SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged animal cruelty and have made an arrest.

Just before 10:30a.m. August 6, 2020, a Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office deputy was dispatched to the 5700 block of NW Hunter Road after a man reported a neighbor shot his 18-month-old Irish Setter, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

The dog was seriously injured and was transported for treatment at K-State. The dog is now permanently blind.

&nbsp;Just after 4:30p.m. Tuesday deputies with the Fugitive Warrants unit arrested John C. Stover, 58, of Topeka, on requested felony charges of cruelty to animals.

The case has been forwarded to the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599043409583.png" alt="Stover-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Stover-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged animal cruelty and have made an arrest.Just before 10:30a.m. August 6, 2020, a Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office deputy was dispatched to the 5700 block of NW Hunter Road after a man reported a neighbor shot his 18-month-old Irish Setter, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.The dog was seriously injured and was transported for treatment at K-State. The dog is now permanently blind.&nbsp;Just after 4:30p.m. Tuesday deputies with the Fugitive Warrants unit arrested John C. Stover, 58, of Topeka, on requested felony charges of cruelty to animals.The case has been forwarded to the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office&nbsp;

Kan. man arrested after neighbor's dog permanently blinded

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug charges after a unique traffic stop.

Just after 4:30a.m. Monday,&nbsp; the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a truck parked in the middle of Highway 16 near W. Road. Deputies found the truck running, parked in the middle of the highway and a woman later identified as Marcy Jean Bowen, 37, McLouth, asleep behind the steering wheel, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The deputies also discovered drug a substance believed to be methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. 

Deputies arrested Bowen and booked her into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and two misdemeanor drug charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1598965415979.png" alt="Bowen" />
 <figcaption>Bowen</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug charges after a unique traffic stop.Just after 4:30a.m. Monday,&nbsp; the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a truck parked in the middle of Highway 16 near W. Road. Deputies found the truck running, parked in the middle of the highway and a woman later identified as Marcy Jean Bowen, 37, McLouth, asleep behind the steering wheel, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The deputies also discovered drug a substance believed to be methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Deputies arrested Bowen and booked her into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and two misdemeanor drug charges.

Sheriff: Kan. woman was asleep at wheel, parked on highway

Kansas City (AP) — The scenes have become commonplace in 2020: People gathered at state Capitols with semiautomatic long guns strapped across their chests. 

A couple near St. Louis emerging from their mansion brandishing firearms as Black Lives Matter demonstrators marched by the house. Men roaming the streets with rifles during protests over racial inequality, punctuated by two people being killed in Wisconsin and another in Portland over the weekend.

The coronavirus pandemic, protests against racism and police killings, a rancorous election year and a perception that cities are being overrun by violent mobs have brought about a markedly more aggressive stance by some gun owners and widened the divide over firearms in America.

Americans are turning out more often and more visibly with guns, a sign of the tension engulfing the country.

Last week's arrest of a 17-year-old accused of killing two people in Kenosha, Wisconsin, with a semiautomatic rifle is just the latest flashpoint. Then over the weekend, a caravan of President Donald Trump supporters streamed into Portland, resulting in a clash with protesters in which a supporter of a right-wing group was fatally shot.

The teenager and other gun-toting protesters have been denounced as radical vigilantes who benefit from a double-standard — that if they were Black gun owners brandishing their firearms, the police would use deadly force against them.

To others, they are patriots seeking to bring law and order to cities that have been overtaken by extremists.

“I would have done the same thing, to be honest with you,” Todd Scott, of Covington, Georgia, said of the teenager in Kenosha. He's viewed video of the teen, Kyle Rittenhouse, being chased by protesters and believes he was acting in self-defense.

Scott himself once used his gun to break up violence, becoming a bit of a local hero in 2015 after a gunman killed a clerk and a customer at the liquor store where he was picking up beer. Scott fired on the suspect before he fled.

Kat Ellsworth, who heads the Liberal Gun Owners club in Illinois and who lives in Chicago, is appalled by those who have converged on protests and are openly carrying firearms. She believes those gun owners have been emboldened by Trump, who has made law and order a central part of his re-election bid.

The scenes of primarily white men walking around city streets openly carrying firearms, or of those who have flocked to state Capitols to protest pandemic business restrictions, are a demonstration, she believes, of white privilege. She’s convinced that a group of Black gun owners with AR-15s in public would be dealt with much differently.

“I view them as instigators and I view them as people looking for an excuse to shoot people of color,” said Ellsworth, who is white.

The killings in Kenosha almost immediately opened up a new front in the culture wars over guns. Fox News’ Tucker Carlson called the episode a result of authorities refusing to bring law and order to the city.

“How shocked are we that 17-year-olds with rifles decided they had to maintain order when no one else would?”

Around the same time last week, Mark and Patricia McCloskey, who were seen outside their St. Louis home brandishing a rifle and a handgun, were given a coveted prime-time slot at the Republican National Convention, where they defended their right to bear arms.

In the first half of this year, the turmoil has fueled an unprecedented buying spree of firearms.

Every month so far has smashed last year’s numbers of background checks. In a few instances, the number of background checks have soared past previous records set by a background check system that began in 1998.

So far this year, nearly 23 million background checks have been conducted, though not all checks were for firearm purchases. Still, the gun industry estimates that 40% of firearm purchases have been made by first-time buyers, or about 5 million people.

Ed Turner, a former police officer from metro Atlanta who now owns gun shops in Georgia, said he cringes seeing people openly carrying firearms. If someone is truly worried about their own safety, he said, concealing the weapon is “a much better approach than walking around like John Wayne.”

Among the people flocking to his gun shops, he has seen mostly women, African Americans and Latinos concerned about their personal safety and buying a firearm for the first time. He considers their concerns justified amid calls to “defund the police" and riots that have some cases led to police stations being attacked.

“I am stunned that that behavior is allowed to go on,” he said.

Gun-control activists have viewed the situation in Kenosha, as well as the other protests that have drawn people openly carrying firearms, as a direct result of Trump's firebrand rhetoric.

