Tag Archives: Kansas News

News to Know (4/27/21)

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Census Bureau says the U.S. population reached nearly 331.5 Million last year, a 7.4% increase from 2010. The decade’s population growth rate was the second-slowest on record after the 1930s.

COFFEYVILLE, Kan. – Authorities arrest a suspect in a Coffeyville, Kansas homicide. Coffeyville police say officers on Friday responded to the 700 block of West Martin street for a shooting. When officers arrived, they learned the victim, 46-year old Christopher Temple, had been taken to the hospital. Temple later died of his wounds. Monday, authorities announced the suspect, 24-year old Ruben Robles of Coffeyville, was arrested in New Mexico.

NEWTON COUNTY, Mo. – A Newton County Judge sentences an Oklahoma man for his role in shooting at a Seneca, Missouri police officer. Kenneth Nelums gets 18-years and 15-years in prison on charges of first degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon. Those sentences will run at the same time. Nelums entered an Alford plea, which means he doesn’t admit guilt but recognizes that the prosecution has enough evidence to convict him. The crime happened in September. Authorities say a Seneca police officer tried to make a traffic stop, but someone shot at the officer. The officer was not hit. Bradley Holms, the alleged shooter, also entered an Alford plea. He got 15 years in prison. Tony Helm, another co-defendant also got 15 years in prison.

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signs three anti-abortion bills into law. Governor Stitt announced on twitter he signed bills yesterday requiring physicians who perform abortions to be certified in obstetrics, adding performing abortions to the list of unprofessional conduct by doctors, and prohibiting abortions if a fetal heartbeat is detected. The New York-based Center for Reproductive Rights has successfully sued to overturn numerous anti-abortion bills in Oklahoma and says it’s considering all options to ensure the laws don’t take effect.

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Kansas agency’s lost $72K: 4 years of probing, few answers

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – Sometime after a January 2017 drug bust near Interstate 70’s main exit for President Dwight Eisenhower’s boyhood Kansas home, $72,000 in cash seized by the local sheriff’s department disappeared.

The state has been investigating the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department for close to four years, with two officials saying in a court filing this year that a “fear of retribution” among department employees had slowed progress. A three-term sheriff lost last year’s Republican primary decisively to a former longtime officer who told voters the department was falling apart.

The mystery has unfolded amid a national debate over whether law enforcement agencies can too easily seize cash and other assets – often without a criminal conviction. Interstate 70 has long been considered a major drug-running corridor.

Meanwhile, there’s no official explanation for what happened to the cash seized in Dickinson County.

“I would like to think that we could get some closure on that,” said Brad Homman, the county administrator.

Abilene, the county seat with 6,400 people, is about 150 miles west (241 kilometers) of Kansas City. Eisenhower’s presidential library gives the town a hint of prairie rectitude, though it had a pre-Ike past as the end of the Chisholm Trail for 1860s cattle drovers.

No criminal charges have been filed over the missing $72,000. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation closed an inquiry into the former sheriff in October 2019 and the missing funds were “fully investigated,” spokesperson Melissa Underwood said.

Yet, Underwood also wrote in a recent email to The Associated Press, “We have open cases involving Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office personnel.”

Current Sheriff Jerry Davis cited the KBI’s inquiries in declining to answer most questions. The local prosecutor, Andrea Purvis, didn’t respond to interview requests or emailed questions.

Former Sheriff Gareth Hoffman and his undersheriff didn’t respond to social media or email messages. Possible phone numbers for them weren’t answered.

Some details emerged when a lawsuit forced KBI Director Kirk Thompson and General Counsel Laura Graham to answer questions in writing in late February. They were defending the KBI’s refusal to release records five months after the Abilene Reflector-Chronicle’s parent company sued for disclosure.

Thompson and Graham said officers wouldn’t help the KBI if they knew their statements would become public. “One deputy was advised by commanding officers that he would be fired if he spoke about a theft,” the KBI officials said.

Any picture of what happened is clouded by separate allegations in early 2017 that a lieutenant improperly borrowed $25,760 over 4 1/2 years, most of it from a property room in the basement the county attorney’s office building. The officer later pleaded guilty to felony theft in a case that has prompted questions about how Hoffman ran the department.

The KBI said that the sheriff’s office asked it in late May 2017 to investigate the $72,000 missing from its property room. The sheriff has an evidence room in the county courthouse.

