Two people have been arrested in the June 2024 death of Kevin
Rodriguez.&nbsp; 

Reno County booking records show that Karisa Dion Tipton and
Michael O Thompson II are being held in the Reno County Detention Center, each
with a $250,000 bond.&nbsp; Thompson was
booked in on March 12 and Tipton on March 13.

District Court records show that between June 16 and June 17, 2024, that
Tipton and Thompson distributed methamphetamine to Rodriguez who later died. 

Tipton has been charged with one count of distribution of a
controlled substance resulting in death, one count of conspiracy to distribute
a controlled substance resulting in death, and one count of unlawful use of a
communication facility.&nbsp; 

Thompson has been charged with one count of distribution of
a controlled substance resulting in death, one count of conspiracy to distribute
a controlled substance resulting in death, and one count of unlawful use of a
communication facility. He has also been charged with one count of possession
of tetrahydrocannabinol. 

District court records show that Tipton’s next court
appearance is on April 9, and Thompson’s next court appearance is set for April
16. 

Arrests made in 2024 death

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;Wichita Police are investigating burglary and vandalism in a
Wichita church. Wichita Police say that they received a call from the St,
Patrick Catholic Church early on Saturday morning.&nbsp; 

They say they arrived at the church and discovered
significant vandalism, including hate speech and damage to items such as
statues, candles, and glass. Notably, a United States flag had been burned.

The church is located on North Arkansas Street just south of
twenty-first street north.&nbsp; 

A Facebook post from the church said, “It’s with a heavy
heart that we wanted to inform you that our church was vandalized this morning.
Our priests are safe. For this reason, there will be No 5:00 p.m. Mass tonight
as the investigation continues. 

We will keep you posted in regard to the scheduled events
for this weekend and Mass tomorrow.”

Later on Saturday the Kansas Catholic Conference posted
photos of the damage and the following:&nbsp; “This
is the hate crime scene at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Wichita. After
forcing their way inside, statues were destroyed, glass smashed and other
extensive damage exacted upon this sacred space. 

St. Patrick Church is a predominantly Latino parish situated
in a working class neighborhood of North-Central Wichita. They have a parish
school. Parishioners were unable to worship at Mass here Saturday night—and may
not be able to do so on Sunday. 

The FBI is investigating. A Satanic website was scrawled on
a wall. This is the face of evil. This is the same type of group that will be
holding a Satanic wordship ritual on the grounds of the Kansas State Capitol on
March 28.”

Wichita Police said, “Authorities are actively investigating
the incident in collaboration with the Wichita Fire Department, the FBI, and
the ATF to gather leads that may help identify those responsible for this
crime.”

This investigation is ongoing, and we encourage anyone with
information to contact 911 or Crime Stoppers of Sedgwick County at 316-267-2111

Wichita Police investigate incident involving vandalism, hate speech at Wichita church

A fundraiser of sorts has been set up for a south Hutchinson business affected by the Feb. 22 explosion and fire on South Main.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a Facebook post, a cash mob has been organized for El Patio located at 908 South Main Street.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The organizer of the event, Jaceyln Chambers said in the post,&nbsp; "passionate and hardworking family doing beautiful things in a part of Hutch that most of us ignore."

The event will be held between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. There will be live music by Margot Kimble.&nbsp;&nbsp;

El Patio is open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.&nbsp;

Fundraiser today for business affected by gas main fire 

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries">Click&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners</a>.

Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/35522b08-cd30-49e1-93e0-85962282628b">PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NEW OBITUARY POLICY.</a> Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://hutchpost@eaglemedia.com">hutchpost@eaglemedia.com&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank"> </a>

Recent obituaries and service times

MANHATTAN, Kan. — For Kansas gardeners, St. Patrick’s Day means something much more than donning a favorite green outfit and heading to local celebrations.

Traditionally, the Irish holiday signals the date for planting potatoes.

“Actually, anytime from mid- to late-March is fine for potato planting,” said Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini.

“Be sure to buy seed potatoes rather than using those intended for cooking. Seed potatoes are certified disease free and have plenty of starch to sprout as quickly as soil temperatures allow.”