“It is because of an extreme world view that has been only encouraged at the highest levels of government, and by the gun lobby that has condoned their presence there,” said Nick Suplina, the managing director of law and policy at Everytown for Gun Safety. “The presence of armed militia at these protests are not there merely to protect property but are there to intimidate protesters, to chill speech and sometimes worse."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590977417965.png" alt="Protest near the Plaza in Kansas City in May -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Protest near the Plaza in Kansas City in May -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City (AP) — The scenes have become commonplace in 2020: People gathered at state Capitols with semiautomatic long guns strapped across their chests. A couple near St. Louis emerging from their mansion brandishing firearms as Black Lives Matter demonstrators marched by the house. Men roaming the streets with rifles during protests over racial inequality, punctuated by two people being killed in Wisconsin and another in Portland over the weekend.The coronavirus pandemic, protests against racism and police killings, a rancorous election year and a perception that cities are being overrun by violent mobs have brought about a markedly more aggressive stance by some gun owners and widened the divide over firearms in America.Americans are turning out more often and more visibly with guns, a sign of the tension engulfing the country.Last week's arrest of a 17-year-old accused of killing two people in Kenosha, Wisconsin, with a semiautomatic rifle is just the latest flashpoint. Then over the weekend, a caravan of President Donald Trump supporters streamed into Portland, resulting in a clash with protesters in which a supporter of a right-wing group was fatally shot.The teenager and other gun-toting protesters have been denounced as radical vigilantes who benefit from a double-standard — that if they were Black gun owners brandishing their firearms, the police would use deadly force against them.To others, they are patriots seeking to bring law and order to cities that have been overtaken by extremists.“I would have done the same thing, to be honest with you,” Todd Scott, of Covington, Georgia, said of the teenager in Kenosha. He's viewed video of the teen, Kyle Rittenhouse, being chased by protesters and believes he was acting in self-defense.Scott himself once used his gun to break up violence, becoming a bit of a local hero in 2015 after a gunman killed a clerk and a customer at the liquor store where he was picking up beer. Scott fired on the suspect before he fled.Kat Ellsworth, who heads the Liberal Gun Owners club in Illinois and who lives in Chicago, is appalled by those who have converged on protests and are openly carrying firearms. She believes those gun owners have been emboldened by Trump, who has made law and order a central part of his re-election bid.The scenes of primarily white men walking around city streets openly carrying firearms, or of those who have flocked to state Capitols to protest pandemic business restrictions, are a demonstration, she believes, of white privilege. She’s convinced that a group of Black gun owners with AR-15s in public would be dealt with much differently.“I view them as instigators and I view them as people looking for an excuse to shoot people of color,” said Ellsworth, who is white.The killings in Kenosha almost immediately opened up a new front in the culture wars over guns. Fox News’ Tucker Carlson called the episode a result of authorities refusing to bring law and order to the city.“How shocked are we that 17-year-olds with rifles decided they had to maintain order when no one else would?”Around the same time last week, Mark and Patricia McCloskey, who were seen outside their St. Louis home brandishing a rifle and a handgun, were given a coveted prime-time slot at the Republican National Convention, where they defended their right to bear arms.In the first half of this year, the turmoil has fueled an unprecedented buying spree of firearms.Every month so far has smashed last year’s numbers of background checks. In a few instances, the number of background checks have soared past previous records set by a background check system that began in 1998.So far this year, nearly 23 million background checks have been conducted, though not all checks were for firearm purchases. Still, the gun industry estimates that 40% of firearm purchases have been made by first-time buyers, or about 5 million people.Ed Turner, a former police officer from metro Atlanta who now owns gun shops in Georgia, said he cringes seeing people openly carrying firearms. If someone is truly worried about their own safety, he said, concealing the weapon is “a much better approach than walking around like John Wayne.”Among the people flocking to his gun shops, he has seen mostly women, African Americans and Latinos concerned about their personal safety and buying a firearm for the first time. He considers their concerns justified amid calls to “defund the police" and riots that have some cases led to police stations being attacked.“I am stunned that that behavior is allowed to go on,” he said.Gun-control activists have viewed the situation in Kenosha, as well as the other protests that have drawn people openly carrying firearms, as a direct result of Trump's firebrand rhetoric.“It is because of an extreme world view that has been only encouraged at the highest levels of government, and by the gun lobby that has condoned their presence there,” said Nick Suplina, the managing director of law and policy at Everytown for Gun Safety. “The presence of armed militia at these protests are not there merely to protect property but are there to intimidate protesters, to chill speech and sometimes worse."

Americans divided over armed civilians who flock to protests

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City have identified a man who was shot to death in his garage early this week.

Andrew Dickie, 35, died in the shooting that happened around 5:30 p.m. Sunday along The Paseo, police said in a news release. Officers sent to the house found a man, later identified as Dickie, with gunshot wounds inside the home’s garage. Dickie was declared dead at the scene.

Witnesses told police that two suspects pulled up to the home in a vehicle and talked with Dickie before they shot him. Detectives canvassed the area looking for other witnesses and were working to get a description of the suspects, police said. No arrests had been reported by Tuesday morning.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City investigators were searching for two suspects in the killing of a man who was shot to death in his garage, police said.

The shooting happened around 5:30 p.m. Sunday along The Paseo, police said in a news release. Officers sent to the house found a man with gunshot wounds inside the home’s garage. The victim was declared dead at the scene. His name had not been released by Monday morning.

Witnesses told police that two suspects pulled up to the home in a vehicle and talked with the victim before they shot him. Detectives canvassed the area looking for other witnesses and are working to get a description of the suspects, police said. No arrests had been reported by Monday morning.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City have identified a man who was shot to death in his garage early this week.Andrew Dickie, 35, died in the shooting that happened around 5:30 p.m. Sunday along The Paseo, police said in a news release. Officers sent to the house found a man, later identified as Dickie, with gunshot wounds inside the home’s garage. Dickie was declared dead at the scene.Witnesses told police that two suspects pulled up to the home in a vehicle and talked with Dickie before they shot him. Detectives canvassed the area looking for other witnesses and were working to get a description of the suspects, police said. No arrests had been reported by Tuesday morning.----------KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City investigators were searching for two suspects in the killing of a man who was shot to death in his garage, police said.The shooting happened around 5:30 p.m. Sunday along The Paseo, police said in a news release. Officers sent to the house found a man with gunshot wounds inside the home’s garage. The victim was declared dead at the scene. His name had not been released by Monday morning.Witnesses told police that two suspects pulled up to the home in a vehicle and talked with the victim before they shot him. Detectives canvassed the area looking for other witnesses and are working to get a description of the suspects, police said. No arrests had been reported by Monday morning.

KC police ID man shot to death in his garage

COWLEY COUNTY — A suspect accused in a December shooting death in Winfield is now in jail in Kansas. Deuntae Markese Markham, 21, Wichita, arrived in Cowley County Sunday and is being held on a $100,000 bond, according to Undersheriff Christina McDonald.

On August 3, San Francisco police arrested Markham in connection with the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Gabriel Luna in the early morning hours of December 18, 2019 at  the Honor Apartments at Southwestern College in the 1700 Block of Fowler in Winfield.&nbsp;He died from his injuries two days later in a Wichita hospital. &nbsp;

On July 2,&nbsp;Markham was charged with suspected second-degree murder for the unintentional but reckless killing of Luna.

Markham waived extradition during a court appearance in California and&nbsp; a private firm transported him from San Francisco to Kansas on Sunday. A first court appearance in Kansas has not been scheduled as of late Monday, according to McDonald.

COWLEY COUNTY— A Kansas man accused in a fatal December shooting in Winfield will be returning to Kansas from a jail in northern California.

Deuntae Markese Markham, 21, Wichita,&nbsp;waived extradition, according to Cowley County Sheriff Dave Faletti. Authorities are making arrangements to have him transported to Kansas.

Markham is being held without bond in San Francisco in connection with the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Gabriel Luna in the early morning hours of December 18, 2019 at&nbsp; the Honor Apartments at Southwestern College in the 1700 Block of Fowler in Winfield.

EMS transported Luna to the emergency room at William Newton Memorial Hospital and he was then transported by air ambulance to a Wichita area hospital and died December 20.

Markham, who is being held on requested charges of 2nd degree murder.

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal December shooting have a suspect in custody.

Authorities in Northern California arrested Deuntae Markese Markham, 21, Wichita, on a Cowley County District Court warrant, according Cowley County Sheriff Dave Faletti.

Markham, who is being held on requested charges of 2nd degree murder is scheduled for a hearing this week, according to online jail records.

Depending on whether Markham fights extradition, Faletti expects to have him transported to Kansas "in a timely manner."&nbsp;

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and are asking the public for help with information.

Just after 1 a.m. December 18, Winfield Fire/EMS and Winfield Police Department responded to the Honor Apartments at Southwestern College in the 1700 Block of Fowler for a report of a gunshot victim, according to Chris Hood with the city of Winfield.

Upon investigation, it was determined that the resident of the apartment later identified as 32-year-old Gabriel Luna was the victim of the gunshot wound. He was transported to the emergency room at William Newton Memorial Hospital and then transported by air ambulance to a Wichita Kansas area hospital.&nbsp; On Friday Luna died of his injuries, according to Hood.

The shooting is now being investigating as a homicide.

