WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;said she disagrees “with any criticism of people based on who they vote for,” reacting after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-supporters-garbage-puerto-rico-comic-e62ccf9108ba0ca8d1ee694f91a6867e">President Joe Biden's reference to Donald Trump's supporters and “garbage.”</a>

“I will represent all Americans, including those who don’t vote for me," the vice president said.

Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, made the comment to reporters as she prepared to campaign in three states. Her words were an attempt to blunt the controversy over Biden's rhetoric with less than a week until the end of the campaign.

The tumult began Tuesday night around the time that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-trump-closing-argument-ellipse-washington-139a7b390dc30ceab85d9ac56fcc521d">Harris was delivering a unifying message</a>&nbsp;in a speech near the White House. Inside the building, Biden was criticizing Trump’s recent Madison Square Garden rally, where a comedian described Puerto Rico as an “island of garbage.”

“The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters. His demonization of Latinos is unconscionable, and it’s un-American,” Biden said in a campaign call organized by the Hispanic advocacy group Voto Latino. “It’s totally contrary to everything we’ve done, everything we’ve been.”

Biden and the White House rushed to explain that the president was talking about the rhetoric on stage, not Trump’s supporters themselves. But Republicans seized on Biden’s comments, claiming they were an echo of the time when Hillary Clinton, as the Democratic nominee against Trump in 2016, said half of Trump’s supporters belong to a “basket of deplorables.”

In attacking Biden, and by extension, Harris, Republicans are glossing over Trump’s own history of insulting and demonizing rhetoric, such as calling the United States a “garbage can for the world” or describing political opponents as “the enemy within.” Trump has also described Harris as a “stupid person” and “lazy as hell,” and he’s questioned whether she was on drugs.

Trump has also refused demands to apologize for the comment about Puerto Rico at his rally, acknowledging “somebody said some bad things” but “I can’t imagine it’s a bid deal.”

Political attack lines have a history of occasionally boomeranging back on people who use them. For example, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, now Trump's running mate, once described Democrats as beholden to “a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they’ve made.”

Vance's 3-year-old comments were resurfaced once he became the vice presidential nominee, energizing Harris supporters who repurposed the label as a point of pride on shirts and bumper stickers — much like Trump’s supporters once cheerfully branded themselves as “deplorables.”

On Wednesday morning, Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, downplayed Biden’s comments in television interviews.

He told “CBS Mornings” that Biden “was very clear that he’s speaking about the rhetoric we heard,” not the supporters themselves.

Walz made a similar comment on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” where he emphasized that Democrats’ inclusive message.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;said she disagrees “with any criticism of people based on who they vote for,” reacting after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-supporters-garbage-puerto-rico-comic-e62ccf9108ba0ca8d1ee694f91a6867e">President Joe Biden's reference to Donald Trump's supporters and “garbage.”</a><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Vice President Harris responds to President Biden&#39;s &#39;garbage&#39; comments: &quot;He clarified his comments. Let me clear, I strongly disagree with any criticism of people based on who they vote for.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/kmUfjIrytz">pic.twitter.com/kmUfjIrytz</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1851632924438806883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“I will represent all Americans, including those who don’t vote for me," the vice president said.Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, made the comment to reporters as she prepared to campaign in three states. Her words were an attempt to blunt the controversy over Biden's rhetoric with less than a week until the end of the campaign.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PressSec</a> on President Biden&#39;s &#39;garbage&#39; comment: &quot;He was not calling Trump supporters garbage...He was regarding to the comedian...&quot; <a href="https://t.co/nvLs6taPso">pic.twitter.com/nvLs6taPso</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1851693129671598170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The tumult began Tuesday night around the time that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-trump-closing-argument-ellipse-washington-139a7b390dc30ceab85d9ac56fcc521d">Harris was delivering a unifying message</a>&nbsp;in a speech near the White House. Inside the building, Biden was criticizing Trump’s recent Madison Square Garden rally, where a comedian described Puerto Rico as an “island of garbage.”“The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters. His demonization of Latinos is unconscionable, and it’s un-American,” Biden said in a campaign call organized by the Hispanic advocacy group Voto Latino. “It’s totally contrary to everything we’ve done, everything we’ve been.”Biden and the White House rushed to explain that the president was talking about the rhetoric on stage, not Trump’s supporters themselves. But Republicans seized on Biden’s comments, claiming they were an echo of the time when Hillary Clinton, as the Democratic nominee against Trump in 2016, said half of Trump’s supporters belong to a “basket of deplorables.”In attacking Biden, and by extension, Harris, Republicans are glossing over Trump’s own history of insulting and demonizing rhetoric, such as calling the United States a “garbage can for the world” or describing political opponents as “the enemy within.” Trump has also described Harris as a “stupid person” and “lazy as hell,” and he’s questioned whether she was on drugs.Trump has also refused demands to apologize for the comment about Puerto Rico at his rally, acknowledging “somebody said some bad things” but “I can’t imagine it’s a bid deal.”Political attack lines have a history of occasionally boomeranging back on people who use them. For example, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, now Trump's running mate, once described Democrats as beholden to “a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they’ve made.”Vance's 3-year-old comments were resurfaced once he became the vice presidential nominee, energizing Harris supporters who repurposed the label as a point of pride on shirts and bumper stickers — much like Trump’s supporters once cheerfully branded themselves as “deplorables.”On Wednesday morning, Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, downplayed Biden’s comments in television interviews.He told “CBS Mornings” that Biden “was very clear that he’s speaking about the rhetoric we heard,” not the supporters themselves.Walz made a similar comment on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” where he emphasized that Democrats’ inclusive message.

🎥 Harris distances herself from Biden's 'garbage' comments

RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating an alleged attempted murder in Manhattan.

Just before 11p.m. Tuesday,&nbsp; police responded to a report of a stabbing in the 400 block of Walters Drive in Manhattan, according to a media release.

&nbsp;It was reported a 53-year-old man identified as Marcus Washington of Manhattan stabbed a 39-year-old victim with a knife. The victim is being treated for his injuries and is reported to be in stable condition.

Police arrested Washington on requested charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery. He is being held on a bond of $250,000.

Police also arrested 41-year-old Alvin Love of and 26-year-old Nichole Cochrun both Manhattan on requested charges of interference with law enforcement and obstructing apprehension of prosecution in connection with the stabbing, according to the RCPD. Both are being held on separate $10,000 bonds.

Just before 11p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for attempted first degree murder and aggravated battery in the 400 block of Walters Dr in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Police have not reported an arrest and released no additional details early Wednesday.

RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating an alleged attempted murder in Manhattan.Just before 11p.m. Tuesday,&nbsp; police responded to a report of a stabbing in the 400 block of Walters Drive in Manhattan, according to a media release.&nbsp;It was reported a 53-year-old man identified as Marcus Washington of Manhattan stabbed a 39-year-old victim with a knife. The victim is being treated for his injuries and is reported to be in stable condition.Police arrested Washington on requested charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery. He is being held on a bond of $250,000.Police also arrested 41-year-old Alvin Love of and 26-year-old Nichole Cochrun both Manhattan on requested charges of interference with law enforcement and obstructing apprehension of prosecution in connection with the stabbing, according to the RCPD. Both are being held on separate $10,000 bonds.---------------RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating an alleged attempted murder in Manhattan.Just before 11p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for attempted first degree murder and aggravated battery in the 400 block of Walters Dr in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Police have not reported an arrest and released no additional details early Wednesday.

Police: 3 in custody after violent knife attack in Manhattan

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — An adviser for Republican congressional candidate Derek Schmidt says the “fake newspaper” Democratic rival Nancy Boyda mailed to 160,000 households is “illegal” and “dishonest.”

Schmidt, a three-term Kansas attorney general and former state Senate majority leader, is challenging Boyda for the 2nd District seat that Boyda held from 2007 to 2009.

Boyda has repeatedly produced campaign materials this year without including the mandatory disclosure that they were paid for by her campaign. That includes two eight-page publications, which she labeled “The Kansas Voter Guide.” The latest arrived in mailboxes last week.

The publications provide Boyda-friendly mock news stories, a side-by-side comparison of the candidates on various issues, letters of endorsement for Boyda, and cartoons making fun of Schmidt.

