TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 446 to a total of 313,720 , the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 9 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5067.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 446 to a total of 313,720 , the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 9 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5067.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622051159223.png" alt="Wednesday May 26, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday May 26, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

TOPEKA —The Kansas Senate passed a resolution Wednesday&nbsp; asking Governor Laura Kelly to end the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation to ensure that businesses do not have to compete with the federal government in attempts to fill thousands of open positions, according to the resolution.

<a href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/scr1616_00_0000.pdf">Click here</a> to read the resolution

Over the past week, many prominent Republicans Senators Moran and Marshall have called on the governor to have Kansas stop paying an extra $300 a week in benefits to unemployed workers. 

On May 19, the top three Republicans in the Kansas House&nbsp; called on Kelly to end the additional benefits. 

They did so in response to a letter&nbsp; to Kelly from the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and 180 organizations arguing that many businesses are having problems hiring workers to “return to full capacity” following coronavirus pandemic restrictions. 

Some unemployed workers say the extra benefit has allowed them more time to look for work and put pressure on employers to raise wages. Kelly has said she's reviewing the issue.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report

TOPEKA —The Kansas Senate passed a resolution Wednesday&nbsp; asking Governor Laura Kelly to end the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation to ensure that businesses do not have to compete with the federal government in attempts to fill thousands of open positions, according to the resolution.<a href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/scr1616_00_0000.pdf">Click here</a> to read the resolutionOver the past week, many prominent Republicans Senators Moran and Marshall have called on the governor to have Kansas stop paying an extra $300 a week in benefits to unemployed workers. On May 19, the top three Republicans in the Kansas House&nbsp; called on Kelly to end the additional benefits. They did so in response to a letter&nbsp; to Kelly from the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and 180 organizations arguing that many businesses are having problems hiring workers to “return to full capacity” following coronavirus pandemic restrictions. Some unemployed workers say the extra benefit has allowed them more time to look for work and put pressure on employers to raise wages. Kelly has said she's reviewing the issue.-The Associated Press contributed to this report

Kan. Senate resolution urges end to federal jobless benefits

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — An employee opened fire at a California rail yard serving Silicon Valley, killing eight people. Authorities say the suspect is also dead. The shooting took place Wednesday in San Jose at a transit control center that stores trains and has a maintenance yard. 

Sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Russell Davis said the suspect was an employee of the Valley Transportation Authority, which provides bus, light rail and other transit services throughout Santa Clara County, the largest county in the Bay Area. He said the attack also resulted in “multiple major injuries.”

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Gunfire erupted Wednesday at a railyard in San Jose, and a sheriff’s spokesman said multiple people were killed and wounded and that the suspect was dead.

Santa Clara County sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Russell Davis said that he could not specify the number of dead and wounded or describe how the suspect died.

The shooting took place around 6:30 a.m. at a light rail facility next door to the sheriff’s department and across a freeway from the airport. The facility is a transit control center that stores trains and has a maintenance yard.

Davis said he did not know the type of weapon used or whether the shooting happened indoors or outdoors. He said the victims include Valley Transportation Authority employees.

The VTA provides bus, light rail and other transit services throughout Santa Clara County, the largest in the Bay Area and home to Silicon Valley.

“A horrible tragedy has happened today, and our thoughts and love go out to the VTA family,” VTA Chairman Glenn Hendricks told a news conference.

VTA trains were already out on morning runs when the shooting occurred. Light rail service was to be suspended at noon and replaced with bus bridges, Hendricks said.

Outside the scene, Michael Hawkins told The Mercury News that he was waiting for his mother, Rochelle Hawkins, who had called him from a co-worker’s phone to assure him that she was safe.

When the shooting started, “she got down with the rest of her coworkers” and dropped her cellphone, Michael Hawkins told the newspaper. Rochelle Hawkins did not see the shooter, and she was not sure how close she had been to the attacker, her son said.

At a news conference, San Jose Mayor Sam Licardo lamented the “horrific day for our city.” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a tweet that his office was “in close contact with local law enforcement and monitoring this situation closely.”

Special agents from the FBI and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were responding to the crime scene, officials said.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — A sheriff's spokesman says there are multiple fatalities and injuries in a shooting at a San Jose, California, railyard and that the suspect is dead. 

Santa Clara County sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Russell Davis said Wednesday that he could not specify the number of fatalities and injuries. 

He says the victims include Valley Transportation Authority employees. The shooting took place at a light rail facility that is next door to the sheriff’s department and across a freeway from the airport. 

A spokesperson for the Valley Transportation Authority did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622045654759.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KGO TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KGO TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — An employee opened fire at a California rail yard serving Silicon Valley, killing eight people. Authorities say the suspect is also dead. The shooting took place Wednesday in San Jose at a transit control center that stores trains and has a maintenance yard. Sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Russell Davis said the suspect was an employee of the Valley Transportation Authority, which provides bus, light rail and other transit services throughout Santa Clara County, the largest county in the Bay Area. He said the attack also resulted in “multiple major injuries.”---------SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Gunfire erupted Wednesday at a railyard in San Jose, and a sheriff’s spokesman said multiple people were killed and wounded and that the suspect was dead.Santa Clara County sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Russell Davis said that he could not specify the number of dead and wounded or describe how the suspect died.The shooting took place around 6:30 a.m. at a light rail facility next door to the sheriff’s department and across a freeway from the airport. The facility is a transit control center that stores trains and has a maintenance yard.Davis said he did not know the type of weapon used or whether the shooting happened indoors or outdoors. He said the victims include Valley Transportation Authority employees.The VTA provides bus, light rail and other transit services throughout Santa Clara County, the largest in the Bay Area and home to Silicon Valley.“A horrible tragedy has happened today, and our thoughts and love go out to the VTA family,” VTA Chairman Glenn Hendricks told a news conference.VTA trains were already out on morning runs when the shooting occurred. Light rail service was to be suspended at noon and replaced with bus bridges, Hendricks said.Outside the scene, Michael Hawkins told The Mercury News that he was waiting for his mother, Rochelle Hawkins, who had called him from a co-worker’s phone to assure him that she was safe.When the shooting started, “she got down with the rest of her coworkers” and dropped her cellphone, Michael Hawkins told the newspaper. Rochelle Hawkins did not see the shooter, and she was not sure how close she had been to the attacker, her son said.At a news conference, San Jose Mayor Sam Licardo lamented the “horrific day for our city.” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a tweet that his office was “in close contact with local law enforcement and monitoring this situation closely.”Special agents from the FBI and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were responding to the crime scene, officials said.--------SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — A sheriff's spokesman says there are multiple fatalities and injuries in a shooting at a San Jose, California, railyard and that the suspect is dead. Santa Clara County sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Russell Davis said Wednesday that he could not specify the number of fatalities and injuries. He says the victims include Valley Transportation Authority employees. The shooting took place at a light rail facility that is next door to the sheriff’s department and across a freeway from the airport. A spokesperson for the Valley Transportation Authority did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Latest: 8 dead in shooting at California rail yard

CHEROKEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are searching for two suspects who escaped from the Cherokee County Jail and are now offering a $5000 reward for information leading to their capture, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff.