Anyone who has knowledge about the shooting or who may have witnessed the shooting to contact the Winfield Police Department at (620)221-5555 or Cowley County Crime Stoppers at either 221-7777 or through their website which may be accessed through the Cowley County website.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598903832758.png" alt="Markham photo Cowley County" />
 <figcaption>Markham photo Cowley County</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY — A suspect accused in a December shooting death in Winfield is now in jail in Kansas. Deuntae Markese Markham, 21, Wichita, arrived in Cowley County Sunday and is being held on a $100,000 bond, according to Undersheriff Christina McDonald.On August 3, San Francisco police arrested Markham in connection with the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Gabriel Luna in the early morning hours of December 18, 2019 at the Honor Apartments at Southwestern College in the 1700 Block of Fowler in Winfield.&nbsp;He died from his injuries two days later in a Wichita hospital. &nbsp;On July 2,&nbsp;Markham was charged with suspected second-degree murder for the unintentional but reckless killing of Luna.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597081657197.png" alt="Honor apartments photo courtesy Southwestern College" />
 <figcaption>Honor apartments photo courtesy Southwestern College</figcaption>
 </figure>Markham waived extradition during a court appearance in California and&nbsp; a private firm transported him from San Francisco to Kansas on Sunday. A first court appearance in Kansas has not been scheduled as of late Monday, according to McDonald.---------COWLEY COUNTY— A Kansas man accused in a fatal December shooting in Winfield will be returning to Kansas from a jail in northern California.Deuntae Markese Markham, 21, Wichita,&nbsp;waived extradition, according to Cowley County Sheriff Dave Faletti. Authorities are making arrangements to have him transported to Kansas.Markham is being held without bond in San Francisco in connection with the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Gabriel Luna in the early morning hours of December 18, 2019 at&nbsp; the Honor Apartments at Southwestern College in the 1700 Block of Fowler in Winfield.EMS transported Luna to the emergency room at William Newton Memorial Hospital and he was then transported by air ambulance to a Wichita area hospital and died December 20.Markham, who is being held on requested charges of 2nd degree murder.-----------COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal December shooting have a suspect in custody.Authorities in Northern California arrested Deuntae Markese Markham, 21, Wichita, on a Cowley County District Court warrant, according Cowley County Sheriff Dave Faletti.Markham is being held without bond in San Francisco in connection with the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Gabriel Luna in the early morning hours of December 18, 2019 at&nbsp; the Honor Apartments at Southwestern College in the 1700 Block of Fowler in Winfield.EMS transported Luna to the emergency room at William Newton Memorial Hospital and he was then transported by air ambulance to a Wichita area hospital and died December 20.Markham, who is being held on requested charges of 2nd degree murder is scheduled for a hearing this week, according to online jail records.Depending on whether Markham fights extradition, Faletti expects to have him transported to Kansas "in a timely manner."&nbsp;-------COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and are asking the public for help with information.Just after 1 a.m. December 18, Winfield Fire/EMS and Winfield Police Department responded to the Honor Apartments at Southwestern College in the 1700 Block of Fowler for a report of a gunshot victim, according to Chris Hood with the city of Winfield.Upon investigation, it was determined that the resident of the apartment later identified as 32-year-old Gabriel Luna was the victim of the gunshot wound. He was transported to the emergency room at William Newton Memorial Hospital and then transported by air ambulance to a Wichita Kansas area hospital.&nbsp; On Friday Luna died of his injuries, according to Hood.The shooting is now being investigating as a homicide.Anyone who has knowledge about the shooting or who may have witnessed the shooting to contact the Winfield Police Department at (620)221-5555 or Cowley County Crime Stoppers at either 221-7777 or through their website which may be accessed through the Cowley County website.&nbsp;------------

Murder suspect moved from Calif. to Kansas jail

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former captain in the Kansas City, Missouri, Fire Department pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to charges related to illegally selling 77 firearms over a five-year period, and to selling firearms to convicted felons, according to United State's Attorney Timothy Garrison.

“Our gun laws exist to make it hard for violent criminals to obtain the tools of their trade,” Garrison said. &nbsp;“Felons, illegal aliens, domestic abusers, drug users, and other prohibited persons cannot purchase or possess firearms — unless someone breaks the law to put guns in their hands. &nbsp;These criminals may not pull the trigger, but they profit by making violent crime possible in our neighborhoods.”

James Samuels, 54, of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to one count of conspiracy to make false statements during the purchase of firearms, one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license, four counts of selling firearms and ammunition to persons prohibited by law from possessing them, and one count of possessing an unregistered firearm. Samuels, who has been in federal custody without bond since his arrest on Oct. 4, 2018, remains in federal custody until his sentencing hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.

By pleading guilty today, Samuels admitted that he purchased 77 firearms from November 2013 to August 2018. Of those 77 firearms, 57 were Jimenez pistols. Samuels transferred 47 of those 77 firearms to third parties (including 43 Jimenez pistols). During this time, Samuels was not a licensed dealer of firearms.

Samuels also admitted that 10 to 20 of those firearms were sold to persons who were forbidden by law from possessing them. Samuels bought the firearms at a low price and sold them for a $40 to $50 profit.

Samuels conspired with others to make false statements to federally licensed firearms dealers by misrepresenting the identity of the actual buyer of firearms. Samuels purchased firearms then transferred ownership to another person, who later reported the firearms had been stolen.

Samuels was arrested on Oct. 4, 2018, following an undercover operation in which he sold an Armscor of the Philippines .38-caliber revolver to a confidential informant whom he knew to be a felon. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Samuels’s residence the same day and seized 28 firearms (including 22 handguns, five rifles and one shotgun). Among the firearms seized was a Glock .40-caliber pistol with a TAC Isran GLR 440 stock installed, which was not registered to Samuels, and a Colt .45-caliber pistol, which had been reported stolen. In addition to the firearms, officers seized approximately 12,000 rounds of assorted ammunition, as well as firearm parts and accessories.

The Oct. 4, 2018, transaction is one of four instances cited in today’s plea agreement in which the same confidential informant, whom Samuels knew was a felon and thus prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, purchased a firearm and ammunition from Samuels. In each of those four instances, Samuels accompanied the confidential informant and an undercover federal agent to a licensed firearms dealer, where the undercover agent completed the paperwork for the straw purchase of the firearm on behalf of the confidential informant. In each instance, the straw purchase was at the direction of Samuels.

Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Samuels acknowledges that he has the ability to pay a fine and agrees that $11,282 seized by law enforcement officers during the execution of the search warrant at his residence will be applied to any fine imposed by the court.

Under federal statutes, Samuels is subject to a sentence of up to 60 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582215629955.png" alt="Former Kansas City Fire Captain James Samuels (L) admitted&nbsp; illegally buying and selling guns. One was used in a 2016 murder. Photo shows Samuels during a recognition event courtesy Greater Kansas City Firefighter's Assn.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Former Kansas City Fire Captain James Samuels (L) admitted&nbsp; illegally buying and selling guns. One was used in a 2016 murder. Photo shows Samuels during a recognition event courtesy Greater Kansas City Firefighter's Assn.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former captain in the Kansas City, Missouri, Fire Department pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to charges related to illegally selling 77 firearms over a five-year period, and to selling firearms to convicted felons, according to United State's Attorney Timothy Garrison.“Our gun laws exist to make it hard for violent criminals to obtain the tools of their trade,” Garrison said. &nbsp;“Felons, illegal aliens, domestic abusers, drug users, and other prohibited persons cannot purchase or possess firearms — unless someone breaks the law to put guns in their hands. &nbsp;These criminals may not pull the trigger, but they profit by making violent crime possible in our neighborhoods.”James Samuels, 54, of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to one count of conspiracy to make false statements during the purchase of firearms, one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license, four counts of selling firearms and ammunition to persons prohibited by law from possessing them, and one count of possessing an unregistered firearm. Samuels, who has been in federal custody without bond since his arrest on Oct. 4, 2018, remains in federal custody until his sentencing hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.By pleading guilty today, Samuels admitted that he purchased 77 firearms from November 2013 to August 2018. Of those 77 firearms, 57 were Jimenez pistols. Samuels transferred 47 of those 77 firearms to third parties (including 43 Jimenez pistols). During this time, Samuels was not a licensed dealer of firearms.Samuels also admitted that 10 to 20 of those firearms were sold to persons who were forbidden by law from possessing them. Samuels bought the firearms at a low price and sold them for a $40 to $50 profit.Samuels conspired with others to make false statements to federally licensed firearms dealers by misrepresenting the identity of the actual buyer of firearms. Samuels purchased firearms then transferred ownership to another person, who later reported the firearms had been stolen.Samuels was arrested on Oct. 4, 2018, following an undercover operation in which he sold an Armscor of the Philippines .38-caliber revolver to a confidential informant whom he knew to be a felon. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Samuels’s residence the same day and seized 28 firearms (including 22 handguns, five rifles and one shotgun). Among the firearms seized was a Glock .40-caliber pistol with a TAC Isran GLR 440 stock installed, which was not registered to Samuels, and a Colt .45-caliber pistol, which had been reported stolen. In addition to the firearms, officers seized approximately 12,000 rounds of assorted ammunition, as well as firearm parts and accessories.The Oct. 4, 2018, transaction is one of four instances cited in today’s plea agreement in which the same confidential informant, whom Samuels knew was a felon and thus prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, purchased a firearm and ammunition from Samuels. In each of those four instances, Samuels accompanied the confidential informant and an undercover federal agent to a licensed firearms dealer, where the undercover agent completed the paperwork for the straw purchase of the firearm on behalf of the confidential informant. In each instance, the straw purchase was at the direction of Samuels.Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Samuels acknowledges that he has the ability to pay a fine and agrees that $11,282 seized by law enforcement officers during the execution of the search warrant at his residence will be applied to any fine imposed by the court.Under federal statutes, Samuels is subject to a sentence of up to 60 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Former KC fire captain admits illegally buying, selling guns