In a statement for this story, Boyda says she mistakenly swapped a page that included the “paid for” designation with the printer at the last minute. She apologized to the voters of the 2nd District and thanked the Kansas Republican Party for calling attention to the situation in its weekly email newsletter.

“Believe me, the last thing we needed was negative press about what we believe is an excellent way to communicate directly with the voters,” Boyda said. “Again, I apologize we did not follow the letter of the law. It was never our intent.”

On Friday, the GOP newsletter complained that Boyda was “breaking federal campaign finance law” by not clearly labeling her publication as paid for by her campaign.

“Politicians who can’t adhere to even the most basic laws do not deserve your approval — or your vote,” the GOP newsletter said.

Kansas GOP chairman Mike Brown in September&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/09/20/kansas-gop-chairman-complains-about-democratic-congressional-candidates-lack-of-disclosures/">filed a complaint</a>&nbsp;with the Federal Election Commission alleging Boyda failed to include “paid for by” disclosures on billboards, videos, yard signs, campaign communications and her campaign website.

Eric Pahls, a Schmidt adviser, said Boyda was being “intentionally dishonest” by not disclosing her publication was “a paid hit piece.”

“Nancy Boyda’s fake newspaper is just the latest in her series of illegal and deceitful campaign activities that are currently under investigation,” Pahls said in a statement for this story. “She’s either incompetent or dishonest — Kansans will reject her either way.”

Boyda said she originally planned to produce three newspapers, but the printer informed the campaign that it only had the capacity to print two. She said the page that included the “paid for by” designation was “inadvertently left off” when she reworked the second and third mailers into a single publication.

She also noted that the return address on the mailing label reads “Boyda for Congress.”

“I want to be clear, that was our mistake, not the printer’s,” Boyda said. “This is an incredibly busy time for everyone and they were good partners to work with. It was our duty to get it right, not theirs.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727015582485.png" alt=" Democrat Nancy Boyda&nbsp; -photo by Grace Hills / Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption> Democrat Nancy Boyda&nbsp; -photo by Grace Hills / Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — An adviser for Republican congressional candidate Derek Schmidt says the “fake newspaper” Democratic rival Nancy Boyda mailed to 160,000 households is “illegal” and “dishonest.”Schmidt, a three-term Kansas attorney general and former state Senate majority leader, is challenging Boyda for the 2nd District seat that Boyda held from 2007 to 2009.Boyda has repeatedly produced campaign materials this year without including the mandatory disclosure that they were paid for by her campaign. That includes two eight-page publications, which she labeled “The Kansas Voter Guide.” The latest arrived in mailboxes last week.The publications provide Boyda-friendly mock news stories, a side-by-side comparison of the candidates on various issues, letters of endorsement for Boyda, and cartoons making fun of Schmidt.In a statement for this story, Boyda says she mistakenly swapped a page that included the “paid for” designation with the printer at the last minute. She apologized to the voters of the 2nd District and thanked the Kansas Republican Party for calling attention to the situation in its weekly email newsletter.“Believe me, the last thing we needed was negative press about what we believe is an excellent way to communicate directly with the voters,” Boyda said. “Again, I apologize we did not follow the letter of the law. It was never our intent.”On Friday, the GOP newsletter complained that Boyda was “breaking federal campaign finance law” by not clearly labeling her publication as paid for by her campaign.“Politicians who can’t adhere to even the most basic laws do not deserve your approval — or your vote,” the GOP newsletter said.Kansas GOP chairman Mike Brown in September&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/09/20/kansas-gop-chairman-complains-about-democratic-congressional-candidates-lack-of-disclosures/">filed a complaint</a>&nbsp;with the Federal Election Commission alleging Boyda failed to include “paid for by” disclosures on billboards, videos, yard signs, campaign communications and her campaign website.Eric Pahls, a Schmidt adviser, said Boyda was being “intentionally dishonest” by not disclosing her publication was “a paid hit piece.”“Nancy Boyda’s fake newspaper is just the latest in her series of illegal and deceitful campaign activities that are currently under investigation,” Pahls said in a statement for this story. “She’s either incompetent or dishonest — Kansans will reject her either way.”Boyda said she originally planned to produce three newspapers, but the printer informed the campaign that it only had the capacity to print two. She said the page that included the “paid for by” designation was “inadvertently left off” when she reworked the second and third mailers into a single publication.She also noted that the return address on the mailing label reads “Boyda for Congress.”“I want to be clear, that was our mistake, not the printer’s,” Boyda said. “This is an incredibly busy time for everyone and they were good partners to work with. It was our duty to get it right, not theirs.”

Kansas Republicans blast Democrat for mailing ‘voter guide’ without campaign disclosure

LABETTE COUNTY —A horse injured when an SUV rear-ended a horse and buggy on a Kansas Highway October 24, is recovering, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol. Two people were also seriously injured in the crash in Labette County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Ford Escape driven by Landin Rayne Knickerbocker, 27,&nbsp;Neodesha, was eastbound on U.S. 400 two miles East of the U.S. 169 Junction.

The SUV rear-ended the Horse and Buggy that was halfway in the outside lane and shoulder.&nbsp;

&nbsp;EMS transported the driver of the buggy 35-year-old Elizabeth&nbsp; Schwartz and her passenger 16-year-old Priscilla Schwartz both of Cherryvale to Labette County Health in&nbsp; Parsons for treatment of serious injuries. 

First responders called a vet to the scene to treat the horse who suffered a gash to a hindquarter, according to KHP Lt. Himes. The horse was carefully loaded onto a trailer, transported to another vet for treatment and is recovering at home.

Knickerbocker was not injured and properly restrained, according to the KHP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

LABETTE COUNTY —A horse injured when an SUV rear-ended a horse and buggy on a Kansas Highway October 24, is recovering, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol. Two people were also seriously injured in the crash in Labette County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Ford Escape driven by Landin Rayne Knickerbocker, 27,&nbsp;Neodesha, was eastbound on U.S. 400 two miles East of the U.S. 169 Junction.The SUV rear-ended the Horse and Buggy that was halfway in the outside lane and shoulder.&nbsp;&nbsp;EMS transported the driver of the buggy 35-year-old Elizabeth&nbsp; Schwartz and her passenger 16-year-old Priscilla Schwartz both of Cherryvale to Labette County Health in&nbsp; Parsons for treatment of serious injuries. First responders called a vet to the scene to treat the horse who suffered a gash to a hindquarter, according to KHP Lt. Himes. The horse was carefully loaded onto a trailer, transported to another vet for treatment and is recovering at home.Knickerbocker was not injured and properly restrained, according to the KHP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Horse injured in SUV, buggy crash on Kan. highway is recovering

ATLANTA (AP) — Two ballot drop boxes in the Pacific Northwest were damaged in a suspected arson attack just over a week before Election Day,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vote-ballot-drop-box-democracy-fire-f66c52f774955106fb9e7c8172825cff">destroying hundreds of ballots</a>&nbsp;at one location in Vancouver, Washington.

At the other, in neighboring Portland, Oregon, it appears a fire suppression system worked to contain the blaze and limited the number of ballots damaged to three. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage as they try to identify who is responsible.

Here’s what happened, how rules and security measures about drop boxes vary across the country, and how election conspiracy theories have undermined confidence in their use.

Police said incendiary devices started the fires in the drop boxes in Portland and Vancouver. Authorities said evidence showed the fires were connected and that they also are related to an Oct. 8 incident when an incendiary device was placed at a different drop box in Vancouver.

Multnomah County Elections Director Tim Scott said his office was planning to contact the three voters whose ballots were damaged in Portland to help them get replacements.

In Vancouver, hundreds of ballots were lost at a ballot box at the Fisher’s Landing Transit Center when the drop box’s fire suppression system did not work as intended. Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey said the box was last emptied at 11 a.m. Saturday. Voters who dropped their ballots there afterward are being urged to contact the office to get a new one.

The office will be increasing how frequently it collects ballots and changing collection times to the evening to keep ballot boxes from remaining full overnight when vandalism is more likely to occur.

Kimsey described the suspected arson as "a direct attack on democracy.”

Drop boxes have been used for years in states such as Colorado, Oregon, Utah and Washington, where ballots are mailed to all registered voters.

They grew in popularity in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, as election officials sought options for voters who wanted to avoid crowded polling places or were worried about mail delays.