Just after 11p.m. Monday 30-year-old double murder suspect Mark Gerald Hopkins II and 34-year-old drug suspect Michael Wayne Martsolf escaped from the Cherokee County Jail in Columbus, Kansas, according to Sheriff David Grove.

The suspects may be driving a 2008 White Honda Accord with a Missouri tag LG2XOF.&nbsp; Both suspects have extensive tattoos throughout their bodies.&nbsp; Both should be considered armed and dangerous. If you see them, call 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622043301789.png" alt="Hopkins photo Cherokee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Hopkins photo Cherokee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>CHEROKEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are searching for two suspects who escaped from the Cherokee County Jail and are now offering a $5000 reward for information leading to their capture, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621960532851.png" alt="Michael Martsolf photo Cherokee Co." />
 <figcaption>Michael Martsolf photo Cherokee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 11p.m. Monday 30-year-old double murder suspect Mark Gerald Hopkins II and 34-year-old drug suspect Michael Wayne Martsolf escaped from the Cherokee County Jail in Columbus, Kansas, according to Sheriff David Grove.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621960469451.png" alt="Hopkins booking photo Cherokee County" />
 <figcaption>Hopkins booking photo Cherokee County</figcaption>
 </figure>The suspects may be driving a 2008 White Honda Accord with a Missouri tag LG2XOF.&nbsp; Both suspects have extensive tattoos throughout their bodies.&nbsp; Both should be considered armed and dangerous. If you see them, call 911.

Reward offered: Double murder suspect escaped from Kan. jail

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Manhattan woman for an alleged violent assault.

Just after 11a.m. Tuesday, offices filed a report for aggravated battery and criminal damage to property in the 400 block of Fort Riley Blvd. in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;Officers listed a 35-year-old man and 39-year-old woman as the victims when it was reported a 31-year-old suspect identified as&nbsp;Makia Harris of Manhattan hit the 39-year-old with a bat causing minor injuries to her hand and head. 

Harris also smashed the 35-year-old's car's windshield and rear window with a bat. 

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $1,300.00. 

Police arrested Harris on requested charges of aggravated battery, criminal damage to property, four separate counts of possession, and two separate counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the activity report.

Harris was issued a total bond of $22,000.00 and is no longer confined a the time of this report.&nbsp;

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Manhattan woman for an alleged violent assault.Just after 11a.m. Tuesday, offices filed a report for aggravated battery and criminal damage to property in the 400 block of Fort Riley Blvd. in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;Officers listed a 35-year-old man and 39-year-old woman as the victims when it was reported a 31-year-old suspect identified as&nbsp;Makia Harris of Manhattan hit the 39-year-old with a bat causing minor injuries to her hand and head. Harris also smashed the 35-year-old's car's windshield and rear window with a bat. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $1,300.00. Police arrested Harris on requested charges of aggravated battery, criminal damage to property, four separate counts of possession, and two separate counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the activity report.Harris was issued a total bond of $22,000.00 and is no longer confined a the time of this report.&nbsp;

Police: Kan. woman used baseball bat during violent assault

WASHINGTON
 — The Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of the Treasury recently announced that the first monthly payment of the expanded and 
newly-advanceable Child Tax Credit (CTC) from the American Rescue Plan 
will be made on July 15. Roughly 39 million households — covering 88% of
 children in the United States — are slated to begin receiving monthly 
payments without any further action required.

IRS and Treasury also announced the increased CTC payments will be 
made on the 15th of each month unless the 15th falls on a weekend or 
holiday. Families who receive the credit by direct deposit can plan 
their budgets around receipt of the benefit. Eligible families will 
receive a payment of up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and
 up to $250 per month for each child age 6 and above.

The American Rescue Plan increased the maximum Child Tax Credit in 
2021 to $3,600 for children under the age of 6 and to $3,000 per child 
for children between ages 6 and 17. The American Rescue Plan is 
projected to lift more than five million children out of poverty this 
year, cutting child poverty by more than half.

Households covering more than 65 million children will receive the 
monthly CTC payments through direct deposit, paper check, or debit 
cards, and IRS and Treasury are committed to maximizing the use of 
direct deposit to ensure fast and secure delivery. While most taxpayers 
will not be required to take any action to receive their payments, 
Treasury and the IRS will continue outreach efforts with partner 
organizations over the coming months to make more families aware of 
their eligibility.

Today's announcement represents the latest collaboration between the 
IRS and Bureau of the Fiscal Service—and between Treasury and the White 
House American Rescue Plan Implementation Team—to ensure help quickly 
reaches Americans in need as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Since March 12, the IRS has also distributed approximately 165 million 
Economic Impact Payments with a value of approximately $388 billion as a
 part of the American Rescue Plan.

Additional information for taxpayers on how they can access the Child Tax Credit will be available soon at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON
 — The Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of the Treasury recently announced that the first monthly payment of the expanded and 
newly-advanceable Child Tax Credit (CTC) from the American Rescue Plan 
will be made on July 15. Roughly 39 million households — covering 88% of
 children in the United States — are slated to begin receiving monthly 
payments without any further action required.IRS and Treasury also announced the increased CTC payments will be 
made on the 15th of each month unless the 15th falls on a weekend or 
holiday. Families who receive the credit by direct deposit can plan 
their budgets around receipt of the benefit. Eligible families will 
receive a payment of up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and
 up to $250 per month for each child age 6 and above.The American Rescue Plan increased the maximum Child Tax Credit in 
2021 to $3,600 for children under the age of 6 and to $3,000 per child 
for children between ages 6 and 17. The American Rescue Plan is 
projected to lift more than five million children out of poverty this 
year, cutting child poverty by more than half.Households covering more than 65 million children will receive the 
monthly CTC payments through direct deposit, paper check, or debit 
cards, and IRS and Treasury are committed to maximizing the use of 
direct deposit to ensure fast and secure delivery. While most taxpayers 
will not be required to take any action to receive their payments, 
Treasury and the IRS will continue outreach efforts with partner 
organizations over the coming months to make more families aware of 
their eligibility.Today's announcement represents the latest collaboration between the 
IRS and Bureau of the Fiscal Service—and between Treasury and the White 
House American Rescue Plan Implementation Team—to ensure help quickly 
reaches Americans in need as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Since March 12, the IRS has also distributed approximately 165 million 
Economic Impact Payments with a value of approximately $388 billion as a
 part of the American Rescue Plan.Additional information for taxpayers on how they can access the Child Tax Credit will be available soon at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>.

IRS: Child Tax Credit payments will hit bank accounts in July

DENVER (AP) — Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced a weekly state lottery for five residents to win $1 million Tuesday to incentive COVID-19 vaccinations, amid other state bids to overcome public vaccine hesitancy.