VINITA, Okla. (AP) — A Kansas man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection with the deaths of two people and the disappearance of two teenage girls more than 20 years ago.

Ronnie Busick, 69, Wichita, was sentenced Monday i<a href="https://craigcountyso.com/inmate-search.php?FullName=busick&amp;Search=Search">n Craig County </a>on one count of accessory to murder, said Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Brook Arbeitman.

Busick, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2d867480c8bdaafe2d0f6a9db9a005fb">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;in July, could have earned a reduction in his sentence by showing authorities where the bodies of Lauria Bible and Ashley Freeman were located, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2b48eaf595d69d063f23809078e3d4ff">several searches</a>&nbsp;have not recovered the teens’ remains, Arbeitman said.

Bible and Freeman, who were both 16, haven’t been seen since Dec. 30. 1999, after Freeman’s parents, Danny and Kathy Freeman, were found slain in their burned mobile home in Welch about 70 miles (113 kilometers) northeast of Tulsa.

Busick, of Wichita, Kansas, was arrested and charged in 2018, and investigators say two other suspects are now dead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1598956739361.png" alt="Busick, who has been jailed in Craig County, Oklahoma since April 2018, was given credit for time served." />
 <figcaption>Busick, who has been jailed in Craig County, Oklahoma since April 2018, was given credit for time served.</figcaption>
 </figure>VINITA, Okla. (AP) — A Kansas man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection with the deaths of two people and the disappearance of two teenage girls more than 20 years ago.Ronnie Busick, 69, Wichita, was sentenced Monday i<a href="https://craigcountyso.com/inmate-search.php?FullName=busick&amp;Search=Search">n Craig County </a>on one count of accessory to murder, said Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Brook Arbeitman. Busick, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2d867480c8bdaafe2d0f6a9db9a005fb">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;in July, could have earned a reduction in his sentence by showing authorities where the bodies of Lauria Bible and Ashley Freeman were located, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2b48eaf595d69d063f23809078e3d4ff">several searches</a>&nbsp;have not recovered the teens’ remains, Arbeitman said.Bible and Freeman, who were both 16, haven’t been seen since Dec. 30. 1999, after Freeman’s parents, Danny and Kathy Freeman, were found slain in their burned mobile home in Welch about 70 miles (113 kilometers) northeast of Tulsa.Busick, of Wichita, Kansas, was arrested and charged in 2018, and investigators say two other suspects are now dead.

Kan. man sentenced for Oklahoma cold case murders

KANSAS CITY, KAN. -&nbsp;An Overland Park woman who owned massage parlors in Olathe and Leawood pleaded guilty today to a federal interstate prostitution charge.

Chunqui Wu, 62, Overland Park, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of transportation with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. 

An indictment alleges Wu operated three massage parlors: Alpha Massage at 116 S. Clairborne, #A, in Olathe, Kan.; A Plus Massage at 527 N. Mur-Len Road, in Olathe, Kan.; and King Spa at 13104 State Line Road in Leawood, Kan.

Wu’s plea agreement says investigators worked with an undercover confidential source who contacted Wu and asked for a job working in Wu’s massage parlors. Wu made statements indicating she allowed her employees to perform sexual services for tips. Other investigators working undercover confirmed that employees in Wu’s massage parlors were offering sexual services to customers.

Wu was arrested when she went to the Kansas City International airport in Kansas City, Mo., to meet the undercover confidential source and transport her back to Kansas to work in one of Wu’s massage parlors.

Sentencing is set for Nov. 16. Wu could face up to 10 years in federal prison. McAllister commended the Olathe Police Department, the Leawood Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Flannigan for their work on the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598900345466.png" alt="Wu-photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Wu-photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. -&nbsp;An Overland Park woman who owned massage parlors in Olathe and Leawood pleaded guilty today to a federal interstate prostitution charge.Chunqui Wu, 62, Overland Park, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of transportation with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. An indictment alleges Wu operated three massage parlors: Alpha Massage at 116 S. Clairborne, #A, in Olathe, Kan.; A Plus Massage at 527 N. Mur-Len Road, in Olathe, Kan.; and King Spa at 13104 State Line Road in Leawood, Kan.Wu’s plea agreement says investigators worked with an undercover confidential source who contacted Wu and asked for a job working in Wu’s massage parlors. Wu made statements indicating she allowed her employees to perform sexual services for tips. Other investigators working undercover confirmed that employees in Wu’s massage parlors were offering sexual services to customers.Wu was arrested when she went to the Kansas City International airport in Kansas City, Mo., to meet the undercover confidential source and transport her back to Kansas to work in one of Wu’s massage parlors.Sentencing is set for Nov. 16. Wu could face up to 10 years in federal prison. McAllister commended the Olathe Police Department, the Leawood Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Flannigan for their work on the case.

Kan. massage parlor owner admits to prostitution charge

SCOTT COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office made a fifth arrest connected to the murder of 78-year-old Danny Shue of Eureka, Kan.

Just after 2:30 Monday, KBI agents, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office and the Scott City Police Department, arrested a 15-year-old boy from Scott City, according to a media release from the KBI.

The teen was arrested for suspected felony murder, aggravated burglary, felony theft, and conspiracy to commit felony theft. He was then transported to an area juvenile facility where he will be held.

On August 27,&nbsp; Leon A. Lindsay, 34, of El Dorado, was arrested at the Butler County Sheriff’s Office for felony murder in connection with the case.

Previously charged in this case were 30-year-old Noah J. E. Farr, of Dighton, 25-year-old Joseph E. Warden, of El Dorado, and a 17-year-old teen from El Dorado, who was not named as he is a juvenile.

On August 19, the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office responded to do a welfare check at a home at 1607 Quincy Street in Eureka, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.

 When deputies responded, they searched the residence and discovered 78-year-old Danny Shue deceased inside. Shue was pronounced dead at the scene.

No further arrests are expected in this case.

BUTLER COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office have made an additional arrest connected to the murder of 78-year-old Danny Shue of Eureka, Kansas, according to a media release.

Just before 10a.m. Thursday, Leon A. Lindsay, 34, of El Dorado, was arrested at the Butler County Sheriff’s Office for felony murder, aggravated burglary, felony theft, and conspiracy to commit felony theft. He is currently being held at the Butler County Jail.

Assisting the KBI and the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office in this arrest were the El Dorado Police Department, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, and K-9 handlers from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.