In all, 27 states and the District of Columbia allow ballot drop boxes, according to data collected by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Six others don’t have a specific law but allow local communities to use them.

Placement can vary widely. In some communities, they’re located inside public buildings, available only during office hours. Elsewhere, they are outside and accessible at any hour, typically with video surveillance or someone watching.

Sporadic problems have occurred over the years.

In 2020, a few drop boxes were hit by vehicles, and one in Massachusetts was damaged by arson. In that case, most of the ballots were legible enough for voters to be identified and sent replacements. A drop box also was set on fire in Los Angeles County in 2020.

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency advises state and local election officials to place drop boxes in convenient, high-traffic areas that are familiar to voters, such as libraries and community centers.

If drop boxes are not staffed, they should be secured and locked at all times, located in well-lit areas and monitored by video surveillance cameras, the guidance says. Many are bolted to the ground, surveilled with cameras or confined to public buildings during business hours, where they can be monitored.

How have conspiracy theories contributed to concerns around drop boxes?

Ballot drop boxes have been in the spotlight for the last four years, targeted by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-covid-technology-health-arizona-e1b49d2311bf900f44fa5c6dac406762?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">right-wing conspiracy theories</a>&nbsp;that falsely claimed they were responsible for massive voter fraud in 2020.

A debunked film called “2,000 Mules” amplified the claims, exposing millions to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-covid-technology-health-arizona-e1b49d2311bf900f44fa5c6dac406762">a groundless theory</a>&nbsp;that a ballot harvesting operation was depositing fraudulent ballots in drop boxes in the dark of night.

An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-2022-midterm-elections-covid-health-wisconsin-c61fa93a12a1a51d6d9f4e0a21fa3b75?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">Associated Press survey of state election officials</a>&nbsp;across the U.S. found there were no widespread problems associated with drop boxes in 2020.

Paranoia about drop boxes continued into the 2022 midterms, when armed vigilantes began showing up to monitor them in Arizona and were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-arizona-phoenix-5353cfd0774727e6dd03bdbf48c12211">restricted by a federal judge</a>. This year, the conservative group True the Vote launched a website hosting citizen livestreams of drop boxes in various states.

In Montana, where an important U.S. Senate race is on the ballot, Republicans recently seized on an unsubstantiated ballot box tampering claim to raise money off doubts about the electoral process.

How have states responded since the 2020 election?

Republican lawmakers in several states sought to tighten rules around mail voting after the 2020 election, and much of their focus was on the use of ballot drop boxes.

Six states have since banned them: Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina and South Dakota, according to research by the Voting Rights Lab, which advocates for expanded voting access.

Other states have restricted their use. This includes Ohio and Iowa, which now permits only one drop box per county, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.

In Georgia's Fulton County, which includes Atlanta and has over 1 million residents, 10 ballot drop boxes are available for this year’s presidential election. That's down from 38 four years ago under an emergency rule prompted by the pandemic. It’s the result of an election overhaul by Georgia Republicans in response to former President Donald&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">Trump’s false claims</a>&nbsp;of a stolen election.

Overall, 12 states prohibit drop boxes or do not list drop boxes as an approved method of returning a ballot, according to data collected by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Five other states do not have a state law and do not use drop boxes.

Drop boxes had been used for years in Wisconsin, one of this year's presidential battlegrounds, but support for them has split along ideological lines since 2020. In Wausau, the conservative mayor carted away the city’s lone drop box, an action that’s under investigation by the state Department of Justice. The drop box has since been returned and is in use.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730165077840.png" alt="-Photo FBI" />
 <figcaption>-Photo FBI</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — Two ballot drop boxes in the Pacific Northwest were damaged in a suspected arson attack just over a week before Election Day,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vote-ballot-drop-box-democracy-fire-f66c52f774955106fb9e7c8172825cff">destroying hundreds of ballots</a>&nbsp;at one location in Vancouver, Washington.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Breaking - Statement from the FBI, U.S. Attorney&#39;s Office. <a href="https://twitter.com/USAO_OR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USAO_OR</a> <a href="https://t.co/Rn0ZNjZdP2">pic.twitter.com/Rn0ZNjZdP2</a>&mdash; FBI Portland (@FBIPortland) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIPortland/status/1851407956769656968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>At the other, in neighboring Portland, Oregon, it appears a fire suppression system worked to contain the blaze and limited the number of ballots damaged to three. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage as they try to identify who is responsible.Here’s what happened, how rules and security measures about drop boxes vary across the country, and how election conspiracy theories have undermined confidence in their use.<h2>What do we know?</h2>Police said incendiary devices started the fires in the drop boxes in Portland and Vancouver. Authorities said evidence showed the fires were connected and that they also are related to an Oct. 8 incident when an incendiary device was placed at a different drop box in Vancouver.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730151562414.png" alt="-Suspect vehicle is described as a black or dark-colored 2001-2004 Volvo S-60. The vehicle does not have a front license plate, but it does have an unknown rear plate.-photo FBI" />
 <figcaption>-Suspect vehicle is described as a black or dark-colored 2001-2004 Volvo S-60. The vehicle does not have a front license plate, but it does have an unknown rear plate.-photo FBI</figcaption>
 </figure>Multnomah County Elections Director Tim Scott said his office was planning to contact the three voters whose ballots were damaged in Portland to help them get replacements.In Vancouver, hundreds of ballots were lost at a ballot box at the Fisher’s Landing Transit Center when the drop box’s fire suppression system did not work as intended. Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey said the box was last emptied at 11 a.m. Saturday. Voters who dropped their ballots there afterward are being urged to contact the office to get a new one.The office will be increasing how frequently it collects ballots and changing collection times to the evening to keep ballot boxes from remaining full overnight when vandalism is more likely to occur.Kimsey described the suspected arson as "a direct attack on democracy.”<h2>When and where can drop boxes be used?</h2>Drop boxes have been used for years in states such as Colorado, Oregon, Utah and Washington, where ballots are mailed to all registered voters.They grew in popularity in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, as election officials sought options for voters who wanted to avoid crowded polling places or were worried about mail delays.In all, 27 states and the District of Columbia allow ballot drop boxes, according to data collected by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Six others don’t have a specific law but allow local communities to use them.Placement can vary widely. In some communities, they’re located inside public buildings, available only during office hours. Elsewhere, they are outside and accessible at any hour, typically with video surveillance or someone watching.Sporadic problems have occurred over the years.In 2020, a few drop boxes were hit by vehicles, and one in Massachusetts was damaged by arson. In that case, most of the ballots were legible enough for voters to be identified and sent replacements. A drop box also was set on fire in Los Angeles County in 2020.<h2>How should they be secured?</h2>The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency advises state and local election officials to place drop boxes in convenient, high-traffic areas that are familiar to voters, such as libraries and community centers.If drop boxes are not staffed, they should be secured and locked at all times, located in well-lit areas and monitored by video surveillance cameras, the guidance says. Many are bolted to the ground, surveilled with cameras or confined to public buildings during business hours, where they can be monitored.<h2>How have conspiracy theories contributed to concerns around drop boxes?</h2>Ballot drop boxes have been in the spotlight for the last four years, targeted by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-covid-technology-health-arizona-e1b49d2311bf900f44fa5c6dac406762?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">right-wing conspiracy theories</a>&nbsp;that falsely claimed they were responsible for massive voter fraud in 2020.A debunked film called “2,000 Mules” amplified the claims, exposing millions to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-covid-technology-health-arizona-e1b49d2311bf900f44fa5c6dac406762">a groundless theory</a>&nbsp;that a ballot harvesting operation was depositing fraudulent ballots in drop boxes in the dark of night.An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-2022-midterm-elections-covid-health-wisconsin-c61fa93a12a1a51d6d9f4e0a21fa3b75?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">Associated Press survey of state election officials</a>&nbsp;across the U.S. found there were no widespread problems associated with drop boxes in 2020.Paranoia about drop boxes continued into the 2022 midterms, when armed vigilantes began showing up to monitor them in Arizona and were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-arizona-phoenix-5353cfd0774727e6dd03bdbf48c12211">restricted by a federal judge</a>. This year, the conservative group True the Vote launched a website hosting citizen livestreams of drop boxes in various states.In Montana, where an important U.S. Senate race is on the ballot, Republicans recently seized on an unsubstantiated ballot box tampering claim to raise money off doubts about the electoral process.<h2>How have states responded since the 2020 election?</h2>Republican lawmakers in several states sought to tighten rules around mail voting after the 2020 election, and much of their focus was on the use of ballot drop boxes.Six states have since banned them: Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina and South Dakota, according to research by the Voting Rights Lab, which advocates for expanded voting access.Other states have restricted their use. This includes Ohio and Iowa, which now permits only one drop box per county, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.In Georgia's Fulton County, which includes Atlanta and has over 1 million residents, 10 ballot drop boxes are available for this year’s presidential election. That's down from 38 four years ago under an emergency rule prompted by the pandemic. It’s the result of an election overhaul by Georgia Republicans in response to former President Donald&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">Trump’s false claims</a>&nbsp;of a stolen election.Overall, 12 states prohibit drop boxes or do not list drop boxes as an approved method of returning a ballot, according to data collected by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Five other states do not have a state law and do not use drop boxes.Drop boxes had been used for years in Wisconsin, one of this year's presidential battlegrounds, but support for them has split along ideological lines since 2020. In Wausau, the conservative mayor carted away the city’s lone drop box, an action that’s under investigation by the state Department of Justice. The drop box has since been returned and is in use.___