“Rather than gamble on getting COVID, let’s take a chance on winning a million dollars,” Polis said.

Colorado is setting aside $5 million of federal coronavirus relief funds that would have gone toward vaccine advertising for five residents to win $1 million each. The drawings will take place every week starting June 4 until July 7.

Every resident who has been vaccinated by the end of May will be entered in the first drawing. In order to be eligible for the drawing, residents need to be 18 years old and have received at least one dose of the approved coronavirus vaccines.

Nearly 3 million Colorado residents, about half of the state’s population have received their first vaccine dose, which is slightly higher than the U.S. average of 49.5% of people who have gotten their first injection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There are just over 40% of fully vaccinated residents in Colorado, compared to the U.S. fully inoculated average of around 39.5% of the population.

The state will also announce scholarship awards for 12-to-17-year-olds who are vaccinated, Polis said.

Other states have unveiled similar lottery ideas, including Ohio, New York, Maryland and Oregon.

In Ohio, the first state to announce its creative lottery plan, Gov. Mike DeWine said Monday that nearly 2.8 million residents registered for Ohio’s Vax-a-Million vaccination incentive program.

The Republican governor said vaccinations have surged since the lottery program was launched, adding that vaccinations among 16- and 17-year-olds jumped 94%; the 20-49 age group was up 55%; and 18-19-year-olds were up 46%.

DENVER (AP) — Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced a weekly state lottery for five residents to win $1 million Tuesday to incentive COVID-19 vaccinations, amid other state bids to overcome public vaccine hesitancy.“Rather than gamble on getting COVID, let’s take a chance on winning a million dollars,” Polis said.Colorado is setting aside $5 million of federal coronavirus relief funds that would have gone toward vaccine advertising for five residents to win $1 million each. The drawings will take place every week starting June 4 until July 7.Every resident who has been vaccinated by the end of May will be entered in the first drawing. In order to be eligible for the drawing, residents need to be 18 years old and have received at least one dose of the approved coronavirus vaccines.Nearly 3 million Colorado residents, about half of the state’s population have received their first vaccine dose, which is slightly higher than the U.S. average of 49.5% of people who have gotten their first injection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.There are just over 40% of fully vaccinated residents in Colorado, compared to the U.S. fully inoculated average of around 39.5% of the population.The state will also announce scholarship awards for 12-to-17-year-olds who are vaccinated, Polis said.Other states have unveiled similar lottery ideas, including Ohio, New York, Maryland and Oregon.In Ohio, the first state to announce its creative lottery plan, Gov. Mike DeWine said Monday that nearly 2.8 million residents registered for Ohio’s Vax-a-Million vaccination incentive program.The Republican governor said vaccinations have surged since the lottery program was launched, adding that vaccinations among 16- and 17-year-olds jumped 94%; the 20-49 age group was up 55%; and 18-19-year-olds were up 46%.

Colorado joins states offering $1M prizes for vaccinated residents

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating and arrested four suspects.

Just after 11:30p.m. Monday, a police officer in the area of 21st and Hood in Wichita and heard gunshots nearby, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens

The officer drove toward the sound of the gunshots and saw a white Ford Edge SUV traveling at a high rate of speed from the area of West 1600 West 21st North.

Police stopped the vehicle and arrested&nbsp; 22-year-old Luis Martinez, 18-year-old Nicholas Olmos, 20-year-old Jaylon Pete and a 16-year-old boy.

Witnesses in the area told police they saw the SUV in the vicinity near the time of the shooting. Police also recovered a handgun from inside the vehicle.

Investigators learned that the four suspects at the apartment complex for the purpose of conducting an illegal drug transaction, according to Stephens. During the transaction, there was a physical altercation and one of the suspects fired a gun at the identified as Jose Covarrubias.&nbsp; Police have not released information of which suspect is the shooter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621964526318.png" alt="Olmos photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Olmos photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating and arrested four suspects.Just after 11:30p.m. Monday, a police officer in the area of 21st and Hood in Wichita and heard gunshots nearby, according to Police Captain Jason StephensThe officer drove toward the sound of the gunshots and saw a white Ford Edge SUV traveling at a high rate of speed from the area of West 1600 West 21st North.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621964500907.png" alt="Martinez photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Martinez photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police stopped the vehicle and arrested&nbsp; 22-year-old Luis Martinez, 18-year-old Nicholas Olmos, 20-year-old Jaylon Pete and a 16-year-old boy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621964558526.png" alt="Pete photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Pete photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Witnesses in the area told police they saw the SUV in the vicinity near the time of the shooting. Police also recovered a handgun from inside the vehicle.Investigators learned that the four suspects at the apartment complex for the purpose of conducting an illegal drug transaction, according to Stephens. During the transaction, there was a physical altercation and one of the suspects fired a gun at the identified as Jose Covarrubias.&nbsp; Police have not released information of which suspect is the shooter.

16-year-old among 4 jailed for another Kan. drug deal killing

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The state-controlled board that oversees Kansas City's police department has voted to initiate legal action over city leaders' decision to change how some of the department's budget gets spent.

The Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners voted in a closed meeting on Monday to initiate legal action to enforce its authority over the department's budget. Two commission members who are attorneys, Nathan Garrett and Cathy Dean, will work with outside lawyers to discuss the board's legal options.

The vote comes after Mayor Quinton Lucas and eight city council members&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-michael-brown-kansas-city-police-government-and-politics-4803a9283551f58639d2e2ae6c922cc2">voted</a>&nbsp;on Thursday to reallocate about $42 million of the department's budget to a new fund that would emphasize social services such as community engagement and mental health programs. The department's budget was about $238 million in the last fiscal year.

Those votes came only hours after Lucas publicly announced the proposals, and infuriated the board of commissioners and council members from suburban Kansas City who said they were not notified ahead of time.

The ordinances would require the city manager to negotiate with the police board over how the money in the new fund is spent. The department also would receive about $3 million more to fund a police recruit class.

Opponents charge the change is a roundabout way to “defund” the police department. Lucas has rejected that characterization, saying the ordinances will actually increase the department's budget when the $3 million is added for the recruiting class.

Under state law, only the board of commissioners has authority over the police department. Other than the mayor, board members are appointed by the Missouri governor. The arrangement began in 1939 when state officials were trying to uproot corruption in Kansas City from the Tom Pendergast political machine.

The state's control of the city's police department has caused tension for years. The tension has grown since local protests following the death in Minneapolis of George Floyd last year and since local activists' calls for Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith to resign or be fired that stemmed in part from his handling of the protests.

Seven civil rights organizations held a news conference Tuesday to support Lucas and the proposed changes, and to repeat calls that Smith leave the police department.

The Rev. Rodney Williams, president of the Kansas City branch of the NAACP, said the mayor's “bold” action would help ensure minority voices are heard.

“Not only is this a radical move in the right direction. It is also a smart one,” Williams said. “It is smart because it is not defunding the police department. Rather, it raises the level of accountability for the police department to operate, because as it stands in the present moment, our police department is operating without any accountability to the citizens that pay taxes, or to any other entity."