Just after 10 p.m. August 19, the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office responded to do a welfare check at a home at 1607 Quincy Street in Eureka, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598026621001.png" alt="KBI on the scene of the investigation August 20 -photo courtesy Eureka Herald" />
 <figcaption>KBI on the scene of the investigation August 20 -photo courtesy Eureka Herald</figcaption>
 </figure>SCOTT COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office made a fifth arrest connected to the murder of 78-year-old Danny Shue of Eureka, Kan.Just after 2:30 Monday, KBI agents, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office and the Scott City Police Department, arrested a 15-year-old boy from Scott City, according to a media release from the KBI.The teen was arrested for suspected felony murder, aggravated burglary, felony theft, and conspiracy to commit felony theft. He was then transported to an area juvenile facility where he will be held.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598638528314.png" alt="Lindsay" />
 <figcaption>Lindsay</figcaption>
 </figure>On August 27,&nbsp; Leon A. Lindsay, 34, of El Dorado, was arrested at the Butler County Sheriff’s Office for felony murder in connection with the case.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598477662600.png" alt="Farr-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Farr-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Previously charged in this case were 30-year-old Noah J. E. Farr, of Dighton, 25-year-old Joseph E. Warden, of El Dorado, and a 17-year-old teen from El Dorado, who was not named as he is a juvenile.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598639981075.png" alt="Warden" />
 <figcaption>Warden</figcaption>
 </figure>On August 19, the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office responded to do a welfare check at a home at 1607 Quincy Street in Eureka, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI. When deputies responded, they searched the residence and discovered 78-year-old Danny Shue deceased inside. Shue was pronounced dead at the scene.No further arrests are expected in this case.----------BUTLER COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office have made an additional arrest connected to the murder of 78-year-old Danny Shue of Eureka, Kansas, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598638528314.png" alt="Lindsay-photo Butler Co." />
 <figcaption>Lindsay-photo Butler Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 10a.m. Thursday, Leon A. Lindsay, 34, of El Dorado, was arrested at the Butler County Sheriff’s Office for felony murder, aggravated burglary, felony theft, and conspiracy to commit felony theft. He is currently being held at the Butler County Jail.Assisting the KBI and the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office in this arrest were the El Dorado Police Department, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, and K-9 handlers from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598477662600.png" alt="Farr-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Farr-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Previously charged in this case were 30-year-old Noah J. E. Farr, of Dighton, 25-year-old Joseph E. Warden, of El Dorado, and a 17-year-old teen from El Dorado, who was not named as he is a juvenile.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598639981075.png" alt="Warden photo Greenwood County" />
 <figcaption>Warden photo Greenwood County</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 10 p.m. August 19, the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office responded to do a welfare check at a home at 1607 Quincy Street in Eureka, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI. When deputies responded, they searched the residence and discovered 78-year-old Danny Shue deceased inside. Shue was pronounced dead at the scene.

KBI: 15-year-old is 5th suspect jailed in Kan. murder case

MANHATTAN— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent attack and have made an arrest.

Just before 4p.m. Saturday, officers filed a report for aggravated battery in the 1000 block of Leavenworth Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Officers listed a 21-year-old man as the victim when it was reported a 19-year-old male hit him with a hammer.

EMS transported the victim to KU Medical Center where he was treated and released, according to police spokesperson Rachel Pate.

Officers arrested Miguel Gerber, 19 Manhattan, on requested charges of battery. Gerber remains in custody on a bond of $5,000.00, according to online jail records.

MANHATTAN— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent attack and have made an arrest.Just before 4p.m. Saturday, officers filed a report for aggravated battery in the 1000 block of Leavenworth Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Officers listed a 21-year-old man as the victim when it was reported a 19-year-old male hit him with a hammer.EMS transported the victim to KU Medical Center where he was treated and released, according to police spokesperson Rachel Pate.Officers arrested Miguel Gerber, 19 Manhattan, on requested charges of battery. Gerber remains in custody on a bond of $5,000.00, according to online jail records.

Kansas man hospitalized after hammer attack

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after alleged altercation in Salina and a subsequent pursuit into Saline County on Saturday.

Just after 4:30p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a residence in the 1000 block of East Iron Avenue in Salina where a 56-year-old Salina man and a 30-year-old Salina woman reported an altercation with Evan Howie, 33, of Solomon, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

The man was struck numerous times with a branch and a brick and the woman was struck with the brick when it was thrown at her, causing her to drop her cellphone. 

The woman told police that Howie then took her cell phone that was valued at $50. The man had a $10 pair of sunglasses broken during the altercation, he added. Howie allegedly also struck the man's 2006 Ford 500 when he was leaving, causing approximately $500 damage, according to Forrester.

Officers were advised the suspect left in a white or gray Buick. An officer located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle in the 200 block of South Kansas Avenue. 

The vehicle continued north on Kansas Avenue and ultimately east on Old Highway 40. At that point, the pursuit was turned over to Saline County Sheriff's deputies and the Kansas Highway Patrol. 

KHP was able to conduct a tactical vehicle intervention (TVI) on the car in the 3000 block of North Whitmore Road, ending the pursuit, according to Forrester.

Howie was arrested on requested charges of aggravated battery, Theft, Damage to property, Flee and elude in the commission of a felony and Multiple traffic offenses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598282715073.jpeg" alt="Howie photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Howie photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after alleged altercation in Salina and a subsequent pursuit into Saline County on Saturday.Just after 4:30p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a residence in the 1000 block of East Iron Avenue in Salina where a 56-year-old Salina man and a 30-year-old Salina woman reported an altercation with Evan Howie, 33, of Solomon, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.The man was struck numerous times with a branch and a brick and the woman was struck with the brick when it was thrown at her, causing her to drop her cellphone. The woman told police that Howie then took her cell phone that was valued at $50. The man had a $10 pair of sunglasses broken during the altercation, he added. Howie allegedly also struck the man's 2006 Ford 500 when he was leaving, causing approximately $500 damage, according to Forrester.Officers were advised the suspect left in a white or gray Buick. An officer located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle in the 200 block of South Kansas Avenue. The vehicle continued north on Kansas Avenue and ultimately east on Old Highway 40. At that point, the pursuit was turned over to Saline County Sheriff's deputies and the Kansas Highway Patrol. KHP was able to conduct a tactical vehicle intervention (TVI) on the car in the 3000 block of North Whitmore Road, ending the pursuit, according to Forrester.Howie was arrested on requested charges of aggravated battery, Theft, Damage to property, Flee and elude in the commission of a felony and Multiple traffic offenses.

State trooper uses TVI to end pursuit of theft, battery suspect 

"Did You Know This About Geary County History?”

Geary County Historical Society Board Member

“Growing Up In Junction City – Some Reflections By Keith Hemenway”

	In 2003, Keith Hemenway, who was 83 years old, shared memories of Junction City in the early 1900’s with Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society:  Keith’s father owned the Junction City Sentinel, a weekly newspaper. One of the first homes Keith remembered was in the Raber Flats.  “This stone apartment building at the corner of Fourth and Jefferson Streets was built by Dr. C.K. Raber, a prominent local dentist who was the mayor here during several terms.”  

	In 1908, Keith’s father built a house on South Jefferson, next door to Dr. Fred O’Donnell.  Another close neighbor was Mr. L.J. Platt, who was a lawyer and judge. 

	The O’Donnell house, at 504 S. Jefferson Street was still lived in by a daughter, Betty Cleary, in 1985 and it was much the same as it had originally been. The house formerly had stables behind it where the doctor kept his ponies. Keith recalled often walking over to the old polo field, which was at the corner of Madison and Pine and went clear up toward the cemetery to watch Dr. Fred and the renowned Junction City polo team practice.

	Keith also recalled walking uptown. His first stop was always O’Reilly’s Livery Stable across the street east from the City Park.  The second stop was on East Seventh Street where the old Degitz Blacksmith Shop used to be.  He would watch them shoe horses and then go on to his third stop, which was the Brown’s Harness Shop, where the Cowen Shoe Store was for many years at 719 N. Washington Street.  Finally, he would arrive at the newspaper office in the basement of the building at Seventh and Washington Streets.

	The old Opera House and City Building was another favorite of young Keith’s.  The main entrance to the Opera House was on the Jefferson Street side.  The fire station was on the corner facing Seventh Street where with the two black horses were kept.  The harness was hanging up over the horses and there was a brass pole the firemen would slide down.  They would pull a cord and the harness would drop down over the horses and firemen would just have to fasten a few buckles.  Then the horses would be ready to go.