Search continues for suspect in ballot drop box fires

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;took a swipe against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;supporters as he reacted to the Republican presidential nominee's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-madison-square-garden-new-york-election-fcfe75be7f8281fde7bffa3adb3bba5d">weekend rally</a>&nbsp;at Madison Square Garden, which was overshadowed by crude and racist rhetoric.

In a call organized by the Hispanic advocacy group Voto Latino, Biden on Tuesday responded to&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/a%20comic">a comic</a>&nbsp;at Trump's rally who called Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.” Biden's initial comments were garbled.

“Just the other day, a speaker at his rally called Puerto Rico a floating island of garbage. Well, let me tell you something, I don’t, I don’t know the Puerto Rican that I know, the Puerto Rico where I’m fr -- in my home state of Delaware. They’re good, decent honorable people,” he said.

The president then added: “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters. His demonization of Latinos is unconscionable, and it’s un-American. It’s totally contrary to everything we’ve done, everything we’ve been.”

White House spokesman Andrew Bates said Biden “referred to the hateful rhetoric at the Madison Square Garden rally as ‘garbage.’”

Biden then took to social media to personally clarify what he said.

“Earlier today I referred to the hateful rhetoric about Puerto Rico spewed by Trump’s supporter at his Madison Square Garden rally as garbage — which is the only word I can think of to describe it,” he posted on X. “His demonization of Latinos is unconscionable. That’s all I meant to say. The comments at that rally don’t reflect who we are as a nation.”

In referring to Trump's supporters as “garbage,” however, Biden's tone was at odds with the message that Democratic nominee Kamala Harris is seeking to present as she aims to cast a broad appeal, including to disaffected Republicans. Shortly after Biden's comments, Harris spoke from the Ellipse in Washington, vowing to be a president who would unite the country.

“I pledge to be a president for all Americans,” said Harris, who is Biden's vice president.

Harris' running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, said the campaign's message of unity was not undercut by Biden's words.

Walz said Wednesday on “CBS Mornings” that the president “was very clear that he’s speaking about the rhetoric we heard, so it doesn’t undermine it.” Walz added on ABC's “Good Morning America” that he and Harris “have made it absolutely clear that we want everyone as a part of this. Donald Trump’s divisive rhetoric is what needs to end.”

Republicans quickly highlighted Biden's remark. Trump called up Florida Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marco-rubio">Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;during his rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to recount what happened.

“Moments ago Joe Biden stated that our supporters, our patriots, are garbage,” Rubio said. ”He’s talking about everyday Americans who love their country.”

Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a subsequent statement, “There’s no way to spin it: Joe Biden and Kamala Harris don’t just hate President Trump, they despise the tens of millions of Americans who support him."

A Trump campaign fundraising text declared, “KAMALA’S BOSS JOE BIDEN JUST CALLED ALL MY SUPPORTERS GARBAGE!” before ensuring recipients that Trump himself thinks, “YOU ARE AMAZING!”

Even some prominent Democrats began distancing themselves from Biden's comments. Speaking on CNN, Pennsylvania Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/josh-shapiro">Josh Shapiro</a>&nbsp;said he would “never insult the good people of Pennsylvania or any Americans even if they chose to support a candidate that I didn't support.”

The comments recalled then-Democratic presidential nominee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hillary-clinton">Hillary Clinton</a>&nbsp;dismissing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;supporters during a 2016 fundraiser in New York by saying that half would fit into a “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/events-united-states-presidential-election-97d6e5c7188845888bba36957160b675">basket of deplorables</a>.”

Clinton later called that characterization “grossly generalistic.” But it became a defiant rallying cry for many Trump backers who said the insult encapsulated the elitist attitudes of Clinton and the Democrats.

As reactions to Biden's reaction began to fly, meanwhile, Trump was asked in an interview Tuesday night with Fox News Channel’s Sean Hannity about the racist and vulgar joke at his New York rally. He responded: “Somebody said there was a comedian that joked about Puerto Rico or something. And I have no idea who he is.”

The former president added, "I can’t imagine it’s a big deal.”

At a rally Tuesday in Allentown, Pennsylvania, a city with a large Hispanic population, Trump repeated his claim that Biden's immigration policies have allowed other countries to treat the U.S. like “a giant garbage can.”

With Election Day now just a week off, Biden has worked to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-harris-2024-campaign-voting-5bc945613e702b0d92fec5881b676ed2">maintain relevance</a>, furiously promoting his administration’s accomplishments while Harris in her race against Trump.

But his efforts to remain in the political spotlight might not always be so helpful for the top of the Democratic ticket he’s now promoting. That’s because, while Harris has been sharply critical of Trump for months, repeatedly calling him “unstable” and “unhinged” and even suggesting that he was “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fascism-meaning-harris-trump-kelly-fda56694feb1825dcf6477c8081a563d">fascist</a>,” she has been careful not to decry his supporters.

In fact, the vice president has campaigned extensively with former Republican Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-election-2024-gop-c584f9860260f48ddff90ab2dca0433a">Liz Cheney</a>&nbsp;and other former GOP elected officials — hoping to woo conservative crossover voters. The Democratic convention — and Harris ads — have highlighted the stories of everyday Americans who talked about having voted for Trump in the past but now say they are supporting the vice president.

On Tuesday’s call, Biden also said that Trump “doesn’t give a damn about the Latino community” and urged rejection of the former president even as Trump’s campaign says its support is rising among Hispanics, particularly men.