Dickinson County Commission Chairman Lynn Peterson believes people were satisfied then with the sheriff’s leadership and notes that it was the sheriff’s office “that uncovered the fact that money was missing and started gathering information.”

But in May 2018, nearly a year after the sheriff’s office sought KBI help, Purvis asked the state agency to investigate “possible evidence destruction and interference with law enforcement” by Hoffman or his employees.

Local officials’ requests for KBI investigations were confirmed in a September 2020 letter to the Reflector-Chronicle’s attorney from Graham, the KBI’s general counsel. The letter, now public because of the open-records lawsuit the newspaper filed days later, wasn’t more specific about what Purvis wanted investigated.

A KBI agent filed an offense report in October 2018 saying $72,020 was missing in a potential “Theft of property or services.” The report’s front page – the only page typically released in Kansas – does not name suspects.

Graham’s letter said the KBI spent about 18 months investigating the missing money and more than a year investigating allegations involving Hoffman and his employees. The state found “insufficient evidence” for charges.

Also involved was Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s office, which notified Purvis in July 2019 that it wouldn’t file criminal misconduct charges in Dickinson County. The letter from Assistant Attorney General Michael Serra suggested that a case could not be proven to a jury, though an investigation remained open. He questioned local officials’ evidence-handling policies.

The sheriff’s office did have 21 pages of policies – which Davis said he’s revising – for items in its courthouse property room, including one that said cash or coins worth more than $100 were to be counted by the deputy who seized the money and a second officer before being sealed in tamper-proof packaging.

As for the missing cash, Homman, the county administrator, said it would be nice to get it back.

“It’s money that shouldn’t have been wherever it went.”

Small earthquakes rattle north-central Kansas

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SMITH CENTER, Kan. – Several small earthquakes have rattled north-central Kansas.

The largest had a magnitude of 3.5 and was reported Friday in Jewell County.

Two other quakes measuring 2.3 and 2.5 on the Richter scale were recorded Saturday in Smith County, while a third with a magnitude of 2.5 was reported in Jewell County.

There are no reports of damage. The threshold for damage usually starts at a magnitude 4.0.

Kansas governor vetoes GOP-backed education measures

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed two Republican-backed education bills on Thursday, including one that would have required high school students to pass a civics test to graduate and another that would have allowed districts to incorporate gun safety courses into their curriculums.

The Republican-controlled Legislature approved the bills this month, but not by large enough margins in either chamber for override attempts to succeed, falling 12 votes short in the House and two shy in the Senate on the civics bill and five votes short in the House and nine shy in the Senate on the gun safety course measure.

It wasn’t immediately clear if anyone who opposed either bill initially might back one or both in an override attempt, or even if attempts would be made. Some Republicans who opposed the bills said they agreed with state Board of Education members who argued that the measures would have infringed upon the board’s constitutional authority to set graduation requirements.

“The Kansas Constitution endows our state Board of Education with the authority to set the curriculum for our public schools,” the Democratic governor said in a statement. “We should let the state Board of Education do that job, not the Legislature. This is legislative overreach. I encourage the Legislature to work with the State Board of Education to modify curriculum.”

The civics bill would have required public and private high school students to pass a test or series of tests consisting of 60 randomly selected questions from the U.S. citizenship test. The measure didn’t set a passing grade, leaving that to teachers. Students would have been able to take the test multiple times until they passed.

That bill also would have forced high schools to offer financial literacy courses beginning next year that students would have had to pass in order to graduate starting in the 2024-25 school year.

The legislation drew criticism from Democrats and the state’s largest teacher’s union, the Kansas National Education Association, which pointed out that students already learn about civics in their government classes. The Kansas Association of School Boards, the United School Administrators of Kansas and the Olathe School District told lawmakers that they would rather encourage students to work on civics projects instead of relying on tests.

Republicans supporting the bill argued that a test would require students to learn basic information needed to become engaged citizens. Some also said that passing a civics test should be easy for students who already study the subject in other classes. The bill would have required high schools to submit annual reports tracking how students performed on the test.

Nineteen states require high school students to have taken a civics test in order to graduate, according to the Legislature’s research staff.

The other bill Kelly vetoed would have allowed school districts to offer gun-safety programs and directed the state Board of Education to develop curriculum guidelines, including requiring K-5 courses to be based on the National Rifle Association’s “Eddie the Eagle” program. Although the bill’s backers said the NRA program is well-established, some critics said it has proven to be ineffective in preventing accidental shootings among children.