Domenghini notes that most seed potatoes can be cut into four pieces – “though large potatoes may yield more,” she said. Each seed should weigh between 1 ½ to 2 ounces, and likely have more than one eye.

Each pound of seed potatoes should yield 8 to 10 pieces, according to Domenghini.

“Cut the seed 2 to 3 days before planting so that freshly cut surfaces have a chance to suberize, or toughen, which provides a protective coating,” Domenghini said. “Storing seed in a warm location during suberization will speed the process.”

Domenghini recommends planting each seed piece 1 to 2 inches deep and 8 to 12 inches apart in rows.

“Though it is important to plant potatoes in March, they emerge slowly,” she said. “It is often mid- to late-April before new plants poke their way through the soil. As the potatoes grow, pull soil up to the base of the plants. New potatoes are borne above the planted seed piece and it is important to keep sunlight from hitting the new potatoes.”

Domenghini said exposed potatoes will turn green and produce a poisonous substance called solanine. Keeping the potatoes covered will prevent this.

St. Patrick's day more than dressing green, it signals time to plant potatoes 

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal hi, story. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ——————————————

Thomas	Ward&nbsp;Dusseau&nbsp;3/14/2025 10:12 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;Violation of conditions of release, on parole, conditional release or postrelease supervision

Bradley	Scott Holmes&nbsp;3/14/2025 10:29 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

Matthew	Lee Cole&nbsp;3/14/2025 1:10 PM&nbsp; Failure to Appear&nbsp;

Landre	Lemar&nbsp;Bowie&nbsp;3/14/2025 3:51 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Probation Violation

Lucas Isiah Matthew Bolen&nbsp;3/14/2025 4:20 PM&nbsp; Failure to Appear&nbsp;

Robert	Lee&nbsp;Maloun Jr&nbsp;3/14/2025 4:41 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000,&nbsp;Domestic Battery; Aggravated; Impede Breathing by Pressure to Throat, Neck or Chest,&nbsp;Aggravated battery; Knowingly cause great body harm,&nbsp;Violate protection order; Pre-trial order

Karisa	Dion Tipton&nbsp;3/14/2025 4:41 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Drugs; Attempt to arrange sale/purchase of controlled substance using a communication facility,&nbsp;Distribution of controlled subs; Causing death

Joshua	Allen Cunningham&nbsp;3/14/2025 6:42 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Probation Violation

Eric	Alfredo&nbsp;Merino&nbsp;3/14/2025 9:19 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misdemeanor; unknown conviction,&nbsp;Ignition Interlock Device; Operate MV without device during restriction,&nbsp;Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misdemeanor; unknown conviction

Raymond	Eugene McNett Jr&nbsp;3/15/2025 12:50 AM&nbsp; Failure to Appear&nbsp;

Daily Booking 

Reno County fire districts were busy on Friday.&nbsp; 

According to Travis Vogt, the county Fire Administrator,
between 10:40 a.m. and 1:41 p.m. county units were dispatched to four separate grassland
fires.&nbsp; 

At 10:41 a.m. Pretty Prairie fire was dispatched to K-14 and
Northeast 20th street in Kingman County for a grass fire. Approximately
80 to 100 acres were burned along with several hay bales.&nbsp; Crew requested mutual aid from Cheney and
Kingman fire departments. A Reno County task force also responded.&nbsp; 

A few minutes later at 10:45 a.m. Pretty Prairie Fire was notified
of a second fire along K-14, this time at Pleasant Valley Road.&nbsp; Due to their resources being used in Kingman
County, Reno County Fire District 4, 8 and 9 were dispatched to that
scene.&nbsp; Approximately 20 acres of pasture
burned.&nbsp; 

At 12:45 p.m. units from Buhler and Hutchinson Fire along
with Reno County Fire District 9 responded to the area of Buhler Road and 30th
Avenue for a grass fire.&nbsp; Units arrived
quickly and contained the fire before it had a chance to expand.&nbsp; 

Then at 1:41 p.m. Reno County Fire District 3 and 4 plus
Hutchinson Fire Department responded to the area of South Fairview Road and Clark
Road for a brush fire.&nbsp; Crews arrived to
find an acre of pasture burning. 