	Keith graduated from Junction City High School in 1919.  He left Junction City for college and a career in the eastern part of the United States.  Keith returned to Junction City in 1960.          He was involved in organizing the Geary County Historical Society in 1972.  Keith died in 1995 at the age of 90

“Historical Background About Our City (Heritage) Park”

Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society, wrote in an article in the book Set In Stone that the square in the center of Junction City now called Heritage Park and earlier designated as City Park, was always intended as a “park”.  However, there were issues of contention about the park for nearly a hundred years. 

	When the original town site was surveyed in 1858, the block bounded by Sixth Street on the north, Washington Street on the east, Fifth Street on the south and Jefferson Street on the west was designated as the “city park”. When the townsite was platted and registered in September 1860, the park plot was deeded to Richard C. Whitney, Mayor of Junction City. 

	In the early 1860s, the first “friend of the park”, General Knox, laid out the paths in a winding serpent-like manner and planted trees along the paths with care.  He faithfully watered the trees in order that they might survive the dry summers and be a permanent feature of the city”. It was later claimed by Thomas Dever, another pioneer mayor, that Knox’s efforts were not a success.

	In an 1864 article in the Union newspaper where the author stated: “S.M. Stickler was brought before Mayor Hall for having appropriated the city park to his own use as a cattle yard.  Stickler had the audacity to turn the cattle loose in the park and was fined $5.00.”

	In 1870, former Mayor Whitney attempted to deed the park to H.P. Hynes a prominent grocer in town. There had been a picket fence put up all around the park. However, during the night of January 19, 1871, Mr. Hynes, threw down a section of the picket fence, moved into the park, cut down some of General Knox’s trees, erected a corral of sorts and built a pig pen, chicken coop and some say even a house.  Within a short time the citizens removed Mr. Hynes into the street.  He was arrested and his project brought to a halt.  

	In 1891, the courts ruled that the Geary County Commissioners held title to the park “in trust” for the city of Junction City and in 1899 there was public sentiment in favor of appropriating the park square as the site for the new courthouse.  Even in 1949, there were proposals to turn the park now known as Heritage Park into businesses. 

In 2020, Heritage Park has a fountain, bandstand, flowers and shrubs that add to its beauty.  Monuments and memorials are in place to remind us of those who have served our country, county and city.

"Did You Know This About Geary County History?”By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member“Growing Up In Junction City – Some Reflections By Keith Hemenway”	In 2003, Keith Hemenway, who was 83 years old, shared memories of Junction City in the early 1900’s with Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society: Keith’s father owned the Junction City Sentinel, a weekly newspaper. One of the first homes Keith remembered was in the Raber Flats. “This stone apartment building at the corner of Fourth and Jefferson Streets was built by Dr. C.K. Raber, a prominent local dentist who was the mayor here during several terms.” 	In 1908, Keith’s father built a house on South Jefferson, next door to Dr. Fred O’Donnell. Another close neighbor was Mr. L.J. Platt, who was a lawyer and judge. 	The O’Donnell house, at 504 S. Jefferson Street was still lived in by a daughter, Betty Cleary, in 1985 and it was much the same as it had originally been. The house formerly had stables behind it where the doctor kept his ponies. Keith recalled often walking over to the old polo field, which was at the corner of Madison and Pine and went clear up toward the cemetery to watch Dr. Fred and the renowned Junction City polo team practice.	Keith also recalled walking uptown. His first stop was always O’Reilly’s Livery Stable across the street east from the City Park. The second stop was on East Seventh Street where the old Degitz Blacksmith Shop used to be. He would watch them shoe horses and then go on to his third stop, which was the Brown’s Harness Shop, where the Cowen Shoe Store was for many years at 719 N. Washington Street. Finally, he would arrive at the newspaper office in the basement of the building at Seventh and Washington Streets.	The old Opera House and City Building was another favorite of young Keith’s. The main entrance to the Opera House was on the Jefferson Street side. The fire station was on the corner facing Seventh Street where with the two black horses were kept. The harness was hanging up over the horses and there was a brass pole the firemen would slide down. They would pull a cord and the harness would drop down over the horses and firemen would just have to fasten a few buckles. Then the horses would be ready to go.	Keith graduated from Junction City High School in 1919. He left Junction City for college and a career in the eastern part of the United States. Keith returned to Junction City in 1960. He was involved in organizing the Geary County Historical Society in 1972. Keith died in 1995 at the age of 90<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598541690217.jpeg" alt="1911 Bandstand in the City Park" />
 <figcaption>1911 Bandstand in the City Park</figcaption>
 </figure>“Historical Background About Our City (Heritage) Park”Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society, wrote in an article in the book Set In Stone that the square in the center of Junction City now called Heritage Park and earlier designated as City Park, was always intended as a “park”. However, there were issues of contention about the park for nearly a hundred years. 	When the original town site was surveyed in 1858, the block bounded by Sixth Street on the north, Washington Street on the east, Fifth Street on the south and Jefferson Street on the west was designated as the “city park”. When the townsite was platted and registered in September 1860, the park plot was deeded to Richard C. Whitney, Mayor of Junction City. 	In the early 1860s, the first “friend of the park”, General Knox, laid out the paths in a winding serpent-like manner and planted trees along the paths with care. He faithfully watered the trees in order that they might survive the dry summers and be a permanent feature of the city”. It was later claimed by Thomas Dever, another pioneer mayor, that Knox’s efforts were not a success.	In an 1864 article in the Union newspaper where the author stated: “S.M. Stickler was brought before Mayor Hall for having appropriated the city park to his own use as a cattle yard. Stickler had the audacity to turn the cattle loose in the park and was fined $5.00.”	In 1870, former Mayor Whitney attempted to deed the park to H.P. Hynes a prominent grocer in town. There had been a picket fence put up all around the park. However, during the night of January 19, 1871, Mr. Hynes, threw down a section of the picket fence, moved into the park, cut down some of General Knox’s trees, erected a corral of sorts and built a pig pen, chicken coop and some say even a house. Within a short time the citizens removed Mr. Hynes into the street. He was arrested and his project brought to a halt. 	In 1891, the courts ruled that the Geary County Commissioners held title to the park “in trust” for the city of Junction City and in 1899 there was public sentiment in favor of appropriating the park square as the site for the new courthouse. Even in 1949, there were proposals to turn the park now known as Heritage Park into businesses. In 2020, Heritage Park has a fountain, bandstand, flowers and shrubs that add to its beauty. Monuments and memorials are in place to remind us of those who have served our country, county and city.

Our Past is Present

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have made an arrest.

Just after 3 p.m. Monday, police responded to an armed robbery at the Pe Gas Station in the 700 block of North Ridge Road in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

A 55-year-old male employee and multiple witnesses told police a suspect who was later determined to be 21-year-old Kane Guffey of Wichita entered the business, fired a gun near the cashier, and demanded cash.&nbsp; 

Guffey took the cash and he fled on foot, running northbound on North Ridge Road.&nbsp; No one was injured in the robbery.

On Thursday afternoon, police arrested Guffey&nbsp; at a residence in the 1700 Block of South Saint Francis Avenue in Wichita. He is being<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20056531"> held&nbsp; on a $100,000 bond </a>on a requested charge of aggravated robbery.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and searching for a suspect.

Just after 3p.m. Monday, police responded to a robbery in progress at a gas station-convenience store in the 700 Block of North Ridge in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

A 55-year-old male employee told police an unknown suspect&nbsp; entered the business, pulled out a handgun and fired it toward the employee, according to Davidson.&nbsp; The suspect described as a white male in this 20s with a dark complexion, short braided hair with a pony tail and wearing a gray shirt and blue jeans demanded cash, took it and fled the business on foot.