“Vote to keep Donald Trump out of the White House,” Biden said. “He’s a true danger to, not just Latinos but to all people. Particularly those who are in a minority in this country.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730294797293.png" alt="Image courtesy Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;took a swipe against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;supporters as he reacted to the Republican presidential nominee's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-madison-square-garden-new-york-election-fcfe75be7f8281fde7bffa3adb3bba5d">weekend rally</a>&nbsp;at Madison Square Garden, which was overshadowed by crude and racist rhetoric.In a call organized by the Hispanic advocacy group Voto Latino, Biden on Tuesday responded to&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/a%20comic">a comic</a>&nbsp;at Trump's rally who called Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.” Biden's initial comments were garbled.“Just the other day, a speaker at his rally called Puerto Rico a floating island of garbage. Well, let me tell you something, I don’t, I don’t know the Puerto Rican that I know, the Puerto Rico where I’m fr -- in my home state of Delaware. They’re good, decent honorable people,” he said.The president then added: “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters. His demonization of Latinos is unconscionable, and it’s un-American. It’s totally contrary to everything we’ve done, everything we’ve been.”White House spokesman Andrew Bates said Biden “referred to the hateful rhetoric at the Madison Square Garden rally as ‘garbage.’”Biden then took to social media to personally clarify what he said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Earlier today I referred to the hateful rhetoric about Puerto Rico spewed by Trump&#39;s supporter at his Madison Square Garden rally as garbage—which is the only word I can think of to describe it. His demonization of Latinos is unconscionable. That&#39;s all I meant to say. The…&mdash; Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1851436643498037614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Earlier today I referred to the hateful rhetoric about Puerto Rico spewed by Trump’s supporter at his Madison Square Garden rally as garbage — which is the only word I can think of to describe it,” he posted on X. “His demonization of Latinos is unconscionable. That’s all I meant to say. The comments at that rally don’t reflect who we are as a nation.”In referring to Trump's supporters as “garbage,” however, Biden's tone was at odds with the message that Democratic nominee Kamala Harris is seeking to present as she aims to cast a broad appeal, including to disaffected Republicans. Shortly after Biden's comments, Harris spoke from the Ellipse in Washington, vowing to be a president who would unite the country.“I pledge to be a president for all Americans,” said Harris, who is Biden's vice president.Harris' running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, said the campaign's message of unity was not undercut by Biden's words.Walz said Wednesday on “CBS Mornings” that the president “was very clear that he’s speaking about the rhetoric we heard, so it doesn’t undermine it.” Walz added on ABC's “Good Morning America” that he and Harris “have made it absolutely clear that we want everyone as a part of this. Donald Trump’s divisive rhetoric is what needs to end.”Republicans quickly highlighted Biden's remark. Trump called up Florida Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marco-rubio">Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;during his rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to recount what happened.“Moments ago Joe Biden stated that our supporters, our patriots, are garbage,” Rubio said. ”He’s talking about everyday Americans who love their country.”Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a subsequent statement, “There’s no way to spin it: Joe Biden and Kamala Harris don’t just hate President Trump, they despise the tens of millions of Americans who support him."A Trump campaign fundraising text declared, “KAMALA’S BOSS JOE BIDEN JUST CALLED ALL MY SUPPORTERS GARBAGE!” before ensuring recipients that Trump himself thinks, “YOU ARE AMAZING!”Even some prominent Democrats began distancing themselves from Biden's comments. Speaking on CNN, Pennsylvania Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/josh-shapiro">Josh Shapiro</a>&nbsp;said he would “never insult the good people of Pennsylvania or any Americans even if they chose to support a candidate that I didn't support.”The comments recalled then-Democratic presidential nominee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hillary-clinton">Hillary Clinton</a>&nbsp;dismissing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;supporters during a 2016 fundraiser in New York by saying that half would fit into a “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/events-united-states-presidential-election-97d6e5c7188845888bba36957160b675">basket of deplorables</a>.”Clinton later called that characterization “grossly generalistic.” But it became a defiant rallying cry for many Trump backers who said the insult encapsulated the elitist attitudes of Clinton and the Democrats.As reactions to Biden's reaction began to fly, meanwhile, Trump was asked in an interview Tuesday night with Fox News Channel’s Sean Hannity about the racist and vulgar joke at his New York rally. He responded: “Somebody said there was a comedian that joked about Puerto Rico or something. And I have no idea who he is.”The former president added, "I can’t imagine it’s a big deal.”At a rally Tuesday in Allentown, Pennsylvania, a city with a large Hispanic population, Trump repeated his claim that Biden's immigration policies have allowed other countries to treat the U.S. like “a giant garbage can.”With Election Day now just a week off, Biden has worked to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-harris-2024-campaign-voting-5bc945613e702b0d92fec5881b676ed2">maintain relevance</a>, furiously promoting his administration’s accomplishments while Harris in her race against Trump.But his efforts to remain in the political spotlight might not always be so helpful for the top of the Democratic ticket he’s now promoting. That’s because, while Harris has been sharply critical of Trump for months, repeatedly calling him “unstable” and “unhinged” and even suggesting that he was “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fascism-meaning-harris-trump-kelly-fda56694feb1825dcf6477c8081a563d">fascist</a>,” she has been careful not to decry his supporters.In fact, the vice president has campaigned extensively with former Republican Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-election-2024-gop-c584f9860260f48ddff90ab2dca0433a">Liz Cheney</a>&nbsp;and other former GOP elected officials — hoping to woo conservative crossover voters. The Democratic convention — and Harris ads — have highlighted the stories of everyday Americans who talked about having voted for Trump in the past but now say they are supporting the vice president.On Tuesday’s call, Biden also said that Trump “doesn’t give a damn about the Latino community” and urged rejection of the former president even as Trump’s campaign says its support is rising among Hispanics, particularly men.“Vote to keep Donald Trump out of the White House,” Biden said. “He’s a true danger to, not just Latinos but to all people. Particularly those who are in a minority in this country.”

Biden sets off firestorm saying Trump supporters are 'garbage' 

KANSAS CITY —Sheriff's deputies rescued twin toddlers who were being held as hostages following a stand-off in a rural Kansas City area on Monday night.

Just before 6:30p.m. Pleasant Valley Police received a call about a domestic disturbance in the 7100 block of Fulton Road, according to a media release from the Clay County Sheriff's office.

Pleasant Valley Police asked for assistance from Claycomo Police officers. At the scene, officers spoke with a woman who said her partner had assaulted her and was inside the home with a gun. She had brought some of her children outside the home with her. She was not seriously injured.

When the man refused to come out, officers asked for the assistance of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Upon deputies’ arrival, the man still refused to exit, and deputies learned twin 1-year-olds remained inside. The man refused to let the toddlers out.

The Special Tactics and Response (STAR) Team and CCSO negotiators activated to deploy additional resources to bring the incident to a safe conclusion. They evacuated the nearby townhomes.

After many hours of negotiations, deputies entered the home shortly after midnight. They encountered the suspect identified as 27-year-old Tyson S. Campbell, armed with a handgun. They were able to wrestle the gun away from him and take him safely into custody. Deputies also got the toddlers to safety with their mother, the original assault victim. Two deputies suffered minor injuries during their encounter with the suspect.

Campbell has been charged with felony domestic assault and more charges could be possible.

The Platte County Sheriff’s Office provided equipment, deputies and negotiators that also helped bring the event to a safe conclusion.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730230666697.png" alt="Campbell-photo Clay Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Campbell-photo Clay Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Sheriff's deputies rescued twin toddlers who were being held as hostages following a stand-off in a rural Kansas City area on Monday night.Just before 6:30p.m. Pleasant Valley Police received a call about a domestic disturbance in the 7100 block of Fulton Road, according to a media release from the Clay County Sheriff's office.Pleasant Valley Police asked for assistance from Claycomo Police officers. At the scene, officers spoke with a woman who said her partner had assaulted her and was inside the home with a gun. She had brought some of her children outside the home with her. She was not seriously injured.When the man refused to come out, officers asked for the assistance of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Upon deputies’ arrival, the man still refused to exit, and deputies learned twin 1-year-olds remained inside. The man refused to let the toddlers out.The Special Tactics and Response (STAR) Team and CCSO negotiators activated to deploy additional resources to bring the incident to a safe conclusion. They evacuated the nearby townhomes.After many hours of negotiations, deputies entered the home shortly after midnight. They encountered the suspect identified as 27-year-old Tyson S. Campbell, armed with a handgun. They were able to wrestle the gun away from him and take him safely into custody. Deputies also got the toddlers to safety with their mother, the original assault victim. Two deputies suffered minor injuries during their encounter with the suspect.Campbell has been charged with felony domestic assault and more charges could be possible.The Platte County Sheriff’s Office provided equipment, deputies and negotiators that also helped bring the event to a safe conclusion.

Deputies rescue twin toddlers after stand-off at KC area home

RAWLINS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting in northwest Kansas that sent a woman to the hospital.

On October 27, the&nbsp; Rawlins County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call stating that a woman had been shot at 3401 Road 17, in rural Atwood, Kansas, according to&nbsp;Sheriff Catlyn Wahrman. The woman was transported to the Rawlins County Hospital by a third-party.&nbsp; She was later flown out by Flight For Life.&nbsp; 

As Rawlins County Deputies arrived at 3401 Road 17,&nbsp; a vehicle driven by a man, later identified as 28-year-old&nbsp;Macrae Migchelbrink, left the scene and refused to stop for law-enforcement.&nbsp; 

&nbsp;Migchelbrink&nbsp;drove the vehicle across multiple fields, trying to elude deputies. The vehicle crashed and was Migchelbrink ejected, continued to run and hid from law-enforcement officers. 

Deputies eventually took Migchelbrink&nbsp; into custody and EMS&nbsp; transported him to the Rawlins County Hospital and he was flown out by Flight For Life. 