Reno County fire districts respond to several grass fires on Friday 

PRATT REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER&nbsp;

Pratt Regional Medical Center is pleased to welcome gastroenterologist Dr. Richard Tay to the team.

Endoscopy services at PRMC are in high demand. On most weekdays, a dozen or more patients undergo a variety of procedures. Patients come from all over south central and western Kansas to receive care at PRMC’s Endoscopy department.

Dr. Tay has been providing temporary coverage at PRMC for several months and has now agreed to a more permanent role. “I’ve really enjoyed working with the team at PRMC,” Dr. Tay said. “It’s a well-equipped hospital with a professional and friendly staff.”

Gastroenterologists are a rare specialty in rural areas, and PRMC is fortunate to have Dr. Tay on staff. “As a regional hospital, it’s important for us to provide a wide range of specialists to our patients,” said PRMC President and CEO Tammy Smith. “Patients are more likely to undergo screenings or procedures when they don’t have to travel far from home.”

With over 30 years of experience in gastroenterology, Dr. Tay earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin. He completed his residency at the University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School from 1986 to 1990 and went on to complete a gastroenterology fellowship at the same institution from 1990 to 1992.

Originally from Texas, Dr. Tay splits his time between Texas and Kansas. He has two grown children and enjoys hiking and visiting national parks in his spare time, with his favorites being Zion in Utah and Banff in Canada.

Dr. Tay is a general gastroenterologist. While many people associate gastroenterologists with colonoscopies, Dr. Tay performs a wide range of procedures. He recommends patients begin screening for colon cancer at age 45 and continue every 10 years thereafter. For those with a first-degree relative who has had colon cancer, he recommends screening at age 45 and then every five years. Above all, Dr. Tay emphasizes the importance of regular check-ups with a primary care provider and staying current on recommended screenings and immunizations.

Gastroenterologists perform a variety of procedures, including: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;· Colonoscopy &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;· Esophagogastroduodenoscopy &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;· Sigmoidoscopy &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;· Endoscopic biopsies and removal of polyps &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;· Esophageal dilatation &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;· Gastrostomy, percutaneous endoscopic

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tay, please contact your primary care provider and request a referral to Dr. Richard Tay at Pratt Regional Medical Center.

Pratt Regional Medical Center welcomes new gastroenterologist 

The Reno County Landfill is closing early today.&nbsp;

In a Facebook post they said that they were closing early due to hazardous wind conditions creating extremely poor visibility.&nbsp;&nbsp;

They added that the landfill will be open regular hours beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday

Reno County Landfill closing early due to high winds 

Wesley Towers Inc. is excited to announce our partnership with Dr. Scott Pauly as the new Medical Director for our licensed healthcare operations. Dr. Pauly has several years of experience in similar roles and understands the many complexities associated with skilled nursing care and onsite rehabilitation services. Dr. Pauly is also a primary care physician at the Hutchinson Clinic.

Mark Mains, President and CEO for Wesley Towers, stated “we are very happy to partner with a local physician for this important role at Wesley Towers, especially one with the experience and reputation of Dr. Pauly. Dr. Pauly is also accepting new patients and will visit the campus at least weekly to see patients and to fulfill the duties of the role of Medical Director. His assistant, Cayla White, ARNP, will visit Wesley Towers nearly every weekday to help ensure our residents’ clinical needs are met.”

Dr. Pauly added “I’m truly looking forward to serving the residents and staff of Wesley Towers and our new partnership.” Dr. Pauly began his new duties at Wesley Towers on February 20, 2025.

Wesley Towers, Inc. is a full-service, continuing care retirement community located in Hutchinson, Kansas. For over 55 years, Wesley Towers has provided exceptional care and services to seniors in a caring, Christian environment. For more information, please visit wesleytowers.com or call 620-663-9175.