The employee and customers in the business were not injured. Anyone with information on the robbery is asked to call police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598622610733.png" alt="Guffey -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Guffey -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have made an arrest.Just after 3 p.m. Monday, police responded to an armed robbery at the Pe Gas Station in the 700 block of North Ridge Road in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.A 55-year-old male employee and multiple witnesses told police a suspect who was later determined to be 21-year-old Kane Guffey of Wichita entered the business, fired a gun near the cashier, and demanded cash.&nbsp; Guffey took the cash and he fled on foot, running northbound on North Ridge Road.&nbsp; No one was injured in the robbery.On Thursday afternoon, police arrested Guffey&nbsp; at a residence in the 1700 Block of South Saint Francis Avenue in Wichita. He is being<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20056531"> held&nbsp; on a $100,000 bond </a>on a requested charge of aggravated robbery.-------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598457863834.png" alt="Robbery occurred at this gas station convenience store-google image" />
 <figcaption>Robbery occurred at this gas station convenience store-google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and searching for a suspect.Just after 3p.m. Monday, police responded to a robbery in progress at a gas station-convenience store in the 700 Block of North Ridge in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.A 55-year-old male employee told police an unknown suspect&nbsp; entered the business, pulled out a handgun and fired it toward the employee, according to Davidson.&nbsp; The suspect described as a white male in this 20s with a dark complexion, short braided hair with a pony tail and wearing a gray shirt and blue jeans demanded cash, took it and fled the business on foot.The employee and customers in the business were not injured. Anyone with information on the robbery is asked to call police.

Police: Kan. robbery suspect fired gun, took cash

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent attack that sent a man to the hospital.

Just after 10:30p.m. Saturday, police responded to the 2400 block of SE Colonial drive in Topeka reference a stabbing, according to officer Jeffrey Sloan. Upon arrival, officers located a man with life threatening stab wounds. He was transported to a local hospital. 

This is being investigated as a domestic violence incident. Police believe all parties involved in this incident are accounted for. The victim's name has not been released. Police have not reported an arrest.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent attack that sent a man to the hospital.Just after 10:30p.m. Saturday, police responded to the 2400 block of SE Colonial drive in Topeka reference a stabbing, according to officer Jeffrey Sloan. Upon arrival, officers located a man with life threatening stab wounds. He was transported to a local hospital. This is being investigated as a domestic violence incident. Police believe all parties involved in this incident are accounted for. The victim's name has not been released. Police have not reported an arrest.

Police: Kan. man with life-threatening injuries from stabbing

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City man was charged in federal court Friday with the arson fire at Beyond Thee Four Walls Ministries this week, according to the United State's Attorney.

Christopher A. Durant, 38, was charged with arson in a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City.&nbsp;

Today’s complaint alleges that Durant set fire to the building at 5910-5916 East U.S. Highway 40 in Kansas City, which housed Beyond Thee Four Walls Ministries, on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

The Kansas City, Mo., Fire Department was dispatched to that location at approximately 3:25 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire inside the one-story commercial structure.

According to an affidavit filed in support of Friday's federal criminal complaint, investigators reviewed video surveillance footage that depicted an unknown man – later identified as Durant – throwing chunks of asphalt at the front windows of the building at about 12:54 a.m. A few minutes later, the affidavit says, Durant returns and lights an unknown object and places it in through what appears to be the mail slot in the front door. He then lights what appears to be a piece of paper and places it in through the mail slot. He then lights another unidentified object and places it in through the front window previously broken out by the chunks of asphalt. Duran then leaves at approximately 1 a.m.

At about 1:30 a.m., the affidavit says, video surveillance footage depicts Durant returning to the church, lighting what appears to be a piece of paper, and placing it through the front window. Approximately two minutes later, Durant walks up to the front window with an object in his hand and leans in through the broken window, which is then followed by a large flash consistent with the introduction and subsequent ignition of an ignitable liquid.

During the fire scene examination, an accelerant detection canine was used to process the scene to determine if an ignitable liquid was present. The canine indicated an area on the floor inside the church, under the same window Durant allegedly had broken and appeared to introduce an ignitable liquid. This area was also later determined to be the area of the fire origin.

On Thursday, Aug. 27, ATF agents noticed Durant, who matched the description of the unknown suspect depicted in the church video surveillance footage, walking on Van Brunt Boulevard and arrested him. At the time of his arrest, Durant was in possession of marijuana.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598704000473.png" alt="Security camera image just after the fire started- KCMO police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image just after the fire started- KCMO police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City man was charged in federal court Friday with the arson fire at Beyond Thee Four Walls Ministries this week, according to the United State's Attorney.Christopher A. Durant, 38, was charged with arson in a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City.&nbsp;Today’s complaint alleges that Durant set fire to the building at 5910-5916 East U.S. Highway 40 in Kansas City, which housed Beyond Thee Four Walls Ministries, on Wednesday, Aug. 26.The Kansas City, Mo., Fire Department was dispatched to that location at approximately 3:25 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire inside the one-story commercial structure.According to an affidavit filed in support of Friday's federal criminal complaint, investigators reviewed video surveillance footage that depicted an unknown man – later identified as Durant – throwing chunks of asphalt at the front windows of the building at about 12:54 a.m. A few minutes later, the affidavit says, Durant returns and lights an unknown object and places it in through what appears to be the mail slot in the front door. He then lights what appears to be a piece of paper and places it in through the mail slot. He then lights another unidentified object and places it in through the front window previously broken out by the chunks of asphalt. Duran then leaves at approximately 1 a.m.At about 1:30 a.m., the affidavit says, video surveillance footage depicts Durant returning to the church, lighting what appears to be a piece of paper, and placing it through the front window. Approximately two minutes later, Durant walks up to the front window with an object in his hand and leans in through the broken window, which is then followed by a large flash consistent with the introduction and subsequent ignition of an ignitable liquid.During the fire scene examination, an accelerant detection canine was used to process the scene to determine if an ignitable liquid was present. The canine indicated an area on the floor inside the church, under the same window Durant allegedly had broken and appeared to introduce an ignitable liquid. This area was also later determined to be the area of the fire origin.On Thursday, Aug. 27, ATF agents noticed Durant, who matched the description of the unknown suspect depicted in the church video surveillance footage, walking on Van Brunt Boulevard and arrested him. At the time of his arrest, Durant was in possession of marijuana.

Kansas City man charged in church arson

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598026621001.png" alt="KBI on the scene of the investigation August 20 -photo courtesy Eureka Herald" />
 <figcaption>KBI on the scene of the investigation August 20 -photo courtesy Eureka Herald</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office have made an additional arrest connected to the murder of 78-year-old Danny Shue of Eureka, Kansas, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598638528314.png" alt="Lindsay-photo Butler Co." />
 <figcaption>Lindsay-photo Butler Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 10a.m. Thursday, Leon A. Lindsay, 34, of El Dorado, was arrested at the Butler County Sheriff’s Office for felony murder, aggravated burglary, felony theft, and conspiracy to commit felony theft. He is currently being held at the Butler County Jail.Assisting the KBI and the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office in this arrest were the El Dorado Police Department, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, and K-9 handlers from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598477662600.png" alt="Farr-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Farr-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Previously charged in this case were 30-year-old Noah J. E. Farr, of Dighton, 25-year-old Joseph E. Warden, of El Dorado, and a 17-year-old teen from El Dorado, who was not named as he is a juvenile.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598639981075.png" alt="Warden photo Greenwood County" />
 <figcaption>Warden photo Greenwood County</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 10 p.m. August 19, the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office responded to do a welfare check at a home at 1607 Quincy Street in Eureka, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI. When deputies responded, they searched the residence and discovered 78-year-old Danny Shue deceased inside. Shue was pronounced dead at the scene.

KBI: 4th arrest in murder of 78-year-old Kan. man

WESTWOOD, Kan. (AP) — Law enforcement authorities say a Kansas prison inmate is charged with killing a man in 2003 in a suburban Kansas City grocery store. 

Forty-year-old Eugene Clayton Keltner faces a first-degree murder charge in the death of David “Ray” Ninemire in Westwood. 

Ninemire was shot when he went to help a co-worker during a robbery at the grocery store. Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe on Thursday declined to say what evidence led to Keltner's arrest. 

