searching the area, they also found one person suffering from what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds. 

While on scene investigating this incident, two others arrived by personal vehicle to local hospitals with what appeared to be gunshot wounds as well.&nbsp; All 3 of the injured parties sustained serious injuries.

Two suspect were located in association with the incident and brought to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning, according to Trimble.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police have not reported an arrest or released names of the victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604237650206.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation early Sunday photo courtesy WIBW-TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation early Sunday photo courtesy WIBW-TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have two suspects detained.Just after 11p.m. Saturday, police responded to a report of multiple shots being fired in the area of the 1300 block of NW Eugene in Topeka, according to&nbsp;LT John Trimble.Officers in the area and found evidence of shots being fired. While searching the area, they also found one person suffering from what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds. While on scene investigating this incident, two others arrived by personal vehicle to local hospitals with what appeared to be gunshot wounds as well.&nbsp; All 3 of the injured parties sustained serious injuries.Two suspect were located in association with the incident and brought to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning, according to Trimble.&nbsp;&nbsp;Police have not reported an arrest or released names of the victims.

Police: Triple Kansas shooting on Halloween 

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.”

<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.