Dr. Scott Pauly named medical director for licensed healthcare operations at Wesley Towers 

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🏀 McPherson boys, Halstead girls, Hesston boys, Moundridge girls, Sterling boys claim state titles

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/boxscores/20250314_oj90.xml">BOX SCORE</a>

HAYS, Kan. — The No. 9 Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team saw its Region VI Tournament run come to an end with a 45-42 loss to No. 20 Coffeyville on Friday at Gross Memorial Coliseum in the semifinals.

The Blue Dragons fall to 28-4 on the season and now await the NJCAA selection show, on Sunday at 5 p.m. to see if they'll receive an at-large bid into the national tournament.

Hutchinson got off to another sluggish start against the Red Ravens, the same thing that doomed them in a regular season loss at Coffeyville (26-5) last month.

The Blue Dragons fell behind 15-8 after the first quarter and then down 25-14 at halftime, the lowest scoring first half by HutchCC this season.

Coffeyville grew the lead to 15 points in the third frame, as Hutchinson continued to struggle against the Red Raven defense.&nbsp;

The Blue Dragons continued to battle back in the fourth quarter and pulled within three late.&nbsp;

Hutchinson had one final chance with four seconds to play trailing 45-42. Jada Pleasant inbounded from the left sideline, which deflected off of Katie Duncan's left hand, Duncan tracked down the ball and passed it back to Pleasant who missed the contested 3-pointer from the left-wing as time expired.

Duncan scored a team-high 11 points off the bench. Hailey Jackson, the Jayhawk Conference's leading scorer was held to just four points on 2-for-8 shooting.&nbsp;

The Blue Dragons shot just 31% from the floor and were outrebounded by seven.&nbsp;

Coffeyville was led by Norika Welch with 13 points, while Karliey Parker added 11. The Red Ravens will meet No. 7 Dodge City on Saturday at 3 p.m. in the Region VI Tournament championship game.&nbsp;

🏀 Coffeyville eliminates HutchCC women in Region VI semifinal

🏀 Blue Dragon women face Coffeyville in Region VI semifinals

The Kansas City Royals announced Friday that Alex Gordon has been elected to the team’s Hall of Fame and will be inducted in a ceremony on June 13 before the Royals play the A’s at Kauffman Stadium.

Gordon, 41, will be the 31st inductee of the Royals Hall of Fame and will receive a blue jacket, joining his former manager Ned Yost, who was inducted in 2023.

Gordon was selected No. 2 in the 2005 MLB Draft out of Nebraska and was with the Royals organization for his entire professional career.

He was the league standard when it came to outfield defense, manning left field at Kauffman Stadium for a decade and winning two Platinum Glove awards on top of his eight Gold Gloves. He put together some good offensive years, ending his career with a .257 average with 190 home runs and 749 RBI.&nbsp;

⚾ Alex Gordon elected to Royals Hall of Fame

Four teams remain in each classification, as we have reached semifinal Friday of the KSHSAA state basketball tournaments.&nbsp;

Below you will find every semifinal matchup from the seven classifications.

🏀 KSHSAA state semifinal schedule

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Henri Veesaar and KJ Lewis scored 19 points apiece and Arizona pulled away late to beat Kansas 88-77 in a Big 12 Conference Tournament quarterfinal at T-Mobile Center on Thursday night.

Veesaar came off the bench to sink 7 of 11 shots with two 3-pointers for the third-seeded Wildcats (21-11), who move on to play second-seeded and ninth-ranked Texas Tech in a Friday semifinal. No. 1 seed Houston plays No. 4 seed BYU in the other semifinal.

Veesaar scored 10, leading Arizona to a 45-37 advantage at halftime. Dajuan Harris Jr.'s 3-pointer gave No. 6 seed Kansas (21-12) its only lead of the half at 3-2. The Wildcats twice built 12-point leads. KJ Adams made two free throws to get the Jayhawks within 40-37, but Veesaar answered with a 3-pointer and Arizona stayed in front.

Arizona played with a lead until Zeke Mayo hit back-to-back 3-pointers for Kansas to knot the score at 50 with 15:43 remaining. Harris hit a 3-pointer to give the Jayhawks their second lead at 56-54. Rylan Griffen hit a jumper with 8:44 left to put Kansas up for the last time at 63-61. Trey Townsend followed with a dunk and a three-point play and Arizona maintained a lead over the final 7:48.