News to Know (4/23/21)

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Scientists advising the government meet today in an emergency session to discuss the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. The United States could decide to resume use of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, but the vaccine could carry a new warning, after several women who received it came down with a rare blood clotting disorder. As many as 10 million doses have been sitting un-used since last week.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Missouri Senate budget committee votes against funding the voter-approved Medicaid expansion. The budget panel voted seven to seven on a Republican-sponsored proposal that would have set money aside to pay for the program. The tied vote means the proposal failed. Missouri voters last year amended the state constitution to extend government health care to thousands more low-income adults. But now the legislature is arguing over whether to pay for it. The leader of the budget committee says it’s now up to the full senate to make a final decision on funding for the program.

TOPEKA, Kan. – In Kansas, Governor Laura Kelly vetoes legislation that would have banned trans-student-athletes from competing in girls sports. In a statement the governor said quote “As Kansans, we should be focused on how to include all students in extracurricular activities rather than how to exclude those who may be different than us. Kansas is an inclusive state and our laws should reflect our values. This law does not do that.” Supporters of the bill still could try to override her veto and try to persuade a handful of moderate Republicans who either voted against the bill or abstained to switch.

CHANUTE, Kan. – Police search for at least three more suspects following a series of drug raids in southeast Kansas. Warrants remain active for Kevin Pratt and Jessica Rogers from Iola and Timothy Mishler from Chanute. They’re among 12 suspects who were sought in KBI raids Wednesday in Neosho County, Allen County and Montgomery County, Kansas following an eight-month long investigation of drug crimes, including distribution of methamphetamine. One of the raids was at this location on North Garfield in Chanute where officers say they found suspicious explosive devices. They’ve arrested a total of nine people so far, six suspects from Chanute, two from Iola and one from Cherryvale.

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At least 9 arrested in SEK drug bust

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CHANUTE, Kan. – A joint police investigation into illegal drug distribution in Southeast Kansas leads to the arrest of nine suspects with three others pending arrest. It was part of the eight-month long investigation titled “Operation Spring Cleaning.”

(Related article: 3 suspects still wanted in southeast Kansas drug operation)

With assistance from the Neosho County Attorney’s Office, the Allen County Attorney’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office, arrest warrants were issued for individuals related to the distribution of methamphetamine. Officers executed the warrants in Neosho, Allen and Montgomery counties resulting in nine arrests. They were all booked in the Neosho and Allen County Jails.

While executing a warrant at 804 N Garfield in Chanute, Kansas, officers found “suspicious explosive devices.”  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATB) and Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) responded to remove the explosives and provide aid in the investigation.

Authorities arrested the following suspects:

  • Shadow McKinney, 28, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school, and Distribution of methamphetamine
  • Kerry Wilson, 41, Chanute, (6 Counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school
  • Anna Stockenbrand, 31, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school
  • Dedra Bright, 36, Cherryville, Distribution of methamphetamine
  • Gina Perez, 37, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school
  • Michael Naff, 35, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school
  • Ellen Fisher, 34, Iola, Distribution of methamphetamine
  • Quintin Obermiller, 30, Iola, Distribution of methamphetamine
  • Markus K. Steeves, 47, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of school property, Criminal use of an explosive

Three suspects are pending arrest in connection to the operation:

  • Kevin Pratt, 45, Iola, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school
  • Jessica Rogers, 39, Iola, Distribution of methamphetamine
  • Timothy J. Mishler, 30, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine

Police say the investigation is ongoing.

News to Know (4/22/21)

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OTTAWA COUNTY, Okla. – One man is dead following a crash in Ottawa County. The crash happened yesterday around 6:30pm on North Netta Road near the intersection of East 20 Road in Picher, Oklahoma. 46-year old Joe Bob Rickey of Commerce, Oklahoma hit a pothole with his motorcycle, lost control and wrecked. Rickey was pronounced dead at the scene from massive injuries.

JOPLIN, Mo. – Mercy Hospital will hold another walk-in covid-19 vaccine clinic tomorrow. The hospital has ample supply and wants to get as many people vaccinated as possible to avoid waste. The hospital is administering *first doses* of the Pfizer vaccine. Again, these are first dose vaccinations only. You can also schedule a vaccine appointment on Mercy’s website. You can find a link to that on our website, at koamnewsnow.com.