Lucas was the only member of the police board to vote against litigation, but he has said he would welcome a lawsuit over the proposed budget changes.

He argued the current arrangement might violate the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which requires that people be treated equally under the law, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article251640123.html">reported</a>.

“Diminishing voices of people of Kansas City, diminishing the ability for the people of Kansas City to actually have some role in how budgetary decisions are made...is fundamentally unfair,” Lucas said. “I think it’s fundamentally unconstitutional and I am perfectly willing to argue that in a state or federal court. I think Kansas Citians have grown frustrated enough to argue that.”

Garrett&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-05-25/kansas-city-police-board-will-consider-legal-action-to-keep-total-control-of-police-budget">told KCUR</a>&nbsp;that the commission would have preferred to discuss the matter before Lucas surprised members with the announcement.

“But once those ordinances passed, the fuse was lit and we are in a time-crunch to address swiftly lest we are unable to fund Department operations,” Garrett said.

Two Kansas City-area state lawmakers, Rep. Doug Richey, an Excelsior Springs Republican, and Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, a Parkville Republican, said they will consider filing legislation during the next session to stop such police budget changes in the future.

Luetkemeyer also has said Gov. Mike Parson should consider calling a special session to address the issue.

Parson has not committed to a special session but criticized the proposed changes during an interview Monday on a Kansas City radio station.

“I think that if you’re trying in a round about way to say, ‘OK, I’m going to try and be a little bit clever on how I’m defunding police,’ you gotta be careful with that,” Parson said. “I think people are smart enough to see through that.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The state-controlled board that oversees Kansas City's police department has voted to initiate legal action over city leaders' decision to change how some of the department's budget gets spent.The Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners voted in a closed meeting on Monday to initiate legal action to enforce its authority over the department's budget. Two commission members who are attorneys, Nathan Garrett and Cathy Dean, will work with outside lawyers to discuss the board's legal options.The vote comes after Mayor Quinton Lucas and eight city council members&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-michael-brown-kansas-city-police-government-and-politics-4803a9283551f58639d2e2ae6c922cc2">voted</a>&nbsp;on Thursday to reallocate about $42 million of the department's budget to a new fund that would emphasize social services such as community engagement and mental health programs. The department's budget was about $238 million in the last fiscal year.Those votes came only hours after Lucas publicly announced the proposals, and infuriated the board of commissioners and council members from suburban Kansas City who said they were not notified ahead of time.The ordinances would require the city manager to negotiate with the police board over how the money in the new fund is spent. The department also would receive about $3 million more to fund a police recruit class.Opponents charge the change is a roundabout way to “defund” the police department. Lucas has rejected that characterization, saying the ordinances will actually increase the department's budget when the $3 million is added for the recruiting class.Under state law, only the board of commissioners has authority over the police department. Other than the mayor, board members are appointed by the Missouri governor. The arrangement began in 1939 when state officials were trying to uproot corruption in Kansas City from the Tom Pendergast political machine.The state's control of the city's police department has caused tension for years. The tension has grown since local protests following the death in Minneapolis of George Floyd last year and since local activists' calls for Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith to resign or be fired that stemmed in part from his handling of the protests.Seven civil rights organizations held a news conference Tuesday to support Lucas and the proposed changes, and to repeat calls that Smith leave the police department.The Rev. Rodney Williams, president of the Kansas City branch of the NAACP, said the mayor's “bold” action would help ensure minority voices are heard.“Not only is this a radical move in the right direction. It is also a smart one,” Williams said. “It is smart because it is not defunding the police department. Rather, it raises the level of accountability for the police department to operate, because as it stands in the present moment, our police department is operating without any accountability to the citizens that pay taxes, or to any other entity."Lucas was the only member of the police board to vote against litigation, but he has said he would welcome a lawsuit over the proposed budget changes.He argued the current arrangement might violate the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which requires that people be treated equally under the law, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article251640123.html">reported</a>.“Diminishing voices of people of Kansas City, diminishing the ability for the people of Kansas City to actually have some role in how budgetary decisions are made...is fundamentally unfair,” Lucas said. “I think it’s fundamentally unconstitutional and I am perfectly willing to argue that in a state or federal court. I think Kansas Citians have grown frustrated enough to argue that.”Garrett&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-05-25/kansas-city-police-board-will-consider-legal-action-to-keep-total-control-of-police-budget">told KCUR</a>&nbsp;that the commission would have preferred to discuss the matter before Lucas surprised members with the announcement.“But once those ordinances passed, the fuse was lit and we are in a time-crunch to address swiftly lest we are unable to fund Department operations,” Garrett said.Two Kansas City-area state lawmakers, Rep. Doug Richey, an Excelsior Springs Republican, and Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, a Parkville Republican, said they will consider filing legislation during the next session to stop such police budget changes in the future.Luetkemeyer also has said Gov. Mike Parson should consider calling a special session to address the issue.Parson has not committed to a special session but criticized the proposed changes during an interview Monday on a Kansas City radio station.“I think that if you’re trying in a round about way to say, ‘OK, I’m going to try and be a little bit clever on how I’m defunding police,’ you gotta be careful with that,” Parson said. “I think people are smart enough to see through that.”

Kansas City board considers legal action on police funding

SHERIDAN COUNTY —The National Weather Service in Goodland conducted a damage survey for the tornado that impacted the town of Selden on Monday evening.

The results show an EF1 tornado with an estimated peak wind of 110 mph.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The storm damaged a number of homes and other properties.

There were no serious injuries reported.&nbsp; <a href="https://nwschat.weather.gov/p.php?pid=202105252203-KGLD-NOUS43-PNSGLD">Click here</a> to read more on the storm from the National Weather Service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621911282665.png" alt="The EF1 tornado that rolled across Sheridan County on Monday -photo courtesy Greg Tetley" />
 <figcaption>The EF1 tornado that rolled across Sheridan County on Monday -photo courtesy Greg Tetley</figcaption>
 </figure>SHERIDAN COUNTY —The National Weather Service in Goodland conducted a damage survey for the tornado that impacted the town of Selden on Monday evening.The results show an EF1 tornado with an estimated peak wind of 110 mph.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621938326955.png" alt="Storm damage in Selden -photo Kansas Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Storm damage in Selden -photo Kansas Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>The storm damaged a number of homes and other properties.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621911414289.png" alt="Selden, Kansas storm damage photo courtesy Greg Tetley" />
 <figcaption>Selden, Kansas storm damage photo courtesy Greg Tetley</figcaption>
 </figure>There were no serious injuries reported.&nbsp; <a href="https://nwschat.weather.gov/p.php?pid=202105252203-KGLD-NOUS43-PNSGLD">Click here</a> to read more on the storm from the National Weather Service.