Towsend had 16 points and Love scored 11 with six assists.

Mayo scored 20 to lead Kansas. Hunter Dickinson totaled 19 points and 12 rebounds. Harris hit four 3-pointers and scored 16.

The Jayhawks wore their blue jerseys in the tournament for the first time since the 2008 title game against the Texas Longhorns. They were the higher seed and wore white in their previous 36 straight games. Kansas — the two seed in '08 — beat the top-seeded Longhorns 84-74.

🏀 Arizona pulls away late to beat KU in Big 12 quarterfinal

WASHINGTON (AP) — John Feinstein, one of the country's foremost sports writers and the author of numerous bestselling books, including the groundbreaking “A Season on the Brink” about college basketball coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bob-knight-death-indiana-army-college-basketball-c29a7cb601f64e9181564037e8c78758">Bob Knight</a>, died unexpectedly Thursday. Feinstein was 69.

He died of natural causes at his brother's home in McLean, Virginia, according to Robert Feinstein, who said he discovered John's body.

John Feinstein was a full-time reporter for The Washington Post from 1977 to 1991, a commentator for outlets such as ESPN and the Golf Channel and a voter for more than 20 years in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">AP Top 25</a>&nbsp;men's college basketball poll. He remained with the Post as a contributing columnist, and he also hosted satellite radio programs on SiriusXM.

“He was very passionate about things,” Robert Feinstein said in a telephone interview. “People either loved him or hated him — and equally strongly.”

John Feinstein — always a storyteller, whether via the written word or when chatting with other journalists in an arena's media room or press box — was working until the time of his death. He was in Washington this week to cover the Atlantic 10 Tournament, and he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/03/13/tom-izzo-michigan-state/">filed a column for the Post</a>&nbsp;about Michigan State coach Tom Izzo that appeared online Thursday.

Feinstein was comfortable writing about an array of sports, including golf and tennis, but he was known most for his connection to college basketball because of “A Season on the Brink.” He took a leave of absence from the Post in 1985 to embed with Knight's Indiana team, and the book highlighted the author's flair for the dramatic and ability to capture his subjects' personalities.

Knight's reputation for having a hot temper was well-established by then, and Feinstein brought it to life. Feinstein also effectively portrayed the personal relationships Knight had with his players, which alternated between warm and abusive.

Feinstein went on to write more than 40 books, including “A Good Walk Spoiled” (1995), about professional golf, and “A Civil War” (1996), about the Army-Navy football game. After that book's publication, he worked for many years as a radio commentator for Navy football.

“The Ancient Eight,” about Ivy League football, was published last year. Feinstein also wrote sports novels aimed at younger readers.

In addition to Robert, John Feinstein is survived by his wife, Christine, daughters Brigid and Jayne, and son Danny, as well as a sister, Margaret.

John Feinstein, bestselling author and one of country's foremost sports writers, dies

WICHITA STATE ATHLEIC COMMUNICATIONS

FORT WORTH, Tex.&nbsp; – Corey Washington and Bijan Cortes both recorded 20-point performances to keep Wichita State's season alive in a 73-68 win over 9th-seeded South Florida in the second round of the American Athletic Conference Championship.

Wichita State (19-13) advances to Friday's quarterfinals where they will face top-seeded Memphis at Noon on ESPN2.

Washington scored a game-high 21 to go with nine rebounds on 8-of-16 shooting and a season-best 4-of-6 from three-point range. Cortes recorded a career-high 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting. He dished out seven assists and finished with zero turnovers.

Quincy Ballard was a force on the glass and the defensive end. He pulled down 12 rebounds and blocked five shots, all in the first half.

Not known for its three-point shooting, Wichita State knocked down nine three-pointers, tied for second most in a game this season.

Wichita State started the game locked in on both ends, quickly building a 12-4 lead. The Shockers forced South Florida into missing six of its first eight attempts. After a South Florida bucket cut it to 12-6, Wichita State stretched its lead to double digits for the first time following a Ballard tip-in and Beverly wing three-pointer.