Keltner is imprisoned in Lansing after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter in a 2004 shooting death in Kansas City, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598565038134.png" alt="Keltner has over a dozen previous convictions that include burglary, aggravated battery, aggravated robbery, involuntary manslaughter, theft, endangering a child less than 18, furnishing alcohol to a minor and criminal deprivation of property(motor vehicle), according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Keltner has over a dozen previous convictions that include burglary, aggravated battery, aggravated robbery, involuntary manslaughter, theft, endangering a child less than 18, furnishing alcohol to a minor and criminal deprivation of property(motor vehicle), according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>WESTWOOD, Kan. (AP) — Law enforcement authorities say a Kansas prison inmate is charged with killing a man in 2003 in a suburban Kansas City grocery store. Forty-year-old Eugene Clayton Keltner faces a first-degree murder charge in the death of David “Ray” Ninemire in Westwood. Ninemire was shot when he went to help a co-worker during a robbery at the grocery store. Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe on Thursday declined to say what evidence led to Keltner's arrest. Keltner is imprisoned in Lansing after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter in a 2004 shooting death in Kansas City, Kansas.

Kansas inmate charged in 2003 grocery store killing

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Investigators are looking for clues as to who shot a man to death as he sat in his car outside a Kansas City gas station, police said.

The shooting happened around 8 p.m. Thursday along Prospect Avenue blocks east of U.S. 71, police said in a news release. Responding officers found a man inside a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. The man was take to a hospital, where he later died.

Police have not released the victim’s name or age. No arrests had been reported in the case by Friday morning.

Data kept by The Kansas City Star shows the shooting death was the city’s 134th homicide of the year, compared with 102 homicides by this time last year.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Investigators are looking for clues as to who shot a man to death as he sat in his car outside a Kansas City gas station, police said.The shooting happened around 8 p.m. Thursday along Prospect Avenue blocks east of U.S. 71, police said in a news release. Responding officers found a man inside a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. The man was take to a hospital, where he later died.Police have not released the victim’s name or age. No arrests had been reported in the case by Friday morning.Data kept by The Kansas City Star shows the shooting death was the city’s 134th homicide of the year, compared with 102 homicides by this time last year.

Kansas City police investigate city's 134th homicide of year

ELLIS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a high speed chase Wednesday evening on Interstate 70.

Just before 7p.m. a Kansas Highway Patrol did a speed check on a westbound mini van with Texas license plates just east of Victoria, according to Trooper Tod Hileman.

The driver later identified as 26-year-old Demareon Gaskin of Grandview, Missouri took the Victoria exit and quickly returned to I-70 eastbound and the pursuit was underway.

Gaskin crossed over the median of the interstate, traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes and exited the I-70 using the Walker Avenue on ramp. The van then returned to I-70 traveling westbound at speeds of 105 miles per hour, according to Hileman.

Gaskin used the on ramp at Gorham to exit the interstate and traveled north on 176th Street into and out of the city of Gorham. At this point the state trooper lost the van, according to Hileman.

At 7:29p.m. Hays Police located the van that was now westbound back on Interstate 70 just east of Commerce Parkway. Police stopped the van, now driven by an unidentified woman, at the Vine Street off-ramp.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Authorities took Gaskin and the woman to the hospital as a precaution, according to Hileman. They were not injured.

Police booked Gaskin into the Ellis County Jail on requested charges that included reckless driving, flee and elude, transporting an open container, possession of marijuana and paraphernalia, felony possession of a firearm and numerous traffic violations, according to Hileman. Police did arrest the woman.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598556477216.png" alt="Gaskin-photo Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Gaskin-photo Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a high speed chase Wednesday evening on Interstate 70.Just before 7p.m. a Kansas Highway Patrol did a speed check on a westbound mini van with Texas license plates just east of Victoria, according to Trooper Tod Hileman.The driver later identified as 26-year-old Demareon Gaskin of Grandview, Missouri took the Victoria exit and quickly returned to I-70 eastbound and the pursuit was underway.Gaskin crossed over the median of the interstate, traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes and exited the I-70 using the Walker Avenue on ramp. The van then returned to I-70 traveling westbound at speeds of 105 miles per hour, according to Hileman.Gaskin used the on ramp at Gorham to exit the interstate and traveled north on 176th Street into and out of the city of Gorham. At this point the state trooper lost the van, according to Hileman.At 7:29p.m. Hays Police located the van that was now westbound back on Interstate 70 just east of Commerce Parkway. Police stopped the van, now driven by an unidentified woman, at the Vine Street off-ramp.&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorities took Gaskin and the woman to the hospital as a precaution, according to Hileman. They were not injured.Police booked Gaskin into the Ellis County Jail on requested charges that included reckless driving, flee and elude, transporting an open container, possession of marijuana and paraphernalia, felony possession of a firearm and numerous traffic violations, according to Hileman. Police did arrest the woman.

Driver jailed after wrong-way chase on I-70

COWLEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating vandalism of a political sign in Cowley County and have made an arrest of a teen suspect identified as&nbsp;Garrett Bogle, 19, of Cowley County on requested charges of criminal damage to property, according to the <a href="https://www.cowleycounty.org/media/Sheriff/Sheriff%20Daily%20Log/August%2026,%202020.pdf">activity report from sheriff's department</a>.

On August 16, deputies responded to the 25,000 block of U.S. 77 Highway north of Arkansas City for a report of Criminal Damage to Property to a billboard sign, according to Cowley County Undersheriff Christina McDonald.&nbsp; 

Vandals spread blue paint on the billboard that featured the political slogan MAGA in red and white. Vandals also used yellow spray paint to write "BLM and the word Resist."

&nbsp;There were several tips and leads generated in this case and deputies reported late Tuesday they made an arrest.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598452304828.png" alt="The sign vandalized in north of Arkasas City, Kansas-<a href="https://www.ctnewsonline.com/">photo courtesy Cowley Courier Traveler</a>" />
 <figcaption>The sign vandalized in north of Arkasas City, Kansas-<a href="https://www.ctnewsonline.com/">photo courtesy Cowley Courier Traveler</a></figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating vandalism of a political sign in Cowley County and have made an arrest of a teen suspect identified as&nbsp;Garrett Bogle, 19, of Cowley County on requested charges of criminal damage to property, according to the <a href="https://www.cowleycounty.org/media/Sheriff/Sheriff%20Daily%20Log/August%2026,%202020.pdf">activity report from sheriff's department</a>.On August 16, deputies responded to the 25,000 block of U.S. 77 Highway north of Arkansas City for a report of Criminal Damage to Property to a billboard sign, according to Cowley County Undersheriff Christina McDonald.&nbsp; Vandals spread blue paint on the billboard that featured the political slogan MAGA in red and white. Vandals also used yellow spray paint to write "BLM and the word Resist."&nbsp;There were several tips and leads generated in this case and deputies reported late Tuesday they made an arrest.&nbsp;

Update: Kan. teen accused in vandalism of MAGA billboard 

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen in connection with a stolen car, police chase and crash.

According to Salina Police Captain, Abner's Auto, 212 East Iron Avenue in Salina reported someone on Tuesday stole a small amount of cash and a 2007 Saturn Ion valued at $4,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587736583056.jpeg" alt="Ruffin -photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Ruffin -photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen in connection with a stolen car, police chase and crash.According to Salina Police Captain, Abner's Auto, 212 East Iron Avenue in Salina reported someone on Tuesday stole a small amount of cash and a 2007 Saturn Ion valued at $4,000.The front door window of the business had been shattered but remained intact and a 25-inch by 31-inch south side window was broken at the dealership, according to ForresterLater on Wednesday, the Concordia Police Department was involved in a vehicle pursuit with a black 2007 Saturn Ion, and during the pursuit, the vehicle struck a Belleville Police Department patrol vehicle that was assisting.The driver of the Saturn identified as Marquez Ruffin, 19, of Salina, fled the crash and was later arrested in Republic County, according to a social media report from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ConcordiaPoliceDepartment/">Concordia Police </a>The Concordia Police Department has requested the following charges that include No registration, Speeding, Fail to maintain lane, No proof of insurance, Flee and elude, nterference with a law enforcement officer, Avoiding spike stripsRequested charges from the Salina Police Department are pending, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.