NW Kan. tornado had estimated peak winds of 110mph

NORTON – A Norton man has been sentenced to life in prison for child sex crimes and rape, according to Attorney General Derek Schmidt.&nbsp;

Mark Scheetz, 32, was sentenced Tuesday in Norton County District Court to two Jessica’s Law counts of aggravated criminal sodomy with a child younger than 14 years of age, as well as two counts of rape. District Judge Preston Pratt sentenced Scheetz to life in prison. 

Scheetz will be not eligible for parole for a minimum of 50 years. He was also sentenced to 32 months for sexual exploitation of a child and six months for intimidating a witness.&nbsp; Scheetz worked as a school resource officer in a Kansas City, Kansas school at the time of his arrest.&nbsp; He had also previously worked for the sheriff's department in Sheridan County.

Scheetz was convicted by a jury in April on all counts. The crimes took place between 2012 and 2015 in Norton County.

BONNER SPRINGS, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a school resource officer in Kansas City, Kansas, has been charged with child sex crimes.

Mark Scheetz, of Lansing, faces two counts of rape and two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy. The Kansas Attorney General’s Office filed the charges last week in Norton County District Court. His bond is set at $500,000.

Charging documents say Scheetz had sex with a child under the age of 14 several years ago while he was living in the county.

The Kansas City, Kansas, district has its own police department. The school district said last week that it placed Scheetz on administrative leave pending the results of the investigation.

Before coming there, Scheetz worked for the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office from 2016 to 2018.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619649349091.png" alt="Scheetz-photo Norton County" />
 <figcaption>Scheetz-photo Norton County</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTON – A Norton man has been sentenced to life in prison for child sex crimes and rape, according to Attorney General Derek Schmidt.&nbsp;Mark Scheetz, 32, was sentenced Tuesday in Norton County District Court to two Jessica’s Law counts of aggravated criminal sodomy with a child younger than 14 years of age, as well as two counts of rape. District Judge Preston Pratt sentenced Scheetz to life in prison. Scheetz will be not eligible for parole for a minimum of 50 years. He was also sentenced to 32 months for sexual exploitation of a child and six months for intimidating a witness.&nbsp; Scheetz worked as a school resource officer in a Kansas City, Kansas school at the time of his arrest.&nbsp; He had also previously worked for the sheriff's department in Sheridan County.Scheetz was convicted by a jury in April on all counts. The crimes took place between 2012 and 2015 in Norton County.----------BONNER SPRINGS, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a school resource officer in Kansas City, Kansas, has been charged with child sex crimes.Mark Scheetz, of Lansing, faces two counts of rape and two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy. The Kansas Attorney General’s Office filed the charges last week in Norton County District Court. His bond is set at $500,000.Charging documents say Scheetz had sex with a child under the age of 14 several years ago while he was living in the county.The Kansas City, Kansas, district has its own police department. The school district said last week that it placed Scheetz on administrative leave pending the results of the investigation.Before coming there, Scheetz worked for the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office from 2016 to 2018.

Former Kan. school resource officer sentenced for child sex crimes

CHASE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 10p.m. Tuesday in Chase County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Dodge Caravan driven by Stephens, Ashley Marie Stephens,39, Paris, Tennessee, was westbound on U.S. 50 four miles east of Strong City.

The driver failed to maintain the lane. The van crossed to the left of the center and struck an eastbound 2020 Freightliner semi driven by Abdoulaye&nbsp;Oumar, 41, Independence, Kentucky.

Stephens was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Brown Bennett Alexander Funeral Home.

Oumar and a passenger in the semi were not injured. The KHP did not report complete seat belt, information.

CHASE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 10p.m. Tuesday in Chase County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Dodge Caravan driven by Stephens, Ashley Marie Stephens,39, Paris, Tennessee, was westbound on U.S. 50 four miles east of Strong City.The driver failed to maintain the lane. The van crossed to the left of the center and struck an eastbound 2020 Freightliner semi driven by Abdoulaye&nbsp;Oumar, 41, Independence, Kentucky.Stephens was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Brown Bennett Alexander Funeral Home.Oumar and a passenger in the semi were not injured. The KHP did not report complete seat belt, information.

Woman dies after van, semi crash on Kansas highway

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A high school student told a sheriff’s deputy that a Kansas House member kicked him in the testicles while the lawmaker was working as a substitute teacher in his hometown last month, according to the deputy’s written statement.

The deputy’s affidavit, released to reporters Tuesday, said Republican state Rep. Mark Samsel, of Wellsville, acknowledged during an interview the day after the April 28 incident that he had “demonstrated a kick” after the boy’s behavior had disrupted class. He told the deputy he did not kick the student and that the boy “embellished the heck out of it.”

Samsel has been charged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ks-state-wire-kansas-government-and-politics-4f7abc1a3efe44669614bc9c0361c748">with three misdemeanor counts of battery</a>. He is accused of having contact with two Wellsville High School students “in a rude, insulting or angry manner” and of doing bodily harm to one of them.

Samsel did not answer a telephone message and a message could not be left for him. His attorney, Christopher Scott, did not immediately return a cellphone message seeking comment. Scott had asked a Franklin County Magistrate Kevin Kimball on Monday not to release the affidavit, but Kimball released a redacted copy.

Samsel last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-government-and-politics-7191c4a10e182aa9a6a030d5fd8fb5fb">pleaded not guilty</a>&nbsp;to the charges and was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation. His next court hearing is scheduled for July 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619814603053.png" alt="Samsel's booking photo from the Franklin County Kansas Jail" />
 <figcaption>Samsel's booking photo from the Franklin County Kansas Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A high school student told a sheriff’s deputy that a Kansas House member kicked him in the testicles while the lawmaker was working as a substitute teacher in his hometown last month, according to the deputy’s written statement.The deputy’s affidavit, released to reporters Tuesday, said Republican state Rep. Mark Samsel, of Wellsville, acknowledged during an interview the day after the April 28 incident that he had “demonstrated a kick” after the boy’s behavior had disrupted class. He told the deputy he did not kick the student and that the boy “embellished the heck out of it.”Samsel has been charged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ks-state-wire-kansas-government-and-politics-4f7abc1a3efe44669614bc9c0361c748">with three misdemeanor counts of battery</a>. He is accused of having contact with two Wellsville High School students “in a rude, insulting or angry manner” and of doing bodily harm to one of them.Samsel did not answer a telephone message and a message could not be left for him. His attorney, Christopher Scott, did not immediately return a cellphone message seeking comment. Scott had asked a Franklin County Magistrate Kevin Kimball on Monday not to release the affidavit, but Kimball released a redacted copy.Samsel last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-government-and-politics-7191c4a10e182aa9a6a030d5fd8fb5fb">pleaded not guilty</a>&nbsp;to the charges and was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation. His next court hearing is scheduled for July 12.

Deputy: Student says Kansas lawmaker kicked him in testicles

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two brothers who were sentenced to die in 2002 for four killings known as “the Wichita massacre” are back before the Kansas Supreme Court seeking to have their sentences commuted to life in prison.