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. – Members of George Floyd’s family will be among those attending today’s funeral of 20-year old Daunte Wright, who was shot and killed by a police officer in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. It’s said that the officer, Kimberly Potter, mistook her gun for a taser. She’s been charged with manslaughter in Wright’s death.

ARMA, Kan. – An Arma, Kansas man pleads no contest to charges alleging he stabbed his wife to death and injured her grandmother. 34-year old Jeremy Delmarco pleaded no contest to second degree murder and attempted murder in connection with the 2019 homicide. In February of that year authorities say 84-year old Dorma Lemaster called police to report that Delmarco was assaulting her granddaughter. When deputies arrived they found the two victims seriously injured. Delmarco’s wife, Brandy Delmarco, died later at a hospital. Sentencing is set for June.

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News to Know 4/20/21

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Every American over the age of 16 is now eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The C-D-C says 132-million people have received at least one vaccine dose. 85-million are now considered fully vaccinated.

JOPLIN, Mo. – The Joplin City Council last night voted to move to phase three of its covid-19 response and recovery plan. Moving to phase three means the city is lifting restrictions on indoor gatherings. The city already lifted mask mandates and some restrictions on outdoor gathering. Private businesses might still enforce mask rules, and social distancing, but those are not required by the city.

OTTAWA COUNTY, Okla. – Two former Quapaw Nation tribal leaders are indicted for embezzlement, conspiracy and several other charges. Former Chairman John Berrey and former Secretary Treasurer Tamara Smiley-Reeves, who are now facing a total of 18 indictments. The alleged offenses occurred between April 2014 and July of 2020.

TOPEKA, Kan. – Former Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer formally launches his campaign to reclaim the office in 2022. In his new bid for governor, Colyer is portraying himself as the true conservative in the Republican primary. Colyer narrowly lost the GOP primary in 2018 as Governor to then-Secretary of State Kris Kobach before Kobach lost to Democrat Laura Kelly. Colyer’s launch in Topeka featured U.S. Senator Roger Marshall who endorsed Colyer. The ex-governor endorsed Marshall last year.

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News to Know (4/16/21)

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Biden says he’s imposing tough new sanctions on Russia in retaliation for a crippling cyberattack and for interfering in U.S. elections. He also says he’s willing to take further action if Russian President Vladimir Putin doesn’t back off. The White House says it’s kicking ten Russian diplomats out of Washington immediately… saying they’re actually spies.

JOPLIN, Mo. – A Joplin man admits to shooting his son’s longtime girlfriend during a custody dispute. Rickey Lamb of Joplin on Thursday pled guilty to a charge of second degree murder in the death of Sara Tyminski. It happened in June of 2019. The Newton County prosecutor says Lamb told authorities he went to his son’s house to scare him over a custody dispute. Authorities say the men then exchanged gunfire and Lamb shot his son’s girlfriend Sara Tyminksi. Lamb says he believed Tyminski was going to get a weapon. Lamb faces up to 30 years in prison for the murder.

LAMAR, Mo. – A Lamar Missouri man faces charges connected to the death of a toddler. Authorities have charged 31-year-old Jeremy Vanmeter with abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death and first degree endangering the welfare of a child. Authorities say last month the victim, a 16-month old boy, was found not breathing in a home in Lamar. He died at the hospital.

PITTSBURG, Kan. – A police chase ends in a fiery crash in Pittsburg. Authorities tried to stop what they believed to be a stolen car. The car didn’t stop and instead led police on a chase. Police say the driver crashed and that the driver and passenger got out and ran. The car caught fire and police arrested the suspects. They are 29-year old John Robertson of Pittsburg and 22-year old Kaitlyn McMurry of Pittsburg. Robertson was arrested on a warrant out of Frontenac, and faces numerous charges connected to the chase. McMurry also had a warrant. Hers was out of Allen County.

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KS Treasurer highlights state resources available to high schoolers

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PITTSBURG, Kan. – Kansas State Treasurer Lynn Rogers visited Pittsburg High School to speak with some students.

The students he spoke to a part of  Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), a non-profit youth development program. Rogers spoke to them about scholar shop, an online initiative to make finding scholarships easier, as well as the 529 Education Savings Plans.

“JAG is a program where kids learn what to do after after high school,” said Pittsburg High School JAG student Emily Wachter. “Rather that for them, is college or finding a job or going to a vocational school.”

Scholar Shop can be accessed through the Kansas State Treasurer’s website.