Migchelbrink is not being held in the Thomas County Jail on requested charges of Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree; Intentional;&nbsp;Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; x2 - (Cocaine and Hydrocodone);&nbsp;Possession of firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; Criminal carry of weapons; brass knuckles;&nbsp;Flee or attempt to elude; Commission of any felony and Possession of Marijuana, according to Sheriff Wahrman.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730284348631.png" alt="Migchelbrink photo Thomas County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Migchelbrink photo Thomas County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>RAWLINS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting in northwest Kansas that sent a woman to the hospital.On October 27, the&nbsp; Rawlins County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call stating that a woman had been shot at 3401 Road 17, in rural Atwood, Kansas, according to&nbsp;Sheriff Catlyn Wahrman. The woman was transported to the Rawlins County Hospital by a third-party.&nbsp; She was later flown out by Flight For Life.&nbsp; As Rawlins County Deputies arrived at 3401 Road 17,&nbsp; a vehicle driven by a man, later identified as 28-year-old&nbsp;Macrae Migchelbrink, left the scene and refused to stop for law-enforcement.&nbsp; &nbsp;Migchelbrink&nbsp;drove the vehicle across multiple fields, trying to elude deputies. The vehicle crashed and was Migchelbrink ejected, continued to run and hid from law-enforcement officers. Deputies eventually took Migchelbrink&nbsp; into custody and EMS&nbsp; transported him to the Rawlins County Hospital and he was flown out by Flight For Life. Migchelbrink is not being held in the Thomas County Jail on requested charges of Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree; Intentional;&nbsp;Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; x2 - (Cocaine and Hydrocodone);&nbsp;Possession of firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; Criminal carry of weapons; brass knuckles;&nbsp;Flee or attempt to elude; Commission of any felony and Possession of Marijuana, according to Sheriff Wahrman.

Sheriff: Woman shot in rural northwest Kansas

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; — Law enforcement and school officials are investigating an accident that sent a student the hospital.

On Tuesday afternoon, emergency crews were called to the elementary school in Pleasant Hill,&nbsp;2097 Oak Park Boulevard after report of an accidental injury, according to a statement from police.

Several students were struck by a falling tree. One student was transported to the hospital, several others were evaluated by EMS and school nursing staff. The school notified parents. The incident is under control and is being investigated. "Please keep the students and staff in your thoughts and prayers."&nbsp;

Pleasant Hill is located approximately 35 southeast of Overland Park, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730283611454.png" alt="Photo by Chandler Watkins courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Chandler Watkins courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY&nbsp; — Law enforcement and school officials are investigating an accident that sent a student the hospital.On Tuesday afternoon, emergency crews were called to the elementary school in Pleasant Hill,&nbsp;2097 Oak Park Boulevard after report of an accidental injury, according to a statement from police.Several students were struck by a falling tree. One student was transported to the hospital, several others were evaluated by EMS and school nursing staff. The school notified parents. The incident is under control and is being investigated. "Please keep the students and staff in your thoughts and prayers."&nbsp;Pleasant Hill is located approximately 35 southeast of Overland Park, Kansas.

Student hospitalized after tree falls at KC area elementary school

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-trump-closing-argument-ellipse-washington-139a7b390dc30ceab85d9ac56fcc521d">Kamala Harris on Tuesday sought to remind Americans</a>&nbsp;what life was like under Donald Trump and then offered voters a different path forward if they send her to the White House, in a speech billed as her campaign's closing argument.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?539540-1/vice-president-harris-delivers-address-ellipse-washington-dc">Click here to watch</a> the full address

“I will always listen to you, even if you don’t vote for me,” she said, speaking before a massive crowd that spilled from the grassy Ellipse near the White House to the Washington Monument.

Some key moments from her half-hour speech:

The location of the speech reinforced her message

Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-donald-trump-2024-election-599719041f7d51b541f4f024936ad8d8">chose to speak from the Ellipse on purpose</a>. It's the same spot in Washington where Republican&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;helped incite a mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/january-6-cases/">Jan. 6, 2021</a>. But the vice president didn't devote much of her speech to the violence of that day, instead using the field between Constitution Avenue and the White House more as a backdrop — a quiet reminder of the different choices Americans face.

“Donald Trump has spent a decade trying to keep the American people divided and afraid of each other," she said, adding that he wants back into the White House “not to focus on your problems, but to focus on his.”

Kamala Harris, the prosecutor, argued her case

Harris spent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/united-states-government-donald-trump-california-atlanta-border-security-d59be0e540e94851beca3ab591bc6599">years working as a prosecutor</a>. She was California's attorney general before she became a U.S. senator. And she often says on the campaign trail that she's only ever had one client — the people. In her speech, she talked about her past work taking on scammers, violent offenders who abused women and children, and cartels that trafficked in guns and human beings.

She said she'd bring with her to the White House an instinct to protect.

“There’s something about people being treated unfairly, or overlooked, that just gets to me," she said.

It's me, Hi. I'm the presidential nominee. It's me.

One week before the election, Harris allowed that “I know many of you are still getting to know who I am.”

The Democratic nominee has been running for only three months in a compressed campaign launched after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">President Joe Biden dropped out of the race</a>. Harris still is confronting voters who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-democrats-election-2024-b735c4332d22ef46b2bc44a5e443507f">say they want to learn more about</a>&nbsp;her and how she will govern. So she spent some time Tuesday talking about her career, her goals and background.

“I’ll be honest with you: I’m not perfect. I make mistakes. But here’s what I promise you: I will always listen to you, even if you don’t vote for me."

To-do list for Day One at the White House

Harris devoted a good chunk of her speech to talking about policies she'd enact if she were to win the White House, including helping first-time homeowners with down payments and aiding the so-called “sandwich generation" of adults who are caring for young children and older parents by allowing elder care to be funded by Medicare. She said she'd work to pass a bipartisan border security bill that tanked last year after Trump encouraged congressional Republicans to let it die.

And she said she would work to bring back abortion protections. “I will fight to restore what Donald Trump and his hand-selected Supreme Court justice took away from the women of America,” Harris said. The Supreme Court, with three Trump-appointed justices, overturned federal protections of abortion in 2022. Abortion has since become one of the most motivating issues for the Democratic base in the 2024 election.

“On Day One, if elected, Donald Trump would walk into that office with an enemies list,” she said. “When elected, I will walk in with a to-do list.”

Size matters on the campaign trail — especially to Trump

The Ellipse is a grassy expanse between the White House and the Washington Monument that has long played host to political events and national traditions like the annual holiday tree lighting. On Tuesday, the space was packed. Crowds spilled onto the National Mall back toward the Washington Monument, where giant screens and speakers were set up for people to hear and see from afar.

The cheers of the boisterous crowd could be heard from the White House driveway. Harris' campaign said it was her biggest rally to date. She's already packed stadiums and other venues with supporters during her rallies. Harris loves to needle Trump about crowd size — a particular preoccupation for the Republican leader, who claimed the campaign had to bus people in Tuesday to fill the space.

Harris has called Trump ‘unhinged’ and ‘unstable.’ Now she's adding ‘petty tyrant’

Harris boiled down criticism of Trump into two words: "petty tyrant."

She warned Trump is a man governed by grievances, one who would focus on himself and his “enemies list” when he got into the White House. She harked back to the nation's founding when Americans fought for freedom, then sped through decades of hard-fought civil rights battles.

“They did not struggle, sacrifice and lay down their lives only to see us cede our fundamental freedoms. They didn't do that only to see us submit to the will of another petty tyrant," she said. "These United States of America, we are not a vessel for the schemes of wannabe dictators.”

Just moments before Harris was to speak, Biden was on a campaign call reacting to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tony-hinchcliffe-puerto-rico-things-to-know-25e303873fac6fde3afdab80d941230d">a comic</a>&nbsp;who called Puerto Rico garbage during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-madison-square-garden-new-york-election-fcfe75be7f8281fde7bffa3adb3bba5d">Trump rally last weekend.</a>&nbsp;The president said, "The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.”

He’d joined a national call organized by the advocacy group Voto Latino. Biden urged those on the call to “vote to keep Donald Trump out of the White House," adding, “He’s a true danger to not just Latinos but to all people."

Biden's remarks were quicky seized on by Republicans who said he was denigrating Trump supporters, a distraction for Harris when she is trying to reach out to GOP voters.