The court heard arguments Monday from attorneys in the cases of Jonathan and Reginald Carr.

Their attorneys continued to argue that their death sentences should be overturned because the two brothers had a joint hearing when jurors considered their punishments.

The Kansas court upheld their convictions in 2014 but overturned their death sentences, concluding that not having separate hearings violated the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Supreme Court reversed that decision in 2016, returning the case to the Kansas court.

The brothers were sentenced to die over a home invasion in December 2000 that included robbery, rape, torture and the execution-style shootings of four victims. Other crimes over six days left a fifth person dead.

Each of the brothers accused the other of carrying out the crimes.

Reginald Carr contends he was the victim of mistaken identity and that Jonathan Carr committed the murders with someone else.

Jonathan Carr contends Reginald Carr was mainly responsible for the crimes and abused him along with other members of their family.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621970475802.png" alt="Reginald Carr is&nbsp; being held in the El Dorado Correctional Facility -photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Reginald Carr is&nbsp; being held in the El Dorado Correctional Facility -photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two brothers who were sentenced to die in 2002 for four killings known as “the Wichita massacre” are back before the Kansas Supreme Court seeking to have their sentences commuted to life in prison.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621970431260.png" alt="Jonathan Carr contends Reginald Carr was mainly responsible for the crimes and abused him along with other members of their family.-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Jonathan Carr contends Reginald Carr was mainly responsible for the crimes and abused him along with other members of their family.-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>The court heard arguments Monday from attorneys in the cases of Jonathan and Reginald Carr.Their attorneys continued to argue that their death sentences should be overturned because the two brothers had a joint hearing when jurors considered their punishments.The Kansas court upheld their convictions in 2014 but overturned their death sentences, concluding that not having separate hearings violated the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Supreme Court reversed that decision in 2016, returning the case to the Kansas court.The brothers were sentenced to die over a home invasion in December 2000 that included robbery, rape, torture and the execution-style shootings of four victims. Other crimes over six days left a fifth person dead.Each of the brothers accused the other of carrying out the crimes.Reginald Carr contends he was the victim of mistaken identity and that Jonathan Carr committed the murders with someone else.Jonathan Carr contends Reginald Carr was mainly responsible for the crimes and abused him along with other members of their family.

Attorney: Brothers' death sentences for Kan. murder should be overturned

WAYNESVILLE, Mo. (AP) — Remains found in 1981 in southern Missouri have been identified and the death is being investigated as a homicide, Pulaski County authorities announced Tuesday.

The sheriff's department said a DNA match with a man in Alexandria, Virginia, identified the remains as Karen Kay Knippers.

Detectives found the body at a low river crossing near Dixon on May 25, 1981. After she could not be identified, she was buried as a Jane Doe in the Waynesville Cemetery.

Pulaski County Sheriff's Detective D.J. Renno became interested in the case in 2012, and in 2015 the remains were exhumed.

Forensic analysis and DNA extraction was completed by the University of North Texas and the University of South Florida in 2015 and 2016, the sheriff's department said.

In 2019, the remains were sent to the DNA Doe Project in Sebastopol, California, which uses DNA to identify relatives.

The organization found a possible match in 2019. When Pulaski County authorities contacted the man in Alexandria, Virginia, he said his family had lost touch with a sister in the 1980s.

The man provided a DNA sample, which matched him with the remains and identified her as Knipper.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621971661575.png" alt="Karen Kay Knippers photo courtesy Pulaski Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Karen Kay Knippers photo courtesy Pulaski Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>WAYNESVILLE, Mo. (AP) — Remains found in 1981 in southern Missouri have been identified and the death is being investigated as a homicide, Pulaski County authorities announced Tuesday.The sheriff's department said a DNA match with a man in Alexandria, Virginia, identified the remains as Karen Kay Knippers.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmopulaskicountysheriffsdept%2Fvideos%2F462761984818565%2F&show_text=false&width=267" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Detectives found the body at a low river crossing near Dixon on May 25, 1981. After she could not be identified, she was buried as a Jane Doe in the Waynesville Cemetery.Pulaski County Sheriff's Detective D.J. Renno became interested in the case in 2012, and in 2015 the remains were exhumed.Forensic analysis and DNA extraction was completed by the University of North Texas and the University of South Florida in 2015 and 2016, the sheriff's department said.In 2019, the remains were sent to the DNA Doe Project in Sebastopol, California, which uses DNA to identify relatives.The organization found a possible match in 2019. When Pulaski County authorities contacted the man in Alexandria, Virginia, he said his family had lost touch with a sister in the 1980s.The man provided a DNA sample, which matched him with the remains and identified her as Knipper.

🎥 Authorities ID remains found in Missouri in 1981 

NORTON – A Kansas man has been sentenced to more than 43 years in prison for convictions of second-degree murder and kidnapping of his wife, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Damien Shields, 44,&nbsp; Norton was sentenced Tuesday in Norton County District Court by District Judge Preston Pratt to 460 months for second-degree murder and 60 months for kidnapping to be served consecutively in the Kansas Department of Corrections. Shields had pleaded guilty to the charges in February.

The crimes took place in April 2019 at a residence in Norton County. The case was investigated by the Norton Police Department, Norton County Sheriff’s Office, Lawrence Police Department, Cape Girardeau, Mo., Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

NORTON COUNTY —A 42-year-old Norton man was arrested for first-degree murder Monday (April 8, 2019) in connection with the death of his wife over the weekend, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

The agency says Damien Shields was taken into custody after he was released from the Cape Girardeau hospital where he was taken after officers found him in a hotel room, suffering from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He has been booked into the Cape Girardeau jail.

Shields is accused of killing his 38-year-old wife, Lori Shields, whose body was discovered Sunday in a home at 16353 U.S. Highway 36, in rural Norton. The victim had been a secretary at Eisenhower Elementary School, in Norton. The district canceled classes on Monday to allow students, faculty, and staff to mourn her death. The district also released the following statement.

After Norton Co. Sheriff's deputies discovered her body, they asked the KBI for its assistance with the investigation. Together, they were able to identify a suspect, the KBI said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621974596306.png" alt="Shields photo Norton County" />
 <figcaption>Shields photo Norton County</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTON – A Kansas man has been sentenced to more than 43 years in prison for convictions of second-degree murder and kidnapping of his wife, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.Damien Shields, 44,&nbsp; Norton was sentenced Tuesday in Norton County District Court by District Judge Preston Pratt to 460 months for second-degree murder and 60 months for kidnapping to be served consecutively in the Kansas Department of Corrections. Shields had pleaded guilty to the charges in February.The crimes took place in April 2019 at a residence in Norton County. The case was investigated by the Norton Police Department, Norton County Sheriff’s Office, Lawrence Police Department, Cape Girardeau, Mo., Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.--------NORTON COUNTY —A 42-year-old Norton man was arrested for first-degree murder Monday (April 8, 2019) in connection with the death of his wife over the weekend, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.The agency says Damien Shields was taken into custody after he was released from the Cape Girardeau hospital where he was taken after officers found him in a hotel room, suffering from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He has been booked into the Cape Girardeau jail.Shields is accused of killing his 38-year-old wife, Lori Shields, whose body was discovered Sunday in a home at 16353 U.S. Highway 36, in rural Norton. The victim had been a secretary at Eisenhower Elementary School, in Norton. The district canceled classes on Monday to allow students, faculty, and staff to mourn her death. The district also released the following statement.After Norton Co. Sheriff's deputies discovered her body, they asked the KBI for its assistance with the investigation. Together, they were able to identify a suspect, the KBI said.