South Florida came back with seven straight only to see the Shockers answer back with an 8-2 run, all from Washington and Cortes. The duo traded three-pointers and then connected on an alley-oop to make it 24-14 with 8:09 left in the half.

Following a South Florida timeout, the Bulls pulled within two on an 8-0 spurt with 4:39 left until halftime. In the span of 2:09, Wichita State had already pushed it back to a 10-point game thanks to back-to-back Washington three-pointers.

With 40 seconds left Cortes gave the Shockers their largest lead of the half, 38-26. Two South Florida free throws just before the buzzer made it 38-28 at halftime.

The duo of Washington (13) and Cortes (11) combined for 24 of Wichita State's 38 points in the first half.

Wichita State kept its foot on the gas to begin the second half, extending its lead to 16, its largest of the game, just 3:13 in. Three-pointers from Washington and Ronnie DeGray III had the Shockers' offense in high gear.

The Shockers continued to hold a double-digit lead at the halfway mark until South Florida slowly started to chip away. For the first time all half the lead was down to single digits with 8:50 to go.

Then with 4:55 remaining, South Florida found itself within four, 62-58, erasing a 16-point second half deficit.

After a Cortes layup made it 64-58, the Bulls made it a one-possession game at the final media timeout.

A defensive stop, followed by a three-point play from Cortes put Wichita State up 67-61. Over the final 2:37 it would remain at least a two-possession game. Two South Florida free throws made it 71-66 with just 26 seconds to go.

Shockers Eliminate South Florida, Advance to Quarterfinals

The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) class 3A state basketball tournament continues today at the Hutchinson Sports Arena with boys quarterfinal action, with tipoff times at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

🏀 3A state tournament continues today at Sports Arena

🎧Listen: State High School basketball continues; 🏀K-State falls, KU survives in overtime at Big 12 tourney 

&nbsp;KANSAS CITY —A Jackson County judge sentenced a Kansas City man to 22 years in prison for the fatal shooting of another man that took place in 2023, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2531/Derek-Jones---Deferred-Sentencing_Redacted_FINAL_Redacted_FINAL">Derek Jones, 24, pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;last year to 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, Violating an Order of Protection, and 1st Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child. With a 22-year total sentence cap, the judge sentenced the defendant to the total number of years requested by the state, which was the maximum authorized under the terms of the plea agreement: 19 years on 2nd Degree Murder, three years on Armed Criminal Action, one year on Violating an Order of Protection, and seven years on Endangering the Welfare of a Child.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2530/JONES-PC-Statement-RED">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to a shooting at the 8300 block of Highland Avenue on March 12, 2023. They encountered a male victim just inside the front door of a residence who was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;

Witnesses identified Jones as the shooter, stating he forced his way into the residence after a witness unlocked the door. The defendant then discharged his firearm multiple times at the victim before fleeing the scene. Six children, including the victim’s child and the Jones' children, witnessed the entire incident.

Police located Jones and took him into custody within roughly an hour of the shooting.&nbsp;

While the defendant had no prior felony convictions, he had a history of domestic violence and violating orders of protection. The witnesses had orders of protection against the defendant at the time of the fatal shooting.

6 children witnessed murder of Kansas City man in their home

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22NICHOLAS%20RICCARDI%20and%20DAVID%20BAUDER%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By NICHOLAS RICCARDI and DAVID BAUDER Associated Press</a>

President Donald Trump's administration on Saturday began making deep cuts to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voice-of-america-trump-administration-kari-lake-15b585b58f5a510374344b50b1a131b5">Voice of America</a>&nbsp;and other government-run, pro-democracy programming, with the organization's director saying all VOA employees have been put on leave.

On Friday night, shortly after Congress passed its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-3-14-2025">latest funding bill</a>, Trump directed his administration to reduce the functions of several agencies to the minimum required by law. That included the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which houses Voice of America, Radio Free Europe and Asia and Radio Marti, which beams Spanish-language news into Cuba.

On Saturday morning, Kari Lake, the failed Arizona gubernatorial and U.S. Senate candidate whom Trump named a senior adviser to the agency, posted on X that employees should check their email. That coincided with notices going out placing Voice of America staff on paid administrative leave.