Biden quickly sent out a social media post seeking to clarify his remarks.

“His demonization of Latinos is unconscionable," Biden said of Trump. “That’s all I meant to say.”

There's still plenty to come after what Harris called her ‘closing argument’

The event was framed as a campaign finale meant to lay out in stark terms the choice for voters next week. But it's far from Harris' last campaign event. She'll be hitting all the key battleground states as she makes her last pitch to voters.

She will headline events in Wisconsin, North Carolina and Pennsylvania on Wednesday, and on Thursday she will have rallies in Arizona and Nevada. More events are expected before Election Day.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-white-voters-60fe6c335dc6ce8367b7d9ae7be573f3">The campaign is looking to pick up voters across many</a>&nbsp;different demographics in the hope that a swing vote here and there may add up to a win in a razor's-edge race with Trump.

One week out from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">Election Day</a>, the vice president used the address from the grassy Ellipse near the White House to pledge to Americans that she would work to improve their lives while arguing that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">her Republican opponent</a>&nbsp;is only in it for himself.

Harris: ‘World leaders think Trump is an easy mark’

Harris attacked Trump’s competency on the international stage Tuesday, using her closing argument speech to question the former President’s ability to stand up to world leaders.

“World leaders think Trump is an easy mark,” Harris said, arguing that leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are “rooting for” Trump in this election.

Harris pledges to ‘restore’ abortion rights

Harris pledged to “restore” the abortion rights that were overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.

“I will fight to restore what Donald Trump and his hand-selected Supreme Court justices took away from the women of America,” Harris said.

The Supreme Court, with three Trump appointees, overturned federal protections of abortion in 2022. Abortion has since become one of the most motivating issues for the Democratic base in the 2024 election.

Harris said later in the speech that she would “proudly” sign a bill protecting abortion rights if Congress were to send her one as president.

Harris both distances herself and embraces Joe Biden in closing argument speech

Harris, speaking in front of the White House, both distanced herself from President Joe Biden and embraced her one-time running mate.

Harris said she has been honored to serve with Biden but she said she “will bring my own experiences and ideas to the Oval Office.”

“My presidency will be different because the challenges we face will be different,” Harris said.

Biden was in the White House behind Harris while she delivered her speech. Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee when Biden opted not to run for reelection in July.

Harris takes one last opportunity to introduce herself to voters

Harris acknowledged one of the clearest critiques of her campaign on Tuesday, telling the audience that she understands “many of you are still getting to know who I am.”

Harris did not become the presumptive Democratic nominee for president until the summer, weeks after President Joe Biden decided not to run for reelection. That decision compressed the campaign timeline, denying Harris the months — and sometimes years — candidates usually have to introduce themselves to voters.

“I recognize this has not been a typical campaign,” Harris said, adding that she is “not afraid of tough fights against bad actors and powerful interests.”

“I will work every day to build consensus and reach compromise to get things done,” she said.

‘Our democracy doesn’t require us to agree on everything’

Harris deliberately tried to win over Republicans and former Trump supporters, telling the audience in Washington that “our democracy doesn’t require us to agree on everything.”

“Donald Trump has spent a decade trying to keep the American people divided and afraid of each other,” she said. “That is who he is. But America, I am hear to tonight to say, that is not who we are.”

She added: “The fact that someone disagrees with us does not make us the enemy within.”

Harris closes her speech with a final appeal to voters

Vice President Kamala Harris urged voters Tuesday to “start writing the next chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told” by rejecting former President Donald Trump.

Harris used the finale to her closing argument speech in Washington, D.C. to say voters are “not a vessel for the schemes of wannabe dictators.”