NW Kan. man sentenced for murder, kidnapping of his wife

DICKINSON COUNTY— The dream of seeing the Brookville Hotel reopen may never be realized. Unpaid taxes could prevent the Martins who own the hotel and the Munsons from opening Legacy Kansas.

The Martins have been delinquent on paying taxes for the past few years, according to&nbsp;Leah Hern, Dickinson County Treasurer.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I believe it is around $160,000 with tax and penalties as of Tuesday," she confirmed.

ABILENE -- The reopening of the Brookville Hotel in Abilene has hit a snag.

The Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau released the following&nbsp; statement from Charles and Deanna Munson Tuesday afternoon.

"We believed that we had an agreement in principle to purchase the Brookville Hotel assets and made every effort to expedite the opening of Legacy Kansas to accommodate summer travel demands.&nbsp;It is now apparent that we will be unable to arrive at a mutually agreeable contract with the Martins.&nbsp;This will unfortunately prevent us from opening on June 23rd as planned."

We are, however, committed to seeing this project completed and hope better news will be announced at a later time. We want to thank everyone for their support and understanding as we work through this difficult situation.

Please watch for future announcements on Facebook @ MunsonsPrimeSteakhouse.&nbsp;

DICKINSON COUNTY— The dream of seeing the Brookville Hotel reopen may never be realized. Unpaid taxes could prevent the Martins who own the hotel and the Munsons from opening Legacy Kansas.The Martins have been delinquent on paying taxes for the past few years, according to&nbsp;Leah Hern, Dickinson County Treasurer.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I believe it is around $160,000 with tax and penalties as of Tuesday," she confirmed. -------ABILENE -- The reopening of the Brookville Hotel in Abilene has hit a snag.The Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau released the following&nbsp; statement from Charles and Deanna Munson Tuesday afternoon."We believed that we had an agreement in principle to purchase the Brookville Hotel assets and made every effort to expedite the opening of Legacy Kansas to accommodate summer travel demands.&nbsp;It is now apparent that we will be unable to arrive at a mutually agreeable contract with the Martins.&nbsp;This will unfortunately prevent us from opening on June 23rd as planned."We are, however, committed to seeing this project completed and hope better news will be announced at a later time. We want to thank everyone for their support and understanding as we work through this difficult situation.Please watch for future announcements on Facebook @ MunsonsPrimeSteakhouse.&nbsp;

Update: Brookville Hotel won't reopen unless delinquent taxes are paid

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooing and asking the public for help to locate suspects.

Just after 11p.m. Monday, police responded to report of a shooting the 1200 block of North 9th Street in Garden City, according to a release from Police Chief Courtney Prewitt&nbsp;

Upon arrival, officers found a man sitting in the street who had been shot.&nbsp; EMS transported the victim identified as 33-year-old&nbsp;  Eraclio Hernandez Jr. of Garden City to St. Catherine Hospital, where he later died.

Authorities are requesting assistance from the community. If you witnessed this incident or have information related to this incident, you should call the Garden City Police Department.

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooing and asking the public for help to locate suspects.Just after 11p.m. Monday, police responded to report of a shooting the 1200 block of North 9th Street in Garden City, according to a release from Police Chief Courtney Prewitt&nbsp;Upon arrival, officers found a man sitting in the street who had been shot.&nbsp; EMS transported the victim identified as 33-year-old&nbsp; Eraclio Hernandez Jr. of Garden City to St. Catherine Hospital, where he later died.Authorities are requesting assistance from the community. If you witnessed this incident or have information related to this incident, you should call the Garden City Police Department.

Police ID man shot, killed in Southwest Kansas

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas woman who alleges consensual sex with a friend in his college dorm room turned into a terrifying assault took matters into her own hands when prosecutors declined to bring rape charges. She called a citizen grand jury, relying on a 134-year-old state law.

Madison Smith, 22, collected the hundreds of signatures necessary to empanel the grand jury after the county prosecutor resolved the case by allowing Jared Stolzenburg to plead guilty to aggravated battery and receive two years’ probation.

Smith, who graduated earlier this month from Bethany College in Lindsborg, about 70 miles north of Wichita, is part of a generation of women emboldened to go public with their stories due to the #MeToo movement.

“This happens nationwide, worldwide that victims and survivors are minimized by the prosecutors who don’t believe them,” she said, “And that is not OK because rape culture is so prevalent, and we need to get rid of it, and one of the ways to do that is to get our stories out there.”

Kansas is one of six states that allow citizens to petition for grand juries. The 1887 law was rarely used until anti-abortion activists began using it to force grand jury investigations of abortion clinics. It has since been used to go after adult bookstores and to challenge former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach’s right to appear as the Republican nominee for governor.

But Smith’s case, which will be considered in September, is believed to be the first time that someone claiming sexual assault has used it, said Kathy Ray of the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence.

“This case has a lot of issues within the criminal justice system, and sometimes victims feel they have no other choice but to go public,” she said.

The process of seeking a grand jury wasn’t easy. Smith had to stand in a parking lot telling her story over and over again to strangers to collect hundreds of signatures, and then do it again when the first petition was rejected on a technicality.

Some of the strangers she approached snatched the pen from her hands just a few minutes after she began speaking, hugging her and whispering into her ear so others nearby couldn’t hear that they had been sexually assaulted in the past themselves.

“They were very thankful that I was fighting, just fighting the justice system and trying to make a change in the world because they were too scared to fight back,” she recalled.

But Smith said she felt it was the only way she could get justice for the February 2018 attack.

McPherson County Attorney Gregory Benefiel told Smith’s mother in a recorded conversation that the case was challenging because Smith didn’t verbally withdraw consent during the encounter. Smith said that’s because he was choking her.

“I think anybody could realize that if you can’t breathe, you can’t speak,” she said.

Smith said the attack happened after she ran into Stolzenburg while doing laundry and went back to his room at Bethany College, where they had sex. It initially was consensual, but then he began slapping and strangling her, leaving her gasping for air, Smith said during Stolzenburg’s sentencing hearing in August 2020.

“I really thought that he was going to kill me, and the only way I was going to leave that room was in a body bag,” said Smith, who is working at a nursing home before she begins to study nursing in the fall.

“He would strangle me for 20 or 30 seconds at a time, and I would begin to lose consciousness,” she said.