“For the first time in 83 years, the storied Voice of America is being silenced,” Michael Abramowitz, the organization's director, said in a statement. He added that “virtually” the entire 1300-person staff was placed on leave.

“VOA promotes freedom and democracy around the world by telling America's story and by providing objective and balanced news and information, especially for those living under tyranny," Abramowitz said.

One reporter, who spoke under the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press, said: “We expected something like this to happen, and it just happened to be today.”

The press advocacy group Reporters Without Borders said it “condemns this decision as a departure from the U.S.’s historic role as a defender of free information and calls on the U.S. government to restore VOA and urges Congress and the international community to take action against this unprecedented move.”

The Agency for Global Media also sent notices terminating grants to Radio Free Asia and other programming run by the agency. Voice of America transmits United States domestic news into other countries, often translated into local languages. Radio Free Asia, Europe and Marti beam news into countries with authoritarian regimes in those regions like China, North Korea and Russia.

“The cancellation of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s grant agreement would be a massive gift to America’s enemies," said the network's President and CEO, Stephen Capus, in a statement.

Combined, the networks reach an estimated 427 million people. They date back to the Cold War and are part of a network of government-funded organizations trying to extend U.S. influence and combat authoritarianism that includes USAID, another agency targeted by Trump.

The reduction is a dramatic blow at a staple of post-Cold War order that has long had bipartisan support. Voice of America's directors have included Dick Carlson, the father of conservative commentator Tucker Carlson.

Thomas Kent, former president and CEO of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, said that Trump’s intentions for the agencies are still foggy. Without these news sources, it will be that much harder for the country to get its messages to the world, he said.

“Without the international broadcasting, the image of the United States and the Trump administration will be in the hands of others, including the administration’s opponents, (and) countries and people who consider the United States an enemy,” said Kent, an international consultant on media ethics.

A video posted on X by Lake on Saturday talked about cost-cutting measures, not mentioning the employees and the mission of Voice of America. Her video was made at a building leased by VOA that Lake described as a waste of money. She said she would try to break the agency's 15-year lease on the building.

“We're doing everything we can to cancel contracts that can be cancelled, save more, downsize and make sure there's no misuse of your dollars,” she said.

The letter places employees on administrative leave and says staff would continue to receive pay and benefits “until otherwise notified.” It ordered employees not to use Agency for Global Media facilities and return equipment like phones and computers.

The Trump administration has already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voice-of-america-trump-administration-kari-lake-15b585b58f5a510374344b50b1a131b5">made other steps to assert its authority</a>&nbsp;over Voice of America, and this week canceled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voa-government-media-contracts-2bd47cf0c1bbcdc5cbe08eea030c1454">contracts</a>&nbsp;that allowed VOA to use material from independent news organizations, such as The Associated Press.

The administration has also banned the AP from press pools that cover the president and moved to take charge of what news organizations are members of the pools, and the FCC is investigating news organizations like CBS.

Trump's order requiring reductions also includes several other, lesser-known government agencies such as the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, a nonpartisan think tank, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness and the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund.

Associated Press writer Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report.

Voice of America channels silent as Trump admin. guts agency

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

On March 12,&nbsp; the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, as part of the Shawnee County Drug Enforcement Task Force, conducted two narcotics related search warrants at residences in the 3600 block of SE 30th Street and the 2300 block of SW Eveningside Drive as well as a search warrant in the 2800 block of SW 29th Street. During the investigation, illegal narcotics and firearms were located.

Quentin K. Lawton, 45, of Topeka was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Distribute substance within 1000 feet of a school, Criminal possession of a weapon, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent,&nbsp;&nbsp;Unlawful to acquire proceeds from drug transaction

Quentin K. Lawton Jr., 22, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the SNDOC on requested charges including Criminal use of weapons, Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia. Lawton Jr. also had two warrants for his arrest.

Kansas felon accused of selling drugs

By LINDSAY WHITEHURST &nbsp;Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — An appeals court on Friday lifted a block on executive orders seeking to end government support for diversity, equity and inclusion programs, handing the Trump administration a win after a string of setbacks defending President Donald Trump's agenda from dozens of lawsuits.