“The United States of America is the greatest idea humanity ever devised,” Harris said. “In seven days, we have the power, each of you has the power, to turn the page, and start writing the next chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told,” she added.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730254014478.png" alt="Image courtesy Harris campaign" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Harris campaign</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-trump-closing-argument-ellipse-washington-139a7b390dc30ceab85d9ac56fcc521d">Kamala Harris on Tuesday sought to remind Americans</a>&nbsp;what life was like under Donald Trump and then offered voters a different path forward if they send her to the White House, in a speech billed as her campaign's closing argument.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Vice President <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a>: &quot;Donald Trump has spent a decade trying to keep the American people divided and afraid of each other. That is who he is, but America, I am here tonight to say that is not who we are!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/tylBZs7wsW">pic.twitter.com/tylBZs7wsW</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1851413064383676570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Vice President Harris: &quot;I pledge to be a president for all Americans. And to always put country above party and self.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/CvNkGY0gye">pic.twitter.com/CvNkGY0gye</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1851418525153231014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?539540-1/vice-president-harris-delivers-address-ellipse-washington-dc">Click here to watch</a> the full address“I will always listen to you, even if you don’t vote for me,” she said, speaking before a massive crowd that spilled from the grassy Ellipse near the White House to the Washington Monument.Some key moments from her half-hour speech:<h2>The location of the speech reinforced her message</h2>Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-donald-trump-2024-election-599719041f7d51b541f4f024936ad8d8">chose to speak from the Ellipse on purpose</a>. It's the same spot in Washington where Republican&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;helped incite a mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/january-6-cases/">Jan. 6, 2021</a>. But the vice president didn't devote much of her speech to the violence of that day, instead using the field between Constitution Avenue and the White House more as a backdrop — a quiet reminder of the different choices Americans face.“Donald Trump has spent a decade trying to keep the American people divided and afraid of each other," she said, adding that he wants back into the White House “not to focus on your problems, but to focus on his.”<h2>Kamala Harris, the prosecutor, argued her case</h2>Harris spent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/united-states-government-donald-trump-california-atlanta-border-security-d59be0e540e94851beca3ab591bc6599">years working as a prosecutor</a>. She was California's attorney general before she became a U.S. senator. And she often says on the campaign trail that she's only ever had one client — the people. In her speech, she talked about her past work taking on scammers, violent offenders who abused women and children, and cartels that trafficked in guns and human beings.She said she'd bring with her to the White House an instinct to protect.“There’s something about people being treated unfairly, or overlooked, that just gets to me," she said.<h2>It's me, Hi. I'm the presidential nominee. It's me.</h2>One week before the election, Harris allowed that “I know many of you are still getting to know who I am.”The Democratic nominee has been running for only three months in a compressed campaign launched after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">President Joe Biden dropped out of the race</a>. Harris still is confronting voters who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-democrats-election-2024-b735c4332d22ef46b2bc44a5e443507f">say they want to learn more about</a>&nbsp;her and how she will govern. So she spent some time Tuesday talking about her career, her goals and background.“I’ll be honest with you: I’m not perfect. I make mistakes. But here’s what I promise you: I will always listen to you, even if you don’t vote for me."<h2>To-do list for Day One at the White House</h2>Harris devoted a good chunk of her speech to talking about policies she'd enact if she were to win the White House, including helping first-time homeowners with down payments and aiding the so-called “sandwich generation" of adults who are caring for young children and older parents by allowing elder care to be funded by Medicare. She said she'd work to pass a bipartisan border security bill that tanked last year after Trump encouraged congressional Republicans to let it die.And she said she would work to bring back abortion protections. “I will fight to restore what Donald Trump and his hand-selected Supreme Court justice took away from the women of America,” Harris said. The Supreme Court, with three Trump-appointed justices, overturned federal protections of abortion in 2022. Abortion has since become one of the most motivating issues for the Democratic base in the 2024 election.“On Day One, if elected, Donald Trump would walk into that office with an enemies list,” she said. “When elected, I will walk in with a to-do list.”<h2>Size matters on the campaign trail — especially to Trump</h2>The Ellipse is a grassy expanse between the White House and the Washington Monument that has long played host to political events and national traditions like the annual holiday tree lighting. On Tuesday, the space was packed. Crowds spilled onto the National Mall back toward the Washington Monument, where giant screens and speakers were set up for people to hear and see from afar.The cheers of the boisterous crowd could be heard from the White House driveway. Harris' campaign said it was her biggest rally to date. She's already packed stadiums and other venues with supporters during her rallies. Harris loves to needle Trump about crowd size — a particular preoccupation for the Republican leader, who claimed the campaign had to bus people in Tuesday to fill the space.<h2>Harris has called Trump ‘unhinged’ and ‘unstable.’ Now she's adding ‘petty tyrant’</h2>Harris boiled down criticism of Trump into two words: "petty tyrant."She warned Trump is a man governed by grievances, one who would focus on himself and his “enemies list” when he got into the White House. She harked back to the nation's founding when Americans fought for freedom, then sped through decades of hard-fought civil rights battles.“They did not struggle, sacrifice and lay down their lives only to see us cede our fundamental freedoms. They didn't do that only to see us submit to the will of another petty tyrant," she said. "These United States of America, we are not a vessel for the schemes of wannabe dictators.”<h2>Meanwhile, a Biden complication emerges</h2>Just moments before Harris was to speak, Biden was on a campaign call reacting to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tony-hinchcliffe-puerto-rico-things-to-know-25e303873fac6fde3afdab80d941230d">a comic</a>&nbsp;who called Puerto Rico garbage during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-madison-square-garden-new-york-election-fcfe75be7f8281fde7bffa3adb3bba5d">Trump rally last weekend.</a>&nbsp;The president said, "The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.”He’d joined a national call organized by the advocacy group Voto Latino. Biden urged those on the call to “vote to keep Donald Trump out of the White House," adding, “He’s a true danger to not just Latinos but to all people."Biden's remarks were quicky seized on by Republicans who said he was denigrating Trump supporters, a distraction for Harris when she is trying to reach out to GOP voters.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Earlier today I referred to the hateful rhetoric about Puerto Rico spewed by Trump&#39;s supporter at his Madison Square Garden rally as garbage—which is the only word I can think of to describe it. His demonization of Latinos is unconscionable. That&#39;s all I meant to say. The…&mdash; Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1851436643498037614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden quickly sent out a social media post seeking to clarify his remarks.“His demonization of Latinos is unconscionable," Biden said of Trump. “That’s all I meant to say.”<h2>There's still plenty to come after what Harris called her ‘closing argument’</h2>The event was framed as a campaign finale meant to lay out in stark terms the choice for voters next week. But it's far from Harris' last campaign event. She'll be hitting all the key battleground states as she makes her last pitch to voters.She will headline events in Wisconsin, North Carolina and Pennsylvania on Wednesday, and on Thursday she will have rallies in Arizona and Nevada. More events are expected before Election Day.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-white-voters-60fe6c335dc6ce8367b7d9ae7be573f3">The campaign is looking to pick up voters across many</a>&nbsp;different demographics in the hope that a swing vote here and there may add up to a win in a razor's-edge race with Trump.One week out from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">Election Day</a>, the vice president used the address from the grassy Ellipse near the White House to pledge to Americans that she would work to improve their lives while arguing that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">her Republican opponent</a>&nbsp;is only in it for himself.<h2>Harris: ‘World leaders think Trump is an easy mark’</h2>Harris attacked Trump’s competency on the international stage Tuesday, using her closing argument speech to question the former President’s ability to stand up to world leaders.“World leaders think Trump is an easy mark,” Harris said, arguing that leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are “rooting for” Trump in this election.<h2>Harris pledges to ‘restore’ abortion rights</h2>Harris pledged to “restore” the abortion rights that were overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.“I will fight to restore what Donald Trump and his hand-selected Supreme Court justices took away from the women of America,” Harris said.The Supreme Court, with three Trump appointees, overturned federal protections of abortion in 2022. Abortion has since become one of the most motivating issues for the Democratic base in the 2024 election.Harris said later in the speech that she would “proudly” sign a bill protecting abortion rights if Congress were to send her one as president.<h2>Harris both distances herself and embraces Joe Biden in closing argument speech</h2>Harris, speaking in front of the White House, both distanced herself from President Joe Biden and embraced her one-time running mate.Harris said she has been honored to serve with Biden but she said she “will bring my own experiences and ideas to the Oval Office.”“My presidency will be different because the challenges we face will be different,” Harris said.Biden was in the White House behind Harris while she delivered her speech. Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee when Biden opted not to run for reelection in July.<h2>Harris takes one last opportunity to introduce herself to voters</h2>Harris acknowledged one of the clearest critiques of her campaign on Tuesday, telling the audience that she understands “many of you are still getting to know who I am.”Harris did not become the presumptive Democratic nominee for president until the summer, weeks after President Joe Biden decided not to run for reelection. That decision compressed the campaign timeline, denying Harris the months — and sometimes years — candidates usually have to introduce themselves to voters.“I recognize this has not been a typical campaign,” Harris said, adding that she is “not afraid of tough fights against bad actors and powerful interests.”“I will work every day to build consensus and reach compromise to get things done,” she said.<h2>‘Our democracy doesn’t require us to agree on everything’</h2>Harris deliberately tried to win over Republicans and former Trump supporters, telling the audience in Washington that “our democracy doesn’t require us to agree on everything.”“Donald Trump has spent a decade trying to keep the American people divided and afraid of each other,” she said. “That is who he is. But America, I am hear to tonight to say, that is not who we are.”She added: “The fact that someone disagrees with us does not make us the enemy within.”<h2>Harris closes her speech with a final appeal to voters</h2>Vice President Kamala Harris urged voters Tuesday to “start writing the next chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told” by rejecting former President Donald Trump.Harris used the finale to her closing argument speech in Washington, D.C. to say voters are “not a vessel for the schemes of wannabe dictators.”“The United States of America is the greatest idea humanity ever devised,” Harris said. “In seven days, we have the power, each of you has the power, to turn the page, and start writing the next chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told,” she added.------------------

🎥 Key moments from Harris campaign rally at the U.S. Capitol

PAWNEE COUNTY– Gary Leslie Furthmyer, 73, appeared in custody Monday morning in the Pawnee County District Court for a change of plea hearing, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

A Jury Trial on the matter had been scheduled to begin on Tuesday on a two count felony complaint. The defendant was charged with Violation of the Kansas Offender Registration Act and&nbsp; Aggravated Escape from Custody.

In exchange for the defendant’s plea to the Escape charge, the State agreed to dismiss the Offender Registration charge.&nbsp;

The charges stem from Furthmyer walking away from the Sexual Predator Treatment Program (SPTP) located on the campus of Larned State Hospital (LSH) the night of June 23, 2024.

In support of the plea, Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett advised the Court that at the time of the escape Furthmyer was in the transition phase of program wherein the residents are allowed additional privileges. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730151731213.png" alt="Furthmyer has been listed as a sexually violent predator since a conviction in 2017, according to the KBI Offender Registry-photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Furthmyer has been listed as a sexually violent predator since a conviction in 2017, according to the KBI Offender Registry-photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY– Gary Leslie Furthmyer, 73, appeared in custody Monday morning in the Pawnee County District Court for a change of plea hearing, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.A Jury Trial on the matter had been scheduled to begin on Tuesday on a two count felony complaint. The defendant was charged with Violation of the Kansas Offender Registration Act and&nbsp; Aggravated Escape from Custody.In exchange for the defendant’s plea to the Escape charge, the State agreed to dismiss the Offender Registration charge.&nbsp;The charges stem from Furthmyer walking away from the Sexual Predator Treatment Program (SPTP) located on the campus of Larned State Hospital (LSH) the night of June 23, 2024.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730168047307.png" alt="Furthmyer photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Furthmyer photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>In support of the plea, Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett advised the Court that at the time of the escape Furthmyer was in the transition phase of program wherein the residents are allowed additional privileges. Upon returning from a supervised trip at the casino in Dodge City, Furthmeyer threw his cellular telephone into the trash and walked away as the group unloaded in the facility parking lot. The Kansas Highway Patrol located him two and half hours later hiding in a grove of trees northwest of the Larned State Hospital campus. They were assisted in the search by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department, Edwards County Sheriff’s Department, and multiple K-9 units from surrounding jurisdictions.The Offender Registration charge stems from the defendant failing to register his cellular telephone with the sheriff’s department. Once residents enter the transition phase of SPTP they are required to maintain employment and have a cellular telephone for location check purposes.Furthmyer has previous convictions for indecent liberties with a child, aggravated failure to appear and aggravated escape from custody, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.Under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines, the Furthmeyer faces a presumptive prison sentence between 7 months and 23 months in the custody of the Department of Corrections depending on his criminal history. Sentencing is scheduled for December 16.