Stolzenburg’s Bethany College transcript shows that he was administratively withdrawn in March 2018, said Amie Bauer, the school’s general counsel. She wrote that the college had no further comment.

Defense attorney Brent Boyer said during the sentencing hearing that Stolzenburg and his family had been threatened and that Stolzenburg wanted to “move forward.” A woman who answered the phone in Boyer’s office said that Boyer didn’t participate in media interviews and hung up. Stolzenburg doesn’t have a listed phone number and didn’t immediately respond to a message on Facebook.

Benefiel said in an interview with The Associated Press that sex crimes cases are “extremely challenging to prosecute” because jurors are looking “for that CSI type of evidence.” He said he couldn’t comment on the specifics of the case but added that he believed that he and Smith both wanted the same thing — “truth and justice.”

“There is a disagreement on what it looks like in this case, but I think everyone has the same goals,” he said.

But Julie Germann, a former Minnesota prosecutor who reviewed the Kansas law for the Smiths and determined that the attack qualified for a rape charge, said prosecutors need to “look at the totality of the circumstances.”

“This idea that because she consented then anything that follows is acceptable, that is a very dangerous precedent to set,” said Germann, who consults and teaches about sexual assault.

Justin Boardman, who trains police and prosecutors to investigate sex crimes, said defense attorneys often try to argue that the victim had consented not just to sex but to rough sex. However, in that lifestyle, there are typically a lot of check-ins and discussions before sex starts, he said.

“If it is just a surprise, it is assault,” he said.

A court services worker said during the sentencing hearing that Stolzenburg told her he should have communicated better and “does feel sorry for the victim.”

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTHMISSION, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas woman who alleges consensual sex with a friend in his college dorm room turned into a terrifying assault took matters into her own hands when prosecutors declined to bring rape charges. She called a citizen grand jury, relying on a 134-year-old state law.Madison Smith, 22, collected the hundreds of signatures necessary to empanel the grand jury after the county prosecutor resolved the case by allowing Jared Stolzenburg to plead guilty to aggravated battery and receive two years’ probation.Smith, who graduated earlier this month from Bethany College in Lindsborg, about 70 miles north of Wichita, is part of a generation of women emboldened to go public with their stories due to the #MeToo movement.“This happens nationwide, worldwide that victims and survivors are minimized by the prosecutors who don’t believe them,” she said, “And that is not OK because rape culture is so prevalent, and we need to get rid of it, and one of the ways to do that is to get our stories out there.”Kansas is one of six states that allow citizens to petition for grand juries. The 1887 law was rarely used until anti-abortion activists began using it to force grand jury investigations of abortion clinics. It has since been used to go after adult bookstores and to challenge former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach’s right to appear as the Republican nominee for governor.But Smith’s case, which will be considered in September, is believed to be the first time that someone claiming sexual assault has used it, said Kathy Ray of the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence.“This case has a lot of issues within the criminal justice system, and sometimes victims feel they have no other choice but to go public,” she said.The process of seeking a grand jury wasn’t easy. Smith had to stand in a parking lot telling her story over and over again to strangers to collect hundreds of signatures, and then do it again when the first petition was rejected on a technicality.Some of the strangers she approached snatched the pen from her hands just a few minutes after she began speaking, hugging her and whispering into her ear so others nearby couldn’t hear that they had been sexually assaulted in the past themselves.“They were very thankful that I was fighting, just fighting the justice system and trying to make a change in the world because they were too scared to fight back,” she recalled.But Smith said she felt it was the only way she could get justice for the February 2018 attack.McPherson County Attorney Gregory Benefiel told Smith’s mother in a recorded conversation that the case was challenging because Smith didn’t verbally withdraw consent during the encounter. Smith said that’s because he was choking her.“I think anybody could realize that if you can’t breathe, you can’t speak,” she said.Smith said the attack happened after she ran into Stolzenburg while doing laundry and went back to his room at Bethany College, where they had sex. It initially was consensual, but then he began slapping and strangling her, leaving her gasping for air, Smith said during Stolzenburg’s sentencing hearing in August 2020.“I really thought that he was going to kill me, and the only way I was going to leave that room was in a body bag,” said Smith, who is working at a nursing home before she begins to study nursing in the fall.“He would strangle me for 20 or 30 seconds at a time, and I would begin to lose consciousness,” she said.Stolzenburg’s Bethany College transcript shows that he was administratively withdrawn in March 2018, said Amie Bauer, the school’s general counsel. She wrote that the college had no further comment.Defense attorney Brent Boyer said during the sentencing hearing that Stolzenburg and his family had been threatened and that Stolzenburg wanted to “move forward.” A woman who answered the phone in Boyer’s office said that Boyer didn’t participate in media interviews and hung up. Stolzenburg doesn’t have a listed phone number and didn’t immediately respond to a message on Facebook.Benefiel said in an interview with The Associated Press that sex crimes cases are “extremely challenging to prosecute” because jurors are looking “for that CSI type of evidence.” He said he couldn’t comment on the specifics of the case but added that he believed that he and Smith both wanted the same thing — “truth and justice.”“There is a disagreement on what it looks like in this case, but I think everyone has the same goals,” he said.But Julie Germann, a former Minnesota prosecutor who reviewed the Kansas law for the Smiths and determined that the attack qualified for a rape charge, said prosecutors need to “look at the totality of the circumstances.”“This idea that because she consented then anything that follows is acceptable, that is a very dangerous precedent to set,” said Germann, who consults and teaches about sexual assault.Justin Boardman, who trains police and prosecutors to investigate sex crimes, said defense attorneys often try to argue that the victim had consented not just to sex but to rough sex. However, in that lifestyle, there are typically a lot of check-ins and discussions before sex starts, he said.“If it is just a surprise, it is assault,” he said.A court services worker said during the sentencing hearing that Stolzenburg told her he should have communicated better and “does feel sorry for the victim.”

Kansas woman alleging dorm rape convenes own grand jury

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — A man was sentenced to 20 years in prison Monday after he admitted that he shot and killed a Kansas City rapper in 2015.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621879451400.png" alt="Taylor photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Taylor photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — A man was sentenced to 20 years in prison Monday after he admitted that he shot and killed a Kansas City rapper in 2015.Derius Taylor, 32, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of 20-year-old Dominique Stafford, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office said.Stafford’s body was found inside a car in eastern Kansas City on April 23, 2015.Taylor arranged to buy drugs from Stafford but actually intended to rob him. Taylor got into Stafford’s car, shot him and took a rifle and a diamond-encrusted pendant the necklace, detectives said.Another person got in the car with Stafford’s body and drove away while Taylor followed in the second car, detectives said. They later the car with Stafford’s body where police found it.Detectives later learned Taylor pawned the pendant he took from Stafford.The month before Stafford’s brother, Arthur Stafford Jr., 22, was found fatally shot a month before Dominique Stafford was killed.The Stafford brothers were rap artists with Duced Out Records, a Kansas City-based record company.