The decision from a three-judge panel allows the orders to be enforced as a lawsuit challenging them plays out. The appeals court judges halted a nationwide injunction from U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson in Baltimore.

Two of the judges on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals wrote that Trump's anti-DEI push could eventually raise concerns about First Amendment rights but said the judge's sweeping block went too far.

"My vote should not be understood as agreement with the orders' attack on efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion," Judge Pamela Harris wrote. Two of the panel's members were appointed by President Barack Obama, while the third was appointed by Trump.

Abelson had found the orders likely violated free-speech rights and are unconstitutionally vague since they don't have a specific definition of DEI.

Trump signed an order his first day in office directing federal agencies to terminate all "equity-related" grants or contracts. He signed a follow-up order requiring federal contractors to certify that they don't promote DEI.

The city of Baltimore and other groups sued the Trump administration, arguing the executive orders are an unconstitutional overreach of presidential authority.

The Justice Department has argued that the president was targeting only DEI programs that violate federal civil rights laws. Government attorneys said the administration should be able to align federal spending with the president's priorities.

Abelson, who was nominated by Democratic President Joe Biden, agreed with the plaintiffs that the executive orders discourage businesses, organizations and public entities from openly supporting diversity, equity and inclusion.

Efforts to increase diversity long have been under attack by Republicans who contend the measures threaten merit-based hiring, promotion and educational opportunities for white people. Supporters say the programs help institutions meet the needs of increasingly diverse populations while addressing the lasting impacts of systemic racism.

Their purpose was to foster equitable environments in businesses and schools, especially for historically marginalized communities. Researchers say DEI initiatives date back to the 1960s but they expanded in 2020 during increased calls for racial justice.

In addition to the mayor and the Baltimore City Council, the plaintiffs include the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, the American Association of University Professors and the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, which represents restaurant workers across the country.

Associated Press writer Lea Skene contributed to this story.

Court lifts blocks on Trump's orders restricting DEI programs

WICHITA, KAN. –A man who admitted shoplifting in several stores in Wichita is going to prison.

This week, Judge David Kaufman sentenced 29-year-old D’Amos Dear of Wichita to 21 months in prison with 12 months of post release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In January of 2024, Dear and co-defendant Kara Aukes, 37 of Wichita, took clothing from Academy Sports and Dick’s Sporting Goods stores in Wichita, shoes from Kohl’s, a coffeemaker from JC Penney, and a ceiling fan from Lowe’s. The couple grabbed the items and ran out of the businesses.

Dear pled guilty to nine counts of theft in December. Because of his criminal history, Dear was “presumptive prison” under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines.

His co-defendant, Aukes, had fewer prior convictions than Dear and was “presumptive probation” under the guidelines. She was sentenced to probation in September.

Prison: Kan. couple went shopping without paying at 5 stores

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said he ordered a series of airstrikes on Yemen's capital, Sanaa, on Saturday, promising to use “overwhelming lethal force” until Iranian-backed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;cease their attacks on shipping along a vital maritime corridor. The Houthis said 13 civilians were killed.

“Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom,” Trump said in a social media post. “No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.”

He also warned Iran to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-navy-houthi-attacks-red-sea-shipping-iran-8e55669e4d18cbc7007654640fa5fdc1">stop supporting the rebel group</a>, promising to hold the country “fully accountable” for the actions of its proxy. It comes two weeks after the U.S leader sent a letter to Iranian leaders offering a path to restarting bilateral talks between the countries on Iran’s advancing nuclear weapons program. Trump has said he will not allow it to become operational.

The Houthis reported&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-yemen-houthis-airstrikes-iran-explainer-06e5676098543ebab53a0cdeefd83731">explosions in their territory</a>&nbsp;Saturday evening, in Sanaa and in the northern province of Saada, the rebels’ stronghold on the border with Saudi Arabia. Images online showed plumes of black smoke over the area of the Sanaa airport complex, which includes a sprawling military facility.

At least 13 people were killed, said Anees al-Asbahi, spokesman for the Houthi-run health ministry. In a statement on social media, he said another nine were wounded.

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